Results tagged “Norwich City” from 100 Percent Soccer

Indulge me.

It has been a traumatic weekend for those of us who are fans of Norwich City, perhaps the worst in club history.

This weekend City suffered its worst home defeat of all time, occurring on the opening weekend of play in inaccurately-named League One, the lowest level of English football Norwich have seen in 50 years.

For some it was too much.

As my mother said:"Colchester? I didn't know they had a team." Thanks, mum.

It's no consolation to know there have been worse moments in club history - barely (this is from 1972):

Fortunately, the Ventura County Fusion - a team I had never seen live until Saturday - provided a partial antidote with a heart-stopping 2-1 triumph over the Chicago Fire in the PDL final with the winner coming two minutes into second half stoppage time. The gutsy Fusion were down to 10 men at the time after a (very) harsh first half straight red and also had two coaches sent off.

What they were playing for

Game story.

It was a memorable night on a cool evening with a waning amber moon and cars carving through the darkness just over the high school fence on Highway 126. After the game, the Ventura County Fair provided literal fireworks.

Also:
* Chivas USA lost their fifth straight. It was a nightmare MLS debut by Chivas USA goalkeeper Lance Parker that began after just 25 seconds; Chivas USA were down by two within four minutes.

*A cracker from Landon Donovan paved the way to the Galaxy's fifth win in six games.

Highlights:

* The Sol won. Next: WPS title game 1 p.m. Aug. 22 Home Depot Center, opponent TBD.

*Finally, with a goal and an assist, Rolling Hills Estates' Robbie Rogers led the Columbus Crew past the inept Earthquakes:

MLS Standings

Regular readers will have noticed I've cut back on the blogging this week with the beginning of a two-week-long driving vacation looming Sunday that is little more than an excuse to tour West Coast microbreweries to visit some friends (ahem).

That will include blogging trips to Salt Lake City and Seattle for the Galaxy games in those cities this Wednesday and the following Sunday. Before and after are quick visits to the likes of Vegas, Eugene, Ore., and Yosemite National Park.

So with another busy day ahead at work as I get ready for the trip I'll keep this weekend preview short.

But frankly, I'm more concerned Sunday with events in England where my hometown Norwich City faces relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time in more than 50 years. For those two of you wondering what I'm blathering about: City must win at Charlton on Sunday and Barnsley must lose at Plymouth.

More on the unfolding disaster.

MLS-leading Chivas USA (5-1-1), who play in the Bay Area Saturday against the Earthquakes (1-3-2), will no doubt be hoping former Norwich (and current San Jose) striker Darren Huckerby is similarly distracted. The undefeated Sol are also on the road this weekend, facing the Breakers in Boston.

The winless Galaxy (0-1-4) take on the (1-4-2) Red Bulls Saturday at Home Depot Center. Against my better judgment (considering the records of these two teams so far) I will blog from the game. At least there will be fish and chips.

Also this weekend the fourth division of U.S. soccer - the Premier Development League - cranks up with the Hollywood United Hitmen replacing the now defunct San Fernando Valley Quakes locally.

BTW, fans in Ventura can see this Everton prospect in action.

And here's an update on former Chivas USA and Hollywood United player Matt Taylor.

Lastly, did you know Norwich City's anthem is the oldest football song in the world? You do now.