http://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/SoccerFind stories, videos, and photos about Soccer from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:22:16 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Soccer14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Soccer from CNN.com.http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.champions.real.madrid.milan/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.champions.real.madrid.milan/index.html#cnnSTCTextReal Madrid took a step closer to the last 16 of the Champions League after easing past Zurich 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Gonzalo Higuain.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:57:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.champions.chelsea.porto.united/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.champions.chelsea.porto.united/index.html#cnnSTCTextNicolas Anelka stunned Porto for the second time this season as Chelsea finished top of Champions League Group D with a 1-0 victory in the Estadio do Dragao.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:25:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.arsenal.song.contract/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.arsenal.song.contract/index.html#cnnSTCTextArsenal have confirmed midfielder Alexandre Song has signed a new long-term contract with the club.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:41:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/11/25/rsl.castoffs/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/11/25/rsl.castoffs/index.htmlNo team wins an MLS Cup without players cast off, dropped or ignored by other teams, and the 2009 champions are no exception. Several important contributors to Real Salt Lake's MLS Cup title arrived in Utah from other teams, and controversy accompanied a few of them -- most notably captain Kyle Beckerman, who was swapped by Colorado for Mehdi Ballouchy in July '07, not long after Jason Kreis had taken over the coaching duties at RSL from John Ellinger.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:24:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.arsenal.morgan.wenger/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.arsenal.morgan.wenger/index.html#cnnSTCTextThey may be famous, but even the world's biggest names go weak at the knees for their favorite football team. Football Fanzone talks to America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan about his 40-year long love affair with Arsenal.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:36:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.champions.league.liverpool/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/25/football.champions.league.liverpool/index.html#cnnSTCTextLiverpool chief executive Christian Purslow has declared Rafael Benitez's job as "under no threat" despite the club's European Champions League exit on Tuesday night.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:49:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/24/football.champions.liverpool.arsenal/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/24/football.champions.liverpool.arsenal/index.html#cnnSTCTextLiverpool have crashed out of the Champions League despite a narrow 1-0 Group E win over Debrecen in Hungary.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:28:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/23/champions.league.barcelona.inter/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/23/champions.league.barcelona.inter/index.html#cnnSTCTextBarcelona are desperate to call on the services of Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Tuesday's vital Champions League group showdown with Inter Milan in the Camp Nou.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:59:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/23/realsaltlake.galaxy/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/23/realsaltlake.galaxy/index.htmlSEATTLE -- Bring up all the clichés you want: David over Goliath. Substance over style. Team over individual. They all fit Real Salt Lake, which outlasted the heavily favored Los Angeles Galaxy on penalty kicks Sunday night after a 1-1 draw and 120 minutes of last-man-standing soccer (RECAP).Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:02:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/11/19/henry.handball.world.cup/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/11/19/henry.handball.world.cup/index.html#cnnSTCTextSoccer star Thierry Henry became the villain of Dublin on Wednesday.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:23:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/11/23/mls.galaxy.salt.lake/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/11/23/mls.galaxy.salt.lake/index.html#cnnSTCTextReal Salt Lake sealed an upset win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday night with a 5-4 penalty victory, after extra-time in the Major League Soccer Cup final that ended with the score at 1-1.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:09:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/11/16/galaxy.defenders/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/11/16/galaxy.defenders/index.htmlCARSON, Calif. -- When the Los Angeles Galaxy needed a deciding goal last Friday to send them to a sixth MLS Cup final appearance, neither of the team's biggest stars -- David Beckham nor Landon Donovan -- scored the winner in overtime against Houston.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:24:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/22/football.italy.milan.juventus/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/22/football.italy.milan.juventus/index.html#cnnSTCTextJuventus stayed ahead of a resurgent AC Milan in second place in Serie A with a 1-0 home victory over Udinese in Sunday's late match.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:36:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/22/beckham.interview/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/22/beckham.interview/index.html#cnnSTCTextDavid Beckham has pledged his future to the Los Angeles Galaxy and says that victory in Sunday's MLS Cup final against Real Salt Lake would rank alongside other career achievements such as winning the Champions League with Manchester United.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:37:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/21/mls.news.notes/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/11/21/mls.news.notes/index.htmlSEATTLE -- Still dubious David Beckham is making an impact in this country? More than 40,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday's MLS Cup final between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake at Qwest Field (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Galavisión), with another 2,000 made available late in the week. That would mark the biggest crowd for MLS' season-capper in seven years and the third-biggest ever for a game not featuring the local team.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:36:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/22/football.premier.league.tottenham/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/22/football.premier.league.tottenham/index.html#cnnSTCTextTottenham Hotspur humiliated Wigan 9-1 with England striker Jermain Defoe scoring five to move into the Champions League spots in the English Premier League.Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:18:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/21/football.barcelona.real.madrid.spain/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/21/football.barcelona.real.madrid.spain/index.html#cnnSTCTextReal Madrid returned to the top of the table in Spain after edging past Racing Santander 1-0 on Saturday, while previous leaders Barcelona could only draw 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:24:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/21/football.manchester.arsenal.chelsea/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/21/football.manchester.arsenal.chelsea/index.html#cnnSTCTextManchester United kept in touch with English Premier League leaders Chelsea with a 3-0 crushing of Everton on Saturday, but Arsenal's title hopes suffered a big setback.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:40:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/21/iraq.fifa/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/21/iraq.fifa/index.html#cnnSTCTextThe Iraqi Olympic Committee said Saturday it stands by its decision to disband the country's soccer association -- a move that led to the association's suspension from international football.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/11/20/mls.cup/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/11/20/mls.cup/index.htmlSEATTLE -- As the reborn Los Angeles Galaxy prepare to take on Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final on Sunday (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Galavisión), I can't help but think back to a scene in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 13, 2008.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:45:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/11/19/garber.qa/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/11/19/garber.qa/index.htmlSEATTLE -- The Los Angeles Galaxy meet Real Salt Lake in the 14th MLS Cup final here on Sunday (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Galavisión), and I started the day off by meeting MLS commissioner Don Garber for breakfast in his hotel suite. The 52-year-old Garber, a former NFL executive, has been the MLS commish since 1999 and is widely expected to sign a contract extension in the next few weeks.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:23:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/19/football.algeria.egypt.fifa/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/19/football.algeria.egypt.fifa/index.html#cnnSTCTextEgypt's Football Association faces punishment after FIFA decided to investigate an incident which saw Algeria's team bus pelted with stones before last Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Cairo.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:51:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/11/19/real.salt.lake/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/11/19/real.salt.lake/index.htmlIn ever-evolving Major League Soccer, the league's history could be split almost evenly in half. There was the first stage, from 1996 to 2004, when MLS was a fledgling, young and small league. Then, from '05 through the present -- the Expansion Era might be an appropriate name -- the league has gotten some solid footing and grown a bit.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/19/football.goals.injustices/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/19/football.goals.injustices/index.html#cnnSTCTextFrance striker Thierry Henry's handled assist broke Irish hearts in Paris on Wednesday night, denying Giovanni Trapattoni's team a spot in World Cup 2010.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:25:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/11/17/mls.coaches/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/11/17/mls.coaches/index.htmlIf sources monitoring the Chicago situation are right, Denis Hamlett will soon join Preki in the unemployment line. Maybe if the Fire had reached the MLS Cup final, majority owner Andrew Hauptman would have been reluctant to cut him loose.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:47:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/17/football.dzeko.wolfsburg.milan/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/17/football.dzeko.wolfsburg.milan/index.html#cnnSTCTextWolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko expects to play for AC Milan next season.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:47:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/16/football.arsenal.van.persie.injury/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/16/football.arsenal.van.persie.injury/index.html#cnnSTCTextArsenal have confirmed that striker Robin van Persie will be out of action for "approximately six weeks" after suffering ankle ligament damage during the Netherlands' international friendly against Italy on Saturday.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:11:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/14/football.world.cup.qualifiers.review/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/14/football.world.cup.qualifiers.review/index.html#cnnSTCTextThe final 32 for the 2010 World Cup finals has become clearer after the latest round of qualifying matches with three more nations claiming places in South Africa.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:12:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/15/football.mls.la.galaxy.beckham/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/15/football.mls.la.galaxy.beckham/index.html#cnnSTCTextDavid Beckham believes the furore that followed his return to the LA Galaxy from his loan spell with AC Milan earlier this year has galvanized the team.Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:49:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_limey/11/13/european.playoffs/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_limey/11/13/european.playoffs/index.htmlDon Fabio Capello has ensured that England already has booked its place at next summer's World Cup, and this weekend, the Three Lions are sunning themselves ahead of a showpiece money-spinner against Brazil in Qatar.Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:19:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/13/football.algeria.egypt.violence/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/13/football.algeria.egypt.violence/index.html#cnnSTCTextFootball's world governing body FIFA has called for greater security to be provided after three players from Algeria's national football team were injured when Egyptian fans threw stones at the team bus as it arrived in Cairo on Thursday.Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:49:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/10/football.premier.league.tottenham.profits/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/10/football.premier.league.tottenham.profits/index.html#cnnSTCTextEnglish Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have announced record profits as a result of large gains from player transfers, despite difficult economic conditions.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:39:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/greg_lalas/11/09/chicago.fire/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/greg_lalas/11/09/chicago.fire/index.htmlCHICAGO -- There are certain indubitable truths I believe in. For example, I believe peanut butter should be crunchy, ATM fees are crimes against humanity and Van Hagar never existed.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:16:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/09/football.beckham.england.galaxy/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/09/football.beckham.england.galaxy/index.html#cnnSTCTextDavid Beckham's commitments with Los Angeles Galaxy have forced him to withdraw from the England squad to face Brazil in a friendly in Qatar.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:41:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/08/football.inter.milan.ac.roma/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/08/football.inter.milan.ac.roma/index.html#cnnSTCTextChampions Inter Milan failed to re-establish their seven-point lead in Italy's Serie A after being held 1-1 at home by AS Roma on Sunday night.Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:23:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/08/football.chelsea.manchester.united/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/08/football.chelsea.manchester.united/index.html#cnnSTCTextChelsea moved five points clear in the English Premier League after claiming a controversial 1-0 victory at home to defending champions Manchester United on Sunday.Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:50:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/07/spain.barcelona.pedro.real.madrid/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/07/spain.barcelona.pedro.real.madrid/index.html#cnnSTCTextBarcelona made sure they will stay top of the Spanish La Liga with a 4-2 home win over Real Mallorca in the Camp Nou on Saturday.Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:48:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/07/england.arsenal.tottenham.aston.villa.mancity/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/07/england.arsenal.tottenham.aston.villa.mancity/index.html#cnnSTCTextArsenal underlined their English title credentials with a 4-1 thrashing of Wolves at Molineux in Saturday's late kickoff in the Premier League.Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:00:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/11/06/chivas/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/11/06/chivas/index.htmlHaving ties to a rich and powerful foreign club seemed like a built-in advantage for Chivas USA. The ability to acquire and develop young Mexican talent and having strong financial backing seemed like a great opportunity for the Southern California-based team to build a powerhouse in a relatively short amount of time.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:29:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gabriele_marcotti/11/05/liverpool/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gabriele_marcotti/11/05/liverpool/index.htmlIf you're a Liverpool fan, you're probably pretty angry right now. You've won one game since September (albeit a pretty important one, against Manchester United), qualification to the knockout stage of the Champions League seems extremely improbable right now and you're sixth in the English Premier League, after finishing second last year.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:57:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/11/05/warzycha/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/11/05/warzycha/index.htmlWhen a popular and successful head coach moves on, the simple choice can be complicated for the replacement.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:29:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gregory_sica/11/04/aguero/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gregory_sica/11/04/aguero/index.htmlIf his incredible two-goal display against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday was any indication, Atlético Madrid superstar Sergio Agüero could be on the path to recovery after a frustrating beginning to the 2009-10 season.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:10:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/04/football.manchester.united.ferguson/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/04/football.manchester.united.ferguson/index.html#cnnSTCTextManchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes governing body UEFA should consider a system which will enable clubs to appeal against bookings.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:45:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/03/man.united.cska.bayern.bordeaux/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/03/man.united.cska.bayern.bordeaux/index.html#cnnSTCTextManchester United came from 3-1 down to salvage a 3-3 draw against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:06:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/world_soccer/11/03/italian.serie.a/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/world_soccer/11/03/italian.serie.a/index.htmlWhere have all the wonder teams gone? There was a time -- perhaps there still is that time -- when the Serie A championship was totally dominated by the three superpowers: Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus. Not only has this trio won 26 of the last 33 league titles, it has also tended (at least one has) to utterly dominate the season, home and away.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:19:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/11/02/blanco.beckham/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/11/02/blanco.beckham/index.htmlTwo key players in the MLS playoffs were instrumental in helping their teams in the first leg of their respective aggregate-score series this past weekend. Despite their contributions, though, they and their teammates know full well that come January, they won't return to their current clubs for the preseason, but instead will be with other teams in other countries.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:47:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/02/wayne.rooney.coleen.baby.kai/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/11/02/wayne.rooney.coleen.baby.kai/index.html#cnnSTCTextEngland striker Wayne Rooney is a "thrilled" father for the first time after his wife Coleen gave birth to a baby boy in a Liverpool hospital on Monday afternoon.Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:15:00 ESThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/31/football.milan.juventus.napoli.parma/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/31/football.milan.juventus.napoli.parma/index.html#cnnSTCTextSecond-placed Juventus gave Italian leaders Inter Milan the chance to move seven points clear after suffering a 3-2 home defeat by Napoli on Saturday, with striker Amauri sent off late to rub salt in the Turin giants' wounds.Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:25:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/31/football.chelsea.arsenal.tottenham/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/31/football.chelsea.arsenal.tottenham/index.html#cnnSTCTextArsenal dealt a crushing blow to the top-four aspirations of London rivals Tottenham with a 3-0 victory on Saturday, while Chelsea remained top of the English Premier League with a 4-0 win at 10-man Bolton.Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:32:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/30/playoff.previews/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/30/playoff.previews/index.htmlWith one playoff series underway (Houston and Seattle drew 0-0 Thursday night), we break down the remaining three series, all of which kick off this weekend:Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:49:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_limey/10/30/limey/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_limey/10/30/limey/index.htmlThings are a little tight at the top of the English Premier League, and it's making people nervous. Only seven points separate the top seven teams, and the pack could further congest if Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal win their games in hand.Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:25:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/30/football.fifa.player.award/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/30/football.fifa.player.award/index.html#cnnSTCTextCristiano Ronaldo is in the running to win the FIFA World Player of the Year for a second successive year after being named on a 23-man shortlist for this year's award.Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:21:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/10/29/mls.playoffs/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/10/29/mls.playoffs/index.htmlFor just the second time in MLS history, a team won the Supporters' Shield while compiling less than 50 points during the regular season. Columbus' 13-7-10 record was good enough to lock down the league's best regular-season record, but such a mark doesn't exactly compare well to previous Supporters' Shield winners.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:39:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/28/arsenal.liverpool.chelsea.bremen.celtic/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/28/arsenal.liverpool.chelsea.bremen.celtic/index.html#cnnSTCTextArsenal's youngsters condemned Liverpool to their fifth defeat in six games with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium to reach the quarterfinals of the English League Cup on Wednesday night.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:37:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/world_soccer/10/28/edwin.van.der.sar/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/world_soccer/10/28/edwin.van.der.sar/index.htmlManchester United No. 1 Edwin van der Sar reflects on his career after receiving his award as ESM Goalkeeper of the Year.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:47:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/28/playoffs/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/28/playoffs/index.htmlOne of Major League Soccer's most exciting playoff races in the league's 14-year history concluded last weekend as New England waited 79 minutes before a Jeff Larentowicz free kick broke the tie in Columbus and sent the Revs to their eighth straight postseason. With all playoff-bound teams accounted for, Free Kicks decided to do one final power rankings with a special bonus: input from one player per team in which he offers his best pitch why MLS fans should root for his club in the playoffs.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:24:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/27/brazil.squad.hulk.dunga.robinho/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/27/brazil.squad.hulk.dunga.robinho/index.html#cnnSTCTextPorto striker Hulk has been called up to the Brazilian squad for friendly internationals next month against England and Oman.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:59:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/27/germany.cup.stuttgart.spain.sevilla/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/27/germany.cup.stuttgart.spain.sevilla/index.html#cnnSTCTextVfL Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel is under increased pressure after the Bundesliga team were knocked out of the German Cup by second-flight Greuther Furth on Tuesday.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:54:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/27/playoff.failures/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/27/playoff.failures/index.htmlFour teams could have been into the playoffs with a victory; four came up short. It's too easy to cite a team's failures on the final weekend of the regular season as primary reasons it missed out on playoff action. So instead, here's a look on what transpired on the previous 31 weeks to create those no-tomorrow scenarios:Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/greg_lalas/10/26/galaxy.chivas/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/greg_lalas/10/26/galaxy.chivas/index.htmlIf you had told me before this past weekend that, of the six teams gunning for the final two MLS playoff spots, Real Salt Lake and New England would emerge as winners, I would've responded, "Yeah, and I have a date lined up with Keira Knightley on Tuesday."Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:38:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/25/football.barcelona.juventus.hamburg/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/25/football.barcelona.juventus.hamburg/index.html#cnnSTCTextChampions Barcelona bounced back from a dismal week to return to the top of the Spanish league with a 6-1 crushing of Real Zaragoza on Sunday night.Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:46:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/25/premier.league.liverpool.torres.manutd/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/25/premier.league.liverpool.torres.manutd/index.html#cnnSTCTextLiverpool silenced their critics with a pulsating 2-0 victory over Manchester United to revive their English Premier League title hopes in a match at Anfield which saw both teams end with 10 men.Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:25:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/24/spain.real.draw.gijon.barcelona/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/24/spain.real.draw.gijon.barcelona/index.html#cnnSTCTextReal Madrid capped a disappointing week by being held goalless by Sporting Gijon in the Spanish Primera Liga on Saturday night.Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/24/premier.league.chelsea.lampard.spurs/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/24/premier.league.chelsea.lampard.spurs/index.html#cnnSTCTextFrank Lampard scored twice as Chelsea went back to the top of the English Premier League with a 5-0 thrashing of Blackburn at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's evening kickoff.Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:45:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/10/19/1990.us/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/10/19/1990.us/index.htmlThey were young, mostly in their early 20s, mostly attached to teams virtually unknown on the world stage, such as the Albany Capitals and the Milwaukee Wave. Two had no professional affiliation at all because they were still college players.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/10/23/concacaf.champions/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/luis_bueno/10/23/concacaf.champions/index.htmlThe group stage of the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League is over, and there are a handful of strange lingering sensations. The tournament won't resume until next year, and there's a sense of longing and impatience with that. It was an enjoyable spectacle for fans throughout CONCACAF; that the quarterfinals won't get underway until March is a bit disappointing.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gabriele_marcotti/10/22/champions.league/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gabriele_marcotti/10/22/champions.league/index.htmlWe're halfway through the Champions League group stage, which means it's midterm report-card time for Europe's elite. In this evaluation, though, you don't get a straight grade -- you're on a curve based on how you've performed relative to expectations.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:08:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/21/football.champions.real.madrid.milan/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/21/football.champions.real.madrid.milan/index.html#cnnSTCTextBrazilian Alexandre Pato scored twice as AC Milan stunned Real Madrid 3-2 in a thriller at the Bernabeu to get their Champions League Group C challenge back on track.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:05:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/21/football.champions.manchester.united/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/21/football.champions.manchester.united/index.html#cnnSTCTextAntonio Valencia struck a late winner as Manchester United maintained their 100 per cent record in Champions League Group B with a 1-0 victory at CSKA Moscow.Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/21/week.32/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/21/week.32/index.htmlOur weekly dose of Major League Soccer quick takes, plotlines to watch and Power Rankings.Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:26:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/20/champions.barcelona.rubin.kazan.inter/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/20/champions.barcelona.rubin.kazan.inter/index.html#cnnSTCTextTurkish international Gokdeniz Karadeniz stuck a second-half winner as Rubin Kazan claimed a shock 2-1 Champions League Group F victory over holders Barcelona at the Nou Camp.Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:19:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/20/football.ask.emmanuel.adebayor/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/20/football.ask.emmanuel.adebayor/index.html#cnnSTCTextWhen Emmanuel Adebayor signed for English Premier League side Manchester City for a reported $41 million this summer, he became one of the world's most valuable strikers.Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:19:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/20/paul.mariner/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/20/paul.mariner/index.htmlWhether or not Major League Soccer has let a potentially great head coach slip away with the departure of longtime New England Revolution assistant Paul Mariner back to his native England is open to debate, but what the league and this country have lost is a good chunk of institutional knowledge.Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:51:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/19/champions.league.liverpool.milan.arsenal/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/19/champions.league.liverpool.milan.arsenal/index.html#cnnSTCTextLiverpool will be without star striker Fernando Torres for the crucial Champions League visit of Olympique Lyon to Anfield on Tuesday.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/19/world.cup.plyoffs.draw.france.portugal/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/19/world.cup.plyoffs.draw.france.portugal/index.html#cnnSTCTextFormer champions France have been handed a tough task against Ireland in the European playoffs to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:56:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/19/football.ferguson.wiley.fa.charge/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/19/football.ferguson.wiley.fa.charge/index.html#cnnSTCTextManchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been charged by the English Football Association for his critical remarks about the fitness of referee Alan Wiley.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:39:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/18/football.ronaldo.ballon.dor/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/18/football.ronaldo.ballon.dor/index.html#cnnSTCTextReal Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo leads a list of 30 nominees for this year's Ballon d'Or that does not include a single player from current world champions Italy.Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:12:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/17/football.manchester.united.chelsea/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/17/football.manchester.united.chelsea/index.html#cnnSTCTextChampions Manchester United returned to the top of the English Premier League on Saturday after previous leaders Chelsea crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:44:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/17/football.hamburg.leverkusen.bayern/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/17/football.hamburg.leverkusen.bayern/index.html#cnnSTCTextBayer Leverkusen retained top spot in the German Bundesliga after coming away from second-placed Hamburg with a 0-0 draw on Saturday night.Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:37:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_limey/10/16/england.wcup/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_limey/10/16/england.wcup/index.htmlTeam Limey was basking in an unfamiliar relaxed state leading up to this week's final round of World Cup qualifiers, as its beloved England team safely qualified at the beginning of September with two games to spare.Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:15:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/15/mls.rookies/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/10/15/mls.rookies/index.htmlIt has been an excellent year for rookies in Major League Soccer. Expansion has meant increased opportunities for young players. With smaller rosters, most teams demand more from their college products then they've done in the past. How did so many rookies get so much playing time in MLS this year?Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/14/week.31/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/14/week.31/index.htmlOur weekly dose of Major League Soccer quick takes, plotlines to watch and Power Rankings.Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:24:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/14/charlie.davies/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/14/charlie.davies/index.htmlARLINGTON, Va. -- This was not how the U.S. soccer team had intended to follow up its newly won World Cup berth. This was not how rising-star forward Charlie Davies had hoped to become a trending topic on Twitter.Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:23:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/10/12/jeff.cunningham/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jonah_freedman/10/12/jeff.cunningham/index.htmlIf you think Honduran defenders are losing sleep over the image of big Conor Casey marauding on goal like a freight train, try being this season's leading scorer in Major League Soccer. With 121 career regular-season goals, FC Dallas' Jeff Cunningham ranks second on the all-time list in MLS. But he readily admits he can't shake the vision of Casey, who's hot on his heels for this year's scoring lead.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:28:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/world_soccer/10/13/spain.dispatch/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/world_soccer/10/13/spain.dispatch/index.htmlIf no news is good news, then it's tempting to conclude that good news is no news at all. Not when it's this familiar, anyway, because when it's this familiar, the extraordinary becomes ordinary.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/11/football.ronaldo.injury.lagerback/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/11/football.ronaldo.injury.lagerback/index.html#cnnSTCTextReal Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal's crucial final World Cup qualifier against Malta on Wednesday with an ankle injury and could be sidelined for up to a month.Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:44:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/09/us.honduras/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/09/us.honduras/index.htmlSAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras -- You'd be forgiven for thinking you had traveled in a time warp back to the 1980s for the U.S.' big World Cup qualifier against Honduras here on Saturday night (10 p.m. ET, closed-circuit TV in English and Spanish).Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:48:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/08/us.honduras/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/grant_wahl/10/08/us.honduras/index.htmlMIAMI -- The U.S. could clinch a World Cup berth on Saturday night, and not many American soccer fans will be watching.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:13:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/08/football.manchesterunited.pogba.fifa/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/08/football.manchesterunited.pogba.fifa/index.html#cnnSTCTextLe Havre teenager Paul Pogba is to become a Manchester United player after FIFA approved his transfer to the English Premier League champions.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/07/week.30/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/noah_davis/10/07/week.30/index.htmlOur weekly dose of Major League Soccer quick takes, plotlines to watch and Power Rankings.Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gregory_sica/10/06/sa.qualifiers/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/gregory_sica/10/06/sa.qualifiers/index.htmlBrazil and Paraguay already booked their tickets for the 2010 World Cup, but six other teams are still in the running. There are only two automatic tickets left for South America, and one playoff berth against the fourth-place team from CONCACAF.Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:03:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/05/football.fa.ferguson.allardyce/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/05/football.fa.ferguson.allardyce/index.html#cnnSTCTextThe English Football Association have written to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, asking him to explain comments he made about referee Alan Wiley following the 2-2 draw with Sunderland.Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:33:00 EDThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/10/05/la.galaxy/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andrea_canales/10/05/la.galaxy/index.htmlCARSON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy weren't celebrating Friday's big victory too much, perhaps taking a cue from their coach, Bruce Arena.Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:50:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/04/italy.juventus.sampdoria.inter.palermo/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/04/italy.juventus.sampdoria.inter.palermo/index.html#cnnSTCTextPalermo shocked high-flying Juventus with a 2-0 home victory to prevent the Turin giants from going top of Serie A.Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:33:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/04/football.chelsea.liverpool.arsenal/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/04/football.chelsea.liverpool.arsenal/index.html#cnnSTCTextSecond half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda gave Chelsea a 2-0 victory over title rivals Liverpool at Stamford Bridge to take over at the top of the English Premier League from Manchester United.Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:26:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/spain.barcelona.rodriguez.deportivo/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/spain.barcelona.rodriguez.deportivo/index.html#cnnSTCTextPedro Rodriguez's superb first half goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 home win over Almeria to equal their best ever start to a Spanish league season.Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/manutd.sunderland.berbatov.bent.jones/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/manutd.sunderland.berbatov.bent.jones/index.html#cnnSTCTextManchester United's eight-game winning run came to an abrupt end as they salvaged a fortunate 2-2 home draw against Sunderland in the English Premier League on Saturday.Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:22:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/bundesliga.leverkusen.bayern.wolfsburg/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/bundesliga.leverkusen.bayern.wolfsburg/index.html#cnnSTCTextBayer Leverkusen went to the top of the German Bundesliga with a 4-0 thrashing of Nuremberg as defending champions Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich both drew on Saturday.Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:35:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/09/30/manutd.wolfsburg.juventus.bayern/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/09/30/manutd.wolfsburg.juventus.bayern/index.html#cnnSTCTextManchester United came a goal behind and shrugged off the early loss of Michael Owen to injury to beat German champions Wolfsburg 2-1 for their second victory in Champions League Group B.Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:26:00 EDThttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/football.real.madrid.ronaldo/index.html#cnnSTCTexthttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/10/03/football.real.madrid.ronaldo/index.html#cnnSTCTextReal Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of his side's La Liga clash with Sevilla on Sunday with an ankle injury.Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:23:00 EDT