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Soccer Goals: After recent news that hip-hop mogul, Sean "P-Diddy" Combs expressed interest in buying Crystal Palace, sprucing up his portfolio with even more ridiculous bling. An even better rapper with superior flow, Jay-Z continues his paper chase with recent news of his desire to invest with London football club, Arsenal.

 

Soccer Videos: Z buying Arsenal shares with Dead Presidents and meeting Girls, Girls, Girls.

 

 

Besides transcending to the Top 5 category of "best rapper alive" (whatever that means), the lyric-spitting legend has amassed an impressive bankroll estimated at 500 million dollars. Not only is he married to the voluptous Beyonce, owns a percentage of the NBA's New Jersey Nets, but has embraced the Gunners after watching Thierry Henry's flank devestation.

 

"I just thought he was an amazing player. Ever since then I have been a big fan of the club and still today you play the beautiful football that Thierry did. I think he had a real long term-effect on the team" stated Jay-Z.
I don't know if there are any Jay-Z fans in the current team but if there are they would be more than welcome to come to my next concert when I am over in London. They can come and see me do my work, and then I will come and see them do their work."

 

So now that the Arsenal teammates have received a concert invitation from their potential boss, does that mean that the "Pretty boys" at Emirate Stadium will produce their own rendition of the Super Bowl Shuffle? Perhaps, there title will be called The Gunner Gangsters. Could you imagine Andre Arshavin, dressed in Roca wear, throwing down lyrics, while Cesc Fabregas and his melodic chorus offers the catchy hook to move up the I-tune charts.

 

This is what could be: soccer-centric rap video of an Arsenal star, imagine cleats rather than high tops and 5'9, not 6'9.

 

 

During the pre-game lineup, could Jay-Z's Arsenal enter the field iced out, with blinged-out boots, sagging shorts, flat-billed baseball caps, and chain-hang low accessories before the opening kickoff. Will Roca wear become the official uniform sponsor of Arsene Wegner's side? Where would Rosicky, Vela, Sagne, or Bendtner be situated amongst the VIP table in the newest Jay-Z video? Imagine Carlos Vela fist pumping next to Swiss Beatz or Denmark's Nicolas Bendtner grinding on Nicki Minaj -- that thought would be simply priceless.

 

All these questions will spark more interest from the USA and the urban demographic, who prefer NFL and NBA over the Barclays Premiere League.  Marketing guru's and Arsenal investors hope that his presence and sheer publicity could tap another demographic market.

 

In the interest of growing the game stateside, his potential investor status could attract a new crew, one that could engage a demographic that has been ignored for too long. The hip-hop culture. 

 

What other possibilites could Jay-Z bring to the football game? Would this create more interest from inner-city youth? Will Jay-Z introduce the bling-bling concept to the  Premiere League?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Jay-Z considers Arsenal investment

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Soccer goals: Forward Charlie Davies returned to Sochaux on Wednesday, meeting with his team mates for the first time after suffering a severe injury in October in Washington DC two days before the final hexagonal qualifier against Costa Rica.

 

Soccer Videos: The Charlie Davies returns to Sochaux

 

As many pundits suggested that a potential six month recovery would be impossible, the US forward has progressed miracously and hopes to return to Sochaux in April. Although he would not declare a comeback date, he believes that his return will sooner than most would have expected.

 

If Davies returns to good form (though it will be an uphill battle), his stunning recovery will complicate Coach Bradley's roster selection of the USMNT for the World Cup.

 

Will Davies return before the French season concludes? Will he return to a strong form? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Charlie Davies returns to Sochaux

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Soccer Goals: It appears that frequently maligned Freddy Adu has finally found a football home, after struggling to find playing time with Benefica, Monaco, and Belenenses. On Sunday, the attacking midfielder scored his first Greek League goal and game winner.

 

Soccer Videos: Adu scores against Skoda Xanthi

 

 

In his second start in Greek Cup action, the American abroad starlet netted his second consecutive goal in the quarterfinal second-leg victory against Skoda Xanthi, winning 3-0 to advance to the semi-finals. In order to improve his Greek resume, Adu set up the third goal with a superb long pass, that eventually lead to Koke's goal and the 3-0 victory.

 

What was most impressive is that Freddy Adu has embraced Coach Kuper's philosophy and has demonstrated his fair share of defensive work, as well. If the U-20 standout hopes to earn a callup for the Netherland friendly on March 3rd, he must continue to impress as a two-way player, an attribute that hindered him at the club and international level over the past two years.

 

 What is your take on the recent improvement in the Yank's abroad game? Is he willing to grind it out defensively, while remaining engaged offensively? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Freddy Adu scores again in Greek Cup

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Soccer Goals: Could it be that Jozy Altidore opened the goal-scoring flood gates after he scored his first Barclays Premiere League goal? It seems that his play is contagious and has spread faster than H1N1(swine flu), as Jose Francisco Torres and Freddy Adu scored goals this weekend.

 

Midfielder Freddy Adu took full advantage of his starting role scoring the game winner in Aris Salonika's 2-1 win vs. Ergotelis on Sunday, playing 62 minutes. Aris Salonika's win moves them within a point from the top four of the Greek Super League.

 

In Mexican Primera Division play, Jose Francisco scored a beautiful 25-yard free kick goal,  which stunned the keeper and allowed Pachucha to defeat Hercules Gomez and Puebla 5-3.

 

Michael Bradley continues to impress with Borrussia Moenchengladbach setting up the first goal on a beautiful through ball, which helped secure a 2-1 victory against Nurenberg on Friday.

 

Let's take a look at who impressed this weekend and who did not for the Top Five American's Abroad February 7-14th.

 

1. Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca - Playing a more holding role for Pachuca which has limited his offensive output, El Gringo Torres shined brightly with a superb set-piece kick that left the goal keeper stunned and American supporters delighted. After the diminutive forward scored the fanatstic goal, his celebration demonstrated his joy and offered a glimpse of athleticism as he back flipped, as if he were Ozzie Smith circa 1987 in the World Series.  It appears that the hamstring has recovered to full strength, and he could make a strong case for a starting position against the Netherlands, with the recent injuries to Edu, Jones, Feilhaber, and Clark.

 

 

2. Freddy Adu, Aris Salonika - Now with his second consecutive start and his first Greek League goal, it seems that the fallen-star has caught a break, as his playing time has increased tremendously since moving to Aris where he earned 62 minutes on Sunday. His game winning goal was set up nicely by Neto, who crossed the ball to a streaking Adu, who capitalized on poor marking in their 2-1 victory over Ergotelis.

With injuries galore plaguing the US midfield, could Adu receive a call up for the Netherland's friendly, if he can maintain his form and starting position for Aris?

 

 

3. Michael Bradley, Borrusia Mochengladbach - As many of our top central midfielders are sidelined due to injuries, it is promising to see at least one of our starters producing in the top European leagues this week. The US midfielder is doing just that, as he earned praise from announcers in their 2-1 victory over Nurenberg. His sublime through ball set up the first goal, and his abundant energy kept the Nurenberg offense at bay.

 

4. Eddie Johnson, Aris Salonika - Earned a starting role in 62 minutes of play, holding up the ball and setting up the first goal for Aris in a 2-1 victory over Ergotelis. Keeping his starting role and scoring goals could go along way to his inclusion for the Netherland's friendly.

 

5. Daniel Williams, SC Freiburg - If Daniel Williams, SC Freiburg's starting right back, who holds both German and US nationality doesn't ring a bell, you might want to take notice, as he has began to garner attention in US supporter's circles. Besides recently earning four starts for the relegation dwellars, SC Freiburg, Williams has earned a Best Xl award already this season. He told Yanks Abroad that he would consider playing for the USA, since the German Federation has yet to call him up after playing with the U-15s.

 

Although William's natural position is defensive midfielder, he has proven his versatility by transitioning to right back, a position that could be weakened for the USMNT, if Steve Cherundolo does not return healthy from injury. SAN will monitor his progress and address any potential headlines of his future allegiance.

 

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

1.Jermaine Jones, Schalke 04 - It is great to ponder the idea of an in-form Jones representing the USMNT in South Africa. However, his return from injury has been prolonged much longer than anyone would have expected.  Will Bradley consider him, if he is fully fit, despite not playing with his team mates before the World Cup?

 

2. Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes - Lost his starting role in a 1-0 defeat to AJ Auxerre on Saturday. Will this loss propel him back into his former starting role?

 

3. Stuart Holden, Bolton Wanderers - Bolton faced Tottenham in the FA Cup in a 1-1 draw, while Holden remained on the bench despite there being one substitution remaining. With Bolton fighting their way out of relegation, playing time could avoid the American rookie.

 

What did you think of Torres' goal? Will Adu continue to earn playing time? Do you hope that Bradley will call Williams to the Netherland Camp? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Top Five American's Abroad February 7-14th - Torres and Adu score

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 Soccer Goals: Landon Donovan's loan with Everton has proven a successful venture, as his play has catapulted the Blues up the table, when early in the season they remained in the realm of the relegation zone, a period too long for Manager Moyes' tastes.

 

Soccer Videos: LD Highlights against Chelsea in a 2-1 victory

 

Now that the English media and supporters have taken notice of Donovan's ability exploits, another player has offered his vote of confidence, after Tim Cahill earlier declared that Landon Donovan should remain with his newly-adopted team mates.

 

Praising Donovan's play during his short loan stin, right back Phil Neville has now clamored for a permanent deal to make the American Abroad a regular fixture at Everton. He spoke with Everton's official website complimenting his recent play. Here is an excerpt of his conversation.

 

Landon Donovan set up Saha’s first against Chelsea and has impressed since arriving at Goodison in January. And the Blues the Club captain says England will have singled out the American as the danger man in the USA line up when they two sides meet in the World Cup this summer.

The on-loan LA Galaxy player has a string of impressive performances under his belt in recent weeks.

But Neville says his showing against Chelsea is his best so far.

The skipper says Fabio Capello will have paid close attention to Donovan and the way he kept Ashely Cole out of the game before the left-bacl was forced off with a serios ankle injury.

"Landon was asked to do a job against Ashley Cole. The question the manager asked Landon before the game was ‘can you pose Ashley Cole a problem?’" revealed Neville.

"Well he did that, he totally nullified Ashley Cole and he posed the whole back four a problem. He was outstanding."

Donovan must return to the States next month and join back up with the Galaxy for the start of the MLS season.

But Neville hopes he could return to Everton in the future.

"For me playing at right back with him in front of me has made my job easier,” he revealed.

 

"It has been a pleasure to play with him. We just hope that maybe this kind of loan arrangement can be done again next season because he has fitted in superbly."

 

What do you think of Donovan's loan spell? Will MLS and Everton work out a deal to keep Donovan in England? Has his play surprised you?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Neville praises Donovan's Efforts

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Soccer Goals: N.E.R.D., one of the truly unique and gifted bands, paid a visit to Old Trafford to visit the Manchester United grounds. While embracing the Red Devils ambience, the protagonists received personalized uniforms.

 

One thing that stood out was that Pharrell received a uniform but with his last name. With a name like Pharrell, how could anybody omit the dopest-name-ever from the back of his Man. U uni? Whether you follow the Red Devils or not, it seems simple to groove to the the rock-funk sounds of N.E.R.D..

 

Keep rocking your beats and producing good quality music.

 

Soccer Videos: N.E.R.D. visits the United Kingdom

 

Who are your favorite performers of N.E.R.D.? If you were them would you have Man City? Share your thoughts?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: N.E.R.D visits Old Trafford

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