This past weekend saw all of the teams we track here at Jedi Soccer in action at one venue or another, so here is a review of the Jedi Soccer action on two continents:
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Yesterday, FC Barcelona defeated local derby rival Espanyol 2 - 0 to pull within one point of capturing the Spanish league title for the third consecutive year, which would make Barca the first Spanish league side to win the title three times in a row since 1993. Even one point from a draw on Wednesday will be enough to capture the league title for Barcelona, but if they win all three remaining matches, they will tally exactly 100 points for the season--one better than the record of 99 they set last year. Andres Iniesta scored in the 29th minute, and Gerard Pique scored in the 48th. Barca now travels to Valencia to hopefully wrap up their well-earned title.
STATUS: One point away from the Spanish League Championship, and one win against Manchester United for the Champions League Cup.
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Meanwhile, the day before DC United played to a scoreless 0 - 0 draw against FC Dallas in front of 11,500 fans at RFK stadium in MLS action. The good news for United is that the defense showed fine consistency during the match, keeping Dallas out of the net. The bad news was a lack of offensive firepower, exemplified by a scoring ball in the penalty area that was uncharacteristically mishandled by Charlie Davies. Still, United has only surrendered one goal--on a penalty kick-- in the last two games, a fine achievement after having given up four goals in each of the two matches before the Seattle game. I'm not sure what it means when a scoreless outcome can be considered progress, but there it is.
STATUS: 3 - 4 - 2 on the season, middle-of-the-pack in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
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A similar tied outcome was achieved by the Fort Lauderdale Strikers against the NSC Minnesota Stars in the third game of their four-game NASL road trip. Eduardo 'Chaco' Coudet scored his fourth straight penatly kick of the season in the 35th minute, when Strikers forward Martin Nunez was fouled in the box by Minnesota defenseman Jack Stewart. The Strikers were on track to win the game, until Minnesota equalized in the 89th minute. Although in some ways this outcome was a dissapointment after having led for most of the match, the result is acceptable considering how long the Strikers have been on the road. Fort Lauderdale has one more road match remaining this Wednesday against the Carolina Railhawks, after which they finally return to Lockhart Stadium to face their in-state rivals FC Tampa Bay (AKA 'The Team That Should Be Called The Rowdies'), in the latest rendition of The Florida Derby. We hate them.
STATUS: 1 - 3 - 1, six points and middle-of-the-pack standing in the NASL.
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Finally, the Charleston Battery ruined the prospect of a loss-free weekend for Jedi Soccer, by losing 0 - 1 to the Rochester Rhinos in USL-PRO League action. The Rhinos managed to finally end a six year drought of home-opener losses when Tony Donatelli's 24th minute goal stood for the entire match, despite the Battery's best efforts. A home crowd of over 5,000 watched the victory, Rochester's smallest-ever attendance for a home opener in the 16 year history of the franchise.
STATUS: 3 - 2 - 2, eleven points and middle-of-the-pack standing in the USL-PRO American Division.
The middle-of-the-pack standing of the three American sides we follow, is quite unsatisfying because its hard to see if they are contenders or not. Hopefully the next few matches will bring some greater clarity to the world of Jedi Soccer.
Next updates after Wednesday's matches!
“LIKE A JEDI KNIGHT— no, better than that— A TEMPLAR KNIGHT. This is a FLASH OF PURE INSPIRATION, and let me tip my hat to the genesis of this goal: Ibarra. Lionel only absolutely LIGHTS IT UP here, he LIFTS OFF IT, FLAMETHROWERS IT PAST poor Reny Vega. It’s just as well Reny didn’t get a hand to that because it would have TAKEN IT OFF HIS WRIST. Superlative football and an out of this world BERNINI SCULPTURE of a finish." GOL TV Commentator Ray Hudson
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
DC United Rebounds
Last night DC United produced a victory over the Seattle Sounders in MLS play at RFK stadium, in what was virtually a must-win situation for the team. Following on the heels of three consecutive debacles against the Houston Dynamo, the New York Red Bulls, and their ignominious ouster from the US Open Cup, DC United desperately needed a win to put their young season back on track, and last night they got it.
United opened the scoring in the 31st minute, when Andy Najar sent a beautiful ball down the line to Charlie Davies, who crossed into the box to connect with the streaking Josh Wolff, who delivered a pretty one-touch strike from seven yards past Sounders Keepere Kasey Keller to open the scoring. Then, shortly after the re-start, the Najar-Davies-Wolff combination worked its magic again. Once more the scoring sequence was initiated by Najar, but it was Wolff who delivered the cross this time for Charlie Davies, who collected the ball from three yards out between two defenders, punching in the second score of the night, and his sixth goal of the young MLS season. With this goal, Davies is now officially leading scorer in the MLS, for the moment.
Seattle gamely fought back, delivering their only goal of the night just three minutes after the goal by Charlie Davies. United defender Dejan Jakovic brought down Seattle striker Freddy Montero, leading to a Penatly Kick and a goal to bring Seattle back to a one goal deficit. Encouraged by this goal, Seattle mounted a powerful attack which was ultimately turned away by some very fine goalkeeping by Bill Hamid, who delivered spectacular saves in the 73rd and 76th minutes. Eventually time ran out for Seattle, allowing DC United to end its three game losing streak and pocket its first victory in about three weeks.
As an interesting postscript from this match, Elias Sports Bureau reports that the goalkeeper matchup between United's Bill Hamid and Seattle's Kasey Keller, was the first in MLS history featuring a keeper in his forties, against a keeper who is under age 21. It is a well known fact of soccer that goalkeepers typically enjoy longer careers than other players, and Keller's long and storied career is yet more proof of this. This match was also the first time that Keller has ever lost a match at RFK stadium, where until last night he was 8 - 0 - 2 over his career.
After the game, United striker Charlie Davies commendted on the match. "Today I would say was our best overall team performance so far this season. It’s coming off two not so good games, so it was really important that we come out and set the tone and set the tempo. I think we set the tone, Seattle’s a great team and they showed they are capable of playing, and we had to show we are a good team – tonight we played well."
United opened the scoring in the 31st minute, when Andy Najar sent a beautiful ball down the line to Charlie Davies, who crossed into the box to connect with the streaking Josh Wolff, who delivered a pretty one-touch strike from seven yards past Sounders Keepere Kasey Keller to open the scoring. Then, shortly after the re-start, the Najar-Davies-Wolff combination worked its magic again. Once more the scoring sequence was initiated by Najar, but it was Wolff who delivered the cross this time for Charlie Davies, who collected the ball from three yards out between two defenders, punching in the second score of the night, and his sixth goal of the young MLS season. With this goal, Davies is now officially leading scorer in the MLS, for the moment.
Seattle gamely fought back, delivering their only goal of the night just three minutes after the goal by Charlie Davies. United defender Dejan Jakovic brought down Seattle striker Freddy Montero, leading to a Penatly Kick and a goal to bring Seattle back to a one goal deficit. Encouraged by this goal, Seattle mounted a powerful attack which was ultimately turned away by some very fine goalkeeping by Bill Hamid, who delivered spectacular saves in the 73rd and 76th minutes. Eventually time ran out for Seattle, allowing DC United to end its three game losing streak and pocket its first victory in about three weeks.
As an interesting postscript from this match, Elias Sports Bureau reports that the goalkeeper matchup between United's Bill Hamid and Seattle's Kasey Keller, was the first in MLS history featuring a keeper in his forties, against a keeper who is under age 21. It is a well known fact of soccer that goalkeepers typically enjoy longer careers than other players, and Keller's long and storied career is yet more proof of this. This match was also the first time that Keller has ever lost a match at RFK stadium, where until last night he was 8 - 0 - 2 over his career.
After the game, United striker Charlie Davies commendted on the match. "Today I would say was our best overall team performance so far this season. It’s coming off two not so good games, so it was really important that we come out and set the tone and set the tempo. I think we set the tone, Seattle’s a great team and they showed they are capable of playing, and we had to show we are a good team – tonight we played well."
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Madrid Fails, Barca Advances
Yesterday FC Barcelona advanced to the Final of the 2011 Champions League tournament in Wembley Stadium in London, with a 1 - 1 tie at Camp Nou against El Clasico rival Real Madrid. The tie advanced Barca with a 3 - 1 goal differential against Real Madrid over two matches. The game was also the last of four El Clasico matchups between Barca and Real Madrid, over an 18 day period.
Barca scored first in the 54th minute with a beautiful goal by Pedro off a brilliant through ball by Andres Insiesta. Real Madrid drew even 9 minutes later when Angel Di Maria banged a shot off the post, directly to Marcelo, who coolly pushed the ball in to tie the score. Thus the match ended and FC Barcelona goes through to the final.
Despite the fact that Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey, it is clear that Barcelona outplayed them in every match. Here is a summary of the last four encounters:
April 16 / La Liga: RM 1 - FCB 1 (Santiago Bernabeu)
April 20/ Copa del Rey: RM 1 - FCB 0 (Valencia)
April 27 / Champions League: RM 0 - FCB 2 (Santiago Bernabeu)
May 3 / Champions League: FCB 1 - RM 1 (Camp Nou)
Thus each team posted a 1 - 1 - 2 record over the last 18 days, with Barcelona scoring 4 goals and Real Madrid 3. However, if we include the results of the first El Clasico this season from November 29, in which Barcelona scored five goals to none for Real Madrid, then the tally for Barcelona in El Clasico competition this season is 2 - 1 - 2, with 9 goals for, and only three against. As a Barcelona fan, this is a very satisfying outcome.
It is a pity that Barcelona did not also win the Copa del Rey, but Barca is now all-but-assured the Spanish League title, and they are certainly now the favorites to win the Champions League as well, which is much more prestigious than the Copa. The Blaugrana now have just four matches left in regular season league competition, and the Champions League final awaiting them in London.
Finally, as a postscript to this 18 day saga, I note with both amusement and sadness the continued whining from the Real Madrid players and coach Jose Mourinho regarding the allegedly preferential treatment given to FC Barcelona by referees. The public airing of such preposterous conspiracy theories is really a new low for Real Madrid and their now very-mortal looking manager. Mourinho's controversial commnents, now echoed by cry baby Cristiano Ronaldo, are completely ridiculous on the surface.
Which is more likely-- that there is a vast secret FIFA conspiracy to influence referees to favor Barca over Real Madrid, OR instead the Real Madrid players are really just hurt and frustrated by continually being bested by Barcelona, leading to the kind of acting-out on the pitch that has resulted in so many Red cards?
Not only is FC Barcelona a better team, they also have more class and public dignity too. On to the Champion's League Final !!
Barca scored first in the 54th minute with a beautiful goal by Pedro off a brilliant through ball by Andres Insiesta. Real Madrid drew even 9 minutes later when Angel Di Maria banged a shot off the post, directly to Marcelo, who coolly pushed the ball in to tie the score. Thus the match ended and FC Barcelona goes through to the final.
Despite the fact that Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey, it is clear that Barcelona outplayed them in every match. Here is a summary of the last four encounters:
April 16 / La Liga: RM 1 - FCB 1 (Santiago Bernabeu)
April 20/ Copa del Rey: RM 1 - FCB 0 (Valencia)
April 27 / Champions League: RM 0 - FCB 2 (Santiago Bernabeu)
May 3 / Champions League: FCB 1 - RM 1 (Camp Nou)
Thus each team posted a 1 - 1 - 2 record over the last 18 days, with Barcelona scoring 4 goals and Real Madrid 3. However, if we include the results of the first El Clasico this season from November 29, in which Barcelona scored five goals to none for Real Madrid, then the tally for Barcelona in El Clasico competition this season is 2 - 1 - 2, with 9 goals for, and only three against. As a Barcelona fan, this is a very satisfying outcome.
It is a pity that Barcelona did not also win the Copa del Rey, but Barca is now all-but-assured the Spanish League title, and they are certainly now the favorites to win the Champions League as well, which is much more prestigious than the Copa. The Blaugrana now have just four matches left in regular season league competition, and the Champions League final awaiting them in London.
Finally, as a postscript to this 18 day saga, I note with both amusement and sadness the continued whining from the Real Madrid players and coach Jose Mourinho regarding the allegedly preferential treatment given to FC Barcelona by referees. The public airing of such preposterous conspiracy theories is really a new low for Real Madrid and their now very-mortal looking manager. Mourinho's controversial commnents, now echoed by cry baby Cristiano Ronaldo, are completely ridiculous on the surface.
Which is more likely-- that there is a vast secret FIFA conspiracy to influence referees to favor Barca over Real Madrid, OR instead the Real Madrid players are really just hurt and frustrated by continually being bested by Barcelona, leading to the kind of acting-out on the pitch that has resulted in so many Red cards?
Not only is FC Barcelona a better team, they also have more class and public dignity too. On to the Champion's League Final !!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Barca and Madrid Both Lose
The emotional and physical intensity of three El Clasico matches in barely three weeks, clearly has taken its toll on both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, as both of Spain's finest football teams uncharacteristically lost their league matches this past weekend. Real Madrid rested Cristiano Ronaldo and subsequently lost 3 - 2 to Zaragoza, while Barca suffered its first league defeat in seven months, losing 2 - 1 to Real Sociedad in San Sebastien. The lone goal for Barcelona was scored by midfielder Thiago Alcantara in the first half, while the Basque's scored twice in the second half for the win. With this defeat Barca's unbeated streak ended at 31 matches, only one short of the Spanish League record.
Because both of the league-leading teams lost their respective matches, Barcelona retains an eight point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga standings, which preserves the likelihood that Barcelona will win the Spanish League crown yet again.
After the match, Pep Guardiola admitted that three El Clasico's in 18 days had taken its toll, saying "What happened was a lesson. Like any team we can win or lose. We were coming off a complicated situation."
Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns for the final time this season tommorrow afternoon at Camp Nou, for the fourth meeting between these two teams in three weeks. Barcelona enjoys a two goal lead in Champions League competition going into the match, and a win will secure their passage to the Champions League Final, probably against English side Manchester United.
Visca el Barca!
Because both of the league-leading teams lost their respective matches, Barcelona retains an eight point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga standings, which preserves the likelihood that Barcelona will win the Spanish League crown yet again.
After the match, Pep Guardiola admitted that three El Clasico's in 18 days had taken its toll, saying "What happened was a lesson. Like any team we can win or lose. We were coming off a complicated situation."
Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns for the final time this season tommorrow afternoon at Camp Nou, for the fourth meeting between these two teams in three weeks. Barcelona enjoys a two goal lead in Champions League competition going into the match, and a win will secure their passage to the Champions League Final, probably against English side Manchester United.
Visca el Barca!
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