Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has been mooted as a possible target for Chelsea, with Fernando Torresgoing the other way.

Falcao had an excellent debut season in La Liga whereas Fernando Torres has continued to stutter.

Roberto Di Matteo has stated he believesFernando Torres will still be a Chelsea player next season

12:35 PM

Cobb Adult Soccer
2012 - 7 v 7 Sizzling Summer Games

Celebrate the Olympic Games - Got a team with international ties
Re -name your team this summer for your favorite Country in the World Olympics

Start date: June 24, 2012

Registration May 1st, 2010 - June 08th, 2012

Preseason scrimmage: June 10th, 2012

Sunday - COOL OF THE EVENINGS
Start time: 5:00 & 6:30 & 8pm
Number of Weeks: 6 weeks & play off

Cost: $450.00 per team or $45.00 per individual
Unlimited Player Rosters

Playing Level:
Recreational & Competitive & Masters
Limited to 6 teams per division

Playing Format: 7v7
No off side - No Slide tackle in Rec divisions - No Goal keeper contact

Game length: two 35 minutes half's and a five minute halftime

Register online at www.cobbsoccer.org
or download the team declaration and mail along with a $100 refundable deposit check

9:15 AM

2011-12 Americans Abroad Best XI

By Paul Kennedy,

Never have so many Americans done so well for their clubs abroad. Three members of our 2011-12 Americans Abroad Best XI won league titles. Many played on title challengers or teams that competed in continental play. Several players enjoyed breakout seasons at new clubs. And in the case of Clint Dempsey at Fulham, he enjoyed the best season an American has ever had in the English Premier League. Here's our best XI:

BRAD FRIEDEL (Tottenham). Friedel is still going strong at the age of 41. He didn't miss a beat when he moved to Tottenham, his fourth club in his 15-year EPL career. He extended his EPL iron-man record to 304 consecutive starts as Spurs finished fourth in the EPL. Unfortunately, Chelsea's UEFA Champions League title knocked Spurs out of Europe's elite competition next season. Stats: EPL: 38 games.

STEVE CHERUNDOLO (Hannover 96). The longest-serving American at a European club, Cherundolo completed his 13th season with Hannover 96, which clinched a berth in the Europa League for the second consecutive year. Stats: Bundesliga: 22 games; Europa League: 11 games.

CARLOS BOCANEGRA (Rangers). Bocanegra was brought in from French club St. Etienne at the start of the season and settled in quickly at Rangers. It was a tumultuous season as Rangers went into bankruptcy and the future of the players was in doubt. But Bocanegra impressed on and off the field, captaining Rangers in the absence of Steven Davis. Stats: SPL: 29 games, 2 goals; Europa League: 1 game.

MICHAEL PARKHURST (FC Nordsjaelland). Parkhurst came close with the New England Revolution, playing on three MLS Cup runner-up teams. He won the SAS Ligaen title in Denmark with FC Nordsjaelland, which clinched its first league title to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League. Parkhurst had an assist on the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Brondby in the next-to-last game of the season that thrust Nordsjaelland into first place. Stats: SPL: 29 games, 2 goals; Europa League: 2 games.

OGUCHI ONYEWU (Sporting Lisbon). It was quite a season for Gooch, who settled in at Sporting after struggling to regain his form in the two seasons after his knee injury in 2009. Another knee injury sidelined him in the middle of the 2011-12 season, but Onyewu came back to earn a call-up for the upcoming national team games. Stats: Liga Zon Zagres: 17 games, 4 goals; Europa League: 5 games.

MICHAEL BRADLEY (Chievo Verona). Bradley became the first American to start for an Italian Serie A club since Alexi Lalas in the mid-1990s. Some questioned how well Bradley would do in Italy after a unhappy final season in Germany with Borussia Moenchengladbach. But Bradley played very well for Chievo, and his improved play and growing confidence were evident in a man-of-the-match performance for the USA against Italy in their February friendly. Stats: Serie A: 35 games, 1 goal.

DAMARCUS BEASLEY (Puebla). After seven seasons in Europe, the 30-year-old Beasley was at the crossroads in terms of his career. A move to Mexico was a gamble, but he thrived at Puebla, playing all but one game and improving as the season went on. Stats:Torneo Apertura: 16 games, 2 goal. Torneo Clausura: 17 games, 5 goals

SACHA KLJESTAN (Anderlecht). Kljestan won his first league championship in seven seasons as a pro as Anderlecht convincingly won the Belgian title. He was very steady in midfield, though he still remains on the fringe of Jurgen Klinsmann's national team. Stats:Jupiler League: 36 games, 4 goals; Europa League: 10 games, 1 goal.

HERCULEZ GOMEZ (Estudiantes Tecos/Santos). It was a hot and cold season for Gomez, who began the Mexican campaign at lowly Estudiantes Tecos and moved to Santos in January. When he was inserted into the starting lineup at Santos, he scored 10 goals in seven games. But as the season progressed, he saw less and less playing time. He played only 77 minutes in three games during Santos' playoff run to the Torneo Clausura title. Stats: Torneo Apertura: 16 games, 7 goals. Torneo Clausura: 12 games, 5 goals, Concacaf Champions League: 6 goals, 6 games.

JOZY ALTIDORE (AZ). After struggling in Spain, England and Turkey, Altidore enjoyed a breakout season at AZ, leading the club in scoring as it challenged for the Dutch league title. It took some time, but Altidore finally won the confidence of Coach Gertjan Verbeekin the second half of the season and was AZ's main man, scoring five goals in five games in April. Stats: Eredivisie: 34 games, 15 goals; Europa League: 14 games, 4 goals.

CLINT DEMPSEY (Fulham). They say Americans don't get any respect in England, but Dempsey finished fourth in the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award voting. Dempsey had a career season, scoring 17 goals for Fulham, the most ever by an American in the EPL. He finished with 23 goals in all competitions.
Stats: EPL: 37 games, 17 goals; Europa League: 7 games, 3 goals.

Honorable Mention: Tim Howard (Everton), Edgar Castillo (Club America/Tijuana), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Maurice Edu (Rangers).

9:06 AM

Balotelli: I would reject Milan to stay with Manchester City

By Dale Jones | Goal.com – 7 hours ago

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Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli insists he would reject the advances of Milan in order to remain with the club.

The 21-year-old has had a turbulent two years with Roberto Mancini's side, attracting attention in the media for his off-field antics including recently setting fireworks off in his house.

However, he ended last season with a Premier League winners medal and, having scored 27 goals in 60 appearances for City, wants to prolong his stay.

"I'm staying in Manchester, so I'd say no to Milan," he told The Independent. "Not now, not in these years. I'm at City."

The Italy striker is currently with the national team preparing for the upcoming European Championships in Poland and Ukraine. Having been left out of the squad in February by Cesare Prandelli after stamping on Tottenham’s Scott Parker, Balotelli says he would not do such a thing in an Italy shirt.

"I will never leave the national team with 10 men,” Balotelli added.

The striker is expected to play a big part in Italy’s quest for a major trophy, which would be the team's first since its World Cup triumph six years ago.

2:46 PM

byJordan Hofeditz/Times-Georgian

Carrollton s Juan Vargas scored the tying goal in the Trojans 2-1 victory over Grady in the opening round of the Class AAA state playoffs on Tuesday night at Grisham Stadium. Carrollton got a late goal from Homero Perez to seal the win. (Cliff Williams/Times-Georgian)

view slideshow (2 images)

For just over 46 minutes, the Carrollton High School boys soccer team was held off the scoreboard, but Juan Vargas and Homero Perez helped push the Trojans through to the second round of the Class AAA playoffs, as they survived Grady, 2-1, Tuesday night at Grisham Stadium.

"That's what playoffs are all about," Carrollton coach Scott New said. "You've got a four seed that's 12-4 and they took the No. 1 seed and gave them all they wanted. We knew they were going o be a well-prepared team. We knew they were going to be a good team."

In the first half, the ninth-ranked and top-seeded Trojans (10-5-3) found the back of the net twice, but both goals were disallowed before Asa Eggleston put Grady up 1-0 after he weaved in the box and his shot deflected through for the goal.

Carrollton would seemingly answer on two different occasions, but both times the goals were called off for fouls in the box, keeping the Trojans off the board. And several scoring opportunities seemed to go just wide, high or a Grey Knight defender would be able to make the play.

"We just couldn't seem to find the back of the net. It seemed like we had chance after chance after chance and couldn't get them to go down. Then finally in the second half, finally, the work paid off. Our work rate was good and we deserved more, but we just couldn't seem to find the back of the net for anything and when we did, we seemed to have an offsides call or a foul or something go wrong. Those are the kinds of games that scare you, because you have the opportunities, but you keep missing them," New said.

Just over six minutes into the second half the Trojans finally got a goal that counted from Vargas — who has had a knack for getting goals in big games this season — as Trey Camp flicked it to the goal scorer and Vargas calmly slotted it home for the 1-1 tie.

"We continued to fight, we continued to go hard to goal and that's the sign of a team that belongs here and can do well," New said. "That's what we talked about at halftime. [Grady] had the one really good chance, that I could remember, and they made it happen. We probably had five or six that just didn't go ... Juan beats his guy, finally gets free and Juan's finished all year for us. He's gotten the big goals in just about every game, so I just kind of expect it by now and that one was huge for us."

Three minutes later, Carrollton seemed to take the lead after Camp scored from just outside the goal line, but was judged to be offsides by the linesman and the game remained 1-1.

The game over the next 25 minutes got tense and physical with both teams picking up fouls and yellow cards, as Carrollton continued to have chances to score, but couldn't quite get a goal.

"It was an emotional one. That's what playoff soccer is all about," New said.

That changed with 5:26 left in the game when Tyler Edwards' throw bounced around in the box before landing at the feet of Perez and the Trojan captain did not miss, giving Carrollton the lead and the win.

"Homero, the kid's been our two-time MVP for us. He's always right there and delivers for us and he decided that he wasn't going to be denied this time. He found one, cleaned it up off the rebounds and finally got one in the back of the net. It was a great win," New said.

New understood coming into the game that Grady would be a tough game — especially from a No. 4 seed — and now Carrollton will await the winner of No. 2 Spalding and No. 3 Westside, Augusta on Thursday to see who it will host back at Grisham Stadium next week.

"We'll be keeping an eye on that game and I'll probably check it out, as well. I think you've got to feel good. I think the team we played [Tuesday] was a fantastic team and we'll see what comes in here next Tuesday. We're happy to win. An ugly win's a win and a great win's a win — they're all wins right now," New said.

1:36 PM

MLS Power Rankings: Bulls up a notch

By Ridge Mahoney, Tuesday, May 22, 2012

New York rolled to its fifth straight victory despite doing down a man for more than half an hour to move into third place and D.C. United took over the fifth spot by winning both of its games.

International play will start to affect MLS teams this week as players report to their national teams, and such is the foreign flavor of some squads that only a few of them are affected by U.S. callups.

The Red Bulls, for example, will be missing four players, none of them Americans: Roy Miller (Costa Rica), Dane Richards (Jamaica), Rafael Marquez (Mexico), and Joel Lindpere (Estonia). RSL will lose Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando, but since RSL plays only one game – at home against FC Dallas Saturday – during the period of USA friendlies and World Cup qualifiers the effect won’t be significant. (Rimando might even be released from duty for the first USA game against Scotland.)

Struggling Los Angeles will have to make do without Irish striker Robbie Keane and USA attacker Landon Donovan for important games this week against San Jose at home and Houston on the road. The Galaxy fell into last place in the Western Conference and all the way to 16th in the rankings by losing, 1-0, to archrival Chivas USA.

1. REAL SALT LAKE (8-2-3). RSL sat out the week and on Saturday plays (at FC Dallas), one of just three league matches it has scheduled in the next month. Last week: 1.

2. SEATTLE (7-2-2). Another great finish by Fredy Montero rescued a last-minute point for the Sounders, 2-2 in Vancouver, to maintain their unbeaten record (2-0-2) away from home. They have conceded only six goals in their 11 games, no other team has less than nine. Eddie Johnson’s third goal of the season adds a smidge more evidence that maybe he’s got his head and body moving in the right direction. Last week: 3.

3. NEW YORK (8-3-1).Victor Palsson’s ejection with a second caution in the 58th minute didn’t deter the Red Bulls, who scored the winner nine minutes later to win, 2-1, in Montreal. Kenny Cooper’s penalty kick tied the game and Dane Richards’ finish of a loose ball won it. They were without an injured Thierry Henry and several other regulars, including Mehdi Ballouchy, unable to travel because of visa issues. Not since 2003 (as the MetroStars) has the team won five straight and it can set a team record against Chivas USA Wednesday. Last week: 4.

4. SAN JOSE (7-2-2). For the second straight week the Quakes needed a very late Alan Gordon goal to salvage a 1-1 tie at home, this time against Columbus. Late heroics are all well and good but San Jose isn’t capitalizing on its edge in possession and chances, and it also hasn’t pitched a shutout in the last eight games. Still, Gordon’s spectacular scissor-kick volley of his own rebound off the crossbar is among the league’s best goals so far in 2012. Last week: 2.

5. D.C. UNITED (7-4-3). Home wins over Colorado and Toronto FC by combined scores of 5-1 moved D.C. into second place in the Eastern Conference and improved its record at RFK to 5-1-2. Dwayne De Rosario’s three goals in the two games earned him Player of the Week honors and Hamdi Salihi’s goal against TFC was his fourth in the last five games. Andy Najar at right back? Well, it seems to be working. Last week: 9.

6. SPORTING KANSAS CITY (7-3-1). A 2-0 lead at Colorado seemed a good way to eradicate the stigma of three straight losses, but SKC let the lead slip and came home with a 2-2 tie. After Teal Bunbury scored twice in the first 14 minutes, his goals were matched by a header from a free kick and aftermath of a saved free kick. SKC had also scored from a set play when Bunbury headed in Matt Besler’s throw-in. Last week: 6.

7. CHICAGO (4-3-3). For the sixth time this season the Fire came back from a deficit to tie a match but for the first time was unable to garner any points. A Logan Pause own goal canceled out a nice equalizer by defender Jalil Anibaba in a 2-1 loss at Portland. RookieAustin Berry started his fourth straight match alongside Anibaba as Arne Freidrich continues his recovery from a strained hamstring. Last week: 5.

8. VANCOUVER (5-3-3). A classic Cascadia Cup match ended 2-2 when the ‘Caps conceded a late equalizer to Seattle. They’d also allowed an equalizer while leading 1-0 on a Camilo free kick, then regained the lead when Alain Rochat drove up the left flank to fire home a shot off the inside of the far post. The two goals are encouraging for a team that still struggles offensively (only six teams have scored fewer than their 12 goals). Davide Chiumiento’s remark that the Sounders are “nothing special” may come back to haunt him.Last week: 7.

9. HOUSTON (3-3-4). The second home game at BBVA Compass Stadium and a road trip to New England both ended in ties. Portland frustrated the Dynamo in a goalless match despite the home team generating 17 shots. Calen Carr broke through in the final minutes but failed to finish. Against the Revs, Luiz Camargo scored his first MLS goal in the 87th minute after Brad Davis had given away a penalty kick, then set up Will Bruin for an equalizer. The Galaxy makes its first visit to BBVA this weekend. Last week: 8.

10. COLUMBUS (3-4-3). Spectacular work by keeper Andy Gruenebaum that included the smothering of a Chris Wondolowski penalty kick nearly got the Crew to the finish line with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Justin Meram goal, but the Quakes notched a late reply to secure a 1-1 tie. Meram scored his second goal in his many games after earning his first start of 2012, and Dilly Duka, sidelined by hamstring problems for most of the season, managed to play 30 minutes in just his third appearance. Last week: 12.

11. NEW ENGLAND (4-6-1).Saer Sene got both goals in the tie with Houston and that was about all that Coach Jay Heaps liked about the 2-2 tie. Sene won and converted a penalty kick to open the scoring, then stripped a Dynamo defender of the ball before thumping it into the net. A late goal left the Revs winless (0-3-1) against the Eastern Conference though it was their first intraconference point.Last week: 13.

12. COLORADO (5-6-1). The Rapids did not come off their bye week well, losing their midweek match, 2-0, at D.C. United and falling behind SKC at home, 2-0, before rallying to tie, 2-2. Defenders Tyrone Marshall and Kosuke Kimura connected on set plays to get the Rapids their first tie of the season. An MRI on midfielder Brian Mullan’s knee after he’d been injured against D.C. didn’t reveal any significant damage though he’ll be out of action for a few weeks with a strain. Last week: 10.

13. MONTREAL (3-6-3). The Impact failed to exploit a man advantage against New York in a 2-1 loss that was its first home defeat in MLS. The teams traded penalty kicks awarded for handling, with Bernardo Corradi scoring his fourth goal of the season for Montreal, prior to the Impact going up a man in the 58th minute. A few minutes after Felipe hit the post New York got the winner. The Impact plays one more game on the road, at Colorado Saturday, before opening up Stade Saputo June 16.  Last week: 11.

14. PORTLAND (3-5-3). After seven saves by keeper Troy Perkins helped the Timbers snag a 0-0 tie at Houston despite a continuing goal drought, defender Eric Brunner got the vital touch in a 2-1 defeat of Chicago. He put away a scuffed bicycle-kick attempt by Kris Boyd to end a run of 448 minutes without a goal, and Portland got the victory when a flicked Boyd header caromed off an opponent for the winner. Both goals came off corner kicks via good service, which Coach John Spencer has been clamoring for.  Last week: 16.

15. CHIVAS USA (4-6-1). Recent acquisitions Juan Agudelo and Danny Califf debuted for their new club in a 1-0 defeat of the Galaxy that snapped a six-game losing streak against the Home Depot Center landlord. Jose Erick Correa put away a penalty kick to score his second goal in as many games and give Chivas USA its first home victory of the season. Califf looked strong and steady as he led a defensive effort that blocked eight shots. Last week: 17.

16. LOS ANGELES (3-6-2). Last place in the Western Conference opened up for the Galaxy after a 1-0 loss to Chivas USA extended its winless streak to five games. David Junior Lopes was sent off for blocking a shot with his arm on the goal line and Chivas USA made the PK stand up. Landon Donovan (USA) and Robbie Keane (Ireland) have left the club to join their national teams, and those remaining face tough games against San Jose and Houston this week before the FIFA international break. Even the deniers have to think something is very amiss with the defending champion. Last week: 14.

17. FC DALLAS (3-6-4). A 1-1 home tie with Philly left FCD with just three points in its last seven matches. Blas Perez scored his fourth goal with a powerful header to provide an early lead FCD squandered. Brek Shea sat out the first game of a three-match suspension for kicking a ball at a ballboy and will have time to ponder his error as he’s not been called for the national team. The injuries continue:Hernán Pertúz was stretchered off with a knee injury and replaced by Carlos Rodriguez, out of the last four games with a dislocated elbow. Last week: 15.

18. PHILADELPHIA (2-6-2). One of the few bright spots for the Union this season, Gabriel Gomez, scored his fourth goal of the season in a 1-1 tie at Dallas that broke a three-game losing streak but did little to soothe the emotions bubbling after a shock trade of defender Danny Califf to Chivas USA. The player received in exchange, Michael Lahoud, started and played 55 minutes.  Last week:18.

19. TORONTO FC (0-9-0). A 3-1 thumping at D.C. United and the appointment of former Canadian international Jim Brennan to the coaching staff officially starts the Aron Winter Countdown. At least Danny Koevermanns got a goal. Wonder if there’s any truth to the rumors of a red-headed vendor in a business suit outside BMO Field selling T-shirts adorned with the face of Mo Johnston and the message “Miss Me Yet?” Last week: 19.

11:42 AM

In just their second season of existence, Conyers’ own Georgia Revolution soccer team has qualified for the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Their top tier finish in 2011 has led to the Revolution to hosting the first round of the U.S. Open Cup against a very powerful PDL team, the Mississippi Brilla. This game is do or die for the Revs. A win and they will host another U.S. Open Cup game against the professional Atlanta Silverbacks team from the NASL. A loss and they are knocked out of the tournament for good.

May 15^th is the day that it all comes down and we need as much support as possible from our fans to make this a day to remember for our entire organization! So on behalf of the Revolution, we are pronouncing May 15^th, Georgia Soccer night! We ask that all fans wear a white T-Shirt to this game to help provide a spectacular atmosphere for this historic game! In addition, we are allowing any kid under the age of 12 wearing a white jersey to get in the game free of charge. General admission for this game will be 7 dollars.

So mark it on your calendar, start an event on FaceBook, or post it on Twitter. Whatever you do, make sure that you come out and support your Georgia Revolution in by far the biggest game in the history of the organization on May 15^th, 2012 at 7:30 PM at the RYSA Soccerplex in Conyers, GA. Come with your shirts white and your voices ready to cheer your Revolution to victory. Come on you Revs!

The U.S Open Cup competition dates back to 1914, when it was known as the National Challenge Cup. In 1999, U.S. Soccer renamed the tournament after one of American Soccer’s most important Patrons, Lamar Hunt. Every year the winner of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has their name etched upon the Dewar Cup, which has been around since 1912. The big time teams that have won the U.S. Open Cup in the past include the Chicago Fire, D.C. United, and the L.A. Galaxy. More recently, the Seattle Sounders, one of the newest teams in the MLS, have won the Cup the past three years and are the current defending champions of the Cup. Out of the 64 teams that qualify for the U.S. Open Cup, 16 are from the PDL, 16 are from the USL and NASL, 16 are from the MLS, and 9 are from the USASA (U.S. Adult Soccer Association). This leaves only 7 slots for NPSL teams. One of the 7 spots this year belongs to the Georgia Revolution.

For more information on this historic game for the Revolution or how you can be involved please contact the Georgia Revolution General Manager Rafe Mauran by email at rafe@rysa.net by phone at (770)388-9259. You can also contact one of our Assistant General Managers Leigh Jakes by email atleighjakes2010@u.northwestern.edu or Zack Schultze by email at zackschultze@yahoo.com.

11:30 AM

Defender Burciaga Joins Silverbacks

Posted on Mon, May 21, 2012

The Atlanta Silverbacks have signed veteran defender JOSE BURCIAGA, JR., the club announced Thursday, pending USSF approval.
Burciaga Jr., 30, comes to the Silverbacks after impressing the team’s coaching staff on trial several weeks ago. The 6-foot-1 defender brings eight seasons of MLS experience to Atlanta after spending the majority of his career with the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC) from 2001-2008.
The Dallas area native made 115 appearances for the Wizards, scoring an impressive 13 goals from the left back position and earning MLS Best XI honors in 2006. He was also a regular with the U.S. youth national team at the U-20 and U-23 levels from 2000-2003.
Burciaga Jr.’s lengthy stay in Kansas City ended in early 2008 when he was traded to the Colorado Rapids. He made 12 appearances and scored one goal in his one season with the Rapids.
A winner of the MLS Humanitarian of the Year award in 2008, Burciaga Jr. has spent the last several years training with top-level Mexican and American clubs, while running a Dallas area youth soccer club.
Burciaga Jr. has already joined his new teammates in Atlanta and is expected to be available to play in the Silverbacks’ second-round U.S. Open Cup game against NPSL side Georgia Revolution in Conyers on Tuesday night.

4:34 PM

Defender Burciaga Joins Silverbacks

Posted on Mon, May 21, 2012

4:34 PM

European soccer rivalries help metro Atlanta kids

2:16 PM, May 20, 2012 | 0 comments

Written by

Jennifer Leslie

Soccer fans raise money for Soccer in the Streets at Inman Park on Sunday.
Soccer fans raise money for Soccer in the Streets at Inman Park on Sunday.
Soccer fans raise money for Soccer in the Streets at Inman Park on Sunday.
Soccer fans raise money for Soccer in the Streets at Inman Park on Sunday.

Jennifer Leslie

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jleslie11alive @DunwoodyPolice just stopped a driver for passing my son's stopped, unloading school bus. Right place, right time! Thank you!56 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite

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jleslie11alive There was definitely more to this story we covered overnight: Fairburn woman arrested for running over boyfriend on.11alive.com/Jd7XIyyesterday · reply · retweet · favorite

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ATLANTA -- On two fields at Inman Park, European soccer rivalries ran deep on Sunday.

"It wasn't hard to divide the teams," said Bill Ford, one of the organizers. "Once we named them, everybody wanted to play for their team."

The team names included Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Fans who moved to metro Atlanta from 14 different nations used their passion for sport to make a difference.

They played to support Soccer in the Streets, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that now serves more than 2,000 students.

"It taught me leadership, responsibility, teamwork, socializing with people, communication," said Juan Lomeli, who joined the program when he was 15.

The program uses soccer to help at-risk kids thrive at school and at home.

Samuel Lian, 12, joined the program a few months ago and has already been named captain of his team.

"The first time I played, I didn't know how to play," Lian said. "I practiced, and now I play more and more."

Money raised by the players in Sunday's tournament will pay to expand the program at three elementary schools in DeKalb County: McLendon, Indian Creek and Jolly Elementary School. The program at the Clarkston Community Center will also benefit.

Together, they raised more than $30,000.

"The one thing that binds us together is our love of soccer," Ford said.

4:33 PM