At the youth level is the lone 2013 MLS Draft pick Mikey Lopez who has been called up by the United States U-20 team for a tournament in Toulon, France in preparation for the FIFA U-20 tournament that will take place later this summer. As being part of the team during its qualification for the tournament during the CONCACAF U-20 tournament prior to the start of the MLS season. Lopez will miss out on his chance to make an appearance during the US Open Cup 3rd round match against USL PDL side Des Moines which would be the first time Lopez could make his Sporting debut.

The most interesting call-up must be the Lebanon national team calling up Soony Saad for a friendly against Oman on May 29. Having only recently qualified to be called up this will not permanently tie him to the country until he appears in a competitive match but considering his age and the possibilities he could be one of the better players for Lebanon, who are on the up internationally, who will look to use their improvement from making the final World Cup qualification round for Asia. Lebanon might be looking for Saad to bolster their Asian Cup qualifying campaign as has only started.

Kei Kamara has been called up by the new Sierra Leone manager Johnny McKinstry as the next round of World Cup qualifiers occur. Sierra Leone are currently in second place behind Tunisia and face the leaders at home on June 8 and then visit bottom of the table Cape Verde on June 15.

Graham Zusi and Matt Besler have been called up for the United States camp for the friendlies on May 29 and June 2 against Belgium and Germany as they prepare for the three World Cup qualifiers on June 7, 11, 18. Zusi has been part of the US set up for some time and is most likely to be called up for the qualifiers and extending his national team stay, with a rapreve during the Gold Cup to offer the opportunity for other players to make their mark. Besler made an impession against Mexico but might not make the squad for the qualifiers, if so he is a shoe in for the Gold Cup squad in July.

Mechack Jerome and Peterson Joseph have been called up by Haiti for friendlies against Spain in Miami, Florida on June 8 and Italy in Rio de Janeiro June 12. There is a strong chance that both will be called up for Haiti for the Gold Cup in July as they have been drawn into Group B along with Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Mostly disinterested at the beginning of the game, the Baggies were like a brood of wealthy kids invited to their über, hip big, brother’s birthday party. There, but only barely so, hoping for cake and watching United run around, they might as well have been in the crowd. United went ahead after six minutes as the all-action Shinji Kagawa nodded home a Hernández cross after he was the recipient of an exquisite diagonal seeing-eye pass from Alex Büttner. Three minutes on, they had a second goal as a panicked Jonas Olsson mistakenly diverted a dipping Valencia pass past United’s old mistake-prone goalkeeper, Ben Foster. What might have been going on in the head of Foster is interesting to conjecture upon because of the utter disaster which happened to United’s reserve goalie Anders Lindergaard in the second half. A custodian’s life, it seems, is a lonely one!

Excited by the first two goals, the old Scot barely reacted at all to marauding left back Alex Büttner’s 30th-minute Bangalore-style rocket of a goal from an obtuse angle after some fine setup work by Chicharito and Tom Cleverley. But then, three up, United collectively went to sleep. You can get a lot done in fifteen minutes or, conversely, not done at all. It was as if Carrick, Cleverley, Anderson, et al, decided to take a couple of conference calls to deal with their brokers and make Summer vacation plans before facing the old man in the dressing room for the last time. Consequently, the Baggies reduced the deficit before half-time after a fine shimmying run saw James Morrison ease past a casual Phil Jones before sort of accidentally/on purpose steering home a shot that looked like a cross from the right.

For the second half, however, Albion’s dour coach, Stevie Clarke, did what he should have done earlier, bring on Romelo Lukaku to play his last game in Brum as a loanee. Jonny Evans–the supposed Derry Hard Man–was true to form up against Lukaku as he is when the opponent is Kenwyne Jones, Carlton Cole, Marlon Harewood, Nile Ranger or Shola Ameobi. The Gaffer’s sentimental second-favorite after Darren Fletcher, Evans can do no wrong in Fergie’s eyes and so became, once again, completely persona non grata on the pitch. The reason Ferguson allowed Gerard Pique return to Barcelona, Evans ought to have acknowledged his own limitations, walked away and sat down next to Nemanja Vidic on the bench Instead, it only took five minutes for Evans to be reduced to a wreck, backing off on an advancing Lukaku until he was blocking off the sight-line of Lindegaard and it was child’s play for the Belgian-born Congolese striker to fire casually home.

Yet United were still totally, casually in control as both Robin van Persie and Hernández squandered sitters from six yards out. And Hernandez was set up for yet another goal by Giggs after a sweet jinking run through the Baggies’ keystone kops defense. Yet Chicharito deferred to the retiring Paul Scholes, whose timing was at least two seconds off as he stumbled and shinned the ball softly to Foster. Scholes then had a little bit of the kind of fun we expect of him when he unleashed a copyright Ginger Prince-style late tackle on Claudio Yacob. Still, there was relief on the horizon as Robin van Persie scored his 26th league goal of the campaign, after a slide-rule cross by Valencia to make it 4-2. And it to all be over in the 63rd minute when the tireless Hernandez added a fifth, cleverly steering home a Ryan Giggs cross.

It was then that United got sincerely rattled as Lukaku picked up a long ball from Malumbu and headed at speed toward Evans. While Jones and Lindegaard screamed at Evans to retreat no more, the ball was already soaring into a shuddering net. And then with a poker-faced Ferguson fuming from the bench, Mulumbu played a nice double one-two with Billy Jones. before firing home in the 81st minute to make it 5-4.

Too little too late as, for his last act as a manager ever, the dark Lord Ferg brought on Rio Ferdinand for Evans. Yet by now, Lukaku was burning hot and ratcheting up what was by now every United fan’s fear. Undeniable, Lukaku grabbed his hat-trick, his seventeenth goal of the season, completing his hat-trick after muscling his way through Jones and Ferdinand during a goal mouth scramble four minutes from time. Indeed, instead of bemoaning United’s porous defense., my instincts cried out that, if Wayne Ronny wants to leave so badly for Chelsea, that this Lukaku kid thrown into a partial swap deal along with Ramires and a healthy chunk of Abramovich cash.

At any rate, despite this crazy draw at The Hawthorns, United finished their season eleven points ahead of Premier League runners-up Manchester City. Unbelievably, it has been a total of 10,000 days since Alex Ferguson’s first match as the manager of Manchester United, a 2-0 defeat against Oxford United. Winning a championship in his final season will go a long way toward comforting him for failing to pick up a third European Champions club. Nevertheless, the Gaffer and the Ginger Prince will always be missed. I even salute Michael Owen after his much quieter last gasp and retirement at Stoke City. Adieu! Adieu! To you and you and you!

Already we’re finding out that Liverpool have accepted a £15 million ($22.76 million) bid for Andy Carroll; though the towering striker has yet to make up his mind on his future. We’re also hearing rumors that free agent Kolo Toure is high on Brendan Rodgers’ wishlist as a (hopefully) short term replacement for Jamie Carragher. There’s also the matter of whether or not Pepe Reina will depart for Barcelona this summer. Rumor has it Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic would be high on the list of potential replacements.

Clearly we don’t have a lot of time to prognosticate so let’s get right to it. Here’s my top 3 needs for Liverpool this summer.

1. A Centerback To Replace Jamie Carragher

Although I’m not a fan of bringing in Kolo Toure (even on a 1-2 year deal), it’s reassuring to hear that this particular need is a priority for the management staff.

If Martin Skrtel also departs, then suddenly this isn’t just about having a guy available on the bench, but rather someone who is going to partner up with Daniel Agger for the long run.

Top Prospects: Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy-MLS), Ashley Williams (Swansea City-EPL), Hector Moreno (Espanyol-LaLiga)

Omar Gonzalez is as fast as he is powerful in the air. He might not be quite as technically gifted as Brendan Rodgers would like for his preferred style of play, but the young American is going to wind up in Europe in the next two years and Liverpool would do well to talk to LA about him. Ashley Williams is the most likely given Rodgers’ propensity towards choosing former players of his; although the price tag for Williams will be steep. Hector Moreno is another up and coming star out La Liga’s Espanyol. Much more technically gifted, but less imposing, than Gonzalez, Moreno is a good distributor out of the back who would thrive in Rodgers’ system.

2. A Winger To Bump Stewart Downing

If it’s not clear by now, I’m not a fan of Stewart Downing, especially as a starting winger in Rodgers’ 4-3-3 formation. Raheem Sterling still needs another year to mature and Oussama Assaidi continues to be ignored. Suso is still too young as well.

Ideally this would be someone left footed, but the key is that they have speed and get technical ability to create on their own out wide to free up space for Luis Suarez to make runs.

Top Prospects: Clint Dempsey (Tottenham-EPL), Nico Gaitan (Benfica-Primeira Liga), Zoran Tosic (CSKA Moscow-Russia)

Rumor has it Dempsey could already be on his way out of White Hart Lane after one season. If that’s the case, Liverpool would be downright stupid to let him get away a second time. Benfica’s Nico Gaitan is an excellent left sided winger who is currently being chased by Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen. He’s got the technical ability to fit right in from Day 1. Zoran Tosic has gone on the record saying he regrets asking out of Manchester United and what better way to get him back into the Premier League than by bringing him to Anfield. He’s got a wicked left footed free kick and has the dribbling ability to free up lanes for Suarez to run wild down the middle.

3. A Striker Capable Of Replacing Luis Suarez

If Luis Suarez departs this summer and Andy Carroll winds up at Upton Park, then suddenly we’re looking at just Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini. If Suarez stays, he’s still missing almost a quarter of the season due to his bone headed decision to take a bite out Branislav Ivanovic. Either way, Liverpool need a clinical striker waiting in the wings.

Top Prospects: Jackson Martinez (FC Porto-Primeira Liga), Edinson Cavani (Napoli-Serie A), Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina-Serie A)

These are all very expensive prospects, so selling Luis Suarez would go a long way towards bringing one of them in. Jackson is a good tactical fit as a lone striker in a 4-3-3. Edinson Cavani is the most clinical finisher on the market and Jovetic might have the best individual skill set for this system.

-The real U-23 squads in the US Open Cup (Portland, Seattle, Orlando, New York) are NOT professionals who also happen to be on the senior roster of their respective teams. I’m breaking that rule for Columbus.

-Unfortunately, there aren’t enough players 23 or younger on the Crew to fill an 18 man gameday roster.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a look at what the Crew have to work with. This exercise was inspired by the lack of creativity and ingenuity shown by Robert Warzycha, even when faced with a growing injury list.

Goalkeepers (2): Matt Lampson (23), Daniel Withrow (22)

Defenders (4): Chad Barson (22), Drew Beckie (22) , Kyle Hyland (22), Kevan George (23)

Midfielders (4): Wil Trapp (20), Shawn Sloan (22), Ben Speas (22), Ethan Finlay (22)

Forwards (3): Aaron Horton (21), Aaron Schoenfeld (23), Ryan Finley (22)

I know, I know…it’s going to be tough just to fill out a lineup. But what kind of fake coach would I be if I couldn’t mold this short handed bunch into a US Open Cup contender.

So what’s my starting formation? Have a look…

Lampson

Barson – Beckie – George – Hyland

Trapp

Speas               –               Finlay

Sloan

Schoenfeld  -  Finley

Matt Lampson is the easiest selection here and thankfully he has a decent backup in Marshall product Daniel Withrow. Homegrown signing Chad Barson is capable of playing on the right or in the middle, but Drew Beckie and Kevan George are more physically imposing and thus better suited for the center back pairing. Kyle Hyland already has a couple assists from the left side of the backline; the senior team’s most short handed position. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to trot him out there if Agustin Viana is out long term and Tyson Wahl doesn’t improve.

We know all about each wide midfielder, but Wil Trapp and Shawn Sloan haven’t been seen as much. Trapp is an excellent tactical fit as a holding midfielder. He’s calm, cool, and collected on the ball and is a good passer out of the back. Unfortunately, he may get run over with his diminutive stature. He’s only 20 though, so maybe he can squeeze in another inch or two in height. Shawn Sloan has played all over the midfield throughout his high school/college career, but he managed to scored 58 goals and serve 40 assists in high school. He also had seven assists as a junior in college and ten in his senior year so he’s more than capable of distributing.

And thankfully, he has two very stellar forwards to whom he can distribute. Ryan Finley is a clinical finisher with his head and both feet while Aaron Schoenfeld has already shown us (in limited first team action) that he can hang with MLS defenders.

So how will this side fair in the US Open Cup?

Here’s what the bracket looks like:

http://thecup.us/2013-us-open-cup-bracket/

So the U-23 Crew will get the winner of Dayton Dutch Lions and Dearborn Stars SC. Even though Dearborn pulled off a shocker over the USL’s Michigan Bucks, I still like Dayton Dutch Lions to win and set up the revenge match. Several guys on this squad have been on the fringe with the first team and most of the others have impressed in the Reserve League.

Crew U-23 2-1 Dayton Dutch Lions

Crew U-23 goals: Finley & Speas

On to the next one! Assuming this is the real bracket (I don’t know if the pairings are 100% accurate) the Crew U-23 team gets a date with the winner of the LA Galaxy and Carolina Dynamo/Carolina Railhawks. Even if the Galaxy take this one off, I still like them to get past the winner of the Carolina duel.

Crew U-23 1-2 LA Galaxy

Crew U-23 goal: Finley

Unfortunately this would be the worst possible draw for the Crew if it held up; especially if the U-23 squad has to go on the road to California. Even the scrubs at LA Galaxy have enough to beat this Crew U-23 side, but it would be a very close match. With a better draw this team would be more than capable of advancing to the quarterfinals over a “senior” MLS side (depending on who takes it seriously).

So even though the lads in black and yellow couldn’t break through to the quarterfinals, they’ve still shown us that Robert Warzycha has plenty of options in his back pocket that he will no doubt waste. Ryan Finley is the best (aka most MLS ready) player on this squad with Ben Speas right behind him. I really want to see what Chad Barson and Drew Beckie can do in defense. Beckie’s college highlights were solid and he showed Josh Williams-type athleticism. When Wil Trapp finally gets back from his national team duties, he’ll be well seasoned and hungry to prove himself. He’s already told his travel days off between USMNT U-20 and Crew duties to eff-off so we know he’s a hard worker.

Thoughts? Agree or disagree?

“Be MASSIVE!!!”

Founded: 1996 (Was known as the Dallas Burn from 1996-2004)

Where They Finished Last Season: 9-13-12 (Did not make the playoffs)

Pedigree: MLS Cup Runners Up (2010,) 2006 Supporters Shield Champion, 1997 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Champion

Rivals: Houston Dynamo (The El Capitan,) Chicago Fire (Brimstone Cup,) Colorado Rapids

Supporters: The Inferno,  Dallas Football Elite, Red Shamrock, and the Dallas Beer Guardians.

Coach: Schelles Hyndman

Top Returning Players: DEF George John, DEF Jair Benitez, MF David Ferreira, FWD Fabian Castillo, FWD Blas Perez

Key Additions: GK Raul Fernandez (Nice,) DEF Michel (Aris,) MF Je-Vaughn Watson (Houston Dynamo,) FWD Kenny Cooper (New York Red Bulls,) FWD Eric Hassli (Toronto FC)

Key Departures: GK Kevin Hartman (Semi-Retired,)MF Brek Shea (Stoke City,) DEF/MF Daniel Hernandez (Retired)

Young Player to Watch: DEF London Woodberry, FWD Fabian Castillo

Outlook:

If there is a team that represents what is truly good about Major League Soccer it is FC Dallas. A team that started out in a difficult environment in football crazy Texas, this is a club that has finally found its place in the Dallas market. They have taken their lumps, at times averaging 7,900 fans a game, and developed a strong fanbase and a team is respectable on the field. Although they did not make the playoffs last season, this is a team that has only missed out on the postseason five times in fifteen seasons.

The problem FC Dallas had last season and is critical for their continued success this season, is to remain healthy. During last seasons trials, the club lost key players like David Ferreira, Brek Shea, and George John for extended periods of time. While a club can always wish for good health, the only true way to ensure that a team is prepared for injuries is by adding depth. FC Dallas has this in spades. Other than the departure of Shea, the team lost very little in terms of output while adding proven MLS players like Cooper, Watson, and Hassli. Their newfound depth has proven to be valuable during crunch-time this season. They have scored 6 goals in the final fifteen minutes this season, which currently ranks them second in all of MLS.

Where the team last season was having difficulties fielding a competitive roster, they now have multiple players at every position and reserves that would start for most MLS teams. Perhaps the best example of this is at Goalkeeper. At one end of the pipes, you have Peruvian International Raul Fernandez, who is sporting a 1.11 Goals Against Average. While his performance has been impressive, FC Dallas also has a very capable backup in Chris Seitz. The MLS veteran currently has a GAA of .50. With two capable goalkeepers and a strong defense sporting the likes of Yasmil Benitez, John, and Homegrown Product London Woodberry, this is a team should not let in many goals. They are very physical, but they do have some difficulties with the counter-attack. During last night’s match with the Seattle Sounders, Sounders FWD Eddie Johnson was able to make short work of Woodberry. Coordination between the midfield and the defense will be critical as Woodberry develops.

Even if their opponents are able to score a goal on them, Dallas has the ability to score at will on their opponents. Currently the club ranks third in terms of team goals with 18 tallies. While FC Dallas is loaded with offensive weapons, the lightning rod of their attack is 2010 MLS MVP David Ferreira. The former Colombian international has scored 21 goals for the club in parts of 3 seasons. While he possesses a rocket of a left foot, it is his distribution and dribbling ability that makes him such a deadly force on the opponent’s defensive end. Unfortunately, he has been hampered by injuries for the past two seasons, so staying healthy for him, much like the rest of the team is critical. With prolific scorers like Kenny Cooper (67  goals in 6 MLS seasons,) Panamanian international Blas Perez (12 goals in 2012,) and role players like Fabian Castillo and Eric Hassli, this is a club that should be able to score goals with relative ease.

While FC Dallas may have had a down season last year, it is evident that by the club’s offseason additions that they are fully committed to winning now. With a strong set of forwards, and a defense composed of high ceiling youngsters and proven veterans, this is a club that can play with the likes of Los Angeles and Houston. As long as the club does not have the number of cataclysmic injuries that it suffered last year, it is safe to assume that FC Dallas will be a contender for the Supporter’s Shield and the MLS Cup.

Beer of Choice: Wild Hare Pale Ale, Shiner Bock Brewing Company

While I may consider myself a beer aficionado, I will admit that sometimes cost comes into play when I am considering what type of beer to purchase. While I was waiting in line the other week at my local liquor store, slowly losing my patience with the person buying 15 lottery tickets in front me, I noticed that the owner was selling Shiner Bock for $4.99. “What the hell,” I thought to myself. And with Shiner Bock being a Texas-based brewing company, I thought it would be the perfect companion to the night’s FC Dallas match.  So I returned the beer that I was originally interested in purchasing and exchanged it for this unknown discount brew.

The first impression that I had from this beer was the color: when you are pouring it into your glass you notice the nice amber glow that the beer gives off. Most IPA’s almost have a yellowish color to them, so Wild Hare has a bit of maltiness to it. But make no mistake: this certainly packs a punch at 5.50%ABV. It was a fantastic complement to the high-scoring attack that FC Dallas was showing against D.C. United. While the score only ended up being 2-1, they dominated United in all aspects of the game. Perhaps it is the price, or perhaps I was just enjoyed watching a quality team flex their muscles, but I could imagine sitting at the North End of FC Dallas Stadium with a Wild Hare in my hands rooting on FC Dallas.

Club Founded:  1974 (NASL)

Where they Finished Last Season: 15-8-11 Semi-Finalists, Western Conference.

Pedigree: Three-time winners of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (2009, 2010, 2011)

Rivals: Cascadia Cup (Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps;) Heritage Cup- To be decided from the teams who originate from the North American Soccer League (San Jose Earthquakes.)

Supporters Groups: Emerald City Supporters, SoCal Sound, Gorilla FC, North End Faithful

Coach: Sigi Schmid

Top Returning Players: GK Michael Gspurning, MF Mauro Rosales, MF Steve Zakuani, FWD Eddie Johnson.

Key Additions: FWD Obafemi Martins (Levante.) MF Shalrie Jospeh (Chivas USA,) MF Djimi Traore (Marseilles.)

Key Departures: FWD Freddy Montero (Millionaros,) DEF Jeff Parke (Philadelphia Union)

Outlook:

While the Sounders may not be one of the founders of Major League Soccer, their history in American soccer makes them one of its most prestigious. Founded originally in 1974 as expansion club in the North American Soccer League (NASL,) the Sounders have existed in one form or another for close to 40 years. In a country that has largely ignored its soccer history outside of Pele and FIFA World Cup 1994, the Sounders fans have kept this team and its spirit alive playing in leagues like the American Professional Soccer League, United Soccer League, the A-League, and Major League Soccer. With an average attendance of 43,144 the Sounders easily have the largest attendance in MLS. According 2012 attendance figures, the Sounders fans should be considered one of the most respected and well organized groups in the world. But what about the team?

Since the club entered MLS in 2009, the club has never missed the playoffs and has been a perennial contender for the MLS Cup. But they have never won the title and they have never actually been a participant in the MLS Cup. While they are a three time winner of the U.S. Open Cup and are currently in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League, MLS Cup glory is what this team wants.

From a tactical standpoint, the team’s strength stems from the work of Midfielder Mauro Rosales. The diminutive Argentine, who comes from Newell’s Old Boys system in Argentina and has previously played for River Plate and Ajax, is quite an explosive midfielder who is also an excellent crossing midfielder. He has an excellent complement with Brad Evans, who is more of a defensive midfielder. The two are joined by the Democratic Republic of the Congo midfielder Steve Zakuani, an explosive player who is coming back from a terrible leg suffered in 2010. The addition of Djimi Traore, a former Liverpool product, should strengthen their backline immensely. Seattle’s biggest weaknesses was their defense year, and so far Mr, Traore has shown himself to be a very capable left back. I would  like to say that he is an under the radar player, but with his goal in Wednesday’s match Mexican side Tigre it appears that is no longer the case.

The major question that this team has coming into the year is how the duo of  Obafemi Martins and Eddie Johnson will work together and if either of them can replace the goals that Montero provided for this team. That will be difficult. Montero, who is Seattle’s all-time leading goal scorer with 47 goals, is about as close to a world class player that MLS has ever produced. As a Newcastle fan, my memories of Martins are not good. An immensely talented player, he never seemed like he ever grew up. Sure he would surprise teams with his speed and vertical leap. But when he would play the Arsenal’s, the Manchester United’s, or even a strong defensive team like Stoke City, he would be found out as a player of pure skill and nothing more. Players that solely rely on their talents and never developed the instincts and the strategy that this game requires can play for many years but never do much of anything. Since he left Newcastle in 2009, Martins has played for VFL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, Rubin Kazan of the Russian Football Championship, and Levante of La Liga scoring only 16 goals in 41 matches. While there is certainly a drop off in between the leagues listed and MLS, it will be difficult for him in a league that prides itself on defense and physical play.

Seattle has all of the tools to make a serious run at the MLS Cup this year. They have made some good adjustments along their midfield and their defense, and Gspurning is one of the top young Goalkeepers in the league. But their season will depend on whether or not Martins can adapt to the MLS and if Johnson can work off of his comeback season last year and finally become the player that American fans have thought he would be for the past five years.

Beer of Choice:

Pike XXXXX Stout, Pike Brewing Company. In order to appreciate a Sounders match properly, you need a beer that has a little bit of Seattle in it and enough kick to survive the frigid temperatures of the Bird’s Nest. Pike Brewing’s Stout is essentially a coffee stout with a hint of chocolate and licorice. With an alcohol by volume percent of 7.0% it gives you the heart and caffeine to sing with the Emerald City’s finest supporters.

Here’s a quicker refresher…

Passing

O = Outstanding

E= Exceeds Expectations

A = Acceptable

Failing

P = Poor

D = Dreadful

T = Troll

Let’s get going!

Luis Suarez: O (Outstanding)

This one is pretty obvious.

Putting aside his extreme case of the munchies against Chelsea, the Uruguayan striker had a phenomenal season practically carrying Liverpool on his back throughout the season. He finished in the top five in terms of league goals and continued to show that he may just be the third best player in the world behind Messi and Ronaldo. He did struggle against better competition, but more than made up for it with his performances against the lower half.

The important people continue to say he’s not going anywhere, but we can’t help but wonder if he isn’t becoming more trouble than he’s worth. This won’t isn’t about to play itself anytime soon.

Daniel Sturridge: E (Exceeds Expectations)

Sturridge was pretty much on his last stop when he came to Anfield from Chelsea in January after washing out with Manchester City. Infamous for a piss poor attitude and a very selfish, “me first” game on the field, Sturridge has turned out to be a wonderful addition. In half a season he managed to score 10 goals and will be expected to fill the void up top whether Suarez returns next season or not.

I’m still not 100% convinced he’s a good fit for what Brendan Rodgers wants to accomplish, but there’s no denying he has revitalized his career at Anfield.

Fabio Borini: A (Acceptable)

Borini missed a decent number of games in his first season at Anfield, but he has shown a bit of a nose for goal and he’s still very young with lots of playing time ahead of him. Rodgers loves former players of his so expect to see the young Italian  a lot more next season, perhaps with an increase in responsibility if Suarez and/or Andy Carroll depart permanently.

Oussama Assaidi: P (Poor)

The Moroccan winger also saw little playing time with the first team in his first season at Anfield. He has shown flashes of the skill needed to play under Brendan Rodgers, but he did not capitalize on his chances to impress nearly as much as Fabio Borini; especially in terms of goal production. We’ll see if he can break out and snatch a more favorable role from his biggest positional competition, Stewart Downing.

Raheem Sterling: A (Acceptable)

He seemed poised for a massive break out in the first half of the season, but his form and playing time tapered off as the season wore on. He still has some growing up to do, but he’s got some time to do so and if he continues to develop properly, he can be a major contributor in a few years.

This will be the first time two German clubs have met in the final of Europe’s most prestigious club competition; format not withstanding. It’s also the first time one venue will have hosted two finals in three years. 2011 saw Barcelona reach the peak of their proverbial power by defeating Manchester United at Wembley by a score of 3-1, but more on that in a moment.

Let’s take a look back at the other finals that have been played at Wembley.

1963-Milan 2-1 Benfica

Goals

18′-Eusebio (Benfica)

58′-Jose Altafini (Milan)

66′-Jose Altafini (Milan)

The European final has been particularly cruel to Benfica and Portuguese legend Eusebio. He scored the opener in the first half, only to be outdone by Milan’s Brazilian forward Jose Altafini. It was the first title for one of Italy’s premier sides, but only 45,700 turned out to see the match that was officiated by English referee Arthur Holland.

1968-Manchester United 4-1 Benfica

Goals

53′-Bobby Charlton (Manchester United)

75′-Graca (Benfica)

93′-George Best (Manchester United)

94′-Brian Kidd (Manchester United)

99′-Charlton

Ten years after the tragic Munich air disaster, Manchester United rose to power thanks to a “golden generation” of British talent. After a lackluster first half, Sir Bobby Charlton opened the scoring only to have the Portuguese side 22 minutes later. From there it was more stalemate action as the Red Devils kept the legendary Eusebio on lock down.

Then extra time came and Benfica (once again) found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreline. This was all prior to the “golden goal” rule so Manchester United would go on to tally three extra time goals courtesy of the great George Best, newly turned 19 Brian Kidd, and a second for good measure from Charlton.

92,225 fans passed through the turnstiles that day.

1971-Ajax 2-0 Panathinaikos

Goals

5′-Dick van Dijk (Ajax)

87′-Arie Haan (Ajax)

Panathinaikos became the first Greek side to reach a European final in club competition and they were quite the plucky underdogs in this match going up against the Johan Cruyff and the birth of “total football”. Unfortunately, there was no fairy-tale ending in this one as Ajax forward Dick van Dijk (no, not THAT Dick van Dyke) scored in the fifth minute and put the Greek side on their heels from the get go. Midfielder Arie Haan, who came on after halftime as a substitute, added a second for good measure just before the final whistle blew.

A solid crowd of 83,179 turned out for this one and there was still an English presence on the field as Jack Taylor oversaw the match as head official.

1978-Liverpool 1-0 Club Brugge

Goals

64′-Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool)

Once again, an English side was at the peak of its power when the final returned to Wembley. This time it was Liverpool representing the host nation and they searching for their second in a row after defeating Germany’s Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 in 1977.

The Belgian side made its first appearance in a final, but it was ultimately Liverpool who won thanks to a Kenny Dalglish strike midway through the first half. The match was hardly entertaining and both sides essentially blamed the other for the lackluster display. Still, 92,500 showed up to see the Reds clinch back-to-back titles.

1992-Barcelona 1-0 Sampdoria

Goals

111′-Ronald Koeman (Barcelona)

After a bit of hiatus, the European final returned to Wembley in 1992, just several months prior to one participant (Barcelona) hosting the summer Olympics. The Spanish side would go on to win in extra time thanks to Dutch defender Ronald Koeman’s free kick effort.

Several future high profile managers could be found on the field in this match including Swansea’s Michael Laudrup, former Barcelona/soon-to-be Bayern Munich manager Josep “Pep” Guardiola, and now former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.

This was Barcelona’s first European conquest and a meager 70,827 would wind up turning out to see. If only they knew what was to come.

2011-Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United

Goals

27′-Pedro (Barcelona)

34′-Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

54′-Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

69′-David Villa (Barcelona)

Sometimes knockout tournaments don’t allow for the two best teams to meet in the final. This was not the case in 2011 as the eventual champions of Spain and England went head to head in front of 87,695 people. Pedro opened the scoring midway through the first half, but Wayne Rooney gave the Red Devils hope when he equalized in the 34th minute.

But this was Barcelona at the peak of their power of Pep Guardiola and second half goals from Lionel Messi and David Villa saw the Catalan side earn their fourth European title. They also defeated United in 2009 in Rome by a score of 2-0.

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Super Frank breaks Bobby Tambling’s Chelsea goal scoring record.  It was the England’s first start in a while and what may prove to be one of his last for the Blues.  The match started out a bit badly for Chelsea who needed the win to secure their bid for UEFA Champions’ League football next season.  Christian Benteke was able to beat Blues’ defender Gary Cahill to a Brad Guzan clearance in the 15^th minute.  He worked a great one-two with Yacouba Sylla, then glided past Cahill again and poked his shot past Petr Cech for the opening goal.  They nearly had a second in the 17^th minute when Fabian Delph was able to get away from Ramires’ challenge, but his shot went just wide of the goal.  During the 19^th minute, when the home fans were doing their usual applause for Stiliyan Petrov who is still battling leukemia, Demba Ba nearly equalized when he got on the end of a Juan Mata chipped ball.  But keeper Guzan made a brilliant save to deny the close range attempt.  Things got worse for the Blue right at half time when Ramires was sent off for receiving his second yellow card after a high footed challenge on Gabriel Agbonlahor.  The second half saw things tilt back in Chelsea’s favor when Benteke was sent off in the 58^th minute for receiving his second yellow card for a high footed challenge on John Terry.  In the 60^th minute Lampard got the goal that leveled the scores and equaled Tambling’s record.  Eden Hazard gave him a great square pass and Lampard hit a great flaring shot that finished in the top left corner of the goal.  Chelsea thought they had gone ahead in the 71^st minute when Cahill’s shot on goal bounced around in the six yard area and Ba got a foot to the loose ball.  Ashley Westwood appeared to have cleared the ball off the line, but replays showed that the ball actually crossed the line.  Chelsea had a bit of bad news in the 77^th minute when Branislav Ivanovic had to substitute for Terry who was stretched off for a serious leg injury.  But just when it looked bad for the Blues, Lampard was on hand as he has always been for the 12 years of his career in Blue.  Ashley Cole made a great move into the Villa half and made a fine pass for Edin Hazard who knocked the ball across the goal for Super Frank poke home for the winning goal.  The result ensures Chelsea have a lock on third place and with it, automatic qualification for Champions’ League next season.  Why don’t they give this man a contract?

Stoke 1 – 2 Tottenham

Emmanuel Adebayor rescues the win for Spurs.  Spurs needed three points from this match to have any hope at all of Champions’ League Football for next season.  The Potters are never easy to beat at the Britannia Stadium and they took the early lead in the third minute when Steven Nzonzi headed home Charlie Adam’s cross.  Gareth Bale, like he has done all season, tried to pick his team up onto his shoulders and nearly did so when his sixth minute shot on goal was saved by Asmir Begovic.  He had another long range effort in the 10^th minute that went just wide of the post.  Clint Dempsey thought he had gotten the equalizer in the 15^th minute but his goal was ruled out for offside.  But the American international did level the scores in the 19^th minute when he took advantage of a defensive mistake by Begovic and lobbed the ball into the empty net.  Things got more contentious as the half wore on as both sides pressed for some sort of advantage.  Adam was booked for a bad challenge on Spurs midfielder Jan Vertonghen in the 42^nd minute.  Adam nearly made up for the booking right at the half time whistle when his shot was blocked by Scott Parker.  But when the second half started, Adam made another bad challenge on Vertonghen and was sent off for a second booking.  But the one thing the Potters have been able to do this season is lock down their defense and boss Tony Pulis pulled Peter Crouch and Matthew Etherington off in favor of Cameron Jerome and Andy Wilkinson.  It was then a matter of bunkering in and not allowing Spurs any looks at goal.  It nearly worked for the Potters until the 82^nd minute.  This time Bale was the provider as he started the move by sending Dempsey through.  The American was able to hit a neat square pass for an on rushing Adebayor who poked home the winner to keep alive Spurs’ chances at Champions’ League football for next season.

Everton 2 – 0 West Ham

David Moyes’ last home game in charge of the Toffees ends in a win.  One of the notable endorsements that the future Manchester United boss got was from club captain Phil Neville, who is also leaving Everton as a player this summer.  He stated that he had never met a harder working man than Moyes.  That sentiment was shared by the rest of the squad as they worked hard to send the boss off with a win.  In the sixth minute, Leighton Baines found Marouane Fellaini who linked up with Steven Pienaar’s fine run to the area and the South African set up Kevin Mirallas to power home from the edge of the penalty area.  In a day that was all about the home side at Goodison Park, Darron Gibson nearly hit a thunderous volley in the seventh minute.  There wasn’t much resistance offered by the visiting team and as the match progressed, the visiting fans resorted to trying to taunt their hosts by chanting “Where’s your Moysey gone?”  The reply back from the Everton supporters of “You’ve got Sam Allardyce, you’ve got Sam Allardyce” was a direct poke at the Hammers’ boss and a signal to the Toffee ownership of the kind of boss they did NOT want to see in charge of their team.  The closest West Ham would come to scoring was in the 30^th minute when Kevin Nolan when he forced a fine save out of keeper Tim Howard.  Everton should have scored their second goal in the 57^th minute when Leon Osman hit a shot through the Hammers’ six yard area that no one could press home.  But they did get goal number two in the 60^th minute when Pienaar found Mirallas’ run through the defense and the Belgian’s shot was deflected into the goal off James Collins.  As the celebrations continued, Leon Osman nearly made it three in the 67^th minute when his shot was blocked by keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.  Hammers’ on-loan striker Andy Carroll had a change to get a goal back in the 89^th minute, but his header went wide of the goal.  So when the final whistle blew and players left the pitch, the Everton squad made a honor guard for Neville and then Moyes.  And so he ended his time at Goodison Park to a standing ovation and warm appreciation from all the Toffee fans.

Fulham 1 – 3 Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge grabs a hat-trick for the Reds.  The Cottagers have looked really bad lately.  Whether it’s due to injuries or just bad luck is anyone’s guess.  They have been bitten by the injury bug this season and they lost Kieran Richardson in the 14^th minute to an injury.  Martin Jol had to shuffle his line up a bit as replaced Richardson with Urby Emanuelson.  The home side seemed to have gotten their focus back on the match and went into the lead in the 32^nd minute through Dimitar Berbatov’s fine finish of Sascha Riether’s cross.  But the one thing that has killed Fulham all season has been inconsistency in defense.  In the 35^th minute they were made to pay for their defensive complacency when Andre Wisdom found Daniel Sturridge’s run and the striker was able to finish into the top right corner of the goal.  It looks like Sturridge will have to fill the large boots of Luis Suarez as the Uruguayan serves his ten match ban.  The England striker might just do that as long as he has the likes of Phillippe Coutinho to play with.  The Brazilian winger has been a great asset for the Reds and he was the architect for Sturridge’s second goal in the 61^st minute when he supplied a wonderful pass that Sturridge poked home with ease.  Coutinho has again involved in the 84^th minute when he wreaked a bit of havoc in the midfield.  Sturridge latched onto the loose ball and was able to make fine lob into the top right corner of the goal to secure his hat-trick.  So as the summer off-season looks to prove to be a chaotic mess of coaching changes, player changes and other fun, Liverpool fans can feel better about their side seems to be coming together.

Norwich 4 – 0 West Bromwich Albion

The Canaries win big in their effort to avoid relegation trouble.  The result of this match was a gift that boss Chris Hughton is more than happy to receive.  They were clearly the better side on the day and nearly got the early goal from a three minute corner kick that Shane Long did well to clear off the line.  But the Canaries kept pressing the Baggies and that pressure finally paid off in the 24^th minute Wes Hoolahan set up Robert Snodgrass to score the first goal from inside the Baggies’ area.  Hoolahan nearly got the second a short time later when his shot was saved by keeper Ben Foster.  Grant Holt got the second goal in the 61^st minute when Foster had a huge brain cramp as he came out to clear Hoolahan’s shot and totally missed the ball.  Holt took to offering and waltzed toward the goal and rolled the ball into the net.  Things went from bad to worse for WBA in the 64^th minute when defender Gareth McAuley headed Robert Snodgrass’ cross into his own goal to make the score 3-0 to the Canaries.  The final face-punch for the Baggies happened in right at the end when Jonathan Howson scored the fourth goal from a Luciano Becchio pass.  Lucky thing for WBA that all the relegation places have already been filled.

Queens Park Rangers 1 – 2 Newcastle

The Magpies get a crucial win.  Boss Alan Pardew must be relieved now that his boys have breached that magic 40 point barrier.  The match did not start well for the visitors who went behind in the 10^th minute.  QPR were awarded a penalty after Mathieu Debuchy fouled David Hoilett in the area.  Loic Remy scored the spot kick and it looked like QPR might have a chance to steal a win before they went down to the Championship Division.  But in the 17^th minute Jose Bosingwa fouled Hatem Ben Arfa in the QPR area and Newcastle were awarded a penalty kick for themselves.  Ben Arfa scored the spot kick to level the score and the home fans vented their frustration on the players.  Newcastle thought they had the lead a short time later when Papiss Cisse headed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.  They did get the lead in the 35^th minute thanks to another defensive brain cramp from Bosingwa.  Keeper Rob Green rolled the ball to Bosingwa and the Portuguese defender couldn’t decide what he wanted to do with it.  He rolled a very weak pass back to Green whose kick was knocked down by Jonas Gutierrez and rolled over to Yoan Gouffran who hit it into the bottom right corner of the goal.  The home side was booed off at the half time interval.  Boss Harry Redknapp tried to change the mood a bit by taking off Bosingwa and Shaun Derry and replacing them with Fabio Da Silva and Stephane Mbia.  There really wasn’t more to this match except in the 80^th minute when Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot, already on a yellow card, received his second booking for a handball outside of his area.  Pardew had to take off Ben Arfa in favor of keeper Steve Harper, but his boys were able hang on for a crucial victory.

Sunderland 1 – 1 Southampton

Job done for Paolo DiCanio.  This match was a bit nervy for both sides.  At kick-off time, neither side was assured of a place in the BPL next season.   Both sides knew that the best way forward was to win.  The visitors had the better of the first half, but neither side could create a real goal scoring chance at the start.  Simon Mignolet was the first of the keepers to be called into action in the 30^th minute when he had to save from Jay Rodriquez.  Rickie Lambert had a chance in the 36^th minute, but his shot went wide of the goal.  At the other end, Saints’ keeper Artur Boruc had to save from Adam Johnson’s shot as halftime approached.  When the second half started, Danny Graham should have put Sunderland into the lead from Danny Rose’s pass across the face of goal.  But Graham completely whiffed his kick.  Sunderland did finally score the first goal in the 68^th minute Phil Bardsley’s shot deflected in off defender Jos Hooiveld.  But DiCanio’s celebrations were cut short in the 75^th minute when Jason Puncheon headed home substitute James Ward-Prowse’s cross to level the score.  Lambert nearly won the match for the Saints in the 87^th minute when Mignolet pulled off an amazing save to keep ensure the draw.  With this result and a bit of help, it looks like DiCanio has done enough for the Blackcats for this season.

Arsenal 4 – 1 Wigan

Bye-bye Wigan.  A bit of history was written on Tuesday as Wigan became the only side to win the FA-Cup and get relegated in the same season.  It was always going to be a difficult task for the Latics to win 72 hours after lifting the trophy.  The task got harder in the 11^th minute when Lukas Podolski headed home Santi Cazorla’s corner kick.  But the one thing the Latics have had this season, as in past late season fight-backs, is the ability to get goals when they’re needed.  And they got a chance right at half time when Shaun Maloney earned a free kick in a dangerous area after being fouled by Mikel Arteta.  Maloney took the free-kick and hammered home a great shot into the bottom right corner of the net.  But in the second half, the Latics lost Callum McManaman to injury and had to replace him with Franco Di Santo.  The Gunners, who knew that a win would all but secure fourth place and Champions’ League for them, began to take the impetus and in the 62^nd minute Santi Cazorla set loose Theo Walcott and the England striker scored the go-ahead goal.  That was pretty much it for the Latics at that point.  Cazorla set up Podolski to score his second and Arsenal’s third in the 67^th minute.  Cazorla was also the architect for Aaron Ramsey’s goal in the 70^th minute.  So the win was good news for Sunderland and Newcastle and the speculation has begun about Latics boss Roberto Martinez’s future.

Reading 0 – 2 Manchester City

While the story day was the off the pitch action happening to Citeh, there was a match played on Tuesday.  Kune Aguero scored in the 40^th minute and Edin Dzeko scored in the 88^th minute.  Brian Kidd was in charge of the side on Tuesday and it looks like there will be chaotic days ahead for the Etihad.   Who will replace Roberto Mancini, who was fired after his side lost the FA-Cup to relegated Wigan?  Another question that is begged is will Mancini ever work again?  After all his side were the BPL champions and they are the best side on paper in the BPL.  But alas, they finished the season with no trophies and a public civil war in the locker room.  What will become of the “noisy neighbors”?

Major League Soccer’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2012, Jimmy Nielsen has established himself as one of the best players in the League and a fan favorite in Kansas City. Yet while supporters are familiar with his achievements on the field and larger-than-life personality off it, few are aware of the remarkable story that led him to the Midwest. That story is now told in Nielsen’s new book, Welcome to the Blue Heaven, Don’t Bet Against the Goalkeeper from Ascend Books.

Compared from a young age to Denmark’s greatest ever goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel – Nielsen was scouted by Manchester United and a host of other leading European clubs, but at the point when he should have been building a great career he was instead developing a ferocious gambling habit. In 1999 he was dropped from Denmark’s Under-21 team after missing curfew due to a lost night at the roulette table.

Nicknamed ‘Casino Jimmy’ by rival supporters, Nielsen continued to gamble – the stakes getting so high that he was able to win $500,000 on a single night at one casino, then throw more than half of that away at the same venue a day later. His losses finally caught up to him in 2004, when his inability to pay off a gambling debt helped put a major bookie out of business in his hometown.

Avoiding bankruptcy only with financial assistance from his soccer club and with the support of a family he feared would desert him, Nielsen gradually pieced his life back together. But in his playing career he remained unfulfilled. He had spent almost his entire career with Aalborg, the team he supported as a boy, starting a record 398 games and winning the Danish championship in 1999, but he dreamed of a fresh challenge.

That seemed at last to have arrived in 2007 when he was signed by the English club Leicester City. Instead he left after just six months and without playing a single game – frozen out by a coach who had never wanted to sign him in the first place. He returned to Denmark with a new team, Vejle, but never settled.

Were it not for a phone call from Kansas City in January 2010, that might have been the end of the story. Despite still performing to a high level, Nielsen was contemplating retirement when he was offered a contract by an American club that he didn’t even know existed. He said yes.

Nielsen could not even have pointed out Kansas City on a map at that stage but three years on he is the happiest he has ever been. Moving to America has not been without its challenges – from his daughter’s demand that their pet gerbil come with them, to having his face cut open by a bobblehead doll that was thrown at him by a fan during a game.

But the warmth of the Midwest, the unique passion of Sporting Kansas City’s fans and the standard of Major League Soccer – easily as high, in Nielsen’s opinion, as that in Denmark – have given him a new lease on life. Now Nielsen wants to share his story with the fans who have taken him to their hearts, and who have made him feel that he is, at last, at home in blue.

Nielsen’s story comes to life in his new book, “Welcome to the Blue Heaven, Don’t Bet Against the Goalkeeper,” by Jimmy Nielsen with Paolo Bandini from Ascend Books. Available now at retailers such as Rally House, Kansas Sampler, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million (suggested retail $24.95); online at amazon.com and as an ebook on Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad and other popular platforms.

Excerpts from Welcome to the Blue Heaven, Don’t Bet Against the Goalkeeper

From Chapter 1: The World’s Most Expensive Gerbil

“This was no ordinary pet. Otto was, without a doubt, the most expensive gerbil ever to have lived. We didn’t know it when we bought him. Back then, Otto cost the same as any other gerbil, about $50 when you include the cage, the water bottle and other basic supplies. But getting him to America? That took thousands of dollars.”

From Chapter 13: Gambling Gets Serious

“I was only there for an hour and I lost $350,000, more than half of what I had won the night before… I was very good at hiding how much I had won or lost, to the point that not even my closest gambling buddies knew the extent of my betting… I risked too much, took my loved ones for granted and made too many bad decisions to ever recount.”

From Chapter 18: A Phone Call From Out of the Blue

“The message said it was from an agent I’d never heard of, asking whether I might be interested in playing for Kansas City. I texted him back saying yes, and asking when I might hear more… My phone rang two minutes later. Over the next hour (Peter Vermes and I) shared one of the most exciting and motivational conversations of my entire life.  He told me about the team, his vision for how it could get bigger, and how soccer was growing in America. He told me about Kansas City itself and what a great place it was to live…All I could think was…I want to play for this guy!”

SPECIAL BOOK DEBUT EVENTS:

Jimmy Nielsen will speak and sign books following the Sporting Kansas City versus Houston Dynamo game at 2:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, May 26 in the Shield Club at Sporting Park.

He will also be appearing at Rally House in North Kansas City on June 8th (Noon-1:30 p.m. CT), Naomi’s Hallmark in Overland Park on June 8th (4-5:30 p.m. CT), Nebraska Furniture Mart on Saturday, June 15 (12:30-2 p.m. CT) and Kansas Sampler in Overland Park on June 27th (6-7:30 p.m. CT).

Jimmy will discuss his life and career as chronicled in his new book in a public conversation with Paolo Bandini, sportswriter and co-author of the book, on Thursday, June 20 at the Plaza Branch of The Kansas City Public Library (4801 Main St., Kansas City, MO). This event and reception are free to the public, with the reception starting at 6 p.m. CT and the program at 6:30 p.m. CT. Seating is limited and RSVPs are encouraged by calling (816) 701-3407.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Jimmy Nielsen is the captain of Sporting Kansas City and the 2012 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. He grew up in Denmark and spent 13 years playing for his hometown team, Aalborg BK – starting a club record 398 consecutive games and helping the club to win its second-ever national championship. During that time he was twice named as Danish Goalkeeper of the Year. After that he had brief spells with Leicester City in England and Vejle in Denmark before joining the Kansas City Wizards – as the team was then known – in 2010. He lives in Kansas City together with his wife and two daughters.

Paolo Bandini is a freelance sports writer and broadcaster, specializing in soccer and football. He spent six years on the full-time staff at the Guardian – one of Britain’s leading national newspapers – before deciding to branch out on his own, and has since worked for a variety of employers including ESPN, The Score, BBC radio and Talksport – as well as continuing to write for the Guardian. Paolo spent the 2012 NFL season covering the St Louis Rams for nfluk.com and has since relocated full-time to Missouri, where his wife is studying for her PhD.