Barca already ahead in title race after Santander win
Lionel Messi opened his 2010-11 account on Sunday against Racing Santander. Photo: Back Page Images, isiphotos.com After scoring a sensational 34 goals in La Liga last season, it took Lionel Messi just three minutes to get off the mark this time around. The little Argentine — along with World Cup winners Andres Iniesta and David Villa — hit the back of the net in Barcelona’s 3-0 win away to Racing Santander. Meanwhile, Real Madrid could only draw 0-0 at Real Mallorca... Read More
Quakes can’t find the net in 2-0 loss to New York
New York's Dane Richards dribbles past San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch en route to scoring his side's first goal. Photo: Howard C. Smith, isiphotos.com Behind a solid offensive attack led by goal scorers Dane Richards and Thierry Henry, the New York Red Bulls defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 at Red Bull Arena. The Earthquakes had their chances, recording 15 shots, but the fact that only two were put on goal left them ruing their missed opportunities. “I thought we... Read More
Remembering the reality of the NASL
Despite the presence of players such as Pelé and Carlos Alberto, seen above at a 2006 Red Bulls pre-game ceremony, the NASL was not the high-water mark for American soccer, contends Center Line columnist Pete Ratajczak. Photo: Howard C. Smith, isiphotos.com The rise of the Red Bulls from laughingstock to MLS’ Most Glamorous Franchise has had soccer scribes from coast to coast comparing the current league, usually unfavorably, to the glory days of the NASL Cosmos. I’m... Read More
José and Pep to dominate in “Exhibition League”
Barca boss Pep Guardiola has added Spain star David Villa to the roster at Barcelona, but new Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has made six major signings at Real Madrid. Which side will come out on top in La Liga? Photo: Chris Brunskill, isiphotos.com. (We’d like to welcome Andy May to Center Line Soccer. Andy is a journalist based in Madrid and will keep an eye on La Liga for us, as well as other European leagues that catch his eye. Today, he gives us a preview of the... Read More
FC Gold Pride books a spot in the WPS final with win over Chicago
Marta celebrates FC Gold Pride's first goal of the match, scored past a diving Jillian Loyden off a cross from Ali Riley. Photo: Tracy Allen, isiphotos.com In an up-and-down affair with lots of playoff implications, Women’s Professional Soccer’s league leading FC Gold Pride (13-3-4, 43 points) broke out of its three-game goalless slump to beat the sixth-place Chicago Red Stars (5-11-6, 21 points), 3-2, at Toyota Park on Sunday night. The win, coupled with losses... Read More