Posts Tagged ‘Cesc Fabregas’

News in brief

FRI Aug. 19 (AM): Conrad, Dempsey, CCL, John, and More

It’s the end on an era. On Thursday, Jimmy Conrad, announced his retirement. In a career spanning 13-seasons with the Kansas City Wizards/Sporting KC, the charismatic Conrad won one MLS Cup (2001), on MLS Defender of the Year award (2005), and was part of the MLS Best XI four times (2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008). Conrad made 27 appearances for the US Men’s National Team, scoring one goal in an US friendly against Mexico.

Two goals from USMNT forward Clint Dempsey have Fulham on course to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League. Here are the goals.

Goals from Ryan Johnson and Julian de Guzman propelled Toronto FC to a 2-1 victory over Panamanian side Tauro. The win gave MLS a clean sweep in the first matches of the CONCACAF Champions League group stages. Highlights of the match here. Standings here.

Another MLS star could be headed to the Premiere League. FC Dallas’ defensive stalwart, George John, is the subject of a substantial bid from Blackburn Rovers. Jurgen Klinsmann may need to take note, as the Greek National Team is also monitoring the central defender.

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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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MON Mar 7 (AM): Adu, Champions League, EPL, Guzan

Americans in the Turkish leagues had successful weekends, as both Jozy Altidore and Freddy Adu contributed to their clubs’ efforts by notching an assist and a goal, respectively. Adu’s strike pulled Rizespor into second place in the Turkish second division. Adu’s beautiful curling effort after a great first touch to find space can be found here.

Ahead of the highly anticipated second-leg between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Camp Nou (Tues. 2:45 PM ET), Arsenal have received word that Cesc Fabregas has a 90% chance to be fit for the match. Additionally, Robin van Persie is back in training for the Gunners and will travel to Barcelona, although the surprising early return does not necessarily mean the striker will be available for the Champions League match. Alex Song, according to Wenger, is definitely out.

In the Barca camp, Javier Mascherano believes Leo Messi is capable of anything, and could one-up his performance last year against the Gunners and score five. However, Barca – who will be missing Gerard Pique due to yellow card accumulation – have received the troubling news that Carlos Puyol will miss the second leg as well.
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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.

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Thurs FEB 24 (AM): Europa League, Arsenal, Chelsea, MLS

Tons of Europa League clashes this afternoon, including Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague, Sporting Lisbon vs. Rangers and Villarreal vs. Napoli. For a full schedule, go here. Americans Maurice Edu, Sasca Klijestan and Oguchi Onyewu all hope to help their clubs into the round of 16.

Arsenal star Theo Walcott is out of Sundays Carling Cup match with Birmingham with a sprained ankle, and could potentially miss the return leg of Arsenal’s Champions League tie with Barcelona. The injury came in yesterday’s 1-0 victory over Stoke where Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas was bothered by a hamstring injury.

The Royal family of Qatar is preparing to make a £1.5 billion bid for Manchester United, according to a report.

Despite their encouraging 2-0 win over FC Copenhagen earlier this week, Norman Hubbard suggests Chelsea are nearing the end of an era.

Lifelong Colorado Rapids fan Steven Emory is living every fan’s dream. After impressing at an invite-only tryout combine, which he won through a halftime contest, the 21-year-old has been offered a pro contract with the Rapids.

With the retirement of Ronaldo, Tim Vickery looks at Brazil’s future stars.

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WED Feb. 26 (AM): On Davies, Bunbury, MLS, Champs, and ‘Pool

Charlie Davies is officially a member of DC United, securing a 12-month loan-move to DC from French side Sochaux. Davies will be formally introduced at a press conference today at 2:00 PM ET.

Another promising US star’s rise has been temporarily sidetracked. Teal Bunbury was hospitalized with a dislocated elbow following a collision in Sporting Kansas City’s preseason loss to the Houston Dynamo and will miss several weeks recovering.

Controversy is brewing in the Heath Pearce trade from Dallas to Chivas, as it appears Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman was not keen on the move.

The first matches of the Champions League Knockout Stage is off and running. Tottenham escaped Milan – and an absolutely insane Gennaro Gattuso, labeled “crazy” by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp – with a 1-0 victory, while Schalke and Valencia tied 1-1 as in a record-setting day for Raul.

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FRI Feb. 11 (AM): On Carlos, Davies, Fabregas, EPL, and Hodgson

Yet another big name could be on his way to joining Landon Donovan, David Beckham, and Juan Pablo Angel in LA. Roberto Carlos, author of – among others – this, could soon become a member of the Galaxy after it was reported that the former Real Madrid star was looking to leave his current side Corinthians after receiving threats from fans following his side’s elimination from Copa Libertadores.

Charlie Davies’ U.S. stay looks set to continue. The Sochaux forward canceled his flight back to France as D.C. United and the French outfit worked on the financial aspects of the move.

While Xavi is the latest Barcelona star to voice his confidence that Cesc Fabregas will eventually come to the camp Nou, rumors have surfaced that Real Madrid are preparing a massive bid to steal the Arsenal midfielder during the summer transfer window. The former Barca youth player is reportedly Jose Mourinho’s primary target for the summer.

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THURS Feb 3 (AM): Houston We Have A Stadium, Cesc, Henry’s New Friend?

10 Kit contributor extraordinaire Whitney Warren has a big grin on his face this morning. The Houston Dynamo are getting a stadium.

“On Tuesday, the Houston City Council unanimously approved the Tax Increment Revenue Zone (TIRZ), clearing the final hurdle for the Dynamo to begin construction on their new home,” according to MLSsoccer.com.

Club officials are hoping to open by April 2012. The official groundbreaking takes place on Saturday at 2 p.m. (more…)

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WED Nov. 24 (AM): On MLS, Champions League, WC Bidding, and Biting

The MLS season may be over, but preparations for the next are already beginning as the 2011 Expansion Draft gets under way today at 2:00 PM ET. A list of all the unprotected players Vancouver and Portland will be able to choose from. The 2011 MLS Superdraft will take place on January 13. Follow the draft here.

The “winning” lunge from Mac Kandji that led to George John’s own-goal (and Colorado’s 117th minute winner) has torn the forward’s ACL.

Champions League has returned this week. Chelsea and Real Madrid, both already through to the elimination rounds, cruised to victory, although Madrid is facing a UEFA investigation for “deliberate red cards.” The standings after Tuesday’s fixtures.

After winning their first three matches in record fashion, Arsenal have dropped their last two in less than inspiring fashion. The loss puts their chances of advancing in Champions League – something that seemed a virtual certainty two matches ago – in serious jeopardy. The struggling Gunners will need all three points from their final match against Partizan Belgrade to essentially ensure progression, while a tie or loss opens a massive door for Braga – a team they beat 6-0 back in September – to jump them for the second-place spot. They’ve also lost Cesc Fabregas for another 2-3 weeks.

A look at one of the decisive decisions in the match.

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TUES Nov.2 (AM): Ronaldinho, Muntari, Injuries, and Bankruptcy

With every passing day, it appears that AC Milan is doing more and more to prove that Ronaldinho is there to stay. AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi revealed his plans, which include a new contract for the Brazilian playmaker in the near future. “Will there be an extension? I think so, yes. We have spoken about it recently,” he said. Ronaldinho, whose contract terminates in June, has been linked to the LA Galaxy in recent months.

Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari has been lined up by Tottenham as a replacement for either Jamie O’Hara, Jermaine Jenas or Wilson Palacios. Spurs have enquired about picking up the Ghanaian in January, although they want to negotiate Inter’s £10 million asking price.

Injuries and bankruptcy after the jump (more…)

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