Chelsea defeats AC Milan 2-1 in Baltimore

In front of 71,000 strong at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium, Chelsea defeated AC Milan 2-1 in the World Football Challenge exhibition match. It was a remarkable showing of soccer, with some dazzling plays and great team play from both sides.

Chelsea scored first with a long range shot from Didier Drogba within seven minutes, but AC Milan equalized with a goal from Clarence Seedorf near the end of the first half. Coming out into the second half, Chelsea would score after two rebounds from Yuri Zhirkov. It would be the eventual game-winner.

But for fans in Baltimore and in America, this was about seeing some of the best in the world play. The World Football Challenge has given people in America a chance to see some great teams in person. Baltimore sent 71,000+ to see players like Ronaldinho, American Oguchi Onyewu (from Olney, Maryland), and others that they normally couldn't see in the MLS. The Champions League is the most popular league in the world, and firsthand Charm City got to see two of its big teams.

It looked like the crowd had more Chelsea fans than AC Milan, as a sea of blue shirts could be seen. But most appreciated the spectacle, and M&T Bank Stadium looked good on ESPN tonight.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Free Kicks: Thursday Edition

Ordinarily I struggle to come up with three solid topics that we haven’t otherwise covered that week for Free Kicks. However, for a week in late June there are certainly enough stories to go around. Why Thursday Edition? Windsor is "working" apparently, but he will be back tomorrow. In the meantime, let’s line up for the kick…

Soccer on Free Kicks?!
I know, I was surprised too when I came up with my list of Free Kicks (it just seemed so… logical), but the U.S. defeat of Spain on Wednesday afternoon is simply too stunning to be omitted. I don’t know if the Spanish simply underestimated a team that had squeaked into the semifinals on little more than a technicality, their only win in the Confederations Cup coming against unimpressive Egypt. Regardless, the U.S. team rose to the occasion by scoring twice on a team that had not allowed a single goal in this tournament and was ranked 1st in the world with the longest win streak in history at 15 matches. This win won’t make soccer relevant in the United States- this team could go on to win the World Cup and I don’t think it would make soccer viable in the long run. But between Olympics when we are looking for something to wave our collective flags at, it’d be wise to remember that on the world stage of soccer, the United States is the underdog- it is an unusual role for this country, and perhaps it is nice to relish it now and then.

Uehara Can’t Take the Heat
Literally. It appears as though Koji Uehara asked out of his last start after 76 pitches in the 6th due to fatigue, and reports indicate that he has had an ongoing problem dealing with the heat of pitching outside in June. He is used to the temperature-controlled stadiums in Japan, and I understand that, but you’d think he would have thought about the impact of pitching in 80 degree weather before he came here. There is a bit of a push to move Koji to the bullpen and bring David Hernandez back into the rotation, and from a baseball perspective I get it. You can use Koji as a long reliever and open the door for a pitcher who was effective in his short stint in the majors. However, you also won’t get Koji the rest between outings he is accustomed to- he will be pitching every 3 days or so, which won’t do much to relieve his elbow fatigue even if it is only for a couple innings. Additionally, Uehara has never been a relief pitcher, and with his esteemed career and exceptional history in Japan it is unclear how he would react to the move; whether he would perceive it as a demotion and react as such. When dealing with a player like Koji, you need to be more delicate than with a journeyman. Dave Trembley and Rick Kranitz ought to sit down with him and ask him what is best for his body right now. If he wants to stay in the rotation, ask him whether he can go every 6th day (as the O’s have been giving him). If he can’t, then you can move him to the bullpen. At 34 years old, Uehara knows his body- let him decide what it can handle at this point.

Which trade was better- Jefferson or Shaq?
With the draft almost upon us, there has already been significant readjustment of the NBA landscape. LeBron James got his supposed answer for Dwight Howard in Shaquille O’Neal, and the aging Spurs got younger (and deeper) with the acquisition of Richard Jefferson just a year after Jefferson was traded to the Bucks. I am sure the Shaq trade will get more attention, but as much as I like Shaq I can’t endorse the move from the Cav’s side. When Shaq was experiencing a renaissance in Phoenix the team still wasn’t winning, and his presence created friction underneath the basket between him and Amare Stoudemire. The Suns were simply unable to play their game when having to force the ball down low to O’Neal, who needs a lot more touches to get the production he used to. In a fast-paced offense like Phoenix’s, the slow-footed Shaq just didn’t fit, no matter who good his numbers were. In Cleveland, LeBron will have to contend with Shaq wanting his touches, not to mention his ego and overwhelming presence in the locker room. Secondly, how exactly is Shaq an answer to Dwight Howard at this point in his career? Last year, after calling out the young center and his coach, O’Neal went on to embarrass himself against the Defensive Player of the Year, flopping to draw fouls while unable to get his easy lay-ups. The Cavs had big problems against the Magic, but Shaq won’t fix them.

As for Richard Jefferson, the Spurs got a versatile player who can spell Manu Ginobili or any other of the Spurs aging stars (except perhaps Tim Duncan), and could have the same effect that Roger Mason did in infusing some younger legs (and for San Antonio, 28 year-old Mason is a lot younger) into that lineup. Additionally, they will likely be able to get back at least one of the three players they sent to Milwaukee if they are bought out in this transparent salary slashing move. Here I thought Milwaukee had a nice young nucleus to work with, and instead they are dumping talent before they even get started. Is the hope of 2010 free agents really worth the possibility of mortgaging one’s future? I don’t know what the Bucks are doing, but I know what the Spurs are doing- gearing up for another title run with a much better chance of winning the West.

MLS Draft on January 15th: Many Terps Looking to Get Drafted

The 2009 MLS SuperDraft will be on January 15th at 2:00 PM ET in St. Louis, and many Maryland players fresh off their national championship run are looking to get drafted, including the senior class plus some underclassmen chosen as Generation Adidas players, which means they forfeit their college eligibility so they can play in the MLS and get scholarships to college if they don't make it in the pros, as well as they don't count as being on an MLS roster. With the draft coming up in a few days, where will some of the Terps get drafted?

MLSDraft.net has done solid coverage of the upcoming draft, and is worth a look. Also check out our favorite soccer blog Pro Player Pipeline for player analysis. Predictions will be updated as they come.

Omar Gonzalez- Jr. Defender, Generation Adidas
A 6'5'' central defender that also has scoring abilities, Gonzalez is the most highly sought after back in this year's draft. He was the two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year. No doubt he will go high. ATH Prediction: 2nd or 3rd overall.
MLS Draft.net: "Gonzalez is strong, composed and just a beast in the air." Prediction: 2nd overall to Toronto FC.
UPDATE: 1/13/09: MLSDraft.net now has Gonzalez going #1 overall to the Seattle Sounders.

Jeremy Hall- Jr. Midfield/Forward, Generation Adidas
A quick player that can also play forward if necessary, Hall is a solid corner midfielder that can anchor an attacking formation. He had one of his strongest years this season, scoring 14 goals, including six game-winners. ATH Prediction: 4th-6th overall.
MLS Draft.net: "He has the speed, the size and the ability to be a force down the wings." Prediction: 5th overall to FC Dallas.
UPDATE: 1/13/09: MLSDraft.net now has Hall going #14 overall to the New York Red Bull.

Rodney Wallace- So. Midfield/Defender, Generation Adidas
A solid all-around player that can solidify a wide back position or at corner midfield, Wallace has good speed and shooting abilities. He moved to the back line in his sophomore season to help solidify Maryland's defense, but his speed could make him a better midfielder. ATH Prediction: 5th-7th overall.
MLSDraft.net: "An attacking left fullback who loves to get forward and he can help the offense out with his speed." Prediction: 7th overall to D.C. United.
UPDATE: 1/13/09: MLSDraft.net still has Wallace going #7 to D.C. United.

Graham Zusi- Sr. Midfield
Zusi saw his draft status skyrocket after getting both of Maryland's goals and subsquently game-winning goals in the College Cup. He is an all-around decent central midfielder, nothing extraordinary, but decent speed and shooting ability. Can also play forward. ATH Prediction: Middle 2nd round.
MLSDraft.net: "In a season where you could say Maryland is rebuilding, Graham Zuzi doesn’t seem to have a problem making his team tick."
UPDATE: 1/15/09: MLSDraft.net predicts Zusi will go in the 2nd round, 28th overall to the Chicago Fire.

A.J. Delagarza- Sr. Defender
Delagarza was a four-year starter at central defender for Maryland, though his small size will likely push him wide. He has decent speed, though he will need to improve to be a starter in the MLS. ATH Prediction: Middle 4th Round.
MLSDraft.net: "If he can make the transition to a full back or a defensive midfielder I can see him play in the MLS."
UPDATE 1/15/09: MLSDraft.net predicts Delagarza will go in the 2nd round, 24th overall to the New England Revolution.

For other Maryland seniors, including Rich Constanzo and Michael Marchiano, they have not entered the draft.

And for non-Terps players that play around here:
Milos Kocic- Jr. Goalkeeper (Loyola)
Kocic at 6'5'' is a tall, athletic keeper that has great speed in the cage, making solid dives into corners. Some teams may be worried about drafting him due to overall lack of competition while at Loyola, but physically he has the tools to be a solid MLS keeper. ATH Prediction: Late 3rd Round.

As the draft nears, we will update the coverage in the draft, so check back here for updates.
UPDATE: 1/15/09: Five Terps plus Kocic got drafted in the first 23 picks today in the MLS SuperDraft.
--3rd overall, Los Angeles Galaxy: Omar Gonzalez
--6th overall, D.C. United: Rodney Wallace
--11th overall, New York Red Bulls: Jeremy Hall
--19th overall, Los Angeles Galaxy: A.J. Delagarza
--21st overall, D.C. United: Milos Kocic
--23rd overall, Kansas City Wizards: Graham Zusi

Congrats to everyone here, and good luck in the MLS.

(Photo credit: Matt Slocum, AP)

Soccer Outlook: Maryland Wins ACC, Loyola Loses First Game, NCAA Selection Tomorrow

Quite the weekend for soccer teams in the Old Line State.

#5 Maryland won their third ACC Championship with a 1-nil victory over Virginia on Sunday. The Terps played as the 2-seed and expected to take on 1-seed Wake Forest, but the Deacs lost their first every games to the Cavaliers in the semifinals. The lone goal was scored by Jeremy Hall in the first two minutes, and goalie Zac MacMath did not allow a goal in all three games. With their three wins this week, Maryland may break the top-3 in the rankings.


Meanwhile, #6 Loyola lost their first game of the season, losing 1-nil to Fairfield in the MAAC Championship. The Stags scored in the 26th minute, and despite the Greyhounds pressuring in the second half, they were unable to get the equalizer.

So with the selection show today, how do the state's teams fare? 48 teams make the NCAA Tournament, including 22 automatic qualifiers from conference champions and 26 at-large bids. The top-16 teams are seeded and receive a first-round bye, while the bottom 32 must play.

I will be mentioning some possible teams in the DC/Northern Virginia area as well. In this tournament and in the current economy, many of the early matchups are localized. Last season, Maryland and Loyola met up in the Round of 32. So, chances are teams close by will play each other in the first couple rounds. Until the Final Four, games are played at campus sites hosted by the higher seed in each contest.

Maryland Terrapins (#5, 18-3-0, 6-2-0 ACC, ACC Champion AQ)
--Key wins: UCLA, North Carolina (twice), Virginia (twice), Boston College (twice)
The ACC has won two of the last three national championships, Maryland winning in 2005. Because of automatic qualifier rules, the Terps are already in the tournament, though that was not an issue anyway. With the conference victory, a top-4 seed will almost certainly be given to Maryland. This will mean the Terps can play at home until the Final Four, a huge advantage.

Loyola Greyhounds (#6, 18-1-1, 9-0 MAAC, MAAC runner-up)
--Key win: Campbell
Loyola is going to be hard to predict. On the one hand, they had an undefeated regular season record. On the other, they had a very easy strength of schedule and did not win the conference championship. They played nobody currently ranked; Campbell had 2 votes in the last poll (#25 Butler had 52, to compare). Based on last season, I believe they will get one of the 16 seeds, but not a top-8 seed. Coach Mettrick has Milos Kocic one more year if he decides to stay; he needs to get harder teams on the schedule next season.

Georgetown Hoyas (11-5-3, 5-3-3 Big East)
The Hoyas have had a good season, led by the senior forward Peter Grasso with seven goals. They don't have a win against a ranked team and were ranked themselves earlier in the season, but they have played close against other ranked teams including Connecticut, Notre Dame, and South Florida. The problem is, normally wins are all that matters to the committee. If the Hoyas make it, they will likely play a first round game on the road, but their record should be enough to get them in.

George Mason Patriots (13-6-2, 6-4-1 CAA, CAA Champion AQ)
--Key win: Tulsa
The Patriots will head to the NCAA after winning the crazy CAA championship, the last of seven straight victories. Led by senior forward Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe, who has nine goals and six assists, GM had very few big name teams on the schedule, but they had a big upset win of Tulsa, currently #7 in the country. With that win and their current winning streak, they could get a first round game at home, but they will play in the first round.

After Maryland, Loyola, and George Mason, only Georgetown has the opportunity to make the tournament in the local area. The selection comes out tonight from the NCAA.

(Photo credit: Maryland athletics (ACC trophy), Loyola athletics (Kocic))

#6 Loyola Soccer Ends Season Undefeated

The Loyola Greyhounds were hard pressed to improve upon last year's 19-3-1 record. But they did. With their 5-nil shutout of Rider last Saturday, they completed their undefeated regular season, going 17-0-1. If they can win the MAAC Championship, they will go into the NCAA Tournament undefeated. They are one of only two teams to finish the regular season without a loss, the other being #1 Wake Forest.

Their run has been about the keeper. Milos Kocic, a leading candidate for best goalie in the NCAA, who has been stellar this year. Despite that he may have been battling injury during the start of the season, Kocic still only allowed 11 goals in 18 contests, including 10 shutouts. The 6'4'' keeper from Serbia is sure to be a fine player in the pros.

But Coach Mark Mettrick's team has also benefited from other international players. Jamie Darvill and Phil Bannister from England have been key contributors on offense.

But the question now is, how good is this team? As mentioned before the season, Loyola's schedule was full of teams that aren't ranked. Even though they finished undefeated, it is hard to gage Loyola's talent. Two teams they faced, Niagara and Campbell, received three and one vote respectively in the 11/4 coaches poll, and qualify as the hardest opponents Loyola has faced. Both were 1-nil victories for the Greyhounds. They may have to face Niagara again in MAAC Tournament, but Loyola has not had a matchup against a top-20 team.

If they win the MAAC, they will get a good seed in the tournament. But the lack of a difficult schedule could really hurt Loyola's chances at winning the whole thing. But, with the tendency of the NCAA to regionalize teams in the early going of the tournament, wouldn't it be interesting to see #5 Maryland and #6 Loyola rematch? That could be a tremendous game.

As always, Joe Mauceri has some great info on Loyola in his blog, Pro Player Pipeline. Check out his thoughts on Loyola here.

(Photo credits: Loyola athletics)

2008 NCAA Men's Soccer Preview

The 2008 NCAA men's soccer season is about to kick off next weekend, and the state of Maryland has some solid teams in the mix. Maryland and Loyola look to head back to the NCAA Tournament while a few others try get in after missing it last year. Let's preview the top-5 teams in the Old Line State.


Maryland Terrapins (#3 in College Soccer News)

-Last season: 10-6-5, fell in round of 16 to Bradley 3-2, 2OT

-Formation: 4-4-2, diamond midfield (Joe Mauceri, College Soccer News)

-Starters returning: 9

-Key loss: Stephen King (four-year starting midfield, 2 G, 13 A)

-Head Coach: Sasho Cirovski (15th season)

The 2005 national champion had yet another heartbreaking loss in the round of 16, losing to Bradley 3-2 in double overtime after being up 2-0 with less than three minutes to go. Now with the #1 recruiting class in the nation with only two starters lost, the ACC powerhouse looks to make a title run.

Strengths

-Depth: Maryland lost only two starters and gains three of the top-10 recruits in the country. Add that redshirt sophomore Jason Herrick and sophomore Kevin Tangney are returning from injury, this Terps team is full of talent.

-The Back Line: Despite the loss of four-year starter Stephen King, Maryland brings back three back line two-year starters, pre-season All-American junior Omar Gonzalez (pictured), senior Rich Costanzo, and senior A.J. Delagarza. Sean Flatley has also shown promise as a defender.

Weaknesses

-Goalie: Will Swaim was the reason Maryland lost to Bradley in the NCAAs last season, allowing two goals in the final three minutes of regulation. The top goalkeeping prospect in the country, Zac MacMath, is in Maryland, but a lot of questions come between the pipes for the Terps.

-Go-to scorer: The primary problem last season for the Terps. Senior attack Graham Zusi (6 G, 6 A) and sophomore midfielder Rodney Wallace (6, 1) will need to step up with Herrick to score goals. Depth isn't an issue, but Maryland needs a solid scorer for difficult matches.

Loyola Greyhounds (#28 in College Soccer News)

-Last season: 19-3-1, MAAC Champion, fell in round of 32 to Maryland, 0-0 (4-2 PK)

-Formation: 3-5-2

-Starters returning: 8

-Key loss: Julian Cantillo (two-year starting midfield, 9 assists)

-Head Coach: Mark Mettrick (8th season)

The Greyhounds had the advantage in penalty kicks vs. Maryland in the NCAAs, but couldn't seal the deal. This deadly defensive squad with solid international players may be ranked only #28, but they look to show the soccer world what a shut-down defense can do.

Strengths

-Defense: Junior Milos Kocic (pictured) could be the best goalie in the country. With junior defender Tennent McVea, who with Kocic is on the Hermann Trophy Watch List, Loyola had 17 shutouts last season, including 14 of their final 15 contests. Kocic allowed only 0.47 goals per game last year.

-Shooting: The two English sophomores Phil Bannister and Eddie Dines combined for 22 goals last season. With Kocic's cannon leg and their speed, counters and fast breaks are a strong strategy for the Greyhounds.

Weaknesses

-Strength of Schedule: Loyola isn't playing anyone in CSN's preseason top-30. While this could change depend on changes in that top-30, this isn't going to help the Greyhounds. They will need to be solid nearly every game and/or win the tournament to gain favor with the NCAA committee.

-Midfield play: Because Loyola plays quick strike offense, other midfielders can gain an advantage by slowing it down in the middle. With Cantillo graduated, Dines and company will need to step up play or allow other teams numerous shots from the midfield.

Towson Tigers

-Last season: 12-7-2

-Formation: likely 4-4-1-1 (Joe Mauceri, College Soccer News)

-Starters returning: 6 (only nine full-time starters last season)

-Key losses: Bill Chiles (goalie, 1.00 GAA), Pat Healey (midfield, 8 goals, 9 assists)

-Head Coach: Frank Olszewski (26th season)

Towson was very close to making the NCAA Tournament, losing in PKs to Old Dominion in the CAA Championship. The Tigers will have to deal with big losses, including their All-American goalie and leading scorer, but they have a number of players with experience. Maryland transfer Matt Beckman and senior Cesar Cisneros both scored five goals last season and upstart sophomore Scott Horta will lead the defense.

UMBC Retrievers

-Last season: 8-7-5

-Formation: 4-4-2

-Starters returning: 8

-Key losses: Bryan Moffa (defender, 5 assists), Philippe Bissohong (defender)

-Head Coach: Pete Caringi (18th season)

Despite a solid 8-4-3 start, UMBC couldn't win its last five contests, keeping them away from the NCAAs. Senior Steve King only allowed 0.72 per game, but UMBC will need to replace its two solid defenders they lost in graduation. All four players who scored at least three goals last season, including senior Kevin Gnatiko (4 goals, 4 assists) and junior Andrew Gillis (5,2) return.

Navy Midshipmen

-Last season: 7-8-2

-Formation: 4-4-2

-Starters returning: 3

-Key losses: two goalkeepers, Doug DeVueno (forward, 4 goals)

-Head Coach: Rich Miranda (4th season)

Despite a win against ranked-West Virginia, an 0-7 conference record kept Navy out of contention for the NCAAs. A major rebuilding effort will be needed with only three starting returning. But the Mids do return two of their offensive catalysts, senior forward Adam Pennington (4 goals) and junior midfield Mark Garcia (1 goal, 5 assists).

You can check out the College Soccer News preseason top-30 and mini-previews of those teams here.

(Photo credits: University of Maryland (Gonzalez), Loyola College (Kocic)