Bijev scores twice in a friendly for Düsseldorf

 

Biev with Fortuna Düsseldorf
*He scored twice in 26 minutes in a 9-0 win.
*Highlights after the jump...

Studio 90: MNT Ready for Costa Rica

1-on-1 with MNT Forward Jozy Altidore

Alex Ferguson and Edin Dzeko receive BPL acclaim

Both the Barclays Manager and Player of the Month of August awards will be heading to Manchester.

Man City striker Dzeko received praise for his four goals in their 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, and was given the award for the first time, after his excellent start to the season.

Dzeko was also on the score sheet as the Citizens frisked over Swansea 4-0, and Bolton Wanderers also suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of Roberto Mancini's men.

While Dzeko had a lackluster unveiling season at Eastland after completing a move from Wolfsburg for a reported £27 million, he has now won the worship of the fans in Eastlands, with the Citizens currently in second spot on the Premier League table behind Manchester United on goal difference.

There was also acclaim reserved for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who won the Barclays Manager of the Month for the 26th time in his career after his squad maintain a 100% record this season by beating Arsenal 8-2 last weekend.

The Red Devils beat West Brom 2-1 in their opening weekend, and then hit Tottenham for a 3-0 victory, earlier racing to the top of the table with their beating of Arsenal.

The wily Scot has acquainted new signings such as Phil Jones and Ashley Young who have contributed strongly, together with young players including Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley who apparently have made the transition effortlessly to the first team.

The choice was made by the Barclays Awards Panel that includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

A few things to watch for tonight vs. Costa Rica

By Jared Launius



Less than a month ago, the U.S. played a pretty inspiring second half against rival Mexico. It was only 45 minutes, but that was more than enough to send the media and fans alike into a tizzy over the free-flowing, forward-flying style new coach Jurgen Klinsmann deployed.



Tonight, we can all watch Klinsmann's second act in charge of the U.S. against a very young Costa Rica team also under new management.



Here's what I'll be watching for as Klinsmann continues in his quest to liberate the soccer spirit from what has long been a too-rigid side.



Exactly how much can be changed by a philosophical adjustment?

Sure, that was a fun half of soccer. Landon Donovan looked more spritely in a national team shirt than he had since the World Cup. Brek Shea and Juan Agudelo punished tired Mexican defenders. Robbie Rogers turned in his best performance in a U.S. kit.



But, well, it was just one half. And a friendly.



The most interesting thing to watch for Klinsmann's side in the short term is whether a change in philosophy and tactics will really be enough to convert a historically rigid soccer nation into an expressive Germany-lite.



Klinsmann is certainly saying all the right things: promising to foster experimentation, creativity and innovation without the threat of being admonished for making a mistake doing so. But these aren't 14-year olds he's coaching. They're established professionals raised in a soccer culture that stresses organization and risk-limitation. I'm recalling something about old dogs and new tricks.



I don't mean to say it can't be done, but it will be certainly be interesting to watch. Is it really so simple as turning Agudelo, Shay, Donovan, Dempsey et al loose? Is that really what Bob Bradley was just failing to do? Or did he play the system he did because his players aren't the most expressive?



This is obviously something to track over several games, not just one friendly against a CONCACAF side nearly a year before qualifying begins. But every game will tell us something.



What formation will we see?

Last time out, Klinsmann deployed a 4-5-1/4-3-3. This came as a mild surprise to many of us, I think, as Klinsmann has traditionally deployed a 4-4-2. Was the 4-5-1 a one-time thing, sticking to the formation Bradley had the team featuring to keep things easy? Jeff Carlisle says Klinsmann has hinted at using Donovan as the support striker beside Jozy Altidore. Does that mean it's back to the 4-4-2?



Can Edgar Castillo acquit himself better this go round?

The Mexican-American left back struggled in his second U.S. appearance last month, looking disheveled on the ball and offering little going forward. But it was just one start and, well, there's not exactly a ton of competition at his position. Castillo, actually, was the only player called into camp that plays primarily as left back.



Castillo is technically strong on the ball and has a reputation for really getting up and down the flanks. I watched him play with Club America against Juventus during the World Football Challenge, and I was pretty impressed with the player then. Perhaps knowing the manager won't yank him after one off performance will calm him some. He's certainly a near lock to start both games.



Can the U.S. get a win?

Yes, it's only a friendly, but it would be nice to see Klinsmann's men come out and beat an inferior opponent at home. Costa Rica will be without its best player in Bryan Ruiz, as he's off in West London familiarizing himself with Clint Dempsey and Fulham. It's also a very youthful side called in by new coach Jorge Luis Pinto, and one Donovan and company should be able to get a few goals past.



Can Jozy Altidore bring his form into the national team?

Based on early returns, there's no question which Yank fared best during the summer transfer window. Jozy Altidore seems to have a found a club in AZ Alkmaar interested in fully developing his talents. The results have been instantaneously felt, as Altdiore has 3 goals in four league games and 5 goals in five total appearances.



I noted this in my review of Klinsmann's roster, but I'll mention it again – what has me most excited about Altidore's form of late isn't just the goals (though they're quite nice), it's the attitude he's taken. I obviously have no idea what is really going on inside Altidore's head, but he gives the impression – and the game of his I watched supports this – he's really interested in being coached.



Now, he comes into a camp with a former top striker as coach who's taken a serious interest in player development. I was always of the opinion Jozy wasn't going to turn any corners with his play until he realized his physical gifts weren't enough at the top level. His play recently suggests he's getting there. I'm very excited to see if that manifests itself on the field.



Players to keep a close eye on:

Jozy Altidore – for the reasons just listed

Brek Shea – can he repeat his inspiring performance? Does he have anything in the tank right now with all the minutes he's logged for FC Dallas the last two weeks?

Edgar Castillo – for the reasons listed above

Jose Francisco Torres – Klinsmann is a fan, which has to be a nice change from Bradley's mistrust. Will he reward his new coach?

Landon Donovan – the press is saying he'll be shifted up to a support striker's role – how will the U.S.'s all-time leading goal scorer respond to a new part of the field?

Maurice Edu – with Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley and Kyle Beckerman missing this one, Edu is a near lock for a big chunk of minutes in central midfield. Can he do anything to move up the depth chart?



Prediction:

U.S. 2-0 Costa Rica with goals from Donovan (on a penalty) and Altidore



Enjoy the proceedings, folks.

Thursday Night Yanks Abroad/USMNT Link Drop

*Back in with the U.S. MNT: Q & A with Defender Timmy Chandler

*Serie A Adventure: Q & A with Michael Bradley

*Donovan only available for Costa Rica friendly, will miss Belgium trip

*Taylor loaned to Atletico CP

*Restrepo starts opener for América de Cali

*Nungary aiming for Morelia first team

*Bocanegra on US team, move to Rangers

*"El Gringo" a huge hit in Pachuca

*Igwe returning to action with Babelsberg

*Top five transfer-deadline questions

*US out to impress against young Costa Rica side

*Donovan: Klinsmann's style already trickling down to USMNT

*Westberg big in Évian's Cup defeat

Inside the Lines: MNT Trains in Carson, Calif.

Studio 90: Fans Come out for MNT Training Session in Carson

Can The Toronto Blue Jays Contend In The AL East?

The American League East is the toughest fishing games division in the big four sports in North America. Made up of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles, the playoffs essentially begin at the start of the season for the five AL East teams. The MLB is also the only league without a salary cap, leaving many to wonder, how can anyone compete fairly? Today for your sports betting pleasure, we will be assessing whether the Toronto Blue Jays can contend in the world’s toughest division.

Toronto Blue Jays fans are some of the most patient in the history of sports. The last time MLB betting Jays fans saw a playoff game, was the 1993 World Series when Toronto defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. In the 18 years since the World Series victory, Blue Jays fans have had little to cheer for. Whether it is the daunting task of winning the division, or poor management, Jay’s fans have been messed around on multiple occasions.

Since the 2010 season, the Toronto Blue Jays have provided their fans with a false sense of hope that they can contend in the next couple of seasons. Essentially, Jays GM Alex Anthopolous has revamped the entire minor league system, which in turn has allowed him to deal away veteran players and fill the current roster with youth. While the man known as AA is praised by the media for building up the youth of the roster, the rare veteran pieces he has added have been more then suspect.

For the reason that the 2010 and 11 Toronto Blue Jays have more or less appeared to be their own worst enemies, fans are really questioning if there is light at the end of the tunnel. AA’s Achilles heel has been his lack of attention spent on the bullpen. As a result of his neglect, Toronto has lost many games that they otherwise should have been in.

What’s more, in any other division in baseball, it takes roughly 90 wins to make the playoffs. Yet, in the AL East, it takes a minimum of 105 wins. Which means, that AA’s inability to fix the bullpen has caused the team to constantly hover around a 500 record, when really; they could be performing more consistently.

Now, some will argue, that the Blue Jays would have the proverbial smack down laid on them regardless of who is in the bullpen, but we disagree. As we noted earlier, the Blue Jays farm system has been revamped dramatically. This in turn should allow the team to not only deal from an area of strength for bullpen help, but also reveal to Jays fans, that a youthful bullpen can get the job done. By using homegrown talent, AA and the new look Toronto Blue Jays, should be able to contend for an MLB highlights playoff spot sooner rather than later.

Yanks Abroad: Transfer Winners and Losers.

By:  Matt Carlson

So, another transfer deadline day has come and gone and I am taking a look back on some of the American players abroad that won and lost during this transfer period.  One caveat is that there are always deals that are reported after the deadline, so my thoughts may change, but as of right now, here they are:

CONTINUE READING AFTER THE JUMP.

Jozy Altidore:  Winner.  This is a bit old, I know, but his move to AZ Alkmaar in Holland appears to be a big fat winner, so far.  He is getting some playing time and he is scoring goals.  Not much more needs to be said, really.  Here's hoping he keeps it up.

Daniel Williams:  Winner.  Daniel Williams moved from Freiburg to Hoffenheim.  Williams has played defensive midfield, as well as left back and right back.  Williams did not play very much for Freiburg's first team over the last two seasons, but, hopefully, that will change now.  Hoffenheim wanted him enough to give him a three year deal, so one would think that should result in Williams getting a chance for more playing time than he was getting at Freiburg.  Anyone who can even spell “left back” has a good chance of being brought in by Klinnsman over the next two years and that means Williams is a winner on this transfer day.

Clint Dempsey:  Winner.  Yes, winner.  The rumors were flying fast and furious about Dempsey this off-season.  Sevilla, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Fiorentina, Napoli, Roma, and Paris St. Germain, to name just a few.  All of these rumors were fun to consider, but I think Fulham is the best situation right now.  Many USMNT fans were pushing for a switch to Arsenal, but I don’t think Arsenal is a good fit for Dempsey currently.  First, Dempsey is not just going to walk into a starting spot in that midfield.  Second, while I think Dempsey has the stones to fight for a spot at a “Big Club”, I think Arsenal’s problem is that they need players who can shore up the midfield defense.  Dempsey does not solve that problem.  On the other hand, with Fulham, Clint is a regular starter for a mid-level team in one of the best leagues in the world and he is playing in the Europa League for the second time.  Additionally, with Costa Rican International Bryan Ruiz being added, Fulham’s attack has a chance to become more potent.  It also cannot be ignored that Dempsey has a chance to become a Fulham legend if he stays with the club long term.  All this together, makes Dempsey a transfer winner.

Michael Bradley:  Winner.  Bradley has moved from Monchengladbach to Italian Serie A club Chievo.  Some USMNT fans were hoping for a bigger move than to a mid-table club like Chievo, but that was unrealistic.  Face it, Mochengladbach did not want Bradley and loaned him out to Aston Villa for the second half of last season, where he did not get any playing time, meaning Bradley has not played first team football since January.  Plus, Monchengladbach made it clear that Bradley was not in the team's plans for this season even though he had a year left on his contract.  Given the real prospect of more sitting around, Bradley could have done a lot worse than moving to a mid-level team in one of the best leagues in the world.  I do not expect Bradley to be handed a starting spot, but he certainly has a chance to earn playing time with Chievo.  I never thought Bradley played for the USMNT because his dad was the coach.  I think Bradley is a solid player and he can make it work at Chievo.  Now, we'll just have to wait to see if Bradley drops that crazy English/Dutch/German accent and picks up an Italian one.

Jermaine Jones:  Loser.  Jones is under contract with Schalke until 2014, but Schalke wanted him out and loaned him to Blackburn for the second half of last season.  Blackburn wanted to sign Jones permanently, but did not want to pay Schalke’s asking price, reported to be $12 million.  Undeterred, Schalke has been trying to get rid of Jones all summer and it has not worked out.  Despite all of this, Jermaine has gotten some playing time with Schalke to start this season.  Whether this was to put Jones in the shop window or whether Jones has earned his way back into Schalke’s plans, it remains to be seen.  I do not think he is at Schalke long term, so another loan may be on the horizon.  Because I think his best case scenario was to get a permanent deal with a team that wanted him, it puts him in the loser category.

Maurice Edu:  Loser.  Edu was reportedly being pursued by A.J. Auxerre, Bursaspor, and Queens Park Rangers, but nothing materialized.  Truth be told, Edu’s play for Rangers has been inconsistent and there is a growing group of Rangers fans that think Edu is not good enough.  Once that happens, it is hard to turn the crowd back to your side.  As a result, I think a change of scenery would have been best for him and any of the three rumored clubs would have fit the bill:  Auxerre is a top ten team in Ligue 1 and was in the Champions League last year.  Bursaspor won the Turkish Super Lig in 2010 and got into the Champions League, too.  QPR is newly promoted and would have given Edu a chance to play in the Premier League.

George John:   Winner.  I know the deal with Blackburn fell through at the last minute, but I'm still going with winner.  While John has been good this season, I am not sure he is ready for the Premier League.  He is only in his third season of professional soccer.  It is highly likely that John would need some time to get acclimated to the Premier League and so he could easily find himself sitting on the bench at Blackburn.  I would hate for John to turn into another young American who was lured to the big time too soon only to find out he was not ready.  By staying in MLS, John gets to continue to develop his skills by playing ninety minutes in meaningful matches for FC Dallas as they look to make a run at the MLS Cup and in the CONCACAF Champions League.  Further, if reports are to be believed, there is still a chance he could end up at Blackburn -- or somewhere else -- in January.  I think staying put is not a bad thing for John right now.

Brad Guzan:  Loser.  Guzan has only made one appearance in the Premier League for Aston Villa since his arrival in 2008 and that seems unlikely to change this season.  When Brad Friedel left for Spurs, there was some hope that Guzan could challenge for the starting spot, but the arrival of Shay Given ended that.  Andy Marshall is still with Villa and he was the #2 last season while Guzan was out on loan, so it looks like Guzan will be #3 again.  Guzan needs consistent first team football in order to be the best he can be and become a factor for the USMNT.  Well, that and not blowing off a USMNT Gold Cup call up for your wedding.  There were reports in the summer that Guzan was offered to Birmingham and there was a recent report that Queens Park Rangers were interested.  Still, with no deal done as of right now, it looks like the only way he’ll get any first team action this season is on another loan most likely to a Championship club.

Alejandro Bedoya:  Winner.  Rangers is a step up for Bedoya, but it is not overreaching.  I think he has a legitimate shot at playing time shortly after he gets there. Rangers expect domestic silverware each year and they expect to play in the Champions League every year.   Bedoya will go from playing in a 14,000 seat stadium to playing in a 50,000 seat stadium.  Playing in a high pressure environment like Rangers should be good for developing mental toughness, a key attribute in any top level player.  If Bedoya can avoid being seriously injured -- and that is a big “if” -- I think this move is a winner.   (On another issue, I could have done an entry on Bocanegra to Rangers, but I kind of see that move as a draw and figured I’d just throw it in here.)

Gale Agbossoumonde:  Winner.  According to Greg Seltzer at No Short Corners, the 19-year-old American defender was loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt II which plays in Germany’s fourth division (Regionalliga Sud).  While it is the fourth division, I still think this is an upgrade because, frankly, I am not sold on Boss’ ability yet.  He has been touted for some time now, but he has never shown it on the field that I have seen.  His stint with his most recent club, Djurgardens IF in Sweden's top flight, ended with him on the reserve team.  You can look up his highlights on this site and see some pretty poor efforts.  Regardless of whether you blame Gale or Traffic or both, the bottom line is that Gale needs playing time in order to hit the re-set button on his career.  Fourth division is about where he should be right now.  He’s got a chance in a low pressure environment to put his head down, work hard and develop as he climbs back up the ladder.  A similar strategy looks to be working for Freddy Adu.

What do you think?  Do you agree or disagree?