For a start you cannot be offside from a throw-in, so the attackers can crowd the six-yard box. But, also, because a free-kick starts with the ball on the ground it means it has to have a natural arc in order to get up and over the first defender.

From a throw-in the ball starts from six foot and it is the angle and trajectory of Delap's darts that make them so potent. It is unbelievable how he does it - his throws come in flat like an arrow.

"We need to improve, little by little. It could be 10, 12 or 15 games. No limit. Yes, I am worried because we need points. We have a good squad and, I'm sure in the future, we'll be better."

What a beautiful day. First, Man City on Fox Soccer Channel (Robinho has already scored off a free kick), then Roma and the LA Galaxy. I'm in heaven.

There's almost no point even dreaming of success anymore unless you have a backer with the might of City's, or the pull of the tradition of a United or a Liv etc. I fear for football, I fear for my team.

Ruud Gullit has resigned as coach of the slumping Los Angeles Galaxy for personal reasons, and president/general manager Alexi Lalas also is out of a job.

The organization's disciplinary panel banned Blanco after he punched D.C. United midfielder Clyde Simms in the stomach and poked him in the eye July 8 during an Open Cup quarterfinal.

After being ejected, he head-butted a United employee trying to lead him away.

"He was saying the whole time, 'Keep believing, if you believe you can do it, you can do it.' He was very supportive. His big quote was, 'Cavier and Viagara for everybody!' He's crazy."