Great Day For US Soccer Fans

Clint Dempsey and the New US Soccer kit

     It was a big day for international soccer, as nations from Europe continue Euro 2012 Qualifying and many other nations held friendlies.
We decided to look a little closer to home, however.
     First, we took in the match between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps at PPL Park in Chester. The 1st half was pretty tame, yet somehow, Philadelphia picked up 3 yellow cards in the first 34 minutes. It was Eric Hassli's yellow in the 27th minute that proved key, however. The Vancouver forward earned a second in the 59th minute, and Whitecaps were down a man in their first road game. Philadelphia controlled play for the last half hour, but the winner from Carlos Ruiz in the 77th minute looked offside. The atmosphere at PPL Park was certainly impressive, as were Union, who earned a second clean sheet in as many games, and are 2-0.
     Just up the I95 corridor, the atmosphere seemed to be the main attraction in a friendly featuring the United States and Argentina, with well over 75,000 in attendance. The futbol proved equally thrilling, though, and both sides played fantastic in a 1-1 draw. Argentina were world-class in the 1st half, and the US held firm for 42 minutes, until Cambiasso gave the visitors the lead. After halftime, the US came out of the locker room much more aggressive, and enjoyed more possession as a result. The last half hour was fairly even when Juan Agudelo, of New York Red Bull, netted a rebound from a free kick at the 59th minute. Overall, the US team looked great against a side that has defeated Spain and Brazil since last year's World Cup. And the new red kits aren't bad, either.

NHL Heating Up

     Most of the sports media is focused on the NFL labor dispute or NCAA March Madness, but on this blog, we like to take a look at pop culture that has a little more international appeal. While there are many cosmopolitan leagues in the United States, perhaps no employs more foreign born players than the National Hockey League.
     The NHL is nearing the end of the regular season, and the games are getting more important. At the top of the standing in the Western Conference are the Vancouver Canucks. In the East, the Philadelphia Flyers are in first place, and they face the second place Washington Capitals tonight. Capitals forward and Superstar Alex Ovechkin is out for about a week.
     At the bottom of the playoff race in the East, there are about 5 teams battling for the last playoff spot, currently held by the Buffalo Sabres. In the West, the script is a bit different. There are about 5 teams battling for 3 playoff spots, including defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
     Leading the scoring race is Tampa Bay forward Steven Stamkos, who is from Canada, with 43 goals. Vancouver center Henrik Sedin (of Sweden) leads all players in assist, with 68.
     Headlining NHL news this week is the suspension of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke, who was suspended for as many as 16 games for his elbow against New York Ranger Ryan McDonagh.
     Most teams have under 10 games left, with the final regular season games on April 10th.

Donate For Japan

     International news has, of course, been dominated by the tragedies in Japan. One of the biggest earthquakes on record created a deadly tsunami, which damaged nuclear power plants and released radioactive materials into the atmosphere. Donations can be made at the Red Cross.