Good Thursday to you footy fans! Welcome to the second day of February, aka Groundhog Day! As we truck along through 2012, the soccer world is hustling and bustling with news this morning. From the impact the cancellation of WPS will have on Los Angeles, to a surprising Messi statistic, to more Serie A matches postponed due to snow, we’ve got your headlines right here! It’s your Thursday Daily Kick Around!
Major League Soccer
Ten years ago, no one thought MLS would last more than a few years; with few teams and no support, many wondered if the league would even survive. Luckily, it did and today, it boasts 19 teams and a crazy expansion rate. This interesting piece on MLS’ official Web site looks at how big the market is for MLS and how the sport has grown over the years.
An official announcement from U.S. Soccer came recently releasing the names appearing on its 2012 ballot for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Sporting Kansas City cleaned house, with many nominees, including the team’s manager and assistant coach, and many former players.
Women’s Professional Soccer
In the wake of the news that WPS would be canceling its 2012 season, ESPN LA writer Scott French has an interesting piece on the impact of players in southern California – an epicenter for semi-pro and amateur league teams – who look to break into a professional league that is unfortunately crumbling.
La Liga
There’s no arguing with the fact that Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the world. We hear statistics about him all the time. But Goal.com had an interesting one recently - the Barcelona striker has given away possession of the ball more times than any other player in the league. Does this mean anything? Eh, maybe, maybe not. But definitely an interesting tid bit.
Why do you think Barcelona is so far behind Real Madrid in points in the league table? A logical explanation clearly would be that Real Madrid have been performing better against the other teams of the league. But Barca’s present Sandro Rosell is under the belief it’s because refs aren’t giving the Catalans fair calls. Say it with me now: “Awwwwww.”
Serie A
Tuesday, a Juventus – Parma match was canceled in Italy due to a snow storm. Yesterday, two more matches suffered the same fate as a huge snow storm traveled through northern Italy. The Bologna-Fiorentina and Siena-Catania Serie A matches were also suspended yesterday and the league has yet to answer with rescheduled dates.
English Premier League
The EPL is known for many things; quality players, amazing matches and great atmospheres in its stadiums. It’s also been known for it’s hefty spending. Luckily, that seems to be on the downhill slope. Reports are claiming that in this year’s transfer window, the league spent only 60 million pounds in January, down a whopping 70 percent from last year. Interesting…
Stay with the footy ladies of Aerys Soccer for all your soccer headlines, game recaps and Midweek Muscles features!
