This Week in Group C...

Photo Credit: FC Basel Official Website

FC Basel held the Portuguese powerhouse Benfica to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio da Luz Wednesday night while Manchester United battled it out at home against Otelul Galati. United finished with two goals coming from Antonio Valencia early on in the eighth minute and an unfortunate own goal from Galati's own Sarghi in the 88th minute of play. Benfica lost out to possession against the visiting Swiss side, only holding 44% while Basel dominated with 56%. Benfica's forward Rodrigo slammed the first goal of the game home early on in the 4th minute and the team continued to apply pressure throughout the first half. Basel's veteran midfielder Benjamin Huggel savored the visitors a point in the 64th minute with a strong finish past the Benfica goalie.
As of now, Manchester United sit the top of the table with only one goal over Benfica, both level on 8 points. Basel are one win behind them with five points and Galati sit at the bottom of the table with zero points from four games.

Pete Fewing Makes his Exit from the Kitsap Pumas

Puma fan Ian Logan presented owner Robin Waite and former head coach Fewing with the 2011 Man of the Match plaque. Fans will fondly remember Fewing's two season's with the club.

Head Coach Peter Fewing has called an end to his career at the Kitsap Pumas after two seasons of juggling multiple coaching jobs and working for the Seattle Sounders on matchday. Fewing led the team to the USL/PDL National Championships this past season and also coached them through the US Open Cup, falling out of the competition in an enticing match against the Seattle Sounders at Starfire stadium in June.The fans thank him for his service to the club and wish him the best. Fewing was at the helm in some of the most exciting games in the clubs history and will not be forgotten.

How FIFA Works as a Political System

Many people in the United States consider soccer to be a mere game played by twenty-two men on a grass field and observed by drunken fans who take it too seriously. However, this sport has more in common with the politics and economic situation of the rest of the world than many assume.

Seattle Salutes Captain Kasey Keller

It couldn't have happened any other way. In the second half of Seattle Sounders FCs match against the San Jose Earth Quakes, captain Kasey Keller was forced to make four exceptional consecutive saves in front of the ECS and 64,140 adoring supporters. Sounders fans set a new MLS record, bringing in more fans for Kasey's final regular season match than FC Barcelona was able to attract when they visited in the summer of 2009. Keller was saluted by fans who turned out in the masses to thank their captain since the 2009 inaugural season. The former national team player has savored many points over his three seasons with the Sounders and has lead the squad to three consecutive US Open Cup wins after representing the United States in several top leagues all over Europe. His presence in the goal will definitely be missed. (Photo: Kasey Keller captains the Seattle Sounders/ Photo Credit: Soccer Extreme)

Thorsten Fink Calls and End to a Successful Career at Basel

FC Basel manager Thorsten Fink has called a halt to his career with the Swiss club and will move on to manage the German side Hamburg SV in the Bundesliga. The 14 time Swiss Champions won the Axpo Superleague three times under the German manager and won the double (Swiss Cup and the league) under Fink in the 2009/2010 season. Some of their best games in Champions League competition also came under Fink when they defeated AS Roma at home in the UEFA Champions League in 2010 and when the drew English giants Manchester United at Old Trafford in September. Players and staff alike have been expressing their emotion over Finks departure.

Angry Birds for Real

This cracked me up. These guys have some impressive kicks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh2P8OwSGRg

Coming Up This Week/Weekend/Part of Next Week

I will be posting a comparison essay on the government structures of FIFA and the United States of America since the two have a bit in common. I will also be writing about my reaction to the Seattle Sounders home game this Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes. This game will be Kasey Keller's last regular season home match for the Sounders before he retires, I'm sure it will be an amazing atmosphere! Coverage will include highlights and player ratings (from both teams) as well as photos and videos of the much anticipated ferry ride over to Seattle from Bainbridge Island! We're looking at a potential crowd of around 60,000 people all coming to thank Kasey Keller for his dedication and service to the team of Soccer City. Also a recap and some photos of the Wooden Spoon charity tournament on Bainbridge Island last weekend. The photos involve some wild and fun costumes and great action shots of players of all ages.