Tottenham v. Liverpool

Fulham v. Manchester City

La Liga Match of the Day: Levante v. Real Madrid, 2PM EDT

Today's game:

Club America v. Atlante: 0-1

Estadio Azteca

Commentators: Pablo Ramirez and Jesus Bracamontes

# of times Pablo shouted "Se La Perdio!" : 2

Atlante's numerous fouls, complete with an unfair set of yellow cards and consequent expulsion of one of CA's players gave Memo Ochoa's former team a pretty hard time. Nevertheless, Club America looked great throughout the game, both offensively as well as in defense. Goalkeeper Navarette was Man of the Match, as he had numerous saves, some of which were made even more striking by the great work of CA's defenders. The team was down to 10 men for the entirety of the second half, during which Atlante's Martinez scored his second goal of the season on the 49th minute as the ball soared from a distance to the upper right of the net, leaving Armando Navarette powerless. The match was "an important victory for Atlante", according to Pablo Ramirez, as 3 points acquired in an away game are always crucial.

Yesterday:

Santos Laguna v. Chivas de Guadalajara: 1-1

Univision commentators: Jose Perez-Navarro & Diego Balado

It was a bit surprising to find that J. Bracamontes was not present, despite his team playing.

This was the first game of Santos Laguna's new manager, Benjamin Galindo. Rumors that former US coach Bob Bradley would take on the job at Santos were quelled by ESPN's LA blog. A recent article states that Egypt still want Bradley as their coach. But back to Mexico and Santos Laguna - the pregame. Cameras showed federal security and police officers on the ready, surrounding the stadium both on ground and by air. Safety precautions were taken after the shooting near stadium grounds that occurred several weeks ago. In a ceremony against violence and crime in the region, the entire team and staff of Santos Laguna set free an array of white and green balloons. Various amusing mascots were present during the photo shoot that followed, including a Corona bottle, the official sponsor of Santos Laguna. Santos have not lost to Chivas during their last 4 encounters. Needless to say, both teams had a slew of unused opportunities during the first half. Santos scored at the beginning of the second half (Figeroa). Luduena, who got yellow-carded on the 57th minute, and Darwin Quintero were both in the starting eleven. Chivas came back with a goal of their own that went into the upper right corner of the net from a free kick by Medina on the 73rd minute. Chivas kept attacking after that, all the way into extra time. The final score was a tie, but one that was played, in the words of Diego Balado, "with much intensity".

The MVP of the match was Alberto Medina (#10, Chivas), who tied the game.

Queretaro v. Pumas: 4-0

New England Revolution v. FC Dallas: 2-0

An intense game with both sides in need of 3 points (despite Dallas' 3rd spot in the Western standings). The Revs finally won, thanks to goals by Joseph and Lekic, as well as Matt Reis's usual goalkeeping tactics. The team kept on scoring but failing to hold on to the lead, giving in to pressure from teams like the Philadelphia Union, who tied the game 4-4 after the Revs' 3-1 lead. "A pivotal win", according to mlssoccer.com.

RBNY v. Vancouver: 1-1

Kansas City v. Houston: 3-0

Bolton v. Manchester United: 0-5

Wayne Rooney does it again with yet another hat-trick. Chicharito's double was close to becoming the second hat-trick of the match. United look amazing both at home and away games, and have one of their best seasons yet in store.

Tune in this Tuesday evening for CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:

Colorado Rapids v. Santos Laguna!!

*Bolton v. Manchester United: (2nd half, 58th min. - 0:3)

(5', Chicharito, double by Rooney)

Prediction: 0:5

Sporting Kansas City v. Houston Dynamo

Prediction: 1-3

Seattle v. RSL

Prediction: 3-3

New England v. Dallas

Prediction: 2-2 or 2-1

New York Red Bulls v. Vancouver

Prediction: 5-2

Santos v. Guadalajara

Prediction: 3-0

*ongoing

Ustadio de Olimpico Universitaro

Though it wasn't the best game for the Cementers, who were losing 1-0 before their equalizer, they managed to come through towards the end of the second half, with Cortes scoring on the 76th minute. Azul got the 3 points and is in the lead with 14 points total after 7 games (4-1-2).

Other news: Tijuana and Queretaro are tied at 1-1 on the 65th minute.

Manchester United defeat Arsenal 8-2 at Old Trafford

(MLS) Seattle Sounders vs. Colombus Crew - 6:2

Unfortunately, I was stuck reading the live text commentary for this one. I do know that if both teams had fulfilled all of their goal-scoring opportunities, the Crew would have overtaken Seattle. But let's not forget that Seattle has one of the best goalkeepers in the league (Kasey Keller). And that the Crew scored an own goal. And that the Crew's only 2 goals came late in the game (on the 59th and 73rd minutes). Jeff Cunningham scored their first game on a PK, when the game was still 4-0. Despite mixed reactions from the fans on the tender subject of refereeing, both teams played an amazing, non-defensive game, with a total of over 30 goal attempts and passing accuracy beyond the caliber of most overrated MLS teams. Lamar Neagle had a hat-trick for the Sounders.

(EPL) Liverpool vs. Bolton - 3:1

Liverpool played an incredibly tactful, fast-paced home game against Bolton, scoring their last 2 goals within 30 seconds. The fiery Reds delighted their fans as ex-Sunderland player Henderson nailed his first goal at Anfield. Nevertheless, it would be foolish to say that Bolton's goal counts for nothing. The Wanderers added a point for their Goals For and Against difference, a number that plays a vital role in determining a team's standings later on in the season.

Tomorrow's EPL Predictions:

11AM ET - Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Prediction: 3:1 or 3:2

8:30AM ET - Tottenham Hotspurs vs. Manchester City

Prediction: 2:2

*Match of the Day: Chelsea vs. Norwich - 10AM ET

Other games:

Blackburn vs. Everton - 10AM ET

Liverpool vs. Bolton - 12:30PM ET

Monterrey vs. Santos - 8:00PM ET, 6:00PM CT (Telemundo)

Pachuca vs. América - 7:55PM ET (Telefutura)

The pun in the title is purely intentional.


Gameday Review

Manchester United v/s Stoke City - (2:1)


MU's win in today's game proved many things. It re-affirmed, for the millionth time, "the rise of Chicharito". It proved, for the umpteenth time, that MU can win games without Rooney.* It also taught us a very important lesson: every game in the Barclay's Premier League will forever be compared to the Chelsea v/s Aston Villa match. Today's game featured goals by Chicharito and Nani, a slew of singing fans, and a piercing scream. Researchers are still trying to figure out why a free kick by Giggs would cause anyone to scream like a banshee. Nonetheless, the merry crowds continued to support their team(s) by singing a rendition of "when the saints go marching in". The Berb, though present at play, was unable to score, but had many brilliant attempts. One of the more memorable moments of the game was when Stoke City's Whitehead tied the score with his goal on the 50th minute. His celebration was highly reminiscent of a football player's celebration when his team wins the World Cup.





*I meant to say that MU has other talented players who are not as well-known as Rooney, but not any less gifted. Rooney is a brilliant player, and MU would have probably done better today with his help.


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Tomorrow's games:


Manchester City v/s Arsenal - 7:45 AM [ET]
Tottenham v/s Everton - 3:00 PM [ET]





Predictions:

Arsenal will try to win 3-1 again; Tottenham will win 2-1, 2-0, or 3-0.

Before I get to the latest on Becks...

Today's results:

Glasgow Rangers v/s Celtic - 0:2
Chelsea v/s Aston Villa - 3:3
Barcelona v/s Levante - 2:1

Gameday Review

Barcelona v/s Levante (2:1)

>>News:

Arsenal about to sell Arshavin to Juventus?

Though an unlikely transfer, Juventus wants to acquire Arshavin and is offering up to £18m for the former Zenit player.

Today's post features the first-ever gameday review, plus 2011 news/announcements.


Gameday Review:

West Bromwich v/s Manchester United: 1-2

Now THIS was a game worth watching! MU back in action, with Rooney and Chicharito scoring goals (Hernandez's goal was assisted by - you guessed it - Rooney). Although in reality, this could have been anyone's game. The referee failed to provide West Bromwich with a well-deserved penalty, and for the one penalty that they were given, they weren't able to score. This game could have just as easily been a 3-2 game, proving once again the immense significance of the referee in futbol.

Tottenham Hotspurs v/s Fulham: 1-0

I must say I'm disappointed with the Spurs. The entire match felt like an endless back-and-forth without much shots on goal; despite Roman Pavlyuchenko finally being in the starting 11 due to some players' accumulated yellow cards, not much action was going on. Crouch came on during the 68th minute of the game as a sub for the aforementioned player, and was barely visible on the field during the last twenty minutes of the game. As the commentator on Russian Channel 2 said, "it's tough being a center-forward". Although the Hotspurs did get their three points from a goal by Bale, who was assisted by Van der Vaart, they should have scored more, considering the team they were playing against hasn't beaten them for the past 63 years...

Tomorrow's matches:

Glasgow Rangers v/s Celtic - 7:45 AM (ET)
Chelsea v/s Aston Villa - 8:30AM (ET)
Barcelona v/s Levante - 12:00 PM (ET)
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>>news from the world of futbol
+ Arsenal determined to strengthen team with Luis Suarez [from AEK]
Suarez, who in just three seasons of playing for AEK has scored over 100 goals, may get his wish of playing for the English Premier League. If Suarez gets transferred to Arsenal, the fee for his transfer will set a record in the history of the club. Arsenal wants to obtain Suarez in order to strengthen their line of attack due to various key players who will be leaving the team, as well as an injured Robin Van Persie.

+ Freddie Ljungberg joins the Celtics [Scottish Premier League]
Freddie Ljungberg, who just last season was playing for the Chicago Fire in MLS, recently joined Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. Ljungberg, who also played for Arsenal, will join Celtic in their match against the Glasgow Rangers tomorrow morning.


+ JPA no longer playing for RBNY [MLS; LA Galaxy; RBNY]
While this is upsetting for RBNY fans, the talented Juan Pablo Angel will be playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy this upcoming season. He already knew last season that he wouldn't be playing for the Bulls anymore; not an interview went by where he did not mention that his fate as a Red Bulls player was questionable or unlikely. And indeed Angel's contract for the Red Bulls was not extended, prompting him to apply for a redraft in the MLS. We all knew this was coming sooner or later, and now it is confirmed that JPA will be soon be playing side by side with David Beckham. Thankfully, Becks had only good things to say about the striker. In an interview, he mentioned that it would be "an honor" to play alongside one of the most talented players, and that Angel is no less talented than the likes of famous figures such as Ronaldinho. Of course, this also means that like many famous figures in the history of futbol, Angel will be playing - and scoring goals - against his former team. It's an inevitable part of futbol; you never know what team you may be playing for someday, or what team will suddenly become your rival. Nevertheless, RBNY have a slew of other talented players, such as Juan Agudelo, who became the youngest player to be drafted for the National Team (and who scored an international goal for the USA in a match against South Africa before his 18th birthday). There's also Tim Ream, who proved himself to be an incredible defender last season, though the word "rookie" is still used to describe him. Both he and Agudelo are incredibly talented players, as is Lindpere, and both goalkeepers of RBNY, especially Greg Sutton. Sure, it'll be strange cheering for the Galaxy and wanting NY to finally get somewhere in the playoffs (and for a possible LA/NY face-off as a piece de resistance). But this season, we'll spend most of our time cheering for the Becks + Angel combo, and eagerly anticipating the catchy MLS headlines that can come out of it.

+ Real Madrid ready and willing to get Fabregas from Arsenal; earlier last year, Barca wanted to obtain Cesc, but failed at this endeavor; Fabregas's contract w/Arsenal ends in 2015. [La Liga]


>>Top 10 things to look forward to in 2011:
1) UEFA Champions League & CONCACAF Champions League
2) the JPA + Becks combo
3) MU and Man. City clashing for possession of the table
4) Freddie Ljungberg playing for the Celtics
5) Clausura 2011
6) Real/Barca rivalry
7) Superliga 2011
8) seeing how many goals Arshavin can score
9) the hat-trick count-up
10) International friendlies