Running the numbers

There's always so much discussion about whether this European league is better than those, or whether teams from that league can hang with them - and that's before you even go into betting lines on inter-league cup matches, which give us the best chance to iron out bragging rights.

And while the Champions League has almost exclusively become the playground of teams from the "big four" (the Prem, La Liga, Serie A & the Bundesliga - in that order, says the latest UEFA country coefficients, a spanned table used to determine number of future European berths based on five years worth of results), the UEFA Cup is increasingly the tournament where supposed lesser-lights from championships outside the mainstream get their revenge.

We saw all of it wrapped up in the numbers from this week's action, with the final edition of the UEFA Cup as we know it easily offering up the juiciest stats.

Take the case of the 10th-ranked Ukrainian Premier League, which is surely not well known enough in America for it to gain a "UPL" moniker. All they did to try and make a name was advance all three of their remaining UEFA Cup entrants - Dinamo Kyiv, Metalist Kharkiv and Shakhtar Donetsk - with round of 32 triumphs over clubs from Spain (Valencia), Italy (Sampdoria) and England (Tottenham), respectively.

#1. #2. #3. Bing bam boom. You know some Ukrainian soccer nut out there with homer betting tendencies made a killing. I wish I knew him... I'll bet he sprung for some pizzas.

It was an especially bad week for teams from La Liga and Serie A. Combining the Champions League round of 16 first leg results and the UEFA Cup round of 32 tie outcomes, Spanish teams went 0-3-3 (win/loss/draw) and Italians went a miserable 1-5-1. Meanwhile, teams from France (currently #5 with a grand total of one title from these two cups), Russia (#6), Turkey (#11) and the Ukraine went a combined 9-1-1.

But let's not spoil all the soccer geek fun during my introductory prattle...

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

• There have been exactly two participants from leagues outside the top four from the last 12 Champions League finals - and they faced each other in 2004 (Monaco and Porto).
  
  In the 12 finals prior to that, running back from Ajax-Juventus in 1996, such "mites" notched six titles (Ajax, Marseille, Porto, PSV Eindhoven, Red Star Belgrade and Steaua Bucharest) and five runners up finishes.

• This year's sweet 16 has 13 teams from the big four, with each represented at least once.
  
  While Panathinaikos and Porto are in deadlocked ties with Spanish clubs, Sporting Lisbon already has one foot and half the other leg out the door thanks to a home bruising administered by the last Bundesliga survivor, Bayern Munich.

• However, should big fours clubs occupy all eight quarterfinal places, it would be the first time that ever occurred (well... working back from when the expanded tourney set-up made the elite eight play knockouts in 1995).
  
  In fact, led by Ajax each time, non-big four clubs actually held the majority in the first three such quarterfinal pools with five entrants each year.

• The lowest ranked league with a survivor? #12 Greece, represented by Panathinaikos.

• There are also only three clubs left that have never appeared in a Champions League final: Lyon, Sporting Lisbon and Villarreal. It's possible all will be eliminated in the second leg of this round.
  
  Should they all drop out before the May 27th title showdown in Rome, the amount of first time finalists from the last 17 years will remain at six: Chelsea, Arsenal, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen, Valencia and Borussia Dortmund (the last first time finalist to win, in 1997).

• The all-time crown numbers? Big four 37, non-big four a respectable 14 (27.5%).

UEFA CUP

• Only four of the the remaining 16 clubs come from a big four league, and La Liga sides have been completely bounced.
  
  Were it not for an Udinese stoppage time winner, Serie A clubs would have also been entirely dismissed on Thursday.

• Nine big four clubs were ousted in the round of 32 deciders on Thursday, dropping their level of participation from 41% to 25%.

• With the four big boys separated in the round of 16 draw, there can be no less than four non-big four quarterfinalists, and it is possible for them to sweep all eight spots.

• Looking back a bit further... five big four clubs were knocked out in the group stage, with Bundesliga leaders Hertha Berlin suffering the indiginity of being the only one facing (and failing against) entirely non-big four competition in their group.

• The lowest ranked league with a survivor? #16 Denmark, represented by Aalborg BK, who rudely ousted Deportivo la Coruña and now get to face Manchester City as a reward.

• If AaB can best the Englishmen, Denmark could possibly finish as high as fourth in the calendar 2009 co-efficient rankings. At least one non-big four league has managed to do that every year since 2001.
  
  The last four in chronogical order? The Netherlands (currently #7 overall), Romania (#8), Romania again and Scotland (#13).

• Meanwhile, the Ukraine (#10) currently sits third for the year. If both nations can finish top four, it would be the first time the "mites" had two such invaders since 2004.

• Former champions went 4-2 in round of 32 play, with Ajax, CSKA Moscow, Galatasaray and Zenit St. Petersburg advancing.
  
  All but the Turkish giants did so by beating a top four side. As noted above, former winners Tottenham and Valencia were bumped by Ukrainian upstarts.

• There have been three UEFA Cup finals with no top four presence in the last six years (Porto over Celtic, CSKA Moscow over Sporting and Zenit over Rangers last time out).

• From the nine finals since 2000, teams outside the big four have won the crown four times and finished second another four.
  
  In final match-ups between big four and non-big four sides during that time, the latter hold a 2-1 edge.

• However, the poor cousin leagues have only won 11 UEFA Cups all-time, compared to 26 for the big four (a still commendable 30%).

--

Dizzy yet?


- Greg Seltzer

Did you know...

... that Michael Bradley takes penalties for 'Gladbach?

Well, he does now.



- Greg Seltzer

A few things...

#1 - It is truly great to Seattle going nutso for MLS in this economy. In addition to their opening day, I'll also be looking forward to more coverage from Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times.

We should all try to guess which grunge icon will be photographed wearing a Sounders kit at Qwest Field first... hmmm... Pearl Jam and Screaming Trees prefer basketball... maybe Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell or... no!

I'm gonna go with a quinella of Soundgarden's Kim Thayil and Mudhoney's Mark Arm (doing his best Johan Cruyff impersonation above).

#2 - I had a talk with FC Midtjylland defender Danny Califf when he gave me that Top 5 List, and here's the resulting bit. The question is: can they break into the top three despite standing pat at midseason? Also, Danny tips Michael Parkhurst for success in the SAS Liga.

#3 - The Soccer Insider gives us the lowdown as D.C. United's roster fills out. Anybody else see some high-scoring games involving the capital crew this year?

#4 - I am working on a big Running The Numbers post that tries to sum up (pun intended) this week's wild Champions League and UEFA Cup results in various ways. It's fun being a soccer nerd.

As for my work at 365, expect a new Euro Top-10 on Monday. Unlike my buddy Jonah Freedman over at Sports Illustrated, I let several weeks pass between my rankings.

I also guess it's time I start hitting up some MLS players for preseason features. I'm making my wish list now...

In other sneak previews, Sean told me he has a couple of 'Nat chats on the horizon. Mr. O'Conor also will be doing some Confederations Cup coverage for NSC this summer.

#5 - Soccer By Ives breaks Colorado acquiring the rights to Joe Public strike star Gregory Richardson from Toronto FC. I'd bet he would have a fine time running off of Conor Casey.

Nice move, Rapids.

#6 - As the David Beckham saga rolls on in Milan and Los Angeles, everyone involved is getting more than a little anxious. But hey... at least you didn't sign anything in China.

#7 - Speaking of Spice Boy, it's possible I could be jailed for not posting this clip I saw at the Red Card, shot in between takes of an adidas commercial...




#8 - We also have a brief video interview with Örebro rookie playmaker Alejandro Bedoya (spliced with a couple of preseason clips - he wears #10)...





- Greg Seltzer

I'm sorry, but this is just too funny...

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Felonious Monkeys

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Joke of the Day

- Greg Seltzer

Standard v Braga LIVE

The second leg between Oguchi Onyewu's Belgian champs and Portuguese side Braga gets underway shortly. Standard come home tonight facing the tall task of overturning a 3-0 deficit.

Here are your line-ups, the hosts first:

Espinoza; Marcos, Onyewu, Sarr, Goreux, Mulemo, Dalmat, Witsel, Defour, De Camargo, Mbokani

Carvalho; Nuno Miguel, André Leone, João Pereira, Santos Fabiano, Aguiar, Vandinho, Paulo César, Meyong, Osório, Renteria

Earlier, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa were ousted by CSKA Moscow, who bagged a pair of second half goals for a 3-1 aggregate victory. Eric Lichaj watched from the bench.

In other UEFA Cup action, Hamburg closed out NEC Nijmegen with a 1-0 home win and Metalist Kharkiv upset Sampdoria with a 2-0 second leg victory.

In ongoing matches, FC Twente and Marseille appear headed to extras locked at 1-1, tie leaders Paris St. Germain are on the way to dumping Wolfsburg with a 2-1 lead tonight and Galatasaray have rallied to take a 2-1 halftime advantage on the evening and in the series.

We also have several games yet to start, including Marcus Tracy and Aalborg BK visiting Deportivo with a 3-0 first leg lead.

Back shortly with the action...

• Quick update: Luyindula has made it 3-1 (5-1) for PSG.

--
FIRST HALF

1'

Game on...

• FT: Wolfsburg 1-3 (1-5) PSG

5'

Sarr must now be careful as he escapes yellow for a rough tackle at midfield.

11'

A Standard danger free kick into the area (and the crashing Onyewu) causes the Braga keeper some trouble, but his defense clears a pinball.

• Lech Poznan grab an early away lead to go up 3-2 over Udinese on aggregate. Meanwhile, Marseille v Twente is on to PK's.
  

15'

Braga have the front foot.Gooch clears trouble twice.

• Arda Turan's second of the night has Gala up 3-1 on Bordeaux with 20 to play.

23'

Braga's intense pressure on the ball is again keeping Standard from getting revved up.

26'

De Camargo is NFL tackled down on a free kick into the area... no call.

28'

A De Camargo elbow opens a gash on the forehead of César.

• Bordeaux has scored twice in a minute to take an away goals edge over Gala at 3-3. Also, Pirlo's spot kick has Milan up 1-0 on 27' and Niang missed a penalty that could have seen off Twente.

33'

Gooch narrowly misses connection with another long Standard free kick to the box.

• Pato makes it 2-0 Milan on 33'.

38'

Standard have no flow going forward.

41'

André Leone does his Chuck Norris impression, catching Witsel up near the face with his studs. Yellow was not enough punishment.

• Sabri Sarıoğlu looks to have rescued Galatasaray with a 90th minute 4-3 goal.

45+2'

A long Gooch throw bounces around the box, but no red shirt can get a foot to it.

HALFTIME

Standard will need to play the ball around more to get back in this tie. It's all crosses and long balls so far.

• Semshov puts Zenit up 1-0 (and 2-1) on Stuttgart. Elsewhere, the Galatasaray winner holds up and Marseille oust Twente 6-5 on PK's after a Rajković miss.
  
  Also, Deportivo-AaB is scoreless in the 38th minute, but Tracy is not dressed.
  

• And seconds later, Sergio González gets Depor on the board. Also Saint-Etienne is now up 1-0 (4-1) thanks to a Payet marker on the edge of halftime.

• CONCACAF man Luton Shelton hits back on 41' for AaB, who now lead 4-1 on aggregate.

I did not realize this before, but the Belgian station I'm watching broadcasts online. Enjoy (if you are able to watch).
--
SECOND HALF

46'

Time to get crackin' Standard! You gotta get one to get three!

• Johansson and Envoldsen hit twin strikes just before the break to put AaB up 3-1 (6-1)... whoa.

52'

A brilliant De Camargo entry lob allows Mbokani a glorious chance... and he fires wildly wide of the target on the turn.

54'

A terrific long Onyewu pass gets De Camargo into good position, but his shot is blocked.

• A nice Gilardono strike levels Fiorentina with Ajax 1-1 on aggregate with 30 to play. Also, Pepe has brought Udinese back to 1-1 (3-3) and they now lead on away goals at the hour.

59'

Goreaux's sneak shot from a wide crossing position beats the keeper... but catches the bottom of the post.

61'

A more traditional long Goreaux effort can't trouble the keeper.

• A Kravets tally on 34' has Dynamo Kyiv up 1-0 (2-1) on Valencia. Also, Dos Santos has Spurs back to 2-1 on aggregate against Shakhtar Donetsk.
  

• Ilan has Saint-Etienne now up 5-1 in their tie.

69'

Aguiar goes close from distance for Braga.

• Pizzaro has pulled one back for Bremen in the 68th, but they still need one more to get in front of Milan.

• Marchena levels matters for Valencia just before the break, while Bellamy puts Man City ahead 1-0 (3-2) on FC Copenhagen.

73'

De Camargo hits the post at the end of a free kick. This does not seem to be Standard's night.

75'

Carvalho makes a great toe save to deny the free running Defour.

• Pizarro hits again with 12 to go to put Bremen ahead on away goals.

78'

Standard are all over the visitors, but simply cannot get the lid off.

79'

1-0 Standard! Mbokani slots from a deflected pass... can they get another to make it really interesting?

• Gebhart scores for Stuttgart to make it 1-1 (2-3) against Zenit, so they still need two.

• Leonardo has scored with two minutes left to put Ajax up 2-1 on aggregate against Fiorentina.
  

84'

Defour cracks a volley that spins just wide.

• Óscar González nets for Olympiakos, but they still need three in 15 minutes. Also, Fayzulin restores Zenit's two-goal advantage on Stuttgart.

88'

Aguiar rips a sharp angle shot inside the far upper 90, 4-1 Braga on aggregate now... drive home safely, folks.

• FT in Amsterdam, Ajax advance 2-1. Yes, I am grinning big.

• Vingaard (Copenhagen) and Di Natale (Udinese) grab what will be consolation goals as Man City and Lech move on to the sweet 16.

FULL TIME
--

Standard bow out of the tourney, but the classy Sclessin crowd can only applaud their champions. This ouster must be a tremendous disappointment to Onyewu and his teammates, though.

• One last check around has Shakhtar's Fernandinho applying the 86th minute dagger to Spurs.

Enjoy your evening, folks. I'm off for some Distract-ification.

- Greg Seltzer

Top 5 Reasons I Love Being A Dad (by Danny Califf)

We asked FC Midtjylland defender Danny Califf if he'd like to be the next guest Top 5 Lister, and told him he could come up with any idea, soccer or non-soccer. I thought he might pick something to do with surfing or tattoos or the best burrito in Cali - but instead, he quickly decided to talk about his kids, Blake, Paige and Jude.

Take it away, papa DC...

#1 - The fact that these humans are part of me, came from me (partially), and how proud, and ashamed that fact makes me.

#2 - Unpredictability.

#3 - Their constant optimism. No matter how bad things go in games or training, they always think their Dad is great (when I have ice cream).

#4 - Wrestling (even when I am tired and sore).

#5 - The words: I Love You, Daddy!

Sappy, I know!


- Danny Califf, FC Midtjylland/USMNT


And yes, Danny, it may be sappy, but we at NSC also think it's downright cool to be so proud of the ones you love. And most importantly, so does The Distracter.

Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich NOT!

[Photo: Bayern Munich]

I didn't even surprise you, did I? You already knew I was gonna... oh well (snap).

In addition to bringing you what passes for colorful commentary around here as Landon Donovan and "his other FC Hollywood" try to raid the Stadium of Light, NSC will be tracking the other three Champions League contests (Chelsea v Juventus, Real v Liverpool & Villarreal v Panathinaikos) and the FA Cup replay visit of Jonathan Spector and West Ham to Middlesbrough.

If I had to guess, the latter starts and the Landy does not. I could very well be wrong on both counts, so don't place any wagers.

I will be back at around 2:00 pm ET with the Bayern/Sporting line-up cards, as well as Spector's kickoff assignment...

UPDATE: Ummm... funny thing... Donovan is not dressed tonight.

Urgh.

I will make it up to you tomorrow night with a Standard v Braga LIVE.


- Greg Seltzer

Go ahead... tell me who is the coolest.

Anybody who knows me knows my two favorite sports are soccer and ice hockey.

I've often thought the two sports had many subtle similarities (note how the Eastern European influx increased the use of such maneuvers as passing into space, combo play, movement off the puck, etc.), so it seems reasonable to find out that NHL players often warm-up with a kick.

The bad part is I actually knew all of this from when I used to get locker room access to do St. Louis Blues interviews at the old Arena, way back in high school. Sometimes, they didn't even use a ball, just a big, immaculately fashioned ball of stick tape. I think I even have a black and white photo of Doug Gilmour and Jocelyn Lemieux kicking one of those tape balls around in a box somewhere.

Why didn't I think of this story? Duh.

Still... it makes me wonder... which NHL stars might have made great footballers? Hmmm. The first thing that comes to mind is: something tells me Ilya Kovalchuk would make a deadly winger (yes, such a stretch I've chosen!).

Anyway, here is Penguins star Sidney Crosby and the boys having some indoor soccer practice time...





- Greg Seltzer

The Deuceman Scoreth

Clint Dempsey pulled Fulham level in last night's FA Cup replay against Swansea with a diving header from a corner kick in the 77th minute, and they completed the rally to earn a place in the quarterfinals thanks to Bobby Zamora's strike four minutes later.

Assuming a video clip surfaces, you can find it here later today.

UPDATE: Why not all three goals? Indeed...


- Greg Seltzer

A few things...

And so it continues...

#1 - Soccer America's Ridge Mahoney brings us another round of David Beckham Should I Stay or Should I Go? tidbits, along with some interesting info on both Milan giants coming to America this summer.

#2 - Soccer365 homey Brian Jennings reminds us that MLS hacking the Reserve League will have repercussions. Oh yes, it will.

#3 - And as MLS Examiner's David Agrell points out, the league isn't exactly hurting in the way many sectors of businesses are in these tough times. And I can't imagine ditching the Reserves really saved that much on the expense sheet.

#4 - U.S. boss Thomas Rongen has called his squad for the CONCACAF Under-20 World Cup Qualifying tournament, which begins March 6th in Trinidad & Tobago.

#5 - Buzz over at 3rd Degree reveals that FC Dallas have been chasing, and may soon unveil, Colombia attacker David Ferreira. He currently plays for FCD partners Atlético Paranaense.

#6 - Columbus Dispatch ace Shawn Mitchell drops "A few Crew things... ".

#7 - Are you ready for a fun rumour? Apparently, Marseille could jettison manager Erik Gerets with the idea of bringing in Standard Liège boss László Bölöni.

I, for one, would find it a rather clever move to poach the coach of prime l'OM transfer targets Oguchi Onyewu, Milan Jovanovic and Dieumerci Mbokani. Stay tuned...

#8 - Speaking of Gooch, it's time again to run down the European slate for Americans.

• On Wednesday, Landon Donovan has his biggest chance to dazzle the Bayern Munich bean counters that control whether Klinsi gets to keep him. The Bavarians will visit Sporting Lisbon to open their Champions League round of 16 tie.
  
  It is possible that LD will start, and it is just as likely that he will be used from the bench. Either way, I am going to call it now: Donovan bags his first competitive Bayern goal in Lisbon.
  

• The early Thursday UEFA Cup encounter has probable stand-in starter Brad Guzan and Aston Villa off to Russia to settle a 1-1 duel with 2005 champs CSKA Moscow. What's more, Eric Lichaj is going to dress for the visitors, who will bring a weakened squad.
  
  I am both amazed and impressed that Martin O'Neill is handing such a massive assignment to the rookie. This will be a monstrous challenge for both Guzan and Villa - even if CSKA are essentially in late preseason form.

• Later on Thursday night Onyewu and Standard will try to overturn a 3-0 deficit at home to Braga. I know they can... but will they? An early goal would help to get Sclessin whipped into a frenzy.

• On the flip side of the coin, Aalborg BK heads to Deportivo protecting a 3-0 advantage. Marcus Tracy will dress again and Jeppe Curth remains less than fit, so the debut watch is back on. I am going to hope AaB can safely conclude business here.
  

Perhaps more later, currently having interwebs problems...

- Greg Seltzer

Top 5 MLS Potential Euro-Freebies

All delays aside, it's time for the last of five transfer-themed T5L's, and perhaps the one of most interest to stateside fans. It's very simple: who are the European aces (plus one... you'll see) available to MLS clubs for free this summer?

Last season, San Jose pounced on Norwich striker Darren Huckerby, and his arrival sparked a run that nearly got them into the playoffs. There will be plenty of players running out of contract in June and July, but obviously not all will want to make the move and some who do will ask too much in salary.

For instance: a few Americans - Watford captain Jay DeMerit, Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann and TOP Oss handyman Charles Kazlauskas - can be had for no fee, but I'm guessing none of them is ready to come home just yet. Therefore, they remained at best in the honorable mentions, along with stars such as Inter Milan's Luis Figo and Villarreal's Robert Pires, who may not be worth the money at their age.

Yes, we have a decided veteran slant to the list, for obvious reasons, but I have been careful to point out only the guys who I believe would come to America without a holiday attitude. I have also marked all those who have publicly spoken of playing in MLS at one time or another with an asterisk - it should come as no shock that four of the five guys on the main list carry one.

Honorable mentions: MF Lee Bowyer (West Ham), MF Tom Caluwé* (FC Utrecht), F Bernardo Corradi* (Reggina), D Leandro Cufre* (Hertha Berlin), Julian de Guzman MF (Deportivo), D/MF/F Gary Doherty* (Norwich), MF/F Jason Euell* (Southampton), MF Luis Figo* (Inter Milan), GK Marcus Hahnemann* (Reading), MF Martin Jørgensen (Fiorentina), F Kanu* (Portsmouth), F Shefki Kuqi (Crystal Palace), D/MF Theo Lucius (F-Word), MF Paul McKenna (Preston North End), MF/F Siyabonga Nomvethe (Aalborg), MF Robert Pires* (Villarreal), MF Aleksandar Rankovic (ADO Den Haag), F Hasan Şaş* (Galatasaray), MF Ervin Skela* (Energie Cottbus), D Curro Torres (Valencia), D/MF Steve Watson (Sheffield Wednesday), F Sylvain Wiltord* (Marseille), MF Ricky van den Bergh (Heracles), MF Zheng Zhi (Charlton).


#5 - Zé Roberto* (Bayern Munich)

Long linked with FC Dallas, the left/central midfielder is showing his Fountain of Youth-type stuff as one of FC Hollywood's top performers this season. His versatility, leadership and skill would make him the perfect swoop target for a handful of MLS clubs. The problem is: he may actually be playing too well to leave Bavaria.

Who should be calling? Colorado need a two-way guy to soak up destroyer Pablo Mastroeni's offensive responsibilities and... well... some crafty speed work to support left winger Colin Clark. The Brazilian may decide to stay with Bayern or he may depart for a foreign land. It's up to MLS to see that the destination is not Brazil or Saudi Arabia.

#4 - Gregg Berhalter* (1860 Munich)

You knew there had to be one American on the list, and the veteran Lions center back is my "Most Likely To Come Home". Not only could he finally take part in the domestic league, but he could set up his post-retirement coaching career (Berhalter already has his "B" license). After being a stalwart for years, Berhalter is suddenly a back-up at the Allianz, which means he could be relatively fresh come summer...

Who should be calling? I want to say "Fuhgeddaboutit. New Yawk, baby!" - but they are rather far down the allocation list. D.C. United, however, are desperate for a veteran defender and sit #3 in line. This one's so simple even Congress couldn't screw it up (knocks on wood).

#3 - Christian Panucci* (AS Roma)

While up now 35, Panucci can still provide energetic play at right back or in the middle - he even scored a goal at Euro 2008 last summer. He has flirted with the move before, and is now so fed up with the capitulating Giallorossi (who can blame him?) that he is ripe for the picking. Plus, he would be able to visit his ritzy Dominican Republic eatery Cafe Milano more often.

Who should be calling? Is there another team in the world crying out for veteran backline leadership so loudly as the Los Angeles Galaxy? And wonder of wonders, they hold the top MLS allocation spot at the moment.

#2 - Fernando Morientes* (Valencia)

Now a bit Mestalla player, the 32-year old forward is sure to have some European suitors, but he has often spoken of MLS. He has over 200 goals in England, France and Spain, and could provide a "Juan Pablo Angel spark" to someone in America. It seems the perfect time for him to hop the pond.

Who should be calling? With Kenny Cooper surely out the door before long and the #2 allocation slot, FC Dallas appear the place for El Moro to go. He has also been linked with Seattle, but they already have a few big salaries. At Pizza Hut Park, the front man could feast off Dave van den Bergh crosses and provide someone for speedy guys like Jeff Cunningham and rookie Peri Marošević to run off of.


#1 - Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul)

I know he's not yet 30, and I know he has several suitors in Europe. I also know that he didn't overly enjoy his time overseas. I also know he is a sturdy traffic director of quite impressive caliber.

Who should be calling? This is a no-brainer. Chivas USA have lost Panchito Mendoza and will lose Sacha Kljestan, while Jesse Marsch, Raphaël Wicky and Sasha Victorine are each over 30. Furthermore, the Goats badly want a popular Mexico international. Well... here's one who would be well worth low-Designated Player money.

- Greg Seltzer

Who likes goals?

The Top 5 List is ready to go, but holding as we take care of some regular duties first...

Let's begin by welcoming a young man making his first WLG? appearance. I like this kid's flair, he could do damage.



Saint-Etienne's Blaise Matuidi strikes an exquisite opener against Bordeaux.



Espanyol's Ivan de la Pena was the man against derby rivals Barcelona. (WARNING: This clip contains Mr. Hudson on a roll. Do not startle your co-workers, turn down the volume.)



Alexander Baumjohann of 'Gladbach met ze vicket crack-ah.



Sporting Lisbon's Liedson opens their big derby win over Benfica in stunning fashion.



Speaking of arch rivalries, Schalke's Kevin Kuranyi makes like an Amsterdammer and hops on his bicycle against Borussia Dortmund.



Finally, Roma's Rodrigo Taddei curls home a winner that was (pardon me, Dan Patrick) as cool as the other side of the pillow.




- Greg Seltzer

A few things...

[Photo: VVV Venlo]

Yes, the Top 5 MLS Potential Euro-Freebies is still coming - lots of research into that one. For now, to hold you over...

#1 - I gotta start with a round of applause for NSC pal Charles Kazlauskas and TOP Oss, who won their fourth straight on Friday by doubling up Jupiler League pacesetters VVV Venlo 4-2. Here are the highlights.

What's more, the victory kept the club from Ruud van Nistelrooy's hometown atop the Period 5 table with a 100% record through three games (the Dutch second flight awards a promotion playoff berth to the "winner" of each 1/6th of the league schedule).

I'm going to talk to Kaz tomorrow to find out how TOP has turned things around so quickly.

#2 - I love this: English tabloid The Mirror sticks up for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the David Beckham todo.

#3 - Rangers rookie Maurice Edu reveals that he rejected a winter loan move.

#4 - World Cup 2010 ticket applications are now being accepted... and SHAZAM! Would you look at those ticket prices? If I remember correctly, my Category 2 ticket for the Netherlands v Ireland at World Cup '94 was about $60.

#5 - New York Times all-star Jack Bell reports that Barcelona are reconsidering their MLS expansion plans.

#6 - It seems NSC is the eighth most influential blog to MLS readers... wicked. Not bad considering the league is just one of several areas of focus. I guess we owe you guys a thanks.

#7 - Reports out of Sweden claim that veteran Djurgårdens midfielder Aki Riihilahti has passed a medical and agreed to personal terms with San Jose, leaving only a transfer fee negotiation to seal his move. The only English version of the news I found is slightly behind the story to date, but here it is.

Stateside fans will probably remember the 32-year old Finland ace for his Premiership days with Crystal Palace.

UPDATE: Done deal.

#8 - You may have heard by now that Real Betis have taken an interest in Standard/USMNT defender Oguchi Onyewu. Goal's Greg Lalas ably puzzles together the Spanish report in English.

Of course, the more urgent matter is Standard fell apart at the back today and lost 4-2 at Anderlecht to fall four points adrift of theit title rivals.

#9 - Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Erik Hort dressed for the first time this weekend, but watched from the bench as his side slipped to eighth with a galling 2-1 home loss to Hapoel Petah Tikva.

Could we soon see his debut? I guess he's made a quick impression on the staff.


- Greg Seltzer

Zimmmmmmmm!

[Photo: Kapfenburg SV]

I'm still doing some last minute research on my Top 5 List and the A few things... post will surely beat it to the blog, but first let's take a moment to salute American goal scorer Preston Zimmerman, who started Kapfenburg's key 2-1 survival win over fifth place Kärnten right.

With the club resuming their campaign after two months off, Zimmerman needed only 11 minutes to author his second (media player link) of the term on the score sheet in helping his side move clear of the Austrian T-Mobile Bundesliga trap door.


- Greg Seltzer