Clint Dempsey named US Soccer “Male Athlete of the Year”:
The Nacogdoches attacker has had a memorable 2012. After recording six goals for the US Men’s National Team, including a memorable strike to beat Italy, Dempsey has received his third “Male Athlete of the Year” honor by US Soccer. Dempsey couldn’t stop scoring for club or country in 2012. The former Fulham hit-man left the club as its all-time leading Premier League scorer. In a much-publicized transfer saga, Dempsey switched to North London side Tottenham. Dempsey has three league goals for the Spurs who currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League table.
For more information on Dempsey’s award, click here.
Lionel Messi keeps scoring:
Ninety goals in a calendar year and still one more game to play. The diminutive Argentine saw Gerd Muller’s 40-year-old record of 85 goals and didn’t blink. Messi will lineup against Villadolid on Sat., Dec. 22 to conclude a historic goal-scoring year. FC Barcelona must also feel relieved to have secured Messi’s abilities for the long-term. Messi, Puyol, and Xavi all extended their stays with the only club that they have ever played for professionally. Messi signed until 2018 while Puyol and Xavi are now contracted until 2016. The 25-year-old Argentine has 25 La Liga goals in 16 games played this season as well as having netted 22 braces in the 2012 calendar year.
Find out more about Messi and Co. here.
Corinthians host Club World Cup:
The nightmare for Rafa Benitez can’t get any darker. After almost having successfully rejuvenated Fernando Torres’ career circa 2008, Benitez lost his most important game to date during his ever-increasingly short tenure as manager of Chelsea. Chelsea lost to Brazilian outfit Corinthians 1-0 and are still trophy-less after their dramatic 2012 Champions League title win.
For the full recap, click here.
Zenit St. Petersburg fan group demands all-white, heterosexual team:
The Landscrona, the largest fan group of Zenit St. Petersburg, has demanded that their team be composed strictly of white, heterosexual players. The blatantly intolerant mandate is somehow justified by the fan group that these players are “only worthy” of the great city of St. Petersburg. The comments have not come without ramifications. Manager Luciano Spalleti has reiterated his firm stance against such demands and has pledged to do everything in his power to increase tolerance among the fan base.
Read the full story here.
Man City denies rumors that it will buy MLS team:
Last week, rumors swirled that Man City was positioning itself to purchase an MLS expansion team in New York City. The Citizens have denied such claims even though the club looks to expand its brand stateside in a growing soccer market. City was reported to purchase a team for $100 million and then re-sell a minority portion to local investors. Among notable names involved in the possible deal was none other than David Beckham. The new team would’ve played out of Queens.
For more on this development, click here.
