Tuesday, July 17, 2007

New Expansion Team to be Named

Don Garber revealed today in his live chat that tomorrow he would likely announce a new expansion city in his "State of the League" address. He also said that before the season ends that there should be a 16 team plan with all teams playing in MLS by 2010. SI.com reports that the 14th MLS franchise is going back to San Jose where the league left just two years ago. Seattle, Portland, Philadelphia, Atlanta, St. Louis, and Las Vegas are popular choices for #'s 15 and 16.

[EDIT] The 14th Major League Soccer club has been confirmed as San Jose and will begin play in 2008.

-Nathan

Sunday, July 15, 2007

New England top Red Bulls in ancient rivalry

It's well known that New York and New England/Boston teams really don't like each other. In the nation's two biggest sports, New England and New York have two of the biggest rivalries. The Jets and Patriots of th NFL and the Red Sox and Yankees of MLB. However, little is known about the rivalry that's existed between the former New York/New Jersey Metrostars and New England Revolution. It is a rivalry that's as old as the league itself and has had it's fair share of bitterness, foul play, and no lack of aggression from either side. The first game of the 2007 chapter was played last night, and it fully lived up to expectations.

The game started with both teams coming off poor runs in recent games. New England welcomed the return of Taylor Twellman (national team), Shalrie Joseph (injury), and Edgar Davids....err..Jeff Larentowicz (eye injury), with the squad playing it's strongest lineup. New York on the other hand had numerous defensive players out with injuries and Josmer Altidore is still at the U-20 World Cup, though with the defeat at the hands of the Austrians, he'll be returning next week.

Action was quick, with the fast pace of the game set early on. New England came out strong in the first ten minutes, with numerous chances on goal. The best came in the 4th minute when Andy Dorman surged past the Red Bull defense and shot straight at a diving Conway. The game quickly went to New York's favor around the 15 minute mark, with Clint Mathis hitting the post, receiving the ball again, and sending it wide. New York would continue controlling the game, and just before the half hour mark, Juan Pablo Angel pulled two defenders before blasting at the top corner, which deflected off the crossbar. Then in the 38th minute, Steve Ralston back heels to Shalrie Joseph in the middle of the field, who sends a ball 30 yards into open space where Andy Dorman runs onto it and blasts a well taken shot from the top of the box past John Conway. New England up 1-0. New York weren't out of it yet however, with Juan Pablo Angel getting a chance in the 45th minute, heading it over goal. Only a minute later, Steve Ralston runs diagonally into the box, blasting a ball which Joe Vide deflects with his face. The half would end with both teams fighting going into the locker room, a surprising finish to due to the lack of a yellow or red card in the entire first half.

Half: New York 0 - 1 New England

The second half took no time to pick up the action, with New England and New York going back and forth. Juan Pablo Angel and Claudio Reyna teamed up offensively, producing the majority of the chances. The action was fast, but chances were limited. Most of the sparks in the second half were caused by chippy fouls and aggressive play as opposed to shots and goals. Scary times for New England fans when former Wake Forest teammates James Riley and Michael Parkhurst collided, with Parkhurst getting the worst of it. Initially, you would think he might have broken his nose, but it turned out to be nothing more than a nasty collision. Minutes later, New England fans would have a bright spot with Adam Cristman entering the game and immediately getting a shot at Conway, which was parried well. Then in the 90th minute, frustration boiled over for Juan Pablo Angel when he elbowed Shalrie Joseph in the face. The referee, who had kept control of the game and let Angel off the hook several times, immediately reached in his back pocket. Red card Angel. The game would end soon after, with the traveling New England supports ride home made easier now with the assurance of three points.

Final: New York 0 - 1 New England

Friday, July 6, 2007

Fire to announce Juan Carlos Osorio as new Manager

The Columbian native was believed to be at the top of John Guppy's list from the second Dave Sarachan was fired. Honestly, I've never heard of this guy, but reading his Wiki a little bit, he has a science and football degree from Liverpool U (HOLY SHIT you can get Football Degree's?), he also was rated a "A" rated coaching license from the English FA. Former assistant at the Metro and a 5 year stint at Manchester City from 2001-2006. He then managed Millionarios (who? lmao) last year during the 2006/2007 football campaign, and now of course he will be announced by the Chicago Fire on Monday as the new manager. Am I happy? Shit, I have to find out who he is before I can form an opinion.