For those of you who were not glued to your TV sets or computer screens this morning, it would be hard to do justice to the sheer emotion I felt watching the final Sunday in the English Premier League. As I discussed in recent posts this has been an exciting season in the EPL, and today's action would decide the championship, Champions League berths, and a relegation spot. Who would have known that all three would have been decided in a matter of just five minutes?
To set the stage...Manchester City and Manchester United came into today tied atop the table. City held the all-important goal differential tie-breaker, meaning a win would end their 44-year drought in winning the top league title. United needed to win and root for Queens Park Rangers to beat their cross-town rival; QPR was playing for something just as important - their survival in the top league. A win and they would remain in the EPL, while a loss or tie and they would risk relegation.
City took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break. Early in the second half, QPR tied things up and the stress level for the Citizens skyrocketed. Moments later, QPR went down a man when often controversial Joey Barton was shown a red card for an embarrassing elbow, and all seemed in City's favor. QPR rallied after that incident and took a 2-1 lead. As the City-QPR match went into stoppage time, United finished off its victory over Sunderland and started hearing that City was down with just a few minutes remaing. Then the comeback heard around the sports world began.
Edin Dzeko headed in a corner kick two minutes into stoppage time, giving some life to the Manchester City crowd. Less than two minutes later, Sergio Aguero capitalized off some nice work from teammate Mario Balotelli to put one past the QPR keeper and set off chaos in the stands and on Twitter, where my soccer followers were screaming (non-capital letter tweets were rare) and non-soccer followers were asking why their Twitter feeds were filled with nonsense like "Amazing Aguero" and "Miracle in Manchester."
Other important items to note from today's EPL action:
1. QPR's loss was eased slightly by Bolton's tie, meaning QPR remains in the top league. Relegated teams are Bolton, Blackburn, and Wolverhampton.
2. Arsenal's victory clinched them third place and a berth in next year's Champions League along with City and United.
3. Tottenham finished fourth, meaning they will also be in the Champions League - unless Chelsea wins the CL title over Bayern Munich this coming Saturday and claims an automatic berth into next year's tournament.
We witnessed a sports miracle today - two goals in three minutes decided a major sports championship in the world's most popular sport. The number people I know who claim soccer is a boring sport has dwindled in recent years, but there are still quite a few out there. I challenge any of them to sit through a recording of today's EPL action and say with a straight face that they still believe it. All they need to do is watch those last five minutes of the City-QPR match and they will see that soccer is not only the world's most popular sport...it is also the most exciting.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
European Soccer Season Winds Down
Many of Europe's top soccer leagues wind down their seasons this weekend, though some have already ended. Of course, of the utmost importance in European soccer is firstly the league title...but a close second is a berth in the UEFA Champions League. Here is a breakdown of how things look at the top of each league table in arguably the best four leagues in the world of soccer:
England - Manchester City and Manchester United enter their last match of the season tied atop the table, but City owns a commanding lead in the goal differential tiebreaker. City finishes the season hosting a Queens Park Rangers squad that may need at least a draw to avoid relegation. United travels to Sunderland to take on a team in the middle of the table with little to play for. Assuming both win, City will take home its first league title in 44 years. Both City and United have secured their places in the Champions League. Champions League berths are also up for grabs with Arsenal (67 points), Tottenham Hotspur (66), and Newcastle United (65) vying for one or two spots (if Chelsea defeats Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final on May 19, the Blues are guaranteed a chance to defend their title in next year's tournament and automatically take one of those spots).
Italy - Juventus ended a nine-year drought by clinching the Serie A title last weekend by virtue of their win and Inter Milan's victory over AC Milan. Juve and AC Milan have secured two of Italy's three Champions League berths, while the third one is Udinese's to lose. Should Udinese lose this weekend, Lazio or Napoli could sneak up and steal the spot.
Spain - Real Madrid held off Barcelona for the title, though both Champions League semifinalists have secured berths in next year's tournament. Valencia has also clinched a CL berth, with the fourth spot led by Malaga. Atletico Madrid, Levante, and Mallorca have slim hopes if Malaga slips up this weekend.
Germany - The Bundesliga season has completed, with Borussia Dortmund winning the title for the second year in a row. Bayern Munich is preparing to host the Champions League Final next Saturday, but they have already clinched a spot in next year's tournament by finishing second in the Bundesliga. Schalke 04 and Borussia Monchengladbach also secured berths.
England - Manchester City and Manchester United enter their last match of the season tied atop the table, but City owns a commanding lead in the goal differential tiebreaker. City finishes the season hosting a Queens Park Rangers squad that may need at least a draw to avoid relegation. United travels to Sunderland to take on a team in the middle of the table with little to play for. Assuming both win, City will take home its first league title in 44 years. Both City and United have secured their places in the Champions League. Champions League berths are also up for grabs with Arsenal (67 points), Tottenham Hotspur (66), and Newcastle United (65) vying for one or two spots (if Chelsea defeats Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final on May 19, the Blues are guaranteed a chance to defend their title in next year's tournament and automatically take one of those spots).
Italy - Juventus ended a nine-year drought by clinching the Serie A title last weekend by virtue of their win and Inter Milan's victory over AC Milan. Juve and AC Milan have secured two of Italy's three Champions League berths, while the third one is Udinese's to lose. Should Udinese lose this weekend, Lazio or Napoli could sneak up and steal the spot.
Spain - Real Madrid held off Barcelona for the title, though both Champions League semifinalists have secured berths in next year's tournament. Valencia has also clinched a CL berth, with the fourth spot led by Malaga. Atletico Madrid, Levante, and Mallorca have slim hopes if Malaga slips up this weekend.
Germany - The Bundesliga season has completed, with Borussia Dortmund winning the title for the second year in a row. Bayern Munich is preparing to host the Champions League Final next Saturday, but they have already clinched a spot in next year's tournament by finishing second in the Bundesliga. Schalke 04 and Borussia Monchengladbach also secured berths.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Manchester City Wins Darby, Sets Up May to Remember in EPL
Manchester United and Manchester City faced off this evening in what almost amounted to a Premier League Championship match. United came into the darby up three points, but knowing City's goal differential advantage meant they needed at least a draw to remain atop the table. Vincent Kompany's header in stoppage time of the first half was the only goal, leading City to one of the most important victories in its storied, 132-year history.
The domino effect of City's triumph was felt at both the top and bottom of the EPL. At the top of the table, the roller coaster season continued. Manchester City handed United a 6-1 embarrassment in October that set the tone for the 2011 portion of the campaign; however, controversy surrounding superstar striker Carlos Tevez and uneven play at the back cost the Citizens their early advantage, and United pounced with an impressive 2012 run. Today's result evened everything out at the top and put City back in the lead based on the goal differential tiebreaker (City is +61, United +53).
City now controls its own destiny but has matches left against Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers. Newcastle is fighting to get a spot in Europe, while QPR is in danger of relegation. United faces Swansea and Sunderland, two teams in the middle of the pack with much less to play for than City's opponents. City will surely be tested in these next two matches, while United likely will have no trouble with their opponents.
The race for the third and fourth spots in the EPL is always filled with drama as those squads qualify for the Champions League, while fifth must settle for the Europa League. Arsenal (66 points) is in good shape to earn one of the CL berths, though they have played one more match than the remaining contenders in this group. Fourth place is up for grabs, as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United both have 62 points, though Tottenham has a superior goal differential (+20 to Newcastle's +7). Chelsea is right behind at 61 points and possesses the best goal differential of the bunch (+23). Chelsea also can punch their ticket into the Europa League if they can knock off Liverpool in the FA Cup Final this Saturday. The remaining schedules of these four squads is important to note: Arsenal has Norwich and West Bromwich Albion, two decent squads both stuck in the middle of the table. Tottenham has Bolton and Aston Villa, both whom are trying to stay away from relegation, and a Fulham team that is currently 9th. Newcastle has the toughest draw of the group, with Chelsea, City, and Everton left. Chelsea has Newcastle, Liverpool and Blackburn left. As you can see, the Newcastle/Chelsea match on Wednesday will be a high stakes affair.
In terms of relegation, Wolverhampton has already been assured of a bottom three spot. Blackburn Rovers (31 points) is in deep trouble and has tough matches with Chelsea and Wigan remaining. Bolton (34 points) has matches with Tottenham, West Brom and Stoke left on its schedule, while QPR (34 points) has Stoke and Man City. Two teams at 37 points, Aston Villa and Wigan, can secure their places in the top division with a positive result this weekend.
May 13 sets up to be one of the biggest days in EPL history. All 20 teams will be in action simultaneously, as the final 10 matches will all kickoff at the same time. At stake will likely be the league championship, Champions League and Europa League berths, and a relegation spot.
My predictions for how this will all play out over the next two weeks is as follows:
Premier League Champion: Manchester City
City and United both will win their final two matches, giving City the title based on its superior goal differential.
Champions League Berths: City, United, Arsenal, Tottenham
Newcastle and Chelsea battle to a draw, allowing Arsenal and Tottenham to secure their spots in the dance.
Europa League Berths: Chelsea, Liverpool
Chelsea wins the FA Cup over Liverpool and Chelsea finishes in fifth place in the EPL, allowing FA Cup runner-up Liverpool to beat out EPL sixth-place finisher Newcastle.
Relegation: Wolves, Blackburn, QPR
Blackburn gets knocked down by Chelsea, while Decision Sunday sees Bolton and Stoke battle to a draw and QPR getting run over by soon-to-be champion City.
Get your favorite snacks and adult beverages ready for a great two weeks of soccer!
The domino effect of City's triumph was felt at both the top and bottom of the EPL. At the top of the table, the roller coaster season continued. Manchester City handed United a 6-1 embarrassment in October that set the tone for the 2011 portion of the campaign; however, controversy surrounding superstar striker Carlos Tevez and uneven play at the back cost the Citizens their early advantage, and United pounced with an impressive 2012 run. Today's result evened everything out at the top and put City back in the lead based on the goal differential tiebreaker (City is +61, United +53).
City now controls its own destiny but has matches left against Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers. Newcastle is fighting to get a spot in Europe, while QPR is in danger of relegation. United faces Swansea and Sunderland, two teams in the middle of the pack with much less to play for than City's opponents. City will surely be tested in these next two matches, while United likely will have no trouble with their opponents.
The race for the third and fourth spots in the EPL is always filled with drama as those squads qualify for the Champions League, while fifth must settle for the Europa League. Arsenal (66 points) is in good shape to earn one of the CL berths, though they have played one more match than the remaining contenders in this group. Fourth place is up for grabs, as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United both have 62 points, though Tottenham has a superior goal differential (+20 to Newcastle's +7). Chelsea is right behind at 61 points and possesses the best goal differential of the bunch (+23). Chelsea also can punch their ticket into the Europa League if they can knock off Liverpool in the FA Cup Final this Saturday. The remaining schedules of these four squads is important to note: Arsenal has Norwich and West Bromwich Albion, two decent squads both stuck in the middle of the table. Tottenham has Bolton and Aston Villa, both whom are trying to stay away from relegation, and a Fulham team that is currently 9th. Newcastle has the toughest draw of the group, with Chelsea, City, and Everton left. Chelsea has Newcastle, Liverpool and Blackburn left. As you can see, the Newcastle/Chelsea match on Wednesday will be a high stakes affair.
In terms of relegation, Wolverhampton has already been assured of a bottom three spot. Blackburn Rovers (31 points) is in deep trouble and has tough matches with Chelsea and Wigan remaining. Bolton (34 points) has matches with Tottenham, West Brom and Stoke left on its schedule, while QPR (34 points) has Stoke and Man City. Two teams at 37 points, Aston Villa and Wigan, can secure their places in the top division with a positive result this weekend.
May 13 sets up to be one of the biggest days in EPL history. All 20 teams will be in action simultaneously, as the final 10 matches will all kickoff at the same time. At stake will likely be the league championship, Champions League and Europa League berths, and a relegation spot.
My predictions for how this will all play out over the next two weeks is as follows:
Premier League Champion: Manchester City
City and United both will win their final two matches, giving City the title based on its superior goal differential.
Champions League Berths: City, United, Arsenal, Tottenham
Newcastle and Chelsea battle to a draw, allowing Arsenal and Tottenham to secure their spots in the dance.
Europa League Berths: Chelsea, Liverpool
Chelsea wins the FA Cup over Liverpool and Chelsea finishes in fifth place in the EPL, allowing FA Cup runner-up Liverpool to beat out EPL sixth-place finisher Newcastle.
Relegation: Wolves, Blackburn, QPR
Blackburn gets knocked down by Chelsea, while Decision Sunday sees Bolton and Stoke battle to a draw and QPR getting run over by soon-to-be champion City.
Get your favorite snacks and adult beverages ready for a great two weeks of soccer!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Memo to US Soccer Fans: Don't Panic!
Ever since the US Soccer Team failed to qualify for the Olympics this past week, some of my fellow soccer fans have gone into a depression. They were looking forward to watching the red, white, and blue play in London and continue to enjoy soccer's positive momentum in this country. Now they are asking what this disappointment will do to this surge in soccer spirit. I'm here to tell you it will hurt very little.
For those of you whom do not know how the Olympic soccer tournament is structured, the most important part to understand is this is more of a youth tournament than a national tournament. Most of the players have to have been born after January 1, 1989. Countries are allowed no more than three exceptions to this rule, and even then most squads either pick players who are slightly above that age, or players who are on the back end of their career in order to have one more shot at Olympic glory.
So what does this mean to US Soccer? It means that the driving forces behind its recent success - players like Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard whom have all starred internationally in recent years - did not participate in the qualifying tournament and likely would not have participated in the Olympics this summer anyways.
The one red flag of the qualifying failure is that the next generation of US players is that it highlighted the need for more development and better players at that age level. University of Akron head coach Caleb Porter had some decent talent on this squad, evident in its 2-0 win over Mexico right before the qualifying tournament. However, the team lost focus in its match against Canada and then allowed a late tying goal to El Salvador that knocked them out.
It will be interesting to watch how the lower-level squads progress over the next two to three years and which youth stars rise up the ranks to make the 2016 U-23 team. My hope is that Porter remains in an important US Soccer role because I see him as a possible USMNT coach down the line.
So, my friends, walk away from the ledge! US Soccer defeated Italy in one of the most important international wins in our history just last month. The focus of the national team is on World Cup qualifying this summer for the 2014 World Cup, with matches beginning in June. That process will do nothing but raise the already elevated profile of soccer in our country...and the likes of Dempsey, Donovan, and Howard will be on center stage to continue the charge.
For those of you whom do not know how the Olympic soccer tournament is structured, the most important part to understand is this is more of a youth tournament than a national tournament. Most of the players have to have been born after January 1, 1989. Countries are allowed no more than three exceptions to this rule, and even then most squads either pick players who are slightly above that age, or players who are on the back end of their career in order to have one more shot at Olympic glory.
So what does this mean to US Soccer? It means that the driving forces behind its recent success - players like Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard whom have all starred internationally in recent years - did not participate in the qualifying tournament and likely would not have participated in the Olympics this summer anyways.
The one red flag of the qualifying failure is that the next generation of US players is that it highlighted the need for more development and better players at that age level. University of Akron head coach Caleb Porter had some decent talent on this squad, evident in its 2-0 win over Mexico right before the qualifying tournament. However, the team lost focus in its match against Canada and then allowed a late tying goal to El Salvador that knocked them out.
It will be interesting to watch how the lower-level squads progress over the next two to three years and which youth stars rise up the ranks to make the 2016 U-23 team. My hope is that Porter remains in an important US Soccer role because I see him as a possible USMNT coach down the line.
So, my friends, walk away from the ledge! US Soccer defeated Italy in one of the most important international wins in our history just last month. The focus of the national team is on World Cup qualifying this summer for the 2014 World Cup, with matches beginning in June. That process will do nothing but raise the already elevated profile of soccer in our country...and the likes of Dempsey, Donovan, and Howard will be on center stage to continue the charge.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Champions League Round of 16 Preview
The Champions League begins its Round of 16 this week. For my continuing novice soccer fans, the Champions League is an annual competition between the best teams in Europe. Last year, Barcelona defeated Manchester United to win its fourth title overall and third in the last six years. This year’s Round of 16 features three teams from Italy; two teams each from Spain, England, Germany, France, and Russia; and one team each from Portugal, Switzerland, and Cyprus.
The Round of 16 has eight “home-and-home” matches, meaning each grouping of two teams will face each other once on each other’s home fields. The team leading aggregate score after the two matches advances to the next round. Should there be a tie, there is a rather complex tie-breaking system that starts with away goals being the deciding factor…so teams scoring a goal on the road feel pretty good about themselves going into the second leg even if they only earn a tie in the first leg. If all things are equal after the tie-breaker, extra time will be played following the second leg.
The Round of 16 has eight “home-and-home” matches, meaning each grouping of two teams will face each other once on each other’s home fields. The team leading aggregate score after the two matches advances to the next round. Should there be a tie, there is a rather complex tie-breaking system that starts with away goals being the deciding factor…so teams scoring a goal on the road feel pretty good about themselves going into the second leg even if they only earn a tie in the first leg. If all things are equal after the tie-breaker, extra time will be played following the second leg.
As we near the date of the first matches during this round, I thought it would be fun to make some predictions on how I see things unfolding. Here we go:
Bayer Leverkusen v. Barcelona
Barcelona is having a bit of an up and down campaign, sitting seven points behind Real Madrid in La Liga. They still have to be considered the team to beat, as they feature the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, and the most dynamic midfield around. Leverkusen currently sits in sixth place in the Bundesliga. Their problem will be that Barcelona will inevitably score, which means Leverkusen will have to play more aggressively – opening themselves up for some big counter-attacking goals from the defending champions.
Prediction: Barcelona 6, Bayer Leverkusen 2
Lyon v. Apoel Nicosia
Lyon is having a decent season in France’s Ligue 1, sitting in a tie for third place. Apoel Nicosia is the surprise of the tournament, becoming the first team from Cyprus to reach this stage. Lyon comes in the overwhelming favorite, and I don’t see the Cinderella story continuing over a two-leg matchup with the French side.
Prediction: Lyon 4, Apoel Nicosia 2
Zenit St. Petersburg v. Benfica
The two most dominant teams of this season from Russia and Portugal face off in what should be a very even matchup. Tough one to call, so this is just a gut feeling.
Prediction: Benfica 3, Zenit St. Petersburg 2
AC Milan v. Arsenal
Milan has been solid this year, just one point behind the lead in Serie A. Arsenal has had an inconsistent campaign, but they have the firepower to pull off an upset here. This is my pick for the most exciting matchup of the round.
Prediction: AC Milan 4, Arsenal 3
CSKA Moscow v. Real Madrid
Moscow has been up and down in recent months, while Real Madrid sits atop La Liga. This one could get ugly.
Prediction: Real Madrid 5, CSKA Moscow 2
Napoli v. Chelsea
Napoli has struggled over recent weeks, falling to seventh in Serie A. Chelsea is also struggling to find top form, but they have more scoring options than the Italian side.
Napoli has struggled over recent weeks, falling to seventh in Serie A. Chelsea is also struggling to find top form, but they have more scoring options than the Italian side.
Prediction: Chelsea 3, Napoli 2
FC Basel v. Bayern Munich
The Swiss side Basel is a decent club, but seems overmatched by German powerhouse Bayern here. This is another matchup that could become lopsided.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4, FC Basel 2
Marseille v. Internazionale
FC Basel v. Bayern Munich
The Swiss side Basel is a decent club, but seems overmatched by German powerhouse Bayern here. This is another matchup that could become lopsided.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 4, FC Basel 2
Marseille v. Internazionale
Two storied clubs in France and Italy, respectively, will face off here in what should be a very low-scoring, defensive struggle as both teams play that style. Look for Inter to come out on top because they have more scoring punch up front.
Prediction: Internazionale 3, Marseille 2 (extra time)
Prediction: Internazionale 3, Marseille 2 (extra time)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Dempsey and Donovan Impacting the EPL
Over the past nine years, Tim Howard has been the face of American soccer in the English Premier League. Howard was a solid performer at Manchester United before joining Everton in 2006; since then, he has been considered one of the top goalkeepers in the EPL and his quality has been lauded around the world. However, Howard is no longer the only American turning heads among soccer fans across the pond.
Clint Dempsey joined Fulham in 2007 after starring in the MLS. His first four years in the EPL were full of promise and some highlights, but short on consistent production. In 2009, he scored a highlight reel goal against Juventus in the Europa League Round of 16 that helped lead them to an historic victory. Last season, Dempsey scored 12 goals for Fulham and looked like a star in the making going into this season. And oh, what a season it has been. Dempsey has scored 16 goals so far during this campaign - 10 during the EPL season and six more during FA Cup matches. His hat-trick against Newcastle last month was the first ever scored by an American in a top-flight European league. He now holds the all-time record for goals scored by an American in the EPL, and Dempsey shows no signs of slowing down. The only question surrounding Dempsey now is whether or not he will remain with Fulham during the summer off-season transfer window, as he has expressed interest in playing for a Champions League-caliber team and Fulham is not playing near that level.
Landon Donovan is enjoying his loan tour with Everton this season. After helping lead the L.A. Galaxy to the MLS Cup Championship, Donovan joined Everton for the second time in his career on a short-term loan. Since the start of his eight-week tour, Donovan has played every minute of his seven matches with Everton, and has assisted on five goals. This past Tuesday, Donovan fed Darron Gibson for the only goal of their win against Manchester City, which dealt a severe blow to City's chances at an EPL title, while catapulting Everton into the top half of the table. Donovan's pace and passes have helped improve Everton's attack tremendously.
Howard, Dempsey, and Donovan are the players the USMNT will be relying on heavily as World Cup Qualifying begins this summer. It has been a real treat watching them succeed at the highest level possible over these past few weeks, and a continuation of these results will help them not only prepare for an important summer, but serve to continue elevating the reputation of U.S. soccer throughout the world.
Clint Dempsey joined Fulham in 2007 after starring in the MLS. His first four years in the EPL were full of promise and some highlights, but short on consistent production. In 2009, he scored a highlight reel goal against Juventus in the Europa League Round of 16 that helped lead them to an historic victory. Last season, Dempsey scored 12 goals for Fulham and looked like a star in the making going into this season. And oh, what a season it has been. Dempsey has scored 16 goals so far during this campaign - 10 during the EPL season and six more during FA Cup matches. His hat-trick against Newcastle last month was the first ever scored by an American in a top-flight European league. He now holds the all-time record for goals scored by an American in the EPL, and Dempsey shows no signs of slowing down. The only question surrounding Dempsey now is whether or not he will remain with Fulham during the summer off-season transfer window, as he has expressed interest in playing for a Champions League-caliber team and Fulham is not playing near that level.
Landon Donovan is enjoying his loan tour with Everton this season. After helping lead the L.A. Galaxy to the MLS Cup Championship, Donovan joined Everton for the second time in his career on a short-term loan. Since the start of his eight-week tour, Donovan has played every minute of his seven matches with Everton, and has assisted on five goals. This past Tuesday, Donovan fed Darron Gibson for the only goal of their win against Manchester City, which dealt a severe blow to City's chances at an EPL title, while catapulting Everton into the top half of the table. Donovan's pace and passes have helped improve Everton's attack tremendously.
Howard, Dempsey, and Donovan are the players the USMNT will be relying on heavily as World Cup Qualifying begins this summer. It has been a real treat watching them succeed at the highest level possible over these past few weeks, and a continuation of these results will help them not only prepare for an important summer, but serve to continue elevating the reputation of U.S. soccer throughout the world.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
What is the EPL?
As soccer is becoming more popular in this country and some of my friends are beginning to follow teams, I have been asked lots of questions about the best league to follow - the English Premier League, which is also known as the Barclay's Premier League. The EPL, as it is most often abbreviated, is made up of the top 20 teams in England. On an annual basis (August-May), these teams compete in a 38-match season where each team plays the 19 other teams once at home and once away. The top four teams in the league advance to the UEFA Champions League, which is a hotly contested annual competition among the top teams in all of Europe. The bottom three teams in the EPL each year drop to the second league in England, while the top three teams in that league move up to the EPL. The Champions League and relegation process mean that even if a team is running away with the title or having a very poor season, there is much to play for among the other teams to either advance to the Champions League or try to avoid relegation.
For those of you who are American soccer fans and wanting to cheer for our guys on EPL teams, here are five teams to consider rooting for:
Everton - My team of choice has Tim Howard as its goalkeeper and recently re-acquired Landon Donovan on a two-month loan from the L.A. Galaxy during the MLS off-season. Marcus Hahnemann, backup keeper to Howard for the U.S., is also his backup for Everton. Everton currently sits in 11th place in the EPL at 25 points. They are perennially in what I call "EPL Purgatory," usually not seriously threatened by relegation, but also not often contenders for a Champions League spot.
Fulham - Clint Dempsey has starred for Fulham over the past couple of seasons. He leads Fulham this season with six goals in the EPL. Last month, Dempsey scored his 37th EPL goal, becoming the all-time American goal scorer in league history. Brian McBride scored 36 EPL goals during his illustrious international career. Fulham often is in the middle of the table like Everton - this season they are currently 14th at 23 points.
Tottenham - This is one of the top teams in the EPL this season, currently sitting in third place at 46 points. Their starting goalkeeper is Brad Friedel, another in a long line of outstanding American netminders.
Aston Villa - Brad Guzan, one of Howard's backups, is fighting for the #1 keeper spot for Villa, and Eric Lichaj is trying to work his way into the Villa backfield just as he is looking for time in the U.S. lineup. Villa is currently tied for 12th at 24 points.
Bolton - Stuart Holden, one of the rising stars in the U.S. midfield, was selected as Bolton's most valuable player last season and soccer fans were looking forward to another big campaign from him in 2011-12. Unfortunately, Holden has not been able to suit up yet this season due to injury. Should Bolton be relegated, which looks quite possible given their current 19th place standing, look for Holden to be sold to another EPL team.
This year's EPL action has been outstanding so far. Manchester City and Manchester United are tied with 48 points (teams get three points for wins and one point for a tie). United has played one more match than City to this point, so City technically is in the lead. Tottenham and Chelsea currently hold the all-important third and fourth spots to lay claim to the Champions League spots at 46 and 40 points, respectively. Arsenal and Newcastle United are desperately trying to move up the table and into those spots - they both have 36 points. On the other side of the things, Wigan Athletic (15 points), Bolton (16) and Queens Park Rangers (17) are in the last three spots, which is called the "Relegation Zone" because those would be the relegated squads if the season were to end today. In danger of fallling into that zone are Blackburn Rovers (17 points), Wolverhampton (18) and West Bromwich Albion (22).
For those of you who want to get a taste of EPL action, I encourage you to watch two outstanding matches next Saturday morning featuring four of the best teams in the world. Manchester City takes on Tottenham at 8:25 am et on Fox Soccer, while at 10:30 am et Arsenal will face Manchester United on Fox Sports as Fox continues to jump on the soccer bandwagon.
For those of you who are American soccer fans and wanting to cheer for our guys on EPL teams, here are five teams to consider rooting for:
Everton - My team of choice has Tim Howard as its goalkeeper and recently re-acquired Landon Donovan on a two-month loan from the L.A. Galaxy during the MLS off-season. Marcus Hahnemann, backup keeper to Howard for the U.S., is also his backup for Everton. Everton currently sits in 11th place in the EPL at 25 points. They are perennially in what I call "EPL Purgatory," usually not seriously threatened by relegation, but also not often contenders for a Champions League spot.
Fulham - Clint Dempsey has starred for Fulham over the past couple of seasons. He leads Fulham this season with six goals in the EPL. Last month, Dempsey scored his 37th EPL goal, becoming the all-time American goal scorer in league history. Brian McBride scored 36 EPL goals during his illustrious international career. Fulham often is in the middle of the table like Everton - this season they are currently 14th at 23 points.
Tottenham - This is one of the top teams in the EPL this season, currently sitting in third place at 46 points. Their starting goalkeeper is Brad Friedel, another in a long line of outstanding American netminders.
Aston Villa - Brad Guzan, one of Howard's backups, is fighting for the #1 keeper spot for Villa, and Eric Lichaj is trying to work his way into the Villa backfield just as he is looking for time in the U.S. lineup. Villa is currently tied for 12th at 24 points.
Bolton - Stuart Holden, one of the rising stars in the U.S. midfield, was selected as Bolton's most valuable player last season and soccer fans were looking forward to another big campaign from him in 2011-12. Unfortunately, Holden has not been able to suit up yet this season due to injury. Should Bolton be relegated, which looks quite possible given their current 19th place standing, look for Holden to be sold to another EPL team.
This year's EPL action has been outstanding so far. Manchester City and Manchester United are tied with 48 points (teams get three points for wins and one point for a tie). United has played one more match than City to this point, so City technically is in the lead. Tottenham and Chelsea currently hold the all-important third and fourth spots to lay claim to the Champions League spots at 46 and 40 points, respectively. Arsenal and Newcastle United are desperately trying to move up the table and into those spots - they both have 36 points. On the other side of the things, Wigan Athletic (15 points), Bolton (16) and Queens Park Rangers (17) are in the last three spots, which is called the "Relegation Zone" because those would be the relegated squads if the season were to end today. In danger of fallling into that zone are Blackburn Rovers (17 points), Wolverhampton (18) and West Bromwich Albion (22).
For those of you who want to get a taste of EPL action, I encourage you to watch two outstanding matches next Saturday morning featuring four of the best teams in the world. Manchester City takes on Tottenham at 8:25 am et on Fox Soccer, while at 10:30 am et Arsenal will face Manchester United on Fox Sports as Fox continues to jump on the soccer bandwagon.
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