Congratulations to Atlético Madrid for winning the 2013 Copa del Rey!! They beat Real Madrid 2-1 after a chaotic game and 30 minutes of extra time. This marks the first time Atleti have beaten Real Madrid since 1999. Atlético also ended Real Madrid’s 2 year home unbeaten streak (about 40+ games). At the end of this season Atleti will have claimed 3rd place in La Liga, qualified for next year’s Champions League, and won the Copa del Rey. Congratulations!

Atlético Madrid win 2013 Copa del Rey

On the flip side, this was a terrible ending to a terrible season for Real Madrid. They’ll finish 2nd in La Liga, 10 points behind champions Barcelona. They failed to come back against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semifinals and were subsequently eliminated. I don’t even want to talk about all the drama surrounding the club this season. And they just lost what looked to be their best shot at winning some silverware this season.

For the past two hours (and most of this season, really) my reaction to Real Madrid’s game looked something like this: 

It’s hard to blame any one party for the way this season has gone and, if we’re being honest, finger-pointing usually goes badly. However, I’m going to ask you to give me a little bit of leeway because I’m hurting pretty badly after this loss.

The main target of my anger is the ref, Clos Gomez. He did make some good decisions every now and then, but he was inconsistent and clearly lost control of the game. By the final whistle, he had handed out 7 yellow cards to Real Madrid, six yellow cards to Atlético Madrid, and a red card each. I’m not even entirely sure why Gabi was sent off for Atleti. Half the time Gomez carded a player on their first offense; the other half of the time he waited until the 5th or 6th foul to show them a card.

He’s as appalled as I was.

The one sending off that really rubbed me wrong was José Mourinho. As far as I could see, it was the first time Mou had gotten up from his seat to yell at the pitch whereas Diego Simeone had spent the entire game standing! I guess Mou had to have said something terrible to warrant the sending off, but there’s no way Gomez would’ve heard it from where he was standing.

I kinda loathe myself for saying this but…Cristiano Ronaldo deserved his red card. The idiot kicked his opponent in the nose.

Above all else, pure luck was against Real Madrid. Los blancos should have easily won this game with as many shots as they had hit the post. That plus Thibaut Courtois’s phenomenal goalkeeping display stopped about 4 or 5 of Real Madrid’s closest chances. There was one period of a couple minutes where Real kept pinging the ball towards the net and it looked like a force field was over the line flinging the ball straight back. Unbelievable.

Now all we can do is wait. Wait to see if Mourinho goes or stays (my bet is he returns to England). Wait to see which players leave Real Madrid (unfortunately I think quite a few are on the way out). Wait to see if Atlético can hold onto Radamel Falcao (probably not). And wait for the start of next season which will hopefully wash away the remnants of a shoddy season for Real Madrid.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to bury myself in comfort food.

Photos courtesy of www.ligabbva.com, www.guardian.co.uk, and tumblr.com. Check in with @AerysSoccer every day for the latest news on La Liga, the EPL, and MLS.

As everyone knows by now, David Beckham announced his retirement from soccer yesterday morning. At the end of the season Becks will hang up his cleats. We all knew this was coming, but not this soon. Even though he is 38, I expected he would have at least another year under his belt.. But that is not the case. Here at Aerys we love David Beckham and all that he has done for MLS. So today it is ALL about Beckham!

Even before he stepped on the field for Man United, Beckham was a part of a FA Youth club and he helped them win the FA Youth Cup in May of 1992. That same year he made his first team debut for Manchester United, and shortly after he signed his first professional soccer contract. From then on it was Beckham’s world, he was called up to the England National team (He has 115 caps and 17 goals for England) and everything was perfect… Until that monumental summer day in 1998. England was playing Argentina in a World Cup Qualifying round when things were getting chippy and Becks made a huge mistake- he was lying on the ground and kicked at Diego Simeone. This ultimately cost England their World Cup place. You can watch the whole thing over here.

All of this brought on a controversial time for Becks, and the next year he made all of the haters drink their haterade and shut their mouths. It was arguably the best season of his career, helping Man United win the Champions League Final. The World was back in the palm of Beckham’s hand. He left Man United in 2003 and played for Real Madrid where he won yet another trophy. After spending four years with Madrid Beckham made a decision that helped put American soccer on the map, he signed a deal with LA Galaxy. Not only has Beckham made a name for himself, he helped MLS soccer out tremendously. People around the World know about MLS teams, before Beckham hardly anyone knew! It is an amazing thing.

You can watch Beckham’s interview about his retirement over here. He talks about his decision, and why he feels it is the right time to retire… and do it while he is on top.

Let’s get to his trophy cabinet, because that thing is SPECTACULAR. He has won four championships in four different countries. The talent of this man knows no bounds, and it shows.

Manchester United
Premier League – 1996, 1997, 1999, 200, 2001, 2003
Champions League – 1999
FA Cup – 1996, 1999
Community Shield – 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
Intercontinental Cup – 1999
FA Youth Cup – 1992

Beckham with the Premier League Trophy (Man United)

Real Madrid
La Liga  - 2007
Spanish Super Cup – 2003

Beckham with the Spanish Cup (Real Madrid)

LA Galaxy
MLS Cup – 2011, 2012

Beckham with the 2012 MLS Cup trophy. (LA Galaxy)

Paris Saint-Germain
Ligue 1 - 2013

PSG hasn’t received their trophy yet, so here’s Becks in his last game with them… receiving a red card.

Personally Becks turned me on to the MLS. Sure I watched the USMNT play but it wasn’t until 2008 that I actually sat down and watched a MLS game. From then on I was hooked, and I have not missed a LA Galaxy game to this day. In 2009 I had the opportunity to go to DC and see LA play. It was the greatest day of my life. Not only was I watching my favorite team live for the first time, I was watching the Demi-God of soccer make incredible passes and take breathtaking corners. At one point I almost cried because I was in such awe at Becks, then it happened. At the end of the game he pointed right at me and waved. I will never forget it, ever.

Some people might be thinking that is weird but to me it was like he had asked for my hand in marriage. It meant that much, and it still does. So I would just like to thank Becks for everything, and he has an open invitation to stay at my house if he ever comes to North Carolina! I’m still crossing my fingers he’ll pull a Brett Favre and when next season rolls around he’ll announce his un-retirement. You never know…

Everyone here at Aerys wishes Becks the best of luck in whatever his next adventure is. We all love him no matter what he does, as long as he keeps making the shirtless commercials.

Going into tonight’s game, both LA Galaxy and the Philadelphia Union were in the middle of a three game stretch in eight days. Keane and Dunivant were back in the starting XI, while Sean Franklin was out of the starting lineup. Both teams were looking for a win, and LA pulled out all the stops in order to secure the three points.

First half started off perfectly for LA. In the 3rd minute LA Galaxy made a play that resulted in a corner, Donovan sent the ball in and it seemed as though the ball went off of Omar’s head and into the goal. But that was not the case, the ball went off of Philadelphia’s keeper Zac MacMath’s head and into the goal, resulting in an own goal for Philadelphia. But hey, anyway LA can get it goal, I’ll take it! From then on it was an interesting game from both ends of the field.

courtesy MLS Facebook

In the 10th minute, Robbie Keane got passed two defenders and was about to take a shot on goal when he saw AJ DeLeGarza running in the box. AJ ALMOST had a goal but MacMath made a good save that resulted in a corner. At this point LA was beginning to lose their footing and started making the same mistakes they made last week. In the 23rd minute it happened, Okugo evened the game and put Philadelphia back in the game.

This season the guys have had a tough time marking corner kicks, and that is exactly what happened tonight. Villaarreal lost his Okugo in the box and he ended up scoring… It was terrible. Union then gained control for the majority of time remaining, taking eight shots to LA’s two. In the 44th minute LA had a chance, and the ball went in the back of the net but Keane was “apparently” offside. Who knows. The first 45 ended 1-1.

The second half was all about some LA Galaxy. It took them about 20 minutes to get going, but when they did it was phenomenal. In the 71st minute, Robbie Keane proved he was back as he slid the ball into the back of the net to give LA the 2-1 lead. From then on LA looked like they were back into the swing of things. In the 80th minute Hector Jimenez brought it home for LA, he put the ball into the back of the net and made it 3-1. Just as you were thinking the game was over, the main man Landon Donovan proved why he should be called up to USMNT camp. He beat two defenders and it was GAME OVER as he made it 4-1.

This was a nice change for LA from the last two weeks. Having Keane and Dunivant back made a difference, and Landon Donovan also had something to prove to Jurgen. All of this made for a good game on LA’s behalf, not a [erfect game… but it was close enough!
LA’s next game will be May 19th against New York! It’s an early game; 1 p.m. EST/ 10 a.m. PST.

Okay … Saturday was rough for the Columbus Crew in the match against the Colorado Rapids. Almost like a repeat of last weekend when the Crew took on the New York Red Bulls. And I honestly have no idea what is going on with this team. And let’s admit it, it’s a pretty damn curious case. It’s getting to be pretty excruciating to watch this team play. The talent is there, the want is there, but what is missing from this set up that head coach Robert Warzycha is playing? The goals!!!! Where the hell are the goals?!?!?!?!?!?!

Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew’s official Facebook.

It’s absolutely driving me nuts! Watching the match and looking at the stats sheet, I could scream. Because it’s clear the Crew are doing things right, … right? They hold the majority of the possession. They get lots of shots on goal to pressure opposing defenses. The midfield is funneling balls through. But they just cannot finish for anything.

The word frustrating comes to mind at this point, but I’m not even sure if that can cover it completely. I know Arrietta would probably agree with me at least. A lot of Crew fans would too. It seems like the team has what is needed. There is a potential in the attacking force. There is a promise in the defense. Things should be adding up. But they just aren’t.

The call from some now is that it is time for Warzycha to be replaced. He’s been coaching the Crew since Sigi Schmid’s departure in 2008 and, admittedly, it’s been a rough road for Columbus. I think several fans – including myself – thought maybe this year, we would finally see some stability in the team. We were hoping to see an unbeaten streak at Crew Stadium well into the latter parts of the season. We wanted goals. So many goals we wouldn’t know what to do with them.

So would getting rid of Warzycha solve the problem? I can’t say that for sure. I admit, over the years, I’ve been ready to see him replaced and get new ideas into the Crew. But it’s easy to think a coach replacement would solve all a team’s problems.

And really, what problems exist for the Crew? The fact the team relies heavily on Federico Higuain to create things all over the pitch? That Dominic Oduro isn’t entirely consistent in his play up front? That Jairo Arrietta seems to always be off sides when headed toward goal? Chad Marshall’s fading physical presence in the back?

I can’t say a coaching change at this point would fix those and other ailments. But something needs fixing and fast. I want to see the Crew get past the first round of playoffs. Hell, I want to see them make a run to be in the final. I don’t think it’s too ambitious for them either. They just have to find the goals and find the rhythm as a team.

Crew players are touted as the hardest working team in MLS. I’ve always believed that for many reasons. Now they need to show it. They have to push for that missing piece right now at this point in the season. Because not only do I want to start believing in their playoff chances …. I want to start writing about them scoring a hell of a lot of goals.

It’s that time again! Humpday…Not Friday!…Middle of the week….Slumpday. I know, I feel you and well, to be honest it does feel like today is lagging a bit. But never fear – your best pal, Danielle is here to bring you the goods. I’m like a shirtless footballer dealer.

I’m sure you saw the headline and thought, “where is she going with this?” It seems our little Bayern Munich post was quite popular (Mario Gomez; that will do it). So I decided, hey, let’s do it again! But with my favorites; Arsenal’s goal scorers Lukas Podolski (11th minute), Theo Walcott (63rd minute), Podolski (68th minute) and Aaron Ramsay (71st minute). That impressive win Tuesday took the Gunners a step closer to the Champions’ League spot but sadly relegated Wigan Athletic, who not for lack of trying did get a goal in but it wasn’t enough to save them. So long, Wigan. We will pour one out for you, but in the meantime…we will celebrate the winners.

When I think of a “Life Ruiner,” I don’t think of Lukas Podolski because this German footballer is just so sweet to look at. But, that was my first mistake. You see, this former Bayern Munich player knows when to turn on the charm. He’s stealth, that’s for sure!

See what I mean? And if you didn’t know, here’s a little trivia. Lukas had the option of playing for Poland or Germany’s National Team but chose to play for the German National team which earned him trips to the World Cup (2006 and 2010). He has had 108 appearances and some equally impressive goals to match.

Here is Lukas putting one past Wigan’s keeper in yesterday’s match. Somehow, I think Arsenal’s photographer knew the right moment to capture this.

You don’t even need to ask him to remove his shirt because it naturally does not cover his abs.

Now, if you think I was going to leave you like that…no way! I couldn’t possibly do that to you. Because I still have Theo and Aaron in my back pocket….No really, they are there.

Don’t let that smile fool you. If Lionel Messi has called him, “one of the most dangerous players I have ever played against,” you know Theo means business! The 24-year-old Arsenal forward was really born to play football. Representing England, he has gone to the World Cup twice (with a controversial decision at the last minute by Fabio Capello that left him off the squad for one of the final matches that had even Lionel Messi saying “I must say that at the time I thought it was a bad decision to leave Theo Walcott at home, and I think that has been proved right.”) Whatever the case…I hear Brazil is around the corner and Theo will definitely be wanted.

 Calculating Theo…

 Thanking the supporters after the match against Wigan.

 Now, I consider Aaron Ramsey to be a Baby Baller. Why’s that, you ask? Well, he was born in the 90s which was not so long ago, but I won’t bring up the conversation that Trista and I had about things that were just 16 years ago but they seem like yesterday! I wonder if how I feel about Abba will be how my children will feel about Robin Thicke…don’t answer that. Instead, let’s look at this handsome Welsh player.

 Aaron’s goal celebration against Wigan was cute but I found a gif that I think you all will enjoy even more!

 Pretty fantastic, if you ask me.

In the words of Stanley Tucci from Devil Wears Prada, gird you loins! Ok, that sounded funnier in my head but I’m having feels over this photo and they are not PG-13, guys!

I’m well aware that we lacked in abs this week but come on…I gave you a smoldering Podolski, dangerously sweet Walcott and Ramsey looking like he’s auditioning for 50 Shades, ya’ll. Yeah, I think this post totally did it for you and me and our fearless leader, Trista. I am well aware that I may need to make a post for Manchester United in the near future but…maybe I’ll leave that one to her, haha

Until next time!

All hail the champions!! Barcelona have now won their 4th league title in five years. It’s absolutely incredible! This season may have been a bit weird for them, what with Tito Vilanova spending most of the season in New York for cancer treatment and the team suffering countless injuries. Nevertheless, Barça started the season strong and out paced the rest of the league by miles. Real Madrid, the defending title holders, barely put up a fight. On Saturday, Madrid’s feeble 1-1 draw with Espanyol sealed the deal for Barcelona and left a 10 point gap between 1st and 2nd place.

Tito Vilanova celebrates Barcelona’s 22nd League title in the city parade

It was pretty evident in the first half of the season that they would win the league when Barça reached the point where they were 16 points ahead of 2nd place (Atlético Madrid at the time). However, the Catalans had to wait until this weekend to celebrate. They deserved to win. There is no doubt about that. But something feels off. 

Yes, they made it to the semifinals of the Champions League for a record 6th year in a row. Yes, Lionel Messi produced more magic to score against every team in consecutive games. Yes, Barcelona will equal the 100 point record mark set by Real Madrid last season.

But the champions have a lot of questions to answer in the offseason. They were absolutely steamrolled by Bayern Munich in the Champions League semis on an aggregate 7-0. Throughout the whole season their defense never seemed as solid as it should’ve been. Last season the question was “can Real Madrid feel satisfied in their League title if they never beat Barcelona?” (They eventually did.) This season Barça managed to draw 2-2 and lose 3-1 to Madrid in the Camp Nou in the League and the Copa del Rey, respectively. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Barça drew 1-1 in the Copa del Rey and lost 2-1 in the League.

Anyways, a huge congratulations to Barcelona on their 22nd League title!

In other news around the league, Real Sociedad and Valencia are tied for the last Champions League place, both with 59 points. Right now la Real just edges Valencia out of the spot on goal differential. With three games left, both teams are going to have to fight tooth and nail for that last golden spot. At the far end of the table, Mallorca, Celta Vigo, and Deportivo La Coruña are still stuck in the relegation zone (and Celta has already played an extra game). Real Zaragoza sits barely in safety just two points clear of danger. Here are the full results from the weekend:

Barça’s prize

Wednesday:
Celta Vigo 1-3 Atlético Madrid
Real Madrid 6-2 Málaga

Friday:
Levante 0-0 Real Zaragoza

Saturday:
Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Mallorca
Valladolid 1-0 Deportivo La Coruña
Osasuna 1-0 Getafe
Espanyol 1-1 Real Madrid

Sunday:
Rayo Vallecano 0-4 Valencia
Real Betis 1-0 Celta Vigo
Atlético Madrid 1-2 Barcelona
Málaga 0-0 Sevilla

Monday:
Real Sociedad 2-2 Granada

The Copa del Rey final is scheduled for this weekend at the Santiago Bernabéu between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The Madrid teams played Málaga and Celta Vigo, respectively, on Wednesday to clear their schedules this weekend for the Madrid derby with silverware on the line. This is the only chance for either team to win a trophy this season, so the match promises to be very enticing! Be sure to catch it on Friday at 3:30 pm ET!

Photos courtesy of www.fcbarcelona.com. Check in with @AerysSoccer everyday for news on the world of soccer!

Topps and Major League Soccer have signed an exclusive trading card deal with product rolling out July 15, 2013. Topps brand manager Jeff Heckman was quoted as saying, “I just think it’s a league that is really on the rise,” Heckman said. “Soccer is an interesting place for us right now. As far as professional leagues, it’s always a bit slower. But with fan support and adoption, I think you have seen it grow in the last five to 10 years.”

Topps has been known to market other leagues from Europe but noted that with MLS growth also comes interest for collectibles. We’ve all become familiar with “bobblehead” night at recent LA Galaxy games so why not a trading card?

Beckett Media got a first preview of the player cards and let’s just say they are very impressive. Each hobby box will have 24 packs with 10 cards in each pack. In addition, there will be two autographs and three relic cards in every box. Autographs will include players from the MLS SuperDraft and top stars from the league on cards called MLS Maestros Autographs. Each autograph will feature four different parallels, including a Golazo parallel numbered 1-of-1. Other autographs include Golden Boot Die-Cut Autographs with current and former goal scorers.

Something to note, Heckman mentioned that Topps was looking to create a brand of collectible cards. So, the Landon Donovan card could be worth something later on…maybe the decks with Thierry Henry or Tim Cahill will fetch a good amount of dough one day in the future.

Chris Pontius’ DC United trading card

Graham Zusi’s Sporting Kansas City trading card

Now, I know it is slightly disappointing when we have mini images but I can say they are very nicely done and will definitely be something to grab when they hit the store shelves. I, for one will be collecting all the Dax McCarty cards and I’m sure players will no doubt love signing cards for fans and supporters alike.

FC Dallas may have conceded their earliest goal so far this season, but Je-Vaughn Watson had made a promise to his mother. He called his mom in Jamaica and told her he would score a Mother’s Day goal for her. Lucky for FCD, it proved to be the game winner too!

Watson and Woodberry celebrate the winning goal

With the oh-so-vital David Ferreira out injured, the line-up shifted to a 4-4-2 with Eric Hassli joining Blás Perez up front against DC United. It was the Frenchman’s first start and he put it to good use. After United managed to hit a ball off the post, Dallas seemed to wake up and go for it. Hassli found Jackson slipping behind the defense and assisted in Jackson’s third goal of the season. One of the funniest things I repeatedly heard the announcers calling was every time a DC player tried to get physical with Hassli. He’s a big dude and does not go down easily. Plus the tattoos with his newly shaved head look a bit menacing. Most of the time it left the United players on the ground with Hassli continuing on with the ball.

DC United equalized just before the halftime break. As frustrating as it was to concede off a set piece, there really was nothing Chris Seitz could do against De Rosario’s goal. There were just too many stationary bodies in the wall for Seitzy to see around. Anyways you do have to give De Ro props for scoring his 101st MLS goal. Dang!

The game might not have been the prettiest, but FCD keep their home unbeaten streak alive. Homegrown player London Woodberry got his second start and his second 90-minute outing for FC Dallas. With George John out on injury, it’s encouraging to see the young duo of Matt Hedges and Woodberry working out well.

Next weekend FC Dallas are on the road to take on the Seattle Sounders who romped over San Jose 4-0 this weekend. Should be an interesting match up! Till next time…DTID!

After defeating the New England Revolution 2-1 Wednesday, Real Salt Lake traveled to Canada to take on the Montreal Impact. RSL got off to a bright start with lots of high pressure on Montreal’s defense, and led to an early own goal. Full back Lovel Palmer hit a long range shot that deflected off Ferarri, over his goal keeper’s head, and into the back of his own net. 1-0 RSL.

RSL had multiple chances through Devon Sandoval, Sebastian Velasquez and Olmes Garcia, but good saves from Troy Perkins or firing their shots just wide kept them up just one goal. Sandoval and Garcia gave the Impact defense fits with their runs off the ball and physical play, leaving room for Javier Morales and Sebastian Velasquez in the midfield. Olmes Garcia in particular never stopped running on any chance making it hard for the Montreal’s defenders to keep track of him.

Despite their offensive chances, the defense lacked leadership with the absence of Nat Borchers, who was out with the flu. Chris Schuler and Kwame Watson-Siriboe starting along side each other, and Lovel Palmer started in place of Tony Beltran with Chris Wingert starting on the other side. Justin Mapp fired a cross into the box and picked out a wide open Felipe who powered it home, drawing the teams on level terms just before half time.

From a corner, Javier Morales found Olmes Garcia, who headed it backwards to a probing Kyle Beckerman who passed it past Troy Perkins to put the away team up 2-1.

The lead was short lived, however, as Marco Di Vaio controversially scored three minutes later. In the run of play Di Vaio seemed onsides, but after looking at the replay it was clear that he was almost half a body off.

It looked like Joao Plata, who came on as a late sub, would score the game winner in the 85th minute as Morales played a perfectly weighted pass to him, but Plata fired it straight at the keeper.

Montreal then earned a corner in one of the last plays of the game which found an unmarked Ferarri who made no mistake in scoring the game winner in the last minute of stoppage time. The game ended 3-2 for Montreal despite RSL’s control of the majority of the game.

Tonight was game one of LA Galaxy’s three-game run away from home. They brought out the new blue kits, and boy did they look sharp. The four stars were as bright as diamonds! Not really, but they looked awesome. This was the ONLY positive thing from tonight’s game. Yes, the uniforms. The game from an LA fan’s perspective was something I never want to see again. Ughhhh.

The first half I enjoyed watching; it opened up early as Villarreal had a great header that put Vancouver’s keeper, Joe Cannon, on his toes. LA had great possession and the pace was quick. As the half went on Vancouver’s confidence began building, and they began attacking. In the 37th minute Gonzalez made an awkward clearance that had Cudicini making his best save of the night. Yes, Gonzalez had a “shot” on his own goal; it was a pretty one too, but at the wrong goal. Besides this one derp moment, neither team had a shot on goal that looked troubling. LA had five corner kicks in the first half, and couldn’t convert any. The half ended 0-0.

Second half was crazy, crazy, crazy. Around the 55th minute it started looking like last week’s game against Houston. LA gave Vancouver one too many chances, and it came back to bite them. In the 63rd minute Russell Teibert put Vancouver in the lead 1-0. This lit a fire under Vancouver, they kept pushing forward and they wanted the win. At this point LA’s whole team was not playing up to par; they were losing possession and just seemed to be all over the place. Something needed to change, and Bruce Arena apparently thought so too as he brought on Zardes for Sarvas in the 66th minute.

It was a fresh set of legs, but LA fell apart in the 76th minute as Teibert got his second goal of the night. LA had no energy; you could see the defeat on their faces. But in the 86th minute Zardes put on his big girl undies and put the ball in the back of the net to bring the score 2-1. With only four minutes left LA had a hope back in their eyes and pushed everyone up top. Just as you thought the game was over, Mattock scored the third goal and put the cherry on top for Vancouver. The final whistle blew and LA had lost 3-1 to Vancouver.

LA’s next game will be May 15th against Philadelphia Union.