EVERYONE IS GOING TO SKIP THIS SECTION BECAUSE SOCCER IS BORING.
VCU/Richmond loves soccer
EVERYONE IS GOING TO SKIP THIS SECTION BECAUSE SOCCER IS BORING. An my God, do they! Perhaps the largest blessing in disguise getting t...
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
September 26, 2011
September 11, 2011
Since there was little MLS action over Labor Day Weekend, I decided to hold off on the Power Rankings for a week before churning out a new list. It in itself, felt like a miniature vacation from league action, but it’s nice to return what will be an extremely heated playoff race, as well as a neck-and-neck Supporters’ Shield race.
MLS Power Rankings: Week 26
Since there was little MLS action over Labor Day Weekend, I decided to hold off on the Power Rankings for a week before chur...
August 18, 2011
The Lone Star State continues to bring the country mounts of joy. As if FC Dallas nabbing a 1–0 road victory in Mexico to UNAM was great, and monumental, a rather secondary piece of news hits the blogosphere.
That's Clint Dempsey, who scored twice for Fulham in the UEFA Europa League as the Cottages defeated Dnipro of Ukranie 3–0 in the first leg of the playoff round. Below are his goals.
FC Dallas 1-0 UNAM Pumas: CONCACAF Champions League Highlights
That's Clint Dempsey, who scored twice for Fulham in the UEFA Europa League as the Cottages defeated Dnipro of Ukranie 3–0 in the first leg of the playoff round. Below are his goals.
Dempsey's First Goal
Dempsey's Second
FC Dallas 1-0 UNAM Pumas: CONCACAF Champions League Highlights
Texas soccer apex
The Lone Star State continues to bring the country mounts of joy. As if FC Dallas nabbing a 1–0 road victory in Mexico to UNAM was great, an...
August 07, 2011
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| Photo via Flickr user Goose #19. Used with the CC BY-ND 2.0 License. |
The twenty-first week of the 2011 Major League Soccer season saw the league heavyweights, except New York (if you still consider them a “heavyweight”) return back to their normal status. Along with a return to normalcy, we got a glimpse of some very, very young talent and their professional potentially. Ahem, Luis Gill and Diego Fagundez. And finally, following a wild draw in the nation’s capital, Toronto FC just never meant to win soccer matches. We also are beginning to see the start of what will be a wild race for the wild card berths in the playoffs. Good move, MLS. You did well expanding the playoffs. And I earnestly mean that.
2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 21
Photo via Flickr user Goose #19 . Used with the CC BY-ND 2.0 License . The twenty-first week of the 2011 Major League Soccer season s...
July 31, 2011
We had to, at least according to the fan about two rows behind us. He made sure that everyone within the vicinity could not only hear how amazing his seats were, but his outspoken knowledge of Manchester United, Barcelona and the game of soccer itself.
Man U v. Barcelona: We almost had the best seats in FedEx!
We had to, at least according to the fan about two rows behind us. He made sure that everyone within the vicinity could not only hear how am...
July 26, 2011
The tide of Real Salt Lake’s throttling run has receded, and a new edition of the CONCACAF Champions League is underway.
Created in 2008, the CONCACAF Champions League is the face-lifted successor of the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, the former North American club competition. Modeled after it’s fellow counterpart across the Atlantic, the UEFA Champions League, the tournament features league and domestic champions of its respective nations.
In the new tournament’s existence, Major League Soccer has been given three berths into the tournament, the winners of the MLS Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield earn a direct bye into the Group Stages of the tournament, while the MLS Cup runner-up earns a spot in the Preliminary Round, a two-leg series to earn a spot in the Group Stage. Additionally, the United States is allocated a fourth spot, which is given to the U.S. Open Cup champion.
Finally, with Canada, the winner of Canada’s domestic competition, the Canadian Championship, earns a berth in the tournament as well, playing first in the preliminaries.
This upcoming season, five MLS sides will be playing in the fourth edition of the tournament, and thanks to Real Salt Lake’s recent success, the importance, as well as the expectations, have risen significantly for all the American and Canadian clubs playing for the North American crown.
2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League Preview and Predictions
The tide of Real Salt Lake’s throttling run has receded, and a new edition of the CONCACAF Champions League is underway. Created in 20...
July 25, 2011
It is that time of the year. That time where MLS clubs show their true depth, especially the stronger sides. Marred already with a chain of World Football Challenge friendlies, five MLS sides will begin their quest to North American glory, as the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League kicks off. Three MLS teams will still have the U.S. Open Cup in the back of their mind, and this is not even considering the race of the final spots in the MLS Cup Playoffs and the gasping drama for the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
For the first time this season, the top three spots remain the same, but a series of shocking upsets, perhaps some flukey ones, too; have caused some shuffling in the lower end of the rankings.
2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 19
It is that time of the year. That time where MLS clubs show their true depth, especially the stronger sides. Marred already with a...
July 07, 2011
Ties, stalemates, draws, inconclusive matches, gridlock. Week 16 in MLS defined for you. Okay, fair enough their were a handful of wins, other than the ugly thrashing that New York inflicted on...who else?! Toronto. Also, Darlington Nagbe, Andy Najar? Some insane goals that will give Eric Hassli’s wunder volley against Seattle a run for its money for MLS Goal of the Year.
MLS Power Rankings: Week 16
Ties, stalemates, draws, inconclusive matches, gridlock. Week 16 in MLS defined for you. Okay, fair enough their were a handful of wins,...
July 02, 2011
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| Photo by Chase N. Used through Creative Commons License. |
I originally saw a link about it on Dave Clark's Sounder at Heart blog. The chain of clicking through links got me to this video about the "King's Court". The fan group, is a collection of hardcore Seattle Mariners fans that cheer for the Mariners' pitcher, Felix Hernandez, as well as the team.
From the embedded video below they go wild anytime the Mariners hit a home run or Hernandez strikes someone out. Glad to see MLS is spreading its influence in other sports, creating hubs of passionate fans. Something, that sometimes lacks outside of college sports, MLS and the NFL.
King's Court: MLS fan culture spreading into baseball
Photo by Chase N . Used through Creative Commons License. I originally saw a link about it on Dave Clark's Sounder at Heart blog. ...
June 29, 2011
Last night, the third round proper, or round of 16, commenced in the 2011 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The round featured eight MLS teams who earned byes to this round. These MLS clubs either qualified for the third round proper by finishing in the top six overall in 2010 or qualifying for the final two entry spots through a chain of play-in propers.
2011 USOC Recap: Third Round
Last night, the third round proper, or round of 16, commenced in the 2011 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The round featured ei...
June 27, 2011
Given the fact that there were so many expected results, there was not much change in the Power Rankings, other than the fact the Galaxy were removed as the Power Ranking leaders, thanks to Dallas overwhelmingly dominant performance over Portland. The week included Aron Winter, Toronto FC head coach, (yet again) claiming that his team came out timid. It saw D.C. United get a bitter taste of their medicine. All of which was complimented by Salt Lake regaining their confidence and their form, drama mounting in New York and Levesque carving his name in the Emerald City hearts.
2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 16
Given the fact that there were so many expected results, there was not much change in the Power Rankings, other than the fact the Galaxy w...
June 26, 2011
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| Photo via Flickr user proforged. Photo used with the CC BY NC-ND 2.0 Creative Commons License. |
As Freddy Adu orchestrated a slick pass to Landon Donovan, which led to a jarring 2-0 lead for the United States, I reacted in the same manner as the few fellow American soccer fans did, got up halfway and felt it was a sucker punch to the extreme heavyweights, Mexico.
However, note how I said half way. It hit me. The last time the United States national soccer team went up so unexpectedly, and so early was two years back. Yes, I'm talking about the 2009 Confederations Cup final, when the Yanks bagged two goals inside half an hour, stunning Brazil 2-0.
And what followed?
Yes. Brazil would rally and nab a 3-2 victory. The unsettling thought seemed practically inevitable. Before I could complete the entire thought and scenario, the United States' impressive, yet shocking lead, evaporating, as the score leveled of at 2-2.
Rather than being stunned, or unsettled about the Mexican comeback, I just rolled my eyes and subconsciously thought to myself how it was only to come. As the match progressed in the second half and El Tri rallied to score four unanswered goals, the classic problems marring the United States could not have been more evident.
Recap: 2011 Gold Cup Final. Mexico 4-2 USA
Photo via Flickr user proforged . Photo used with the CC BY NC-ND 2.0 Creative Commons License. As Freddy Adu orchestrated a slick pa...
June 24, 2011
Basic Information
For the third consecutive tournament, the United States and Mexico, arguably the two heavyweights of CONCACAF will clash against one another in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final. The match will be played in Pasadena, California at the Rose Bowl.
TV: FOX Soccer Channel, 8:30 p.m. EST
2011 Gold Cup Final: Preview
Basic Information For the third consecutive tournament, the United States and Mexico, arguably the two heavyweights of CONCACAF will clash ...
June 23, 2011
Well, lets see. Earlier today I saw a comment on an MLSSoccer.com recap of the Mexico vs. Honduras match, where someone claimed that Javier Hernandez's value was around €40M, and to be worth more than the entire United States national soccer team roster.
And yes, that's far more than probably the most expensive player on the U.S. national team. Right now, before even doing any research, I would say either Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey or Tim Howard is the most expensive American right now, and I would put their value, in Euros roughly around €12-16M.
But to say the entire roster? Now, I think any fan with common sense can collectively agree, that's a far stretch. So, lets crunch some numbers and make a wild guess to see if this commenter is making a decent statement or is just trolling the Internet boards.
And yes, that's far more than probably the most expensive player on the U.S. national team. Right now, before even doing any research, I would say either Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey or Tim Howard is the most expensive American right now, and I would put their value, in Euros roughly around €12-16M.
But to say the entire roster? Now, I think any fan with common sense can collectively agree, that's a far stretch. So, lets crunch some numbers and make a wild guess to see if this commenter is making a decent statement or is just trolling the Internet boards.
Is Chicharito worth more than the entire USMNT squad?
Well, lets see. Earlier today I saw a comment on an MLSSoccer.com recap of the Mexico vs. Honduras match, where someone claimed that Javier ...
June 22, 2011
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| Photo via Flickr user donr. Used with the Creative Commons Non-Commercial License. |
Background Information:
US national soccer team vs. Panama in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals.
USMNT vs. Panama Preview
Photo via Flickr user donr . Used with the Creative Commons Non-Commercial License . Background Information: US national soccer team vs...
June 21, 2011
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| Photo courtesy of Flickr user prentz. Used with the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 License. |
Hate to use such a cliche introduction, but it was, in fact a wild week in MLS. First, the whole diabolical involving Thierry Henry, causing him to be ejected and suspended for New York's marquee match vs. Seattle Sounders. Next, there was the evident flop of D.C. United's Charlie Davies when being "tackled" by Real Salt Lake's Chris Wingert. And to sum things up, the Midnight Riders, the agglomeration of New England Revolution supporters have a bitter, perhaps nasty rivalry with no other than the Revolution Front Office. Teams flew up and down the Power Rankings this week, where only United remained in the same position as last week.
2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 14
Photo courtesy of Flickr user prentz . Used with the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 License . Hate to use such a cliche introduction, but it was, in ...
June 10, 2011
June 06, 2011
1. FC DALLAS
Last Week: 2
Result: W 1-0 vs. NE
Last Five: W-T-W-T-W
I remember about a month or so ago, the American soccer blogosphere, and myself, were speculating whether or not the Hoops would hit an upswing after a rather rocky start. Well, our speculation was not wasted. Dallas looked just as menacing as they were in 2010. Having no call-ups for the Gold Cup will play to their advantage – and raise expectations.
2. LOS ANGELES GALAXY
Last Week: 1
Result: T 0-0 vs. DC
Last Five: W-W-W-W-T
Missing their two Donovan’s, Donovan Ricketts and Landon Donovan, due to Gold Cup call-ups, Galaxy manager Bruce Arena had little hesitation to denounce the Galaxy’s performance. And righteously so. In ways, the Galaxy were a tad bit lucky to finish the match drawn with the revived United side.
3. PHILADELPHIA UNION
Last Week: 3
Result: T 1-1 @ TOR
Last Five: T-L-W-W-T
First, you completely dismantle Toronto FC in their home stadium, before tying the defending MLS Cup champions? Piotr Nowak has to be happy with the Union’s performance in their sophomore campaign as the Zolos steer two points clear of New York and five up against D.C.
4. REAL SALT LAKE
Last Week: 5
Result: W 2-0 vs. VAN
Last Five: W-T-T-L-W
It was a dream performance for Haitien Jean Alexandre, and it looks as if RSL is finally regaining their expected form. Perhaps the absence of Saborio is a factor?
Last Week: 2
Result: W 1-0 vs. NE
Last Five: W-T-W-T-W
I remember about a month or so ago, the American soccer blogosphere, and myself, were speculating whether or not the Hoops would hit an upswing after a rather rocky start. Well, our speculation was not wasted. Dallas looked just as menacing as they were in 2010. Having no call-ups for the Gold Cup will play to their advantage – and raise expectations.
2. LOS ANGELES GALAXY
Last Week: 1
Result: T 0-0 vs. DC
Last Five: W-W-W-W-T
Missing their two Donovan’s, Donovan Ricketts and Landon Donovan, due to Gold Cup call-ups, Galaxy manager Bruce Arena had little hesitation to denounce the Galaxy’s performance. And righteously so. In ways, the Galaxy were a tad bit lucky to finish the match drawn with the revived United side.
3. PHILADELPHIA UNION
Last Week: 3
Result: T 1-1 @ TOR
Last Five: T-L-W-W-T
First, you completely dismantle Toronto FC in their home stadium, before tying the defending MLS Cup champions? Piotr Nowak has to be happy with the Union’s performance in their sophomore campaign as the Zolos steer two points clear of New York and five up against D.C.
4. REAL SALT LAKE
Last Week: 5
Result: W 2-0 vs. VAN
Last Five: W-T-T-L-W
It was a dream performance for Haitien Jean Alexandre, and it looks as if RSL is finally regaining their expected form. Perhaps the absence of Saborio is a factor?
2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 12
1. FC DALLAS Last Week: 2 Result: W 1-0 vs. NE Last Five: W-T-W-T-W I remember about a month or so ago, the American soccer blogospher...
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