By DAVE MARTINEZ

Though the New York Red Bulls were once considered clear-cut favorites to win the 2011 MLS Eastern Conference crown, the team imploded with a host of problems on the field, and in the locker room.

The defense became a porous mess that forced head coach Hans Backe to retool tactically in the final quarter of the season with a crude system he dubbed "cynical soccer" in order to stay competitive.

Sicilia amara per l'Inter, il Palermo vince 4-3 Di Mauro Giordano L'Inter non perdeva all'esordio di campionato dal 2000, sconfitta per 2-1 contro la Reggina. Sulla panchina nerazzurra c'era Marcello Lippi, che dopo quella prova deludente e la precedente eliminazione subita ai preliminari di Champions League dagli svedesi dell'Helsingborgs venne esonerato.

Four European football games, three different countries, two English munts and a beer bike Standard Liege v Helsingborgs (18:08:11)Roda JC v Waalwijk (19:08:11)FC Cologne v Kaiserslauten (20:08:11)RSC Anderlecht v Mons (21:08:11) Join Millwall fans, Guy and Hutch as they romp through Europe swerving their 5 a day in favour of football and beer.

Roland Nilsson has got Danish champions FC København off to a good start

Things already have a familiar look about them after just four matches in Denmark's Superligaen whilst the summer championships of Norway, Sweden and Finland are starting to get interesting as they reach the final third of the season.

Featured Image: Paul Rudderow

Part one left off at the start the Second World War. Part two picks up with the first friendly in Philadelphia after the war, beginning with Liverpool's tour of the States in 1946.

Friendlies in Philadelphia following the Second World War: 1946-1960

The 1946-1947 Liverpool FC starting XI

The first international club team to travel the US after the Second World War was Liverpool FC, who toured the US from May 11 until June 12 of 1946.

Game called off after 30 minutes A match between Sweden's Helsingborgs and Malmo had to be abandoned after goalkeeper Par Hansson was hit firstly by a flare and then by a fan. The Helsingborgs goalkeeper was struck by a flare thrown by a Malmo supporter. While he was receiving treatment, another Malmo fan invaded the [.

Unfortunately, the (not so) fresh (anymore) Allsvenskan season has already seen a couple of moments which could be considered less than optimal. A match was abandoned recently for flying flares, and yesterday saw Helsingborg v Malmo called for a player attack.

However, approaching a silver lining: lovely to see some solidarity among players of opposing teams, no?

Blåvitt IFK Goteborg v Helsingborgs IF Swedish Allsvenskan (18.4.11) A warm welcome to EFW debutant, Millwall fan Guy Collings.... Over the last couple of years I have discovered the joys of watching European football across the continent and have simultaneously discovered the joys of EFW. Why not combine the two I thought and share my own experiences in the same way I enjoy reading of the

Blåvitt IFK Goteborg v Helsingborgs IF Swedish Allsvenskan (18.4.11) A warm welcome to EFW debutant, Millwall fan Guy Collings.... Over the last couple of years I have discovered the joys of watching European football across the continent and have simultaneously discovered the joys of EFW. Why not combine the two I thought and share my own experiences in the same way I enjoy reading of the

As if the recent years results haven't been enough of a reminder, the current Allsvenskan League Ranking in UEFA is a sorry but true testimony of the current status of Swedish football. We've had no success in Europe, meaning the Champions League and Europa League, since Helsingborgs IF exited the [read more]