Yankees president Randy Levine (left), MLS commish Don Garber and MCFC CEO Ferran Soriano

Starbucks? Check. Shouty caps? Check. Put on that seatbelt because it’s going to be a very bumpy ride! What’s that you say? You’ve heard it all and seen it all now! MLS’ 20th team is the love child between the New York Yankees and Manchester City that has been crowned New York City FC. That is a mouthful and some on Twitter are already calling it York City because when it comes to New York…we already have two teams (Red Bulls and the NASL’s Cosmos). Commence flailing muppet arms!

It’s no secret that MLS has been looking to expand – what’s the phrase we’ve heard for the last few years? “Grow the game” and it looks like after all the speculating that an agreement was reached between two super teams to create a team that is already creating the drama (as we’ve all come to know in this beautiful game that we love).

Here is the official word from Major League Soccer:

 In order to begin play in 2015, NYCFC will arrange for an interim venue but will also seek a permanent home in New York. The club says it will continue the discussions already under way with the City of New York, local residents, community and business leaders, and soccer leagues about a possible new stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (FMCP) in Queens, while also continuing to look at other potential sites.

“New York City FC will have a permanent home in the City in the great traditions of New York sports and world soccer — a home that must be a sports, commercial and civic success,” Soriano said. “But in considering any stadium site, we will listen first. This is what we have always done in Manchester and what we will do in New York. Only in this way, can the Club truly represent the City whose name it will carry.”

According to Reuters, Sheikh Mansour, who has pumped hundreds of millions of pounds into Premier League club Man City since buying it in 2008, will be the “majority partner” in NYCFC while the Yankees will be an “active member of the ownership group.” A team that is ready to battle for New York is my new personal love, The Red Bulls, and while they do not play in New York proper, they do have a specially built stadium in Harrison, NJ. While the rivalry has already begun, it is currently being said that NYCFC may have to share a stadium in the interim (oh, we know how well that worked out for Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy). Stadium woes aside – some talk has begun on where the players will come from and that it may be a feeder team from Man City of young and nearly retired players. Do you hear that? Do you? I believe Vincent Kompany was spotted in New York City today…wait, what’s that you say? Joe Hart? Stop! I know the team is in the US for a summer tour but … Don’t get a girl’s hopes up.

And if you like to be ahead of the trend, you can follow NYCFC on Twitter and visit their team site for all the latest news. Let the speculation begin for players that will be selected for the first season starting in 2015. What are your thoughts? Good/bad? Let us know in the comments!

And the clock of survival is ticking! That is if you’re Osasuna, Deportivo La Coruña, Real Zaragoza, Mallorca, or Celta Vigo.

These are the bottom five teams in La Liga. The last three, right now Celta, Mallorca and Zaragoza, will be relegated. All five teams are really close on point so just about anything can happen in the final two weeks. As of this past weekend, here are the point standings of these teams:
Osasuna-  36 points
Deportivo La Coruña- 35 points
Real Zaragoza- 34 points
Mallorca- 32 points
Celta Vigo- 31 points

None of these struggling teams face each other in the final two matches of the season. For most of these clubs, relegation could mean financial disaster. Therefore they’ll have to fight tooth and nail in their final matches in order to survive. So grab your popcorn because it’s gonna be one wild ride of hope and desperation.

Zaragoza’s loss to Athletic Bilbao compounds sense of impending doom

At the other end of the table, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid are pretty solid in their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd spots. However, Real Sociedad and Valencia are still tied on points for 4th place and that last golden Champions League spot. Valencia still have to host Granada and face Sevilla away; Real Sociedad will welcome Real Madrid then also play away to Deportivo for their last matches. While this tie could also go either way, my money is on la Real (aka Real Sociedad) to qualify for the Champions League!

Here are the full results from the weekend:

Saturday:
Getafe 0-1 Valencia
Granada 3-0 Osasuna
Sevilla 1-2 Real Sociedad

Sunday:
Levante 2-3 Rayo Vallecano
Deportivo La Coruña 2-0 Espanyol
Real Zaragoza 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona 2-1 Real Valladolid

Monday:
Mallorca 1-0 Real Betis

Photo courtesy of ligabbva.com. Check in with @AerysSoccer on a daily basis for the latest headlines in soccer news!

As most of you know, Mourinho will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season. It’s official. To be honest, I’m not surprised. The last season according to Mou, was a failure and the worst of his career. Don’t worry Papa Mou, it was harder for us to watch, believe me.

Today, president Florentino Perez issued this statement:

“After three years we both agreed this was the correct moment to finish. With Mourinho, we made a big leap competitively and sporting-wise. Today Madrid is where it ought to be. We had not reached that level prior to his arrival, so the balance of his stay here was positive.”

I can remember when he first  came to Madrid, I was thrilled beyond belief. Finally we’ll win some titles! I thought. When it was good it was brilliant and when it was bad it was heartbreaking. That’s the story of the last three years, full of joy and sorrow.

But instead of focusing on the fiery dynamic between Mourinho and players this past season or the antics he’s shown against opponents on/off the pitch or during press conferences; how about we focus on all the good things he as a manager has brought the club?

With Mou as our manager, we’ve been dealt many cards. We’ve celebrated on the streets in Madrid, we’ve shed tears and we’ve embraced each other in times of defeat.

These past three years were memorable times for Madrid. Between the years of 2003-2010, Madrid only managed to win three trophies yet in a three-year span with Mourinho, they’ve managed the same results.

We watched Real Madrid beat Barcelona numerous times which brought this club and the supporters closer together.

As Madridistas, we are born to accept everyone that has both entered and exited this club, whether it be a player or a manager. Today is no different. The show must go on!

Jose Mourinho, the special one, you will be missed. Thank you for all that you’ve done for our club in your short time with us in Madrid. Without you, your passion and determination for the game, we’ve surpassed all expectations.

I personally, wish you the best in the future and even though you’re likely heading to Chelsea, I still dream that one day you’ll grace Emirates and lead Arsenal to some silverware (it never hurts to dream, guys!)

Obrigado.

Oh and before I forget! Happy 32nd Birthday to Madrid captain, Iker Casillas. Feliz cumplé San Iker!

The irony in today’s events are making me laugh.

photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls facebook page

Tim Cahill did it again! With a late game goal, the New York Red Bulls held onto their first place in the Eastern Conference. Sunday’s early game on ESPN against the LA Galaxy was touted as a clash of two giant teams. It was a nice follow-up to the early morning Premiere League game where Arsenal held onto their place in the league. But the NY v. LA game was anything but blue skies and sunshine…

photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls facebook page

The first half had the Galaxy dominating the game and creating plenty of chances but New York’s defense was up for the challenge. Both teams were putting in the work. NY’s Juninho, Cahill and Thierry Henry worked hard at making plays happen but those chances never found their mark. Espindola tried to get a slow roll past LA’s Carlo Cudicini but it was an easy catch and both teams headed into the half still at 0-0. Don’t think that the Galaxy didn’t have a remarkable attempt from Robbie Keane with a curling free kick that was reminiscent of the now retired, David Beckham.

photo courtesy of NYRB’s facebook page

Both teams came into the second half locked and loaded to make things happen. With the rain falling, it seemed that the Galaxy couldn’t gain their footing. The 61st minute had Landon Donovan launching one from just outside the 18 but his attempt at the far post goes over the crossbar. Some great passing from New York still couldn’t get through LA’s defense. Fan favorite, Dax McCarty was brought on in the 77th minute. With the clock ticking, some were wondering if we would have the game ending nil for both teams. That would change in the stoppage time goal for the man we’ve started calling, King Cahill.

photo courtesy of NYRB’s facebook page

This is New York’s fourth game in a winning streak that had Jamison Olave being named Man of the Match. The New York Red Bulls will have another chance to pick up three points when at home when they play the Columbus Crew.

Real Salt Lake have historically done well against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center, and are now 5-0-0 against the Goats when playing at their stadium, outscoring them 14-2.

RSL couldn’t have asked for a much better start. Luis Gil sent the ball into the middle to Javier Morales, who passed it through to Ned Grabavoy. Grabavoy then slipped the ball past Dan Kennedy, giving the away team the lead in the 4th minute. Chivas USA enjoyed some possession in response to the RSL goal, creating some chances that were all headed high or wide.

Joao Plata had a field day with the Chivas defenders, using his speed and surprising strength to pass by them with ease. Just before half time, Plata curled the ball just wide of Kennedy’s post and it was easy to see that he was hungry for a goal.

Three minutes into the second half, Plata opened his scoring account for RSL. Kyle Beckerman headed the ball in behind the defense, which Plata ran onto, pulling Kennedy slightly out of position, and slotting it home to double his team’s lead. It looked as if RSL would put the game away easily from that point on, but it was Chivas USA who struck next. A cross into the box that RSL’s defense failed to deal with bounced off the back of the head of an unknowing Jorge Villafaña and into the net. 2-1 RSL in the 55th minute.

Something you rarely see happened in this game. Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy came up to the RSL half to take a free kick, although he shot it straight into the wall of RSL players protecting their goal.

Nick Rimando once again proved why he is the best keeper in MLS. Jose Correa powered a shot from inside the 18 yard box towards the goal, but Rimando denied Correa the goal with a heroic kick save. Not even five minuted later, Correa once again shot the ball hard from inside the box, but Nick Rimando was there again to prevent the goal.

RSL had chance after chance to put the game away, but weren’t able to find the back of the net again until the 78th minute when a Javier Morales corner was played short to Yordany Alvarez who crossed the ball to Robbie Findley at the back post. Findley made no mistake and roofed the ball into the back of the net.

Khari Stephenson played the ball through the middle to an onrushing Ned Grabavoy. Grabavoy bagged his second of the night by nutmegging Dan Kennedy. Shortly after, the final whistle blew. 4-1 was the final score in favor of the visitors.

The San Jose Earthquakes sang an old, familiar tune as they fought to yet another draw (the sixth this season). This time the goonie goal came in the 78th minute, courtesy of a beautiful Marvin Chavez free kick. This equalized the game following the goal scored by Colorado’s Nathan Sturgis in the 26th minute.

Marvin Chavez

Last night’s drama was enhanced by a red card given to Colorado’s Shane O’Neill in the 90th minute for denying Chris Wondolowski a clear goal scoring opportunity just outside the penalty box. Unfortunately, the resulting free kick did not provide the go-ahead goal the team–and indeed the whole stadium–was waiting for. Even the 5 minutes of injury time, which the Quakes have been known to do mind-blowing things with, was not enough for the boys in black to find the game-winner.

Despite the flatness of another 1-1 tie, I find that I too retain that hopeful spirit and my heart echoes the refrain of “next time!” Sadly, I will be rooting San Jose on from my living room, as a four-game road stretch begins next Saturday. The Earthquakes will not be playing in the area until the much-anticipated California Clasico that will take place at Stanford Stadium on June 29th.

In conclusion, friends, keep the faith! Goonies never say die!

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes Facebook page–John Todd/isiphotos.com

The clash of the two MLS powerhouses is usually nothing short of entertaining. Every time these two teams meet the stars align and things fit perfectly. You would think since this is the only meeting of these teams this season it would be exciting. Except today; today’s game was kind of boring. From LA Galaxy’s perspective today’s game was a tough one; they had to play without their driving force Mike Magee. Magee is suffering from an ankle sprain that kept him out of the lineup. LA had a chance to win it, and looked like they would until New York Red Bulls’ Tim Cahill took it away. At least Cahill is on my fantasy team…

First half was interesting. In the 10th minute LA Galaxy’s Juninho had to be subbed out because he had a right shin injury. This plus the absence of Magee proved to be a difficult challenge for the midfield. They could not serve the ball into the box or make the critical passes that needed to be made. New York started breaking LA down piece by piece.

In the 28th minute NY strung together a string of passes that put LA in a hole, and Cudicini tried to save the day but FAILED, and as all hope was being lost AJ DeLaGarza came to the rescue and cleared the ball off the goal line. This is not the first time Cudicini has made a mistake like that, in the first two games he was off his line every two seconds. I thought he had moved passed that stage, but apparently he hasn’t. Even though NY had most of the possession LA still had a great chance on goal in the 40th minute.

Robbie Keane took a free kick that people deemed “David Beckham worthy”, it was good but NY’s keeper made the save to keep the score level 0-0 as the teams headed into the half.

Second half LA opened up their play, and took control of the game. In the 61st minute Donovan had a crack at goal, but shot it just over the bar. LA had shot after shot, but just could not finish. In the 87th minute Robbie Keane had a chance to take it home for LA, but his header was just wide. As time was winding down and three minutes of stoppage time were added, I was feeling good about LA coming away with a draw. Then, low and behold in the 91st minute Tim Cahill gave New York the goal they needed to steal the three points.

I can’t explain to you how annoying it is when the keeper yells at the other players like it is their fault. Cudicini did just that to Marcelo Sarvas, and it wasn’t even Sarvas’ fault! The ball was in the 6-yard box, which everyone knows is the keeper’s box and the keeper should get ANY ball that comes that close to goal… but no, Cudicini just stood there and gave away three points. Annoyed was an understatement. It was ridiculous, and something that hadn’t happened to LA in four games. UGGGHHH. As the final whistle blew NY had topped LA 1-0, and came away with the three points. On this three game road trip LA only came away with three points, disappointing but still not as bad as zero points in three games!

LA’s next game will be May 26th against Seattle.

In other LA Galaxy news, it was announced earlier this week that Frank Lampard was staying at Chelsea. This opened up tons of questions on who would be LA’s third DP. Many think they should get a midfielder who has a service that is near the accuracy of Beckham’s, because LA has been missing that. Other people think the third DP should go to Omar Gonzalez because if not, then LA could lose him next year. All of this is just speculation on things to come; I’ll keep you guys updated as things progress!

Well, it didn’t take long for the top scorer in the MLS to notch  another goal under his belt against the Chicago Fire.  With only 3 minutes into the match, Philadelphia Union’s Jack McInerney  headed in his righth goal of the year and beat the Fire 1-0.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Fire official Facebook page.

The young phenom is tearing up the MLS  and The Chicago Fire.  He has more goals than the entire Chicago Fire team.  Just like last week, he put the stop on the Fire and scored the only goal of the match as well. Fast forward to Saturday’s rubber match and The Jack Attack was back at it again.  The Union selected forward Jack McInerney with the seventh overall selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and Philly is looking brilliant for doing so.  Jack is playing lights out in MLS soccer;  the Chicago Fire on the other hand are playing like the lights are out!

With zero goals and zero points in the last two games, the Fire need to find a line-up that can produce.  Chicago Fire Head Coach Frank Klopas is scratching is head and wondering what has happened to his team.  I am doing the same.  The Big Red is seeing red;  they are at the bottom of  The Eastern Conference with only seven points.  If they can’t get it together soon, they will be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.

The Fire will have another week off until they play the lonely DC United.  The only team in the Eastern conference who has less points (4) than The Fire.  It will be the battle of last place.  At least Chicago will be at home for this match.  Home games seem to be a good omen for The Fire,  they are the only two games they have won this season.   Chicago really need this win to have an outside chance to make a run for those playoffs.  We’ll have to wait and see.

Congratulations to Atlético Madrid for winning the 2013 Copa del Rey!! They beat Real Madrid 2-1 after a chaotic game and 30 minutes of extra time. This marks the first time Atleti have beaten Real Madrid since 1999. Atlético also ended Real Madrid’s 2 year home unbeaten streak (about 40+ games). At the end of this season Atleti will have claimed 3rd place in La Liga, qualified for next year’s Champions League, and won the Copa del Rey. Congratulations!

Atlético Madrid win 2013 Copa del Rey

On the flip side, this was a terrible ending to a terrible season for Real Madrid. They’ll finish 2nd in La Liga, 10 points behind champions Barcelona. They failed to come back against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semifinals and were subsequently eliminated. I don’t even want to talk about all the drama surrounding the club this season. And they just lost what looked to be their best shot at winning some silverware this season.

For the past two hours (and most of this season, really) my reaction to Real Madrid’s game looked something like this: 

It’s hard to blame any one party for the way this season has gone and, if we’re being honest, finger-pointing usually goes badly. However, I’m going to ask you to give me a little bit of leeway because I’m hurting pretty badly after this loss.

The main target of my anger is the ref, Clos Gomez. He did make some good decisions every now and then, but he was inconsistent and clearly lost control of the game. By the final whistle, he had handed out 7 yellow cards to Real Madrid, six yellow cards to Atlético Madrid, and a red card each. I’m not even entirely sure why Gabi was sent off for Atleti. Half the time Gomez carded a player on their first offense; the other half of the time he waited until the 5th or 6th foul to show them a card.

He’s as appalled as I was.

The one sending off that really rubbed me wrong was José Mourinho. As far as I could see, it was the first time Mou had gotten up from his seat to yell at the pitch whereas Diego Simeone had spent the entire game standing! I guess Mou had to have said something terrible to warrant the sending off, but there’s no way Gomez would’ve heard it from where he was standing.

I kinda loathe myself for saying this but…Cristiano Ronaldo deserved his red card. The idiot kicked his opponent in the nose.

Above all else, pure luck was against Real Madrid. Los blancos should have easily won this game with as many shots as they had hit the post. That plus Thibaut Courtois’s phenomenal goalkeeping display stopped about 4 or 5 of Real Madrid’s closest chances. There was one period of a couple minutes where Real kept pinging the ball towards the net and it looked like a force field was over the line flinging the ball straight back. Unbelievable.

Now all we can do is wait. Wait to see if Mourinho goes or stays (my bet is he returns to England). Wait to see which players leave Real Madrid (unfortunately I think quite a few are on the way out). Wait to see if Atlético can hold onto Radamel Falcao (probably not). And wait for the start of next season which will hopefully wash away the remnants of a shoddy season for Real Madrid.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to bury myself in comfort food.

Photos courtesy of www.ligabbva.com, www.guardian.co.uk, and tumblr.com. Check in with @AerysSoccer every day for the latest news on La Liga, the EPL, and MLS.

As everyone knows by now, David Beckham announced his retirement from soccer yesterday morning. At the end of the season Becks will hang up his cleats. We all knew this was coming, but not this soon. Even though he is 38, I expected he would have at least another year under his belt.. But that is not the case. Here at Aerys we love David Beckham and all that he has done for MLS. So today it is ALL about Beckham!

Even before he stepped on the field for Man United, Beckham was a part of a FA Youth club and he helped them win the FA Youth Cup in May of 1992. That same year he made his first team debut for Manchester United, and shortly after he signed his first professional soccer contract. From then on it was Beckham’s world, he was called up to the England National team (He has 115 caps and 17 goals for England) and everything was perfect… Until that monumental summer day in 1998. England was playing Argentina in a World Cup Qualifying round when things were getting chippy and Becks made a huge mistake- he was lying on the ground and kicked at Diego Simeone. This ultimately cost England their World Cup place. You can watch the whole thing over here.

All of this brought on a controversial time for Becks, and the next year he made all of the haters drink their haterade and shut their mouths. It was arguably the best season of his career, helping Man United win the Champions League Final. The World was back in the palm of Beckham’s hand. He left Man United in 2003 and played for Real Madrid where he won yet another trophy. After spending four years with Madrid Beckham made a decision that helped put American soccer on the map, he signed a deal with LA Galaxy. Not only has Beckham made a name for himself, he helped MLS soccer out tremendously. People around the World know about MLS teams, before Beckham hardly anyone knew! It is an amazing thing.

You can watch Beckham’s interview about his retirement over here. He talks about his decision, and why he feels it is the right time to retire… and do it while he is on top.

Let’s get to his trophy cabinet, because that thing is SPECTACULAR. He has won four championships in four different countries. The talent of this man knows no bounds, and it shows.

Manchester United
Premier League – 1996, 1997, 1999, 200, 2001, 2003
Champions League – 1999
FA Cup – 1996, 1999
Community Shield – 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
Intercontinental Cup – 1999
FA Youth Cup – 1992

Beckham with the Premier League Trophy (Man United)

Real Madrid
La Liga  - 2007
Spanish Super Cup – 2003

Beckham with the Spanish Cup (Real Madrid)

LA Galaxy
MLS Cup – 2011, 2012

Beckham with the 2012 MLS Cup trophy. (LA Galaxy)

Paris Saint-Germain
Ligue 1 - 2013

PSG hasn’t received their trophy yet, so here’s Becks in his last game with them… receiving a red card.

Personally Becks turned me on to the MLS. Sure I watched the USMNT play but it wasn’t until 2008 that I actually sat down and watched a MLS game. From then on I was hooked, and I have not missed a LA Galaxy game to this day. In 2009 I had the opportunity to go to DC and see LA play. It was the greatest day of my life. Not only was I watching my favorite team live for the first time, I was watching the Demi-God of soccer make incredible passes and take breathtaking corners. At one point I almost cried because I was in such awe at Becks, then it happened. At the end of the game he pointed right at me and waved. I will never forget it, ever.

Some people might be thinking that is weird but to me it was like he had asked for my hand in marriage. It meant that much, and it still does. So I would just like to thank Becks for everything, and he has an open invitation to stay at my house if he ever comes to North Carolina! I’m still crossing my fingers he’ll pull a Brett Favre and when next season rolls around he’ll announce his un-retirement. You never know…

Everyone here at Aerys wishes Becks the best of luck in whatever his next adventure is. We all love him no matter what he does, as long as he keeps making the shirtless commercials.