(Goal.com) - Luiz Felipe Scolari has sensationally pulled out of the running to be the next England manager just 24 hours after he was considered a dead cert to be Sven-Goran Eriksson's replacement.

The Brazilian, who will manage Portugal at this summer's World Cup finals, revealed in a press conference that he didn't want to be considered for the post anymore.

The 57-year-old, who guided Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, cited pressure from the media as the reason for his shock u-turn.

"There are 20 reporters outside my house now," he said.

"If that is part of another culture, it is not part of my culture. I am not the coach, and will not be (England's) coach."

Posted by soccer365 at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - The most famous Mexican player in the world talks about his example to fellow players, his growth as a player, his contract, and a nagging knee injury.

Rafael Marquez is the first Mexican to make it to the Champions League final. Though glad for the achievement, he’s saddened by the lack of compatriots in Europe.

Knowing his influence could open doors for other Mexican players—as it has for Jared Borgetti and Guillermo Franco—he feels it has not been enough to persuade many others from leaving their home roots.

“There aren’t too many Mexicans coming to play over here, and that’s the problem,” Marquez told ESPN Deportes’ RECORD solemnly, “I’ve been out of Mexico for seven years and not many have followed me.”

“I keep trying to bridge the gap, to open doors for players to follow, while furthering my career and reaching my goals.”

Said ambition has turned Marquez into the best Mexican soccer export in recent times, though he’s taking it all in stride.

Maturity

Marquez has clearly evolved, matured as a player. Proof of this is the fact he did not commit a single foul against AC Milan in Barcelona’s semifinal series; not bad for the man who was dismissed from the USA match in ’02 (a 2-0 loss) and red-carded in the ’05 Confederations Cup game versus Argentina.

“You learn from your mistakes, you become mature and try not to repeat them. I’ve matured quite a bit to not repeat those mistakes. In Milan and Barcelona I did well and hope to stay on the same track.”

Rafa admits his expectations have far been exceeded since his arrival in Europe, as this year Barça is on the verge of a championship double—their 18th La Liga title and 2nd Champions League title.

“I dreamed of playing in Europe. I never imagined all that’s occurred, but now that it’s here I want to work hard to continue to reach new heights and keep it up for many years.”

Evidently, greatness is contagious, as being accustomed to playing with the world soccer elite has elevated his game to the highest level, making the Mexican national’s marriage to the Catalan side a success story for all.
“The team has matured greatly, and we’ve worked hard to make this happen. We’ve learned from past mistakes, from lost games.”

Contract Talks

Marquez mentioned there have not been talks to renew his contract, which expires in ’07.
“We haven’t reached an agreement yet,” Marquez said. “Of course both sides are eager to renew, but we have yet to sit down and resolve the issue.”

Toughing it out

Keeping a high level in two tournaments has not been easy for Marquez, as he’s been bothered by ligament strains on his left knee. Surgery’s not an option at the moment; the damage will have to be repaired following the World Cup, and in the meantime, he’ll tough it out.

“I’ve felt much better, but the problems won’t go away,” said Marquez. “Little by little, however, the injury’s getting better, and I’ve had less troubles. I hope to keep going like this as long as possible. If I require surgery I’ll do it at the appropriate time, but right now it’s evolving well. After the World Cup, some time will have to be made for surgery, but not now.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (68)

(Soccer365.com) - Young Argentinean phenom, Leo Messi is making progress and hopes to play in UEFA Champions League final versus England's Arsenal.

Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi visited a Buenos Aires hospital on Thursday where he had a scan on the muscle injury in his right leg that has kept him out of action for over a month.

Donato Villani, doctor with the Argentina national team, said he was pleased with the progress of the 18-year-old.

"The injury is progressing well but we can not set a date for his return because that would put extra pressure on him," said Villani.

Barcelona's doctors have been in charge of the treatment, according to Villani, who said: "This guy is in Barcelona's hands. The only thing we did is to help Barcelona's medical staff during their stay in Buenos Aires.

"We're in permanent contact with them so it won't be necessary for us to go to Spain to see Lionel."

Barca hope he will be fit for the Champions League final with Arsenal in Paris on May 17.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Middlesbrough completed one of the most improbable comebacks in UEFA Cup history... again. Heading into the match 'Boro were a goal down to Steaua Bucharest and then 3-0 down 25 minutes into the second leg. But with the Riverside behind them, the English club responded with four goals to advance to the UEFA Cup finals 4-3 on aggregate, repeating a feat they accomplished in the quarterfinals! It will be Middlesbrough's first ever European final.

Middlesbrough 4, Steaua Bucharest 2

Middlesbrough advance to the UEFA Cup finals 4-3 on aggregate

In the quarterfinals Middlesbrough pulled off a similar Houdini trick, when they also overturned a 3-0 deficit to see off Basel.

On this night, Nicolae Dica (16') and Dorin Goian (24') stunned the home crowd as the Romanian outfit sprang to a 3-0 aggregate lead and the advantage of two away goals. Massimo Maccarone pulled one back before halftime for Middlesbrough, though, setting up a wild second half.

With the stadium pulsating, Mark Viduka headed home Middlesbrough's second goal to make the match score 2-2 and the aggregate 3-2 in favor of the Romanians. However, 'Boro needed to win by two goals to advance.

When Chris Riggott pounced on a rebound to bring the match score to 3-2 and the aggregate at 3-3, the anticipation reached a fever pitch.

In an eerie repeat of when he scored the winning goal against Bases (in the 90th minute), Maccarone answered the prayers of the home fans with a fourth and decisive Middlesbrough goal in the 89th minute to complete an improbable turn of events where 'Boro overturned a 3-0 deficit with four goals in less than an hour.

Posted by soccer365 at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Sevilla will meet Middlesbrough in this year’s Uefa Cup final after an extra time goal from Antonio Puerta gave the Spaniards a 1-0 aggregate win over Schalke in the semi-finals.

Sevilla 1, Schalke 0
Sevilla advance 1-0 on aggregate

The local-born midfielder fired a superb half-volley past keeper Frank Rost ten minutes into extra time to send the Sanchez Pizjuan wild.

Chances were at a premium throughout. Kevin Kuranyi headed wide early on before Luis Fabiano and Javier Saviola both went close for Sevilla.

Adriano Correia also fired wide but the two sides went in 0-0 at half-time.

Rost made a fine one-handed save to deny Enzo Maresca a quarter of an hour from the end and the game went into extra time.

After Puerta had won the tie for Sevilla, thousands of fans invaded the pitch to celebrate the team’s qualification for the final.

Posted by soccer365 at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Chivas understands the hardest part of reaching the quarterfinals will be in the away game, but their coach is confident in his squad.

Despite the impressive 3-0 shellacking of Independiente Santa Fe at Jalisco Wednesday, the Chivas are not celebrating just yet.

“I think we took a good advantage, but we still have to play the away match,” said Guadalajara manager, Jose Manuel de la Torre.

“Over there it will be different,” added ‘Chepo’, “I think they’ll play us more aggressive, the fans will do their part.” But the rookie coach was quick to give his team a boost: “But we’re prepared for whatever happens.”

“I feel like my team is capable of securing the away victory if we play with the same intensity and disposition.”
Making his Copa Libertadores debut, Omar Esparza, who played with Mexico’s U-20 championship side, was happy with his contribution.

“It was a great night for me. To make my Copa Libertadores debut with a goal is a dream come true.”
Even outspoken Chivas owner, Jorge Vergara chimed in with his thoughts, as he assured that “three zip is enough and it’s clear we’re going to Bogota to win.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

(Goal.com) - The Uefa Cup may be a bit of an Ugly Duckling of a competition, a strange hybrid forever in the shadow of the Champions League; but the trophy itself is mammoth, a handsome chunk of silverware to grace any club's sideboard. And now that we're down to the last four, the clubs still involved are desperate to get their hands on it.

One of the quartet has already held it: Schalke 04 were winners in 1996/97, the last year in which the final was played over two legs. Schalke beat Internazionale 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen while Inter won the return 1-0 at the San Siro. And after extra-time failed to separate them, the Bundesliga side won a penalty shoot-out 4-1. Arsenal's man-of-the-moment Jens Lehmann was in goal for Schalke nine years ago and excelled in the shoot-out.

But Schalke's chances of emulating that success are generally perceived to have diminished following last week's goalless draw at home to Sevilla, whose stadium they visit tonight in search of victory.

It may be some comfort to the Germans to know that Huub Stevens, their coach when they won in 1997, believes they can succeed again. Currently coaching Dutch side Roda, Stevens told Uefa's official website: "Of course they still have a chance. Last weekend at Werder Bremen they proved that they can perform away from home [they drew 0-0]. There is enough quality in the team to score in Sevilla and then I can't see any reason why they should not advance."

Tonight's game coincides with the Feria de Sevilla, a week-long annual celebration of Andalusian customs such as flamenco dancing. So there is sure to be festive atmosphere inside Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium, with the home fans hoping their side can reach a European final in their centenary season.

Coach Juande Ramos sounded a word of caution, however. "We cannot afford to get carried away by the euphoria. It is a difficult situation because we need to score, but we can't concede either. I don't like the result as it stands and we have a lot of work still to do," Ramos told uefa.com.

He is looking for the likes of Argentine star Javier Saviola to inspire the side to victory, though his selection options have been constrained by suspensions for Javi Navarro and Kepa Blanco, while Ivica Dragutinovic and Fredi Kanoute may miss out through injury. However, striker Ariza Makukula is available after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Saviola - who scored twice in Sevilla's 4-1 home win over Zenit St. Petersburg in the quarter-final – says: "We want to enjoy and make the most of this match because we don't know when we will play another semi-final like this. We have to play our football, which has got us this far, and be very fast and dangerous."

Sevilla's scheduled game against Barcelona last weekend had to be postponed when a heavy deluge made the pitch unplayable, so thay have inadvertently enjoyed a bit of a break.

But Schalke will not make it easy for the Spaniards. Manager Mirko Slomka is without influential defender Mladen Krstajic following his red card in the first-leg, but Uruguayan Darío Rodríguez should be fit to strengthen the defence.

Schalke midfielder Christian Poulsen said: "It was important not to concede at home, and a 1-1 draw in Seville will be good enough for us. We are certainly strong enough to stand our ground in Spain and reach the final."

They can point to having scored three away goals in Bulgaria in the quarter-final when beating Levski Sofia 3-1, and striker Gerald Asamoah reckons, "We are always likely to score, although the chances are still 50/50." Asamoah's fellow striker Ebbe Sand said: "This is my first European semi-final and my last chance to win a big title. I hope everyone in our team is as motivated as I am."

The other semi-final sees English Premiership side Middlesbrough entertain a top Romanian side in Steaua Bucharest. Boro are trailing 0-1 from the first-leg - when they could well have gone down by a heavier score - and manager Steve McClaren is exhorting his troops to seize the moment and make club history. He sees this game as among the biggest the club has ever faced, and the perfect antidote to the disappointment of last Sunday, when Boro lost an FA Cup semi-final to West Ham United.

Much may depend on the return from injury of powerfully-built but technically gifted Australian striker Mark Viduka. He had to miss the last two matches with a thigh injury and his presence has in turn been missed by the team. His strength makes him an ideal target man, capable of holding up play until support arrives - or of going it alone.

Viduka told uefa.com. "I've never been in the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, I got to the UEFA Champions League semis with Leeds, but it's a new experience for myself and for all of us, and it's a great thing to be part of. Playing against great teams in European competition is good for us and it's good for the club. I'm playing as well now as at any time in my career and I'm enjoying myself. There's been a big turnaround at this club, but that's what football's like; a couple of months ago we were all coming in for some pretty strong criticism and it's all turned round. I think it's down to mental strength, a bit of luck, a bit of determination and a bit of never-say-die attitude."

Viduka has scored seven goals in his last eleven games, including two against Basle in the quarter-final second leg in which Boro came back from 0-3 down on aggregate to win 4-3.

As for opponents Steaua, they lead through Nicolae Dica's first-half goal in Bucharest. But they are without midfielders Banel Nicolita and Sorin Paraschiv, both suspended. However, striker Victoras Iacob could return after a month out with a shoulder injury. Coach Cosmin Olaroiu could also go with Daniel Balan and Florin Lovin.

If Boro are looking to make history, so are Steaua. They want to become the first Romanian side to reach the Uefa Cup final. However, 20 years ago they upset the odds by beating Barcelona on penaltries after a 0-0 draw in the final of the European Cup (now the Champions League). Three years later Steaua reached the European Cup final again, but this time lost 0-4 to AC Milan.

Coach Olaroiu believes his side will need to get a goal at The Riverside. "We will have to score at least once; playing for a draw would be fatal against a very good team with high-quality players. But it's their last chance to win something this season, so the pressure is bigger for them. We have faced more difficult situations and overcome all of them."

Posted by soccer365 at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - A round-up of women’s soccer news from around the world.

U.S. skipper Greg Ryan has revealed the 18 players that he will take to Japan for the scheduled friendlies on May 7th and 9th. The U.S. will look to improve on its 14-0-3 all-time record against Japan in the first meetings between the two countries since the 2004 Olympic quarterfinal, which the U.S. won 2-1. Veteran goalkeeper Briana Scurry makes her first appearance on a game roster since the end of 2004 and is the only player named to not have participated in the recently concluded Algarve Cup.

The full roster includes goalkeepers Briana Scurry and Hope Solo; defenders Tina Frimpong, Amy LePeilbet, Stephanie Lopez, Heather Mitts, Christie Rampone, and Cat Whitehill; midfielders Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd, Leslie Osborne, Lindsay Tarpley and Aly Wagner; forwards Natasha Kai, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly, Abby Wambach and Christie Welsh.

U.S. U-21 Plan Short Trip To Europe

The U.S. U-21 Women’s Team is also planning its own trip abroad, as the squad prepares for the upcoming annual Nordic Cup, to be held in Norway this summer. The team will face Seastum, a Dutch women’s club, on April 29th in Tiel, Holland before taking on Holland’s U-21 squad at the same venue on May 2nd. The three-match tour will then end on May 4th in Duisburg, Germany against that city’s women’s Bundesliga team. Head coach Jill Ellis will be evaluating some new talent as many of her regular selections are with the senior squad or the U-20 team.

Packing their bags for the trip are: goalkeepers Cori Alexander and Kati Jo Spisak; defenders Rachel Buehler, Kendall Fletcher, Holly Gault, Hayley Hunt and Lauren Switzer; midfielders Bristyn Davis, Tobin Heath, Sarah Huffman, Noelle Keselica, Manya Makoski, Rebecca Moros and Jennifer Redmond; forwards Danesha Adams, Liz Bogus, Katie Griffin, Kelly Hammond, Ashlee Pistorius, and Tiffany Weimer.

U.S. U-20s Win in Brasil

The U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team managed to win Brasil’s Ricardo Teixeira Cup, on the strength of a 4-0 trouncing of Canada, despite losing to the hosts, 1-2, two days later. The win over Canada avenged a tie between the two earlier in the cup, as second-half substitute Kelley O’Hara exploded for two goals, adding to first-half tallies from Lauren Cheney and Jessica Rostedt. The trip finished on a sour note, however, as the U.S. lost to Brasil on April 24th despite a Jordan Angeli strike 14 minutes into the match. The Brasilians got even in the 38th minute as Renata Costa made good on her free kick from 25 yards out. Play was rough—there were 38 total fouls committed between the two sides—and culminated in a red for U.S. keeper Val Henderson in the 65th minute after she fouled a Brasilian attacker. Two minutes later Maurine got the home side the winning goal after she scooped up a poor clearance and sent the ball into the back of the net.

Next up for the U.S. U-20 squad is a brief training camp from April 30th through May 7th at the HomeDeportCenter in Carson, California before traveling to Germany for a round of matches in early May. Only 11 of the 17 players called into the camp were with the team in Brasil, as seven regulars (Carrie Dew, Ariel Harris, Stephanie Logterman, Stephanie Lopez, Brittany Bock, Danesha Adams and Amy Rodriguez) will not be able to join the team until its trip overseas.

Included on the training camp roster are: goalkeepers Kelsey Davis, Joanna Haig and Val Henderson; defenders Jordan Angeli, Jill Gilbeau, Erin Hardy, Nikki Kryzsik, Sara Wagenfuhr; midfielders Natalie Capuano, Tina DiMartino, Katie Larkin, Allie Long, Amanda Poach and Lorraine Quinn; forwards Lauren Cheney, Kelley O’Hara and Jessica Rostedt.

U-20 World Championship Draw

FIFA recently revealed the final draw for the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship, and the U.S. were placed into Group D, with Argentina, France and the second qualifier from the African confederation. Group A is surely this tourney’s Group of Death, with both hosts Russia and Brasil, in addition to New Zealand and Australia. Group B features China PR, Finland, Canada and the first qualifier from Africa and Group C contains defending champs Germany as well as Mexico, Korea and Switzerland.

The championship’s official opener on August 17th will see Group A’s Brasil take on Russia in what promises to be a thriller. The Americans will kick off their tourney a day later against the African team and will then face Argentina on the 21st and France on the 24th. Later rounds will begin on August 26th and the event will culminate with the championship match on September 3rd.

UEFA Qualifying Results

Last weekend’s UEFA qualifying featured no upsets and many lopsided scoresheets. In Group 1, Italy thrashed their hosts Greece 5-0 as Patrizia Panico found net four times. Italy now are tied with Norway for the top spot in the table, although the Azzurre have played one more game. Group 2’s Sweden barely managed to slip past the CzechRepublic 3-2, but thanks to Lota Schelin’s two late goals the Swedes are now in sole possession of first place. Laura Kalmari registered a hat-trick to help Finlandbeat Poland5-1 in Group 3 but Spaintook control of the table with a 4-2 victory over Belgium. Up next for the Spaniards is a trip to Denmark on Thursday, April 27th in a match between the group’s top two teams.

Group 4 saw the Republic of Ireland get revenge for last month’s 2-0 loss to Switzerland and beat the Swiss by the same score line. With the victory, the Irish move into third place in the pool and their opponents drop to fourth.

Finally, France kept hosts Hungary without any points or goals with a 5-0 drubbing. Les Bleues remain in second in Group 5, three points behind table-leader England.

The next full schedule of UEFA qualifiers is set for the first weekend in May.

Goal.com Women’s Editor Sayre Priddy

Posted by soccer365 at 08:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - The BBC is reportung that Luiz Felipe Scolari has been offered the job of England manager and is discussing terms with the Football Assocation.

According the BBC report, FA chief executive Brian Barwick is in Lisbon to work out a deal with Portugal's Brazilian manager, who masterminded England's defeat in both the 2002 World Cup - which he won with Brazil - and 2004 European Championships (in which Portugal were the beaten finalists).

Scolari, 57, is out of contract with the Portuguese FA after this summer's World Cup.

If he accepts the post, he will succeeed Sven-Goran Eriksson when he Swede steps down after the tournament in Germany.

Scolari is thought to have a gentleman's agreement with the Portuguese FA not to commit himself to another job until his current deal runs out in July, and the BBC understands that part of the FA's talks in Lisbon are aimed at waiving this arrangement.

The FA board will meet again next Thursday and hope to be in a position to finalise their selection by then.

Scolari has emerged as a dark horse backed by Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, one of the members of the FA's selection panel. The other contenders are thought to be former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill plus Premiership team managers Steve MacClaren, Sam Allardyce and Alan Curbishley.

Posted by soccer365 at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal's vice-chairman David Dein has urged Thierry Henry to stay with the Champions League finalists, although is clearly clueless as to the Frenchman's intentions.

Henry, who has been strongly linked with Barcelona for over a year, will have just one year left on his contract come the end of the season, but has refused to commit himself to the Gunners until the end of the current campaign.

However, Dein doesn't believe he will base his decision on the clubs Champions League final next month.

He told BBC London: "I would hope his decision will not be based on one game, he's far too intelligent for that."

"He is one of the finest players to have played football generally, and you are now seeing someone at the peak of his profession.

"We want him to stay, the fans want him to stay and we hope he will stay. If he's ambitious he should stay at Arsenal because we have got a new stadium and a young team coming through.

"We would like him to stay and be captain and take us on to even greater successes."

Posted by soccer365 at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)

(Soccer365.com) - Snubbed by the national team, Cuauhtémoc Blanco wants to do everything he can to get the slumping Eagles into the postseason.

Club America star Cuauhtémoc Blanco is hoping and praying, in spite of injuries, to continue playing in order to help his team make the Clausura ‘06 playoffs.

Last Saturday, Blanco, whose exclusion from the national team has caused a public outcry, left the game (a 1-0 loss at Atlante) holding on to his left leg, yet team doctor Alfonso Diaz stated Blanco has a right hip flexor.

Diaz assured it’s not an injury but only muscular fatigue due to the intense physical toll of the season for the Eagles forward, and that he has already improved 40 percent.

“I hope God gives me the opportunity to get to Sunday and play,” said Blanco. “Even if I had been playing injured all season I would want to play.”

Dijo que esta desición es "por ayudar al equipo que no está bien. Creo que sí necesito un descanso, pero primero tengo que pensar en el partido del domingo, ganarlo y ver qué pasa con los demás equipos". He added that all he wants to do is “help the team, which isn’t doing well.”

“I do feel I need a rest, but first I have to think about Sunday’s game, win it and see what happens with the other teams.”

The Eagles will play their final regular season game at home at Azteca Stadium versus a Monterrey side with a losing record. They need to win and hope for other contenders to lose in order to reach the quarterfinals.

“I had never been hurt so much before,” said the 32-year-old Mexican striker. “But I’m not going to get desperate, on the contrary, I’m going to stay calm and do whatever I can to help the team.”

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(Goal.com) - One of the true masters of the game, Zinedine Zidane, confirmed today that he will retire after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"Today I am making the decision to leave it all behind," Zidane said at a press conference today.

The Real Madrid star, who turns 34 during the World Cup, said he wanted to make his intentions known now so that that Real Madrid could begin to plan for next season. "I wanted to give ample notice so that Real Madrid has time to look for my replacement, other players, if that's what they want," he said. "That is why I'm announcing it now and not after the World Cup. It's the least I can give Real Madrid. This Club has given me a lot and deserves this courtesy."

The man, whose magnificent volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the finals of the 2002 Champions League allowed Real Madrid to win their ninth such title, admitted has has felt the effects of age.

"In these last two years I haven't felt at ease, I haven't played the way I wanted," he said. "I'm not 25 anymore. Each day it's more difficult, I have more pains. I don't want to be here just for the sake of being here. I've always done everything to win and I'm not doing that lately."

Zidane scored two goals in leading France to the World Cup title in 1998. An injury limited Zidane's appearances at the 2002 World Cup, when France failed to get out of the group stage.

"To finish my career after the World Cup is something very special," said the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year. "I'm going to be highly motivated, I just hope I don't have any physical problems."

Real Madrid's final home match this season comes against Villarreal on May 7.

Zinedine Zidane Factfile:
Born: June 23, 1972 in Marseille, France
Nickname: Zizou
Clubs: AS Cannes (1988-92), Girondins Bordeaux (1992-96), Juventus (1996-2001), Real Madrid (2001-2006)

Posted by soccer365 at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Villarreal, Spain (Sports Network) - Jens Lehmann proved why he was selected as Germany's goalkeeper for the World Cup by blocking a late Villarreal penalty shot to ensure a scoreless draw and Arsenal a spot in the Champions League final match.

Lehmann blocked Juan Roman Riquelme's penalty kick in the 90th minute to preserve Arsenal's narrow one -goal aggregate Tuesday at El Madrigal. Riquelme's shot towards the net's left post wasn't enough to get past a diving Lehmann.

The blocked penalty shot put an end to a day filled with near goals for Villarreal, which had an offense that dominated throughout the 90 minutes.

Tuesday's results mark the first time Arsenal had made it to the tournament's final match. The scoreless draw added to an Arsenal clean sheet spanning 919 minutes.

Arsene Wenger's club is the second consecutive Premiership team to make it into the Champions League final match. Arsenal will have to wait until the results of Wednesday's Barcelona-AC Milan match to find out its opponent in the finals.

Wenger's lineup looked slightly different at the start of Tuesday's game. Jose Antonio Reyes returned after serving a one-match suspension, and Sol Campbell made the start after suffering a broken nose in his last game against Portsmouth in league play.

For Villarreal, coach Manuel Pellegrini kept Mariano Barbosa and added Juan Manuel Pena and Josico to the second-leg starting lineup.

With the familiar bright yellow jerseys set to a wall of fans draped in the same color, Villarreal appeared to take quick control of the match.

The "yellow submarine" offense managed its first attempt on the Arsenal defense with a Guillermo Franco shot that was sent high and wide of the net.

The team continued to pressure the Arsenal defense throughout the first few minutes of the half.

In the ninth minute, Arsenal was forced to make a quick substitution, as Mathieu Flamini was forced out of the match with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Gael Clichy came on for the injured forward after having not played since November due to a broken foot.

Though Arsenal would also create some pressure in the first half, Villarreal maintained control. Overall, the home side had 12 total shots compared to Arsenal's two. Five of the 12 shots were on goal, with the Arsenal offense only able to create one attempt on goal.

In the second half, with the opportunity to advance quickly slipping away, Villarreal nearly took the lead with a goal that was flagged for offside. Franco drilled a shot to the top right corner that was out of reach of a diving Lehmann. But before anyone could celebrate, the lineman signaled for offside.

The club had its best attempt on the penalty kick, which was the result of a Clichy foul on Villarreal's Jose Maria in the 90th minute. Following the blocked shot, Riquelme took one last attempt deep into extra time that was blocked to nearly end the club's hopes to advance.

Arsenal will travel to Paris, France for the Champions League final May 17.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

(Soccer365.com) - General Manager Chris Canetti leaves Red Bull New York.

Red Bull New York announced Monday that Chris Canetti has resigned from his position as Assistant General Manager of Red Bull New York effective immediately.

Canetti joined the club (then known as the MetroStars) in May of 2000. He served several different capacities during his six-year tenure with the club, and most recently held the position of Assistant General Manager, which he assumed in April of 2005. In that role, Canetti was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Red Bulls’ business.

The Red Bulls are currently 0-1-3 in the 2006 campaign and sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are in action this Saturday, April 29 when they travel to Los Angeles to battle CD Chivas USA at 10:00 p.m. ET at the Home Depot Center.

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Both tickets to the final of the 2006 UEFA Champions’ League will be punched this week as Europe’s best this season. Arsenal, Villarreal, AC Milan, and Barcelona take the last step toward making it to the showpiece event of the European season.

Arsenal and Barcelona appear to be in the driver’s seat at the moment as they take narrow leads into this week’s return legs. Still, narrow is the operative word here, and, after last season’s amazing comeback by Liverpool in the final, it’s quite possible that anything can and will happen in this tournament.

On Tuesday evening, Arsenal and Villarreal meet in the second leg of their semifinal fixture at the Estadio El Madrigal in Spain. A Kolo Toure goal gave Arsenal a slim 1-0 victory in the final European match played at Highbury last week, and Arsene Wenger’s side will look to finish the job as the Gunners aim for their first trip to a Champions’ League final.

The plucky Spaniards, however, will be up for it having shown in their first ever Champions’ League campaign that they don’t go down easy. In fact, after losing to Inter Milan in the first leg of their quarterfinal match-up at the San Siro, Villarreal duly defeated the favoured Italians at the Madrigal, something that will surely give fans of the Spanish club hope as Manuel Pellegrini’s side seeks a place in the club's first European final. The difference now, though, is that Villarreal don’t have an away goal like they did in the quarterfinals.

Nevertheless, it has all the makings of a tasty affair on Tuesday night with both sides recognizing how big of an opportunity this really is. Villarreal have not lost at home this season in the competition, while Arsenal have been even more impressive having not lost at all in 11 Champions’ League matches since last September. Something has got to give. If Villarreal can overturn the current deficit and knock out another big European side they will be worthy of their place in the final, but so will Arsenal should they stand tall in the Madrigal and continue their remarkable run in the tournament.

If Tuesday’s match-up is all about two teams who have never contested a European Cup/Champions’ League final, then the other semifinal clash is the exact opposite, with both teams having a long history of participation in important European matches over the years, including several appearances in the final between the two.

On Wednesday, Barcelona and AC Milan meet at the Nou Camp to settle their mammoth semifinal tie. Barca take a 1-0 advantage back home after recording an important away win at the San Siro last week thanks to Ludovic Giuly’s second-half strike. Milan missed numerous chances to get on the scoreboard themselves though Rossoneri boss Carlos Ancelotti believes that those chances signify that his men have the ability to score goals against Barcelona, which they will, he says, at the Nou Camp.

Milan are looking to make it to their third final in four years, while Barcelona are aiming for a return to the final for the first time since 1994, when they incidentally lost to Milan 4-0 in Athens.

For Milan, overturning their current predicament would go some way in erasing the terrible memories of last season’s final in Istanbul where the club raced out to a 3-0 lead over Liverpool, before Rafa Benitez’s side staged one of the all-time greatest European comebacks. And while many believe that Milan have the ability to get the result they need at the Nou Camp, that many more observers are convinced that Milan already missed their chance at home last week. Barcelona meanwhile must still prove that they are the total package and put to rest the notion that they are an exceptionally talented attacking side, which has some glaring defensive frailties.

So, prepare for a potentially memorable set of semifinals this week with a fascinating final grouping to come from these matches. Will it be Arsenal-Barcelona in the final as many claim? Or will Villarreal and Milan meet by overcoming their first leg deficits? How about Arsenal versus AC Milan or an all-Spanish tilt between Villarreal and Barcelona? The possibilities are intriguing and the beauty of football is that we simply don’t know yet and probably won’t know until the 90 minutes are up in each match, or perhaps until after 120 minutes or penalties. What we do know is that the winners of each semifinal will meet in Paris at the Stade de France on 17 May and a new European champion will be crowned.

George Tsitsonis

Posted by soccer365 at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Being left out of the Holland World Cup roster no surprise for Makaay.

Bayern Munich strike ace Roy Makaay says he was emotionally prepared to see his name left off of Marco van Basten’s provisional Holland World Cup roster.

The forward, who signed a one-year extension with FC Hollywood on the weekend, rebounded from the bad news by hitting a draw-saving double against Mainz 05.

“I had already come to terms with it beforehand and tried to concentrate on my job here at Bayern Munich,” admitted Makaay. “We want to defend our double.”

“You always want to keep some hope in the back of your mind (for a World Cup call),” he added. “You never know what could happen.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Reading star Marcus Hahnemann has been honored by the Professional Footballers’ Association as the Coca-Cola Championship Keeper of the Year.

The former Colorado and Fulham man becomes the third American Abroad to win such a divisional honor, following Blackburn’s Brad Fridel and Manchester United’s Tim Howard.

Hahnemann backstopped Reading to the title and Premiership promotion, compiling 21 clean sheets along the way.

Oddly, Royal teammate Bobby Convey did not make the league’s first team, despite being one fo five finalists for the Player of the Year award.

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(Soccer365.com) - The Clausura 2006 playoff race heats up as two more teams broke out of the pack.

Monterrey 0 – 1 Cruz Azul

The Cement Machine handled the ‘Pandilla’ as they defeated Monterrey away 1-0 to qualify to the postseason liguilla knockout tournament.

Alejandro Corona sent a superb pass to “Chelito” Delgado, who launched an unstoppable shot in the 52nd minute for the only score.

The Machine, with 27 points in 16 games and one to play, joined Chiapas and Pachuca, who have already qualified. Meanwhile, having a woeful season, Cruz Azul also crushed Monterrey’s playoff aspirations with the victory.

Atlante 1 – 0 America

The Eagles continued to struggle in the Mexican league Clausura tournament and are on the brink of elimination as they fell 1-0 at Atlante, who qualified to the playoffs.

Horacio Cervantes’s 64th minute strike was so potent it turned the goalkeeper’s arm as it hit the net for the Iron Colts’ most valuable goal in two years. They had not made the playoffs since Apertura ’04.

Dealing with an injury to star player Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Manuel Lapuente mysteriously left Aaron Padilla on the bench.

Atlante is tops in Group 1 with 24 points, while The Eagles are fourth in with 20 points, one behind Morelia and two away of San Luis.

Tecos 2 – 2 Chivas

Charismatic striker Adolfo Bautista saved Guadalajara as they overcame a 2-goal deficit to end level with local nemesis, UAG Tecos 2-2.

Chilean Pinto Martinez (28) and Argentine Daniel Ludueña (51) had put the Tecos in control.

‘Bofo’ burned Mario Rodriguez with a scorching cross in the 69th and followed that up with a crafty penalty kick in the 84th for the tie.

Chivas is third in Group 3 but with 23 points, they control their own destiny as far as the playoffs; a win would see them through, while a loss or a tie would see them in trouble. With 19 points in Group 1, Tecos are still mathematically alive, but need help.

Morelia 1 – 0 San Luis

The Monarchs notched an important victory 1-0 at home in to keep their marginal playoff hopes alive and hended San Luis a crucial relegation blow.

In the 58th minute Wilson Thiago Matias rose to the occasion when he headed home Fernando Arce’s corner amid four defenders.

Morelia is third in Group 1 with 21 points, chasing San Luis by a point for the second spot in the group.

Jaguares 2 – 4 Sinaloa

Sinaloa refuses to be relegated quietly, handing one of the hottest teams in Mexico a swift 4-2 beating at home Saturday.

The goal onslaught was courtesy of Carlos Ochoa (54) and Salvador Cabañas (78) for the Jaguares, and Andrés Orozco (6, 70), Josep Guardiola (22), and Christián Patiño (90).

Jaguares did not suffer in the standings as they have already secured one of the top spots in the playoffs; Dorados are third in Group 2 with 21 points.

Pachuca 0 – 0 Veracruz

The Tuzos held on to their tenuous lead in the Mexican league standings with a dreary 0-0 tie at home over relegation-bound Veracruz.

Pachuca has 31 points, one more than Chiapas, and are on pace to finish as the #1 seed in the playoffs.

Veracruz Sharks are on fifth place in Group 2, have slim hopes of making the playoffs, but better chances of remaining in the First Division for another season.

Atlas 2 – 3 Necaxa

Two Fabricio Fuentes mistakes cost the Zorros the game as visiting Necaxa out-duels them 3-2.

Already down 0-1, in the 17th, Fuentes lost the ball to Antonio Perez, who drilled the second goal. Fuentes mishandled a ball that Ariel Lopez kicked in for the 3-1 mark in the 31st.

All was not lost, however, since San Luis lost, Atlas saved is safe from relegation for the season.

The Zorros are fifth in Group 3 with 20 points, while Necaxa is in the Group 1 cellar with 18.

Toluca 1 – 2 Santos

The Red Devils blew a golden opportunity in their title defense by losing at home to 2-1 to Santos, the worst team in the league.

Carlos Esquivel nailed a shot early as Toluca probably overlooked modest Santos and were overconfident in getting the qualification.

Beginning to celebrate late in the game, they were stunned when ‘Pony’ Ruiz took a Mattias Vuoso pass and hit with a right boot for the tie.

And then, when Hugo Castillo outfought Lozano off a corner in the 90th minute for the go-ahead goal, the home team and their fans were left humbled.

Toluca is second in Group 2 with 21 points but have a goal-difference edge over Sinaloa and UNAM. Santos is sixth in the same group with just 15 points.

Pumas 1 – 1 Tigres

Argentines saved the day in the second Mexican catfight, as Marioni and Gaitan scored to give UNAM and UANL a grueling 1 – 1 draw.

Bruno Marioni scored his second goal of the season as he outran the defense in the 32nd and hit a low kick for the lead. Tigres coach Ricardo Ferreti argued the call and was sent off.

Walter Gaitan, known as ‘Divino’ made a divine play as he took a pass from Jose Luis Mendoza, and all alone, drilled the equalizer in the 74th.

Pumas are in a three-way tie for second in Group 2 with 21 points, and, also with 21 points, Tigres are fourth in Group 3.

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(Goal.com) - Fifa president Sepp Blatter has warned that World Cup teams may be subjected to FIFA's new anti-racism rules and will have points deducted for racist behaviour by fans.

The new rules took effect in April and will be brought into domestic competitions starting next season but however, they will be enforced at the World Cup in Germany this summer.

"The regulations will be applied for this World Cup - at the first sign of racism there will be a deduction of three points," Blatter told Sky TV.

In a move to fight against racism in football, Blatter is hoping that this system will be helpful in discouraging racist behaviour by fans in football’s most prestigious tournament in Germany and said FIFA Congress will discuss the the matter when it meets before the World Cup starts on June 9.

The Fifa president said that deducting points, which may hinder a team's progress in the tournament, may be a deterrent.

He added: "Once we deduct points, then we are finished with the problems of discrimination."

The measures for domestic competitions provide for a three-point deduction for a first offence, six for a second and relegation for a third offence.

Posted by soccer365 at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - Valencia and Real Madrid get key wins as Barcelona has to wait.

Valencia won their fourth straight match, getting three goals from David Villa to sink relegation bait Athletic Bilbao 3-0.

Elsewhere, Sergio Ramos tapped home near the death to lift Real Madrid over Málaga 2-1.

Repeat artists Barcelona saw their match at Sevilla postponed due to a soggy pitch.

King’s Cup champs Espanyol scored three important survival points with a 2-0 decision over Real Betis.

Ludovic Delporte netted deep into stoppage time, nudging Osasuna past Mallorca 1-0.

Lucas Lobos equalized with seven minutes left to earn Cadiz a 1-1 share with Deportivo la Coruña.

Getafe left Racing Santander dangling over the danger zone with a 3-1 defeat.

On Saturday, a sweet Antonio Lopez free kick gave Atlético Madrid a 1-0 win at Alavés.

Fabian Canobbio hit twice as Celta Vigo stayed in for a Champions League spot with a 4-0 rout of Real Zaragoza.

Finally, Mark Gonzalez scored for the third consecutive match as Real Sociedad blanked Villareal 2-0.

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(Soccer365.com) - The US Under 20 Women's National team will face Argentina and France in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup.

The Final Draw for the 2006 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia was held at Moscow City Hall on Saturday evening as the United States Under-20 Women’s National Team was placed in Group D, where it will face the second-place finisher in the yet-to-be-completed African qualifying tournament, as well as Argentina and France, in first round play. The USA, Germany, China and host Russia were awarded tops seeds in the groups prior to the Final Draw.

"We are just digesting the draw and there are some very good teams up there (on the board),” said U.S. head coach Tim Schulz. “It is nice to see that there is some parity in the groups. Now we are going to go back to our rooms to start formulating our plans just like all the coaches.”

The USA opens the tournament, which will be held from Aug. 17-Sept. 3, on Friday, Aug. 18 against Africa’s second place finisher at Torpedo Stadium in Moscow. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) representatives will be determined later in June. The USA will play its second Group D match three days later on Monday, Aug. 21, against FIFA youth world championship debutante Argentina at Torpedo Stadium, and will finish group play on Thursday, Aug. 24, against France in Shchelkovo (Moscow Region) at Podmoskovie Stadium. The first two U.S. opening round matches kick off at 4 p.m. local time (8:00 a.m. ET) while the third group game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. local time (11 am. ET).

“You are looking at some very contrasting styles,” said Schulz of the USA’s three group opponents. “Certainly, I would imagine some of that culture from the men’s games carries over onto the women’s, so you could see some of those same styles of play in our opponents. (Our group) is actually pretty fun to see. There’s an African team in there and France is always a good contender. Then Argentina, if they bring the (same qualities) as the men’s side to the game, they will have a lot of flair and hardness. I’ve actually seen France and Argentina play on tape and they are very good teams.”

Group A is headed by top seed Russia and also boasts Brazil, New Zealand and Australia. Group B, lead by China, also features Finland, Africa 1 and Canada. The defending U-19 world champions Germany, along with surprise qualifier Switzerland, Mexico and North Korea make up Group C.

The USA won the FIFA U-19 World Championship in 2002 in Canada and finished third at the 2004 tournament in Thailand. For the first time, the tournament will be staged with 16 teams, up from 12 in the previous two FIFA world youth championships for women. The top two finishers in each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals, when the tournament becomes a knockout competition.

“I know all the girls are excited to finally find out who we will be playing,” said U.S. co-captain Nikki Krzysik. “We’ve been working so hard for the past two and half months and to have a clear picture of who and when we will be playing will make us work even harder. I was on the last U-19 team in Thailand and I know how intense and tough all the games will be. The older players on this team will make sure we educate the new players about the challenges we will face in Russia.”

Teams from the same confederation could not be drawn together in the first round, with the exception of Europe, which will have five representatives competing for the world title. Group C turned out to be the group with two European teams in Germany and Switzerland. Russia had already been placed in the top spot in Group A (A1) and will play its opening game on the tournament's first day in a mouth-watering match against Brazil at the impressive Petrovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg.

The 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship will take place at four stadiums in Moscow (Dynamo, Lokomotiv, Shchelkovo and Torpedo) and at one in St. Petersburg (Petrovsky).

Russia will be looking to capitalize on the momentum of both previous FIFA U-19 World Championships, in Canada and Thailand, which were extremely successful in terms of organization, fan support and quality of play.

In an amazingly ironic twist of fate, Australia, which left the Oceania Confederation to move to Asia, and qualified there, will face New Zealand, its former Oceania foe, in the opening Group A game for both teams.

courtesy of ussoccer.com

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool captain and England midfielder Steven Gerrard has won the (English) Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award.

The Young Player of the Year award (which Gerrard won in 2001) went to Manchester United's England striker Wayne Rooney for the second year running.

The awards are voted for by fellow professionals, and Gerrard said: "I am still in shock to be honest.

"To go through to another FA Cup final and win this special award is fantastic for me."

Gerrard won ahead of s trong field on tne short-list that included Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, Chelsea's Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and John Terry (who won last year's award), and Rooney.

Gerrard revealed that hehimself had voted for Henry and, as the young player, his 20-year-old international colleague Rooney, who said he was pleased to win the young player prize again.

"To win it twice on the run is a great honour and I am delighted with the award," Rooney said.

He beat off competition from Charlton striker Darren Bent, team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, Tottenham's Aaron Lennon, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand.

Rooney added: "I voted for Fabregas, but it was close between him and Darren Bent."

Champions Chelsea had the most players named in the Premiership Team of the Year. John Terry, William Gallas, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard all made the Best XI.

Newcastle's Shay Given was picked as goalie, with Wigan full-back Pascal Chimbonda also included after an impressive first season i the Premirship.

The 2005-06 winners:

Player of the Year:
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Young Player of the Year:
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Premiership Team of the Year:
Shay Given (Newcastle), Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan), John Terry (Chelsea), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), William Gallas (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

Championship Team of the Year:
Marcus Hahnemann (Reading), Gary Kelly (Leeds), Ibrahima Sonko (Reading), Joleon Lescott (Wolves), Nicky Shorey (Reading), Steve Sidwell (Reading), Ashley Young (Watford), Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United), Jason Koumas (Cardiff), Marlon King (Watford), Kevin Doyle (Reading)

League One Team of the Year:Darryl Flahavan (Southend), Greg Halford (Colchester), Sam Sodje (Brentford), Adam Barrett (Southend), Gareth Roberts (Tranmere), Neil Danns (Colchester), Andy Robinson (Swansea), Kevin Maher (Southend) Michael McIndoe (Doncaster), Lee Trundle (Swansea), Billy Sharp (Scunthorpe).

League Two Team of the Year:
Joe Hart (Shrewsbury), Danny Senda (Wycombe), Roger Johnson (Wycombe), Gareth McAuley (Lincoln), Matthew Lockwood (Leyton Orient), Kevin Betsy (Wycombe), Joshua Low (Northampton), Mark Jones (Wrexham), Ian Taylor (Northampton), Karl Hawley (Carlisle), Michael Reddy (Grimsby).

Posted by soccer365 at 08:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

(Soccer365.com) - Rapids get Brazilian Martins for Peguero and draft picks in trade with Red Bull New York.

The Colorado Rapids announced today the acquisition of Brazilian striker Thiago Martins from Red Bull New York in exchange for forward Jean Philippe Peguero. The trade also sends the Red Bulls' First and Third Round Natural draft picks in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft to Colorado.

Martins, who joined Major League Soccer in 2003, played two seasons with DC United before being acquired by Chivas USA in the 2005 MLS Expansion Draft.

The Sao Paolo, Brazil native played a total of 22 games for the Los Angeles based club, netting three goals and one assist with Chivas USA in 2005.

Peguero, who was discovered by Fernando Clavijo and recommended to the Rapids coaching staff in 2004, played a total of 26 games for Colorado last season, scoring seven goals and recording six assists.

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(Goal.com) - Dutch coach Marco van Basten has named a provisional squad of 33 players for the World Cup, but chosen to leave out Seedorf and Makaay. However, out of favour Edgar Davids sneaks in.

The Milan midfielder and Bayern forward are the two big casualties, despite the increased squad size.

Seedorf has not featured for the national team since Van Basten took charge in July, 2004, while Makaay has been replaced by Eridivisie top-scorer Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The rest of the surprise comes from the selection of out of favour Edgar Davids, and recently criticized Jan Kromkamp.

PROBABLES

Goalkeeper:
Patrick Lodewijks (Feyenoord),
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United),
Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax),
Henk Timmer (AZ Alkmaar)

Defenders:
Khalid Boulahrouz (HSV Hamburg),
Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa),
Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona),
Tim de Cler (AZ),
Urby Emanuelson (Ajax),
Kew Jaliens (AZ),
Jan Kromkamp (Liverpool),
Joris Mathijsen (AZ),
André Ooijer (PSV),
Barry Opdam (AZ),
Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord).

Midfielders:
George Boateng (Middlesbrough),
Mark van Bommel (Barcelona),
Phillip Cocu (PSV),
Edgar Davids (Tottenham Hotspur),
Nigel de Jong (HSV Hamburg),
Denny Landzaat (AZ),
Hedwiges Maduro (Ajax),
Wesley Sneijder (Ajax),
Rafael van der Vaart (HSV Hamburg).

Forwards:
Ryan Babel (Ajax),
Romeo Castelen (Feyenoord),
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Ajax),
Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord),
Martijn Meerdink (AZ),
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United),
Robin van Persie (Arsenal),
Arjen Robben (Chelsea),
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (PSV).

The Netherlands have been grouped with Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro, in Group C.

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(Soccer365.com) - Italy boss Marcelo Lippi was delighted to see AS Roma attack ace Francesco Totti return to training this week.

The Azzurri star caused some worries after breaking his ankle two months back, but has all but completed a speedy comeback.

"I have daily contacts with Roma's technical staff," reported Lippi.

"Francesco's recovery is going in the best possible way."

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(Soccer365.com) - Goalkeeper Edgar Hernandez’s will and Carlos Ramirez’s timely goal see Mexico’s Tigres through to Copa Libertadores final sixteen.

The feline goalkeeper was a key player in the feline’s narrow qualification to the knockout stages of the most prestigious Latin American soccer club competition, proving last year’s quarterfinals run was no fluke.

Needing a win to qualify, as the Chileans had a 10-7 points edge, Hernandez did the unthinkable:
Late in the game he left his goal to help the team score the winning goal, which motivated them to do just that against a pesky U Catolica, a few minutes into injury time.

“You don’t think about it, suddenly you’re motivated, and it’s those small things that build the team’s confidence,” said Hernandez. “I think everyone’s efforts were rewarded by our qualifying.”

One of the most consistent of all the Tigres, stated he checked with his manager “Tuca” Ferreti before taking off. “He turned his head, checked the clock, then gave me the sign to go.” He added that scoring a goal would’ve been nice but injecting enthusiasm into his team was equally important.

Carlos Ramirez, who is getting used to coming through in the clutch, and scored the crucial goal, gave credit to his teammate, Julio Cesar Santos, for setting him up.

“Half the goal is his (Santos’s) and half mine,” said Ramirez, adding that the team was not done. “There’s still work to do, all we did was advance to the next round.”

Glad about seeing the fans’ enthusiasm Ramirez modestly quipped, “I’m not the hero, we are all heroes.”

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(Soccer365.com) - All sixteen teams in the third round of the Copa Libertadores set as River Plate is the last to qualify.

River Plate squeezed into the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores after a late Victor Zapata goal earned them a 1-0 win over Libertad on Thursday.
Argentina’s Millionaires became the final team to qualify for the knockout phase, finishing second in Group 8 with nine points in six games.

River, champions in 1986 and 1996, coached by former Argentina captain Daniel Passarella, began the tournament as one of the favorites.

Keeping a close watch on the other Group 8 match, drawn 0-0 by Paulista and El Nacional, River struggled mightily at home to shake-off an opponent playing for nothing. Only an 82nd minute shot by Victor Zapata assured the victory, though they would’ve qualified without it.

On Wednesday, Carlos Tevez’s acrobatic goal helped Corinthians lock down the top spot in group 4, while Mexico’s Tigres had to squeeze into the next phase thanks to the slim 1-0 win over the other Group 4 hopeful Universidad de Chile. Newell’s Old Boys made it through by a hair—Bolivian, The Strongest being overcome by the Argentineans who go through on goal difference.

Sweet 16

Brazil sends a quintet of teams through, as Brazilian quintet Corinthians, Palmeiras, Goias, Internacional and Sao Paulo all advance. Argentina is next with four: Velez Sarsfield, Estudiantes, River Plate and Newell’s Old Boys. Mexico sees two of its initial three teams through, UANL and Guadalajara, Colombian pair Atletico Nacional and debutante, Santa Fe advance, plus LDU (Ecuador), Nacional (Uruguay) and Libertad (Paraguay) round out the field.

The Games

1. Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina) vs Newell's (Argentina)
2. Independiente Santa Fe (Colombia) vs Chivas de Guadalajara (Mexico)
3. Sao Paulo (Brazil) vs. Palmeiras (Brazil)
4. Goiás (Brazil) vs. Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina)
5. Corinthians (Brazil) vs. River Plate (Argentina)
6. Libertad (Paraguay) vs. Tigres (Mexico)
7. Atlético Nacional (Colombia) vs. LDUQ (Ecuador)
8. Internacional (Brazil) vs. Nacional (Uruguay)

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - According to reports in Germany, Bayern Munich star Michael Ballack has agreed to join Chelsea.

The German public broadcaster ZDF said all that was left was for 29-year-old to put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit.

"According to information from ZDF, Michael Ballack and the English champions have agreed a four-year contract," the broadcaster said.

"The captain of Germany and the London club must only sign the contract now."

Neither club has confirmed the news. Ballack is available on a free transfer this summer.

Posted by soccer365 at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (36)

(Soccer365.com) - Club America wins fifth Champions Cup and Qualifies to FIFA Club World Cup.

On Wednesday, Mexico’s richest soccer club, Club América won their fifth CONCACAF Champions’ Cup™ after defeating visiting Club Deportivo Toluca 2 - 1 in extra time in the second-leg of the 2006 Final held at the Estadio Azteca in Ciudad de México.

The fifth CONCACAF crown for the Águilas (1977, 1987, 1990, 1992, 2006) ties the overall best record held by capital archrivals, Cruz Azul (1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, 1997).
After a scoreless 90 minutes of play in the hard-fought final, and the overall series still leveled (first leg was a 0-0 draw), Paraguayan Paulo César Da Silva gave Toluca the 1 - 0 lead with a goal three minutes into the extra period.

Brazilian strike ace, Kleber nailed the equalizer in the 105th minute and at the 115th mark, Duilio Davino hit the game-winner for Club América.

The Eagles’ victory secured their berth as the CONCACAF qualifier to the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2006—last year won by Sao Paulo—in December, while the Red Devils, last season’s Mexican champions, will be one of the three CONCACAF invitees to the Copa Nissan Sudamericana later this year.

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(Soccer365.com) - The US National Team received its highest FIFA World Ranking ever.

A little less than two months before the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team received their highest ever position in the FIFA World Rankings, moving up one spot to fourth place. Their record-setting position puts them two spots ahead of CONCACAF rival Mexico and in front of such powerhouses as Argentina, Spain, France and England.

The U.S. jumped ahead of Argentina, who fell from fourth to eighth, allowing the U.S., Spain, Mexico and France to move up one position each. The USA's Group E opponents in this summer’s World Cup in Germany either stayed in the same position or moved down in the rankings. Czech Republic stayed in second place, behind consistent front-runners Brazil, while Italy fell to 14th place, tied with Nigeria. Ghana stayed level at 50th place in the world.

For the second consecutive month, every team in the Top 10 dropped in their point total. Brazil still has a stranglehold on the top position with 830 points, well ahead of the Czech Republic (779), who is holding off the Netherlands (774). Below those top three it is a tight race as just seven points separate the U.S. in fourth and Portgual and Argentina in eighth.

The U.S. has been higher than 10th since breaking back into the Top 10 in March, 2005. The 14-month stretch ties the USA’s longest streak in the Top 10. The U.S. broke into the Top 10 for the first time in August of 2002, after their remarkable quarterfinal run in the 2002 World Cup, staying in the exclusive club until August of 2003. The U.S. has been no lower than 12th place since breaking the Top 10 barrier in 2002.

The U.S. has begun 2006 with a 4-1-2 record while netting 15 goals while surrendering seven. Up next, the U.S. will face Morocco (36), Venezuela (71) and Latvia (69) in the Send-Off Series before departing for Germany.

The U.S. was drawn into Group E for the 2006 FIFA World Cup along with the Czech Republic, Italy and Ghana. The U.S. plays their opening match against the Czechs on June 12 in Gelsenkirchen before meeting Italy in Kaiserslautern on June 17 and then finishing off group play against Ghana on June 22 in Nuremberg. The U.S. has chosen the northern port city of Hamburg as their base of operations throughout the tournament.

courtesy of ussoccer.com

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

(Soccer365.com) - The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Soccer Team soundly defeat Brazil in their own backyard.

The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Soccer Team put together a solid all-around performance to defeat Brazil, 2-0, in a match played at the Brazilian National Team Training Center. Forward Lauren Cheney scored in the first half, and midfielder Danesha Adams added the clincher in the second half.

“We came down here and set up this tournament environment and the girls have responded even better than what I had hoped for,” said U.S. U-20 WNT head coach Tim Schulz. “There was some tension out there and it got heated for a while, but the girls kept their composure and played like pros.”

The young U.S. team looked a bit unsteady in the first 10 minutes as Brazil kept them pinned inside their defensive half, but the Americans then struck for the first goal against the run of play.

Midfielder Brittany Bock powered through two defenders at the right side of the penalty area and fired a shot across the face of the goal. The shot was off target, but Cheney was making a hard run to the far post and beat her defender to the bouncing ball, finishing expertly into the upper right side of the net with a first-time shot. It was Cheney’s 15th goal of 2006 for the U-20s and the fifth of her U-20 international career.

The USA played in a 4-5-1 formation in the first half with Cheney as the lone forward, but Schulz put on four substitutes at halftime, including forward Jessica Rostedt, and switched to a 4-4-2. Rostedt and Cheney, backed by attacking midfielder Allie Long, put some consisten pressure on the Brazilian defense, but Brazil also showed good possession in the match. However, the South American champs, playing without superstar goal scorer Marta who is in Sweden playing with her pro club, just could not find a way to break down the U.S. backline, which was anchored well by center backs Nikki Krzysik and Carrie Dew.

“I was excited about our team shape on defense,” said Schulz. “We were very stingy and very organized, we were not giving up any holes. I am not sure how many shots Brazil had, but we were pretty tight back there.”

Brazil out-shot the USA 11-7 for the match, but most of their shots came from distance and didn’t trouble U.S. goalkeeper Kelsey Davis. The U.S. team put six of its seven shots on goal.

The game got a bit testy in the second half, with hard fouls coming from both sides, and the second goal came at a perfect time in the 65th minute. The play started after midfielder Tina DiMartino took a quick free kick on the right sideline, catching the Brazilians standing as Cheney powered down the right flank and into the penalty area. She cut her service back across the face of the goal, and it eluded two crashing U.S. players, but Adams was making a perfectly timed run at the far post and stretched the net with a crackling first-time shot from seven yards out.

The U.S. team did well to kill the last minutes of the game with quality ball possession and smart tactics, picking up the three points and moving into a tie for first place with Canada in the three-team Ricardo Teixeira Cup. The USA will finish the tournament with back-to-back games against Canada on April 23 and Brazil on April 24.
“I think, as athletes, we can’t always ask for our bodies to go 100 percent, but we can still focus on the mental side,” said Schulz of his team’s last two games. “We want to focus on getting them to play sharper and smarter and mentally clean. These two games will be a good test to rely on our brains and not so much our bodies.”

All three teams are preparing for the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship to be held in Russia from Aug. 17 - Sept. 3.

Seventeen-year-old midfielder Tobin Heath played an excellent first half on the flank, while Long and right back Stephanie Logterman were also stellar, going the full 90 minutes. Davis picked up the shutout, making four saves, including snaring two nasty looking Brazilian shots in the second half.

In the Canada-Brazil game on April 17, Canada won, 1-0, on a penalty kick in a match played amid puddles and driving rain.

Sierra Mist Woman of the Match: Nikki Krzysik

Scoring Summary:
USA – Lauren Cheney (Brittany Bock) 10th minute.
USA – Danesha Adams (Lauren Cheney) 65.

USA: 18-Kelsey Davis; 13-Stephanie Logterman, 4-Carrie Dew – Capt., 12-Nikki Kryzsik, 8-Ariel Harris (3-Sarah Wagenfuhr, 46); 10-Kelley O’Hara (17-Tina DiMartino, 46), 21-Amanda Poach (14-Jessica Rostedt, 46), 7-Brittany Bock (2-Jordan Angeli, 70), 16-Allie Long, 6-Tobin Heath (9-Danesha Adams, 46); 5-Lauren Cheney.
Subs not used: 1-Val Henderson.
Head Coach: Tim Schulz

Misconduct Summary:
USA – Amanda Poach (caution) 6th minute.
USA – Allie Long (caution) 75.
BRA -- #8 (caution) 81.
USA – Danesha Adams (caution) 85.

courtesy of ussoccer.com

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Posted by soccer365 at 09:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Kolo Toure's first half goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final against Villarreal. The Gunners found the Yellow Submarine hard to sink, as others have in this yea's competition have also found.

But Arsene Wenger's side will be happy to take a slender lead to El Madrigal next Tuesday, and happy too to have kept another clean sheet - their ninth in a row - and so prevented Villarreal getting a vital away goal.

Arsenal ended 40 minutes of first-half frustration before beaking the deadlock through Kolo Toure, who from six yards reached out and poked home a low, hard cross from Aleksander Hleb. But Villarreal should have had a penalty minutes later when a clumsy challenge by Gilberto just inside the area brought down Jose Mari.

The Yellow Submarine frustrated Arsenal with their well-disciplined back-four and three-man midfield holding a high line and forcing Arsenal into the congested centre where the visitors repeatedly broke up the Gunners' attacks.

In the first half, Arsenal's most potent attacking threat repeatedly came down the left and involved Flamini, Ljungberg or Henry.

The Gunners thought they'd taken the lead after 12 minutes when Gilberto fed Fabregas, whose astute pass was finished in typical style by Henry. But the Frenchman was adjudged to be marginally offside. The decision was shown by TV cameras to have been wrong.

The only goal came after an Henry corner was headed back out to him. He found Hleb who had lost his marker Senna and hit a low, hard cross into the six-yard box where Toure stabbed it home.

Eboue and Hleb gave Arsenal more width down the right flank after the break, and Arsenal enjoyed a strong opening 20 minutes to the second-half. But Villarreal continued to close down the Arsenal attacks, and it was half-chances rather than genuine opportunities that came the Gunners' way.

Gilberto, Henry and Bergkamp were all thwarted as Arsenal sought the second goal that would have gien them more breathing space.

So the tie remains nicely poised. Villarreal were by no means overawed, and Riquelme showed his class in flashes in a hard-working display.

Posted by soccer365 at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - River Plate idol Daniel Passarella has confirmed that Millonarios President José María Aguilar has offered ‘El Gran Capitan’ an extension on his current contract at the helm of the Monumental de Núñez club.

"I’m not surprised to hear that they want to offer me three more years, in my other posts I’ve always done well [something that Brazilian club Corinthians may well contend] and here I’ve been given the chance to get a project underway", explained Passarella.

The Argentinean Kaiser expressed his feelings to radio station La Red: "I don’t want to leave this club as I’m very happy here, and probably over the course of the next few days I’ll be able to announce my renovation as Coach for the next three years" he added.

“Given the fact that I’ve only been here for four months, I feel that the squad is beginning to develop along the lines I planned. We do have to rotate players for both the Clausura and Libertadores, but injuries have racked the squad. If we could have fielded the same team more then we would have probably been classified [in the Libertadores] by now".

River have their final Libertadores fixture on Thursday, hosting Libertad with a chance to go through to the last sixteen dependent on a win. Passarella will probably go for the following first eleven: Germán Lux; Paulo Ferrari, Julio Cáceres, Cristian Tula, Lucas Mareque; Jonathan Santana, Oscar Ahumada, Víctor Zapata; Daniel Montenegro; Ernesto Farías and Gonzalo Abán.

Aaron Marcus

Posted by soccer365 at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - England champions Chelsea will be announced as the opponents of the MLS All-Stars at a press conference near Chicago on Thursday.

Having just signed a partnership deal with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy, Chelsea are set to follow in the footsteps of their Premiership colleagues at Fulham by taking on a group of top players from MLS this summer at the Chicago Fire's new stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The stadium has yet to open, but it will be ready within a few months.

Last year for the All-Star festivities a group of MLS players demolished Fulham in Columbus, Ohio.

Posted by soccer365 at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - The US National Women's Under 16 team is unstoppable in the Netherlands.

The U.S. Under-16 Girl’s National Team swept all three matches on its tour of Holland, defeating two women’s clubs as well as the Dutch U-19 team.

The U.S. opened the tour on April 11 with a 3-1 win over Seastum, as the USA's Jennifer Laponte, Sarah Chapman and Julie Bouchelle tallied for the USA. All three goals were scored in the first half before Seastum pulled one back in the 56th minute.

The next day, the USA again scored all its goals in the first half in a quality 2-1 victory over Holland’s U-19 side. Holland actually got on the board first in the 16th minute, but goals from Casey Short (26th minute) and another from Laponte (30th) just five minutes later were enough for the win.

Short’s goal came after Beth West chipped a ball over the defense giving Short a one-on-one with the ‘keeper. Laponte got her second goal of the tour after running onto a through ball from Brittani Bartok. She took a touch and hit her shot off the post and in.

The USA’s final win over RVVH came on April 15, a 3-1 victory that saw goals from Short, Macy Jo Harrison and Bartok. The USA scored two early goals in the 5th and 14th minutes before RVVH pulled within one in the 38th minute. Bartok put the game away in the 65th minute.

courtesy of ussoccer.com

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid director of football Benito Floro has confirmed that Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard is one of their transfer targets, as is unsettled Inter striker Adriano.

The England midfielder, 25, signed a new four-year contract last summer after almost joining Chelsea.

But Real Madrid see Gerrard and Inter Milan striker Adriano as their "priority" signings.

Floro told Spanish radio station Cadena Star: "Gerrard is a player on the list that we wanted to sign previously."

The Merengues are looking to bring in new, younger talent after a third successive campaign without winning a trophy.

Floro added: "I've recommended as priority signings a powerful central striker like Adriano and a top midfielder in case Zinedine Zidane leaves."

Zidane has a one-year option after this season and will decide on his future after the World Cup. Adriano, meantime, apparently has not been getting along with Inter's Argentine contingent.

Since last summer's on-off Chelsea saga, Gerrard has appeared settled at Anfield.

But Liverpool manager Benitez, previously coach at Valencia, has often been mentioned by Real as a possible candidate to take over from caretaker manager Juan Roman Lopez Caro.

Posted by soccer365 at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)

Milan, Italy (Sports Network) - Barcelona proved its worth in the UEFA Champions League semifinals Tuesday as Ludovic Giuly scored the game's only goal to hand AC Milan a 1-0 loss in the first-leg match at the San Siro.

After a scoreless first half, and numerous close calls from both squads, Giuly managed to find the back of the net in the 57th minute to give Barcelona the much needed win.

In front of a crowd of 76,833 fans, Barcelona found a way to quiet the home team offense and take the first-leg match.

In addition to applying pressure to the Serie A club in the second-leg match, the Barcelona victory also is a threat to Milan's record of having never lost a Champions League semifinal.

The win put an end to a 13-match home span without a loss for Milan.

Barcelona head coach Frank Rijkaard entered Tuesday's first-leg without some of the team's familiar faces. Henrik Larsson was forced out of the lineup after suffering a thigh injury in Friday's La Liga schedule, and Deco was out serving a suspension.

AC Milan was also missing a large part of its offense, as Filippo Inzaghi was ruled out due to a virus. Inzaghi's absence had coach Carlo Ancelotti relying on the offensive talents of the tournament's leading scorer Andriy Shevchenko and Alberto Gilardino, who is still waiting to score his first goal of the tournament.

Though the first goal didn't come until the second half, Barcelona managed to make a slight offensive stand in the opening minutes. Giuly hit his first shot in the seventh minute, but it was easily saved by Milan goalkeeper Dida.

Overall, the visitors managed seven shots on goal during the 90 minutes on the field.

Milan managed its best chance of the first half in the 14th minute, when forward Gilardino drilled a shot that hit the Barcelona post. Shevchenko managed another shot the very next minute, forcing Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to make another save.

Valdes would go onto save five Milan shots on target.

As the first half whistle was blown, both clubs left the field with a scoreless draw lingering into the second half.

But in the 57th minute, Giuly scored his first goal of the tournament to give Barcelona the edge. Giuly received a Ronaldinho pass, and then drilled a shot towards the Milan near post for the goal.

Both teams battled following the 57th-minute goal. Milan found its best chance at scoring the equalizer in the 82nd minute, when Kaka sent substitute Massimo Ambrosini through the Barcelona defense with a solid pass, only to see him shoot wide of the net.

Defender Paolo Maldini took another chance at goal for Milan by sending a shot off a corner kick towards the visitor's net. Valdes once again made the save, however, to preserve the one-goal lead.

With the game finishing 1-0, Barcelona now has a slight advantage entering the second-leg match at Camp Nou. AC Milan will have its final shot to advance to the next round on Wednesday, April 26.

The second match of the Champions League takes place tomorrow, with Arsenal playing host to La Liga club Villarreal.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has set the tone for his team by showing no fear for their Champions League semifinal opening trip to San Siro.

"We know Milan are very experienced and very organized and should be favorites playing at home," he stated. "Yet being the favorite means nothing, you have to go out there and prove you're the best."

"They've shown that they're hard to beat, but we're here to play football and to try to get a positive result."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - The Mexican national team doctor says everyone, including the recently operated Zinha, are in good shape.

During their Acapulco training session, Team Mexico was issued a clean bill of health, with barely more than a month for the World Cup, including Brazilian-born midfielder, Antonio Naelson “Zinha, who recently underwent surgery.

The Mexican champion Toluca player had surgery on his right knee February 28th, and has had a remarkable recovery.

“Zinha had a minor problem which suddenly arose, it’s not continuous and doesn’t limit movement or articulation,” said Dr. Serrano. “It is normal for the type of injury he suffered, that’s why we left him three weeks without putting weight on the foot.”

Zinha practiced with his 25 teammates on Monday as part of the training for World Cup Germany ’06.
“He’s in the last phase of his rehabilitation, all we have left is to evaluate how much weight he can sustain and go from there.” Serrano did state that Zinha is “running even with everyone.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - Hoops' captain looking forward to Old Firm derby.

Celtic skipper Neil Lennon is convinced an Old Firm showdown is just what is needed to get their pulses racing.

The champions lacked the spark to take the points against Hibernian with the destination of the trophy assured. But Lennon has promised the arrival of Rangers to Parkhead will pump up the players and fans again.

"It will be something for the lads to get their teeth into," he said. "We've missed a competitive edge in the last few games but with Rangers here on Sunday followed by Hearts at Tynecastle, it's two massive games and we can have an enormous say in who could finish second this season."

Posted by soccer365 at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid are interested in signing Fulham duo Luis Boa Morte and Wayne Bridge, according to Portuguese newspaper ‘A Bola’.

The publication claims that Real have already made contact with the English company that represents Boa Morte, Sports Entertainment Media (SEM), to inquire about the chances of him moving to Spain next season.

Real would have to better Newcaste’s offer of eight million euros which was made by the Tyneside club in December.

After the Toon’s interest, Fulham extended Boa Morte’s contract.

The paper also claims that Real are keen on Bridge who is on loan at Fulham from Chelsea until the end of the season.

Posted by soccer365 at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Alan Shearer's career in doubt following the Newcastle captain's knee injury at Sunderland.

Alan Shearer's career could be over after the Newcastle skipper suffered suspected knee ligament damage in the 4-1 derby victory at Sunderland.

The 35-year-old had fired his side ahead with a 61st-minute penalty, his 206th goal for the club, when he was hurt in a challenge with substitute Julio Arca. He tried to play on but limped from the pitch with 19 minutes remaining. Caretaker manager Glenn Roeder admits there is real concern Shearer might not play in the remaining three Barclays Premiership fixtures of his final season.

"There is real concern that he has a ligament injury, and with the season running down now, that he might not be fit before the end of the season," he said. "I hope so much that is not the truth and it won't work out that way, but we are really concerned."

He added: "He's had a brace put on his knee. It was the body-weight of the man who fell on top of him that his knee couldn't take and over-stretched the ligament.

"On Tuesday, the doctors will have a look at it, a close look, and see how much swelling there is there and lack of movement.

"It will certainly be scanned and once we see the scan, I suppose there will be a decision and an opinion given on whether he's got any chance of playing in these last few weeks of the season.

"But I'll remain positive there is a chance we will still get him back on the pitch, maybe in the very last game of the season.

"I didn't really get a chance to see Alan too much in the dressing room afterwards, but he was lying on the table there looking pretty despondent, of course.

"But he was so happy with the result, he forgot his own problem for a few minutes, and he made sure he congratulated every single of our players on what was a remarkable turn-around."

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Posted by soccer365 at 08:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

London, England (Sports Network) - Chelsea netted three goals against visiting Everton at Stamford Bridge Monday but will have to wait to claim its league title after learning that Manchester United beat Tottenham.

The Premiership leader was in need of a United loss Monday in order to collect its second consecutive league title. Instead, Jose Mourinho's club learned of United's 2-1 victory just before taking the field.

The victory gives Chelsea an improved lead for the first place spot. After collecting its 28th Premiership victory, Chelsea has now climbed to a nine point lead with just three games remaining.

Frank Lampard opened the scoring with a shot from the left side of the box 20 yards out in the 28th minute.

Shortly after Chelsea scored its first, Everton was reduced to 10 men when Lee Carsley was sent off for a foul on Didier Drogba in the 47th minute.

Lampard helped with Chelsea's second goal of the day, sending a cross from the right side to Drogba, who headed in the goal from the center of the penalty area to double the score.

Chelsea scored its third in the 74th minute. Michael Essien collected the remnants of a Lampard shot and drilled a right-footed shot into the top right corner of the Everton net to make it 3-0.

Chelsea will play in the FA Cup semifinal Saturday against Liverpool before it will have its next chance to seal the title. The club faces United at the Bridge on Saturday, April 29.

Just before the start of the Chelsea-Everton match, Manchester United had just finished its 2-1 win over fourth place Tottenham.

Wayne Rooney scored both goals in the first half to give United the early lead.

United's win comes after a scoreless draw with last place Sunderland Friday.

Rooney's first came in just the 8th minute with a shot from close range that was drilled past goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Rooney added his second goal of the game and 16th in the Premiership in the 36th minute with a low shot into the back of the net.

The visitors managed to keep the lead at two goals until the 53rd, when Jermaine Jenas scored Tottenham's first off a corner kick.

But United would answer with a strong defensive stand throughout the remaining minutes of the second half to preserve the one goal lead.

The win is the club's 24th of the Premiership.

Tottenham is battling for the final Premiership spot in next season's Champions League tournament. The club has a four point lead over Arsenal for the fourth place.

Also on Monday, Charlton beat Portsmouth, 2-1; Middlesbrough handed West Ham a 2-0 shutout; and Newcastle scored four to hand Sunderland a 4-1 loss, its 26th of the Premiership.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Goal.com) - Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer is afraid his career may be over.

Shearer was set to play three more games for the Magpies before retiring at the end of this season. But he was forced to limp off in the 71st minute of Monday's 4-1 derby win over Sunderland.

"It doesn't look good. They think there might be a tear in the medial ligament, and if that is the case then that'll be it for me I'm afraid."

Shearer scored his 206th goal for Newcastle before the injury, He will have a scan on Thursday. The results will probably determine whether he can be involved in any of the three remaining matches.

Shearer's final game was set up to be the home match against Chelsea on Sunday 7 May, and he said he did not want to finish his career early.

"I wanted to go the full distance, yes, but if I have to finish, then it's not a bad way to finish, coming to your local enemies and scoring a goal that's helped us get a 4-1 win," he said.

Shearer's career statistics

Shearer's 206 Newcastle goals have been scored in 404 appearances since he joined his hometown club from Blackburn in summer 1996.

He netted a total of 379 goals in 733 appearances in a career that took in Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle.

He also scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for England.

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Tigres, Eagles and Tuzos win big games while Cruz Azul and Chivas struggle.

Clausura 2006 Week 15

Tigres 1 – 0 Jaguares

In a catfight, UANL Tigres wounded standings leader Chiapas Jaguares 1-0.

Melvin Brown fell down in the 25th minute but left the ball in front of Aldo De Nigris, who just touched the ball softly for the lone score.

Despite the win, Tigres are still fifth in Group 3, 10 points behind overall leader, Jaguares with 30 points.

Atlante 1 – 0 Pumas

Guillermo Vazquez tasted defeat for the first time as his Pumas fell 0-1 away to the Colts of Atlante on Saturday.

Chilean Patricio Galaz scored in the 65th minute for the Colts, who halted Pumas two-game win streak, knocking the cats to third in Group 2, while they stayed close to San Luis in Group 1 lead with 21 points.

Veracruz 1 – 0 Monterrey

Fighting to remain in the First Division, the Red Sharks fought off the Rayados 1-0 with a Gustavo Bizcayzacu goal.

The Uruguayan striker fired a ball off a Joel Sanchez pass for the game’s only score barely into the first minute.

Veracruz is fifth in Group 2 with 18 points, and along with Atlas and Sinaloa, are fighting relegation, while last season’s runner-up continue hurting, in the Group 3 cellar with 17 points.

Cruz Azul 1 – 3 Club America

Padilla’s two goals helped the Eagles get an important away victory 3-1 over playoff contenders Cruz Azul.

Down 0-1 in the first half after a Miguel Sabah goal, Club America rallied behind two scores from Aaron Padilla in the 62nd and 72nd to take the lead, then “Piojo” Lopez added an insurance goal in stoppage time.

Both teams are fighting for playoff spots: Cruz is second in Group 3 with 24 points while America is third in Group 1 with 20.

San Luis 2 – 3 Pachuca

The Tuzos defeated San Luis away 3-2 to steal the overall lead from Chiapas and complicate their opponents’ First Division survival.

Pachuca played lights out as they grabbed a 3-0 lead off scores from Colombian Andres Chitiva (13), Luis Angel Landin (47) and Argentine-Mexican Gabriel Caballero (51).

San Luis, which is fighting off relegation despite being in first place in Group 1 with 22 points, rallied behind goals from Angel Reyna in the 61st and Ariel Gonzalez in the 83rd.

Pachuca has 30 points in the Group 2 table but have a better goal differential than the Jaguares.

Chivas 0 – 3 Atlas

Two goals by Emanuel Villa helped the Zorros crush the Chivas away 3-0 in the Guadalajara derby.

One of the teams trying to stave off relegation, Atlas struck their local archrivals a lethal blow, with goals from Argentinean Emanuel Villa – off a rebound in the 51st, and 75th – sandwiched between a Daniel Osorno goal in the 54th.

After being stripped of 6 players by the national team for the World Cup ’06, Chivas have strggled mightily the past two weeks, yet remain third in Group 3 with 22 points, while Atlas is on their heels with 20.

Necaxa 0 – 0 Morelia

In a battle of two teams in the bottom of Group 1, the Monarchs earned a scoreless away draw at Necaxa Rayos.

Morelia is 4th with 18 points and Necaxa is last with 15.

Sinaloa 1 – 1 Toluca

Abreu’s penalty kick saves the Dorados from losing at home to a young Toluca as they salvage a 1-1 draw.

Fighting relegation, Sinaloa is 4th in Group 2 with 18 points, while the defending champs, Red Devils are three points higher in the same group, and in second place.

Santos 1 – 1 Tecos

In a showdown of two of the Clausura 2006’s worst teams, Guadalajara University got the slight edge with an away 1-1 draw at Santos Laguna, the worst team in the league with just one win.

Argentinean Diego Daniel Colotto scored in the 23rd minute for the Tecos, but Argentine striker, Mattias Vuosso’s 89th minute header sealed the draw.

UA de G is 5th in Group 1 with 18 points while Santos is in the Group 2 cellar with a mere 12.

Playoff race

Just two weeks left in the season. The 18 teams in the Mexican First Division, split into three groups, meet each other once in the regular season. The top two teams in each group qualify along plus the two teams with the most points regardless of group, to the ‘liguilla’, a two-legged playoffs.

Current playoff race:

Group 1

San Luis
Atlante

Group 2

Pachuca
Toluca

Group 3

Chiapas
Cruz Azul

At large:

Chivas
Atlas

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Posted by soccer365 at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - USA Under 20 Women's National team allowed a late goal to North American rivals Canada for the draw.

The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Soccer Team allowed an equalizer in the 92nd minute and had to settle for a 2-2 draw with regional rival Canada in a match played at the Brazilian National Team Training Center. Midfielders Brittany Bock and Tobin Heath scored for the USA.

“The staff and I were talking about if I had to pick one or the other right now, would I want results or beautiful play,” said U.S. head coach Tim Schulz. “I would probably have to say beautiful play, and we got that today, it was some awesome stuff. We were playing some good short balls at the right time, and good long balls at the right time. There were some very clever and sophisticated things out there so I was very pleased.”

The match, part of the three-team Ricardo Teixeira Cup that also includes the Brazilian U-20 women, was the first game of the competition for both teams. All three teams are deep into preparations for the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship to be held in Russia from Aug. 17 - Sept. 3.

The USA showed some quality possession and attacking soccer with Bock and midfielder Amanda Poach playing excellent matches in the middle of the field, carving through the Canadian midfield while linking well with the forwards. The Americans created more dangerous chances, out-shooting Canada, 15-12, but a pair of defensive breakdowns led to two Canadian goals and the first tie in international play this year for the U.S. U-20s. The two teams last met in late January at the championship game of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the U-20 world championship with the USA coming away with a 3-2 victory. That match, played in Mexico, was the most recent international game for the USA before today’s contest. In between, the U-20s played 16 matches against mostly college sides.

The USA opened the scoring in the 28th minute off a corner kick from the right side. Defender Sarah Wagenfuhr, who had earned the corner kick off an overlapping dribble, drove her cross to the far post where Bock met the ball with a powerful header from eight yards out, sending her shot into the left corner.

The USA had two more good scoring opportunities in the first half, but forward Jessica Rostedt’s effort from 14 yards was blocked and 17-year-old forward Kelley O’Hara fired a quality chance over the top.

Rostedt almost made it 2-0 just three minutes after halftime, but her flick towards goal off a cross from Heath, who came on at halftime, spun right into the hands of Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe.

Labbe came up big again in the 57th minute after O’Hara burst through the middle of the Canadian defense on a 60-yard solo dribble, but the Canadian ‘keeper came sliding out of her goal to deny the breakaway chance.

That miss proved costly as two minutes later, Canada took advantage of a give-away by the U.S. defense with forward Rehanne Sleiman latching onto the ball and spinning it around U.S. goalkeeper Val Henderson, off the right post and into the net from 14 yards out.

The USA battled back and Bock had several more dangerous headers, including a rocket that flew right into the hands of Labbe in the 63 minute.

In the 67th minute, Bock created the second U.S. goal, lifting a perfect long pass over the back of the Canadian defense into the left side of the penalty area. Heath settled the ball expertly and then smacked a left-footed shot into the left corner of the net from 11 yards out for the 2-1 lead. It was Heath’s first international goal at the U-20 level.

Midfielder Tina DiMartino hit the left post in the 75th minute, but the final quarter hour of the match belonged to Canada, who attacked well looking for an equalizer. The USA gave them one with just seconds left in the game as the defense failed to clear a ball and it bounced fortuitously to Lorendana Riverso, who slotted her shot into the lower left corner from close range.

U.S. forward Lauren Cheney had to leave the game in the 22nd minute with a minor rib injury after colliding with Labbe inside the penalty area.

“In the smaller picture, we let in a couple of soft goals,” said Schulz. “But the girls are learning from it, and instead of three points out of today, we got one.”

ussoccer.com Woman of the Match: Brittany Bock

Scoring Summary:
USA – Brittany Bock (Sarah Wagenfuhr) 28th minute.
CAN – Rheanne Sleiman (unassisted) 59.
USA – Tobin Heath (Brittany Bock) 67.
CAN – Lorendana Riverso (unassisted) 92+.

USA – 1-Val Henderson; 3-Sarah Wagenfuhr, 4-Carrie Dew, 12-Nikki Kryzsik – Capt. (8-Ariel Harris, 46), 2-Jordan Angeli (13-Stephanie Logterman, 46); 9-Danesha Adams (6-Tobin Heath, 46), 21-Amanda Poach (16-Allie Long, 76), 7-Brittany Bock, 17-Tina DiMartino; 5-Lauren Cheney (10-Kelley O’Hara, 22), 14-Jessica Rostedt.
Subs not used: 18-Kelsey Davis.
Head Coach: Tim Schulz

CAN – 1-Stephanie Labbe; 9-Vonya Beckles, 11-Desiree Scott, 17-Eden Hingwing (Anoop Josan, 67), 4-Caroline Vanderpool, 3-Sophie Schmidt – Capt., 8-Véronique Maranda, 6-Kaylen Kyle, 16-Paige Adams (15-Lorendana Riverso, 71), 5-Karla Schacher (12-Selenia Iacchelli, 61), 13-Rheanne Sleiman (14-Aysha Jamani, 61).
Subs not used: 20-Erin McNuluty, 2-Katie Radchuck, 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson.
Head Coach: Ian Bridge

courtesy of ussoccer.com

Posted by soccer365 at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - The CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifiers have also been scheduled

The U.S. Women’s National Team, currently a week into a six-month residency, has announced plans to travel to Japan for a pair of friendlies against the host country during the second week of May. The contests will be the eight and ninth games of 2006 for the U.S. and will also be the first matches for the squad since the heartbreaking penalty-kick loss to Germany in the finals of March’s Algarve Cup.

Japan will first host the U.S. on May 7 at midnight ET (1 p.m. local time) at the KK Wing Stadium in Kumamoto and then again just two days later at 3:30 a.m. ET (4:30 p.m. local time) at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka. The latter match will be the opener in a doubleheader that will also feature the Japanese men’s side against Bulgaria in a World Cup tune-up.

The U.S. was victorious the last time the two squads met—a 2-1 win during the 2004 Olympic quarterfinals—although the three matches previous to the Olympics ended in draws. Japan, who is ranked 11th in the FIFA World Rankings, is coming off of a 0-1 loss at the hands of Italy on March 12, 2006. Nonetheless, Japan’s two other matches this year were emphatic victories, a 4-0 thrashing of Scotland on March 10 and a 2-0 win over Russia on February 18.

Additionally, more U.S. friendlies are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

CONCACAF Qualifying

In FIFA 2007 Women’s World Cup qualifying news, CONCACAF has finally made some progress in scheduling the Gold Cup, the confederation’s qualifying tournament, as well as all of the preliminaries beforehand. The Gold Cup itself will be a single elimination format, held sometime in late November and will feature six teams (two of whom will be the U.S. and Canada, who have both received a bye into what is essentially the semi-final round). The top two finishers of that tourney will automatically qualify for the 2007 Women’s World Cup and the third-place finisher will face the third place finisher from the Asian Confederation’s tourney in a home-and-away playoff for the final spot in the World Cup.

Of the other four teams that will participate in the Gold Cup, two will be from the Caribbean and two will be from Central America and Mexico. Preliminary qualifying to determine which four teams will advance to the Gold Cup will be held largely in May, although two teams—the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands—have already begun a home-and-away series to determine who will qualifies for the qualifiers. And no, that’s not a typo.

Mexico will join five Central American teams as they all compete for two Gold Cup berths in one regional qualification. Group A in that region will consist of Mexico, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, while Group B will be made up of Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala. The games will be held in mid-May and the winner of each group will move on to the Gold Cup.

The Caribbean regional qualifier, on the other hand, will be made up of sixteen teams in four groups. They include, in Group A: Bermuda; Dominican Republic; Turks & Caicos Islands; and the winner of the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands series. Group B will consist of: Aruba; Haiti; Netherlands Antilles; and Surinam. Group C includes: Antigua & Barbados; Jamaica; St. Kitts & Nevis; and St. Lucia. Finally, Group D is made up of: Trinidad & Tobago; Dominica; Grenada; and St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Group play will take place in May and each group winner will advance to a Caribbean regional four-team final in early September. The top two teams from that stage will advance on to the Gold Cup.

Goal.com Women’s Editor Sayre Priddy

Posted by soccer365 at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid star David Beckham has once again stated his desire to work a stint in MLS.

The 30-year old's declaration arrives amid rumours that Bernabéu teammate Ronaldo is also eying the league.

"At some stage, playing in America is possible," Beckham told Soccernet. "I've one year left at Real, and maybe two more after that, but things can change in football and the American league does interest me."

"I want to be part of a country that is passionate about sport," he noted. "I've got my academy in LA which is important to me because that is my life after the game."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 05:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (58)

(Soccer365.com) - Holland manager Marco van Basten claims that his side do not have the World Cup experience to be considered one of the main threats to win it all this summer.

The Euro88 hero’s squad is hardly green, but most have not appeared at the tournament, which Oranje failed to qualify for in 2002.

"The reality is that we are less experienced than the so-called big countries: Argentina, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany and England, among others," explained San Marco. "These teams are ahead of us."

"We only have a fair chance of a good account against these top-class teams," suggested Van Basten. "Everything would need to go according to plan."

"Of course, it is great to compete with these famous teams - they usually take the first step which offers us opportunities."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich have given up hope of retaining the services of midfielder Michael Ballack, according to the club's general manager Uli Hoeness.

The Germany international is out of contract this summer and looks certain to leave Bayern at the end of the season. Chelsea is his likely destination, with Ballack and his advisors known to be deep in negotiations with the English champions. And Hoeness has confirmed Bayern will not be making an 11th-hour bid to keep their star player.

"From our point of view, it is clear he will leave the club so there are no more efforts to keep him," he told PA Sport. "It is a professional situation. His contract is finished so it is up to him to decide."

Hoeness has come under fire from Ballack's agent Michael Becker for claiming the midfielder is only leaving Bayern for financial reasons.

Becker claims Ballack is making a "sports-related decision" and has rubbished suggestions the potential transfer was all about money.

Hoeness has maintained his stance, however, although he insists his opinions do not belittle Ballack's achievements at the club.

"I have not criticised Michael Ballack but only made an observation," he added. "I am not at all disappointed in him or his behaviour. That is totally normal.

"It is totally wrong to describe us as being angry or anything like that. It is totally the opposite.

"He did wonderfully here and now it is time to get a new club and maybe get more money. People who know me will understand that I don't think it's a problem what I said. You need to stay with the facts."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Barcelona striker Lionel Messi will have his return to the pitch put on hold after suffering a setback with an ongoing thigh injury in practice this week.

The 18-year-old Argentinean originally injured his thigh back on March 7, while playing in the first knockout round of Barcelona's second leg match with Chelsea. At the time of the injury, it was decided that an operation was not necessary and he would recover in four weeks.

Messi did return to training, but was held out of practice on Tuesday due to discomfort in the thigh. The club has already ruled him out of Friday's La Liga contest with Villarreal, and his status for next Tuesday's Champions League matchup with AC Milan is in serious jeopardy.

"Messi noticed that the damaged muscle had not completely healed so we will continue treating him until he overcomes the problem," said Dr. Jordi Ardevol.

Also on the Barcelona injury front, Ronaldinho (thigh) and Juliano Belletti (achilles) are also nursing injuries and are both questionable for Friday's game.

Barcelona has a commanding 11-point lead atop La Liga through 32 games.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Barcelona, La Liga's top club, and Soccer United Marketing announced Wednesday that the teams will face the New York Red Bulls as part of a three game tour of the United States.

The U.S. summer tour is the first for Barcelona since 2003.

The Spanish club will play Mexican clubs in Los Angeles and Houston and finish its tour Saturday, August 12, with a Major League Soccer matchup against the New York Red Bulls.

"Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing are honored to bring Barcelona’s exhilarating style of play to our fans. For many, this FC Barcelona Tour will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience," MLS Commissioner and SUM CEO Don Garber said.

The club will start the trip in Los Angeles Sunday, August 6, and will move to Houston Wednesday, August 9 before the match with the New York Red Bulls.

Barcelona features some of the world's premier players, including FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho along with Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi. As of week 32 in the Spanish schedule, Barcelona holds an 11 point lead for first place over Real Madrid. Only six games remain on the Spanish schedule.

Barcelona has also moved on to the UEFA Champions Cup semifinal stage. The club meets Serie A AC Milan in the first of two legs April 18 in Milan, Italy.

"We are sure that, with the cooperation of MLS, Barca will become more recognizable among the North American public. We also believe that the presence of our team and our star players will assist the promotion and growth of soccer in the United States," Barcelona President Joan Laporta said.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 07:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (46)

The US men's national team squared off with Jamaica at a sold-out SAS soccer park in Cary, NC last night. A group of us from Eurosport/Soccer.com and took in the action on and off the field. Here's what we saw!

Sam's Army, represent.

Ching shows some up's

Fans enjoying the friendly rivalry

Oof. Face plant and yellow card.


(all photos by Eurosport photographers Bitsy McKee, William Buck and Soccer.com designer Scott Maira)

Posted by at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Goal.com) - Former AC Milan and MetroStars legend Roberto Donadoni returned to Giants Stadium this past Saturday where he was honored -- along with Pele and a host of other players -- during a pre-game ceremony before the start of the Red Bulls home opener against the New England Revolution.

Goal.com’s Clemente Lisi caught up with Donadoni before the game, where he reminisced about his time with the MetroStars, future coaching prospects and Italy’s chances at the World Cup.

Donadoni began his career with Atalanta in 1982 and was transferred to AC Milan four years later. Donadoni became a mainstay in the AC Milan midfield that went on to win five Serie A titles, three European Champions’ Cups and two Intercontinental Cups. He was also a member of the Italian national team, playing in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. His missed penalty kick against Argentina in the 1990 World Cup semifinals cost the Italians a chance to reach the final.

In 1996, Donadoni signed with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, and in doing so he became the biggest foreign star to play in Major League Soccer’s inaugural season. The team made him a centerpiece of the franchise, but he became a victim of his own success. What appeared to be the twilight of Donadoni’s playing career turned out to be a successful continuation. At age 32, he was recalled to the Italian national team to play at the 1996 European Championships. Italy failed to get out of the first round and Donadoni returned to New York.

After two seasons with the MetroStars, Donadoni returned to AC Milan following the 1997 MLS season and helped himself to a sixth Scudetto.

The soft-spoken Donadoni turned to coaching once he retired. He coached Italian clubs Lecco in 2001, Livorno to Serie A promotion in 2002 and Genoa in 2003. Two years later, Donadoni returned to Livorno in mid-season. After leading them to a stunning ninth-place finish and having the club in sixth place midway through the current season, Donadoni resigned in February after he was publicly criticized by team owner Aldo Spinelli.

Goal.com : Livorno has only won one game in the past 13 going into this weekend. How do you feel about the way Livorno’s season is going?
Donadoni : I am really disappointed with what has been going on with Livorno over the past few months. I am mostly disappointed for the players.

Goal.com : Would you return if Spinelli invited you back?
Donadoni : I don’t think that's going to happen.

Goal.com : How does it feel to be back at Giants Stadium?
Donadoni : I have a lot great memories here. Playing here was one of the best times of my life.

Goal.com : Any chance of you coaching the Red Bulls or any other MLS team in the future?
Donadoni : I would like to coach in this league some day. The Red Bulls are one of the best organizations in this league. They want to make the league more popular and that is a very good thing.

Goal.com : Do you ever regret not winning a World Cup?
Donadoni : I don’t look back at Italia ‘90 or USA ‘94 with any disappointment. You only get one, maybe two, chances in a lifetime to play at a World Cup. Playing for a chance to win a World Cup is the best opportunity for a player.

Goal.com : Does Italy have a chance to win the World Cup this summer?
Donadoni : Italy has one of the best teams at this World Cup. The important thing is to have as many players in top physical shape.

For more soccer news visit Goal.com

Posted by soccer365 at 03:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - U.S. boss Bruce Arena says his job of finalizing a 23-man roster for World Cup is definitely trickier this year than it was in 2002.

The coach has decided to name his squad almost two weeks earlier than the FIFA deadline on May 2nd.

Observers believe as many as 18 spots are locked down, but Arena has kept his cards somewhat close to vest.

“It is difficult, there are some good players that won’t be selected and I probably won’t have time to talk to all of them,” he told reporters. “There will be some judgment calls.”

“When the roster comes out, there will be two, three, four, five players that could be on the roster,” concluded Arena. “It is a good problem to have, but it is difficult.”

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Thierry Henry, roundly regarded as one of the world's top players, is making the switch from swoosh to Reebok. The Arsenal striker will begin a multi-million dollar, multi-year deal with Reebok after this year's World Cup.

Henry will be endorsing Nike products throghout the World Cup. Reebok was acquired by adidas last summer in a 2.1 billion dollar deal.

Henry is also considering a move from Arsenal and reportedly would like to make a decision about his club team future before the World Cup begins.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (90)

(Soccer365.com) - Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has admitted looking to the positive side of a minor weekend injury suffered by Real Madrid man Ronaldo.

Il Phenomeno suffered a slight muscle strain, which will not effect his World Cup participation.

“Three weeks of rest will allow Ronaldo to arrive at the World Cup in the best physical condition possible,” Parreira told reporters.

“It would be great if he doesn’t play anymore matches this season.”

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Michael Ballack is in advanced talks with Chelsea according to the player's agent, Michael Becker.

Becker was defending the want-away Bayern Munich star from allegations of greed. On Monday, Bayern boss Uli Hoeneß suggested that the Germany captain was chasing cash in looking to leave the Bundesliga champions.

"It was always clear that Michael was not interested in learning a new language or a new culture but rather a new currency," Hoeneß told Kicker Sportmagazin.

Becker responded by telling Wednesday's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: "This comment is without foundation. Money is not the issue in the price category that Michael is in. He will be making a decision based on sporting considerations. We are in serious negotiations with Chelsea in London."

The player has long been expected to join the Londoners since Bayern withdrew an offer of a contract extension in November after the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder refused to make an official decision on his future.

For more soccer news visit Goal.com

Posted by soccer365 at 03:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko as appaled by the weekend team attack by Inter fans, and has declared that this type of behavior must cease before it intensifies further.

The incident was the latest in a string of worrying actions from various Serie A supporters; scrutiny from outside the country has grown quite large over the past two seasons.

It was the second time in recent years that Inter fans, who have already been hit with one UEFA stadium ban this term, took a threatening posture towards their own squad.

"If it carries on like this then we will end up like the gladiators of ancient Rome: if you lose, you get torn to pieces," Shevchenko told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The fans have the right to protest, but it is out of order to attack people."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has rejected suggestions that he could turn up at Inter Milan next season should Roberto Mancini get the gate.

"I have a contract with Roma and that will last another two seasons, provided the club are still happy with me," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"I'm flattered by the rumours, but I haven't improved enough with the team yet."

"I'm not interested in talking about my future," stated Spalletti, who led the Giallorossi to Serie A record 11-game winning streak earlier this season. "I'm with my team."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - When the United States men’s national team kicks off against Jamaica on Tuesday night, Tony Meola will be making history by becoming the first goalkeeper and ninth player overall to collect his 100th cap.

"Tony Meola has had an outstanding career for the national team with three World Cups to his credit, as well as 11 years in MLS,” national team head coach Bruce Arena said. “It's an honor for me and U.S. Soccer to recognize Tony's achievements in our sport by watching him earn his 100th cap for his country. We look forward to a special evening and recognizing Tony for an illustrious career."

Since earning his first cap in 1988, Meola has had a storied career with the Red, White and Blue. He is the USA’s all-time leader in appearances for goalkeepers and is second to Kasey Keller in both wins (37) and shutouts (32).

Meola played every minute of the USA’s matches in Italia ‘90 and USA ’94, including the 2-1 victory against Colombia that helped put the U.S. into the second round. The five-time MLS All-Star presided over the USA’s 2-0 victory against England in U.S. Cup ’93, and served as one of three goalkeepers for the USA’s historic quarterfinal run in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

His last international appearance came during the 2002 Nike ‘Road to Korea’, entering in the second half in the 5-0 win against Jamaica on May 16, 2002, at Giants Stadium.

While much of the hype for the game has been on Meola, the real focus for Arena is to get one final look at MLS players who are ‘on the bubble’ to make the national team roster for the World Cup.

"It's a very important game. Is the result important? No," Arena was quoted as saying in USA Today. "What's important is to see where some of these guys are at and to try to confirm what I'm thinking and to give me more information to make a decision. We have very little margin for error in this World Cup, and every bit of information we get is going to be helpful."

The U.S will have history on their side, however, as they have never lost to the Reggae Boyz in 16 all-time meetings, holding a 9-0-7 record.

Once the final whistle has blown the try-out period for players will be over as Arena has indicated that he will announce a preliminary 35-man player pool for the 2006 FIFA World Cup following the USA’s match against Jamaica on April 11 in Cary. From that pool, Arena will select the 23 players to represent the United States this summer in Germany. He is expected to announce the final roster in the first week in May. The roster will be submitted to FIFA on May 15, the official deadline for all 32 teams.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 04:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - England captain David Beckham has reiterated his interest in playing in the United States.

The Real Madrid star revealed during England’s tour of the U.S. last summer that a move could come to fruition at the end of his time in Spain.

"At some stage, playing in America is possible," he told the BBC, reiterating what he said during England's tour of America last summer.

"I've one year left at Real, and maybe two more after that, but things can change in football and the American league does interest me. I want to be part of a country that is passionate about sport.

"I've got my academy in LA which is important to me, because that is my life after the game."

The second David Beckham Academy just opened in the Los Angeles area last month. Earlier this year, Goal.com ran a feature on the Academy.

For more soccer news visit Goal.com

Posted by soccer365 at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

Hi all. It's an exciting day at Eurosport and Soccer.com, because a lot of us are going to the USA v. Jamaica match tonight at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, NC! If you're going too, give us a shout out if you see us. We'll be the happy people in G6 t-shirts.

And check back after the game and tomorrow for my game diary. We'll have some friends and photographers on the field getting a backstage look at the game. Go USA!

Posted by at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Does the US need to bounce back from Germany by winning by a large margin? Are you looking for a domestic player to step up and shine? Or are you just ready for Bruce Arena to pick a squad and get on with it? Other things to look for include:

-Tony Meola's farewell tour and 100th US Cap. The keeper was playing for the national team in 1990. 1990! That's 16 years, yo.
-Can Donovan dominate when he should against a young but speedy Jamaican midfield?
-The crowd in Cary, NC. The game sold out quickly. Will it be a haven for the Americans, or will more the crowd be pro-Jamaica?
-And speaking of the Reggae Boyz, any Jamaican fans out there?

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite a weekend loss to Tottenham, Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce admitted it was quite nice to have U.S. captain Claudio Reyna back in the line-up.

The American Abroad missed time with a shoulder injury, and returned in an unusual left midfield position – something the coach says is no worry for the veteran.

“Claudio can play football anywhere because he’s a good footballer,” he told the club website. “He showed that Saturday).”

“I don’t think it matters to him whether he plays central or on the left, he can still play football.”

“He’s one of the best, most natural footballers at the club,” rated Pearce. “I told him on Friday I was going to play him on the left.”

“I feel as though Claudio can play anywhere out there and Kiki (Musampa) is playing fairly well in the middle for me.”

“It was common sense for me, and I think between the pair of them it worked okay - I was quite happy with their performances.”

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has congratulated the entire team for a solid victory over warming relegation scrappers Lecce on the weekend.

“It’s a win by the whole team,” he declared. “For us it was a very difficult match, this team came from two wins.”

“For this reason, the players went on the pitch with the right concentration and high motivations,” stated Spalletti. “Only this way, despite some moments of suffering, did we come out on top of the situation.”

With the win, the Giallorossi maintained a slim one-point edge on Fiorentina for the final Champions League slot.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - In the aftermath of a sloppy 2-2 draw at Racing Santander, Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard demanded the squad take the title bull by the horns.

The Catalans lead second place Real Madrid by 11 points with six matches to play, and the coach wants business handled sooner rather than later.

"I want to win the title as soon as possible and I don't care whether we win it at home or away," he barked. "We didn't play well."

"We gave the ball away too easily, and when you push up, you give the opposition too many chances on the counter if you lose the ball."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - A spokesman for Wayne Rooney has rubbished newspaper reports of a rift between himself and England strike partner Michael Owen.

Weekend newspaper stories claimed the Manchester United star had amassed gambling debts worth £700,000 after Owen recommended a private bookmaker. It is claimed that this has led to the pair falling out.

However, Rooney's management company Proactive Sports Management, has flatly denied the claims, saying: "Any suggestion of a rift or a dispute between Wayne and Michael is completely without foundation as far as Wayne is concerned.

"Wayne and Michael remain the best of pals."

The claims have already been rubbished by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

For more soccer news visit Goal.com

Posted by soccer365 at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan midfielder Cristiano Zanetti was in a state of disbelief after the squad were attacked by about 100 fans as they returned home from a weekend win at Ascoli.

The mob, apparently still rankled over their Champions League exit last week, surprised the players with violent anger at the airport.

"We had gone through the border controls and there was a group of supporters who limited themselves to the odd ironic comment, the same sort that we had already heard on our return from Villarreal," Zanetti told Controcampo. "We thought it was all over until we got to the car park to retrieve our cars."

"There were about 100 people there who were insulting us and throwing stones," he reported. "One of these hit me."

"I was very concerned as nothing like that had ever happened before."

However, it was not an isolated incident for Inter, who were barricaded in their training ground clubhouse by angry fans three years ago.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich keeper Oliver Kahn has reacted positively to Jürgen Klinsmann’s declaration that Arsenal man Jens Lehmann will be Germany’s starter at World Cup this summer.

"I've come to the conclusion that it's important for the national team for me to be there, despite my disappointment," he told reporters. "This can't be about personal vanity."

"Jürgen has made his decision and I accept it," stated Kahn, captain of the 2002 runners up side. "The team, including Jens Lehmann, will have my full support."

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(Soccer365.com) - The man who performed ankle surgery on Italy star Francesco Totti says the attack wizard should be ready to go when World Cup kicks off this summer.

The AS Roma skipper looked in doubt when the injury occurred, but has made significant progress in recovery.

"From April 20th, Totti will start working with athletics coaches," reported Pierpaolo Mariani.

"His recovery is not certain yet, but he is absolutely ahead of the schedule we made."

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Milan, Italy (Sports Network) - AC Milan midfielder Ricky Kaka scored a hat-trick to hand his team a 4-1 victory over Chievo Sunday at the San Siro.

"I saw a good performance from Milan both in the first and second half," AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told the club's Web site.

"We are all really happy that we are playing with quality and nimbleness. Everyone's doing well and there is a good feeling amongst the players and the San Siro."

With the win, AC Milan regained the runner-up spot in Serie A standings. City rival Inter Milan had temporarily stole second, following its 2-1 victory over Ascoli Saturday.

Chievo's Sergio Pellisier opened the scoring in the 13th minute, firing a volley past AC Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida.

The home team then grabbed the equalizer before the half hour mark as Kaka found Alessandro Nesta, who curled the ball into Chievo's net with his right foot.

The second half was then controlled by Kaka, who recorded his first-ever Serie A hat trick. The Brazilian midfielder scored his first goal in the 62nd minute and then never looked back.

"It is a great moment. Now we are thinking about the derby and about putting some space between us and Inter," said Ancelotti.

Also on Sunday, Serie A champion Juventus finished in a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina; Lazio slid past Siena 3-2; Roma leapfrogged Fiorentina into fourth place after defeating Lecce 3-1; Cagliari and Palermo drew 1-1; Parma shut out Reggina 4-0; Empoli secured its fourth win in five matches after defeating Sampdoria 2-1; Treviso was the first club relegated after falling to Messina 3-1.

On Saturday, Udinese handed Livorno a 2-0 shutout.

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The U.S. Women's National Team announced a two-match trip to Japan Friday for the first time in nearly eight years.

The team will face Japan for the first of two meetings May 7 in Kumamoto. The second meeting will take place two days later, on May 9 in Osaka.

"The two games in Japan come at a good time to bridge between the Algarve Cup and our domestic matches this summer," U.S. head coach Greg Ryan said.

The U.S. will meet Japan for the first time since August 2004 during the Olympics. During that match, the U.S. handed Japan a 3-1 loss in the quarterfinals.

The trip to Japan is the first one since 1998, when the U.S. Women's team played three matches in Tokyo, Kobe and Yokohama.

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(Goal.com) - Jens Lehmann will play for Germany at the World Cup finals after coach Jürgen Klinsmann named the Arsenal goalkeeper his number one ahead of long-time incumbent Oliver Kahn.

"This was the most difficult decision of my term," said Klinsmann. "After the match against the USA, we have carefully analysed developments over the past 22 months and have now made our decision. Of course Oliver is disappointed but he showed himself as a true sportsman." The decision - announced on the DFB Web site - was almost two years in the making with Klinsmann stripping Kahn of the captaincy and then of his acknowledged number one status as soon as he took control of the national team in August 2004.

"Both goalkeepers have extraordinary ability but we are convinced that Jens Lehmann fits better with our playing philosophy," said goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke. Kahn expressed his sadness at the decision shortly after the announcement on Friday afternoon. "I am very surprised about this decision from Jurgen Klinsmann and absolutely disappointed. I will now, in the coming weeks, fully concentrate on my duties with Bayern Munich," he said.

Kahn has suffered from injury in recent months but has been in excellent form for Bayern Munich during their march to what looks like another Bundesliga title. Lehmann has similarluy been solid for Arsenal during their run to the Champions' League semi-finals and seems to have beenfitted from Klinsmann's determination to stamp his own authority on the current Germany side.

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The Champions League number is down to four as Arsenal and Barcelona joined AC Milan and Villarreal in the European semi-finals.

Arsenal did not flinch in Torino, Italy, again holding Juventus scoreless, advancing on the strength of a 2-0 aggregrate. Juve again lost a valuable player to a red card late in a match. This time it was the black-and-white's strongest scoring threat, Pavel Nedved.

In Camp Nou, Barecelona survived a few close efforts on goal and a penalty miss by Ronaldinho to advance 2-0. Ronaldinho made up for his effort on the spot with a goal in the 19th minute, and Samuel Eto'o added a second goal in the dying minutes of the match.

In the semis, Arsenal will match up with Villarreal, and Barca will face last year's runners-up AC Milan.

(image by Getty Images)

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(Soccer365.com) - Mexico star Cuauhtemoc Blanco has blasted coach Ricardo Lavolpe for leaving him off the 26-man provisional World Cup roster.

"Lavolpe can't tell me that I don't fit into his system if I have played under the command of umpteen coaches and have adapted to all of their systems," said the mercurial player.

"So I don't think it's so difficult to adapt to Ricardo's (system)," explained Blanco.

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no valid argument for my not being in the national team."

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Two teams powered through to the Champions League semi-finals with victories this afternoon. The surprise: Only one was Italian.

AC Milan's quest to be European champions was doomed until Filippo Inzaghi headed in a winner in the 88th minute. With the score 1-1, which would have sent Lyon to its first semi-final in history, Milan took control of the tie on Inaghi's second goal of the match. Andriy Shevchenko followed with a third in extra time, burying the French club's hopes of an upset.

In the other Champions League match, AC Milan's chief rival was handed a one-way ticket home by Villarreal. Inter Milan, which took a 2-1 lead to Spain, were held scoreless and fell out of the competition. Rodolfo Arruabarrena scored for Villarreal, who advance to the semis in their first Champions League experience.

On Wednesday, Juventus tries for a comeback at home against Arsenal, and Barcelona hosts Benefica after a scoreless first-leg.

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(Soccer365.com) - Juventus boss Fabio Capello isn’t busy feeling sorry for himself despite adding Alessandro Del Piero to the list of names unavailable to him against Champions League guests Arsenal on Wednesday.

The coach, who is without suspended trio Mauro Camoransei, Patrick Vieira and Jonathan Zebina, revealed that his Italy attack veteran will be a late scratch.

"I never cry about what I don't have," declared Capello. "I'm always positive."

"I am happy with the team I have and I am confident that we can do well."

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(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan defender Javier Zanetti has demanded organization from the backline when they tackle Champions League hosts Villareal on Wednesday night.

The Nerazzurri arrive with a 2-1 San Siro leg edge, but allowed the Yellow Submarines to breech their net in the opening minute.

"We were taken by surprise," admitted Zanetti. "We started very badly, making a huge positional mistake in defense."

"We have to be prepared for a very difficult game," he insisted. "We have to impose ourselves and avoid becoming too preoccupied with defending our slight advantage."

"We know how Inter are going to play and what preoccupies me is ensuring that we score and they do not," added coach Pellegrini, while striker Guillermo Franco noted: "The dream scenario is to go 1-0 up, to play 90 perfect minutes and to commit no errors. This is how to cause an upset, and we showed in Milan that we can hurt them."

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(Soccer365.com) - Borussia Dortmund defender Christoph Metzelder has learned that calf injury sustained on the weekend will not jeopardize his World Cup chances.

The BVB skipper has only suffered a deep bruise, and will take the week off.

"I am still in pain, but I am also extremely relieved that the diagnosis is not as bad as first feared," sighed Metzelder, who has struggled with various injuries since starring at World Cup 2002.

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(Soccer365.com) - Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe has named an initial 26-man roster for this summer’s World Cup, the most obvious surprise being the omission mercurial attacker Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

The manager will need to pair this initial list down to 23 names on May 15.

“We worked three years on a process that culminates today,” declared Lavolpe. “Each aspirant was evaluated thoroughly to arrive at a final determination.”

Preliminary Mexico World Cup roster:

Goalkeepers: Oswaldo Jesus Corona (Tecos), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Sanchez (Guadalajara),

Defenders: Antonio Castro (America), Jose Guardado (Atlas), Joel Huiqui (Cruz Azul), Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Jose Mario Mendez (Monterrey), Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul), Gonzalo Pineda (Guadalajara), Francisco Rodriguez (Guadalajara), Carlos Salcido (Guadalajara), Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA)

Midfielders: Jose Garcia (Atlas), Israel Lopez (Toluca), Jaime Lozano (Tigres), Ramon Morales (Guadalajara), Antonio Naelson (Toluca), Pavel Pardo (America), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul)

Forwards: Jose Arellano (Monterrey), Jared Borgetti (Bolton), Omar Bravo (Guadalajara). Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Franco (Villarreal)

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(Soccer365.com) - Fiorentina hitman Luca Toni was on cloud nine after matching the club record for goals in a season with his 26th on Sunday.

The Italy forward now shares the standard with Gabriel Batistuta and Kurt Hamrin.

“It’s a big pleasure to have equaled the record,” Toni told Sky Italia. “I have scored 26 goals because I am surrounded by players who help me.”

La Viola drew with Roma on the weekend to maintain a slim fourth-place advantage over the Giallorossi.

“Now let’s hope we can continue doing good things to achieve Champions League qualification, that would be a dream,” he said.

“We will try to battle for this place until the end, but it will be hard due to the fact that Roma are a strong side.”

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Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Houston Dynamo's Brian Ching scored four goals to overcome the Colorado Rapids, 5-2 at Robertson Stadium.

The Haleiwa, Hawaii native became the seventh player in Major League Soccer history to score at least four goals during a match, and the first to accomplish the feat in a season opener.

Houston forward Dwayne De Rosario also made league history during the game. The 27-year-old striker tied the MLS record for assists in a game, tallying four.

Ching recorded the first goal in Dynamo history as he slid past the Rapids defense and beat goalkeeper Joe Cannon in the 13th minute.

Seconds later, the Rapids grabbed the equalizer with a goal from Kyle Beckerman, 30 yards out.

Before the half, Houston took the 3-1 lead as Ching went on to score his second and then third goals within a ten minute span.

The Rapids attempted to stay in the game after the break as Jovan Kirovski sent his free kick sailing over the Houston wall past Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad, creating a 3-2 match.

However, Ching scored again in the 72nd minute, followed by Alejandro Moreno, who sent a full bicycle kick past Cannon to wrap up the match and hand the club its first victory.

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Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Chivas USA forward Ante Razov scored twice to hand his team a 3-0 victory over Real Salt Lake at The Home Depot Center on Sunday in Major League Soccer.

The former MetroStars striker entertained fans in the 21st minute as he shot past Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Scott Garlick from inside the penalty.

Minutes later, teammate Juan Pablo Garcia capitalized on Razov's lead when he curled rookie Sacha Kljestan's ball into the visitors' net.

Razov then recorded his second goal of the night and sealed the win for Chivas, firing a 25-yard ball past Garlick in the 66th minute.

After tallying only four wins and a bottom spot in the Western Conference in 2005, Chivas USA opened their season on a positive note with a victory over RSL.

In week two, Chivas travels to Washington, D.C. to face D.C. United April 8. The following week, the team squares off with fellow California club the Los Angeles Galaxy. The last weekend in April has Chivas at home against the New York Red Bulls.

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Bolton, England (Sports Network) - Just when it looked as if Chelsea had the Premiership all sealed up, Manchester United brought the first place lead down to seven after a 2-1 win over Bolton Saturday.

Second place United has remained a threat in the Premiership for much of the season, but has reached its best spot to challenge Chelsea in weeks. The first place club was held scoreless in a 0-0 draw with Birmingham.

Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy put United on the board for the win. The Manchester club now has 72 points through 32 matches with a five-point lead for the second place spot.

Bolton was the first on the board, when Kevin Davies put the home team in the lead in the 26th minute. Davies pushed past the United defense and sent a shot past a diving Edwin Van Der Sar.

United provided an answer seven minutes later, when Saha netted the equalizer for the visitors. Saha curled a left-footed shot into the back of the Bolton net to set the game even.

The 1-1 draw remained locked until the 79th minute, when Saha and Nistelrooy combined to score the team's second goal of the day. Saha set up Nistelrooy for the goal that nearly ended Bolton's chances for the win.

Bolton couldn't manage the equalizer in the remaining 11 minutes, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson and the United squad with its 22nd win of the Premiership season.

For Bolton, the loss was the eighth of the season. The club sits in the league's seventh place spot with 48 points.

As for the other big Premiership game of the weekend, Chelsea was held scoreless by host Birmingham for just its fourth draw of the season. Jose Mourinho's squad was in dire need of a win, but could only manage the point for 79 on the season.

Also on Saturday; third place Liverpool kept pace with a 2-0 win over West Brom for its 20th league victory of the season.

Robbie Fowler opened the scoring in the seventh minute, and Djibril Cisse put the finishing touches on the game with a goal in the 28th minute.

The win gives Liverpool 67 points through 33 matches.

In other league play; Arsenal scored five against the Aston Villa defense for a 5-0 win; Everton and Sunderland finished in a 2-2 draw; Portsmouth continued its hot streak with a 3-1 over visiting Fulham; and Newcastle beat fourth place Tottenham, 3-1 to finish Saturday's schedule.

The Premiership resumes Sunday with two matches and finishes Monday with Blackburn hosting Wigan.

photo: Getty Images Sport
By: Michael Steele

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