By FRANCO PANIZO
AS Roma has concluded their preseason preparations for the upcoming Serie A campaign, and Michael Bradley looks ready to tackle the season head-on.
Bradley scored in Roma's final preseason friendly on Sunday, netting the second goal in the Italian club's 3-0 win over Greek side Aris FC. The U.S. men's national team midfielder got on the end of a cross and snapped a header low and away to give his team an insurance goal in the second half.
While it is uncertain if Bradley has earned a full-time starting role with his preseason performances, Bradley could make his Serie A debut when Roma opens their season at home on Sunday against Catania.
Here is the goal as well as other stories to help get your Monday going:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK0iyYerE6Y?feature=player_embedded]
BUTTNER CLOSE TO SIGNING WITH MAN UTD
Manchester United are close to bolstering their options in defense, as they are nearing the completion of a deal for Dutch defender Alexander Buttner. The 23-year-old fullback has flown to England for a medical and looks set to seal a move away from Vitesse Arnhem. Buttner drew interest from Southampton, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham earlier in the transfer window.
MAN CITY ACCIDENTALLY BID FOR MESSI IN 2008
Barcelona selling Leo Messi is a pipe dream, but Manchester City accidentally made an offer for him in 2008. Former Manchester City chief executive Gary Cook explains in his new book that when an executive said over the phone that 'things were getting messy', it somehow was understood as 'get Messi'. In turn, City offered Barcelona an insulting $47 million for the star player before the Spanish heavyweights turned it down.
U-20 USWNT OPEN WORLD CUP WITH BIG WIN OVER GHANA
The U.S. U-20 women's national team started their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Monday, beating Ghana, 4-0, in their Group D opener at Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium. Maya Hayes led the way for the Americans with a hat-trick performance, but the decisive tally came courtesy of an own goal from Linda Addai. The U.S. team next take on China PR on Thursday.
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What type of season do you think Bradley will have with Roma? Hoping Manchester United signs Buttner? Impressed with the U-20 USWNT's World Cup-opening win?
Share your thoughts below.