(Soccer365.com) Inter Milan have finally confirmed that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties - freeing him up for a possible approach from Chelsea.

The Nerazzurri revealed the news in a statement on their website, adding Mancini's announcement in the wake of their Champions League defeat to Liverpool on March 11 that he would step down at the end of the season had been a crucial factor.

Mancini reversed his decision 24 hours later and went on to lead Inter to their third straight Serie A title, but after much speculation his departure was confirmed this evening.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Captain John Terry helped England produce their most impressive performance of the Fabio Capello era with the opening goal in a 2-0 win against the United States at Wembley.

The Chelsea defender had something to smile about after his Champions League final penalty shoot-out agony when he headed Fabio Capello's side into a 38th-minute lead.

Steven Gerrard made sure of victory 14 minutes into the second half when he converted a slide-rule pass from substitute Gareth Barry.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) Fulham captain Brian McBride is set to return to America after deciding to bring to an end his four-and-a-half-year spell at Craven Cottage.

The veteran striker met with Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson at the club's training ground to discuss his future and has decided the time is right to move on.

McBride's final season at the club looked likely to be ruined by injury, only for the forward to return to play a crucial role in Fulham's remarkable escape from relegation from the Premier League.

The former USA international forward, 35, told the club's official website: "After much consideration with my family, we have decided to leave Fulham after four and a half fantastic years.

"I have always stated my intention to return to America at some stage and this seems like the right moment in my career to move on.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the club, the chairman, the staff and wonderful fans for all their support, on and off the pitch, during my time at Fulham.

"I take great pride in the fact that my last appearance for Fulham saw the club maintain their Premier League status.

"I leave with some wonderful memories from my time at Fulham and the club will always be in my heart.

"I would like to wish the club, Roy Hodgson and my team-mates every success for the future."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Cuauhtémoc Blanco was voted Major League Soccer’s Player of the Week for Week 9 of the 2008 season.

Blanco led Chicago’s dominant effort by notching a goal and three assists in a 5-1 road victory versus the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, May 25. This is the first Player of the Week award for Blanco, who joined the Fire in July, 2007 as the team’s first Designated Player.

He was a finalist for the Honda Most Valuable Player last season, and this season has been among the best through the first two months, leading the Fire to the top of the Eastern Conference.

His four goals are tied for third most in the League and five assists are tied for second. Blanco and the Fire have a week off of League play and next face D.C. United at home on June 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant has confirmed he rejected the opportunity to stay at Stamford Bridge as director of football.

Grant was dismissed from his role by the Blues last weekend after missing out on the Premier League and Champions League to Manchester United.

Grant had been the club's director of football prior to Jose Mourinho's exit last September, after which he took charge of first-team affairs.

Despite them sacking him, the 53-year-old Israeli understands why Chelsea wanted to retain his services, although he did not see the move as the right way forward at this stage of his career.

"I understand the offer and why it was made but I thought that from my point of view it was not the correct move," he revealed.

"What I discussed (privately) will stay private but let's say that I saw that it was not a good move for me at this stage."

It had been mooted Grant was angered by the decision to sack him, but he claims he has nothing but love for the club.

"Roman (Abramovich) gave me the opportunity and what I had to say to him was that I love the club and now each of us goes his own way," he continued.

"It was a great time, I enjoyed very much to be at Chelsea, I breathed the club 24 hours a day during the time I was in charge."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) England boss Fabio Capello hailed John Terry's leadership skills after naming the Chelsea star captain for the friendly against USA at Wembley.

Terry wore the armband under Capello's predecessor Steve McClaren but was overlooked for the last match in France when Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was given the nod.

Capello will name a permanent captain for the start of the World Cup qualifiers in the autumn but his decision comes as a boost to Terry following his crucial penalty miss in last week's Champions League final.

Capello, who gave Tuesday's press conference in English for the first time, revealed he decided to name Terry as captain before last Wednesday's defeat by Manchester United.

"It's a good decision for John Terry after Wednesday," Capello said. "He played very well. I told him he'll be the captain and he was very, very happy. It's very important to be a leader and John Terry's a leader."

However, Capello would not confirm whether Terry would still be in possession of the armband for Sunday's match against Trinidad and Tobago, adding: "It's too early."

On Wednesday's opponents, the Italian added: "Against Poland, Sweden and Mexico they scored seven goals and have good organisation."

Capello also revealed Terry's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard will play on Wednesday night.

The midfielder, who has previously come in for criticism for his performances on the international stage, missed Capello's first two matches through injury.

"I'm very happy to see him in the midfield because I think he's a very important player for us,'' Capello continued. "For Chelsea players it is very important to play and forget the last game in Moscow.''

Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham is also in the squad after winning his 100th cap against France, and Capello praised the midfielder's fitness following the start of the Major League Soccer season.

"He's very fresh, like USA's players,'' Capello said. "They've just started the season. The future is good for him, there's no problem. He's very fit.''

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster hopes to secure the services of Arsenal's Alexander Hleb after overcoming the surprise of his availability.

Midfielder Hleb is expected to leave The Emirates in the summer after failing to settle into life in the capital since moving to north London from Stuttgart in 2005.

Serie A side Internazionale were thought to be leading the race for Hleb's signature, however Real boss Schuster has confirmed the club's intention to land the Belarusian - who has struck three goals last season.

"There are a couple of positions that we can improve and that needs to be strengthened to have the necessary balance," Schuster told AS.

"Over the past two months we have had a plan and we know what we want, but now Hleb has been added.

"We did not know he could leave Arsenal but in recent days it has been more positive. We were surprised that he might leave there."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Liverpool have told Premier League rivals Chelsea to forget about making a summer move for star striker Fernando Torres.

Reports in Spain and England have suggested the Blues are weighing up a £50million move for the Spaniard after his superb first season in the top flight.

The 24-year-old scored 33 goals in his debut campaign after arriving from Atletico Madrid last summer.

Reports have suggested Liverpool could be willing to cash in on Torres, but a spokesman for Reds co-owner Tom Hicks has rubbished the rumors.

"It is simply beyond comprehension. There is no circumstance in which Torres will be sold," Hicks' spokesman told The Mirror.

"Why would the owners invest so much money in supporting the manager, to then undermine that support? It is ludicrous."

And Hicks himself insisted the Reds would never contemplate selling Torres. He told the Daily Telegraph: "We would never consider it."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Captain John Terry says he will be "haunted forever" by his Moscow penalty miss that cost Chelsea the chance of winning the Champions League.

In an open letter to fans on the club's official website published soon after the club terminated the contract of manager Avram Grant, Terry reveals how he has hardly slept since the end of the game and still hopes his penalty miss was a bad dream.

Terry, currently with the England squad, slipped as he went to take what would have been the winning penalty and when Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea's dreams were shattered.

Addressing the club's fans, players and employees, Terry wrote: "I am so sorry for missing the penalty and denying you the fans, my team-mates, family and friends the chance to become European champions.

"Many people have told me I don't need to say that but I feel I need to, that's just me. I have relived that moment every minute since it happened. I have only slept a few hours and wake up every time hoping its all been a bad dream.

"I have had some amazing support from fans, current and ex-players, family and friends and I need to thank everyone for that. But I am a big man and I take responsibility for us not winning.

"I am and always will be Chelsea through and through. I will give my all on and off the pitch to win this trophy as a player and one day as a manager. And I am sure we will win it.

"That night in Moscow will haunt me forever and I feel I have let everybody down and this hurts me more than anything. I am not ashamed about crying.

"This is a trophy I have tried so hard year after year to win and it was just an uncontrollable reaction, I wear my heart on my sleeve, everybody knows that.

"The road to Rome starts here, we have to try and turn this experience to our advantage. I am very proud of how far we have come this season with everything that has gone on. Thank you for all your support for the season."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Thierry Henry was reportedly on the verge of a move to Manchester United two weeks ago - but changed his mind after talks with Pep Guardiola.

The France striker had a disappointing first season at the Nou Camp following his £16million switch to Barcelona from Arsenal last summer.

The main reason for his poor form was being asked to play in an unfamiliar left-wing role by Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, who has since left the club after failing to win any domestic or European silverware.

Guardiola has taken the reins at the Catalan giants, and is believed to have talked Henry out of a £10million switch to Old Trafford.

The Sunday Mirror quotes a source as saying: "Thierry was told by the new coach he didn't want him to leave, that he was going to be a big player for Barca next season and would have an important role to play for them.

"That reassured Thierry - but United were ready to buy him."

Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho are widely expected to leave Barca this summer, meaning 30-year-old Henry could become their first-choice striker.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he felt "drained" after his side's Champions League final victory over Chelsea.

The 66-year-old followed up his 1999 triumph over Bayern Munich with a 6-5 victory over Chelsea on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.

The win in Moscow provided United's third triumph in the competition and left them six titles behind Real Madrid, four behind AC Milan's haul of seven, two behind Liverpool's set of five and one behind Bayern Munich and Ajax.

"It does drain you. We've played two hours of football which was very open and the penalty kicks as well, and with everything before the game as well it does take it out of you," Ferguson said.

"It is worth it though because to get success you have to get through the pain in a game like that and it is part of being the manager of this club.

"I'm proud of winning it because, as I've said many times, we should have won it more times.

"We have made one step forward towards getting a respectable figure in terms of Champions League wins and we want to add more and get up there alongside the Liverpools, Bayern Munichs and Ajaxs.

"And then you never know what ambition can do to you. Real Madrid have nine wins and it is a target you take for granted - perhaps not in my lifetime, but is is worth chasing."

Ferguson also hailed Ryan Giggs who scored a decisive penalty, before goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka to clinch the victory, and overtook Sir Bobby Charlton's United appearance record.

"He [Giggs] has had a fantastic career and he, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have conducted themselves as real professionals," Ferguson told MUTV.

"You have to proud of that and that they have done it on my watch is fantastic. To achieve what they have achieved - I'm proud of them.

"I think you can call this a great team and I think we can better with the young players coming through - I hope we can go on and defend it now."

Ferguson also paid tribute to the club's supporters who traveled from far and wide to attend the final in the Russian capital.

"They were fantastic and there were some unbelievable scenes at the end. When you walk around it makes you realize how much it means to some of these people," he added.

"Some of them came from Riga - I mean it's five days away or something like that. Some have made their way via St Petersburg and Helsinki - they are true supporters."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A dramatic night in Moscow ended with an emotional penalty kick shootout. The match stood at 1-1 after 120 minutes on first half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard. Chelsea captain John Terry had a chance to crown his Blues as Europe champs from the spot, but his shot hit the post. The teams then traded penalties before Edwin Van der Sar stopped Nicolas Anelka for the victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo headed home his 42nd goal of the season on 26 minutes to give the Red Devils the lead - but Chelsea fought back and equalised through Frank Lampard from close range on the stroke of half-time.

Didier Drogba had the best second-half chance, hitting the upright with a curling shot from 20 yards on 78 minutes - but it was 1-1 at full-time, meaning the Moscow showpiece went into extra-time.

Lampard hit the crossbar with a left-footed strike on 94, while John Terry headed sub Ryan Giggs' goalbound shot over the bar on 100 minutes.

In the second period of extra-time, Drogba saw red on 116 after slapping Nemanja Vidic in the face following a huge flare-up between the players which also saw Carlos Tevez and Michael Ballack booked by referee Lubos Michel, who blew the whistle after 120 minutes of pulsating action for penalties.

In the shoot-out, Ronaldo's effort was saved by Petr Cech to give John Terry the chance for a winning spot-kick, but he slipped as he struck the ball and hit the upright.

Ryan Giggs then converted to pile the pressure on Nicolas Anelka at 6-5, and the French striker's penalty kick was superbly saved by Edwin van der Sar to spark United's celebrations.

The win saw United complete a glorious double at the Luzhniki Stadium after their Premier League success - and they lifted the trophy for the third time following their triumphs in 1999 and 1968.

After a cagey opening 15 minutes, the game sparked into life when Ronaldo skipped past Michael Essien. The United winger delivered a cross into the area but it was marginally too high for anyone to take advantage - but it was a warning shot to Chelsea about the danger Ronaldo could pose to them.

Paul Scholes then needed treatment for a cut on his head following an aerial challenge with Claude Makelele, which provoked a brief scuffle between the sides and bookings for the two players involved.

Scholes was then involved in the opening goal on 26 minutes, combining well on the right flank with Wes Brown, who whipped in a left-footed cross which was superbly headed home by goal machine Ronaldo, who gave Cech no chance with a clinical finish at the far post.

The goal blew the game wide open, and both teams nearly scored in a frantic two-minute spell just after the half-hour mark.

First Lampard's raking cross found Drogba in the 18-yard box, and after he headed the ball into the danger zone, Ballack forced Rio Ferdinand to head goalwards only for van der Sar to pull off an instinctive save to stop an own goal.

Then United lauched a swift counter-attack on 35 minutes, with Wayne Rooney's stunning long pass finding Ronaldo on the left, who crossed for Tevez whose close-range header was brilliantly saved by Cech. Michael Carrick's follow-up shot from 16 yards was goalbound - but Cech once again proved a one-man wall, palming his fierce drive to safety.

On 42 Rooney's right-wing cross only just evaded Tevez's lunge in the box, and at the other end Ferdinand saw yellow after obstructing Lampard on the edge of United's 18-yard box.

Ballack lifted the free-kick over the crossbar - but Chelsea were level on 45 when Essien's 25-yard drive deflected off Ferdinand's back and wrongfooted van der Sar, who saw Lampard coolly sidefoot home a left-footed finish.

Ricardo Carvalho also went into the book in a fiery end to the first half for a reckless lunge on Ronaldo, and the teams went into the break tied at 1-1.

After the interval, it was the men in blue who had the edge and they won a string or corners as they set up camp inside the United half.

Vidic was heroic in defence, though, bravely clearing two Lampard corners and snuffing out an Ashley Cole cross from the left.

Essien went on a powerful run on 54 and lifted a rising drive over the bar from 18 yards, while Ballack powered a 20-yard piledriver inches wide of the upright on 58.

The Blues' relentless pressure continued, with Carrick lunging to clear Malouda's free-kick into the box before Lampard's 20-yard strike was deflected by Vidic for a 66th-minute corner, which Terry headed over from close range.

The balance of power then swung the way of the Reds, with United pushing forward and seeing Carrick's 20-yard drive deflect wide for a corner.

Ronaldo then went on a jinking run down the left flank which was ended by Joe Cole conceding a corner, which came to nothing as Owen Hargreaves overhit his delivery from the left.

As the game entered the final stages of normal it was end to end, and Malouda had a penalty appeal turned down by Michel after going down under close attention from Ferdinand.

Drogba nearly grabbed a killer goal on 78 but his brilliant curling shot from 20 yards beat the diving van der Sar but smacked against the upright.

Tevez was the next to go close, whistling an angled 25-yard drive inches wide of the target as Giggs and Anderson warmed up on the touchline.

Giggs then came on for Scholes with three minutes remaining, breaking United's appearance record as he made his 759th run-out for the Red Devils.

Following the restart for extra-time, Malouda made way for Salomon Kalou, and Chelsea were denied by the woodwork again on 94, when Lampard swivelled brilliantly in the box and steered a left-footed shot against the bar from 12 yards out.

Anelka came on for Joe Cole and Nani replaced Rooney, but it was Giggs who was denied a goal by Terry on 100 minutes. Evra charged into the box and cut the ball back to Giggs, whose goalbound first-time effort was brilliantly headed over the crossbar by the England centre-back.

Carvalho headed a corner agonisingly wide on 105 minutes, and the first period of extra-time ended goalless, with the score still locked at 1-1 and a penalty shoot-out looming.

The second period of extra-time saw players dropping like flies all over the pitch with cramp, and tiredness led to a huge bust-up on 115 minutes, which saw Tevez and Ballack booked, and Drogba sent for an early bath.

Michel then blew for penalties after Juliano Belletti and Anderson were sent on from the bench for the shoot-out, which United won 6-5 to complete an amazing Double of domestic and European glory.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

(Soccer365.com) Carlos Tevez believes Manchester United have the psychological edge ahead of the UEFA Champions League final.

United came out on top in the Premier League title race and Tevez has warned Chelsea that they will once again have to settle for second place in Moscow on Wednesday.

Tevez thinks that United will play with confidence having already won a trophy this season, while Chelsea will feel the pressure.

The Argentine striker insists United's preparation for the game has been perfect, and that there is nothing to fear from Chelsea.

"We are a better side than Chelsea and that is a psychological problem for them," Tevez told The Sun.

"They may say that the Premier League is another story but we are convinced it will have an impact on what happens.

"We are favourites and everyone knows it. We are not worried by Chelsea.

"We are concentrated and focused. But for them it is different, this is more than a final for them.

"Their whole season rests on this game and I am convinced they could have some problems.

"They need to win to avoid a season without a trophy so the pressure on them will be huge. We have no extra pressure."

Chelsea kept their title hopes alive with a home victory over United last month but Tevez is confident there will be a different outcome in the first all-English Champions League final.

He urged: "Chelsea beat us in London and showed how good they can be. It left a bad taste and now is time to avenge that defeat."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has been jailed for six months after being found guilty of assault and affray at Liverpool Crown Court.

The former Manchester City player had admitted his part in a street attack in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of December 27 last year.

Judge Henry Globe QC told him it was a "violent and cowardly act".

Newcastle issued a brief statement on Tuesday afternoon that gave little away as to their response.

The statement said: "Newcastle United notes the sentence passed to Joey Barton at Liverpool Crown Court today.

"The club is considering the verdict and will be making no further comment at this moment.''

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Owen Hargreaves believes Manchester United are the best team in the land because the "chemistry" among the squad is without equal.

The England midfielder marked his debut season in the Premier League with a winners' medal.

Now he is after another top momento on Wednesday when Chelsea provide the opposition in the Champions League final in Moscow.

Hargreaves, who arrived in the summer from Bayern Munich, finds it a pleasure to go to work every day.

He said: "I have never been in a team with such a great group of players - not only talent-wise but personality-wise. It is very unique what we have here.

"You look at the players who are not even in the squad, the camaraderie is really special.

"I have learned a lot this season about people and personalities. That's why we are in the position we are in because of this chemistry.

"The squad is in the position to achieve things again and again. That's the goal," added Hargreaves, who already has a winners' medal from his time at Bayern when they became kings of Europe in 2001.

However, he decided to leave Germany last summer because he felt he was in the comfort zone.

He said: "I just thought I'd been through everything I could possibly go through in Munich.

"I had a fabulous time there. It was a real pleasure and I learned a lot.

"I just thought that, having won the league four times, the cup three times, the Champions League once, it was a good time to move on.

"I was at a great age and thought United was the best place for me."

Bayern got their hands on the European Cup two years after losing out in dramatic circumstances to United.

Hargreaves, who grew up in Canada, spent part of the summer of 1999 in England, never realising Old Trafford would be his future home.

He recalled: "I remember going to my cousin's wedding then visiting several places.

"We went to the Reebok Stadium and had a look around, the Trafford Centre and to the Manchester United shop.

"I bought a David Beckham key-chain. I was only 16 at the time.

"I did not see my future at Manchester United back then but I am very pleased to be here."

Hargreaves expects football fans back in Calgary to be rooting for him in Russia.

"The Champions League now is a big deal everywhere and Canada is no different, " he said.

"I hope people in Calgary take an interest and keep an eye on me as I grew up there.

"I was into football because my dad was into football - I also liked watching basketball.

"It was all about the Premier League then. It was only when I moved to Germany I became aware of the importance of the European Cup."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Luca Toni bagged a final-day hat-trick to cap a debut season with Bayern Munich that he admitted had left him "totally satisfied".

The 30-year-old Italy striker has enjoyed a season like no other in his career.

Indeed, his return of 39 goals in 46 games is unprecedented in the history of the proud Bavarian club - no other player has scored as many goals in their first season with Bayern.

Toni, who left Fiorentina last summer, finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer with 24 goals while he was joint top scorer in the UEFA Cup alongside Zenit St Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak on 10 goals.

The Italy World Cup winner also claimed the first domestic silverware of his career as Bayern lifted the Bundesliga title as well as the German Cup and League Cup.

And following Bayern's final day 4-1 win against Hertha Berlin, Toni was presented with the cannon-shaped trophy awarded to the Bundesliga's top marksman.

"It's been a fantastic season, better than I expected. I'm totally satisfied," said Toni after receiving the award.

Toni also cemented his reputation as a goal poacher with only one of his goals scored from outside the area - in the second-round German Cup match against Borussia Monchengladbach.

And the striker contributed much of his success this season to winger Franck Ribery, who also arrived at the Alliance Arena last summer.

Toni said he thought the friendship the pair had struck off the pitch had aided their on-field performance.

"I have to talk about Ribery because goals are always the product of a team effort," Toni told Bild.

"I knew that Franck was a great player, but I didn't imagine that we could get on so well in our professional and personal lives."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Major League Soccer today announced it has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most popular and celebrated professional soccer clubs.

The new, five-year partnership between MLS and FC Barcelona – the first-ever European club to establish a long-term agreement with MLS and SUM in the United States – includes the organization of a minimum of six international matches throughout the term. The management of all commercial and sponsorship sales on behalf of the club, as well as marketing and PR in the United States, will be managed by Major League Soccer’s marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing.

As part of the agreement, FC Barcelona and its heralded roster of international superstars including Carles Puyol, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o, will play games this summer. Details for the tour will be announced in the near future.

“FCB is a world-renowned brand for its great history of special players, entertaining play and success. In addition, FCB has proven itself to be more than just a club as witnessed by its commitment to worthy causes around the world,” said MLS Commissioner, Don Garber. “MLS is excited to help expand the story of FCB and its efforts by showcasing its breathtaking soccer and further developing its brand in North America.”

Philanthropy is an important focus of Barcelona. Through its slogan “Som més que un club” - “More Than a Club” – FCB embodies the value set that characterize their institution. On the field, and in efforts to present its attractive style of play, sportsmanship and social aspects -- focusing on those disadvantaged – FCB is giving back to the community, as the community has given to the club. To achieve this, the club counts on their FC Barcelona Foundation. Among its initiatives is the five-year partnership with Unicef, signed in 2006, in which, aside from wearing the logo on the front of the jersey, they donate almost $2.5 million dollars per year to Unicef.

The Spanish giant has to its name 18 La Liga trophies, a record-setting 24 Copa del Rey championships and two UEFA Champions League titles, the latter of which was captured in 2006 just before their record-setting tour of the United States organized by SUM.

“After a successful tour in 2006, we at FC Barcelona are excited to embrace a long-term strategy for our brand in the U.S. market,” said FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta. “This represents a true North American expansion for FC Barcelona. We are sure that, with the cooperation of MLS and SUM, Barcelona will become more recognizable among the North American public, as well as continue the growth of soccer in the United States.”

In 2006, the FC Barcelona USA Tour, managed by SUM, registered the highest average attendance for any club tour in U.S. history, averaging 80,734 in three matches, and is the only one among those tours featuring three or more games to sell out every stadium. FC Barcelona played in front of three sold-out crowds: at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (vs. CD Guadalajara, 1-1 on Aug. 6 in front of 92,650), at Reliant Stadium in Houston (vs. Club America, 3-3 on Aug. 9, with a crowd of 70,550) and at Giants Stadium in E. Rutherford, NJ (vs. NY Red Bulls, 4-1 on Aug. 12, in front of 79,002).

from MLSnet.com

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) Zenit St Petersburg won the UEFA Cup in Manchester with a 2-0 victory over Rangers.

The Gers battled bravely but were unable to find an answer to second-half strikes from Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zurianov.

A tight first-half saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Zenit dominating possession without managing to break down a resolute Rangers defense.

Andrei Arshavin provided the cutting edge for the Russians and looked dangerous in sporadic breaks forward, while Rangers were content to try and hit their opponents on the counter on the rare occasions they ventured into the final third.

Walter Smith's side were able to establish more of a foothold on proceedings after the break and almost took the lead when Barry Ferguson saw a stabbed effort cleared off the line by a desperate Zenit defense.

However, on 73 minutes a slick move involving Denisov and Arshavin resulted in the former slotting a low effort into the bottom corner past a helpless Alexander.

Rangers did all they could to muster an equaliser, throwing on three attacking substitutes in a desperate bid to find a breakthrough.

The best of their opportunities fell to Nacho Novo, but the striker could only fire high into the stands when presented with a late chance 10-yards out.

Deep into injury-time Zenit then added a second when Fatih Tekke beat the Gers' offside trap to square for Zurianov to tap into an unguarded net.

The masses of Rangers supporters who had descended on Manchester were ultimately left despondent but can be proud of their side after a remarkable European adventure.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Barcelona star Lionel Messi has confirmed he has been given the go-ahead to play for Argentina at the Beijing Olympics this summer.

The 20-year-old would miss the end of Barca's pre-season preparations as the Olympic competition runs August 7-23 and Fifa does not require club teams to release players but the Spanish giants have approved Messi's participation.

Messi is now set to return to South America for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Brazil in June before traveling to China, where Argentina will be looking to defend the gold medal they won at Athens in 2004.

"I have everything arranged for playing in the Olympic Games," he told Radio La Red. "I want to travel to Argentina and start to work with the team.

"Argentina is capable of beating any team. Brazil have the best players in the world but I think that we can beat them in the South American qualifiers.

"I would like to have that chance so I can celebrate what I couldn't celebrate with Barcelona."

Barca will finish the season empty-handed for the second year running, which has led to the departure of Frank Rijkaard, with former Barca captain Josep Guardiola to replace him as coach.

Rijkaard was given a warm reception for his final home game in charge against Real Mallorca on Sunday after winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League in his five-year stint at Camp Nou.

And although it was another disappointing day for Barca as they lost their penultimate game of the season 3-2, Messi defended the outgoing coach.

"It hasn't been a good year for Barcelona," said Messi. "Our objective was to win everything but unfortunately we didn't win anything. It has been two years without winning a title and we feel that.

"I am very thankful to Rijkaard. Although we couldn't win a title, I think he has done his job correctly.

"I don't think he was the fault for what happened. The supporters know that and that's why they let him go in the way he deserved."

Messi has been linked with a move to England with Champions League finalists Chelsea but he insists he has no plans to leave Spain just yet.

"I am fine at Barcelona and if it's true what is being said about Chelsea, the only thing it makes me feel is pride," he added. "It's an honor for me that such an important team is interested."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admits he has rejected offers from around 10 clubs since being out of work as they were not "big enough".

Mourinho, who parted company with the Blues in September, recently said he was ready to return to management after eight months out of the game.

Mourinho has been linked with jobs at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but all three clubs now seem to have coaches in place for next season.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini looks set to stay at the club after backing down on his threat to quit, while Madrid president Ramon Calderon has said coach Bernd Schuster will stay on and Barca have appointed Josep Guardiola to replace Frank Rijkaard.

With three of the biggest vacancies in world football seemingly filled for the foreseeable future, Mourinho insists he is prepared to play the waiting game.

He told Portuguese newspaper A Bola: "Take Marcello Lippi as an example. He was world champion with Italy, now he's not working, so he's waiting for a club that's big enough for him.

"As I'm not prepared to take a step back and become a mid-level coach, I'll either work for a big club or I won't work. Full stop.

"That's why in these past few months I've turned down - I don't know - eight, nine or 10 clubs, because I wasn't prepared to take a step backwards."

Despite failing to attract offers from top-level clubs in Spain and Italy, the Portuguese reiterated his desire to coach in one of those leagues.

He said: "Right now I have one priority: I would like to coach in either the Spanish or Italian championship, as these are the strongest in the world."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Steven Gerrard is unhappy to have ended the season without a trophy - and wants Liverpool to spend big this summer to challenge for the title.

Gerrard says he has the belief that Rafael Benitez can deliver the championship to Liverpool for the first time since 1990.

But the Reds skipper maintains that Benitez must have help from the board in the transfer market to make Liverpool stronger.

Gerrard has just witnessed Manchester United win their 10th Premier League crown and take their overall title haul to 17, just one short of Liverpool's all-time record.

Liverpool finished 11 points adrift of United, and have just completed their second successive trophyless season under Benitez.

Gerrard told the club's website: "Other teams are going to strengthen and become better sides, so it is important we do the same.

"There is a lot of money in the league - teams and squads will become stronger in the summer. It's important we do not fall away, we want to stay up there with the best.

"To keep doing well in the league and Europe we need to strengthen the squad, there is no doubt about that."

Liverpool were forced last week to dismiss as "fantasy" that there had been a bid from Inter Milan for their captain, and likewise on Tuesday have dismissed out of hand claims from a Spanish radio station that Chelsea had tried to sign Fernando Torres for £40million.

Gerrard is more concerned with Benitez's transfer market activity, saying: "I don't know much about Rafa's transfer plans. He doesn't call me in and tell me names.

"But he does assure me and the other players that if anyone becomes available who would strengthen the side, then he will go out and buy them. It's important Rafa gets the right backing above him as well.

"Obviously I have to be careful that I don't send expectations through the roof again, but for me I am desperate for it (a title challenge). I believe in this team and this manager, and believe we can make it happen.

"We need help and new players, and the manager needs help from the board to make these signings happen and make us stronger. I do expect us to be involved next season."

He added: "This is a tough league to win. We are strengthening all the time, working as hard as any other team.

"But sometimes you have to realise there are other sides that are as good as us who are strengthening and working hard as well. They want it just as much as us.

"But it has been a long time for this club (since winning the league), so we all maybe need to give that extra five or 10 per cent.

"It's difficult to say how many world-class players we need. You look at the points difference and over the last few years we have made it smaller.

"Playing against the Arsenals and Chelsea, it has been close. We are giving them good games which are tight and get decided on small details.

"If we can make the team a little bit stronger, have a few more options and match-winners, and make the team a tiny bit better defensively, we can do it."

And Gerrard has revealed his bitter disappointment that Liverpool fell away in the title race in the recently completed season.

He said: "Silly results against teams we should be beating cost us. Look at Reading away, where we were beaten 3-1. There were a couple of silly draws at home against sides you need to perform perfectly against and take maximum points from.

"You can be involved in the title race and even win it without beating the top three home and away. You don't have to take maximum points from them as long as you perform perfectly against the others, but we haven't done that. We dropped stupid points.

"We know we are capable of going on consistent runs and beating anyone. We started off that way, expectations were high. We thought this season we were going to be a lot closer, so now we need to learn from our mistakes.

"I thought we would have been involved in a title race come March or April but unfortunately we were out of it."

On his own future, Gerrard said: "I'm happy here and enjoying my football. Obviously I am not happy ending the season without a trophy because I am a winner and that is what I play the game for.

"I like finishing the season having a trophy or cup final to look back on and seeing I've achieved something.

"The experiences I've had at this club in Istanbul, Cardiff and so on - I want these again because I've enjoyed them so much."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Japanese side JEF United Chiba have refused to rule out the possibility of making a shock move for England and Newcastle striker Michael Owen.

The struggling J-League side were said to be considering an approach for the 28-year-old striker, according to a report in Japanese daily Nikkan Sports.

Former Liverpool first-team coach Alex Miller was recently unveiled as JEF United's new manager and is keen to add to his squad when the transfer window opens.

JEF United are currently bottom of the J-League with just one victory and Owen, who has yet to agree a new contract extension with Newcastle, was reported as being the ideal solution to their goalscoring problems.

JEF United have admitted Owen would be a great signing but stressed no approach has been made.

"We are considering adding players to our squad when the transfer windows open this summer," said JEF United spokesman Kentaro Shiga.

"However, we haven't come to the point where we can name the possible candidates, including Owen.

"It would be great if we can have a player like Owen with us as that will increase the attention in our club.

"But we have just started under our new manager and are still working to put things together in the new administration."

Newcastle declined to comment on the speculation.

Meanwhile, Toon boss Kevin Keegan is confident winger James Milner will be fit for the start of next season.

The 22-year-old had been due to return to the Magpies' side against Everton on Sunday after two months out with a foot injury but suffered a slight setback in training.

"He got right back to being ready to play but when he was shooting last week he felt a slight twinge," Keegan told Newcastle's website.

"There is a slight problem with his ankle and he's had an injection. He missed the Everton game because of that but that was only so we can have another good look.

"We will assess it before he goes off on holiday so that he does not come back for pre-season with the same problem.

"We have to look at the long-term picture with people like James."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has set his sights on winning the Eredivisie with the Amsterdam outfit and insists the only reason he would leave the club would be for "a new sporting challenge".

The 24-year-old's goals helped Ajax finish second in the league to PSV Eindhoven, with their hopes of reaching next season's Champions League now resting on Sunday's play-off final against FC Twente.

Holland coach Marco van Basten will be at the helm next term with Dennis Bergkamp among his backroom staff at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Huntelaar is keen to work with the pair, but their arrival is not the only thing keeping him at the club.

"I would love to become champions of Holland with Ajax," Huntelaar told Ajax Life, the supporters' magazine.

"I have a great time here. I am very well settled."

The Eredivisie top scorer has attracted the interest of several clubs, however, and his future remains a subject for debate ahead of Euro 2008.

But the former Heerenveen frontman would not consider leaving Ajax for a club not in the Champions League.

"A new sporting challenge is the only reason for me to leave Ajax," he said. "There are clubs who have more money to have more success.

"If there was a really big club that wanted to have me as their number one striker, I would be open for them. I want to play Champions League next season, so I will never go to a club that will not play Champions League."

Huntelaar does not expect anything to be tied up in the immediate future, but admits there is uncertainty over whether he will still be at the club next term.

"I will wait and first want to achieve in the play-offs and after that at Euro 2008," he said.

"Maybe you will hear something in the meantime, or maybe after that. Everyone wants to hear if I will stay or go, I know that. But that is out of my hands at the moment."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Los Angeles goal monster Landon Donovan has sounded a warning to the league, explaining that he and David Beckham are starting to build a no-look chemistry.

The U.S. star has hooked up for goals with his England counterpart several times already on the young season and foresees more damage to league nets ahead.

"We understand the game the same way," Donovan told the National Post. "Having time to train together has made it even easier - now I know exactly where and how he wants the ball, and he knows where and how I want it."

"If he puts it in a good area, I have a chance to get to it."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United's 2-0 win at Wigan confirmed a 10th Premier League title for the Reds, while Fulham won to send Reading and Birmingham down.

Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty and a late goal from Ryan Giggs gave United a 2-0 victory over Latics at the JJB Stadium as they retained the Premier League title.

The Portugal winger collected his 31st league goal to help Sir Alex Ferguson's side lift their 17th league title which left them just one behind Liverpool's haul of 18.

United were handed an opportunity to break the deadlock after Emmerson Boyce brought down Wayne Rooney in the penalty area and referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot.

Ronaldo stepped up to take the 33rd-minute spot-kick and calmly side footed the ball past goalkeeper Chris Kirkland who dived the wrong way.

Giggs, on as a substitute to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances for the club, added a second for United in the 80th minute although the result mattered little after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Bolton at Stamford Bridge.

Andriy Shevchenko scrambled the ball home in the 62nd minute to give the Blues the lead but Matt Taylor equalised two minutes into injury time to leave them two points behind United.

Manager Avram Grant's problems were compounded by the loss of captain John Terry who was withdrawn with a fractured elbow following a collision with goalkeeper Petr Cech which could make him a doubt for the Champions League final.

Fulham kept their Premier League status on goal difference after they claimed a 1-0 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

A header from Danny Murphy from a Jimmy Bullard free-kick in the 76th minute was enough to give them victory over Harry Redknapp's side.

Reading finished their campaign with a 4-0 win over Derby at Pride Park but it was not quite enough as they were relegated to the Championship.

James Harper opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Dave Kitson, Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita also scored for the Royals while Birmingham were also relegated despite a 4-1 home win over Blackburn.

Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel fumbled David Murphy's 31st-minute strike from 30 yards out which gave Birmingham the lead.

Morten Gamst Pedersen equalised three minutes after the break before Cameron Jerome (73, 89) and an injury-time header from Fabrice Muamba.

Everton secured a fifth-placed finish and place in next season's UEFA Cup after they recorded a 3-1 win over Newcastle.

Ayegbeni Yakubu opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Michael Owen levelled from the penalty spot in the 47th minute after Joseph Yobo brought down Charles N'Zogbia.

But Joleon Lescott (70) and an 82nd-minute penalty from Yakubu ensured European football will return to Goodison Park next season.

Aston Villa finished five points behind David Moyes' side after a 2-2 draw with West Ham at Upton Park.

Nolberto Solano gave West Ham an eighth-minute lead with a superb free-kick but the lead lasted only six minutes as Ashley Young equalised.

Gareth Barry (58) put Martin O'Neill's side ahead but Dean Ashton equalised two minutes from time.

Manchester City were reduced to 10-men as they thrashed 8-1 by Middlesbrough on a miserable afternoon in what could be Sven Goran-Eriksson's last game in charge.

City defender Richard Dunne was sent off for a foul on Tuncay Sanli inside the penalty area in the 15th minute and Stewart Downing converted the resulting spot-kick a minute later.

Downing grabbed a second in the 58th minute while a hat-trick from Afonso Alves (37, 60, 90) along with goals from Adam Johnson (70), Fabio Rochemback (80) and Jeremie Aliadiere (85) completed the scoring while Elano netted an 87th-minute consolation for City.

Theo Walcott's 24th-minute winner helped Arsenal to a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light while Andriy Voronin (69) and Fernando Torres (74) both found the net as Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Newly-crowned champions Real Madrid enjoyed a title party to remember at the Bernabeu on Wednesday as they crushed arch-rivals Barcelona 4-1 in a hugely one-sided El Clasico.

Goals from Raul and Arjen Robben sent Bernd Schuster's men on their way to victory, before substitutes Gonzalo Higuain and Ruud van Nistelrooy completed the rout against a Barca side who managed a late consolation through Thierry Henry, but little else.

After Barca's players had formed the traditional guard of honour to welcome the champions onto the pitch, it was down to business with the Catalan giants determined to ensure that initial tribute was the only deference their arch-rivals would be getting.

If that was Barca's plan though, it was soon ripped to pieces by a dominant Madrid.

Robben signalled Madrid's intent in the first minute with a shot straight at Victor Valdes before the home side's next chance produced the game's opening goal, with Raul netting after 13 minutes.

A promising Madrid move looked to have broken down on the edge of the Barca area, but Raul showed predatory instincts to latch onto the loose ball and curl a shot in off the inside of Valdes' right-hand post.

That was just the start Madrid would have been hoping for and exactly what Barca, who were without the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Gabriel Milito and Deco through a mixture of suspension and injury, would have been desperate to avoid.

And worse was to follow for Frank Rijkaard's men as Madrid doubled their lead seven minutes later through Robben.

Just days after the Dutchman had headed home a crucial late equaliser that helped Madrid clinch the title at Osasuna on Sunday, Robben repeated the feat by getting his head to Guti's superb free-kick and diverting the ball past the helpless Valdes.

Shell-shocked Barca tried to amount an immediate response but Bojan Krkic and Henry both failed to hit the target from good positions, much to the delight of the home fans.

It was all Madrid at the start and Rijkaard tried to force a tide change by replacing Eidur Gudjohnsen with Giovani dos Santos after only 23 minutes, with the Icelander not appearing to be injured.

That switch proved only cosmetic though as rampant Real continued to dominate in the pouring rain, with Valdes needing to pull out top-drawer saves to deny Guti and Robben before the latter blazed another good chance over.

Barca president Joan Laporta had revealed earlier in the day that he had bet a friend his side would win 5-0, but at half-time it was looking like the team in white who would be celebrating such a scoreline.

The direction of the game could have been changed right at the start of the second half when Bojan looked set to head home from close range, but that effort was deflected behind for a corner and Madrid never looked back.

Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra, a player with no league goals this season, had three efforts in quick succession, with one cleared off the line, one saved by Valdes and one well wide.

Diarra then turned creator to set up Madrid's third goal from Higuain, Madrid's match and title-winner from Sunday who had only just replaced Robben.

Diarra powered his way down the right far too easily before laying the ball off to Higuain, who showed tremendous composure to slot home past Valdes.

After that it was damage limitation for beaten Barca, but although Valdes did superbly to keep out Marcelo's blockbuster the visiting keeper had no chance as Van Nistelrooy made it 4-0 from the penalty spot with 13 minutes to go.

It was a controversial decision to award the penalty, with Robinho's cross-shot striking Carles Puyol, but Van Nistelrooy made no mistake with only his second touch since replacing Raul moments previously.

That goal sent the Bernabeu into delirium, but one of the biggest cheers of the night was reserved for goalkeeper Iker Casillas soon after as he brilliantly tipped Lionel Messi's curling shot behind.

Messi had two further efforts for Barca in the closing stages, before he sent Henry through on goal and the Frenchman slotted home a precision finish to complete the scoring.

A bad night for Barca was still to get worse though as midfielder Xavi was sent-off in injury-time, capping a miserable evening all round for the visitors.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the dominance of English clubs in the Champions League proves a quota system on foreign players is needed.

For the last two seasons, there have been three Premier League sides in the last-four of Europe's elite club competition and Blatter fears a monopolisation of football, with the richest clubs buying up the best players from all over the world at the expense of domestic talent.

He is to seek a mandate from the FIFA Congress later this month to begin talks with the European Union and football's authorities over implementing a 'six-plus-five', rule where a maximum of five players in a starting XI can be foreign.

FIFA will also look to extend the residency period to five years before a player can represent another country - in some countries the period is currently as short as two years.

Blatter told a conference call: "Shall we let the rich become richer and say nothing?

"The big money is coming out of the Champions League - it's the biggest league in the world and practically 80% of the income goes to the directly to the 32 participating clubs.

"This season, there were four English teams in the last eight, three in the semi-finals and two in the final.

"The Champions League has been very successful financially but it has also favoured national inequality. That's why, being in charge of football, I have to bring this item to the attention of the Congress.

"This is the sporting situation but let us start with our idea of the six-plus-five rule and then we will see what the difference will be in the future.

"This rule will be fighting against the monopolies of clubs and leagues.

"But we are not fighting the problem of money but for the identity of national teams."

Blatter claimed his plan for the six-plus-five rule would not contravene EU labour law because it did not limit the number of foreign players a club could take on - just the number that start a match. Both the EU and UEFA dispute that however.

The FIFA president said he would aim to have a minimum of four domestic players by 2010, five by 2011 and up to six in 2012.

In terms of the residency period, Blatter has become alarmed by the number of players - especially from Brazil - taking on foreign citizenship and then appearing for their new countries.

Arsenal striker Eduardo, who plays for Croatia, is one example.

Blatter added: "After only a two-year period, a player can receive nationality from another country and there is a danger that in 2014 half the players in the World Cup could come from Brazil!

"That's why the executive committee will propose to the Congress that only after five years being resident that a player can become a 'football citizen'."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Chelsea won 2-0 at Newcastle on Monday to ensure they head into the Premier League's final day level on points with leaders Manchester United.

Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda were the men on target in the second half at St James' Park.

The Blues host Bolton on Sunday, while United - who have a far superior goal difference - are away to Wigan.

Chelsea's first goal came on 61 minutes after Newcastle's Abdoulaye Faye had been booked for a foul on Malouda on the right flank.

Didier Drogba dinked the resulting set-piece into the danger zone and Ballack rose highest to glance a header past Steve Harper and into the net.

On 82 minutes, Chelsea doubled their lead with Malouda netting from a pass from substitute Frank Lampard.

Avram Grant had surprisingly chosen to leave Lampard and Joe Cole on the bench as his side went in search of a first league win on Tyneside since 2001.

The first half began at a slow pace, with Michael Owen lifting a first-time shot high over the bar while Wayne Bridge wasted a good opportunity when he blasted a 19th-minute free-kick straight into the wall after Joey Barton had fouled Michael Essien.

Newcastle came agonisingly close to taking the lead on 29 minutes after Obafemi Martins caused havoc in the Chelsea box.

The Nigerian's chest control allowed Mark Viduka to stab in a shot which Petr Cech blocked, and Owen seemed certain to convert the rebound - but was denied by a superb goal-line clearance from John Terry.

The Chelsea skipper was booked soon afterwards for a foul on Owen.

Ballack should then have given the visitors the lead when Essien's pass left the German in acres of space inside the Newcastle box, but he sliced his left-foot shot from a narrowing angle wide.

Viduka failed to reappear for the second half after suffering an Achilles injury so Alan Smith was brought on in his place.

But it was Chelsea who continued to press and after Ricardo Carvalho failed to hit the target from a Malouda corner, another flag-kick from the Frenchman saw Terry connect with a thunderous header which came back off the crossbar.

Finally the pressure told, with Ballack arriving to meet Drogba's well-executed free-kick for his ninth goal of the season.

Lampard replaced Nicolas