Snak

CONCACAF Retro: L.A. GALAXY earns 2000 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup crown

Despite not gaining any titles in its first five years of existence, the USA´s Los Angeles Galaxy ended the drought by winning the 2000 CONCACAF Champions´ Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory over visiting CD Olimpia of Honduras in the final at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 21, 2001.

LA, the second-ever club from the USA to capture the confederation club championship (D.C. United won it three years earlier), was competing in the Champions´ Cup for a third time under then head coach Sigi Schmid.

"It was a difficult tournament for us," remembered Schmid, who now is at the helm of the USA´s Seattle Sounders FC."Alexi Lalas just came out of retirement and was easing into the team, then Danny Califf had an off-the-field injury before we began training, so he was out of the tournament.

"Alexi, instead of being eased into the team, had to step out and play, which after having been retired for over a year was difficult. Upfront we had a couple of injuries, our defender Adam Fyre had to play center forward and he hadn´t played that position since freshman year at college for me at UCLA.We had sort of a makeshift team and we got goals from different places. One of things I remember is Erza Hendrickson scoring goals in that game (against Olimpia) and he became an important influence for us."

Defense proved to be key for both Los Angeles and Olimpia on the way to a championship meeting.

The Hondurans posted shutouts in their quarterfinal (1-0 v Toluca) and semifinal (4-0 v Pachuca) encounters, while LA needed penalties to overcome Real España (0-0, 6-5 pks) and D.C. United (1-1, 4-2 pks).

"You need to be lucky and you need to get a break and especially in the game against Real CD España," surmised Schmid."Kevin Hartman (goalkeeper) is very good on penalties and he was in good forum those days and our guys hit theirs as well."

In the final, the Leones took a 34th minute lead thanks to a Danilo Tosello penalty.Hendrickson leveled the score two minutes later, and Cobi Jones, just prior to the break, fired a shot past Gonzalez to give the Galaxy a 2-1 advantage.

Robert Lima hammered home a fierce header to equalize for Olimpia in the 52nd minute, ultimately paving the way for Hendrickson´s heroics.

The St. Vincent & the Grenadines native broke the deadlock in the 78th minute by receiving a Mauricio Cienfuegos pass and then driving the ball over Olimpia goalkeeper Donaldo Gonzalez.

"Well, I just happened to be the one who scored the goals, but it was a total team effort," said Hendrickson."Every game was a battle, but we always found a way to come out on top."

Schmid was unequivocal in his praise of Hendrickson´s contribution to the team´s success.

"He (Hendrickson) had a unique ability to get inside the defender and get shots at the near post," said the German-born coach."His attacking was really vital for our team as we were depleted up front.

"I think Ezra played very well and was our best player in the tournament."

By virtue of their tournament placings, the Galaxy and Olimpia earned spots at the 2001 FIFA Club World Championship in Spain.That trip would never happen after FIFA announced the competition´s cancellation a few months prior to its scheduled start date.

"We had a core group of guys (Cobi Jones, Mauricio Cienfuegos, etc.) that really wanted to start winning some trophies for the club because we were a good team that hadn´t won much until then," added Hendrickson, who is now retired and is an assistant coach with the Sounders. "After that, the trophies came year after year, so that was the beginning of something special that laid the foundation for the Galaxy club of today."

In addition to the CONCACAF club title, the Galaxy has won three MLS Cup championships, two U.S. Open Cups and has made two appearances in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Schmid finished: "What we wanted to establish for ourselves was that we can get over that final hurdle and could win the big games.Even though we won a couple on penalties and then the championship, it gave the team confidence.Including the CONCACAF tournament, we were in seven competitions and were in six finals, winning three.It showed we had the capability of winning games that were difficult and finishing off what we started, so that whole jump start (for Galaxy) came because of that CONCACAF win."

Los Angeles Galaxy Roster - 2000 CONCACAF Champions´ Cup

GOALKEEPERS: Kevin Hartman, Matt Reis

DEFENDERS: Paul Caligiuri, Alexi Lalas, Greg Vanney, Craig Waibel

MIDFIEKDERS: Mauricio Cienfuegos, Simon Elliot, Ezra Hendrickson, Zak Ibsen, Brian Kelly, Ivan Polic, Peter Vagenas, Sebastian Vorbe

FORWARDS: Adam Frye, Cobi Jones, Marvin Quijano, Sasha Victorine.

TD: Sigi SCHMID


Final Round Results

Quarterfinals - Fullerton´s Titan Stadium

16.01: CD Toluca (MEX) - CD Olimpia (HON) 0:1; Pachuca CF (MEX) - Joe Public FC (TRI) 1:0

17.01: D.C. United - LD Alajuelense (CRC) 2:1; L.A. Galaxy - Real CD España 0:0, 5:3 pen

Semifinals - L.A. Coliseum

19.01: Pachuca CF - CD Olimpia 0:4; L.A. Galaxy - D.C. United 1:1, 4:2 pen

Third Place - L.A. Coliseum

21.01: Pachuca CF - D.C. United 2:1

Final - L.A. Coliseum

21.01: CD Olimpia - L.A. Galaxy 2:3

CONCACAF Retro: CD Olimpia captures first CONCACAF Champions’ Cup In 1972

After obtaining 10 overall league titles (six amateur and four professional), CD Olimpia became the first Honduran club to win the CONCACAF Champions´ Cup after defeating visiting SV Robinhood in the delayed two-game 1972 finals.

With only four victories in 14 previous Champions´ Cup matches, the Leones qualified for their sixth CONCACAF tournament by winning the 1971-72 Honduran championship with 40 points (15-2-10 record).

The Surinamese side won its eighth championship in 1971 and became the first Caribbean side since 1967 to reach the finals of the confederation tournament.

"The entire team felt extremely happy as it was the first important championship from the North, Central American and Caribbean region that we had won," said former center forward Rigoberto Gomez, who scored 66 career goals for Olimpia."All of us that were competing didn´t have much experience, but as we were the representatives of Honduras and playing for Olimpia under the instructions of our head coach Mario Griffin, we went into both matches thinking only about winning."

And that resolute mindset proved to be prophetic.

On January 28, 1973, the Leones opened the championship finals with a 1-0 triumph over the Geen Strijd, Geen Kroon before crowd of 15,000 at San Pedro Sula´s Estadio Francisco Morazán.A goal by forward Jorge Brand just before halftime proved to be the game winner.

Three days later, the series remained in Honduras, moving to the Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino in Tegucigalpa.It was there that Olimpia clinched its first CONCACAF crown to the delight of 20,000 spectators, holding SV Robinhood to a scoreless draw.

"SV Robinhood was a good club, comprised of players that competed in the Dutch League," recalled Gomez, who is also known the nickname of ´Shula´."Their goalkeeper (Edmund) Leilis was the hero in both encounters as he allowed only the goal from Jorge (Brand).

"We (Olimpia) will always remember that great ´keeper Leilis in that first game as he made some fantastic saves on at least six clear scoring opportunities and in the second match he was sharp once again in defending his goal, stopping all Olimpia´s shots."

The Leones advanced in the abbreviated 1972 tournament by eliminating CD Toluca of Mexico (1968 Champions´ Cup Winner) 2-1 on aggregate in the two-legged semifinal series played entirely in Tegucigalpa.

"We figured it would be easy after we had eliminated Toluca," Gomez added."However we realized that it was harder than we thought as those encounters against Robinhood, who were a tough opponent, turned out to be a learning experience as it helped us prepare to face CA Independiente of Argentina."

As a result of winning the CONCACAF title, Olimpia qualified for the Interamerican Cup.Despite brave efforts, it dropped both legs (June 17, 1973, San Pedro Sula: 2-1, June 20, 1973, Tegucigalpa: 2-0) to South American champion Independiente, the 1972 Copa Libertadores winner.

"For me the event (Interamerican Cup) was very important because we played well against the best team from South America despite losing both encounters," finished Gomez, who now resides in Borough of the Bronx in New York City."To this day, I still have it in my memory those important games against Toluca, Robinhood and Independiente during that era which I will never forget."

CD Olimpia, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary later this year, has won 24 Honduran league professional championships, as well as two CONCACAF Champions´ Cup (1972, 1988) and three Central American titles (1981, 1999, 2000).The Leones are also one of only two teams (AD Isidro Metapan of El Salvador) to have qualified for every edition of the CONCACAF Champions League (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13).


CD Olimpia Squad (vs. SV Robinhood)

GOALKEEPER: Samuel Sentini

DEFENDERS: Oscar Banegas, Selvin Cárcamo, Juan Ventura Lopez, Miguel Angel Matamoros

MIDFIELDERS: Toncontin Ferrera, Mario Mairena, Angel Ramon Paz, Raul Suazo

FORWARDS: Jorge Brand, Rigoberto Gomez, Reynaldo Mejia, Jorge Urquía.

TD: Mario GRIFFIN

Romario calls for Brazilian FA clearout

Former Brazil striker Romario has called for officials of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) to be sacked amid allegations of corruption.

Romario, who is now a congressman, is concerned about reports money earned from friendlies involving his country has been funnelled into a business owned by Barcelona president Sandro Rosell.

Romario, who played for Barcelona and PSV among other clubs in a glittering career, said he would dismiss the entire CBF and investigate their business dealings for the past two decades.

"I would sack all the directors and members of the CBF and hire a company to carry out an audit of the last 20 years," Romario told Brazilian newspaper Estadao.

"I wouldn´t even spare one of them."

The newspaper claimed the CBF had funnelled $1.6 million since 2006 into the company Uptrend Development, which is owned by Rosell.

Romario has called for government intervention into the CBF, which is a private body yet have ´stopped paying federal taxes´.

"They have to give an explanation to the people. They should be obliged to clear everything up," Romario said.

den mand er da også bare uheldig http://www.thisisstaffor…zz0RDehWBhu

First wins of the season for Arsenal and Colon

Gustavo Alfaro’s, Arsenal got their first win of the season over newly promoted Olimpo in Sarandi last night. A quick-fire double before half time took advantage of Olimpo’s defensive frailties and set Arsenal on the way to victory. First, Ramiro Carrera finished off a fine move and then minutes later, Julio Furch smashed home a rebound to give a two goal cushion at the break. Olimpo looked to set up a lively ending as pressure from a set piece forced a Ivan Marcone own goal but Damian Perez ensured victory in stoppage time with a superb run and curling shot from 30 yards. Olimpo are still waiting for their first win and will need to get up and running soon enough if they are to avoid being caught in the relegation tussle.

Later, Colon also got their first win of the season thanks to a second half penalty from Ruben Ramirez. The 1-0 win over Quilmes was not a classic but comes as a relief for Colon.


ARSENAL 3 – 1 OLIMPO

http://www.youtube.com/w…wY7So9QJqec

COLON 1 – 0 QUILMES

http://www.youtube.com/w…taYV62kExL4

Riquelme se entrenó y jugaría

BUENOS AIRES -- El ídolo de Boca. Juan Román Riquelme, superó un estado gripal y estará en el partido ante Atlético de Rafaela, válido por la tercera fecha del torneo Inicial y en el que el equipo xeneize buscará reencontrarse con la victoria.
Riquelme llegó temprano al predio Pedro Pompilio de Casa Amarilla y participó de un picado informal junto a sus compañeros, aunque con ciertos cuidados como guantes y gorrito de lana, más un pantalón largo, prendas que lo distinguieron del resto, casi como sucede cada vez que toma contacto con la pelota.

El crack de Don Torcuato tenía preocupado al mundo boquense debido a que el viernes presentó un síndrome gripal (fue revisado por el médico y se marchó a su domicilio sin practicar) y el entrenador Carlos Bianchi diagramó, en su ausencia, un esquema 4-4-2 distinto al 4-3-1-2 que venía utilizando.

Riquelme fue titular en los dos primeros partidos del torneo Inicial, en el triunfo frente a Belgrano por 2-1 en Córdoba, y la derrota ante Newell´s Old Boys por 3-2 en `La Bombonera´, y volverá a hacerlo el domingo, de manera que no jugará Joel Acosta, su reemplazante del viernes en el táctico.

En consecuencia, Boca formará con Agustín Orión; Leandro Marín, Daniel Cata Díaz, Guillermo Burdisso y Emanuel Insúa; Pablo Ledesma, Ribair Rodríguez y Juan Sánchez Miño; Juan Román Riquelme; Juan Manuel Martínez y Nicolás Blandi.

Boca recibirá el domingo a Rafaela desde las 18.10 en `La Bombonera´ con el arbitraje de Germán Delfino.

Forestello: "Calmamos la ansiedad"

SANTA FE -- El entrenador de Colón de Santa Fe, Rubén Forestello, admitió en la noche de este viernes que necesitaban "calmar la ansiedad de la gente" y lo lograron con el triunfo por 1-0 ante Quilmes.

"Nosotros teníamos que calmar la ansiedad de la gente y por suerte pudimos hacerlo. Soy consciente de que no hicimos un gran partido, pero este resultado nos va a servir para trabajar en la semana y buscar la forma de seguir sumando en la cancha de River", evaluó Forestello en su contacto con los periodistas, luego de la victoria como local ante los Cerveceros, por la tercera fecha del Torneo Inicial.

"Jugamos contra un rival muy difícil, que tiene mucha técnica y una propuesta ofensiva. Ellos se plantaron de igual a igual y por eso salió un partido muy parejo", comenzó a comentar el adiestrador de los Sabaleros.

"En el primer tiempo nosotros fuimos mejores y generamos algunas chances que no supimos aprovechar. Después, en el segundo, se hizo más complcado, ellos también tuvieron sus oportunidades, pero por suerte no las aprovecharon", reconoció Forestello.

Para el conductor, esta vez la lectura desde el banco de suplentes dio resultados: "Por cansancio y por cómo se estaba dando el partido, tuvimos que cambiar y por suerte terminó saliendo bien. Siempre es importante ganar y sobre todo cuando jugás de local".

El próximo compromiso de los rojinegros consistirá en una visita a River Plate, la que está prevista para el domingo 25 del corriente mes.

Campestrini piensa en el promedio

BUENOS AIRES -- El arquero Cristian Campestrini, fiel a la política de Arsenal de ir paso a paso y en silencio, definió este viernes que el objetivo inmediato consiste en ir "engrosando el promedio".

"El equipo jugo muy bien, siempre tiene esta predisposición (para esforzarse). Olimpo (en desventaja) tenía que salir a buscarlo, nos metieron un poco en el arco, pero lo pudimos cerrar para seguir engrosando el promedio", sostuvo Campestrini, tras la victoria por 3-1 ante Olimpo en el Estadio Julio Humberto Grondona, en el marco del tercer capítulo del Torneo Inicial.

Y siguió con sus expresiones el guardavalla, pero también con toda la intención de hacer el menor ruido posible: "Estamos para molestar (a los animadores de la competencia). Ahora enfrentaremos a Racing, un candidato, pero tranquilos. Seguiremos engrosando el promedio que es lo nuestro".

Arsenal está en un período de rearmado, ya que en el receso se quedó sin tres de sus referentes, Lisandro López (Benfica, de Portugal), Jorge Ortiz (Lanús) y el colombiano Carlos Carbonero (River Plate), pero totaliza cinco puntos en estas tres primeras fecha del Inicial y se halla en los cuartos de final de la Copa Argentina, en la que deberá eliminarse con Godoy Cruz en procura de meterse entre los cuatro mejores de la competencia más federal.

den mand er da også bare uheldig http://www.thisisstaffor…zz0RDehWBhu

Det engelske køkken er også livsfarligt !!!! :-)

STOKE CITY can confirm that Wilson Palacios was taken to hospital in Liverpool after an incident occurred during the pre-match warm up at Anfield that required immediate medical attention.

Wilson has successfully undergone a minor surgical procedure from which he is now recovering from and is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks.

så han skulle starte inde for første gang i uendeligheder, og nu er han ude et par uger fordi han pludseligt fik ondt i maven under opvarmningen..