Champions League Final Recap (with pictures)

A day after the Champions League Final, I thought it would be the right time to recap just what happened in Rome. Barcelona are the new European Champions! On a night when Manchester United could have created history by winning back to back European titles, Barcelona came out victorious.
On reading all the online reviews it seems that one thing is evident - Manchester United lost the game rather than Barcelona winning it. Everybody is talking about how Man United underperformed rather than how Barcelona dominated. And that is how it went! On the big stage, three players shone - Xavi, Pique and man of the match Iniesta. Notice there are no Man United players included. After only 8 minutes of the game Man United looked extrodinary, a team that could not lose. At that stage they had 5 shots on the Barcelona goal. But one minute later, and one Barcelona attack later they were down 1-0. It seemed that the wind was taken right out of the Man utd sales and the ship never recovered. Barcelona took the game by the scruff of the neck and shut United down all over the park. Eto was ordinary, Henry was ordinary and apart from his goal Messi was pretty ordinary! Never-the-less, it was Barcelona turned up, worked hard and went home with the Champions League title!

UC Santa Barbara to Host College Cup

UC Santa Barbara will host the 2010 College Cup final! The 2006 National Champions, and 2004 runners-up will have the opportunity to cement their position as one of the No.1 college soccer programs. Already leading in average season attendances, UCSB now have the opportunity to really showcase Harder Stadium to the world of college soccer. Harder stadium holds 17,000 with the record attendance currently standing at just under 12,000 (for the Elite Eight game vs. Virginia Commonwealth in 2004). Harder was once a football stadium, but since coach Tim Vom Steeg has taken over the soccer program, the field and stadium have been transferred into a soccer specific stadium. In fact, Vom Steeg had the field dug up and replaced in 2003, renaming it Meridith Field after the donor who sponsored the project.

I played at UCSB from 2003-2006 and was involved in both National Championship games, so I have had great experiences with the field, the stadium and the home crowd! There is a certain mystique about Harder stadium and the field itself. Once out in front of a Gaucho Loco crowd anything is possible, they act as the 12th man! Just ask anybody who has been to a UCSB game about 'Big Mike' and the Gaucho locos and they will tell you all about the craziness! Any time that I have spoke to opposing players about playing at UCSB they talked about how much they enjoyed being in the atmosphere and getting to play on such a well maintained field.

The games will take place in December of 2010, during Fall Quarter of the 2010-11 school year.

Soccer Cleat Stars Premier League Awards

We are just at the end of the 2008/09 Premier League season so we decided to give our end of season awards out.

Signing of the Season: Andrei Arshavin
What a purchase Arshavin has turned out to be! It took Arsene Wenger well over 6 months to secure the signing of the Russian playmaker, but 6 goals and 8 assists in 11 Premier League games has been a good return. He has played 923 minutes, meaning he has been involved in an Arsenal goal every 65 minutes!

Flop of the Season: David Bentley
Seen as a player who would help Spurs make it into a European spot, Bentley has had a terrible season. At Blackburn, Bentley had won a place in the England team, and was one of the best right midfielders in the Premier League. Now he is a bench warmer, consigned to sitting behind Aaron Lennon!

Over Achievers of the Season: Fulham
I could have went with Stoke City on this one, but pound for pound over the full Season, Roy Hodgeson's team have been nothing less than impressive! Escaping relegation on the final day of last season, Hodgeson has not looked back. What is more impressive is Fulham's home form, which is 4th best in the Premier League. If they win on Sunday at home to Everton, and Liverpool fail to beat Spurs, Fulham will finish with the 2nd best home record in the Premier League with 39 points from 19 games!

Discovery of the Season: Phil Jagielka
David Moyes has had a knack of picking up great defenders from the lower leagues and turning them into star defenders. Last season it was Lescott, this season it was Phil Jagielka. Jagielka spent a season with Sheffield United in the top flight before joining his current club in 2007, but his top class performances this season resulted in him winning his first international cap!

Slump of the Season: Aston Villa
Poor old Villa! At Christmas they were flying high at the top league, looking like they would take a Champions League spot. An FA Cup loss to Everton on February 15th was a dramatic turning point for the Villains. Add to that Martin O'Neill's horrible decision to send a reserve team to be knocked out of Europe, and it was May 4th before their next win! Some people would choose Hull in this spot, but for me I expected it from Hull, not Villa!

Weirdest Image of the Season: David Moyes Sitting with Stoke Fans!
In September, Moyes was sent to the stand in Everton's 3-2 victory. Unfortunately for Moyes, he was left to sit in the middle of Stoke fans. He saw the funny side, and the Stoke fans seemed to enjoy the moment, but it was a sight not seen very often!

Misquote of the Season: 'Charles Insomnia'
Joe Kinnear referred to Charles N'Zogbia as Charles Insomnia in a TV interview, causing a fall out between both and a transfer for N'Zogbia. Kinnear simply mispronounced his name, but N'Zogbia seen it as a way to exit Newcastle, stating he would never play for Kinnear again.

Worst Tackle of the Season: Danny Guthrie on Craig Fagan
One of the worst tackles ever seen in the Premier League. With Hull beating Newcastle 2-1 at St James Park, Guthrie took it upon himself to swing at Fagan with the ball five yards away. Fagan ended up with a broken leg and three months on the sideline, while Guthrie got a suspension and a bad name!

The 'Back from the brink' Award: Ryan Giggs
Something nobody expected! Giggs has played a stellar role in United's march this season. When Ferguson has called on Giggs, his professionalism and maturity has truely shined. And the wisdom he oozes has been very evident all season long. To cap it off, Giggs won the PFA Player of the year for the first time.

The 'What just happened' Award: Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane made what was his dream move to Liverpool from Spurs this past summer. He was going to partner Fernando Torres to complete manager Rafa Benitez league challenging team. 5 months later, and a drought of Premier League goals saw Robbie head back down south to White Heart Lane!

Leave us a comment and let us know your favorite part of the season!

Manchester United Win Premier League

For the third time in a row, Manchester have been crowned Premier League Champions - equalling Liverpool's record of 18 league titles! Arsenal were the ones to play United in the midday kickoff at Old Trafford. There were limited chances in the game, and in the end a 0-0 result was all United needed. When the final whistle went there were huge celebrations on the field, with United now knowing that the Champions League will complete a fantastic quadruple. United now have the World Club Champions, League Cup and Premier League trophies.
After the game, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave United players and fans even better news by announcing he is going to stay coaching Manchester United well after this season. He said he was not contemplating retirement, and it would be his health that decided that. When the commentator commented that that could be well over 5 years, Ferguson nodded his head and agreed. Ferguson at United for another 5 seasons? United are sure to reach the 20 League title marks! I am in awe of the squad Ferguson has put together, and there are not many coaches who can boast 35 titles in 35 years as a manager! When Ferguson does decide to retire I think United will struggle to find a replacement, just as they struggled to find a goalkeeper after Schmeichel decided to leave the club. All United fans will be hoping that Ferguson stays healthy, and continues to coach for DECADES to come! Here is the Ferguson interview.


Also See:
Ibrahimovic to move to Manchester United?
Fletcher Suspended for Champions League Final

Martin Laursen Forced to Retire

A knee injury has brought the end of Martin Laursen soccer career. The ex-AC Milan center back was making a name for himself at Aston Villa the past two seasons, but could not overcome a persistent injury that has kept him out since January. At 31 years old, Laursen still had a alot of soccer left in his legs. It was very noticeable that Aston Villa struggled after his injury. 1 win in 13 games proves just that! Laursen could have underwent surgery to try fix his left knee, but there was no guarantee that the surgery could work, with the possibility of major stiffness for the rest of his life.

I think Martin made the right decision, although he is going to be greatly missed! Over the past two seasons he had become one of the best center backs in the Premier League, and one that could score goals! Every time Aston Villa had a corner Laursen was a huge threat, scoring many important goals. It is a real shame for him and Aston Villa that he will not play again. Aston Villa's slump could see them miss out on a European spot that was nearly a cert at Christmas. I believe if Laursen had been playing, Villa would already have their spot !

Also See:
Adidas Samba 80 Review
Manchester United Win Premier League

Adidas Samba 80 Review

It is always good to have a classy pair of sneakers around that can double and used for playing soccer. And what better than a shoe that has seen five decades of rabble-rousing, from icy hard ground soccer fields to rockin' out in the mosh pit. This version of the Samba 80 is a re-release of the perennial classic, created with an old-school upper. I love the style of this sneaker, and my preferred choice is the Collegiate Navy/White version pictured here available for $60, or go for the White/Black/Gum at $49 (great deal!!). Check out the full range directly at Adidas. And don't forget to use code FREE2009 at checkout for free shipping on all orders!

• Full grain leather upper for comfort and soft feel
• Textile lining for comfort
• Gum rubber cupsole for grip
• Imported

Also See:
Nike Mercurial Vapor V- New Colorway
Manchester United Win Premier League

Barcelona Win First Silverware of Season

Barcelona made easy work of Athletic Bilboa 4-1 in the final of the Copa Del Rey Wednesday night. The cup is the first piece of silverware seen in the Camp Nou since 2006. An early 9th minute Toquero strike gave Athletic some hope, but that was quickly squashed as Barca ran riot. Yaya Toure got on the board first for Barca, before a Lionel Messi strike, a Bojan effort, and a Xavi free-kick made for a thrilling victory for Barca. Barca played some excellent soccer, and sent out a warning to Manchester United ahead of the Champions League final. In between, Barca will have the opportunity to clinch the Primera Liga this weekend.

What a season it could turn out to be for Barca. This could be the first of three titles, and with the league pretty much wrapped up that only leaves the Champions League. And what a game that should be on May 27th in Rome. Last seasons semi final saw Barca play Man Utd. It turned out to be a pair of goals with only one goal and limited chances. I have a feeling that this Final might be a little more open! Messi and Ronaldo both have a point to prove, who is the best player in the world! And lets be honest, they are two of the best! It is a game I will be looking forward to!

Also See:

Chelsea vs Barcelona statistics

Fletcher Suspended for Champions League Final

Ibrahimovic to move to Manchester United?

Rumors are starting to circulate the Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrhimovis is ready to make a move to either Manchester United or Chelsea, two teams who might be able to meet his $200,000 a week wages! The 27 year old has scored 21 goals in Serie A so far this season, and is on the verge of helping Inter reclaim their title.

"Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are in contact with me," Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. "They are the only teams capable of taking someone like Zlatan."

Jose Mourinho is sure to want to keep the Swedish international, who is seen as one of the best players in Europe. In the two games Inter played Manchester United in this seasons Champions League semi finals saw a very confident Ibrahimovic who's style would suit one of the big two in England.

Also See:
Adidas Samba 80 Review
Manchester United Win Premier League

Recommended Blog: SoccerCityFC

When another website does good things, it is worth a shout out! We would like to give a shout out to our friends over at http://www.soccercityfc.com/, who have been working really hard to bring valuable information and news on soccer from all around the globe. Jam packed with great soccer commentary, information, interviews, and news, it is worth checking daily for great posts!
Recently, the site was redesigned and the new layout looks great!

Newcastle Take A Step Towards Survival

Newcastle took a huge step towards survival in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League on Monday night at St. James Park. In what was one of the most anticipated Teeside derbies in recent times, two late strikes secured Newcastle a 3-1 Victory over cross town rivals Middlesbrough. Both teams entered the game on 31 points, knowing that a win could see them leapfrog Hull out of the relegation zone.And Newcastle took full advantage, in doing so winning their first game since December 21^st 2008, while also securing Alan Shearers first win as manager! It was Obafemi Martins and Peter Lovenkrands who were the heroes, climbing off the bench and scoring a goal apiece in the final 20 minutes.

I have to comment on the whole Alan Shearer situation. It actually looks like he will secure their Premier League status after all. What a difficult season it has been for Newcastle all round, with so many ups and downs. For Shearer, last night’s win was his first as manager of the club in six games. But is one win in six a good return for the Geordie legend as he battles to keep his old clubs Premier League status intact? Under the circumstances, Yes. They are out of the relegation zone and have an easier final two games than either Hull or Middlesbrough, meaning they should survive the drop. It will be the final two games that determine Shearers status as a top flight manager. If Shearer can build from this success(like a top manager should) and win his final two games he will become an untouchable legend on Tyneside. In my opinion, failing to win both games will be a disappointment. Shearer has a fully fit squad that includes some truly great Premier League players, and a team now brimming with high confidence knowing their faith is in their own hands. Next challenge- a tough Fulham team who are looking to finish their extremely successful season on a high. For Newcastle it is now not about winning to stay up, it is about winning to prove they belong in the Premier League. Two wins Mr. Shearer!

Also See:
Adidas Samba 80 Review
Barcelona Win First Silverware of Season

Barcelona Edge Towards Primera Liga

Fresh off their Champions League heroics versus Chelsea midweek, Barcelona played Villareal knowing that a win would secure the Primera Liga title on Sunday. But the champagne had to put on ice when Joseba Llorente scored an equalizer 2 minutes into stoppage time, giving Barca a taste of theirown medicine. It looked like Barcelona would coast to victory when they went in at half time with a 3-1 lead thanks to goals by Keita, Eto'o and Alves, before Matias Fernandez scored from the penalty spot on 78 minutes and Llorente scored his second of the game. And to compound frustration, for the second time in 5 days, Eric Adibal saw red, as he gave away the 78th minute penalty. Not a good personal week for the French left back! Barcelona will have an opportunity to seal the title next weekend at Real Mallorca.

This is of course if Real Madrid win their game on Saturday versus Villareal. But lets be honest, that doesn't look likely. If Real Madrid ail to win, the title belongs again to Barca without kicking a ball. And what has happened to Real Madrid?? After a 6-2 thrashing at home to Barcelona the previous week, they were battered 3-0 away to Valencia Saturday. If Madrid had managed to win both games, they would now be leading the Primera Liga. But instead a team worth over 200 million concedes 9 goals and pretty much hands the title to their rivals. As one of the richest teams in the world, they will be extremely frustrated that the could not challenge in the final weeks of the season, but it has been such a frustrting season for madrid, with many injuries and disapointments. Their ae sure to be huge changes their durg the summer, and as usual probably another coaching change, lets be honest it wouldn't be Real Madrid without a coach being fired!

As a side note, Barcelona will be looking for their first piece of silverware this season, when they play Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final this Wednesday. It could be the first of three trophies for the Catalan giants.

Also See:
Barcelona Edge Towards Primera Liga
Nike Mercurial Vapor Berry Still Available

Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Berry Still Available

One of the most popular and saught after cleats in the world- Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Berry- is still available to buy right now! We get asked all the time where can people get their hands on the pink colored cleats, well the answer is on eBay. eBay currently has 4 listings right now, some with starting bids of $1. If you are interesteed in getting your hands on a pair you should probably do it sooner rather than later as the cleats are sure to dissapear soon. Most people purchasing the cleats are doing so to keep them as collector items.

Check the listings out right here:
Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Berry

Also See:
Adidas Samba 80 Review
Nike Mercurial Vapor V- New Colorway

Chelsea vs Barcelona statistics

Chelsea 1 Barcelona 1
*Barcelona go through on away goals

• Barcelona had one shot on target- Iniesta's goal in the 93rd minute.
• Barcelona enjoyed a 71% share of possession in the Nou Camp. Last night it was 70%.
• Drogba disgraces himself, just as he did in last year's final, screaming at the referee and calling him a 'f***ing disgrace'.
• 6 Yellow cards issued by referee Ovrebo. Four for Chelsea, two for Barcelona.
• Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal will serve suspensions and miss the Champions League final.
• Didier Drogba is sure to be given a lenghty suspension for his tirade after the game was finished.

Also See:
Manchester United Win Premier League
Adidas Samba 80 Review

Trouble at Stamford Bridge

What a semi final it turned out to be at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Barcelona. After a pretty boring 0-0 draw last week in Spain, this tie turned out to a very entertaining affair. Chelsea took the lead in the 9th minute through a spectacular Michael Essien volley, soon after they had a clear penalty appeal turned down when Malouda appeared to be taken down in the box. In the second half, Drogba appeals for a penalty when the ball clearly strikes Pique's hand, before Abidal sees a red card for taking down Anelka just outside the area. With 10 men Barcelona continued to try find a way through only to see a wall of Chelsea players each and everytime. In the 90th minute, Barcelona had NO SHOTS ON GOAL, and with 10 men Chelsea are on the way to Rome, right? Wrong! Iniesta scored a screamer deep into inury time when the ball was fed to him at the top of the box. The away goal sent Barcelona through to the Champions League final where they will play Manchester United.

After the game, all hell broke lose. After Barcelona had scored, Chelsea sent everyone forward and had another clear penalty appeal turned down when Michael Ballack's rocket clearly hit a Barcelona defenders arm. The ball was cleared, but Michael Ballack had alot to say about the referee's decision to not call a penalty. Chasing the referee, he clearly threw his arms around the official, screaming at him. When the final whistle went, Didier Drogba who had been subbed in the second half, had to held back from the official, Ovrebo, as the Chelsea striker shouted into a television camera: ‘Are you watching this? It is a f****** disgrace.’Drogba, sent off against United in last year’s final defeat in Moscow, had to be restrained by manager Guus Hiddink before storming off to the dressing room.

Also See:
Chelsea vs Barcelona statistics
Manchester United Win Premier League

Fletcher Suspended for Champions League Final

Darren Fletcher will not be able to appeal against the red card he received in the Champions League win over Arsenal. In what was a great night for Manchester United, Fletchers red card was the only negative point. A ball into the United area, saw Fletcher stretch across Arsenals Cesc Fabregas and seem to win the ball while taking Fabregas down. Replays show that Fletcher did in fact win the ball, taking it away from Fletchers body. In defence of the referee, he really could not see Fletcher striking the ball, and it did look like he took Fletcher down.

Although the Football Association have moved towards a position where referees regularly rescind red cards, both UEFA and FIFA strictly maintain the rules that match officials' decisions should remain sacrosanct. Thus, unless Fletcher was red carded when it was someone else who commited the foul, it can not be appealed. It is unfortunate for Fletcher who stayed on the bench for last seasons final. "He's one of the most honest players in the game and to miss the final, it's a tragedy," said Ferguson. If there is anyone who can console Fletcher it will be team mate Paul Scholes who, along with Roy Keane, had to sit out the 1999 final when Manchester United beat Bayern Munich.

Also See:
Manchester United Win Premier League
Nike Mercurial Vapor Berry Still Available

Galaxy Find a Way to Win

LA Galaxy finally got their first win of the season at the weekend and now sit at 1-1-4 for the season. After what has been a difficult few weeks due to injuries, Galaxy battled to a 1-0 win over the New York Reb Bulls. It was Landon Donovan who scored the goal in the 39th minute, slotting home a controversial penalty. The ball seemed to hit Seth Stammler on the hip, but the linesman put his flag up for a penalty. The win was Galaxy's first in 6 games, after 4 draws and 1 losses. In the six games Galaxy have played this season, Donovan has been involved in every goal the team have scored, showing his importance to the team. David Beckham returns to Galaxy in late June, so until then it is a case of trying to get some wins on the board, starting at Real Salt Lake this coming weekend.

New York Red Bulls (1-5-2) vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (1-1-4) May 02, 2009 -- The Home Depot Center

Scoring Summary: LA -- Landon Donovan 4 (penalty kick) 39


New York Red Bulls -- Jon Conway, Carlos Johnson, Kevin Goldthwaite, Carlos Mendes, Alfredo Pacheco (Danleigh Borman 66), Macoumba Kandji, Jorge Rojas, Seth Stammler, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Albert Celades 59), Juan Pablo Angel, Dane Richards (John Wolyniec 79),
Substitutes Not Used: Danny Cepero, Mike Petke, Luke Sassano, Khano Smith

Los Angeles Galaxy -- Donovan Ricketts, Sean Franklin, Gregg Berhalter, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Dunivant, Chris Klein (Bryan Jordan 75), Dema Kovalenko, Josh Tudela (Stefani Miglioranzi 68), Eddie Lewis, Edson Buddle (Jovan Kirovski 85), Landon Donovan,
Substitutes Not Used: Alan Gordon, Mike Magee, Tony Sanneh, Josh Saunders