It's definitely the end of term at the Britannia Stadium. Following the pasting Michael Owen's Merc received, Stoke's squad have now allegedly turned to leaving dead animals in each other's lockers. Kenwyne Jones reportedly went to his locker today only to find a pig's head inside. The finger of suspcion imeediately pointed to Republic of [.
Welcome back to La Liga Lunes, where we wrap up the weekend's action
'Futbolita' style for you! The Barcelona squad enjoyed a little banter before heading off to
Pamplona, where they came away with a 2-1 victory against
Osasuna yesterday.
Here's the official announcement, the Rapids get a conditional draft pick from Chicago in exchange
for Wells Thompson.
There's a good deal of consternation in the on-line Rapids fanbase about wells asking to be traded
to find playing time, but it doesn't bother me. Look at what's happened this season:
*Wells was on pace for 727 minutes this year, his lowest season total of his career.
More of the same from the Rapids. Boneheaded defending combined with a complete lack of creativity
led to a 2-0 loss and the loss of the Rocky Mountain Cup, again. I won't discuss the Rapids offense
because there was none. 0 shots on goal in the game. On the defense things were relatively solid
until Wynne brain-locked again.
Rarely have two teams demonstrated what a tale of two halves can look like until the Colorado
Rapids Women and the Santa Clarita Blue Heat squared off over the weekend.
Playing at home, the Blue Heat dominated the first half and took a commanding 4-0 lead in to the
locker room.
For Santa Clarita, Laura Luis scored early off an Edite Fernandes assist in the fourth minute of
play.
More proof that Alex Song's departure was not because he was a disruptive locker room presence
but governed by an economic imperative. And it comes from Bacary Sagna, probably one of the calmest
presences in the Arsenal locker room and not given to hyperbole. In an interview with L'Equipe:
" Everyone was expecting Robin van Persie to leave, but Alex Song, that was a
surprise.
"You'll never stop loving me, will you, oh beautiful reflection?"
'Tis not about the money. Cristiano Ronaldo feels unloved by his club, his manager, his locker
room, and his fans.
" In regard to the Santiago Bernabéu faithful, he still lays the blame on the fans for not
unanimously defending him on the day he was booed and for not worshiping him every time he scores a
goal.
No one would be caught dead with Irina Shayk. Putting up with her is just sad.
The Spanish media is all atwitter about Cristiano Ronaldo not celebrating his goals against
Granada. Reports say he is "sad" at Real Madrid. There is talk he feels unloved in the locker
room.
Have you ever noticed how Ronaldo can't tear his eyes away from the monitor when he scores goals
as he barely acknowledges team mates jumping on his back, hugging him, pinching his cheeks in
celebration?
Does anyone remember Alex Song being a particularly disruptive, ill tempered, undisciplined
sort? Was he a wantaway? No, not really. These stories of him showing up late for practise and
mouthing off in the locker room could be a switch and bait from the real reasons. They were quite
well timed.
The USA celebrates Morgan Brian's opening goal in the semifinal
The U.S. U-20 WNT put on another excellent performance to down Nigeria 2-0 in the semifinal of the
2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. It was the USA's second consecutive victory over a team that had
won its first round group and now a much-anticpated World Cup Final against Germany awaits.
As the sun goes down in Tokyo, the USA hits the field for training
The U.S. U-20 WNT arrived in Tokyo on Sept. 1 and hit the training field in the afternoon. The
cooler evening temperatures with a nice breeze were much appreciated by the U.S. team that had been
training and playing in hot, muggy weather this entire trip.
The U.S. U-20 Women's World Cup Team did not train today, but as today was the team's scheduled
practice session at the game field, the squad did a walk-through of Miyagi Stadium, getting its
first look at the massive venue that will host the USA-Germany clash on Aug. 27 (2:50 a.m. ET on
ESPN2 and ESPN3).
"Frustration" is the watchword in the Union locker room after Saturday's drab draw. Reaction to
announcement that USWNT coach Pia Sundhage will step down. Jurgen Klinsmann announces roster for
upcoming WC qualifiers against Jamaica. Ronaldo "feeling sadness." More news.
Image: Twitter. H/T @Gay4Soccer. Let us quickly state for the record, although we enjoy seeing the
events that unfolded after yesterday's Open Cup final, we are rather shocked by the fugliness of
the winners' undergarments. Usually we look forward to locker room celebrations (i.e. see April
2011) with glee and HD anticipation.
CHESTER, Pa. -- Even though it's still July, the Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution
are already scrapping to remain in the playoff race. On Sunday, one team earned the win they
needed, while the other was left wondering what could have been.
Christian Tiffert was officially unveiled as the Seattle Sounders' newest Designated Player on
Friday. News of the signing first leaked out earlier that morning when German outlets were
reporting the deal and became all but official after the Sounders announced they had traded Alvaro
Fernandez to the Chicago Fire about 45 minutes earlier.
Clark would be a good fit with the Dynamo once again. (Getty Images)
With the news that Geoff Cameron could be on his way to Stoke City at any moment this week, the
Houston Dynamo may have found a replacement in the form of former midfielder and US International
Ricardo Clark.
CHESTER, Pa. -- Less than a month into the tenure of interim manager John Hackworth, the
Philadelphia Union suddenly look like a whole new team.
Led by some outstanding attacking performances and a rock-solid defense, Philadelphia dominated
possession and dictated the tempo for the duration as they defeated last-place Toronto FC, 3-0, in
front of a near-sellout crowd at PPL Park on Sunday afternoon.
What a great win last night and something the fans and the players really needed. I have a lot
more video to post this time around so look for that at the very bottom after the links.
Quotes
Portland Timbers Quotes
Timbers general manager/interim head coach Gavin Wilkinson
On the feeling in the locker room afterward:
"It's a lot better than losing.
Huh. Where did all the goals go? Did the heat wave finally get to everyone? Did every team suddenly
start signing better defensive players(Hint: No)? To put this into perspective, more goals were
scored in ONE game last week than were scored by all the teams this week, which even included an
extra midweek game!
In each of Portland's last 2 home games they have come out strong and actually scored the first
2 goals of the game. If the Portland Timbers want to win this game they will need to do so again.
Writing that is easier than actually doing it, especially with how inconsistent Portland has
been.
Side note: For all those who are hoping to see some changes in the line-up I want to warn you to
not get your hopes up.
[In the future, I'm going to try to write and post these reactions
right after games. The PGR will be a supplement to recaps. This kind of post is part of a "rebirth"
for the Brotherly Game that I've pondered lately, something I think is necessary for both myself
and the site. Enjoy. - Scott, Mg Ed]
A header and then a long range attempt, resulting in a goal.
Thomas Vermaelen has made it clear that he won't change his ways after being awarded the
captain's armband, insisting that he will continue to focus on leadership qualities that have taken
him thus far.
Vermaelen has steadily grown into one of the Premier League's best defenders in recent years and
deputized as the vice-captain to Robin van Persie as the Gunners secured a third-place finish.
Juventus beat Napoli 4-2 after extra time in the Supercoppa Italiana and the Azzurri were so
upset about the three red cards they were shown near the end of the first 90 minutes that they
walked out on the post-match ceremony. Goran Pandev was sent off for dissent when he argued a
penalty that was given to Juventus in the 73rd minute, Juan Zuniga followed him back to the
dressing room after a second yellow during injury time and manager Walter Mazzerri was sent off for
arguing the first two decisions before extra time.
It's that time again, and I am here to serve up a hearty helping of 3 questions exchange. Not to
mention a couple of bonus questions to boot. I visited again with Scott Kessler over at Brotherly
Game ahead of Sunday's game. I'll keep this short, you all know the drill. First question is below,
the rest is after the break.
Antoine Hoppenot has been in spectacular form for the Union this season. PSP talks to him about his
role on the team, adjustments he has made since college, and fitting into the Philly locker room.
The second episode of NBC Sports Network's MLS36 series airs Friday night following the New York
Red Bulls-Houston Dynamo clash at Red Bull Arena, and it features Seattle Sounders forward Fredy
Montero. Here's a sneak peak at part of the episode, which involves Montero putting his skills to a
unique use in the locker room.
Roger Levesque will officially sail off into the sunset following the Seattle Sounders' friendly
against Chelsea on Wednesday. The official announcement comes on the heals of Seattle Times
columnist Steve Kelley breaking the news a night earlier.
"I would like to thank the Sounders organization for giving me the opportunity to play
professionally for the past nine years," Levesque said in the team release.
One of the more disappointing circumstances of Shalrie Joseph's trade was that we as fans never
really got a chance to give him the send-off he deserved. He never got the press conference or the
testimonial match, the victory lap, or anything of the kind; one day he was a New England
Revolution player, the next he was gone.
We're a day removed here and I don't feel like it's gotten any better. For as long as I've been
a New England Revolution fan - nay, a soccer fan - Shalrie Joseph was the anchor in the
Revs' midfield. For as long as I've been covering the sport, he's been one of my favorite
interviews in the locker room, and an all-around great guy.
"The game never caught rhythm," Jay Heaps said post-game. "It was shameful to be honest with
you."
I don't think anyone can argue with coach Heaps on that one--the rhythm was really never there
for the Revs. And it seems to all tie back to the 2nd minute injury to Stephen McCarthy.
By "The Other 87 Minutes" / Senior Unemployed English Major
Correspondents
Today we celebrate the return of the school year by thinking of the children. Not just any
children, but badass ones – the kids we all wanted to be when we grew up. Some of them might have
aged and become either a best-selling author/religious cult leader or a 41-year-old pinch runner or
Batman (briefly) or Robin Williams, but each of them did their best work in their childhood or
early teenage years.
It seems like just yesterday that the Fire dispatched the Revolution for 3 points. With a
midweek game against DC United at RFK Stadium, the turnaround is a quick one for the Men in Red. I
exchanged questions with Martin Shatzer over at Black and Red United to get some insight ahead of
tonight's matchup.
I am really sorry to write that I somehow lost today's whole freakin post. It was a classic.
Probably the best post in the history of this blog. And its gone. Dammit.
All I have left is this awesome photo that Maurice Edu posted last night on his Twitter feed of the
USA team in the locker room after that surreal victory over Mexico.
We've joked about the relief Milan players must feel now that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his
teammate-kicking ways have moved on to PSG, but Stephan El Shaarawy reveals that it might be more
true than first thought.
From Football Italia:
Ibrahimovic took on the teacher role of sorts for El Shaarawy, often spotted shouting at him
during games.
Recently the crew over here at HTIOT got a very unique opportunity to engage Javier Leon in a
detailed conversation. For those that may not know, Javier is the Managing Director of Andell
Sports Group and President of Soccer Operations for the Chicago Fire. Basically, he works hand in
hand with owner Andrew Hauptman on a daily basis.
Their Words "We were still very upbeat in the locker room. After the game we talked about how it's
really a home-and-away series. We just have to take care of business at home. We have to take these
guys down and we also have to take care of Tauro FC, as well. Really it's just going to come down
to taking care of business in the next three games in this group.
Taking over a team full of over talking and under producing, former 1998 World Cup winner and
Juventus/Marseilles coach Didier Deschamps, has a huge task ahead of him. In recent years, France
has underwhelmed many with early exits from South Africa and constant reported disruptions in the
locker room.
