Monthly Archives: August 2011

In the World of Futbol 19

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The Seattle Sounders defeated defending champions Monterrey 1-0 in the CONCACAF Champions League group stage play on August 23rd.  Alvaro Fernandez scored the lone goal during the 38th minute.

The Colorado Rapids ended in a 1-1 draw with Real Club Deportivo Espana also part of the CONCACAF Champions League group stage play.  Colorado’s Jeff Larentowicz scored during the 45th minute, and Julio Rodriguez equalized during the 86th.

The Portland Timbers defeated Chivas USA 1-0.  Eric Brunner scored the goal during the 44th minute.

Toronto FC were defeated 1-0 by FC Dallas in their CONCACAF CL group C match. Jack Stewart scored his goal during the 46th minute.

The LA Galaxy defeated L.D Alajuelense 2-0 in their CL play.  Omar Gonzalez scored during the 38th minute, and Chad Barrett scored during the 77th minute.

Columbus Crew were defeated by the Sounders 6-2. Lamar Neagle (4th, 21st, and 70th minute), Mauro Rosales (penalty kick 16th minute), Mike Fucito (40th minute), and an own goal during the 74th minute totaled Seattle’s six goals.  For the Crew, Jeff Cunningham (penalty kick 59th minute) and Josh Gardner (73rd minute) scored.

The San Jose Earthquakes and Toronto FC ended in a 1-1 draw.  Toronto scored first during the 33rd minute with a goal from Eric Avila and Chris Wondolowski equalized during the 87th minute.

The Vancouver Whitecaps defeated the Houston Dynamo 1-0. Shea Salinas scored the only goal during the 86th minute.

The Chicago Fire defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0. Dominic Oduro (17th minute) and Cory Gibbs (36th minute) scored for Chicago.

Sporting Kansas City were defeated 3-2 by FC Dallas. Kei Kamara (22nd minute) and Omar Bravo (69th minute) scored for Kansas City.  Daniel Hernandez (70th minute), Maicon Santos (89th minute), and Bobby Warshaw (91st minute) scored for Dallas.

Real Salt Lake defeated Chivas USA 1-0. Alvaro Saborio scored the only goal during the 11th minute.

The new MLS week kicks off tonight with matches between Chicago and Richmond, as well as a match up between Seattle and FC Dallas.

Here is a look at the entire week:

MLS Standings:

(source mlssoccer.com)

All 21 players from the 2011 FIFA World CUP USWNT have been named to face Canada in their upcoming international friendly.

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position 
GOALKEEPERS (3): Nicole Barnhart (Philadelphia Independence), Jill Loyden (magicJack), Hope Solo (magicJack)
DEFENDERS (7): Rachel Buehler (Boston Breakers), Stephanie Cox (Boston Breakers), Ali Krieger (FFC Frankfurt), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Atlanta Beat), Christie Rampone (magicJack), Becky Sauerbrunn (magicJack)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Shannon Boxx (magicJack), Tobin Heath (Sky Blue FC), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Atlanta Beat), Kelley O’Hara (Boston Breakers), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (magicJack)
FORWARDS (4): Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers), Alex Morgan (Western New York Flash), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (magicJack)

For the USMNT upcoming friendly against Costa Rica and Belgium, the following individuals have been named to the squad.

U.S. TRAINING CAMP ROSTER BY POSITION 
GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton)
DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club América), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

(source: ussoccer.com)

In the World of Futbol 18 – Playing Catch Up

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Well folks it’s been quite some time since I have been able to update you all on the various happenings around the soccer world as I’ve been without internet for over a month.  I will attempt to get everyone caught up rather quickly and hopefully will be able to get the ball rolling once again.

The Women’s National Team was defeated by Japan in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.  If you missed this match, you missed an exciting match up.  Japan rallied from behind twice tying the game up at 2.  US keeper Hope Solo won the Golden Glove and Bronze Ball. The Golden Glove is given to the top keeper of the tournament.  Abby Wambach took home the Silver Balball goes to the 2nd best player in the World Cup.  l and Bronze Boot.  She also set a US record for Career World Cup goals at 13.  The Silver The match went to penalty kicks in which the US uncharacteristically faltered.

Alex Morgan scored during the 69th minute and Abby Wambach scored during the 104th minute for the US.  Aya Miyama scored during the 80th minute and Homare Sawa scored during the 117th minute.

Although the match didn’t go the way I wanted, I can say that I’m extremely proud of this US squad.  Next up for the WNT is a double header international friendly against Canada September 17 and September 22.

Speaking of international friendlies, the Men’s National team will take on Costa Rica on September 2.

As far as catching up on the MLS, it might be better to just show an updated view of the conference standings.

Here are the upcoming MLS matches for next week:

 

5 Things to Watch For: 2011 Texas Longhorns Football

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1. Garrett Gilbert:

It is not easy to follow Vince Young and Colt McCoy as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. Especially after what looked to be a promising future with his showing in the 2009 National Championship game(excluding the first quarter and last half of the fourth quarter). Garrett Gilbert has been anything but spectacular and that is putting it nicely. Many times during the 2010 year, Gilbert and his wide receivers seemed to be on a totally different book. He connected for only ten touchdowns and a disappointing 17 interceptions, almost a two to one ratio on the wrong side of that equation. It will be interesting to see how he will bounce back in 2011 and if his poor play isn’t motivation enough, maybe Case McCoy, who has been impressing coaches left and right, will put enough pressure on him to step it up.  

2. Malcolm Brown:

He has stated that he is not and does not want to be known as the “savior” to the Texas Longhorns running back problems that they have faced in the last few years, but we can not help it but to dub him as that. The guy is flat out impressive. Yes there will be the naysayers who suggest that the game changes from high school to college and from college to the professional level, but I have witnessed for myself the talent that this kid has and all I was left saying was “WOW”. I will go on record of saying that this guy may struggle early in the first two or three games(I hope I am completely wrong here) but after that he will be caught up to the speed of the game. Keep a close eye on this kid, he will be something special.

3. Jaxon Shipley:

Following in the footsteps of his brother Jordan Shipley, Jaxon will be a freshman for the University of Texas in 2011. It was no surprise to anyone when Jaxon announced his commitment to the Longhorns and with Marquise Goodwin deciding to red shirt this year to pursue his dream of completing in the 2011 World Championships of Track, this opens up an opportunity for Jaxon to get some playing time. Of course Jaxon will be in competition with players like DeSean Hales, Chris Jones and others, but it will be interesting to see if he can make his way onto the field. I have a feeling if he does, he may not relinquish his role and could eventually be a key contributor to the Longhorns.

4. Coaching Staff Changes:

It’s no secret that Mack Brown has pretty much blown up his coaching staff and his crew will have a different look come kickoff in the 2011 season. Two big names who are no longer with the team are former offensive coordinator Greg Davis and former defensive coordinator, current head coach of the Florida Gators, Will Muschamp. Newcomer Bryan Harsin joins sixth year coaching veteran Major Applewhite as the co-offensive coordinators for the Longhorns and Manny Diaz will be the successor to Will Muschamp. Along with Bryan and Manny, the newcomers also include, Stacy Searels(Offensive Line), Darrell Wyatt(Co-Recruiting Coordinator/Wide Receivers), Bo Davis(Defensive Tackles) and Bennie Wylie(Strength and Conditioning Head Coach for Football). It has been quite some time since the Longhorns have had this many changes so it will be interesting to see how each coaches philosophy will work with the talent that Texas has.

5. The Fans:

Yes you read that right! The FANS! Many times the fans of the Texas Longhorns have been considered to be “quiet” in the opinions of many fellow and non fellow Texas fans. If you have ever attended a game you can definitely tell there are times in games where the fans “fall asleep” and lose interest. Even when the team is winning the crowd seems to be disinterested in the events taking place. I personally have been to concerts where the energy level has been through the roof from the begging to the end of the show, so I KNOW that Austin has plenty of dedicated fans that can bring the energy level that the respective teams(not just talking football here, all sports included) need. I hope that all of this energy that is applied to music artists is applied to the sports programs in 2011 and beyond. Step it up fans, you owe it to those kids putting all of their blood, sweat and tears into the games that we all love to watch!