D.C. signs Hamid to new contract | Soccer By Ives

Photo by Jose L. Argueta/ISIphotos.com

D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid has yet to play a minute of first-team soccer this season, but that hasnt prevented the team from showing a sign of good faith in its goalkeeper of the future.

Hamid and DCU agreed to a new contract on Thursday, one that will count against the teams salary cap as opposed to his original deal when he signed as the teams first Homegrown Player. Hamid played in eight league games last season, splitting starting duties with Troy Perkins before suffering a shoulder injury and undergoing surgery for a torn labrum.

He has appeared in reserve matches since being cleared by doctors to resume playing and is expected to contend for the starting job again once fully fit. Terms of his new deal were not disclosed.

What do you think of the move?

Share your thoughts below.

Fantasy MLS: Week 4 | Soccer By Ives

Photo by Tony Quinn/ISIphotos.com

By AVI CREDITOR

The international break has come and gone, and most teams should be at full strength for this upcoming weekend of Major League Soccer action.

Javier Morales, Chris Wondolowski and Stefan Frei were among those that made the break tolerable for some with their standout performances last week.

As for some new names who emerged on the fantasy radar during the break, look no further than Javier Martina, who notched a brace in his Toronto FC debut, and RSLs Paulo Jr., who showed he was the real deal and can be counted on in the event of an Alvaro Saborio or Fabian Espindola absence.

Here are a few more items to consider before setting your fantasy lineup this week:

BYE WEEK

The Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake are off this week. Alter your lineup accordingly.

FANTASY-FRIENDLY MATCHUPS

Columbus Crew vs. FC Dallas

The Crew has been able to manage one goal on a penalty kick in games at D.C. and at home against a New York Red Bulls team that was without six(!) starters.

FC Dallas hasnt exactly been a source of offensive fireworks yet, and winning on the road is no easy feat in MLS; however, FCD has to be considered the favorite in this matchup. Look for David Ferreira to get going, Fabian Castillo to build off his debut, Zach Loyd to keep contributing out of the back and Kevin Hartman to have a relatively simple day in goal. The results havent been there yet for Dallas, but this week presents a solid opportunity.

Colorado Rapids vs. D.C. United

Theres no doubt that D.C. is a much-improved team, but with Perry Kitchen on U.S. U-20 duty and Dejan Jakovic suspended in the aftermath of his red card against New England, United has a gaping hole at central defense against a team capable of taking advantage of such a weakness. Conor Casey and Omar Cummings have to be liking their chances to beat Pat Onstad this weekend.

As for the Rapids defense, its been stout against Portland and Chivas, but D.C.s Charlie Davies and Andy Najar-led attack presents a tougher test. Proceed with caution with the likes of Drew Moor, Marvell Wynne and Anthony Wallace. A bit of a goalfest isnt out of the question.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Sporting Kansas City

The expansion Whitecaps have had turned in some admirable performances to start their inaugural season in MLS, but the odds are stacked against them at home. DP striker Eric Hassli is unavailable after being red carded against Philadelphia; starting centerback Jay DeMerit may not play after picking up a groin injury with the U.S. national team; and playmaker Davide Chiumiento is questionable with a hamstring injury.

SKC doesnt have its DP striker available either after Omar Bravo saw red against Chicago, but Kei Kamara, Teal Bunbury and rookie C.J. Sapong are all ready to roll. Kansas City has scored five goals in its first two matches, and it wouldnt surprise to see that tally grow by at least a couple more this weekend.

INJURY WATCH

Thierry Henry is expected to return to the starting lineup for New YorkFredy Montero had wrist surgery and is questionable for this weekends game at San Jose. According to the Seattle Times, he wouldnt miss more than one gameOmar Gonzalez is listed as probable and should make his season debut for Los Angeles against PhiladelphiaFor other injury news, check out the most updated MLS injury report.

SBI League Standings (Top 10)1. Los Diabolitos.67 points2. Dwizzles..663. SlumDog.654. FC LC Reds..62T5. Hrycaldo.59T5. Go Galaxy.59T7. 425 Vikings.56T7. ChicagoFire8.56T7. 30 Kilsyth B SC5610. PeroPeroPerovic55

LAST WEEKS SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

Chomsky and Too Strong Jones (39 points)

-Busch(8)-Borchers(4)Opara(0)Pearce(0)Pappa(8)Zakuani(4)Shea(0)Ferreira(-3)Wondolowski(10)Bunbury(5)Saborio(0)

Coach: Kreis(3)

McBride\s My Hero (39 points)

Thornton(0) Olave(4)-Berhalter(0)Rochat(-1) Morales(12)Pappa(8)De Rosario(5)Donovan(0) Wondolowski(10)Angel(1)-Montero(0)

Coach: Fraser(0)

SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10) 1. pogon1966..54 points T2. SPARTAK SD47 T2. A1 Steaksauce47 T2. DC Redeem Team..47 T2. RBA OneTwelve.47 6. fantasy football withdrawal..46 7. HANDtoBALLS..45 T8. Yankee Racers..43 T8. MLS Cup or Bust..43 T10. Ravens Victoria..42T10. The Shermanators..42T10. Rapidsfan..42

LAST WEEKS SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORER

FC Dover (31 points: 2 exact, 3 correct margin, 1 tie)

Who are you turning to with RSL and Chicago off this week? Whats your lineup looking like? Who do you think is in for the best fantasy week?

Share your thoughts below.

Report: Montero to have wrist surgery | Soccer By Ives

Photo by Stephen Brashear/ISIphotos.com

Seattle Sounders forward Fredy Montero will undergo wrist surgery and is questionable for this weekends match at San Jose, according to reports out of Seattle.

Montero reportedly suffered the injury in the pre-game warm-up for the match with the New York Red Bulls and played through it with a wrap around the wrist last Friday against Houston before team doctors determined he should have the procedure. Should Montero miss the San Jose match, he would be expected to be ready for the following weeks home match against Chicago.

What do you think of this development? Who would you like to see start at forward on Saturday if Montero cant play?

Share your thoughts below.

Projecting the USA Gold Cup roster: February Edition | Soccer By Ives

The CONCACAF Gold Cup is less than four months away now and the clock is ticking on American players hoping to do enough to earn a place on the Gold Cup roster.

There hasnt been much shake-up in the squad were projecting in February from the roster we named in January, with just two new names on the squad. With MLS still in its off-season, the time is now for European and Mexican-based players to work their way past their MLS brethren.

We also have the inclusion of some new names to the mix, including German-born defender/midfielder Timothy Chandler. The Nuremberg player has yet to play for the United States, but has expressed interest in playing for the USA.

So who is on this months version of the squad? Here is Februarys projected U.S. Gold Cup Roster:

PROJECTED 2011 Gold Cup Roster

GOALKEEPERS- Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Sean Johnson

DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Spector, Eric Lichaj, Tim Ream, Zach Loyd

MIDFIELDERS- Landon Donovan,Clint Dempsey,Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Stuart Holden, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Alejandro Bedoya

FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Juan Agudelo, Teal Bunbury

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Here are some thoughts on the picks:

GOALKEEPER-Wondering why Brad Guzan isnt on the squad? Sources tell SBI Guzan will skip the Gold Cup because hes getting married. That leaves Bob Bradley with a serious issue because hell need a reliable and experienced back-up to Tim Howard. Whether Hahnemann would accept an invite remains to be seen, and if he wouldnt, Bradley could turn to Luis Robles, who is playing regularly in Germany and played in the 2009 Gold Cup. Nick Rimando is another option, though Bradley might be inclined to look for a foreign-based No. 2 goalkeeper rather than pulling a starter off an MLS team.

DEFENDERS- So why is Zach Loyd on the list over Jonathan Bornstein. Aside from an impressive performance against Chile, Loyd will be a regular starter for FC Dallas at right back after the club traded away Heath Pearce. If he continues to develop he should be in the mix.

Jonathan Bornsteins inconsistent playing time, and lack of action at fullback, makes his position tenuous. Pearce is aplayer who could work his way back into the mix now that he will be playing left back for Chivas USA.

Bobby Convey cant be ignored as aleft backeither, particularly if he plays as well in 2011 for San Jose as he did in 2010.

Jonathan Spector has enjoyed success at a variety of positions for West Ham and wouldnt be a surprise as a roster inclusion, though the growth of the likes of Eric Lichaj and Timothy Chandler could hurt his chances.

At centerback, Omar Gonzalez is on the fringes, but would miss out behind the aforementioned group. Ike Opara remains an interesting prospect who could definitely play his way onto the radar. George John also merits mentioning.

MIDFIELDERS-Ricardo Clark is replaced by Sacha Kljestan. The injured Clark had been impressing as a centerback for Eintracht, but being sidelined by a fractured cheekbone costs him a bit while Kljestan gives the squad more of an attacking option in midfield.

Timothy Chandler has to be taken seriously as a candidate, and if he does commit to playing. Originally a forward, Chandler has enjoyed success as an attacking right back/midfielder. Benny Feilhaber is someone who cant be forgotten either, and once hes back in action next month he could definitely play his way into the squad.

Mikkel Diskerud is an exciting prospect, but should probably be considered a longshot.

FORWARDS-Danny Mwanga is a player who could move past a Bunbury or Agudelo if he is able to secure American citizenship between now and this summer (and you cant help but wonder if Bob Bradley would rather leave Agudelo behind rather than giving him two tournaments to play this summer). Chandler has played more as a right-sided player for Nuremberg lately, but given the need for forwards you have to think he could get a look from Bradley up top.

Chris Wondolowski should merit another look, but there are several young and exciting prospects who look more likely to establish roles with the national team. Herculez Gomez is starting to see more playing time for Pachuca, and while the goals havent come yet, hes someone to keep an eye on.

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What do you think of the squad? Which players do you think should be on the squad? Which players do you NOT want to see make the team?

Share your thoughts below.

Projecting the USA Gold Cup roster: March Edition | Soccer By Ives

The CONCACAF Gold Cup is now less than ten weeks away, and with the U.S. mens national team having its final two friendlies before June, players hoping for spots on the roster have done what they can do on the national team level to impress head coach Bob Bradley and earn a place on the U.S. roster.

Players can still impress or fall behind based on club form, but its a safe bet that Bradley has a good idea which players hes going to choose from when he selects his 23-man roster in May.

Forward Juan Agudelo and defenders Timmy Chandler and Tim Ream were the big winners in the national teams most recent camp and set of friendlies, with each of them looking like good bets to make the Gold Cup roster when it wasnt too long ago that all three were either considered long shots or werent even on the radar.

Our Projected Gold Cup roster for the month of March isnt much different from our February Roster Projection, with Timmy Chandler and Jay DeMerit joining the squad, while Stuart Holden and Clarence Goodson were not on this months projection.

Here is a closer look at the players who look like the best bets to make this summers U.S. Gold Cup roster:

PROJECTED 2011 Gold Cup Roster

GOALKEEPERS- Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan

DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Timmy Chandler, Jonathan Spector, Eric Lichaj, Tim Ream, Jay DeMerit

MIDFIELDERS- Landon Donovan,Clint Dempsey,Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Benny Feilhaber, Alejandro Bedoya

FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore, Juan Agudelo, Edson Buddle, Teal Bunbury

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Here are some thoughts on the picks:

GOALKEEPER- As we reported in our last projection, Brad Guzan is getting married this summer, but the word were getting is that its not a sure bet that he misses the entire tournament. We can see David Yelldell getting the call if Guzan winds up missing the tournament.

DEFENDERS- The surprising omission from this group is Clarence Goodson, who gets edged out by the emergence of Tim Ream and the return of Jay DeMerit. Goodson could play himself onto the team (hes out with a broken toe), but it could be tough going. As for fullback, we dont have a left back on the squad to back up Carlos Bocanegra, so you could still see someone like Heath Pearce or Zach Loyd edging out a Lichaj, but after another shaky match I cant put Jonathan Bornstein on this list.

MIDFIELDERS- No real surprises here. Alejandro Bedoya gets the call over Mikkel Diskerud, who failed to get a minute despite being called up for the March friendlies. Bedoya helps fill the need for players who can play on the wing, but Bedoya could also provide an attacking option in the middle. The rest of the group seems pretty clear-cut, though you wonder if Ricardo Clark can play his way onto the radar with a good two months with Eintracht Frankfurt.

FORWARDS- The same quartet as last month. Jozy Altidore is slumping but is still a safe bet to make the team. Juan Agudelo solidified his place on the squad. Edson Buddle is a big option while Bunbury remains a good option. Buddle and Bunbury beat out Wondolowski and Eddie Johnson.

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What do you think of the squad? Which players do you think should be on the squad? Which players do you are you surprised to see included in our projection?

Share your thoughts below.

West Notes: Akloul signs with ‘Caps, FCD nearing Galindo signing, and more | Soccer By Ives

BY ADAM SERRANO

The Vancouver Whitecaps roster just a got a bit more of an international flavor.

The Whitecapssigned central defender Mouloud Akloulto an MLS deal on Thursday. The French defender signed a Division 2 deal with the Whitecaps last season before breaking his ankle, an injury that ended his season. Terms of the deal were not released.

Akloul has already caused some buzz in Vancouver by demanding the retired Number 5 shirt, which belonged to current Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi. Lenarduzzi has stated that it will be up to the Whitecaps executives to decide the fate of the retired number 5.

More news from around the West after the jump.

CHIVAS USA

The Rojiblancos will be without Jimmy Conrad this weekend, who was ruled out of the Toronto FC match with a mild concussion.

COLORADO RAPIDS

Danny Earls is back with the Colorado Rapids after signing with the club on Wednesday. Earls has been training with the club since being released from the Seattle Sounders in preseason. In addition to the signing of Earls, the Rapids reached an agreement with midfielder Josh Janniere, who was acquired from Toronto FC.

FC DALLAS

FC Dallas is nearing a deal for former Chivas USA forward Maykel Galindo. The Cuban forward has been with FCD since being released by the Rojiblancos at the start of preseason. Before a deal can be reached, Dallas will need to come to an agreement with Chivas USA, who still hold Galindos rights. FC Dallas will need to trade for his rights or hope that the Rojilancos pass on his rights, which would allow FCD to sign without any compensation.

LA GALAXY

Despite starting two matches for the USMNT over the last ten days, LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena expects Landon Donovan to be in the starting line up for the Galaxy when they take on the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

PORTLAND TIMBERS

As reported earlier on SBI, Darlington Nagbe is nearing his return to the line up after sports hernia surgery. Nagbe was an unused substitute during the Timbers U.S. Open Cup victory on Tuesday over Chivas USA.

REAL SALT LAKE

RSL made a roster bolstering signingearlier in the week signing former New York Red Bulls forward Connor Chinn. The forward made his debut with Real Salt Lake playing in the clubs defeat to FC Dallas in reserve league action.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

The Earthquakes will take on the Portland Timbers in the second qualifying round of the U.S. Open Cup at Buck Shaw stadium in late April. The Timbers earned the right to play San Jose after defeating Chivas USA during the first round of qualification in mid week.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS

As reported early on SBI, Fredy Montero has undergone wrist surgery, which has made him doubtful for Saturdays match against the San Jose Earthquakes. Montero suffered the injury several weeks ago against the New York Red Bulls and has been wearing a brace on his wrist during the last several weeks.

Americans Abroad: A Look Ahead | Soccer By Ives

By FRANCO PANIZO

Oguchi Onyewu will hope to have fully recovered from the hip injury picked up against Argentina, as FC Twente has a colossal match this weekend.

Currently trailing PSV Eindhoven by one point for the top spot in the Eredivisie, Twente has its best chance to unseat the first place team as the two square off in one of Saturdays bigger matches. If Onyewu is deemed fit, and Onyewu told SBI that he is hopeful that hell be ready, he could earn the start.

The top American goalkeepers in Europe square off this weekend as Tim Howard and Everton takes on Brad Friedel and Aston Villa in a match both teams need to move further away from the relegation zone.

Here is a rundown of who the Americans Abroad play this weekend:

FRIDAY

Amaechi Igwe, Edson Buddleand FC Ingolstadt 04 play Energie Cottbus.(Igwe is out injured.)

Luis Roblesand Karlsruhe play VfL Osnabruck.

Quentin Westbergand Evian Thonon Gaillard play Nimes.

SATURDAY

Jonathan Spectorand West Ham United play Manchester United.

Stuart Holdenand Bolton Wanderers play Birmingham. (Holden is out injured).

Tim Howardand Everton playBrad Friedel, Michael Bradleyand Aston Villa.

Marcus Hahnemannand Wolverhampton Wanderers play Newcastle United.

Jermaine Jonesand Blackburn Rovers play Arsenal.

Eric Lichajand Leeds United playRobbie Findleyand Nottingham Forest. (Findley is out injured.)

Brad Guzanand Hull City play Millwall.

Conor Doyleand Derby County play Cardiff City. (Doyle is with the U.S. U-20 national team.)

Zak Whitbreadand Norwich City play Scunthorpe United.

Eddie Johnsonand Preston North End play Swansea City.

Mike Grellaand Swindon Town play Hartlepool United.

Dominic Cerviand Celtic play Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Maurice Eduand Rangers play Dundee United.

Steve Cherundolo, DaMarcus Beasleyand Hannover 96 play Borussia Dortmund.

Daniel Williamsand SC Freiburg play Mainz. (Williams is out injured.)

David Yelldelland MSV Duisburg play SpVgg Greuther Furth.

Oguchi Onyewuand Twente Enschede play PSV Eindhoven.

Marcus Tracy, Chris Rolfeand Aalborg BK play Odense BK. (Tracy is out injured.)

Ryan Millerand Halmstads BK play Kalmar.

Gustavo Adrian Ruelasand Santos Laguna play Cruz Azul.

Jonathan Bornsteinand Tigres UANL playSonny Guadarramaand Atlante.

Sammy Ochoaand Estudiantes Tecos U.A. de G. play Atlas.

SUNDAY

Clint Dempseyand Fulham play Blackpool.

Frank Simekand Carlisle United play Brentford in the Johnstones Paint Trophy final.

Timmy Chandlerand FC Nurnberg play FC Cologne. (Chandler is serving a red card suspension)

Ricardo Clarkand Eintracht Frankfurt play VfL Wolfsburg.

Bobby Woodand TSV 1860 Munich play Alemania Aachen. (Wood is with the U.S. U-20 national team.)

Alfredo Moralesand Hertha Berlin play SC Paderborn 07.

Carlos Bocanegraand St Etienne play Valenciennes.

Jozy Altidoreand Bursaspor play Fenerbahce.

Freddy Aduand Caykur Rizespor play Mersin Idmanyurdu.

Sacha Kljestanand RSC Anderlecht play Standard Liege.

Michael Parkhurstand FC Nordsjaelland play AC Horsens.

Benny Feilhaberand AGF Aarhus play Kolding.

Clarence Goodsonand Brondby IF play Silkeborg IF. (Goodson is out injured.)

Jose Torres, Herculez Gomezand Pachuca play Morelia.

Edgar Castilloand Puebla play America.

Josh Gattand Molde FK play Tromso.

Mikkel Diskerudand Stabaek IF play Rosenborg.

MONDAY

Alejandro Bedoyaand Orebro SK play IFK Goteborg.

Gale Agbossoumondeand Djurgardens IF play AIK. (Agbossoumonde is with the U.S. U-20 national team.)

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Which matches are you most looking forward to? Think Onyewu will play in Twentes big match against PSV? Who do you see winning the Howard/Friedel clash?

Share your thoughts below.

This Weekend’s Soccer on TV (and SBI’s Top Ten Matches to Watch) | Soccer By Ives

Youd be hard-pressed to find a match with more storylines heading into it than this weekends installment of the Milan Derby.

As if the rivalry didnt have enough history, you also have AC Milan and Inter Milan squaring off in a battle for first place in Serie A, as well as Leonardo leading his new team against the same AC Milan side he managed last year.

This weekends slate of matches on TV features top battles all over the world. Whether its first-place Palmeiras taking on Santos in Brazil, or FC Twente facing PSV Eindhoven in a battle of the Netherlands best, third-place Villarreal playing host to defending Spanish champions Barcelona,to Bayer Leverkusen facing Hannover 96 in a match-up of two of the top three teams in Germany, there is something for every international preference.

If MLS is more your thing then this weeks schedule has a few good treats as well. The Los Angeles Galaxy plays host to the surprising Philadelphia Union, while San Jose looks to keep Seattles early-season struggles going.

Here is a closer look at This Weekends Soccer on TV, starting with SBIs Top Ten Matches to Watch:

SBIS TOP TEN MATCHES TO WATCH

1. AC Milan vs. Inter Milan.Milan derby, first place on the line. Cant-miss.

2. Villarreal vs. Barcelona.Can Giuseppe Rossi keep scoring goals? WIll Lionel Messi be healthy enough to work his magic?

3. Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Philadelphia Union.The Philly Unions hot start will face its toughest test in a road trip to Home Depot Center to face a Galaxy team needing a win.

4. Borussia Dortmund vs. Hannover 96.With Bayern Munich lurking, and second-place Bayer Leverkusen within striking distance, Dortmund and Hannover face off in a match both need points from.

5. Napoli vs. Lazio.Napoli is within arms reach of the Milan clubs in Serie A, but Lazio needs a road win here to push for a Champions League place.

6. Everton vs. Aston Villa.Tim Howard vs. Brad Friedel. Enough said

7. Panama vs. USA (CONCACAF Under-20 Championships). The match may be meaningless, but it will give us a chance to catch a glimpse of some future American stars.

8. Santos vs. Palmeiras.First-place Palmeiras takes on a Santos side ready to make a move up the standings.

9. FC Twente vs. PSV Eindhoven.Another clash of table-toppers, with Oguchi Onyewu a potential participant.

10. Benfica vs. FC Porto. Porto is running away with the league, but its unbeaten record will be tested at Benfica.

THIS WEEKENDS SOCCER ON TV

FRIDAY

7:30pm- Fox Soccer Channel- Columbus Crew vs. FC Dallas

8pm- ESPN3.com- Canada vs. Costa Rica (CONCACAF Under-20 Championship)

10pm- ESPN3.com- Trinidad Tobago vs. Mexico(CONCACAF Under-20 Championship)

10:10pm- Azteca America- Necaxa vs. Chivas Guadalajara

SATURDAY

7:45am- ESPN2- West Ham United vs. Manchester United

7:45am- Fox Soccer Plus- Leeds United vs. Nottingham Forest

9:30am- GolTV- Borussia Dortmund vs. Hannover 96

10am- Fox Soccer Channel- Stoke City vs. Chelsea

10am- Fox Soccer Plus- West Bromwich Albion vs. Liverpool

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Birmingham City vs. Bolton

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Everton vs. Aston Villa

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Newcastle United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Wigan Athletic vs. Tottenham

Noon- ESPN3.com- Real Madrid vs. Sporting Gijon

Noon- Fox Soccer Plus- Brescia vs. Bologna

12:30pm- Fox Soccer Channel- Arsenal vs. Blackburn

12:45pm- ESPN3.com- FC Twente vs. PSV Eindhoven

1pm- Direct Kick- Toronto FC vs. Chivas USA

1pm- FoxSoccer.tv- Arles vs. Monaco

1pm- FoxSoccer.tv- Lille vs. Caen

1pm- FoxSoccer.tv- Nancy vs. Bordeaux

1pm- FoxSoccer.tv- Paris St. Germain vs. Lorient

1pm- FoxSoccer.tv- Stade Rennes vs. Auxerre

1pm- FoxSoccer.tv- Sochaux vs. Brest

2pm- GolTV- Getafe vs. Valencia

2:45pm- Fox Soccer Channel- AC Milan vs. Inter Milan

3pm- FoxSoccer.tv- Toulouse vs. Montellier

3pm- ESPN2- England vs. USA (Womens Soccer)

4pm- GolTV- Villarreal vs. Barcelona

4pm- Fox Soccer Plus- Wigan vs. Tottenham (Delayed)

5pm- Fox Soccer Channel- Everton vs. Aston Villa

6pm- ESPN3.com- Panama vs. USA (CONCACAF Under-20 Championship)

7pm- Direct Kick- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Sporting Kansas City

7pm- Azteca America- Jaguares vs. UNAM Pumas

7:30pm- Direct Kick- New England Revolution vs. Portland Timbers

7:30pm- MSG/Direct Kick- New York Red Bulls vs. Houston Dynamo

7:30pm- GolTV- America de Cali vs. Deportivo Cali

8pm- ESPN3.com- Honduras vs. Guatemala(CONCACAF Under-20 Championship)

8:55pm- Telefutura- Santos Laguna vs. Cruz Azul

9:30pm- GolTV- Junior Barranquilla vs. Real Cartagena

10:30pm- Direct Kick- Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Philadelphia Union

10:30pm- Direct Kick- San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders

11pm- Telefutura- Atlas vs. Estudiantes Tecos

SUNDAY

6:30am- Fox Soccer Plus- Napoli vs. Lazio

8:30am- Fox Soccer Plus- Fulham vs. Blackpool

9am- Fox Soccer Channel- Catania vs. Palermo

9am- ESPN3.com- Lecce vs. Udinese

9:30am- ESPN3.com- FC Cologne vs. FC Nurnberg

11am- Fox Soccer Channel- Manchester City vs. Sunderland

11am- ESPN3.com- Espanyol vs. Racing Santander

11am- DirecTV- Levante vs. Malaga

11am- DirecTV- Deportivo La Coruna vs. Mallorca

11am- FoxSoccer.tv- Nice vs. Olympique Lyon

11am- FoxSoccer.tv- Saint Etienne vs. Valenciennes

1pm- GolTV- Sevilla vs. Real Zaragoza

1pm- Azteca America- Morelia vs. Pachuca

2:45pm- Fox Soccer Channel- AS Roma vs. Juventus

3pm- ESPN3.com- Osasuna vs. Atletico Madrid

3pm- Fox Soccer Plus- Lens vs. Olympique Marseille

3pm- GolTV- Santos vs. Palmeiras

3:30pm- ESPN3.com- Benfica vs. FC Porto

5pm- Univision- Club America vs. Puebla

7pm- Galavision- Colorado Rapids vs. D.C. United

7pm- ESPN3.com- Brazil vs. Ecuador (Copa Sudamericana U-20 Championship)

9pm- ESPN3.com- Argentina vs. Colombia(Copa Sudamericana U-20 Championship)

Which matches are you most looking forward to? How many matches will you be watching this weekend? Who do you see winning the Milan Derby?

Share your thoughts below.

Friday Ticker: Injuries mount for Madrid/Spurs, Bosnia banned and more | Soccer By Ives

By JOHN BOSCHINI

Both Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur could be without some of their top players for their Champions League quarterfinal match Tuesday.

Madrid couldbe without forward Cristiano Ronaldo (thigh), winger Karim Benzema (thigh) and full-back Marcelo (ribs)for the first-leg tie at the Bernabeu. The trio will definitely miss Saturdays match at Sporting Gijon. Ronaldo has not scored in four matches and was left out of Portugals international team in order to recover.

On a positive note for Jose Mourinho, striker Gonzalo Higuain could feature against Gijon and Spurs. Higuain hasnt played since November when he went out with a back problem that required surgery.

Tottenham will be without a star of its own with Gareth Bale still struggling to overcome a hamstring injury. Also in doubt for the trip to Spain is defender William Gallas, leaving manager Harry Redknapp with a shortage of central defenders.

First kick is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Here are some more stories to help you through to the weekend.

BOSNIA BANNED BY FIFA, UEFA

Bosnia-Herzegovina has been banned from international competition by both FIFA and UEFA and could miss out on the European Championships in 2012. FIFA/UEFA imposed the ban because Bosnia refused to trim its three-man presidency to a single person to line up with FIFA policy.

Last October, FIFA gave Bosnia six months to comply with the order and now has the option of creating an emergency panel to circumvent the current FA and allow Bosnian teams to play internationally. Bosnias next scheduled competitive match is June 3 in a EURO 2012 qualifier with Romania.

SAHA INJURED, OUT FOR THE SEASON

Everton will be without striker Luis Saha for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.

Saha has scored nine goals this season and picked up the injury during Evertons 2-1 victory over Fulham last month. Its just the latest injury blow for Everton as Mikel Arteta, Marouane Fellaini, Tim Cahill and Jack Rodwell are all set to miss time.

BUFFON OPEN TO JUVENTUS EXIT

Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that his days at long-time club Juventus could be numbered with rumors swirling that Arsenal is interested in the 33-year-old.

Juventus is likely to unload the expensive keeper if the club is unable to make the Champions League for next season. Juventus currently sits seventh in the Serie A table, 11 points off a Champions League spot. Buffon has said in the past that he would like to play in England but has played for the Turino-based club for nearly a decade.

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What do you think of todays stories? Still excited for Madrid/Spurs despite the injuries? Should Bosnia have been banned? Would you like the see Buffon suit up for the Gunners?

Share your thoughts below.

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