As you know, the European season officially came to a close early this morning in Moscow as Manchester United defeated Chelsea 6-5 in a penalty shootout. Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard made the score level at 1-1 after regulation and both periods of extra time. Both keepers looked fairly sharp in the shootout as would be expected from two of the world's best, but in the end it was Edwin van der Sar's club that got to take home the Champions League trophy. Chelsea keeper Petr Cech received precious little support from his shooters however, with John Terry missing the potential winner and the disgustingly overpaid and overappreciated Nicolas Anelka sealing Chelsea's fate as van der Sar saved the final kick of the game. Chelsea fans were left speechless as the United players commenced their celebrations. To summarize the Mancunian side of the shootout, Tevez and Carrick converted before Cristiano Ronaldo's ridiculous penalty theatrics led to an easy save from Petr Cech. Then Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson, and Ryan Giggs each scored from the spot. For Chelsea, Ballack, Belletti, Lampard, and Cole all converted before John Terry's penalty went wide. Salomon Kalou scored, but a final miserable penalty from Nicolas Anelka cost Chelsea the game as Edwin van der Sar made a basic save. Manchester United 6, Chelsea 5.
In other news, Olympique Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri has purportedly received an offer from one of the Premiership's big four. Nasri's agent confirmed that Arsenal has put in a bid for the 20 year-old attacking midfielder who has netted 11 goals in 121 appearances for Ligue 1 side Marseille since 2004. Apparently Arsenal is not the only big European club that has expressed interest in the young midfielder, as Nasri's agent confirmed. It may be difficult for Nasri to leave Marseille, a club he has been a part of since he was nine years old.
On to a more local scene, week nine of the MLS season has begun. Yesterday Toronto FC defeated DC United 1-0 at BMO Field in Toronto on an early goal from Danny Dichio. Games continue tonight with the Houston Dynamo visiting San Jose. The action continues on Saturday with Columbus hosting the New England Revolution; DC United meeting Toronto once again, this time in Washington; Real Salt Lake travels to the Lone Star State to take on FC Dallas; Colorado will face Chivas USA; the Los Angeles Galaxy, armed with Landon Donovan and David Beckham if health issues cooperate, will play against Kansas City at the Home Depot Center. On Sunday, the Chicago Fire battle the New York Red Bulls at the most appalling excuse for a "football" stadium known to man: a venue that needs no introduction yet I'll give it one anyway....Giants Stadium! Week nine concludes on Wednesday with Houston meeting FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park. The team to watch currently would be our friends from north of the border, Toronto FC, who are riding a six game unbeaten streak at the moment. Toronto sits in fourth in the East on 14 points, behind Columbus, New England, and Chicago. In the West, Colorado, Los Angeles, Houston, and FC Dallas are leading the way in a conference that looks quite inferior in comparison with the Eastern division. It's a long season and a lot can still happen, so the rest of the journey should be an exciting one!
That's all for today, hopefully Samir Nasri will be a Gunner by the time the next edition comes out.
Big happenings today in the world of soccer with the Champions League final being fought out in Moscow between Chelsea and Manchester United later this afternoon. The mind games have commenced, particularly between rival forwards Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba who have enjoyed taking shots at each other throughout the week. Word is that the state of the pitch at the Luzhniki Stadium is not quite up to the standards that either Premiership side is used to playing on. However, both sides did have to endure the crater-pocked, almost moon-like surface offered by Wigan at the JJB this season, as well as other less than perfect playing surfaces. I'll be okay with whatever Moscow has to offer so long as it isn't zebra striped with football yard lines. Despite rumors of potential hooliganism surrounding today's match, the Champions League has commended the behavior of the some 42,000 English fans in the city. Like the fans, the managers have also maintained some relaxation. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stated "Hopefully I will have the composure to help the players", helpfully reminding everyone that he has indeed "won the Champions League before as well as the Cup Winners' Cup twice". On the flip side, Chelsea manager Avram Grant has also kept his focus on the task at hand despite rumors surrounding his potential departure from the club. As for the current weather report from Moscow, the temperature sits in the mid-50s under cloudy skies, conditions that neither side is quite unused to playing in England. Since I have the day off I'll be enjoying the match, hopefully in the company of my good friends, commentators Derek Rae and Tommy Smyth. Love him or hate him, Tommy certainly brings a unique element to all his Champions League matches while his companion Derek always maintains an air of professionalism while at the same time keeping the tone friendly and entertaining. It should be an exciting match, one which I'm really looking forward to. Hopefully European football will end its season on a high note with an epic match between two of England's and Europe's most talented sides.
