Higuain answers critics, targets Juventus title deluge Turin (Italy) (AFP) – Gonzalo Higuain hit back at critics of his controversial move to Juventus as he prepares to justify his 90million-euro price tag by helping the Italian champions to as many titles as possible. “In life, you have to make the best decisions and I made mine by choosing Juventus,” Higuain told a small gathering of media at … [Read more...]

Atletico Nacional win Copa Libertadores Medellín (Colombia) (AFP) – Colombian giants Atletico Nacional won the Copa Libertadores for only the second time in their history after a 1-0 victory over Ecuadoran minnows Independiente del Valle secured a 2-1 aggregate triumph. Newly acquired striker Miguel Borja was the hero for Atletico, ramming home a low shot in the ninth minute as the … [Read more...]

German defender Shkodran Mustafi would be an ideal fit at Arsenal When it was announced that Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker underwent surgery for a significant knee injury on Tuesday, one thing was for certain: a new center back would have to be brought in as cover this summer.  While the Gunners were reportedly already in the market for an additional central defender prior to the unfortunate … [Read more...]

Ten-man Chelsea beat 1-0 Liverpool in ICC 6:17 AM GMT PASADENA, Calif. -- Liverpool suffered their first loss of preseason as they were beaten 1-0 by 10-man Chelsea at the Rose Bowl in the International Champions Cup. Jurgen Klopp's side came into the game having won their previous four friendlies this summer, but Gary Cahill's goal early in the first half condemned the Reds to a disappointing … [Read more...]

Dortmund faces Man City as transfer rumours swirl Shenzhen (China) (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel takes a philosophical approach when it comes to dealing with the distraction of off-season transfer speculation that keeps swirling around his club. “I can’t predict the future,” shrugged the German, on the eve of his clash Thursday with Manchester City at the Shenzhen Universiade … [Read more...]

Fabregas sees red as Chelsea beat Liverpool Pasadena (United States) (AFP) – Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas was sent off for a reckless lunge at Liverpool new boy Ragnar Klavan, overshadowing a 1-0 win for the Blues in a friendly at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. The Premier League giants locked horns in the pre-season International Champions Cup in a match which was more remarkable for its clumsy fouls than … [Read more...]

5 reasons Seattle Sounders can’t blame Sigi Schmid for 2016 shortcomings After more than seven years in Major League Soccer, the Seattle Sounders finally cut ties with coach Sigi Schmid. The two parties agreed to a mutual parting following Seattle’s thrashing at the hands of Western Conference rivals Sporting KC. However, to blame Schmid for the Sounders’ problems on the pitch would be … [Read more...]

Schedule of NBC Sports’ commentators for Olympics soccer tournament It’s going to be a busy summer for NBC Sports. During the month of August, they’ll be broadcasting over 55 soccer games from the 2016 Summer Olympics, and the vast majority of them will be announced by NBC Sports talent. To put together such a task, NBC Sports is relying on a team of announcers — many of whom will be … [Read more...]

No Manchester City players overweight: Pep Guardiola Shenzhen (China) (AFP) – Pep Guardiola has denied dictating to his Manchester City squad exactly what they can eat and said no player is overweight, after Gael Clichy claimed the new manager had banned junk food and exiled out-of-shape stars. Speaking in China, where City are on a money-spinning pre-season tour, the French defender told the … [Read more...]

Barcelona unveil new signing Andre Gomes Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona paraded Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes at the Camp Nou on Wednesday after his 55-million-euro capture from Valencia on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old, part of Portugal’s European Championship-winning side, has a release clause of 100 million euros ($110 mn, £84 mn) and will cost an initial 35 million euros, with 20 … [Read more...]