Weekend Recap

Some countries in Europe have already begun the domestic calendar, a few started their cup competitions this weekend, while other teams are wrapping up their preseason schedules. Here's a few notes from the past few days:

• Michael Bradley and Borussia Mönchengladbach got past FSV Frankfurt in the DFB Pokal Cup. Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 fell to Entracht Trier and were eliminated from the competition.
  
• Brad Guzan and Aston Villa beat Juventus in a shootout to claim the Peace Cup title. The preseason tuneup in Spain finished 0-0 after 120 minutes and culminated in pks, where Guzan saved two shots to help Villa beat the Italian club. Fullback Eric Lichaj also featured for Aston Villa.
• DaMarcus Beasley featured for Rangers in two preseason games this weekend. He came on as a halftime sub yesterday in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. Beasley also came on in the 61st minute during a 1-0 victory against PSG on Saturday.
  

Cup Final Saturday, Pt. 2

Tim Howard isn't the only American playing in a cup final today. DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu could feature for Rangers in the Scottish Cup final as they look to complete a domestic double. Rangers won the league last week, and this time around they'll look to upend Falkirk in today's final from Hampden Park.

Rangers won this competition last year, with DaMarcus Beasley contributing a goal in a 3-2 victory against Queen of the South.

Maurice Edu is facing the proverbial "race against time" in order to be fit for the game. Edu sustained a slight thigh knock in last weeks game against Dundee United. According to BBC Sport's Live Text, Edu has been left out of the lineup. No word on official lineups at this moment.

Stay tuned as we'll provide a few updates on this game and the FA Cup final throughout the day...

Celebrate an SPL Title with Rangers

Rangers captured the Scottish Premier League title yesterday, giving DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu much to celebrate (along with the rest of the blue half of Glasgow). Here is the final few minutes and post-game celebration:

Thursday Update

We mentioned yesterday that DaMarcus Beasley was substituted early in the first half after a collision that left him with a bruised rib. Well, after a scan, Rangers are revealing that the injury is nothing more than a bruise - so thankfully no break. It will keep DaMarcus out this weekend, however, and Rangers haven't set a timetable for his return yet.

Still searching for Maurice Edu's goal - any leads, readers? Regardless, here is manager Walter Smith talking about Mo's contribution and here you can see Mo talking before yesterday's match.

Tim Howard sustained a slight thigh injury during Sunday's win, but he should be ready for Sunday's big clash with Aston Villa, according to Evertonfc.com.

Clint Dempsey and Fulham are preparing for Sunday's trip to Manchester City. Here's an interesting article from The Guardian's David Pleat where he talks about what makes the Cottagers' defence so tough to break down.

Edu Scores for Rangers

Maurice Edu scored his first goal for Rangers today, nodding home a Pedro Mendes corner to get the winning strike in a 2-1 victory over Falkirk. DaMarcus Beasley also got the start for Rangers, though he left due to injury in the first half - no word yet on his condition. MLS shout-out for former New England Revolution midfielder Andy Dorman, who snagged the consolation goal for St. Mirren. Starting in the center of midfield, Edu played 90 minutes and helped Rangers stay within touching distance of Celtic at the top of the SPL table.

Short Highlights from Rangers' Draw

Here are some very short highlights from Rangers' 2-2 draw with Hearts yesterday. DaMarcus Beasley setup the first goal (though the highlights don't do a very good job of showing it). We'll try to find a better version...

Saturday Results

• Everton's hopes of a shot at 4th place took a hit today when Tim Howard and company went down 2-1 to Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
• Clint Dempsey and Fulham shocked table-toppers Manchester United with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.
• Jonathan Spector played 90 minutes for West Ham United, who drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers.
• Jay DeMerit helped Watford keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 stalemate with Ipswich Town.
• Marcus Hahnemann made eight saves for Reading in a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
  
• DaMarcus Beasley started for Rangers, who were pegged back by a 2-2 draw against Hearts. Beasley assisted on Rangers' opening goal, setting up Kyle Lafferty to begin the scoring. However, two second half goals by Hearts left the points to be shared.
  

Midweek Action

Lots of midweek games around the world this week:

In England, Tim Howard and Everton travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers. You can see this game delayed on FSC at 5:00 p.m. ET. Clint Dempsey and Fulham host Hull City at Craven Cottage, while Jonathan Spector and West Ham lineup against Wigan Athletic.

Rangers will look to keep their noses out in front of Celtic in the SPL, with Walter Smith's side facing Inverness at Ibrox later today. Pedro Mendes is still out, which means Edu could again get the start for Rangers, whose goal difference advantage at the top of the SPL was trimmed to just four goals this weekend.

In continental cup action, Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes host Lorient in the Round of 16 of the French Cup.

Rangers Cruise to Victory

Rangers moved on to the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup with an easy 4-0 victory over Forfar Athletic on Wednesday night. DaMarcus Beasley started for Rangers, but was removed after 72 minutes following a ridiculous challenge that brought a red-card for the guilty Forfar player. Reacting to the tackle, acting manger Ally McCoist (who apparently manages Rangers' cup games) said that Beas will be fine. Rangers face Kilmarnock in SPL action this coming weekend.

Some Better Highlights...

...from Rangers' friendly today:

Beasley Scores in Friendly

Kljestan Training with Celtic

Sacha Kljestan has departed MNT Camp in Carson, Calif. The midfielder is headed for Glasgow where he'll be training with Celtic.

Meanwhile, on the other half of the Old Firm, DaMarcus Beasley says he's prepared to battle for his place at Rangers. Hopefully he can do just that when Rangers face Falkirk on Saturday

Saturday Results

• Clint Dempsey and Fulham drew with Manchester City, extending their unbeaten run to five games in the Premier League.
• DaMarcus Beasley started for Rangers as they thrashed Hamilton Academical 7-1 at Ibrox.
• Michael Bradley came on as a second half sub in Borussia Mönchengladbach's 3-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
• Frank Simek went 90 minutes for Sheffield Wednesday in their draw with Southampton.
• Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes came back from a goal down, tying Caen 1-1 to make it 15 games unbeaten in Ligue 1.
• Jozy Altidore started and played all 90 minutes as Villarreal came back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Getafe.
• Oguchi Onyewu and Standard Liege lost 2-1 to Zulte-Waregem in the Belgian League.
  

Rangers to Continue Cup against St. Johnstone

Rangers, holders of the Scottish Cup, will travel to St. Johnstone in the fourth round of this year's tournament. The draw was made today for the next set of games, which will take place on January 10 or 11.

Saturday Results

• Clint Dempsey and Fulham earned a 0-0 draw at Anfield against Liverpool. Dempsey started and played 85 minutes as Fulham earned a point against the side placed 2nd in the Premier League table.
• Tough day in the Bundesliga for our guys: Michael Bradley and Borussia Möchengladbach fell 3-1 to Schalke 04, while Steve Cherundolo and Hannover lost 4-0 to Eintracht Frankfurt.
• In Scotland, DaMarcus Beasley came off the bench as Rangers beat Aberdeen 2-0. Beas spoke to SkySports.com before the match.
  

Midweek Cup Action

There's league cup action around Europe today, which means a few of our guys are suiting up for some games. Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes look to keep up their fine form of late with a Round of 16 game against Le Havre.

In the Copa del Rey, Jozy Altidore and Villarreal have lots to do as they try to overturn a five goal first leg deficit against Club Polideportivo Ejido.

In Scotland, Rangers are playing a midweek SPL game against Motherwell at Fir Park Stadium. In cup news, the draw for the semifinals of the Scottish Cup have just been made, and the Old Firm has been separated in to different halves, with Rangers taking on Falkirk and Celtic facing Dundee United.

Beasley and Rangers Looking for More

DaMarcus Beasley, who came on as a sub in the 5-0 victory over Inverness on Saturday, spoke to Sky Sports yesterday, and you can read the full article here. Beas noted that, while Rangers' demolition of Inverness reflected a good performance, gaining points will always the most important goal in any game. Rangers are in SPL action tonight, taking on Dundee Utd. at Ibrox.

Picture courtesy of SkySports.com

Saturday Results

Tim Howard and Everton fight for a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Michael Bradley and 'Gladbach get back on track with a 1-0 win over Karlsruhe.

Steve Cherundolo and Hannover draw, 1-1, with Werder Bremen.

DaMarcus Beasley and Rangers cruise to a 3-1 victory over Hamilton.

On Friday, Heath Pearce came on as a second half sub in Hansa Rostock's 0-0 draw with FSV Frankfurt.

Early Morning at Fadó

The Global Blog is up early this morning at Fadó Chicago to watch Tim Howard and Everton take on Manchester United. Fadó is the U.S. Soccer Bar Program October Bar of the Month and we've ventured here to catch this intriguing match up, as Tim takes on his former club.

Everton also include former United players Louis Saha and Phil Neville in their starting lineup, and how the Toffees could do with a result in this game. Everton have started this campaign slowly and a point against the champions at Ewood Park could be just the kickstart they need.

Meanwhile, the kick the global blog needs is on the table in the form of hot coffee. We've also ordered up some food, which we're awaiting eagerly.

In other games around Europe, Rangers travel to Hamilton in the SPL. Borussia M'gladbach host Karlsruhe, as new manager Hans Meyer looks to make an impact on Michael Bradley's team. In France, Rennes host surprise package Le Mans as Carlos Bocanegra's team looks to continue its five game unbeaten run.

And with that, our food has arrived! We'll check back later!

Edu Debuts for Rangers

Maurice Edu made his rangers debut this past weekend, earning a spot in his side's starting 11 against Kilmarnock. Rangers overcame a 1st half deficit en route to a victory that took them took them top of the Scottish Premier League table. DaMarcus Beasley also started the game for Rangers, who next face Motherwell on Sept. 21.

You can read about Mo's debut on the Rangers website. Click here.