There were a lot of games going on this weekend. The African Cup of Nations finished up there tournament. The Barclayes Premier League had some great games. The United States had two games on Sunday.
The African Cup of Nations did not disappoint. The game was the two power house teams in Ivory Coast and Ghana. The last time these two played against each other, Ivory Coast came out on top in penalty kicks. This game was no different. The game ended in regular time 0-0 and went to penalties. Through the first five kickers the teams capitalized on only 3 each. They then went through the entire team, until it came down to the keepers stepping up to take the kicks. Ghana's keeper took the first kick and was blocked. The Ivory Coast then calmly put the ball in the back of the net. The teams took a total of 22 kicks from the spot. The remarkable thing for the Ivory Coast was that it was their backup keeper playing against the Black Stars.
The Barclayes Premier League had some great games. Chelsea increased their lead to 7 with a win and Manchester City tie. The Arsenal and Tottenham game was a close on top for the league leaders. The game was a close one and one you didn't expect Arsenal to give up the lead once they had it. Arsenal gave up two goals to Harry Kane, which gave Tottenham enough points to surpass Arsenal in the table. The only other teams that won this weekend were Crystal Palace and Southamton. Southamton need the win to over take Manchester United for third place and Crystal Palace needs to keep gaining points to stay away from the regulation zone. All the other games this weekend ended in a tie. One of the biggest come backs was Burnley vs West Bromwhich. Burnley had a two goal lead and let it slip away. Manchester United and City were able to come back and tie their games.
The United States women played France leading to the World Cup in Canada. The United States played some good soccer but could not find the back of the net. France was able to put in 2 goals, one which was a lucky goal from a shot, that was originally a cross, but however you can put the ball in the net is all that counts. The US men played Panama. The coach has been trying to figure out what he is going to do with the players. Trying out different formations, and positions for some players. Panama didn't seem to have that much of an attack, while the US looked dangerous going forward with the ball. Zardes, a young gun from LA Galaxy, played great and earned man of the match for his play. He assisted on Dempsey's 40th goal. The best goal of the game was by Bradley. He curled the ball in off of a corner to the back post right over the goalkeeper and into the side netting. It was a great game by the US men.
