SoccerTalk USA Episode 304: Aug 22, 2011

From Studio Nowhere, it's time for Soccer Talk USA.

Welcome to another edition of Soccer Talk USA. I'm your host, Mark Seder.

This is episode number 304 for the 22nd of August, 2011.

And, well, we've got a lot to talk about. We've got all kinds of signings in MLS and trade things to talk about.

We've got CONCACAF Champions League, lots of that stuff.

We've got some cool MLS results in Houston and Portland in particular.

And we've got a lot of interesting EPL stuff.

And we've also got a WPS semifinal to talk about.

So I guess we'll just dive right in and talk.

Let's go.

So, big news, obviously, is the Robbie Keane signing to LA Galaxy.

And in the same move, they're sending Juan Pablo Angel to Chivas, which I thought was kind of cool,

because he doesn't have to, you know, change his address or anything to relocate.

He just, actually, he doesn't even have to, he still goes to the same place to work.

He just is on the other side or something.

I don't know what, I don't know where they, how the LA and the Galaxy and Chivas have their,

their locker room set up and all that and how they handle that.

But I know they have some extra fields around there.

So maybe he just goes to a different field to work out or something.

Who knows?

But, yeah, it's kind of a cool thing.

I think it's a great pickup for Chivas and, you know, solves a problem for LA.

A huge pickup for LA, Robbie Keane.

I'm a big Robbie Keane fan, and I think this is just class move all the way.

Somebody compared it to Angel coming here.

But I think Robbie Keane's a better, better, better goal scorer than Angel was.

Angel was a good one.

I don't, they're kind of different kind of players.

But, but I think that, you know, it's, it's that type of a move as far as, you know,

the age when he came, the, the pedigree and everything else.

And, and it's just, and I, and I mentioned this last week, you know,

when there were rumors of this happening, but I love this concept.

I love this concept.

I love this concept of LA's already at the top, and they're getting even stronger.

That's what Manchester United, that's what Real Madrid, that's what, you know,

the big super clubs of the world, that's what they do.

And to see MLS clubs start doing that is fan-freaking-tastic.

I'm very, very impressed.

So, other news, we have the report that Jimmy Conrad has retired.

Apparently he's still going to be involved with Chivas a little bit.

But I guess he's...

He's had some concussion-type problems, and rather than, you know, drag it on out and put up with that,

he's just going to retire.

And so, the funny thing about Jimmy Conrad, and this will probably sound hilarious,

because he's been around forever and everything,

but this just goes back to how long I've known him in many ways.

I realize most of you probably think of Jimmy Conrad as a Kansas City wizard.

You know,

or, you know, because that's where he played for so many years.

I still think of him as an earthquake, because he was a San Jose earthquake.

And he was a young kid then.

He was...

I mean, I don't necessarily think of him as a...

I don't remember him exactly as a rookie per se.

I don't remember if he was a rookie or he just was...

But to me, he was just like one of the young guys at the back for San Jose way, way back when.

And so, to me, him retiring is...

kind of freaky, because it's like...

I mean, there were other players that played for San Jose, like a Troy Dyack, you know,

or John Doyle, some of the people like that, that, you know,

they were already veterans when they retired.

I mean, when I knew them, they had already been playing for a long time

and were not exactly young at that point.

But Jimmy Conrad was just this young kid.

And I still kind of think of him that way.

I still can't get up that he's all grown up and now he's actually retired.

His career is over.

And so, I feel kind of...

It's an interesting thing, you know, hearing about Jimmy Conrad retiring.

So, I wish him the very best and hope that he continues to be involved with MLS in a lot of different ways.

But it is just kind of an interesting thing.

And I'm dreading the day...

I've mentioned this before that, you know, a player like Landon Donovan that really was a young kid,

you know,

when I first met him.

And that's going to really freak me out because that's going to really make me feel old.

But it's interesting.

I mean, it's inevitable.

It's going to happen to all of us.

So, you know.

It's the other trade news we have.

Portland trades Jeremy Hall to Dallas for Dallas' Eric Alexander.

And this is an interesting move.

I've never been the biggest Jeremy Hall fan.

I used to think he was horrible when he played for New York.

Got a little bit better.

And when he played for Portland, I thought he's been inconsistent, but he's definitely made some improvements.

But he's still kind of a liability in a lot of ways.

When he played for New York years ago when he first started, I remember, you know, a year or two ago or whenever that was,

he was kind of a red card king.

He would just get red cards all the time.

And I just thought he was just a liability.

I was giving up penalties and getting red cards and stuff.

And I couldn't figure out why he was even on the pitch.

He just...

I couldn't, you know, he just didn't bring anything to the game other than the liability.

For Portland, he hasn't been quite that bad.

But he does give the ball away and have some other issues.

And he's definitely not my favorite player.

I like him as a person.

He seems like a cool guy.

But, you know, just, you know, Eric Alexander, I really don't know that much about.

From what I've seen and remember of him, you know, playing a little bit for Dallas,

the few times I remember noticing him, it was a good impression.

So I have kind of a vague good impression of him.

But I couldn't really tell you much about him at all.

I read a little bit, you know, read some articles about this trade.

And the reports were, you know, pretty positive on him.

He sounds like he's a pretty good, you know, good player.

And so I'm thinking this sounds like a great move to me.

You know, I don't know exactly.

They do play slightly different positions.

So, you know.

But anyway, I think it's a nice move.

So...

And I haven't seen him play for Portland yet.

But Jeremy Hall did get to play a little bit for Dallas.

So we'll talk about that when I get to the Dallas game.

But anyway, I just thought it was interesting.

So good trade.

Good trade.

I still don't think that's necessarily the answer for Portland.

I think they need some help up top is the biggest problem.

But, you know, at least it's...

At this point, the way Portland struggled throughout the season, I think it's, you know,

you need to keep making...

You don't want to make changes willy-nilly and just, you know,

trade all the time.

But I think you do need to be making some moves at different times to...

It just changes the team dynamics a little bit.

It kind of puts the players who are left on edge of if you don't perform,

you might be traded away, that kind of thing.

And that's good.

That's good.

So...

Okay.

Let's talk about CONCACAF Champions League.

Several of these games last week.

And great results for MLS all the way around.

5-0 in this series, which is just amazing.

Most of these were at home.

But one in particular was not.

So I'll go through some of these games.

But Seattle Communications, just kind of a wild game.

This is up in Seattle.

Seattle give up a goal just 90 seconds in.

But managed to equalize before the end of the half.

Right after the break, Nagel's foolish challenge at midfield earns him a straight red.

And it's not looking good for Seattle at that point.

But then 10 men Seattle actually go on a tear, put three past the keeper.

Two beauties from Fosito and an own goal.

Communications get their own guy sent off.

And might have scored on a questionable goal line clearance that wasn't given.

So could have been a little bit different.

But in the end, Seattle have a...

You know, on paper, it looks like a very decisive victory 4-1.

But Seattle had to really come from behind on this one.

So kind of interesting.

And played most of the match a man down.

So...

LA Montagua.

Montagua.

Lively start for both.

But Crispin puts LA ahead early.

Putting in a cross for Juninho.

From Juninho.

On the half hour, a huge double save off the line for Montagua or whatever this team is called.

It's all LA after that as they just pour on the pressure.

But the second goal doesn't come until the hour mark.

As Landon roofs one when the ball gets through to him at the back post.

The other team hit the post.

Although it might have been with the hand.

They were trying to head it in.

They go down a man when a player plants his studs on the chest of Sean Franklin.

Ouch.

Shades of DeJong in the World Cup.

LA looked pretty comfortable after that.

Mostly keeping the ball on their opponent's end.

So LA 2, Montanga 0.

We had Pumas versus Dallas.

This was actually in Mexico.

0-0 at the break as Dallas was under a ton of pressure.

But Kevin Harburton keeps them in it.

But just past the hour, Chavez capitalizes on a shot coming back off the post to redirect it into the empty net.

And Dallas lead.

They actually dominate after that.

And become the first MLS team ever to win in Mexico.

Which is pretty amazing.

I mean, nobody else has done that.

But, you know.

And then Dallas finally did that.

So pretty cool.

Colorado, Metapon.

I think part of the reason we haven't done that is we haven't really played that many in Mexico first of all.

So.

Colorado, Metapon.

This was an awesome game.

Just 15 seconds into the match.

Metapon get a speedy guy behind the back line.

Drew Moore drags him down for the yellow.

And the penalty.

But the Rapids equalize in the 16th via Matt Kanji.

Back from his ACL tear last MLS Cup.

Heading in a nice downward header in the 25th though.

Pickens is hit in the box.

But holds onto the ball.

There's no call.

But his throw out is horrible.

I think he kind of panicked a little bit.

And just threw the ball right to a Metapon player.

Who goes in and scores.

But then the Rapids luck changes as the Metapon player gets a straight red for a ridiculous hand to the face of a Colorado player.

Then in the 36th.

Drew Moore trips a player in the box.

The assistant ref says it's a penalty.

But after a long delay.

The center ref says it was offside.

There's no foul or penalty.

Very confusing.

In the final minute of the half.

This is all in the first half.

Kanji scores again.

Dinking in a little ball from five yards out.

And we're level.

Just minutes after the break.

Kanji is involved again.

Getting into the box.

Finding Akpon who puts in the winner.

So.

Two goals and an assist for Kanji.

He is back.

The Rapids hold on for an impressive win.

So.

Colorado three.

Metapon two.

So.

Very good game.

Toro versus Toronto.

This was actually in wherever Toro is from.

I can't remember what country they are.

But I should have written it down.

Ryan Johnson capitalizes on a misplay by the defender in the 21st.

Takes the ball and scores.

Just a couple minutes later.

De Guzman fires a long range.

One that the keeper does really poorly with.

And TFC lead by two.

But in the second half.

De Guzman makes a foolish challenge to give up a penalty.

He didn't need to do it.

There was cover and stuff.

And I don't know why he went in like he did.

But he gave up a clear penalty.

Toro get one back from the spot.

Toro pressure late.

Including a stoppage time header that's off a free kick that's flashed just inches wide.

Plata nearly scores at the other end.

But the keeper makes a great save.

TFC hold on for the big win.

And it's Toro one, Toronto two on the road.

So pretty good, you know, great results for all the MLS teams.

Not exactly easy in all cases.

I thought the LA one was definitely the easiest.

But pretty comfortable, you know, good results all the way around.

So awesome.

Awesome.

Great to see.

So, well, let's talk Major League Soccer.

Lots of games to talk about.

So we'll start with stuff from midweek.

We had New England versus Houston.

New England looked the brighter.

Take the lead via Ryan Cochran tap-in when goalkeeper Tally Hall came and didn't get the ball.

But Houston are resilient.

Keep plugging away.

Managed to sneak one in.

Equalizer off a corner kick in stoppage time when Matt Reese can't hold on to his ball.

And Boswell is there for the tap-in.

So stoppage time equalizer for Houston.

We'll hear more about that in a moment.

Last play of the game was a bump by Adam Moffitt on Phelan as he got sandwiched between the Houston player and his own goalkeeper.

This caused an after-the-whistle scuffle, and Moffitt was given a second yellow, and Matt Reese was red-carded for his protest.

Very ugly.

And now both players will miss the next game.

Pretty dumb.

So anyway, New England won.

Houston won with a stoppage time equalizer for Houston.

Kansas City, Portland, just a horrible night for the Timbers who were soundly outplayed, looked feeble.

They got blasted early by another long-range bomb just like at Houston, this time from Graham Zusiak.

Who scored another later off a keeper rebound when Perkins did well to save a Bunbury shot.

And that gave a rebound that he put in.

Portland went down 3-0 in the craziest manner when Bruner tried to clear a shot.

It ricocheted off the striker, the Kansas City striker, and over Perkins.

Yeah.

The Kansas City player knew zero about it.

But he's all, you know, my goal, I got a goal.

The only bright spot for Portland was the debut goal of Bright Dike.

He's been out injured since before the season.

Who came on for Cooper.

Managed to redirect the ball through the legs of the defender and beat the keeper.

A bit lucky, but, you know, hey, he'll take it.

So, another strange event was the Kansas City goalkeeper, Nielsen, getting cuts to his face that had to be stitched up

when someone apparently threw something from the stands.

Turned out to be the head of an Omar Bravo bobblehead giveaway.

Not nice.

Presumably came from his own fans, but I read a couple people were arrested.

But I saw one report said something about Portland fans.

So I...

It would make sense that a Portland fan said that.

Portland fans would be upset, but I don't like to hear that.

I don't know why Portland fans would go all the way to Kansas City and why they'd be throwing stuff.

To me, the types of fans who would, you know, be loyal enough to go all the way to Kansas City like that

would be, you know, pretty cool fans.

I don't think they...

I mean, they'd be hardcore, yes, but I don't think they'd be, like, violent or anything.

But I don't know.

Anyway, it's not a good thing.

I was really impressed with Nielsen's shrugging it off as no big deal.

I mean, he had stitches.

It was...

It almost, you know, it hit it almost to his eye.

It was, like, above his eye and below his eye.

And, you know, he had to have some stitches there and tape it up and everything.

And he was like, oh, no big deal.

You know, it happens all the time.

I mean, from where he's from, you know, in Europe or whatever, I guess it's, you know.

But...

And I also find it kind of weird because, like, when I go to the Portland Timbers games,

if I order a water bottle at the stadium,

which I'm not crazy about doing because it's, like, five bucks or something for a little tiny bottle of water,

which is just, you know, obscene.

But they take the cap off.

I think I mentioned this a previous time.

They take the cap off, and they give me the bottle opened.

And I'm like, I want the cap.

And they're like, no, you can't have the cap.

And I'm like, why not?

You know, I don't want to spill it.

And they're like, no, we're not allowed to give you the cap because it's a projectile.

You might throw it.

And I'm sitting here going, okay, these are little plastic.

It's not even plastic.

It's not even metal.

It's a little plastic screw-on cap from a water bottle, right?

It's like, first of all, even if I could throw it, it's so light.

It's plastic.

If you were up in the stands, it's going to, like, blow all around.

You'd have no control over where it goes.

It's not even like you could hit anything with it.

And even if it did, it's a little plastic light thing.

It would be like a fly landing on your head.

It's not even going to hurt or anything.

I mean, it could hit you in the eye, and it wouldn't hurt.

I mean, it's just...

I'm sitting here going, this makes no sense at all.

I could have a silver dollar or a quarter or a nickel or, you know, a key

or, you know, just about anything in my pocket that I could throw

that would be much more damaging than this little cap, you know.

So the next game, I brought my own cap.

And then what I did, because the first game I was at,

somebody knocked my water bottle over.

I had it sitting someplace, you know, out of the way a little bit,

and somebody knocked it over.

I came back, and it was lying on its side, and, of course, it spilled.

And, you know, I paid five bucks for this water bottle,

and then I lose half the water, so kind of lame.

And then I found out if I take a bottle with me but just don't open it,

if it's unopened when you go into the stadium, they'll let you keep that

as long as it's unopened.

You can't bring it open.

I don't have any idea why that is.

If they're worried you're going to bring liquor in or something, I don't know.

But the weird thing is that when you bring the unopened bottle in,

they don't take the cap.

So you buy it there, they take the cap.

But you bring your own, they leave the cap.

I'm like, that's incentive for me to, besides the ridiculous price.

So, anyway, I think this, and here they're giving away an Omar Bravo bobblehead,

and somebody breaks the head off and throws the head.

They could just throw the whole doll, for that matter.

I'm like, that's pretty bizarre.

I mean, they're giving you a weapon, and yet, you know, they're confiscating a cap,

a little plastic cap.

The whole thing is so ridiculous.

Anyway.

Oh, well.

So Kansas City beat Portland 3-1.

All right.

So in Kansas City.

So their record continues.

They're a good home record.

So Chicago, D.C., Oduro had several killer chances but couldn't score,

hitting the post on his best effort.

Papa had a great free kick.

But Bill Hamid made the save.

D.C.'s best chance came from a terrific play by De Rosario,

who got up from the ground to capitalize on a loose ball, send it to goal.

But Shawn Johnson made an even better save.

The whole play was offside and wouldn't have counted but still terrific to watch.

Right at the end of the half,

as Hamid took a goal kick, he tore his hamstring, went down like a sack of wet cement.

He was in agony.

Just terrible to watch.

Cronin had to take over the second half.

Right on the hour, Chicago strike via Graziani when D.C. clear it right to him.

His volley gets through.

But 12 minutes later, D.C.'s former firefighter, Wolf, Josh Wolf, equalizes off the underside of the crossbar.

A hair offside but not called, and he gets a step behind the back line and roofs it.

A tight finish, but neither team can get the winner.

The Fires had a new MLS record with their 15th draw of the season.

Wow.

That's pretty incredible.

Only like, what, 22 games played so far and something like that, whatever we're up to.

And they've already had 15 draws.

That's crazy.

There's still a lot of the season left.

So Chicago won.

D.C. won.

And that bill of meat injury, I haven't really heard an update on that.

So, excuse me.

Sorry, I have to cough there.

I hope he's okay.

But it was just, I mean, if you look at his thighs.

His thighs are awful.

His thighs are like the size of a tree trunk.

You know, and I was trying to think.

I was watching him when he went down.

I mean, he was just taking a goal kick.

And he just, I mean, he obviously tore his hamstring or something.

I don't know how badly.

But I guess there's degrees.

But, I mean, I'm sitting here going, how big are his hamstrings?

Hamstrings must be like my biceps.

You know what I mean?

It's like crazy.

I mean, his legs are just huge.

And it's amazing to think that he could, just by doing a kick like that, could tear it.

So, I mean, he's got it.

Yeah.

He's got to be in incredible shape to, you know.

But anyway, kind of sad.

New England, New York.

Just 15 minutes in, Rebs, new signing, Curiglio gets his first goal.

He breaks through the center of the New York defense.

Gets his first shot, saved by Conduil.

But then he takes the rebound, puts it away.

And it looked like he wasn't going to do it.

I mean, he got the rebound.

But it wasn't like he just immediately knocked it back in.

He had to do some dribbling and, you know, and it looked like, oh, he's taking too long.

And then he finally did get it.

So it was nice to see.

Then before the half, he gets another, heading in along Monsali, free kick low and into the corner.

But then the fortune seemed to swing New York's way as Dax McCarthy appears to be taken down by goalkeeper Shuttleworth in the box.

The ref initially points to the spot.

But then he goes over and consults with his linesman.

And then he gives Dax a yellow for diving.

And there's no penalty after all.

Wow.

Dax did go down very easily.

But there was definitely some contact.

Strange call.

I don't like it when the refs, you know, make the call like that and then change it.

I mean, if you're going to make the call, I mean, he seemed very positive.

I'm pointing to the spot.

And then he goes over and consults with his ref.

And then he changes, you know, completely changes it.

And it's like, why not just wait on the call, go over and talk to your linesman, and then make the decision?

It's far less controversial than changing your mind and looking like you don't know what you're doing.

But anyway, New York do get back into it after the half, right after the break.

Dane Richards goes 1v1 with a ball over the back line.

He beats Shuttle Firth.

Worse later, just a moment later, Manzali gets his second yellow for throwing an arm while trying to hit a ball.

And the refs are down a man.

But then in the 70th, Taneo tackles Joseph from behind, gets his second yellow, and both teams are down to 10.

Very late in the match, the refs wanted a penalty for a clear trip in the box, but the ref doesn't call it.

Play actually just keeps on going to the other side where Lin Pair gets to the end line.

Fires a hard cross that Richards knocks in for the 88th minute equalizer.

It's just a double knock in the teeth for the refs, who thought they had a penalty.

Gets scored at the other end, and just heartbreaking for New England.

They're having the worst luck this season, I think.

Good comeback for New York in some ways, but at the other hand, it's yet another draw and yet another struggle for this all-star team to do anything.

So, I don't know.

They got rid of De Rosario, and they can't score.

And their big spending was this goalkeeper, Ross, who's out injured.

So, oh well.

So anyway, New England 2, New York 2.

Columbus Philly.

Renteria puts the crew on the board at the 37th.

A nice redirect of a cross to the middle of the box.

But Philly equalized before the half with a smash header by Bonovic.

Vick off of a corner kick.

Right after the break, though, Robbie Rogers is forced wide of the goal.

Tries to cross it.

Hits Williams' hand in the box.

Not a big fan of those kind of penalty calls, but his hand was extended.

It did block the cross, and you just have to call that.

I'm sorry.

Mendoza's penalty kick is poor.

Blocked by Mondragon, but the rebound actually goes in off his own body.

So, basically, it was kind of spinning.

Didn't really get a good solid block on it, and they score.

Late on, Heinemann is clearly dragged down in the box, but the ref refuses to give the penalty.

No idea why.

He actually gives Heinemann a yellow for protesting, which is just a double insult.

Then Hesmer has to work to make a couple key saves in the final.

A couple key saves in the final minutes and stoppage, but the crew do hold on for the win, so I guess it's okay.

So, Columbus 2, Philly 1.

Houston, RSL, what a game.

To end end-to-end stuff, just great, with both teams playing fantastic.

Houston have several early chances.

Then Jeff Cameron's shot is right at Raimondo.

He makes a save.

Seconds later, RSL counter with Spindola.

Getting behind the back line, and he slots it past Talley Hall to the far end, far side.

Just an inch-perfect shot.

You know, just outside.

Outside of the diving keeper's outstretched fingers, and just inside the post, you know.

Against the run of play, RSL lead.

Then the Dynamo nearly get a break before the half, and an RSL defender nearly sends the ball to the top corner of his own goal,

but Raimondo is alert, tips it over.

80 seconds after the halftime restart, though, Houston's Brad Davis finds Ching in the box.

He puts it away, and we're tied.

Then RSL's 17-year-old sensation, Luis Gil, has a great chance dribbling around Hall, but puts his shot wide of an empty goal.

Yeah, shocking.

But a moment later, right on the hour, he finishes the header.

From the six-yard line.

So he does get his goal.

He was utterly unmarked.

Just terrible defending by Houston.

Houston start pressuring, and Costley puts one in the side netting.

And then the 69th, they do score via Bobby Boswell header off of a Davis corner kick.

Just a brilliant flick header to the far side, and we're level.

The final 10 are all Houston as they pepper the RSL goal.

Raimondo makes a fabulous one-hand diving save on a Ching shot that should have been the winner.

Then in the 90th, Brad Davis has a shot inside the box.

It's just wide.

Looks like the draw is the outcome.

But then Houston rookie Alex Dixon nets his first MLS goal with a shot from just outside the box.

Amazing.

He basically picked up a clearance, dribbled past two defenders to give himself some space,

then left-footed it into the far corner.

Literally the last kick of the game.

Amazing.

Definitely a goal.

You should go check it out on MLSnet.com.

So Houston 3, RSL 2, and RSL, I think it's like 15 tries they have not won in Texas.

So they just are jinxed.

Don't like the heat, I guess.

Portland, Vancouver.

This is definitely one of my games of the weekend.

I forgot to mention about Houston.

That's two games in a row where they've basically in stoppage time have gotten points.

So pretty impressive from Houston's perspective.

And they're back up at their, I think, third place in the Eastern Conference now.

So pretty impressive.

Portland, Vancouver.

Just a minute in, Portland steal the ball at the center line.

Charge toward goal where Chara gets into the box.

Controls the ball brilliantly.

Rifles a shot past Chara.

Rifles a shot past Joe Cannon.

Vancouver have possession after that.

It was like 60-40, 60-63, 37, something like that.

But it's Portland who score off a free kick that is loose in the box.

Perlazza pounces on it, toe pokes it into the net.

Second half is mostly Vancouver as Portland defend.

Perkins is strong in goal.

The final minutes actually look pretty dicey.

In the 89th, Camilo gets a through ball that puts him 1v1.

He does well to turn and curl it to the far side past Perkins and ruin the shutout.

That makes stoppage time a hold your breath affair.

But the Timbers survive for a huge win.

I'm actually going to Wednesday's Chivas game, so I can't wait for that.

Finally getting to go back to seeing some games in person.

But anyway, this game was, you know, great results.

You know, on the one hand, you can look at this as glass half full, glass half empty kind of thing.

I'm not going to say Portland was necessarily outplayed because I don't really think they were.

I think they definitely deserve to win.

But I will say that, I mean, the final possession stats was Vancouver.

It was like 60-40.

I mean, they really dominated possession-wise.

Didn't do anything with it, really.

I mean, and their chances weren't really that threatening.

It wasn't like Perkins was, you know, making just unbelievable save after unbelievable save.

Yes, he was very solid in goal, and he had to be.

But it was nothing, you know, earth-shattering kind of saves or anything.

It was just good goalkeeping.

And, you know, but it was just sort of...

It's just sort of...

This game could have gone south, especially giving up the late goal in the 89th, you know,

and potentially, you know, they could have given up another one.

I mean, you know, the way Portland's collapsed.

So I told my friend, I said, if this game had been a tie, this would have been way worse than the Toronto result,

whereas the Toronto result was 2-2 also.

So, you know, so this one could have done that, and it would have just been horrible.

But fortunately, this time we hold on.

We get the win.

And so, anyway, looking forward to the final.

Looking forward to the Chivas game on Wednesday.

That should be fun.

First Wednesday night game.

You know, first game in a long time against an opponent that...

I'm not saying Chivas is bad.

I don't think they're that bad, especially now that they got on hell.

And they did beat us before.

But, you know, I think they're beatable, especially at home, you know.

And it's definitely the type of game that we should be winning, you know, against a lesser opponent.

So Portland 2, Vancouver 1.

Not necessarily less than us, but a lesser opponent than, you know, one of the top teams.

So, let's see.

Dallas, Seattle.

Yeah, interesting result.

Mentioned in this, they said that George John for Dallas apparently might be heading to Blackburn,

which is interesting.

So I'll have to keep an eye on that one.

But in this game, it's Seattle who take the lead via the 15th minute.

Via Rosales, who gets free on the right side.

Slots it low and into the corner.

New tradie Jeremy Hall gets minutes when he comes on about a half hour into this one.

I don't remember him doing anything.

I don't remember him doing anything that bad or great in this.

But, you know, he did come on and play quite a bit.

So, Yamilou, yeah, I think it was Zach Lloyd got injured.

So they had another player that was out.

Oh, George John was out on suspension.

So Zach Lloyd was playing and then he got injured.

So then they had to put in Jeremy Hall.

So all of a sudden they have an injury crisis and needed Jeremy Hall.

He thought he wasn't in a play.

But, anyway, let's see.

Yamilou gives Fosito a bloody nose.

Gets a yellow.

And then Casey Keller makes a terrific save on a smash header.

A lot of hard fouls as Dallas is very physical.

But it doesn't seem to help as they still trail.

I figured someone would get a red.

And sure enough, it's Danny Cruz for Dallas.

But it was a second yellow for diving.

Not a hard foul.

So Dallas are down to 10.

Not a lot of contact.

But even in the box.

But not even in the box and with some contact.

So I don't understand quite how you get a dive when it's not even in the box.

But whatever.

A bit harsh.

But despite being down a man, Dallas continued to do all the attacking.

Keller kept busy, including a huge save deep in stoppage sign.

But Dallas can't get the equalizer.

Huge road win for Seattle.

Dallas nil.

Seattle won.

LA San Jose takes Robby Keene just 20 minutes in his debut to score.

And receives a bouncing ball over the back line from Beckham.

Rounds Bush rolls it into the empty net.

Just a nice cartwheel celebration, too.

San Jose force a few saves from Saunders later in the half.

And after the break, they continue to look the more threatening.

You wonder if LA's defense would hold.

But San Jose don't really put anything away.

And LA are constantly dangerous.

But they don't get their second until the 90th when McGee knocks in a ball at the near post.

LA crossed the 50-point mark with their 14th win of the season.

So remember how we said Chicago had 15 draws?

Well, LA has 14 wins.

So that's the difference between those two teams.

LA 2 San Jose nil.

Colorado Chivas full on puts in a header about 10 minutes in for the home team.

But new signing Juan Pablo Angel scores before the end of the half for Chivas.

Receiving a beautiful through ball from Roca.

Going 1-1 with Pickens and beating him.

Nice start for Angel.

The second half was a near repeat with Colorado's Lorentowitz putting in a header in the 70th.

And some French guy for Chivas going 1-1 and rolling it past Pickens for the late equalizer.

So Colorado 2, Chivas 2.

Kansas City versus DC.

Terrific goal from Kamara about 20 minutes in.

Receiving a poor clearance right to him at the edge of the box.

Fainting left and then pushing the ball to his right to make space.

It looked like he was too far away from him for a shot.

But he wrapped a long leg around it.

Blasted it low.

Went right to the corner.

After that neither team could do much.

KC had a ton of chances but couldn't finish.

While DC had a few opportunities that never seemed to quite come off.

Game kind of whimpered out.

KC get another win at home.

KC 1, DC 0.

And the DC backup keeper actually was pretty decent.

None of the goals were really his.

The goal wasn't his fault or anything.

Let's talk DPL.

Premier ship.

Arsenal, Liverpool.

Great game on Saturday.

No goals in the first half.

They both had chances.

But Liverpool looked the more dangerous.

Then about an hour in.

19-year-old MPogg in his debut for the Gunners.

Goes in foolishly with a kick to the shin.

While already on a yellow.

He's got to go.

Arsenal have 20 minutes to play a man down.

Just minutes later Liverpool take the lead.

Win the defender.

Clears the ball off of teammate Ramsey.

So it's kind of an own goal of Ramsey.

Although I don't like to call the deflections own goals.

But just seconds into stoppage time.

Suarez puts in the insurance goal.

And it's all over.

So Arsenal 0, Liverpool 2.

Huge result for Liverpool.

Haven't won against Arsenal there in decades or something.

I don't know.

Long time.

Many years.

Everton versus QPR.

Everton with all the pressure and chances.

Hitting the crossbar.

Missing several sure goals.

But it's QPR who capitalized when a player is left with space in the box.

He curls one of the far post around Tim Howard.

Everton keep plugging away and dominate.

But can't break through.

Shockingly drop their first match of the season.

Remember their first match of the season was postponed.

The one against Tottenham.

So Everton dropped this one.

Everton 0, QPR 1.

Chelsea versus West Brom.

Long.

Sean Long steals the ball from a sluggish Alex.

Fights him off.

Goes to goal.

And finishes.

And West Brom lead.

They continue to play well.

And Chelsea struggle.

But just before the hour, there's a possible Lampard foul on the box.

The referees play on.

Nelka keeps on going.

Gets into the box.

Finishes to the far post.

They then break West Brom hearts with the darting run on the right wing.

A cross to the back post that Maluta taps home.

He came in as a sub.

Weak defending on that one.

West Brom pours a big save from the Chelsea backup keeper.

Cech is out injured.

The shot's right at him.

But he's still out hold on to it.

And in the end, Chelsea get the three points.

Chelsea 2, West Brom 1.

At Wolves versus Fulham.

Wolves' Kevin Doyle has a fantastic chance.

About 30 minutes in when he gets the ball away from the defender at the end line.

Gets around Switzer.

But then he skies the shot.

But then 10 minutes later, he puts in a much more difficult chance with the corner of the 6-yard box.

And takes off his shirt to celebrate, which is just dumb.

Then disaster for Fulham as another Wolves goal in the first half stoppage time.

Switzer came out for a cross that was headed just before he got there.

So he came out.

The ball's headed away.

The shot came off the post, though.

But then Jarvis was there to put the rebound into the empty net.

Ouch.

Fulham make changes at the half with Dembele and Sidwell.

And start to pressure right away with Duff putting one wide.

But Wolves are still dangerous.

And with them to worry about, Fulham just can't get anything going the other direction.

Dempsey has a harmless wide shot around the 80th.

Fulham really pressured with several corner kicks and a free kick.

But still can't break through.

Time runs out.

And they bow out.

Not a good start for the season for Fulham, who still haven't even scored.

They got a win in Europe midweek.

I think they actually played on Thursday, apparently, with Dempsey getting a brace.

So it could be they were tired in this one.

Wolves 2, Fulham 0.

Bolton, Man City.

Live of the game.

City take the lead.

25 minutes in via a long shot by Silva that skips over goalkeeper Jaskolainen.

Bouncing just before it reaches the keeper.

And Fulham.

10 minutes later, Gareth Burry fires a rocket into the top corner from well outside the box.

But minutes later, Bolton shows some quality when a hard cross is pounded in first time by Klasinic.

Right after the break, though, City restore their two-goal margin when Dzeko charges into the box.

Fires low to the far post.

Jaskolainen probably should have done better with that one.

On the hour, Bolton bring one back via Kevin Davies.

Heading in a goal off a long free kick.

City had a few other chances, but did enough to keep Bolton out and hold on for the three points.

Bolton 2, Man City 3.

Manchester United taught them this was today's game on Monday.

Minor chances for both were Brad Fiedel and golfer Spurs having to do some good work to keep United out.

But on the hour, the goal finally comes as Cleverley puts in a wicked ball with power that Welbeck gets his head onto and United lead.

And once they get a lead, they just keep on going.

So Rooney nearly scored with a terrific double-touch free kick that Brad had to push outside the post.

And then Welbeck tried a bicycle that Brad saved.

Then Anderson plays an interesting give-and-go with Welbeck with the latter returning the ball via backhand.

And Anderson just puts it away with 15 to go.

Rooney nearly had one on the doorstep, but it was high.

To be fair, the cross was a rocket and it was bouncing.

And he just, you know, got something on it, but it was high.

But just a moment later, he gets a free header and buries it.

And that was all it took.

Manchester United 3, Tottenham 0.

So that's it for that.

Whew.

All right.

So Manchester United is not at the very top of the table because they're short a few goals on goal difference.

But definitely up there on the table.

Definitely up there on wins.

And looking very, very good, I must say.

So I watched the semifinal in the WPS, the Super Semi, they're calling it.

I don't know why.

But Philadelphia versus Magic Jack.

Apparently Magic Jack has all the stars and Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe.

But there was no magic.

After a boring first half, Philly's Natasha Kai came out, fired up, burned the place down with a fantastic goal.

She picked up a loose clearance, got the ball in the box, left the ball, darted her feet one way, drawing the defender with her.

And then darted back to the ball and just curled the left footer into the far side of the goal.

Just ha-ha.

Kind of a great play.

I mean, just, you know, it was really, really quick.

So I'm describing it.

It takes way longer to describe it than it does to do it.

But she just literally just, she had the ball at her feet and then she just left it and, you know, took a step.

And then her defender followed her and then she went back to the ball and buried it, you know.

So it was just brilliant.

After the goal, Magic Jack had the most possession but really created anything that dangerous.

While Philly kept squandering their chances.

Finally, Amy Rodriguez, after a number of poor misses, gets a nothing ball at the edge of the box and with a defender right there.

Goes for the quick chip.

Finally watches the ball sail over the keeper, out of the bar.

And that wraps things up for Philly, who will face Western New York Flash in the final.

Philly 2, Magic Jack nil.

So, yeah, interesting.

So, yeah.

So I'm looking forward to the final.

I want to see New York.

I'm rooting for New York just because, you know, I like, yeah, I like the New York players.

Yeah.

I like the New York players.

So.

All right.

So that's it for this week's podcast.

We'll be back next week on the 29th, I think.

Is it Monday, the 29th?

We'll see.

I've got some deadlines next week.

So we'll see how it goes, how much soccer I get watched.

There's a lot of soccer this week.

We've got, you know, again, CONCACAF this week.

We've got some MLS games midweek.

I'm going to the Portland games.

So, obviously, that's going to be a big deal on Wednesday.

And then don't forget, this week, there's a free Fox Soccer Plus preview this week.

So if you don't normally watch Fox Soccer Plus, there's a free Fox Soccer Plus preview this week.

So if you don't normally, like me, subscribe to Fox Soccer Plus, which is kind of expensive,

$15 a month.

It's free this week, and so I'm recording an extra four games on the weekend, you know,

from that.

So I'm going to have a lot of soccer, and I've got big deadlines, you know, so I'll

be back next week on the 29th, and I'll see you then.

Have a great day.

Bye-bye.

And I'll see you, you know, next week.

I'm going to be back at the end, you know, from that, so I'm going to have a lot of

soccer, and I've got big deadlines, you know, mid-week.

So not sure exactly how things will go, but we'll just play it by ear and see.

But meantime, mark at SoccerTalkUSA is the e-mail, and the voice mail is 206-339-8359,

and we'll talk to you next week.