Archive for February, 2011

United States, World Cup 2018/2022

Another Viewpoint on the US U-17s

NOAH DAVIS – Brent shared his thoughts on the U-17 squad, and I agree with most of his ideas (although not the Kellyn Acosta plan). My own five things we can learn is running on MLSsoccer.com, and it covers some of the same ground.

The discipline issue concerns me the most. Three bad red cards – and a handful of unnecessary yellows – in five games where the Americans were the better team. That’s not a recipe for success, especially on a squad that could have depth problems. If that’s not corrected, the US won’t get far.

by
News in brief

MON Feb 28 (PM): Milan Rolls, Torres Wonders, Henry Returns

In a Serie A clash, Milan dispatched pretenders Napoli with a resounding 3-0 victory. The red and black got their first goal on a cheap penalty kick, but then Alexandre Pato showed the world how dangerous he can be. The Brazilian starlet set up his club’s second tally and then netted the third on his own with a highlight real shot.

The win finds Milan five points clear of Inter and six ahead of the team they dispatched on Monday. Serie A is still a race, but much less so than it was when everyone woke up in the morning. (more…)

by
United States

Aston Villa – Blackburn: Point of Contrast for U.S. Mids

BRENT LATHAM – The January loan moves of two of America’s top midfielders to the English Premier League from the Bundesliga provided a great chance for comparison.

Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones both came over from relatively active roles for their clubs back in Germany (even if Jones had recently fallen out, again, with his coach at Schalke), and the move to what are essentially English mid table teams would be a new start for both.

The situations were relatively similar coming in, with Aston Villa and Blackburn both in need of a midfield boost, so it has been telling in many ways that it is Jones and not Bradley who has seen the field regularly in the EPL this month, culminating in 90 minutes for Jones in Blackburn’s 4-1 loss to Villa on Sunday, while Bradley sat the bench again.

Does this situation have implications for the US national team? (more…)

by
United States

MON Feb. 28 (AM): Arsenal, Twente, U-17′s, EPL, and Europe

Following their crushing defeat to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final - a loss Martin Rogers thinks Arsene Wenger has only himself to blame – the Gunners’ boss said “no-one” was to blame. Another observer thinks Arsenal could struggle to recover.

After missing out on their first trophy since 2005, Arsenal – typically the model financial club – has also revealed losses totaling over $4 million.

Oguchi Onyewu and FC Twente’s defence will face additional pressure as they cope with the loss of defender Douglas, who has received a 6-match ban for bumping the referee after being sent off. Twente’s fans were equally unkind to referee Ruud Bossen.

Twente sit three points behind league leader PSV following a 2-1 defeat to Alkmaar.

Highlights of the US U-17 Men’s Championship victory over Canada after the break.

(more…)

by
United States

U.S. U-17s Win First Title: Some Reaction

BRENT LATHAM - First off, credit where credit is due: the U-17 U.S. national team won their first ever CONCACAf championship Sunday night with a 3-0 extra time victory over Canada.

The Stars and Stripes once again controlled their opponent and never looked too threatened, but did manage to make it interesting by leaving it to extra time to bag three (Smith, Oliver, Koroma) and win the title going away. It’s the first one for the U.S. at this level, a fact made a little less important by the detail that no unified championship has been determined in the region since last century, and before the Bradenton Academy existed.

So where does that put this team in the legacy? We’ll have to wait for the U-17 World Cup in Mexico to find out, but I’d say… (more…)

by
News in brief

FRI Feb. 25 (PM): Serie A, Carling Cup, Napoli, and CD9

After the recent struggles in Europe, Serie A will no longer have four teams qualify for Champions League. Deservedly so, after AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Roma failed to win the first leg of the Champions League. The only defense the Serie A has is that Inter did win the Champions League last year, so the Serie A has the best club team in the world. This is a fair argument and Serie A is a better league then Bundesliga, but they have not shown it. The downfall can partly be credited to the match fixing scandal that sent Juventus to Serie B. Historically a great club, Juventus has been a mere above average squad the past couple of years. (more…)

by
United States

What We’re Watching this Weekend

Highlighted by Arsenal’s quest for silverware, the weekend has plenty to offer. Here’s what we’ll be checking out this weekend.

England

Aston Villa v. Blackburn (Sat. 10:00 AM ET): An American midfield showdown could be in the offing as Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones gear up for the weekend meeting.

Manchester City v. Fulham (Sun. 10:00 AM ET, ESPN 2): Clint Demspey will have another chance to get to double-digit Premier League goals as the Cottagers travel to Eastlands in what will be a tough test.

Arsenal v. Birmingham (Sun. 11:00 AM ET, FSC): Arsenal has a chance to bring home its first silverware since 2005 as the Gunners face Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final. They’ll have to do so without Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott, both sidelined with injuries.

(more…)

by
United States

The Rise of Eden Hazard

MAURA GLADYS- A young rising player to keep an eye on is 20-year-old Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard. Hazard currently plays for Lille, but has been linked with moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The 5-foot-7 midfielder has been called “The Right-Footed Messi” and is coveted for his breakneck speed, technical skills and ability to dribble at pace.

Hazard joined Lille’s youth system in 2005 and made his debut with the first team two years later. Since then, he’s transformed from a young, gifted talent to a full-fledged star, with the best teams in Europe vying for his services. Last season he contributed five goals and eight assists to Lille’s Ligue 1 campaign, as well as 2 goals in Europa League play, including the game-winner over Liverpool. (more…)

by
News in brief

FRI Feb. 25 (AM): Beckham, Sarkodie, Edu, Europa, and More

David Beckham is back with the Galaxy, returning to train with the MLS side after a six-week stint training with Tottenham. While a loan move never fully transpired, preventing Beckham from representing Spurs in actual Premier League fixtures, the LA midfielder has been quick to assure the media and Galaxy supporters that his commitment to his MLS side was never in doubt.

“My main objective was to get fit for the Galaxy and for the MLS season…My main objective wasn’t to play for a Premiership team. Even if I would have been on loan, even if I would have played the games, this is the time I was always going to come back.”

The New York Times has a piece on Houston Dynamo rookie Kofi Sarkodie – NCAA Champion, high school valedictorian, and royalty.

Alejandro Bedoya could be on his way to Birmingham City as Alex McLeish ponders a potential move for the American midfielder.

Maurice Edu’s 92nd minute goal led Rangers through to the Round of 16 in the Europa League. Edu was in the right place (in truth, there were about five Rangers players who looked ready to score) at the right time to finish David Healy’s cross and send the Scottish side through on away goals. Edu’s goal starts at 4:56 after the break.

(more…)

by