COPENHAGEN (AP) - Defending champion FC Copenhagen began the new Danish season with a surprising 2-0 defeat by Nordsjalland at the weekend.
Stephan Petersen scored just four minutes into the game and Martin Bernburg added a second in the 24th minute.
It was only the second win for Nordsjalland against Copenhagen in their last 22 matches. Copenhagen, which finished 39 points ahead of eighth-placed Nordsjalland last season, failed to capitalize on numerous scoring chances.
Brondby, which finished second behind its crosstown rival Copenhagen last season, drew 2-2 at home with Odense. Jon Jonsson earned Brondby a point with a 66th minute equalizer.
SonderjyskE beat Randers 1-0 courtesy of Kenneth Fabricius' eighth-minute goal, while Silkeborg drew 1-1 at Koge.
7/19/2009
Swedish League Roundup, Jul. 19
STOCKHOLM (AP) - IFK Goteborg beat Trelleborg 3-1 on Sunday to remain top of the Swedish first division.
Jakob Johansson opened the scoring in the 14th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after goalkeeper Viktor Noring failed to clear Stefan Selakovic's header.
Thomas Olsson made it 2-0 in the 27th, beating Noring with a header. Fredrik Jensen pulled one back for Trelleborg in the 50th minute after a corner but Goteborg's Ragnar Sigurdsson put the result beyond doubt when he converted a penalty in the 81st.
Goteborg, which is unbeaten at home this season, leads the standings with 31 points after 15 games. Elfsborg, which beat lowly Djurgarden 2-1 at Stockholm's Olympic Stadium, is one point behind in second place.
Jakob Johansson opened the scoring in the 14th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after goalkeeper Viktor Noring failed to clear Stefan Selakovic's header.
Thomas Olsson made it 2-0 in the 27th, beating Noring with a header. Fredrik Jensen pulled one back for Trelleborg in the 50th minute after a corner but Goteborg's Ragnar Sigurdsson put the result beyond doubt when he converted a penalty in the 81st.
Goteborg, which is unbeaten at home this season, leads the standings with 31 points after 15 games. Elfsborg, which beat lowly Djurgarden 2-1 at Stockholm's Olympic Stadium, is one point behind in second place.
McShane set to miss start of season
Sunderland defender Paul McShane is facing at least three months on the sidelines after scans revealed he needs surgery on his injured knee.
The Republic of Ireland international sustained the injury shortly after scoring in the 4-0 friendly win at Darlington on Thursday night and did not travel with the rest of the first-team squad on their pre-season trip to Portugal.
Tests have now shown McShane needs to have an operation, ruling him out of the start of the new Premier League season.
Steve Bruce told the club's official website: "This news is exactly what we didn't want and now we will be without Paul for a while."
There was better news for Bruce on goalkeeper Marton Fulop, who returned to training this morning after overcoming an Achilles injury.
The Republic of Ireland international sustained the injury shortly after scoring in the 4-0 friendly win at Darlington on Thursday night and did not travel with the rest of the first-team squad on their pre-season trip to Portugal.
Tests have now shown McShane needs to have an operation, ruling him out of the start of the new Premier League season.
Steve Bruce told the club's official website: "This news is exactly what we didn't want and now we will be without Paul for a while."
There was better news for Bruce on goalkeeper Marton Fulop, who returned to training this morning after overcoming an Achilles injury.
Wenger not worried by Adebayor exit
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are in a "very strong position" to meet their targets this season, despite the exit of Emmanuel Adebayor.
Arsenal received £25million of Manchester City's fortune for Adebayor on Saturday night but Wenger is unlikely to spend anywhere near that amount on a replacement.
The Frenchman believes his squad is strong enough to compete without Adebayor and he is particularly relishing the return to action of Tomas Rosicky.
"We must trust the players we have. It's a very important season for us and I believe we are in a very strong position," he said.
"Big clubs lose big players. AC Milan have lost Kaka but will go on. Arsenal have lost big players before but we go on.
"We have also had positive messages - players like Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas are staying here.
"I believe we have a strong enough squad to meet the targets we have."
Rosicky, meanwhile, has been sidelined for 18 months with hamstring and knee injuries, but he made his first appearance since January 2008 in Saturday's friendly against Barnet.
Wenger is confident the Czech international will still be the same player and hopes he could be available for the Premier League opener against Everton on August 15.
"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," said Wenger.
"But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong.
"Of course you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes.
"We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If we comes through pre-season well he could start the season."
Arsenal received £25million of Manchester City's fortune for Adebayor on Saturday night but Wenger is unlikely to spend anywhere near that amount on a replacement.
The Frenchman believes his squad is strong enough to compete without Adebayor and he is particularly relishing the return to action of Tomas Rosicky.
"We must trust the players we have. It's a very important season for us and I believe we are in a very strong position," he said.
"Big clubs lose big players. AC Milan have lost Kaka but will go on. Arsenal have lost big players before but we go on.
"We have also had positive messages - players like Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas are staying here.
"I believe we have a strong enough squad to meet the targets we have."
Rosicky, meanwhile, has been sidelined for 18 months with hamstring and knee injuries, but he made his first appearance since January 2008 in Saturday's friendly against Barnet.
Wenger is confident the Czech international will still be the same player and hopes he could be available for the Premier League opener against Everton on August 15.
"There was a time when I was worried Tomas wouldn't play football again and he felt the same," said Wenger.
"But he had always led a healthy and dedicated life. Mentally he's also very strong.
"Of course you have to ask and hope if he will ever get back to where we want him to be and the answer looks like yes.
"We have to manage him well and prepare him well. If we comes through pre-season well he could start the season."
Blake hoping for 'third time lucky'
Robbie Blake is delighted to have finally made the Premier League with Burnley and hopes his third taste of the top flight will be his best.
Blake has previously played in the Premier League for Bradford and Birmingham, but he has long dreamed of getting there with the Clarets.
The dream became a reality when Blake buried his Wembley hoodoo in the play-off final win over Sheffield United and the 33-year-old wants to follow up that achievement by helping keep Burnley up this season.
He told the club's official website: "The Wembley win still lingers and most times the lads sit and chat it crops up.
"It's still fantastic what we achieved, in terms of all the cup games and how we did it by using so few players.
"It's a sensational achievement and it will be exactly the same if we can stay in the Premier League next season.
"I've been lucky enough to play there twice before and I always imagined it would be fantastic to get there with Burnley.
"It didn't happen in my first spell and in many ways, moving away was the right move for me and my family at the time.
"But I'm just overjoyed to be back at this club and hopefully now it can be third time lucky.
"I said that when we finally made it to Wembley - and it happened - so hopefully now it will be third time lucky in the top flight.
Blake added: "It does remind me of the situation at Bradford, when we were promoted. We had a similar number of players and made a few key additions.
"The gaffer here has brought a few new lads in, but I think the gaffer will be fair to everyone and we will get a fair crack of the whip."
Blake has previously played in the Premier League for Bradford and Birmingham, but he has long dreamed of getting there with the Clarets.
The dream became a reality when Blake buried his Wembley hoodoo in the play-off final win over Sheffield United and the 33-year-old wants to follow up that achievement by helping keep Burnley up this season.
He told the club's official website: "The Wembley win still lingers and most times the lads sit and chat it crops up.
"It's still fantastic what we achieved, in terms of all the cup games and how we did it by using so few players.
"It's a sensational achievement and it will be exactly the same if we can stay in the Premier League next season.
"I've been lucky enough to play there twice before and I always imagined it would be fantastic to get there with Burnley.
"It didn't happen in my first spell and in many ways, moving away was the right move for me and my family at the time.
"But I'm just overjoyed to be back at this club and hopefully now it can be third time lucky.
"I said that when we finally made it to Wembley - and it happened - so hopefully now it will be third time lucky in the top flight.
Blake added: "It does remind me of the situation at Bradford, when we were promoted. We had a similar number of players and made a few key additions.
"The gaffer here has brought a few new lads in, but I think the gaffer will be fair to everyone and we will get a fair crack of the whip."
Hull set for talks with Bobby - Brown
Hull boss Phil Brown has hailed the qualities of Bobby Zamora and revealed the Fulham striker will look around the KC Stadium early next week.
Fulham have accepted a £5million bid from Hull for Zamora, who scored just two league goals last season, and Brown is now hoping to complete the deal after missing out on a series of other targets.
He told Sky Sports News: "We have tabled a bid and it has been accepted.
"Obviously people will question that Bobby is not prolific. But I think he is a very, very good holding player.
"I spoke to him at the weekend. Hopefully I will get together with him on Monday or Tuesday and show him around the place and hopefully he likes what he sees."
Hull have endured a difficult transfer window to date, seeing Fraizer Campbell and Marc-Antoine Fortune opt for switches to Sunderland and Celtic respectively.
An audacious attempt to sign Michael Owen also came to nothing, and Brown has admitted he is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of new faces at the KC Stadium.
He said: "It is a frustrating time for me personally.
"I am trying to remain calm and patient because the transfer market is becoming frustrating and difficult to deal in.
"Yes, we are a Premier League club but sometimes it is one of those where we have to crawl before we can walk, or walk before we can run.
"We had a difficult season last year. We survived it. Maybe our targets are a little further away from us than we think.
"They are realistic targets in my opinion. Progress is so important. We have got to strengthen the squad with better quality players."
Brown also reiterated Hull have no plans to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton, adding: "That's not one that we are chasing. I think we are fairly strong in the centre of midfield."
Fulham have accepted a £5million bid from Hull for Zamora, who scored just two league goals last season, and Brown is now hoping to complete the deal after missing out on a series of other targets.
He told Sky Sports News: "We have tabled a bid and it has been accepted.
"Obviously people will question that Bobby is not prolific. But I think he is a very, very good holding player.
"I spoke to him at the weekend. Hopefully I will get together with him on Monday or Tuesday and show him around the place and hopefully he likes what he sees."
Hull have endured a difficult transfer window to date, seeing Fraizer Campbell and Marc-Antoine Fortune opt for switches to Sunderland and Celtic respectively.
An audacious attempt to sign Michael Owen also came to nothing, and Brown has admitted he is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of new faces at the KC Stadium.
He said: "It is a frustrating time for me personally.
"I am trying to remain calm and patient because the transfer market is becoming frustrating and difficult to deal in.
"Yes, we are a Premier League club but sometimes it is one of those where we have to crawl before we can walk, or walk before we can run.
"We had a difficult season last year. We survived it. Maybe our targets are a little further away from us than we think.
"They are realistic targets in my opinion. Progress is so important. We have got to strengthen the squad with better quality players."
Brown also reiterated Hull have no plans to sign Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton, adding: "That's not one that we are chasing. I think we are fairly strong in the centre of midfield."
Trotters target Lee on scoresheet
FC Seoul winger Lee Chung-yong on Saturday scored what is set to be his final goal in K-League ahead of his proposed move to Bolton this week.
The South Korean starlet is discussing personal terms with the Trotters is not expected to have issues obtaining a UK work permit should he agree to a switch.
And the 24-year-old helped his current club move top of the K-League with a goal in a 3-1 win at Gangwon FC. He is now set to head to England on Monday for a medical at the Reebok Stadium.
The South Korean starlet is discussing personal terms with the Trotters is not expected to have issues obtaining a UK work permit should he agree to a switch.
And the 24-year-old helped his current club move top of the K-League with a goal in a 3-1 win at Gangwon FC. He is now set to head to England on Monday for a medical at the Reebok Stadium.
Baines impressed by Lescott attitude
Everton defender Leighton Baines has praised Joleon Lescott for keeping his mind on the job as Manchester City continue their pursuit of him.
Baines was delighted to see the club reject City's £15million bid for Lescott on Friday and equally pleased with the England international's performance in an Everton shirt 24 hours later.
The Toffees romped to a 4-1 victory over League Two outfit Rochdale on in a pre-season friendly at Spotland, with the away fans chanting Lescott's name throughout the win.
Baines believes Lescott's performance proves he is unfazed by the speculation surrounding his future, and he will be delighted if the club hold on to the former Wolves man.
"Absolutely we want Joleon to stay. I don't think anyone would want a player like Joleon to leave," Baines told the club's official website.
"The manager had said that and it's good to see the fans showing their appreciation for him as well because he's done so well for the club over the last few years.
"He showed with his performance today that his mind isn't elsewhere and he's fully focused on what he's doing here at Everton at the moment. That's great."
Baines was delighted to see the club reject City's £15million bid for Lescott on Friday and equally pleased with the England international's performance in an Everton shirt 24 hours later.
The Toffees romped to a 4-1 victory over League Two outfit Rochdale on in a pre-season friendly at Spotland, with the away fans chanting Lescott's name throughout the win.
Baines believes Lescott's performance proves he is unfazed by the speculation surrounding his future, and he will be delighted if the club hold on to the former Wolves man.
"Absolutely we want Joleon to stay. I don't think anyone would want a player like Joleon to leave," Baines told the club's official website.
"The manager had said that and it's good to see the fans showing their appreciation for him as well because he's done so well for the club over the last few years.
"He showed with his performance today that his mind isn't elsewhere and he's fully focused on what he's doing here at Everton at the moment. That's great."
Rovers boss reveals mixed feelings
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce had mixed feelings after Rovers could only manage a draw and a defeat from two 45-minute games in Croatia.
Allardyce was pleased with the performance of a young XI that drew 0-0 with Portuguese outfit Nacional, but disappointed by the fitness levels shown by the side that went down 1-0 to Hajduk Split.
"I thought the first eleven were very good against Nacional, apart from good crosses going in without ever creating any chances," he told the club's official website.
"Hence the reason we are looking for another front man to add more power up there.
"So that eleven were good and we had some young lads in there as well as some more experienced and they did well.
"But I thought the second eleven, with the Dioufy's, Jason Roberts, Morten who has only just come back and Dunny, looked a little jaded to me and we were outplayed by Hajduk Split in midfield."
Christian Vieri had been expected to feature on one of the games but the veteran striker was nowhere to be seen amid reports he has quit his trial with the club.
The 36-year-old looked likely to be handed a deal at Ewood Park but, instead of turning out for Rovers on Saturday, he was spotted on holiday in Sardinia.
Allardyce was pleased with the performance of a young XI that drew 0-0 with Portuguese outfit Nacional, but disappointed by the fitness levels shown by the side that went down 1-0 to Hajduk Split.
"I thought the first eleven were very good against Nacional, apart from good crosses going in without ever creating any chances," he told the club's official website.
"Hence the reason we are looking for another front man to add more power up there.
"So that eleven were good and we had some young lads in there as well as some more experienced and they did well.
"But I thought the second eleven, with the Dioufy's, Jason Roberts, Morten who has only just come back and Dunny, looked a little jaded to me and we were outplayed by Hajduk Split in midfield."
Christian Vieri had been expected to feature on one of the games but the veteran striker was nowhere to be seen amid reports he has quit his trial with the club.
The 36-year-old looked likely to be handed a deal at Ewood Park but, instead of turning out for Rovers on Saturday, he was spotted on holiday in Sardinia.
Lucas excited by Johnson signing
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva feels Glen Johnson will be a vital addition as the Reds bid for their first league title since 1990.
England right-back Johnson joined the Reds from Portsmouth earlier this summer for a fee of £18million, as manager Rafael Benitez plans for the new season.
Last campaign the Anfield club demonstrated improvement in England's top flight and finished just four points behind champions Manchester United.
Lucas is eagerly anticipating the 2009/10 term and has warned Liverpool's title rivals that they will be stronger with Johnson in tow.
"We have not been surprised by how good he's looked in training because we already knew him as a player," he told the club's official website.
"He has played at left-back but still showed his quality.
"Hopefully he will be an important player for us and help us win the title - that's what we want.
"His pace will be important and he is strong. He likes to go forward and we've already seen he has a good delivery. These are the things a full-back has to have.
"Full-backs are important in modern football and especially with the way Liverpool play. To have an overlapping full-back allows us to find space."
England right-back Johnson joined the Reds from Portsmouth earlier this summer for a fee of £18million, as manager Rafael Benitez plans for the new season.
Last campaign the Anfield club demonstrated improvement in England's top flight and finished just four points behind champions Manchester United.
Lucas is eagerly anticipating the 2009/10 term and has warned Liverpool's title rivals that they will be stronger with Johnson in tow.
"We have not been surprised by how good he's looked in training because we already knew him as a player," he told the club's official website.
"He has played at left-back but still showed his quality.
"Hopefully he will be an important player for us and help us win the title - that's what we want.
"His pace will be important and he is strong. He likes to go forward and we've already seen he has a good delivery. These are the things a full-back has to have.
"Full-backs are important in modern football and especially with the way Liverpool play. To have an overlapping full-back allows us to find space."
Bayern give up on Bosingwa pursuit
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted defeat in his clubs' pursuit of Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa.
The Bundesliga outfit are in the hunt for a new right-back and have been chasing the Portugal international for much of the summer.
However, despite ongoing talks reaching an advanced stage earlier this month, the German giants have terminated their interest and will turn their attentions elsewhere after failing to come to an agreement with the Londoners.
"We're not done yet on the transfer market, as we still want to add a right-back to our squad," Rummenigge told German newspaper Bild.
"However, Jose Bosingwa is no longer one of the candidates to join us. We were keen to sign him this summer, but Chelsea simply refuse to let go of him.
"Therefore, we have to accept that he stays at Chelsea and set our sights to another right-back."
The club are now expected to turn to Schalke's Brazilian Rafinha as an alternative to Bosingwa with Shakhtar Donetsk's Darijo Srna also believed to be on their radar.
The Bundesliga outfit are in the hunt for a new right-back and have been chasing the Portugal international for much of the summer.
However, despite ongoing talks reaching an advanced stage earlier this month, the German giants have terminated their interest and will turn their attentions elsewhere after failing to come to an agreement with the Londoners.
"We're not done yet on the transfer market, as we still want to add a right-back to our squad," Rummenigge told German newspaper Bild.
"However, Jose Bosingwa is no longer one of the candidates to join us. We were keen to sign him this summer, but Chelsea simply refuse to let go of him.
"Therefore, we have to accept that he stays at Chelsea and set our sights to another right-back."
The club are now expected to turn to Schalke's Brazilian Rafinha as an alternative to Bosingwa with Shakhtar Donetsk's Darijo Srna also believed to be on their radar.
Downing is bargain - O'Neill
Martin O'Neill believes Stewart Downing will be a "sensational" player for Aston Villa - and says £10million was a great price for the winger.
Downing became Villa's first signing of the summer when he joined from Middlesbrough last week and O'Neill could not be happier to have landed the England international.
Villa paid Boro an initial £10million, with a further £2million due dependent on appearances, but O'Neill believes the 24-year-old will prove to be a bargain.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "£10m is a bargain. It's great value and he's a superb acquisition. He's got pace, although he admits he could add a few more goals to his game. I'm delighted to have him.
"He's had a nasty injury and won't be available for a considerable time, but he'll be sensational when he is."
Villa have also been linked with Leeds youngster Fabian Delph but O'Neill refused to comment on any of his targets.
Downing became Villa's first signing of the summer when he joined from Middlesbrough last week and O'Neill could not be happier to have landed the England international.
Villa paid Boro an initial £10million, with a further £2million due dependent on appearances, but O'Neill believes the 24-year-old will prove to be a bargain.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "£10m is a bargain. It's great value and he's a superb acquisition. He's got pace, although he admits he could add a few more goals to his game. I'm delighted to have him.
"He's had a nasty injury and won't be available for a considerable time, but he'll be sensational when he is."
Villa have also been linked with Leeds youngster Fabian Delph but O'Neill refused to comment on any of his targets.
Pennant relishing Real opportunity
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes his style of play may be more suited to Spain after completing his move to Real Zaragoza.
Pennant has joined the newly-promoted Primera Liga side on a free transfer after his deal with the Anfield outfit expired and the 26-year-old feels he may benefit from moving to a country where the pace of the game is not as frenetic as in the Premier League.
He told Sky Sports News: "I'm very excited, it's a new challenge. La Liga is a big league, there are a lot of big players out there now like (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Kaka.
"It'll be a lot slower, more technical, and I think that will suit me more than playing in England.
"The game is a lot slower, the game in England is quick, high-tempo, rough and the game in Spain is technical, so I'm looking forward to it."
Pennant, who has signed a three-year deal, hopes that he could even force his way into England coach Fabio Capello's plans if he can secure regular action in Spain.
He added: "If I can do that (establish myself) then it could even help my international career, maybe even get up that ladder.
"I think I'm the only English player out there, so if he (Capello) does come out to watch, it will only be for one reason.
"I just want to do the best I can. It's going to be hard, but all I can do is give it my best shot, show my potential and reward Zaragoza and myself."
Pennant has joined the newly-promoted Primera Liga side on a free transfer after his deal with the Anfield outfit expired and the 26-year-old feels he may benefit from moving to a country where the pace of the game is not as frenetic as in the Premier League.
He told Sky Sports News: "I'm very excited, it's a new challenge. La Liga is a big league, there are a lot of big players out there now like (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Kaka.
"It'll be a lot slower, more technical, and I think that will suit me more than playing in England.
"The game is a lot slower, the game in England is quick, high-tempo, rough and the game in Spain is technical, so I'm looking forward to it."
Pennant, who has signed a three-year deal, hopes that he could even force his way into England coach Fabio Capello's plans if he can secure regular action in Spain.
He added: "If I can do that (establish myself) then it could even help my international career, maybe even get up that ladder.
"I think I'm the only English player out there, so if he (Capello) does come out to watch, it will only be for one reason.
"I just want to do the best I can. It's going to be hard, but all I can do is give it my best shot, show my potential and reward Zaragoza and myself."
Carvalho in dark over Blues future
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho admits he does not know where his future lies and insists his priority remains getting back to full fitness.
Carvalho has been strongly linked with a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan, where former Chelsea and Porto boss Jose Mourinho currently manages.
However, Inter appear unwilling to match the Blues' asking price for a deal involving Carvalho and possibly playmaker Deco.
Carvalho, who is currently on Chelsea's pre-season tour of America, has conceded he has considered a move elsewhere.
He told Sky Sports News: "What I said before was that I have had four great seasons here and last season wasn't so good, so I wasn't happy and I don't think the club were happy because I didn't play.
"At that time I felt like maybe it was time to go. But now I have a contract and I have to be professional and get fit to help my team-mates.
"In the future you never know, but at this moment I am focused on getting fit."
Carvalho has been strongly linked with a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan, where former Chelsea and Porto boss Jose Mourinho currently manages.
However, Inter appear unwilling to match the Blues' asking price for a deal involving Carvalho and possibly playmaker Deco.
Carvalho, who is currently on Chelsea's pre-season tour of America, has conceded he has considered a move elsewhere.
He told Sky Sports News: "What I said before was that I have had four great seasons here and last season wasn't so good, so I wasn't happy and I don't think the club were happy because I didn't play.
"At that time I felt like maybe it was time to go. But now I have a contract and I have to be professional and get fit to help my team-mates.
"In the future you never know, but at this moment I am focused on getting fit."
Lyon reaches 5-year deal for Aly Cissokho
LYON, France (AP) - Lyon has signed French defender Aly Cissokho from FC Porto on a five-year contract for €15 million ($24.3 million).
The 21-year-old Cissokho has passed a medical test and will start training on Monday, the club said on its Web site.
Earlier this month, Lyon signed striker Lisandro Lopez from Porto for €24 million ($39 million), which could rise to €28 million ($46 million) with performance bonuses.
The seven-time French champion has also signed winger Michel Bastos from Lille.
Cissokho will likely be the first choice at left back in coach Claude Puel's team, meaning Italy's World Cup-winning defender Fabio Grosso could leave soon.
Cissokho impressed for Porto in its Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester United last season. Two seasons ago, Cissokho was playing in the French second division with Gueugnon. He had been set to join AC Milan recently, but the Italian club pulled out of the deal after a medical test showed that Cissokho apparently had a dental problem that could cause muscular injuries.
Lyon is rebuilding after selling striker Karim Benzema to Real Madrid for €35 million ($57.4 million) and letting midfielder Juninho join Qatar's Al Gharafa on a free transfer.
Lyon still hopes to sign Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, the French league's top scorer last season with 24 goals, or to buy back striker Loic Remy from Nice - a year after selling him.
The 21-year-old Cissokho has passed a medical test and will start training on Monday, the club said on its Web site.
Earlier this month, Lyon signed striker Lisandro Lopez from Porto for €24 million ($39 million), which could rise to €28 million ($46 million) with performance bonuses.
The seven-time French champion has also signed winger Michel Bastos from Lille.
Cissokho will likely be the first choice at left back in coach Claude Puel's team, meaning Italy's World Cup-winning defender Fabio Grosso could leave soon.
Cissokho impressed for Porto in its Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester United last season. Two seasons ago, Cissokho was playing in the French second division with Gueugnon. He had been set to join AC Milan recently, but the Italian club pulled out of the deal after a medical test showed that Cissokho apparently had a dental problem that could cause muscular injuries.
Lyon is rebuilding after selling striker Karim Benzema to Real Madrid for €35 million ($57.4 million) and letting midfielder Juninho join Qatar's Al Gharafa on a free transfer.
Lyon still hopes to sign Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, the French league's top scorer last season with 24 goals, or to buy back striker Loic Remy from Nice - a year after selling him.
City reject handed Latics chance
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed former Manchester City youngster Curtis Obeng is currently on trial at the Premier League side.
The 20-year-old full-back is without a club after he was released by City at the end of last season.
Obeng played 45 minutes of Thursday's 1-0 friendly defeat at Crewe, but Martinez has yet to make a decision on whether to offer him a Latics contract.
"Curtis has been on trial with us for a couple of days, and it was a very good opportunity to watch him in an 11 on 11 situation," he told the Wigan Evening Post.
"It was a good exercise for him, but it's too early to say whether he will come out to Austria with us.
"We'll have to have a chat and assess the situation and we'll see how it goes from there."
The 20-year-old full-back is without a club after he was released by City at the end of last season.
Obeng played 45 minutes of Thursday's 1-0 friendly defeat at Crewe, but Martinez has yet to make a decision on whether to offer him a Latics contract.
"Curtis has been on trial with us for a couple of days, and it was a very good opportunity to watch him in an 11 on 11 situation," he told the Wigan Evening Post.
"It was a good exercise for him, but it's too early to say whether he will come out to Austria with us.
"We'll have to have a chat and assess the situation and we'll see how it goes from there."
Faubert unsure of Hammers future
West Ham winger Julien Faubert insists he is pleased to be back at Upton Park, but admits he is unsure where his future lies.
The France international spent the second half of last season with Real Madrid, although his tenure proved less than successful.
Faubert has admitted he is now happy to be back in East London, however, he remains non-committal on his long-term future.
He said: "I'm happy to be back at West Ham. Madrid was a good experience, a big club and the training was very good like it is here.
"But I am happy to come back to West Ham. It is my third year and maybe I will stay, maybe I won't.
"I will try to do my best and we'll see what happens."
Faubert has admitted he is lacking a little bit on the fitness front, although he is ready to work to be ready for the start of the new season.
"I am ready to play but I am a little bit tired and we train another two times on Friday," he said.
"But pre-season is like this, we have to work and to push the level very high to get ready for the Premier League."
The France international spent the second half of last season with Real Madrid, although his tenure proved less than successful.
Faubert has admitted he is now happy to be back in East London, however, he remains non-committal on his long-term future.
He said: "I'm happy to be back at West Ham. Madrid was a good experience, a big club and the training was very good like it is here.
"But I am happy to come back to West Ham. It is my third year and maybe I will stay, maybe I won't.
"I will try to do my best and we'll see what happens."
Faubert has admitted he is lacking a little bit on the fitness front, although he is ready to work to be ready for the start of the new season.
"I am ready to play but I am a little bit tired and we train another two times on Friday," he said.
"But pre-season is like this, we have to work and to push the level very high to get ready for the Premier League."
Owen wants United improvement
Michael Owen has called on all his Manchester United team-mates to "step up to the plate" as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
Owen enjoyed the perfect start to life as United's new number seven by scoring a late winner as the Red Devils opened their Far East tour with a 3-2 win over a Malaysia XI.
Given his reputation, Owen will be one of the main men asked to replace the 67 goals Ronaldo scored in the two seasons prior to his world record £80million move to Real Madrid.
Owen is confident he can deliver. And he is hoping to help the rest of Sir Alex Ferguson's players give that little bit extra as well.
"Hopefully I might add something the team haven't got at the moment," he said.
"Nobody is going to replace Ronaldo, even though I wear his shirt, but if someone like Wayne (Rooney) could improve his game five per cent, that would help. I can add a little bit, there is Antonio Valencia.
"Everyone is going to have to step up to the plate a bit more to make up for him."
No-one, least of all Owen himself or manager Ferguson is going to get carried away by one 30 minute cameo.
Nevertheless, there were encouraging signs that Owen's trademark runs will be spotted by the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs just as the former Liverpool striker felt on the day he jumped at the chance of joining United.
"There are so many players on my wavelength - world-class players," he said.
"I would hope there is no-one similar to me in the way that I play. I can see Wayne Rooney or Paul Scholes as soon as they get the ball looking for one of my runs."
Ferguson spotted it too, although his words were of caution in the knowledge that it is against Birmingham on August 16 that Owen's contribution can start to be judged.
"It was a friendly game," he said.
"I am sure Michael will be delighted he got off the mark but I am looking ahead to the season.
"I know he will give us a good contribution of goals. That will be a more important time to appraise him."
However, Owen was able to empathise with fellow goalscorer Wayne Rooney about how good it feels to find the net again.
"It's always nice to get off the mark, not just when you join a new club but any time," he said.
"I was sat chatting to Wayne in the dressing room afterwards and he feels the same way."
As Owen replaced Rooney after an hour at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, the pair have not been on the pitch at the same time yet.
That situation might be rectified on Monday when United tackle the same opposition, in the same stadium, having been forced into a hasty tour revamp following the terrorist atrocity in Jakarta on Friday.
Ferguson has pledged to make changes, which Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher both hoping to have recovered from minor niggles that kept them out on Saturday.
United have confirmed Park Ji-sung will not be available as he will not join his team-mates until they land in Seoul on Wednesday evening after being given an extended summer break due to his international commitments with South Korea.
For Owen though, a first Manchester United start on Monday will offer another opportunity to impress, having only been highlighted in the centre of Ferguson's radar when Karim Benzema rejected Old Trafford in favour of a move to Real Madrid.
"In previous years it has been the little things that have gone against me, like clubs not being able to agree a fee, but this time it has gone in my favour," reflected Owen.
"You have bad and good luck in your career which people don't get to find out about it.
"I don't care whether I was first or 100th choice. I just want to do well for Manchester United."
Owen enjoyed the perfect start to life as United's new number seven by scoring a late winner as the Red Devils opened their Far East tour with a 3-2 win over a Malaysia XI.
Given his reputation, Owen will be one of the main men asked to replace the 67 goals Ronaldo scored in the two seasons prior to his world record £80million move to Real Madrid.
Owen is confident he can deliver. And he is hoping to help the rest of Sir Alex Ferguson's players give that little bit extra as well.
"Hopefully I might add something the team haven't got at the moment," he said.
"Nobody is going to replace Ronaldo, even though I wear his shirt, but if someone like Wayne (Rooney) could improve his game five per cent, that would help. I can add a little bit, there is Antonio Valencia.
"Everyone is going to have to step up to the plate a bit more to make up for him."
No-one, least of all Owen himself or manager Ferguson is going to get carried away by one 30 minute cameo.
Nevertheless, there were encouraging signs that Owen's trademark runs will be spotted by the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs just as the former Liverpool striker felt on the day he jumped at the chance of joining United.
"There are so many players on my wavelength - world-class players," he said.
"I would hope there is no-one similar to me in the way that I play. I can see Wayne Rooney or Paul Scholes as soon as they get the ball looking for one of my runs."
Ferguson spotted it too, although his words were of caution in the knowledge that it is against Birmingham on August 16 that Owen's contribution can start to be judged.
"It was a friendly game," he said.
"I am sure Michael will be delighted he got off the mark but I am looking ahead to the season.
"I know he will give us a good contribution of goals. That will be a more important time to appraise him."
However, Owen was able to empathise with fellow goalscorer Wayne Rooney about how good it feels to find the net again.
"It's always nice to get off the mark, not just when you join a new club but any time," he said.
"I was sat chatting to Wayne in the dressing room afterwards and he feels the same way."
As Owen replaced Rooney after an hour at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, the pair have not been on the pitch at the same time yet.
That situation might be rectified on Monday when United tackle the same opposition, in the same stadium, having been forced into a hasty tour revamp following the terrorist atrocity in Jakarta on Friday.
Ferguson has pledged to make changes, which Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher both hoping to have recovered from minor niggles that kept them out on Saturday.
United have confirmed Park Ji-sung will not be available as he will not join his team-mates until they land in Seoul on Wednesday evening after being given an extended summer break due to his international commitments with South Korea.
For Owen though, a first Manchester United start on Monday will offer another opportunity to impress, having only been highlighted in the centre of Ferguson's radar when Karim Benzema rejected Old Trafford in favour of a move to Real Madrid.
"In previous years it has been the little things that have gone against me, like clubs not being able to agree a fee, but this time it has gone in my favour," reflected Owen.
"You have bad and good luck in your career which people don't get to find out about it.
"I don't care whether I was first or 100th choice. I just want to do well for Manchester United."
Colombian midfielder Molina moves to South Korea
SAO PAULO (AP) - Colombian midfielder Mauricio Molina has reached a deal to move from Brazil's Santos to South Korean club Seongnam Ilhwa.
Molina is expected to travel to South Korea this week to finalize details on his transfer.
"The financial part played a role in my decision, I had to think of my family," Molina told local media.
Financial details were not released.
Molina said he had already rejected an offer from the South Korean club last year and decided to stay with Santos at the time.
"My heart is going to stay here," Molina said. "Santos has won another fan."
The 28-year-old Molina scored 17 goals in 78 matches with Santos since debuting with the two-time national champion in 2008.
Molina is expected to travel to South Korea this week to finalize details on his transfer.
"The financial part played a role in my decision, I had to think of my family," Molina told local media.
Financial details were not released.
Molina said he had already rejected an offer from the South Korean club last year and decided to stay with Santos at the time.
"My heart is going to stay here," Molina said. "Santos has won another fan."
The 28-year-old Molina scored 17 goals in 78 matches with Santos since debuting with the two-time national champion in 2008.
Santa Cruz welcomes Adebayor arrival
Manchester City forward Roque Santa Cruz has welcomed the arrival of fellow striker Emmanuel Adebayor at Eastlands this weekend.
The Togo international sealed his transfer from Arsenal to City on Saturday for a reported fee of £25million.
Adebayor follows attackers Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez in signing for ambitious club City this summer.
City boss Mark Hughes now boasts a wealth of attacking talent as he looks to break up the so-called 'big four' in the new season.
Santa Cruz is unfazed by Adebayor's arrival, insisting that the competition for places will only benefit the side.
He told Sky Sports News: "Everybody was very excited about what has been happening with him because it was in the media for a few days.
"He is a great player and he has shown great quality at Arsenal. The strength that he will give to City is very welcome.
"It is always a challenge (when another striker arrives), you know that you will need to fight for your place.
"It will make people work hard and ensure they give their best in every session and every game."
The Togo international sealed his transfer from Arsenal to City on Saturday for a reported fee of £25million.
Adebayor follows attackers Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez in signing for ambitious club City this summer.
City boss Mark Hughes now boasts a wealth of attacking talent as he looks to break up the so-called 'big four' in the new season.
Santa Cruz is unfazed by Adebayor's arrival, insisting that the competition for places will only benefit the side.
He told Sky Sports News: "Everybody was very excited about what has been happening with him because it was in the media for a few days.
"He is a great player and he has shown great quality at Arsenal. The strength that he will give to City is very welcome.
"It is always a challenge (when another striker arrives), you know that you will need to fight for your place.
"It will make people work hard and ensure they give their best in every session and every game."
United hope to return to Indonesia
Chief executive David Gill insists Manchester United would one day like to visit Indonesia after plans to play in Jakarta had to be scrapped.
United were due to spend three days from Monday in the capital, and take on an Indonesian Select outfit in front of thousands of adoring fans at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Instead, those same supporters have been expressing their anger at the terrorists responsible for the attacks that resulted in eight people, including two suicide bombers, being killed and over 50 injured.
Some will be able to make it to Malaysia on Monday when United will tackle a slightly different version of the side Michael Owen's late goal allowed them to record a 3-2 win against in Kuala Lumpur.
But the vast majority must wait for a visit by their favourites, which Gill hopes he can eventually provide.
"Without doubt we would one day like to repay the loyalty of the Indonesian fans," he said.
"We were looking forward to going there and if we can go back one day we would like to but we can't make a commitment because we only do these major tours every two years.
"But we will look at it very seriously."
One distraught fan claimed there were 28 million United fans in Indonesia. That may be a debatable point. Beyond question is that all 73,000 tickets for the game that should have taken place tomorrow were sold out three weeks ago.
In addition to the disappointed fans, United have sponsors who will miss out on the team's visit, chief among them the mobile company 3 Indonesia, which was due to sponsor the game.
"It is disappointing on every count," said Gill.
"We do have partners in Indonesia but they are not with us for one game.
"They are with us for the long term because they believe associating with Manchester United is beneficial to their business.
"I am sure we will work with them to address any issues they have.
"I think they will understand why we have made this decision and will stick with us."
It is anticipated barely 15,000 will take advantage of the cut-price ticket offer to watch United in Malaysia again, although such is the fervour supporters in the region reserve for their team, a bigger attendance cannot be ruled out.
The Red Devils would have attracted far more - and a guaranteed £1million - if they had taken up an offer to visit Australia.
However, the prospect of a nine-hour flight from Malaysia and then one of over 13 hours back to Seoul, where United are due to play on Friday, made it a non-starter.
"We looked at a number of possibilities, one was bringing the Indonesian side to Malaysia, and also an offer from Australia," said Gill.
"But realistically, none of it could have been arranged in time and the team wanted another game."
United were due to spend three days from Monday in the capital, and take on an Indonesian Select outfit in front of thousands of adoring fans at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Instead, those same supporters have been expressing their anger at the terrorists responsible for the attacks that resulted in eight people, including two suicide bombers, being killed and over 50 injured.
Some will be able to make it to Malaysia on Monday when United will tackle a slightly different version of the side Michael Owen's late goal allowed them to record a 3-2 win against in Kuala Lumpur.
But the vast majority must wait for a visit by their favourites, which Gill hopes he can eventually provide.
"Without doubt we would one day like to repay the loyalty of the Indonesian fans," he said.
"We were looking forward to going there and if we can go back one day we would like to but we can't make a commitment because we only do these major tours every two years.
"But we will look at it very seriously."
One distraught fan claimed there were 28 million United fans in Indonesia. That may be a debatable point. Beyond question is that all 73,000 tickets for the game that should have taken place tomorrow were sold out three weeks ago.
In addition to the disappointed fans, United have sponsors who will miss out on the team's visit, chief among them the mobile company 3 Indonesia, which was due to sponsor the game.
"It is disappointing on every count," said Gill.
"We do have partners in Indonesia but they are not with us for one game.
"They are with us for the long term because they believe associating with Manchester United is beneficial to their business.
"I am sure we will work with them to address any issues they have.
"I think they will understand why we have made this decision and will stick with us."
It is anticipated barely 15,000 will take advantage of the cut-price ticket offer to watch United in Malaysia again, although such is the fervour supporters in the region reserve for their team, a bigger attendance cannot be ruled out.
The Red Devils would have attracted far more - and a guaranteed £1million - if they had taken up an offer to visit Australia.
However, the prospect of a nine-hour flight from Malaysia and then one of over 13 hours back to Seoul, where United are due to play on Friday, made it a non-starter.
"We looked at a number of possibilities, one was bringing the Indonesian side to Malaysia, and also an offer from Australia," said Gill.
"But realistically, none of it could have been arranged in time and the team wanted another game."
Sounders boss open to Montero exit
Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid would not stand in Fredy Montero's way should the striker have the chance of playing in the Premier League.
Reports have suggested Fulham hold an interest in the 21-year-old, who is on loan at MLS club Seattle Sounders from Deportivo Cali.
Colombia international Montero is highly-rated and Schmid expects the forward to one day seal a big-money move to one of Europe's major leagues.
He said on Sky Sports News: "Fredy Montero is with us right now. There are no official enquires that we are aware of at this stage.
"He is a very important player to our team, he is the second leading goalscorer in our league right now.
"I think he has a bright future. I am sure one day that opportunity (of a move), whether that is sooner or later, will come along.
"I think anytime a player gets the opportunity to play at a higher level and to move on, myself and the club are never going to stand in their way."
Meanwhile, reports suggest Fulham are poised to complete the signing of Norway international Bjorn Helge Riise from Lillestrom.
Reports have suggested Fulham hold an interest in the 21-year-old, who is on loan at MLS club Seattle Sounders from Deportivo Cali.
Colombia international Montero is highly-rated and Schmid expects the forward to one day seal a big-money move to one of Europe's major leagues.
He said on Sky Sports News: "Fredy Montero is with us right now. There are no official enquires that we are aware of at this stage.
"He is a very important player to our team, he is the second leading goalscorer in our league right now.
"I think he has a bright future. I am sure one day that opportunity (of a move), whether that is sooner or later, will come along.
"I think anytime a player gets the opportunity to play at a higher level and to move on, myself and the club are never going to stand in their way."
Meanwhile, reports suggest Fulham are poised to complete the signing of Norway international Bjorn Helge Riise from Lillestrom.
Swiss captain Frei completes move to FC Basel
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) - Switzerland captain Alexander Frei has completed his transfer to FC Basel, the club said on its official Web site Sunday.
The 30-year-old striker signed a three-year contract after Basel reportedly paid German club Borussia Dortmund €4.25 million ($6 million) to bring back a player who spent three years at St. Jakob Park as a teenager.
Frei is Switzerland's record national team scorer with 39 goals in 67 international matches.
He spent three seasons with Dortmund and previously played for French club Rennes.
The 30-year-old striker signed a three-year contract after Basel reportedly paid German club Borussia Dortmund €4.25 million ($6 million) to bring back a player who spent three years at St. Jakob Park as a teenager.
Frei is Switzerland's record national team scorer with 39 goals in 67 international matches.
He spent three seasons with Dortmund and previously played for French club Rennes.
Hughes still keen on Terry capture
The Premier League have received no complaint over Manchester City's pursuit of John Terry - but Mark Hughes still wants the Chelsea skipper
With Emmanuel Adebayor joining a summer influx of talent to Eastlands which already includes Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry, City boss Hughes must now focus on his defence.
Terry, the Chelsea skipper, has been identified as his number one target and an offer of around £30million was recently turned down.
"It's well documented that we put in a bid and that was rejected," Hughes told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
"He's a player I know, I played alongside him at Chelsea and I admire him as a person and captain from afar.
"He's obviously the type and calibre of player we need if we are going to progress and compete at the top level.
"Chelsea have come out very strongly, in no uncertain terms, saying that he's not available, so we have to reflect that position because John is very much a Chelsea player.
"But we need to address the defensive strength of our side and we'll look at all options."
Hughes' latest public outpouring of admiration for Terry is unlikely to go down well at Stamford Bridge, with reports this morning suggesting the Londoners were ready to lodge an official complaint with the Premier League for alleged 'tapping up'.
Under Section K of the Premier League Handbook, club officials are not permitted to express interest in a player unless they have been given written consent by their current employers to open negotiations.
If that has not been forthcoming, the player's current club could claim an indirect - and illegal - approach.
If Chelsea choose to go down that route, however, they would need to submit an official complaint, supported by a dossier of evidence, to the Premier League, and they have not yet taken that course of action.
For his part, Hughes - who also confirmed his interest in Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott - claimed City would back off if Chelsea continue to rebuff their approaches.
"If we come to a point where we feel there's no chance of a transfer progressing then we move away from that," he said.
"We have other options and there may come a point where we concede - but I don't think we're at that point as yet."
A spokesman for the Premier League said that no official complaint from Chelsea had been made.
Hughes also revealed that plans to fly Micah Richards out to South Africa to join City's pre-season tour had been scrapped, with the defender instead remaining in Manchester to continue his recovery from swine flu.
With Emmanuel Adebayor joining a summer influx of talent to Eastlands which already includes Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry, City boss Hughes must now focus on his defence.
Terry, the Chelsea skipper, has been identified as his number one target and an offer of around £30million was recently turned down.
"It's well documented that we put in a bid and that was rejected," Hughes told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
"He's a player I know, I played alongside him at Chelsea and I admire him as a person and captain from afar.
"He's obviously the type and calibre of player we need if we are going to progress and compete at the top level.
"Chelsea have come out very strongly, in no uncertain terms, saying that he's not available, so we have to reflect that position because John is very much a Chelsea player.
"But we need to address the defensive strength of our side and we'll look at all options."
Hughes' latest public outpouring of admiration for Terry is unlikely to go down well at Stamford Bridge, with reports this morning suggesting the Londoners were ready to lodge an official complaint with the Premier League for alleged 'tapping up'.
Under Section K of the Premier League Handbook, club officials are not permitted to express interest in a player unless they have been given written consent by their current employers to open negotiations.
If that has not been forthcoming, the player's current club could claim an indirect - and illegal - approach.
If Chelsea choose to go down that route, however, they would need to submit an official complaint, supported by a dossier of evidence, to the Premier League, and they have not yet taken that course of action.
For his part, Hughes - who also confirmed his interest in Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott - claimed City would back off if Chelsea continue to rebuff their approaches.
"If we come to a point where we feel there's no chance of a transfer progressing then we move away from that," he said.
"We have other options and there may come a point where we concede - but I don't think we're at that point as yet."
A spokesman for the Premier League said that no official complaint from Chelsea had been made.
Hughes also revealed that plans to fly Micah Richards out to South Africa to join City's pre-season tour had been scrapped, with the defender instead remaining in Manchester to continue his recovery from swine flu.
Bruce blasts big boys overs bosses
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes British managers are not being given the opportunities they deserve in the Premier League.
Bruce claims that many clubs, particularly those established in the upper reaches of the table, are overlooking home-grown talent and favouring foreign appointments.
And he feels that emerging managers may be discouraged from continuing on their chosen career path if they feel the route to the very summit is blocked.
The former Manchester United defender has even suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson - who joined the Red Devils from Aberdeen over 20 years ago - would now not be considered for the Old Trafford post.
Bruce told the Sunday Mirror: "Most English managers must now bring a team into the Premier League to get a crack at the top flight.
"If their way is continuously blocked - the big clubs we're talking about - then what's the point? What's the point of going into it if all you can be is in the lower divisions.
"In that respect, it's changed from 20 years ago. The big one obviously is Fergie. Would he have got the United job from Aberdeen? I don't think so.
"I hope the British ones are given a chance, people like David Moyes. Harry Redknapp defied the trend by getting the Spurs job.
"I'm hoping that Sunderland's decision to appoint me keeps us going in that direction."
Bruce claims that many clubs, particularly those established in the upper reaches of the table, are overlooking home-grown talent and favouring foreign appointments.
And he feels that emerging managers may be discouraged from continuing on their chosen career path if they feel the route to the very summit is blocked.
The former Manchester United defender has even suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson - who joined the Red Devils from Aberdeen over 20 years ago - would now not be considered for the Old Trafford post.
Bruce told the Sunday Mirror: "Most English managers must now bring a team into the Premier League to get a crack at the top flight.
"If their way is continuously blocked - the big clubs we're talking about - then what's the point? What's the point of going into it if all you can be is in the lower divisions.
"In that respect, it's changed from 20 years ago. The big one obviously is Fergie. Would he have got the United job from Aberdeen? I don't think so.
"I hope the British ones are given a chance, people like David Moyes. Harry Redknapp defied the trend by getting the Spurs job.
"I'm hoping that Sunderland's decision to appoint me keeps us going in that direction."
Becks: Carlo can guide Blues to title
David Beckham believes new Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti can bring the Premier League trophy back to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have not claimed glory in England's top flight since they were back-to-back champions under former manager Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006.
Ancelotti is the club's latest boss, following Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink's departures, having left AC Milan for the role.
England international Beckham worked under Ancelotti during a loan spell at the San Siro last season and is sure the Italian will be a success in the Premier League.
"Chelsea are so lucky because Carlo is a great man and a great manager," the former Manchester United player told the News of the World.
"He can definitely make Chelsea champions again. No doubt about it. And I say that even though everybody knows I have Manchester United in my heart.
"Yes, it will be difficult because the Premier League is totally different to the Serie A but he has great experience and I am convinced he will be a great success in England, too.
"You don't do what he did at Milan and suddenly lose it overnight. So I say good luck to him, he deserves it."
He added: "The players can expect to work with the ultimate professional. He works so hard and is so organised and dedicated.
"Carlo will be the first on the training pitch and the last off it because he just loves working with the players himself.
"That's his passion. You won't find him sitting in his office leaving it to someone else. He is very hands on.
"That's how he was at Milan and I'm sure that's how he will be at Chelsea, leading by example, leading the team.
"But while he is serious about his work and his football, he is also a lot of fun to work with. He is very relaxed, very down-to- earth and likes a joke. He is very approachable."
The Blues have not claimed glory in England's top flight since they were back-to-back champions under former manager Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006.
Ancelotti is the club's latest boss, following Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink's departures, having left AC Milan for the role.
England international Beckham worked under Ancelotti during a loan spell at the San Siro last season and is sure the Italian will be a success in the Premier League.
"Chelsea are so lucky because Carlo is a great man and a great manager," the former Manchester United player told the News of the World.
"He can definitely make Chelsea champions again. No doubt about it. And I say that even though everybody knows I have Manchester United in my heart.
"Yes, it will be difficult because the Premier League is totally different to the Serie A but he has great experience and I am convinced he will be a great success in England, too.
"You don't do what he did at Milan and suddenly lose it overnight. So I say good luck to him, he deserves it."
He added: "The players can expect to work with the ultimate professional. He works so hard and is so organised and dedicated.
"Carlo will be the first on the training pitch and the last off it because he just loves working with the players himself.
"That's his passion. You won't find him sitting in his office leaving it to someone else. He is very hands on.
"That's how he was at Milan and I'm sure that's how he will be at Chelsea, leading by example, leading the team.
"But while he is serious about his work and his football, he is also a lot of fun to work with. He is very relaxed, very down-to- earth and likes a joke. He is very approachable."
Robinho: City could be unbeatable
Robinho has backed Manchester City's pursuit of Chelsea captain John Terry, and feels Mark Hughes' side could be "unbeatable" next year.
Having landed Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor already this summer, City boss Mark Hughes is keen to bolster his defence.
England international Terry is a long-term target but Chelsea have made it clear that they have no intention of letting the centre-back leave.
Brazilian star Robinho, who joined City from Real Madrid for £2.5million, recognises the need for defensive reinforcements and feels Terry could make the club 'unbeatable'.
He said in the Sunday Mirror: "There is no longer a top four.
"We have made it a top five. From this season we have to go in with the mindset we're one of the very best clubs.
"I'm delighted we've signed Tevez. He is a world-class player and it would be fantastic for me to play alongside him.
"It was a shame the Samuel Eto'o deal couldn't happen for whatever reason, because he is another world-class player and the sort this club is looking to sign at the moment. But we have already signed Santa Cruz and now there is the possibility of Adebayor as well.
"While I've always urged the club to sign players like Tevez and Kaka when there has been a chance, I also know you have to build from the back.
"You can have the best attacking six players in the world, but unless the defence compliments it then you will not win anything.
"I don't know anything about the John Terry deal apart from what I have read, but he is the sort of world-class leader we need at the back.
"I have said before when you build a house you start from the bottom.
"If John does not happen then there are plenty of quality defenders in Europe.
"If the players we have signed and the players we may sign all work well together then on our day we can become unbeatable - and not just in England, but in Europe as well."
He added: "We will be looking to win all the competitions we are in and that means having a squad of world class players.
"All the top clubs have players competing for places, and we now have to look at ourselves as a top club.
"People will need to start taking us very seriously."
Having landed Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor already this summer, City boss Mark Hughes is keen to bolster his defence.
England international Terry is a long-term target but Chelsea have made it clear that they have no intention of letting the centre-back leave.
Brazilian star Robinho, who joined City from Real Madrid for £2.5million, recognises the need for defensive reinforcements and feels Terry could make the club 'unbeatable'.
He said in the Sunday Mirror: "There is no longer a top four.
"We have made it a top five. From this season we have to go in with the mindset we're one of the very best clubs.
"I'm delighted we've signed Tevez. He is a world-class player and it would be fantastic for me to play alongside him.
"It was a shame the Samuel Eto'o deal couldn't happen for whatever reason, because he is another world-class player and the sort this club is looking to sign at the moment. But we have already signed Santa Cruz and now there is the possibility of Adebayor as well.
"While I've always urged the club to sign players like Tevez and Kaka when there has been a chance, I also know you have to build from the back.
"You can have the best attacking six players in the world, but unless the defence compliments it then you will not win anything.
"I don't know anything about the John Terry deal apart from what I have read, but he is the sort of world-class leader we need at the back.
"I have said before when you build a house you start from the bottom.
"If John does not happen then there are plenty of quality defenders in Europe.
"If the players we have signed and the players we may sign all work well together then on our day we can become unbeatable - and not just in England, but in Europe as well."
He added: "We will be looking to win all the competitions we are in and that means having a squad of world class players.
"All the top clubs have players competing for places, and we now have to look at ourselves as a top club.
"People will need to start taking us very seriously."
Adebayor: City always first choice
Emmanuel Adebayor insists Manchester City was always his first-choice destination after his move from Arsenal was finalised on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Togo striker passed his medical and has joined the Blues on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
He had been linked with moves to AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea over the past 12 months but maintains that free-spending City were top of his list.
"Of course, yeah - that's why I'm here," he said.
"I'm happy being here. I had a good discussion with the coach. I had a good discussion with the chairman of Man City. What they have told me is about the future."
Asked what the manager and chairman had said to convince him it was the right move, Adebayor replied: "That this is a team, maybe in one year or two years, that will be one of the best in the world."
Several hundred City fans were at the stadium on Saturday to welcome Adebayor, who hopes to help the ambitious club move forward.
"We have to fight for the club, we have to fight for the team," he said.
"As you can see, the fans believe in us that we can bring them something. That's what we're going to fight for now."
Adebayor claims he left the Emirates with coach Arsene Wenger's blessing after three and a half years in north London.
"It (leaving Arsenal) was a little bit difficult but at the end of the day it's a game," he added on Sky Sports News.
"They will have made money as well. I had a good discussion with Arsene. I have all his blessing to leave the club so I'm very happy.
"I went through a lot of good moments in Arsenal and a lot of difficult moments as well. I'm very happy to be a player who played for Arsenal.
"I wish them the best of luck. No matter what happens they will always be in my heart because I love the club."
The striker - who, as at Arsenal, will wear the number 25 shirt - becomes the latest big-money addition to Mark Hughes' squad this summer following the captures of Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.
"I had a good discussion with the coach, Mark Hughes, and he told me that here he wants to be in the top four," said Adebayor.
"We would love to be in the top four. We know it's not going to be easy at all. But we are going to fight for it. I think the players are here for that.
"Gareth Barry signed to achieve things, same as Carlos Tevez, same as Santa Cruz, same as myself."
Of the welcome he received at the City of Manchester Stadium, Adebayor earlier told the club's official website: "It made me feel really welcome and special and I can't wait to play for City's fans and show them what I can do.
"I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters.
"It is what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started."
The 25-year-old Togo striker passed his medical and has joined the Blues on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
He had been linked with moves to AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea over the past 12 months but maintains that free-spending City were top of his list.
"Of course, yeah - that's why I'm here," he said.
"I'm happy being here. I had a good discussion with the coach. I had a good discussion with the chairman of Man City. What they have told me is about the future."
Asked what the manager and chairman had said to convince him it was the right move, Adebayor replied: "That this is a team, maybe in one year or two years, that will be one of the best in the world."
Several hundred City fans were at the stadium on Saturday to welcome Adebayor, who hopes to help the ambitious club move forward.
"We have to fight for the club, we have to fight for the team," he said.
"As you can see, the fans believe in us that we can bring them something. That's what we're going to fight for now."
Adebayor claims he left the Emirates with coach Arsene Wenger's blessing after three and a half years in north London.
"It (leaving Arsenal) was a little bit difficult but at the end of the day it's a game," he added on Sky Sports News.
"They will have made money as well. I had a good discussion with Arsene. I have all his blessing to leave the club so I'm very happy.
"I went through a lot of good moments in Arsenal and a lot of difficult moments as well. I'm very happy to be a player who played for Arsenal.
"I wish them the best of luck. No matter what happens they will always be in my heart because I love the club."
The striker - who, as at Arsenal, will wear the number 25 shirt - becomes the latest big-money addition to Mark Hughes' squad this summer following the captures of Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.
"I had a good discussion with the coach, Mark Hughes, and he told me that here he wants to be in the top four," said Adebayor.
"We would love to be in the top four. We know it's not going to be easy at all. But we are going to fight for it. I think the players are here for that.
"Gareth Barry signed to achieve things, same as Carlos Tevez, same as Santa Cruz, same as myself."
Of the welcome he received at the City of Manchester Stadium, Adebayor earlier told the club's official website: "It made me feel really welcome and special and I can't wait to play for City's fans and show them what I can do.
"I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters.
"It is what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started."
Ancelotti praises 'great man' Terry
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed captain John Terry as the "symbol" of his team after the Blues' 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.
Chelsea started their tour of the United States with a competitive friendly over Major League Soccer's newest team in front of 65,289 fans at Qwest Field and ahead of next week's pre-season tournament against AC Milan, Inter Milan and Club America.
England captain Terry, the subject of intense transfer speculation following a bid from Manchester City, retained the skipper's armband as Ancelotti sent out his first side since taking over from Guus Hiddink at the end of last season.
First-half goals from teenage debutant Daniel Sturridge and Frank Lampard were enough to see off a Seattle side led by Freddie Ljungberg in their inaugural MLS season.
Continuing the London club's bid to persuade Terry to reject City's advances and stay at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti said: "John Terry is a great man, a quiet man and he is a symbol of this team.
"There is no pressure on him to play. He is a very, very good man."
Having used 21 of the 27 players that made the trip across the Atlantic, the former AC Milan coach declared himself satisfied with his squad's efforts in their opening pre-season fixture.
"I learned that on one hand we have a very good team that works very well," Ancelotti said. "Sometimes we can make a mistake but not all the time. The players were concentrated.
"I like this because normally in the first game we can't make a mistake, it is important to work hard and want to improve. We want to improve and we will improve for the next game. For the first game I am happy."
Goalscorer Lampard praised the level of opposition provided by Seattle, who caused the Chelsea defence numerous problems throughout the game.
"The game was pretty even really, except for the two goals we scored, which might be the slight difference in quality from the Premier League to here," Lampard said.
"Seattle tried to play good football and created some good chances. They were unlucky not to score."
Chelsea started their tour of the United States with a competitive friendly over Major League Soccer's newest team in front of 65,289 fans at Qwest Field and ahead of next week's pre-season tournament against AC Milan, Inter Milan and Club America.
England captain Terry, the subject of intense transfer speculation following a bid from Manchester City, retained the skipper's armband as Ancelotti sent out his first side since taking over from Guus Hiddink at the end of last season.
First-half goals from teenage debutant Daniel Sturridge and Frank Lampard were enough to see off a Seattle side led by Freddie Ljungberg in their inaugural MLS season.
Continuing the London club's bid to persuade Terry to reject City's advances and stay at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti said: "John Terry is a great man, a quiet man and he is a symbol of this team.
"There is no pressure on him to play. He is a very, very good man."
Having used 21 of the 27 players that made the trip across the Atlantic, the former AC Milan coach declared himself satisfied with his squad's efforts in their opening pre-season fixture.
"I learned that on one hand we have a very good team that works very well," Ancelotti said. "Sometimes we can make a mistake but not all the time. The players were concentrated.
"I like this because normally in the first game we can't make a mistake, it is important to work hard and want to improve. We want to improve and we will improve for the next game. For the first game I am happy."
Goalscorer Lampard praised the level of opposition provided by Seattle, who caused the Chelsea defence numerous problems throughout the game.
"The game was pretty even really, except for the two goals we scored, which might be the slight difference in quality from the Premier League to here," Lampard said.
"Seattle tried to play good football and created some good chances. They were unlucky not to score."
Major League Soccer Roundup, Jul. 18
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Jason Garey a goal in each half to lead the Columbus Crew to a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
Steven Lenhart also scored for Columbus, which has won 12 matches and drawn six of its last 18 home games.
Raphael Cox scored his first goal for Real Salt Lake.
In other matches, the Chicago Fire downed the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0, D.C. United beat the Colorado Rapids 3-1 and the Houston Dynamo drew 1-1 with Toronto FC.
Mexico's Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored one goal and set up another at Bridgeview, Illinois to help the first-place Fire beat San Jose.
Blanco set up the winning goal in the 82nd minute when he intercepted a pass from defender Brandon McDonald and found forward Patrick Nyarko alone in the center of the box. He sealed the win seconds before fulltime.
At Washington, Bryan Namoff redeemed himself after conceding an own goal by scoring in the 56th minute to help D.C. United. past Colorado.
Namoff's header off a Christian Gomez corner beat Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
In the 14th minute, Namoff kicked the ball into his own goal to put Colorado up 1-0. Namoff was trying to keep the ball away from Conor Casey but inadvertently put it past Josh Wicks.
Bobby Boswell scored the tying goal in the 75th minute for Houston at Toronto.
Toronto took the lead in the 38th minute when Dwayne DeRosario collected a Marvell Wynne pass and beat Houston Goalkeeper Pat Onstad.
Boswell gathered a pass from midfielder Geoff Cameron, but was foiled on his first attempt by Toronto keeper Stefan Frei. The ball came loose and Boswell then buried a shot for his third goal of the season.
Steven Lenhart also scored for Columbus, which has won 12 matches and drawn six of its last 18 home games.
Raphael Cox scored his first goal for Real Salt Lake.
In other matches, the Chicago Fire downed the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0, D.C. United beat the Colorado Rapids 3-1 and the Houston Dynamo drew 1-1 with Toronto FC.
Mexico's Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored one goal and set up another at Bridgeview, Illinois to help the first-place Fire beat San Jose.
Blanco set up the winning goal in the 82nd minute when he intercepted a pass from defender Brandon McDonald and found forward Patrick Nyarko alone in the center of the box. He sealed the win seconds before fulltime.
At Washington, Bryan Namoff redeemed himself after conceding an own goal by scoring in the 56th minute to help D.C. United. past Colorado.
Namoff's header off a Christian Gomez corner beat Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
In the 14th minute, Namoff kicked the ball into his own goal to put Colorado up 1-0. Namoff was trying to keep the ball away from Conor Casey but inadvertently put it past Josh Wicks.
Bobby Boswell scored the tying goal in the 75th minute for Houston at Toronto.
Toronto took the lead in the 38th minute when Dwayne DeRosario collected a Marvell Wynne pass and beat Houston Goalkeeper Pat Onstad.
Boswell gathered a pass from midfielder Geoff Cameron, but was foiled on his first attempt by Toronto keeper Stefan Frei. The ball came loose and Boswell then buried a shot for his third goal of the season.
Chicago Fire 2-0 San Jose Earthquakes
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) - Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored a goal and added an assist to help the first-place Chicago Fire snap their franchise-record six-game home winless streak Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.
Blanco set up the winning goal in the 82nd minute when he intercepted a pass from defender Brandon McDonald and found forward Patrick Nyarko alone in the center of the box.
Nyarko, who scored his third goal of the season, was starting in place of forward Brian McBride, who is sidelined for at least three months after undergoing shoulder surgery Friday.
Chicago, which had gone 0-4-2 in its last six home games, also ended a club-record 406-minute scoreless streak there.
Blanco, who entered the game as a substitute in the 60th minute, followed up Nyarko's goal with one of his own eight minutes later. The Mexican playmaker collected a pass from defender Wilman Conde at the top of the box and chipped a shot over Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon.
The Fire (7-3-7), who had 10 shots, lead the Eastern Conference by one point over Columbus and D.C. United.
San Jose, last in the West, had its franchise-record road winless streak extended to 18 matches (0-11-7) dating back to a 2-0 win at Columbus on June 7, 2008.
Blanco set up the winning goal in the 82nd minute when he intercepted a pass from defender Brandon McDonald and found forward Patrick Nyarko alone in the center of the box.
Nyarko, who scored his third goal of the season, was starting in place of forward Brian McBride, who is sidelined for at least three months after undergoing shoulder surgery Friday.
Chicago, which had gone 0-4-2 in its last six home games, also ended a club-record 406-minute scoreless streak there.
Blanco, who entered the game as a substitute in the 60th minute, followed up Nyarko's goal with one of his own eight minutes later. The Mexican playmaker collected a pass from defender Wilman Conde at the top of the box and chipped a shot over Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon.
The Fire (7-3-7), who had 10 shots, lead the Eastern Conference by one point over Columbus and D.C. United.
San Jose, last in the West, had its franchise-record road winless streak extended to 18 matches (0-11-7) dating back to a 2-0 win at Columbus on June 7, 2008.
U.S. beats Panama 2-1 in extra time to advance
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Worn down and undermanned, the United States found a way to rally.
Now the Americans remain in position to win their third straight CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Kenny Cooper converted a penalty kick in the 105th minute, giving the two-time defending champions a 2-1 victory over Panama and a semifinal berth against Honduras, which beat Canada 1-0 in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader.
With just one regular in the starting lineup and down a goal early, U.S. coach Bob Bradley told his team at the first break it was time to get going and play like defending champions.
"Bob told us, 'All right, we're in a tough one,"' midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "He told everybody to step up and play better, and we'll get our chances."
They made the most of them the rest of the way.
"It was ideal to finish it off in regulation, but it took 30 extra minutes and that still says something about this group," Bradley said.
Blas Perez put Panama ahead in first-half stoppage time, but Beckerman tied the score in the 49th.
In Sunday's quarterfinal doubleheader, Guadeloupe meets Costa Rica and Mexico faces Haiti in the first sporting event at the Dallas Cowboys new stadium at Arlington, Texas. The semifinals are Thursday in Chicago.
"It's going to be another tough one," Beckerman said. "This definitely took a lot out of us."
Cooper was kicked in the gut by Panama's Roman Torres as they went for the ball, and the penalty was awarded by Mexican referee Benito Archundia, who also worked Italy's victory over Germany in the 2006 World Cup semifinal. Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo correctly dived to his right, but Cooper's low kick went in off the post.
Panama's Felipe Baloy received a his second yellow card, and a red, for arguing with Archundia following the final whistle.
The Americans, who beat Honduras 2-0 in the first round, have not lost at home to an opponent from the North and Central American and Caribbean region since a 3-2 defeat to the Catrachos in a World Cup qualifier at Washington, D.C., in 2001. The U.S. won this tournament in 1991, 2002, 2005 and 2007, and the Americans haven't failed to reach the semifinals since 2000, when they were defeated by Colombia on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals
Forward Brian Ching was the only regular on the field, with the others dispersed to their clubs or on vacation ahead of the European season.
Jimmy Conrad, U.S. captain for the game, left the field in the 44th minute after he was hit in the face, which drew blood. Conrad has a concussion and his status for Thursday's game was not immediately known.
The United States was already short-handed because four of the 23 players on the original roster returned to their European clubs: forwards Charlie Davies (Sochaux) and Freddy Adu (Benfica), and defenders Steve Cherundolo (Hannover) and Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaellands). Midfielder Benny Feilhaber also went back to Aarhus after playing for the U.S. in the first round.
Panama, which lost to the U.S. on penalty kicks in the 2005 Gold Cup final, went ahead when Perez scored about 45 seconds into stoppage time. He beat goalkeeper Troy Perkins with an acrobatic right-footed kick for his third goal of the tournament.
Beckerman tied the score after Davy Arnaud cut back a cross for him.
"I let the swing and fortunately it went in," Beckerman said.
NOTES: The Americans practiced this week across the street at the Philadelphia Eagles facility, where they chatted with Brian Westbrook and David Akers. ... A crowd announced 31,087 attended the doubleheader, with about 75 percent of the lower bowl full at Lincoln Financial Field and maybe 2,000 fans were scattered around the second level. The U.S. is bidding to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, with FIFA due to make a decision in December 2010, and Philadelphia hopes to be selected as a site. ... This was the U.S. men's national team's first match in Philadelphia since a 4-0 loss to Israel on Sept. 25, 1968.
---------------------------------------
Panama-United States Summary
At Philadelphia
Panama 1 0 0-1
United States 0 1 1-2
First half-1, Panama, Perez 3, 45th minute.
Second half-2, United States, Beckerman 1 (Holden), 49th minute.
Overtime-3, United States, Cooper 1, penalty kick, 105th minute.
Yellow Cards-Conrad, US, 11th; Perez, Pan, 25th; Baloy, Pan, 64th; Torres, 104th, Baloy, Pan, 120th. Red Card-Baloy, Pan, 120th.
Referee-Benito Archundia, Mexico. Linesmen-Hector Delgadillo, Mexico; Luis Camargo, Mexico.
A-31,087.
Lineups
Panama-Jaime Penedo; Luis Moreno, Roman Torres, Felipe Baloy, Armando Gun (Luis Tejada, 106th) ; Gabriel Gomez, Manuel Torres, Rolando Escobar (Ricardo Phillips, 78th), Nelson Barahona (Victor Herrera, 96th); Jose Luis Garces, Blas Perez
United States-Troy Perkins; Jay Heaps, Chad Marshall, Jimmy Conrad (Clarence Goodson, 45th), Heath Pearce; Stuart Holden, Logan Pause, Kyle Beckerman, Robbie Rogers (Brad Evans, 110th); Brian Ching, Davy Arnaud (Kenny Cooper, 77th)
Now the Americans remain in position to win their third straight CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Kenny Cooper converted a penalty kick in the 105th minute, giving the two-time defending champions a 2-1 victory over Panama and a semifinal berth against Honduras, which beat Canada 1-0 in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader.
With just one regular in the starting lineup and down a goal early, U.S. coach Bob Bradley told his team at the first break it was time to get going and play like defending champions.
"Bob told us, 'All right, we're in a tough one,"' midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "He told everybody to step up and play better, and we'll get our chances."
They made the most of them the rest of the way.
"It was ideal to finish it off in regulation, but it took 30 extra minutes and that still says something about this group," Bradley said.
Blas Perez put Panama ahead in first-half stoppage time, but Beckerman tied the score in the 49th.
In Sunday's quarterfinal doubleheader, Guadeloupe meets Costa Rica and Mexico faces Haiti in the first sporting event at the Dallas Cowboys new stadium at Arlington, Texas. The semifinals are Thursday in Chicago.
"It's going to be another tough one," Beckerman said. "This definitely took a lot out of us."
Cooper was kicked in the gut by Panama's Roman Torres as they went for the ball, and the penalty was awarded by Mexican referee Benito Archundia, who also worked Italy's victory over Germany in the 2006 World Cup semifinal. Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo correctly dived to his right, but Cooper's low kick went in off the post.
Panama's Felipe Baloy received a his second yellow card, and a red, for arguing with Archundia following the final whistle.
The Americans, who beat Honduras 2-0 in the first round, have not lost at home to an opponent from the North and Central American and Caribbean region since a 3-2 defeat to the Catrachos in a World Cup qualifier at Washington, D.C., in 2001. The U.S. won this tournament in 1991, 2002, 2005 and 2007, and the Americans haven't failed to reach the semifinals since 2000, when they were defeated by Colombia on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals
Forward Brian Ching was the only regular on the field, with the others dispersed to their clubs or on vacation ahead of the European season.
Jimmy Conrad, U.S. captain for the game, left the field in the 44th minute after he was hit in the face, which drew blood. Conrad has a concussion and his status for Thursday's game was not immediately known.
The United States was already short-handed because four of the 23 players on the original roster returned to their European clubs: forwards Charlie Davies (Sochaux) and Freddy Adu (Benfica), and defenders Steve Cherundolo (Hannover) and Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaellands). Midfielder Benny Feilhaber also went back to Aarhus after playing for the U.S. in the first round.
Panama, which lost to the U.S. on penalty kicks in the 2005 Gold Cup final, went ahead when Perez scored about 45 seconds into stoppage time. He beat goalkeeper Troy Perkins with an acrobatic right-footed kick for his third goal of the tournament.
Beckerman tied the score after Davy Arnaud cut back a cross for him.
"I let the swing and fortunately it went in," Beckerman said.
NOTES: The Americans practiced this week across the street at the Philadelphia Eagles facility, where they chatted with Brian Westbrook and David Akers. ... A crowd announced 31,087 attended the doubleheader, with about 75 percent of the lower bowl full at Lincoln Financial Field and maybe 2,000 fans were scattered around the second level. The U.S. is bidding to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, with FIFA due to make a decision in December 2010, and Philadelphia hopes to be selected as a site. ... This was the U.S. men's national team's first match in Philadelphia since a 4-0 loss to Israel on Sept. 25, 1968.
---------------------------------------
Panama-United States Summary
At Philadelphia
Panama 1 0 0-1
United States 0 1 1-2
First half-1, Panama, Perez 3, 45th minute.
Second half-2, United States, Beckerman 1 (Holden), 49th minute.
Overtime-3, United States, Cooper 1, penalty kick, 105th minute.
Yellow Cards-Conrad, US, 11th; Perez, Pan, 25th; Baloy, Pan, 64th; Torres, 104th, Baloy, Pan, 120th. Red Card-Baloy, Pan, 120th.
Referee-Benito Archundia, Mexico. Linesmen-Hector Delgadillo, Mexico; Luis Camargo, Mexico.
A-31,087.
Lineups
Panama-Jaime Penedo; Luis Moreno, Roman Torres, Felipe Baloy, Armando Gun (Luis Tejada, 106th) ; Gabriel Gomez, Manuel Torres, Rolando Escobar (Ricardo Phillips, 78th), Nelson Barahona (Victor Herrera, 96th); Jose Luis Garces, Blas Perez
United States-Troy Perkins; Jay Heaps, Chad Marshall, Jimmy Conrad (Clarence Goodson, 45th), Heath Pearce; Stuart Holden, Logan Pause, Kyle Beckerman, Robbie Rogers (Brad Evans, 110th); Brian Ching, Davy Arnaud (Kenny Cooper, 77th)
Columbus Crew 3-1 Real Salt Lake
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - While matching a league record is quite an accomplishment, Columbus Crew coach Robert Warzycha doesn't want his team to be consumed by it either.
The Crew extended their home unbeaten streak to an MLS-record tying 18 games as Jason Garey scored twice in a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
Steven Lenhart also found the back of the net for Columbus (6-3-9), which improved to 12-0-6 during its run at Crew Stadium. The streak matches San Jose's MLS mark, set in 2004 and '05.
Warzycha said the run is not something his team is focused on.
"We try to win every game ... we don't think about records," he said. "But it's something that (when) you finish the season ... it's nice to read about."
Raphael Cox scored his first career goal for Real Salt Lake (5-7-5), which had its five-game unbeaten streak snapped.
Columbus was without reigning league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto and 2008 defender of the year Chad Marshall. Schelotto is recovering from a hamstring injury and Marshall is with the U.S National Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Schelotto leads MLS with 10 goals this season and was named an All-Star starter along with Marshall earlier this week.
"You can win the starting spot when someone gets injured, and that's what happened this time," Warzycha said of Garey and Lenhart. "That was an opportunity for those guys to step up and show what they can do. Knowing that, the next game, I know that both of them can step on the field and be very successful."
Lenhart's second goal of the year came in the 23rd minute and followed passes from Frankie Hejduk and Duncan Oughton, who was making his first start of the season for the Crew.
Garey extended Columbus' lead in the 31st minute, finishing from close range after Real Salt Lake failed to clear Lenhart's header from inside the penalty area. Garey padded the score with a pretty goal in the 53rd minute, combining on a give-and-go with Lenhart before beating RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
"It was a heck of a lot of fun," said Garey, who has three goals this season. "I love playing with Steven. I think this is the first time we've played together in an actual MLS game. I thought we did pretty well. We were a handful the whole night."
Speedy Salt Lake forwards Yura Movsisyan and Robbie Findley had one-on-one scoring opportunities stopped by Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer, now 2-0-2 after returning from knee and back injuries that sidelined him for nine games.
"We created the right number of chances, no doubt about it," said Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis. "Some pretty clear-cut chances as well. ... It was a difficult, difficult night for us."
Cox scored in the 76th minute.
Salt Lake was without forward Fabian Espindola due to a suspension for earning a red card in a 1-all draw with San Jose on July 3.
RSL's Tony Beltran, Robbie Russell and Ned Grabavoy were shown yellow cards by referee Abiodun Okulaja. The Crew's Danny O'Rourke was booked in the 72nd minute.
The Crew extended their home unbeaten streak to an MLS-record tying 18 games as Jason Garey scored twice in a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
Steven Lenhart also found the back of the net for Columbus (6-3-9), which improved to 12-0-6 during its run at Crew Stadium. The streak matches San Jose's MLS mark, set in 2004 and '05.
Warzycha said the run is not something his team is focused on.
"We try to win every game ... we don't think about records," he said. "But it's something that (when) you finish the season ... it's nice to read about."
Raphael Cox scored his first career goal for Real Salt Lake (5-7-5), which had its five-game unbeaten streak snapped.
Columbus was without reigning league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto and 2008 defender of the year Chad Marshall. Schelotto is recovering from a hamstring injury and Marshall is with the U.S National Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Schelotto leads MLS with 10 goals this season and was named an All-Star starter along with Marshall earlier this week.
"You can win the starting spot when someone gets injured, and that's what happened this time," Warzycha said of Garey and Lenhart. "That was an opportunity for those guys to step up and show what they can do. Knowing that, the next game, I know that both of them can step on the field and be very successful."
Lenhart's second goal of the year came in the 23rd minute and followed passes from Frankie Hejduk and Duncan Oughton, who was making his first start of the season for the Crew.
Garey extended Columbus' lead in the 31st minute, finishing from close range after Real Salt Lake failed to clear Lenhart's header from inside the penalty area. Garey padded the score with a pretty goal in the 53rd minute, combining on a give-and-go with Lenhart before beating RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
"It was a heck of a lot of fun," said Garey, who has three goals this season. "I love playing with Steven. I think this is the first time we've played together in an actual MLS game. I thought we did pretty well. We were a handful the whole night."
Speedy Salt Lake forwards Yura Movsisyan and Robbie Findley had one-on-one scoring opportunities stopped by Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer, now 2-0-2 after returning from knee and back injuries that sidelined him for nine games.
"We created the right number of chances, no doubt about it," said Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis. "Some pretty clear-cut chances as well. ... It was a difficult, difficult night for us."
Cox scored in the 76th minute.
Salt Lake was without forward Fabian Espindola due to a suspension for earning a red card in a 1-all draw with San Jose on July 3.
RSL's Tony Beltran, Robbie Russell and Ned Grabavoy were shown yellow cards by referee Abiodun Okulaja. The Crew's Danny O'Rourke was booked in the 72nd minute.
D.C. United 3 -1 Colorado Rapids
WASHINGTON (AP) - Bryan Namoff isn't used to scoring goals.
On Saturday night, he got two - one of which he wasn't very happy about.
Namoff bounced back from an early own goal with the tiebreaking score in the second half, lifting D.C. United over the Colorado Rapids.
Namoff's header off Christian Gomez's corner kick beat screened Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens in the 56th minute. The goal was the third of Namoff's 187-game MLS career.
In the 14th minute, Namoff kicked the ball into his own goal to put Colorado (6-5-6) up 1-0. Namoff was trying to keep the ball away from Conor Casey but inadvertently put it past Josh Wicks, the second own goal United (6-3-9) has allowed in the last four games.
"It's the first time I scored two goals in my career," a visibly relieved Namoff said. "I'm glad I had a chance to redeem myself."
Wicks didn't see the ball coming.
"It was a slight miscommunication, and into the back of the net," Wicks said.
D.C. United coach Tom Soehn absolved Namoff of blame.
"Own goals happen," Soehn said. "He felt responsible for the first goal and wanted to do something to make up for it."
Soehn was able to joke about the own goal afterward, saying that Namoff "had a career night."
United won for the first time in four matches by limiting the Rapids to two shots on goal and none in the second half.
"Our defense was pretty solid today," Wicks said.
Colorado fell to 0-7-4 in Washington since July 10, 1999.
United's Jaime Moreno, who had missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, came in to start the second half and scored on a penalty kick in the 47th minute to tie the game at 1-all. The goal was Moreno's sixth of the season - four coming on penalty kicks.
Pablo Mastroeni, who committed the foul that resulted in the penalty kick, was assessed a yellow card.
D.C.'s Luciano Emilio, who sat out the last two matches with a knee injury, had a goal in the 61st minute to complete the scoring.
"When we get our chances, we finished them in the second half. If we finished our chances in the first half, I'm sure there would be a lot more goals on the board," Wicks said.
The three goals allowed by Colorado were a season high.
"It's just a lapse, I guess," Pickens said. "They deserved to win. It was 15 minutes where we couldn't handle it."
Casey was given a yellow card in the 84th minute for protesting the lack of a foul call.
The Rapids were without midfielder Nick LaBrocca (strained hamstring), defender Ugo Ihemlu (caution accumulation) and midfielder Colin Clark, who is with the U.S. national team. French defender Julien Baudet made his MLS debut for Colorado.
United was missing rookie midfielder Brandon Barklage, who is out for the rest of the season after knee surgery.
On Saturday night, he got two - one of which he wasn't very happy about.
Namoff bounced back from an early own goal with the tiebreaking score in the second half, lifting D.C. United over the Colorado Rapids.
Namoff's header off Christian Gomez's corner kick beat screened Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens in the 56th minute. The goal was the third of Namoff's 187-game MLS career.
In the 14th minute, Namoff kicked the ball into his own goal to put Colorado (6-5-6) up 1-0. Namoff was trying to keep the ball away from Conor Casey but inadvertently put it past Josh Wicks, the second own goal United (6-3-9) has allowed in the last four games.
"It's the first time I scored two goals in my career," a visibly relieved Namoff said. "I'm glad I had a chance to redeem myself."
Wicks didn't see the ball coming.
"It was a slight miscommunication, and into the back of the net," Wicks said.
D.C. United coach Tom Soehn absolved Namoff of blame.
"Own goals happen," Soehn said. "He felt responsible for the first goal and wanted to do something to make up for it."
Soehn was able to joke about the own goal afterward, saying that Namoff "had a career night."
United won for the first time in four matches by limiting the Rapids to two shots on goal and none in the second half.
"Our defense was pretty solid today," Wicks said.
Colorado fell to 0-7-4 in Washington since July 10, 1999.
United's Jaime Moreno, who had missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, came in to start the second half and scored on a penalty kick in the 47th minute to tie the game at 1-all. The goal was Moreno's sixth of the season - four coming on penalty kicks.
Pablo Mastroeni, who committed the foul that resulted in the penalty kick, was assessed a yellow card.
D.C.'s Luciano Emilio, who sat out the last two matches with a knee injury, had a goal in the 61st minute to complete the scoring.
"When we get our chances, we finished them in the second half. If we finished our chances in the first half, I'm sure there would be a lot more goals on the board," Wicks said.
The three goals allowed by Colorado were a season high.
"It's just a lapse, I guess," Pickens said. "They deserved to win. It was 15 minutes where we couldn't handle it."
Casey was given a yellow card in the 84th minute for protesting the lack of a foul call.
The Rapids were without midfielder Nick LaBrocca (strained hamstring), defender Ugo Ihemlu (caution accumulation) and midfielder Colin Clark, who is with the U.S. national team. French defender Julien Baudet made his MLS debut for Colorado.
United was missing rookie midfielder Brandon Barklage, who is out for the rest of the season after knee surgery.
Honduras beats Canada 1-0, advance in Gold Cup
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Walter Martinez helped Honduras temporarily put aside thoughts of the political turmoil in its country with a goal in the 36th minute of the first half to beat Canada 1-0 and advance into the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal.
Honduras will play the United States on Thursday in Chicago.
Donis Escobar was flawless in goal for Honduras, making a few nice stops in the second half to preserve the lead.
With the state of their country's leadership in flux, the Honduran faithful came out by the thousands to cheer on their team. The fans waved the flag or draped it over the railing in several sections of the stadium, and greatly outnumbered the Canadian fans.
Canada's Paul Stalteri was penalized for interfering with Martinez as he attempted a bicycle kick near goal. That gave Martinez a shot at putting the first goal on the board during a spirited first half.
Martinez shot the ball on the penalty kick to the left of Canadian Greg Sutton while the goalie dove toward the right and could not make the stop.
Martinez was mobbed from behind by his teammates and ran to the corner where the fans in their blue-and-white shirts went wild. Martinez was patted on his head as he celebrated.
When Martinez left the game in the 72nd minute, he clapped at the crowd and cheered as he headed toward the bench. The fans responded in kind, blowing horns and pointing in tribute at their star of the game.
"I was ready to score," Martinez said.
Honduras could use something to celebrate.
Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was hoping mediators would reach an agreement that would restore him to power. Zelaya was ousted in a June 28 military coup.
The chief mediator in the Honduras crisis talks has proposed to resolve the conflict by reinstating Zelaya as head of a national unity government, holding early elections and issuing a general amnesty.
"It's difficult for all of us," Martinez said. "Coach has his family in Honduras as do all of us."
Martinez said he wanted to take the opportunity to ask the government to "seek peace."
Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda said through a translator his team was "dedicated to offering peace and tranquility."
Far from home, Martinez and Honduras did enough to advance to the semifinal for the first time since 2005. The fans erupted at the end of the gams as Honduras mobbed each other at midfield, then clapped and waved to their supports as they left the field.
Canada, which won the Gold Cup in 2000, was eliminated. It went 2-1-1.
"I think we showed a lot of character in a few games," Canadian national team coach Stephen Hart said. "In the second half today, we showed we could come away with another result."
Honduras will play the United States on Thursday in Chicago.
Donis Escobar was flawless in goal for Honduras, making a few nice stops in the second half to preserve the lead.
With the state of their country's leadership in flux, the Honduran faithful came out by the thousands to cheer on their team. The fans waved the flag or draped it over the railing in several sections of the stadium, and greatly outnumbered the Canadian fans.
Canada's Paul Stalteri was penalized for interfering with Martinez as he attempted a bicycle kick near goal. That gave Martinez a shot at putting the first goal on the board during a spirited first half.
Martinez shot the ball on the penalty kick to the left of Canadian Greg Sutton while the goalie dove toward the right and could not make the stop.
Martinez was mobbed from behind by his teammates and ran to the corner where the fans in their blue-and-white shirts went wild. Martinez was patted on his head as he celebrated.
When Martinez left the game in the 72nd minute, he clapped at the crowd and cheered as he headed toward the bench. The fans responded in kind, blowing horns and pointing in tribute at their star of the game.
"I was ready to score," Martinez said.
Honduras could use something to celebrate.
Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was hoping mediators would reach an agreement that would restore him to power. Zelaya was ousted in a June 28 military coup.
The chief mediator in the Honduras crisis talks has proposed to resolve the conflict by reinstating Zelaya as head of a national unity government, holding early elections and issuing a general amnesty.
"It's difficult for all of us," Martinez said. "Coach has his family in Honduras as do all of us."
Martinez said he wanted to take the opportunity to ask the government to "seek peace."
Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda said through a translator his team was "dedicated to offering peace and tranquility."
Far from home, Martinez and Honduras did enough to advance to the semifinal for the first time since 2005. The fans erupted at the end of the gams as Honduras mobbed each other at midfield, then clapped and waved to their supports as they left the field.
Canada, which won the Gold Cup in 2000, was eliminated. It went 2-1-1.
"I think we showed a lot of character in a few games," Canadian national team coach Stephen Hart said. "In the second half today, we showed we could come away with another result."
Toronto FC 1-1 Houston Dynamo
TORONTO (AP) - Houston defender Bobby Boswell scored the tying goal in the 75th minute as the Dynamo rallied to a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday.
Boswell, sent in alone on a pass from midfielder Geoff Cameron, was foiled on his first attempt by goalie Stefan Frei, but the ball came loose. Boswell then buried a shot for his third goal of the season.
Houston (9-4-5) improved the MLS' best record.
Toronto (7-6-5) took the lead in the 38th as fullback Marvell Wynne, pushing forward, made a pass that sent Dwayne DeRosario in alone on goalie Pat Onstad. DeRosario scored his team-leading sixth of the season.
"We didn't play anywhere near the standard we know we can," Toronto FC coach Chris Cummins said. "What I will say is that point might be vital to us looking for the push to get into the playoffs. And I think, two months ago, we might have lost a game like that."
The goal came just after Toronto fan-favorite striker Danny Dichio entered the game, replacing defender Adrian Serioux, who bruised a knee in a leg-on-leg collision with Houston's Dominic Oduro.
Serioux's injury will be reassessed on Monday, but Cummins said it doesn't appear to be serious.
Onstad expressed concern over the condition of artificial turf surface at BMO Field.
"It's got to be tough for Toronto FC when they have to play on that field," he said. "That field is nothing short of awful."
Dichio quickly made an impact, helping to freeze the Dynamo defenders during Wynne's pass to DeRosario and setting up the goal.
Houston played without four prominent players. Leading scorer Brian Ching and midfield standout Stuart Holden (United States) and defender Andre Hainault (Canada) are all competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. MLS assist leader Brad Davis didn't make the trip because he has the flu.
Boswell, sent in alone on a pass from midfielder Geoff Cameron, was foiled on his first attempt by goalie Stefan Frei, but the ball came loose. Boswell then buried a shot for his third goal of the season.
Houston (9-4-5) improved the MLS' best record.
Toronto (7-6-5) took the lead in the 38th as fullback Marvell Wynne, pushing forward, made a pass that sent Dwayne DeRosario in alone on goalie Pat Onstad. DeRosario scored his team-leading sixth of the season.
"We didn't play anywhere near the standard we know we can," Toronto FC coach Chris Cummins said. "What I will say is that point might be vital to us looking for the push to get into the playoffs. And I think, two months ago, we might have lost a game like that."
The goal came just after Toronto fan-favorite striker Danny Dichio entered the game, replacing defender Adrian Serioux, who bruised a knee in a leg-on-leg collision with Houston's Dominic Oduro.
Serioux's injury will be reassessed on Monday, but Cummins said it doesn't appear to be serious.
Onstad expressed concern over the condition of artificial turf surface at BMO Field.
"It's got to be tough for Toronto FC when they have to play on that field," he said. "That field is nothing short of awful."
Dichio quickly made an impact, helping to freeze the Dynamo defenders during Wynne's pass to DeRosario and setting up the goal.
Houston played without four prominent players. Leading scorer Brian Ching and midfield standout Stuart Holden (United States) and defender Andre Hainault (Canada) are all competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. MLS assist leader Brad Davis didn't make the trip because he has the flu.
Sturridge leads Chelsea past Seattle in exhibition
SEATTLE (AP) - Daniel Sturridge jumped at the chance to join Chelsea as soon as he heard the club was interested in him.
His debut on Saturday made Blues' management look very smart for acquiring the talented 19-year-old player.
Making his debut following an offseason move from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge, Sturridge scored in the 12th minute and assisted on Frank Lampard's goal later in the first half as the Blues opened their preseason tour of America with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday.
"Nobody ever thinks twice about going to such a big club when it comes calling," Sturridge said. "You have to take the opportunity and I'm very happy to be here."
Sturridge's goal early in the match quieted some of the 65,289 fans - most in Seattle green - who turned out to see the first of two international exhibitions the Sounders will host this season. It also made a winner of new manager Carlo Ancelotti in his first match leading the Blues after his move from AC Milan.
It was Chelesa's second appearance in Seattle in recent years. They faced Celtic in 2004 in an exhibition match that drew 30,504 and was part of an increased run of international exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest.
But Saturday was the first time those Northwest fans were cheering for their own team. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said he went to pick up his dry cleaning at 8 a.m. Saturday and was met by a Sounders fan already in full regalia.
The hometown team responded with a spirited effort despite getting shut out.
"From a European point of view I think it definitely sends a message that we can play so well against Chelsea," Seattle midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said, a former Chelsea nemesis during his time at Arsenal. "When I speak to my friends back home there are a lot of questions about what is the level and how would you play against a great team. I think that message was sent today."
The match was Chelsea's first on-field test since beating Everton 2-1 in the FA Cup final on May 30. They are using the tour of the United States - which includes matches against Inter Milan, AC Milan and Club America - as their training leading up to the English Premier League opener against Hull on Aug. 15.
To that end, a number of stars either sat or played only one half. Didier Drogba and Michael Essien never took off their warmups, while Ashley Cole, John Terry and Petr Cech were among the Chelsea starters to only play a half. Terry did not speak to reporters afterward regarding the ongoing pursuit of his services by Manchester City.
The only Chelsea regular to play the full 90 minutes was Lampard.
"Today was the best atmosphere I've played in out here for sure," Lampard said. "I think the game was pretty even really except for the two goals that we scored which is maybe a slight difference in quality from the Premier League to here, but the Seattle team played good football."
Seattle is in the middle of its MLS season and had to balance upcoming matches with trying to make a good showing against the Blues. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller and forward Nate Jaqua only played a half, while Ljungberg played into the second half before leaving.
The Sounders host Houston in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Tuesday. They will play Chicago next Saturday.
With the blazing rave green of the Sounders easily dwarfing the royal blue of Chelsea's in the stands, the Sounders were clearly the more fit side. But some sloppy passing and poor first-touches kept the numerous runs by Ljungberg and striker Fredy Montero from becoming great scoring opportunities. Seattle also missed on a pair of open second-half headers, and Sanna Nyassi missed an open net when his chipped attempt went over the crossbar.
While Seattle failed to convert, the Blues made the most of their runs through Seattle's shaky defense. Sturridge took advantage in the 12th minute, accepting a pass from Florent Malouda near the top of the box, stopping while Seattle defender Tyrone Marshall slid past and beating Keller with a right-footed strike.
Just over 20 minutes later, Sturridge got Chelsea's next goal started. His pass from near midfield found the foot of Nicolas Anelka running free in the box. Anelka chipped a centering pass that Lampard easily deposited past the helpless Keller.
The second half featured reserves for both sides. Seattle defender Zach Scott twice saved goals by clearing balls off the line after keeper Terry Boss was beaten.
"Their speed, their movement, their touch, there's no mistakes in the back," Seattle's Steve Zakuani said. "They're all very, very good at what they do. That's the next level, that's why they are where they are. It was good to measure ourselves today."
His debut on Saturday made Blues' management look very smart for acquiring the talented 19-year-old player.
Making his debut following an offseason move from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge, Sturridge scored in the 12th minute and assisted on Frank Lampard's goal later in the first half as the Blues opened their preseason tour of America with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday.
"Nobody ever thinks twice about going to such a big club when it comes calling," Sturridge said. "You have to take the opportunity and I'm very happy to be here."
Sturridge's goal early in the match quieted some of the 65,289 fans - most in Seattle green - who turned out to see the first of two international exhibitions the Sounders will host this season. It also made a winner of new manager Carlo Ancelotti in his first match leading the Blues after his move from AC Milan.
It was Chelesa's second appearance in Seattle in recent years. They faced Celtic in 2004 in an exhibition match that drew 30,504 and was part of an increased run of international exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest.
But Saturday was the first time those Northwest fans were cheering for their own team. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said he went to pick up his dry cleaning at 8 a.m. Saturday and was met by a Sounders fan already in full regalia.
The hometown team responded with a spirited effort despite getting shut out.
"From a European point of view I think it definitely sends a message that we can play so well against Chelsea," Seattle midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said, a former Chelsea nemesis during his time at Arsenal. "When I speak to my friends back home there are a lot of questions about what is the level and how would you play against a great team. I think that message was sent today."
The match was Chelsea's first on-field test since beating Everton 2-1 in the FA Cup final on May 30. They are using the tour of the United States - which includes matches against Inter Milan, AC Milan and Club America - as their training leading up to the English Premier League opener against Hull on Aug. 15.
To that end, a number of stars either sat or played only one half. Didier Drogba and Michael Essien never took off their warmups, while Ashley Cole, John Terry and Petr Cech were among the Chelsea starters to only play a half. Terry did not speak to reporters afterward regarding the ongoing pursuit of his services by Manchester City.
The only Chelsea regular to play the full 90 minutes was Lampard.
"Today was the best atmosphere I've played in out here for sure," Lampard said. "I think the game was pretty even really except for the two goals that we scored which is maybe a slight difference in quality from the Premier League to here, but the Seattle team played good football."
Seattle is in the middle of its MLS season and had to balance upcoming matches with trying to make a good showing against the Blues. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller and forward Nate Jaqua only played a half, while Ljungberg played into the second half before leaving.
The Sounders host Houston in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Tuesday. They will play Chicago next Saturday.
With the blazing rave green of the Sounders easily dwarfing the royal blue of Chelsea's in the stands, the Sounders were clearly the more fit side. But some sloppy passing and poor first-touches kept the numerous runs by Ljungberg and striker Fredy Montero from becoming great scoring opportunities. Seattle also missed on a pair of open second-half headers, and Sanna Nyassi missed an open net when his chipped attempt went over the crossbar.
While Seattle failed to convert, the Blues made the most of their runs through Seattle's shaky defense. Sturridge took advantage in the 12th minute, accepting a pass from Florent Malouda near the top of the box, stopping while Seattle defender Tyrone Marshall slid past and beating Keller with a right-footed strike.
Just over 20 minutes later, Sturridge got Chelsea's next goal started. His pass from near midfield found the foot of Nicolas Anelka running free in the box. Anelka chipped a centering pass that Lampard easily deposited past the helpless Keller.
The second half featured reserves for both sides. Seattle defender Zach Scott twice saved goals by clearing balls off the line after keeper Terry Boss was beaten.
"Their speed, their movement, their touch, there's no mistakes in the back," Seattle's Steve Zakuani said. "They're all very, very good at what they do. That's the next level, that's why they are where they are. It was good to measure ourselves today."
Beckham to make home debut against AC Milan
CARSON, California (AP) - Seven weeks after wearing AC Milan's jersey, David Beckham is ready to compete against the perennial Italian power with the MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy.
Beckham and the Galaxy will play AC Milan on Sunday in a friendly, Beckham's first home game since returning from Italy on July 10.
"I'm looking forward to it but it's going to be funny," Beckham said about playing against recent teammates. "You're always going to come up against teams you've played with and against in the past. It won't be too strange."
Despite losing stars Kaka to Real Madrid and Paolo Maldini to retirement, AC Milan still has Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato and Andrea Pirlo.
"We'll be competitive, that's for sure," Galaxy forward Landon Donovan said. "For a lot of our guys, this is a very good opportunity. We don't want to stand around like cones and get embarrassed."
One of AC Milan's newest acquisitions is defender Oguchi Onyewu, who started for the United States in last month's Confederations Cup and in the 2006 World Cup.
Onyewu signed with Milan on July 7 but is expected to play later this week on AC Milan's North American tour.
Beckham played in his first MLS game of the season on Thursday at New York. During the Galaxy's 3-1 victory, fans booed Beckham every time he touched the ball.
How does the midfielder expect to be received at home?
"We'll have to wait and see," Beckham said. "It's great for myself to be back playing in front of the fans that we've got. They've always been amazing to me since I've been here. I hope it continues."
Beckham, who played 70 minutes against New York, said he wants to play longer on Sunday.
"Coming back after a while of not playing, it's easy to get an injury," Beckham said. "It's important that I work hard and don't put myself in any silly positions."
The match was part of the last-minute agreement between the Galaxy, Major League Soccer and AC Milan to extend Beckham's loan to the end of the Serie A season in May. Originally, Beckham had to return to the Galaxy in March.
Beckham and the Galaxy will play AC Milan on Sunday in a friendly, Beckham's first home game since returning from Italy on July 10.
"I'm looking forward to it but it's going to be funny," Beckham said about playing against recent teammates. "You're always going to come up against teams you've played with and against in the past. It won't be too strange."
Despite losing stars Kaka to Real Madrid and Paolo Maldini to retirement, AC Milan still has Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato and Andrea Pirlo.
"We'll be competitive, that's for sure," Galaxy forward Landon Donovan said. "For a lot of our guys, this is a very good opportunity. We don't want to stand around like cones and get embarrassed."
One of AC Milan's newest acquisitions is defender Oguchi Onyewu, who started for the United States in last month's Confederations Cup and in the 2006 World Cup.
Onyewu signed with Milan on July 7 but is expected to play later this week on AC Milan's North American tour.
Beckham played in his first MLS game of the season on Thursday at New York. During the Galaxy's 3-1 victory, fans booed Beckham every time he touched the ball.
How does the midfielder expect to be received at home?
"We'll have to wait and see," Beckham said. "It's great for myself to be back playing in front of the fans that we've got. They've always been amazing to me since I've been here. I hope it continues."
Beckham, who played 70 minutes against New York, said he wants to play longer on Sunday.
"Coming back after a while of not playing, it's easy to get an injury," Beckham said. "It's important that I work hard and don't put myself in any silly positions."
The match was part of the last-minute agreement between the Galaxy, Major League Soccer and AC Milan to extend Beckham's loan to the end of the Serie A season in May. Originally, Beckham had to return to the Galaxy in March.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)