On an overcast day in Danville, Ferrum came out and established their offensive dominance on their first possession. After stopping the Cougars opening drive on a three and out series, Ferrum put together a 13 play 50 yard drive that ended with a 24 yard run to the end zone by QB Tim Reynolds. After the Puschell extra point, Ferrum led 7-0.
Averett answered that drive with a scoring drive of their own. Mostly on the ground, Averett's very big offensive line, opened holes, and put their quarterback in position to put up a 21 yard scoring strike. The xp tied the game, and I personally became concerned that we could be in for a shootout.....that thankfully was not the case.
On their ensuing drive, Ferrum went three and out, and punted to Averett. After one play, Averett fumbled, and Ferrum recovered. On their first play, Quarterback Tim Reynolds fumbled, and Averett recovered. There seemed to a lot of parity between the two teams to this point.
Ferrum stopped Averett on their drive, and forced a punt, and this ended the first quarter.
After each team traded possessions in the second quarter, Ferrum found pay dirt on their second possession of the stanza with a Tim Reynolds keeper. The Puschell extra point put Ferrum up 14-7.
Ferrum and Averett each traded possessions again, and on their ensuing drive, Averett was stopped again, this time by a Kenny Tapscott interception. This gave Ferrum the ball with :36 seconds left in the half. This is where things got really strange. On the next play, Reynolds ran the ball for an 18 yard gain, giving the Panthers first and ten with :18 seconds left. The chains moved, Ferrum set up, and the whistle was blown, marking the ball ready for play and starting the clock. When the ball was snapped, a flag was thrown due to the fact that Averett had too many men on the field when the ball was snapped. As all of these things happened at almost the same time, (Whistle blown, ball snapped, and flag thrown) it appeared that the play had been stopped...it had not. Tim Reynolds and Tyler Brubaker realized what had happened, and Brubaker ran to the end zone. Reynolds thew the pass and even with the completion, it was not clear exactly what the call was. The Referee conferred with Averett's coach, explaining what exactly had happened. The play was still live, and the touchdown was good. The extra point made the score 21-7 at the half, and seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the Cougars.
In the second half, Ferrum kept up the offensive performance and the defensive pressure, and extended their lead to 49- 7 before the back ups took the field. It was a good conference win for the Panthers, and really brought their offense in line as far as scoring goes. It was good to see that many points go on the board. Final- Ferrum 49 Averett 28.
Rest for now Panthers, but do not lose focus or intensity. This coming Saturday will be a big test....one that you need to pass.
Minggu, 30 September 2012
Sabtu, 29 September 2012
Yale home opener vs. Colgate
Plenty of freshmen are making an instant impact for the Bulldogs. Here's a feature on Yale's newcomers.
Also, a prediction for today's game.
Also, a prediction for today's game.
George's Premier Predictions 29 September 2012
Last time, George got 4 results right and no perfect scores. So all in all less than 50%, but lessons have been learned. Arsenal are better than we thought and Everton show real signs of having a good season. Southampton are showing signs of life, while both Liverpool and Man United looked poor at Anfield last weekend.
Saturday 29 September 2012
Arsenal 2 v Chelsea 1
Fulham 2 v Manchester City 2
Reading 1 v Newcastle United 3
Sunderland 2 v Wigan Athletic 1
Stoke City 2 v Swansea City 1
Norwich City 1 v Liverpool 2
Everton 3 v Southampton 0
Manchester United 3 v Tottenham Hotspur 1
Sunday 30 September 2012
Aston Villa 2 v West Bromwich Albion 2
Monday 1 October 2012
Queens Park Rangers 3 vs West Ham United 1
Last time's Premier League predictions
Saturday 29 September 2012
Arsenal 2 v Chelsea 1
Fulham 2 v Manchester City 2
Reading 1 v Newcastle United 3
Sunderland 2 v Wigan Athletic 1
Stoke City 2 v Swansea City 1
Norwich City 1 v Liverpool 2
Everton 3 v Southampton 0
Manchester United 3 v Tottenham Hotspur 1
Sunday 30 September 2012
Aston Villa 2 v West Bromwich Albion 2
Monday 1 October 2012
Queens Park Rangers 3 vs West Ham United 1
Last time's Premier League predictions
Jumat, 28 September 2012
Youth Day
A reminder, Saturday is Youth Day at the Yale Bowl.
There will be clinics led by Yale athletes, games, activities beginning at 10 a.m. and at halftime of the Yale-Colgate game children are invited to go on the field.
Admission to Saturday’s game is free for children 12 and under.
Kamis, 27 September 2012
Ferrum @ Averett Head to Head Comparison
Wondering how the Panthers and Cougars stack up? Here are some national rankings, as well as conference rankings:
AU FC
Rushing Offense 152 d3, 6th conf. 75 d3, 2nd conf.
Passing Offense 197 d3, 6th conf. 147 d3, 4th conf.
Rushing Defense 211 d3, 7th conf. 62 d3, 2nd conf.
Passing Defense 101 d3, 6th conf. 145 d3, 7th conf.
Total Offense 213 d3, 8th conf. 121 d3, 1st conf.
Turnover Margin 27 d3, 1st conf. 161 d3, 7th conf.
Total Defense 188 d3, 7th conf. 77 d3, 3rd conf.
Passing Efficiency 179 d3, 6th conf. 55 d3, 1st conf.
Sacks Allowed 217 d3, 8th conf. 12 d3, 1st conf.
So what can be learned from these numbers? Well there are probabilities that could be drawn:
Ferrum should be able to move the ball on the ground with success. There is also reason to be optimistic about the Panthers passing game versus the Cougars.
In fact, based on most of these numbers, it would appear that Ferrum will command most phases of the game. There are things that could affect Ferrum's success. Home field advantage, and turnover margin are areas of concern, but overall, I would expect the Panthers to go to 3-1, and to do it convincingly.
Go Panthers!
AU FC
Rushing Offense 152 d3, 6th conf. 75 d3, 2nd conf.
Passing Offense 197 d3, 6th conf. 147 d3, 4th conf.
Rushing Defense 211 d3, 7th conf. 62 d3, 2nd conf.
Passing Defense 101 d3, 6th conf. 145 d3, 7th conf.
Total Offense 213 d3, 8th conf. 121 d3, 1st conf.
Turnover Margin 27 d3, 1st conf. 161 d3, 7th conf.
Total Defense 188 d3, 7th conf. 77 d3, 3rd conf.
Passing Efficiency 179 d3, 6th conf. 55 d3, 1st conf.
Sacks Allowed 217 d3, 8th conf. 12 d3, 1st conf.
So what can be learned from these numbers? Well there are probabilities that could be drawn:
Ferrum should be able to move the ball on the ground with success. There is also reason to be optimistic about the Panthers passing game versus the Cougars.
In fact, based on most of these numbers, it would appear that Ferrum will command most phases of the game. There are things that could affect Ferrum's success. Home field advantage, and turnover margin are areas of concern, but overall, I would expect the Panthers to go to 3-1, and to do it convincingly.
Go Panthers!
Reuland following his brothers' footsteps
I spoke with wide receiver Austin Reuland for a story on Yale’s freshmen, which will run Saturday.
Reuland was one of the few bright spots in the Bulldogs 45-6 loss to Cornell last weekend. He finished with six catches for 79 yards and was an Ivy League honor roll selection for the week.
Reuland’s quick success shouldn’t be much of a surprise. He’s learned plenty from his brother Konrad a starting tight end for the New York Jets, along with his other brother Warren who played wide receiver at Stanford.
“Techniques on how to block, run routes, they know everything,” Reuland said. “They’ve been through it all. Any time I have a question, I call them up.”
Of course, I had to ask about Tebow Mania. Konrad actually went on a recruiting trip to USC with Tebow and now it’s come full-circle in New York.
“[Tebow] is a pretty low key guy,” Reuland learned from his brother. “He’s not about the media at all. He loves him. “
And Reuland knows Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez pretty well, too. In fact, Reuland’s father coached Sanchez in youth league basketball.
Also, here’s a story on DE Allen Davis. He’s given the Bulldogs some consistency in an expanded role this season on the defensive end.
Rabu, 26 September 2012
Things We Wish Were at the Schembechler Estate Sale
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| Bo knows... paintball gear? |
However, based on the pictures of some of the items, it looked more like it was going to be a garage sale for your neighbor, Russ, who lives down the street rather than an estate sale of priceless mementos owned by one of the most beloved coaches in Meeechigan history. I mean, I'm sure Bo's old Christmas ornaments hold value for somebody, and who wouldn't want to say they put together their Ikea furniture using Bo's power tools, but we at the MZone were hoping for a little...more.
According to the company behind the almost-sale, since it was Bo's son's stuff, they weren't sure what sports items would be included. With that in mind, here's our list of things that, with a few turns of the fickle finger of football fate, could have been for sale:
* The shoe worn by Michigan kicker Mike "Super Toe" Lantry in November, 1973 after he kicked a 44-yard field goal with :24 seconds left to break a 10-10 tie and lead Michigan to victory over Ohio State and Woody Hayes. The Wolverines finished the regular season undefeated and went on to win the Rose Bowl and with it, Bo's first National Championship.
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| The original "replacement refs" |
* The can of Stickum spray Brad Cochran was using when he picked off QB Chuck Long on Iowa's final drive in the waning moments of second-ranked Michigan's 10-9 victory over the top ranked Hawkeyes in Iowa City in 1985. The only blemish on the Wolverine record that year was a 3-3 tie at Illinois. Even still, after Bo's 4th win in Pasadena, the General captured his second National Championship.
* The autographed picture of Bo holding up the Little Brown Jug after second-ranked Michigan held on to beat Minnesota and QB Ricky Foggie in the second to last game of the 1986 regular season. After beating Ohio State in the regular season finale following Jim Harbaugh's victory guarantee, the Wolverines completed yet another undefeated regular season.
* The football that Michigan recovered after Miami's failed onside kick attempt at the end of the Wolverine's victory over the #1-ranked Hurricanes in 1988. Miami was trying to come back from a 30-14 deficit with seven minutes left in the 4th quarter but it was not to be as the Wolverines held on in The Big House.
* Bo's gameplan notes for the '89 Michigan-Notre Dame game in which he specifically told his special teams coaches not to kick to Irish speedster Rocket Ismail. The Wolverines won that rainy day in A2 and ran the table, capped off by a thrilling victory against USC in the Rose Bowl (due to a gutsy, successful fake punt late in the game). The undefeated season marked Bo's third and final National Title as he retired on top, passing the reins to his longtime assistant Gary Moeller.
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| Thankfully, we never kicked to him. Whew! |
(Phantom TD pic HT: MVictors)
Ferrum @ Averett Game Preview
And so it begins....The non conference schedule is finished, and the open week is in the rear view mirror. It's time for conference play. Ferrum travels to Averett this Saturday for a 1 p.m.kickoff. While most people look at this game as one Ferrum should win, there are a few things that bother me about it. Averett has shown that they have a formidable defense, holding Hampden-Sydney College to 20 points, and Randolph Macon College to 21. They also have shown that there offense can put up points as they scored 35 against Guilford. So far, although they remain winless, the Cougars are starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Ferrum should be able to handle the Cougars, as I believe the Panthers will have too many weapons, but nothing can be taken for granted. Ferrum has had two chances at a shutout, but I doubt they will pull one off this week. I look for Ferrum to continue to improve on both sides of the ball, and, in the end, Ferrum will wear down Averett for a hard fought win. I would not be surprised for Ferrum to have a defensive touchdown.
The one thing Ferrum must do is focus on defeating Averett. Oct. 6th will be here soon enough, and it will have far less meaning if the Panthers do not get a "W" on Saturday.
This week's predictions:
Ferrum 34 Averett 21
Greensboro @ Methodist
North Carolina Wesleyan @ LaGrange
CNU @ Maryville
Should be a fun week.
Ferrum should be able to handle the Cougars, as I believe the Panthers will have too many weapons, but nothing can be taken for granted. Ferrum has had two chances at a shutout, but I doubt they will pull one off this week. I look for Ferrum to continue to improve on both sides of the ball, and, in the end, Ferrum will wear down Averett for a hard fought win. I would not be surprised for Ferrum to have a defensive touchdown.
The one thing Ferrum must do is focus on defeating Averett. Oct. 6th will be here soon enough, and it will have far less meaning if the Panthers do not get a "W" on Saturday.
This week's predictions:
Ferrum 34 Averett 21
Greensboro @ Methodist
North Carolina Wesleyan @ LaGrange
CNU @ Maryville
Should be a fun week.
Selasa, 25 September 2012
Collins reflects on Cornell loss
Another four turnovers, three resulting in touchdowns for Cornell. Big Red QB Jeff Mathews put on a passing clinic and freshman RB Luke Hagy made his debut by scoring two touchdowns.
The result was a 45-6 loss for Yale, its biggest defeat since falling 63-21 to UConn back in 1998.
Needless to say, it wasn’t much fun for Yale to go back and watch film early this week.
“It was honestly heart breaking,” senior OL Roy Collins said. “We thought we just killed ourselves.All the credit to Cornell. They came out and made the best of every opportunity we gave them. We didn’t execute. We gave them the opportunity to beat us and they definitely did. It was tough. There is a lot to learn from and now we’re focused on Colgate.”
The result was a 45-6 loss for Yale, its biggest defeat since falling 63-21 to UConn back in 1998.
Needless to say, it wasn’t much fun for Yale to go back and watch film early this week.
“It was honestly heart breaking,” senior OL Roy Collins said. “We thought we just killed ourselves.All the credit to Cornell. They came out and made the best of every opportunity we gave them. We didn’t execute. We gave them the opportunity to beat us and they definitely did. It was tough. There is a lot to learn from and now we’re focused on Colgate.”
Notes from Tuesday
Senior RB Mordecai Cargill is expected to play Saturday against Colgate head coach Tony Reno said.
Cargill suffered an injury in the second quarter of Yale’s 45-6 loss to Cornell Saturday. After catching a pass, Cargill had his legs taken out on a tackle attempt and came down hard. He sat out the remainder of the game. He has 86 yards and a fumble on 22 rushing attempts this season.
UPDATE ON LEWIS
A couple of readers asked to get an update on freshman WR Avery Lewis.
Reno said Tuesday that he’s been battling some injuries, but nothing serious. Lewis is No. 2 on the depth chart this week behind Cam Sandquist. At 6-5, 197, Lewis has good size and he’s athletic.
"He’s improving every day," Reno said. "We’re definitely excited about him and where he’s going to be in the next eight weeks and in the future."
Senin, 24 September 2012
Armadillo mascot for 2014
The next World Cup will have an armadillo as a mascot, the sixth time a recognised animal has been selected. Three big cats, three little boys, two fruits and two abstract characters have played the role before.The choice of an endangered species, according to FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke, tallies with the emphasis on sustainability and environmentalism at the forthcoming finals.
The armadillo, in the colours of the Brazilian flag, has yet to be named, but the majority of the Brazilian public is unhappy with the limited choice of names to be voted on: Amijubi, Fuleco and Zuzeco, and thousands have signed petitions demanding suggestions from the public be considered.The uninspiring choice recalls the names considered for the tricoloured stick-man at Italia '90, eventually called 'Ciao' - Amico, Bimbo and Dribbly.
FIFA will reveal the armadillo's chosen name on the 25th of November.
FIFA World Cup Mascots
1966 (England): World Cup Willie
1970 (Mexico): Juanito
1974 (W.Germany): Tip and Tap
1978 (Argentina): Gauchito
1982 (Spain): Naranjito
1986 (Mexico): Pique
1990 (Italy): Ciao
1994 (USA): Striker1998 (France): Footix
2002 (Japan & Korea): Ato, Nik and Kaz
2006 (Germany): Goleo
2010 (South Africa): Zakumi
Tags
2014 football
Terry's exit a death foretold
John Terry had no option in the end.
The England captain had to walk the plank rather than remain as national skipper and be branded a racist by the Football Association, the overseers of and ultimate authority for the country's team.
Despite being cleared by a criminal court two months ago, Terry realised the FA's decision to call a disciplinary hearing over his verbal abuse of Anton Ferdinand last season would have left him guilty, given the enquiry's use of a balance of probability to decide guilt instead of the law courts' adherence to beyond reasonable doubt.
The FA had little choice either given they had already banned Luis Suarez over the same offence last season.
Had Terry stayed put and been found guilty, not only would he have faced a ban but threatening storms would have gathered around England manager Roy Hodgson, who already rode a minor storm in selecting the Chelsea man for Euro 2012. Managers usually stay loyal to their players but the FA would have been the only winner and Terry's exclusion the only outcome.
Terry's off-field behaviour had already accounted for Fabio Capello, who stood down rather than be overruled by the FA over Terry's captaincy following an affair with teammate Wayne Bridge's partner.
Plunging another England manager into trouble would have been unthinkable.
While nobody seems sure where to draw the line at a footballer's private life and how much of a message it sends, clearly Terry had overstepped the mark one time too many for an England captain. The only surprise was that he took so long to announce his retirement.
Terry completes his national service with 78 caps and a number of sterling performances, most recently at Euro 2012, when he made several goal-saving blocks and a goal-line clearance against Ukraine. He had recently showed signs of slowing down but aged 31 had more international games in him and remained the best centre-back England possessed.
Hodgson has more rebuilding to do.
- Sean O'Conor
Tags
England football
The England captain had to walk the plank rather than remain as national skipper and be branded a racist by the Football Association, the overseers of and ultimate authority for the country's team.
Despite being cleared by a criminal court two months ago, Terry realised the FA's decision to call a disciplinary hearing over his verbal abuse of Anton Ferdinand last season would have left him guilty, given the enquiry's use of a balance of probability to decide guilt instead of the law courts' adherence to beyond reasonable doubt.
The FA had little choice either given they had already banned Luis Suarez over the same offence last season.
Had Terry stayed put and been found guilty, not only would he have faced a ban but threatening storms would have gathered around England manager Roy Hodgson, who already rode a minor storm in selecting the Chelsea man for Euro 2012. Managers usually stay loyal to their players but the FA would have been the only winner and Terry's exclusion the only outcome.
Terry's off-field behaviour had already accounted for Fabio Capello, who stood down rather than be overruled by the FA over Terry's captaincy following an affair with teammate Wayne Bridge's partner.
Plunging another England manager into trouble would have been unthinkable.
While nobody seems sure where to draw the line at a footballer's private life and how much of a message it sends, clearly Terry had overstepped the mark one time too many for an England captain. The only surprise was that he took so long to announce his retirement.
Terry completes his national service with 78 caps and a number of sterling performances, most recently at Euro 2012, when he made several goal-saving blocks and a goal-line clearance against Ukraine. He had recently showed signs of slowing down but aged 31 had more international games in him and remained the best centre-back England possessed.
Hodgson has more rebuilding to do.
- Sean O'Conor
Tags
England football
Reuland honored; New traffic plans for home games
Yale freshman WR Austin Reuland was named to the Ivy League honor roll after finishing with six receptions for 79 yards in Saturday’s 45-6 loss to Cornell Saturday.
Also, for those attending Yale home games this season check out this link. Traffic plans have changed.
Man Utd v Liverpool Enemies in Love Fest
Liverpool v Manchester United 22 September 2012
Given the attention given to off-field concerns: the Hillsborough verdict that exonerated the Liverpool fans from engineering their own deaths, Fergie's urging the fans to be respectful of each other, and the question of whether players should shake hands with racists, we might expect this game to be a little different from usual.
Ferdinand helped 96 inflated balloons (representing, of course, the victims at Sheffield) escape from plastic bags, the balloon industry informing us that 100% latex balloons are biodegradable and are not harmful to animals or sea creatures.
New Liverpool supremo Brendan Rogers is looking for his first league win. Will tactics and style-of-play form a big part in such an emotionally-charged game? Or will it be a Steven Gerrard inspired up-and-at-'em with Scholes picking up a card?
In the first 20 minutes: corner count: Liverpool 3 Man U 0; Liverpool have dominated possession and territory; most of Liverpool's attacks have been down the right flank though their traditional go-to guy seventeen-year-old Sterling; United cannot retain possession, but then England's best player is not on the pitch.
Then on 38 minutes, Shelvey and Evans both leave their feet going for a loose ball. Result: ref Mark Halsey issues a red for Shelvey, no card for Evans. This is interesting as we know from the documentary 'Being: Liverpool' that Rogers specifically told Shelvey to "stay on your feet". The odds on a United win shorten instantaneously.
Even on ten men, though, Liverpool continue to have the more meaningful possession. The Fergie hairdryer will be out at halftime.
The first half ends 0 – 0. Shots: Liverpool 8 Man Utd 3. The best players: Liverpool: Gerrard and Sterling; Manchester United: Ferdinand and Rafael.
At last Scholes is on. So is Jesús JoaquÃn Fernández Sáez de la Torre (who had made his first full 90-minute debut in the Europa League match against Young Boys a couple of days ago 20 Sept 2012, but who was signed by Rafael Benitez - remember him?) for the ineffectual Borini.
Gerrard scores immediately after half-time. 1 – 0. Not marked closely enough, and his chest and volley is perfect.
Da Silva, from an assist by Kagawa, equalizes with a delightful curling shot that goes in off the inside of the far post. 1 – 1.
Scholes does pick up his yellow for fouling Sterling. Nevertheless, his presence means United now have a midfield.
Back come Liverpool with shots from Suarez and Jesús JoaquÃn Fernández Sáez de la Torre.
Rogers has decided to play for a draw. He takes off the lively Sterling, and brings on the unlively Henderson.
Jesús JoaquÃn Fernández Sáez de la Torre a.k.a. Suso is combining well with Suarez. Valencia, who has been quiet so far, decides to take matters into his own feet by intercepting a square ball in midfield, surging into the United box and then going down under a challenge by Johnson. Penalty: Van Persie hits is hand-height to Reina's left, the Spaniard almost keeping it out.
Kagawa is off, replaced by Chicharito, resulting in no fireworks.
Liverpool huffed and puffed, and Rogers - aware perhaps that his hold on the job is looking increasingly tenuous given that this is the team's worst start in more than a hundred years – complained that Liverpool should have had a penalty themselves. Before the knives are drawn though, we must recognize that the problems at Liverpool are inherited.
United, even without Vidic, looked OK at the back, and the forward line has enough goals in it. But when Scholes is not playing there seems to be little drive or movement in midfield. Could Rooney play there? Will the January transfer window open United's coffers?
In truth, neither of these two teams looked anything special, but Liverpool will feel a little aggrieved at the result.
1-2.
Peter Rodd
Tags
Liverpool Manchester United
Given the attention given to off-field concerns: the Hillsborough verdict that exonerated the Liverpool fans from engineering their own deaths, Fergie's urging the fans to be respectful of each other, and the question of whether players should shake hands with racists, we might expect this game to be a little different from usual.
Ferdinand helped 96 inflated balloons (representing, of course, the victims at Sheffield) escape from plastic bags, the balloon industry informing us that 100% latex balloons are biodegradable and are not harmful to animals or sea creatures.
New Liverpool supremo Brendan Rogers is looking for his first league win. Will tactics and style-of-play form a big part in such an emotionally-charged game? Or will it be a Steven Gerrard inspired up-and-at-'em with Scholes picking up a card?
In the first 20 minutes: corner count: Liverpool 3 Man U 0; Liverpool have dominated possession and territory; most of Liverpool's attacks have been down the right flank though their traditional go-to guy seventeen-year-old Sterling; United cannot retain possession, but then England's best player is not on the pitch.
Then on 38 minutes, Shelvey and Evans both leave their feet going for a loose ball. Result: ref Mark Halsey issues a red for Shelvey, no card for Evans. This is interesting as we know from the documentary 'Being: Liverpool' that Rogers specifically told Shelvey to "stay on your feet". The odds on a United win shorten instantaneously.
Even on ten men, though, Liverpool continue to have the more meaningful possession. The Fergie hairdryer will be out at halftime.
The first half ends 0 – 0. Shots: Liverpool 8 Man Utd 3. The best players: Liverpool: Gerrard and Sterling; Manchester United: Ferdinand and Rafael.
At last Scholes is on. So is Jesús JoaquÃn Fernández Sáez de la Torre (who had made his first full 90-minute debut in the Europa League match against Young Boys a couple of days ago 20 Sept 2012, but who was signed by Rafael Benitez - remember him?) for the ineffectual Borini.
Gerrard scores immediately after half-time. 1 – 0. Not marked closely enough, and his chest and volley is perfect.
Da Silva, from an assist by Kagawa, equalizes with a delightful curling shot that goes in off the inside of the far post. 1 – 1.
Scholes does pick up his yellow for fouling Sterling. Nevertheless, his presence means United now have a midfield.
Back come Liverpool with shots from Suarez and Jesús JoaquÃn Fernández Sáez de la Torre.
Rogers has decided to play for a draw. He takes off the lively Sterling, and brings on the unlively Henderson.
Jesús JoaquÃn Fernández Sáez de la Torre a.k.a. Suso is combining well with Suarez. Valencia, who has been quiet so far, decides to take matters into his own feet by intercepting a square ball in midfield, surging into the United box and then going down under a challenge by Johnson. Penalty: Van Persie hits is hand-height to Reina's left, the Spaniard almost keeping it out.
Kagawa is off, replaced by Chicharito, resulting in no fireworks.
Liverpool huffed and puffed, and Rogers - aware perhaps that his hold on the job is looking increasingly tenuous given that this is the team's worst start in more than a hundred years – complained that Liverpool should have had a penalty themselves. Before the knives are drawn though, we must recognize that the problems at Liverpool are inherited.
United, even without Vidic, looked OK at the back, and the forward line has enough goals in it. But when Scholes is not playing there seems to be little drive or movement in midfield. Could Rooney play there? Will the January transfer window open United's coffers?
In truth, neither of these two teams looked anything special, but Liverpool will feel a little aggrieved at the result.
1-2.
Peter Rodd
Tags
Liverpool Manchester United
Minggu, 23 September 2012
Splits, boycotts and redemption
The K-League is coming to terms with its first-ever split and it quite likes the feeling. At the end of August, the 16 team league divided in two, just like the Scottish Premier League does. Four teams were in the running for the eighth spot going into game 30 but it fell to Gyeongnam FC and they celebrated like they had won the league.
There was a good deal of media attention and authorities were feeling pretty good about it all but this being the K-League, there was a twist. Sangju Sangmu decided to boycott the rest of the season. It wasn't because the military club was in the bottom half and consigned to playing the seven other teams another two times to see who finishes bottom but due to the fact that whatever they did on the pitch, they were going down.
The AFC stipulates that the top tier of professional leagues should have professional clubs with professional players on professional contracts and the fact that Sangju's players are loaned from their original clubs for two years as they complete their military service. They are paid the same as regular conscripts i.e. not very much at all. Confirmation in mid-September that they will fill one of the two relegation spots -the trapdoor is installed for the first time ever - led to the boycott.
"The Armed Forces Athletic Corps and the Defense Ministry held talks today, and we've decided not to play the rest of the season," Lee Jae-cheol, the team's general manager said on September 12. "We just don't have the motivation to play out the season. The ministry is adamant about this.
"The K-League doesn't want to have anything to do with us, and I see no reason why we should stick around anymore," Lee said. "Rather than playing in the second division, perhaps we should declare ourselves amateurs and play with them instead."
Sangju were second bottom anyway and could have gone down, it was the lack of fighting change they objected to. From now, their fixtures will be awarded to the other team with a 2-0 scoreline.
Gangwon FC currently prop up the table and are four points from safety. Fans hope that coach Kim Hak-beom, who returned to the K-League in July after a spell in China can take the team up the standings. "We're in last place, and we can only go up from here," Kim said. "And I am confident we can do that. We don't want to be the first victim of relegation."
FC Seoul and Jeonbuk Motors have no such worries as they fight it out at the top of the table in what has become a two-horse race for the championship. Seoul are five points clear of the champions. Striker Dejan Damjanovic is still scoring goals for fun with 24 to his name this season. The capital club are the team to beat. It all may come down to the two games against Jeonbuk.
The Motors were looking imperious earlier in the summer but have developed a recent habit of losing to lesser teams. There is then quite a gap between the top two and the chasing pack. Ulsan, Suwon and Pohang are now fighting for the final Asian Champions League spot and they are separated by four points only.
Tales from Tashkent
The road to Brazil 2014 remains fairly comfortable at the moment for the Taeguk Warrriors who followed up two wins that opened Group A in the final round of qualification with a 2-2 draw in Uzbekistan. The point maintains the three points lead that the team has at the top. It wasn’t a great performance and an inability to defend set pieces cost Choi Kang-hee’s men. A trip to Tehran comes in October and a good result in the Iranian capital could really set Korea up nicely for the second half of the group.
Overseas players
It has been a pretty good start to the European season for many of the country’s stars out west. Park Ji-sung has had a mixed time at Queen’s Park Rangers but at least is playing every game. His performance against Chelsea was an impressive one and he raised a few eyebrows by refusing to shake the hand of John Terry. It showed a different side of the player, one ready to take the responsibility of being a captain of a Premier League team.
Park Chu-young has left Arsenal on loan and is enjoying himself in La Liga with Celta Vigo. He scored his first goal for the Spanish club on September 22, with a fine volley against Getafe that won the game for the newly-promoted club. It was a great start in his attemtpt to put the nightmare of Arsenal behind him and show fans in Spain and in England what he is capable of.
Ki Sung-yueng started his first game for Swansea City on the same day. His team slumped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Everton. It wasn’t quite as bad as it sounds – for the player that is, it was bad for the Swans – as he provided one of the few positives. He looked good on the ball, passed it well and on another day, could have scored one or two.
Son Heung-min scored twice for Hamburg in a thrilling 3-2 win over champions Borussia Dortmund. It was Hamburg’s first win of the season and Dortmund’s first defeat while Kim Bo-kyoung is still adapting to life in the English championship with Cardiff City.
There was a good deal of media attention and authorities were feeling pretty good about it all but this being the K-League, there was a twist. Sangju Sangmu decided to boycott the rest of the season. It wasn't because the military club was in the bottom half and consigned to playing the seven other teams another two times to see who finishes bottom but due to the fact that whatever they did on the pitch, they were going down.
The AFC stipulates that the top tier of professional leagues should have professional clubs with professional players on professional contracts and the fact that Sangju's players are loaned from their original clubs for two years as they complete their military service. They are paid the same as regular conscripts i.e. not very much at all. Confirmation in mid-September that they will fill one of the two relegation spots -the trapdoor is installed for the first time ever - led to the boycott.
"The Armed Forces Athletic Corps and the Defense Ministry held talks today, and we've decided not to play the rest of the season," Lee Jae-cheol, the team's general manager said on September 12. "We just don't have the motivation to play out the season. The ministry is adamant about this.
"The K-League doesn't want to have anything to do with us, and I see no reason why we should stick around anymore," Lee said. "Rather than playing in the second division, perhaps we should declare ourselves amateurs and play with them instead."
Sangju were second bottom anyway and could have gone down, it was the lack of fighting change they objected to. From now, their fixtures will be awarded to the other team with a 2-0 scoreline.
Gangwon FC currently prop up the table and are four points from safety. Fans hope that coach Kim Hak-beom, who returned to the K-League in July after a spell in China can take the team up the standings. "We're in last place, and we can only go up from here," Kim said. "And I am confident we can do that. We don't want to be the first victim of relegation."
The Motors were looking imperious earlier in the summer but have developed a recent habit of losing to lesser teams. There is then quite a gap between the top two and the chasing pack. Ulsan, Suwon and Pohang are now fighting for the final Asian Champions League spot and they are separated by four points only.
Tales from Tashkent
The road to Brazil 2014 remains fairly comfortable at the moment for the Taeguk Warrriors who followed up two wins that opened Group A in the final round of qualification with a 2-2 draw in Uzbekistan. The point maintains the three points lead that the team has at the top. It wasn’t a great performance and an inability to defend set pieces cost Choi Kang-hee’s men. A trip to Tehran comes in October and a good result in the Iranian capital could really set Korea up nicely for the second half of the group.
Overseas players
It has been a pretty good start to the European season for many of the country’s stars out west. Park Ji-sung has had a mixed time at Queen’s Park Rangers but at least is playing every game. His performance against Chelsea was an impressive one and he raised a few eyebrows by refusing to shake the hand of John Terry. It showed a different side of the player, one ready to take the responsibility of being a captain of a Premier League team.
Park Chu-young has left Arsenal on loan and is enjoying himself in La Liga with Celta Vigo. He scored his first goal for the Spanish club on September 22, with a fine volley against Getafe that won the game for the newly-promoted club. It was a great start in his attemtpt to put the nightmare of Arsenal behind him and show fans in Spain and in England what he is capable of.
Ki Sung-yueng started his first game for Swansea City on the same day. His team slumped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Everton. It wasn’t quite as bad as it sounds – for the player that is, it was bad for the Swans – as he provided one of the few positives. He looked good on the ball, passed it well and on another day, could have scored one or two.
Son Heung-min scored twice for Hamburg in a thrilling 3-2 win over champions Borussia Dortmund. It was Hamburg’s first win of the season and Dortmund’s first defeat while Kim Bo-kyoung is still adapting to life in the English championship with Cardiff City.
Sabtu, 22 September 2012
Barcelona star Pique and Shakira expecting
As some of you may know, Gerard and I are very happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby!"Shakira announced on her website that she and boyfriend Gerard Pique are expecting their first child:
This is the first child for the 25-year-old Barcelona star centerback and the 35-year-old musician, who have been dating for over two years.
Shakira's announcement comes on the heels of Pique's injury in Barcelona's 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow in the Champion's League. Pique will be out two to three weeks, which is no small absence, considering the defender has been the most used field player in Barcelona's first six matches this year.
Barcelona beats Spartak 3-2 in Champions League
BARCELONA, Spain — There were no tears from Lionel Messi as he left the Camp Nou pitch after this Champions League game - just that familiar smile after another two-goal performance that secured a come-from-behind victory.
Messi scored a late double Wednesday to bring Barcelona back to win 3-2 over Spartak Moscow and successfully launch its campaign for a fourth European title in eight seasons.
It was his fourth double in seven games this season for a total of 10 goals.
The Argentina forward walked off that same pitch in tears after his last Champions League game, when Barcelona was eliminated by Chelsea in the semifinals last season. For a while, it looked like Spartak would spring another upset at Camp Nou, as Spartak fought back after Cristian Tello’s 14th-minute opener to lead 2-1 in the second half. The Russian club leveled through Dani Alves’ own goal in the 29th and Romulo then struck in the 59th to give the visitors an unexpected advantage.
But Messi, who equaled a European Cup record with 14 goals in the last campaign, tapped in Tello’s pass to make it 2-2 in the 71st and headed in Alexis Sanchez’s cross in the 80th to keep Barcelona undefeated in 17 straight home games in Europe.
“It’s to our credit that we were able to fight back and win such a complicated game,” said Messi. “It wasn’t easy. We couldn’t find spaces, and their forwards were very fast and strong and they played well on the counterattack.”
Last April, Messi’s failure to finish had left him distraught and cost Barcelona a place in the final. But after being held in check by Spartak for the most of the game, the Argentina forward’s late strikes ensured Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova enjoyed his European debut.
“I think this game will do us good. It is easy to think that since we are Barcelona we will win with ease,” said Vilanova, who helped Barcelona lift the Champions League trophy in 2009 and 2011 as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. “But this has never been easy in the four years I have been with this team. We have struggled in the group phase before, but (tonight) we were able to come back and win and that shows that the team still has the desire to win.”
Celtic drew 0-0 with Benfica in the other Group G game on Wednesday.
Messi was well accompanied by Tello in attack, with Alexis starting on the bench after just being cleared by team doctors. Cesc Fabregas made the starting lineup in place of the injured Andres Iniesta in midfield, while Javier Mascherano started in defense in place of defender Carles Puyol, who was out with a knee injury.
Barcelona’s injury problems mounted in the 12th minute when defender Gerard Pique had to be replaced by Alex Song after he sprained his left foot. The club said he would be out for two to three weeks.
Tello grabbed Barcelona the lead when the 21-year-old forward took Xavi Hernandez’s short pass, used one touch to get a better angle and then let loose a bouncing shot from outside the area that curled into the far corner of the net.
After failing to threaten Barcelona’s area, Spartak equalized when Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike surged by Mascherano and sent in a low cross that Song failed to intercept and Dani Alves redirected into his own net in a botched attempt to clear.
“We weren’t expecting (Spartak coach Unai) Emery’s game plan,” Tello said, referring to Spartak’s mixture of playing deep and looking to counterattack with moments of seeking to control possession. “It surprised me a lot. They caused us a lot of problems.”
Spartak continued to soak up Barcelona’s pressure after halftime and was soon on the verge of a surprising win.
Romulo capped a nice team build-up by taking a pass from Aiden McGeady, dribbling past Barcelona’s Adriano before slotting under goalkeeper Victor Valdes to deservedly put Spartak ahead and send shudders through the Camp Nou crowd.
Messi scored a late double Wednesday to bring Barcelona back to win 3-2 over Spartak Moscow and successfully launch its campaign for a fourth European title in eight seasons.
It was his fourth double in seven games this season for a total of 10 goals.
But Messi, who equaled a European Cup record with 14 goals in the last campaign, tapped in Tello’s pass to make it 2-2 in the 71st and headed in Alexis Sanchez’s cross in the 80th to keep Barcelona undefeated in 17 straight home games in Europe.
“It’s to our credit that we were able to fight back and win such a complicated game,” said Messi. “It wasn’t easy. We couldn’t find spaces, and their forwards were very fast and strong and they played well on the counterattack.”
Last April, Messi’s failure to finish had left him distraught and cost Barcelona a place in the final. But after being held in check by Spartak for the most of the game, the Argentina forward’s late strikes ensured Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova enjoyed his European debut.
“I think this game will do us good. It is easy to think that since we are Barcelona we will win with ease,” said Vilanova, who helped Barcelona lift the Champions League trophy in 2009 and 2011 as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. “But this has never been easy in the four years I have been with this team. We have struggled in the group phase before, but (tonight) we were able to come back and win and that shows that the team still has the desire to win.”
Celtic drew 0-0 with Benfica in the other Group G game on Wednesday.
Messi was well accompanied by Tello in attack, with Alexis starting on the bench after just being cleared by team doctors. Cesc Fabregas made the starting lineup in place of the injured Andres Iniesta in midfield, while Javier Mascherano started in defense in place of defender Carles Puyol, who was out with a knee injury.
Barcelona’s injury problems mounted in the 12th minute when defender Gerard Pique had to be replaced by Alex Song after he sprained his left foot. The club said he would be out for two to three weeks.
Tello grabbed Barcelona the lead when the 21-year-old forward took Xavi Hernandez’s short pass, used one touch to get a better angle and then let loose a bouncing shot from outside the area that curled into the far corner of the net.
After failing to threaten Barcelona’s area, Spartak equalized when Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike surged by Mascherano and sent in a low cross that Song failed to intercept and Dani Alves redirected into his own net in a botched attempt to clear.
“We weren’t expecting (Spartak coach Unai) Emery’s game plan,” Tello said, referring to Spartak’s mixture of playing deep and looking to counterattack with moments of seeking to control possession. “It surprised me a lot. They caused us a lot of problems.”
Spartak continued to soak up Barcelona’s pressure after halftime and was soon on the verge of a surprising win.
Romulo capped a nice team build-up by taking a pass from Aiden McGeady, dribbling past Barcelona’s Adriano before slotting under goalkeeper Victor Valdes to deservedly put Spartak ahead and send shudders through the Camp Nou crowd.
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