Friday, July 17, 2015

Gold Cup Quarters, Sid Lowe in Barcelona, Aimar Retires

Suerte, Pablo...

Hey now! And another week bites the dust. It's Gold Cup Quarterfinal time this weekend. Here are some previews to prepare you for the action. The U.S. play Cuba tomorrow in Baltimore at 5:00 p.m. EDT on FOX.

USA vs. Cuba: Preview I
USA vs. Cuba: Preview II

The other action on the pitch this weekend takes place in what they call Major League Soccer. Here's a preview. Here's another. Just so you know, MLS All-Star Frank Fatpard probably won't play on fake grass and MLS All-Star Stevie G probably will play against San Jose.

It's election time in Barcelona. Juan Laporta wants to be El Presidente. Again. Sid Lowe followed him around for a day and filed this report.


About time! There's a Joy of Six to enjoy this week. We feel like it's been ages since we've had one. Anyway, it's...Pre-season and all that. Do it.

Can Man Utd's Memphis Depay emulate great Eredivisie imports to Premier League? That's a fine question. Will he be as good as Van Nistelrooy, Robben, Stam, van Persie, Overmars, et. al?


Most of the SSN staff were big fans of Pablo Aimar back in the day. He could dance, dribble, shoot, and pass better then almost anyone else we'd ever seen. Alas, injuries curtailed his career, and he has decided to put up his boots at the age of 35. Paul Wilson takes a look at the Argentine Number 10.

And finally...here are 10 Reasons Why Germany Will Win Euro 2016.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:30 AM 0 comments

Thursday, July 16, 2015

T&T and Mexico Thriller, Di María, Benteke, Víctor Valdés, Vidal, dos Santos, Scott Murray on Gerrard


Why, hello there. The Gold Cup offered up plenty of crazy last night in Charlotte. Mexico went up, T&T came back, Mexico went up, and T&T grabbed a late draw amidst lasers and trash. Check the rhyme:

CONCACAF Gold Cup: Wednesday's Day 9 Takeaways
Mexico 4 - 4 Trinidad & Tobago: Three Observations

What does it all mean? This. You've got the quarterfinals in Baltimore and the Meadowlands this weekend. Saturday it's USA vs. Cuba and Haiti vs. Jamaica. Sunday it's T&T vs. Panama and Mexico vs. Costa Rica. We'll have previews and prep tomorrow.

The FA announced on Thursday that neither the Scot nor Cardiff’s then head of recruitment, Iain Moody, would face disciplinary action...

The silly season continues apace, friends. It looks like Liverpool really want Christian Benteke. But wait! So do Manchester United. It looks like LVG is pissed at Víctor Valdés and wants him gone. It looks like Ángel Di María will also be allowed to depart Old Trafford. And it looks like everyone's favorite Chilean DUI-er Gore Arturo Vidal is set to sign for Bayern Munich. Check the insanity...


Scott Murray's got another piece on U.S. stuff, don't you know? It's all about Stevie G. Jeff Carlisle also has a U.S. focus and it's set on Jozy Altidore. What's his future with the national team?



Jonathan Wilson has a couple of articles out. Both involve transfers that did not go too smoothly. Iker Casillas and Raheem Sterling.

And finally...this is incredibly depressing.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:10 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Jamaica Advance, Mexico vs. T&T, Tim Vickery in Argentina, Freddie Adu is 26 and Just Joined His 13th Club

The guy on the left is 26. The guy on the right is 23.

Happy Hump Day! It's all a bit quiet, though. In the Gold Cup last night, pathetic Canada were eliminated after their draw with Costa Rica, and Jamaica managed to advance on the back of a 1 - 0 win over El Salvador. Here are your Takeaways from Day 8 of the tournament. Tonight you're looking at Cuba vs. Guatemala and Mexico vs. Trinidad/Tobago. The Mexicans need at least a draw to advance. Come on, T&T!! Here are Five Things to Watch in that match in Charlotte, along with a Preview.

As for the U.S., it's buh bye Jozy Altidore, Greg Garza and Alfredo Morales, and welcome DaMarcus Beasley, Joe Corona and Alan Gordon.


Would The Zlatan return to Milan? Gasp! James Horncastle is pondering that question. Also in Italy, Sam Tighe is looking at Juventus. Specifically, new signing Paulo Dybala. With Tevez and Pirlo gone, is Paulo the new face of The Old Lady?

We've been following the writings of Uli Hesse for years. He's been a Bundesliga expert since the early days of SSN. Today, he's worried about schedule meddling and the effect on traveling supporters. Enjoy.


Looks who's down in Buenos Aires. Why, it's Tim Vickery. He took in the Copa Libertadores match between River and Guarani and filed this report.

Meanwhile, out in L.A., it looks the the assGalaxy will add Gio Dos Santos to their already glistening roster. Barf.

That'll do.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:30 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

USA and Panama Draw, Haiti Advance, Ranieri in at Leicester, Casillas Send-Off II, La Liga Schedule

Welcome to Leicester!

Party People. How are we this morning? Good. The U.S. managed to grab a draw against Panama last night thanks to a Michael Bradley goal. The weather was hot and sticky in Kansas City, and the Yanks were cold and indifferent yet again. They really need to get their act together now that the Group Phase has ended. In the other match, Haiti surprised Honduras to advance to the quarters. Here's your lot from last night's Gold Cup fun:

CONCACAF Gold Cup: Monday's Day 7 Takeaways
USA 1 - 1 Panama: Jeff Carlisle in Kansas City
USA 1 - 1 Panama: Three Thoughts
USA 1 - 1 Panama: Three Thoughts II

As noted yesterday, Manchester United had a couple of big signings over the weekend. Here's more on those two dudes. We can begin with this: One is French and the other is German. Now this...
Morgan Schneiderlin at Manchester United: The Key Questions
Raphael Honigstein: Why Bayern sold Schweinsteiger

Oh, boy. Claudio Ranieri is back in the Premier League. How long will he last at Leicester? We don't think it's going to be a very good match for the Italian gaffer.

Dude. Real Madrid. Really?! These are Iker Casillas's honors:

La Liga: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12
Copa del Rey: 2010–11, 2013–14
Supercopa de España: 2001, 2003, 2008, 2012
UEFA Champions League: 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2013–14
UEFA Super Cup: 2002, 2014
FIFA Club World Cup: 2014
Intercontinental Cup:1998, 2002

And you shove him out the door? El Sid reported on his horrible send-off yesterday. Apparently, the club tried to make amends with another send-off. And, as you might imagine, it just made it worse. Here's El Sid once again.


MLS. Power Rankings.

And finally...here are your 2015-2016 La Liga Fixtures.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:03 AM 0 comments

Monday, July 13, 2015

United Secure Schneiderlin & Schweinsteiger, City Finally Snare Sterling, Gold Cup Catch-Up



And a fine start of the week to you! Apologies for the absence on Friday - we were engaged in some SSN outreach with key followers at an undisclosed location discussing the virtues of the Backheel Breakfast. We're back now, and ready for action. We should probably begin with the Gold Cup. The U.S. (yet again) looked far from convincing in their win Friday against Haiti. Yes. Haiti. We must give credit where credit is due, though. The Haitians were organized and quick and counter-attacked with intelligence and structure. The victory means the U.S. are in the Quarterfinals. Joining them are T&T. Mexico could only draw with Guatemala last night, so they need a result on Wednesday to advance. Here's more on all of that!

Mexico 0 - 0 Guatemala: Three Observations
USA vs. Panama: Preview
USA vs. Panama: Five Questions

So, a couple of club icons have departed for pastures new. Bayern Munich no longer have Bastian Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid no long have Iker Casillas. Let's go to some of the top German and Spanish scribes to see what's up with the departures:

Raphael Honigstein: Schweinsteiger’s exit robs Munich of a Bavarian football god
Sid Lowe: No fanfare for Real Madrid legend Casillas as he leaves for Porto
Graham Hunter: Casillas doesn't get a clean break but is still a club legend


Major League Soccer is a bit of a mess right now. The Gold Cup, International Champions Cup, and U.S. Open Cup are all going down and it's hard to know what the hell is going on. At least we learned Five Things over the weekend, along with a Weekend Review. Giovinco! Wow!


That's that!

Onward!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:46 AM 0 comments

Thursday, July 09, 2015

Gold Cup, RVP to Fenerbache, Nigeria, Lazio vs. Roma

West Ham play here today...

Hey, kids. What up? Out at the Stubhub Center in lovely Carson, California, Costa Rica drew with Jamaica and Canada drew with El Salvador. Here are Wednesday's Day 2 Takeaways. Check your Backheel Breakfast below for the Miss of the Night and the Goal of the Night.

This evening in the tournament, Mexico get their campaign underway against Cuba, while Trinidad play Guatemala. Both of those matches are at Soldier Field. Look out for lingering Deadheads.


Where have all the good times gone? Oh, wait. Sorry. It's where have all the good strikers gone? Yes, that it. That's what Amy Lawrence wants to know.

Lazio vs. Roma. An epic derby. Which is the top club in the Eternal City? Paolo Bandini wrote an article about it. Sweet!


Dude, what happened with Nigeria? They won the African Cup of Nations in 2013 but now they're a mess. Oh, dear.

As noted in the subject line and in the rumor zone above, RVP looks set to leave Old Trafford. Jim White has a good piece on his time at Manchester United.

Smell you later!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:25 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 08, 2015

USA Don't Convince in Defeat of Honduras, Scott Murray on Pirlo, NFL at White Hart Lane


Happy Hump Day! The U.S. got their Gold Cup campaign off to a winning start last night in Tejas thanks to a deuce from Deuce. The Yanks still failed to convince, however, and need to get their act together if they want to win this thing. The defense in particular was crap. We realize that The Diving German is experimenting, but come on. In the evening's other match, Panama and Haiti drew. Let's hit the fallout...

USA 2 - 1 Honduras: Andy Edwards at Toyota Stadium
USA 2 - 1 Honduras: Three Things We Learned
USA 2 - 1 Honduras: Three Quick Thoughts
USA 2 - 1 Honduras: Five Things We Learned
USA 2 - 1 Honduras: Player Ratings

Want to see American Gridiron Football in London? Wembley will no longer be your only option. Head out to White Hart Lane II to get your fix, beginning later this decade.

So, Champions League Finalists Juventus have lost Pirlo and Tevez. James Horncastle says it shouldn't be a big deal for The Old Lady. She can continue to compete without those two. Speaking of Tevez, he's back at Boca. And Boca is being...reborn!!


Pirlo is coming to America. New York, specifically. Want to learn more about The Most Interesting Man in the World? Scott Murray has a little ditty to bring you up to speed.


Gosh. We should probably get some MLS Power Rankings. What?! The Fire are dead last? Ugh.

And finally...some better names for Atlanta United FC.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:37 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Kicks Off, Goals of the Week, Pirlo to New York, Tainted Turan Transfer, Udinese Alternative Club Guide


OK! Tuesday! Time to move on from a match that shattered Argentine hopes and a match that shattered TV records to matches that will (hopefully) feature the best and brightest of the region knows as CONCACAF. Yes, the Gold Cup kicks off tonight with Panama vs. Haiti and the United States vs. Honduras (9:30 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 1) down in Frisco. Let's play two! Here are your pertinent tournament previews and your match previews:

-2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup-

USA vs. Honduras: Preview
USA vs. Honduras: Preview II

Woop! Woop! Udinese: Serie A Alternative Club Guide!! In their latest Italian football guide, Gentleman Ultra speak to Udinese ultras, profile their renovated stadium and remember Oliver Bierhoff’s goalscoring.


 Porto. It seems that every year a big star emerges from their youth ranks to attract the attention of the "big clubs." Paulo Ferreira. Deco. Pepe. Maniche. Falcao. Bruno Alves. Hulk. James. The list goes on.  How do they do it? Adam Bate takes a gander at the Porto production line here.


We all know Milan have been shit for a while now. One of the biggest clubs in the world. Shit. Is that about to change?

Yuck.


Oh, and this one: Turan transfer to Barcelona tainted. Why? A lot of reasons...

And finally...Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly treated a woman to dinner after finding her lost phone in Las Vegas.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:21 AM 0 comments

Monday, July 06, 2015

USA Win World Cup, Chile Win Copa América


Well, how do you like that? The United States rocked and rolled to a win last night in some style. Carli Lloyd was once again the catalyst, scoring a 13-minute hat-trick, including perhaps the greatest goal in Women's World Cup history. Fabulous! Meanwhile, way, way down in Santiago, Chile broke their 367-year duck and won Copa América. Argentina's wait for a major trophy will continue after Higuain and Banega fluffed their lines...and their penalties. As you might expect, we've loads of links to get through after this MEGA WEEKEND. Let's roll...

-CANADA-
USA 5 - 2 Japan: Three Observations
USA 5 - 2 Japan: Photographs

-CHILE-
Chile 0 - 0 Argentina (Chile win 4 - 1 on pens): Jonathan Wilson at Estadio Nacional
Chile 0 - 0 Argentina (Chile win 4 - 1 on pens): Jonathan Wilson at Estadio Nacional
Chile 0 - 0 Argentina (Chile win 4 - 1 on pens): Tim Vickery at Estadio Nacional
Chile 0 - 0 Argentina (Chile win 4 - 1 on pens): Gabriele Marcotti at Estadio Nacional
Chile 0 - 0 Argentina (Chile win 4 - 1 on pens): Three Things
We noted how cool Rayo Vallecano's new away jersey is last week. Now, Sid Lowe takes a closer look and says the new kit earns praise but also triggers debate in Spain. No surprise there...


Oh, gosh. That pesky North American soccer league was in action over the weekend. Are they not aware that it is summer and time for international tournaments? Get on The Calendar already, MLS! Here are Five Things We Learned over the weekend.


Sticking with local news, CONCACAF needs to get their shit together. Dan Roan has a piece on how they are attempting to reform.


And finally...you can keep watching the USWNT.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:14 AM 0 comments

Friday, July 03, 2015

Chile vs. Argentina & USA vs. Japan


Hey, now! It's MEGA FINAL WEEKEND!!! The only part of the seat you need to buy is the edge! First up? Chile vs. Argentina. Saturday at 4:00 p.m. EDT on beIN Sport USA. Next up? USA vs. Japan. Sunday at 7:00 p.m. EDT on FOX. Let's get prepared!

Chile vs. Argentina: Preview
Chile vs. Argenina: Preview II

The last time...

USA vs. Japan: Preview
USA vs. Japan: Preview II
Jeff Carlisle: Six story lines to watch

Richard Williams says this today: Ángel Di María is Manchester United’s glorious nonconformist



Major League Soccer time. The Gold Cup is going to screw up a lot of rosters. Here's a Weekend Preview. Here's another.

That's really about it! Those two finals are what it is all about today! Enjoy!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:44 AM 0 comments

Thursday, July 02, 2015

Brutal Own-Goal Ends England's Run

Heartbreak for England...

Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. The English Women were seconds away from extra time before this own goal by Laura Bassett sent Japan on to face the U.S. in Sunday's final. As they say...unlucky. Fallout? Go:

Japan 2 - 1 England: Louise Taylor in Edmonton
Japan 2 - 1 England: Mark Sampson's Interview
Joe Prince-Wright: England inspired a nation


Brazil. Not so good at the moment, eh? Why not? James Young thinks you need to look at the numbers.


That's it. Just a quickie today.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:48 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

USA Women Are World Cup Finalists, Messi Elevates Argentina, Liverpool Sign Clyne, Bayern Nab Costa, Stoke Sign Shaqiri, Chelsea Catch Falcao



Hump Day, People! And what a Hump Day it is. The women representing the United States of America knocked off Germany last night (the Germans missed a penalty!) to advance to the Final of the 2015 World Cup. They will play the winner of England vs. Japan (tonight at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 1). Let's hit the action...

USA 2 - 0 Germany: Three Things Learned
USA 2 - 0 Germany: Three Observations

England vs. Japan: Preview


Meanwhile, way, way down on the other side of planet, the final is set for Copa América. It'll be Chile vs. Argentina. Wow. We know what we'll be doing on the Fourth of July. Check the links to read all about how a certain Little Flea got all stuck in with Paraguay...

Argentina 6 - 1 Paraguay: Gabriele Marcotti in Concepción
Argentina 6 - 1 Paraguay: Three Observations
Argentina 6 - 1 Paraguay: Three Thoughts

Paulinho. What's the deal with that guy? He's only 25 and just left Spurs to play in China. David Hytner takes a look at the player we really never knew.


Serie A. What's the deal with that league? All of a sudden clubs are splashing the cash and making some pretty hefty signings. Jeff Horncastle takes a look at why the Italians are suddenly writing the big checks.


That'll do. Keep it tite.

Onward!!

-SSN

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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Chile Reach the Final, USA vs. Germany, Argentina vs. Paraguay, Arsenal Sign Cech

¡Vargas en fuego!

Hey now! What is up? Eduardo Vargas, that's what. Dude never scored any goals like this when he played for QPR. His brace was enough to send Chile past a defiant Peru and into the Copa América Final. The Chileans will face the winner of tonight's Argentina/Paraguay match. You have to feel a bit bad for Peru, though. Zambrano's red card was harsh and Vidal could have seen red for his face shove. Anywho, the hosts are through and it's time to review and preview...

Chile 2 - 1 Peru: Tim Vickery in Santiago
Chile 2 - 1 Peru: Three Thoughts

Olympic Stadium. Montreal. Photo by The Editor.

The United States vs. Germany. Women's World Cup Semi-Final. The Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It all goes down at 7:00 p.m. EDT on FOX. Check the rhyme:

USA vs. Germany: The Final Before the Final
USA vs. Germany: Preview

Is this question rhetorical? Is soccer in the US letting Hispanic talent slip through the cracks? Yes, yes it is.


'Tis Tuesday, and that means it's time for Marcotti's Musings. This week, Gab is gabbing about Sergio Ramos' situation, U-21 lessons, Marseille misery, Inter spending.

Major League Soccer Power Rankings? You got 'em! Here's a hint: Vancouver is #1.


And finally...great goal!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:37 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 29, 2015

Semi-Finals Set For Women's World Cup & Copa America

Carli celebrates...

Good Day! There were a slew of fine matches over the last few days in the two international tournaments we've been following and enjoying. Things really got rolling Friday night when the U.S. beat China (up in Canada) and Argentina edged Colombia (down in Chile) on penalties. Also in the semi-finals at the World Cup are England, Germany, and Japan. Also in the semi-finals at Copa América are Chile, Peru, and Paraguay. Let's begin with the women, shall we?

WORLD CUP

USA 1- 0 China: Jeff Carlisle in Ottawa
USA 1 - 0 China: Caitlin Murray in Ottawa
USA 1 - 0 China: Grant Wahl in Ottawa
Alexandra Topping and Louise Taylor: England's victory a 'game-changer'
COPA

Paraguay 1 - 1 Brazil (Paraguay win 4-3 on PKs) Tim Vickery at Estadio Municipal Alcaldesa Ester Roa Rebolledo 
Argentina 0 - 0 Colombia (Argentina win 5-4 on PKs): Gabriele Marcotti at Estadio Sausalito
Argentina 0 - 0 Colombia: Three Things We Learned

The first semi-final involves hosts Chile and their northern neighbors Peru this evening. Here's are Preview.


Rivalry Week! That's what is was last week in Major League Soccer. Apparently, it was a success! Oh, and here are Five Things We Learned in the stateside league over the weekend.


Gosh. We've gotta go. Until tomorrow.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:25 AM 0 comments

Friday, June 26, 2015

More Fun With Sepp, USA vs. China, Peru Advance, Argentina vs. Colombia

Well, Argentina play tonight, so, you know...

Woof! There goes another one! We've got loads of great stuff to get to today, so let's do it! Sadly, we'll have to begin with SPECTRE FIFA. Yes, good 'ol Sepp says, "Wait. Hold the phone. I didn't say I'd resign. I never said that." Asshole.

Back on the grass pitch, Peru advanced to the semifinals of Copa América on the back of a hat-trick from Paolo Guerrero. Tim Vickery was at the Estadio Germán Becker and filed this report.

Tonight? Argentina vs. Colombia! Check the rhyme:

Argentina vs. Colombia: Preview
Tim Vickery: Key Battles
Gabriele Marcotti: Questions for Pekerman

As for Copa América's Buttgate? Jara's club side Mainz ain't having it. They say he can piss off. Good for them. And remember when the U.S. beat Argentina at Copa América in 1995? We sure do. So do Wynalda and Alexi.

Over on the not-grass pitch, it's Quarterfinal time. The USA Women face the Chinese in the late game (7:30 p.m. EDT on FOX), and the Germans play the French in the early match. Here we go:

USA vs. China: Preview
Andrew Gibney: Four Key Battles

With these two international tournaments in motion, we've been neglecting Major League Soccer. According to this article, there is a big week coming up. Rivalry Week, in fact. Juicy!




And finally...Atlanta United FC? Really?

Onward!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:28 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Chile Oust Uruguay, Liverpool Sign Firmino, Marcela Mora y Araujo on Messi, USA Gold Cup Squad

Sadly, the tactic employed was successful. Thankfully, he's been banned.
It was a bit chippy and feisty and finger-up-the-butty, but hosts Chile managed (thanks to a ridiculous red card on Cavani) to get past Uruguay and reach the semis of Copa América after a goal from QPR legend Mauricio Isla. Today's match is Bolivia vs. Peru. Here are a few pieces of note about last night's affair in Santiago:

Chile 1 - 0 Uruguay: Three Thoughts

If you want more Women's World Cup, you'll have to wait until tomorrow when France and Germany clash and the U.S. of A. face China. To hold you over until then, we offer Caitlin Murray's Power Rankings. Oh, and a great article by Laurent Dubois on just why the women are playing on turf.

SSN regulars will know that we love us some Marcela Mora y Araujo. She doesn't write much, but when she does she provides some great insight into what's up down in Argentina. Today, she's looking into the Messi enigma. Is Argentine gaffer Tata Martino partly to blame for Messi still not finding his best form in his national jersey?


The Diving German has announced his squad for the Gold Cup. Clint Dempsey's recent lack of discipline has not kept him out of the tournament. Here's the crew:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), William Yarbrough (Club Leon)
DEFENDERS (7): Ventura Alvarado (Club America), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Tim Ream (Bolton Wanderers)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt), DeAndre Yedlin (Tottenham Hotspur), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Liverpool have signed Firmino. That's a pretty big signing. Will he help save Rodgers's job? Phil McNulty is on the case. Inter signed Geoffrey Kondogbia. James Horncastle thinks it will not only benefit the Milan side, but Serie A as a whole. Other signings, almost-signings, rumors, rumours? Here you go:


Amy Lawrence writes this: After the travails of Micah Richards and Ashley Cole in Serie A, is it a coincidence that England’s best World Cup performance since 1966 was in 1990, during a period when more of the nation’s coveted talent played overseas? We shall read more of what she writes about that here.

And finally...Grant Wahl has a fascinating piece on the USWNT kit man who was fired in February. 

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:42 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

USA Oust Colombia, England Defeat Norge, Cech to Arsenal, Parma Sadness, Goals of the Week


Come on in! The USA Women defeated the crap-talking about the USA not crap-talking Colombians 2 - 0 last night in Edmonton. The Yanks still looked disjointed but the defense was solid once again and they were able to sneak past the quick and slick Colombians. Gotta hand it to the South American side - they were a joy to watch at times. Gorgeous movement and passing. Anywho, the English also won thanks to a killer shot from Bronze. Here's the rest of your lot from the Great White North:

Women's World Cup: Monday's Day 17 Takeaways
USA 2 - 0 Colombia: Three Things We Learned
USA 2 - 0 Colombia: Three Things Learned
USA 2 - 0 Colombia: What We Learned
Norway 1 - 2 England: Louise Taylor in Ottawa

There is one match tonight: The Japanese vs. The Dutch.

Meanwhile, in what SSN staffers have dubbed the biggest transfer of the summer (at least in the Premier League) thus far, Petr "The Helmet" Cech looks certain to move across London from Chelsea to Arsenal. Here are the other rumors and rumours...


Man oh man oh man. SSN Regulars will know that we were big fans of the Parma sides of the late 90s. 1996-1997, in particular, was such a great  team. Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram, Enrico Chiesa, Hernán Crespo, Nestor Sensini, Dino Baggio, Mario Stanić...they were a fun side. And they should have won the title but for yet another dubious call in favor of Juventus. But, we digress. They're now in Serie D. As David Gendelman puts it, It is incredible that a Serie A team could go bankrupt so spectacularly twice in a little over 10 years. But in Italy the incredible has become the commonplace.



Smoggy in Santiago...

There are no matches in Copa América until tomorrow, so now would be the perfect time to look back at the tournament and pick 10 highlights. And who better to do that than Tim Vickery, who is taking it all in down in Chile.

Just how did the relationship between Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid turn ugly? El Sid takes a look.


And finally...Stevie G's got a billboard in L.A.

Onward!!

-SSN

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Posted by The Editor at 11:24 AM 0 comments
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