Soccer Watch

Top 10 Stories of 2005: While the odd-numbered years are lacking in terms of international drama (World Cups, Olympics, continental championships), 2005 had its moments, including one of the best European Champions League finals ever and some interesting developments in the lead-up to this summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

1) Liverpool wins the Champions League. Back from 0-3 against the best defense in the world – what a moment. The Liverpool fans in full song – even better.

2) Manchester United sold to Malcolm Glazer. An American. Shudder.

3) Chelsea dominates English Premier League. A Russian. Shudder.

4) Real Madrid keeps buying, losing. Los Galacticos shining dimly.

5) Australia upsets Uruguay for final WC spot. Aussies' first final in 32 years.

6) Togo? Ghana? Angola? Ivory Coast? Unlikely qualifiers from Africa, each for the first time. No Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon.

7) Is the U.S. a WC top-seed? With a talented team and an impressive qualifying campaign, the Americans almost earned one.

8) Landon Donovan leads Galaxy to MLS Cup. Back in the MLS after a disappointing stint in Germany.

9) Parity in women's soccer? With North Carolina out of the final four again, the NCAA title looked open for anyone, before Portland took it.

10) Buffalo Theory wins Flip Cup. A new power in Austin co-ed soccer?