Maradawga

Not as bad as 2002 but still ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 17:43:00 +0000

Most people who read these things remember the 2002 photo spread of the men's national team in the New York Times that was so awful for its implied homosexuality. Not that I care if you the soccer player are gay or not (or anyone for that matter), but, c'mon US Soccer, we needed your help there and you didn't give it to us.

That said, I'm not linking to them. If you want to find them you can do it on your own.

The point of this post?

Reggie Bush in a photoshoot for GQ doesn't look like our soccer boys at alllllll. No, not at allllll.

Sure there important things afoot, but this is too funny ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 21:39:00 +0000

There are not many things that I've yet to accomplish since moving to New York. One of them, however, was having a legitimate conversation with a crazy person. And not only was she crazy, she was uppity as well.

Therefore, she is named CrazyUppity.

Last night, I convinced some friends to go watch the D.C. United - Red Bulls game at a bar around the corner from hockey practice. The bar was nothing special (I don't even remember the name) and, though it had been confirmed they'd show the game, had only Wheel of Fortune on their one television when we walked in. There were two people at the other end of the bar and CrazyUppity hanging out on the end near us. We took our seats.

Next to us sat a blond woman of obvious New York ancestry, probably in the 50 - 55 age range and not sharing her burger and beer with anyone. She looked like many of my relatives and certainly sounded as if she had just come in from the Island with an accent thick enough off which to bounce a ball.

After politely asking the bartender to change the channel to the Red Bulls, CrazyUppity asks us what that is. I respond, nicely, that it's a soccer game.

"Fuck that," was her reply. She instructed the bartender to put the Yankees or Mets game or some other real sport and that soccer was awful. Not asked, mind you, but instructed.

CU: Soccer's awful. Put on a real sport.

Me: What's wrong with soccer?

CU: It's a boring ass sport that only pansies play.

My friend quickly commented that the Yankees game wasn't on (even though I think it was) and she eventually relented.

But she wasn't done. CrazyUppity continued railing against soccer and all the variations thereof. According to her, she hates the American team but is happy that Italy one because she's an "American-born of Italian descent." It kills me that at this point I completely forgot to ask her why she hated America.

Me: Are you a communist?

CU: No, I'm a pure-blooded American.

Me: Then why didn't you root for America?

CU: Cause I hate them. I'm glad everyone beat their asses. Especially Italy, which is my team. (ed note: We tied Italy 1-1 in the only good game we played) I'm American-born of Italian descent.

Me: You should like the American team if you're a real American (ed note: If you have Hulk Hogan's entrance theme in your head now, my apologies)

CU: I'm glad when Brazil beat their asses.

Me: We actually beat Brazil last time we played them in Copa America.

CU: Whatever, I hate the American team.

I did ask her if she's a communist, though. She said she wasn't. She also thought her idiot friends are insane because they were all rooting for Brazil for some reason.

Wait. It gets better.

After some brief quiet time, she tells me I must not be from around here. Did I move to the South? I thought those of us below the Mason-Dixon had dibs on the phrase.

Anyway, a heated argument ensues.

CU: You weren't born here, though.

Me: I have a long lineage from this city.

CU: But you're not from here.

CU: Where are you from?

Me: North Carolina.

CU: Winston-Salem or Greensboro? Those are both awful towns.

Me: Greensboro. And I don't appreciate that.

CU: Then what are you doing here? You don't live here.

Me: Actually, I do live here.

CU: Makes sense. This is where it's at. There's nothing down in North Carolina but rednecks. It's so slow. This is the center of civilization. It's bad enough you're from Greensboro unlike those idiots in Winston-Salem. (ed note: That's the first time anyone outside of my high school has ever insulted Winston-Salem specifically.)

Most of the time was spent with my friends pleading with me to stop jousting with her. True, it's something I wouldn't have done five years ago but, hey, this is the new me, capable of verbal reparté with crazy people.

We played four country songs on the jukebox when we left and, frankly, I totally want to go back and go at it with her again. I still don't believe I didn't ask her why she hated America.

Interesting tidbit ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 15:39:00 +0000

Saw this in Jack Bell's article in the New York Times today.

D.C. United is expected to announce the signing of Matías Donnet, a 26-year-old Argentine midfielder. M.L.S. has received a $2 million offer for Kansas City striker Eddie Johnson from West Bromwich Albion of England.

To that I say this: Take it, Garberinho, as fast as you can.

What a Week ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 19:29:00 +0000

The news that Real Salt Lake has broken ground on its Sandy stadium today caps an amazing week for MLS. Five sold out international exhibitions including two of MLS teams versus the world's best, two new stadium groundbreakings set and an All-Star team win over Chelsea is something that even last year didn't seem very likely.

But it's the stadium thing that's got me thinking. Even though it's not "official", apparently, the RSL stadium seems to be all set to be up and running for the summer of '08.

And that means that nine teams could have their own SSS (or be in total control of scheduling of their stadium) by July 4, 2008: New York, RSL, Colorado, L.A., Chivas, Chicago, Columbus, Toronto and Dallas. I can't remember if the Nationals are out of RFK by 2008 or 2009.

Which gets me thinking ... this could be the July 4, 2008, slate of games:

D.C. at New York - Red Bull Park

Chivas at RSL - Sandy Stadium

New England at Chicago - Toyota Park

TBD Expansion Team at Colorado - Commerce City Stadium

Houston at L.A. - HDC

K.C. at Dallas - Pizza Hut Park

Toronto at Columbus - Columbus Crew Stadium

Combined with fireworks shows ... could that be the first date in Major League Soccer history where a day's games, involving all of the league's teams, are completely sold out and all in soccer specific stadiums?

Tantalizing.

More good stadium news ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:51:00 +0000

According to It's a Simple Game, there's hope yet for David Beckham to stick the first shovel in the ground.

"If Salt Lake City mayor Rocky Anderson is to be believed, there will be a groundbreaking for the stadium tomorrow. At least that is what he said on the Doug Wright show on local radio station KSL."

That's a lot of stadium news in one day. Could you imagine a day in 2008 when all games being held in a day are in a SSS? Wow.

Some Good Stadium News

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:41:00 +0000

In the good stadium news department, it looks like K.C. is barreling towards a deal to keep them in K.C. (hat tip: DuNord). Mr. Checketts, if you're listening, please copy and paste that formula for acquiring a stadium into your own.

In other news, although I don't have my own Bob the Janitor, I have heard that the official announcement of the Red Bull Park groundbreaking (with new renderings that look very sweet) could be coming as early as today. (EDIT: Looks like it's official.)

Finally, some good stadium news.

MLS in the real world ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 16:12:00 +0000

It's easy, being as immersed as we all are, to forget that there's a whole big world out there that doesn't care about (or even know) MLS.

So while this article is full of minute errors and assumptions, it's a good snapshot of what people think of MLS right now.

So much to say ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 18:33:00 +0000

Well, aside from showing me to be a Dave Matthews fan, that accurately represents what's happening with our favorite little league this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

All-Stars over Chelsea. D.C. tying Real Madrid (and selling out in less than three weeks). New TV deal (biggest thing to happen to the league. Ever.). Youth systems. Red Bull Park groundbreaking on September 19.

That all goes to show the slow but steady progress soccer is having in this country. What's that they say about a rising tide lifting all boats?

In the coming years, soccer will start to make inroads as an accepted sport in the U.S. And it won't always be MLS. It's going to be frustrating for those of us who think of D.C. first when someone mentions United or Houston when someone says Dynamo ... but we're just going to have to be patient.

Last year at this time, you wouldn't see this on CNNSI.com's homepage and there's no way you would have seen this on ESPN.com. There would have been on ESPN.com sponsored Premier League fantasy game last year and there was no way the premier ESPN columnist would have been devoting an entire column to his new love for the beautiful game.

Some people ask why it's hard for us to enjoy this and why all we see is disrespect when the Sports Guy isn't picking Chivas USA (not saying D is whining or anything, it's just the best post I remember about the situation). "They're not paying attention to our baby!" we reply, hoping that somewhere someone will just shine a light on something that we love.

Well, someone did. John Skipper did (and if you don't know his name you betta' find out who he is and then send flowers his way). Jose Mournihno did. Adidas did.

Now it's time for us to force the spotlight on ourselves. Take someone to see their first game and be hero.

Without spending $150 million in the process.

Dempsey going overseas?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 21:53:00 +0000

On their site today, Eurosport's rumors section reported if their pursuit of Tranquillo Barnetta falls through, West Ham is looking at Clint Dempsey as a second choice.

I don't know if he passes the Work permit issue, but if there's not a more perfect team for Deuce to end up on, I don't know what is.

Verrrrry interesting ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 19:51:00 +0000

Who is this Amado Guevara fellow that's playing so well for the Red Bulls?

The bright side of a bad situation ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 17:44:00 +0000

So apparently Uncle Dave is bringing MLS into the modern era of American sports by threatening to move the team out of town if he doesn't get money for a stadium (I think his request is entirely reasonable -- what business isn't going to need infrastructure improvements?).

That said, it's interesting to note St. Louis as a possible destination. What's the bright side of that?

At least they wouldn't have to change the initials; they could still be RSL.

Response to a soccer hater ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 14:55:00 +0000

I started responding to this guy and didn't stop until I passed a bunch of characters, so I reposted it here.

Hey Jay,

Let's look at your post point by point:

1) As of 2004, and it's the last stats I could find, almost a third of homes by 2008 will have a DVR allowing many fans to watch games "live" with a 30 minute delay in order to avoid commercials. I know that when I watch Georgia football games (Go Dawgs!) that I always start them 30 - 45 minutes late so that I can skip listening to Vern Lundquist wax poetically during halftime. Usually by the time I've fast forwarded all the commercials (and the injuries and the instant replay), I'm usually caught up to the game in the late fourth quarter.

All this goes to prove is that Americans don't love commercials. I watch Chicago Bears games at a bar here in NYC and nothing says fun like a bunch of pissed off, drunk, tired-because-they've-been-there-for-four-hours Bears fans sitting through yet another commercial break waiting for the game to start up again. Americans don't love commercials, although I agree we are a fast food nation, and I think soccer's lack of commercials will be something that works toward soccer's favor, not its detriment.

2) No American based TV station has taken the risk on International FIFA soccer, reason being no breaks in play for commercials.

That's actually not true. ESPN/ABC/Disney paid $100 million for the rights to the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Univision, though aimed at a Spanish speaking market, paid $325 million for US rights for the same cups. That's $425 million for rights to the next two World Cups based on American viewing habits.

12 million English-speaking Americans watched this year's final on ABC while 5 millions Spanish-speaking Americans watched. That's 17 million fans who tuned into or just less than 1/3 of the entire population of England (1/3 of the UK population being what tuned in to the game -- appx. 20 million).

That was nearly triple the audience for the last championship game in 2002 and, overall, it ranked as the third most-watched men's soccer game on ABC.

3. My advise for televised soccer here is air it on public broadcast or put channels from overseas on cable so people can watch Manchester United, Arsenel, and any of the Italian Sierie A league.

Fox Soccer Channel and Gol TV both air European games (FSC has Premier league rights and Gol focuses on La Liga and Serie A) so fans with cable can see every game their heart desires. At least here in New York, and I know we're different from everywhere, I always see fans up early on Saturday morning headed to the pub to catch the latest games.

Fans can also catch American soccer on ESPN and ESPN2 as well as having almost every match streamed live on MLSnet.com.

4. Some will say we have the MLS. Yes, we do. What superstars do we have playing in the MLS?

This is the thing that always gets me about this argument ... well, because we don't have great players in MLS we shouldn't watch it. MLS, indeed, doesn't have the greatest players in teh world.

It is, also, only 10 years old and for fans of soccer, it gives not only an American fan a chance to see high quality players (Carlos Ruiz, Dwayne De Rosario, Landon Donovan, Paco Palencia and for another year, Freddy Adu) who have either starred on the world's stage or will star soon up close and personal. It also gives young American fans, like New England's Michael Parkhurst, to see that soccer in American has a future and that he doesn't have to quit playing when he reaches seventh grade so he can pick up gridiron football or basketball or, G-d forbid, golf, because there's nowhere to go with it.

In addition, because of globalization and Europe's goal of finding young, cheap talent, many Americans are heading overseas at younger ages in order to fill out rosters and get great experience which they in turn bring back to the American national team infusing it with new ideas and talent that eventually helps us get better as a national team.

There's so much to be excited about in regards to soccer in America but only if viewed in a long-term frame. Looking at soccer as a snapshot now is looking at the NFL in 1940 when no one kenw about it and thought nothing would ever beat a Yankees game in the afternoon (I'd still say not much beats a Yankee game on a spring afternoon but that's beside the point).

So this is my extra-long, non-confrontational disagreement with your post. Soccer in America has a bright future. The present ain't that bad either.

Liveblog of US - Ghana

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 13:41:00 +0000

Final: A friend of mine compares Arena to Dom Capers ... that's the most accurate thing I can think of right now. "The World No Longer Wants to Play You". In what ... tiddlywinks?

Final: Let's just hope MLS isn't folding as we speak (that's a joke). It's up to our domestic league to create better players to help us compete on the world's stage.

Final: Donovan, Beasley, Johnson. That's supposed to be the holy triumverate. Whoever the next coach of the US is (and it better not be Arena -- he's a good coach but he's taken us as far as we can go) has got to make people start challenging for their place. Too much is taken for granted with this team. I don't even know if it's new players but Reyna, McBride, etc., those guy's time is done.

Final: US falls 2-1 to Ghana and finishes fourth in the group. No wins. One goal scored by us. 4-5-1 the whole way through. A disappointing World Cup for us and completely devoid of inspiration. Congrats to Ghana. They are the better side this week.

93: This the same way we played in game 3 in 2002. Bruce should be let go.

90: Five minutes of stoppage time and Olsen gets a great shot! that is blocked and Ghana gets the ball back and takes it into our end and Ghana earns a foul. Milking it.

90: Ghana gets a shot off and almost scores. 'Celo praises US effort ... I think we played scared not to lose. Ridiculous.

90: Ghana fans booking passage into the next round. They'll face Brazil and we'll have Eddie Pope and Clint Dempsey and Jimmy Conrad and Ben Olsen back playing MLS in two weeks.

89: Beasley plays for a Dempsey run as Italy finishes up their game with a 2-0 win. Did what we needed. We didn't handle the business.

89: Ball going everywhere. No real chances for the US.

87: Corner garners nothing. Another shot over the bar.

86: Corner to the US while Pimpong stays down from some random foul that no one saw. Allows Ghana to get back and get water.

84: Cross in to Boca who tries to head a low ball with the back of his head and pops it over the goal.

82: Italy scores again. They're doing everything to help us but we can't do it. We get on a break, Convey with a chance and floats a cross too far so we don't get a chance to finish.

Note: Boca made a great play to deny a Ghana chance.

81: Convey gets drilled NFL DB style on the edge of the 18. If we're going to do something, let's do it now ... Donovan takes ... horrible. Too long and wide trying to float it to Dempsey on the back post.

80: 10 minutes to go. You guys feel like playing yet?

79: McBride goes after a jump ball and Kingson goes down as if he's been shot.

78: US out of ideas. Just lobbing long balls down the field.

75: Ghana offensive player goes down and keeps himself on the gorund while Dempsey plays it out. Nice sportsmanship but only 13 minutes left in the game.

75: Johnson gets a foot on it but out for a GK.

74: Convey is coming in for Lewis. I don't understand this at all.

73: Ghana gets a counter opportunity but Conrad gets in the way.

73: Beasley with a foul on the left flank.

71: We've got to take some more chances. This is ridiculous.

70: Eddie Lewis offsides this time.

70: To be honest, Ben Olsen has played pretty well. Though we're wasting too many good opportunities.

69: Donovan offsides. He's been invisible today.

67: Boca has a go and earns a corner. Taken by Donovan ... AND GOOCH JUST HIGH! Argh.

66: Another cross in and Kingson plays it away!

65: McBride nearly ties it! Drills the outside of the post and it bounces back.

64: Ghana with all 11 men back. They have to give up 2 to not go through.

64: Drummond gets tremendous jump and is wide open all the way down the left and US lucks out when he can't cross well and is cleared out for GK.

63: Keller handles weak cross in. Keller punts it all the way down the field and Kingson picks it up.

61: Wonder what Freddy Adu is thinking right now.

61: EJ coming on for Cherundolo. I don't understand that ... what the heck is the formation now? Who cares. Just run around and SOMEONE SCORE!

60: O'Brien salivating over EJ who is now putting his jersey on.

59: Ghana brings in Eric Addo (who rules for PSV on Championship Manager) for Amoah. Defensive substitution.

58: Dempsey gets to endline and crosses into the box but easy for Kingson.

57: Dangerous Ghana cross just goes wide of the net.

57: Too much time wasted by the US right now. Too much time.

55: Ghana player injured in the box. They have to take him off. Down to 10 for corner by Donovan ... short corner to Beasley which doesn't get us anything. Ghana counters and long shot by Amoah tipped wide by Keller.

54: Apparently US players now warming up. Perhaps they heard 'Celo. Ghana called for a high kick near the corner flag. Pseudo corner for the US taken by Donovan ... dangerous. Cleared out by Ghana for a corner.

52: If the ball isn't played right to Beasley, he's not going to make the effort to go get it.

51: 'Celo says he wouldn't have waited to put Johnson in. Notes that no one for the US is warming up.

50: US doing too much screwing around.

49: We better get this time back.

47: Essien goes down and stays down. Beasley was going to start a counter but graciously plays it out.

46: Donovan floats a cross in and Kingson comes out to snag it.

46: Ghana kicks off, US going left to right on your TV screen.

46: No changes for the US. Incredible.

Halftime: Italy and Czechs come back out. It looks like Italy is going to win this. We're getting a golden opportunity. Time to take advantage of it.

Halftime: Alright, since we've already used one sub, here's the idea. Out comes Lewis, Beaz out left and Johnson in up top. We have to score twice and we're clogging the center of the field and STILL giving up counters. Let Benny stay back and let the other five go forward with Beaz and Dempsey tracking back.

Halftime: The US has avoided the right side of the field for most of the game. It's frustrating but we're clogging the midfield. Look at it this way, we've given up 2 with 9 men behind the ball, we can't do much worse with only 8 guys back.

Halftime: Apparently the Czechs have had a player sent off. We've got everything going our way, we're going to need to follow through on our end of the bargain.

Halftime: US looked like they weren't ready to play for the first 40 minutes and Dempsey's goal really shook them back to life. I'm not sure what we're going to do but we have to bring in another attacker and get forward. They counter well, but we don't go through with only a draw. Losing 4-1 is the same as 2-2.

Halftime: We've got to be more aggressive. 45 minutes and we need two goals. Johnson has to come on.

47: US gives all the momentm right back. Gooch called for a bogus foul on Pimpong in the box. PK taken by Appiah and .... buried in the back of the net. 2-1 Ghana.

44: CLINT MOTHERFUCKING DEMPSEY! Beasley steals a ball back, streaks down the left, crosses a pinpoint perfect pass to Dempsey and Clint BURIES the ball in the Ghana net. I take back everything I said about Beaz.

43: Essien dives but doesn't get the card and earns a foul. Free kick passed to the right and then shot wide.

43: Essien dives but doesn't get the card and earns a foul. Free kick passed to the right and then shot wide.

42: Dempsey makes a great run into the box but can't get the final pass off.

41: Reyna has to come off and ... Ben Olsen comes in. Ben Fucking Olsen is playing in the most important game the US has played.

39: Lewis gets in behind Ghana defense, crosses in but everyone slips trying to slow down for the ball.

38: Corner from Donovan not high enough, nodded it out and Ghana counters. Now controlling in the attacking third. We get the ball back and are streaking forward until Dempsey leaves it for Beaz who just stops. Kills momentum.

36: Dolo earns a foul on the right edge of the box, cross in from Lewis ... Kingson knocks away a dangerous ball.

35: US' first good chance. Long ball to McHead who nods it down to Donovan who can't get it on target from 14 yards.

34: It's not like we have Koller up top ... why do we keep floating in long balls into the box?

33: Ghana player (#7) picks up a yellow for a headball challenge on Dempsey. Dempsey could play for Italy, he goes down at a stiff wind.

32: Ghana continues to put pressure on the US before turning it over on a handball.

31: 'Celo is spot on so far. We look slow and uninterested.

29: If Bruce doesn't put Johnson in for Beaz at half, he should be fired on the spot.

29: US looks dangerous for first time today, Reyna gives it away and Pimpong nearly scores (like, inches away) on the counter. We're awful so far.

28: Reyna's back on the field. He's killing me today.

27: ITALY SCORES! We have to come back and win this game.

26: Lewis with a corner from the left ... Kingson comes out to knock it away. Looked dangerous for a second. US gets one more chance on the attack and heads meekly to the keeper.

23: Reyna gives the ball away on our 20 and #23 dribbles in for the easy goal. Now Reyna seems down with a left knee injury. He's done for the day.

20: Conrad dives back to clear a good cross from Ghana and heads it out for a coner. Appiah with the corner .... whistle in the middle and we're going the good guys' way.

20: Donovan looks like he forced a corner kick but is incorrectly ruled offsides. Win some, lose some.

19: Gooch fouls in the midfield and luckily does not pick up a second yellow. He'd be out against Brazil if we go through.

18: Lewis comes back on and US continues to misfire trying to get the ball out to the left.

17: Corner for the US. Gooch comes up ... Dempsey gets a head on it but right at the keeper.

16: Lewis gets cut on a header challenge. Adrian!

15: Italy match: Czechs get a great shot on goal but Buffon keeps it out.

15: Donovan tries to reach the end of a free kick from the top of the box but heads meekly to the keeper.

14: Both teams look tentative. Ghana doesn't want to make a mistake and the left side of the US offense looks allergic to the left side of the field.

13: McBride offsides on fantastic scoring opportunity.

11: Very dangerous turnover by Beasley (shite!) turns into a counter that Ghana is just offsides on.

9: Free kick taken to top of the box and Essien shot goes well right.

9: Conrad gives up a foul in a hugely dangouers area right outside the box on the right side.

8: Eddie Lewis picks up a card from Markus Merk for intentional handball even though it doesn't appear to be intentinoal.

5: Yellow to Essien for a rough foul on Captain America.

5: Ghana plays with the ball in the back, keeping possession.

3: Dempsey and McHead go for a ball int he box and foul on US. Ghana player shaken up. Good job by Lewis to get ball back in box.

2: Gooch tries long ball down right to Dolo. US Looks for cross to McBride but keeper nabs it.

1st minute: US kicks off going right to left on your TV screen.

10:01: Kickoff! Also, Italy kicks off with Czechs. Forza Italia!

9:59: Ghana comes out in 4-4-2. Are we actively trying to lose?

9:58: US fans sound in full voice singing along to national anthem. We need the 12th man.

9:57: O Say can you see ...

9:56: Ghana anthem is on. More people join us in the office to watch the game.

9:54: It's hard to work up much hate for Ghana but Adam comes up with a winner: Ghana About to Discover that Beating U.S. Means No More AIDS Funding.

9:53: Flags are presented. I stand up and sing along to the national anthem.

9:51: Ok, he's not as bad as Brent Musberger, but he's not good at all.

9:51: Dave O'Brien comes on the air. I wish I could just tune him out. Worst. Announcer. Ever.

9:49: The Gatorade "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" ad comes on. It becomes harder and harder to hate the drink the Lizards make.

9:48: Julie Foudy is blathering on about something to do with the midfield. All I can think is EJ is our best player and Beaz has mailed it in all tournament. I'm not listening, I'm mostly just sitting here trying not to puke up the bagel I had.

9:44: The US roster is announced. Bruce has lost his mind. 4-5-1 with Dempsey, Reyna, Lewis, Beasley, and Donovan in the midfield.

9:38: More ads on ESPN for this crazy show on ABC tonight about people power sliding tractor trailers into parallel parking spots.

9:37: It's been a busy time, but nothing is more important than this morning's Ghana game. The following is a liveblog of the most important game in the history of US soccer and the start of the most hyperbole used in a two hour period ... ever.

Of Red Cards and Red Faces ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 13:37:00 +0000

I wonder if Steve Nicol, esteemed talent evaluator and, oh, also coach of the New England Revolution of "the" MLS, was watching the Trinidad and Tobago game last week. Well, I'm betting he was because his rarely-used fullback, Avery John, was playing for T&T.

I wonder, also, if when Nicol saw John go studs up and earn a straight red, if his exact reaction wasn't "That's why you don't f****'in play for your club team!"

I think it might have been something like that.

Welcome to the end of days ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 17:45:00 +0000

Real Salt Lake and the number 11.

What do those two things have in common?

Well, as of today, Real Salt Lake, the most inept looking franchise through seven games this season, now has 11 points on the season. That's one more than Chivas USA (though the Goats have two games in hand) and four more than the Galaxy. True, we're only 1/3 of a way through the season but as of this point, RSL are in the playoffs.

Let me repeat that, RSL, as of today, are in the playoffs.

Did anyone see this team play earlier this season? They were horrible. Not just Chivas USA bad (in which they battled around but couldn't seem to turn the corner), the Monarchs were flat out awful. By far the worst team in the league.

So, someone, tell me what changed? Is it just pure dumb luck that the team has caught fire just as their opponents have been eviscerated (got L.A., K.C. and the 'pids after WC callups and the Fire at the end of a 9-game road trip)? Did it just take seven games for the talent to jell? Since it's 6-6-06, can we postulate that John Ellinger really did sell his soul to the devil?

Someone fill me in. What's in the water by the Great Salt Lake?

Is that Roberto Carlos?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 14:00:00 +0000

No, it's Ritchie Kotschau!

Holy crap lions.

Corporate takeover of the Free Beer Movement ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 16:16:00 +0000

I commend all of you who are taking your friends to MLS games this summer and buying people a beer. Later this summer, I will be taking a friend of mine to a game locally and buying him a beer (or soda, or whatever he drinks).

However, if you live in the greater Columbus area, the Crew, awful on the field as they may be, are making it easier for you to participate in the Free Beer Movement:

The Crew Cup Kickoff Party

Basically, you get a beer stein when buying this package and can redeem that stein for cheap beer during World Cup watch parties at Crew Stadium. Imported beer, at that.

Two snaps for Los Amarillo.

Great to be an American soccer fan...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 May 2006 16:28:00 +0000

Sorry for my protracted absence. I know you were chomping at the bit for more second-hand analysis ... so I return to give it to you.

One of the few great things about being an American soccer fan, with its derth of coverage and lack of mass-communication is that you can, as I did, DVR the American national team's game and not have to worry about running into the score before you get a chance to watch it later that night.

Impressive, to say the least.

As for teh game, I was greatly surprised that we didn't give up a goal. It was an exciting, entertaining affair in which we should have posted 7 or 8 on the scoreboard but the two we got were nice. It almost looked like a glorified MLS match. Except for the 30,000 in the stands. Cleveland rocks, indeed.

A glorified MLS match, sure, but one thing stood out above all others: Who's this Bobby Convey kid anyway and how can he possibly not be starting on the left side of whatever formation Los Americanos throw out there on June 12. He was Dick Vitale-awesome on Friday night. Super, scintillating, sensational.

I love Bones but in no way should he be starting ahead of Convey right now. The only downside to Convey's workrate is he's blown his load by the 65th minute and he's got to come out. Not bad to put a guy like DMB in behind him, though.

D.C. United alumni continuing to make us proud. It's nice to know that Freddy Adu the previous can lay the groundwork for what's possible with Freddy Adu the present.

Virtual fellatio

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 14:43:00 +0000

Stephen Goff at the WaPo continues to be the best beat writer in the league.

The salary of every MLS player »

Quavas Kirk, Memo Gonzalez and Nik Besagno should be arrested because they are STEALING MONEY from their MLS teams.

The week that was ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 23:48:00 +0000

I guess it's only a good idea if I do it weekly ... so, here's another for this week.

Five and Five: Five things I liked from the weekend that was in Major League Soccer; five things I didn't like.

Things I liked:

1. Alecko Eskandarian. I don't really care that much for the guy (in that he's the guy I love to hate because he's a cocky sob) but fantastic goal celebration. Hell, it made PTI today. It gives MLS more of what I've always said it needs: sports hate. D has his take on it while many other people to whom I won't link because I'm lazy like that weigh in.

My thought. O'Rourke should have put a boot up Esky's ass. His not doing so proved to me all I needed to know about this year's Red Bulls.

2. Husting Hoops. Nice job by Kenny Cooper and Aaron Pitchkolan in Sunday's win over the Blues. Cooper should have drawn a penalty, and, yes, Bo Bo should have punched that ball somewhere into the vicinity of Plano, but neither happened and Cooper's husting gets him a goal (and the worst celebration ever ... more on that later). Pitchkolan made up for his lack of playing time by running full bore for his entire time on the field, making something happen and getting the Hoops the three points.

3. Crew Nation! I didn't get to see the game (yes, HDnet pays MLS a rights fee -- bet you didn't know that with all the hubub about the ESPN/ABC rights-fee deal for next year -- but would it kill you to make it available online if you're exclusive?) but it's nice to see the Bees pick up three points. That team will be good in two years or so ... they just have to get through this year.

4. 8,475 people in the NYC metro area. That's how many people Red Bull said showed up to the game. I was there and I think they're actually probably close. Kudos to you folks for braving a miserable day and coming out to a game (even if you did hide, like me, under the overhang). Also, kudos to the DC fans and ESC who gave at least a little energy (haha, I keel me) to an otherwise drab affair.

5. MLSLIVE.tv. Ok, so it would have been nice if you could have launched this when you said you were going to launch it, and I'd appreciate it if you would not show me the score of the game in the player window, but the game that you did sell me for $20 loaded perfectly. I don't mind paying for the service. Just stop showing me the score.

Five things I didn't like:

1. You're owner manufactures an energy drink? Just a miserable performance by the Red Bulls. Even D noticed that New York never adjusted to the field which you think they'd be able to considering it's their home pitch. I can't remember how many balls were splayed out of bounds because no one seemed to notice that the ball might run a bit on the wet, slick surface. Just a miserable display. Hopefully they weren't fighting for their coach's life because if they were, Mo's a dead man.

2. Amado Geeeee-vara. I don't know what I can say about this guy other than just a miserable performance. I guess his performance matched the team's but he just deserves to be called out for a horrendous performance.

3. The Wizards big three. Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff and Davy Arnaud had no goals on Sunday. At one point, the Wizzle had FIVE forwards on the field and only Alex Zotinca could get on the board. Speaking of Zotinca, at what point are we no longer going to have players in our top flight outdoor league who didn't come here to play indoor ball?

4. Real Salt Lake. I didn't think their performance was actually that bad ... but seriously, what does it take for that team to get a win?

5. Stoppage time. Someone was, rightfully, complaining about this on BigSoccer. Seven minutes in the Crew game. Five minutes in the Dallas game.

That's too much time! If the teams can't get it done in 91 or 92 minutes, then too bad.

Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 16:36:00 +0000

Sorry for the disappearance; holidays and travel'll do that to you.

The lineup I expect to see Saturday at Giants Stadium:

                           Buddle

    Peguero

              Guevara -- Djorkaeff

                     O'Rourke

Henderson                                   Wynne

         Mendes -- Graham -- Canero

                      Meola

I don't see how this is going to work but it appears to be the case (after the rumored trade of Thiago Martins and a first-round pick to the 'Pids for JP).

Weird stuff, mang.

Can we still call them the Wizzle?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 16:34:00 +0000

Good news from the Yellow Brick Roadsters. (video link)

Apparently the sale of the Wizards could go down in less than a month to Neal Patterson, founder and president of health-care giant Cerner. Also, there seems to be some public support for an FC Dallas-like Johnson County stadium project which is always a good thing.

If this goes down, this would get us to only four teams which didn't have individual owners: the AEG three (Houston, Chicago and D.C.) and Columbus/Dallas (whichever one HSG doesn't keep).

Exciting times. Does the 2005-2006 offeseason mean we get Garberhiño nominated for Sports Commissioner of the Year?

Budgetary Considerations

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 00:12:00 +0000

There's been lots of hype, both within the league and from the outside, around the Red Bulls home opener. As well there should be.

The team, from what I've heard, could very well sell out the game. Now, a lot of this is directly attributable to Dietrich Mateschitz and Red Bull blowing it out for this one. Shakira and Wyclef, Pele and Franz won't be here for every game but of 80,000, if 25-30k come back on a regular basis then you've got the making of the new MLS attendance leader.

And when the team moves into a 25k seat stadium, then you've got the making of a hot ticket. It'd help if the team could win, though.

That said, something caught my eye the other day and has caused me concern. Apparently Red Bull and Ronaldo (yes, the Cup-winning Real Madrid striker) are interested in each other for after the World Cup this summer.

"I hope Dietrich and Red Bull can pull it off because it would be wonderful," Red Bulls coach Mo Johnston said.

Then the coach quipped with a laugh: "I don't think we can afford his hairdresser, and Ronaldo doesn't have any hair."

Now, I don't really think this is going to happen but this rumor, combined with the rumor that Donadoni (after being sacked in Italy despite being on the verge of UEFA) might come back to coach the team if Mo doesn't get the squad rolling, has me worried that fitting into MLS supposedly-rigid spending ways won't be possible for the Austrian Overlords.

If they can pay for Ronaldo's transfer fee, combined with fitting him into the salary structure (back loaded with a free apartment in Soho, etc.), who's to stop them? And how does Columbus (with Danny Szetela) and Salt Lake (Cunny's a stud, sure) match up with this? If they start trying to break the bank, does MLS turn into the NASL?

If they don't, does Red Bull really become the Super Club? And if MLS says nein to Mr. Mateschitz in bringing in Ronaldo, does he take his money and go home? Let's be honest, Pepsi offered him $67 billion for Red Bull ... he's not lacking for cash.

Gaste el dinero, Chivas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 15:00:00 +0000

I like Chivas USA, I really do. They're one of my favorite teams to watch because I like the way they play and, admittedly, I want to see them succeed.

But the following occured to me yesterday while Las Chivas were announcing the acquisition of US International John O'Brien at the Home Depot Center.

Claudio Suarez: Mexican International

'Paco' Palencia: Mexican International

Juan Pablo Garcia: Mexican International

John O'Brien: U.S. International

Ante Razov: Making at least $200k

Brad Guzan: US national team player pool

With five internationals and at least one more guy making the max ... how are they even close to under the salary 'budget'?

Five and Five

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 15:53:00 +0000

Hopefully a new permanent Monday-morning look at the week just passed.

Five things I liked from this weekend:

New fans. All of the games this weekend had at least 18,000 fans there and many of the stadiums had over 20,000. Houston by far was the biggest surprise as nice weather helped a healthy walkup and nudged (the) Dynamo over 25k.

New faces. A lot of the rookies from last year, as well as a few young'uns from this year's crop, played very well. Mostly I'd like to call out Roberto Mina, Kenny Cooper, Kei Kamara, Matt Groenwald and Sasha Klejstan. I thought all of those guys stepped into starting roles they didn't previously have and did a pretty good job. Especially Kamara ... I think that kid is going to be a very good player in this league. He's wicked fast.

Another kid I was really impressed with is Marvell Wynne. I didn't think he'd adapt to MLS as fast as he did (no pun intended) but his speed cancels out a lot of his technical shortcomings. I think as he gets more comfortable he'll start moving forward more in attack.

Familiar faces. Aside from Eddie Johnson's ridiculous 8-pack, the former FC Dallas man and current Wizzle Wizard had a fine debut for the Blues on Saturday. In addition to the goal, just having him on the field really opened up space up top for K.C. and allowed them to attack mercilessly. That and a pourous Columbus D.

ETA: Oh, I almost forgot. Welcome back, Esky. I'm not a big fan of his but it's nice to see him back on the field and healthy. Now I can go back to hating his game with a clean moral conscience.

Chivas USA. The laughingstock of the league last year looked lethal on Sunday, picking apart an admittedly lackluster RSL side. Ante Razov may very well catch Jason Kreis in the goal-scoring charts before Carlos Ruiz if he keeps up this pace though I should temper my expectations, I know, because I could have sworn Columbus would have won the league after last year's First Kick victory over the Gals.

Red Bulls. Bringing 800 fans to D.C. and upping the ante on an already good rivalry really accentuated the play on the field. Yeah, they're the same ol' team (can't protect a lead, can't hold the midfield) but at least it's a point in the first game.

Five things I didn't like from this weekend:

Freddy Adu. The kid had an ok game notching two assists and when he looks up to pass the ball, he made great reads and even better placement on his passes (especially the one that set up the second goal). Still, would it kill you to pass more often, son? I know you have more individual skill than just about anyone else in MLS but you don't have to beat everyone off the dribble. You've got some other good teammates, too.

Real Salt Lake. Where was the fire, lads? Where was the heart? Where was even a semblance of tactical organization? Granted it's just one game, and L.A. came back from a 3-0 drubbing last year to do pretty well, but I don't see Landon Donovan falling in your laps this year. Does this start the Ellinger hot-seat watch?

Galaxy. After a touching tribute to Doug Hamilton, the L.A. Galaxy I remember finally stepped on the field. I don't like L.A. even when they are playing well so it goes without saying that I didn't like their gameplan on Saturday. New England manhandled the the gold and green and kept them from getting anything set up. You have this guy on your team named Landon. I've heard he's pretty good. Perhaps you should try and get him the ball.

Clint Mathis. Talk a bunch of crap about Ellinger and then go off after 19 minutes? If EJ's 8-pack made me embarrased, it should have shamed you and your pudgy self since you, y'know, get paid to be in shape.

BigSoccer. There were six good games, great crowds and beautiful color on TV all weekend and all these yahoos do is complain the whole time. Oooh, we're going to have to pay for games online. Oooh, MLS isn't on FSC. Oooh, the referees are horrible. MLS is back after what seems like a longer offseason than ever, has a bunch of great storylines and you guys can't just shut up and enjoy the weekend for a change? C'mon.