OLIVER LUCK ON RADIO
The team president will join me tonite on DYNAMO ALL ACCESS with GLENN DAVIS from 7-9pm on 790 The Sports Animal. DYNAMO striker KEI KAMARA plus others will join the show and fans are encouraged to call in at 713-212-5790…express your opinion! Gold Cup and Dynamo ticket giveaways, FA CUP, Champions League, Mexican Football League and everything Dynamo and MLS!
The show streams live at MLSNET.com, 790thesportsanimal.com and can be accessed at HoustonDynamo.com
FIESTA UNSUNG HERO ALSO TO BE announced tonite!
The Dynamo put their foot on Toronto and never let them up at Robertson Stadium Saturday night.
The return of Dwayne DeRosario in the end never materialized for the former Dynamo who had little influence and could Toronto FC have not paid respect to the Dynamo by playing their best 11?
Three goals in a five minute span in the first half proved to the be the difference as the “orange” finished off a professional performance picking up another three points at home.
Two free kicks from Brad Davis and Stuart Holden highlighted the three goal flurry that also saw Kei Kamara score off a Brian Ching pass.
Ching now is off to U.S. National team duty while the Dynamo will have a short week heading to Chicago to take on the Fire Friday.

STRANGE TACTICS
You be the judge but it seemed like Toronto coach Chris Cummins got the tactics wrong. Cummins may have been trying to save Danny Dichio for Tuesday’s match against Vancouver due to it’s importance. With a win or a draw Toronto FC will get in the Concacaf Champions League but the abscence of Dichio set in motion a number of changes that did not pan out.
Marvelle Wynne was moved forward as a third striker, Marco Velez came in at center back moving Attakora out wide. The move did not work and Toronto FC suffered without Dichio who was a part of all three goals against NE the weekend before.
Velez struggled in the first half and was then subbed out and Wynne returned to right back.
The Dynamo had been preparing to face Dichio whose large frame would have been a challenge at Robertson Stadium.

FREE KICK SUPERIORITY
Out of the last six Dynamo goals, five have come off dead ball situations. Brad Davis and Stuart Holden produced stunning free kicks that somehow got through the Toronto FC wall. Ricardo Clark has been standing in front of the ball in order to limit reaction time of the wall and the goalkeeper. Davis now has 1 goal and three assists in the last two matches.

PUMAS win Mexican League title
Pumas and manager Tuca Ferretti dramatically won the Mexican league title last night at Pachuca.
Kind of interesting that both teams that the Dynamo have had epic battles with reached the finals.
Did you see it?

SOFT PENALTIES
Did I see these and were these really penalties? Not in my opinion……

1. Chicago’s Brian Mcbride gets pushed slightly and goes down for a late penalty against Chivas USA.
This one is PROBABLY the most LEGIT of the one’s called this weekend.
2. DC United’s Bryan Namoff called for a penalty on Taylor Twellman of NE.
3. Colorado’s Omar Cummings goes down at the edge of the box against Albert Celades….

CASEY ON A ROLL
Conor Casey is throwing himself at everything up front and now has 8 goals after a two goal performance vs. New York.
Could a Gold Cup call up be in his future?

PERKINS GRIZZLY ADAMS LOOK
Matt Perkins has got the beard thing going. Good fit for the Colorado Rapids, probably wouldn’t work in LA….

DID YOU SEE THIS GOAL….
Check out the monster finish from Arturo Alvarez of San Jose against Real Salt Lake at MLSNET.com…The former Mayde Creek star shooting to thrill from long range.

HOOPS CRUSH FIRE
FC Dallas defeated the Chicago Fire in Bridgeview, Illionois 3-0 on goals from Jeff Cunningham, OG from CJ Brown and free kick from Ken Cooper Jr. in a deserved win!
The loss is the first of the year for Chicago who were playing in a their third game in eight days
FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndmann was sent off and raised three fingers indicating three goals to the Chicago fans as he exited into the tunnel.
Chicago lost defender Bakary Soumare who will now not be available for Friday’s home game against the Houston Dynamo.

BRAZILIAN GREAT TO TAKE OVER AC MILAN WHILE ANCELOTTI TAKES CHELSEA JOB!
According to AC Milan management former Brazilian great LEONARDO will take over and manage the club next season.
Leonardo is expected to be announced formally today. The interesting thing is that this will be Leonardo’s first coaching job.
WOW!
Carlo Ancelotti a MILAN legend as both player and coach takes over at CHELSEA…ok Blues fans, what do you think ?

OSASUNA STAY IN LA LIGA
What a dramatic finish for Osasuna who got a 2-1 win over Real Madrid to stave off relegation. You must see the highlight of JuanFran’s side volley that was absolutely stunning.
Former Manchester United player Diego Forlan led the league in scoring with 32 goals.

DYNAMO ALL ACCESS WITH GLENN DAVIS TOMORROW NIGHT on 790 The Sports Animal!
Tune in from 7-9pm as I welcome Dynamo players in studio, break down the FA Cup Final, Champions League and the Dynamo win over Toronto plus examine World Cup qualifying for both the U.S. and Mexico.
We look ahead to Chicago plus Gold Cup and Dynamo ticket giveaways.
Call in and shape the show at 713-212-5790…………

Chelsea wins the FA Cup 2-1 over Everton

It was a dream start when Louis Saha (fastest goal in FA Cup history at 25 seconds) hooked in a beautiful volley but in the end the strength of Chelsea prevailed.
Didier Drogba would pull things level while Frank Lampard would hit a “beauty” off his left foot to make FA Cup history.
Here is what I love about the FA Cup pomp and circumstance.
When winners Chelsea walk up through the fans , slapping people five and ascending to the box amongst the crowd to then see John Terry hoist the infamous FA Cup.
Love it!
Do you think that Guus Hiddink will re-consider and take the Chelsea job even though he is committed to Russia?

DON’T miss this!
The Dynamo / Toronto FC match is going to be a beauty.
This is not the Toronto FC of the past. In fact with a solid target man (Daniel Dichio), unpredictablility (Dwayne DRosario), vision and sublime passing skill not to mentioning finishing (Amado Guevera) plus a young mobile striker in Chad Barrett working off Dichio the team has dangerous elements. Lets not forget also that Marvell Wynne will be looking to power forward from the right back position.
The Dynamo have a struggling Brian Mullan who looks to be not available for selection pending a fitness test at the stadium.
This could be an opportunity for Cory Ashe to get a start tonite.
Check out the return of Dwayne DeRosario tonite at Robertson Stadium.

CALLING ALL FANS
If you are hanging out after the game come and join me near autograph alley outside the Dynamo locker room for the post game Dynamo call in show on 790 The Sports Animal.
Lots of fun and fan interaction plus Dynamo players . Fans can call in at 713-212-5790

Ok, we are having a bit of fun here.
Dwayne DeRosario was asked by the Toronto press if he would do his patented “shake and bake” goal celebration if he were to score at Robertson Stadium tomorrow night.
Here is how DeRo answered….”No I won’t do that. I can’t do that just out of respect. I’ll try not to do that. That is just the emotion and passion I have, it just comes natural almost.
I am going to try and control it, limit it to one “shake and bake”. We’ll see, if I do do it , it will be out of the joy of scoring and the feeling I get when I score. It won’t be any form of showboating, it never has been. It’s out of the passion of scoring and enjoying the moment.”

The Dynamo will be doing their best to prevent the “shake and bake”.

A thanks to all that came out to Richmond Arms last night for the live broadcast of Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis!

So here are a few thoughts and bits of information from the world of soccer:

* The Chicago Fire stole one last night 3-2 scoring two late goals against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA to remain undefeated. A controversial penalty kick after Brian McBride was pushed down led to Cuautemoc Blanco scoring from the penalty spot in stoppage time. The “Blanco factor” was definetly evident on a Thursday night with over 20,000 fans in attendance. Patrick Nyarko had tied it up minutes earlier. The Dynamo will face the Fire in Chicago next Friday. The game can be seen on KHOU 11.2.

* Former DC United coach and MLS playing legend Peter Nowak will be named coach of the Philadelphia Union who will enter MLS play next season.
Nowak has been an assistant with the U.S. National team where he recently resigned.

*DYNAMO sign ODURO
The Dynamo have a great history of signing strikers and getting the best out of them. Speedster Dominic Oduro was acquired from New York and trained for the first time yesterday with his new team. After meeting with Oduro after his practice it is clear he is relishing being with his new team and repeatedly talked about the confidence that Dominic Kinnear has show in him by bringing him to Houston. Kinnear has consistently gotten the best out of strikers that have been brought to Houston. Paul Dalglish, Nate Jacqua, Joseph Ngwenya and Kei Kamara all have played their best soccer in MLS with the Dynamo. So will the process repeat with Oduro and Ade Akinbiyi? Time will tell.
The other book on Oduro is that he can’t finish plays despite his great speed. Yesterday in training he was finishing everything……..

* Another Texas EPL owner
Ellis Short of Dallas is the most recent American owner in the English Premier League and a wants a top half finish for his club next season. Sunderland who barely beat the relegation drop finished 16 out of 20 teams. Short said he will provide the financial ability that is missing at the club and the billionaire said he doesn’t want fans to have to go through a relegation battle again. The private equity and hedge fund manager bought Skibo Castle in Scotland and well known retreat where Madonna married Guy Ritchie.
Sunderland recently released striker Dwight Yorke.

*UNAM in poll position…..
Unam Pumas defeated Pachuca 1-0 last night on a Dante Lopez goal in the 21st minute.
The Paraguayan pounced on a rebound left by Miguel Calero of Pachuca. The second leg is at Pachuca on Sunday and I will predict a Tuzos comeback and win of the Mexican Football League title. How is that for a stretch…

* FA CUP FINAL
It’s prestigious and it is historic. Hey, isn’t everything historic these days! Chelsea will take on Everton at the famed Wembley Stadium (Lets just hope Air Supply or Oasis did not do a concert the night before). All you Chelsea fans I know are primed for your first piece of silverware since winning the FA Cup in 2007.
Everton and manager David Moyes are lead by outstanding goalkeeper Tim Howard who after the FA Cup will be flying to the U.S. to join his national team teammates ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Costa Rica.
Seven MLS players including Dynamo Brian Ching will join the national team after this weekend’s play.

* This is a story I hate but have followed
The brother of Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios was kidnapped in 2007 in Honduras and it is apparent that a body found is that of Palacios’s teenage brother who was 15 when abducted. Forensics including DNA and dental records helped identify bones as that of the younger Palacios named Edwin. He was abducted from his home and was not released despite a $500,000 payment.

*200 Million people watched the Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United which doubled the 100 million that watched the Super Bowl.
And this on a Wednesday night.

*Go to HoustonDynamo.com for more information on the benevolent activities of Craig Waibel and Brad Davis. Both are doing great charity work this weekend with Brad’s Brigade to support military families and “Bald is beautiful” supporting cancer awareness. Great work and we can all help!

*Tickets, tickets, tickets…..
Get your Dynamo tickets for the return of Dwayne DeRosario and Toronto FC . Great packages available at HoustonDynamo.com
The 2009 World Football Challenge featuring Chelsea and Club America will be playing in the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington in July.
You can save big by purchasing your tickets at FIESTA TICKETMASTER. Also save big on GOLD CUP tickets where if you act now you can save $5 per ticket.
That makes sense if you are taking a group or a family.

*NICK DOIZE was this week’s winner of the “Houston Unsung Soccer Hero Award” brought to you by FIESTA. Nick who is battling Leukemia created and is the face of a small sided soccer tournament that takes place at Bear Creek Park in June. Go to Nicksteam.org for more information on the tournament and this incredible young man.
Send me your Houston Unsung soccer hero nominees at gdavis98@swbell.net

*Pick up Fiesta Smart Soccer Tips with Glenn Davis at Soccer Time in Pasadena. The tips are great reminders that youth players must respect the game and their approach to it.

*Check out my Houston Chronicle column on the return of a superstar Saturday morning.

Hey join me tonite for Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis live at 7pm at Richmond Arms for an FA CUP preview, Champions league review and Dynamo vs. Toronto FC talk.
Call in number 713-212-5790 , Brad Davis and Craig Waibel will be live on site and will sign autographs.
Ticket giveaways and much , much more!

Lets face it, alot of us got this one wrong. Not to be disrespectful to Barcelona but with an number of players missing including Danny Alves and Rafa Marquez I was compelled to go with United but my want was Barcelona.
Behind goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi, Barcelona put on a dominating performance based on a great ball possession game and United apart from the first ten minutes up until the goal, did not seem in it.
In fact they ended up chasing shadows for most of the match.
United’s best moments came just prior to the 10th minute goal from Eto’o. Cristiano Ronaldo came close twice including once off a free kick.
Once Barca scored this game made an amazing turn around.
Yes, on this day United was humbled and passed to death. Watching it was almost surreal.
Barca defender Carlos Puyol was a domineering figure over Cristiano Ronaldo who inexplicably never moved away from him during this game an ended the match a ball of frustration.
Wayne Rooney also did not have any influence from his midfield position.
Give me your thoughts on the Champions League Final?

DOMINIC ODURO now a Dynamo
During the Champions League final it was announced that Dominic Oduro of the New York Red Bulls has been acquired by the Houston Dynamo.
Oduro a speedster has been out of favor in New York.

LIVE RADIO AT RICHMOND ARMS TOMORROW NIGHT at 7pm
Join me for live radio and Dynamo All Access at Richmond Arms tomorrow night from 7-9pm.
The British Pub is an institution and will be a great spot for soccer fans to come out.
Dynamo players will be in attendance, giveaways and much more. Join like minded soccer fans as we discuss the champions league final, preview the FA CUP FINAL and the Dynamo Toronto FC match.
Call in number is 713-212-5790

I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s epic clash in one of the world’s major sporting events.
Much of Houston sports media will hardly even blink an eye amazingly at this historic match between historic clubs.
Last year an estimated 150 million people in 230 countries and territories around the world watched the dramatic Manchester United /Chelsea game live.
So where will you watch it tomorrow? Home? Work? Pub or sports bar? Computer?

Manchester United is amazingly going for the “quadruple” having already won the Premier League, Carling Cup and Club World Cup. Is there any stopping them?
Barcelona has dominated La Liga and again will be judged with their ability to play against English sides that tend to be more difficult to break down and less open in their play.
United will come to play football you would have to think with their monster talents. Of course they won’t pull a Chelsea and defend deep right?

MESSI vs. RONALDO
It makes sense that the media is building up this meeting of world football superstars. Both are electrifying and reminders that within the team concept it is individuals that tweak the imagination of the fan. Can Messi find space to operate against United and can Barcelona contain the “shot out of a cannon” runs with and without the ball of Ronaldo.

MANAGERS
What a story here! Alex Ferguson of Manchester United can become only the second manager in football to win the Champions League/European Cup three times. The only other? Bob Paisley of Liverpool.
Oh, and by the way, Ferguson is in his 23rd season as a manager while Pep Guardiola of Barcelona is in his first.
With a win in this final, the 38 year old Guardiola can become only the sixth person to win the Champions League/ European Cup as both a player and coach.
Look at this list:

Miguel Munoz- Real Madrid won it as a player and coach .
Giovanni Trapattoni- as a player with Milan and as a coach with Juventus.
Johan Cruyff-As a player with Ajax and as a coach with Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti- as a player and coach with Milan.
Frank Rijkaard- as a player with Milan and Ajax and as a coach with Barcelona.

QUOTE: “I want my players to be daring and to show the world why we have been so successful and lift the cup.”

Pep Guardiola- Barcelona manager

Give me your thoughts on the Champions League final…….my prediction 2-1 Manchester United.

THUMBS UP to Cy Fair Dynamos Soccer club director Olivier Finidori for making a real push to get his club to watch or tape the champions league.
I love this type of leadership from club coaching directors.

SAN JOSE defender Chris Leitch was suspended for one game for the knee to the head of Brian Ching.
This has become somewhat controversial in the eyes of many but for me it was a “free shot” on a vulnerable striker.
Did he intend to hurt him? I don’t believe so but it was an unecessary moment.
Eric Denton who was clearly caught on tape throwing an elbow at Kei Kamara received no punishment.
Your thoughts on this? Was Leitch over-agressive? I say yes.

Dynamo striker Brian Ching was selected to the U.S. National team camp in preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica on June 3rd and against Honduras on June 6th at Soldier Field. Ironically the Dynamo play the Chicago Fire the day before on the 5th in Bridgeview.
Only seven MLS players were selected for this squad and in addition to Ching, U.S. fans see Frankie Hejduk (Crew), Sacha Kleijstan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Rapids), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC), Landon Donovan (LA) and Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA).
Jose Francisco Torres will join squad after his MFL final with Pachuca.
Freddy Adu of Monaco and Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus) have been invited to camp by manager Bob Bradley.
The squad will begin to assemble in Miami tomorrow. Go to ussoccer.com for the complete roster.
So what do you think of this squad?

PACHUCA and PUMAS in MFL Final
It didn’t come as easy as expected for either of these teams but both survived scares from Indios and Puebla. Indios defeated Pachuca 3-2 yesterday at Pachuca. It was the first time in 18 matches at home that the “Tuzos” had lost.
The Mexican league playoffs are always unpredictable and a great watch.
U.S. National team member Jose Francisco Torres will line up for Pachuca in midfield while UNAM dips in to the past with striker Paco Palencia who was last seen at Robertson Stadium with Chivas USA….

Shhhh quiet…..Barcelona takes on Manchester United this Wednesday in the Champions League final from Rome.

Get your DEROSARIO TIX now! Yes the former Dynamo hero is headed back to play against the Dynamo this Saturday at Robertson with Toronto FC.
I am interested to see the fan reaction to the former Dynamo star. HOUSTONDYNAMO.com for the McDonald’s four ticket pack is a winner !!

FIESTA TICKETMASTER has your tickets for the 2009 World Football Challenge between Chelsea and Club America…save 10% and while you are at it save $5 on Gold Cup tickets that feature Mexico.

An own goal at Aston Villa ironically sealed the fate of Newcastle United who join Middlesbrough and West Bromwhich Albion as teams that failed to stay in the Premier League.
Hull despite losing 1-0 to Manchester United at home have survived.

Wolfsburg has won the German Bundesliga in stunning style under manager Felix Magath while in Mexico Pachuca is looking to book a ticket into the final of the MFL playoffs against UNAM Pumas against Indios tonite holding a 2-0 aggregate lead.

In Scotland Rangers won the Scottish Premier League title with American Maurice Edu formerly of Maryland and Toronto FC in the starting lineup.
The U.S. now has incredible competition at the national team level in central midfield with Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Pablo Maestroeni, Sacha Kleijstan, Ricardo Clark and Benny Feilhaber as possibles.

Take a look at the prior blog for comments and thoughts on the Dynamo win over San Jose and don’t forget to head to HoustonDynamo.com and get your specially priced tickets including the McDonald’s four pack for the return of Dwayne DeRosario and Toronto FC.

FIESTA TICKETMASTER has your 10% off tickets to the 2009 World Football Challenge that features CHELSEA against Club America at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington.
See the “BLUES” live in this state of the art facility.
They also have $5 off per ticket for the GOLD CUP featuring Mexico and Panama so get this tickets in now so you save significant dollars.
So much good soccer to choose from so don’t wait. Get your tickets now and save…….

Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis live this Thursday from Richmond Arms Pub on Richmond Avenue from 7-9 pm.
Dynamo players plus an FA CUP preview of Chelsea and Everton, Dwayne DeRosario interview, Champions League final re-cap and more headline this event that will be a blast!!! See you there live as we bring the radio experience to you!!!!!

Happy Memorial Day!
Ok, so I am having a little bit of fun with the title of this entry. Soccer was definetly fun for Dynamo fans yesterday.
Never was a big fan of players giving motivation to opponents through the press and that is exactly what Nick Garcia of the San Jose Earthquakes did against the Houston Dynamo when he alluded to Kei Kamara being a mental midget in the San Jose Mercury news.
One goal and game MVP later, Kamara got the last laugh and rewarded his coach Dominic Kinnear with the trust that he would be under control emotionally.
I can’t image SJ coach Frank Yallop was pleased with Garcia’s use of the press.
Irregardless so much pointed to the Dynamo dismantling the Quakes and that is exactly what they did.
A great start (2 goals in 12 minutes) and then a capper from Craig “peaceful warrior” Waibel gave the Dynamo a three goal cushion that would only be dented by a Ryan Johnson goal for San Jose.

*KAMARA influence- his movement was unsettling for the San Jose back four and he found a lot of succes in that pocket near Nick Garcia and Eric Denton who had to confront Brian Mullan. Emotional control rewarded the confidence of his coach who showed trust by starting him. Masterstroke from Kinnear when he brought Kamara off to a standing ovation in the final minutes. With Brian Ching heading off to U.S. National team duty Kamara will be the focal point of the attack.
Kamara and Ching had some moments of playing off each other that showed a little more understanding.

*ONSTAD SAVE…..An early play where Pat Onstad came outside his box to provide cover for his back four was huge and alert. Cam Weaver had spinned off of Geoff Cameron and seemed to be in but the alert Onstad made a critical save at an important time period.

*ALVAREZ contained…It was a collective effort how the Dynamo defending the main attacking weapon of San Jose. Rarely did he pick up a ball without two Dynamo defenders confronting him. Alvarez can’t wait for Darren Huckerby to get healthy. The Dynamo new he was the main threat and took the edge off his game.

* DAVIS DELIVERY…..not many if any better at hitting a dead ball in this league. Plain and simple.

*DAVIS tackle…inside the first two minutes Brad Davis made and important tackle on Arturo Alvarez who was near the Dynamo penalty area. That and the early goal reminded us that the Dynamo were “up” for this one.

*CLARK….blanketed Convey who we didn’t even know was there.

*HOLDEN / KAMARA one two’s…I loved some of the little flicks that these two pulled off leading to dangerous moments. BRIAN CHING also pulled off a beautiful back heel that put in Holden. Entertaining to say the least…..

*WAIBEL start….the manager knew it was a game that Craig Waibel could excel with his experience. Calm, never unnerved Waibel then adds a goal to boot.
The “Peaceful Warrior” gets it done behind Mullan.

*Thanks to all the fans that headed over to the post game radio show and autograph alley!

DARIO VERON scored a monster goal in the 89th minute for Pumas at the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City yesterday that advanced his squad to the finals. The goal tied the aggregate with Puebla 3-3 in Mexican League semi-finals.
Pumas advance because of having a higher place in the standings during the regular season. Pumas now await the winner of Pachuca and Indios who complete their semi-finals tonite with Pachuca holding a 2-0 edge. What do you think of the rule in the Mexican Football league that advances the team with the better record in the regular season?

AC MILAN and final match at San Siro for Paolo Maldini……it is on right now at 8AM. The legend Maldini has been with Milan since he was a teen-ager. MANCHESTER UNITED and HULL will follow on FSC with big implications in the relegation zone. Hull is fighting for survival and will take on Man U whom will play in the Champions League final on Wednesday against Barcelona…..Also a 10:00 AM Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen square off with Wolfsburg needing a point to take the ever close Bundesliga title, Goltv will also break into the Bayern Munich/ Stuttgart match to keep viewers up to date on the amazing finish in Germany.
LATE ADDITION: Wolfsburg under Felix Magath are the GERMAN BUNDESLIGA CHAMPIONS!