Galaxy downs D.C. to extend Western Conference lead

Soccer Betting Lines

07/18/2010 - Washington, D.C. (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Landon Donovan helped the Los Angeles Galaxy secure a 2-1 win at RFK Stadium on Sunday over D.C. United as he converted a penalty kick in the 58th minute.

Edson Buddle had the Galaxy ahead at halftime with his league-leading 11th goal, but United answered through Andy Najar in the 54th minute. However, D.C. defender Julius James was called for a handball inside his own penalty area as he blocked the shot of L.A.'s Sean Franklin, allowing Donovan to fire home the winning goal.

The win helps the Galaxy move nine points clear at the top of the Western Conference table, while D.C. sits on the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference and is now winless in its last five games.

Buddle had a close-range effort kept out by United goalkeeper Troy Perkins midway through the opening half, but he made the most of his next opportunity in the 38th minute to give the Galaxy the lead.

After working his way into the penalty area, Buddle's initial effort was blocked by D.C.'s Dejan Jakovic. However, he picked up the loose ball and fired a left-footed shot past the keeper to make it 1-0.

Pablo Hernandez had a good chance for D.C. two minutes later, but his free kick from the right wing was saved at the near post by L.A. goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.

The Galaxy should have added a second goal shortly after halftime as Donovan's low ball to the back post was just out of the reach of Alan Gordon, while United equalized six minutes later.

Hernandez swung a free kick into the middle of the area for Najar, and he rose up in traffic to get his head on the ball, redirecting it past Ricketts.

However, the Galaxy regained the lead four minutes later when James handled Franklin's shot inside his own area, allowing Donovan to smack the ball just out of the reach of Perkins and inside the right post from the spot.

Jordan Graye went close with a 30-yard effort that skipped past the post for United, while the final opportunity for the hosts arrived in the 89th minute as Hernandez headed the ball over Ricketts from six yards but watched it narrowly sail over the crossbar as well.

Wnorthernlight Soccer Betting News

<< Flames sign D Pelech
Calgary, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Calgary Flames signed defenseman Matt Pelech to a one-year contract on Sunday. A blood clot disorder limited the Toronto native to 42 games last season with Calgary's American Hockey League affilia

<< Goldberg wins Players Cup by 1 shot
Winnipeg, MB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - American Aaron Goldberg fired a five-under 66 on Sunday to win the Canadian Tour's Players Cup by one shot. Goldberg finished four rounds on the Pine Ridge course at 11-under 273 for his first tour win. Th

<< QB Pierce to miss Bombers' next game
Winnipeg, MB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce will miss the team's next game because of a right knee injury. Pierce suffered the injury in the third quarter of Friday's loss to Hamilton, and sat out the rest

<< Cavani makes move to Napoli
Naples, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Edinson Cavani has completed his protracted move from Palermo to Serie A rivals Napoli. The $23 million deal to sign the Uruguay striker was reported to have hit a snag following late interest from Inter

<< Yankees' Pettitte suffers groin strain
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte was removed from his start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays with a strained left groin. He was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital and underwent an MRI. Resul

Cubs batter Halladay, Phillies bullpen >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto each hit a two-run homer off Roy Halladay, as the Chicago Cubs routed the Philadelphia Phillies, 11-6, in the finale of a four-game series. Derrek Lee added a three-run

Johnson adds Mitchell, Krystkowiak to Nets' staff >>
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -Avery Johnson has named his new coaching staff with the New Jersey Nets.The staff announced by the Nets on Monday includes two former NBA head coaches - Toronto's Sam Mitchell and Milwaukee Larry Krystkowiak.Also named to

Pitt's Sheard charged with assault, suspended >>
PITTSBURGH (AP) -Pitt defensive end Jabaal Sheard has been suspended indefinitely after being accused of throwing another man through the glass door of an art gallery.Police say Sheard was in a fight early Sunday and had to be pepper sprayed after h

Tough week for Yanks ends with a win and major loss >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Yankees organization suffered some big losses off the field last week with the passing of principal owner George Steinbrenner and long-time public address announcer Bob Sheppard, but it was the loss of a pitc

Tigers welcome return home to take on Rangers >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Detroit Tigers are certainly happy to be heading home. They may be even happier to see the Texas Rangers as they kick off a three- game series with the American League West leaders this evening at Comerica Park. Texas

Super Bowl XLIV Odds

Super Bowl XLIII isn't even a week old yet and oddsmakers have already released Super Bowl XLIV odds.

Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers winning Super Bowl 43, the New England Patriots are 8/1 favorites to win Super Bowl 44.

Bet Super Bowl XLIV Future Odds

With their 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, the Steelers became the latest NFL champion. But believe it or not, oddsmakers from online sports book MySportsbook.com don't have the Steelers the favorites to win Super Bowl XLIV next season.

That honor belongs to the New England Patriots, who are 8/1 favorites to win despite not even qualify for the postseason in 2008. The Pats also have a major decision to make regarding what to do with Matt Cassel, who played well in Tom Brady's (knee surgery) absence last year but is also a free agent this offseason.

Ironically, the Steelers aren't even oddsmakers second choice to win Super Bowl 44, as the Dallas Cowboys are listed right behind the Patriots at 9/1 despite not making the playoffs themselves. Clearly oddsmakers think the public will hop back on the Cowboys' bandwagon considering the immense talent they have and the opening of a brand new stadium.

After Dallas, then comes Pittsburgh at 10/1, but they share those odds with the New York Giants, who won Super Bowl XLII. The Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers round out the top six teams at 12/1, while the Baltimore Ravens (14/1), Tennessee Titans (16/1), Carolina Panthers (18/1) and Philadelphia Eagles (18/1) complete the top 10.

The NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals got no love from oddsmakers as they were established as a 30/1 long shot to win next year's Super Bowl. They share those same odds with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers – two teams that didn't even qualify for the postseason. Other long shots are the Kansas City Chiefs (100/1), Detroit Lions (100/1), St. Louis Rams (75/1) and Oakland Raiders (75/1).

To see a complete list of all the team's odds to win Super Bowl XLIV, check below.

NFL TEAM FUTURE ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL XLIV

New England Patriots 8/1

Dallas Cowboys 9/1

New York Giants 10/1

Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1

Indianapolis Colts 12/1

San Diego Chargers 12/1

Baltimore Ravens 14/1

Tennessee Titans 16/1

Carolina Panthers 18/1

Philadelphia Eagles 18/1

New Orleans Saints 20/1

Atlanta Falcons 25/1

Denver Broncos 25/1

Green Bay Packers 25/1

Jacksonville Jaguars 25/1

Minnesota Vikings 25/1

New York Jets 25/1

Arizona Cardinals 30/1

Chicago BearS 30/1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30/1

Buffalo Bills 35/1

Houston TexaNS 35/1

Miami Dolphins 35/1

Washington Redskins 35/1

Seattle SeahawkS 50/1

Cleveland Browns 55/1

Cincinnati Bengals 60/1

San Francisco 49ers 60/1

Oakland Raiders 75/1

St. Louis Rams 75/1

Detroit Lions 100/1

Kansas City Chiefs 100/1

Odds as of: 2/2/09

Bet Super Bowl XLIV Future Odds

To visit this online sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your NFL football betting needs.