Posts Tagged ‘Michael Bradley’

News in brief

News and Views for Friday, January 20

The LA Galaxy and owner Tim Leiweke have another soccer legend in their sights. While the Galaxy currently have the maximum allocation for DP’s, LA is still monitoring the availability of the Chelsea star. It’s all part the plan for Leiweke, who wants the Galaxy to become “the greatest brand in soccer, ever.”

David Beckham, fresh off committing to the Galaxy for two more years, wants to be England’s captain for the 2012 Olympics. He also discusses his reasons for staying in LA.

The NY Times takes a look at Michael Bradley’s work with Chievo Verona so far.

Grant Wahl takes a look at the hurdles facing some US players plying their trade in Mexico.

A weekend full of soccer awaits, highlighted by the USMNT’s showdown with Venezuela (Sat., 9:00 PM ET, Galavision, ESPN3), Arsenal v. Manchester United (Sun., 10:30 AM ET, FOX – yes, just FOX), and the African Cup. All games and TV listings here.

Global

Pepe’s apologized, but insists his foot stomp on Lionel Messi’s hand was unintentional.

Rumored MLS target Didier Drogba’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge may be cleared up soon, as Shanghai Shenhua claim they are close to securing the Ivorian’s services for over $400,000 a week.

Drogba’s current club coach is making news for his belief that Premiership clubs need to have B teams competing in the lower levels of English football in order to compete on the European stage more effectively.

Finally, if anyone needs some inspiration for a weekend dive, check this out.

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News in brief

MON Sept. 26 (AM): Dynamo, DeRo, MLS, EPL, Americans Abroad, and Goals

Another week, another leader in the East. With three points secured in the dying moments of the match thanks to Geoff Cameron (and Brad Davis’ 14th assist), the Houston Dynamo not only took over atop the Eastern Conference standings, but will hoist El Capitan as winners of the Texas Derby. They also got their first away win of the season. Highlights here.

Top of the conference is great news for the Dynamo and their fans, but the lead is tenuous at best. The Dyanamo are a mere three points ahead of the New York Red Bulls (who won without Rafa Marquez), who currently sit fifth in an extremely congested playoff picture.

Another loss continues FC Dallas’ slide as the playoffs loom. The team could be getting some more bad news.

Former Dynamo midfielder Dwayne DeRosario had an evening to remember. The DC United star scored the fastest hat-trick in league history…and in stunning fashion.

Americans abroad found the back of the net three times over the weekend, while Michael Bradley was instrumental in his Chievo’s comeback win. Here’s a rundown of the performances.

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News in brief

THU Sept. 1 (AM): Transfers, USMNT, and EPL

September 1 brings with it a distinct lack of transfer rumors…given the passing of the deadline. The Guardian can’t believe your actually clicking on this link. They also make sense of the deadline madness here as a summer of spending – almost $800 million by British clubs! – comes to an end.

Now that he’s not going anywhere, Carlos Tevez has revealed he’s happy with Manchester City. Hard to believe, but if he is, it’s bad news for the rest of the EPL.

Here’s a roundup of the North American moves prior to the deadline, as well as a look into German-American Daniel Williams’ move to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

One of the major US movers, Michael Bradley, discusses his expectations for his new Serie A side.

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News in brief

WED. Aug 31 (PM): Transfers Deadline, Holden’s Back, and Bradley

The most exiting day for soccer fans when the best match is a Carling Cup match between Leyton Orient and Bristol Rovers is almost over. With money, players, and agents busy traveling across Europe here are some of today biggest transfers. By the way Leyton would go on to win the match 3-2 with a goal by Stephen Dawson in the 90th minute.

Arsenal spent the day trying to improve their squad signing Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos, Yossi Benayoun, and Mikel Arteta. The new players for Arsenal will be much needed help for a club that is struggling. The question will still remain if they are good enough to help Arsene Wenger keep his job.

Craig Bellamy is heading back to Liverpool, and Raul Meireles is leaving Liverpool to play for Chelsea. 

A smart move for Michael Bradley with the American midfielder moving to play for Chievo. Serie A should be a perfect fit for Bradley’s talents.

The strangest transfer of the day goes to Manchester City signing Owen Hargreaves.

Stuart Holden returned to action playing for the Bolton reserves after his horrific knee injury. It will be good to see Holden  wearing the USA kit soon.

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United States

It’s Easy to Be Wrong About Michael Bradley

BRENT LATHAM – So, when you have an opinion on just about everything U.S. soccer-related, you’re right sometimes and wrong sometimes.

I’ll go ahead an say I was right about no possible good coming from playing Spain three days before the Gold Cup.  That one was easy.

What I’m gonna go ahead and say I was wrong about is Michael Bradley.  I didn’t see how the guy could come off six months of inaction at Aston Villa and merit a starting spot in the center of midfield for the U.S.

Yes, the second half of today’s game was less frenetic than the first, and Bradley came on with co-veterans Cherundolo and Dempsey, who also looked like they knew what they were doing. But what Bradley showed in 45 minutes, and what Jermaine Jones and Maurice didn’t, proved to me that he’s a deserving starter. (more…)

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United States

The Michael Bradley Conundrum

BRENT LATHAM – Among many, he may be the most polarizing figure in U.S. soccer, and it’s not just because he always seems to have a scowl on his face and a chip on his shoulder.

It’s because he’s the coach’s son, and sadly the debate over whether that benefits Michael Bradley for the U.S. national team can’t be put to bed yet. It probably never will be, as long as Bob Bradley is coach.

The next chapter begins Monday, when the roster is selected for the 2011 Gold Cup. (more…)

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United States

Wishful Thinking Against Paraguay

ANTHONY MANNINO- After an impressive second half against Argentina, the Men’s National team will want to build on that momentum tonight. Coach Bradley is expected to make numerous changes to the squad. Here are some wishes that I would like to see the Americans fulfill in the match against Paraguay.

Juan Agudelo starting

I do not care if you think he is overrated or over hyped, so far Juan Agudelo has been impressive for the Americans and he deserves to start. In three caps the 18 year old has had two goals, and even if he is just on a scoring streak Coach Bob Bradley should ride the streak for as long as possible. The young striker has yet to start for the senior team and his play has merited at least an opportunity to start. Although he is young and may make mistakes if Agudelo continues to score Coach Bradley should allow the youngster to play and learn from these mistakes. (more…)

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United States

Dominance in the Middle

ANTHONY MANNINO- Last week, Brent pondered the questions of whether or not Mexicans are starting to dominate as the main exports from North America for European soccer.  I, for one, agree with Brent that Americans are still above Mexico in exports to European soccer. The American dominance can be found in the midfield.

Over the past year, four American midfielders have been starters for a Premier League club and have played significant time. The players Clint Dempsey, Stuart Holden, Jermaine Jones, and Landon Donovan all made their presence known. Although Donovan currently is no longer with Everton, he was an integral part of the team.

That means over the past year these Americans have played a significant amount of playing time for their respective clubs, something Mexico fans cannot say. Even if you do not want to count Donovan, Michael Bradley is currently with Aston Villa. Also, Jonathan Spector  has made an impact for West Ham since he moved from defense to the midfield.

This is positive news for US to show how far soccer has started to grow in recent years. One thing that has caught my eye is how easily both Stuart Holden and Jermaine Jones were able to win starting jobs. Usually Americans have had to slowly work their way into the starting lineup the way Dempsey has done numerous times. (more…)

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The Continent

Bradley Sees Action, No Surprises in FA Cup

Michael Bradley saw his first significant action in an Aston Villa kit Wednesday, going the first 71 minutes of an uninspired 3-0 loss at Man City.  Bradley was relatively anonymous and Gerard Houllier was left defending his team choice after the match.

The result could have been expected, though, and there were few surprises elsewhere either on a day when those interested in soccer betting would have been wise to leave the long odds to the side and take the favorites.  In the day’s other tie, (more…)

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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…)

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