A couple of thoughts from this past weekend in the world of soccer.

*How about Everton fighting their city rivals Liverpool for a Champions League place in the EPL. This battle for fourth place bears keeping an eye on also because U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard plays for Everton. David Moyes continues to impress as a manager getting the most out of his team and players. Don’t forget they did pre-season a few years ago right here in Houston.

*The UH Womens drew 1250 fans for their game against the Mexican under 20 national team and lost 2-0 on late goals but the night proved that with a little marketing and promotion you can make the community aware of your program. Great night for Susan Bush and the UH Womens Cougars.

*Former Mayde Creek High School player Josh Gardner who spent three years with the LA Galaxy will be with DC United in San Antonio Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for pre-season matches that pit the Dynamo and other MLS teams. Good chance for a road trip and fans to get up close and personal to four MLS clubs.
Schedule is as follows this week: Wednesday Houston vs. Toronto 6pm
DC United vs. Chivas USA

Friday: Toronto vs DC United 6pm
Chivas USA vs. Houston

Sunday: Houston vs DC United 12:30 pm
Chivas USA vs Toronto
Games are at Steele Stadium in Cibolo.

*Ronaldinho produced an amazing bicycle kick in a losing cause to Athletico Madrid 4-2.
Former Mexican national team coach Javier Aguirre is the man in charge of Athletico Madrid.

*The Dynamo Power Hour’s with Glenn Davis tonite from 7-9pm features guests Dwayne DeRosario of the Houston Dynamo. AEG President Tim Lieweke plus player agent Alejandro Taraciuk who represents new Dynamo striker Franco Caraccio.
Call in number is 713-212-5790 and stadium talk is on the agenda.

City comes alive with Derby Cup clash.

Guten tag Fussball Freunde. Ok, admission time. I moved to Munich six years ago this week. Two days into my life here, I went to my first soccer match – Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich. Since then, I’ve been a season ticket holder for Bayern. For the most part, so I can attend the Champions League matches vs. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal, Milan, etc (all of which, I’ve been lucky to attend). So, yes, I wear the colors when I go to the stadium. Since 2004, the Munich derby has been relegated to friendlies and city bragging rights. I’ve only been to one of the friendlies, only because it was the first one at the new arena. But last Wednesday night, I’ve never had so many curses thrown my way – and I’ve sat in the Aggies section in Kyle Field wearing my burnt orange. Yes, I’ve been treated better. From the first subway station, till the arena, the train cars, the stations, the walkway to the arena – singing, shouts, curses reverberated throughout. The only thing stopping the 1860 fans from attacking were the police in riot gear (although there were minor clashes). But it never curbed their passion, nor Bayern’s. The entire 120-minute match, all 69,000 in attendance ooh’ed, aah’ed, yelled, cheered every pass, attack, and foul. The match was certainly headed into a penalty shootout until a last second foul by 1860 in the area gave Bayern a free shot at goal. Franck Ribery didn’t disappoint, and Bayern continue on in the German Cup, while 1860 will now focus on moving up to the first league. Regardless of the outcome, the city witnessed the importance of a Munich derby. At least two times a year, the city will come alive – red on one side, blue on the other – fighting for Bundesliga points and city pride.

As for the race to the title, Bayern finally won at Schalke for the first time in 10 years. Again, the play of Ribery sparked the Reds, as he did in the second half of the Hamburg and 1860 matches. He’s a treat to watch. I was not impressed with him at the World Cup, but he’s definitely made me into a fan. Schalke’s coach Mirko Slomka needs a win in the Champions League on Wednesday. He’s currently on the hot seat after three league losses in a row. His team has fallen to 6th place in the table, 12 points behind leaders Bayern. If the team doesn’t move on in Europe, chances are he won’t be on the bench on Saturday. They hold a 1-0 aggregate advantage over Porto going into the away game. Both Bremen and Hamburg kept pace in the league table but their respective draws at Allianz Arena will keep them at bay as long as Bayern keeps winning. The surprise team of the year, promoted Karlsruher SC visit Munich. They will look to avenge their 4-1 loss back in September. Warning – trap game for Bayern, especially with the UEFA Cup matches coming up. Bremen, Hamburg and Leverkusen are also in action Thursday in the UEFA cup, with the latter two battling it out against each other. Three German clubs will be alive after next week. Bis dann, till next time, auf wiedersehen! Salman