2-25-11

Their is a battle for a Sounders contract at the Keeper position, I have a feeling we will see one playing for a local PDL team.

The Sounders finally found the back of the net, with a 7-0 thrashing of UCF. Video highlights here.

The MLS has all sorts of wacky rules in the way teams can acquire players and because of this teams don't always release the names of players they have in camp trying out.

The Weekend of March 4th - 6th should be a fun time if your a Northwest Soccer Fan.

The first cup final of the season is this Sunday, the Carling Cup Final will be played. Arsenal vs. Birmingham, a no brainer if Arsenal had it's full squad right? Could it be an upset for the boys in Blue!!

Here is the weekend soccer TV listings (all times eastern)

Friday Funny



It's his last year of his 5 year contract, and if his preseason is any indication he really doesn't want to be here. Davey Becks, Golden Balls, or whatever you want to call him has not brought the prestige the MLS was looking for, yes he sold alot of Jersey's initially but the American fan is fickle, we look for results on the field with a "What have you done for me lately" expectation and Becks really hasn't supplied the goods!


Goal of the Week



The World Cup was not that big of a success for South Africa as we are finding out, but FIFA has stashed away $1.2 Billion dollars. That said it now looks like the 2014 World Cup is running behind and could be in jeopardy, I wonder if FIFA can help with all its spare cash?


Liverpool 1 – Sparta Prague 0 (Agg. 1-0)



Here is a look at what the Americans Abroad have going on this weekend.


PSV 3 – Lille 1 (Agg. 5-3) (Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



In today's modern game pace, strength, and size tend to be leaned on more than the vision, creativity, and smooth passing from days of old. Barcelona still uses it to perfection but with the direct play in the EPL the playmakers of the world tend to faded into the woodwork.


Dynamo Kiev 4 – Besiktas 0 (Agg. 8-1) (Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



His brother is getting back to form for Manchester United and John Rooney is just trying to make the team. His goal preseason may help him with that!


Sporting Lisbon 2 – Rangers 2* (Agg. 3-3) (Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



Houston has some Royalty! Kofi Sarkodie is probably the first player in the history of Major League Soccer who comes from a royal family. Not the so-called soccer royalty. Real Ashanti royalty. Queens and kings, and princesses and princes.


Manchester City 3 – Aris 0 (Agg. 3-0) (Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



MLS academies v. US Development Academy program. A false dichotomy or a referendum on current (and future) approach? For the time being, the CONCACAF championships have put the roster makeup differences on display for all to see. If each are able to win a semifinals match tonight (Canada faces Panama at 4 PM ET, the US plays Jamaica at 7 ET), they'll face each other for the regional title.


Stuttgart 0 – Benfica 2 (Agg. 1-4) (Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



March 1st MLS teams have to have their rosters to 30 players, most will carry 28. Here is a look at Vancouvers roster, it's very young.


Villarreal 2 – Napoli 1 (Agg. 2-1) (Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



Ruud Gullit recently took over a 1st division team in Chechneya, and he wants his first signing to be the recently retired Brazilian superstar.


Ajax 2 – Anderlecht 0 (Agg. 5-0)(Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



They say 40 is the new 20, and in soccer it could start a new trend. Teams are keeping the aged veterans around like fine wine.


Zenit St Petersburg 3 – Young Boys 1 (Agg. 4-3)(Europa League last 32 second leg, February 24, 2011)



Pre-season training in one country is run with military precision, but some will say this is counter productive and actually does harm to the teams!


When players get injured during a game the Ref has the discression to call on the teams medic, one team in Brazil has a very entertaining medic!



The NASL is often remembered by British fans as the pasture for slightly past-it heroes of the early 70s. Best, Osgood, Marsh et al all went ‘over there’ with varying degrees of success, coming back armed with tales of teams arriving onto the field on horseback, or opponents in tassel-adorned kits. The Whitecaps employed this well-worn tactic to great effect, yet they also took on numerous young English players, including a certain Peter Beardsley in 1981.


Would have been Goal of the Season, instead the keeper can breath a sigh of relief!