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Arsenal set to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yacine Adli - source
Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate Yacine Adli is set to become Unai Emery's first signing for Arsenal, <aThursday, May 31, 2018
Arsenal set to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yacine Adli - source
Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate Yacine Adli is set to become Unai Emery's first signing for Arsenal, <a
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Cincinnati awarded MLS expansion team, will join league in 2019
Sportsnet.ca
Cincinnati awarded MLS expansion team, will join league in 2019
CINCINNATI — No longer just a pro baseball or football city. Not just a hotbed for college hoops. Thousands of soccer fans held a pep rally to celebrate Cincinnati’s surprising ascendance on the pitch.
It’s now a soccer city, too.
Major League Soccer added Cincinnati in its latest round of expansion Tuesday, rewarding a city that set attendance records during three seasons of United Soccer League play and has a stadium deal in place.
"You have shocked the world," MLS Commissioner Don Garber told hundreds of blue-and-orange clad fans at a brewery north of downtown.
The announcement brings MLS to 26 teams, two shy of its ultimate goal. It began as a 10-team league in 1996.
Cincinnati will join next year, continuing to play at the University of Cincinnati’s football stadium while a 21,000-seat soccer stadium is built in the city’s low-income West End neighbourhood. The stadium is expected to be ready for the 2021 season.
MLS added the Los Angeles Football Club this season, bringing the league to 23 teams. Miami and Nashville also are getting expansion franchises. The league held off awarding the 26th spot for six months because of ownership and stadium issues with the other three candidates: Sacramento, Detroit and Cincinnati.
Cincinnati jumped ahead of the other two when its city council approved $34.8 million for infrastructure as part of a stadium deal last month, the final piece of Cincinnati’s proposal.
The league hasn’t decided which conference FC Cincinnati will join next year.
The city was a long shot for MLS consideration three years ago when Jeff Berding — who led the campaign to build Paul Brown Stadium for the Bengals and Great American Ball Park for the Reds — formed the professional soccer team.
The club has ties with the city’s other professional teams. In addition to Berding’s association with the Bengals — the team hired him after the stadium was built — the Lindner family became part of FC Cincinnati’s ownership. The late Carl Lindner Jr. owned the Reds for six years after Marge Schott was forced out in 1999.
"This is a heady moment for a humble kid from the west side of Cincinnati," Berding said, calling it "the next big thing for Cincinnati."
FC Cincinnati had its inaugural season in 2016 and far surpassed attendance expectations. Last year, the team averaged more than 21,000 fans at Nippert Stadium, which seats 40,000, and gained attention by going 5-1 in the U.S. Open Cup, beating two MLS teams.
FC Cincinnati drew 26,495 fans for a home game against Louisville City FC last Saturday and is averaging more than 23,000 fans this season. The team is coached by Alan Koch, a Canadian citizen who was born in South Africa. He previously coached the since relocated Whitecaps WFC2 team and the men’s team at Simon Fraser University.
The fan base provided the impetus to push for an MLS franchise. One of the biggest obstacles was getting money for a soccer stadium in a city stung by cost overruns for Paul Brown Stadium, which opened for the 2000 season. In the backlash, the Hamilton County commissioner who led the stadium initiative was voted out of office.
FC Cincinnati considered another location in the city and one in northern Kentucky before getting a divided Cincinnati City Council to approve the infrastructure money last month, over the objection of activists in the predominantly black West End community who fear that residents will be displaced.
Mayor John Cranley proclaimed it orange and blue day in Cincinnati.
"There was a time when people didn’t think we were hip or cool enough … or big enough to support three major league teams in one city," Cranley said. "I’m still a Reds and Bengals fan, aren’t you?"
FC Cincinnati has been one of the city’s recent sports successes.
Xavier and Cincinnati were ranked in the top 10 in college basketball last season. The Reds are in the third year of a major rebuild and got off to their worst start since the Great Depression this season. The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since the 1990 season, the sixth-longest streak of futility in NFL history.
Bengals running back Giovani Bernard attended the pep rally Tuesday wearing an FC Cincinnati shirt. The team issued a statement congratulating the soccer team.
"Procuring a new franchise presents real challenges, and FC Cincinnati has handled those challenges with the energy and perseverance needed for success," the Bengals said.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Balotelli praised for reacting to racist Italy fans’ banner
Football – Inquirer Sports
Balotelli praised for reacting to racist Italy fans’ banner
ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — Mario Balotelli has been praised by anti-racism campaigners for highlighting an offensive banner displayed by fans at his comeback game for Italy. Anti-discrimination group Fare wrote on Twitter: “Well done to Mario Balotelli. standing up to racism in Italian football once again.” The slogan “My captain is of Italian blood” in […]
The post Balotelli praised for reacting to racist Italy fans’ banner appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Manchester United get Women's Championship licence; West Ham join top flight
BBC Sport - Football
Manchester United get Women's Championship licence; West Ham join top flight
Manchester United will play in the new Women's Championship, ending their 13-year absence from senior women's football.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Future unclear for Ronaldo, Bale after Champions League win
Sportsnet.ca
Future unclear for Ronaldo, Bale after Champions League win
KIEV, Ukraine — Straight after a third successive Champions League title was secured, Cristiano Ronaldo was talking about Real Madrid in the past tense.
Real’s biggest star hinted he was unsure he’d stay with the club. Its best player in the Champions League final, Gareth Bale, looks more likely to be departing.
"In the next few days I’ll give the fans an answer because they are the ones who have always been by my side," Ronaldo said. "It was very beautiful to be with Madrid."
Keeping up the cryptic tone, he added: "The future of any player is not important. We made history."
After soaring to score a magnificent bicycle kick for Madrid’s second goal, Bale brought his fans back down to earth with his announcement that he’ll discuss his future with his agent this summer.
The Welshman was a substitute in four of seven Champions League games this season, including his super-sub display in the final.
Real coach Zinedine Zidane responded very differently to the two players’ comments.
On Ronaldo, Zidane was clear Sunday: "He will stay with us at Real Madrid," and predicted the Portuguese star’s tone would soon change. "Perhaps in three or four days’ time he might say something else."
On Bale, Zidane was circumspect.
"It’s a little bit of a complicated situation but everyone has their own interests, their own future to think about," he said. "It’s true some players deserve more playing time on the pitch but this is a decision that has to be made by the manager."
Where Bale could go is less clear.
Tottenham is widely reported to have a buy-back option as part of Bale’s 2013 transfer to Real, but seems highly unlikely to be able to afford his wage bill. Other destinations are unclear, though Manchester United has been reported in British media as a possible destination.
If he goes back to England this summer, Bale would leave Madrid with a curiously lopsided record of four Champions League titles yet only one in La Liga.
Ronaldo has the same number of Champions League wins and two Spanish titles but his performances have been era-defining in a way Bale’s are not.
Even more so than the Welsh player, Ronaldo’s future is likely to be determined by the very small number of clubs capable of affording his demands — supposing he actually wants to leave Madrid — and the 33-year-old has never indicated any desire to take a pay cut for the sake of pastures new.
Both would leave Madrid with a rich store of memories. Bale has his moments of genius like Saturday’s goal, but is increasingly a super-sub, a player who falls short of the crushingly consistent brilliance of Ronaldo.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Champions League final: Mark Lawrenson backs Liverpool to 'fly' against Real Madrid
BBC Sport - Football
Champions League final: Mark Lawrenson backs Liverpool to 'fly' against Real Madrid
Mark Lawrenson says Liverpool will "fly" against Real Madrid in tonight's Champions League final as he predicts the winners of the game in Kiev.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Giants staff involved in Eli Manning memorabilia scandal
Football Rss
Giants staff involved in Eli Manning memorabilia scandal
The Giants have fired the three ranking members of their equipment staff.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez picked Leander Dendoncker over Radja Nainggolan for the World Cup… but where does the Anderlecht man fit in?
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez picked Leander Dendoncker over Radja Nainggolan for the World Cup… but where does the Anderlecht man fit in?
THE pressure has been amped up on Belgium manager Roberto Martinez weeks before a ball is even kicked at this summer’s World Cup.
Not just because of the expectation surrounding the Red Devils, but due to leaving popular Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan out of his initial 28-man squad.
Leander Dendoncker was included in Belgium’s squad for the World Cup
Nainggolan was unlikely to be picked having played just 96 minutes in qualification while his smoking habit and bad-boy persona has never sat well with Martinez.
However, another possible reason “Il Ninja” has been forced into premature international retirement is the faith Belgium’s Spanish manager has placed in Leander Dendoncker.
In fact, Dendoncker is one of only two home-based players selected by Martinez.
Ahead of the World Cup, our friends at Football Whispers have taken a look at the Anderlecht midfielder’s career and where he might fit in for the fancied Belgians.
Leander Dendoncker’s inclusion meant Radja Nainggolan missed outAFP
Like Nainggolan, Dendoncker is a central midfielder who does the dirty work defensively however, unlike the Roma star, the 23-year-old’s strength lies in his versatility.
Standing at 6ft 2ins, he has spent a significant proportion of his career as a centre-back and that flexibility could help him to make the cut for the final 23.
NAING LIVES Radja Nainggolan’s Belgium World Cup axe protested by fans… but just 23 out of 9,000 turn up to eventThere is plenty more to his game but when Martinez insists he left out Nainggolan for tactical reasons, amid claims it was more personal, there could be an element of truth to it.
Like so many of this Belgium squad, Dendoncker has worked his way up through the different national-team age group after first being capped by the under-15s in 2010.
Leander Dendoncker was something of a surprise inclusion by Roberto MartinezAP:Associated Press
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
He has, however, been more of a slow-burner in terms of his development.
Unlike former Anderlecht team-mate Youri Tielemens, now at Monaco, who was earmarked as a future star when he was barely 16, Dendoncker has enjoyed a more restrained rise.
That fits in with his style of play and the modest but integral role he performs in the starting XI.
After making his Anderlecht debut at 19, in 2013, has become a figurehead of the club, especially after Tielemens left for the south of France last summer.
A league champion in 2017 he rose to prominence, quite literally, that year when leaping above Matteo Darmian to score against Man United in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Marc Wilmots handed him his first full cap in 2015 when he emerged as a late substitute in a 4-3 friendly triumph over France.
But, mainly because of Belgium’s strength in depth, has found opportunities tough.
Leander Dendoncker has been in superb form for Anderlecht recentlyPA:Empics Sport
Dendoncker has been called up to 15 different squads under Wilmots and his successor Martinez but has made just three further appearances.
With a grand total of 151 minutes at international level it does raise further questions of Martinez’s unwavering belief.
His height and broad shoulders ensure he has a visual presence in midfield and when he’s good, he is the archetypical dominating defensive midfielder.
It’s an inevitable observation but it does lend him to the English game and it’s no surprise that Crystal Palace, West Ham and Watford have scouted him extensively ahead of a possible approach this summer with Anderlecht valuing him at around £15million.
In terms of standout attributes, he is a good reader of the game who breaks up opposition attacks either through intercepting possession or by the trademark recovery tackles he makes around the penalty areas.
He is also, unsurprisingly, good in the air.
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Leander Dendoncker is one of just two stars in the Belgium squad playing in their home countryKenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
Often receiving the ball in tight spaces, Dendoncker possesses an excellent first touch and appreciation of space in terms of knowing when to pass and when to keep hold of the ball.
He is growing into his role as a deep-lying passer and although often keeps it simple with short, unfussy passes, is also increasingly capable of going long or switching the play.
Despite his size, his has fine balance and technique, enabling him to beat players with a drop of the shoulder or turn.
Although primarily a holding player he has developed a growing willingness to travel further forward and support the more offensive-minded individuals although he lacks the explosiveness of, say, a Nainggolan or Mousa Dembele.
Of course, this has all been performed while in the white and navy blue of Anderlecht and it remains to be seen if he can truly cross over these talents on the international stage.
What is concerning is that, if he makes the final 23, he’ll be entering the tournament with some concern over his individual form.
Leander Dendoncker will find it tough to break into Belgium’s starting XIAFP
Dendoncker hasn’t been particularly bad, he’s just been okay. Which, given how excited everyone was about him during the 2016/17 season, is something of a disappointment.
His development hasn’t quite happened at the desired or expected rate and if he can’t stand out in Belgium then how can make a significant impact at a World Cup?
Except that’s missing the point. One of Belgium’s major problem under Wilmots at World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016 was his inability to have them playing as a team and instead relying on at least one of their individual stars to produce.
That still exists to an extent under Martinez, but he has tried to foster more of a collective attitude and willingness to play within a team framework.
Not everyone can be the star, especially in a squad loaded with them. And as Martinez claimed, that’s the main reason why Nainggolan didn’t make it.
It could also be why the understated Dendoncker has his manager’s attention.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Monday, May 21, 2018
Darron Gibson could face jail after admitting second drink-drive charge in less than three years
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Darron Gibson could face jail after admitting second drink-drive charge in less than three years
Republic of Ireland footballer Darron Gibson could be jailed on today after he admitted a second drink-drive charge in less than three years.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
World Cup Injuries
News – World Soccer
World Cup Injuries
This is our World Cup Injuries page where we will update you with all the injuries to players likely to be involved in Russia.
Neymar is just one player who is injured and might miss the World Cup. Read more here This is our World Cup Injuries page where we will update you with all the injuries to players likely to be involved in Russia.Saturday, May 19, 2018
Xavi: Iniesta a great player and person too
ESPN FC News
Xavi: Iniesta a great player and person too
Xavi pays tribute to his former Barcelona and Spain team mate Andres Iniesta.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Huddersfield keeper Lossl thankful for Wagner trust
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Huddersfield keeper Lossl thankful for Wagner trust
Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Jonas Lossl has thanked David Wagner for helping him play Premier League football this season.
The Danish international played in every league game for the Terriers after joining on loan from Mainz in the summer.
Read more on Tribal FootballThursday, May 17, 2018
Reyna’s 2-point night helps Whitecaps draw against Earthquakes
Sportsnet.ca
Reyna’s 2-point night helps Whitecaps draw against Earthquakes
VANCOUVER — Forward Jordy Reyna scored one goal and assisted on another by Cristian Techera as the Vancouver Whitecaps battled back from one goal down for a 2-2 Major League Soccer draw with the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night.
Striker Danny Hoesen, on a disputed play, and defender Nick Lima scored for San Jose.
The Whitecaps (4-5-3) are 1-4-2 in their last seven games.
The Earthquakes (2-5-3) have one win in their last nine games (1-5-3).
Brian Rowe started his second consecutive game for Vancouver with usual starting goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic out with a sprained knee.
Lima put the Earthquakes ahead 2-1 in the 53rd minute. The Whitecaps gave too much space to midfielder Valeri Qazaishvili, allowing him to dribble into Vancouver territory. He dished off to Lima who scored his first goal of the year on a bending shot.
Reyna tied the match in the 64th minute. Left back Marcel de Jong sent a long ball into the box. Reyna headed a shot that bounced off the back of San Jose defender Shea Salinas, a former Whitecap, and past Earthquakes goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell.
Vancouver opened the scoring in the 19th minute on a pretty three-way passing play. Midfielder Felipe feathered a ball to Reyna. He slipped a pass to an open Techera who beat Tarbell with a low shot.
Hoesen tied the game in the first minute of first-half injury time. The Netherlands native got behind the Whitecaps’ defence, took a long pass from Florian Jungwirth, and lifted a shot over Rowe for his team-leading fifth goal of the season.
The crowd of 17,357 at BC Place Stadium booed loudly as the Whitecaps argued the play was offside. Video replays showed it was a close call.
The teams exchanged early chances. In the fourth minute Reyna sprinted into the clear but his right-footed shot from inside the box went wide.
Just a minute later Earthquake forward Magnus Eriksson took a cross from Lima and headed a shot that was just wide.
Vancouver defender Kendall Waston made a nice play in the 15th minute knocking a ball out of bounds before Qazaishvili could get a shot off.
Tarbell had to look sharp in the 27th minute, making a diving save off a long shot from de Jong. Late in the half he swatted away a Waston header.
The Whitecaps leave Thursday to play FC Dallas Saturday.
NOTES: Waston, who was named to the Costa Rican World Cup team earlier this week, made his 100th MLS regular-season appearance and 99th start. … The Whitecaps used a 4-4-2 formation for the third consecutive match. …. De Jong signed a contract extension Tuesday through 2019 with an option for 2020. … San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski didn’t start for the third time this season.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Saudis suspend World Cup referee over bribery
Football – Inquirer Sports
Saudis suspend World Cup referee over bribery
The Saudi Football Federation have banned referee Fahad al-Mirdasi for life over bribery and urged FIFA to remove him from the pool of referees for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Mirdasi was suspended after admitting offering to take a bribe to influence the outcome of a match, the federation’s disciplinary and ethics committee said […]
The post Saudis suspend World Cup referee over bribery appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Juventus extends record streak to 7 Serie A titles
Football – Inquirer Sports
Juventus extends record streak to 7 Serie A titles
MILAN — Juventus has extended its record streak to seven Serie A titles after its 0-0 draw against 10-man Roma on Sunday was enough to secure the trophy with a match to spare. There was even more reason for the team to celebrate as coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has now won four successive league and […]
The post Juventus extends record streak to 7 Serie A titles appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Man City break seven records but are standards slipping elsewhere? Stats of the season
BBC Sport - Football
Man City break seven records but are standards slipping elsewhere? Stats of the season
BBC Sport looks at some of the most intriguing stats from the 2017-18 Premier League season.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Scunthorpe vs Rotherham: Live stream, TV channel, team news, and kick-off time for League One play-off game
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Scunthorpe vs Rotherham: Live stream, TV channel, team news, and kick-off time for League One play-off game
SCUNTHORPE welcome Rotherham to Glanford Park for the first leg of the League One play-off tie on Saturday.
The visitors secured fourth place with victory over Blackpool on the final day of the season.
Nick Daws’ men will host the first leg of the semi-finalRex Features
Nick Daws’ side will then travel to the New York Stadium for the second leg of the semi-final as the two sides push for promotion.
What time is kick-off?THIS match will take place on Saturday, May 12.
It will kick-off at 12:30pm.
Glanford Park will host the showdown.
Most Read in Football
The home side enter the match on the back of a 1-1 draw with Bradford CityRex Features
Which TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?
YOU can watch this match live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
If you’re not a Sky subscriber, you can watch all the action live with a Now TV Sports Pass for £7.99. Buy one here.
Coverage is set to start at 12:15pm.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action on the SunSport live blog.
What is the team news?
TEAM NEWS: Confirmation of the team and substitutes for this lunchtime’s home play-off semi-final first leg clash vs Rotherham United.
Vermijl, Burgess, Bishop, McGeehan, Novak
Clarke, Wallace, Ojo, Holmes, Toney#UTI #IRON pic.twitter.com/j3gjP5H2BR
— Scunthorpe United FC (@SUFCOfficial) May 12, 2018
Friday, May 11, 2018
Premier League: Lacklustre Manchester United Seal Second With Stalemate At West Ham
Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com
Premier League: Lacklustre Manchester United Seal Second With Stalemate At West Ham
A lacklustre Manchester United display was reflected in Paul Pogba again failing to take control of the game.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Barcelona stays unbeaten, Real Madrid loses to Sevilla
Football – Inquirer Sports
Barcelona stays unbeaten, Real Madrid loses to Sevilla
MADRID — Ousmane Dembele scored twice and Lionel Messi added to his league-leading tally as champion Barcelona stayed on track to finish unbeaten in the Spanish league with a 5-1 rout of Villarreal on Wednesday. A depleted Real Madrid, without Cristiano Ronaldo and many other regular starters, lost 3-2 at Sevilla to remain in third […]
The post Barcelona stays unbeaten, Real Madrid loses to Sevilla appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Liverpool-Roma clash: Fan still critical after attack
BBC Sport - Football
Liverpool-Roma clash: Fan still critical after attack
Sean Cox, 53, sustained head injuries before the Champions League semi-final at Anfield last month.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Kicker Catanzaro didn't re-sign with Jets because of NY weather
Football Rss
Kicker Catanzaro didn't re-sign with Jets because of NY weather
Chandler Catanzaro, who kicked his entire life in warm weather climates, evidently couldn’t handle the Northeast winter.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Neil Etheridge, Cardiff City earn Premier League promotion
Football – Inquirer Sports
Neil Etheridge, Cardiff City earn Premier League promotion
Neil Etheridge is back in the Premier League. The 28-year-old goalkeeper preserved the clean sheet for Cardiff City as it settled for a scoreless draw over Reading early Monday morning (Manila time). Cardiff City placed second in the second-division with 90 points as it, together with 2018 EPL Champion Wolverhampton Wanderers, gained a promotion to […]
The post Neil Etheridge, Cardiff City earn Premier League promotion appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Who is Konstantinos Mavropanos? Arsenal’s Greek defender playing at Man Utd after signing in January transfer window
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Who is Konstantinos Mavropanos? Arsenal’s Greek defender playing at Man Utd after signing in January transfer window
ARSENAL centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos will finally his debut for the club after joining the club in this transfer window.
The Greek defender has been chosen to start for the Gunners in Arsene Wenger’s last ever trip to Old Trafford.
Arsenal new signing Konstantinos Mavropanos takes part in trainingGetty
Who is Konstantinos Mavropanos?
Mavropanos is a 20-year-old centre-back from Greece.
The defender was born in Athens, Greece and started his career at youth side Apollon Smyrni.
He then joined Superleague Greece side PAS Giannina in January 2016.
Most read in football
THE 20 year-old joined the club on a three-and-a-half year deal and made his competitive debut in November 2016.
Mavropanos made a total of 16 league appearances and four Greek Cup appearances for the club.
On January 4 it was announced that he had joined Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.
Mavropanos posing with Gunners boss WengerGetty - Contributor
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Toronto FC alleviates doubt with convincing win over Union
Sportsnet.ca
Toronto FC alleviates doubt with convincing win over Union
• Philadelphia Union 0, Toronto FC 3 (Vazquez 29’, Giovinco 65’, Chapman 89’)
• TFC secures its 2nd win of the MLS campaign
• Giovinco scores his 1st goal of the season
• TFC secures its 2nd win of the MLS campaign
• Giovinco scores his 1st goal of the season
TORONTO – It certainly wasn’t a must-win game, but it was one that Toronto FC needed to win.
A laboured start to the MLS campaign, due in large part to its run to the CONCACAF Champions League final, saw TFC collect just four points and one win through its first six games. Toronto began this week in last place in the Eastern Conference and 16 points adrift of leaders New York City FC, which raised some questions about its ability to repeat as Supporters’ Shield champions.
A convincing 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Friday night probably won’t convince the doubters that TFC can come back to finish in first place for the second straight MLS season. But it should go some way in erasing any doubt that its Champions League hangover is over, and that it is serious about getting down to business in MLS.
“It was important for the team, for everybody because the moment is great, so these points are important,” Toronto forward Sebastian Giovinco said.
Unlike last weekend’s 2-2 draw at home versus the Chicago Fire when TFC faded as the game wore on, the Reds comfortably dictated the pace of the contest with a disciplined and composed performance over the course of the full 90 minutes against Philly.
“We stayed within the flow and rhythm of what it is we wanted to do, and never got hectic or chaotic. It’s nice to see a game just remain controlled from beginning to end,” coach Greg Vanney offered.
TFC was missing several starters due to injuries on Friday, including defenders Chris Mavinga and Drew Moor, left fullback Justin Morrow, and forward Jozy Altidore. Also missing were defenders Eriq Zavaleta and Nick Hagglund.
Due to the rash of injuries on the back end, Vanney used central midfielder Michael Bradley and right fullback Gregory van der Wiel in the middle of defence for the third consecutive match. A first clean sheet of the season for TFC, earned with a makeshift duo in central defence, offers some hope that it can ride out this injury crisis that has decimated the back line.
“A lot of credit should go to the back group, Michael and [Gregory] and their ability to move the line and keep things nice and tight. The back four have done a fantastic job of condensing space, and choosing the right moments of when to step up and when to drop back,” Vanney explained.
“For a group of guys who have now played a few games together … they’ve done a really good job.”
Toronto applied plenty of pressure early on as Giovinco unleashed a shot from distance that forced a save from Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake. Moments later, Philly’s Alejandro Bedoya delivered a powerful header off a corner kick that hit the crossbar.
TFC opened the scoring on a fluid passing play that saw Giovinco release Nicolas Hasler into the penalty box, and the Liechtenstein international cut the ball back for Victor Vazquez to expertly side-foot it inside the far post. It was the Spaniard’s second goal in as many games after a lengthy absence due to a nerve issue in his back.
“I saw Seba getting the ball and I was wide open. I received the ball and Victor tells me always in training to look, look, look back when I get the ball as he’s always there and I’m happy that he was there then and could score,” Hasler explained.
Giovinco doubled the Reds’ advantage in the second half, netting his first goal of the season by beating Blake from in close after shaking off two Philly defenders. Giovinco has now scored six goals in seven career appearances against Philadelphia. It was also the Italian’s franchise-leading 70th career goal in all competitions.
Jay Chapman sealed Toronto’s win late in the game, beating Blake with a cool finish inside the far post after being played in on goal by fellow Canadian Jordan Hamilton.
NOTES: Toronto leads the all-time series against Philadelphia, with eight wins and six draws in 20 meetings… Including the playoffs, Toronto is unbeaten in its last nine matches against the Union, with seven wins… TFC returns to MLS action next Wednesday at home versus the Seattle Sounders. The Reds are then on the road against the New England Revolution on May 12.
Friday, May 4, 2018
Pressure on Eli as Giants build entire season around aging QB
Football Rss
Pressure on Eli as Giants build entire season around aging QB
There is pressure on Davis Webb to fend off new draft pick Kyle Lauletta for the Giants backup quarterback job, sure.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Barcelona and Real Madrid's potential transfers: Griezmann, Martial, Neymar
ESPN FC News
Barcelona and Real Madrid's potential transfers: Griezmann, Martial, Neymar
Real Madrid survived a nervy semifinal against Bayern Munich to book their third straight final appearance.
Real Madrid are one match away from lifting the Champions League trophy for a third consecutive year and a fourth time in five years.
Real Madrid are one match away from lifting the Champions League trophy for a third consecutive year and a fourth time in five years.
While Barcelona celebrate their La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, the FC crew assess whether their Champions League exit makes the season a failure.
The ESPN FC crew explain why Barcelona's La Liga title triumph is especially significant, given their 'roller coaster of a season' so far.
ESPN FC's Alejandro Moreno reveals his Real Madrid ratings, which reward Karim Benzema for turning in one of his best performances of the season.
Thousands of Barcelona fans lined the streets in Catalonia on Monday to celebrate the club's 25th La Liga title and 30th Copa del Rey victory.
With the destination of La Liga already decided ahead of Sunday's Clasico at the Camp Nou, minds at Barcelona and Real Madrid are turning towards preparations for next season.
Barcelona have won three of the last four La Liga titles and four consecutive Copa del Rey trophies, but the Champions League shambles in Rome offered a reminder that now is certainly not the time to stand still. Conversely, Madrid are on course to win a third-straight European crown having long been out of the picture domestically.
There...
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