Total Futbol

United States upends Cameroon

Game 2 of the U-20 World Cup went much better for the Yanks than their first try, a 3-0 loss to Germany.

On Tuesday, the United States thrashed Cameroon 4-1, thanks in large part to players with South Florida connections.

Bryan Arguez, the former Kendall Soccer Coalition player currently on the Hertha Berlin roster, scored in first-half stoppage time, while Tony Taylor, recently signed by Traffic, added a goal in the second half.

The win puts the Americans in strong position to advance to the elimination stage with a positive result against Korea Friday.

U.S. opens U-20 World Cup play

Host Egypt opened the U-20 World Cup in dominant fashion, spanking Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 Thursday.

Does the U.S. await the same fate Friday against Germany?

It wouldn't be surprising, as the U.S. opens Group C action at 4 p.m. local time. Also in the Americans' group: Cameroon and South Korea.

To follow along live, click here.

Rough ACC start for 'Canes

The University of Miami's women soccer team slogged through a brutal nonconference schedule, going 5-4 and earning a degree of optimism for the remainder of the season.

The Hurricanes' reward for their early work: An even more perilous Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, which began with Thursday's home match against Boston College, the nation's sixth-ranked team.

The Hurricanes controlled the midfield but struggled in the offensive end, and Boston College capitalized on its few opportunities for a 2-0 victory at Cobb Stadium.

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Traffic nabs another young gun

Say this for Traffic Sports: They're not letting the uncertainty about Miami FC's future get in the way of active pursuing the United States' best young talent.

The Brazilian company announced earlier this week it has agreed to contractual terms with forward Tony Taylor, a member of the U.S. U-20 national team. Taylor, like fellow Traffic signee Gale Abossoumonde, will represent the United States at the U-20 World Cup in Egypt, which begins Thursday.

"You can already tell Tony is a very special player. He has that rare combination of speed and ball control that you don’t normally see in players his age," Fernando Clavijo, Traffic's Director of Soccer, said in a statement. "With our world-class training center and academy in Brazil, plus our international network of clubs in Europe and the Americas, we will be able to establish a plan that will benefit the player’s development and take advantage of Tony’s incredible potential."

As is the plan with Abossoumonde, don't be surprised if Traffic transfers Taylor to a club overseas.

Michelle's Tuesday Musings...

That Manchester United-Manchester City derby was as good as it gets! Who'd have thought Michael Owen, of all people, would be the star of the match?...Bummer that Oguchi Onyewu hasn't gotten much playing time with AC Milan. Not good for US team if he gets rusty...Can't believe Maradona is still Argentina's coach. He is reportedly in Italy this week having weight-loss treatment. This guy can hardly handle his own self, don't think he's the best choice to lead a national team. Great player, yes he was. But that doesn't make him a great coach. What a pity it would be if Argentina doesn't make the World Cup. Won't be the same without their skill and their fans.

Blues' season ends with loss

Miami FC's long road through the USL-1 campaign ended fittingly -- with a 3-1 loss to Puerto Rico at Lochkart Stadium.

The Islanders scored in the game's second minute and never looked back. The Blues, long out of playoff contention, finished the season in ninth place, with a record of 8-17-5.

Many questions surround the team as it heads into the offseason: Will it compete in 2010? If so, in which league? Will Zinho be the coach again? Will Traffic Sports dump the necessary amount of money into the club to make it competitive?

Of course, we'll be all over all this as the fall unfolds.

Streetstyle coming to Miami

The South Florida qualifier for Red Bull Street Style is this Friday at Sunset Place -- and there's still time to register.

The event, held at 5701 Sunset Drive, has no cost to register, participate or attend. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the contest set to begin at 7.

The worldwide contest wraps up next year in South Africa.

Miami FC in New York

This much we know: Aaron Davidson is in New York, talking to Major League Soccer.

The nature of those talks, or if he's doing it on behest of Traffic Sports or the Team Owners Association, is unknown.

Traffic has been looking for an alternative to USL-1 ever since the league was bought by NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC in late August.

Both Miami FC and the league have been incredibly tight-lipped about the why the two sides are meeting, but it is not believed any sort of merger agreement is imminent.

When we hear more, we'll let you know.

Update: Davidson would not comment on the meetings, saying only, "As our [news] release said, we are exploring all options."

Update 2: More perspective here and here.

Live Champions League scores

It's really hard to get to geeked about Group Stage Champions League matches, but for those so inclined, today's action can be followed live here.

Yesterday, as expected, was a good day for the big dogs. Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Miland, Chelsea and Bayern Munchen all won.

The Group Stage runs through December.

Maradona treated for weight gain

Seems the stress of coaching Argentina -- with mixed success -- has gotten to Diego Maradona.

The legendary player has checked himself into a weight gain treatment facility in Merano, Italy after two losses in World Cup qualifying last week.

Maradona has long battled personal demons. He nearly died after a cocaine overdose and then later had his stomach stapled in following extreme weight gain from alcohol and drug addictions.

The AP story is available here.