Saturday, March 31, 2012
Aston Villa visits Jeld-Wen this Summer
West Midlands club Aston Villa will face the Timbers this year, the Premier League side visiting Portland on July 28. It is currently unclear if this will count as Exhibition C for season ticket holders.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Reserves start season out with a loss
Travelling to San Jose, the reserve squad fell to their western conference opponents thanks to a Jean-Marc Alexandre goal just eight minutes into the second half. The match saw some players in interesting positions and some new faces as well. Kasali Casal, 25 year old former Fulham academy player, started the match at left back and went the entire 90 minutes. This bumped Mike Chabala, who also wore the captain's armband, into the center of the midfield, with Charles Renken on the left wing. Sal Zizzo made his return from injury in the 67', coming on for Sebastian Rincon, who is still not officially on the roster (my tactical mind is working here and I cannot imagine Zizzo playing striker behind Dike, so I figure Zizzo moves to the right wing and Richards moved up front). Two other unsigned players were on the bench, keeper Doug Herrick and midfielder Dylan Leslie. The team picked Herrick in the Supplemental Draft this year but chose to sign Bendik instead, while Leslie was his teammate at Saint Mary's College. Looks like Leslie spent time last with FC Tuscon in 2011, in the PDL.
The next match for the reserves is at Starfire against Seattle on April 10.
The next match for the reserves is at Starfire against Seattle on April 10.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Portland falls to New England
Returning to the site of the first point the MLS franchise ever earned, the Timbers gave away a goal inside of a minute. Poor defending by Kalif Alhassan and Jack Jewsbury allowed an excellent cross from Chris Tierney to find the head of Saer Sene, glancing off in the inside of the crossbar and into the goal. Alhassan failed to close down Tierney with a sense of urgency, while Jewsbury allowed Sene to stroll into the box unmarked as he followed behind him lackadaisically.
That's essentially the story of the match, with a few minor sidebars. Kris Boyd should have put two headers into the goal and Diego Chara failed to finish a chance that was ripe for plucking. Franck Songo'o came in for Eric Alexander after an hour and looked dynamic, ripping a shot from outside the box and bicycling Alston in the face, earning himself a yellow card five minutes into his MLS debut. Darlington Nagbe started up top in favor of Jorge Perlaza, while AJB saw minutes again as Mosquera suffered a broken face and went to the hospital after some sort of foul via elbow.
I listened to the game through a streamed radio broadcast, as I have no television, MLS LIVE blackout applies to local broadcasts for 24 hours and national for 48 hours (somehow Dallas was still available live), and I couldn't find an illicit stream either. So I haven't seen the replay of the foul on Mosquera (not part of the highlights), but the John Strong's description of the foul sounded like it should have at least been a yellow card, if not straight red. Jumping up and brandishing elbows in an aerial challenge is a red card.
Next week is Real Salt Lake at home. See you there.
That's essentially the story of the match, with a few minor sidebars. Kris Boyd should have put two headers into the goal and Diego Chara failed to finish a chance that was ripe for plucking. Franck Songo'o came in for Eric Alexander after an hour and looked dynamic, ripping a shot from outside the box and bicycling Alston in the face, earning himself a yellow card five minutes into his MLS debut. Darlington Nagbe started up top in favor of Jorge Perlaza, while AJB saw minutes again as Mosquera suffered a broken face and went to the hospital after some sort of foul via elbow.
I listened to the game through a streamed radio broadcast, as I have no television, MLS LIVE blackout applies to local broadcasts for 24 hours and national for 48 hours (somehow Dallas was still available live), and I couldn't find an illicit stream either. So I haven't seen the replay of the foul on Mosquera (not part of the highlights), but the John Strong's description of the foul sounded like it should have at least been a yellow card, if not straight red. Jumping up and brandishing elbows in an aerial challenge is a red card.
Next week is Real Salt Lake at home. See you there.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Valencia at Jeld-Wen Field May 23
The game is included in the season ticket package as Exhibition B. Valencia is sitting pretty in third place in La Liga.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Portland Timbers Football Club Season Preview: Central Midfield
In part four of my season preview, I'm going to take a look at our center midfielders. The guys who play in the middle of the park need to have excellent endurance and pace, as they need to be able to cover all the space between the boxes. Communication and leadership are of great importance, as they are the nucleus of the team in attack and in defense. Positioning and ball winning skills are the defensive attributes a good center mid needs, while calm distribution, vision, and creativity are the attacking skills they need to bring to the attack.
Diego Chara is the diamond of the Timbers midfield. He was the team's first Designated Player, and after a short adjustment period, was dominating midfields by the end of 2011. Diego is fast as hell and runs the entire game, covering the entire pitch with both his attacking forays and his tackles at full speed at the last second in the penalty box to save a goal. He sees the game well and runs the offense on this team. He has excellent positioning on defense and recovers quickly from his deep runs.
Jack Jewsbury was the captain of the team last year every time he stepped onto the pitch, with Perkins and Brunner deputizing in his absence. He will remain Captain Jack again, and is likely to start every match barring injury. I rate him below Chara because of technical skills and pace. I think his leadership on the field causes the team to become better organized as a defensive unit, and thus the team is able to create much more effectively when they have the ball, which is why he is the captain. Jack doesn't win every ball in the air, nor is he the greatest defender on the team, and he does get pushed around by the more physical players.
James Marcelin has been with the team since the final USL year and plays with the Haiti national team. He was a regular off the bench in 2011 and has been somewhat vocal about getting increased playing time. He is the guy I want to see come in for one of the strikers every match when we have a lead after 70'. James picks up all the defensive shortcomings of the captain, winning balls in the air and beating up opposing attackers with his physical defending, but maintains the good distribution and calmness about him on the ball. And he showed in preseason he has the long range accuracy as well. Solid place in the 18 and likely sub in most games.
Eric Alexander is a guy the team picked up in the trade with FC Dallas last summer. He prefers to play in the middle, but Spencer has put him out wide just to get him onto the pitch on occasion. Eric is a good distributor and uses his excellent vision and positioning to make up for not being the most physically imposing player. That's not to say he isn't a good defender, which he is, but he's not going to use his body like Marcelin does. Alexander has a place in the 18, if I'm counting correctly, but his role as a sub is very situational. His ability to play wide lets him onto the field as a substitute for a winger when we have a lead, but also when we need a goal as his attacking skills are just as valuable out wide even if he is not as fast as Kalif, Sal, or Darlington.
Freddie Braun is the fifth man on the depth chart in the center of midfield. I've seen less of him play, but he seems very good in possession and great at communicating with the team. He looked like a leader on the pitch in the reserve games and in the second preseason tournament game, but he lacks the defensive consistency or the creativity to make his way into the 18 with any regularity this year. He clearly has the skills to become a good player but needs to continue developing.
Diego Chara is the diamond of the Timbers midfield. He was the team's first Designated Player, and after a short adjustment period, was dominating midfields by the end of 2011. Diego is fast as hell and runs the entire game, covering the entire pitch with both his attacking forays and his tackles at full speed at the last second in the penalty box to save a goal. He sees the game well and runs the offense on this team. He has excellent positioning on defense and recovers quickly from his deep runs.
Jack Jewsbury was the captain of the team last year every time he stepped onto the pitch, with Perkins and Brunner deputizing in his absence. He will remain Captain Jack again, and is likely to start every match barring injury. I rate him below Chara because of technical skills and pace. I think his leadership on the field causes the team to become better organized as a defensive unit, and thus the team is able to create much more effectively when they have the ball, which is why he is the captain. Jack doesn't win every ball in the air, nor is he the greatest defender on the team, and he does get pushed around by the more physical players.
James Marcelin has been with the team since the final USL year and plays with the Haiti national team. He was a regular off the bench in 2011 and has been somewhat vocal about getting increased playing time. He is the guy I want to see come in for one of the strikers every match when we have a lead after 70'. James picks up all the defensive shortcomings of the captain, winning balls in the air and beating up opposing attackers with his physical defending, but maintains the good distribution and calmness about him on the ball. And he showed in preseason he has the long range accuracy as well. Solid place in the 18 and likely sub in most games.
Eric Alexander is a guy the team picked up in the trade with FC Dallas last summer. He prefers to play in the middle, but Spencer has put him out wide just to get him onto the pitch on occasion. Eric is a good distributor and uses his excellent vision and positioning to make up for not being the most physically imposing player. That's not to say he isn't a good defender, which he is, but he's not going to use his body like Marcelin does. Alexander has a place in the 18, if I'm counting correctly, but his role as a sub is very situational. His ability to play wide lets him onto the field as a substitute for a winger when we have a lead, but also when we need a goal as his attacking skills are just as valuable out wide even if he is not as fast as Kalif, Sal, or Darlington.
Freddie Braun is the fifth man on the depth chart in the center of midfield. I've seen less of him play, but he seems very good in possession and great at communicating with the team. He looked like a leader on the pitch in the reserve games and in the second preseason tournament game, but he lacks the defensive consistency or the creativity to make his way into the 18 with any regularity this year. He clearly has the skills to become a good player but needs to continue developing.
Portland Timbers Football Club Season Preview: Outside Backs
In part three of my Portland Timbers Football Club Season Preview, I am going to take a look at the outside backs. Speed and one on one defending skills are extremely important for an outside defender, having to handle tricky wingers up and down the flanks all match. They are the only defenders asked to join in the attack, and thus need to be able to have excellent ball control and connect well with the midfield. Leftbacks are generally more effective if they prefer the left foot, and are a highly prized soccer commodity. Spencer likes to play with overlapping runs, the outside backs making deep runs into the corners to send in crosses. I think outside back is the weakest area on the team by far, and could definitely use further reinforcements over the summer.
Right side:
Lovel Palmer is the most experienced and skilled outside defender on the team. He provides a lot of quickness and a thunderous boot; he is good at crossing it into the box but not great. He has shown some defensive weaknesses, sometimes ball watching and getting nutmegged. His stability, leadership, and experience make him a solid starter, but I'd like to see better defending out of him this year.
Steve Purdy is the second choice option at right back, and shared time in the starting eleven here with Jeremy Hall last season before the summer transfer window moves that sent Hall to Dallas and Palmer was acquired from Houston. Steve's one on one defending skills are his primary asset here, with good speed and positioning, but lacking the attacking bite of Palmer. I think he is a lock to start here if Palmer goes down, but won't make the 18 otherwise.
Ryan Kawulok, drafted first in the 2012 Supplemental Draft and two year Timbers U-23 member, was signed during the preseason. He showed that he is solid defender and is good going forward so far. His positional sense cannot be questioned yet since it lead to him being in exactly the right place to score the tying goal against Chivas USA in the tournament this preseason. I haven't seen enough of him to comment further on his skills, but it would appear he is quite promising, and will most likely push Purdy on to greener pastures after this season (he was courted by teams in El Salvador where he would start and likely see CONCACAF Champions League time).
Left side:
Rodney Wallace is my number one at leftback, though this is maybe the toughest position to pick a number one with Chabala breathing down his neck. I think Wallace gets the start because of his speed and his final ball. He is a good defender, but not great, and has decent positioning, when he's paying attention. Ultimately Rodney's immaturity on the field caused him to lose his starting spot, as his constant errors lead to lost points: the first goal against Colorado and the handball PK that tied the game against New York are the first examples that jump to my mind. If he can lock down those errors, turn his focus up a few notches on the dial, and maintain his positioning the entire game, he will be lock to start on the left side of the field every game.
Mike Chabala, former USL Timber now MLS Timber, was acquired last year from Houston because of the trouble with Wallace's consistency. Chabala's distribution, defensive skills, and ability to communicate with the defense and the midfield are all on par with Rodney, but he is much slower. A lot slower: Wallace is blazing. But Mike is the more consistent player, more reliable as a defender because of his superior positioning and his better focus. He's also a fiery player and an emotional leader on the field. I think he should make the 18, as an option to push Wallace into midfield and take out a defensively liable attacking player.
Chris Taylor is the third option at left back. He showed in the preseason tournament that he has vastly improved form from the beginning of last season, but is still pretty raw and is not ready to start for the first team. Chris is quick, good one on one, a good distributor from the back, and gets into the attack well. But these skills are good for a reserve player, poor for a starter. The gulf between Taylor and the two above him on the depth chart is vast, and it is unlikely we will see Taylor in an 18 again this year, barring catastrophic injuries.
Right side:
Lovel Palmer is the most experienced and skilled outside defender on the team. He provides a lot of quickness and a thunderous boot; he is good at crossing it into the box but not great. He has shown some defensive weaknesses, sometimes ball watching and getting nutmegged. His stability, leadership, and experience make him a solid starter, but I'd like to see better defending out of him this year.
Steve Purdy is the second choice option at right back, and shared time in the starting eleven here with Jeremy Hall last season before the summer transfer window moves that sent Hall to Dallas and Palmer was acquired from Houston. Steve's one on one defending skills are his primary asset here, with good speed and positioning, but lacking the attacking bite of Palmer. I think he is a lock to start here if Palmer goes down, but won't make the 18 otherwise.
Ryan Kawulok, drafted first in the 2012 Supplemental Draft and two year Timbers U-23 member, was signed during the preseason. He showed that he is solid defender and is good going forward so far. His positional sense cannot be questioned yet since it lead to him being in exactly the right place to score the tying goal against Chivas USA in the tournament this preseason. I haven't seen enough of him to comment further on his skills, but it would appear he is quite promising, and will most likely push Purdy on to greener pastures after this season (he was courted by teams in El Salvador where he would start and likely see CONCACAF Champions League time).
Left side:
Rodney Wallace is my number one at leftback, though this is maybe the toughest position to pick a number one with Chabala breathing down his neck. I think Wallace gets the start because of his speed and his final ball. He is a good defender, but not great, and has decent positioning, when he's paying attention. Ultimately Rodney's immaturity on the field caused him to lose his starting spot, as his constant errors lead to lost points: the first goal against Colorado and the handball PK that tied the game against New York are the first examples that jump to my mind. If he can lock down those errors, turn his focus up a few notches on the dial, and maintain his positioning the entire game, he will be lock to start on the left side of the field every game.
Mike Chabala, former USL Timber now MLS Timber, was acquired last year from Houston because of the trouble with Wallace's consistency. Chabala's distribution, defensive skills, and ability to communicate with the defense and the midfield are all on par with Rodney, but he is much slower. A lot slower: Wallace is blazing. But Mike is the more consistent player, more reliable as a defender because of his superior positioning and his better focus. He's also a fiery player and an emotional leader on the field. I think he should make the 18, as an option to push Wallace into midfield and take out a defensively liable attacking player.
Chris Taylor is the third option at left back. He showed in the preseason tournament that he has vastly improved form from the beginning of last season, but is still pretty raw and is not ready to start for the first team. Chris is quick, good one on one, a good distributor from the back, and gets into the attack well. But these skills are good for a reserve player, poor for a starter. The gulf between Taylor and the two above him on the depth chart is vast, and it is unlikely we will see Taylor in an 18 again this year, barring catastrophic injuries.
Portland Timbers Football Club Season Preview: Central Defense
In part two of my preview of the 2012 Portland Timbers, I am going to talk about the centerbacks on the team. Centerbacks need to be good in the air, to defend against set pieces and to repel the route one attacks of direct teams. Central defenders need to be physical specimens able to hold their ground against aggressive attackers; fleetness of foot is paramount to counter the swift attackers as well. The central defenders also need to be able to build the attack out of the back, developing possession and providing an outlet for attackers under pressure higher on the field. A calmness on the ball and ability to get the ball back to his central midfield or outside backs instead of blasting it downfield is a great asset, and a reason Geoff Cameron is the second coming of centerbacks on the national team. But positional awareness and communication with your partner and the outside backs are the most important skills that a centerback can bring to his team, and excellence at these traits can hugely make up for average qualities in the others.
Eric Brunner is the perceived number one going into the season. He was the anchor of the defense last season, while his partner rotated endlessly due to injury. Brunner is tall and good in the air, but he is sometimes forced out of position by beefier players. He's pretty quick but isn't a speed demon, and we saw him have to resort to some last ditch efforts to save the side, sometimes unsuccessfully like his red card against Seattle. But his communication and leadership skills are excellent and his positional awareness is good and continues to improve. Brunner is a lock to start if healthy, but may slip to number two over the course of the season if someone else steps up big.
Hanyer Mosquera, acquired from Colombian club La Equidad over the offseason. I haven't seen much of him, obviously, but it was pretty clearly stated that they brought him in to start in defense, so I'm putting him in here at number two, and is obviously one of the guys who could overtake Brunner as the number one centerback. He's a big guy and seems pretty fast from what I saw in the preseason tournament. There are currently some issues acquiring his International Transfer Certificate, but Merritt Paulson claimed on twitter he was "75% positive" they would have the ITC by game time Monday night.
Mamadou "Futty" Danso is the most veteran Timber on the team (unless you count Homegrown Brent Richards, who has been affiliated with the club since he was a child), having been with the USL side since 2009. The Gambian is big and strong, good in the air, and has a good positional awareness. He has developed good communication with Brunner and Horst when they played together, so I feel safe assuming he will develop a good on-field relationship with Mosquera as well. Futty has average pace and has decent distribution but is prone to make small errors like a lazy clearance or a positional mistake. When he is healthy, Futty should be the option off the bench on game days as the clear number three on the team. He is currently injured: Dike stepped on his foot and broke the pinky toe bone. He will be out at least another month.
David Horst, of the famous Horstache, showed himself to be starting quality last year. David underwent hip surgery in the off-season and will be out for a couple months longer at least. He is very physical and seemed to show some great positional sense at the end of the season. He is on the slower side of the speed wheel though, but doesn't seem to make the gaffes that Futty has in the past, and is every bit as good in the air as Futty or Brunner. I think when he is healthy he will make an excellent case for that spot on the bench, and could see time rotating in and out of the 18. Clearly will be a starter for reserve league games.
Steve Purdy, member of the 2010 USL PTFC and the El Salvador national team, is a versatile defender. He's both good in distribution and positional awareness, and is a good one on one defender. He is one of the faster defenders but is on the smaller side physically. Last year we saw him start at rightback for the first team and centerback for the reserve team; it seems he may be more suited to the wide role, and is certainly higher on that depth chart than fifth. He gets the advantage here over the rookie because of experience. Purdy is also injured right now with a hamstring issue.
And last but certainly not the least, as he is a huge kid, the 19 year old drafted out of University of Connecticut as a Generation adidas player in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Andrew Jean-Baptiste. Big and fast, Andrew is vastly inexperienced in all aspects of the professional game. He's physically ready to play with the big boys, but needs to develop his positioning, distribution, and focus. His poor passing out of the back ended up as an own goal by Mosquera against San Jose. That type of error is what I'm afraid we will see out of AJB should he have to start tonight against an aggressive Philadelphia attack. Jean-Baptiste is effectively sixth on the depth chart at central defense, but will certainly overtake at least Purdy by season's end if he works hard and learns the thinking side of the game.
Eric Brunner is the perceived number one going into the season. He was the anchor of the defense last season, while his partner rotated endlessly due to injury. Brunner is tall and good in the air, but he is sometimes forced out of position by beefier players. He's pretty quick but isn't a speed demon, and we saw him have to resort to some last ditch efforts to save the side, sometimes unsuccessfully like his red card against Seattle. But his communication and leadership skills are excellent and his positional awareness is good and continues to improve. Brunner is a lock to start if healthy, but may slip to number two over the course of the season if someone else steps up big.
Hanyer Mosquera, acquired from Colombian club La Equidad over the offseason. I haven't seen much of him, obviously, but it was pretty clearly stated that they brought him in to start in defense, so I'm putting him in here at number two, and is obviously one of the guys who could overtake Brunner as the number one centerback. He's a big guy and seems pretty fast from what I saw in the preseason tournament. There are currently some issues acquiring his International Transfer Certificate, but Merritt Paulson claimed on twitter he was "75% positive" they would have the ITC by game time Monday night.
Mamadou "Futty" Danso is the most veteran Timber on the team (unless you count Homegrown Brent Richards, who has been affiliated with the club since he was a child), having been with the USL side since 2009. The Gambian is big and strong, good in the air, and has a good positional awareness. He has developed good communication with Brunner and Horst when they played together, so I feel safe assuming he will develop a good on-field relationship with Mosquera as well. Futty has average pace and has decent distribution but is prone to make small errors like a lazy clearance or a positional mistake. When he is healthy, Futty should be the option off the bench on game days as the clear number three on the team. He is currently injured: Dike stepped on his foot and broke the pinky toe bone. He will be out at least another month.
David Horst, of the famous Horstache, showed himself to be starting quality last year. David underwent hip surgery in the off-season and will be out for a couple months longer at least. He is very physical and seemed to show some great positional sense at the end of the season. He is on the slower side of the speed wheel though, but doesn't seem to make the gaffes that Futty has in the past, and is every bit as good in the air as Futty or Brunner. I think when he is healthy he will make an excellent case for that spot on the bench, and could see time rotating in and out of the 18. Clearly will be a starter for reserve league games.
Steve Purdy, member of the 2010 USL PTFC and the El Salvador national team, is a versatile defender. He's both good in distribution and positional awareness, and is a good one on one defender. He is one of the faster defenders but is on the smaller side physically. Last year we saw him start at rightback for the first team and centerback for the reserve team; it seems he may be more suited to the wide role, and is certainly higher on that depth chart than fifth. He gets the advantage here over the rookie because of experience. Purdy is also injured right now with a hamstring issue.
And last but certainly not the least, as he is a huge kid, the 19 year old drafted out of University of Connecticut as a Generation adidas player in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Andrew Jean-Baptiste. Big and fast, Andrew is vastly inexperienced in all aspects of the professional game. He's physically ready to play with the big boys, but needs to develop his positioning, distribution, and focus. His poor passing out of the back ended up as an own goal by Mosquera against San Jose. That type of error is what I'm afraid we will see out of AJB should he have to start tonight against an aggressive Philadelphia attack. Jean-Baptiste is effectively sixth on the depth chart at central defense, but will certainly overtake at least Purdy by season's end if he works hard and learns the thinking side of the game.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Portland Timbers Football Club Season Preview: Goalkeepers
In part one of my preview of the 2012 Portland Timbers, I am going to take a look at the goalkeepers on the team. I plan to talk about each position, some strengths and weaknesses for each player, and create a depth chart for each position.
The team signed Joe Bendik in the preseason to replace the retired Adin Brown. Bendik graduated from Clemson University and went to Norwegian club Sogndal, where he was in and out of the starting lineup two two years. Joe joined the team in the preseason, and was signed on February 24. Joe is a big, strong keeper, standing 6'3" and weighing 205 lbs, and he is only 22. I have admittedly only seen one half of action from Bendik so I can't really access him that well.
Jake Gleeson is in his third year with the Timbers organization, having won a national championship with the U-23 side in 2010. Jake started the 2011 season as the number three, but ended up seeing action in the second game of the season after Adin Brown was injured (following Troy Perkins' preseason injury of course). The young Kiwi proved he is the real deal, and ended the season as the clear number two. Jake is every bit as tall as Joe, with a little less bulk. He has shown that he has some amazing reflexes, great leaping ability, and is quick off his line. His distribution out of the back is average. While unfazed by the magnitude of the games under his belt, his decision making skills need the refinement that experience will bring, something the 21 year old will get by the bucketful as he leads the New Zealand Olympic team in London this summer.
Troy Perkins is the clear number one, bringing both the skill and the experience necessary to lead a defense and make huge saves. He showed his reflexes and quickness over and over as the season progressed, not only just with his kick save against Chicago that was runner-up for Save of the Year. Troy came to Portland via trade with DC United, sending Steve Cronin to the other coast. The team worked out a new deal and our netminder in the offseason, keeping him here for awhile. Troy is just a few months younger than Jack Jewsbury, who both will turn 31 this season, so he should have another of decade of clean sheets for the club. Hopefully we get to see Troy start at least 40 games this year.
Depth Chart: 1. Perkins 2. Gleeson 3. Bendik
The team signed Joe Bendik in the preseason to replace the retired Adin Brown. Bendik graduated from Clemson University and went to Norwegian club Sogndal, where he was in and out of the starting lineup two two years. Joe joined the team in the preseason, and was signed on February 24. Joe is a big, strong keeper, standing 6'3" and weighing 205 lbs, and he is only 22. I have admittedly only seen one half of action from Bendik so I can't really access him that well.
Jake Gleeson is in his third year with the Timbers organization, having won a national championship with the U-23 side in 2010. Jake started the 2011 season as the number three, but ended up seeing action in the second game of the season after Adin Brown was injured (following Troy Perkins' preseason injury of course). The young Kiwi proved he is the real deal, and ended the season as the clear number two. Jake is every bit as tall as Joe, with a little less bulk. He has shown that he has some amazing reflexes, great leaping ability, and is quick off his line. His distribution out of the back is average. While unfazed by the magnitude of the games under his belt, his decision making skills need the refinement that experience will bring, something the 21 year old will get by the bucketful as he leads the New Zealand Olympic team in London this summer.
Troy Perkins is the clear number one, bringing both the skill and the experience necessary to lead a defense and make huge saves. He showed his reflexes and quickness over and over as the season progressed, not only just with his kick save against Chicago that was runner-up for Save of the Year. Troy came to Portland via trade with DC United, sending Steve Cronin to the other coast. The team worked out a new deal and our netminder in the offseason, keeping him here for awhile. Troy is just a few months younger than Jack Jewsbury, who both will turn 31 this season, so he should have another of decade of clean sheets for the club. Hopefully we get to see Troy start at least 40 games this year.
Depth Chart: 1. Perkins 2. Gleeson 3. Bendik
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Union of European Football Associations Europa League Round of Sixteen
Both Manchester clubs lost the first legs of their Europa League ties. City traveled to Portugal to face Sporting CP Lisbon, Oguchi Onyewu's club, but lost after Joe Hart saved twice only for Xandao to backheel past him for the lone goal at 51'. Onyewu did not feature in the match as he is nursing an injury. City will host Sporting at the Etihad Stadium on March 15, with a good chance to reverse the result.
United fell 2-3 to Athletic Bilbao at home, setting up a very difficult return leg next Thursday. Wayne Rooney started things right for United at 22' when he put back a rebound from a Chicharito shoat, but Fernando Llorente equalized just before halftime. Oscar de Marcos volleyed on into the far corner 72' into the match to give Athletic the lead, and Iker Muniain capitalized on a rebound and some poor defending to make it three. Just after the restart de Marcos would handle the ball, and Rooney buried his spot kick to close the gap back to one. Bilbao will host Manchester United in Catalonia for the return leg.
There are three Erediviisie clubs left in the competition. Jozy Altidore put in a full shift for AZ Alkmaar as they beat Udinese 2-0. Maarten Martens scored just after the hour mark, while his substitute Erik Falkenburg scored 7 minutes after his entrance. Twente Enschede defeated Bundesliga side Schalke 04 thanks to a Luuk de Jong penalty. PSV Eindoven did not fare as well, falling 4-2 away at Valencia. The Spanish side went up by four thanks to Victor Ruiz, a Roberto Soldado brace, and Pablo Piatti. They concded a penalty in the 83' though, which was converted by Ola Toivonen, and gave up a very late second away goal to Georgino Wijnaldum.
Greek side Olympiakos traveled to FC Metalist Kharkiv in the Ukraine, where David Fuster pulled out a winner at 50'. Atletico Madrid went up three nil in the first half over Besiktas after Eduardo Salvio netted a brace and Adrian added to the talley. Simao was able to get a crucial away goal when he scored in the second half. Standard Liege and Hannover 96 played to a 2-2 draw in Belgium.
United fell 2-3 to Athletic Bilbao at home, setting up a very difficult return leg next Thursday. Wayne Rooney started things right for United at 22' when he put back a rebound from a Chicharito shoat, but Fernando Llorente equalized just before halftime. Oscar de Marcos volleyed on into the far corner 72' into the match to give Athletic the lead, and Iker Muniain capitalized on a rebound and some poor defending to make it three. Just after the restart de Marcos would handle the ball, and Rooney buried his spot kick to close the gap back to one. Bilbao will host Manchester United in Catalonia for the return leg.
There are three Erediviisie clubs left in the competition. Jozy Altidore put in a full shift for AZ Alkmaar as they beat Udinese 2-0. Maarten Martens scored just after the hour mark, while his substitute Erik Falkenburg scored 7 minutes after his entrance. Twente Enschede defeated Bundesliga side Schalke 04 thanks to a Luuk de Jong penalty. PSV Eindoven did not fare as well, falling 4-2 away at Valencia. The Spanish side went up by four thanks to Victor Ruiz, a Roberto Soldado brace, and Pablo Piatti. They concded a penalty in the 83' though, which was converted by Ola Toivonen, and gave up a very late second away goal to Georgino Wijnaldum.
Greek side Olympiakos traveled to FC Metalist Kharkiv in the Ukraine, where David Fuster pulled out a winner at 50'. Atletico Madrid went up three nil in the first half over Besiktas after Eduardo Salvio netted a brace and Adrian added to the talley. Simao was able to get a crucial away goal when he scored in the second half. Standard Liege and Hannover 96 played to a 2-2 draw in Belgium.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Champions League Quarterfinals Matchday One
The time is finally upon us: Champions League in the Western Hemisphere. The knockout stage of the CONCACAF competition resumed this week with four matchups.
Monarcas Morelia hosted the holders Monterrey, slipping to a 1-3 loss. Morelia, who sit at the top of their domestic table, controlled most of this match and were more threatening throughout. But they gave up an early penalty when Mauricio Romero took down Reyna Martinez in the box. Humberto Suazo hit his PK straight at the keeper Federico Vilar, who jumped out of the way. Just before the half Cesar Delgado took the ball down the right side of the box to the end line, then centered for Suazo who volleyed it across the goal past Vilar. Juel Huiqui Andrade was able to pull one back for Morelia when he won a long cross from Edgar Lugo in the box and cleared Jonathan Orozco's reaching hands. But Morelia let in a crucial third away goal in stoppage time when Abraham Dario Carreno cleaned up a scrum, tapping in a rebound off the post. Here are the official highlights. The return leg is in Monterrey on Tuesday.
In this year's equivalent of 2011 RSL v Columbus, the Los Angeles Galaxy traveled to the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Wednesday to play in front of over 47k people. Ryan Johnson started things early for the Canadians, hitting the roof of the net at 11' after Mike Magee's pathetic clearance of Torsten Frings' corner fell right to him unmarked. Rookie Luis Silva doubled the lead only five minutes later when he drifted unmarked behind the central defense, found by Frings again. Mike Magee put LA on the score sheet just before the half hour when he met Sean Franklin's cross at the far post. It was fully an hour later when a Beckham corner was bouncing around in the goal and Donovan poked it in to give the Galaxy a draw. Here are the official highlights. The return leg is on Wednesday at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.
The third MLS team in the knockout round is Seattle Sounders FC, who hosted Santos Laguna at Century Link Field. 23k fans showed up to see their horribly ugly uniformed players defeat the Mexican side, with former USL Sounder, former Sigi Schmid LA Galaxy player, and seemingly former US national team striker Herculez Gomez playing against his former side and coach as a talking point prior to the match. And the drama didn't let us down, as Herc scored an equalizer for Santos on the hour mark after he was fed into the box by Marc Crosas. David Estrada had opened the scoring for Seattle just 11' in when Fredy Montero found him at the back post with a lofted cross into the box. Flounders' were broken for only a few minutes after the equalizer, when Brad Evans connected with Mauro Rosales' free kick to give Seattle the win. Official highlights; Seattle travels to Mexico for a Wednesday showdown.
Isidro Metapan provided the upset of the round as they defeated UNAM Pumas 2-1 at home in El Salvador. Lestor Blanco netted a brace for the upstarts, putting the first past Alejandro Palacios. After receiving the ball in the box with one defender marking him, he held the ball around the six, gathering defenders until eventually putting it past six white shirts. His second came off an Alfredo Alberto Pacheco corner kick, flicking the ball into the back corner. But the Salvadorans were unable to keep a Pumas off the board, when Jose Nieto Martinez slipped Eduardo Herrera Aguirre in on goal. Here are the official highlights. The teams face off in Mexico next Thursday.
Monarcas Morelia hosted the holders Monterrey, slipping to a 1-3 loss. Morelia, who sit at the top of their domestic table, controlled most of this match and were more threatening throughout. But they gave up an early penalty when Mauricio Romero took down Reyna Martinez in the box. Humberto Suazo hit his PK straight at the keeper Federico Vilar, who jumped out of the way. Just before the half Cesar Delgado took the ball down the right side of the box to the end line, then centered for Suazo who volleyed it across the goal past Vilar. Juel Huiqui Andrade was able to pull one back for Morelia when he won a long cross from Edgar Lugo in the box and cleared Jonathan Orozco's reaching hands. But Morelia let in a crucial third away goal in stoppage time when Abraham Dario Carreno cleaned up a scrum, tapping in a rebound off the post. Here are the official highlights. The return leg is in Monterrey on Tuesday.
In this year's equivalent of 2011 RSL v Columbus, the Los Angeles Galaxy traveled to the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Wednesday to play in front of over 47k people. Ryan Johnson started things early for the Canadians, hitting the roof of the net at 11' after Mike Magee's pathetic clearance of Torsten Frings' corner fell right to him unmarked. Rookie Luis Silva doubled the lead only five minutes later when he drifted unmarked behind the central defense, found by Frings again. Mike Magee put LA on the score sheet just before the half hour when he met Sean Franklin's cross at the far post. It was fully an hour later when a Beckham corner was bouncing around in the goal and Donovan poked it in to give the Galaxy a draw. Here are the official highlights. The return leg is on Wednesday at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.
The third MLS team in the knockout round is Seattle Sounders FC, who hosted Santos Laguna at Century Link Field. 23k fans showed up to see their horribly ugly uniformed players defeat the Mexican side, with former USL Sounder, former Sigi Schmid LA Galaxy player, and seemingly former US national team striker Herculez Gomez playing against his former side and coach as a talking point prior to the match. And the drama didn't let us down, as Herc scored an equalizer for Santos on the hour mark after he was fed into the box by Marc Crosas. David Estrada had opened the scoring for Seattle just 11' in when Fredy Montero found him at the back post with a lofted cross into the box. Flounders' were broken for only a few minutes after the equalizer, when Brad Evans connected with Mauro Rosales' free kick to give Seattle the win. Official highlights; Seattle travels to Mexico for a Wednesday showdown.
Isidro Metapan provided the upset of the round as they defeated UNAM Pumas 2-1 at home in El Salvador. Lestor Blanco netted a brace for the upstarts, putting the first past Alejandro Palacios. After receiving the ball in the box with one defender marking him, he held the ball around the six, gathering defenders until eventually putting it past six white shirts. His second came off an Alfredo Alberto Pacheco corner kick, flicking the ball into the back corner. But the Salvadorans were unable to keep a Pumas off the board, when Jose Nieto Martinez slipped Eduardo Herrera Aguirre in on goal. Here are the official highlights. The teams face off in Mexico next Thursday.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Portland Timbers Preseason Tournament Matchday Three
The conclusion of the Timbers Preseason Tournament on Sunday was an exciting and inspiring affair. I wasn't able to make the first leg of the double header, as my request for the day off at work was ignored, but San Jose totally embarrassed Chivas five nil. With a massively improved Vancouver side, Chivas looks to be a lock for the cellar this season. I managed to work out a double switch in order to make it to Jdub in time for warm ups; I was hoping to be joined by Will from work, but scalper prices were too high for his taste. As a result I sat in a slightly different place than normal, and was happy to receive that alternate perspective. I was disappointed by the group directly in front of me, as several young girls were totally disinterested and pointedly moved away from me (forcing their dad to stand in front of me and listen to my excellent singing voice).
John Spencer trotted out what looks to be a first choice line-up, one we could see on opening day against Philadelphia. Perkins started in goal, with Brunner and Mosquera ahead of him in the center of defense. Jewsbury and Chara started in the central midfield, and Kris Boyd got his first start alongside Jorge Perlaza at the top of the 442. It is extremely likely we will see this same backbone on Monday. On the left side of the shape, Chabala was at left back with Wallace ahead of him in the midfield. Palmer completed the backline on the right side, with Alhassan as the right wing.
The first half started out with a great combination that resulted in the new DP's first goal for his new club. Rodney Wallace played a brilliant cross field pass, leading Jorge Perlaza down the right side of the field. The Colombian one timed his cross perfectly, finding his Scottish counterpart's forehead as he cut in front of the marker to put the ball past Turina for his debut just seven minutes into his first match.
AIK responded well, maintaining control of the midfield and forcing Portland to play wide. Chara and Jewsbury had some difficulty dealing with the physical play that they Swedish side brought. This only played to our strengths, though, as Kalif and Rodney both had excellent games out wide. The left side of the shape was closer to me in the first half; I liked how Wallace and Chabala combined down that side of the pitch, with Wallace's speed and defensive capabilities letting Mike wander high up the pitch in attack.
The second half saw the home side come out aggressively, and they were rewarded by the creation of some nice chances. Kalif and Palmer were on display for me in this half, and I loved watching Alhassan take on defenders and consistently win one on one situations. He was clearly fouled in the box once later in the game, as his heel was clipped from behind, but the half was littered with chances he created for himself and others as he burned the left back over and over. Boyd nearly put in his second after Kalif danced around three defenders, but his left footed chanced was saved well.
Kris came out after 75 minutes with a goal and several good shots on target, a solid first outing for our new star striker. Bright Dike came in , and James Marcelin brought some defensive bite to the midfield when he replaced Diego Chara at 79'. Dike had a decent header saved, and Wallace put the rebound over the bar. Those types of chances have to be finished in the regular season. The game ended with a high tempo as Portland pushed to find a winner.
Both teams congratulated each other at the end of the game, with almost all the players switching jerseys with their opposite. It was nice to see the starting centerbacks and keeper maintain a clean sheet after one slipping past the defense in each of the first two fixtures. I think Kalif showed that he deserves his starting spot over anyone else at either outside midfield spot; Franck Songo'o might be the exception here but I haven't seen him play and he isn't in Portland right now, regardless. Rodney's play on the left side of midfield was great, and Mosquera showed much better paired with Brunner over AJB (surprise!).
John Spencer trotted out what looks to be a first choice line-up, one we could see on opening day against Philadelphia. Perkins started in goal, with Brunner and Mosquera ahead of him in the center of defense. Jewsbury and Chara started in the central midfield, and Kris Boyd got his first start alongside Jorge Perlaza at the top of the 442. It is extremely likely we will see this same backbone on Monday. On the left side of the shape, Chabala was at left back with Wallace ahead of him in the midfield. Palmer completed the backline on the right side, with Alhassan as the right wing.
The first half started out with a great combination that resulted in the new DP's first goal for his new club. Rodney Wallace played a brilliant cross field pass, leading Jorge Perlaza down the right side of the field. The Colombian one timed his cross perfectly, finding his Scottish counterpart's forehead as he cut in front of the marker to put the ball past Turina for his debut just seven minutes into his first match.
AIK responded well, maintaining control of the midfield and forcing Portland to play wide. Chara and Jewsbury had some difficulty dealing with the physical play that they Swedish side brought. This only played to our strengths, though, as Kalif and Rodney both had excellent games out wide. The left side of the shape was closer to me in the first half; I liked how Wallace and Chabala combined down that side of the pitch, with Wallace's speed and defensive capabilities letting Mike wander high up the pitch in attack.
The second half saw the home side come out aggressively, and they were rewarded by the creation of some nice chances. Kalif and Palmer were on display for me in this half, and I loved watching Alhassan take on defenders and consistently win one on one situations. He was clearly fouled in the box once later in the game, as his heel was clipped from behind, but the half was littered with chances he created for himself and others as he burned the left back over and over. Boyd nearly put in his second after Kalif danced around three defenders, but his left footed chanced was saved well.
Kris came out after 75 minutes with a goal and several good shots on target, a solid first outing for our new star striker. Bright Dike came in , and James Marcelin brought some defensive bite to the midfield when he replaced Diego Chara at 79'. Dike had a decent header saved, and Wallace put the rebound over the bar. Those types of chances have to be finished in the regular season. The game ended with a high tempo as Portland pushed to find a winner.
Both teams congratulated each other at the end of the game, with almost all the players switching jerseys with their opposite. It was nice to see the starting centerbacks and keeper maintain a clean sheet after one slipping past the defense in each of the first two fixtures. I think Kalif showed that he deserves his starting spot over anyone else at either outside midfield spot; Franck Songo'o might be the exception here but I haven't seen him play and he isn't in Portland right now, regardless. Rodney's play on the left side of midfield was great, and Mosquera showed much better paired with Brunner over AJB (surprise!).
Friday, March 2, 2012
Portland Timbers Preseason Tournament Matchday Two
The second round of the Portland Timbers Preseason Tournament closed with two tightly contested draws. The city saw a rare snow the night before, and temperatures during the game were in the thirties with intermittent light rain. Luckily most of the stadium is covered, so we were dry the entire time. Over fifteen thousand people showed up for the match tonight, and I was joined in the Army tonight by Jeff and Scout, who sang, waved scarves and flags, criticized the referee, and stayed to salute the team like seasoned veterans. San Jose and AIK played the first match to a nil draw in a mostly empty stadium (though the army was probably 75% capacity by the end of the game).
Spencer trotted out a 442 that mostly resembled a reserve squad. Lovel Palmer started at right back with Chris Taylor on the left; Eric Brunner and Andrew Jean-Baptiste started in center defense. Jack Jewsbury and James Marcelin played in center midfield. Freddie Braun and Brent Richards played the right and left wings, Bright Dike and Sebastian Rincon played as the center forwards. Chivas USA also played in a 442. I'm not going to try and analyze their lineup as I'm not certain what the regular starters might be, and based on Robin Fraser's substitutions, his team isn't up to fitness and he is still trying to figure out what his starting eleven will be.
Portland started out the first half with a good amount of possession, moving the ball well and probing the Chivas defense. they created some dangerous chances but were missing precision in the final third. Against the run of play 21' minutes into the match, Chris Taylor lost a foot race with a Chivas player I cannot identify (number two is not listed on their roster), but dispossessed him in the corner. His attempt to clear the ball was a fail though, as it deflected straight to Alan Souza, who sent in a dangerous cross. Andrew Jean-Baptiste was somewhat out of position and was forced to attempt to clear the ball with an overhead kick. He missed and Cesar Romero volleyed past Gleeson before the Kiwi could react.
Not long after the restart Jake made a pretty amazing save when Alan Souza hit a crazy shot that deflected off rookie Casey Townsend's face, making the save with his fingers at the pinnacle of his leap. The team bounced back after this near-two-goal-deficit experience, and controlled much of possession for the rest of the half.
Diego Chara came in for Jack Jewsbury and Joe Bendik replaced Jake Gleeson at the start of the second half, while the Chivas lineup underwent four changes, including thirty-six year old Juan Pablo Angel coming on for twenty-two year old Casey Townsend. The second half continued in much the same manner as the first, with Portland controlling a strong portion of possession and creating a lot of chances, but failing with the last pass or were a step behind. AJB and Chris Taylor showed they were still quite green as they starting making random clearances under pressure. It is one thing to clear the ball in the direction of the striker for him to battle after, it is another to clear it halfway up the field directly to the other team.
Ryan Kawulok, who's official signing was announced this afternoon, came on for Lovel Palmer on the hour mark, but not before the Jamaican would get into a fight in the far corner over a harsh challenge. Kalif Alhassan made his appearance off the bench in the 66' for Homegrown Player Brent Richards. He immediately provided more stability down the right side of the pitch, with improved distribution and a greater ability to hold off and take on defenders. Play began to become smoother and the team started to exert more dominance as Chara and Alhassan started to control things. Perlaza came on with fifteen minutes left for an excellent Rincon who had chased after everything and came close to scoring a number of times.
The equalizer came three minutes later when Kalif sent in an awesome corner. Dike was unable to put a head to it, but it fell directly to Kawulok. The ball had such spin on it still that it bounced directly off backup keeper Tim Melia's hands and over the line. The tried to knock it back out but Perlaza was there to emphasize the goal by slamming back in. Kawulok celebrated by backpedaling towards the bench while pointing to the back of his kit. The team would continue to threaten to the final whistle but couldn't put another through the posts.
I thought the team as a whole did a pretty good job tonight, particularly the fight back to get the equalizer. The developmental players made some bad mistakes and poor choices, but that is what these types of games are about. Hopefully we won't need to see Chris Taylor, AJB, Freddie Braun, or Brent Richards start any league games or play serious minutes in a deep run in the US Open Cup. None of them played badly, but all seemed to suffer from lack of concentration. I was impressed with Bright Dike's ability to hold up the ball, Sebastian Rincon's pace, workrate, and general dangerous quality, and the fluidity the side had with Chara and Alhassan on the pitch.
Spencer trotted out a 442 that mostly resembled a reserve squad. Lovel Palmer started at right back with Chris Taylor on the left; Eric Brunner and Andrew Jean-Baptiste started in center defense. Jack Jewsbury and James Marcelin played in center midfield. Freddie Braun and Brent Richards played the right and left wings, Bright Dike and Sebastian Rincon played as the center forwards. Chivas USA also played in a 442. I'm not going to try and analyze their lineup as I'm not certain what the regular starters might be, and based on Robin Fraser's substitutions, his team isn't up to fitness and he is still trying to figure out what his starting eleven will be.
Portland started out the first half with a good amount of possession, moving the ball well and probing the Chivas defense. they created some dangerous chances but were missing precision in the final third. Against the run of play 21' minutes into the match, Chris Taylor lost a foot race with a Chivas player I cannot identify (number two is not listed on their roster), but dispossessed him in the corner. His attempt to clear the ball was a fail though, as it deflected straight to Alan Souza, who sent in a dangerous cross. Andrew Jean-Baptiste was somewhat out of position and was forced to attempt to clear the ball with an overhead kick. He missed and Cesar Romero volleyed past Gleeson before the Kiwi could react.
Not long after the restart Jake made a pretty amazing save when Alan Souza hit a crazy shot that deflected off rookie Casey Townsend's face, making the save with his fingers at the pinnacle of his leap. The team bounced back after this near-two-goal-deficit experience, and controlled much of possession for the rest of the half.
Diego Chara came in for Jack Jewsbury and Joe Bendik replaced Jake Gleeson at the start of the second half, while the Chivas lineup underwent four changes, including thirty-six year old Juan Pablo Angel coming on for twenty-two year old Casey Townsend. The second half continued in much the same manner as the first, with Portland controlling a strong portion of possession and creating a lot of chances, but failing with the last pass or were a step behind. AJB and Chris Taylor showed they were still quite green as they starting making random clearances under pressure. It is one thing to clear the ball in the direction of the striker for him to battle after, it is another to clear it halfway up the field directly to the other team.
Ryan Kawulok, who's official signing was announced this afternoon, came on for Lovel Palmer on the hour mark, but not before the Jamaican would get into a fight in the far corner over a harsh challenge. Kalif Alhassan made his appearance off the bench in the 66' for Homegrown Player Brent Richards. He immediately provided more stability down the right side of the pitch, with improved distribution and a greater ability to hold off and take on defenders. Play began to become smoother and the team started to exert more dominance as Chara and Alhassan started to control things. Perlaza came on with fifteen minutes left for an excellent Rincon who had chased after everything and came close to scoring a number of times.
The equalizer came three minutes later when Kalif sent in an awesome corner. Dike was unable to put a head to it, but it fell directly to Kawulok. The ball had such spin on it still that it bounced directly off backup keeper Tim Melia's hands and over the line. The tried to knock it back out but Perlaza was there to emphasize the goal by slamming back in. Kawulok celebrated by backpedaling towards the bench while pointing to the back of his kit. The team would continue to threaten to the final whistle but couldn't put another through the posts.
I thought the team as a whole did a pretty good job tonight, particularly the fight back to get the equalizer. The developmental players made some bad mistakes and poor choices, but that is what these types of games are about. Hopefully we won't need to see Chris Taylor, AJB, Freddie Braun, or Brent Richards start any league games or play serious minutes in a deep run in the US Open Cup. None of them played badly, but all seemed to suffer from lack of concentration. I was impressed with Bright Dike's ability to hold up the ball, Sebastian Rincon's pace, workrate, and general dangerous quality, and the fluidity the side had with Chara and Alhassan on the pitch.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
USA beats Italy, USA beats Denmark, USA beats Mexico
What a leap day.
Clint Dempsey scored the winner for the senior men's side at 55' for the first win in Europe against a European team since forever. The last time the team faced Italy it was a card-fest, and ended in a draw that saw the team fail to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2006 World Cup.
The women trashed Denmark five nil as Alex Morgan netted a brace. The team is participating in the Algarve Cup, an annual tournament in Portugal held in high esteem in the women's soccer world, though obviously overshadowed this year by the looming Olympics. The senior women's national team has won the Cup seven of the last nine years, falling on penalties those other two times.
the Olympic squad took on the Mexican U-23 team in Texas as well Wednesday and completed the trifecta of victories. Juan Agudelo found the net off a Mix Diskerud corner, then Diskerud found net, redirecting Freddy Adu's bomb.
More to come tomorrow.
Clint Dempsey scored the winner for the senior men's side at 55' for the first win in Europe against a European team since forever. The last time the team faced Italy it was a card-fest, and ended in a draw that saw the team fail to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2006 World Cup.
The women trashed Denmark five nil as Alex Morgan netted a brace. The team is participating in the Algarve Cup, an annual tournament in Portugal held in high esteem in the women's soccer world, though obviously overshadowed this year by the looming Olympics. The senior women's national team has won the Cup seven of the last nine years, falling on penalties those other two times.
the Olympic squad took on the Mexican U-23 team in Texas as well Wednesday and completed the trifecta of victories. Juan Agudelo found the net off a Mix Diskerud corner, then Diskerud found net, redirecting Freddy Adu's bomb.
More to come tomorrow.
Carling Cup Final
Liverpool take their first silverware since before I started following football, with a PK win over Cardiff City. Cardiff might only be a championship side, but Liverpool overcame Manchester City and Chelsea on the way to the final; no one can say Liverpool had an easy route to the Cup.
Liverpool started out in a 442, with Luis Suarez paired with Andy Carroll up top, Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam in the middle. Cardiff City played a 433, and I'm not going to lie, I don't know a single player on their team.
The game started out quickly when right back Glen Johnson hit the post just two minutes in. Liverpool would continue to dominate possession, but it would be Cardiff scoring off the break only ninteen minutes in. Joe Mason nutmegged Pepe Reina after he was fed a by Kenny Miller, a great ball to cut through the defense. Liverpool would respond with a flurry of attacks, but Andy Carroll kinda sucks, while the Cardiff defense had Suarez's number, and that pretty much sums up the first half.
The lineups were left intact at halftime, but as the first thirteen minutes of the second half revealed only more of the first, Kenny Dalglish tinkered with his lineup. Craig Bellamy came in for midfielder Jordan Henderson, not long after he was booked for a harsh challenge. Liverpool immediately scored, though it wasn't because of the switch, as the goal came off a set piece. Carroll flicked a Stewart Downing corner towards goal, which Suarez redirected into the right post, but the rebound fell to Martin Skrtl who buried it. The Premier League side continued to threaten, but didn't convert any of their chances. While they put seventeen shots on goal, many were right at Tom Heaton. The other thing to look at is their 37 total shots, squandering 20 chances with shots off frame.
Liverpool switched defenders just before full time, with Jamie Carragher coming in for Daniel Agger. Malky Mackay took out his goalscorer as the game went into full time, putting Filip Kiss in for Joe Mason. Just after Kiss got a yellow for a foul on Bellamy, Mark Hudson came out for Anthony Gerrard. After Carroll blew two chances in a row just after the hour, he came off in favor of Dirk Kuyt just after the century. Bellamy and Johnson continue the trend of wastefulness as the first half of extra time drew to a close.
Kyle McNaugton came off for Cardiff as the second extra period started, as Darcy Blake replaced him on the right side of defense. Kuyt found himself on a breakaway, but his centering pass was deflected back to him, so he first-timed it past Heaton to give the Merseysiders the lead at 118'. Cardiff really poured on pressure, creating a series of corners, leading ultimately to a scrum at the far post which Ben Turner won as Kuyt fell over in front of gaol, simply poked in two minutes from time. Liverpool responded with their own series of corners, which amounted to nothing but a failed highlight reel attempt when Kuyt attempted a bicycle. But then we saw double full time.
Steven Gerrard missed the first penalty, saved by Heaton.
Kenny Miller then hit the post. What a failed chance that was.
Charlie Adam skied his shot next, two straight misses for Liverpool, a horrible shot.
Four PKs before a goal from Don Cowie to the top left corner.
Dirk Kuyt put them level.
Another post for Cardiff, Rudy Gestede hit the other side.
Stewart Downing put Liverpool ahead.
Level again thanks to Peter Whittingham.
Glen Johnson hit the ceiling.
Anthony Gerrard followed in his cousin's footsteps and missed his shot, giving Liverpool the win.
Liverpool started out in a 442, with Luis Suarez paired with Andy Carroll up top, Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam in the middle. Cardiff City played a 433, and I'm not going to lie, I don't know a single player on their team.
The game started out quickly when right back Glen Johnson hit the post just two minutes in. Liverpool would continue to dominate possession, but it would be Cardiff scoring off the break only ninteen minutes in. Joe Mason nutmegged Pepe Reina after he was fed a by Kenny Miller, a great ball to cut through the defense. Liverpool would respond with a flurry of attacks, but Andy Carroll kinda sucks, while the Cardiff defense had Suarez's number, and that pretty much sums up the first half.
The lineups were left intact at halftime, but as the first thirteen minutes of the second half revealed only more of the first, Kenny Dalglish tinkered with his lineup. Craig Bellamy came in for midfielder Jordan Henderson, not long after he was booked for a harsh challenge. Liverpool immediately scored, though it wasn't because of the switch, as the goal came off a set piece. Carroll flicked a Stewart Downing corner towards goal, which Suarez redirected into the right post, but the rebound fell to Martin Skrtl who buried it. The Premier League side continued to threaten, but didn't convert any of their chances. While they put seventeen shots on goal, many were right at Tom Heaton. The other thing to look at is their 37 total shots, squandering 20 chances with shots off frame.
Liverpool switched defenders just before full time, with Jamie Carragher coming in for Daniel Agger. Malky Mackay took out his goalscorer as the game went into full time, putting Filip Kiss in for Joe Mason. Just after Kiss got a yellow for a foul on Bellamy, Mark Hudson came out for Anthony Gerrard. After Carroll blew two chances in a row just after the hour, he came off in favor of Dirk Kuyt just after the century. Bellamy and Johnson continue the trend of wastefulness as the first half of extra time drew to a close.
Kyle McNaugton came off for Cardiff as the second extra period started, as Darcy Blake replaced him on the right side of defense. Kuyt found himself on a breakaway, but his centering pass was deflected back to him, so he first-timed it past Heaton to give the Merseysiders the lead at 118'. Cardiff really poured on pressure, creating a series of corners, leading ultimately to a scrum at the far post which Ben Turner won as Kuyt fell over in front of gaol, simply poked in two minutes from time. Liverpool responded with their own series of corners, which amounted to nothing but a failed highlight reel attempt when Kuyt attempted a bicycle. But then we saw double full time.
Steven Gerrard missed the first penalty, saved by Heaton.
Kenny Miller then hit the post. What a failed chance that was.
Charlie Adam skied his shot next, two straight misses for Liverpool, a horrible shot.
Four PKs before a goal from Don Cowie to the top left corner.
Dirk Kuyt put them level.
Another post for Cardiff, Rudy Gestede hit the other side.
Stewart Downing put Liverpool ahead.
Level again thanks to Peter Whittingham.
Glen Johnson hit the ceiling.
Anthony Gerrard followed in his cousin's footsteps and missed his shot, giving Liverpool the win.
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