More:Still have World Cup fever? Yet neither of those leagues can boast the highest average attendance, the honor of which goes to the Bundesliga, with more than 40,000 a game. The EPL was actually helped when rank outsider Leicester City came from nowhere to win the title two years ago, adding a romantic narrative that served as a welcome antidote to long dominance by a handful of elites. [5] Rodgers got engaged to Charlotte Searle in February 2016,[131] and they married in June 2017. In their next game away to Crystal Palace on 5 May, Liverpool led 30 with 11 minutes to go, but the game finished 33. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Soccer is life in Italy, and it is operatic at times with Ronaldo now the centerpiece of it all. [85][86], Rogers made eight appearances for the United States U18 team, scoring three goals and assisting a further two, though all were in unofficial friendly matches. The Premier League fixtures for the 2023-24 have arrived as the new season is already fast approaching and now you can plan ahead for the 380 games coming your way. [86], On 2 April 2017, Celtic defeated Hearts 50 to secure the club's sixth consecutive league title, with eight games to spare. [22] He went on to score the winning goal in a 21 win against Kansas City Wizards on May 4, 2008,[23] before netting twice a week later as Crew defeated San Jose Earthquakes 32 to take their winning streak to five matches. [87] He then went on to play regularly for the United States U20 side from 2004 to 2007. [17], Rodgers spent a large amount of time travelling around Spain studying different coaching methods, and was eventually invited by manager Jos Mourinho to leave his role of academy director at Reading and join the Chelsea Academy as their head youth coach in 2004 after a recommendation by Mourinho's assistant and future Premier League manager Steve Clarke. MSHSL Student Advisory and Leadership Team About Go Back About Overview MSHSL History . If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER. But the gap between the bigs is narrower than ever, and as many as four leagues have reason to stake a claim as to why they are on top. After a period travelling around Spain to study coaching methods, he was invited by Jos Mourinho to leave Reading and join Chelsea as youth manager in 2004, later being promoted to reserve manager in 2006. Be true in your relationship with God. Brendan Rodgers (born 26 January 1973) is a Northern Irish professional football manager and former player who is manager of Scottish Premiership club Celtic . [131], Rogers is a devout Roman Catholic. [109], They started the 202021 season strongly, beating Manchester City 52 away from home on 27 September 2020, meaning that Rodgers is the first manager whose team have scored 5 goals against a team managed by Pep Guardiola. [49] In his first league game as manager on 18 August, Liverpool lost 30 against West Brom at The Hawthorns. [15] The trial period was successful, and he signed a two-year professional contract with the Dutch side in August 2006, his first professional deal. [69] This meant Rodgers became the first Liverpool manager since the 1950s not to win a trophy after three seasons in charge. FILE - In this July 7, 2019 file photo, United States' Megan Rapinoe celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the Women's World Cup final soccer match against The Netherlands at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France. Soccer. [19], Weeks after guaranteeing Watford's survival, and following the resignation of Steve Coppell as Reading manager, Rodgers quickly became the favourite to succeed him and rejoin his old club. Haaland has to be in the team of the year after breaking the Premier League single-season record with an incredible 36 goals, but Kane also deserves his place after finding the net 30 times in a Tottenham team that has struggled. Joe Prince-Wright, Nick Mendola and Andy Edwards discuss transfer needs and potential targets for the Big Six Premier League clubs this summer. [77], Rodgers was appointed manager of Scottish Premiership champions Celtic on a 12-month rolling contract on 20 May 2016, following the exit of Ronny Deila. @robbierogers has already", "Robbie Rogers: Soccer Star, Devout Catholic, and Now Openly Gay", "Leeds United 2011/2012 player appearances", "9 inducted into National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame", An post-retirement interview with Robbie Rogers, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robbie_Rogers&oldid=1161971048, People from Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Soccer players from Los Angeles County, California, American expatriate sportspeople in England, American expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands, Expatriate footballers in the Netherlands, American Youth Soccer Organization players, Parade High School All-Americans (boys' soccer), Olympic soccer players for the United States, United States men's under-20 international soccer players, United States men's under-23 international soccer players, United States men's international soccer players, Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, California) alumni, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:02, 26 October 2017 (UTC), This page was last edited on 26 June 2023, at 05:37. Strikers FC North is proud to be a member and one of the founding clubs of the SOCAL Soccer League (formerly know as SCDSL). [98] Rogers came on when the U.S. was losing 20, and provided assists for both Michael Bradley and Jonathan Bornstein to tie the game at 22. Note: Ages 8-15 may have games at surrounding Columbia YMCA branches. [91] Rogers made five appearances throughout the tournament,[92][93][94] including a starting appearance in the final, which the U.S. lost to Mexico. [29] By 25 April 2011, Rodgers had managed to comfortably secure Swansea City's place in the 2011 Championship Play-Offs for promotion into the Premier League, with a convincing 41 victory over Ipswich Town at the Liberty Stadium. [90] He was named in the United States 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad. For the clubs, the games three each will provide valuable pre-season exposure to high-quality opposition, but the tournament is also growing in stature and significance. Rodgers became manager of Celtic in May 2016 and led them to an undefeated domestic season in his first year, and trebles in both of his first two seasons. [34] Despite many predicting before the season began that Swansea were favourites to be relegated, their debut season proved very impressive, as they picked up points against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, keeping them well above the relegation zone. [91] On 27 May 2017, Celtic defeated Aberdeen 21 to win the Scottish Cup, securing a domestic treble for the fourth time in their history, and ending the 201617 season unbeaten in all domestic competitions. Ruben Dias' role in Manchester City's fantastic run at the end of the season cannot be underestimated. [27] Prior to this appointment, he had been asked to join the coaching staff at Manchester City under manager Roberto Mancini. He remained at Reading as a coach and then academy director, and continued to play non-league football at Newport, Witney Town and Newbury Town for several years. [9][10] He began his senior career as a defender for Ballymena United, his local team, in 1987. [62], Liverpool scored 101 league goals in the season, the club's most since the 189596 season and the third-highest in Premier League history. [132] He is a boyhood Celtic fan. Rogers High School; Rogers High School Soccer, Boys Rogers High School. [54] However, he had to be substituted just ten minutes into his debut after suffering a severe clash of heads with Doncaster defender Tommy Spurr. Rapinoe and the U.S. team are aiming for a third consecutive title when the Womens World Cup kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. [71], On 4 October 2015, Liverpool played their 225th Merseyside derby against Everton with the game ending again in a 11 draw. [83], On 27 November 2016, Rodgers won his first trophy as a manager as Celtic beat Aberdeen 30 in the final of the Scottish League Cup. [98][99] Rogers made two further appearances in friendly matches against Slovakia and Denmark in November 2009,[100][101] taking his senior team appearance tally to nine. [94] This unbeaten run finally ended after 69 games, with a 40 loss to Hearts. And just as some of the leading soccer countries on the planet saw their national teams do battle over the course of five frenetic weeks in Russia, so, too, are those elites waging a hypothetical struggle over which professional league is the best. [112] The end of the season in the league saw a fierce battle between Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool for the remaining UEFA Champions League spots. If you typed the URL into your browser, check that you entered it correctly. Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier (Leeds United) [103], In February 2019, Rodgers was appointed manager of Leicester City, following the sacking of Claude Puel. [46] Days later, Rodgers held his first training session at Melwood as the squad reported back for pre-season training. [18][138], In May 2020, Rodgers said that he and his wife had tested positive for COVID-19 in March the same year after showing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic both of them made full recoveries. [33], Rodgers' first win as a Premier League manager came on 17 September 2011, when Swansea beat West Bromwich Albion 30 at the Liberty Stadium. [ LIVE TRANSFER NEWS: Man United . The regular season began on February 25, 2023, and ends on . [74][75], Weeks after being released by Leeds United, on February 15, 2013, Rogers announced his retirement from professional soccer at age 25 and announced he was gay,[76] making him the first professional soccer player based in Britain to come out since Justin Fashanu did so in 1990. [42] His last game for the club was in a 10 defeat to Colorado Rapids in the MLS Cup wildcard game on October 28, 2011. Elsewhere in midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo have been outstanding for Brighton as they qualified for Europe for the first time in their history. ", "Celtic: Brendan Rodgers is appointed manager", "Brendan Rodgers: My debt to Celtic legend Tommy Burns", "Brendan Rodgers not embarrassed despite Celtic defeat to Lincoln Red Imps", "Celtic survive Hapoel Beer-Sheva fright to advance in Champions League", "Scottish League Cup final: Aberdeen 03 Celtic: Brendan Rodgers secures first silverware as Hoops boss", "100 and counting as Celts celebrate silverware success", "Brendan Rodgers: Celtic manager signs new four-year deal", "Rangers 1 Celtic 5: Home side humbled in record defeat", "Celtic: Incredible feat to beat 100-year-old British record Brendan Rodgers", "Forrest and Dembl seal Scottish League Cup for Celtic over Motherwell", "Brendan Rodgers: Celtic boss rejected summer offer from China", "Celtic eliminated from Champions League with defeat to AEK Athens", "Late drama sees Celtic advance despite home defeat to Salzburg", "Celtic out of Europe after Toljan red card gives Valencia upper hand and victory", "Scottish League Cup - Final Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen", "Brendan Rodgers: Leicester City appoint former Celtic boss as manager", "Brendan Rodgers Named Leicester City Manager", "Brendan Rodgers: 'Leicester job his chance for Premier League redemption', "Leicester 3-1 Fulham: Jamie Vardy double earns Brendan Rodgers first win - BBC Sport", "Brendan Rodgers: Leicester manager signs new deal to 2025", "Manchester City 2 - Leicester City 5: - BBC Sport", "Leicester City 0-2 Slavia Prague: Foxes shocked by Czech visitors", "Premier League: Chelsea, Liverpool or Leicester City - Who will finish in the top four? Luke Shaw has been consistent at left-back for Manchester United and looked just as comfortable at centre-back on the occasions Erik ten Hag has asked him to fill in. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The U.S. plays Wales in a final tune-up match on Sunday in San Jose, California, before leaving for the World Cup. He was part of the side that played in the 2006 Milk Cup, as well as representing his country at the 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup[87]playing in all five of his country's games throughout the tournament. Minnesota State High School League. The game ended in a 21 defeat, with Andre Gray scoring a 92nd-minute winner for the Hornets. Rogers said, "Are people coming to see you because you're gay? As a teenager, Rodgers represented Northern Ireland at schoolboy level, notably playing against Brazil in 1988. Use Nike promo code to enjoy 20% OFF select styles, Foot Locker coupon - Students get 20% Off, Get $10 Finish Line Coupon with text signup. Resize. [18] Columbus Crew acquired Rogers after they had won a Draft Lottery for the player in March 2007. Rodgers began his career as a defender at Ballymena United, where he stayed until he was signed by Reading at the age of 18, although a genetic knee condition forced him to retire at age 20. He played as a winger and as a left back. First Game: Aug. 26 Last Game: Oct. 21 Locations: Downtown (Owens Field), Jeep Rogers (Lake Carolina), NorthWest (Irmo) FEE: Ages 3-5: $40 Members | $70 Nonmembers Ages 6-9: $65 Members | $95 Nonmembers Ages 10-14: $70 Members | $100 Nonmembers A $15 late fee will be applied for registrations received after July 30, 2023. [67] The Reds were subsequently knocked out in the Europa League round of 32 after losing 45 on penalties to Turkish side Beikta. [78] Upon his arrival in Glasgow, Rodgers spoke of his admiration for the late Tommy Burns, the former Celtic player and manager who was in charge of Reading when Rodgers began his coaching career. Watford's form dramatically improved, however, and Rodgers was able to guide them to finish 13th, avoiding relegation. [81] Although the Fire held his MLS rights, Rogers had said in a radio interview that he had no intention of playing for Chicago, as he preferred to be close to his family in Southern California. [8] He also enjoys playing table tennis and has a strong interest in music. Despite being in third place for most of the season, a 12 loss to Chelsea in the penultimate round saw Leicester drop to 5th place after Liverpool's 30 defeat of Burnley, with Leicester and Liverpool tied on points and Chelsea up in third via a solitary point. [101] Celtic won the Scottish League Cup in December 2018, Rodgers' seventh successive trophy with the club. [78], On May 24, 2013, Rogers agreed to terms with the Galaxy, pending the trade of his MLS rights from Chicago Fire SC in exchange for Mike Magee. It is a war of conjecture, for there will never be a definitive answer. They also played indoor soccer at the Mid-South Coliseum during the 1979-80 season . [50] His first win in the league came against Norwich City at Carrow Road, Liverpool winning 52. He left the club by mutual consent in February 2007, and returned to the United States to sign for Columbus Crew. Brendan Rodgers (born 26 January 1973) is a Northern Irish professional football manager and former player who is manager of Scottish Premiership club Celtic. [10][16], Following his release, Rogers returned to the United States, and was subsequently signed by MLS side Columbus Crew ahead of the 2007 MLS season. Goalkeeper: Nick Pope (Newcastle United) Manchester United: +800. Rogers told USA TODAY Sports, "These kids are standing up for themselves and changing the world, and I'm 25, I have a platform and a voice to be a role model. [28], It took Rogers five months to score his first goal of the 2009 season as Crew started the season without a win in seven games;[29] Rogers eventually netted in a 30 win over San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium on August 9, 2009. [139] Rodgers likened his breathing difficulties to the altitude when he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Premier League 2023-24 title odds. I'm concentrating fully on Watford job', "Watford supporters' organisation hoping for quick appointment", "Boss Brendan Rodgers leaves Reading by mutual consent", "Swansea City appoint Brendan Rodgers as new manager", "Brendan Rodgers' sales spiel entices Nuri Sahin to Liverpool", "Brendan Rodgers secures monthly accolade", "Darren Pratley finishes off Nottingham Forest to take Swansea to final", "Championship play-off final as it happened", "Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers & Tottenham's Gareth Bale rewarded", "Brendan Rodgers signs new Swansea City deal", "Liverpool and Swansea agree Brendan Rodgers compensation", "Brendan Rodgers saddened to leave Swansea for Liverpool", "Brendan Rodgers given ringing endorsement by Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho", "Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers writes open letter of thanks to former club Swansea City", "Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani seeks clarity over future at Anfield after two seasons on loan", "Baggies condemn Reds to nightmare start", "Oldham dump Liverpool out of FA Cup after Matt Smith double", "Liverpool double up with Barclays monthly awards", "Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers fined 8,000 for referee comments", "Liverpool seal treble as Brendan Rodgers, Suarez and Gerrard scoop Barclays Manager and Player of the Month gongs", "Chelsea blow title race open after mistake by Liverpool's Steven Gerrard", "Crystal Palace's Dwight Gayle blows Liverpool's title charge off course", "Liverpool: Premier League near-miss offers hope for the future", "Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss named LMA manager of the year", "LMA MEMBERS CHOOSE BRENDAN RODGERS FOR LMA MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD, SPONSORED BY BARCLAYS", "Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers signs new deal to stay at club", "Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers candid after exit to Basel", "Besiktas 10 Liverpool (agg 11, pens 54)", "Stoke City 6-1 Liverpool | Premier League match report", "Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool failing in big games, says manager", "Brendan Rodgers retains backing of Liverpool owners despite FA Cup disappointment", "Liverpool FC part company with Brendan Rodgers", "Brendan Rodgers: Liverpool boss sacked after Merseyside derby", "Decision to Sack Brendan made before the derby", "What happened to each of Rodgers' 33 signings at Liverpool? Thus, Leicester once again finished fifth, qualifying for the Europa League. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). [134], In June 2011, Rodgers joined a team representing the Football League to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care in honour of his mother who died in 2010 and his father who died of cancer in 2011. [72] Rogers made nine appearances in all competitions during his five-month loan spell, with his time at the club "hampered by injury". SIGN UP This summer, the reigning title holder from each of the English Premier League, Spains La Liga, the German Bundesliga and Italys Serie A will beamong 18 teams taking part in the International Champions Cup. [88][89] However, he had to withdraw from the squad due to a back injury, and was consequently replaced by Chris Rolfe. This summer of action allows the American soccer public to get up close and personal, while diving into the argument of which of Europes star-studded leagues is the greatest. From retro looks to snazzy designs, there are some very unique new looks as teams get ready for the new season. Program Info Program Info Start Date 09/17/2023 End Date 11/05/2023 Days Sun There will be no games on Sun, Oct 22, 2023 Practices On game day - held prior to game Start Time Ages 3-12: Will start between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Who Plays Co-ed Ages 3 - 12 Age as of 10/10/2023 Location Info Location Info Program Director Ryan McCarty NW Arkansas, AR [57] He was later named Manager of the Month for the second time that season for March 2014, after Liverpool won all five of their games that month to go top of the Premier League. [126], Rogers began dating television writer producer Greg Berlanti in 2013, and on February 18, 2016, they welcomed their first child, a son, via surrogacy. "[81] Celtic overcame their one-goal deficit with a 30 win at Celtic Park. PLAYERS, TEAMS OR OFFICIALS TO THE ROGERS ACTIVITY CENTER AND MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE ADULT SOCCER LEAGUE. However, it can now boast the biggest soccer celebrity of them all, after Ronaldo swopped Real Madrid for Juventus. [137] His nickname is "Buck Rodgers", after the comic strip character Buck Rogers. He left the club by mutual consent after some disappointing results six months later. Nickname: Royals . [87], In October 2008, then head coach Bob Bradley called Rogers up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago. The league and its individual clubs look after their fans with sensible pricing, and encourage a warm relationship with the media, something the EPL and La Liga still desperately struggle with. Our hearts and our family have grown even larger. The Rogers Activity Center offers a variety of sports programs for all adult ages. Plenty of Saints players should be in the mix -- only James Ward-Prowse is really exempt from criticism after a thoroughly awful season -- but Lyanco and Stuart Armstrong have been the worst of a bad bunch. Tennis. Trippier, with his experience at the highest level, has been transformative for Howe's side since arriving from Atletico Madrid. Brighton qualified for Europe for the first time in their history, while Unai Emery took Aston Villa from relegation candidates to the Europa Conference League. Of all soccers inaccurate stereotypes, the one that says Italian soccer is defensive and boring might top the list. [96] The season ended with Rodgers winning the first 'Double Treble' (a treble in two consecutive seasons) in Scottish football history with a 20 Scottish Cup Final win over Motherwell on 19 May 2018. If you reached this page via our site or search, please let us know by emailing, Americas Retirees Are Investing More Like 30-Year-Olds, DeSantis Campaign Stalls as He Tries to Court Trumps GOP Fans and Foes Alike, Immigration Backlashes Spread Around the World, Watch: Flash Floods Hit Spain's Zaragoza After Heavy Rain, Russian Media Show Apparent Raid on Wagner Owners Mansion and Offices. Pope has kept 14 Premier League clean sheets in his first season at St James' Park, while Trippier has also chipped in with seven assists from right-back. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The 2023 Major League Soccer season is the 28th season of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. There have been so many ins and outs already this summer as Premier League clubs get ready for the 2023-24 campaign. Eddie Howe has, first and foremost, made them hard to beat, and it has started at the back. They operated in the 1978, 1979, and 1980 seasons and played their home games in Memphis' Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. El entrenador, o el entrenador asistente, debern presentar por escrito, y dentro de un plazo de 24 horas, las protestas por la mala conducta de jugadores, equipos u oficiales. Rodgers was born in the seaside village of Carnlough in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. [125], In February 2013, Rogers came out as gay. American fans have some reason to join the debate. Liverpool: +900. And while Juventus has won seven straight titles, there are signs of an impending decline, regardless of Ronaldos arrival. [23][24] The Watford Supporters' Trust stated that Rodgers' reputation was "severely damaged" in the eyes of the supporters as a result of the move, but they nevertheless "thanked (Rodgers) for his efforts last season" and "(wished) him well for the future". [53] He made his debut on February 18, 2012, coming as a 79th-minute substitute in an eventual 32 home win over Doncaster Rovers. [20] Rogers scored two further times during the 2007 campaign, both of which came in a 32 victory over D.C. United at RFK Stadium. At the point of signing the deal, his team had recorded 7 wins in a row and sat second in the table after 15 Premier League games. History It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game, Rapinoe said. [15] However, Rogers failed to make a first-team appearance for the club, although played frequently for the reserve side that went on to win their respective league during the 200607 season. In 2008, he was appointed manager of Watford, where he remained until he accepted an offer to become manager of his former club Reading in 2009. [8], Rogers was accepted to study at the London College of Fashion and is a co-owner of Halsey, a menswear fashion company. Storyline Entertainment and Universal Television optioned the rights to his story in July 2014, and he is credited as a producer. It doesnt pretend to solve the issue of which league is the best, not even the UEFA Champions League manages to do that, but it may help some American fans figure out which one they like the most. Robbie Rogers was born in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, the son of Theresa and Robert Hampton Rogers II. Home Government Departments Parks And Recreation Sports Programs Adult Sports Programs Adult Soccer Adult Soccer Program Director: Cesar Aguilar (631.0336 ext. our mission is to provide an avenue for players of any skill level to participate and enjoy the game of soccer. [36], During the following season, Rogers' fourth at Columbus Crew, he made 34 appearances and scored twice. [119][120] On 4 April, he said he had every confidence he would have been able to keep the team in the Premier League. | Liverpool [84] The win also gave Celtic their 100th major trophy. Home Government Departments Parks And Recreation Sports Programs Youth Sports Programs Youth Soccer Youth Soccer Program Director: Cesar Aguilar (631.0336 ext. [18] He started the campaign playing regularly for Crew, scoring his first goals of the season in a 43 home win over CD Chivas USA on April 13, 2008. [107], On 6 December 2019, Rodgers signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2025. [115] He went on to make three further appearances for the U.S. in 2011, all of which in friendly matches. [124], He makes a cameo appearance in his husband's film Love, Simon, credited as 'The Coach'. [54] Liverpool finished in seventh position in the Premier League in his first season in charge, one position higher than the previous season. [64][65] On 26 May 2014, Rodgers signed a new four-year contract at Liverpool. [84], On November 7, 2017, Rogers retired permanently due to a series of injuries that forced him to miss the entire 2017 season. Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. [71] He made his debut for Stevenage two days after signing, on August 25, coming on as a late substitute in the club's 10 away victory against Oldham Athletic. Midfielders: Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Jonjo Shelvey (Nottingham Forest), Stuart Armstrong (Southampton) It also secured Celtic their 5th consecutive league victory, 58 points from a possible 60, and stretched their unbeaten run in domestic football to 24 games. .css-16c7pto-SnippetSignInLink{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;}Sign In, Copyright 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [33] The club, however, failed to retain their MLS Cup crown following a Conference semi-final defeat to Real Salt Lake, losing 42 on aggregate, with Rogers playing in both games. Those are things that people might say wouldn't go well together. After one season of playing college soccer at the University of Maryland,[7] Rogers attracted the interest of the Dutch Eredivisie side Heerenveen. He stated that "Being Catholicand people may disagreebut we are called to love everyone. Atletico Madrid won the 2014 title and was boosted this summer when Frances World Cup-winning star Antoine Griezmann opted to stay instead of joining Barcelona, a choice announced with a LeBron James-style televised Decision. That will help to preserve a little competitive balance but things usually shake out into a straight battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona for supremacy.