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U.S. under-23 men
Americans face stern test to qualify for Olympics.

Zak Whitbread
Zak Whitbread:
English import.
(Sunday, February 1, 2004) -- Four years ago in Hershey, Pa., the United States under-23 men had little trouble getting through to the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying final and earning for a trip to the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney. Things are likely to be quite different in Guadalajara, Mexico, when, starting Tuesday, the U.S. tries to qualify for the 2004 Games late this summer in Athens. Not only will the Americans have to face hostile crowds at every match, but the U.S. will be missing a number of key players.   Full story

U.S. women
Americans battle to 0-0 draw with China in Four Nations tourney.

SHENZHEN, China (Sunday, February 1, 2004) -- The United States and China engaged in a defensive struggle and ended with a 0-0 draw in the Four Nations Tournament before an estimated 5,000 at Shenzhen (China) Stadium. The defending champion U.S. is in good position to win the tournament should it defeat Canada Tuesday in the finale for both nations.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Kirovski, Gibbs are reported leaving Europe to join Galaxy, Burn.

(Saturday, January 31, 2004) -- The two teams with the worst records in Major League Soccer in 2003 have reportedly acquired a pair of big-name Americans currently playing in Europe. According to ESPN.com, striker Jovan Kirovski will join the Los Angeles Galaxy and defender Cory Gibbs will soon be a member of the Dallas Burn.   Full story

U.S. women
Tarpley's first two goals, another by Boxx beat Sweden 3-0.

SHENZHEN, China (Friday, January 30, 2004) -- The United States women opened 2004 with a decisive 3-0 triumph over Sweden in the Four Nations Tournament opener for both nations. Midfielder Shannon Boxx scored in the first half while midfielder Lindsay Tarpley added her first two international goals after intermission for the Americans.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Frank and Ronald de Boer are united again.

(Friday, January 30, 2004) -- The twins are together again. Defender Frank de Boer, 33, will join his twin brother Ronald, a midfielder, with Glasgow Rangers in Scotland. The duo has spent 12 of their 16 professional years together in the home Netherlands and in Spain.   Full story

U.S. Open Cup
Forty teams are entered in annual tournament.

(Thursday, January 29, 2004) -- All 10 Major League Soccer teams clubs will be among the 40 teams competing in the 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup which begins in the first week of June. After 34 teams participated in 2003, six additional teams will take part in the tournament this year, marking the most teams since MLS began participating in 1996.   Full story

Major League Soccer
New FIFA transfer regulations present serious challenge.

(Tuesday, January 27, 2004) -- An edict from world governing body FIFA will restrict Major League Soccer's ability to conduct player transactions. Just how limited MLS will be by the new ruling remains to be seen. MLS has requested clarification from FIFA on several points.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
New suburban Chicago stadium could be far from many Fire fans.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Monday, January 26, 2004) -- The city of Bridgeview, a suburb south of Chicago made Major League Soccer and the Anschutz Entertainment an offer they couldn't refuse. So when a new stadium is built there, Fire fans who live north and west of Chicago will have a long haul if they want to attend games.   Full story

NCAA Men All-Americans
Ngwenya is voted the top collegiate player, Yeagley the best coach.

Joseph Ngwenya
Joseph Ngwenya:
Player of Year.
(Sunday, January 25, 2004) -- Striker Joseph Ngwenya, who scored 21 goals and added 14 assists in leading Coastal Carolina to a 20-3 record, edged St. John's defender Chris Wingert to become the 2003 SoccerTimes.com NCAA Division I Men's "Player of the Year." Indiana's Jerry Yeagley was overwhelmingly voted "Coach of the Year" after closing his legendary career by becoming the winningest coach in NCAA history and then leading the Hoosiers to their sixth national championship under his direction. Wingert was named the nation's best defender and Saint Louis striker Vedad Ibisevic was picked as the top freshman.
Men's All-American Team
Women's All-American Team

Americans Abroad
Reyna, Keller meeting in FA Cup produces a draw; they'll try again.

(Sunday, January 25, 2004) -- A FA Cup fourth-round match which pitted United States midfielder Claudio Reyna and Manchester City against American goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Tottenham Hotspur produced a 1-1 draw meaning the two sides will try to settle matters in a replay February 4.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Borussia Dortmund is the champ when it comes to drawing fans.

(Friday, January 23, 2004) -- So which team in Europe is pulling the biggest crowds these days, Real Madrid, Manchester United or AC Milan? Close. It's Borussia Dortmund of Germany's Bundesliga. The Ruhr Valley club has the biggest home crowds, with an average of 76,444.   Full story

NCAA
Albert retires at W&M after 29 straight winning seasons; Cicala resigns.

Al Albert
Al Albert:
Retires at W&M.
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Friday, January 23, 2004) -- Al Albert stepped down today after more than three decades as coach of William & Mary's men's team. Chris Norris, a William & Mary defender from 1991-94 and an assistant to Albert since, was named head coach. On the women's side, Jac Cicala resigned at George Mason as the schools winningest coach.   Full story

U.S. under-23 men
Myernick chooses 22 players as Olympic qualifying approaches.

Glenn Myernick
Glenn Myernick:
Selects roster.
(Thursday, January 22, 2004) -- Coach Glenn (Mooch) Myernick selected 22 players to the roster of the United States under-23 men with qualifying for the 2004 Summer Olympics less than two weeks away. The CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament runs February 2-12 in Guadalajara, Mexico.    Full story

NCAA Women All-Americans
Tarpley is voted top collegiate player.

Lindsay Tarpley
Lindsay Tarpley:
Player of the Year.
(Wednesday, January 21, 2004) -- North Carolina, which complied a perfect 27-0 record en route to the 2003 NCAA Division I championship, resultantly swept the four top awards and placed six players on the SoccerTimes.com Women's All-American Team, as voted on by a panel of coaches. Striker Lindsay Tarpley was voted the most outstanding player, Anson Dorrance the top coach, Catherine Reddick the leading defender and forward Heather O'Reilly the best freshman.
Women's All-American Team

Americans Abroad
Mathis, West sign overseas; Gibbs nixes transfer deal.

Cory Gibbs
Cory Gibbs:
Still with
St. Pauli.
(Tuesday, January 20, 2004) -- After trying out with several clubs overseas, MetroStars striker Clint Mathis found a home with the Bundesliga's Hannover 96, a team that employs his United States men's teammates, defender Steve Cherundolo. Former Columbus Crew attacker Brian West signed with Fredrickstad in Norway, while American defender Cory Gibbs declined to approve a transer from St. Pauli to Regensburg.   Full story

Americans Abroad
McBride spurns Rovers, signs to join Bocanegra at Fulham.

Brian McBride
Brian McBride:
Leaves Columbus after eight seasons.
(Tuesday, January 20, 2004) -- A day after former Chicago Fire defender Carlos Bocanegra made his debut with Fulham in England's Premier League, Columbus Crew and United Stats men's striker Brian McBride joined him on the London club, announcing this morning he had signed a contract through the 2005-06 season. McBride's created a stir because he was thought to be going to the English Premier League Blackburn Rovers.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Manchester United, Howard are stunned by lowly Wolves 1-0, fall from first place.

(Monday, January 19, 2004) --- Cellar-dwelling Wolverhampton pulled the upset of the English Premier League season, knocking visiting Manchester United out of first place with a 1-0 decision. While United States goalkeeper Tim Howard is not responsible that United has not scored in its last two matches, but he probably wishes he had done better on the Wolves' goal.    Full story

U.S. men
Donovan's penalty kick provides 1-0 draw with Denmark.

CARSON, Calif. (January 18, 2004) - The United States men and Denmark traded penalty kicks, playing a 1-1 draw at Home Depot Center. In the Americans' first match in nearly six months, striker Landon Donovan tied the match in the 76th minute.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Howard finds himself in the middle of squabble at Manchester United.

(January 19, 2004) - There's trouble at Manchester United and American goalkeeper Tim Howard, such a pleasant surprise on the field, finds himself in the middle of a power struggle, along with a thouroughbred named Rock of Gibraltar.  Full story

U.S.-Denmark analysis
Americans waste chances, settle for draw with Danes.

(Sunday, January 18, 2004) -- A makeshift United States men's side controlled most of the play and had most of the chances against Denmark's "B" team this afternoon at Home Depot Center, but the Americans could not finish and ended up with a 1-1 draw.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Adu, Marshall are top two selections in draft.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Friday, January 16, 2004) -- As had been previously arranged, D.C. United made 14-year-old striker Freddy Adu the top choice in the Major League Soccer draft this morning. Stanford defender Chad Marshall was the second pick by the Columbus Crew.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Blackburn says deal has been made for McBride permanent transfer.

(Friday, January 16, 2004) -- Blackburn Rovers confirmed that Columbus Crew striker Brian McBride will joing them permanently as early as this coming week. Rovers will pay MLS a substancial transfer fee.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Earthquakes, Chicago learn Champions Cup opponents.

NEW YORK (Thursday, January 15, 2004) -- The Major League Soccer champion San Jose Earthquakes will face Costa Rican power LD Alajuelense while the Chicago Fire will take on CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh of Trinidad & Tobago in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals following a draw held yesterday.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Presthus retires from Columbus; Revs extend Nicol's deal.

Steve Nicol
Steve Nicol:
Contracted extended.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Wednesday, January 14, 2004) - Still recovering from serious elbow surgery, Columbus Crew goalkeeper Tom Presthus announced his retirement from professional soccer. Meanwhile, The New England Revolution extended coach Steve Nicol's contract through 2005.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Transfer of McBride to Blackburn Rovers remains a possibility.

Brian McBride
Brian McBride:
Headed for Rovers?
(Monday, July 12, 2003) -- Major League Soccer officials have been in England the past week for talks with a number of clubs about long-term relationships. Reportedly, there have been revived talks about Columbus Crew striker Brian McBride moving permanently to Blackburn Rovers, the Premier League club that employs United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Moore resigns as San Jose general manager; Crew obtains Elliott.

Johnny Moore
Johnny Moore:
Quits Quakes.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Monday, January 12, 2004) -- Johnny Moore resigned as general manager of the Major League Soccer champion San Jose Earthquakes, with new coach Domenic Kinnear handling his responsibilities at Friday's MLS draft. The Columbus Crew obtained Simon Elliott from the Los Angeles Galaxy for its 2005 first-round draft pick.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Boro struggles to escape the middle.

(Friday, January 9, 2004) -- Middlesbrough -- how many times have you thought about this English Premier League club? It's like Southampton or Charlton, one of those EPL teams you easily forget about, yet they are always there. Middlesbrough is also a difficult word to spell, so Boro, for short, comes much easier.   Full story

NCAA men
Fitzgerald leaves UCLA to return to Tampa.

Tom Fitzgerald
Tom Fitzgerald:
Heading home.
LOS ANGELES (Friday, January 9, 2004) -- Tom Fitzgerald, who led UCLA to the 2002 men's NCAA Division I championship, has resigned to become head coach at University of Tampa. Fitzgerald is from Tampa and coached UT from 1987-1995, leading his team to the Division II national championship in 1994.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Reyna to miss at least two weeks with calf ailment.

Claudio Reyna
Claudio Reyna:
Sidelined.
MANCHES-
TER, England (Thursday, Janaury 8, 2004) -- United States midfielder Claudio Reyna is expected to miss at least two weeks for with a calf injury following a collision in Manchester City's 1-1 English Premier League draw yesterday with Charlton United.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Bocanegra joins Fulham after winning appeal for work permit.

Claudio Reyna
Carlos Bocanegra:
London-bound
(Thursday, January 8, 2004) -- Chicago Fire star central defender Carlos Bocanegra has signed to play for Fulham of England's Premier League. Bocanegra moves to the London club on a free transfer, joining a team that is currently seventh in the Premier League after playing for four seasons in Major League Soccer. The deal went through after a work permit was issue on appeal.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Reyna injures leg early as Manchester City draws 1-1 with Charlton.

Claudio Reyna
Claudio Reyna:
Limps off.
(Wednesday, January 7, 2004) -- United States midfielder Claudio Reyna limped off early in Manchester City's 1-1 English Premier League draw today with Charlton United, but initially, the injury was not thought to be serious. Reyna received a knock to his leg in the 20th minute and he was replaced by Joey Barton.    Full story

Op-Ed \ Ed Draper
There are many similarities between MLS, England's First Division.

(Wednesday, January 7, 2004) -- There are many similarities between Major League Soccer and England's First Division, in the quality of play and atmosphere. One striking difference is how much greater the speed of play and how much more physical the game is in the First Division compared to the United States.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Kinnear, Nowak are named head coaches of San Jose, D.C. United.

Dominic Kinnear
Domminic Kinnear:
Promoted.
(Wednesday, January 7, 2004) -- The San Jose Earthquakes and D.C, United announced their new head coaches today. Dominic Kinnear, who spent the last three seasons as the top assistant to San Jose Earthquakes' Frank Yallop, was promoted to the helm of the defending MLS champions. Former Chicago Fire star midfielder Peter Nowak will be introduced as United's fourth coach tomorrow morning.   Full story

U.S. women
Pursuit of Olympic gold starts Monday with 27 in training camp.

(Tuesday, January 6, 2004) - The United States women will assemble Monday at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., to begin their pursuit of Olympic gold. A busy 2004 schedule was established to prepare the U.S. for the Summer Olympics in Greece.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Howard's saves help Manchester United overcome Aston Villa 2-1 in FA Cup.

Tim Howard
Tim Howard:
Big saves.
(Monday, January 5, 2004) -- United States goalkeeper Tim Howard made two big saves and Paul Scholes scored twice within a four-minute span in the second half, allowing visiting Manchester United to escape English Premier League rival Aston Villa 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Beckham's transfer was biggest story of 2003.

(Friday, January 2, 2004) -- The year of 2003 will be remembered for David Beckham's move to Real Madrid. Last January, it would have been hard to imagine that the golden boy would be leaving Old Trafford in a $41 million deal but, in February, the simmering feud between Beckham and Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson came to a head. Beckham would soon be gone.   Full story

Obituary
Former Revolution GM Todd Smith dies at 38.

Todd Smith
Todd Smith
BOSTON (Wednesday, December 31, 2003) -- Former New England Revolution general manager Todd Smith died today of complications from leukemia at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Smith had battled leukemia since the summer of 2002. The Revolution general manager for the 2001 and 2002 Major League Soccer seasons was 38.   Full story

Op-Ed \ Ed Draper
England's Second Division lacks glamor, but can be gratifying.

BOURNEMOUTH, England (Tuesday, December 30, 2003) -- Devoted followers of English Premier League teams expect only the best when they go to a game in terms of the quality of play and amenities. They might be shocked at the what they would find if they visited a Second Division match, but they also could uncover a heart-warming experience.    Full story

Americans Abroad
Kirovski, Birmingham win duel with Reyna, Manchester City 2-1.

UNC celebrates
Jovan Kirovski: Comes off bench.
(Sunday, December 28, 2003) -- Given the way things have gone so far this season, it was unusual to see Americans Claudio Reyna and Jovan Kirovski facing off against one another in the midfield, but that's what happened in Birmingham City's 2-1 home win over Manchester City on Boxing Day in England's Premier League.    Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Wish list for 2004.

(Sunday, December 28, 2003) -- So what did the Mad Brit ask Santa for Christmas? Apart from peace in the Middle East and a cure for the flu, no more discussion on Freddy Adu's age. Please!   Full story

Americans Abroad
Q&A: Hahnemann is at home in Reading.

Marcus Hahnemann
Marcus Hahnemann: Reading stalwart.
READING, England (Saturday, December 27, 2003) -- Marcus Hahnemann is in his second season as the starting goalkeeper for Reading in England's First Division. SoccerTimes correspondent Ed Draper sat down recently with the Bellevue, Wash., native for an update on his season thus far, his plans for the future and his opinion on a variety of topics.    Full story

Marc Connolly
The best of 2003

(Wednesday, December 24, 2003) -- Tim Howard's success with Manchester United and Major League Soccer's signing for Freddy Adu lead the ESPN.com writer's list of the best events of 2003.   Full story

U.S. men
Thirty players are invited to camp in Carson.

CHICAGO (December 23, 2003) -- Thirty players have been invited by coach Bruce Arena to a two-week United States men's training camp beginning January 4 at the National Training Center in Carson, Calif. All but three come from Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire and Kansas City Wizards sending five apiece.   Full story

Americans Abroad
O'Brien returns to Ajax, playing for reserves in Amstel Cup.

John O'Brien
John O'Brien: Back in action.
(Tuesday, December 23, 2003) -- It was only a reserve-team match, but United States midfielder John O'Brien was back on the field in the Netherlands, playing 72 minutes for visiting Ajax II which fell 1-0 to FC Twente in the fourth round of the Amstel Cup. Elsewhere, U.S. midfielder Eddie Lewis had a goal and an assist for Preston North End which defeated Burnley 5-3 in England's First Division.   Full story

United Soccer Leagues
Realignment is set for three men's divisions.

TAMPA, Fla. (Sunday, December 21, 2003) - As is an annual rite, the United Soccer Leagues changed the alignments for its three divisions of men's soccer. The second-division A-League, one step below first-division Major League Soccer, has 16 teams with expansion franchises in Edmonton and Puerto Rico. Four teams from 2003 moved to lower divisions and another team folded.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Johnson is awarded Golden Boot, Brazil takes world title by defeating Spain 1-0.

Ed Johnson
Ed Johnson:
Top scorer.
ABU Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Friday, December 19, 2003) -- With Brazil topping Spain 1-0 to capture the title of the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship this afternoon, United States under-20 men's striker Ed Johnson was certified as the winner of the Golden Boot as the event's leading scorer. Brazil won the tournament for a fourth time, edging Spain on Fernandinho's goal in the 87th minute.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Imperialism diminishes drama from Premier League title chase.

(Thursday, December 18, 2003) -- The English Premier League has succumbed to soccer imperialism. The mega-clubs now rule, leaving little for the smaller clubs. Over the last 10 seasons in top-flight English soccer, only three clubs have claimed the title with Manchester United walking off with seven championships.   Full story

SoccerTimes.com Top 25
Final men's rankings are released.

(Wednesday, December 17, 2003) -- Coach Jerry Yeagley retired from Indiana in dramatic fashion, taking the national championship and the No. 1 ranking for the sixth time in the 31 years since he started the Hoosiers' program. Check out how the other men's Division I colleges were ranked in the final SoccerTimes.com College Coaches Poll.
Men's Top 25   Women's Top 25

Americans Abroad
Q&A: Berhalter enjoys revival at Cottbus.

Gregg Berhalter
Gregg Berhalter:
Central to
Cottbus revival.
(Wednesday, December 17, 2003) -- United States defender Gregg Berhalter sees soccer as "life and death" in Cottbus, a city once located in East Germany and where unemployment is in the neighborhood of 20 percent. Berhalter, who has played a major role in Energie Cottbus's effort to reverse last season's relegation from the 1Bundesliga, talked to SoccerTimes correspondent Harris King.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Howard works hard for Man. U. in defeat of Manchester City.

(Monday, December 15, 2003) -- Through most of this season, United States goalkeeper Tim Howard has won games for Manchester United, often getting shutouts, without having to do much work behind his stout defense. In Saturday's "derby" against crosstown rival Manchester City, Howard had to come up big several times to help United to a 3-1 victory.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
So much ado about Freddy's age.

(Sunday, December 14, 2003) -- The Mad Brit was pummeled last week by readers for a few sentences regarding the age of United States striker Freddy Adu. There are a lot of sensitive folks out there who love their soccer stars. So we certainly touched a nerve. You Yanks love your Freddy.   Full story

Men' College Cup
Indiana withstands late rally to defeat St. John's 2-1 for national title.

UNC celebrates
Jerry Yeagley: Reason for celebration.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sunday, December 14, 2003) -- Ned Grabavoy and Jacob Peterson scored on No.. 7 Indiana's only shots on goal in the first half and the Hoosiers held off a furious late rally by sixth-ranked St. John's for a 2-1 victory to take the NCAA Division I men's championship in the snow at Crew Stadium.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Argentina's last-second rally produces 2-1 OT win in world quarters.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (Friday, December 12, 2003) -- The United States under-20 men came within moments of advancing to the semifinals, but were stunned when midfielder Javier Mascherano tied the game in the fourth minute of injury time and striker Fernando Cavenaghi put away a penalty kick 10 minutes into sudden death, sending Argentina to a 2-1 triumph at the FIFA World Youth Championships.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Great run at World Youth Championship comes to bitter end.

(Friday, December 12, 2003) - The United States was robbed! At least American fans might think so. The U.S. under-20 men tried to play defensive soccer against a superior Argentina squad today and came within seconds of pulling off what would have been the upset of the FIFA World Youth Championship, falling 2-1 to Argentina in sudden death in the quarterfinals.   Full story

Men's College Cup
Yeagley will go out in title match after Indiana edges Santa Clara 1-0 in sudden death.

Jerry Yeagley
Jerry Yeagley:
Will retire
after final.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Friday, December 12, 2003) -- Jerry Yeagley's coaching career will come to and end Sunday when Indiana plays for its sixth NCAA championship. Sophomore midfielder Pat Yates scored his second straight game-winner, this one in a second sudden-death period, lifting No. 7 Indiana to a 1-0 decision over 11th-ranked Santa Clara tonight in an Division I Men's College Cup semifinal.   Full story

Men's College Cup
Alvarado-Ralph penalty kick, Gaudette's saves send St. John's past Maryland 1-0 in semis.

Jerry Yeagley
Alvarado-Ralph:
Nets winner with
penalty kick.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Friday, December 12, 2003) - Sophomore striker Sebastian Alvarado-
Ralph netted a penalty kick late in the first half allowing, No. 6 St. John's to defeat second-ranked Maryland 1-0 in an NCAA Division I Men's College Cup semifinal.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Lewis cracks starting lineup, sparks Preston North End twice.

(Wednesday, December 10, 2003) -- United States midfielder Eddie Lewis has been in and out of the starting lineup at Preston North End over the past few weeks. Over a period of four days this past week, he started twice and made an impact in both matches as PNE recorded a victory and a draw in England's First Division.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Casey, Berhalter score as their teams draw in Germany.

Wednesday, December 10, 2003) -- American striker Conor Casey and defender Gregg Berhalter scored goals this weekend, but the best their clubs could do was manage draws in Germany's 2Bundesliga.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Mapp, Johnson find net to lead 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast in World Youth quarterfinals.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Monday, December 8, 2003) -- Midfielder Justin Mapp scored early while striker Ed Johnson added a penalty kick shortly before intermission, enough for the United States under-20 men to dismiss Ivory Coast 2-0 in a Round-of-16 match at the World Youth Championships. Argentina is next for the Americans.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
A few moments devoted to deep thought and reflection.

(Monday, December 8, 2003) -- The Mad Brit set aside a little time for some deep thought and reflected on some of the major issues of the day.   Full story

NCAA men's tournament
Maryland, St. John's rally from two-goal deficits to advance to national semifinals.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Sunday, December 7, 2003) -- Second-ranked Maryland rallied from a two-goal deficit to score four times in an 11-minute span to drop No. 5 Saint Louis 4-2 in the opener of an NCAA tournament quarterfinal doubleheader. In the second match, No. 6 St. John's also stormed back from two goals and one player down with three goals in a 13-minute span, overcoming Creighton 3-2.   Full story

Women's College Cup
Tarpley, O'Reilly lead North Carolina past UConn 6-0 for title.

UNC celebrates
Ramsey, McDowell:
Reason to celebrate.
CARY, N.C. (Sunday, December 7, 2003) -- North Carolina entered today's NCAA Division I Women's College Cup final as the first Tar Heels squad where none of the underclassmen had won a national championship. By the end of the day, this UNC side earned a spot beside the greatest sides in Carolina's legendary history, using sophomore striker Lindsay Tarpley's two goals and two assists and freshman forward Heather O'Reilly two goals and one assist to steamroll Connecticut 6-0 to capture the final.   Full story

NCAA Division II men
Jackson's first career goal gives Lynn national title 2-1 over Chico.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sunday, December 7, 2003) -- Rookie sophomore defender Leon Jackson scored the first goal of his career with 11 minutes remaining, lifting Lynn to a 2-1 decision over California State-Chico to capture the NCAA Division II men's championship for the first time.   Full story

NCAA men's tournament
Yates nets rebounds, powers Indiana past UCLA 2-1 into semis against Santa Clara.

Pat Yates
Pat Yates:
Celebrates winner.
LOS ANGELES (Saturday, December 6, 2003) -- Sophomore midfielder Pat Yates put away a rebound with 12 minutes remaining to give seventh-ranked Indiana a 2-1 triumph over No. 1 and defending NCAA Division I champion UCLA in an NCAA Division I tournament quarterfinal. The Hoosiers head to the College Cup semifinals and a meeting with 11th-ranked Santa Clara which dispatched No. 25 Michigan 3-1.   Full story

NCAA Division II women
Tucker's pair of goals gives Kennesaw State a 2-0 decision over Franklin Pierce for national crown.

Laura Tucker
Laura Tucker:
Freshman comes
up big.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Saturday, December 6, 2003) -- Freshman striker Laura Tucker scored a goal in each half, leading Kennesaw (Ga.) State to its first NCAA Division II national championship with a 2-0 triumph over Franklin Pierce. Kennesaw won in the second year of its program while the Ravens fell after winning in five previous finals.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Advancement in world tourney is a yawn.

(Friday, December 5, 2003) -- In what might have been the single dullest match in recent international competition at any level, the United States under-20 men defeated South Korea 2-0 to close Group F of the World Youth Championships on a pair of early Ed Johnson penalty kicks. Both nations knew they could advance even with a loss -- as long as it wasn't by too much.   Full story

U.S. men
World Cup qualifying will open against Grenada or Guyana.

(Friday, December 5, 2003) -- The United States men will begin their road to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany with a home-and-home in mid-June against the winner of a two-game series between the tiny nations of Grenada an Guyana.   Full story
CONCACAF   Europe   Africa   Asia   Oceania   South America

Women's College Cup
North Carolina, UConn will decide title after shutout wins in semis.

Kendall Fletcher
Kendall Fletcher:
In right spot,
CARY, N.C. (Friday, December 5, 2003) -- Sophomore defender Kendall Fletcher's goal was augmented by an own goal, giving No. 1 North Carolina a two-goal halftime advantage en route to a 3-0 triumph over second-ranked UCLA in a Division I Women's College Cup semifinal. The Tar Heels will meet No. 18 Connecticut which despatched 11th-ranked Florida State 2-0 on a pair of goals by Kristen Graczyk.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Keller is key in Spurs' Cup victory, is named team's best player.

Kasey Keller
Kasey Keller:
Top Spur.
(Friday, December 5, 2003) -- Goalkeeper Kasey Keller's fine second-half performance, including a pair of late saves on United States teammate Claudio Reyna, allowed Tottenham Hotspur to oust Manchester City Wednesday in the third round of the Carling Cup. Keller was named Spurs' "Player of the Month" for November, as he was in October.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Poor second half is costly in 3-1 loss to Germany.

(Tuesday, December 2, 2003) -- For 45 minutes today, the United States under-20 men pretty much played Germany dead even. But in the second half, the Germans stepped up their level of play, the U.S. quickly started to make costly mistakes and Germany cruised to a 3-1 victory in the World Youth Championships.   Full story

Major League Soccer
D.C. United declines option to keep Hudson.

Ray Hudson
Ray Hudson:
Returning to
Fort Lauderdale?
CHANTILLY, Va. (Monday, December 1, 2003) -- D.C. United declined to exercise a contract option today to retain colorful Ray Hudson as the club's coach. Hudson was let go after two seasons with a team that was the class of Major League Soccer during its first four years, but which has fallen on hard times since. A search for Hudson's successor will begin immediately.   Full story

NCAA Division III men
Trinity completes 24-0 season, downs Drew 2-1 for national crown.

Josh Rosenblum
Josh Rosenblum:
Survives storm.
MADISON, N.J. (Sunday, November 30, 2003) -- Trinity completed a perfect season, using goals from midfielders Alex Woods and Josh Smith to defeat host Drew University 2-1 to capture the NCAA Division I men's championship. The Tigers became the first team from the state of Texas to win a national championship in any division.    Full story

NCAA men's tournament
Santa Clara comes back to defeat Coastal 3-2 in overtime.

Will Weatherly
Will Weatherly:
Sends Broncos
to quarterfinals.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Sunday, November 30, 2003) -- Defender Jason Pan tied the game by netting a free kick with less than four minutes remaining, setting up striker Will Weatherly's winner in overtime, lifting No. 11 Santa Clara to a 3-2 victory over 12th-ranked Coastal Carolina in an NCAA tournament third-round meeting. The Broncos returned to the tourney quarterfinals for the first time since 1999.   Full story

NCAA Division III women
Last-minute rally sets up Oneonta's 2-1 overtime win over Chicago in national final.

Rosie Velan
Rosie Velan:
Starts comeback.
ONEONTA, N.Y. (Sunday, November 30, 20039) -- Sanada Mujanovic was quick to admit she was just as happy about being lucky as good. Her attempted cross wound up in the net four minutes into sudden death to give Oneonta State to its first NCAA Division III championship 2-1 over Chicago. Mujanovic's heroics would not have been possible had striker Brooke Davis not tied the game with 29 seconds left.   Full story

NCAA women's tournament
Cross sparks UConn rally that rolls over BYU 3-1 to College Cup.

Jessica Gjertsen
Jessica Gjertson:
Goal, assist.
STORRS, Conn. (Saturday, November 29, 2003) -- Converted freshman midfielder Nikki Cross scored one goal and assisted two others in an eight-minute span of the first-half, powering No. 18 Connecticut to a 3-1 triumph over Brigham Young in an NCAA tournament quarterfinal. UConn advanced to the College Cup semifinals for the seventh time, but first time since 1997.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Johnson sparks comeback, 3-1 victory over Paraguay to open world championship.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (Saturday, November 29, 2003) - Striker Ed Johnson scored one goal, then helped set up tallies by forward Mike Magee and midfielder Bobby Convey as the United States shook off a miserable first half and one-goal deficit at intermission to defeat Paraguay 3-1 to open Group F play in the FIFA World Youth Championship.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Two faces of Americans visible in victory over Paraguay.

(Saturday, November 29, 2003) -- Two seemingly different squads of United States under-20 men showed up today to play Paraguay in the opening Group F match of the World Youth Championships. The U.S. in the first half was tentative, bumbling and generally inept in the opening 45 minutes, but was dominant after intermission, rallying from a one-goal deficit to a 3-1 victory.   Full story

NCAA women's tournament
O'Reilly, Reddick spark North Carolina's 3-0 triumph over Santa Clara.

Lindsay Tarpley
Lindsay Tarpley:
Extends record with ninth assist.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Friday, November 28, 2003) -- Freshman striker Heather O'Reilly and senior defender Catherine Reddick scored in the closing 13 minutes of the first half, lifting No. 1 North Carolina to a 3-0 decision over third-ranked Santa Clara in an NCAA Division I women's tournament quarterfinal. UNC moved to the Women's College Cup semifinals for an astounding 22nd straight year.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Adu being shown a path littered with failure.

(Friday, November 28, 2003) -- Major League Soccer clubs do not have reserve or youth teams, so D.C. United's 14-year-old phenom Freddy Adu will have to learn on the job with the first team.   Full story

NCAA men's tournament
Cristman rallies Virginia past Wake Forest 2-0 in second round.

Adam Cristman
Adam Cristman:
Nets winner.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Wednesday, November 26, 2003) -- The most trying season for Virginia in more than two decades could be heading for pleasing conclusion. After struggling to the worst regular-season record in 23 years, the Cavaliers suddenly find themselves four victories from the NCAA Division I championship. Freshman striker Adam Cristman scored late in the first half -- on Virginia's first shot -- then assisted a tally by junior forward Mile Littlefield midway through the second as U.Va. stunned No. 4 Wake Forest 2-0 in the NCAA tournament's second round.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Howard, Man. U. get the best of Friedel, Rovers before record crowd.

(Monday, November 24, 2003) -- In a match featuring two American goalkeepers, Manchester United's Tim Howard came out on top of Blackburn Rovers' Brad Friedel with a 2-1 decision at home Saturday in front of 67,748 at Old Trafford, the largest English Premier League crowd of the season.   Full story

MLS Cup 2003
Ekelund, Donovan lead San Jose to 4-2 triumph over Fire for crown.

Kevin Richards
Landon Donovan:
MLS Cup MVP.
CARSON, Calif. (Sunday, November 23, 2003) -- Midfielder Ronnie Ekelund nailed an early free kick while striker Landon Donovan scored twice to make sure the San Jose Earthquakes never relinquished the lead in defeating the Chicago Fire 4-2 to capture the MLS Cup 2003 championship. San Jose coach Frank Yallop, who is believed ready to leave to become coach of his native Canada's national team, became the second coach to lead a team to more than one MLS championship.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Agoos remains biggest winner in league annals.

Jeff Agoos
Jeff Agoos:
Captured fifth title.
CARSON, Calif. (Sunday, November 23, 2003) -- There's one thing about winning -- it never grows old. And there is no one in Major League Soccer who knows that better than San Jose Earthquakes defender Jeff Agoos. In MLS Cup 2003 -- the league's eighth championship match -- Agoos played in his sixth final and captured his fifth championship when the San Jose Earthquakes downed the Chicago Fire 4-2.    Full story

NCAA women
Ryder's two saves in shootout send Santa Clara past Portland to quarterfinals.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sunday, November 23, 2003) -- Santa Clara University freshman goalkeeper Julie Ryder stopped two penalty kicks to defeat No. 6 Portland 4-2 in a tiebreaker after the two schools played 110 minutes of scoreless soccer in the NCAA Division I tournament Round of 16.   Full story

MLS Cup 2003 analysis
Chicago produced the chances, but Quakes scored the goals in 4-2 title victory.

CARSON, Calif. (Sunday, November 23, 2003) -- The final score had the San Jose Earthquakes defeating the Chicago Fire 4-2, but with a little better finishing from both sides, MLS Cup 2003 could well have ended 8-7 in favor of either team in both the highest-scoring and most wide-open of the eight Major League Soccer championship games. Had Chicago been more efficient with its chances, it certainly could have won.   Full story

MLS notes
Garber clarifies 2005 expansion plans, says finances are improving.

CARSON, Calif. (Saturday, November 22, 2003) -- Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber clarified the league's expansion plans with a series of statements during the festivities surrounding tomorrow's MLS Cup 2003. He reaffirmed that two teams would be added in 2005 and noted the league's finances are improving.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Adu's arrival probably means the end of Etcheverry; is Hudson leaving United too?

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Friday, November 21, 2003) -- The arrival of teen sensation Freddy Adu in Washington, D.C., apparently means the end of Marco Etcheverry's legendary tenure with D.C. United and Major League Soccer. Meanwhile, United coach Ray Hudson is without a contract and conspicuously absent from Adu's coming-out party Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
Much ado about Freddy -- signing of teenager overshadows MLS Cup.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, November 20, 2003) -- With Major League Soccer's publicity machine embrioled in an all-Freddy, all-the-time strategy following the signing of teen sensation Freddy Adu, attention has distracted attention from the league's premier event -- MLS Cup 2003.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Adu, 14, signs deal to play for D.C. United

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, November 18, 2003) -- With offers from some of the top clubs in Europe to consider, striker Freddy Adu, 14, signed a six-year contract with Major League Soccer to play for D.C. United.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Hahnemann's shutout leads Reading to 1-0 victory over Millwall.

(Monday, November 17, 2003) -- There was little play in England's top leagues over the past international match weekend, but Reading and Marcus Hahnemann were in action in the First Division with the American goalkeeper posting a colean sheet in a 1-0 decision over visiting Millwall.   Full story

NCAA men
UCLA is top seed as field of 48 is named.

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, November 17, 2003) -- Three of the top four seeds are from the Atlantic Coast Conference in the field of 48 teams announced today for the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament which starts Friday.   Full story

NCAA women
Chavez, Michigan stun No. 4 Irish 1-0 with one shot on goal.

Stephanie Chavez
Stephanie Chavez: Another winner
sinks Irish.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Sunday, November 16, 2003) -- Michigan took just one shot on goal, but senior striker Stephanie Chavez made it count. She put away the Wolverines' only corner kick of the game, allowing UM to stun host No. 4 Notre Dame 1-0 in the NCAA tournament's second round.   Full story

NCAA women
Kellgren's golden again, Florida rallies from three down to drop Ole Miss 4-3 in overtime.

Ashley Kellgren
Ashely Kellgren: Flair for the dramatic.
GAINES-
VILLE, Fla. (Sunday, November 16, 2003) -- Junior striker Ashley Kellgren's second consecutive NCAA tournament golden goal capped No. 7 Florida's rally from three goals down to a 4-3 triumph over Mississippi before 1,223 who witnessed the thrilling second-round match.   Full story

NCAA men
Rare Richards goal helps power Notre Dame past St. John's 2-0 for Big East title.

Kevin Richards
Kevin Richards: Due to score.
STORRS, Conn. (Sunday, November 16, 2003) -- Senior defender Kevin Richards scored his first goal in three years late in the contest while senior midfielder Chad Riley provided insurance in the closing seconds, lifting No. 6 Notre Dame to a 2-0 decision over fourth-ranked St. John's in the Big East Tournament final.   Full story

U.S. under-23 men
Johnson, Buddle score twice each in 6-0 rout of St. Kitts in Olympic qualifying.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Saturday, November 15, 2003) -- Strikers Ed Johnson and Edson Buddle each had two goals while midfielder Bobby Convey and forward Alecko Eskandarian each contributed a goal and assists as the United States under-23 men pummeled St. Kitts & Nevis 6-0 in CONCACAF second-round Olympic qualifying   Full story

Major League Soccer
Donovan golden goal sends Earthquakes to MLS Cup by beating Kansas City 3-2.

SAN JOSE (Saturday, November 15, 2003) -- Striker Landon Donovan's goal with three minutes remaining in sudden death gave the San Jose Earthquakes a 3-0 victory over the Kansas City Wizards and a date with the Chicago Fire in MLS Cup 2003.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
San Jose comeback as Galaxy collapsed was thrilling, but overrated.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Saturday, November 15, 2003) -- While the San Jose Earthquake's comeback from an aggregate four-goal deficit to win their Major League Soccer semifinal series with the Los Angeles Galaxy was thrilling, it wasn't an example of quality soccer.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Armas score in OT to send Chicago past Revolution 1-0 and to MLS Cup.

CHICAGO (Friday, November 14, 2003) -- Midfielder Chris Armas doesn't score often, but his goal in sudden death last night gave the Chicago Fire and 1-0 triumph over the New England Revolution and a berth in MLS Cup 2003.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Rongen selects 20 players for World Youth Championship in UAE.

CHICAGO (Wednesday, November 13, 2003) -- United States under-20 men's coach Thomas Rongen named the 20-player roster that will compete in the FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates November 27-December 19.   Full story

NCAA women's tournament
BYU, Idaho State open festivities with upsets of Colorado, Utah.

Lydia Ojuka
Lydia Ojuka: Assists BYU's
decisive tally.
SALT LAKE CITY (Thursday, November 13, 2003) -- Terra Bigelow scored early and fellow senior striker Jennifer Fielding provided late icing, sending Brigham Young to a 2-0 triumph over No. 10 Colorado to open the 2003 NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament. In the second game of the doubleheader, No. 14 Utah was outsed by Idaho State 5-4 in penalty kicks after 110 minutes of play produced a scoreless draw.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Friedel, Rovers get back on winning track, 2-1 over Everton.

(Tuesday, November 11, 2003) -- United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel had a relatively easy time for Blackburn Rovers who snapped a five-match losing streak in the English Premier League, holding off visiting Everton for a 2-1 decision. Blackburn went into the game without a goal in its previous 274 minutes of play, but was ahead of Everton 2-0 within 13 minutes.   Full story

NCAA women
North Carolina is top seed among 64 tournament invitees.

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, November 10, 2003) -- A field of 64 teams was announced for the 22nd NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship. For the first time, 16 schools were seeded, rather than the eight of recent years, and there will be no conference match-ups in the first round.    Full story

NCAA women
Reddick's late penalty kick sends Tar Heels past Florida State for ACC crown.

UNC celebrates
Catherine Reddick: Joyous.
CARY, N.C. (Sunday, November 9, 2003) -- Defender Catherine Reddick's late penalty kick rescued No. 1 North Carolina which twice rallied from one-goal deficits to overtake 16th-ranked Florida State 3-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament final.   Full story

NCAA women
Sheveland, Finley lead Navy past American 4-1, to first NCAA tourney.

Amelia Sheveland
Amelia Sheveland: Leads Navy to
NCAA tourney.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sunday, November 9, 2003) -- Finally, Navy is in the NCAA tournament. Amanda Sheveland produced two goals and an assist while her senior striker partner Stacy Finley added a goal and assist, powering the Mids past American 4-1 in the Patriot League tournament championship match to become the first Navy women's team in any sport to advance to the NCAA postseason.   Full story

MLS playoffs
Ralph, Razov score and Chicago advances with 2-0 win over United.

CHICAGO (Sunday, November 9, 2003) -- Ante Razov set up fellow striker Damani Ralph's first-half goal and scored himself after intermission, leading the Chicago Fire to a 2-0 triumph over D.C. United and into Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference title game.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
MLS expansion plans are still a work in progress.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Saturday, November 8, 2003) -- Major League Soccer has committed to adding two teams in 2005, but none of the details on particular expansion franchises have been finalized.   Full story

MLS playoffs
Simutenkov, Klein power Kansas City past Rapids 2-0 to West final.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Saturday, November 8, 2003) -- Striker Igor Simutenkov scored off a bicycle kick in first-half stoppage time while midfielder Chris Klein added insurance midway through the second half, sending the Kansas City Wizards to the Major League Soccer Western Conference championship game with a 2-0 triumph over the Colorado Rapids   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Captain America is shot down again.

(Friday, November 7, 2003) -- Calling all angels, Captain America is down. Claudio Reyna, clearly the most talented player ever produced in the United States, has suffered another injury. It's more bad luck for the New Jersey kid. His spirit is willing, but his body just keeps breaking.   Full story

Major League Soccer
MetroStars are facing elimination against Revolution Sunday.

(Friday, November 7, 2003) -- The MetroStars' Major League Soccer season will come to end unless the New Jersey side fins a way to win by at least two goals on the road against the New England Revolution Sunday afternoon. The Revolution defeated the Metros 2-0 Saturday in the opener of the two-game series which is decided by aggregate goals.   Full story

Americans Abroad
With Thomas winner, Eintracht Braunschweig stuns Hannover 2-0 in German Cup.

Cherundolo, Thomas
Cherundolo (left),
Thomas (right):
Americans battle.
(Tuesday, November 4, 2003) -- American striker Jacob Thomas scored the decisive goal that helped lift Eintracht Braunschweig of Germany's third division to an improbable 2-0 decision over the Bundesliga's Hannover 96 in the DfB Pokal (German) Cup second round. After winning the duel with United States defender Steve Cherundolo's employer, Braunschweig then dropped its weekend league match.   Full story

NCAA men
Visnic's early goal allows Bucknell to shock Maryland 1-0.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Tuesday, November 4, 2003) -- Striker Scott Visnic scored in the second minute and Bucknell withstood a fierce attack to stun No. 2 Maryland 1-0 in a non-confernce match.   Full story

U.S. men
Keller's 12 saves can't prevent Spurs' 1-0 loss to Bolton.

(Tuesday, November 4, 2003) - United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller made 12 saves for Tottenham Hotspur against Bolton Wanderers at Saturday, but Spurs still fell 1-0 in England's Premier League. Meanwhile, American keeper Tim Howard hardly had to break a sweat for Manchester United in a 3-0 whitewash of Portsmouth.   Full story

NCAA men
Mendy's disputed goal sends George Mason past hard-luck ODU 1-0.

Matt Mendy
Matt Mendy: Scores winner.
FAIRFAX, Va. (Sunday, November 2, 2003) -- Matt Mendy's disputed goal gave George Mason a 1-0 Colonial Athletic Association decision over No. 3 Old Dominion which lost its first two games of the season this weekend and two starters to injuries.   Full story
ODU suffers first loss.

U.S. men
Start of World Cup qualifying is moved back five months to June.

NEW YORK (Sunday, November 2, 2003) -- The road to World Cup qualification became a little easier for the United States and other traditional powers of the CONCACAF region which represents North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Under the new plan, the Americans will start in June rather than January and play 18 games instead of 20.   Full story

U.S. women
Wambach puts away pair of Hamm corner kicks to lead 3-1 victory over Mexico.

Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm:
Assists two goals.
DALLAS (Sunday, November 2, 2003) -- The partnership Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach formed on the Washington Freedom of the now defunct Women's United Soccer Association continues to pay dividends. Wambach came off the bench to score twice in the second half -- both goals off corner kicks by fellow striker Hamm -- leading the United States women to a 3-1 decision over Mexico before 23,176 at the Cotton Bowl, the most to see a women's soccer match in Texas.    Full story

NCAA men
James Madison spoils Old Dominion's perfect record 3-2 in CAA game.

HARRISONBURG, Va. (Friday, Oct. 31, 2003) -- Old Dominion is undefeated no more. Defender Rob Overton scored twice and midfielder Mark Totten added a goal as James Madison rallied from a one-goal deficit to hand ODU an 3-2 setback in the Colonial Athletic Association.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Keller's key to Spurs' recent run of good results.

(Friday, October 31, 2003) -- After a miserable start and a change of coaches, Tottenham Hostpur is on the rise in England's Premier League. American Kasey Keller's hot goalkeeping is a key reason why.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
MLS conference setup, new playoff system dampen fan interest.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, October 30, 2003) -- Major League Soccer's new system that there be no crossover between its two conferences in qualification for the playoffs, or in the postseason itself, as well as reducing the conference title matches to a single contest, serve to reduce fan interest in the league as a whole.   Full story

NCAA men
Galmarini's late goal gives Cal.-Irvine 1-0 upset of No. 9 UCSB.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Wednesday, October 29, 2003) -- Forward Sebastian Galmarini's late goal gave California-Irvine a 1-0 upset of No. 9 California-Santa Barbara, handing the Gauchos their second consecutive Big West setback.   Full story

NCAA women
Michigan hands Notre Dame its first loss 3-2, ending shutout streak.

Christie Shaner
Christie Shaner:
Irish defender sees streak end.
NOTRE DAME, Ind. (Wednesday, October 29, 2003) -- Michigan closed a disappointing regular season in style, handing No. 2 Notre Dame its first loss of the season 3-2 in a non-conference meeting. The Irish had won 12 in a row, the last 10 by shutout, the fifth longest streak of clean sheets in NCAA Division I history.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Spurs ride Keller hot streak to middle of Premier League table.

(Tuesday, October 28, 2003) -- The hottest goalkeeper in the English Premier League right now is American Kasey Keller. On Sunday, behind Keller's seven saves, Tottenham Hotspur collected a hard earned point, drawing 0-0 at home with Middlesbrough. The clean sheet was Keller's sixth of the young season and he has given up only a single goal in his last four matches.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Cherundolo avoids bench and helps Hannover to 1-1 draw with 1860 München.

(Tuesday, October 28, 2003) -- Many expected American right-side defender Steve Cherundolo to be relegated to the Hannover 96 bench in favor of converted midfielder Daniel Stefulj after a best-forgotten sub-par effort last week in a 6-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga. Instead, Cherundolo went the distance and turned in a solid effort at right midfield as Hannover drew 1-1 with 1860 München.   Full story

NCAA men
Haugland tally lifts Akron past Cleveland State 1-0.

AKRON, Ohio (Tuesday, October 28, 2003) -- Striker Hans Jorgen Haugland scored early to lead No. 17 Akron to a 1-0 decision over Cleveland States tonight in a non-conference match before 205 who braved a cold, driving rain.   Full story

NCAA men
McClung scores early to send UCLA to 2-1 victory over California.

Kiel McClung
Kiel McClung:
Freshman defender nets winner.
BERKELEY, Calif. (Sunday, October 26, 2003) -- Freshman defender Kiel McClung's early goal proved to be the difference for No. 1 UCLA which won for the 12th consecutive time, defeating California 1-0 in a Pac-10 match. While UCLA strengthened its national top ranking, Cal saw its hopes of qualifying for the NCAA tournament dealt a blow.   Full story

NCAA women
Portland needs own goal to get past LMU 1-0.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Sunday, October 26, 2003) -- No. 4 Portland won for the 12th straight outing, but the defending NCAA Division 1 champion prevailed over Loyola Marymount 1-0 in a West Coast Conference match this afternoon on the strength of a late own goal.   Full story

Major League Soccer
D.C. United United rides Stoitchkov goal to 1-1 draw with Wizards and playoff berth.

Ian Etherington
Hristo Stoitchkov: Key goal.
WASH-
INGTON, D.C. (Saturday, October 25, 2003) -- Hristo Stoitchkov was not happy about being left out of the starting lineup, but the Bulgarian striker came off the bench to score the goal that gave D.C. United a 1-1 draw with the Kansas City Wizards and the standings point that secured United' first Major League Soccer playoff appearance since 1999.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Roberto Carlos has no match among the world's defenders.

(Saturday, October 26, 2003) -- Is there a finer defender in the world today than Roberto Carlos? The Brazilian ace can defend, tackle hard, blaze up the flanks at amazing speed, hit a good free kick and score amazing goals. He also possesses the hardest left foot in the game.   Full story

NCAA women
Kane, Abbott lead West Virginia past Pittsburgh 2-1 in Big East.

Chrissie Abbott
Chrissie Abbott:
Leads WVU with 11 goals.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Thursday, October 23, 2003) -- Strikers Laura Kane and Chrissie Abbott scored in the first half and No. 7 West Virginia held on for a 2-1 decision over Pittsburgh in a Big East match at the Mountaineer Soccer Complex tonight. WVU clinched second place in the conference and assured it would open the Big East tournament with a home match.   Full story

NCAA men
Two goals by defenders send Villanova to 2-0 upset of Rutgers.

Josh Gros
Josh Gros: Rutgers senior in setback.
PISCA-
TAWAY, N.J. (Wednesday, October 22, 2003) -- Villanova's backliners became offensive tonight and produced an upset. Defender Colin Raws assisted David O'Donnell's goal and later scored himself, lifting visiting Villanova to a 2-0 triumph over No. 15 Rutgers in the Big East.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Howard, Man. United hold off Rangers 1-0 in Champions League.

(Wednesday, October 22, 2003) -- American goalkeeper Tim Howard called Manchester United's European Champions League matchup with Rangers in Glasgow "the most important match I've ever played." He played very well and Man. U. came away with an exciting 1-0 victory in the emotional caldron that was Ibrox Stadium.   Full story

U.S. women
Goal by Placchi gives Italy a 2-2 draw with Americans.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Wednesday, October 22, 2003) -- Defender Moira Placchi scored midway through the second half to give Italy a 2-2 draw with the United States women who were making their first appearance since finishing third at the Women's World Cup.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Reyna has goal, assist as Manchester City drubs Bolton 6-2.

Claudio Reyna
Claudio Reyna
(Tuesday, October 21, 2003) -- After watching most of a midweek UEFA Cup match on the bench, United States midfielder Claudio Reyna was back starting for Manchester City Saturday, registering a goal and an assist in a strong overall performance during a 6-2 romp over visiting Bolton Wanderers in England's Premier League.   Full story

Major League Soccer
McBride's last-minute header extends Crew season, stuns United 3-2.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sunday, October 19, 2003) -- Twenty-nine ticks of the clock. Had they transpired, D.C. United would have been in the Major League Soccer playoffs for the first time in four seasons and the Columbus Crew's last remaining game would have been meaningless. Instead, striker Brian McBride put away a point-blank header in the last minute of sudden death to give the Crew a 3-2 triumph.   Full story

NCAA men
Arzate's record assist powers UCSB past Northridge 3-2.

Ian Etherington
Memo Arzate: Assists winner, sets record.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Saturday, October 18, 2003) -- Freshman defender Jeff Murphy headed home a corner kick from midfielder Memo Arzate midway through the second half to give No. 11 California-Santa Barbara a 3-2 decision over 20th-ranked California State-Northridge in the Big West.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Maybe it's time to give Alpay a break.

(Saturday, October 18, 2003) -- Let bygones be bygones. It's time to relieve the pressure off Turkish and Aston Villa star defender Alpay Ozalan, the man who recently caused a riot in the players tunnel at the half-time mark of England's Euro 2004 tie at Turkey.   Full story

Book Review
23 Days in Korea:
An American fan's view of the World Cup.

23 Days
(Thursday, October 16, 2003) -- Give credit where it's due. Anyone who makes the effort to write a book should get a pat on the back. Anyone who writes a book about soccer for an American audience deserves a medal. Andy Gustafson has done just that with his account of the 2002 World Cup.   Full story

NCAA men
Maryland edges Penn State 1-0 on Ibrahim header in rain.

HERSHEY, Pa. (Thursday, October 16, 2003) -- Midfielder Sumed Ibrahim's header midway through the second half was enough for No. 2 Maryland to outlast Penn State.   Full story

U.S. Open Cup
Ralph's tally gives Fire title 1-0 over MetroStars.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Wednesday, October 15, 2003) -- Striker Damani Ralph scored midway through the second half, powering the Chicago Fire past the MetroStars 1-0 and to its third Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title in six years.   Full story

It Seems to Me . . .
MLS shortchanges fans with league games on FIFA match dates.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, October 15, 2003) - Major League Soccer once again shortchanged its fans this weekend. It played a full schedule, including critical matches which could determine which teams make the playoffs and who gets home-field advantage. But a number of teams had to play those games with key players missing to national-team duty.    Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Beckham abuse shows nasty nature of soccer in Europe.

(Tuesday, October 14, 2003) -- It's all becoming a little too sickening, even boring. David Beckham slips, lands on his butt and sends a penalty kick high into the stratosphere. Following the mistake in the crucial Euro 2004 game, an opposition player comes over and taunts him. It demonstrates the lack of civility in European soccer.   Full story

Women's World Cup
Kuenzer's overtime header sends Germany past Sweden 2-1 for championship.

CARSON, Calif (Sunday, October 12, 2003) -- Nia Kuenzer's header in the eighth minute of sudden death completed Germanys comeback from an early deficit to a 2-1 triumph over Sweden for the Women's World Cup championship.   Full story

NCAA men
Marcantonio, Garey lead Maryland to 4-0 rout of UConn.

Jason Garey
Jason Garey:
Pair of goals.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Sunday, October 12, 2003) -- Nino Marcantonio didn't just want to take the penalty kick. He demanded it. Marcantonio clinically finished the PK and his conversion gave No. 2 Maryland its first lead in a 4-0 non-conference rout of Connecticut.   Full story

NCAA women
Freeman's late tally lets Florida escape Georgia with 2-1 win.

Stephanie Freeman
Stephanie Freeman:
Quick response.
ATHENS, Ga. (Sunday, October 12, 2003) -- Midfielder Stephanie Freeman scored with eight minutes remaining, lifting No. 5 Florida to a 2-1 Southeastern Conference decision over Georgia.   Full story

U.S. women
Americans beat Canada 3-1 to take Women's World Cup third place.

CARSON, Calif (Saturday, October 11, 2003) -- The United States women missed the ultimate prize, but ended the Women's World Cup on a high note, riding the effort of their veterans to defeat Canada 3-1 to take third place.    Full story

NCAA men
First-half outburst allows Rutgers to shock Notre Dame 5-2.

Ian Etherington
Ian Etherington:
First goal comes in loss.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Saturday, October 11, 2003) -- No. 20 Rutgers scored four times in a 10-minute period, storming to a 4-0 advantage at halftime, and held on for a 5-2 Big East road upset of fifth-ranked Notre Dame. Rutgers took over first place in the Big East.   Full story

U.S. under-20 men
Japan rallies in second half for 2-1 victory.

CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, October 8, 2003) -- Striker Daisuke Sakata and midfielder Daigo Kobayashi scored in the second half to lead the Japan under-20 men to a 2-1 decision over the United States.   Full story

MLS notes
Stress fracture ends Twellman's season in New England.

Taylor Twellman
Taylor Twellman:
Season over.
FOXBOROUGH,
Mass. (Thursday, October 9, 2003) -- When striker Taylor Twelllman scored two goals Saturday in the New England Revolution's 4-1 victory over the Dallas Burn, he did it with a stress fracture in his left foot. Unfortunately, the injury has now ended his Major League Soccer season. Meanwhile, midfielder Chris Klein, who has been with the Kansas City Wizards since 1998 and is the club's senior member, signed an new five-year contract.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Early expansion idea is apparently shelved; two teams will join in 2005.

(Wednesday, October 8, 2003) -- Major League Soccer expansion will almost certainly wait until the 2005 season -- as has always been the plan -- commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday at the Sixth Honda Symposium in Los Angeles.   Full story

NCAA men
Reeves, Wunderle lead San Diego past No. 16, undefeated CSUN 3-1.

Joshua Leroy
Joshua LeRoy:
Scores late in loss.
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (Tuesday, October 7, 2003) -- Striker Sy Reeves opened the scoring while midfielder Eric Wunderle added a pair of goals, staking San Diego to a three-goal lead en route to handing No. 16 California State-Northridge its first loss of the season 3-1 in non-conference action. Wunderle also had an assist.   Full story

Americans Abroad
Keller's threee straight shutouts are key to Hotspur revival.

Kasey Keller
Kasey Keller:
Three straight
clean sheets.
(Monday, October 6, 2003) -- Of the three American goalkeepers playing in England's Premier League, Kasey Keller might have been a bit lost given Brad Friedel's league best play last season and Tim Howard's much heralded arrival at Manchester United this year. However, over the past couple of weeks, Keller has been at the top of his game and has helped lead Tottenham Hotspur back from its poor start this season. On Saturday, Keller made several wonderful saves to preserve his third straight clean sheet as Spurs defeated Everton 3-0.   Full story

NCAA men
James Madison spoils Old Dominion's perfect record 3-2 in CAA game.

HARRISONBURG, Va. (Friday, Oct. 31, 2003) -- Old Dominion is undefeated no more. Defender Rob Overton scored twice and midfielder Mark Totten added a goal as James Madison rallied from a one-goal deficit to hand ODU an 3-2 setback in the Colonial Athletic Association.   Full story

NCAA women
Huffman's first goal lets Virginia escape JMU 1-0.

HARRISONBURG, Va. (Tuesday, October 7, 2003) - Midfielder Sarah Huffman first goal of the season came in the 82nd minute tonight, allowing No. 3 Virginia to stave off an upset and win its eighth straight outing 1-0 over James Madison.   Full story

U.S. men
Donovan is first repeat winner of Honda Award.

Kasey Keller
Landon Donovan:
Honda Award
winner again.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (Tuesday, October 7, 2003) -- Landon Donovan was given the Honda Award this afternoon, the forward-midfielder becoming the first to receive in consecutive years the honor as the Most Valuable Player of the United States men's national team.    Full story

U.S. women
Women's World Cup run ends with 3-0 setback to Germany.

PORTLAND, Ore (Sunday, October 5, 2003) -- The United States' hopes for a repeat Women's World Cup championship came to an end this afternoon when Germany downed the Americans 3-0 on one early goal and two in stoppage time.   Full story
Sweden edges Canada 2-1.

NCAA men
Broxup's pair allows Evansville to surprise No. 4 SMU 3-1.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Friday, October 3, 2003) -- Dan Broxup scored twice within 96 seconds late in the first half while fellow forward Marc Burch added second-half insurance, powering Evansville to a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over No. 4 Southern Methodist in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both schools.   Full story

U.S. Open Cup
Wolyniec scores off rebound to give MetroStars 3-2 semifinal win over D.C. United.

PISCATAWAY, N.J, (Wednesday, October 1, 2003) -- The third time proved to be a charm for John Wolyniec and the MetroStars. After twice seeing shots at a potential winner stopped, Wolyniec put away a second rebound in the 88th minute, lifting the MetroStars past D.C. United 3-2 in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal.   Full story

U.S. women
Wambach's header defeats Norway 1-0 for Cup semifinal berth.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (Wednesday, October 1, 2003) -- The 2003 Women's World Cup has served as a final stage for United States women's old guard. Yet, it was the young stars who produced the decisive moment in the Americans' 1-0 triumph over Norway in a physical semifinal tonight. Striker Abby Wambach rose high to nod home a long free kick from defender Cat Reddick in the 24th minute for the only goal.   Full story

NCAA men
Birmingham Southern shocks No. 5 UAB 2-1.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Wednesday, October 1, 2003) -- Freshman striker Karim Dietz's late goal proved to be decisive, lifting Birmingham Southern to a 2-1 upset of No. 5 and previously undefeated Alabama-Birmingham.   Full story

CONCACAF
Long World Cup qualifying road to begin on January 17.

(Wednesday, October 1, 2003) -- CONCACAF, the region that includes North America, Central America and the Caribbean, has submitted a proposal in which its qualifying matches for the 2006 World Cup in Germany will begin January 17 and 18. World governing body FIFA is expected to give quick approval to the plan which will have the eventual World Cup participants playing as many as 20 qualifiers..   Full story

Americans Abroad
Keller faces 24 shots, leads Spurs 0-0 draw with Reyna's City.

(Tuesday, September 30, 2003) -- With interim manager David Pleat standing in for the sacked Glenn Hoddle, United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller faced 24 shots and made a handful of superb saves for Tottenham Hotspur which drew 0-0 with Manchester City and its American midfielder Claudio Reyna.   Full story

U.S. women
Wambach, Reddick lead Americans past North Korea 3-0, to Cup quarterfinals.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sunday, September 28, 2003) -- Striker Abbby Wambach scored a first-half penalty kick while defender Cat Reddick added two goals after intermission, leading the United States to a 3-0 victory over North Korea and into the Women's World Cup quarterfinals.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Spoiled Arsenal and Manchester United players made fools of themselves.

(Friday, September 26, 2003) -- When will these spoiled millionaire soccer players wake up and start acting like, well, soccer players? England's top two teams -- Manchester United and Arsenal -- met last weekend and wound up acting like fools with an altercation at the end of a 0-0 draw.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
WUSA is on life support with plug ready to be pulled.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, September 26, 2003) -- Despite announcing it was ceasing operations, the Women's United Soccer Association might not be dead quite yet. At best, however, the league is on life support with a plug that could be pulled at any time.    Full story

U.S. women
Hamm leads Americans to 5-0 Cup rout of Nigeria.

PHILADELPHIA (Thursday, September 25, 2003) -- Mia Hamm scored two goals and assisted another in a deominating performance that led the United States women to a 5-0 rout of Nigeria, virtually assuring the Americans will advance to the Women's World Cup quarterfinals.   Full story

NCAA men
San Jose State hands Santa Clara its first setback 2-1.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Tuesday, September 23, 2003) -- Eighth-ranked Santa Clara was dropped from the ranks of the undefeated tonight, surprised by crosstown rival San Jose State 2-1.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Kroenke buys Rapids' operating rights from Anschutz.

Stan Kroenke
Stan Kroenke:
New MLS owner.
(Tuesday, September 23, 2003) -- Major League Soccer, which has not attracted new investors since its expansion for the 1998 season, brought a new owner into the fold today. The Colorado Rapids were taken over by Kroenke Sports Enterprises which promised to build a new soccer-specific facility in the Denver area by 2006 after purchasing operating rights to the Major League Soccer club from Philip Anschutz's sports organization.   Full story

U.S. women
Hamm's three assists lead Americans past Sweden 3-1 to open Women's World Cup.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sunday, September 21, 2003) - Mia Hamm showed why she is the biggest star in women's soccer, setting up all three goals this afternoon for the United States which opened defense of its Women's World Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Sweden.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Debate heats up over Blackburn breaking Liverpool bones.

(Saturday, September 20, 2003) -- Alert: Blackburn is breaking bones and Liverpool fans are not too happy about it. Jamie Carragher is out for six months with a broken leg and Czech star Milan Baros suffered a broken ankle. Both injuries came in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Rovers.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Garlick saves lead Rapids to 0-0 draw with New England.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (Thursday, September 18, 2003) -- Goalkeeper Scott Garlick stopped a second-half penalty kick and a point-blank header in sudden death, allowing the Colorado Rapids, who were reduced to nine men by the end of overtime, to hold on for a 0-0 Major League Soccer draw with the New England Revolution.   Full story

NCAA men
Goldthwaite's first goal gives Irish 1-0 overtime victory over Indiana.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Thursday, September 18, 2003) -- Defender Kevin Goldthwaite scored in a second sudden-death overtime period, sending No. 16 Notre Dame to a 1-0 decision over 18th-ranked Indiana before 2,131 who witnessed the non-conference match.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
WUSA's demise was hastened by rocky relationship with MLS.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, September 17, 2003) -- The shockingly swift demise of the Women's United Soccer League Monday opened to public view the long festering antipathy WUSA and Major League Soccer officials and investors felt toward one another.    Full story

Americans Abroad
Reyna keeps it brief in Manchester City debut.

(Sunday, September 14, 2003) -- United States midfielder Claudio Reyna made his first Manchester City appearance -- albeit a short one -- entering in the 81st minute of a 4-1 English Premier League victory over Aston Villa.   Full story

Major League Soccer
Stewart's first, Olsen's winner send United past San Jose 2-1.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Saturday, September 13, 2003) -- Striker Earnie Stewart finally recorded his first Major League Soccer goal, but it was midfielder Ben Olsen's late tally that gave D.C. United a 2-1 decision over the San Jose Earthquakes.   Full story

NCAA men
Oliver, Cristman score; Virginia stuns No. 2 Wake Forest 2-1.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Saturday, September 13, 2003) -- Defender Matt Oliver scored late in the first half while midfielder Adam Cristman found net early in the second half, staking Virginia to a two-goal advantage en route to a 2-1 upset of No. 2 Wake Forest in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both schools.   Full story

WUSA
League folds after three seasons and losses of $100 million.

(Monday, September 15, 2003) -- The Women's United Soccer Association, citing $100 million of losses and insufficient funds to continue, ceased operations today after a vote of the Board of Governors. The timing was shocking considering the Women's World Cup, to be played in the United States, starts Saturday.   Full story

Mad Brit Diary
Little nations make international soccer interesting.

(Friday, September 12, 2003) -- Some years back, German legend Franz Beckenbauer aired his frustration about all those dinky, little countries he said clogged up the World Cup qualifying process. Well, the very talented and esteemed Franz had it all wrong.   Full story

NCAA women
Warner, Geurtin lead No. 2 Irish to 2-0 shutout of St. John's.

Aleisha Rose Convey
Amy Warner:
Nets winner.
JAMAICA, N.Y. (Thursday, September 11, 2003) -- Senior strikers Amy Warner and Amanda Guertin found net after intermission, leading No. 2 Notre Dame to a surprisingly difficult 2-0 Big East victory over St. John's.   Full story

It Seems To Me . . .
Lewis should receive Honda Award.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, September 11, 2003) -- Next week, the three finalists for the Honda Player of the Year Award. The winner will be revealed October 7. The feeling here is the trophy and Honda automobile should go to Eddie Lewis.   Full story

NCAA men