Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Galaxy to Face Seattle in Open Cup Quarterfinals

The Galaxy will face Seattle Sounders FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals on Wednesday, July 7 at the Starfire Sports Complex near Seattle.

The Galaxy will host the Sounders at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, July 4 and then fly to Seattle two days later for the Open Cup game. After that game, the Galaxy will fly to the East Coast for a game against the Revolution on Saturday, July 10.

A Deserved Day Off

While he was not on the field for the Galaxy in last night's 2-0 win over St. Louis in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round, Landon Donovan was everywhere on your television screens, popping up on Letterman, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, MTV and much more.

In case you missed any of those, we were able to compile most of the interviews and posted them here at lagalaxy.com.

In other news...

•The Galaxy will discover the identity and location of their Open Cup Quarterfinal tonight when Portland hosts Seattle, the defending Open Cup champions. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. from PGE Park in Portland and will be shown live on Fox Sports Northwest so check your cable provider to see if you get that station. If not, you can listen to the game live here or follow it through either of the club's websites.

If Portland wins, the Galaxy will host them at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7 at The Home Depot Center. But if the Sounders win, the Galaxy will have to fly to Seattle for a game at the Starfire Sports Complex on July 7, with that game also kicking off at 7:30.

•In last night’s game, Chris Klein scored the first Open Cup goal of his Galaxy career while Juninho scored the first goal of his Galaxy career.

•The Galaxy are now in the Open Cup Quarterfinals for the first time since 2006. LA has entered the Open Cup in each of the last 12 years and have now reached the Quarterfinals eight times. The Galaxy are 6-1 all-time in the Open Cup Quarterfinals and have won their last six in the round.

•With 14 regular season games, one Open Cup game and three international friendlies, the Galaxy have played 1,620 minutes in 18 games this year. In that time, the club has allowed just four goals (one every 405 minutes) and have trailed for just 10 minutes all season long.

•Be sure to check out tomorrow’s USA Today for a feature on Donovan Ricketts and the Galaxy’s impressive defensive start to the season.

•The team had the day off from training today but will return to the field tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s game.

•Happy Birthday to the club’s Brazilian left sided player Alex Cazumba, who turns 22 today.

•Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan will return to training later this week and will be available for selection against Seattle on Sunday. Don’t miss your chance to welcome the guys back to Los Angeles by getting your tickets to the game now at lagalaxy.com.

Uh oh.




I forgot to write a blog today. I got so busy with the baby and baking cookies for Canada Day that I just forgot. So here I am trying desperately thinking of something clever to give you all. As Elliott would say: "Epic Fail."

Well, the cookies, then. I wanted to make something fun for the holiday tomorrow so I made maple leaves out of sugar cookie dough. I used maple extract instead of vanilla and mixed the milk with pure maple syrup. I did the same thing for the frosting and sprinkled white or red decorating sugar on them. About halfway through the process I had Elliott, his friend Michaela and Audrey helping. I suspect it was so they could have first dibs on the cookies but I accepted the help nevertheless. Have a great day (what's left of it) and we'll see you tomorrow for our country's big day!

kxx

Bruce Arena Named 2010 MLS All-Star Game Head Coach

Major League Soccer today announced that LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena will lead the MLS All-Stars against 2009 English Premier League champion Manchester United in the 2010 AT&T MLS All-Star Game due to the Galaxy’s exceptional record in the first half of the MLS regular season. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and TeleFutura from Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, July 28 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The honor of coaching the MLS All-Stars goes to the coach whose team has the best points-per-game average in League play through June 27. With a record of 10-1-3, for 33 points (2.36 points-per-game), the LA Galaxy secured the MLS All-Star Coach position for Arena.

Arena is in his third season as head coach of the Galaxy. A two-time MLS Cup winning coach, Arena is one of just four coaches ever to win MLS Cup on more than one occasion. As the all-time leader in wins among coaches in U.S. National Team history, Arena led the U.S. to the FIFA World Cup twice, including a historic quarterfinal berth in 2002 in Japan/Korea.

Because the LA Galaxy are scheduled to host the Puerto Rico Islanders in a 2010-2011 CONCACAF Champions League match on Tuesday, July 27, Arena has asked host city head coach, Dominic Kinnear of the Houston Dynamo, to lead the All-Star training sessions on Monday, July 26 and Tuesday, July 27, as well as serve as his assistant coach on gameday.

Fans and media may continue to vote for the MLS All-Star First XI through July 6. One-fourth of the total vote for the First XI will come from each of the following groups: fans, players, coaches and general managers, and media members. The MLS All-Star First XI will be announced on Tuesday, July 13.

Arena and Kinnear will collaborate to select five additional All-Stars who will join the two Commissioner’s selections to complete the 2010 AT&T MLS All-Star Game roster. The entire 18-man roster, including those five coaches’ selections and two Commissioner’s picks, will be announced on Monday, July 19.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Postgame Reaction to 2-0 Win Over St. Louis


After the game, LAGalaxy.com interviewed midfielder Chris Klein about his goal and the Galaxy's 2-0 win over AC St. Louis in the Third Round of tonight's U.S. Open Cup match.

We also caught up with a few players and coaches from both sides to see what they had to say after the game...

LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena
His overall thoughts on the game and the team’s performance:
“These games are never easy. The teams from the lower division, in this case the USSF Pro Division 2, they came with a great attitude and played hard and our guys responded back equally, if not better. I am real pleased not only with the result but the attitude our team takes in the way we approach all of these games because we have worked real hard to rebuild this club and these games are important. If you want to win you don’t take it lightly and every time we step on the field, we are not going to win every game but we have to play to win. Tonight, we did that and I am real pleased.”

On the team’s cohesion:
“I thought (the team) did a good job tonight. St Louis was hard to breakdown and at times they had nine players behind the ball. They weren’t easy. We started creating chances toward the end of the first half and certainly throughout the second half.”

On the team’s difficulties in the first half and if he thought the players had a hard time handling St. Louis’ five-man midfield:
“No, the eleven players wearing white were giving me problems. We just needed to play a little bit better, pass better and be a little bit quicker. Certainly, it was expected that (St. Louis) would tire because you can not run faster then the ball. We moved the ball a little bit better in the second half, a little bit quicker then I think we would have had a better chance of breaking them down.”

On the performance of Tristan Bowen:
“He has to learn to be a real striker. You play high and wide at times, at times you have to be punished a little bit and draw some fouls. He is learning and getting better, the experience is good for him.”

LA Galaxy Midfielder Chris Klein
On Tonight’s Starting Lineup:
“Clint, Eddie and Jovan, I think we’ve played together at one time or another since we were 16 and 17 years old so we definitely knew each other— but then you look at our back four and I don’t think we had a guy that was over 22. Like I’ve said before, they have structured this team so that we have 24 guys that can play. We have a lot of competition (for places), so it’s good to have a lot of games, and we want to win everything we’re in this year.”

On the play of AC St. Louis:
“A team like St. Louis, you know, they did a good job. We knew they were going to sit on it a little bit and they fought. These games are always difficult.”

On what was said in the locker room at halftime:
“Even though we had the ball a lot in the first half, we didn’t create that many opportunities. We talked at halftime about being patient and that the opportunities would come. The worse thing you can do is start to press in these games and start to think that they’re a league below and we should be killing them, because that’s never the case.”

LA Galaxy Forward Tristan Bowen
On his assist on Chris Klein’s goal:
“I think Birchy (Chris Birchall) played a good ball up to the line. I took a touch and initially I was thinking of taking a shot, but I just kind of just waited for support and saw Chris open so I gave it to him. I thought he was going to play it back but he took a great shot. The keep couldn’t do anything about it. It was a great goal.”

On Sunday’s game against Seattle:
“We had to get through this game first. It was tough, we had a quick turn around, but Sunday we’re going to be ready to play and hopefully we’ll get three points.”

AC St. Louis Head Coach Dale Schilly
On tonight’s game:
“I thought that in the first half we played pretty well. We knew obviously that we were going to be outmanned, that we would have to defend for long periods of time and I thought we did alright. But there is a difference between their fitness level and our fitness level and a few other things that was difficult for us to keep our game plan in place for 90 minutes. It was difficult.”

On his team’s performance:
“I think the guys fought hard and they communicated well and they tried to keep themselves organized which they did. We got out on the break a couple of times and missed a couple of chances but I thought our guys did very well and I am happy with them.”

AC St. Louis Midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer
On tonight’s game:
“I thought we fought really hard. I thought we had a good first half but in the end, the more quality ended up winning. “

On his team’s performance:
“We had a good game plan. We knew that they were a quality team and they we going to have a lot of possession and we were just going to try and withstand that possession and create some chances on the break. I thought we did that well for the first 60 or 70 minutes but they put in a nice goal and after that we kind of fell apart.”

Galaxy Beat St. Louis 2-0 to Advance to U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals

LA Galaxy 2, AC St. Louis 0
Tuesday, June 28, 2010
The Home Depot Ceter - Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
LA – Chris Klein 1 (Tristan Bowen 1) 69’
LA – Juninho 1 (Eddie Lewis 1) 80’

Misconduct Summary:
LA – Jovan Kirovski (Yellow Card) 55’
STL – Chris Salvaggione (Yellow Card) 72’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Josh Saunders, Bryan Jordan, A.J. DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Alex Cazumba, Chris Klein, Jovan Kirovski, Clint Mathis (Chris Birchall 80’), Eddie Lewis, Alan Gordon, Tristan Bowen (Juninho 73’).

Subs Not Used: Donovan Ricketts, Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Michael Stepehens.

AC St. Louis: Alec Duffy, Mark Bloom, Dillon Barna, Tim Velten, Jack Traynor, Luke Kreamalmeyer, Jeff Cosgriff (Ryan Moore 85’), Gauchino, Troy Cole (Elvir Kafedic 76’), Brad Stisser (Chris Salvaggione 72’), Mike Ambersley.

Subs Not Used: Chad Becker, John Lesko.

Notes:
• With the win, the Galaxy are now 5-1 all-time in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup. This was their first Third Round win since 2002. The club entered the Open Cup in the Fourth Round from 2003-2006.
• The Galaxy will face the winner of tomorrow night’s match between the Seattle Sounders FC and the Portland Timbers in the Quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup on July 7. If Portland wins, the Galaxy will host the Timbers at The Home Depot Center. If Seattle wins, the Galaxy would travel to Seattle to take on the Sounders at Starfire Sports Complex.
• Chris Klein’s goal, a curling volley from outside the box that was just outside the reach of goalkeeper Alec Dufty, was his first with the club since May 2008.
• Juninho’s tally in the 80th minute was his first career goal with LA. The Brazilian midfielder, who came on for Tristan Bowen in the 73rd minute, was set up by Eddie Lewis to give the Galaxy a 2-0 lead.
• Bruce Arena made eight changes to the starting lineup used this past Saturday in a 0-0 draw in Toronto. Goalkeeper Josh Saunders and defenders Alex Cazumba, A.J. DeLaGarza, Bryan Jordan and Leonardo represented a new back line. Jovan Kirovski, Chris Klein, Eddie Lewis and Clint Mathis got the nod at midfield while Alan Gordon and Tristan Bowen started up top. Cazumba, Kirvoski and Bowen were holdovers from Saturday's lineup to this one.
• Eddie Lewis wore the captain’s armband for a second time this year, he also wore the armband on May 23 in the friendly against Boca Juniors.
• For the first time all season, defender Omar Gonzalez did not figure in the starting lineup or play in the game. The 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year was on the bench and available for selection but did not play.
• The Galaxy were without Mike Magee through injury while Dema Kovalenko was suspended. Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan were not available for selection either having just finished their participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the U.S. National Team.
• Leonardo was making his first appearance in a Galaxy lineup since straining his right quad in training in mid-April. The Brazilian defender started and played the full 90 minutes. Prior to tonight, his last appearance in a Galaxy game had come on April 10 in Houston, when the Galaxy beat the Dynamo 2-0 to start the season with three consecutive wins.
• The attendance for today’s game was 2,179.
• The Galaxy are back in action on Sunday, July 4 when they host the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza match against the Seattle Sounders FC, presented by Chelada by Budweiser, at 7:30 p.m. (PT) at The Home Depot Center. Following the match, which can be seen live on FS West, all fans in attendance will be able to enjoy a postgame fireworks extravaganza, powered by 104.3 MYfm.
• In MLS play, the Galaxy are now 10-1-3 on the season, leaving them with 33 points. They remain alone in first place in the Western Conference, nine points ahead of second place Real Salt Lake who have 24 points.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Set for St. Louis

It's been a busy day here in Carson as the Galaxy finalized our friendly against Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl on August 7 and also announced that Landon Donovan will be doing national TV interviews over the course of the next couple of days, starting tonight with the "Late Show with David Letterman."

Additionally, the club will begin its quest for a third U.S. Open Cup title tonight at The Home Depot Center against AC St. Louis of the USSF Division 2 Pro League.

Bruce Arena will ring in the changes tonight with a host of new faces from Saturday's 0-0 draw in Toronto. Here is the team that he will put on the field tonight, led by captain Eddie Lewis...

--------------Bowen----------Gordon-------------

Lewis----------------Mathis-----------------Klein

---------------------Kirovski----------------------

Cazumba-----Leonardo----DeLaGarza-----Jordan

---------------------Saunders--------------------

Subs: Ricketts, Dunivant, Franklin, Gonzalez, Birchall, Stephens, Juninho.

And here is how new AC St. Louis head coach Dale Schilly will line up his team in his second game in charge as he sends his troops out in a 4-5-1 formation led by captain Jack Traynor...

----------------------Ambersley--------------------

----------------------Gauchinho--------------------

Stisser-------------------------------Kreamalmeyer

---------------Cole------------Cosgriff--------------

Traynor-------Velten--------Barna----------Bloom

----------------------Dufty-------------------------

Subs: Becker, Lesko, Moore, Salvaggione, Kafedzic

Be sure to follow all the action through Cover it Live over on lagalaxy.com.

US Open Cup Preview - AC St. Louis

Get Microsoft Silverlight
We're eight hours and thirty minutes away from kickoff here at The Home Depot Center, but preparations are already underway for tonight's US Open Cup Third Round match against AC St. Louis.

On Monday, the club was out on the training fields preparing for a St. Louis club that underwent a coaching change last week-- bringing in Dale Schilly to replace Claude Anelka, the older brother of Chelsea and French National Team forward Nicolas Anelka. Even though St. Louis is in last place of the USSF Division 2 league, the club is currently on a four-game unbeaten streak.

After the training session, Larry Morgan and the LAGalaxy.com staff talked to Bruce Arena and Alan Gordon about the match.

Here's a link to Larry's preview. And learn more about tonight's opposition here.

Because there is no TV or English radio for this game, we will be doing play-by-play on LAGalaxy.com using Cover It Live. All tickets are $10 and parking is free, but if you can't make it out to the game we hope you can join us there.

You know what makes me nervous?


Coffee. That's what makes me nervous. Let me explain:

Legally in Ontario, you can't be on your cell phone or text in your car anymore. You just can't be distracted in any way. To be honest, I don't know why it's okay to have more than 2 kids in a car at any one time, though. Have you ever tried going anywhere with 3 screaming kids under 4 years old in a car? I actually used to yell: "You're gonna make mummy crash the car if you don't stop it!!". Yes, I know... another tick in the bad mother column.

Anyway, my point is distracted drivers. We've all seen the mascara applying woman and the crossword completing man. I've even seen a guy waving his penis around (I'm dead serious). But there's one thing that far more prevalent than these things. The drinker. And I'm not too disturbed that someone may "Kramer" themselves... those newfangled lids are admittedly pretty good. My issue is when you're nearly finished. I just took a last sip of my tea and realized it's impossible to see around the cup. Try it. How many times have I seen someone drinking on the road? Any minute now, they're going to reach the bottom of that container. Head thrown back while driving to suck out every drop. They may as well have a catcher's mitt in front of their faces. Scary.

Far be it for me to impinge on your civil right to do anything you want in your car, but shouldn't someone keep an eye on this?

Here's my list of things you shouldn't be allowed to do while operating your vehicle. Updated often...

Drink
Eat
Sleep
Make phonecalls
Have sex (of any kind)
Transport more than 2 children (unless you're a bus driver)
Argue
Change clothes
Cook
Apply makeup
Watch tv/dvd
Read
Listen to loud music
Write
Smoke
Shave your legs
Fix your hair
Play cards
Change your baby's diaper...

I could go on and on. Hey here's a thought. Why don't you just propel your car? People are getting pissed at your driving. You suck at merging and when you slow down in front of me after passing, I want to Kramer you. Grrrr....


Monday, June 28, 2010

Ops Bamboo...???

Kebiasaan aku ketika melakukan operasi di mana2 sahaja mesti mempunyai bahan bacaan.Tak kira ia suratkhabar,majalah,buku2 ilmiah atau novel aku mesti dapatkan.Bila ada kesempatan untuk keluar ke pekan atau Bandar yang terdekat aku akan mencari kedai2 runcit yang ade menjual bahan2 bacaan.



Baru2 ini aku menjalani Latihan dan operasi di satu kawasan pembalakan di daerah Sg Siput,Ipoh.Lebih kurang 30-45 minit perjalanan dari Tambun,Ipoh.Operasi nie dikenali sebagai Ops Bamboo.Kebetulan base yg didirikan oleh kitaorang berdekatan dengan sungai yang dipenuhi oleh kawasan tumbuhan bamboo.


Memang telah banyak bahan bacaan yang aku dah beli selama hampir 2 minggu di sini.Dari majalah Wisel,Mastika,Infinity,InTrend,Suria Permata dan termasuk buku yang menceritakan tentang ketuhanan,Insaf.Kalau setakat Metro,Kosmo,Utusan Malaysia dan Berita Harian memang sudah menjadi satu kemestian untuk dibaca sebab walaupun duduk di pedalaman perkampungan orang2 asli,kitaorang masih tak mahu ketinggalan untuk mengetahui berita2 terkini.Malah kami masih ade kelebihan iaitu mempunyai saluran Astro.Wallah..apalagi ditambah sekarang nie dengan kerancakan Piala Dunia 2010 di Afrika Selatan,sumer rata2 tak mahu ketinggalan untuk mengetahui pasukan pilihan memenangi perlawanan.


Aku masih ingin membawa laptop aku walaupun aku tahu di kawasan nie tak mempunyai jaringan internet,faham2 jer lar kawasan hutan.Rasenyer mana2 syarikat komunikasi pon belum mampu mencapai tahap sampai ke situ.Kalau talian telefon pon takde apelagi 3g.Huh!Tapi laptop aku leh gunakan utk menonton dvd sebab kat sini pon ade elektrik.Malah aku bawa sekali laptop ketika keluar ke Ipoh untuk mengambil bekalan dan aku leh amik kesempatan utk online dan membaca dan membalas email2 aku.
 
Ketika orang lain seronok untuk mandi manda kat sungai atau ghairah memancing,memasang pukat atau memasang bubu aku lebih suka berbaring di katil medan aku.Aku sebenarnya dah tak berapa minat untuk pergi mana2 latihan atau operasi apalagi duk di kawasan penempatan Markas Taktikal,cukup merimaskan aku sebenarnya.Hari2 aku merasakan seperti merangkak dan seperti banduan yang menghitung hari2 utk bebas dari hukuman.Kalau lar bukan disebabkan aku dah melanjutkan kontrak perkhidmatan aku yg ditambah ke 3 tahun lagi sudah tentu aku dah tolak untuk ikut sekali.



Ape pon mungkin aku masih punya kesempatan utk timba sedikit pengalaman lagi dalam pekerjaan aku nie.Mungkin aku perlu lebih banyak bersabar untuk menghabiskan sisa2 kehidupan aku dalam dunia yang aku fikir terlalu banyak protocol yg mengarut nie.Juga aku perlu lebih banyak berfikiran positif utk ini.Walaupon aku sendiri tak tahu ape tujuan operasi nie diadakan ketika hampir 80% orang dah balik ke Taiping menamatkan operasi lebih awal,sedangkan kami yang kat sini cuma menghabiskan masa macam tue saje...Ape benda lar....hmmmm...hayun jer lar mamat...


Welcome back to Karenworld!


Remember the fad ages ago when people would send you emails with like 100 questions and tell you under no uncertain terms, at the risk of your friendship being dissolved, to answer them and send them to your entire address book? Remember how you deleted these emails with a dismissive mouse click? Remember how you looked at these "friends" with disdain, scorn and a touch of botheration? Well, I'm sorry. I was one of the perpetrators. I'm my own favourite subject and I can't help but drag others into my crazy.

That said, my blog today is inspired by, well, me. I found these questions over at Peggy Sue's place and I thought I'd borrow them so I could get out of a real blog and tend to the 4 children in my care for the summer. BTW, any suggestions on what to do with 4 kids aged 14, 12, 10 and 9 months that'll keep any one of them from hating me, the activity or causing a humiliating scene will be greatly appreciated.

What colour are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing socks. Are you kidding, it's summer in Canada. I make up for it by wearing 2 pairs at a time from September to May.

What are you listening to right now?
I've got Regis and Kelly on in the background. I hate them so why? Three words: Taylor Lautner's abs.

What was the last thing you ate?
Last night I had a tortellini salad. Chicken, pasta, peppers, feta and a dressing of olive oil and honey. Heaven.

Can you drive a stick?
No, and when my husband tried to teach me that time I had fantasies of putting all his belongings in garbage bags on the road and seeing the look on his face as clutched and shifted (or whatever) the car back and forth over them.

Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Elliott's cadet convener Kathy. She was giving me all the details on his 3-week sleepaway camp. I'm thinking it'll be a great break for all of us.

How old are you today?
42. I love to say so because I don't feel it.

What is your favourite sport to watch on TV?
At World Cup time, soccer. During hockey season, hockey. Ooh, and figure skating. But not the girls. I like the pairs because it always looks like the man is trying his best to murder the woman. Wouldn't that make a great episode of Matlock? What? I'm showing my age? Umm... CSI, then.

What is your favourite drink?
Tea with Carnation milk and sugar in it. If you don't have Carnation, just sugar, thanks.

Have you ever dyed your hair?
I call the condition I suffered from "pregnancy induced dementia". It plagued me during the latter stages of my pregnancy with Henry. Among the varied symptoms, patients convince themselves that they would look gorgeous as a blond. They buy 2 boxes of pharmacy hair bleach and colour and spend the better part of an afternoon crying in frustration on the bathroom floor. When the deed is done, these unfortunate souls startle themselves in every mirror and plate glass window thinking that Dennis Rodman is stalking them. What? The age thing again? Ummm... Mary J Blige, then.

Favourite food?
Fast.

What is the last movie you watched?
Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog on the big screen yesterday at the Mayfair. I totally got my geek on.

Favourite day of the year?
It's a tie between Christmas and my birthday. Any day I get presents, really.

How do you vent anger?
I'm very passive aggressive. I'll write venom in a blog or in my diary then delete or tear it up. Then I'll pout or just sleep on it.

What was your favourite toy as a child?
I loved my "Fabulous Fred" (google it). I still have it downstairs but it doesn't work anymore. I think if I could ever get it fixed, my family would never see me again.

Favourite Season?
Summer, bar none.

Cherries or Blueberries?
Blueberries but cherries are a close second.

Living situation?
Husband, 3 kids, occasional baby, a cat, 7 fish and 3 gerbils.

When was the last time you cried?
Last night when my long lost nephew/godson contacted me (thank you Facebook!). We've missed him so much and haven't heard from him in at least 7 years.

What is on the floor of your closet right now?
Where do I start? Among other things, shoe boxes, shoes, dustbunnies, clothes that fell off the hanger, boots that don't fit and slippers.

What are you most afraid of?
Being disfigured or having an illness that withers the body but not the mind.

Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
The spicier the better.

Favourite dog breed?
I'm a cat person but if there was a law passed that I didn't have to pick up and walk around with my dog's warm poop in a plastic bag, I'd go for a dog like Benji. What again with the age thing? I give up. Google him.

Favourite day of the week?
Believe it or not, Monday. I love getting back to schedules and routines.


How many states have you lived in?
0. Provinces, 2. Quebec and Ontario. I visited 3 states, though: Delaware, New York and Florida.

Diamonds or pearls?
Are you kidding? Diamonds every time. Pearl is an old lady's name.

What is your favorite flower?
Not too crazy about cut flowers (they're great in gardens) but I love anything that comes in a gorgeous, rich, purply fuchsia or orange.

Did you get an H1N1 vaccine?
No way. I've never had the flu of any kind so I don't want to push my luck. I lined up with the kids to get theirs, though.

And there you go. Pass this on to all of the people in your address book or you'll have humiliating gas for the rest of the day. Hey, I don't make the rules...

kxx

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Postgame Locker Room Reaction

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER QUOTESHEET
SATURDAY JUNE 26, 2010 -- TORONTO FC 0–0 LA GALAXY

LA GALAXY HEAD COACH BRUCE ARENA
On the return of Donovan and Buddle…
“Well Landon is in the middle of his MLS season he should be fine, Edson will be fine. Landon may need a couple more days because he played so many minutes but he’s going to be fine. He’s very fit and he’s very motivated and I think he’ll be ready to go.”

LA GALAXY CHRIS BIRCHALL
Thoughts overall on game…
“I think the overall performance was improved. We played well and moved the ball around and in the first 20 minutes. We went off the ball for the last 10-15 of the half and they got into it, but I think overall we were solid and we created chances, just unfortunate we didn’t put any away.”

On strong first half…
“That’s what Bruce wanted us to do. I mean, sometimes on the road we come out and we are a bit lazy in the first 20 minutes and fortunate enough to not concede goals. Today we came out really well, we created chances and it gives people confidence when they get on the ball straight away and make good passes. We were just unfortunate to not get a goal.”

LA GALAXY FORWARD TRISTAN BOWEN
Thoughts…
“I thought we could have played better, moved the ball a little bit faster, we were a little bit slow on that. We didn’t finish the chances with our opportunities and it was disappointing to not come out of here with a win, but we’ll take a tie.”

On having the break if it affected him…
“No, not really we needed it. There was a couple of guys that were playing a significant amount of minutes but we just have to come back a little bit sharper and start off the next game better.”

TORONTO FC HEAD COACH PREKI
Thoughts on game….
“It was a difficult game after 3 weeks of not playing. I didn’t think either of the teams was very sharp. It was a tough fight and if someone makes a mistake that is how the game was going to be decided. Neither team really made any big mistakes and it ended zero-zero.

Was asked if players were affected by what’s going on in the city… “I’m sure it was in the back of their minds, everybody was following what was going on in the city. That can’t be the excuse though, once you step onto the field, once you step into the locker room actually, you've got to focus on your job and what’s ahead of you for the next couple of hours. I thought we worked hard but we’ve got to find a way to have a little bit more soccer in us and little more creativity. We didn’t create enough.”

TORONTO FC DEFENDER NANA ATTAKORA
Asked if the goings on in the city affected the team… “No… not at all. We knew we had a job here to do today. We saw it on TV and we just focused on the game - and just did what we could do.”

Was asked if they noticed the decent crowd considering what was going on in city… “To be honest we did notice, me and a few of the other guys were talking about how many people would show up today and there was 18,000 – that was shocking. We were thinking like 11 (thousand) might show up but it shows the support we have here in Toronto.”

TORONTO MIDFIELDER DAN GARGAN
On playing after the lay-off…
“You’re antsy to get back onto the field, and that makes your play kind of antsy. Defense on both sides definitely stepped up a bit because they were trying to pressure as much as possible, as they haven’t played in a couple of weeks. I think that makes it tough to settle in and get going. I think the later stages in the first half we were a lot better. We moved the ball around a bit cleaner and in the second half kind of the same thing, but we had a few chances at the end, maybe a bit unlucky but that’s the way it works sometimes.”

“Anytime you keep a clean sheet you got to be happy about that. They are sitting on top of the league with the best record so to get a draw isn’t a bad result by any means. We’re still undefeated at home and that’s the way we want to keep it. We want to be tough to play against.”

LA Earns Draw in Toronto

LA Galaxy 0, Toronto FC 0
Saturday, June 26, 2010
BMO Field - Toronto, Canada

Scoring Summary:
LA – None
TFC – None

Misconduct Summary:
LA – None
TFC – None

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Todd Dunivant, Gregg Berhalter©, Omar Gonzalez, Sean Franklin; Alex Cazumba (Clint Mathis 76’), Chris Birchall, Juninho, Michael Stephens; Tristan Bowen (Eddie Lewis 84’), Jovan Kirovski (Alan Gordon 66’).

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, A.J. DeLaGarza, Bryan Jordan, Chris Klein.

Toronto FC: Stefan Frei; Raivis Hscanovics, Nana Attakora, Adrian Cann, Dan Gargan; Jacob Peterson (Gabe Gala 71'), Amadou Sanyang, Martin Saric (Julian de Guzman 59'), Nick LaBrocca; Dwayne De Rosario, O'Brian White (Chad Barrett 46').

Subs Not Used: Jon Conway, Ty Harden, Maksim Usanov, Faud Ibrahim, Julian de Guzman, Gabe Gala.

Notes:
• With the tie, the Galaxy are now 10-1-3 on the season, leaving them with 33 points. They remain alone in first place in the Western Conference, nine points ahead of second place Real Salt Lake who have 24 points.
• Bruce Arena named the same starting XI with six of seven substitutes remaining the same as Leonardo replaced Bryan Jordan on the bench as he did on June 9 in Salt Lake.
• Leonardo made the trip to Toronto and for the first time since his injury dressed for the game. He has been out since mid-April with a right quad strain.
• In addition to Leonardo, the Galaxy were also without Dema Kovalenko and Mike Magee, who each remained in Los Angeles because of injury. Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan remain unavailable for selection while in South Africa with the U.S. National Team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
• This was just the first time this season that the Galaxy had used the same lineup in three consecutive games.
• With Landon Donovan in South Africa with the National Team, Gregg Berhalter wore the captain’s armband for the fifth consecutive game.
• Since MLS discontinued the shootout to decide games before the 2000 season, the Galaxy are 6-2-4 following their first defeat of the season. In the last six years, LA is 4-0-3 after their first loss of the season, outscoring opponents 12-4.
• The Galaxy remain unbeaten against the Eastern Conference this season. In six games against teams from the East, the Galaxy are 3-0-3 for 12 of their league-best 33 points. Dating back to the start of last season, the Galaxy have lost just once in 19 regular season games against the East, going 11-1-8, with the only loss coming at Columbus on September 26, 2009. LA have recorded 11 clean sheets in those 20 games and allowed more than one goal just twice.
• The Galaxy are 1-1-2 all-time in MLS games in Canada, after winning at BMO Field for
the first time ever last season, defeating TFC 2-1. Alan Gordon and Edson Buddle scored the goals in that game for the Galaxy’s first ever goals north of the border.
• The attendance for today’s game was 18,809.
The Galaxy’s quest for a third Open Cup title will begin on Tuesday, June 29 when they host AC St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. (PT) at The Home Depot Center.
• In MLS action, the Los Angeles will host their annual postgame fireworks show on the Fourth of July when they take on the Seattle Sounders FC at The Home Depot Center. That game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and can be seen live on FS West.
• For more about today’s game, please visit www.lagalaxy.com.

Ready for Kickoff in Toronto

Finally! Following a two-week break for the opening round games of the World Cup, the Galaxy are back in action and will look to return to their winning ways tonight against Toronto FC at BMO Field. With a 10-1-2 record, LA will look to rebound from the first loss of the season at Real Salt Lake on a goal that was later reviewed by US Soccer referees as having been offside.

Kickoff is just around the corner and Bruce Arena has stood pat over the break and returns with the same starting lineup from the last two matches including the 1-0 loss at Real Salt Lake. Jovan Kirovski and Tristan Bowen will be paired up top with Michael Stephens, Juninho and Alex Cazumba will lineup behind them be expected to help drive the offense tonight. Meanwhile the defense will look for the clean sheet after allowing it first road goal of the season two weeks ago.

Here is the complete Galaxy lineup...

--------------Kirovski------------Bowen-----------------

Cazumba-------------Juninho---------------Stephens

-------------------------Birchall----------------------------

Dunivant-----Berhalter-----Gonzalez-----Franklin

-------------------------Ricketts---------------------------

Subs: Saunders, Leonardo, DeLaGarza, Lewis, Klein, Mathis, Gordon

And here is how the host Toronto FC lineup...

--------------White------------De Rosario---------------

Peterson-----Sanyang------La Brocca--------Saric

Gargan--------Cann--------Attakora----Hscanovics

--------------------------Frei---------------------------------

Subs: Conway, Harden, Usanov, de Guzman, Ibrahim, Gala, Barrett

Cristiano Ronaldo world cup pictures

Cristiano Ronaldo world cup picturesThere are new pictures upload from Cristiano Ronaldo Latest match between Portugal against Brazil. Check out the pictures here

WC ‘Blaugrana’ Report: Spain vs. Chile

The Spanish national team knew their third game in the group stages of the World Cup would be a tough one. The statistics before their game against Chile witnessed four South American teams qualifying to the second round, everyone topping their groups, and without a single loss! To qualify, Spain had no other choice but to win. Six Barcelona players were in the starting line-up while Pedro

Barca is my home, Pep is my idol

While the negotiations between FC Barcelona and Arsenal concerning the signing of Fabregas continue, what is clear is that the Catalan midfielder is one of the top summer transfer targets for Barcelona, as indicated by the Sky Sports website (among numerous others). The Blaugrana administration will try to get Fabregas back to the club he left for Arsenal at the age of 16. Fabregas, in an

Spain vs. Chile

WC Blaugrana Match Preview: Chile vs. Spain

Brazil vs. Portugal; Ivory Coast vs. North Korea

WC Blaugrana Match Preview: Portugal vs. Brazil; North Korea vs. Ivory Coast Group G, Game 3 - Friday, June 25, 2010Time: 16:00 Convert to local timeLocation: Durban Stadium, Durban; Mbombela Stadium, NelspruitStadium Capacity: 62,760; 40,929 Barça players to watch: Dani Alves (Brazil); Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast) Current Group Standings (after game 2):Brazil: 6 points, +3 (already qualified

“The defensive midfielder is very important in football”

The following is an interview between Catalan sports paper Sport and Sergio Busquets. The original can be found here. How are you preparing for the decisive game against Chile? Like any other final, we can’t fail. The pressure gives us more motivation. After being questioned about forming a double pivot with Xabi Alonso in the game against Switzerland, did you redeem yourself against

Sergi Gómez and Sergi Roberto renew until 2012

As reported on Barcelona’s official site, Sergi Roberto and Sergi Gómez have extended their contracts for two more seasons. Both players started the season with the Juvenil A side, but have become integral in the plans of Luis Enrique for Barça Atlètic as the year progressed. Three days after obtaining promotion to the Second Division A with Barca Atletic, Sergi Gomez and Sergi Roberto have

Friday, June 25, 2010

Final Preparations in Toronto

Greetings from Toronto, it was a hot and humid day in this truly multi-cultural city as the G20 summit is about to begin with dignitaries from around the world converging here. But, we decided a quick stop at Cherry Beach was needed as opposed to showing you shots of all the police throughout the city.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy went through their final training session late Friday afternoon prior to tomorrow's return to MLS action against Toronto FC. It has been more then two weeks since the team's last game and the players are ready to get back on the field.

Despite the G20 Summit being held in Toronto and increased security throughout the city, it was a short bus ride with very few cars on the road and police at almost every intersection on the ride to the training field at Cherry Beach. Although tomorrow's game will be played on grass, the team practiced on a local turf field as options were very limited.

It was a typical training session for the day before a game as the players began with a long warm up run led by strength and conditioning coach Ben Yauss, who made the trip. Then, it was on to a little 5v2 with a little running tossed in to get the players moving a bit more.

Following a run through the set plays for Saturday, the players got some time on their own to finish out the session.

However, the team would make one stop on the way back to the hotel for a quick walk through at BMO Field. With the change from Field Turf to grass, coaches and players wanted to get a feel for the surface before tomorrow's game. A few guys even kept their cleats on to get a better feel for the field in studs as opposed to runners.

After training, we caught up with Chris Birchall and Sean Franklin to get their thoughts on final prepartions, tomorrow's game and the grass surface at BMO Field.

Birchall...

Franklin...


Here are a few more photos from today's training session. Enjoy!







Ready to Go

The team went through their final training session of the week earlier today in Toronto before heading over to BMO Field for a quick walk through at the stadium. And before we bring you all the latest from Canada, here is Sean Franklin and Michael Stephens discussing this weekend's challenge in Toronto.


Additionally, Chris Klein joined Dave Denholm on his World Cup Soccer Podcast over at ESPNLosAngeles.com

and Cobi Jones joined Martinez and Long, as well as Jay Mariotti, as they were filling in for Mason and Ireland on ESPN 710.

Troy Checks in Again

Live from South Africa where he is trying to secure a ticket to tomorrow's game against Ghana, lagalaxy.com's Troy Bardy checked in with this report from his experience watching the U.S. beat Algeria and the celebratory atmosphere after the game.

Say all you want about the England match, but the game against Algeria clearly had the most significance so far for the U.S. That’s the beauty of the finals, every game means more than the last and in this case, U.S. had to win in order to advance to the round of 16.This time around I was able to get a category one ticket to the game. I knew the seats would be good but I wasn’t sure how good. When I arrived at the stadium (wearing my Donovan Everton jersey) and found my section, I asked the usher where to go, when she pointed me down towards the field I knew I was in for a real treat. 15 rows up, center circle, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The Algerian fans clearly outnumbered the U.S. fans but that was expected considering they’re from North Africa.When Algeria hit the crossbar in the opening minutes, I thought ‘here we go again’. But after that, the U.S. settled in and created several scoring chances of their own. Yet again they were victims of another tough call when Dempsey’s goal was disallowed. But that only seemed to motivate them more as they kept pressing and pressing and unfortunately, they kept missing and missing.

With every blown opportunity I thought Algeria’s chances were only improving. When the 90 minutes were up, I prayed out loud for the fourth official to hold up four minutes of stoppage time. Once he did, I truly felt that one someone was walking out of Loftus Versfeld with three points.Luckily for our country, it was Landon Donovan who came through yet again for the most dramatic goal of all-time just a minute later. When the final whistle blew and Landon ran over in front of my section and celebrated, I sobbed tears of joy for the team and for Landon himself as I could feel his emotions pouring out to all of us fans. After taping a couple segments with Yahoo! Sports’ Marcelo Balboa and Charissa Thompson we had the chance to enjoy the win a little ourselves. I can’t tell you how many hugs and high-fives I received for wearing my Donovan shirt and just how proud I was to be wearing it!The following day I had a chance to catch up with Landon and asked him what was going through his mind when the fourth official raised four minutes and if he ever thought to himself that their World Cup was coming to an end as I’m sure many of us did. Here’s what he had to say.

Last day of school


Uh oh. Stick me squarely in the horrible mother category but I hate summer holidays. How do I hate them? Let me count the ways:
  1. The lack of a schedule. As much as I bitch about waking up at 6:30 every weekday, I'd rather do that then somedays 8am, somedays 9.
  2. The constant togetherness. I love my kids but I'm over them already after just 10 days in Europe.
  3. It's too long. Why can't we have two week holidays every couple of months all year long instead of this patience-sapping quarter of a year break?
  4. The "I'm boreds". Really? You want to go there with me, kids? You guys are preteens with friends, your own bikes, have 2 amazing parks and a swimming pool within a 5 minute walk/bike, but if you're still going to insist you're bored I have a rag and bucket with your ungrateful names on them and a garage that needs some attention...
  5. The fact that we have only one car and a 9 month old baby. Scott will take that car from time to time and leave me alone with the kids with no means of escape. And even if I could get away, I can't leave the kids alone and go shopping or meet a friend like I used to. So long sanity. I hardly knew ye.
  6. The money. When we can finally get out and do activities like museums or zoos, it invariably costs a small fortune. And for some reason these kids need feeding when they're out. Another King's ransom. Why, oh why is this lottery win taking so long?
So I'm trying to think of some solutions. I need to look for free admissions, activities they're interested in and and bring packed lunches. I'll have to suck it up and picnic (I hate eating outside) and beach (I hate sand in my shoes and/or stuck to my toes). I can set my alarm clock... now that I think of it I have to; the baby arrives at 8. And I'll just send the kids out a lot and fob them off on their friends' parents. Barring those ideas, there's a lock on the bathroom door and a bottle of cough syrup in the medicine cabinet. Desperate times, people. Summer = battle stations.

kxx

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Open Cup Update

If you're a Galaxy fan and you're not burnt out on soccer (and really, how could you be?) by the end of Saturday when the U.S. plays Ghana and the Galaxy take on Toronto FC, be sure to make your way over to The Home Depot Center at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday night for the Open Cup Third Round game between the Galaxy and AC St. Louis.

All tickets for this game will cost just $10, including the club seats between sections 110-112. Additionally, if you've ever wanted to know what it is like postgame in the Stadium Club, this is your chance as the Club will be open to all fans after the game.

Making things even better, all parking for the game will be free.

Click here to get your tickets and help cheer the Galaxy onto the Open Cup Quarterfinals.

Speaking of the Quarterfinals, if the Galaxy do advance past St. Louis, they will face the winner of the Portland/Seattle game on Tuesday, July 7. If the Timbers win that game, they will play the Galaxy at The Home Depot Center, while if Seattle wins, LA will have to fly north to Seattle for the game.

Can you cook? Got a kick-ass BBQ sauce?

Like to read? Want to win a Chapters gift certificate?

My good friend over at the Chicken Farmers of Canada wants me to spread the news about a contest they're having. What? That's not a link to their website? That's a link to my commercial for them? Oops, my bad...

Anyway, every July 1 (Canada Day), they set up on Parliament Hill in Ottawa with a row of barbecues and dozens of coolers full of chicken, and spend the day dishing it out to the people on the Hill who are celebrating this great country. This year is no different, but they wanted to bring you in on the action as well. So, they’re holding a little contest with a bit of a barbecue theme. To enter, all you need to do is head to this page and give them your favourite BBQ sauce or spice rub recipe. They’ll randomly draw a winner from all those who enter, and the winner will receive a $500 gift certificate to Chapters for the ultimate cookbook shopping spree! I could do some serious damage at the bookstore with that, I can tell you.

The deadline is noon on July 1, 2010, and the full rules and regs are here.
Actually, I'd kind of like to see any recipes you enter... can you post them over here too? I'm a big fan of chicken with something sweet and savoury like maple and dijon. Mmmmm.... Get going, time's a-wastin'!

kxx

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

What a Day

Let's just say it was a bit hard to stay focused on work here in the Galaxy offices yesterday.

The swing of emotions, going from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs in a span of mere minutes was something that few get to experience. And given the Slovenia game last Friday, we've all been able to do so twice in the last five days...with both coming before 9 a.m.!

Bruce and Co. pushed training back to 11 a.m. today so that the guys could all watch the game in peace, but as soon as the final whistle blew, the guys had to start getting ready for today's training session, which happened to be the last in Carson before the team flies north to Canada.

The guys were on the field for just about 90 minutes, working through a number of technical and tactical movements as they preparred for the rematch with TFC, who were the first and only team to take a point from the Galaxy at home this season with a 0-0 draw between the two sides back on May 15.

In addition to their work on the field, a number of guys were busy with the press, talking about Saturday's game in Toronto as well as the U.S. win over Algeria. Tristan and Kleiner were on hand at the ESPN Zones at LA Live and in Anaheim, Gregg went on the Jim Rome Show, Cobi was a guest of Petros and Money and offered this analysis on ESPNLosAngeles.com and even Alecko popped up over on NorthJersey.com with this analysis to name just a few. Of course, the Man of the Hour was all over the TV screens throughout the night as Landon popped up postgame on Sportcenter and a host over other locales, including MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show.

Ack! An emergency cake!


This is so typical. Elliott's last day in Middle School is Friday. On Tuesday, he tell's me that his friends "have all voted" and they want me to make their graduation cake. Who-what-now? Are you kidding me right now?

So watch me as I scramble trying to bake something half decent in a kitchen that's still ravaged by the fact that I haven't done a proper shop since we got back from our trip. It'll be a German chocolate number with chocolate ganache frosting. Sorry kids, no real decorations will be had but I can pipe something in white. That's all I got.

Oh, these kids. But I couldn't resist when he told me they voted for me. I'm too vain to resist. Sigh.

kxx


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Galaxy to Host AC St. Louis in Open Cup Third Round on June 29

The Galaxy will host AC St. Louis in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 29 at The Home Depot Center. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with tickets starting at just $10. St. Louis qualified for the game by defeating the NSC Minnesota Stars 1-0 earlier this evening in Blaine, Minn.

Tickets for this game will go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or through the Galaxy by calling 1-877-3GALAXY (342-5299) or by visiting the club’s official website, www.lagalaxy.com. All sections on the West side of the stadium will be open for this game. Sections 107-109 and 113-115 will be General Admission with tickets costing $10 with Reserved Seating in Sections 110-112 for $50.

This will be the first-ever game between the Galaxy and AC St. Louis and LA’s first Open Cup Third Round game since 2007. The Galaxy, who won the Open Cup in 2001 and 2005, have played in the Third Round of the tournament five times, going 4-1 in those games, winning in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 but falling in 2007. From 2003-2006, the Galaxy entered the Open Cup in the Fourth Round.

WC ‘Blaugrana’ Report: Argentina vs. Greece

Maradona fielded an experimental lineup for this match against Greece in which a draw would have been enough to see Argentina progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup as group leaders. And although Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain were both rested, FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi took to the field wearing the Captain’s armband for the first time in his international career. Argentina

Live: Greece vs. Argentina

WC Blaugrana Match Preview: Greece vs. ArgentinaGroup B, Game 3 - Tuesday, June 22, 2010Time: 20:30 Convert to local timeLocation: Peter Mokaba Stadium, PolokwaneBarça player to watch: Lionel Messi (captain of Argentina for this match) Current Group Standings (after game 2):Argentina: 6 points, +4South Korea: 3 points, -1Greece: 3 points, -1Nigeria: 0 points, -2 Will Messi score his first goal

Mexico vs. Uruguay, France vs. South Africa

WC Blaugrana Match Preview: Mexico vs. Uruguay, France vs. South AfricaGroup A, Third Game – Tuesday, June 22, 2010Time: 16:00 Convert to local timeLocation: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg (Mexico vs. Uruguay); Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein (France vs. South Africa)Stadium Capacity: 38,646; 40,911 Barça players to watch: Rafael Marquez (Mexico); Thierry Henry and Eric Abidal

WC ‘Blaugrana’ Report: Spain vs. Honduras

Spain’s second game in the group stages of the World Cup was against Honduras. To qualify for the knock-out round, Spain has to secure six points after their first loss against Switzerland. Five of Barcelona players were in the starting line up, while Iniesta, Pedro and Valdes started on the bench. Honduras qualified only once before the current World Cup; that was during the 1982 World Cup

Maradona hints Messi may captain Argentina against Greece Read more: http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/maradona-hints-messi-may-captain-argentina-a

FC Barcelona forward and Argentine international Lionel Messi (22) will play and possibly captain his country against Greece in an Argentina team full of changes for their final World Cup Group B match on Tuesday, coach and legend Diego Maradona hinted on Monday. “Messi will play, because he always wants to play and I love that,” he told a press conference on Monday. “We had been thinking

Brazil vs. Ivory Coast

WC Blaugrana Match Preview: Brazil vs. Ivory CoastGroup G, Game 2 - Sunday, June 20, 2010Time: 20:30 Convert to local timeLocation: Soccer City Stadium, JohannesburgStadium Capacity: 88,460 Barça players to watch: Daniel Alves (Brazil) and Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast) After Maicon’s goal against North Korea, will Dani Alves get a chance at right back? Or will he be Dunga’s go-to sub for the

Berhalter to be Guest on Todd Wright Tonight at 9:05 pm

Tonight, Gregg Berhalter will join host Todd Wright on the appropriately named Todd Wright Tonight show at 9:05 p.m. PT on Sporting News Radio. You can simply click here to listen to the interview via SNR’s online player or tune your Sirius Satellite Radio receiver to SNR on Channel 127. Click here to check out the Todd Wright Tonight home page, and check out his Twitter feed at www.Twitter.com/Todd_Wright.

Todd and Troy Share Their Thoughts on the World Cup

Before our focus fully shifts to tonight's Open Cup game between St. Louis and Minnesota, two final U.S.-Slovenia notes with a hometown touch to pass along to all Galaxy fans out there.

Be sure to check out the latest from Todd Dunivant in partnership with Flo TV over at Goal.com.
Additionally, lagalaxy.com's Troy Bardy checked in with his latest from South Africa where he was able to take some time off from his work with Yahoo! to take in Friday's dramatic U.S. game against Slovenia. Here's what he had to say...

Before leaving for South Africa, the one game I wanted to see above any other was the U.S.A. vs. Slovenia match at Ellis Park. Simply for the fact of what this stadium meant to the people of South Africa.

I’m guessing that most fans who made the journey over here watched the movie Invictus ahead of time, to get an understanding of what this country was all about. I know that I did.

Once I saw the U.S. were to play at this historic stadium, I knew making it to this game would be something I would remember forever. I secured a ticket a few days before the game, assuring that win lose or draw, I would be there to cheer on the U.S. Add to that the fact that it was my first chance to see my home country play in the World Cup in person; I knew that this was going to be a special experience.

My second level seat could not have been better as it was at the same end of the field that, after surrendering two first half goals, the U.S. mounted one of the most memorable comebacks in our nation’s soccer history.
The first 45 minutes was a humbling experience. Going down 2-0, I couldn’t help but think that the last four years of their hard work could all be washed away in this one game. But to witness Landon lead the charge after the break with his brilliant goal, was something I’m not sure I can put into words. Once he scored, I knew this team had result left in them. Once they got the equalizer, you could feel that they were not content to simply take a point, but instead wanted to claim all three. Unfortunately, as you’re all well aware by this point, the referee snatched the full three points away from the guys and they had to settle for a draw.

But while Koman Coulibaly was able to steal the points from our team, he will never be able to take away the feeling I had being there in person when Bob Bradley’s men made all of us so proud to wear the red, white and blue.

Mike Magee to Miss 4-6 Weeks

The Galaxy will be without forward Mike Magee for approximately 4-6 weeks after he was forced to undergo surgery to repair a bilateral sports hernia. Famed German surgeon Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck performed the surgery late last week, with Magee returning to Los Angeles a few days later to begin his rehab.

Magee has one goal and an assist in eight games this season, though he has missed five games, including each of the final two before the World Cup break because of injury.

Airplane movies


I have to admit that one of the things I love the most about plane flights is the movies. Nowadays you aren't stuck watching what everyone else is watching on a big screen in the middle of the aisle. Everyone gets their own choice of what seems like hundreds of channels. There were sports, contemporary, classics, avant garde, family, comedy and kids. Let alone the tv shows. I was in heaven. Whole movies all the way through with no interruptions for phone calls, medical emergencies or drinks of water. Like I said: heaven.

So here are the movies I watched and a mini review...

500 Days Of Summer- How did I let this movie get past me in the theatres? I loved it like I love cake and I vow to buy it on DVD now that I'm home.

The Daybreakers- Not as good as I'd hoped. I actually fell asleep during this one. You'd think a movie about vampires would keep my attention.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians- Cute, but I should have gone for something a bit more mature.

How To Train Your Dragon- Oh hell, another keeper. It was fantastic and I'm not ashamed to admit that I choked up at the end. It was completely predictable but so well done I didn't care.

So there you have it. Thousands of dollars spent, 10 days in Europe, and all I get out of it was a bunch of movies under my belt. Not bad.

kxx


Monday, June 21, 2010

Golden Girls!


A great big thank you to the people who donated to my boat for the Tim Horton's Ottawa Dragonboat Festival that took place over the weekend. It was a complete and total joy, even though I had to set my alarm for 5:45am both days. One word about that: yawn. I don't want to bore you with the details but I have to mention that the Dames (that's the name of our team) won a gold medal in the Girls and Women in Sport Challenge cup. And there's an actual cup where our name will be engraved. Forever. Yes!

So here is the list of people dipped in awesome, rolled in terrific and served with a soupçon of you rock, who donated to the wonderful charities involved:

Lori Gibbs
Lisa, Holden and Sean
Jennifer Kay
Michelle Parkinson
Pat Amundrud
Kathryn Knight
my husband and;
my Daddy

Thank you all so much! Thanks to you, the charities nearly reached their $350,000 goal. And I reached my goal of earning a gold medal at something besides eating so it's a win/win.

kxx (our cup is filled with Beau's beer and yes, we all got a swig)

Portugal Goal Party

Portugal was a stroke of authority to DPR Korea, which won by a convincing 7-0 rout in the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on 21 June. The result leaves the Lusos as second in Group G with a goal difference puts them at the gates of the second round of the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.The selection of Carlos Queiroz felt at home in Cape Town, where the home fans fully supported the Europeans

Portugal Crushed North Korea 7-0

Portugal defeated by 7-0, in establishing a top goal historic global football, the weak North Korea but had shown some defensive against Brazil fragile objects can not stand the attack of the team led by Carlos Queiroz.In the first half only saw one of the goals, made the 28 minutes was enough to numb Meireles and Korean team had no reaction. In the second half the team had an almost perfect

Turning The Page On World Cup Weekend #2

Much like the players on the squad did, the blog staff had the weekend off as well-- and we took full advantage of the time off and caught on some great games, like Cameroon-Denmark and Ivory Coast-Brazil.

But it's back to work now, for everybody

The squad returns to the training grounds later today to resume their preparations for its first game in two weeks. The Galaxy's upcoming road trip to Canada to take on Toronto FC could be extended depending on tomorrow's Second Round games of the U.S. Open Cup. If Minnesota beats AC St. Louis, the Stars will host the Galaxy at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. on Tuesday, June 29. However, if AC St. Louis win that game, the Galaxy will host them on Tuesday, June 29.

But, before we truly turn the page on the weekend, check out the images captured by Robert Mora and German Alegria last Friday at the ESPN Zone viewing parties.

ESPN Zone at L.A. Live Viewing Party (Photos by Robert Mora)

ESPN Zone Anaheim (Photos by German Alegria)

Fans inside the sky box at ESPN Zone Anaheim react to Michael Bradley's game-tying goal.

Clint Mathis gave one fan a special surprise autograph. The fan to the left on the photo was involved in a car accident on her way to the U.S.-England viewing party at the Hermosa Beach Pier two weeks ago.

Eddie Lewis was at ESPN Zone at L.A. Live giving out autographs and posing for photos at halftime.

Fox 11 reporter Susan Hirasuna at ESPN Zone at L.A. Live during a live report for Fox's Good Day LA Live show.

Finally, if you get a minute, take a look at how you can help the LA Galaxy Foundation win $250,000 through the Chase Community Giving Program via Facebook.

Video Highlights Portugal 7 - 0 North Korea

North Korea looked surprisingly impressive against the Brazilian juggernaut in their first World Cup match last week, while Portugal did not manage a single goal in its scoreless draw with the Ivory Coast. But the Portuguese drought did not last Monday in Cape Town.Raul Meireles knocked in a goal in the 28th minute, giving Portugal the lead over its Group G rival. Tiago was credited with an

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Hércules to join Real Sociedad and Levante in the Spanish first division Read more: http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/hercules-to-join-real-socieda

In a dramatic final day of matches in the Spanish second division, Hércules defeated Real Unión 0-2 to seal their promotion to Spain’s top-flight, according to reports filed in all major Spanish sports media. It has been 14 years since the team played in the Primera, where they join Levante and Basque squad Real Sociedad as FC Barcelona’s new opponents in the 2010-11 season. The final round

Rafa Marquez: I’ll speak to Guardiola about my future after the World Cup Read more: http://www.totalbarca.com/2010/news/rafa-marquez-ill-speak-to-gu

FC Barcelona defender and Mexican international Rafa Marquez (31) will speak with Barcelona manager Pep Guardola about his future with the club after Mexico’s World Cup campaign is over, according to an article that appeared in Sport on Friday. Marquez is a player that had appeared to have outlived his usefulness to the club after a few mediocre seasons, but recent events may be grounds for

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Looking Ahead

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } LOOKING AHEAD, originally uploaded by mReport. Another week of World Cup fever comes to end and fans look ahead to another exciting week that determines the Round of 16. - Photo by Sven Anders

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Green Dream 2

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } The Green Dream 2, originally uploaded by magiclook.

Pride Is Algeria

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Pride Is Algeria, originally uploaded by magiclook.

Nesrine Tafesh.. Algerian's fan

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Nesrine Tafesh..algerian's fun, originally uploaded by magiclook. I love to add more some special things for this beauty about algeria...We are all algerian in World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

Amel bouchoucha, 1 2 3 Viva Algeria

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Amel bouchoucha, 1 2 3 Viva L'Agérie, originally uploaded by menosultra.

Cheb Khaled FIFA World Cup 2010

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Cheb Khaled ,Mondial 2010, originally uploaded by menosultra. Algerian singer Cheb Khaled performs during the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban

Wahiba Ribery

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Wahiba Ribery, originally uploaded by menosultra. The wife France's striker Franck Ribery, Wahiba wears an Algerian flag around her waist and France's striker Djibril Cisse, Jude (R) adjusting her hat prior to before the

Majid Bougherra & Wayne Rooney

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Majid Bougherra & Wayne Rooney, originally uploaded by menosultra. Algeria's Majid Bougherra (R) fights for the ball with England's Wayne Rooney during a 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match at Green Point stadium in Cape

Wayne Rooney tackled by Hassan Yebda and Rafik Halliche

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Wayne Rooney of England is tackled by Hassan Yebda and Rafik Halliche of Algeria, originally uploaded by menosultra. Wayne Rooney of England is tackled by Hassan Yebda and Rafik Halliche of Algeria during the 2010 FIFA

Algeria's midfielder Riad Boudebouz

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Riad Boudebouz & England, originally uploaded by menosultra. Algeria's midfielder Riad Boudebouz shoots the ball during the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match England vs. Algeria on June 18, 2010 at Green

Hassen Yebda & Steven Gerrard

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Hassen Yebda & Steven Gerrard, WCup England Algeria, originally uploaded by menosultra. England's Steven Gerrard, right, competes for the ball with Algeria's Hassen Yebda, left, during the World Cup group C soccer match

England vs Algeria Opening Ceremony

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } England / Algeria, originally uploaded by menosultra. Algeria and England's national football team players enter the pitch prior to the start of the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match England vs. Algeria on

David James vs Madjid Bougherra

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } England / Algeria, originally uploaded by menosultra. David James of England falls over Madjid Bougherra of Algeria as he makes a save during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and Algeria at

England vs Algeria

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } England / Algeria, originally uploaded by menosultra. (L-R) Algeria's midfielder Adlane Guedioura, England's striker Peter Crouch, England's defender John Terry, Algeria's defender Rafik Halliche, Algeria's midfielder

Medhi Lacen & Frank Lampard

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Medhi Lacen & Frank Lampard, originally uploaded by menosultra. England's Frank Lampard (L) fights for the ball against Algeria's Medhi Lacen during the 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match at Green Point stadium in Cape

The England National team vs Algeria.

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } The England National team, Algeria., originally uploaded by menosultra. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: The England team line up for a group photo during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England

Algerian Fan

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Algerian Fan, originally uploaded by menosultra. An Algerian fan on the pitch ,cape town, Englang & Algeria.

The Algerian national team vs England

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } The Algerian national team, England, originally uploaded by menosultra. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: The Algeria team line up for a group photo during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England

Algerian fan blows a vuvuzela, Algeria / England

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Algerian fan blows a vuvuzela, Algeria / England, originally uploaded by menosultra. An Algerian fan blows a vuvuzela before the 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match between England and Algeria at Green Point stadium in Cape

David Beckham, England vs Algeria

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } David Beckham of England awaits the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup & Algeria. , originally uploaded by menosultra. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: David Beckham of England awaits the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Karim Matmour, England vs Algeria

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Karim Matmour, England / Algeria, originally uploaded by menosultra. Algeria's midfielder Karim Matmour (C) advances with the ball past England's midfielder Frank Lampard (L) and defender Jamie Carragher during the 2010

England / Algeria

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } England / Algeria, originally uploaded by menosultra. Algeria's goalkeeper M'bolhi Rais Ouheb (C) saves a shot by England's striker Wayne Rooney during the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match England vs.

Peter Crouch & Nadir Belhadj

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Peter Crouch & Nadir Belhadj, originally uploaded by menosultra. England's striker Peter Crouch (R) is challenged for the ball by Algeria's defender Nadir Belhadj during the Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match

Wayne Rooney & Karim Matmour

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Wayne Rooney picks up Karim Matmour, originally uploaded by menosultra. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: Wayne Rooney of England picks up Karim Matmour of Algeria during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match

Wayne Rooney & Djamel Abdoun

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Wayne Rooney & Djamel Abdoun, originally uploaded by menosultra. England's striker Wayne Rooney walks towards Algeria's midfielder Djamel Abdoun to shake hands at the end of the 2010 World Cup group C first round football

Birchall and Ricketts Return to Training; Dema Closing in On Return

Donovan Ricketts and Chris Birchall were each back in training with the Galaxy on Thursday after being given two extra days off during the club's World Cup break. Ricketts returned to Jamaica while Birchall flew back to England to spend their time off with their respective families. Larry Morgan caught up with each after training yesterday do talk about their first day back in with the club.
Morgan also chatted briefly with Dema Kovalenko (pictured in the white vest above) about his ongoing battle to get back on the field. Dema was back on the field taking part in training this week for the first time since a hamstring injury forced him out during warmups against Houston.

Be sure to read the complete article, which has these stories and more, right here.