PK's and a Near-Fight

Manchester United took the FA Community Shield today with a victory over Chelsea. The game was tied 1-1 after 90 minutes and went straight to PK's, where Manchester United goalie Edwin van der Sar saved three in a row and Wayne Rooney converted the clincher to give United the win. We learned nothing new about the two teams; Chelsea played a bunch of second-stringers and Manchester United didn't play with much intensity; they didn't go into many tackles and were content to let Chelsea knock the ball around. Chelsea may start the season without their captain John Terry; Terry didn't play today due to a knee injury and could be unavailable when his team plays Birmingham next Saturday to kick off the year.

Liverpool drew with Feyenoord today 1-1 in a pre-season friendly. Steven Gerrard equalized for the Reds, but let's be honest: The highlight of the match was a nice scrum that flared up after a pair of late, tough challenges. A Feyenoord player, 20-year old winger Royston Drenthe, came in and got all of Gerrard's left shin and ankle then was promptly taken down from the side. The whistle blew for a foul, and another Liverpool player kicked the loose ball into Drenthe, who was on the ground. Pushing and shoving ensued, just what I like to see! Is it hockey season yet??

Community Shield

It's a game that means absolutely nothing in the long run, but today's FA Community Shield (10 AM ET, FSC) will pit Premier League champion Manchester United and FA Cup winner Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London.

Multiple starters from both teams will be held out of the lineup as there's no point in risking them getting injured before the Premiership season kicks off next week, and what you'll see will have the excitement of an NFL pre-season game.

Net profits from the match today (ticket sales, match programs, etc.) go to various charities throughout England. At least it's for a good cause, right?