THE Intercollegiates Futbol Fiesta takes place at San Jacinto College South today featuring area college programs like Houston Baptist University (NCAA division 1), San Jacinto College (Jr. College nationally ranked) and the University of St. Thomas (NAIA) programs.
The schedule of events is as follows and includes matches and a FREE youth clinic .

4:00pm Youth clinic conducted by college head coaches: Dave Santesteban (San Jacinto), Steve Jones (Houston Baptist University) and Aaron Champenoy (University of St. Thomas)
(Youth get in to clinic with two canned food items to benefit local food pantry).

6:00pm University of St. Thomas vs. Houston Leones (PDL)

SAN JACINTO SOUTH is located at 13735 Beamer Road for additional information www.SJCD.edu or contact David.Santesteban@SJCD.edu

8:00pm Houston Baptist University vs. San Jacinto

A great opportunity for youth players to work with college coaches not to mention support and watch what the college level has to offer in Houston!

DYNAMO STADIUM RALLY

It takes place today downtown at 1pm at Rusk and Dowling which is on the East side of 59. What is cool about this is that soccer fans, Dynamo fans and other have organized this grass roots effort on their own!!! If you feel strongly about a stadium and East side development not to mention the city not passing on a great business opportunity then you should be there!!!!

EVERTON 3 MANCHESTER UNITED 1

Scoring summary:

Manchester United Berbatov 16th
Everton Bilyaletdinov 19th
Everton Dan Gosling 76th
Everton Jack Rodwell 90

So I got up early for this one, walking the dogs, getting and bit of breakfast and was glad that I did.
Compelling game from Goodison Park and once again Landon Donovan shined for Everton. Donovan, voted the player of the month by Everton fans was again influential for the Toffees. His movement was unsettling for United, his passing was consistent and thoughtful.
U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard was solid and did what he needed to do in goal.
Everton played without two big stars Marouane Fellaini in midfield and Tim Cahill up front which made this win more impressive. United to be fair was without Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the back at look unsettled there for periods. Michael Carrick failed to put his imprint on this match especially with Fellaini out but some might call this a let-dwon for United after their win at AC Milan during the week in the Champions League.
Wayne Rooney had a few moments but no others stepped up in his support on this day.
Star men for Everton were 20 year old Dan Gosling and 18 year old Jack Rodwell. Both scored and were brought on by manager David Moyes at the optimum time against fatiguing defenders.
Not bad for Everton who now have beaten Chelsea and United in consecutive weekends.
The race for the EPL title is wide open. Glad I got up for this one.

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston today at 3pm brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute…

I could care less about Tiger Woods and the media quite frankly.
I prefer to focus on tomorrow morning and I know where I will be, firmly planted in front of my television to catch the Toffees and our main man Landon Donovan against Manchester United. I might make it over to the RICHMOND ARMS for this one.
Another great sideline to this match is that alot of ill will may just come the way of Wayne Rooney from Everton fans. Rooney was sold by Everton to Manchester United years back, in fact he did not make a trip to Houston with Everton when they came here to train and play Club America.
Everton vs. Manchester United, Rooney vs. Donovan just like the opener for both England and the U.S. at this summer’s World Cup!!!!

6:45 Central Standard time on Espn 2

MORE ON DYNAMO TRIALISTS
As I mentioned on Sports Talk 790 AM radio during Dynamo All Access the Dynamo trialists have not been definitive by any means. I found it strange that Blessing Kaku and Khadim Diouf in two pre-season games against college opposition didn’t stand out. Especially when you are trying to influence an organization to offer you a contract.
Diouf was the big man at 6′4 and never used his physical size as an influence while Kaku to be fair is just beyond it at this point.
Diouf apparently was close to signing a contract recently at Birmingham supposedly. Although that might just have been an agent trying to create demand.
Fact is you better be a two-way player in the Dynamo system under Dominic Kinnear. Unless you are the next coming of Xavi you are expected to carry your load in midfield both from an attacking perspective and a defending perspective. Any player coming in to this camp and trying to make this time has to be influential.
Leandre Griffit survived the cut and clearly has nice feet but I put him in the category of not being influential enough in the games that I have seen him. He has more time to make an impression as the Dynamo head to Florida but unless he projects out as someone who can grow in the Dynamo culture I see it hard for him to get selected unless he comes at a cut rate price.
Peter Maciel also got some time in midfield out of Rhode Island Community college and he has been dropped as well.
The shining star is Samuel Appiah who is 24 years old and has dictated, directed and shown a desire to get on the ball. Clearly for me he is the best newbie at this point.
Francisco Navas is the sentimental favorite and has qualities out of the Dynamo Academy and the Houstonians. College would be his best bet but it seems he has not interest in that. If he grabs a Dynamo spot the issue will be the same for him as it is for Tyler Deric. Where will they get games to go along with training?

HOUSTON PLAYERS IN THE NEWS
*Edgar Alvarez who played at San Jacinto College and is the brother of Arturo Alvarez has been called in to the El Salvador National team for next week’s game against the United States. Lets hope Geoff Cameron , Brad Davis and Brian Ching make this squad representing the Dynamo.

*Chris Gbandi who was in camp with KC is no longer there and looking for an MLS team as is his brother Sandi, a central midfielder for the Puerto Rico Islanders.

*Josh Gardner was invited to go to Spain by the Seattle Sounders and coach Sigi Schmid but had lease problems at his apartment and remained at home. Gardner is hoping to re-join the Sounders and is a left sided midfielder who played 3 years for Schmid in LA.

Don’t forget the stadium rally and Intercollegiate Futbol FIESTA at San Jacinto.

FIESTA supporting the sport of soccer !!!!

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis airs today 5pm on Fox Sports Houston brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute and Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture.

We taped this episode Tuesday at Robertson Stadium as the field was being worked on presumably for the Dynamo home opener against Real Salt Lake or the spring UH football game.
Guests on the show this week, Dynamo assistant coach John Spencer and striker Luis Landin.
Top ten goals, rumors , rants and raves, viewer mail and we honor former local youth player who went on to an outstanding career at Missouri.
Catch the show today at 5pm on Comcast and ATT Uverse.

Youth players don’t miss the Intercollegiate Football Fiesta this Saturday at San Jacinto South Campus.

*4pm Free Clinic for youth players with two canned food items (donated to charity)
*6pm St. Thomas (NAIA) vs. Houston Leones PDL
*8pm Houston Baptist University (NCAADiv.1) vs San Jacinto (Jr. College)

A great opportunity to get a different soccer experience for the youth player and see the level at the college game. Support your local colleges and make the effort to get out!!

DYNAMO STADIUM RALLY SATURDAY AT 1PM AT RUSK AND DOWLING ……..Mayor Parker is expected to meet with El Franco Lee County Commissioner today. Lets hope this finally gets put on the agenda after 20 months of patience.

Oliver Luck has some fresh news on the stadium tonight on Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis……tune in at 7pm tonight!!!
Call in number is 713-212-5790….streaming at mlsnet.com

email me at gdavis98@swbell.net or call the show

Dynamo All Access tonight with Glenn Davis on SportsTalk 790 AM…call in number 713-212-5790, show streams at mlsnet.com

Guests: Pat Onstad Dynamo goalkeeper
Dominic Kinnear Dynamo head coach
Kevin Hartman- KC goalkeeper recently released, what happened? Hartman now in camp with U.S. national team.
Chris Canetti- Dynamo CEO

The Dynamo defeated San Jacinto 4-1 in a pre-season game where they did not look very sharp but did score four second half goals including two by Oduro.
Not sure this really matters much except after one more pre-season game against college opposition (UCF) they then take a step up against MLS teams in Florida at Disney and this is where we might find out some real answers. I would imagine come Friday some trialists will be dropped. I will expand on this tonight and more on the Champions League.

Also I will give my thoughts on Dynamo trialists and give me take on whom might make the squad and who might not.

Bring it tonight soccer fans!!!!!

Soccer fans, fanaticos
A couple of quick notes on soccer content and events that you should know about:

*Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis on Sports Talk 790 AM radio tonight from 7-9pm……..we go back to Monday next week. Call in number is 713-212-5790 and the show streams at MLSNET.com and sportstalk790.com………Updates and thoughts on media in the world of soccer, Dynamo scrimmage today against San Jacinto, interviews with Dynamo players, Dominic Kinnear. We will have someone from U.S. National team camp on the show tonight as well plus a surprise guest.

*SOCCER MATTERS with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston presented by MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE airs tomorrow at 5pm. Barcelona lose first, Luis Landin on aspirations for 2010 in MLS, assistant coach John Spencer with great insight, top ten goals, and lots of local content as well. Available on COMCAST and ATT UVERSE cable systems.

*DYNAMO fans are putting together another rally for the stadium this Saturday at 1:00 pm at Rusk and Dowling near Minute Maid Park on the East End. Bring a friend but be present!!!

*FIESTA presents the INTERCOLLEGIATE FUTBOL FIESTA at San Jacinto College Saturday as well. I encourage youth players and families to come out to this one and take part in a free clinic and catch games between area college teams that NEED your support!!!
4:00 Free clinic with coaches Dave Santesteban of San Jacinto, Steve Jones of Houston Baptist University and Aaron Champenoy of University of St. Thomas !!!
Bring two canned food items to be donated to local food charity and you are in for free!!!!
6:00 University of St. Thomas(NAIA) vs. Houston Leones of the PDL
8:00 Houston Baptist University (NCAA DIVISION 1) vs. San Jacinto (Jr. College top ranked program)
Lets help these coaches out who are trying to build home-grown programs.

U.S. to play TURKEY …..
It is expected today that U.S. Soccer will announce Turkey as their final home foe before heading off to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. The game will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on May 29.

Here is the current U.S. schedule: Feb. 24th vs. El Salvador in Tampa, Florida (espn classic 6pm cst)
March 3rd vs. Netherlands in Amsterdam (Espn2 1:30 pm cst)
May 29 vs. Turkey in Philadelphia (only 3rd ever meeting with Turkey winning 2-1 in Saint Entienne , France 2003
and a 1-1 draw in Istanbul in 91)

Your thoughts on this weekend’s events plus the U.S. announcement?
Don’t forget to tune in to the radio tonight on Sportstalk 790am for the best in soccer talk!

twitter: Soccermattersgd

Manchester United 3 AC Milan 2
Scholes (36) Ronaldinho (3)
Rooney (66) Seedorf (85)
Rooney (76)

Manchester United were just too powerful for AC Milan and are in the drivers seat in this interesting Champions League encounter.
One of the big questions heading into this match at the San Siro was if AC Milan could handle what is in my opinion the most dangerous strike in the world.
The answer of course was no.
Rooney’s first header in the 66th was something to marvel at as he made contact as he was backing up and headed into the far side netting freezing Milan goalkeeper Dida who did not move. The cross was provided by Antonio Valencia. The second Rooney header was off a sublime cross from Darren Fletcher.
It is amazing how many plays central midfield players like Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick come up with.
Now back to Rooney who on the ground did not have a great day finishing but to his credit found another way to be devasting.
David Beckham, Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini struggled during portions to keep up with the United midfield.
Dida still remains a liability in goal for AC Milan and I am still baffled as to how they can’t seem to improve that position. United central defenders also at times looked a bit shaky in my opinion.
Still a late Seedorf goal which was flicked in beautfully gives Milan a small glimmer of hope heading back to Old Trafford for the return leg.
A historic win for United at the San Siro.

Lets talk about this match and much more tomorrow night on Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis on Sportstalk790am….7-9pm tomorrow!!!!

Taping today of Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute took place at Robertson Stadium today where the entire grass surface has been removed to re-sod the field. Next episode airs this Thursday at 5pm with interviews with John Spencer Dynamo assistant and Luis Landin Dynamo striker, lots of goals from around the world and an update on a local youth soccer player plus lots of thoughts from you the fan!!!

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute is this Thursday at 5pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT for this week only is DYNAMO ALL ACCESS with GLENN DAVIS on Sports Talk 790 AM at 7pm

The Champions League on Fox Soccer Channel comes in the form of the round of 16 today with opening leg matches.
First at 1:30 you can catch Lyon against Real Madrid and then at 4pm Manchester United visit the San Siro and AC Milan in Italy.
Might think a few fanaticos might be coming down with a cold or taking a long lunch break at the RICHMOND ARMS.

Of course the AC Milan fixture against Manchester United takes on a bunch of different storylines including David Beckham playing against his former club.
Beckham played 394 games as Red Devil and as we all know came through their youth system.
Funny thing is he hasn’t been playing as a starter as of late for the Rossoneri and Leonardo.
Speculation as to where he will play on the right side continues but I will wait to see him in the starting lineup. I can’t see Milan playing with three across the top with Beckham on the right side against Manchester United. It won’t happen unless they want to commit suicide.
If he starts it will be in a traditional right sided role with youthful cover behind him in the former of Ignacio Abate who also sports blond hair or faux blond hair so don’t get confused.
If AC Milan has designs on getting past United they have to control the most dangerous striker in Europe in Wayne Rooney who may just prove to be too powerful and explosive and get a cushion heading into the second leg at Old Trafford. Yes, controlling Wayne will be a key.
Can the young Brazilian sensation Pato test the United backline who will surely want to put the boot in on this kid and will AC Milan be able to keep Ronaldinho out of the disco and party scene. Some many stars that can steal the show in this one.
Not to be missed!

PREDICITION: Manchester United 2-1. Milan wins battle of ball possession but gets crushed by Rooney and Valencia on the break.

Out: MAN U- Anderson, Nemanja Vidic, Ryan Giggs
AC MILAN: Marco Borriello

Give me your prediction on this one and where will you be watching this match?

My last column for the Houston Chronicle was this past Saturday and I want to thank all who have supported the sport and the column over the 7 plus years I have worked at the Chronicle. I took a broad guess that I have written in the neighborhood of 450 columns and believe have had a small impact on creating awareness for the sport at all levels from the youth game on up to the professional game.
I will continue to espouse the importance of all these levels supporting each other!! The bigger more impactful soccer individuals in this community in the future will continue to have a broad and larger vision. It is possible to be competitive, successful from a business standpoint and be community oriented. I will continue to focus on shining the light on those that are givers to our soccer community and that will take us into the future.
I have received many amazing emails and want to assure all that I will continue my work and passion at glenndavissoccer.com, FoxsportsHouston.com, on the radio at 790am and the tv show on Fox Sports Houston called Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis. The Chronicle informed me last week via email me that for budgetary reasons my column was no more.
I am honored and grateful to have had the opportunity with the Chronicle to bring you my original ideas about the sport. Thanks to all who came up to me at the recent Dynamo vs. SMU match, I like you am looking forward to the world of futbol in 2010.
Houston is one of the great soccer cities in North America and has an amazing synergy with a high ceiling for the sport. I look forward to serving you with top notch soccer content, opinions, and the ability to give all of you a platform.
Continue to put a healthy pressure on the media (including me), your professional team and your local politicians as you have the power to grow the sport.
Thank you!!

*Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis on Sports Talk 790 AM radio this week only moves to Wednesday from 7-9 pm.

*Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston re-airs Monday at 2:30 pm (Comcast and ATT Uverse)

*February 20th the stadium rally at the downtown stadium site is set for 1pm, fans have been really coming through and your efforts are putting pressure on less than noble politicians to have the common courtesy to address the people.

*February 20th is a night also to support local collegiate soccer. The INTERCOLLEGIATE Futbol FIESTA features area college programs whose coaches are working extremely hard to make their institutions a part of the local landscape. Lets help them out! A free clinic with the donation of two canned food items (donated to local food pantry) for youth players conducted by college coaches Dave Santesteban (San Jacinto), Aaron Champenoy (University of St. Thomas) and Steve Jones (Houston Baptist University). Get your youth players with some different , talented coaches for free! Then stick around for the doubleheader under the lights. Lets help these coaches and players out because they are a vital part of our soccer community. A good night of entertainment and the possibility of watching a future Dynamo player.

4:00 PM Free youth clinic (Kick Hunger)
6:00 PM University St. Thomas (NAIA) vs. Houston Leones (PDL)
8:00 PM Houston Baptist University (NCAA Div. 1) vs. San Jacinto College (Jr. College)

By the way check out the Philadelphia Union stadium in the prior post. Not bad eh?

* LATEST: Stuart Holden made the bench but did not play for Bolton in a 1-1 FA Cup draw against Spurs.