D.C. United finally broke through on CONCACAF Champions League play on Tuesday night, posting a 1-0 victory against San Juan Jabloteh in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Christian Gomez converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute after a handball in the penalty area by Noel Williams. D.C. goalkeeper Milos Kocic made the goal stand up with several crucial saves as D.C. posted its first victory and shutout in Champions League group play this year.
D.C. United brought just 16 players to Trinidad, leaving behind several key players, but still came away with a win that improves D.C. United to 1-2 in group play. It's next match is on Sept. 24 vs. CD Marathon of Honduras.
In other Champions League action, the USL Puerto Rico Islanders squandered a 3-1 halftime lead and settled for a 3-3 tie vs. Cruz Azul.
Here are some other stories to get your Wednesday going:
HUCKERBY ON VERGE OF RETIRING
San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Darren Huckerby underwent season-ending hip surgery recently and now it appears that the surgery may end more than the 2009 season for the English winger.
Huckerby told the Norwich Evening News that he is "99 percent sure" he will retire after his recent surgery.
Huckerby joined the Earthquakes a year ago and quickly became one of the best midfielders in MLS for that half season. He was unable to duplicate that success this season as injuries limited him to 14 games this season. He recorded three goals and two assists this season after posting six goals and four assists in the same number of matches in 2008.
CHICAGO SIGNS COSTA RICAN DEFENDER
Since losing MLS Best XI defender Bakary Soumare to a summer transfer to France, the Chicago Fire has been looking for some defensive cover heading into the playoff stretch drive. The Fire found a defender in Costa Rican youngster David Myrie, signing him on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old defender comes from Alajuelense and is expected to provide cover in central defense and at fullback. Chicago still boasts central defenders Wilman Conde, Dasan Robinson and C.J. Brown, but Conde has been battling injuries this season while the team's fullbacks have also endured a variety of injuries.
WPS HOLDS EXPANSION DRAFT
The expansion Philadelphia Independence and Atlanta Beat took their first steps toward fielding teams on Tuesday by taking part in the WPS Expansion Draft. The Beat selected Leigh Ann Robinson, former of FC Gold Pride, with the first pick. Philadelphia selected Lori Lindsey, formerly of the Washington Freedom, with its first pick.
Philadelphia and Atlanta will begin play in 2010, bringing the number of teams in Women's Professional Soccer to nine.
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What do you think of these developments? Surprised that D.C. pulled out a win with such a bare-bones squad? Disappointed to see Huckerby retiring? Think Myrie will help Chicago move a step closer to challenge the Columbus Crew in the East?
Share your thoughts below.