News: Mitchell aiming to climb the depth chart with Whitecaps

Carlyle Mitchell has been a sort of forgotten man in the Vancouver Whitecaps squad this season.

But after getting on the pitch for the first time since May 12 in this past Saturday’s loss to the Seattle Sounders, the 25-year-old is hoping to jump up the club’s depth chart at center back.

“It feels good to get on the field after a long time,” Mitchell told MLSsoccer.com after a training session at BC Place on Tuesday. “I learned a lot in the game. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but we’ll learn from our mistakes and prepare for our next game which is a very important game.”

This weekend’s match is the second derby match on the hop, as the Whitecaps travel down to Portland to face the Timbers at JELD-WEN Field, and Mitchell is hoping to play a part. He’ll have his work cut out for him though, with center back Martín Bonjour returning from suspension and captain Jay DeMerit approaching a return from a concussion.

Mitchell admits the fact he’s only had two starts this season has been tough to deal with after starting three of the club’s four final matches in 2011.


“It’s very difficult to stay focused,” Mitchell said. “At any time you can get called on to play.”

One area Mitchell has had more joy with in recent times is the Trinidad and Tobago national team. He started in his country’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Canada on August 15, and now has his sights set on becoming a starter for the upcoming Caribbean Championship, which takes place in late September.

After T&T were knocked out of contention for a spot in the 2014 World Cup, a youth movement is underway, with head coach Hudson Charles looking to groom younger players for bigger roles ahead of the next potential major tournament, the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“I feel very confident for a first-team spot,” Mitchell said of his chances with the national team. “We have to do well [in the Caribbean Championship]. Right now, our football is not where it is supposed to be. But if we get a few results under our belt, the fans will get behind us again.”

DeMerit comeback close

The club captain participated in full training for the first time since his concussion on August 11 in Vancouver’s 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake during Tuesday’s practice.

DeMerit explained he suffered deep headaches and dizziness in the aftermath of his collision with goalkeeper Brad Knighton, but that those symptoms have subsided.

“You always want to be out there with your team, especially when we’ve had a few poor results in the past couple games,” DeMerit said. “But ultimately you need to have the end game in sight, probably even more so now as you want to get back out there. We still want to be sensible, but that doesn’t mean we can’t push to go and try to play, because ultimately that’s what we’re here to do.”

US offense struggles again as Yanks fall in Paris

The US national team fell 1-0 to France on Friday night at Stade de France, with Loic Remy's 72nd-minute goal the lone tally in the Americans’ latest  defeat under head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

The US are now 1-4-1 in Klinsmann’s new regime and have scored just two goals in that span. They are now winless in their last seven games on European soil with one game remaining on the current mini-tour, at Solvenia on Nov. 15.

The Americans enjoyed a steady first half on the back line on Friday, but were inevitably done in by a moment of confusion midway through the second half. Marvin Martin chipped a ball to the onrushing Remy, who brushed off a weak shoulder charge from US defender Clarence Goodson and coolly slotted a shot past US goalkeeper Tim Howard.

It was the only moment of vulnerability for Howard, who made four saves on the night and at times kept France from blowing the game wide open. His best moment came in the 56th minute, when he somehow batted a curling free kick from Karim Benzema off the line to help keep France at bay. Moments earlier the French striker had clanged a header off the crossbar after Goodson — who struggled mightily and was lucky not to see an early red card — left him unmarked at the back post.

The American offense, meanwhile, struggled all night to generate any real scoring chances and managed just three shots on goal. Clint Dempsey had a brief look at a breakaway opportunity in the 77th minute after a clever heel flick from Jozy Altidore, but he was taken down just outside the box by France’s Laurent Koscielny. Dempsey scorched the ensuing free kick high and wide of the far upper corner.

France created their first real chance of the game in the 27th minute, with Franck Ribery back-heeling an Adil Rami centering feed just wide.

Shortly thereafter, the US achieved their first corner kick. Maurice Edu was able to get a head on Steve Cherundolo's serve, but with no pace on his attempt, it was easy picking for Hugo Lloris. France quickly broke out on the counter, with Benzema eventually firing his shot into the chest of Goodson.

Klinsmann adjusted his tactics over the game's final 15 minutes, bringing on Edson Buddle to pair with Altidore in a 4-4-2 lineup, moving the Yanks away from what had been such an ineffective 4-5-1. While there were no clear-cut chances created, it did inject some life into what had been a turgid attack.

Right midfielder Fabian Johnson was the only US player to earn his first cap in the loss, while Goodson and Jermaine Jones both made their first appearances under Klinsmann.

USA football junior national team wins team usa vs the world game

At least in football terms, only 17 points separates the game’s traditional powerhouse of the United States and the rest of the world following a 17-0 Team USA victory over the World at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Assembled as a collective squad of the best under 19 USA football players from around the world for the 1st time, the team representing eight countries and four continents held their own against USA Football’s junior national team of 45 players who have committed to some of the nation’s top college football programs.

“It didn’t surprise me that the game was close,” said USA head coach Chris Merritt, whose squad won the 1st USA Football’s Team USA vs. The World Game, Presented by Riddell.

“I’m very proud of how the team came together in about four days. It would be easy for them to think about where they’re going to be playing in college but throughout the week it was great to see them become a team.”

Team USA built on the psychological advantage of having broken a 1st half deadlock with a touchdown with only nine seconds remaining and then added a third quarter touchdown and late field goal to edge the contest. The World team was left wondering what might have been.

“Turnovers and the big penalties were our downfall but what hurt the team the most was our truest starter on defense going down on the third play of the game because he has been superb for us all week,” explained World team head coach Jan Jenmert.

Canadian quarterback Jeremi Doyon-Roch (Vanier College) was intercepted by Team USA MVP Mike Hull (Canon-McMillan, PA) late in the third quarter with the World team trailing 14-0 and facing a crucial third and seven at the USA 12-yard line. There was to be no comeback once Team USA capitalized, driving into range for kicker Ben Hopfinger (St Thomas Aquinas) to split the uprights from 40 yards out.

The World team lost Australian defensive tackle Jesse Williams (Arizona Western) to injury on the opponent’s opening drive, disrupting a line that has impressed during a week of practices, with Williams one of the stars. They then also had to adjust the running game when fullback James Sifakis (Vanier College) also went down.

It was the World team’s ground attack that opened brightly with Steven Lumbala (University of Calgary) and Doyon-Roch pounding the ball steadily downfield on the ground, completing three third downs in the process.

Neither team was able to move the ball for the remainder of the first quarter, but to open the second, Team USA sustained a drive that looked likely to put points on the board. Aided by a roughing the kicker penalty that earned a first down after having to punt, Team USA quarterback Mark Myers (St Ignatius, OH), who had been run into when punting, connected with Sam Gagliano (Waxahachie, TX) for a 16 yard gain. He then found Quinton Dunbar (Booker T Washington, FL) and Anthony Creecy (Southern Durham, NC), closing in on field goal range.

A Christian Walcott (Concordia University) tackle on Myers for a loss of seven yards brought out the field goal unit and German defensive end Bjoern Werner (Salisbury School, CT), who has been highly recruited by leading US colleges, blocked a 28-yard field goal attempt by Hopfinger.

That should have left the first half scoreless, but Dunbar produced an elusive punt return, at one point forced back to his own five-yard line, to take the ball out to within a yard of midfield, a touchdown return denied by the tackle of punter Tyler Crapigna (Ottawa Myers Riders).

Quarterback Tyler Smith (Wilson Area HS, PA) went to work immediately, hooking up on a spectacular 50-yard pass downfield that Josh Reese (Miami Central, FL) would have taken all the way to pay dirt but for a saving tackle by Dylan Hollohan (St Francis Xavier) at the one-yard mark. Reese fumbled and recovered the ball on the play then from a yard out, Ethan Grant (North Broward Prep, FL) scored to earn Team USA a 7-0 halftime lead with only nine seconds left on the clock.

What proved to be the killer blow came at the start of the second half. Team USA drove steadily towards its second touchdown and used the no huddle offense effectively. Dontae Williams (Aldine, TX) gained 11 yards on two carries, Jakhari Gore (Miami Columbus, FL) 21 from three and Myers went to the air for a 25-yard connection with Gagliano.

From five yards out, Williams burst over right tackle to earn a two-touchdown lead after Hopfinger added the extra point.

The World team enjoyed success moving the chains on the ground, with team MVP Hampus Hellermark (Sweden) the most effective rusher with an eventual 64 yards from 12 carries. But the passing game proved less effective, especially on third down.

Team USA closed out the third quarter and the contest with a confident 40yard field goal from Hopfinger.

The World team produced a steady 15-play, 50-yard drive that threatened to break the shutout late on, but Hellermark lost yards on a swing pass on fourth and goal as Team USA held firm.

Myers led Team USA with 7 of 10 pass attempts completed for 79 yards, while Smith contributed 5 of 10 for 105 yards. Keiwone Malone (Mitchell, TN) had 4 receptions for 41 yards, Gagliano 3 for 46 and Reese 2 for 72. On the ground Gore rushed 11 times for 53 yards, Williams 10 times for 59 yards and a touchdown and Grant 7 times for 11 yards.

Hull and Travis Williams (Lake Taylor, VA) led the Americans with 8 tackles each, with Hull claiming the game’s only interception. Steele Divitto (Don Bosco Prep, NJ) had 8 tackles and a sack, while Josh Huff (Nimitz, TX) recorded 2 sacks and 4 tackles.

Hellermark was the World team’s most effective offensive weapon with 12 carries for 64 yards, while Lumbala rushed for 28 yards on 7 carries and Doyon-Roch for 32 from 9 runs. The Vanier Prep quarterback completed 5 of 13 pass attempts for 32 yards, with 2 of those going to college teammate Julian Bailey for a total of 14 yards.

Defensively, Walcott led the World team with 6 tackles and a sack and there were also sacks for Jerod McCrory (Western University), Beck Coulter (Trinity, TX), Scott Janz (Western) and Tyler Sawyer (University of Ottawa).

Phil Hughes knocked around during Yankees second straight loss to Detroit Tiger

Joe Girardi didn’t express much concern after the Yankees lost for the 12th time in 18 games. his players, on the other hand, might be starting to feel the heat.

The Yankees dropped a six-five decision to the Tigers Tuesday night at Comerica Park, starting a 4-game series by losing their second straight. Withthe Orioles beating Seattle in 14 innings last night, the Yankees’ AL East lead was trimmed to 4-1/2 games, their slimest margin since June 29.

“There should be a high level of concern; anybody who says that there isn’t is lying,” Eric Chavez said. “You’ve just got to win ballgames; we’re not finding a way to do that and it should be a concern. It’s that time of the year when, yeah, it’s a concern. We need to start playing good and winning games.”

Phil Hughes allowed four runs over 41/3 innings,while Cody Eppley and Joba Chamberlain gave up a run apiece, putting the Yankees in a three-run hole.

A ninth-inning rally against closer Jose Valverde brought the Bombers within a run, but Curtis Granderson couldn’t complete the comeback, popping out to first to end the game.

“We’re not playing very good,” Russell Martin said. “We’re going to have to pick it up.”

The Yankees are 3-7 in their last 10 games and 6-18 since July 19, going 0-8 in one-run games during that stretch.

“It’s been a struggle for us; there’s no doubt about it,” Girardi said. “But the first month, we struggled and we came out of it. We’ll come out of it. I mean, we will. Every club goes through it.”
Hughes managed to get ahead of most hitters, something Ivan Nova failed to do Monday. Unfortunately for the Yankees, he was unable to finish off many of them, his pitch count soaring with a 42-delivery fourth.

“The first three innings, I felt like I was cruising pretty good,” said Hughes, who gave up eight hits and didn’t issue a walk. “I felt like I was good enough to get a quality outing out of this one. So it’s a little more frustrating.”

Chavez staked the Yankees to a lead in the fourth with a two-run homer. But Miguel Cabrera cut the lead in half with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the inning, then Brennan Boesch singled with one out against Hughes in a 12-pitch at-bat. Jhonny Peralta doubled in Boesch to tie the game.

“It’s kind of like what we do to pitchers normally,” Martin said. “It’s like we got a taste of our own medicine today.”

Hughes went out for the fifth with his pitch count at 85, but it didn’t take long for him to reach the century mark. Andy Dirks singled in a six-pitch at-bat, then Austin Jackson singled on the fifth pitch he saw, both hitters overcoming two-strike counts.

Hughes retired Omar Infante on a lineout, but Cabrera stroked a 1-0 hanging curveball to left field, scoring both runners with a go-ahead double on Hughes’ 102nd and final pitch of the night.

Dirks delivered an RBI single in the eighth to put the lead at three, which proved to be important as the Yankees rallied against Valverde in the ninth.

Ichiro drove in a run with a single, then Martin doubled with runners at first and second, cutting the deficit to one and moving the tying and go-ahead runners into scoring position.

Granderson, who was 2-for-19 since moving into the leadoff spot last Friday, had a chance to be the hero, but he popped out to Prince Fielder to squash the comeback.

“Just keep fighting; there’s nothing to do, really,” Chavez said. “When bad’s here, good’s around the corner. That’s what keeps me going."

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Olympic football medal for South Korea: Celtic midfielder Ki Sung Yueng aiming to avoid military service

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed that the opportunity to gain exemption from serving in the armed forces provided Ki Sung Yueng with all the incentive he needed to convert the decisive penalty in the 5-4 shoot-out victory over Team GB at Cardiff on Saturday.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who was chosen as South Korea’s Player of the Year in 2011, beat Jack Butland after Daniel Sturridge had missed for the host nation.
Now Ki and his team-mates have the chance to go for gold against Brazil in the semi-finals at Old Trafford on Tuesday, aware that a win could see them avoid national service.
Every Korean must serve for 18 months before the age of 29 or face being exiled from the country (which is still technically at war with neighbouring North Korea) but their footballers have been told they will be excluded from this mandatory duty it if they bring a medal back home.
“I spoke to Ki before he went away,” said Lennon. “They are very proud to be playing for their country; it’s a big event for them.
“There’s also the added carrot that - if they can get a medal - they might be permitted to leave out the two years’ military service they’re bound to do.

“So that’s a huge incentive for him on a personal level. There was nothing we could do [to stop him competing] because he’s an under-23 player and he got the call-up.
“I don’t know how his national service would impact on his contract here. I think there are a couple of their boys playing abroad and they have to do it: it’s compulsory.
“When their time comes up they’ve got to go and do it and it’s before a certain age as well.
“As soon as his participation in the Olympics is finished he’ll come back and join us. I hope he comes back injury-free as well.
Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes has identified Ki as a potential signing but there won’t be any business done until the Koreans’ Olympic sojourn comes to an end.
“It’s all gone quiet,” said Lennon. “They may come back again, I don’t know. But I haven’t heard anything more on that front.

Brazil star Neymar equipped to add gold medal to plethora of trophies as Korea await in semis

It must be of particular frustration for Brazil that such rivals as Argentina & Uruguay have gathered gold on their Olympic travels.
London 2012 makes it a dozen Olympics for the boys in the most celebrated strip in sport.
The closest they have come to the top podium has been silver in 1984 with the likes of Dunga and again with Taffarel, Romario and Bebeto in 1988. So the pressure is on Mano Menezes, the Olympic and senior coach, as well as such starlets as Neymar.
Brazil face South Korea at Old Trafford today for a place in Saturday’s Wembley final against either Mexico or Japan. Brazil are favourites, having scored three times in each of their four games.
For all their defensive flaws, Brazil boast a sumptuous attack. Neymar, barely out of his teens, has starred along with Leandro Damião, a heavyweight, goalscoring No 9.

For all the hype surrounding Neymar, Brazil’s No 11 is human, missing a glorious chance against New Zealand.
He is also a bit of a tumble-tot, milking a challenge from Wilmer Crisanto in the quarter-final against Honduras, and bringing an ill-deserved second yellow for the defender. Neymar was then caught in the chest by Arnold Peralta and went down clutching his face.
If he sees the light on the dark arts, Neymar owns the technique to become a global phenomenon. He has already displayed his prolific qualities with Santos.
Socks pulled up over his knees, Neymar demonstrated his gifts on these shores with a particularly eye-catching show against Honduras at St James’ Park.
Peralta, a right-back with No 6 on his back, dread in his heart and blurred vision by the end, was turned inside out by Neymar, who kept sashaying past him with the ball. In one cameo bordering on the comic, Peralta chased Neymar across the pitch, attempting to grab and kick him.
Neymar is a threat with dead ball as well as moving, sweeping in corners right-footed, even a penalty against Honduras. He ran away, sucking his thumb in celebration.
But it is Neymar’s passing that really stood out against Honduras, threading the ball through for Hulk to create Damião's first and then a silky turn and pass for Damião to run on and score.
At the final whistle, Alexander Lopez won the race to claim Neymar’s shirt.
“I’ve been told that he is one of the best players in the world but there are many players we have to consider from Brazil,’’ said the South Korean coach, Hong Myung-Bo. Indeed. Along with Neymar, Damião shone against Honduras.
The 23 year-old has impressed whether holding the ball up or turning quickly and scoring, and he has been on target four times in the tournament. He would be a huge hit in the Premier League.
Inevitably, many of the Brazilians are being linked with wealthy English suitors. Take Hulk – and many Premier League clubs would love to. Hulk acquired his nickname from his father, an admirer of the comic-book hero.
He is an established goalscoring force with Porto, although a struggling display in last season’s 4-0 loss at the Etihad drew chants of “you’re not incredible” from the Manchester City faithful. Ludicrously, Porto briefly considered complaining to Uefa about the taunts.
There is a hinterland to Hulk, a story behind the star. If he scores against South Korea, Hulk will point to the heavens in memory of his niece who died after falling in a swimming pool at a family gathering in 2010.
One of Brazil’s over-age players here, the 26-year-old has shown flashes of his class but not the sort of form that saw him linked with a lucrative transfer to Chelsea.
Oscar has moved to the Bridge for £25 million and, judging by his nascent career at Sao Paulo and particularly Internacional, he will place pressure on Frank Lampard.

Although versatile, Oscar is arguably at his most effective gliding through the centre, releasing team-mates or letting fly himself from range, usually right-footed but occasionally sneaking in a left-footer.
His all-round game has been seen in the Olympics, the man in the fabled yellow No 10 shirt creating goals for Rafael and Damião against Egypt and scoring against Belarus.
One obvious concern: Oscar may need to bulk up for the rigours of the Premier League.
An Olympic colleague who may follow Oscar in staying on in England is Lucas Moura, a quick, goalscoring attacking midfielder of the type that Manchester United so obviously need.
United’s pursuit of the Sao Paulo starlet has been complicated by interest from Paris St-Germain and it will be interesting to see the reception he gets at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Most will be hoping that the team who so love attacking, the team of Neymar and Damião, progress in their quest for gold.

The women's Olympic semi-final between Canada and USA

Canada demonstrated their intent in this Olympic semi-final with two clattering challenges within one minute. Herdman accused USA of being too physical before kick-off, but it seemed the Canadians were set solely on overpowering their opponent. Not so.
They wanted to outplay them too. Sinclair dropped the shoulder and worked the delicately placed pass of Melissa Tancredi onto her right foot for a 22nd minute lead.
It was an exquisitely worked goal, prompting the latest in a series of flag waving exercises in the stands. The screeching choruses of USA and Canada ensured the Stretford End momentarily resembled the noise levels in the East End of Stratford.
The last time Old Trafford heard such squeals was when Andy D’Urso was sent here to referee. Sinclair later took her international goal tally to an extraordinary 143.
If the 1st half was full of promise, the second was scintillating, including 4 goals in 11 minutes. Meetings here between United and City do not display more intensity and emotion.
The first USA equaliser, on 54 minutes, was freakish, direct from a corner by dashing blonde winger Megan Rapinoe. The momentum shift lasted 13 minutes when Sinclair bulleted past USA keeper Hope Solo, but Rapinoe responded instantly with an even better strike from 20 yards.
Sinclair struck back, heading her third from a corner on 73 minutes, only for Canada defender Diana Matheson to be adjudged to have handled with full-time approaching. Wambach struck a third US equaliser from the penalty spot before Morgan had the late, last word.

William Henzell's performance

##TABLE TENNIS: William Henzell’s quest to become the 1st Australian to reach the quarter final in men’s singles remains alive after he pulled of a stunning upset against Joao Monteiro of Portugal in 6 sets on Sunday.

Henzell set himself the goal of improving on his third round finish at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and Monteiro, a regular training partner of the Australian, proved no match for the Aussie, with Henzell success 2-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 12-10.

Monteiro raced through the 1st set and looked like he was living up to his top 40 ranking. However Henzell seized control in the second set and did not let up, winning comfortably.

“I am completely numb,” Henzell said after the win.

“In the first set I had a lot of near misses. I had to play on the edge to beat a guy like (Monteiro). It is the best win I have ever had. I kept on playing my game even after a few misses in the first set. I didn’t doubt myself.”

Henzell will now face Vladimir Samsonov from Belarus, a player he has played only once, way back in 2005. Despite Samsonov being ranked in the top 10, Henzell is confident he can cause a third straight upset.

“In this form I rate myself a chance,” he said.

“I wasn’t supposed to beat the two guys I have and I think the mood and form I am in, anything is possible.

Henzell also upset Hungary’s Adam Pattantyus in the 1st round, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 to advance.

Henzell has an exceptional Olympic record. He made history at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games by becoming the 1st Australian to win matches in both the men’s singles and doubles, and he followed up at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games by reaching the third round of the singles.