OHIO FALLS TO CINCINNATI IN SECOND HOME GAME

CANTON, OH - November 19, 2010 - Allen Eller's hat trick was not enough as the Ohio Vortex (1-1) fell to the visiting Cincinnati Kings (2-0) by a 9-4 margin at the Canton Civic Center.

The Kings’ roster included several professional players who apply their trade outdoors with the Rochester Rhinos, Cincinnati Kings PDL, and the Dayton Dutch Lions.

Cincinnati’s defense, led by goalkeeper Craig Salvati, produced an unbelievable 19 blocks to go along with 14 saves. 

“Craig’s a machine,” midfielder Jeff Hughes commented in a post-game interview. “He’s a vocal leader. If we have him out there, I always feel like we are in the game. He’s not going to make silly mistakes; he’s not going to give up the easy goal.”

The Kings got a pair of goals from Jeff Hughes, Sam Fiore, and George Davis. Single goals for Cincinnati would come from former Canton Invader Matt Breines, Chris Dobrowolski, and Kwame Sarkodie.   

The Vortex did get three assists from Steve Gillespie and another goal from Milko Cecez in addition to the Eller hat trick.  Jared Dombrowski and Louie Rolko would bolster the Ohio defense with two blocks apiece. 

The next home game for Ohio is December 4th at the Canton Civic Center as they face the Kings in what looks to be an exciting rematch.   

LIGHTNING FALL TO WAZA IN TENSE MATCH

LOUISVILLE, KY - November 19, 2010 - The Louisville Lightning dropped their second game of the season to the Detroit Waza 6-4 Friday night. It was the first victory for the Waza over the Lightning in six meetings all-time. The Lightning got off to a fast start against Detroit.

Kolby Lacrone, who was making his Lightning debut, scored the opening goal to put the home side up 1-0 with 5:40 remaining in the first period. Detroit’s Costea Decu evened things up just over a minute later, and the defender would lead the Waza with two goals and an assist on the night. The two teams traded goals for most of the game, with neither team able to build more than a one-goal lead until the final moments.

Detroit gained the advantage despite numerous looks from the Lightning. Louisville had 37 shots on the night, and Detroit goalkeeper Vito Lonigro finished with 28 saves. The Waza went into the final moments with a 5-4 lead when coach Ted Nichols pulled goalkeeper Frank Peabody in hopes of finding an equalizer. Instead, Detroit added an extra goal in the final moments to secure the win.

The Lightning was led by Jerry Chavez, who scored twice for the home side. In addition to Decu, Detroit’s Matt Johnson chipped in two goals for the Waza.

“This was simply experience versus inexperience,” Lightning coach Ted Nichols said after the game. "Detroit has a lot of players that have been playing together for many years, and we have a lot of players that are new to the indoor game. We’ll get there, but it’s disappointing to drop this one,” Nichols said.

The Lightning now have a week off before their first road trip of the season, visiting San Diego and Tijuana in early December.

PASL-PRO NAMES ELLER PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro) named Allen Eller as its first ever Player of the Week. Eller of the Ohio Vortex led all scorers during the opening weeked of the 2010/11 season with five goals, helping his team to an 11-10 home victory at the Canton Civic Center.

Eller, 33, tied for the league lead in scoring last year with 53 points and was second with 34 goals. The veteran signed with the Cleveland Crunch (NPSL) in 1999. He would go on to play for several clubs, including the USL's Pittsburgh Riverhounds (1999-2001), WISL's Houston Hotshots (2000), MISL's Harrisburg Heat (2002), USL's Cincinnati Riverhawks (2002), MISL's Baltimore Blast (2002-2005), and MISL's Cleveland Force (2005).

The PASL-Pro kicked off its third season last weekend, but this is the first time that the league will recognize a single player for excellent play each week. One player each week, regardless of position, will be selected.

Projected Lineup for Ohio Vortex on Saturday, November 13: GK Sasha Djuric, DEFs Michael Pertz, Louie Rolko, Ross Cochran, Jared Dombrowski, MIDs Pete Angelokostopoulos, Steve Gillespie, Lucas Martorana, Milko Cecez, John Ball, FWDs Adis Kuduzovic, Adam Campellone, Allen Eller

LOS ANGELES, CA - November 14, 2010 - FC Dallas earned its first trip to MLS Cup Sunday night with a 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Center. 

Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman made four saves in the first 25 minutes to weather the storm until MLS MVP candidate David Ferreira got FC Dallas on the board first in the 26th minute. On the play, defensive midfielder Daniel Hernandez played a long ball over the top of the Galaxy defense. Forward Atiba Harris shielded off a defender long enough for Marvin Chavez to gain control of the ball on the right flank. With the ball, Chavez cut inside before delivering a cross to Ferreira, who cut back quickly to open a shooting lane between defenders Omar Gonzalez and A.J. De La Garza. Ferreira struck the ball well from the top of the box, beating defenseless goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts with a shot that caught the far side netting.

Hartman continued his stellar form with a one-goal lead. He denied Landon Donovan on a breakaway attempt in the 31st minute. Then, defenders George John and Ugo Ihemelu got forward to attack, giving FC Dallas a 2-0 advantage in the 54th minute. The play began with an FC Dallas corner kick taken by Ferreira. The Galaxy cleared the ball twice, only to have Chavez knock it back into the area. The second loose ball was controlled by Ihemelu at the top of the area and sent wide to streaking outside midfielder Brek Shea. Shea touched the ball inside before sending a ball low to the back post, where John was waiting to finish off the cross.

FC Dallas weathered another barrage of pressure from Los Angeles before grabbing a 3-0 lead in the 73rd minute. Harris outworked multiple defenders to gain possession in Dallas’ attacking third of the field before finding Ferreira who delivered a cutting ball to Chavez at the back post. Chavez dribbled in against Ricketts and picked out the back post for Dallas’ third goal of the match. 

With the win, FC Dallas earned the first MLS Cup appearance in franchise history. The Dallas side will travel to Toronto to take on Eastern Conference Champion Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

EARTHQUAKES FALL 1-0 IN EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

COMMERCE CITY, CO - November 13, 2010 - The San Jose Earthquakes season came to an end Saturday night with a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids. Defender Kosuke Kimura provided the lone goal in the 42nd minute when his cross found the back of the net after Omar Cummings failed to get a touch. The Rapids advance to the MLS Cup Final next Sunday, Nov. 21 against the winner of tomorrow’s Western Conference Championship between FC Dallas and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Earthquakes had a number of quality chances, but were unable to find the finishing touch on Saturday night, as their 2010 season came to a close. The Earthquakes posted their third highest point total in franchise history with 46 and made the playoffs for the first time since their return to MLS in 2008. They dispatched the top seed in the Eastern Conference in the New York Red Bulls in dramatic fashion in the Conference Semifinals.

MLS MVP finalist Chris Wondolowski won the Budweiser Golden Boot, scoring 18 of the team’s 34 goals in the regular season, and added the series-clincher against New York. The 2011 MLS regular season kicks off in March of next year.

 

CREW FALL ON PENALTY KICKS AS RAPIDS ADVANCE

COLUMBUS, OH - November 6, 2010 - Soccer is a game full of irony and twists of fate. The Columbus defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, but the Rapids advanced 5-4 on penalty kicks as the teams were tied 2-2 on aggregate.

10,322 fans certainly got their money's worth after 159 minutes and a set of penalty kicks that sent Colorado on to face the San Jose Earthquakes for the MLS Eastern Division crown. The Rapids won the first leg 1-0 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on October 28th, which put the pressure on Columbus.

It all started off well for the Crew, who began with three shots on goal in the first 10 minutes and were having success pushing forward. Columbus Head Coach Robert Warzycha hoped the addition of Peruvian international Andres Mendoza to the Crew starting lineup would provide a spark on the offensive end. Warzycha has used a variety of players (Steven Lenhart, Jason Garey, Emilio Renteria) in the slot opposite Guillermo Barros Schelotto with Mendoza being a strong option on the attack.

The Crew brought things even on aggregate with a goal by Eddie Gaven in the 22nd. The play started with a cross by Brian Carroll, which took a bounce to Schelotto. The Argentine striker then headed it to the front of the goal, where Gaven struck it into the goal past Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens.

Colorado got their first scoring opportunity of the afternoon when a shot by Jeff Larentowicz rattled off the crossbar in the 28th minute. Schelotto would receive a yellow card in the 30th for a hard challenge on Drew Moor. Several Colorado players pleaded for red, but referee Michael Kennedy would hear none of it. Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan would get a yellow of his own 8 minutes later.

The Rapids would threaten just before halftime with shots by Larentowicz and Jamie Smith. Greuenbaum handled the situation with the hopes of a clean sheet for the match.

Statistics from the first half showed fairly even play as both sides had 8 shots, 4 on goal. Columbus led in corner kicks (4), saves (4), and offsides (4). The Rapids committed more fouls (10) than the Crew (5).

The second half would start with a flurry of activity as both sides turned up the intensity and continued to push forward. Colorado's Conor Casey received a yellow card in the 48th, followed by a yellow in the 52nd for the Crew's Emmanuel Ekpo.

The 58th minute would bring a scary moment for the hometown Crew as they struggled to clear the Rapids from the box. The Rapids appeared to have some momentum and were pushing forward with a sense of urgency.

The Crew went up 2-1 on aggregate with a goal by Robbie Rogers in the 70th. The young midfielder saved his best for last, scoring only his second goal of the season. Rogers owes Ekpo a thank you for a perfectly placed pass that allowed him to get past the Colorado defense for the score. He would earn a yellow for his "shirt off" celebration, but it was worth the price. The match would end with a surprising seven yellow cards.

Kevin Burns went on for Ekpo in the 81st, hoping to bolster the defense for the remainder of the match. Things didn't go quite as planned as Casey scored in the 84th minute to put things even on aggregate. Cummings was a thorn in the side of the Crew again, this time setting up Casey with a pinpoint cross.

Things got particularly tense from there and into 4 minutes of stoppage time. Neither side could get the magic goal so it would go into extra time.

A weak shot by defender Frankie Hejduk couldn't get the job done in the 96th minute even though the captain was wide open and got good service from Schelotto. Burns would worry Pickens with a shot moments before the end of the 1st overtime period. but it rolled wide right.

The second overtime period would show Gruenebaum in command, making yet another solid save in the 109th minute. Shaun Francis and Schelotto both looked to be down with injuries in the final 15 minutes, but both reentered the game shortly after stepping off the pitch. Both sides used all three subs in a very physical and demanding match.

There was an overwhelming sense that the match was headed for PKs and that it was simply inevitable. Things would be even on PKs until Brian Carroll's attempt went high on the fifth attempt, prompting a celebration on the field by Colorado players and coaches. The Crew players, led by Carroll, immediately went to the Crew's most devout supporters to show their appreciation.

It was unfortunate that the defeat would fall at the feet of Carroll, who was a first-class leader the entire season.

"It's a penalty," Warzycha commented in the postgame press conference. "The best players sometimes don't score. You have Maradona. You have Platini. You have all of these names. At some point they did not score, but you have got to move on."

"The guys have been great in helping me out, saying how good it is to step up and be the one to want to take that," Carroll said in postgame locker room interviews. "The staff had confidence in me, going in and taking it. I just didn't hit it like I normally do."

Falling 5-4 on PKs and winning the game itself is an awkward situation, but the season has to be considered a massive success for Columbus. It was a shame that more people couldn't come out tonight to see their hometown Crew in what looks to be an instant classic in Major League Soccer.

Hopefully it won't be the last time we see the one and only Guillermo Barros Schelotto take the field at Crew Stadium.

"I want to keep playing here," Schelotto commented. "I hope to stay here. They have the option for the next year. If they don't pick up the option I don't know what can happen."

Facebook Match Photos

RAPIDS HEAD TO EASTERN CONFERNCE FINALS

COLUMBUS, OH - November 6, 2010 - Even when the Columbus Crew took the series lead with their second goal of the night at Crew Stadium Saturday night in Columbus, the Colorado Rapids still kept the faith of moving onto the Eastern Conference Final.

“Overall, it was a extremely competitive,” Rapids Head Coach Gary Smith said. “I am just glad we were able to take that next step. The players have been rewarded for their endeavors.”

With just six minutes left in the match, and their season, trailing 2-0 in the match and 2-1 on aggregate, Conor Casey scored on a cross with Omar Cummings to put the game into extra time.

“I thought the second half was a different story to the first,” Smith continued. “It was a lot brighter and we were able to keep the ball more."

“Omar was able to get it out wide," goal scorer Casey said. “I was able to beat my man, he put a great ball into the box and I got the toe on it. It was definitely a good time (for the goal). It gave us confidence, but more importantly it got us back into the game.”

Casey’s 14th goal of the year brought the Rapids even on aggregate after they beat the Crew over a week earlier in Colorado.

Casey’s scoring partner knew that the opportunities were going to come. “I think we just needed to patient and pass the ball around,” Cummings said.

The Crew pushed for the winner, but the Rapids’ defense stood strong, even after 30 minutes of the extra play.

“Going into the extra time, I felt we had momentum in our favor,” Smith said.

That momentum aided the Rapids in the shootout. With each kicker scoring the first penalty for both teams, second half sub and a player they traded for in September, Macoumba Kandji stood to take his shot.

The Senegalese striker took the penalty. Crew goalie Andy Gruenebaum dove to his left and got a hand on Kandji’s low kick. The ball was knocked down by Gruenebaum, but as he called it "jabbed" under his hands and rolled into the net, giving the Rapids to 2-1 lead in penalties.

Both teams converted their penalties, until Crew midfielder Brian Carroll pushed his kick well over the net in the fifth round.

“Right now we are going to celebrate this one and during the week worry about San Jose.” Cummings said. “It’s a little odd to see two Western Conference teams in the Eastern Conference Finals, but I am happy to be here and I’ll take it.”

For the second year in a row, a Rocky Mountain team defeated the Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS playoffs, as eventual 2009 MLS Champions Real Salt Lake beat the Crew after getting a 1-0 win in the first leg, as did the Rapids.

The Rapids have a home match to determine the Eastern Conference winners Saturday night (Nov. 13) after San Jose beat the New York Red Bulls to advance to the matchup.

The season series was tied at the end of the year, as the Rapids beat the Earthquakes 1-0 in Colorado in early August, but fell the Quakes in California on May 1. 

CREW DOWN 1-0 AFTER FIRST LEG OF EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL

COMMERCE CITY, CO - October 28, 2010 - The Crew dropped a 1-0 decision to the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal at Dick Sporting Goods Park on Thursday night. Rapids captain Pablo Mastroeni tallied the lone goal in the 24th minute to give Colorado the advantage going into the second leg of the home-and-away aggregate-score series.

The return match will be played at Crew Stadium on Saturday, November 6. The Crew came out strong in the opening minutes of the game but the Rapids were able to find their rhythm quickly and started creating chances. In the 24th minute Rapids forward Omar Cummings came down the left side and crossed a ball towards Conor Casey who was looming at the near post. Casey let the ball slip through and Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni slotted the ball to the right of Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum for the 1-0 lead.

The Crew turned up the heat in the second half, showing more composure and creating several chances, but was denied by Colorado keeper Matt Pickens. The Black & Gold had the best chance of the night towards the end of the match when Andy Iro headed in a cross by Eddie Gaven only to see it saved by Pickens. The Crew will have a chance to reverse the result of this match on November 6, when the Colorado Rapids visit Crew Stadium. The match, which kicks off at 4 p.m., will be televised nationally on Telefutura and regionally on ONN-TV.

AUSTIN, TX - October 25, 2010 - It was confirmed today that the Austin Aztex have accepted an offer from a UK led consortium to acquire the Aztex USL franchise, which involves the relocation of  the team to the City of Orlando, Fla. 

 “We have been actively seeking to broaden the investment base for the Aztex for the past 12 months. It has proven extremely difficult given the economic climate,” Aztex President Phil Rawlins said. “Our first and overriding preference was always to keep the Aztex in Austin. But after we exhausted all our options this has not proven possible.”

“I know the new investors very well -- they are football people and have been interested in working with us for some time. They like what we have achieved on the field and in the community,” he continued. “However, they made it very clear that their investment was contingent upon the team relocating, citing Austin’s lack of a soccer specific stadium with any corporate facilities, the inability to sell alcohol at games and the geographical isolation of the team within the new USL-Pro League. In short, they didn’t see Central Texas as the right market for the team and their future plans.”

And into the picture walked the Orlando.

“Together with the City of Orlando, the new owners approached us about relocating the franchise to Central Florida. As much as we would have loved to keep the Aztex here, it’s proven impossible to find local business leaders who are willing to invest alongside us and who believed in this market.”

The team will relocate in time for the beginning of the 2011 season and will play in the new USL-Pro League.  Head Coach Adrian Heath and all the retained players will be making the move with the team.

“This is a very, very bittersweet decision for us. The fans in Austin have given us fantastic backing and fully deserve pro soccer. I know many of our fans and their families personally and they will know that our decision to relocate has been taken with a very heavy heart. I know many people will be bitterly disappointed but we have been left with no local options of backing.”

“I would like to thank all the loyal Aztex fans for their support over the past three years. However, the new investors made it very difficult for us to turn down their offer. They bring much needed additional capital, expertise and connections. They have plans to add another professional sports team to the franchise which will give us year round revenue potential. Their goal is to build up the soccer operations so that we can pursue an MLS franchise in the next few years."

 

CREW FIND STRIDE, BUT LOSE HESMER

COLUMBUS, OH - October 24, 2010 - The Crew had technically nothing to play for, but may have lost everything Sunday afternoon with a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union at Crew Stadium. 

“We wanted to end on a high note because we are trying to get some momentum, which I think we did,” Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha said.

The Crew had a 3-0 lead, the spark they needed going into the playoffs, but in the 85th minute Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer collided with a member of the Union and had to leave the match clutching his shoulder. It would be later diagnosed as a fractured shoulder that will sideline the keeper for the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.

“I think (Hesmer) had a solid game today, one of his best this year,” Warzycha said.

The Crew finishes the 2010 regular season with a record of 14-8-8, ending with 50 points, one more than last year, but one behind this year’s Eastern Conference winners, New York Red Bulls. 

As for the game, Hesmer led the troops out to the last home match of the 2010 regular season against the expansion Philadelphia Union.

The Crew had the pressure of the Union early and would be rewarded just 14 minutes into the game.

On a throw in close to the Union goal line, Guillermo Barros Schelotto threw the ball into Eddie Gaven, who passed the ball to Schelotto, who made a cutting run into the side of the box, then was taken down by Eduardo Coudet, who Gaven raced past.

The Union protested that the foul occurred outside of the box, but the referee awarded the Crew the PK. Schelotto took the PK and put the ball in the left hand corner as Union goalkeeper Chris Seitz dove right.

“I think we started the game really well,” Warzycha said. “There was a lot of pressure of Philadelphia. We had a bunch of corner kicks and fouls around the box and that led to the penalty.”

Emilio Renteria gave the Crew their second of the day just four minutes before the break. Again Gaven was the catalysis as he put a beautiful pass ahead of Renteria, who was playing on the edge of the Union defense. The Venezuelan international dribbled down the middle of the field on the break away, took a shot at the top of the box and beat Seitz into the right hand corner of the net.

“I think he showed today that he can be dangerous,” Warzycha said. “He is going to be one of the guys (to use in the playoffs) and hopefully he can score the goals.”

His fifth goal of the year was beautiful, but the celebration was gorgeous. Renteria took his boot off, running to the corner flag, dialed it and made a long distance phone call to his family in Venezuela.

“I have a friend in Venezuela who did the same celebration once and I wanted to do the same celebration at home,” Renteria said through a translator. “I tried to call my family, but nobody answered,” he joked.

The game would take a bad turn for the Crew in the second half, though. Renteria would get a yellow card in the 63rd minute along with Union defender Michael Orozco Fiscal.

While Renteria again beat the Union defense, from a long ball from Schelotto, Renteria dashed down the side of the field, came into the box, and Fiscal made a diving tackle that missed Renteria. Renteria shot the ball, then went out of his way to nudge Fiscal’s face with this shin guard, while the defender was still on the ground from the tackle.

Fiscal retaliated with a shove to Renteria and the two exchanged pleasantries and would be awarded cautions. Warzcha used his second sub and pulled Renteria out for Andres Mendoza, since the Crew did not want Renteria to get another yellow, get a red card and miss the playoffs.

Andy Iro took a bump to his right leg in the 75th miunte and had to be taken out, the last for the Crew.

Mendoza made the most of his appearance, scoring in the 79th minute.

Schelotto took the ball from Stefani Miglioranzi, ran down the field, got the ball to deflect to Mendoza, who fired in a shot to the near post from inside the left hand side of the box.

It is the first time that the Crew go unbeaten in three straight matches since they drew at FC Dallas (on Aug. 28), and beat D.C. United twice in four days (Sept. 1; U.S. Open Cup, Sept. 4, MLS).

Hesmer’s day ended in the 81st minute after he blocked a shot wide by Shea Salinas.

The resulting corner came into the box, Hesmer went out to collect the cross, but the Union’s Danny Califf came in, knocked Hesmer and the Crew goalkeeper looked to land awkwardly on his left shoulder.

Hesmer was in pain as soon as he came down the ground. He was on the ground for a while, stood up and luckily was on the north side of the stadium, so he ran directly into the dressing room.

Since Renteria picked up the yellow and Iro got the knock, the Crew had to rely on Eddie Gaven to man the goal for the last six plus minutes since they had no more subs remaining. Gaven came out wearing Crew backup keeper Andy Gruenebaum’s gloves and oversized jersey.

“I don’t know why they put me in goal,” Gaven said.

Gaven would give up the first goal as Sebastien Le Toux rocketed a shot from the top of the box, past Gaven, into the top of the net. The marks Le Toux’s 14th goal of the year and has 71.4 percent of the Union’s scoring. Gaven would string together two saves after the goal.

The Union end their first year at 8-15-7 (31 points), but finish one spot, and nine points, ahead of dismal D.C. United in the East.

The Crew’s next two matches will be the Eastern Conference semifinals against Colorado. The first leg is Thursday night (Oct. 28) on the road, while the return leg is Saturday (Nov. 6) at Crew Stadium with a 4:00 p.m. kickoff.

ENDING ON A JAIME NOTE: UNITED LEGEND SCORES IN FINAL MLS MATCH

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 23, 2010 - For the legend that is D.C. United striker Jaime Moreno — the competitive, win-hungry beast that tore up MLS defenses since the league’s 1996 inception — it was one final chance to go out on top.

After winning a penalty kick through a thrice pump-faked cross that eventually hit off Toronto FC midfielder Julian de Guzman’s arm, the MLS Original — with 132 goals to his credit, tied with Dallas FC’s Jeff Cunningham — naturally picked up the ball to try and score one last goal to leave him on top of the charts going out of his storied career in America.

But before he could shoot, TFC goalkeeper Milos Kocic — a former United goalkeeper who was drafted by the club before moving north of the border — had a question for Moreno.

“Where are you going to kick it?” Kocic said.

“Well, you have to guess,” Moreno replied.

Kocic tried to guess, but as XX out of XX goalies in the American game found out before him, there isn’t much reason or reward. Even though diving the correct way, Moreno — on an elongated run-up — coolly dispatched the ball into the side netting past Koscic, leaving the Toronto goalie no chance.

The goal put Moreno back atop the MLS All-Time goal scoring list with 133, and with Cunningham not scoring in Dallas’ final match of the season, he will end his career as the top scorer, peerless and unparallel.

“He saves a little bit of magic till the last night,” D.C. Unitd Head Coach Ben Olsen said in admiration. “Several times it really looked like the Jaime that we all know and love; he’s treated us to so many good times.”

And he treated the fans to one last good time Saturday night. A pre-season presentation — complete with Commissioner Don Garber and ex-United alumni Eddie Pope, John Harkes and Marco Etcheverry — was moving, but not nearly as moving as United’s opening attacking sequence which remarkably resulted in a goal.

A sweeping move in the 2nd minute started with a diagonal ball from center back Julius James, who fed the ball to rookie sensation Andy Najar on the right sideline. Najar played an overlapping ball to right back Devon McTavish, whose cross fell to Pablo Hernandez. Hernandez saw his shot stopped only for the rebound to fall to an onrushing Santino Quaranta, who slammed home from point-blank range.

Toronto tied things up off a long ball by midfielder Nick LaBrocca that found striker Maicon Santos just outside the 18-yard box. Santos corralled the ball with a touch then blasted a half volley past Perkins and into far post’s netting.

That’s when Moreno decided to make his mark.

CREW CAPS CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE WITH 4-1 WIN AT JOE PUBLIC

MACOYA, TRINIDAD - October 21, 2010 - Emilio Rentería's penalty kick in the 50th minute gave visiting Columbus the lead and he added an insurance tally in the 80th as the Crew defeated Joe Public FC of Trinidad, 4-1, Thursday to cap a successful Group Stage in the 2010/11 CONCACAF Champions League in which it advanced to the quarterfinals for the second straight season.

Forward Andres Mendoza opened the scoring in the 20th minute, off a Jason Garey cross, and midfielder Duncan Oughton capped the night with a goal in the 90th minute, off a nifty Dilly Duka heel pass.

Joe Public evened the game at 1-1 on a dubious penalty converted by Trent Noel in the 27th minute. But Columbus took the lead for good when Leandre Griffit sent a service into the box where rookie defender Josh Williams' snap header hit the hand of a Joe Public player. Renteria, who entered to start the second half for Mendoza, promptly converted the ensuing penalty kick.

Columbus (4-2) had clinched second place and a spot in the quarterfinal round for the second straight season Tuesday courtesy of Santos Laguna's win over Municipal.

HESMER MAKES HISTORY IN DRAW WITH TORONTO

TORONTO, ON - October 16, 2010 - The Columbus Crew came away from BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario with a thrilling 2-2 draw on Saturday afternoon. Defender Chad Marshall (2) and goalkeeper William Hesmer (1) tallied goals for the Crew while Guillermo Barros Schelotto (9) and Chad Marshall (2) both recorded assists.

The Crew are still in the hunt for the lead of the Eastern Conference just one point behind the New York Red Bulls who lost to the Philadelphia Union 2-1 later in the evening. Columbus took the lead early when Chad Marshall headed in a corner kick by Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Midfielder Eddie Gaven earned the kick with a run down the left side of the field and a cross deflected by a Toronto defender. 14 minutes later Toronto would equalize with a blast by forward Maicon Santos from about 30 yards out that ended to the left of Crew keeper William Hesmer and into the back of the net. Toronto would find another goal before the end of the half with midfielder Jacob Peterson who tapped in a cross by midfielder Nicholas Lindsay to fix the result at 2-1 at the half.

The second half turned phisycal very quickly with the Black & Gold creating chances and outshooting Toronto FC seven to three. The Crew's Steven Lenhart and TFC's Conway were both ejected for an altercation in front of the Toronto goal with 20 minutes left in the match. Both players will miss their season finales next weekend, when TFC hosts D.C. United and the Crew hosts the Philadelphia Union. The equalizing goal finally came in stoppage time when Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer slotted the ball in the back of the net on a header by Chad Marshall fixing the result at 2-2 and allowing the Crew to retain the Trillium Cup for the third consecutive year.

The Crew now travels to Trinidad and Tobago to face Joe Public in the final match of CONCACAF Champions league on Thursday, October 28. The Balck & Gold returns to MLS play on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. for the final match of the regular season as it welcomes expansion team Philadelphia Union to Crew Stadium.

SEASON ENDS IN PLAYOFFS FOR AZTEX

AUSTIN, TX - October 9, 2010 - The playoff run ended at home for the Austin Aztex Saturday night as they lost 3-2 to the Montreal Impact and 5-2 overall in aggregate. After losing 2-0 last weekend in Montreal, the Aztex had to beat the Impact by three to advance to the next playoff round but failed to gain momentum as early Impact goals in both halves detoured an Aztex comeback.

“We were looking to get a win and we threw everything we had at them, said Aztex defender Leonard Griffin. “Unfortunately we came out on the losing side.”

An action packed first half saw the first goal come in the first five minutes by Impact player Ali Gerba from a set piece, making it 4-1 on aggregate.

Three minutes later, Aztex had a chance to even the score when Lance Watson was taken down in far left corner of the penalty box.  A Jamie Watson kick to the right corner was read by goalkeeper Matt Jordan to continue the uphill battle for the Austin Aztex.

J. Watson’s repercussions for missing the penalty kick left the striker visibly upset:  “I’ve made 4 out of 4 this year,” said J. Watson. “I did the same thing I did all year and he saved it, it feels horrible letting the team down."

Despite the unsuccessful penalty kick, the Aztex’s tempo continued to increase as they had many near chances in the first half. 

In the 16th minute, a ball played from Eddie Johnson passed through the Impact defense to reach the penalty box but neither Maxwell Griffin nor J. Watson could provide the scoring touch. The Aztex attacked again when Kevin Sakuda’s cross reached Johnson’s head and caused goalkeeper Jordan to make a jumping save. Another cross from Sakuda, this time meeting J. Watson, was volleyed first time towards the back of the net before Jordan intercepted the goal-bound shot.

The Aztex were forced to play high pressure football to overcome their goal deficit and pushed many players forward, making them vulnerable to an Impact counter attack. This allowed Gerba to find space in behind the Aztex defense and have a one on one with Miguel Gallardo that eventually saw his shot deflect out of bounds.

“You are always playing a difficult game when you’re playing for the offsides, but we had to do something,” said Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We had to try to keep the game as condensed and compressed as we could and get the ball in their half and try to make it uncomfortable for them.”

On the opposite side of the field, Griffin stormed the box in the 42nd minute after J. Watson’s chip took a deflection that allowed the aggregate score line to be narrowed down to 3-1.

The defense had a difficult time containing Gerba, he once again capitalized on the defensive gap and shot a dagger into the Aztex’s net as he scored his second goal of the night.

The Impact’s star striker has a vendetta for the Aztex as he scored his fourth goal against them in two games. The goal also marked the Canadian’s 13th goal of the season, placing him third in the league even though only being with the Impact for the second half of the season.

Montreal Impact Head Coach Marc Dos Santos understands the power Gerba provides: “In my opinion, Ali [Gerba] is an MLS striker. In my opinion, Ali [Gerba] is probably the best forward Canada has.”

In minute 57, the Aztex would counter with Lawrence Olum’s pass assisting Johnson, tying the game at 2-2.
Yet as the clocked dwindled down, the chance for an Aztex victory was declining and it was hook, line and sinker in the 89th minute when Impact’s Eduardo Sebrango scored the game winner. Sebrango was left unmarked on the left side and Gallardo was helplessly left to pick the ball up out of his own net.

In only their second year ever as a soccer club, the Austin Aztex were the obvious underdogs in the Impact-Aztex clash. Impact are part of MLS expansion plan for 2012 and are also the champions of last year’s United Soccer League.

Heath adds to the David versus Goliath premise: “This is a huge club. They’re wage bill is 3 or 4 times bigger than ours. They’re averaging or 14 to 15,000 people at a game.”

The Aztex’s progress this year is shown by gaining ten more wins than their freshman season. They close their season with 55 goals, more than any other team in the USSF Division II Pro League. In addition, Eddie Johnson and Maxwell Griffin both place into the top five for the most goals scored in the league so far, with 15 and 10 goals respectively, and Jamie Watson fourth in the league for assists.

As Heath believes, the Aztex should look forward rather than looking down. “The players kept battling and I couldn’t ask anymore from them. We made huge strides his year and I hope we make the same next year. My players have done me proud this year."

CREW FIND NO RELIEF ON THE ROAD

BRIDGEVIEW, IL- October 8, 2010- It may have been the 129th anniversary of the ignition of the great Chicago Fire Friday night at Toyota Park, but the Columbus Crew‘s chances of winning the Eastern Conference title may have been extinguished.

The Crew lost 2-0 to the Fire and dropped to 13-8-7, still fourth in the MLS playoffs and a point behind the New York Red Bulls, who host Real Salt Lake on Saturday, for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

“We tired right now,” Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha said. “With all these games we know that we will be better.”

Cleveland native and Fire defender Dasan Robinson was substituted in just the 15th minute with a leg injury. Just a minute later, Freddie Ljungberg appealed for a penalty, after he had been taken down in the box by a Crew defender.

The Crew had much trouble in the first half finding their forwards. The team would push up, but could not find the pass it needed in the final third. That reoccurring theme hurt the Crew and could not make a dent into the Fire defense.

Adam Moffat did not help the cause in the opening half as he was given a yellow card in the 25th minute for a late challenge to Logan Pause. On the play that came from the free kick, Moffat again had a late foul, just seconds after the previous foul. He did not receive his second yellow, but made his name known to referee Edvin Jurisevic and Warzycha, who pulled Moffat at the half.

The Fire finally broke through a half an hour in as Peter Lowry beat the Crew defense and banged it past Columbus goalkeeper Will Hesmer.

The play started from Patrick Nyarko, who made a great short pass to Lowry. Lowry dribbled in on Chad Marshall, turned Marshall around in the box and fired the ball off the outside of his right foot and into the left side of the net. Hesmer had no chance on the brilliant shot.

The Fire led 1-0, as Lowry scored the 600th in Chicago Fire history.

Columbus again had to deal with a yellow card as Eric Brunner was the guilty party for a rough tackle close to the Crew’s 18-yard box. Despite a few chances in the attacking zone, the Crew could not get a good chance on net and were down 1-0 at the half.

Brian McBride set up and scored the second goal for the Fire in the 53rd minute. After a pass to Nyarko going towards the goal line, Nyarko slid the pass between the legs of Brian Carroll right to McBride who slid and kicked the ball into the back of the net.

Absent from the match was both Emilio Renteria (Venezuela) and Shaun Francis (Jamaica) who were called up to national team duties.

The Crew got their first shot on goal in the 65th minute when Frankie Hejduk put a low liner into the box that was easily kicked away by a diving Andrew Dykstra. They would finish with four, but all were easily grabbed by Dykstra.

Even when Kevin Burns beat Dykstra in the 89th minute, Fire defender Bratislav Ristic was there to clear the ball off the line.

The Crew next head to Toronto next Saturday (Oct. 16) for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff. They finish the regular season the following Sunday (Oct. 24) at home against the expansion Philadelphia Union after facing Joe Public on the road on Oct. 21.

FIRE STILL ALIVE IN PLAYOFF HUNT

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - October 8, 2010 - The Chicago Fire dominated in scoring and possession opportunities in celebration of their 13th anniversary for a rewarding 2-0 victory over the Columbus Crew.

In the 30th minute, defender Steven Kinney built up a steady pass to midfielder Patrick Nyarko who slipped the ball to Peter Lowry.  Lowry  dribbled the ball down past Crew defender Chad Marshall, then directed the ball past goalkeeper William Hesmer inside the left post for  the 600th goal in Chicago Fire history and a 1-0 lead over the Columbus Crew.

In the 53rd minute Chicago Fire captain Brian McBride pushed his team to a 2-0 lead. Forward Freddie Ljungberg rolled a ball from the right to midfielder Patrick Nyarko, who sent the ball to an open McBride for a quick foot on the ball to the back post and into the net.

The Fire’s second goal gave the Crew motivation to put some pressure on the Fire.  In the 90th minute Crew’s midfielder Kevin Burns broke through the Fire’s defense and past Dyksta only to be cleared off in the goal box by Chicago defender Bratislav Ristic for a 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew.

The Fire played a strong game showing the hunger that they still possess for a spot in the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs.  The win puts the Fire (8-11-8) fourth place in the Eastern Conference for a hope at postseason.  They are eight points back of the San Jose Earthquakes for the eighth and final playoff spot.

The Fire are content to be where they are.  They feel good about the group heading in the right direction and will continue to fight until the end.  Their playoff destiny is still up in the air as Chicago must win the remaining two games and receive loads of help from other clubs to sneak into the postseason.

Nyarko continues to have an ankle problem that led to an injection during half time yet yielded the assists that gave the Fire their victory.

“He stuck it out. He dug in deep and that is a good mentality that the whole team needs.  We need more guys like that,” Assitant coach Mike Matkovich stated about Nyarko’s assists on the goals.

The Fire will have their remaining home matches at Toyota Park against the Kansas City Wizards on Tuesday, October 12th at 7:30pm CT (My50) and their final home match on Saturday, October 16th at 3:00pm CT (Comcast SportsNet/Telefutura).

KICKING IT WITH TIM HOWARD

Members of the media were welcome to talk to members of the U.S. Men’s National Team before their international friendly against Poland in Chicago. Luckily, International Soccer Network’s was able to get a few quality minutes with USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard.

ISN: Is it weird we are already looking forward to the 2014 World Cup?

HOWARD: I think we have set a target for the Gold Cup being important for us this year. The competition does not interfere with any other competitions, as it has in previous years. We are going to bring our strongest team to the tournament. I was on the squad that won the competition in 2007 and it was such a memorable event for the coaching staff and myself. That is all part of the growth, without looking too far ahead.

ISN: There is word that Mexico and the United States may not play each other in the World Cup qualifiers. What are your thoughts?

HOWARD: I think it is important for us to play Mexico and I think that the rivalry is fiery and healthy. To take that rivalry away would be disappointing because there is so much good from that rivalry. There is very little that is wrong with it. I think both sides would be bitterly disappointed.

ISN: MLS has had a hard time gaining respect from other leagues around the world, especially in England, where you play. Is the MLS getting the respect they deserve overseas?

HOWARD: I think the MLS is getting so much respect because of the players we are importing and also because of the players that the league is exporting. Players in my generation have gone over to other places for substantial transfer fees and we have shown the quality of the MLS. I am a big fan of it, I like the way it is run, I like the teams that are involved, the stadiums that are in place, and I love the competition in the league. Even though I am not there now, I still enjoy watching it and I think it is fantastic.

ISN: What about the match against Poland on Saturday, do you think there is an advantage for the United States players from Europe all playing together?

HOWARD: I think we always enjoy coming together. It difficult in that we all come from different environments, long ways away, different agendas with our club teams. I think what is important about our consistency is that we can not be together for a month, but come back on day one and not have to start over from scratch. We know each other and we know what coaches expect from us and we can get on with our work.

ISN: Chicago has a big Polish population. Does that make this game a little bit more interesting playing on U.S. soil with another country’s support?

HOWARD: There will be a strong Polish crowd, I am sure. We are no strangers to playing at home with crowds not on our side all the time. Soldier Field is fantastic and Chicago as a community comes out and supports us. We are not worried about that. I think it is going to be a fantastic and electric atmosphere You cannot ask for anything more than that in an October friendly.

ISN: Last time you guys met, you won 3-0 in Krakow. Do you think Poland is looking to return the favor?

HOWARD: They are a very good team. We remember that night well because we played well. We understand that they will be coming here to get a result. However, we need to match that intensity and I think it will be a great test for us.

ISN: What does it say that Poland will face one of the toughest teams Saturday in preparation for Euro 2012 in Poland?

HOWARD: I think they need to. I think that it is important that they show that they are prepared at the Euros by getting good results and they do that against good teams.

CREW FALL IN OPEN CUP FINAL

SEATTLE, WA - October 5, 2010 - Sanna Nyassi scored twice as Seattle Sounders FC defended their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew Tuesday before a crowd of 31,311 at Qwest Field, which is largest ever for a final in the tournament's history. The Sounders become the first MLS team to win two straight Open Cup crowns, and the first team to win consecutive titles since the New York Pancyprian Freedoms won in 1982-83.

The Crew opened the scoring with a goal from Kevin Burns, on a classy finish in the 24th minute, but couldn't hold on. Nyassi was ultimately the hero, scoring in the 38th and 66th minutes to help Seattle rally from the early 1-0 hole. The Crew nearly equalized in the 85th minute when Robbie Rogers - playing in just his second game back from nearly two months sidelined with a knee injury - rattled a shot off the crossbar after a cross from Hejduk.

Andy Gruenebaum started in goal for the Crew, as he has for every one of the club's Open Cup and Champions League matches. William Hesmer, meanwhile, has started every one of the Crew's league games. The Crew was playing in its third Open Cup Final, joining the 2002 squad that defeated L.A. to win the tournament and the 1998 team that fell to Chicago in overtime.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer and is recognized as the federation's National Championship. The tournament has now crowned a champion for 97 consecutive years dating back to 1914. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor long-time soccer pioneer and Crew Founder Lamar Hunt. Tuesday's attendance smashed the previous finals record involving an MLS team, set in 2000 when Chicago beat the Miami Fusion in front of 19,164 fans at Soldier Field. The previous attendance high for a USOC final was set back in 1929, when 21,583 fans attended the final played at Dexter Park in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Crew returns to league action this Friday (Oct. 8) at Chicago's TOYOTA Park, in a match that will kick off at 9 p.m. ET and be televised live regionally on ONN-TV.

FIFA SOCCER 11 REVIEW: OH YEAH, IT GETS BETTER

I am always stricken with the dilemma of buying a sports game year, after year. After playing FIFA 11, I am so happy that EA Sports picked up where the left off last year…and they have gone even further. Not to mention, you have listened as the game has sold 2.6 million copies in just five days…

Once you pick up this game, you are going to spend plenty of hours just drooling over the play that the game gives. The game gives a free playing feel, one that you really can play at 360°. To break that down, it means the interaction between you and the opposing team looks and feels even more real. Not to mention he gameplay is even more clean and crisp.

What makes the game even nicer it the new passing system that EA has introduced. No longer can you push a button and expect the perfect pass. You have to really understand how far your target is, how hard you have to kick it, and where your defender is. Perfect passing really has to come from the gamer.

The biggest introduction to the series is the "Be A Goalkeeper" function. As a goalie myself, I have been waiting for a football game to tackle this and I am really impressed. Yes, you have to judge angle, speed, and the forwards all looking to score on you, but you also change your camera angles when your team is on the attack and you have the opportunity to influence the attack.

Ok, so the gameplay looks fabulous, the controls are magnificent, and you are dominating the world as a goalie.
But you need a team, right?

Career Mode has also gotten a makeover and has an interesting twist in this year’s edition. You have the choice of being a player, a manager, or even a player-manager. I really like the player-manager route because you can make the squad changes and tweaks, but you can also play as your own created player or your Virtual Pro.

The one specific thing that I love from the game was the creation of your new pro. When you enter your name and pick your traits, you pick what body size and height your new player will be. What you choose effects your player’s abilities. For instance, lets say your height is 6'8", in no way are you going to be as fast as somebody 5’11". Just another little twitch that the game makes to make the gameplay and the realism come to life.

Players have finally gotten their true talents noticed in the virtual world. For the true fans that know their favorite players, the Personality Plus will be the biggest asset FIFA 11 brings to the table. More now than ever, players look, react, and play like they do in real life. The skill set that they bring to FIFA 11 are close to those that you see on TV. With that comes the ability to do wicked tricks that only the best in the world can do.

Online content is great as well. Creating teams and players on the EA website and then getting those onto the game console is fantastic! Not only does FIFA 11 add to what last year’s game was able to do, but it goes much farther!

EARTHQUAKES SECURE ROAD POINT IN PLAYOFF PUSH

COLUMBUS, OH - October 2, 2010 - A point may not seem like much, but with their scoreless draw against the Crew Saturday, San Jose push closer to returning to the MLS playoffs.

The Earthquakes move to 11-8-7 and the Crew go to 13-7-7. The point clinched the Crew’s playoffs spot, but the home team was overtaken by the New York Red Bulls for tops in the Eastern Conference.

“It is a good road point for us,” San Jose Head Coach Frank Yallop said of his club. “This is always a hard place to come and we are certainly happy to get the point.”

Play between the two clubs was chippy from time to time, a total of 20 fouls, but only one yellow card was awarded. However, on a night that was very soggy from the constant rain, both goalkeepers had to step up in big moments.

Earthquakes keeper Jon Busch had the save of the night. In the 75th minute, Crew midfield Chad Marshall was in prime position to put the first goal of the night in the back of the net. Off the corner, Marshall headed the ball from inside the six-yard box, but Busch had to push the header over the net. Marshall could only put his heads on his head.

“Tonight was us,” Busch said. “We are a blue collar team. I am proud of that because we work until the end of the day. At the end of the days its 0-0, we want to pick up points every game. We want three, but we’ll take one. You never want to leave with zero.”

Busch also admitted that the Crew had the majority of the chances, but the team is again happy with that critical point. San Jose finished with just three shots on goal and did not feature Geovanni until the 69th minute.

“There was a good balance of play,” Yallop said. “It think the draw was the fair result. It’s another point towards our playoff push.”

The point puts the Earthquakes at 40 for the year, which is good enough for sixth in the Western Conference. However, it also retains them at the eighth and final playoff spot. They are just seven points above Kansas City, but Yallop knows that you can never say never.

“There are still a few games to go,” Yallop said. “Hopefully we can get that win in our next game. Funny things happen in football, so we need to keep playing like we have been playing all year.”

Kansas City sits seven points behind the Quakes with each club having four MLS matches left in the season. If the Earthquakes can hold on to the final place, they would return to the playoffs for the first time since they won the Supporters’ Shield in 2005.

CREW DRAW, BUT CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT

COLUMBUS, OH - October 2, 2010 - Superb goalkeeping for both the Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes caused their match to end in a 0-0 draw on a rainy and slippery pitch at Crew Stadium. The Crew had the bulk of scoring chances, but were unable to put one in the back of the net. The draw combined with a loss by Kansas City guaranteed the Crew a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs so the night had to be considered a success.

The Crew were hoping to make a statement during Saturday's match, putting the recent run of poor form to an end. Losses to Seattle and Municipal have caused a little doubt in what has been a spectacular season for Columbus. It would also be an important matchup for the San Jose Earthquakes, who are currently in the 8th and final playoff position.

The Crew put together several nice runs in the first fifteen minutes, putting Quakes keeper Jon Busch under a little pressure. San Jose would threaten in the 18th, but the Crew defense responded with a clearance from Andy Iro. Steven Lenhart and Eddie Gaven would provide much excitement for Crew fans as they continue to push and pull their way into Quakes territory. There was a feeling that there had been quite a few close calls and something big was about to happen, but nothing came of it.

The final minutes of the first half were full of tension and apprehension. Ryan Johnson got a yellow card in the 37th minute and continued to argue the call with head referee Jorge Gonzalez. Moments later Guillermo Barros Schelotto had some words with the linesman about a call. The first half came to an end with a 0-0 score and a lack of momentum for either side.

The second half would be one of opportunity for the Crew attack. It began with a scare as defender Chad Marshall went down hard in the 52nd minute after being tripped up by a San Jose player. Marshall had struggled with an assortment of injuries this season, but he returned to the field a few minutes later.

The 63rd brought about what looked to be a sure goal for Columbus, but Lenhart was unable to get a hold of a brilliant pass. Three minutes later the Crew would make their first substitution with Emilio Renteria taking the place of Emmanuel Ekpo. Renteria has been this season's version of Alejandro Moreno, getting things done with physical play and lots of persistence.

The Earthquakes would make a change as well, sending in their Designated Player, Giovanni, for Eduardo in the 69th minute of play. Crew keeper Will Hesmer came away with a solid save a minute later after a pinpoint cross reached the head of Chris Wondolowski. Hesmer was able to get an outstretched hand on the ball, getting it out of play and over the crossbar. This was the only genuine scoring chance of the night for the Quakes.

Lenhart would get yet another opportunity in the 72nd, but an awkward bounce had it miss the right corner of the goal by just an inch or two. Busch would have his own moment of brilliance, knocking a Marshall header just over the bar in the 75th.

"I think Busch was Man of the Match today," Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha stated. "He saved Stevie's chance and saved Chad Marshall's chance."

Busch's post-game comments showed similar praise for Warzycha. "Honestly he has done a great job," Busch continued. "When I played with him here and then he retired I knew he would be a great head coach one day. You can see what he has done since Sigi left. He is a tremendous player and a tremendous coach."

Three minutes later midfielder Robbie Rogers would take the field, making his first appearance since knee surgery knocked him out of the Crew starting XI. Gaven would head to the bench, leaving Columbus with just one remaining substitution. Warzycha would use that in the 84th sending in Peruvian international Andres Mendoza for Lenhart, who provided some offensive punch for 80+ minutes.

Sam Cronin would make an appearance for San Jose in the 87th, coming in for Scott Sealy. Renteria would send a header inches wide left in the 90th, which proved to be the final chance of a Crew score.

Earthquakes Head Coach Frank Yallop was satisfied with the his team's effort and the final score. "I think a draw is a fair result to be honest," Yallop commented. "We're happy with the point, another point toward our playoff push."

The Crew must now turn their attention to the U.S. Open Cup Championship in Seattle on October 5, while San Jose returns to the West Coast before heading east again to face D.C. United on October 9.

Earthquakes Starting XI: GK Jon Busch, DEF Brandon McDonald, DEF Tim Ward, DEF Jason Hernandez (C), MID Chris Wondolowski, MID Khari Stephenson, MID Brad Ring, MID Bobby Convey, FWD Scott Sealy, FWD Ryan Johnson, FWD Eduardo

Crew Starting XI: GK William Hesmer, DEF Frankie Hejduk (C), DEF Chad Marshall, DEF Shaun Francis, DEF Andy Iro, MID Eddie Gaven, MID Brian Carroll, MID Kevin Burns, MID Emmanuel Ekpo, FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto, FWD Steven Lenhart

Facebook Match Photos

CREW DROPS 2-1 DECISION AGAINST MUNICIPAL

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA - September 29, 2010 - The Crew fell 2-1 to Municipal on Wednesday night at Estadio Nacional in Guatemala City in match day five of CONCACAF Champions League Group B play. Former LA Galaxy forward Guillermo Ramirez netted both goals for the home teamwhile defender Andy Iro tallied the lone Crew goal.

Daylong heavy rain continued through the match leaving the pitch at Estadio Nacional with standing water in several places. Players struggled with footing and balls skipped in some spots and came to a halt in others.

The result left Columbus with nine points and dropped it into second place in Group B, one point behind Santos, which beat Joe Public 5-1. Municipal climbed to eight points, but will have to travel to Mexico to face Santos in its final match on October 19. Columbus will travel to face already eliminated Joe Public on October 21. Only the first two teams of each group qualify for the quarter finals.

AUSTIN, TX - September 25, 2010 - In the last home game of the regular season, the Austin Aztex were looking for revenge Saturday night against the AC St. Louis team that has defeated them last weekend. Six goals were notched between the two teams in the thrilling game but the Aztex came on top with a 4-2 score line.

From the very beginning both teams exerted an abundant pressure on the opponent’s defense. However, the Aztex were lucky to keep the score at a stalemate in the first five minutes of the game. St. Louis was twice able to get in behind the Aztex defense and dribble inside the penalty box leaving goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo in a one-on-one situation.

“We felt we were too stretched as a team,” said Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath. “What we try to do is get the back four up the pitch  a bit more, condense the plays, see if we can get closer to people and we did it a lot better in the second half.”

The Aztex responded ten minutes later with their first shot of the game resulted in a goal when Jamie Watson’s corner kick deflected and fell for Michael Callahan. Callahan shot a stinger to the upper left corner that left no chance for the St. Louis goalkeeper.

“I’m pleased with Callahan, what you see is what you get from him,” said Heath. “He gives you what he’s got and for him to give you a goal like that, it is probably the best goal he has ever scored.”

Aztex increased their lead to two goals when Jamie Watson assisted from a corner kick that this time met Kieron Bernard’s head in the 30th minute.

St. Louis was not going to lie down and die when they rejuvenated a two goal comeback in five minutes.

St. Louis player Gauchinho was involved with both goals when he received the ball inside the penalty box to shoot the ball past Gallardo. Gauchinho once again proved a threat when his pass to Luke Kreamalmeyer inside the box allowed the score to even up at 2-2.

The Aztex proved why they were in first place in the USL Division by changing the tempo in the second half by dominating possession and pressure.

Maxwell Griffin netted his ninth goal of the season from 25 yards out in the 51st minute.

“Right when I got the ball I saw [the goalkeeper] take a few steps off his line and I thought why not just try it,” said Griffin.

To end the game on a high note, Randi Patterson scored in the 93rd minute of stoppage time to make the final tally 4-2.  Patterson capitalized on a clearance from Sam Brill and beat an unprepared St. Louis defense. Patterson was one-on-one with the goalkeeper as he shot the ball into the back of the net.

The Aztex next face two away games as they take on the Carolina Railhawks and Montreal Impact. Austin will play their first ever home playoff game October 9.

WINLESS STREAK CONTINUES FOR THE FIRE

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - September 25, 2010 - After several goal attempts and a couple of yellow cards, the Fire proved to be no match for the Seattle Sounders FC, who snatched a 1-0 win over the Fire in Saturday’s match.

In the 88th minute, Seattle Sounders  forward Blaise Nkufo took advantage of the assist from teammate Steve Zakuani and fired a 12-yard shot that deflected off a sliding C.J. Brown. This would give the Seattle Sounders a 1-0 advantage, which was enough to win the match.  The defeat added to the Fire’s growing winless streak, which now stands at five games.

The loss puts the Fire (6-10-8) 13 points out of playoff position with six games left.  This puts a lot of pressure on Chicago because they are on the verge of missing the postseason for just the second time in franchise history.

A clearly disappointed Carlos de los Cobos stated, “We had a good first half. Yet we had the intention to win, knowing that a tie would not be good. But at the end carelessness unfortunately gave them a goal.”

The Chicago Fire will take to the road to keep their slim playoff hopes alive when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes on September 29th at 10pm CT (CLTV, Comcast Sport Net Chicago Plus) and FC Dallas on October 2nd at 7:30pm CT (FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Sports en Espanol).  They will be back home on Friday, October 8th at 8:00 pm CT (Comcast Sportsnet) against the Columbus Crew.

CREW DRAWS WITH REVS ON THE ROAD

FOXBOROUGH, MA - September 25, 2010 - The Columbus Crew staged a second-half comeback against the New England Revolution Saturday at Gillette Stadium to earn a 2-2 draw and restore its lead atop the Eastern Conference.

The Crew are now one point ahead of New York, which defeated the Galaxy 2-0 on Friday night.

Pat Phelan handed New England the lead after two minutes and Shalrie Joseph doubled it by slotting home the Revs' first penalty kick of the season after 56 minutes.

But Steven Lenhart pulled a goal back for the Crew six minutes later, off a Shaun Francis cross, to set the stage for a dramatic finish. Guillermo Barros Schelotto scored the tying goal from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to play to give the Crew an important point.

Columbus Crew Starting XI - William Hesmer, Andy Iro, Eric Brunner, Frankie Hejduk, Emmanuel Ekpo, Eddie Gaven, Kevin Burns, Brian Carroll, Shaun Francis, Steven Lenhart, Guillermo Barros Schelotto

New England Revolution Starting XI - Matt Reis, Kevin Alston, Darrius Barnes, Cory Gibbs, Seth Sinovic, Sainey Nyassi, Shalrie Joseph, Pat Phelan, Kenny Mansally, Ilija Stolica, Marko Perovic

MENDOZA SENDS CREW TO TOP OF GROUP B IN CCL

COLUMBUS, OH - September 21, 2010 - For as exciting and controversial as the first match between these two clubs was in Mexico, the return leg was just as exciting as the Crew knocked off Santos Laguna 1-0 with an 87th minute tally by Andres Mendoza Tuesday night at Crew Stadium.

The Crew now hold the group in their hands as they leap over Santos into first place. Columbus now has nine points (two more than their Mexican counterpart) and are looking like they will move onto the Quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Trailing Santos by just one point in the Group B standings, Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha had eight of the starting eleven from the weekend’s 4-0 home defeat by the Seattle Sounders in the lineup.

“They left their heart on the field today,” Warzycha said. “I think we created more chances then them.”

The first half contained much possession by Santos, but the Crew got their chances. With two shots on goal, Columbus was not ready to sit back. Most of the Crew’s chances came in the second half. Jason Garey entered the match at the half as Emilio Renteria was pulled after suffering a groin injury.

Chad Marshall had to be taken out in the 67th minute when Santos forward Oribe Peralta put a high boot to Marshall’s face. Marshall would be down for several minutes as Peralta was shown a yellow.

Jason Garey started the second half momentum for the Crew in the and in the 71st minute almost had the opening goal. Emmanuel Ekpo laid a ball into the six-yard box for forward Jason Garey, but Garey just poked the slow roller wide of the net.

“You really can’t fault us,” Garey said. “We had really great chances.”

In the 76th minute, Mendoza received a pass from Eddie Gaven inside the box.

Mendoza tapped the ball ahead of him, pulled the shot off, but either the sliding goalie or the Santos defender blocked the ball wide.

Finally, the backbreaker would come just three minutes from time when Mendoza slipped the game winner past Santos goalie Rafael Figueroa. Mendoza tried to play a ball across to Jason Garey, but the ball was blocked and Mendoza put the rebound home.

“Garey made the play, I took a shot, it got blocked and fortunately it rolled back to me,” Mendoza said though a translator.

The Peruvian went to the ground quickly after the shot and was subbed out with cramping.

“I was feeling a strain around the 70th minute,” Mendoza continued. “I just kept pushing and stretching.”

Columbus now travels to New England to play the Revolution on Saturday (Sept 25) for a MLS clash. Their last two games of Group B are away fixtures; they travel to Guatemala to play Municipal next Wednesday (Sept 29) and finish up with Joe Public on Oct 21st.

LADY LUCK ABANDONS CREW AT HOME

COLUMBUS, OH - September 18, 2010 - A disastrous first half for the Columbus Crew (13-7-5) put them in an early hole against the visiting Seattle Sounders (10-9-6). A hat trick from Blaise Nfuko and a single goal from Nathan Sturgis put a major hurting on the Crew defense in a match that ended with a 4-0 victory for Seattle.

The Sounders quickly set the tone with a quick strike from Nfuko in just the 4th minute. Crew keeper Will Hesmer faced a barrage of three shots on goal in a matter of seconds, but was only able to save two.

The Crew would respond just 10 minutes later with nice combination play, which resulted in a near miss by forward Steven Lenhart. Three precise, pinpoint passes set up the shot from Lenhart. Opportunities continued for the Crew as they dominated possession early in the first half and had their share of corner and free kicks.

There were several moments where it felt like something was going to happen, but it came down to the lack of finishes for Columbus. The Sounders had the momentum coming off the early goal, but the Crew were playing in front of a raucous home crowd of 17,144.

Seattle would get on the board again in the 39th as Nkufo beat the Crew defense to put a goal in the right corner past an outstretched Hesmer. Things would get even worse as the Sounders were awarded a PK in the 42nd and Nathan Sturgis would convert for his first career goal and a 3-0 lead to Seattle.

Halftime would be a time of reflection for the Columbus squad. The Crew led in just corner kicks (3) and saves (4), while the Sounders dominated the most important categories: shots (9) and shots on goal (7). Robert Warzycha's squad aimed to stop the bleeding on defense and start finishing on the offensive end.

Columbus had a great opportunity in the 54th, but they came up empty after an electrifying save by Seattle keeper Kasey Keller and a high shot by Eddie Gaven off the rebound. Gaven would get another chance nine minutes later, but another save by Keller was the result. Warzycha would call on Emilio Renteria and Andres Mendoza as substitutes, but it was too little, too late.

Chances would dry up for the Crew attack, but certainly not for Seattle. Nkufo would get his third goal of the night in the 77th as the Swiss striker drilled another one into the upper 90 after a nice pass from the University of Akron's Steve Zakuani.

Sounders Head Coach Sigi Schmid was obviously happy with the 4-0 victory against the Crew at home, but wasn't willing to trash his former team. "I don't think the difference between the two teams was four goals, even though that was the score tonight," Schmid said in his post-game comments.

The Crew's head coach was calm and collected after the match and wasn't willing to panic at the first sign of distress. "We have to be a little bit lucky at some point," Warzycha commented. "We have players on the field who can score. They are getting looks at the goal and sooner or later they are going to score."

Saturday's night match was the first opportunity for Crew fans to see the club's newest signing, Cleveland State midfielder Josh Williams. The Akron, Ohio native was thrilled with the opportunity to finish out the season with Columbus.

"It's been a whirlwind down here," Williams responded. "I remember my dad taking me to the first Crew game in their inaugural season. I remember sitting there thinking this is exactly what I want to be doing when I am older. Now I found myself here. It is definitely a dream come true."

The loss left Columbus with a bad taste in their mouth, but they don't have long to lick their wounds as they face Santos in CCL play on Tuesday. The result was an undesirable one, but the play of Emmanuel Ekpo and even Kevin Burns were positives for the Crew.

Crew Starting XI - GK William Hesmer, DEF Frankie Hejduk, DEF Chad Marshall, DEF Andy Iro, DEF Danny O'Rourke MID Emmanuel Ekpo, MID Kevin Burns, MID Brian Carroll, MID Eddie Gaven, FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto, FWD Steven Lenhart

Sounders Starting XI - GK Kasey Keller, DEF Zach Scott, DEF Jeff Parke, DEF Patrick Ianni, DEF Leo Gonzalez, MID Steve Zakuani, MID Nathan Sturgis, MID Osvaldo Alonso, MID Sanna Nyassi, FWD Fredy Montero, FWD Blaise Nkufo

Facebook Match Photos

DOMINATING WIN GIVES SOUNDERS HOPE FOR THE PLAYOFFS

COLUMBUS, OH - September 18, 2010 - The Seattle Sounders made an impressive statement Saturday night, as they beat the defending MLS Eastern Conference Champions, 4-0 at Crew Stadium. Designated Player Blaise Nkufo tallied three goals for the Sounders and Nathan Sturgis scored the first ever penalty in MLS play for Seattle.

 Former Crew coach and winner of the 2008 MLS Cup (With the Crew) Sigi Schmid came back to give the Crew its worst loss home loss since 2005.

“We were really efficient tonight in our finishing,” Schmid said. “I thought we were well motivated.”

The Sounders were well motivated out of the gate as Nkufo would put the Sounders ahead just four minutes into the match to stun the Crew faithful. Off a corner, Colombian Fredy Montero found the ball at his feet in the six-yard box, but was denied by Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer. Hesmer saves then quickly made a save of Nkufo’s rebound, before Nfuko put his own rebound into the back of the net.

“Of course it’s a great feeling scoring my first goal in MLS and for the Sounders,” the Swiss international said. He did, however, see the goal as a part of a bigger goal.

“I think the most important part of the night was the three points. As a striker, I believe that I can score goals,” Nkufo said.

Nkufo scored his second MLS goal just 35 minutes later when he was left at the corner of the 18-yard box with a single Crew defender. Nkufo dribbled in the box towards the line, took a left footed shot and slid it to the far post past a diving Hesmer. The Sounders striker really took a difficult shot, but made it look easy.

“Today he was happy because he finished,” Schmid said. “Maybe that will get him finishing consistently."

Blaise Nkufo came into the game without an MLS goal in seven games as a Sounder. He previously scored 114 goals with Dutch side FC Twente, which is a Twente record.

The Sounders finished the Crew off in the 41st minute, when the Crew’s Danny O’Rourke was beaten by forward Sanna Nyassi and O’Rourke violently grabbed his jersey and brought him down in the box. Nyassi started the play with a great give and go with Montero, who returned the ball to the cutting Nyassi. Nathan Sturgis would then go on to beat Hesmer from the spot and become the first Sounder to score on a penalty kick in MLS history, which was also his first MLS goal.

“I am excited,” Sturgis said. “I was definitely ready to take the shot; it felt good to put one away.”

Nkufo would make it a hat trick and a 4-0 lead for the Sounders in the 75th minute. University of Akron product Steve Zakuani received a past from Nkufo and dribbled the from the halfway line to the goal line, then laced a perfect pass to the waiting Swiss international, who drilled home the 15 yarder into the top corner of the net.

Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller had five saves on the night and his 10th shutout of the year. “I was proud that we kept them to zeros,” Keller said. “It’s a great step for our playoff position.”

Schmid now owns a 7-3-6 all-time record against his former team and has the Sounders in the last playoff spot.

They are still just two points behind Colorado for sixth in the playoff hunt. Seattle travel to Monterrey in the middle of the week for CONCACAF Champions League play, then travel to Chicago to take on the Fire next Saturday.

Coppermine Match Photos

FORMER CSU STAR SIGNS WITH THE CREW

CLEVELAND, OH - September 17, 2010 - Josh Williams, a former midfielder at Cleveland State, has signed a contract with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. The Crew announced the signing on Thursday, September 16.

“We’re very happy about it,” said CSU head coach Ali Kazemaini. “Part of what we try to do at Cleveland State is attract next level talent and Josh is an example of somebody who was good enough to play professionally and trained hard enough to play professionally.”

The Crew called Williams on Wednesday, September 15 to offer him the contract. Williams signed it and drove to Columbus to officially join the team.

“They called me a couple days ago and asked me if I was in shape,” Williams said. “I said, ‘I sure am.’ They told me to just be ready, and then called me again yesterday to say I was on the team.”

For Williams, signing with the Crew was more than just an opportunity to play professionally.

“It was a dream come true,” Williams said. “My dad took me to the first Crew game their inaugural year and I remember watching the players and thinking that this is what I want to do. I want to be out there playing soccer. I’ve been a Crew fan ever since that game.”

Williams got his first opportunity to play with the Crew back in April.

“The Crew invited me to play with them during the exhibition season,” Williams said. “I guess I played well enough for them to keep me in mind.”

Williams started 74 games for the Vikings between 2006 and 2009. As a senior last fall, he finished tied for fifth in the Horizon League in goals (6) and tied for seventh in points (14). His performance earned him first team All-Conference honors.

Williams finished his CSU career with 12 goals and eight assists for 32 points. His five game-winning goals were the most by any Viking between 2006-09.

“Josh came here not knowing if he would be able to play at the Division I level,” Kazemaini said. “He’s somebody who went from not knowing if he could play at this level to someone who will be playing professionally in just four years. We’re glad we were able to help him develop.”

Williams credited his success to the coaching he received from Kazemaini, a former professional soccer player with the Cleveland Force of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

“Coach Kaz prepared our team like he was preparing a professional team,” Williams said. “He knew how the professionals trained, and that’s how he coached us. It definitely helped ready me for playing with the Crew.”

For now, Williams is focusing on moving from being on the team to cracking the game day lineup.

“I just want to perform well enough in practice to earn some time on the field,” Williams said. “I’m going to work hard and show my coaches that I can play.”

CREW WIN CONCACAF TILT WITH THREE SECOND HALF GOALS

COLUMBUS, OH - September 14, 2010 - The Columbus Crew defeated Joe Public 3-0 Tuesday night at Crew stadium, as Columbus now distances themselves from both Joe Public and Municipal at the bottom of Group B of the CONCACAF Champions League. Leandre Griffit, Jason Garey, and Steven Lenhart all scored second half goals for the Crew.

“I think it was a good start to the second half (the play opening up),” Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha said after the match. “Before the game, we were expecting to win and tonight we took the three points.”

Sandwiched in between games between two Western Conference opponents in the MLS tilt, the Columbus made eight changes to the squad that lost 3-1 in Los Angeles the previous Saturday. The Crew possessed most of the ball in the first half, but only would come close on a couple of chances.

“Everything went to plan (in the first half),” Joe Public Head Coach Derek King commented. “The players stuck to the game plan and the second half is where it all went wrong.”

The Crew finally got their opening goal from Leandre Griffit just two minutes into the second half. As the Crew slowly mounted a counter into the attacking third, Mendoza played a well-crossed ball from right to left to Griffit.

The French midfielder settled the ball, dropped into the left hand corner of the box, turned his defender around and put a curving ball into the corner of the net. After a subpar first half, the Crew led 1-0.

“I just try to do my best when I play,” Griffit said of his second goal as a member of the Crew. “For me, it was good to score.”

Warzycha noted after the game that the plan was to have Griffit make more cuts to the net, rather than pushing outside with the ball and crossing it in.

“I think it was a really great finish by Leandre,” Jason Garey said of the first goal. “It really helped us out.” It certainly got the Crew going in the right direction early in the second half.

Just moments later, the Crew took the decisive two-goal lead as Garey notched a terrific header. Crew midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo chipped a ball from the right side corner to Garey. The striker then headed the ball from inside the six-yard box, before it got to the mouth of the goal, and put it into the corner of the net, just over the outstretched hands of Joe Public goalie Marvin Phillips.

“(Emmanuel) played a great ball,” Garey said. “I think it was at a critical time to get that goal.” The Crew led 2-0 in the 51st minute and did not look back from there.

Peruvian forward Andrés Mendoza played 60+ minutes in the Crew victory, but was subbed out for the fan favorite named Steven Lenhart. Mendoza provided energy and lots of opportunities in the Columbus attack.

Lenhart put the final touches on the game as the forward would put the Crew up 3-0. The play started with great one touches among the Crew, when rookie Dilly Duka stepped over the ball and a soft pass with the outside of his right foot sucked defenders in. That passed found a wide-open Lenhart who put a charge into the shot from 12 yards out.

The Crew now have six points in three games in Group B of the Champions League, but are three points behind Santos. They host Mexican side Santos Laguna next Tuesday with an 8:00 pm kickoff. However, the Crew host the Seattle Sounders first, as the two meet Saturday at 7:30 pm as the Crew attempt to separate themselves atop the MLS Eastern Conference.

WES BROWN SIGNS WITH CONCAVE

TORONTO, ON - September 13, 2010 - Concave Sports announced today their signing of Premier League defender Wes Brown  as a brand ambassador for their new technology football boots.   Brown, a regular for Manchester United, is already wearing Concave’s latest boot model, the PT+ Classic, following a rigorous trial period during team practices and the team’s preseason tour of the United States earlier this year.

CARSON, CA - September 11, 2010 - The Los Angeles Galaxy regained sole possession of the top spot in MLS by defeating the Eastern Conference-leading Columbus Crew, 3-1, Saturday at The Home Depot Center in a highly anticipated showdown.

The match also marked Galaxy midfielder David Beckham's 2010 debut. The Galaxy scored two first-half goals and added a third before Beckham came on for the final 20 minutes of the match. Peruvian international Andres Mendoza scored his first MLS goal late for the Crew.

Former Crew forward Edson Buddle scored his league-leading 14th goal from the top of the six-yard box to open the scoring in the 13th minute. Dema Kovalenko's first goal of the season doubled LA's lead in the 35th minute and Jovan Kirovski made it 3-0 10 minutes into the second half.

In the 70th minute, Beckham replaced Juninho to a loud ovation for his first action nearly six months after tearing his Achilles tendon. He picked up a quick yellow card for knocking down the Crew's Emmanuel Ekpo just a few minutes into his return.

THE BRADLEY DILEMMA

By J.D. Smith

Last week, U.S. Soccer elected to extend the contract of Bob Bradley. Whether that news makes you say “Four More Years!” or “Four...MORE...years???”, the thing to do here is to look for common ground. After all, no amount of internet arguing is going to un-ink the signatures on that U.S. Soccer contract. And despite what some of us may think, Bob Bradley is not the best or worst thing to happen to the U.S National team: He’s most likely not going to miraculously win a World Cup four years from now; and most likely, he’s not going to miss qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. All in all, re-hiring Bob Bradley is neither terribly exciting nor terribly surprising.

But at the end of the day, maybe the US Soccer system needs to be shocked into the next cycle. After all, heroic performances from Landon Donovan aside and Michael Bradley (and unofficially, Maurice Edu) aside, the U.S. team has some issues to address in the next four years. Chief among those duties should be shoring up a defense that seemed prone to mental lapses in the World Cup. Of course, the fact that a forward hasn’t scored in the previous 2 World Cups and counting is weighing heavily on the psyche as well. While Bob Bradley can’t just conjure up a couple of unflappable rugged defenders and a 20-goal scorer, he can certainly look to nurture some young talent. In fact, it would seem to be one of the biggest things Bradley should focus on in the next calendar year: identifying which young players can help he U.S. now, and which ones could help in four years.

But it also would seem to be imperative that Bradley and Co. win the Gold Cup next year. Sunil Gulati, the President of U.S. Soccer, said as much in the re-introductory press conference for Bob Bradley. Never mind that awful travesty that we saw last year, in which the U.S. brought second teamers to a competition that might as well have been called the “It’s not the Confederations Cup” Tournament. The loss to Mexico stung because it was, well, a loss to Mexico (and the final scores was equally ego-bruising). But the loss ultimately didn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. Mexico has regained some swagger, sure, but they were bound to at some point. If the U.S. wants to continue to establish its dominance in CONCACAF, securing our spot AGAIN in the Confederations Cup over Mexico will certainly go a long way. Obviously, U.S. Soccer fans go mental when we lose anything, so winning a trophy next year would also be a nice way to forget about Asamoah Gyan (unless, like me, you’re a Sunderland fan. Dammit).

Sadly, the problem I’m seeing is that these two goals of fostering the next generation and wining the Gold Cup at all costs are at odds with each other.

Obviously, the Gold Cup and lead up to it would be invaluable experience for the likes of Omar Gonzalez, Alejandro Bedoya, and...dare I say it...Freddy Adu. Yes, I realize that one or all of these guys may not factor into the equation in 2014, but at some point, they need to be playing in some meaningful games. And guys like Gale Agbossoumonde and Juan Aguodelo may be a year or two away, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be invited to the camps of some of these friendlies. The question is, will Bob Bradley be able to justify these roster spots when Sunil Gulati has made the 2011 Gold Cup the immediate priority?

To have the best shot in the Gold Cup, US Soccer needs it’s current stars to show up and play big. That means, of course, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard. But what does it mean for Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, and Robbie Findley? If Bradley relies on veterans who likely won’t be a part of the picture in 2014, he runs the risk of taking a very green and naive team to Brazil, not to mention stagnating the program for another cycle.

But not to worry - I believe I have a happy compromise:

Bradley and Gulati must make it clear to all involved what the purpose of the Gold Cup is next year. If the main goal is to get the US qualified for the 2013 Confederations Cup, then so be it. But they damn well better do it. OR, they could come out and say that US Soccer has one goal for the next 4 years, and that is advancing further than the 2002 national team did. In theory, it’s possible that both could happen - Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore could be banging home crosses from Stuart Holden as Freddy Adu directs traffic in front of Omar Gonzalez and Chad Marshall (or whoever, make your own squad of youngsters), but the likelihood is that one goal will sacrifice the other. Bradley’s next great task is figuring out which one of these goals will take precedence in the coming year, and how to continue the growth of U.S. Soccer into the 2014 World Cup.

And to be honest, I don’t envy him one bit.

J.D. Smith hosts a weekly podcast at www.nationalsoccerradio.com. The podcast is also available on iTunes. You can follow his musings on twitter @natsoccerradio.

CREW MOVES INTO TIE FOR SUPPORTERS' SHIELD LEAD WITH 1-0 WIN AT D.C. UNITED SATURDAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 4, 2010 - Playing in its fifth match in two weeks, the Columbus Crew made a first-half goal from Guillermo Barros Schelotto hold up for a 1-0 victory over D.C. United at RFK Stadium on Saturday night to remain atop the Eastern Conference standings and move into a tie with the LA Galaxy in the Supporters' Shield race. Columbus took the lead on a first-half mistake by D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid, and made the most of that break with a composed, confident performance.

One goal was all the Crew would need for its second win in Washington in four days. The Black & Gold secured passage to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final on Wednesday, and on Saturday maintained their push toward a third straight Supporters' Shield.

Under pressure from Schelotto, the 19-year-old Hamid muffed a back pass, then whiffed on a half-volleyed clearance. The Crew's Argentine maestro seized the loose ball and side-footed his shot into the net. Columbus did not allow the home team a single shot on goal in the game, meaning that keeper William Hesmer did not have to make a save to secure his 10th shutout of the season.

The Galaxy played the Chicago Fire to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, allowing the Crew to draw level with them on 44 points, heading into next Saturday's marquee matchup between the two teams at The Home Depot Center. The Crew extended its lead in the East to seven points over New York, which lost at Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

New signing Andres Mendoza made his MLS debut in the 89th minute, entering the match as a substitute for Schelotto. Mendoza's arrival came in the nick of time as Columbus is still without Robbie Rogers (knee), Emmanuel Ekpo (groin), and Adam Moffat (yellow card accumulation).

RUDE AWAKENING: UNITED'S DREAM RUN DASHED

WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 1, 2010 - It was too good to be true. D.C. United’s disastrous, dark season had been clinging onto a single ray of light in form of the U.S. Open Cup before Wednesday night’s semifinal matchup with the Columbus Crew.

And when striker Pablo Hernandez powered a 1st half penalty kick to give United a 1-0 advantage, supporters could have been forgiven for dreaming of two USOC finals two years running.

But when it was all said and done, perhaps it was fitting that, in a season where everything that can go wrong has, they were completely abandoned by Lady Luck, once and for all. United’s 2-1 loss to Columbus included a phantom red card that put the team in a shell for the final half an hour after holding a comfortable lead, an at-the-death equalizer and two gilt-edge opportunities thereafter blown.

You name it, United suffered it.

“It was everything, obviously,” United midfielder Santino Quaranta said of the Open Cup defeat. “It's gut wrenching… there’s not too many words I have to describe it.”

Other members of United were similarly at a loss for words, too. Head Coach Ben Olsen sported glassy if not teary eyes and was nearly inaudible at his press conference; defender Julius James took questions quietly. When James was done answering questions, however, he asked reporters if he could share a statement of his own.

“I just want to say one thing… this is a really tough time for us and especially for [the fans],” James said. “The most important thing is we satisfy the fans and we haven’t being doing that this year, and I just want to sincerely thank the diehard guys for coming and supporting us.”

It didn’t have to be so doom and gloom, though.

United were maintaining a comfortable lead against a seemingly disinterested Crew when the game’s turning point came in the 59th minute. United’s goalscorer, Pablo Hernandez— an expensive Argentinean exploit still looking to find his feet in the American game— got tangled up in a tackle with Crew defender Danny O’Rourke and, in the midst of falling to the ground, flailed out slightly.

Though only minimum contact with O’Rourke was made, the Crew defender stood over Hernandez’ face and berated him before referee Chris Penso consulted with his fourth official and then awarding the Argentinean a red card.

United remained in a 4-4-1— with Honduran sensation Andy Najar moved up top— and coped admirably with 10 men for most of the second half. But as the game wore in, United slipped more and more into a defensive shell, and eventually were made to pay for their change in style of play when Crew substitute forward Dilly Duka danced around the box before dishing a pass to defender Andy Iro, who hammered the ball into the back of the net.

Literally seconds later, right from the kickoff, Najar was put in 1v1 on net, but Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenenbaum charged out and Najar nipped it wide.

Seven minutes into overtime, United yielded a penalty that Guiellermo Barros Schelotto dispatched to put the Crew up. Seven minutes after that, United defender Dejan Jakovic summed up United’s entire season with a jaw dropping miss: A shank of a shot from three yards out, off a cross on the ground, with a wide open net at the taking.

After the game, United players, staff and even team president Kevin Payne stood around in the locker room watching the replay of the red card repeatedly, in seeming disbelief that their last run at redeeming had ran out.

Indeed, it was as if the team couldn’t let go of a daring dream in the midst of a nightmare season.

“I’m not going to lie: [the Open Cup] was a big part of the rest of the season,” Olsen said. “We had it. You know. We just can’t reward ourselves, it’s very frustrating."

BATTERY CLAIMS USL-2 CHAMPIONSHIP AS SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE

CHARLESTON, SC - August 28, 2010 - The Charleston Battery claimed the 2010 USL Second Division Championship with a 2-1 victory over the always competitive Richmond Kickers. A crowd heavy with Battery supporters saw their regular season champions take a two goal lead thanks to the play of Lamar Neagle and Ian Fuller. An Edson Elcock goal in the 73rd minute gave the Kickers hope, but the 2009 champions just couldn't find the equalizer to push the match into overtime.

Former Cleveland City Stars defender Alioune Gueye spent 90+ minutes in the Charleston midfield, helping to slow down the Richmond attack. Prolific scorer Matthew Delicâte was kept under control, leaving the match without a goal or an assist for the Kickers.

Fuller would be the hero of the night as he cleared a Delicâte volley off the line with just seconds remaining in stoppage time. The potential goal would have sent the game into extra time, 30 minutes to be exact. Scoring a goal and making a critical defensive stop were major accomplishments for the Battery midfielder. Tim Melia proved to be an asset in goal, making eight saves and commanding the Battery backline.

With the season now over, players from USL-2 scramble to continue playing during the American outdoor season. Harrisburg City goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski has been invited to train with the Philadelphia Union, potentially serving as their third MLS goalkeeper. Chencinski's Harrisburg teammate, defender/midfielder Sheanon Williams, has also joined the Union after signing a pro contract with the MLS club. The U.S. youth national team product played in both the U-17 World Cup in Korea and the U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND, BUT NO GOALS

COLUMBUS, OH - August 28, 2010 - The stellar performances of Brek Shea and Emilio Renteria were the talk of Saturday's matchup between FC Dallas (9-2-10) and the Columbus Crew (12-5-5), even though the result was a 0-0 draw. Both players displayed playmaking abilities, good speed, and solid technique. Danny O'Rourke of the Crew and Zach Loyd of FC Dallas were given the arduous task of marking and containing Shea and Renteria, respectively.

The Crew's first opportunity came in the 10th minute as FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman mishandled the ball off a potential save. The ball fell to the Crew's Chad Marshall for what looked to be a sure goal. Quick thinking by midfielder Atiba Harris saved the day for Dallas as the St. Kitts native scrambled to get the block.

FC Dallas threatened just six minutes later as Shea made a run and laid down a bullet of a shot, but it was wide left. Harris would take a shot of his own in the 24th, but it was also off target. Shea would challenge the Crew defense again in the 35th minute, but he would come up empty after his shot went just left of the goal.

Renteria would set up one of the best opportunities of the match four minutes later, delivering a beautiful cross near Jason Garey, who wasn't able to convert it into a goal. Renteria would take his own shot in the 40th from outside the area, but suffered a hard foul from Loyd.

Seconds later, a Guillermo Barros Schelotto free kick looked to be another good chance, but the shot deflected off the Dallas wall. A quick breakaway for FC Dallas would follow with Shea getting yet another chance at goal, but nothing would come of it. A physical first half would end in a 0-0 score, but there was promise for a more interesting second half.

"Once again for some reason we played a little better in the second half," Crew striker Jason Garey continued. "We got to try to figure out how we can do that in the first half. I thought we definitely were better in the second half, trying to create some more chances."

The first big moment of the second half came off a beautiful Shea cross, which landed at the feet of David Ferreira. The striker's shot was high, but a good opportunity nevertheless. Renteria would then get the ball after a Schelotto free kick, but his kick was also high.

Renteria would be manhandled yet again in the 60th, resulting in a Crew free kick just outside the area. Iro would connect with the cross, but couldn't convert it into a Columbus goal. Hyndman hoped for a spark in the 61st and 62nd, sending in veteran striker Jeff Cunningham and young midfielder Eric Avila.

The 68th minute provided the Crew with another opportunity and another brilliant play by the Dallas defense. A solid shot by Schelotto would be blocked by Loyd, ending the Crew advance.

Ten minutes later yellow cards would be handed out to captains Schelotto and Daniel Hernandez. Dallas would go on to use their final sub in the 72nd minute with Jackson Goncalves entering the match. Steven Lenhart would find his way onto the field in the 82nd, taking over for a battered and beaten Renteria.

"Probably the guy who caused us the most trouble today was Renteria," FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman commented in the post-game press conference. "He was just a handful. Physical and caused us to be back on our heels a lot. That was one player we were not ready for."

The scary thought is that Renteria has only been with the Crew for roughly a year. "I think he has room for improvement. I think he is going to be a better player," Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha explained. "He got called for the (Venezuelan) national team and that is an indication that he is getting better on the field."

Schelotto himself would come out in the 90th, making the way for Kevin Burns in a tactical move by Warzycha. Burns was asked to fortify the Crew defense for the final minutes of stoppage time, keeping the match scoreless. The game would end with little drama in a 0-0 draw.

The Crew now hit the road for two games against D.C. United on September 1st and 4th, while Dallas heads home for a match against Toronto FC on September 4th.

Columbus Crew Starting XI- GK William Hesmer, DEF Danny O'Rourke, DEF Andy Iro, DEF Chad Marshall, DEF Shaun Francis, MID Eddie Gaven, MID Brian Carroll, MID Adam Moffat, MID Emilio Renteria, FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto (C), FWD Jason Garey

FC Dallas Starting XI- GK Kevin Hartman, DEF Heath Pearce, DEF George John, DEF Zach Loyd, DEF Jair Benitez, MID Atiba Harris, MID Eric Alexander, MID Daniel Hernandez (C), MID Brek Shea, FWD David Ferreira, FWD Milton Rodriguez

Columbus Crew Bench- GK Andy Gruenebaum, DEF Eric Brunner, DEF Kevin Burns, MID Dilly Duka, MID Leandre Griffit, MID Duncan Oughton, FWD Steven Lenhart

FC Dallas Bench-GK Dario Sala, DEF Edson Edward, DEF Jackson Goncalves, MID Eric Avila, MID Martin Chavez, MID Bruno Guarda, FWD Jeff Cunningham

Facebook Match Photos

Coppermine Match Photos

CREW GAIN RESPECT IN CONTROVERSIAL LOSS TO SANTOS

TORREON, MEXICO - August 24, 2010 - Santos Laguna used a second-half stoppage-time goal from Ivan Estrada to claim a controversial 1-0 victory over the Crew Tuesday at Estadio Corona in CONCACAF Champions League action. Santos Laguna now has six points from two games in Group B, while the Crew, which was less than a minute from bringing home a point from Mexico for the first time, has three.

The Crew had an apparent Andy Iro goal, off an Emilio Renteria cross, disallowed in the 22nd minute. Renteria was forced to the sidelines after a clash left him bleeding from the head. After being bandaged, he was waved back onto the field by referee Luis Rodriguez prior to a Duncan Oughton free kick in the mid-third, at which point he immediately played a key role in the scoring play. However, Rodriguez subsequently nullified the goal because the jersey Renteria changed into (from his bloodied one) did not have a number on it, despite the fact that the fourth official seemingly approved his reentry.

For the second straight Champions League match, goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum was stellar between the posts for the Crew, making seven saves on Tuesday, but he appeared to be screened on Estrada's last-gasp, one-timed left-footed side volley and could not keep it out of the net.

It was a gutty performance by a Crew team that did not feature regular starters Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Chad Marshall, Frankie Hejduk, Danny O'Rourke, Adam Moffat and William Hesmer, while midfield regulars Eddie Gaven and Emmanuel Ekpo came on as second-half substitutes.

AZTEX COME FROM BEHIND TO GAIN THREE POINTS

AUSTIN, TX - August 22, 2010 - The Austin Aztex defeated the Carolina RailHawks last night in front of a 4,000 plus crowd. After trailing by one in the first twenty minutes, the Aztex eventually fought back to achieve a victory of 3-2. Fresh off their goalless defeat last weekend against Puerto Rico, Eddie Johnson, Yohance Marshall and Randi Patterson all netted one for the Aztex.

Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath praised his team’s performance and the determination they displayed: “Not only were the goals great, but so was the reaction of the players. I really thought this was one of our best performances tonight.”

Although the Aztex dominated possession, Carolina opened the scoring in the 18th minute after Josh Gardner found Daniel Paldini inside the box.

Fifteen minutes later, Lance Watson made a critical tackle, dispossessing a RailHawk player. Watson crossed to Johnson who drove the ball low into the left corner to even the score at 1-1.

“After the loss in Puerto Rico, we knew that we couldn’t take things for granted even though we have been doing so well,” said Johnson. “We proved again tonight that we have the ability to beat everybody in this league.”

In the second half the game opened up even more with Yordany Alvarez assisting Yohance Marshall in the 66th minute.

Substitute and recent newcomer Randi Patterson put pressure on the Carolina defense within minutes of entering the field. After outrunning the defense to pick up a ball played over the top, Patterson was one-on-one with the goalkeeper his touch played right into the keeper’s arms.

However, Patterson would eventually increase the Aztex lead by two goals, marking his first-ever Aztex goal.

The RailHawks attempted their own comeback in minute 83 when Allan Russell scored after congestion inside the penalty box. Russell capitalized on a deflection after Aztex goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo failed to get a firm hand on a previous shot.

Next up, the Aztex have a tough schedule by traveling to Portland on Thursday, who currently sit in second place behind the Aztex. Austin will then take on the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are in first place in the NASL Conference, on Sunday.

However, Heath does not seem worried about the upcoming schedule with a playoff berth inevitable.

“We’re mathematically ok, but what we want to do now is win the league. We have two very big games coming up, but I feel the win tonight was very important for the belief in our players.”

RAIN, RAIN, RAPIDS GO AWAY WITH A LOSS

COLUMBUS, OH - August 21, 2010 - Thanks to goals from three different players, the Columbus Crew (12-5-4) turned a short rest into a 3-1 victory over the visiting Colorado Rapids (7-5-8).

Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha went with a similar lineup despite mounting injuries and a very crowded schedule. Midfielder Robbie Rogers (knee cyst) and defender Gino Padula (knee inflammation) remained out with injuries, while Brian Carroll returned from illness to find a spot on the substitute bench.

Eddie Gaven gave the Crew their first opportunity of the night in just the sixth minute after he was taken down in the box by an overaggresive Matt Pickens. The PK would go to the one and only Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who beat Pickens to deliver a 1-0 lead for the Crew. Schelotto has been the "Iron Man" of the Crew this season, leading all field players in minutes played.

The Crew attack would then go quiet for almost 25 minutes with Columbus focused on repelling the advance of the Rapids. The defense for Columbus held strong despite several chances produced by Colorado. Crew Stadium would fall silent in the 46th as veteran Pablo Mastroeni brought the score even just before the half. Emmanuel Ekpo lost track of Mastroeni, while Andy Iro was caught out of position on the Rapids' goal. Colorado's captain worked in combination with Mehdi Ballouchy to get the goal for the Rapids. There seemed to be a shift in momentum towards the visiting team at the half, but the real answer would come in the final 45 minutes.

"When we came in at 1 each at halftime I was very, very pleased," Rapids Head Coach Gary Smith commented in the post-game press conference. "The guys felt that they could go on to win the game. At that point there was no reason to suggest that we couldn't."

However, the second half became an entirely different story, one dedicated to the Crew attack. A Crew squad that had fallen asleep for nearly half an hour suddenly came to life. Jason Garey, who has now put together a string of solid performances, pushed the Crew up 2-1 in the 53rd, thanks to a solid opportunistic effort. Garey would threaten again in the 61st, but slipped on the wet turf trying to reach a precise pass from Eddie Gaven.

The heavy rain seemed to rejuvenate the Crew attack as several breakaways resulted in even more opportunities for Columbus. Garey had a sure goal disallowed minutes later as the Rapids struggled to keep pace. It looked to be a legitimate offsides call even though several Crew players disputed the decision.

"I think Jason Garey did a good job today," Coach Warzycha suggested. "He was very busy, obviously that was a good finish on the second goal."

Both coaches would make some tactical substitutions with the Rapids opting for Jamie Smith, Claudio Lopez, and Quincy Amarikwa. The Crew called on both Carroll and Steven Lenhart.

Warzycha's decision to bring Lenhart off the bench provided immediate dividends as the Crew scored their final goal in the 80th minute. A Schelotto corner kick connected with Chad Marshall, who deflected it to Lenhart for the finish. The 3-1 lead for the Crew gave the Rapids a lot to think about, but not much time to act. The match would end with no change in score, even though the visitors put forth a great effort to get back into the game.

When asked about his lineup choices and the rationale behind them, Warzycha stated, "We are not putting the players on the field to fail. We put them on to succeed."

"Whether they are coming off the bench or starting the game, they are doing what they are supposed to do: they play hard and they play for the team," Warzycha continued.

Without a short turnaround, the Crew's focus changes back to CONCACAF Champions League play as they face Santos Laguna on Tuesday evening.

A potentially hostile environment awaits the Crew on their trip to Estadio Nuevo Corona in Mexico. Veteran midfielder Duncan Oughton admits he has seen a little bit of everything. "You kinda know what you are going to get. They usually throw different stuff at you. We'll see what they come up with this time."

Columbus Crew Starting XI- GK William Hesmer, DEF Frankie Hejduk (C), DEF Chad Marshall, DEF Andy Iro, DEF Shaun Francis, MID Eddie Gaven, MID Adam Moffat, MID Danny O'Rourke, MID Emmanuel Ekpo, FWD Jason Garey FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto

Colorado Rapids Starting XI- GK Matt Pickens, DEF Marvell Wynne, DEF Julian Baudet, DEF Scott Palguta, DEF Drew Moor, MID Wells Thompson, MID Pablo Mastroeni (C), MID Jeff Larentowicz, MID Mehdi Ballouchy, FWD Omar Cummings, FWD Conor Casey

Columbus Crew Bench- GK Andy Gruenebaum, DEF Eric Brunner, MID Brian Carroll, MID Leandre Griffit, MID Duncan Oughton, FWD Steven Lenhart, FWD Emilio Renteria

Colorado Rapids Bench- GK Chris Sharpe, DEF Danny Earls, DEF Kosuke Kimura, MID Ross LaBauex, MID Jamie Smith, FWD Quincy Amarikwa, FWD Claudio Lopez

Facebook Match Photos

KICKERS EARN CHAMPIONSHIP BERTH

Ohio Vortex star Louis Rolko gets 90 minutes in loss to Richmond

RICHMOND, VA - August 21, 2010 - The Richmond Kickers earned their sixth Championship appearance in the past nine seasons with a decisive 2-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the USL Second Division Semifinals Saturday night.  Forward Matthew Delicâte contributed a goal and an assist to send the Kickers to the final round, which will be held in Charleston, S.C. next Saturday, August 28th.  The Kickers will face the regular season champions Charleston Battery at 6:00 p.m., LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel.

Both the Kickers and the Riverhounds entered tonight’s high-stakes match with one result in sight, as each team tested their opponent’s defense in the early going. 

First, in the 17th minute, Delicâte connected on a bouncing pass from Foglesong inside the box but his half volley was deflected by a Pittsburgh defender. 

Six minutes later, Riverhounds forward Jeremy Deighton played a high cross from the right side, finding Matt Tuttle on the far post, but the resultant left-footed strike sailed wide.

Things took a more serious turn in the 31st minute when Kickers midfielder Mike Burke lofted a cross into the box from the left wing.  The ball found Gerson dos Santos in the air, who made a leaping effort to out-jump his opponent and nodded the ball against the running direction of the ‘keeper, only to be denied by the post.

Looking to capitalize on the momentum and building confidence, Kickers midfielder Luke Vercollone fed a through ball to an onrushing Burke, streaking down the left flank.  Approaching the box, he delayed the play and laid the ball off to a wide-open Delicâte at the penalty spot.  With one touch, Delicâte launched a strike on goal but a well positioned Hunter Gilstrap was able to keep the Kickers' leading scorer off the scoresheet.

Delicâte proved to become a familiar foe for Gilstrap, getting the better of the Riverhounds goalkeeper less than one minute later.  This time, defender Dave Hertel worked the ball down the right sideline and served a cross to the lurking forward.  Winning the ball in the air, he redirected it from the six yard line and then watched as the ball rebounded off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the goal line behind the helpless goalkeeper.

Determined to make life difficult for Gilstrap all night, Delicâte was back in action in the 39th minute.  Forward Edson Elcock broke free on the left side and crossed the ball to the Kickers resident hit man but Gilstrap was ready this time and blocked his 10-yard missile.

Relentless on the Pittsburgh goal as the final minute of the half ticked on, the Kickers nearly collected another tally before the break.  Shaking his defender, Sascha Görres played a pinpoint pass to dos Santos inside the six-yard box.  Face-to-face with Gilstrap, dos Santos redirected the ball from point blank range but his effort deflected off the big goalkeeper’s chest. 

The second half began no differently than the first, with a battle in Pittsburgh territory ensuring out of the gates.  Within the first five minutes, a streaking Burke carried the ball along the left wing, eluding his defender and launching a rocket over the crossbar

The home side solidified their lead in the 50th minute when Delicâte received a long ball from Görres at the far post.  Playing it back across the box, he fed the ball to a trailing Foglesong, who buried a right footed volley into the back of the net.

Looking to pull a goal back in the 75th minute, the Riverhounds found a second wind when forward Chad Severs beat his mark and unleashed a low left-footed strike inside the 18-yard box that deflected inches over the target.

Without giving up hope, the Riverhounds saw their best chance of the night fall just short in the 90th minute.  Midfielder Travis MacKenzie struck from distance, only to have his attempt ricochet back into the mix and fall to the foot of Deighton 12 yards out.  Anticipating the second strike, Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale kept his composure and deflected Deighton’s effort over the end line to preserve the clean sheet.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS HERE

COLUMBUS, OH - August 18, 2010 - The Columbus Crew are becoming quite good at balancing a tight schedule as the club is a serious contender for four pieces of hardware: the U.S. Open Cup, the Supporters' Shield, the CONCACAF Champions League, and of course the MLS Cup. Wednesday night started their journey into the Champions League competition as the Crew defeated Municipal, champions of the Guatemalan First Division, 1-0 at Crew Stadium.

Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha fielded a competitive squad that included regular starters and the likes of "super sub" Jason Garey, speedy Emmanuel Ekpo, and keeper Andy Gruenebaum, who is regarded as one of the best backup goalkeepers in the league. It was an opportunity to give players some minutes, provide rest for ailing starters, and still be a force to be reckoned with.

Ekpo would start the game with a flourish, threatening the Municipal keeper 5 minutes in with a bit of flashy play. He would be denied the goal, but that wouldn't be the case in the 14th as he put the Crew up 1-0 with spectacular individual play. Assisted by captain Frankie Hejduk, Ekpo was able to put together a collection of moves, going out and around the Municipal defenders to score the first goal of the match.

Municipal keeper Jaime Penedo would continue to be under pressure by the Crew attack. Jason Garey made quite a run in the 17th minute, but was taken down in the box without a call. Penedo would respond with an assortment of saves in the 18th, 30th, and 32nd minutes as the hometown Crew pushed forward early and often. Halftime would come with little fanfare as the Crew held their 1-0 lead. The legendary Guatemalan club still found themselves in the game thanks to an MVP-type performance by their keeper, who had four saves in the first half. Municipal could have faced a much deeper deficit going into the second half without Penedo's solid play in goal.

Municipal would make two substitutes at the half, hoping to change the momentum of the match. Gruenebaum would be forced to make a quick save just a few minutes in as the Reds started the attack. Garey and Schelotto would link up for a nice run in the 50th minute, but the play was broken up before a legitimate scoring opportunity could be had.

The pressure on Municipal continued in the 59th as Penedo got a hand on a shot, which resulted in a Schelotto corner kick. Hejduk would take a shot of his own moments later, but it landed squarely in the hands of the keeper.

The legendary Guillermo Barros Schelotto would have quite an opportunity in the 61st minute, receiving a perfect pass with space to work. Schelotto took the uncontested shot with considerable power, but it drifted up and over the bar. Chad Marshall would follow up with a narrow miss off a header during some seriously physical play in the box.

The Crew would continue their aggressive push forward in the 70th as Eddie Gaven's shot went just wide of the goal. The always dangerous Emilio Renteria would enter the match in place of Adam Moffat in the 70th. Columbus would continue to commit lots of players forward in the attack, creating lots of opportunities.

Gaven would make another run at the goal in the 77th, but got tangled up with the Los Rojos keeper. The Crew's dominance continued even though the scoreboard showed just a 1-0 lead for the Crew.

Ekpo took a hard challenge in the 82nd, but it did not warrant a call from referee Roberto Garcia. He would be subbed off for Leandre Griffit a moment later. A heated conversation between Renteria and Garcia would result in a yellow card in the 86th, but the very physical play continued.

The Crew closed out the final minutes of the game with little suspense and no change in the score. Clearly it was a good start to the competition for the Crew.

"I thought we created a pretty good amount of chances," Crew striker Jason Garey commented. "It could have been 2, 3, 4 for us. That is something we are going to work on, but we are just happy with three points."

The Crew return to MLS action this Saturday against the Colorado Rapids as they continue to maneuver through a crowded schedule. Columbus will then transition back to CCL play on August 24th as they head to Mexico to face Santos Laguna.

The sheer number of games in a short period of time is demanding for players, but definitely doable for the experienced Crew squad. "We can keep our own style, that's the way we like to play," Crew midfielder Adam Moffat stated. "If it's a battling game, we can battle. If it's a passing game, we can pass. We are quite versatile that way."

Columbus Crew Starting XI- GK Andy Gruenebaum, DEF Frankie Hejduk (C), DEF Andy Iro, DEF Chad Marshall, DEF Shaun Francis, MID Eddie Gaven, MID Adam Moffat, MID Danny O'Rourke, MID Emmanuel Ekpo, FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto, FWD Jason Garey

Municipal Starting XI- GK Jaime Penedo, DEF Jaime Vides, DEF Pablo Melgar, DEF Yony Flores, DEF Pablo Soloranzo, MID Gustavo Cabrera, MID Cristian Noriega, MID Sergio Guevara, MID Gonzalo Romero (C), MID Guillermo Ramirez, FWD Mario Rodriguez

Facebook Match Photos

Coppermine Match Photos

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SET TO FACE POLAND ON OCT. 9 AT CHICAGO’S SOLDIER FIELD 

CHICAGO, IL - Aug. 18, 2010 - The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Poland on Oct. 9 in Chicago, the home of the U.S. Soccer Federation.  Kickoff at Soldier Field is set for 7 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and the Univision networks.  Fans can also follow along on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and twitter.com/ussoccer.

Ticket information for the match will be available in the near future.

"These fixture dates are a fantastic opportunity to have the group together for an extended period and then put the work to the test with a difficult match,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley.  “We know this is an important opportunity for Poland as they prepare for the 2012 European Championship, so we expect a challenging game.  Chicago has a fantastic tradition of supporting soccer and the U.S. national team, and with the large Polish community in the area it should make for an exciting atmosphere.”

Against Poland, the United States has an all-time record of 7-7-2 in a series dating back to 1924.  The teams have met seven times previously on U.S. soil, Poland holding a 4-2-1 advantage. Their most recent encounter in the United States came July 11, 2004, when Carlos Bocanegra equalized in the 88th minute to lift the U.S. to a 1-1 draw in front of nearly 40,000 fans at Soldier Field. The teams last met on March 26, 2008 in Krakow, where goals from Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu and Eddie Lewis paced the U.S. to a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Poland will co-host the 2012 European Championship along with Ukraine.  Having qualified for the FIFA World Cup seven times, the Poles twice finished in third place in that tournament, in 1974 and 1982. 

After an 11-year absence from Chicago, the U.S. will now be playing its sixth match at Soldier Field since 2004. Having hosted the semifinal and the sold-out final of the 2007 Gold Cup in which 60,000 fans saw the United States defeat Mexico 2-1 to secure its second-consecutive Gold Cup title, the Windy City also welcomed nearly 48,000 fans in 2005 when the U.S. suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of England. The U.S. has a 3-3-2 record in Chicago since 1992, which includes a win against No. 8-ranked Portugal and a draw with four-time World Cup Champion Italy.

CREW FALLS TO REAL SALT LAKE 2-0 SATURDAY AT RIO TINTO STADIUM

SANDY, UT - August 14, 2010 - Javier Morales scored both goals as Real Salt Lake defeated the Eastern Conference-leading Columbus Crew, 2-0, Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium in a match between the past two MLS champions.

RSL struck just 11 minutes in as Fabian Espindola found fellow Argentine Morales with space to work on a short corner kick. Morales appeared to move in to float a cross to his fellow attackers, but instead he blasted the ball off the far post and in. The Crew nearly scored late in the first half when Steven Lenhart received a cross into the box and managed to get a head on the ball that forced RSL keeper Nick Rimando into a fine diving save at the far post.

Columbus came out with much more attacking fight in the second half, creating a couple of good chances early on. In the 54th minute, Adam Moffat challenged Rimando with a left-footed strike that forced the RSL keeper to once again come up with an acrobatic diving save. However, Morales capitalized on a free kick from just outside the area in the 59th minute, drilling a low shot that went through the wall and bounded past Hesmer to give RSL a 2-0 advantage.

Columbus was left playing catch-up and kept pressing hard. Its best chance of the night came in the 87th minute off a chip by substitute forward Leandre Griffit, who caught Rimando off his line. But the RSL 'keeper made a last minute leap that preserved the clean sheet.

RICHMOND DRAWS IN FINAL FIGHT

RICHMOND, VA - August 14, 2010 - The Richmond Kickers were back in action Saturday night at UR Stadium to host the Real Maryland Monarchs in the regular season finale. The match marked the fourth meeting between the two clubs. The first three were played across two weeks to open the season; two ended in Richmond’s favor, the other in a draw—and the fourth meeting would end just the same as the clubs placed the final stamp on the series this summer in a 1-1 draw.

The third annual “FAMILY FEST” rang in with a breezy 80-degrees and fans were in great attendance. The festivities began at 4 PM and consisted of games, inflatable attractions, food, and music; Kicker fans attended the game for just $10 per family if arriving before 6 PM. Fans swarmed City Stadium and continued to show their enthusiasm for the finale well in to the start of the match.

A sluggish start began the match. Richmond’s attempt in the 38th minute almost secured a goal; however, the goal post stood in the way of a rebound shot in to the goal. Further saves by Monarch goalkeeper Brian Visser concluded the first half 0-0.  

The scoreboard saw its first change in the second half’s second minute of play when Monarch midfielder Alan Sanchez took a shot just inside the box, placing the ball in the top center of the net. With Real Maryland leading 1-0, Richmond quickened the pace of their game taking shots on goal with each possession. Visser remained on his feet saving shots from Kicker forwards.

Kickers fans released sighs after each attempt on goal. In the 65th minute, another attempt was offset when the ball bounced off the crossbar; Richmond continued in search of vengeance. In the following minutes, several shots sailed over the goal.

After taking several shots on goal, Kicker midfielder Jonathan Villanueva was successful in the 73rd minute. He was wide open and took a left-footed shot about 25-30 yards outside the goal, tying up the game 1-1.

And that’s all it took for Richmond to gain momentum and Real Maryland to tally-up yellow cards.

In the 75th minute, Kicker midfielder Neil Barlow ran down right field toward the goal as a Monarch defender came from behind with a trip. Richmond took a penalty kick of which would have given Richmond the lead; however, Monarch goalkeeper Visser prevented Richmond from doing so with a save by his right foot, sending the ball up and out of bounds.

The second-half action certainly didn’t disappoint fans, most of who by this time were no longer sitting down in City Stadium. And as if the fans weren’t already biting their nails, referees added four minutes of stoppage time to regulation.

Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale made his save of the night just moments before the end of stoppage time. His save ended the match in a 1-1 draw.

Richmond now holds a 5-1-2 series against Real Maryland. While the Monarchs seasons came to close after Saturday’s match, Richmond will move forward to the USL-2 division playoffs. In the July 31 match, Richmond guaranteed either a first or second place league finish by edging the Harrisburg Islanders 1-0.

Richmond (9-5-6) entered the Aug. 14 match against the Monarchs just three points behind USL-2 leader Charleston Battery. The Battery won their Aug. 14 match against the Charlotte Eagles 3-0, awarding themselves with an additional three points and the USL-2 regular season title. The win secured the Battery’s No.1 seed in the USL-2 Championship game which is to be played Aug. 28.

The Kickers will return to UR Stadium to host the third-place Pittsburg Riverhounds on Aug. 21. The winner of the 7 PM semifinal match will continue on to meet Charleston at the championship. Tickets for the Aug. 21 match can be purchased online via RichmondKickers.com.

AZTEX DEFEAT ROWDIES IN TENSE MATCH

AUSTIN, TX - August 12, 2010 - The Austin Aztex defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies 4-2 in a thrilling match last night with all 6 goals coming from the action-packed first half. The match was riddled with many controversial calls from referee Niko Bratsis as a questionable goal by Jay Needham and a red card to Long Tan was given.

“There were some big decisions tonight that [Tampa Bay] will probably feel went against them. But I always thought we were going to score more than them tonight,” said Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath.

In the last two meetings between the teams the Aztex gave away late goals to be held to a draw against Tampa Bay.

The Aztex were eager not to repeat history as the first goal came from the second shot of the game. Aztex defender Jay Needham finished with his head from a corner kick by Jamie Watson in the 14th minute.

After the first goal, the game truly opened up with Lance Watson running onto a cross from Maxwell Griffin to tap in the ball right on the goal line.

Seconds later Tampa Bay retaliated by referee Bratsis awarding a penalty kick for a foul by Aztex defender Kevin Sakuda on forward Aaron King.  Ricardo Sanchez stepped up to take the kick and sent Aztex goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo the wrong way as the score became 2-1.

Sanchez again punished the Aztex as he was able to split the defense with a through pass to Tan who brilliantly timed his run to beat the offside’s trap. Tan was one on one with Gallardo and tied the score up in the 24th minute.

Ten minutes later Jay Needham scored his second goal of the night with once again an assist from Watson’s cross. However, the goal is highly debated as Rowdie goalkeeper Darryl Sattler insists the ball never crossed the goal line: “There are maybe 10 players around the ball and no one saw the ball cross the line. The linesman calls it a goal as the ball is already cleared out and 30 yards away. We were right in front of it. I disagree with him, but that’s just part of the game.”

The decision by the referee would continue to go against Tampa Bay as they were reduced to 10 men with Tan receiving a red card in minute 38. Tan was dismissed for fouling Tyler Hemming for throwing his elbows out when jumping in the air to receive a ball.

“I thought the sending off was harsh. Everyone uses their arm to give them leverage when jumping in the air. We have known [Tan] for a long time and he is not malicious,” said Heath.

In the final minutes of the first half, Maxwell Griffin dribbled into the penalty box and shot to the corner of the goal, giving the game its final goal with a score of 4-2.

Despite the win, Heath voiced his concern over the performance of his players: “I felt we were very careless tonight. We were careless in our passing, in our decision making. I felt some of our play was good, some was lackluster, and some was careless,” said Heath.

The play involving new signing Randi Patterson was positive as he pressured and attacked the goal when he came on as a substitute in the second half. His performance was reflected in Heath’s glowing reviews: “He is just the type of player we are looking for.”

“I’m glad to be here,” said Patterson after the game. “I am also extremely happy we were able to get a win tonight.”

The Aztex will next venture overseas for their next match in Puerto Rico against the Islanders on August 14th.

USA FALLS TO BRAZIL 2-0 AT THE NEW MEADOWLANDS STADIUM

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - August 10, 2010 - The U.S. Men’s National Team fell 2-0 to Brazil in the first match for both teams since the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The match was played in front of a crowd of 77,223 on a balmy night at the New Meadowlands Stadium. 

U.S. head coach Bob Bradley started nine players who were members of the 2010 World Cup Team, including team captain Carlos Bocanegra, goalkeeper Tim Howard, midfielder Michael Bradley and forward Landon Donovan. The two players getting starts who were not in South Africa were Omar Gonzalez, who earned his first full national team cap in the center of the defense, and Alejandro Bedoya, who earned his fourth cap after getting the nod at right midfield. 

"Early on, the ball was moving quickly and we had good energy,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “The fact that we were not able to sustain that is certainly more of an indication of where the players are at this point in the year in terms of pre-seasons. 

“We were able to reestablish ourselves in the second half but I would still say it shows that defending against the best teams in World Cup or teams like Brazil is just something we need to work on. To be able to play in these kinds of games where you can be dangerous with the ball, move it quickly, create chances and still defend, that's what we're always shooting for."

Brazil, playing its first game under new head coach Mano Menezes, brought a young team to the friendly, but did start all four players on its roster who represented Brazil in South Africa: defenders Thiago Silva and Dani Alves and midfielders Robinho and Ramires. 

The U.S. had the first good chance of the game which came in the third minute as Edson Buddle did well to evade a defender and played a short penetrating pass to Landon Donovan who was cutting into the penalty box. Donovan deftly touched the ball past David Luiz and then rode the tackle of Thiago Silva, but the U.S. forward did not go down in the box and the ball was toe-poked away for a corner kick. 

Brazil utilized its outside backs well to control the pace of the game in the first half and opened the scoring in the 28th minute off a cross from left back Andre Santos. Neymar created a bit of space to free himself from U.S. defender Jonathan Bornstein and headed the ball into the lower left corner from 10 yards out. 

Brazil scored its second goal in stoppage time of the first half as a nice build-up through the center of the midfield led to Ramires playing a ball behind the U.S. defense to Pato. The AC Milan striker had plenty of time and space to evade Howard with a dribble to the right before rolling the ball into the open net. 

Earlier in the half, Brazil also appeared to score in the 32nd minute, but Pato ran over Howard as he bundled the ball into the goal and the tally was quickly waved off for a foul. 

The USA threatened twice more in the first half as Brazilian goalkeeper Victor had to punch away a free kick service from Donovan and Bocanegra headed a corner kick service over the crossbar in the 40th minute. 

Bradley made three changes at halftime, sending on Sacha Kljestan for Benny Feilhaber, Jozy Altidore for Buddle and changed ‘keepers, giving Brad Guzan 45 minutes in place of Howard. 

Just seconds into the second half, Pato got through in the left side of the penalty box, but drilled his shot into the side netting. Brazil’s other second half chances included Robinho hitting the right goal post after a scramble inside the box in the 53rd minute and Neymar pounding a shot at the U.S. goal from the left side of the penalty area in the 61st minute, but Guzan did well to bat that chance away at the near post.

The USA also had a goal called back in the 56th minute when Kljestan bent a cross into the penalty area after receiving a short corner kick from Donovan. The cross was perfect, but Michael Bradley was in an offside position when he headed the ball into the roof of the net from inside the six-yard box. 

In the 67th minute, Kljestan struck a free kick from just outside the penalty box on the left side that Victor had to smother at the near post. 

Both teams made numerous substitutions during the match, with Bradley using all six of his allowed changes and Menezes calling on five of his reserves. World Cup squad members Robbie Findley and Herculez Gomez entered the fray in the second half, in the 62nd and 67th minute, respectively. When Findley replaced Donovan, the New Meadowlands Stadium crowd rose to their feet to applaud the three-goal scorer from the 2010 World Cup. 

The USA’s best chance of the match came in the 85th minute, when substitute Gomez nearly pulled a goal back. Right back Jonathan Spector whipped in a trademark bending cross, which Gomez met at the near post. His downward header was firm but Victor did well to scrape the ball around the side of the post. 

Guzan was called to action in second-half stoppage time as Andre Santos received the ball from Ganso in a dangerous position in the box. Santos’ shot was firm but Guzan did superb to get down to his right and block the ball out of bounds for a corner. 

On the final whistle, the crowd rose to show their appreciation for a U.S. team who captured their imagination during this memorable World Cup summer. The U.S. players acknowledged their fans and applauded the support while standing in the center circle as fireworks were set off around the stadium.

LOUIE, LOUIE KEEPS THE BALL ROLLING IN PITTSBURGH

Vortex star shines brightly in the Steel City

How ironic is this…a Cleveland native is helping a Pittsburgh team push for the playoffs?

Defender Louis Rolko has made his name known throughout the USL-2 this year with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, a team that will soon qualify for the playoffs, but still is jumbled for the last two playoff spots.

“I did catch a little slack for being from Cleveland,” Louis joked about playing in a city that Clevelanders generally do not like. “When we go out to camps I usually tell people my name and that ‘I am from the greatest city in the world.’ Then all the kids ask what city I am from and when I say Cleveland they start booing.”

All joking aside, ‘Louie’ (as he is better known by) has represented his city well with the Riverhounds, as he is a part of a special breed of defenders that hail from Northeast Ohio (Dasan Robinson of the Chicago Fire and Barry Rice of D.C. United).

When asked why Cleveland had done so well, the defender said, “I think there is a good level of coaching there. Growing up I think I was very lucky to have coaches with World Cup and professional experience. Foreign coaches especially gave their insight to the game and that has been very beneficial to us.”

Rolko added that playing with different nationalities adds flavor and competition that players may not get at another place. “I think that is unique to our area.”

Cleveland has seen her players play in different levels of soccer throughout the country, but without a team of her own, one may wonder if Cleveland can continue to give the game the great players like it has. Rolko disagrees and adds, “I think the quality (of players) is there, even the college programs in the area will help put good players out there even though they are lacking that next level.”

Like most other athletes in the country, Louis had to choose the sport that fitted him best, “When I was 10 I played baseball, basketball, football and soccer. Football was first to go because it was the biggest conflict with soccer, then basketball went because it wasn’t fun, and then baseball went because of the time commitment.”

Louie points out that he had to give all to his commitments. “It was almost impossible and unfair to the other players on my team in the other sports because I was not always going to be there, and I had to have a full commitment in one sport.”

Not only has Louis committed to several different teams in his career, but he has spent time indoors, recently with the Ohio Vortex, of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL). “Playing with the Vortex was different,” he said. “Nobody really teaches you how to play indoor soccer, so there was a big adjustment and a big change. I think we were lucky to have Denzil (Antonio) as our coach, since he has a wealth of indoor experience. I think it was a good experience and I really look forward to playing with those guys again.”

Louis is surrounded, in Pittsburgh, by another Cleveland native, “I did not know Jeremy (Deighton), of Broadview Heights, until I met him here. We have gotten to know each other and we live together, so it’s cool getting to play with somebody from Cleveland. When we go back (to Cleveland in the offseason), we’ll probably train with each other.”

Now these two Clevelanders will be searching for a USL-2 crown, no matter how big of a rivalry Cleveland and Pittsburgh have.

CREW DOWN MORENO AND THE UNION

CHESTER, PA - August 5, 2010 - Two goals from substitute Steven Lenhart was the difference in the Crew's 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on Thursday night.

The Crew's first-ever meeting with the expansion Union was televised live nationally on ESPN2. Lenhart, who entered the game in the 27th minute for Jason Garey who was forced to leave with a stomach ailment, powered home two headed goals to put a dent in the Union's impressive home record while helping his Eastern Conference-leading Crew bounce back from a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Chivas USA last weekend.

Scoring on either side of halftime, Lenhart's first strike was matched by a Sebastien Le Toux penalty kick just before the break, but the Union weren't able to bounce back a second time. It was Lenhart's first two-goal game in league play.

THE BEST FORM OF ATTACK: MOVE FOR DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER MARQUEZ SIGNALS INTENT

If the age-old adage that defense wins championships is true, you probably couldn’t deduce as much from MLS’s Designated Player list before Wednesday.

DP’s— MLS’s artful attempt to attract the world’s best players while striking a balance between the former NASL’s over-paying madness and the league’s otherwise relatively low spending compared to that of major leagues elsewhere in the world— are, in theory, acquired to help their teams to achieve the ultimate aspiration: Securing silverware.

However up to this point, nearly all DPs have been offensive players; tricky, if not flashy, attacking gems catering to goal-fiends and families who are, above all, looking to take in as many goals and good times from global demigods as possible.

Yet with the New York Red Bulls, MLS’s newest and most prominent evil empire, already now boasting the league’s most formidable strike force in Thierry Henry and Juan Pablo Angel— who could, quite frankly, still start for at least half the teams in any league in the world— the Red Bulls front office finally turned their attention to showing the rest of the league how influential a defensive Designated Player signing can be too when they announced the long-awaited arrival of defensive midfielder Rafael Marquez.

Marquez, the 31 year-old Mexican international who is fresh from F.C. Barcelona and would have almost certainly landed at a fellow highly prestigious European club if he hadn’t become NYRB’s third and final DP, will instantly bring such undoubted class to the Red Bull lineup that head coach Hans Backe will be synchronizing the team’s formation around Marquez; perhaps more accurately, around those sides Marquez has been so successful in.

Though keeping with the 4-4-2 he instituted when he became manager this past winter, Backe stated he would be switching to a diamond shape to play Marquez in his patented defensive midfield position, a spot that allows him to take care of the dirty work where it counts most: In between the midfield and defensive lines, where space is either created and utilized by an opposing attacker or snuffed out and turned back into possession by the defensive midfielder.

With play in front of him, Marquez will make that possession in significantly more sophisticated, too. Though lacking a potent scoring prowess, the Mexican international posses an exceptional passing repertoire that could see the making of a devastating counter-attack between Angel, Henry and teammates like Mac Kandji and Joel Lindpere— who set Henry’s debut goal against Tottenham two weeks ago.

Behind him, Red Bull’s center back pairing of Tim Ream and Carlos Mendes should also be big time benefactors of a player that will gobble up a sizeable portion of the loose balls that have been dumped in their direction this season; a feat which should let the defenders focus more on marking those who get through (highlighted when the team gave up a stoppage-time equalizer off a header from a cross in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Houston).

And around him, the diamond-shaped midfield could be implemented with instant payoff if Backe can position the right players into the right spots on a roster that already has a host of midfield options, including players like Joel Lindpere and Mac Kandji—both of whom greatly raised their level of play in the recent Barclays New York Challenge, where Henry made his debut, to the extent that Kandji attracted interest from the other European teams involved in the tournament.

All in all, New York (and yes, MLS too) is gaining another world-class player, in an increasingly critical position in world soccer, who chose to come over to the United States because he had achieved everything he could in Europe and wanted to achieve something new; intentions that bode well for the leagues growth that seem apparent, if at times abstract.

Red Bulls aggressive captures of three world-class players bode well for the league equally, and their tremendous trifecta will now be coming to an American city near you, believe it or not. The organization now finally has the tools to bring the club its first MLS Cup.

Indeed, it seems Angel and Henry— the offense— were brought in to help the team win games; Marquez— the new dominant defenseman— to win championships.

AZTEX ARE NOW EVEN MORE DANGEROUS

Austin has just added another weapon to their attacking arsenal with the acquisition of forward Randi Patterson from Baltimore Crystal Palace, pending league approval.

Patterson was picked up by the Aztex for an undisclosed transfer fee with his contract running through the rest of this season with an option for the 2011 season.

The 25 year old forward comes from Baltimore Crystal Palace where he notched four goals in 17 appearances for the club.

Prior to playing with Baltimore, Patterson suited up for the Charleston Battery, New York Red Bulls and the Carolina Dynamo. Through his entire professional career Patterson has scored 39 goals and added three assists in 101 total appearances.

Patterson originally hails from Hackensack, New Jersey and played his college ball at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. At UNC-Greensboro Patterson was twice named Southern Conference Player of the Year and finished his collegiate career with 61 goals and 19 assists.

Although he was born inside the United States, Patterson has elected to pledge his services to the Trinidadian National Team. In March of 2008 Patterson made his debut for the Soca Warriors when they took on El Salvador.

The young forward will meet up and begin training with his new teammates later this week and will be available for the Aztex next match which is August 7 at 7:30 p.m. at House Park against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

AZTEX PUSH HIGHER WITH WIN OVER MIAMI

AUSTIN, TX - July 31, 2010 - The Austin Aztex won 3-1 at House Park against Miami FC Saturday night as Eddie Johnson, Lawrence Olum and newcomer Kendall McFayden all entered the scoring sheet. However, despite the score line, the Aztex missed many scoring opportunities and were lucky to walk away with a two goal lead.

Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath voiced his discontent with his team’s performance: “I thought we were very wasteful in the first half. To be honest, I’m a little bit disappointed with us tonight.  We were sloppy in a lot of things we did; I think overall it was a sub-par performance.”

The Aztex pressured hard in the first 10 minutes where the score easily could have been 3-0.

Eddie Johnson in the 8th minute ran onto a ball played over the top, beating the defense and taking a onetime shot that went wide of the goal. A corner from Jamie Watson met Lawrence Olum’s head; however Miami player Mike Randolph cleared the ball off the goal line in the 10th minute.

Miami’s best chance of the first half came after Abe Thompson took a shot from 25 yards out. The shot deflected off Aztex keeper Miguel Gallardo and he was forced to leave his goal line to retrieve the loose ball. Thompson ran onto the ball and took a second shot from inside the box into an open goal but was saved by off the goal line from an Aztex player. Gallardo was then able to scramble back to make the final save.

“It’s uncomfortable for any goalie to come out of his goal but sometimes that’s just how it goes,” said Gallardo about the save. “Fortunately I was able to come out and I was able to beat the guy. Unfortunately they were able to get the rebound, but I was luckily able to get back and make the save.”

Minutes later, the Aztex offense was able to reward the defense’s close encounter by leading 1-0 in the 44th minute. An assist from Lawrence Griffin met Eddie Johnson as he headed the ball into the back of the net.

The second goal came early in the second half with Jamie Watson crossing a low ball to Olum, who tapped the ball in with his left foot to the back corner.

However, those reminiscent of last season were reminded of how the Aztex sometimes struggle with holding off late goals from the opposing teams.

The Aztex defense failed to mark their players as Miami was allowed to dribble inside the box and Paulo Araujo Jr. to take a shot. The shot ricocheted off a Miami player to reach a completely unmarked Thompson, who then took the rebound and scored in the 75th minute.

In extra time, Aztex substitute McFayden ran in behind the Miami defense and beat the goalkeeper in a one versus one to have the game end with the score of 3-1.

This was McFayden’s first goal and season appearance in league play and the Aztex players showed their appreciation by dumping a full water cooler all over the newcomer.

“It’s a dream come true,” said McFayden about the goal. “I have been waiting to have my number called since the beginning of the season. To be called up to the professional team after being on the U-23 team is an amazing opportunity.”

This win marks the Aztex having only lost 1 of their last 18 regular season games and they remain in first place in the USL Conference.

The game also was for a good cause as the Aztex teamed up with The Breast Cancer Research of Texas to auction off autographed warm-ups from the Aztex players to benefit breast cancer research.

The Aztex’s next home game is this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30.

CREW FALLS TO CHIVAS USA 3-1 SATURDAY AT HOME DEPOT CENTER

Lenhart nets lone Columbus goal; Black & Gold's lead in East now seven points over New York

CARSON, CA - July 31, 2010 - Chivas USA extended its MLS unbeaten streak to four games on Saturday evening with a 3-1 victory over Eastern Conference leaders Columbus at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night. The Crew is now seven points ahead of New York in the East. The Red Bulls played Houston to a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Justin Braun, Blair Gavin, and Carlos Borja scored for Chivas, while Steven Lenhart netted late for the Crew. In the 88th minute, Jason Garey chipped a ball into the Chivas area from the right flank that found Lenhart in the air. Without missing a beat, Lenhart calmly headed past a charging Dan Kennedy.

Just 15 minutes in, midfielder Eddie Gaven suffered a head injury when he collided with Kennedy's knee. He was forced to leave the game and was replaced by Robbie Rogers.