Beasley overcomes monkey chants, rough play, and continues Champions League charm

DaMarcus scored the lone goal in a 1-0 away leg win over FK Zeta, which puts Rangers through on a 3-0 aggregate. They will now play the winner of Red Star Belgrade and Tallinn (Estonia).

The Rangers website reveals that apparently a section of the Zeta faithful were directing monkey chants towards Beasley and Jean-Claude Darcheville. DMB is now calling for a UEFA probe on the matter - and he means business. How bad ass is it to score in the midst of that crap being thrown at you, it being your first start for the club, and you have a reputation for scoring goals in Champions League games?

"I heard the chants from the crowd. It happened to me a few years ago when PSV played Red Star in Belgrade and I can't believe that racist abuse is still in football.

"People can come to a match and boo and jeer but the racist thing just has to get out of football.

"We tried to take action against Red Star in that previous game. Guus Hiddink and me were involved but nothing really came of it.

"It sickens to hear these chants but when you are on the pitch you have to try to blank it out. It degrades the game for everyone.

"I will discuss the situation with Rangers because I feel strongly about it and we will decide if we should file a complaint."

Beasley's strike was in the 81st minute and effectively destroyed the Montenegrin hopes. All I can say is - keep at it Run DMB.

Beasley set to resume European play with Rangers

UPDATE: Even after Walter Smith sung his praises to local UK media, Beasley didn't get off the bench. A big reason for that, however, was Alan Hutton's sending off in the 60th minute. They were only up 1-0 at that point and felt like they had to protect it. Final score: 2-0. Beasley will get his chance.



The Montenegrin champion FK Zeta looks to make it tough at home for Beasley and the roster-shocked Glasgow Rangers. Rangers - strapped for cash over the last decade after Walter Smith's last tenure with club when he dropped the cash on veteran Italians (an experiment that failed) - have opened their doors to forward Jean Claude 'the Rocket' Darcheville and defender Carlos Cuellar from Osasuna, while also bringing in Lee McCulloch from Wigan Athletic. All - preseason friendly-wise - seem to have meshed well with Beasley and the American winger looks to make his competitive debut at Ibrox today ay 3:00pm EST.

Updates on the outcome - FK Zeta defeated Lithuanian champion FBK Kaunas in the first round of qualifying, 5-4 on aggregate. A little overview of the match with quotes from Walter Smith.

UEFA Champions League Final and other important scores

Due to my lack of posting on the aforementioned topic, you can probably guess who won.

AC Milan 2, Liverpool 1
Athens, Greece

'Pippo' Inzaghi hit for a brace as Liverpool couldn't convert the chances they did have. Inzaghi's first was a deflection off his torso after a scorching shot from Andreas Pirlo. In good news for Liverpool, though, Stevie Gerrard should be finalizing a new 5 year deal TODAY! Kaka was the difference in this game, but Gerrard had his chances and moments too. He just couldn't convert.

Other news:

US Open Cup Qualifier

Colorado 2, Real Salt Lake 1

Jacob Petersen had 2 goals to kick RSL and Jason Kreis out of Open Cup contention. Conor Casey had a decent showing as he was given significant time for the first time since signing with the MLS.

Friendlies

Rangers 1, Los Angeles 0
Home Depot Center

Kris Boyd, the Rangers hitman and leading goalscorer, put the Glasgow Rangers on top and they never looked back really. The game was relatively even as far as skill and statistics go, but it never seemed as if the Galaxy could threaten enough to win. A good showing for LA overall.
This exhibition drew over 15,000 fans.

Toronto FC 0, Benfica 0
BMO Field

18,000 saw Andrea Lombardo and Toronto struggle to a 0-0 tie against Benfica, Portuguese powerhouses. It was somewhat lopsided as Benfica controlled the play and rhythm, but as no goals were put in the back of the net - a tie was in order. The fans showed up yet again and created an amazing atmosphere for Benfica to come play in. A nice consolation prize for not beating FC Porto in the Portuguese SuperLiga.

UEFA Champions League Final Set

AC Milan vs. Liverpool
Athens, Greece May 23 2007

Semifinals Results:

AC Milan 3, Manchester United 0
(AC Milan wins 5-3 on aggregate) San Siro

The Red Devils have never won at the San Siro and everyone thought if there was a year to do it, it would have been 2007. It was not meant to be as an ominous rain fell which might have reminded Man U players of their training ground back home, depressing themselves into inefficiency. Milan pounced on an early chance in the 11th minute through the stellar play (yet again) by the young Brazilian Kaka. In the 30th minute, Dutchman Clarence Seedorf evaded a couple tackles to then rocket a half volley past the helpless (and he was...) Edwin Van der Sar. The Rossoneri defense shut out Man U sparks Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney, keeping them frustrated and quiet. Gilardino provided the closer with a breakaway finish in the 78th minute. Man Utd didn't look like Man Utd.


Liverpool 1, Chelsea 0
(Tied 1-1 on aggregate, Liverpool wins 4-1 on penalties) Anfield

Yes, it's true, Chelsea played better football in the first half. Anyone who knows football knows that playing good football is half the battle. With Lampard, Essien, Robben, Drogba, Joe Cole, etc. you are bound to get 'good football'. None of that, however, puts the ball in the back of the net. Daniel Agger's first timer off a free kick held up as Chelsea and Liverpool fought through extra time to a nail-biting penalty final. The truth is though, I knew Liverpool would win once penalties came a-callin'...Chelsea didn't look too sure all game (they had their chances though) and it showed when Arjen Robben missed the first Chelsea penalty. Good for Liverpool - could we see another shocker in the final?? Pepe Reina saved 2 Chelski penalty kicks and was Because I Think...'s MVP. Unfortunately, he got home that night from celebrating and found his home ransacked. He joins former Liverpool GK Jerzy Dudek and goalscorer Daniel Agger as those who have had stuff stolen during matchdays. Asshole hamburglars.

Loooong yet quiet day.

Preface: Quite a quiet day in football...I have chosen to forego doing a feature in favor of watching Children of Men. Great movie - see it if you haven't already. I will try and catch up on my schedule of features sooooon. Thank you to all who have provided feedback by way of comments and e-mails recently - I want to hear any agreements/disagreements/critiques you might have. It only makes my coverage better. Also, if you'd like to contribute - send me an e-mail with an example of something you'd write about/cover to BonnWM3@hotmail.com. Thanks. Now onto a brief day overview...

US Open Cup Qualifier

Los Angeles 1, Columbus 0

One was all that was needed to top the Crew as two goals in their previous game can't spark more. Columbus shall continue to have this problem if Herron doesn't set the example for the young'uns Kamara and Garey. The Galaxy take on RBNY next in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

LAG: Jaqua (17)
CMB: NONE

UEFA Champions League Semifinal

Manchester United 3, AC Milan 2

Wayne Rooney's 90th minute strike gave Man United the lead heading into the second leg at the San Siro. Carlo Ancelotti was incensed at the result as it was Milan that apparently dominated the game. The scoresheet says otherwise and the Devils outshot their Italian opponents 21 to 14. It will undoubtedly be one hell of second leg. You know this team has a little more than luck and talent on their side when, regardless of their injury problems, they find a way to win. Without hiding in a laundry basket. Ronaldo started the day off, proving yet again he can score at all levels.


MANU: C. Ronaldo (5), Rooney (59, 90)
ACM: Kaka (22, 37)

Ray Ranson, a former Manchester City player, has confirmed that he has tabled a significant bid for the Blues. A little cash injection would help Citeh, maybe help pay for that "absolutely massive" contract Damarcus Beasley is asking for (ha). Full story here.


Jose Mourinho, the sneaky man he is, has been accused by two British newspapers of "hiding in a laundry basket" to avoid his touchline ban This was when Mourinho was banned from having contact with his players during a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match between Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Please read this. It's a riot.

Several quick other things:

Inter Milan has won yet another Scudetto.
Olympique Lyonnais has won its' sixth consecutive League One Championship.
Olympiakos Piraeus has won yet another Greek Championship.

Don't all these teams look familiar? Kinda glad there is some semblance of parity in the MLS now??

These Manchester United Red Devils aren't Blue (a small, tiny reference to the choke fest that is Duke Basketball)

Oh the humanity. The craziness that is the UEFA Champions League. If you needed proof that the Red Devils were going to make noise when it comes down to the wire, I think a 7-1 win over a proven AS Roma side will do the trick. Can they transfer this momentum into their remaining Premiership ties!?


Goals were scored by:

Michael Carrick (2) - still worth the transfer fee? hmmmm...he's gettin' there.
Alan Smith - this guy came back from a horrid injury and it's nice to see him contribute already!
Cristiano Ronaldo (2) - Ronaldinho move over, he's 22 and he'll come after you, he can make up with and win the hearts of the world's dirtiest (Wayne Rooney) and gather praises from all national team coaches alike (Domenech, Hiddink, McClaren, Dunga have all said nice things about him at one point or another). He also proved he could score in something other than the Premiership this year. Best player in the world. Hands down.
Wayne Rooney - the babyfaced killer added one of his own to further distance himself from that drought
Patrice Evra - underestimated French left wingback tallies the last and caps a spanking of a Serie A stalwart


Did I mention I'm not a big fan of most Serie A teams? I don't question their undoubted ability, international presence, or trophy cases, but when it comes to fandom, I can't get myself to root for an Inter Milan (although I like
Is it the venality? The Italian futbol style of 'catenaccio'? Or am I bitter about Guiseppe Rossi picking Italy over the U.S.?

You tell me. I still like to see Inter, AC, Roma, Parma, Juventus, the list goes on...lose.

Daniele De Rossi (well known for his Brian McBride elbow in the World Cup) tallied the lone goal for AS Roma.

In other news...

Chelsea 2, Valencia 1
UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal
Second Leg

Chelski counters with its' own win in a dramatic fashion of sorts. They went down 1-0 on former Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes strike in the 32nd minute, but Michael Essien and Andriy Shevchenko denied Valencia passage through to the semifinal with late strikes of their own. It's a good year for England - just wish that would translate onto the international pitch.



More to come on other things later...

Leg Two

UEFA Champions League
Scores:
Lyon 0, Roma 2


I don't know if we'll be hearing from our Lyon correspondant due to the result. Lyon, more than the past few years, had the best chance to get to that ever elusive final this year. Roma, specifically the Brazilian Mancini and Totti said no. Lyon, however, did have 19 shots to Roma's 8. The MVP in this was clearly Roma's GK Alexander Doni who was aggressive and pretty much out of his mind this whole game. Au revoir Lyon, it was a good run.

LYO: NONE
ROM: Totti (22), Mancini (44)

Inter 0, Valencia 0

Chaos ensued as Inter Milan was booted out. I am starting to despise Italian clubs. This shit has to stop. Calm your fans down, sedate them, shouldn't they all still be on a high from Italy's WC win?!? I'm protesting by not writing any more. Instead, I'll send you here. Oh yea and Valencia moves on thanks to away goals, 2-2.

INT: NONE
VAL: NONE

Chelsea 2, Porto 1

How I wanted Chelski to lose. Especially to Mourinho's old team. I can't complain, however, about 2 England squads into the final. Maybe there will be a little repeat of history - Liverpool v. Chelsea in the quarterfinal? Anyways, Chelsea won this crappily. Robben's goal, however, should be credited to Porto's GK Helton. It slipped through his hands and he lost his team the game. Well maybe it wasn't that bad considering Chelsea did have 17 shots.

CHE: Robben (48), M. Ballack (79)
POR: NONE

Liverpool 0, Barcelona 1

Barca still goes out on away goals 2-2. I love upsets and this one was the most important today. Liverpool have certainly proven to me that their win a couple years ago is not just a fluke. Although, I would have loved to see Lyon in the final, I will now be rooting for Gerrard and boys. Not to mention I like this new signing Arbeloa from Deportivo. Former Chelsea man Eidur Gudjohnsen tried to spark a comeback in the 75th minute, but ultimately Barca's possession play wasn't aggressive enough.

LIV: NONE
BAR: E. Gudjohnsen (75)

Other quick news:

* The U.S. has learned their opponents for this summer's Gold Cup. No surprise, we have the hardest group in El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guatemala. None of those teams are slouches. Mexico has Panama, Honduras, and Cuba. Canada has Haiti, Guadeloupe, the Ticos (Costa Rica). I'll give you the schedule at some other point.

* Jonathan Spector broke his silence on West Ham United's trials and tribulations. Eurosport has it all here. I'm surprised they allowed an American to give his opinion.

* The possibility of David Villa moving to Liverpool this summer is pretty high according to Goal.com and Eurosport. They would be ridiculously scary and then Robbie Fowler would most definitely have to act on that 'going to Qatar' business. Or wait? Could he come here?

* The lottery for former Maryland Terp and Heerenveen Frisian Robbie Rogers is gonna happen this Thursday. TFC wants him and seeing as their the expansion squad, they have the highest chance of getting him. We'll see.

*Some real good games tomorrow. Thank god for DVR/TIVO.

Lille vs Man United - a giant headache.

- So remember when I was talking about Juninho yesterday? Headlines in Europe (welll...maybe just France) again! This time, however, he is accusing UEFA and all non-French soccer teams of conspiratorial collusion. Yes, that's right. A conspiracy theory against all French clubs in European competition. Who knows - maybe he's right. The story is right here. Olympique Lyonnais must have believed him though and liked what he had to say (or how he plays) because he extended his contract til 2009 when he will be 34! Philly MLS should be in line to sign him right up after his OL days are over.

UPDATE: Apparently all Man U winger Ryan Giggs had to say about the mash-up between Lille and Man United was "I suppose that's typical of the French"...I'm French and that is amazing. Louis Saha, French Man Utd striker, also was in disbelief at Lille's griping for a replay.

MLS -

**No go on Rimando. Due to their shortage of GKs, Real Salt Lake needs him back. No word on RBNY's compensation. Why can't we just let Rimando decide who he likes best?
It comes down to this, a quality GK like Nick Rimando shouldn't be thrown around. This is good news for UPENN Quaker Danny Cepero as his chances of beating out John Conway are much healthier than having to beat out Rimando. Wow, three teams in an off-season, it's not THAT impressive, I'm sure there have been others. Have there????????

**Good article on a very probable US World Cup bid in 2018. The main focus, however, is how 2014 is actually more likely to happen.

____________________________________________________________________________________

To come:

Player Spotlight
Yank Premiership Recap
South Jersey FC update (for those care, for those who don't look in the blog archive!)

What the week holds in store.

Games to Watch this week (that CAN be watched in the states):

Everton vs. Tottenham (Premiership, Wednesday, 2/21/07)
*Timmy Howard's first game as a true Toffee will be marked by a reeling Tottenham Hotspur who just came off of a thrashing of the all-American team Fulham. Howard just signed a deal to join Everton permanently, as he has been on loan since the beginning of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson was quoted as wanting Tim back, but his over-abundance of GKs has kept him from acting on that. I like Tim at Everton better, same reason I like Onyewu at Newcastle. They will play everyday.
PREDICTION: 2-1 (Toffees stop the momentum of Robbie Keane with one goal by Mikel Arteta and another by Osman)

Houston Dynamo vs. Puntarenas FC
DC United vs. CD Olimpia (Champions Cup, Wednesday, 2/21/07)
*On FSC, two MLS teams will start the 2007-08 season. It looks to be interesting as DC hasn't been too convincing in their friendlies as of late. Houston has been so-so as well. It will be nice to see the MLS back in gear for the most part. Whats funny is that Luciano Emilio (the new DC United Brazilian forward) will be playing against his old team CD Olimpia.
PREDICTION: DC wins the first leg, 1-0, with Emilio scoring the lone goal and Houston ties Puntarenas

First Knockout Round, UEFA Champions League

PSV Eindhoven vs. Arsenal (Tuesday, 2/20/2007)
*It's a shame DaMarcus Beasley isn't here for this one, but oh well. Look for PSV to give Arsenal lots of trouble, especially on the wings. The Arsenal young'uns have proven very useful. The deciding factor, however, is that Thierry Henry is back. He's back, which means Arsenal wins the first leg.
PREDICTION: 2-0, Henry 1, Adebayor 1

FC Porto vs. Chelsea (Wednesday, 2/21/2007)
*I would like to see Chelsea lose, but the odds are firmly against that. Unless teen prodigy Anderson can muster up some magic to keep Chelski quiet.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-0, goals by yes...Drogba and Robben

Well, it looks like the matches to watch are ALL in the middle of the week. Happy watching.

In other news:

- Bob Bradley is NOT confirmed yet. I still want him to be though.
- Zinedine Zidane will probably not come here but it looks like there are talks taking place.
- Newly minted draft pick for DC United, Bryan Arguez, made the CONCACAF Champions Cup roster. Which you can check out here...For Houston, first round pick John Michael Hayden made it. Good to see the young'uns already out there.

Champions Cup Rosters

Je retournerai.