September 4, 2008
Behind the Badge - Photo of the Day
Behind the Badge - USOC Championship in photos
Fred didn't start last night's US Open Cup Final between the Charleston Battery and DC United. But, once he entered the match late in the first half, he was a difference maker.
It took until early in the second half for the Brazilian midfielder to put DC ahead for good as he got in behind the Charleston defense and slotted the winner past Dusty Hudock.
Charleston was game as they responded to Luciano Emilio's early goal with an equalizer from former Rhino Ian Fuller.
They even had a chance to go ahead 2-1 in the first half denied not by DC goalkeeper Luis Crayton, but by DC's left post.
So in the end, DC adds another Open Cup to it's trophy case and the 1999 Rhinos remain the only USL team to win the Open Cup in the MLS era of US soccer.
All is right with the world!
News & Notes:
- Puerto Rico's CONCACAF Champions League playin game versus Costa Rican power Alajuelense was delayed for two hours, but the Islanders were able to get two late goals to advance to group play. The wins by Montreal and Puerto Rico and the losses by New England and Chivas USA prompted this article about why the USL has been so successful lately.
- The Portland Timbers new owner is looking for $75 million from the city of Portland to try and draw an MLS team. And the MLS to Portland movement has a homepage...........
- Grant Wahl and Steven Goff are in Cuba ahead of Saturday's World Cup Qualifier.
- Per SBI.net, Toronto FC has inked Chad Barrett to a contract extension. They had to get that deal done as Barrett was the biggest piece to come to Toronto in the Brian McBride deal.
- Goal.com has a good interview with new LA Galaxy midfielder/defender Eddie Lewis.
- I hope Glenn Davis' latest piece at Chron.com doesn't jinx Pat Onstad and crew.......
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
