Fast starts were the popular trend for the U-15/16 age group on Tuesday as the Chicago Fire scored
in the opening 19 seconds of their 3-1 win against Charlotte Soccer Academy, while the New York Red
Bulls tallied a goal just 28 seconds into a 3-1 win against Pateadores. Chicago and New York are
tied at the pinnacle of Group 1 and face off against each other on Thursday.
I don't claim to be much of an expert on college soccer. In fact, I only really became interested
in the College Cup to learn more about Caleb Porter to see if he would be a good fit with DC
United. But after watching most of Akron's Semi-final win over North Carolina and their loss to
Virginia in the Final, a few individuals left me particularly impressed.
Given the focus that this blog has given to United's roster this year, I thought it would be
appropriate to base our Mid-Season Review specifically on the roster moves that the team has made.
In part 1, we will look at United's acquisitions, meaning the players that the team added since the
end of last season that they didn't have to give up anything for.
With United's Open Cup debut scheduled for tomorrow evening at the Maryland SoccerPlex, the
coaching staff has some really interesting roster decisions to make. Last year, United took a
Harrisburg Islanders squad way too lightly, and supposedly have learned their lesson. Even though
the Rochester Rhinos are currently struggling in USL, DC should take this opportunity to earn a
Champions League birth seriously.
With the July 1st salary guarantee date looming just a week away, that is the question that we ask
about two players: Jose Carvallo and Franco Niell. Both were brought to this country in the
offseason that saw the additions of five new South American players. Three of those players
(Gallardo and los Gonzalos) have earned regular roles in the starting XI.
Hey, remember that time earlier this month when I told you that United's senior roster appears set.
And that the final senior roster slot would go to Jamil Walker. And that Guy Kpene would remain on
the developmental roster. Yeah about that... Um...
Before this afternoon's defeat to Newcastle, West Brom announced that they would be wearing black
armbands in honour of club legend Ray Barlow, who has passed away at the age of 85. Hidden in the
smallprint was that manager Roy Hodgson would be ripping his off and throwing it to the ground in
disgust if [.
Former Manchester United and current Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt was in the Algarve this
week where he had his wedding to Shelley Barlow blessed in a low-key ceremony.
Conducted at the gorgeous botanical gardens of the Monte do Casal hotel, it was a small, elegant
gathering, with only around 30 hand-picked guests, including Roy Keane, Andy Cole and Phil Neville.
Disappointed Lincoln City fans.
This article was written by Adam Barlow.
Anybody who regularly watches the Premier League will be well aware of the pressure to stay there,
the money, revenues and the prestige that go with being a Premiership club. Chairmen of clubs that
are threatened with relegation are often quoted as saying how much it will cost their respective
clubs should they drop down to the Championship.
This morning in the Daily Mail, the pundits and reporters have had their say on Chelsea v United
this Sunday and let's cut to the chase, they have written Chelsea's hopes of winning the game and
or the title. However, Claudio Ranieri has spoken of his old side and believes if Chelsea wins on
Sunday, we will win the title.
A seven-year old Manchester City fan who walked out of Villa Park with Ashley Cole's Community
Shield runner-up medal on Saturday afternoon has told any circling collectors out there that he's
willing to turn down offers of £1 million for his new prized possession.
Loveable old Uncle Woy Hodgson threw a bit of a 'rage quit shit fit' after Papiss Cisse clonked
home Newcastle's third goal against West Brom at the Hawthorns yesterday afternoon, tearing off his
black armband and throwing on the ground.
Which is all well and good, in that it showed the veteran Baggies' manager still has the fight,
etc, etc the only problem being that the players were sporting the armbands as a mark of respect
given the recent death of West Brom club legend Ray Barlow, the man for whom the pre-match minute's
applause was conducted.
The following is the OPL Winter Schedule for THUSC Sodium; 1/29 - 1:00pm vs WSM Havoc (formerly
Strikers) @ REC #2 1/30 - 8:00am vs FC Portland 95G Navy @ Liberty HS 2/13 - 3:00pm vs EMFC Magic @
Lane Community College (Eugene) 2/19 - 2:00pm vs EMFC MAgic @ Placeholder Field (PDX) 2/27 -
12:00pm vs ESUFC Arsenal @ Barlow HS 4/3 - 5:00pm vs ESUFC Arsenal @ REC #1 4/9 - 12:00pm vs PCU
Last year in men's college soccer, there were few trophies that the University of Virginia
didn't get its hands on. Winners of both the ACC Championship and NCAA Championship tournament, the
2010 Cavaliers enter with eyes on defending both titles.
I always tell players to be weary of players or teams that want to win more than you do - that are
playing with something to prove.
If that is the case, look out for the University of Virginia in the College Cup this weekend. A
nucleus of their senior class were at the College Cup as freshmen, where they were eliminated by
UCLA - that experience left a sour taste in the mouth of some of their players, and should give
them a swagger heading into this weekend.
