Tim Ream move to Bolton gives Wanderers a lift

Tim Ream cut his honeymoon short to finalize his move to Bolton. The New York Red Bulls defender becomes the newest American to join the Premier League's ranks.

 By Ryan Fleming

So, it’s settled then. Tim Ream, a product of the New York Red Bulls, is off to Bolton to try to help that shipwreck from becoming the next Concordia, albeit a far less tragic event. Bolton currently boasts the worst, hapless, defense in the English Premier League, allowing a tremendous 47 goals this season, six in the last four games and 16 in their last 10.

Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane on the Same Page with Winter Loans

By Ryan Fleming

Their moves back to the Premier League are more than to keep their fitness up. Their moves now pin supporters’ hopes on the backs of these once greats. Theirry Henry and Robbie Keane are in their own respects, two different players with more things in common than one would think.

Manchester City and Arsenal test one another’s resolve

By Ryan Fleming

It’s an understatement to say that this weekend’s prime meeting between Arsenal and Manchester City means a lot. This is the type of game that can define a season, turn things around, or solidify a team’s standing. Both teams, starting the season on two different paths, now cross at a time when both teams are surging, much like how they both kicked off the season, on different roads.

Arsenal: van Persie Signature required, Vermaelen returns

Robin van Persie has been the glowing light this season for Arsenal fans, and they hope he will continue to score goals at Emirates for years to come. (Courtesy wikistadiums.com)

 By Ryan Fleming

Few are more important to their team than Robin van Persie is for Arsenal. The Dutch striker is leading the surge for an Arsenal team that started the year off 2-1-4, capped by an 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United and a 2-1 loss at cross-town rival, Tottenham.

Since then, the Gunners are undefeated, trouncing opponents and playing with a certain sense of flair, grit and outlying passion the team lacked for the first handful of games this season. The turn-around has the team at 7-1-4, good for seventh in the league table, and tied on points (19) with Liverpool. And Van Persie is getting much of the acclaim for the difference in play that has supporters and plaudits praising manager Arsene Wenger as a common hero rather than a goat.

Emile Heskey: The Powerhouse

This is beautiful. This is funny. This is spot on with the misses going over the bar. Enjoy.

Emile Heskey Courtesy SASportsGaming Check out there other work.

Spotted by Soccer By Ives.

 

A crazy start to a new season

By Ryan Fleming

If you placed bets this weekend, hopefully you didn’t slide a bookie cash on Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Lazio, AC Milan or even Arsenal. Though, if you’re putting money on the woeful Gunners, no disrespect, but you deserve a slap in the face. I don’t care if they are playing Hereford United in England’s League Two. What does all this obviously mean? It was a weekend of upsets.

Liverpool: What a Difference a Year Makes

By Tim Treacy

The turnaround at Liverpool Football Club over the past year has been remarkable. A comparison between last year and this year is like night and day, oil and water, chalk and cheese, a journey from Hicks and Gillett to Henry and Warner.

Keane’s California dream

By Ryan Fleming

There’s been a lot said already in the days that have passed since Robbie Keane’s move to LA Galaxy became official. There have been words of malice spewed at him from every angle.

Claims that the Ireland international has taken the easy way out, that he simply plays for money and not the love of the game, and has come to America where we are a “universe where football is nothing,” is a choice that Keane made simply for his benefit.

I say, obviously.

Feilhaber Making Strides, shows his potential against Manchester United

By Kevin Koczwara

The scoreline in the New England Revolution’s friendly against Manchester United on Wednesday night is misleading, a 4-1 win for United. The Revolution hung in and played some quality soccer against the reigning English Premier League champions, even if in the end the team was undone by United’s dynamic attack.

For the most part, the positives for the Revolution came in the first half — the Revs held United scoreless through the first 45 minutes — when Benny Feilhaber, Shalire Joseph and Pat Phelan were marauding in the center midfield. The three players finally looked comfortable with one another, and Feilhaber finally looked like the kind of player the Revolution were hoping they were signing back in April.

Manchester United come to New England for friendly with the Revolution

By Melissa Turtinen

Back in March the New England Revolution confirmed that they would be playing a friendly against Manchester United on July 13, but what were they thinking?

Man United is a world powerhouse when it comes to soccer. They have won 19 Premier League championships, have the Premier League Player of the Year with Nemanja Vidi? and skilled striker Wayne Rooney among an array of other worldly talents. The match was already destined to be a struggle for any MLS team, but now with recent hardships facing the Revs in league play, they’re likely to not only lose but to be embarrassed.

The Revolution is the underdog – way under – in this match. They are sitting last in the Eastern Conference (3-8-7, 16 pts.) and haven’t won a game since their 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on May 1 – essentially donning them one of the worst teams in the league. While Manchester United had a different previous season, finishing atop the Premier League, winning the title going 23-4-11 on the season and reaching the Champions League final, but losing to Barcelona, 3-1.