Blackburn
Position 18th, 4-6-13 (18 points, -14 goal differential)
Away Record: 1-6-4, -6 goal differential
Recent Form: WLWDL
Last Meeting: Blackburn 4 Arsenal 3 (September 17, 2011)
Back in league action tomorrow as we square off against mighty Blackburn (hey, lately, any team
playing against us looks pretty mighty).
Could there ever be a better story than Josh Hamilton taking care of this boy?
The truth is Hamilton needs the boy more than the boy needs Hamilton.
As a father figure, Hamilton has something bigger than himself to look after and more meaning in
his life.
With the NBA schedule in fult tilt since Christmas, the season has never seemed this action-packed.
The reason is because the games are coming closer together and delivered faster to consumers.
There is more back-to-back scheduling for teams than other years, meaning they play two nights in a
row and some back-to-back-to-back, meaning they play three nights in a row at times throughout the
season, as well.
Ricardo Clark got a little redemption but that's about it. (Getty Images)
It has been a long time coming for the US Men's National Team. A solid three-game winning
streak.
Typically these sorts of things happen around the January friendly time. It certainly isn't the
first time this has happened but with Jurgen Klinsmann in as boss, it is.
The Philadelphia Independence have been busy this offseason despite the fact that up until only
a few weeks ago, they weren't even sure they would have a season at all. Women's Professional
Soccer had a rough go of things after the 2011 season came to an end, almost folding after a lack
of both ratings and teams.
Photo: Paul Rudderow
Editor's note: At the end of the 2010 season, we posted a series of season reviews of every
Philadelphia Union player. Over the next several weeks PSP continues with a review of the 2011
season.
The Freddy Adu redemption narrative began this year the same way such stories typically begin:
At rock bottom.
I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year celebration. It seems odd to be writing a preview
one day after a recap, but so it goes. Our boys are back in action tomorrow, taking on Fulham at
Craven Cottage. Our opponents aren't having the best of seasons, currently sitting in 13th place
with 20 points, and a -5 goal differential (which is also the same record as 14th place
Swansea).
The SPL works off the turkey and mince pies with a full Wednesday evening fixture. The eyes of the
world upon us once more. Or at least the eyes of those Sky viewers not tempted by the tungsten
superheroes at the Ally Pally.
Celtic v Rangers
Apparently recent form has left some Celtic supporters confident about this one.
Everybody who comments, be it in print or on the radio or on television, makes mistakes. It
doesn't matter who you are or how much you know or just what the subject is: Sooner or later you
will slip up. And so I don't want to seem to be going after some poor talking head, some
exceptionally easy target, just for the sake of it.
If you are a movies junkie like I am, you'll definitely appreciate this piece in ESPN by Barry
Locke, who analyzes the coaching of Norman Dale in "Hoosiers". Enjoy.
It's been 25 years since "Hoosiers" immortalized the legend of Hickory High, the small school
that beats long odds to make underdog history by winning the Indiana state basketball
championship.
BY ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, Calif. -- Long derided for being injury prone, Calen Carr is used to be written off, but
for Carr, redemption could be only 90 minutes away.
Since returning to from a concussion suffered in preseason while he was with the Chicago Fire,
Carr has earned a starting spot alongside Dynamo captain Brian Ching, with his fast paced play
adding a cutting edge to the Dynamo attack.
Liverpool midfield stalwart Lucas Leiva has admitted that he has been watching Xabi Alonso closely,
in order to improve his own game.
The Brazilian initially found life difficult after his move to Anfield, sparking displeasure in The
Kop over his performances, and looked to Alonso in a bid to turn his career around.
Last Friday we witnessed the US National Team in a tepid display against France. If you missed it,
count yourself lucky as it was rough to watch. Tomorrow the team will have a chance at redemption
against Slovenia. We're likely to see much of the same though. Jurgen Klinsmann hasn't done much to
reassure fans of anything in the past months string of friendlies.
Luis Suarez doesn't suck any more, though if you follow his press clippings he's probably still
a diving cheat or worse. And Liverpool can score again. Or at least Suarez can. Which will be
important when the club faces off against you know who and some club or other that doesn't
really matter except for the fact that he just happens to manage them on Saturday
afternoon.
Wolves fans who abused McCarthy are a bunch of knee-jerks
Tonight at Molineux, the fans of Wolverhampton have been given the chance of redemption. The
abuse that was hurled at their manager Mick McCarthy on Saturday was little short of obscene.
No-one is denying disaffected supporters the right to voice their opinions.
Wet turf and over 36,000 hostile fans weighed upon the visiting team, but that didn't force the
Philadelphia to play the young, inexperienced and almost frightened role that was seen nearly 18
months ago in Seattle. Rather, the Union controlled and played aggressively, showing what a new
season can bring to a formerly struggling team.
Photo by Stephen Brashear/ISIphotos.com
By DAVID GUBALA
It was almost the perfect redemption to an unaccomplished season for the Chicago Fire. Winning
the U.S. Open Cup for the fifth time in club history would have overshadowed all of the losses,
unnecessary draws, and most importantly, potentially missing out on the playoffs.
Interview by Eric Beard
In what may potentially be the beginning of a new series (still working on a name, suggestions
welcome) based off of Tosh.0's web redemptions, we're hoping to chat with some of guys and girls
that gained internet fame through football besides Elizabeth Lambert because she's frightening.
The Philly Soccer Page " Philadelphia Union 3-2 DC United
The win puts the Union on 43 points, just one point behind conference leading Kansas City with a
game in hand.
Afternoon Delight: The View From Baltimore | Union Dues
It's been awhile since I was able to post (anyone miss me?
Voices floating over Hadrian's Wall after Sunday's Old Firm derby sounded curiously, positive.
Curiously positive in the sense that, with so much about Scottish football being accompanied by the
sound of a death knell of late, hearing something good about two SPL clubs struck a more upbeat
note. Rangers and Celtic gave those in attendance at Ibrox, along with those watching abroad, a
fierce display of quality football for the majority of the ninety minutes, showcasing much of the
skill and drama that draws us to this game.
Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that his Arsenal side faces a tricky test at Ewood Park in
today's early afternoon kick-off despite the lowly placement of their opponents, Blackburn
Rovers.
Wenger has publicly backed under-pressure Rovers boss Steve Kean and despite expressing a high
level of confidence in his team's recent momentum, the Frenchman believes that Blackburn is a
dangerous opposition for multiple reasons.
Photo by Connor Turner
Those who know my writing know that I have an affinity for DC United and have followed the team,
with varying levels of intensity, since its inception. So it should surprise no one that I have
been closely following the Black-and-Red this season, not just because of rooting interest but
because this has shaped up to be an intriguing season for a number of reasons.
How Chelsea kid can help Capello find redemption and why Brazil is the true home of
football
Fabio Capello's wish to see Josh McEachran get a chance at Chelsea this summer was further
evidence that, for all the stick he gets, the Italian does want his legacy to live on for the right
reasons.
-Photo by Katy Umaña
Coming off of a rough 3-0 loss to Chivas USA in California, the Houston Dynamo were looking for
redemption as they hosted the Seattle Sounders at Robertson Stadium on Saturday night, and
redemption they found as captain Brian Ching led the Dynamo to a 3-1 victory.
The Dynamo picked up their first goal early in the match when Colin Clark scored in the 7th
minute:
In the 23rd, Brian Ching, with assists from Geoff Cameron and Brad Davis, scored what would prove
to be the game winning goal for the Houston Dynamo:
Seattle finally managed to get on the scoreboard in the first half when Fredy Montero picked up a
penalty in the box, a penalty that Alvaro Fernandez converted, making the score 2-1 going into
halftime:
In the 71st minute, Brian Ching picked up an insurance goal for the Houston Dynamo:
After this weekend's matches, the Houston Dynamo have 27 points on the season and sharing fourth
place in the Eastern Conference with Sporting Kansas City.
-Photo by Katy Umaña
Coming off of a rough 3-0 loss to Chivas USA in California, the Houston Dynamo were looking for
redemption as they hosted the Seattle Sounders at Robertson Stadium on Saturday night, and
redemption they found as captain Brian Ching led the Dynamo to a 3-1 victory.
The Dynamo picked up their first goal early in the match when Colin Clark scored in the 7th
minute:
In the 23rd, Brian Ching, with assists from Geoff Cameron and Brad Davis, scored what would prove
to be the game winning goal for the Houston Dynamo:
Seattle finally managed to get on the scoreboard in the first half when Fredy Montero picked up a
penalty in the box, a penalty that Alvaro Fernandez converted, making the score 2-1 going into
halftime:
In the 71st minute, Brian Ching picked up an insurance goal for the Houston Dynamo:
After this weekend's matches, the Houston Dynamo have 27 points on the season and sharing fourth
place in the Eastern Conference with Sporting Kansas City.
Extended highlights of the USA/Brazil match, along with individual highlights of the big
plays and all the penalty kicks, can be found here. And are totally awesome.
This was a moment.
All the stories about this moment that make it about something big: Women's soccer, American
pride, personal glory or redemption, desire, belief, composure.
England players look a little resentful while singing their national anthem. I don't think they
were expecting as much criticism as they got for their draw against Mexico.
FAIL - Announcer just said Hope Solo instead Hope Powell.
Kickoff!
2 - Bardsley catches an incoming pass.
The offense didn't really show up, but the defense did what it's been doing lately, even without
Aurelien Collin, and was able to shut down the Philadelphia offense to earn KC a 0-0 draw.
Philadelphia had 26 chances on goal compared to Sporting KC's 8. Of those 26, 7 were on target, KC
put 0 on target last night.
3:30 p.m. U.S.-Panama on Fox Soccer Channel, Univision
7 p.m. Mexico-Honduras on Univision
Red, white & blue redemption: The U.S. must prove to their regional foes they belong in the
Gold Cup final after losing earlier in the tournament to semifinal opponent Panama (AP
Photos).
"Soccer is the elusive, almost illusive woman you have taught yourself not to chase."
Me, right now, before I change my mind.
I've identified three problems with the American soccer missionaries.
1. Rarely so rarely have they been converted from Our Sports.
Hello all, the transfer season is well upon us when we get rumors of Emmanuel Eboue leaving the
club. To be quite honest, the Nasri situation (which Homey very eloquently talked about in
yesterday's post), along with the now annual Cesc Fabregas Summer Transfer To Barcelona Media
Extravaganza (Now available in Qatar!
Group B action wrapped up in Harrison, New Jersey on Monday night as Guatemala played Grenada and
Honduras faced Jamaica.
Grenada has been giving Cuba a run for its money as the whipping boy for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold
Cup, and Monday was no different as they gave up 4 goals to Guatemala while being unable to score a
goal of their own.
As the summer transfer window opens and teams across Europe begin their annual spending
spree/discount sale, I wanted to share the perspective of American fans of Bari, Brescia, and
Sampdoria, or the "Relegated Three" for the 2011-2012 season. Relegation is a part of soccer life,
and much has been written on the pain of seeing your favorite team descending into lower league
hell after the glories of top flight redemption.
Cranking back up the 2011 hype machine here at TSG. Stoking the engine with golazo burgers
courtesy of the USMNT.
The Don't Tread Challenge is TSG's search for for the most insanely awesome video that gets fans
fired up about USMNT heading this year into the Gold Cup 2011.
VOTING STARTS.
By Chris Wright
Just one year after securing a club-first league and cup double, Carlo Ancelotti and his
glorious eyebrow of redemption have been sacked by Chelsea after washing up in shameful, shameful
second place this year though, snarky sarcasm aside, 2010/11 has technically been the
club's 'worst' campaign since Roman Abramovich rode into town back in 2003.
Getafe's win over Osasuna provided relief but not redemption: they're one of six teams who could be
relegated on the final day.
From one in nine to one in six: who is going down in La Liga?
Weren't we right here not a month ago? Weird, unexpected but acceptable. Most acceptable.
These two, again
To quote myself on 11 April, prior to our demise in the Champions League:
We've tackled tactics throughout the season. This time is no different.
This is a comment from Joe Posnanski's blog:
I think this is about two things: meaning and chance.
Meaning People want sports to mean something. They want it to be about dedication, or about
drive, or about a team overcoming obstacles. It's usually just about the player or the team that
executes or gets lucky on a given day.
Van der Sar, Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Valencia, Park, Rooney,
Hernandez.
The nerves and fear the Chelsea game in the quarter-finals brought about seem to overshadow
feelings ahead of the Schalke game. The thought of losing to them was painful, particularly knowing
we had the easier side of the draw waiting for the semi-finals.
