It's hard not to love Tim Howard. On the field, the New Jersey-born goalkeeper is a tightly wound bundle of athletic intensity. Off it, he conveys the nobility and earnestness of a throwback gentleman-athlete.
SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.
Friday, September 21, 2012
The Incredible Tim Howard
It's hard not to love Tim Howard. On the field, the New Jersey-born goalkeeper is a tightly wound bundle of athletic intensity. Off it, he conveys the nobility and earnestness of a throwback gentleman-athlete.
England: Premier League Weekend Previews, Predictions, Etc.
Preview
Paul Merson's Predictions
Lawro's Predictions
Ten Weekend Questions
Ten Things To Look Out For This Weekend
Europa League Wrap
Jeff Carlisle: Julian de Guzman a DP bust? Not anymore
The tag of Designated Player bust usually sticks to a player like superglue. Once the early poor performances are turned in, it doesn't matter whether it's Denilson, Lothar Matthaus or Nery Castillo, there is little to stop the ensuing downward spiral. That is, unless the player in question is FC Dallas midfielder Julian de Guzman.
When Football Tattoos Go Wrong
Lukas Podolski is so enamoured with his new home at the Emirates that he is already talking about getting the club's crest as a tattoo to go along with a similar ink he has of boyhood team Cologne. However, the German internatuional should be warned, football fans and tattoos don't always make for happy endings.
Friday MLS Forecast
Racist taunts sour Tottenham's Europa League draw against Lazio
Three of Tottenham Hotspur's black players were subjected to racist abuse from a section of the travelling Lazio support during the 0-0 Europa League draw between the clubs at White Hart Lane on Thursday night.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Six things to watch out for in the Europa League this week
Expect to see Brendan Rodgers putting faith in young Liverpool players, a revived Internazionale side and hot competition between Tottenham and Lazio.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is thinking of buying a five-star hotel in Paris
The Secret Footballer: Playing abroad? Welcome to the new culture club
There is a theory that playing abroad will open your eyes to the more technical side of the beautiful game. While this may be true, it can also cause major disruption and stress on your family life.As anyone who’s embarked on any form of travelling/excuse not to do proper work (I know … I’m a footballer, oh the irony), mixing with people from different cultures and religions can be a real eye opener. Modern football has given many young people a worldly outlook on life despite spending little time abroad themselves.
Most, if not all, British clubs are now sensitive to the cultural differences within their squads and the needs that arise for those players with different beliefs to our own, whatever they are. But I only really appreciated what some of our finest imports experience when they are plying their trade in foreign climes when I found myself playing abroad.
Is the Europa League really all that bad?
 |
| Liverpool celebrate in 2001 |
‘Thursday nights, Channel Five.’ The catchy terrace rendition of The Piranhas’ Tom Hark record reached its peak last season when Manchester City and Manchester United were dumped into the Europa League – it sums up England’s attitude towards the competition. For rival supporters of Tottenham, the song has already started doing the rounds this term due to their unfortunate demotion from a Champions League spot. This also details how many actually pay attention to the Europa League as Channel Five no longer cover the tournament. But, in a refreshing manner, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has defended the Europa League, claiming it is a prestigious title to win as his side prepare for their opening group stage clash with Lazio. It’s certainly not an easy trophy to bring back to British shores as only Liverpool, in 2001, have achieved that in the past 28 years – so why has such a neglected competition been so hard to win?
UEFA Champions League: Wednesday's Wrap, Briefs, Reports, Talking Points
Chelsea found a new Champions League hero as Brazilian Oscar scored twice for the holders in a 2-2 draw against Juventus and Barcelona had yet another command performance from Lionel Messi to thank for a 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow on Wednesday. Bayern Munich banished some demons in their first European fixture since their bitter final defeat by Chelsea in May with victory over Valencia and Manchester United, with plenty to prove after last season's woes, also began with three points.
Ben Lyttleton: Highlights from the Night
Manchester United 1 - 0 Galatasaray
Chelsea 2 - 2 Juventus
Jonathan Wilson: Oscar shines, but Chelsea's defense breaks
Amy Lawrence: Oscar steals the show
Barcelona 3 - 2 Spartak Moscow
Zac Lee Rigg: Riquelme going out in his own style - baffling and beautiful
Riquelme's future is uncertain after a perplexing press conference leaving the only certainty the pure languid beauty of his game.
The 34-year-old claimed that he was "empty" and would leave Boca Juniors, where he started his career. Boca suspended his contract last week, making him a free agent. On Friday, Riquelme called a press conference to clarify his future. Kind of.
"I feel I play better than before," he said. "So if you have a team, just let me know and we'll kick a ball about."
The 34-year-old claimed that he was "empty" and would leave Boca Juniors, where he started his career. Boca suspended his contract last week, making him a free agent. On Friday, Riquelme called a press conference to clarify his future. Kind of.
Why are so many Colombians keen to play in MLS?
Portland Timbers are just one MLS club mining a rich seam of talent in Colombia – where clubs often need to offload players.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
UEFA Champions League: Wednesday's Previews
Half of the teams have already played their opening match, leaving us with eight enthralling matchups to enjoy on Wednesday—and we've got a complete preview of each one.
Will Manchester United struggle in the opening group match? Will Juventus be too strong for defending champions Chelsea? Will there be an upset nobody saw coming?
Let's take a look at the eight Wednesday matches we'll see.
Chelsea vs. Juventus
Preview
Preview II
Michael Cox: Tactics
Manchester United vs. Galatasaray
Preview
Preview II
UEFA Champions League: Tuesday's Wrap, Briefs, and Reports
There were also wins for Paris St Germain, who beat Dynamo Kiev 4-1 on their return to the competition after eight years, newcomers Malaga, who beat Zenit St Petersburg 3-0 and former Champions League holders Porto who won 2-0 at Dinamo Zagreb.
In a clash of ex-European title winners Borussia Dortmund beat Ajax Amsterdam 1-0 while seven-times European champions AC Milan were booed off after a 0-0 home draw against Anderlecht.
Arsenal rode their luck to beat French champions Montpellier 2-1 away after conceding an early penalty.
Wrap
Briefs
Ben Lyttleton: Highlights From Opening Night
Real Madrid 3 - 2 Manchester City
Henry Winter at Estadio Bernabéu
Richard Williams at Estadio Bernabéu
Jamie Jackson at Estadio Bernabéu
Jonathan Wilson: Real Madrid flawed but talented enough to hold off Manchester City
Richard Williams: Mancini chose the wrong target for his anger in Joe Hart
Michael Cox: Tactics
Spanish Press Reaction
Montpellier 1 - 2 Arsenal
David Hytner at Stade de la Mosson
Jason Burt at Stade de la Mosson
Not So Forgotten Story: Manchester United v Galatasaray, 1993
Few had expected much from Galatasaray in the European Cup, but United were out of their depth on the pitch amid terrifying hostility and harassment off it.
During that trip to Istanbul 19 years ago, Ferguson said United were "exposed … to as much hostility and harassment as I have ever known on a football expedition". In his autobiography, Gary Pallister went further. "It was a terrifying business which had nothing to do with sport, and can be categorised objectively as an absolute disgrace." A number of United players were assaulted by police; Steve Bruce was almost maimed by a flying brick; and 164 United fans were thrown in the cells without food or drink and then deported for the crime of breathing in oxygen. But, as Rob Hughes wrote in the Times, this was all a "violent smokescreen to a more horrid truth" – that United, and English football, were out of their depth in the European Cup.
During that trip to Istanbul 19 years ago, Ferguson said United were "exposed … to as much hostility and harassment as I have ever known on a football expedition". In his autobiography, Gary Pallister went further. "It was a terrifying business which had nothing to do with sport, and can be categorised objectively as an absolute disgrace." A number of United players were assaulted by police; Steve Bruce was almost maimed by a flying brick; and 164 United fans were thrown in the cells without food or drink and then deported for the crime of breathing in oxygen. But, as Rob Hughes wrote in the Times, this was all a "violent smokescreen to a more horrid truth" – that United, and English football, were out of their depth in the European Cup.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Sid Lowe in Spain
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Piotr Trochowski's first-minute goal gets the job done and leaves José Mourinho's side eight points behind Barça in La Liga.
Sevilla bring back the good times as they cut through Real Madrid.
Ten things to look out for in the Champions League this week
How will the new PSG fare? | Is this the year for Arsenal? | Italian clubs could be in for a tough time.
Phil McNulty: Can a British Club Win the Champions League?
On the brink against Napoli, Abramovich sacked Andre Villas-Boas and handed the levers to his right-hand man Roberto Di Matteo to take control of an unlikely journey to success.
Survival against Napoli and victory against Benfica acted only as the starter for the main courses of victory over holders and overwhelming favourites Barcelona - achieved largely without the ball - and ultimate triumph on penalties against Bayern Munich in their own Allianz Arena.
As the journey starts again for holders Chelsea this week, Premier League champions Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Scottish champions Celtic will be aiming to go as far as they can.
Here's my assessment of their chances...
UEFA Champions League: Tuesday's Previews
The 2012-13 UEFA Champions League group stage gets underway on Tuesday evening, with Arsenal and Manchester City both in action in their respective pools. It's been four months since Chelsea ended an agonising wait for European glory in Munich, and this time around the English sides have the chance to claim victory on home soil, with Wembley the stage where the prize will be decided next May. The Gunners and Premier League champions City will both get things started on the road on Tuesday as they bid to emulate the Blues' success from last season.
Alan Smith: Real Madrid v Manchester City: Areas where the Champions League opener can be won and lost
Graham Hunter: Real Madrid, in mini-crisis, face champs of England
José Mourinho v Roberto Mancini: This one is personal
Mourinho and Mancini renew acquaintances
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City: Preview
Montpellier vs. Arsenal: Preview
Raphael Honigstein in Germany
Late drama at the AWD Arena, Henry Kissinger comes home and is there a hidden agenda at declining Hoffenheim?
Hannover's injury-time win over Werder diminished by shirty official.
England: Monday Night Football Report + EPL Table
Everton 2 - 2 Newcastle
| Pos. | Team | Pl | W | D | L | GF | GA | +/- | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| 2 | Manchester United | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 9 |
| 3 | Arsenal | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 8 |
| 4 | Manchester City | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 8 |
| 5 | Swansea City | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| 6 | West Bromwich Albion | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 7 |
| 7 | Everton | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| 8 | West Ham United | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| 9 | Fulham | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| 10 | Tottenham Hotspur | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| 11 | Newcastle United | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 5 |
| 12 | Stoke City | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 13 | Aston Villa | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 |
| 14 | Wigan Athletic | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 4 |
| 15 | Sunderland | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 16 | Norwich City | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 3 |
| 17 | Liverpool | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 2 |
| 18 | Queens Park Rangers | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | -7 | 2 |
| 19 | Reading | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 1 |
| 20 | Southampton | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 14 | -9 | 0 |
MLS Power Rankings
Four MLS contenders enter a busy week with some decisions to make, and the overall quality rises as the playoff chase heats up following MLS' Week 28.
Team of the Week
Goalkeeper: Bill Hamid (D.C. United)
Defenders: David Horst (Portland Timbers), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matt Hedges (FC Dallas)
Midfielders: Marcelo Sarvas (Los Angeles Galaxy), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Dax McCarty (New York Red Bulls), Julian de Guzman (FC Dallas), Alvaro Fernandez (Chicago Fire)
Forwards: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Eric Hassli (Toronto FC)
Richard Williams: Real Madrid malaise goes deeper than Cristiano Ronaldo's unhappiness
Eduardo Alvarez in Spain
Two seasons ago, on one of the random and always fun occasions on which Phil Ball and I swap columns, I decided to watch a game at the Vicente Calderon pretending that I was an Atletico Madrid supporter, against my mother's wise advice.
The puzzling results of the experiment - every person I spoke to recognised me as a Madridista as soon as I opened my mouth - led me to run a second, less daring but almost as enjoyable, undercover operation last season.
Paolo Bandini in Italy
The Rossoneri's defeat to Atalanta means they have lost their first two home games, and sees the pressure grow on Max Allegri.
Milan's lack of imagination sees them break unwanted 80-year record.
Football Weekly: Arsenal in form as the Champions League returns
AC Jimbo's got Michael Cox, James Horncastle and Jacob Steinberg in the pod for this edition of Football Weekly, and it's a humdinger all right.
We start by riffing on the action from the Premier League, which saw Arsenal hit sorry Southampton for six and Tottenham register their first victory under AVB.
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Finally, we give a bit of love to the Europa League, which sees the aforementioned Spurs take on Lazio, and Liverpool travel to Bern in Switzerland to face Young Boys.
Monday, September 17, 2012
England: Monday Night Football Previews
Who: Everton vs. Newcastle
When: 3pm EDT
Where: Goodison Park, Liverpool
U.S. TV: ESPN2
Real Madrid v Manchester City: Player-by-player who has the best first XI on paper?
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England: Premier League Weekend Review, Reports, Talking Points
Manchester United 4 - 0 Wigan
Stoke City 1 - 1 Manchester City
Queens Park Rangers 0 - 0 Chelsea
Arsenal 6 - 1 Southampton
Sunderland 1 - 1 Liverpool
Reading 1 - 3 Tottenham
Michael Fox on Tactics: Tottenham hand Sandro a licence to roam
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