Weekend Review

Interesting weekend in the soccer world. Lots to discuss. No picture today because I couldn't find a good one...

1. EPL - So Liverpool thinks they can finally get a grip on first place after they defeat Hull City 3-1, and the first half of the Man U/Tottenham game was 2-0 in favor of 'Spurs. Then United decided to play, and the rest is history. Five goals in the span of 22 minutes put them back on top with a game in hand. Their offense is as good as any I've ever seen, as they just have too many weapons to be contained for long periods of time. Granted, Tottenham's defense resembled the French Maginot line in WW2, but 5 goals in such a short time is a rare feat for any professional team. Only a complete disaster will stop United from winning yet another EPL Title. As my friend Brian Straus said after the game "Liverpool fans must be masochists for what they have to deal with on an annual basis."

2. MLS - Speaking of impressive offenses, did RSL really score 6 goals in the 2nd half against New England? Not sure what to make of that, other than RSL's home-field advantage is becoming a big factor in matches now. It's still early, obviously, but the Revolutions' -4 in goal differential through 5 games might be a concern for Steve Nicol...in other action:

A. NY vs. DC - Another late-game collapse by the Red Bulls against United. Can't even count how many times that's happened since the league began. If you're a United fan, though, you've got to be excited that the team can play on the road without Gomez and Moreno and still come up with 3 points, putting them 2 points out of first. Pontius and Wallace are making huge contributions, and if you listen to the players, Brian Namoff has quietly become one of the leaders on that team. Also looks like Emilio is going to come close to 20 goals for the season at the pace he's on.

B. Other Action - Defending champs Columbus are still winless in 6 games. No reason to panic, yet, crew fans, but you might want to have that flare gun handy. Chicago is still unbeaten, but has 4 draws. McBride scores another, giving him 5 on the year...sure you don't have it in you to play in 1 more World Cup, pal? L.A. is still winless, but at least only has 1 loss, while Dallas has already given up 12 goals with their Swiss Cheese defense. Also looks like my colleague Mr. Walsh's prediction that Seattle wasn't in trouble is true after they get back on track with another shutout win.

3. WPS - Washington gets 2 goals and an assist from Abby Wambach in a nail biting 4-3 win over FC Gold Pride. Freedom Coach Jim Gabarra said that once she gets her first, look out. Sunday was a good start. In other action, Chicago's Brittany Klein gets a goal and 2 assists as the Red Stars thump Boston 4-0. L.A. and St. Louis battled to a 0-0 draw.

4. USL1 - Carolina stays unbeaten with a 1-0 win over Minnesota, while Austin gets their 1st-ever win with a 3-0 thrashing of Cleveland. Rochester becomes the 1st road team to win in USL1 this year with a 2-1 win in Miami.

5. USL2 - Richmond draws at home for the 2nd straight week with a 1-1 tie with Pittsburgh. The Riverhounds have to be feeling good after 2 straight road draws. In a matchup of 2 possible title contenders, Charlotte and Wilmington fought to a 2-2 draw, with reigning USL2 MVP Dustin Swineheart getting the brace for the Eagles. As expected, Bermuda struggles in a pair of losses over the weekend to Crystal Palace and Real Maryland.

Non-Soccer News

6. Caps-Rangers - Looks like Ovechkin and rookie 'keeper Varlamov are in peak form right now. I think Mr. Morath will have a preview of game 7 here tomorrow, but I just wanted to comment that regardless of tomorrow's outcome, Washington looks to be built like a contender for the next several years.

7. NFL Draft - Sure, it's over hyped, and everyone wants to make immediate grades, even though it'll be 2-3 years to figure out who panned out and who didn't, but I'll briefly look at how my 2 teams did.

A. Colts - Getting the RB Donald Brown from UConn was interesting. I know the Colts tend to draft the best available player, but picking him might show that there is concern about the health and durability of Joseph Addai, who struggled with injuries last year. Fili Moala, the big 300 pound DT from USC, gives them some much-need bulk up front.

B. Redskins - After throwing Jason Campbell under the bus for the 2nd time in a month, the team actually made a decent pick in DE Brian Orakpo, who won just about every defensive award in college. Hopefully he's the pass rusher they haven't had since the 1st Bush administration (the father, not the son). No 2nd round pick, but the word on CB Kevin Barnes from Maryland is pretty good, provided he can be healthy. He's (hopefully) got a few good mentors on the team with DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rodgers...

That's all folks. Check back later in the week for pieces from Walsh and myself, and I'll work on getting Morath to get us something tomorrow for the Caps game...