Soccer By Ives

Morning Ticker: Olympic Qualifying Sked set, ManU in first, Fronaldo heads home and trouble for a former MLS player

 

Good morning everybody. Let me start by apologizing for the low number of posts recently. I can assure you that the action will pick up after New Year's Day. For now, I will try to keep you updates on the goings on in the American and international soccer world.

Before we get into the day's events, I must make another request for SBI readers to take part in the SBI reader roll call. If you haven't already taken part, please do so. Your input is going to go a long way toward helping me shape and set a direction for SBI as we head into 2008.

Secondly, I have not forgotten about the most recent Q&A session. I am working on it and am hoping to have it done for tomorrow. It will be done by Monday at the latest.

Now, onto the news. Here are some recent tidbits you may or may not have heard:

U.S. Olympic qualifying games set. The U.S. Under-23 national team learned the path it will take to Olympic qualifying yesterday as the match schedule for CONCACAF Olympic qualifying was announced. The Americans will face Cuba (March 11), Panama (March 13) and Honduras (March 15), with all matches being played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. There will be tripleheaders played each of these days, with the U.S. team's game serving as the nightcap on each occasion.

The top two teams in the group will join the top two teams in Group B (Mexico, Canada, Haiti, Guatemala) in the semifinals and final, which take place in Memphis Nashville on March 20 and 23.

I was going to point out that the Americans should have little trouble qualifying, but you know what happened the last time around. That said, this Olympic team should qualify and this qualifying tournament should give us a good glimpse at what Peter Nowak has planned for the Olympics.

This weekend's soccer on TV

 

The weekend is almost here and if you are starving for some high-profile matches, this is your weekend.

English Premier League fans will be downright giddy as the top four square off in a pair of Sunday blockbusters. Manchester United travels to Liverpool while Chelsea make the trip across London to face arch-rival Arsenal. It doesn't get much better than that.

There are quality games elsewhere as well. Red-hot Bayer Leverkusen meets a reeling Werder Bremen side in a Saturday morning tilt while Juventus faces Lazio in another quality encounter.

Before we get to the weekend though, there are matches this evening. The NCAA Final Four is tonight on ESPNU and if you have that channel you have no excuse for not at least TIVOing and watching them later.

Here are this weekend's matches on TV:

The 50 most exciting teenagers in soccer

If you missed the November issue of World Soccer magazine you missed a cover story on the 50 Most Exciting Teenagers on the Planet. It was a great piece with quality information, especially for those of you who relish knowing about the best up and coming talents in the game.

Some of the players you would expect were on the list, including Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato, Micah Richards, Giovani Dos Santos, Bojan Krkic and Anderson, but there were two players who were NOT on the list that left me scratching my head a bit.

Jozy Altidore and Freddy Adu were nowhere to be found.

Now I'm not saying it's a travesty that neither is on the list. I just found it interesting that neither made it, particularly after how both performed at the Under-20 World Cup. Altidore nets two goals against Brazil and Adu was on fire, but neither made the list.

If you are wondering what players WERE on the list, here they are:

Riquelme on his way back to Boca Juniors

Those of you praying that Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme would somehow make his way to Major League Soccer will have to find a new dream. Riquelme will return to Boca Juniors once the winter transfer period opens in January. The deal will be a full transfer, not a loan deal like the one Riquelme joined Boca Juniors on earlier in the year.

Riquelme hasn't played a minute for Villarreal this season because of a major falling out with Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini. Riquelme's absence hasn't hurt Villarreal much. The Yellow Submarine sits second in the La Liga standings, just a point behind Real Madrid.

Riquelme's club hiatus hasn't stopped him from dominating for Argentina. The free kick maestro has recorded four goals in World Cup qualifying for Argentina despite his lack of first-team club action.

There is no truth to the rumor that Ray Hudson is paying out of his own pocket to have GolTV air all Boca Juniors matches starting in January (okay, I just made that part up.)

What do you think of Riquelme's move? Disappointed that he won't be playing in Europe? Crushed that some MLS team didn't find a way to lure him here? Happy because Boca will now win the Argentine League title? Share your thoughts below.

Monday Morning Center Back (Altidore, Adu, Asia and Another coach fired)

Good morning all. The World Cup qualifying draw was this past weekend and it gave us plenty to look forward to in the next two years. from England's chance at revenge against Croatia to the USA drawing an easier path to the Hexagonal than Mexico.

We also had increasing talk about Jozy Altidore going to Europe. Real Madrid is ramping up its interest while Altidore has stated that he will only leave for the right situation. Is Real Madrid the right situation? Here is my column on Jozy's situation for ESPN.com. I'll try to make my point very clear. Altidore should spent one more season in MLS. That's it. A full year as a starter in MLS will help him far more than a year as a sub in Europe will. You can disagree, and some folks do, but that's my stance.

Here are some other tidbits from the weekend and today:

2010 World Cup Qualifying Draw: CONCACAF

The U.S. national team's path to the 2010 World Cup will begin with a match-up against the winner of the Dominica/Barbados play-in qualifier. As you may recall, the US team faced Barbados in the second round of the 2002 World Cup qualifying cycle (winning both matches by a combined score of 11-0).

If you are wondering about Mexico, 'El Tri' will face face the winner Belize/St. Kitts and Nevis. Easy as cake right? Well, things get a wee bit tougher for the Mexicans in the next round, where they just may be in the region's group of death.

Here is a closer look at the rest of the CONCACAF Draw:

World Cup Qualifying: Colombia knocks off Argentina

So much for Argentina rolling through World Cup qualifying unbeaten.

Carlos Tevez saw a first-half red card as Colombia scored a pair of second half goals to upset Argentina, 2-1, on Tuesday night. The victory moves Colombia, still unbeaten in four qualifying matches, to eight points, just a point behind Argentina.

Lionel Messi worked his usual magic with a nice first-half goal, but Colombia was at home and rallied in the second half as the Argentines tired from playing a man down. Coach Jorge Luis Pinto is working some magic with Colombia and his second-half substitute, Dayro Moreno, made Pinto look like a genius by scoring an 83rd minute game winner.

What do you think of Colombia's strong World Cup qualifying start? Share your thoughts on this result below.

Monday Morning Center Back: The day after

Good morning folks. It is the day after one busy weekend of soccer action. You had MLS Cup, the US national team playing its last game and European championship and South American World Cup qualifiers going on. It truly was a soccer fan's paradise.

Here is a look back at some of the weekend's highlights:

This weekend's soccer on TV

Admit it. When you heard Manchester United-Arsenal wasn't going to be on basic cable you almost cried? Now you will have to head over to an overcrowded soccer bar in the AM to see the can't-miss clash.

Want a consolation prize? How about Juve-Inter? Or Atletico Madrid-Villarreal? Is Real Madrid-Sevilla more your liking?

The point is there will be plenty of high-level clashes on TV this weekend for those of you who won't pay the pay-per-view cost or hit a soccer bar for Arsenal-Man U.

Here it is, this weekend's soccer TV schedule:

Guatemala upsets Mexico in ugly 'friendly'

When I said the best thing you could root for is carnage when Guatemala played Mexico, I didn't expect the CONCACAF rivals to grant my wish.

Guatemala upset Mexico, 3-2, in an exhibition match marred by six red cards at the LA Coliseum on Wednesday night.

And guess who got one of these red cards? The saint himself, Carlos Ruiz, who was sent off for the sneaky and vicious studs up challenge you see above. Talk about a picture that will leave U.S. fans conflicted.

What do you think of this result? Surprised? Happy? Upset that Ricardo Clark didn't jump out of the stands and do a reverse Cantona on Ruiz? Share your thoughts below.

Messi magic lifts Argentina (and where to see today's CONMEBOL qualifiers)

Lionel Messi worked his magic yet again, scoring in the 43rd minute to help Argentina down Venezuela, 2-0, in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night.

Argentina rolls, Brazil stumbles in World Cup qualifying

Argentina's march to the 2010 World Cup started in impressive fashion as a pair of Juan Roman Riquelme free kicks gave Argentina a 2-0 victory against Chile.

South America's World Cup qualifying began this weekend and Uruguay joined Argentina as the strongest looking teams in the first round of qualifiers. Brazil? Not so much.

Mexico facing Guatemala in friendly at LA Coliseum on Oct. 17th

The Mexican national team will face Guatemala in a friendly at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 17th. The match was announced today (hey, who needs more than a week's notice for an international soccer match anyway?).

This weekend's soccer on TV

 

Another week, another slate of tantalizing match-ups.

Barcelona-Atletico Madrid, Juventus-FIorentina and Boca Juniors-River Plate highlight this weekend's schedule of games on TV.

Saturday morning won't be offering the usual slate of games, with no English games available on Fox Soccer Channel. That should give you a chance to sleep in and rest up for a jam-packed Sunday.

Here is is, this weekend's schedule of soccer games on TV. Enjoy:

DC United falls in Copa Sudamericana

DC United's quest for another international trophy came to an end on Tuesday night as Chivas de Guadalajara posted a 1-0 victory in their Copa Sudamericana match, giving Chivas a home-and-home series victory on away goals. Mexican national team midfielder Ramon Morales (above) scored the game-winner.

This Weekend's Soccer on TV

Okay folks, you asked for an expanded weekend TV schedule so I have included MLS and some Latin American soccer matches on the Soccer TV schedule.

Roma at Inter Milan is the headliner this weekend, kicking off at 2:30pm ET on Saturday on Fox Soccer Channel.

I'm sure there are other matches I am missing, and I still haven't included Setanta, but consider this schedule a good starting-off point. SBI readers are encouraged to add more TV games in the comments section.

Here it is. This weekend's soccer TV schedule:

Your chance to see Amado Guevara play

Hey Amado Guevara fans, can't wait until his inevitable return to the Red Bulls in 2008 (sarcasm alert) to see your favorite volatile Honduran playmaker? You're in luck.

Guevara and CD Motagua will be playing Panamanian squad San Francisco tonight in the quarterfinals of the Central American club championships on GolTV at 9pm.

Motagua beat San Francisco in the first leg of this home-and-home, 1-0.

SuperLiga Final (Running Commentary)

Good evening folks. We have the Los Angeles Galaxy and Pachuca facing off in the inaugural SuperLiga final.

The match is on Telefutura so for those of you who can't see it I will try to provide you with some commentary on the match. Fellow SBI readers can also chime in on the match.

Share your comments and thoughts on the match below.

This weekend's soccer on TV

The start of the Serie A and La Liga seasons highlight this weekend's soccer TV action. Barcelona, led by the trinity of Messi, Henry and Ronaldinho, will look to win back the title it lost to Real Madrid last season. Juventus will make its return to the first division after a one-year banishment to Serie B.

You name the big club and it will be on TV this weekend. Barca, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Juventus. There is tons of action to watch. Better make room on your TIVO.

Here is a rundown of this weekend's European soccer on TV (with one MLS game on the list):

SUPERLIGA: Pachuca downs Houston in PKs

The Houston Dynamo pushed Pachuca to the brink yet again and again the MLS champions fell short in their bid to knock off the Mexican champions.

Missed penalty kicks by Brian Ching and Joseph Ngwenya doomed Houston to lose to Pachuca in the penalty kick shootout, 5-3, in the SuperLiga semifinals.

Pachuca will now face the winner of the LA Galaxy-DC United semifinal, set for Wednesday night at Home Depot Center.

Ching sent his PK attempt into the left post while Ngwenya failed miserably in an attempt to chip a shot right down the middle that hit Pachuca goalkeeper Miguel Calero in the chest as rested on a knee.

The match was marred by three red cards, two shown to the Houston Dynamo. Playing short-handed, the Dynamo was forced to hold on in overtime as its squad showed the effects of chasing the game for most of the night.

Giovanni Dos Santos shining for Barcelona

   

Just when you thought Mexican phenom Giovanni Dos Santos had crashed down to earth after a disappointing Under-20 World Cup, the young playmaker has responded by starring for Barcelona on its tour of Asia.

Dos Santos scored the game-winning goal for Barca in a 1-0 win against Yokahama on Tuesday, just a few days after scoring in the team's 3-0 win against a Chinese club.

Okay, so a pair of goals against some non-descript Asian clubs isn't the same as doing it in La Liga but Dos Santos is definitely primed for a bigger role with Barcelona this year. He is set to become a Spanish citizen, which will pave the way for him to earn a roster spot.

So why should you care if you're an American soccer fan? You should care because Dos Santos is a gifted playmaker who is destined for the Mexican national team. He will be tormenting the US national team for the next decade and if he starts getting time with Barcelona's first team then his arrival on Hugo Sanchez's roster will come even sooner than most expected.

Carlos Vela joins Osasuna on loan

Mexican Under-20 national team star Carlos Vela is joining Spanish First Division side Osasuna on loan. Arsenal is loaning Vela out with hopes of getting him more first team action.

Vela, 18, spent last season playing with Spanish second division squad Salamanca.

SuperLiga: Houston wins, three MLS teams in semifinals

Brian Ching scored the lone goal of the match to help Houston defeat DC United, 1-0, in their SuperLiga match in Houston. DC United got some help from Club America though after America defeated Morelia, 3-2, in the final group match of the SuperLiga Tournament.

The results mean Houston and DC join the LA Galaxy in the SuperLiga semifinals along with Mexican champions Pachuca.

The semifinals are now set and they will be some quality match-ups. The Dynamo faces Pachuca at Robertson Stadium on August 14th in a rematch of their Champions Cup semifinal series. Pachuca won that memorable home-and-home series with a 5-2 victory in the second leg. Houston won the first leg, 2-0, at Robertson Stadium.

DC United will face the LA Galaxy at Home Depot Center on Aug. 15th. The teams actually meet in MLS competition on Aug. 9th at RFK Stadium.

The SuperLiga Final is set for Aug. 29th. It will be played in Houston if the Dynamo reaches the final. If Pachuca reaches the final then the final will be played either at RFK Stadium (or Fed Ex Field) or Home Depot Center, depending on which MLS team wins the DC-LA semifinal.

SUPERLIGA: MLS keeps rolling on

Major League Soccer upped its record in Superliga to 3-1-4 on Sunday with a DC United win against Club America and a Houston Dynamo tie against Morelia.

That impressive record against the Mexican clubs in the competition won't change until the semifinals as MLS teams and Mexican teams will face each other in the final stage of first-round games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

What should you make of the lop-sided record? Don't go filling out your MLS is better than Mexico's League banners just yet. Two key points that cannot be overlooked are the fact that Mexican teams are in their pre-season (which explains why a team like America started the tournament without a handful of Mexican national team players) and Mexican clubs are playing all these games on the road.

Even with those factors, MLS can definitely come away from this tournament confident that it has made a strong case that there isn't that much of a difference in quality between the leagues. The argument can still be made that Mexico's league is a bit stronger but considering how much money the league spends on salaries it would be a crime if it weren't.

As good as that 3-1-4 record is, MLS needs one of its teams to lift the Superliga trophy to really drive the message home that MLS is no longer a league to be taken lightly. I'm sure many Mexican fans still won't give MLS credit but as long as some of them are converted, and some become MLS fans in the process, then Superliga will be considered a rousing success.

SUPERLIGA: Chivas records first Mexican win

After MLS opened the new Superliga Tournament with a 2-0-2 record against its Mexican opponents, the boys from south of the borders responded tonight with a win as Chivas De Guadalajara beat the Beckham-less Galaxy, 2-1, on Saturday night.

FC Dallas outplayed Mexican power Pachuca but came away with just a 1-1 draw, in part because of a blown off-side call on what should have been a Clarence Goodson goal.

MLS is 2-1-3 heading into the next matchday, on Sunday. Houston faces Morelia while DC United plays Club America. Houston can clinch a spot in the semifinals with a win while DC would put itself in good shape to advance if it beats America.

The games have been very good, with plenty of fiesty clashes and technical skill. Have you been watching? What have you thought of the tournament? Are you a fan or has it failed to catch your attention? Share your thoughts below.

SUPERLIGA: Matchday 2 (Running Commentary)

We have two great games tonight in Superliga. DC United is playing (and beating) Morelia while Houston faces Club America in the best match of the first round at 10pm. Share your comments on these matches here. I will try to do a running commentary on the Houston-America game but can't promise it at this point.

Check here for comments throughout the night:

SUPERLIGA: Galaxy top Pachuca, FC Dallas ties Chivas

Landon Donovan netted the game-winning goal as the LA Galaxy defeated Mexican champions Pachuca, 2-1, in the opening match of the SuperLiga Tournament for both teams.

Alan Gordon opened the scoring when he ran onto a long pass from Donovan, chested it down and slotted it past Pachuca goalkeeper Miguel Calero in the 50th minute. Pachuca responded with a 78th minute equalizer but the Galaxy found the winner just three minutes later as Donovan redirected a shot from Cobi Jones to give Los Angeles the victory.

FC Dallas tied Chivas de Guadalajara, 1-1, in the opening match of the tournament earlier on Wednesday. Arturo Alvarez opened the scoring but Chivas found a 67th minute equalizer. The match was marred by a scuffle and red card to FC Dallas defender Drew Moor.

Superliga continues on Wednesday with DC facing Morelia at RFK Stadium and the Houston Dynamo meeting Club America at Robertson Stadium in Houston.

Brazil topples Argentina in Copa America Final, 3-0

 

So much for the Argentina juggernaut being unbeatable.

Brazil showed once again that it has Argentina's number, knocking off the full-strength rivals without Ronaldinho or Kaka. It didn't matter as Vagner Love, Julio Baptista and Dani Alves had enough magic to help Brazil down Argentina, 3-0, in the Copa America final.

So how did a Brazil B team knock off such a loaded Argentine squad? They matched their opponents skill but just looked faster all over the field. Argentina created its chances, and hit the woodwork and had Doni stop them with some good saves. Then there was the own goal and the hot weather, which supposedly favored Brazil. All that said, Brazil was the deserved champion.

COPA AMERICA: Argentina thrashes Mexico, 3-0

Mexico's strong run at Copa America came to an end on Wednesday as Argentina's loaded roster proved too much in a 3-0 victory in Venezuela. Gabriel Heinze, Lionel Messi and Juan Riquelme scored the goals for Argentina.

Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez endured an especially tough night. He was slow off his line on Heinze's goal, got beaten by a beautiful chip by Messi then dove to his right only to have Riquelme chip a PK attempt straight down the middle to make the score 3-0.

Argentina will now face Brazil in the Copa America final on Sunday. It's the match-up most of us wanted to see and now we have it.

What did you think of Wednesday's semifinal and what do you think of the final? Share your thoughts below.

Tonight's Dream Doubleheader

Nights like tonight are why TIVO is a gift from heaven.

There are two soccer games tonight that many American soccer fans would consider can't miss. At 7:30pm you have the US Under-20 national team facing Uruguay in the second round of the Under-20 World Cup on ESPNU. At 8:30pm you have Argentina facing Mexico in the Copa America semifinals on GolTV (And Telefutura).

So what is a fan to do? I know what I'll be doing. I'll be TIVOing both matches, watching the US-Uruguay match live (and doing a running commentary) while flipping back and forth to the Copa America match when action permits. My running commentary will probably incorporate both matches. If you're going to be near a computer then you definitely need to join the commentary. Commentaries are only as fun as you readers make them.

So what will you be doing tonight? Will you be watching at home or at a viewing party? Share your thoughts on the big doubleheader below.

Guardado heading to Deportivo, not PSV

Less than a week after it was believed that Mexican midfielder Andres Guardado was heading to PSV Eindhoven it turns out Guardado is actually going to Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna in a $9.5 million move. The fee is a record for a Mexican player.

Guardado was set to join PSV on a $6.1 million deal before Deportivo stepped in with a bid 50 percent bigger.

Going to Spain is a great move to for Guardado. His style of play would have been well suited in Holland but it is even better suited in Spain's fast-paced La Liga.

What do you think of the move? Share your thoughts below.

COPA AMERICA: Brazil edges Uruguay in PKs

Brazil shook off a late equalizer from Uruguay and its own shakiness from the penalty spot to beat out Uruguay in penalty kicks in the Copa American semifinals on Tuesday night. Uruguay's Diego Lugano missed the last PK to send Brazil into the finals, where the winner of the highly-anticipated Mexico-Argentina match will await.

Brazil missed its PK in the sixth round of kicks, leaving Uruguay with a chance to win the match, but Uruguay missed the would-be match-winner, leaving the door open for Gilberto (not Silva) to put Brazil ahead. Lugano then missed the next kick.

The Copa America final is set for Sunday.

Guardado heading to PSV

I'm watching the Mexico-Paraguay Copa America quarterfinal and just heard that Mexican winger Andres Guardado will be heading to Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, where will join Mexican national teammate Carlos Salcido.

That's a pretty big move for Guardado, one of the brightest young stars in Mexico's system. A good question is whether that signing will hasten Lee Nguyen's departure from PSV.

What do you think of the move? Share your thoughts on that as well on today's Copa America quarterfinal below.

COPA AMERICA: Mexico upsets Brazil, 2-0

Hugo Sanchez had his prayers answered.

The Mexican national team coach needed his team to have a good showing in Copa America and the team has gotten off to a great start by scoring to beautiful goals to beat Brazil, 2-0, on Wednesday night. Nery Castillo (pictured below) and Ramon Morales netted highlight-reel striikes while goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa played a stellar match.

What did you think of Mexico's performance? Share your thoughts below.

COPA AMERICA: Mexico leads Brazil 2-0 at halftime

So much for Mexico's turmoil and Hugo Sanchez losing control of his team.

Mexico has rebounded from its Gold Cup loss to the USA on Sunday by scoring two beautiful goals to take a 2-0 halftime lead against Brazil tonight. Mexico is playing well and Brazil looks completely disjointed and not like the Brazil we're used to seeing.

Will things change in the second half? We will soon find out.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the second half action below.

COPA AMERICA: Mexico faces Brazil tonight

Day two of Copa America features one of the tournament's most highly anticipated matches, Brazil vs. Mexico (8:45pm, GolTV, Telefutura).

Brazil doesn't have Ronaldinho or Kaka but still has enough firepower to be considered the favorite tonight against a Mexico squad that is reportedly in turmoil. Diego and Robinho (below) lead the Brazil attack and they'll be looking to punish a Mexico defense that will be without key starting defenders Ricardo Osorio and Carlos Salcido.

Mexico is missing most of its top European-based players but still have the weapons to make it a game against Brazil.

COPA AMERICA: Peru 3, Uruguay 0

No, that's not a misprint. Peru just dismantled the favorites from Uruguay in the opening match of Copa America. I'll post more later. I need to celebrate this one a little bit.

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Pe-Ru, Pe-Ru.

Copa America kicks off today

The tournament is officially here.

The 2007 Copa America kicks off today with a pair of interesting matches. Uruguay faces Peru at 6pm and Venezuela meets Bolivia at 8:45pm. Both matches will air on GolTV and Telefutura. I'm not going to lie. I will have the Peru flag out and will be cheering my family's nation on.

If you're looking for good info on the Copa America, here is the official website.

Will you be watching Copa America or are you one of the unfortunate souls who doesn't have GolTV or Telefutura? Maybe I'll do a running diary off the Peru-Uruguay game, although I can't say I can be impartial for that one. I was actually trying to take today off but as you can tell on the blog, that didn't quite work out.

I'll post some Copa America predictions later on today so stay tuned.

Mexico's Copa America squad not so great, but decent

Amidst all the controversy surrounding the U.S. team's Copa America roster it was easy to forget about Mexico's roster situation. As I reported last night, Mexico's European-based stars begged out of the competition, leaving Hugo Sanchez to try and fill in the blanks.

Here is the Mexico Copa America roster:

Boca Juniors thrash Cucuta, 3-0, to reach Libertadores final

You would think that heading into a second leg of a home-and-home series down 3-1 would be too tough to overcome. Not so for Boca Juniors, which overwhelmed Colombian club Cucuta, scoring a 3-0 victory to reach the Copa Libertadores final.

What a goal by Cuauhtemoc Blanco

I know this is four days late but figured if I hadn't heard about it then maybe some of you hadn't either.

Check out this stunning goal from Mexican star and Chicago Fire designated player Cuauhtemoc Blanco in the Mexican League finals series against Pachuca. The goal temporarily gave Blanco's club, America, the series lead before Pachuca won on aggregate. That still doesn't take away from the stunning goal Blanco scored in his last match for Club America.

Chicago Fire fans have a reason to feel optimistic about Blanco's arrival. They will be hoping that their team isn't too far out of the race when he finally does show up after a full summer of Mexican national team duty.

And yes, I'm sticking by my opinion that I don't think he's going to be a huge impact for the Fire, even though his recent amazing form for America makes me wonder. Then I think about how bad Chicago is these days and feel better about my statement. Let me be clear, I think the guy is amazingly skilled, but his temper and the league's penchant for rough fouling of players just like him won't make for a good mix. He may wind up with more red cards than goals. I hope I'm wrong because the Fire could be a dangerous team if he dominates the way he's capable of.

Do you think Blanco will be a boom or a bust? Share your thoughts below.

Colombia releases preliminary Copa America roster and guess who isn't on it?

The Colombian national team released a preliminary 34-man roster for Copa America on Monday and Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel is not on the list. Not really a surprise since he hasn't been in the Colombia mix for a while but I was curious to see whether his good start to the MLS campaign would raise any eyebrows in his native country.

Here is the Colombia preliminary roster for Copa America (Pretty impressive actually) and here's a little write up on the squad:

Goalkeeper: Miguel Calero (Pachuca, México), Agustín Julio (Tolima) y Robinson Zapata (Cúcuta).

Defenders: Iván Ramiro Córdoba (Inter Milan), Amaranto Perea (Atletico Madrid), Mario Alberto Yepes (Paris Saint Germain), Aquivaldo Mosquera, (Pachuca, México), Gerardo Vallejo (Tolima), Háyder Palacio (Cali), Walter Moreno (Cúcuta), Javier Arizala (Tolima), Jair Benítez (Cali) y Gerardo Bedoya(Millonarios).

Midfielders: John Viafara (Real Sociedad), Fabían Vargas (Internacional, Brazil), Jorge Banguero (América), David Ferreira (Atlético Paranaense, Brasil), José Amaya (Nacional), Jaime Castrillón (Medellín), Vladimir Marín (Libertad, Paraguay), Juan Carlos Escobar (Tolima), Danilson Córdoba (Medellín), Alvaro Domínguez (Cali), Macnelly Torres (Cúcuta), Carlos Sánchez (River Plate, Uruguay) y Camilo Zúñiga (Nacional).

Forwards: Edixon Perea (Bordeaux, France), Radamel Falcao García (River Plate), Andrés Chitiva (Pachuca, México), Sergio Herrera (Cali), Hugo Rodallega (Monterrey, México), Luis Gabriel Rey (Morelia, México), César Valoyes (Medellín), Freddy Montero (Huila).

Can someone please tell me how all eight of those forwards get the call ahead of Angel? Consider that the scoring leader in the Colombian First Division, where three players on this roster play, is none other than former MetroStar Sergio Galvan Rey. Yes, the one and only.

There's some good talent on that list but Angel should have made the preliminary squad at least. I know Red Bulls fans won't be complaining though, especially not when so many other MLS teams will be missing players.

Pachuca defeats Houston in overtime, 5-2 (5-4 on aggregate)

Pachuca scored four goals in regulation to post a 4-2 second-leg victory, which forced overtime in the series against Houston. A stunning overtime strike from Christian Gimenez settles things as Pachuca advances to the final, where they will meet Chivas de Guadalajara.

It's disappointing to see both MLS teams lose in the semifinals but both Houston and DC United played good soccer and gave MLS fans something to be proud of. Mexican fans can brag now but the smarts ones must surely realize that MLS clubs are closing the gap with their Mexican league counterparts.

Mid-week Soccer TV Schedule

Talk about a great week of soccer action on TV. The Champions League quarterfinals are on Tuesday and Wednesday while the CONCACAF Champions Cup takes the field on Tuesday night. Then there is also UEFA Cup action. Here is the rundown of this week's TV action:

TUESDAY

2:30pm- ESPN2- UEFA Champions League, Liverpool at PSV Eindhoven

5pm- ESPN Classic- UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich at AC Milan (tape delay)

9:30pm- FSC- CONCACAF Champions Cup, DC United at Chivas de Guadalajara

WEDNESDAY

2:30pm- ESPN2- UEFA Champions League, Manchester United at Roma

5pm- ESPN Classic- UEFA Champions League, Valencia at Chelsea (tape delay)

THURSDAY

2:30pm- FSC- UEFA Cup, Tottenham at Sevilla

5pm- FSC- UEFA Cup, Werder Bremen vs. AZ Alkmaar

7pm- FSC- UEFA Cup, Osasuna vs. Bayer Leverkusen (tape delay)

9:30pm- FSC- CONCACAF Champions Cup, Houston Dynamo at Pachuca

DC 1, Chivas 1 (FINAL)

Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio scores an equalizer at the death to help DC salvage a 1-1 draw in the first leg of this Champions Cup semifinals.

Omar "I can't finish against the U.S. national team" Bravo scored the go-ahead goal courtesy of a deflection off a defender to give Chivas de Guadalajara a 1-0 lead but a good free kick situation led to a nice cross by Gomez and easy header by Emilio.

There was more trash talking and referee badgering from the Mexican club in this game and I almost started thinking about how American players just don't do that. Then I saw Ben Olsen. Can he ever not get involved in trash talking and false bravado with opponents? Let it go Ben. Nobody buys the tough guy act, even with the beard.

DC did salvage the tie but you can't like their chances heading back to Guadalajara. Chivas just has too much attacking firepower and it can beat DC at its own possession game. Throw in Troy Perkins' questionable health and I can't see DC pulling it out. Hopefully they prove me wrong.

DC and Chivas tied 0-0 at halftime

DC is holding its own in a sloppy but entertaining game against Chivas. Can somebody please tell Christian Miles to cut down on the Brilliants and Dazzlings. This isn't a Guinness commercial. Heaven forbid that something actually brilliant or dazzling happened this game. His head might explode.

Hopefully DC can turn it on in the second half like the Dynamo did. Right now the DC attack is a little off but at least trying to get at the Chivas defense.

Houston Dynamo pays light bill then beats Pachuca 2-0

Goals from Brian Ching and Chris Wondalowski send Houston to a 2-0 first-leg victory against Mexican club Pachuca in Champions Cup action. It won't be easy winning in Mexico in the return leg but the 2-0 cushion should help.

By the way, could Pachuca's players be more crybabies and have less class? It's amazing the amount of whining that bunch did. I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise considering the lack of class shown by the Mexican national team in recent matches against the United States.

I think I speak for most American soccer fans when I say it is refreshing to see an MLS team post a solid victory like this against a quality Mexican club. The fact that Houston is in its preseason makes this victory even more impressive.

Now DC United is facing Chivas de Guadalajara on Fox Soccer Channel. Let's see if MLS can pull off the semifinals sweep.

Houston-Pachuca Champions Cup match cancelled

The Champions Cup semifinal first-leg match between Houston and Pachuca was cancelled earlier tonight due to a lack of electricity to Houston's Robertson Stadium. Here's the story from the Houston Chronicle.

(OK, so maybe I poured it on Houston for an incident the Dynamo really couldn't control. It was partially in jest and anybody who can't admit that the situation was a wee bit funny doesn't have much of a sense of humor. You know Mexican soccer fans are laughing, whether justified or not, at the gringos who can't get their electricity figured out.)

You Houston fans can relax. Some of you are WAY too uptight for folks who have enjoyed an MLS Cup title and Champions Cup run in your first year with an MLS team. Leave overreactions to things written about their club to fans of mediocre teams (biting my tongue so as to not start a message board riot in the Midwest).

Agoos on Rivaldo: "We're not interested"

Red Bulls technical director Jeff Agoos has put the whammy on any rumored links between Red Bull and Brazilian star Rivaldo, categorically denying any truth to reports that Red Bull has been in talks with the Olympiakos playmaker:

"There's no truth to our interest in Rivaldo," Agoos said. "At this time we have had no talks with or have had interest enough at this point to pursue him.

"We're not talking to Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or any other player whose name starts with R and ends with O."

So much for Robinho, Rio (Ferdinand), Renato and Ricardo coming in as a second designated player. I guess you can add Rivaldo to the rumor mill scrap heap alongside Ronaldo and Ivan De La Pena.

Does this mean Rivaldo won't come to MLS? Not necessarily. Reports are alread linking Rivaldo to some other potential destinations in the league. which clubs could use him the most? Well everyone can use him but you have to think New England would be interested. The combination of needing to replace Clint Dempsey (and potentially Taylor Twellman) coupled with the huge Brazilian population in the Boston area makes the Revs a good fit. Actually every team in MLS could use the guy, you just wonder how many of the MLS markets Rivaldo would seriously consider playing in.

South American Under-20 Championships on Fox Sports Espanol

For those of you who have previously asked about the South American Under-20 championships they are being shown on Fox Sports Espanol, which is showing three matches today. Brazil is facing Colombia at 8pm. I'm not sure what the other games being shown today are. I'll be checking these games out to see what young stars are actually playing in them. It will probably be just South American-based players, but it should still be a chance to see some stars of the future.

Must See TV: Boca vs. Estudiantes

I received late word Tuesday night that Fox Sports Espanol will be showing the Argentina Apertura playoff final between Boca Juniors and Estudiantes (The game wasn't going to be televised until a late reprieve from FOX). The game is set for 3pm. If you would rather watch it in English then Fox Soccer Channel is showing it taped at 5pm. Just some advice, watch it live in Spanish even if you don't know Spanish.

For those of you unaware Boca and Estudiantes finished tied for first place at the end of Argentine winter season (thanks to a late-season collapse by Boca) and are playing a one-game playoff to determine the champion. Estudiantes is led by Juan Veron, yes the same Veron who played at Man U, Inter and Lazio). Boca features hotshot young midfielder Fernando Gago, who has been linked to a move to Real Madrid.

Set the TIVO. This one should be crazy.