Author Archives: John B.I

NASL Week 1: Edmonton rolls, PR rallies late as road teams run the table

  By JOHN BOSCHINI It was a nail-baiting debut in the NASL as road teams dominated and all four game ended in one-goal victories. Three road teams managed to score opening-day victories, including a surprising win for the expansion FC … Continue reading »

Posted in NASL | 12 Comments

USL Pro Week 2: A Look Ahead

By JOHN BOSCHINI When the NASL and USL split back in 2009, the USL decided to focus more on fostering regional rivalries between clubs. That philosophy is on full display in the first full weekend of play. The league officially … Continue reading »

Posted in USL Pro | 3 Comments

NASL Look Ahead: Week One

By JOHN BOSCHINI A rematch of last season's USSF Division 2 final headlines the debut weekend in the NASL. The Carolina Railhawks welcome defending champions Puerto Rico Islanders as both teams look to build upon last year's success with mostly … Continue reading »

Posted in NASL | 14 Comments

Mid-Day Ticker: Rooney’s ban upheld, LeBron gets Liverpool share and more

By JOHN BOSCHINI What’s the cost of cursing into a camera? Two games, as it turns out, even if your name is Wayne Rooney. The English FA upheld Rooney’s two-game suspension after the Manchester United striker directed profanities at an … Continue reading »

Posted in European Soccer | 33 Comments

SBI’s NASL Preview: A year later, new league is ready to launch

  By JOHN BOSCHINI It's been almost 27 years since the North American Soccer League last saw a game, but that will change this Saturday when the storied league returns to action under the USSF umbrella with eight franchises. The … Continue reading »

Posted in USSF Division 2 | 36 Comments

Mid-Day Ticker: Friedel close to Villa extension, Iran hires Queiroz and more

  By JOHN BOSCHINI Brad Friedel may be pushing 40 by the time the season runs out, but the veteran goalkeeper looks likely to extend his stay at Aston Villa. Friedel’s agent, Tony McGill, said that he has been in … Continue reading »

Posted in European Soccer, International Soccer | 41 Comments

Friday Ticker: Injuries mount for Madrid/Spurs, Bosnia banned and more

    By JOHN BOSCHINI Both Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur could be without some of their top players for their Champions League quarterfinal match Tuesday. Madrid could be without forward Cristiano Ronaldo (thigh), winger Karim Benzema (thigh) and full-back Marcelo … Continue reading »

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Ghana, Australia earn surprise results in Tuesday’s international action

By JOHN BOSCHINI Any long-time soccer fan knows better than to put a lot of stock into international friendlies but, even so, fans of Ghana and Australia will be happy with their positive results against a couple of traditional European … Continue reading »

Posted in International Soccer | 13 Comments

Mid-day Ticker: Downs named NASL commissioner, Boateng injured and more

By JOHN BOSCHINI It's a time transition at the NASL. The second-tier of American soccer revealed several changes this morning as David Downs was introduced as commissioner, a new logo was unveiled and a redesigned website was launched. Downs is … Continue reading »

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

England-Ghana leads strong list of international friendlies

  By JOHN BOSCHINI A couple of high-profile friendlies and a handful of EURO 2012 qualifiers highlight Tuesday’s action as the international break continues. England takes on Ghana in a matchup of two U.S. opponents from the 2010 World Cup. … Continue reading »

Posted in European Soccer, International Soccer | 14 Comments