We’ve got news from the USMNT ahead of tomorrow’s friendly, as well as a sneak peak at USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo’s new memoir.  We’ll also take a trip to Europe to scope out the best players in UEFA, and finish up back in MLS with another possible signing for the New York Red Bulls.  It’s all in today’s Daily Kick Around!

USMNT

Tales of intrigue and espionage from inside the US men’s national team?  Not quite, but Jurgen Klinsmann is relying heavily on players who ply their trade in Mexico when the U.S. men take on El Tri at Estadio Azteca Wednesday night.  No doubt they’ll be able to provide some inside information on what to expect from some of their club teammates and opponents.

Speaking of which, how does everyone feel about this FIFA date?  We’ve already heard from the likes of Landon Donovan, who was pretty clear that he wasn’t a fan.  All in all, it seems that everyone agrees that playing international friendlies immediately before the season starts or, in the case of MLS, right in the middle of the season, does not make sense.

USWNT

Hope Solo, Hope Solo!  You may not always agree with how she handles herself, but at least you always know where she is coming from!  Her book, “SOLO: A Memoir of Hope,” went on presale today.  Everyone knows about her infamous 2007 benching and subsequent interview.  Read her side of it in this excerpt from her book.

UEFA

Surprise surprise, guess who is on the short list for the 2011/2012 best player in Europe award!  If you said Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, you are correct.  Also in the top 5 are Andres Iniesta, Andrea Pirlo, and Xavi.  The winner will be decided by a vote during the Champions League draw Aug. 30.

MLS

So you thought the New York Red Bulls were finally done wheeling and dealing?  No way!  Manager Hans Backe confirmed today that his team will try to sign former England U-20 winger Lloyd Sam who has been on trial with them during the past week.

Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com/Getty Images.

We’ve got news from all over the place for you today–including the scoop on the new boss at White Hart Lane.  Read about this and more in today’s DKA!

EPL

Tottenham Hotspur officially has a new head coach – and he is a familiar (and beautiful) face.  If nothing else, he brings their coolness factor up even more!

Serie A

There has been a lot of buzz around US international and Chievo midfielder Michael Bradley’s potential move to Roma.  Some sources are already reporting it as a (basically) done deal.  He’s recently rejected offers from a couple other clubs in Italy, but we know how these transfer rumors are.  I’ll wait for the official report!

Euro 2012

Spain’s Andres Iniesta has been named best player of Euro 2012, despite not having scored and notching only one assist.  Just goes to show that you don’t have to score goals to be MVP!

MLS

Finally, LA Galaxy forward Adam Cristman has announced his retirement after 6 years in the league.  He only played 2 games this season before being placed on the Disabled List because of a concussion.  We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors!

Image courtesy of Fox Soccer.

It was a rematch of the 2006 World Cup Final. France versus Spain; only the outcome of today’s match was a redemption of sorts for the Spaniards.

The two goals of the match came from Spain’s Xabi Alonso, both in the 19′ by a beautiful header and in the 91′ off a penalty kick. The first half seemed promising for the Spanish, however their lack of a designated striker prevented them from being up an extra 2 goals. Fernando Torres came in at the second half, but couldn’t finish.

If I could describe this match up in one phrase it would be: Spain vs Benzema. Karim Benzema had no help from his teammates except Yohan Cabaye, who had a free kick but was quickly denied.

Spain advances to the semifinals of Euro, facing Portugal on Wednesday in an Iberian Derby. Big shocker there. Though there was part of me that hoped that France could somehow conquer and score a few goals. Now if you’re not too familiar with he rivalry of Portugal and Spain, let’s take you back to the 2010 World Cup.

Spain beat Portugal 1-nil, advancing to the semifinals after a ref mistakenly allowed a goal by David Villa, which was obviously offside. Since then the Portuguese have been rallying for another match up, as redemption. As long as Spain start a striker, Wednesday seems to be a very, head-to-head battle between the countries.

Our own Terry Munoz, who covered France in the Euros, gives us her perspective!

Although France lost to Spain today, I thought they played better than they had in their last game, when they faced Sweden and lost 2-0. France’s coach decided to bench Samir Nasri, and reports said that it based on his behavior after France’s lost Tuesday. Benching Nasri was a mistake, in my opinion; he’s been really good for France in this tournmanet.

They had their chances in the first half, but couldn’t score thanks to Spain’s keeper, Iker Casillas. In the first half, France was awarded a free kick and almost scored, but Casillas made a huge save. At HT, it was 1-0 Spain. France seemed to give up a little bit when they second half started, but they started connecting their passes and had a few chances to score, thanks to a few bad passes from Spain’s Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets.

Unfortunately, France gave away a penalty late in the game and Xabi Alons scored his 2nd goal of the match. I think France should be proud of themselves for making it to the QFs, although I had been hoping to see a France-Spain final. Oh well, there’s always the next Euro (which takes place in France). Congrats Spain!

Stay tuned to all your Euro 2012 coverage here on Aerys Sports!

Photo courtesy of UEFA

Denmark striker Nicholas Bendtner fined and banned for revealing undies

Dear UEFA,

I’m afraid you and I have a love/hate relationship.  While you deliver the greatest tournaments this football fan can imagine, you also taketh away some of the joy and entertainment of the game.  Please stop banning and fining players for tasteless promotional stunts and just let us enjoy some occasional undies and six-packs without making it illegal.

Sincerely, A Conflicted Fan

Ok, back to the rest of your daily news:  More Euro 2012 Championship results here as Spain faced Croatia and Ireland played Italy today.  But just to make things more interesting, we’ll add some brawling MLS players and a UEFA ban on a player for revealing his undies.  Read on football junkies….

Euro 2012 Results

Italy 2 – 0 Ireland

Italy qualified for the quarter finals of the European Championship after a 2 nil victory over Ireland today.   Goals by Mario Ballotelli and Antonio Cassano helped send the Italians to victory.

Croatia 0- 1 Spain

Spain captured a win when the substitute forward Jesus Navas scored a late goal in th e88th minute.  The goal was assisted by Player of the Match Andres Iniesta.  The defending champions now advance to the European Championship quarter finals.

UEFA is always spoiling our fun!  They have fined and given a one-match ban to Nicholas Bendtner, the 25-year old Denmark striker.  Nick, the always entertaining Arsenal badboy, pulled down his shorts and displayed the logo of a  betting company on his undies.  Frankly, I’m surprised anyone even noticed the logo and darn you UEFA for discouraging this type of behavior in the future.

Major League Soccer

Three rowdy Toronto FC players were jailed after getting in a “large” fight at a nightclub and then arguing with police officers.  Miguel Aceval, Nick Soolsma and Luis Silva were beligerent, resisted arrest and Silva tried to flee the scene.  Even with Toronto having the worst record in the league, there is no excuse for that kind of behavior guys. You are supposed to be role models so grow up and act like it!

In their last friendly before the Euros next week, Spain had to face China in Seville. La Furia Roja were expected to put up big numbers but fell short, scoring the only goal in the 85th minute. However, entering the Euros, Spain has three international wins under their belts before facing Italy next Sunday.

The first period was in favor of China with Zheng Zhi almost netting in two goals but couldn’t get the ball past keeper Iker Casillas. The World Champions looked better in the second as both Raul Albiol and Andres Iniesta had chances infront of the net. The lone goal came from a 4-man run by Andres Iniesta who perfectly squared the ball to teammate David Silva.

This was the first match for Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao players, who were left out of the past two matches due to their Copa del Rey final last week. But Vicente del Bosque only chose to play Xavi and defender, Sergio Busquets.

It was a special moment for Spain’s keeper Iker Casillas who made his international debut for the NT exactly 12 years ago under coach  Jose Antonio Camacho, who just so happens to coach China.

As for the Euros, Spain are looking to defend their title after winning in 2008. With injuries to both Carles Puyol and David Villa and the questionable forms of Fernando Torres and Xavi , La Roja will have to prove themselves the best against their group opponents, Ireland and Italy. The Spaniards are favored to win Olympic gold later this summer as well.

The key in Spain’s success this summer lies in coach Vicente del Bosque, who as a former defender, is known for his very tactical plays. If Fernando Llorente stays up front, bringing his aerial ability, Spain will be a threat against their group.

Spain face Italy at PGE Arena Gdansk on Sunday at noon, which promises to be very entertaining.

Stay tuned to Aerys Soccer for all your Euro 2012 coverage!

Welcome to Thursday, footy fans! We’re on the downhill slope of the week and it’s been a good one! We’ve got a slightly Yanks centric DKA today, from the USMNT getting their third win in a row last night, to Bolton signing Tim Ream to the rivalry between FC Dallas and Houston heating up, there’s plenty of news for you this morning! Here’s your Thursday edition of the Daily Kick Around!

U.S. Men’s National Team

Some U.S. fans might not believe it, but I hope we’re all smiling today after the third win in a row for Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad. The boys in red, white and blue took on Panama last night in their first international friendly with the country. And they came away with a victory! Check out my game notes here, along with Graham Zusi’s first international goal!

English Premier League

We’ve all pretty much known it was going to happen, but it was officially announced this morning that the New York Red Bulls and the Bolton Wanderers had reached an agreement for defender Tim Ream. The 24-year-old American had recently trained with the Wanderers, as well as West Brom and Arsenal. Congrats to Tim and good luck in England!

Speaking of Yanks in Europe, USMNT player Jonathan Spector says he’s ready to be back in the EPL with his current team, Birmingham FC. Despite many changes in the squad and the front office staff, Spector says the Blues are doing well and are coming together as a team to fight their way back out of regulation.

Are you a big Clint Dempsey fans? The ladies here at Aerys Soccer are; that’s why we were pretty interested in a tweet from footie news site, Goal. They tweeted this morning to be on the look out for the premier of a Clint Dempsey diary segment Friday. We’re definitely excited.

From Americans to Russians: after Arsenal’s loss to Manchester United this weekend – in which some put some of the blame of the loss on Andrei Arshavin – coupled with what seems to be an exodus of Russian players from the league, one has to wonder if EPL is favorable for Russian players as of late?

Major League Soccer

Did anyone else notice the fan at Camp Nou wearing the MLS Cup beanie during the CDR game between Real Madrid and Barcelona? We sure did.

So, not only did Geoff Cameron’s red card last night probably fuel the fires between USMNT and Panama, it’s also heated up the Texas MLS rivalry as well. Cameron, who plays for Houston Dynamo, was sent off with a straight red during the match after fouling Blas Perez, who was just signed by FC Dallas. The debate has been ongoing about this card and Cameron has even fired back, claiming Perez dived to draw the card. What do you guys think? Diving or fouling a player with clear goal scoring opportunity? Check out the highlights and you tell us!

La Liga

Barca may have beaten league rivals Real Madrid recently in the Colpa del Rey, but that victory didn’t come without a price. It seems the Catalans will have to face Villareal this weekend without Alex Sancehz and Andres Iniesta. Iniesta suffered a muscle tear and will be out for at least three week.

That’s right.

The FC Barcelona star grasped his third successive Ballon D’Or trophy today, beating out teammate Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (who couldn’t attend due to match preparation.)

The Argentinean said at the FIFA World Players Gala, “It is a pleasure and honor to win this for the third time. Thanks to those who voted and all my teammates.”

Congrats to the other two nominees Xavi and Cristiano for having fantastic seasons as well.

Not only was the winner of the Ballon D’Or awarded but so was the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year. The nominees were Abby Wambach (USA), Marta (Brazil) and Homare Sawa (Japan).

This year’s award goes to Homare Sawa of Japan. Sawa led her national team to victory this year in the Women’s World Cup in Germany where she won the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe award.

Sawa’s country of Japan also won the FIFA Fair Play Award due to their reaction of the devastating earthquake and tsunami the country faced earlier in the year.

Mexican legend Hugo Sanchez presented Neymar the FIFA Puskas Award, which is determined by the player with the “most beautiful” goal of the year. Neymar beat out both Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney.

“I am very happy to be part of this party and have been competing with this two great players. I’m very grateful to God and all you. Enjoy this party.”

You can see Neymar’s outstanding goal here!

Now to the coach awards. Let’s start out with the FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year.

The nominees were Bruno Bini of France, Norio Sasaki of Japan and Pia Sundhage of Sweden.

Japan’s Norio Sasaki claimed the award with his efforts of leading his national team to victory when Japan beat the US in the final.

The FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year was won by FC Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola, who managed to win Champions League and the La Liga title last year. Pep beat out MUFC manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.

Guardiola was quite humble after winning the award saying, “I would like to share this award with Mourinho and Ferguson. It is an honor. And all the coaches around the world who share this passion. And also to the thousands of people that over 100 years have worked and develop Barcelona. It is a privilege to be part of such an incredible club. And finally, I would like to dedicate this award to Tito Vilanova, my assistant, my colleague, my friend who can’t be here tonight. This is for you.”

Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t leave the Gala empty-handed. The MUFC legendary manager won the prestigious FIFA Presidential Award, presented by FIFA president Sepp Blatter. “This is very much appreciated. No matter the honor I get, I feel it’s been the recognition for the 25 years of Manchester United. They always shared my vision and passion. I’ve been a very lucky manager. That makes Manchester United such a special club. The courage to play and the courage to try and win is more important than anything.”

Individual awards aside, eleven players were selected to the FIFA/FIFAPro World XI which was presented by three-time World Cup Champion and football legend, Pele. The players selected are as follows:

Iker Casillas (Spain)

Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Gerard Pique (Spain)

Nemanja Vidic (Serbia)

Dani Alves (Brazil)

Andres Iniesta (Spain)

Xavi (Spain)

Xabi Alonso (Spain)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Wayne Rooney (England)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane and Emilio Butragueno accepted players Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas‘ awards on behalf of them due to preparation for their match against Malaga this week.

Stay tuned to Aerys Soccer for all your international football news!

All photos courtesy of FIFA.com

Major League Soccer

The LA Galaxy are the 2011 MLS Cup Champions. This Galaxy fan can’t type so words enough times today. With a goal from none other than captain Landon Donovan, set up by David Beckham and Robbie Keane, this was a script that Hollywood couldn’t have written better. This LA Galaxy team can easily make the case that they are the best MLS team in history–and yes, there are plenty of stats to back it up.

Now that David Beckham has done what he came to MLS to do — win the Cup — where will he be next season, now that his 5 year contract with the Galaxy is up? Beckham has been very cautious about mentioning anything about his future, so for now, it’s all speculation.

Yesterday before the game, MLS announced that the playoff system would be changed for next year. Here are the details. The changes make more sense with the unbalanced schedule that MLS also revealed for the 2012 season.

 US Women’s National Team

USWNT Coach Pia Sundhage has said she wants to coach the Swedish national team when her contract with the U.S. expires in 2012. It would be a big loss for the U.S., but understandable as Sweden is her home.

La Liga

After spending many months recovering from injury, Real Madrid’s Nuri Sahin says he is finally ready to start his career with the Spanish squad. Since joining Real in May, Sahin has only played 24 minutes. But he says he is ready to go for Tuesday’s Champions League game.

Another injury blow for Barcelona this week as midfielder Andres Iniesta has been ruled out of Wednesday Champions League game with a leg injury.