US Open Cup Specialists

Despite a checkered history in MLS, the Union do seem quite adept at deep runs in the US Open Cup.  With a 3-0 beatdown of the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night, the Union will advance to the finals for the third time in their relatively short life.  The previous two times ended in overtime losses to Seattle, one of which came down to kicks from the spot.  This time they'll face the Houston Dynamo on September 26, in Houston.

Cory Burke celebrates goal vs Chicago (USA Today)

I did not see the match.  Sounded like a pretty even first half, with both keepers making some nice saves. Second half looked to be all Union.  By the end they had 22 shots and 7 on target compared to 8 with just one on target for Chicago.  All the Union goals came after Curtin subbed Sapong for Accam, making it one of the few times we've seen both C.J. and Burke on the field together.  Hmm, three goals in 34 minutes.  Just sayin'.

This was certainly much better than the 0-3 loss to Portland on Saturday night.  Not that the Union were awful.  In fact there were long stretches where they had the run of play.  But two unfortunate fouls in the box undid all that good work.  Real time, both looked like fouls and replays confirmed that the calls were correct; sometimes even VAR can't rescue you.

Except for being indoors on artificial turf, Saturday's 2-2 draw between Atlanta and Toronto had the feel of a league coming of age.  High energy, compelling and competitive soccer in front of 45,000 fully engaged fans.  Though maybe not at quite the same level, the Red Bulls 2-1 over LAFC on Sunday also looked pretty grown up.  Maybe we are making progress.


U12 Moment

LAFC almost didn't make it to the semi-final against Houston  In the US Open Cup, teams are allowed to use up to five foreign players.  After losing to LAFC 2-3 in the quarters, Portland filed a protest with US Soccer claiming that LAFC had used six.    The protest centered around Mark-Anthony Kaye.  A Canadian, Kaye counts as a domestic player for MLS purposes.  LAFC said they had notice from US Soccer that he counted as domestic for the US Open Cup as well.  Portland gracefully decided to withdraw the protest, saying it looked like a "good faith misunderstanding."  Details can be had here.


What Did You Do This Summer?

Newcastle - Rearranged the deck chairs on the Titanic

A little unfair but how much better do you think Salomon Rondon is compared to Dwight Gayle?  This was not a great leap forward.  We added Schar but lost Lejeune for the season.  Frederico Fernandez adds some more depth.  All the deals look like good value.  But they leave a squad that underwhelms.  The frustrating part is that Newcastle had money to spend.  In fact, they had the biggest net negative spend in this window of any EPL club - 45 m in players sales vs 17.6m spent for net income of 27.4.  No, the problem is how Rafa was allowed to spend and how slowly they moved.  So they never got the #10 that Benitez craved, we only marginally improved at striker and we didn't get any cover for Dummett at left back.


Tottenham - Nuthin'

Spurs became the first club since the summer transfer window started in 2003 not to make a move.  But maybe keeping Alderweireld and Rose was enough.  Addition by not subtracting.


Manchester United - Played with the kids

Aside from The Special One's rant about his team's quality, we did get to see Man United take on the Late Late Show Football Club.   Highlights are here.


Bournemouth - Surf's Up, Dude

Up the creek but with paddles (Getty Images)

Bournemouth players did a team building exercise at training camp that included the aquatic activity seen at right.  Let me know how that worked for you guys.  Good to see everybody with a life vest.

Preview Tables

I've looked at dozens now and certain trends are emerging.  Everyone of them has Man City first and Liverpool second.  Every one of them has Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea in places three through six, though in varying orders.  Cardiff City is on everybody's list for relelgation and Watford was only missing from one person's list.  Newcastle?  I saw them as high as 7th and as low as 17th.  Yeah, that sounds about right.


Who Goes First?

Before a ball is kicked in anger, looks like some managers may be already on their way out.  Current odds on who will get the boot are shown here.  Not surprised to see Puel at the top. And Mourinho is in his third year at Man United so that's a sacking waiting to happen.  A little surprised to see Rafa in the top three; I figure he makes it through the year but then leaves on his own when they finish 12th.


Play Time

Before we get to the EPL, note that the Union play New England at 7:30 on Saturday up in Foxborough or whatever town that monstrosity is in.  This is a huge six point match.  The Revolution is one of the teams that the Union will have to catch to make the playoffs.

By the time that match rolls around we might be bleary eyed.  Friday has the season opener with Man United hosting Leicester; this might get one of the top two sack candidates off to a great start.  Saturday early (7:30) sees Newcastle taking on Tottenham at St. James' Park; we keep hearing that Spurs will be missing some key players who are recovering from the World Cup but I'll believe that when I don't see them on the pitch.

The four 10 am games are a mixed bag.  Bob K notes that the Fulham-Crystal Palace fixture features two London sides that play on "matchbox grounds."  I will definitely be checking out the featured match on NBC at 12:30 with newly promoted Wolverhampton taking on Everton; this will be my first look at Molineux Stadium.

Sunday has the marquee match of the week as Man City begin their title defense on the road against a Wenger-less Arsenal (11 am).  For the 8:30 match up your choice is Liverpool - West Ham or Southampton-Burnley.

Well, whatever didn't get done this summer probably ain't going to get done now.