Getty Images What we’re thinking, what we’re watching, what’s coming on the blog today and the RASNoD (Random American Soccer Name of the Day). Setting up your day in soccer …
Birthdays of Note: Brad Friedel. Born 40 years ago today and the goalkeeper doesn’t look a day over 50. HA. We kid. Fun fact about highlights of the 2002 World Cup (see below): Friedel plays an increasingly prominent role as the tournament progresses. Where is that US team without him? We shudder to think. Happy birthday, big guy. We hope you’re still playing when you’re 80.
Ahead on the blog today*: Champions League final, the Juan Agudelo-Heath Pearce trade fall-out, and, of course, the weekend in MLS.
What we should all be watching on TV: Tigre vs Newell’s Old Boys, obviously
RASNoD (Random American Soccer Name of the Day): Jovan Kirovski
Twitter dap: Pittsburgh Riverhound and former New York Red Bull Matt Kassel (@MattKassel): So happy for my boy @juanagudelo17 #freshstart #heisfree
PST background noise while blogging today: “Flux” Bloc Party, on repeat
*Always subject to change; you know how it is
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Sensational news for fans around BMO Field:
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Story-lines: What to watch for on the final day of the Premier League
May 19, 2013, 11:30 AM EDT
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With David Beckham-esque tears streaming down my cheeks, we’re finally here: The final day of the 2012-13 Barclay’s Premier League.
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All eyes on Newcastle v. Arsenal for final Champions League spot
May 19, 2013, 10:19 AM EDT
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Newcastle have nothing to play for and have been a disaster at home of late, losing their last two matches at St. James’ Park by a combined 9-0.
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The timing on this thing in two words: pretty bad:
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Philadelphia’s Jack McInerney would be league’s youngest Golden Boot winner
May 19, 2013, 9:32 AM EDT
Not to get too far ahead of ourselves on the 20-year-old goal-scoring sensation … :
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Seattle overtakes Dallas in a starburst of offensive soccer
May 19, 2013, 12:48 AM EDT
The Sounders exploit Dallas’ young back line in a meeting of two Western Conference teams in top form. Final score: 4-2 for the Sounders:
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Juan Agudelo makes his New England debut as Jay Heaps posts one of the best wins of his young coaching career:
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Highlights and context as “Jack Mac” scores his league-leading 8th goal:
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Cascadia Cup matches are always interesting, and Saturday’s 2-2 draw at BC Place was full of talking points:
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it was a big crowd pleaser on two fronts when the Whitecaps’ forward stroked an unstoppable free kick against Portland:
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A real injury concern for Portland as Darlington Nagbe falls
May 18, 2013, 8:05 PM EDT
The young Timbers’ attacker is having an outstanding season for the Jeld-Wen Field bunch:
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Federico Higuain steals the show for Columbus in a road win over Toronto
May 18, 2013, 7:38 PM EDT
Higuain created the game’s only goal and was masterful in possession at BMO Field:
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PSG president confirms Saturday was likely David Beckham’s farewell match
May 18, 2013, 6:44 PM EDT
Reuters
An appearance next week in Paris Saint-Germain’s final match 2012-13 season doesn’t seem to be in the plans for the retiring superstar:
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Video: Reports out of England say today was the former England captain’s final match, rather than next week as expected:
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As Alex Ferguson says goodbye, Manchester United’s cupboard remains stocked
May 18, 2013, 3:15 PM EDT
Reuters
Depth at United will allow David Moyes to hut big game this offseason.
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Wherein MLS expansion becomes the new David Beckham transfer rumor
May 18, 2013, 2:40 PM EDT
David Beckham’s not dropping off your radar anytime soon.
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Before Monaco takes on Europe, they have to convince French soccer.
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Roberto Mancini takes out full page thank you ad in Manchester Evening News
May 18, 2013, 1:17 PM EDT
Manchester City’s former boss reaches out to his supportive fan base – his first public comments since his Monday dismissal.
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Bayern Munich finish German season 25 points ahead of Borussia Dortmund
May 18, 2013, 12:28 PM EDT
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Mercifully, the season’s come to an end for the 17 clubs who tried to keep pace with Bayern Munich.
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Ferguson, on Mancini’s Manchester City dismissal: ‘It is quite amazing’
May 18, 2013, 11:40 AM EDT
Manchester United’s outgoing boss was amazed but not surprised at his rival’s dismissal.
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Video: Highlights: Union outlast Fire
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Video: Sir Alex says goodbye
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Video: Morgan committed to growth of new women's league
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Video: Boy with cancer, 8, scores against major league soccer team
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Video: Red Bulls pull off win on the road
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Video: Highlights: Montreal extinguish Chicago
