First observation, I'm logging in from a laptop with a small screen (15") and I have to scroll left-right. It would have been nice if it fits into the page (like news.yc).
Wow... I had the exact same idea (even the terms you used for some of it) and was gonna start implementing as soon as I'm done with my current project.
I guess you saved me some work :-)
I wish you a lot of success. I would love to see the site grow and become a great place for soccer fans to get their news. You can count me in as a member. I'll join soon.
I'll look at it again tomorrow from my windows machine at work and get back to you.