Americans Abroad: Weekend Recap

photo by AP Photos

Gale Agbossoumonde tumultous club career took a turn for the better this weekend, as he made his first start at the club level in nearly a year and a half.

Agbossoumonde started and went the distance for Swedish club Djurgardens IF in its 1-0 loss to Malmo FF. The U.S. national team defender nearly helped Djurgardens pull out a draw, but a late goal ended any thought of that.

Agbossoumonde was just one of the highlights of this weekend's action from American players plying their trade abroad. Here's my full recap for SoccerbyIves on how the Americans performed this weekend.

Feilhaber signs with MLS

photo by AP Photos.com

Benny Feilhaber is coming to Major League Soccer.

The 26-year-old Feilhaber signed with MLS on Friday, and the club he will play for will be determined via an allocation. Chivas USA has first dibs on Feilhaber and has until Tuesday, April 19 at 5PM eastern to sign the World Cup veteran.

A technically-gifted midfielder with 38 U.S. national team appearances to his name, Feilhaber joins MLS from Danish club AGF Aarhus.

Scream 4 hits Theaters April 15

photo by Dimension Films

The worst idea ever is about to hit theaters.

After a fairly brilliant trilogy last decade, the Scream series is set to release a fourth installment on Friday, April 15. The movie will mark the beginning of a new Wes Craven-directed trilogy, which is the worst idea for a new trilogy. Ever.

While the movie takes place years after the murders in Scream 3, the core cast of Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox is back to reprise their roles. Honestly, I predictably expect at least one of these to die in the new trilogy.

The plot of the movie? Sidney Prescott (Campbell), for some odd and deranged reason, decides to go back to her home town of Woodsboro on the 15-year anniversary of the original killings. The reason given for her return is that she goes to promote her new self-help book, which could pass like 10 crackers through your mouth if not for the timing of her moronic decision.

Surprisingly enough, here is where the not-psychologically-damaged-enough Sidney meets up with Gale Weathers (Cox), Sheriff Dewey Riley (Arquette) and relatives as a new set of killings - unsolvable by a technologically-updated police department - begins.

Yep, the worst idea ever is about to hit theaters.

But that won't stop me from watching it on opening night.

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Here's the Scream 4 trailer:

Heat claim No. 2 seed, will play Philadelphia in playoffs

photo by Getty Images

Miami Heat fans must be in ecstasy.

Having defeated arch rivals, the Boston Celtics, for the first time this season on Sunday, Miami claimed the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. That was made possible due to the Heat posting a 98-90 road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, and the Celtics losing, 95-94, in overtime to the Washington Wizards.

That combination of results means the Heat will enter its season finale against the Toronto Raptors with essentially nothing to play for, so you can likely expect for starters such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to be rested.

Monday's results also mean the Heat now know who their first-round opponent will be in the playoffs, and it will be the Philadelphia 76ers. That's yet another reason for Heat fans to be excited as Miami won all three of its contests against Philadelphia this season.

But while a date with the conference semifinals appears all but likely, one in the conference final is not. Miami will take on the winner of the Boston-New York match-up and both have proved a stiff test for the Heat this season.

For now, however, the Heat needs to enjoy its standing as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Hangover Part II trailer released

photo by Legendary Pictures

If you loved the mishaps and trouble that Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug got into in the hit 2009 comedy film the Hangover, you're likely going to love that there's a sequel about to come out.

The foursome is back at it again in the Hangover Part II, scheduled to be released on May 26 of this year. The premise of this film? The group once again tries to recollect a wild night after having had some drinks to celebrate Stu's upcoming wedding in Bangkok.

If you want a sneak peek at what you might see on Memorial Day weekend when the movie is released, here is the first official trailer released just a couple of days ago:

USA plays better, loses 1-0 to Paraguay

photo by Getty Images

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The U.S. men's national team put together a stronger performance against Paraguay than it did three days prior against Argentina, but that didn't result in a victory for the Americans.

The United States lost 1-0 to Paraguay in front of a record crowd at LP Field on Tuesday night despite a performance that saw it dominate the majority of the possession and chances. Paraguay won through a first-half set piece goal from Oscar Cardozo.

Head coach Bob Bradley handed out first starts to Juan Agudelo, Timmy Chandler (pictured above) and Tim Ream, and each delivered a promising showing. That still wasn't enough for the U.S. team to overcome the one-goal deficit, leaving the Americans winless in 2011.

Here's Cardozo's game-winning goal as well as the match's highlights:

Agudelo goal helps USA earn 1-1 draw against Argentina

photo by Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Juan Agudelo did it again.

Trailing Argentina at halftime, Agudelo entered the game as a substitue and scored the equalizing goal in a 1-1 draw at New Meadowlands Stadium. The goal marked the third time in as many games that Agudelo's come off the bench and made an impact for the United States.

It wasn't just his goal that earned rave reviews. His 45-minute performance was solid for the most part, as he helped the U.S. team maintain some possession against the world's best player in Lionel Messi and an Argentina side that dominated the flow of the game in the first half.

As a result of his goal and performance against Argentina, Agudelo could earn his first ever start for the United States when it takes on Paraguay at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday.

Here's Agudelo's second international goal:

So long, Jersey Shore

photo by MTV

That's it. It's over. Jersey Shore Season 3 has come to a close.

One of the most-watched television shows right now, Jersey Shore saw its third season (second in Seaside Heights) end on Thursday with the same combination of drama, laughter and partying that viewers of the show have come to know and love.

But before we turn the page on the season that was, here are the grades each cast member earned in terms of entertainment value this season:

Deena: C+

Pauly D: A-

JWoww: B-

Sammi: C+

Vinny: B+

Ronnie: B-

Snookie: B+

Mike "The Situation": B

Davies, Agudelo score in MLS season openers

photo by Getty Images

Remember Charlie Davies and Juan Agudelo? Well, the two U.S. national team forwards scored this weekend in their respective MLS season openers.

Playing in his first real competitive match since a deadly car accident almost claimed his life in October 2009, Davies came off the bench and netted his first two MLS goals in story-book fashion in D.C. United's 3-1 victory over the Columbus Crew. He first netted off a penalty kick, and then followed that up by slotting a shot home after blazing by goalkeeper Will Hesmer.

Agudelo scored the first goal of his MLS career this weekend as well. Agudelo outmuscled a defender before blasting a shot past legendary Kasey Keller in New York Red Bulls' 1-0 triumph against the Seattle Sounders. Just 18-years-old, Agudelo could be in for a big season if he keeps up the type of form displayed throughout that match.

Here are Davies and Agudelo's goals as well as an emotional interview by Davies following his two-goal performance:

Predicting the upcoming USA roster

photo by Reuters

The U.S. national team expected to take on Argentina and Paraguay next week is expected to be announced later today. But before we find out who will play in the two upcoming friendlies, I'm going to predict who makes the team.

With this being the last chance for head coach Bob Bradley to get a look at players before having to pick the roster for this summer's Gold Cup, you can expect most of the regulars to be there. From Landon Donovan (pictured) to Tim Howard, most of the veterans will be called up.

Some relatively new faces, such as Tim Ream, will also make the squad, as Bradley looks to incorporate these players into the team.

Here's my predicted 22-man roster:

Goalkeepers (2): Brad Guzan (Hull City, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England)

Defenders (8): Carlos Bocanegra (St Etienne, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Tigres UANL, Mexico), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Germany), Eric Lichaj (Leeds United, England), Zach Loyd (FC Dallas), Oguchi Onyewu (FC Twente, Netherlands), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United, England)

Midfielders (9): Michael Bradley (Aston Villa, England), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek IF, Norway), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers, England), Jermaine Jones (Blackburn Rovers, England), Sacha Kljestan (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium).

Forwards (3): Jozy Altidore (Bursaspor, Turkey), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt 04, Germany), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca, Mexico).

Projecting who will win the 2011 MLS Cup

photo by Getty Images

When the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders open the MLS season on Tuesday at 9:30pm (ET) on ESPN, they will kick off the most anticipated season in the league's history.

From U.S. national team forward Charlie Davies attempting to complete his recovery from a devastating car crash, to the addition of two expansion teams (Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps), there are several intriguing story lines to follow for casual and hardcore soccer fans alike. Throw in other interesting stories such as the progress of budding stars Teal Bunbury and Juan Agudelo and the second year of Hans Backe's technically-gifted New York Red Bulls, and there's quite an exciting MLS season on tap.

With 18 teams taking to the field this season, MLS will see more teams competing than ever before. So who do I predict will get to the MLS Finals? I'm going with the obvious choice of Los Angeles and New York.

Both teams have improved already-stellar rosters after looking like the favorites to lift the MLS Cup last year. Los Angeles acquired former Red Bull, Juan Pablo Angel, as well as Frankie Hejduk, while New York has added a European midfielder/defender in Teemu Tanio and will have international stars Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez with a full pre-season under their belt.

So who's my pick to win it all? I'm taking the Galaxy. With Landon Donovan and David Beckham (who is entering the final season of his five-year contract) leading the team, and with the addition of Angel, Los Angeles should have enough fire power to make its way back to the MLS Cup Final after losing it in 2009. Head coach Bruce Arena has added more depth to one of the deepest teams in the league, and that should pay dividends during the grueling season - a season I see ending with Beckham leaving with a trophy to his name.

Heat get payback with 30-point win over Spurs

photo by Getty Images

The photo above was taken 10 days ago during the Miami Heat's 125-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs amid Miami's well-covered losing streak that put a dark cloud over everything regarding the Heat.

How time changes things.

Having just beaten the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, the Heat won its third consecutive game with a 30-point triumph of its own, beating the Spurs at the AmericanAirlines Arena on Monday night. The 110-80 win didn't only serve as retribution for Miami for the embarrassment suffered in San Antonio on March 4 as it also reminded NBA fans, coaches and players just how good this Heat team can be.

Bolstered by performances from Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the Heat put forth one of its most complete games of the season. Wade and Bosh led the offense, scoring 29 and 30 points, respectively. LeBron James also chipped in with 21 points as 10 of the 11 Heat players to see the court scored (Mike Bibby was the one who did not).

What may have been more impressive than the offensive effort put forth by Miami was the defensive domination over the Spurs. The Heat played intense defense throughout, keeping sharpshooter Manu Ginobili to 12 points and Tim Duncan to 14.

Duncan, especially, got a taste of how bad Miami wanted this one as the much-smaller Wade stepped up, leaped in the air and blocked two shots in the paint.

That pair of plays might have highlighted just how badly the Heat wanted payback, but they also helped show that Miami is still a serious contender.

Help possibly on the way for Miami

photo by Getty Images

If there was something made obvious in the Miami Heat's loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday, it was that LeBron James and co. lack a playmaking point guard. While Chauncey Billups was busy finding his teammates for easy shots and hitting long-range three-pointers, Mario Chalmers was missing layups.

That lack of a point guard able to help the Big Three in the waning moments of games may be over as the Heat are close to acquiring Mike Bibby, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Bibby, who was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards last week, is leaning towards joining Miami after agreeing to a buyout with Washington on Monday. He gave up his $6.2 million salary with the hopes of latching on to a contender.

Bibby would be an upgrade over Chalmers and never-seeing-the-court Carlos Arroyo. Although the addition of Bibby won't solve Miami's lack of defense from the point guard position, he would add a much-needed offensive orchestrator to Miami's lineup, one that can help create shots while also making his share of them. Yes, that includes layups.

Heat fall to new-look Knicks, 91-86

photo by Getty Images

Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks, 1. Miami Heat, 0.

The Heat lost at home to the new-look Knicks on Sunday, 91-86, in a game that once again will raise questions about Miami's ability to beat the more talented teams.

Dwyane Wade scored just 12 points, Chris Bosh faded as the game wore on and LeBron James missed a pair of potentially game-altering shots with seconds remaining in the game. Making all those type of performances worse was that the loss came to a New York team still figuring out how to play together after the big Carmelo Anthony trade reshaped the Knicks' roster.

Anthony scored 29 points in the game and Chauncey Billups and Amar'e Stoudemire added 16 a piece. Perhaps no points were bigger than when Billups scored off a long three to give New York the lead with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

That shot put Miami in a hole, and one it could not crawl out of. James tried to hit a layup, but was brilliantly blocked by Stoudemire. On the following possession, James bricked off a three-point attempt, essentially ending the first meeting between the Heat and the new-look Knicks.

Knicks win Anthony sweepstakes via three-team trade

photo by Getty Images

It looks like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics aren't the only big dogs in the Eastern Conference anymore.

According to multiple reports, the New York Knicks acquired Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony in a three-team trade late on Monday night. The other team involved in the trade was the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the trade, the Knicks not only got one of the best players in the league to pair with fellow All Star Amare Stoudemire, but also experienced point guard Chauncey Billups. Guard Anthony Carter and forwards Renaldo Balkman, Anthony Brewer and Shelden Williams were also shipped to New York, as was a second-round pick from Minnesota.

Denver reportedly received center Timofey Mozgov, forwards Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, point guard Raymond Felton and the Knicks' first-round pick in 2014 and second-round picks in the 2012 and 2013 drafts that originally belonged to the Golden State Warriors.

The Timberwolves got center Eddy Curry, power forward Anthony Randolph and $3 million in the deal.

New York Knicks fans won't have to wait long to see Anthony suited up in their team's colors as he could play as soon as Wednesday night against Milwaukee or Friday versus Cleveland.

Anthony, Stoudemire and the new-look Knicks will then have an opportunity to make even more headlines as they face LeBron James and the rest of the Miami Heat's star-studded cast on Sunday, February 27.

New York won't play Boston until March 31.

Jones wins three-point contest

photo by Getty Images

Finally, the Heat have beaten the Celtics.

Miami fans now have some ammunition for their trash-talking arsenals as forward James Jones knocked off Boston's duo of Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to win the 2011 three-point competition on Saturday night.

Jones became the latest Heat player to claim that competition by scoring 20 points in the finals, besting Allen's 15 and Pierce's 12. Jones, a University of Miami graduate, joined Jason Kapono, Daequan Cook and Glen Rice as Heat players to win the contest.

Having prepared little for the event in Los Angeles, Jones scored 15 points in the first round before making four out of five shots on every rack in the finals.

Jones' win doesn't affect the league standings, but it will help Heat fans whose psyches have been affected from three losses in three games to Boston this season.

So, for at least one day, Miami fans can thank Jones for being able to say that their team came out on top over Boston's.

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Here is video of the final round of the three-point contest along with a brief interview with Jones following his memorable victory:

Breaking down the Heat's loss to the Celtics

photo by Reuters

Once again, Dwyane Wade struggled. Once again, Miami turned the ball over like it was a fad going out of style. Once again, Miami lost to Boston.

For the third time this season, the Heat fell prey to the Celtics, losing 85-82 at TD Garden on Sunday afternoon. The loss broke Miami's eight-game winning streak, and more importantly, gave Boston a half-a-game advantage for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

But what exactly went wrong for the Heat? Despite the tight scoreline, quite a bit actually. From allowing a 35-point quarter to missing crucial shots, Miami once again made critical errors as it was bested by a Boston team that can officially be labeled the Heat's 'daddy'.

Here are some reasons as to why Miami is still winless against Boston this season:

Miami has no answer for Rondo

If Rajon Rondo was a thorn in the Heat's side before the game, he's now their kryptonite. Rondo not only got himself a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but he also proved to be a tough defender to beat for James.

Rondo obviously couldn't go pound for pound with James, but his speed and tenacity harassed the Miami Heat star to the point that James had to settle to backing down Rondo from the perimeter on multiple occasions. This defensive match-up proved a troubling one for Miami, and was part of the reason why Chris Bosh saw the offense run through him in the Heat's comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.

Boston continues to have Wade's number

As was the case in the other two meetings this season, Dwyane Wade had a rather pedestrian performance against the Celtics. He scored 16 points, but it came on on a night where he shot 6-17. Wade also committed six ugly turnovers, a chunk of which came during the second quarter in a stretch that forced head coach Erik Spoelstra to call a timeout.

Third quarter collapse

Miami began the game well, holding the hosts to 15 points in the opening quarter and just 39 in the first half. But when the third quarter opened so too did Miami's defense, which conceded 35 points. The Heat only scored 18 points that quarter, which made the margin for their comeback effort even larger.

Missed shots, missed opportunities

With 12 seconds left, LeBron James had a chance to tie the game with two free throws. He missed the first. Having to foul the Celtics to prevent the game from ending, Miami had one more chance to salvage a third loss to Boston after Glen Davis converted his pair of shots from the charity stripe. Mike Miller got an open look from the top of the perimeter, but the three-point specialist missed the shot, giving the Celtics the victory.

James and Miller's misses were undoubtedly costly ones, but that Miami shot 3-16 from downtown was as much a contributing factor to the loss as any.

Ouch

Which was worse? Christina Aguilera's botch of the national anthem at the Super Bowl on Sunday, or the high kick Karim Benzema received from Hernanes in France's 1-0 win over Brazil on Wednesday?

You decide.

I'm taking the Aguilera botch by a smidge.

Agbossoumonde close to six month loan with Djurgardens

photo by ISIphotos.com

U.S. U-20 national team defender Gale Agbossoumonde looks set to end his club woes by joining Swedish club Djurgardens IF on a six-month loan, it was reported Tuesday via Swedish outlet fotbolldirekt.com.

Agbossoumonde, who has struggled to find a permanent club since signing a pro-contract with soccer management company Traffic USA, has impressed during his two-week trial with the club and should finalize a loan deal soon. The loan runs until August and includes a fixed price should Djurgardens wish to buy Agbossoumonde permanently.

Here's a (translated) video of Djurgardens sporting director Stefan Alven talking about the nearly-completed deal:

Davies trialling with D.C. United hoping to resurrect his career

photo by AP Photos

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The last time I spoke to U.S. national team forward Charlie Davies in person was in Miami back in October 2009, just a few days prior to the disastrous car accident that almost took his life near Washington D.C.

15 months later, as Davies continues to attempt to completely recover from the multiple injuries picked up in the deadly car crash (a passenger in the one-vehicle accident lost her life), I, along with several other reporters, spoke to Davies in South Florida again.

Having healed from multiple injuries - including a broken and dislocated left elbow, a right leg broken in three places, a broken nose, forehead and eye socket, a ruptured bladder and bleeding on the brain - Davies is hoping to end his club team woes and find playing time as he's attempting to secure a 12-month loan deal from French club Sochaux to MLS's D.C. United.

United is in town for a pre-season camp, and Davies talked to media following his first full training session with the club. The fit but scarred Davies touched on a number of items, including how the potential loan deal came to be and whether or not he had second thoughts about playing for D.C. United with the accident having happened so close to the club's headquarters.

Give my story over at SoccerbyIves a read and see how Davies is not only ready to complete his recovery, but also receive a fresh start after a rough 15 months.

Grading the Big Three after win against OKC

For the first time in about two weeks, the Miami Heat fielded its three superstars, and the result was an 108-103 victory over Oklahoma City in a game some would argue was the best win of the season.

Facing a talented but young Thunder team, the Heat went blow for blow with the hosts in a tight contest that wasn't decided until Eddie House hit an open three to make the score 105-103 in Miami's favor.

House may have hit the winning shot, but it was Miami's big three superstars which were mostly responsible for the win. Combined, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh accounted for 75 of the Heat's points. The win was the three players' most complete performance since the demolition of the Lakers on Christmas day, and it was made more impressive because they are still shaking off the rust picked up through respective injuries.

Here's how I grade Wade, James and Bosh's respective performances against the Thunder.

Dwyane Wade 32 points/9 rebounds/41 minutes

Grade: A

Fresh from removing the stylistic shades he wore earlier in the week, Wade returned to his role of leading scorer against the Thunder. He nearly achieved a double-double, scoring 32 points and recording nine boards. He also hit a few eye-opening, highlight reel-like shots.

LeBron James 23 points/13 assists/40 minutes

Grade: A

Sacrificing his points per game average for delicious dimes, James grabbed a double-double with his 23 points and 13 assists. James' most clutch play in the game was one of those assists, when he passed up glory and an open look to feed Eddie House for the game-winning three.

Chris Bosh 20 points/7 rebounds/36 minutes

Grade: A-

Bosh began the game well, and while he did show glimpses of a player returning from an ankle injury, he showed well for the most part. Bosh was a handful offensively, scoring 20 points, and defensively he contributed with 7 rebounds. Bosh also exchanged words with Thunder star Kevin Durant early on.

photos by MiamiHeat.com

Projecting the U.S. roster for Egypt friendly (UPDATED)

photo by Getty Images

The U.S. national team's looming friendly in Cairo to take on Egypt may be in doubt due to political reasons, but if it's not canceled, then the roster for the match should be released soon.

Assuming head coach Bob Bradley is to take advantage of the single FIFA fixture date, it's likely only 20 players will be called into camp for the Feb. 9 match. Most will be European based as Bradley will try to avoid interrupting MLS players' pre-seasons as much as possible. Still, there should be a couple of domestically-based players in the squad.

With that said, here's a look at which 20 players I think Bradley will call up:

Goalkeepers (2): Tim Howard (Everton, England), Brad Guzan (Hull City, England)

Defenders (8): Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Germany), Oguchi Onyewu (FC Twente, Netherlands), Clarence Goodson (Brondby IF, Denmark), Carlos Bocanegra (St Etienne, France), Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa, England), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United, England), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Zach Loyd (FC Dallas)

Midfielders (7): Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers, England), Jermaine Jones (Blackburn Rovers, England), Michael Bradley (Aston Villa, England), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Maurice Edu (Rangers, Scotland), Sacha Kljestan (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek IF, Norway)

Forwards (3): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal, Spain), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt 04, Germany), Eddie Johnson (Fulham, England)

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Some quick thoughts:

• Ream, Loyd and Diskerud make it from January camp/Chile roster onto Egypt roster due to their performances in the 1-1 draw.

• Highly hyped forwards Juan Agudelo and Teal Bunbury do not get called in as Bob Bradley is likely to continue to bring them into the program at a slow but steady pace while also trying to limit fans' exceeding expectations of the talented tandem.

• No Landon Donovan, and that's because he hasn't played in a single game since November. Bradley is likely to leave Donovan with the Los Angeles Galaxy in order to allow him to completely get into shape for his upcoming season.

• Of the 20 players called in, only two ply their trade in MLS while nine earn their wages in England.

(UPDATE 1/31 - The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Monday that the United States' friendly against Egypt has been canceled. The federation looked for other locations in which to hold the game, and different opponents to play, but nothing could be finalized in such a short amount of time.)

Future looks bright for U.S. front line

photo by AP Photos

The U.S. national team saw its forwards score zero goals in last year's World Cup, and while concerns remain about the American frontline, help might be on the way in the shape of two youngsters not yet old enough to buy a beer.

New York Red Bulls' Juan Agudelo, 18, and Sporting Kansas City's Teal Bunbury, 20, each built on their impressive national team debuts (in a 1-0 win versus South Africa last November) by injecting life into a U.S. attack that lacked any real creativity against Chile in a 1-1 draw on Saturday in Carson, California.

Trailing 1-0 due to a goal from Esteban Paredes, the United States felt an immediate impact when both forwards entered the game in the 60th minute. Bunbury's combination of size and strength gave Chile's defense fits, while Agudelo's willingness to take on defenders was as effective as it was impressive.

Agudelo, who scored the lone goal against South Africa in his debut in November, even helped set up the equalizer when he played a one-two with midfielder Alejandro Bedoya before getting fouled inside the penalty area.

The foul on Agudelo may have been questionable, but American fans forgot about that as they were quickly celebrating a goal moments later. With Agudelo preparing to take the penalty kick, Bunbury convinced his younger teammate to let him take it.

Bunbury hit the spot kick firmly and accurately into the back of the net to pull the U.S. level. He and Agudelo then celebrated the goal by doing the Dougie dance, which Telefutura broadcaster Jorge Ramirez comically called (see below) by referencing the Black Eyed Pea's hit single Boom Boom Pow and saying "Boon-boo-ree!", playing off the pronunciation of Bunbury's name in Spanish.

Regardless of the comic relief fans had after the game due to Ramirez's commentary, they likely had even more optimism about the future of the American frontline, especially considering that former teen sensation and Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore can help groom the two starlets.

Expectations should be tempered, but they likely won't be. Not from American fans who saw a second straight World Cup finish for the U.S. without a single goal from a forward. That may lead to disappointment down the road, but then again it might not.

For now, American soccer fans are just reveling in the fact that there are two more young forwards to get excited about.

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Here is Teal Bunbury's first international goal, and Jorge Ramirez's hilarious Spanish call:

Owls win seventh straight in front of nationwide audience

photo by AP Photos

Talk about publicity.

FAU's basketball team (15-6, 7-0) continued its unprecedented run with a seventh consecutive victory as it defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 88-71 at the Burrow on Saturday. Currently on the longest winning streak in school history, the Owls also stayed undefeated in conference play, improving to 7-0 with the win.

What made those two runs even more special for FAU was that ESPN2 was broadcasting the game nationwide, a first in FAU basketball history.

The arena was loud (even football head coach Howard Schnellenberger and Tennessee Titans quarterback Rusy Smith were in attendance), the players were pumped and basketball fans nationwide got to witness just how good this FAU team is.

If you missed Saturday's festivities or want to relive them again, FAUOwlAccess.com has a neat video from the Owls' nationwide victory.

Roberto Carlos scores dream (Olympic) goal

photo by Reuters

The term "golazo" seems to be overused now a days in the world of soccer (futbol or football), but not in the case of describing Roberto Carlos' latest strike.

The 37-year-old defender showed he still has a lethal kick on set pieces, scoring a rare and incredible Olympic Goal (when one scores directly from taking a corner kick) in Corinthians' 2-0 victory over Portuguesa in Brazilian League action this weekend.

Just as he has throughout much of his career, Carlos struck a potent and accurate left-footed shot, surprising Portuguesa's goalkeeper, who was off his line trying to organize his defense. The goal took one bounce and went in as a Corinthians player cleverly let it go through his legs rather than take a touch on the ball.

The goal itself is incredible, but for Carlos to have the awareness and audacity to try it might be even more so. The former Brazilian international told media after the game that the goal was the first of its kind in his storied career, and that it took a long time to happen.

It's also definitely one worth watching. Over and over again.

Here's the goal (at the 1:21 mark):

Bosh sprains ankle over weekend as Heat lose third straight

photo by Getty Images

The Miami Heat (30-12) lost a third consecutive game on Saturday, and that may not be the worst thing to have happened to the team this weekend.

Power forward Chris Bosh injured his ankle in the Heat's 99-96 road loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, leaving Miami with just one of its three star players healthy as it heads into Tuesday's showdown with the Atlanta Hawks. LeBron James is also nursing an ankle injury.

Bosh and James' ankle injuries aren't deemed to be too serious, but they could spell trouble for Miami as it looks to bounce back from its three-game skid.

If neither Bosh or James can play at the AmericanAirlines Arena on Tuesday, then Dwyane Wade will need to hope his supporting cast can play as well against Atlanta as it did versus the Bulls.

The Heat's bench scored 37 points on Saturday, with Eddie House leading the way with 13 of those. Mike Miller, who is still trying to define his role in the rotation, chipped in with eight points, which included his first two three-pointers of the season.

Wade can obviously carry a heavier load even if Bosh and James don't play, but with Atlanta surely sending double-teams his way, the rest of the team will need to do its part.

That will especially hold true on the defensive end, where Bosh's rebounding ability will sorely be missed if he cannot suit up.

Miami plays just two home games over the next 10 days, so there will be time for the walking wounded to heal. Until then however, the Heat will need all of its healthy players to step up in James and Bosh's absence.

Otherwise, a fourth straight loss may be in store.

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If you haven't seen how Bosh rolled his ankle, you can do so here: