That’s right, it’s Thursday and that means it’s almost the weekend! Personally, I cannot wait. While the Champion’s League’s games this week were exciting, I can’t wait for MLS First Kick! But what’s great about this Thursday? It’s International Women’s Day, a day the ladies of Aerys Soccer can get behind! In today’s DKA, we have Timmy Howard extending his contract with Everton, Balotelli saying he needs to grow up (Gasp!), the situation with the Glasgow Rangers and FIFA’s tribute to the 101st IWD.

English Premier League

So Arsenal gave AC Milan a hell of a run for their money in the Champion’s League, but they weren’t able to pull it off in the end. Now, really all the Gunners have is a top four finish in the EPL to see them back in the CL again next year. Can they do it? Ol’ Arsene seems to think so.

Good news for you Toffee fans out there; Everton announced today that goalkeeper Tim Howard signed a new long-term deal today. The new contract will keep Timmy in a Toffee’s jersey until 2016. Congrats, Tim!

Mario Balotelli needs to grow up. Seriously, he said so himself. The Italian striker was fined recently by Manchester City for breaking curfew to attend a strip club, and he admitted in an interview that he needs to mature and listen to City boss Roberto Mancini. No, really?

La Liga

Barcelona will be without defender Gerard Pique this weekend as the Spanish federation denied his appeal to a red-card he received during Barca’s match against Sporting Gijon. Pique was shown a straight red card during the match and said afterward he believed the ref “pre-meditated” the decision. Some are saying the decision was too harsh, but Pique is still facing the one-game ban.

Serie A

Juventus were looking to draw level with AC Milan at the top of Serie A last weekend, but ended up being lucking to come away with a draw. Thanks to a tough Bologna team, Juventus came away with only a point after the 1-1 final. It’s been an interesting season in Italy; who do you think will come out on top?

Major League Soccer

MLS fans, you’re pretty lucky you’re league has gotten where it is. Ten years ago, the future didn’t look so bright for commissioner Don Garber and the handful of American teams. It’s definitely a different landscape now though, isn’t it?

So, apparently New York Red Bulls Luke Rodgers had trouble with his VISA? This may not be news to you, but the Red Bulls released a statement about the player today, stating Luke had “met with the United States Consulate in London and the outcome was positive, as he took a step forward in his visa approval process to return to the country.” Hmmm. Seems like the reaction from NYRB fans is mixed. What do you guys think?

Scottish League

As if things could not get worse for the Glasgow Rangers, the fear now is if the team goes into liquidation, the consequences could be disastrous. Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said as much recently when speaking to the federation, who is conducting their own inquiry into the administration of the club. Thoughts are with Rangers fans as this is absolutely gut-wrenching for them.

Champion’s League

Okay, okay, we get it. Messi is an effin’ football genius. Don’t believe me? Check out his FIVE goals from yesterday’s Barca win in the Champion’s League.

CONCACAF Champion’s League

MLS hasn’t kicked off yet, but the CCL has! LA got by with the help of Landon Donovan and Seattle notched a great win. Check out all the CCL news here!

International Women’s Day

Finally, in honor of the 101st International Women’s Day, FIFA posted this article about “The Feminine Face of Football.” Give it a read and go celebrate Women’s Day!