My hats off to the San Francisco giants and the Freak, Tim Lincecum. That goes first and foremost as being a Californian. Now it's time for a another amazing run!
The MLS league has come to a close and its time for the Cup. All eight teams have poised themselves for the tournament by ending the year in strongly. The Crew have the most to worry about- will Guillermo Schelotto have the stamina they need to continue carrying the offense? Last years finalists, Sheild holders the Galaxy, and RSL look again like the favorites. Or will the bolstered NY Redbulls crash the party?
"Across the pond", as the UK dudes like to say, the EPL leads a bevy of close league races through the firs half of the season. Chelsea look the strongest out of the gates, but there is some real action going on in the rest of the top four (MU, Arsenal, and Man City). Gareth Bale has looked superhuman for Tottenham in their campaign. La Liga's two headed beast (Barca and Real Madrid) roars again as Villareal, Valencia, and Atletico Madrid stay in striking distance. We all know that this will just come down to Messi v. Ronaldo again though for the Golden Boot, sorry David Villa and Gonzalo Higuain. Shout out to Clint Dempsey for tallying four impressive finishes while stepping up his game in place of the injured Bobby Zamora!
I publically condemn Alex Ferguson for his comments about the UEFA Champions League being "the game's premiere competition" over the World Cup. The World Cup is far and away, the most important Cup to win in all of soccer. There is no doubt that the Champions League showcases the world's best talent from the world's best clubs, the likes of which have been on display through the group stage so far. The AC Milan v. Real Madrid game today from the San Siro was one of the most exciting matches I've seen all year. Holders Internazionale experienced a shocker from the aforementioned White Hart Spurs already and 2009 champs Barcelona only seem to be warming up. But no Fergie, you can't match the anticipation, celebration, and pure football jubilation of the World Cup. It is the world's game, not just a game for the Euro boys.
Tune into the next two months of televised soccer American folks, things have a tendency to heat up before the holidays. And who knows, maybe we'll see Landon and a few other of our crew crashing the European parties in Januaray. That's the American Soccer Dream: getting Americans playing at the highest levels, here and abroad, year round. That'll bring up our level of play and give those guys the paychecks their due.
03 November 2010
25 October 2010
Thank You Brian, Eddie, and Chris
Brian McBride, Eddie Lewis, and Chris Klein are all retiring from the beautiful game now that the MLS season has come to and end. All three have been instrumental in the devolpoment of US Soccer and MLS.
Most notably, McBride has left his heart and his blood on the pitch time after time. Three World Cups, an Olympics, and many caps in both European leagues and MLS. He ended his career this past weekend with a beauty of a back-heel goal for the Chicago Fire. I will always remember his diving header in the 2002 World Cup and his always classy attitude on and off the field.
Thank you gentlemen, for all that you have done for this country's growth at home and on the world stage.
21 October 2010
Jozy's Video on VBS.tv
Check out this very well produced video for the EA Sports "We Are Eleven" series on VBS.tv about American striker Jozey Altidore and his experience as a soccer player in Spain and England. The Jersey Boy describes what its like to adapt to life playing in La Liga and the EPL, his American born teammate Giuseppe Rossi, and the future of MLS.
13 October 2010
Last of the US MNT for 2010
Well their record after the World Cup is decidedly worse than their record during the World Cup. Having lost to Brazil, and tied both Poland and Columbia, the US Men's National team wrapped up play for 2010. Their next game lies far ahead in the spring of 2011 when they will return to South Africa and take on Bafana Bafana at Green Pointe Stadium in Cape Town.
What have we learned? We've learned our weaknesses and experimented with some new strategies. Pulling from more unused talent as of late, Bob Bradley has found another asset in the midfield with Jermaine Jones. His physical play is coupled with some good vision to support our less than strong attack. It seems that a 4-5-1 formation will suite our developing style much better with Donovan or Dempsey falling in behind Jozy Altidore (or perhaps Edson Buddle or Charlie Davies) as the lone striker.
Our defense remains our greatest weakness still, as only Stuart Holden has stepped up and showed that he has intentions of replacing a back line of veteran players. As solid as Bocanegra has been throughout his captaincy for the U.S., he has been the only reliable piece as of late. Onyewu clearly needs to find more professional minutes than he's not getting with AC Milan and Cherundolo may not see action in Brazil 2014.
We need some solid youth defenders, most notabley a defender on the outside that can push ahead and get involved in the attack, much like a Sergio Ramos or a Dani Alves. The US have never really had a defender that can distribute the ball out of our third with real patience. Our defenders need to be able to start long stretches of possession instead of quickly dumping balls over-top.
It will be interesting to watch MLS' postseason and see if some more homegrown stars develop, as well as the progression of our boys abroad. But until we start plugging these holes, the edge may go to Bafana Bafana in Cape Town.
What have we learned? We've learned our weaknesses and experimented with some new strategies. Pulling from more unused talent as of late, Bob Bradley has found another asset in the midfield with Jermaine Jones. His physical play is coupled with some good vision to support our less than strong attack. It seems that a 4-5-1 formation will suite our developing style much better with Donovan or Dempsey falling in behind Jozy Altidore (or perhaps Edson Buddle or Charlie Davies) as the lone striker.
Our defense remains our greatest weakness still, as only Stuart Holden has stepped up and showed that he has intentions of replacing a back line of veteran players. As solid as Bocanegra has been throughout his captaincy for the U.S., he has been the only reliable piece as of late. Onyewu clearly needs to find more professional minutes than he's not getting with AC Milan and Cherundolo may not see action in Brazil 2014.
We need some solid youth defenders, most notabley a defender on the outside that can push ahead and get involved in the attack, much like a Sergio Ramos or a Dani Alves. The US have never really had a defender that can distribute the ball out of our third with real patience. Our defenders need to be able to start long stretches of possession instead of quickly dumping balls over-top.
It will be interesting to watch MLS' postseason and see if some more homegrown stars develop, as well as the progression of our boys abroad. But until we start plugging these holes, the edge may go to Bafana Bafana in Cape Town.
06 October 2010
Coach Bradley re-signed by US Soccer MNT
Coach, you've done a fine job since taking over as the manager of Sam's Army. A Gold Cup win in 2007, an exciting run with a second place finish at the Confederations Cup in 2009, and first place qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa...not a bad list of achievements for one's first gig as a national team coach.
You're dedication to picking from the farm crops of Major League Soccer, with talent such as Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein, and Ricardo Clark, helped to give the young American pros some valuable international caps. While adding to the credibility of MLS, the very league you made a name for yourself in (Chicago Fire, Chivas USA), our young talent was able to bolster their stock abroad. Now, Sacha's boots are planted in the Belgium First Division, Clark is enjoying Oktoberfest with the rest of the German Bundesliga, and Bornstein...well, he's still a Goat.
However, praise must be accompanied by some constructive criticism for the sake of striving to form a more perfect soccer union. We came up short at the World Cup in beautiful South Africa, plain and simple. It should have been US in the quarterfinals. It should have been US with the strong chance to go through to the semifinals. It should have been US with proud smiles in busy Johannesburg, instead of disappointed frowns in cold Rustenburg. I was at that game. It still hurts...bad.
I have a serious question in regards to your tactics: Did you sew Edson Buddle into his warm ups? Why was MLS's hottest player left to do drills behind the goal during that game against Ghana? During the second half, I shouted with all I had in me, "YEAH EDSON! THIS IS YOUR GAME! LA GALAXY!" while he warmed up at your command. I had seats 4 rows up, right next to the corner flag where he turned to me and smiled, flashing the thumbs up. Edson and I waited...and waited...and waited. Then when you made your final substitution, it was clear.
Lionel Messi led La Liga with the most goals before the World Cup began. Didier Drogba led the English Premiere League in the 2009/2010 season. Antonio Di Natale wore the golden boot in Serie A last season. All three were called upon to work their magic on the pitch wearing their country's colors at critical times. Next time, perhaps we should follow the trend.
You're dedication to picking from the farm crops of Major League Soccer, with talent such as Sacha Kljestan, Jonathan Bornstein, and Ricardo Clark, helped to give the young American pros some valuable international caps. While adding to the credibility of MLS, the very league you made a name for yourself in (Chicago Fire, Chivas USA), our young talent was able to bolster their stock abroad. Now, Sacha's boots are planted in the Belgium First Division, Clark is enjoying Oktoberfest with the rest of the German Bundesliga, and Bornstein...well, he's still a Goat.
However, praise must be accompanied by some constructive criticism for the sake of striving to form a more perfect soccer union. We came up short at the World Cup in beautiful South Africa, plain and simple. It should have been US in the quarterfinals. It should have been US with the strong chance to go through to the semifinals. It should have been US with proud smiles in busy Johannesburg, instead of disappointed frowns in cold Rustenburg. I was at that game. It still hurts...bad.
I have a serious question in regards to your tactics: Did you sew Edson Buddle into his warm ups? Why was MLS's hottest player left to do drills behind the goal during that game against Ghana? During the second half, I shouted with all I had in me, "YEAH EDSON! THIS IS YOUR GAME! LA GALAXY!" while he warmed up at your command. I had seats 4 rows up, right next to the corner flag where he turned to me and smiled, flashing the thumbs up. Edson and I waited...and waited...and waited. Then when you made your final substitution, it was clear.
Lionel Messi led La Liga with the most goals before the World Cup began. Didier Drogba led the English Premiere League in the 2009/2010 season. Antonio Di Natale wore the golden boot in Serie A last season. All three were called upon to work their magic on the pitch wearing their country's colors at critical times. Next time, perhaps we should follow the trend.
05 January 2010
Yup, I'm getting a USA Dempsey jersey before I go to S. Africa
First of all, watch this video and take special notice at minute 14:30.
THIS is what an American can do. THIS is what the 50 states are going to get behind this summer. THIS is Clint Dempsey. 2010, big things...
_
THIS is what an American can do. THIS is what the 50 states are going to get behind this summer. THIS is Clint Dempsey. 2010, big things...
_
31 October 2009
Dempsey puts a fork in Liverpool!
Fulham down Liverpool, 3-1, as the American Clint Dempsey nets the dagger to finish Rafa Benitiz's team off. Despite Fernando Torres' say in the matter, Liverpool find themselves in poor position this week, yet again.
Jozy saw some significant playing time off the bench for Hull in a losing effort, 2-0, to Burnley. Altidore hasn't been getting many, so he must capitalize on all chances he gets.
The teams from London looked formidable once more. Arsenal and Chelsea cruise. Cristiano Ronaldo talks of re-kindling his partnership with deadly finisher and ex-mate, Wayne Rooney, in the Galactico's white jersey.
Landon Donovan has his chance of etching his name into the history books of American soccer as the Galaxy face their Super Classico rivals, Chivas USA, in the first leg of the MLS playoffs.
Jozy saw some significant playing time off the bench for Hull in a losing effort, 2-0, to Burnley. Altidore hasn't been getting many, so he must capitalize on all chances he gets.
The teams from London looked formidable once more. Arsenal and Chelsea cruise. Cristiano Ronaldo talks of re-kindling his partnership with deadly finisher and ex-mate, Wayne Rooney, in the Galactico's white jersey.
Landon Donovan has his chance of etching his name into the history books of American soccer as the Galaxy face their Super Classico rivals, Chivas USA, in the first leg of the MLS playoffs.
26 September 2009
U.S. Players Abroad To Watch This Weekend:
Altidore, Dempsey, & Howard
Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore both have giant windows of opportunity in their young careers that will open come this weekend's EPL action. Dempsey's Fulham team is scheduled to play a fired-up Arsenal team (no thanks to Emanuel Adebayjor) and Hull City will need a strong effort from Jozy and his teammates to knock off Liverpool. The two strikers each scored for the U.S. in the important victory against El Salvador on September 5th. These two boys are the cream of the crop when it comes to the American offense, and they need to stay that way come next Summer.
If Jozy Altidore gets the start against Liverpool this weekend, he must capitalize. Altidore needs to play 90 minutes of focused, fast-paced, aggressive soccer. Torres, Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Co. have been on point since their opening weeks' grievances so this is a great opportunity for Jozy to establish his reputation on the world stage. A goal or a few goals against one of the Big Four teams would definitely impact his mental play in preparation for the World Cup in a big way!
Dempsey has already turned heads under the gaze of the international soccer community with his performance in the Confederations Cup this past Spring. Not only must he keep finding the back of the net, but his speed and passing need to be sharp tools in his own arsenal against the Gunners. Perhaps their consistent attention in the media as of late (with Robin Van Persie now chipping his two cents into the diving discussion) will yield inconsistencies in their match play. There's no hiding their concerns about their play against both Manchester powerhouses earlier this season.
Back to back clean sheets by Tim Howard for an Everton team that seems to still be finding their stride is a possibility this weekend as well. Howard did not look as sharp as usual in the most recent World Cup Qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago, having been bailed out by the woodwork on one occasion and suffering some miscues in the back at times. Tim is a confident, experienced keeper who takes pride in America's reputation for good play at this position that has developed over the last few years. I think he'll respond with a strong showing.
Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore both have giant windows of opportunity in their young careers that will open come this weekend's EPL action. Dempsey's Fulham team is scheduled to play a fired-up Arsenal team (no thanks to Emanuel Adebayjor) and Hull City will need a strong effort from Jozy and his teammates to knock off Liverpool. The two strikers each scored for the U.S. in the important victory against El Salvador on September 5th. These two boys are the cream of the crop when it comes to the American offense, and they need to stay that way come next Summer.
If Jozy Altidore gets the start against Liverpool this weekend, he must capitalize. Altidore needs to play 90 minutes of focused, fast-paced, aggressive soccer. Torres, Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Co. have been on point since their opening weeks' grievances so this is a great opportunity for Jozy to establish his reputation on the world stage. A goal or a few goals against one of the Big Four teams would definitely impact his mental play in preparation for the World Cup in a big way!
Dempsey has already turned heads under the gaze of the international soccer community with his performance in the Confederations Cup this past Spring. Not only must he keep finding the back of the net, but his speed and passing need to be sharp tools in his own arsenal against the Gunners. Perhaps their consistent attention in the media as of late (with Robin Van Persie now chipping his two cents into the diving discussion) will yield inconsistencies in their match play. There's no hiding their concerns about their play against both Manchester powerhouses earlier this season.
Back to back clean sheets by Tim Howard for an Everton team that seems to still be finding their stride is a possibility this weekend as well. Howard did not look as sharp as usual in the most recent World Cup Qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago, having been bailed out by the woodwork on one occasion and suffering some miscues in the back at times. Tim is a confident, experienced keeper who takes pride in America's reputation for good play at this position that has developed over the last few years. I think he'll respond with a strong showing.
25 September 2009
Barca! Barca!
I thought I'd seen the real golden stuff, the real beautiful futbol last year when Samuel Eto'o was the point man in the attacking greatness that propelled Barcelona to hoist the cup of Champs. But this stuff I'm seeing, so EARLY on to boot, has been special. La Liga has kicked off and it proves to be a record smashing affair this year.
No slight to Eto'o, but with the addition of Ibrahimovich, Barcelona look like they are on another planet. And so far, their opponents haven't even shown that they possess the advanced mechanics needed to fly to said planet and show up at game time!
Messi looks like he never wants to go back to Argentina again. I believe he has officially just signed a record-breaking 4o0 year deal to live and die in the Catalan Giants colors. Xavi looked pretty comfortable in the captain's armband last match, a new role for him.
I don't even think what Dani Alves keeps doing to the ball every time he steps up to take a free kick should be legal. FIFA needs to get that boy's striking foot checked for surgical implants and cyborg technology. The Brazilian is giving the kids in the streets of Juazeiro yet another reason to Samba (like they even needed one).
Titi Henry- what more can possibly be said about this footballer? He's a class act, through and through. Henry seems to be settling quite nicely into the veteran role, teaching the young guns a degree of humility and focus that can only come from years of success. However, don't let him catch us discussing his role as one of an old wise man. He will surely be the first to point out that he seems to be reversing the aging process quite beautifully.
Can anyone step onto the pitch and give Barca the spectacular shooting match that it so desperately craves? Only former teammates C. Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney might have the chosen 10 men to back each of them up in an epic showdown to strip Barcelona of their crown.
In the meantime, joga bonito:
They look like little kids, having fun just playing football in their backyard.
No slight to Eto'o, but with the addition of Ibrahimovich, Barcelona look like they are on another planet. And so far, their opponents haven't even shown that they possess the advanced mechanics needed to fly to said planet and show up at game time!
Messi looks like he never wants to go back to Argentina again. I believe he has officially just signed a record-breaking 4o0 year deal to live and die in the Catalan Giants colors. Xavi looked pretty comfortable in the captain's armband last match, a new role for him.
I don't even think what Dani Alves keeps doing to the ball every time he steps up to take a free kick should be legal. FIFA needs to get that boy's striking foot checked for surgical implants and cyborg technology. The Brazilian is giving the kids in the streets of Juazeiro yet another reason to Samba (like they even needed one).
Titi Henry- what more can possibly be said about this footballer? He's a class act, through and through. Henry seems to be settling quite nicely into the veteran role, teaching the young guns a degree of humility and focus that can only come from years of success. However, don't let him catch us discussing his role as one of an old wise man. He will surely be the first to point out that he seems to be reversing the aging process quite beautifully.
Can anyone step onto the pitch and give Barca the spectacular shooting match that it so desperately craves? Only former teammates C. Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney might have the chosen 10 men to back each of them up in an epic showdown to strip Barcelona of their crown.
In the meantime, joga bonito:
They look like little kids, having fun just playing football in their backyard.
15 September 2009
Things that have already inspired future inspirations and inspiriators.
Neurosonics Audiomedical Labs Inc. from Chris Cairns on Vimeo.
& go look at this one: http://sorry-im-late.com/
"If you are pure spirit, you are not matter."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)