Transfer Window Closes

The first transfer window in the EPL season closes today. The biggest move--although not a terribly unanticipated one--was Manchester United's signing of Everton and England striker Wayne Rooney. The once-and-always-but-no-more Toffees star is going to Old Trafford for a reported transfer fee of between $38mil and $51mil, depending on certain contingencies.

EPL After 4 Weeks

Well, here is the EPL table after four weeks of macthes. Absolute Cracker will not dwell on Crystal Palace being, erm, foot of the table with only one point. Relegation always seemed likely, but Iain will need to get the boys charged to climb out of the cellar. And hey, rooting for the Eagles to stay up is more fun than wondering if the Gooners willl EVER lose and if anyone will EVER score against Chelsea. Right? Right?

United States 2-1 Brazil in Athens

The USA women's soccer team have defeated Brazil 2-1 to win the gold medal at Athens 2004. Cheers to the retiring greats like Hamm, Foudy and the other old-schoolers, as well as to Abby Wombach whose goal in the 112th minute secured the win.

Olympic Update

While avoiding the Palace 0-2 Chelsea scoreline for now...we note that Argentina will face Paraguay for the gold medal in Athens. Upstart Iraq still has a chance for a bronze medal when they faceItaly.

EPL Week Two

Week two of the new EPL season has come and gone. Football365 has a winners-and-losers run down here.

Crystal Palace lost 1-3 to Everton at Selhurst. A.J. needs to finish better, and not just because he is on Absolute Cracker's fantasy football team. Ahem.

CPFC Get Kaviedes on One Year Loan

Barcelona de Guyaquil and Ecuadorian striker Ivan Kaviedes is set for a year-long stint at Selhurst Park. Pretty cool.

He's got to go from "Bar-say-looohhhna, Bar-say-looohhhna!" to "Eeeeaaaguhls, Eeeeaaaguhls!", but I'm sure he'll manage.

AJ Signs for Palace

Good news for Eagles fans: striker Andy Johnson has signed an extension through 2009 with EPL side Cyrstal Palace.

Norwich 1-1 Crystal Palace

Andy Johnson pulled back a point for the Eagles in the 73rd minute, as both Premiership newcomers get off to a decent start.

EPL Starts Today!

Hard to believe, but the 2004-2005 English Premier League campaign begins today. Enjoy!

Olympics: Iraq 4-2 Portugal

Absolute Cracker isn't that big on Olympic soccer. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that Iraq's upset of the Portugal side featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Boa Morte, et al., is pretty stunning. Not that it means much, but Iraqis deserved some good news.

Owen to Leave Liverpool?

Speculation has been rampant that Michael Owen, who has yet to sign an extension with Liverpool, will leave the Reds to unite with his England international teammate David Beckham at Real Madrid. In today's 2-0 win over Graz in a Champions League qualifying match, Owen was conspicuously left on the bench.

And oh, BTW, Stevie Gerrard had both goals for the victors.

Dowie Signs With Palace

It has been reported that Iain Dowie has signed a 4-year contract with top-flight newbies Crystal Palace. This is a good thing for Eagles fans everywhere.

Crystal Palace 0-1 Sampdoria

Palace lost its final pre-Prem tune-up to Sampdoria 0-1. If absolutely necesary, you can read all about it here.

A Very Northern Mind

This article is linked to not so much for the ontent of this one in particular, but just to alert Absolute Cracker readers to John Nicholson's column that he writes for Football365.com. Usually pretty good stuff. Just in case, that is, that you don't already read it every week...

Football365.com Preview Palace

F365 has its preview up for Cyrstal Palace's return to the top flight of English football. Not surprisingly, they are picked for relegation. Can Dowie prove them all wrong?

FA Troubles

The sex and lies turmoil continues with the English FA. Despite the continued revelations it's hard to get too worked up about it. Right?