Didier Drogba will miss the World Cup after fracturing his elbow in a friendly against Japan.
England captain Rio Ferdinand will miss the World Cup after injuring his knee in training.
Union/Independence/Local/MLS
This week’s Statement of the Obvious Headline Award goes to “Union hope to build on first road victory.”
The Daily News looks at Peter Nowak’s return to Chicago while Danny Califf offers his opinion on having to play so many road games: “It stinks.”
Goal.com has a head-to-head preview of Saturday’s Union v Chicago Fire match. They predict a draw.
Comcast has added two Independence matches to its broadcast schedule. The July 24 and August 22 matches, both of which are against Sky Blue FC, will be televised by The Comcast Network and Comcast SportsNet.
Independence keeper Val Henderson uses her blog on Goal.com to plead for fans to support the struggling WPS and to argue that Caroline Seger shouldn’t have been given a red card in Sunday’s match against Washington Freedom.
Reading United will face Real Maryland in the US Open Cup on June 15.
US team
After Jozy Altidore suffers a minor ankle sprain on Wednesday (settle down, it’s nothing to worry about—he might miss the friendly against Australia on Saturday), Goal.com wonders who should start in his spot. More on this is available here and here.
Good news for Comcast customers who work for a living: World Cup matches will be available to watch On Demand the day after they’ve been played. Comcast will also deliver up to 25 World Cup matches in Next-Generation 3D for the seven people who have one of those crazy expensive new 3D televisions.
Here’s the latest installment in the crop of “Soccer has arrived in America” articles that let everyone who doesn’t care know that it’s World Cup time. Now it’s Time magazine’s turn.
Sports Illustrated takes a look at the Group C.
USA Today looks at why the US produces so many outstanding goalkeepers. The New Yorker has a profile on Tim Howard.
Here’s a profile on Clint Dempsey.
Soccer America takes an in-depth look at my new hero. Jose Torres.
The BBC looks at the Bradleys, “the father & son plotting England’s downfall.” Gor blimey, somebody protect the Queen!
World Cup news
You don’t have to watch the World Cup after all. It turns out that videogame company EA has already played a simulation of the tournament and Spain wins. The US loses to England 2-1, beats Algeria and Slovenia to advance out of the group but loses to Germany on penalty kicks. Oh well, it was a good run.
More on the crappy ball that’ll be used at the World Cup.
Mexico beat Italy in warm up match.
England manager Fabio Capello to spy on his players to enforce sex ban. This guy is Italian, right?
International malcontents North Korea tried to pull fast one by listing striker Kim Myong Won as a goalkeeper on their roster. FIFA says he can only play as a keeper. North Korea then threatened to sink FIFA.
Etc.
Rafael Benitez leaves Liverpool “by mutual consent.” Fulham manager Roy Hodgson tops Liverpool’s manager replacement wish list.
This weekend’s games
Saturday, June 5 at 8:30am on ESPN2, USA v Australia.
Saturday, June 5 at 8:30pm on 6abc, Chicago Fire v Philadelphia Union.
Sunday, June 6 at 6pm, Philadelphia Independence v Sky Blue FC.
Drogba out is a disaster for the Ivory Coast. Ferdinand being out for us could be a blessing in disguise – he’s had patchy season at best.
Late word on Friday afternoon from the L’Equipe as reported in the Guardian is that Drogba has a dislocated elbow and is undergoing surgery in the hope that he will be able to play against Portugal in 10 day’s time.
Pirlo is in rough shape as well. Not certain whether he’ll play
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5251604/ce/us/italy-andrea-pirlo-calf-injury?cc=5901&ver=us
Drogba out? Come on. You don’t need elbows to play soccer! Well, not unless you’re Danny Califf, that is.
OH SNAP!!! DANNY CALIFF ZING!!!