Diego Forlan is leading Atletico Madrid towards UEFA Champions League football with his brilliant play as of late.
He has 26 league goals from the 2008-09 campaign and is currently one behind Barcelona's Eto’o.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Puerto Rico Islanders Edge Montreal Impact 3-2
An 82nd minute goal was the difference in Puerto Rico Saturday night as the Montreal Impact fell to the Islanders 3-2. Islanders forward Kendal Jagdeosingh scored the game winner following a pass from Fabrice Noel.
Usually when you score two goals in Puerto Rico, you will not lose," said Montreal midfielder Joey Gjertsen. "Their subs came flying in the second half and helped them to win the game."
After three games, the Montreal Impact have yet to show the same form as last year, that took them to their best season in franchise history. They dropped a 2-1 decision last weekend to Miami FC and could only manage a goal-less draw the weekend prior to that against the Charleston Battery. Miami went ahead on goals by D. Serna (50') and Inacio Nunes (55') before Montreal finally potted their first goal of the season in the 75th minute on a flying header from E. Sebrango, who hadn't tallied for the Impact since September 2005. It was a game that could have ended differently had the Impact capitalized on a penalty awarded in the 59th minute, but the shot was saved by Miami FC's P.Hannigan. In the end, it was the Impact's poor defensive play and bad give-away's that led to Miami's victory.
"After our first two games, we have worked on basic plays because we want to make sure that all players know what they have to do on the field," said Impact Head Coach John Limniatis prior to last evening's match. "We have to continue working and be consistent."
The squad, searching for consistency, will look to May 9th's home opener at Saputto Stadium in Montreal against the Rochester Rhinos.
-- Kieron Yates was the main contributor to this report.
Usually when you score two goals in Puerto Rico, you will not lose," said Montreal midfielder Joey Gjertsen. "Their subs came flying in the second half and helped them to win the game."
After three games, the Montreal Impact have yet to show the same form as last year, that took them to their best season in franchise history. They dropped a 2-1 decision last weekend to Miami FC and could only manage a goal-less draw the weekend prior to that against the Charleston Battery. Miami went ahead on goals by D. Serna (50') and Inacio Nunes (55') before Montreal finally potted their first goal of the season in the 75th minute on a flying header from E. Sebrango, who hadn't tallied for the Impact since September 2005. It was a game that could have ended differently had the Impact capitalized on a penalty awarded in the 59th minute, but the shot was saved by Miami FC's P.Hannigan. In the end, it was the Impact's poor defensive play and bad give-away's that led to Miami's victory.
"After our first two games, we have worked on basic plays because we want to make sure that all players know what they have to do on the field," said Impact Head Coach John Limniatis prior to last evening's match. "We have to continue working and be consistent."
The squad, searching for consistency, will look to May 9th's home opener at Saputto Stadium in Montreal against the Rochester Rhinos.
-- Kieron Yates was the main contributor to this report.
Fulham And Wolves Look To A-League For Preseason Action
Next season EPL sides Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers will travel to Australia to face the Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory in preseason action this July.
Australia's A-League, along with the EPL, both begin league competition in August.
"This is an historic and momentous occasion for Perth Glory and football in Western Australia," said Perth Glory Owner & Chairman Tony Sage to local media present at the announcement.
"I’ve made a commitment to give something to Western Australia, enhance the profile of football in this state and take Perth Glory back to the top and this is just part of that commitment."
Fulham’s arrival in western Australia will see Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer back in his native country.
July 10 - Perth Glory vs. Wolverhampton Wolves (Members Equity Stadium)
July 11 - Melbourne Victory vs. Fulham (Etihad Stadium)
July 15 - North Queensland Fury vs. Wolverhampton and Perth Glory vs. Fulham (Members Equity Stadium)
Australia's A-League, along with the EPL, both begin league competition in August.
"This is an historic and momentous occasion for Perth Glory and football in Western Australia," said Perth Glory Owner & Chairman Tony Sage to local media present at the announcement.
"I’ve made a commitment to give something to Western Australia, enhance the profile of football in this state and take Perth Glory back to the top and this is just part of that commitment."
Fulham’s arrival in western Australia will see Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer back in his native country.
July 10 - Perth Glory vs. Wolverhampton Wolves (Members Equity Stadium)
July 11 - Melbourne Victory vs. Fulham (Etihad Stadium)
July 15 - North Queensland Fury vs. Wolverhampton and Perth Glory vs. Fulham (Members Equity Stadium)
Vela Finds Score Sheet
Portsmouth faced the youngest ever side to feature in an English Premier League match this weekend as the club fell to Arsenal 3-0. At the heart of the Gunners attack was Carlos Vela; he tormented Pompey all match with his pace and creativity finally being rewarded with a second-half goal. It was Vela’s first league goal. Is this the beginning of a successful career in the Premiership for the Mexican international?
MLS Team Of The Week at Goal.com
Read about Goal.com's team -- Goal.com's MLS Team Of The Week: Round 7
I really have enjoyed watching and reading about Chivas USA this season. Also, happy to see Colorado doing well. But when will FC Dallas turn the season around? Is the team really this poor?
I really have enjoyed watching and reading about Chivas USA this season. Also, happy to see Colorado doing well. But when will FC Dallas turn the season around? Is the team really this poor?
Twente Qualifys For UEFA Champions League Play
Congrats to FC Twente who placed second in the 2008-09 Eredivisie and now will play in UEFA's Champions League next season. Read about Twente's qualification in Goal.com's Eredivisie Round-Up: Twente Secure Top Two Finish
Saturday, May 2, 2009
South Americans Bring Home Victory At Eastlands
Manchester City easily dispatched of Blackburn Rovers thanks to the South American trio of Felipe Caicedo, Robinho and Elano at Eastlands.
The victory, 12th now at the club's home pitch, comes at a critical time as City makes a final push to qualify for European action next season.
The victory, 12th now at the club's home pitch, comes at a critical time as City makes a final push to qualify for European action next season.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Spain gears up for El Clasico
It is the game that everyone in Spain - and many people across the world – looks forward to most.
Spain’s two biggest clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, lock horns again this weekend in a clash commonly known as El Clasico.
There is much more than just points at stake though as history, politics and football all entwine both clubs. For the Catalan people, Barca symbolises their resistance against the repression imposed on them by General Franco - who was closely liked with Real Madrid - after the civil war.
Though the days of government repression may have passed the memories have not faded in the eyes of the fans and Barca supporters still fiercely defend their Catalan independence. These political, social and cultural aspects make for fantastic football full of passion, commitment and no little skill.
But this encounter will be even more passionate than usual given the state of the La Liga title race. Real lie just four points off leaders Barca and a win will blow the title race right open. A win for Barca though should seal the title for the Catalan club with only four more fixtures to come.
Pep Guardiola’s side seemed nailed on for the league a few months ago but slowly but surely Real, resurgent under former Spurs boss Juande Ramos, have chipped away at Barca’s lead. Since the last meeting between the two sides they have collected 52 points from a possible 54 and won a record eight away games in a row.
The effects of a long season meanwhile look to be taking their toll on Barcelona. Their high tempo game, with their three goalscorers, Messi, Henry and Eto’o, has also seen them progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League. But two draws in a week, against Chelsea and Valencia, suggest the cracks may be beginning to show.
That said they have arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, in their side and I feel they will have just enough to get a result at the Bernabeu and go on to secure the title.
My La Liga prediction? Well, while Real have to win Barca only really have to avoid defeat and because of that I’m going to go for an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Spain’s two biggest clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, lock horns again this weekend in a clash commonly known as El Clasico.
There is much more than just points at stake though as history, politics and football all entwine both clubs. For the Catalan people, Barca symbolises their resistance against the repression imposed on them by General Franco - who was closely liked with Real Madrid - after the civil war.
Though the days of government repression may have passed the memories have not faded in the eyes of the fans and Barca supporters still fiercely defend their Catalan independence. These political, social and cultural aspects make for fantastic football full of passion, commitment and no little skill.
But this encounter will be even more passionate than usual given the state of the La Liga title race. Real lie just four points off leaders Barca and a win will blow the title race right open. A win for Barca though should seal the title for the Catalan club with only four more fixtures to come.
Pep Guardiola’s side seemed nailed on for the league a few months ago but slowly but surely Real, resurgent under former Spurs boss Juande Ramos, have chipped away at Barca’s lead. Since the last meeting between the two sides they have collected 52 points from a possible 54 and won a record eight away games in a row.
The effects of a long season meanwhile look to be taking their toll on Barcelona. Their high tempo game, with their three goalscorers, Messi, Henry and Eto’o, has also seen them progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League. But two draws in a week, against Chelsea and Valencia, suggest the cracks may be beginning to show.
That said they have arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, in their side and I feel they will have just enough to get a result at the Bernabeu and go on to secure the title.
My La Liga prediction? Well, while Real have to win Barca only really have to avoid defeat and because of that I’m going to go for an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)