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EURO 2008 Final :: Live Blog 2.45et

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-29T14:18:00 00:00

We're only minutes away from the start of the Euro 2008 Championship final between Germany and Spain. The FanHouse is geared up and ready to go with live commentary and chat from the anthems to the final whistle. It's sure to be an action packed match as two top international sides face off for all of the glory.

Join us after the jump for some unscripted discussion and watch the action unfold with FanHouse.

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EURO 2008 Final LIVE: Sunday 230et

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-28T15:22:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, European Soccer

A reminder to all soccer-inclined FanHousers that we will be providing live commentary during tomorrow's final and hosting chat all the way to the final whistle. Stop by and put in your two cents/marks/lira/euros on the action while we all wait and see who will take home the title. Will it be the brutally efficient German offense or the will the flawless Spaniards complete their undefeated run?

We'll be here for all of the liveblogging goodness at 230et

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MLS Primetime Live (Blog) : Dallas v Houston

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-26T20:59:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, MLS

Join in the discussion, MLS fans. We're taking the national spotlight and running with it here at the Fanhouse. The MLS conversation begins at 9/8c with the kickoff of tonight's FC Dallas/Houston Dynamo match. It's not necessarily a live commentary, but we'll see how the night progresses. No holds barred, well maybe a few, and half-nelsons only please as we kick the tires on this thing we call the liveblog.

The untold perils of real-time internet 2.0 after the jump.

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Turkish Delight :: Late Triple Bounces Czechs

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-15T19:29:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, European Soccer

You always have to look out for the players with the first names on their jerseys. Turkey's number 8, Nihat Kahveci, is one of them. The Turkish captain powered his side to victory today with two late goals, eliminating the Czech Republic and advancing to the quarterfinals in the process. The Czech side thought they had things all wrapped up in the 61st minute when Jan Koller made the score a daunting 2-0, but Turkey had other plans. Beginning with Arda Turan's 75th minute goal, they scored three times in the final fifteen minutes, including Nihat's stunner in the 87st past keeper Petr Cech. An absolutely stunning finish that is easily the most intense finish in this tournament that has seen its share of last-minute surprises.

In other Group A action, Portugal, already locked into the next round, rested up against host nation Switzerland. The Swiss grabbed a 2-0 victory, saving some face against a side that was without top players Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco, or Ricardho Carvalho. Portugal will face the winner of tomorrow's Germany/Austria match on Thursday while Turkey moves on to face a tough Croatia team on Friday.

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Spain Stuns in Stoppage, Greeks Going Home

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-14T18:09:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, European Soccer

It is certainly a good day to be David Villa, and definitely not a good day to be Antonios Nikopolidis. These two men played pivotal roles in this afternoon's Group D action. Of course, David Villa is a bit more excited about his outcome than Antonios. In the closing minutes of the Spain-Sweden match, Villa connected with a long ball, slipped past the defender Hansen, and popped a game winner just past the keeper on the breakaway. The 2-1 win gives Spain 6 points at the top of the Group and assures their advancement to the next round.

Meanwhile, Nikopolidis probably shouldn't hang around Greece for the next few weeks. The veteran keeper celebrated his 89th international cap by straying WAY too far form the area on a lazy cross, losing possession, and giving the Russians an easy goal on the open net. Greece was unable to recover from the early deficit and struggled to find their confidence for the rest of the match. Already forced to play a more aggressive style, they never seemed to settle into a rhythm. Falling 1-0 to Russia, the Greeks are now mathematically eliminated from the group stage and become the first defending champs to lose the first two group matches the following year.

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EURO 2008 LiveBlog :: Greece v Russia

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-14T14:40:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, European Soccer

The defending champions take on Russia this afternoon to round out the day's action in Group D. Its basically a must-win match for either side as both sit in the basement, looking up at both Sweden and Spain. We'll be here with live commentary during the game as well as discussing the rest of the EURO 2008 tournament.

Join in after the jump to get in the conversation and have some fun with Soccer FanHouse.

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Live Blog :: USMNT vs Argentina

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-08T19:33:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, International Soccer, US Soccer

The Men's National Team is back on US soil after a rough week abroad. Tough matches with England and Spain are mere appetizers to tonight's pairing with Argentina, currently the #1 team in the world. What is sure to be a sizable crowd at Giants Stadium is in for a show tonight, and we're here with our new LiveBlogging toys to bring it to you as it happens.

So join us after the jump for some good discussion, live commentary, and possibly a streaker or two.

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EURO 2008 LiveBlog :: Germany - Poland

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-08T14:04:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, European Soccer

We continue today's Group B action with Germany taking on Poland. The Germans are the favorite for today's match, but this is an intense rivalry that can never be overlooked. The pub has been steadily filling in anticipation of the game, and we're almost good to go. Let's hope the satellite holds up as this has all the makings of a thriller.

Behold the wonders of FanHouse's new toy, liveblogging greatness powered by the good people at CoverItLive.com. Follow the match, join the discussion, and practice Das Deutschlandlied after the jump.

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EURO 2008 LiveBlog :: Austria - Croatia

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-08T11:57:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, European Soccer

It's time to rock and or roll with this Sunday's Group B action. We're at The Globe Pub, the best damn soccer bar in the land, ready to cover all of the Central European fun. So sit back, relax, and get ready for some great matches. Austria and Croatia lead off today, and we're placing the over-under on inappropriate Franco-Prussian War references at 2 and a hook.

If you have yet to apply your checkerboard face paint like our Croatia friends at right, there's still time. Marvel at the LiveBlogging technology of the interwebs after the jump.

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MLS Power Rankings : Week 10

Irishoutsider — 2008-06-05T12:47:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, MLS

Apologies for the lack of good, old-fashioned American soccer action on FanHouse, ladies and mostly gentlemen. The MLS portion of the brain has been lit on fire, allowed to burn to the ground, and then the ashes are currently being mixed with gasoline for another go. Not trying to say there's things more important than loving this little-league-that-should, but sometimes life throws a lot of lemons your way and you just have to say "NOT NOW! I"M ON FIRE!" Lemon juice can't put out fires. Well, we guess it probably can, but that would involve slicing them open and being able to apply said relief with a flourish.

Regardless, we digress. The Week 10 Power Rankings bring everyone up to speed as we try to distinguish between a number of teams separated by wafer thin margins in the standings.

The full table and considerably less Burning Man after the jump.

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MLS Power Rankings: Week 9

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-29T13:10:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, MLS

After finally recovering from this weekend's trip to New York, we're back and somewhat rested to bring this week's MLS Power Rankings. The middle of the table is still anyone's guess as the the league still continues to resemble some kind of Double Stuff Oreo. The top and bottom of the table are firm, resolute, and in our opinion, absolutely delicious in their quality of play (or lack thereof). The creamy middle is still equally intriguing, however. Twist it apart and you just don't know which team will stick where. Dallas, New York, Colorado, and LA seem to be bounding between the ends of the table.

Find out where they land in the rankings after the jump. Milk optional.

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MLS Power Rankings: Week 8

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-21T09:46:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: MLS, Soccer

Week 8 managed to do some shuffling in the power rankings, but like most of 2008, the top and bottom of the table seem to be locked in pretty well. However, New England and TFC aren't going anywhere, and look to make a move out East. Meanwhile, in the West, LA is really starting to fire up the offense, and the top spot is within their grasps. Colorado and Houston (thanks for showing up), are sure to have something to say to that.

An early dose of the power rankings this week heading into the lengthy Memorial Day road tripping. Kevin Hartman wins this week's "Best Non-Beckham Picture" award for his courageous display of non-Beckhamness. Follow him after the jump for the full table.

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MLS West Wrap: Dallas Burned

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-19T13:46:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: MLS, Soccer

We've been waiting a while to dig up the headline entendre that Dallas forgot. FC Dallas (F.K.A. the Dallas Burn) was the victim of a rather dishonorable defeat at the hands of the LA Galaxy, so it's only fitting that they take the lion's share of the writeup. Other highlights of the weekend include the Dynamo building an honest-to-goodness winning streak as well as DC United trying to get out of the Eastern basement.

Legal mumbo jumbo prevents us from providing this week's Obligatory Beckham Shot, so instead we provide this clip of Marcelo Gallardo's top-shelf strike of equal quality. Game Capsules after the jump.

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MLS East Wrap: Slugging It Out

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-19T12:59:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: MLS, Soccer

It was not the flashiest week in the Eastern Conference. By current league standards, a couple of ties and an expansion team losing on the road pales in comparison to the fireworks on display out West in Week 8. Regardless, we're here to root out the highlights wherever they are hiding and take a look at what this weekend's results mean for the conference going forward.

The results of Juan Pablo Angel's free-kick and much more after the jump.

Houston at Chicago moved to Western Wrap-up

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MLS Primetime Wrap: Colorado on Top

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-16T10:27:00 00:00

by IrishoutsiderColorado Rapids 2 - Real Salt Lake 0
It was a match between to equally talented sides, but last night's battle for Western supremacy ended with the Colorado Rapids protecting their home field against a challenging Real Salt Lake. The first half was relatively uneventful, with both teams failing to manufacture many quality scoring chances. Many times lethal crosses were left wanting with supporting runs failing to get into position for the finish. However, Colorado managed to finally put things together in the second half when Omar Cummings scored in the 65h minute with help from Colin Clark and Herculez Gomez. Cristian Gomez sealed the result in the 83rd minute with a penalty kick, his second goal of the season.

Colorado hosts Chivas USA next week while Real Salt Lake heads to FC Dallas.

Photo Courtesy of MLSnet.com

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MLS Power Rankings: Week 7

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-15T10:01:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, MLS, Soccer Posts

Our predecessor here at Fanhouse used to incorporate some kind of "Cavernous Gaping Hole" (tm) into each week's "Powah" rankings, and we're finally starting to understand what was going through their minds. This year in MLS, said hole is located somewhere out West, possibly the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, or some similar actual natural wonder. The metaphorical chasm between East and West grows by the day, and while we've said it a few times before, please note once more that the top teams in the WC would be tied for 7th (!) in the East. Both Kansas City and Toronto had a Bye this week, and they still remained ahead of the pace. By our unofficial count, the West can only claim 2 victories over the East, Dallas over New York and Colorado over New England. We can't figure the disparity out ourselves, its not like the East is using a DH rule or something, so we'll just have to see how the rest of the season sorts out. However, it's already looking like a number of Eastern teams could get frozen out of the playoffs by mere geography.

Full table after the jump. Please add in your own trademarked gaping metaphors.

Image courtesy of AP and MLSnet.com

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MLS Wrap: Week 7 Out West

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-12T11:49:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, MLS, Soccer Posts

The West hosted all of this weekend's MLS action, but the home field advantage wasn't enough to give them the edge over the East. Going 3 for 5 on the weekend, the East asserted its authority over MLS, and if the standings were combined, the top teams in the West would be tied for 7th at best. Not exactly parity, if you ask us, but its still early enough in the season for things to pan out.

Meanwhile, some familiar faces return to New England, Houston's familiar face finally show up, and we see if LA's popular pair have enough to get past Red Bull New York. Results of all 5 matches after the jump.

Image courtesy of AP and MLSnet.com

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MLS Primetime Wrap: DC Untied

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-09T13:50:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Chicago, Washington, DC, Soccer, MLS, Soccer Posts

Chicago Fire 2 - DC United 0
We're sure the whole untied/United headline business has been used before, but we're equally fed up with the various ways the Fire can burn, torch, or scorch opposing teams in the headlines. Regardless, the Chicago Fire ran circles around the United defense, putting on an offensive display that gave them several lethal chances. Justin Mapp and Cuahtemoc Blanco scored for Chicago, with Blanco's curling strike sure to set the bar for the Goal of the Week. A physical match that saw plenty of rough challenges on both side of the ball overshadowed DC's struggling offense. United only managed 2 shots on goal but drew 3 yellow cards for reckless play.

Chicago hosts Houston Dynamo at home next Saturday while DC United travels out west for a match with CD Chivas USA.

Photo courtesy of AP and MLSnet.com

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MLS Power Rankings: Week 6

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-08T11:30:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, MLS, Soccer Posts

The table has certainly begun to settle coming out of Week 6. The Eastern teams continue their rise to the top while the West watches its side sink to the bottom. Meanwhile, the contenders and pretenders begin to surface. While its definitely too early for this kind of talk, teams like Columbus and Chicago are certainly helping out their cases for the playoffs considering their late season battling in 2007. Teams like DC and Houston, on the other hand, are digging themselves some mighty holes. In between, teams like KC, Colorado, and New York are still trying to find some consistency.

Full rankings and Chivas bashing after the jump.

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MLS West Wrap: Quiet on the Western Front

Irishoutsider — 2008-05-06T12:05:00 00:00

by Irishoutsider

Filed under: Soccer, MLS, Soccer Posts

Better late than never with the West Coast recap. Even with the technical difficulties slowing us down here at FanHouse HQ, it was an easy weekend to forget in the Western Conference, with a number of lackluster results for a number of teams. This isn't to say however, that all was quiet out West. LA had its usual dose of fireworks and Colorado certainly had some surprises in store for DC United.

Results after the jump and unofficial "Write the Caption" contest after the jump.

Photo courtesy of AP and MLSnet.com

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