Storming The Pitch - Michael Bradley

With so much action blowing up on all the pitches across the globe, it's hard to keep your finger on the pulse of the beautiful game. Well, that's where we come in. Just ‘cause you can't be at every game doesn't mean you can't know about every game.

We here at 365 are committed to bringing you the latest and the greatest soccer stories. So you never get caught offside. We call it Storming The Pitch. And, we promise to deliver the goods from the game you love. So don't forget to check back here at the beginning of the week to get your dose of the good stuff.

Speaking of the good stuff, they've got it by the boatload at the African Cup of Nations tournament. Europe may be where the game's best and brightest go to work each day, but with increasing regularity, Africa is where they call home.

Chelsea alone will have to resurrect its title hopes without the star services of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, and 20-year-old John Obi Mikel. The club's loss is Africa's gain, as the continent is bursting with excitement.

The group stage of the African Cup of Nations is winding down, but aside from the Ivory Coast and Egypt, which teams will qualify for the knockout round is anyone's guess. Journalists have been reporting all week long that this year's tournament has been more exciting and unpredictable than ever before. Ghana and Nigeria should squeak into the last eight, but there are no guarantees. Our only prediction is that Drogba & Co. continue they're stampede over the competition.

On the home front, the US MNT continues training for the upcoming Border Battle on February 6th in Houston. It's been a long camp, but not without its fair share of side stories. EJ had to leave after signing with Fulham, and now there's a good chance one of his U.S. teammates will follow his lead. Distractions? No doubt, but the type that prove American soccer in 2008 is on the up and up.

One national teamer that's on fire is midfielder Michael Bradley. Mike has been absolutely killin' it with Heerenveen lately, scoring way too many goals for us to keep referring to him as a defensive or holding center midfielder. Check out some of his recent highlights. It's too early to seriously consider Mike alongside Tim Howard in the Premeirship, but just the fact that the gossip is swirling means that people are taking notice of his game (not to mention the new buzz-cut). In his own words....

On the European front there have been fewer surprises. In England, CR7 continues to score big goals for Man United. This time he came up with two Gs, one from the PK mark and one from the top of the box, against a strong Tottenham group. In Italy, Milan's Brazilian sensation Pato slotted home two more, as well. Can't wait to see him help Milan defend the Champions League crown against the best the game has to offer.