We discussed it on Soccer Champions (Episode 6), and now action is taken! (coincidence? hmmmm) It's not full instant replay, but it's a start: BBC announced today that FIFA will use "goal line technology" at next year's World Club Championships. The video replay, which can be used in virtually real time, will help determine whether a ball did or did not cross the goal line, which would allow or disallow potential goals.

However, opposition apparantly remains to using a "video referee" for other aspects of the game. One step at a time, I guess.

Get ready for all of the Matchday 5 encounters, including Real Madrid-Lyon, Celtic-Man U, and Werder Bremen-Chelsea.

Questions or comments? Write us at scpodcast@gmail.com.

So following on to a story we discussed on episode 6, the MLS has in fact agreed to give each of its teams the opportunity to sign 1-2 players whose contracts would cause team salary caps to exceed the current $2 million limit. They're even calling it (somewhat humorously) the "Beckham Rule."

You can read more about this development here.

So, we want your feedback! Is this good news for Beckham? For MLS? Or will it end up being a mistake?

E-mail us at scpodcast@gmail.com with your opinion.

Relive the drama from Arsenal Stadium and the Nou Camp with our review of prime encounters from Matchday 4.

Plus we discuss the pros and cons of instant replay in soccer in response to a listener e-mail.

Also, is David Beckham coming to America to play in MLS? And why do some teams look unbeatable in European play, but struggle in their domestic leagues (or vice versa?).

On Episode 4 (10/14/06) we discussed the pros and cons (mostly pros) of the US men's national team playing in the Copa America, the South American national team tournament. Well, looks like the US Soccer Federation took our advice, as it was announced that the team will indeed participate in the tournament in Venezuela next summer. It remains to be seen what the makeup of the team will be, considering Copa America falls during the MLS (Major League Soccer, the top US domestic league) season and starts just 2 days after the conclusion of the Gold Cup, North America's national team tournament.

In other news discussed on Soccer Champions, looks like Jurgen Klinsmann has met with US Soccer to discuss the coaching vacancy. Bill and I hope he accepts! Refer to Episode 4 for more on this as well.

On this episode, we review Chelsea's domination of Barcelona, Celtic's solid win over Benfica, and other Matchday 3 action.

We also preview the "return legs" for Matchday 4. Plus it's time to catch up on the UEFA Cup, and who deserves to be FIFA World Player of the Year?

Links:
Keene, NH Pumpkin Festival
FIFA World Player of the Year Nominees

What should you look for in Matchday 3 of the Champions League? Tune in to find out!

Bill and I also discuss the recent Euro 2008 qualifying games, the US national team coaching vacancy and who should fill it, and we tell you why a North American team should play in a South American tournament.

E-mail us with comments or questions at scpodcast@gmail.com. And spread the word about our show!

The plot thickens in the search for the US national team's next head coach. Reports yesterday confirmed that Juergen Klinsmann has received offers from both the US and Mexico, and is weighing his options. He is my top choice for the post, so my fingers are crossed...

Moving on to more somber news, all US soccer fans were saddened to learn today of the death of men's national team assistant coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick, who has been involved in all different levels of US soccer as a player and coach since the late 1970s. Myernick has been an integral part of the national team for the last two World Cup runs, and was often the voice of US soccer through sound bites and interviews.

Myernick suffered a heart attack last Thursday, and passed away this morning with his family at his side. He was 51 years old. He will be sorely missed.

Scott and Bill review where things stand with the Champions League, introduce the UEFA Cup, and discuss the contentious issue of foreign ownership of European soccer teams.

Since the Champions League isn't back until Oct. 17-18, we'll review the current standings after two matchdays and cover other topics, like the UEFA Cup, and foreign ownership of European soccer teams.

Please send comments and questions to scpodcast@gmail.com!

ESPN's latest listings for MatchDay 2 (Eastern Time Zone):

Tuesday 9/26/06 -       2:30 PM ESPN2:  Benfica v Manchester United
                                  5:00 PM Classic:   Real Madrid v Dynamo Kiev

Wednesday 9/27/06 -   2:30 PM ESPN2:  Levski Sofia v Chelsea
                                   5:00 PM Classic:  Werder Bremen v Barcelona

Friday 9/29/06 -           2:00 PM ESPN2:  UCL Highlights Show

-  Bill

I mentioned on episode 2 that Rui Costa was one of the only players on Benfica whose name I recognized. Well, it turns out he missed the Portuguese side's first Champions League match against FC Copenhaven due to a thigh injury, and will also miss Tuesday's home clash with Manchester United.

Speaking of thigh injuries, the same ailment will keep Roma's Brazilian winger Mancini and AC Milan defender and captain Paolo Maldini out of action this week. Lastly on the injury front, Real Madrid suffered a harsh blow over the weekend (in domestic play) when their young Brazilian defender Cicinho went down with an ACL tear. He is expected to be out for 6 months.

Finally, Inter Milan's Patrick Vieira, Hamburg's Sascha Kirschstein (their keeper), and Valencia's Joaquin Sanchez will not see playing time on Matchday 2 because of suspension.

--Scott

In this episode, Scott and Bill review Matchday 1. What was Benitez thinking in benching the majority of his first-team players, especially captain Steven Gerrard? Real Madrid get steamrolled by surging Lyon. And a thriller at the Theater of Dreams between Manchester United and Celtic.

We also preview Matchday 2, including Man U looking to get some revenge from Benfica, and a marquis matchup between high-flying Valencia and AS Roma.

Any questions, comments, or suggestions for the show? E-mail them to scpodcast@gmail.com.

I saw a story today that Sven-Goran Eriksson is in the running to succeed Bruce Arena as US national team head coach.

Yeesh. I think it would be a huge mistake for the US to hire Eriksson. Though it's far from definite according to the report, largely due to the US's ability or desire to meet his asking price. His flameout in England, and the antics that dominated his tenure, are enough to make him a poor choice. Although, since there is about 1000 times more intensive coverage of soccer in England than the US, those same antics could go on if he's the US coach and we'd probably never hear of it, but that's besides the point...

As I've told Bill numerous times, the US needs a coach with two main attributes: 1) foreign coaching experience at a high level, so they know what it takes to succeed at the World Cup; and 2) an understanding (or at the least, working knowledge) of the US soccer system/environment.

Arena had #2, but not #1. Erikkson has #1, but not #2.

The person that first comes to mind who has a good combination of the two is Jurgen Klinsmann, who has also been linked with the position. He lives in California after all, and for my money would be a vastly superior choice to Eriksson.

--Scott

ESPN2 is starting a UEFA Champions League Highlights Show, premiering today (right now, actually!) from 2-3 pm eastern time. Not sure the schedule in the future, but my understanding is that it will be broadcast every Friday of a week with Champions League matches. Glad to see ESPN increasing their Euro soccer coverage. Now let's just hope they stay with it...

Here's the web site for the movie itself (which I could not find through Google for some reason):

http://onceinalifetime-movie.com/

And it will be broadcast NEXT WEEK on ESPN2: Wed. Sept. 20 at 9:00 pm eastern.

Thanks to listener ScottyJ for the detail!

...referenced in Episode 1 is:

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos.

It might still be playing in some theaters, and is supposedly going to be shown on ESPN in October.

Welcome to Soccer Champions, a podcast covering the UEFA Champions League and other European soccer competitions from across the pond!

In this premiere episode, meet your hosts, Scott and Bill, and find out how 2 American guys came to follow Euro soccer.

Also, we review all 8 Champions League groups, and preview Matchday 1 encounters.

Please e-mail us with questions, comments, or suggestions at scpodcast@gmail.com.