The 2006 US Open Cup pitted two MLS clubs fighting for the Lamar Hunt trophy. Last year’s winners, The LA Galaxy were looking to get something out of this year’s season, as their MLS form has been appalling, leaving them in second to last place in the Western Conference. On the other hand, The Chicago Fire, just coming off of a victory over LA in the MLS league to clinch a playoff slot, was looking to show that Hollywood is not the only region in the US that can boast that they know the sport of soccer.

Chicago came out blazing in the first half and controlled much of the tempo and offensive possession of the opening period. They put LA on their heels at the outset with two quick goals both coming off headers. The first one resulting from a free-kick that was first miss-headed by CJ Brown and then played across the box for an easy tap in. The second goal was from a glancing header to the back post, after Justin Mapp crossed in from the right flank.

An overall impression of the game is that the ref allowed way too much contact, as the physical play of the Americans does very little for the spectacle of what other countries call the beautiful game. Far too many challenges went unpunished and what could have been a thrilling 1st half, meted out to large sections of the game passing by with fragmented play.

Unfortunately, the closest LA got to scoring in the 1st half came to Chris Albright, who made a mockery of the side-foot volley as he put his shoot (from Donovan’s variation of a free-kick) into orbit. Albright was again on the laugh-o-meter as his miss-touch from a basic trap was ripped clear by the defender straight into Albright’s mug. Not that I wished he were injured, but again it’s hard to lionize a league when the professionals of that league show little in the development of basic technique, as well as all the bad passing errors that occur in a MLS match.

LA finally got their goal in the 2nd half, but Tony Sanneh pushed up from defense to assist for Chicago’s third and finally put the embers out on a shattered LA Galaxy season.

Real Madrid finally lived up to some of their top-dollar billing by destroying Dynamo Kiev 5-1 in the 2nd match-day of the opening group stages of the Champions League. Up 3-0 at half-time with goals from Van Nistelrooy, Raul, and new-boy Reyes, Real were definitely poised to receive roses at half-time, as well as to make up for their lack-luster defeat to Lyon on the opening match-day.

Capello, never one to “dare to eat a peach,” has benched David Beckham, asking the ex-England captain to take the backseat for Reyes, who has made a scintillating start to his Real career by starting and scoring in his last two games for the club. With Reyes’ pace in on the flank, Real has looked more menacing of late.

The only real slip for Real occurred at the beginning of the 2nd half when a lack of focus in defense saw Kiev wrestle in a goal as the Real defense were caught napping, as Casillas’ first save rebounded for the follow up. The Kiev comeback was short-lived, however, as both Raul and Van Nistelrooy scored again to make sure that the smiles and family portraits were not in vain.

Kiev is a far cry from their earlier exploits in the Champions League when both Shevchenko and Rebrov were scoring goals and putting real pressure on the elite clubs. Those days are gone now as indicated by the 9 goals conceded and 2 scored in the first two games. Lyon has climbed out to an early lead as they defeated Steaua Bucuresti (3-0) in the same manner of their victory over Real.

Next up for Real is Steaua Bucuresti. Both teams are level on points chasing after Lyon. Real will be hoping that their new-found confidence and chemistry will help them take full claim of the 2nd spot in Group E.

To read Sept. 29 06 Edition, Click here

I would like to state for the record that Manchester United’s Gabriel Heinze is one of the worst players to watch in my opinion. Now, I am not saying he is a bad player; he is very skilled and savvy, something you have to be to play for the Argentinean National Team, but he is a bad player to watch.

The reason why is because he is one of the nastiest players in the World. Let me explain. He lives by the code, “I am going to stop you even if it means to hack you down.” Don’t get me wrong, many professionals live by this code, but Heinze is a special type of hack. He is the type of hack that plays soccer second and hacks first.

Let me break it down to you. In his mind, he is thinking of the cheapest way to destroy what you are trying to do offensively—anything from stepping on your foot when you are close, to elbowing your jaw when you jump with him.

His playing style is totally designed for you to be thrown off your game, not for him to be a superior soccer player then you. He is a dirty player, but not necessarily the dirtiest. Materazzi, the Italian defender, who came to fame by receiving a head butt, is the dirtiest player in the world. It is not because of the infamous head butt, but for the hundreds of cheap shots he has put on his opponents that I have witnessed before this summer.

Even yesterday, a jumping two footed tackle against Bayern Munich player Lucio was a testament to his credo.

Let’s get something straight though, there is a distinction between being a dirty player and being a nasty player. You are dirty if you intend to injure like Materazzi, you are nasty if through your whirling attempt to stop your opponent, you employ everything outside the book first like Heinze.

Yes, your opponent might get injured in the process and normally does take damage, but your objective is not necessarily to injure, it is to stop. Still both of these ways to play are outside of the lines of sportsmanship, and if all of us didn’t abide by the unwritten or written rules of sportsmanship, we might as well be kicking a severed head around out there.  

The worst thing though about Heinze and Materazzi is the constant denial and pleading for innocence on every occasion—something that absolute liars do. They will kick you before the ball even arrives and then point the finger back at you in the aftermath.

Some might say it is part of the game. Well, cheers to all of you getting what you deserve. Thank the lucky stars that what goes around comes around. I’m soooooo sad Heinze missed the World Cup and got nut-megged on a back-heel against Benfica on Wednesday.

Gabriel Heinze, it will be a pleasure hoping you get schooled every time you are on the field. Karma is coming for you again, just keep building up all that bad mojo.

To Materazzi, your situation is a little more difficult because you play for Inter Milan. So I will have to let the Soccer Gods on High sort out your punishment, while hoping that Inter will not have to pay the price, even though I think that someone is paying up on old debts with two losses in two Champions League games.

Mediations from the Mongoose

Inter Milan edged victory (4-3) against Chievo Verona in a goal-fest at the weekend that put the “Neri Azzurri” at the top of Serie A. Hernan Crespo struck for 2 goals while Dejan Stankovic and defender, Walter Samuel pitched in with a solo.

Manchini will be hoping that his Inter will be producing more goals as they face off against Bayern Munich at mid-week. Inter will be looking for all 3 pts. in the Champions League at home in Italy, as they lost their opening Group B match (1-0) on the road in Portugal to Sporting Lisbon.

Top three goals of the week:
1. Inter blast from Italy
2. a screamer from Germany
3. a left-footed lovely from Peru
Click here to see them in action…

Was Michelle Lissel forced out of the FSW Report because of her forbidden love with co-anchor Jeremy St. Louis? You mean you didn’t know. Well if their on-screen antics mean anything, surely these two are a couple, and that means, they would be breaking normal business policy by fraternizing.

Of course there is no evidence to say this is the cause of her leaving, and probably being the head of PR for the newest M.L.S. side “The Toronto Whatever”, is actually a better gig, but we sell more magazines talking like this.

Tonight will be Michelle’s last night on the Report, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeremy sheds a tear for her. Guaranteed to make the moment awkward will be everyone’s ditsy Uncle Bobby McMahon, trying to make a joke, but just coming off dry like normal. Still we might see an on-air kiss, or at least a wink.

Michelle props to you, the first women soccer MC I could listen to. She is better then most guys who are talking about ball out there right now, AKA Ridge Mahoney.

Well, if you are American and watch Fox Sports World, realize that there is no American based highlight show. I mean not any that are at least half way presentable.

We at Savage Soccer are working to change that bit-by-bit. Look forward to Savage Strikes starting back up next week. Big Goals from everywhere! Hopefully we will see some of Michelle’s Team next year. Bye Michelle, you have left the game better then you met it. Good Luck!

This Sunday’s match-up between reigning champions, Barcelona and serious contenders, Valencia couldn’t have come sooner to help divide the pack, at this early stage in the Spanish league competition.

Actually, Sevilla top the league on goal difference and play on the road against Atletico Madrid; however, it is the match-up in the Nou Camp in Barcelona that will hold all the attention on Sunday.

Barcelona is still as cool as ever as most of their players have continued under Frank Rijkaard for the new campaign. Valencia have brought in new faces to strengthen their run for the league title, as they have brought in the likes of winger, Joaquin and ex-Real Madrid striker, Fernando Morientes to provide more width and finishing touches.

It will be a game to savior. Barcelona will definitely be put to the test. Both teams, however, have mid-week European encounters in the Champions League with Barcelona playing Werder Bremen, while Valencia faces off at home against Roma.

Hopefully, both teams will not be holding out for their European exploits and treat us to “dulce golazos”.

Portsmouth is the unlikely leader of the EPL going into this week’s 6th round. Harry Redknapp, known as the “The Great Houdini” for pulling Pompey from out of the relegation mire last season, will try to put the recent rumors of scandal suggested by the BBC’s screening of “Panorama”—an expose on corruption in the English game. 

With the Monday match at Fratton Park against Bolton, whatever Redknapp is thinking, he has the luxury to watch what unfolds on the weekend, knowing that no matter what happens, they only have to beat the Wanderers to remain league leaders for another week or two.

The team has surprised everyone, mostly themselves, with their current pole position in the fledgling EPL season. Kanu, Nigerian International and ex-Arsenal striker has scored a handful of goals in route to the top of the Premiership.

But the real signings are the defensive trio of England Internationals: keeper David James, ex-Arsenal center-back, Sol Campbell, and the young ex-Chelsea wing-back, Glenn Johnson. They have provided the experience and cover at the back, allowing the Pompey attack to really flow.

Pompey is certainly amongst the goals as strikers Benjani, Todorov, and LuaLua have also pitched in for their club. The late signing of ex-Man. United striker, Andy Cole provides just another option for Redknapp to consider throughout the season.

To read Sept. 22 06 Edition, Click here