Ups and downs

The news from cash-strapped Accrington Stanley, whom the Aztex played on their recent visit to the UK, is that they have a stay of execution. They have been given one more week to pay the remainder of their tax debt and avoid being wound up. The problems off the field have coincided with some great results on it - they are currently 14th and on course for their highest league finish since 1968. We met with the fans when we played there, they were friendly and welcoming and passionate and vocal about their team - I hope they make it! http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/4711679.Stanley_goal_getter_is_not_taking_anything_for_granted/

The MLS playoffs got off to an exciting start last night with an action packed game between the Seattle Sounders and the Houston Dynamo ending with a 0-0 scoreline. I know non-soccer fans point to this kind of result and ask 'how can you watch a game with no score'. But the stats at least show part of the story:

Seattle Sounders FC		Houston Dynamo
total shots:	14	(Patrick Ianni 3, Nate Jaqua 3)	9	(Brad Davis 4)
shots on goal:	2	(Nate Jaqua 1, Steve Zakuani 1)	4	(Brad Davis 2)
fouls:	6	(5 tied with 1)	18	(Mike Chabala 4)
offsides:	2	(Nate Jaqua 1, Steve Zakuani 1)	2	(Brian Ching 1, Dominic Oduro 1)
corner kicks:	9	(Freddie Ljungberg 9)	7	(Stuart Holden 4)
saves:	4	(Kasey Keller 4)	2	(Pat Onstad 2)

Misconduct Summary:
SEA -- Fredy Montero (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 16
HOU -- Pat Onstad (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 16
SEA -- Osvaldo Alonso (caution; Reckless Tackle) 64
SEA -- Brad Evans (caution; Tactical Foul) 68
HOU -- Brian Mullan (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 71
HOU -- Mike Chabala (caution; Tactical Foul) 75

The game was played in front of almost 36,000 noisy, passionate fans - full match report here:
http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091030&content_id=7579462&vkey=mlscup2009&fext=.jsp

Tomorrow, Stoke City take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in a local derby i.e. a distance of around 30 miles, an alien concept here in Austin! Our 'local' rivals this season were Minnesota, a mere 1044 miles away! City's Ricardo Fuller will celebrate his 30th birthday tomorrow - a couple of goals from him would make a great gift!

Have a great weekend!
Kay