Soccer FanHouse

Despite Injuries, David Beckham Says He'll Play in MLS Cup

Randy Kim — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:53:00 EST

by Randy Kim

Filed under: MLS

It seemed to be a long shot that he would actually miss the match, but L.A. Galaxy star David Beckham has confirmed that, despite lingering injuries, he will play in Sunday's MLS Cup against Real Salt Lake.

Beckham was recently photographed wearing a protective boot while playing American football in the park with his children. The images sparked a bit of concern over whether he'd be healthy enough to play Sunday, but upon arriving in Seattle (seen above) for the MLS Cup, Beckham spoke to the Telegraph UK and said that he was going to play through some lingering injuries.

Despite Injuries, David Beckham Says He'll Play in MLS Cup originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Donovan's MLS Resume Nearly Complete With MVP Nod

Brian Straus — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST

by Brian Straus

Filed under: MLS

SEATTLE -- Surely Landon Donovan is now just 90 minutes away from tying up just about every loose end remaining in his Major League Soccer career. He is the player of the decade, but before Thursday never had been named player of the year. Perhaps a victim of his own consistency, Donovan raised the bar in 2009. He brought his fractured team together and captained the club to first place in the Western Conference, tallying 12 goals and six assists.

It is slightly ironic, however, that Donovan was not here in Seattle to accept the award. The Galaxy were not scheduled to arrive until later in the day, meaning the player who has been the real face of American soccer for the past nine years was unavailable to smile for the cameras. It is something the league may have to get used to. Rumors of a winter transfer have been circulating for months, and if Los Angeles completes its climb from the basement to the MLS Cup penthouse on Sunday, Donovan certainly has nothing left to prove.

Donovan's MLS Resume Nearly Complete With MVP Nod originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

David Beckham Dons Protective Boot, Still Expected to Play in MLS Cup

Randy Kim — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST

by Randy Kim

Filed under: MLS

Days before David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy are scheduled to take the pitch against Real Salt Lake in MLS Cup 2009, it appears the British star is taking precautions to address a foot injury.

As seen above, TMZ snapped some photos of Beckham while playing football with his kids on Wednesday. In the photos he is wearing a protective boot.

Yet although he's wearing the boot, it appears that Beckham will play in Sunday's championship.

David Beckham Dons Protective Boot, Still Expected to Play in MLS Cup originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

France Advances to 2010 World Cup Thanks to Controversial Goal

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:53:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) - France qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup when officials missed an obvious hand ball by Thierry Henry that led to William Gallas' overtime goal in a 1-1 tie against Ireland on Wednesday night.

Les Bleus avoided a penalty-kicks shootout and won the home-and-home, total-goals playoff 2-1, boosted by its 1-0 victory at Dublin last Saturday.

France Advances to 2010 World Cup Thanks to Controversial Goal originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

US Loses Final Match of 2009

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:16:00 EST

Filed under: U.S. Men's National Team

AARHUS, Denmark (AP) - The United States wasted an early goal by Jeff Cunningham and lost a World Cup warmup 3-1 to Denmark on Wednesday night, the final match of 2009 for the Americans.

Substitutes Johan Absalonsen, Soren Rieks and Martin Bernburg beat
goalkeeper Brad Guzan during the first 10 minutes of the second half as the
Danes took advantage of a porous U.S. defense.

US Loses Final Match of 2009 originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Slovenia Shocks Russia to Qualify for World Cup

Michael Cardillo — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International

Guus Hiddink has been hailed over the last decade as a Dutch Master, working wonders at the last two World Cups with South Korea and Australia, respectively.

Wednesday in Maribor, Slovenia, Hiddink's luck finally ran out as his Russian team was stunned by Slovenia 1-0, to advance after the two-leg UEFA playoff ended 2-2. Slovenia gets through on the basis of its away goal scored in the closing minutes Saturday in Moscow.

For Slovenia, it's the nation's first trip to the World Cup since 2002.

Slovenia Shocks Russia to Qualify for World Cup originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Algeria Holds Off Egypt, Qualifies for 2010 World Cup

Michael Cardillo — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: FIFA World Cup, International

Wednesday's World Cup playoff between Algeria and Egypt immediately brought to mind the famous quote from legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankley, "Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."

For the 34,000 inside Al Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan, and millions in the countries themselves, the 90-minute match was a crucible of pressure. The tension was only heightened by rioting, stone throwing and a group of Algerians setting fire to the offices of Egypt Air in Algiers due to long-standing animosity between the two North African nations.

Though the match itself wasn't an all-time classic, the external factors made Algeria's eventual 1-0 victory one of the more memorable images of soccer in 2009, typified by keeper Faouzi Chaouchi celebrating atop his net after the full-time whistle.

Algeria Holds Off Egypt, Qualifies for 2010 World Cup originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

France vs. Ireland: 2010 World Cup Playoff Live Blog

Randy Kim — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:18:00 EST

by Randy Kim

Filed under: International Soccer

(Update: The match ended in a 1-1 draw, meaning France advances on 2-1 goal aggregate.)

The roles are vastly different. France is the established powerhouse, while Ireland is the feisty underdog. But both countries will be fighting for their World Cup lives Wednesday.

Ireland fell to France at home, 1-0, in the first leg of the home-and-home World Cup qualifier. Now Ireland faces the extremely difficult task of earning a spot in South Africa in a hostile setting against the 1998 World Cup champions (and 2006 finalists). Even more daunting is the fact that Ireland has never won on French soil in four attempts.

The match should be a hard-fought contest, regardless, and our cousins at FanHouse UK will be covering the action live. The qualifier starts at 3 PM ET, but J.P. Shaw and the FanHouse UK guys are chatting live now about all of the day's action. Hit the jump to join in, and be sure to check out FanHouse UK for the latest news and analysis from across the pond.

More: Algeria In | Wenger Worried | Spurs Model Club | EPL Coverage

France vs. Ireland: 2010 World Cup Playoff Live Blog originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Real Salt Lake Crashes MLS Cup Party

Brian Straus — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:32:00 EST

by Brian Straus

Filed under: MLS

For those who think the MLS Cup playoffs are too brief, the four teams involved in this weekend's semifinals (along with Southern California Edison) did their best to draw them out as long as possible.

Real Salt Lake Crashes MLS Cup Party originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Slovenia Stays Alive vs. Russia in UEFA World Cup Playoffs

Michael Cardillo — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: European Soccer, FIFA World Cup, International

Guus Hiddink's Russia looked about ready to start calling a travel agent to book its arrangements for South Africa in June. The Russians held a comfortable 2-0 lead against Slovenia in Saturday's UEFA playoff in Moscow thanks to a pair of goals from Everton's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

To Slovenia's credit, the World Cup hopefuls didn't stop charging and its effort paid off when substitute Nejc Pecnik headed home a rebound from a shot by Robert Koren to make it finish 2-1. For Slovenia it was a crucial away goal as the two-leg playoff heads to Maribor on Wednesday.

Slovenia Stays Alive vs. Russia in UEFA World Cup Playoffs originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Galaxy Advance to MLS Cup Final

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: MLS

CARSON, Calif. -- Gregg Berhalter and Landon Donovan scored in overtime to put the Los Angeles Galaxy into MLS Cup final with a 2-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Friday night.

The Galaxy will play in its first MLS Cup final since 2005 on Nov. 22 in Seattle against the winner of Saturday's Eastern Conference final match between Chicago and Real Salt Lake.

Los Angeles will make its sixth MLS Cup final appearance since the league began in 1996. The Galaxy won championships in 2002 and 2005.

David Beckham's free kick set up Berhalter's goal in the 102nd minute. The Dynamo's Eddie Robinson tried to clear Omar Gonzalez's header off Beckham's free kick but Berhalter poked the ball into the net from 7 yards.

Galaxy Advance to MLS Cup Final originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Different-Look US Preps for Slovakia Test

Michael Cardillo — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: International Soccer, US Soccer, U.S. Men's National Team

To call 2009 a busy year for the U.S. national team would be an understatement. Even labeling it a marathon wouldn't be quite right. An ultra-marathon might make more sense.

Bob Bradley's team has participated in two tournaments -- the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup -- along with the final round of CONCACAF 2010 World Cup qualification. All told the U.S. has already played 22 matches -- going 13-6-3 -- on two different continents.

The grueling year winds down with a trip to a third continent -- Europe -- when the U.S. places fellow 2010 World Cup qualifier Slovakia in Bratislava. (10 a.m., Fox Soccer)

Different-Look US Preps for Slovakia Test originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Months of Work Come Down to 90 Minutes in MLS Cup Semifinals

Brian Straus — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST

by Brian StrausIt took 225 games played over seven months to separate the eight MLS Cup playoff teams from the seven also rans. Then, with just 10 additional matches, the league determines which two teams will play for the title. To call that a sprint would be an understatement. It's a hiccup, an almost random exercise that offers scant reward to the clubs that demonstrate consistency over the long-haul.

But those are the rules for now, and the league and ESPN undoubtedly are hoping silently that this weekend's roll of the dice sends the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire to the Nov. 22 final in Seattle. Beckham v. Blanco. Donovan v. McBride. The markets are large and the subplots compelling. In the way stands the two-time champion Houston Dynamo, who simply don't yield goals, and a relatively anonymous Real Salt Lake side that may have figured something out about MLS's curious competition format.

Months of Work Come Down to 90 Minutes in MLS Cup Semifinals originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Alex Ferguson Punished for Questioning Referee Alan Wiley's Fitness

FanHouse Newswire — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: English Premier League

WEMBLEY, England (AP) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was banned from the bench for four games - two of them suspended - and fined $32,000 on Thursday for criticizing the fitness of referee Alan Wiley after a Premier League game.

Ferguson received the punishment when he appeared before a Football Association disciplinary panel at Wembley Stadium on a misconduct charge.

Alex Ferguson Punished for Questioning Referee Alan Wiley's Fitness originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

USL Split Could Benefit MLS

Brian Straus — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST

by Brian Straus

The rumbling that has been shaking the base of the American soccer pyramid since United Soccer Leagues was sold to an Atlanta-based group in August finally has split it in two. On Tuesday, the 'Team Owners Association', a consortium comprised of several existing and potential clubs, announced their secession from the league that has controlled this country's second and third divisions for a dozen years.

But with TOA ringleaders in Montreal and Vancouver eyeing MLS, it makes sense to question how a new minor league (which already has applied for Division II status with the U.S. Soccer Federation), is going to work. The answer, according to sources and a bit of common sense, may be to serve as the true feeder system that MLS has never really had.

USL Split Could Benefit MLS originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Charlie Davies Leaves D.C. Hospital

Brian Straus — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:30:00 EST

by Brian Straus

Filed under: U.S. Men's National Team

One month after a late-night car accident that killed a young woman and shattered his World Cup dreams, U.S. national team forward Charlie Davies was released from a Washington D.C. hospital Tuesday. The 23-year-old said he's committed to returning to the field, although his doctor said the forward has a long road ahead.

"I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has dealt with me in the [Washington] Hospital Center and [National Rehabilitation Hospital] for really putting in the time to help me get better as a person and as an athlete," Davies said in a statement. "I continue to improve every day and I look forward to getting back on my feet and attacking rehabilitation. Thank you for everyone's support, it really means a lot to me."

Charlie Davies Leaves D.C. Hospital originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

German Keeper Robert Enke Dead at 32

Michael Cardillo — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:03:00 EST

Filed under: European Soccer, Soccer Posts, Bundesliga (Germany)

Truly sad and shocking news out of Germany late Tuesday, as goalkeeper Robert Enke died at the age of 32 in an apparent suicide, which was confirmed by his agent. Enke was hit by a train at a crossing near his home in Neustadt-Eilvese.

By most accounts Enke, who played at Hannover 96, figured to be a part of the German 2010 World Cup squad, finally getting a chance to play after the successive retirements of longtime keepers Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann.

Germany was scheduled to play a friendly with fellow World Cup participant Chile on Saturday, though Enke was not a part of the squad. It's unsure if the match due to take place in Cologne will go on as scheduled.

German Keeper Robert Enke Dead at 32 originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mercurial Cunningham Returns to Nats

Brian Straus — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:21:00 EST

by Brian StrausWith the Major League Soccer playoffs quickly hurtling toward their climax and with David Beckham, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and several key Americans still involved, the U.S. national team will have to take a rare spin in the back seat as it prepares for upcoming friendlies in Slovakia (Nov. 14) and Denmark (Nov. 18).

It's always interesting to see how the national team fares on foreign soil, and while the opponents may not be household names, they are bound for South Africa. But with the World Cup still seven months away and with the spotlight on the MLS Cup pursuit of BFFs Becks and Landon Donovan, what makes the upcoming friendlies worth following? Two words and 17 goals: Jeff Cunningham.

Mercurial Cunningham Returns to Nats originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

David Beckham Shows Solid Form in Galaxy Playoff Win

Randy Kim — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:32:00 EST

by Randy Kim

Filed under: MLS

He didn't net the game-winner, and he didn't even manage to play all 90 minutes, but global icon David Beckham still played a starring role in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 1-0 win over crosstown rivals Chivas USA on Sunday. With the victory, the Galaxy is now through to the Western Conference finals of the MLS Playoffs, keeping the team's championship hopes alive.

Beckham played with an assertive edge on offense for much of the match, showing his usual gift for fluid distribution and deft passing. The 34-year-old English national even came close to scoring in the first half on a solid strike from the top of the box that skipped just high of the crossbar.

David Beckham Shows Solid Form in Galaxy Playoff Win originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.