Still basking in the glow of this weeks El Clasico victory over Real Madrid, yesterday was a mixed day in the world of Jedi Soccer as local side DC United was decisively crushed, with the day being redeemed only the Division II sides we follow. For DC United, the once-and-future champions of Major League Soccer, it was a dismal day against the Houston Dynamo as 21 year old rooke Will Bruin emerged from obscurity in the 4th minute, to score the first of a hat trick of goals for his side. With a second in the 39th minute, his third in the 59th minute, and a final insult-to-injury goal by Cam Weaver in the 63rd minute, Houston scored four goals in a fine showing. United's lone goal was provided by Marc Burch in the 39th minute. DC United has now lost three of its last five matches.
Moving on from this debacle, our Fort Lauderdale Strikers battled to a 2 - 2 tie against the Puerto Rico Islanders in NASL action, letting three valuable points from a road win slip away in the closing seconds. In the 36th minute Strikers forward Aaron Wheeler was fouled in the box, leading to Eduardo Coudet's third straight goal on a penatly kick in as many games. In the 75th minute, the Islanders evened up with a pretty header shot by Nicholas Adderly, setting up the dramatic final minute of the game. In the 89th minute, Strikers substitute Scott Gordon slotted home a shot to the lower right corner of the goal, and the Strikers pulled ahead, only to surrender the win just moments after the restart, with Gregory Richardon's breakway run and shot on goal after the restart.
The sole Jedi Soccer victory of the day was from the Charleston Battery, who defeated the Evangelical Eagles (that is, the Charlotte Eagles) with a dramatic come-from-behing 2 - 1 victory. Charlotte forward Josh Kish opened the scoring the 21st minute for the Eagles, but after that Battery Keeper Keith Wiggans recorded five saves, including a point-blank shot on goal. And then the tide shifted and it was the Battery firing all the salvoes. In the 31st minute Charleston's Gambian forward Seedy Bah scored from a Battery corner kick to tie, and then in stoppage time the Battery was rewarded a free kick just outside the box, leading to Nicki Patterson's superb Bend-it-Like-Beckham shot around the Charlotte wall for the game winner. This was a fine display of football character for the Battery, and the win brings them to second place in the USL-PRO American Division.
The Battery returns to action tonight against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, while the Strikers next show is on May 7th at Minnesota. DC United's next up is Wednesday May 7th against the Seattle Sounders FC.
“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
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Jedi Messi Slays Real Madrid
In the first leg of this year's Champion's League semi-finals, and the third meeting between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in less than three weeks, yesterday the Blaugrana avenged their Copa Del Rey loss to Real Madrid last week by humiliating the Royalists 2 - 0 in front of their home fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It was a wonderful outcome for Barcelona fans, full of incredible moments and images: Madrid defender Pepe sent off in the 61st minute for a brutal challenge on Dani Alves that clipped the Barca man in the ankle and literally sent him spinning 360 degrees in the air, before a full-body slam onto the turf; Madrid boss Jose Mourinho also sent off for his mocking, sarcastic applause of the Referee's actions, leaving him stranded in the stands behind an orange bar gate that ironically resembled prison bars, frantically scribbling notes to this assistants; and above all, two more magical goals by the sublime Messi Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight of Football, giving FC Barcelona a clear advantage heading into their final encounter with Real Madrid in the second and final leg of the Champions League Semi-Finals.
For the fifth match in a row, and the third El Clasico under Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid again found itself down to ten men against the talented Catalans. With a man advantage, it was only a matter of time until Barca found the back of then net. In the 76th minute Barca substitute Ibrahim Afellay sent a beautiful cross from the right wing touch-line, which Lionel Messi met in mid-air immediately in front of the Madrid goal with a right-footed one-touch punch that sent the ball in for Barcelona's first goal. Then, in the 86th minute, Messi singlehandedly carried the ball from mid field, weaving his way through the Madrid defense in an amazing display of ball control and attacking prowess, beating the entire Madrid defense by himself before slotting the ball past Iker Casillas with a wide shot that rolled past the Madrid Keeper's outstreched hands, for the second goal of the night.
After the match, Madrid boss Jose Mourinho went on a public rant, accusing UEFA of blatant favoritism for Barcelona, saying (among other delusional statements): "I don't know if it's the UNICEF publicity or the friendship of Villar at UEFA, where he is vice president, I don't know if it's because they are so nice, but they have got great power. The rest of us have no chance."
Given this unfounded verbal provocation, today FC Barcelona has released the following club statement:
"Barca's legal department will study the declarations made by Jose Mourinho following his team's 0-2 defeat at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night to determine whether to refer them to UEFA. In the post match press conference, Jose Mourinho severely criticized the referee Herr Stark and insinuated that UEFA treated Barca favorably. The club's legal department are now studying whether to take his remarks to the UEFA disciplinary Commission."
In related news, FIFA Presidential candidate Bin Hammam also weighed in on the controversy, saying "It is up to Jose Mourinho what he thinks. But I believe the game was excellent and, from what I hear, a very entertaining game." Asked if there was a conspiracy from referees, or governing bodies, in favour of Barcelona, Bin Hammam replied: "Not at this level of competition, no. I don't think so."
It is clear to this fan that (1) Pepe's ejection for spinning Alves around in the air was completely justified; (2) Mourinho's mocking of the referee was also an actionable offense under the rules of Association Football; (3) Mourinho's post-game rant was deleusional, unjustified, and an indication of the clear frustration he has over being bested time and again by FC Barcelona, the Greatest Football Team on the Planet.
Madrid now travel's to Camp Nou for the final leg of the Semi-Finals with a huge, two-goal handicap. Unless Madrid can produce a miracle in front of the Barca faithful-- not very likely-- then it is beginning to look like it will be FC Barcelona against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final this year, in a repeat of the 2009 final.
As for Real Madrid, they can enjoy their Copa del Rey victory from last week, because it is beginning to look like it is the only joy they will get from El Clasico this year, as FC Barcelona is now undisputedly on-track to claim both the Spanish League Championship, as well as the European Championship.
Trophies pending.
It was a wonderful outcome for Barcelona fans, full of incredible moments and images: Madrid defender Pepe sent off in the 61st minute for a brutal challenge on Dani Alves that clipped the Barca man in the ankle and literally sent him spinning 360 degrees in the air, before a full-body slam onto the turf; Madrid boss Jose Mourinho also sent off for his mocking, sarcastic applause of the Referee's actions, leaving him stranded in the stands behind an orange bar gate that ironically resembled prison bars, frantically scribbling notes to this assistants; and above all, two more magical goals by the sublime Messi Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight of Football, giving FC Barcelona a clear advantage heading into their final encounter with Real Madrid in the second and final leg of the Champions League Semi-Finals.
For the fifth match in a row, and the third El Clasico under Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid again found itself down to ten men against the talented Catalans. With a man advantage, it was only a matter of time until Barca found the back of then net. In the 76th minute Barca substitute Ibrahim Afellay sent a beautiful cross from the right wing touch-line, which Lionel Messi met in mid-air immediately in front of the Madrid goal with a right-footed one-touch punch that sent the ball in for Barcelona's first goal. Then, in the 86th minute, Messi singlehandedly carried the ball from mid field, weaving his way through the Madrid defense in an amazing display of ball control and attacking prowess, beating the entire Madrid defense by himself before slotting the ball past Iker Casillas with a wide shot that rolled past the Madrid Keeper's outstreched hands, for the second goal of the night.
After the match, Madrid boss Jose Mourinho went on a public rant, accusing UEFA of blatant favoritism for Barcelona, saying (among other delusional statements): "I don't know if it's the UNICEF publicity or the friendship of Villar at UEFA, where he is vice president, I don't know if it's because they are so nice, but they have got great power. The rest of us have no chance."
Given this unfounded verbal provocation, today FC Barcelona has released the following club statement:
"Barca's legal department will study the declarations made by Jose Mourinho following his team's 0-2 defeat at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night to determine whether to refer them to UEFA. In the post match press conference, Jose Mourinho severely criticized the referee Herr Stark and insinuated that UEFA treated Barca favorably. The club's legal department are now studying whether to take his remarks to the UEFA disciplinary Commission."
In related news, FIFA Presidential candidate Bin Hammam also weighed in on the controversy, saying "It is up to Jose Mourinho what he thinks. But I believe the game was excellent and, from what I hear, a very entertaining game." Asked if there was a conspiracy from referees, or governing bodies, in favour of Barcelona, Bin Hammam replied: "Not at this level of competition, no. I don't think so."
It is clear to this fan that (1) Pepe's ejection for spinning Alves around in the air was completely justified; (2) Mourinho's mocking of the referee was also an actionable offense under the rules of Association Football; (3) Mourinho's post-game rant was deleusional, unjustified, and an indication of the clear frustration he has over being bested time and again by FC Barcelona, the Greatest Football Team on the Planet.
Madrid now travel's to Camp Nou for the final leg of the Semi-Finals with a huge, two-goal handicap. Unless Madrid can produce a miracle in front of the Barca faithful-- not very likely-- then it is beginning to look like it will be FC Barcelona against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final this year, in a repeat of the 2009 final.
As for Real Madrid, they can enjoy their Copa del Rey victory from last week, because it is beginning to look like it is the only joy they will get from El Clasico this year, as FC Barcelona is now undisputedly on-track to claim both the Spanish League Championship, as well as the European Championship.
Trophies pending.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
United Ousted from Open Cup
From SB Nation at
http://dc.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2136451/d-c-united-loses-3-2-to-revolution-in-u-s-open-cup-qualifier
by Jordan Ruby
'D.C. United has been eliminated from contention for the U.S. Open Cup after falling to the New England Revolution 3-2 in a qualifier on Tuesday. They fell behind 3-0 early after some uninspired play in the early part of this game. Two goals from Branko Boskovic helped bring them back into contention, but they were ultimately unable to close the gap.
According to Steven Goff of the Washington Post, D.C. United coach Ben Olsen isn't ready to take any moral victories away from a game with so many implications:
"The energy and fight toward the end was great and exciting, but the good teams don’t have to do that," Coach Ben Olsen said. "The good teams put all that energy and passion early in the game so you don’t have to end up fighting to get a result."
The Revolution did not field very many of their starters because they have a league game on Friday against Houston.'
http://dc.sbnation.com/2011/4/27/2136451/d-c-united-loses-3-2-to-revolution-in-u-s-open-cup-qualifier
by Jordan Ruby
'D.C. United has been eliminated from contention for the U.S. Open Cup after falling to the New England Revolution 3-2 in a qualifier on Tuesday. They fell behind 3-0 early after some uninspired play in the early part of this game. Two goals from Branko Boskovic helped bring them back into contention, but they were ultimately unable to close the gap.
According to Steven Goff of the Washington Post, D.C. United coach Ben Olsen isn't ready to take any moral victories away from a game with so many implications:
"The energy and fight toward the end was great and exciting, but the good teams don’t have to do that," Coach Ben Olsen said. "The good teams put all that energy and passion early in the game so you don’t have to end up fighting to get a result."
The Revolution did not field very many of their starters because they have a league game on Friday against Houston.'
Monday, April 25, 2011
Strikers Win, Battery Loses
In Division II professional soccer this past weekend our Jedi Soccer sides enjoyed mixed success, with our beloved Fort Lauderdale Strikers winning 2 - 1 over the horribly named Atlanta Silverbacks, while the Charleston Battery gave up two goals to the surging Richmond Kickers to surrender a 2 - 1 victory to the Virginia side.
In NASL action, the Strikers visited Atlanta, who have chosen to name their team after the forest gorilla, a species that everyone knows is indigenous to northern Georgia (Not ! ). Despite an energetic but uncoordinated opening by the Silverbacks, first blood fell to the Strikers in the 14th minute when forward Martin Nunez scored his first goal of the season with a chipped shot over Atlanta Keeper Felipe Quintero's head to open the scoring. However, only two minutes later Mexican international Mario Perez leveled the score with a thunderous volley that sailed past Strikers Keeper Nic Platter, resulting in a deadlock that lasted the rest of the game. Despite outshooting the Strikers 17 - 8, the dreadfully named Silverbacks could not pull ahead, and endured the pain of seeing a late header goal by Emsad Zahirovic dissallowed for offsides, which kept the score level. In the final minute of regular time, Strikers substitute Yoximar Granado was fouled in the box by Atlanta defenseman Tyler Ruthven, setting up the game-winning PK by Eduardo Coudet, who sailed the ball into the net just under the crossbar for the victory. This victory gives the Strikers their first win of the season, bringing them to 1 - 1 - 1 and a middle-of-the-pack three point position in the league standings. Attendance for the match was just over 3,000 spectators.
Meanwhile, in USL-PRO league action, the Charleston Battery lost its first game of the season to the Richmond Kickers, who came from behind to claim the victory. Battery forward Levi Coleman opened the scoring and put the Battery ahead in the 15th minute with a thumping header off a pretty cross by Cole Peverley, but thereafter the match shifted to Richmond's favor. In the 61st minute Richmond forward David Bulow powered a header past Battery Keeper Keith Wiggans to level the score; then the game-winner came in stoppage time as Richmond winger Shaka Bangura bounced a shot off the post and into the net to seal the resurgent victory for the Kickers. With this loss the Battery falls to 2 - 1 - 0 on the season, with a middle-of-the-pack six point position in the USL-PRO league American Division. The match was played before approximately 1,800 fans in Richmond's City Stadium.
The Battery next heads to Charlotte this Friday for another match against the Evangelical Eagles (I mean, the Charlotte Eagles), while the Strikers will visit the Estadio Juan Ramon Louobriel in Bayamon PR to play against the Puerto Rico Islanders in their season home opener.
In NASL action, the Strikers visited Atlanta, who have chosen to name their team after the forest gorilla, a species that everyone knows is indigenous to northern Georgia (Not ! ). Despite an energetic but uncoordinated opening by the Silverbacks, first blood fell to the Strikers in the 14th minute when forward Martin Nunez scored his first goal of the season with a chipped shot over Atlanta Keeper Felipe Quintero's head to open the scoring. However, only two minutes later Mexican international Mario Perez leveled the score with a thunderous volley that sailed past Strikers Keeper Nic Platter, resulting in a deadlock that lasted the rest of the game. Despite outshooting the Strikers 17 - 8, the dreadfully named Silverbacks could not pull ahead, and endured the pain of seeing a late header goal by Emsad Zahirovic dissallowed for offsides, which kept the score level. In the final minute of regular time, Strikers substitute Yoximar Granado was fouled in the box by Atlanta defenseman Tyler Ruthven, setting up the game-winning PK by Eduardo Coudet, who sailed the ball into the net just under the crossbar for the victory. This victory gives the Strikers their first win of the season, bringing them to 1 - 1 - 1 and a middle-of-the-pack three point position in the league standings. Attendance for the match was just over 3,000 spectators.
Meanwhile, in USL-PRO league action, the Charleston Battery lost its first game of the season to the Richmond Kickers, who came from behind to claim the victory. Battery forward Levi Coleman opened the scoring and put the Battery ahead in the 15th minute with a thumping header off a pretty cross by Cole Peverley, but thereafter the match shifted to Richmond's favor. In the 61st minute Richmond forward David Bulow powered a header past Battery Keeper Keith Wiggans to level the score; then the game-winner came in stoppage time as Richmond winger Shaka Bangura bounced a shot off the post and into the net to seal the resurgent victory for the Kickers. With this loss the Battery falls to 2 - 1 - 0 on the season, with a middle-of-the-pack six point position in the USL-PRO league American Division. The match was played before approximately 1,800 fans in Richmond's City Stadium.
The Battery next heads to Charlotte this Friday for another match against the Evangelical Eagles (I mean, the Charlotte Eagles), while the Strikers will visit the Estadio Juan Ramon Louobriel in Bayamon PR to play against the Puerto Rico Islanders in their season home opener.
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