Pages

Subscribe:

Search This Blog

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Columbus takes advantage of short-handed NYCFC in first leg

Sportsnet.ca
Columbus takes advantage of short-handed NYCFC in first leg
Columbus takes advantage of short-handed NYCFC in first leg

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Artur started a three-goal outburst in the second half shortly after New York City FC went down a man and the Columbus Crew won the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals 4-1 on Tuesday night.

The Crew were clinging to a 1-0 lead when New York defender Alexander Callens was given a red card in the 52nd minute following a video review of his takedown of Justin Meram. Artur, on a feed from Federico Higuain, capped a four-on-two with his first goal of the season six minutes later. Meram scored his 14th in the 69th minute on a long ball that went under keeper Sean Johnson and Harrison Afful got his first goal in the third minute of stoppage time.

The second leg of the two-game aggregate series is Sunday in New York City. The fifth-seeded Crew had a 2-2 tie in the Bronx on the final day of the regular season.

Ola Kamara put the Crew on the board in the 6th minute with his 19th goal. Pedro Santos surprised unsuspecting defender Rodney Wallace, stealing the ball from behind. He then sent it into the middle of the box to Federico Higuain. Johnson made a diving save but the rebound went right to Kamara for the one-timer.

David Villa scored his 23rd goal for New York in the 78th minute.

Paddy Agnew’s Notes from Italy: Napoli playing catch-up in the Champions League

News – World Soccer
Paddy Agnew’s Notes from Italy: Napoli playing catch-up in the Champions League

The Serie A leaders have been unable to repeat their sparkling league form in Europe

Fernandinho of Manchester City and Lorenzo Insigne of Napoli battle for possession during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Manchester City and Napoli at Etihad Stadium. (Photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)The Serie A leaders have been unable to repeat their sparkling league form in Europe

On Halloween, what do Premier League fans fear most for their team?

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
On Halloween, what do Premier League fans fear most for their team?
You might not be afraid of ghosts, but what about an injury to your team’s best player?

Meralco Manila repulses Kaya

Football – Inquirer Sports
Meralco Manila repulses Kaya

Substitute Jinggoy Valmayor scored in the 92nd minute as Meralco Manila subdued Kaya Makati, 1-0, Saturday night to keep top spot in the Philippines Football League.

The post Meralco Manila repulses Kaya appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Monday, October 30, 2017

MARCA's Eye on LaLiga: Unrest at Real

English // marca
MARCA's Eye on LaLiga: Unrest at Real
MARCA's Eye on LaLiga: Unrest at Real

England Under-17s World Cup winning captain Joel Latibeaudiere dreams of Premier League and Three Lions glory in the next decade

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
England Under-17s World Cup winning captain Joel Latibeaudiere dreams of Premier League and Three Lions glory in the next decade

ENGLAND’S World Cup-winning captain Joel Latibeaudiere is dreaming of the squad sticking around for Premier League and international glory in the coming decade.

The Manchester City defender arrived back from India to a stirring welcome at Heathrow and is desperate for the squad not to become a forgotten players’ quiz question in a decade’s time.

Top scorer Rhian Brewster, England skipper Joel Latibeaudiere and player of the tournament Phil Foden returned to Heathrow as heroes after winning the Under-17s World CupTop scorer Rhian Brewster, England skipper Joel Latibeaudiere and player of the tournament Phil Foden return to Heathrow after winning the U-17s’ World CupRex Features

SunSport yesterday called on England’s up-and-coming stars to follow the path of winger Jadon Sancho and swap the creature comforts of home for overseas experience, with English talent curbed by the Premier League’s buying culture.

And Latibeaudiere revealed Borussia Dortmund’s Sancho sent the team an inspiration video hours before their extraordinary 5-2 triumph over Spain in the final having missed the latter stages when recalled by the German giants.

He tipped City team-mate Phil Foden for the top but wants this young England side to grow together.

He said: “It’s really important that this is just the start of things. Nobody wants to be forgotten after doing this.

Rhian Brewster, Angel Gomes and Phil Foden are on a high after tournament glory in IndiaRhian Brewster, Angel Gomes and Phil Foden are on a high after tournament gloryRex Features Joel Latibeaudiere celebrates after the 5-2 comeback victory over Spain in the U-17s World Cup finalJoel Latibeaudiere celebrates after the 5-2 comeback win over Spain in the finalRex Features

“But it’s so exciting to be a part of a team that can hopefully go on together and a few years down the line this group can achieve something.

“If there is an opportunity to go abroad and get some first team football and learn, then absolutely it’s worth it.

PHIL YER BOOTS England Under-17s hero Phil Foden wins World Cup but doesn’t have an agent

“Jadon has done that and he sent us a video before the final of him in his England shirt trying to get us motivated and that gave us an extra reason to win it.”

Fogen, whose “time will come” said the captain, thinks he can make it at Premier League leaders Manchester City – but accepts others may need to leave to fulfil their ambitions.

Player of the Tournament Foden said: “It’s going to be hard to break through, don’t get me wrong.

(function(){ var voice = document.createElement('script');voice.type = 'text/javascript'; voice.src = 'https://inconversation.net/widgets.js';var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(voice, s); })();

Joel Latibeaudiere says he knows it will be difficult to build on winning the U-17s World Cup but tips the squad to forge senior careersRex Features Joel Latibeaudiere says he knows it will be difficult for England’s players to build on winning the U-17s’ World Cup but tips the squad to forge senior careers[/caption]

“But I think everyone will find their level and a club. Everyone will make it eventually, but maybe not at the club that they want to.”

England manager Steve Cooper, who was washing Wrexham under-10s’ kit as an academy coach ten years ago, said: “I was speaking to Gareth Southgate most days and it was great to have that support.

“It is really important not to let the pressure build, there is still a long way to go with the national teams. The moment they take their eye off the ball is the moment their development will stop.”

England came from 2-0 down to beat Spain 5-2 in front of 68,684 England came from 2-0 down to beat Spain 5-2 in front of 68,684 in IndiaEPA
England U-17s Callum Hudson-Odoi poses with his family and the World Cup at HeathrowEngland U-17s’ star Callum Hudson-Odoi poses with his family and the World CupPA:Press Association

Keep up to date with ALL the transfer news and gossip on our blog

NI manager Michael O'Neill welcomes return of McNair and Ward

BBC Sport - Football
NI manager Michael O'Neill welcomes return of McNair and Ward
NI manager Michael O'Neill welcomes return of McNair and Ward
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill welcomes the return of Paddy McNair and Jamie Ward after injury as part of the squad for the World Cup play-off against Switzerland.

Only Isco can stand tall after Girona defeat

English // marca
Only Isco can stand tall after Girona defeat
Only Isco can stand tall after Girona defeat

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Arsenal 'to compete with Manchester United for Barcelona starlet Jose Arnaiz'

irishmirror - Soccer
Arsenal 'to compete with Manchester United for Barcelona starlet Jose Arnaiz'
Arsenal 'to compete with Manchester United for Barcelona starlet Jose Arnaiz'
PLUS: Alexis Sanchez retains Arsene Wenger's backing despite contract stand-off

Ashley Young gives Dele Alli mother of put downs as duo scrap during Manchester United’s victory over Tottenham

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Ashley Young gives Dele Alli mother of put downs as duo scrap during Manchester United’s victory over Tottenham

ASHLEY YOUNG gave Dele Alli the mother of all put downs during Manchester United’s narrow victory over Tottenham.

The duo almost came to blows in the first half with the Red Devils winger trying to wind up the notorious Spurs hothead.

Dele Alli and Ashley Young go nose-to-nose during tight clash at Old TraffordDele Alli and Ashley Young go nose-to-nose during tight clash at Old TraffordAFP

They were pulled apart by team-mates but the war of words continued — with Young clearly coming out on top.

As the two were walking away, eagle-eyed viewers caught the ex-Aston Villa man saying: “When you’ve won the Premier League, let me know.”

Ouch!

Young, 32, was a title-winner with United back in 2012-13, in Sir Alex Ferguson‘s final season as manager.

Romelu Lukaku moves in to pull Dele Alli and Ashley Young apart at Old TraffordRomelu Lukaku moves in to pull Dele Alli and Ashley Young apart at Old TraffordReuters Anthony Martial scores the only goal as Manchester United beat Tottenham 1-0Anthony Martial scores the only goal as Manchester United beat Tottenham 1-0EPA

While, Alli, despite his incredible potential, has yet to win any kind of trophy, having already finished a runner up in each of the past three seasons.

Twice with Tottenham, and with MK Dons a year earlier.

‘I WANT TO BREAK YOUR NOSE’ Manchester United legend Gary Neville weighs-in on Dele Alli’s confrontation with Ashley Young

When the duo went nose-to-nose, Spurs fans much have feared the worst given their No20’s chequered past in those situations.

However, he showed maturity and didn’t react.

Ashley Young celebrates winning Premier League title in 2013Ashley Young celebrates winning Premier League title in 2013Mark Robinson - The Sun
(function(){ var voice = document.createElement('script');voice.type = 'text/javascript'; voice.src = 'https://inconversation.net/widgets.js';var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(voice, s); })();

The occasions was tense at Old Trafford with defeat potentially damaging to both.

With the score at 0-0, Alli missed a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring.

And, just moments later, Tottenham were punished with Anthony Martial scoring the game’s only goal.

PSG make Philippe Coutinho their No 1 target as Liverpool superstar is lined up for French switch next summer

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
PSG make Philippe Coutinho their No 1 target as Liverpool superstar is lined up for French switch next summer

LIGUE 1 moneybags Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho their No 1 target for next summer.

Telefoot via GFFN claims the Brazilian is wanted in the French capital to link up with compatriot Neymar.

PSG have made Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho their No 1 target for next summerPSG have made Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho their No 1 target for next summerGetty Images

PSG spent a world-record £190million on the former Barcelona star last summer but have no plans to slow down with their ambitious spending.

Ironically, it was Barcelona who tried desperately to land Coutinho as Neymar’s replacement, and they continue to pursue him even now.

But Liverpool refused to sell despite the star even handing in a transfer request.

Yet PSG are apparently confident they can twist Jurgen Klopp’s arm and convince him to part ways with Coutinho at the end of the season.

SUN BETS: BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET

The playmaker is also being chased by Spanish giants BarcelonaThe playmaker is also being chased by Spanish giants BarcelonaPA:Press Association

However, their owners will surely have to sell if they want to fund another lavish bid while also remaining within the limits of Financial Fair Play.

PSG offloaded a number of first-teamers such as Serge Aurier and Blaise Matuidi in order to bring Neymar to the Parc des Princes.

REDS IN THE BLACK Liverpool WILL be handed £130million if Coutinho joins Barcelona in January

And the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Javier Pastore and Angel Di Maria could be the next aces heading for the exit.

There is also the small matter of bankrolling Kylian Mbappe’s switch when he makes his loan from Monaco permanent next summer, with Julian Draxler another tipped to leave as early as January.

(function(){ var voice = document.createElement('script');voice.type = 'text/javascript'; voice.src = 'https://inconversation.net/widgets.js';var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(voice, s); })();
PSG want to pair Coutinho with world-record signing Neymar in attackPSG want to pair Coutinho with world-record signing Neymar in attackAFP The likes of Angel Di Maria could depart to fund Coutinho's arrivalThe likes of Angel Di Maria could depart to fund Coutinho’s arrivalAFP

Man City want Sanchez on a free but Everton ready to pay £30m - gossip

BBC Sport - Football
Man City want Sanchez on a free but Everton ready to pay £30m - gossip
Man City want Sanchez on a free but Everton ready to pay £30m - gossip
Manchester City decide against bidding for Alexis Sanchez in January, Crystal Palace target £20m Turkey striker, plus more.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Match of the Day: Alan Shearer says Manchester City are taking football to new level

BBC Sport - Football
Match of the Day: Alan Shearer says Manchester City are taking football to new level
Match of the Day: Alan Shearer says Manchester City are taking football to new level
Match of the Day pundit and former England captain Alan Shearer looks at how record-breaking Manchester City are "taking football to a new level".

How did the three most popular Harry Kane replacements get on in the Fantasy Premier League?

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
How did the three most popular Harry Kane replacements get on in the Fantasy Premier League?
Not great.

Blackburn Rovers Falls To New Low Since 1980, Owners Venky's Say 'Deeply Hurt'

Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com
Blackburn Rovers Falls To New Low Since 1980, Owners Venky's Say 'Deeply Hurt'
Indian owners Venky's, who purchased Blackburn Rovers when they were still in the Premier League in 2010, have presided over a string of disastrous decisions, from the moment they announced their arrival by sacking of manager Sam Allardyce.

Whitecaps’ co-owner Mallett: We’re not looking to sell the team

Sportsnet.ca
Whitecaps’ co-owner Mallett: We’re not looking to sell the team
Whitecaps’ co-owner Mallett: We’re not looking to sell the team

Vancouver Whitecaps co-owner Jeff Mallett tells Sportsnet 650’s On Point that the Whitecaps are not up for sale and that his ownership group is not shopping the team around. He also talked about the Whitecaps’ playoff chances and how much fun it is to have a team like this one.

[radioclip id=3692647]

Friday, October 27, 2017

Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice

Football – Inquirer Sports
Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice
Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice

PARIS — Edinson Cavani continued his remarkable scoring form with two goals as unbeaten league leader Paris Saint-Germain beat lackluster Nice 3-0 on Friday. Brazil star Neymar was suspended after being sent off in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw away to Marseille. It made little difference, especially with Cavani further underlining his importance. Having netted a […]

The post Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Shock defeat could happen again this season - Mourinho

BBC Sport - Football
Shock defeat could happen again this season - Mourinho
Shock defeat could happen again this season - Mourinho
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho warns results such as last weekend's defeat by Huddersfield Town "can happen again" this season.

Life Can Be Rather Messi For This Barcelona Fan

Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com
Life Can Be Rather Messi For This Barcelona Fan
Iranian student Reza Parastesh's resemblance to Barcelona FC star Lionel Messi is so uncanny that it almost landed him in jail.

"Get a haircut Dave!": Manchester United fans are very unsure on David De Gea's top knot

irishmirror - Soccer
"Get a haircut Dave!": Manchester United fans are very unsure on David De Gea's top knot
"Get a haircut Dave!": Manchester United fans are very unsure on David De Gea's top knot
The Spaniard's new barnet was spotted while he was training ahead of the Red Devils' huge clash against Spurs on Saturday

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Four titles would not make me better than Senna, says Hamilton

English // marca
Four titles would not make me better than Senna, says Hamilton
Four titles would not make me better than Senna, says Hamilton

Romanian teenager makes professional debut wearing a prosthetic hand 10 years on from tragic accident

irishmirror - Soccer
Romanian teenager makes professional debut wearing a prosthetic hand 10 years on from tragic accident
Romanian teenager makes professional debut wearing a prosthetic hand 10 years on from tragic accident
Cosmin Lambru never thought he'd be able to play professional football, but his big moment arrived in the Romanian third division on Tuesday night

49ers reportedly sent fan surveys asking if winning is important

Football Rss
49ers reportedly sent fan surveys asking if winning is important
The 49ers are doing something not even the Jets or Browns have sunk to.

Whitecaps win their first playoff game in convincing fashion

Sportsnet.ca
Whitecaps win their first playoff game in convincing fashion
Whitecaps win their first playoff game in convincing fashion

var adServerUrl = ""; var $el = $( "#video_container-721799" ); var permalink = $el.closest('.snet-single-article').data('permalink');

if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&iu=%2F7326%2Frogers.broadcast%2FSportsNet.Sportsnet%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=5625463786001&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&iu=%2F7326%2Frogers.broadcast%2FSportsNet.Sportsnet%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=5625463786001&cmsid=384"; }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-721799" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "rkedLxwfab", //autoplay: false, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 5625463786001, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "http://assets3.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/kendall-wastonb-720-1024x576.jpg" }); });

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Napoli go top of table - as Italian clubs reflect on Holocaust

BBC Sport - Football
Napoli go top of table - as Italian clubs reflect on Holocaust
Napoli go top of table - as Italian clubs reflect on Holocaust
Napoli maintain their unbeaten start to the season and return to the top of Serie A by coming from behind to beat Genoa.

Subrata Paul Wants Early Hearing, Decides Against 'B' Sample Test

Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com
Subrata Paul Wants Early Hearing, Decides Against 'B' Sample Test
The top Indian goalkeeper has requested for an early hearing keeping in mind the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers next month when India take on Kyrgyzstan.

Fans are defending Pape Souare after the Palace player had his shirt ‘rejected’ by the crowd

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Fans are defending Pape Souare after the Palace player had his shirt ‘rejected’ by the crowd
Palace’s tough start to the season continued with a heavy defeat in the Carabao Cup.

England vs Brazil U17: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream for the Under-17 World Cup semi-final

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
England vs Brazil U17: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream for the Under-17 World Cup semi-final

ENGLAND UNDER-17s are taking on the mighty Brazil in the World Cup semi-final.

The Young Lions are just one game away from the final as they look to repeat the feat achieved by the U20s earlier this year.

England U17 are one match away from the World Cup finalAP:Associated Press When is England U17 vs Brazil U17?

England U17 take on Brazil on Wednesday, October 25.

The match will kick-off at 12.30pm (5pm local time).

It will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata after being moved 650 miles due to the state of the pitch in Guwahati.

Kick-off time in Brazil is 9.30am (Brasilia time).

What TV channel is England U17 vs Brazil U17 on?

The match will be shown on British Eurosport.

Coverage will begin 15 minutes before kick-off at 12.15pm.

It will also be shown on the BBC Sport Red Button.

The semi-final will be broadcast in Brazil on TV Globo and SporTV.

Alternatively you can follow all the action on the SunSport live blog.

How has each team reached the semi-final?

England breezed to the top of a tough-looking group, beating Chile, Mexico and Iraq.

Steve Cooper’s side then beat Japan on penalties before hammering the United States 4-1.

Brazil have been just as impressive, securing maximum points to top a group containing Niger, North Korea and European champions Spain.

They then beat Honduras 3-0 in the last 16 before overcoming Germany 2-1 in the quarter-final.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Wenger predicts bright future for match-winner Nketiah

BBC Sport - Football
Wenger predicts bright future for match-winner Nketiah
Wenger predicts bright future for match-winner Nketiah
Arsene Wenger predicts a bright future for teenager Edward Nketiah as his two goals help Arsenal edge past Norwich City in the Carabao Cup.

Pep rails against 'unacceptable' Carabao Cup match ball

English // marca
Pep rails against 'unacceptable' Carabao Cup match ball
Pep rails against 'unacceptable' Carabao Cup match ball

Carabao Cup live: Arsenal vs Norwich, Swansea vs Manchester United, Man City vs Wolves, Leicester vs Leeds

Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Carabao Cup live: Arsenal vs Norwich, Swansea vs Manchester United, Man City vs Wolves, Leicester vs Leeds

Ronaldo joins Messi as five-time winner of FIFA player award

Football – Inquirer Sports
Ronaldo joins Messi as five-time winner of FIFA player award
Ronaldo joins Messi as five-time winner of FIFA player award

LONDON — Cristiano Ronaldo has caught up with Lionel Messi to become a five-time winner of FIFA’s best player award. The Real Madrid forward was crowned player of the year on Monday at the FIFA Best ceremony at the London Palladium theater attended by runner-up Messi and third-placed Neymar. A second successive honor for Ronaldo […]

The post Ronaldo joins Messi as five-time winner of FIFA player award appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Tim Vickery’s Notes from South America: Ecuador’s Barcelona facing Libertadores test

News – World Soccer
Tim Vickery’s Notes from South America: Ecuador’s Barcelona facing Libertadores test

Highly-rated defender Dario Aimar preparing to face Gremio in Libertadores semi-final

Dario Aimar of Ecuador's Barcelona and Bruno Henrique of Brazil's Santos during their 2017 Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg match at Vila Belmiro stadium, in Santos. (Photo: NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)Highly-rated defender Dario Aimar preparing to face Gremio in Libertadores semi-final

Wenger delighted with exceptional Alexis, Ozil

Articles relating to topics | soccer
Wenger delighted with exceptional Alexis, Ozil
Wenger delighted with exceptional Alexis, Ozil
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil starred as Arsenal routed Everton and manager Arsene Wenger has used it as proof of the team's unity.

Does Toronto FC’s record season set them up for playoff success?

Sportsnet.ca
Does Toronto FC’s record season set them up for playoff success?
Does Toronto FC’s record season set them up for playoff success?

Toronto FC capped the franchise’s most successful regular season on Sunday by setting the MLS record for most points.

Thanks to a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United FC in front of the largest crowd in league history, the Reds finished the 2017 campaign with 69 points, one more than the 1998 LA Galaxy.

Cheers to that.

While the significance of TFC’s accomplishment shouldn’t be downplayed, does this record-setting season actually set Greg Vanney’s team up for post-season success?

A look back at the five teams that had accumulated the most points in MLS history prior to the 2017 season yields some interesting results, most notably that just one of these clubs went on to hoist the MLS Cup.

Here’s a quick comparison of those five teams, plus the 2017 TFC squad, including each of their season results.

Team Points W-L-T GF GA GD Season result
2017 Toronto FC 69 20-5-9 74 37 37 TBD
1998 LA Galaxy 68 24-8-0* 85 44 41 Eliminated in Conference Finals
2011 LA Galaxy 67 19-5-10 48 28 20 Won MLS Cup
2012 San Jose Earthquakes 66 19-6-9 72 43 29 Eliminated in Conference Semifinals
2014 Seattle Sounders FC 64 20-10-4 65 50 15 Eliminated in Conference Finals
2005 San Jose Earthquakes 64 18-4-10 53 31 22 Eliminated in Conference Semifinals

*From 1996-99, matches tied through 90 minutes were decided via shootout.

Beyond that, teams that have finished first place in the MLS regular season over the last 10 years have won the title just twice. Looking back on the 21-year history of the league doesn’t paint a better picture for Supporters’ Shield winners.

TFC have a first-round bye and will play its first post-season match on either Oct. 30 or 31 in the conference semifinals.

Mbappe named Golden Boy ahead of Dembele, Rashford









Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe was named Golden Boy 2017 on Monday ahead of Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United.

He made the switch to PSG – initially on a loan deal which will become permanent for €180million next year – and has enjoyed a seamless transition, scoring four goals and setting up another five in nine appearances across the Champions League and Ligue 1.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport, which runs the award given to the best player in Europe under the age of 21, announced on Saturday that Mbappe had been joined in the final three by Dembele and Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City, but the results published on Monday showed Rashford third with four more voting points (76) than the Brazilian (72).

Verratti: If I was Neymar, I would´ve lost it much earlier









Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti believes he would have lost it much earlier than Neymar did against Marseille.

The Brazil international was sent off late in the 2-2 Le Classique draw on Sunday after clashing with Lucas Ocampos.

Verratti said his team-mate did well to control himself for so long, having earlier delayed taking a corner as objects thrown from the stands rained down near him.

"If I had been in Neymar's shoes I would have lost it 15, 20 minutes before he did," the Italy international said.

Neymar, who had earlier cancelled out Luiz Gustavo's opener, was fouled five times – more than any other player during the encounter.

Like head coach Unai Emery, Verratti called for greater protection of the 25-year-old.

"Some players need to be protected," he said.

"When I play against Barcelona the second foul I commit on [Lionel] Messi will earn me a yellow card. That's how it works in Europe.

"You can't kill these players for a whole game.

"I was right near him. He lost it, he didn't even touch him, the referee was two metres away, but he decided that he'd hit Ocampos. It's a call I don't get."

Deportivo La Coruna - Girona








Only 2 points separate Deportivo La Coruna from Girona, two teams with the same objective of remaining in La Liga one more season.

Though Girona made their debut this season in La Liga, they have met Deportivo on 4 occasions in La Liga 2, with Girona winning 2, losing 1, and drawing 1.

The situation is critical for Girona. They’re 1 position above the relegation zone and they have failed to win any of their last 6 matches.Their last win came on August 28.

Deportivo have only won 2 games, both were played at their home stadium.

Real Sociedad - Espanyol











After missing 7 of the first 8 matches, key defender Iñigo Martínez is back in Real Sociedad’s squad.

Espanyol sit 13th in the table and haven’t scored in the last 2 games. The last two times Espanyol visited Real Sociedad, they got a draw and a win.

After 3 straight losses, Real Sociedad inverted the dynamic with a crazy 4-4 draw against Betis and a 2-0 win last weekend vs. Alavés.

Espanyol have not won an away match so far this season, though the 4 games were against tough teams: 2 draws (Sevilla and Villarreal) and 2 losses (Real Madrid and Barcelona).

We all deserved substituting after 30 minutes – Henderson slams Liverpool display










Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was scathing in his assessment of the Reds' performance in Sunday's 4-1 loss to Tottenham, conceding that they all deserved to be substituted early on.

Goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min had Spurs 2-0 up inside 12 minutes at Wembley, with the South Korean then also hitting the crossbar.

Mohamed Salah did pull one back for the visitors in the 24th minute, but further goals from Kane and Dele Alli left Jurgen Klopp's men on the end of a comprehensive defeat.

Dejan Lovren endured a particularly difficult start and was taken off after 31 minutes, but Henderson feels that every Liverpool player was in danger of suffering the same fate.

Bayern Munich´s Muller out for three weeks with hamstring strain
















Thomas Muller has been ruled out for three weeks after suffering a hamstring strain against Hamburg on Saturday, Bayern Munich have confirmed.

The Germany international lasted just 10 minutes of Bayern's 1-0 win before being forced off with what coach Jupp Heynckes hoped would only be "cramps".

However, after undergoing examination on Sunday, Bayern have revealed the full extent of his injury, with the strain set to keep him out until the middle of next month.

The injury comes at a particularly bad time for Muller, with Heynckes claiming on Friday that he was close to being back to his old self.