Archive for April, 2011

10 Kit Essay

A New Era of U.S. Offense

MAURA GLADYS- Clint Dempsey scored two goals in Fulham’s 3-0 win over Bolton last Wednesday, making him the club’s leading Premier League scorer in history with 33. One of those goals was a brilliant side volley from the middle of the 18-yard-box that ripped into the back of the net.

Last weekend, Juan Agudelo earned Major League Soccer’s Goal of the Week honors in New York’s 4-0 win over D.C. United. Agudelo took a poorly delivered cross, juggled it to himself with two defenders on him, turned and volleyed it past D.C. keeper Bill Hamid.

Both goals were displays of grace, skill, creativity and gumption. You don’t see Americans strikers score goals like that very often. At least, you didn’t. But that could be changing. (more…)

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News in brief

FRI Apr. 29 (AM): Onstad, Mullen, EPL, and Games

Pat Onstad makes his triumphant return to Houston after leaving at the end of the 2010 season to join the coaching staff of DC United. Things didn’t go exactly according to plan, as injuries forced Onstad to put back on the gloves. However, with Sam Cronin and Bill Hamid coming getting back to full fitness, Onstad’s time as a player look to – once again – be coming to an end. Steve Goff takes a look.

Dynamo fans still have plenty of love for the aging Canadian, and will honor Onstad in a postgame ceremony. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM ET on FSC.

The debate continues on whether Don Garber was correct in suspending Brian Mullen 10 games for his leg-breaking tackle on Steve Zakuani. Stuart Holden chimes in, and Colorado voice their disagreement but will not challenge the decision.

Just in time for…well…not too much, Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen says he is fit and ready to play. He will not, however, factor in Arsenal’s match with Manchester United (Sun. 9:00 AM ET).

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News in brief

THURS April 28 (PM): Mullan out for 10 games, Four for Falcao, Mourinho madness

Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan will be out nine more games in addition to the automatic one games suspension for a red card. The suspension comes after Mullan’s tackle broke both the tibia and fibula in Seattle Sounders midfield Steve Zakuani’s right leg. While members of the Rapids organization say the ruling is harsh, there will be no appeal for a shorter sentence.

The first leg of the Europa League semifinals got underway Tuesday. Falcao bagged four goals in the second half for Porto as they came back from a goal down to win 5-1 against Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine will surely need a miracle in Spain to prevent an all-Portuguese Europa League final. (more…)

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News in brief

THURS Apr. 28 (AM): Heartbreak for RSL, Victory for Barca, Goals for Dempsey

Real Salt Lake’s run through the CONCACAF Champions League came to an end last night with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Monterrey at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. The squad fell just short of making history for the United States. A win would have marked the first time that an American team had won the CCL, and would have secured a place in December’s Club World Cup. Humberto Suazo put Monterrey ahead just a few seconds before half-time, and despite some last minute efforts by RSL, the goal was just enough.

Barcelona took a major step towards advancing to the UEFA Champions League final with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid. Both goals came in the second half from Lionel Messi who continues to prove that he is the planet’s best soccer player. The match saw two red cards as well as a post-match explosion from Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, whom Barcelona is contemplating taking action against. The second leg of the tie will be on next Tuesday at the Nou Camp. (more…)

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News in brief

WED Apr 27 (PM): Dempsey, RSL, Koke, Ganso, and Diving


Clint Dempsey was at it again for Fulham. The American midfielder scored twice increasing his goal scoring tally in the Enlgish Premier League to 12 goals this season. After defeating Arsenal last weekend Bolton will be very disappointed in their performance as they went on to lose three to zero. Brede Hangeland scored the third goal for Fulham in the 65th minute, which ended a impressive performance from Fulham. Sitting eight points above the final relegation spot, unless Fulham has a complete collapse they have assured themselves a spot in the EPL next year.

Do not forget to watch Real Salt Lake take on Monterrey tonight at 9pm eastern. This is the biggest international fixture ever for Major League Soccer. If Real Salt Lake can win the CONCACAF Champions League they will be on their way to Japan next December. With Kyle Beckerman out Real is missing an important part of their midfield, and it will be interesting to see how his club responds to his absence. (more…)

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10 Kit Essay

Analysis of my Gold Cup Roster

ANTHONY MANNINO- Just a heads up before you read this article check out my Gold Cup roster. As usually this roster continues to show off the strength that the US national team has in the midfield. I have left a couple key players home to watch the Gold Cup like Johnathan Spector, Edinson Buddle, Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstien, Jay Demerit, and Marcus Hahnemann. Spector will be left home because with the emergence of Chandler and Lichaj, he is our best right back. Also midfield, the position he has started to play for West Ham is our deepest position and having him on the roster does not improve the team. Edson Buddle has been unlucky with his chances with the US national team. His lack of experience at the International level and his age do not help the American Forward. Also, quiet frankly two goals in ten appearences in the second league in German does not merit a roster spot for a player his age. I have never been a Jonathan Bornstein fan. For me he is not good enough and I would rather give a young left back the chance to shine behind Bocanegra. To many mistakes and not a beneficial going forward in attack is what will keep Bornstein home. (more…)

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United States

Looking ahead to the Gold Cup

ANTHONY MANNINO- Although the Gold Cup is still a month away it is time to start thinking what the United States squad will look like. Thankfully, other than Stuart Holden most of the American player pool looks healthy. With a spot for the Confederations Cup on the line in 2013 the US will bring a star-studded roster. I foresee a roster that has experience players with some injection of young talented players. So if I were manager of the US squad here is who I would bring and why they would be on the roster.

Keepers

TIm Howard-The starting American keeper would be my rock in defense. I know that if all ten of my outfield players get beat Howard will be there to stop any potential goals. If he plays like he did against Argentina the Americans should be head to the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Brad Guzan- My quality back-up keeper for the US, Guzan has benefited this season from a loan deal with Hull City. I know if need be Guzan is a solid back up, and could fill in if there is an injury to Howard.

David Yelldell- At 38 its time for Marcus Hahnemann to move aside for younger keepers and I would pick David Yelldell to replace him. Being third keeper may mean that Yelldell will not see any playing time in the Gold Cup, but it is important he trains with the US team for the future. With only 45 minutes of experience Yelldell needs more time training if he his placed into action in the future. (more…)

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News in brief

WED Apr. 27 (AM): Champions League(s), WC Qualifying, MLS, and EPL

Tonight’s main event kicks off at 10:00 PM ET (Fox Soccer Channel) in front of a sold-out crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City. Real Salt Lake host Monterrey in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final following a brilliant effort the MLS side to take a 2-2 draw out of hot and humid Monterrey in the first leg. It may not quite be the “Lake Placid moment for U.S. soccer” that RSL general manager Garth Lagerwey says it will be if RSL prevails, but it would certainly have a place in MLS’ landmark victories.

Watching with Lagerway will be RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman, who won’t be able to participate in tonight’s match due to yellow card accumulation but will be able to enter the field for the medal and trophy presentation.

Oh yeah, and there’s another game at 2:45 PM ET…one which, for Barcelona skipper Pep Guardiola, can’t come any sooner. Guardiola launched an expletive-filled response to Jose Mourinho’s earlier comments – in which he claimed Guardiola had joined a whole new group of coaches: those who complain about correct calls – that are sure to stoke the fires even more…at least for those watching, as Guardiola believes a war of words will have no impact on those playing.

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News in brief

TUES Apr. 25 (PM): Champions League, Stoke City, RSL and El Clasico

Manchester United took a 2-0 lead over Shalke in the week’s first UEFA Champions League semifinals. Shalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer turned away Rooney and company for the first half of the match, but Ryan Giggs broke through in the 67th and slotted one past Neuer. Just two minutes later, Rooney netted a Javier Hernandez set up. Barring an unlikely 3-0 win by Shalke at Old Trafford, Man U will play the winner of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s tie.

Stoke City guaranteed their Premiership status with a resounding 3-0 win over Wolves this afternoon. Kenwyne Jones, Ryan Shawcross and Jermaine Pennant all scored for the Potters, who will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 14.

All of Major League Soccer is throwing their support behind Real Salt Lake’s Champions League run. (more…)

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News in brief

TUES April 25 (AM): Manchester United-Schalke, Arsenal to make improvements, Real Salt Lake possess advantage

All eyes (or at least a lot of them) today are on the first leg of the Champions League semifinal between Manchester United and Schalke. With Dimitar Berbatov not making the trip, there’s plenty of focus on Wayne Rooney. Sir Alex Ferguson believes he’ll be the key, and Manuel Neur, keeper for Schalke and the German national side, hopes to thwart Rooney’s attempts just like he did at the World Cup.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Champions League matchup without the favorite lauding the underdog. Ferguson says this will be a difficult game for his squad. Meanwhile, his veteran goalkeeper is well aware of the threat posed by Raul. Another player to watch for Schalke this afternoon is right back Atsuto Uchida, who in a few hours will become the first Japanese player to play in a UCL semifinal. (more…)

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