First off, I apologize to everyone for not being able to get a post-game analysis together for last
week. It was one of those times when life bitch-slapped my futbol blogging time. In the future, I
will, at a minimum, create posts where you all can share your own reactions and analyses, even if I
can't start your comments off with a comprehensive review from my perspective.
The Major League Soccer Playoffs wrapped up its Conference Semifinal round on Sunday, November
8, 2009 as the Los Angeles Galaxy faced Chivas USA. The score was 2-2 on aggregate heading into the
second leg. Here's a recap of the match along with video highlights.
Los Angeles Galaxy beats Chivas USA 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) Video Highlights (to
be added later)
1st Half
The Galaxy came out aggressive and had chances early.
When you think of a professional footballer's mode of transportation to a match, you probably
conjure images of pimped-out limousines with built-in hot tubs, strippers and maybe even a personal
pizza chef.
Well, for footballers in the United States (who aren't Davey Becks) it's not like that.
Algeria, Greece, Portugal and Slovenia all won their playoffs and qualified for the World Cup
today. Uruguay vs Costa Rica is happening as I type. But there's one story that will be dominating
the World Cup playoff headlines, and I think you already know what it is: Thierry Henry's handball
for France vs Ireland.
What a night at Toyota Park.
After losing the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series with New England 2-1,
the Fire stormed back in dramatic fashion tonight, getting a 2-0 victory to advance to the Eastern
Conference Finals on a 3-2 aggregate score.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco and John Thorrington scored the goals for the Fire, who will take on fourth
seeded Real Salt Lake in the Conference Final next Saturday at Toyota Park.
With 23 nations already qualified for World Cup 2010, there are just nine places in South Africa
still up for grabs. Three of those will be decided when African qualifying concludes next
Wednesday. But that's a separate post. The six other qualifiers will be decided by playoffs,
starting tomorrow.
United legend Marco Antonio Etcheverry debuted as the Head Coach for Bolivian side Oriente
Petrolero on Sunday, November 1. Coaching his hometown team, El Diablo earned a 1-0 win in his
first game of the Playoffs against rival Blooming. Oriente knocked out Blooming with a 2-1
aggregate score in the home and away series.
We are down to the final 4 teams with LA and Houston battling for the Western Conference crown
while Chicago and Real Salt Lake fight for the Eastern crown. The broadcast schedule is below:
FRIDAY, Nov. 13 on ESPN2
LOS ANGELES-HOUSTON, Western Conference Final, 10 pm.
Sunday's hard-earned 1-0 victory against Chivas USA in the second leg of the Western Conference
Semifinals was everything Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena thought it would be.
He is one of the most beloved footballers in the world. We have seen him in magazines,
highlight reels, video games, and even an awkward Gillette commercial alongside Roger Federer and
Tiger Woods. But was Thierry Henry's actions a week ago worth labeling the man a cheater for the
rest of his football career?
Ok so I'm not really quitting. But I am severely upset. Do you know Bolton's aggregate score form
the last 4 games? Unfortunately for me it is burned into my retinas, the weak hearted may need to
look away now. Bolton 1-15 Everyone Else. If you read my match preview, you knew that I actually
thought we could get at least a point from the game.
