Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Leaving So Soon Matteo released due to MLS player's strike

Kansas City, KS - Just over a month ago, it was complete bliss for the Wizards organization when Lam Matteo stepped onto the podium, flashing his number 10 kit, full of blue shades. Today, news arrived from Wizards front office that the 31-year old US international will be released into the free agency pool by the end of the week.

"It is a sad day in our history," states Wizards chairman Peter Vermes, "Matteo was starting to be hailed as our savior. I know there would be no doubt of a post season berth with him.

All that aside though, Lam is an incredible player. Someone the Wizards are proud to have had in our organization. His contributions will be surely missed - and I hope he returns someday for a front office position."

Matteo declined to comment in person, but did issue a statement:

"Difficult is an understatement in regards to what my family and I are going through right now. We hope to find a resolution outside of the country soon. Thank you to all for your support - hope to be on the pitch shortly."

Lam Matteo has recorded 3 goals in his first 3 MLS matces (2 against Houston), and an assist before his departure.

[Matt10]

Roy Hodgson passes
Cottagers, Ex-Cottagers to attend weekend funeral


One of the most successful managers in the Premier League, Roy Hodgson, passed away early this morning due to a possible heart attack.

[Breaking News] Fulham FC received news this morning that long serving, and retired, manager Roy Hodgson has passed away from a possible heart attack in his London suite.

Hodgson, who turned 74 last August, was hailed as the most successful manager in Fulham's history, and has been recepient of numerous awards from the FA Premier League throughout the yeras.

Current Fulham manager, Roberto Martinez, expressed his condolences to the Hodgson family in a press conference this afternoon:

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing regarding an incredible individual that was Roy Hodgson. He touched the world of football like noone could ever do. His accomplishments in this life will never be forgotten - may he rest in peace."

There will be a private ceremony in London this Saturday to honor the passing of Roy Hodgson.

[Matt10]

Visiting London
Hodgson's funeral only mark on Matteo's agenda?

Speculation has quietly rose to the surface that Lam Matteo's appearance at Roy Hodgson's funeral this weekend will spark the out of work striker a job with the Cottagers, either as a player, or possible assistant manager to Roberto Martinez.

While I have not spoken to Matteo since the news of the MLS unfolding, I believe a move back to Craven Cottage would be the best thing for him right now. It would be a thrilling end to an illustrious career if it could be ended where he truly made a name for himself.

[Matt10]

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[Matt10]

Fulham 2023 Fixture List
Upcoming matches

[Matt10]

Debut so-so
Zero chances on goal

Matteo played well, he started and played a full 90 minutes, that is something to say for his current fitness level. Unfortunately Tottenham were very strong defensively, no shots - nada, let's hope he can break the bank against the Reds next weekend.

[Matt10]

Matteo was the force up front - but found the palms of Itandje, while Maxi Rodriguez was the hero at Anfield in the last ten minutes of the match.

Liverpool 1-0 Fulham
Maxi Rodriguez late goal nets Reds all points
-Johnson Peoples, August 2023
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'82 Maxi Rodriguez
Caution: Sent Off:


Caution: Schmidt (41) Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (0-0-2, 0 pts -- 18th)
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Chances gone begging. Matteo had his chances in his second match of the season, but his shots were saved well by Liverpool's keeper, Itandje. This was a tough loss, especially because Fulham dominated the match, Matteo set up new signing Erding in the box, but the striker fluffed it over the bar - golden chances.

[Matt10]

CLUB NEWS. Roberto Martinez has added Bristol City striker, Danny Haynes, to the Fulham roster. The signing will give the depth a much needed boost in the striker spot. Haynes hold record for most goals scored in a season for the Npower Championship, last season leading the league with 32.

68 overall
Fee: $974,700 (3 years)

Notable transfers:

Bebe (Man U) >>>Mallorca
Maicon (Porto) >>> Rangers
Tafer (Lyon) >>> Ipswich Town
Suarez (Ajax) >>> Real Betis
Pato (AC Milan) >>> Inter Milan
Anderson (Man U) >>> Tottenham
Kakuta (Chelsea) >>> Newcastle
Aguero (Atl. Madrid) >>> Man U
Ronaldinho (AC Milan) >>> Liverpool
Adriano (Bayern M) >>> Bolton
Miguel (Valencia) >>> Blackpool
Santon (Inter) >>> Man U
Assaidi (1860) >>> Fulham

[Matt10]

It was a long awaited goal for Fulham, the first this season. Eager for the late win, Fulham keeper Akinfeev opts to out jump Matteo - and skies his header.

Fulham 1-1 Blackburn
Matteo gets first goal, points a piece
-Johnson Peoples, August 2023
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'75 Matteo
Caution: Sent Off:

'79 Di Santo
Caution: Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (0-1-2, 1 pts -- 17th)
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First goal. After last week, a goal was badly needed, especially after his performance in front of goal. Today, he had the same chances, and was well saved by Robinson - but in the end, a beautiful cross by Joao Pereira was well met - and finished with ease. By the by - click here to see Matteo's first ever goal for Fulham years ago.

[Matt10]

Matteo showed the Cottage how he loves being at Fulham with two goals, while new signing Erding chose to score his first goal as a Cottager in the win.

Fulham 3-0 Newcastle
Matteo-Erding connection breeds new excitement at Craven Cottage
-Johnson Peoples, September 2023
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'19 Matteo, '22 Erding, '83 Matteo
Caution: Matteo '28 Sent Off:


Caution: Taylor '62 Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (1-1-2, 4 pts -- 15th)
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Stunning. An incredible display by Matteo - he was all over the field, and made some great plays. His two goals were gems, the first one was highly unlikely at an incredible angle. On top of scoring, he tried to set up fellow striker Erding; but of course on the second goal the favor was returned - and unlike Erding, Matteo took advantage.

[Matt10]

Bakkal may have scored two goals himself, but Erding's were more dramatic - especially when he saw Scott Carson fumble a routine cross, directly into the striker's path for the crucial goal.

Fulham 3-3 West Brom
Erding officially becomes hero for Cottagers
-Johnson Peoples, September 2023
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'75 Erding, '89 Ximelez, '92 Erding
Caution: Coutadeur '30 Sent Off:

'6 Bakkal, '7 Bakkal, '55 Dorran
Caution: Ceara '62 Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (1-2-2, 5 pts -- 12th)
Next Match: at Bolton 11th, 6 pts
---------------------------------------------------
Rested, but needed. Even though Matteo put in 20 minutes, he was still given a 7.5 rating for his play up front, replacing the immobile Jovetic. Matteo had one shot on goal - but was well saved by Scott Carson in the West Brom goal. Matteo expects to play next week against Bolton, and after coming in for as little as he did, Roberto Martinez will be smart to continue playing the striker when he's fit.

[Matt10]

Matteo gave Fulham a fighting chance after conceding, but Negredo's persistence paid off for the home side.

Bolton 2-1 Fulham
Negredo snatches points away from Cottagers
-Johnson Peoples, September 2023
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'12 K.Davies, '76 Negredo
Caution: Chung Yong '82 Sent Off:

'18 Matteo
Caution: Sent Off:

Standings: Fulham (1-2-3, 5 pts -- 16th)
Next Match: at Everton 13th, 6 pts
---------------------------------------------------
Cool finish. The right place at the right time - and how about that for a left footed strike? Not bad if I do say so myself, which I do. Matteo played well, and is showing no signs of slowing down - he's got the goals to prove he's still got what it takes to play at the highest level. It's just too bad he couldn't score anymore to conserve the much needed points.



[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwJHhBQZNmg[/ame]