Soccer News

SEATTLE - They were railed and criticized for reaching the championship of Major League Soccer despite a losing record in the regular season. Full Story »

MEXICO CITY - Monterrey won Mexico's Apertura title, defeating Cruz Azul 2-1 Sunday to take the two-game final 6-4 on aggregate. Full Story »

SAINT-DENIS, France - France qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup when officials missed an obvious hand ball by Thierry Henry that led to William Gallas' overtime goal in a 1-1 tie against Ireland on Wednesday night. Full Story »

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Argentine soccer club Banfield claimed the first league title in its 113-year history on Sunday, finishing on top of the Apertura standings despite a 2-0 loss at Boca Juniors. Full Story »

LONDON - Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has increased his stake in Arsenal to more than 26 percent, keeping him in a battle with American Stan Kroenke for control of the Premier League club. Full Story »

LIVERPOOL, England - U.S. forward Landon Donovan is in talks about a loan move to Everton that would give him experience in the English Premier League in the run up to the World Cup. Full Story »

PARIS (AFP) - A call to discuss Raymond Domenech's future as coach of France at Friday's French Football Federation (FFF) executive meeting has been described as "ill-timed and counter-productive". Full Story »

NEW YORK - Buoyed by the success of Toronto FC, Major League Soccer is considering expanding its presence in Canada by placing a team in Montreal. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - England manager Fabio Capello is adamant there is still enough time for Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves to earn a place in next year's squad for the World Cup in South Africa. Full Story »

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid defender Pepe will undergo surgery on his right knee on Thursday in Portugal to repair the ligament damage he picked up during a weekend league match, the Spanish club said. Full Story »

LONDON - ESPN signed a four-year deal Tuesday to broadcast live FA Cup matches in Britain to fill the void left by collapsed network Setanta. Full Story »

ROME (AFP) - Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho on Tuesday owned up to verbally attacking an Italian journalist in a bust-up that is being investigated by the Italian Football Federation. Full Story »

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - North Carolina coach Anson Dorrance sees more talent and parity than ever in college women's soccer. Full Story »

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Bayern Munich's France international winger Franck Ribery will make his return next weekend after two-and-a-half months out with injury, his coach Louis van Gaal said on Monday. Full Story »

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - The head of U.S. soccer believes a World Cup match rich in history between the United States and England can capture the imagination of new fans. Full Story »

ROME (AFP) - Juventus's Brazilian international defensive midfielder Felipe Melo was on Monday named 'Flop of the Year 2009' in a vote parodying the annual 'Ballon d'Or' award given to Europe's top player. Full Story »

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - The Football for Hope center is out to teach kids about more than just the "beautiful game." Full Story »

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Jamie Carragher has revealed that he has been praying nightly for divine intervention to ensure Liverpool end the season with some silverware and a place in the Premier League's top four. Full Story »