The CONCACAF Champions League group play will begin this Monday as the Columbus face the Puerto Rico Islanders. The Crew are the defending MLS Cup Champions, while the Islanders were surprise semifinalists last season. The remaining teams (16) have been placed in four groups (A,B,C,D): A-Isidro Metapan, Arabe Unido, the Houston Dynamo, and Pachuca B-D.C. United, Marathón, San Juan Jabloteh, and Toluca C-Columbus Crew, Cruz Azul, Saprissa, and the Puerto Rico Islanders D-Comunicaciones, Pumas UNAM, Real España, and W Connection
A lot has happened in the last few weeks for the young Canadian midfielder. The same could be said for our coverage of the rumors surrounding his possible return to Canada to play for Toronto FC. Our interview with de Guzman, which took place at the Gold Cup in Columbus, has been featured in several major publications throughout Canada. Toronto Head Coach Chris Cummins gave us some further insight into the situation: “I think he is going to decide next week. I
Rumors are circulating around two of Canada’s brightest stars, who were participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009 as part of the Canadian Men’s National Team. Midfielder Julian de Guzman is currently mulling an offer to return to Canada to play for Toronto FC of MLS. His comments tell us the whole story: “Toronto did come up with an offer, a very lucrative offer, but at the moment I have not made a decision yet. Personally I want to stay true to myself
Mia Hamm will be featured in ESPN.com’s new TV spot “Lunch.” Hamm will be joined by the Swiss bobsled team, O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies and Samari Rolle of the Baltimore Ravens. It will show them all engaged in warmup activities. This is one of three new TV spots for ESPN.com’s year-long campaign featuring TV, print, and online elements that will premiere Friday, July 3, on the ESPN family of networks. “The Story of Prisoner F95488-Soccer Player Eric Frimpong” will appear
Columbus dominated the second half, creating chances at will, but thanks to sloppy finishing were unable to extend their 1-0 lead. 47th Good control from Stammler in the Crew box, but shoots wildly over the bar 65th Great work from Rogers down Red Bulls right, cuts inside, but fires into the side netting from 6 yards 69th Should have been 2-0, Gaven had a free header from 14 yards, but places it just wide of Red Bulls left had post 74th Robbie Rogers breaks
In an entertaining first half, Crew take a deserved 1-0 lead going into half time. 9th Red Bulls Khano Smith scuffed a shot wide from 6 yards, after a good cross down Crew’s left 15th Rogers hits a powerful drive from 15 yards which cannons off Red Bulls crossbar 16th Red Bulls Seth Stammler should have done better from 8 yards, blazing into the side netting with only the keeper to beat 19th Crew flashes a cross into Red Bulls box; lack of movement
We are pleased to announce the addition of several interns and correspondents to our staff. This will allow us to cover more games in more places. International Soccer Network will now be truly international in scope. You can look forward to news from the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the English Premiership. We are also planning to increase content from local leagues, tournaments, and clubs. Overall it will be a better experience for every visitor to our site.
Schelotto was the clear star of MLS Week 13. His performance against Chivas USA was not only amazing, but it set the tone for the rest of the season. A well deserved honor for a classy individual and a first-class organization.
The trade of Pat Noonan to the Rapids brings back some old rumors. The Crew now have a little breathing room regarding cap space. Will Palermo finally come to MLS to be reunited with Guillermo Barros Schelotto? We will know soon as his contract expires June 30. It sounds like he might be interested. Reputable sources like Sports Illustrated and Soccer America have discussed it. I hope the league takes notice and brings another legend to America. Imagine David Beckham facing off