Soccer

18 September 2007, Shanghai, China (By Jim Stevenson) -- The United States has defeated Nigeria, 1-0, to reach the quarterfinal round of the Women's World Cup football tournament in China. VOA's Jim Stevenson was at the game in Shanghai, where the Americans dominated in a soggy and sparsely filled stadium.

As bands of rain periodically drenched the field from the approach of typhoon Wipha, the U.S. women stormed to a quick lead against Nigeria in the opening minute. Midfielder Lori Chalupny easily chipped in a loose ball in front of the goal.    » read more »

17 September 2007, Hangzhou, China (By Jim Stevenson) -- Germany has defeated Japan, 2-0, to reach the quarterfinal round of the Women's World Cup football (soccer) tournament in China. VOA's Jim Stevenson was at the game in Hangzhou, where the defending champions seemed to struggle at times, despite playing a relatively weaker opponent.    » read more »

16 September 2007, Hangzhou, China (By Jim Stevenson) -- The fifth FIFA Women's World Cup in China is being broadcast to a record number of viewers around the world. VOA's Jim Stevenson has more on the growth of the quadrennial football (soccer) event since it began in 1991.

China hosted the inaugural Women's World Cup 16 years ago. At that time, 12 nations competed, with the United States winning the title. But football fans following that team and the others often had to wait about a day for game results to appear in newspapers.    » read more »

Next-Generation Live Sports Broadband Network to Feature 61 UEFA Champions League Games

09/06/2007 -- Toronto FC announced Thursday that they have sent midfielder Andy Welsh to English Championship club Blackpool on a free transfer.

Welsh, 24, joined Toronto FC just prior to the 2007 season, coming over from English Premiership club Sunderland.

"We found a way of getting him back over to England, and it worked out for both camps," said Head Coach Mo Johnston, "he's happy and we're happy. It's always sad to see a younger kid leave."    » read more »

09/07/2007 -- Following is Chivas USA's latest schedule of travel, events, matches and practice sessions:

Monday, September 10: TBD

Tuesday, September 11: Training, 10:00 a.m. PT, Field 6

Wednesday, September 12: Training, 10:00 a.m. PT, Field 6

Thursday, September 13: Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy, 8:00 p.m. PT, (Honda Super Clásico 2007, Game # 4), The Home Depot Center, Carson, Calif.

(TV: ESPN2; Radio: KTNQ 1020 AM; Pregame show starts @ 7:30 p.m. PT on KTNQ)

Friday, September 14: TBD

Saturday, September 15: Travel to Colorado    » read more »

09/06/2007 -- The New York Red Bulls RDS are delighted to offer a new and improved Goalkeeper curriculum, offering high level keepers training on the position specific aspects of their game, such as footwork, handling, shot-stopping, and distribution. This fall, GK curriculums will be offered at Staten Island, NY, Ramapo, NY, Manalapan, NJ, and Allentown, PA.    » read more »

09/06/2007, CARSON, Calif. -- Club Deportivo Chivas USA of Major League Soccer today announced that CEO and General Manager Javier León is leaving his post to pursue other endeavors, including the prospect of outside projects with Antonio Cué, Chivas USA President and Co-Owner.    » read more »

09 September 2007, Shanghai (By Jim Stevenson) -- The fifth FIFA Women's World Cup football tournament kicks off Monday in Shanghai, China. VOA's Jim Stevenson is at the event and has this preview.

China is again hosting the premier event in women's football after holding the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991. An outbreak of SARS prevented China from hosting the last World Cup in 2003. The event was held instead in the United States. The tournament now returns to the birthplace of the game, and it is also helping to boost preparations for the Beijing Olympics in less than one year.    » read more »

Kerry Zavagnin to join team prior to Sunday's match against Brazil

09/05/2007 -- Kansas City Wizards holding midfielder Kerry Zavagnin has been called in by United States National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley as a roster replacement for Colorado Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni for an upcoming friendly against international power Brazil Sunday, September 9 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Zavagnin has appeared 21 times for the Red, White and Blue. An alternate for the 2006 World Cup, the 33-year-old last played for the U.S. in the 4-1 loss to Germany on March 22, 2006 in Dortmund.    » read more »

Washington, D.C. (September 5, 2007) - D.C. United announced today plans to honor the current MLS goal-scoring leader and one of its former players, considered to be one of the finest defenders in U.S. soccer history, before games against New England Revolution, September 9 and Real Salt Lake, September 12. Prior to Sunday's United game with the Revolution, the club will recognize Jaime Moreno. The club's most decorated and accomplished player ever recently broke the MLS all-time goal scoring record, tallying for the 109th time in his illustrious career.    » read more »

09/05/2007 -- Toronto FC announced Wednesday that 3 of their players have been called up to Canada's National Team. Canada will face Costa Rica Wednesday September 12th in a friendly at BMO Field.

Captain and midfielder Jim Brennan, midfielder/defender Chris Pozniak, and goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopoulos were all named to the Canadian squad named by Head Coach Dale Mitchell.

"I'm happy for them to go", said Toronto FC Head Coach Mo Johnston, "hopefully they can play 90 minutes and get a good game under their belt."    » read more »

Kansas City Wizards Reserves beat Houston Dynamo Reserves 4-1 on Sunday, Wizards gear for final stretch

09/05/2007 -- Wizards Reserves Beat Houston 4-1 Sunday    » read more »

WASHINGTON, DC (September 4, 2007) - D.C. United and its non-profit arm, United for D.C., announced today plans for the Fall 2007 session of United Soccer Club. The original program, based at Barry Farm Parks and Recreation Center, will begin its fourth season with expansion to a third site at Ketcham Elementary School in Southeast D.C.

"We are looking forward to another great season and excited to have the opportunity to expand United Soccer Club's outreach to another site," said United Soccer Club director Judah Cooks.    » read more »

Match could have major playoff implications, Columbus Crew currently in final spot

09/05/2007, COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew remains at home this weekend, when it will play host to the Eastern Conference-rival Chicago Fire Saturday (Sept. 8) at Crew Stadium. Columbus (6-7-10, 28 pts.) is coming off a 1-1 draw vs. Colorado Rapids on Sunday, which kept those two teams tied for the eighth playoff position. Chicago Fire (7-10-5, 26 pts.), coming off a 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls last Saturday, is just two points behind, making this Saturday's clash a crucial one.    » read more »