photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls facebook page

They came, they saw…and they conquered. And while I must admit that I didn’t watch the game – oh come on, I just realized I don’t have an MLS Live account and my cable provider doesn’t have MSG+. We are a series of unfortunate events here but what I can say is that the Twitter feed for @NewYorkRedBulls gave me life. You must be thinking right about now – so how is she going to do this? How can Danielle even talk about the game when she only followed on Twitter? Very carefully, my darlings…

I mean it wasn’t a perfect game with the late goal from Montreal’s Marco Di Vaio in the 91st minute but no one is going to talk about that because we’re all still talking about Theirry Henry’s 45th minute textbook perfect bicycle kick as evidenced here:

See what I mean? Perfection. And when Thierry Henry is on fire like this, well it is just natural that Tim Cahill has to follow suit in the 88th minutes because it feels like the guys are playing this “one for me, one for you” game that I’m clearly falling in love with every week.

It’s worth noting that the Montreal Impact really did try to breakdown NYRB’s defense on their home field but it never really seemed to work for them. Jonny Steele worked hard at creating chances early on but once again, was not able to penetrate the Impact’s defense. The Red Bulls would lose Peguy Luyindula early on with a hamstring injury that would bring in Fabian Espindola early on. This is just what the Red Bulls needed to start putting pressure on Montreal until that beautiful goal from Henry had New York one over the Impact going into half time.

photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls facebook page

The heat was on when both teams came back from the break. Player changes from both sides As head coach, Mike Petke would later say, “I don’t have much to say, to be honest with you. Four in a row, five out of six, I’m never satisfied. I think when we possessed the ball, when we had a purpose going forward, when we had options off ball movement I think we showed how dangerous we could be. Naturally when you go up a goal you get pinned in. There a very good team, a lot of quality, but I think we defended again for about six games now strongly and they did their job.” No doubt, New York is still sitting atop the Eastern Conference after tonight.

It definitely was fun to have midweek games – even if a few of us are not fans of them. Some of us get busy and lob off Midweek Muscles on our editors while others have commitments for dinner parties and all things involving cake and cocktails…but who am I kidding? I love the Red Bulls and cannot wait to see what else this team has to offer. There is still no word on when Luyindula will be back to play and we are still missing your favorite and my #1 crush, Dax McCarty. I have suddenly lost my train of thought but I promise you this…New York is definitely the one to beat these days.

You can catch the Red Bulls when they take on New England Revolution on May 11th…this is a road game for the Red Bulls and we know how well they are playing those lately. The game will be televised on MSG and yes, I will be watching this time.

That was the sound of a win. After the midweek loss to Sporting Kansas City, the New York Red Bulls were not about to be held down and it showed by the 4-1 scoreline against the Revolution. The first eight minutes had three goals; Dax McCarty in the fourth minute, Brandon Barklage in the sixth minute (own goal) and Fabian Espindola in the eighth minute).

photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls

New England wasn’t sitting back though; sure they had that early own goal but they never really seemed to get back in it after the early goals. Players gave their best shot but never really got the chance to secure anything solid.

And that was enough for Thierry Henry (82nd minute) and Johnny Steele (89th minute) to get two goals late in the game by the Rev’s goalkeeper, Bobby Shuttleworth.

photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls

The Man of the Match this time around was Dax McCarty, once again proving that he gets work done and is not afraid of getting physical. Some cautions were given this game to NE’s Kalifa Cisse for collision with McCarty in the 35th minute, that had Dax slow to get up but still able to play on.  NY’s Luis Robles was given a yellow for time wasting in the 78th minute. Thankfully, no reds were given in this game after Juninho picked up one late in the game against Sporting Kansas City’s Jimmy Nielsen midweek, who was up to his antics once again last night during the LA Galaxy match but the ref in that game pretty much told him to play on.

photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls

And before we leave you this week, the above photo is courtesy of the Red Bulls facebook page. RBNY donated merch sales from Saturday’s game to The One Fund Boston (OneFundBoston.org). The MLS Anthem, heard in Arenas throughout the league as players enter the pitch, was replaced by The Standells’ “Dirty Water,” a song that has a direct tie to Boston sports, specifically played after every Red Sox victory at Fenway Park.

During a training session before the game, headcoach, Mike Petke was quoted as saying, ”It’s very reminiscent of 9/11, in the sense that 9/11, the world was – everybody was a New Yorker. Now, after this happened, everybody’s from Boston. It’s true. And I expect that when they come here and the starting lineups are announced, they’re out on the field, that we’re going to give their players a nice round of applause.” It certainly did feel like we were all from Boston this week.  Supporters and fans alike for all teams across the league showed their support for Boston teams by giving a moment of silence for the victims and those lost before the games.

New York will meet Toronto FC at BMO Field April 27 with the game being televised on MSG.

Sporting Kansas City walked into Red Bull Stadium and made it their home last night…once again. Both teams need to stop meeting like this, really. An early goal in the 13th minute by Aurelian Collin was all they really needed to hold down the Red Bulls for the rest of the game. SKC proved once more why they haven’t lost in this meetup since 2011. They know what to do to control the game and how to disarm Thierry Henry.

photo courtesy of NY Red Bulls Facebook Page

Red Bulls head coach, Mike Petke stated, “That’s a good team we played. Kansas City are a very good team – on both ends of the ball.” Petke would go on to say, “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game.”

What game is ever easy for New York? Ah yes, how could we forget the win against DC United, now if only that had translated to another win last night – we would all be so happy today.

This game did give us highlights on both teams and the future of the USMNT with performances from SKC’s Matt Besler and NYRB fan favorite, Dax McCarty. Matt held his own against Thierry Henry and was able show why he’s getting called up for the National Team. We also saw that when Costa Rica’s Roy Miller is in good form – he can be dangerous when he connects with his teammates. The Red Bulls are still a work in progress but can do great things when they communicate.

Juninho was being Juninho last night which was safe to say that no matter how hard he tried to feed the ball – it still didn’t translate to a goal. The Brazilian would have a late game meltdown and end a banner night in a bad way. SKC’s Jimmy Nielsen was slow to a dead ball in extra time, Juninho jogged over to the ball and took a shot to the Danish keeper’s chest, sending Nielsen to the floor. Juninho earned a red and will be unavailable for Saturday’s match against New England.

NYRB for Boston

The game while frustrating did have a special moment when supporters unveiled a banner for the victims of Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing. Players and coaches from both teams also wore armbands in tribute for victims. It was a heartfelt reminder for those in attendance of the tragedy but also a reminder to fans and supporters that all teams could stand together in these sad times.

An NYRB player wears an armband supporting Boston Marathon victims

We did see an injury early on for Jamison Olave with Heath Pearce subbed in to play. Head coach, Mike Petke downplayed Olave’s injury, we will see if he’s back in the lineup when New York takes on the Revolution this weekend on ESPN.

Follow the writers of Aerys Soccer on Twitter at @AerysSoccer and like our page on Facebook for morning headlines, story updates and more!

Conor Casey collides with Robles in the box

With a first half that had us all wondering if this would be a repeat of games past, the New York Red Bulls must have had a very interesting talk with coach Mike Petke in the lockerroom because when they came out, the team looked like they were ready to get down to business. Today is the first win for the Mike Petke era of the New York Red Bulls.

Dax McCarty pulled in the first goal in the 55th minute of the game with an assist from Johnny Steele and Juninho. The Red Bulls had chance to score but Philadelphia’s Gaddis would be quick to deny any hope.

The joy felt by supporters would be dashed in the 63rd minute when Conor Casey equalized for the Union. But RBNY’s defenders would step up big to deny the Union time and again. A bicycle attempt from Thierry Henry in the 71st minute would have been a perfect way to end the game but the shot went wide and once again Red Bulls were denied. However, it would be an Henry goal in the 81st minute with an assist from Luyindula that would give the Red Bulls the game winning goal and seal their three-points at home.

Heath Pearce with some heat from the Union

In extra time, Conor Casey collided with NYRB’s goalkeeper, Luis Robles in the box. He was given a yellow for the challenge and while it looked brutal to watch – Robles was up on his feet after being examined by medical staff.

Henry was named Man of the Match but don’t let that fool you. As I’m sure other supporters will agree – Dax McCarty was once again proving that he is an integral part of the team. Tim Cahill wore the captain’s armband today and later tweeted, “Proud to wear the armband today for@NewYorkRedBulls and get our first win of the season. Amazing day for players staff and fans #RBNY”

Philadelphia Union tries to hold back NYRB

The Red Bulls take on the Chicago Fire April 7. This is an away game for NYRB and will air on ESPN2.

NYRB Starting XI: Robles; Kimura, Olave, Holgersson, Pearce; Alexander, Juninho, McCarty, Steele, Luyindula, Cahill (c)

Make sure to follow Aerys Soccer on Twitter at @AerysSoccer and like us on Facebook!

Despite out-shooting DC United, 24-4, the New York Red Bulls settled for a 0-0 tie in their 2013 home opener at Red Bull Arena Saturday afternoon in front of a crowd of 22,022 spectators and many more watching on the main NBC network at home. New York now has two points off a 0-1-2 record.

Holgersson and Pontius battle on the pitch

The Red Bulls controlled most of the match and Fabian Espindola came closest in the opening 45 minutes, heading a Thierry Henry feed off the crossbar. Earlier eight minutes in, New York’s Eric Alexander slipped Henry in which forced goalkeeper Bill Hamid to make a full stop.

NYRB’s Thierry Henry

In the 56th minute, Espindola hit the crossbar again, this time from 15 yards out with a left-footed blast. Eric Alexander played it over the top to Henry and the forward volleyed it high. Bill Hamid came up for United later, making a point blank save on Tim Cahill to keep the score line even.

New York defender Brandon Barklage nearly earned three points for the hosts at the end, forcing Hamid to make a last save off the end line with a header.

Dax McCarty was named Man of the Match and rightly deserved. While the game was a draw, it still had the electric feel of a home opener and the team’s morale was optimistic in the end. The Red Bulls are hungry for a win and it is obvious in their play. With Mike Petke in place – the wins should start happening soon.

Dax is Man of the Match

 New York Red Bulls (0-1-2, 2 point) – Luis Robles, Brandon Barklage, Jamison Olave, Markus Holgersson, Heath Pearce, Eric Alexander (Connor Lade 89’), Dax McCarty, Tim Cahill, Jonny Steele (Juninho 68’), Fabian Espindola, Thierry Henry (Amando Moreno 92’+)

D.C. United  (1-1-1, 4 points) – Bill Hamid, James Riley, Brandon McDonald, Dejan Jakovic, Chris Korb, Chris Pontius, Perry Kitchen, Nick DeLeon, Marcelo Saragosa, Dwayne De Rosario (Marcos Sanchez 76’), Lionard Pajoy (Carlos Ruiz 71’)

The New York Red Bulls will hit the road to play against the Montreal Impact on March 23rd with the game airing on MSG.

Images courtesy of New York Red Bulls

Remember when we were happy with that draw last week in Portland? The Rose City was electric and everyone went home sharing the point? Well, that almost happened again in San Jose…and then it didn’t. Oh Roy Miller…what are we going to do with you? Wait, did anyone check if he was in his seat or checked in with the luggage? Roy? Are you there? In any case…let’s talk about the good and the bad that happened in San Jose.

Henry chasing down Wondowlowski

The Red Bulls took the lead in the 16th minute when Eric Alexander picked up his first goal as a Red Bull. New York held onto the lead heading into halftime and were able to hold the same one-goal margin as they edged into the final 10 minutes. But it was Adam Jahn who leveled the score for San Jose in the 83rd minute, and Chris Wondolowski who sealed the victory on a penalty kick in stoppage time.

But wait…what’s that you say? What’s this encroachment business that everyone is talking about? Luis Robles got the best of Chris Wondowlowski’s first PK attempt but it was Roy Miller encroaching that caused it to be called back. Wondo didn’t miss the second time and that was ultimately sealed the win for the Earthquakes. Dax McCarty later was quoted as saying “If you want me to be completely honest, every single time a penalty kick happens, if you want to go by the letter of the law, there is a guy that is stepping into the box every single time before a penalty kick is taken,” he continued with, ““I don’t want to point the finger at anyone. It was a little bit unlucky and a little bit of a mental breakdown. It happened in the playoffs last year.” Yes, a sad reminder of Kenny Cooper’s goal that was called back when an overeager Thierry Henry stepped into the box during the playoffs against DC United.

And while the fall to San Jose can firmly be placed on Roy Miller’s shoulders – the fact is that the team was not communicating and felt like the players were giving each other the silent treatment. Let’s hope everyone has settled whatever differences they have by the home opener on March 16th at RBA when the Red Bulls take on DC United.

As for our favorite NYRB player, Dax McCarty…he’s optimistic and can we say the hardest working player on the pitch – seriously, Jurgen – call him.

Dax McCarty tweets about NYRB loss

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!

Hey footy fans and HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! Wow, 2012 has been pretty crazy, hasn’t it? I honestly can’t believe it’s over! We’ve had a lot of changes around here and there’s been a lot that’s happened in Major League Soccer and all around the world. So, to close out the year, the ladies of Aerys Soccer will take you back and share with you our favorite stories, games, events and more from this past year!

Toni Stone: Arsenal and DC United writer

Theirry Henry makes Arsenal history January 2012 with first appearance as a Gunner since 2007

When my editor Trista Lutgring asked me to write about my favorite soccer memory of 2012, one immediately popped into my head.  It was in early January, just after the transfer window had closed.  Not surprisingly, my favorite team Arsenal had not made a single trade despite a poor start to their season. But there was a silver lining to the new year.  The club borrowed a player on loan from the New York Redbulls.  That player was none other than the Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. It was Henry’s first appearance as a player at Emirates Stadium and a who’s who guest list filled the stands to witness the historic event.  Even David Beckham, an obvious Manchester United former player and fan, was in attendance with his three boys in tow (one of which is an Arsenal fan).

Prior to writing this, I honestly didn’t remember that Arsneal played Leeds that night, or that it was an FA Cup match.  I do remember however, that Henry didn’t start, but when he stood up to warm up, it felt like the entire stadium took in a giant breath and held it.  All eyes widened and even the cameramen found it difficult to pull the camera away from the sidelines and follow match play. As the superstar striker came on to a standing ovation, the anticipation was so high, I look back now and realize that what was expected from him was too much pressure to put on any human.  Fortunately for all of us, Henry is no ordinary human. He touched the ball once maybe twice in the nearly eight minutes he was on the pitch, with fans standing and singing his praises the entire time.  Then Alex Song made a beautiful pass, which Thierry touched once to settle and once more to fire into the upper right corner of the net.

The adrenaline that must have been pumping through that man was contagious.  I can recall his reaction to that goal as if I were watching it in front of me, but I just watched a few thousand Youtube videos to hear the crowd celebrating with him, and well, just because. In his revelry, he ran around the edge of the stadium with his arms outstretched.  He made a quick pit stop to hug his mentor, Arsene Wenger, then continued the festivities along with everyone else wearing a red Arsenal jersey.  That moment was an incredible rush and an inspiring shot in the arm the team needed at that point in the season. Henry’s first appearance as an Arsenal player in many years concluded with a game-winning goal (1-0) and an historic night for all.  Thank you Thierry Henry (and Trista for prompting me to rememeber), for a tremendous 2012 soccer memory.

Tamara Rinehart: La Liga and Seattle Sounders writer

It’s been a crazy year in the football world and naming just one specific moment that stood out for me was tremendously difficult. First off, Real Madrid becoming La Liga champions and Spain winning Euro 2012 was pretty spectacular and a feat for future countries to compete with. But it was a match in Seattle on June 7th that caught me eye (hell, it even made me tear up a bit!)

Alyssa Olszewski: San Jose Earthquakes writer

There were several hugely exciting moments for the San Jose Earthquakes this past season. Ground was broken on their new stadium, the Supporters’ Shield was won, and there was no shortage of drama between the Quakes and their sworn rivals down in Southern California. However, one of my favorite moments came relatively early on in the season, when the Quakes played the Columbus Crew at Buck Shaw Stadium May 19. Columbus had gone up in the 47th minute thanks to a goal by Justin Meram. Crew keeper Andy Grunebaum made some massive saves, including a Wondo penalty kick, and it seemed San Jose was destined to end their unbeaten-at-Buck-Shaw streak earlier than hoped.

Then Gordon Time happened. This was the season of last-minute results for the Earthquakes, and Alan Gordon scored a disproportionate share of those late goals. He came on as a sub in this game in the 60th minute, but, true to form, waited until the 90th minute to score. And what a beauty it was. His first shot clanged off the crossbar but he followed the rebound, completely laying out his massive frame to beat the keeper with an acrobatic half volley.

The stadium erupted, Gordon was tackled by his teammates, and the Quakes managed to hold on for the remaining minutes of extra time to secure a draw.

Terry Munoz: English Premier League writer

The beginning of the 2011-12 EPL season started off great for my club, Manchester City. They were at the top of the table and it looked like the league was ours. Then in the middle of the season, City was no longer playing they way they had at the beginning of the year and Manchester United was at the top of the table, eight points ahead. Somehow, though, City was able to catch up and by the last match day, City and United were tied at the top of the table. The last match, against Queens Park Rangers, was a must win for City.  A loss or draw would mean that United would win the league. Rooney scored the goal for United, but City had also scored. However, QPR equalized much to the disappointment of City fans (and excitement of United fans).

QPR then scored another goal and were winning 2-1. With less than 10 minutes to go, United was winning against Sunderland and City was losing against QPR. Roberto Mancini decided it was time to sub in Edin Dzeko, who then scored for City in the last remaining minutes of the match. This wasn’t enough though. City would need one more goal if they wanted to win their first league title in 40-plus years. Kun Aguero came to the rescue when he scored the winning goal in extra time. City fans everywhere (including myself) were in shock, but excited and thrilled to see City win the league. Supporters of other clubs were also happy, they had wanted anyone but United to win the league. That match was one of the most exciting matches of the season for me, as a City fan, and a very memorable moment for 2012.

Kristian Russell: LA Galaxy writer

Oh man… Picking my favorite LA Galaxy moment this season is easier said than done! So I’ve narrowed it down to two; beating San Jose in the playoffs and winning the MLS Cup again. Beating San Jose was nothing short of epic. LA went in as the underdogs and came out the team to beat on the road to the cup. It was something of a dream! Winning the MLS Cup again was the icing in the cake to the whole season. The way the boys went from last in the league, to the best gave me cold chills… And it’s still does to this day! 2012 was a great season for LA, and 2013 will be right up there with it.

Frances Sullivan: La Liga writer

There were many candidates for my best moment of 2012. From living in Brazil for the Euros to Real Madrid winning their 32nd La Liga title, from watching the USMNT defeat Mexico in the Azteca Stadium to attending my first MLS game (Dallas vs LA), 2012 was a packed year. Nevertheless, I’m going to have to say the USWNT semifinal game against Canada in the Olympics takes the cake this year. I got to watch the game with a bunch of university friends on a giant screen. The thrill of enduring Christine Sinclair scoring three times against the U.S. and watching our girl come back each time was exhilarating! I was barely breathing by the time Alex Morgan’s header crossed the line four minutes into injury time after extra time was already exhausted. I was freaking out! I totally thought the game was going to penalty kicks. Whew! What. A. Game.

Liz Johnsen: Real Salt Lake writer

Late in the season, Real Salt Lake were playing DC United, and it was defiantly not a game for fair weather fans. Someone in Utah must have infuriated Mother Nature, because the rain and wind were vicious – so bad that the ref called a weather delay not even 20 minutes into the game, after an unsettlingly large lightning strike shook the building. But I like to think that’s how all other teams view the RioT when they come play here! I happened to be taking one of my friends who had never been to a game before, and who was skeptical that soccer was entertaining in the slightest way, shape, or form. We had an hour and a half to kill before the storm passed and the game started again, so I began telling her about everything Real Salt Lake and gave her the unofficial tour of the soggy stadium.

The Supporters Section drunks were great entertainment for us as they formed a dance circle (which in this case ended up being more of a who-could-make-dance-motions-the-longest-without-falling-over-circle), and sang some not so PG rated songs. I was shocked when my friend showed some interest in the team and asked about my favorite player, Will Johnson, and some other players who she had heard me talk about in the past. By the time the game had started again, and she was standing, and singing, and having a great time. She even picked out a favorite player! I kept telling her not to worry that the score was 0-0, and that Will would come through and score. It was really crazy because he actually did! Whenever I say someone is going to score, they usually never do, so of course calling that my favorite player would score the game winner was great, but by converting a baseball fan into a soccer fan, I felt accomplished and everyone went home happy. Except for maybe DC United… They just went home wet.

Trista Lutgring: Editor, Columbus Crew and USMNT writer

Okay, so wow. When I issued this assignment, I didn’t even take a second to think about what I would deem my favorite moment of 2012. There were so many around the league, with the United States Men’s National Team and well, just all over the world! But once I got to thinking about it, the Crew fan in me would only let me choose one moment.

Aug. 15, 2012. It was a game against the LA Galaxy that held a lot more meaning than the usual match ups between the Crew and the west-coast team. A week prior to that game, our rookie midfielder Kirk Urso died for reasons unknown at the time. A promising talent from the University of North Carolina, Kirk had played six games for the Crew, starting five of them. As fans, we were excited about his presence on the team. He was hard working, had talent and, more importantly, had a great, promising future with us. I never met Kirk, I didn’t know him personally and never got to sit at Crew Stadium and watch him take the pitch. But to this day, it still gets me that the Crew Nation lost Kirk just as we were getting to know him.

And Columbus didn’t mourn alone. Major League Soccer and its teams grieved with us. It was the first time in the league’s history that a young player had passed during the season. It was quite unreal for all of us. So when the Crew took to the field Aug. 15 for the first time at home since Kirk’s passing, it was pretty emotional. The number 15 was everywhere, commemorating our fallen player. And I’ll never forget when the 15 minute mark in the match happened and everyone fell silent. The supporter’s section, every person in a seat and on the sidelines dead quite for one minute that just stretched on as banners for Kirk were held high. The silence ended with a bagpipe lead rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which made me tear up and still does now that I am remembering it.

It was a moment I’ll never forget; all of MLS banning with the Crew Nation. Kirk was one of us, Forever Massive, and he will be greatly missed.

“Don’t count your time, make your time count.”

Last week we featured David Beckham – the man of many questionable hairstyles. Today, we’re featuring one of the greatest players of his generation, with a celebration some of his best goals throughout his career. Ladies and gents, I give you – Thierry Henry.

Over a span of his 18 years as a professional footballer, the 35-year old Frenchman has played with some of the greatest clubs in the world. He joined Monaco at the ripe age of 17, scoring 20 goals in 105 appearances. After a short stint with Juventus in Serie A, he joined Arsenal FC in 1999. Scoring 174 goals in 254 appearances in his 8 years as a Gunner, Henry would climb atop the ranks as one of the best footballers in the world.

Perhaps one of Henry’s most memorable goals was one scored in October 2005 in a Champions League match against Sparta Prague. Scoring two goals that night, The King of Highbury surpassed Ian Wright’s record at Arsenal for most goals scored with the club. And just look at the bend on that ball!

Now my personal favorite is a goal Henry scored  against Charlton back in ’04. If you love amazing back heel goals, you’ll die over this one.

Now I can’t not show you one of the BEST goals scored in football history, now can I? Undoubtedly the best goal he’s ever scored in his career at Arsenal but the fact it was against Manchester United makes it all the better. Plus Andy Gray’s commentary is top notch.

In 2007, Thierry left the Gunners and made a home at Camp Nou as he suited up for the first time as an FC Barcelona player. Now I couldn’t find just one goal that was amazing enough to share but this video has all the best and memorable goals he scored as a Blaugrana.

Here’s where we get to the ‘Oh my god I can’t believe that just happened’ goal. Henry made headlines when he signed a deal with MLS club, the New York Redbulls, in 2010 but it was a specific goal against the Chicago Fire that brought a stadium to their feet and a new wave of critics saying “he’s still got it!”

Long live Henry!!

Another weekend, another full slate of matches to look forward to! Serie A and the Bundesliga are back in action, Premier League continues with Manchester United looking for one of their many strikers to put the ball in the net, and a huge MLS clash awaits Sunday night between Eastern Conference leaders Sporting KC and New York Red Bulls. Today’s DKA focuses on many of the top match previews, and as always at this time of year, more transfer news within EPL.

Serie A

Serie A kicks off a new season today, and Juventus are the clear favorites to repeat as champions. But will they be the same without Alessandro Del Piero? And what other clubs are condenters? Soccer by Ives offers a comprehensive preview of the season ahead.

English Premier League

Manchester United will look to get back to their winning ways against a Dempsey-less Fulham today, but don’t expect it to be “a walkover” for United, writes ESPN’s Mark Payne.

Liverpool meets Manchester City on Sunday and all eyes are on new signing Fabio Borini as Liverpool faces another tough test after their defeat at West Brom last week.

Chelsea signed two new players on Friday, Wigan striker Victor Moses and Marseille full back Cesar Azpilicueta.

Is Scott Sinclair’s switch from Swansea to Manchester City the right move for the young striker? SI’s Georgina Turner looks at his growth from bit player at Chelsea to everyday starter at Swansea and how this move could help him take the next step in his game.

 Major League Soccer

In a match nobody will be telling their grandkids about, Salt Lake and Philly finished with a scoreless draw last night as Real continued to struggle on the road, even with their new 4-1-4-1 formation.

Ignore the first five months. The time is now for F.C. Dallas, who now has hope of grabbing a postseason spot, thanks in large part to the return of  2010 MVP David Ferreira.

Ryan Meara’s season is over, after the rookie Red Bulls goalkeeper had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip yesterday.

The Vancouver Whitecaps’ digital media department has taken the rivalry of the Cascadia Cup clash with Portland to new heights in this video dubbed “Battle of the Hearts.” A must-watch for any MLS fan.

The top two teams in the Eastern Conference meet tomorrow night, with Sporting KC looking to hold their narrow lead atop the standings and extend their three game winning streak. The Red Bulls, who will be without captain and new dad Thierry Henry, look to extend their 2-game streak and return to the top of the conference.

Follow @AerysSoccer on Twitter for more of today’s top news and reactions to the weekend’s matches!