The U.S. Soccer Federation yesterday announced an expanded Open Cup format and schedule, one that will incorporate all MLS and lower division teams in a newly and hopefully more condensed way. In essence, the changes allow the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to mirror the English FA Cup, where lower division and semi-pro teams have […]

Glen Johnson committed a two-footed lunge against Manchester City in Wednesday night's first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final. However, the tackle (see above animation), which was far worse than the one that Vincent Kompany committed against Nani this past Sunday, was unpunished by referee Lee Mason. The tackle by Liverpool's Glen Johnson is sure […]

On day three of cleaning out my garage, I found a pleasant surprise in a 1962 collection of 25 cards entitled "Football Clubs and Badges" from a company named Lamberts Of Norwich. The cards were included in packets of tea from Lamberts. Each card features an English club with the club's name, football kit, crest […]

Today we wrap up our "Three Questions" series with the defending MLS champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy. By any definition, they were the best team in MLS last season: they convincingly led the Supporters Shield's race most of the season, looked like the best team in the playoffs, and won the MLS Cup. They did […]

It may seem like a typical mid-week game, but Tottenham's match tonight against Everton is monumental. If Spurs win, they go joint second with Manchester United, and will be just three points away from Manchester City at the top of the table. A win for Harry Redknapp's side tonight and another slip-up by either of […]

The departure of Neil Warnock has shocked many QPR fans, who consider his dismissal to be an unjust, knee-jerk decision, based solely on their recent slump in form. Remember of course that it was Warnock who, within just over a year in charge, transformed the club from relegation contenders to clear winners of the Championship; […]

Day two of cleaning up my garage unearthed some more gems. This time it's "Football '90," which is a small stack of Panini stickers from the 1990-91 season. There are about 50-75 stickers in all, nowhere near the entire collection. But the first thing that jumped out at me is all of these long forgotten […]

In the past few weeks, I've been reading several comments from readers who are complaining how expensive it is to watch soccer on television. Of course, it's all relative. Based on the quantity of games shown, it's probably the best bargain we've ever had. But it made me think. How much is each of us […]

It's only fitting that in a game where Arsenal monopolized the number of shots taken against Leeds United in Monday's FA Cup match that late substitute Thierry Henry would stride on to the pitch and show his fellow teammates how to slot the ball into the back of the net. Specifically I'm looking at you, […]

Soccer has been one of the most important things for me almost my entire life, but if there is one thing I don't like about the sport, it's when questionable calls happen like the one on Sunday where Vincent Kompany got red carded for his challenge on Nani. The reason why I don't like instances […]

While cleaning out my garage over the weekend, I came across an old box of football/soccer collectibles. I haven't peeked inside the box yet to see what's in there, but I thought I'd reach in and pick out the first thing that was near the top. And it just so happened to be a sheet […]

"In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king" said a famous philosopher centuries ago, but he may as well have been writing for MLS Talk about the 2011 Eastern Conference champions. The Houston Dynamo took advantage of a weak conference and a hot streak to face the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS […]

Just eighteen miles separates Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City geographically. The West Midlands rivals are also separated by 18 places retrospectively between two divisions. On Saturday, they were separated by nothing but fresh air as the ‘ding dong derby’ turned out to be a dull and drab affair. Wolverhampton Wanderers travelled to Birmingham City, who […]

We are nearing the end of our Three Questions series, and I hope you have found it insightful and useful during the offseason. We'll end the series tomorrow and Tuesday with the MLS Cup participants, prior to the 2012 Superdraft. Today in addition to Sporting Kansas City we'll turn our attention to Real Salt Lake, […]

Over the years there have been few events in sport that can rival the excitement of the FA Cup. This Manchester Derby was a perfect example of the magic that this tournament embodies. It was exciting for fans of both sides and neutrals as well. It was a brilliant display of the quality of both […]