Newcastle United: He Who Dares Wins

Lee of Do Soccer 24/7
For Soccer City FC

It's going to take a humongous effort by all involved with Newcastle United football club just for them to maintain their Barclays Premier League status. At the start of the season things couldn't have looked better - a seemingly capable manager in Sam Allardyce, a billionaire owner with pockets so deep he paid off the clubs debts, and a set of supporters so hungry for success, they'd make the dollar menu at McDonald's look appetizing.

Lets take a look at where things have gone wrong:

Newcastle were bought out just days after new manager Sam Allardyce was appointed by the old regime of Freddie Shepherd. Not being the new owners appointment, Big Sam was always under that extra amount of pressure to make an impact - something he failed (miserably) to do. Big Sam had a small club mentality, meaning that the methods he used to be successful at Bolton, would no longer work at Newcastle. The mindset at Newcastle is something to be experienced. Some players *cough* Jermain Jenas *cough* referred to it as living in a goldfish bowl. The scrutiny you come under from the media and the fans is intense - which is the way it should be in a one football club city. Big Sam was adamant that he could live up to the billing. The supporters, and more importantly, the results, begged to differ.

Overpaid underperforming players have always been Newcastle's downfall in the transfer market history. Stephane Guivarc'h, Marcelinho, Hugo Viana, Alert Luque, Carl Cort, Patrick Kluivert are the most prominent. Apparently those times were behind us, but when Allardyce brought in Jose Enrique and Claudio Cacapa, questions were once more asked of the motives behind such transfer policy. Cacapa had a fantastic pedigree in France and Enrique was supposedly targeted by the biggest clubs in Europe. Enrique has barely played a game while Cacapa has looked well out of his depth after some decent early appearances. The additions of Alan Smith, Habib Beye, Geremi, Mark Viduka, David Rozenhal and Joey Barton were all typical Big Sam purchases - a lot of effort and hard work but no flair. It could be said that headless chickens running around on the St James' Park pitch could have put in the same amount of effort (if not more), and they'd be right, only headless chickens would run faster.

Newcastle fans have not asked for much - if eleven players give us 100% effort and commitment we're happy. It's when players who clearly do not give two flying ones about the club put in performances that are not satisfactory for a pub team. It's clearly evident that a new approach is needed. Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger's policy of buying young players and bringing them through is duly noted. As supporters, we should hope that this kind of policy will pay dividends, now and into the future.

Where Now?

The Manager

I'm going to put my neck on the line and say I'm not one of Kevin Keegan's greatest admirers. I think he was a terrific player, one of the best, but when the announcement broke that he would be Newcastle's manager for the second time, my heart sank. He's a great man motivator, and perhaps that's what Newcastle need the most right now, but as far as coaching methods go I think he's behind the times, tactically and technically. I just don't think he has the ability to make good players great and poor players better. He's the type of guy that is great at spending money, but there's only so much of that to go around. It didn't work the first time in his first managerial stint at Newcastle and I just don't see it working a second time.

The Supporters

The lifeblood of every soccer team, the St. James' Park faithful are a different breed. Newcastle is a one city soccer club, going to watch soccer on a weekend is a tradition passed down from father to son for generations. This is probably a bit of a cliche, but unless you've lived in the area or been to a game in Newcastle, it's hard to understand. The supporters can sometimes be the twelfth man, and in Newcastle's case, they need them now more than ever.

*Note - This article was originally posted on March 4th, 2008 at Soccer City FC's Corner Kicks which is now being merged with Soccer City FC.

Blackburn Rovers Announce First Friendly

English Premier League member Blackburn Rovers F.C. announced their first friendly for their upcoming 2008 summer preseason tour. The club will travel to the Molineux Stadium to take on Coca-Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on August 2nd at 3:00 P.M.

Players of note for the Wanderers include:

* Sylvan Ebanks-Blake: 22 year-old English forward who scored 12 goals in 20 league appearances. He arrived in January 2008 via Plymouth Argyle F.C. He won the Golden Boot in the Championship for 2007-2008 with 23 goals.

* Seyi Olofinjana: 27 year-old Nigerian midfielder who has notched 147 league matches at the Wanderers. He recently signed through 2011.

* Andy Keogh: 21 year-old Irish forward scored 11 times in 2007-2008. Prior to the season, he was awarded the famous Number 9 shirt.

* George Elokobi : 22 year-old Cameroonian left back who made 15 league appearances with the club in 2008.

Carlos Vela: Premiership Bound

Mexican international Carlos Vela appears to be moving back to Arsenal after his year-long loan spell at La Liga side Osasuna. He has 3 goals in 32 league appearances this season. The 19 year-old forward/winger scored his first goal against Real Betis this past October.

Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger stated his intention to bring Vela back via the club's official website. "We have applied for a work permit for him now," he continued, "And he will be involved with the first team next season."

Vela signed with Arsenal in 2005 and has been loaned out three times in Spain: Celta de Vigo in 2006, UD Salamanca in 2006-2007, and last season with Osasuna.

With Osasuna, Vela played on the left wing. He will be used in more of a forward role with Arsenal according to Wenger.

Prior to his arrival in London, Carlos Vela helped lead Mexico to the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championships. He was the Golden Boot winner at the tournament scoring 5 goals.

Manchester City Reaches Europe

City will vie for the UEFA Cup next season.

The club has qualified for European play -- one year earlier than expected in reference to owner Thaksin Shinawatra's initial blueprint. City finished sixth in the English Fair Play table. The five teams above Manchester City have already qualified for Europe.

The begin qualifying in July. One minor snag, American rock band Bon Jovi will force the club away from Eastlands for their first-round tie.

IFK Norrköping Notches First League Win

Swedish club IFK Norrköping gained promotion to the Allsvenskan for the 2008 season. The club enjoyed their first league victory this past weekend on May 11th. The match was against Ljungskile SK. Two goals were scored by IFK Norrköping including one from Swedish national team prospect Imad Khalili. The left winger's goal in the 49th minute was his first league goal of the season. With the win, the club now has four points from their last three league matches. Can they avoid relegation? If the club maintains their focus on the two points below, IFK Norrköping might just stay up:

1. Keep Khalili on the pitch. See how the 21 year-old midfielder responds after scoring his goal last weekend. If he truly is one of Sweden's top young players, then his game should reach new heights this season.

2. Keep sending balls into the Nigerian. Kevin Amuneke now has two goals in his last three and three overall in league play. Only 22 years old and polished from his time spent in the Portuguese youth academies of S.L. Benfica and F.C. Porto, the forward looks ready for a huge campaign.

Euro 2008: Player Video Tour 1

With roughly 24 days until Euro 2008, Soccer City FC showcases several players who will be looked upon to carry their national teams in Austria and Switzerland. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), and Cristian Chivu (Romania). The three videos via various members at YouTube.

Forward Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)


Midfielder Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)


Defender Cristian Chivu (Romania)

FK Rīga Wins in Virsliga Action

FK Rīga defeated JFK Olimps Rīga 3-1 in Virsliga action today. JFK Olimps Rīga was formed in 2005 and the club looked unprepared against their much older city rivals. Goals from A. Cirkins (20'), Russian midfielder Andrei Agafonov (35'), and A. Miholaps (66') for FK Rīga doomed the inexperienced JFK Olimps squad.

The win moved FK Rīga up into 2nd place. They trail leader FK Ventspils by only 4 points now. FK Ventspils also took three pionts today against FK Daugava Daugavpils by a score of 3-0. FK Ventspils' scores came via a Vīts Rimkus hatrick. The 34 year-old Latvian national team member has 10 international goals.

On Saturday the 17th, FK Ventspils hosts Olimps Rīga and FK Rīga is away to FK Liepājas Metalurgs.

Olof Mellberg - A Bearded Legend

By: Phillip Boran
Soccer City FC

Wednesday, July 18th, 2001, a truly great day for all fans of Aston Villa, as they signed Swedish international centre-half Olof Mellberg from Spanish club Racing for a fee of £5 million, which has been regarded as the best £5 million spent by then manager John Gregory. Many fans also believe that he plays better with a full grown beard than he does clean cut or with stubble. Mellberg’s beard also has legendary status with the club.

Proved to be an instant success, his partnership with Alpay Ozalan, better known as Alpay, showed to better the former partnership of Southgate and Ehiogu of years before. From the years 2003 to 2006, Olof Mellberg captained the Villans to mid-table finishes even with such a small squad. During that time, he was only on the bench once when fully fit. A decision that was proven by the manager to be a mistake.

On his last season with Villa, it has proved to be a very successful season for both Mellberg and the club, as they pushed and finished in the top 6 in the English Premier League. In the final rivalry match against Birmingham, where Aston Villa won comfortably 5-1, many will remember the Bearded Legend being substituted off as he received the best sending off for a player being substituted. He showed the energy back as he threw his fists in the air, parading around proudly.

The last home match for Olof Mellberg, even though losing 2-0 to Wigan, was to be seen as the greatest tribute to a player to wear Claret and Blue. Everyone attending the match were seen wearing Viking helmets, fake (or real) beards, Swedish National Team kits, and to top it off, his name was sung through-out the match. The honor of Man of the Match went to none other than Olof Mellberg.

Mellberg’s last match, which came to a 2-2 draw against West Ham, truly a glorious day for any Villa fan attending the match at Upton Park as he bought 3,000 mixed home and away kits from the 2007/2008 season and handed them out to the traveling supporters.

Olof Mellberg,

All fans of Aston Villa wish you the best of luck in your dream to dominate Europe.

Juventus Looking at Defender Tomáš Ujfaluši

Juventus now appears to be the front runner in the race to land Fiorentina defender Tomáš Ujfaluši. Ujfaluši decided against renewing his contract with Fiorentina and appears ready to move to another club via free transfer.

Reports from several media outlets are stating that he has committed to the Bianconeri with a verbal agreement. Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Sevilla FC have also been rumored to covet the Czech defender.

Juventus has already added Swedish international Olof Mellberg to the back line for the upcoming 2008-2009 season.

Great Little "Support Spain" Video Clip

A great little video clip from across the pond. They are rallying the UK and Ireland to support Spain in Euro 2008. Very nice!

Bundesliga Wrap-Up Matchday 33

By: Phillip Boran
Soccer City FC

VfL Wolfsburg 4-0 VfB Stuttgart

Big win for the Wolves as they beat last season’s Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart who were brought down to 10 men in the 18th minute when Fernando Meira was sent off. Former Bayern boss Felix Magath keeps pushing for the 5th place spot to enter the club in Europe for the first time in Wolfsburg’s existance. The captain Marcelinho opened up the scoring sheet in the 16th minute, followed by a 22nd minute goal by the young Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. As the 2nd half opened up, Wolfsburg did not let up as they scored in the 55th (Ricardo Costa) and 75th (Ashkan Dejagah). This win places Wolfsburg in 6th place, tied on points with Hamburg SV and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with Wolfsburg lacking 4 goals in goal difference behind Hamburg.

FC Bayern Munich 3-2 MSV Duisburg

No surprise in the winner here as Bayern show that they have won the Bundesliga comfortably as they take this win with ease. Ottl (3rd), Podolski (18th, 20th) Tararache (48th), and Daun (54th) were the scorers of this relegation fight.

Hansa Rostock 1-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bayer get an important win as their 10 men side send Rostock back down. Rolfes (40th) and Castro (58th) score from the penalty spot. Rostock tried to fight back to stay in the Bundesliga but only managed to find one goal by Addy Waku Menga (67th) which was not enough to stay up.

Hertha BSC 1-0 FC Nurnberg

Mid-table Hertha snag the win late in the match as Nurnberg drop some very important points while they sit in the relegation zone, only 2 points away from Arminia Bielfeld. Raffael (74th) was the match’s only goal scorer as he might have sealed Nurnberg’s fate for next season.

FC Energie Cottbus 2-0 Hamburg SV

Energie claim another season in the Bundesliga as they grab the upset against HSV. With this loss for Hamburg, they have now made it a 3 team race for the 2 UEFA Cup spots still up for grabs. They dropped some vital points that could of sealed their place in Europe next season. Goals by Rivic (29th) and Sorensen (83rd) help keep Energie in the Bundesliga.

Karlsruhe SC 1-3 VfL Bochum

This mid-table match showed that Karlsruhe’s beginning season form has disappeared as they drop points to lower placed Bochum. Bochum ran out of the gate in the 2nd half as Azaouagh (45th), Dabrowski (48th), and Sestak (50th) grab the goals while Karlsruhe tried to push for a come-back but proved too late as squad captain Eggimann (88th) scored.

Arminia Bielfeld 2-2 Borussia Dortmund

Bielfeld will be kicking themselves as they should have sealed their fates for next season in the Bundesliga as Marx (24th pen) and Wichiniarek (34th) put Bielfeld in the lead twice but former Bielfeld man Delron Buckley (28th) and one Alexander Frei free-kick went off Rowan Fernandez’ face (83rd). Dortmund will be without Robert Kovac next match as he was sent off.

Werder Bremen 6-1 Hannover 96

Bremen dominate and hold 2nd place in the Bundesliga as they went on a scoring spree against rivals Hannover. Almeida (14th), Naldo (27th), Borowski (73rd), Klasnic (80th), Rosenberg (82th), and Hunt (87th) on the score sheet for Bremen while Hannover’s only goal came off a Tim Wiese rebound from a penalty taken by Hustzi (90th). With this loss, Hannover are now out of the qualification for the Intertoto Cup spot.

FC Shalke 04 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt

Shalke take the win as defender Krstajic (65th) takes the lone goal off of a Rakitic corner. Shalke have already qualified for the Champions League last week; it is now a fight for 2nd place between Werder Bremen and Shalke 04.

Phillip Boran will cover the Bundesliga, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, and will give updates on the Czech Gambrinus League for Soccer City FC.

La Liga/Premiership - An Odd League Title Connection

A very odd yet interesting bit of statistical data here. Just the type of stuff we love at Soccer City FC. Thank you kindly to Avon who pointed me towards this information.

Champions in La Liga and the Premiership over the last several years...

• 2000-2001 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2001-2002 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2002-2003 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2003-2004 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2004-2005 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 20005-2006 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 2006-2007 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2007-2008 Real Madrid & Manchester United

2008 Landsbankadeildin Karla Begins

Iceland's top clubs played their first matches yesterday as the 2008 Landsbankadeildin Karla began. Soccer City FC profiles five players worthy of attention.

1. Forward - Guðmundur Steinarsson - Keflavík ÍF
The Icelandic striker already has two goals after Keflavík ÍF outpaced Valur of Reykjavík 5-3.

2. Midfielder - Símun Samuelsen - Keflavík ÍF
The Faroese footballer is just 22 years old. He also scored in his club's first match. Internationally, he has appeared for his country 12 times scoring once against Israel.

3. Midfielder - Gunnar Már Guðmundsson - Ungmennafélagið Fjölnir
The Icelandic player scored twice in the club's opening round match. Ungmennafélagið Fjölnir gained promotion for this season. The club joins a host of other teams competing in Reykjavík.

4. Left Back/Left Wing - Sam Tillen - Fram Reykjavík
The Englishman came up through Chelsea's youth system. Known for his pace and versatility, he signed with the club in February 2008. He is only 23 years old.

5. Forward - Prince Rajcomar - Breiðablik
The 23 year-old Dutch player has starred in Iceland. He started 2008 off on the right foot with a goal against Íþróttabandalag Akraness.

Derby County - Moving Back Down as the Worst Premiership Club Ever

Derby County is officially the worst team in Premier League history. With just 11 points and with one more match to play against Reading FC, they are now unable to equal Sunderland's previous worst total of 15 points in a Premiership season. Sad really.

With that bit of gloom-and-doom news over, Soccer City FC brings Derby Country supporters four points of interest to take with them to the 2008-2009 Championship season.

1. Argentine forward Emanuel Villa will be around for three years. Two of his three goals lead to Rams' ties. If he had played a full season, Derby County more than likely would have finished above Sunderland's dubious mark.

2. Lee Holmes needs a long look on the left. The 21 year-old left winger scored 4 times while on loan with League One club Walsall F.C. in 2008. He has been in the Derby system since 2002; he deserves an extended run to show his worth.

3. Tyrone Mears returned and looks healthy. The 25 year-old right back recently recovered from his stress fracture and scored in the April 19th match against West Ham. If his potential ever meets up with his pace, the player has a chance to become a tremendous right back.

4. Get Giles Barnes back healthy. The 19 year-old player could potentially star for the club when fully fit. The winger/forward is expected to miss a portion of the 2008-2009 season after major knee surgery.

The Brothers Elm Power Kalmar FF Past Djurgårdens IF

First-place club Kamar FF easily defeated Djurgårdens IF 5-1 today in Allsvenskan action. Two of the three Elm brothers scored - Victor in the 56th minute and David in the 82nd.

César Santin found the scoresheet first with a goal in the 7th minute. Seven minutes later midfielder Patrik Ingelsten scored. Ingelsten now leads the league with seven goals. After the Elm brothers both scored, Nigerian forward Abiola Dauda finally closed out the scoring in the 90th minute for the home side.

Forward Jones Kusi-Asare's goal in the 13th minute gave had the away supporters a brief moment of hope before the walls came crashing down.

*****
Sunday's preview of the three Allsvenskan matches below.

Match of the Day

4th place AIK of Solna welcomes 5th place Malmö FF. Malmö FF leading goal scorer is Finnish forward Jonatan Johansson. He has 3 goals and is mostly remembered for his time in England (Charlton Athletic) and Scotland (Rangers).

The Other Two Matches

12th place side Trelleborgs FF hosts 7th place Helsingborgs IF. Swedish great Henrik Larsson leads Helsingborgs with 5 goals. Larsson also starred for club giants Celtic, FC Barcelona, and Manchester United.

11th place Ljungskile SK are home to bottom dweller IFK Norrköping. Norrköping were promoted to the Allsvenskan this season. Forward Andreas Kristoffersson leads Ljungskile SK with 5 goals. American forward Etchu Tabe and American goalkeeper Colin Burns also play for Ljungskile SK.

MSV Duisburg & FC Hansa Rostock Relegated - Galatasaray SK Wins Turkcell Süper Lig

MSV Duisburg and FC Hansa Rostock were relegated today from the Bundesliga and will find themselves back in 2. Bundesliga for the 2008-2009 season. North American players Heath Pearce (USA) and Ryan Gyaki (Canada) are members of the Hansa Rostock squad. The final relegation member will be decided next weekend. Either 1. FC Nuremberg or Arminia Bielefeld will be sent down.

*****
Galatasaray SK are the 2007-08 Turkcell Süper Lig. The club now has 17 Turkish league titles - same amount as the other league giant Fenerbahçe.

Forward Shabani Nonda set the pace for the club with 11 goals this season.

Maza Rodríguez to PSV Eindhoven Next Season

Chivas de Guadalajara's Francisco "Maza" Rodríguez has signed a three-year deal to play for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven beginning with the 2008-2009 season. Maza will reunite with former Chivas de Guadalajara teammate Carlos Salcido.

Gearing Up for the MLS Weekend

Let's take one last look at Week 6 -- Found this tremendous Week 6 goal compilation.

Video Courtesy of climbingtheladder channel at YouTube.

Fulham Fighting for Survival & Keane's Assessment of Sunderland

Fulham Fighting for Survival & Keane's Assessment - Video Highlights

Fulham travel to Pompey this weekend needing to win their third match in a row to secure their spot in next season's Premiership. Manager Roy Hodgson recently spoke about the final fixture via Sky Sports.

Also, manager Roy Keane speaks about Sunderland's season.

Samir Nasri Staying on at OM Through 2011

According to this report at Football Transfer Market Web, Samir Nasri has agreed to remain at Olympique de Marseille through 2011. Several media reports and other rumor mills had the midfielder moving on to clubs such as Newcastle United or Juventus at the conclusion of the 2007-2008 season.

[Update] Sky Sports confirms the earlier report.

Plus a little video to highlight Nasri's skills.



And from the same website, comes news that forward Dieumerci Mbokani has extended his contract with Standard Liege. He will remain with the Belgian side until 2013.

And yet another video to highlight Mbokani's skills.

IFK Göteborg Closes the Gap on Kalmar FF

IFK Göteborg closed the gap on first place Kalmar FF earlier today. Kalmar's advantage is now reduced to only three points.

IFK Göteborg's Jonas Wallerstedt scored twice in a three minute span (52' & 55'). 21 year-old Gustav Svensson capped of the scoring with the game winner five minutes later in the 60th minute.

Kalmar FF held a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half after midfielder Patrik Ingelsten (7') and Brazilian César Santin (39') scored.

Patrik Ingelsten leads the Allsvenskan with 6 goals. Teammate Viktor Elm of the Brothers Elm has found the scoresheet 5 times.

IFK Göteborg's Jonas Wallerstedt now has 3 goals in league play. The club ended last season as the league champions. Next up, Kalmar FF host Djurgårdens on Saturday May 10 and IFK Göteborg are away at IF Elfsborg.

More Insight on UEFA Champions League Final

The first ever all-English final will pit Manchester United against Chelsea on May 21st in Moscow, Russia.

Chelsea and Manchester United fittingly began their seasons facing off for the 2007 FA Community Shield. Manchester United won on penalties after the match ended tied at 1-1. Now they meet in Europe's most important club match.

John Hadden the editor of GoTFC: The Supporters' Voice and Sheldon of World Club Rankings recently predicted this final pairing. They both offered up some more insight on the matchup.

"Manchester United and Chelsea are the two best clubs in the world right now," Sheldon said, "and no result would surprise me."

John Hadden believes that Manchester United will take home the trophy thanks in large part to the play of Cristiano Ronaldo. "The flashy winger has dazzled all season long without missing a step." He added, "He simply will not be stopped."

FC Artmedia Petržalka Going for Historic Double

Slovak football power FC Artmedia Petržalka (FC Artmedia Bratislava) can now claim their first ever league and cup double after taking home the Slovakian Cup (Slovenský Pohár) by defeating FC Spartak Trnava 1-0 in Zilina.

The club remembered mostly for their historic UEFA Champions League run in 2005-2006 are sitting comfortably now six points ahead of second-place side MSK Zilina in the Slovakian League.

If they accomplish the double, it will rank right up there in club history with other great feats including the club's defeat of 2004 UEFA Champions League winners F.C. Porto 3-2 at Porto's Estádio do Dragão. FC Artmedia Petržalka came back to win in that match after going down 2-0 in the first half during UEFA Champions League Group H action.

Cinco de Mayo: Five U-23's to Watch in the Primera División de México

Soccer City FC takes a look at five players under the age of 23 who currently compete in the Primera División de México in respect of Cinco de Mayo.

1. Sergio Ávila - Attacking Midfielder on Chivas de Guadalajara
The 22 year-old midfielder has seen his minutes increase for the Mexican giants. El Gaucho scored five times in the 2008 Clausura including twice in the month of April. Perhaps his most famous goal to date came against Club America on April 13 in the most recent El Clásico at Estadio Jalisco.

2. Cristian Benítez - Forward on Santos Laguna
Chucho Benitez a 22 year-old striker has scored eight times in the 2008 Clausura. The Ecuadorian finished with a brace (38' & 91') in this past weekend's matchup against San Luis. He certainly played a large part in Santos Laguna's success this campaign.

3. Luis Montes - Midfielder on Pachuca C.F.
The 21 year-old has seen action in ten games during the 2008 Clausura. The Mexican midfielder scored one goal and registered an assist thus far. Also, don't discount his dominating performance against D.C. United in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal matchup. Below is his goal in Pachuca's match against Atlante in Jornada 12 of the 2008 Clausura. Video courtesy of JumpTVLatino Channel at YouTube.



4. Pablo Zeballos - Forward on Cruz Azul
The 22 year-old Paraguayan football player signed with the club prior to the 2008 Clausura. He came on and debuted in Jornada 3 finding the scoresheet against San Luis. He has four goals and three assists in this Clausura installment.

5. Ever Guzmán - Forward/Midfielder on Monarcas Morelia
The 20 year-old Mexican forward's play seems to be one of the few bright spots from Monarcas Morelia during the 2008 Clausura. He has scored four goals in eleven matches to pace his club and his brace this past weekend proved too much for Toluca.

Another Double for Arsenal Women

Arsenal's women won the FA Cup with a 4-1 victory over Leeds United. Kelly Smith scored twice; Jayne Ludlow and Lianne Sanderson rounded out the scoring for Arsenal.

Three goals in six minutes from Smith 54', Ludlow 59', and Sanderson 60' all but ended the match.

The FA Cup victory completes yet another double in league and cup for the women.

The women's club now have won 29 cups since its formation in 1987.

Soccer City FC's Player of the Month for April

Soccer City FC names Columbus Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer as April's Player of the Month for the 2008 MLS Season.

Will Hesmer's work in goal allowed the Crew to win four games during the month. Columbus sits in first place in the Eastern standings with a record of 5-1 after a their most recent win on Saturday versus the Kansas City Wizards. The Crew remain unbeaten at home.

Hesmer ended April with two shutouts versus Toronto FC and Houston. Along with his four wins, he made 20 saves during the month. Hesmer registered six saves in his shutout versus Houston on April 26. He also had a massive penalty kick save in the game against Toronto FC.

Honorable Mention for Player of the Month in April: Midfielder/Forward Landon Donovan - Los Angeles Galaxy, Forward Kenny Cooper - FC Dallas, Defender Facundo Erpen - Colorado Rapids, and Midfielder/Forward Robbie Rogers - Columbus Crew


Soccer City FC's Player of the Month List

2008 MLS Season
April: GK Will Hesmer - Columbus Crew

The Weekend XI: MLS Edition - May 3rd & 4th

It is the end of MLS Week 6 and the Columbus Crew still maintain their strong showing here in the Weekend XI. Colorado also returns to the Weekend XI as two team members make the list.

The Weekend XI - MLS Edition will highlight the top eleven players from around MLS from Week 4 as judged by Soccer City FC. 3-4-3 format will be used.

(GK) Chivas USA’s Brad Guzan: Shutout and 5 saves v Houston
(D) Colorado’s Facundo Erpen: 1 goal and Shutout v D.C. United
(D) Toronto FC’s Marco Velez: 1 goal v Red Bull NY
(D) FC Dallas’ Duilio Davino: Shutout v San Jose
(MF) Colorado’s Christian Gomez: 2 assists v D.C. United
(MF) Columbus’ Adam Moffat: 1 goal v KC Wizards
(MF) Chicago’s John Thorrington: 1 goal and 1 assist v New England
(MF) L.A. Galaxy’s David Beckham: 2 goals v RSL
(F) Columbus’ Robbie Rogers: 1 goal v KC Wizards
(F) Chicago’s Chris Rolfe: 1 goal and 1 assist v New England
(F) Real Salt Lake’s Kenny Deuchar: 1 goal v L.A. Galaxy

Team Count:

Chicago – 2
Colorado – 2
Columbus – 2
Chivas USA – 1
FC Dallas – 1
L.A. Galaxy – 1
Real Salt Lake – 1
Toronto FC – 1

Season Team Count:

Columbus - 10
L.A. Galaxy - 9
Colorado - 7
FC Dallas - 7
Chicago - 6
Red Bull NY - 5
Toronto FC - 5
KC Wizards - 4
New England - 3
Real Salt Lake - 3
Chivas USA - 2
D.C. United - 2
San Jose - 2
Houston - 1

Season Player Count:

L. Donovan (L.A. Galaxy) - 4
D. Beckham (L.A. Galaxy) - 3
C. Blanco (Chicago) - 2
K. Cooper (FC Dallas) - 2
L. Robert (Toronto FC) - 2
M. Harrington (KC Wizards) - 2
W. Hesmer (Columbus) - 2
J. Altidore (Red Bull NY) - 2
F. Erpen (Colorado) - 2
A. Moffat (Columbus) - 2
R. Rogers (Columbus) - 2

Euro 2008 Preview: Do You Have Your Nation's Gear?

With the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship set to begin on June 7th, it is not too late to stock up on your nation's favorite gear. Check out all the latest from Soccer City FC's affiliates.

Austria: Co-hosts and debut appearance in the UEFA European Football Championship
Key Players: Forward Roland Linz (S.C. Braga), Forward Erwin "Jimmy" Hoffer (Rapid Vienna), and Defender Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough FC)



Switzerland: Co-hosts appeared in the 1996 and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City FC), Forward Alexander Frei (Borussia Dortmund), and Defender Philippe Senderos (Arsenal FC)



Poland: Group A Qualifying Winner and debut appearance in the torunament
Key Players: Goalkeeper Artur Boruc (Celtic FC), Forward Euzebiusz Smolarek (Racing de Santander), and Midfielder Jacek Krzynówek (VfL Wolfsburg)



Portugal: Group A Runner-up appeared in the 1984, 1996, 2000, and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder/Forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Forward Nuno Gomes (S.L. Benfica), and Midfielder Deco (Barcelona)