12 Ways That Twohundredpercent.net Has Been Branded In Recent Times
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Friday List of Little or No Consequence #238
Brand on the run
12 Ways That Twohundredpercent.net Has Been Branded In Recent Times
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
12 Ways That Twohundredpercent.net Has Been Branded In Recent Times
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Football Americana Week 7: Kansas City's perfect start halted in Oregon
Week 7 of the 2012 Major League Soccer season, and things are getting spicy.
The unbeaten run being enjoyed by DC United was extended to five games with a midweek 1-1 draw against Montreal Impact, but Benny Olsen's men had to find an equaliser to take a point. Bernardo Corradi gave L'Impact the lead mid-way through the second half with a free header at the back post from a poorly defended cross, but Maicon Santos' purple patch continued thanks to a deflected low shot from 25 yards out in the 73rd minute. He had the ball in the net again late on, but was offside.
United ended the week in fabulous fashion, thumping New York Red Bulls 4-1 at a rainy RFK Stadium, thanks in large part to a hat-trick from Chris Pontius. Party Boy struck early, rifling the first goal into the top corner from 25 yards out. He made it two after half an hour with a simple finish from close-range after Maicon Santos' strength had caused huge problems at the back for New York.
In-form rookie Nick DeLeon soon made it 3-0, his low shot taking a crucial deflection after he'd been found by Dwayne DeRosario, and Pontius sealed the win with his third goal in the middle of the second half. Picking up the ball 35 yards from goal, he produced an excellent solo run past flailing defenders and kept his composure to finish with his left foot. Thierry Henry grabbed a consolation for RBNY, whipping a lovely free kick past Joe Willis two minutes later.
BC Place was the latest stadium to host a Sporting Kansas City win, this time a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. The first came after the Caps repeatedly failed to clear the ball after a corner, eventually finding themselves helpless to prevent Aurelien Collin knocking the ball over the line from a yard out for 1-0. Vancouver helped out their opponents early in the second half. With Collin causing problems once more, Martin Bonjour deflected the ball past Joe Cannon to make it 2-0 with an own goal. Kei Kamara made the game safe by finishing off a move he started by adding a delightful finish to Chance Myers' low cross. Sebastien Le Toux scored a consolation goal for Vancouver, heading in a rebound to make it 3-1.
The Whitecaps did pick up a win this week, defeating FC Dallas 1-0. The goal was a superb strike by Camilo, who picked up the ball on the right flank, cut inside to beat two defenders and swung a low curler past Chris Seitz in the 11th minute. Carlos Rodriguez escaped a certain red card when he dragged back Sebastien Le Toux, who was racing past the half-way line into an empty final third in the last minute, but the Caps kept their lead and banked the three points.
Kansas City's run finally came to an end against Portland Timbers, against whom Sporting Club lost 1-0 thanks to a Myers own goal. It came after 41 minutes and was a thing of true comedic beauty. Kris Boyd's cross found Myers - erm - unmarked at the far post, and he inexplicably headed home past Jimmy Nielsen.
The action ebbed and flowed north of the border, where abject Toronto FC eventually lost 3-2 to Chicago Fire. The visitors drew first blood after just 24 seconds, Dominic Oduro taking advantage of an awful error by Milos Kocic and Torsten Frings to slide the opener under the goalkeeper. TFC equalised thanks to Reggie Lambe's stunning shot into the top corner from 25 yards, and the Bermudan made it 2-1 with a far simpler finish four minutes later. Gonzalo Segares brilliantly flicked in the equaliser 30 seconds later to take the game into half time level, and it was the Fire that grabbed the winner in the second half. They broke quickly in the 58th minute and Oduro's through-ball drew out Kocic and found Patrick Nyarko, who eased past the Toronto goalkeeper and made no mistake with his finish.
After a goalless first half in Ohio, Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo shared four goals equally in the second. Houston struck first, Will Bruin skilfully glancing a header Javier Hernandez-style inside the far post from a corner on the hour mark. Andre Hainault's own goal under pressure from Emilio Renteria made it 1-1, and the Crew soon took the lead with a thunderous drive from Eddie Gaven. With nine minutes left, Brian Ching equalised for Houston with a tap-in from Bruin's low cross.
Struggling LA Galaxy finally got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Marvell Wynne was the unfortunate man that scored an own goal from Mike Magee's header after a clever David Beckham free kick, and Landon Donovan made it 2-0 shortly before half time by sweeping the ball home at the end of a brilliant passing move by the Galaxy.
Halfway through the second period the Rapids got back into the game through Omar Cummings' wonderful solo run and strike into the top corner, but the Galaxy held on for all three points. Cummings had a stoppage time opportunity to level it from the spot after a controversial penalty was awarded, but Josh Saunders made the crucial save.
Having two men sent off is never going to be conducive to victory, but Philadelphia Union went 1-0 up against Chivas USA through a clever cheeky backheel from Freddy Adu after 40 minutes, and then survived two late dismissals. Keon Daniel was the first to go, leaving the field with 15 minutes left after a wild and high swipe at Ryan Smith. He was followed down the tunnel ten minutes later by Gabriel Farfan, who put in a sickening studs-up tackle on James Riley. In the resulting melee Farfan also put his head in on an angry opponent and Piotr Nowak raced onto the field to get involved.
A fiery clash between San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake went the way of the Quakes, who made hard work of beating another team that went down to nine men 3-1. Fabian Espindola was dismissed less than 30 minutes in, seeing red for going in two-footed on Sam Cronin. Nick Rimando could have done more to prevent Khari Stephenson's bouncing header that gaves the Earthquakes the lead on the stroke of half time, but Kyle Beckerman stroked in the equaliser in the 53rd minute.
RSL lost any hope of winning when they picked up a second red card. Jamison Olave was sent packing with 20 minutes to go for a professional foul on Steven Lenhart but it took a late flurry to win the game for San Jose, who scored twice in stoppage time. Simon Dawkins' diving header made it 2-1 in the 92nd minute before Chris Wondolowski added the gloss with a header of his own, his eighth goal of the season.
All of which means that Kansas City's lead in the East is now nine points, with DC grabbing in vain for their coat tails. Toronto stay bottom, and are yet to pick up a single point after six matches. In the West, San Jose lead Salt Lake by a point, while Portland prop up the conference standings with seven points.
The unbeaten run being enjoyed by DC United was extended to five games with a midweek 1-1 draw against Montreal Impact, but Benny Olsen's men had to find an equaliser to take a point. Bernardo Corradi gave L'Impact the lead mid-way through the second half with a free header at the back post from a poorly defended cross, but Maicon Santos' purple patch continued thanks to a deflected low shot from 25 yards out in the 73rd minute. He had the ball in the net again late on, but was offside.
In-form rookie Nick DeLeon soon made it 3-0, his low shot taking a crucial deflection after he'd been found by Dwayne DeRosario, and Pontius sealed the win with his third goal in the middle of the second half. Picking up the ball 35 yards from goal, he produced an excellent solo run past flailing defenders and kept his composure to finish with his left foot. Thierry Henry grabbed a consolation for RBNY, whipping a lovely free kick past Joe Willis two minutes later.
BC Place was the latest stadium to host a Sporting Kansas City win, this time a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. The first came after the Caps repeatedly failed to clear the ball after a corner, eventually finding themselves helpless to prevent Aurelien Collin knocking the ball over the line from a yard out for 1-0. Vancouver helped out their opponents early in the second half. With Collin causing problems once more, Martin Bonjour deflected the ball past Joe Cannon to make it 2-0 with an own goal. Kei Kamara made the game safe by finishing off a move he started by adding a delightful finish to Chance Myers' low cross. Sebastien Le Toux scored a consolation goal for Vancouver, heading in a rebound to make it 3-1.
The Whitecaps did pick up a win this week, defeating FC Dallas 1-0. The goal was a superb strike by Camilo, who picked up the ball on the right flank, cut inside to beat two defenders and swung a low curler past Chris Seitz in the 11th minute. Carlos Rodriguez escaped a certain red card when he dragged back Sebastien Le Toux, who was racing past the half-way line into an empty final third in the last minute, but the Caps kept their lead and banked the three points.
Kansas City's run finally came to an end against Portland Timbers, against whom Sporting Club lost 1-0 thanks to a Myers own goal. It came after 41 minutes and was a thing of true comedic beauty. Kris Boyd's cross found Myers - erm - unmarked at the far post, and he inexplicably headed home past Jimmy Nielsen.
The action ebbed and flowed north of the border, where abject Toronto FC eventually lost 3-2 to Chicago Fire. The visitors drew first blood after just 24 seconds, Dominic Oduro taking advantage of an awful error by Milos Kocic and Torsten Frings to slide the opener under the goalkeeper. TFC equalised thanks to Reggie Lambe's stunning shot into the top corner from 25 yards, and the Bermudan made it 2-1 with a far simpler finish four minutes later. Gonzalo Segares brilliantly flicked in the equaliser 30 seconds later to take the game into half time level, and it was the Fire that grabbed the winner in the second half. They broke quickly in the 58th minute and Oduro's through-ball drew out Kocic and found Patrick Nyarko, who eased past the Toronto goalkeeper and made no mistake with his finish.
After a goalless first half in Ohio, Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo shared four goals equally in the second. Houston struck first, Will Bruin skilfully glancing a header Javier Hernandez-style inside the far post from a corner on the hour mark. Andre Hainault's own goal under pressure from Emilio Renteria made it 1-1, and the Crew soon took the lead with a thunderous drive from Eddie Gaven. With nine minutes left, Brian Ching equalised for Houston with a tap-in from Bruin's low cross.
Struggling LA Galaxy finally got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Marvell Wynne was the unfortunate man that scored an own goal from Mike Magee's header after a clever David Beckham free kick, and Landon Donovan made it 2-0 shortly before half time by sweeping the ball home at the end of a brilliant passing move by the Galaxy.
Halfway through the second period the Rapids got back into the game through Omar Cummings' wonderful solo run and strike into the top corner, but the Galaxy held on for all three points. Cummings had a stoppage time opportunity to level it from the spot after a controversial penalty was awarded, but Josh Saunders made the crucial save.
Having two men sent off is never going to be conducive to victory, but Philadelphia Union went 1-0 up against Chivas USA through a clever cheeky backheel from Freddy Adu after 40 minutes, and then survived two late dismissals. Keon Daniel was the first to go, leaving the field with 15 minutes left after a wild and high swipe at Ryan Smith. He was followed down the tunnel ten minutes later by Gabriel Farfan, who put in a sickening studs-up tackle on James Riley. In the resulting melee Farfan also put his head in on an angry opponent and Piotr Nowak raced onto the field to get involved.
A fiery clash between San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake went the way of the Quakes, who made hard work of beating another team that went down to nine men 3-1. Fabian Espindola was dismissed less than 30 minutes in, seeing red for going in two-footed on Sam Cronin. Nick Rimando could have done more to prevent Khari Stephenson's bouncing header that gaves the Earthquakes the lead on the stroke of half time, but Kyle Beckerman stroked in the equaliser in the 53rd minute.
RSL lost any hope of winning when they picked up a second red card. Jamison Olave was sent packing with 20 minutes to go for a professional foul on Steven Lenhart but it took a late flurry to win the game for San Jose, who scored twice in stoppage time. Simon Dawkins' diving header made it 2-1 in the 92nd minute before Chris Wondolowski added the gloss with a header of his own, his eighth goal of the season.
All of which means that Kansas City's lead in the East is now nine points, with DC grabbing in vain for their coat tails. Toronto stay bottom, and are yet to pick up a single point after six matches. In the West, San Jose lead Salt Lake by a point, while Portland prop up the conference standings with seven points.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Midweek TV Preview: 23 - 26 April 2012
Monday 23 April
19:45 Leicester City v West Ham, Championship, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Both sides started the season believing they'd be a little higher up the table. West Ham arr nailed on for a play off spot but can keep their automatic promotion hopes alive until the final day of the season. Southampton are second in the Championship and will be hoping for Leicester win.Tuesday 24 April
19:45 Barcelona v Chelsea, UEFA Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg, Sky Sports 2/HD 2/ SKY 3D (1-0 Chelsea from first leg)
The Blues earned very slice of luck against the Champions in the first leg but you have to wonder if they can keep it up at the Nou Camp. Barca have tripped up away from home against Arsenal and Stuttgart in the past only to put things right at home. Few will back against that happening against Chelsea.19:45 Gateshead v Luton Town, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports
After beating them at the weekend, the Hatters need three points against mid table Gateshead in order to hold off Kidderminster and making that final play off spot their own.Wednesday 25 April
11:30 Novara v Lazio, Serie A, ESPN/HD
The first of a triple header of Italian games that were postponed following the sudden and tragic death of Livorno player Piermario Morosini.The home side are not completely relegated but they are as close to the drop as you can get. Lazio need to keep winning to ensure that Champions League play off birth for next season14:00 Roma v Fiorentina Serie A, ESPN/HD
As I write, Roma are getting humped by Juventus so their Europa League hopes aren't looking so good. Fiorentina have moderate relegation concerns which may add a modicum of bite to what is a humdrum fixture.
17:00 Cesena v Juventus Serie A, ESPN/HD
The gap is now three points between Juve on top and Milan in second which means that the Old Lady now needs to pin her ears back and head for the finish. Cesena are bottom but have become draw specialists in recent weeks.
19:45 Real Madrid v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg, ITV1/ITV1 HD (2-1 Bayern from first leg)
Hard to see Real not scoring twice against Bayern's defense that has, occasionally, been fragile on the road. So Bayern need Ribery to put in another inspired performance and Schweinsteiger to keep order in the midfield. To close to call. Extra time a real possibility.Thursday 26 April
20:05 Athletic Bilbao v Sporting Lisbon, UEFA Europa League Semi Final 2nd Leg, Channel 5/Channel 5 HD (2-1 Sporting from first leg)
The English media's love affair with Bielsa and Bilboa is on the edge. Sporting, who have rarely received any coverage on UK TV this season, are threatening to ruin a perfectly good narrative by having the audacity to beat a Bilbao team that must be good 'coz they beat United innit?20:05 Valencia v Atletico Madrid, UEFA Europa League Semi Final 2nd Leg, ITV4/ITV4 HD (4-2 Valencia from first leg)
This all Spanish tie should be straightforward for the home side but should be weary of those pesky away goals.Bundesliga Update - Borussia Dortmund win the Championship again
On Saturday, the Bundesliga title was decided with two games to go at Borussia Dortmund's packed 80000 capacity stadium, the Westfalen. BVB needed to beat fourth placed Borussia Mönchengladbach in order to seal the deal. For a moment it looked like the three points were unnecessary until Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich popped up in the dying seconds of the earlier game against Werder Bremen. The Frenchman's strike and subsequent 2-1 win declared that Bayern had not given up their claim on the title despite resting key players ahead of their Champions League semi final at the Bernabeu this week.
Dortmund were perhaps a little nervous to begin with. However, they faced a 'Gladbach side who were missing Roman Neustadter in the midfield and have generally struggled to find the same zest that they showed for so many months and has taken them to the brink of the Champions League.
The game ended 2-0 with goals from two players with less than certain futures at the club. The Croatian, Ivan Perisic has been a star off the bench this season and scored some memorable goals (perhaps the most notable being against Arsenal). A few weeks ago he'd expressed his frustration that he was not starting enough games and that maybe his future lay elsewhere. Perhaps his headed goal in the game that sealed the title will make him feel better about hid role and decide that life is pretty sweet playing in front of the Westfalen's mammoth south stand, the Sud Tribune.
The other goal scorer was the whirlwind Japanese international Shinji Kagawa with a lovely tight angled rifled shot to beat 'Gladbach keeper, Marc Andre Stegen, at the far post. The diminutive attacker has a new contract offer from his club which he won't sign. The feeling is that the Premier League is calling and it will be of no surprise if he leaves in the Summer. In truth, Kagawa was erratic on the day. Snatching the ball from teams mates, unwilling or unable to distribute effectively and finally getting his first yellow card of the campaign. Then came redemption with the goal and a mighty bear hug from his adoring coach, Jurgen Klopp. After that 'Gladbach accepted the reality of the situation and allowed BVB their moment.
On the final whistle the players celebrated in the time honoured tradition of wasting copious amounts of beer by pouring it all over their coach. Winning back to back titles for any Bundesliga club that isn't Bayern Munich is rare and impressive. Dortmund themselves achieved it once in the nineties. However, the price they paid was too high as financial mismanagement was the legacy of those golden days and the club almost went to the wall as a consequence. This Dortmund team was assembled on the principle of fiscal frugality, relatively speaking. That is why this generation's achievement will probably be regarded as the greater by Bundesliga historians of the future. The next step is the prospect of doing the double and winning the German FA Cup, the DFB Pokal, in a few weeks against Bayern Munich in Berlin's Olympic Stadium.
The Munich club may be smarting from having gone two seasons without lifting the Bundesliga Trophy but they can rightly claim Champions League bragging rights this season. In fact if they can overcome Real Madrid in their semi final and win the Champion League in their own stadium against Barcelona or Chelsea and take the DFB Pokal then you could make an argument that this will be Bayern Munich's season.
In terms of European action, the final running order has yet to settled. 'Gladbach could still automatically qualify for the Champions League despite their defeat on Saturday. This is because Schalke were unable to break down a resolute Augsburg side who are on the verge of avoiding relegation after only one season in the top flight, something no one, possibly including themselves, would have expected of them. Only two points separate Schalke and 'Gladbach with two games remaining.
The two regular Europa League spots are pretty much sorted with Stuttgart and Leverkusen checking their passports are renewed. However, there is the unwanted slot that would have gone to the Pokal winners that will now go to the team in seventh place. That will be contested between Hannover and Werder Bremen.
At the bottom, it's curtains for Kaiserslautern despite their 2-1 win over second from bottom Hertha who are unable to get out of the bottom three and may miss out on the third from bottom play off spot currently occupied by Cologne. The is a four point gap between the Billygoats and fourth from bottom Augsburg. While they managed a 1-1 draw against high flying Stuttgart it looks very much like the best they can hope to achieve is a two legged play off against St Pauli, Paderborn or the hated Fortuna Dusseldorf who are currently contesting third place in Bundesliga 2.
Technically, Eintracht Frankfurt can still finish third in the second division and contest that play off themselves. However, they will join Greuther Fürth in the Bundesliga 1 automatically if they beat bottom of the table Alemennia Aachen on Monday 23rd April. Aachen, in turn will be relegated if they lose. It could be an emotional night.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Weekend TV Preview: 20 - 22 April 2012
Friday 20 April
19.30 Mansfield v Wrexham, Blue Square Premier League, Premier Sports
With Fleetwood already crowned as Champions and both sides having secured a play-off place this only provides a dress rehearsal for the possible final next month.Saturday 21 April
12.30 St Johnstone v Dundee United, SPL, ESPN/ESPN HD
A good time to be from Perth - celebrating city status and St Johnstone making it to the top half Scottish Clausura for the first time since its introduction in 2001. Dundee United are old hands, having reached this stage for the past four seasons in a row but start the post season a point behind today's hosts.12.45 Arsenal v Chelsea Premier League, Sky Sports 2/HD2/SKY 3D
Ok, so this week Chelsea are brilliant and Arsenal are rubbish - is that right? I'm sure, that's how it works.17.20 Middlesbrough v Southampton, Championship, Sky Sports 2/HD2
Boro's 0-0 draw with Doncaster midweek has left them with a mountain to climb if they are to reach the play-offs. Their sorry decline has seen them take just one win in their last ten games. The Saints on the other hand can secure promotion with a win - though they will be up anyway if West Ham fail to beat Leicester on Monday.17.30 QPR v Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, ESPN/ESPN HD
QPR's run-in looked awful, it still does in fact but having won their last three home games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Swansea there's no reason they can't turn over 'Arry's stuttering Spurs side.19.00 Barcelona v Real Madrid, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1/SKY 3D
If ever Mourinho needed to beat Barcelona it's now. Defeat will leave Real just one point clear with four games to go. Of course it'll make great viewing, whether it'll be a good game is another matter altogther.19.45 Napoli v Novara, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Surely Napoli have to break out of this terrible run of results since their Champions League exit and beat lowly Novara. Third place is still possible for Napoli though unlikely, Navaro on the other hand need a miracle to survive in the top flight.21.00 Sevilla v Levante, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD
The battle for european places in La Liga could hardly be tighter with just three points separating these teams in 9th and 5th respectively. Sevilla have been dropping points against their closest rivals so look favouries to miss out.Sunday 22 April
07.00 Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory, A-League Grand Final, Sky Sports 4/HD4
Two teams that perfectly represent my theory that A-League teamnames are all euphemisms. Brisbane are looking to retain their title against a Perth reaching this stage for the first time.11.30 Fiorentina v Inter, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Despite their win the other week in Milan, Fiorentina will be looking over their shoulders at a resurgent Lecce side on a fantastic run to escape relegation. Inter are desperate for the win now that Juventus have reclaimed top spot.12.30 Manchester Utd v Everton, Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Penalty for Man U about 20 minutes in. What do you reckon?14.00 Motherwell v Celtic, SPL, Sky Sports 4/HD4
The Scottish Clausura starts with Celtic already Champions, Motherwell's bid to snatch Champions League football from Rangers has come off the rails after taking just one point in their last three games.16.00 Wolves v Man City Premier League, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Terry Connor gets to stand on the touchline and watch his side get taken apart. Again. Defeat here will see them relegated if QPR win on Saturday.16.30 Hannover 96 v SC Freiburg, Bundesliga, ESPN/ESPN HD
Hannover are still in the chase for a Europa League spot but face a FReiburg side un beaten in eight matches and seemingly clear of relegation worries19.45 Juventus v Roma, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HD
Juve have ridden out their toughest fixtures in this run-in and have come out of it top of the table with five straight wins. Another defeat could spell the end of Roma's Champions League hopes.20.30 Valencia v Real Betis, La Liga, Sky Sports 1/HD1
Betis are a much imporved side and have put in some good performances lately. They could upset a wobbling Valencia side struggling to hold on to third spot.23.00 DC United v New York Red Bulls, MLS, ESPN/ESPN HD
Both sides are being left in the dust of Sporting KC in the Eastern Conference. The sides third and second in the table are alreadly 11 points behind the seven wins from seven former Wizards.Friday List of Little or No Consequence #237
Coming soon to a video hire shop near you...
9 Exciting Football VHS Titles Available To Own Via eBay - Now! *
1. Tear Gas and Tantrums
'What really happened, from the beaches in Marseille to St.Etienne!'
2. Big Ron Bites Back!!
'Exclusive to video!'
3. Motty Takes The Mike!
'Funniest Ever Footy Video'
4. Keegan's Kids
'With Kevin Keegan'
5. Lightning Strikes 95
'If you're a Football Junkie, this is your overdose!'
6. Ryan Giggs - Secerts and Skills
'How does he do that?'
7. Do I Not Like That - The Final Chapter
'The most explosive sports film ever made'
8. David Seaman Presents Goalkeeping Nightmares!
'The best goalkeeping gaffes from the Premiership, Nationwide League and The FIFA World Cup'
9. The Charlton Years
'The Charlton Years.'
* as at 20 April 2012
9 Exciting Football VHS Titles Available To Own Via eBay - Now! *
1. Tear Gas and Tantrums
'What really happened, from the beaches in Marseille to St.Etienne!'
2. Big Ron Bites Back!!
'Exclusive to video!'
3. Motty Takes The Mike!
'Funniest Ever Footy Video'
4. Keegan's Kids
'With Kevin Keegan'
5. Lightning Strikes 95
'If you're a Football Junkie, this is your overdose!'
6. Ryan Giggs - Secerts and Skills
'How does he do that?'
7. Do I Not Like That - The Final Chapter
'The most explosive sports film ever made'
8. David Seaman Presents Goalkeeping Nightmares!
'The best goalkeeping gaffes from the Premiership, Nationwide League and The FIFA World Cup'
9. The Charlton Years
'The Charlton Years.'
* as at 20 April 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Football Americana Week 6: Chicago and Houston share the points after lightning stops play
Ferocious weather, a David Beckham goal and a victory for DC United. What more could one ask of a week in Major League Soccer?
Gabriel Gomez scored the only goal as Philadelphia Union defeated Columbus Crew, a vital win for the Union on home soil. Michael Farfan was fortunate to escape without a card after an elbow, and Philly soon had a chance to open the scoring from the spot when Eric Gehrig handled Freddy Adu's effort, and Gomez's delicate Panenka was a worthy winner for any game.
Jose Moreno's first MLS goal got New England Revolution off to a great start against DC United, benefiting from a flawless Saer Sene cross to make it 1-0 after six minutes at Gillette Stadium. The lead lasted just twelve minutes before Dwayne De Rosario's bicycle kick was cleverly diverted into the net by Maicon Santos. Substitute Chris Pontius made an immediate impact for DC, making it 2-1 with a little under ten minutes remaining to win it for United after cutting inside from the left hand side and bending it past Matt Reis.
Brian Mullan faced a predictably hostile welcome in the north west, where one goal did the trick for Seattle Sounders against Colorado Rapids - and it came from an unlikely source. It was Mullan who had the ball in the net first, but had the opportunity to play super-heel removed by the offside flag. Zach Scott finally grabbed the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute with a glancing header from Fredy Montero's vicious corner. Matt Pickens put in a tremendous performance in goal for the Rapids.
It goes from bad to worse for Toronto FC, who went down 1-0 at home to Chivas USA to continue their appalling start. Oswaldo Minda grabbed the goal, powering a first half header onto the goal line and up into the net. Ryan Johnson should have equalised in the 84th minute with a free header from six yards that squeezed past the post with Dan Kennedy scrambling. The Goats' goalkeeper then made a good save to deny Danny Koevermans from similar range, securing all three points.
A blistering first half saw New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes draw 2-2 at Red Bull Arena. All four goals came in an undulating first period, with Kenny Cooper ghosting into the area to put the Red Bulls ahead in the first five minutes yet again, Thierry Henry the architect once more.
Rafael Baca equalised with a simple finish from Khari Stephenson's assist ten minutes later only for RBNY to restore the lead in the 22nd minute through Dax McCarty's controlled volley from the edge of the box. In-form Chris Wondolowski' netted the second equaliser for the Quakes, diving to head a loose ball into the top corner from six yards. Rafael Marquez was fortunate to not give away a penalty after wrestling Shea Salinas to the floor, fracturing his collarbone in the process.
In Texas, FC Dallas needed to come from behind to beat Montreal Impact 2-1. The goals all came in the second half, the first arriving after just over an hour from the penalty spot. George John's foul on Davy Arnaud was seemingly non-existent and Bernardo Corradi swept the ball home from 12 yards past Kevin Hartman. Blas Perez nodded in the equaliser in the 76th minute after John's header came back off the bar, and Brek Shea fired in the late winner with a lovely one-on-one finish and then celebrated in style.
An early season top-of-the-table clash went Sporting Kansas City's way, continuing their 100% start against Real Salt Lake. CJ Sapong's looping header was disallowed just before the break for a push on Jamison Olave, but Sporting scored the only game of the goal through a firm set-piece header from Aurelien Collin in the 63rd minute.
Kris Boyd again scored first for Portland Timbers and again they went on to lose, this time going down 3-1 in their away game against LA Galaxy. The Scotsman struck mid-way through the first half at the HDC, breaking the offside trap and rolling the ball past Troy Perkins early - he scored again, but was adjudged to be offside. Landon Donovan scored the crucial equaliser moments before half time with his first of the season, a drilled finish from the edge of the area from Robbie Keane's cut-back.
LA had to wait until the final ten minutes to turn one point into three and had the big guns to thank for the victory, but not before Eric Alexander's curling shot hit the bar for Portland. Juninho's accurate low drive made it 2-1 in the 83rd minute, and in the dying minutes David Beckham stepped up to add some spit-and-polish to the result. Picking up the ball 30 yards out, he lined up some space for himself with an awful first touch and swung a beautiful shot beyond Perkins into the top corner.
Remarkably, Chicago Fire v Houston Dynamo was halted after just 65 minutes in horrendous weather, finishing 1-1. The game was delayed for an hour due to rain and lightning in the 13th minute, but ten minutes after the restart Will Bruin went clear for Houston and clipped the ball inside Sean Johnson's near post. Logan Pause quickly equalised with his back, inadvertently deflected Pavel Pardo's free kick over Tally Hall and into the net off the bar. The draw stands despite the game finally being called off due to the weather.
With Kansas City still brushing away all before them, they now enjoy a massive eight-point gap over New York in the East, while DC climb to third and Toronto remain on zero points at the bottom. Salt Lake top the East but second-placed San Jose have a game in hand on them, with Seattle and Dallas together on 10 points. Portland's record fourth consecutive loss leaves them bottom.
Gabriel Gomez scored the only goal as Philadelphia Union defeated Columbus Crew, a vital win for the Union on home soil. Michael Farfan was fortunate to escape without a card after an elbow, and Philly soon had a chance to open the scoring from the spot when Eric Gehrig handled Freddy Adu's effort, and Gomez's delicate Panenka was a worthy winner for any game.
Brian Mullan faced a predictably hostile welcome in the north west, where one goal did the trick for Seattle Sounders against Colorado Rapids - and it came from an unlikely source. It was Mullan who had the ball in the net first, but had the opportunity to play super-heel removed by the offside flag. Zach Scott finally grabbed the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute with a glancing header from Fredy Montero's vicious corner. Matt Pickens put in a tremendous performance in goal for the Rapids.
It goes from bad to worse for Toronto FC, who went down 1-0 at home to Chivas USA to continue their appalling start. Oswaldo Minda grabbed the goal, powering a first half header onto the goal line and up into the net. Ryan Johnson should have equalised in the 84th minute with a free header from six yards that squeezed past the post with Dan Kennedy scrambling. The Goats' goalkeeper then made a good save to deny Danny Koevermans from similar range, securing all three points.
A blistering first half saw New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes draw 2-2 at Red Bull Arena. All four goals came in an undulating first period, with Kenny Cooper ghosting into the area to put the Red Bulls ahead in the first five minutes yet again, Thierry Henry the architect once more.
Rafael Baca equalised with a simple finish from Khari Stephenson's assist ten minutes later only for RBNY to restore the lead in the 22nd minute through Dax McCarty's controlled volley from the edge of the box. In-form Chris Wondolowski' netted the second equaliser for the Quakes, diving to head a loose ball into the top corner from six yards. Rafael Marquez was fortunate to not give away a penalty after wrestling Shea Salinas to the floor, fracturing his collarbone in the process.
In Texas, FC Dallas needed to come from behind to beat Montreal Impact 2-1. The goals all came in the second half, the first arriving after just over an hour from the penalty spot. George John's foul on Davy Arnaud was seemingly non-existent and Bernardo Corradi swept the ball home from 12 yards past Kevin Hartman. Blas Perez nodded in the equaliser in the 76th minute after John's header came back off the bar, and Brek Shea fired in the late winner with a lovely one-on-one finish and then celebrated in style.
An early season top-of-the-table clash went Sporting Kansas City's way, continuing their 100% start against Real Salt Lake. CJ Sapong's looping header was disallowed just before the break for a push on Jamison Olave, but Sporting scored the only game of the goal through a firm set-piece header from Aurelien Collin in the 63rd minute.
Kris Boyd again scored first for Portland Timbers and again they went on to lose, this time going down 3-1 in their away game against LA Galaxy. The Scotsman struck mid-way through the first half at the HDC, breaking the offside trap and rolling the ball past Troy Perkins early - he scored again, but was adjudged to be offside. Landon Donovan scored the crucial equaliser moments before half time with his first of the season, a drilled finish from the edge of the area from Robbie Keane's cut-back.
LA had to wait until the final ten minutes to turn one point into three and had the big guns to thank for the victory, but not before Eric Alexander's curling shot hit the bar for Portland. Juninho's accurate low drive made it 2-1 in the 83rd minute, and in the dying minutes David Beckham stepped up to add some spit-and-polish to the result. Picking up the ball 30 yards out, he lined up some space for himself with an awful first touch and swung a beautiful shot beyond Perkins into the top corner.
Remarkably, Chicago Fire v Houston Dynamo was halted after just 65 minutes in horrendous weather, finishing 1-1. The game was delayed for an hour due to rain and lightning in the 13th minute, but ten minutes after the restart Will Bruin went clear for Houston and clipped the ball inside Sean Johnson's near post. Logan Pause quickly equalised with his back, inadvertently deflected Pavel Pardo's free kick over Tally Hall and into the net off the bar. The draw stands despite the game finally being called off due to the weather.
With Kansas City still brushing away all before them, they now enjoy a massive eight-point gap over New York in the East, while DC climb to third and Toronto remain on zero points at the bottom. Salt Lake top the East but second-placed San Jose have a game in hand on them, with Seattle and Dallas together on 10 points. Portland's record fourth consecutive loss leaves them bottom.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)