(Soccer365.com) - Heerenveen midfield prodigy Michael Bradley says he expects to enjoy more regular time on the pitch when the 2007/08 season rolls around.

The American Abroad is currently busy preparing for CONCACAF Gold Cup duty with the U.S. National Team after working 21 league matches for the Frisians.

“Going into last season, I knew I had to work to get better and I know that I did that,” Bradley told Top Drawer Soccer. “I’m looking forward to the fall.”

“One of midfielders from the team (Paul Bosvelt) is retiring, and in talking to the coach and people at the club, they’re really confident in me as a player.”

“They feel like I have a big role to play this year and are expecting me to be an important player at the club,” he added. “It’s up to me to have a good summer and go back with a good mentality and in good form so I can put them in a position where there’s no way they can not play me.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Colorado forward Herculez Gomez admitted that everyone was calling after he shot down former side Los Angeles with the lone goal on the weekend.

The striker was dealt away by the Galaxy in 2006, so the winner was sweet revenge indeed.

“I was getting text messages all week,” Gomez told the Kansas City Star. “This is a game I really wanted to win.”

“Everyone knows I grew up a fan of LA, but I think (the trade to the Rapids) was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Barcelona star Ronaldinho is keen to take on Real Madrid's David Beckham when England and Brazil meet at Wembley tomorrow.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are involved in a titanic tussle for the La Liga title, and the Gaucho is relishing the chance to face Beckham.

He also praised the former England skipper for the kind of form he is in.

"Beckham deserves his return to the England team because he has been playing so well for Real Madrid," Ronaldinho told the Daily Star.

"I can't wait to take him on though.

"We are involved in a huge battle in La Liga and now we will be fighting for supremacy at Wembley.

"I want to triumph in both but I know that would wreck his dreams."

There will be two particularly exciting rivalries on show at Wembley tomorrow, with Kaka and Gerrard facing off in one, and Ronaldinho and Beckham in the other.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - Young American Abroad trio Charlie Davies, Kamani Hill and Lee Nguyen will get the chance to register their first international caps when the U.S. National Team faces friendly visitors China in San Jose this weekend.

The three have not merely been brought in as practice players, Bradley recently asserted.

"Bringing this group to San Jose accomplishes two important goals," he stated. "First, we get excellent preparation for many of the players who will help defend our Gold Cup title beginning next week."

"Second, we get the chance to introduce some exciting young prospects to the senior national team and give them a taste of what this experience is all about."

Davies is on leave from Swedish title contenders Hammarby, Hill has concluded his first half-season with Wolfsburg and PSV Eindhoven prospect Nguyen is just now coming back from a winter shoulder injury.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Brilliant Brazilian Kaka says he's flattered by interest from Real Madrid, but again stated he's happy at AC Milan.

The Rossoneri superstar has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital for a year now, but so far Los Galacticos haven't been able to close a deal.

Kaka arrived in London on Wednesday for Brazil's friendly with England on Friday, but found himself answering more questions about his club future.

Only earlier in the day news had been filtering out of Spain that Real president Ramon Calderon is prepared to fork out a whopping 60 million Euros this summer to finally get his man.

Kaka told Madrid daily AS: "It gives much joy me that a club like Real Madrid is interested in me, and it's something that happened last year as well.

"But I have to make one thing clear, I've just won the Champions League with Milan and my family and I are very happy there. For that reason, the only way anything will happen is if AC Milan reach agreement with Real Madrid."

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(Soccer365.com) - Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has dismissed reports that he will cut his spending on new players as "nonsense".

The Russian gave a rare interview to Ekho Moskvy radio station in which he denied media reports that he would give manager Jose Mourinho a tiny transfer budget this summer after spending £250m over the last four years.

"This is absolute nonsense," said Abramovich. "Everything will remain the same. My relationship with Chelsea has not changed and I wouldn't want to change anything."

Those comments are a little different to those he made in December in his only British interview with The Observer.

Then he said: "Our strategy is to bring up our own players through the academy, which we have invested a lot in, and hope it gives results. We will be spending less in the transfer market in future years."

With an open chequebook Chelsea may well target Argentine forward Carlos Tevez rather than cut-price options like Blackburn's Benni McCarthy.

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(Soccer365.com) - Rafa Benitez will reportedly start his revamp of the Liverpool squad on the wings.

Benitez will have significant sums to spend this summer from both his planned clearout of the Anfield squad (which could see Mark Gonzalez, Bolo Zenden, Craig Bellamy and Harry Kewell head for the exit door), and from backing from the club's new American owners.

Wednesday's Sun claims that the Spanish boss is lining up a raid on his old club Valencia to sign left-winger David Silva.

Silva has been one of the finds of the season for Quique Sanchez Flores' side after signing from Celta Vigo last summer.

The Valencia man could cost up to £12 million, but a slightly cheaper option could be Lyon wideman Florent Malouda.

The Daily Mirror claimed on Tuesday that Benitez was lining up a bid for the French international, while Wednesday's Times thinks that the deal could cost the Champions League finalists £10 million.

Meanwhile, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry confirmed on Wednesday that the club are still interested in Benfica right winger Simao Sabrosa.

Wednesday's Daily Star reckons that Djibril Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, could be used as a makeweight in the deal for Simao, and Parry conceded that would be a possibility.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - New Chicago Fire star Cuauhtémoc Blanco has let it be known that he is expecting to have pressure to perform, and that he intends to earn every penny the team is paying him.

Several big names have come to MLS with less than professional work standards, but the Mexico attacker claims he will do the business after arriving from Club América.

"If things don't go well, the press and the fans aren't going to be happy," Blanco told the Chicago Tribune. "I am a professional."

"I didn't go there to steal this money that they are giving me."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Barcelona full-back Juliano Belletti has taken a swipe at coach Frank Rijkaard over a lack of playing time.

The Brazilian signed a new contract with the club earlier this year but has only been used sparingly by Rijkaard despite some average results that have undermined the Catalans’ season.

"If I had known I would play so little, I would never have renewed my contract," said Belletti, who has now fully recovered from injury.

"I spoke with the coach before the season began and he said to me that he was counting on me.

"The president even called me and, when receiving his confidence, I chose to stay. But I have hardly played."

Belletti was the hero in last season’s Champions League final against Arsenal.

After Samuel Eto’o had equalised to level the match at 1-1, Belletti popped up with a late winner to seal the club’s second European Cup triumph.

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(Soccer365.com) - Boca Juniors exec Pedro Pompillo says strike sensation Rodrigo Palacio will accept a transfer to Barcelona once the club can get all part owner’s of the player’s registration onboard.

The Catalans will reportedly pay over €20 million for the striker, but Juan Paladino has to clear the path of all obstacles first - the one club that appears to be weighing down the move is relegated Huracan, who have upped their expectations for a pay out.

"We have reached to an agreement with Barcelona for transferring him in July," Pompilio told Argentine radio. "But Barcelona has said to us that the condition for doing the transfer is that they want to negotiate only with us, so we have to get in touch with Huracan, Banfield and the agent Juan Paladino because they are the owners of the rest of the percentage of the player."

"We have been in negotiations with Huracan for many months, but we haven't reached a financial agreement because they want much more than the $2.5 million that we have offered to them - as they have been relegated to a lower division now they want more money than what we had agreed sometime ago."

"I expect to have all these negotiations resolved as soon as possible because it's a good financial offer for everyone and if we don't reach to an agreement, Barcelona isn't going to wait a long time," insisted the vice president. "They will go out and buy another player - that's what we are trying to make the other parts involved to understand."

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(Goal.com) - Wales captain Ryan Giggs will announce his retirement from international football later today.

The 33-year-old Manchester United winger, who recently collected a record ninth Premier League championship winners' medal, will play his last game for Wales in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

It is understood that Giggs, who will then have played 64 times for his country, has been considering his international future since Wales were beaten 1-0 away to the Republic of Ireland in March.

That resul effectively ended the Principality's chances of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Giggs is one of the most gifted players destined not to appear in the finals of the World Cup or European Championships.

The BBC reports that Wales officials learned about how Giggs was feeling a week ago when they gathered for the drawn friendly against New Zealand in Wrexham.

Now the other Welsh players, who assembled on Tuesday night at their Cardiff hotel ahead of the Czech match, have been made aware the players are now aware of Giggs' decision.

It is a decision that will hit Wales hard. Many would argue that Giggs has been one of their best-ever players, and losing his services will deprive manager John Toshack of the Premiership quality that is in short supply among he current Welsh squad.

Toshack has made it clear that his primary objective is to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Afric, and although Giggs will be nearly 36 by then, his class, experience and leadership would have been significan assets in the qualification bid.

A source at the FA of Wales suggested, however, that "Maybe Ryan has come to accept that the chances of qualification for Euro 2008 are all but gone.

"It is a great shame, he has been an outstanding servant to Welsh football and since being made captain under John Toshack, he has been a major influence on the young players."

Like other top Welsh players before him, Giggs appears to have accepted that he will never play in a major finals, Wales's last participation in such an event being at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

The likes of Ian Rush, Neville Southall, Mark Hughes, Kevin Ratcliffe and Toshack himself have all been denied a top international stage because of the constraints faced by many smaller nations in terms of a limited pool of players from which to select.

Giggs made his debut for Wales against West Germany in October 1991 aged 17 years and 321 days. At the time he was the youngest-ever Wales international.

But with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson frequently withdrawing the player from Wales squads because of the player's troublesome hamstring, it was not until Toshack took over as national boss three years ago that Giggs played an away friendly for Wales.

Under Toshack, as captain, Giggs has helped a number of young players make the step up to international football.

But his decision to quit the international scene should help to extend his club career at United.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - Gabriel Heinze could take advantage of a FIFA loophole to buy out his Manchester United contract and secure a cut-price move to Real Madrid.

Heinze has been strongly linked with a transfer to the Spanish giants with reports suggesting he flew to Madrid at the weekend to discuss a switch to the Primera Liga leaders.

And the defender could become the first Premiership player to use a FIFA rule which allows footballers to buy themselves out of their own contracts.

According to the Daily Express, Heinze, who is valued by United at around £5million, could take advantage of the loophole to secure a transfer to Real or another club and he would only have to pay £4million to the Red Devils.

The rule allows players to pay off their deals with a club if they have served three years of their contract and are outside a 'protected period' in terms of age.

Heinze, 29, would qualify having signed for £6.9million from PSG in the summer of 2004.

The situation would mirror the controversy surrounding Andy Webster's controversial switch from Hearts to Wigan last August.

Webster invoked article 17 in FIFA's regulations for the status and transfer of players to became a Wigan player after three years at Hearts, with compensation rather than a transfer fee changing hands.

No Premiership players have yet used the loophole to leave a club, but several other big-name stars, including Chelsea's Frank Lampard, are apparently eligible to take advantage of the controversial ruling.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) - CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca have continued their silver mining ways by claiming the Mexican Clausura title with a late second leg equalizer by Juan Carlos Cacho.

The first leg victory hero netted his third goal of the final with eight minutes to play after Cuauhtemoc Blanco opened for Club América in the first half.

Pachuca, who also won the most recent Copa Sudamericana, then raised their fifth league trophy as Blanco prepared to head off for MLS side Chicago.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Juventus have insisted that comments attributed to Jean-Claude Blanc over talks with Marcelo Lippi are false.

There had been comments attributed to Blanc claiming that talks to bring Lippi back to Juventus were already underway, and that the Turin bosses were waiting for a response.

'Corriere della Sera', 'La Repubblica' and 'La Stampa' had all quoted Blanc as saying: "We want Lippi to be part of our project, it doesn't matter in which role, either as a coach or a technical director.

"He must tell us what he wants. We have decided to wait ten days to have a response; in the meantime we have already programmed some interviews with other coaches."

However, the club have released an official statement saying: "Juventus wish to highlight the fact that Jean-Claude Blanc never released the statement on the club’s future coach which was reported by the Press this evening."

Marcello Lippi has also quickly insisted that there wan no truth in the reported contacts.

"I have already said that I will not start working again for a few more months," he clarified on Italian television. The latest stories are groundless, especially as if the club want me then they would need to ask me directly."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - According to the Daily Mirror, Everton are getting ready a bid of nearly $6 million for Sheffield Wednesday right back Frank Simek.

The U.S. international has long been an apple to the eye of Toffees boss David Moyes, who may finally be ready to pull the trigger on a deal.

Simek was recently honored as the 2006/07 Owls’ Player of the Year by Sheffield Wednesday fans.

The American Abroad is just one of several graduates of the Arsenal academy to make a name for themselves this season, along with the likes of David Bentley and Steve Sidwell.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Fiorentina’s Luca Toni could be a Bayern Munich player as early as Wednesday, according to reports in Germany.

The Italian club announced on Monday that the prolific striker was leaving the club after making it clear he no longer wanted to play in Florence.

A 13 million euro deal has reportedly been agreed with Bayern Munich and representatives from the German club are due in Italy in midweek to complete the final details.

Toni apparently rejected moves to other Serie A clubs out of a sign of respect for Fiorentina.

"It is a beautiful gesture to the club and the city of Florence that Toni has decided to join Bayern Munich," said Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle, while also confirming the deal.

The 30-year-old scored 49 goals in two seasons for Fiorentina and is part of Bayern’s drastic rebuilding plan after they only managed to qualify for the Uefa Cup next season.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) - Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is hoping he can persuade AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta not to give up on the national team.

The 31-year-old, along with Roma captain Francesco Totti, has opted against playing for the Azzurri since last summer.

Nesta was a member of Italy's World Cup-winning squad, but was injured during the group stages and has played no further part in the national team since then.

His replacement, Marco Materazzi of Internazionale, proved a key figure in the Azzurri's success in Germany and has since become a regular starter for Italy.

"I hope that Nesta's decision is a temporary one," said Donadoni. "I try to be optimistic although it appears to be a definite decision.

"I don't interpret it as a refusal towards the national team.

"Whoever joins us must be fit, convinced and motivated. I believe that it would be pointless for the Federation to intervene on this matter.

"I have spoken to both Nesta and Totti and I have accepted their reasons.

"I look to the present and future, thinking about the players that are here and happy to be here.

"When I was a player for me the Azzurri colours was the biggest ambition of all and it really burned me when I wasn't included."

With former Fiorentina striker Luca Toni out of action with a foot injury, Totti's absence is particularly painful for the Azzurri.

Totti finished the season as Serie A's top scorer with 6 goals.

The consolation for Donadoni is that AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi is available to play in the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands on Saturday and Lithuania four days later.

Inzaghi missed the clash against Scotland two months ago through injury, but has joined the Azzurri in training at their headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, in inspired form after last week's heroics against Liverpool in the Champions League final.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Goal.com) - Reports coming out of Spain suggest that Barcelona have drawn up a shortlist of strikers they plan to target over the summer.

One of the key signings Barcelona will make this summer is that of a striker, particularly with Santi Ezquerro and Javier Saviola on the way out.

Barca are still looking to fill the void left by Henrik Larsson, with Eidur Gudjohnsen having disappointed, and the names of Roy Makaay, Thierry Henry and Diego Forlan have been mentioned as the top targets by Sport.

The other reason for Barcelona's needing another top striker, of course, is that Samuel Eto'o could miss up to six weeks of actions early next year, due to his involvement in the African Nations Cup.

The problem, of course, with signing a top striker, is that the club will have to convince him that he will get regular action, and not be doomed to a spot on the bench.

In case Barcelona fail to net Henry, they do not want to take chances with unproven talent, which is what makes Makaay and Forlan top priority, both having proven themselves in La Liga.

More than anything, they want clinical finishers, strikers who can take their chances, and all three fit the bill.

Forlan is also being tracked by Valencia, while Henry is yet to make a final decision regarding his future. Roy Makaay could be the easiest to net, under the circumstances, with Bayern unlikely to pose too many problems given their imminent capture of Luca Toni.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Toronto FC winger Ronnie O’Brien claims international play is not a priority of his, but admits he could answer Ireland boss Steve Staunton’s call at another time.

The flank threat begged out of a recent summons to continue regaining full fitness from a knee injury.

"I know a lot of players have aspirations to play on their national teams, but they haven't called me in for a long time so I don't hold out hope for it," O’Brien told Soccernet. "I'm just happy playing club football."

"People are going to think it's strange, but it's the way I've always been."

"I'm just coming back off an injury," he asserted. "It just came at the wrong time."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - After working from a foreign midfield spot in their 3-0 victory over Chicago on Thursday night, New York strike phenom Josmer Altidore claims he has a new found awe for regulars inhabitants of the position.

The teenager opened less than a minute into the contest and Juan Pablo Angel added a pair of insurance goals.

"I have new respect for that position," Altidore told MLSnet of his midfield debut. "On a scale of one to 10, it's a 9.99."

"It's hard, you're running back and forth, defending, but it was nice to help out the team that way."

"I'm not used to that running back and forth, but the guys helped me out, talking to me the whole game and pushed me through," credited the youngster.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Lionel Messi has responded vehemently to suggestions that the the Barcelona dressing room is fractured.

"I get furious when I read stories of disputes within the team," the Argentine told World Soccer magazine.

"How could we have had as much success if we were not united?

"There is great spirit within the team, which is what helps us win games."

Speaking about his own development, he said: "Football is a team sport, and I continue to learn from my team-mates.

"I am proud to play for Barcelona. They have been the only club of my professional career, as much in mind as in heart.

He also spoke about the comparisons between his now famous goal (against Getafe) and Diego Maradona's (from Mexico '86).

"Maradona was very nice with me, when he spoke about that game," he revealed. "However, he was a unique player. Nobody has managed to do what he did with the ball.

"I am thankful for his support and confidence."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres are at the top of Rafa Benitez's shortlist of strikers, as the Liverpool coach looks to move quickly in the transfer market.

Despite falling in the final of the Champions League on Wednesday, Liverpool are losing no time and are set to continue their prominence in European football by signing high profile players for next season, thanks to the funding of their new American owners.

The Reds are hoping to continue to excel at the highest level, much in the same way as Manchester United and Chelsea have done in the last few years.

According to reports in England, Liverpool’s main priority is Barcelona’s Samuel Etoo. However, a deal for the player will possibly be too expensive (50 million euros) and complicated for the club.

The second player on Rafa Benitez’s list is Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres. There is a high possibility that the Spanish international could move to Anfield, particularly because he has recently revealed his intentions of moving to a competitive club, and also because his price tag (30 million euros) is more reachable than that of Etoo’s.

Other players that Benitez is keeping an eye on include: Darren Bent (Charlton Athletic), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese), and Amauri (Palermo). Benitez is also contemplating the return of former Liverpool striker Michael Owen currently with Newcastle United.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Ruud van Nistelrooy is available again for selection for Holland after making peace with Oranje coach Marco van Basten.

The Real Madrid forward has had tense relations with Van Basten since last year's World Cup, but is now available for Euro 2008 qualifying although he did not feature in Friday's squad for friendlies with South Korea and Thailand.

Van Basten revealed that fences had been mended with 30-year-old Van Nistelrooy, saying: "A good phone conversation has made this possible.

"He's (Van Nistelrooy) laid the basis for a return of Van Nistelrooy to the Oranje."

Former Manchester United forward Van Nistelrooy's 22 goals in the Primera Liga for Real Madrid this season have seen him become a leading contender to be crowned Spain's "pichichi" (top scorer).

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - CD Guadalajara forward Omar Bravo has revealed that discussions have begun over a move to German champs Stuttgart, where he would be able to suit up alongside Mexico mates Ricardo Osorio and Pavel Pardo.

"You always want to improve and, if playing in Europe is going to help me to be better in my career, I want to play there," he declared.

"I have been in touch with Pavel Pardo and Ricardo Osorio, and they have confirmed to me that Stuttgart is interested in me."

"I have to be calm and wait," added Bravo. "But it would be very nice if there is an arrangement to play in Germany or in another European country."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid forward Robinho has revealed that Kaka told him he would love to move to Real Madrid, should Milan allow him to. He also spoke about his own future.

"I am scoring important goals and I hope to continue in the same vein until the end of the season," he said, speaking on Marca Radio.

"The year did not begin well. I was not happy.

"But in football, things can change very quickly, and with my dedication, I have shown that I have the desire to play.

"I did not say that I would leave Real Madrid at end of the season. Also, things have changed, and I am happy here. I want to see out my contract, and showcase my football."

Speaking of Kaka, he had some comments that will interest most football fans, one way or the other.

"I do not know if Kaká will sign [for Real Madrid], because he is the champion of Europe," said the Brazilian.

"What I do know is that he likes Real Madrid a lot, and speaks very well about our club.

"He has told me that he would be delighted to play here, but that it is very difficult that Milan let him leave."

"Real Madrid would win a lot with Kaká," he continued. "I am sure that if he wins the Golden Ball, he will be a deserving winner.

"He is just as good off as on the pitch. He is very religious, and very calm."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)

Bob Bradley completed one of his first tasks as official US Head Coach, naming a 23-man roster for June's CONCACAF Gold Cup Competition.

Ten players will be returning from last year's World Cup team, while 14 will vying for their first Gold Cup cap.

ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3) – Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Kasey Keller (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
DEFENDERS (8) –Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (8) – DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Benny Feilhaber (Hamburger SV), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution)
FORWARDS (4) – Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)
Head Coach: Bob Bradley

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Jamie Carragher's cold assessment of Liverpool's failure in Athens was brutally clear: "We were just not good enough."

Anfield's lion-hearted defender saw AC Milan grab their opener from a free-kick deflected past Jose Reina by Filippo Inzaghi's arm, before a late break through the Reds' defence by the same striker as Liverpool were pressing desperately for an equaliser.

Dirk Kuyt's late effort was not enough to haul the final into extra-time, and Carragher said: "The honest truth is that we were not good enough.

"There's no point making excuses, Milan just about deserved it. But nobody remembers the runners-up, we know we did not do enough.

"I am not going to moan about things that went against us. We did not do enough and we must pick ourselves up and have another go next season."

But the Bootle-born centre-half knows it was mighty close to Liverpool claiming their sixth European Cup.

He said: "We limited them to just one chance in the first half, but when we were creating chances in that period we had to take them. And when we didn't we were punished with that free-kick.

"In the second period maybe we got tired towards the end and that gave them the chance for their second.

"These are the little things that cost you in the end. But we will bounce back, we have shown we are a very good side in the Champions League.

"Their goal at half-time was a killer. I know some people might think it was handball, but I'm not going to start crying about that, they are a great side and deserved it on the night.

"They did not have many chances, I can only remember a couple. But they scored their chances.

"It did not happen for us, we never really created much either. We did not create a situation where we could really go at Milan and create real pressure.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso echoed his colleague's views, saying: "It had been a long road to the final and we are unhappy that we didn't achieve what we wanted. Everyone was very disappointed in the dressing room.

"It was a very tight game. And I have no doubt their first goal so near to the break was the key moment.

"The ball was deflected, Pepe Reina would have saved it otherwise, you lose a final and it is down to something as small as that.

"They were then able to defend very deep and make it hard for us to find space.

"That first goal was lucky, and it allowed Milan to sit back afterwards and hit us on the break, and that is how they scored their second."

He added: "At the moment it is no consolation that we have reached another final and finished third in the Premier League.

"But we have must look forward and make sure we improve as a side. We must get some rest and come back next season refreshed and looking to get better.

"Yes I expect the squad to be improved, but we will have to wait and see what happens. I am not thinking too much about such things for now, but I realise things will happen wit the squad.

"We will see what we will see. We will have to wait to discover where we go from here."

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Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) Brazilian playmaker Kaka believes AC Milan were destined to make amends for their Istanbul nightmare after claiming the Champions League crown on Wednesday night.

Milan beat Liverpool 2-1 in Athens to clinch their seventh European title, with Kaka setting up Filippo Inzaghi for his second goal of the night as the Italians avenged their painful defeat at the hands of the Premiership club two years ago.

"We knew that had we played the final in Istanbul one thousand times, we would not have suffered the same result," Kaka said.

The 2005 final turned into a horror show for Milan after the Reds came back from a 3-0 half-time deficit to win on penalties in Kaka's first European final.

The Rossoneri were made to sweat again on Wednesday after Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt reduced the 2-0 deficit a minute from time, but this time the Rossoneri never doubted their ability to come out on top.

"We knew that fortune was on our side and even after they scored, we would still make it," Kaka said. "It is a unique feeling to win this competition."

The inspirational Kaka, who has been Milan's undisputed star this season, is now favourite to win the Ballon D'Or after topping the Champions League scoring charts with 10 goals.

"I have always maintained that individual awards would only come as a consequence of what I did with my team," he said. "I am privileged to be the star of this team, I can only say that we are a great team."

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Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Only two years ago, these two sides clashed in Istanbul in one of the most memorable Champions League Finals ever. Today, we enjoy the rematch. How will it play out? Which player will rise to the challenge? Put your thoughts here.

In 2005, AC Milan surged out to a 3-0 halftime lead, but Liverpool leveled the match with a stunning three goals flurry in seven minutes in the second half. Liverpool went on to win the shootout, 3-2, and lift the most meaningful trophy in European club soccer.

Will we see another stunner? Or a 0-0 battle into extra time like the FA Cup?

Don't like making predictions? No problem, post your post game comments here as well.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (31)

(Soccer365.com) Liverpool legend John Aldridge maintains that Rafael Benitez must get all his best players on the pitch together - even if that means playing Steven Gerrard on the right - if the Reds are to clinch a sixth European Cup triumph.

Benitez is believed to be considering whether he can do without midfielder Xabi Alonso against AC Milan on Wednesday to allow him to use skipper Steven Gerrard in his favoured central midfield role.

But the former Anfield striker believes that Gerrard must play on the right against the Italians.

That view will not meet with universal support from the travelling red army descending on the Greek capital but Aldridge - a former Tranmere boss - thinks otherwise.

Aldridge, speaking at a soccer fun day organised by Vodaphone in Athens, said: "I expect Liverpool will play Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt up front, or maybe just one striker.

"And I feel Benitez will play Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in midfield.

"You need your best players on the pitch for such a final, and these three are the best. It means Stevie will have to play on the right again, he can be very dangerous there.

"I feel Rafa has to accommodate all three of those midfielders, Milan play with five across the middle so Liverpool have to match them."

He added: "Milan will be very wary, very intimidated by Gerrard. He's a big match player and he can win the game for Liverpool. He is the key.

"I expect Rafa to use him in a free role on the right, able to come inside and cause them problems. Regardless of what people say about him being better suited to the central role, he does the job on the right very well.

"He is pivotal to the way Liverpool play. I think Liverpool will go for it and the game will be much quicker than people expect.

"We must be very aware of what Milan can do, with Kaka and (Gennaro) Gattuso. We must nullify their threat and get Gerrard into the game as much as possible."

Aldridge also believes that the game could go to penalties in a repeat of the sides' meeting in the 2005 final in Istanbul - something he insists favours his former employers.

He said: "If Liverpool go one or two down, it will be nagging in the back of the Milan player's minds that we can get it back after last time. That is a big psychological point for Liverpool.

"They may want revenge after last time, but that can work against them because they will want to come forward and force the game. That will play right into Liverpool's hands.

"Liverpool have so much self belief and if it went to penalties again it will be a massive boost for them, they know they can do it.

"They did it in Istanbul, they did it against West Ham in (last season's) FA Cup final and they did it against Chelsea (in the Champions League semi-final).

"The belief that they can win shoot-outs is hugely important, and I can see this game going to penalties again.

"Liverpool have got more bottle than Milan. They need Gattuso to play well, when he goes off the pitch Milan can collapse."

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Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Carlo Ancelotti has accused Steven Gerrard of talking trash ahead of the big Athens showdown.

Gerrard claimed AC Milan were celebrating victory at half-time in the 2005 final in Istanbul when they led Liverpool 3-0.

But Rossoneri coach Ancelotti hit back, telling The Sun: "There's only one word to describe what Gerrard says about our so-called celebrations - Bulls***!

"We lost our heads in those six minutes when we let Liverpool come back from 3-0 down. But what we actually did at half-time was to tell ourselves there were 45 minutes to go and we needed to carry on playing as we were."

Gerrard's accusations have also been denied by midfielder Rino Gattuso, who was branded "a kitten" in the Liverpool captain's autobiography.

Gattuso fumed: "If Gerrard says I am a kitten then I must be an ugly, bearded kitten.

"But I will not respond to these provocations. Gerrard's a great player and my only answer to him will be on the pitch.

"The memory of Istanbul is a motivation for all of us. Many lies were said after the game.

"The Liverpool players said we partied after 45 minutes and that hurts me. It gives me the rage and the energy to play them again. What they said just didn't happen."

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Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Gennaro Gattuso stuck the boot in English football and says Liverpool have bought their way to glory.

World Cup winner Gattuso rubbished suggestions that the Premiership is the best league in the world, and says the only reason for its rise is money.

He'll be a key man in the AC Milan side that lines up against Liverpool in Wednesday night's Champions League final in Athens, and is confident of victory.

He told The Sun: "The key factor in the rise of English club football is they have more money than any other country in Europe.

"That means their clubs are able to attract the kind of star players who would never have considered a move to England only a few years ago.

"Premiership clubs own their own stadiums, have foreign owners and get incredible money from TV which is unequalled anywhere in the world.

"Add the fact that the commercial men at their top clubs do a really good job and I'm afraid that money will finance a long period of English domination in Europe."

It's now two years since Milan blew a 3-0 lead to lose to Liverpool in the 2005 final Istanbul, a collapse Gattuso still can't watch.

He said: "You need strength and courage to watch the 2005 final again and I refuse to see it in full.

"The European Cup was within Milan's grasp that year but at the end of the final it was Liverpool who held the trophy.

"I will never forget what happened in Istanbul. Even if I win many more trophies, I will always remember that night.

"I was battered mentally and spiritually after Istanbul.

"I even decided to ask Milan for a transfer simply so I could turn the page mentally and forget the pain of that experience.

"However, I reflected on what happened and decided Liverpool had taught me the value of psychology in football.

"When you get to this level and when you get to a massive final at the end of a long season it's not about talent any more but about attitude and fighting spirit."

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Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Kaka says AC Milan must be aware of the threat of Peter Crouch in Athens on Wednesday.

The Brazilian superstar says beanpole Liverpool striker Crouch poses a big threat to the Rossoneri's revenge bid in the Champions League final.

Two years ago in Istanbul Kaka was simply sensational as he guided Milan to a 3-0 half-time lead against Rafa Benitez's Reds.

But the Italian giants blew that lead and then lost a penalty shootout in one of European club football's greatest ever games.

Kaka says he doesn't want a repeat in the Greek capital, and stopping Crouch will be key to that.

He told Milan Channel: "He's a dangerous player in the air, when the ball is in the area he's always an opportunist. We have to pay attention to him if he plays. Even if he doesn't play there will be other things we have to worry about."

Kaka and Milan go into Wednesday's game in confident mood following that awesome 3-0 destruction of Manchester United in the semi-final second leg in the San Siro.

He said: "Training went well today, we talked about certain things that will be important in the game. Even today, I saw that the side was in good shape. We are tranquil and relaxed: we know our own strength and what we can do."

Earlier in the season Milan were Champions League outsiders in the eyes of many experts.

But they've gradually moved into top gear, boosting belief in the camp according to Kaka.

"Bit by bit we managed to gain the confidence that we would reach another final, and that desire to win it has grown. We are in the final so we have a chance of winning it, that would be wonderful."

While Milan have always been a side packed with experienced stars, Kaka had high praise for the man at the helm - coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"Carlo is special, he knows how to manage the group, manage people, this is all very important in football. Milan is full of stars, many great players and they need a coach as good as this."

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Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Steven Gerrard has challenged motor-mouth AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso to 'stop me if you can'.

The Liverpool skipper has found himself, and his colleagues, the subject of almost constant goading from the Italian club - much of it coming from the combative Gattuso.

Gerrard has tried his best to rise above it all, even if he accepts that perhaps he started much of the antagonism by being critical of Gattuso in his recent autobiography, suggesting he was as frightening as a kitten.

But now, as Gerrard awaits Wednesday's Champions League final clash with the Italians, he insisted: "I am not going into this game worried about Gattuso.

"I am worried about AC Milan generally and I am worried about myself. My main focus is to get myself right. But if I can do that, we will see if Gattuso can stop me.

"If my form is right and I feel good I am confident I can overcome anything Milan put in my way.

"We take no notice of the mind games. This final is not about that, it is about two fantastic teams and I am sure the best one on the night will win it.

"It is part and parcel of football that there will be a lot of stuff said around the game. The players have learned to cope with that.

"It is all about making sure you do your job as an individual and do the things the manager has asked you to do.

"I am sure the winners of the competition will be the team who deals with the pressure the best on the night."

He added: "I'm told Milan think Manchester United are better than Liverpool, and they are entitled to their opinion. We are not really interested in what is coming out of their camp.

"What is important to us is that we prepare right and the Liverpool team who have done so well in Europe this season is the one that turns up here on the night.

"If that good team turns up, Milan are in for a really difficult game and we are confident we can lift that cup."

Gerrard, who will be 27 on Friday, wants another winners' medal as a birthday present.

He said: "I have watched AC Milan a lot this season, they are different from 2005. The team is quite different, similar to ours and our changes.

"They showed against Manchester United they are a fantastic team who deserve a lot of respect. We will give them that but we don't fear them. We are a good team ourselves and we are confident we can do the job.

"I don't think either team has an advantage. You have two fantastic teams who have done really well in the competition. It is a one-off game and anything can happen, but the first goal is very important.

"I don't think it will be a similar game to 2005. I think it will be a lot more cautious. The defences will be a lot tighter this time round.

"And despite all the comments I have heard, it is not about me as an individual, it is about the team.

"We have shown that we have improved a lot over the last two years. It is a magnificent achievement to get to two finals in three years, and now we aim to win it again."

But Gerrard could not avoid one dig at the Italians, who stunned Liverpool when several players touched the trophy as they marched out for the 2005 final in Istanbul.

Gerrard said: "That is considered very bad luck, we were surprised they did it.

"I can assure you I won't let any of our lads touch the cup. You only touch it when you've won it."

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Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chelsea spoiled Manchester United's chance at a 2007 double by winning the FA Cup Final in extra time on Saturday.

Didier Drogba, the Premiership's top scorer this year, notched another goal; this one with a penalty shootout looming in the 115th minute. Chelsea's 1-0 victory was their second Cup trophy of the year. Manchester United will have to settle for a single trophy after an outstanding Premiership season.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

(Soccer365.com) - Soccer legend Pelé has conceded that the impending arrival of David Beckham in Los Angeles is reminding him of the days when he led a star line of NASL recruits back in the 70’s.

The former New York Cosmos and Brazil revelation believes the former England skipper’s move overseas can only pay dividends for the 10-year old MLS.

“It’s almost the same,” he noted. “The game wasn’t as popular when we came - the first year was rough.”

“The thing with Beckham, they’ve got everything set up already,” Pelé asserted. “The league is okay, the team is established.”

“They have done a lot to get everything down.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

(Soccer365.com) - Thierry Henry admits he was stung by Arsenal's early exit from the Barclays Premiership title race but is confident they have the players to challenge next season.

The Gunners slumped to a second successive season without silverware, finishing fourth in the Premiership and a demoralising 21 points behind champions Manchester United.

Boss Arsene Wenger recently branded the campaign a failure and Henry agrees, adding Arsenal have endured disappointment for the last two years.

But while the French striker is hurt by the gulf that has opened up between his side and title rivals United and Chelsea, past experience has taught him fortunes can quickly change.

"Arsenal have not had a successful season and last season was the same. For me a successful season is bringing home silverware," he told Arsenal TV.

"I'm not going to hide behind some of the reasons for that, although I agree with what people are saying.

"I agree that when you move to a new stadium you need to adapt to it and I agree that we are a young squad.

"But I'd be lying if I said we have been successful - we haven't been successful for two years.

"My first season at Arsenal was not a successful one and the second one was the same. Then we went on to win the double in 2002 so you never know what can happen.

"If everybody is fit and fresh I don't even think about not winning the title. I think we're as good as Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

"I can understand losing the title race by a single goal but to be so far behind is hard to take.

"But we've been here before and we've come out on top before. What comes around goes around.

"Manchester United have won the Premiership this year but who would have said that they wouldn't win it for three years in a row?

"Next season is a new season and it's up to us to make it happen."

Arsenal have struggled to settle at the Emirates Stadium after leaving Highbury last summer, winning three fewer home games than United.

Henry admits the move has proved more problematic than he expected with the Gunners' lack of history at their new ground robbing the club of some of its fear factor.

"I thought going to a bigger stadium would be easier than playing at Highbury but we've realised that's not the case - it's more difficult," he said.

"I spoke to the boss about it and he raised a great point by saying that when teams come to the Emirates they have no history of getting hammered.

"They come fresh and have no history of losing a game. The move hasn't been as easy as everyone thought it would be."

Henry believes Arsenal have been architects of their own downfall this season with a lack of width and poor starts to matches hampering their progress.

"It's a paradox. The Highbury pitch was smaller but we were finding more space," he said.

"Now nobody wants to stay on the wing to stretch a team and that makes a great difference.

"If you're a full-back and your winger has already gone inside then it makes it easy for defenders.

"But if your winger is always on the line and ready to make runs behind you then defenders get scared.

"There was just one game this season when we went back to the dressing room 2-0 up at half-time - against Watford.

"No disrespect to Watford but they're a team that was relegated a few weeks before the end of the season. We've never approached a game well at home."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

(Soccer365.com) - U.S. National Team ace Landon Donovan has given his thumbs up to Wednesday’s removal of Bob Bradley’s interim tag, saying the coach had displayed his readiness in 2007.

The Americans have won three of four under Bradley, including a 2-0 win over border rivals Mexico.

“He deserves it,” Donovan told L.A. Soccer News. “He’s a good coach, he knows what he’s doing.”

“We can’t complain about how we’ve performed and the results we’ve had.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Didier Drogba has revealed that he had received a very tempting offer from Milan last summer, before he chose to stay and enjoy the season of his life with Chelsea.

"I told Mourinho that I had given my all for the good of the team playing alone up front in our old 4-3-3 system, but that it was probably time for me to move on," he told Icons Magazine.

"I felt a bit unappreciated. This is not me being arrogant, but I felt the Chelsea fans did not show me enough respect last season.

"Maybe I didn't do what they expected of me, but I was working really hard and their criticism hurt me. But then I went off to the World Cup and did a lot of soul-searching.

"In the end, I just really wanted to stay at Chelsea. I realised that some of the criticism was perhaps justified and I needed to work harder and improve. I wanted to come back and show everyone how good I really was." He has done that.

"I could not leave these shores until I had made it in English football. I'm too proud. That's not to say that I'm now ready to go, because I want to stay at Chelsea and win many more trophies in the future.

"But at least I can relax because I now know I'm good enough to impose myself in the Premier League. When AC Milan came in for me last summer it was very tempting but I was determined not to give up that easily.

"I was too proud to walk away from Chelsea and wanted to show everyone I could be No 1 over here. My work at Chelsea is not finished, however. There is still plenty left to achieve."

He also indicated that Jose Mourinho's future could impact his at Chelsea.

"When you walk into the changing rooms the day before a big game and he [Mourinho] tells you that you are one of his 'untouchables', it makes you feel incredible," said the Ivorian.

"That's why if Mourinho does go, it will be very difficult for me. I'm a professional, so I will honour my contract and maintain the same level of performance.

"But it would hurt me a lot."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - AC Milan talisman Kaka has labelled next Wednesday's Champions League final against Liverpool "the most important game of my life".

The Brazil international is seen as Milan's key to unlocking Liverpool's defence in Athens, and hopes to live up the glowing reputation he has earned himself since joining the Rossoneri from Sao Paulo in 2003.

"It is great to know I have the faith of my team-mates and this is already a victory for me," he said.

After another eye-catching season at both domestic and international level, Kaka is being tipped by many to sweep the board when the next European and World Player of the Year awards are dished out.

However, the 25-year-old admits his exalted status is as much down to the influence of his team-mates as it is his own ability.

"Individual prizes are always important, but if I win anything, it is because of what I have done with the team," he said.

"To be regarded as a decisive player is important, but one player alone is never capable of winning a game."

And it will take all of Milan's team spirit to claim the Champions League trophy next week.

"Liverpool are a very strong team, both tactically and physically," Kaka continued.

"They try to do more than the typically English teams. They never give up and have decisive players who can make a difference.

"They have put Barcelona out and you can see what great traditions they have in the Champions League."

After dumping Manchester United out of the competition, Kaka admits Wednesday's final has become the most crucial game of his career.

He said: "Beating Manchester United was really important because they were the strongest team in Europe.

"I am delighted to reach the final and would say this is the most important game of my life.

"When I arrived in Milan, I always wanted to write my name down in the history books, and to do that, I have got to win the Champions League."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Roma skipper Francesco Totti has hailed the Coppa Italia triumph as the beginning of a new era for the club.

A 2-1 defeat to Inter at the San Siro saw Roma triumph 7-4 on aggregate and lift the Coppa Italia after succumbing to the Nerazzurri at the final hurdle for two years in a row.

"This trophy is not the last, rather, the first of a number of successes that must follow," said the Roma skipper after the match.

"We are all delighted with this triumph, as we were all used to seeing Inter win, seeing as they have beaten us in various finals over the last few year.

"After the first leg, we came here, believing that we could get the better of them and win the competition.

"It is only right that we have been able to thrust an important trophy into the air."

He also hailed Luciano Spalletti for his impact, and called for a few reinforcements over the summer so as to take the next few steps forwards.

"We had crumbled before he was appointed, but he has compacted us together again and I thank him for that," he said.

"Now we want to continue on this path with this squad and possibly a few new faces. It is up to the club and the coach to decide on who."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

(Goal.com) - Ronaldinho has categorically ruled out moving to Milan, and insists that he can get better, and that he has a lot more to give to Barcelona.

"There is no 'other' option," began the Brazilian. "I am not thinking about anything other than Barça.

"I know I can give more. I have scored many goals, but I have not been in the form I was in last year. I have not had a run of good games."

"There have been performances, and goals more than ever before, but overall contribution has been low," he admitted honestly.

Asked about his brother's repeated meetings with the Milan bosses, Ronaldinho explained that Roberto was also a professional, and an agent, representing players such as Ricardo Oliveira.

"He is doing his job, and not speaking about me," he said. "All I am thinking about is how I can give my best this season, and then the next, for Barcelona."

Asked abotu the possibility of renewing his contract beyond 2010, he declared: "I have a contract here and I do not want to think about those things. I am only focussed on playing football.

"I can produce a lot more."

Asked for the reasons for his poor form, he was unequivocal in suggesting that the lack of a regular pre-season had been the problem. He was not present at the early training camp in July, still on mini-break following the World Cup.

When he returned, he immediately jetted off for a tour of Mexico and the USA, playing 4 games in 12 days. Following that, Barcelona took part in another 5 games in 15 days, playing in the Spanish and European Super Cups, the Joan Gamper trophy, and the La Liga opener, making it a mammoth nine games in one month, in a year in which there was no summer break.

"It has been fundamental that I have not been able to prepare well during the pre-season," he explained. "I did not feel well enough to train. I had to force myself.

"It is for that reason that I have requested for a break (from Copa America action), to be strong, and ready to train well with my teammates."

However, he was not ready to give up on this season just yet.

"Yes, we have not met out objectives," he admitted. "We should have been fighting for the Champions League right now [Barcelona won the Champions League exactly a year ago].

"However, it is not over, and we will fight for the league title like never before.

"We know we have let opportunities slip. But we will finish this year well, and come back stronger next year, not make these mistakes, and go for the Champions League again."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - U.S. coach Bob Bradley was finally appointed to the full time position on Wednesday, but it certainly did not signal the start of his forward thinking.

The erstwhile Chivas USA boss officially succeeded old friend Bruce Arena at a Times Square ceremony just as prep for the CONCACAF Gold Cup hits the final stages.

“We hope to finalize the Gold Cup roster in the early part of next week,” Bradley told reporters. “We also need, in that time period, to have a roster that will work for the (June 2nd) China game.”

“I think the players come in to The Home Depot Center on May 27th,” he noted.

“We understand that once we start that camp, it’s going to be a fast, exciting schedule that takes us through Copa America.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Thierry Henry is in no doubt had all of Arsenal's strikers stayed fit this season, things would have been very different.

Hampered by a run of niggling injuries following his return to action after the World Cup, the Gunners captain was able to produce only patches of his talent, .

Henry, 29, was finally ruled out for the remainder of the campaign when he suffered a combination of stomach and groin problems following the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven in March.

Arsenal, though, were forced not only to do without their inspirational skipper, but also the services of leading scorer Robin van Persie, who had broken a metatarsal bone in his foot when equalising against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium in January.

What remained of Arsene Wenger's normally attack-minded squad relied too heavily on Togo hitman Emmanuel Adebayor, who was himself for a time unavailable through suspension following the controversial melee at the end of the Carling Cup final.

Henry firmly believes the Gunners paid a high price with the loss of such crucial players at a critical time of the campaign, which soon unravelled.

"Getting everybody injured in the same position does not help," Henry told ArsenalTV.com.

"No disrespect to the defenders, but you can always try to do something at the back - but to teach somebody to score some goals over a couple of weeks, it does not happen like that.

"That was difficult, even though Emmanuel Adebayor did a great job. It would have been better if we were all around, to try to alternate and keep even more pressure on teams.

"Manu comes out, I come on, or Robin, or I come out and he comes on, or whatever.

"Before we all went out injured, we were doing that and we were on a Hell of a run.

Henry continued: "It was unlucky.

"A lot of teams had to suffer that during the season, but especially here it is maybe not the same when you miss some key players.

"We have a young squad and we missed at the important time of the season key, experienced players.

"No disrespect to anybody else, but you cannot afford to miss them. For those guys to be around in the dressing room, to be around at training, you need everybody in.

"We did miss that.

"It is not an excuse at the end of the day, because even when we were missing some key players we still managed to have some great results.

"But the consistency was not there and you need to have everybody around to have that, to keep the every single player on their toes, to feel the pressure there is somebody who can take your position.

"That was not there, so that did not help during the season."

Given just what he had been through in dragging the Gunners to the 2006 Champions League final and then his World Cup exploits with runners-up France, it is perhaps no surprise the Barclays Premiership did not see the best of Henry this season.

The Arsenal captain accepts he "felt tired from the start" and that perhaps his injuries were inevitable.

"I am okay now, and trying to get back on track slowly, but surely," said Henry, who made 27 appearances and scored 12 goals.

"Hopefully I can come back fresher next season.

"It has been a difficult season for me in terms of injuries.

"It was the first time it had happened to me, and it was kind of awkward.

"I feel like the season did not start for me really, so hopefully I can have a proper one next season."

Henry added: "I kind of knew this season was going to be difficult because I felt tired from the start.

"I have never been really injured like that before.

"When you have something which lasts the whole season it is annoying.

"Before the Eindhoven game, I had not trained for two weeks.

"I just went out there to try to help the team.

"Maybe it was not something clever to do, I agree with that.

"But I have the feeling it was always going to happen, because I had never been right since the beginning of the season.

"My body was sending me signals that I did ignore and I was just not right."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Phoenix Suns star guard Steve Nash claims soccer gave him the foundation for growing a basketball repertoire that has seen him win two NBA MVP trophies.

The Canadian was raised in a “football family” with roots in the U.K. and brother Martin plays professionally in USL.

“Soccer taught me a lot of coordination and footwork, skills and vision,” Nash told the San Diego Union Tribune. “I had a very passionate father who loved it, so you know it was a lot of fun for us.”

“It really helped my basketball career,” claims Nash, who is currently on the NBA title trail with the Suns.

“A lot of the skills are the same on the soccer field and the basketball court, so when I was allowed to actually use my hands, it almost felt unfair for me.”

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(Goal.com) - England captain John Terry could tell Chelsea he wants to leave the club after the FA Cup final, according to the Daily Express.

The newspaper says: "Terry is so incensed by the club's failure to give him the same money as Andrei Shevchenko and Michael Ballack - and the club’s staunch defence of the two players’ poor performances this season - that he is ready to ask chief executive Peter Kenyon for a transfer after Saturday's Wembley date with Manchester United."

The Express also claims that Frank Lampard takes a similar view to Terry.

It reports a 'source' as revealing: “The talk inside the Chelsea dressing room is about how angry John Terry has become over the past couple of days because his contract talks have not been resolved.

“It is not just that he believes it is only right to be paid the same as Shevchenko and Ballack, but he and Frank are not impressed by the effort either of those players put in this season.

The Express goes on to claim it has been told that Terry's agent is saying the skipper could put in a written transfer request days after the cup final.

It rewmains to be see how much substance there is to these reports - but certainly their timing is unhelpful, a couple of days before the FA Cup final.

However, it has previously been reported that contract talks with both Terry and Lampard have stalled, and apparently the delays have caused some frustration among the two players.

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(Soccer365.com) - AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is not letting the memories of the most harrowing defeat of his football career bother him days before his chance for revenge.

The former Rangers man makes no secret of the pain the penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League two years ago has caused him.

However, next Wednesday, he and his Milan team-mates have the chance for revenge in Athens.

Despite all the media attention on a game touted as a revenge mission for the Italians, Gattuso is just taking it all in his stride.

"I am sleeping fine," he said. "I cannot deny there is tension, but I cannot wait for the day of the game.

"This club takes defeat with a different class. The players always remain relaxed."

The 29-year-old admits he has not summoned up "the strength and courage" to watch the full 2005 Champions League final again.

"I refuse to watch that type of game," he added, while admitting that "Liverpool won it on the field, so they deserved it".

He added: "They are a team who make you play really hard - they press you and close the gaps and we will have to make sure those gaps remain open and keep the ball moving quickly."

Although sleep deprivation is not yet an issue, Gattuso did divulge what has been occupying his thoughts regularly.

"(Jerzy) Dudek has been our recurring nightmare for two years," he joked. "What on earth can I say to him other than congratulations?"

"Actually, I think both teams ought to be congratulated on the way they have reached the final again two years on."

He also had praise for the man he is set to come face to face with in midfield, England international Steven Gerrard, who in his own autobiography likened Gattuso to a kitten.

"I don't think I am, and if I was, I would be a really ugly one with a beard like this," joked 'Rino'.

"I don't want to respond to provocation.

"Gerrard is a great player and a champion, and he is showing it this year.

"I am one who gives it all, gets involved and never gives up.

"It is difficult to forget that evening, but it could give us the hand to give that little bit more."

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(Goal.com) - The Brazilian legend has backed Barcelona to win the title, and Ronaldinho to come good.

A dip in form over the last month or so has seen Barcelona a bucket-load of points and cede first place to Real Madrid.

They must now better Real Madrid's points haul from four games to win the title, something that will prove impossible if Los Merengues win their matches.

However, Pele remains confident for the Catalans.

"For me, Barcelona are the best team, without a doubt," he said. "It is difficult to predict, but I believe Barcelona have the best chance of winning.

"If we compare the two teams over the season, Barca have been more organised, while Real have had the greater problems.

"That's why Barca have the better chance of winning."

He also showed support for compatriot Ronaldinho, who is supposedly close to an exit from the Camp Nou club.

"The problem is that people forget that even the greatest players, just like the great teams, are going to have bad times, good times and the best times," he argued.

"Ronaldinho remains a great player in good form and with great technique."

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(Goal.com) - The vice-President of the Rossoneri keeps on insisting that Milan already have Dida and do not need the services of the Juve keeper.

Adriano Galliani continues to be coherent in his defence of Nelson Dida and the denial that Gianluigi Buffon is on his way to Milan.

In fact, when asked about the possibility of signing Buffon, Galliani was very clear in his answer.

"Buffon? No, Dida will remain in Milan's goal," announced Galliani.

However, many believe that this is just a way to motivate Dida ahead of the Champions League final and in summer the Rossoneri will try to sign the Italian international goalkeeper who has just recently bought a house close by to Milan.

Galliani also spoke about Paolo Maldini's contract renewal.

"He's an element which for us represents continuity, which is a strength. We count on him that he can play for another year," declared the Rossoneri’s vice-President who is hoping that Maldini can also take part in the Champions League final if he manages to recover in time.

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(Soccer365.com) - Brazil star Ronaldinho has requested that he be allowed to skip the 2007 Copa America in Venezuela in order to recharge his low batteries.

The federation has acknowledged receiving a letter from the Barcelona wizard.

"It is well known to you that during the last few years I have been subjected to intense and uninterrupted physical activity," wrote Ronaldinho.

"I have been unable to take the recommended and necessary periods of rest which may, on occasion, have an influence on the high level of performance demanded by my professional commitments with my club and, principally, the Brazilian national team," he explained.

"I'm grateful for the respect and the attention which the (CBF) has always shown towards me and, thanks to the excellent and open relationship that we share, I ask for your understanding in my request."

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(Soccer365.com) - Cristiano Ronaldo has already set his sights on becoming a double Premiership champion.

Ronaldo was the inspiration behind Manchester United's successful title drive this season.

And, after scooping the PFA and FWA player of the year awards, the 22-year-old winger added another two personal accolades to his collection at a plush ceremony at Old Trafford on Monday when he picked up the United fans and players' player of the year trophies.

His next winners' medal could arrive on Saturday when United face Chelsea in a mouth-watering first FA Cup final at the new Wembley.

"We all want more trophies," he told MUTV.

"I have waited a few years to win the Premier League but now we have done it once, we want to win it again.

"I am at a great club, with great players. We should be looking to win something every year.

"This season is not over yet either. We still have a chance to win the double and, while you can never say who will win any match, the confidence in the team is high and I believe we have a good chance."

If United are to complete an unprecedented fourth domestic double, they will have to do so without skipper Gary Neville.

The full-back, who has not featured since injuring his ankle against Bolton on March 17, had been given every chance to prove his fitness by Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, a return to football training on Monday only brought further pain and Neville has now undergone an exploratory operation to determine the extent of the problem.

Ferguson will choose between Wes Brown and John O'Shea to replace Neville. But while the Scot has options, Neville's injury blow is more serious for England coach Steve McClaren.

Already without Manchester City's Micah Richards, who has had calf surgery, McClaren now faces the June 1 friendly with Brazil and the much more important Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia the following week with his two right-backs unavailable.

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(Soccer365.com) - New York teen ace Josmer Altidore says he will not be caught complaining when his turn to work from the bench arrives, as it did last weekend.

The striker fully understands that the squad is full of capable players, including new catch Juan Pablo Angel.

“I don't mind,” Altidore told Big Apple Soccer. “Juan Pablo is a proven goal-scorer and he has proven it all over the world.”

“To be playing behind a player like that is bit of an honor because I think he's done a lot more than most of the guys in this league, so I didn't have a problem."

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(Goal.com) - Christoph Metzelder has explained his decision to leave Borussia Dortmund and join Real Madrid, although he has yet to state publicly that it will be the Spanish giants that he is moving to.

The German international defender reportedly signed for los Merengues in early May, but neither Madrid or Borussia have made the transfer official.

Despite that, Metzelder played his last game for the Bundesliga outfit in the local derby against Schalke 04 at the weekend and is now relishing the prospect of playing abroad.

"The time I have spent with Dortmund I will never forget, but now the moment has arrived for me try to another country and to measure myself after different players," he said.

"If a club of this magnitude wants you then there is very little to think about. It was time for me to join a club like this.

"The decision to leave was taken in February.

"But the date when I will officially sign for the new club will be announced by them."

Metzelder believes that he should not be criticised to looking to play at an even higher level and thinks that his performances for Borussia have earned him the move to Madrid.

"I am 26 and have been for seven of them and I think I have earned the right to make a move like this," he continued.

"Borussia will always be in my heart and I will come back as a supporter and maybe, one day, as a player.

"It was a very emotional time on Saturday as I said goodbye to the Westfalen Stadion, but the hardest time is yet to come.

"That will be at the end of my last training session here and I have to empty my locker.

"I have won the German league here and I have become an international player."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid should be boosted by the return of David Beckham from suspension for this weekend's Primera Liga match with Recreativo Huelva.

Beckham was forced to sit out last Saturday's thrilling 4-3 home victory over Espanyol after picking up a booking in the previous match against Sevilla which resulted in a one-match ban.

Although Madrid managed to see off Espanyol without Beckham, coach Fabio Capello could hand an immediate recall to the former England captain for Sunday's game seventh-placed Recreativo as the Spanish giants look to consolidate top spot in La Liga.

Beckham has been in fine form since returning from a six-week injury lay-off last month and, after the midfielder had his suspension for the game against Sevilla overturned, Capello said: "I am happy, he is a very important player for us."

Beckham, 32, has a maximum of four Primera Liga matches left before he leaves Madrid this summer to take up a contract with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.

Madrid moved to the top of the table after beating Espanyol to record their seventh win in eight league matches, climbing above two-time reigning champions Barcelona, who were held to a 1-1 home draw by lowly Real Betis on Sunday.

Both Madrid and Barca have 66 points, but Capello's men are top due to their superior head-to-head record against the Catalan side this season.

Madrid won the most recent of their 29 league titles in the 2002/03 season, while they have failed to win a single major honour since Beckham joined the club in the summer of 2003.

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(Goal.com) - Milan play-maker Kaka has expressed his admiration for Steven Gerrard as we wind down toward's next Wednesday's bit game in Athens.

Gerrard and Kaka are expected to be the respective lynch pins of the two sides in Athens one week from now in what will be a replay of that breath-taking Istanbul final two years ago.

Liverpool will be hoping for history to repeat itself, while Milan will want revenge.

However, for once, the animosity has been left behind, with the players choosing to commend each other.

Speaking about Gerrard, Kaka said: "He is an excellent player in my opinion.

"He is a modern player because he runs, marks, knows how to pass, cross, score goals and he is a leader on the field for Liverpool.

"He is a player that I would like to have in my team."

Gerrard, in turn, has also praised Kaka for his contribution to this Milan team: "You have to look at Kaka as one of their most dangerous players because he scores a lot of goals and has a lot of assists.

"You have to show a lot of respect to him."

Definitely the kind of vibes we want to see more of, as two of the three biggest clubs in European competitions face off!

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(Goal.com) - Paolo Maldini has declared that Andriy Shevchenko will be welcomed back to the club with open arms.

Over the past month, there has been speculation that Shevchenko, unsettled at Chelsea, could be on the way back to Milan.

The player himself has asked for a chance to prove himself at Stamford Bridge, but Mourinho has been critical of him, and it is widely rumoured that they will let the Ukrainian go if they can nab David Villa - who can complement Drogba better.

However, there has been just as much debate about how he will be received, should he decide to return to the red and black half of Milan.

Skipper Paolo Maldini made it amply clear from his perspective.

"Every player that leaves Milan regrets that decision, but at the same time the club never forgets who gave a lot to this jersey," he said on Milan Channel.

"Milan never has bad blood with anyone, and I think that this is the secret and the philosophy that has made the difference over these years.

"From this base, it is easy to say that Sheva would always be welcomed with open arms."

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The U.S. Soccer Federation announced today that Bob Bradley has been named the head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, removing the interim tag that Bradley has held since December.

He now officially replace Bruce Arena as the head man, after a 3-0-1 stint as Interim manager in post-World Cup friendly matches, including a 2-0 win over Mexico. Before Bradley had been named Interim manager, Jurgen Klinsmann withdrew his name from consideration.

"I am very proud and honored to be named head coach of the U.S. National Team," Bradley said at the introductory news conference. "The work throughout this year has established a good foundation and instilled in the players the ideas that we need to carry with us in order to progress as a team. Our goal is clear: to build a team capable of being successful in the 2010 World Cup. We are off to a very good start, and I am looking forward to the challenging road ahead."

Bradley faces a busy summer as US Head Coach. The US Men's team will compete in the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition in June, with a chance to advance to the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009. Bradley will also face a stiff challenge in the Copa America in July. The Americans have Argentina, Paraguay, and Colombia in their group.

USSF President Sunil Gulati thinks Bradley will rise to the challenge.

"Bob Bradley has shown every one in the past few months just how ready he is for this job," Gulati said. "Every decision he has made has been about the betterment of the team, and the betterment of the program, not about 'what might be best for the future of Bob Bradley.' While it has only been a few months, you can already see those decisions paying dividends. I firmly believe Bob has the ability to take this program forward."

Bradley is also the head coach of the Under-23 National Team, which will be trying qualify for the Beijing Olympics over the next few months.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fulham striker Brian McBride has been selected by fans as the team’s Player of the Season for the second consecutive year.

The former U.S. star also led the team with nine Premiership goals for the second time in as many seasons.

Fellow American Abroad Carlos Bocanegra finished third, with keeper Antti Niemi second.

“I’m honored that the fans saw fit to give me the award,” McBride told the club website. “I finished top scorer, but none of those goals would have been possible without the help of the guys around me.”

“We had a tough season, but the spirit of the team came through and saw us to safety.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes the Primera Liga trophy is bound for the Bernabeu if the team can maintain their current form.

Madrid have won seven of their last eight games, a streak which has propelled them to the top of the table ahead of Barcelona thanks to a better head-to-head record against their arch-rivals.

Calderon is now optimistic they can remain at the summit over the last four games of the season.

He told Cadena SER radio station: "I think winning the league now is a lot less difficult than it was two months ago.

"We have to live this to the fullest, but with humility.

"I have always been convinced that we could win the league.

"Losing the title will be hard if we maintain this intensity. We're humble, but excited at the same time."

Madrid's title challenge gained momentum at the weekend when a late Gonzalo Higuain goal gave them a thrilling 4-3 win at home to Espanyol, while Barca could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Real Betis.

Calderon coninued: "The players have gelled for a great common cause. The fans are ecstatic. It's been a long time since I witnessed anything like what took place at the Bernabeu during Saturday's victory.

"The reaction couldn't be any better. Seeing that enthusiasm carry over to the pitch was unthinkable.

"I jumped to my feet when Higuain scored and had to excuse myself to the president of Espanyol. I was spurred on by everyone's euphoria.

"Seeing the players was incredible. Raul jumping... simply marvellous. I hope it lasts a long time."

Madrid coach Fabio Capello has come in for some criticism this season with not all the fans enamoured by the team's style of play.

However, Calderon believes he was right to stick by the Italian.

"I never said we would change anything. I always said we would wait until June," he added.

"I knew Capello would change the negative course we were on when we signed him."

Calderon also had words of praise for Roberto Carlos and David Beckham, both of whom are leaving the club at the end of the season.

I have to thank them for everything," he said.

"Roberto Carlos is Real Madrid's best left-back of all time and the most worthwhile signing in a long time.

"The same can be said for Beckham. They've left great memories."

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(Goal.com) - Guti believes that FC Barcelona have not suddenly lost their ability to perform and thinks that victory against Atlético de Madrid this weekend will revive them.

The Real Madrid playmaker spoke in a concillatory tone after watching the Blaugrana's draw against Real Betis on Sunday and does not believe the crisis at Camp Nou is incontrolable.

"I saw the game on Sunday and they had all the opportunties," he said. "If everything had been fine then they would have won the game easily.

"They are not playing badly as people say. They are going through a difficult time, more on a mental level than on a physical level.

"Barcelona are only demoralised. They just need one good result to believe in themselves again and there is no better place than the Calderón to forget their mini-crisis.

"They are a great team and I am sure that they will continue to fight for the title until the last day."

Having experienced life at the Bernabéu when trophies have been hard to come by over the past four seasons, Guti understands what the pressure to perform can be like.

But he does not think that the Barça players have lost their way having lifted the Champions League last season, as some pundits in Spain have suggested.

"I do not think that players stops having the desire to win trophies and even less so if he plays for Barcelona or Real Madrid," he continued.

"At these clubs everything is great if you are winning things and playing well, but very difficult to be at if you are not."

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(Soccer365.com) - Columbus big-top acquisition Guillermo Barros Schelotto showed his stuff for the home fans in rallying the team for a weekend draw with Chivas USA, and promptly announced that he already feels comfortable at Crew Stadium.

The longtime Boca Juniors hero filled his first start at home with a myriad of tricks and treats, including a sweet set-up for Ned Grabavoy’s equalizer.

"I just want to go out there and do what I can and win the game," he told the Columbus Dispatch. "It's the most important thing."

"I've been very welcome here - I saw a couple people out there with Boca jerseys."

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(Goal.com) - The Brazilian player is fed up with all the criticism received by the Rossoneri despite the fact that Milan has reached the Champions League final and finished in the top four in Serie A.

Kaka lashed out against those critics and fans who keep demanding more from the Rossoneri, even though Milan seem to have done quite a lot this year, considering the Calciopoli points reduction and the injury problems they faced.

"We have reached our first objective, now we have the second one," said the Brazilian midfielder.

"But we're in the final and they must say that Milan was good, because it wasn't only the lone striker tactic that was criticized, but the entire Milan this year.

"From Tuesday we shall start preparing ourselves for the Champions League final."

Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Catania on Sunday which sparked some criticism for the performance of the Rossoneri.

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(Soccer365.com) - Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi has admitted he did not expect his loan spell to Parma to be such a success.

The on-loan United player, who hopes to break through into the first team next season at Old Trafford, has scored nine goals in 17 matches to lift Parma away from the relegation zone, with survival now almost ensured.

Rossi, 20, is surprised at his own success at Parma who are coached by former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri.

"Sincerely in January I did not expect so much (success)," Rossi told www.fcparma.com.

"For that reason I am very pleased with my form but the most important (thing) is that we are doing well collectively."

Rossi added two goals to his haul in Sunday's 4-1 demolition of an already relegated Messina.

New Jersey-born Rossi has previously said he wants to break into the first team at United but admits his future is yet to be decided.

"All I am thinking about at the moment is playing well on the pitch and helping Parma stay up," said Rossi.

"First we must avoid relegation and then in the summer we will see how things are going, we will speak and we will decide."

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(Goal.com) - New Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has signalled his intent to keep Michael Owen at the club next season.

The former Bolton boss was presented on Tuesday afternoon and quickly spoke about the speculation linking Owen with a move away while also insisting he wanted to keep Obafemi Martins.

Allardyce spoke to the players this morning but Owen was not present.

"Michael was away in Ireland and sent his apologies but it wasn't hugely important all the players came back," he said.

"But I will speak to Michael on the phone. The speculation around Michael will be resolved once we get to speak to him.

"You wouldn't want to lose your leading goalscorers and there are two fantastic goalscorers we want to keep at the club."

Allardyce also admitted he turned down Newcastle in the past.

"I think there was a couple of years past where I declined the opportunity. Now I feel ready to import into Newcastle what I did at Bolton," he said.

"I'm ambitious, I know this club is ambitious and I hope I can turn it around - get a trophy, get the club into Europe in the next few years."

He continued: "We will look at structuring behind the scenes, the sort of science and football way I work. We will look at what data and what information we need to start need storing.

"I will get the staff working with me, with maybe one or two additions in the future.

"I've got to bide my time, it doesn't happen overnight.

"It's important to build it right. I have left a football club that's very healthy, the best it's been for years, I hope when it comes to my time to leave Newcastle they are the same."

Allardyce, who pleaded for patience from the Toon fans, said that team unity was going to be highly important next season.

"I want to get a great team spirit behind the scenes as well as on the pitch, that wins football matches," he said.

"No disrespect to Bolton, a club I love, but this club is massive. I want the players to want to come to Newcastle United and to want to play for the club.

"There's been too many injuries, we seem to be talking about the everlasting injury list.

"I want to look at the nutritional values of the players and get them to buy into that.

"I want them to stay fitter for longer; too many players have had too many injuries over the last few years."

Allardyce also vowed to deal with any dressing-room unrest.

"We should all pull together. If there's any problems I will find out what it is."

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Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Barcelona settled for one point and a share of the top spot in the Spanish La Liga after Real Betis scored in the 89th minute to force a 1-1 tie Sunday.

Ronaldinho scored his 18th goal of the season on a penalty kick five minutes into the match for Barcelona and the lead held for 84 minutes. Real Betis denied Barcelona the win and the outright lead in the standings when Rafael Sobis equalized in the final minutes.

Barcelona and Real Madrid both have 66 points with four weeks left in the season. Real Madrid holds the tiebreaker because of its better head-to-head record vs. Barcelona. Real Madrid moved atop the standings Saturday following a dramatic 4-3 win over Espanyol.

Valencia also remained in contention for the league title with a crucial 2-0 win over Real Zaragoza in a battle of top-five squads Sunday. Emiliano Moretti and David Silva scored for Valencia, which is just four points behind the co- leaders in fourth place. Sevilla, which won Saturday, is in third place with 64 points.

In Sunday's other action: Athletic Bilbao tied Deportivo, 1-1; Levante defeated Celta Vigo, 2-1; Atletico Madrid defeated Getafe, 4-1; Real Sociedad defeated Gimnastic, 3-1; Villarreal defeated Osasuna, 4-1; and Mallorca defeated Racing, 2-0.

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Sheffield, England (Sports Network) - Sheffield United was sent down on Sunday after suffering a disappointing 2-1 loss to Wigan at Bramall Lane.

The Blades entered the day needing just a draw to ensure Premiership soccer for next season, but their loss coupled with West Ham's surprising 1-0 win at Manchester United on a goal from Carlos Tevez means that Neil Warnock's side will be headed back down to the Championship next season.

Wigan came into Sunday's contest three points behind Sheffield United, and knew that anything less than three points would not be enough. With the same goal differential as the Blades, Paul Jewell's club was not concerned with any other result but their own, as a win would keep them in England's top-flight.

Things started well for Wigan as Paul Scharner had the club in front after 14 minutes, but Jonathan Stead's goal in the 38th pulled the sides level. David Unsworth put Wigan back on top right before the half when he converted from the penalty spot after Sheffield's Phil Jagielka was whistled for handling the ball inside the area.

The home side was handed a bit of hope in the 73rd minute when Wigan's Lee McCulloch picked up his second yellow card, reducing Wigan to 10 men. However, an equalizer was not in the cards for Sheffield, and the Blades will now be relegated by the cruelest of margins, just a one-goal difference in goal differential.

Wigan was on the attack from the start and moved ahead in the 14th minute. Emile Heskey played a pass to Kevin Kilbane on the left, and his low cross was struck first-time by Scharner, beating keeper Patrick Kenny for the opener.

The hosts struck back in the 37th minute when Jagielka crossed from the right and Stead rose up above a pack of defenders to head past Michael Pollitt in the Wigan net.

A draw would have been good enough for Sheffield, but they soon found themselves trailing once again.

A Wigan free kick led to Jagielka's handling of the ball, and Unsworth made no mistake from the spot just before halftime, sending Wigan into the half with the lead.

Sheffield had 45 minutes to grab a goal in order to avoid the drop zone, and the Bramall Lane faithful thought they had one five minutes after the restart. Stead flicked a header on for substitute Danny Webber, who was in behind the defense and poked the ball past the keeper. However, the shot came back off the post, and the hosts were cruelly denied.

The home side was becoming desperate, but they failed to produce many quality chances. They were handed a break when McCulloch was sent off 17 minutes from time, but Keith Gillespie's cross from the right only grazed the cross bar and Michael Tonge got into the box but failed to shake free and was unable to get off a shot.

In other EPL action on Sunday, Tottenham, Everton and Bolton each locked up a spot in the UEFA Cup for next season. Spurs downed Manchester City 2-1, Everton earned a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and Bolton split the points in 2-2 fashion against Aston Villa. Reading fell one point shy of qualifying for Europe as they came away from Ewood Park with a 3-3 draw against Blackburn. Liverpool secured a third-place finish as they ended 2-2 with Charlton, while Arsenal played to a 0-0 draw with Portsmouth, locking up the fourth spot. Middlesbrough got two goals from Mark Viduka to beat Fulham 3-1 and Watford, who will also be relegated next season, grabbed a point against Newcastle in a 1-1 draw.

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Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - Abby Wambach scored twice as the United States Women's National Team scored on six of its seven shots on goal to extend its unbeaten streak to 41 games with a 6-2 win over Canada on Saturday night.

Lindsay Tarpley, Lori Chalupny, Kristine Lilly and Heather O'Reilly also scored for the top-ranked Americans. The teams combined for all eight goals on just 10 combined shots on goal.

"They threw a lot of numbers forward and that's why you saw a lot of goals in this game," U.S. coach Greg Ryan said. "They threw numbers forward, and then we countered and had great chances."

"They scored two goals, but we kept finishing and that was the difference," Lilly said. "Canada is a great team, they are a World Cup team and they are a destructive team and you saw that tonight. Once we started to calm the ball down and play our game we finished some great goals."

U.S. defender Heather Mitts was injured in the middle of the first half and was taken off the field on a stretcher. She was in obvious pain and is scheduled to have an MRI on her left knee.

The Americans, 7-0-2 this year, are off until playing China on June 16 in the first game of a six-game "Send-Off Series" for the World Cup, which is Sept. 10-30 in China.

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Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Madrid recorded a dramatic 4-3 win over Espanyol on Saturday at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu thanks to an 89th- minute goal from Gonzalo Higuain, allowing Madrid to move one point clear of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.

Walter Pandiani scored twice inside of 26 minutes to put the visitors ahead 2-0, but Ruud van Nistelrooy pulled one back for Real on the half-hour mark. Pandiani then completed his hat trick three minutes later to put the hosts behind by two goals. With Madrid on the verge of letting a major opportunity slip away, Fabio Capello's men rallied to score three second-half goals, with Higuain providing the dramatic game-winner.

With Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Sevilla looming, Espanyol did a good job of focusing on the task at hand and went in front after 15 minutes.

Francisco Rufete did a nice job of getting loose down the right wing and sending a low cross through the face of the goal to Pandiani, who was wide open at the back post and swept home the ball with his left foot.

The duo hooked up once again 11 minutes later to put Espanyol up two goals. Rufete once again worked his way free on the right and floated a nice cross to the back post, where Pandiani volleyed the ball past keeper Iker Casillas from a tough angle.

It didn't take long for the home side to respond as Van Nistelrooy cut into the deficit three minutes later. Raul chipped a pass into the box for Roberto Carlos, who flicked it into the path of Van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman then brought it down and slotted his shot past keeper Carlos Kameni to make it a 2-1 game.

The lead swelled back to two goals for Espanyol just minutes later, although it was in controversial fashion. El Yaagoubi Moha carried the ball into the Madrid box and slid a pass to Pandiani, who looked to be just offsides. However, the flag stayed down and Pandiani curled a shot off the left post and into the net.

With his side in danger of falling out of touching distance with Barcelona, Capello brought on Jose Antonio Reyes at the break. Reyes had a chance in the opening minute of the half to find the net, but his shot failed to hit the target.

Just minutes later, Raul pulled Madrid back to within a goal. Roberto Carlos dropped a cross into the box from the left that Van Nistelrooy flicked on with a back heel. The ball ended up on the foot of Raul at the back post, and he fired his shot under the keeper.

The home side continued to press the issue, and they found themselves on level terms in the 56th minute. Kameni was drawn off his line by a long pass and he charged towards the edge of the area to punch it clear. However, he only got a small piece of the ball as he collided with a defender. Reyes then picked up the loose ball and fired into the empty net, leveling the match.

Both teams had chances to move ahead, but it wasn't until the 89th minute that the match was decided. Higuain did well to win the ball on the right, and after trading passes with Reyes at the top of the box, he drove the ball home at the near post to grab three massive points.

Saturday's other contest saw Sevilla keep itself in the title chase with a 2-1 win over Recreativo.

On Sunday, Barcelona tries to regain the league lead with a win at home against Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao, who is just three points from the drop zone, hosts Deportivo, Levante squares off with Celta Vigo in a big relegation contest, Copa Del Rey finalists Getafe entertain Atletico Madrid, while the bottom two sides in Spain, Gimnastic and Real Sociedad get together at Nou Estadi. Villarreal invades Osasuna, Racing hosts Mallorca and top-five club's meet up at Estadio Mestalla as Valencia takes on Real Zaragoza.

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Bochum, Germany (Sports Network) - Stuttgart moved into the top spot in the Bundesliga standings on Saturday with a 3-2 comeback win over Bochum at Ruhrstadion.

The club entered the day trailing Schalke by a point, but the Gelsenkirchen outfit dropped a 2-0 decision to Dortmund, putting Stuttgart in position to win its first league title since the 1991-92 campaign.

Things did not start off well for Stuttgart as Bochum's Oliver Schroder put his side ahead after just four minutes, but the visitors answered in the 24th courtesy of Thomas Hitzlsperger. Bochum was out in front once again before the half, however, when Marcel Maltritz tallied in the 42nd. Stuttgart would not be denied on this day, however, and second-half substitute Mario Gomez equalized in the 61st before Cacau put Stuttgart ahead for good in the 72nd.

A nice build up from Bochum led to their one-goal lead after four minutes. Zvjezdan Misimovic carried the ball down the right wing and crossed into the box for Theofanis Gekas, who dropped the ball off to Schroder with a neat heel pass. Schroder then slotted home from a few yards out to put the hosts in front.

Some fine individual work from Cacau then saw the team's level after 24 minutes. He worked his way down the right flank and then threaded a pass to Hitzlsperger at the penalty spot. The midfielder thrashed a hard shot on net that keeper Jaroslav Drobny got a piece of, but not enough to keep the ball out.

With three minutes to play before halftime, Bochum edged back in front on a brilliant 25-yard strike from Maltritz. After taking a pass on the right and making one touch on the ball, Maltritz drove a low shot into the far corner past a diving Timo Hildebrand.

The return of Gomez in the second half provided Stuttgart with a spark. The talented striker had been out for months with a knee injury, but made his presence felt just five minutes after entering the game. Pavel Pardo curled a cross into the area from the right and the ball skipped through the face of goal and found Gomez at the back post, where he finished off the play with a diving header to even things at 2-2.

A draw would have only pulled Stuttgart level with Schalke, but 11 minutes later, Cacau assured his team of leaving Bochum with the maximum points. Sami Khedira floated a cross towards the center of the box that was flicked on to Cacau, who held off Schroder and drove a right-footed shot into the lower left corner of the goal.

The win means that Stuttgart can clinch the league title on home soil next Saturday with a win against Energie.

In other action in Germany on Saturday, Werder Bremen fell out of title contention after falling 2-1 to Eintracht. Wolfsburg stayed three points ahead of the drop zone as they played to a 2-2 draw with Aachen, Arminia Bielefeld downed Hannover 3-1, Bayern Munich handled Energie 3-0 and Bayer Leverkusen moved back into the top five with a 3-2 defeat of Hertha Berlin. Mainz handed last-placed Monchengladbach a 3-0 defeat and Hamburg doubled up on Nurnberg 2-0.

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(Soccer365.com) - Louis Saha has revealed he has no intention of quitting Premiership champions Manchester United.

Saha, whose season has been hampered by a thigh injury, made the claim after United were linked with Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o.

The 28-year-old insisted he had no intention of leaving the club this summer when he told L'Equipe: "I want to stay."

Asked about the Eto'o rumours, Saha said: "I know nothing. I love this club and I don't want to leave.

"If they are saying other good strikers are coming to United I find that good, if that helps us defend our title and win others next year."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

(Soccer365.com) - With the club sitting on only four points after five games, D.C. United assistant coach Chad Ashton reports that training sessions have become a battle royale for playing time.

The four-time champs finally picked up a win last week, with unproven youngsters like Kasali Yinka Casal and Guy-Roland Kpene playing key roles.

“We have some of our starters looking over their shoulders in terms of competitiveness, getting on the field,” he told the Washington Examiner.

“That’s a good thing for us when you have that competition,” concluded Ashton. “Obviously, we’ve put some guys on their toes.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Former Lazio man Massimo Oddo has responded to Delio Rossi's dig at him over his January move to Milan.

The Lazio coach had handed the Milan fullback a back-handed jibe, when speaking of Tommaso Rocchi, hoping that he stayed and did not "do an Oddo" by leaving.

"I'm sure that any player would have made the same decision if they had been in my place," responded Oddo.

"For me, I was almost obligated to take this choice. And it was a decision that wasn't made solely by me.

"I hope for Tommaso's sake, that Lazio provide him with a better alternative than what they gave me."

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(Soccer365.com) - Fabio Cannavaro has praised David Beckham for his role in putting Real Madrid back into serious title contention over the last few months.

Cannavaro is a big fan of Beckham's never-say-die attitude and believes it has been a positive influence on the rest of the Madrid team, who have now won six of their last seven league matches.

"Beckham is a player I like very much both for his technique and the way he thinks," the Italian World Cup winner said.

"He is a man who always wants to win, and he has transmitted that mentality to the squad."

Beckham's Madrid career looked to be over in January when coach Fabio Capello said the midfielder would not play for the club again after announcing he had agreed to join Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.

But the former England captain refused to concede his career at Madrid was finished and his determination and application during training eventually led to Capello reversing his decision and recalling Beckham to his playing squad after an absence of six matches.

Although he has missed a number of games through injury and suspension since returning to the fold, Beckham has still played an influential role in helping Madrid up to second place in the Primera Liga standings, just two points behind Barcelona.

"I think we are all much better now, not only David," Cannavaro said on his club's website.

"We are all making a greater effort to win the league. We have five games left and we must win them all.

"We are in good spirits because we are having good results. This happens to every team.

"We must continue along the same path because it is important for us to have a good atmosphere - it makes us work better."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Soccer365.com) - Trinidad & Tobago federation consultant Kevin Harrison has declared a recent threat to bar World Cup squad members fighting for bonus payment from selection as completely hollow.

The federation is in a longstanding wrangle with 16 players, and recently announced that anyone filing suit in the matter would face banishment.

"Our legal advisers have told us that this kind of industrial dispute is covered under employment laws, and therefore is not a 'sporting dispute'," Harrison told Trinidad & Tobago Express. "It is every employee's democratic right to challenge their employer if they believe an employment contract, be it written or verbal, is not adhered to."

"Obviously, it is now down to T&TFF's legal advisers to discuss this in more detail with FIFA, but it is our understanding that the barrier to selection is non-existent."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Arsene Wenger has dismissed the latest round of speculation into the future of Thierry Henry insisting the Frenchman will be at the club next season.

Henry, who signed a new contract last summer, has barely been seen this year due to injury, but has nonetheless been linked with a move to Barcelona once again, particularly by the Spanish media.

However, Wenger told the club's official website: "It is more down to imagination than anything else, Thierry Henry will be here next year."

And when asked it he could guarantee this, he added: "Yes, of course."

In Henry's absence Arsenal have struggled to compete, although have still ensured a top four finish.

Henry was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona last season, but the Frenchman decided to stay in North London after losing the Champions League final to the same club last May but if the reports are to be believed the Spanish club are still interested.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona are still struggling to come to terms with their cup semi-final humiliation after a 4-0 hiding at the hands of Getafe sent them crashing out of the competition.

The Catalan giants took a 5-2 lead with them from the first leg at the Nou Camp and looked to be on course to face Sevilla in the final, but instead found themselves on the receiving end of one of the greatest comebacks the Copa del Rey has seen as two goals in each half gave the minnows a 6-5 aggregate victory.

And neither Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol nor coach Frank Rijkaard could explain their side's capitulation.

"It's difficult to say anything. I feel furious and helpless," Puyol said after the game.

"We were all looking forward to the final but in football until the final whistle, you can't say anything.

"Getafe were better. We had a disastrous match. We went there to keep control of the match but in Barca we don't know how to hold on to a result. They saw that they could beat us and we gave them life."

Puyol also apologised to the Barcelona fans.

"We all had great hopes and today we let them down," he said.

Rijkaard added: "This is one of the hardest nights I've ever experienced. I had the feeling of being incapable of doing anything. We haven't got any excuses. We failed to react from the very first minute and we suffered a lot.

"We left a very bad impression and I feel very bad, like all the players. We couldn't do anything. We were incapable. It's been a really hard night for all of us and a very tough blow."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from a 1-1 draw against Colorado on Thursday night, Real Salt Lake boss Jason Kreis says his charges are slowly coming together.

The result was peculiar in that both tallies were the product of own goals, an MLS first.

"It's going to take time," Kreis told MLSNet. "But my boys came back again after having a goal scored on them and I think we have to be extremely pleased with that."

"I set out an objective for them in training to switch the ball across the field to Freddy, and we did that well tonight – we’d like to get Chris Klein involved in that a little more too."

"I think we are all eager and ready to get our first three points, to get our first win," he declared. "But we are moving in the right direction."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Frank Rijkaard claimed that he endured one of the worst night's of his life after watching his FC Barcelona side crash out of the Copa del Rey to Getafe.

After taking a three-goal lead into the second leg of the semi final, the Blaugrana were hammered by their hosts and were dumped out after a humiliating 4-0 defeat.

"It has been a very hard night for me and the team," the Dutchman explained.

"Getafe deserved this win and they should be congratulated, while we must digest what has happened.

"It is not easy because there are defeats and then there are defeats. This one is very difficult.

"Whatever happens now we have to keep on going and try to finish the season with dignity.

"I know everyone is going to say it was ridiculous and we are suffering. It is clear that we were completely useless tonight.

"I do not feel ashamed, but I must ask for forgiveness from the club's supporters.

"Now we must restore our pride after one of the hardest nights of my life.

"When you lose 4-0 everyone knows how hard and how bad it was.

"The only way to deal with is to bounce back. We have to react and continue working like we always do. We cannot complain."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Sheffield, England (Sports Network) - Although the Premiership champion has already been crowned, there is still plenty left to be determined on the final day of the EPL season.

Manchester United hoisted its first league title since the 2002-03 season, and Chelsea has already locked up the second spot, which carries an automatic Champions League spot. Both Liverpool and Arsenal will be taking part in Champions League qualification, as they are assured of the third and fourth spots in the league. Both teams are level on points with Liverpool holding a plus-two advantage in goal differential. Liverpool will be playing host to relegation-bound Charlton, while the Gunners round out their campaign with a trip to Fratton Park to meet Portsmouth.

At the other end of the table, times are getting tight for three teams in their bid to stay in the top-flight next season. With Watford and Charlton already assured of relegation, Wigan is fighting hard to avoid joining them. With each relegated side standing to lose millions of dollars in sponsorship and television contracts, avoiding relegation is almost as crucial as winning the league title this time of year.

Wigan is the odds-on favorite to suffer the drop as they are three points back of both West Ham and Sheffield United with just one match remaining. However, Wigan does control its own destiny as they take on the Blades at Bramall Lane on Sunday, with a win possibly moving them out of the drop zone. Sheffield holds just a one-goal edge in goal differential over Wigan, so Paul Jewell's side will be on the attack from the start.

West Ham, meanwhile, has an inferior goal differential to both sides, but will not have to worry as long as Wigan does not come away with three points. The Hammers draw Manchester United at Old Trafford on the season's final day, normally an incredibly daunting task, but maybe not so much on this day. With United having already clinched the EPL crown, Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to be resting players and just trying to avoid injury ahead of his team's FA Cup final date with Chelsea on May 19.

Wigan must win in order to keep its Premiership hopes alive, and if they do, all bets are off.

The race for England's three UEFA Cup spots is also a matter to be determined on the last day. Everton and Tottenham currently own the first two spots and are level on points with 57. Bolton occupies the final spot at 55 points, but is just one better than Reading and two points clear of Portsmouth. Everton and Tottenham look to be safe bets, with the Toffees traveling to Stamford Bridge to meet an uninterested Chelsea team with nothing to play for, and Spurs hosting bottom-half club Manchester City.

Bolton, meanwhile, hosts an Aston Villa team that is unbeaten in its last eight games, including four wins. The Villains are playing their best soccer all season, and while Bolton can clinch the final UEFA Cup spot with a win, all three points will not be easy.

If Wanderers happen to slip up on Sunday, Reading and Portsmouth will be waiting. The surprising Royals have done extremely well for themselves in their first season in England's top-flight. Steve Coppell's side will travel to Blackburn on Sunday and can clinch a spot in Europe with a win and a Bolton loss or draw. Portsmouth still has a chance but needs plenty of help. Pompey must first take the maximum points against Arsenal, which is never an easy task, and then hope that both Bolton and Reading come away with less than three points.

Other fixtures in the Premiership's final day include relegation-bound Watford hosting Newcastle and bottom-half clubs Middlesbrough and Fulham facing off at The Riverside.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seville, Spain (Sports Network) - Sevilla has enjoyed plenty of success this season, and has an outside chance at a treble. However, they are four points behind league-leaders Barcelona with five games to play, meaning three points against Recreativo on Saturday at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is a must.

Last week's 3-2 loss to Real Madrid was a big hit to Sevilla's La Liga title hopes, but the club must remain focused on its own results and cannot worry about getting help from other teams.

Sevilla has a chance to win its second-straight UEFA Cup title on Wednesday when they meet fellow Spanish club Espanyol at Hampden Park, and can also claim the Copa Del Rey championship on June 23 as they will meet Getafe in the final.

While the league title would make a nice addition to the trophy case, the club must also make sure that it holds on to a Champions League spot for next season. Sevilla is currently two points clear of fourth-placed Valencia, and six ahead of Real Zaragoza.

Recreativo has plenty to play for as well on Saturday. The club has enjoyed a fine first season back in Spain's top-flight and is sitting in seventh place in the table, just one point behind Atletico Madrid for the final UEFA Cup spot in Spain.

Sevilla will be lacking a little firepower as midfielder Adriano is out with an injury and striker Ernesto Chevanton will not take part due to suspension. Defender Andreas Hinkel will also not be available because of a rib injury.

Recreativo will hand a rare start to Frenchman Bertrand Laquait between the posts as starting keeper Javier Lopez Vallejo is suffering from tendinitis.

In Saturday's other La Liga contest, second-placed Real Madrid tries to move atop the table for a day with a win against Espanyol.

On Sunday, league-leaders Barcelona host Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao, who is just three points from the drop zone, hosts Deportivo, Levante squares off with Celta Vigo in a big relegation contest, Copa Del Rey finalists Getafe entertain Atletico Madrid, while the bottom two sides in Spain, Gimnastic and Real Sociedad get together at Nou Estadi. Villarreal invades Osasuna, Racing hosts Mallorca and top-five club's meet up at Estadio Mestalla as Valencia takes on Real Zaragoza.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Borussia Mönchengladbach technical director Christian Ziege says that opting to let veteran backstop Kasey Keller leave on a free this summer was one of those awful decisions that a man in position has to make.

The club announced Wednesday that the U.S. international’s contract would be allowed to lapse, kicking off instant speculation over an MLS move.

"Kasey is a special case," Ziege told the club website. "We've been friends since we were at Tottenham together, which didn't make it any easier for me."

"Things were made even more difficult by the fact that it was unclear whether Kasey could see himself playing in the second division, so it came as something as a surprise when he indicated that he was prepared to stay."

"We had to assume he would no longer be available if we were relegated and so we decided to make the break in goal as well, not least because of the age issue," he explained.

"Christofer Heimeroth will be our number one next season - he has our trust and has shown his quality in the last few games."

Keller, currently recovering from a muscle tear in his right leg, is hoping to be fit for the season’s last match against nearby rivals VfL Bochum.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Chelsea have denied Michael Ballack's future at the club was ever in doubt after he underwent surgery on his ankle in Germany.

The FA Cup finalists were alleged to have been unhappy with Ballack's decision to have an operation to repair his damaged ankle but the club have now made it clear that surgery was undertaken with everyone's full agreement.

Ballack injured his ankle in the goalless draw with Newcastle and will miss the Cup final against Manchester United even though he is now back in light training.

A statement from Chelsea read: "In answer to recent speculation regarding Michael Ballack's injury, nobody's future at Chelsea Football Club was ever in doubt following his operation. There is also no doubt that Michael has put Chelsea FC's interests first.

"On speculation regarding the diagnosis of the injury, this has never been an issue. There was a debate on when an operation should take place, and there was a final agreement on that surgery taking place.

"Chelsea and all its players have full confidence in our medical team headed by Bryan English and his professional reputation.

"All parties involved have discussed these issues and endorsed this statement. There will be no further comment from anyone."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Houston coach Dominic Kinnear admitted that it was difficult to deal away Alejandro Moreno, a cog in last season’s championship run.

The forward was traded to Columbus for speedy attacker Joseph Ngwenya.

"It was a very tough decision," Kinnear told the Houston Chronicle. "We think the world of Alejandro and we wish him the best with his new team."

For his part, Moreno figured it was probably the best career move, although he said it was hard to leave Houston with his family.

"Soccer-wise, it would seem that it would be the best thing for me," he stated. "It's no secret I fell out of favor here in Houston."

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(Goal.com) - Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal's youngsters are capable of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United next season, and has urged his team to just "go for it."

"It was a big gap this year, and last season also," admitted Fabregas. "But remember last season we were in the final of the Champions League. Let's see if we can do it next season.

"I am sure we can. That is the mentality here, to win things, and we will go for it.

"I think we should be proud of our record this season [playing the top sides].

"You win the title against the big teams but if you do not win against the other sides you will not win it. Arsenal cannot accept that.

"If you are ambitious and really want to win the title, you have to play with more aggressiveness and do your job properly. We have to really go for it.”

The Gunners are currently chasing third place, looking to pip Liverpool on the final matchday. Fabregas insists it is not of academic interest.

"For me there is a big difference between third and fourth," he opined. "We are playing for honour, so we have to go for third place."

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(Soccer365.com) - Despite Swedish press efforts to make note and make light of a Charlie Davies goal slump, Hammarby IF manager Tony Gustavsson insists that the player will prove his early detractors wrong.

The young American Abroad failed to open his Allsvenskan account on several second half chances for a winner at Malmo on Tuesday.

One pundit declared it ‘a textbook display of how to miss chances’, which led Gustavsson to respond by questioning the overly simplistic viewpoint.

"It'll take time for him to adapt," he asserted. "It would be nice for him to score, but he shouldn't have to feel any pressure."

Davies, who had promised to score against Malmo in the press, has two assists in four games for the Swedish leaders.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Martin Jol has described Jermain Defoe as a true "team player" for his role in firing Tottenham towards fifth place for a second consecutive season.

Spurs will be 'best of the rest' again, below the Champions League positions, if they win their last two games of the season, starting with Thursday's clash against Blackburn when Defoe will be hoping for a starting place.

Jol appears to favour Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov for big games, although Defoe has netted 17 times when given his chance during the campaign.

"Other players who I won't mention would make a decision for themselves but he hasn't," Jol said.

"He's a team player and knows he played such a big part this season, he's scored nine league goals and didn't have all the starts, although Robbie Keane had less league starts."

Defoe, Keane and Berbatov have 60 goals between them this season, with Spurs racking up 100 in total.

Three cup runs have given Jol the opportunity to utilise his strikers - Mido has also scored five goals but has struggled with injury - and rescheduling games has put Spurs in the driving seat for Europe in the final week of the season.

"It's an unbelievably good position, nobody realised over the last two months that we had a game in hand," Jol added.

"People said Tottenham are so-so, but I knew if we win this game we would be in the top six again. Along with all these matches in Europe it would be a fine achievement.

"Nobody realised we were in a good position, so we surprised a few people again."

Jol highlighted the difficulties in competing on four fronts, compared to last season when they almost finished in the Champions League places but only played in two cup-ties.

Jol added: "We're not fifth yet but how many teams outside the top four clubs do well in Europe and well in the league?

"There is not one over the last four or five years, even Everton played in the Champions League and were not as good as they could be in the league.

"That is how tough it is. It's not easy, so we could easily be in problems but we are not and that is a good compliment for us."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Alianza Lima executive Carlos Franco has made a special note to publicly dissuade Real Madrid from sniffing around teen phenom Reimond Manco.

Boca Juniors and PSV Eindhoven have also shown interest in the 16-year old attacker.

"We have not received any proposal from Real Madrid and I also believe we will not as the FIFA rules stipulate that selling federative rights of anybody under 18 is not allowed," suggested Franco.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - After announcing his decision to turn down a move to Juventus and stay on at Werder Bremen yesterday, midfielder Torsten Frings has spoken in detail about his love for the club.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich man was on the verge of joining Juventus, and had even visited Turin to take a look at the Old Lady's facilities.

However, he decided to stay on at Werder at the eleventh hour, delighting the German club, and obviously disappointing Juventus, who had spent a lot of time and energy in securing his services.

"Werder is my life. I feel at home here," Frings explained today. "I was at Dortmund and I was at Munich, but here I like it the best.

"My heart made this decision. A transfer to Juventus wouldn't have been good. Juve are a great club but Werder is much more important for me."

"I had a very good talk with Thomas Schaaf. He explained to me how important I am."

He also misses out on a bumper contract that the Turin giants had prepared for him, but insisted: "Money isn't everything. Happiness is much more important for me."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Interim Nantes coach Michel Der Zakarian identified disappointing results against their relegation rivals as the key factor in Les Canaris' demotion to Ligue 2.

The fate of Nantes, who claimed the Ligue 1 title in 2001, was sealed on Wednesday despite their 1-0 win at Bordeaux, secured thanks to a late Dennis Oliech goal.

It is the first time the southern club, champions of France eight times, have been relegated from the top flight.

They have been fighting against the drop all season, but a winless run of seven games prior to the win over Les Girondins sealed their fate.

Les Canaris have won just seven games this season, and they have failed to beat the likes of Troyes, Sedan, Paris St Germain and Valenciennes - teams who have been battling against relegation for most of the campaign.

"It is difficult to talk about regrets at a time like this," said Der Zakarian, who is in charge of first-team affairs with the club's sporting director Japhet N'Doram until the end of the season.

"But we haven't been able to win the matches we played against all the teams fighting against relegation like us.

"Now we must rebuild a team with guys who have the same desire as was shown against Bordeaux.

"And we are going to fight until the end and try to avoid finishing in last place."

Defender Franck Signorino has seen coaches come and go through Nantes' revolving door this season.

Serge Le Dizet was the first to get the chop, then Georges Eo suffered the same fate in February.

Der Zakarian and N'Doram have been unable to steady the ship and as a consequence, Nantes' 44-year stay in the top division has come to an end.

Left-back Signorino could not hide his disappointment after seeing his side succumb to relegation.

"I feel ashamed," he said.

"For 44 years, people have fought to build an exceptional list of honours for this club, and it is us who have knocked it down.

"It is like I have taken part in a catastrophe."

Der Zakarian was proud of the way his men stuck to their task against high-flying Bordeaux.

"We are professionals, we did our job to win the match," he added.

"There were difficult moments against a good Bordeaux team who played this season in the Champions League.

"Unfortunately we are still in Ligue 2."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - With his contract set to run out at season’s end, Santos veteran winger Zé Roberto could soon entertain an offer from AC Milan.

"We are looking for players who can adapt well to Carlo Ancelotti's tactical scheme," Leonardo told Globe Sport. "Zé Roberto of Santos is definitely one of those players."

The former Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich ace, Brazil’s only World Cup 2006 All-Star pick, has recently spoken of his desire to return to Europe.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Villarreal have confirmed that there is no possibility of Juan Roman Riquelme returning to El Madrigal at end of his loan stint with Boca Juniors.

Riquelme's Villarreal career is over!

In case there were any doubts about that, the club's general manager, Jose Manuel Llaneza, has offered confirmation, declaring that it is "impossible" that the Argentine returns to play for the Yellow Submarines.

Riquelme is currently on loan until the 30th of June, following which he has another year of contract remaining. However, the club are now set to terminate his contract.

Llaneza insisted that he had offered Riquelme "a worthy exit" from the club, but that he had been left with little choice after the player did not offer "any help in solving the problem."

In a rather honest admission, Llazena wanted to steer clear of affixing blame for the way things turned sour, and simply wanted to close the chapter.

"Perhaps I am one of the guilty ones," he said humbly, speaking on local radio. "He behaved like a child, but sometimes they do things you tell them not to do.

"Then, when you say something to them, they get upset."

Riquelme is now set to be available as a free agent. At 29, he still has a few good years left, but the big question is: who will be willing to take the risk after the way things went awry with Villarreal.

Psychological issues, home sickness, and various other factors suggest that he will probably continue in Argentina. But then again, nobody can rule out a gutsy coach taking a chance and landing him on the cheap!

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani says a space will always be kept open for Chelsea's Andriy Shevchenko to make a return.

The Ukraine striker has failed to set the Premiership on fire since he arrived in England last summer and has struggled to score goals on all fronts for Jose Mourinho's side.

Inevitably this has resulted in much speculation surrounding his future, which has quite often seen him linked back to the San Siro where he made his name as one of the world's most valuable strikers.

"Sheva remains in our hearts, he and his wife have been invited to Athens to follow the Champions League final," Galliani told a news conference on Wednesday.

"As for the future, let's see, he is a Chelsea player. Anyway, he knows, we will keep a place open for a few months seeing as after his marriage Kaka has freed up a non-European Union place."

Milan face Liverpool in the Champions League final in Athens on May 23 after the Anfield club beat Shevchenko's Chelsea in the semi-finals.

Shevchenko remains close to Milan's hierarchy and media reports have said his wife was behind their move to London.

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(Soccer365.com) - New York boss Bruce Arena claims it is no surprise to him that offseason acquisition Clint Mathis is once again producing offense.

The attacker arrived in an offseason deal with Colorado and has three goals and two assists in four games.

“As he continues to play, getting a little stronger, a little fitter, I think he's obviously going to be a player who's going to bolster our attack this year,” Arena told Big Apple Soccer. “I can't tell you how pleased I am to have him.”

“He's indicated since he has been here he is a player who can get goals, he's been a good team player on the field and off.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Manchester United have reportedly taken the first steps towards signing Samuel Eto'o for £27million this summer.

According to the Daily Mail Sir Alex Ferguson has identified the Barcelona striker as his number one transfer target as he begins his quest for three major signings in the close season.

It is understood Israeli agent Pini Zahavi, who has links in Barcelona, is behind the deal while Eto'o's friendship with Rio Ferdinand is also a factor in United's favour.

Only last week the United boss spoke of his desire to add more pace to his attack and the Cameroon international clearly fits the bill.

"Speed is important to us," said Ferguson as he talked about his plans for next season's title defence and Champions League challenge.

"At the moment that's what we're looking at. Whether we can get more speed."

Eto'o has been unsettled at the Catalan giants since his fall out with coach Frank Rijkaard and Brazilian star Ronaldinho after he had just returned from four months out with a knee injury.

At the time he was accused of refusing to play and wounds between the trio have never fully repaired.

In recent weeks however, Eto'o has let his football do most of the talking having scored 10 goals in his last 14 games and this kind of form has sparked interest from a host of European clubs.

AC Milan, Liverpool and Chelsea are also rumoured to be in the hunt for the three-times African Player of the Year but sources indicate he would prefer a move to Old Trafford.

Assuming Ferguson manages to also land Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves for £20m, United will have spent nearly all of their summer budget of £50m on just two players.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

(Goal.com) - It was about as unexpected as a sunrise, but it could be just as welcome as the White House tries to look forward to the dawn of a new era. Cristoph Metzelder has been confirmed as the Merengues' first signing for the 2007-8 season…

According to reports emanating from Spain the player has signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid. Those reports have been confirmed by the player's agent Jorg Neubauer to Spanish paper AS (Ace).

27 year old Metzelder will get four million Euros per season according to German magazine Bild, the generous offer being eased into place by the fact that the Merengues can bring the player to Chamartín for free as his current contract expires in six weeks time.

The player had undergone a medical with Real Madrid sawbones Alfonso del Corral, the club eager to avoid a repeat of the ‘Caso Woodgate’ (Woodgate Case) – where the whites signed an injured man – or the Milito debacle where Gabi was rejected and ended up at Zaragoza.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - After debuting former Boca Juniors ace Guillermo Barros Schelotto over the weekend, Columbus tactician Sigi Schmid says he can already see that the signing will pay off.

The veteran playmaker entered with 25 minutes remaining in a Saturday 1-0 loss to Kansas City, but was unable to conjure a Crew equalizer.

"(Schelotto) helped us and he made some things happen," Schmid told the club website.

"He still has to get used to the play in this league - there were some calls he thought he was going to get."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Manchester United's double player of the year, winger Cristiano Ronaldo, has revealed that his compatriot - the Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho - has personally apologised to him for reportedly criticising his upbringing.

Mourinho was quoted as describing 22-year-old Ronaldo as "ill-educated, disrespectful and immature" after the Portugal international claimed that Mourinho found it difficult to admit his own failings.

The pair traded comments after Mourinho had claimed it was impossible for officials to award penalties against United or in favour of Chelsea.

But the two Portuguese stars now appear to have made up and moved on.

Whatever their differences might have been, Ronaldo told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Mourinho has apologised to me and now I have no problem with him.

"I am pleased that this has happened. As far as I am concerned, the whole thing is now in the past."

Ronaldo and his United team visit Stamford Bridge tonight as newly-crowned champions to take on their closest and most persistent rivals, Mourinho's Chelsea.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh New York strike catch Juan Pablo Angel is on cloud nine since receiving work permit approval to start his MLS career.

The former Aston Villa man opened his Red Bulls odyssey with a goal in their U.S. Open Cup loss to Los Angeles.

“When I saw the project and the direction this team was going, I thought it was a great prospect and I was hooked,” Angel told ESPN Soccernet.

“I'm sure there might have been more opportunities for me in Europe, but I just didn't explore it - there are a lot of positive things here that I do want to be a part of.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Landon Donovan supplied a goal and two assist s in added time as Los Angeles advanced past New York in midweek U.S. Open Cup action.

Despite the loss, Galaxy netminder Steve Cronin wowed the crowd with 14 saves.

Regulation play ended scoreless and with each side down a a man; L.A.’s Cobi Jones was ejected nine minutes after halftime for a stamp, with Dema Kovalenko following on 73 minutes thanks to a second booking.

Donovan put the Galaxy ahead from the spot in the 93rd minute and Kyle Martino doubled 10 minutes later.

New Red Bull Juan Pablo Angel struck a debut goal with 11 minutes left on overtime, but Santino Quaranta restored the cushion in the waning moment.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings has turned down an offer from Juventus to stay on at the club, the player has confirmed.

A move to Turin seemed to be almost done and dusted for the German international, but it seems that loyalty has won the battle.

Frings has declared that his feelings for Werder have made it impossible for him to leave, forcing him to turn down a great offer from the Old Lady.

"I had a great offer from Juventus but for me Werder are an affair of the heart," he told the club's official website, putting an end to the speculation.

Klaus Allofs, the club's sporting director, who has all along wanted to hang on to players such as Frings and Klose, was pleased with the show of loyalty.

"We gave Torsten the chance to have a good look at the offer from Turin because we feel it is important that our players want to play for Bremen with all their heart," he said.

"Torsten has made his decision to stay with us. We have been able to keep an excellent player."

The news will come as a shock to Juventus, as they were working on the basis that they have covered one key position with a world class player. Options there still are, but the Turin giants' rebuilding has taken a step backwards.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - With presumed appointee Rene Simoes now out of the picture, Canada midfield ace Julián De Guzmán says the squad are tiring of the federation’s search lethargy.

Not only are the national team without a coach since Frank Yallop left to take over MLS side Los Angeles, but they are also working without a chief operating officer and a technical director.

"Definitely this is frustrating for the players, coaches and fans," De Guzman told the Glove & Mail.

"(Interim coach) Stephen Hart has done well every given moment he has had to manage the team, but the CSA needs to put him or another candidate in the driver seat so he has the freedom to help the team."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona are set to have another crack at signing Arsenal's Thierry Henry and are expected to make a £15million summer bid, according to reports.

The Primera Liga giants are aiming to capitalise on the current unrest at the Gunners, who have failed to win any trophies for the second successive season, to land the French striker.

With the possibility of manager Arsene Wenger leaving after his contract expires next year, the Daily Star claims Arsenal could be ready to sell their captain as they prepare to reshape the club.

There have been concerns regarding Henry's influence at the Emirates Stadium and Barca now hope Arsenal will decide this is the time to cash in on their talisman.

Frank Rijkaard could well lose Samuel Eto'o to Manchester United this summer and will therefore need a replacement to lead Barcelona to glory on multiple fronts next season.

Although Henry has turned down a move to the Nou Camp in the past, he's thought to be top of president Joan Laporta's wish-list and he could well be lured to Spain by the offer of a four-year deal worth a possible £7m a season.

Henry has made it clear in recent weeks he doesn't want to leave Arsenal but with his future entwined with that of Wenger, there could be a swift change of stance this summer.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - The United States women's national team continues preparations for the FIFA World Cup by playing fellow qualifier Canada on Saturday.

"They are a highly committed team and the rivalry between the U.S. and Canada makes both teams better," U.S. coach Greg Ryan said. "It will be another opportunity for us to get players quality minutes against a Women's World Cup- caliber opponent."

The U.S. has won six straight and is undefeated this year (6-0-2). The top- ranked Americans haven't played since defeating Mexico, 5-0, on April 14. Saturday's game is at 7:30 p.m. EST at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

For the first time in team history the U.S. team will wear a special edition pink jersey to support and promote Breast Cancer Awareness on Mother's Day weekend.

The U.S. will have another month off before playing China in the first game of the "Send-Off Series" for the World Cup, which is Sept. 10-30 in China.

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Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - Kansas City captain Jimmy Conrad fractured his jaw in Saturday's 1-0 win over Columbus but is expected to miss just one week.

Conrad sustained the injury in a collision with Columbus' Ricardo Virtuoso just eight minutes into the game but played the entire match. Instead of having surgery, Conrad has decided to eat soft foods for a month and will be re-evaluated on May 16, according to the team's Web site.

Conrad will miss Saturday's game with CD Chivas USA. Aaron Hohlbein or Tyson Wahl will likely replace Conrad in the starting lineup.

"Every team has to deal with injury and adversity," K.C. Coach Curt Onalfo said on the team's Web site, "but we are confident that both Aaron Hohlbein and Tyson Wahl can fill in for Jimmy for the time being."

Conrad, a defender, also suffered a broken jaw last year and missed seven weeks. Despite the long absence, Conrad was a finalist for Defender of the Year in Major League Soccer last season. He was also a finalist in 2004 and won the award in 2005.

Conrad is also a member of the U.S. National team.

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Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Houston midfielder Dwayne De Rosario was named Major League Soccer's Player of the Week after scoring his first two goals of the season in a 3-1 win over Colorado on Saturday.

De Rosario, who scored 11 goals last year, had both goals in a five-minute stretch to help defending MLS champion Houston move into a tie with Colorado and FC Dallas atop the Western Conference standings.

It was De Rosario's first Player of the Week award this season and the fourth of his career.

De Rosario joins Real Salt Lake's Jeff Cunningham (week one), Kansas City's Eddie Johnson (week two), CD Chivas USA's Maykel Galindo (week three) and Los Angeles' Landon Donovan (week five) as winners of the award this season.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

London, England (Sports Network) - Charlton was assured of being relegated next season after the Addicks dropped a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at The Valley on Monday.

Dimitar Berbatov scored his 11th goal of the season in the first half, and Jermain Defoe added an insurance tally with just minutes to play, making Charlton the second team to be sent down this season, along with Watford.

Things could not have started worse for Charlton, as they found themselves behind by a goal just seven minutes in. Tottenham defender Ledley King played a long ball out of the back that Berbatov was able to touch past defender Talal El Karkouri, putting him in on goal. The Bulgarian striker then curled a shot just inside the far post to put Spurs ahead.

Despite the early goal, it was Charlton who looked to be the stronger side over the rest of the half. A Darren Ambrose free kick from the right wing allowed El Karkouri to get free for a shot from the penalty spot, but his effort was right at keeper Paul Robinson, who saved the shot comfortably.

The Addicks continued to pressure and nearly leveled the match in the 37th minute. Darren Bent was played in behind the defense to the right, and pulled the ball back for Alexandre Song Billong in the middle of the box. However, his diving header went wide of the left post.

In the 42nd minute, Bent was given another chance to get the home side on the board, as he once again worked his way in behind the Tottenham back line but fired a hard left-footed shot wide of the near post.

The home side needed two goals in the second half if they were to have a shot at avoiding relegation, but they hardly showed much initiative and Defoe struck in the 90th minute to put Charlton away.

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London, England (Sports Network) - Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will have groin surgery on Tuesday, which means that he will not take part in the club's FA Cup final contest against Manchester United on May 19.

The procedure was originally scheduled for after the season, but the Chelsea medical staff decided to push it up.

The 30-year-old Ukrainian will also miss the team's final two Premiership matches, a Wednesday game against newly-crowned champions Manchester United and Sunday's final league contest against Everton.

The injury forced Shevchenko to miss the team's Champions League semifinal return leg against Liverpool and also the club's 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

Shevchenko was a highly-touted signing this past summer from AC Milan, but his season was filled with plenty of disappointment. After struggling badly in his early days with Chelsea, he rebounded to score 14 goals in all competitions.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Buenos Aires, Argentina (Sports Network) - Boca Juniors moved a little closer to league-leaders San Lorenzo on Sunday as they earned a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Argentinos Juniors.

San Lorenzo dropped a 2-1 decision to Velez Sarsfield on Saturday, which allowed both Boca Juniors and defending champs Estudiantes to move to within three points of the top.

Boca fell behind by two goals in the opening 26 minutes as Argentinos got goals from Gonzalo Choy and Leonel Nunez. However, Boca rallied to score the next three goals and take a 3-2 lead with 25 minutes to play. Neri Cardozo got Boca on the board in the 32nd, and Martin Palermo scored his league-leading 10th goal of the campaign in the 58th minute to level the match. The comeback was complete in the 65th when Hugo Ibara found the back of the net, but Argentinos would not be denied points and grabbed a share of the spoils with Choy's second goal in the 74th.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Newcastle, England (Sports Network) - Newcastle confirmed on Monday that manager Glenn Roeder has resigned as manager at the club, stepping down after just one season in charge.

A statement released by the club's website said: "Newcastle United today announced that Glenn Roeder has offered his resignation as team manager with immediate effect and this has been accepted by the Newcastle United board."

The decision was made by Roeder after an emergency meeting was called on Sunday following Saturday's 2-0 loss to Blackburn.

First-team coach Nigel Pearson will take charge of the team for its final game of the season, an away match at Watford.

According to reports, former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is the early favorite to succeed Roeder at Newcastle. Allardyce quit Bolton recently after eight seasons with the club, and he would become the fifth manager in the last 10 years at Newcastle.

Whoever takes over at the club will inherit a roster that is filled with talent, but has not always played that way. After suffering through a number of injury problems in the early part of the season, Newcastle rebounded to move up the table. However, the Magpies are currently 13th in the standings, and have gone winless in their last five Premiership contests.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two second-half goals to lead Real Madrid to a thrilling 3-2 win against Sevilla at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

The result is expected to go a long way towards deciding the La Liga champion this season, as the win allows Madrid to move past Sevilla and into second place, two points back of league-leaders Barcelona with five games remaining.

Enzo Maresca got the scoring started with a brilliant volley from the top of the box in the 41st minute, but Madrid answered with three second-half goals in a 23-minute span to take a two-goal lead. Javier Chevanton scored in stoppage time to make it a one-goal game, but it was not enough to keep Sevilla from falling further off the pace in the title race.

Madrid was the better side over the first 40 minutes of the game, but it was Sevilla who moved in front before halftime. A free kick was sent into the box and flicked on by Frederic Kanoute. Maresca was positioned at the top of the box and drilled a strong left-footed volley into the top right corner of the net.

Madrid continued to be the stronger side after the restart, and they finally cracked the scoreboard in the 62nd minute. A brilliant through-ball from Guti allowed Van Nistelrooy to get in behind the defense and work his way past keeper Andres Palop before driving the ball into the empty net.

Guti once again played the role of provider in the 78th minute to give the home side the lead. He once again found a small opening in the Sevilla defense and slid a pass through it to Robinho, who made no mistake with the finish.

The game looked to be all but decided in the 85th minute when Van Nistelrooy headed home a rebound from close range, but Chevanton pulled one back in stoppage time when he curled a free kick around the wall and into the back of the net. However, Madrid ran out the final two minutes and claimed the huge win to stay on the heels of its league rival.

In other action in Spain on Sunday, Levante doubled up on last-placed Gimnastic 2-0, Mallorca got the best of Osasuna 3-1, Getafe blanked Real Betis 2-0 and Real Zaragoza was held to a 0-0 draw by Racing. Villarreal got past Celta Vigo 1-0, Espanyol downed Atletico Madrid 2-1 and Recreativo played to a 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

London, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United clinched its first Premiership title since the 2002-03 season on Sunday as a 10-man Chelsea squad was held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The two-time defending champions needed to win Sunday's game to keep their title hopes alive ahead of a big showdown with United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. However, that task became increasingly difficult when defender Khalid Boulahrouz was sent off in the 43rd minute after taking down Arsenal's Julio Baptista inside the area. Gilberto converted the spot kick and Chelsea was left with a big hill to climb.

The visitors battled like champions in the second half, drawing level in the 70th minute courtesy of Michael Essien, but they were unable to find the match-winner in a frantic finish to the contest.

Chelsea was playing the match without wounded stars Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko, leaving manager Jose Mourinho with limited options offensively. It showed in a first half that saw Chelsea unable to sustain any sort of attack, but the Blues also did not give away many chances either.

Emmanuel Adebayor was able to generate a couple of openings early in the half, but nothing seriously threatened the Chelsea net. The game turned with just two minutes to play before halftime with Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann launching a long kick that gave the Blues back line trouble. John Terry failed to deal with the clearance, leaving Boulahrouz vulnerable to the speed of Baptista. All the Chelsea defender could do once Baptista got in behind him was take out the Arsenal midfielder, which earned Boulahrouz a red card and gave the Gunners a penalty kick.

Gilberto made the most of the chance as he stepped up and sent keeper Petr Cech the wrong way, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead at the break.

The final 30 minutes of the game were played at a frenetic pace, with a desperate Chelsea side needing two goals to keep its title dreams alive.

William Gallas almost made it a two-goal game, but he headed a corner from Francesc Fabregas just over the cross bar. Essien then made things interesting in the 70th minute when his glancing header flicked a low cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips past Lehmann to level the match.

The Arsenal netminder was called upon on a number of occasions in the final minutes. First he turned away a Frank Lampard effort that was headed for the lower left corner, and then the big German did well to get his hand to a shot from the top of the box off the foot of Salomon Kalou in the dying minutes to preserve a point for Arsenal and hand United the league title.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Sociedad, Spain (Sports Network) - Andres Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o scored in the second half to give Barcelona to a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday and a four-point cushion atop the Spanish La Liga.

Iniesta scored in the 47th minute after he sidestepped Real Sociedad goalie Claudio Bravo and scored into an empty net.

Eto'o secured three points for Barcelona with a goal in the 88th minute. He broke free behind Real Sociedad's defense and made a move to get Bravo going the wrong way to smoothly slot the ball around the goalie.

Ronaldhinho set up both goals for Barcelona. The assist on the Eto'o goal was a brilliant 40-yard pass. It was the 10th goal of the year for Eto'o.

Although Barcelona extended its lead to four points, second-place Sevilla and third-place Real Madrid play Sunday with a chance to keep the pressure on the defending league champs.

In other action in Spain on Saturday, David Silva scored in the 74th minute to help Valencia escape with a 2-1 win over Deportivo and remain six points behind Barcelona. Miguel Hugo Viana scored Valencia's other goal. Sebastian Taborda scored for Deportivo.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Paris, France (Sports Network) - Juninho's equalizer deep into stoppage time allowed Ligue 1 champions Lyon to steal a point from PSG in a 1-1 contest at Parc des Princes on Saturday.

Lyon is now unbeaten in its last 12 league contests and has already secured its sixth consecutive league title. PSG, meanwhile, thought it had three points in the bag after Edouard Cisse scored shortly after the restart to give the home side a 1-0 lead, but the late tally made them settle for a point. The point still allows the Paris club to move seven points clear of the drop zone with just three games to play.

The visitors started out as the better side, and after Milan Baros sent a header wide from close range, PSG keeper Mickael Landreau was called upon to make a pair of nice stops in succession, first denying Patrick Muller and then turning away Kim Kallstrom just seconds later.

Francois Clerc was also stopped by Landreau, and Muller should have done better from close range as he drilled his shot over the net.

PSG was luckily to be level at halftime, but a great piece of individual skill from Cisse allowed the home side to edge in front. After a weaving run through the midfield, Cisse played a pass to Bernard Mendy on the right flank. Mendy then returned the favor and hit Cisse with a cross at the top of the box. Cisse brought the ball down with his chest and fired a tremendous volley that gave Lyon keeper Gregory Coupet no chance.

Florent Malouda and Sidney Govou both missed chances to tie the contest, but it was left for Juninho to steal the point late. Govou had the ball on the right and the Brazilian midfielder made his run into the area. Govou's cross was met by the head of Juninho, and he placed it into the upper part of the net to stun the home crowd with just seconds remaining.

In other Ligue 1 action on Saturday, Nancy got a comfortable 3-0 win against Nice, Auxerre got past Troyes 1-0, last-placed Nantes earned a point from Le Mans in a 1-1 draw and Lens regained second place in the standings with a 2-0 win against Toulouse. Rennes and Bordeaux shared the points in 0-0 fashion, Sedan moved closer to avoiding relegation with a 3-1 win against Lorient and Sochaux got a goal from Anthony Le Tallec to defeat Valenciennes 1-0.

On Sunday, St. Etienne and Lille, who are level on 46 points, meet up at Stade Geoffrey Guichard and fourth-placed Marseille tries to keep its own Champions League dreams alive.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bremen, Germany (Sports Network) - Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, down 3-0 heading into the home leg of its UEFA Cup semifinal match against Spanish La Liga club Espanyol, didn't do itself any favors Thursday.

Up 1-0 on a fourth minute Miguel Hugo Almeida goal to give the home team a chance - down 3-1 on aggregate - Miroslav Klose received his second yellow in the 19th minute to put the German side down a man the rest of the way.

Werder was able to hold on the rest of the first half, but two second half goals by Ferran Coro and Jesus Lacruz gave Espanyol the spot in the cup final, opposite Spanish rivals Sevilla, who advanced past Osasuna to the final, 2-1 on aggregate. Espanyol advanced 5-1 on aggregate after winning 2-1 Thursday.

In Germany, the home side was given early hope before Klose's ejection when Almeida lobbed a ball in from about 30 yards out to catch goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz in no-man's land.

About 15 minutes, the result looked in doubt after the early hope when Klose was booked for a dive after being booked for dissent in the first minute of the game.

About five minutes after the break the visitors equalized in the game when Coro got to an Albert Riera cross and fired it into the net to tie the score at one. The series was all but clinched at the hour mark when Lacruz headed home a Fernandez Luis Garcia corner to make the score 2-1 in favor of the visitors.

In the other UEFA Cup semifinal, holders Sevilla remain on course to win a second consecutive title with its 2-0 victory at home. The win overcame a one goal deficit suffered in the away leg.

Thursday, goals by Brazilians Luis Fabiano and Renato Dirnei gave Sevilla a chance to defend its title against Espanyol at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland on May 16. If Sevilla is successful in the final, it would become only the second team to defend their UEFA Cup title after Real Madrid.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Milan, Italy (Sports Network) - AC Milan advanced to its third Champions League final in five years as the Rossoneri handed Manchester United a 3-0 defeat at the San Siro on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal matchup.

The result allows Milan to move on to Athens with a 5-3 aggregate win, and sets up a rematch of the scintillating 2005 final with Liverpool.

Kaka scored his third goal in two games against United 11 minutes into the match, and Clarence Seedorf doubled the lead on the half-hour mark. Second- half substitute Alberto Gilardino then struck the final blow 12 minutes from time in a comprehensive Milan win.

Milan dominated the match from the opening whistle, as Kaka proved a big threat to the United defense once again. After scoring twice in the first leg, the Brazilian midfielder created a good chance in the opening minute as he worked his way around defender Nemanja Vidic and sent a dangerous cross through the face of the goal. No Milan player was there to apply the final touch, but it was a sign of things to come.

Just two minutes later, Seedorf nearly put Milan on the board courtesy of a nice volley. Andrea Pirlo had a free kick on the right wing and sent a cross into the box. The ball bounced out to Seedorf, and he thrashed a volley towards goal that keeper Edwin Van der Sar did well to tip over the cross bar.

With United back on its heels defending desperately, Kaka made the most of his second chance to put the home side up 11 minutes into the game. Massimo Oddo played a long ball from midfield to Seedorf, who nodded it down to Kaka at the top of the box. Kaka then drove a left-footed volley into the lower left corner of the net past a diving Van der Sar to put his team ahead.

United tried to mount an attack midway through the opening half, but its lone opportunity of the half came in the 20th minute when Ryan Giggs was given space on the right. Giggs carried the ball towards goal and drove a hard shot on net from 25-yards out. However, Dida was in good position and got down to stop the shot.

Milan took over from there and continued to pressure the United back line. The Red Devils hurt themselves in the 30th minute when Wes Brown slipped inside his own area while trying to make a clearance. The ball ended up on the foot of Pirlo, who sent a cross into the box. After a United defender got a head to the cross, the ball fell for Seedorf at the top of the box. He took a touch and fought off a challenge before driving a volley into the lower left corner in much the same spot as Kaka's opening goal.

The Rossoneri had a chance to make it a three-goal game before halftime as Seedorf played a ball to Oddo on the right flank. He then slid a pass to Filippo Inzaghi, who turned a shot just wide of the near post.

It was a terrible half for United, who failed to generate any kind of offense and was left with a lot of work to do in the second half.

The home side picked up where it left off after the restart with Kaka causing trouble for United's defense. After taking the ball on the right, Kaka carried it into the box and cut back to create room for a shot. He struck the ball with his left foot towards the far post, but Van der Sar was up to the task this time and punched the ball clear.

United began to slowly climb back into the match and had a pair of chances to get on the board. Wayne Rooney took a pass with his back to the goal and laid the ball off for Darren Fletcher to the right of the net. Fletcher had a good look at goal but scuffed his shot well wide.

In the 64th minute Rooney felt that he had a claim for a penalty kick as Cristiano Ronaldo crossed from the right and Rooney rose up to try and turn the cross on goal. He was met in the air by Oddo and fell to the ground, but the official's whistle remained silent.

With United becoming increasingly desperate they began to throw men forward, but were punished for this tactic in the 78th minute. A Milan counter attack allowed Gilardino to be left wide open in the middle of the field and he took a pass and moved in all alone on the keeper. Gilardino then easily slotted his shot past Van der Sar to drive the nail into the United coffin.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (54)

Liverpool, England (Sports Network) - Goalie Jose Reina stopped two penalty kicks and Liverpool converted its first four attempts in a shootout to defeat Chelsea on Tuesday and advance to the Champions League final.

Defender Daniel Agger gave Liverpool the one goal it needed in regulation to force a 1-1 aggregate tie and Boudewijn Zenden, Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt scored in the shootout. Liverpool advanced on penalty kicks, 4-1.

Liverpool will play in the final for the seventh time in club history and eliminated Chelsea in the semifinals for the second time in three years. Chelsea also had its 23-game unbeaten streak snapped, a stretch dating back to a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in a Premiership game at Anfield.

Liverpool, which dropped the first leg of the semifinals at Chelsea 1-0, will play the winner of Wednesday's other semifinal between Manchester United and AC Milan on May 23 in Athens. Manchester United won the first leg, 3-2.

Zenden attempted the first penalty kick and struck it well into the upper right corner with his left foot. Chelsea substitute Arjen Robben was then denied by Reina, who dove to his left to knock the ball wide.

Alonso was next for Liverpool and his attempt went just under Chelsea goalie Petr Cech on the right side. Frank Lampard answered for Chelsea, striking a perfect shot into the upper right.

Gerrard then calmly struck a low shot into the right side of the net, blowing a kiss to the fans at Anfield afterward. Chelsea called on another substitute for its third attempt, but Reina dove to his right to stop a poor attempt by Geremi.

Kuyt, who thought he scored in overtime but had the goal disallowed by offsides, didn't waste another opportunity to win the game. He hit the ball into the lower left corner for the clincher, then jumped into Reina's arms to celebrate.

Reina's heroics and Liverpool's 4-for-4 effort in penalty kicks will long be remembered, but the most important goal came just 22 minutes into a game that lasted 120.

On a free kick just outside the box on the left side, Gerrard played a ball square on the ground to the top of the box. Agger raced uncovered to the ball and perfectly one-timed an unstoppable low shot with his left foot just inside the left post.

Chelsea was silent until the 32nd minute of the first half when Didier Drogba managed its first shot. John Obi Mikel passed to a streaking Drogba down the right side and he was able to touch the ball into the box and unleash a hard shot. But Reina denied Drogba his seventh goal in the Champions League.

Drogba's near-miss did spark Chelsea, though. After managing to hold possession just 30 percent of the time for the first 25 minutes, Chelsea played much better for the remainder of the half. The team's next chance came in the 40th minute off a corner when Drogba headed the ball to open teammate Michael Essien but he wasn't able to connect as the ball skipped off his shoulder for a goal kick.

Chelsea had its final opportunity of the first half in the closing seconds when Lampard directed a free kick toward the near post. The dangerous chance was punched away by Reina to preserve Liverpool's 1-0 lead.

Early in the second half, Liverpool finally displayed its aerial attack. Peter Crouch, a 6-foot-8 striker, nearly put a header inside the near post in the 55th minute and Kuyt sent a header off the crossbar in the 59th minute.

Chelsea's first chance in the second half was in the 75th minute when Ashley Cole crossed a ball from the end line to just a few yards in front of the goal. The ball was somehow deflected up and over the crossbar by a Liverpool defender, although the referee believed Drogba got the last touch on the ball and awarded a goal kick.

Reina made one of his best plays in the 85th minute when he raced off his line to beat Drogba to a loose ball. Liverpool then nearly put the game away late in regulation when Zenden bent a shot toward the far post but it was saved by Cech.

Although Liverpool dominated possession early in the first half, Chelsea leveled the playing field by the end of regulation. Still, Chelsea went more than 60 minutes between shots on goal, both attempts by Drogba. After a shot on goal in the 32nd minute, Drogba's next attempt was in the first overtime.

Liverpool looked to have the deciding goal in the first overtime when Kuyt buried the ball into the net off a rebound, but with the fans erupting in celebration, the offside flag was shown. Kuyt covered his face with his hands in disbelief.

Chelsea's best chance in the first overtime was on a corner but Reina hauled in a loose ball near the goal-line to end the threat.

Chelsea had a few scoring chances in the second overtime. Drogba fanned on a cross from just a few yards out with five minutes left and another opportunity was wasted when Lampard put a free kick out of bounds.

Liverpool's best chance in the second overtime was with just a couple minutes remaining when Kuyt created space inside the box and unleashed a hard shot Cech stopped.

But minutes later, following Kuyt's conversion in penalty kicks, Cech remained on the ground as Liverpool's players, coaches and fans celebrated.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)

(Soccer365.com) - Los Angeles boss Frank Yallop claims that if the team are bringing former France hero Zinedine Zidane out of retirement to join the Galaxy for a season, it is news to him.

The playmaker has been linked with a return after rejecting an initial overture from Chicago this winter.

"I read in the paper the same as everyone did," he told LA Soccer News. "But there’s no truth in that."

"You’ll have to ask [Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas] and Tim [Leiweke]," instructed the coach. "They’re the ones who would be dealing with that."

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

(Soccer365.com) - Italy coach Roberto Donadoni believes too many foreigners play in Serie A.

Donadoni, who replaced Marcello Lippi after last year's successful World Cup campaign, made it clear that he felt the game would benefit from limits.

"Honestly, there are too many (foreigners)," said Donadoni. "In my day, there were three (per team). I think there should now be no more than five."

Donadoni made it clear that there is no clash with Roma playmaker Francesco Totti who has not played with the Azzurri since the World Cup.

"There is no trouble, the situation is clear to everyone," said Donadoni. "He will do what he has to and get over his physical problems. Then I will evaluate his conditions."

Totti has mooted a possible return to the national team in September.

Donadoni also said he believed Antonio Cassano could still play for Italy despite the 24-year-old's career appearing to be in a downward spiral and with the player on the fringes at Real Madrid.

"We can get him back but a lot depends on him," said Donadoni to the LA7 Sport channel.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - The father of Estudiantes midfield ace Juan Sebastian Veron has revealed that his son is in line to follow his footsteps in suiting up for Greek giants Panathinaikos.

"I am in contact with the people of Panathinaikos about Juan Sebastian," Juan Ramon Veron told Prasini. "I speak with them by phone and I can say that the negotiations are in progress. "

"Me and my son, we will chew over their offer – (he) is a free agent right after the end of the Clausura in June."

Papa Veron claims the former Lazio and Manchester United man is missing Champions League action back home in Argentina.

"I can say that Juan Sebastian would love to play football in a Panathinaikos shirt," he added. "I have spoken with him many times about Greece and he told me that, if some day he is going to play football there, it would only be for Panathinaikos."

"I know that he wants to come back to Europe to play in the European competitions."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira believes that Arsene Wenger's long term future at The Emirates is most definitely in doubt following David Dein's exit.

“I think it was a big shock when i found out,” he told Sky Sports News. I did not believe it when I found out.

“David Dein leaving Arsenal was a big thing. He has been at the club for a long time.

Asked if he thought Arsene Wenger's long term future at the Emirates could be at risk, he replied affirmatively.

“In the long term, I think yes,” he said. “They have been very close together, they started the job [embarked on this project] together, and I don't see him finishing the job alone.

“Of course, you never know.”

Asked about how his own move to Arsenal came about, he again spoke about how Wenger and Dein had worked in unison at every step.

“Arsene was the main man. Nobody knew who I was,” said the Frenchman. “Of course, he then had to convince David Dein about me, and then I was signed.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - One must excuse Toronto FC if they feel the need to apologize to their raucous fans for letting the home opener against Kansas City slip away late.

The expansion side were delighted by the reception for their first home game and are looking forward to grabbing that first win for the supporters.

"I thought the crowd was fantastic," defender Jim Brennan told the Globe & Mail. "All the players, really we can't thank them enough for coming out in the numbers and being so supportive."

Added Alecko Eskandarian: "They gave us more energy, confidence, and I thank them."

Coach Mo Johnston also put in his two cents, claiming: "For the first time in a long time, I had goose bumps at a game - I felt really bad sending them home losing 1-0."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Wayne Rooney has admitted that he was impressed by AC Milan's Kaká in the first leg and believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves special praise for his performances this season.

The Manchester United forward looked ahead to the second leg of the Champions League semi final and was complimentary about the media's favourite players.

"I think Kaká showed how good he is with his two goals and Ronaldo has proved himself all season by playing well week in, week out," Rooney told uefa.com.

While Kaká netted a brace and Ronaldo showed glimpses of his magic in United's 3-2 win, it was the England international that stole the headlines with a late winner in the first game at Old Trafford.

Despite being a regular in the side as United have battled on three fronts this term, Rooney is still feeling fresh and ready to help his side in their quest for silverware.

"It's the end of the season and I'm feeling good, feeling fit, and hopefully I can keep playing and scoring goals," he said.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are top of the Premiership by five points, in the final of the FA Cup and just 90 minutes away from the Champions League final.

Just one of those trophies would make the Red Devils' season a success, but Rooney wants the lot.

"I'd like to win all of them to be honest," he joked. "Personally I'd most like to win the league, being from England and watching the Premiership all my life, so hopefully we can win that and do well in the Champions League as well.

"It would be a dream come true, a Champions League final. It's what all players want to do."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

(Soccer365.com) - Officials at the German Football Federation claim Michael Ballack's career could have been at risk if he had not undergone immediate surgery on his injured ankle.

German Football Federation (DFB) media director Harald Stenger claimed Ballack underwent the operation after DFB doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt had contacted Chelsea to inform them.

"Our national team doctor told me after his diagnosis on Friday an immediate operation was inevitable and absolutely necessary." said Stenger in remarks on the www.dfb.de website.

"Any further training or further activity would have led to an aggravation of the injury and could even have endangered the continuation of the career of Michael Ballack.

"In addition Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt took care to inform both the Association and the physicians of Chelsea by telephone in detail of the necessity and justification of an immediate operation."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Mahamadou Diarra believes that Real Madrid are in better shape than FC Barcelona to face the title run-in as the tension at the top of the table continues to build.

The Malian midfielder admits that he has no inside knowledge of the Blaugrana, but thinks that Fabio Capello's side have built up momentum at a crucial time.

With just two points separating the two rivals, Diarra believes that the family atmosphere at Madrid will help them in the last six matches.

"I don't exactly know the shape Barcelona are in, so I can't really comment on them, but I know that we are very much alive and that we all get along very well," he said.

"We are like a big family and that shows on the pitch. We are probably slightly above our rivals because we are in very good form."

The comfortable win against a poor Athletic Bilbao side in San Mamés at the weekend has lifted morale at Madrid even higher and the aim now is continue the winning run.

Victory over the Basque Country outfit as Madrid's second consecutive league triumph and even that has seen the team being branded as title favourites.

"It was an important game, like all the rest," Diarra stated. "Winning has allowed us to remain at the top.

"The math is simple: we have to win three points in every game. I think about my team, about the good moment we're going through and about winning more games."

David Beckham was instrumental in the wins against Valencia and Athletic, but he could be set to miss the visit of Sevilla next Sunday after his latest yellow card.

The booking at Athletic saw Diarra raise the spectre of conspiracy theories against referees as the former Lyon star hinted that was another attempt to derail Madrid.

"The club will do everything they can to get the booking rescinded," he continued.

"Some refereeing decisions have been detrimental to us lately. I wish they were sometimes in our favour.

"The referee thought David was wasting time, but he was waiting foir the wall to be placed properly. I don't think he deserved to be booked."

Diarra then reflected on his turbulent first season at the Bernabéu as he is now enjoying life again only weeks after considering quitting in the summer.

"Football, like life, has its ups and downs," he explained. "I admit I thought about my future. Sometimes things go well and other's everything seems to be very hard.

"I knew my situation on the team depended on me and on how well I did. I never had doubts about what I was truly capable of and I never questioned why I was at this club."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)