Oh the glorious return of matchdays in Portland. The weather was cold but sunny and dry, so the wife and kids joined me for the games. We arrived just shortly after the start of the first game and found a seat in my usual section, albeit a bit farther back than I usually shoot for. The kids were relatively entertained for most of the time, but there were moments of temporary insanity, as two and four year olds are wont to do. They can't really see what's going on, being too short to see over anyone, so it's pretty reasonable for them to get bored eventually. They were actually crazier during the first match before over sixteen thousand Timbers fans turned out. AIK and Chivas USA provided ample entertainment for me and the rest of the early birds, with the Swedish club winning two nil.
Portland and San Jose played to a 1-1 draw, though no Earthquake scored a goal.
Spencer elected to go with his single striker/possession formation, with Jorge Perlaza starting in up front as the lone striker. Kalif Alhassan played high on the right wing with the team on the ball, but tracked back defensively like a midfielder. With only one striker, James Marcelin gets to start as the holding midfielder, and (unsigned, U-23 alum, and Supplemental Draft pick) Ryan Kawulok got the nod at right back with Lovel Palmer working back from an injury and Steve Purdy away on international duty with El Salvador. Hanyer Mosquera and Andrew Jean-Baptiste started in the center, and Troy Perkins manned the pipes. San Jose played a 442, with what seems to be pretty close to a first choice lineup.
Chara was denied a pretty clear penalty when he was taken down in the box, working a give and a go with Perlaza, but the ref waved the appeal away. Alhassan scored a beautiful curling shot that hit the side netting, playing his corner short to Chara, who then returned it to Kalif for his wonder strike. Number Eleven ran straight to Spencer for his goal celebration, giving his coach an extended hug. Captain Jewsbury got into a shoving match in the center circle after a hard tackle and gamesmanship, ending the half with a high intensity.
The second half saw a terrible passing error by rookie centerback Jean-Baptiste lead shortly to an Hanyer Mosquera own goal. It's really too bad; if Mosquera had simply left the ball to roll across the box, Kawulok was right there to pick it up. Darlington Nagbe came in as a substitute for Alexander after an hour, Dike swapped with Perlaza at 73', and Palmer came on for Kawulok at 78'. Nagbe didn't really do anything special, but he did hold onto the ball under pressure fairly well, and pulled the trigger on a shot right away instead of hesitating. Dike hit the post with header from an Alhassan cross that he should have been able to bury. It connected with the top of his head, bounced off the top of the post and back into play, but a defender was there to clear it over the line right away.
Great first night out of the year. I love that this preseason tournament is planning on becoming an annual event, as a soft landing for players and fans can only be another edge for the team. It is also a cheap way to bring the family to a game. Finally, I decided on the name for my website: For You, I Have Sang.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Union of European Football Associations Europa League Round of Thirty-two
The Round of Thirty-two had few major upsets, with some of the bigger names facing off against each other.
Both Manchester clubs move into the Round of 16, with United just holding on at home to AFC Ajax while City destroyed holders FC Porto at Etihad Stadium. The Dutch club brought their game, trying to make up for a 0-2 loss in Amsterdam in the first leg, but were only able to score twice and fell 3-2. Defending Europa League Champions Porto lost the first leg at home 1-2, so needed to score at least twice to progress. City had other plans though, putting four past Helton. The other English side left in the competition, Stoke City FC, fell to Valencia CF in a pair of tightly contested 1-0 matches.
Athletic Bilbao ended the European competition for Russian side FK Lokomotiv Moscow at home, posting a 1-0 victory at home. The result tied them on aggregate, with Athletic's away goal giving them the tie-breaker. Over in Madrid, Atletico defeated SS Lazio with one goal to take the tie, after beating the Italians 1-3 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Hannover 96 walked away with a one goal victory at Club Brugge KV, holding the hosts scoreless while taking the tie on aggregate after their 2-1 victory at home in the first leg. FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 went into extra time with Viktoria Plzen, with the both 90 minute periods ending in 1-1 draws. Klaas Jan Huntelaar netted twice in the second extra period at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to finish a hat trick for the day, taking the Bundesliga side into the third round.
Udinese Calcio continued their excellent season, posting a three nil victory away to PAOK Salonika in Greece. The Pan-Thessalonican Athletic Club of Constantinopolitans had previously traveled to Italy for a scoreless draw, putting themselves in a great position to move on, but Udinese put two past the Thessalonians in under fifteen minutes.
Turkish side Besiktas JK defeated Portuguese giants Sporting Clube Braga on the back of a two goal victory away, as they lost the second leg at home by one. SP Lisbon move on as the only Portuguese team left in the competition, defeating Legia Warszawa with one goal at home after the first leg in Poland ended with two goals for each side.
FK Rubin Kazan lost to Olympiakos in a pair of one nil victories for the Greek side. In another rising UEFA country, Ukranian side FC Metalist Kharkiv completed their dismantling of the Austrians SV Salzburg, with 0-4 and 4-1 scorelines sending Kharkiv into the third round.
Jozy Altidore and Alkmaar Zaanstreek defeated Sacha Kljestan and Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht in a clash that was watched with great interest by many Americans. AZ move on after defeating Anderlecht at home in the first leg as well. Philips Sport Vereniging Eindoven topped Trabzonspor Kulubu 6-2 on aggregate on the back of a 4-1 win at home. FC Twente Enschede make it three out of four for Eredivisie teams in the Europa League as they defeated FC Steaua Bucuresti with a one goal victory at home, taking the aggregate after a single goal win away.
Royal Standard de Liege get into the third round, barely, as they win due to the away goal tiebreaker, with both legs against Wisla Krakow ending in draws.
Both Manchester clubs move into the Round of 16, with United just holding on at home to AFC Ajax while City destroyed holders FC Porto at Etihad Stadium. The Dutch club brought their game, trying to make up for a 0-2 loss in Amsterdam in the first leg, but were only able to score twice and fell 3-2. Defending Europa League Champions Porto lost the first leg at home 1-2, so needed to score at least twice to progress. City had other plans though, putting four past Helton. The other English side left in the competition, Stoke City FC, fell to Valencia CF in a pair of tightly contested 1-0 matches.
Athletic Bilbao ended the European competition for Russian side FK Lokomotiv Moscow at home, posting a 1-0 victory at home. The result tied them on aggregate, with Athletic's away goal giving them the tie-breaker. Over in Madrid, Atletico defeated SS Lazio with one goal to take the tie, after beating the Italians 1-3 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Hannover 96 walked away with a one goal victory at Club Brugge KV, holding the hosts scoreless while taking the tie on aggregate after their 2-1 victory at home in the first leg. FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 went into extra time with Viktoria Plzen, with the both 90 minute periods ending in 1-1 draws. Klaas Jan Huntelaar netted twice in the second extra period at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to finish a hat trick for the day, taking the Bundesliga side into the third round.
Udinese Calcio continued their excellent season, posting a three nil victory away to PAOK Salonika in Greece. The Pan-Thessalonican Athletic Club of Constantinopolitans had previously traveled to Italy for a scoreless draw, putting themselves in a great position to move on, but Udinese put two past the Thessalonians in under fifteen minutes.
Turkish side Besiktas JK defeated Portuguese giants Sporting Clube Braga on the back of a two goal victory away, as they lost the second leg at home by one. SP Lisbon move on as the only Portuguese team left in the competition, defeating Legia Warszawa with one goal at home after the first leg in Poland ended with two goals for each side.
FK Rubin Kazan lost to Olympiakos in a pair of one nil victories for the Greek side. In another rising UEFA country, Ukranian side FC Metalist Kharkiv completed their dismantling of the Austrians SV Salzburg, with 0-4 and 4-1 scorelines sending Kharkiv into the third round.
Jozy Altidore and Alkmaar Zaanstreek defeated Sacha Kljestan and Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht in a clash that was watched with great interest by many Americans. AZ move on after defeating Anderlecht at home in the first leg as well. Philips Sport Vereniging Eindoven topped Trabzonspor Kulubu 6-2 on aggregate on the back of a 4-1 win at home. FC Twente Enschede make it three out of four for Eredivisie teams in the Europa League as they defeated FC Steaua Bucuresti with a one goal victory at home, taking the aggregate after a single goal win away.
Royal Standard de Liege get into the third round, barely, as they win due to the away goal tiebreaker, with both legs against Wisla Krakow ending in draws.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Football Association Cup: Quarterfinal Draw
The big sides managed to avoid each other in the quarterfinal draw of the FA Cup. The winner of Chelsea/Birmingham City will host Leicester City; Everton hosts Sunderland; Stoke City will travel to Anfield Road to face Liverpool; and Stevenage or Tottenham will host Tim Ream's new club Bolton Wanderers. All the games will be March 17 at 8am Pacific.
Birmingham City will host Chelsea at St. Andrews Stadium on March 6.
Gary Smith's Stevenage will travel to London to face the Hotspur March 7.
Birmingham City will host Chelsea at St. Andrews Stadium on March 6.
Gary Smith's Stevenage will travel to London to face the Hotspur March 7.
Union of European Football Associations Champions League Round of Sixteen Matchday One
Whew! What a mouthful of a title on that one. Matchday One for the Round of Sixteen was pretty awesome. Some massive results have the English sides reeling, all but eliminated. Underdogs pulled off big results at home all over Europe, making Matchday Two very intriguing.
Holders Barcelona defeated Bayer Leverkusen on the road at the BayArena. Leverkusen came out with the intention of absorbing as much pressure as possible, conceding 75% possession, yet Alexis Sanchez ran down a Lionel Messi chip and slotted it past keeper Bernd Leno before the break. Life was briefly blown into the home side's sails when Michal Kadlec redirected Vedran Corluka's cross into the net, but Sanchez found the goal again, with Cesc Fabregas the provider for his double. Messi created his own chance at the death, sending Dani Alves through and burying his return. The second leg is March 7 at Camp Nou, Barcelona.
Lyon scraped out a win at home against Apoel Nicosia, the first side from Cyprus to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. Alexandre Lacazette gave the French side the winner in the 58' when his shot was deflected past Nicosia keeper Dionisis Chiotis. Nicosia showed zero interest in attacking away from home, managing just one shot the entire match, by Gustavo Manduca in the 88', and conceding 64% possession. The teams will meet again March 7 in Cyprus at the Neo GSP Stadium.
FC Zenit of St. Petersburg held on for the win late, defeating Benfica at Petrovski Stadium. The away side took an early lead when Maxi Pereira latched onto the rebound served up by Yuri Zhevnov after Oscar Cardozo's free kick at 20'. Zenit equalized just seven minutes later when Roman Shirokov side-footed Tomas Hubocan's cross past Benfica keeper Artur. The scoreline would remain silent for the next 45 minutes, despite good chances from both sides, until Semak backheeled an excellent ball from Kerzhakov via Bystrov. Zenit looked to have the game in hand until Cardozo is handed the ball by Zhevnov to put in his net two minutes from time. But Shirokov would net a brace as the initial scorer would prove a poor defender to allow an easy shot for the win. Return leg in Portugal March 6 at Estadio da Luz.
AC Milan thrashed Arsenal at the San Siro four nil, effectively killing the North London side's chances of any trophies this season. Thierry Henry made his final appearance for his former club as a halftime substitute for Theo Walcott. Kevin-Prince Boateng scored early, Robinho netted just before and just after the break, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic added to the tally from the spot late to further twist the knife. Arsenal have little chance to make a turnaround March 6 when they host Milan at the Emirates.
Real Madrid was unable to hold onto a lead in Moscow, giving away a late goal in stoppage time in freezing conditions at Luzhniki Stadium. PFC CSKA is Professional Football Club - Central Sport Club of the Army in Moscow, yet is no longer technically a section of the military's Central Sport Club, as it joined the professional league. The Ministry of Defense is a shareholder of CSKA though, and the CSC claims the PFC as their own, so there are clearly deep associations that go beyond strict legal definitions (surprise!). Portus Wernbloom ruined Cristiano Ronaldo's day when he cancelled out the fancy man's first half strike. Madrid hold serve March 14 at the Santiago Bernabeu, and will likely decimate the Russian side.
Chelsea held England's last hope of Champion's League glory, in a game I was able to catch live. Andre Villas Boas named a side tinged with rebellion, keeping the veterans on the bench in favor of his men. And things seemed to be working, with Juan Mata scoring first just before the half hour. But AVB man Raul Meireles ran away from Ezequiel Lavezzi just outside the 18, instead of closing him down like every other center midfielder on every team in the world from U7 up would do, giving the Italian a clear shot which he buried, of course, past the helpless Petr Cech. Edinson Cavani backed up his prematch shit-talking when he shouldered in a cross from Gokhan Inler in first half stoppage time. Chelsea would continue to control possession but failed to create many effective chances in the second half. Napoli scored again on the break, when David Luiz blundered his interception of a deep ball, Cavani squared the ball to Lavezzi and the game was over. Sturridge wasted a chance to pull within one when he failed to feed Mata, who would have been free on goal, but that was about as threatening as Chelsea was for the rest of the match. Chelsea hosts Napoli at Stamford Bridge March 14.
Swiss champions and giant killers FC Basel continued their storybook run when they defeated Bayern Munich at St. Jakob-Park on the back of a late goal by Valentin Stocker. Each side had their fair share of chances, with Basel hitting hitting the post twice, but conceded possession to the Bundesliga side. The teams will complete the fixture March 13 at Allianz Arena in Munich.
Internazionale failed to do much of anything in France, as Marseille seriously outshot and outpossessed the Milan club. Yet the Ligue 1 side could not put it in the net until Andre Ayew scored with the final touch of the game, heading in a corner past Julio Cesar in the 93'. Inter will be favored to overcome this deficit when the teams clash again March 13 at the San Siro, but I'm sure I won't be the only one rooting for Inter to continue their fall from grace.
Holders Barcelona defeated Bayer Leverkusen on the road at the BayArena. Leverkusen came out with the intention of absorbing as much pressure as possible, conceding 75% possession, yet Alexis Sanchez ran down a Lionel Messi chip and slotted it past keeper Bernd Leno before the break. Life was briefly blown into the home side's sails when Michal Kadlec redirected Vedran Corluka's cross into the net, but Sanchez found the goal again, with Cesc Fabregas the provider for his double. Messi created his own chance at the death, sending Dani Alves through and burying his return. The second leg is March 7 at Camp Nou, Barcelona.
Lyon scraped out a win at home against Apoel Nicosia, the first side from Cyprus to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. Alexandre Lacazette gave the French side the winner in the 58' when his shot was deflected past Nicosia keeper Dionisis Chiotis. Nicosia showed zero interest in attacking away from home, managing just one shot the entire match, by Gustavo Manduca in the 88', and conceding 64% possession. The teams will meet again March 7 in Cyprus at the Neo GSP Stadium.
FC Zenit of St. Petersburg held on for the win late, defeating Benfica at Petrovski Stadium. The away side took an early lead when Maxi Pereira latched onto the rebound served up by Yuri Zhevnov after Oscar Cardozo's free kick at 20'. Zenit equalized just seven minutes later when Roman Shirokov side-footed Tomas Hubocan's cross past Benfica keeper Artur. The scoreline would remain silent for the next 45 minutes, despite good chances from both sides, until Semak backheeled an excellent ball from Kerzhakov via Bystrov. Zenit looked to have the game in hand until Cardozo is handed the ball by Zhevnov to put in his net two minutes from time. But Shirokov would net a brace as the initial scorer would prove a poor defender to allow an easy shot for the win. Return leg in Portugal March 6 at Estadio da Luz.
AC Milan thrashed Arsenal at the San Siro four nil, effectively killing the North London side's chances of any trophies this season. Thierry Henry made his final appearance for his former club as a halftime substitute for Theo Walcott. Kevin-Prince Boateng scored early, Robinho netted just before and just after the break, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic added to the tally from the spot late to further twist the knife. Arsenal have little chance to make a turnaround March 6 when they host Milan at the Emirates.
Real Madrid was unable to hold onto a lead in Moscow, giving away a late goal in stoppage time in freezing conditions at Luzhniki Stadium. PFC CSKA is Professional Football Club - Central Sport Club of the Army in Moscow, yet is no longer technically a section of the military's Central Sport Club, as it joined the professional league. The Ministry of Defense is a shareholder of CSKA though, and the CSC claims the PFC as their own, so there are clearly deep associations that go beyond strict legal definitions (surprise!). Portus Wernbloom ruined Cristiano Ronaldo's day when he cancelled out the fancy man's first half strike. Madrid hold serve March 14 at the Santiago Bernabeu, and will likely decimate the Russian side.
Chelsea held England's last hope of Champion's League glory, in a game I was able to catch live. Andre Villas Boas named a side tinged with rebellion, keeping the veterans on the bench in favor of his men. And things seemed to be working, with Juan Mata scoring first just before the half hour. But AVB man Raul Meireles ran away from Ezequiel Lavezzi just outside the 18, instead of closing him down like every other center midfielder on every team in the world from U7 up would do, giving the Italian a clear shot which he buried, of course, past the helpless Petr Cech. Edinson Cavani backed up his prematch shit-talking when he shouldered in a cross from Gokhan Inler in first half stoppage time. Chelsea would continue to control possession but failed to create many effective chances in the second half. Napoli scored again on the break, when David Luiz blundered his interception of a deep ball, Cavani squared the ball to Lavezzi and the game was over. Sturridge wasted a chance to pull within one when he failed to feed Mata, who would have been free on goal, but that was about as threatening as Chelsea was for the rest of the match. Chelsea hosts Napoli at Stamford Bridge March 14.
Swiss champions and giant killers FC Basel continued their storybook run when they defeated Bayern Munich at St. Jakob-Park on the back of a late goal by Valentin Stocker. Each side had their fair share of chances, with Basel hitting hitting the post twice, but conceded possession to the Bundesliga side. The teams will complete the fixture March 13 at Allianz Arena in Munich.
Internazionale failed to do much of anything in France, as Marseille seriously outshot and outpossessed the Milan club. Yet the Ligue 1 side could not put it in the net until Andre Ayew scored with the final touch of the game, heading in a corner past Julio Cesar in the 93'. Inter will be favored to overcome this deficit when the teams clash again March 13 at the San Siro, but I'm sure I won't be the only one rooting for Inter to continue their fall from grace.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Football Association Cup: Fifth Round
The fifth round of the FA Cup provided the usual dose of drama, with some big results from smaller teams.
Sunderland defeated Arsenal at home thanks to a goal from Kieran Richardson in the first half and an own goal by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with just twelve minutes remaining, slamming the door shut on Arsenal's last chance at a trophy this season.
League One Stevenage, lead by new manager Gary Smith (formerly of the 2010 MLS Cup Champions Colorado Rapids), somehow held Tottenham to a nil draw at home. This is an amazing result for the aspiring club, who will get to play at White Hart Lane March 7 in the rematch. Stevenage are clinging to the last promotion playoff spot, hoping to secure a third successful advance up the ranks.
Birmingham City matched Chelsea to force a replay March 6. Juan Mata had his penalty saved by Colin Doyle in the 23', already behind when David Murphy scored from a corner three minutes prior. Daniel Sturridge leveled the sides, heading in a cross from Branislav Ivanovic just after the hour.
Leicester City defeated Norwich City 1-2 on the back of an early goal from a corner by Sean St. Ledger at five minutes and the winner twenty minutes from time by David Nugent. Norwich's goal came after Leicester keeper Kaspar Schmeichel crashed into Elliot Bennett and ceded a penalty. Schmeichel saved the shot, but the rebound fell straight back to captain Wesley Hoolahan who put his second attempt into the net.
In what was supposed to be Landon Donovan's farewell match, but wasn't due to influenza, Everton put two past Blackpool and advance into the final eight. Royston Drenthe hit a shot in the fallout of a free kick conceded in a dangerous position, and put Everton up in the first minute. Drenthe turned provider with a corner kick that Denis Stracqualursi succeeded in directing into the net just five minutes later. Up two in six, the home side dominated the rest of the game, conceding only a meaningless penalty in stoppage time when John Heitinga fouled Roman Bednar in the box.
Bolton Wanderers defeated Championship side Millwall in former New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream's debut. 19 year old Ryo Miyaichi collected a pass from a Sam Ricketts free kick and put it past Steve Mildenhall to put the visitors ahead in just five minutes. The game remained competitive until David Ngog powered his shot from outside the box into the net.
Fairy tale makers Crawley Town failed to make it past the fifth round in their second consecutive cinderella run, this time falling to Stoke City at home (last year they went to Old Trafford in their loss to Manchester United). The League Two side is comfortably in the promotion playoff zone and can realistically compete for the guaranteed spot, following in Stevenage's promotion footsteps one year behind. The result hurts as they managed seven shots on goal to Stoke's one, earned eleven corners to two, and managed superior possession as well, but Jonathan Walters put the Premier League side up through a penalty just before the break. Peter Crouch used his head to redirect a Glenn Whelan cross into the net, the only on target shot of the game for Stoke.
And in the least interested matchup of the round, for me personally, Liverpool beat Brighton 6-1, thanks to three own goals. Martin Skrtel put the home side up early, while Zazenga LuaLua leveled not long after. It looked to go tied up at the half until Liam Bridcutt put it into his own net. Andy Carroll scored just before the hour, Bridcutt again put it in for the other team. Lewis Dunk did the same just three minutes later when he failed to wrap up a Luis Suarez cross, bumbling it over the line. Suarez then took a penalty very poorly, allowing keeper Peter Brezovan an easy save, but then redeemed himself four minutes later with a goal from open play.
Sunderland defeated Arsenal at home thanks to a goal from Kieran Richardson in the first half and an own goal by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with just twelve minutes remaining, slamming the door shut on Arsenal's last chance at a trophy this season.
League One Stevenage, lead by new manager Gary Smith (formerly of the 2010 MLS Cup Champions Colorado Rapids), somehow held Tottenham to a nil draw at home. This is an amazing result for the aspiring club, who will get to play at White Hart Lane March 7 in the rematch. Stevenage are clinging to the last promotion playoff spot, hoping to secure a third successful advance up the ranks.
Birmingham City matched Chelsea to force a replay March 6. Juan Mata had his penalty saved by Colin Doyle in the 23', already behind when David Murphy scored from a corner three minutes prior. Daniel Sturridge leveled the sides, heading in a cross from Branislav Ivanovic just after the hour.
Leicester City defeated Norwich City 1-2 on the back of an early goal from a corner by Sean St. Ledger at five minutes and the winner twenty minutes from time by David Nugent. Norwich's goal came after Leicester keeper Kaspar Schmeichel crashed into Elliot Bennett and ceded a penalty. Schmeichel saved the shot, but the rebound fell straight back to captain Wesley Hoolahan who put his second attempt into the net.
In what was supposed to be Landon Donovan's farewell match, but wasn't due to influenza, Everton put two past Blackpool and advance into the final eight. Royston Drenthe hit a shot in the fallout of a free kick conceded in a dangerous position, and put Everton up in the first minute. Drenthe turned provider with a corner kick that Denis Stracqualursi succeeded in directing into the net just five minutes later. Up two in six, the home side dominated the rest of the game, conceding only a meaningless penalty in stoppage time when John Heitinga fouled Roman Bednar in the box.
Bolton Wanderers defeated Championship side Millwall in former New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream's debut. 19 year old Ryo Miyaichi collected a pass from a Sam Ricketts free kick and put it past Steve Mildenhall to put the visitors ahead in just five minutes. The game remained competitive until David Ngog powered his shot from outside the box into the net.
Fairy tale makers Crawley Town failed to make it past the fifth round in their second consecutive cinderella run, this time falling to Stoke City at home (last year they went to Old Trafford in their loss to Manchester United). The League Two side is comfortably in the promotion playoff zone and can realistically compete for the guaranteed spot, following in Stevenage's promotion footsteps one year behind. The result hurts as they managed seven shots on goal to Stoke's one, earned eleven corners to two, and managed superior possession as well, but Jonathan Walters put the Premier League side up through a penalty just before the break. Peter Crouch used his head to redirect a Glenn Whelan cross into the net, the only on target shot of the game for Stoke.
And in the least interested matchup of the round, for me personally, Liverpool beat Brighton 6-1, thanks to three own goals. Martin Skrtel put the home side up early, while Zazenga LuaLua leveled not long after. It looked to go tied up at the half until Liam Bridcutt put it into his own net. Andy Carroll scored just before the hour, Bridcutt again put it in for the other team. Lewis Dunk did the same just three minutes later when he failed to wrap up a Luis Suarez cross, bumbling it over the line. Suarez then took a penalty very poorly, allowing keeper Peter Brezovan an easy save, but then redeemed himself four minutes later with a goal from open play.
Zambia wins the African Cup of Nations
Belatedly I report, Zambia went the distance with the heavy favorites Ivory Coast, going scoreless for 120 minutes and forcing a shootout. The teams proceeded to make fourteen consecutive PKs then missed three before Stophira Sunzu hit his shot to give Zambia their first continental champtionship.
Taking one of the eight successful shots for Zambia was keeper Kennedy Mweene, who netted a nice easy shot with opposing keeper Boubacar Barry going the wrong way. Kolo Toure had his shot saved and Gervinho skied his shot from the eight and nine spots.
Didier Drogba had a golden chance to seal the deal at 70', but he wasted the opportunity Gervinho created, shooting well over the bar. The card was given to to the wrong player; it is clear in the replay that Isaac Chansa ran into Gervinho, shoving him into Nyabe Mulenga's next step. Mulenga was carded and immediately subbed off.
The penalty and subsequent miss
The shootout
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February Camping
The family and I returned from a successful trip to Beverly Beach State Park not too long ago, and I have to say I am surprised by how relatively enjoyable everything turned out for the group. Social cooperation between eleven adults went fairly smoothly and was largely drama free, though our attempt to walk to the ocean at one in the morning was like a chicken with its head cut off - we walked around in circles for a while before giving up.
The kids loved all the attention and the novelty of the yurt. Our trip during daylight to the beach was much more satisfying than the previous night's attempt, and Tanis was able to add to his arbitrarily found rock collection. I imagine there will be a repeat trip next February.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Single Game Tickets
PTFC announced that single tickets for regular season games go on sale February 28, from 5-10pm. Season ticket holders have a special pre-sale starting February 23 at 10am.
It looks like they are really expecting a crowd, and decided to throw a party.
At the event, Papa Murphy’s and Stumptown Coffee Roasters will provide free pizza and coffee samples for fans. JELD-WEN Windows & Doors will distribute JELD-WEN/The Home Depot gift cards to the first and final 100 fans that purchase single-game tickets on Feb. 28. Additionally, the JELD-WEN Showroom at the stadium will be open and fans are invited to stop by during their visit to JELD-WEN Field.I'm not sure what the details are for the season ticket holder "period" but I imagine I'll be calling my ticket services representative exactly two weeks from now, +/- a few hours.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
African Cup of Nations: Semifinals
Zambia 1-0 Ghana
Mali 0-1 Ivory Coast
In the upset of the knockout round, Zambia bested Ghana to reach the finals for the first time since 1994, when they lost to Nigeria. This time, however, they will face Ivory Coast, who lost on penalties six years ago to Egypt in their last final.
The final will take place at 11am this Sunday, in Libreville, Gabon, on the west coast of the continent, in the Stade d'Angondje. Libreville has a population slightly smaller than that of Portland.
Ghana and Mali will face off Saturday in the consolation match, at Nuevo Estadio in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Malabo, built in the sunken hollow of a dead volcano, is not only on Bioko Island, but is also the capital of the country. Equatorial Guinea is a tiny country about the size of Massachusetts.
Ghana controlled the run of play for much of the game, but failed to capitalize on many opportunities. Case in point would be Asamoah Gyan's penalty miss in the seventh minute. But it was Emmanuel Mayuka in the 78' who won the game for Zambia with a nice shot. He received the ball with his back to the goal around the edge of the box, touched the ball to his left once before turning and burying it into the net off the far post. Ghana then went down to ten men after Derek Boateng was shown his second yellow just six minutes later, and the game was over.
Mali was dominated by Ivory Coast in the other match, but were not outclassed. Mali was able to maintain decent possession, and put themselves into good positions, but were wasteful in the final third and weren't able to threaten often. Ivory Coast, however, threatened often but were unlucky as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure both struck the woodwork before Gervinho ran from his own half before beating Soumaila Diakite at the far post at the death of the half.
Mali 0-1 Ivory Coast
In the upset of the knockout round, Zambia bested Ghana to reach the finals for the first time since 1994, when they lost to Nigeria. This time, however, they will face Ivory Coast, who lost on penalties six years ago to Egypt in their last final.
The final will take place at 11am this Sunday, in Libreville, Gabon, on the west coast of the continent, in the Stade d'Angondje. Libreville has a population slightly smaller than that of Portland.
Ghana and Mali will face off Saturday in the consolation match, at Nuevo Estadio in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Malabo, built in the sunken hollow of a dead volcano, is not only on Bioko Island, but is also the capital of the country. Equatorial Guinea is a tiny country about the size of Massachusetts.
Ghana controlled the run of play for much of the game, but failed to capitalize on many opportunities. Case in point would be Asamoah Gyan's penalty miss in the seventh minute. But it was Emmanuel Mayuka in the 78' who won the game for Zambia with a nice shot. He received the ball with his back to the goal around the edge of the box, touched the ball to his left once before turning and burying it into the net off the far post. Ghana then went down to ten men after Derek Boateng was shown his second yellow just six minutes later, and the game was over.
Mali was dominated by Ivory Coast in the other match, but were not outclassed. Mali was able to maintain decent possession, and put themselves into good positions, but were wasteful in the final third and weren't able to threaten often. Ivory Coast, however, threatened often but were unlucky as Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure both struck the woodwork before Gervinho ran from his own half before beating Soumaila Diakite at the far post at the death of the half.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
African Cup of Nations: Quarterfinals Day One
Zambia 3-0 Sudan
An early goal by a completely unmarked Stophira Sunzu, a nice header from the near post from a free kick, put Zambia ahead of Sudan, a lead which would not be threatened.
Midfielder Saifeldin Ali Idris Farah really ruined Sudan's chances of victory when he was shown his second yellow, conceding a penalty while getting sent off. Christopher Katongo took the spot kick, which was fraudulently saved by Sudan keeper Akram El Hadi Salem, who was way off his line before the ball was struck. Making the lack of call more ridiculous is that Katongo purposefully approached the spot with a stutter step designed to either force him to commit to a side or draw the him off the line. The rules are clear: coming off the line and a missed shot requires a retake; I might think the referee chose to not call the infraction because the rebound went in, but the linesman did not raise his flag to indicate the foul.
Down to ten men Sudan had no chance; James Chamanga sealed the deal on 84' with an excellent bending strike from the edge of the box in open play that just barely struck the inside of the far post. Zambia will now face the winner of the Ghana/Tunisia.
Highlights
Ivory Coast 3-0 Equatorial Guinea
As I predicted in my preview, Didier Drogba would find a way to win this game. After having a penalty saved by Equatorial Guinea keeper Danilo after the other Didier, Zakora, was taken down in the box, Drogba intercepted a failed defensive pass and beat both defenders in the box, firing his shot low and inside the near post.
Ivory Coast controlled the game but were unable to add to their lead until the Chelsea forward ripped a header from Yaya Toure set piece twenty-five minutes into the second half. Manchester City's Toure nailed an amazing free kick into the top right corner with nine minutes remaining to eliminate any chance the co-hosts would mount a comeback. Ivory Coast will face the winner of Gabon/Mali.
Highlights
Drogba penalty saved
An early goal by a completely unmarked Stophira Sunzu, a nice header from the near post from a free kick, put Zambia ahead of Sudan, a lead which would not be threatened.
Midfielder Saifeldin Ali Idris Farah really ruined Sudan's chances of victory when he was shown his second yellow, conceding a penalty while getting sent off. Christopher Katongo took the spot kick, which was fraudulently saved by Sudan keeper Akram El Hadi Salem, who was way off his line before the ball was struck. Making the lack of call more ridiculous is that Katongo purposefully approached the spot with a stutter step designed to either force him to commit to a side or draw the him off the line. The rules are clear: coming off the line and a missed shot requires a retake; I might think the referee chose to not call the infraction because the rebound went in, but the linesman did not raise his flag to indicate the foul.
Down to ten men Sudan had no chance; James Chamanga sealed the deal on 84' with an excellent bending strike from the edge of the box in open play that just barely struck the inside of the far post. Zambia will now face the winner of the Ghana/Tunisia.
Highlights
Ivory Coast 3-0 Equatorial Guinea
As I predicted in my preview, Didier Drogba would find a way to win this game. After having a penalty saved by Equatorial Guinea keeper Danilo after the other Didier, Zakora, was taken down in the box, Drogba intercepted a failed defensive pass and beat both defenders in the box, firing his shot low and inside the near post.
Ivory Coast controlled the game but were unable to add to their lead until the Chelsea forward ripped a header from Yaya Toure set piece twenty-five minutes into the second half. Manchester City's Toure nailed an amazing free kick into the top right corner with nine minutes remaining to eliminate any chance the co-hosts would mount a comeback. Ivory Coast will face the winner of Gabon/Mali.
Highlights
Drogba penalty saved
Friday, February 3, 2012
Jose Adolfo Valencia saga finally resolved
The delay in announcing the full details explaining Trencito's absence from practice was due, in part, to the renegotiation of the terms of his transfer from Independiente Santa Fe. The details of the new deal, or the old deal, aren't released because MLS fans are kept in the dark about contract terms until some point later on in the season.
We know that the deal has been changed to temporary loan, with an obligation to complete the original deal when he is healthy again. He won't be a DP this year, and won't occupy a roster or international spot. This allows the team to sign a player in his place this year (hello Sebastian Rincon, I noticed you joined practice after Valencia's injury was discovered).
Valencia damaged the cartilage in his left knee. The surgery to repair it will be executed by the Timbers Director of Medicine, and his recovery will take 6-12 months. I'd assume we will have a more narrow timeline after the surgery, but he won't be getting any first team minutes this year. I going to go out on a limb and guess that with no complications we will see him on the pitch with the reserve team by the end of the year, depending on that schedule. He is a young man who should be motivated to work hard at his recovery. In the meanwhile, he will be soaking in the philosophy of the club, learning our system and developing relationships with is teammates. All those things will make him that much more valuable in 2013.
Update: Gavin Wilkinson talks about the Valencia surgery in this awesome interview.
Update: Gavin Wilkinson talks about the Valencia surgery in this awesome interview.
I love twitter, and I love the owner of this team. Here is a pared down progression of his Valencia related tweets starting Thursday morning. (I have removed the names of other users.) Take it away @MerrittPaulson:
Thursday
10:24am Valencia situation detail should be made public tomorrow or fri latest. tough news for short term but better news for long term 4:11pm ... he will stay w portland
5:47pm ... announcement is ready. Once league approves it will be out
Friday
10:32am Day we found out about valencia's knee was tough one. But we will win games no matter obstacles and player is very much part of our future
10:33am He's young. We expect a 100% recovery. One of 3 best surgeons for this type of rare injury is local.
@TaylorTwellman is it microfracture surgery?
10:34am no
10:36am Last one from me: hopefully its now clear why we had delay in getting word out. Lots to work through when player fails contingent test
10:47am ... I lied..1 more. Original trencito deal was a purchase. That won't kick in until he is healthy. For now we retain his rights and rehab him
10:56am ... will stay here...better facilities and treatment. Can learn english and get to know teammates. Other colombians will help a ton.
11:25am ... "Loan" is purely a technicality until we opt to kick in purchase when/if he's fully recovered
11:27am ... if our drs and their drs conclude he is 100% recovered then we are obligated to move forward. we are confident
Official Press Release:
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers today announced that forward Jose Adolfo Valencia will undergo surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his left knee. Valencia is expected to miss 6-12 months.
A recent MRI showed damaged cartilage to the surface of the femur in Valencia’s knee. The surgery will be performed by Timbers Director of Medicine Dr. Jonathan E. Greenleaf at Sports Medicine Oregon on Monday.
While it is uncertain when Valencia, 20, sustained the injury, the Timbers and Valencia’s former club, Colombian first-division side Independiente Santa Fe, have agreed to amended terms of the original loan agreement. Valencia’s designation as a Young Designated Player was contingent upon the terms of the original loan agreement. The new loan agreement terms do not require him to count as a Young Designated Player this season. Valencia will remain with the Timbers on their Disabled List while rehabilitating from surgery and therefore not occupy a spot on the team’s roster nor count as one of the team’s international players.
“Our No. 1 priority is ensuring the long-term physical health of Jose,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager of the Timbers. “We are pleased to have worked with his former club in Colombia on amended terms of his transfer, considering the circumstances. We are very committed to Jose as a person and as a player, and intend to return to the original terms of his transfer agreement when he returns to full health following rehabilitation.”
Valencia, who was originally acquired from Independiente Santa Fe on Dec. 15, 2011, will conduct his rehabilitation with the team in Portland.
“We feel strongly about our long-term commitment to Jose and see him as a big part of the future success of this team,” Wilkinson said.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
African Cup of Nations: Matchday 3
Group A:
Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia
Libya 2-1 Senegal
Despite Libya's best efforts in their win over Senegal, they were unable to advance to the quarterfinals, as the other result in the group went against them. Issab Boussefi started things early for Libya with a 5' strike, only to have Demi Ndiaya hit the back of the net six minutes later to bring Senegal level. Boussefi got the winner in the 84' to complete his brace. Senegal came into this tournament as the highest ranked team (43) behind Ivory Coast (18) and Ghana (26), both of whom are ranked higher than the United States (33). Yet they were unable to win a single game, even losing to the lowest seed in the tournament, Equatorial Guinea (151). Zambia's win over Equatorial Guinea on Christopher Katongo's 67' winner gave them first place in Group A, with the co-hosts hold on for second place.
Group B:
Sudan 2-1 Burkina Faso
Ivory Coast 2-0 Angola
Sudan advance as second in their group because they lost by less than Angola to group winners Ivory Coast. Eithab Careca Mudathir scored on each side of the break to give Sudan the win, with Issiaka Ouedraogo getting a stoppage time consolation for Burkina Faso. Ivory Coast didn't grant Angola much chance as Emmanuel Eboue and Bony Wilfred scored for the Elephants on the half and full hours.
Group C:
Gabon 1-0 Tunisia
Niger 0-1 Morocco
Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Zambia
Libya 2-1 Senegal
Despite Libya's best efforts in their win over Senegal, they were unable to advance to the quarterfinals, as the other result in the group went against them. Issab Boussefi started things early for Libya with a 5' strike, only to have Demi Ndiaya hit the back of the net six minutes later to bring Senegal level. Boussefi got the winner in the 84' to complete his brace. Senegal came into this tournament as the highest ranked team (43) behind Ivory Coast (18) and Ghana (26), both of whom are ranked higher than the United States (33). Yet they were unable to win a single game, even losing to the lowest seed in the tournament, Equatorial Guinea (151). Zambia's win over Equatorial Guinea on Christopher Katongo's 67' winner gave them first place in Group A, with the co-hosts hold on for second place.
Group B:
Sudan 2-1 Burkina Faso
Ivory Coast 2-0 Angola
Sudan advance as second in their group because they lost by less than Angola to group winners Ivory Coast. Eithab Careca Mudathir scored on each side of the break to give Sudan the win, with Issiaka Ouedraogo getting a stoppage time consolation for Burkina Faso. Ivory Coast didn't grant Angola much chance as Emmanuel Eboue and Bony Wilfred scored for the Elephants on the half and full hours.
Group C:
Gabon 1-0 Tunisia
Niger 0-1 Morocco
Pierre Aubameyang has become a hero to his country these past two weeks, scoring in each of Gabon's three games. His 62' minute goal against the run of play gave the co-hosts the top of the group. Morocco and Niger faced off with only pride on the line, and Younes Belhanda gave Morroco their win eleven minutes from full time.
Group D:
Botswana 1-2 Mali
Ghana 1-1 Guinea
The battle for second place in the group was won for Mali by Barcelona midfield Seydou Keita. His 74' minute strike put the Eagles ahead of terrible Botswana for good. Garra Dembele brought Mali level just before the hour after Mogakolodi Ngele gave Botswana their first lead of the tournament. Guinea did their best to qualify for the knockout round, demolishing Botswana on matchday two to ensure themselves a great differential, but had to best Mali's result to move on after losing to the same side 1-0 on matchday one. Making things harder was Ghana needing only the draw to win the group, and as such were unwilling to give up much space in defense. Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu put Ghana ahead before the half hour, but Guinea put themselves level just before the half on a strike from Abdoul Camara. Their chances of progressing were greatly reduced when Mamadou Bah was shown yellow on 50' and again at 70'; Guinea had little chance against Ghana for the rest of the match being down to ten men.
Knockout Round:
2/4
Zambia v Sudan
Ivory Coast v Equatorial Guinea
2/5
Gabon v Mali
Ghana v Tunisia
I am going to predict that all four group winners advance to the semifinals. Zambia is much better than Sudan, and Ivory Coast will destroy Equatorial Guinea. Gabon/Mali and Ghana/Tunisia are much closer matches, though Ghana will still dominate Tunisia. I give the edge to Gabon due to their relative home-field advantage (the game is in Equatorial Guinea but is still very close to home relatively) for the only upset of the round. Ivory Coast and Ghana looked dominant in the group stage, and will face each other in the finals, setting up the best possible matchup for a final out of all possible outcomes. Except maybe unless both host countries made it, but that is not very likely. I think Ivory Coast is going to win, simply because Didier Drogba will find a way to make that happen.
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