U.S. men's national team goalkeeper Tim Howard put on a show on Wednesday night, making a handful of spectacular saves before stopping a pair of penalty kicks to give Everton a victory against the MLS all-stars in the 2009 MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
Goals from Brad Davis and Louis Saha left the score tied after 90 minutes, leaving the sides to settle the match on penalty kicks. The shootout pitted legendary U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller vs. current U.S. No. 1 Howard and it was Howard who came away with bragging rights, stopping penalty kicks from Brad Davis, Davy Arnaud and Freddie Ljungberg to hand the MLS All-Stars their first loss to an international club since the league adopted the current MLS All-Star Game format.
For those of you who missed the action, here are the highlights:
TFC drops CCL opener
Toronto FC's first CONCACAF Champions League match in history was a forgettable one as the MLS club lost a 1-0 decision to USL side Puerto Rico Islanders.
Kendall Jagdeosingh scored the lone goal for Puerto Rico, which will take a 1-0 edge to the second leg of their home-and-home series, in Puerto Rico next week.
Alonso submits transfer request
Liverpool midfielder Xavi Alonso has submitted a transfer request, the first major step toward a transfer move to Real Madrid.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez stated recently that he had no desire to sell Alonso, but now the Spanish international looks eager to leave the English club and become the latest big-money acquisition by Madrid.
Set Pieces
Elano has left Manchester City, and has signed with Galatasaray.
Patrick Viera may return to Arsenal.
Lyon make move for St. Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis.
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That's all for now. What did you think of the MLS All-Star Game? Is Tim Howard your favorite soccer player? Feeling a little more confident about Aug. 12 after watching him work his magic? Starting to dread another MLS flop in the CONCACAF Champions League? Think Alonso is the player Real Madrid needs?
Share your thoughts below.