Mid-Week Links

It's been awhile since I've done a round-up of links, but as we wait for the MLS Playoffs to start, this is a good time to do some reading:

World Cup in the U.S. could mean $5-Billion Windfall - L.A. Times

Roma's Captain Totti Undergoes Knee Surgery - USA Today

Forget Fergie, A Real refereeing crisis is looming - Graham Poll - The Daily Mail

Rangers and Celtic's barbaric Old Firm bigotry is last thing we need down here: Martin Samuel - The Daily Mail

In Italy the Ultras give the orders - La Gazzetta dello Sport

Bodies of murdered soccer players returned to Colombia - Colombia News

French League Boss defends late decision to call off game despite violence - Canadian Press

Swine Flu strikes Bolton - AFP

Fenerbahce preserves home dominance in derby classic - Today's Zaman

Palermo salvages SuperClasico draw - ESPN

The Dynamo beat Chivas to get the second spot in the west, have to face Seattle in the first round.

Music from Robbie Williams, Pearl Jam, and Public Image Limited.

Episode 6 of The Zygo Soccer Report

The Zygo Soccer Report

Episode 5 of the Zygo Soccer Report

We had some technological glitches with the MLS Talk podcast this week,so here is my report from last Sunday's match between the Houston Dynamo and the L.A. Galaxy.

Episode 5

The Zygo Soccer Report

Episode 4 of The Zygo Soccer Report

Main thing in this episode is Houston Dynamo Coach Dominic Kinnear's entire, unedited press conference following Sunday's 0-0 draw between the Houston Dynamo and L.A. Galaxy. Plus a little audio of Luis Angel Landin following the match.

Music featured in this episode is from The Judys, The Church, David Jordan, and Bombay the Hardway.

Houston Dynamo v. L.A. Galaxy: Postmatch Video

In their last 2009 MLS regular season home match on Sunday, the Houston Dynamo hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy in a physical 0-0 draw. Over 29,400 fans showed up at Robertson Stadium on a lovely fall afternoon to see David Beckham make his Houston debut. There might not have been any scoring in Sunday's match, but casual fans were treated to the kind of game that makes draws exciting. The Dynamo managed 11 shots, 4 of which were on goal but saved by the spot-on goal keeping of Galaxy's Donovan Ricketts. Meanwhile, Pat Onstad racked up 3 saves and Geoff Cameron made a bicycle kick save in the 52nd minute. Unfortunately for the Dynamo, star forward Brian Ching received a red card in the 84th minute, meaning he'll miss next weekend's season finale against Chivas USA in Los Angeles.

Here's some post game video courtesy of Erin Dutka:





My regular home post game report should show up on an upcoming Podcast from MLS Talk.

And, as always, tune into the Orange Slice on 1560 The Game - Independent Sports Talk Radio from Houston, Texas, which airs from 8-9 central time on Tuesday evenings. You can listen live online at http://www.1560thegame.com/

Episode 3 of The Zygo Soccer Report

This episode's topics include the tragic accident involving US National Team forward Charlie Davies, the US victory over Honduras, and the Dynamo victory in the Charities Cup on Sunday.

The entire press conference with Dynamo Coach Dominic Kinnear is included in this episode, as well as some audio of Luis Angel Landin, in Spanish.

Music from Joy Division, Lily Allen, Bombay the Hardway, and the Descendants.

Episode 3 - The Zygo Soccer Report

The Zygo Soccer Report

U.S. National Team Forward Charlie Davies Injured in Fatal Car Accident

According to news reports and confirmation from the U.S. Soccer Federation, U.S. National Team forward Charlies Davies, who plays club football for Sochaux in France, was injured in a one vehicle car accident on the George Washington Parkway early this morning. According to the U.S. Park Police, via News 4, the accident occurred around 3:15 am local time when a SUV traveling southbound made contact with metal railing on the bridge over Boundary Channel Drive.

Of the three passengers in the vehicle, one died, Ashley J. Roberta, 22, of Phoenix, Maryland. The survivors were transported to the Washington Medical Center MedStar Unit.

[UPDATE] Charlie Davies underwent several hours of surgery today for a broken femur, a broken tibia, fractured left elbow, facial fractures, and a lacerated bladder. Titanium rods were inserted in his tibia and femur. He is currently in serious but stable condition.

According to the USSF press release, Davies will be in the hospital for about a week. He will need additional surgery and extensive rehabilitation, with a 6 to 12 month recovery period expected.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this accident.

Official Release from USSF

Updated Soccer Insider Report from Washington Post

NBC News Story on Accident

Soccer Insider Article on Accident

Orlando Sentinel Article on Accident

SI.com Article on Accident

ESPN Article on Accident

Sporting News article on Accident

WTOP Article on Accident

Another Article from WTOP

Video from US victory over Honduras

Last night the US National Team secured their spot in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. Check out my write up on this weekend's footy action concerning the US by clicking here. And, here's some video connected to last night's US victory.

The Zygo Soccer Report Podcast - Episode 2

Episode 2 of my podcast is now available. This episode has a focus on the Houston Dynamo, including the raw audio from Coach Dominic Kinnear's press conference following the 1-1 draw with Kansas City Wizards this past Sunday.

This week's music includes CapaRezza, Goldfrapp, and Robbie Williams.

Episode 2

The Zygo Soccer Report