It’s been a tough week Merseyside, as Londoners Arsenal blew into town and blew out Liverpool in two straight games, sending them tumbling out of both of the English cup competitions just a week into the new year. First came Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round, where the Reds were defending champs, but the visitors went up 2-0 at halftime, then got a clinching goal from captain Thierry Henry, just back from a lengthy injury rehab. Adding insult to injury, the Gunners came back on Tuesday with a largely reserve lineup – including no less than six teenage starters – and trounced their hosts again, this time by an eye-opening 6-3 scoreline, in the League Cup quarterfinal.
Most of the rest of Europe’s still in winter break; an exception is Spain, where Real Madrid has sagged to a couple of losses in a row, and David Beckham is being reported to be on his way out.
The long winter break takes its toll locally as well. It’s been four long weeks since the fall season ended, but at last, the spring season is here: Austin’s men’s, women’s, and co-ed leagues start up this weekend, as do local high schools.
This article appears in January 12 • 2007.