1. Liverpool v. Chelsea (Sunday, 7:30am CT, Fox Soccer Plus).
If you have Fox Soccer Plus (or know your way around the internet) this is the match to catch this weekend. Chelsea is locked in a home stretch battle with Manchester United for the EPL title. Liverpool is without Spain international players Cesc Fabergas and Fernando Torres and is reeling from a loss to Spanish club Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final. Will Liverpool answer the bell to derail Chelsea’s chances and secure a spot in next year’s Europa League and keep their outside chances of qualifying for the 2011 Champions League alive?
2. Sunderland v. Manchester United (Saturday, 10:30am CT, Fox Soccer Channel).
The other half of the race for the EPL title Manchester United look to secure three points against a mid table team. A win and it is time to pray that Liverpool pulls out a result. A United win and draw or loss by Chelsea will put United in the lead with one match left.
3. Manchester City v. Aston Villa (Saturday, 9:00am CT, Fox Soccer Channel).
This is the weekend to be an EPL fan. City and Villa are locked in a battle (with Tottenham and Liverpool) to secure 4th place in the EPL. Why does 4th place matter? 4th place gets you a spot in the UEFA Champions League tournament next year. City is hoping all their “well spent” resources pay off with a trip to European competition next year. Villa is enjoying a return to prominence and looking to look down the last Champions League spot. Only two points separates 4th and 7th place with two matches to go.
4. Villareal v.Barcelona (Saturday, 3:00pm CT, GolTV).
Let’s see, a reeling Villareal versus a very angry Barcelona team that saw their bid for back to back Champions League titles dashed by the special one and Inter Milan. I see a Barcelona route that should see a few highlight reel goals.
5. Borussia Mogengladbach v. Bayern Munich (Friday, Noon, ESPN Deportes and replaying on GolTV throughout the weekend).
Michael Bradley against the Champions League final bound Bayern Munich. Will the extra fixtures in the Champions League make Munich vulnerable to a loss here?
Happy viewing!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
What to Do about the Forwards?
The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) has talent. The increase in the number of players plying their trade overseas is one indicator. A better indicator is that 70% of those players are seeing regular playing time with their club teams. Something that American soccer players have not always been able to say.
USMNT midfielders, defender, and goalkeepers are spread throughout Europe and the MLS earning playing time and in some cases starring for their teams. However, those at the Forward position cannot say that.
Only Jozy Altidore finished the season as a regular starter during his loan spell for club team Hull City. Hull is a team that is destined for relegation, which means that a return campaign for Altidore is unlikely in 2011. Altidore will return to Spanish club Villareal where he will be behind three to four forwards who play internationally for Brazil, Italy, and Spain. With this said, Altidore is the only lock to start at Forward for the U.S. in the world cup.
Charlie Davies’ career was on the upswing before a horrific car accident almost ended his life. Six surgeries and a miraculous nine months later he started training full speed with club team Sochaux this week. His medical setbacks have taken him from sure fire starter to hopeful to be fit for the world cup.
Brian Ching has the experience and has no problem seeing playing time in the lesser known and less technical American Major League Soccer for club team Houston Dynamo. However, Ching is recovering from a hamstring injury and has yet to return to full training.
Going into September of last year, these were your top three forward options for the USMNT. As you can see there is legitimate concern for who will put the ball in the back of the net. Edson Buddle of the LA Galaxy and Herculez Gomez of Puebla in Mexico have seen their stock rise to the level that they are now front runners to replace either injured forward if they cannot make it to the world cup.
Buddle and Gomez have enjoyed great form the last two and six months but their history with the USMNT and coach Bob Bradley is inconsistent at best. Both have been called up to camps before and neither impressed. Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Eddie Johnson (Aris Salonika), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), and Connor Casey (Colorado Rapids) all see regular to semi regular time with their club teams but have not enjoyed the form with club or country in recent months.
Coach Bob Bradley has a real dilemma on his hands. If Ching and Davies are healthy he takes two forwards who will have three to four competitive matches at best under their belts to the biggest tourney in the world. If not, he can either convert midfielder Clint Dempsey to Forward or take one or two forwards from a group of 6 that have been inconsistent and untested at the international level. Dempsey provides skill and technical ability. This is why he starts in midfield already. While the midfield pool is deep and Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers) and Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro) are more than capable, would Bradley simply be creating a hole by plugging another?
What do you think Bradley should do? Is the problem at forward going to hold the USMNT back in the world cup? Is the best option none of the above and just convert midfielder Clint Dempsey to forward?
USMNT midfielders, defender, and goalkeepers are spread throughout Europe and the MLS earning playing time and in some cases starring for their teams. However, those at the Forward position cannot say that.
Only Jozy Altidore finished the season as a regular starter during his loan spell for club team Hull City. Hull is a team that is destined for relegation, which means that a return campaign for Altidore is unlikely in 2011. Altidore will return to Spanish club Villareal where he will be behind three to four forwards who play internationally for Brazil, Italy, and Spain. With this said, Altidore is the only lock to start at Forward for the U.S. in the world cup.
Charlie Davies’ career was on the upswing before a horrific car accident almost ended his life. Six surgeries and a miraculous nine months later he started training full speed with club team Sochaux this week. His medical setbacks have taken him from sure fire starter to hopeful to be fit for the world cup.
Brian Ching has the experience and has no problem seeing playing time in the lesser known and less technical American Major League Soccer for club team Houston Dynamo. However, Ching is recovering from a hamstring injury and has yet to return to full training.
Going into September of last year, these were your top three forward options for the USMNT. As you can see there is legitimate concern for who will put the ball in the back of the net. Edson Buddle of the LA Galaxy and Herculez Gomez of Puebla in Mexico have seen their stock rise to the level that they are now front runners to replace either injured forward if they cannot make it to the world cup.
Buddle and Gomez have enjoyed great form the last two and six months but their history with the USMNT and coach Bob Bradley is inconsistent at best. Both have been called up to camps before and neither impressed. Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Eddie Johnson (Aris Salonika), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), and Connor Casey (Colorado Rapids) all see regular to semi regular time with their club teams but have not enjoyed the form with club or country in recent months.
Coach Bob Bradley has a real dilemma on his hands. If Ching and Davies are healthy he takes two forwards who will have three to four competitive matches at best under their belts to the biggest tourney in the world. If not, he can either convert midfielder Clint Dempsey to Forward or take one or two forwards from a group of 6 that have been inconsistent and untested at the international level. Dempsey provides skill and technical ability. This is why he starts in midfield already. While the midfield pool is deep and Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers) and Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro) are more than capable, would Bradley simply be creating a hole by plugging another?
What do you think Bradley should do? Is the problem at forward going to hold the USMNT back in the world cup? Is the best option none of the above and just convert midfielder Clint Dempsey to forward?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Winners and Losers from the NFL Draft, Round 1
I am fairly sure that Joey and Tyson will have some comprehensive views about the NFL draft, but I thought I would give you my thoughts of the First Round. There are some pretty interesting storylines that came about through the night.
WINNERS:
The NFL: They were hoping that the move to Primetime would make this event even bigger, and they hit a home run there. Even with the Pittsburgh/Rothelisburger drama the last few days, there was a lot of action in trading and such through the night. All the teams made it interesting and there wasn't a dead moment for all three hours.
The Big 12 Conference: Too often, if you read everything the SEC writers/fans/bloggers write, they will tell you that there is no way that the athletes in that conference even compare to any other conference. The Big 12 had the first four picks, 5 of the first 6, and 9 total picks out of the whole first round, three more than the SEC had. I'll listen to the argument that all 12 teams top to bottom may be better in the SEC, but player by player, no way can you tell me the Big 12 can't compete.
Oakland Raiders: This proves to me that Al Davis is either realizing getting the best player is the smartest thing to do, or he is in a coma and will pass soon. Getting Rolando Mcclain is a great move here, and will only help them for the next few years.
Buffalo Bills: Getting C.J. Spiller is a steal for them, but makes sense and fits well because they are beyond done with Marshawn Lynch. There are rumors out there by a lot of people that say they couldn't give away Lynch, and this just makes it easier to release him or trade him in the preseason, if they can get a buyer by then.
Dallas Cowboys: I am including Dallas here because personally I think getting Dez Bryant was a flat out steal. If Dallas didn't take him, the Ravens would have snatched him up with the next pick at 25. Amazingly enough, that pick make Baltimore trade that pick which we will talk about in a minute....
Seattle Seahawks: They get help on both sides of the ball. A solid blocker in Okung, and a great safety in Earl Thomas. An interesting point that seemingly no one brought up... If Pete Carrol went for Earl Thomas and not Taylor Mays, what does that tell you about Taylor and what other teams think of him??
Cincinatti Bengals: I'm only including them because they got someone to help Carson Palmer that he's NEVER had in his career, and getting Jermaine Gresham can only help that offense.
LOSERS:
Mack Brown: Of the nine kids from the Big 12 Conference, only ONE came from Texas. This is from, supposedly, one of the best recruiters of talent in America. Every recruiting class is supposed to be full of first-rounders... and yet Bob Stoops had four from a 8-5 team. Tennessee, California, Oklahoma State, Rutgers and Georgia Tech had more first rounders than Texas did.
Denver Broncos: Explain to me how they needed to trade three draft picks for Tim Tebow. Are they convinced that if they didn't take him at 25, that he wasn't going to be available?? I back down a little bit because of Demarius Thomas, and it's a good pick there... but I do not get the Tebow pick. If Dez Bryant isn't taken by Dallas, there is no way Baltimore trades that pick to Denver. Amazing how one thing happening makes teams do so many things.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Do not understand the pick for Tyson Alualu... at all. This team was telling everyone and anyone that they HAD to draft Tebow to save the franchise.
Stephen A. Smith: Do you remember how the NFL had someone from the Make A Wish foundation come up and announce the Pittsburgh pick? Stephen A. does, and he wasn't happy about it. Only guy I know in America that didn't like that. http://twitter.com/stephenasmith/status/12678284795
That's all I have tonight, I'm sure Ty, Joey, or I will have something more on Sunday. Till then, be good, but if you can't be good, be good at it.
WINNERS:
The NFL: They were hoping that the move to Primetime would make this event even bigger, and they hit a home run there. Even with the Pittsburgh/Rothelisburger drama the last few days, there was a lot of action in trading and such through the night. All the teams made it interesting and there wasn't a dead moment for all three hours.
The Big 12 Conference: Too often, if you read everything the SEC writers/fans/bloggers write, they will tell you that there is no way that the athletes in that conference even compare to any other conference. The Big 12 had the first four picks, 5 of the first 6, and 9 total picks out of the whole first round, three more than the SEC had. I'll listen to the argument that all 12 teams top to bottom may be better in the SEC, but player by player, no way can you tell me the Big 12 can't compete.
Oakland Raiders: This proves to me that Al Davis is either realizing getting the best player is the smartest thing to do, or he is in a coma and will pass soon. Getting Rolando Mcclain is a great move here, and will only help them for the next few years.
Buffalo Bills: Getting C.J. Spiller is a steal for them, but makes sense and fits well because they are beyond done with Marshawn Lynch. There are rumors out there by a lot of people that say they couldn't give away Lynch, and this just makes it easier to release him or trade him in the preseason, if they can get a buyer by then.
Dallas Cowboys: I am including Dallas here because personally I think getting Dez Bryant was a flat out steal. If Dallas didn't take him, the Ravens would have snatched him up with the next pick at 25. Amazingly enough, that pick make Baltimore trade that pick which we will talk about in a minute....
Seattle Seahawks: They get help on both sides of the ball. A solid blocker in Okung, and a great safety in Earl Thomas. An interesting point that seemingly no one brought up... If Pete Carrol went for Earl Thomas and not Taylor Mays, what does that tell you about Taylor and what other teams think of him??
Cincinatti Bengals: I'm only including them because they got someone to help Carson Palmer that he's NEVER had in his career, and getting Jermaine Gresham can only help that offense.
LOSERS:
Mack Brown: Of the nine kids from the Big 12 Conference, only ONE came from Texas. This is from, supposedly, one of the best recruiters of talent in America. Every recruiting class is supposed to be full of first-rounders... and yet Bob Stoops had four from a 8-5 team. Tennessee, California, Oklahoma State, Rutgers and Georgia Tech had more first rounders than Texas did.
Denver Broncos: Explain to me how they needed to trade three draft picks for Tim Tebow. Are they convinced that if they didn't take him at 25, that he wasn't going to be available?? I back down a little bit because of Demarius Thomas, and it's a good pick there... but I do not get the Tebow pick. If Dez Bryant isn't taken by Dallas, there is no way Baltimore trades that pick to Denver. Amazing how one thing happening makes teams do so many things.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Do not understand the pick for Tyson Alualu... at all. This team was telling everyone and anyone that they HAD to draft Tebow to save the franchise.
Stephen A. Smith: Do you remember how the NFL had someone from the Make A Wish foundation come up and announce the Pittsburgh pick? Stephen A. does, and he wasn't happy about it. Only guy I know in America that didn't like that. http://twitter.com/stephenasmith/status/12678284795
That's all I have tonight, I'm sure Ty, Joey, or I will have something more on Sunday. Till then, be good, but if you can't be good, be good at it.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
World Cup Roster Outlook #2
The United States Men’s National Team has chosen the spot for their pre-World Cup training camp in May. The lucky city…..Princeton, New Jersey. Yeah I know, maybe he just wants them to stay focused. Nevertheless, the World Cup is getting closer and it is time to take another look at those vying for a spot on the team. (Those in bold are who I think are in the first 18 against England). The roster, projected to be at 26 for camp, should be announced at the first of May.
Forward (4 on roster), I think Bradley selects four for the trip and three on match days. While I think he selects three on match day I think that if Ching and Davies are still not fit Clint Dempsey moves from midfield and starts at one forward spot.
1. Jozy Altidore (Hull City, English Premier League (EPL)). Still the only sure thing in the forward pool and barring injury will be in the starting 11. Stock: Same
2. Charlie Davies, (Sochaux, French Ligue 1). Even though the kid has made a miraculous comeback he is not training fully with the Sochaux. The thought was that he would play his first game at the end of April. I will keep him here for now but his chances of making the squad are dropping with each match. Stock: Down
3. Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexican First Division). Tied for the lead in goals in Mexico in half a season. Works for me! He moves to number two if Davies does not come back because of fitness and form but still would not start over Dempsey. Stock: Up.
4. Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy, MLS). A record 7 goals in 4 matches makes Buddle the second surprise. However he has been EXTREMELY streaky and with no experience with the national team would give way to a healthy Ching or Davies. Stock: Up
5. Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo, Major League Soccer (MLS)). Good news, he is back training three weeks ahead of schedule. Bad news, he only has two matches between now and when the World Cup camp roster is announced. If Ching is healthy in camp he moves ahead of Buddle and Gomez based on experience. Stock: Down
Others who will need to keep a passport handy: No one has a realistic shot. The four will come from the group above. If anything there may only be three.
Midfield (9 on the roster), seven dress on match day. The only real questions are health and who starts next to Michael Bradley.
1. Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy, MLS). While he is not scoring for the Galaxy he is still the best player in on the team and lock for the starting 11 baring injury. Stock: Same
2. Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC, EPL). Now Dempsey is back full time and in form he is a lock to start. The recovery of Davies and Ching decide where he will play. Stock: Same
3. Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany’s Bundesliga). Another solid selection that only injury could derail, who starts with him is the question. Stock: Same.
4. Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scottish Premier League (SPL)). Here is where things get interesting. Edu is rounding into form nicely for Rangers defending well and scoring goals. Stock: Up
5. Jose Francisco (Gringo) Torres (Pachuca, Mexican First Division). Being in form counts and Torres is the only other midfielder not coming off injury and playing starter’s minutes. If Edu starts seeing the bench again Torres is the likely bet to start next to Bradley. Stock: Up.
6. Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers, EPL). Back training at Bolton and looks ready to start playing games soon. If he is in form heading into camp and the three pre-World Cup matches he will make the 18. If Dempsey starts at Forward I think he starts on the rights side of midfield. Stock: Same.
7. Bennie Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus', Denmark SAS Ligaen). Still recovering and struggling with fitness. This spot could easily go to another midfielder. Stock: Down
8. Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro BK, Sweden’s Allsvenskan). No player has made as big of a move as Bedoya in the past four months. The kid impressed Bradley last time with the USMNT and has actually gotten better for his club, scoring 2 and assisting on a few others since the last USMNT match. If Dempsey moves to forward he makes the 18 man roster and is likely to see time. Stock: Way Up!
9. Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Bundesliga). Before moving to Germany some thought that Clark should stay in MLS to ensure he got playing time heading into the World Cup. His lack of time has dropped him from likely starter to the last midfielder selected for the 23 man roster. Only playing time for Frankfurt improves his chances. Stock: Way Down.
Players who should keep a passport handy: DeMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, SPL)
Defenders (7 on the roster) Bradley will likely select 6 on match day. Biggest question is who starts at left back.
1. Oguchi Oneywu (AC Milan, Italy’s Serie A). Finally back training with AC Milan. The three matches heading into the World Cup will have to be enough to get him in form. Stock: Same.
2. Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, Ligue 1). Again, only injury keeps Bocanegra out of the starting 11. However, is he your left back or center back? Speed will be an issue and most wingers in the World Cup possess speed. I think he starts at left back over Jonathan Bornstein. Stock: Same.
3. Johnathan Spector (West Ham, EPL). Can play left or right back but is the best right back on the team and starts at that position. Stock: Same.
4. Jay Demerit (Watford, English Coca-Cola Championship). Benefits from Bocanegra being the starter at left back and pairs well with Onyewu. Stock: Same.
5. Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Bundesliga). Versatile and experienced, two things needed for the first defensive option off the bench. Stock: Same.
6. Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, MLS). Recent playing time with USMNT and favor of Bradley put Bronstehere but in my opinion the gap between him and Heath Pearce as a full back option is not that wide. Stock: Same.
7. Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway’s Tippeligaen). Nothing has changed with Goodson. Still solid and depending on Bradley’s preference could see the bench on match day. Stock: Same.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Heath Pearce (FC Dallas, MLS), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew, MLS), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy, MLS)
Goalkeeper (3):
1. Tim Howard (Everton FC, EPL). Nothing has changed and Howard is still the most important player and will dictate the success the Yanks have in the World Cup. Stock: Same.
2. Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wolves, EPL). Playing time wins out and Hahnemann is now the number two for the national team. He is a big reason Wolves should avoid relegation. Stock: Up.
3. Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, EPL). For a guy with so much promise, playing behind one of the top 5 keepers in the EPL hurts his chances of making the first 18. If Friedel stays with Aston Villa next year, look for Guzan to be loaned out as he is wasting on the bench. Stock: Down.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Brad Friedel (Aston Villa, EPL), Troy Perkins (DC United, MLS)
What do you think? Who do you think should be in South Africa for world cup?
Matches to watch:
1. Arsenal v. Manchester City (Fox Soccer Channel, 11:30am CT, Saturday). City is chasing Tottenham for 4th place in the EPL and a spot in the Champions League making this a MUST win.
2. Barcelona v. Xerez (GolTV, 10:00am CT, Saturday). How does Barcelona handle losing 3-1 to Inter Milan in the Champions League. I have a feeling Xerez will be a bit of a sacrificial lamb.
3. Hamburg v. Fulham (GolTV, 2:00pm CT, Thursday). Late notice but this is the first leg in the Europa League semi-final. Great match up with some intrigue as Fulham is traveling by sea and ground instead of flying due to the grounding of all planes. Oh yeah, Clint Dempsey will be on display.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Would this Work in the United States?
While I am working on a post about the U.S. Men’s National Team I wanted to broach a subject that I have discussed with others many times. In Europe, top soccer countries such as England, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, and France have a relegation system where the bottom three teams at the end of the season are relegated to a lower league and replaced by the top three teams in that in the lower league. My question is would this work in major sports leagues in the United States?
Now in the Europe soccer teams that are promoted to the top divisions receive monetary compensation to add to the roster to make the team competitive. When Newcastle United fell from the EPL to the English 2nd division, the Coca-Cola Championship, they were forced to let go of many of their top players. They have clinched the 2010 2nd division title this year and will be promoted back to the EPL and receive a $60 million dollar bonus to make roster additions. While $60 million is not enough to buy them enough talent to win the EPL it is enough to make them competitive if spent well and stick in the EPL.
It is true that Major League Soccer does not follow this model, even with the existence of a 2nd division soccer league in the United States. MLS has maintained that the league being just a start up, for the past 13 years and not financially sound it would not work and there would be considerable risk of losing fans. Well there are four leagues in the United States that are financially sound and have established fan bases.
How interesting would it be if teams were fighting for their spot in the 1st division of the NBA, MLB, NHL, or NFL? Would the Cavs have tanked the 2002-2003 season to increase their chances of getting LeBron James? How much different would franchises like the Detroit Lions be run if they faced the prospect of dropping from the top football league and losing their top players? Would the Houston Astros have made six years of suspect (I am in a good mood this morning) free agent and draft moves if they could be dropped from MLB?
Now I understand that there would be a lot of reorganization that would go on such as creating a smaller first division league and there would definitely be issues with attendance and financial loses etc. Let’s put that aside and look at the merits of the system and how it would affect the fans and teams. The system clearly works in Europe. For the legitimacy of soccer as a real sport to be questioned as much as it is here in the United States their fans stay with their team no matter what division the team is in. Leeds United was a fixture in the EPL in the 70’s and 80’s. Because of financial issues and bad roster moves they are now in the 3rd division (there are five total divisions professional soccer in England) yet their fans still show up and support the club.
Would this be true for the “real” sports here in the United States? Would you stick with your team if they were relegated from the top league? Do you think it would put pressure on the teams to make better roster moves? Do you think it would make the overall quality of the league better? Would it really hurt your feelings if the New Jersey Nets were sent to the D-League? Would less fans show up to watch them?
Just something to think about on a Tuesday.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Projected Roster for the World Cup
So who is going to represent the striped uniform (the uniforms are modeled after the 1950 USMNT that beat England in the World Cup, very nice move by Nike) in this year’s world cup? For those who do not know, the teams are allowed to list a 23 man roster and suit up only 18 on match days in the world cup. Bolded players are my prediction to be in the top 18 on match day.
My initial roster if the World Cup started tomorrow:
Forwards (3):
1. Jozy Altidore (Hull City, English Premier League (EPL)). The guy is the only lock in the forward pool to go and has done everything well for Hull City…….except put the ball in the back of the net.
2. Charlie Davies, (Sochaux, French Ligue 1). If he is healthy and is near his form before his accident he makes the game day roster. If he can go the 70 minutes, he starts.
3. Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexican First Division). Surprise! The guy has been ripping Mexican defensives up and at this point a striker who can put the ball in the back of the net has to be considered. If he is still scoring goals in May he gets on the plane.
4. Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo, Major League Soccer (MLS)). If the hamstring injury he got last week is minor and he is back within a few weeks he is going to South Africa whether fans like it or not because of his work rate and experience. Have him listed at #4 only because the injury.
Others who will need to keep a passport handy: Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas, MLS), Connor Casey (Colorado Rapids, MLS), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy, MLS)
Midfield (9):
1. Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy, MLS). Whether you love him or hate him he is the best American soccer player ever and just showed on loan with Everton that he can play with the big boys like Chelsea and Manchester United.
2. Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC, EPL). If Donovan is the best player, Dempsey is the most creative and most frustrating. Great skill and seems to come up big on the big stage. And I think he considers the world cup a big stage. He could start at forward opening up a spot for Stuart Holden or DeMarcus Beasley in the starting 11.
3. Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany’s Bundesliga). Being the coach’s son hurts his credibility to some but the guy has skill and a mean streak. He is not truly great at anything but is the best all around central midfielder in the player pool.
4. Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scottish Premier League (SPL)). Edu has returned to form and is seeing consistent minutes for Rangers who are running away with the SPL. While he does not cover the same ground as Clark his playing time puts him in the starting 11.
5. Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Bundesliga). I know he was hurt recently and has not seen a game for Frankfurt but Bob Bradley likes a defensive counterpart for his son and Clark is a good option. Edu has played more so I think he gets the start but I think Clark is the best truly defensive CM the team has at this time.
6. Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers, EPL). As the least heralded of three transfers for Bolton, Holden forced his way into the starting 11 and in his last two games was rated by Sky Sports as their best player. A clumsy (and red card worthy challenge) from Nigel De Jong broke his leg while playing for the Yanks. He is back and should be playing in games in a few weeks.
7. Bennie Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus', Denmark SAS Ligaen). Still recovering but played his first game in 2010 this past week. His talent gets him on the plane with any type of fitness.
8. Jose Francisco (Gringo) Torres (Pachuca, Mexican First Division). Talent and skill is not the issue. He may be one of the two best ball handler and passer on the team with Holden but the system for the national team does not fit his style of play. Still he gets on the plane and could make the bench.
9. DeMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, SPL). If I was coaching I give this spot to Alejandro Bedoya (Obereo, Swedish First Division) who is 20 and will be a big part of the 2014 team. But Beasley showed great form in the last friendly against Holland and if he gets games with Rangers his experience and pace will be an asset.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04, Bundesliga), Freddie Adu (Aris Salonika, Greek First Division), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro BK, Sweden’s Allsvenskan), Edgar Castillo (Tigres UNAL, Mexican First Division)
Defenders (7):
1. Oguchi Oneywu (AC Milan, Italy’s Serie A). Physical and great in the air. One of the few guys who do not need to be getting games to not only get on the plane but to be in the starting 11.
2. Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, Ligue 1). The captain who probably starts at Left Back but has been a staple at Center Back and scored several in qualifying on set pieces, which will be huge for the Yanks.
3. Johnathan Spector (West Ham, EPL). Talent going forward and defending out wide. He has replaced Steve Cherundolo as the best Right Back in the player pool. Can also play Left Back.
4. Jay Demerit (Watford, English Coca-Cola Championship). High Quality Center Back who plays for a good team in the English second division. If Bocanegra is your Left Back Demerit starts with Oneywu.
5. Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Bundesliga). Lost a step and is coming off an injury. Recently scored a goal for his team and provides good pace and experience.
6. Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, MLS). Would not be my choice for the 6th spot, but I think that is where he is in the pecking order right now. His ability to play all four spots in the back helps.
7. Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway’s Tippeligaen). Solid player who provides great depth at Center Back. Probably does not make the 18 but is there for insurance.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Heath Pearce (FC Dallas, MLS), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew, MLS)
Goalkeeper (3):
1. Tim Howard (Everton FC, EPL). The most important player and will dictate the success the Yanks have in the world cup. If he plays well they go far, if he does not well 2014 is not that far away.
2. Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, EPL). For a guy who plays sparingly and backs up a retired U.S. National team starting keeper, he impresses every time out. Once he starts playing full time again people will remember that he is the future at Keeper for the Yanks.
3. Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wolves, EPL). He is experienced (nice way of saying old) and is there for support and practice.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Brad Friedel (Aston Villa, EPL), Troy Perkins (DC United, MLS)
What do you think? Who do you think should be in South Africa for world cup?
Matches to watch for this weekend:
1. EL CLASSICO – Real Madrid v. Barcelona, GolTV (620 on DirectTV), 6:00pm CT.
The names of the two clubs are enough to tell you that you should watch. If you are not a fan and want to see what soccer is like at its peak, this is your match. The talent in this match is rivaled only by knock out stage matches in the World Cup. Lio Messi is an absolute tear for Barca and Real will be looking to protect the Bernbau. Absolute must see TV for any soccer fan!
2. Aston Villa v. Chelsea, Saturday, Fox Soccer Channel, 11:00 am CT. FA Cup Semi-final
Chelsea is two points ahead of the Red Devils (Manchester United) after their win last week in the EPL and look to take a step to add another piece of hardware. Aston Villa, who has American Brad Friedel in goal, look to continue their run in the tourney but have a tough task against a more talented Chelsea club.
3. Houston Dynamo v. LA Galaxy, Regional TV (11.2 in Houston and Fox Sports Pacific out of the Houston Market), 7:30pm CT.
Rematch of the Western Conference Final last year that was riddled with 2 power outages, what is perceived as a phantom call that took Houston’s winning goal off the board in regulation, and the emergence of Beckham’s skill in OT to send the Galaxy to the final. Not to mention the teams are owned by the same company (AEG) and the Dynamo have always felt like the little brother, even though they have had more recent success. Robertson Stadium will be rocking (hopefully it does not fall over) and the Dynamo will give every fan a mini-flashlight just in case the lights go out again. Oh, and these are two of the best teams in MLS with two great coaches. Best game of the weekend in MLS.
My initial roster if the World Cup started tomorrow:
Forwards (3):
1. Jozy Altidore (Hull City, English Premier League (EPL)). The guy is the only lock in the forward pool to go and has done everything well for Hull City…….except put the ball in the back of the net.
2. Charlie Davies, (Sochaux, French Ligue 1). If he is healthy and is near his form before his accident he makes the game day roster. If he can go the 70 minutes, he starts.
3. Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexican First Division). Surprise! The guy has been ripping Mexican defensives up and at this point a striker who can put the ball in the back of the net has to be considered. If he is still scoring goals in May he gets on the plane.
4. Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo, Major League Soccer (MLS)). If the hamstring injury he got last week is minor and he is back within a few weeks he is going to South Africa whether fans like it or not because of his work rate and experience. Have him listed at #4 only because the injury.
Others who will need to keep a passport handy: Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas, MLS), Connor Casey (Colorado Rapids, MLS), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy, MLS)
Midfield (9):
1. Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy, MLS). Whether you love him or hate him he is the best American soccer player ever and just showed on loan with Everton that he can play with the big boys like Chelsea and Manchester United.
2. Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC, EPL). If Donovan is the best player, Dempsey is the most creative and most frustrating. Great skill and seems to come up big on the big stage. And I think he considers the world cup a big stage. He could start at forward opening up a spot for Stuart Holden or DeMarcus Beasley in the starting 11.
3. Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany’s Bundesliga). Being the coach’s son hurts his credibility to some but the guy has skill and a mean streak. He is not truly great at anything but is the best all around central midfielder in the player pool.
4. Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scottish Premier League (SPL)). Edu has returned to form and is seeing consistent minutes for Rangers who are running away with the SPL. While he does not cover the same ground as Clark his playing time puts him in the starting 11.
5. Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Bundesliga). I know he was hurt recently and has not seen a game for Frankfurt but Bob Bradley likes a defensive counterpart for his son and Clark is a good option. Edu has played more so I think he gets the start but I think Clark is the best truly defensive CM the team has at this time.
6. Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers, EPL). As the least heralded of three transfers for Bolton, Holden forced his way into the starting 11 and in his last two games was rated by Sky Sports as their best player. A clumsy (and red card worthy challenge) from Nigel De Jong broke his leg while playing for the Yanks. He is back and should be playing in games in a few weeks.
7. Bennie Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus', Denmark SAS Ligaen). Still recovering but played his first game in 2010 this past week. His talent gets him on the plane with any type of fitness.
8. Jose Francisco (Gringo) Torres (Pachuca, Mexican First Division). Talent and skill is not the issue. He may be one of the two best ball handler and passer on the team with Holden but the system for the national team does not fit his style of play. Still he gets on the plane and could make the bench.
9. DeMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, SPL). If I was coaching I give this spot to Alejandro Bedoya (Obereo, Swedish First Division) who is 20 and will be a big part of the 2014 team. But Beasley showed great form in the last friendly against Holland and if he gets games with Rangers his experience and pace will be an asset.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04, Bundesliga), Freddie Adu (Aris Salonika, Greek First Division), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro BK, Sweden’s Allsvenskan), Edgar Castillo (Tigres UNAL, Mexican First Division)
Defenders (7):
1. Oguchi Oneywu (AC Milan, Italy’s Serie A). Physical and great in the air. One of the few guys who do not need to be getting games to not only get on the plane but to be in the starting 11.
2. Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, Ligue 1). The captain who probably starts at Left Back but has been a staple at Center Back and scored several in qualifying on set pieces, which will be huge for the Yanks.
3. Johnathan Spector (West Ham, EPL). Talent going forward and defending out wide. He has replaced Steve Cherundolo as the best Right Back in the player pool. Can also play Left Back.
4. Jay Demerit (Watford, English Coca-Cola Championship). High Quality Center Back who plays for a good team in the English second division. If Bocanegra is your Left Back Demerit starts with Oneywu.
5. Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, Bundesliga). Lost a step and is coming off an injury. Recently scored a goal for his team and provides good pace and experience.
6. Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, MLS). Would not be my choice for the 6th spot, but I think that is where he is in the pecking order right now. His ability to play all four spots in the back helps.
7. Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway’s Tippeligaen). Solid player who provides great depth at Center Back. Probably does not make the 18 but is there for insurance.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Heath Pearce (FC Dallas, MLS), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew, MLS)
Goalkeeper (3):
1. Tim Howard (Everton FC, EPL). The most important player and will dictate the success the Yanks have in the world cup. If he plays well they go far, if he does not well 2014 is not that far away.
2. Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, EPL). For a guy who plays sparingly and backs up a retired U.S. National team starting keeper, he impresses every time out. Once he starts playing full time again people will remember that he is the future at Keeper for the Yanks.
3. Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wolves, EPL). He is experienced (nice way of saying old) and is there for support and practice.
Players who should keep a passport handy: Brad Friedel (Aston Villa, EPL), Troy Perkins (DC United, MLS)
What do you think? Who do you think should be in South Africa for world cup?
Matches to watch for this weekend:
1. EL CLASSICO – Real Madrid v. Barcelona, GolTV (620 on DirectTV), 6:00pm CT.
The names of the two clubs are enough to tell you that you should watch. If you are not a fan and want to see what soccer is like at its peak, this is your match. The talent in this match is rivaled only by knock out stage matches in the World Cup. Lio Messi is an absolute tear for Barca and Real will be looking to protect the Bernbau. Absolute must see TV for any soccer fan!
2. Aston Villa v. Chelsea, Saturday, Fox Soccer Channel, 11:00 am CT. FA Cup Semi-final
Chelsea is two points ahead of the Red Devils (Manchester United) after their win last week in the EPL and look to take a step to add another piece of hardware. Aston Villa, who has American Brad Friedel in goal, look to continue their run in the tourney but have a tough task against a more talented Chelsea club.
3. Houston Dynamo v. LA Galaxy, Regional TV (11.2 in Houston and Fox Sports Pacific out of the Houston Market), 7:30pm CT.
Rematch of the Western Conference Final last year that was riddled with 2 power outages, what is perceived as a phantom call that took Houston’s winning goal off the board in regulation, and the emergence of Beckham’s skill in OT to send the Galaxy to the final. Not to mention the teams are owned by the same company (AEG) and the Dynamo have always felt like the little brother, even though they have had more recent success. Robertson Stadium will be rocking (hopefully it does not fall over) and the Dynamo will give every fan a mini-flashlight just in case the lights go out again. Oh, and these are two of the best teams in MLS with two great coaches. Best game of the weekend in MLS.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Thoughts on Overtime
So the NFL has decided to adjust its overtime rules.... in the playoffs. Let me rant on that thought for a second. The most popular sport in America wants to change its rules but only in playoff games.... but not in the games leading up to the playoffs, which in a 16 game season, are just as important? You admit to having a problem with your system.... but only want to fix it during the playoffs? So going into week 17, two teams are tied in the standings for the last wildcard spot, and happen to be playing each other, and they go into overtime. The team that wins the toss goes down and kicks a field goal on the first possession, and now they are in the playoffs. The following week, that same team plays in the first round of the postseason, and they go to overtime yet again. This time, they lose the toss, and the other team comes down and kicks a field goal. But wait... NOW you get a chance to get the ball back and go down and win with a touchdown. What a difference a week makes.
So on to the NFL's 'solution' to their overtime problem. I personally like the new rule. It brings more strategy into the game and gives more excitement. Do I think its a perfect fix? Absolutely not. I would rather see them play an abbreviated quarter and play it until the clock hits 0:00. But that would make too much sense.
Imagine if other sports adopted the NFL OT rules, in the regular season.
MLB: Teams play 9 innings and are tied. They flip a coin at home plate and the team that wins the toss scores a run in their first at bat.... game over.
NBA: Who needs a coin flip. Just toss up the ball, and whoever gets possession of it has a chance to end the game right then and there... just go dunk the damn ball.
PBA: (yes, i'm including bowling) Two bowlers are tied... so they flip a coin. First person to strike wins. If the first guy strikes.... Match over. Yeah, that would go over well.
I would like to see that type of tiebreaker in competitive food eating, however. If two or more competitors are tied after the time period, the first one to crap it back out WINS!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Another reason why the NHL has no money...
So let's say you're me, a guy without a lot of money, but a big sports fan who wants to see everything you can. Most of the time, you need to get some Pay Per View's to be able to see it all. Right now, in the last week of the season, you want to watch the NHL's final week, plus the first round of the playoffs. In order to do that, you have to get Center Ice to view all the regional FSN's and other sports channels. So, since i have DishNetwork, I log on to see the cost of getting, for the most part, a month of non-market hockey games. I THOUGHT it would be cheap, considering not only is the season almost done, but the NHL would want to capitalize on the popularity of the Vancouver Olympics.
That's what I get for thinking.
If I ordered NHL Center Ice, for the rest of the season, my cost is $79.90, with no nightly option.
If, on the other hand, I wanted NBA League Pass, the cost would be $49.00, with a seperate option for me to buy the package for $5.95 on a nightly basis.
Does anyone else see the problem here?
Gary Bettman really thinks he's going to get 60% more for his PPV package than David Stern and the NBA can? How does he think people will pay almost double the cost for just as many games?
In comparision, you can order MLS's Direct Kick for $79.00... for the whole season.
Remember, Gary Bettman thinks that third full arena's in Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix (sorry Ty, GLENDALE), and Tampa Bay are better than full arena's in Kansas City and anywhere in Canada.
You can dog the NBA for the players and the cost of going to a game, but they at least want viewers. That is why you can see the NBA on at least three different channels through the week, and you MAY get lucky to view a NHL match on Versus (thanks DirecTv) and NBC. Do you think ESPN could do better? Maybe, but they are not willing to throw the money Westinghouse does when it comes to NBC and Versus.
BTW.. I really do not like Versus. They seem to halfass anything except the NHL, and on that they normally can't do more than simulcast other channels for big end of season and playoff games. College Football on there is a travesty at best.
That's what I get for thinking.
If I ordered NHL Center Ice, for the rest of the season, my cost is $79.90, with no nightly option.
If, on the other hand, I wanted NBA League Pass, the cost would be $49.00, with a seperate option for me to buy the package for $5.95 on a nightly basis.
Does anyone else see the problem here?
Gary Bettman really thinks he's going to get 60% more for his PPV package than David Stern and the NBA can? How does he think people will pay almost double the cost for just as many games?
In comparision, you can order MLS's Direct Kick for $79.00... for the whole season.
Remember, Gary Bettman thinks that third full arena's in Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix (sorry Ty, GLENDALE), and Tampa Bay are better than full arena's in Kansas City and anywhere in Canada.
You can dog the NBA for the players and the cost of going to a game, but they at least want viewers. That is why you can see the NBA on at least three different channels through the week, and you MAY get lucky to view a NHL match on Versus (thanks DirecTv) and NBC. Do you think ESPN could do better? Maybe, but they are not willing to throw the money Westinghouse does when it comes to NBC and Versus.
BTW.. I really do not like Versus. They seem to halfass anything except the NHL, and on that they normally can't do more than simulcast other channels for big end of season and playoff games. College Football on there is a travesty at best.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The World Cup: 69 Days and Counting!
World cup, World cup, World cup. For some reason this is all that is on my mind when it comes to soccer. Why is that? It is a tournament that happens every four years and, at least in the United States, you do not hear about unless you really try. So why is a tournament with minimal exposure, that happens as often as a presidential election, have me bursting at the seams to watch? Because the world cup is the most effective and compelling tease in the sports world.
Soccer fans wait and follow their national teams through a FOUR year qualifying process often playing teams like Barbados or Trinidad and Tobago hoping, and in the case of the soccer giants knowing, that in the distant future their team will get on the world’s biggest stage and perform for them.
The first time I saw the ESPN, who if you have not noticed have thrown everything they can behind soccer to promote the event, commercial with Martin Tyler’s voice over was during a bowl game in December. My nephew and I literally jumped to our feet and said “I CANNOT WAIT!” That was in December. Santa had not even visited my house and I was ready to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team take down Wayne Rooney and the Three Lions.
This is the world’s game on its biggest stage. It is also an event that drives soccer fans to watch friendlies with other nations and games early in the morning and late at night from overseas obsessing over who is going to be picked to go to South Africa. All for their team to potentially play three games and go home and propel them into another four year wait.
Do yourself a favor; get caught up in the world cup. Read about the national team of your home country if they are involved and make sure to watch. You may not be a soccer fan, you may not know the rules, but you will want to be watching if the Yanks bring down England in the first round. You will want to be watching if Mexico strikes down Thierry Henry and the French.
For the next 110 plus days this blog will follow the U.S. National team on their way to South Africa. Possible players and how they are performing and what could happen. It is fun and honestly it is the same thing we have done for the last three years and the only thing we can do for another 69 days. What a tease.
Matches to watch this weekend:
1. Manchester United v. Chelsea on ESPN2 Saturday 7:30am CT. Rooney or no Rooney this match goes a long way to decide the EPL with the two of the most talented teams in Europe.
2. Seattle Sounders FC v. Red Bull New York Fox Soccer Channel Saturday 9:30pm. RBNY is much improved and who does not want to watch Freddie Ljunberg after his war of words with Petor Nowak concerning his diving and whining?
3. Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munich Sunday 8:30am GolTV. 2 points separate these two teams in the German Bundesliga. How does Bayern keep the momentum and recover from their midweek home win over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League, should be high drama.
Soccer fans wait and follow their national teams through a FOUR year qualifying process often playing teams like Barbados or Trinidad and Tobago hoping, and in the case of the soccer giants knowing, that in the distant future their team will get on the world’s biggest stage and perform for them.
The first time I saw the ESPN, who if you have not noticed have thrown everything they can behind soccer to promote the event, commercial with Martin Tyler’s voice over was during a bowl game in December. My nephew and I literally jumped to our feet and said “I CANNOT WAIT!” That was in December. Santa had not even visited my house and I was ready to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team take down Wayne Rooney and the Three Lions.
This is the world’s game on its biggest stage. It is also an event that drives soccer fans to watch friendlies with other nations and games early in the morning and late at night from overseas obsessing over who is going to be picked to go to South Africa. All for their team to potentially play three games and go home and propel them into another four year wait.
Do yourself a favor; get caught up in the world cup. Read about the national team of your home country if they are involved and make sure to watch. You may not be a soccer fan, you may not know the rules, but you will want to be watching if the Yanks bring down England in the first round. You will want to be watching if Mexico strikes down Thierry Henry and the French.
For the next 110 plus days this blog will follow the U.S. National team on their way to South Africa. Possible players and how they are performing and what could happen. It is fun and honestly it is the same thing we have done for the last three years and the only thing we can do for another 69 days. What a tease.
Matches to watch this weekend:
1. Manchester United v. Chelsea on ESPN2 Saturday 7:30am CT. Rooney or no Rooney this match goes a long way to decide the EPL with the two of the most talented teams in Europe.
2. Seattle Sounders FC v. Red Bull New York Fox Soccer Channel Saturday 9:30pm. RBNY is much improved and who does not want to watch Freddie Ljunberg after his war of words with Petor Nowak concerning his diving and whining?
3. Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munich Sunday 8:30am GolTV. 2 points separate these two teams in the German Bundesliga. How does Bayern keep the momentum and recover from their midweek home win over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League, should be high drama.
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