MLS Table Update

Here are the results for the past week:

• Columbus 0-1 Kansas City: Surprising win for the Wizards on the road, which might bring them back into playoff contention. 
• DC United 0-1 Seattle: The Sounders are back on the winning path....against the league's worst team.
• Philadelphia 2-1 Toronto: Outside of LA's strong early run I've been the most impressed by the Union's performance in their first season, including a great game against Manchester United last night. 
• Columbus 2-0 New York Red Bulls: The Crew won the battle for the top of the East as the Red Bulls prepare to add Henry to the mix.
• Dallas 2-0 Real Salt Lake: Becoming a strong contender in the West and overall playoff picture giving the champs their first loss in 11 matches.
• Colorado 1-1 Kansas City: A good week for the Wizards picking up 4 points on the road. 
• DC United 1-2 Los Angeles: US national teammates Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan both scored to put away three points for the Galaxy in their 12th win of the season.

Here is a look at the Eastern Conference Standings:

Eastern Conference
Pos	Club	Pts	GP	W	L	T	GF	GA	GD
1	Columbus Crew	31	16	9	3	4	22	13	+9
2	New York Red Bulls	26	16	8	6	2	18	19	−1
3	Toronto FC	22	15	6	5	4	18	17	+1
4	Chicago Fire	17	14	4	5	5	18	19	−1
5	Kansas City Wizards	16	16	4	8	4	13	20	−7
6	Philadelphia Union	14	14	4	8	2	18	26	−8
7	New England Revolution	14	15	4	9	2	15	26	−11
8	D.C. United	12	17	3	11	3	12	28	−1

....and the Western Conference Standings:

Western Conference
Pos	Club	Pts	GP	W	L	T	GF	GA	GD
1	Los Angeles Galaxy	39	17	12	2	3	27	8	+19
2	Real Salt Lake	30	16	9	4	3	28	13	+15
3	FC Dallas	25	15	6	2	7	17	13	+4
4	Colorado Rapids	23	15	6	4	5	16	13	+3
5	San Jose Earthquakes	22	14	6	4	4	18	16	+2
6	Houston Dynamo	19	16	5	7	4	21	22	−1
7	Seattle Sounders FC	19	17	5	8	4	18	24	−6
8	Chivas USA	14	15	4	9	2	17	21	−4

Source: Wikipedia

EPL Transfer Update: ManCity target Landon Donovan

Following up on the two part post earlier this week covering the EPL transfer rumors comes talk that ManCity could be after US and LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan. After a successful stint in the EPL last season with Everton Mancini could try to add the American midfielder to his line-up for another late season loan or a permanent deal. However, the MLS is unlikely to let Donovan leave unless the amount is in the $15-20 million range. The one team that would and could spend that money on such a player - Manchester City.

Manchester City target Landon Donovan - ESPN Soccernet

Champions League to use two extra assistant referees

After the success of adding extra refs in the Europa League UEFA has elected to move an additional referee behind each goal. The adding assistance will help with identify questionable goals and goal-box fouls. The move comes after a very controversial run in the 2010 World Cup which saw goals dis-allowed that had either crossed the line or were called back due to errant fouls.

Champions League to use two extra assistant referees - Soccer - SI.com

EPL Transfer Rumors: Clubs M-Z

Here is the second part of the EPL transfer rumor story taking a look at the clubs from M to Z.

• Manchester City: Already signed David Silva and Yaya Toure, now seeking to add James Milner and Mesut Ozil with their endless wealth. 
• Manchester United: Except a youth movement to most likely happen at Old Trafford, but they have been linked with Xavi, Wesley Sneijder, and Stephen Ireland.
• Newcastle United: Not many big signings expected as they try to remain in the positive this time around and in the EPL. Perhaps a few transfers for Jack Wilshire or Vladimir Weiss. 
• Stoke City: Could try to steal David Bently or Jermaine Jenas from the Spurs.
• Sunderland: Maynor Figeuroa and Sol Campbell could be targets for Steve Bruce.
• Tottenham: With Champions League football ahead for the Spurs they can attract better talent includng Diego Forlan and Luis Fabiano. 
• West Brom Albion: Steve Sidwell is the only mid-level named connected at this point who will just want to survive.
• West Ham United: In the need for creative goal scorers the Hammers may move for Kevin Prince Boateng or Tuncay Sanli.
• Wigan: No major moves have been linked with Wigan at the time with a tight budget.
• Wolverhamption: Already brought in Stephen Hunt and Steven Fletcher, and are targeting central defender Jamie O'Hara.

Click here for the full story over at CNN's Sports Illustrated - EPL Transfer Rumors

Liverpool to sign Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole

As guessed yesterday, ESPN's Soccernet is reporting that Chelsea midfielder has signed a free transfer deal with Liverpool. The 28 year old will be swapping teams with Israeli Yossi Benayoun who moved to Chelsea last month. Cole will be expected to help Liverpool regain top four status and back into the UEFA Champions League. However, it remains to be seen if fellow World Cuppers Steven Gerrand and Fernando Torres will be staying at Anfield. Head here for the full story on Joe Cole's move.

EPL Transfer Rumors: Clubs A-L

With the World Cup now a full week behind us the European transfer market is the main focus for most clubs. Here is a look at a few of the potential moves for EPL clubs A through L:

• Arsenal: Mesut Ozil and Sebastian Frey
• Aston Villa: Stephen Ireleand
• Birmingham City: Robbie Keane, Charles N'Zogbia, and Ryan Babel
• Blackburn: Asamoah Gyan
• Blackpool: Michael Bradley
• Bolton: David Nugent and Martin Petrov
• Chelsea: Bastain Schweinsteiger
• Everton: No significant moves rumored after signed several players already
• Fulham: A new head coach is the focus of this club at the moment, including possibly USMNT boss Bob Bradley. 
• Liverpool: Joe Cole and Peter Crouch 

For the full story over at CNN's Sports Illustrated head here - Premiere League Transfers

New York Yankees to bid for the Spurs?

CNN's FanHouse affiliate and the Daily Star in England are reporting that the Steinbrenner brothers are thinking of submitting a bid for the Tottenham Spurs now that they are the controlling owners of the New York Yankees. While still mostly a rumor at this point this could turn out to be a very productive pairing. The Yankees are one of the most profitable and well followed franchises in the world (in all of sport) and would love to be paired up with a top soccer club from London. The Yankes/Steinbrenner's money would enable the Spurs to keep up with Chelsea, ManU, Arsenal, and ManCity on the money front. If the Yankee owners were to place a takeover bid and win they would become the 4th American owners of an EPL club. Check out the full report here.