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Soccer Goals: Just when Fabio Capello squashed the "alleged" Terry scandal, jorno scrutiny and speculation could rise to new levels, after news that Ashley Cole broke his ankle in a 50/50 challenge against US international, Landon Donovan in the Chelsea/Everton match yesterday. To make matters worse, the England left back could be sidelined the remainder of Chelsea's season, potentially leaving him unfit for the 2010 World Cup.

 

Manager Fabio Capello's current dilemma would stifle even the most elite intellects.  Well, for starters, his replacement could be the recent victim of Cassanova Terry, left back Wayne Bridge. Deciding who should be Cole's stunt double will endure certain hardships, as the press poises itself for the next angle and potential musing. Will Capello summon Bridge to patrol the left flank, while odds suggest the difficulty of coexistence and seamless integration, after their bromance was severed due to Terry's blatent abomination of the man code.

 

Considered the next best option to replace the Chelsea left back, Bridge's inclusion would be more uncomfortable than running into an ex-girlfriend at the mall -- the one that you never got over --while your current girlfriend inquires afterwards about her during those unusual shopping festivities. Now that is awkward. This uncomfortability could even top Kayne West's actions at the VMA awards, where Taylor Swift was subjected to his stupidity after winning the VMA's best video award over Beyonce. Now, this decision could reach the pinnacle of uncomfortability, if Mr. Bridge were to be included.

 

 

 

In order to avoid that funny feeling, center back Joleon Lescott, previously utilized at left back for the Three Lions, could slide into the left flank as a viable option, while more natural options, Everton's Leighton Baines and Villa's Stephen Warnock could provide coverage, as well. Baines has impressed recently, demonstrating his ability to advance in the attack, while providing a calming defensive posture for the Merseyside crew.

 

Will wing backs Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole's injury force Capello to adopt new tactics and strategy for the replacements on the field? Both these potenial-starting wing backs would have provided the extra attacking qualities and speed needed to unsettle top-tier defenses. This recent news of injuries could elicit a negative response or back-lash from either the English fans or media, who will disect every decision before the World Cup.

 

As potential backlash could resonate throughout England, because English supporters have began to evaluate several US players playing in the BPL now that Landon Donovan received Everon's number-nine jersey and is wearing it well, uncertainty could emanate from the massess.  With many assuming both in England and stateside that the US' best player would struggle in the English Premiere League, Landon Donovan has established himself seamlessly in such a short period, scoring a goal and adding two assists, while providing balanced and astute passing, offering menacing runs, and tracking back defensively.

 

After starting slow in the first half of his season, perhaps, Donovan's play has become contagious. Jozy Altidore has seen his game take a meteoric rise from his early play, that demonstrated poor touch and fitness. Now, the hulkish forward is imposing his will on the game scoring his first BPL goal, providing assists, and drawing penalties. Even John Terry struggled with Jozy's speed-and-strength combination, a package that now has opposing defenses preparing for his post-and-turn play. Hull City appears to have found their stride, moving out of the relegation zone, with Jozy being the catalyst to their improved play.

 

Given that Dempsey has proven his worth in England over the past few years scoring beautiful goals and demonstrating creativity in England and internationally, English supporters and media have taken notice of the US' attacking potential and that the first game will not be as E.A.S.Y. (England, Algeria, Slovenia, Yanks) as previously assumed as their new World Cup acronym would suggest. Couple England's injuries with their potential sex scandal debate with a potential to cause chemistry issues, England's future appears less rosey than early predicted, as the World cup draws closer.

 

Perhaps to alleviate self-inflicted pressure, the English should create a new South African acronym.

Group C aka E.A.S.Y.

England

Are

Scared (of the)

Yanks

 

What do you think of the Cole injury? Will Capello include Bridge on the squad? Who will be their replacement at left back? share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: The Capello Quandary - Ashley Cole sidelined for three months

 

 

Soccer Goals: Just when the American's Abroad congregation began to suffer from countless injuries and updates of poor club performances, crushing many hopes of top form from top players before the World Cup, it appears that the Yank's abroad contingent has turned the injury-plagued corner, as the Soccer Gods have recently shined brightly on the outsourced Americans.

 

The key figure of this Yank's reformation, Jozy Altidore, has stepped his game up in recent weeks after returning from compassionate leave. His performances have earned the Tigers five points in three games, culminating in his first Barclay's Premier League goal against Manchester city in a 2-1 victory on Saturday.

 

Newly minted Mexican Primera Division forward, Hercules Gomez, scored his first goal for Puebla CF in a 1-1 draw against Atlante. Landon Donovan did not buckle under the pressure of Merseyside derby in a 0-1 defeat. Defender Carlos Bocanegra earned his fifth consecutive full 90-minute endeavor against Bordeaux, while keeper Brad Friedel has tallied eight shutouts in the last ten outings in a 0-0 draw against Totenham.

 

Without further Adu, SAN presents the Top Five American's Abroad Feb 1-7.

 

1. Jozy Altidore, Hull City- has finally broken his silence, his goal scoring silence that is, against Manchester City in a 2-1 victory. With superb post-and-turn play that witnessed countless fouls and several yellow cards, the hulkish forward finally got the monkey off his back, thanks in part to a Jan Vennengoor assist that would see Jozy hit low and near post. Couple his strong-attacking play with his Chelsea performance, which earned the Tigers a point and saw the Chelsea defense struggle to adapt to his physical and quick play, Hull City has now landed in 14th place in the table, as the US striker's confidence soars to new heights.

 

Sky Sports has embraced his spirited efforts bestowing a player rating of eight against Manchester City and a seven against Chelsea in a 2-2 draw.

 

2. Hercules Gomez, Puebla- Overshadowed by his European counterparts as recent transfers, Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden, garner the majority of the European attention, the former Wizard forward, Hercules Gomez, has made strides with Puebla, scoring his first goal against Atlante in a 1-1 draw. It was a matter of time that Gomez would score from the air, as his aerial prowess has evoked promise in his initial outings.  The US international has not missed a beat since moving south, and one could argue that his play has improved now that he receives better service.

 

3. Landon Donovan, Everton FC- Who said that Donovan could not handle the pressure of the Barclay's premier league, let alone, the Merseyside derby? News flash: Mandon aka "Landon" Donovan can hang in the BPL. Despite Everton's demise while facing Liverpool in a 1-0 defeat, LD demonstrated his thoughtful passing and creative movements. Sky Sports continues to embrace the US international play, bestowing a player rating of eight which matched that of Liverpool hero, Dirk Kuyt. If doubter still exist amongst the -- "Donovan can't handle the pressure" -- I am sure that this group has shrunk immensely in the past few weeks.

 

4. Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes- After earning a starting position at left back in the past five games, the US defender produced a great result in a 4-2 victory against first-place side, Bordeaux.

 

5. Brad Friedel, Aston Villa- Continues to impress as the keeper for Villa as he tallied five saves against the high-octane Tottenham offense. Eight cleans sheets out of ten games stresses the impact that he has resonated throughout the club.

 

Relegation Bound (Due to poor form or lack of playing time)

1. Jermaine Jones, Schalke 04 - His return to form appears very unlikely, while another fellow American, Daniel Williams, earned a 0-0 draw against FC Freiburg. Could Williams supplant Jones as the most coveted German-American?

 

2. Maurice Edu/DaMarcus Beasley, Rangers - Still recovering from minor injuries that are consuming their potential for playing time and top form.

 

3. Freddy Adu, Aris Salonika - Just when Freddy Adu appeared poised to earn more playing time, a wet pitch and postponement left the former DC United attacker on the bench. On the bright side, Eddie Johnson earned a start and a full 90 minutes against Panthrakikos in a 0-2 defeat.

 

 

Were you inspired by Jozy's performance? Will the Tigers continue their winning ways? Will LD score any more goals in his loan spell? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Top Five American's Abroad Feb 1-7 - Jozy and Hercules score

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Soccer Goals: Jozy Altidore scores his first Barclay's Premiere goal. His goal-less rut is now over. Check out the highlights.

 

Soccer Videos: Jozy scores his first BPL goal

 

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Jozy Altidore scores in a 2-1 victory over Man City

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Soccer Goals: In the past four days since returning from a two-week leave of absence to deal with the Haitian earthquake and disaster, the Hatian sensation, Jozy Altidore, seems to have embraced his recent minutes on the pitch. On Saturday facing Wolverhampton, the Tigers forward assisted on a goal and drew a penalty to secure a 2-2 draw.

 

Soccer Videos: Hull City draws with Chelsea 1-1

 

 

Facing super club, Chelsea, Altidore wreaked havoc earning several dangous kick opportunities in 86 minutes of play in a 1-1 draw. The strong striker unbalanced the back line with quick feet and crafty one-v-one moves and even caused headaches for English internationals John Terry and Frank Lampard. Though his touch failed him on several occassions against the Blues, it has become evident that Altidore's game has gained inspiration, as he has demonstrated a stronger work ethic and better tactical sense.

 

If or when the former Red Bull scores his first EPL goal, will Jozy Altidore gain confidence to attack opponents more willingly, despite the marginal service he has received up to this point? Continued playing time is the most imporant facet to developing his game, but scoring goals would create confidence and earn playing time, a heightened confidence that could better showcase his talents at the World Cup.

 

What did you think of Jozy's performance? How many goals will Jozy tally this season? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Tuesday American's Abroad Feb 2nd - The Hatian Sensation shines

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Soccer Goals: With Clint Dempsey injured and Landon Donovan garnering most of the praise from the Yanks Abroad cult, the unusual suspects (Adu and EJ) made their mark this weekend in hopes of making the World Cup squad.

 

In his first appearance for Aris Salonika, Freddy Adu set up an Eddie Johnson goal in stoppage-time with a 30-yard outside-of-the-foot pass to a sprinting EJ. While receiving the pass, the US forward nutmeged the keeper and knocked it in for a goal, but the two would lose the game 1-2 to FC Xanthi despite their impressive interchange.

 

After pondering Jozy Altidore's status with US soccer's braintrust -- or should I say a couple of my buddies -- in the proverbial debate (will Jozy Altidore earn playing time with Hull City?), the Hatian sensation provided a solid performance by earning both an assist and drawing a penalty in a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton, which also paired him against fellow American goal keeper Marcus Hannemman. Another strong performance could allow Jozy to earn playing time against Chelsea on Tuesday evening.

 

Though it was quiet for the other Yank's Abroad, let's examine who else made the top five of the list.

 

1. Jozy Altidore, Hull City - The man-child forward punished defender Berra with his post-and-turn play, while drawing numerous fouls and creating space for other teammates. Although his touch continues to prove inconsistent, his speed and hold up play gave hope to those that relished his best rendition of turn-and-drop of Capdeville in the 2009 Confederations Cup. He started and played 68 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton.

 

 

2. Eddie Johnson, Aris Salonika - Is it better to be good or lucky? That is the question one must ask when debating the EJ goal. As he received a 30-yard Adu pass, the G.A.M. softly nutmegged the keeper and scored a stoppage-time goal. EJ came off the bench and played 20 minutes in a 1-2 defeat to FC Xanthi.

 

3. Freddy Adu, Aris Salonika - came off the bench and played 26 minutes, sparking the offense with several dangerous passess and runs. His most dangerous pass found the foot of EJ which transpired to his first Greek League goal and Adu's first assist. If he continues to receive playing time, could Freddy be called up for the Netherland's friendly?

 

4. Jonathan Spector, West Ham United - continues to demonstrate his versatility playing as a left back in a 0-0 draw against Blackburn. Besides starting and playing the full 90 minutes, Spector's play will become even more crucial with Steve Cherundolo sidelined 4-6 weeks due to shoulder injury.

 

5. Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes - Having lost his starting position to Romain Danze for a two month period and the possibility of a transfer to St Etienne, Carlos Bocanegra remained with Rennes after a deal could not be reached to acquire his potential replacement, Marek Cech. The US defender has temporarily stated his claim on the left back position, after earning another 90-minute performance in 4-0 victory against Grenoble on Saturday. However, Danze continues to push for playing time.

 

 Relegation Bound (Due to poor form or lack of playing time)

Maurice Edu/DaMarcus Beasley, Rangers - Small nagging injuries have kept them off the squad since recuperating from major injuries. If either player wants to make the squad, they must earn playing time. It's now or never.

 

Jermaine Jones, Shalke 04 - has yet to resume training sesssions. Coach Bradley will unlikely call him for the Netherland friendly, which will make it even more difficult to evaluate his progress or chemistry with the team.

 

Edgar Castillo, UNAL - Could his injury and average form deny him a chance in the upcoming friendlies?

 

Will EJ and Adu continue to receive playing time? Do you think their move to Greece was prudent? When will Jozy score his first Chelsea goal? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Top Five American's Abroad Review Jan 24-31st - EJ scores and Altidore and Adu assist

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Soccer goals: Known for their direct and methodical style of play, the Bolton Wanderers appear to be in a transition from long ball to small ball, a multi dimensional attacking style that will integrate new aspects such as quick exchanges and creative emphasis. Although the transition will require patience and numerous training sessions to reach the desired level that newly appointed manager Owen Coyle desires, the dynamic play could bear fruit in the coming months.

 

Soccer Goals: The lovely and talented Temryss Lane applauds Holden's move to Bolton

 
 

Owen Coyle has stated his desire for philosopical changes and hopes to facilitate the transition with Vladimir Weiss, Stuart Holden, and Jack Wilshere. He confirmed his plans stating that "we are trying to implement stuff in training which will be replicated in matches. I do not want us to be one-dimensional.

"I want us to have a few facets to our play. There was a lot of good football the other night [against Burnley]. I was pleased with that but it is a work in progress. All the hard work is ahead of us.

"I look for players with energy and desire and if they are young so much the better.

"The three players mentioned [Weiss, Holden and Wilshere] come into that category. I want to freshen things up and add to an already talented group."

 

If Stuart Holden can impress in training sessions in order to alleviate the Coyle's potential pitfalls while implementing his new system, the former Houston Dynamo midfielder could earn some significant playing time over the course of the season. Playing time will not come easy as he will compete against many established players. Although his technical skill would indicated that he could pave the way for a bright future for both the Wanderers and USMNT, the US winger must prove his ability on a daily basis against team mates in training and future opponents on the field.

 

Whill Holden earn regular playing time for Owen Coyle? Was his move to Bolton Wanderers the right move for his career? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Bolton transitions to free-flowing style - Will that mean minutes for Holden?

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