Beckham Fan

"I feel very happy, at this age, to play on the first team"

Francis Doe may be just 21 years old, but he knows just what makes him a strong professional striker. via Home News Tribune

"Obviously it was unfortunate that we went down a man"

Peter Lockley / The Washington Times Ben Olsen scored to help United win the opener against Guadalajara Chivas. via Washington Times

"It's going to be as close to a European soccer experience as we're going to have around here this year."

OK, so the feature attraction isn't going to make it to Kansas City this year. And, yes, that takes some luster off what was billed by the Wizards organization as 'The Midwest Sporting Event of the Year.'

But the Wizards have been hard at work to ensure that tonight's game against the David Beckham-less Los Angeles Galaxy (7 p.m., ESPN2) still will be their marquee event.

'It is going to be the soccer event of the year here,' said Greg Cotton, Wizards executive vice president. 'We have a team here fighting for its playoff life. There will be superstars on both sides of the field.' Read more

COLORADO Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Direct Kick Time is running out for the Rapids, which have taken only two points from their last four games after winning three straight shutouts and are 10th in the table. via Soccer America

"That infield really was a problem"

The Nationals, who have shared the stadium with D.C. United for the past three years, have played their final game at RFK and move into new digs for next season. via The Globe and Mail

The Los Angeles Galaxy made a statement Thursday night by going into Arrowhead Stadium and defeating the Kansas City Wizards, 1-0, in a Major League Soccer clash in front of 32,867 fans. via Sports Network

"He's in stable condition at the London Chest Hospital."

David Beckham flew to Britain on Thursday because his father was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack. via Hugh Hewitt

"It's not something he intentionally did. It was in the heat of the moment."

FC Dallas defender Chris Gbandi has been forgiven after his early ejection Sunday helped lead to a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy, coach Steve Morrow said . via Dallas Morning News

Brazilian clubs Vasco and Sao Paulo joined Arsenal of Argentina in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals after winning their second round playoffs Wednesday. via Fox Sports

"We're very anxious to play them again."

A matchup with Mexican club Guadalajara on Wednesday also provides a chance for revenge, because Chivas nipped D.C., 3-2, on aggregate in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup last spring. via Soccer America

"I am very excited to be a part of the Kansas City Wizards pre-game and halftime festivities"

NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series driver David Ragan will attend Thursday's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy. via Paddock Talk

Editor's note: The 2007 season has been a wild one for Real Salt Lake, both on and off the field. via Deseret News