Undefeated Akron...

...are not the 2009 NCAA Division I National Champions?

That's right, in the qwirky world of college soccer, Akron managed to finish the season with a 23-0-2 record, yet only take home the National Finalists trophy. How? For records sakes, a shootout, whether won or lost, in the collegiate postseason is recorded as a tie. Akron, who went 20-0-0 in the regular season, defeated UNC in a shootout in the semis to take their record to 23-0-1, before falling in a shootout to the University of Virginia in yesterday's final.

Congratulations to the University of Virginia, 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Champions.

If there were any bright spots from the lack of goals in this weekend's College Cup (3 goals in 3 games---all of which went to at least Added Extra Time (2 all the way to shootouts)), it was the play of a number of MLS prospects. Akron's Teal Bunbury and Virginia's Tony Tchani both boosted their stock, and either one could go as the No. 1 pick to Philadelphia in January. The second overall pick---which belongs to the Red Bulls---could be the highest-rated player in the draft, Wake Forest centerback Ike Opara. Opara proved himself to be the best player available, but likely won't go to the Union, who have 2 solid starting centerbacks already on their new roster (Chivas USA's Shavar Thomas, and US centerback Danny Califf, who is returning from Denmark in January).

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For the 2nd consecutive week, it's great to be an American playing in Europe, but a horrible week to be at the top of the table.

Brad Friedel stonewalls giants United (Photo/Getty)

In England, leaders Chelsea were held to a 3-3 draw by Everton and US 'keeper Tim Howard (4 saves), but still managed to extend their lead to 3 points over Manchester United, who were blanked by Aston Villa and their American 'keeper, Brad Friedel (4 saves). The shining American star in England on this day, however, was Wolves' 'keeper Marcus Hahnemann, who made 7 saves en route to a 1-0 win over Tottenham (which dropped the Spurs from 3rd to 5th in the table). Hahnemann, who only recently took over as the No. 1 at Wolves, may just play his way into the 3rd goalkeeper spot for South Africa (behind Tim Howard and Aston Villa backup Brad Guzan), where his personality would be a great advantage to the US team off the field (Hahnemann also held the #3 spot in the 2006 World Cup squad, behind Kasey Keller and Tim Howard).

In Germany, Michael Bradley had the big night in an American-vs.-American match-up---Bradley scored the winning goal off a freekick in Monchengladbach's 5-3 victory over Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96. It was a tough night for top-of-the-table Bayer Leverkusen, as they were held to a 2-2 by Hertha Berlin (former club of Yanks outside back Heath Pearce).

While there are currently no Americans playing for the top Italian teams (with US/AC Milan centerback Gooch Onyewu continuing to rehab his knee injury), maybe they should consider signing a few. Leaders Inter had the best result of the top 3, a 1-1 draw with Atalanta. AC Milan, currently 2nd, fell 2-0 to Palermo, while 3rd-place Juventus lost both their game against Bari (3-1) and Italy 'keeper Gigi Buffon, who will miss more than a month after having knee surgery following Saturday's loss.

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In what could be a terrific move for all those involved---player, clubs, and country---Everton is finalizing their loan deal for Yanks playmaker Landon Donovan. Not only will Donovan combine with US teammate Tim Howard (who's on the record predicting Donovan will be a star in the EPL), he'll provide a needed boost for injury-riddled Everton, and gain added sharpness ahead of the World Cup. Provided he doesn't get hurt (or burnt out before the end of the MLS season), this can only be a positive for the LA Galaxy, as well.

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Lehmann is given his marching orders (Photo/Getty)

In a case of adding insult to injury...well, actually...adding injury to insult...VfB Stuttgart (and former Germany and Arsenal) 'keeper Jens Lehmann struck out at a Mainz striker during the Bundesliga match on Saturday, causing the penalty that allowed Mainz to tie the game 1-1 late. As if costing his team the 2 points isn't enough, Lehmann suffered ligament damage in his knee on that play, and is set to miss more than just his suspension.

And how was your Saturday?

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The world is getting its first look inside the new Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. The new 69,000+-seat stadium will host a World Cup semifinal this summer.