xD LOOOOL » deficit to defeat the slumping Houston Dyn

MILAN, Italy -- Atletico Madrid struggled throughout but managed to win 1-0 at AC Milan thanks to a late Diego Costa header in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Wednesday. Diego Costa headed in Gabis corner seven minutes from time to secure victory ahead of the return match in Madrid on March 11. "We know that at Madrid it will be another game, which will also be important and very difficult," Milan coach Clarence Seedorf said. "Atletico dont change much whether theyre playing at home or away from home. "We have time to prepare the return leg and well have more players back. Im proud of what we did tonight... I saw a lot of positive things on the pitch." Bayern Munich won 2-0 at 10-man Arsenal in the other match of the night. Both teams missed a penalty in the first half, which also saw Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny sent off. Milan had dominated the match with its best performance of the season, hitting the woodwork three times in an entertaining first half hour. "We are a normal team, a very humble one which tries to do as well as we can," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. "We started better but then Milan caused us problems. "We didnt have many chances but as you know in football what matters is scoring goals and fortunately we scored a goal." Spains joint league leader was the overwhelming favourite but Milan was the superior side and had the better chances in Seedorfs first Champions League match as a manager. The Dutchman is the only player to have won the competition with three different clubs. There was more bad news on the night for Milan as star striker Mario Balotelli went off clutching his shoulder 12 minutes from time. The Italy forward will have tests on Thursday. Milan was boosted by key playmaker Kaka recovering from injury in time and the Brazilian was given the captains armband. Kaka overcame a bout of flu to play in Fridays 1-0 victory over Bologna but had to be replaced 10 minutes from time after injuring his right ankle. Stephan El Shaarawy, Valter Birsa, Robinho, Bryan Cristante and Cristian Zapata were all out with injury while Sulley Muntari and captain Riccardo Montolivo were both suspended. New signing Keisuke Honda is cup tied. Milan was the underdog after a miserable season which saw coach Massimiliano Allegri sacked at the beginning of the year. The side is ninth in the Serie A table and had been eliminated in each of its past four knockout ties against Spanish opposition. It appeared as if Milans fears were to be realized as the players struggled to get out of their own half in the opening 10 minutes. However, Milan was containing Atletico and slowly began to get into the game. Balotelli had the first real chance of the match with a 30-meter free-kick from roughly the same position that he scored a stunning goal from on Friday. But the Italy forward fired well wide of the left post. Milan went even closer four minutes later with a wickedly swerving shot from Kaka from the bottom corner of the penalty area which crashed off the crossbar. Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois -- who is on loan from Chelsea -- pulled off a stunning save shortly afterwards, fingertipping Andrea Polis header off the base of his right post after a great cross from Adel Taarabt. Tension was beginning to escalate at San Siro and a touchline brawl threatened to erupt following a poor Emiliano Insua tackle on Mattia De Scglio. The Milan defender had to be replaced by Ignazio Abate. Milan again went close on the half hour when Balotelli backeeled the ball to Kaka, whose effort scraped the top of the crossbar. Milan continued to dominate after the break and Kaka again went close with a drive narrowly past the left upright, while Michael Essien headed a corner wide. All Milans good work was to come to nothing, though, as Diego Costa headed powerfully home at the far post for his fifth goal in four Champions League matches. Milan almost snatched a draw but Adil Ramis free kick whistled wide of the left post. Dave Keon Jersey .C. -- When Michael Jordan speaks, people still listen. Bobby Baun Jersey .com) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quickly found themselves a new offensive coordinator, and one thats quite familiar with the NFC South. http://www.officialmapleleafsfanstore.co...e-leafs-jersey/. -- Jake Paterson made 39 saves as the Saginaw Spirit halted the Guelph Storms seven-game win streak with a 6-3 victory on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action. Patrick Marleau Jersey . He is nigh unstoppable against the leagues worst. The 31-year-old dangerman set up two goals and scored two himself as Toronto FC rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the slumping Houston Dynamo 4-2 on Saturday night. Kris Versteeg Jersey .com) - The New York Rangers hope to punch their ticket to the second round when they visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday for a Game 6 battle at Wells Fargo Center.KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Royals general manager Dayton Moore will have at least two more years to prove that he can get the once-wayward franchise that he took over in 2006 back to the playoffs. After leading Kansas City to its best record in more than 20 years this past season, Moore was rewarded with a two-year contract extension Friday. The new deal, the financial terms of which were not disclosed, would keep him in charge of baseball operations through the 2016 season. "When Daytons contract was extended during the 2009 season, I felt that this franchise had begun to turn the corner and that we were pointed in the proper direction," Royals president Dan Glass said in a statement. "Its been a challenging process, but we are now seeing tangible evidence that the process is working." Moore took over an organization that would lose at least 100 games for the third straight season in 2006. But he quickly set about rebuilding the Royals farm system, using savvy moves and intelligent drafts to build it into one of the most talented in baseball. Many of those homegrown players have matriculated to the major leagues over the past couple of seasons. Among those who contributed to an 86-76 finish, the Royals best since the 1989 season, were Gold Glove first baseman Eric Hosmer, All-Star catcher Salvador Perez and All-Star closer Greg Holland, all of whom arrived in Kansas City under Moores watch. The Royals have also locked up several of their homegrown stars to long-term, club-frriendly contracts, including Perez and Gold Glove outfield Alex Gordon.dddddddddddd "Im very proud of the entire organization," Moore said, "especially our scouting and player development departments for their dedication and commitment to the Royals. Its a tremendous honour and privilege to work with Mr. Glass, Dan and the entire family." The Royals rewarded manager Ned Yost with a two-year extension in October, which meant that for the past couple months hed been working on a longer contract than his boss. Moore had said all along he wasnt worried about a new deal getting done. The team has been modest in free agency this off-season. The Royals are likely losing right-hander Ervin Santana, but theyve already signed left-hander Jason Vargas to a four-year, $32 million contract. Theyre also looking to upgrade in right field and at second base. Moore was born in Wichita, Kan., and grew up a Royals fan. He played baseball at Garden City (Kan.) Community College before graduating from George Mason. After a brief stint as a college coach, he joined the Atlanta Braves as a scout, and slowly rose through the ranks. He took over as assistant general manager in 2005, and interview for the Royals vacancy created by the firing of Allard Baird a couple of months later. "Dayton is not only an outstanding baseball man," Glass said, "but hes very much a part of our family and one of the top individuals Ive ever had the pleasure of working with." ' ' '