WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- New England looked like the best team in the SuperLiga, beating Atlante 4-0 on Saturday, Blanco apoligizes for something, and San Jose adds players.
That Pesky Liga
DC United blew the lighting and a penalty on Saturday night to start year two of SuperLiga action. That meant a delay in the second half while waiting for the power to come back on and a 2-1 loss when Jaime Moreno couldn't find the equalizer from the spot in the 77th.
Houston hit the highlight reel in Saturday's second game, waiting on DC - Chivas to finish before getting the true shutout over Atlante. That means no shots on goal from the visitors. Houston didn't have that problem, with Dwayne De Rosario getting the opener in the 20th, Stuart Holden scoring twice in the 21st and 28th, and Brian Mullan getting the fourth in the 54th.
Matt Reis actually had to make two saves for his shutout, with Kheli Dube getting the 70th minute winner for New England in their 1-0 win over Santos Laguna on Sunday. Santos dropped a man in the 40th minute when Juan Pablo Rodriguez was sent off. The Revs went for the attack, shifting Steve Ralston into a forward role late and pushing Shalrie Joseph up. The result wasn't unabashed offense, with the Revs getting eight shots, four on goal.
Our defending champion Pachuca trailed for all of seven minutes, canceling out Ante Razov's 16th minute opener with a Bruno Marioni equalizer in the 23rd. Gabriel Caballero hit the winner in the 42nd. Chivas USA started their post-rad Guzan era with Lance Parker in goal. Considering Pachuca went seven for 11 with shots on goal, Parker did enough to give his team a chance.
In A Statement
The Chicago Fire released the following on behalf of midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco:
“I sincerely regret my inappropriate actions during the game against D.C. United on Tuesday. I disappointed my Fire teammates and coaches, D.C. United players and staff, Major League Soccer, the U.S. Soccer Federation, and all our fans. I am truly sorry.”
Revs Reshuffle
New England Revolution midfielder Chase Hilgenbrinck has officially left the Revs to study to become a Catholic priest. Here's a quote from New England VP of Player personnel Mike Burns:
"We understand Chase's decision to retire from soccer and pursue his mission of helping others and we support his desire to make this change in his life. We wish Chase the best and thank him for the service and leadership he provided in his brief tenure with us."
That would be four games and one start after signing with New England on March 28th. Kheli Dube takes his spot on the senior roster, just reward for winning first team games as a developmental player.
Delayed Announcement Theater
Toronto manager (not coach) Mo Johnston wins some more friends with a press statement finally announcing what everybody already knows. Darren Huckerby is a member of the San Jose Earthquakes.
“We had Huckerby here for a couple of days, but he’s decided to test the waters in San Jose. However, we’ve been able to acquire some allocation money and an international slot for our team which will serve us well as we continue to build our team.”
Just so we're all clear, Toronto is far better off that Huckerby left them, isn't binging on chocolate ice cream while listening to The Smiths, and will show him when they casually bump into each other and he sees their new international roster player... whoever that might be.
Good Times For A Change
Meanwhile, In San Jose Darren Huckerby is joined by former Kansas City Wizard Scott Sealy as the Earthquakes regroup. Dueling press statements at the ready:
“I have been a fan of Darren’s play in England for a number of years,” said Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop. “He has had a very impressive career over there and we are looking forward to bringing his exciting style of play here to the Earthquakes.”
“Scott is a proven goal scorer in this league,” said General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle. “He has a good sense around the net and should immediately bolster our attack. He is an excellent addition to our team.”
The Wizards got allocation money for Sealy and their own opportunity to make a press statement:
“We would like to thank Scott Sealy for his three plus years of service to the Wizards organization,” Technical Director Peter Vermes said. “We wish him the best in San Jose and with the rest of his career.”
