Season kicks off in big-spending Chinese Super League

In this Feb. 28, 2017 photo, Brazilian player Oscar of Shanghai SIPG makes a gesture during an Asian Champions League group-stage match against Western Sydney Wanderers in Shanghai, China. For a second successive winter transfer window, the Chinese Super League has upset the established world soccer order with the spending power and ambition of its biggest clubs.

Preview: Sunderland v Manchester City

Article written by VMC member Skoorb. After two consecutive five goal feasts at the Etihad Pep and his merry men once again head over the Pennines but this time they are headed for the North East, the Stadium of Light and the team managed by the man formerly known as ‘The Chosen One’ by the ‘faithful’ at the Swamp.

Alan Hutton At Aston Villa For Another Year/Contra

Looks like Alan Hutton has another year, it doesn`t stipulate in Gregg Evans post whether this is an automatic extension or a clause that Hutton has to agree to take up. Alan Hutton has triggered an appearance-related clause in his contract which entitles him to another year at #avfc Bruce: ‘He deserves it’ Must admit, he might lack at times in skill but he never lacks in effort and desire.

FanDuel EPL Daily Fantasy Picks – March 4 2017

… the other games. Leicester v Hull would be my choice for this strategy. It is crucial to remember that, unlike US sports, the EPL has no official injury reports or designations. The information is usually out there but it is not as simple as looking …

Fernando Torres conscious after suffering head injury in Atletico Madrid match

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres is “stable, conscious and lucid” in hospital after suffering a head injury during Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna, the Spanish club have announced. Torres, a second-half replacement, collided with Depor substitute Alex Bergantinos as they both went to head the ball in the 85th minute of the league contest at the Riazor.

Final season at RFK starts Saturday

Talk of building a permanent home for D.C. United has surrounded the club since Ben Olsen broke through as a frenetic rookie in 1998. For nearly two decades, the player-turned-coach has witnessed a number of promising leads on the stadium front.

Michael Carrick ready to retire if Manchester United contract is not extended

The 35-year-old midfielder is the second-longest serving player at Old Trafford – after Wayne Rooney – and his 11-year contribution will be recognised with a testimonial on June 4. The match will pit a Manchester United 2008 XI against the Michael Carrick All-Stars, a day that will raise money for charity and could also act as his farewell. Carrick’s contract expires in the summer and, despite still impressing for United, would seriously consider calling time on his playing career if his deal was not extended.

Reviewing 2016 Big D Soccer Staff Predictions

It is time to look back at our predictions from last year and sass the individuals for their poor predictions. Who do you think should have gotten more/less credit? Phil: FC Dallas is a legitimate favorite to win the Western Conference for the first time in the 10 years that I’ve been a fan.

Michael Carrick unsure what the future holds as testimonial date is fixed

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits his future beyond this season still remains unresolved – though he does not feel retirement is near. The 35-year-old’s deal at Old Trafford expires in the summer but his importance to Jose Mourinho was highlighted when he was brought on at half-time in Sunday’s EFL Cup final victory over Southampton.

Michael Carrick to receive all-star Man Utd testimonial

Carrick has helped United win five Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his time at the club, which will be marked on June 4 as Old Trafford plays host to his testimonial. And the north-west side will honour him with a match between a Manchester United 2008 XI and a Michael Carrick All-Stars team.

Luis Enrique says he’s leaving Barcelona at end of season

FC Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique, center, stands next Lionel Messi after been substituted during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Sporting Gijon at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Luis Enrique says he will not stay as Barcelona coach after this season.

Afellay signs Stoke renewal until 2019

Ibrahim Afellay has signed a new contract with Stoke City that will keep him at the club until at least 2019. The Netherlands international joined Premier League side Stoke from Barcelona in 2015 and has developed into an important first-team member under manager Mark Hughes.

Fancy bossing Jesus at Man City or Draxler at PSG? Football Manager…

January deals are done for gamers looking to test their coaching ability with the most up to date squad lists, or those who need a fresh start Tired of Oscar tearing you to pieces when facing Chelsea, or fancy your chances of bringing the best out of Gabriel Jesus at Manchester City? The latest update for the popular video game has been released, and it includes all of the deals done during the winter transfer window. That means there are a few more familiar faces in the Chinese Super League than there were previously, while some big-money moves have been made at leading clubs in Europe.

CCL: Vancouver takes down lax Red Bulls

It will be a pair of MLS vs. Liga MX matchups in the semifinals of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League as the Vancouver Whitecaps joined FC Dallas and Pachuca and Tigres from Mexico in the semifinals. The ‘Caps disposed of the New York Red Bulls, winning the second leg, 2-0, to advance, 3-1, on aggregate.

In the end, WW South slips past Glenbard West

Things didn’t start so well Tuesday night for Wheaton Warrenville South, but the ending was one we’ve seen many times already this boys basketball season. The top-seeded Tigers scored just 14 points in the first half and found themselves trailing Glenbard West 18-14 at halftime of the Class 4A regional semifinal at West Chicago.

Pep Guardiola plans goalkeeping review but Joe Hart’s return remains unlikely

Pep Guardiola intends to review Manchester City’s goalkeeping situation at the end of the season – though the door appears to remain closed for England stopper Joe Hart. Having loaned Hart out to Torino in a season-long deal earlier this term, City’s boss switched goalkeepers last month and chose Willy Caballero between the sticks after previous first-choice Claudio Bravo conceded six goals from as many shots across two games.

Real Sociedad concedes late equalizer in 2-2 draw with Eibar

Real Sociedad conceded an equalizer in the final minute of stoppage time to draw 2-2 against Eibar on Tuesday, missing a chance to take fourth place from Atletico Madrid in the Spanish league and establish itself as a top contender for a Champions League spot. The hosts were only a few seconds from victory when Pedro Leon seized on a loose ball and evaded a defender before firing a low shot beneath goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Jese Rodriguez returns to face Madrid after rough departure

In this April 11, 2015 file photo, Real Madrid’s Jese Rodriguez celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Eibar at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. Jese Rodriguez has struggled since leaving Real Madrid last summer, and he will be facing his former club on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 for the first time looking to end Las Palmas’ four-game losing streak.

VIDEO: Ramos nets stunning scissor kick in Real Madrid training

The Spain international’s main job is stopping the opposition from scoring, but he showed his eye for goal with a spectacular finish on Tuesday Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos displayed some explosive sharp-shooting on the training ground as the La Liga leaders prepared for Wednesday’s match with Las Palmas. Madrid retained their one-point advantage over Barcelona at the summit with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win at Villarreal over the weekend.

Arsenal forward Alexis would be perfect for Inter, says club legend Mazzola

The Chilean continues to be linked with a summer exit at the Emirates, with no extension agreed by the Gunners to a contract due to expire in 2018 Inter legend Sandro Mazzola admits to being “crazy about Alexis Sanchez” and believes the Arsenal forward would be “perfect” for his former club. The Chile international continues to be heavily linked with a big-money summer switch, as uncertainty shrouds his future at Emirates Stadium.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman open to Wayne Rooney return

London: Everton manager Ronald Koeman paved the way Tuesday for Wayne Rooney’s return to the club of his youth by saying he would make the side “stronger”. Last week Rooney said he was staying with Manchester United following persistent speculation he could make a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League.

Argentine midfielder Roalses signs on for second stint with Whitecaps

The club announced Tuesday that it has signed the Argentine midfielder to a Major League Soccer contract for 2017, with a club option for 2018. The 36-year-old Rosales returns to Vancouver following one season with FC Dallas, where he helped the Texan side win their first US Open Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.

Whitecaps eager to right wrongs of 2016

The Vancouver Whitecaps have stood in front of reporters over the last three seasons insisting the goals would eventually come. It didn’t matter how often a striker looked skyward after blasting a golden opportunity into the 20th row, or buried face in hands following another scuffed effort.

Steven Davis finds Southampton’s defeat hard to take

Southampton can take no consolation from their strong EFL Cup final showing after their valiant loss to Manchester United on Sunday, according to Steven Davis. Claude Puel’s Saints were the better side for much of an enthralling final, which was settled by a late Zlatan Ibrahimovic header as United recorded a 3-2 win.

Kane’s superb stats

After Harry Kane reached 100 career goals with his first-half hat-trick in Tottenham’s 4-0 thrashing of Stoke on Sunday, we take a look at the numbers behind his stunning scoring record. Kane netted three times in just 23 minutes at White Hart Lane, moving level with Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku at the top of the Premier League scoring charts with 17 goals in 21 games.

Ref Watch: Linesman too fast

How did the officials get Manolo Gabbiadini offside call so wrong? Did Jesse Lingard deserve red in the EFL Cup final? And were Chelsea lucky? Dermot Gallagher knows… After another weekend of contentious decisions, the former referee got stuck into the big calls made by his former colleagues on Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning. INCIDENT: Manolo Gabbiadini sees his goal flagged for offside by Stuart Burt early on in Southampton’s 3-2 defeat by Man Utd in the EFL Cup final.