Training was intense with lots of running and closing down worked on as well as moving the ball quickly.

These would be key factors if we wanted to win against Colorado Rapids.
Game day arrived and we were eager for the match to start, and put on a positive performance. We knew that Colorado would prove to be a tough game, as they have some very good players within their ranks.

They shuffled their team as did we, although ours was forced due to some boys being away on international duty.

The game started at a cracking pace, with both teams attacking each
other straight away, with chances made and squandered at both ends.

This
start made our home crowd get right behind us, and you could hear them in full voice. Now if you ve got 20,000 plus fans behind you, and singing, this gives you a massive boost while on the field.

We were starting to put them under more pressure after half an hour, and surely I thought it would be a matter of time before we managed to score the opening goal.

This happened shortly after when Danny Dichio rattled in a cracking volley from 25 yards. Now this was a cracking finish, and I
joked with him, that I've never seen himever score a goal like that before (to which he reminded me that he scored a better goal when QPR played Wolves a few years back, and yes I was playing, and yes he was right!)....what else could I say?....nothing....

At half time we tried to stress to each other that the next goal would be massive, and we knew that we could put the game out of reach, but if they got it then it was game on again....

We started excellently again, and managed to score two more goals with Rohan Ricketts getting both goals before the 70 minute mark. Rohan was putting on an excellent show, and trying all sorts of tricks etc, and really enjoing this match as we all were.

The game was nearly over as we were three goals up, but we gave a sloppy goal away from a free kick, which made the last 10 minutes closer than they should of been, but it was an excellent performance and win.

After this result we are placed nicely in third place in our conference on 20 points. We also have another home game next weekend before we travel to play the current top team in New England. We have been superb so far at home, but poor away from home, something that we must address quickly.

If were are to be successful this season then we will need to start picking up points on the road too.

I have to say I think that this European Championships have been excellent, with the group games .really entertaining, setting up the quater finals with some cracking ties ahead.

How can you pick the winner out of Portugal v Germany? Spain v Italy?...It comes down to which top players peform on the day, or have the biggest influence on the match.

It really is hard to call the winner but I fancy a Germany v Spain final....

One point that is really interesting me, probably as well as thousands of others, is the Cristiano Ronaldo situation. The way I'm reading it is why is he not coming out and just saying that he is going to stay at Man Utd if that is the case....as by saying that he will talk about it
after the Euros makes people think that something is going to happen with Real Madrid.

This also makes him even more in the spotlight in this tournament, due to the on going club saga.

Something does not seem right and only time will tell I suppose. But I bet all Man Utd fans are just saying what the heck is going on here?

It will also be great to see Luis Felipe Scolari at Chelsea next year. Watch the players come and go there now.... And don't be suprised to see any of the Barca three told they can go turn up at Stamford Bridge.

While I have to say that I'm really enjoying my football here, I was gutted last week to miss out on my pal Robbie Keane's wedding to his girlfriend Claudine Palmer.

This was down to our season going on through the summer. After speaking with Rob about it, he totally understood, but this was a shame for me as were are very close. Now he becomes a real man!!!!!

Finally I have to mention the sudden passing of a person I got to know very well here in Canada. Brian "Budgie" Budd suddenly passed away at his home last week.

He was a great man with many a story, and I got to know him through working with the Score television company over here.

He leaves behind a lovely wife and two beautiful kids, for which he talked about them every time I saw him, his family were his life. God bless and rest in peace.... you'll be greatly missed.