UEFA Champions League Draw

The UEFA Champions League draw happened earlier today and there are some intriguing matchups.

VfB Stuttgart v Barcelona
Olympiakos v Bordeaux
Internazionale v Chelsea
Bayern Munich v Fiorentina
CSKA Moscow v Sevilla FC
Lyon v Real Madrid
FC Porto v Arsenal
AC Milan v Manchester United

The Chelsea vs Inter match catches my eye because it has The Special1 returning to face his former club, but for me the biggest matchup has to be Manchester United vs AC Milan. David Beckham was hoping for the match up earlier in the week and I have to admit that I didn't think it would happen. I guess I shouldn't doubt Goldenballs. So now Patrice Evra gets to try and shut down the former Old Trafford legend as United look to make it three straight Champions League finals in a row. I can't wait for mid February!

Random News For Your Friday

David Beckham can now join fellow Brit, Liam Neeson, in saying, "America's been very very good to me".

Elizabeth Lambert, The Female Vinnie Jones has been suspended indefinitely.

Chelsea are looking into selling the naming rights for Stamford Bridge.

Xabi misses his friend.

Don't miss the SuperClasico this Sunday.

Former MLS All-Star, and Mexican National Team veteran, Jorge Campos may be the new Technical Director at FC Dallas.

I heard the MTV Europe Video Awards were pretty cool. I looked, but I couldn't find the outfit.

Stoke vs Chelsea

So, when is a goal celebration to long?

Pizarro returns to Werder Bremen

My boy Claudio Pizarro has ended his Chelsea adventure as he was given the go ahead to sign a permanent 3 year deal with Werder Bremen. Bremen are reported to have paid five million euros for him.

Chelsea vs Sunderland

I'm seriously feeling the Arab announcer. All I can understand is Chelsea and Super Frank. Chelsea is seriously looking good this year.

Drogba Free Kick vs Hull

Pretty nice quality and angle by a fan.

ODB Buddy To Rovers

Oh Danny Boy's new recent friend has been shipped off to Ewood Park. Chelsea's Franco Di Santo has been loaned out to Blackburn until the January transfer window. The 20 year old Argentine is now considered a good value in Fantasy Football. I just might pick him up now that he isn't fighting for time against Drogba and Anelka.

My time with CFC 2.5

Here are some pictures I took while we waited for Chelsea to come back for the 2nd practice.

My time with CFC II

(Picture of goal keeper Training Hilario, Cech, Turnbull)

I've seen and been a part of some intense training, but nothing could prepare for what I saw with Chelsea. The amount of focus and level of professionalism by both the staff and players is a model that I hope all pro teams take. Of course you have the guys joking around before training started, but it was like a switch went on when the first whistle blew for drills. These boys, took every amount of training as if it was a game type situation. The 8 v 8 scrimmage was as if they were playing against United or Liverpool. The amount of hitting and bodies being thrown in front of every shot, was like I was watching a Champions League final. Even when involving us in the drills (one which got me a little nervous), as soon as a ball was lost out of bounds I would hear John Terry yell over to me: "yeah, yeah!" as his palms were facing out in the direction he wanted the ball played. So, I quickly played him a ball and right back into the scrimmage they went, without skipping a beat. I have to admit, inside I as buzzing as I thought to myself... "Hey, I just played JT a long ball!" As the final whistle blew for the guys to hit the showers, most of the guys stuck around for some last minute workouts. Ricardo Carvahlo invovled me and another friend in some juggling and 2 touch passing. It was kinda funny, cause he never said a single word to us except good and thank you. As soon as as Carvahlo was done. Franco Di Santo wanted to knock the ball with me for a bit, so naturally being the nice guy that I am I obliged. It was all pretty amazing that these high profile players treated us with great respect. From, the many thank you's we got by just giving them water and sports drinks, to the hilarious jokes the coaching staff and trainers would say to us, the first half of Chelsea practice was terrific. The 2nd half of that day would be a different story. It turns out the mornings was just a light workout. The serious business was to come later that evening.

Chelsea vs Club America

My boy Franco Di Santo turned it on. Thank you Franco for at least giving me a reason to not see Mexico dominate 2 finales. Small consolation, but it was good to see any way.

My time with CFC

Morning practice at the massive Virginia Mason Atheltic Center (Seattle Seahawks training facility)I was standing on the training pitch, nervously waiting for the team to come out for practice. It was really quite the only thing I could hear was the 12th man flag flapping in the wind, billions of things ran through my head, which player would I see first, would I even care since I'm not even a Chelsea supporter, how will they act with me being around to help. 8:30am the Chelsea FC coaching staff began to slowly step out onto the field, many of them if not all said hello and good morning to me, this was something I was definitely shocked by. I never thought they would even pay attention to me unless they needed something. As soon as I made that thought one of them quickly summoned me over to help him move the goals for the goal keepers training session. I could tell this guy meant business as the scowl was easily noticeable from a distance, I know the scowl wasn't meant for mem, but meant for the goal keepers as he had his game face on and ready to destroy Petr Cech, Ross Turnbull and Hilario. As soon as I helped him set up, a grounds keeper had asked us to move to a different spot as he needed to finish mowing the section we were on. In side I sank, as I was ready for Christophe Lollichon to erupt... Well, he didn't erupt, but the Frenchman did give a look and gesture of distaste. He immediately turned and looked at me and all I said was "right away sir!" after I moved everything, the only time I ever saw this man smile was when he said Thank you, and just as fast as he smiled he quickly went to his scowl, then in his accent he said "sorry, this man is eh.. stupid!" I just laughed and told him no problem. 9am rolled around and as I was headed back to the door to pick up some water, out came Ancellotti and Drogba. It took everything inside of me to not just sit there and stare. As they walked and spoke together, other players followed. Alex, Carvahlo, Bosingwa, Hilario and Cech. Cech is easily the biggest goal keeper I have ever seen, I know I had to keep my mouth closed as I was caught in between all these players. Finally the rest of the players made their way out, when John Terry walked towards me and the other fellas, shook our hands and said good morning. I was expecting him to just walk away after him saying hello, but he stayed for at least 5min talking with us about the game they had against the Sounders, MLS and how this league could be better if they just spent the money. This was a great topic for me to dominate the conversation, so I just went with it. Pretty soon it was as if it was just me and JT talking, by the end of it he had to get going to warm up, but his last parting words were: "I love Washington, it's fantastic here," "and Who know's, maybe one day I'll end up playing here." And off he went.

-More to come soon.

More on Chelsea and the Sounders

I don't want Sterlinho and Oh Danny Boy to be the only ones to post on Chelsea so I thought I would give you a few videos from the day. The first video is from the Sounders website and shows that monster save by Petr Cech that Sterlinho mentioned.


And some good ole highlights for ya.

Lamps Interview In Seattle

Frank Lampard talks about Chelsea's upcoming game against Inter Milan and former boss Jose Mourinho, as well as his new manager Carlo Ancelotti. All filmed at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center where Oh Danny Boy spent Sunday and Monday helping out with Chelsea's training. Stay tuned for pics and thoughts from Danny Boy's Chelsea experience.

From The Stands: Sounders vs. Chelsea

These shots are from my front row seat for Saturday's match against Chelsea. And just like Oh Danny Boy, I also need to invest in a better camera.
A packed Qwest Field. My only complaint is that parking costs four times as much and the restrooms and concessions were twice as crowded. I didn't think that the stadium was any louder than a league game with just the lower bowl open.
Ashley Cole taking a shot during warm-ups (hence the net in the way).

The line ups before kickoff.

Both teams getting set to play.

Cech in motion. I wasn't a big fan of the guy, but he is impressive in person. He made a save on a Ljungberg free kick that just made it look too easy.

So many big names on that squad. Right before kick off.

Bosingwa just played in a cross after going by Zakuani.

Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka.

Daniel Sturridge caught offside.

Sturridge and the rest of the Chelsea squad celebrating the first goal.

And the boys congratulate Lamps for putting one in the top shelf.

John Terry keeping the squad motivated after they went up 2-0.

I thought Nyassi played well in the second half. He's also been great in the Open Cup games. Get this guy some playing time, Sigi!

Tifo from The Emerald City Supporters after the game.

While the Sounders made their way around the field thanking the fans, our boy Ben Dragavon showed off the jersey he got from Cech.

The Brougham End with a lot of scarves up in this photo.

A few of the Chelsea players trained after the game.

I'm wondering why the white guys didn't have to train afterwards.

Drogba attacking during a 2v2 drill.

Sounders FC vs Chelsea FC pregame

I know I know, the game was last Saturday but I didn't have a whole lot of time to post this weekend as I was working for Chelsea FC. I will have more on my experience with the club as well as some pics. Anyway, here's some footage from little finepix FUJIFILM camera... I really need to invest in a better quality camera.

Sturridge Gives Seattle The Blues

Daniel Sturridge jumped at the chance to join Chelsea as soon as he heard the club was interested in him.
His debut on Saturday made Blues’ management look very smart for acquiring the talented 19-year-old player.
Making his debut following an offseason move from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge, Sturridge scored in the 12th minute and assisted on Frank Lampard’s goal later in the first half as the Blues opened their preseason tour of America with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday.
“Nobody ever thinks twice about going to such a big club when it comes calling,” Sturridge said. “You have to take the opportunity and I’m very happy to be here.”
Sturridge’s goal early in the match quieted some of the 65,289 fans—most in Seattle green—who turned out to see the first of two international exhibitions the Sounders will host this season. It also made a winner of new manager Carlo Ancelotti in his first match leading the Blues after his move from AC Milan.
It was Chelesa’s second appearance in Seattle in recent years. They faced Celtic in 2004 in an exhibition match that drew 30,504 and was part of an increased run of international exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest.
But Saturday was the first time those Northwest fans were cheering for their own team. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said he went to pick up his dry cleaning at 8 a.m. Saturday and was met by a Sounders fan already in full regalia.
The hometown team responded with a spirited effort despite getting shut out.
“From a European point of view I think it definitely sends a message that we can play so well against Chelsea,” Seattle midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said, a former Chelsea nemesis during his time at Arsenal. “When I speak to my friends back home there are a lot of questions about what is the level and how would you play against a great team. I think that message was sent today.”
The match was Chelsea’s first on-field test since beating Everton 2-1 in the FA Cup final on May 30. They are using the tour of the United States—which includes matches against Inter Milan, AC Milan and Club America—as their training leading up to the English Premier League opener against Hull on Aug. 15.
To that end, a number of stars either sat or played only one half. Didier Drogba and Michael Essien never took off their warmups, while Ashley Cole, John Terry and Petr Cech were among the Chelsea starters to only play a half. Terry did not speak to reporters afterward regarding the ongoing pursuit of his services by Manchester City.
The only Chelsea regular to play the full 90 minutes was Lampard.
“Today was the best atmosphere I’ve played in out here for sure,” Lampard said. “I think the game was pretty even really except for the two goals that we scored which is maybe a slight difference in quality from the Premier League to here, but the Seattle team played good football.”
Seattle is in the middle of its MLS season and had to balance upcoming matches with trying to make a good showing against the Blues. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller and forward Nate Jaqua only played a half, while Ljungberg played into the second half before leaving.
The Sounders host Houston in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Tuesday. They will play Chicago next Saturday.
With the blazing rave green of the Sounders easily dwarfing the royal blue of Chelsea’s in the stands, the Sounders were clearly the more fit side. But some sloppy passing and poor first-touches kept the numerous runs by Ljungberg and striker Fredy Montero from becoming great scoring opportunities. Seattle also missed on a pair of open second-half headers, and Sanna Nyassi missed an open net when his chipped attempt went over the crossbar.
While Seattle failed to convert, the Blues made the most of their runs through Seattle’s shaky defense. Sturridge took advantage in the 12th minute, accepting a pass from Florent Malouda near the top of the box, stopping while Seattle defender Tyrone Marshall slid past and beating Keller with a right-footed strike.
Just over 20 minutes later, Sturridge got Chelsea’s next goal started. His pass from near midfield found the foot of Nicolas Anelka running free in the box. Anelka chipped a centering pass that Lampard easily deposited past the helpless Keller.
The second half featured reserves for both sides. Seattle defender Zach Scott twice saved goals by clearing balls off the line after keeper Terry Boss was beaten.
“Their speed, their movement, their touch, there’s no mistakes in the back,” Seattle’s Steve Zakuani said. “They’re all very, very good at what they do. That’s the next level, that’s why they are where they are. It was good to measure ourselves today.”

Oh Danny Boy working with CFC

Just wanted to let everyone know that yours truly will be working at the VMAC (Virginia Mason Athletic Center) on Sunday and Monday, as I will be helping with Chelsea FC's practice... Yeah, it sounds weird to me too. Actually, I'm not really helping the practice, but in a sense I am. I was approached by Gary Wright (Sounders VP of operations) who asked me if I would like to make some side dough and manage the equipment for CFC. Whether it be handing them water bottles, towels, cones or shagging balls it's going to be fun. So yeah, in sense I am helping them with their practice. Anyway, this is a great opportunity for some behind the scenes pictures and commentary on the practices. Could be an interesting couple of days, making money while watching Chelsea FC.