Have you heard the one about the goalkeeper who made history on his MLS debut? Well, that’s exactly what happened when New York Red Bulls debutant Danny Cepero scored from 80 yards to help his team to a crucial 3-1 win over Columbus.

Cepero, a 23 year old rookie, made his first ever start in a must win match for the Bulls as they took on eastern conference champions Columbus Crew.
The Bulls needed to win in order to stay in the play off picture and they did just that with a brace from Juan Pablo Angel and an astonishing goal from Cepero.

Former Aston Villa star Angel opened the scoring on 48 minutes, slotting home after a precise
through ball from Macoumba Kandji.

Steven Lenhart dragged Columbus back on level terms with an unmarked header on 62 minutes, following an excellent cross from former Boca Juniors playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
However, a clinical half volley by Angel almost broke though the back of the net as he put his team ahead on 76 minutes. Angel now has 13 goals for the season.
Columbus threatened regularly but could not convert any possession into meaningful chances.

Danny Cepero provided one of the moments of the season so far as he became the first goalkeeper ever  to score in MLS history. His 80 yard kick upfield caught out his opposite number Andy Gruenebaum in the Columbus goal as the ball took an awkward bounce, sailing into an empty net.

Next up for the Bulls, a final regular season game away at Chicago Fire, who have already sealed their place in the playoffs.
Columbus round off their regular season schedule with a home clash against playoff chasing D.C United.

Abdul Kashif

Spanish giants Barcelona are on the verge of launching a bid to become co-owners of a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.

Barcelona hope to team up with Bolivian entrepreneur, Marcelo Claure, who owns Bolivia’s FC Bolivar.

The MLS currently has 14 teams but is set to expand with Seattle joining in 2009 and Philadelphia in 2010 before a further two franchises are included a year later.

Barcelona recently toured America and played MLS side New York Red Bulls in an ‘international friendly’ which they won 6-2.
Miami Fusion played in the MLS from 1998 to 2001 before losing its franchise. Barcelona hope to revive soccer in the city of Miami.

ABDUL KASHIF

AFTER three straight defeats, the New York Red Bulls battled to a 1-1 draw away at Real Salt Lake to get their playoff challenge back on track.

Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio had asked his team to ’simply play football’ following three losses in a row.
Playing in front of a sellout crowd in the first ever game at Salt Lake’s new Rio Tinto stadium, the Bulls endured an onslaught to gain a crucial draw.

Real Salt Lake, who sit third in the western conference, are within touching distance of a playoff spot and  they attacked the Bulls from the first whistle to the last.

However, the Bulls struck first as Dave Van Den Bergh rifled in a shot on 31 minutes. The raucous home crowd were stunned into silence.

The visitors lead only lasted 10 minutes as Jamison Olave looped a header past Jon Conway on 41 minutes.
The second half opened much like the first, with the Red Bulls forced to defend.

Real Salt Lake created a number of good openings but could find a way past a determined Bulls defence which had been leaking goals of late.

Juan Pietravallo was given a straight red card for an elbowing incident on 83 minutes as the match ended in a draw.
Next up for the Bulls, a tough home game against eastern conference front runners Columbus next Saturday. Real Salt Lake take on FC Dallas at home on the same night as the playoff race hots up.

BY ABDUL KASHIF

By Abdul Kashif

10 man New York Red Bulls beat Toronto FC 2-1 in a crucial eastern conference clash at Giants Stadium.

The Red Bulls, captained by ex Aston Villa star Juan Pablo Angel, controlled most of a lively first half and the deadlock was broken by Mike Magee in the 37th minute.
Although Seth Stammler will be credited with the assist, a mention must go to Angel for holding his run, allowing Magee to storm through on goal and puts the Bulls a goal up with a precision finish.

However, the second half began in the worst possible fashion for the Bulls as Gabriel Cichero was shown a straight red card. The Venezuelan defender was penalised for an elbow on Danny Dichio.

A resolute defensive display followed as Toronto failed to capitalise on Cichero’s dismissal. Sloppy play from Toronto’s midfield meant that the Bulls were able to keep possession for long periods of the game. Debutant Johann Smith, formerly of Bolton Wanderers looked lively for Toronto but was unable to find a way past an excellent Bulls defence.

The killer blow for Toronto came in the 91st minute as substitute Dane Richards set up skipper Angel for an easy tap in after a classic counter attack.

Following back to back victories, the Red Bulls continue to battle in a very tight eastern conference. They welcome MLS champions to the Giants Stadium this Sunday while Toronto entertain New England Revolution at BMO Field.