Real Madrid were jeered off by their own fans after being dumped out of the Copa del Rey by minnows Alcorcon after only managing a 1-0 fourth round second leg win at an expectant Bernabeu.

Madrid suffered one of the biggest humiliations in their history after losing the first leg 4-0, and the Spanish giants could not undo the damage as battling Alcorcon frustrated their big-spending neighbours.

Rafael van der Vaart’s 81st-minute goal gave Madrid the victory on the night, but it was not enough to save the home side from either exiting the competition or incurring the wrath of their own fans.

The supporters booed their side off at half-time, did the same midway through the second half when Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini substituted the impressive Lassana Diarra, and then again at the end of the match.

However, the capacity crowd did give third tier Alcorcon a tremendous ovation at the end as the club from the south of Madrid claimed an historic scalp.

The damage was done by their 4-0 first-leg loss and there have been calls for the head of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

“To lose to a team in the third division can’t be considered an achievement,” said the under-fire Pellegrini.

Real director general Jorge Valdano tried to be positive, but it was cold comfort for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a club that spent vast sums on new players in the summer.

“You can’t say in the first leg, or the second, that we didn’t try,” said Valdano.

Perez has given Pellegrini his public backing, however, saying the coach would see out the season regardless of the team’s performance in both domestic competition and in Europe. After 10 games, they lie second in the league, one point behind bitter rivals Barcelona, and after four games in the Champions League, they are second in their group.

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CALL TO ARMS

This is a ‘call to arms’ for all you passionate football fans out there – we need you!!

At the end of November we’re shooting a very exciting Mastercard Champions League commercial that will recreate what it was like for the fans in the terraces watching the most memorable games in European football over the last ten years.

We’re looking for the most emotional, charismatic fans that were there that night…. or watching somewhere else wishing they were there. Do you think you could re-live those moments for this commercial? Are you unafraid of the cameras and prepared once more to punch the air, hug your mates, dance and sing just like you did the night your team won….or perhaps even show how devastated you were the night your team lost.

We want this to be one of the most outstanding commercials ever made about football and we need those fans that are willing to demonstrate to the world how much this sport means to them and how they felt on one of the happiest or saddest days of their lives. So please step forward, invite your fellow fans, represent your club and have fun!

So we are looking for Inter Milan fans who fit the brief above.

It is shooting 25 and 26th of November. Fans will only be needed for one day and they will be paid £100 in cash on the day, with the chance of earning an extra £100 if they are selected to be featured in it.

It is filming at the Millwall football ground.

For more information email tomnorcliffe@gmail.com

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The Sin: Pride is often called the “ultimate sin” because it leads to so many of the other sins. According to Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction”. It’s true, too. I define “pride” as the unwillingness to view one’s own abilities objectively, or – to put it bluntly – insincere self-respect. Pride is akin to vanity, and it is the root of almost every other major sin. Think about it: this sin wars against a humble spirit, which Jesus says we need to hump it up to heaven (Matthew 5:5). We must see ourselves as the sinners we are, instead of making false claims of righteousness.

The Sinners: When it comes to prideful players on the US Nats, the list is almost too long to set out here. Yes, it is important to be confident, yet it is even more important not to be overconfident, which I fear many Yanks may be. Take Landon, who exudes a smarmy self-righteousness everywhere he goes. Even worse is Deuce, Clint Dempsey, who apparently thinks his role on an EPL team makes him “the man” when it comes to US squad. Instead of reasonably recognizing their faults, these two think they are all-world. I think they could use some humility. Who can teach them?

The Saint: How about a ghost from the past, Cobi Jones, and a possible fixture on the team in the future, Stu Holden. Jones is an impeccable professional, and he has never been called out for having a big head (which is ironic considering the size of his bedreaded dome). He could instruct LD and Deuce as to how they should respect their opponents and also as to how they can push themselves to be better. As for Holden, he seems to have humility beyond his years, never rushing to criticize the coaching staff despite the fact he has proven he could be in the Starting 11. 

The Sermon: The US Nats did very well during the Confederations Cup, and their success has spilled over into WC Qualifying, but they need to remain humble & stifle their hubris. Some players love themselves so much, they refuse to acknowledge the contributions of their mates. Moreover, some players even seem to want their teammates to fail so they can get a chance to shine. They need to remember that soccer is about putting the team first.

After all, Satan himself fell from heaven for thinking himself too good for God’s team. In fact, he even wanted to compete with God. Yet, he was just another one of God’s foolish children, so he was ousted from his dad’s digs. I hope nothing like that occurs between Bradley the Elder and his spawn Bradley the Younger prior to South Africa in 2010. We need that familial bond to be as strong as possible. Unlike Satan, the US won’t be competing with one God. Hell no… 

If we play Brazil, we will be taking on 11 of them. I hope we win, but winning without humility is still losing, so I hope that no matter what we are humble. I can handle being a noble loser. But, I just can’t swallow a prideful, poor winner.  

I pride myself on that.

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“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet sin in one point, he is guilty of all.”

- James 2:10

For centuries, mankind has been obsessed with the idea of “sin.” Different cultures and religions have sought to define “sin” for their members, and several theories have been advanced regarding what constitutes a “sin.” But, when it comes to Western civilization (which is heavily influenced by Christianity), seven “sins” have risen above the rest to be identified as the “Seven Deadly Sins”. Now, this list of “sins” appears nowhere in the Old or New Testaments, but… 

Such things have never stopped folks from claiming they were the inerrant word of God, so why should they now? So, while the “Seven Deadly Sins” are not really expressly condemned anywhere in the Bible, the Roman Catholic Church has propagated them as if they were the Gospel and argued that the avoidance of them is the foundation of the moral life. I can’t disagree. Neither could Dante, who wrote them into his classic Divine Comedy. No. Not Dante Culpepper.

Anyways, the Seven Deadly Sins are as follows:

1. Pride
2. Envy
3. Wrath
4. Sloth
5. Greed
6. Gluttony
7. Lust

I know what you are thinking: “he’s seen too many Fincher films and has completely forgot he is supposedly a soccer blogger.” Well, you’re right. I have been watching too much Fincher. He’s a damn good director, and his breakthrough film Se7en is a modern masterpiece. But, I also think the Seven Deadly Sins can teach us a good bit about soccer. In fact, I think if the US MNT can avoid the Seven Deadly Sins, they could shock their enemies @ the 2010 World Cup.

In fact, I think if Bob Bradley can keep his boys “clean”, their spiritual progress could lead to success in South Africa. What the hell am I talking about? Well, over the next two weeks, I will explain. I will highlight each of the Seven Deadly Sins, and I will elaborate as to why our Nats can hoist the Jules Rimet Trophy by avoiding them. Of course, none of us can completely avoid sin, so I will not naively state that the US MNT can prepare perfectly for 2010, but…

One cannot deny that he who avoids the Seven Deadly Sins leads a better life than he who tends to engage in sinful acts, which lead to eternal damnation (at least according to some). Regardless of your religious background (or lack thereof), you likely cannot deny that exhibiting the 7 personality traits above is not a good thing. In fact, I believe that most folks understand these sins to be dangerous to their spiritual and physical well-being. As for soccer…

If the US can remain virtuous, it can win in 2010, but it must exemplify the virtues that counter these sins. Over the next couple of weeks, I will tell you what those virtues are and explain who on the MNT needs to embody them. As with any group of guys, we have many sinners and few saints. And, contrary to Billy Joel’s opinions otherwise, ’tis far better to cry with the saints than laugh with the sinners. Sure, the sinners are much more fun. But, one must admit…

Only Billy Joel fans die young. Wow, that made no sense. In fact, this whole series could be insane. Luckily, insanity is not one of the Seven Deadly Sins, so I am going to be just fine. In fact, I feel like I can rise above the myriad of sins we have addressed and prepare unto you a fine series about the US MNT and how they can succeed in South Africa. Will my posts be preachy at times? Probably. After all, ’tis far easier to preach than it is to practice. Ask Allen Iverson.

So, come back to STO over the next couple weeks to learn about the Seven Deadly Sins and how Bradley’s bunch can avoid being ensnared by them come 2010. To miss this series would be as big a sin as anything on the list above. After all, I will be showing you how these specific sins war against our souls. I will also explain how we can overcome them, not through devotion to any particular deity, but simply through self-discipline. Seriously, what do you have to lose?

Well, other than your soul, of course.

I don’t have to worry about that though. I already sold mine for a vintage TB Mutiny jersey.

I am trying to model my look after Valderrama, who like the girl at the top of this post, is undeniably one sexy devil.

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Things are heating up in Nigeria as the U-17 World Cup enters the quarter finals stage with games being played on the 8th and 9th of November. Champions Nigeria who are the sole remaining African representatives in the tournament will be looking to retain the title they won in 2007 and add on to the one that their fellow compatriots Ghana won in the u-20 world cup earlier last month.

Africa could be in for another celebration if  Nigeria lift the trophy. However, they must prevail against a Korean side who beat an amazing Mexico 5-3 on penalties. Nigeria who thrashed New Zealand 5-0 in the round of 16 will be looking to draw from some of that magic when they face the Koreans.

The big guns Brazil, Argentina and Mexico have all be eliminated thereby leaving an open field to vie for the chance to be  crowned World champions. However, the likes of Uruguay, Colombia ( who by the way eliminated Argentina) Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and Italy are all teams that can give any side a good for their money.

Tonight’s Match will therefore be a must win for Nigeria. Like i have always said, if  these two tournaments are anything to go by, then South Africa 2010 will definitely be one of the best ever for African nations. Why? Simple. There is the home advantage factor to consider. I never really believed that playing at home could make a difference until i watched the Confederations cup.

Everyone had written off South Africa as a team that was only going to humiliate themselves. However, no one expected them to provide such a spirited fight against some of the best teams in the world. Many people argued and said that it was the persistent blaring of the vuvuzelas that was actually distracting the players concentration although i categorically disagree.

Nonetheless South Africa and Egypt made the continent proud. The real deal will be happening next year and i am very confident of  our representatives pulling a shocker. This weekend will be the final round of fixtures in the World/African cup qualifiers  and Nigeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Cameroon will all be looking to win their matches so that they can join Ghana, Ivory coast and South Africa in the biggest sporting event in the planet.

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Chicago defeated the Revolution 2-0 to advance to the Eastern Conference Final of the MLS Cup Playoffs where they will have the privilege of hosting RSL (A.K.A. – The team no one wants right now) on Saturday.

Chicago and RSL are walking two completely different paths to get to this point.  Chicago sort of stagnated at the end of the season, unable to clinch a playoff berth until late, and then had an initial loss to New England in the Semifinal stage of the playoffs.  RSL, on the other hand, got hot right at the end of the season, leapt into the playoffs with some inspired late play, and then they took out the best team in the league with a draw and a win.  Columbus never knew what hit them and if Chicago isn’t careful they will be looking for the number on RSL’s truck too.

Robbie Findley has 12 goals and 4 assists while Yura has 8 goals and 2 assists and Clint Mathis is hiding back there with 7 assists.  I think nobody’s watching Clint Mathis because I don’t care how many games you play it’s nearly impossible to have an assist in one match, much less tally seven for a whole season.  Then, Andy Williams has 6 and Javier Morales has 5.  That’s pretty incredible if you asked me.

So, what’s the formula if Chicago wants to have any hope of beating RSL?  Stop their assist leaders.  The ball has to come from somewhere and it appears Robbie Findley has had alot of help scoring this year.

Close the outlet and you close the gate.

If Chicago goes into this hoping not to lose an Eastern Final again then they probably will.  Based on the Psychological stigma of having lost this game twice before and the “hotness” of RSL I would have to pick RSL on Saturday.

Enjoy watching two teams duke it out for a spot in the MLS Cup Final…this one should be good.

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Well we don’t get too many chances to highlight the league’s best defenders here at the STO, but this week it was announced that Chad Marshall of the Columbus Crew was named MLS 2009 Defender of the Year.  It was a great regular season for Marshall and the Crew and like all winners of the award being on a strong team is part of the criteria.  The Crew is already winners of the Supporters Shield and therefore have the best record of any MLS squad entering the playoffs.  Also the Crew had one of their best defensive seasons in their franchise history and the total goals conceded this season was the third best in the league entering this weekend.  In fact Columbus has only given up 31 goals this entire season.

And Marshall is obviously a critical part of that level of success.  Marshall actually only played in 18 matches this season due to a brief injury and also he was promoted to four matches as an international player for the United States.  But ever since Marshall entered the league in 2004 as a second round pick he has made an immediate impact. 

That rookie season he helped anchor the toughest defense in the league (he played next to Robin Fraser the 2004 Defender of the Year) and Marshall was given the respect that he deserves.  At the end of 2004, Marshall was the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award.  He was edged out by who other then Clint Dempsey now of the Premier League Fulham Cottagers.

But these days Chad Marshall is quite simply the best MLS Defender (at least this season).  Congats Mr. Marshall.  Now onto the real hardware…

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FA Cup giant-killers Kettering Town, who beat Hartlepool in round one, have been handed a home tie against former FA Cup winners Leeds United in the second round.

Blue Square South outfit Northwich, conquerors of Charlton on Sunday, will entertain League Two side Lincoln. Staines Town will host Millwall or AFC Wimbledon, while Bath City have also been rewarded with a home tie against Forest Green Rovers or Mansfield. York, who ended Crewe’s hopes in the last round, were given a tricky-looking trip to Blue Square Premier rivals Cambridge United.

Second-round ties will be played on the weekend of Saturday, 28 November.

Full second round draw:
Northwich Victoria v Lincoln City
Northampton Town v Southampton
Hereford United v Colchester United
Tranmere Rovers/Leyton Orient v Aldershot Town
Kettering Town v Leeds United
Gillingham v Burton Albion/Oxford City
Wrexham v Swindon Town
Wycombe Wanderers/Brighton & Hove Albion v Rushden & Diamonds
Wealdstone/Rotherham United v Luton Town/Rochdale
Milton Keynes Dons v Exeter City
Gateshead/Brentford v Walsall
Carlisle United/Morecambe v Norwich City
Accrington Stanley v Barnet
Oxford United v Barrow
Bournemouth v Notts County
Stockport County v Torquay United
Cambridge United v York City
Bath City v Forest Green Rovers/Mansfield Town
Port Vale/Stevenage Borough v Huddersfield Town
Staines Town v Millwall/AFC Wimbledon

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Tonight one of the biggest matches in the EPL pitting two of England’s Dominant clubs  Chelsea and Manchester United at the Stamford bridge will definitely be a match to watch. Both these teams are separated by just two points in the Barclays Premiership title race.

Chelsea’s fantastic start to the season will get better if they beat a Manchester United side that seem to be coping well in their post Ronaldo era. Once Again we should expect a good performance from Didier Drogba and company.

Lately, Drogba’s form has really impressed both his supporters and haters. To be honest when Mourinho left i thought he would never return to his best and for sometime, he was actually playing some really bad football. Enter Carlo Ancelotti and things have drastically changed in the mentality of the players.

You don’t have to look far to see what kind of a player Didier Drogba is. Just last week,  he made his Champions league comeback after a four game suspension to score both of Chelsea’s goals in their 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid. Not only are Chelsea wining games, no but their goal average each match is considerably high.

Chelsea lead the EPL table and they won’t want Man U to close in or even beat them to 1st place. Man U on the other hand are doing just fine without Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson will be keen to squash all the negative talk about how his side won’t do well this season in the absence of the their top goal scorer for the past two seasons.

Matches of this nature tend to be emotional charged due to the fact that they involve high stakes. If Man U lose then it will also be good news for the Gunners who are currently second and who have played one less game then Chelsea or Man u. My predictions for this game is a 2-0 win for the blues courtesy of Drogba and Kalou.

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They say that girls can be a lot crueler then boys and it’s no lie if you saw the highlights on ESPN of the college women’s soccer match between New Mexico and BYU yesterday.  Defender Elizabeth Lambert of New Mexico seemed to be playing the wrong sport as she tackled, punched, kicked, slapped, elbowed, and hair pulled opposing players throughout the match.  It got so bad over the ninety minutes that it eventually became unthinkable of how she had not been thrown out of the game.  Who was the referee of that match?  Was it her uncle Christopher Lambert from the legendary Highlander franchise?

Lambert was awarded a yellow card once when she kicked a ball that was already blown dead squarly into the opposition’s face.  Of course she argued that call like Rasheed Wallace argues a technical foul, but Lambert was lucky to even be in the match still at that point.  It was amazing to see such acts take place on a soccer field where usually one that flops is awarded for diving.  But in this case the referree was so lenient that he must be either a former MMA ref or he was completly blind. 

I am sure Lambert will receive severe punishment for her Bill Romanowski impression and lets be honest.  She deserves to be punished.  Not only for her over-the-top Stone Cold Steve Austin wrestling and pony tail pulling tactics, but also because in this day and age you should know that someone is always watching.  It might not catch up to you for a while, but in the age of technology all momentary lapses of judgment can be documented for eternity.

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