News and Blog updates
April 23, 2008 by f4denz.
Team keeps looking for right mix at forward Deseret News
When Real Salt Lake finally signed the target forward they were seeking in the final month of the preseason, it naturally raised another important question: Who would be Kenny Deuchar’s best strike partner option, Robbie Findley, Yura Movsisyan or Fabian Espindola?
Real Salt Lake Weekly oursportscentral.com
RSL Heads to Nation’s Capitol Saturday for Return Match against D.C. United.
Real Salt Lake (1-2-1, 4 pts.) will close out its brief 2008 season series against D.C. United (1-3-0, 3 pts.) this Saturday, April 26, when Utah’s side will head to RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., for a 5:30 p.m. MT kick-off against the defending MLS Supporters Shield holders.
A tale of two halves globeandmail.com (a very good read on the view of last weekend’s match from north of the border)
If Toronto FC’s 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday was a tale of two halves, as it was dubbed in the postgame scrums, it also was a tale of two teams and one coach growing.
D.C. looks to right ship in slow start mlsnet.com
For the second consecutive season, a slow start to MLS play has left D.C. United languishing in the Eastern Conference basement after four matches, pondering the taxing effects of international play and wondering how to right the ship.
SBI MLS Best XI: Week Four soccerbyives.net
So who were the best players in MLS for Week Four? It was a bit tougher than usual to pick a Best XI but there were enough standout performances to create a nucleus to build around.
Moving Out ussoccerplayers.typepad.com (a very interesting view on the troubles that Houston are having with their attempt to get a stadium deal- if you thought we had drama, then this one will really seem familiar)
I was having a conversation with a non-soccer sports fan last week about the state of the game in the US. I mentioned how this is an interesting time in its development as devoted fans and officials continue in their efforts to grow the league. Trying to advance what is normally viewed as a foreign game with American concepts such as trades, salary caps, and drafts makes this a unique time in the history of the game.
Barca vs Man U- Match Summary
So again I am watching this on my DVR and not live so it misses a little drama, but here goes. So a hand ball in the box to start the game leads to a Man U PK, taken by Cristiano, who fools the keeper but drives the ball wide of the goal, chance for an easy away goal blown. A lot of people have questioned CR’s performance in the big games and that is the reason why. This summary will be much more high level than yesterday’s Liverpool vs. Chelsea summary, because I simply don’t care nearly as much about this one. The first half was dominated by FCB controlling the possession and scoring chances, they sure appear to be the better team today but have failed to put anything on the scoreboard. While Cristiano may dive a bit, he is nowhere near as bad as Drogba was yesterday, but I can see him earning the mythical pink card in this match.
Well the second half has started and no changes to either side, and Barca are still controlling the pace and possession in the match, with the rare United counter, but neither side is looking extremely dangerous with their scoring chances. It is mice to see Messi back, and in good form for a player who has not seen much action in recent weeks. Man U have to be careful they are getting away with a lot of contact in the box, a whistle may soon be heard and a penalty kick given. A great attack by Eto in the 52nd minute and the ball catches the side netting on the wrong side of the goal, a real chance wasted. The counter by Man U ends up in a great chance by Carrick, but like Eto, his shot catches the side netting on the outside of the goal. Well you would think that a match that ends with one team controlling just under 70% of the possession and having taken 3 times more shots would have a winner and a loser, but nope a 0-0 draw is the result in leg one, perhaps next weeks match at Old Trafford will get something on the scoreboard.