NWSL announces 2014 College Draft Order

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Jan 9, 2014

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the official order for the 2014 NWSL College Draft, which will take place on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 a.m. (PT) at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Philadelphia.
The league’s second annual college draft will consist of a total of 36 selections made over four rounds, the order for which was set by reverse finish at the end of the 2013 NWSL regular season.

As the lone expansion club to join the NWSL this season, the Houston Dash will have the second overall draft pick in the first-round as well as the first pick in the second, third and fourth rounds of the College Draft.

Teams will have five minutes during which to make their selection in first round and then three minutes in each subsequent round. Each club will also have one five-minute timeout per round, which may be used for further discussion, rule clarification, or trade discussion at any time in that round.

The draft will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and will be open to the public. Fans will also be able to follow the draft on PortlandThornsFC.com, NWSLsoccer.com as well as @ThornsFC. Representatives from all nine clubs will be made available to the media following the draft.

The trading of draft picks has taken place and may continue to occur through the 2014 NWSL College Draft. See below for a round-by-round listing of which picks eacteam has in the 2014 draft:

Written by Steve Milne

Wenger admits Theo Walcott injury could affect January plans

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

Gunners forward Walcott has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the 2-0 FA Cup victory over Tottenham on Saturday.

Wenger does have the option of playing Serge Gnabry on the wing, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also now close to a return from his lengthy injury lay-off, but the Frenchman may yet be forced to add to his squad this month.

“Walcott’s injury has accelerated speculation first and of course my desire as well – but let’s not forget about Serge Gnabry who can play in the first team,” Wenger told the club’s official website.

“We have Oxlade-Chamberlain back and we have many other players who can play on the flanks so to find better solutions than what we have internally will not be easy.

“Up front we lose Theo as a potential central forward and that’s maybe where we have to look outside. But we hopefully have Bendtner back in three weeks. We are there for the opportunities but it’s very difficult at the moment.”

England international Walcott will miss the World Cup in Brazil this summer as a result of his injury but Wenger believes the 24-year-old has the character to cope with his long absence.

“Theo is handling it as well as you can when you have had such a shock because he’s mentally strong, he’s very balanced as a person and he can put it into perspective,” Wenger said.

“We know that he will have the dedication and the serious attitude to come back as strong as ever.

“We lost a very talented player, a very intelligent player and a player who was just grabbing his form again.

“From game to game he became more influential, you’ve seen a complete player.

“He can always decide a game through a final ball or through a goal. Sometimes in the same game he does both.

“I felt against Tottenham he had a very convincing performance because he integrates well our style of play as he’s been here for so many years now.

“When we combine at a high pace he’s involved in it because he understands exactly what we want to do.”

Walcott will obviously be absent for Monday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa but Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return from a knee injury will provide a welcome lift for Wenger.

The Frenchman added: “It is unbelievable because he played the first game of the season, against Aston Villa, and now he is back and available and it is against Aston Villa again.

“That makes it five months where has been completely out, so that means he is fresh and that should give us a boost.”

Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil could also feature against Villa, while Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen all have an outside chance of being in the squad

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Brendan Rodgers fined £8,000 for referee comments

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

The Liverpool Boss, who accepted the charge on Wednesday, has also been warned about his future behaviour.

He criticised the “horrendous” performance of the match officials and questioned the appointment of Bolton referee Lee Mason after the 2-1 loss.

Rodgers said: “Hopefully we won’t have a Greater Manchester referee with Liverpool-Manchester games in future.”

The Liverpool boss had subsequently clarified the remarks made on 26 December and said he had not queried Mason’s ability to referee the match.

“I was talking in terms of geography and I certainly wasn’t questioning the integrity of referees,” Rodgers later said.

“I wouldn’t suspect that Mike Dean, from the Wirral, has refereed many games for Liverpool over the years.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Red Bulls reveal 2014 preseason schedule

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

The 2013 MLS Supporters’ Shield-winning New York Red Bulls have revealed their updated 2014 preseason schedule today.

Players are reporting to camp in the New York/New Jersey area on January 24 before kicking off their first of two trips to Orlando, Fla., on January 27. The team will be in Orlando until February 7.

The Red Bulls will then return to Orlando for the second time, leaving February 17 to compete in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic field at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and returning home on March 2. Confirmed teams participating in the tournament are Sporting Kansas City, the Philadelphia Union, the Columbus Crew, the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC, and Orlando City.

The Red Bulls begin their 2014 regular-season schedule at BC Place, hitting the road to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the Red Bulls’ first regular-season game at Red Bull Arena on March 15 against the Colorado Rapids at 4 p.m. are on sale now by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or by clicking here..

A full schedule is listed below. Please note that preseason match specifics will be confirmed at a later date.

2014 Red Bulls Preseason Schedule (Updated Jan. 8, 2014)
Jan. 24: Players report to camp
Jan. 27-Feb. 7: Team trains in Orlando, FL (games TBA)
Feb. 8-16: TBA
Feb. 17-March 2: Team in Orlando, FL for Disney Pro Soccer Classic field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
March 2: Return to NY/NJ area.
March 8: Red Bulls at Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place at 7:30 PM ET (TV: TBA)
March 15: Red Bulls vs. Colorado Rapids at Red Bull Arena at 4:00 PM ET (TV: NBC Sports Network)

Written by Steve Milne

Sam Allardyce emails West Ham United supporters

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 9, 2014

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West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has sent an email to the club’s fans regarding the latest run of poor form, which has see them concede 11 goals in just two games.

A 5-0 thrashing in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest was then followed up with a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City in the Capital One Cup Semi-Final first leg.

Allardyce is coming under a lot of pressure from the fans with the majority of them asking for his sacking, but so far, Hammers co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have both issued their backing for the manager.

Following their recent cup humiliations, Allardyce has sent the following statement to the fans.

“We’ve got to get out there, face the music and use it to anger us, make us mad, and win matches,” he said.

“The players can’t feel sorry for themselves. We are professionals and we’ve got to take the criticism thrown at us because that’s what happens in the game at this level.

“We’ve got to be man enough to take it on the chin and be determined enough to show people that what they think at this particular moment in time is wrong.

“You either come out fighting or you sink and die. I come out fighting as a manager and my staff and players are the same.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Wolfsburg closing in on De Bruyne deal

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Jan 9, 2014

0

German side Wolfsburg have moved a little closer to the deal for Chelsea and Belgium youngster Kevin De Bruyne.

They agreed terms with De Bruyne’s agent, which just leaves the agreement of both clubs. This could prove a major obstacle to overcome for Wolfsburg because Chelsea have publicly insisted he is not for sale, however this agreement may soften the mood of the West London side.

Wolfsburg would prefer to sign the Belgian playmaker on a permanent deal, and have bid £17m, however a loan deal with various clauses is more likely.

De Bruyne has spent 18 months on loan at genk and Werder Bremen since signing for the Blues 2 years ago, and has still not made a Premier League appearance since September.

Chelsea are under pressure financially as they have recorded a £50m loss for last year, and UEFA’s Financial Fair Play would advise them to sell the youngster if they are to start generating some transfer profit.

But with few appearances this season in all competitions, De Bruyne would be keen to move in order to get national recognition and a starting spot at this year’s World Cup in Brazil. There are other clubs also interested in the 22 year old such as Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid however Wolfsburg lead the race to sign the young Belgian.

By Phil Wellbrook

LA Galaxy add Brazilian forward Samuel on loan

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has acquired Brazilian forward Samuel on loan from Fluminense of Brazil’s Serie A. The 22-year-old joins the Galaxy after spending the past two seasons with Fluminense, tallying 15 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions for the Rio de Janeiro-based side, including one in his last game for the club early last month. Samuel will be added to the Galaxy roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa. Per club and league policy terms of the loan agreement were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to add Samuel to our roster,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “Samuel is a young, talented forward with both size and skill. We are confident his addition will help boost our attack in 2014.”

Written by Steve Milne

Arsene Wenger backs Theo Walcott to come back better

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 9, 2014

0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has openly spoken about the injury sustained to forward Theo Walcott for the first time today, and the Frenchman believes the 24-year-old will be back better than ever next season.

Ligament damage in his knee has left Walcott sidelined for up to six months, which will see him miss the rest of this season and also the Summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

The injury was sustained at the weekend during their 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, and talking ahead of their Monday night clash with Aston Villa, Wenger believes the Englishman will return better than ever.

“Theo is handling it as well as you can when you have had such a shock because he’s mentally strong, he’s very balanced as a person and he can put it into perspective,” the boss told Arsenal Player.

“We know that he will have the dedication and the serious attitude to come back as strong as ever.”

“We lost a very talented player, a very intelligent player and a player who was just grabbing his form again,” he said. “From game to game he became more influential, you’ve seen a complete player.

“He can always decide a game through a final ball or through a goal. Sometimes in the same game he does both. I felt against Tottenham he had a very convincing performance because he integrates well our style of play as he’s been here for so many years now.

“When we combine at a high pace he’s involved in it because he understands exactly what we want to do.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Alvaro Morata opens door to Premier League move

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 9, 2014

0

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has opened the door to a potential move to the Premier League, with North London giants Arsenal desperate to land him on loan.

The Spaniard has been a long-term interest of Arsene Wenger’s, and with Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner all out injured, the Frenchman is keen on signing another striker to see The Gunners through until the end of the season.

However, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has come out in the press and stated that no players will be allowed to leave the Bernabeu this month, but as for Morata, he sees a loan move to the Premier League a genuine option as he eyes first-team football ahead of this Summer’s World Cup.

He said: ‘It’s important to have a proper role in the team. I’ve been at Real Madrid my whole life and I’ve been a Real Madrid fan since I was a boy. I will be all my life but it’s important to have an important role.

‘If the moment comes that I don’t, I will look at other options. Staying at Real Madrid is complicated.

‘Playing five or 10 minutes is okay if you accept it. You have the chance to get on the pitch and try to change a game in a short space of time. Every minute in football is gold.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Rapids acquire winger Marvin Chávez in trade with San Jose

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

The Colorado Rapids acquired winger Marvin Chávez from the San Jose Earthquakes today, adding the Honduran National Team and MLS veteran to the squad. In exchange, Colorado sent midfielder Atiba Harris to San Jose.

“Marvin is a dynamic attacking player with a lot of international experience, who can both create and score goals,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “We’re eager to bring him into our squad and help him get settled in Colorado. We would also like to thank Atiba for his work here last year. He was a true professional and we wish him the best.”

Chávez, 30, is a five-year veteran of Major League Soccer, having played the last two seasons in San Jose after three with FC Dallas. In two seasons with the Earthquakes, Chávez played 42 matches (35 starts), scoring four goals and adding 14 assists, and being named to the 2012 MLS All-Star Team. In two and a half seasons with Dallas, the winger played 54 games (43 starts) with eight goals and six assists.

Written by Steve Milne

Houston Dash acquire Erin McLeod from Chicago Red Stars

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

The Houston Dash have received Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod from the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for forward Melissa Tancredi, it was announced today. Both players are allocated by the Canadian Soccer Association.

“I’m very excited about Erin joining the Dash family. She is one of the top goalkeepers in the international game, and will help us tremendously in developing our defensive unit,” said head coach Randy Waldrum. “It’s disappointing that I won’t get to reunite with Melissa, but I know she will do great things in Chicago.”

McLeod, 30, started 16 games for the Red Stars in 2013, recording four shutouts and posting a 70% save percentage. She began her professional career in 2004 with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the W-League, winning championships in 2004 and 2006. McLeod played for the Washington Freedom from 2009-10 and spent 2011-13 in Sweden playing for Dalsjöfors GolF.

The St. Albert, Alberta, native has been capped 92 times by the Canada women’s national soccer team. McLeod made her international debut at the age of 19 in 2002 and has represented her country at two FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympics, winning the bronze medal at the 2012 London Games.

Melissa Tancredi, 32, was one of the three original allocated players for the Dash. She is a veteran of two World Cups and two Olympics, including London 2012 where she scored four goals en route to a bronze medal for Canada. Tancredi is expected to miss part of the NWSL season while she finishes chiropractor school.

The Dash will continue to build the roster for their first season in an expansion draft this Friday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. CT. The team will be able to select up to 10 players left unprotected by the other eight teams in the league in advance of the NWSL College Draft on Jan. 17.

Written by Steve Milne

Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny looking to kick on

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

The Poland shot-stopper considers the last 12 months to have been the best of his career.

He has nailed down the No.1 spot at Emirates Stadium and helped the Gunners to position themselves promisingly in both domestic and European competition.

Szczesny is not one to dwell on the past, though, and admits he will be looking to set a new career-high over the course of the coming year.

He is confident that he can fulfil his ambitions at Arsenal, with the collection of a major trophy a top target for a club starved of success for far too long.

Szczesny said in The Sun: “I believe last year was by far the best of my career, on and off the pitch.

“What I am trying to do now is make sure that 2014 will be even better and that I can finally get my hands on a trophy.

“That’s something that has been missing, not just for me but for nearly all the players at Arsenal.

“When you play for such a big club, personal ambitions don’t really matter because you want to deliver for the fans and for the club.

“And that is definitely the aim for all of us this season.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Moyes in contention for manager of the month.

By

Ben Reardon

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Jan 9, 2014

0

Manchester United manager David Moyes is a candidate for the Premier League manager of the month for December.

United enjoyed a successful December, with five straight wins in the Premier League, however the Old Trafford club have endured a difficult start to 2014.

However, after United’s superb December, whiched finished in a 1-0 win away at Norwich City, they have failed recapture the form, and have lost every game of this year, all by the same 2-1 scoreline.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is also up for the honour after going unbeaten in the month, winning six of his seven games, with City in free scoring form, scoring six on to seperate occasions.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is the final boss up for the award, after guiding the Toffees into a Champions League spot, as Everton are currently in superb form.

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez leads the contenders, but Manchester City stars Alvaro Negredo, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure are also in contention.

England and Everton starlet Ross Barkley is nominated along with Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, who has subsequently been ruled out for the season, after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament in the FA Cup tie against Tottenham.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

WATCH: Full HD Manchester City vs West Ham 6-0 all goals 08-1-2014

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 9, 2014

0

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger ignoring exit rumours

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 9, 2014

0

Speculation continues to suggest that the Denmark international could soon be on his way out of Anfield.

Liverpool are currently well-stocked at centre-half and it has been reported that one of their more high-profile performers may look to move on.

Napoli, under the guidance of former Reds boss Rafa Benitez, have been heavily linked with Agger and his club colleague Martin Skrtel.

Agger insists there is no substance to the rumours, though, and maintains that his sole focus at present is on returning to full fitness.

He told Danish publication Jyllands-Posten: “I’m not thinking about moving at the moment, not at all.

“I’ve only seen what the papers say and I can’t really do anything about it. There is no reason to believe these rumours.”

On his latest injury setback, a calf strain suffered up against Oldham Athletic in FA Cup competition on Sunday, Agger said: “It is what it is. I’ve been unlucky at the wrong times, but that’s football.

“When you have so many great players, then someone else will play when you are not at the top of your form.”

Liverpool have been on top of their game this season, sitting six points off the pace in the Premier League title race, and Agger is confident the Reds can maintain that challenge.

He said: “There is a much different atmosphere in the dressing room.

“It’s like we truly believe that we are going to win and that is not something that we have done in the last couple of years.

“We are winning games, playing some great football and scoring a lot of goals. We’ve proven that we can challenge and then we have a guy up front (Luis Suarez) who scores goals from time to time.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

SillySeason.com

NWSL announces 2014 College Draft Order

Wenger admits Theo Walcott injury could affect January plans

Brendan Rodgers fined £8,000 for referee comments

Red Bulls reveal 2014 preseason schedule

Sam Allardyce emails West Ham United supporters

Wolfsburg closing in on De Bruyne deal

LA Galaxy add Brazilian forward Samuel on loan

Arsene Wenger backs Theo Walcott to come back better

Alvaro Morata opens door to Premier League move

Rapids acquire winger Marvin Chávez in trade with San Jose

Houston Dash acquire Erin McLeod from Chicago Red Stars

Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny looking to kick on

Moyes in contention for manager of the month.

WATCH: Full HD Manchester City vs West Ham 6-0 all goals 08-1-2014

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger ignoring exit rumours

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