Reuters Real Madrid touched down in Los Angeles earlier this week, about to start their swing through North America as they prepare to defending their Spanish title. As with any major European team that swings through Southern California, Los Merengues are mixing in publicity with their preseason preparations. This usually leads to a string of awkward, cost-sport moments where awesome soccer player is humbled trying his hand at another sport, such as when Cristiano Ronaldo met then-UFC champions Cain Velasquez last year. Why didn’t they have Cain try to stop a Ronaldo direct kick?
On Monday, stars from José Mourinho’s team tried their hand at baseball, with Arizona Diamondbacks Miguel Montero and Gerardo Parra looking on. Per Marca, most of what followed was folly. Iker Casillas’ instincts lent themselves to catching, Montero said, but when it came to hitting, most Merengues were useless.
The one exception: Xabi Alonso. Apparently the Real midfielder had previous taken swings off a pitching machine. Perhaps he owns the only one in Spain. Regardless, he impressed the two Diamondbacks.
“Iker would be a great catcher. He has the movements and reflexes of a goalkeeper and that always helps,” said Montero, who was somewhat more critical when analysing the players with the bat: “It’s a good thing they play football,” he chuckled. “They’re not very good, except for one, Xabi, who has really surprised me to tell the truth. He told me he has practised on the batting machine and played a little, and the truth is it shows. He hit very well.”
And so it’s answered: The never asked question about whether Xabi Alonso would be good at baseball.
Real Madrid takes on LA Galaxy Thursday at Home Depot Center, their first match of their seemingly annual (José loves the States) U.S. tour.
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First chances to see Mike Magee, Robbie Rogers with their new clubs
May 25, 2013, 12:20 PM EDT
Looking at the weekend MLS schedule and wondering if we’ll see one of these two on the field?
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Something to like from the Galaxy side – but one big concern, too:
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Despite the Chicago Fire’s awful record through 12 MLS rounds, there’s still enough to like about Frank Klopas’ club.
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USA Today reports LA Galaxy trade Mike Magee for rights to Robbie Rogers
May 24, 2013, 9:29 PM EDT
In a mind-blowing move, USA Today have reported the LA Galaxy have sent a player to the Chicago Fire in exchange for the rights to Robbie Rogers.
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Internazionale officially announced they have sacked Andrea Stramaccioni and hired the former Napoli boss.
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AP
Tony Fernandes has finally taken some blame for the relegation of QPR instead of shedding it left and right.
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed Chelsea interm manager Rafa Benitez is set to move to Serie A on a 2-year deal with Napoli.
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USMNT forward Terrence Boyd on ex-club Borussia Dortmund’s UCL charge
May 24, 2013, 3:00 PM EDT
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Boyd left Dortmund last season, so is a USMNT player destined to never play in a Champions League final?
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Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen’s new book reveals past life as gambling addict
May 24, 2013, 2:50 PM EDT
Who knew that Jimmy Nielsen’s burst of white hair wasn’t the craziest thing about Sporting Kansas City’s talented goalkeeper?
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Further MLS attachment to the English Premier League is a good thing … right?
May 24, 2013, 2:45 PM EDT
A blog post in the New Yorker looks at another side to this week’s huge expansion news:
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Both teams are on streaks of success – even if “success” look so radically different in the two camps:
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German invasion of London begins as fans of Munich, Dortmund descend on Wembley
May 24, 2013, 1:56 PM EDT
AP
See the sights around London, as Wembley Stadium welcomes German fans in abundance.
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Champions League final preview: A bitter rivalry with much higher stakes
May 24, 2013, 1:30 PM EDT
Reuters
When Bayern Munich face Borussia Dortmund tomorrow at 2:45 ET at Wembley, they won’t be playing for the right to be recognized as permanent contenders. They’ve already done that.
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Are AS Monaco the real deal after signing Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez?
May 24, 2013, 1:13 PM EDT
Reuters
Monaco’s Russian oligarch owner is splashing the cash to bring Champions League success, can they do it?
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With MLS expansion done for now, where the league priorities should land
May 24, 2013, 1:00 PM EDT
We have five suggestions as MLS pivots its enhancement efforts away from expansion:

