Category Archives: Free Fantasy Football

NCAA Tournament: Top seeds advance to Round of 16 | Soccer By Ives

By JOHN BOSCHINI

The second round of the NCAA tournament saw plenty of late-game drama as half of the 16 games were decided in overtime or via penalty kicks and several more were decided with goals in the final minutes.

No. 13 Butlers first loss of the season came at the worst possible time as Michigan State upset the Bulldogs 1-0. Butler dominated play for most of the game, outshooting the Spartans 15-6 and forcing several class saves Avery Steinlage. But in the 85th minute, Butler failed to clear and Jeff Ricondo took advantage of Bulldog goalkeeper Fabian Knopflers poor positioning, blasting a 30-yard shot into the bottom corner.

No. 3 Akron faced a tougher-than-expected challenge from West Virginia but the Zips held on for a 3-2 victory. Freshman Darren Mattocks netted a first-half double to give Akron the early lead. The Zips appeared to have sealed the victory when Scott Caldwell scored in the 70th minute but the Mountaineers mounted a furious comeback, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes but couldnt the equalizer.

In other NCAA Tournament action:

No. 4 North Carolina rode its luck against a tough Georgetown team, winning 5-4 on penalty kicks after a scoreless 110 minutes. The game was far more offensive than the scoreline would suggest, with both teams combining for 12 shots on goal. In the shootout, Seth CDebaca was stoned by Scott Goodwin on Georgetowns third spot kick and the Tar Heels took advantage, going a perfect five for five.

No. 14 Indiana justified its first-round bye with a 5-1 demolition of Tulsa thanks to senior Will Bruins two goals and two assists. Andy Adlard broke the opening deadlock in the 41st minute with a strike from 12 yards out. Nikita Kotlov and Harrison Petts scored to put the Hoosiers up 3-0. Tulsa briefly brought a goal back with an Ashley McInnes chip before Bruin finished the former No. 2 Tulsa off with two goals just six minutes apart.

UC Santa Barbaras hopes of playing the College Cup on its home field were dashed when No. 6 California came back to defeat the Gauchos 2-1 in overtime. Michael Tetteh scored in the 82nd minute to break a 0-0 tie and it looked the UCSB would score an away upset. But Servando Carrasco scored with 1:40 left in regulation and Paul Davis got a golden goal with a single second left on the clock in the first overtime period.

A couple of late goals got No. 1 Lousivilles title charge off to a good start with a 3-1 defeat of College of Charleston. Nick DeLeon opened the scoring for the Cardinals by putting home a rebound after Paolo Delpiccolos shot came off the post. Five minutes later, the score was level when Sean Flaterys header went in off the post. The Cardinals finally secured victory when Colin Rolfe and Charlie Campbell scored in the final seven minutes. With Butlers loss, Louisville is now the final undefeated team left in Division 1 soccer.

No. 11 Connecticut were overcome 7-6 in penalty kicks by Brown. Taylor Gorman put the visiting Bears ahead in the eigth minute with a low shot. The Huskies couldnt find an equalizer until the 87th minute with a goal from Mamadou Diouf. After a scoreless overtime, both teams made four of their initial five spot kicks but Max Wasserman missed UCONNs eight penalty and Jay Hayward provided the game winner.

No. 5 Southern Methodist survived a first-round scare from Creighton, winning 5-3 on penalty kicks. Arthur Ivo scored with just 12 seconds left in regulation to force overtime for the Mustangs. Jose Gomezs penalty kick was stopped by Craig Hill to down the Blue Jays.

Maryland had no trouble advancing to the final 16 as the Terrapins dispatched Pennsylvania 4-0. John Stertzer scored from six yards out in the ninth minute before Matt Kassel converted a penalty kick and Greg Young scored from close range to give Maryland a 3-0 halftime lead. After the break, Maryland protected that lead but freshman Patrick Mullins completed the rout in the 88th minute.

Duke became the third ACC team to exit the NCAA tournament in the opening week with a 1-0 overtime defeat to No. 7 South Carolina. Regulation saw both teams miss chance after chance as goalkeepers James Belshaw and Jimmy Maurer bailed their teams out on several occasions. The dealock was finally broken 59 seconds from the end of the first overtime when Bradlee Baladez slotted a close range effort past Belshaw.

No. 12 William Mary survived a penalty kick scare of its own, dispatching UMBC 5-3 after a scoreless 110 minutes. WM goalkeeper George McAdams came up with a stop in the shootout to advance the Tribe.

Just a few days after destroying Monmouth 4-0, Dartmouth continued its surprise run with a 2-1 overtime victory over No. 9 Notre Dame. Senior Andrew Olson opened the scoring for Dartmouth in the 65th minute with a rebound off of Phillip Tuttle. Dillon Powers brought the Irish level 17 minutes from time but Olson completed his brace in the ninth minute of the first overtime to seal the victory.

No. 8 UCLA had little trouble against Sacramento State, dispatching the Mountain Pacific champions 4-1. The Bruins rattled off the first four goals of the game, Chandler Hoffman scored a brace while Reed Williams and Victor Chavez added goals of their own. Freshman Kelyn Rowe showed his worth to UCLA, providing two assists. Ernesto Carranza saved face for Sacramento with a goal in the 87th minute.

No. 16 Ohio State stifled a Providence offense that posted six on St. Peters in midweek, downing the Friars 2-1. Konrad Warzycha and Omar Vallejo scored less than 15 minutes apart after a scoreless first half at Ohio State. Greg Davis pulled one back for Providence with five minutes left in regulation but the Friars couldnt find an equalizer.

Old Dominion looked like it was about to pull of another shocking upset by going ahead early at No. 15 Penn State. But Corey Hertzog put on an offensive clinic with a hat trick as the Nittany Lions rattled off four unanswered goals to advance to the third round.

No. 10 Michigan extended its winning streak to seven games with 2-1 overtime victory over Central Florida. UCF drew first blood with a goal from Nik Keown-Robson in the ninth minute. The Wolverines equalized in the 50th minute with a goal from Justin Meram before Latif Alashes golden goal in the 95th minute.

Barcelona, Real Madrid win big in La Liga | Soccer By Ives

By JOHN BOSCHINI

It was a big day for Spains top two teams as Barcelona and Real Madrid put on offensive clinics ahead of next weeks El Clasico.

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick as Barcelona routed Almeria 8-0. Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, kicking off a torrid 19 minutes in which Barcelona scored five times. Goals from Andres Iniesta, Alemria captain Santiago Acsiete and Pedro preceded Messis second goal in the 37th minute.

Barcelonas three second-half goals came between the 62nd and 73rd minutes with Messis third goal and a brace from substitute Bojan KrKic. Messi now has 101 goals in 154 Barcelona appearances.

The hefty defeat was the last straw for Almeria manager Juan Manuel Lillo, who was fired mere hours after the final whistle.

Not to be outdone, La Liga leaders Real Madrid had a lopsided victory of their own, downing Athletic Bilbao 5-1 at the Bernabeu with the help of a Christiano Ronaldo hat trick.

Gonzalo Higuain broke through for Madrid in the 19th minute by fighting off two defenders and beating Gorka Iraizoz. Ronaldo added his first on the half hour mark with with a driven shot from 20 yards out. Bilbao narrowed the lead just before halftime with a goal from Fernando Llorente.

In the second half, it was all Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos converted a penalty in the 57th minute, Iraizoz horribly misplayed Ronaldos free kick five minutes later to make it 4-1 before the Portugese international converted a penalty kick to complete the hat trick.

Madrid now sits one point above Barcelona after 12 games and is already eight clear of third-place Villareal.

Here are highlights of both matches.

Barcelona 8, Almeria 0

Real Madrid 5, Athletic Bilbao 1

What do you think of both teams performances? Can Real Madrid hold off Barcelona down the stretch? How awful is Ronaldos mohawk? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Traveling fans bring spirit, flavor to MLS Cup | Soccer By Ives

By TRAVIS CLARK

TORONTO Traveling a few thousands miles on short notice can be a bit of a drag. But when its to support your respective home team in the MLS Cup final in a city youve never been to, it can sometimes be a whole new experience.

Both FC Dallas and Colorado supporters, coming from two of the smaller markets of Major League Soccer, were both well-represented Sunday evening. A few hundred from both sides hunkered down to brave the cold and cheer own their home side. The sea of Burgundy and Blue meshed with the sea of red and white, though any exchanges were good natured before the match.

Rapids fans appeared to be more receptive to the cold than their Dallas counterparts, having sat through last weekends Eastern Conference Final in Commerce City. With kickoff temperatures hovering around the low 40s, and the wind whipping off the coast from Lake Ontario, it wasnt for the faint of heart. Crowds of supporters huddled under outdoor heaters to try and stay warm.

Fans of both sides arrived on Thursday, Friday and into the weekend, getting a chance to savor the sights and sounds of the Canadian host city. Both fans gushed with praise for their hosts, enjoying the feel of a new city.

Torontos been great, said Matt from Dallas, wearing an outfit complete with a small cowboy hat.

Different groups arrived in different ways FC Dallas charted a flight for fans, providing match tickets, accommodation and covering every base. However, a number of fans coming from both Colorado and Texas set things up on their own.

Planes emerged from Dallas with 40 to 60 fans at a time heading north of the border. And it paid off to an extent FC Dallas appeared to fill most of their section, clamoring in with banners, flags and drums to decorate the alloted sections.

On the Rapids side of things, a semblance of organization was more visible song sheets distributed, and designated supporters leading the chants.

It wasnt all positive however. During Sunday mornings Supporters Summit, fans of both sides lodged complaints of the match ticket price, having to lay out between $80-$200 for a ticket for the MLS Cup final.

For both Colorado and Dallas supporters, a long plane ride home awaits. For one set, its a satisfying end to an exciting trip. For another, only a time to reflect and wait for a new season to being next year.

Wheeling and dealing on first day of MLS off-season (UPDATED) | Soccer By Ives

MLS teams wasted no time making deals after the end of the 2010 season, in part because of the looming MLS expansion draft.

The Columbus Crew continued its dismantling of its 2008 championship team by dealing midfielder Brian Carroll to the Phiadelphia Union (NOT D.C. United) for a conditional second round pick and an allocation.

The deal re-unites Nowak and Carroll after the two spent time at D.C. United, where both helped D.C. to the 2004 MLS Cup title.

Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls sent former 2008 first-round pick Jeremy Hall to the Portland Timbers for a third-round draft pick. The Red Bulls did not plan on keeping Hall on its protected list, but Hall was clearly an expansion draft target for both Portland an Vancouver.

Portland wasnt done dealing. The Timbers also dealt an allocation to Los Angeles for an international player slot for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The slot returns to the Galaxy after 2012.

Colorado celebrated its MLS Cup victory last night, but made a deal on Monday, sending defenders Julian Baudet and Danny Earls to Seattle for Peter Vagenas.

We will update this posts with any other trades that go through.

For now, feel free to share your thoughts on these deals in the comments section below.

Evening Ticker: Hurzeler joins USA U20 squad, Kandji tears ACL and more | Soccer By Ives

By JOHN BOSCHINI

The United States youth system received an unexpected boost with the news that Bayen Munich and German U17 standout Fabian Hurzeler will join the USAs U20 squad.

According to Yanks Abroad, U.S. U20 coach Thomas Rongen said that Hurzeler will join the team during its January camp.

Hurzeler, 17, was born in Houston but has lived most of his life in Germany and is the youngest member of the Bayern Munich reserve team. The midfielder has captained Germanys U17 team in official qualifying tournaments, so he will have to file a one-time switch of federations if he is to participate in any U20 World Cup qualifying or tournament matches. This does not apply to the January camp or friendlies.

Here are some more stories to wrap up your Tuesday.

KANDJI SUFFERED TORN ACL IN MLS CUP FINAL

Colorado Rapids forward Macoumba Kandji has been diagnosed with a torn ACL after going off injured following his role in the game-winning goal in the MLS Cup Final on Sunday.

Kandji, 25, will most likely be out four to five months with rehabilitation.

MLS PLAYOFFS THE THIRD HIGHEST ATTENDED IN HISTORY

The final attendance numbers from the 2010 MLS Playoffs show a substantial decrease from last years record-setting average but that they were still the third-highest attended playoffs in history.

According to Sports Business Daily, the average playoff match drew 19,535 fans as opposed to 23,559 fans in 2009. This was capped with an MLS Cup Final crowd estimated at 21,700 at BMO Field in Toronto on Sunday night.

SFA SETS DEADLINE FOR REF STRIKE SOLUTION

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has set a Thursday deadline for a resolution to the impending referee strike this weekend in the Scottish Premier League.

The referees have voted to strike this weekend due to questions of their integrity that have been raised by SPL coaches, most notably by Celtic manager Neil Lennon. The SFA has not ruled out the possibility of parachuting in referees from other countries, but referees from Iceland have rejected the offer and officials from Ireland and Wales are unlikely to accept.

SUAREZ AND ETOO BANNED FOR VIOLENT CONDUCT

Two of Europes top strikers will be out of action following on-field aggression.

Ajax has accepted a seven-match ban of Luis Suarez after the Uraguayan striker was seen biting a PSV Eindhoven player in a match last Saturday. Meanwhile, Inter-Milan forward Samuel Etoo has been handed a three-match ban after the Cameroonian headbutted Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar. Suarez was fined an undisclosed amount while Etoo was charged $40,000.

FIFA CONSIDERS SECOND TIER TO A-LEAGUE

Despite waning national interest, FIFA is looking to add a second tier to the A-League, Australias domestic soccer league.

The Australian Football Federation announced that it has launched a review of the countrys resources with the ultimate goal of developing a promotion and relegation system between the two leagues. Several Australian clubs have been hit with financial difficulties recently, most notably Newcastle and North Queensland.

WEST HAM SET TO EDGE TOTTENHAM FOR STADIUM

Several reports out of England suggest that West Ham United will beat out Tottenham Hotspur in the race for use of the 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Sir Keith Mills, deputy chairman of the London games and Tottenham director, admitted that West Ham is in pole position for use of the 80,000-seat stadium. West Ham is considered to be the favorite because the Hammers are willing to leave the running track intact, while the Spurs bid calls for it to be removed.

What do you think of todays stories? Excited about Hurzeler joining the U20s? Concerned about Kandjis knee injury? Agree with the bans for Etoo and Suarez?

Share your thoughts below.

UCL Rewind: Arsenal lose in Portugal, AC Milan goes through | Soccer By Ives

By TRAVIS CLARK

Just a few days after blowing a 2-0 lead at home and losing to bitter rivals Tottenham, Arsenal took to the road in hopes of quickly erasing the memories of that loss.

However, Aresnal couldnt break down Sporting Braga, and two late goals from Brazilian forward Matheus earned the home side an unlikely victory handing Arsenal their second straight Champions League defeat, when they only needed a draw to qualify for the next round.

AC Milan secured a trip to the next round, thanks to a 2-0 win over Auxerre, with second-half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho. In other action, Real Madrid humiliated Ajax in front of their home crowd in Amsterdam with a 4-0 rout, and Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1 against Zilina.

Heres a complete look at the scores from Tuesdays Champions League action:

Group E

Marseille 3, Spartak Moscow 0

Chelseas 2, Zilina 1

Group F

AS Roma 3, Bayern Munich 2

Basel 1, Cluj 0

Group G

AC Milan 2, Auxerre 0

Real Madrid 4, Ajax

Group H

Braga 2, Arsenal 0

Shakhtar Donetsk 2, Partizan Belgrade 0

What did you think of Tuesdays Champions League action? Share your thoughts below.

2011 MLS Expansion Draft: Live Commentary | Soccer By Ives

The Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps are ready to make the first selections in the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft.

The Timbers have already begun building their team with the signings of USSF D-2 standouts Ryan Pore Eddie Johnson and Bright Dike, while the Whitecaps recently unveiled U.S. national team defender Jay DeMerit as their first major acquisition.

Both sides will move closer to forming the teams we could see when the 2011 season kicks off next spring.

I will be providing live commentary from the expansion draft so please feel free to follow along here. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

Enjoy the draft (Commentary is after the jump):

FINAL- Thats all for now. Feel free to share your thoughts on the expansion draft in the comments section below.

2:54pm- Thats that. Portland started well, but Vancouver finished well and may have had the edge overall. Portland spent two picks on lottery tickets with Findley and Bornstein. If either of those players comes back then you like the Timbers draft. Otherwise, Vancouver wins today.

2:53pm- Vancouver selects John Thorrington with the final pick. A great pick, a steal really, and Chicago will wind up regretting not protecting him.

2:52pm- Funny but I think Portland had a much better first half of the draft while Vancouver has had a stronger second half of the draft.

2:51pm- Portland selects Arturo Alvarez.

2:50pm- Vancouver selects Jonathan Leathers from KC, who I like MUCH better than Jordan Graye.

Better pick from the Whitecaps.

KC pulls back Eric Kronberg. Why? I have no idea. Guess they REALLY hope someone takes Chance Myers or Jimmy Conrad.

2:49pm- Vancouver two picks left.

2:47pm- Portland selects Jordan Graye from D.C. United. Not a fan of that pick at all.

D.C. United pulled back Kurt Morsink. No, really. They did.

2:45pm- Portland is up. Corey Ashe perhaps?

2:43pm- Vancouver selects Joe Cannon. Not a surprise. Yes, Pat Onstad would have been a nice nostalgia pick, but Cannon is a solid starter.

San Jose pulls back Tim Ward.

2:41pm- Portland selects Jonathan Bornstein. Double Wow?

Chivas USA is off the board.

Whos doing their draft, Bob Bradley?

2:40pm- The Union luck out today. Losing Salinas and Moreno doesnt hurt Philly at all.

2:38pm- Vancouver selects Alejandro Moreno from Philadelphia.

Union are off the board and get lucky not to lose Brad Knighton. Would love to be in the room for Peter Nowaks first meeting with Knighton.

2:36pm- Portland selects Peter Lowry from Chicago. Very underrated player, sneaky good goal scorer.

Chicago pulls back Dasan Robinson. Fire got lucky there.

2:35pm- Portland is up.

2:32pm- Vancouver selects OBrian White from Toronto. Still dont get why he wasnt protected.

Whitecaps should give White a chance to play. Toronto pulls back Julian DeGuzman.

2:31pm- Vancouver is up next.

2:30pm- Portland selects Robbie Findley. Not that surprising. Findley played college soccer for Oregon State.

Real Salt Lake is off the board.

2:29pm- Surprises? Philly pulling back Chris Seitz and exposing Brad Knighton. How do you bring him back now? Definitely a vote of no confidence by the Union with that move.

As for who is out there. Doesnt look like either team will be taking Jimmy Conrad, which is a bit surprising. OBrian White is out there and someone I see Vancouver taking. You also have John Thorrington.

2:27pm- Halfway through this expansion draft its tough not to give the edge to Portland. Timbers have grabbed five solid players. Vancouver took three MLS starters first, but Salinas and Gordon are questionable in my book.

2:25pm- Vancouver selects Alan Gordon. Just dont get that one.

Chivas USA pulls back Mariano Trujillo.

2:24pm- Vancouver is up now. They have to go centerback eventually.

2:21pm- Portland selects David Horst from Real Salt Lake. Interesting one. Hes a big centerback who Portland surely saw in USSF D-2 play.

Real Salt Lake pulls back Collen Warner. WOW, they got lucky there.

Color me shocked that Portland didnt grab Collen Warner. Timbers will regret that.

2:20pm- Vancouver takes Shea Salinas from Philadelphia.

Philly pulls back Chris Seitz. WOW.

2:18pm- Loving the Timbers draft so far, and not just because theyve taken three players I had them taking.

2:17pm- Portland selects Anthony Wallace. Colorado pulls back Wells Thompson.

2:17pm- Sturgis is a very good player who finally put injury issues behind him. Will Sturgis stay healthy? If he does, Vancouver got a steal. Seattle will miss him.

2:15pm- Vancouver selects Nathan Sturgis from Seattle.

Sounders are done and Blaise Nkufo stays with Seattle.

2:12pm- Portland takes Adam Moffatt. Columbus loses Brunner and Moffatt.

Thats a good pick for the Timbers. Moffatt can start for you right away.

Columbus will go with Ekpo and probably Danny ORourke in central midfield.

2:10pm- Vancouver selects Atiba Harris. Interesting move there. Harris is a useful player, but the only way hes dangerous is when he tackles people.

No more Dallas players can be taken, including Eric Avila and Kyle Davies. They just lost starters Dax McCarty and Atiba Harris.

2:10pm- Vancouver up next. Kyle Davies, Blaise Nkufo, OBrian White are possibilities.

2:09pm- Columbus pulls back Kevin Burns.

2:08pm- Portland takes Eric Brunner.

2:07pm- Is Nyassi the best player available? No, but you have to consider positions as well as the fact that if the other expansion team takes someone from a team, you could lose out on the chance to take someone.

2:06pm- Patrick Ianni is pulled back by Seattle.

2:05pm- Sanna Nyassi to Vancouver. The Whitecaps get a winger and hurt arch-rival Seattle.

2:04pm- Vancouver is up next.

2:03pm- Dallas pulls back Daniel Hernandez. Surprising. I really dont think Dallas understand expansion draft machinations.

2pm- PORTLAND-Dax McCarty. No shock. Everyone saw it coming.

1:58pm- Quincy Amarikwa? What a waste of a pick he would be.

1:55pm- I agree with Greg Lalas on John Thorrington. He could be a steal here coming off an injury-hit season. Chicago may regret not keeping him.

1:54pm- I know a lot of people were wondering about the designated players I had go in my Fox Soccer mock expansion draft. I can definitely see NKufo to Vancouver. As for Angel to Portland? That seems unlikely unless theres a trade in place. Schelotto to Vancouver? That one was more a wishful thinking pick on my part. Doubt that marriage would work.

1:52pm- Listen folks, FC Dallas flat-out dropped the ball in leaving Dax McCarty unprotected. Whether they like Eric Alexander or not, the fact remains they could have traded McCarty for value, perhaps even a first-round pick.

1:51pm- The expansion draft starts at 2pm. Get your coffee ready and feel free to mute your computers for the next nine minutes.

1:50pm- When will the actual expansion draft start? Hopefully soon. Really interested to see whether its Pat Onstad, Joe Cannon or even a Brad Knighton as Vancouvers goalkeeper pick.

1:47pm- No, the picks havent started. Well be forced to listen to some analysis from the MLSSoccer guys. Or you can just wait for me to tell you who the picks are.

1:30pm- Were about 15 minutes away from the expansion draft. Consensus is that Portland will take Dax McCarty with the first pick, but at least a few think the Timbers may go in a number of directions. Ill go with McCarty.

U.S. Soccer names finalists for Athlete of the Year Awards | Soccer By Ives

With 2010 nearing an end, its about the time of year when U.S. Soccer names its list for Athlete of the Year nominations.

Five players are nominated in each category, with Landon Donovan aiming to repeat after receiving the Male Athlete of the Year Award in 2009. He goes up against Carlos Bocanegra, Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo and Clint Dempsey, all members of the U.S. mens national team in South Africa this past summer.

WPS and U.S. women stars comprise the Female Athlete of the Year Finalists Abby Wambach, Amy Rodriguez and Shannon Boxx all made the list. Fans can vote for their selections here.

Heres a complete list of the nominated players:

U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year FinalistsShannon Boxx, MidfielderRachel Buehler, Defender Amy LePeilbet, Defender Amy Rodriguez, Forward Abby Wambach, Forward

U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year FinalistsCarlos Bocanegra, Defender Michael Bradley, Midfielder Steve Cherundolo, Defender Clint Dempsey, Midfielder Landon Donovan, Midfielder

U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year FinalistsMorgan Brian, Midfielder Crystal Dunn, Defender Bianca Henninger, Goalkeeper Sydney Leroux, Forward Christen Press, Forward

U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year FinalistsGale Agbossoumonde, DefenderZac MacMath, Goalkeeper Alessandro Mion, DefenderDillon Powers, Midfielder Andrew Souders, Defender

Who will you vote for? Who do you want to win?

Share your thoughts below.