Manchester United vs. VfL Wolfsburg
Champions League, Old Trafford
September 30, 14.45 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster---------------
---Brown--Ferdinand--Vidic----Evra----
-Valencia---Carrick---Anderson---Nani----
---------Rooney------Berbatov---------
Players to Watch:
Manchester United: Luis Nani - After a poor performance against Stoke City in which he was replaced by Ryan Giggs Wolfsburg might be a good opportunity for him to prove his worth to the club. United had lots of success getting down the wings against City and they will look for a similar performance against the German champions.
VfL Wolfsburg: Grafite - The thirty-year-old Brazillian striker has been fantastic ever since joining Wolfsburg in 2007. He was a big part of the 08-09 title campaign and he scored a hat-trick in Wolfsburg's opening win against CKSA Moscow. He will be the biggest threat United for United to deal with and he must fancy something at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Prediction:
Manchester United 4:2 VfL Wolfsburg
Goals: Rooney x2, Grafite, Nani, Ameobi, Berbatov
Both teams are very attacking, and like to play an open style so expect a fast pace exciting match. The difference in this game really will be who can get more quality balls into their forwards, because with the quality both these teams have upfront finishing them should not be an issue.
United have been pretty solid at home in the Champions League as they still haven't lost a match at home since the 2006 group stage, he atmosphere on European nights has a lot to do with this. The United fans will be aware that this is a quality team they are playing and hopefully the atmosphere is appropriate.
In the end I expect Untied to dominate possession, but Wolfsburg to hit on a few counters and make for a few nervy moments. United have showed in the last few games though that they are a goal scoring threat and I expect the United attack will be too much for the German Champions to handle.
Wolfsburg is probably the toughest team in United's group so picking up three points in this game would go a long way to secure qualification.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Eleven
In this episode Kevin and I discuss another weekend of Premier League action, the TFC game in Chicago, the U-20 World Cup and throw in the Francophone games.
Subscribe via Itunes!
Listen Online to Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Eleven
Download Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Eleven
Subscribe via Itunes!
Listen Online to Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Eleven
Download Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Eleven
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Stoke City 0:2 Manchester United
United Man of the Match:
Paul Scholes once again showed the class we've come to expect from him. He was spraying his trademark thirty and forty yard passes across the pitch and was opening up a very tight Stoke backline on every possible occasion. He was a constant threat at the top of the box for United with Stoke having to over anticipate the threat of a Scholes volley. Scholes is a player who was rumoured to be heading to Oldham this season and who many believe is too old to make a meaningful contribution anymore, but against Stoke he showed why he is still Manchester United class.
Match Notes:
- Ryan Giggs changed the game when he entered the match. He has been absolutely brilliant this season playing on the left wing and putting quality balls into the box. In the last two games United have scored six goals, five of them have been assisted by Giggs.
- Dimitar Berbatov had a solid game and it was nice to see him get off the mark with his first goal in over a month. Berbatov had two very good defensive headers from set pieces in the first half and did what was asked of him going forward.
- On the narrow Stoke pitch against the tall Stoke backline United did a very good job of staying patient, keeping possession and not trying to force the play. It was a very mature performance that showed this team is made of a lot more than the pundits had predicted at the start of the season.
- Nani showed again today that his decision making just isn't up to par. He is a player with a lot of talent and it is frustrating to see him constantly make poor decisions and lose the ball when it is obvious to see he could be doing so much more.
- After a tough game for the United back four against City, and Rio Ferdinand in particular, they were solid against Stoke. They had very little to do, but they dealt with everything that was thrown at them well.
- Against a Stoke team that is very good in the air, John O'Shea can take a lot of pride in scoring from a set piece on a header.
- This year the team is very different from last season, they seem to be a lot less one dimensional going forward and have a lot more goal threats. In seven Premier League games eight different players have scored and many more have looked threatening in front of goal.
- Top of the League and that's a fact.
Final Thoughts:
A very impressive win, the Britannia is a tough place to go and United put in a good performance and picked up three difficult points. It was a composed team that waited for the perfect opportunity to strike and they deserve lots of credit. This takes United up to seven straight wins in all competitions since the loss to Burnley.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Stoke City vs. Manchester United
Stoke City vs. Manchester United
Premier League, Britannia Stadium
September 26, 10.00 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster-------------------
---O'Shea----Ferdinand---Vidic----Evra---
--Valencia---Fletcher----Scholes---Nani--
-----------Rooney-------Berbatov---------
Players to Watch:
Stoke City: Rory Delap - Is there really any explanation needed on this one. The guy can throw the ball. He will look to test Vidic and Ferdinand in the air from throw-ins as much as possible.
Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand - After a terrible mistake against Manchester City it will be interesting to see how he rebounds against Stoke City. Stoke is a tough team to beat at the Britannia and Ferdinand will not have an easy game playing against the likes of Fuller and Kitson.
Prediction:
Stoke City 1:2 Manchester United
Goals: Wayne Rooney, Abdoulaye Faye, Antonio Valencia
Stoke are a very good team at the Britannia and they gave Chelsea a real scare two weeks ago. Expect another tight game with Stoke getting men forward on as many occasions as they can and pressuring that United back line which looked so out of sorts against Manchester City.
This game may be similar to the Burnley game in the fact that United will most likely dominate possession, but Stoke will try and keep the United attack infront of them. Against Burnley what United was missing was pace down the wings, so Valencia and Nani could be instrumental in picking up the three points for United.
United will need a good performance from the central midfielders as well. Fletcher will most likely continue his brilliant run of form with a start, but the other centre midfield spot could go to a number of different players. I think the game favours a Paul Scholes type player who can spread the ball around and make space against a tight back four.
Premier League, Britannia Stadium
September 26, 10.00 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster-------------------
---O'Shea----Ferdinand---Vidic----Evra---
--Valencia---Fletcher----Scholes---Nani--
-----------Rooney-------Berbatov---------
Players to Watch:
Stoke City: Rory Delap - Is there really any explanation needed on this one. The guy can throw the ball. He will look to test Vidic and Ferdinand in the air from throw-ins as much as possible.
Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand - After a terrible mistake against Manchester City it will be interesting to see how he rebounds against Stoke City. Stoke is a tough team to beat at the Britannia and Ferdinand will not have an easy game playing against the likes of Fuller and Kitson.
Prediction:
Stoke City 1:2 Manchester United
Goals: Wayne Rooney, Abdoulaye Faye, Antonio Valencia
Stoke are a very good team at the Britannia and they gave Chelsea a real scare two weeks ago. Expect another tight game with Stoke getting men forward on as many occasions as they can and pressuring that United back line which looked so out of sorts against Manchester City.
This game may be similar to the Burnley game in the fact that United will most likely dominate possession, but Stoke will try and keep the United attack infront of them. Against Burnley what United was missing was pace down the wings, so Valencia and Nani could be instrumental in picking up the three points for United.
United will need a good performance from the central midfielders as well. Fletcher will most likely continue his brilliant run of form with a start, but the other centre midfield spot could go to a number of different players. I think the game favours a Paul Scholes type player who can spread the ball around and make space against a tight back four.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Manchester United 1:0 Wolverhampton
Man of the Match:
Wes Brown has found it difficult to break into the United squad this season after he spent almost all of last year sitting on the bench. His performance against Wolves may give Sir Alex something to think about though as he put in a very solid ninety minutes. His tackling, timing and tracking were all spot on. He saved United on several occasions with last ditch tackles and clearing headers. He was all over the Wolves forwards not giving them an inch of space. A top performance from Wes in the Carling Cup.
Match Notes:
- Fabio's red card was an obvious call but very disappointing for Fabio who hasn't been getting many chances in the first team. However the team responded very well and Wolves didn't make the extra man show at all.
- Danny Welbeck put in another good game with a very classy finish on a one-two with Owen. Expect to see Welbeck get some playing time in the first team as I rate him as one of the best players in the United reserves.
- De Laet got a surprise sixty minutes after he was subbed on for Macheda as a result of the red card. Despite a very poor shot at the end of the match he continued to show how he can hurt opposition defenders with his mazy runs forward.
- Michael Owen played a big role in the goal and had another good performance... United legend :P
- The seventeen-year-old, Joshua King got his debut upfront and looked very sharp. He has a lot of pace and he tested the Wolves back four with two decent efforts. I hope we get to see more of him in the Carling Cup because I was very impressed.
- Michael Carrick was the worst player on the pitch against Wolves. He is having a very tough start to the season which hopefully is only temporary considering how good he has been the last three seasons for United.
- As they showed against Hull City at the end of last season this newest bunch of youngsters are all very good on the ball the one thing I would say they could all work on is making the right runs at the right time and knowing which ball to play. A few of them were just making the wrong decision on the ball, and there were often times when someone was in possession and no one was making a meaningful run.
Final Thoughts:
Overall this group of youngsters really impresses me. I expect a lot to come out of the likes of Gibson, Welbeck, Macheda, Fabio and De Laet. Hopefully United have another good run in this tournament so we can see more of them.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Manchester United vs. Wolverhampton
Manchester United vs. Wolverhampton
Carling Cup, Old Trafford
September 23, 15.00 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
---------------Kuszczak-----------------
---Neville----Brown---Evans----Fabio----
--Welbeck---Gibson----Carrick---Tosic--
-----------Owen-------Macheda-----------
Players to Watch:
Manchester United: Zoran Tosic - After what many considered to be a good preseason showing for Tosic he has yet to be used in the first team yet this season. Since then he was left out of United's Champions League squad for the group stages. He certainly has something to prove and putting a solid outing against Woves would be the perfect way to do it.
Wolverhampton: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake - The Manchester United product will be out to prove himself against the club who brought him into the football world. After an opening day injury Ebanks-Blake made his return against Fulham at the weekend, but will be looking to get back in the groove with this Carling Cup appearance.
Prediction:
Manchester United 3:1 Wolves
Goals: Michael Owen, Danny Welbeck, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Darron Gibson
Sir Alex will be relishing this tie as a good opportunity to give the younger players a shot against some very decent opposition in Wolves. Expect them to go out and attack, a lot depends on how midfielders like Welbeck, Gibson and Tosic perform.
With Michael Owen scoring a massive goal against City the idea will be to keep the run going and there is a good chance he will start against Wolves. Macheda may also be a key figure for United making his first appearance of the season, after scoring twice during preseason.
Last season in United's Carling Cup matches there was a 3-1 win, a 5-3 win and a 4-2 win so expect an open exciting match. The youngsters will certainly be up for the match and despite the Carling Cup being a second tier tournament this will be a very competitive match with players on both sides of the ball looking to impressive their managers.
I have a piece about the Carling Cup in general over at the 24th Minute if anyone is interested.
Carling Cup, Old Trafford
September 23, 15.00 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
---------------Kuszczak-----------------
---Neville----Brown---Evans----Fabio----
--Welbeck---Gibson----Carrick---Tosic--
-----------Owen-------Macheda-----------
Players to Watch:
Manchester United: Zoran Tosic - After what many considered to be a good preseason showing for Tosic he has yet to be used in the first team yet this season. Since then he was left out of United's Champions League squad for the group stages. He certainly has something to prove and putting a solid outing against Woves would be the perfect way to do it.
Wolverhampton: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake - The Manchester United product will be out to prove himself against the club who brought him into the football world. After an opening day injury Ebanks-Blake made his return against Fulham at the weekend, but will be looking to get back in the groove with this Carling Cup appearance.
Prediction:
Manchester United 3:1 Wolves
Goals: Michael Owen, Danny Welbeck, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Darron Gibson
Sir Alex will be relishing this tie as a good opportunity to give the younger players a shot against some very decent opposition in Wolves. Expect them to go out and attack, a lot depends on how midfielders like Welbeck, Gibson and Tosic perform.
With Michael Owen scoring a massive goal against City the idea will be to keep the run going and there is a good chance he will start against Wolves. Macheda may also be a key figure for United making his first appearance of the season, after scoring twice during preseason.
Last season in United's Carling Cup matches there was a 3-1 win, a 5-3 win and a 4-2 win so expect an open exciting match. The youngsters will certainly be up for the match and despite the Carling Cup being a second tier tournament this will be a very competitive match with players on both sides of the ball looking to impressive their managers.
I have a piece about the Carling Cup in general over at the 24th Minute if anyone is interested.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Ten - We're On iTunes!
Canadian Terrace Talk is now listed on iTunes! So please subscribe to the show on iTunes and rate the show. To find the show just search "Canadian Terrace Talk" on the iTunes Music Store.
In this episode Kevin and I rehash possibly the greatest game in Premier League history, along with some other key matches. We also preview the U-20 World Cup and talk TFC.
If you don't have iTunes you can still listen/download via these links.
Listen Online to Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Ten
Download Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Ten
You can subscribe on iTunes via... ITUNES!!!!
In this episode Kevin and I rehash possibly the greatest game in Premier League history, along with some other key matches. We also preview the U-20 World Cup and talk TFC.
If you don't have iTunes you can still listen/download via these links.
Listen Online to Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Ten
Download Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Ten
You can subscribe on iTunes via... ITUNES!!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Manchester United 4:3 Manchester City
Man of the Match:
With a two goal performance the man of the match has to go to Darren Fletcher. In the first half Nigel De Jong and Gareth Barry did a pretty good job of winning midfield battles for City, but in the second half Fletcher absolutely dominated the midfield. He was a big reason for United's second half performance as he completely bossed the match during the second half. After going almost a year without scoring Fletcher got back on the score sheet in style with two quality headers at crucial moments in the match. A brilliant performance from Darren Fletcher in what is shaping up to be a brilliant season for the Scot.
Match Notes:
- Ryan Giggs is an absolute genius. The man keeps getting better and better, he had another fantastic game out wide left. He assisted the two Fletcher goals and the Owen goal in injury time. He was putting quality balls into the City box the entire second half and he could have assisted two more had it not been for some Shay Given heroics.
- Antonio Valencia's introduction changed the game. United switched back into an orthodox 4-4-2 after Park left the match, and United were getting in quality crosses from the right and left sides of the pitch all match. The pace of Valencia opened the game up and he had a few crosses like Giggs that were close to being converted into goals.
- Ben Foster had by far his worst game for United yet with a disgusting error for the opening goal, and one could argue a poor decision on the Bellamy goal in injury time. Foster had very little to do all day but turned seemingly innocuous incidents into City chances.
- The defending was poor at times. Rio Ferdinand's mistake in injury time was very amateurish and could have cost United the match. It was just a stupid ball to play and Bellamy capitalized.
- Wayne Rooney popped up again with yet another goal that is six in six for Rooney in the Premier League as he continues on the form of his life. Rooney goals are almost becoming as common as Ronaldo goals were in the 2007-2008 season.
- Anderson had a very good game. Like Fletcher he dominated the midfield after United switched to the traditional 4-4-2 with United constantly trying to get down the wings. Anderson was getting forward, spraying the ball around and creating quality chances.
- For about twenty-five minutes during the second half Manchester United played some of the most dominating fluid football that they've played in any recent derby. They were all over City and it came down to the four midfielders all putting in a brilliant shift.
- Michael Owen is officially a fantastic buy for Manchester United. It doesn't matter if he does nothing for the rest of his United career, that goal will go down in Manchester United history for winning possibly the greatest Manchester derby of alltime.
- To be fair to them City looked very good. Without Robinho, Santa Cruz and Adebayor they were still extremely potent on the attack. Despite the loss, seven goals in two games against "the big four" should be a warning sign for the rest of the league.
Final Thoughts:
Certainly the most entertaining derby of my lifetime, Kristian Jack of the Footy Show called it the greatest match in Premier League history. Wherever you rate it that was an absolutely magnificent match. Very rarely does a match with that much hype live up to expectations but this one certainly did. Despite some poor defensive errors on both sides of the ball the quality of football was top class and the late drama with Michael Owen's controversial 96th minute winner was epic.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Manchester United vs. Manchester City
Manchester United vs. Manchester City
Premier League, Old Trafford
September 20, 8.30 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
-----------------Foster-----------------
---O'Shea--Ferdinand--Vidic----Evra----
--Valencia---Fletcher----Giggs---Nani--
----------Rooney------Berbatov-----------
Players to Watch:
Manchester United: Dimitar Berbatov - We've yet to really see Berbatov have an exceptional game this season, but tomorrow against City may be the perfect opportunity. He should start playing alongside Rooney something he hasn't gotten the opportunity to do for a whole game since August. Expect Berbatov to be a constant threat.
Manchester City: Joeleon Lescott - City's new signing will be up against one of the best attacking forces in the league this weekend, and it will be a big test for the pairing of Touré and Lescott who gave up two goals to Arsenal. Lescott will have to prove he was worth the eighteen million pounds against United.
Prediction:
Manchester United 3:0 Manchester City
Goals: Wayne Rooney x2, Dimitar Berbatov
The prediction probably has a lot to do with United bias and City hate, but I expect United to be really up for this one and crush an understrength City. The City back four looked shaky against Arsenal and United were brilliant going forward against Tottenham. A similar performance would be nice for Untied against City.
Rooney always seems to get fired up for these big matches against rivals, and considering the form he is on at the moment I wouldn't be surprised to see him have another good performance. Rooney will be happy to finally be playing up front with Berbatov for an extended period of time and will be hoping to put constant pressure on the City defenders.
A lot of the game will rely on how City defend against the central midfielder paired with Fletcher whether that is Anderson or Giggs. They will play as a more attacking midfielder and it will be de Jong's duty to shut them down. If de Jong is able to contain them it will be much more difficult for United to dominate the game as they did against Spurs.
This game has been the most anticipated game of the Premier League so far, and the atmosphere will be electric at Old Trafford. It will be a very meangingful early season test for both teams.
Premier League, Old Trafford
September 20, 8.30 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
-----------------Foster-----------------
---O'Shea--Ferdinand--Vidic----Evra----
--Valencia---Fletcher----Giggs---Nani--
----------Rooney------Berbatov-----------
Players to Watch:
Manchester United: Dimitar Berbatov - We've yet to really see Berbatov have an exceptional game this season, but tomorrow against City may be the perfect opportunity. He should start playing alongside Rooney something he hasn't gotten the opportunity to do for a whole game since August. Expect Berbatov to be a constant threat.
Manchester City: Joeleon Lescott - City's new signing will be up against one of the best attacking forces in the league this weekend, and it will be a big test for the pairing of Touré and Lescott who gave up two goals to Arsenal. Lescott will have to prove he was worth the eighteen million pounds against United.
Prediction:
Manchester United 3:0 Manchester City
Goals: Wayne Rooney x2, Dimitar Berbatov
The prediction probably has a lot to do with United bias and City hate, but I expect United to be really up for this one and crush an understrength City. The City back four looked shaky against Arsenal and United were brilliant going forward against Tottenham. A similar performance would be nice for Untied against City.
Rooney always seems to get fired up for these big matches against rivals, and considering the form he is on at the moment I wouldn't be surprised to see him have another good performance. Rooney will be happy to finally be playing up front with Berbatov for an extended period of time and will be hoping to put constant pressure on the City defenders.
A lot of the game will rely on how City defend against the central midfielder paired with Fletcher whether that is Anderson or Giggs. They will play as a more attacking midfielder and it will be de Jong's duty to shut them down. If de Jong is able to contain them it will be much more difficult for United to dominate the game as they did against Spurs.
This game has been the most anticipated game of the Premier League so far, and the atmosphere will be electric at Old Trafford. It will be a very meangingful early season test for both teams.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
33 Reasons Why City Won't Win Anything
1. They haven't won anything since 1976 (33 years).
2. They have a man named Craig Bellamy in their starting XI.
3. Every single player there is only there for the money.
4. Their manager is an ex-United player who is still a Red at heart.
5. They have a delusional Argentine forward who thinks the United supporters will give him a warm reception at Old Trafford
6. They spent 14 million pounds on a Chelsea reserve left back.
7. Their leading goalscorer is an emotional time bomb waiting to go off and will be hit by a big time ban in the near future.
8. Their supporters are more obsessed United than success (after they scored against Arsenal the supporters immediately started singing "Who the fuck is Man. United")
9. They still have a small club mentality.
10. Many supporters preferred them as a small club and dislike success?!?!
11. Their supporters would rather sing about Munich than support their team.
12. The council house (eastlands) is never full unless they're playing Man. United.
13. They brag about beating a second string Barcelona in a friendly as if they've won the Champions League.
14. They were a third division club eleven years ago.
15. They constantly complained about United's spending and doing it "the wrong way" until they got some cash of their own.
16. They gave up eight goals to Middlesbrough.
17. In 2008 their double was beating United twice. United's was winning the League and European Cup.
18. For their biggest European night in decades they handed out 40,000 inflatable bananas.
19. Their record signing Robinho thought he was signing for United.
20. The majority of their European aways have been to Cardiff
21. They've had 17 different managers in the last 20 years.
22. They added three starts to their new club badge to feign some success.
23. Dimitar Berbatov told them to fuck off on deadline day.
24. Kieran Richardson has won more Premier League titles than them.
25. Ryan Giggs was two-years-old when City last won a trophy.
26. They are going down with a billion in the bank.
27. United need a velcro sign keeping track of City's trophyless seasons.
28. Nial Quinn is in their hall of fame?
29. Their captain has played for the club for two months.
30. They needed to con Manchester United supporters out of their money to pay for an empty stadium.
31. Their biggest claim to fame is an ex-rockband (as of this August)
32. They still think they're a massive club.
33. Next year I'll need 34 reasons.
2. They have a man named Craig Bellamy in their starting XI.
3. Every single player there is only there for the money.
4. Their manager is an ex-United player who is still a Red at heart.
5. They have a delusional Argentine forward who thinks the United supporters will give him a warm reception at Old Trafford
6. They spent 14 million pounds on a Chelsea reserve left back.
7. Their leading goalscorer is an emotional time bomb waiting to go off and will be hit by a big time ban in the near future.
8. Their supporters are more obsessed United than success (after they scored against Arsenal the supporters immediately started singing "Who the fuck is Man. United")
9. They still have a small club mentality.
10. Many supporters preferred them as a small club and dislike success?!?!
11. Their supporters would rather sing about Munich than support their team.
12. The council house (eastlands) is never full unless they're playing Man. United.
13. They brag about beating a second string Barcelona in a friendly as if they've won the Champions League.
14. They were a third division club eleven years ago.
15. They constantly complained about United's spending and doing it "the wrong way" until they got some cash of their own.
16. They gave up eight goals to Middlesbrough.
17. In 2008 their double was beating United twice. United's was winning the League and European Cup.
18. For their biggest European night in decades they handed out 40,000 inflatable bananas.
19. Their record signing Robinho thought he was signing for United.
20. The majority of their European aways have been to Cardiff
21. They've had 17 different managers in the last 20 years.
22. They added three starts to their new club badge to feign some success.
23. Dimitar Berbatov told them to fuck off on deadline day.
24. Kieran Richardson has won more Premier League titles than them.
25. Ryan Giggs was two-years-old when City last won a trophy.
26. They are going down with a billion in the bank.
27. United need a velcro sign keeping track of City's trophyless seasons.
28. Nial Quinn is in their hall of fame?
29. Their captain has played for the club for two months.
30. They needed to con Manchester United supporters out of their money to pay for an empty stadium.
31. Their biggest claim to fame is an ex-rockband (as of this August)
32. They still think they're a massive club.
33. Next year I'll need 34 reasons.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Beşiktaş 0:1 Manchester United
United Man of the Match:
Nemanja Vidic defended did his job. He was by no means spectacular and he had a few mishaps, but no one had a great game. He was keeping the Beşiktaş attack from ever getting into the Man. United box and alongside Johnny Evans they kept Beşiktaş to very few chances. Niether had a whole lot to do but I thought Vidic did his job well enough and deserves the accolades.
Match Notes:
-It was one of the most boring games I have seen United play in a long time. United went out in a 4-5-1 knowing a draw would have been a good result and Beşiktaş had nothing going forward that was ever going to trouble the United back four. The game had nil-nil all over it until Scholes broke the deadlock.
- The 4-5-1 away in Europe is something we have seen from United away many times before. It doesn't make for a great spectacle but it often gets the result and a draw in Turkey would not have been a bad result. Changing to the 4-4-2 eventually opened the game up just enough for United to find the breakthrough.
- Rooney was very frustrated after being subbed off, but understandably so. He is the most likely player to score for United and had played up front by himself in a position he hates for his third straight game (even if against Spurs it was unavoidable). When Fergie took him off he finally switched to a 4-4-2 which is the position Rooney thrives in. It was a tough night for Rooney because of the role he was handed.
- Carrick just seems to be getting worse and worse for United this season. He needs to find some form as he just put in another completely abject performance.
- Valencia showed signs of promise, but was largely disappointing, mostly due to the fact he put in some very poor crosses.
- Beşiktaş holding midfielder, Fabian Ernst, was a big reason why United had so little attacking wise, his tackling was spot on and he was the best player on the pitch by a mile.
Final Thoughts:
Three points in Turkey, cannot complain. Despite the poor performance everyone did a job and it payed off leaving a very tough ground with the victory. Hopefully United will play a better match against the small club they are welcoming to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Nine
We're finally back with Episode Nine of Canadian Terrace Talk! In this episode Kevin and I discuss this weekend's Premier League matches, a few internationals, TFC and more.
Enjoy!
Listen Online to Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Nine
Download Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Nine
You can subscribe on Itunes via the first link
Enjoy!
Listen Online to Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Nine
Download Canadian Terrace Talk Episode Nine
You can subscribe on Itunes via the first link
Beşiktaş vs. Manchester United
Beşiktaş vs. Manchester United
Champions League, Beşiktaş İnönü Stadium
September 15, 14.45 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster---------------
---O'Shea--Ferdinand--Brown----Evra----
-Valencia---Carrick---Anderson---Nani----
---------Rooney------Owen---------
Players to Watch:
Beşiktaş: Rüştü Reçber - With United most likely dominating the possession, Recber will need to be strong in between the posts. He has had some howlers for the Turkish National team, but also some moments of brilliance. He shined on Turkey's run to the 2002 World Cup semifinals and will almost certainly be called upon to make some big saves for Beşiktaş.
Manchester United: Michael Owen - Owen has not played a match since August 22, but he will most likely make his return against Beşiktaş. Owen has yet to really make an impact with United, starting away in a Champions League match will be the perfect opportunity.
Prediction:
Beşiktaş 0:0 Manchester United
Going away to Turkey is never easy, and I expect Beşiktaş to be up for the occasion. The atmosphere is always brilliant and Turkish teams seem to get very good results at home in the Champions League. After a week of internationals for most of the United squad followed by a tough game at Spurs it will be a very tired side making the trip, despite the high confidence.
Last year United kicked off their Champions League campaign with a nil-nil draw and another repeat scoreless draw would not come as a surprise. United have not had trouble finding the back of the net recently with ten goals in their last three matches, but this may prove to be the toughest away trip in the group for United.
With the derby coming up this weekend Sir Alex's lineup will surely reflect that, one can only hope that the performance won't.
Champions League, Beşiktaş İnönü Stadium
September 15, 14.45 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster---------------
---O'Shea--Ferdinand--Brown----Evra----
-Valencia---Carrick---Anderson---Nani----
---------Rooney------Owen---------
Players to Watch:
Beşiktaş: Rüştü Reçber - With United most likely dominating the possession, Recber will need to be strong in between the posts. He has had some howlers for the Turkish National team, but also some moments of brilliance. He shined on Turkey's run to the 2002 World Cup semifinals and will almost certainly be called upon to make some big saves for Beşiktaş.
Manchester United: Michael Owen - Owen has not played a match since August 22, but he will most likely make his return against Beşiktaş. Owen has yet to really make an impact with United, starting away in a Champions League match will be the perfect opportunity.
Prediction:
Beşiktaş 0:0 Manchester United
Going away to Turkey is never easy, and I expect Beşiktaş to be up for the occasion. The atmosphere is always brilliant and Turkish teams seem to get very good results at home in the Champions League. After a week of internationals for most of the United squad followed by a tough game at Spurs it will be a very tired side making the trip, despite the high confidence.
Last year United kicked off their Champions League campaign with a nil-nil draw and another repeat scoreless draw would not come as a surprise. United have not had trouble finding the back of the net recently with ten goals in their last three matches, but this may prove to be the toughest away trip in the group for United.
With the derby coming up this weekend Sir Alex's lineup will surely reflect that, one can only hope that the performance won't.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tottenham 1:3 Manchester United
United Man of the Match:
Patrice Evra put in his best performance of the season so far and deserves to be named man of the match. After a stellar midweek performance with England and a good start to the new season for Aaron Lennon, Spurs were looking for him to produce against United. Lennon has had lots of joy in the past playing against Evra befodown that right wing. However Evra completely dominated Lennon today and took him out of the game completely. While containing Lennon, Evra also found the time to consistently get into advanced positions and carve out chances. In the end a very complete game from Evra.
Match Notes:
- Ryan Giggs had another outstanding match. Going forward he was instrumental, especially scoring the first United goal, but defensively he was even better. He was playing wide left, but putting tackles in all over the park and stopping several Tottenham attacks.
- It took 78 competitive first team appearances for Anderson to pot his first goal, but whats important is that he is finally off the mark. It was the moment United fans have been waiting for ever since he signed in the summer of 2007. For his first United goal it was cracker and a very important strike, hopefully a sign of more to come.
- After the Scholes sending off Rooney has forced to play up front by himself for the final half-hour, a position he has struggled with in the past and had difficult playing against Arsenal. Unlike the Rooney of old he didn't get frustrated and drop back, he stuck to his role and it payed off when he tallied his fifth of the season essentially killing off the game.
- Scholes had a decent game apart from the two yellows, but they were both very unnecessary tackles. It has come to the point where Scholes needs to stop committing himself to such stupid challenges, because it really could have hurt the team today.
- Against Burnley Sir Alex started with four central midfielders and he did again today. However this time the open game suited them as they could interchange positions and United were very free flowing going forward. Playing the four central midfielders together does work, it just needs to be in the right game with the right approach.
- Ferdinand looked good for his first game of the season after injury. He contained Jermain Defoe and aside from the first minute Defoe had very little impact. Vidic on the other hand struggled with Crouch and was lucky not have been at fault for any goals.
Final Thoughts:
Going behind against Spurs doesn't seem to be such a bad thing for United. Today both teams went at it, which was evident in a high tempo exciting match. United showed that next gear that was lacking against Arsenal and they were full value for the three points in what was a very complete performance.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tottenham vs. Manchester United
Tottenham vs. Manchester United
Premier League, White Hart Lane
September 12, 12.30 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster---------------
---Fabio----Vidic----Brown----Evra----
---Park---Scholes--Fletcher---Nani----
--------Rooney------Berbatov---------
Players to Watch:
Tottenham: Wilson Palacios - Palacios has been instrumental for Tottenham this season giving them the much needed grit in the midfield that they have been lacking for several years. Palacios however is coming back from a midweek game in Mexico and will be very tired. Without Modric in the line-up Spurs will be defending more than usual against United and may need to rely on a top performance from a tired Palacios.
Manchester United: Patrice Evra - In recent games against United Lennon has found himself with ample space down the right wing and has terrorized Patrice Evra. With Lennon on some of the best form of his life, Evra will have to be up to the task of containing the speedy winger.
Prediction:
Tottenham 1:1 Manchester United
Goals: Darren Fletcher, Sebastian Bassong
Games after a long, tiring international break are never easy for either team and they often result in sluggish affairs. United only managed a draw in their last two trips to White Hart Lane, and with Tottenham having such a dynamite start to the season it is hard to see United picking up the full three points here. However a draw at White Hart Lane would not be a bad result as we've already seen title challengers Liverpool drop points there.
Darren Fletcher hasn't put one in the back of the net for United in a long time, and the rationale behind picking him to score is down to the "he's due one" theory. It could be a very tight game with Tottenham trying to stack the midfield and frustrate United in the absence of Modric. With the leagues two top scorers competing in this match (Rooney and Defoe) both teams will look to man mark these two players out of the game.
Sebastian Bassong proved he is lethal in the air against Liverpool and he may strike against a weakened United defense tomorrow. Tottenham has looked dangerous from set pieces this season and they may have to rely on a set piece to find the breakthrough.
Expect a scrappy match tomorrow with United dominating posession but failing to find that next gear against a strong Tottenham team.
Premier League, White Hart Lane
September 12, 12.30 EST
United Projected Starting XI:
----------------Foster---------------
---Fabio----Vidic----Brown----Evra----
---Park---Scholes--Fletcher---Nani----
--------Rooney------Berbatov---------
Players to Watch:
Tottenham: Wilson Palacios - Palacios has been instrumental for Tottenham this season giving them the much needed grit in the midfield that they have been lacking for several years. Palacios however is coming back from a midweek game in Mexico and will be very tired. Without Modric in the line-up Spurs will be defending more than usual against United and may need to rely on a top performance from a tired Palacios.
Manchester United: Patrice Evra - In recent games against United Lennon has found himself with ample space down the right wing and has terrorized Patrice Evra. With Lennon on some of the best form of his life, Evra will have to be up to the task of containing the speedy winger.
Prediction:
Tottenham 1:1 Manchester United
Goals: Darren Fletcher, Sebastian Bassong
Games after a long, tiring international break are never easy for either team and they often result in sluggish affairs. United only managed a draw in their last two trips to White Hart Lane, and with Tottenham having such a dynamite start to the season it is hard to see United picking up the full three points here. However a draw at White Hart Lane would not be a bad result as we've already seen title challengers Liverpool drop points there.
Darren Fletcher hasn't put one in the back of the net for United in a long time, and the rationale behind picking him to score is down to the "he's due one" theory. It could be a very tight game with Tottenham trying to stack the midfield and frustrate United in the absence of Modric. With the leagues two top scorers competing in this match (Rooney and Defoe) both teams will look to man mark these two players out of the game.
Sebastian Bassong proved he is lethal in the air against Liverpool and he may strike against a weakened United defense tomorrow. Tottenham has looked dangerous from set pieces this season and they may have to rely on a set piece to find the breakthrough.
Expect a scrappy match tomorrow with United dominating posession but failing to find that next gear against a strong Tottenham team.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Canadian Depth at Centre Back
A recent thread on the Voyageurs concerning Canada's possible squad for 2014 World Cup qualifying got me thinking. Canada's has a good number of up and coming centre backs. They are still without that key creative player, or any new midfielders who look like they will have a massive impact. Upfront the best Canadian forwards are still starting sporadically or in lower divisions. Out wide there aren't any fullbacks who are in the class of Klukowski. At centre back however Canada looks very strong.
One of Canada's biggest problem during 2010 qualifying was goals conceded from poor defending, especially in Montreal against Honduras when the centre backs could have dealt much better with both Honduran goals. Throughout qualifying Serioux, Hastings, Cann, McKenna and Hainault played at centre back. For the most part they are all strong physical centre backs who are technically poor. The new crop are all technically sound.
Dejan Jakovic showed loads of potential in the Gold Cup and was Canada's best player of the tournament in my opinion. He is a very patient defender who is confident with the ball at his feet something rare for Canadian defenders. Jakovic had been playing regularly this season for D.C. United up until recently when he picked up an injury. If Canada had a friendly tomorrow I would have Jakovic as one of the first names on the team sheet.
David Edgar's stock seems to have fallen since some poor showings with Newcastle last season. People don't seem to take into account that he was playing out of position with Newcastle at right back. He is naturally a centre back and has much better positional sense when playing in the middle. He has yet to feature for Burnley during the Premier League season, but he got lots of action during preseason and hopefully he will be able to break into that Burnley XI as the season progresses.
André Hainault of the Houston Dynamo has played a lot for Canada last year picking up three caps during World Cup qualifying along with an impressive performance at the CONCACAF U-23 Championships. Hainault is prone to the odd error, but he looks like a bit like improved version of Kevin McKenna (hopefully with the same determination and fight). He is 6'1" and physical. Hainault also is a threat in the air something McKenna also brought to the table. Hainault may have a serious role to play when qualifying roles around in 2012.
Nana Attakora is the most surprising out of this list. Attakora has had a breakout season with Toronto FC and it is almost universally accepted that he has been the best defender in the TFC squad this season. Attakora is only twenty-years-old and putting in quality performances week after week. He can play as a fullback as he has been used several times by Toronto but again Attakora is a natural centre back. Attakora might be the most promising of the bunch considering his young age and incredible potential.
So maybe Canada's squad for 2014 qualifying doesn't look a whole lot better than the one that failed epically in 2008, but at least the centre back situation looks more promising than it has in a while.
One of Canada's biggest problem during 2010 qualifying was goals conceded from poor defending, especially in Montreal against Honduras when the centre backs could have dealt much better with both Honduran goals. Throughout qualifying Serioux, Hastings, Cann, McKenna and Hainault played at centre back. For the most part they are all strong physical centre backs who are technically poor. The new crop are all technically sound.
Dejan Jakovic showed loads of potential in the Gold Cup and was Canada's best player of the tournament in my opinion. He is a very patient defender who is confident with the ball at his feet something rare for Canadian defenders. Jakovic had been playing regularly this season for D.C. United up until recently when he picked up an injury. If Canada had a friendly tomorrow I would have Jakovic as one of the first names on the team sheet.
David Edgar's stock seems to have fallen since some poor showings with Newcastle last season. People don't seem to take into account that he was playing out of position with Newcastle at right back. He is naturally a centre back and has much better positional sense when playing in the middle. He has yet to feature for Burnley during the Premier League season, but he got lots of action during preseason and hopefully he will be able to break into that Burnley XI as the season progresses.
André Hainault of the Houston Dynamo has played a lot for Canada last year picking up three caps during World Cup qualifying along with an impressive performance at the CONCACAF U-23 Championships. Hainault is prone to the odd error, but he looks like a bit like improved version of Kevin McKenna (hopefully with the same determination and fight). He is 6'1" and physical. Hainault also is a threat in the air something McKenna also brought to the table. Hainault may have a serious role to play when qualifying roles around in 2012.
Nana Attakora is the most surprising out of this list. Attakora has had a breakout season with Toronto FC and it is almost universally accepted that he has been the best defender in the TFC squad this season. Attakora is only twenty-years-old and putting in quality performances week after week. He can play as a fullback as he has been used several times by Toronto but again Attakora is a natural centre back. Attakora might be the most promising of the bunch considering his young age and incredible potential.
So maybe Canada's squad for 2014 qualifying doesn't look a whole lot better than the one that failed epically in 2008, but at least the centre back situation looks more promising than it has in a while.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
World Cup 2010 Countdown: England are Through!
Fairly self-explanatory no? After a disastrous Euro Qualifying campaign Fabio Capello's men have secured qualification for the 2010 World Cup with lots of room to spare. A smashing 5-1 win over Croatia was the final touch on what has been a perfect tournament so far for England.
Readers of the blog will know that on the rare occasions when Canada miss the World Cup England are my surrogate team. I've watched them throughout qualifying and have been very impressed. England are playing attacking, possession football. Despite all the hype surrounding Capello and the squad they will probably fall to another quarterfinal shootout loss but I will enjoy the result while I can.
After 4-1 and 5-1 wins over Croatia one beings to wonder how did McClaren's side lose to Croatia twice? Croatia are no doubt a good side, but England made them look more like Andorra than World beaters.
With England qualified I've become much more excited about this summer than I had been to this point. Hoping for Capello to come up with something special in a tournament that may be void of Portugal, France and Argentina!
COME ON ENGLAND!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Canadian Mindset: MLS Academies
Part Four of "A Canadian Mindset", a series looking at the problems with Canadian soccer outside the CSA.
Do Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea have a obligation to develop English talent? No.
Do the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact have an obligation to develop Canadian talent? YES!
People seem to have a difficult time grasping this concept. When confronted with the question "Do Canadian teams have an obligation to develop Canadian talent?" they often point to the European example I've just given. However theses are two completely separate issues.
First off the four English clubs I mentioned are four of ninety-two professional clubs in England. The three Canadian clubs I mentioned are the only three professional clubs in Canada. Other clubs in both countries offer part time pay, but there are a limited amount of "full-time job" clubs around.
The second main issue is that the game has reached its peak in England and isn't likely to gain any more fans in England (gaining foreign supporter is something completely different). Canada on the other hand has a completely untapped market waiting to accept Canadian soccer (as mentioned in the previous article).
Finally a somewhat I have a somewhat redundant point to make. The English national team is ranked seventh overall in the world. Canada is ranked sixty-sixth. Just imagine for a moment that the English national team was ranked sixty-sixth in the world. There would be all the pressure in the world on the English teams to produce English talent.
So yes, the professional teams in Canada do have an obligation to produce Canadian talent.
In order to best facilitate Canadian talent being developed a few things need to happen. The money needs to be there. Sorry to all the USL lovers out there but the money and infrastructure just isn't there in the USL. I know the Vancouver youth residency program has produced some great players with the Whitecaps in the USL, but in order to pay the number and quality of staff needed to make a bigger impact on the national team there needs to be an MLS infrastructure.
The salary cap may hurt developmental players who make the team (with salaries often being only $20,000/year), but it is great for academies. With Toronto so successful off the field, along with the anticipated success of Vancouver both organizations will have lots of money to spend. Academies are the way to spend this money with the end reward not only being able to raise quality players, but being able to raise quality homegrown players.
The second hurdle to overcome is of course to convince MLS to allow academies/ residency programs. Vancouver looks like they are on the road to changing the MLS rule against these types of programs. Whitecaps' president, Bob Lendarduzzi, has said that he is optimistic about the MLS implementing new rules on academy restrictions. Toronto is already laying the foundations for a full academy, and if the Montreal Impact make that jump to the MLS in the near future (which is a large possibility) they will most likely look at the benefits of an academy as well.
With the Vancouver residency program success stories such as Ethan Gage and Adam Straith is proof that the academy system in Canada can work, it just needs to be expanded on.
Do Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea have a obligation to develop English talent? No.
Do the Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact have an obligation to develop Canadian talent? YES!
People seem to have a difficult time grasping this concept. When confronted with the question "Do Canadian teams have an obligation to develop Canadian talent?" they often point to the European example I've just given. However theses are two completely separate issues.
First off the four English clubs I mentioned are four of ninety-two professional clubs in England. The three Canadian clubs I mentioned are the only three professional clubs in Canada. Other clubs in both countries offer part time pay, but there are a limited amount of "full-time job" clubs around.
The second main issue is that the game has reached its peak in England and isn't likely to gain any more fans in England (gaining foreign supporter is something completely different). Canada on the other hand has a completely untapped market waiting to accept Canadian soccer (as mentioned in the previous article).
Finally a somewhat I have a somewhat redundant point to make. The English national team is ranked seventh overall in the world. Canada is ranked sixty-sixth. Just imagine for a moment that the English national team was ranked sixty-sixth in the world. There would be all the pressure in the world on the English teams to produce English talent.
So yes, the professional teams in Canada do have an obligation to produce Canadian talent.
In order to best facilitate Canadian talent being developed a few things need to happen. The money needs to be there. Sorry to all the USL lovers out there but the money and infrastructure just isn't there in the USL. I know the Vancouver youth residency program has produced some great players with the Whitecaps in the USL, but in order to pay the number and quality of staff needed to make a bigger impact on the national team there needs to be an MLS infrastructure.
The salary cap may hurt developmental players who make the team (with salaries often being only $20,000/year), but it is great for academies. With Toronto so successful off the field, along with the anticipated success of Vancouver both organizations will have lots of money to spend. Academies are the way to spend this money with the end reward not only being able to raise quality players, but being able to raise quality homegrown players.
The second hurdle to overcome is of course to convince MLS to allow academies/ residency programs. Vancouver looks like they are on the road to changing the MLS rule against these types of programs. Whitecaps' president, Bob Lendarduzzi, has said that he is optimistic about the MLS implementing new rules on academy restrictions. Toronto is already laying the foundations for a full academy, and if the Montreal Impact make that jump to the MLS in the near future (which is a large possibility) they will most likely look at the benefits of an academy as well.
With the Vancouver residency program success stories such as Ethan Gage and Adam Straith is proof that the academy system in Canada can work, it just needs to be expanded on.
Friday, September 4, 2009
World Cup 2010 Countdown: Go Armenia!
Bosnia will play a World Cup Qualifier against Armenia this weekend, and in between the posts for Bosnia will most likely be a player familiar to most supporters of the Canadian National team. Asmir Begovic, Canadian U-20 keeper, will finally get his first cap with the Bosnian national team and join the list of traitorous scum to have previously ditched the Canadian National team for greener pastures.
Personally I will be hoping for a 12-0 Armenian victory, with Begovic being at fault for most of the goals allowed.
So this is a message to all the Voyageurs and Canadian Soccer Supporters out there. If you don't see any personal interest in any games this weekend, with Canada eliminated, join me as I become the first (well to my knowledge) member of the Canadian-Armenian Soccer Supporters Club.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Ottawa Apply for USL
With approval of the Ottawa City council the City of Ottawa is applying for a USL-1 franchise. The plan will be to use a new stadium at Lansdowne Park.
If this bid is accepted by the USL (and with the success of Canadian franchises in the league how could it not be) it will be a major victory for Canadian soccer. It opens up a whole new market of possible soccer franchises in Ottawa. Now that cities with the population of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal had teams it was time to look at the next level down. With Ottawa looking at a USL team is means that Edmonton and Calgary, cities with similar populations, may be the next to come.
The Canadian franchises of Vancouver and Montreal really have kept the struggling USL-1 League healthy for several years. With Vancouver already awarded an MLS spot and Montreal looking like they will be soon to follow the USL will be hoping to expand further into Canada, hopefully tapping into previously unexplored soccer markets. Soccer has taken a huge boost in Vancouver ever since Vancouver was awarded a franchise, and USL-1 attendances have risen in anticipation of MLS. Montreal and Toronto both have solid followings, with the results being seen in increased Canadian attendances at national team games (for those about to bring up the Honduras game at Saputo, compare the Canadian contingent there to the one at the friendly in Montreal against Jamaica two years previous). This is the time to tap into these new markets.
If Ottawa is awarded a team the benefits for Ontario soccer may be astronomical. One of the main bonuses may come from an new academy. With Toronto starting up an academy and Ottawa possibly soon to follow there will no longer be any excuse for any top players in Southern Ontario not to get the best training available. Once these academies start to grow and send through there first real "batch" of players the results may be evident on the national team.
Finally on a completely separate point that may come to nothing, it could be very interesting to see a USL franchise right outside the CSA office's back door.
Here's to the best of luck for Ottawa.
If this bid is accepted by the USL (and with the success of Canadian franchises in the league how could it not be) it will be a major victory for Canadian soccer. It opens up a whole new market of possible soccer franchises in Ottawa. Now that cities with the population of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal had teams it was time to look at the next level down. With Ottawa looking at a USL team is means that Edmonton and Calgary, cities with similar populations, may be the next to come.
The Canadian franchises of Vancouver and Montreal really have kept the struggling USL-1 League healthy for several years. With Vancouver already awarded an MLS spot and Montreal looking like they will be soon to follow the USL will be hoping to expand further into Canada, hopefully tapping into previously unexplored soccer markets. Soccer has taken a huge boost in Vancouver ever since Vancouver was awarded a franchise, and USL-1 attendances have risen in anticipation of MLS. Montreal and Toronto both have solid followings, with the results being seen in increased Canadian attendances at national team games (for those about to bring up the Honduras game at Saputo, compare the Canadian contingent there to the one at the friendly in Montreal against Jamaica two years previous). This is the time to tap into these new markets.
If Ottawa is awarded a team the benefits for Ontario soccer may be astronomical. One of the main bonuses may come from an new academy. With Toronto starting up an academy and Ottawa possibly soon to follow there will no longer be any excuse for any top players in Southern Ontario not to get the best training available. Once these academies start to grow and send through there first real "batch" of players the results may be evident on the national team.
Finally on a completely separate point that may come to nothing, it could be very interesting to see a USL franchise right outside the CSA office's back door.
Here's to the best of luck for Ottawa.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
