Major Link Soccer - Memorial Day Edition

Before we get into the weekend's soccer links, I would also like to say a special thanks to the men and women serving our country in the military and the peace corps.  The last decade has been some of the most trying times for our men and women in uniform and their families, we especially note those who have sacrificed their very lives for the well-being of the nation.  Your service and dedication to our country is much appreciated by this blogger, and our best wishes go out to you all.

The Sounders played this weekend against Real Salt Lake and pulled out a 2-1 upset against the team widely considered the best in the west.  During the season there has been a debate on who has the deepest team in league with many pundits citing either the Sounders or RSL.  In this match both teams were missing key players and came out with a gritty performance.  In the end it was the Sounders who prevailed relying on the play of reservists like Mike Fucito and Lamar Neagle.  Video highlights from the match are available here.

Neagle's game winning strike has been nominated for MLS goal of the week.  It was the culmination of a lot of hard work and extra practice time put in by Neagle and his roommate James Riley.  There's some stiff competition this week including a long-range bullet from Ryan Smith and a beautiful chip from Luke Rodgers.  Still, the Neagle goal stands up to them all and you can vote for it here or by texting G5 to 22442.  

Whitecaps Shocker: Breaking news today as the Whitecaps have fired head coach Teitur Thordarson before reaching the mid-season point.  Thordarson was the head coach of the Whitecaps since 2008 when the team was still in the second division.  Tom Soehn, currently the director of soccer operations, and previously coach of DC United, has been named as Thordarson’s replacement.   

Sounders Women Lose Stunner: The Sounders Women's team lost a roller-coaster of a home game to the Colorado Rush 3-2.  Two penalty kicks were awarded against the Sounders during the match.  In frustration, both the Sounders head and assistant coaches were kicked out for dissent.  The Sounders Women go on the road next week before returning to Seattle on June 12th. 

Massive Crowd for Mexico-Ecuador Match: Over 50,000 fans packed into Quest/CenturyLink field for a friendly match between the Mexican and Ecuadorian national teams.  It was a back-and-forth affair with Mexico holding the momentum for much of the match.  In the end, the game ended as a 1-1 draw. 

Barca the Best? FC Barcelona certainly looked like the best club team in history as they dismantled legendary side Manchester United 3-1 on Saturday.  Watching Leo Messi and the rest of the offense create space and opportunities was truly a special experience.

Bedoya Called Up: US midfielder Alejandro Bedoya has been called into camp by coach Bob Bradley.  The decision was made after an ankle injury to Benny Feilhaber during a 1-0 loss by the New England Revolution to the LA Galaxy.  Feilhaber is still undergoing tests and the team has until June 6th to make a final decision for his inclusion in the Gold Cup.   

More FIFA Crap: Another links post and more stories about corruption in FIFA.  Mohamed bin Hammam has withdrawn from the FIFA presidential race shortly before being suspended.  Corruption magnet Jack Warner has also been suspended.  Sepp Blatter continues to fight the media and deny that the 2022 World Cup was bought with bribes.  I'm shocked!  Absolutely shocked!