So huge news this week with some fantastic Champion League games during match day 2, the Firing of the English Manager, and the Indy 11 with a huge home win over NASL League leader the NY Cosmos, but the biggest thing I saw was the young American 18 year-old sensation Christian Pulisic for Dortmund –come on and provide the game tying assist for the German side vs the defending Champions Real Madrid. Yes he came on in the 73rd minute down 2-1 and immediately ran at Real, streaking by Daniello to blast a shot in the 83rd minute. Then in the 86th minute again breaking the back line of Real and serving a perfect ball across that was wonderfully hit by Schurrle for a dramatic tying goal in front of the home Dortmund crowd of over 86,000. It was a wall of Yellow and excitement for all in the best Champions League game thus far. Ok maybe I was wrong – Celtics amazing 3-3 home tie with Man City might have been the best – the Bayern/Athetico 1-0 thriller was also fantastic!
Locally the Indy 11 have a Sunday match this weekend @ Edmonton 4 pm on ESPN3, after their huge win over the NY Cosmos moved them into 2nd place in the league.
The EPL has a battle of top 2 teams with unbeaten Tottenham hosting #1 Man City at home Sunday at 9:15 on NBCSN. Good to see former US Coach Bob Bradley in consideration for the Swansea GM job as they host Liverpool Sat at 7:30 am on NBCSN, meanwhile Bayer Leverkusen and Mexican star Chichirito host Borussia Dortmund and US starlet Christian Pulisic Sat 12:30 on Fox Sports 2. US Internationals Bobby Wood for Hamburg and John Brooks for Hertha Berlin will face off Sun at 9:30 am on Fox Soccer. World Cup Qualifying starts next Thurs so no league games – the USA will travel to Cuba on Friday night for a friendly at 4 pm on ESPN2, and they will host New Zealand Tues Night, Oct 11 at 8 pm on ESPN.
High school sectionals begin next week with the #3 Ranked Carmel ladies facing Westfield Thurs Oct 6th @ 5 pm followed by Guerin Catholic and #6 Zionsville. The winners meet @ Westfield Sat @ 2 pm. On the boys side 8th ranked Carmel and 18th ranked Guerin Catholic will each be playing in Zionsville Wednesday, Oct 5 with GC facing Westfield at 5 pm and Carmel facing Zionsville at 7. Winners match up Sat at 7 pm. Good luck to all our current and former Carmel FC players playing high school soccer this season!
Guerin Catholic will honor Seniors and former Carmel FC players from left, Julian T, Matt Quinn, Logan Bedford, Cooper Fetters, 2 from right PJ Grocki, and far right Scott Corman at 3:30 pm before their 4 pm Senior Day Kickoff vs Cardinal Ritter Sat at Guerin High School.
Champions League Match Day 2
US youngster Christian Pulisic Provides Assist on Dortmunds 2-2 tie with Real Madrid
Champions League Match Day 2 Recap – SI
Leicester City Wins 2nd UCL with home 1-0 winner over Porto
Son saves Point for Tottenham in Moscow
Barcelona survives scare with Mgladbach
Celtic Use Home Crowd to Draw with Man City
Power Rankings Teams in Europe
WORLD
England Coach Sam Allardyce Ousted as England coach after Sting
England laughing stock of the Soccer World
EPL
Former US coach Bob Bradley meets with Swansea over possible Mgr Position
Man City Travels to White Hart Lane in 1 v 2 Battle
MLS
Dempsey to miss rest of 2016 Seattle Season
Seattle Sounders Surging to Playoffs – MLS Rankings
MLS Playoff Picture Rounding out
Atlanta Signs former Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino
LA Dos Santos Returns to Mexico National Team
USA
What to Expect in upcoming US Friendlies
Lynden Gooch 20, Living out Dream for Sunderlund
Carters-Vicker 18 Signs new deal with Tottenham
Wisconsin College Defender to face USA and Mexico in Oct
GOALKEEPING
Great Saves in Europe – August
New US Women’s Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and some great saves
Top Saves Champions League last season
Indy 11
Indy 11 thrash Cosmos at the Mike
Get your Indy 11 Playoff Tickets now
Check out The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –
Fri, Sept 30
2:45 pm NBCSN Crystal Palace vs Everton
Sat, Oct 1
7:30 am NBCSN Swansea @ Liverpool
9 am Fox Sports 1 U-17 Women’s World Cup – Nigeria vs Brazil
9:30 am Fox Sports2 Bayern Munich vs Koln
9:30 am Fox Soccer? Hertha vs Hamburger
10 am NBCSN Hull City vs Chelsea, Sunderland vs West Brom,
11 am beIn Sport PSG vs Bordoeaux
12 noon Fox Soccer + USA vs Paraguay – US Women’s U17 World Cup
12:30 pm Fox Sports 2 Bayern Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund
7:30 pm Gol TV Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Miami
Sun, Oct 2
7 am NBCSN Man United vs Stoke City
9:30 am Fox Sports2 Bayern Munich vs Koln
9:30 am Fox Soccer? Hertha vs Hamburger
9:15 am NBCSN Tottenham vs Man City
10:15 am beIn Sport Real Madrid vs Eibar
1 pm ESPN Orlando vs Montreal Impact
4 pm TV 8? Edmonton vs Indy 11
5 pm Fox Sports 1 NWSL – Portland Thorns vs NY Flash
8 pm Fox Sports Vancouver vs Seattle Sounders
Tue, Oct 4
9 am Fox Sports 2 U17 Women’s World Cup – USA vs Ghana
12 noon Fox Sports 2 U1 WWC – Brazil vs Korea
Thurs, Oct 6 – World Cup Qualifying
2:45 pm Fox Sports 1 Italy vs Spain
2:45 pm Fox Sports 2 Austria vs Wales
5 pm beIN sports Ecuador vs Chile
7 pm beIN sports Uraguay vs Venezuela
8:45 pm beIN sports Brazil vs Bolivia
10:15 pm beIN sports Peru vs Argentina
Fri, Oct 7 – World Cup Qualifying
2:45 pm Fox Sports 1 Netherland vs Belarus
2:45 pm ESPN 2 or 3? France vs Bulgaria
4 pm ESPN 2 Cuba vs United States Men (friendly)
Sat Oct 8 – World Cup Qualifying
9 am Fox Sports 1 U17 WWC – Brazil vs England
12 noon Fox Sports 1 U17 WWC – Japan vs USA
12 noon ESPN 3 England vs Malta
2:45 pm Fox Sports 2 Germany vs Czech Republic
7 pm TV 8 Indy 11 vs Jacksonville
Sun, Oct 9 – World Cup Qualifying
12 noon Fox Sports 1 Wales vs Georgia
2:45 pm Fox Sports 1 Albania vs Spain
2:45 pm Fox Sports 2 Macedonia vs Italy
2:45 pm ESPN 3 Iceland vs Turkey
5 pm Fox Sports 1 NWSL – Championship FINAL
6 pm SEC Network Florida vs Ole Miss
Mon, Oct 10 – World Cup Qualifying
2:45 pm Fox Sports 1 Netherlands vs France
2:45 pm Fox Sports 2 Sweden vs Bulgaria
Tues, Oct 11 – World Cup Qualifying
12 noon Fox Sports 2 Kazakhastan vs Romania
2:45 pm Fox Sports 2 Poland vs Armenia
2:45 pm ESPN 2? Slovenia vs England
4 pm beIN Sport Columbia vs Uraguay
7:30 pm beIN Sport Chile vs Peru
8 pm ESPN USA (Men) vs New Zealand (friendly)
8:30 pm beIN Sport Brazil vs Venezuela
Weds, Oct 12 – U17-WWC
9 am Fox Sports 2 WWC Quarter Final 1
12 noon Fox Sports 2 WWC Quarter Final 2
Thurs, Oct 13 – U17-WWC
9 am Fox Sports 2 WWC Quarter Final 3
12 noon Fox Sports 2 WWC Quarter Final 4
Fri, Oct 14
2:30 pm Fox Sports 2? Dortmund vs Hertha – US Christian Pulisic vs US Defender John Brooks
Sat, Oct 15
7:30 am NBCSN Chelsea vs Leicester City
9:30 am Fox Sports2 B M’Gladbach vs Hamburger
9:30 am Fox Soccer? Hertha vs Hamburger
10 am NBCSN Man City vs Everton, Arsenal vs Swansea
12:30 pm NBCSN West Brom vs Tottenham
12:30 pm Fox Sports 2 Werder Bremen vs Bayern Leverkusen
7:30 TV 8 Indy 11 vs Carolina
EPL TV Schedule on NBC + NBCSN
German Bundesliga TV Schedule on Fox Soccer and Gol TV
USMNT Pulisic on assist vs. Real Madrid: “There’s no better feeling”
Leave a commentBy Joe Prince-WrightSep 28, 2016, 8:58 AM EDT
Christian Pulisic continued his fairytale rise up through the ranks of the soccer world on Tuesday as the 18-year-old jumped off the bench and notched a crucial assist as Borussia Dortmund scored a late equalizer in the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid.[ MORE: UCL roundup ]
Trailing the reigning European champions heading into the final few minutes at home in their Group F game, Pulisic picked up the ball on the right flank (see video below) and drove towards Real’s defense. He then clipped a dangerous ball to the back post which eventually found Andre Schurrle who rifled home. Dortmund’s fans went nuts and so did Pulisic.The U.S. national team attacker has now made five appearances in all competitions for Dortmund this season, scoring once, and the Hershey, Pennsylvania native revealed what it felt like to play against Real in a huge UCL game at the Westfalenstadion.Speaking to TV cameras after the game, Pulisic was still on a high from his game-changing assist in just his second Champions League appearance.
“It was an amazing game to come into, especially because the level was so high. It was an intense game, so I was just excited to get in there and show what I could do and try to help the team,” Pulisic. “Yeah [the goal] was amazing, I mean what a goal to score in that moment in that in front of the home fans. It was amazing for both of us, for everyone.”
Pulisic also revealed his pride as his stellar start to the new season continues.“There’s no better feeling. Playing in the Champions League is a whole other sense of pride and it is amazing,” Pulisic said. “You always watch it as a kid and coming on in such a big game, it is incredible. I can’t describe it.”
Wonderful work from Pulisic to set up Schurrle’s unstoppable equalizer for Dortmund. #UCLonFOX
The rising star of U.S. Soccer did describe what it was like to be playing and making an impact at the elite level in Europe and he hopes to stay there for a very long time.“That’s the goal when you want to play professional soccer, you want to get to the highest level you can and that’s how you get better,” Pulisic said. “At such a young age I want to keep playing at the highest level so I can improve more and more and become the best player I can be.”Ahead of the USA’s friendlies against Cuba and New Zealand coming up, Pulisic’s star continues to rise and there’s no doubt that when the Hexagonal round of 2018 World Cup qualifying kicks off in November that he’ll be a crucial part of Jurgen Klinsmann’s plans.Safe to say that will likely be the case for many years to come as we simply have never seen a young U.S. player making such a significant impact on such a big stage at such a tender age.
Champions League wrap: Spurs, Foxes collect wins; Juve wins big in Croatia
2 CommentsBy Nicholas MendolaSep 27, 2016, 4:57 PM EDT
The UEFA Champions League’s group stage hits its second round of matches Tuesday, with two Premier League teams in play and a bevy of big names from outside England.Leicester won again, meaning the unlikely Premier League champions could all-but-clinch a spot in the knockout rounds if they beat Copenhagen in October. Spurs also won to help make amends for losing at home to start the group stage while — surprise, surprise — USMNT star Christian Pulisic again was the super sub for Borussia Dortmund, making a big difference in a draw with Real Madrid.Standings at bottom.
CSKA Moscow 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
There’s no shame in picking up a point so far from home, but a loss in the group stage opener but a little more weight on Spurs.Mauricio Pochettino‘s side bossed the play, but found themselves closed down atop the 18 by a stingy and aggressive CSKA Moscow side.Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min were active, and it was the South Korean who found a break through in the 71st minute.Played through on goal, Igor Akinfeev got a piece of Son’s right-footed rip only to see the ball crawl across the line. 1-0.
Dinamo Zagreb 0-4 Juventus
Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic scored first half goals for The Old Lady, who has had little trouble establishing itself in UCL this year. Paulo Dybala made it 3-0 in the 57th minute, as we had cruise control in Croatia.
Monaco 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez reportedly cost Bayer Leverkusen less than $10 million, and he’s been an absolute steal. Whatever was missing from his game at Manchester United and Real Madrid has been on full display for Bayer. Hernandez busted the match open with his sixth UCL goal in 11 appearances for the German side. Unfortunately for his side, Kamil Glik leveled things deep into stoppage time.
Leicester City 1-0 Porto
The chemistry between Algeria and now Leicester City teammates Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani is very real.The former fed the latter for an opening goal on Tuesday in UEFA Champions League play at King Power Stadium, as the Foxes have opened up a 1-0 lead on Porto.You can imagine the visitors aren’t too pleased with having to meet up with Slimani, who they just managed to see out of their league only to watch him arrive in their UCL group.And how about the mad dabbing kid shown just after Slimani’s celebration? Wild nights in Leicester, as the Foxes held up to Porto’s second half pressure and went 2-for-2 in the group stage.
Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo got on the scoresheet, though the hosts have been by far the more dangerous side. USMNT teenager Christian Pulisic is on the bench for BVB.Thomas Tuchel’s side threatened to score through a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rocketed a shot just over the frame, and the Gabonese man made it 1-1 soon after when Keylor Navas punched Raphael Guerriero’s free kick off Raphael Varane. Aubameyang touched it over the line for an academic marker.Varane, however, looked to have had the last laugh, poking in a go-ahead goal. That’s when USMNT star Christian Pulisic subbed on for Borussia Dortmund with 17 minutes to go and forced Navas into a save. Emre Mor then did the same.Then, Pulisic beat his man on the right wing, sending a cross through traffic that Andre Schurrle collected and belted by Navas. 2-2.
Elsewhere
Sevilla 1-0 Lyon
Copenhagen 4-0 Club Brugge
Sporting CP 2-0 Legia Warsaw
Lynden Gooch is living the American dream, at Sunderland
1 CommentBy Joe Prince-WrightSep 29, 2016, 1:12 PM EDT
SUNDERLAND — Lynden Gooch is living his dream in the Premier League.From Santa Cruz, California, Gooch left home at the age of 16 in 2012 to join Sunderland’s academy and pursue his dream of becoming a Premier League player.So far, so good.Gooch, 20, made his Premier League debut for Sunderland away at Manchester City on the opening day of the season back on Aug. 13 and from an early age he’s been driven to chase his ultimate dream in England.The confident yet softly spoken American midfielder has an English father and an Irish mother, something which helped open his eyes to opportunities across the pond, and Gooch began training with Sunderland every summer from the age of 10.Speaking exclusively to ProSoccerTalk, Gooch revealed that after watching the Premier League throughout his childhood in California, he had to make the move.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Premier League player and I’ve always wanted to play in England. I’m English, you know? I’m Irish as well. I’ve got so many family members over here and it has always been a dream to play in this league,” Gooch said. “It is an amazing place to play. To be here for four years and to be here for another three, it is amazing.”
After being handed a surprise debut by new Sunderland manager David Moyes, Gooch has made six starts so far this season for the Black Cats in all competitions. He admitted in a Facebook live chat with ProSoccerTalk on Thursday, see below, that Sunderland’s passionate fans generate the “best atmosphere in the Premier League” and he is striving to do whatever he can to help the team he supports recover from a poor start to the season which has seen them fail to win any of their opening six games in the PL. Sunderland square off against West Bromwich Albion this Saturday (Watch live, 10 a.m. ET online via NBC Sports) in what is being billed a must-win game to kick-start their season. Gooch said that after making his initial breakthrough into the first team in both central midfield and out wide, he aims for consistency to help his team get back to winning ways. What does he see himself adding to Sunderland’s midfield?“Getting the ball, giving it and getting it back, committing a player and dribbling past someone. I like to create things. I like to hit long balls. I like to switch the play. I think I’ve got a bit of everything,” Gooch said. “I’ve got that long ball in me and I can play the simple pass but I can dribble past someone and I’ve got a bit of pace. I just try to give as much as I can and be creative and add some flair. I just want to be a positive player and make sure I can make an impact going forward.”As we chat in the players lounge at Sunderland’s Academy of Light training ground, with a strong breeze whipping up outside the window as trees creaked in England’s north east, there are pictures on the wall behind us of scholars who have made the grade at Sunderland. Jordan Henderson, Jack Colback and Jordan Pickford are among them and there was Gooch, signing on with former manager Martin O’Neil smiling widely. Gooch had a huge grin on his face too. “That was one of the best days of my life,” said the self-confessed Mackem.The debate about innate ability vs. learned ability arose. Gooch grew up in a soccer mad family in Santa Cruz and played for PDA center of excellence which went to Sunderland when he was 10. On that tour of England he played in a trial game against Sunderland’s academy and scored a hat trick in the first half. The Black Cats kept tabs on him ever since and he trained with the club each summer until he signed a two-year scholar deal in 2012 and then a new three-year pro deal in April. Can you teach how to ghost past defenders and pick out passes? “Players just have that. You either see it or you don’t,” Gooch said. “I think I’ve had that since I was a kid and I’ve always been brought up by my dad to play with both feet. I’m very strong with both feet and always have been. I think that is really important, to be able to go either side of where a defender is or play a pass. You have to be able to do that if you want to play in this league.”When you watch him play, Gooch reminds you of a certain U.S. national team legend.With his ease on the ball, ability to dribble and penchant for scoring and creating goals (that helped him win the Premier League U-21 Player of the Month last September) you can see a similarity to Landon Donovan. That’s probably because Gooch grew up idolizing him when Donovan played for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer.“I was at Spartans Stadium every week watching him play,” Gooch said of Donovan. “He was my idol as a kid, as much as probably every American kid who was playing. It’s amazing to see him come back and continue playing and score a goal against Kansas City. He has definitely been a role model. I actually got to meet him last year in Manchester which was really nice. It was good. He is a nice guy and nice to meet him but I was a bit starstruck. It was amazing to meet him.”There’s another goalscoring hero who is an idol of the Californian’s too.
“I’ve always looked up to Wayne Rooney,” Gooch said, nodding his head. “I think I was watching the game when he scored against Arsenal for Everton, his first goal, and now I am working with the same manager [David Moyes] so it is funny how things work out like that. I see a lot of myself in Wayne. Obviously he is in a different league with the career he’s had but in terms of strength and being able to play in so many different positions, I’ve always looked at him as a role model and to try and be like him.”
Tales of Gooch’s rise is music to the ears of U.S. national team fans as many salivate over the prospect of a USMNT young talent playing regularly in the Premier League. Jurgen Klinsmann has already reacted positively to Gooch becoming a starter at Sunderland and it would not be surprising to see him play for the full U.S. national team in the coming months.He admits that he wants to play for the USA, despite qualifying for both the English national team and Republic of Ireland, but being left out of the U.S. U-20 World Cup squad in 2015 by Tab Ramos was not only a tough pill to swallow but something which spurred him on.“That really hit me quite hard,” Gooch said. “I thought that without a doubt I deserved to be in that squad. I’d been in every single squad up until that point. That was very hard to take but it definitely made me want to prove them wrong even more and show them that they made a mistake.”On the U.S. front, Gooch is one of a number of promising attack-minded midfielders coming up through the ranks. Christian Pulisic has stolen most of the headlines at Borussia Dortmund with his stunning breakthrough, and that success is spurring Gooch on to reach new heights.“I played against him [Pulisic] in preseason when we played Dortmund but obviously I’ve heard and I’ve seen him play. Even here people are talking about him in the dressing room so everyone can see how good he is and what he brings,” Gooch revealed. “Being so young, he just turned 18 years old, he is doing fantastic and it will be great to play with him as well.”That burning desire to push on to bigger things with Sunderland and the U.S. national team drives Gooch on. Even if many still question his decision to leave the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Cruz behind to pursue his dream in the chilly, windswept city of Sunderland in the far north east of England. He lives with his girlfriend and her family (who Gooch says he owes so much too for taking him in over 5,000 miles from his home) and he and Talia are moving in together for the first time in November.Even with his entire family now back in Santa Cruz (including his brother who is, of course, a professional surfer), life is good for Gooch.“People still ask me ‘why have you come to Sunderland from California!?’ Well, I wanted to be successful. I wanted to be a professional footballer. I wanted to play in the Premier League and I want to play for this football club. Hopefully I can do that for a long time,” Gooch said, proudly. “Some people are still surprised at how far I’ve come. It was a no-brainer for me. As soon as I could’ve come to this club. I would’ve come early at aged 14, or 12, whenever… I would’ve came.”Is he surprised how fast all this has happened?
“The start of the season has been surprising not only for me but for everyone around the world, in the States and here at the club as well. It came as a shock to start the first game and to continue playing. I’ve started six games so that’s been amazing so far. It is something I didn’t see coming but I’ve worked really hard to get this opportunity.”
18-year-old American Carter-Vickers signs new Tottenham contract
Leave a commentBy Andy EdwardsSep 29, 2016, 12:07 PM EDT
It’s been a decent eight days for Cameron Carter-Vickers, to say the least.Just last Wednesday, the 18-year-old United States and England dual international made his first-team debut for Tottenham Hotspurin the club’s rout of League One side Gillingham in the third round of the 2016-17 EFL Cup.Barely a week later, it was announced by the club that Carter-Vickers had put pen to paper on a brand new contract that will keep him at Tottenham until the summer of 2019.Carter-Vickers, who is yet to make his Premier League debut for Spurs, has been a part of the club’s youth academy for eight years now, progressing through the ranks and arriving onto the periphery of the first-team squad this season. Available off the bench for just about every game Spurs have played this season, the Essex-born youngster has seemingly surpassed 23-year-old Austrian international Kevin Wimmer along Mauricio Pochettino‘s pecking order.The son of an American father, former professional basketball player Howard Carter, CCV is eligible for both the English and U.S. national teams. With his rise to the Spurs first team, rumors have begun to circulate that England would come calling soon, though SI.com reported on Wednesday that he is “all USA” regarding his international allegiance.CCV spoke exclusively and extensively to PST’s Joe Prince-Wright last September. You can read JPW’s feature about the then-17-year-old, right here.
Barcelona on top of Power Rankings; Atletico also up as Bayern drop
‘s all change at the top of Shaka Hislop’s Power Rankings as a pair of Spanish giants make a move up the chart.
- Barcelona(+1)
No Lionel Messi, no problem — last week, at least! Barca swept to a 5-0 win at Sporting Gijon before getting more of a test in the Champions League at Borussia Monchengladbach. They passed it, though, thanks to unlikely scorers Arda Turan and Gerard Pique.
- Atletico Madrid(+4)
I’ve probably said it before, but it bears repeating: Is there any other side in Europe that is tougher to play against? Diego Simeone’s men have conceded just two goals in eight games this season and continue to employ an utterly relentless playing style.
Did this young BVB side come of age on Tuesday against Real Madrid? Granted, they trailed on two occasions, but think of the belief that equalising twice will give them. Thomas Tuchel has a pretty special team on his hands.
- Bayern Munich(-3)
Bayern drop out of the top spot after needing a late goal to win at lowly Hamburg and then, just as they did in last season’s semifinal, losing to Atletico Madrid. There’s no reason to panic for Carlo Ancelotti, but this was not a great week for Bayern.
- Real Madrid(-2)
Real Madrid had a frustrating week, in which they twice drew games after leading.
After winning 16 straight games, Madrid have now drawn three in a row. Like Bayern, there’s no cause to fret, but the fact they have conceded late equalisers in their past two games will be a source of frustration to Zinedine Zidane.
- Manchester City(-4)
Hands up who predicted Celtic would be the first team to deny Man City a victory this season? Having beaten Swansea at the weekend, Pep Guardiola’s side were given all they could handle by the Scottish champions and only managed to come away with a 3-3 draw.
- Juventus(+1)
An own goal gave them victory at Palermo, but Juventus were much more impressive in the Champions League on Tuesday. A 4-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb featured a star turn by Miralem Pjanic and another goal for Gonzalo Higuain.
- Napoli(+1)
Equally good in European competition were Higuain’s old club, with Napoli winning 4-2 vs. Benfica. Dries Mertens was the main man with two goals. Having beaten Chievo at the weekend, Napoli remain undefeated this season.
- Tottenham(new)
Two tricky away trips were successfully negotiated as Tottenham won at Middlesbrough and CSKA Moscow. The hero on both occasions was Son Heung-Min, who netted all three of his side’s goals. Lucky they didn’t sell him in the summer!
- Arsenal(new)
Arsenal destroyed Chelsea with a relentless, first-half attacking performance. Add a midweek win over Basel, and it’ll be a happy 20th anniversary for Arsene Wenger.
Unbeaten Tottenham and Manchester City in Premier League showdown
Tottenham face Manchester City on Sunday as the remaining two unbeaten sides in the Premier League go head-to-head.Elsewhere, resurgent Arsenal face a trip to Burnley while Manchester United host Stoke, Liverpool travel to Swansea and troubled Chelsea are at Hull. Predict the results of all the weekend’s matches by voting in our match polls.
TOTTENHAM: Manchester City have won all six of their Premier League games so far and they are the highest scorers in the top flight with 18 goals. But Spurs have the best defensive record, home advantage and an extra day’s rest after their European exploits. They also did the double over City last season but all these factors may cancel each other out, with both sides retaining their unbeaten records.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Manchester City — Ben Pearce
MAN CITY: The midweek 3-3 draw with Celtic in the Champions League was the first game City have failed to win this season. It was an exhausting match for Pep Guardiola’s side. That makes the trip to in-form Tottenham a difficult follow-up. Mauricio Pochettino’s team have shown intelligence in their play this season, so it could be a tough afternoon.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City — David Mooney
BURNLEY: Although the Clarets have suffered a couple of heavy defeats away from home, they have been strong at Turf Moor, but their run of seven points from three home games will be tested by an in-form Arsenal side. Burnley memorably beat Arsenal in the League Cup here a few years ago; a repeat performance feels unlikely but Sean Dyche’s men will push the Gunners hard.
Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Arsenal — Jamie Smith
ARSENAL: Arsene Wenger’s men are on a roll and have the chance here to set the seal on a solid opening portion of the season. With Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott beginning to combine brilliantly in attack, the Gunners ought to have too much for Dyche’s men.
Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Arsenal — James McNicholas
MAN UNITED: Stoke, once renowned for their resilient league form, have had a disastrous start to the season, conceding goals freely — while their hosts, Manchester United, are fresh from their best performance of the season so far in last Saturday’s 4-1 win over Leicester and Jose Mourinho may slowly be discovering his best team.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Stoke — Musa Okwonga
STOKE: The Potters haven’t won at Old Trafford for over 40 years and given this is their worst start to a Premier League season it is unlikely they will buck that trend on Sunday. A goal for new boy Wilfried Bony would be a bonus, as would any points on the day ahead of a run of more winnable games.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Stoke — James Whittaker
SWANSEA: Liverpool are second only to Manchester City in terms of goals and style this season. Swansea did better against City last Saturday than the 3-1 scoreline suggested, but it’s hard to see an end to the Swans’ struggles just yet.
Prediction: Swansea 1-2 Liverpool — Max Hicks
LIVERPOOL: One team struggling against another full of confidence leads to one obvious conclusion. Liverpool thrashed Hull 5-1 and perhaps ended their peculiar hoodoo against the so-called lesser sides. They don’t have too good a record at the Liberty Stadium, so it’s time to put that right too.
Prediction: Swansea 1-3 Liverpool — Steven Kelly
HULL CITY: It’s hard to know if this is a good or bad time to be hosting Chelsea. For all the talk of a crisis at Stamford Bridge, they’ll face Hull City with a point to prove. It’s another free hit for Mike Phelan’s side after facing Arsenal and Liverpool but it’s still going to take something special to avoid a third straight loss.
Prediction: Hull 1-2 Chelsea — Phil Buckingham
CHELSEA: A crushing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal has Antonio Conte scrambling, but the Blues travel to Hull, who suffered an even worse hammering. Diego Costa was kept quiet at Arsenal last time out but if Chelsea can play to his strengths they should have enough firepower to see off the Tigers.
Prediction: Hull 1-2 Chelsea — ESPN staff
LEICESTER: The champions will be confident of continuing their strong home record against Southampton, especially after the tremendous win over Porto in the Champions League. If City are to contend for a top-half finish or better they must win at the King Power since their away form has been shaky thus far. Saints are capable of goals so it may be a case of which Leicester defence turns up: the one who beat Porto or conceded four against Manchester United last weekend. If it’s a tight game, it’s one City should win.
Prediction: Leicester 1-0 Southampton — Ben Jacobs
SOUTHAMPTON: Energetic Leicester are the last side Southampton would want to face after a tiring 4,600-mile round trip to Israel in the Europa League on Thursday. Claude Puel left big-hitters Charlie Austin, Ryan Bertrand, Steven Davis and Jose Fonte at home and will be hoping his side benefit from their fresh legs
Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Southampton — Alex Crook
EVERTON: Yannick Bolasie will want to impress but former club Crystal Palace are not ideal opponents as Everton try to bounce back after losing to Norwich and Bournemouth in successive matches. Alan Pardew’s team are unbeaten in three trips to Goodison and have lost just once in the last six meetings.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace — Luke O’Farrell
CRYSTAL PALACE: The Eagles have previously toiled against Romelu Lukaku — the striker has scored in three of the last four encounters against them — and the added threat of former favourite Bolasie means Palace will have their hands full. Reverting to counterattacking football might be the most successful approach to getting points from the game. Prediction: Everton 2-2 Crystal Palace — Rob Sutherland
Swansea City meet with former U.S. coach Bob Bradley – reports
ormer United States coach Bob Bradley has met with Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins about a potential head coaching job, according to multiple reports.Current Swansea boss Francesco Guidolin has been under increasing pressure after earning just four points from the first six games of the Premier League season.Should Guidolin be sacked, former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs remains the favourite for the job, according to The Sun.But Bradley, now the manager of French Ligue 2 club Le Havre, is also a candidate for the position after meeting with Jenkins recently at Bristol Airport, the BBC reported.In July, an American consortium led by Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien bought a controlling stake in the Welsh club. Landon Donovan, a former U.S. star during Bradley’s tenure, is also a shareholder. Bradley, 58, wa s in charge of the U.S. national team from 2006-2011, including the 2010 World Cup, before being replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann.He then managed the Egypt national team and enjoyed a successful spell with Stabaek, helping the Norwegian club qualify for the Europa League for the first time.He joined Le Havre last November and just missed out on promotion to Ligue 1 in May.
Galaxy, Timbers plummet as Sounders soar in MLS Power Rankings
LA went 1-0 up early, but Seattle stormed back, with Jordan Morris nabbing a brace, and claiming the comeback win.
Toronto FC held on to the top spot in this week’s Major League Soccer Power Rankings despite being without Sebastian Giovinco again, while the Seattle Sounders, D.C. United and Columbus Crew SC continue their climbs.
- Toronto FC(no change)
Giovinco, who was expected to play barring a setback, did not feature on Saturday against the Philadelphia Union. This isn’t good news for Toronto, but give the Reds credit for fighting back to draw 1-1 at home. - FC Dallas(no change)
No goals for FC Dallas in a 0-0 draw on the road against Real Salt Lake, but the schedule has to be weighing on the Supporters’ Shield leaders. The point will do as they continue their chase. - New York Red Bulls(no change)
Daniel Royer’s first MLS goal, which clinched a 1-0 win over host Montreal, put the Red Bulls into the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year and pulled them into a dead heat for first in the Eastern Conference. - Colorado Rapids(no change)
After months of struggling to score, the Rapids got a three-goal outburst vs. Vancouver only to see their defense fail them in a 3-3 draw. Is it a blip or the start of a trend? - New York City FC(+2)
David Villa boosted his MVP chances with a brace in NYCFC’s 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire. More importantly, he helped his team secure a playoff berth. - Philadelphia Union(+2)
The Union didn’t sign Alejandro Bedoya to score goals, but the midfielder’s first in MLS for his new team was a big one as Philly grabbed a point in Toronto. - Seattle Sounders(+3)
Did Jordan Morris storm to the lead in the Rookie of the Year race with his two-goal performance in a 4-2 victory over the LA Galaxy? His goals could be big in getting Seattle to the playoffs. - Real Salt Lake(+1)
Jeff Cassar’s team fought to a good draw against league leaders FCD, but there is a troubling lack of goals; RSL have now gone three games without scoring. - Sporting Kansas City(+2)
Dom Dwyer’s third goal in as many games helped his team to a2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on the road. He is tied for fifth in scoring (15) with Ola Kamara and Fanendo Adi. - LA Galaxy(-5)
The first home loss of the year for the Galaxy represented a different type of performance for Bruce Arena’s team with lots of shots and poor defending. Back to the drawing board. - Portland Timbers(-5)
It’s hard to imagine Caleb Porter prioritizing his club’s trip to face Dragon of El Salvador in the CONCACAF Champions League this week with its playoff place under threat after a 3-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo.
MLS Playoff Picture: LA, Philly, 4 others can clinch berths this weekend
Leave a commentBy Andy EdwardsSep 29, 2016, 11:38 AM EDT
By 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, the race for MLS Cup Playoffs places in the Eastern Conference could be 100 percent complete, with only (lots and lots of) questions over seeding for the postseason left to be worked out over the season’s final two games.In the Western Conference, as many as four playoff places could be claimed by weekend’s end, with three teams left to battle it out for the final two spots over the final month of the 2016 regular season.
Eastern Conference
Already clinched
Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls, New York City FC
Can clinch this weekend
Philadelphia Union — With a win over New York Red Bulls (7 p.m. ET, Saturday), and a New England Revolution draw or loss to Sporting Kansas City (7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday), would clinch a playoff place; would also clinch a playoff place with a win over Red Bulls, and a Revolution loss to Sporting KC, and an Orlando City SC draw or loss to Montreal Impact (1 p.m. ET, Sunday).
Montreal Impact — With a win over Orlando City SC, and a Revolution draw or loss to Sporting KC, would clinch a playoff place.
D.C. United — With a win over Toronto FC (7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday), and a Revolution loss to Sporting KC, would clinch a playoff place.
Game to watch
Toronto FC vs. D.C. United (7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday) — Massive implications at the top of the East, and at the bottom of the playoff places. TFC need a win to stay at least one point clear of the duo from New York, while DCU would just about lock up a spot of their own with the three points. Fourth place, thus hosting the knockout round game, is still in play for United.
Western Conference
Already clinched
FC Dallas
Can clinch this weekend
Colorado Rapids — With a win or draw against Portland Timbers (9 p.m. ET, Saturday), would clinch a playoff place.
LA Galaxy — With a win over FC Dallas (9 p.m. ET, Saturday), would clinch a playoff place; would also clinch a playoff place with a draw against FC Dallas, and a Timbers draw or loss against Rapids; would also clinch a playoff place with a loss to FC Dallas and a Timbers loss to Rapids.
Real Salt Lake — With a win over San Jose Earthquakes (10:30 p.m. ET, Saturday), and a Timbers loss to Rapids, would clinch a playoff place.
Game to watch
FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy (9 p.m. ET, Saturday) — With the Rapids just five points back and holding two games in hand, the Supporters’ Shield is far from locked up for FCD. Winless in their last three, they’ve only themselves to blame for Colorado being back in it.
Indy Eleven Gets Revenge against First-place New York in 3-0 Win
“Boys in Blue” Stay Hot at Carroll Stadium, Pushing Home Unbeaten Streak to 16 Games;Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun & Dylan Mares Each Notch Goal & Assist in Impressive Team Effor
INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, September 24, 2016) – Indy Eleven got revenge for its worst loss of the season in impressive fashion, downing the New York Cosmos 3-0 in a dominant performance in front of 9,157 fans at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium. Eamon Zayed, Justin Braun and Dylan Mares all notched a goal and assist in the victory for the “Boys in Blue,” which canceled out a loss via a similar scoreline at the Cosmos three-and-half weeks ago.Indy Eleven reinserted itself in the Fall Season race with the win, getting to within four points of the front-running Cosmos with six games remaining for each squad and passing The Miami FC and FC Edmonton to claim second place. The victory also pushed Indy Eleven’s home unbeaten streak to 16 games dating back to last October, drawing even with the Cosmos for the longest such active streak in the NASL.
PHOTOS: Click to download pictures from #INDvNYC from the NASL’s FTP site
STATS: Get detailed Opta statistics from #INDvNYC via the NASL MatchCenter
“New York is a great team, but tonight was a complete effort and shows that if we can have complete efforts on both sides of the game, we can beat the best in the league,” said Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson. “I think part of tonight involved us having a better understanding of how to defend them, and I thought we communicated well. I think we were a step faster than them in dealing with problems, whereas in New York [three weeks ago] we were still trying to figure (things) out and were always a step behind. Big credit to the guys for that.” The early energy from both squads was fitting for a game ripe with postseason implications, but it was Indy’s direct play and high pressure that would start to take over the proceedings shortly into the contest. Indiana’s Team had the first good chance just five minutes in, when a quick counter ended with Sinisa Ubiparipovic’s low effort bouncing just wide of the left post. Don Smart’s sidewinding effort was blocked out for a corner in the 9th minute, and the ensuing set piece saw Cory Miller get a strong header on goal, continuing the home side’s effort to strike for an early, game-changing goal.Zayed – Indy’s hero in its first meeting at Carroll Stadium against New York back in April – nearly got the opener at the half hour mark, but his shot from 20 yards drifted just high. However, the Irishman contributed to the opening tally just two minutes later, nodding Smart’s cross from the right endline across the face of goal for Braun to finish up, giving the Eleven a hard-earned 1-0 lead.That would be the last dangerous chance of a first half that saw Indy Eleven outshoot the Cosmos 7-1, but the home side’s efficiency would pick up – and put the game away – in the opening minutes of the second half.Mares would first play provider in the 48th minute, sending a low ball through the six that Zayed pounded home from the doorstep to double the advantage and tally his 13th goal of the season. Just three minutes later Mares would get one of his own, accepting Braun’s square ball from the left on a counter before blasting a low shot just inside the right post from 20 yards out, all but putting things out of reach with 40 minutes to play.Indy’s constant pressure resulted in very few chances of any note from the run of play for New York, but it also resulted in more fouls – and more set pieces. The first shot on goal for the Cosmos came in the 57thminute when Juan Arango’s well-driven free kick from 35 yards out snuck through traffic, but Indy netminder Jon Busch read it all the way and pounced on the ball for his first save of the evening.With the “Boys in Blue” able to effectively kill the game from there on out Busch would only be tested once more on the evening, stepping off his line quickly to bat away substitute Jairo Arrieta’s header in the 87thminute. The shutout was the eighth this season for Busch and Indy Eleven, and the first in eight games dating back to a 1-0 win over Ottawa on Aug. 6.Indy Eleven has away affairs each of the next two weekends, starting with its longest road trip of the season to FC Edmonton next Sunday, October 2, with a matinee kickoff set for 4:00 p.m. ET (live on ESPN3.com). Following its Oct. 8 contest at Jacksonville Armada FC, Indy Eleven will return home on Saturday, Oct. 15, when it hosts Carolina RailHawks FC on “College Night” at Carroll Stadium (7:30 p.m., live on WISH-TV & beIN SPORTS en Español).Tickets for that Oct. 15 game – featuring the matchup of former Mexican National Team legends Gerardo Torrado and Omar Bravo – remain available and can be purchased online at IndyEleven.com or by calling 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.
NASL Fall Season
Indy Eleven 3 : 0 New York Cosmos Saturday, September 24, 2016
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, IN Attendance: 9,157
Indy Eleven:
Fall Season: 8W-3D-5L, 27 pts., 2nd place
Overall Season: 12W-9D-5L, 42 pts., 2nd place
New York Cosmos:
Fall Season: 9W-4D-3L, 31 pts., 1st place
Overall Season: 15W-4D-7L, 49 pts., 1st place
Scoring Summary:
IND – Justin Braun (Eamon Zayed) 32’
IND – Eamon Zayed (Dylan Mares) 48’
IND – Dylan Mares (Justin Braun) 51’
Discipline Summary:
None
Indy Eleven line-up (4-4-2, L–>R): Jon Busch; Nemanja Vuković, Cory Miller, Colin Falvey (capt), Marco Franco; Dylan Mares, Gerardo Torrado, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Brad Ring 61’), Don Smart (Nicki Paterson 81’); Eamon Zayed, (Duke Lacroix 85’) Justin Braunndy Eleven bench: Keith Cardona (GK), Lovel Palmer, Daniel Keller, Omar Gordon
New York Cosmos (4-1-4-1): Jimmy Maurer; Ayoze, Carlos Mendes (capt), David Ochieng, Jimmy Mulligan; Danny Szetela (Adam Moffat 54’); David Diosa, Ruben Bover, Juan Arango (Jairo Arrieta 72’), Sebastian Guenzatti (Andres Flores 65’); Lucky MkosanaCosmos bench: Brian Holt (GK); Ryan Richter, Yohandry Orozco, Jimmy Ockford
FOLLOW: #FCEVIND
- Indy Eleven Gameday & Match Preview Indy Eleven at FC Edmonton
Sunday, October 2, 2016 – 2:00 p.m. ET Clarke Field – Edmonton, Alberta, CAN National TV: None Streaming Video: ESPN3.com - Last Time Out – Indy Eleven 3 : 0 New York Cosmos
The “Boys in Blue” took full revenge on their NASL foes the New York Cosmos last Saturday in a thrilling 3-0 victory at Carroll Stadium.With Fall Season momentum hanging in the balance, Indy went full throttle from the opening whistle. Both teams would have a number of chances in the opening half hour, but it would not take Indy longer than that to break the deadlock. Defender Cory Miller pinged a beautiful ball across the field that midfielder Don Smart did well to bring down, take to the end line and whip in a well served ball. From there, forward Eamon Zayed headed down across goal for strike partner Justin Braun, and the American struck in from close range. Bouncing back, the Cosmos would threaten Indy ‘keeper Jon Busch’s goal a couple of times, but the 1-0 score would hold through the halftime break.The second half started with a bang for Indy as coach Tim Hankinson’s side scored in the opening three minutes following a set piece. After the Cosmos cleared an Eleven corner, midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic brought down the rebound and showed his patience in finding Dylan Mares again on the far side. The South Bend native took down Ubi’s ball and rolled it across the middle where this time it was Eamon Zayed waiting to pounce, adding a goal to his assist on the evening. In a one-two punch, the third and final goal came just three minutes later as Dylan Mares and Justin Braun combined on a counter-attack that slipped the former in one goal, where a distance finish by the midfielder gave him his fourth goal of the regular season. The win moved Indy back in contention for the Fall and Combined Season title hunt, placing them now seven points back in both tables.
Last Time Out – Jacksonville Armada FC 0 : 0 FC Edmonton
In their last outing, FC Edmonton traveled to Jacksonville to face Jax Armada FC in a nil-nil draw at Community First Park. A statistically even match in attack, both sides registered over ten shots but it was the hosts Jacksonville who came closest, firing on target five times to the Eddies’ two. The visitors had a chance inside the opening three minutes but could not find the goal, while Eddies ‘keeper Matt VanOekel made two saves in two minutes to keep the match level. In the first half, Jacksonville would come close four times compared to just two for the Canadian side.The second half brought an equal number of opportunities for both teams. FC Edmonton nearly opened the scoring in the 75th minute, but Shawn Nicklaw’s effort on Miguel Gallardo’s goal produced a great save from the Armada FC ‘keeper. Meanwhile, Jacksonville came closest through defender Matt Bahner right at the death, but he could not convert in front of goal. The draw dropped FC Edmonton to fourth place in the Fall Season table and third place in the Combined Season.
On the Road Again?
In the past, Indy Eleven has not gotten the results they want away from Carroll Stadium. This week, skipper Colin Falvey believes that will change.As Indiana’s Team heads to the home of FC Edmonton, they are coming off of two momentous performances against Miami FC and the New York Cosmos that re-instilled a sense of belief that they may have lost their way on in a grueling September stretch. The first of six games in October, Indy needs to keep the focus on getting every point possible if they are to continue chasing both the Fall and Combined Season titles ahead of a semi-final matchup in the first weekend of November.Last time Indy faced FC Edmonton, they were 1-0 victors in July with a Greg Janicki header separating the two sides. With Janicki still nursing an injury, the goals will now have to come from elsewhere for the “Boys in Blue” to lockdown the three points.
Who to Watch, Indy Eleven edition: MF Sinisa Ubiparipovic
Working his way back into the starting XI after an extended absence, midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic has proved influential in Indy’s last two games – both wins – back in a No.10 role that he will likely continue in on Sunday barring any further changes from head coach Tim Hankinson.Earning himself a hockey assist against the Cosmos, Ubiparipovic completed 21/28 passes and created one chance in his 61 minutes of action, while also winning a combined two-thirds of his tackles and duels. After the match, Ubiparipovic spoke to IndyEleven.com’s Scott Stewart, saying that while it was good to get another hour under his belt after the same amount of minutes against Miami FC, he’s looking forward to extended action as the Fall Season continues while stressing the importance of three points over individual goals.If Ubi is to retain his spot at the top of a diamond in midfield, he will have a tough task ahead of him in breaking down an FC Edmonton defense that has allowed just one goal in their last four matches.
Who to Watch, FC Edmonton edition: FW Daryl Fordyce
With just two changes to the starting line-up between Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Carolina and the midweek draw in Jacksonville on Wednesday, forward Daryl Fordyce kept his place in both matches. Despite being unable to get on the scoresheet, the native of Ireland still registered eight shots in two matches – two on target – while also creating two chances.There’s no question FC Edmonton are known for their strength as a defensive unit, but players like Fordyce have the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, making him especially dangerous to Indy. With six goals and three assists on the year in 25 league appearances, the forward leads his side in scoring and is second in the assist column.Though forward Tomi Ameobi will likely be the front man when the two meet on Sunday, look for Fordyce to drive forward play from the center of the park in a unique 4-5-1 system.
Match-up to Mark: FW Eamon Zayed vs. GK Matt VanOekel
As Eamon Zayed’s chase for the Golden Boot continues, a match against FC Edmonton gives him the perfect chance to show that once again he can score against the toughest of opposition. Matt VanOekel and co. have allowed just eight goals thus far in the Fall Season, including once against Indy in their only meeting of the fall, leaving it all to do for Zayed this Sunday at Clarke Field. VanOekel currently leads the NASL in GAA (0.58), saves (90), and shutouts (14), and is a sure candidate for the Golden Glove at the end of the year. However, Indy has found a way to break past VanOekel for three points once, and with Zayed and Braun up top and firing, the tandem will do everything in their power to go ahead in full force.Zayed sits at second in the league scoring chart with 13 goals behind Minnesota United FC forward Christian Ramirez (13), and has just six regular season games to reach the top. As his head coach Tim Hankinson allures to, it’s all about the climb to reach the peak.
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