Visit any of the major soccer message boards that cater to U.S soccer fans and you will likely read virtually the same threads over and over.

Threads about how some political commentator believes soccer is destroying America, threads about how some sports media talking head (most notably ESPN's Jim Rome) hates soccer, threads about starting a Facebook for soccer defenders, and threads about how Fox Soccer.com writer Jamie Trecker is an idiot for being critical of soccer in the U.S.

You also have the threads about how bad the MLS sucks, how much U.S fans who like Real Madrid, Barca, or "the big four" aren't really soccer fans, threads about how horrible the U.S. National Team is, and threads lecturing us referring to soccer as football and America football as "throwball."

The sports' biggest fans have fallen into a self-imposed form of Balkanization, where cyberspace has reduced soccer fans in the U.S into two categories: the true believers and the Europhiles.

The true believers are primarily those who grew up with the game as kids, played through their teens or even in college, and held onto their love of soccer well into adulthood.

I might fall into this category, if not for the fact that I somehow have bypassed the delusional nature that many soccer fans in this nation have fell victim to.

Aside from the genesis of the true believers' love for the beautiful game, there are also other traits that we can distill into the Five Commandments of the American Soccer True Believer:

Commandment One: Thou shall have no other sports before thee.

Commandment Two: Thou shall always be looking around every corner for any example of somebody disrespecting soccer.

Commandment Three: Thou shall never speak ill of MLS.

Commandment Four: Thou must always overestimate the U.S. Men's National Team's chances in any international contest.

Commandment Five: Thou shall proselytize the entire world as to the greatness of American soccer.

The true believer is a believer in the possibilities of American soccer, to the point that they become delusional or downright annoying in their support for anything remotely critical of the sport (or any American institution related to the sport).

You cannot like American football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport if you are a true believer because interest in other sports is some sign of treason.

The true believer is always on the lookout for the latest anti-soccer rant from ESPN talking heads like Jim Rome or Colin Cowherd, and will boost their ratings by watching and listening to their respective shows just to find an occasional anti-soccer rant they can get upset over.

Then there is the constant zeal that the true believer has on a quest to "convert" every American football, baseball, and hockey fan in the world into a soccer fan.

Not just a soccer fan mind you, but an American soccer fan, who feels the need to spread the gospel of American soccer with the zeal of a missionary, converting both the unwashed (American) football loving masses and the naysayers that question the quality of soccer in this nation as well.

Speaking of those soccer fans that question the quality of American soccer, they are known among the Internet community as Europhiles or as the true believers refer to them, "the Euro snobs."

The Europhile might be a European immigrant, or more likely, they might be somebody who grew up like the true believer yet tries too hard to seem overly sophisticated concerning the world's game.

Europhiles have their own Five Commandments that they follow just as dogmatically as the true believer does:

Commandment One: Thou shall have no other sports before thee.

Commandment Two: Thou shall label the followers of any big-money European club as "posers."

Commandment Three: Thou shall tell anybody who will listen that MLS is garbage.

Commandment Four: Thou will follow the U.S Men's National Team, but have a primary allegiance to a National side of a nation where you have never lived nor ever plan on ever living.

Commandment Five: Thou shall hate ESPN because of their EPL bias.

A few months back on a college basketball message board (CAUTION: I like other sports aside from soccer), I was lectured by a Celtic fan that the only "true soccer fans" were those posting in the thread that support Celtic, Fennerbache, and West Ham.

In the mind of the Europhile, the "true soccer fan" is one who finds a club that the average sports-savvy American (or casual soccer fan) has never heard of and disregards fans of "glamour clubs" as posers.

I feel no need to defend being a Manchester United supporter for 15 years, becoming a fan of the club, because I was a fan of Eric Cantona and supporting the Red Devils ever since Gordon Strachan ran "Eric the Great" out of Leeds.

Even more frustrating is the constant reminder of how "third-rate" soccer in the United States is in relation to the rest of the world.

Aside from the most hardcore of true believers, most soccer fans in the U.S know that MLS is nowhere near the quality of the English Premiership, La Liga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga; however neither are 99% of the domestic leagues in the world.

The purpose of MLS isn't to compete with the giants of Europe or even Argentina and Brazil, but rather to provide a professional league for American players and develop fan interest in the sport.

However, where both sides fail is that they view soccer in this nation as a zero-sum game.

Either the U.S Men's National Team is elite, or they aren't worthy to be on the same pitch as even a mid-level European or South American side. Either MLS is truly Major League Soccer or it's quality is somewhere near the Lichstenstein First Division.

American soccer fans must spread the Gospel of Joga Bonito, however, it needs to either be the American soccer Good News that is spread. Also, be sure you follow the right European club or risk being labeled a neophyte or a poseur.

The common trait among both groups that seem to populate the American soccer Internet community is simply insecurity.

Who cares what Jim Rome and his "clones" think about soccer? Who cares how "hardcore" your fandom credentials are because you support Hull City or Wigan rather than Chelsea or Arsenal?

Such insecurities do nothing but make soccer fans—and by extension, soccer itself—look petty and second rate in comparison to fans of the "major" U.S sports.

Legendary soccer writer Pete Gardner once said of soccer, "At its best, football is an exhilarating, highly-athletic contest between 22 of the greatest athletes in the world. At its worst, it’s a tremendous bore."

If someone with no background as a soccer fan watched today’s UEFA Champions League second leg quarterfinal match between Chelsea and Liverpool (eight goals!!!) and gains an interest in soccer, then that is a great thing.

The game has sold itself for its positive attributes, yet some would complain that MLS deserves that attention or that because the new soccer fan might become a Chelsea supporter and thus not a "real fan."

That same new fan might even check out a MLS match someday, yet beware that some of you will be sure to question the intelligence of this new fan by leading him to believe that MLS is an elite brand of soccer, or on the other hand insult him or her for wasting their time on such an inferior product.

Now for the hard truth for both parties:  soccer will never be bigger than football, baseball, or basketball in this country and the reasons are far too many to include in this article.

However, if soccer is going to grow and improve in this nation the true believers, then the Europhiles must leave their insecurities and personal beliefs behind for the sport and potential fan base to grow.

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The LA Galaxy have announced that Galaxy forward Landon Donovan will re-join the club as scheduled following the conclusion of his loan to German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich.

Donovan will return to training with the Galaxy on Tuesday, March 10, two weeks before the Galaxy's season opener against D.C. United at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, March 22.

"We are looking forward to Landon re-joining the club next week as we continue our final preparations for the 2009 MLS Season, including our final preseason match against the Chicago Fire in Tempe, Arizona," LA Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena said. "He is a very important part of our club and will be coming back to us very motivated and fit for the upcoming season."

Since joining Bayern during the club's winter break in January, Donovan made five Bundesliga appearances and one DFB Cup appearance, which marked his competitive debut with the club in a 5-1 win against Stuttgart on January 27. He went on to make his first Bundesliga appearance three days later during a 1-0 loss at Hamburg.

During five winter friendly matches Donovan scored four goals with Bayern, including a two-goal performance against German second-division Mainz on January 22. His first game came in a friendly against Al-Jazira on January 10, playing the full 90 minutes and earning an assist.

"I am very excited to be returning home to my teammates and the LA Galaxy. I would like to thank Bayern Munich for the opportunity to play with one of the premier clubs in Europe, as well as all their coaches and players for welcoming me into the Club," said Donovan. "Although the results were not what we had hoped for, the time in Germany still was very positive for me. I am fit, motivated, and excited to be coming back as a better, more experienced player."

As the Galaxy's 2008 MVP, Donovan scored a career-best 20 goals last year to the lead MLS, while adding nine assists in 25 games. He is the all-time leading scorer in U.S. National Team history with 37 goals in 107 appearances for the Red, White and Blue. The 26-year old has 52 goals and 40 assists in his four years with the Galaxy, making him the club's second leading scorer all-time.

In his eight seasons in MLS, Donovan, who began his professional career with fellow German club Bayer Leverkusen, has 84 goals and 69 assists in 183 games, making him one of just four players in league history with 80 goals and 65 assists.

On Saturday, March 14 the Galaxy will play their final preseason game of 2009 when they take on the Chicago Fire at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., in the inaugural PHX Soccer Clasico.

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Unlike Klum, however, Heather is more than just another pretty face. She also doubles as one of the WPS top defenders.  

On a personal side of Heather she graduated from U of F with a degree in Advertising and worked for ESPN as a sideline reporter on college football during the 2005 seasons. She also served as a studio analyst for ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 during the 2007 & 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups and was the sideline reporter for several MLS broadcasts in 2005.

Mitts has done color commentary for Sunshine Network and for Fox Sports South on women’s college soccer games.

A self admitted "Life Highlight was when she “Ran with the Bulls” in Pamplona, Spain in 1999.

In her free time she loves watching and playing sports, and as an avid squash tennis and golfer player.

Heather comes from an athletic family as her father, Don, a cardiac surgeon at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, played basketball at Kentucky under Adolph Rupp, while her brother, Brian played soccer at the University of Kentucky. Her mother, Jan Peck, is a personal trainer.

You can find more information about Heather at her personal web site at www.heathermitts.com.

The Breakers next game is Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 PM in Germantown, MD against the Washington Freedom. Their next home game will take place on May 2nd at 7:00 against the Los Angeles Sol. All home games are played at historic Harvard Stadium. Tickets are available on line. For groups over 20 please call 1-781-251-2100.

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Any fan of soccer understands the importance of a yellow card and the necessity of a red card. But the display by Tim Weyland in the SuperClasico was outrageous and unnecessary.

A referee should never be noticed during a game of soccer.

The fact his name was mentioned by Alexi Lalas and John Harkes on ESPN Saturday night more times than any single player, is an embarrassment.

The match between the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA was a derby. A rivalry. A game for the city of Los Angeles. For pride. Of course we expect players to be chippy, a little excited to open the game. That is what the fans and the coaches want.

Two fouls were obvious cards; The Galaxy's Gregg Berhalter deserved a red card for halting a scoring chance and Chivas' Paulo Nagamura's second yellow was deserving.

How were nine cards thrown?

A card every 10 minutes. As many cards as shots on goal. This destroys the flow of the beautiful game.

No doubt, most were fouls. But cards change a game and ruin the excitement of the only derby in Major League Soccer.

Longest time between cards: 23 minutes. Totals: 31 fouls, 9 cards, 0 goals. 19 players on the field at the end of the match.

Let us hope the next SuperClasico allows Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy the chance to put on the show we all expect from their derby.

Tim Weyland can watch from home.

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An irreverent look at FSC’s Game of the Week

Fox Soccer Channel announced last Monday that it had acquired the rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions League in the United States—a privilege held by ESPN since 1994.

FSC already provides extensive live coverage of English and Italian league matches, and is rightfully exalted for its promotion of soccer in North America, but the channel could provide a major boost to the league in its own backyard by improving its presentation of Major League Soccer.

Domestically, ESPN are blessed with the perceptiveness of former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder John Harkes who adds astute analysis to the experienced play-by-play commentary of J.P. Dellacamera.

The story is markedly different on FSC—as I was reminded during Saturday’s clash between Houston Dynamo and New York Red Bulls.

Commentators are efficacious when keeping a low profile. Soccer fans are largely a savvy crew with a deep knowledge of the game, meaning that perpetual chatter is not required—the game speaks for itself.

Cogent commentators enhance the viewing experience by punctuating the action with occasional facts, colourful statistics, or sound opinions on the tactical battle unfolding.

These are skills that FSC duo Max Bretos and Christopher Sullivan are a long way from mastering.

In fact, this duo could learn a lot from the punters on Sky Sports' Fanzone.

If there was a silver lining in the fourth minute collision between Red Bulls goalkeeper Danny Cepero and Dynamo forward Kei Kamara that saw the former depart the field with a concussion, it was that Bretos realised Cepero had been briefly keeping goal behind New York’s defence—the seemingly ubiquitous custodian having already been credited with a couple of smart saves from his own forwards some 110 yards away.

The perennially garrulous Sullivan shared his esteemed assessment of the incident and the medical team’s procedures.

What looked like two committed players throwing themselves bravely at Brad Davis’ inswinging free kick took on new light as he opined: “Kamara has to have a better coordination.” Quite.

“Christopher’s Keys” followed—a segment where the veteran of the USA’s 1990 World Cup team outlines his three strategies for both teams. Revelations need not apply.

Houston needed to “set the tone”—as the home team usually looks to do—while New York needed to “support the attack”—as any team usually looks to do.

Sullivan’s knack for depicting the obvious shone through when Juan Pietravallo was booked for a high kick into the face of Brad Davis. He informed viewers that: “This is a dangerous play. He kicks right into the face.”

What more that didn’t need to be said could be said?

As the first half continued, Sullivan treated his audience to his unique repertoire of soccer jargon. A forward making a yard of space to get a shot on goal makes a “separating movement”.

A wide midfielder skipping past the full-back makes a “little change of tempo to separate himself”. A counter-attack is a “transitional breakout”. Team-mates passing the ball around make a “transition”, occasionally known as a “collective transition”, or a “three-man combination” if involving a trio of team-mates.

Listening to his analysis reminds me of reading the Anthony Burgess novel A Clockwork Orange—for a while you have absolutely no idea what language you are absorbing.

Dynamo striker Brian Ching had a rare chance to excite demoralised viewers on 36 minutes when he raced clear on substitute Alec Dufty’s goal despite appearing to be at least five yards offside.

The U.S. international could only lob the ball over the approaching stand and into the adjacent car park as the stalemate continued.

A reason for the dismal nature of the opening period was offered by Sullivan. He said of Houston’s struggles: “It’s been very vertical…the wide points have been tight…no fluidity in the combination play.” Enlightening stuff.

The show was somewhat rescued at half-time by the slick studio presentation of Todd Grisham—well-schooled in dealing with pantomime from his alternative employment with World Wrestling Entertainment—but it didn’t take long for the deterioration to set in again.

“Christopher’s Keys” to the second half saw Houston now needing “Higher Pressure” instead of simply “Pressure”, while it was the Red Bulls’ turn to “manage the tempo”.

Ching benefited from commentators’ licence when his routine cutback was eulogised by Sullivan: “He separates himself and has the presence of mind to play that back on a diagonal.”

Unfortunately, his strike partner Kamara could not get on the end of the cross with one of his “slashing runs”.

Bleakness turned to liveliness in the final 15 minutes when referee Hilario Grajeda issued two red cards. New York midfielder Carlos Johnson was dismissed for a late tackle on Geoff Cameron, while Dynamo substitute Mike Chabala followed for a recklessly enthusiastic lunge in stoppage time.

It was a rare occasion where a CONCACAF official was spot on with his decisions, but Bretos seemed unconvinced of Johnson’s dismissal.

He said: “When I first saw the challenge, I thought it was definitely a foul…possibly a yellow card…possibly a red card.” Nothing like keeping your options open.

As Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio looked to reshuffle having already made his three substitutions, Bretos had me wondering whether a new ruling had been adopted by MLS.

“Osorio still has some wiggle room”, he told the nation. “The first substitution will not count as it was an injury to the goalkeeper.”

The situation was clarified moments later as Bretos announced: “I do apologise. New York are out of substitutions.”

It is doubtful whether Sage Sullivan pointed out the error of his colleague’s ways.

So a dreadful game came to a close—the 0-0 scoreline thankfully sparing us from Bretos’ trademark “Yaaaaaaaaay” shouts when a goal is scored—but the disappointment did not end there.

Osorio—one of the league’s more cerebral, tactically astute coaches—sullied his reputation with unnecessary and childish gesticulations to the home fans referencing his team’s 3-0 win at Houston in last year’s MLS play-offs.

Not that Bretos saw fit to criticise Osorio’s actions, as he gleefully told viewers that it was “almost worth watching the whole game just to see that”.

Please Max, leave such observations in the playground in future.

This article first appeared on www.hawksport.com.

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What do Seattle, Chivas, Los Angeles, San Jose, Houston, and New York all have in common? They all had at least one player sent off this weekend. In the case of Los Angeles, it was two, after Alan Gordon picked up two yellow cards within five minutes and Gregg Berhalter denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

With so many players missing in action, it was tough for teams to develop any sort of fluidity in their game. Playing a man down forced some teams into unnaturally defensive postures. This in turn led to three 0-0 or 1-0 scorelines out of seven matches this weekend.

Ugly? I think so. Let's hope for some better results from week five.

After four weeks, we have three unbeaten teams and an astounding five teams still searching for their first win.

Last week's ranking in parenthesis

1. Chivas USA (2)

Despite losing Paulo Nagamura for an entire half, Chivas hung on for a draw with Los Angeles in the Superclasico and now sit by themselves atop the Western Conference standings. Zach Thornton played remarkably well between the pipes to preserve the shutout for Chivas, who remain undefeated.

2. Chicago Fire (3)

They may have only taken home a single point from their match against San Jose, but the offense roared to life with three goals. Brian McBride and Chris Rolfe both jump-started their seasons, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco saw some significant action. Chicago remains undefeated and sits atop the the Eastern Conference with eight points.

3. Seattle Sounders FC (1)

It took 350+ minutes of match action, but Seattle has finally conceded a goal. After having Kasey Keller sent off in the 29th minute for using his hands outside the box, 10-man Seattle unsuccessfully tried to keep Kansas City scoreless. Davy Arnaud put Seattle's shutout streak to rest with a goal in the 80th minute.

4. New England Revolution (4)

New England was off for the week.

5. Real Salt Lake (7)

Salt Lake is rebounding nicely from their season-opening shutout loss at the hands of Seattle. They've now won two straight matches, scoring six times in those two games. Those six goals have been spread out among four players, meaning that opponents must respect a diversified offensive attack. Look for RSL to continue their winning streak against New York this week.

6. Colorado Rapids (6)

Conor Casey continued his hot streak, supplying Colorado's only goal as they drew with defending champs Columbus. In the preseason, there were questions regarding Casey's ability to carry the offense. He's done his best to silence those critics in the past couple of weeks, with four goals in his last two matches.

7. Kansas City Wizards (10)

Kansas City gets a huge bump for being the first club to figure out Seattle. They might have risen even farther if they had beaten a full-strength Seattle squad. Still, you can't be harsh on a club that defeated MLS' best defense.

8. DC United (5)

Luciano Emilio has been dangerous for DC, as always. Unfortunately, Christian Gomez isn't stepping up like the club had hoped. DC needs a better effort at both ends of the pitch if they want to make the playoffs at the end of the season.

9. San Jose Earthquakes (11)

Bobby Convey's 2009 MLS season: one shot, one goal. It's about time he got going. San Jose might have beaten Chicago if not for an 82nd minute red card picked up by Shea Salinas while the 'Quakes were up a goal.

10. Toronto FC (8)

Toronto looked like they would be walking away with all three points, until a late FC Dallas corner took a few lucky deflections and ended up at the feet of Pablo Ricchetti. The inability to hang on could prove to be demoralizing later in the season.

11. Columbus Crew (9)

There's no easy way to say it...Columbus has looked painfully inept this season. For a more in-depth look at the Crew's woes, take a look at this article.

12. LA Galaxy (12)

Los Angeles should be ashamed of the way they performed against Chivas on the weekend. After trying to take advantage of being a man up for 25 minutes, Alan Gordon and Gregg Berhalter got sent off within eight minutes of each other. Suddenly, LA was a man down and fighting to keep Chivas out of the goal. On a positive note, Donovan Ricketts looked fantastic in his first action as the Galaxy keeper.

13. Houston Dynamo (13)

Houston continues to fight with FC Dallas in the race to occupy the cellar in the West. Luckily for their fans, their two losses have come on the road.

14. New York Red Bulls (14)

New York remains among the winless this season. They've only managed one goal in four games this season, but should be happy not to have conceded against Houston this weekend. Juan Pablo Angel is no doubt thrilled that he signed a contract extension before the season began.

15. FC Dallas (15)

Dallas took home their first points of 2009 with a draw at Toronto FC. It's not enough to lift them from the bottom of the power rankings however, as the six teams directly in front of them also took home a point this weekend.

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Angela Hucles is a key member of the Boston Breakers of the new Women's Professional Soccer League. The speedy midfielder hails from Virginia Beach, and played her college ball at University of Virginia, where she received her degree in Anthropology.

Hucles was a proud member of the 2008 Olympic gold medalist team and played every minute of all six games for Team USA. She led the 2008 Olympic team with four goals, scoring against New Zealand, Canada, and Japan (2), and finished the tournament just one goal shy of the overall scoring title.

She had her best year on the National Team in 2008, playing in 18 games heading into the Olympics—all but one off the bench. She scored a dramatic stoppage time game-winning goal for the USA in a 5-4 win over Australia.

Hucles also scored a stoppage-time winner in the championship of the Peace Queen Cup to give the USA a 1-0 win over Canada. She scored her third goal of '08 on a remarkable, long range blast against Norway in Fredrikstad.

In 2007, Hucles was named to the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup team, but did not see any action. In 2006, Angela played in seven games, starting four, and participated in the 2006 and 2007 residency programs.

Her first Olympic experience was in 2004, when Angela was a member of the US Team, where she played in two matches in Athens, Greece. She also played in 21 games, starting eight, and scored four goals, three coming at the Algarve Cup in Portugal.

A highlight of Hucles 2004 experience came against France, when she scored her first and only two-goal game in that tourney against France. She also scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Denmark.

In 2003, she earned a regular spot on the national team, starting six of the 15 games in which she played, and made the 2003 Women’s World Cup Team. A shin injury prevented her from seeing any action during the tournament.

As a youth, she was a member of the Under-20 National Team from 1997-1999.

In becoming a professional, Hucles was selected in the 12th round with the 93rd overall pick in the WUSA inaugural draft by the Boston Breakers in 2001. She had her best WUSA season as a rookie, starting all 17 games in which she played, while scoring one goal with four assists to help the Breakers to the playoffs for the first time. She was named to the All-WUSA Second Team.

During her second season in 2002, she played in 19 games and started 17, scoring three goals with four assists. She was named as a reserve on the WUSA North All-Star Team.

Angela also played for the Hampton Roads Piranhas in the winter league in 2000, leading the league in assists. She also scored six goals in 14 games, and played for the Boston Renegades in the summer of 2005 and 2006.

When not kicking the ball around Cambridge, she enjoys writing columns on women’s sports for the Boston Metro during the 2002 WUSA season. She attempted unsuccessfully to learn to play the guitar, but is a pro at video game guitar hero.

Angela works with the Massachusetts state Treasury Department’s “Savings Makes Cents” program, where she speaks to children at schools about the importance of saving money, and is a New England SCORES spokesperson and CityKicks volunteer.

Her favorite pre-game meal is pasta and chicken, and sometimes ice-cream, while her favorite cartoon character is Wonder Woman. She also loves Bert & Ernie from Sesame Street.

Angela enjoys building up her massive DVD and music collection and likes electronic gadgets, such as her iPod and digital camera. Her newest gadgets are her Tivo and new FastLane Pass.

"I love speeding by the people who have to wait in line to pay the toll," she said, "Mainly because I used to be one of them."

Her favorite foods are Asian, Mexican, and Italian cuisine. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves playing with her little cousins.

In her free time, she loves to read books of all sorts, but particularly interested in real estate and learning more about different ways of investing.

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Toronto FC dropped two precious points yesterday as they failed to capitalise on several opportunities to add to a Dwayne De Rosario header in the 17th minute. A win would have taken the Reds to within a point of the top of the Eastern Standings.

Looking to bounce back from last weeks demoralising loss to Seattle, the team gave the home fans something to cheer about early on. Adrian Serioux, playing against his former team, sent one of his heat-seeking missile throw-ins directly into the penalty area. 

De Rosario towered above the Dallas defence to score his first goal for the Reds, heading home past goalkeeper Ray Burse.

Toronto’s goal was just reward for having a more confident, attacking approach to the game, in sharp contrast to the home opener against the Sounders. As early as the first minute, Fuad Ibrahim, a surprise selection on the left wing, sent in a promising right footed cross from the edge of the penalty area.

De Rosario made contact with the ball, but it was bundled off the line by Dallas defender George John just as Chad Barrett swooped in for the kill.

John Carver had decided before the game to keep Barrett in the starting line-up, and the striker had a chance to repay his coaches faith in the seventh minute.  However, after an Amado Guevara free kick had fallen to him, the American could only hit a rather tame shot straight at Burse.

Toronto continued to attack in numbers and broke forward in the 21st minute, after Dallas had given the ball away. Guevara connected with his central midfield partner Carl Robinson, who in turn set Ibrahim through on goal.

With a chance to score a dream goal against his former team, the seventeen year old shot wide of the left post.

Barrett had an excellent chance to add to Toronto’s lead 10 minutes before the break.  Guevara hit a powerful shot from 25 yards out, which thundered onto the upright. The ball bounced back out to Barrett, but with only the Dallas goalkeeper to beat, he headed the ball over the crossbar.

Despite FC Dallas dominating the shot count, Toronto did a good job of limiting them to long-range efforts in the first half. Stefan Frei, playing in his home debut at BMO Field, looked comfortable in goal, dealing with everything that came his way. 

However, just before halftime, the team from Texas gave a warning of what was to transpire in the second half.

Dave van den Bergh made a run down the left wing and crossed the ball into the Toronto penalty area. Dax McCarty was on hand to head the ball onto the underside of the crossbar with Frei beaten. 

The ball bounced down and there were calls for a goal, but the linesman waved the appeals off. Replays proved that the header had never actually crossed the goal line.

As the second half started, De Rosario, playing just behind the front man, continued to exert his influence on the game. In the 57th minute, he played an unbelievable pass from inside his own half, beating the Dallas offside trap.

Sam Cronin latched onto the ball with on open sight on goal. Unfortunately, his initial touch let him down and Burse got to the ball first.

Dallas was starting to sense that they could get something from the game, and Van Den Bergh had a chance in the 67th minute.  However, the Dutchman’s firm shot was hit straight at Frei, who held onto the ball.

As the game entered the final 15 minutes, Toronto could sense the finishing line was in sight, but anxiety was beginning to creep in as they backed off and started to play less aggressive.

Finally, FC Dallas took advantage of this as they made a breakthrough seven minutes from the full-time whistle.

A McCarty corner was sent in from the left, but missed everyone as it went across the face of the goal. Unfortunately for Toronto, the ball fell to substitute Eric Avila, who crossed in for Pablo Ricchetti to flick a back heel past Frei leaving the score tied at 1-1.

The late goal was a dagger in the heart for Toronto, and they couldn’t pick themselves up to push forward for a late winner.  Toronto FC had lost the chance to win, and they knew it.

On the positive side, the performance was a big improvement from the previous weekend.  It will be up to Carver to use this as a rallying point as Toronto now heads down to Dallas for the rematch at Pizza Hut Park.

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Toronto FC dropped two precious points yesterday as they failed to capitalise on several opportunities to add to a Dwayne De Rosario header in the 17th minute. A win would have taken the Reds to within a point of the top of the Eastern Standings.

Looking to bounce back from last week's demoralising loss to Seattle, the team gave the home fans something to cheer about early on.

Adrian Serioux, playing against his former team, sent one of his heat-seeking missile throw-ins directly into the penalty area. De Rosario towered above the Dallas defence to score his first goal for the Reds, heading home past goalkeeper Ray Burse.

Toronto’s goal was just reward for having a more confident attacking approach to the game, in sharp contrast to the home opener against the Sounders. As early as the first minute, Fuad Ibrahim, a surprise selection on the left wing, sent in a promising right footed cross from the edge of the penalty area.

De Rosario made contact with the ball, but it was bundled off the line by Dallas defender George John just as Chad Barrett swooped in for the kill.

John Carver had decided before the game to keep Barrett in the starting lineup, and the striker had a chance to repay his coaches' faith in the seventh minute.  However, after an Amado Guevara free kick had fallen to him, the American could only hit a rather tame shot straight at Burse.

Toronto continued to attack in numbers and broke forward in the 21st minute after Dallas had given the ball away. Guevara connected with his central midfield partner Carl Robinson, who in turn set Ibrahim through on goal.

With a chance to score a dream goal against his former team, the 17-year-old shot wide of the left post.

Barrett had an excellent chance to add to Toronto’s lead 10 minutes before the break.  Guevara hit a powerful shot from 25 yards out, which thundered onto the upright. The ball bounced back out to Barrett, but with only the Dallas goalkeeper to beat, he headed the ball over the crossbar.

Despite FC Dallas dominating the shot count, Toronto did a good job of limiting them to long-range efforts in the first half. Stefan Frei, playing in his home debut at BMO Field, looked comfortable in goal, dealing with everything that came his way. 

However, just before halftime, the team from Texas gave a warning of what was to transpire in the second half.

Dave van den Bergh made a run down the left wing and crossed the ball into the Toronto penalty area. Dax McCarty was on hand to head the ball onto the underside of the crossbar with Frei beaten. 

The ball bounced down and there were calls for a goal, but the linesman waved the appeals off. Replays proved that the header had never actually crossed the goal line.

As the second half started, De Rosario, playing just behind the front man, continued to exert his influence on the game. In the 57th minute, he played an unbelievable pass from inside his own half, beating the Dallas offside trap.

Sam Cronin latched onto the ball with an open sight on goal. Unfortunately, his initial touch let him down and Burse got to the ball first.

Dallas was starting to sense that they could get something from the game, and Van Den Bergh had a chance in the 67th minute.  However, the Dutchman’s firm shot was hit straight at Frei, who held onto the ball.

As the game entered the final 15 minutes, Toronto could sense the finishing line was in sight, but anxiety was beginning to creep in as they backed off and started to play less aggressively.

Finally, FC Dallas took advantage of this as they made a breakthrough seven minutes from the full-time whistle.

A McCarty corner was sent in from the left, but missed everyone as it went across the face of the goal. Unfortunately for Toronto, the ball fell to substitute Eric Avila, who crossed in for Pablo Ricchetti to flick a back heel past Frei leaving the score tied at 1-1.

The late goal was a dagger in the heart for Toronto, and they couldn’t pick themselves up to push forward for a late winner.  Toronto FC had lost the chance to win, and they knew it.

On the positive side, the performance was a big improvement from the previous weekend.  It will be up to Carver to use this as a rallying point as Toronto heads down to Dallas for the rematch at Pizza Hut Park.

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Cambridge, Mass. (April 11) – Boston Breakers forward Kelly Smith showed once again that she is an offensive force. The English National team star notched a goal and an assist to lead the Boston Breakers past St. Louis 2-0 on a rain-soaked Saturday evening at Harvard Stadium.

Breakers captain Kristine Lilly scored her first goal of the season late in the game to secure the victory and help Boston improve to 1-1 on the season, while St. Louis drops to 0-2 in Women’s Professional Soccer action.

After a scoreless first half, the Breakers seemed to come alive. The attack pressured Saint Louis and starting to put combinations together.

The Breakers attack which led the Smith’s second goal of the season started when Amy Rodriquez picked up a loose ball at the 25-yard line.

Rodriquez placed a through ball to Kelly Schmedes, who one-touched a ball through two Saint Louis defenders. Smith ran onto the ball and calmly placed the ball by a diving Saint Louis goalkeeper Hope Solo.

Smith now leads the team with two goals and an assist. Last week she became the first player to have scored in both U.S. professional women’s soccer leagues. Smith played for the WUSA’s Philadelphia Charge.

“Obviously it’s a big win. Nobody wants to go into a third game without any points,” said Breakers head coach Tony DiCicco.

“Everybody was a little disappointed, not with our effort, but with our level of play last week. This (Saint Louis) was a good team.  It could have gone either way. For us to get three points was huge.’’

Lilly’s first goal of the season came in the 87th minute. Smith sent a cross to the left of Solo and Lilly ran onto the ball and placed a right-footed shot to the far upper corner, giving the Breakers a 2-0 lead.

In the first half, the play was held in the middle of the field. Slowly the energy level lifted and both teams started to connect.

Saint Louis had the first real threat when Karri Hanks headed a cross from the Brazilian International Daniela.

Boston Breakers goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill stretched out to her right and smothered the shot in the 22nd minute of play.

Lilly had a chance in the 31st minute when she received the ball in the box. Lilly’s right-footed shot went wide as she struggled to hold off a St. Louis defender.

The Breakers then committed a foul right outside the box awarding Saint Louis a free kick from the 22-yard line.

Daniela stepped up and right-footed a ball to the near post but the shot sailed high at 42nd minute. With a minute to play, Saint Louis applied more pressure as two shots were blocked by the solid Breakers defense.

The Boston Breakers next two matches will be on the road. Boston will travel to Washington, D.C., next week to take on the Washington Freedom on Saturday, April 18 (7 p.m.).

The Breakers next home game will be on May 2 at Harvard Stadium (7 p.m.). For more information about the Boston Breakers, go to  www.bostonbreakers.com

Box Score
April 11, 2009 – Cambridge, Mass. – Harvard Stadium
ATT: 4,804

GOALS        1     2     Total
St. Louis      0    0    0
Boston         0    2    2   

SCORING SUMMARY
Minute     Team       Goal
53’     Boston – Kelly Smith (Schmedes, Rodriquez)
87’    Boston – Kristine Lilly (Smith)


www.womensprosoccer.com
Photo Credit: brighton-community.blogspot.com

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