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The Columbus Crew have not had a good week. First they lose in the final of the US Open Cup, then the LA Galaxy victory against the Philadelphia Union eliminated them from winning the Supporters Shield. The Friday night game at Toyota Park against the Fire was a chance to right the boat and crash the the 13th anniversary party of the Fire. Let’s just say that the Crew aren’t playing their best football heading into the playoffs.

I also thought I would bring you a collection of Freddie Ljungberg pictures depicting his time in MLS.

Via TheCrew.com:

The Chicago Fire celebrated their 13th birthday in style Friday night, getting goals from Peter Lowry and Brian McBride to defeat a listless Columbus Crew side 2-0 in front of 15,124 hopeful fans on an unseasonably warm night at Toyota Park.

The win keeps Chicago’s slim playoff hopes alive – at least for another day. The 10th place Fire are now eight points behind San Jose for the eighth and final playoff spot with three games to go. Chicago will be eliminated from postseason contention if the Earthquakes win and Colorado tie or win on Saturday.

The loss keeps the Crew in second place in the East, one point behind the New York Red Bulls with just two games to go.

Lowry put the Fire ahead in the 30th minute. Right back Steven Kinney played a ball to a checking Patrick Nyarko on the right side. Nyarko flicked the ball towards the middle, finding Lowry in stride just outside the box. The third-year midfielder did the rest, taking a touch inside to leave Columbus defender Chad Marshall in the dust before curling a 14-yard shot inside the far post with the outside of his right foot to mark the 600th goal in club history.

Marco Pappa nearly doubled the Fire’s advantage in
the 41st minute. The Guatemalan winger intercepted Crew center back Eric Brunner’s lazy pass on the left wing and took off, dribbling into the middle and eventually rolling a 15-yard shot off the far post from just left of center.

McBride doubled the advantage with a well worked goal in the 53rd. Nyarko assisted again, picking up Freddie Ljungberg’s ball just outside the right edge of the box before slamming a low cross to McBride at the near post. The three-time World Cup vet – who has just three regular season games left in his career – finished beautifully, opening his hips before hitting a left-footed shot into the top left corner with his first touch.

Columbus, unwilling to return home scoreless, stepped on the gas after McBride’s tally. The Crew registered numerous chances in the game’s final 35 minutes, but couldn’t quite finish.

Fire keeper Andrew Dykstra, filling in for injured starter Sean Johnson, came up with several big saves, denying hard shots from Frankie Hejduk and Brian Carroll in the 66th and 72nd minutes, respectively.

But the Crew’s best chance to pull one back came in the 90th. Second half substitute Kevin Burns broke free in the left side of the box and shot around a drawn-out Dykstra only to have his rolling left-footer cleared off the line by Chicago left back Bratislav Ristic.

Chicago will play Kansas City in their next match, hosting the Wizards on Tuesday night. Columbus has a longer layoff; they’ll take on Toronto FC at BMO Field next Saturday.

Scoring Summary:

CHI — Peter Lowry 2 (Patrick Nyarko 9, Steven Kinney 1) 30

CHI — Brian McBride 5 (Patrick Nyarko 10, Freddie Ljungberg 5) 53

Misconduct Summary:

CLB — Adam Moffat (caution; Tactical Foul) 25

CLB — Eric Brunner (caution; Tactical Foul) 37

CHI — Steven Kinney (caution; Reckless Foul) 41

CHI — C.J. Brown (caution; Reckless Tackle) 58

CHI — Peter Lowry (caution; Reckless Tackle) 88

Lineups:

Columbus Crew – William Hesmer, Frankie Hejduk, Chad Marshall, Eric Brunner, Gino Padula, Adam Moffat (Kevin Burns 46), Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven (Emmanuel Ekpo 62), Andres Mendoza (Steven Lenhart 80), Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Robbie Rogers.

Chicago Fire — Andrew Dykstra, Bratislav Ristic, C.J. Brown, Dasan Robinson (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 15), Steven Kinney, Patrick Nyarko (Calen Carr 77), Logan Pause, Peter Lowry, Marco Pappa (Baggio Husidic 83), Freddie Ljungberg, Brian McBride.

Referee: Edvin Jurisevic
Referee’s Assistants: Craig Lowry; C.J. Morgante
4th Official: Michael Kennedy
Attendance: 15,124
Weather: Clear and 70 degrees

After drawing against league leaders Chelsea last Tuesday, it only seemed natural to build on it with a win vs City. From the start of the game Jozy looked aggressive, dangerous and bound to score. Jozy got his first goal in league play in the 31st minute and George Boateng also added his first for Hull in the 54th. City got a goal back from Adebayor, but Hull displayed enough grit to get the job done.

United just completely out class Pompey. Rooney continues his torrid form, Nani still proving his critics wrong and Berba King is starting to contribute. Things are looking really good for Fergie’s boys.

We knew this was coming but now it’s official. John Terry has been stripped of his England National team captaincy and it has been given to Rio Ferdinand.  Here is the full story from BBC: Read the rest of this entry »

It seems that recently the only news that’s been associated to the soccer/football world has been negative. From extra-marital affairs, to players being shot and player’s cars being vandalised, I’m feeling like there has to be some good to report on the beautiful game. Well, a post I spotted over at The  Offside Rules got me thinking and wondering, “what good is coming out of the game that we love?” In addition to the relief boxes that can be turned into soccer balls, I ran across an energy producing soccer ball. That’s right, you read that correctly, a soccer ball that can be used to provide clean energy to remote villages. If you want more information you can find it here. I’m just impressed that someone is giving soccer a practical application… that they say can save lives through clean energy. I had no idea that kerosene exhaust from the lamps that they use for light is a killer in developing nations. I also never thought about the effect that it has on the environment. So if you want to bring some joy right now to some children’s lives, you don’t have to wait until the SOccket is ready  for purchase. Through World Vision your tax deductible gift can be used to purchase a soccer ball that Baden™ will match and donate along with you. For just $16 you can send two brand new soccer balls to children who truly appreciate the gift. Believe me, the only smile I’ve seen on the pictures that I receive of the child that I sponsor was when he was given a soccer ball.

Alright! So we have got a number of doozies this weekend for everyone.  On tap are 4 games in which I am looking forward to. The Liverpool vs Everton derby no doubt is going to be a good one, but this game will be a little different for me as I am looking to see how Landon Donovan performs.  These games are always scrappy and emotional and I’m hoping Landon can up his game and not get rattled with the derby.   I know he’s used to America’s version of the ”Super Classico,” but this will be an entirely different experience.  The next game will feature  Tottenham vs Aston Villa, these two teams will be battling it out for a 4th place spot. Not a whole lot to comment on this match, I know both will come out pushing  for that Champions League position, so I’m expecting a nice game here.   The high profile match of the week will be Chelsea/Arsenal. This could be a make or break game for both teams as  United are noticeably picking up steam, and once they get going it’s always tough chasing them.  Arsenal will need to find it’s form if it’s going to challenge for the title, a repeat of the United debacle needs to be the furthest thing from their minds.  This may be asking a bit much from the young gunners as they do play away at Stamford Bridge.   Chelsea needs a win to keep themselves distanced from United as the Red Devils are only 3 points away  from claiming first.   With the pressure Man U is applying Chelsea, mix that with the John Terry issues, this could be the sort of distraction Arsenal needs to get back on track… but, I really don’t see that happening.  I feel Chelsea are to good at home, and they know what’s at stake on Sunday.     The last highlighted game I am really excited for is the Sao Paulo vs Santos FC fixture.   Robinho is back with the club that started it all for him and this should be his debut game, add that with playing in the ”Classico,”  this has all the makings of an exciting match.  Plus, Pele practically carried him in front of the public at his unveiling, so you know he’ll want to impress.   So there you have it, my choices for must see tv this weekend.  Not to mention there is a certain Super Bowl game Sunday evening, so lots to choose from. 

*All times are Eastern unless noted

Check ESPN360.com for more footy matches online.

SATURDAY, Feb. 6

ESPN2
England LIVERPOOL-EVERTON (live) 7:30 am.

ESPN DEPORTES
Germany WOLFSBURG-BAYERN MUNICH (live) 9:25 am.
Spain VALLADOLID-VALENCIA (live) noon.
Spain GETAFE-BARCELONA (live) 2 pm.
Mexico CRUZ AZUL-SANTOS (live) 6 pm.

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
England MANCHESTER CITY-HULL CITY (live) 10 am.
England TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS-ASTON VILLA (live) 12:30 pm.
Italy LIVORNO-JUVENTUS (live) 2:30 pm.
Italy PALERMO-PARMA (delay) 5 pm.
England SUNDERLAND-WIGAN (delay) 7 pm.
Australia SYDNEY FC-PERTH GLORY FC (live) 10 pm PT.

FOX SPORTS ESPANOL
England MANCHESTER CITY-HULL CITY (live) 10 am.
England TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS-ASTON VILLA (live) 12:30 pm.
Italy LIVORNO-JUVENTUS (live) 2:30 pm.
Italy PALERMO-PARMA (delay) 5 pm.

GOL TV
Germany NUREMBERG-STUTTGART (live) 12:30 pm.
Spain REAL MADRID-ESPANYOL (live) 4 pm.
Colombia CALI-MILLONARIOS (live) 6 pm.

TELEMUNDO
Mexico TIGRES-PUMAS (live) 8 pm.
Mexico ATLAS-CLUB AMERICA MEXICO (live) 9:45 pm.

TELEFUTURA
Mexico PACHUCA-SAN LUIS (live) 8 pm.

SETANTA SPORTS
England MANCHESTER UNITED-PORTSMOUTH (live) 9:30 am.
England DONCASTER ROVERS-READING (live) 12:15 pm.
France RENNES-BORDEAUX (live) 3 pm.

SUNDAY, Feb. 7

FOX SOCCER CHANNEL
Australia SYDNEY FC-PERTH GLORY FC (live) 1 am.
Argentina ESTUDIANTES-SAN LORENZO (delay) 5 pm.
Italy AC MILAN-BOLOGNA (live) 9 am.
England CHELSEA-ARSENAL (live) 11 am.
Italy FIORENTINA-ROMA (live) 2:30 pm.

FOX SPORTS ESPANOL
Italy AC MILAN-BOLOGNA (live) 9 am.
England CHELSEA-ARSENAL (live) 11 am.
Mexico INDIOS-MONTERREY (live) 2:30 pm.

GOL TV
Spain ZARAGOZA-SEVILLA (live) 1 pm.
Spain RACING-ATL. MADRID (live) 3 pm.
Brazil SAO PAULO-SANTOS (delay) 5 pm.

TELEMUNDO
Mexico TOLUCA-MONTERREY (live) 12:55 pm.

UNIVISION
Mexico ESTUIDIANTES TECOS-JAGUARES (live) 5 pm.

ESPN DEPORTES
Spain DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA-MALAGA (live) 11 am.

SETANTA SPORTS
England BIRMINGHAM CITY-WOLVES (live) 8:25 am.
France LYON-TOULOUSE (live) 10:55 am.
France MARSEILLE-VALENCIENNES (live) 2:55 pm.

Leeds put up a great fight, but in the end Jermaine Defoe was too much.

Luis fabiano goal and an own goal by Mario, puts Getafe’s backs against the wall for the 2nd leg.