How bizarre was it to watch CUAUHTEMOC BLANCO playing for SANTOS in the MFL playoffs.
He hit one of his patented long run-up penalty kicks as SANTOS have advanced to the semi-finals after disposing of SAN LUIS.
ATLANTE got past TIGRES despite a tied aggregate scored due to a better regular season.

So today it is CRUZ AZUL and UNAM PUMAS………TECOS and TOLUCA

MANCHESTER UNITED defeated MANCHESTER CITY in their “Derby” match. WAYNE ROONEY getting the game winner in the 42nd minute is historic 100th goal in the EPL. CRISTIANO RONALDO was sent off for two yellow cards…..Please tell me you saw the amazing goals yesterday by BARCELONA’s LIONEL MESSI against SEVILLA…..absolute brilliance. THIERRY HENRY seems out of sorts playing wide in the BARCA midfield….so go get him MLS! It was ARSENAL who turned him in to a center forward. His early days at JUVENTUS as a teen-ager he was also being utilized wide….Meanwhile ROBIN VAN PERSIE destroyed CHELSEA in the second half to help ARSENAL pull off a stunning 2-1 win.
Former MLS executive IVAN GAZIDIS is now the CEO of ARSENAL.

Dynamo fans will have a chance to get a look at potential CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE quarterfinal opponents this weekend in the MFL.
According to Dynamo Ceo Chris Canetti (MLS executive of the year by the way) the team could play either ATLANTE, CRUZ AZUL or MARATHON of HONDURAS.

Tonite: SAN LUIS vs. SANTOS (SANTOS hold 3-1 aggregate lead)
ATLANTE vs. TIGRES ( 1-1 in first leg)

Sunday: TOLUCA vs. TECOS ( 0-0 first leg)
UNAM vs. CRUZ AZUL (0-0 first leg)

*Home teams above listed first

BAYERN MUNICH ROLLS

Bayern Munich got a 2-0 win behind goals from LUCA TONI and MIROSLAV KLOSE to win at BAYER LEVERKUSEN 2-0. Then are now three points behind BUNDESLIGA leaders HOFFENHEIM by three points who won 3-0 today. The two teams meet next Friday in MUNICH in a compelling match-up.

MANCHESTER DERBY TOMORROW

All eyes will be on a derby that all of a sudden has taken on an added significance due to the resources now being put into MANCHESTER CITY. This past summer the ABU DHABI GROUP took over MANCHESTER CITY and quickly signed ROBINHO. His acquisition has opened the door to other moves and has everyone suspecting that they will make another splash during the January transfer window period. The increased financial power has made this match even more intriguing and competitive.
MANCHESTER CITY are managed by former UNITED striker MARK HUGHES.
ROBINHO has eight goals for MANCHESTER CITY and scored on a spectacular chip last weekend against ARSENAL.
ROBINHO who was linked to go to CHELSEA prior to ending up at CITY claims REAL MADRID backed out of the deal after seeing a picture of ROBINHO on the CHELSEA website before the deal was consumated. REAL MADRID then did not want to sell because they are also in the champions league along with CHELSEA and saw ROBINHO strengthing the CHELSEA squad. So they dumped Robinho to the hinterlands of MANCHESTER.
Robinho passed a fitness test and is expected to start tomorrow.
This should be a good one.

And by the way, ASTON VILLA’s BRAD FRIEDEL silently sent a Premiership record playing in his 167th straight match.
FRIEDEL has to be considered the best goalkeeper ever produced in the UNITED STATES. Or is it KASEY KELLER?
The model of consistency and body of work FRIEDEL has put together is impressive as is KELLER’s.

MARCELO SALAS RETIRES
Gosh, we hardly realized he was playing still. Yet Salas has been playing for U de CHILE .
He now has officially retired. He had some feelers in MLS but clearly some great years at LAZIO in ITALY for “EL MATADOR”.

BLYTH SPARTANS IN FA CUP
Channel surfing I caught BLYTH SPARTANS a NORTHERN LEAGUE team playing in the FA CUP second round against BOURNEMOUTH. Reminded me when I was coaching a youth team and the SPARTANS youth squad came over to take on our team of 16 year olds and the boys were home-stayed.
The 1-0 win for my youth team certainly was a confidence builder. We learned shortly after that one of their players signed as youth for Newcastle United. All of a sudden I had a youth squad with many players that felt they should be signed in England.
The beauty of playing foreign competition. That game was played at MAYDE CREEK High School if memory serves me.

KAKA says that one day he would like to play in the ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE.
The reigning world player of the year has had rumors around him concerning a move to CHELSEA or MANCHESTER CITY who are buying their way in to PREMIERSHIP contention.
This makes alot of sense for players like KAKA who want to be in the league that is marketed and promoted the best globally. The Italian Serie “A” in the late 90’s could have been called the best league in the world but now clearly rides behind the EPL.

*FERNANDO TORRES of LIVERPOOL has re-injured his hamstring. Liverpool clearly need the influence of their star striker who played 90 minutes in the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE this past Wednesday in a 1-0 win over MARSEILLE. He is expected to be out 2-3 weeks and originally injured the hamstring in World Cup qualifying play for SPAIN.

* Here is an interesting quote dealing with players and their connections to fans.

“I don’t think there is another club apart from maybe Toronto, that has a connection with their fans like we do,” Crew midfielder Robbie Rodgers to Yahoo Sports.

Now I would clearly put the DYNAMO , DC and even CHICAGO in this category. As I did the post game call in show from ROBERTSON STADIUM this past Wednesday tons of fans clamored outside the DYNAMO locker room to see their favorite players. The Crew did create more of an atmosphere with the NORDECKE at CREW STADIUM this past season but overall their attendance was down.

It was mission accomplished for the Dynamo Wednesday night at Robertson Stadium.
The DYNAMO produced the result they needed ending a long ardous season that saw them play over 50 games if you want to include the Pan Pacific Cup.
The 1-0 win against EL SALVADOR’S FIRPO again reminded us that BRIAN CHING is a scorer of important goals for this team. His 13th minute header proved to be the winner. Yet when you look back……this was not a comfortable win.
The DYNAMO struggled with their control and passing game. Throughout the night unforced errors were evident yet at certain times the Dynamo would find their game and gets some rhythmic passing going.

I am not big on stats but a few were telling ….37 fouls, 8 yellow cards and two ejections. One to EDDIE ROBINSON for kicking a FIRPO player.
It was a debacle watching all the simulation, antics and diving from FIRPO .

The DYNAMO got drawn into an emotional game typical of CONCACAF and this one was not comfortable right up to the final whistle. Remember if FIRPO had tied it up they would have advanced with a draw…..this was a nervous win and the DYNAMO found it difficult to find the final pass in the attacking third, gain control of the game through possession and were caught at times in a reckless transition type game.

The GOOD:

HIGH NOTE:
The DYNAMO finish a long year and a great body of work for the season against difficult challenges stretching the squad to the limit. Most will only remember the loss to New York in the playoffs.

IT DIDN’T COME EASY
The FIRPO win came with a large degree of difficulty based on a number of factors.
The Dynamo ended the season on a high note and will now have more international competition to present to their fans. The DYNAMO did not have Wade Barrett, Stuart Holden, Jeff Cameron, or Brad Davis for this win.

GREAT ATTENDANCE
Over 14,000 fans on a Wednesday night before THANKSGIVING provided a spectacular enviroment . It was a prideful night for SALVADOREANS as many had national team jerseys on and brought their countries flag. Fans of football in El Salvador have been great fans of the Dynamo! The Rockets also played on this night down the road at Toyota Center and I would bet my house the atmosphere wasn’t close to the one at Robertson…..LETS JUST HOPE CITY and COUNTY OFFICIALS TOOK NOTICE OF THIS PAST WEDNESDAY , SADLY YOU WON’T HERE MUCH FROM SPORTS TALK RADIO ABOUT THIS ENVIRONMENT.

*More international soccer will come our way as the Dynamo will get either Mexican clubs Atlante , Cruz Azul or Marathon of Honduras. February 24th -26th is the next date.

* Thanks to all the fans who called in to the post game show on 790 with lots of great calls and great points.

* Standing ovation from fans for Nate Jacqua who is off to SEATTLE, KEI KAMARA urging the fans on and a second start for MIKE CHABALA against FIRPO. Nice to see players rewarded but I am not ready to annoit anyone a starter after two games.

*Pat ONSTAD proving stable in goal again.

THE BAD:

* COMPOSURE: Dynamo were influenced by the tactics of diving etc. by FIRPO. Dwayne DeRosario could easily have been sent off by any referee for his two handed shove….

*EDDIE ROBINSON getting sent off for kicking a player. I am a big fan of the center back but these habitual red cards have carved him out a reputation in MLS.
This is a serious issue and is a selfish act. Not only is he out for the next game in Concacaf but he put his team down a man late in this one.
As we all know ejections are stimulus to change games.
This is an issue and lets hope that EROB gets it right in the off season and he gets back to consistency. A year of injury and suspension made the “big man” seem to try too hard .and it became a vicious cycle. Something tells me he will come back strong after cleaning the slate.

* The final pass or idea was missing on too many occasions specifically through Cory Ashe who was effective getting in good positions but couldn’t finish plays. Another goal and Firpo may just have begun to stop fighting…….

Give me your thoughts on the win over FIRPO……Wishing all soccer fans a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

*As expected NATE JACQUA was selected in the expanison draft by the SEATTLE SOUNDERS but based on a prior arrangement with SEATTLE can play tonite and is expected to start for the DYNAMO.
Here is the list of players selected:

1. Nate Jacqua (HOUSTON DYNAMO)
2. Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake)
3. Jeff Parke (New York Red Bulls)
4. Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC)
5. Khano Smith (NE)
6. Peter Vagenas (LA)
7. Tyson Wahl (KC)
8. James Riley (NE)
9. Stephen King (Chicago Fire)
10. Brad Evans (Columbus)

* Colorado, Chivas USA, DC United and FC Dallas did not have players selected.

*Post game show tonite on 790AM at 9:00 will break down the DYNAMO/FIRPO game and also have SIGI SCHMID of MLS CUP CHAMPION the COLUMBUS CREW.

Is it just me? Are fans getting the importance of tonite’s game against FIRPO of EL SALVADOR?
So for those who don’t understand the importance of this here is what is at stake.
Each year in JAPAN the World Club Championships take place pitting the top club teams from different Confederations from around the world.
The DYNAMO are currently in the CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE and the winner of this competition gets to go participate in the WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS representing CONCACAF (Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean).
Seven teams have already qualified for the next round with only either FIRPO of EL SALVADOR and the DYNAMO filling the final slot . The DYNAMO MUST WIN while FIRPO will advance with a draw or a win.
So tonite is a huge game . Advance and win this tournament and you could find yourself playing a Manchester United or Real Madrid on a large stage. This would be amazing PR for both MLS and the DYNAMO if they could get there.
Expect a good base of fans representing Firpo tonite and Dynamo fans have no excuse to miss out on this one with tickets at $5. Sure Thanksgiving is tomorrow but what better way to get primed for “Turkey Day” then catching the Dynamo in their final game of the year. You can still get to your pre-Thanksgiving parties.

Now don’t act all surprised when SIGI SCHMID is named as coach of SEATTLE….we were talking about this months ago……this will be no surprise.

LIVE POST GAME RADIO WITH GLENN DAVIS

*I am expecting to hear from the Houston “Soccer Nation” tonite after the DYNAMO/FIRPO game. I will host a one hour call in show on 790 AM The Sports Animal from 9-10:30 pm.
Call in with your thoughts at 713-212-5790 and we will break it down immediately after the game, talk stadium and expansion draft.

*Expansion draft today with some quality players available like BRAD EVANS of COLUMBUS. The DYNAMO player selected (word on the street has NATE JACQUA going to SEATTLE) will not be available for tonite’s game. The draft takes places today at noon.

Major League Soccer deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis is heading to London as the new CEO of ARSENAL.
Gazidis is one of the founding executives of Major League Soccer and provided his services to the league for 14 years.
One of Gazidis’s jobs was to oversee the contracts and all aspects of competition in MLS and he was considered one of the key players in the MLS office.

Her is Chairman Peter Hill- Wood of Arsenal had to say:

“Ivan’s credentials are first class. It is evident that he has a wealth of business acument together with a broad knowledge of football that will not only help to maintain Arsenal’s pre-eminent standing but enhance our reputation within the football community and the international commercial markets.”

Gazidis can certainly continue ties with MLS and the “international commercial markets” that is mentioned in the HILL-WOOD quote. Rapids owner STAN KROENCKE is involved with Arsenal as a share-holder yet out the door goes a guy that has had considerable influence on MLS over the years. Who replaces him will be a big key for MLS as they will need a visionary.

What are your thoughts on MLS losing a top executive to the EPL?

FIFA has banned PERU from playing international soccer including the 2010 World Cup in SOUTH AFRICA.
The problem stems from a dispute between the Peruvian government and the FPF (Peruvian soccer federation) over the appointment of the new Peruvian Federation president.
The government claims the election was irregular (another nice name for rigged).
This is a heavy blow for a country that produced international great Teofilo “Nene” Cubillas. Peruvian clubs also have been suspended from taking part in international competitions, including next years COPA LIBERTADORES.
So will the new president be removed for the good of Peruvian soccer? Stay tuned…..Friday PACHUCA will hold an official press day prior to their departure for the FIFA WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS in JAPAN. As winners of the final Concacaf Champions Cup they qualified. So the tie in to tomorrow night is that the DYNAMO are playing to advance in the newly formed CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. THE DYNAMO HAVE TO WIN this match. A draw and FIRPO will advance to the final eight who vie to go to JAPAN next December.
Can you imagine the DYNAMO taking on MANCHESTER UNITED ? I can one day.

*I like this. The U.S. and Mexico will open up and close the final round of World Cup qualifying for SOUTH AFRICA 2010.
Time to get out of the comfort zone for the UNITED STATES who qualified comfortably and a pressure filled match for Mexico and Sven-Goran Erikkson.
The game takes place on February 11th and I am going to bet this one goes back to COLUMBUS, OHIO .
Think carefully about this one and what it can mean to both teams. For the U.S. they can continue this undefeated streak on U.S. soil and for Mexico they can finally get over the hump and win a game in the United States.
The teams will also close out the qualifying in Mexico City at AZTECA STADIUM one would assume. Hey who knows, maybe both will be qualified at the time and it can be played in Los Angeles or Houston and both Federations and SUM can share in the profits. Mexico plays more games in the U.S. these days.

* I was watching the Fox Soccer Channel last night and was listening to the commentary about a number of subjects including Chad Marshall of Columbus. But nobody touched on this subject.
Despite the concussions that have dogged him this past year, Marshall clearly was “soft” as a central defender in the early years in MLS for a big man. Many coaches felt this way and it is also why he has not gotten more national team call-ups. This year fans have seen more emotion and an “edge” out of Marshall that has clearly separated him in an outstanding season that has earned him DEFENDER OF THE YEAR STATUS. He has become more territorial and it is great to see him bring a passionate side.
This was a huge difference this season and one can only point to something that SIGI SCHMID did to bring this out of the player.
At 6″4 and as a center back you must bring a form of intimidation to that position. Now the CREW need to re-sign the “BIG MAN”.

*Full slate of Champions League games today:

ZENIT ST. PETERSBURG VS. JUVENTUS
BATE BORISOV VS. REAL MADRID
VILLAREAL VS. MANCHESTER UTD
AaB VS. CELTIC
BAYERN MUNICH vs. STEAU BUCHAREST
FIORENTINA VS. LYON
FENERBACHE VS PORTO
ARSENAL VS. DINAMO KIEV

* One of the players the DYNAMO elected to protect was GUY ROLAND K-PENE…….The expansion draft will be held tomorrow and SEATTLE has some good players available to build the base of their squad with.

* DYNAMO AT HOME AGAINST FIRPO tomorrow night . The DYNAMO must win while a tie is good enough for FIRPO. Will FIRPO try to defend the one goal advantage over 90 minutes at ROBERTSON? We will see. I would assume some FIRPO fans will make it out to this one. You should also as tickets are only $5.
Now that is a deal.

*Lets hope there is a great pre-Thanksgiving turn-out on Wednesday night when the DYNAMO take on FIRPO of EL Salvador at Robertson Stadium at 7pm.
This would be a great night to make a statement not only for the squad in a game they must win to move on to the Concacaf Champions League final eight but also for the stadium.
I myself am looking forward to this game to see how the DYNAMO finish out their season. It will be interesting to see how sharp the Dynamo are and how they respond to the dissapointment of being knocked out of the MLS playoffs. This is a game of GREAT importance.
STUART HOLDEN and JEFF CAMERON are suspended for this match.
By the way I will be doing post game radio after the match and am looking forward to hearing from fans on the game and the season. Catch the radio show on 790 AM with the call in number 713-212-5790. Thanks also to the many fans that have written in with kind comments for the tv show on Houston’s 55.

* Earlier in the day on Wednesday the DYNAMO will lose a player in the expansion draft to the SEATTLE SOUNDERS….you can bet good money it will be NATE JACQUA back to SEATTLE as he had expressed that desire before signing with the DYNAMO .
Here are some of the more noteworthy names that have been left unprotected by the Dynamo: CORY ASHE, CRAIG WAIBEL, WADE BARRETT, PATRICK IANNI, NATE JACQUA, RICHARD MULROONEY and PAT ONSTAD among others. Now before you get too worried, remember, SEATTLE can only take one player.

*APERTURA QUARTERFINALS in Mexico look like this: Santos 3 San Luis 1
Tecos 0 Toluca 0
Cruz Azul 0 UNAM 0
Tigres 1 Atlante 1
Have your say on the MFL playoffs if you dare…….The second leg takes place this weekend.

*Congratulations to SAN JACINTO COLLEGE and their run to the Jr. College National Championship game this past weekend. The Coyotes were bested by Yavapi of Arizona in Phoenix 1-0. I will get coach DAVE SANTESTEBAN on the radio show in the near future but again this is another jewel in the soccer landscape of our area of the country.
Still mind blowing that the AD’s at NCAA institutions in Texas have shunned soccer.

*CESC FABREGAS has replaced WILLIAM GALLAS as captain at ARSENAL……..