Why are Croatians still going to the EPL?

In an uneventful transfer deadline, transfers included two Croatians going to the EPL.

Spurs sign Niko Kranjcar from Portsmouth
Bolton sign Ivan Klasnic on loan from Nantes

Why are Croatians still going to the EPL? Don't they know they're gonna get a hurt real bad?

Croatian FA president claims his footballers are deliberately targeted in Premier League

2nd Half Thoughts

* See my comments below in the Check Your Head Post
* Fair amount of extra time
* Seattle deserved the win, they were the better team
* Actually a pretty well officiated match
* Keller's aggressive long outlets created some great changes. He is old but can still play
* The We Win Trophies campaign is going to be put back in DC's face

Check Your Head

Seriously? Stomping on the guy who just scored on you? Bush league.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

In like a lion, out like a lamb. OK, so the transfer window is not during the month of March. Nonetheless, there was very little activity at the deadline.

Maybe there was no one left after Real Madrid purchased Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, my mom, your mom, and Andrew Shue.

Maybe the down economy left most clubs with no money left to spend.

Maybe team owners around the world all agreed to sit tight, knowing someone would post this awesome picture of a lamb.

Whatever the reason, this was a boring end to the transfer window.

First Half Thoughts (Open Cup Final)

1.) Montero is a very good player but not having his best night. The MLS recently acquired his contract, which is good because he will get sold to Europe. However, I wonder how much will get passed on to his original team and how much will stay with the MLS.
2.) Wicks is standing on his head tonight and making up for some dodgey defending on through balls by Seattle.
3.) FSC announcers make me want pine for ESPN coverage.
4.) Atmosphere at RFK seems pretty good. Can't remember why I did not go to the game tonight.

Time to Lift a Cup

Tonight 7:30 US Open Cup Final

DC United returns to defend one of the oldest trophies in the US against Drew Carey's boys. There have been a few words between the organization because Seattle felt they should have gotten the chance to host the game. Sure Seattle has sold more season tickets than the Mariners. Sure Seattle packs the stadium and plays in an outstanding stadium. When the only game time you can offer is 1PM on a Tuesday, you are not going to get to host a Cup final. This is especially true when everyone in the MLS and US Soccer are trying to make this tournament more meaningful.

So DC United will get to host the game at RFK and successfully host all of their games in the this year's Cup. (Many of the games were held at a small stadium in the Maryland Suburbs and DC refused to sell hosting the game to USL competitors because of travel concerns for the packed DC schedule). DC has been pushing this game pretty heavily in the community. They launched the We Win Trophies web site and have been having trophy events at bars throughout the city. Last year DC drew just over 8000 fans to a midweek game for the US Open Cup. This year they have already sold 12000 and expect a strong walk up (it is going to be a beautiful night in the city). DC is also offering $2 16-ounce beers, $2 dogs and ticket prices starting at $12 and going up to $30. Pretty good deal for a championship match (FOX Soccer will be broadcasting live).

DC is playing A TON of games right now because of the MLS and CONCACAF Champions League and not playing all that well. However, they got a 1-0 win at Chicago over the weekend. Seattle is a good team and I think the favorite, but DC has been here before.

Although it is not locked in yet, much like last year the winner of this game should get an invitation to the CONCACAF Champions League next year.

Here's to DC lifting another trophy

Rainieri To Become Roma Coach

Many reasons to smile!

Former Chelsea and Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri is set to be named Roma's new coach, according to the Italian's lawyer.

Ranieri, 57, would take over from Luciano Spalletti, who resigned after Roma began Serie A with two defeats.

Amazing to me that Spalletti survived numourous calls for his head and votes of confidence as Roma struggled to a 6th place finish last season.

After all that, it only took 2 matches this year before he resigned. Now what can Ranieri do? I know it's a long season but 6 points is alot fo make up already for the title. Can they a Champions League spot?

Is Maradona Loco?

Diego Maradona has selected Martin "I missed three penalties in a match" Palermo for the crucial World Cup clash against Brazil this Saturday.

What? Palermo might be still banging in the goals in a mediocre Argentine League but he can't possibly keep up with players both 10 years younger than him and making their money in the best European Leagues. Lucio would eat him alive.

Palermo's last appearance for Argentina was in a World Cup qualifier in November 2000, a 2-0 win over Chile. There's a reason for that. Cause he's crap.

Ah the memories.