Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISIphotos.com
New England Revolution rookie centerback A.J. Soares will miss the club's final three games after undergoing ankle surgery on Thursday.
Soares started 28 games in his first season in MLS, but he injured his left ankle and will need the next 6-to-8 weeks to go through rehabilitation following the surgery, according to a team-issued release.
The Revolution defense will be a bit thin for Saturday's match against San Jose, as goalkeeper Matt Reis will join Soares on the inactive list for the match. He is dealing with a hamstring injury, leaving the keeper duties to backup Bobby Shuttleworth.
Here are a few more stories to get your Friday started:
After coming close to landing Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez during the summer transfer window, Brazilian club Corinthians is reportedly no long interested in bringing the mercurial forward to South America.
Corinthians' general manager told the BBC that "At the moment there are no plans to try and sign him again. I'm starting to think about our new squad for 2012 and I've talked to our coach [Tite] about what we need - but Tevez was not mentioned."
ROBBEN HAS GROIN SURGERY
Bayern Munich and Netherlands international winger Arjen Robben underwent groin surgery on Thursday, marking the latest chapter in his injury saga.
One of the best at his position in the world when fit, Robben is due to miss at least the next two weeks while recovering. The injury had already ruled him out of the Netherlands' European championship qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden.
BARCELONA GIVEN HEFTY FINE
UEFA fined Barcelona about $148,000 for the club's actions during the UEFA Super Cup against Porto in August.
The European club champions came out two minutes late after halftime, and their fans reportedly lit 10 flares in the stands throughout the match, leading to the punishment.
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How would you rate Soares' rookie season? Do you see Chris Wondolowski and the Earthquakes' attack having a big day against the Revs? Think Tevez' latest incident has anything to do with Corinthians backing away? What do you make of Robben being injured again? Think the fine is deserved for Barcelona?
Share your thoughts below.
