Aston Villa Football Club - California Supporters

Unable to Extend Keane Loan...(so far)

2012-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

I am glad to hear they at least tried. But maybe it is about $.... I remember Beckham's loan extension to Milan was not supposed to happen, but then it did. Try again Villa - Robbie Keane makes the season bearable.

http://www.football.co.uk/aston_villa/villa_unable_to_extend_keane_loan_rss2074833.shtml

New Kit Producer Announced

2012-02-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

Villa's 5-year partnership ends this season and the Club has announced a new record-breaking partnership with Italian company Macron. No designs have been leaked yet. The Nike partnership was problematic - the worst example was when Nike's Villa kit wasn't availalbe until months into the Premier League season.

What are people's thoughts? It doesn't really matter to me - except for I am still hoping for "Acorns" to find its way back on the shirts somewhere (even if it is only a small graphic image of an acorn on the sleeve or something).

1-2 defeat to Newcastle Utd

2012-02-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Another Villa loss. We were tied 1-1 through 70 minutes, but just couldn't hold on. Robbie Keane looked very frustrated several times (being open and not getting a pass). It is frustrating right now for all Villa supporters. Our play is not consistent at all. Having Heskey back in the midfield again is a bad move. I hope Albrighton is fit soon - we need him badly.

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Thanks to all who visit this site regularly (AVFC California has surpassed 20K hits)

Draw with QPR; Albrighton on the Shambolic Football Podcast

2012-02-03T19:54:00.000-08:00

The battle with QPR started very poorly with Villa falling behind nil-2 early. But Villa came alive right at the end of the first half with Darren Bent's 100th career Premier League goal. Villa started playing some attacking football in the second half and Charles N'Zogbia knocked in the equalizer in the 79th minute to help Villa salvage a point.

_____________________

Marc Albrighton was a special guest on the most recent Shambolic Football Podcast - a program co-produced by one of our AVFC California members Ken K. and his mates in Santa Ana.

Photos

2012-01-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

(1) Dunne's header

(2) Bent's Goal

(3) The Awful PK Call - Bent gets the ball before any contact with VP. (but the way we were playing - it may not have made any difference).

I really don't want to talk about it....

2012-01-29T10:51:00.000-08:00

Dunne and Bent score in the first half and Villa goes into halftime leading Arsenal nil-2 at the Emirates in Round 4 of the FA Cup. But then the 2nd half collapse...all within 15 or so minutes. Part of it was the referee's awful calls - all against Villa. Two of the three goals that Arsenal scored were pk's which means the ref basically gave Arsenal 2 goals. Their 3rd goal was a deflection of an Arsenal player in front of the Villa net. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!! Got to forget about this one and move on. It was ugly. Not a good time to be without Albrighton and why didn't AMc bring in Bannan sooner??

Keeeeeeeeeeeane! Villa 3-2 over Wolves

2012-01-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

Despite going up 1-nil against Wolves on a Darren Bent PK, Villa's form wavered just as in past games. Villa's defense looked unorganized and ripe for the taking at an moment. So - what was the difference in the game? A man named Robert David Keane (on a short 2-month loan from the MLS side LA Galaxy)! Keane scored 2 goals for the Villa from range and he carried Villa to a victory.

1-1 draw with Everton

2012-01-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

It was nice to see Bent get back in the scoring mode. It's been awhile. Congratulations to Shay Given - first game coming back after injury and he made a magnificent save against a header from....Stephen Warnock, his TEAMMATE. That was scary!

Villa was fortunate to get through the first-half nil-nil. The lads were playing uninspired football. Second half brought more energy and resulted in the Bent goal. Then we shifted into "let's try not to lose" mode and we give up the equalizer.

Let's take the point and move on. (...I'm not a Donovan fan, but it would have been nice to have someone with his skill level on loan to Villa from the MLS)

Nice FA Cup Result

2012-01-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

It was good to see the boys get a win...1-3 over Bristol Rovers in Round 3 of FA Cup. Those last few minutes sure were a little stressful (giving up a goal to Bristol because of a huge mistake on defense and then almost giving another goal on a penalty kick). I really liked seeing the young guns out there and the energy that they exude. Side note: after watching them play on that pitch, it sure makes you appreciate the pristine ground at Villa Park. It is easy to get spoiled playing on premier league quality pitches. We have drawn either Arsenal or Leeds ofr the 4th Round (Leeds and Arsenal play today).

More of the Same

2012-01-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

Well, the players had the same names and they were wearing claret and blue, but it sure didn't look like the same team that beat Chelsea just days ago. The difference? Bent in, Albrighton out. Seems that the team plays completely different when Bent is in. Simon A. also pointed out that Villa is really only playing with 10 players on defense when Bent is in. I agree. The offensive play is focused on Bent which is really one-dimensional. Without Bent, all the other players need to think a little more offensively and keeps the other team guessing more. Can't figure out why AML didn't go with the same starting 11 that played against Chelsea? We definitely could have used Albrighton's pace. Seemed like Villa was always a step or two behind Swansea players. Oh well...back to normal. Villa loses 2-nil.

The Game of the Year (so far)

2012-01-01T01:13:00.000-08:00

Goal 1 - Stephen Ireland

Goal 2 - Stilyan Petrov

Goal 3 - Darren Bent

Villa's visit to Stamford Bridge today was a demonstration of the skill and determination that we know is within Aston Villa Football Club. Stephen Ireland, Stilyan Petrov, and Darren Bent scored as Villa rolled over Chelsea 1-3. What a great way to end 2011. 3 well-earned points against one of the top teams of the Premiership. Brad Guzan played a great game as did everyone on the team. What really made a huge difference was that the Villa defense did bend, but did not break. UTV!

1 Point Draw with Stoke

2011-12-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

California Lions @ The Mad Dog in the Fog (San Francisco) for the Stoke game.
(l-r Jay, Rick, Simon, Lee, Howard, and lil' Jamil)

It wasn't a very good game for the Villa today...good thing it was also not a good game for Stoke City (except for that called non-goal that I do not want to see any more replays). A point is a point. (nil-nil draw)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T21:49:00.000-08:00

AVFC California wishes all Villans a very Merry Christmas! We hope to see some of you out tomorrow for the Boxing Day match between Villa and Stoke City.

Boxing Day and New Year's Eve

2011-12-23T22:57:00.000-08:00

Televised games coming up - let's get all Villa supporters out to the Mad Dog in the Fog (San Francisco), The Olde Ship (Santa Ana), and The Shakespeare (San Diego).

26 December 2011: Villa vs. Stoke 11:30am kickoff (pacific) Fox Soccer Channel
31 December 2011: Villa vs Chelsea 7:00am kickoff (pacific) Fox Soccer Channel

Liverpool and Arsenal

2011-12-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

These 2 games were complete opposites. Against Liverpool, the Villa lads looked totally disinterested almost to the point of seemingly giving up on the season.

Amazingly, the loss versus Arsenal yesterday was a game much better played by the Villa. I like seeing the youngsters in the game....Albrighton, Clark, Bannan. Albrighton is a spark plug and should have been in the starting 11 long ago. Gabby, on the other hand, seems to be very sluggish. Some of it may have to do with the absence of Darren Bent due to injury, but we need Gabby in the form he was earlier in the season.

3 Points and an Away Win....Finally.

2011-12-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

Marc Albrighton was in the starting 11 and he shined in Villa's victory over Bolton 1-2. Sillyan Petrov and Albrighton scored Villa's goals. In his first premiership start, Brad Guzan played a tremendous game in place of the injured Shay Given.

3rd Round FA Cup

2011-12-07T16:55:00.001-08:00

I have just heard that on Saturday, 7 January 2012, Villa vs Bristol Rovers 3rd Round fixture will be televised live on ESPN (9:30 am kick-off Pacific time)

Villa nil-1 Man Utd

2011-12-03T16:20:00.001-08:00

The match remained close score-wise, but Villa just couldn't overcome the 1 goal first half deficit to Man Utd. Man Utd, especially in the 2nd half, looked beatable today. Just not by us I guess. Shay Given left the game in the first-half with what looked to be a hamstring injury (Brad Guzan played the remainder of the game). Not sure what to make of this game. AMc sure looked angry on the sideline - my take on that is that the Villa lads were not able to implement AMc's game plan and it was driving the gaffer crazy.

Note: the most recent reports are saying Given's injury is not serious (let's hope not).

Ugly

2011-11-22T10:01:00.001-08:00

Not sure what to say about that match yesterday against Spurs. It was plain ugly. Villa looked totally disinterested. Spurs were aggressive on defense and Villa, well, looked like they were afraid to get too close to the man with the ball. Possession and shots were totally lopsided in Spurs favor. When you give any team the opportunity to walk into the penalty area with the ball and shoot multiple times, eventually they will score.

The "disinterested" part scares me. This is the first time I think I have seen this with the Villa. Not sure what to make of it. To top it off, it appeared that there was no change in game plan after coming out for the 2nd half. Huh?

Dang it!!

2011-11-21T11:40:00.001-08:00

I am at the Streets of London pub in J Street in downtown Sacramento and found out that todays game is not on ESPN2, only on ESPN Deportes and ESPN3.com. Fortunately, I have my laptop so I'll just have to watch the match on the "small" screen. Up the Villa!

Corona, CA Neighborhood - Premiership

2011-11-20T17:03:00.001-08:00

I stumbled upon an interesting neighborhood in Corona, CA (45-50 miles south east of Los Angeles). It is a little development (looks like an in-fill project). The interesting thing about it is that the street names within this development are "Aston Villa Way", "Bolton St.", "Arsenal Way", and "Fulham St.". The street names surrounding this little cluster of town homes look like regular street names (no football connections). Sure would like to find out the story behind this. Of course, Aston Villa Way is that main street! UTV!

Shambolic Football Podcast

2011-11-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

Our own Ken Kawamura, AVFC California member, has started producing a podcast focused on the Premiership and is now available on iTunes. Click here: Shambolic Football Podcast

Victory!

2011-11-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

Gabby and Bent join forces to take down Norwich City 3-2 yesterday and lead Villa to 3 points. Gabby set up each of Darren Bent's 2 goals and scored one of his own. A great day for the Villa and all of us Villa supporters around the world!

Honorary Member

2011-11-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

Today, AVFC California received a note from our honorary life-member, Mr. Tom Hanks. UTV!

AVFC California Presence @ Lions Club Lounge Opening

2011-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Our very own Adam Shah is interviewed on AVTV during the opening of the brand-new Lions Club Lounge at Villa Park! Way to go Adam! Another one of the great benefits about being part of the Lions Club Network for which AVFC California belongs!

(I used my little digital camera to post the video - sorry about the quality)

Is this a sign of a spiral downward?

2011-10-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

2 losses in 2 weeks (Man City and WBA). My opinion is that we were robbed by the referees in the WBA game.

In today's news - Barry Bannan arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Geez - one of our better players too. This is not a good sign of how the team is reacting to this dry spell and the frustrations from the WBA game. Let's keep it together lads. There is alot of season left. Don't follow Rooney's example!

Villa midfielder Bannan arrested on drink-drive suspicion after 5:30am M1 smash
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2052774/Aston-Villas-Barry-Bannan-arrested-drink-drive-suspicion-M1-crash.html#ixzz1bkEOq9YU

Villa vs. Man City

2011-10-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

AVFC California members will be gathering Saturday morning (15 Oct 2011) for the televised game between our Villa lads and Manchester City. Kickoff (pacific time) is 7:00am.

The Shakespeare Pub (San Diego)
The Olde Ship (Santa Ana)
The Mad Dog in the Fog (San Francisco)

UTV!

Sweet Victory! Villa 2-nil over Wigan

2011-10-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

"Gabby Gabby Gabby Gabby Gabby Agbonlahor!" was heard throughout Villa Park as Gabby led Villa with a goal and an assist to Darren Bent as Villa breaks it open for a 2-nil win and 3 crucial points. Wigan didn't test Shay Given much and Gabby took over on offense with his pace and power!

Gabby's first half goal

Bent's second half goal (assist from Gabby) to seal the win.

Darren and Gabby celebrate after second goal.

How Many Draws Can Villa Fans Take?

2011-09-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Actually, the draws are not that painful, but how today's match went vs. QPR, watching a win slip away because of an own-goal equalizer in extra time. Probably the worst way to end the game. QPR outplayed Villa in the first half, but a penalty kick taken by Barry Bannan helped Villa forge ahead 1-nil.
Considering how lackluster our play was today, I'll accept the draw.

(Photo Credit - BBC Sport)

Carling Cup 3rd Rd. Draw - Bolton

2011-09-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Villa has drawn Bolton for our next Carling Cup match - scheduled for tomorrow (20 Sep 2011) 11:45 a.m. kickoff (Pacific Time) @ Villa Park. There is no scheduled U.S. television broadcast, so you'll need to scour the internet for a live streaming feed somewhere. Up the Villa!

Gabby and Shay Save the Day

2011-09-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Gabby scored a sweet first half goal, but Shay Given was the man of the match - making brilliant save after brilliant save to allow Villa to maintain a 1-1 draw with Newcastle at the final whistle. The 15-20 minute, Villa looked sharp. But after taking the 1-nil lead, the energy level dropped significantly.

Gabby and Petrov Help Villa to Draw with Everton

2011-09-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Villa had to come back 2x today. Down nil-1, Petrov drove a shot from outside the box and into the lower right hand corner of the goal to get Villa to 1-1. After dropping a second goal to Everton (1-2), Gabby scored a header 80+' to bring Villa back again 2-2.

It was a nice 2nd half effort, but the first half looked a bit uninspiring. We need a win.

Stillyan Petrov

Gabby Agbonlahor

(celebrating with Marc Albrighton)

We're Official for 2011-2012!

2011-09-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Stalemate at Villa Park

2011-08-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

This morning's match vs Wolves was disappointing. Villa had a few chances but could not capitalize. Other than a few good runs, the game was not a pleasant one to watch (especially at 4am). Gabby seems to be the only player with potential to create something. Bent didn't get any chances and N'Zogbia did not impact the game. It wasn't due to the amazing play of Wolves. Not winning these winnable games at home can ruin a season. At least we were able to gain a point out of this nil-nil draw.

(click on image to go to avfc.uk.com report)

Carling Cup - Round 1

2011-08-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Click on image to go to AVFC match report.

Fantastic first game at Villa Park

2011-08-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

Goals by Heskey, Agbonlahor, and Bent in the opening home game at Villa Park give Villa a 3-1 win over Blackburn today. The biggest change that I saw... once we took a 2-nil lead, we didn't sit back and play "to not lose". Villa kept the pressure on and didn't fold like they did several times last season. (When Blackburn scored in the second half to make it 2-1, Villa's aggressiveness help them extend the lead to 3-1 rather than playing tentatively and giving up a late equalizer.) UTV!

Goal #1 Gabby!

Goal #2 Emile!

Goal #3 Darren!

4 a.m. in Honolulu

2011-08-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Your AVFC California chairman was in Honolulu for the opener against Fulham. It was dark and quiet on the island, but the Villa was on in the Pacific! UTV!

Enjoying Kahuku Shrimp (windward Oahu)

Sergio, an AVFC California member was at Craven Cottage for the game!

Sergio!!!

Villa Draws with Fulham

2011-08-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I was up at 3:30am to watch the Villa on opening day versus Fulham. Both Villa and Fulham had chances, but nobody scored in this 0-0 draw. I give the nod to Shay Given as man of the match. More than once he stopped Fulham from scoring today! One point to start the season? We'll take it!

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2419347,00.html

Villa battles Braga to a 1-1 Draw

2011-08-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

The arrival of Charles N'Zogbia has started with a bang! I'm ready for the regular season to start - let's go you Villa!

Villa in the Asia Cup Final

2011-07-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Darren Bent is continuing his scoring ways!

2011-2012 Kit

2011-07-22T00:41:00.000-07:00

Well - here are the 2011-2012 kits. What do you all think? I am still disappointed that Acorns still isn't back on the shirt somewhere. Genting Casinos? One positive....Nike is actually on time with them!

Villa takes Walsall in Pre-Season Friendly

2011-07-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

GK Given Signs with Villa for 5 Years

2011-07-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Shay Given signs a 5-yr contract with Villa.

2011-07-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Carew and Reo-Coker released. Friedel to Spurs. Young to Man Utd. Is Downing next?

"Mirror: Stewart Downing will today deliver a hammer-blow to new Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish - by insisting he wants to join Liverpool. Villa have ordered want-away England winger Downing to report for pre-season training this morning. And chief executive Paul Faulkner has firmly told both Liverpool and Downing's agent that they will not be pressurised into selling such a prized asset."

Shan Givens and Scott Parker:

"Birmingham Mail: Shay Given is poised to become Alex McLeish's first signing next week with Villa close to striking a deal for the Manchester City goalkeeper. The clubs are likely to agree a fee of around £3.5 million for the 35-year-old stopper, who is set to replace Brad Friedel as the claret and blues' No.1. Villa are also confident of Given accepting their personal terms, even though his £80,000-per-week City wages are expected to be cut to below £60,000.

The Sun: Aston Villa hope to seal a £4million deal for Manchester City keeper Shay Given by the end of the weekend. Villa are close to agreeing a fee for the Republic of Ireland star after 40-year-old Brad Friedel left on a free to join Spurs. Given, 35, is behind Joe Hart in the City pecking order but they wanted Villa to up their £2.5m bid.

Mirror: Aston Villa are ready to make a move for Scott Parker - as Stewart Downing prepares to tell manager Alex McLeish he wants to leave. Parker had talks with new West Ham boss Sam Allardyce yesterday, with his future yet to be resolved. Harry Redknapp was red-hot favourite to land Parker, but the Spurs boss is under strict orders to sell before buys and his squad is overloaded with midfielders."

2011-2012 Away Kit Unveiled

2011-06-23T09:04:00.001-07:00

Hmmmmm...chess anyone?

Genting is new shirt sponsor

2011-06-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Genting, international resort and leisure company, is the new shirt sponsor for Villa. Personally, I still miss having "Acorns" across the front of the Villa shirt. I hope that Acorns can be placed somewhere on the new kit. Will just have to wait and see.

McLeish @ Villa

2011-06-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

So Villans - there has been alot of "hate" surfacing because of the talks with ALex McLeish (former Birmingham CIty manager) leading to his eventual hiring.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2003740/Aston-Villa-fans-backlash-Alex-McLeish-hits-new-heights-Bluenose-scum-welcome-graffiti.html

What do California Villans have to say? Personally, I don't support any kind of hate. My only experience with this involves my alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley and our hated rivals, Stanford University. Cal hired former Stanford basketball coach Mike Montgomery as head basketball coach. I'm still not use to it, but he does have the team generally playing well.

Also - current Cal baseball manager, David Esquer, has taken the Bears to the College World Series AND he is a former Stanford baseball player.

I say let's give McLeish a chance.

2011-2012 Fixtures

2011-06-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

The 2011-2012 fixtures will be announced on June 17th!

Thanks Brad!

2011-06-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

The word is out that Brad Friedel has signed with Tottenham Hotspurs for 2-years (free transfer). He leaves Villa with a record 275 consecutive Premiership matches. He had a great run at the Villa and will be missed by many. Prior to Villa he played at Blackburn and before that Liverpool.

We're Jealous of You Jack!

2011-05-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Commentator Jack Woodward had the pleasure of interviewing Natalie Cutler, Miss Birmingham. Click on the image to see a short video.

Congratulations Villa!

2011-05-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

Stuart Downing scored and goal in the 33' and that was enough for Villa to capture the win over Liverpool 1-nil. Villa finishes 9th in the table - a fantastic finish considering we were close to the relegation zone more than once this season.

Man Utd claims another Premiership crown (19th). West Ham, Birmingham, and Blackpool are relegated to the Championship and coming up to the Premiership next season are Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Norwich City (former team of Darren Huckerby, who played very briefly for MLS San Jose Earthquakes here in the SF bay Area. The final team to be promoted will be determined in a playoff between Swansea City and Cardiff City (at Wembley).

Villa Hangs on for Victory!

2011-05-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

Darren Bent scores 2 goals and Villa barely hangs on to get the 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates today. Bent's first goal was quite a show...chesting down a pass on the run and then directing it in the net without the ball hitting the ground.

Villa vs Gunners - Sunday 15 May 2011

2011-05-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

U.S. televised match. 8 a.m. kickoff (pacific)

Locations for AVFC California:

Northern California: The Mad Dog in the Fog (San Francisco)

Southern California: The Olde Ship (Santa Ana)

Location details, addresses - click on the "Match Viewing" link above.

UP THE VILLA!

Prince William

2011-05-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Prince William (in this 2009 photo with Ashley Young) is an avid Aston Villa supporter. Maybe he would be willing to be a guest at our next AVFC California match viewing?

With his height, maybe Prince William could fill a striker postion for Villa? There definitely would be more hesitation to foul him in the penalty area and floppy in front of the future king would be shameful!

Staying Cool with Aston Villa!

2011-05-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Villa Punished By West Brom

2011-04-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

It was an ugly game. West Brom won 2-1 (Villa's only goal was an own goal courtesy of the Baggies). We did have a few chances, but could not deliver. (1) Why is Marc Albrighton seeing so little playing time? (2) What about Carlos Cuellar? Luke Young's defense was horrible today.

Change in Nor Cal Home for AVFC California:

After a second time showing up at Kezar Pub with their doors locked and lights out inside, we again moved across town to The Mad Dog in the Fog on Haight. Following today's match - AVFC California will be officially changing its unofficial Northern California meeting spot to The Mad Dog in the Fog

530 Haight St
(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94117

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mad-dog-in-the-fog-san-francisco

William and Kate

2011-04-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

AVFC California Viewing - Sat. 30 April 2011 vs. West Brom

2011-04-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

AVFC California members will be meeting up for another U.S. televised match on Saturday 30 April 2011 for a clash against West Brom (Fox Soccer Channel). Kick-off scheduled for 7:00 a.m.

Kezar Pub (San Francisco): http://www.thekezarpub.com/

The Olde Ship (Santa Ana): http://www.theoldeship.com/santa_ana.html

Villa Draws with Stoke 1-1

2011-04-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Darren Bent scores the equalizer before halftime to help Villa gain a point versus Stoke City. Brad Friedel had several great saves to keep Stoke from scoring a second time.

Darren Bent's header scores the equalizer late in the first half.

Villa Post Match Show/Program??

2011-04-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings Fellow Villans -

One of our AVFC California members was wondering if there was a Villa-specific post match show that existed? He currently listens to 606 Football phone-in (BBC) but often Villa is not discussed much (I know because I listen to the 606 podcast).

If anyone knows of something that exists out there - post a comment (whether it is a phone-in program or an interactive program via the internet, etc).

Thanks!!

AVFC California @ West Ham Match!

2011-04-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

AVFC California member Sergio S. was able to attend the most recent Villa match v sWest Ham Utd and sent these photos in. Thanks Sergio!

Villa's Strong Heart Leads to Victory over West Ham

2011-04-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Villa boys are showing how they can finish strong this season. 3 more points from today's 2-1 victory over West Ham United. Villa now has 40 points at sits at 9th in the table. Let's keep it going boys - Up the Villa!

3 Critical Points!

2011-04-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Villa held on to a narrow 1-nil lead to beat Newcastle yesterday. We were at the Mad Dog in the Fog (for some reason the Kezar wasn't open - still haven't figured that one out yet). James Collins knocked in the only goal of the game but it was enough. We were holding our breath - especially when that free kick got awarded just outside the penalty area. We need at least 3 more to make me comfortable. UTV!

C'mon Villa!!

2011-04-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnqWi0s1n90

UPDATE: AVFC vs Newcastle kickoff time

2011-04-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the comments re: our upcoming "Villa Viewing" this coming Saturday. There was a question about the kickoff time (I originally had it down as 7am PT). The fixture is listed as 3:00pm on the Villa website (this is Birmingham time). I checked Fox Soccer Channel site and it lists the game starting at 11am (ET), which translate to 8am (PT) for us. Maybe the problem is he Daylight Savings Time change? If I had to choose I had to choose a time, I would go with what FSC lists (since they are broadcasting it).

So the update is that kickoff is 8:00 am PT this Sunday, 10 April.

Sounds like we'll have good size groups at both Kezar and The Olde Ship!

AVFC California - Match Viewing

2011-03-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

AVFC Members will be gathering at Kezar Pub (San Francisco) and The Olde Ship Pub (Santa Ana) on Sunday, 14 April, to watch Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United. Kickoff is 7:00 am (Pacific)

I don't understand

2011-03-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

So - who can explain why Houllier rested so many regulars in Villa's defeat in the FA Cup 5th round vs. Man City?? (No A. Young, Albrighton, or Downing). Huh?? We still had the opportunity for some glory this season - and there was no need to hold out key players because we are not in the race for the Premiership title or hovering close to relegation. So we go down to City 3-nil and then our "rested" players come up short to Bolton today in our Premier League match. So why did it look like we were "resting" people??

Villa had all of the chances to win today - Bent missed some key opportunities right in front of the net.


Bolton Cahill 45,75 Klasnic 86	3 - 2	Aston Villa Bent 15 Albrighton 64

Bolton

Cahill 45,75 Klasnic 86

3 - 2

Aston Villa

Bent 15 Albrighton 64

Villa Bombards Blackburn with Goals Galore

2011-02-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

Stuart Downing celebrates after scoring!

Aston Villa 4 Blackburn Rovers 1
Scorer: Young (49, 82) Scorer: Hanley (62 o.g.) Scorer: Downing (63)	Scorer: Kalinic (80)
Attendance: 34,309	FT (16:52

Villa captures 3 points in a 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers today. All five goals were scored in the second half. Ashley Young (2x) + a fabulous goal by Stuart Downing helped Villa secure the win.

Stuart Downing about to score his goal in the second half

Draw with Blackpool

2011-02-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

We had our chances, but after going down a player in the second half (Makoun red card), we can be grateful for a draw.

Saturday, 12 February 2011

Barclays Premier League

Home Team	Score	Away Team	Time
Blackpool	1-1	Aston Villa	FT
(HT 1-1)
Grandin 14		Agbonlahor 10

Hide team line-ups and match stats

Blackpool

28 Kingson
06 Evattyellow card
15 Baptisteyellow card
20 Cathcart
11 Vaughan
14 Grandin (Puncheon 39)
26 Adam
29 Carney
09 Harewood (Phillips 67)
16 Varney (Reid 72)
39 Campbell

Substitutes

45 Kettings,
05 Eardley,
04 Southern,
23 Phillips,
42 Puncheon,
43 Reid,
44 Beattie

Aston Villa

01 Friedel
05 Dunne
21 Clark
24 Cuellar (Collins 27)
36 Walker
06 Downing
07 Youngyellow card
17 Makounred card
20 Reo-Coker
11 Agbonlahor (Bradley 73)
39 Bent (Heskey 57)

Substitutes

33 Marshall,
29 Collins,
08 Pires,
12 Albrighton,
13 Bradley,
16 Delph,
18 Heskey

Ref: H WebbAtt: 16,000

2-2 Draw vs. Fulham

2011-02-05T21:51:00.000-08:00

Clint Dempsey scores the equalizer to keep Villa from collecting 3 points.

Scoring Summary

Aston Villa	Fulham
John Pantsil (og 13')	Andrew Johnson (52')
Kyle Walker (72')	Clint Dempsey (78')

11(3)	Shots (on Goal)	14(5)
15	Fouls	12
3	Corner Kicks	6
2	Offsides	1
56%	Time of Possession	44%
3	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
3	Saves	2

Oh Where Oh Where Did Our Defense Go, Oh Where Oh Where Can It Be?

2011-02-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

After Rooney scored the first goal (Van De Sar's loooooooong full-pitch pass), it seemed like Villa took a huge left hook in the first round and never recovered. Brad Friedel had some amazing saves that helped keep the score somewhat close. Final was 3-1 United.

M1-0A

Simão | Myspace Video

Scoring Summary

Manchester United                                  Aston Villa

Wayne Rooney (1')                              Darren Bent (58')

Wayne Rooney (45')

Nemanja Vidic (63')

Match Stats

Manchester United                                   Aston Villa

23(10)                       Shots (on Goal)            12(4)

8                                       Fouls                     7

5                                Corner Kicks                   5

3                                  Offsides                      5

44%                        Time of Possession          56%

0                                Yellow Cards                 0

0                                   Red Cards                 0

3                                      Saves                     7

FA Cup victory over Blackburn; Michael Bradley joins Villa

2011-01-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

The Villa moves on to the 5th round of the FA Cup after defeating Blackburn Rovers 3-1. Michael Bradley, U.S. international joins Villa on loan http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/873904/aston-villa-secure-united-states-star-bradley-on-loan?campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901

Movement of players during 2010/2011 (as of 26 Jan 2011)

2011-01-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

Two in a row! Villa defeats Wigan 2-1

2011-01-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

6 points in two games - how sweet it is! Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young (PK) scored for Villa and the defense just holds on to beat Wigan after they scored late in the game. The Villa is showing what this team is capable of and let's keep it going! Jean Makoun's debut today included receiving a yellow card.

Villa Gets Past Man City with Bent's Foot

2011-01-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? Darren Bent gets signed and in his first game with the Villa, he scores his first Villa goal and it turns out to be the game winner. As we watched, holding our breath every second, we joked about how that was the 24M goal and IT WAS WORTH IT. The defense also withstood the desperate onslaught of shots being taken by Man City in the final 20 or so minutes

These 3 points have the potential to turn our season around. There should be a ton of momentum and confidence. First win in that last 11 games. It's been a looooooooooong time. UP THE VILLA!

Scoring Summary

Aston Villa	Manchester City
Darren Bent (18')

9(7)	Shots (on Goal)	25(2)
12	Fouls	12
2	Corner Kicks	13
1	Offsides	2
31%	Time of Possession	69%
1	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
2	Saves	6

Darren Bent to Villa for £18million rising to £24million

2011-01-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

Villa signs Darren Bent (coming from Sunderland) for a transfer fee of £18million, which could rise to a total of £24million. Bent does bring a legitimate scorer to Villa's front line, but will this actually translate into goals for the rest of the season? Villa and we supporters are counting on it!

The Telegraph "Darren Bent insists he did not pursue £24m move to Aston Villa for the money"

The Guardian "Darren Bent heads for Aston Villa in record £24m deal"

MSN Sport UK "Bent agrees terms with Villa"