RSS Through Balls 3/11/10

With continental competitions consummating around the globe, it's time to check in on the beautiful game (impressive alliteration, I know, that's why I'm an unpaid professional). Today we'll look at all the big stories both internationally and domestically with the World Cup Countdown now under 100 days! Let's roll!

CONCACAF CL

-We were at Crew Stadium on Tuesday Night to see Columbus draw Toluca 2-2 in the 1st Leg of the QF Round in the CONCACAF CL. The game was enthralling as local legend Stevie Lenhart scored 2 goals in the 2nd half much to the delight... of only 4,000 people. Readers around the world might wonder... 4k, for a Champions League game?? Are you serious? Well, a few factors emerge to the terrible crowd

-MLS is in preseason mode, so few might actually have been aware of a game being played
-US fans aren't used to seeing their team in two separate competitions, CONCACAF CL isn't SportsCenter material
-Promotion for the game by the league was absolutely atrocious
-The game wasn't a part of any ticket package, cheapest tix were $25

That's just a horrible job by the league. MLS fans talk about their league gaining respect worldwide, how about in your country and continent first? Get more than 4,000 fans to show up at the league's biggest club game. Give your fans some incentive to show up, or at least let them know that there's a game. But, then again, MLS isn't exactly known for its executive competence, which leads to...

MLS Strike?
-This report doesn't exactly bode well for there being an MLS season this year, or at least one that starts on time. In a World Cup year, with ESPN putting all of their promotional eggs in soccer's basket, it's pivotal to have MLS there to pick up on the inevitable rise in popularity for the beautiful game. Too bad the players are almost unanimously in favor of striking should no new CBA be reached. Frankly, the owners must at least allow free agency within MLS and give players basic rights that are afforded in other major pro league. The owners have much more to lose than the players, especially this year.

At some point, the league must take a risk if it wants to grow. The single entity structure has seen it survive till this point, but it can only take MLS so far on the world stage. Giving more to the players (free agency, more guaranteed $) along with some fiscal sanity, will encourage more foreign stars over and more importantly, American stars to stay home. If MLS is on strike during the World Cup, the league will be dead by 2012.

World Cup News

-There was some controversy over ESPN's play-by-play choices for the World Cup. Martin Tyler (above), one of the best announcers in the history of the universe, is the home run choice... but 3 other Brits? Bristolites Derek Rae and Adrian Healey are joined by EPL commentator Ian Darke as the voices of South Africa 2010. Some folks are bothered that no American voice will be bringing the WC to an American audience. In an increasingly globalized world, I don't think people will care as long as the best are bringing us the action, unlike 4 years ago... cough, Dave O'Brien and Marcelo Balboa, cough... nobody wants that nightmare again. If there is one complaint, it's that veteran JP Dellacamera is left out. Healey is perhaps a little corny at times, but does a fine job. It would be nice to have Dellacamera call the US games, but if the nationality of announcers bothers you, you need a reality check. Have a listen to the best of the best and see if you would want anything else...

In other international news, the US didn't look great in Holland, but the return of Oguchi Onyewu, Clint Dempsey, and a miraculous recovery by Charlie Davies would boost our hopes. One underrated item is that Guus Hiddink might be in line to coach Cote D'Ivoire at the World Cup. Ivory Coast is perhaps the most talented African team in the tournament, and the Dutch genius who was last seen coaching Russia and Chelsea could be the man to lead them through the Group of Death and beyond.

Madrid Meltdown and Liverpool Lose... Again

-In Euro news, Real Madrid's hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars saw them knocked out in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the 6th year in a row. Yipes. The sky is falling in Madrid after their home failure to Lyon, but at least they aren't Liverpool... who now take a 1-0 deficit after suffering an embarrassing loss at Lille. Every time the Reds look like coming back, they have a hideous result - see Wigan Athletic last week. Now, it looks like either a Europa League triumph and a Top 4 spot might be out of reach. Maybe it's time for Liverpool to blow it up and start over, time is ticking Rafa.

Rooooooooooooney

-Wayne Rooney scored 2 goals to sink AC Milan in their CL tie and now has 30 on the season in 35 games. Plenty of skeptics wondered how United would replace Ronaldo, but Rooney has done that and then some. With Ronaldo and Messi not having the typical awe-inspiring years, Rooney is the frontrunner for World Player of the Year. If he continues this form to South Africa, England will be a legit threat. Here's his 2nd goal, bonus pts if you can tell us what language this is...

The Handshake Snub Heard Round The World

-Finally, we couldn't have a soccer roundup without one of the greatest videos to ever grace the web. If only Wayne Bridge would've shaken his hand and then punched him in the face Vince McMahon style could this have been any better.

EPL PIcks & Champions League Roundup

Before we get to the EPL Picks this week, everyone is talking about Emmanuel Adebayor around the water coolers (or whatever the British equivalent is...) because of the incidents in the Arsenal/Man City game last week. First, the ban for stomping on Robin Van Persie is completely justified. There is no place in any sport for that kind of behavior (remember Albert Haynesworth's suspension in the NFL for a similar incident).

However, I didn't mind Adebayor's goal celebration sprinting down in front of the Arsenal fans. These are the same fans that booed him and basically kicked him out the door on the way out. If you were in his shoes, wouldn't you want to stick it to the Gunners supporters? Coming from an American culture which berates athletes for speaking out and celebrating it was refreshing to see how Adebayor truly felt. If anything, the Arsenal fans need to chill out. So he ran down in front of your supporters section? That doesn't mean hundreds of fans need to feel the urge to storm the field and enact some unruly mob justice. You didn't want him in the first place, so why not just let it be and get the win when City visits Arsenal next time around. One thing's for sure, all eyes will be on the Emirates come April 24.

Here's a video of both instances, leave us your thoughts in the comments below.

Now for our EPL picks, and then Champions League thoughts, both European and Stateside!

Last Week's Results:

Mr. Yoder I: 6-4-0 18 pts

Mr. Yoder II: 7-3-0 21 pts

Dr. Yoder: 7-3-0 21 pts

Total After Week 4:

Mr. Yoder I: 30-13-3 93 pts

Mr. Yoder II: 30-13-3 93 pts

Dr. Yoder: 27-16-3 84 pts

Sunderland (3-2-0) @ Burnley (2-3-0)

The early Saturday morning ESPN game features an interesting contest that could go either way. This is one of those under the radar games that could propel one team towards European contention and another towards threatening relegation. A Sunderland win at Turf Moor, which is proving to be a tough venue, could keep them around the top half of the table for a while. Burnley has come back to earth after losses to Chelsea and Liverpool, they might keep falling against a budding Sunderland club.

Y1: Sunderland Y2: Sunderland Doc: Burnley

Wigan (2-3-0) @ Arsenal (2-2-0)

An up and down week for Arsenal as they were blitzed by Man City and hurt by their old friend Emmanuel Adebayor (as predicted here last week!). Things went from bad to worse when they went down 2-0 at Belgian side Standard Liege in the CL, but they were able to turn it around and get a 3-2 victory. The task against Wigan at the Emirates should be much easier. Wigan ended a 3 match losing streak against the Hammers, but it will take a monumental effort to win at the Emirates... it's not likely.

Y1: Arsenal Y2: Arsenal Doc: Wigan

Stoke City (2-2-1) @ Bolton (1-3-0)

Bolton finally got that bagel off the points column last week against Pompey (who wouldn't?), but should they be encouraged or discouraged? The last two weeks have seen an inspired effort against Liverpool come just short and a scrappy win against the bottom club in the league. Stoke fought Chelsea valiantly and even had the lead, but finally gave in during injury time in a losing effort. Stoke have that certain bounce back quality in their side, while you have to wonder what quality Bolton have exactly?

Y1: Stoke Y2: Bolton Doc: Bolton

Birmingham (1-3-1) @ Hull City (1-3-1)

Now this is shaping up to be a relegation battle that we can get excited about! At least when B'Ham lose, it's close. They hung with Aston Villa in the 2nd City Derby before succumbing to a late Gabby Agbonlahor strike, while Hull seem to at least lose spectacularly falling 4-1 at Sunderland last week. So, the smart pick is probably Birmingham, but sooner or later Hull is going to have to find their early 2008 form to survive in the EPL. It's hard to keep picking Hull, especially with a huge hole in defense now with Michael Turner gone. One last time, Phil Brown... please start Jozy Altidore! Our patience is wearing thin...

Y1: Hull Y2: Hull Doc: B'Ham

Portsmouth (0-5-0) @ Aston Villa (3-1-0)

This Just In.... Portsmouth are awful. We might be talking about Derby County of '07-'08 awful (1 win, 29 losses). They managed to actually score 2 goals last week, but lost and were booed off their own field at Fratton Park. There is no way, I repeat, no way they come close to winning this game at Villa. I would be stupified. Meanwhile, the reports of Aston Villa's demise was greatly exaggerated. Their 4th win in a row will start to raise questions about the little 3 (Villa, City, Spurs) and their conquest of the Big 4.

Y1: Villa Y2: Villa Doc: Villa

Liverpool (3-2-0) @ West Ham (1-2-1)

Speaking of the Big 4, Liverpool faces another must-win this weekend to stay afloat in the title race. An uninspired 1-0 home win against Debrecen of Hungary yesterday will do little to ease the pressure on Rafa Benitez. West Ham and Carlton Cole have been coming up small in front of goal in recent weeks, which might have led to the signing of Mexican star Guille Franco. With all of the teams in the Top 4 playing each other this week, it's crucial for Liverpool to take all 3 at Upton Park.

Y1: Liverpool Y2: West Ham Doc: Liverpool

Manchester City (4-0-0) @ Manchester United (4-1-0)

Ah, the Manchester Derby takes center stage this week. With City above United in the table this game takes on even more significance for the EPL title race. If anyone doesn't believe City is a real threat after watching their 2nd Half demolition of Arsenal, they do now. However, this game for City will be pretty tough without Tevez and Adebayor (banned for 3 games for stomping on RVP's face). The talking points this week have been about Adebayor's behavior against Arsenal. Perhaps the bigger story though is the harm it does his team, especially with such a huge game this weekend. United wasn't too impressive at Besiktas in Turkey, but they got the job done. It's these games when Fergie's men step up to the occasion. I would be inclined to go with the upset, but with the questions up front for City, United should win a close one.

Y1: United Y2: United Doc: United

Fulham (2-2-0) @ Wolves (1-3-1)

That Wolves bandwagon is looking pretty empty these days. They've been nothing to write home about so far in their return to the EPL. They face a resurgent Fulham side off of a clutch win last week against Everton. A late Damien Duff goal provided a big three points for the Cottagers. That saw them vault almost halfway up the table to 10th. Wolves sit dangerously above the relegation zone and it looks like they'll be mired there all season long. Fulham should get a win here.

Y1: Fulham Y2: Fulham Doc: Wolves

Blackburn (1-2-1) @ Everton (1-3-0)

Everton meanwhile, continue to sink after their loss at Fulham last weekend. Could this just be one of those years for Everton where nothing goes right? They've been such a mainstay right below the Top 4 that it's hard to imagine them struggling all season long. Blackburn got into the win column last week but I think questions still remain about this side. Eventually, Everton has got to right the ship, right? Transfers and injuries has left them short-handed, but David Moyes has the ability to turn it around... I think.

Y1: Everton Y2: Blackburn Doc: Blackburn

Tottenham (4-1-0) @ Chelsea (5-0-0)

The second of the Top 4 clashes this weekend sees 4th placed Spurs at 1st place Chelsea. Tottenham disappointed last week giving up the lead to United and being unable to take advantage of Scholes' sending off. They get another chance to make a statement this week though at the Bridge. One of these days, Chelsea won't be able to recover from giving up the first goal. They've escaped deficits against Hull, Sunderland, and now Stoke. But, Spurs has more quality than any of those sides. Chelsea has to be favored, but don't be surprised to see Harry's men rise to the occasion.

Y1: Spurs Y2: Chelsea Doc: Chelsea

UEFA Champions League Roundup

Champion Team Of The Week - Real Madrid - 5 Goals at Zurich

Champion Player Of The Week - Grafite (Wolfsburg) - Hat trick v CSKA Moscow

You Have Got To Do Better - Athletico Madrid - 0-0 draw at home to APOEL?

5 Random Thoughts:

1) The new format of the UEFA CL is sapping some of the drama out of the group stages. Seeing Liverpool trying to get a goal against the Hungarian champions doesn't exactly have the magical feeling of Inter v Barcelona (which while a 0-0 draw, still proved to be compelling). I for one can't wait for the APOEL v Chelsea showdown.

2) 4 1 goal wins for the Big 4. Is it a sign that the English dominance of the Champions League is on the decline?? Not so fast my friend! If any of the Big 4 don't make it to the knockout round it would be a shock. Don't worry fans of the old country, there will be a heavy British presence throughout this competition.

3) Rangers got an important draw at Stuttgart in Group G... not exactly a group of death per se, but with Sevilla as well this group could provide a surprise deep run in the CL with 3 quality teams but not elite.

4) Juventus had the other disappointing result of the weekend at home to Bordeaux in a Group A draw. I would expect more from a team which added some great pieces like Diego and Felipe Melo in the offseason.

5) You want a surprise pick to make it out of the group stage even after a first week loss... AZ Alkmaar.

CONCACAF Roundup

Take A Bow - Columbus Crew

-The first ever win for an American team at the Estadio Saprissa is certainly an accomplishment that can brighten MLS's prospects in this competition. Eddie Gaven provided the winner once again, and the Crew defended the 1-0 successfully for 85 minutes in the most impressive performance stateside.

-Cruz Azul played to a 3-3 draw at Puerto Rico. It looks like the Mexican side will advance out of Group C as will Columbus as long as they take care of business at home.

-DC United finally picked up a win over T&T side San Juan Jaboleth... but they still won't get out of Group B ahead of Marathon or Toluca.

-The surprise team so far has been Panamanian side Arabe Unido in Group A. They might lock Houston out of advancing unless the Dynamo beat them next round. Houston lost 2-0 at Pachuca, but that was expected.

EPL Picks & CONCACAF CL Preview

We're back with our midweek picks for the EPL. Throughout the season we'll be joined by the only man who is capable of matching wits with the Yoder Bros, our pops Dr. Yoder. The good doctor knows absolutely nothing about the English Premier League, so this will be a good test to see how much (or little) skill (or luck) is involved in picking these games. As you can see below, the results weren't very good for one of us... oh wait that's me. Here now our picks for the midweek games.

Mr. Yoder I: 6-4-0 18 pts

Mr. Yoder II: 8-2-0 24 pts

Dr. Yoder: 7-3-0 21 pts

Sunderland (1-0-0) v Chelsea (1-0-0)

Both teams were winners in week 1. Sundy winning on the road at Bolton, and Didier Drogba saving Chelsea's bacon at home against Hull City. I wasn't too impressed with Chelsea in Week 1, and think Sunderland can get the best of them at the Stadium of Light, crazy I know, but hey I need to pick up some games ok?

Y1: Sundy Y2: Chelsea Doc: Chelsea

Wigan (1-0-0) v Wolves (0-1-0)

Perhaps this is stubbornness, but I don't believe Wigan is that good, or Wolves is that bad. I'll give Wolves one more week before I abandon them as my surprise pick. Doc was shockingly correct with Wigan the first week, and even remembered that he picked them. Right now he is driving Wigan's bandwagon with Hugo Rodallega (left) front and center.

Y1: Wolves Y2: Wigan Doc: Wigan

Birmingham (0-1-0) v Portsmouth (0-1-0)

This game is only for the football enthusiasts, it will be hard to watch. We all like Birmingham because they're at home, and they held Man Utd to only a 1-0 victory. Here's hoping these teams figure out that you need to score goals to actually win games.

Y1: B-ham Y2: B-ham Doc: B-ham

Hull City (0-1-0) v Tottenham (1-0-0)

This is one of the more intriguing games of the midweek slate. Hull played surprisingly well at Chelsea (here's hoping US star Jozy Altidore actually gets to play). Doc and Y2 see a surprise Hull victory, while I'm going with Spurs after their dominant performance against Liverpool.

Y1: Spurs Y2: Hull Doc: Hull

Burnley (0-1-0) v Man Utd (1-0-0)

I don't want to see Fergie complain about the schedules ever again after he gets to open up the year with the 2 weakest promotion teams. What a farce. Burnley couldn't get a goal in against Stoke (well, at least in Stoke's net), I woud be shocked if they kept this game within 3 goals.

Y1: Man U Y2: Man U Doc: Man U

Liverpool (0-1-0) v Stoke (1-0-0)

Well, it might be early for a must win game... but this is a must win game for Liverpool. Stoke will pack it in and defend like bulldogs, but Gerrard and Torres will have to step up and find a goal somewhere. They didn't play well last week at all against Spurs, and they'll need to be at their best this week to win. Y2 and I think Liverpool will pull it off, Doc is going with the upset.

Y1: Liverpool Y2: Liverpool Doc: Stoke

Bonus Pick

Celtic v Arsenal

A bonus pick for the heavily anticipated Battle of Britain UEFA CL Qualifier. Scottish giants Celtic host Arsenal in the first leg of their home and away tie. Arsenal made Everton look like a League One side on the weekend, but playing away to Celtic at Parkhead (right) in European play is a different matter. I see Celtic let by former WBA manager Tony Mowbray taking the lead going to the Emirates, the other 2 Yoders see the Gun show rolling on.

Y1: Celtic Y2: Arsenal Doc: Arsenal

CONCACAF CL Preview

To be taken seriously, MLS teams need to start performing well in the CONCACAF Champions League, which begins group play tonight. Weather permitting, we'll be at Crew Stadium to watch Schelotto return to the lineup to face the USL's Puerto Rico Islanders, who dispatched Toronto FC in a qualifier. Crew coach Robert Warzycha seems like he's going to take the competition seriously and the players are speaking of the need of the MLS teams to perform well on the international stage. Last season, Mexican teams made up 3/4 of the semifinalists as Atlante beat Cruz Azul to claim the first ever CONCACAF CL crown. Let's go through Groups A-D and see who can claim North American supremacy this year. Much like Europe, the top 2 from each group make the knockout round.

Group A - Houston (US), Metapan (ES), Arabe Unido (PAN), Pachuca (MEX)

Hard to see either the El Salvador or Panama outfits beating out Pachuca and the Dynamo to make it past the group stage. Pachuca seems to always do well on the international stage, and should look to make their mark on the CL after missing out last year, and Houston was the only MLS team to not totally embarrass themselves last season. I would be shocked if either team failed to make it out of Group A.

Group B - Toluca (MEX), Marathon (HON), DC Utd (US), San Juan Jaboleth (T&T)

Toluca has been dominant in Mexico winning the Fall 2008 tournament, and finishing tied at the top of the table in the Spring 2009 tourney before falling in the playoffs. Being one of Mexico's in form teams means they'll do well in the CL. DC United struggled mightily last season handling MLS and the CL falling out of both competitions. Their form is already slipping in MLS and I wouldn't be surprised to see Honduran giants Marathon beat them out for 2nd place and advancing to the knockout round for the 2nd year in a row.

Group C - Columbus (US), Saprissa (CRC), PR Islanders (PR), Cruz Azul (MEX)

If anyone is going to do damage in this tournament for MLS, it's Columbus. Injuries throughout the season has actually deepened their squad and given guys rest and valuable playing time. They'll have to get out of the Group of Death first though. The PR Islanders of USL made the semis last year, Cruz Azul made the final, and Costa Rican powerhouse Saprissa has done very well in this tournament, finishing runners up in 2008 and winning in 2005. I'm going out on a limb and picking Columbus and Saprissa to advance. Saprissa is one of the toughest venues in North America, and Cruz Azul will continue their struggles after finishing dead last in the Spring 2009 Mexican season.

Group D - UNAM (MEX), Comunicaciones (GUA), W Connection (T&T), Real Espana (HON)

This might be the hardest group to see a 2nd team advancing out of. UNAM, the Spring 2009 champions, is a sure bet, getting the easiest group and could go very far in this tournament. I'll pick Espana from Honduras to join them in the KO round. Sorry W Connection, beating the New York Red Bulls, who haven't won in 13 MLS games, isn't exactly a great achievement.