Weekend Review

Lots of great games this week, an old foe returns to Mexico, and trouble already in Seattle?

1. Manchester United vs. Aston Villa - Game of the year so far in the EPL? I haven't seen one or heard of a better one. What a tremendous amount of drama in a game that could very well decide the Champions of the 2008/2009 season. Villa probably deserved a point, but the 80th minute leveler from Ronaldo and then the game-winner in the 92nd (let's face it, when you saw there were 5 minutes of stoppage time, you just KNEW United would get the win) pushed them back to the top of the table. Also, I can honestly say that until yesterday, I hadn't heard of Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda. Macheda's finish was world-class, cutting the ball back inside w/ his heel and curving a wonderful shot just outside the reach of Brad Friedel. I guess it's safe to say the 17 year-old Macheda won't be buying another beer for a long time. Their play also helps to refute what others say about United; they simply buy talent and don't groom their own from the youth clubs and up. Both players are from the youth academy, so draw your own conclusions. [Correction: Macheda actually got his start w/ the Lazio youth club]

2. Mexico's New Coach - Javier Aguirre takes the reigns for the 2nd time. He led them to the 2002 World Cup, but was humiliated by the arch rival United States in the round of 16. He'll definately bring passion back to Mexico (who can forget the game where Claudio Reyna ran after an out of bounds ball and Aguirre kicking at him as he ran past?) and might shake up his lineup. Mexico plays at El Salvador (ask the U.S. how much fun that was) and then home to Trinidad and Tobago. That should be at least 4 points and put them in a decent position heading into the 2nd phase of the Hexagonal. Stay tuned, as there is more drama w/ this team than a Mexican soap opera.

3. Seattle - 3-0 after 3 games and still haven't surrendered a goal. Went into a very tough place to play in Toronto and emerged unscathed...well, kinda. Looks like wunderkind Freddy Montero is in a bit of trouble with the police back in Seattle. Here's the link to it:http://www.seattlepi.com/local/404574_montero02.html?source=mypi The fact that he didn't travel with the team for Saturday's game, yet the Sounders still looked solid, is a testament to the organization and Coach Sigi Schmidt.

4. MLS Week 3 - Highlights include a Conor Casey hat-trick to lead the Rapids to a 3-2 win over L.A., RSL demolishing the Champion Columbus Crew 4-1, DC United off to an unbeaten start after sneaking one past Houston, Ljungberg getting his Seattle career off to a bang w/ a goal just 15 minutes in, and Chivas USA matching pace with Seattle's 3-0 record.

Non-Soccer News

5. Jay Cutler to The Bears - They've mortgaged the franchise to get him, didn't they? Their starting QB in Orton, 2 1st rounders, and a 3rd. I remember a trade my Colts made years back: 2 #1's, WR Andre Rison, and Pro-Bowler Chris Hinton for the right to draft...Jeff George. didn't work out so good, did it? Hope the Bears know what they're doing, as opposed to...

6. Washington Redskins - So they learn nothing from the Broncos handling of the Cutler situation, and essentially throw THEIR starter Jason Campbell under the bus to try and get the Broncos to once again fleece the Redskins in a trade. From the sounds of it, Coach Jim Zorn had no say in this matter; it was all Vinny and Dan. Nice job, guys. What's that I hear? It's your diminishing fan base...

7. Wrestlemania 25 - Yes, I'm ending this column w/ wrestling. Went to a bar that was showing it last night for free with a few buddies to watch the annual extravaganza, and I was pleased at how they carried it off. No big-time celebrities (except for a silly Mickey Rourke sparring session with Chris Jericho), and very few frills and gimmicks, just some good ol' fashioned 'rasslin. Some good stuff; both main events were solid but unspectacular. The HHH/Orton match lacked much drama, although it was unique to see both wrestlers hit their finishers in the 1st minute, but in the end it was essentially a beat down and clean pin for HHH. Match of the night was Shawn Michaels/Undertaker. Michaels was ridiculous as he is at every WM, and this was easily 'Taker's best match in years. Taker won to keep his unbeaten WM streak alive at 17-0, but I think Michaels walked away to a standing ovation from the fans for his performance. Remember, this is a guy who refused to "job' (get pinned) for a long time in his career. Nice to see him more mature and a leader in the locker room.

And on that note, folks, I'm outta here. Look for something from Mr. Walsh here in the next day or so, and thanks as always for reading!