Soccer TV Schedule for the week of 3/13

Just how the week is suppose to be, full of soccer action. A full weekend of English, Italian and Spanish match-ups, including what could be Landon Donovan's last game for Everton. Monday afternoon Liverpool take on Portsmouth a try to rebound from their disappointing Europa League match. Then Tuesday/Wednesday bring Champions League football headlined by Chelsea vs. Inter. Finally, catch Fox Soccer Channel's MLS Season Preview show Friday night, as that may be your only MLS content for a while if the players end up striking.

Note: All games are in eastern standard time (ET).

Saturday (13th):
 - EPL: Tottenham vs. Blackburn - 7:30am - ESPN2HD
 - EPL: Everton vs. Birmingham City - 10am - FSC
 - EPL: Arsenal vs. Hull City - 12:30pm - FSC
 - Serie A: Napoli vs. Fiorentina - 2:30pm - FSC
 - EPL: Bolton vs. Wigan - 5pm - FS

Sunday (14th):
 - Serie A: Livorno vs. Roma - 10am - FSC
 - EPL: Manchester City vs. Sunderland - 12pm - FSC
 - LA Liga: Barcelona vs. Valencia - 1:55pm - ESPN2HD
 - Serie A: AC Milan vs. Chievo - 3:30pm - FSC

Monday (15th):
 - EPL: Liverpool vs. Portsmouth - 3:55pm - ESPN2HD

Tuesday (16th):
 - UEFA CL: Sevilla (SPA) vs. CSKA Moscow (RUS) - 3:30pm - FSC
 - UEFA CL: Chelsea (ENG) vs. Inter Milan (ITA) - 6pm - FSC

Wednesday (17th):
 - UEFA CL: Barcelona (SPA) vs. Stuttgart (GER) - 3:30pm - FSC

 - UEFA CL: Bordeaux (FRA) vs. Olympiacos (GRE) - 6pm - FSC

 - CONCACAF CL: Columbus Crew (USA) vs. Toluca (MEX) - 8pm - FSC

Friday (19th): 

 - MLS Season Preview Show - 8pm - FSC

UEFA Champions League Update - 3/10

Here is a look at the second leg of the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League, including the teams advancing to the final eight.

AC Milan (ITA) vs. Manchester United (ENG)
 - Result: 4-0 (ManU) - 7-2 Aggregate (ManU)
 - Thoughts: Wayne Rooney stole the show again as led the red devils into the final eight. David Beckham's return to Old Trafford was highly covered and he played well, but in the end AC Milan could not match the talent level of ManU. Not having Pato hurt AC Milan, but with the vast amount of injuries ManU has gone through this year there can be no complaints. Manchester just went out and proved why they have been on top for the past few years.

Lyon (FRA) vs. Real Madrid (SPA)

 - Result: 1-1 (Draw) - 2-1 Aggregate (Lyon)

 - Thoughts: Back at home and in the stadium which will host the final, Real got off to a great start behind a Ronaldo goal. However, Lyon got a second half strike to push them through in this week's biggest upset. Madrid have to be tremendously disappointed to miss out on the European Final in their home town. 

Porto (POR) vs. Arsenal (ENG)

 - Result: 5-0 (Arsenal) - 6-2 Aggregate (Arsenal)

 - Thoughts: Down 2-1, missing Van Persie and Fabregas, no problem for the Gunners. Wenger led Arsenal to a tremendous performance at home. Between the current hot streak in the EPL and now advancing the final eight, Arsenal will be definitely be a favorite to win the trophy.

Bayern Munich (GER) vs. Fiorentina (ITA)

 - Result: 3-2 (Fiorentina) - 4-4 Aggregate (Bayern Munich on away goals)

 - Thoughts: Fiorentina took the aggregate lead twice at home, only to see two second half goals by Bayern Munich tie the draw up. Bayern advanced on away goals and look very suspect against the powerful offenses remaining - Arsenal, Barca, ManU, Chelsea. 

Thoughts on this weeks match-ups?

2010 FIFA World Cup video game update

The World Cup is still over 90 days away, but you are only about 60 days away from leading your country to a World Cup victory. EA Sports 2010 edition of the FIFA World Cup video game is set to be released on April 27th. Here is a look at the third preview trailer - the sizzle video.

IGN recently sat down with the producer of the upcoming video game, Simon Humber, and discussed some of the new features. Here are a few highlights from that interview:

• Improved on the penalty taking and saving systems to factor in the nerves of the kick at that moment in the match.
• Players can slip or miss the ball completely if you get the penalty strike incorrect.
• A new Captain Your Country mode will be added similar to the Be A Pro mode in FIFA 2010.
• 199 countries will be features in the game, not just the teams qualified for the 2010 World Cup.
• In the Captain Your Country mode you will have to earn your way onto the team, into the starting line-up and the captain's armband through the qualifiers. 

You can read the full report here at IGN's interview.

Soccer Table Update as of 3/8

(Note: The EPL results and table standings are through Monday's game between Liverpool and Wigan)

EPL:
 - Past week's results - A light schedule this week with FA Cup & UEFA Champions League action going on. Arsenal continued to press the leaders with a 3-1 result against Burnley. However, the result was yet again pushed to the background by an injury to Fabregas. Likewise, Manchester United earned the expected three points with a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton. Sunday saw red-hot Everton continue their second half push with a dominating 5-1 performance against Hull City. Landon Donovan's EPL loan might have ended Sunday as the striker is scheduled to return to LA, but if it is the end he went out with style - 1 goal, 1 assist, and the fans chanting "USA". Monday afternoon Liverpool was shocked by Wigan and a 1-0 defeat.
 - Current EPL Table - Chelsea sat idle in domestic action, while ManU's victory pushed them to the top of the table (63). Arsenal's victory moved them into a second place tie with Chelsea at 61 points. Liverpool's loss has them in 6th place outside of European competition and having already played two more matches than 5th place ManCity. Wins by Wigan and Bolton this weekend moved both clubs at least four points clear of the relegation zone.

Serie A:
 - Past week's results - On two games on Saturday, but the big names were out at title chasers AC Milan and Roma met. Roma had an incredible run through the middle of the season, but as recently cooled off. Both clubs wanted to close the gap on title leaders Inter, but could only manage a 0-0 draw. Juventus rebounded from last week's loss with a 2-1 v ictory over Fiorentina. On Sunday, Inter Milan failed to pull away in the Serie A title race after they drew 0-0 with Genoa. Sampdoria and Bologna earned 2-1 victories over Lazio and Napoli, respectively.
 - Current Serie A Table - The top three sides all failed to make a key late season move as each team ended in a draw, Inter (59), AC Milan (55) and Roma (52). Sampdoria and Juventus' wins moved them into 5th and 6th places and a Europa Cup position. Towards the back half of the table Bologna's win puts them 11 points above the relegation zone and most likely safe for the season. The relegation zone tightened with Atalanta (22) and Siena (21) both earned a point and Lazio (26) and Livorno (23) lost.

FA Cup:
 - The FA Cup Sixth Round took place with weekend, headlined by a 2-0 victory by Chelsea over Stoke City. The most entertaining match of the round was Aston Villa's 4-2 result against Reading. Aston Villa win down 2-0 at half time, but responded with three goals in the first 12 minutes of the second half. Portsmouth's roller coaster season continued at the club now in administration pulled out a 2-0 win over Birmingham City. The final match-up was a 0-0 draw between Fulham and Tottenham. The top sides will replay at Tottenham on March 24th. Take a look at the full 2009-2010 FA Cup Recap.

World Cup & MLS news update

Here's a quick look at some news, rumors and features across the web this weekend, encase you've been busy watching the games.

As I reported this past week ESPN has started 101 days of World Cup features leading up to the kick-off on June 11th. Here is a summary of the past five days features:
 - March 3rd - How predictive are qualifying results? - A look at past World Cup qualifying runs and how those teams faired in the finals to see if any predictions can be made about the 2010 edition.
 - March 4th - Five U.S. storylines to watch - Roster spots still up for contention, US injuries - including Charlie Davies' status, and uncertain positions on the starting squad.
 - March 5th - Five surprising World Cup runs - Five of the best underdog runs from World Cup history, including the US 2002 team.
 - March 6th - The most exciting player in the world - Four ESPN contributors discuss their picks for the most entertaining player to watch and how they might fare in the World Cup.

Also, for the MLS fans out there waiting for the season to kick-off later this month MLSnet.com has posted their latest five-a-side segment discussing Kasey Keller's contract, US players at the international level, and a look at this season's rookies.

Soccer TV Schedule for the week of 3/6

Great week of soccer action ahead, with six out of the next seven days featuring televised soccer. This weekend features Serie A's battle for second place between AC Milan and Roma, then the 6th round of the FA Cup. Tuesday and Wednesday feature the second leg in the 1st knockout round of the UEFA Champions League, including David Beckham's return to Old Trafford. Also Tuesday night the quarterfinals get started as the MLS' Columbus Crew host Mexico's Toluca.

Saturday (6th):
 - EPL: West Ham vs. Bolton - 10am - FSC
 - EPL: Wolverhampton vs. Manchester United - 12:30pm - FSC
 - Serie A: AC Milan vs. Roma - 2:30pm - FSC
 - FA Cup: 6th Round - Fulham vs. Tottenham - 5pm - FSC

Sunday (7th):
 - Serie A: Bologna vs. Napoli - 9am - FSC
 - EPL: Everton vs. Hull City - 11am - FSC
 - Serie A: Inter Milan vs. Genoa - 2:30pm - FSC
 - FA Cup: 6th Round - Reading vs. Aston Villa - 5pm - FSC

Monday (8th):
 - EPL: Liverpool vs. Wigan - 2:55pm - ESPN2HD

Tuesday (9th):
 - UEFA CL: Fiorentina (ITA) vs. Bayern Munich (GER) - 2:30pm - FSC
 - UEFA CL: Arsenal (ENG) vs. Porto (POR) - 5pm - FSC
 - CONCACAF CL: Columbus Crew (USA) vs. Toluca (MEX) - 8pm - FSC

Wednesday (10th):
 - UEFA CL: AC Milan (ITA) vs. Manchester United (ENG) - 2:30pm - FSC
 - UEFA CL: Real Madrid (SPA) vs. Lyon (FRA) - 5pm - FSC

Friday (12th):
 - Serie A: Catania vs. Inter Milan - 2:30pm - FSC
 - CONCACAF Women's U-17: USA vs. Cayman Islands - 8pm - FSC

USSF 2nd Division Update

Hey guys, two quick notes about the new USSF 2nd Division Soccer League (aka NASL vs. USL).

 - First, the USL announced that they will be added an additional team to their league next season as they fight to become the sole Division 2 league in America. The Orlando Titans will join the USL in 2011 and replace the Portland Timbers who will move to the MLS. The IndyWeekBlogs has a good report on the situation and the official press release announcing the arrival of Orlando.

 - The folks over at NASL News posted a great editorial in response to the USL announcing Orlando's addition. The post discussing how this is ultimately a bad move for the USL in relation to the future decision of which organization gets control over D2 soccer in America next year.

Check back later today for the usual Soccer TV Schedule Post.

International Friendly Recap

Today was a massive World Cup preparation day for players making a case for the final squad and coaches deciding on roster spots as over 40 international matches took place across the globe. Here is a look at some of the key World Cup qualifier's match-ups by region:

Note - Most of the Asian teams were playing Asian Cup qualifiers today.

AFC (Asia) - All three playing countries won their respective games. Australia and Japan won Asian Cup qualifiers against weaker opponents. But the headliner grabber today was South Korea's 2-0 win against Ivory Coast, who has been a dark horse for the upcoming World Cup.

CAF (Africa) - All six African teams were in action, but only Nigeria could produce a victory albeit against another non-qualifying African team (5-2 over Congo). Cameroon managed a 0-0 draw against Italy, while Algeria lost 3-0 to Serbia.

CONCACAF (North America) - The score line looked close, but USA's 2-1 loss to Holland was completely one-sided. Mexico is also scheduled to play New Zealand (OFC's only qualified team) later tonight at the Rose Bowl in CA.

CONMEBOL (South America) - Argentina pulled in one of the most impressive wins today, 1-0 over Germany. Uruguay who was the last team to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, took a big step in improving their confidence with a 3-1 victory against Switzerland.

UEFA (Europe) - England came from behind to win 3-1 over Egypt. France lost to Spain 2-0 for the ninth straight time. Greece posted a surprising lost to Senegal, 2-0. Portugal had a 2-0 win over China

You can get all of the international scores and full match reports at ESPN soccernet.

ESPN's World Cup Coverage

ESPN knows that everyone is counting down the days until the opening kick-off of the 2010 World Cup in June. Luckily, they've started their World Cup coverage early with 101 days of soccer features. Here is a look at their first two offerings:

 - March 1st: The top 50 players in the world - As expected. Messi tops the chart Ronaldo, Rooney, Kaka and Xavi round out the top five. Spain takes six of the first 16 spot, while USA is only listed once (50th place - Landon Donovan).

 - March 2nd: ESPN ranks the 10 must see games of the group stage, including South Africa vs. Mexico (opening match June 11th), England vs. USA (June 12th), Brazil vs. Ivory Coast (June 20th), and Ghana vs. Germany (June 23rd - key Group D match-up).

Soccer Table Update as of 3/1

EPL:
 - Past week's results - The weekend started with a major clash between Chelsea and Manchester City, in which all the headlines revolved around the Terry/Bridge scandal. Chelsea took the early lead, but ManCity responded with four straight goals, and saw Chelsea have two players sent off. The final score was 4-2, which setup an interesting weekend ahead for both the top of the able and the EPL 4th spot. Portsmouth pulled off a shock 2-1 win over Burnley after going into administration this past week. Arsenal took advantage of the Blue's loss to pull three points closer after a 3-1win over Stoke City. However, the mood was not high for the Gunners after they lost midfielder Ramsey to a broken leg. On Sunday, Liverpool and Tottenham kept the race for 4th place tight with 2-1 wins against Blackburn and Everton, respectively. Aston Villa and ManU were both idle in league play as the two met in the Carling Cup Final, with ManU winning the silverware from a Rooney header.
 - Current EPL Table - Just when it looked like Arsenal's title hopes were done for the season following losses to Chelsea and Manchester United, the Gunners have pulled off a string of positive results as the two top slipped. Chelsea (61) retain the lead, just one ahead of ManU (60) and three ahead of Arsenal (58). As it has been for the past few weeks, and likely until the end of the season, 4th place is a track race. Tottenham (49) currently hold the spot on goal differential, but ManCity are also at 49 and have a game in hand. At the bottom of the table Wolverhampton is the last club safe from the relegation zone over Hull City, but only based on a five goal difference. Seven teams are still at risk to being one of the two teams to drop to the Championship, along with Portsmouth.

Serie A:
 - Past week's results - AC Milan kept the pressure on Serie A title holders, Inter, with a 3-1 win against Atalanta. However, an injury late in the game to young striker Pato has put a cloud over the victory and the pending Champions League match against Manchester United. Palermo topped Juventus 2-0 and Inter Milan came from behind for a 3-2 win against Udinese. Roma's hot streak finally slowed after they could only produce a 2-2 draw against Napoli.
 - Current Serie A Table - Inter retained its position at the top of the table with 58 points, but Milan kept the race close only four points back (54). Even with a draw Roma still sits comfortable in third spot at 51. Just like in England, 4th place remains a wide open race with only five points separating 4th through 9th - Palermo, Juventus, Napoli, Sampdoria, Cagliari, and Genoa.