It was a late Friday night for me and Danielle and our podcast kind of reflected that I think! But, as always, we had a great time talking about soccer!

This week, Danielle and I talked about Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Juan Agudelo’s move back east and what we really think about players’ rights in Major League Soccer.

So check it out here! -> http://bit.ly/19apIDR

Remember, you can follow Aerys Soccer on Facebook and on Twitter at @AerysSoccer! And Chicks & Free Kicks is also free on iTunes; just search for “Chicks & Free Kicks” or “Aerys Soccer Talk”!

A Manchester Derby in the English Premier League is never typical. You can’t count on anything or which team will come out on top. What you can bet your money on, however, is that it’s gonna be one hell of a ride. The derby that took place today between Manchester United and Manchester City did not disappoint in that regard.

Was it ugly? Hell yes it was. I mean, these two are the biggest rivals in the world. Everyone tunes in to a Manchester Derby.

It was intense. A brace from Wayne Rooney in the first half, and Manchester City roaring back to tie it up in the second, with goals from Yaya Toure in the 60th minute and Pablo Zabaleta with five minutes to spare in the game.

But it would be the final goal of the match that had me grinning the brightest – and no, not just because I’m a United fan and it was the goal that won the match. No, it was how the goal went in that made me smile.

United’s Rafael was fouled just outside the box about two minutes into stoppage time for the game, giving United a dying chance with a free kick. Of course, new man Robin Van Persie stepped up to take the shot. As the ball barreled toward goal, it nicked off City’s Samir Nasri before lodging in the back of the net.

And this is why I grinned, because the second player I dislike in the league is Nasri (behind Tevez, of course). So to see United’s winning goal get a little flick off of Nasri was definitely worth the agony of being tied 2-2 with City.

However, not all the drama in the match was game related, unfortunately. Most of it came right at the end thanks to some unruly fans and a few words between United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and City’s Tevez. It all started when United were celebrating Van Persie’s goal. As the  players celebrated, a fan threw an object on to the field, which hit MUFC defender Rio Ferdinand right above the eye and of course drew blood.

Then it was if the flood gates banged open. A fan rushed the pitch and City keeper Joe Hart had to restrain him so that security officers could remove the fan from the pitch.

Then the heated words between SAF and Tevez, which I’m sure were interesting. I would have actually loved to have heard what the gaffer said to his former player. That was about the time the ref decided he might want to end the match.

Overall, another incredibly intense derby took place today. I swear, this get more and more crazy with every meeting. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one!

Check out all the goals from today’s match here, and even the moment when Ferdinand gets nicked. You can’t see the object, but you can definitely tell it was something that ticked him off!

http://youtu.be/IJd-5-xUMp4

You wouldn’t think a coach would be concerned about which car his players drive–but then, most coaches aren’t the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.  Find out about his latest move to keep his youngest players grounded in today’s Daily Kick Around!

EPL

Manchester United has signed Chevrolet as their new shirt sponsor for the 2014-2015 season.  This is obviously a hugely beneficial marketing move for Chevy, but the United players also have reason to be happy–Chevrolet has offered each of them a free top-end car of their choice.

However, not all players will get to fully enjoy the fruits of this deal; Sir Alex Ferguson has forbidden players under the age of 23 to choose a sports car model, supposedly to ensure their egos are kept in check.  Instead, their car selection must be approved by Fergie himself.  Although he is known for running a tight ship, some suggest this may be a bit overboard.

Arsenal could lose yet another star to Manchester–this time to Manchester City.  Apparently City is considering a last-minute manoeuvre to try to snatch Theo Walcott up before the transfer deadline.  And at least one well-known Arsenal fan–and City hater–is not too happy about it.

MLS

Sporting Kansas City’s Teal Bunbury suffered a knee injury during Sunday’s game against New York.  The club announced yesterday that he will be out for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.  He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday.

Rumor has it that Akron and US Olympic coach Caleb Porter has been offered the position of head coach for the Portland Timbers.  Currently he is signed by Akron through the 2020 season, and a hefty fee would be required if he were to break that contract.

Image courtesy of www.guardian.co.uk

You’ve got to love Mondays! Today’s big news revolved around transfers, possible transfers, talking of transfers … it’s a transferpalooza! And with summer winding down very quickly, it’s safe to say we might see more.

But for today, we’ve got Tim Cahill, Frank Lampard, Kaka and more! It’s your Monday Daily Kick Around!

Transfers

The biggest news today has got to be the afternoon announcement of Australian international and Everton star Tim Cahill getting the clear to transfer to the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. This is pretty huge, considering Tim is a world-class player and a legend on the pitch! This statement from New York is pretty clear; they want the MLS Cup and they’re pulling out all the stops!

Could Frank Lampard join Cahill in Major League Soccer? Eh, he could in the future. While on tour with Chelsea in the states, the English star was asked if he would ever consider MLS, to which Frank replied  he wouldn’t “rule anything out.” Hmmm.

Maybe Real Madrid and Brazil wonder Kaka will consider MLS. Twitter was a buzz this morning with claims Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has basically asked Kaka to leave the Spanish giants. A google search for Mourinho and Kaka yields … well a lot of speculation. And what would the start of the La Liga season be without speculation about Kaka? Never the less, without the promise of a starting spot, could we see the Brazilian move in the closing transfer window?

Finally, Sir Alex Ferguson has never been shy about what players he wants for Manchester United. Recently he owned up to making a bid for Arsenal’s Robin van Persie. Today, he admitted the club is in talks with Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura. This 19-year-old is in hot demand in Europe at the moment, so only time will tell where he goes!

Oh lord. I don’t know about you guys, but I have hated to leave my twitter feed for more than five seconds today! The news is pouring in from possible new Liverpool managers, Tevez running his mouth (surprise), trades in MLS and much more! But in case you missed anything, we’ve got you covered in today’s Daily Kick Around!

Major League Soccer

It was quite possibly the weirdest way to announce a trade, but Heath Pearce let the cat out of the bag today when he announced he had been traded from Chivas USA to New York Red Bulls. Needless to say, twitter almost exploded as the wait for the official word commenced. About an hour or so later, the club announced a deal had been reached with New York – Chivas would get forward Juan Agudelo in exchange for allocation money and Pearce. Pretty nice set up for everyone if you think about it…

English Premier League

Things are still hopping in EPL, even though the season is over. With the announcement yesterday of Kenny Dalglish getting sacked by Liverpool, the word came today that Wigan Athletic would allow LFC to talk to their manager, Roberto Martinez. It was rumored already the club would approach the Wigan manager, so of course this is going to add full to the fire.

Speaking of Liverpool, here is an interesting piece on what really matters to the Fenway Sports Group.

So, Survival Sunday was crazier than you think. And I’m not just talking about the incredible results that came out of the ten games broadcasted. Not only were American audiences bombarded by soccer on almost every one of Fox’s channels along with ESPN, it seems they were actually watching the games. The Washington Post reported “a total of 1,348,000 viewers tuned into the U.S. television coverage of the final day of the Premier League season, an increase of 72 percent over 2011.” That’s amazing!

You’re not going to be surprised by this – because frankly, Carlos Tevez cannot surprsie me anymore – but he’s at it again. After his “RIP Fergie” sign during the Manchester City EPL champions parade, word was the club and Tevez both apologized to Sir Alex Ferguson for the action. But Tevez fired back in an Argentina paper claiming he wasn’t apologizing for anything.  Oy vey, come on Tevez, just grow up already!

La Liga

So now that he’s won a title with Manchester City, Yaya Toure’s manager claims the player would like new challenges. Toure has said he’s happy to remain at City, but there have also been claims he wants to go back to Barcelona. If your head isn’t spinning yet, at Real Madrid to the list of rumored teams Toure could end up at. However, Toure is letting the media know that the Spanish giants and manager Jose Mourinho haven’t approached him yet about anything. But anything could happen he added. Hmmm.

English National Team

So, England has a new manager, but that doesn’t mean the dust has settled for the Three Lions. John Terry’s out, Rio Ferdinand is out … and is Michael Carrick retired or not from international play? FA says “Uh, sorta kinda not really,” and Roy Hodgson says if Carrick can prove himself better than the four starting midfielders chose, he won’t have to stay on the bench. Personally, I’m not sure what to think of the mess in England. It tends to get a bit more complex each tournament, doesn’t it?

U.S. Men’s National Team

So the first 16 members of the USMNT were announced on Tuesday and one of the guys left off was Timmy Chandler. The German-American apparently wanted “a break” from the U.S. Men’s national team, sending the fans and coaches a pretty big message. If that isn’t a “I don’t want to play for you” message, I don’t know what is.

Serie A

Remember when we shared the link about Diego Maradona owing the Italian government 32 million (pounds according to Yahoo! Sports UK) in back taxes when he use to pay in Serie A? Well, apparently Maradona is firing back at the government, counter suing them for 40 million (pounds) for “mortification and harm suffered to his image, dignity and quality of life.” I gotta say, that takes guts when you owe 32 million in taxes.

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!

Hey guys and gals! Happy Thursday to you! We’ve got some big headlines for you today. From Chicharito out of the Olympics, to goal-line technology reports and drama with Messi. It’s all here in your Thursday Daily Kick Around!

English Premier League

I don’t think anyone can say that Sir Alex Ferguson tends to get his way when it concerns his players. And it turns out Mexican International Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is not exempt from this. In a battle with the Mexican Football Association, ol’ Fergie has won out and pulled Chicharito from the Olympic roster. Ferguson has stated Chica would only have 28 days of rest if he competes in the summer games before joining back with United in pre season. And as Chica has struggled in his second season at United, a good rest is probably needed.

If you think it’s tough staying in EPL, imagine trying to get back in it. That’s what USMNT international Jonathon Spector and his Birmingham City team attempted to do this week as they faced off with Blackpool. Unfortunately, Spector picked up an injury and Birmingham City lost.

Manchester City may be on the brink of winning their first EPL title in some odd years, but that hasn’t stopped the Blues midfielder Yaya Toure from talking about where he really would like to finish out his career, former club Barcelona.

Chelsea’s interim boss Roberto Di Matteo is probably on pins and needles right now as the club announce they haven’t picked him to be manager next season…. but they haven’t ruled him out either. Reports yesterday buzzed that Di Matteo had already been told he wouldn’t lead Chelsea next season. But club chief executive Ron Gourlay has dismissed those claims.

La Liga

A surprising claim about Barcelona wonderkin Messi came to light today. Many news sources were reporting today Everton winger Royston Drenthe has claimed Messi had used a racial slur against him several time when Drenthe played for Real Madrid and Hercules.

“We played against each other a lot, and we always had problems. You know what really bothers me? That tone with which he always called me ‘negro, negro’,” Drenthe stated in an interview with Dutch magazine Helden.

I hope it’s not true, but unfortunately there is a lot of racism in football across the world.

Major League Soccer

Houston Dynamo fans are buzzing! The official opening and first home match in their new stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium, is this weekend! Today is the soft opening for season ticket holders. If you’ve seen any of the photos the team’s twitter account have been putting out, you probably agree how beautiful it is. This is a huge step for MLS and the Dynamo! Congrats!

Midweek game results:
New York 1 – Houston 0
Seattle 2 – Dallas 0
Chicago 0 – Real Salt Lake 0

Finally today, the discussion of goal-line technology is coming to a head, my friends! Equipment has been tested and July 2, International Football Association Board will convene to make a huge decision – will FIFA approve the use of goal-line tech?

It was just a couple of weeks ago that it seemed Manchester United had the EPL title wrapped up. Oh how quickly the tides have turned. Today was easily the biggest match of the season, the Manchester Derby. With Manchester City just three points behind United in the title race, a win today would bring them level.

And that’s exactly what they did.

The game winner came from Vincent Kompany in stoppage time right before the end of the first half. United had been holding City off well, but Kompany was left unmarked in the middle of the box. He buried the corner kick from David Silva, with a powerful header into the back of the net. 1-0 City right before the break.

The second half saw the Red Devils try desperately to find the equalizer, but they could not. The most exciting part of the match was a sideline shot of Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini jabbering at each other, complete with chatter box hand gestures. Comical. I was waiting to see old Fergie swing one at Mancini, but it was all talk.

At the final whistle, it was City with the1-0 win, picking up the three points they needed to draw level with United. Because of an advantage in goal differential, all City has to do is win the final two games of the season, and the title is theirs. The Red Devils must pray that City’s opponents give them a little help, or their hopes of a winning their 20th EPL title this season are over.

I gotta say, as I swallow my bitter pill, City were on it tonight and clearly the better team. But I can’t help but think – If Valenica and Welbeck had started, would we have seen a little different game? I guess we’ll never know…

You’ve got to love soccer if only for the craziness it brings about off the pitch. In today’s DKA, we’ve got you news about the USMNT U23s next qualifying, Real Madrid’s new resort island (I’m not kidding), Sir Alex Ferguson firing back taunts at Manchester City and more!

It’s your Daily Kick Around!

English Premier League

What would English football be without Manchester United and Manchester City going at each other off the pitch? I know, I know – there are a great number of other things that make the EPL fantastic, but there is something about the two teams handing each other jibes in the press that is very entertaining, whether you like the teams or not. Take this week for example. Former MCFC player Patrick Vieira fired off that Sir Alex Ferguson must have been pretty desperate to call back midfielder Paul Scholes out of retirement. SAF had a few choice words to say about that:

”If you talk about desperation, they played a player the other night who refused to go on the pitch, the manager said he’d never play again and he takes a five-month holiday in Argentina. What is that? Could that come under the description of desperation?”

As a MUFC fan myself, I would have to agree with the boss. However, I love to laugh at little stories like this. It just isn’t a normal EPL week without the smack talk, right?

Speaking of bringing Tevez back, Diego Maradona – one of Argentina’s most legendary players – is taking a little credit for Tevez’s return to the EPL. Apparently, Maradona told Tevez a few months ago to get his butt back to England, not only because he was losing money, but he wasn’t playing. And a footballer not playing is … well, let’s admit it, pretty useless.

Today’s matches:

Chelsea – Tottenham
Arsenal – Aston Villa
Bolton – Blackburn
Liverpool – Wigan
Norwich – Wolves
Sunderland – QPR
Swansea – Everton
Stoke – Manchester City

La Liga

It really wasn’t the best of weeks for Real Madrid. After the dismal display against Villarreal, the team was informed defender Pepe would receive a two-match ban after insulting a ref during the game. Coach Jose Mourinho and midfielder Mesut Ozil will both get one-match bans after being ejected from the game as well. Hey, but the bright side? One of Sergio Ramos’ yellow cards was overturned, so he’s free to play this weekend.

But you know another good way to end a bad week? You could open your own island resort. Yup, I’m not even making this up. Real Madrid announced Thursday they would be building a gigantic resort island based in the United Arab Emirates. Check out this video.

http://youtu.be/1WYBtaiPyfg

This place is going to be massive, with luxury hotels, villas, a marina, an amusement park and sporting facilities.  Oh and it’s going to have an open stadium to the ocean with hologram football games. That’s right, hologram football games. It’s supposed to open in January of 2015 and is going to cost around $1 billion to build. So if you Real Madrid fans are excited about going, I would save now because I suspect this trip will break your bank account.

Major League Soccer

If you are familiar with MLSsoccer.com’s daily Kick Off feature – which is just like DKA! A link dump for all the biggest stories in MLS – then you’ve probably noticed the missing coffee mug graphic that had adorn the page for more than a year. Well, MLS would like to inform you, the Kick Off mug has retired and headed off on vacation … and you can follow him around too on his own twitter account.

Today’s matches:

Toronto – San Jose
Columbus – Montreal
New England – Portland
Real Salt Lake – Chivas USA
Vancouver – DC United 

USMNT Olympic Qualifying

It was quite the rout Thursday night in Nashville as the U23s tagged a 6-0 win against Cuba. But a tougher challenge could await them tonight as they take on our neighbors to the north, Canada, at 7 p.m. ET.  The USMNT lead their group right now; check out the scenarios for the boys for the semifinal round of qualifying!