Projected Starting Lineups: Columbus Crew

Projected Starting Lineup:

--------------Moreno----------N. Hernandez--------------

-------------------Barros Schelloto------------------------

Rogers----------------------------------------------Gaven

-----------------------Carroll------------------------------

Padula------O'Rourke----------Marshall------------Hejduk

-----------------------Hesmer-----------------------------

Coming off the bench: GK Andy Greunebaum, DF Andy Iro, FW Jason Garey, MF Duncan Oughton, MF Adam Moffat, DF/MF Stefano Miglioranzi, MF/FW Brad Evans

The Crew lost some young talent this year in Kei Kamara and Tim Ward, but Sigi Schmid is bullish enough on the development of his other youngsters that he enters the season with little regret. Englishman and 2008 SuperDraft pick Andy Iro is set to see a lot of time in central defense, while Robbie Rogers and Adam Moffat have been the cream of the crop for the Crew this preseason. Add Eddie Gaven - who is still young as hell - and you got yourself a young midfield getting a little better with every season past.

A little turnover in the back has made the Crew a bit stronger. Gino Padula's transfer was confirmed and he is a big question mark as I have seen him labelled as a "fan favorite", but in the same breath an "utter joke". On the right side of the field, captain Frankie Hejduk will most likely start but Miglioranzi is certainly another option. In the center Chad Marshall can be a force but if only if he can avoid the concussions. Danny O'Rourke - a pint-sized scrapper - will man the central defense with Marshall or Iro (both big boys). He might even sit a little higher than Marshall allowing them two defensive midfielders at times - along with Brian Carroll - to spray long balls on the counter.

And that should be an option with the pace of their wings. Robbie Rogers, Brad Evans, and Eddie Gaven all have the significant pace needed to trouble even the best MLS defense. What is needed is consistency, which a playmaker like Schelloto can give - provided he doesn't spend his season dreaming about Gimnasia. Their last of line of defense is serviceable. Andy Gruenebaum spent a good portion of last year in the spotlight with his run of shutouts and overall inspiring play. Will Hesmer has been pegged as the next Marcus Hahnemann. Gritty, not awe-inspiringly athletic, but he has good command of the area and the ability to organize an above-average backline.

Overall, the addition of a quality striker - like the rumoured Maciej Zurawski - could have pushed the Crew over the hump of mediocrity. Apparently, the Hunt ownership group are still in interested in exploring the DP option and that might be the direction the Crew need to go to revisit their one glory year. I can't see that deal getting done this year though, which means another subpar year for the Columbus faithful.

Outlook: 6th in the East

MLS Eastern Conference Run-Around: a DP, an injury, and Eating a Crow

Chicago Fire

A couple day old run down from Luis Arroyave of the Chicago Tribune about who should and shouldn't be the new captain of the Fire.

Columbus Crew

Former Lazio and Inter Milan player Matias Almeyda linked by the Washington Post's Steven Goff to Columbus. Does Columbus need another aging star?

Jeff Bull at Center Holds It continues his analysis of Columbus' quest to build their squad into something with the slight resemblance of a contender.

D.C. United

Match Preview for D.C.'s CONCACAF Champions Cup opener vs. Harbour View of Jamaica.

New York Times' Jeffrey Marcus writes a good article on second-time United player and former youth phenom Santino Quaranta.

Kansas City Wizards

Claudio Lopez signs on as the 6th MLS Designated Player and Kansas City's first. Though 33 and here to retire, Lopez still has a lot of pop left in his tank. The Wizards' blog shows us that with a vast array of El Piojo highlights.

Oz City's Guest Blogger Tony Felich can't win with Kansas City supporters. He eats his words for his previous "Cause for Alarm" post on Kansas City's future and still gets knocked for being a supposed 'fairweather' fan.

New England Revolution

Chris Albright in his underwear as the Boston Globe circulates pictures of New England's tour in Mexico so far. Take part in Ives Galarcep's caption contest for one the funniest pictures of the whole portfolio.

New York Red Bulls

Dane Richards is out for 3 months with a torn MCL. Pretty sucky fate for a guy many were looking forward to seeing continue his progress this year.

Red Bulls are gearing up for the Charleston Challenge Cup which will take place from March 15th-22nd. They will face off against Charleston from USL-Division 1, Toronto FC, and the expansion San Jose Earthquakes.

Toronto FC

More news - but nothing of action - on the Darren Huckerby to Toronto FC front.

The Revs in Pole Position thanks to Noonan and Cristman.

New England 2, Kansas City 0
Gillette Stadium

The game wasn't a domination by the Revs - but they converted on the chances they did get. Pat Noonan, who is on one hell of a run of form, and rookie Adam Cristman made sure of that. With the win, the sole possession of first in the Eastern Conference belongs to New England. The crowd looked deceivingly big on TV, but clearly it was a trick of the camera as MLSNET says only 12,000 or so were there.

Match Report from MLSNET.com

NER: Noonan (5), Cristman (4)
KCW: NONE

MLS: Blanco Debut a Resounding Success, Another GK for Toronto, and KC wins without the offensive help of Eddie Johnson

New England 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Rice-Eccles Stadium

The heartbreak continues for RSL and there really seems to be no end in sight. Jeff Larentowicz served as the catalyst of New England's victory - chipping in a goal and an assist. His goal was the winner. Noonan started it off, while RSL countered with Carey Talley's PK conversion. Robbie Findley was border-line non-existant - while Sturgis and Beckerman gave decent efforts.

NER: Noonan (4), Larentowicz (2)
RSL: Talley (pk 1)

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Chicago 3, Toronto FC 0
BMO Field

Blanco's first MLS appearance inspired a very stagnant Fire in search of a much-needed win. To do it at BMO is even prettier. Calen Carr had his first real efficient performance of the year with a goal and an assist. Floyd Franks, an unlikely candidate to be on the scoresheet, scored his first but it was Ivan Guerrero (assisted by Blanco) who opened the floodgates in front of a sold out Toronto crowd anxious to see their home team back in MLS play. TFC employed yet another new goalkeeper - David Monsalve.

CHI: Guerrero (1), Carr (2), Franks (1)
TFC: NONE

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Kansas City 3, Chivas USA 2
Arrowhead Stadium

Chivas USA grabs two goals yet again, but get beaten by the firepower of the Wizards (and who could believe it? nothing from Eddie Johnson). Bornstein and Cunliffe both found their first goals of the season while Kansas City got premium efforts from the hard-working Kerry Zavagnin, another goal from Davy Arnaud, and the game-winner from super-sub young'un Yura Movsisyan.

KCW: Zavagnin (3), Arnaud (4), Movsisyan (5)
CHV: Bornstein (1), J. Cunliffe (1)

Match Report from MLSNET.com

Paolo Wanchope to join Blanco at the Fire and guess what? Jose Mourinho plans to chill out!

Paolo Wanchope is one of those guys that you could swear has been playing for 25 years (kinda like Abel Xavier). The Tico-legend has instead taken the globe-trekker approach and gone from Costa Rica to England to Spain, at some point to Argentina, etc. He has played most recently for FC Tokyo in Japan but also has had seasons with Derby County, West Ham United, Manchester City in the Championship and Premiership respectively. Within English competition, the 30-year Costa Rican has racked up a respectable 81 goals to match his equally respectable tally of 45 goals in 72 caps for the Costa Rican national team.
The brief details of the deal were first reported by Luis Arroyave of the Chicago Tribune and I am sure he will continue to keep us all updated.

Check out Wanchope's brace against Germany in the 2006 WC (as well as all 4 German goals)

JOSE MOURINHO plans to CALM DOWN

As for Jose Mourinho - his plan for his fourth season at Chelsea is to mellow out and, well, not hog the damn spotlight. Amidst all this talk to Skysports, however, he still managed to get a crack in at Arsenal's Arsene Wenger. Read on...

"I want to be more mellow this year," Mourinho told The Sun. "I am what I am but, at the same time, people use my personality to create something that is not true.

"It is normal if I am emotional or if I react to something that is not fair.

"But people have an image of me that's incorrect and now I want it to be different.

"I won't hug Arsene Wenger because he's not a close friend. But he can say what he wants about us.

"He can complain about a lot of things as he did in the past. I'm not ready to react. I just want to do my work and concentrate on that.

"I look at our opponents because I need to know the way they play but I'm not interested in what they say.

"My relationships with other people will not change. My bottle of wine with Ferguson will still be a bottle of wine, my handshake with Wenger will still be a handshake."

Mourinho also reiterated the fact that he is content with life at Chelsea and is in no hurry to leave the club.

"This is the first time I have started a fourth season with the same club and I feel great," added Mourinho. "I am happy with what we've done.

"I am happy with the relationship I have with my players and with the people who work with me. It's the best place to work so I am happy to be part of the Chelsea future. I didn't want to move.

"I think I did a good job at Chelsea for three years but I want to do more.

"I am loved in Portugal but my life is better in London.

"The way people approach me is different. In London, you have more space. My life is a simple life."

I do think it's good that he even wants to try - Ferguson and Wenger all mellowed out and some point and despite their ups and downs, neither has ever really seriously thought about leaving the UK. One side note: if David Beckham - Mr. Emotional - and Jose Mourinho - a different kind of Mr. Emotional - were the same person, that person would inevitably be the biggest head case known to man. I have to admit, if you watched some of that hour Beckham program (New Beginnings) on ESPN before the game, Beckham cries a lot, more than normal people...Mourinho, on the other hand, will eventually have a conniption if he doesn't mellow out, so watch the guy this year...and let's see if he keeps to his word.

YANKS ABROAD UPDATE: Freddy Adu to Benfica? With Celtic close behind. Scholes, another Freddie, and Ricardinho too.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that $7.5 million would have to be tabled in order to pry the 18-year old Adu away from the MLS. That's slim pickins' for a club like Benfica or Celtic and Freddy Adu's absence at the Real Salt Lake/Everton friendly fueled transfer talk. According to Lewis' sources - Adu's agent could be wrapping up a deal in just a few days with Benfica the leader in the chase. Another club mentioned is Premiership youth hotbed, Tottenham Hotspur.

Clearly - more should come from this in the coming days. Adu, however, should be in the roster for RSL's friendly match-up with Boca Juniors on Tuesday, July 24th. His departure would certainly be a bittersweet one as many are still waiting for the "real" Freddy Adu to come out. Not only that, but it might push RSL to up the ante for a Jay Jay Okocha or some other winger looking to come to the MLS.

OTHER NEWS:

Manchester United were dealt a rather large blow as trusty veteran center midfielder Paul Scholes has been ruled out of the rest of the Red Devils' Far East tour and a month onward with extensive knee pain. Exploratory surgery will be done keeping him out for the beginning of the Premiership season on August 11th.

Long-time Arsenal Gunner Freddie Ljungberg has moved on. West Ham United were keen suitors and won their man. His departure, however, was pretty much solidified when Thierry Henry left the club as Ljungberg believed that any favorable future for the club left with the French striker. Ljungberg, only 30, is healthy again (and over his injury riddled last season) and is poised to help an ailing Hammer midfield (especially if Tevez leaves).

The courtship of Ricardinho is over. FC Dallas', according to Buzz Carrick's 3rd Degree, has finally signed him on loan formally, all legal/immigration documents in order, and he will be ready to compete in the Superliga schedule rapidly approaching. Roberto Mina has been placed on injury reserve to make room for the youth international. His pace apparently rivals Dominic Oduro, except the Brazilian possesses better skill and decision-making skills. Should be real interesting, especially if Denilson comes into the mix (which we should hear something about soon).

MLS week 16: Beckham debut, Schelloto brace, Johnson brace, Ching brace, Blanco scores on debut

MLS Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

New England 3, Houston 3
Gillette Stadium

The streak ends for the Dynamo, but Houston fight hard for a point at Gillette. Taylor Twellman resumed scoring, while Brian Ching played catch-up by scoring 2 goals in 2 minutes. In probably the craziest game of the season so far, take a look at previous posts to find out why.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

NER: Noonan (3), Twellman (8)
HOU: DeRosario (4), Ching 2 (6)

Columbus 2, Toronto FC 0
Columbus Crew Stadium

Thanks to the presence of Guillermo Barros Schelloto (all he needed was about 5 minutes), the Crew overcame a stingy Toronto FC squad. Toronto's away woes continue as the Crew start their winning ways all over again.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

CMB: Schelloto 2 (4)
TFC: NONE

New York 1, D.C. United 0
Giants Stadium

John Wolyniec put one away early on with the help of Claudio Reyna and Jozy Altidore as New York managed to hold on for the first Atlantic Cup victory in a looooong time. The Red Bull defense looked, quite possibly, back to normal. The Bulls gained two points on both KC and NE in the Eastern Conference race.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

RBNY: Wolyniec (3)
DCU: NONE

Colorado 2, Kansas City 2
Arrowhead Stadium

Colorado overcame a quick brace from Eddie Johnson (who now solely possesses the Golden Boot lead with 12) to force a point away at Arrowhead. It took a PK conversion from Jovan Kirovski and Facundo Erpen's first goal for the club to do it, but it was done. This year could be the first year multiple forwards have hit for 20 goals in the same season. KC struck early then had to hold on due to Jose Burciaga, Jr.'s sending off in the 67th minute. Somebody fend off the Derby County officials because after this game, I think we'll see them offering some money.

Match Report from MLSNet.com

COL: Kirovski (PK 3), Erpen (1)
KCW: E. Johnson 2 (12)

Friendlies!

Real Salt Lake 2, Everton 0

Robbie Findley and Carey Talley scored to make RSL 2-0 in international friendlies. Too bad it can't translate to league wins...Timmy Howard looked decent in goal, while it was apparent that Everton were severely lacking in fitness.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Chelsea FC 1, Los Angeles 0

It was lavish. It was a spectacle. It was somewhat hair-raising. There were stars there and a sea of Beckham jerseys. Overall, you have to be happy about it. Did ESPN not focus on the right things? Of course not. They Americanized it, but it was a good thing Beckham did. He will fit well into this league, but now...rest. Chelsea's lone goal was scored by John Terry (everytime he's around Beckham he finds some way to score!). The Galaxy played well and even though they were outshot 25-5, two sitters were missed by Donovan and Gordon. A good showing overall. Abel Xavier and Ty Harden stood out in the back.

Match Report from MLSNET.com

Chicago 1, Celtic 1

In Blanco's debut, he scores. How fitting. The bull raced down a self-pass, beat the outstretched fingers of Artur Boruc, and slotted it home. Celtic equalized later, but overall, a decent showing from the aching Fire. Blanco looks ready to go and could make an immediate impact on the Chicago's second half of the season.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Crazy game going on: Houston vs. New England

The game started relatively tame as Pat Noonan scored the opening goal in the 32nd, which left the game 1-0 New England at the half.

Then - all hell broke loose. In the 49th minute, DeRosario scored to tie it up 1-1. Twellman responded in the 51st to put the Revs up 2-1. Ching decided to partake in the fun by scoring 2 goals in 2 minutes, striking in the 60th and 61st minute to put Houston up 3-2. Then in the 66th minute, Shalrie Joseph's PK after a Dwayne DeRosario handball was saved by Pat Onstad (maybe showing exactly why Onstad should not have been snubbed by the MLS All-Stars). Only, the PK was called to be retaken, Joseph sunk the second attempt for his 4th of the year tying the game up at 3-3.

Yep, that's 5 goals in 15 minutes. Not to mention, Houston just had that shutout streak broken in a somewhat ridiculous fashion. Score still 3-3 in the 70th minute.

Starting Lineups: D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls

GK: Jon Conway ()

Defenders: Hunter Freeman (), Carlos Mendes (), Jeff Parke (), Kevin Goldthwaite ()

Midfielders: Dane Richards (), Claudio Reyna (), Seth Stammler (), Clint Mathis ()

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (), John Wolyniec ()

Substitutes:

Unused Subs: Danny Cepero, Chris Leitch, Dema Kovalenko, Markus Schopp, Dave van den Bergh, Joe Vide, Jerrod Laventure

Altidore cuts his time off short from the long run in Canada to wreak havoc on the piecemeal D.C. defense. Not only that but someone has to fill in for the suspended Juan Pablo Angel. Someone needs to find the net as there has only been one goal in the past four games. Waterreus is still injured as is Dema Kovalenko (but he is on the bench, if desperately needed)

D.C. United

GK: Troy Perkins ()

Defenders: Devon McTavish (), Bobby Boswell (), Greg Vanney (), Marc Burch ()

Midfielders: Clyde Simms (), Brian Carroll (), Christian Gomez (), Joshua Gros ()

Forward: Luciano Emilio (), Fred ()

Substitutes:

Unused Subs: Jay Nolly, Jeff Carroll, Stephen DeRoux, Rod Dyachenko, Domenic Mediate, Nicholas Addlery

The Brazilians will start up front looking to expose any inconsistencies in New York's back four, but United is without Bennie Olsen who lit up the Red Bulls last meeting for a well-deserved hat-trick.

A Copa Surprise: A Younger, Unfazed 'B' Brazil Tames the Giant 'A' Team, Argentina

Brazil 3, Argentina 0
Copa America Final Maracaibo, Venezuela

Yes, some calls went against Argentina but in no right mind did they play well enough to get a sniff of victory. Brazil's Elano - before he had to go off due to a knock in the first half - was simply brilliant as the architect of that first goal. Vagner Love played with more passion and tenacity than every previous Copa America appearance before this. The little Josue organized the midfield nobly and suffering the fouls that stunted Argentina's progress. Ayala's own goal was a miscue but, nevertheless, a necessary one - the attempt had to be made to get the ball out of danger and Ayala's slide was a little too technically spot on for his own good as he redirected the cross behind Abbondonzieri.
Elano's "back-up" and Chelsea target Dani Alves was fantastic coming on early. He took a bit to get into the match but ended terrorizing that right side and eventually scoring the third goal which involved at least 3 other Brazilians and started from inside Brazilian territory. His finish was immaculate as was the Brazilian "B" team's performance. It was Brazil's eighth Copa America win.
Any opinion as to the problem with Argentina?


Match Report from ESPN Soccernet

Match Report from CopaAmerica.com

BRA: Julio Baptista (5), Own Goal (Ayala), Dani Alves (69)
ARG: NONE

Major League Soccer Sunday (7/15/2007)

Houston 0, Toronto FC 0
Robertson Stadium

A deadlock highlighted only by the Maurice Edu ejection as MLS 2007 Superdraftees are learning the hard way (Bakary Soumare, a first round selection for the Fire, has been sent off recently as well). Houston set the record for longest shutout streak and the minute count stands at 695.

Match Report from MLSNet.com (w/a)

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer (w/a)

HOU: NONE
TFC: NONE

A Saturday of Disappointment: Austria stuns the USA,

Austria 2, United States 1

Many - after we got by Uruguay 2-1 in a rather ugly fashion - were relieved to see Austria the next team in our way. The truth is, though, Erwin "Jimmy" Hoffer and Mr. Okotie decided to spoil our show. Actually - the loss of this game was for the most part to ourselves. The first 20 minutes showed a reinvigorated American team with fluid passing all centering around Michael Bradley and moving outside to Zizzo or Rogers, back inside to Adu, with one more subsequent touch and then an opportunity. After the goal from Jozy in the 15th minute, he disappeared and right there, the lack of a striker (and let's be honest he is not one to come back for the ball) for the following 70 minutes was crucial. We were a man down from 20 minutes in. We also didn't start putting passes together again until there was about 5 minutes to go in regulation. Overall, a frustrating game even more so because our two most effective players were getting punished for it - Bradley would have had to miss the next game due to yellow card accumulation and Anthony Wallace was the red card casualty. Nathan Sturgis was not there to play today and our wingbacks were wingbacks. No attack. No nothing.

I know I jumped around - but that's what it felt like. Still a decent tournament for a group of kids that deserved a lot more than that. Well the day saw TWO significant upsets and a big day for Central/Eastern Europe as Czech Republic upset Spain (1-1 in regulation, 4-3 on PKs) as well. Ugh - don't even want to watch the final now.

What were the pluses and minuses for you?

Match Report from ESPN SOCCERNET

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SATURDAY (July 14, 2007)

D.C. United 3, FC Dallas 3
RFK Stadium

A shootout that saw D.C. go up 3-0 early on 2 Emilio goals, but the Hoops fought back thanks to a brace from Juan Carlos Toja - everybody's new favorite MLS player. Even more impressive for the Hoops that they came back playing at RFK Stadium.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

DCU: Emilio 2 (10), Fred
FCD: Ruiz (3), Toja 2 (6)

New England 1, Red Bull New York 0
Giants Stadium

The complete opposite of the DCU-FCD clash. Andy Dorman broke the deadlock with a wicked shot 20 yards out, while Angel responded late in the game - not with a goal but instead - his first ejection in a Red Bull uniform. It was due to an apparently "intentional" elbow to Shalrie Joseph's during a mid-air tussle.

NER: Dorman (7)
RBNY: NONE

my Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Kansas City 1, Real Salt Lake 0
Arrowhead Stadium

The Wizards extend Real Salt Lake's demise while stopping the beginning of their own, all thanks to Eddie Johnson who immediately finds his touch once he returns from international duty.

Match Report from MLSNet.com

KCW: E. Johnson (10)
RSL: NONE

Chivas USA 2, Columbus 1
Home Depot Center

Ante Razov rediscovered his scoring touch as the Goats picked apart the Crew. A somewhat on point Schelloto couldn't even help the unraveling (despite adding his 7th assist).

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer (coming Sunday morning)

CHV: Razov (5), Own Goal (Gaven),
CMB: Miglioranzi (2)

Copa America Consolation Match

Mexico 3, Uruguay 1

The Tricolores closed out a formidable showing in Venezuela with Blanco, Bravo, and young'un (new Deportivo recruit) Andres Guardado all getting on the board. Good stuff Mexico - at least it makes the Americans look better (in that, we beat those guys in Gold Cup that have now done really well in Copa America whereas our team stunk and went home after three games). Even more impressive, Uruguay struck first through Abreu and Mexico responded with three unanswered goals.

Match Report from CopaAmerica.com

MEX: Blanco (pen 26), Bravo (68), Guardado (76)
URU: Abreu (22)

Beckham has Arrived but there is yet another reason why the MLS moves forward

So the crowd booed Los Angeles' mayor. And I love how informal means only letting in to the HDC 5,000 screaming Beckham fans (i.e. season-ticket holders). Wonder what formal would have consisted of?

David Beckham then received his Galaxy jersey.while being smothered and unable to spot due to some overzealous confetti.

But guess what? Yet another landmark in MLS history happened recently and yet again it had to do with television deals. This time, the international ones.

Though small, Soccer United Marketing has brokered some international rights deals totaling up to a cool $2 million or so. Does this news outweigh Beckham? No, but it is a step in the right direction nonetheless. There are four deals altogether says Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal.


1. a one-year deal with Cadena Tres, a Mexican broadcaster that reaches over 5 million households. This is for the remainder of the MLS season.

2. ESPN International also signed a 1-year deal that will showcase games with international stars (about 22 to be exact) like Beckham, Blanco, Angel to countries in Latin America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.

3. Mexican media company TeleVisa signed with SUM (the marketing branch of MLS) a revenue-sharing agreement for the televising of the new SuperLiga tournament which is about to get under way in late July 2007.

4. Last but not least, ART - a North African and Middle Eastern company, signed a high six-figure deal to televise SuperLiga.

The last "significant" international deal was back in 2000 when Mr. Lothar Mattheus graced the MetroStar and MLS stage for a brief tragic while. The league has come a long way since 2000 and with the capture of Beckham, Angel, Blanco, Schelloto, these international deals coupled with the strong domestic broadcast deals, I'd say firmly that the MLS has got progress firing on all cylinders and damn is it fun to watch.

Greetings from Ottawa, Welcome Osorio, and Houston Avenge the Loss to RBNY

First off, greetings from Ottawa as me, the girlfriend, and my cousin Brandon are getting prepared for the USA vs. Brazil U-20 match-up tomorrow at 7:45pm est (on top of the Argentina/People's Republic of Korea match before). For right now, we will forget about the 1-0 loss to Colombia and the rather poor showing in Venezuela to concentrate on the U-20 USMNT who have compiled a 1-0-1 record.

The drive up was harmless and it seemed like we were making good time. Instead, we made Google-map time and that annoyed me. Either way, the city is ready and cough...actually aware that this game is taking place tomorrow at Frank Clair Stadium in Lansdowne. If I can get to internet, I will post tomorrow - otherwise, expect a "travel log" of sorts coming this Monday (when I return to NJ). In the meantime, I hope you all had a wonderful 4th and if you didn't see the 4-0 Houston drubbing of RBNY, the highlights don't even take care of it. What has happened?

Houston 4, New York 0
Robertson Stadium

Joseph Ngwenya scored twice to propel the Dynamo forward and continue good form (somehow this guy keeps scoring, a Twellman-sense when it comes to positioning in front of the goal). Ching welcomed himself back with a put back in the 32nd minute. His goal was one of four in the first half which put the Bulls away early (2nd year Stuart Holden struck yet another MLS goal of the week candidate). The Red Bulls have quickly turned into a team with the worst form in the MLS - this parity is killing me.

Match Report from MLSnet.com

July 4th Fireworks: Pavon's Debut/Donovan's Return, Samuel's First, and Birdman Strikes Again

D.C. United 1, Kansas City 0
Arrowhead Stadium

It's becoming a ritual for the Wizards. They significantly outshoot their opponent only to find themselves on the losing end when all is said and done. Luciano Emilio took what chances he could get and made the most of them finding enough room in the penalty box and one brief deflection later, his 8th goal of the year put D.C. on top of the Eastern Conference.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

FC Dallas 2, Chivas USA 0
Pizza Hut Park

Ramon Nunez's beautiful left foot strike and the 'Birdman' Dominic Oduro dispatched of the Goats supported by typical fantastic performances from Toja and Ricchetti in the middle. Galindo had an off day, but I guess he's allowed that every once in a while.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Toronto FC 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Rice-Eccles Stadium

TFC pulls out a road win with goals from Jeff Cunningham and new acquisition Collin Samuel. Bad news, however, for the Reds - both Cunningham and emergency keeper Sam Reynolds left with injuries. The name of the game (July 4th in general) was penalties and both Alecko Eskandarian and Samuel were up to the task. This was Toronto's first road win of their brief MLS history.

Match Report from MLSNet.com

Colorado 0, Columbus 0
Dick's Sporting Goods Park

A stalemate as Columbus takes a point on the road to go with their fantastic form as of late. Schelloto almost orchestrated several opportunities but Bouna Coundoul had a great game keeping the Crew quiet. Bouna is slowly becoming a DSG favorite.

Match Report from MLSNet.com

Los Angeles 2, Chicago 0
Home Depot Center

Jon Busch, the veteran goalkeeper who caught the trade bug in the preseason, kept the Galaxy from winning by much more but the reality of it is, Chicago's slide continues. Carlos Pavon seemed somewhat effective his first time out and will continue to assimilate but it was Donovan who went two for two on penalties to seal the victory and continued his penalty hot streak. Both were controversial but let's be honest, there have been worse calls than that.

Match Report from MLSNet.com

US U-20s underimpress against South Korea; Poland beats Brazil!

Montreal, Canada

United States 1, South Korea 1

The US U-20s started strong in Montreal but finished feebly. The Koreans outshot and outplayed the Nats for long stretches of the match and those that needed to perform, did so somewhat inadequately. Freddy Adu had several strong pushes, but never anything consistent or leading to production. Chris Seitz was the brightest spot of the U-20s who got a boost from Poland's result against tournament favorites Brazil. Should be an interesting next couple match-ups.

Match Report from Top Drawer Soccer

Poland 1, Brazil 0

Wow. Poland shot 50%. 2 shots, 1 goal and a win over heavy favorites Brazil. Alexandre Pato had several shots but nothing too threatening or definitive. Oh wait...Poland also had 10 men for a good amount of the game as Krzyzstof Krol was sent off in the 27th minute after accumulating two cautions.

Fifa.com's Match Report

Other Scores and Standings:

U-20 WC

Chile 3, Canada 0
Japan 3, Scotland 1
Jordan 1, Zambia 1
Spain 2, Uruguay 2
Nigeria 1, Costa Rica 0

Group A

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Chile	1	1	0	0	3	0	3
	Congo	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Austria	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Canada	1	0	0	1	0	3	0

Group B

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Spain	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
	Uruguay	1	0	1	0	2	2	1
	Jordan	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
	Zambia	1	0	1	0	1	1	1

Group C

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Portugal	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	New Zealand	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Gambia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Mexico	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Group D

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Poland	1	1	0	0	1	0	3
	Korea Republic	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
	USA	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
	Brazil	1	0	0	1	0	1	0

Group E

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Argentina	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
	Czech Republic	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
	Korea DPR	1	0	1	0	0	0	1
	Panama	1	0	1	0	0	0	1

Group F

	Team	Played	Won	Draw	Lost	F	A	Points
	Japan	1	1	0	0	3	1	3
	Nigeria	1	1	0	0	1	0	3
	Costa Rica	1	0	0	1	0	1	0
	Scotland	1	0	0	1	1	3	0

Copa America 2007

Brazil 3, Chile 0 (Robinho scores a hattrick)
Mexico 2, Ecuador 1 (Nery Castillo keeps it going)

standings:
FIRST STAGE

Group A	P	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Venezuela	4	2	1	1	0	4	2	2
Peru	3	2	1	0	1	3	2	1
Uruguay	3	2	1	0	1	1	3	-2
Bolivia	1	2	0	1	1	2	3	-1

Group B	Pts	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Mexico	6	2	2	0	0	2	0	2
Brazil	3	2	1	0	1	3	2	1
Chile	3	2	1	0	1	3	4	-1
Ecuador	0	2	0	0	2	3	5	-2

Group C	Pts	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Paraguay	3	1	1	0	0	5	0	5
Argentina	3	1	1	0	0	4	1	3
United States	0	1	0	0	1	1	4	-3
Colombia	0	1	0	0	1	0	5	-5

The USA take on Paraguay tomorrow, July 2nd at 6:35pm on GolTV.

MLS

Sunday, July 1st

Colorado 0, Chicago 0

A bore draw for the most part with very little brewing except for Bakary Soumare's ejection for a shove on Colin Clark in the last ten minutes of the deadlock. Erpen had a somewhat safe first appearance with the Rapids and both teams are just happy to grab a point.

MLSNet.com Match Report

Toronto FC 1, Kansas City 1

KC secured a point at home against the Reds coming away as the only top three Eastern Conference squad to get a point this weekend. A couple sitters weren't finished but Toronto will be happy to grab the point on a header by Danny Dichio. Todd Dunivant had a decent game for his new squad. The Reds worked the last 15 minutes without Andrew Boyens who was ejected after accumulating 2 yellow cards.

KCW: Harrington (3)
TFC: Dichio (5)