Brazil versus Italy 21 March 2013 Prediction

Today's match will end 1-0 for Brazil after a stunning long-range goal from Neymar.

Feel free to add your prediction in the comment section below.

And be sure to check out more Brazil versus Italy 21 March 2013 news at this link.

Re-post January 15, 2010 Erin Guthrie Q-and-A

Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, Erin Guthrie, a captain at Rutgers this past fall, answered several questions via email prior to the 2010 WPS Draft.

Q. How much did Karina LeBlanc mean to your development?

I owe so much to Karina for my overall development at Rutgers during these past 4 years. I am a completely different keeper now than I was as a freshman. All around Karina developed my technical abilities, confidence and tactics and honestly without her training and motivation pushing me everyday I would not have accomplished what I did at Rutgers as well as help Rutgers soccer accomplish all we did as well.

Q. Are you satisfied with how the team finished this season?

I am very proud of how the team performed under all the adversity we faced with injuries this year. Being that it was my last collegiate game I did not want it to end and obviously wanted us to go further even though we put up a great fight. I believe our team accomplished a lot and I do think we had the potential to go even further.

Q. And from an individual standpoint, are you happy with your performance?

For the most part I'm never totally satisfied with how I do. Whenever we lose or give up a goal I feel as though there were things I could have done to prevent it. In general I feel pretty happy with how I performed in my college career.



Q. Are you looking forward to the WPS Draft?

I am looking forward to the draft and hopefully I will have good news come January 15th.

Q. What have you done between the end of your collegiate career and the WPS Draft to prepare for a potential professional career?

Since the season ended I have worked to stay fit as well as continued to strength train. I have also trained with Paul Blodgett once a week to keep my technical game sharp in hopes of having a career in the WPS.

Q. Do you have a favorite save from the season?

I would have to say my favorite save from the season was in the West Virginia game. There was a cross that went to a player on West Virgina who was on the 6 yard line and she redirected it in the opposite direction so I dove back and grabbed it on the goal line. It was my favorite save because we had been working on situations with crosses just like that in practice for awhile.

Q. And a favorite clean sheet?

A favorite clean sheet from this year would be the South Florida game. We tied 0-0 in South Florida. We had just come from the freezing rain in Marquette a day earlier. We were dead tired in the heat as a team so to give up no goals in circumstances like that spoke measures of the Rutgers team.

Q. Can you give us a preview of how the Rutgers women's team will do in 2010?

2010 is going to be a great year for Rutgers Women's Soccer. The talent that the team will have is going to be some of the best and I am predicting a memorable season for them. Returning Gina DeMaio is huge for the team who had to red shirt this year for a knee injury is huge for Rutgers.

Photo Credit (Both Photos): Tom Ciszek, Rutgers Athletics

Please note: This interview originally published at Player Interviews, a distant cousin of the Football Friendlies blog.

Barcelona Summer Tour 2013 stops in China, Thailand and Malaysia

Earlier this year, Barcelona's preseason itinerary included a potential stop in Bangladesh and a far-off friendly -- far, far off -- with Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia, in 2016.

Now thankfully, comes official word via a report at The Star Online with notes that this summer Barcelona will visit Malaysia on 10 August after stops in Shanghai, China (4 August) and Bangkok, Thailand (7 August).

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell recently stated at a press conference per the report that these three destinations would be part of the summer tour; Bangladesh was not listed. This is Barça's fifth tour of Asia in the last 10 years.

For more information please visit FC Barcelona's official website with news on the Asian tour here and here. And for all the details regarding the club's 2013 preseason schedule check here at the official website.

International Friendly 16 March 2013: Bahrain vs. Lebanon

In February per a report at Gulf Daily News, the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) announced a football friendly with Lebanon to be held on 16 March at the National Stadium in Riffa. The match will be utilized to ready both squads for 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification.

Bahrain host Qatar and Lebanon squares off with Thailand on 22 March.

In Group D for 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification holds Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen and Malaysia.

Lebanon, Thailand, Kuwait and Iran sit in Group B.

Early in March, Qatar will face Egypt in friendly action in order to ready for Bahrain.

Video via Puma official YouTube channel.

Second link via Soccerway.com

Arsenal Preseason Summer Tour 2013 will stop in Vietnam for historic visit

Per a report at Reuters via The Star Online, Arsenal, already off to Indonesia as part of the club's preseason summer 2013 tour, will play a football friendly in Vietnam on 17 July against the country's national team.

This historic match will feature the first Premier League side to grace the Asian country. Like the rest of the continent, Vietnam is football mad.

Arsenal will arrive in Hanoi on 15 July and will end the three-day tour at My Dinh National Stadium per the Vietnam Football Federation.

Manchester City and Tottenham as well as Chelsea all intend to visit Southeast Asia this summer for preseason football friendlies and Manchester United and Liverpool are also gearing up, scheduling football friendlies throughout the region for summer 2013.

The Hoang Anh Gia Lai-Arsenal JMG Academy, already a fixture in Vietnam, should receive a visit from the North London club players and staff during the visit.

Read more 2013 Premier League Preseason Tours news and reports.

Video via NYC Arsenal Supporters official YouTube Channel.

International Friendly 7 March 2013: Qatar versus Egypt

Egypt, missing from the globe's top football tournament since 1990, readies for the next round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers with a football friendly hosted by Qatar on 7 March 2013. Coach Bob Bradley, per a report at Ahram Online, will not bring into camp any foreign-based footballers for the match.

As one would imagine, the roster is stacked with members from globally recognized Al Ahly.

After this friendly, Egypt next takes on Zimbabwe in qualification action on 26 March.

Goalkeeper: Sherif Ekrami (Ahly) and Al-Hani Soliman (Ittihad of Alexandria)

Defenders: Wael Goma (Ahly), Mohamed Naguib (Ahly), Rami Rabia (Ahly), Ahmed Shedid Qenawi (Ahly), Mohamed Abdel Fattah (Wadi Degla) and Mohamed Belal (Smouha)

Midfielders: Hossam Ashour (Ahly), Abdullah-El-Said (Ahly), Ahmed Usama (Wadi Degla), Tarek Hamed (Smouha), Ibrahim Abdel-Khalek (Smouha), Mohamed Hamoudy (Smouha) and Ahmed Magdy (Mahallah)

Forwards: El-Sayed Hamdy (Ahly), Hussein Hamdy (Maqassa) and Amr Marei (Wadi Degla)

Prediction: Pharaohs too much for the soon-to-be World Cup hosts, 3-1.

Luiz Felipe Scolari names Brazil roster for Italy football friendly

Per a report by Brian Homewood at Reuters via The Star Online, Brazil national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari listed his squad for the country's upcoming friendly with Italy on 21 March.

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Dede (Vasco da Gama)

Midfielders: Ramires (Chelsea), Paulinho (Corinthians), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Fernando (Gremio), Jean (Fluminense), Oscar (Chelsea), Lucas (Paris St Germain), Kaka (Real Madrid), Hernanes (Lazio)

Forwards: Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Fred (Fluminense)

Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction Round of 16 Champions League 5 March 2013

1-0 Dortmund wins with the goal from Mario Götze.

The German side advances 3-2 on aggregate.

Feel free to post your prediction in the comments below.

Manchester United and Real Madrid Prediction Round of 16 Champions League 5 March 2013

2-0 Real Madrid wins

(3-1 on aggregate) with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Ángel di María.

Feel free to post your prediction in the comments below.

AC Milan transfer rumour engulfs Jordan Lukaku

Per a report at TMW via TribalFootball.com, Anderecht chief Herman van Holsbeeck recently noted that 18-year-old Jordan Lukaku, brother of Chelsea wunderkind Romelu, is attracting interest from AC Milan.

Read more AC Milan transfer rumours 2013-14.

Six-a-side with Charlotte 49ers midfielder Amanda Jones

The Charlotte 49ers women's program ended the 2012 season with a 2-0 loss to La Salle at the Atlantic 10 Championships. With the Niners' transition to Conference USA this fall, leadership from players such as left-sided midfielder Amanda Jones will be paramount to the process.

The sophomore attacking player, an All-Atlantic 10 Second Team member, returned from an injury-marred freshman campaign and in 2012 scored seven goals with five assists.

The Mahwah, New Jersey, native kindly spoke via email about her brace against VCU, the move to Conference USA and what food she could eat every day.

1. In terms of your development as a player, what are you able to do now on the field that you weren’t able to do before playing at Charlotte?

Since playing at Charlotte I feel like I have a much greater presence on the field. I work so hard in practice and in everything we do off the field that once I am on the field in a game I know I am prepared to help my team as best as I can.

I love to intimidate my opponents. I want them to dread playing against me, especially the opposing team's right back. I want to make her life miserable.

2. What are your thoughts on the move to Conference USA?

I am very excited! Of course we are unsure as to what exactly we are up against since we will be playing brand new teams, but I think we are going into the conference with a good mind set. We want to make a statement and let the other teams know that we are Charlotte and we won't back down without a battle.

3. Care to take us back to the emotions and thoughts you had after your brace in the Atlantic 10 opener versus VCU, especially after an injury-marred end to your freshman season?

Wow I can't even put it into words! It was astonishing and we deserved that win. We played so hard that night, I was just thrilled that I was able to finish the game off for my team.

I just so happened to score in the last 3 seconds of overtime which made it even greater and dramatic to walk away with the first W of conference play.



And three for fun:

4. Best off campus food/restaurant?

Sushi for sure! I could eat sushi every day.

5. What's playing on the iPod?

A little bit of everything, just depends on my mood! Can't Stop Me by Afrojack is my favorite pump up song to listen to before every game.

6. Player or club you supported growing up?

Well when the old Women's Soccer League was around I was a big fan of Kristine Lilly and the Boston Breakers.



Read more Six-a-side Spring 2013 interviews.

Links:
1) Charlotte 49ers Athletics official website
2) Charlotte 49ers Athletics official website
3) Charlotte 49ers Athletics official YouTube channel
4) Adidas Impossible Is Nothing official YouTube channel

Photo Credit: Sam Roberts/Freeze Frame Photo

Real Madrid transfer target Colombian winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado

Per a report at TMW, via TribalFootball.com, Real Madrid scouts have been dispatched to Italy to assess Fiorentina winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado.

The 24-year-old Colombian international footballer is on loan at the Italian side from Udinese.

Read more Real Madrid transfer rumours 2013-14.

Three English clubs target Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay

Per a report at TransferMarketWeb.com, Barcelona on-loan midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, who is playing with German side Schalke 04, has attracted English interest.

The English clubs believed to be tracking the Dutch international midfielder are: Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Juventus and AC Milan battle over Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier

Per TransferMarketWeb.com, Juventus and AC Milan will duel over Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier.

21 African referees tabbed for Brazil 2014

It's 2014 World Cup news regarding the referees per a report by Sainabou Kujabi-Njie at Gambia's media outlet The Point via allAfrica.com.

From the African continent, 21 were tabbed to take part in training in Casablanca on 27 March through 1 April.

Alioum Neant (Cameroon)
Menkouande Evarist (Cameroon)
Edibe Peter (Nigeria)
Bennett Daniel F. (South Africa)
Range Marwa (Kenya)
Siwela Zakhele Thusi (South Africa)
Badara Diatta (Senegal)
Djibril Camara (Senegal)
Felicien Kabanda (Rwanda)
Noumandiez Desire Doué (Côte d'Ivoire)
Songuifolo Yeo (Côte d'Ivoire)
Jean-Claude Birumushahu (Burundi)
Papa Bakary Gassama (Gambia)
Jason Joseph Damoo (Seychelles)
Angesom Ogbamariam (Eritrea)
Djamel Haimoudi (Algeria)
Abdelhak Etchiali (Algeria)
Redouane Achik (Morocco)
Slim Jedidi (Tunisia)
Bechir Hassani (Tunisia)
Sherif Hassan (Egypt)

Zimbabwe invited to take part in three-week tour of Caribbean

The African footballers recently received an invite, per a report at Zimbabwe Independent, to take part in a number of football friendly matches in April.

If Zimbabwe accepts the invitation, the Warriors will play the Caribbean island nations of Jamaica, Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and St Vincent as the African nation prepares for qualification for the 2015 AFCON tournament.

2015 AFCON Draw 10 March 2013

Pot One includes:

Nigeria
Burkina Faso
Ivory Coast
Togo
Mali
South Africa
Cape Verde
DR Congo
Zambia
Tunisia
Ghana

Pot Two includes:

Egypt
Libya
Algeria
Senegal
Cameroon
Guinea
Sierra Leone
Gabon
Uganda
Congo
Central African Republic

Pot Three includes:

Ethiopia
Benin
Angola
Niger
Zimbabwe
Equatorial
Mozambique
Malawi
Burundi
Liberia
Sudan

Pot Four includes:

Yet to be determined as preliminary round still in play.

Information via allAfrica.com

Six-a-side with Oregon State forward Jenna Richardson

Oregon State and Canadian Under-20 national team forward Jenna Richardson rejoined her collegiate teammates last September after competing in Japan at the 2012 U-20 Women's World Cup.

Individually, the year already was a success for country; now Richardson turned her attention to the Pac-12 Conference. The junior scored seven goals and added an assist helping OSU to a 11-6-3 record concluding with a loss to Oregon during the rival's annual meeting known as the Civil War.

Top Drawer Soccer ranked Richardson as one of the nation's top performers at season's end.

In addition to this and other postseason accolades, the forward earned an invite to the Canadian national team year-end camp.

The assessment-based camp, a nine-day training experience, marked Richardson's first call up into the senior team, no doubt a result of her strong performances at last March's CONCACAF U-20 Championship and the U-20 Women's World Cup in concert with her fall campaign at Oregon State.



The Surrey, B.C. native kindly spoke via email about competing at the U-20 World Cup, the best away venue in the Pacific-12 and her experiences training with Canadian superstar Christine Sinclair.

1. Can you give some insight into the U-20 Women's World Cup now that you've had some time to reflect on the experience?

The U-20 Women's World Cup was an amazing experience in some surreal venues. We all felt very accomplished qualifying and went into the tournament with big expectations and goals. Although the results were disappointing the experience made for amazing memories. Playing and starting for my country and playing against teams like North Korea and Japan (exhibition) were so beneficial to my play.

Coming back from Japan I realized how much knowledge I had absorbed through my time with Andrew and the rest of the staff and my teammates. Being at Oregon State now I constantly refer back to that World Cup and use what I have learned to better myself and my teammates.

2. The Pac-12 is a fantastic women's soccer conference, perhaps the best in the country. Which away venue is your favorite?

The Pac-12 is an amazing conference. Very physical and competitive!

My favorite away venue would have to be Stanford because it is always a huge game and that is when my team is truly tested. The atmosphere is always loud and exciting which makes for an intense game. Can't complain about the weather either!

3. How has the rapport between you and head coach Linus Rhode developed since you arrived on campus?

I think the relationship between me and Linus has made great progress over my past 3 years here. I was initially interested in his coaching style when I found him similar to my Whitecaps coach (Jesse Symons) back at home. Overtime, I have come to respect him and his program here at Oregon State.

And three for fun:

4. Best off campus food/restaurant?

Cheba Hut is a new sub shop that popped up on Monroe and I can't get enough of it! I have also grown to like Mexican food which is a fan favorite around here.

5. What's playing on the iPod?

ED SHEERAN is sheer perfection. I am going to see him this summer <3

6. Player or club you supported growing up?

Growing up I supported (surprise, surprise) the Canadian Women's team and The Women's Whitecaps.

Kara Lang was one of my favorite women's players along with Christine Sinclair and I would always chase them around trying to get their autographs wherever I could!

Being at camp with Christine this past winter break was surreal (she probably didn't know I secretly idolize her).



Read more Six-a-side Spring 2013 interviews.

Links:
1) TopDrawerSoccer.com
2) Official website of Oregon State Athletics
3) Official website of the Canadian Soccer Association
4) U.S. Soccer official YouTube channel
5) Official website of Oregon State Athletics
6) Official website of Vancouver Whitecaps FC
7) Cheba Hut
8) Vancouver Whitecaps official YouTube channel

Photo Credit: Oregon State Athletics

Juventus Domenico Berardi transfer rumour picks up momentum

Per a report at TransferMarketWeb.com, Juventus is set to fight off Serie A rivals including Napoli for the signature of Italian youth international Domenico Berardi.

The 18-year-old forward currently plays for Sassuolo.

Read more Juventus transfer rumours 2013-14.

AC Milan interest in Elaquin Mangala intensifies

Per a report at TransferMarketWeb.com, football agent Fabrizio Ferrari recently noted the Italian super club's interest in defender Elaquin Mangala.

The 22-year-old French youth international is plying his trade in Portugal with FC Porto. Ferrari was speaking with MilanNews.it when he made his statement about Mangala.

Read more AC Milan transfer rumours 2013-14.

AC Milan and Arsenal both target Adil Rami

Per a report at TransferMarketWeb.com, 25-year-old French international centre back Adil Rami could join one of AC Milan or Arsenal this summer if either club meets the demands of the centre back's current side Valencia.

Video via Valencia official YouTube channel.

Read more AC Milan transfer rumours 2013-14.

Juventus not selling Paul Pogba according to his representatives

Per a report at Football Italia, Juventus, according to the player's representatives, will not sell 19-year-old footballer Paul Pogba this summer.

Read more Juventus transfer rumours 2013-14.

Real Madrid target Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini

Per a report at Daily Mail, Everton's 25-year-old midfielder Marouane Fellaini is a target of top European clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City. The Belgian international has scored 31 goals since 2008.

Read more Real Madrid transfer rumours 2013-14.

International Friendly England versus Republic of Ireland 29 May 2013

A football friendly for the ages as England squares off against the Republic of Ireland on 29 May 2013. The national teams last met at Wembley in 1991 during European Championship qualification action.

Ticket purchasing and other match-day information now available at the official site of Wembley National Stadium.

Check back for other informative links as the build-up to this historic football friendly continues.

Manchester City target Sevilla midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia

Manchester City, per a Spanish report at Estadio Deportivo, is tracking Sevilla and France youth international midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.

Read more Manchester City transfer rumours 2013-14.

AS Roma defender shakes off Manchester City transfer rumours

Per a report at La Gazzetta dello Sport via TribalFootball.com, Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos owes AS Roma for offering him the opportunity to play in Serie A.

Manchester City transfer rumours surrounding the defender began earlier in the month.

Read more Manchester City transfer rumours 2013-14.

Asia to Europe Football Pipeline: Sriwijaya winger Rizky Ramdani Lestaluhu

Who?

Rizky Ramdani Lestaluhu, a 21-year-old right winger who recently arrived at Indonesian football club Sriwijaya via Persija Jakarta where he competed in over fifty matches.

The Indonesian youth international footballer helped lead his country to silver at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games. If he continues to perfect his technical skills and works at increasing speed and core strength, a move to European football is within his abilities.

Read more 2013 Asia to Europe Football Pipeline posts below.

+ Indonesia youth international Syamsir Alam
+ Malaysia international Mahali Jasuli

Real Madrid scout Albacete's Carlos Morales

Per a report at TribalFootball.com, Real Madrid are one of a handful of clubs scouting 16-year-old Albacete goalkeeper Carlos Morales, a member of Spain's youth international football setup.

Read more Real Madrid transfer rumours 2013-14.

Juventus Gaston Ramirez transfer rumour acknowledged

Per a report at TriballFootball.com, Juventus are now targeting Southampton and Uruguayan international footballer Gaston Ramirez as a prime summer 2013 transfer addition.

Per the report, the Serie A giants would include Danish defender Fredrik Sorensen in the transfer package.

Read more Juventus transfer rumours 2013-14.

2013–14 UEFA Europa League First qualifying round as of 24 February

Participating Clubs and Reason for qualifying:

+ FC Aktobe - Finished third in 2012 Kazakhstan Premier League
+ FC Astana - 2012 Kazakhstan Cup
+ Breiðablik - Finished second in 2012 Úrvalsdeild
+ Derry City - 2012 FAI Cup
+ Dinamo Minsk - Finished third in 2012 Belarusian Premier League
+ Drogheda United - Finished second in 2012 League of Ireland
+ Flora Tallinn - Finished third in 2012 Meistriliiga
+ Havnar Bóltfelag - Finished third in 2012 Faroe Islands Premier League
+ ÍBV - Finished third in 2012 Úrvalsdeild
+ ÍF Fuglafjørður - Finished second in 2012 Faroe Islands Premier League
+ Inter Turku - Finished second in 2012 Veikkausliiga
+ Irtysh Pavlodar - Finished second in 2012 Kazakhstan Premier League
+ KR Reykjavík - 2012 Icelandic Cup
+ Levadia Tallinn - Finished second in 2012 Meistriliiga
+ Malmö FF - Finished third in 2012 Allsvenskan
+ Rosenborg BK - Finished third in 2012 Norwegian Premier League
+ St Patrick's Athletic - Finished third in 2012 League of Ireland
+ Skonto FC - Finished second in 2012 Latvian Higher League
+ Sūduva Marijampolė - Finished third in 2012 A Lyga
+ Turun Palloseura - Finished third in 2012 Veikkausliiga
+ Ventspils - Finished third in 2012 Latvian Higher League
+ Víkingur Gøta - 2012 Faroe Islands Cup
+ Žalgiris Vilnius - Finished second in 2012 A Lyga

Arsenal to unload nine players summer 2013

Per a report at Arsenal-News.com, Arsene Wenger will finally pull the exit lever for a host of Gunners including Andrey Arshavin and Sebastien Squillaci, who will not have their contracts renewed.

Also, Nicklas Bendtner, Park Chu-Young, Marouane Chamakh, Denilson, Andre Santos, Vito Mannone and Johan Djourou will be permitted to transfer.

Will the Atlético Madrid to Manchester City pipeline continue with Falcao?

It started in 2007 when Bulgarian footballer Martin Petrov exited Vicente Calderón Stadium for the Eastlands side.

Continued in 2011 with Argentine footballer Kun Agüero signing with Manchester City from the Spanish side.

Will it continue in 2013 with Radamel Falcao, the Colombian superstar who interestingly enough was signed as Agüero's replacement?

Per multiple online transfer stories including this report yesterday at Mirror Online, Falcao could indeed be the next Atlético Madrid ace to join Manchester City.

Read more Manchester City transfer rumours 2013-14.

Real Madrid ready to bring in another Manchester United player, Javier Hernandez

Even with 15 goals from 26 total appearances, Mexican international Javier Hernandez appears frustrated with his lack of big-game pitch time per a report at Mirror Online.

Aware of his level of frustration, Real Madrid are keen to bring in the 24-year-old Manchester United star believing his pace and precision will translate well in La Liga.

Read more Real Madrid transfer rumours 2013-14.

Italy finds training ground for Confederations Cup 2013

Per a report at Football Italia, the Azzurri decided on the Barradao (Estadio Manoel Barradas) as its training camp center in Brazil for Confederations Cup 2013.

Italy landed in Group A of the tournament along with Japan, Mexico and host Brazil, who the national team will have already faced back on 21 March.

International Football Friendly Italy versus San Marino 1 June 2013

The Italian Football Federation announced earlier in the month the inclusion of a match against San Marino adding to the Azzurri's 2013 football friendlies calendar. A venue is yet to be selected but the match will kick off on 1 June.

The contest will be the final warm-up for Italy before a crucial stretch.

On 7 June, the Azzurri face the Czech Republic in World Cup qualifier action before flying to Brazil to participate in the Confederations Cup 2013; where the national team will meet Brazil for the second time this year.

Italy and San Marino, although sharing a border, have played only once before, a 4-0 Italian victory in 1992.

Find out about more 2013 football friendlies.

Asia to Europe Football Pipeline: Will Malaysia right back Mahali Jasuli join the ranks of Asian footballers in Europe?

Selangor right back Mahali Jasuli, a Malaysian international football team member, should join the next wave of Asian footballers transferring to Europe.

The 23-year-old demonstrates a keen ability to get forward in the attack as he proved at AFF Suzuki Cup 2012.

Jasuli recently joined The Red Giants, one of the top clubs in the Malaysian Super League, per Goal.com.

While playing for a Malaysian club that normally battles for top honors is a positive move forward, the defender could hold his own on many a European pitch and should explore his options as soon as this summer.

Video via AFF Suzuki Cup official YouTube Channel.

Brazil doing well selling Conferations Cup 2013 tickets

Per a recent report at FIFA.com, the newest ticket selling phase of Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 is off to a massively successful start.

Fans of international football are snapping up tickets with the most popular matches proving to be Mexico versus Italy, Italy versus Japan and Spain versus the island nation of Tahiti.

Don't forget before the Confederations Cup, Italy and Brazil will add to their 2013 list of football friendlies by squaring off in Switzerland on 21 March.

Real Madrid all in with Gareth Bale; club sends Zidane to scout Tottenham star

Per a report from the Daily Mail via the transfer rumour section at TribalFootball.com, Real Madrid are all in when it comes to Gareth Bale; the Spanish side are making the Tottenham star the focus of the club's summer additions.

Real want Bale to work in concert with former teammate Luka Modric at the Bernabeu as Madrid looks to return to the top of the La Liga table. The club's interest is so intense, even legend Zinedine Zidane was asked to scout Bale last Thursday when Spurs faced off with Lyon in Europa League action.

Read more Real Madrid transfer rumours 2013-14.

Manchester City transfer rumours surround Celtic star Victor Wanyama

21-year-old Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, a Kenyan international footballer, welcomed a host of Premier League scouts to his club's recent Champions League clash with Juventus.

Scouts from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City were at the famous ground per a report from the Daily Mail via TribalFootball.com

Video via SPL official YouTube Channel.

Read more Manchester City transfer rumours 2013-14.

Six-a-side with Washington State midfielder Micaela Castain

In 2012, embracing change, often the difference between success and failure, aided Washington State midfielder Micaela Castain.

The junior's acceptance of a position change helped the Cougars return to the NCAA Tournament and garnered Castain awards and accolades including being named to the 2012 NSCAA All-Pacific Region Third Team.

Moving from her more natural forward attacking role to the midfield allowed the Castro Valley, California, native more possession on the ball and thus increased play-making opportunities. The results spoke to the tune of 11 goals, five of which were game-winners.

Castain kindly spoke via email earlier in the month about the switch to the midfield, her interactions with Washington State's first-year head coach Keidane McAlpine and other topics in this edition of Six-a-side.

1. Ten career game-winning goals, what do you attribute to this knack for scoring when the team needs it most?

I enjoy helping my team towards winning a game; I try to put myself in spots where we will be successful.

2. Thus far you've enjoyed a successful collegiate career, what goals do you have for your senior season?

I just want to continue to keep contributing to the success of our team, and be a big influence in games. I want my senior year to be the best season I will have. I would like to help my team achieve more than we ever have and I think we are more than capable.

3. Keidane McAlpine is known as a teacher of the game; care to share some knowledge that you acquired working with the Cougars new head coach?

I think Keidane has been great this season sharing his view of the game with us. At first when Keidane wanted me to switch from forward to midfield I didn't think it would go well. But after he showed me how to play the position and what he wanted me doing from this spot on the field it got a whole lot easier. I think he is a very good teacher of the game.

And three for fun:

4. Best off campus food/restaurant?

I really like eating Panda Express when I'm on campus, although it may not be the healthiest choice.

5. What's playing on the iPod?

I like to listen to anything.

6. Player or club you supported growing up?

I loved watching Mia Hamm play while growing up.

Read more Six-a-side Spring 2013 interviews.

Links:
1) WSUCougars.com
2) WSUCougars.com
3) WSUCougars.com
4) Panda Express

Photo Credit: Washington State Athletic Communications

Belarus to play Canada and Jordan in 2013

Two days ago, the Belarusian Football Federation announced two upcoming football friendlies per a report at BelTA, the Belarusian Telegraph Agency.

The Belarusian national football team signed up two friendly matches with Jordan and Canada to be played this March. On 21 March 2013, Belarus travels to Amman, Jordan in a first-ever match-up between the two nations.

The national side then heads to Doha, Qatar to face Canada on March 25; the Canadians last defeated Belarus 1-0 in 2011.

[Update 23 February]:

Read solid Canadian-angle analysis regarding the football friendly with Belarus at the SB Nation blog, Walking the Red.

International Football Friendly Brazil versus Chile 24 April 2013

Last December we offered up some discussion on Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari wanting to add stronger competitors to the national team's football friendly lineup.

Friendly matches remain against a host of quality sides including Italy (March 21), Russia (March 25), England (June 2), France (June 9) and Sweden (August 14) coupled with the Confederations Cup to be staged by the 2014 World Cup hosts in June.

Brazil will also play Chile in yet another warm-up to the Confederations Cup per a report at Yahoo! Europsport.com. The football friendly will take place on April 24 at the renovated Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.

Looks like Scolari ended up with his "competitive" football friendlies as the coach hopes to guide Brazil's national team to yet another World Cup title; this time on home soil.

Potential Real Madrid versus Barcelona friendly slated for 2016 in Mecca

Per a report today at Marca.com, Real Madrid and Barcelona could play a friendly in Mecca...in 2016.

A high-speed rail line known as the Desert AVE or the Pilgrims' AVE will link the cities of Medina and Mecca. A consortium of 12 Spanish companies, who are tasked with the project, hope for an expected completion date in 2016. The Spanish football giants would come to Saudi Arabia as part of the project's opening ceremonies.

Philippine Football Federation calls 31 into training camp as the national team readies for upcoming AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers

Lean Santos at Rappler.com breaking down the inclusion today of 31 footballers in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) national team training camp running from February 22 through the 24.

The Azkals captain Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong and his teammates are gearing up for matches with Cambodia, Brunei and Turkmenistan in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in Rizal Memorial Stadium on March 22 through the 26.

The group winner qualifies for the main event to be held in Maldives in 2014.

International Football Friendly Women: Germany versus USA 5 April 2013

In terms of football friendlies, this is about as good as it gets. The giants of the women's game -- Germany and the United States -- will square off on 5 April in Offenbach at Sparda Bank Hessen Stadium per a report from the German Football Association's official website.

Video via U.S. Soccer official YouTube channel.

International Football Friendly Germany versus Paraguay 14 August 2013

Per a report from the German Football Association's official website, the senior national team will host Paraguay in a football friendly in Kaiserslautern at Fritz-Walter Stadium on August 14.

"We wanted to play against a South-American team as part of our preparation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. We are pleased to come to an agreement with the Paraguayan Football Association so fast," said DFB Secretary-General Helmut Sandrock in the release on the official website.

Find out about other upcoming Football Friendly Matches.

Manchester City gets in on Harlem Shake action

[Editor's note 23 February]:

Manchester City has a fantastic video series at their official YouTube channel titled, Inside City.

Number 64 documents the build up to the club's massively successful video. City was the first Premier League to create a Harlem Shake offering.



Videos via Manchester City official YouTube Channel.

Real Madrid to buy up City's David Silva after selling Cristiano Ronaldo

Per a report at El Pais, via the transfer rumour website TribalFootball.com, Real Madrid's Florentino Perez is now determined to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain or even Manchester United.

With the cash windfall, Perez will target Tottenham's Gareth Bale and Manchester City's David Silva.

Read about more Real Madrid and Manchester City transfer rumours.

Video via Manchester City official YouTube Channel.

Juan Aurich add Tarek Carranza and Roberto Ovelar

Per the Peruvian football club's official website, El Ciclón del Norte added to its attack with the signing of 27-year-old Paraguayan forward Roberto Ovelar and 21-year-old Peruvian midfielder Tarek Carranza.

AC Milan and Juventus to battle over Marco Verratti

Per a report at Tuttosport via the Internet site TransferMarketWeb.com, Paris Saint-Germain play maker Marco Verratti could cause a bidding war between Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus, especially after recent remarks from Silvio Berlusconi.

The 20-year-old deep-lying midfielder, already a member of the Italian national football team, was signed from Serie A upstart Delfino Pescara 1936. Recent reports list a valuation of 20 million Euros; will the Serie A sides splash that kind of money for Verratti this summer?

Read about more Milan and Juventus transfer rumours.

Inter enter race for South Korea international football player Son Heung-Min

Per a report at TransferMarketWeb.com, Inter have joined Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for 20-year-old South Korean national team footballer Son Heung-Min.

The Hamburg SV attacking player joined the German side in 2010 and doesn't appear likely to extend his contract past its conclusion in 2014.

With football culture and passion massive in South Korea, it appears likely that an English side would want Heung-Min to expand the brand in addition to the player's athletic attributes.

But will Inter make a play for the talented international? Stayed tuned as the summer 2013 transfer window draws near.

MLS official YouTube channels 2013

+ Major League Soccer official YouTube channel

And below each team's official YouTube channel:

+ Chicago Fire
+ Chivas USA
+ Colorado Rapids
+ Columbus Crew
+ DC United
+ FC Dallas
+ Houston Dynamo
+ LA Galaxy
+ Montreal Impact
+ New England Revolution
+ New York Red Bulls
+ Philadelphia Union
+ Portland Timbers
+ Real Salt Lake
+ San Jose Earthquakes
+ Sporting Kansas City
+ Seattle Sounders
+ Toronto FC
+ Vancouver Whitecaps

And be sure to check out the entire listing: Official YouTube Football/Soccer Channels

Video via Major League Soccer official YouTube channel

Barclays Asia Trophy 24 and 27 July 2013 Manchester City, Tottenham and Sunderland eager to compete in summer preseason friendlies

Manchester City is returning to Asia and will face rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland in the Barclays Asia Trophy. The football friendly competition will make up a portion of the club's preseason Summer Tour 2013.

Spurs affiliate club South China FC will host the exhibition tournament on 24 and 27 July. Whilst Spurs (2009) and City (2005) have both competed in the event before, this summer will mark Sunderland's debut.

The tournament, revived every two years, enjoyed massive success, both in terms of play on the pitch and media exposure, in Kuala Lumpur (2003), Bangkok (2005), Hong Kong (2007 and 2011) and Beijing (2009).

Hong Kong will for the third time welcome the Premier League clubs to participate in the football friendlies at the national stadium, So Kon Po Stadium.

Per the Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette, commercial partners for the event include Nike, EA Sports, Carlsberg, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Now TV

Video via Tottenham Hotspur official YouTube channel.

First link via Wikipedia.org

Manchester United new addition Wilfried Zaha wants to help Crystal Palace to the Prem

Here's part of an exclusive interview offered online at Crystal Palace's official YouTube Channel. In the short, Manchester United's newest addition Wilfried Zaha, on loan with his former side until summer 2013, notes how it's his goal to help Palace join the England Premier League in 2013-14.

Will Zaha add to his legend status at Selhurst Park and accomplish the task?

You'll have to join the Palace Player to see the interview in its entirety.

Video via Crystal Palace Official YouTube Channel.

Official YouTube Football Soccer Channels List

Please leave other official YouTube football or soccer channels in our comments section or email us. We'll add them to the ongoing list.

To the best of our knowledge each listing represents the -- Official YouTube Channel -- and should we deem otherwise, the link will be removed. Thanks!

English Premier League Official YouTube Channels

+ Manchester City
+ Aston Villa
+ Chelsea FC
+ Fulham FC
+ Liverpool FC
+ Newcastle United
+ Norwich City
+ Queens Park Rangers FC
+ Reading FC
+ Southampton FC
+ Tottenham Hotspur
+ West Bromwich Albion

Other English Clubs Official YouTube Channels

+ Bristol City
+ Burnley FC
+ Crystal Palace
+ Hull City
+ Leeds United
+ Nottingham Forest
+ Peterborough United
+ Portsmouth FC

Scottish Premier League

+ Celtic FC
+ Aberdeen
+ Dundee FC
+ Dundee United
+ Hearts FC
+ Hibernian
+ Inverness Caledonian Thistle
+ Kimarnock FC
+ Motherwell FC
+ Ross County

Major League Soccer

+ Chicago Fire
+ Chivas USA
+ Colorado Rapids
+ Columbus Crew
+ DC United
+ FC Dallas
+ Houston Dynamo
+ LA Galaxy
+ Montreal Impact
+ New England Revolution
+ New York Red Bulls
+ Philadelphia Union
+ Portland Timbers
+ Real Salt Lake
+ San Jose Earthquakes
+ Sporting Kansas City
+ Seattle Sounders
+ Toronto FC
+ Vancouver Whitecaps

Serie A

+ AC Chievo Verona
+ AC Milan or AC Milan
+ A.S. Roma or A.S. Roma
+ Fiorentina
+ Inter Milan
+ Juventus
+ Pescara Calcio
+ S.S. Lazio
+ Torino FC
+ U.C. Sampdoria

La Liga

+ Athletic Club Bilbao
+ Atletico Madrid
+ FC Barcelona
+ Malaga CF
+ RCD Espanyol
+ Real Betis
+ Real Madrid
+ Sevilla FC
+ Valencia CF

Bundesliga

+ 1. FC Nürnberg
+ Borussia Dortmund
+ Borussia Mönchengladbach
+ FC Bayern München
+ FC Schalke 04
+ Hamburger SV
+ Hannover 96
+ SC Freiburg
+ SV Werder Bremen
+ VfB Stuttgart 1893 e.V.
+ VfL Wolfsburg

Other German Clubs Official YouTube Channels

+ 1. FC Kaiserslautern
+ 1. FC Köln
+ Hertha BSC
+ Karlsruher SC

Ligue 1

+ AS Saint-Étienne
+ Paris Saint-Germain

Eredivisie

+ Ajax
+ FC Twente
+ Feyenoord Rotterdam
+ PSV Eindhoven
+ Roda JC
+ SC Heerenveen

Liga MX

+ Chivas del Guadalajara
+ C.F. Monterrey
+ Club América
+ Cruz Azul
+ Tigres de la UANL
+ UNAM Pumas

South America

+ Atlético Mineiro (Brazil)
+ Atlético Naciona (Colombia)
+ Boca Juniors (Argentina)
+ Botafog (Brazil)
+ Corinthians (Brazil)
+ CR Vasco de Gama (Brazil)
+ Flamengo (Brazil)
+ Fluminense (Brazil)
+ River Plate (Argentina)
+ Santos TV (Brazil)
+ Sao Paulo FC (Brazil)

Other Clubs

+ CS Visé (Belgium)
+ FC Porto (Portugal)
+ Lech Poznań (Poland)
+ SL Benfica (Portugal)
+ Sparta Prague (Czech Republic)
+ Spartak Moscow (Russia)
+ Sporting CP (Portugal)
+ Zenit Saint Petersburg (Russia)

Football Federations

+ FIFA TV
+ UEFA
+ Czech Republic National Football Team
+ Dutch Football Association
+ England FA
+ French Football Federation
+ Polish National Football
+ Spanish Football Federation
+ Tuvalu National Football Association
+ U.S. Soccer

Sponsors, Apparel and Cleats

+ adidas Football TV
+ Barclays Football TV
+ Nike Football
+ Nike Australia
+ Nike Football Deutsch
+ Nike Football France
+ Nike Football South Africa
+ Nike Futbol Argentina
+ Nike Futbol Brazil
+ Nike Futbol Mexico
+ Nike Soccer
+ Puma

Other Official Channels (Media, etc.)

+ goal.com
+ GolChannelHD
+ Kick TV
+ Sky Sports
+ SkySportHD (Germany)

Footballers

+ David Beckham - Official YouTube Channel
+ David Villa - Official YouTube Channel
+ Messi - Official YouTube Channel

FA Cup Sixth Round draw predictions 2013

Ties to be played on 9 and 10 March 2013

The Draw Numbers
1 Huddersfield Town or Wigan Athletic

2 Barnsley

3 Oldham Athletic or Everton

4 Millwall

5 Blackburn Rovers

6 Manchester City

7 Manchester United or Reading

8 Middlesbrough or Chelsea

Predictions
4 Millwall versus 7 Manchester United or Reading

8 Middlesbrough or Chelsea versus 3 Oldham Athletic or Everton

2 Barnsley versus 6 Manchester City

1 Huddersfield or Wigan Athletic versus 5 Blackburn Rovers

Harris & Burna - Immer um die Hertha (Always Hertha) rap is simply amazing

Simply amazing.

Video via Hertha BSC Official YouTube Channel.

English football clubs battle for Indonesian supporters in summer 2013

The Arsenal Indonesia Fan Club travels to a Gunners preseason 2012 Asia Tour exhibition match.

Football Friendlies already highlighted Chelsea's decision to promote its brand in Indonesia during the club's Asia Tour 2013.

Arsenal, per the club's official website, announced that the London side will visit Jakarta in July in order to square off against the Indonesian national football team at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium.

Whilst the Asian nation sports massively popular clubs such as Arema FC, Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta, there's no denying that English sides also are immensely supported there.

And those English Premier League clubs are keenly aware of this fact per Tech In Asia.

That said, for many Indonesians, in West Java it's still Persib Bandung as with Arema in East Java or Persija Jakarta in the capital.

Our question, just who does attract the most support in Indonesia?

Is it Arsenal, Arema FC, Chelsea, Manchester United, Persib Bandung or Persija Jakarta?

Feel free to support your club in the comments section below.

Video via Selangor TV News YouTube Channel.

Celtic FC, History DVD video from 2008 production

Truly splendid masterpiece right here.

Video via Official Celtic FC YouTube Channel.

Japan international football player Tadanari Lee returns to FC Tokyo

Per numerous reports today including The Japan Daily Press, international football forward Tadanari Lee is returning to the friendly confines of FC Tokyo, the club that discovered him nearly a decade ago.

Lee failed to find first-team minutes with English Premier League side Southampton and was eager to earn his loan back to the J-League club.

Eastlands club want to bring in Roma duo as Manchester City transfer rumour picks up traction

Per a report from the Daily Mail via TribalFootball.com, City boss Roberto Mancini and various organizational scouts are keeping transfer-target tabs on two AS Roma footballers: 20-year-old Argentine winger Erik Lamela and 18-year-old Brazilian centre back Marquinhos.

Lamela, a member of the Argentina national football team who has seen action in a football friendly with Paraguay, would continue City's run of bringing top-level Argentine footballers to the Etihad.

Brazilians, on the other hand, have not fared as well with the Eastlands side.

What you think? Does this rumour have legs?

+ Read all the Manchester City tranfer rumours here at Football Friendlies

Even if Neymar transfers to Manchester City as the speculative rumour reports; Futebol. Isso ainda vai ser grande no Brasil.

Yesterday's report from Punto Pelota via TribalFootball.com speculatively noted that Samba star and Santos play maker Neymar could move to Manchester City this summer and snub Barcelona.

But, even if that transfer rumour becomes reality, as we noted above:

"Futebol. Isso ainda vai ser grande no Brasil." / Football. It will still be massive in Brazil.

Video via Official England national football team YouTube Channel.

+ Read all the Manchester City tranfer rumours here at Football Friendlies

Flowers, Chocolates and Whitecaps FC! Yesterday was a Happy Valentine's Day indeed

Video via Vancouver Whitecaps FC Official YouTube Channel.

Aberdeen vs. Dundee at Pittodrie Scottish Premier League 15 February 2013; Dundee manager Barry Smith video preview

Video via Scottish Premier League Official YouTube Channel.

Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio scores in preseason match versus Orlando City SC

Will the TFC Academy product get an extended look during Major League Soccer's 2013 season?

Video via Official Major League Soccer YouTube Channel.

Tottenham Hotspur preseason 2013 Tour begins in Bahamas

Tottenham Hotspur recently announced the first 2013 preseason match as the London side will face off against the Jamaican national team. The club versus country friendly will be played in the Bahamas on May 23.

The exhibition, per Tottenham's official website, will be played at the new 15,000-seat Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Paradise Island. Spurs will be the first-ever Premier League side to visit the islands nation as the match aims to help celebrate the Bahamas' 40th anniversary of independence.

The match benefits Jamaica as well; the national team faces battles Mexico in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying action the following week.

Video via Official Tottenham Hotspur YouTube Channel.

More Premier League preseason tour news:
+ Tottenham and Manchester City set to compete for Barclays Asia Trophy this summer
+ Chelsea announce Asia Tour 2013

Chelsea Asia Tour 2013 announced

Chelsea FC are going back to Asia after a successful 2011 tour. This preseason edition of Here to Play, Here to Stay will feature matches in Thailand (Bangkok), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Indonesia (Jakarta).

+ Singha Thailand All-Star XI in the Singha Cup at the Rajamanagala National Stadium on Wednesday July 17 in Bangkok

+ Malaysia XI at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday July 21 in Kuala Lumpur

+ Indonesia XI in the BNI Cup at the 88,000-seater Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday July 25 in Jakarta.

Video via Chelsea FC Official YouTube Channel.

Which Academy and U-21 players do you want to see get filtered in with the first-team footballers in Asia? Hoping Tika Musonda gets a good run out.

Manchester City's Marcos Lopes and Parma's Danilo Pereira point towards Portugal's bright national team future

17-year-old attacking midfielder Marcos Lopes entered his name into the Manchester City record book as the youngest ever goalscorer for the first team in a competitive match with his January 2013 FA Cup third round goal versus Watford.

The former Benfica youth product appears to have a bright future at the Eastlands side and thus with Portugal's national football team.



Another Portugal youth footballer to stay focused on is Parma's Danilo Pereira, a 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder. The Bissau, Guinea-Bissau native, currently on loan at Eredivisie side Roda JC Kerkrade, enjoyed a measure of success at the 2011 U-20 World Cup earning a spot on the all-tournament team.



Marcos Lopes videos via Manchester City FC Official YouTube Channel.

Danilo Pereira video via Roda JC Kerkrade Official YouTube Channel.

Several NCAA men's soccer teams announce 2013 spring exhibition schedules

Updates as they arrive; always welcome emails regarding spring schedules.

University of Akron
March 8, at Cleveland State, 7:30 p.m.
April 6, vs. Kentucky, 5 p.m.
April 14, vs. Xavier, 4 p.m.
April 21, at Butler, 3 p.m.
April 27, at Maryland, 2:30 p.m.

Clemson
Feb. 23, vs. Wofford and Georgia State, 4 p.m.
March 2, vs. Charleston Battery, 4 p.m.
March 9, vs. Northwestern and Georgia Southern, 4 p.m.
April 6, vs. High Point, 6 p.m.
April 13, at East Tennessee State (Rock Hill, SC), 1:45 p.m.
April 13, at Davidson (Rock Hill, SC), 7:15 p.m.

Coastal Carolina
Feb. 17, at Chicago Fire (at Campus of Charleston Southern), 1 p.m.
March 7, at Charleston Battery, 7 p.m.
March 26, vs. Charleston Battery, 5 p.m.
March 28, vs. Carolina RailHawks, 7 p.m.
April 3, vs. Wilmington Hammerheads, 7 p.m.

Loyola University Chicago
Feb. 23, at Northern Illinois, 12 p.m.
March 16, vs. UW-Parkside, 1 p.m.
March 23, at Marquette University, 5 p.m.
April 14, at University of Chicago, 1:40 p.m.
April 14, at Illinois Institute of Technology, 3 p.m.
April 20, vs. DePaul (w/matches to follow), 12 p.m.

Mercer University
Feb. 24, at Georgia Southern, 1 p.m.
March 2, at South Carolina, 1 p.m.
March 27, vs. Clayton State, 7 p.m.
March 30, vs. Anderson, 1 p.m.
April 6, vs. Young Harris, 3:30 p.m.

University of San Francisco
March 23, vs. Dominican, 10 a.m.
March 23, vs. San Francisco State, 12 p.m.
April 5, vs. Notre Dame de Namur, 4:30 p.m.
April 5, vs. San Jose State, 7 p.m.
April 21, at Dominican (at Novato High School), TBD
April 21, at Sonoma State (at Novato High School), TBD
April 27, vs. Cal State Stanislaus, 11 a.m.
April 27, at Stanford, 3 p.m.

SMU
Feb. 23, vs. Trinity University, 7:00 p.m.
March 2, vs. Tulsa, 11:00 a.m.
March 23, vs. Univ. of Incarnate Word, 7:00 p.m.
April 1, Midwestern State, 7:00 p.m.

Wake Forest
Mar. 9, at Carolina Railhawks, 1 p.m.
Mar. 28, vs. Charlotte Eagles, 6 p.m.
Apr. 6, vs. VCU, 7 p.m.
Apr. 13, vs. Mars Hill, 12 p.m.
Apr. 13, vs. Virginia, 7 p.m. (Bryan Park in Greensboro)
Apr. 20, vs. North Carolina, 7 p.m.

Six-a-side with Minnesota forward Taylor Uhl

University of Minnesota forward Taylor Uhl ended 2012 with 51 points, 21 goals scored and nine assists. Sporting an impressive arsenal of attacking skills, the third team All-American (NSCAA) and first team All-Big Ten member earned a place in the discussion as possibly the nation's top collegiate soccer player.

Naturally, if Football Friendlies lists Uhl among the upper echelon of college soccer it's only proper that the sophomore kick off the women's side of the interview series.

The native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, kindly spoke yesterday via email about improving her game, what motivates her as the upcoming season nears and where to find the best food in Minneapolis.

1. Over the last two years, you enjoyed a run of 11 consecutive games with a point scored and nine consecutive with a goal. Were the streaks something that you mentally kept a tab on?

I wasn't aware of the streak until it had accumulated to 8-9 games. After I found out, I definitely wanted to keep it going, but during the game, this was not in the forefront of my thoughts. I focused more on how to help the team to win.

2. Heading into your junior campaign, what's an area of your game that you will give additional attention to?

I'd like to improve my long-range goal scoring. This past season, most of my goals were scored off breakaways, or shots inside 10 yards. Becoming dangerous from 20-25 yards would add another dimension to my game. Also, I would like to see our team improve on our crossing which would naturally result in more goals off crosses for myself and the team.

3. After a heartbreaking end to the season, how often do you still reflect on the game?

I think about the game against Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament a lot. Being up 2-0, and then to lose on PKs was pretty tough to take in at the time. When I think about the game now, I think more about how I never want to end a season like that again. It serves as motivation.

And three for fun:

4. Best off campus food/restaurant?

I'm a big fan of Shuang Cheng. I get the beef fried rice.

5. What's playing on the iPod?

I like all kinds of music, but currently I'm really into Michael Bublé, Gavin DeGraw, and Adele.

6. Player or club you supported growing up?

Fernando Torres is my favorite soccer player, and I cheer for whichever club he is at. I have a Torres Liverpool jersey and recently updated to his Chelsea uniform.



Read more Six-a-side Spring 2013 interviews.

Links:
1) GopherSports.com, the official site of Minnesota Athletics
2) Video link via University of Minnesota Athletic Department YouTube Channel.
3) GopherSports.com, the official site of Minnesota Athletics
4) Shuang Cheng Restaurant 1320 Fourth Street South East Minneapolis

Fernando Torres Samsung Commercial 2013 video via emitertv YouTube Channel.

Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell courtesy of University of Minnesota Athletics

Emelec versus Vélez Sarsfield 12 February 2013 video Copa Libertadores 2013

Video via AllGols YouTube Channel.

Syamsir Alam and D.C. United, will the collaboration work?

Report today from Soccer Insider Steven Goff of The Washington Post regarding 20-year-old Indonesian youth international footballer Syamsir Alam now able to proceed with team workouts after visa issues ended.

By the looks of his Twitter account @syamsiralam, the midfielder and an Internet sensation with 107,000+ followers, hopes to turn his season on-loan into a productive one.

An advocate of Alam, United's majority owner and fellow Indonesian Erick Thohir, appears eager to see his countryman succeed posting on his Twitter account per Brian Straus of The Sporting News:

"So happy, finally DC United has an Indonesian player. Hope Alam can perform. Jaya Indonesia."

Will this experiment be an overstep by ownership, will Alam become a staple in Major League Soccer and blaze a trail for other Indonesian football players to follow or will Alam return to his current club Belgian side C.S. Vise without making much of a difference in D.C.?

Video via fahrudhy YouTube Channel.

Liga MX 16 February 2013 Pachuca versus Cruz Azul video tribute

Find the match on television via LiveSoccerTV.



Video via teleESPECTADOR YouTube Channel.



Video via Nike Futbol México YouTube Channel



Video via Historia Azul YouTube Channel.

Copa Libertadores 13 February 2013 Group 1 Boca Juniors versus Toluca

When: 13 February 2013

Group: 1
Where: Estadio Alberto Jacinto Armando, Ciudad de Buenos Aires)
Who: Boca Juniors (Argentina) versus Toluca (Mexico)

+ Find on television via LiveSoccerTV

Notes:
+ Toluca, losers of three straight league matches, are now asked to go into one of the most formidable venues in all of South America, the Bombonera pitch. Tough task for any club, but for one who last earned three points on the 18th of January, yikes.

+ Toluca travels to América on Saturday after this match; talk about facing giants!



Boca video via RTR Video YouTube Channel.

Toluca video via Canal de yornomsouth YouTube Channel.

Nigeria international football team now focused on Brazil 2014

Per a report at allAfrica.com, Nigeria football captain Joseph Yobo says the focus is now on the 2014 World Cup, which will be held in Brazil.

"We still have the Confederation's Cup and then the World Cup is coming," Yobo said adding, "Hopefully, I will make it to the next World Cup and that is it."

Video via MattMzansi YouTube Channel.

United travel squad versus Real Madrid announced

It's The Peoples Person reporting the 22-man travel squad for Manchester United ahead of the UEFA Champions League contest with Real Madrid.

De Gea, Lindegaard; Büttner, Evans, Evra, Ferdinand, Jones, Rafael, Smalling, Vidic; Anderson, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs, Nani, Valencia, Young; Hernandez, Kagawa, Rooney, van Persie and Welbeck.

Latvia international Kaspars Gorkss on loan to Wolves

Starting in defense for the recent Latvia international football friendly versus Japan was Reading footballer Kaspars Gorkss. The defender's first-team runs at the EPL side, now few-and-far between, joined Wolverhampton today on loan.

Per a report today at itv.com, Wolverhampton Wolves have signed Gorkss from Reading on a 93-day emergency loan with a potential permanent transfer at season's end. The loan deal is the first for new Wolves boss Dean Saunders.

Edinson Cavani to Real Madrid transfer rumour picks up speculative traction

Fantastic transfer rumours website, Caughtoffside.com posted today regarding Real Madrid's intense love affair with Napoli and Uruguayan superstar Edinson Cavani.

Per a report found at Spain's El Mundo Deportivo, the Santiago Bernabéu outfit wants to offer £47 million (€56m) hopeful that the Italian side will finally relent and send over the 26-year-old attacking footballer.

Video via Wee Wash YouTube Channel.

AC Milan target Zaza?

A report at Sky Sport per the transfer rumour webiste TransferMarketWeb.com noted that Milan are tracking Sampdoria 21-year-old forward Simone Zaza.

Video via giovanitalenticalcio YouTube Channel.

Copa Libertadores 2013 Millonarios video celebration and Seattle Sounders Fredy Montero goal

The Colombian outfit is in Group 5 of Copa Libertadores 2013 with Corinthians (Brazil), San José (Bolivia) and Tijuana (Mexico).

Here's a video celebration of El Azul's league title last year, its first since 1988.

Millonarios Campeón 2012 II (Crónica antes, durante y después) via Juan Nicolás Torres Muñoz YouTube Channel.



Fredy Montero's class goal for Seattle Sounders, who is currently on loan with Millonarios from the M.L.S. club, via Official Major League Soccer YouTube Channel.

Copa Libertadores 12 February 2013 Group 1 Nacional (Uruguay) vs Barcelona (Ecuador)

When: 12 February 2013

Group: 1
Where: Estadio Gran Parque Central, Montevideo
Who: Nacional (Uruguay) vs Barcelona (Ecuador)
+ Find on television via LiveSoccerTV

Video via LordFedeFilms YouTube Channel.

[Editor's Note 12 February 2013 at 9PM EST:] Appears match ended 2-2 after a thrilling stoppage time goal from Nacional's new attacking recruit Iván Alonso.

Copa Libertadores 12 February 2013 Group 1, 4 and 7 matches

When: 12 February 2013

Group: 1
Where: Estadio Gran Parque Central, Montevideo
Who: Nacional (Uruguay) vs Barcelona (Ecuador)
+ Find on television via LiveSoccerTV

Group: 4
Where: Estadio George Capwell, Guayaquil
Who: Emelec (Ecuador) vs Vélez Sársfield (Argentina)
+ Find on television via LiveSoccerTV

Group: 7
Where: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago
Who: Universidad de Chile (Chile) vs Deportivo Lara (Venezuela)
+ Find on television via LiveSoccerTV

Pedro Obiang tracked by Juve, Napoli and Inter

A report today from Sportmediaset via TransferMarketWeb.com lists Juventus, Napoli and now Inter as all potential landing destinations for Sampdoria's 20-year-old footballer Pedro Obiang. The midfielder is also part of Spain's youth national football team set-up.

Video via Love Serie A YouTube Channel.

Inter ready to move for winger Juan Fernando Quintero?

Per a report today at TransferMarketWeb.com, Inter are tracking 20-year-old Colombian youth international winger Juan Fernando Quintero. The Delfino Pescara 1936 footballer joined the Serie A side in 2012.

Video via Tempesta Perfetta YouTube Channel.

Watch on Saturday, February 16, 2013 Desert Diamond Cup games in Tucson, Arizona

On Saturday the 16, the Desert Diamond Cup returns after Wednesday's preseason contests with New York vs. New England followed by Seattle vs. Real Salt Lake. The games, played at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, will be streamed via www.mlssoccer.com.

Videos via Official Major League Soccer YouTube Channel.

Watch on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 Desert Diamond Cup games in Tucson, Arizona

Four preseason tournaments featuring Major League Soccer teams kick off this week.

On Wednesday the 13, the Desert Diamond Cup kicks off with New England vs. Seattle followed by New York vs. Real Salt Lake. The games, played at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, will be streamed via www.mlssoccer.com.

Videos via Official Major League Soccer YouTube Channel.

FC Utrecht goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter almost goes viral

25-year-old goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter almost, almost, went viral in his club's match with N.E.C. Video via Eredivisie Live YouTube Channel.

Manchester City put on notice as Danish star Christian Eriksen rejects Ajax

Last week the speculative rumours around Christian Eriksen moved throughout the Internet.

Now sporten.dk via Soccerway.com reports that Eriksen spoke with technical director Marc Overmars to inform him that he will not be signing a new contract with Ajax.

Does this open the door for Manchester City, one of the main sides linked with Eriksen, as the Eastlands club looks to rebound on what has been an underwhelming 2012-13 campaign?

The 20-year-old Denmark international footballer's current contract at the Amsterdam ArenA ends summer 2014.

Check out some of his deft highlights on this video via Eredivisie Live YouTube Channel.