Kpene capable of making big impact for D.C.
Soccer Betting Lines
05/15/2007 -
Washington, D.C. (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - At a postgame press conference following
D.C. United's last game, coach Tom Soehn sat in front of a black curtain with
team logos and tried to explain why he sat Luciano Emilio in favor of rookie
Guy-Roland Kpene.
At first, the coach started to say Emilio just needed a break after two 90-
minute games in just six days. A third game in nine days might have been too
much to ask of Emilio, a Brazilian who signed with United in January.
But before Soehn finished talking about the switch, the coach added without
hesitation: "More than anything, Guy deserved it."
Kpene proved why the coach gave him a chance. He assisted on one of United's
two goals - the other was on a penalty kick - in a 2-1 win over CD Chivas USA
on May 6.
"I thought Guy did well - he's a handful, he's still young," D.C. midfielder
Ben Olsen said. "He'll learn from his first professional start. Give him some
more minutes and he'll get better."
He only needed 66 minutes in his first career Major League Soccer start to
show there are many more good things ahead in his career. And it wasn't just
because of the assist, a brilliant flick-on to set up Christian Gomez's goal.
Kpene had been training with United for months, but until his work visa was
approved he couldn't take the field. Normally it only takes a few weeks but
Kpene's visa took longer because he moved to the U.S. years earlier with his
mother, a United Nations employee.
So the Ivory Coast native worked hard in the shadows, finally getting the news
he anxiously awaited before a game against New England on May 3. His work visa
had finally gone through.
The news was good for Kpene, 24, but it wasn't the best news of the day. Soehn
also told Kpene he would be on the 18-man roster for the game that night. He
came on as a second-half sub and played 11 minutes.
Not that Soehn needed any more confirmation - the potential was obvious in
practice - but in Kpene's brief debut "he didn't look like a rookie," Soehn
told the Washington Post.
A few days later, Kpene was in the starting lineup for the first time in his
brief MLS career. When Kpene was taken out, he was replaced by Emilio.
Kpene was a prolific scorer at Dowling College, combining for 38 goals and 17
assists in two seasons. He had 25 goals to lead the team to the NCAA Division
II national championship in 2006. He was picked in the third round of the 2007
MLS supplemental draft in January.
Although his offensive skills were polished, he wasn't used to playing defense
in college. Soehn worked with him and he's made the transition well, so far.
Obviously, Kpene still has a lot learn on the professional level, but he's
shown he's way ahead of the curve.
Following the win over Chivas USA, Kpene just sat in front of his locker and
soaked in the moment.
Who can blame him?
"We were waiting for that moment for so long," Kpene said with a smile about
the United's first win of the season. "Now we can be more confident."
Only Soehn knows if Kpene will remain in United's starting lineup. But one
thing is for sure: Kpene is dangerous. And Soehn has already proven he's not
afraid to use him or any other younger player, and he doesn't care if a more
established player sits the bench.
"Guy's been very good. He's shown some real maturity for a young kid. I
haven't been afraid to use (younger players) and gauge a lot on what you do in
training. The guys who step up and do it in training are going to play," Soehn
said. "I said that in the beginning, It doesn't matter how much you make. If
you come out and do the work, you're going to see time on the field."
<< Yankees-Blue Jays contest rescheduled
Bronx, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Yankees announced on Tuesday
that the April 25 contest between the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, which was
postponed by rain, has been rescheduled for Monday, September 24 at 7:05 p.m.
(et).
<< Toronto looks to build on momentum vs. Houston
Toronto, Ontario (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Just four days following the first victory
in franchise history, Toronto FC returns to BMO Field looking for its first
winning streak.
Toronto FC hosts defending MLS Champion Houston on Wednesday in t
<< Athletics place P Street on DL
Oakland, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Oakland Athletics placed closer Huston
Street on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with irritation in his right ulnar
nerve.
The move is retroactive to May 13.
The 23-year old Street is 2-1 with
<< Rangers' Millwood goes back on DL
Arlington, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kevin
Millwood has landed back on the 15-day disabled list.
Texas activated Millwood from the DL on Monday, but the right- hander
aggravated his strained lef
<< Bears sign draft pick
Lake Forest, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Bears signed running back
Garrett Wolfe to a four-year contract on Tuesday. Financial terms were not
disclosed.
Wolfe, who was selected by the Bears in the third round (93rd overall)
Litsch sparkles in debut as Jays edge O's >>
Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Jesse Litsch fell one out short of becoming
the first pitcher in Blue Jays history to toss a complete game in his major
league debut, as Toronto held on to beat the Baltimore Orioles, 2-1.
The 22-year-o
Yankees/White Sox rained out >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tuesday's game between the New York Yankees and
Chicago White Sox has been postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader on Wednesday
afternoon at 2:05 (ET). The te
Marlins pound Pirates >>
Pittsburgh, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Dan Uggla belted two home runs and Sergio
Mitre tossed 7 2/3 solid innings, as the Florida Marlins defeated the
Pittsburgh Pirates, 9-3, at PNC Park.
Hanley Ramirez and Jeremy Hermida also hom
Hudson impressive again as Braves top Nationals >>
Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Edgar Renteria drilled two home runs, and
Tim Hudson hurled seven solid innings as Atlanta downed Washington, 6-2, in
the second leg of a four-game set at RFK Stadium.
Renteria finished 3-for-5 with
Verlander leads Tigers over Sox in Beantown >>
Boston, MA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Justin Verlander gave up six hits and two runs
over 7 2/3 innings, leading Detroit to a 7-2 win over Boston in the second of
three between the clubs at Fenway Park.
Verlander (4-1) struck out seven and did n
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
your source for online betting
As the web was just getting it's footing in the business world in 1997, My Sportsbook was breaking new
ground in the online sportsbook arena. Offering over 20 Las Vegas Games and backed by Sporting Bet UK,
the largest publicly traded Internet gaming company in the world today, My Sportsbook offers betting lines
on every major sporting event in the world, including Online MLB Baseball Betting. With a wide array of bonuses including a 10% Free Money bonus
to all new customers, My Sportsbook is a top online sportsbook, poker room, casino and racebook -- join today!For those that feel that a site like My Sportsbook is only a sportsbook we would like to introduce you to
a place where a single login allows you to not only bet on every major sporting event in the world but also
to bet on horses at over 90 different tracks or play at over 20 Las Vegas style table games in their top online
casino. My Sportsbook has won many awards for it's site design and ease of use as well as it's 24/7
customer support. Get all your gaming done in one spot - try My Sportsbook Today!
|
Bonds nearly hits HR 751, SF wins
4 and drove in
a pair of runs, and Barry Bonds nearly hit homer No. 751 as San Francisco beat
1, in the middle contest of three at AT&T Park.
6) allowed five hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings, fanning
eight and walking three.
game slide.
Bonds, who came within five homers of Hank Aaron's record on Friday, went
1 with three walks, an RBI double and scored twice. The double ...
read more
|
online sportsbook and casino
Since 2000, Best eCasino has maintained a 98.5% payout rate on all their more than 20 Las Vegas style games.
Each of their award winning games including, blackjack (and blackjack super 7s), Baccarat, Roulette and Craps are
available as either a downloadable program or as java programs that can be played directly within your browser. Don't
know how to play a certain game? Read the details and strategy here and start with their Play for Fun section which
allows you to practice a game before taking on the casino. Let's see any Vegas casino do that... Best eCasino doesn't stop there, they now offer horse wagering and sportsbook lines to round off all the online
gaming industry have to offer. They are consistently at the forefront of the industry with new innovations consistently
starting with their site. These guys are the entrepreneur's of the online gaming world and they set the standard for others
to follow. So bet with a leader that's backed by the largest online gaming company in the world with 24 hour customer support,
Best eCasino.
|
