Any victory by a lower tier team over a big-boy club from the tip tier elicits the romance of the FA Cup. It’s what makes these cup competitions so grand and even sometimes beloved.
But Leeds United’s win today over Tottenham in the FA Cup means even more.
Leeds was once a player in the European game, and certainly one in England.
The proud club’s notorious tumble from the game’s ruling class fraternity in England stands as the very embodiment of relegation danger. Once you are down, and there for a while, it becomes so painfully difficult to claw your way back up.
Minus the lucrative TV money of the top tier, teams have a short window to get back into the top tier (the English Premier League in this case) before the financial obstacles are stacked up too high.
This is a good walk back through that checkered history, the unfolding of a tough tale.
The supporters of Elland Road, so many of whom can say exactly which years the three top division trophies were earned, are desperate for a push back into Premier League grace.
For now, at least, they’ll take a grand afternoon in a grand and storied competition.
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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:
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Minnows Gibraltar officially join UEFA… but why are Spain mad?
May 24, 2013, 12:32 PM EDT
Reuters
Looking behind the incredible story of the tiny rock in the Mediterranean, that can now take on the giants of European soccer
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Champions League Final: Key battles for Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
May 24, 2013, 11:38 AM EDT
Which individual battles will determine which side lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy at Wembley on Saturday?
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Courtesy of MySanAntonio.com
We take a look at which US cities deserve an MLS expansion franchise and how close they are to getting it. Thoughts?
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Getty Images
Would Cole be a good pickup for Major League Soccer sides looking to cement their playoff aspirations?
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Champions League Final infographic: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
May 24, 2013, 8:31 AM EDT
Getty Images
The first-ever all-German UEFA Champions League final is one day away, take a look at our infographic to see which side has the edge.
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Getty Images
Christie Rampone and Sky Blue FC try to stay atop the NWSL Saturday in Overland Park.
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Manchester City rally downs Chelsea at the death in exciting US tour opener
May 23, 2013, 11:24 PM EDT
AP
Manchester City overcame a 3-goal deficit at Busch Stadium in St. Louis as Edin Dzeko bagged a brace to beat Chelsea 4-3.
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Yahoo! reports: Mourinho to sign 4-year deal with Chelsea, will be unveiled June 2
May 23, 2013, 11:03 PM EDT
Getty Images
Just days after Jose Mourinho mutually parted ways with Real Madrid, he will be completing a deal to become Chelsea’s next manager, says Martin Rogers of Yahoo! Sports via Twitter.
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Reuters
Roberto Martinez has given himself more time to decide on his future at Wigan, and also gave them a wish list.
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Getty Images
Asmir Begovic is apparently intending on showing up at the door of another club to start training.
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Reports: Porto to bank on Moutinho and Rodriguez in shock double move
May 23, 2013, 7:16 PM EDT
Reuters
AS Monaco, rich with the injection of money from a Russian tycoon, are set to make a huge splash, possibly as much as €70 million.
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The United States U-18 squad drew with the hosts in the middle of three group-stage matches during the 19th Annual Lisbon International Juniors Tournament.
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20-year-old Jonathan Osorio picked up his debut call-up to the Canadian national team along with three other Toronto FC teammates ahead of their friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday.
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Leighton Baines says Everton will be fine without Moyes, but will they?
May 23, 2013, 5:11 PM EDT
Getty Images
“Football clubs live on and we’ll live on, we’ll move on.” They’ll move on, they have to. But will they effectively?
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Reuters
With the upcoming Champions League final this weekend featuring an all-German cast, Germany secured another massive Champions League achievement today.
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Anyone else bothered by the way Bayern Munich have conducted themselves ahead of this Saturday’s Champions League final?
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Getty Images
Sunderland’s central defender will say goodbye to the English Premier League in exchange for a switch stateside.
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Manchester City president shoots down high-profile transfer links
May 23, 2013, 2:00 PM EDT
Reuters
Chelsea fans will be delighted, while those supporting Manchester City are sure to question who’s on their team’s mind.
