Leroux finished off a Nikki Washington cross from close range for the only score of the match.

Villa and Guzan fell to MSK Zilina, 2-1, in UEFA Cup action on Thusday, but the Villans still progressed to the tournament's round of 32.

I don't know if I am posting this because of that hilarious picture supplied by Englands "Independent" (that poverty jersey is f'n classic!), or just laziness, but yes. Ronaldo is already being linked to the Red Bulls and their Portuguese rich neighborhood.

When TSG Hoffenheim, the first place team in the German Bundesliga, takes on second-place Bayern Munich on Friday, it will be led by the current goal-scoring leader in Germany. A player who just admitted that if certain things had gone differently, he might have been playing for the U.

Hello all and welcome to the newest installment of Your Questions Answered, where I provide answers to your soccer-related questions.

We had another record-setting number of questions, but I think I will be able to respond to them all more quickly than the past few Q&A sessions so stay tuned for all the installments.

In the end, Roy Keane just couldn't handle the job.

The former Manchester United star's first managerial job has ended as Keane stepped down from his post as Sunderland's manager after 100 games in charge.

Somewhere, Jack Warner is laughing.

No word yet on a replacement, but whoever takes over will inherit a team struggling in the EPL relegation zone after a 4-1 loss to Bolton last weekend.

That sound you hear is European clubs getting funds together to bid on the big American center back, who is in the midst of another stellar club season.

What is a Designated Player slot worth?

Two years ago, when the New York Red Bulls acquired Chivas USA's DP slot, it cost a former MLS MVP in Amado Guevara. Last year, when D.C. United acquired Colorado's DP slot, the cost was as former MVP (Christian Gomez) and a first-round pick.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

Today was the last day to vote for the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame class of 2009 and when I sat down to fill out my electronic ballot I fully expected it to be an easy process.

Tottenham is considering a winter move for Marcus Hahnemann, who is reportedly set to consider a move away from Reading after failing to reach an agreement on a long-term deal with the League Championship club.

New York will be making their charge into the 2009 season with a visit to Seattle for the Sounders inaugural bash March 19th! With thousands of season tickets already sold in the Washington area, I wouldn't be surprised to see 25,000 plus chanting as one sea of green.

#1 - Apparently, GolUSA did not seem to misquote Osorio, just misrepresent him!

The quotes by Osorio seem accurate, but GolUSA's deduction of what was meant was clearly off.

Facing a boatload of question marks over just who will and won't be back in 2009, the Columbus Crew took a major step toward trying to repeat as MLS Cup champions by re-signing MLS and MLS Cup MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto to a new contract, making him the first Designated Player in team history.

Here are the schedule for week one, and the subsequent home openers:

WEEK 1

Thursday, March 19

New York Red Bulls at Seattle Sounders (ESPN2)

Saturday, March 21

Columbus Crew at Houston Dynamo (FSC)

Chicago Fire at FC Dallas

Toronto FC at Kansas City Wizards

Colorado Rapids at Chivas USA (FSC)

New England Revolution at San Jose Earthquakes

Here are the rest of the home openers:

WEEK 2

Saturday, 28

Toronto FC at Columbus Crew

San Jose Earthquakes at D.

Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio spoke to the local Red Bulls media on Tuesday and removed any doubt about his intention to return in 2009. He also made some revealing comments about his plans for the 2009 Red Bulls.

I will post quotes shortly but for now, here were the main talking points from Osorio:

Osorio plans on returning in 2009.

Peruvian soccer is in a world of hurt.

That wasn't exactly a secret, but things hit rock bottom last week after FIFA's decision to ban Peru over government interference. While the news was awful on many levels, it just might be the smack in the face Peruvian soccer needs to straighten itself out after more than two decades of misery.

Ronaldo (446 points in the voting) easily out-distanced second place finisher Lionel Messi (281 points) and third-place Fernando Torres (179 points).

A day after we put Red Bull fans into a panic, Ives comes in to sooth the minds of the already paranoid and depressed.

Juan Carlos Osorio affirmed his return next season. So much so that he claims to have turned down over a dozen job offers to stay on.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

Being the first coach to guide the New York Red Bulls to the MLS Cup final has brought plenty of attention to head coach Juan Carlos Osorio.

The Philadelphia MLS expansion team broke ground on their new $115 million stadium project in Chester, PA on Monday, moving a step closer to building a new home for soccer in the Northeast.

MLS commissioner Don Garber was on hand (below, second from left), complete with hard hat and shovel.

To some, this is no surprise. It seems that this was the familiar cry of 2007 as well. But this time, it is coming from the horses mouth.

• Chad Marshall

• Michael Parkhurst

• Bakary Soumare

• Bobby Boswell

At least three of those names enjoyed career-type seasons while the fourth, Parkhurst, still played at a very high level.

Could things get any worse for Real Madrid?

Perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson succeeded in putting a hex on Ramon Calderon's squad as the reigning La Liga champions are enduring a hell of run of bad luck. First they sell Robinho and score no real replacement, then they lose Ruud van Nistelrooy for the season to a knee injury.

If you were hoping to see Jozy Villarreal loaned out to a smaller European team with the hope of getting more playing time in the second half of the European season, it isn't going to happen.

Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini stated after his team's recent win against Recreativo Huelva that none of Villarreal's players will be leaving on loan this winter, and that all, including Altidore, will remain until the end of the season.

Chelsea looked to be in complete control on Sunday in its London Derby showdown vs. Arsenal. Up a goal and cruising, the Blues look poised to win and hold on to first place in the EPL. At least until Robin Van Persie delivered a pair of great goals three minutes apart to give Arsenal the 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.