Tim Cahill Expressway; Australia honors Red Bull midfielder

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/17/2013
(Image, Australian News)
(Image, Australian News)

Legendary players receive legendary tributes.

New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry has a statue greeting Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium. New York Cosmos player Marcos Senna has a gate named after him, welcoming fans to Villarreal’s home.

Tim Cahill is bigger than just a club hero. He transcends soccer as one of Australia’s most recognized sporting heroes.

His tribute is a bit greater than most.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announced Monday the Cahill Expressway in Sydney would be renamed the ‘Tim Cahill Expressway’ for 36 hours through the conclusion of Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Iraq at ANZ Stadium. A victory against Iraq will book Australia’s ticket into Brazil 2014.
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Posted in Local, MLS, New Jersey, New York, New York Red Bulls, News, World Cup Qualifiers, World Soccer | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sky Blue FC stays atop NWSL with 3-2 win over Boston

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/17/2013

Adriana Leon, Monica Ocampo

PRESS RELEASE | Sky Blue FC handed Boston its first home loss of the season, defeating the Breakers 3-2 at Dilboy Stadium before a sell-out crowd of 2,687. Lisa De Vanna got on the board in the 9th minute off a pass from Monica OCampo, and Ocampo added a goal of her own in the 26th minute. Katy Freels scored the eventual game winner in the 70th minute as Sky Blue FC improves to 8-2-1 on the season while Boston is now 3-4-3.

Sky Blue FC came out strong as it maintained the majority of the possession in the early minutes. Although both teams were playing well defensively, Sky Blue FC would strike first. The first shot of the game was taken by De Vanna, who found the back of the net off a feed from Ocampo. The assist was the first career point for Ocampo, but she wasn’t done yet.

In the 26th minute, Freels looked to play a ball through the Breakers defense to Ocampo just inside the box. Despite the ball being deflected off a defender, Ocampo collected the ball and slipped it past Boston goalkeeper Ashley Phillips for her first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) goal.

Boston picked up the tempo for the rest of the half as the team tried to get something on the board before halftime, but a near goal line save by defender CoCo Goodson kept the Breakers scoreless going into the locker room.
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Posted in News, NWSL, Sky Blue, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Highlights: U.S. Women 4-1 Korea Republic, Wambach closes in on Hamm

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/16/2013
(Image, USSoccer.com)
(Image, USSoccer.com)

The gap has closed to two.

It took Abby Wambach over 90 minutes to do it, but she found the back of the net on a night where the U.S. Women’s National team was scoring in bunches. The American ladies shutdown Korea to the tune of 4-1 in front of over 13,000 fans at Gilette Stadium.

Her international goal total of 156 puts her within two of Mia Hamm’s World record 158.

Check out the highlights after the jump:
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Posted in Friendly, US Soccer, USWNT, World Soccer | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Watch: Pelé’s debut with the New York Cosmos, 6/15/75

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/15/2013

Pele's Final Match

Legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé traveled to North America to join the New York Cosmos 38 years to this very day. With it, he sparked the interest of a nation and made his mark on American soccer in a way no one has been able to match since.

Share in the history. Check out his debut:

Posted in NASL, New York Cosmos, News, US Soccer, World Soccer | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Report: Former Manchester United player Bellion training with New York Cosmos

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/15/2013
(Image, Girondins.com)
(Image, Girondins.com)

As the NASL Fall Championship draws closer, the players connected to the Cosmos get bigger.

Just last week, the fledgling franchise announced the signing of Villarreal legend and former Spanish International, Marcos Senna.

This week, another known name from the European ranks looks to be connected to the team. According to Soccer by Ives, former Manchester United and Bordeaux striker David Bellion is training with the club. While not “formally a trial,” SBI points to sources claiming the club has interest in acquiring his services.

Bellion, 30, played for United from 2003-06. Prior to his time with the Red Devils, he spent time with Sunderland, appearing in 20 matches with the club. Since then, he has been a fixture in French football, playing for Nice and Bordeaux since 2006.

Here is a highlight compilation of his 11 goals for Bordeaux in 2008, right after the jump:
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Posted in Local, NASL, New Jersey, New York, New York Cosmos, News, Rumors, Transfer Market, Trial | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Watch: USWNT previews Korean Republic match

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/15/2013
(Image, US Soccer website)
(Image, US Soccer website)

The friendly slate continues for the U.S. Women’s National team as they look to build off of their dominant victory over Canada in the first of two matches against Korea Republic.

Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe return to the team as the U.S. ladies host Korea Saturday night at 7pm in Gilette Stadium. The return match will be played at Red Bull Arena on June 20th.

While friendly matches, they do hold historical value as Abby Wambach chases Mia Hamm’s world record goal scoring tally of 158 (Wambach has 155).

Here is the match preview (after the jump):
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Posted in Friendly, Uncategorized, US Soccer, USWNT, World Soccer | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

New York Cosmos ready for Newtown “Soccer Revolution”

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/14/2013
(Image, Dave Martinez, Empire of Soccer)
(Image, Dave Martinez, Empire of Soccer)

It’s been six months to the day of the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting tragedy, and the community continues to pick up the pieces.

That makes this Tuesday’s occasion all the more important. The New York Cosmos are set to perform in their first soccer game since 1984 – and they are doing it for a good cause.

The Cosmos will face Newtown Pride F.C. on the 18th as part of a charity double header dubbed “Soccer Revolution.” The New England Revolution are set to kickoff festivities at the Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in New Britain against the Boston Rams leading up to the Cosmos much anticipated debut.

All proceeds from the event and the ensuing private auction will go to benefit the Newtown Parents Connection.

Tickets are still on sale at $15 a seat and can be purchased at newtownparentconnection.org.
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Posted in Charity, Connecticut, Local, NASL, New Jersey, New York, New York Cosmos, News | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

“Kicking + Screening” returns to New York; documentary on Red Bulls’ Tim Cahill featured

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/14/2013

KICKING AND SCREENING 2013

A tradition since 2009, Kicking + Screening returns to the Big Apple this week with an eclectic choice of films for the soccer-loving public to choose from. Amongst this year’s choices, the tale of New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill and his journey from childhood to the 2010 World Cup.

The event will be held on 54 Varick Street in Manhattan at the Tribeca Cinemas and the Varick Room.

Here is the full lineup for the week:

To see the Cahill documentary in it’s entirety, follow the jump!
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Posted in Charity, Local, New Jersey, New York, News | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

New York Red Bulls officially announce Lyon friendly

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/14/2013
(Image, NewYorkRedBulls.com)
(Image, NewYorkRedBulls.com)

The New York Red Bulls have their annual summer friendly opponent lined up.

The team will host seven-time Ligue 1 champion Olympique Lyonnais in a friendly on Tuesday, July 16 at 8:00 PM at Red Bull Arena.

“We are proud to host Olympique Lyonnais at Red Bull Arena,” said Red Bulls General Manager Jérôme de Bontin. “Lyon has a storied history in France and has featured a number of top international players, including our own Juninho and Peguy Luyindula, while playing a distinct brand of soccer. They have been an example to many European clubs of how to build a solid soccer organization over many years, with a strong vision and goals that are reflected by their consistent success and seven-straight Lique 1 championships. We look forward to welcoming Lyon and expect a very entertaining match at Red Bull Arena that will please Red Bulls fans and soccer enthusiasts across the tri-state area.”
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Posted in Friendly, Local, MLS, New Jersey, New York, New York Red Bulls, News, World Soccer | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

New York Cosmos form new Training, Development program

by Dave Martinez Posted on 06/14/2013

The New York Cosmos banner

Professional youth development is crucial to the growth of any team in today’s global soccer market, and the New York Cosmos are developing a program to kick start their own efforts.

The Cosmos, led by Director of Youth Development Fabian Banchiero, introduced the team’s Training and Development programs (TDP); a two-tiered system aimed to providing a potential pathway to the professional team.

“We are very excited about launching the New York Cosmos Training and Development Program this year,” Banchiero said. “We believe that our programs will bring an ideal structure and pathway for all youth players, clubs and leagues in our area. We are providing a model that is similar to what has been successful at many clubs in Europe and South America.”

The first tier consists of training programs conducted by Cosmos coaches which will provide “soccer development training sessions, coaching, camps and clinics to youth soccer leagues, clubs and teams in local communities throughout the tri-state area.”

The second tier will focus on “elite training” including “camps and clinics for more advanced players and highly competitive travel programs.”
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Posted in Connecticut, Local, NASL, New Jersey, New York, New York Cosmos, News | Tagged , , | 9 Comments