Chelsea vs. MLS Allstars

After the past two years playing and being thrashed by Manchester United (2010 score 5-2, 2011 score 4-0), the MLS All-stars reign again beating the Europeans champions Chelsea 3-2. I watched the game and I'll have to say that the MLS All-stars played a better game. Their passing was more complete and they were more efficient with their finishing than Chelsea. At half time Chelsea had 9 shots on goal only 2 on target, while the MLS had only 4 shots, but 3 were on target. That's what I call making your chances count.


First goal was was at the 21st minute from Chris Wondoloski. A great cross from Thiery Henry and unsuccessful clearance by John Terry gave Wondoloski the chance to open the scoring for the game and the All-stars. Chelsea had to try and catch up and they did with a wonderful header from John Terry because of a corner-kick from Lampard. The game's score stayed 1-1 at half-time. After half-time at the 58th minute, Frank Lampard himself scored a goal. After a cross from him, the All-stars were not able to clear the ball. The ball was crossed right back into the box and Lampard was there to finish it. For a midfielder he has sure scored a lot of goals. I remember the announcer saying how if you didn't know Lampard was a midfielder, you'd think he would be a center forward. Chelsea were now up, but the MLS came back. A wonderful pass from David Beckham to De Ro. De Ro waits while Chris Pontius comes running into the box and is able to finish it off. It's 2-2 now. The game was coming down to it's final minutes when Eddie Johnson took the final shot which was partially deflected by a Chelsea player and ended the game then and there. The MLS All-stars beat Chelsea 3-2. They have (I guess) redeemed themselves from the last two years playing against Manchester United. The last time Chelsea played the MLS All-Stars they also lost 1-0.


So after a wonderful 4-2 win in Seattle and a 1-1 with PSG in New York, Chelsea have to leave Philadelphia on a 3-2 lose. Their next stop is to Miami where they are to AC Milan. I wonder how that game will be because Milan has lost two of their most vital players, Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva. Also I was looking at the results from all the MLS All-star games, and they have never played a Spanish team, like Barcelona or Real Madrid. I personally would love to see the MLS All-stars play either of the two Spanish Giants.

Your Offense is only as Strong as your Defense

 You've heard the saying "Your offense is only as strong as your defense." In the footballing world that is true, and Barcelona have proven that. We all know that Barcelona's footballing concept is to keep possession and attack, keep possession and attack. Sometimes they forget to defend because they are so caught up in attacking. For example, near the last few minutes of the game, no one was marking Torres and and easy chip ball sent Torres on his own counter-attack making Valdes deal with a one on and one and obviously he lost that match.

Barcelona's defense has shown that they have been the problem. Carles Puyol's age is catching up with him and Abidal's age and medical conditions are unpredictable. The only true defenders the team has are Dani Alves and Pique. Mascherano is a defensive midfielder. If I were Pep, I would really consider making some important purchases during the summer transfer. There definitely needs to be someone else scoring goals.  Everything has been put on Messi, and let's be honest, he can't score every single goal for Barcelona. Football is a team sport and you can't rely only on one man to do the job. Alexis Sanchez needs to pick up his game, Pedro....I don't know what's up with him, and Villa well he's on the wrong side of 30. Cuenca and Tello a rising stars, but they need more experience and time to grow. SO right now another striker should be on Pep's list to buy. Another purchase for Pep to buy would be defenders, especially a left back and center back. There have been rumors with a link to Jordi Alba (from Valencia) who seems to be the man for the left back position. BUT I think two defenders are really needed. Barcelona need a solid back so that the other team won't score goals against them

Overall, I think Pep is a great manager and he should continue with Barcelona. Not being to successful for one year out of the 4 years and numerous trophies he has won is no reason for him to leave. It's just that because Guardiola only signs one year contracts, and I'm kind of scared of what his decision is going to be for the next season.