Jerry Bengston after scoring the goal that unofficially eliminated Spain from the Olympics

Yesterday we had a special Women’s Olympics DKA and today is no different as the men’s national teams faced off. The first round closes on August 1st yet today we’ve already witnessed some knockouts. Also, it looks like Madrid’s Nuri Sahin could be loaned out while Mexico’s dos Santos is told to quit the Spurs!!

Spain vs Honduras

It’s safe to say that after a 1-nil loss to Honduras today, Spain, or La Rojita, are pretty much knocked out of the 2012 Olympics after having zero points so far in the tournament.

This Spain lineup (who were the favorites for Olympic gold)  is most widely known as the U23 national squad with the exceptions of Juan Mata and Jordi Alba who were part of the winning Euro 2012 team. Honduras scored early in the 7′ with a shot form Bengston and after that the match was pretty much in Honduras’ hands. The young Spaniards looked frustrated throughout the whole match after collecting 7 yellow cards.

Japan vs Morocco

Japan are looking mighty fine in the tournament so far as they beat Spain in their first match 1-0 and then beat Morocco 1-0 today. Nagai scored the lone goal for the Japanese in the 84′ bringing his side one step closer to the quarterfinals. Morocco’s Amrabat had a close shot to score but the ball was blocked by Japan’s keeper and their full-back.

Great Britain vs UAE

The most thrilling match of the day came from Great Britain, who beat the UAE 3-1. Ryan Giggs, the oldest Olympic goalscorer, started the match off in the 16′. The UAE played a menacing match against the Brits with Elsa being the only player landing on the score sheet in the 60′. The latter two goals for Britain came from youngins Scott Sinclair (73′) and Daniel Sturridge (76′.)

 Men’s Olympic Scores

Senegal 2-0 Uruguay

Mexico 2-0 Gabon

South Korea 2-1 Switzerland

Egypt 1-1 New Zealand

Brazil 3-1 Belarus

The last matches of the first round will take place Aug. 1.

English Premier League

Mexico coach Luis Fernando Tena told Giovani dos Santos to leave the Tottenham Hostpurs in order to seek ‘first-team football.’ Scoring two of the three goals in today’s Mexico-Gabon match, dos Santos rarely gets playing time with the Spurs after signing with them 4 years ago. The Mexican midfielder also stated he wants to return to Spain which didn’t make new Spurs manager, Andre Villas-Boas very happy. Whoops.

La Liga

Looks like Real Madrid player Nuri Sahin could be leaving Spain for England. The midfielder who signed with the  Spanish giants in 2011 from Dortmund, hasn’t had much playing time under manager Jose Mourinho, making only two starts. According to AS, an exit agreement has been determined with both Arsenal and Tottenham interested in the Turkish international.

It’s been a wild and funky weekend, footy fans. And with Major League Soccer in full swing, well are we all really surprised in any way? Today was chalk full of headlines to reflect the … interesting happenings in the football world. From Manchester City’s spat with a priest, to Fabio Cappello’s new job to sad news for Toronto FC fans, we’ve got it all in your Monday Daily Kick Around!

English Premier League

We hear about scuffles between players, words exchanged between managers, but how about a football club getting into it with a church? Apparently St. Oswalds, a 13th-century church in Seefeld, Austria, refused Manchester City’s requests to delay it’s traditional 7 a.m. bell-ringing “despite complaints from Manchester City that it’s disturbing the players’ beauty sleep during training camp there.” Is anyone else laughing at this? I can’t be the only that thought it was rather ridiculous.

Okay, I don’t even want to think about this. Really, I don’t even want to entertain the thought, but I have to admit, Ryan Giggs recent talks of heading into a managing career after he finally hangs up the boots sounds like a great idea.

I know some Liverpool fans who won’t be too happy with the news that Liverpool – while rejecting Newcastle’s deal for a season-long loan – have stated they are willing to hand over Andy Carroll on a more permanent deal than a season-long loan. Carroll came to the Reds from Newcastle on a 35 million pound deal about 18 months ago. Anyone else find this strange? Maybe Liverpool has someone lined up to take his place?

 International football

I told you Fabio Capello would get a new job! Only… it’s not in England, and it’s not in Italy. I hope he packed his winter coat, because Capello is headed to Russia to undertake the management of the country’s national team.

Major League Soccer

Tragic news for Toronto FC fans today as news hit that Danny Koevermans wouldn’t be hitting more goals for the team this season. He has a torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the season.

The Scottish are gaining numbers in Vancouver as the Whitecaps announced today they would sign Scottish international Kenny Miller as another designated player for the team.

Well, I may be a little bitter about the All-Star snub from Ben Olsen, but Columbus Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum said he doesn’t feel snubbed at all. Hmph. Sorry Andy, I disagree man. You totally were jipped.

Speaking of the All-Star game, in case you missed it Sunday, here’s Olsen’s roster for the game against Cheslea in Philly July 25.

Good morning footy fans! It’s a lovely Tuesday filled with tons of Premier League & La Liga news as controversy hits and transfer rumors begin! We have more Joey Barton & Carlos Tevez drama, an EPL player gets arrested, a legend is retiring and is Falcao heading to Chelsea? All in today’s DKA!

English Premier League

QPR’s Joey Barton was charged with two charges today by the FA for violent misconduct following his dismissal against Manchester City on Sunday. After receiving a red card for elbowing Carlos Tevez, Barton also came in contact with Sergio Agüero & Vincent Kompany, being pulled away by Mario Balotelli. Apparently Barton has until 6pm GMT time to appeal any or all the charges against him. Good luck with that.

It’s never a dull moment when it comes to Manchester City, especially when Carlos Tevez is around. But sure enough, Tevez strikes back, creating a whirlwind of controversy around his celebration sign. The sign, which Tevez held up during the celebration parade for Man City’s title win, read ‘RIP Fergie.” Tevez later issued an apology directed towards Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson for his actions saying:

 ”I got carried away in the excitement of the moment and I certainly didn’t mean any disrespect to Sir Alex Ferguson, who I admire as a man and a manager.” 

You’d think that Tevez would have the knowledge to NOT hold that sign up in the air, even if it was from a City supporter. But then again, Tevez doesn’t know the meaning of ‘common sense.’

Both Ryan Giggs & Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United were awarded two awards for their dominance in the Premier League. Fergie was named Best manager in the Premier League while Giggs won Best Player. Sir Alex beat out Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Harry Redknapp and David Moyes for the award. Congratulations!

Stoke midfielder Jermaine Pennant was given an eight-week jail sentence, suspension for a year plus a 3-year driving disqualification after admitting to drunk driving in April.

La Liga

Málaga’s Ruud van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from football yesterday after helping his club reach a Champions League spot in next season’s competition. RVN has played with two of football’s greatest clubs like Manchester United where he scored 150 goals in 219 appearances before heading to Real Madrid, winning two La Liga titles. Currently van Nistelrooy is the Champions League’s all-time second highest scorer with 56 goals to back him up. In a press conference RVN stated:

“Yesterday was my final game as a professional footballer. I wanted to play in the Champions League, but it is the moment to leave. I have arrived at my physical limit and I can’t play at the maximum level. I couldn’t have had a better send-off than this. I feel happy that I am the one taking this decision. I would like to thank Malaga, the technical and medical staff for an unforgettable year. I am proud to have won collective and individual titles, but my greatest satisfaction was to be able to work day after day, year after year.”

Good news for Real Madrid supporters as Karim Benzema has made the bold statement claiming that he would love to end his career playing at the Santiago Bernabéu. The French International had a lot of help from former Real Madrid player & football legend, Zinedine Zidane in getting acclimated to life in Spain. Now if only Gonzalo Higuaín would say the same thing…

Transfer rumors are already hitting La Liga as the newest comes from Atlético Madrid. Reports circulated that Chelsea FC was looking to swap Fernando Torres for Radamel Falcao. Chelsea manager, Roberto Di Mattero has dismissed the allegations saying that he believes Torres will be wearing blue for another season.

Picture courtesy of manutd.com

Oh Survival Sunday! Waking up this morning, so many people were all excited/nervous/anticipating today. The final day of the English Premier League promised a lot and with all outcomes, I think it’s safe to say it delivered.

It was a huge day for teams on the bottom looking at regulation. But on the opposite end of the top, the craziness of the title race had captivated a lot of attention. The EPL title would go to Manchester at the end of today, the question was, however, which side? Would it be blue or red?

For their last match of the season, Manchester United traveled to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland. Looks like an easy game on paper right? Well, I know I didn’t think Sunderland would go quietly and let United walk all over them. It is the last game of the season after all. Each team was going to give their all to fight for their spot.

In the first half, Manchester looked good and settled. Passing was good and pressure even better. Sunderland’s defense stayed strong in the first 20 minutes or so, but United’s midfield and strikers slowly began to pick away. Sure enough, holes began to appear in the Sunderland defense and the Red Devils took advantage.

It’s no real surprise it was Wayne Rooney who would make a cheeky little header into a small space left open by Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet. It was a nice little goal too, as Roon headed it in off a wicked bouncing pass.

It was much of the same through the next 25 minutes – pressure on the back line from Rooney, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs. When the whistle blew for the half, United should have been up 3-0, with the hattrick going to Rooney. But it was only 1-0, a little nerve wracking I have to say.

The second half started out all Sunderland. Whether the fear of regulation or just of losing period stirred them, Sunderland came out pushing hard for a goal and almost had one several times. With the crowd letting the teams know what was going on in Manchester between City and Queens Park Rangers, both teams pressed on.

As the clock wound down, United picked back up their pressure. Slowly but surely, they started to crack open the Sunderland back line all over again. But that second goal was just as elusive. The minutes ticked by, but United held on and the final whistle blew with United still on top, 1-0.

About 45 seconds later, however, the stadium let the teams know City had scored in stoppage time and won the game, and the title.

You have to give props to the Red Devils though. They had to have known what was going on through the game, and yet they kept fighting until the end. They could very well have bowed out and let City just have the title, but they couldn’t just do that, could they?

However, I have to point out where United’s fault was this season – the midfield. They had to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement. That says a lot. What I hope United draw from this is they need to firm up their midfield. Sir Alex Ferguson needs to spend a little money, bring in a midfielder that can be the anchor of the team, like Scholes does.

United also need Vidic back. While the back line wasn’t completely horrid this season, there were too many games where United dropped needed points by allowing teams to come back and tie or even defeat them. Vidic is a beast in the center for United and greatly missed.

And Sir Alex needs to keep Valenica, Young and Jones starting. Those three have earned their places this season and have speed and talent needed. SAF is known for working hard on molding young players into great stars. It’s time he started using them more. Just as Scholesy is going to be leaving again, Ryan Giggs will be leaving soon, and that’s just the start. United definitely need to capitalize on that young talent waiting on the bench.

In the end, the season is over and it’s time to think about the next one. United have the summer to mull over a lot of things, and come back to remind their “noisy neighbors” United don’t go quietly into the night.

Thanks for sticking with Aerys Soccer through the English Premier League season! We’ll keep you updated on trades, news and more through the summer and the start of the 2012-13 season in August!

Happy Tuesday everyone! A lot is happening in the soccer world. For example, waking up this morning to news that USWNT’s Alex Morgan joins the Seattle Sounders Women in the W-League, realizing that this week is busy for international friendlies or that Ashley Cole has his own opinion on England teammate John Terry. All that and more in today’s Daily Kick Around!

USWNT

After the dramatic downward spiral that is known as the suspension of the 2012-13 WPS season, the USL W-League club Seattle Sounders Women have officially added their third USWNT player by bringing in Alex Morgan. Morgan now joins her national teammates Hope Solo (who is a Sounders supporter) and Sydney Leroux, who joined the Sounders last month. Alex Morgan will now play in the same city as her boyfriend, Servando Carrasco, who plays for the Seattle Sounders in the MLS. Welcome to Seattle ladies!

International 

There’s three international friendlies being played today. For all the fixtures for today as well as tomorrow click here!

The England National team attended the England Footballers Foundation Lions and Roses Charity Dinner last night and posed for a team photo with Ashley Cole standing directly in front of John Terry, blocking him from view. Was this done on purpose or not? Probably not.

English Premier League

Despite rumors of a rift between Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and manager Andre Villas-Boas, AVB hopes that the England midfielder will continue wearing blue next season. On Saturday, Lampard became the only Premier League player to hit the double-figure mark in goals, showing his manager how much of a key player he really is.

There’s no doubt that Ryan Giggs and newly unretired Paul Scholes are United’s best players, perhaps even legends. And manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made that clear. Both men scored against Norwich City with Fergie praising the two gents in a post-match interview.

Scholes and Giggs are the best players this club has ever had. We could have played him against Ajax on Thursday but this game was more important and I knew we would need all our experienced players and Ryan and Scholesy in particular. That experience is really going to help us in the next couple of months.”

Fabricio Coloccini has yet to renew his contract with Newcastle after some disagreements in terms. The 30-year old insists to supporters that he wants to stay and hopes to be a part of any plans Newcastle will bring in the future.

Serie A

Lesson to all soccer players out there: If you punch someone, you will get banned. AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has been banned for 3 matches following his attack Juve’s Marco Borriello Saturday. At first, Italian refs didn’t see the incident but the league reviewed the match, calling it a violent misconduct between the former Roma teammates.

La Liga

Not only was Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing back-heel goal the highlight of Real Madrid’s match against Rayo Vallecano Sunday, but apparently so was Sergio Ramos’ elbow. It’s never an entertaining match unless Ramos gets a yellow, but in this case, he was lucky it wasn’t a red. Ramos elbowed Rayo’s Diego Costa right in the face. Ouch!

There wasn’t too much of anything to write home to your mother about the Manchester United match against Norwich City this morning. Well, maybe two things.

United needed the three points to keep up with Manchester City on the table and with a late strike in stoppage time, true United fashion, they were able to pull it out 2-1.

But like I said, it wasn’t too much other than a typical little fear Manchester United wouldn’t come out on top. But thanks to two legend Red Devils, United left the pitch victorious.

The first strike came from Paul Scholes in the seventh minute. An open cross from Nani landed in the box – and to the head of a waiting Scholes. I have to say, I’m use to seeing cracking shots from the Ginger Prince, but a damn nice header to the bottom left did quite nicely.

And that…. was about there was to report from the first. The half ended 1-0 but it should be said, as a United fan, I felt on edge with just a one-goal lead. Always trust your gut.

The second half started out tedious. It ticked away, until the 83rd  minute, when David De Gea conceded a corner to Norwich. Zak Whitebread took the shot for Norwich and lobbed it in to Grant Holt, who used his left foot to get the ball past De Gea. Suddenly, United fans were very nervous.

However, we were saved in the dying minutes of stoppage time by none other than our Welsh legend, Ryan Giggs. Giggs was making headlines already by making his 900th appearance in a United kit; it would only make sense he would close out the deal.

It was a great three-pass play. Patrice Evra started it, flicking the ball to Ashley Young, who set up Giggs nicely. The Welshman tapped the ball with his left foot from the right side of the box and it was 2-1 United. The whistle blew shortly after that and the Red Devils were breathing a sigh of relief.

It was definitely a day for the legends at Carrow Road. I’ve already heard and read a bunch of people calling United lucky with this win, and in a way they kind of are. But their luck is having fit, top-notch players like Ryan and Paul. If you’ve ever seen these guys play before, you know it’s just business as usual for them to step up when the moment is needed.

Stay with the ladies of Aerys Soccer today as we get you recaps of the North London derby, a recap of all EPL scores and your soccer headlines from around the world!

Alex Morgan for SI's Swimsuit Issue.

Friday is everyone’s favorite day of the week, but today it’s an extra special day. I’m sure you’ve probably already seen it, but Alex Morgan revealed that she will be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Aside from Morgan’s smokin’ hot body, there are a few other stories stirring up discussion in the soccer world today. The USWNT is making headlines, Harry Redknapp reacts to calls for him to fill the vacant seat for the England National Team, and much more! Here’s your Daily Kick Around.

US Women’s National Team

I don’t know about you, but I can’t keep my eyes off of that picture to the right. It’s not like it is news to us here at Aerys Soccer that Alex Morgan is a certified hottie, we fully admitted our crush on her a few weeks ago. But we’re glad to see one of our favorite USWNT stars getting some national exposure…and yes, we mean exposure in every sense of the word. Morgan stripped down to nothing but paint for SI’s Swimsuit Issue, and we can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures.

Morgan isn’t the only reason the USWNT has been making headlines in the past month. The team was just awarded January Team of the month, and Abby Wambach Player of the Month by the US Olympic Committee for their phenomenal performance in the Olympic Qualifying tournament in January. Congrats ladies!

The USWNT has added two more games to their busy schedule leading up to the Olympics this summer, as they will take on reigning World Cup Champion Japan and the always difficult Brazil in early April. These will be two great matches that you won’t want to miss!

Continuing on the trend of women’s soccer, now that the WPS has officially been suspended for the 2012 season, teams and players are scrambling to find a way to play at a high level this year. The Women’s Professional Soccer League (WPSL) announced yesterday that they would be adding an Elite Division for 2012, and three ex-WPS squads have already jumped on board. Equalizer Soccer’s Jeff Kassouf has all the details of this newly launched division.

US Men’s National Team

Even though Morgan and the rest of the USWNT ladies are the center of attention today, we can’t forget about the stars of the USMNT. Clint Dempsey, who has been on fire lately for Fulham, has been sharing his life and soccer experiences on Goal.com in the form of a soccer “diary.” It’s a fun concept that gives us the chance to learn a little bit more about the man dubbed “Deuce.” This week’s entry is all about the road to his first World Cup, in 2006.

English Premier League

Will Ryan Giggs ever retire? The Manchester United legend, who has been playing for the Red Devils since 1991, signed a one year extension today. It will be the 38-year-old’s 22nd year with United, an unbelievable feat to say the least. The man is a machine, it seems the only way he’ll quit playing is when his legs fall off!

Thierry Henry, another footballer of legendary status, will be coming back to his MLS squad on time, despite rumors that he would be extending his loan with Arsenal. Gunners manager Arsene Wenger had considered trying to extend Henry’s loan another two weeks, but said it wouldn’t be fair to the New York Red Bulls to do so. I’m sure NYRB fans will be happy to hear this news!

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has been dominating the headlines the last two days, but not for anything to do with the Spurs. Now that Fabio Capello has resigned from England’s National Team, there is a vacant seat screaming Redknapp’s name. English footballers, members of the media and fans are all calling for Redknapp to take over the position. The question is, does Harry even want it? He answers that here.

Finally, saving the best for last, I give you the only soccer story you should read today. Luke Lohr of The MLS Reserves brings us the tale of Evan Mundine, a young kid with a massive heart and a passion for soccer fighting against multiple injuries and road bumps in his recovery.  Do yourself a favor and read it.

Report by Kayla Knapp and Trista Lutgring

Photo courtesy of Sporting Life

Today, we were all able to witness one of the EPL’s biggest rivalries: Manchester United vs Chelsea FC. The game was touted by Fox as the “game before the game,” as there is some other big game going on later today.

The first half wasn’t pretty. United had a lot of chances but couldn’t find the back of the net on any of them.

A few non-calls by ref Howard Webb had players and fans from both sides frustrated.

In the 36th minute, very much against the run of play, Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge made a run down the right side of the penalty box, completely smoking Patrice Evra. He turned the corner, and knocked the bal l– seemingly on purpose — off Johnny Evans. The ball hit Evans’ chest and went into the back of the net, giving Chelsea the early lead, 1-0.

At the halftime break, I can only imagine the earful that Sir Alex Ferguson gave his United players. Missed opportunities that would surely come back to bite them. And oh did they ever.

Right out of the gate of the second half, things went wrong. It would be a well-timed, beautiul set up from Fernando Torres to the feet of Mata. United’s defense was scrambling and Mata took advantage, slamming a cheeky goal into the net. 2-0 Chelsea, and United were looking poor right at the start.

Things weren’t going to get better either. Moments later, David Luiz would make the scoreline 3-0; or maybe it was Rio Ferdinand that handed another own goal to the  Blues. The reviews are mixed, but no matter who scored it, surely the final nail had been placed in the coffin for Manchester. And yet…

Just before the 60 minute mark, Sturridge made a tackle on Evra and ref Howard Webb awarded a penalty. Wayne Rooney calmly stepped up in the box and the strike was killer, pulling back one for United and sparking a little life in the Red Devils.

The attacks from either side continued throughout the match and we had ourselves a little soccer game as the half ticked on. Then, more luck for United. Welbeck was fouled by Ivanovic in the 69th minute in the box and a second penalty was awarded to United. Chelsea might have been getting own goals from other teams, but it seemed United were getting the penalties for their goals. Rooney stepped up to the spot again and had a second clean goal.

Suddenly, we had an even bigger game; 3-2.

In the 77th, Torres had a unique and amazing opportunity to put himself back in the positive spotlight for all of the footy world. He was on the end of a great ball, took on United defenders and had only keeper De Gea to beat. All he had to do was make the shot. Unfortunately for him and for Chelsea, he tried to walk it in and it was a grand, beautiful opportunity wasted. But the game was not over yet for either team.

In the 85th minute, Manchester United did what a lot of us were thinking wasn’t going to happen. Rooney had a hard strike on goal, which Chelsea keeper Cech confidently hit out. However, Ryan Giggs was waiting on the wing to pick it up. He floated in a lovely ball to the box, and to the waiting head of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. And just like that, the game was 3-3.

United and Chelsea both had their heels dug in, both looking like threats to score another. It was almost Chelsea in stoppage time. A free kick awarded to the Blues was swung in hard by Mata, but David De Gea appeared from no where, denying Chelsea that
fourth goal with a killer save. Again, Chelsea almost had the lead when a ball was sliced in toward goal. De Gea got his fingertips on it and a corner went to Chelsea in the dying minutes of the game. But nothing would come of it.

So the game ended 3-3 and wow, what a game.

I think it has to be said, while they lost a 3-0 advantage, Chelsea truly was the better team today. They were able to close in space around Manchester United and kill their passing, while stealing possession and getting pressure on a shakey United defense.
Some will criticize Chelsea for only being up with an own goal, but it takes a lot to pressure a defense so much they give up goals. Some will criticize United for getting goals with penalities, but – again – it takes a lot to pressure a defense enough to give up penalties.

It was a heart-stopping second half, but it wasn’t pretty for either team. It can be said that United are probably the happiest out of the two with a draw, but Chelsea fans really shouldn’t despair too much. I know, I know, but really, you shouldn’t. Your team frazzled United. Did they lose a lead? Yes. Is Torres still unable to score? Well, yes. But there were also good things today, things to take away from a team that didn’t have John Terry or Frank Lampard, players that are considered strong leaders for the Blues.

As for United, well, there was a lot of bad and a lot of luck. Fans of the Red Devils will surely take blind luck today rather than a loss, but at the same time, hope beyond hope the back line gets sorted out, De Gea makes more strong saves like he did off the Mata strike, and the strikers get strong finishes on shots on goal.

Like I said, it was a pretty ugly game for both teams. But what a hell of a game to kick off Sunday. Like Rob Stone said on Fox, “Dear Super Bowl: Top that.”

It’s the day after Christmas, and we’re back from a lovely two day holiday break. Hope those of you who celebrated this weekend spent time with your friends and family. Now, to the headlines! Jose Mourinho says he sees a move back to England as the next step in his coaching career, David Villa is out of the hospital and Sir Alex Ferguson wants Ryan Giggs to sign a contract extension.

English Premier League

Former Chelsea coach and current Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho says that while he is very, very happy to be with Madrid, his passion is in England. He’s long been linked with taking over Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson retires. Mourinho penned a four year deal with Madrid in the summer of 2010, but once that deal is up, I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes the move back to the Premier League.

Speaking of Manchester United, Sir Alex has urged superstar Ryan Giggs to extend his contract. Ferguson believes the 38-year-old still has another year of playing left in him, and from the Giggs’ form this season, I would have to agree. Giggs hasn’t slowed down a bit in the last 2-3 years, and if he stays healthy, could definitely play a key role with United for another year.

In all the buzz surrounding the racism charges that Luis Suarez is facing, his coaches, teammates and many fans have stood by him. Suarez was suspended for eight games after being found guilty of making racist comments to Man United’s Patrice Evra. The decision has been appealed, and Suarez is free to play for Liverpool until a decision is made. His club has stood up for him throughout everything, with teammates wearing shirts with his face printed on them before their Premier match on Wednesday.

La Liga

Cesc Fabregas, who left Arsenal to join arguably the best club in the world, Barcelona, this season says that he will always support his former club, and would even consider a return to the Gunners at the end of his career. He said that aside from Arsenal and Barcelona, he doesn’t see himself playing for any other clubs.

Barcelona’s David Villa was released from the hospital after spending five days there following surgery on his broken leg. The operation went “fantastically well.” Villa is expected to be sidelined for five months.

And in case you weren’t aware, today is Boxing Day! Once the final match of the day has been played — Stoke vs Aston Villa — we will have a recap of all today’s games here on Aerys Soccer!

Swansea City hosted Manchester United for the first time in the Welsh club’s history. Not only were the Swans excited to welcome the Red Devils to Liberty Stadium, they also heralded the return of former Wales national team player and United legend Ryan Giggs.

Swansea came out strong, but it wasn’t long before United struck. In the 11th minute, a defensive error by Swansea gave the ball away to Giggs just outside the 18 yard box. Giggs then slotted the ball through to a streaking Javier Hernandez, who slipped the ball past the Swansea keeper. 1-0 to the Red Devils early. It was Chicharito’s fifth goal of the season. Swansea had a big hill to climb to try and get any points out of the match.

The Swans had a lot of good pressure on United the entire first half. They certainly weren’t going down without a fight, and the Chicharito goal didn’t do much to quiet the stadium. Midway through the first half, Scott Sinclair missed a sitter in the box that he’ll surely have nightmares about. It should have been one all, but instead United remained ahead 1-0 at halftime.

The second half saw more of the same pressure from Swansea. Early on, in the 47th minute, Patrice Evra was issued a yellow card for a harsh tackle. He was subbed out in the 51st minute, likely because Sir Alex feared he would either play safe and be beaten, or get a second yellow. Fabio replaced him on defense.

Swansea held their own against United, but just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. Time and time again, the Red Devil defense weathered the storm, backed by keeper David De Gea.

In the 76th minute, Giggs was subbed off to cheers from around the stadium. It was a nice gesture for the Welshman. He was replaced by Darren Fletcher.

Despite constant pressure, the Swans just couldn’t break through. At the final whistle, it was still 1-0 United. The Red Devils handed Swansea their first home defeat of the season. It wasn’t pretty, but United seems to find a way to grind out results, even when not playing their best soccer.

Stay with Aerys Soccer for all your footy coverage!

Photo courtesy of Sporting Life