You know that I’m constantly scouring leagues to bring you only the best. And by best I mean someone you may not know but after today will be your new favorite. If you know anything, we’re all fans of goalkeepers, defenders, cute ginger guys named Dax….well, we’re equal opportunity lovers of the game, really. So, when I was talking to our editor Trista, we originally thought Gary Cahill would be today’s choice. Only, I was scrolling through Facebook and guess what?! I stumbled across newly acquired goalkeeper, Cameron “Cammy” Bell for Rangers FC.

See what I mean?  A League Cup winner with Kilmarnock in 2012, Cammy knows all about the demands and expectations that come with being a Ger but this handsome 26-year-old wants to make history at Ibrox. Having already played in the SPL, Cammy is fully aware that life in Scottish lower leagues is far from easy.

We’re here for the Thighlights really. And this Scotland born hottie definitely has them! Capped only once in 2010 for Scotland’s National Team, he was called once more in 2012 for a friendly against Luxenbourg – a reward for his good work with Kilmarnock.

This photo reminds me of Summer and coral. Let’s just take a moment and meditate with this photo and his dreamy eyes. *sigh*

Here is Cammy rocking a ‘stache with those bedroom eyes of his. And in a locker room no less, be still our hearts. And no, I do not have a verified Twitter account to share as of yet but never fear – I have my chihuahuas investigating.

Here is the six foot goalkeeper signing today with Rangers FC. He was quoted as saying earlier today, “It’s been a long time coming for me. It’s great just to be here at a club of this size and a club I always followed as a youngster. It’s just a dream come true really.” Welcome to the fam, Cameron! xoxo

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!

First off, it’s late Wednesday I know. But in my defense, I really didn’t know I was going to be doing the Midweek Muscles post this week. Danielle always has some idea or something up her sleeve. So it was weird that when I suggested this week’s pick, she totally said I could put it together, as she’s still feeling the sting of Houston Dynamo beating LA Galaxy this past week. (Sorry Dani )

Anyway, during said game between the Dynamo and Galaxy, something was pointed out to me by my friend, Gail. Something I hadn’t quite admitted before. Tally Hall is pretty hot. And that’s why he’s this week’s Midweek Muscles choice.

So, Tally is, obviously, the keeper for the Dynamo. The Washington state native has been with Houston since 2009. He has a pretty bad ass record with them as well. In 2012, he set the club record with 12 regular season shut outs, by passing former keeper Pat Onstad’s record. He’s not afraid to get out there and knock around with forwards of opposing teams either. Oh and the man really knows how to pull off a pink kit.

Plus, Tally doesn’t look bad at all when he’s got this look going on.

Congrats to Tall and Houston on another shut out win tonight; they whooped up on D.C. United 4-0. Be sure to check out Tally on Twitter at @tallyhallGK and follow the writers of Aerys Soccer at @AerysSoccer!

You might not be familiar with Tore Reginiussen, but you will once we’re done with this weeks Midweek Muscles edition. Tore plays for the Tippeligaen’s No. 3 team, Rosenborg BK. Tore has played for everyone from Alta (2003-2005), Tromsø (2006-2009), Schalke (2010-2012) with a loan to Serie A club Lecce, Odense BK (2011), and finally with RBK in late 2012. This midfielder and now defender is 6’1 and hails from Alta, Norway. Tore has also had two appearances for Norway’s national team where the team walked away with points.

And…apologies ladies…Tore is a new dad to a son born just this year – congrats, Tore!

Here he is post game for Rosenborg BK – fun fact! Tore plays alongside Aerys Soccer favorite USMNT and former Midweek Muscle hottie, Mikkel Diskerud. Recently, Tore received a straight red card for a challenge on Tommy Høiland during a Sandnes Ulf game. It’s cool, Tore. Really, we understand the other team has been trolling and while they got their win – they can’t take away the fact that RBK is still one of the best, if not the best in Norway.

Giving us what we all showed up here for. Thank you, Tore!! xoxo

The captions write themselves, really.

Tore doing a little change clothes action here – really, this guy was made for Midweek Muscles.

RED ALERT: He probably found our secret tumblr!

Just here for the Thighlights, really.

If you love Tore as much as we do, you can follow him on Twitter (@ToreReg). I can’t promise that he will tweet anything in English. Then again, I would have thought we would have all learned Norwegian by now. But to get you started, I will share the only phrase you need to know (really, a personal favorite). Jeg elsker deg, Tore! See…not so hard! Now, what are we all waiting for – we must catch a flight to Oslo so that we can frolic in the fjords!

Okay first off, no, I didn’t spell his name wrong (or at least I don’t think I did. I double checked it!). This week’s Midweek Muscles came from our Twitter account. The lovely @lilcap75 suggested one of the fantastic players from Sporting Kansas City or New York Red Bulls, as the two Eastern Conference teams are facing off tonight in midweek Major League Soccer action. She even mentioned this week’s pick specifically.

And when I googled the 20-year-old SKC forward, I knew we had been given a great suggestion. So without further ado, meet Soony Saad.

Okay, info. He’s American-Lebanese, but born and raised in Michigan. He kicked some major ass at the University of Michigan, scoring 19 goals in his freshman year and helping the Wolverines to nab their first Big Ten Championship. So of course, he’s got some Michigan pride.

Anyway, this would be the time that Danielle would tell me to cut it with the info and get to the pictures. This is Midweek Muscles after all…

Obligatory rain shot.

Forgive us, Soony. We must also have the obligatory booty shot.

We think SKC fans will agree with us, Soony is a pretty cool guy. You can follow him on Twitter at @SoonySaad. He posts a lot of what you would expect from a young MLS player, but there are also a lot of picture of these two adorable guys

That’s right, he has two cats. Named Simba and Mufasa. You gotta admit, that is awesome.

So, check out Soony with SKC this season (you could be watching them now against NY!) and don’t forget to check with Aerys Soccer every week for a new Midweek Muscles post!

We have a soft spot around here for defenders. When we close our eyes, we daydream about hanging out with Carlos Bocanegra, having a laugh with Geoff Cameron, talking style with Maurice Edu, waiting for Zach Loyd to give us a call (it would help if I gave him my number). And then sometimes we just have lots of feels for Steve Cherundolo because you’d be crazy to overlook that level of greatness. But if we spent all our time talking about them – you’d never know about Mike Chabala!

Mike Chabala is currently with the Houston Dynamo. The 28-year-old Fresno native has previously played for the Dynamo (2006-2011), he would go on loan with the Timbers and Austin Aztex before finally joining the Portland Timbers in 2011 and in 2012 do a spot with DC United.

Here’s Mike giving his best smoldering stare…I’m sure I had other things to do but now they don’t even matter.

Now, Mike has model good looks as evidenced here from Portland’s Fashion Week…

Here he is in a suit and tie, I’m sure he’s being asked about important things…like his thoughts on the current socio-economic decisions in third world countries or maybe they just want to know what hair products he uses. Personally, I want to tap the girl’s shoulder behind her and ask why she is trying hard not to notice there is a likely demigod in her presence.

Mike became the first soccer player to join the NoH8 Campaign in 2011.

And in 2011 he also did a photoshoot with Out Magazine. When asked why he had done the NoH8 campaign he said, “I think all discrimination is completely wrong. I believe in equality, plain and simple.” Brb, moving to Houston.

But it’s not all runways and charitable causes, Mike likes to hang out with his friends. Yup, that is Stu Holden there along with Brian Ching, Bobby Boswell and Erik Ustruck for a boy’s night out.

Before we leave you this week, we found this gif (now, I know it is heartbreaking for any Galaxy fan to see since the game was a loss 3-0 but I just couldn’t ignore it). Not only is he doing great work for charities and helping kids but he also knows how to karate chop!

You can find our new favorite defender, Mike on Twitter at @MikeChabala. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter too at @AerysSoccer and like us on Facebook!

Every now and then something catches our eye. Whether it is a new pair of Brian Atwood heels or a daily deal for a spa day that we can’t pass up. Sometimes the air gets a little warmer and we’re transported back to that summer of our first crush. You remember. The sun was shining a little brighter and you had an extra bounce in your step. He was wearing cargo shorts and one of those funny bucket hats…talked with an Irish accent…wait, I’m getting away from the point.

It was a dark and stormy night…no really, it was! And out of nowhere, he stepped through the snow with a little jog to help a fellow man shovel some snow. It’s nice to know that good people still exi- what’s that you say? It was a World Cup Qualifier in Denver and we won? Well hey, that’s great news! Move it shovel man, we have some defenders to talk about in this week’s special edition of Midweek Muscles!

Let’s start with our new favorite, Geoff Cameron. Where have I been? Really? He played for the Houston Dynamo and is  now in England with Stoke City. Geoff has been doing some incredible work for the USMNT for the World Cup Qualifiers. He reminds of me another defender that was not invited for this round of WCQs … It’s okay, Carlos and I are enjoying the beautiful California sunsets. Not really. A girl can dream. But I mean with looks like that, Geoff is destined to grace the pages of ESPN’s Body Issue someday.

Matt Besler is somewhat new to all of this. Of course, he’s traveled with fancy celebrities like Kim Kardashian, so maybe he’s not all that new to this. Born in Kansas, 26-year-old Matt plays for Sporting Kansas City alongside some other notables: Graham Zusi, Benny Felhaber and Teal Bunbury to name a few. I feel like Matt was meant to be here on MWM when he’s surrounded by those fine gentlemen.

 What can we say about Maurice Edu? He’s the epitome of cool. This veteran USMNT defender can show the new kids a thing or two. Edu has played everywhere: Toronto FC, Rangers FC, Stoke City (along with Geoff Cameron in 2012) and finally Bursaspor in the Turkish Super Lig. This one time MLS Rookie of the Year (2007) is one to watch. You know when Mo comes on – the game will change and it is really great that USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann agrees.

 Most are used to Omar Gonzalez on the pitch with his team, LA Galaxy but after we followed Jurgen Klinsmann with a bullhorn and he finally listened – I think it is safe to say that Omar will be with the USMNT for a good while. He’s come up big for his country and that’s why we love him. Also, we failed to mention this former University of Maryland player is 6’5 – wow! Pretty soon, everyone will be familiar with the saying, “Omar’s Comin’!”

 We leave you this week with Graham Zusi’s 30 yard run to knock any attempt at a goal from Mexico. Zusi is not a defender but the fact he did such an impressive run to save the day – we just had to include it here.

Massive congrats to the U.S. boys on snagging four points this round. We can’t wait for June to get here!

It’s Fernando Torres’ 29th birthday today and while he isn’t in the Dirty 30 Club, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. So break out the sangria, tapas, and all your favorite foods from the Basque Country because we’re about to jump into all things Fernando.

Here is Fernando training with Chelsea FC…well, he’s not really training and mostly posing. We forgive him since you know it does take a lot for a genius to plan how he is going to attack the pitch.

Fernando is on his knees and likely someone is getting a red card for fouling him – because Fernando is never in the wrong…never!

He’s thinking deep thoughts about his bff, Sergio Ramos here…don’t worry, I do the same thing.

Presented without comment and mostly because I am not entirely prepared for the next photo in this set…

Here is Fernando in his Spain kit and more than likely fouled by someone – you know this is becoming a theme but I’m totally focused on this bit of ab showing at the waist. Seriously someone give me a one way ticket to Spain.

This is by far the best and frankly what we here are all about. In fact, if he chose to walk around like this all the time (even in the snow), I would not complain at all. Take all the time you need scoring goals, really. I have all the time in the world.

Don’t you wish Sergio Ramos was your BFF? Well, too bad, because this is his one and only bestie, Fernando Torres. I know that I’m sad but I won’t be the Yoko here.

And finally…here is Sergio in a twitter photo today as he put it, “I want to congratulate a great friend who is not here, missing him lots… Happy birthday!!”

If you feel like wishing Fernando Torres a very happy birthday, you still have time to tweet him @Torres (he hasn’t updated since October 2011 but it is the thought that counts!)

Follow the ladies of Aerys Soccer on Twitter at @AerysSoccer and check out our brand spankin’ new Facebook page! 

It’s my very first time contributing to Midweek Muscles, and who better to show off with then Mike Magee!? This past Sunday Magee played one heck of a game, where he earned a hat trick. Enough about that, let’s get to the good stuff.

Magee and his look-a-like Bradley Cooper

Magee has earned the title “Bradley Cooper look-a-like”. Just look at that picture, pretty sure these guys were separated at birth or something.

Magee making his goalie debut

We all remember the time Magee stepped up and played goalie against San Jose. That was the moment  people started paying attention to him.

Then there’s this….

I’d buy that watch…

and finally, this…

It seems he only likes to be shirtless when hanging out with Donovan.

Josh Saunders, Donovan, Dunivant, and Magee

Then there was that time LA came to NC to play… and I met Magee. (Sidenote; I have the biggest crush on him. It’s pretty ridiculous.)

I am still swooning from this encounter.

Be sure to check in here at Aerys Soccer every Wednesday for a new Midweek Muscles post!

We are four days away from First Kick for MLS and let’s just say that we couldn’t be happier. Sure we love other leagues and appreciate all they have to offer but MLS always has a special place in our hearts. Here are our favorites players in no particular order (well, a few just rank a little higher than others but we won’t say who), to help you get a bit more excited about the 2013 season!

Seattle Sounders’ Brad Evans is really under appreciated. Everyone should get to know him this 2013 season. And by everyone, I mean Jurgen Klinsman.

We know he might be dressed to play for Columbus Crew but that’s only because Dilly Duka did in fact play for them but has now been acquired by the Chicago Fire.

Justin Braun, what more can we say? Oh right, he’s wearing entirely too many clothes but give him a break – it is 36 degrees today in Toronto and what’s that? Oh, yeah they are expecting a blizzard. Bundle up, Justin – we wouldn’t want you to get sick and miss First Kick!

 Sporting KC’s Teal Bunbury is just giving us a preview and we like what we see…please don’t stop on our account, carry on!

 Dwayne De Rosario of DC United (and NYRB’s Thierry Henry)…sorry, I lost my train of thought…give me a moment.

I know…I know…but you have to admit that this is the best 2-for-1 special and let’s just say after two back-to-back championships,  will we be surprised if there is a third one in the future? Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan definitely hope so. And while we are aware that Landon is on “hiatus” – this is Hollywood afterall and everyone loves a great comeback.

Be sure to check in with the ladies of Aerys Soccer as we get pumped up for First Kick this weekend! And don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @AerysSoccer, where we post articles, morning headlines and more!