By: Alan
Soccer City FC
Irish champions Drogheda United have set up a dream tie with 1999 semi-finalists Dynamo Kiev in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. Drogheda United travelled to Estonia with the comfort of knowing that a draw would see them progress having beaten Levadia Talinn 2-1 in the home leg at Dalymount Park. Gartland’s second-half strike ensured Drogheda’s place in the next round with a 3-1 aggregate victory, but Dynamo Kiev are strong favourites to see them off at the next hurdle. The Ukrainians have been ever-present in Europe’s elite competition, having qualified for the group stage on eleven occasions since it began back in 1992. This season’s competition was the first appearance in the Champions League for eircom League side Drogheda, and they will hope to keep Irish dreams alive by doing the unlikely in Ukraine’s capital.
Linfield could not overturn the first leg deficit against Croatian champions Dynamo Zagreb but they managed to salvage a draw in the away leg to make the aggregate score 3-1. Croatia international striker Mario Mandzukic managed yet another goal against the defending Northern Irish champions, his third in two appearances after scoring twice in the first leg. Michael Gault equalised to salvage a draw for Linfield, but it is Dynamo Zagreb who progress to meet Slovenia’s NK Domzale.
Elsewhere, Llanelli looked on course to produce the upset of the round by beating Latvian title holders Ventspils. The Welsh club took a first-leg advantage with a one-goal win, but resoundingly lost 4-0 in Latvia to end any hopes. IFK Gothenburg confidently pushed aside San Marino minnows Murata with a 9-0 scoreline on aggregate, but they will face tougher opposition in FC Basel of Switzerland. Lithuania’s Kaunas will face UEFA Cup finalists Rangers after they comprehensively beat Santa Coloma of Andorra. Azerbaijan’s Inter Baku progressed at the expense of Rabotnicki due to the away goal ruling and will face FK Partizan of Serbia. Cypriot champions Anorthosis Famagusta claimed their place by overcoming Pyunik Yerevan of Andorra and they were joined by Finnish outfit Tampere United after narrowly triumphing over Budućnost of Montenegro.
The second qualifying round will see the introduction of the more famous and established teams, with last season’s quarter-finalists Fenerbahce facing MTK Hungaria, defending Belgian champions Anderlecht play FC BATE of Belarus and Sparta Prague welcome the challenge of Sheriff Tiraspol. SK Brann of Norway, Panathinaikos of Greece and Israel’s Beitar Jerusalem also enter at this stage.
UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round aggregate scores:
- Linfield 1 - 3 Dynamo Zagreb
- Valletta 0 - 3 Artmedia Petržalka
- Dinamo Tbilisi 3–1 NSÍ Runavík
- Santa Coloma 2 - 7 Kaunas
- Murata 2 - 7 IFK Gothenburg
- Llanelli 1 - 4 Ventspils
- Anorthosis Famagusta 3–0 Pyunik Yerevan
- Inter Baku 1–1 Rabotnički
- Tampere United 3–2 Budućnost
- F91 Dudelange 0–3 Domžale
- Dinamo Tirana 1–4 Modriča
- Aktobe 1–4 Sheriff Tiraspol
- Drogheda United 3–1 Levadia
- BATE 3–0 Valur
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
"They Simply Just Don't Bother Us"
By: Ko Po Hui
Special to Soccer City FC
Up to today I still have friends, colleagues come up to me and lamented,"Why isn't there any local football news on the paper?"
I'm not sure if scenario like this occurred in other places as well, but as a matter of fact Singaporeans football fans does have this problem – they don't seems get enough information from where they supposed to – the mainstream media.
Save for the occasionally mouth-watering events such as the bi-annual Asean Football Federation (AFF) championship for the South East Asian nations, there's hardly any media coverage on Singapore soccer.
Therefore, it was no wonder why the local sporting media suddenly upped their work rate for the past few days when the Brazilian Olympics soccer team landed on the shores of this tiny island republic for their acclimatised training.
Suddenly, you saw pages of news devoted to the Samba boys on the back pages as newspapers compete to outwit each other to get the bits and pieces of whatever surrounding Ronaldinho, Anderson etc.
I guess the sad fact of this happening boils down to the fact that it's more of profit-driven rather than duty-driven to sell the papers nowadays.
Stern from the fact that during heydays of the Malaysia Cup era, it's a common thing to see fans alike crowded around a copy of “The New Paper” (a local afternoon tabloid prided itself as a football paper) and chat over any issues pertaining the Singapore team playing in the Malaysia Cup tournament.
However, since the pullout from the mass-appealing Malaysia Cup tournament back in 1994, the mainstream media coverage of local soccer had since dwindle as day passes by, while the papers have to look for something to fill up the pages to retain the readership.
And you guessed it – the ever-popular English Premier League (EPL).
With their slick packaging and aggressive marketing around the globe, it is a common sight to fans around this region don the jerseys of Arsenal, Liverpool and other Europeans mega clubs walking proudly around their neighbourhoods.
As mentioned earlier, since it's a trend of being market-driven rather than being duty-bound to cover the local soccer scene in Singapore, it's not uncommon to see mainstream merely scribbled a few lines on some obscured spots on the sport pages detailed just scores and relevant stats on the previous night local league's fixtures.
The main focus would be on the EPL with some local journalists fit themselves in as if they are respected columnists Alan Hansen or Rob Hughes giving opinions on the matches several timezones away from theirs, while almost completely ignored those happening at their own backyards.
So much so that sometimes I can't blame some of my friends or colleagues having that kind of negative impression of the local league (the S.League), which in recent years do their fair share of troubles such as a few cases of match-fixing since its inception in 1996.
As negative stuff helped to boast the readership, it was a sad fact that happened in the aftermath after the recent heavy defeat to the Asian powerhouse Uzbekistan in the World Cup qualifiers that these mainstream media mercilessly panned the performance of the Singapore national team, who were for the first time in their history made it to this stage of the campaign.
Fairly enough to say that the Singapore team were not at their best against the Uzbeks but the heart-wrenching part was the fact the prior commendable performances of the Lions (the team's moniker) were completely erased after that 7-3 defeat on the 2nd June 2008.
Although we are now living in a wired world of the internet, text messages, YOUTUBE and other online media that transcend boundaries of nations, a stark hard fact is that the mainstream media, which comprise the newspapers, radio and television, still play an important role to reach out to the masses, especially those who can't have access to the cyberspace at their fingertips all the time.
Unless, the mindset of those sports editors can be tweaked and a real tangible solution can be found through other means to reach out to the fans, I really fear one day that I might not even know who are the players play for the national team.
(P.S: one of the aims of the contributor's blog is hope to raise the awareness of the S.League – Singapore's own professional soccer league)
Ko Po Hui operates BoLASEPaKO.
Special to Soccer City FC
Up to today I still have friends, colleagues come up to me and lamented,"Why isn't there any local football news on the paper?"
I'm not sure if scenario like this occurred in other places as well, but as a matter of fact Singaporeans football fans does have this problem – they don't seems get enough information from where they supposed to – the mainstream media.
Save for the occasionally mouth-watering events such as the bi-annual Asean Football Federation (AFF) championship for the South East Asian nations, there's hardly any media coverage on Singapore soccer.
Therefore, it was no wonder why the local sporting media suddenly upped their work rate for the past few days when the Brazilian Olympics soccer team landed on the shores of this tiny island republic for their acclimatised training.
Suddenly, you saw pages of news devoted to the Samba boys on the back pages as newspapers compete to outwit each other to get the bits and pieces of whatever surrounding Ronaldinho, Anderson etc.
I guess the sad fact of this happening boils down to the fact that it's more of profit-driven rather than duty-driven to sell the papers nowadays.
Stern from the fact that during heydays of the Malaysia Cup era, it's a common thing to see fans alike crowded around a copy of “The New Paper” (a local afternoon tabloid prided itself as a football paper) and chat over any issues pertaining the Singapore team playing in the Malaysia Cup tournament.
However, since the pullout from the mass-appealing Malaysia Cup tournament back in 1994, the mainstream media coverage of local soccer had since dwindle as day passes by, while the papers have to look for something to fill up the pages to retain the readership.
And you guessed it – the ever-popular English Premier League (EPL).
With their slick packaging and aggressive marketing around the globe, it is a common sight to fans around this region don the jerseys of Arsenal, Liverpool and other Europeans mega clubs walking proudly around their neighbourhoods.
As mentioned earlier, since it's a trend of being market-driven rather than being duty-bound to cover the local soccer scene in Singapore, it's not uncommon to see mainstream merely scribbled a few lines on some obscured spots on the sport pages detailed just scores and relevant stats on the previous night local league's fixtures.
The main focus would be on the EPL with some local journalists fit themselves in as if they are respected columnists Alan Hansen or Rob Hughes giving opinions on the matches several timezones away from theirs, while almost completely ignored those happening at their own backyards.
So much so that sometimes I can't blame some of my friends or colleagues having that kind of negative impression of the local league (the S.League), which in recent years do their fair share of troubles such as a few cases of match-fixing since its inception in 1996.
As negative stuff helped to boast the readership, it was a sad fact that happened in the aftermath after the recent heavy defeat to the Asian powerhouse Uzbekistan in the World Cup qualifiers that these mainstream media mercilessly panned the performance of the Singapore national team, who were for the first time in their history made it to this stage of the campaign.
Fairly enough to say that the Singapore team were not at their best against the Uzbeks but the heart-wrenching part was the fact the prior commendable performances of the Lions (the team's moniker) were completely erased after that 7-3 defeat on the 2nd June 2008.
Although we are now living in a wired world of the internet, text messages, YOUTUBE and other online media that transcend boundaries of nations, a stark hard fact is that the mainstream media, which comprise the newspapers, radio and television, still play an important role to reach out to the masses, especially those who can't have access to the cyberspace at their fingertips all the time.
Unless, the mindset of those sports editors can be tweaked and a real tangible solution can be found through other means to reach out to the fans, I really fear one day that I might not even know who are the players play for the national team.
(P.S: one of the aims of the contributor's blog is hope to raise the awareness of the S.League – Singapore's own professional soccer league)
Ko Po Hui operates BoLASEPaKO.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Captain Stability - Richard Dunne That Is
By: Lynne
Soccer City FC
Manchester City manager, Mark Hughes (MH), has handed the fan's favourite, Richard Dunne, the captain's armband for another season (his third consecutive season) and well deserved it is too. He's the back-bone of the defence, keeping them disciplined and springing the off-side trap with precision. I'm sure his young defenders are learning a great deal from his great defensive play and positioning. His quiet, calm and assured presence on the pitch is an asset to the team, it certainly hasn't escaped the notice of other EPL managers - too late, Dunnie signed a four year deal a few weeks ago. On his arrival at City, MH made it a priority to secure Dunnie's contract, recognising how much he means to the club, team and fans alike.
Well Dunne, Dunnie and MH.
Over the Blue Moon
Soccer City FC
Manchester City manager, Mark Hughes (MH), has handed the fan's favourite, Richard Dunne, the captain's armband for another season (his third consecutive season) and well deserved it is too. He's the back-bone of the defence, keeping them disciplined and springing the off-side trap with precision. I'm sure his young defenders are learning a great deal from his great defensive play and positioning. His quiet, calm and assured presence on the pitch is an asset to the team, it certainly hasn't escaped the notice of other EPL managers - too late, Dunnie signed a four year deal a few weeks ago. On his arrival at City, MH made it a priority to secure Dunnie's contract, recognising how much he means to the club, team and fans alike.
Well Dunne, Dunnie and MH.
Over the Blue Moon
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Manchester City and MLS News
- Sky Sports' Andy Clarke looks at what positions still need attention at Manchester City now that Mark Hughes is in charge.
[Find the Article Here]
Clarke makes an interesting point about Elano in the piece. I agree that sadly, he could be a casualty of the new regime.
- 3rd Degree reports that FC Dallas has acquired two international roster spots via trade. The club is looking in South America.
[Find the Article Here]
As usual, top-notch reporting from the website. FC Dallas is building strong ties in South America with the likes of Atletico Paranaese and River Plate.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
What the Trotters Still Need, and Why Johan Isn’t THE Man to Replace Anelka
By: Chris C.
Soccer City FC
It’s another interesting month in the world of football. Transfers are flying around at the typical blazing pace, players are making bigger money than even they know what to do with, and the little teams are trying their hardest to keep up. Many of the smaller teams out there have gone so far as to break their own transfer records to sign players that would previously have been relatively affordable. The big boys are still flashing the cash around, and after months of debate, some of the biggest names on the table have made their moves (or not). Ronaldinho to AC Milan, Cristiano Ronaldo supposedly staying at Manchester United and multiple flashy offers on the table for players anxious to move on.
And the Trotters? Well, the usual rumors are still about, but aside from a singular mention of a third target being lined up, there hasn’t been much in the way of actual action. So, here we are talking about what Bolton haven’t done, and what they realistically need in order to get back to their competitive standing in the Premier League. So, what is it that Bolton need, and why does that title say that Johan isn’t THE man to replace Anelka? Well, let’s take a look, shall we?
First of all, Bolton have a lot of holes to fill. So far, we’ve only lost a few players that either weren’t holding their own or weren’t in Megson’s good books (and another that is looking likely to leave, who also isn’t in Megson’s good books). If you factor in the additional losses of Danny Guthrie and Grzegorz Rasiak, one moreso than the other, and you’ve got a few holes forming. On the other side, the Wanderers have brought in Fabrice Muamba and Johan Elmander. Muamba can account for the loss of Guthrie, Andranik and Campo in some ways; however, he alone cannot play every minute of every game in the spots that they left. Elmander fills the role that Stelios sometimes filled and Rasiak plodded his way through, and he will be a good fit next to Kevin Davies; however, he also cannot play every minute of every game. We’re also on the fence as to where the service is going to be coming from. There’s still the chance that El Hadji Diouf could leave for greener pastures, which eliminates the creative and sometimes speedy winger that he fills when he’s actually playing football. So, how do we address the issue of getting service for Davo and Elmander?
This brings us to the wonderful world of what Bolton still need. When looking to address the issue of service to the front, we need a player with the skills of Diouf, but the temperament of Gary Speed to avoid the love/hate relationship that every fan of every team in the Prem currently has with Dioufy. A winger with creativity and speed, that can cross and make the run to find the strikers or otherwise create options, which our current company of players aren’t particularly known for (with the glittering exceptions of Kevin Nolan and Gretar Steinsson). Muamba might be able to take some of that weight, but it will take a crafty winger to offer the proper support. If Dioufy stays, then he might be able to provide that, if he leaves, then hopefully Bolton will have the financial ability to go out and acquire that player. Again, its contingent on Diouf moreso than it is on the financial standing of the club. Well, we’ve covered the winger, what else do they need?
I’m glad you asked, me! Bolton are also lacking any genuine fire-power in depth. As it stands now, we’ve got Davo and Elmander, with Nolan and potentially Diouf to lend a hand. Megson obviously isn’t a huge fan of Ricky Vaz Te, for whatever reason, and so he won’t see the light of day on the pitch, which leaves the options pitifully short. Bolton need, and I stress that as much as possible, at least one more decent striker to fill out the position. In Megson’s eyes, that might be in the form of another Rasiak-type loan; however, the general hope would be along the lines of Milan Baros or Djibril Cisse that have been linked with Bolton for some time now.
That does still leave the back four, but I’m content with that I see there. Steinsson has been fantastic in his time at the club, Cahill and O’Brien form a fantastic pair in the middle and Ricky’s staying on the left side, with Samuel. So, I’d say that the back four are looking in fine shape, with the only real need being for squad players to supplement the existing talent. Fill those holes, and I think Bolton could be looking like genuine contenders like they were before Big Sam walked out. That’s just one Bolton fan’s opinion as to what Bolton truly need, I may be wrong and I may be right. Feel free to let me know!
But what’s all this about Johan Elmander not being the right fit to replace Anelka, you ask? Well, I didn’t say he wasn’t the right fit, but I am saying he’s not a stride-for-stride replacement of Anelka that we all are hoping to see. He is, and I will never say otherwise, a great striker that could be just as good if not better than Nicolas Anelka was for Bolton; however, and I say this with the best of intentions, he does not bolster the same skill set that we came to appreciate from Nic. Anelka was the type to get flashy with his goal attempts and had the genuine skills to put the ball in the net along with that. Elmander is an exceptionally hard-working striker that looks to make something out of nothing. You can find examples of his drive on any video-sharing website on the internet. In particular, his free kick attempt against Lyon from, I believe, 2007.
This is why he is not THE man to replace Anelka. He will not be the flashy fanciful Frenchman; however, he will be dedicated and hard-working. He will create goals from nothing and he will never give up on a play that others might pass off as being dead. I believe that a player like this will need a supporting striker, and this is why he is not the lone man to replace Anelka. I cannot wait to see what he will do in a Bolton kit, as I am most Trotters fans will be waiting to see the newest addition to the squad. All that remains to be seen is who else will be wearing the Bolton whites come August.
Related work at Soccer City FC:
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Fair Awld Game in the Faroe Islands
By: Lynne
Soccer City FC
UEFA Cup – First Round – 17 July 2008
EB/Streymur 0 - Manchester City 2
@ Torsvollur Stadium (the National Stadium), Torshavn , Faroe Isles
(their own stadium, Við Margáir, holds just 1,000, hence the switch)
Att: 5,700 (capacity 6,000)
A great job done, by the fans as well as the team. The Faroe Islands is not an easy place to get to. 250 City mad (more so than our usual City fans) supporters made the trip, with four intrepid die-hards making an eight hour car journey (not a long trip according to North American standards, but believe me it is for British drivers, who consider anything over four hours a long trip!) to get to Aberdeen, North East of Scotland and the “Oil Capital of Europe”, to catch the overnight ferry to the Shetland Islands (phew! I’m exhausted just thinking about it). They had hired a fishing (what!) trawler to get them to the Faroe Islands, but, as all things connected with City goes (the recent, will he, won’t he signing of Ronaldinho – and, no he hasn’t, he’s gone to AC Milan, is typical), the trawler couldn’t make the journey because of stormy seas! All that way and not get to see the match! Think again, this is soccer at it’s finest. To the rescue came the Faroes national carrier, Atlantic Airways with free flights (Bill Clinton being one of it’s famous passengers), to make sure they got there – I hope the four lads weren’t afraid of flying! By contrast, it only took Mark Hughes and the team two hours on a charter flight!
They saw our new Brazilian striker, Jô make his debut appearance leading the attack for City and showing promise of things to come, almost scoring from a Petrov cross. On 74 minutes he was substituted by one of our fabulous City academy players, Ched Evans, who, close to the end of the match, almost scored. Returning to the first team squad are Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha (crucial defenders alongside Richard Dunne (C)). Both making their long awaited returns to the first team after being injured early in 2008.
EB/Streymur have part-time players in their squad (a number of whom have been called up for the national team) and play in the top division. Currently they have a clear five-point lead in the Formuladeildin league, but have lost their last three matches (shades of City last season!). They are back-to-back national cup winners and are the current holders. For this match they are missing two players: Sorin Anghel and Mikkjal Thomassen.
Oh yes, and the match…..Two nil to City!! Petrov (9 minutes) a blast of a shot into the far top corner from a Vassell cross that Johnson stepped over. A much deserved goal for Petrov, throughout last season he was a niggling nuisance to defenders, giving them a horrible time and wearing a track in the turf with his constant, lightning quick runs up and down the left-wing (all the English Premier League clubs have been busy replacing their pitches!) and making pinpoint accurate passes to his forwards. Second goal came from Hamann (yes, I’ve got that right, our ‘spoiler’ scores a peach of a goal) on 28 minutes. A corner kick from Petrov (that man again, in the second half, he could have scored another) was only cleared to the edge of the box, where Hamann volleyed it with the outside of his left foot!
The second half saw a spirited EB/Streymur put City under pressure and Hart (goal keeper) called into action, but never seriously tested. The only booking of the match was a yellow card for Johnson.
A comfortable win, but not the score-line I wanted to see. We should’ve been able to put the ball in the net a few more times, after all, we did have seven shots on target and the majority of the play. Not finding the net was a great problem last year – some more shooting practice Mark.
MoTM: Martin Petrov – a constant nuisance to EB/Streymur and in particular their defender Barour Olsen.
Shots on Target: 3 - EB/Streymur 7 - Manchester City
Shots off Target 3 - EB/Streymur 16 - Manchester City
Corners 4 - EB/Streymur 9- Manchester City
Territorial Advantage 38.2 - EB/Streymur 61.8- Manchester City
Of note: referee’d by Nicole Petignat (of Switzerland ), and yes, her first name gives it away, a woman and about time too (hope to see her refereeing future UEFA matches and more).
Next leg (another away one for us Blues - the pitch at CoMS is being re-turfed): Barnsley's Oakwell ground, Thursday 31st July with an 8pm kick-off (MCFC are providing our fans with free coach travel!! where were you when they needed the private jet to get to the Faroes?)
Come on City
Image details: EB/Streymur v Manchester City - UEFA Cup served by picapp.com
Soccer City FC
UEFA Cup – First Round – 17 July 2008
EB/Streymur 0 - Manchester City 2
@ Torsvollur Stadium (the National Stadium), Torshavn , Faroe Isles
(their own stadium, Við Margáir, holds just 1,000, hence the switch)
Att: 5,700 (capacity 6,000)
A great job done, by the fans as well as the team. The Faroe Islands is not an easy place to get to. 250 City mad (more so than our usual City fans) supporters made the trip, with four intrepid die-hards making an eight hour car journey (not a long trip according to North American standards, but believe me it is for British drivers, who consider anything over four hours a long trip!) to get to Aberdeen, North East of Scotland and the “Oil Capital of Europe”, to catch the overnight ferry to the Shetland Islands (phew! I’m exhausted just thinking about it). They had hired a fishing (what!) trawler to get them to the Faroe Islands, but, as all things connected with City goes (the recent, will he, won’t he signing of Ronaldinho – and, no he hasn’t, he’s gone to AC Milan, is typical), the trawler couldn’t make the journey because of stormy seas! All that way and not get to see the match! Think again, this is soccer at it’s finest. To the rescue came the Faroes national carrier, Atlantic Airways with free flights (Bill Clinton being one of it’s famous passengers), to make sure they got there – I hope the four lads weren’t afraid of flying! By contrast, it only took Mark Hughes and the team two hours on a charter flight!
They saw our new Brazilian striker, Jô make his debut appearance leading the attack for City and showing promise of things to come, almost scoring from a Petrov cross. On 74 minutes he was substituted by one of our fabulous City academy players, Ched Evans, who, close to the end of the match, almost scored. Returning to the first team squad are Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha (crucial defenders alongside Richard Dunne (C)). Both making their long awaited returns to the first team after being injured early in 2008.
EB/Streymur have part-time players in their squad (a number of whom have been called up for the national team) and play in the top division. Currently they have a clear five-point lead in the Formuladeildin league, but have lost their last three matches (shades of City last season!). They are back-to-back national cup winners and are the current holders. For this match they are missing two players: Sorin Anghel and Mikkjal Thomassen.
Oh yes, and the match…..Two nil to City!! Petrov (9 minutes) a blast of a shot into the far top corner from a Vassell cross that Johnson stepped over. A much deserved goal for Petrov, throughout last season he was a niggling nuisance to defenders, giving them a horrible time and wearing a track in the turf with his constant, lightning quick runs up and down the left-wing (all the English Premier League clubs have been busy replacing their pitches!) and making pinpoint accurate passes to his forwards. Second goal came from Hamann (yes, I’ve got that right, our ‘spoiler’ scores a peach of a goal) on 28 minutes. A corner kick from Petrov (that man again, in the second half, he could have scored another) was only cleared to the edge of the box, where Hamann volleyed it with the outside of his left foot!
The second half saw a spirited EB/Streymur put City under pressure and Hart (goal keeper) called into action, but never seriously tested. The only booking of the match was a yellow card for Johnson.
A comfortable win, but not the score-line I wanted to see. We should’ve been able to put the ball in the net a few more times, after all, we did have seven shots on target and the majority of the play. Not finding the net was a great problem last year – some more shooting practice Mark.
MoTM: Martin Petrov – a constant nuisance to EB/Streymur and in particular their defender Barour Olsen.
Shots on Target: 3 - EB/Streymur 7 - Manchester City
Shots off Target 3 - EB/Streymur 16 - Manchester City
Corners 4 - EB/Streymur 9- Manchester City
Territorial Advantage 38.2 - EB/Streymur 61.8- Manchester City
Of note: referee’d by Nicole Petignat (of Switzerland ), and yes, her first name gives it away, a woman and about time too (hope to see her refereeing future UEFA matches and more).
Next leg (another away one for us Blues - the pitch at CoMS is being re-turfed): Barnsley's Oakwell ground, Thursday 31st July with an 8pm kick-off (MCFC are providing our fans with free coach travel!! where were you when they needed the private jet to get to the Faroes?)
Come on City
Image details: EB/Streymur v Manchester City - UEFA Cup served by picapp.com
Transfer Roundup: Premiership Focus
By: Alan
Soccer City FC
Clubs in the Premiership are beginning to dive into the market with only four weeks before the first league matches kick-off.
Newcastle have made their second summer signing by clinching the transfer of midfielder Danny Guthrie from Liverpool after a fee was agreed. Manager Kevin Keegan believes he has signed a player with a big future ahead of him, saying “He proved himself in the Premier League last season so we know he can play at that level.” Guthrie, who spent last season on-loan at Bolton, has signed on a four-year deal and he follows Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez to St James Park. While one player has left Anfield, Xabi Alonso’s switch to Italian giants Juventus is in doubt following their announcement that “we can say that we have concluded our transfer activity." Liverpool’s own targets may be scuppered as those funds were expected to pay for Gareth Barry of Aston Villa and Tottenham’s Irish striker Robbie Keane. Arsenal are rumoured to have entered the race to secure the signature of Barry, who has already declared that he wants to move to Liverpool with the lure of Champions League football proving too hard to resist.
Samir Nasri has switched life in France for England as his long-awaited move to Arsenal from Marseille has been completed. The French playmaker has been described as a “young, quick and technically an outstanding player" by Arsene Wenger and the signing has enabled Alexander Hleb to leave for Barcelona for £12m. Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva is also expected to depart to Greek outfit Panathinaikos.
While captain Gareth Barry is almost certain to leave, Aston Villa have signed US goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Chivas USA and he is their second addition following Steve Sidwell’s £5m move from Chelsea. Portsmouth have signed England’s towering striker Peter Crouch from Liverpool in a move that will see him form a partnership with compatriot Jermain Defoe. "I've worked with the manager before and he gets the best out of me," Crouch said, who also said the ambitions of his new club matched his own.
One of the standout stories of the summer has been that of Ronaldinho’s proposed move to Manchester City, but the Eastlands side failed despite offering the former World Player of the Year wages that doubled AC Milan’s offered £100,000 per week. Barcelona will receive a fee which could rise to around £19m. Mark Hughes conceded that all was done to sign the Brazilian and he will now move onto securing other targets, with Chelsea’s Tal Ben Heim reportedly being one of them. On the departure list heading out of Manchester is Georgios Samaras, having made his move to Celtic permanent.
Steve Bruce has raided his former club Birmingham to be re-united with French midfielder Olivier Kapo for an initial £2.5m and released former Holland-21 international Daniel de Ridder. Kapo scored 5 times in 26 appearances last season and Bruce spoke of his desire to sign him. "He's the one I really wanted to get on board," said Bruce. "Olivier's a real fighter, but he has a touch of quality about him.” Fulham have signed West Ham duo Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil for a combined fee of £6.3 million. Both players found their first-team opportunities were limited, with Zamora only managing one goal in 14 appearances last term. Zamora has said “The prospect of working with a coach of Roy Hodgson’s caliber was a great opportunity”.
Newly-promoted Hull City have added several players in a matter of days, George Boateng being the stand-out of them. The Dutchman signed from Middlesbrough for £1m along with Hungarian winger Peter Halmosi for an undisclosed fee and Fulham goalkeeper Tony Warner on a free transfer, which rounded off three transfers in the same day. Stoke, meanwhile, have agreed a fee for England international goalkeeper Scott Carson in the region of £4 million but face competition from ‘one or two other clubs involved in the mix’. West Brom have also signed Slovakia left-back Marek Cech from Porto for £1.4m - the defender is seen as an impressive signing due to Cech’s role in helping the Portuguese side win their league title for the last three seasons.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Monday, July 14, 2008
Could the USA Host the Community Shield?
By: The Keeper
Soccer City FC
Last winter, the Premier League looked at the possibility of a 39th-game to be played abroad. The proposal was rejected by the FA at a meeting in February. Soccer City FC's newest contributor, The Keeper, adds another idea to the table.
America, get ready for the Community Shield.
If you have decided to pay and attention to this and put any thought into the above sentence then you probably are asking one of these two questions:
1. What is the Community Shield?
2. Who cares about the Shield? It's just a warm up game.
I want to make a proposal. What about this? Let's bring the Community Shield to America and see what it would do for the game over here. Before I explain, let's look at the history.
Since the 1908-1909 season, England's premier “Super Cup” has been the Community Shield. Over the years the format and rules have changed a few times but it has been pretty much always been the same. The match is contested by the winners of the English Premier League and the FA Cup. And is pretty much a friendly used to show off the new signees from the previous summer. Another interesting thing about the game is the fact that the game is pretty much all for charity. With the money from the gate and program sales, the FA gives the money to major charities. This year's match at the New Wembley Stadium will see EPL Champion Manchester United take on FA Cup Winner Portsmouth. It will be the first Community Shield not contested by two of the “Big Four” since 1996.
So why do I believe that it would work here in the U.S.? Well, let's look at simple things first. First off, we speak the same language and in reality we are the little brother of Great Britain. Then we look up and realize that we are only involved in this great game because of them. Had it not been for the English winning the 1966 World Cup, I really think many fans never would have come into the game and that would have caused even more “Footballitis” if you will. So how would we work this thing out in America?
It's not very hard to figure this one out. In America, we are a land of blest people and our stadiums prove that. They may not be perfect for soccer but by god, we have stadiums. We have Giants Stadium in New York. We have the Rose Bowl is SOCAL. We have Reliant Stadium in Dallas. We've got domes and OH yeah, I forgot we actually have soccer stadiums now. We have the Home Depot Center and we have Crew Stadium. We even have soccer stadiums in Chicago and Houston! Now that's something. Alright you have stadiums but which one should it be played at? I say it should go on an alternating basis like the Super Bowl, if it works out. But we have to have it in the Rose Bowl for the first game. It's one of our biggest stadiums and it's our greatest football stadium. It's where so many names were made and it would be a great place to start a new chapter by showcasing the best talent England has to offer.
OK, so now what do we do? We let the game run like normal. The FA still has control and they can do what they like with the money. If they want it to be for charity then that won't be a problem at all. Heck that would make people over here want to pay more to get in and that would raise you more money for charity. The game can be played at the same time as usual and it will just have a new feel and flavor to it. Instead of playing for nothing the players would have something new to play for. They would virtually play to impress and bring new fans to the game. That's what we need in America, a genuine chance to see players trying to convince them to become new fans. If you see good players doing something then you are more likely to watch them and become a fan.
In all honesty, I think that this thing can work out. America needs people to look up to and this is the perfect opportunity. I don't think that silly 39-game thing will work and I think this is the chance to branch out that the FA and EPL has been looking forward to. So, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and hope this works out.
What do you think? Let me know. I hope I did alright and I hope to get some constructive criticism from you. Thanks and as always, this has been The Keeper and I'm out.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Soccer City FC
Last winter, the Premier League looked at the possibility of a 39th-game to be played abroad. The proposal was rejected by the FA at a meeting in February. Soccer City FC's newest contributor, The Keeper, adds another idea to the table.
America, get ready for the Community Shield.
If you have decided to pay and attention to this and put any thought into the above sentence then you probably are asking one of these two questions:
1. What is the Community Shield?
2. Who cares about the Shield? It's just a warm up game.
I want to make a proposal. What about this? Let's bring the Community Shield to America and see what it would do for the game over here. Before I explain, let's look at the history.
Since the 1908-1909 season, England's premier “Super Cup” has been the Community Shield. Over the years the format and rules have changed a few times but it has been pretty much always been the same. The match is contested by the winners of the English Premier League and the FA Cup. And is pretty much a friendly used to show off the new signees from the previous summer. Another interesting thing about the game is the fact that the game is pretty much all for charity. With the money from the gate and program sales, the FA gives the money to major charities. This year's match at the New Wembley Stadium will see EPL Champion Manchester United take on FA Cup Winner Portsmouth. It will be the first Community Shield not contested by two of the “Big Four” since 1996.
So why do I believe that it would work here in the U.S.? Well, let's look at simple things first. First off, we speak the same language and in reality we are the little brother of Great Britain. Then we look up and realize that we are only involved in this great game because of them. Had it not been for the English winning the 1966 World Cup, I really think many fans never would have come into the game and that would have caused even more “Footballitis” if you will. So how would we work this thing out in America?
It's not very hard to figure this one out. In America, we are a land of blest people and our stadiums prove that. They may not be perfect for soccer but by god, we have stadiums. We have Giants Stadium in New York. We have the Rose Bowl is SOCAL. We have Reliant Stadium in Dallas. We've got domes and OH yeah, I forgot we actually have soccer stadiums now. We have the Home Depot Center and we have Crew Stadium. We even have soccer stadiums in Chicago and Houston! Now that's something. Alright you have stadiums but which one should it be played at? I say it should go on an alternating basis like the Super Bowl, if it works out. But we have to have it in the Rose Bowl for the first game. It's one of our biggest stadiums and it's our greatest football stadium. It's where so many names were made and it would be a great place to start a new chapter by showcasing the best talent England has to offer.
OK, so now what do we do? We let the game run like normal. The FA still has control and they can do what they like with the money. If they want it to be for charity then that won't be a problem at all. Heck that would make people over here want to pay more to get in and that would raise you more money for charity. The game can be played at the same time as usual and it will just have a new feel and flavor to it. Instead of playing for nothing the players would have something new to play for. They would virtually play to impress and bring new fans to the game. That's what we need in America, a genuine chance to see players trying to convince them to become new fans. If you see good players doing something then you are more likely to watch them and become a fan.
In all honesty, I think that this thing can work out. America needs people to look up to and this is the perfect opportunity. I don't think that silly 39-game thing will work and I think this is the chance to branch out that the FA and EPL has been looking forward to. So, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and hope this works out.
What do you think? Let me know. I hope I did alright and I hope to get some constructive criticism from you. Thanks and as always, this has been The Keeper and I'm out.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Something Is Serious Wrong in the Game Nowadays
By: Ko Po Hui
Special to Soccer City FC
Flipping through the back pages of any dailies around the world (except North America perhaps?), tendency is that you'll swayed with headlines of whosoever going to where soever, the so-called star player pushing his employing club to the corner for his atrocious wage demands and lastly, how about selling clubs to the highest bidder as if in a cattle market?
Just how has the game been evolved for the past decade or so?
Money seems to be the catalyst for any form of combustion in the beautiful game these days.
It's not hard to see how the wages of these footballers sky-rocketing over the years and clubs are more than willing (or unwilling) to give in to their demand.
Failure of doing so could have resulted in a much financial damages in terms of revenues such as: gate takings, marketing, merchandising, broadcasting etc.
But at the end of the day, the ultimate paymaster to these ridiculous demands are people like us – THE FANS!
Sad isn't it? Gone were the days when players played the game for their passion for football while seeing monies as an form of incentives (wasn't it that case? Please feel free to raise your hand if you object to that presumption.), which is now having the biggest say in the game today OR simply put it as “NO MONEY, NO TALK”.
So much so as in order to fund those expensive wages and costs that incurred, it's inevitable that tops clubs would have to hike up a lot of charges like the match tickets, merchandise to a level that fans might find it too expensive to afford.
Just take a look at football fans like us in Asia. It's seem like we are the ones being held to ransom at every start of the European seasons as we are deadly for sure that the local cable operators will jack up the subscription fees to whet our appetite to see likes of Ronaldos, Rooneys, Torres etc. in action, with the common reason being the operators are “paying more to secure the broadcasting rights to the matches”.
However, it's pretty normal to see these fans willing to pay for it simply because without this weekend staple of their football viewing, life would be a such a misery for them, thus in the end, it's the local game that is bound to suffer as these fans rather have their bums stick to their couch rather than heading down to the stadium in their neighbourhood to cheer their local team on.
Nonetheless, given current global fuel hike that caused every necessity to getting more and more costly, it would not be a surprise football fans might want to think twice before heading down to the ground to cheer their favourite players on, who sadly seem to see themselves detached from the very person who are indirectly paying their salaries.
So in the end, who will suffer and have the final laugh? Nobody it seems will be the winner or loser as it's the game that will suffer eventually.
(P.S: the contributor had scrapped off his sport cable channel subscription long ago as he's not willing to pay for the wages of those “stars” he considered “spoilt-brats”)
Ko Po Hui operates BoLASEPaKO - devoted to the beautiful game in Singapore.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Special to Soccer City FC
Flipping through the back pages of any dailies around the world (except North America perhaps?), tendency is that you'll swayed with headlines of whosoever going to where soever, the so-called star player pushing his employing club to the corner for his atrocious wage demands and lastly, how about selling clubs to the highest bidder as if in a cattle market?
Just how has the game been evolved for the past decade or so?
Money seems to be the catalyst for any form of combustion in the beautiful game these days.
It's not hard to see how the wages of these footballers sky-rocketing over the years and clubs are more than willing (or unwilling) to give in to their demand.
Failure of doing so could have resulted in a much financial damages in terms of revenues such as: gate takings, marketing, merchandising, broadcasting etc.
But at the end of the day, the ultimate paymaster to these ridiculous demands are people like us – THE FANS!
Sad isn't it? Gone were the days when players played the game for their passion for football while seeing monies as an form of incentives (wasn't it that case? Please feel free to raise your hand if you object to that presumption.), which is now having the biggest say in the game today OR simply put it as “NO MONEY, NO TALK”.
So much so as in order to fund those expensive wages and costs that incurred, it's inevitable that tops clubs would have to hike up a lot of charges like the match tickets, merchandise to a level that fans might find it too expensive to afford.
Just take a look at football fans like us in Asia. It's seem like we are the ones being held to ransom at every start of the European seasons as we are deadly for sure that the local cable operators will jack up the subscription fees to whet our appetite to see likes of Ronaldos, Rooneys, Torres etc. in action, with the common reason being the operators are “paying more to secure the broadcasting rights to the matches”.
However, it's pretty normal to see these fans willing to pay for it simply because without this weekend staple of their football viewing, life would be a such a misery for them, thus in the end, it's the local game that is bound to suffer as these fans rather have their bums stick to their couch rather than heading down to the stadium in their neighbourhood to cheer their local team on.
Nonetheless, given current global fuel hike that caused every necessity to getting more and more costly, it would not be a surprise football fans might want to think twice before heading down to the ground to cheer their favourite players on, who sadly seem to see themselves detached from the very person who are indirectly paying their salaries.
So in the end, who will suffer and have the final laugh? Nobody it seems will be the winner or loser as it's the game that will suffer eventually.
(P.S: the contributor had scrapped off his sport cable channel subscription long ago as he's not willing to pay for the wages of those “stars” he considered “spoilt-brats”)
Ko Po Hui operates BoLASEPaKO - devoted to the beautiful game in Singapore.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Transfer Roundup: Samba Stars On The Move
By: Alan
Soccer City FC
Former and current Brazilian internationals have been a common theme in transfers worldwide as teams look to reinforce their squads in the off-season.
Playmaker Geovanni was quickly signed up by Premiership newcomers Hull City upon his release from Manchester City. The former Barcelona midfielder, who once cost the Catalan side £11 million from Cruzeiro and represented his country 4 times during 2001, signed a two-year deal. His stint in Manchester ended in disappointment despite scoring in the derby against Manchester United and he failed to hold-down a first-team position. He is a welcome addition at the KC Stadium where experience will be vital if they are to secure their position in England’s top flight league. 2006 UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool, meanwhile, received the the signiture of goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri from Palmeiras. The Merseyside outfit are in the market for a backup keeper to Spaniard Jose Reina as Scott Carson looks to make his move to Aston Villa permanent and Charles Itandje is expected to move to Galatasaray for around £2 million. Diego Cavalieri has spent all of his professional career at Palmeiras and the move should be worth around £3 million for the Brazilians.
Another Brazilian joining the Premier League is striker Jo, who has joined Manchester City for a record-fee in the region of £19m from CSKA Moscow. The season for the Eastlands side starts a month earlier than most other club’s as they embark on an UEFA Cup run, starting off in the Faroe Islands on July 17th. However, Jo along with compatriots Anderson of Manchester United and Lucas at Liverpool will miss the opening league games as they have been called up by Dunga to the Olympic squad.
Atletico Madrid have made their fifth signing ahead of their Champions League campaign. Paulo Assuncao has signed from Portuguese champions Porto for an undisclosed fee. The defensive midfielder spoke of the club’s ambitions of regaining the title they won back in 1996 as the reason behind the move. "The Atletico players want to win titles like me. It's a team that has won over many years and now I'm happy to be here.” Assuncao joins Florent Sinama-Pongolle, John Heitinga and Tomas Ujfalusi at Atletico.
Defensive midfielder Amaral, who donned the Brazilian shirt on 31 occasions between 1995 and 1996, has signed with Australian A-League outfit Perth Glory, being described as “a terrific addition to the squad” by manager Dave Mitchell. “Amaral is a wonderful footballer, he's the type of player we've been missing in the last couple of seasons. His interplay with the rest of the team after just a short time is outstanding.” Amaral could prove to be an astute signing for the West Australian team and he heads a list of impressive summer transfers.
Elsewhere, Sammarinese champions Murata have ambitiously revealed that they are hoping to persuade 42-year-old Romario out of retirement. They hope to discuss a short-term contract with the 1994 World Player of the Year in time for their UEFA Champions League campaign, which begins with a first qualifying round draw against Gothenberg of Sweden. Whether the move actually happens is a completely different matter, after Romario announced on his retirement “Officially I'm not playing any more. I've stopped." With or without the veteran, Murata will have to defy all odds if they are to advance any further in the Champions League.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Soccer City FC
Former and current Brazilian internationals have been a common theme in transfers worldwide as teams look to reinforce their squads in the off-season.
Playmaker Geovanni was quickly signed up by Premiership newcomers Hull City upon his release from Manchester City. The former Barcelona midfielder, who once cost the Catalan side £11 million from Cruzeiro and represented his country 4 times during 2001, signed a two-year deal. His stint in Manchester ended in disappointment despite scoring in the derby against Manchester United and he failed to hold-down a first-team position. He is a welcome addition at the KC Stadium where experience will be vital if they are to secure their position in England’s top flight league. 2006 UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool, meanwhile, received the the signiture of goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri from Palmeiras. The Merseyside outfit are in the market for a backup keeper to Spaniard Jose Reina as Scott Carson looks to make his move to Aston Villa permanent and Charles Itandje is expected to move to Galatasaray for around £2 million. Diego Cavalieri has spent all of his professional career at Palmeiras and the move should be worth around £3 million for the Brazilians.
Another Brazilian joining the Premier League is striker Jo, who has joined Manchester City for a record-fee in the region of £19m from CSKA Moscow. The season for the Eastlands side starts a month earlier than most other club’s as they embark on an UEFA Cup run, starting off in the Faroe Islands on July 17th. However, Jo along with compatriots Anderson of Manchester United and Lucas at Liverpool will miss the opening league games as they have been called up by Dunga to the Olympic squad.
Atletico Madrid have made their fifth signing ahead of their Champions League campaign. Paulo Assuncao has signed from Portuguese champions Porto for an undisclosed fee. The defensive midfielder spoke of the club’s ambitions of regaining the title they won back in 1996 as the reason behind the move. "The Atletico players want to win titles like me. It's a team that has won over many years and now I'm happy to be here.” Assuncao joins Florent Sinama-Pongolle, John Heitinga and Tomas Ujfalusi at Atletico.
Defensive midfielder Amaral, who donned the Brazilian shirt on 31 occasions between 1995 and 1996, has signed with Australian A-League outfit Perth Glory, being described as “a terrific addition to the squad” by manager Dave Mitchell. “Amaral is a wonderful footballer, he's the type of player we've been missing in the last couple of seasons. His interplay with the rest of the team after just a short time is outstanding.” Amaral could prove to be an astute signing for the West Australian team and he heads a list of impressive summer transfers.
Elsewhere, Sammarinese champions Murata have ambitiously revealed that they are hoping to persuade 42-year-old Romario out of retirement. They hope to discuss a short-term contract with the 1994 World Player of the Year in time for their UEFA Champions League campaign, which begins with a first qualifying round draw against Gothenberg of Sweden. Whether the move actually happens is a completely different matter, after Romario announced on his retirement “Officially I'm not playing any more. I've stopped." With or without the veteran, Murata will have to defy all odds if they are to advance any further in the Champions League.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Friday, July 11, 2008
Jô Who?
By: Lynne
Soccer City FC
'Jô who?' all the fans will be saying.
If the reports are true, our new signing, Jô, will miss training with the team and the start of the season (possibly making his first appearance in September!). The Brazilian manager is calling him up to join the squad for the Olympics (Group C for all those that are able to watch). 8th August sees Brazil's first match, against Belgium, the final will be played on 23rd August. Never having won this competition, Brazil will be more than eager to show off the gold medals to one of the most ardent supporters of soccer.
So, all that points to our Blues without their new striker for over a month, missing not only the start of the Premiership, but more importantly, two UEFA matches. On the away leg to EB/Streymur in the Faroes, Richard Dunne says it all, "This is a game we have to win."
So, it's: 'Step up last season's strike force, show the boss that you should be chosen for the position of striker and put the ball in the net - repeatedly'. With a talent like Jô's waiting in the wings, this is your once in a 'Blue Moon' time to shine.
It's turning out to be a typical City roller coaster ride!
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Richard Dunne - Dunne Deal
By: Lynne
Soccer City FC
Our captain and fan favourite has just signed a new four year contract - PHEW and thank goodness. Mark Hughes' second signing of his new managership and to me, of greater importance than the Jo deal. A huge sigh of relief is heard over the City of Manchester Stadium (CoMS) and fans everywhere can now let their shoulders relax (me included). Dunnie is: a proud wearer of his number 22 sky blue shirt, a quiet but determined presence in our defence and the back-bone of the team. Who was it that got out of his sick bed and played 'out of his skin' in the Old Trafford derby (breaking the 34 year spell since City's last win there!)? I couldn't envisage a City team without him - who'd be able to fill his boots? Simple answer, no-one, only pretenders.
Thank you Mark, for making Richard Dunne's contract renewal one of your priorities and bigger thanks to Dunnie for allowing us the undeniable pleasure of his presence at CoMS (and for the duration of his new contract, our captain - that's a cert. isn't it Mark!).
Over the Blue Moon once again!
Image details: Manchester City v Sunderland served by picapp.com
UEFA Intertoto Cup Second Round: Several First-Leg Results
From today's matches:
Saturn Mosk Oblast 7 - 0 FC Etzella Ettelbrück
FK Teplice 1 - 3 Budapest Honvéd FC
SK Sturm Graz 2 - 0 Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Grasshopper Club Zürich 2 - 1 Besa Kavaje
Grbalj Radanovici 2 - 2 Sivasspor
Chernomorets 919 Burgas 1 - 1 ND Gorica
FC Tiraspol 0 - 0 SC Tavriya Simferopol
KFC Germinal Beerschot 1 - 1 Neftchi Baku
You read that right; Russian Premier League side Saturn Mosk Oblast dropped seven on FC Etzella Ettelbruck. The vanquished club hails from the fine nation of Luxembourg. SMO's 31-year-old forward Dmitri Kirichenko scored four goals.
The biggest shocker of the day had to be Sivasspor, the 4th place finisher in last season's Turkcell Süper Lig. The club tied 2-2 against Montenegro side Grbalj Radanovici.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Saturn Mosk Oblast 7 - 0 FC Etzella Ettelbrück
FK Teplice 1 - 3 Budapest Honvéd FC
SK Sturm Graz 2 - 0 Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Grasshopper Club Zürich 2 - 1 Besa Kavaje
Grbalj Radanovici 2 - 2 Sivasspor
Chernomorets 919 Burgas 1 - 1 ND Gorica
FC Tiraspol 0 - 0 SC Tavriya Simferopol
KFC Germinal Beerschot 1 - 1 Neftchi Baku
You read that right; Russian Premier League side Saturn Mosk Oblast dropped seven on FC Etzella Ettelbruck. The vanquished club hails from the fine nation of Luxembourg. SMO's 31-year-old forward Dmitri Kirichenko scored four goals.
The biggest shocker of the day had to be Sivasspor, the 4th place finisher in last season's Turkcell Süper Lig. The club tied 2-2 against Montenegro side Grbalj Radanovici.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Results and News from 7/5/2008 Club Action
Toronto FC's Academy squad tied London City 2-2 in Canadian Soccer League action.
SK Brann scored 4 times in their victory over FK Bodø/Glimt in today's Tippeligaen action. Forward Thorstein Helstad ended the match with a hat-trick adding to his league-leading goal total.
Russian Premier League leader FC Rubin Kazan tied Krylia Sovetov 2-2. Christian Noboa, a 23-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder, scored both goals for Rubin Kazan. The club holds a six point advantage over second place FC Spartak Moscow.
In Allsvenskan action, Kalmar FF was saved by a 90th minute goal from David of the Elm trio. The club tied Halmstads BK 1-1. Kalmar remains in first place with a 4 point cushion.
Yesterday in Thailand Premier League action, Chonburi FC, an affiliated club of Manchester City, defeated Chula-Sinthana FC by a score of 4-1. Chonburi, with 29 points, sits in first place.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
SK Brann scored 4 times in their victory over FK Bodø/Glimt in today's Tippeligaen action. Forward Thorstein Helstad ended the match with a hat-trick adding to his league-leading goal total.
Russian Premier League leader FC Rubin Kazan tied Krylia Sovetov 2-2. Christian Noboa, a 23-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder, scored both goals for Rubin Kazan. The club holds a six point advantage over second place FC Spartak Moscow.
In Allsvenskan action, Kalmar FF was saved by a 90th minute goal from David of the Elm trio. The club tied Halmstads BK 1-1. Kalmar remains in first place with a 4 point cushion.
Yesterday in Thailand Premier League action, Chonburi FC, an affiliated club of Manchester City, defeated Chula-Sinthana FC by a score of 4-1. Chonburi, with 29 points, sits in first place.
Related items at Soccer City FC:
Friday, July 4, 2008
2008/09 UEFA Cup: PFC Cherno More vs. UE Sant Julià
The two clubs face off in the first qualifying round of the 2008-2009 UEFA Cup. The first leg will be played on July, 17 2008 and the second leg on July 31, 2008.
PFC Cherno More finished fifth in the Bulgarian A Professional Football Group, but but because the club made the Bulgarian Cup final, Cherno More earned a place in the UEFA cup. The club brought in several players for the 2008-2009 season including: 24-year-old midfielder Yordan Yurukov via CSKA Sofia, 26-year-old midfielder Georgi Iliev via CSKA Sofia, and retired Bulgarian international Milen Petkov who plays defensive midfield. The club also boasts Portuguese midfielder Ricardo Andre and midfielder Aleksandar Aleksandrov.
UE Sant Julià ended up in second place in Andorra's Campionat de Lliga last season. The outfit is primarily made up of Argentine players. Defender Cristian Roig Mauri also factors into the squad.
Image details: Milen Petkov served by picapp.com
For more UEFA cup coverage click below:
PFC Cherno More finished fifth in the Bulgarian A Professional Football Group, but but because the club made the Bulgarian Cup final, Cherno More earned a place in the UEFA cup. The club brought in several players for the 2008-2009 season including: 24-year-old midfielder Yordan Yurukov via CSKA Sofia, 26-year-old midfielder Georgi Iliev via CSKA Sofia, and retired Bulgarian international Milen Petkov who plays defensive midfield. The club also boasts Portuguese midfielder Ricardo Andre and midfielder Aleksandar Aleksandrov.
UE Sant Julià ended up in second place in Andorra's Campionat de Lliga last season. The outfit is primarily made up of Argentine players. Defender Cristian Roig Mauri also factors into the squad.
Image details: Milen Petkov served by picapp.com
For more UEFA cup coverage click below:
2008/09 UEFA Cup: Olimps vs. St Patrick's Athletic
The two clubs face off in the first qualifying round of the 2008-2009 UEFA Cup. The first leg will be played on July, 17 2008 and the second leg on July 31, 2008.
JFK Olimps Rīga finished 8th in Latvia's LMT Virslīga, but because the club made the Latvian Cup final it earned a place in the UEFA cup. Latvian defender Jevgeņijs Kazura is the squad's captain. The club also has Brazilian forward Enrike Mendez. The club's home venue, Daugava Stadium, seats 5,000 in the capital of Riga.
St. Patrick's Athletic ended second last season in the Eircom League. 22-year-old forward Mark Quigley lead the club with 14 league goals in '07. Forward Gary O'Neill complimented Quigley with 8 goals. American Ryan Guy is also part of the forward corps.
Image details: Riga latvia served by picapp.com
For more UEFA cup coverage click below:
JFK Olimps Rīga finished 8th in Latvia's LMT Virslīga, but because the club made the Latvian Cup final it earned a place in the UEFA cup. Latvian defender Jevgeņijs Kazura is the squad's captain. The club also has Brazilian forward Enrike Mendez. The club's home venue, Daugava Stadium, seats 5,000 in the capital of Riga.
St. Patrick's Athletic ended second last season in the Eircom League. 22-year-old forward Mark Quigley lead the club with 14 league goals in '07. Forward Gary O'Neill complimented Quigley with 8 goals. American Ryan Guy is also part of the forward corps.
Image details: Riga latvia served by picapp.com
For more UEFA cup coverage click below:
2008/09 UEFA Cup: Legia Warsaw vs. FC Gomel
The two clubs face off in the first qualifying round of the 2008-2009 UEFA Cup. The first leg will be played on July, 17 2008 and the second leg on July 31, 2008.
FC Gomel finished second in the 2007 Belarusian Premier League. Forward and Belarusian national team member Roman Vasilyuk has scored over 50 goals since his arrival at the club in 2005. 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Renan is a wild card and could make things interesting for Legia Warsaw if he sees action.
Legia Warsaw also finished second in the Polish Orange Ekstraklasa last season. 25-year-old Zimbabwean forward Takesure Chinyama paced the outfit with 15 league goals. Fellow Zimbabwean Dickson Choto has been solid in defense since his arrival in 2003. Captain Aleksandar Vuković is a strong player in the midfield. He recently became a citizen of Poland. Spanish forward Mikel Arruabarrena Aranbide is one of the more notable transfers this offseason.
The best player on the Polish club, winger Roger Guerreiro, has the potential to lead Legia Warsaw deep into the tournament. The Brazilian-turned-Polish international competed at a high level during Euro 2008. He finished last club season with five league goals.
Image details: Austria v Poland - Group B Euro 2008 served by picapp.com
For more UEFA cup coverage click below:
FC Gomel finished second in the 2007 Belarusian Premier League. Forward and Belarusian national team member Roman Vasilyuk has scored over 50 goals since his arrival at the club in 2005. 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Renan is a wild card and could make things interesting for Legia Warsaw if he sees action.
Legia Warsaw also finished second in the Polish Orange Ekstraklasa last season. 25-year-old Zimbabwean forward Takesure Chinyama paced the outfit with 15 league goals. Fellow Zimbabwean Dickson Choto has been solid in defense since his arrival in 2003. Captain Aleksandar Vuković is a strong player in the midfield. He recently became a citizen of Poland. Spanish forward Mikel Arruabarrena Aranbide is one of the more notable transfers this offseason.
The best player on the Polish club, winger Roger Guerreiro, has the potential to lead Legia Warsaw deep into the tournament. The Brazilian-turned-Polish international competed at a high level during Euro 2008. He finished last club season with five league goals.
Image details: Austria v Poland - Group B Euro 2008 served by picapp.com
For more UEFA cup coverage click below:
2008/09 UEFA Cup: Red Bull Salzberg vs. FC Banants
The two clubs face off in the first qualifying round of the 2008-2009 UEFA Cup. The first leg will be played on July, 17 2008 and the second leg on July 31, 2008.
Red Bull Salzburg finished second last season in the Austrian Bundesliga with 63 points. The club is paced by Croatian defender Niko Kovač, Austrian midfielder René Aufhauser, Swiss forward Johan Vonlanthen, and German forward Alexandre Zickler.
FC Banants finished second in the 2007 Armenian Premier League with 52 points. The club is lead by Armenian defender Yegishe Melikyan, Ugandan midfielder Noah Babadi Kasule, and Armenian midfielder Aram Bareghamyan. A pair of young Armenian forwards, 18-year-old Norayr Gyozalyan and 20-year-old Semion Muradyan, could see action in the either of the two legs.
Image details: Red Bulls Cup 2007- Red Bull Salzburg v Bayern Munich served by picapp.com
For more UEFA Cup coverage click below:
Red Bull Salzburg finished second last season in the Austrian Bundesliga with 63 points. The club is paced by Croatian defender Niko Kovač, Austrian midfielder René Aufhauser, Swiss forward Johan Vonlanthen, and German forward Alexandre Zickler.
FC Banants finished second in the 2007 Armenian Premier League with 52 points. The club is lead by Armenian defender Yegishe Melikyan, Ugandan midfielder Noah Babadi Kasule, and Armenian midfielder Aram Bareghamyan. A pair of young Armenian forwards, 18-year-old Norayr Gyozalyan and 20-year-old Semion Muradyan, could see action in the either of the two legs.
Image details: Red Bulls Cup 2007- Red Bull Salzburg v Bayern Munich served by picapp.comFor more UEFA Cup coverage click below:
Bolton’s Wandering May Leave Trotters Fans Wondering
By: Chris C
Soccer City FC
It’s not an uncommon sight at all for the Bolton Faithful to be waiting and wondering what’s going to happen next during the summer transfer window. With the transfer funds seemingly in a perpetual void and the better players being linked with moves to teams that have the cash to splash, most Trotters’ fans typically spend their summers wondering who we’ll lose next, or what virtually unknown player will be suiting up in the White Hot colours next year. It’s a routine that is as old as Bolton’s Premier League stay itself. It’s just something that one has to adapt to as a part of life supporting the Wanderers.
This year; however, things seem to be different. It started with the much-maligned releasing of Stelios Giannakopoulos, Andranik Teymourian and Ivan Campo. Naturally, the average Bolton fan would be thinking one of two things – “Here we go again, another bargain building transfer window” or “Finally! Campo’s gone, though why ditch Stelios and Andranik?” So, ultimately, the standard ins-and-outs of a Premier League team. Then, something happened that shifted the focus somewhat. Bolton picked up Fabrice Muamba from Birmingham for £5 Million, which led to the common perception of “Well, I suppose we won’t have our new Anelka this time, either.” This perspective coming, obviously, from the usual lack of transfer funds splashed around during the transfer windows. So, life went on and Bolton were linked with increasingly higher-profile players such as Anthony Annan, James Harper, Riki, Carlos Tenorio, Milan Baros, and Nikola Zigic. Fair enough, this is the typical rumor mill that stirs up this time of the year. Nothing new or exciting to get anxious about, and with multiple teams looking at each player, they all seemed like an outlandish link.
Then it happened. A name surfaced that had been on the Bolton radar before, and was close to a move to the Reebok but for the price. Johan Elmander’s name was tossed into the mix, and suddenly he was ready for a move away from his club, Toulouse. Could this be the Anelka replacement we were promised? A few more days passed and a story surfaced citing Bolton Chairman Phil Gartside as being ready to break the transfer record to capture a striker, and the Bolton eye shifted once again to the name that had surfaced only days before. Within a few days of this announcement, the link with Milan Baros grew stronger; however, with a valuation of only £4.3 Million, he couldn’t have been the one that would break the record. At last, after what seemed like months of delay, the day came and an “Undisclosed Fee” plus Daniel Braaten was offered to Toulouse, and long-time target Johan Elmander became the newest Bolton Wanderer. Trotters fans breathed a sigh of relief at this news, but it was the news that followed that was even more exciting from a fan’s perspective. One very simple phrase that was echoed by Chairman and Manager alike: “We’re still looking.”
It’s only one phrase, but the impact of that phrase has left an impact on the Trotters faithful, and with each passing day in this transfer window, speculation surfaces and we finally have reason to get our hopes up that just maybe this will be the year Bolton get themselves into the true financial aspects of the Premier League. No longer the poor Lancashire team, Bolton were really ready to play with the big boys on the pitch and in the transfer market. It’s true, there are still no rumors linking players the caliber of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Reebok; however, that’s just fine, because for the first time in quite some time, Trotters fans can look longingly at the Transfer speculation and hold a genuine interest that perhaps that player linked with the Reebok may actually wind up there. That is the impact that one little phrase can make.
So it’s a good time to be a Wanderers fan, for the first time in a long time. We have our Anelka replacement, as promised. We’ve signed a decent quality midfielder to strengthen the squad, and Jussi Jaaskelainen re-signed despite links to some of the top clubs in the world. So, what is it that will have the Wanderers faithful wondering, you ask? Well, it’s simply the meaning of that phrase, and the depth they’re willing to go. Will we be picking up any more multi-million pound players? Will we be signing Ricardo Gardner and Danny Guthrie? At last, we can feel giddy like the rest of the Premier League teams as each day dawns and the list of potential new players surfaces. It would appear that manager Gary Megson has earned the trust of the Bolton brass, as he’s certainly getting the financial backing this time around that took Big Sam 8 years to gain. Could it be, the new White Hot era at last?
Image details: UEFA Champions League Qualifier: Liverpool v Toulouse served by picapp.com
Related work at Soccer City FC:
City Off to Preseason Camp
On Thursday, Mark Hughes and his Manchester City players flew to Germany along with a minimal staff to begin the club's preseason camp.
In other City news, 28-year-old captain Richard Dunne signed a four-year contract.
Several players including derby hero Geovanni were released.
City also announced a friendly against Celtic at Parkhead on Wednesday, August 6.
Image details: Everton v Manchester City - Premier League served by picapp.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Michael D'Agostino Reflects on Last Season and Looks Forward to Coca-Cola Championship Play
Photo Credit: A.Thompson/www.atp-photo.com
Blackpool F.C. right winger Michael D'Agostino kindly spoke with Soccer City FC prior to leaving for England to kick off preseason training with the club.
On loan for most of last season with Cheltenham Town F.C., the Canadian youth international spoke about his experience with the Robins as well as his outlook with the Seasiders for the 2008-2009 campaign.
Q. Overall, how would you assess your season on loan at Cheltenham Town FC?
I would say it was a success. Being on loan at Cheltenham helped me develop a lot and gave me a chance to really adapt to the way football is played over there. The pace of the game and high standard really helped me improve as a player both physically, technically, and mentally. It was a great experience for me to start playing first team full time professional football at a high level on a regular basis. Cheltenham was a great club to play for and i enjoyed my time there. I think that the season allowed me to get myself and my name out there and hopefully I started making a good name and good reputation for myself for the future. I think playing for Cheltenham this season definitely allowed me to show my skills and do exactly that.
Q. What was your favorite match from the season?
I would say my favourite match was my home debut against port vale. It was a great experience to make my first home start in front of the Cheltenham fans who were very good to me. We won the game 1-0 and I played a part in setting up the goal which felt very good. I earned Man of the Match and that was a great honour for me. There were a lot of games that I enjoyed, pretty much all of them to be fair, but more so everytime we would win. The team was a really tight knit bunch of guys so it was really all about the team and the collective.
Q. What was the most challenging part of the season?
I think for me personally the hardest part of the season was a point where I lost my place in the starting eleven. It took a little bit of time to get myself back in and even then it was in and out. Although when I wasn't in the team I was disappointed i still felt part of the team and knew i could still do my part as a a sub. On more of a team level I think the hardest part of the season was probably about 4 games from the end of the season where we could have secured our safety in league 1 and kept missing the opportunity and mounting pressure on ourselves. It was tough to deal with the build up of pressure but the manager was always supportive and believed in us, and eventually we got the job done and stayed up.
Q. Did you enjoy your time in the Cheltenham community with the supporters?
Very much so. The fans were always supportive of me and I was very grateful for that. They were great and I actually talk to a lot of them through the Internet and so on. Me and my mate (Craig Armstrong) actually ran a training session on a Sunday for the supporters team and we both really enjoyed it. It was a good experience and was a lot of fun. Cheltenham as a city was great as well and I enjoyed living there during my loan spell.
Q. When will you return to England to begin training with Blackpool F.C.?
I'm heading back to England on the 26th of June and preseason will be starting the 1st or 2nd of July.
Q. Are you looking forward to competing in the Coca-Cola Championship?
I'm looking forward to showing what I can do and offer to the team, although I know the gaffer has watched me play a few times already. It would be great to be able to get my chance in the Championship as early as possible next season. I think I can do well if i work hard and play my game. Now that i have played a good amount of games in the league I'm looking to do the same next year at a level one up to last season. All I can do is work as hard as I can and hopefully I get my chance, and when it comes hopefully I can take it well.
Q. What are your goals for the 2008-2009 campaign?
Personally, there is no real goal for me in terms of stats, as in goals, appearances or so on. But I'm really hoping next season I can make myself a regular in the team and keep improving myself so that one day I can get myself to the very top level in football. The Championship is a very good league and at the moment I just want to take things one step at a time and hopefully become an established player in that league.
Blackpool F.C. right winger Michael D'Agostino kindly spoke with Soccer City FC prior to leaving for England to kick off preseason training with the club.
On loan for most of last season with Cheltenham Town F.C., the Canadian youth international spoke about his experience with the Robins as well as his outlook with the Seasiders for the 2008-2009 campaign.
Q. Overall, how would you assess your season on loan at Cheltenham Town FC?
I would say it was a success. Being on loan at Cheltenham helped me develop a lot and gave me a chance to really adapt to the way football is played over there. The pace of the game and high standard really helped me improve as a player both physically, technically, and mentally. It was a great experience for me to start playing first team full time professional football at a high level on a regular basis. Cheltenham was a great club to play for and i enjoyed my time there. I think that the season allowed me to get myself and my name out there and hopefully I started making a good name and good reputation for myself for the future. I think playing for Cheltenham this season definitely allowed me to show my skills and do exactly that.
Q. What was your favorite match from the season?
I would say my favourite match was my home debut against port vale. It was a great experience to make my first home start in front of the Cheltenham fans who were very good to me. We won the game 1-0 and I played a part in setting up the goal which felt very good. I earned Man of the Match and that was a great honour for me. There were a lot of games that I enjoyed, pretty much all of them to be fair, but more so everytime we would win. The team was a really tight knit bunch of guys so it was really all about the team and the collective.
Q. What was the most challenging part of the season?
I think for me personally the hardest part of the season was a point where I lost my place in the starting eleven. It took a little bit of time to get myself back in and even then it was in and out. Although when I wasn't in the team I was disappointed i still felt part of the team and knew i could still do my part as a a sub. On more of a team level I think the hardest part of the season was probably about 4 games from the end of the season where we could have secured our safety in league 1 and kept missing the opportunity and mounting pressure on ourselves. It was tough to deal with the build up of pressure but the manager was always supportive and believed in us, and eventually we got the job done and stayed up.
Q. Did you enjoy your time in the Cheltenham community with the supporters?
Very much so. The fans were always supportive of me and I was very grateful for that. They were great and I actually talk to a lot of them through the Internet and so on. Me and my mate (Craig Armstrong) actually ran a training session on a Sunday for the supporters team and we both really enjoyed it. It was a good experience and was a lot of fun. Cheltenham as a city was great as well and I enjoyed living there during my loan spell.
Q. When will you return to England to begin training with Blackpool F.C.?
I'm heading back to England on the 26th of June and preseason will be starting the 1st or 2nd of July.
Q. Are you looking forward to competing in the Coca-Cola Championship?
I'm looking forward to showing what I can do and offer to the team, although I know the gaffer has watched me play a few times already. It would be great to be able to get my chance in the Championship as early as possible next season. I think I can do well if i work hard and play my game. Now that i have played a good amount of games in the league I'm looking to do the same next year at a level one up to last season. All I can do is work as hard as I can and hopefully I get my chance, and when it comes hopefully I can take it well.
Q. What are your goals for the 2008-2009 campaign?
Personally, there is no real goal for me in terms of stats, as in goals, appearances or so on. But I'm really hoping next season I can make myself a regular in the team and keep improving myself so that one day I can get myself to the very top level in football. The Championship is a very good league and at the moment I just want to take things one step at a time and hopefully become an established player in that league.
Manchester City: Reflecting on 2007/08 and Looking to the Future
By: Alan
Soccer City FC
In only 14 days time, the 2008/2009 season will already have began for Manchester City as they kick-off on their European travels away to Faroese minnows EB/Streymur in the UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round. Expectations are already high as talks of superstar Ronaldinho joining continue to grow and his Brazilian compatriot Jo has been signed for a record transfer fee in the region of £19 million from Russia’s CSKA Moscow. Mark Hughes has imminently added to the squad with the capture of the striker and his presence in the team will hopefully solve a position that has previously troubled Manchester City. Previous big-money signings of Rolando Bianchi and Georgios Samaras have failed in the Premiership for different reasons, although the former may still have a future at the club; it is clear that he initially failed to settle. Benjani has had a respectable impact having scored in the derby and then on two further occasions since joining in January but he too will be looking for improvement. Last season’s top goalscorer was Elano, having scored a creditable ten goals in all competitions and achieved as many assists but he is not a natural forward and Vassell and Petrov are also midfielders.
The lack of a proven goalscorer has been evident ever since Anelka departed to Fenerbahce, hence an additional attacking quality would certainly give the team a cutting edge and there is no reason why Jo cannot provide this. A prolific 44 goals in 77 outings for CSKA Moscow explains why he is one of the world’s hottest talents, and although a step-up to the Premiership is a massive one, his stature and instinctive goalscoring ability mean he should adapt to the league. He stole the show against Inter Milan last season in the Champions League group stage and it was then where he stamped his name on world football.
Last season had many highs but in hindsight the lows are equally as known. Life seemed perfect for both owner and manager after the double over rivals United had been surprisingly completed, but it signified a downfall in fortunes that would result in yet another manager at the helm. Two derby wins was obviously one of the main highlights of the season, along with a long-lasting stance in the top 4 until the end of November and many pleasing results were picked up along the way. Somehow, and inevitably, it was not going to last but it is astounding how far the team had dropped in effort, commitment and performances and the results suffered accordingly. The team that had beaten the Premiership and European winners lost to relegated Birmingham and Reading, and suffered further embarrassing defeats to Middlesbrough in the 8-1 drubbing and to Fulham despite leading 2-0.
It was arguably the efforts of the team in the last few games of the season which was of most concern, the on-going difficulties between Eriksson and Shinawatra clearly taking their toll on the team as a whole and the change in manager was probably for the best. Those not even following Manchester City would have agreed that the Swede deserved another year in charge but it was not meant to be and there were deeper problems at the end of the season. A finish of ninth was decent and a step forward but a higher position could easily have been achieved. In typical fashion, Manchester City did the difficult but could not manage the easy fixtures and many points were needlessly lost. One interesting fact sums up the season - Manchester City had the best record outside of the top four against the top four, but the worst against the bottom four. Impressive opening form has to be sustained throughout the campaign if they are to break into the top four stranglehold, and the away form has to reflect the home form slightly more. All in all with Mark Hughes now in charge and the UEFA Cup slot being achieved via the Fair Play League, last season has to be seen as one whereby lessons have been learnt and everyone concerned can move forward.
The squad needs improvements but the core of it is very talented and none of the players signed other than Benjani had previous Premiership experience. With one season under their belt, the new additions will surely perform more consistently and anything is possible after that. Joe Hart was the most positive outcome of last season and he stepped up from second choice to become City’s first-choice goalkeeper and has already made his England debut. Richard Dunne and Micah Richards formed one of the strongest and assured defences in the country, whilst Corluka shone at right-back with his calm and elegant art of defending and attacking. The Croatian displayed he is one of Europe’s best full-backs. Majestic Brazilian international Elano and Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov stole the attacking accolades, the former reaching double figures for both goals and assists and only few exceeded him last season. Petrov influenced games in a similar fashion whilst the contributions of converted forward Darius Vassell managed a solid job on the right of midfield. The former England striker, despite lacking top-class skill and consistency, showed once again his hard work ethic and came up with some important goals.
Michael Johnson and Stephen Ireland impressed at both ends of the pitch but will need to produce the goods more regularly in 2009. Defensive midfielders Hamann and Gelson Fernandes shone, with the veteran German showing how vital his experience can be and Fernandes demonstrated his ability as potentially one of the finest holding midfielders in the game - development of attacking skills will only improve him. Youngsters Ched Evans and Danny Sturridge along with Kelvin Etuhu and the FA Youth Cup academy winning team shows the future of the club is in healthy hands. Securing the futures of Hart and Dunne to new contracts is vital, and doing so will prove to supporters that the club's ambitions to achieve are more than real.
Statistics From Last Season:
Minutes Played:
Dunne - 3044, Petrov - 2976, Corluka - 2973, Ireland - 2568, Elano - 2455, Hart - 2399, Richards - 2249, Hamann - 2206, Fernandes - 1954, Johnson - 1934, Garrido - 1892, Ball - 1864, Vassell - 1779, Onouha - 1220, Benjani - 1069, Jihai - 803, Mpenza - 741
Premiership Goals (In All Competitions):
Elano - 8 (10), Vassell - 6 (6), Petrov - 5 (5), Bianchi - 4 (5), Ireland - 4 (4), Benjani - 3 (3), Geovanni - 3 (3), Mpenza - 2 (3), Fernandes - 2 (2), Johnson - 2 (2), Sturridge - 1 (2), Etuhu - 1 (1), Onouha 1 (1), Samaras 0 (1)
Minutes per Premiership goal:
Geovanni - 132, Sturridge - 152, Vassell - 296, Elano - 306, Benjani - 356, Mpenza - 370, Petrov - 595, Ireland - 642, Johnson - 967, Fernandez - 977, Onouha - 1220
Premiership Assists:
Elano - 9, Petrov - 8, Ireland - 4, Johnson - 3, Vassell - 3, Corluka - 2, Fernandez - 1, Geovanni - 1, Garrido - 1, Onouha - 1
Tackles (Top 5):
Dunne - 108, Hamann - 105, Ireland - 94, Fernandez - 82, Corluka - 66
Clearances - Top 5 Defenders:
Dunne - 516, Richards - 298, Corluka - 221, Ball - 192, Onouha - 131
Passes (Accuracy) - Top 5:
Dunne - 1396 (79%), Hamann - 1341 (83%), Corluka - 1302 (76%), Ireland - 1138 (74%), Elano - 1116 (76%)
Crosses - Top 5:
Petrov - 283, Elano - 90, Garrido - 63, Vassell - 45, Ball - 40
Shots On Target - Top 5:
Petrov - 33, Elano - 22, Benjani - 14, Ireland - 13, Vassell - 11
Shots Off Target - Top 5:
Petrov - 53, Elano - 45, Ireland - 25, Johnson - 23, Vassell - 20
Jo Deal Done
By: Lynne
Soccer City FC
Great news for all Blues fans - we finally have it, confirmation that Jô has signed a four year deal (for an undisclosed fee).
It's probably a wise move not to announce the finances: agents and clubs will be looking at the figures in the hope of getting better deals for their players; also, Richard Dunne hasn't yet put pen to paper for his contract - waiting to find out what the new signings are getting? I don't blame him, our owner has a bottomless pot and Dunnie deserves to be recognised financially, not least of all for the great regard other clubs have for him, the respect the team show him (he controls his back four, takes up great defensive positions and quietly dispenses 'encouragement' to his players) and for his outstanding contribution to City, on and off the pitch. Pay up boss, he's worth every penny, it'll cost you a lot more for another defender of his class. .
Elano and Geovanni (fellow Brazilians) will help Jô settle in and teach him 'Mancunian' English. All he needs to know is, "Mine's a pie and a pint", oh! and the rough-and-tumble of EPL soccer so that he keeps free of any early injuries. It's tough out there on the EPL pitches and there may well be a few 'hard' tackles going in at first, but hopefully his team mates will show the opposition the same 'courtesy'. Last season, both Valeri Bojinov (he's only just making his come-back after lengthy treatment and a tentative return to soccer, playing for the reserves) and Nery Castillo (Nery had some first team action towards the end of the season) suffered early, frustrating, visits to the treatment room.
Here's one Blues fan that will be glued to the TV.
Come on City!
Jô with the number 14.
Image details: Manchester City Press Conference served by picapp.com
Rosenborg BK Earning Respect Back
Earlier this season, Soccer City FC profiled Rosenborg's fall into the lower tier of the Tippeligaen. The Norwegian giant is now in third place after today's 3-1 victory over Aalesunds FK. Midfielder Alexander Banor Tettey started Rosenborg's tab and forward Steffen Iversen added a brace to complete the score sheet.
Is the club going to keep this pace up? Unlikely, especially with UEFA Cup matches on the horizon.
Rosenborg is back in the top three.
Image details: Valencia v Rosenborg - UEFA Champions League served by picapp.com
Is the club going to keep this pace up? Unlikely, especially with UEFA Cup matches on the horizon.
Rosenborg is back in the top three.
Image details: Valencia v Rosenborg - UEFA Champions League served by picapp.com
Copa Libertadores Final Ends Tonight - LDU Quito Wins
Tonight's second leg will determine the 2008 Copa Libertadores champion. LDU Quito won the first leg 4-2.
[Update] Fluminense up 2-1 in the second half off two Thiago Neves goals.
[Update] Fluminense up 3-1 on another score from Thiago Neves.
[Update] The match is into the 111th minute. Yet another exciting final from the 2008 season.
[Update] The match goes to penalties.
[Upadate] LDU Quito wins: 3-1 penalties!
[Update] Fluminense up 2-1 in the second half off two Thiago Neves goals.
[Update] Fluminense up 3-1 on another score from Thiago Neves.
[Update] The match is into the 111th minute. Yet another exciting final from the 2008 season.
[Update] The match goes to penalties.
[Upadate] LDU Quito wins: 3-1 penalties!
Manchester City: Setting Sail for the Faroe Islands
By: Lynne
Soccer City FC
UEFA Cup competition first qualifying round sees the Blues playing EB/Streymur (Faroe Islands - 250 miles North of Scotland) at the Vio Margair on 17th July. City are in good shape then - no. The team are only just arriving at the training ground (Carrington) and no doubt, still feel the effects of losing the last manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson (SGE) under stressful circumstances and adjusting to the new manager, Mark Hughes and his backroom team (all change again - a re-run of the 2007/2008 season!).
What team will Mark send on the 'island hopping' trip, ones with sea legs I hope? Joking aside: Richard Dunne (captain, Player of the Year for the last four years and stalwart of the team) is expected to sign a new contract with City (it's been a, will he won't he few weeks - sign it Dunnie, just sign it!). Portsmouth, Tottenham and Newcastle have all shown interest, with Portsmouth being the most resilient; due to injuries early in the season, a few first team players didn't really get a chance to show us what they could do, so Mark may be keen to give them try out; then there's the young guns from the City Academy (not least of all those players that won the 2007/2008 FA Youth Cup); and any new signings, there's been plenty of rumours ie João Alves de Assis Silva alias Jo and Ronaldinho being the most mentioned. Man City should be making an imminent announcement about Jo's signing, Ronaldinho, who knows what's happening. I wouldn't be surprised if we had other new signings before the season starts. But, everyone will be watching this first game, of what could turn-out to be, the many different teams of our beloved Blues. Mark can't waste time getting the team to gel, our owner wants to see results now or else it's goodbye Mark, hello???
So, you see, it's plain sailing (pardon the pun). Welcome to another typical Blues start to the season and an adventure into the great unknown. Where's the blood pressure pills?
City: setting sail for the Faroe Islands this July.
Image details: Coastal settlement faroe islands served by picapp.com
Soccer City FC
UEFA Cup competition first qualifying round sees the Blues playing EB/Streymur (Faroe Islands - 250 miles North of Scotland) at the Vio Margair on 17th July. City are in good shape then - no. The team are only just arriving at the training ground (Carrington) and no doubt, still feel the effects of losing the last manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson (SGE) under stressful circumstances and adjusting to the new manager, Mark Hughes and his backroom team (all change again - a re-run of the 2007/2008 season!).
What team will Mark send on the 'island hopping' trip, ones with sea legs I hope? Joking aside: Richard Dunne (captain, Player of the Year for the last four years and stalwart of the team) is expected to sign a new contract with City (it's been a, will he won't he few weeks - sign it Dunnie, just sign it!). Portsmouth, Tottenham and Newcastle have all shown interest, with Portsmouth being the most resilient; due to injuries early in the season, a few first team players didn't really get a chance to show us what they could do, so Mark may be keen to give them try out; then there's the young guns from the City Academy (not least of all those players that won the 2007/2008 FA Youth Cup); and any new signings, there's been plenty of rumours ie João Alves de Assis Silva alias Jo and Ronaldinho being the most mentioned. Man City should be making an imminent announcement about Jo's signing, Ronaldinho, who knows what's happening. I wouldn't be surprised if we had other new signings before the season starts. But, everyone will be watching this first game, of what could turn-out to be, the many different teams of our beloved Blues. Mark can't waste time getting the team to gel, our owner wants to see results now or else it's goodbye Mark, hello???
So, you see, it's plain sailing (pardon the pun). Welcome to another typical Blues start to the season and an adventure into the great unknown. Where's the blood pressure pills?
City: setting sail for the Faroe Islands this July.
Image details: Coastal settlement faroe islands served by picapp.com
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Home United Defeats Geylang United
Singapore S.League side Home United defeated Geylang United 2-1 with goals coming from 24-year-old midfielder Shahril Ishak and 29-year-old striker Indra Sahdan Daud.
Home United currently sits in third place in the 12-team S.League behind power clubs Armed Forces FC and Super Reds.
Home United's Cameroonian forward Kengne Ludovick leads the league with 14 goals. Ishak has scored 7 times in league play.
Singapore: home of the S.League
Image details: Singapore skyline served by picapp.com
Home United currently sits in third place in the 12-team S.League behind power clubs Armed Forces FC and Super Reds.
Home United's Cameroonian forward Kengne Ludovick leads the league with 14 goals. Ishak has scored 7 times in league play.
Singapore: home of the S.League
Image details: Singapore skyline served by picapp.com
Trelleborgs FF Stuns IFK Göteborg
In today's lone Allsvenskan match, Trelleborgs FF dispatched of third-place side IFK Göteborg. The victory moves Trelleborgs up to 11th place in the Swedish league. In the first half of play, new signing Paulino Lopes Tavares scored. Forward Fredrik Jensen put the game away late in the second half.
Tomorrow, four matches are on tap:
IFK Norrkoping vs. GIF Sundsvall
Gefle IF vs. Kalmar FF
Halmstads vs. Hammarby IF
Djurgardens IF vs. IF Elfsborg Boras
Kalmar FF leads the league with 25 points after 11 matches. The club is paced by midfielder Patrik Ingelsten who has scored 8 goals and the Elm brothers.
Viktor Elm leading Kalmar FF this season.
Image details: U.S. MNT v Sweden served by picapp.com
Tomorrow, four matches are on tap:
IFK Norrkoping vs. GIF Sundsvall
Gefle IF vs. Kalmar FF
Halmstads vs. Hammarby IF
Djurgardens IF vs. IF Elfsborg Boras
Kalmar FF leads the league with 25 points after 11 matches. The club is paced by midfielder Patrik Ingelsten who has scored 8 goals and the Elm brothers.
Viktor Elm leading Kalmar FF this season.
Image details: U.S. MNT v Sweden served by picapp.com
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Signs Two
Two former Ross County players signed with SPL outfit Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Defender Lionel Djebi-Zadi agreed to a one-year contract. He joins new signing Andy Barrowman.
In other SPL news, Falkirk FC added defender Burton O'Brien formerly of Sheffield Wednesday FC. The 27-year-old signed a three-year contract. Also joining the Scottish club this offseason: 33-year-old former Rangers winger Neil McCann, 34-year-old former Celtic defender Jackie McNamara, 37-year-old defender Lee Bullen, 22-year-old defender Dermot McCaffrey, and 17-year-old defender Erik Schultz-Eklund.
Former Scottish international Jackie McNamara moving to Falkirk.
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Blackpool Signs Several Players
Blackpool FC signed several players including: 22-year-old defender Alex Baptiste via Mansfield, 18-year-old midfielder Joe Martin via Tottenham Hotspur, 27-year-old defender Stephen Crainey who resigned with the club for two years, and 32-year-old midfielder Claus Jorgensen who resigned with the club for one year with a further one-year option.
Stephen Crainey will be back with the Seasiders for 2008-2009.
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