D.C. is through on an aggregate score of 7-3. No young'uns really got a chance to play and D.C. didn't really hit stride til the second half but all in all it was decent showing. Luciano Emilio was on point again, hitting for two to bring his total to 3 in 2 games. Christian Gomez added a penalty strike for his 3rd of the tournament as well. They will take on Chivas Guadalajara next. Can somebody tell me why I should try and like Jamil Walker? The announcers were saying how Chivas USA must be shaking their heads in disbelief at cutting this guy, but I see it as nothing but the right move. Poor finisher, has brief moments of decency, but all-in-all poor execution and composure. Somebody, convince me.
CDO: Thomas (30), Pacini (75)
DCU: Emilio (37), C. Gomez (49), Emilio (84)
Att. 8,181 (looked more like 1,000 thanks to RFK)
Houston 2, Puntarenas FC 0 (2nd Leg CONCACAF Champions Cup)
Houston's win sets up an all-American v. Mexican team semi-final. Should be real good. Houston will take on Pachuca next. This game was all about seeing the effect that Brian Ching does have when he enters a match. On for 20 minutes, he sent Paul Dalglish on a run that should have been finished and then provided the header off the corner that led to Kelly Gray's putback. The crowd was almost as fun to listen to as the game itself. Houston fans, however, can't be happy about a knock to Dwayne DeRosario. It looks to be a strained hammy and that'll probably be about a week. Who's got the better chance to go through? D.C. or Houston???
HOU: Dalglish, K. Gray
PUN: NONE
Att. about 5,000
Other news:
*Canadian, Jack Kachkar, has completed the takeover of Zinedine Zidane's stomping ground, Olympique Marseille. Unlike most takeovers, this one didn't seem to get as much press as it is equally as important as the takeovers of West Ham, Aston Villa, and Liverpool. Maybe Juninho was right when said there was a controversy against French soccer. Regardless, another North American taking over a storied and famous club. Olympique Marseille could possibly be the destination of Oguchi Onyewu sometime this summer after his loan move ends at St. James Park. Someone buy me their jersey, it's nice. Here is an article on it.
*FC Dallas have confirmed the signing of Juan Carlos Toja. This is a great signing as this guy has played with some of the best young'uns on the planet. For example Columbia U-20 Libis Andres Arenas and St. Etienne loan defensive midfielder Freddy Guarin. That makes Toja a wonderkid by association right?!?! Well, at least we know he is coming from a program in Colombia that turns out massive young talent every frickin' year. Toja's good, but if you get a chance to see Freddy Guarin, he's amazing. Remember his name, you will see it a lot in the future. Welcome Juan Carlos Toja.
*Yinka Casal, former Fulham young'un, is ready to sign for D.C. as his conditional U.S. visa has been OK'd. Quick sidenote, apparently Yinka ran a mean 100m dash in his days. Track and soccer, not a bad combination. D.C. fans - get ready for some pace and skill as he looks to be a great addition to the already solid United squad.
*Didier Drogba was named African Footballer of the Year. For a guy that has scored around 30 goals already with about 2 months left in the season, this guy is my candidate for FIFA World Player of the Year. He'll have to beat a feisty 20-something from Man Utd. Who do you think should win? Vote by dropping a comment and I will tally them together - we'll elect our own World Player of the Year.
Last but not least, tommorrow I hope to have a preview of sorts of the Lyon v. Saint Etienne game. If not a preview, then a post-game review from our "foreign correspondant" Brittany. Are you going to the game Brittany? O-L!
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