Congratulations to the US Women's National Team for their success in the Four Nations Cup in China. They won the Four Nations Cup for a record fifth time with a 2-0 win over China.
Check out some good post-game quotes on My Soccer Blog.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Soccer Specific Stadia and Real Salt Lake's blues
Brian Garrison of An American's View on Football/Futbol/Soccer has a really nice piece on the funding being pulled out from under Real Salt Lake's stadium plan. He lays out not only the consequences of the deal falling through, but also the domino effect of RSL either being contracted or sold and rebranded.
First, I'll say that breaking ground on a stadium before you have funding is like reporting on where some big American center back will transfer before you see him with a new jersey. Rolling the dice.
Secondly, this is a real shame for the RSL fans. It's bad enough they've had to suffer with that name--the jarring collison of poetic Castilian and prosaic, um...well...Salt Lake.
I realize I've been really spoiled as a Columbus Crew fan that I always watch my MLS games in a soccer-specific stadium. I remember one particular evening before a game with D.C., walking with some friends through the parking lot, waving at tailgaters, dodging the errant juggling of teenagers, and watching parents and their children kicking soccer balls around the field. It was twilight, and in the distance, you could see the whole stadium aglow and hear the fans chanting and stomping the bleachers. The stadium was in full voice, and kids were buzzing with excitement to see Freddy Adu.
My friend and I looked at one another and didn't have to say a word. This was soccer and this was the U.S. We never thought we'd actually see the day, but it was beautiful.
First, I'll say that breaking ground on a stadium before you have funding is like reporting on where some big American center back will transfer before you see him with a new jersey. Rolling the dice.
Secondly, this is a real shame for the RSL fans. It's bad enough they've had to suffer with that name--the jarring collison of poetic Castilian and prosaic, um...well...Salt Lake.
I realize I've been really spoiled as a Columbus Crew fan that I always watch my MLS games in a soccer-specific stadium. I remember one particular evening before a game with D.C., walking with some friends through the parking lot, waving at tailgaters, dodging the errant juggling of teenagers, and watching parents and their children kicking soccer balls around the field. It was twilight, and in the distance, you could see the whole stadium aglow and hear the fans chanting and stomping the bleachers. The stadium was in full voice, and kids were buzzing with excitement to see Freddy Adu.
My friend and I looked at one another and didn't have to say a word. This was soccer and this was the U.S. We never thought we'd actually see the day, but it was beautiful.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Saints be praised! Onyewu still not going to Chelsea!
After CNN, SoccerTimes, and others reported the Gooch deal to Marseille done and dusted, he shows up on Tyneside getting a physical to secure a loan to Newcastle. Or so they'd have us believe.
Honestly, I need to remember to never trust European football media on transfer news. If ESPN's Buster Olney says that your favorite middle reliever is going to the Padres next week, then you can safely start buying hats and jerseys. For soccer transfers, believe it when you see the guy holding a jersey up at a press conference.
To be fair, the European footballing media has a herculean task; they've got to monitor transfer activity across dozens of leagues, hundreds of teams, and thousands of players. So, basically, I'm not going to be shocked if we see Gooch smiling in a Kashima Antlers strip tomorrow morning.
While I have some opinions about how Onyewu will fit in at Newcastle, I'm holding my tongue until I see the jersey shot.
Honestly, I need to remember to never trust European football media on transfer news. If ESPN's Buster Olney says that your favorite middle reliever is going to the Padres next week, then you can safely start buying hats and jerseys. For soccer transfers, believe it when you see the guy holding a jersey up at a press conference.
To be fair, the European footballing media has a herculean task; they've got to monitor transfer activity across dozens of leagues, hundreds of teams, and thousands of players. So, basically, I'm not going to be shocked if we see Gooch smiling in a Kashima Antlers strip tomorrow morning.
While I have some opinions about how Onyewu will fit in at Newcastle, I'm holding my tongue until I see the jersey shot.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The obligitory Beckham post...
If you haven't already, check out David Mosse's excellent article on Beckham-palooza
Any American soccer fan should be delighted by the wave of publicity that Beckham has brought to the sport in the US mainstream media. The publicity has been more about Beckham as a personality than Beckham as a footballer (not a new trend in his career), but if his celebrity is bringing attention to the game, so be it.
As a player, Beckham has been undoubtedly overhyped. His highlight set-piece goals and flair for the dramatic have long belied a very limited set of skills. Mosse reproduces George Best's famous and blunt assessment:
"He cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that, he's all right."
Beckham has certainly been very influential in games for club and country, but he's not going to control a game like less-publicized MLS imports like Marco Etcheverry or Carlos Valderrama.
However, while Beckham's talent has been overstated, he's not the complete slouch some detractors would suggest. He still has a truly remarkable right foot that should provide plenty of Sportscenter material. Sampling a few swerving, physics-defying free-kick highlights may keep casual sports fans from changing the channel instinctively when they see the Galaxy on the television.
Beckham has played regularly and successfully at the very top level of European football, and with that experience, he'll make the Galaxy better. He'll distribute the ball well, and the improvement on set pieces alone will pick up points for the Galaxy.
For me, the most fascinating sideplot in the Beckham invasion should be seeing how he and Landon Donovan coexist. I haven't seen too much written about the interplay (there's a brief mention in a long piece on Better Sports).
Andrea Canales indicated a positive reaction from Donovan, who thought he'd have much to gain from Beckham's service. However, Donovan has positioned himself as the leader and face of the team, and while the reticent Beckham is unlikely to challenge Donovan for the captain's armband, he will certainly nudge Landon from the spotlight.
The success of Beckham's move is hard to predict. From a publicity standpoint for soccer in the US, early evidence suggests it will be a success. For the reasons noted above, I also believe it will be good for the Galaxy. Beckham will be a good teammate and a hard worker as he tries to carve his place in the American sports landscape.
Will it be good for MLS? That's harder to tell. If Beckham piles up goals and assists and provides enough highlights to keep turnstiles spinning and casual sports fans watching, then it will be a success. Sadly, however, if Beckham greatly improves the LA side, but his contributions don't show up on the stat sheet, then the mainstream sports media may brand his signing as a very expensive failure.
Any American soccer fan should be delighted by the wave of publicity that Beckham has brought to the sport in the US mainstream media. The publicity has been more about Beckham as a personality than Beckham as a footballer (not a new trend in his career), but if his celebrity is bringing attention to the game, so be it.
As a player, Beckham has been undoubtedly overhyped. His highlight set-piece goals and flair for the dramatic have long belied a very limited set of skills. Mosse reproduces George Best's famous and blunt assessment:
"He cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that, he's all right."
Beckham has certainly been very influential in games for club and country, but he's not going to control a game like less-publicized MLS imports like Marco Etcheverry or Carlos Valderrama.
However, while Beckham's talent has been overstated, he's not the complete slouch some detractors would suggest. He still has a truly remarkable right foot that should provide plenty of Sportscenter material. Sampling a few swerving, physics-defying free-kick highlights may keep casual sports fans from changing the channel instinctively when they see the Galaxy on the television.
Beckham has played regularly and successfully at the very top level of European football, and with that experience, he'll make the Galaxy better. He'll distribute the ball well, and the improvement on set pieces alone will pick up points for the Galaxy.
For me, the most fascinating sideplot in the Beckham invasion should be seeing how he and Landon Donovan coexist. I haven't seen too much written about the interplay (there's a brief mention in a long piece on Better Sports).
Andrea Canales indicated a positive reaction from Donovan, who thought he'd have much to gain from Beckham's service. However, Donovan has positioned himself as the leader and face of the team, and while the reticent Beckham is unlikely to challenge Donovan for the captain's armband, he will certainly nudge Landon from the spotlight.
The success of Beckham's move is hard to predict. From a publicity standpoint for soccer in the US, early evidence suggests it will be a success. For the reasons noted above, I also believe it will be good for the Galaxy. Beckham will be a good teammate and a hard worker as he tries to carve his place in the American sports landscape.
Will it be good for MLS? That's harder to tell. If Beckham piles up goals and assists and provides enough highlights to keep turnstiles spinning and casual sports fans watching, then it will be a success. Sadly, however, if Beckham greatly improves the LA side, but his contributions don't show up on the stat sheet, then the mainstream sports media may brand his signing as a very expensive failure.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Yanks in FA Cup Action
Yanks Abroad runs down the long list of Americans in action in FA cup ties this weekend. As I'm typing this, it looks like Brad Friedel has just posted a clean sheet in a 4-0 drubbing of Luton.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Saints be praised! Onyewu not going to Chelsea!
According to SoccerTimes, Oguchi Onyewu is on his way to Marseille.
I think this is a very good move for Gooch, and only about 15-20% of my opinion is shaped by the fact that I don't want to see him lining up against my Gunners next year.
Gooch apparently has no interest in riding the pine, regardless of how luxurious the seat. Reportedly, Onyewu turned down a Real Madrid offer earlier this year due to concerns over playing time. Similarly, Chelsea can't honestly offer a long run in the starting eleven. After all, the main reason for their defensive weakness of late has been the injury to John Terry, and the captain is set to return to action against Nottingham Forest on the weekend.
There are a number of stong players in the Chelsea defense, and when making the move from second-tier European football to the big leagues, it's best not to make that transition in an extremely competitive situation.*
Meanwhile, at Marseille, the defense has been spotty and needs a strong player. While they have been rampant in January, they have averaged more goals conceded than scored in October, November, and December.
Admittedly, I'm no expert in French soccer, but the only promising Marseille defensive prospect in my estimation is Taye Taiwo. Gooch will be on a very successful club with a strong reputation, and will have a chance to make a long run in the side.
Moreover, the simmering spat between vainglorious manager Claudio Ranieri and the Chelsea board suggest there could be changes in the future for the Blues, and that's not a good situation for someone from a non-traditional footballing country who is trying to make his mark.
Unlike many young American footballers, Gooch seems to be very deliberate in his career choices and with the promise of playing time, medals, and Champion's League soccer, Marseille seems the perfect place for Onyewu to develop into a top class defender.
*Although Onyewu played for Metz around 2002, he had very few first team appearances, so this is really his first real step into big league European football.
I think this is a very good move for Gooch, and only about 15-20% of my opinion is shaped by the fact that I don't want to see him lining up against my Gunners next year.
Gooch apparently has no interest in riding the pine, regardless of how luxurious the seat. Reportedly, Onyewu turned down a Real Madrid offer earlier this year due to concerns over playing time. Similarly, Chelsea can't honestly offer a long run in the starting eleven. After all, the main reason for their defensive weakness of late has been the injury to John Terry, and the captain is set to return to action against Nottingham Forest on the weekend.
There are a number of stong players in the Chelsea defense, and when making the move from second-tier European football to the big leagues, it's best not to make that transition in an extremely competitive situation.*
Meanwhile, at Marseille, the defense has been spotty and needs a strong player. While they have been rampant in January, they have averaged more goals conceded than scored in October, November, and December.
Admittedly, I'm no expert in French soccer, but the only promising Marseille defensive prospect in my estimation is Taye Taiwo. Gooch will be on a very successful club with a strong reputation, and will have a chance to make a long run in the side.
Moreover, the simmering spat between vainglorious manager Claudio Ranieri and the Chelsea board suggest there could be changes in the future for the Blues, and that's not a good situation for someone from a non-traditional footballing country who is trying to make his mark.
Unlike many young American footballers, Gooch seems to be very deliberate in his career choices and with the promise of playing time, medals, and Champion's League soccer, Marseille seems the perfect place for Onyewu to develop into a top class defender.
*Although Onyewu played for Metz around 2002, he had very few first team appearances, so this is really his first real step into big league European football.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Marc Connolly: The Top 15
Marc Connolly: The Top 15
Marc Connolly reviews the Top 15 most important soccer players to this generation. I have little to add because I think his analysis is spot-on.
Marc Connolly reviews the Top 15 most important soccer players to this generation. I have little to add because I think his analysis is spot-on.
The one that got away...
Ives Galarcep reports on Giuseppe Rossi scoring on his debut for Parma
I really don't have much of an opinion on Rossi, except for being fascinated by how much American soccer fans loathe him (check out the comments on Ives's blog).
First, USMNT fans are hypocritical if we attempt to criticize a player for switching national team allegiances from the country of his birth. After all, some of the biggest names on the USMNT have been imports. Focusing only on modern era players (sorry Hugo, Werner, and Joe), there is a pretty long list of US players who have spurned their native soil to play in the red, white, and blue. A few notables:
Freddy Adu (Ghana)
Roy Wegerle (South Africa)
Thomas Dooley (Germany)
Jeff Agoos (Switzerland)
Earnie Stewart (Holland)
Tab Ramos (Uruguay)
Brian Quinn (Northern Ireland)
Preki (Serbia)
Fernando Clavijo (Uruguay)
And of course this neglects to mention several imported flops (David Regis) and, of course, Brad Friedel (based on interviews you hear with Brad, it appears his hometown of Lakewood, Ohio is actually an outlying borough of Kilkenny).
Some of these soccer imports came to the US because they couldn't play for their national teams. Some had American connections. Some came for college or the way of life. Regardless, they basically wanted to choose the best footballing situation for themselves, and FIFA's rules don't make that too hard.
In the end, it isn't moral indignation that causes US fans to hate Rossi. It basically comes down to two reasons:
1) The position he plays -- we desperately need quality strikers, and he could help us immensely. If he were a right back, the sentiment wouldn't be so severe.
2) The country he's chosen -- his parents were first generation immigrants, so it's hard to berate the kid for choosing Italy, but the Azzurri already has such a wealth of skilled footballers, that it's a little like hearing that Donald Trump won the Lottery. You have to grumble a bit.
So basically, he's off my radar, but US fans should really give the kid a break.
I really don't have much of an opinion on Rossi, except for being fascinated by how much American soccer fans loathe him (check out the comments on Ives's blog).
First, USMNT fans are hypocritical if we attempt to criticize a player for switching national team allegiances from the country of his birth. After all, some of the biggest names on the USMNT have been imports. Focusing only on modern era players (sorry Hugo, Werner, and Joe), there is a pretty long list of US players who have spurned their native soil to play in the red, white, and blue. A few notables:
Freddy Adu (Ghana)
Roy Wegerle (South Africa)
Thomas Dooley (Germany)
Jeff Agoos (Switzerland)
Earnie Stewart (Holland)
Tab Ramos (Uruguay)
Brian Quinn (Northern Ireland)
Preki (Serbia)
Fernando Clavijo (Uruguay)
And of course this neglects to mention several imported flops (David Regis) and, of course, Brad Friedel (based on interviews you hear with Brad, it appears his hometown of Lakewood, Ohio is actually an outlying borough of Kilkenny).
Some of these soccer imports came to the US because they couldn't play for their national teams. Some had American connections. Some came for college or the way of life. Regardless, they basically wanted to choose the best footballing situation for themselves, and FIFA's rules don't make that too hard.
In the end, it isn't moral indignation that causes US fans to hate Rossi. It basically comes down to two reasons:
1) The position he plays -- we desperately need quality strikers, and he could help us immensely. If he were a right back, the sentiment wouldn't be so severe.
2) The country he's chosen -- his parents were first generation immigrants, so it's hard to berate the kid for choosing Italy, but the Azzurri already has such a wealth of skilled footballers, that it's a little like hearing that Donald Trump won the Lottery. You have to grumble a bit.
So basically, he's off my radar, but US fans should really give the kid a break.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Captain America Returning Stateside?
Soccernet.com reports that former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna has been released by Manchester City and appears to be heading to the regrettably named New York Red Bulls. Reyna has long claimed he would someday return to the US and play in MLS, and it's certain to be a warm homecoming for the Jersey boy.
Is this good for Reyna? Of this, there is little doubt. Claudio has a home in NY, grew up in Jersey, and will be working for Bruce Arena, his old college and USMNT coach. And from a sporting perspective, even in his footballing dotage, Reyna will undoubtably shine in MLS. While he has never been flashy, he is a player with real class and a wealth of experience at the highest levels. His tackling, composure on the ball, vision, and leadership automatically set him at the top of the class of MLS midfielders.
But will it be good for MLS? With Beckham, Reyna, and the rumor of Edgar Davids, MLS fans have to be worrying about a US soccer league again becoming world football's Old Folk's Home. The lackluster runouts of Lothar Matthäus and Youri Djorkaeff are enough to worry some MLS stalwarts that the league's "Beckham Rule" could become a way for past-their-prime European stars to have a farewell tour across the pond.
In this case, however, I think the concern is misplaced. Nothing in Reyna's past suggests he'd treat this as merely a paycheck. He has always demonstrated a sense of responsibility for US soccer success, and turning around a perpetually underachieving New York franchise would be a substantial part of his legacy.
And unlike Matthäus or others of his ilk, Reyna will feel an obligation to US soccer, and will understand the importance of building a good team in a huge sporting market.
One thing is for certain, Reyna deserves a better curtain call for casual US fans then his unfortunate gaffe against Ghana, and I believe he'll grasp the opportunity and run with it.
Is this good for Reyna? Of this, there is little doubt. Claudio has a home in NY, grew up in Jersey, and will be working for Bruce Arena, his old college and USMNT coach. And from a sporting perspective, even in his footballing dotage, Reyna will undoubtably shine in MLS. While he has never been flashy, he is a player with real class and a wealth of experience at the highest levels. His tackling, composure on the ball, vision, and leadership automatically set him at the top of the class of MLS midfielders.
But will it be good for MLS? With Beckham, Reyna, and the rumor of Edgar Davids, MLS fans have to be worrying about a US soccer league again becoming world football's Old Folk's Home. The lackluster runouts of Lothar Matthäus and Youri Djorkaeff are enough to worry some MLS stalwarts that the league's "Beckham Rule" could become a way for past-their-prime European stars to have a farewell tour across the pond.
In this case, however, I think the concern is misplaced. Nothing in Reyna's past suggests he'd treat this as merely a paycheck. He has always demonstrated a sense of responsibility for US soccer success, and turning around a perpetually underachieving New York franchise would be a substantial part of his legacy.
And unlike Matthäus or others of his ilk, Reyna will feel an obligation to US soccer, and will understand the importance of building a good team in a huge sporting market.
One thing is for certain, Reyna deserves a better curtain call for casual US fans then his unfortunate gaffe against Ghana, and I believe he'll grasp the opportunity and run with it.
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