The story arcs that football provides us with are both fascinating and absurd. Who could’ve guessed that, come 2016, Brad Guzan would be doing battle with Victor Valdes to be named the starting goalkeeper for Middlesbrough?
Guzan, the 31-year-old Illinois native with 50 USA appearances to his name, is expected to join the newly promoted Premier League club on a free transfer following Aston Villa’s relegation.
The prevailing wisdom is to never look too far into preseason matches, but when those matches are repeatedly beating you over the head with the obvious, you should probably take notice.
Last year, under the guidance of Steve McClaren, Newcastle recorded just two victories in seven matches. They were defeated by Club Atlas, the Portland Timbers reserve squad and League Two side York City F.C.
That disastrous preseason form led to an opening run of eight Premier League games without a victory. In hindsight, the club was doomed for relegation as early as October 3rd.
It's over and done. Kolo Toure has left Liverpool, and he isn't coming back. He's gone to Celtic, where he will presumably get way more playing time and become the most entertaining player in green and white since Thomas Gravesen left.
I'm trying to not be sad, because Kolo wouldn't want me to be sad.
Wayne Rooney’s preseason has been priceless. After captaining England to a disastrous showing at Euro 2016, Rooney took a brief vacation before joining Manchester United’s preseason training under new manager Jose Mourinho. His first viral sensation of the new campaign occurred after he was double nutmegged by Memphis Depay and Daley Blind.
Wayne Rooney gets megged twice in training, by Depay and Blind.pic.twitter.com/qmFT5XYevY
The headlines of 2016 continue to amaze and bewilder in equal measure. Now, we’ve reached peak-2016 with the announcement of Jose Mourinho banning Pokemon Go before matches.
That’s right. A “source” has informed the Daily Star that Mourinho is determined to have his players focused on the task at hand and not on triumphing at the Old Trafford gym.
What would you do if Mario Balotelli showed up at your wedding?
This question is more serious than it may sound at first, because this weekend, while his LFC teammates were training in America, Mario Balotelli showed up at someone's wedding. Or, at least, he showed up in their wedding photos.
The living legend that is Didier Drogba is approaching his 20th season of professional soccer, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. The former Chelsea striker lifted the Montreal Impact into the MLS playoffs for the first time in their history last season, and he’s almost certain to have an even more influential campaign this time around following his resounding hat-trick against Philadelphia.
Borussia Dortmund beat Manchester United 4-1 as the Red Devils kicked off their tour of China in Shanghai. Two goals from Gonzalo Castro, a goal from Ousmane Dembele and a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty did the trick for Dortmund, while ex-Dortmund player Henrikh Mkhitaryan pulled one back for United against his old club.
Arsenal's preseason friendly was nothing special as they drew 1-1 with Lens but as fans, Alex Chamberlain's goal was all we needed. "Absolute class" from the midfielder as he coolly chipped the Lens goalkeeper for a magical moment. It was the picture perfect chip that we all dream about when thinking of roofing our buddy thats a keeper. Cheers mate, great placement!
Recent signee, Ousmane Dembele roasted the defense of Manchester United to put the game completely out of reach Friday morning as he tallied Dortmund's 3rd goal of the match. A rough start for José Mourinho, as Man U had a disorderly day which led to a 4-1 beating but still a friendly at the end of the day. Dortmund is a team to be reckoned with this upcoming fall with Mario Gotze returning to join Reus while also signing German star, André Schürrle. A brilliant solo goal for Dembele is one that we hope to see more of this season.