The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the country, and one of the oldest in the world. First contested in 1914, the USOC is a single-elimination tournament along the lines of the English FA Cup. The Cup runs concurrently with the MLS and other league seasons, and any team, amateur or professional, can take enter. The competition was named for US soccer pioneer and investor Lamar Hunt in 2002.
While the NASL teams of the 1970’s-80’s never took part in the USOC, MLS teams have participated in the Cup since the league kicked off in 1996. The league has captured all but one Cup title since then, when the 1999 Rochester Rhinos of the USL 1st division upset Colorado 2-0 in the cup final. Since MLS’ inception, Chicago has been the most successful Cup team, with 3 titles (’98, ’00, 03), while DC United (’96), FC Dallas (’97), LA Galaxy (’01), Columbus (’02), and Kansas City (’04), have the others.
This year’s final tournament includes forty-two clubs from MLS, the USL’s 1st and 2nd divisions and its Premier Development League, and the US Amateur Soccer Association. Cup matches are played on Wednesdays, and sixteen clubs are taking in tonight’s second round.
Tonight’s matches (club level, MLS=I):
Wilimington (NC) Hammerheads (III) vs. Roma of Dallas (Amateur)
Western Mass. Pioneers (III) vs. Reggae Boys of Indiana (Amateur)
Virginia Beach Mariners (II) vs. Richmond Kickers Future (IV)
Ocean City (NJ) Barons (IV) vs. Long Island Rough Riders (III)
Des Moines Menace (IV) vs. Charleston Battery (II)
El Paso Patriots (IV) vs. Charlotte Eagles (III)
Minnesota Thunder (II) vs. Chicago Fire Premier (IV)
Seattle Sounders (II) vs. Salinas Valley Samba (Amateur)
Chicago, Dallas, Salt Lake, and Chivas USA enter the cup in the third round on July 13th. The remaining MLS clubs start play in the fourth round on August 3rd. The final will be held on September 28th.
Last Weekend’s Results
Saturday, June 25th
New England 4-2 MetroStars
Kansas City 3-0 Chivas USA
Colorado 1-3 FC Dallas
San Jose 3-0 LA Galaxy
Sunday, June 26th
Chicago 3-1 Salt Lake
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 31, +15
Chicago 26, +4
Kansas City 21, +6
MetroStars 20, +5
DC United 19, +3
Columbus 13, -12
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 33, +14
LA Galaxy 24, +2
San Jose 21, +6
Colorado 14, -5
Salt Lake 12, -15
Chivas USA 6, -23
This Week’s Matches:
Wednesday, June 29th
Kansas City v Columbus, 8pm
Chicago v DC United, 8:30pm
San Jose v Colorado, 10:30pm
Saturday, July 2nd
Columbus v DC United, 7:30pm, FSC, HDNet
FC Dallas v San Jose, 8:30pm
Chivas USA v Chicago, 10pm
Monday, July 4th
Salt Lake v MetroStars
Colorado v Kansas City, HDNet
LA Galaxy v New England, FSC
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
That's A Spicy Meatball
The US U-20 team crashed out of the FIFA World Youth Championship in the 2nd round after blowing a 1-0 halftime lead to Italy by allowing three second half goals, two off of US defenders. The US, which hadn’t allowed a goal in its three first-round matches, got off on the right foot after D Hunter Freeman scored on a penalty kick in the 44th minute. The US ended the tournament in Holland with a 2-1-1 record, with three goals for and three against.
If you can’t beat ‘em…
After being stung by successful European club tours in the US over the past two seasons, MLS and its marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing, got into the act by announcing a July “World Series of Football” schedule in New York, Foxboro, DC, and Chicago that will include English Premier League champion Chelsea and Italian Serie A powerhouse AC Milan. This season, however, the Euro clubs will match up against MLS teams Chicago Fire (vs. AC Milan at Soldier Field on July 27th) and DC United (vs. Chelsea at RFK on July 28th). Earlier today it was announced that David Beckham and Michael Owen will return to the US with their Real Madrid squad to play Chivas of Mexico in Chicago on July 16th and the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center on July 18th.
Last/This Week’s Results
Wednesday, June 15th
DC United 4-3 Chicago
Colorado 1-0 LA Galaxy
Saturday, June 18th
US U-20s 1-0 Egypt
Chicago 1-1 Kansas City
MetroStars 3-2 Columbus
DC United 2-0 New England
FC Dallas 1-0 LA Galaxy
San Jose 3-0 Salt Lake
Chivas USA 1-3 Colorado
Tuesday, June 21st
US U-20s 1-3 Italy
Wednesday, June 22nd
Columbus 1-3 New England
FC Dallas 2-1 Chivas USA
Salt Lake 1-1 LA Galaxy
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 28, +13
Chicago 23, +2
MetroStars 20, +7
DC United 19, +3
Kansas City 18, +3
Columbus 13, -12
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 30, +12
LA Galaxy 24, +5
San Jose 18, +3
Colorado 14, -3
Salt Lake 12, -13
Chivas USA 6, -20
This Weekend’s Matches
Saturday, June 25th
New England v MetroStars, 7:30pm, MSG
Kansas City v Chivas USA, 8pm
Colorado v FC Dallas, 9pm
San Jose v LA Galaxy, 10pm, ESPN2
Sunday, June 26th
Chicago v Salt Lake, 7pm
If you can’t beat ‘em…
After being stung by successful European club tours in the US over the past two seasons, MLS and its marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing, got into the act by announcing a July “World Series of Football” schedule in New York, Foxboro, DC, and Chicago that will include English Premier League champion Chelsea and Italian Serie A powerhouse AC Milan. This season, however, the Euro clubs will match up against MLS teams Chicago Fire (vs. AC Milan at Soldier Field on July 27th) and DC United (vs. Chelsea at RFK on July 28th). Earlier today it was announced that David Beckham and Michael Owen will return to the US with their Real Madrid squad to play Chivas of Mexico in Chicago on July 16th and the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center on July 18th.
Last/This Week’s Results
Wednesday, June 15th
DC United 4-3 Chicago
Colorado 1-0 LA Galaxy
Saturday, June 18th
US U-20s 1-0 Egypt
Chicago 1-1 Kansas City
MetroStars 3-2 Columbus
DC United 2-0 New England
FC Dallas 1-0 LA Galaxy
San Jose 3-0 Salt Lake
Chivas USA 1-3 Colorado
Tuesday, June 21st
US U-20s 1-3 Italy
Wednesday, June 22nd
Columbus 1-3 New England
FC Dallas 2-1 Chivas USA
Salt Lake 1-1 LA Galaxy
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 28, +13
Chicago 23, +2
MetroStars 20, +7
DC United 19, +3
Kansas City 18, +3
Columbus 13, -12
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 30, +12
LA Galaxy 24, +5
San Jose 18, +3
Colorado 14, -3
Salt Lake 12, -13
Chivas USA 6, -20
This Weekend’s Matches
Saturday, June 25th
New England v MetroStars, 7:30pm, MSG
Kansas City v Chivas USA, 8pm
Colorado v FC Dallas, 9pm
San Jose v LA Galaxy, 10pm, ESPN2
Sunday, June 26th
Chicago v Salt Lake, 7pm
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
A Winning Weekend
On Saturday, the US U-20 team beat Egypt 1-0 to finish the first round atop Group D at the World Youth Championship in Holland. The US goal was scored by Indiana’s Jacob Peterson in the 56th minute off an assist from Freddy Adu. The US finished group play against Argentina, Germany, and Egypt without conceding a single goal, and face Italy in a round of 16 match today at 11:30am (Fox Soccer Channel) in Enschede, Holland. Should the US advance, they would face the winner of Morrocco and Japan in the Quarterfinals. The US played the Egypt match without Manchester United D Jonathan Spector, who continues to recover from a leg injury, and MetroStars M Eddie Gaven and Michigan D Marvell Wynne, who sat out to avoid picking their 2nd yellow cards. All three should be in the lineup against Italy.
In MLS play on Saturday, Ante Razov scored his first two goals as a MetroStar to lead the team over Columbus 3-2 at Giants Stadium. Youri Djorkaeff converted a pk in the 2nd half to provide the winning margin. The Metros’ five-match unbeaten streak has lifted the team to sole possession of 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind Chicago.
In MLS play on Saturday, Ante Razov scored his first two goals as a MetroStar to lead the team over Columbus 3-2 at Giants Stadium. Youri Djorkaeff converted a pk in the 2nd half to provide the winning margin. The Metros’ five-match unbeaten streak has lifted the team to sole possession of 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind Chicago.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Hopping at the Hut
Pizza Hut has snapped up the naming rights to the new FC Dallas soccer-specific stadium in Frisco, TX. The 21,000-seat stadium is set to open on August 6th vs. the MetroStars, and will host this year's MLS Cup final on November 13th.
In other soccer news, the wonderful Metrofanatic.com has a stellar interview with new Metros President/GM Alexi Lalas that's not to be missed.
In other soccer news, the wonderful Metrofanatic.com has a stellar interview with new Metros President/GM Alexi Lalas that's not to be missed.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
The Week In Soccer: The Redhead Returns
Alexi Lalas, the first American to play in Italy’s Serie A and the most marketable face of US Soccer in the 1990s was named President/General Manager of the MetroStars on Tuesday, replacing Nick Sakiewicz, who had alienated many fans of the club during his six-year run at the club. Not that Sakiewicz is going for want: he was promoted to head “AEG Soccer NY/NJ,” and presumably will be responsible for running the long, long, loooooooong-delayed Harrison stadium project which (we’re told) is only a week or two from becoming reality. Really. That’s what they said.
Lalas, the former Rutgers All-American and future US Soccer Hall of Famer was serving as the GM of the San Jose Earthquakes, a club owner-operator AEG now seems certain to jettison, perhaps to Club America of Mexico, who may move the Quakes to Houston for 2006.
Lalas took questions from the online community during a web chat on Tuesday afternoon, and while he clearly didn’t have all the answers as of yet, he certainly showed off his trademark sense of humor…
Rob from Hillsdale, N.J.:
Will an announcement about the stadium honestly be made in 1-2 weeks or will it really be 60 - 90 days?
Alexi Lalas:
It sounds like you've been around long enough to recognize that the concept of time with the stadium project is relative.
Nick from Secaucus, N.J.:
What benefits do you feel you have as a former player over a business man in the position of General Manager of an MLS team?
Alexi Lalas:
I'm better looking.
AEG, which currently owns Metro, Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, DC United, and San Jose, is said to be close to selling four-time champion United as well, to a local DC-area consortium. AEG Pres/CEO Tim Lieweke made a point of noting that the Metros have been a bit ignored by the parent company, and that more effort will be put toward making the team more relevant in both the crowded NY sports scene and the national soccer scene.
On the field
The US U-20 team had the better of play through most of the match, but couldn’t score in a 0-0 draw with Group D powerhouse Germany in a FIFA World Youth Championship match in Enschede, Netherlands yesterday. The US (1-0-1, 4pts, +1GD) which hasn’t conceded a goal in two matches, in currently in 2nd place in the four-team group. The US should qualify for the round of 16 after its Saturday, 7:30am match (FSC) with group bottom dwellers Egypt (0-2-0, 0pts, -4 GD).In the 24-team tournament, the 1st, 2nd, and best four 3rd place teams advance out of group play.
Metros G Zack Wells made 14 saves a scoreless draw with DC United on Sunday in the swamp, marking young Wells’ fourth shutout of the year. The UCLA product was named Player of the Week in MLS for his efforts, which were one save shy of the all-time record for saves in a league match, held by former Metros G Tony Meola.
Last Week’s Results
Saturday, June 11th
US U-20s 1-0 Argentina
Columbus 1-0 Colorado
Kansas City 0-2 New England
LA Galaxy 1-0 Salt Lake
Sunday, June 12th
MetroStars 0-0 DC United
Chicago 2-0 FC Dallas
Chivas USA 1-1 San Jose
Tuesday, June 14th
US U-20s 0-0 Germany
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
FIFA World Youth Championship, Group D
Germany 4, +2
USA 4, +1
Argentina 3, +1
Egypt 0, -4
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 25, +13
Chicago 22, +3
MetroStars 17, +6
Kansas City 17, +3
DC United 13, 0
Columbus 13, -9
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 24, +10
LA Galaxy 23, +7
San Jose 15, 0
Salt Lake 11, -10
Colorado 8, -6
Chivas USA 6, -17
This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, June 15th
DC United vs. Chicago, 7:30pm
Colorado vs. LA Galaxy, 9pm
Saturday, June 18th
US U-20s vs. Egypt, 7:30am, FSC
Chicago vs. Kansas City, 4pm, ESPN2
MetroStars vs. Columbus, 7:30pm, MSG
DC United vs. New England, 7:30pm, FSC
FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy, 8:30pm
San Jose vs. Salt Lake, 10pm, HDNet
Chivas USA vs. Colorado, 10pm
Lalas, the former Rutgers All-American and future US Soccer Hall of Famer was serving as the GM of the San Jose Earthquakes, a club owner-operator AEG now seems certain to jettison, perhaps to Club America of Mexico, who may move the Quakes to Houston for 2006.
Lalas took questions from the online community during a web chat on Tuesday afternoon, and while he clearly didn’t have all the answers as of yet, he certainly showed off his trademark sense of humor…
Rob from Hillsdale, N.J.:
Will an announcement about the stadium honestly be made in 1-2 weeks or will it really be 60 - 90 days?
Alexi Lalas:
It sounds like you've been around long enough to recognize that the concept of time with the stadium project is relative.
Nick from Secaucus, N.J.:
What benefits do you feel you have as a former player over a business man in the position of General Manager of an MLS team?
Alexi Lalas:
I'm better looking.
AEG, which currently owns Metro, Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, DC United, and San Jose, is said to be close to selling four-time champion United as well, to a local DC-area consortium. AEG Pres/CEO Tim Lieweke made a point of noting that the Metros have been a bit ignored by the parent company, and that more effort will be put toward making the team more relevant in both the crowded NY sports scene and the national soccer scene.
On the field
The US U-20 team had the better of play through most of the match, but couldn’t score in a 0-0 draw with Group D powerhouse Germany in a FIFA World Youth Championship match in Enschede, Netherlands yesterday. The US (1-0-1, 4pts, +1GD) which hasn’t conceded a goal in two matches, in currently in 2nd place in the four-team group. The US should qualify for the round of 16 after its Saturday, 7:30am match (FSC) with group bottom dwellers Egypt (0-2-0, 0pts, -4 GD).In the 24-team tournament, the 1st, 2nd, and best four 3rd place teams advance out of group play.
Metros G Zack Wells made 14 saves a scoreless draw with DC United on Sunday in the swamp, marking young Wells’ fourth shutout of the year. The UCLA product was named Player of the Week in MLS for his efforts, which were one save shy of the all-time record for saves in a league match, held by former Metros G Tony Meola.
Last Week’s Results
Saturday, June 11th
US U-20s 1-0 Argentina
Columbus 1-0 Colorado
Kansas City 0-2 New England
LA Galaxy 1-0 Salt Lake
Sunday, June 12th
MetroStars 0-0 DC United
Chicago 2-0 FC Dallas
Chivas USA 1-1 San Jose
Tuesday, June 14th
US U-20s 0-0 Germany
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
FIFA World Youth Championship, Group D
Germany 4, +2
USA 4, +1
Argentina 3, +1
Egypt 0, -4
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 25, +13
Chicago 22, +3
MetroStars 17, +6
Kansas City 17, +3
DC United 13, 0
Columbus 13, -9
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 24, +10
LA Galaxy 23, +7
San Jose 15, 0
Salt Lake 11, -10
Colorado 8, -6
Chivas USA 6, -17
This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, June 15th
DC United vs. Chicago, 7:30pm
Colorado vs. LA Galaxy, 9pm
Saturday, June 18th
US U-20s vs. Egypt, 7:30am, FSC
Chicago vs. Kansas City, 4pm, ESPN2
MetroStars vs. Columbus, 7:30pm, MSG
DC United vs. New England, 7:30pm, FSC
FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy, 8:30pm
San Jose vs. Salt Lake, 10pm, HDNet
Chivas USA vs. Colorado, 10pm
Monday, June 13, 2005
The US Starts Off with a Bang
The US U-20 team got off to a flying start at the FIFA World Youth Championship on Saturday in the Netherlands with a shocking 1-0 win vs. defending champion Argentina. Chad Barrett of the Chicago Fire headed in a deflected Marvel Wynne pass just before halftime for the score. The US could have put the game away in the second half, but Freddie Adu hit the post on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. The US continues group D play vs. Germany on Tuesday at 2:30pm on Fox Soccer Channel.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
US digs Panama, 3-0, to approach WC Qualification
First-half goals from Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, and Brian McBride and another stellar goalkeeping performance from Kasey Keller made the US a near-certainty for next summer’s World Cup in a 3-0 thumping of Panama last night in the Central American capital. Combined with Mexico’s 2-0 home win vs. Trinidad and Costa Rica’s 3-2 win over Guatemala in San Jose, the US (4-1-0) sits comfortably in 2nd place in the CONCACAF Standings after five of ten qualifying matches. Both Bocanegra and Donovan scored on headers in the first 25 minutes of the match, making the Panamanian crowd a non-factor. McBride scored his 28th goal for the US close to halftime. The only down note for the team was a yellow card picked by defender Eddie Pope, which will suspend him for the next qualification game, vs. Trindad on August 17th in Hartford. If results stay true to form, the US could clinch their fifth consecutive World Cup berth with a win on September 3rd in Columbus vs. Mexico.
In other World Cup news, five nations joined host Germany as qualified teams for next summer: Argentina, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
Results
Wednesday, June 8th
CONCACAF
Mexico 2-0 Trinidad
Panama 0-3 US
Costa Rica 3-2 Guatemala
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
1. Mexico 13, +6
2. US 12, +8
3. Costa Rica 7, -2
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4. Guatemala 4, -1
---------------------
Trinidad 4, -5
Panama 2, -6
In other World Cup news, five nations joined host Germany as qualified teams for next summer: Argentina, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
Results
Wednesday, June 8th
CONCACAF
Mexico 2-0 Trinidad
Panama 0-3 US
Costa Rica 3-2 Guatemala
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
1. Mexico 13, +6
2. US 12, +8
3. Costa Rica 7, -2
---------------------
4. Guatemala 4, -1
---------------------
Trinidad 4, -5
Panama 2, -6
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
The Week in Soccer: Donovan Does the Double
Landon Donovan scored in the 6th and 63rd minutes, and Kasey Keller made some incredible saves as the US deflated Costa Rica 3-0 in front of more than 40,000 fans in Salt Lake City on Saturday. Brian McBride scored the other US goal in a match that saw the nats dominate possession against the Ticos, save for a 15 minute-stretch in the second half when Keller made six terrific saves that kept Costa Rica from tying the match. His most acrobatic came in the 60th minutes, when Keller reached backward with his left hand to make a fingertip save on a shot from Costa Rica’s Jafet Soto.
The win, combined with Mexico’s 2-0 win at Guatemala and Trinidad’s 2-0 defeat of Panama left the US solidly in 2nd place in the six-team World Cup 2006 CONCACAF qualifying final group. Tonight, the US visits Panama, Mexico hosts Trinidad, and Costa Rica takes on Guatemala as the round reaches its midpoint. Wins by Mexico and the US will all but assure the two rivals a ticket to next summer’s World Cup in Germany. Soccernet’s Mark Connolly has a great piece on what the US must do to prevail.
Around the World
In other World Cup Qualifying news, Japan become the first team, other than host Germany, to qualify for next year’s tournament after a 2-0 win over North Korea this morning. 24 matches will be held today around the world, and five other nations have an opportunity punch their World Cup tickets: Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina.
U-20’s Get their Game On
The U-20 National Team has left for Holland for the biennial U-20 World Youth Championship. On the squad are Metros Eddie Gaven and Tim Ward, as well as DC’s Freddy Adu. The 24-nation tourney kicks off on Friday, and the US has been placed in a tough Group D with powers Argentina, Germany, and Egypt. The “gnats” start off vs. Argentina on Saturday at 11:30am on Fox Soccer Channel.
Metro News
The Metros continued their strong road play with a 2-2 draw at LA Galaxy on Saturday. Abbe Ibrahim and Sergio Galvan Rey scored for Metro, who one-third into the MLS season sit in 4th place. The team made a controversial trade yesterday, sending super-sub and fan favorite John Wolyniec to Columbus in exchange for 31-year old former national team forward Ante Razov. Razov played for Metro coach Bob Bradley when the two were in Chicago. When with the Fire, Razov was known as a Metro-killer, scoring 12 goals in 18 matches vs. the Metro.
Last Week’s Results
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA 1-1 Kansas City
Saturday, June 4th
CONCACAF
US 3-0 Costa Rica
Guatemala 0-2 Mexico
Trinidad 2-0 Panama
MLS
Chicago 5-2 Chivas USA
New England 1-1 Kansas City
Salt Lake 0-2 FC Dallas
LA Galaxy 2-2 MetroStars
San Jose 0-0 DC United
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
Mexico 10, +4
US 9, +5
Guatemala 4, 0
Trinidad 4, -3
Costa Rica 4, -3
Panama 2, -3
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 22, +11
Chicago 19, +1
Kansas City 17, +5
MetroStars 16, +6
DC United 12, 0
Columbus 10, -10
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 24, +12
LA Galaxy 20, +6
San Jose 14, 0
Salt Lake 11, -9
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 5, -17
This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, June 8th
Mexico vs. Trinidad, 8pm, Univision
Costa Rica vs. Guatemala, 9pm
Panama vs. US, 9:30pm, tape-delayed on ESPN2 at 1am
Saturday, June 11th
US U-20s vs. Argentina, 11:30am, FSC
Columbus vs. Colorado, 4pm, ESPN2
Kansas City vs. New England, 8pm HDNet
LA Galaxy vs. Salt Lake, 10pm, FSC
Sunday, June 12th
MetroStars vs. DC United, 6pm
Chicago vs. FC Dallas, 7pm
Chivas USA vs. San Jose, 8pm
Tuesday, June 14th
US U-20s vs. Germany, 2:30pm, FSC
The win, combined with Mexico’s 2-0 win at Guatemala and Trinidad’s 2-0 defeat of Panama left the US solidly in 2nd place in the six-team World Cup 2006 CONCACAF qualifying final group. Tonight, the US visits Panama, Mexico hosts Trinidad, and Costa Rica takes on Guatemala as the round reaches its midpoint. Wins by Mexico and the US will all but assure the two rivals a ticket to next summer’s World Cup in Germany. Soccernet’s Mark Connolly has a great piece on what the US must do to prevail.
Around the World
In other World Cup Qualifying news, Japan become the first team, other than host Germany, to qualify for next year’s tournament after a 2-0 win over North Korea this morning. 24 matches will be held today around the world, and five other nations have an opportunity punch their World Cup tickets: Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina.
U-20’s Get their Game On
The U-20 National Team has left for Holland for the biennial U-20 World Youth Championship. On the squad are Metros Eddie Gaven and Tim Ward, as well as DC’s Freddy Adu. The 24-nation tourney kicks off on Friday, and the US has been placed in a tough Group D with powers Argentina, Germany, and Egypt. The “gnats” start off vs. Argentina on Saturday at 11:30am on Fox Soccer Channel.
Metro News
The Metros continued their strong road play with a 2-2 draw at LA Galaxy on Saturday. Abbe Ibrahim and Sergio Galvan Rey scored for Metro, who one-third into the MLS season sit in 4th place. The team made a controversial trade yesterday, sending super-sub and fan favorite John Wolyniec to Columbus in exchange for 31-year old former national team forward Ante Razov. Razov played for Metro coach Bob Bradley when the two were in Chicago. When with the Fire, Razov was known as a Metro-killer, scoring 12 goals in 18 matches vs. the Metro.
Last Week’s Results
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA 1-1 Kansas City
Saturday, June 4th
CONCACAF
US 3-0 Costa Rica
Guatemala 0-2 Mexico
Trinidad 2-0 Panama
MLS
Chicago 5-2 Chivas USA
New England 1-1 Kansas City
Salt Lake 0-2 FC Dallas
LA Galaxy 2-2 MetroStars
San Jose 0-0 DC United
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
Mexico 10, +4
US 9, +5
Guatemala 4, 0
Trinidad 4, -3
Costa Rica 4, -3
Panama 2, -3
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 22, +11
Chicago 19, +1
Kansas City 17, +5
MetroStars 16, +6
DC United 12, 0
Columbus 10, -10
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 24, +12
LA Galaxy 20, +6
San Jose 14, 0
Salt Lake 11, -9
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 5, -17
This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, June 8th
Mexico vs. Trinidad, 8pm, Univision
Costa Rica vs. Guatemala, 9pm
Panama vs. US, 9:30pm, tape-delayed on ESPN2 at 1am
Saturday, June 11th
US U-20s vs. Argentina, 11:30am, FSC
Columbus vs. Colorado, 4pm, ESPN2
Kansas City vs. New England, 8pm HDNet
LA Galaxy vs. Salt Lake, 10pm, FSC
Sunday, June 12th
MetroStars vs. DC United, 6pm
Chicago vs. FC Dallas, 7pm
Chivas USA vs. San Jose, 8pm
Tuesday, June 14th
US U-20s vs. Germany, 2:30pm, FSC
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
The Week In Soccer: Veni, Vidi, Vici
A second-string squad of the English National Team had a good week in the former colonies, beating the US 2-1 at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, and defeating Colombia 3-2 at Giants Stadium yesterday. The Brits’ second match was played with regular starters David Beckham and Michael Owen, and the latter pumped in all three goals for England in front of a raucous 50,000+ at the swamp. Those with fortitude stayed for yesterday’s MLS nightcap where MetroStars captain Amado Guevara bent a Beckham-like ball into the upper ninety in the waning moments of injury time to beat Chicago 2-1.
US Team News
Late additions to the US squad for this Saturday’s quallie vs. Costa Rica in Salt Lake City include defenders Oguchi Onewyu (Standard Liege, Belgium) and Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), midfielders DaMarcus Beasley (PSV, Holland) and all-time US MNT caps leader Cobi Jones (LA Galaxy), and forward Pat Noonan (New England). My lineup for Saturday: Keller – Cherundolo, Bocanegra, Gibbs, Hejduk – Beasley, Ralston, Zavagnin, Dempsey – Donovan, Johnson. After the Costa Rica match, the US heads to the Canal Zone to visit Panama on the 8th.
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 28th
New England 0-0 Colorado
DC United 0-2 FC Dallas
Columbus 0-3 MetroStars
Kansas City 1-0 San Jose
Salt Lake 0-3 Chicago
Chivas USA 0-2 LA Galaxy
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars 2-1 Chicago
MLS Standings as of June 1st (Team, Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 21, +11
Chicago 16, -2
MetroStars 15, +6
Kansas City 15, +5
DC United 11, 0
Columbus 10, -10
Western Conference
FC Dallas 21, +10
LA Galaxy 19, +6
San Jose 13, 0
Salt Lake 11, -7
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 4, -14
This Week’s MLS Matches
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City, 10:30pm
Saturday, June 4th
Chicago vs. Chivas USA, 4pm, ESPN2
(US vs. Costa Rica, WCQ at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2)
New England vs. Kansas City, 7:30pm
Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas, 10pm
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
San Jose vs. DC United, 10:30pm, FSC, HDNet
US Team News
Late additions to the US squad for this Saturday’s quallie vs. Costa Rica in Salt Lake City include defenders Oguchi Onewyu (Standard Liege, Belgium) and Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), midfielders DaMarcus Beasley (PSV, Holland) and all-time US MNT caps leader Cobi Jones (LA Galaxy), and forward Pat Noonan (New England). My lineup for Saturday: Keller – Cherundolo, Bocanegra, Gibbs, Hejduk – Beasley, Ralston, Zavagnin, Dempsey – Donovan, Johnson. After the Costa Rica match, the US heads to the Canal Zone to visit Panama on the 8th.
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 28th
New England 0-0 Colorado
DC United 0-2 FC Dallas
Columbus 0-3 MetroStars
Kansas City 1-0 San Jose
Salt Lake 0-3 Chicago
Chivas USA 0-2 LA Galaxy
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars 2-1 Chicago
MLS Standings as of June 1st (Team, Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 21, +11
Chicago 16, -2
MetroStars 15, +6
Kansas City 15, +5
DC United 11, 0
Columbus 10, -10
Western Conference
FC Dallas 21, +10
LA Galaxy 19, +6
San Jose 13, 0
Salt Lake 11, -7
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 4, -14
This Week’s MLS Matches
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City, 10:30pm
Saturday, June 4th
Chicago vs. Chivas USA, 4pm, ESPN2
(US vs. Costa Rica, WCQ at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2)
New England vs. Kansas City, 7:30pm
Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas, 10pm
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
San Jose vs. DC United, 10:30pm, FSC, HDNet
Thursday, May 26, 2005
The Week In Soccer
What a match yesterday in the European Champions Cup Final in Istanbul, as Liverpool came back from three-nil down at the half to beat AC Milan in penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw and a scoreless overtime. It’s Liverpool’s fifth European crown, and its first since 1984. Sadly, by finishing fifth in the English Premier League this season, the Scousers will miss next year’s continental competition.
Actual Soccer Press
It’s been a great week for soccer in the national sports media, as Sports Illustrated has a three-page article on Dallas and US scoring sensation Eddie Johnson and rise of African-Americans on the national team. Pick it up on the newsstand. Also, Thursday's USA Today has an “in focus” piece on page C3 regarding the upcoming US National team schedule (see below).
US Team News
A mostly European-based US squad will play an England B-team in a friendly this Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago, though injuries have forced the additions of MLS players Kerry Zavagnin, Eddie Pope, and Josh Wolff. England will be without David Beckham, Steve Gerrard, Michael Owen, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney. Then the US heads to Salt Lake for a major World Cup Quallie on June 4th vs. Costa Rica. Four days later, the Nats head to Panama City for a Quallie date with the canaleros, who were a Cobi Jones 92nd minute goal away from beating the US in the semifinal round on 9/8/04.
In MLS
New England, Dallas, and LA continue to be the class of the league at the quarter pole. The Revs (6-0-2) kept up their season-opening undefeated run after Taylor Twellman scored in the 89th minute to draw the MetroStars 2-2 at Giants Stadium last Saturday. FC Dallas (5-1-3) got goals from five different players in a 5-2 pasting of Chivas USA at the HDC last Sunday. Last night, the Galaxy (5-2-1) played Columbus to a scoreless draw to stay in 2nd place in the West.
The Soccer Calendar
The next two weeks will see a lot of action between the US National Team and MLS…
Saturday, May 28th
US vs. England at Chicago, 2pm ESPN
Six matches, including Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm, MSG
Tuesday, May 31st
Doubleheader
England vs. Colombia at Giants Stadium, 4pm
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm, FSC
Saturday, June 4th
US vs. Costa Rica, World Cup Qualifier at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
Wednesday, June 8th
Panama vs. US, World Cup Qualifier at Panama City, 11:30pm Delay, Telemundo
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars 2-2 New England
DC United 3-2 Kansas City
Columbus 2-0 Salt Lake
Chicago 2-1 Colorado
LA Galaxy 2-1 San Jose
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA 2-5 FC Dallas
Wednesday, May 25th
Kansas City 1-0 MetroStars
Colorado 0-1 San Jose
LA Galaxy 0-0 Columbus
MLS Standings as of 5/26/05 (Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 20, +11
Chicago 13, -4
Kansas City 12, +4
DC United 11, +2
Columbus 10, -7
MetroStars 9, +2
Western Conference
FC Dallas 18, +8
LA Galaxy 16, +4
San Jose 13, +1
Salt Lake 11, +4
Colorado 7, -5
Chivas USA 4, -12
This Week’s MLS Matches
Saturday, May 28th
New England vs. Colorado, 7:30pm
DC United vs. FC Dallas, 7:30pm
Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm
Kansas City vs. San Jose, 8pm
Salt Lake vs. Chicago, 9:30pm
Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy, 10pm, FSC, HDNet
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm FSC
Actual Soccer Press
It’s been a great week for soccer in the national sports media, as Sports Illustrated has a three-page article on Dallas and US scoring sensation Eddie Johnson and rise of African-Americans on the national team. Pick it up on the newsstand. Also, Thursday's USA Today has an “in focus” piece on page C3 regarding the upcoming US National team schedule (see below).
US Team News
A mostly European-based US squad will play an England B-team in a friendly this Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago, though injuries have forced the additions of MLS players Kerry Zavagnin, Eddie Pope, and Josh Wolff. England will be without David Beckham, Steve Gerrard, Michael Owen, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney. Then the US heads to Salt Lake for a major World Cup Quallie on June 4th vs. Costa Rica. Four days later, the Nats head to Panama City for a Quallie date with the canaleros, who were a Cobi Jones 92nd minute goal away from beating the US in the semifinal round on 9/8/04.
In MLS
New England, Dallas, and LA continue to be the class of the league at the quarter pole. The Revs (6-0-2) kept up their season-opening undefeated run after Taylor Twellman scored in the 89th minute to draw the MetroStars 2-2 at Giants Stadium last Saturday. FC Dallas (5-1-3) got goals from five different players in a 5-2 pasting of Chivas USA at the HDC last Sunday. Last night, the Galaxy (5-2-1) played Columbus to a scoreless draw to stay in 2nd place in the West.
The Soccer Calendar
The next two weeks will see a lot of action between the US National Team and MLS…
Saturday, May 28th
US vs. England at Chicago, 2pm ESPN
Six matches, including Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm, MSG
Tuesday, May 31st
Doubleheader
England vs. Colombia at Giants Stadium, 4pm
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm, FSC
Saturday, June 4th
US vs. Costa Rica, World Cup Qualifier at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
Wednesday, June 8th
Panama vs. US, World Cup Qualifier at Panama City, 11:30pm Delay, Telemundo
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars 2-2 New England
DC United 3-2 Kansas City
Columbus 2-0 Salt Lake
Chicago 2-1 Colorado
LA Galaxy 2-1 San Jose
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA 2-5 FC Dallas
Wednesday, May 25th
Kansas City 1-0 MetroStars
Colorado 0-1 San Jose
LA Galaxy 0-0 Columbus
MLS Standings as of 5/26/05 (Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 20, +11
Chicago 13, -4
Kansas City 12, +4
DC United 11, +2
Columbus 10, -7
MetroStars 9, +2
Western Conference
FC Dallas 18, +8
LA Galaxy 16, +4
San Jose 13, +1
Salt Lake 11, +4
Colorado 7, -5
Chivas USA 4, -12
This Week’s MLS Matches
Saturday, May 28th
New England vs. Colorado, 7:30pm
DC United vs. FC Dallas, 7:30pm
Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm
Kansas City vs. San Jose, 8pm
Salt Lake vs. Chicago, 9:30pm
Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy, 10pm, FSC, HDNet
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm FSC
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The Week In Soccer
Road Sweet Road
Youri Djorkaeff had his best performance as a MetroStar in the team’s 3-0 pasting of Chicago last Saturday at Solider Field. Djorkaeff put a picture-perfect pass on the foot of a charging Eddie Gaven, who nutmegged Fire keeper Zach Thornton for the first of his two goals on the night. With the win, the Metro stepped out of the East cellar and hopefully gained some confidence for this Saturday’s home match with unbeaten New England. (4pm, ESPN2)
Prepping for England
Bruce Arena named a Euro-heavy 19-man squad for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend friendly with England in Chicago. Brian McBride (Fulham) and Kasey Keller (Moenchengladbach) are the most seasoned on the US Roster, which includes MLS stars Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Eddie Johnson. The roster for the June 4th and 8th World Cup Qualifying matches vs. Costa Rica and Guatemala will be named after the England match.
Public House Enemy Number One
Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer took control of Manchester United this week after acquiring shares of team stock. Glazer now owns 75% of all Man U shares. Fans of the team are calling for boycotts of season tickets and merchandise to express their displeasure of a yank running the world's richest soccer club. Glazer and his son Joel have been threatened by hard-core groups of Man U fans. Stay tuned.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Saturday, May 14th
New England 1-0 DC United
Salt Lake 2-1 LA Galaxy
Columbus 0-4 Kansas City
Chicago 0-3 MetroStars (see above for link)
Colorado 2-1 Chivas USA
San Jose 0-0 FC Dallas
MLS Standings after Week 7 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 19, +11
Chicago 10, -5
Kansas City 9, +4
MetroStars 8, +3
DC United 8, +1
Columbus 6, -9
Western Conf.
FC Dallas 12, +4
LA Galaxy 12, +3
San Jose 10, +1
Salt Lake 8, -4
Colorado 7, -2
Chivas USA 4, -7
This Week's Matches:
Wednesday, May 18th
FC Dallas v Colorado, 8:30pm
Salt Lake v Chivas USA, 9:30pm
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars v New England, 4pm, ESPN2
DC United v Kansas City, 7:30pm, FSC
Columbus v Salt Lake, 7:30pm
Chicago v Colorado, 8:30pm, HDNet
LA Galaxy v San Jose, 10pm
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA v FC Dallas, 9:30pm
Youri Djorkaeff had his best performance as a MetroStar in the team’s 3-0 pasting of Chicago last Saturday at Solider Field. Djorkaeff put a picture-perfect pass on the foot of a charging Eddie Gaven, who nutmegged Fire keeper Zach Thornton for the first of his two goals on the night. With the win, the Metro stepped out of the East cellar and hopefully gained some confidence for this Saturday’s home match with unbeaten New England. (4pm, ESPN2)
Prepping for England
Bruce Arena named a Euro-heavy 19-man squad for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend friendly with England in Chicago. Brian McBride (Fulham) and Kasey Keller (Moenchengladbach) are the most seasoned on the US Roster, which includes MLS stars Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Eddie Johnson. The roster for the June 4th and 8th World Cup Qualifying matches vs. Costa Rica and Guatemala will be named after the England match.
Public House Enemy Number One
Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer took control of Manchester United this week after acquiring shares of team stock. Glazer now owns 75% of all Man U shares. Fans of the team are calling for boycotts of season tickets and merchandise to express their displeasure of a yank running the world's richest soccer club. Glazer and his son Joel have been threatened by hard-core groups of Man U fans. Stay tuned.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Saturday, May 14th
New England 1-0 DC United
Salt Lake 2-1 LA Galaxy
Columbus 0-4 Kansas City
Chicago 0-3 MetroStars (see above for link)
Colorado 2-1 Chivas USA
San Jose 0-0 FC Dallas
MLS Standings after Week 7 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 19, +11
Chicago 10, -5
Kansas City 9, +4
MetroStars 8, +3
DC United 8, +1
Columbus 6, -9
Western Conf.
FC Dallas 12, +4
LA Galaxy 12, +3
San Jose 10, +1
Salt Lake 8, -4
Colorado 7, -2
Chivas USA 4, -7
This Week's Matches:
Wednesday, May 18th
FC Dallas v Colorado, 8:30pm
Salt Lake v Chivas USA, 9:30pm
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars v New England, 4pm, ESPN2
DC United v Kansas City, 7:30pm, FSC
Columbus v Salt Lake, 7:30pm
Chicago v Colorado, 8:30pm, HDNet
LA Galaxy v San Jose, 10pm
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA v FC Dallas, 9:30pm
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
America: Knowledge Leader No More?
In a viewpoint piece at BusinessWeek Online, EMC Chairman Mike Ruettgers says what many, including NY Times Columnist Thomas Friedman, have been saying for over a year now: America is losing the battle to remain the world's "knowledge leader." With India and China turning out a multiple number of engineering grads than the US, it's only a matter of time before we'll look to those nations for innovations and new product development. That'll mean redistribution of global wealth, and that my friends, is a scary proposition.
The Week in Soccer
Nick Speaks
This week, Nick Sakiewicz, the embattled GM of the MetroStars, sat down with MetroEmpire's Kristian Dyer for an interview on the state of the team. Faced with a 1-2-2 record to start the season, including an 0-2-2 record at home, dwindling attendance, and a disaffected fan base, Nick deflected criticism, offered nothing concrete on the Harrison stadium situation, and offered the dreaded "vote of confidence" in his coach, Bob Bradley.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Saturday, May 7th
MetroStars 0-1 San Jose
New England 2-0 Chicago
DC United 3-1 Columbus
Kansas City 3-3 FC Dallas
Chivas USA 1-0 Real Salt Lake
Sunday, May 8th
LA Galaxy 3-2 Colorado
MLS Standings after Week 6 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 16, +10
Chicago 10, -2
DC United 8, 2
Kansas City 6, 0
Columbus 6, -5
MetroStars 5, 0
Western Conf.
LA Galaxy 12, 4
FC Dallas 11, +4
San Jose 9, 1
Salt Lake 5, -5
Colorado 4, -3
Chivas USA 4, -6
This Week's Matches:
Saturday, May 14th
New England v. DC United, 4pm, ESPN2
Columbus v. Kansas City, 7:30pm
Chicago v. MetroStars, 8:30pm, HDNet
Colorado v. Chivas USA, 9pm
Salt Lake v. LA Galaxy, 9:30pm, FSC
San Jose v. FC Dallas, 10pm
This week, Nick Sakiewicz, the embattled GM of the MetroStars, sat down with MetroEmpire's Kristian Dyer for an interview on the state of the team. Faced with a 1-2-2 record to start the season, including an 0-2-2 record at home, dwindling attendance, and a disaffected fan base, Nick deflected criticism, offered nothing concrete on the Harrison stadium situation, and offered the dreaded "vote of confidence" in his coach, Bob Bradley.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Saturday, May 7th
MetroStars 0-1 San Jose
New England 2-0 Chicago
DC United 3-1 Columbus
Kansas City 3-3 FC Dallas
Chivas USA 1-0 Real Salt Lake
Sunday, May 8th
LA Galaxy 3-2 Colorado
MLS Standings after Week 6 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 16, +10
Chicago 10, -2
DC United 8, 2
Kansas City 6, 0
Columbus 6, -5
MetroStars 5, 0
Western Conf.
LA Galaxy 12, 4
FC Dallas 11, +4
San Jose 9, 1
Salt Lake 5, -5
Colorado 4, -3
Chivas USA 4, -6
This Week's Matches:
Saturday, May 14th
New England v. DC United, 4pm, ESPN2
Columbus v. Kansas City, 7:30pm
Chicago v. MetroStars, 8:30pm, HDNet
Colorado v. Chivas USA, 9pm
Salt Lake v. LA Galaxy, 9:30pm, FSC
San Jose v. FC Dallas, 10pm
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
The Next MLS Owner?
Andrew Murstein, President of New York-based Medallion Financial Group, is bidding to become the next owner in MLS. In Tuesday's New York Times, Murstein was profiled as the leading candidate to own a club in San Antonio for 2006. In a bit of a surprise, Murstein noted his desire to bring a 2nd team to the NY area, acquire the Cosmos trademark, and build a soccer-specifc stadium adjacent to Shea Stadium in Queens.
According to today's Kansas City Star, Murstein has offered KC Wizards owner Lamar Hunt $15 million for the club, possibly to move the Wizards to San Antonio. Hunt has been trying to find a Kansas City-based buyer that would keep the 2000 MLS Cup champs and build a stadium in KC.
According to today's Kansas City Star, Murstein has offered KC Wizards owner Lamar Hunt $15 million for the club, possibly to move the Wizards to San Antonio. Hunt has been trying to find a Kansas City-based buyer that would keep the 2000 MLS Cup champs and build a stadium in KC.
Monday, May 02, 2005
The Week in Soccer
It was a week of good, bad, and ugly in the world of soccer.
The Good
The MetroStars finally got in the win column at a snow-whipped Invesco Field in Denver, as 2004 MLS MVP Amado Guevara notched a hat trick in the Metros' 3-1 win over the Rapids on Saturday. Also, more than 50,000 fans turned out to a double-header in Chicago on Wednesday for the Fire-Revolution and Poland-Mexico.
The Bad
Not only did DaMarcus Beasley's PSV Eindhoven squad drop the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie to AC Milan (2-0), but the American midfielder was injured in a meaniningless Eredivisie match over the weekend, keeping him out of this week's return UEFA match, and sidelining him for the next 3-5 weeks. He should miss the US' June 4th World Cup Quallie with Costa Rica.
The Ugly
New England is surprisingly sitting on top of the league with a 4-0-1 record, but Revolution fans have yet to show up at the stadium. A season-low 7,813 came out to Foxboro for the Revs' 1-0 victory over Chivas USA on Saturday.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Wednesday, April 27th
Chicago 0-3 New England
Saturday, April 30th
Kansas City 0-0 DC United
New England 1-0 Chivas USA
Columbus 0-2 Chicago
Colorado 1-3 MetroStars
Salt Lake 2-2 San Jose
LA Galaxy 2-0 FC Dallas
MLS Standings after Week 5 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 13, +8
Chicago 10, 0
Columbus 6, -3
MetroStars 5, +1
Kansas City 5, 0
DC United 5, 0
Western Conf.
FC Dallas 10, +4
LA Galaxy 9, +3
San Jose 6, 0
Salt Lake 5, -4
Colorado 4, -2
Chivas USA 1, -7
This Week's Matches:
Saturday, May 7th
MetroStars v. San Jose, 4pm, ESPN2
New England v. Chicago, 7:30pm
DC United v. Columbus, 7:30pm
Kansas City v. FC Dallas, 8pm
Chivas USA v. Salt Lake, 10pm, FSC & HDNet
Sunday, May 8th
LA Galaxy v. Colorado, 8pm
The Good
The MetroStars finally got in the win column at a snow-whipped Invesco Field in Denver, as 2004 MLS MVP Amado Guevara notched a hat trick in the Metros' 3-1 win over the Rapids on Saturday. Also, more than 50,000 fans turned out to a double-header in Chicago on Wednesday for the Fire-Revolution and Poland-Mexico.
The Bad
Not only did DaMarcus Beasley's PSV Eindhoven squad drop the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie to AC Milan (2-0), but the American midfielder was injured in a meaniningless Eredivisie match over the weekend, keeping him out of this week's return UEFA match, and sidelining him for the next 3-5 weeks. He should miss the US' June 4th World Cup Quallie with Costa Rica.
The Ugly
New England is surprisingly sitting on top of the league with a 4-0-1 record, but Revolution fans have yet to show up at the stadium. A season-low 7,813 came out to Foxboro for the Revs' 1-0 victory over Chivas USA on Saturday.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Wednesday, April 27th
Chicago 0-3 New England
Saturday, April 30th
Kansas City 0-0 DC United
New England 1-0 Chivas USA
Columbus 0-2 Chicago
Colorado 1-3 MetroStars
Salt Lake 2-2 San Jose
LA Galaxy 2-0 FC Dallas
MLS Standings after Week 5 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 13, +8
Chicago 10, 0
Columbus 6, -3
MetroStars 5, +1
Kansas City 5, 0
DC United 5, 0
Western Conf.
FC Dallas 10, +4
LA Galaxy 9, +3
San Jose 6, 0
Salt Lake 5, -4
Colorado 4, -2
Chivas USA 1, -7
This Week's Matches:
Saturday, May 7th
MetroStars v. San Jose, 4pm, ESPN2
New England v. Chicago, 7:30pm
DC United v. Columbus, 7:30pm
Kansas City v. FC Dallas, 8pm
Chivas USA v. Salt Lake, 10pm, FSC & HDNet
Sunday, May 8th
LA Galaxy v. Colorado, 8pm
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Best of Luck to Beasley
US International Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley should become the first American to play in the Champions League semifinals when his Dutch Champion PSV Eindhoven squad takes on AC Milan at the San Siro today at 2:45pm ET. Kelly Whiteside of USA Today has a nice profile of Beasley, who cut his teeth with MLS' Chicago Fire.
Monday, April 25, 2005
This Week In Soccer
Soccer on the big screen
Now in limited release is the story of the US' 1950 World Cup win vs. England in "The Game of Their Lives." Starring Wes Bentley (American Beauty), the film was produced by the team that made other sports underdog stories Hoosiers and Rudy.
The Week in MLS
It was the best of times and worst of times in LA this week.
First comes the best, as 27,000 fans packed the Home Depot Center for the first "Honda Super Clasico" match between the LA Galaxy and stadium expansion rival Chivas USA. On the field, the old boys took care of the Mexican-American newbies, 3-1.
Now the worst: The match was to be televised live at 10pm ET on espn2, but coverage of the 3rd round of the NFL draft delayed the telecast until after 11pm. While the deuce showed the match in its entirety, espn2 teased viewers on the "bottom line" crawl by updating the score while the match was in progress, removing any element of surprise for viewers waiting to watch the game. Combined with the season opener shift to ESPN from ABC after the death of Pope John Paul II, and a recent Friday night espn2 telecast delay by the South Carolina spring football game, one has to wonder how much of a broadcast partner the Disney networks really are.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
MetroStars 0-1 Chicago
DC United 3-4 New England
FC Dallas 3-0 Salt Lake
Colorado 2-0 Columbus
LA Galaxy 3-1 Chivas
San Jose 3-2 Kansas City
Standings after Week 4 (Club PTS, GD):
MLS East
New England 7, +4
Chicago 7, +1
Columbus 6, -1
Kansas City 4, 0
DC United 4, 0
MetroStars 2, -1
MLS West
FC Dallas 10, +6
LA Galaxy 6, +1
San Jose 5, 0
Colorado 4, 0
Real Salt Lake 4, -4
Chivas USA 1, -6
This Week's MLS Schedule:
Wednesday, April 27th
Chicago v New England, 7pm, FSC
Saturday, April 30th:
Kansas City v DC United, 4pm, ESPN2
New England v Chivas, 7:30pm, FSC
Columbus v Chicago, 7:30pm, HDNet
Colorado v MetroStars, 9pm, MSG
RSL v San Jose, 9:30pm
LA Galaxy v FC Dallas, 10pm
Now in limited release is the story of the US' 1950 World Cup win vs. England in "The Game of Their Lives." Starring Wes Bentley (American Beauty), the film was produced by the team that made other sports underdog stories Hoosiers and Rudy.
The Week in MLS
It was the best of times and worst of times in LA this week.
First comes the best, as 27,000 fans packed the Home Depot Center for the first "Honda Super Clasico" match between the LA Galaxy and stadium expansion rival Chivas USA. On the field, the old boys took care of the Mexican-American newbies, 3-1.
Now the worst: The match was to be televised live at 10pm ET on espn2, but coverage of the 3rd round of the NFL draft delayed the telecast until after 11pm. While the deuce showed the match in its entirety, espn2 teased viewers on the "bottom line" crawl by updating the score while the match was in progress, removing any element of surprise for viewers waiting to watch the game. Combined with the season opener shift to ESPN from ABC after the death of Pope John Paul II, and a recent Friday night espn2 telecast delay by the South Carolina spring football game, one has to wonder how much of a broadcast partner the Disney networks really are.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
MetroStars 0-1 Chicago
DC United 3-4 New England
FC Dallas 3-0 Salt Lake
Colorado 2-0 Columbus
LA Galaxy 3-1 Chivas
San Jose 3-2 Kansas City
Standings after Week 4 (Club PTS, GD):
MLS East
New England 7, +4
Chicago 7, +1
Columbus 6, -1
Kansas City 4, 0
DC United 4, 0
MetroStars 2, -1
MLS West
FC Dallas 10, +6
LA Galaxy 6, +1
San Jose 5, 0
Colorado 4, 0
Real Salt Lake 4, -4
Chivas USA 1, -6
This Week's MLS Schedule:
Wednesday, April 27th
Chicago v New England, 7pm, FSC
Saturday, April 30th:
Kansas City v DC United, 4pm, ESPN2
New England v Chivas, 7:30pm, FSC
Columbus v Chicago, 7:30pm, HDNet
Colorado v MetroStars, 9pm, MSG
RSL v San Jose, 9:30pm
LA Galaxy v FC Dallas, 10pm
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
This Week In Soccer
Hall of Fame Voting
Three US soccer pioneers were voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Induction will be held in Oneonta, NY on August 29th.
Defender Marcelo Balboa earned 128 caps and scored 13 goals with the National team between 1988 and 2000. Balboa played in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. His seven-year MLS career was almost exclusively spent with the Colorado Rapids. Balboa played in 152 MLS matches, notching 24 goals, including the 2000 Goal of the Year on an incredible bicycle kick vs. Columbus.
John Harkes was the first American to play in England's hallowed Wembley Stadium, with Sheffield Wednesday in 1991. A midfielder, Harkes scored 6 goals in 90 appearances with the National team between 1987 and 2000. Harkes played for the US in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, but was inexplicably cut from the 1998 team weeks before the competition by coach Steve Sampson. Harkes played for DC United during its early dominance of MLS, and helped the team to titles in 1996 and 1997. He also played for New England and Columbus, appearing in 167 league games overall, and scoring 16 goals.
Tab Ramos may have been the most talented player ever to wear the US shirt. His National Team career spanned from 1988 until 2000, including 81 caps and 8 goals. Like Balboa, midfielder Ramos appeared in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. On July 4, 1994, the US faced Brazil in the '94 World Cup round of 16 at Stanford Stadium. With the match tied in the first half, Brazilian midfielder Leonardo cracked Ramos with an elbow to the side of the head, forcing him to leave the match (Leonardo received a red card). Without Ramos in the lineup, the US fell to 10-man Brazil, 1-0. Ramos, the first-ever player signed to an MLS contract, spent his career exclusively with the MetroStars, though frequent injuries prevented him from playing more than 25 matches in any one season. Ramos appeared in 112 league matches, scoring 8 goals.
The First MLS Derby
In soccer parlance, a derby is a match between two teams from the same city. This week, the first MLS derby will be held with Chivas USA playing "at" the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center, which both teams call home. LA has been bolstered by the arrival of Landon Donovan, who had 2 goals in his team debut two weeks ago. Chivas is struggling out of the gate, with an 0-2-1 record after three matches.
This Week's MLS Schedule:
Friday, April 22nd:
Chicago @ MetroStars, 8pm, ESPN2
Saturday, April 23rd:
New England @ DC United, 7:30pm, FSC & HDNet
Real Salt Lake @ FC Dallas, 8pm
Columbus Crew @ Colorado, 9pm
Chivas USA @ LA Galaxy, 10pm, ESPN2
Last Week's MLS Matches:
DC United 0-1 Columbus (Buddle 26)
Colorado 0-1 Real Salt Lake (Dunseth 81)
Kansas City 2-2 MetroStars (Jewsbury 20, Klein 31; Galvan Rey 43, 60)
San Jose 1-2 Chicago (Moreno 82; own goal 58, Thiago 91+)
FC Dallas 3-1 Chivas USA (O'Brien 40, Ruiz pk 85, Johnson 94+; Martins 44)
Standings after Week 3:
MLS East (Club PTS, GD)
Columbus 6, +1
New England 4, +3
Kansas City 4, +1
DC United 4, +1
Chicago 4, 0
MetroStars 2, 0
MLS West
FC Dallas 7, +3
Real Salt Lake 4, -1
LA Galaxy 3, -1
San Jose 2, -1
Colorado 1, -2
Chivas USA 1, -4
Three US soccer pioneers were voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Induction will be held in Oneonta, NY on August 29th.
Defender Marcelo Balboa earned 128 caps and scored 13 goals with the National team between 1988 and 2000. Balboa played in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. His seven-year MLS career was almost exclusively spent with the Colorado Rapids. Balboa played in 152 MLS matches, notching 24 goals, including the 2000 Goal of the Year on an incredible bicycle kick vs. Columbus.
John Harkes was the first American to play in England's hallowed Wembley Stadium, with Sheffield Wednesday in 1991. A midfielder, Harkes scored 6 goals in 90 appearances with the National team between 1987 and 2000. Harkes played for the US in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, but was inexplicably cut from the 1998 team weeks before the competition by coach Steve Sampson. Harkes played for DC United during its early dominance of MLS, and helped the team to titles in 1996 and 1997. He also played for New England and Columbus, appearing in 167 league games overall, and scoring 16 goals.
Tab Ramos may have been the most talented player ever to wear the US shirt. His National Team career spanned from 1988 until 2000, including 81 caps and 8 goals. Like Balboa, midfielder Ramos appeared in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. On July 4, 1994, the US faced Brazil in the '94 World Cup round of 16 at Stanford Stadium. With the match tied in the first half, Brazilian midfielder Leonardo cracked Ramos with an elbow to the side of the head, forcing him to leave the match (Leonardo received a red card). Without Ramos in the lineup, the US fell to 10-man Brazil, 1-0. Ramos, the first-ever player signed to an MLS contract, spent his career exclusively with the MetroStars, though frequent injuries prevented him from playing more than 25 matches in any one season. Ramos appeared in 112 league matches, scoring 8 goals.
The First MLS Derby
In soccer parlance, a derby is a match between two teams from the same city. This week, the first MLS derby will be held with Chivas USA playing "at" the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center, which both teams call home. LA has been bolstered by the arrival of Landon Donovan, who had 2 goals in his team debut two weeks ago. Chivas is struggling out of the gate, with an 0-2-1 record after three matches.
This Week's MLS Schedule:
Friday, April 22nd:
Chicago @ MetroStars, 8pm, ESPN2
Saturday, April 23rd:
New England @ DC United, 7:30pm, FSC & HDNet
Real Salt Lake @ FC Dallas, 8pm
Columbus Crew @ Colorado, 9pm
Chivas USA @ LA Galaxy, 10pm, ESPN2
Last Week's MLS Matches:
DC United 0-1 Columbus (Buddle 26)
Colorado 0-1 Real Salt Lake (Dunseth 81)
Kansas City 2-2 MetroStars (Jewsbury 20, Klein 31; Galvan Rey 43, 60)
San Jose 1-2 Chicago (Moreno 82; own goal 58, Thiago 91+)
FC Dallas 3-1 Chivas USA (O'Brien 40, Ruiz pk 85, Johnson 94+; Martins 44)
Standings after Week 3:
MLS East (Club PTS, GD)
Columbus 6, +1
New England 4, +3
Kansas City 4, +1
DC United 4, +1
Chicago 4, 0
MetroStars 2, 0
MLS West
FC Dallas 7, +3
Real Salt Lake 4, -1
LA Galaxy 3, -1
San Jose 2, -1
Colorado 1, -2
Chivas USA 1, -4
Thursday, April 14, 2005
This Week In Soccer
DC United's run in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup came crashing to an end last night in Mexico after a 5-0 drubbing by MFL Champion UNAM Pumas. DC and Pumas had tied 1-1 in the first leg last week at RFK. Pumas will face Saprissa of Costa Rica for the title, after Saprissa beat Mexico's Monterrey in penalty kicks after 2-2 and 1-1 draws.
The only GM that the Chicago Fire has ever known, Peter Wilt, was unceremoniously dumped by owner/operator AEG in favor of current Metros VP Marketing John Guppy. Wilt, who was known as the most fan-friendly GM in the league, had led the team to the MLS Cup title in its very first season (1998), and US Open Cup titles in 1998, 2000, and 2003. He oversaw the Fire's move to Naperville, IL for two seasons while Solider Field underwent renovation, and negotiated the building of the Fire's own stadium, now under construction in Bridgeview, IL, 12 miles south of Chicago.
In Europe, Chelsea, Liverpool, and DaMarcus Beasley's PSV Eindhoven squad advanced to the Champions League semifinals. The two English squads will play each other, and PSV awaits a UEFA ruling on the AC Milan-Inter Milan series after AC keeper Dida was hit by a flare thrown from the stands in the teams' second-leg match. The match was abandoned with AC Milan holding a 3-0 aggregate lead.
This Week's MLS Schedule
Friday, April 15th:
DC United @ Columbus, 8pm, ESPN2
Saturday, April 16th:
Colorado @ Real Salt Lake (Home Opener), 3pm ESPN2
Kansas City @ MetroStars, 7:30pm MSG
San Jose @ Chicago, 8:30pm, FSC
FC Dallas @ Chivas, 10pm, HDNet
Standings after Week 2
MLS East (Club, PTS, GD)
New England 4, +3
DC United 4, +2
Kansas City 3, +1
Columbus 3, +0
Metros 1, +0
Chicago 1, -1
MLS West
FC Dallas 4, +1
LA Galaxy 3, -1
San Jose 2, 0
Colorado 1, -1
Chivas USA 1, -2
Real Salt Lake 1, -2
The only GM that the Chicago Fire has ever known, Peter Wilt, was unceremoniously dumped by owner/operator AEG in favor of current Metros VP Marketing John Guppy. Wilt, who was known as the most fan-friendly GM in the league, had led the team to the MLS Cup title in its very first season (1998), and US Open Cup titles in 1998, 2000, and 2003. He oversaw the Fire's move to Naperville, IL for two seasons while Solider Field underwent renovation, and negotiated the building of the Fire's own stadium, now under construction in Bridgeview, IL, 12 miles south of Chicago.
In Europe, Chelsea, Liverpool, and DaMarcus Beasley's PSV Eindhoven squad advanced to the Champions League semifinals. The two English squads will play each other, and PSV awaits a UEFA ruling on the AC Milan-Inter Milan series after AC keeper Dida was hit by a flare thrown from the stands in the teams' second-leg match. The match was abandoned with AC Milan holding a 3-0 aggregate lead.
This Week's MLS Schedule
Friday, April 15th:
DC United @ Columbus, 8pm, ESPN2
Saturday, April 16th:
Colorado @ Real Salt Lake (Home Opener), 3pm ESPN2
Kansas City @ MetroStars, 7:30pm MSG
San Jose @ Chicago, 8:30pm, FSC
FC Dallas @ Chivas, 10pm, HDNet
Standings after Week 2
MLS East (Club, PTS, GD)
New England 4, +3
DC United 4, +2
Kansas City 3, +1
Columbus 3, +0
Metros 1, +0
Chicago 1, -1
MLS West
FC Dallas 4, +1
LA Galaxy 3, -1
San Jose 2, 0
Colorado 1, -1
Chivas USA 1, -2
Real Salt Lake 1, -2
Friday, April 08, 2005
What It's All About
Frank Dell'Apa has a great profile in today's Boston Globe about Revolution rookie D Michael Parkhurst who, as a 12-yr old youth player, attended New England's first-ever game at old Foxboro Stadium. Now he wears the jersey. A great read about the present and future of MLS.
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