The weekend is almost here! Some interesting news to come out today...
---Peter Nowak is set to be named as the first head coach of the Philadelphia Union (Philly's new MLS franchise) tomorrow morning. And good for Peter... He could've easily been on his way to South Africa at this time next year as an assistant to Bob Bradley with the US men's team, but he's a great coach and belongs in charge somewhere. Philadelphia is only going to be a better team with him at the helm.
---Eduardo Garcia has withdrawn from the race for president at Real Madrid, leaving Florentino Perez as the only candidate (if nobody else steps up, Perez could be appointed on Monday without an election). Perez has vowed to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu if he's elected...and with his appointment now likely, it's time for those rumors to begin once again. A deal for Ronaldo could cost in excess of 100 million English pounds, and given the economy, as well as Ronaldo's refusal to discuss a move, it appears unlikely.
---Portsmouth is the second Premiership team to be sold to Sulaiman Al Fahim...sort of. Al Fahim brokered the sale of Manchester City to the Abu Dhabi United Group, but gave control of the club to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (one of the world's wealthiest men). He's not promising Pompey the kind of cash that he promised to Man City, which is probably a good thing for this team (especially considering what the record-breaking deal for Robinho has managed to do for City (a mid-table finish)). Hopefully he'll bring stability to the club and invest enough to have them challenging for a European spot in the next few years... Fratton Park is too small for Kaka.
MLS got their week underway last night with Columbus' 2-1 victory over San Jose. The win is only the 2nd of the season for the defending MLS Cup champs...but against San Jose (at home, as well) doesn't say too much. Chicago could give Chivas a run for their money tonight (10:30pm ET, ESPN2), but the Goats are home and playing too well this year.
The Red Bulls host Colorado on Saturday night (and, as always, I'll be there---this time with 100+ from the local rec club my family is involved with). Expectations? Well, the way the season's gone, the only expectation you can have is no expectations. Rojas is set to serve the second (and final) game of his suspension, which it's hard to tell how much that hurts the Bulls, considering how inconsistent his play has been. Colorado has a solid roster---Conor Casey is tied for the league lead in goals, Howell product Nick Labrocca has produced when given the opportunity, and Matt Pickens is playing like a 'keeper who earned a contract in Europe (and will likely earn another). All of that adds up to the Rapids likely getting at least a point out of this one... (Analysis, of course, will follow after the game)
This week's predictions (home team listed first, predicted winner in CAPS):
Chicago vs CHIVAS USA (Thursday)
Colorado vs Red Bulls (draw)
New England vs DC UNITED
Houston vs Toronto FC (draw)
SEATTLE vs Columbus
Los Angeles vs Kansas City (draw)
San Jose vs REAL SALT LAKE
CHICAGO vs Dallas (Sunday)
And just to finish up yesterday's US roster posting, here's my prediction for the US lineups in next week's games:
vs Costa Rica (at Estadio Saprissa, San Jose, Costa Rica), Weds. June 3rd, 8pm MT (10pm ET), ESPN:
--------------------------------------Howard--------------------------------------------------
----Hejduk------------Onyewu---------------Bocanegra-------------Spector------------
---------------------Mastroeni----------------------Edu-------------------------------------
---Dempsey----------------------Bradley-----------------------------Donovan-----------
-------------------------------------Ching-----------------------------------------------------
vs Honduras (at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL), Sat. June 6th, 7pm CT (8pm ET), ESPN:
----------------------------------Howard----------------------------------------------------
----Wynne--------Onyewu----------------Bocanegra---------------Beasley-------------
---Dempsey-------Bradley------------------Adu------------------Donovan--------------
--------------------Altidore-------------------Ching-----------------------------------------
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Yanks are coming! Will you be there?
I know I will, for one of them at least.
The US men are getting ready for a busy stretch this summer, starting next Wednesday with a World Cup qualifier at Costa Rica, then continuing next Saturday night in Chicago with another qualifier vs. Honduras---and I will be in the Windy City for that one. It takes a true SoccerJunkie to get up for an 8am flight out of Philadelphia (it takes a true junkie of any sorts to fly out of there), fly out to Chicago (in my USA jersey, with my USA scarf) for a 7pm game, and fly home in time for work Monday morning. Follow that up with the Confederations Cup just over a week later in South Africa (vs. Italy on the 15th, vs. Brazil on the 18th, and vs. Egypt on the 21st), then the US hosts the Gold Cup in July (with our boys drawn into Group B with Grenada (July 4th in Seattle), Honduras (July 8th in DC), and Haiti (July 11th in Foxborough)). Should we advance, the quarterfinals for the Group B winner and runner-up will be on July 18th in Philadelphia (and SoccerJunkie will be there, as well, despite the red-eye flight from Vegas landing the morning before)...if we get all the way through, the final is set for Giants Stadium (I've got my tickets for that as well).
Anyway, I digress...Bob Bradley has named his 24-man roster that will train ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, and likely includes the majority of the squad that will be headed to South Africa (good to see him going with an A-squad for the Confederations Cup)...so let's take a little more in-depth look at his selections:
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
Tim Howard- The clear-cut US #1, but you have to wonder if he'll play every match. He'll be joining the team late (the team convened yesterday in Miami) after playing in Saturday's FA Cup final for Everton, so will be playing on a lot of travel with little break.
Brad Guzan- Has consistently been Bradley's pick as the #2 for the US, and I don't think you can argue too much with it. Lack of playing time behind US legend Brad Friedel at Aston Villa could be a hinderence (of course, training with Friedel everyday can never hurt), but could see some playing time with Timmy's travels.
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (Midtjylland (Denmark)), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege (Belgium)), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock (Germany)), Jonathan Spector (West Ham), Marvell Wynne (Toronto)
The back-four combination for each of these games is likely to be dicated by the opponent and location of each match. Does Bradley continue the DaMarcus Beasley at left back experiment? What is Bradley's obsession with Heath Pearce (he consistently gets called up, but has underperformed far more often than he has outperformed)?
Gooch and Bocanegra are the starting centerbacks, no questions asked. Califf is there in case either gets hurt or needs a break, and DeMerit can step in easily...but expect big things from Gooch over the course of the next month. His contract with Liege is up and he can (and has said he wants to) move anywhere for free. There are big clubs in England, France, and Spain interested in him, but a solid performance in qualifiers and against Italy and Brazil could equal a HUGE payday with a HUGE club. He excelled in his brief stint with Newcastle (but obviously won't be headed there since they were relegated), and could be set to play himself into an even bigger English club (possibly Villa, Everton, maybe Tottenham) than is interested in him right now (Fulham).
As for the outside backs, expect Spector on the left and Hejduk on the right at Costa Rica. The Saprissa in San Jose is one of the most difficult environments to play in, and you can expect Bradley to come out with a more experienced and defensive-minded team. In front of 40,000 pumped US fans at Soldier Field, on the other hand, look for Bradley to push with speed and offense against Honduras. The DeMarcus Beasley experiment could resume wide left, while Marvell Wynne might get a chance to prove himself on the right.
The US men are getting ready for a busy stretch this summer, starting next Wednesday with a World Cup qualifier at Costa Rica, then continuing next Saturday night in Chicago with another qualifier vs. Honduras---and I will be in the Windy City for that one. It takes a true SoccerJunkie to get up for an 8am flight out of Philadelphia (it takes a true junkie of any sorts to fly out of there), fly out to Chicago (in my USA jersey, with my USA scarf) for a 7pm game, and fly home in time for work Monday morning. Follow that up with the Confederations Cup just over a week later in South Africa (vs. Italy on the 15th, vs. Brazil on the 18th, and vs. Egypt on the 21st), then the US hosts the Gold Cup in July (with our boys drawn into Group B with Grenada (July 4th in Seattle), Honduras (July 8th in DC), and Haiti (July 11th in Foxborough)). Should we advance, the quarterfinals for the Group B winner and runner-up will be on July 18th in Philadelphia (and SoccerJunkie will be there, as well, despite the red-eye flight from Vegas landing the morning before)...if we get all the way through, the final is set for Giants Stadium (I've got my tickets for that as well).
Anyway, I digress...Bob Bradley has named his 24-man roster that will train ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, and likely includes the majority of the squad that will be headed to South Africa (good to see him going with an A-squad for the Confederations Cup)...so let's take a little more in-depth look at his selections:
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
Tim Howard- The clear-cut US #1, but you have to wonder if he'll play every match. He'll be joining the team late (the team convened yesterday in Miami) after playing in Saturday's FA Cup final for Everton, so will be playing on a lot of travel with little break.
Brad Guzan- Has consistently been Bradley's pick as the #2 for the US, and I don't think you can argue too much with it. Lack of playing time behind US legend Brad Friedel at Aston Villa could be a hinderence (of course, training with Friedel everyday can never hurt), but could see some playing time with Timmy's travels.
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (Midtjylland (Denmark)), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege (Belgium)), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock (Germany)), Jonathan Spector (West Ham), Marvell Wynne (Toronto)
The back-four combination for each of these games is likely to be dicated by the opponent and location of each match. Does Bradley continue the DaMarcus Beasley at left back experiment? What is Bradley's obsession with Heath Pearce (he consistently gets called up, but has underperformed far more often than he has outperformed)?
Gooch and Bocanegra are the starting centerbacks, no questions asked. Califf is there in case either gets hurt or needs a break, and DeMerit can step in easily...but expect big things from Gooch over the course of the next month. His contract with Liege is up and he can (and has said he wants to) move anywhere for free. There are big clubs in England, France, and Spain interested in him, but a solid performance in qualifiers and against Italy and Brazil could equal a HUGE payday with a HUGE club. He excelled in his brief stint with Newcastle (but obviously won't be headed there since they were relegated), and could be set to play himself into an even bigger English club (possibly Villa, Everton, maybe Tottenham) than is interested in him right now (Fulham).
As for the outside backs, expect Spector on the left and Hejduk on the right at Costa Rica. The Saprissa in San Jose is one of the most difficult environments to play in, and you can expect Bradley to come out with a more experienced and defensive-minded team. In front of 40,000 pumped US fans at Soldier Field, on the other hand, look for Bradley to push with speed and offense against Honduras. The DeMarcus Beasley experiment could resume wide left, while Marvell Wynne might get a chance to prove himself on the right.
Midfielders: Freddy Adu (AS Monaco (France)), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers (Scotland)), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)), Maurice Edu (Rangers (Scotland)), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus (Denmark)), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), Jose Fransico Torres (Pachuca (Mexico))
If Bradley goes with a more defensive formation in Costa Rica (likely a 4-5-1), that would create an extra opening in the midfield. Michael Bradley is a shoe-in to play in both qualifiers (and likely every game in the Confederations Cup), but not because he's the coach's son. Bradley has become the most consistent and most versatile central midfielder the US has seen in decades---who's the last central midfielder that you can remember that shut down a team one game, then turned around a sliced them apart offensively and popped in a few goals the next? Against Costa Rica, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey are options to drop back as wide midfielders, giving the US an extra option going forward without compromising too much defensively. Mastroeni is a likely option to partner with Bradley centrally, as he's a gritty, hardnosed defensive midfielder who will go hard into tackles and deny the Costa Ricans time and space as they push forward. That last spot is completely up in the air, and likely goes to whoever performs best in training---though Maurice Edu and DaMarcus Beasley will both be arriving late after playing in the Scottish FA Cup final on Saturday against Falkirk (another reason to expect Dempsey and Donovan out wide instead of Beasley). Either Torres or Edu is most likely feature---Adu is too much of a risk defensively, while there are still too many questions surrounding Feilhaber (it's been a long fall from the Gold Cup winner against Mexico two years ago).
When the US returns home to face Honduras, again expect Bradley to sit central. Though the shape of the team will likely change (to a 4-4-2), it's hard to imagine too many changes in the midfield. The Beasley experiment in the back could continue, opening the wide positions again for Donovan and Dempsey (which would provide greater opportunities up top). As for Bradley's partner, it wouldn't be much of a shock to see Adu get a chance (either starting or off the bench) in an offensive role (maybe interchanging with Donovan as wide/central playermaker roles), with Bradley assuming the holding responsibilities. There's also likely a place for Kljestan to come in off the bench in the qualifiers, maybe pick up a start or two with all these games in such a short period of time.
One of the more head-scratching moves is the inclusion of Benny Feilhaber. While reports are that he has turned his game and attitude around in recent weeks, he has had a long fall from grace in a short period of time. Two years ago, he was one of the highest-regarded US prospects, and that Gold Cup winner against Mexico could've been his coming out party...but then his attitude and ego started getting the best of him, followed by the injury bug (which only seemed to get worse as reports surfaced that he wasn't working hard enough in recovery). For some reason, Bradley doesn't want to give up on this kid, and it would be great to see him live up to the potential he displayed in the past...but is this really the time?
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Xerez (on loan from Villareal) (Spain)), Brian Ching (Houston), Charlie Davies (Hammarby (Sweden)), Clint Dempsey (Fulham (England)), Landon Donovan (LA)
Brian Ching in a lone forward role against Costa Rica is highly likely (though that doesn't mean he'll be the only "forward" that plays). As already mentioned, Donovan and Dempsey can easily slide into the wide midfield roles (Donovan can play in the advanced midfield role, as well). The home qualifier in Chicago seems like a perfect time to play young Altidore (he does have 5 goals in 6 career qualifiers), though his health and lack of playing time at Xerez are concerns. A likely scenario would be Altidore starting alongside Ching, with Davies (who has been scoring at a prolific pace in Sweden) an option to come off the bench if Jozy just isn't cutting it.
Six points over these two games would get the US a lot closer to clinching qualification for South Africa 2010...and a strong showing against Italy and Brazil would certainly earn US soccer a lot more respect on the international scene. There are plenty of players on this roster with something to prove for various reasons (new contracts, inconsistency, or, as in Feilhaber's case, a complete nosedive). No predictions here, but I'm definitely hoping for a great game at Soldier Field and 40,000+ raucous fans making it a true home field advantage.
BARCA '09---Champions League Final review
First off, congratulations to Barcelona, 2009 Champions League champions.
The game that gave Barca their 3rd UEFA title certainly didn't live up to the billing that most soccer fans, including at least the Man U half of the 72,700 at the Stadio Olympico, expected...I know I said in the preview that these teams are equal, that the loser wouldn't have lost to a better team...Well, Barca and Man. U. may be equals in the long haul, but today, at least, Barca was the far better team.
Some plays that stood out to me:
---Ronaldo early on, challenging Valdes and the Barca defense...and not missing by much. Just one of those shots going in makes this a totally different game.
---10' GOAL: Eto'o finishing with pure class. This goal came completely against the run of play chances wise (Barca was getting some possession but weren't creating the way Man U--especially Ronaldo-- was). Van der Saar got a hand on it, but this was the game-changing moment.
---Pique's yellow card in the 16' was fortunate for Barca...the Frenchman could easily have been considered the last man, and a red card would have definitely had an impact on the game. No matter who the opponent, Man U doesn't waste a man advantage, especially when they have it for 75+ minutes.
---Tevez coming on for Anderson at halftime. This sub would've been a complete flop...the only reason it wasn't was that Anderson was equally as ineffective as Tevez. This was a chance for Tevez to drive his stock wayyyy up---the chances he remains at Old Trafford were slim to begin with...now Man U won't want him, but his stock with potential suitors is worth about as much as GM.
---Man U was deservedly lucky when Xavi rang a freekick off the post in the 53rd---the Iniesta takedown was a harsh call. A goal would've been the dagger for United...that would just come later.
---70' GOAL: United appeared to head back to England around the 70th min...Xavi had all the room in the world get pinpoint his cross for Messi, who had nobody within 3 or 4 yards of him (which is completely unacceptable when you're only 7 or 8 yards from goal).
---Barca fans couldn't have asked for anything more than the 70 quality mins. they got from Henry. He would've been on the score sheet if not for a quality save by van der Saar in the 48th...he possessed well, he moved well. A great workman-like effort.
---Right after the second goal, Valdes stepped up BIG TIME. World class save from an underrated world-class 'keeper.
The player of the game, without any doubt, wasn't Messi...wasn't Ronaldo...wasn't Henry...certainly wasn't Rooney (more on him in a bit)...nope, Man of the Match goes to Samuel Eto'o. An absolutely fantastic goal, and he wasn't just dangerous with his shot---he set-up Messi TWICE with beautiful passes in the 19' and 50' marks. Messi should've finished the first opportunity, and had his shouts for a penalty denied (rightfully) on the second.
As for the most disappointing player in this match...Wayne Rooney. Where on Earth was he??? Obviously not in Rome... Rooney usually makes himself invisible to get himself space for spectacular goals...tonight he was invisible for all the wrong reasons.
Overall...Man U controlled until Eto'o scored, but followed it with too many giveaways and couldn't seem to develop any rhythm. I won't say Guardiola outcoached Ferguson...his players are just the ones that decided to show up today. Barca earned and deserved their 3rd European title (they also won in '92 and '06), which equals Man U's three ('68, '98, '08).
On another positive note, at 4:15 WINS in NYC actually mentioned the game---which was still in action (74', 2-0) during their one-minute sports update. Now if only they'd mention the Red Bulls...
One last CONGRATULATIONS to FC Barcelona, the 2009 Champions of Europe.
The game that gave Barca their 3rd UEFA title certainly didn't live up to the billing that most soccer fans, including at least the Man U half of the 72,700 at the Stadio Olympico, expected...I know I said in the preview that these teams are equal, that the loser wouldn't have lost to a better team...Well, Barca and Man. U. may be equals in the long haul, but today, at least, Barca was the far better team.
Some plays that stood out to me:
---Ronaldo early on, challenging Valdes and the Barca defense...and not missing by much. Just one of those shots going in makes this a totally different game.
---10' GOAL: Eto'o finishing with pure class. This goal came completely against the run of play chances wise (Barca was getting some possession but weren't creating the way Man U--especially Ronaldo-- was). Van der Saar got a hand on it, but this was the game-changing moment.
---Pique's yellow card in the 16' was fortunate for Barca...the Frenchman could easily have been considered the last man, and a red card would have definitely had an impact on the game. No matter who the opponent, Man U doesn't waste a man advantage, especially when they have it for 75+ minutes.
---Tevez coming on for Anderson at halftime. This sub would've been a complete flop...the only reason it wasn't was that Anderson was equally as ineffective as Tevez. This was a chance for Tevez to drive his stock wayyyy up---the chances he remains at Old Trafford were slim to begin with...now Man U won't want him, but his stock with potential suitors is worth about as much as GM.
---Man U was deservedly lucky when Xavi rang a freekick off the post in the 53rd---the Iniesta takedown was a harsh call. A goal would've been the dagger for United...that would just come later.
---70' GOAL: United appeared to head back to England around the 70th min...Xavi had all the room in the world get pinpoint his cross for Messi, who had nobody within 3 or 4 yards of him (which is completely unacceptable when you're only 7 or 8 yards from goal).
---Barca fans couldn't have asked for anything more than the 70 quality mins. they got from Henry. He would've been on the score sheet if not for a quality save by van der Saar in the 48th...he possessed well, he moved well. A great workman-like effort.
---Right after the second goal, Valdes stepped up BIG TIME. World class save from an underrated world-class 'keeper.
The player of the game, without any doubt, wasn't Messi...wasn't Ronaldo...wasn't Henry...certainly wasn't Rooney (more on him in a bit)...nope, Man of the Match goes to Samuel Eto'o. An absolutely fantastic goal, and he wasn't just dangerous with his shot---he set-up Messi TWICE with beautiful passes in the 19' and 50' marks. Messi should've finished the first opportunity, and had his shouts for a penalty denied (rightfully) on the second.
As for the most disappointing player in this match...Wayne Rooney. Where on Earth was he??? Obviously not in Rome... Rooney usually makes himself invisible to get himself space for spectacular goals...tonight he was invisible for all the wrong reasons.
Overall...Man U controlled until Eto'o scored, but followed it with too many giveaways and couldn't seem to develop any rhythm. I won't say Guardiola outcoached Ferguson...his players are just the ones that decided to show up today. Barca earned and deserved their 3rd European title (they also won in '92 and '06), which equals Man U's three ('68, '98, '08).
On another positive note, at 4:15 WINS in NYC actually mentioned the game---which was still in action (74', 2-0) during their one-minute sports update. Now if only they'd mention the Red Bulls...
One last CONGRATULATIONS to FC Barcelona, the 2009 Champions of Europe.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Champions League Final preview
Tomorrow afternoon, Rome becomes the center of the football world. Man U. Barca. Champions League final. Don't say you didn't see it coming...
As much as many people HATE that these two are facing each other in the final...and as much as many people are rooting for Barca just because they HATE Man U. ...you simply can't deny it, these are the two best teams in Europe right now, and the two most deserving (yes, Chelsea fans, I said it) of the trip to Rome. For all their differences, these two teams have some key similarities---which just so happen to form the key match-ups in tomorrow's...um...match...:
--Sir Alex vs Pep
Sir Alex deserves the "Sir," let's face it. You wanna talk about prime English football---a team that can play with flair, yet kick your ass (both physically and on the scoreboard) while doing it---then this man's coached it for decades. The Scot is English football. In the other area, you've got Barca's young manager...but the one who has actually gotten the potential out of this team.
--Ronaldo vs. Messi
Two of the best two players in the world. Both have the flair, both have the pace, Messi has the balance. Ronaldo has Rooney...but Messi's got Eto'o...
--Van der Saar vs. Valdes
In one net, you have one of the biggest names, one of the best goalkeepers in Dutch history. 130 caps for his national team, scored a goal for Ajax (albeit a penalty), the first non-Italian to guard the net at Juventus (and the predecessor to the great Gigi Buffon)... In the other, one of the most disrespected goalkeepers in the game. The long-time starter at one of the top 2 clubs in his home country, and he can't even get a call-up as the #3 keeper for his national team. Size, style, experience...these two couldn't be more different except for one thing---they're both world-class goalkeepers who can steal this game. In this case, they both have dominant centerbacks in front of them as well (though Valdes will be missing Rafa Marquez tomorrow)...
Regardless of who wins, both teams have had incredible seasons. The loser will not have lost to a better team...
My prediction...penalties are not out of the question...but the lack of Marquez and questions surrounding Iniesta and Henry's fitness will be too much... Man U. in either a 1-0 or 2-1 game.
As much as many people HATE that these two are facing each other in the final...and as much as many people are rooting for Barca just because they HATE Man U. ...you simply can't deny it, these are the two best teams in Europe right now, and the two most deserving (yes, Chelsea fans, I said it) of the trip to Rome. For all their differences, these two teams have some key similarities---which just so happen to form the key match-ups in tomorrow's...um...match...:
--Sir Alex vs Pep
Sir Alex deserves the "Sir," let's face it. You wanna talk about prime English football---a team that can play with flair, yet kick your ass (both physically and on the scoreboard) while doing it---then this man's coached it for decades. The Scot is English football. In the other area, you've got Barca's young manager...but the one who has actually gotten the potential out of this team.
--Ronaldo vs. Messi
Two of the best two players in the world. Both have the flair, both have the pace, Messi has the balance. Ronaldo has Rooney...but Messi's got Eto'o...
--Van der Saar vs. Valdes
In one net, you have one of the biggest names, one of the best goalkeepers in Dutch history. 130 caps for his national team, scored a goal for Ajax (albeit a penalty), the first non-Italian to guard the net at Juventus (and the predecessor to the great Gigi Buffon)... In the other, one of the most disrespected goalkeepers in the game. The long-time starter at one of the top 2 clubs in his home country, and he can't even get a call-up as the #3 keeper for his national team. Size, style, experience...these two couldn't be more different except for one thing---they're both world-class goalkeepers who can steal this game. In this case, they both have dominant centerbacks in front of them as well (though Valdes will be missing Rafa Marquez tomorrow)...
Regardless of who wins, both teams have had incredible seasons. The loser will not have lost to a better team...
My prediction...penalties are not out of the question...but the lack of Marquez and questions surrounding Iniesta and Henry's fitness will be too much... Man U. in either a 1-0 or 2-1 game.
Time for this week's musings...
Memorial Day weekend is over and there's plenty to talk about...
---Bye, Bye Newcastle.
There's a lot of advantages to being in the Premiership that just went right out the window for owner Mike Ashley. Among these...the thing he cares about the most- money (he'll still get a supplement for the next 2 years if they remain in the Championship, but just like Reading, if they don't gain promotion next year, say goodbye to any semi-name players remaining with the club)...and the thing he should care about the most- the fans. Toon supporters will continue to back the team, but any respect for the owner is now long gone. Take it down now, though...Newcastle will be back in the Prem after 1 year, and it will be with Alan Shearer at the helm. Middlesborough will be back, too---but minus Gareth Southgate.
---Hull Survives!
There are moments in life where you just can't help but smile and feel really good for someone...and Sunday was that day. The scene at the KC was nothing like you'd expect for a team that hasn't won a game since George Bush was President. Phil Brown taking the mic and leading a still-packed stadium in song to celebrate their survival in top flight English football is one hell of a sight.
While we're at it, huge congrats to Stoke...a team that took its time to find its groove, but has played the last 2 months like a team that belongs. I'm not saying they'll be a mid-table team next year, they may not survive at all, but they do belong back the way they finished (especially compared to their bottom-half counterparts).
And one last Prem note for tonight---welcome Burnley...a giant-killer in the FA Cup gets to try to prove it against the rest of the Prem.
---I'm keeping my Red Bulls note short this week...
I missed this weekend's game, one of two this season I'll miss, but I did catch it on DVR. They certainly didn't deserve to lose...but all that matters at this point is they did lose. It's 1/3 of the way through the season, sitting in the basement...it's too soon to panic, but you simply cannot afford to give up points when you're this far back with the way the West is playing (those last wildcards are setting up well for the West). The biggest issue this season has been consistency, but it's hard to blame the players. 11 games, 11 different starting lineups... At some point, it's not just the player's fault anymore...
---Quick Cheers to ESPN
Fantastic almost-8-minute piece on North Brunswick's own Tim Howard. A great goalkeeper, a great American, a great man. He's carried this team at times this year---Everton started very inconsistent, but Timmy's set a club record for shutouts...not to mention he picked up 2 saves in the penalty shootout to defeat former club Man. U. in the FA Cup semis... He deserves the FA Cup on Saturday...I know I'll be wearing my blue.
---This week's best:
"He's got a bird's nest on his head!" -West Ham fans at Goodison about big-haired Marouane Fellaini - to the tune of He's Got The Whole World In His Hands.
"You'll have a nice time at Millwall!" -Fulham fans to Newcastle.
---Bye, Bye Newcastle.
There's a lot of advantages to being in the Premiership that just went right out the window for owner Mike Ashley. Among these...the thing he cares about the most- money (he'll still get a supplement for the next 2 years if they remain in the Championship, but just like Reading, if they don't gain promotion next year, say goodbye to any semi-name players remaining with the club)...and the thing he should care about the most- the fans. Toon supporters will continue to back the team, but any respect for the owner is now long gone. Take it down now, though...Newcastle will be back in the Prem after 1 year, and it will be with Alan Shearer at the helm. Middlesborough will be back, too---but minus Gareth Southgate.
---Hull Survives!
There are moments in life where you just can't help but smile and feel really good for someone...and Sunday was that day. The scene at the KC was nothing like you'd expect for a team that hasn't won a game since George Bush was President. Phil Brown taking the mic and leading a still-packed stadium in song to celebrate their survival in top flight English football is one hell of a sight.
While we're at it, huge congrats to Stoke...a team that took its time to find its groove, but has played the last 2 months like a team that belongs. I'm not saying they'll be a mid-table team next year, they may not survive at all, but they do belong back the way they finished (especially compared to their bottom-half counterparts).
And one last Prem note for tonight---welcome Burnley...a giant-killer in the FA Cup gets to try to prove it against the rest of the Prem.
---I'm keeping my Red Bulls note short this week...
I missed this weekend's game, one of two this season I'll miss, but I did catch it on DVR. They certainly didn't deserve to lose...but all that matters at this point is they did lose. It's 1/3 of the way through the season, sitting in the basement...it's too soon to panic, but you simply cannot afford to give up points when you're this far back with the way the West is playing (those last wildcards are setting up well for the West). The biggest issue this season has been consistency, but it's hard to blame the players. 11 games, 11 different starting lineups... At some point, it's not just the player's fault anymore...
---Quick Cheers to ESPN
Fantastic almost-8-minute piece on North Brunswick's own Tim Howard. A great goalkeeper, a great American, a great man. He's carried this team at times this year---Everton started very inconsistent, but Timmy's set a club record for shutouts...not to mention he picked up 2 saves in the penalty shootout to defeat former club Man. U. in the FA Cup semis... He deserves the FA Cup on Saturday...I know I'll be wearing my blue.
---This week's best:
"He's got a bird's nest on his head!" -West Ham fans at Goodison about big-haired Marouane Fellaini - to the tune of He's Got The Whole World In His Hands.
"You'll have a nice time at Millwall!" -Fulham fans to Newcastle.
"Ravi, Ravi, Ravi Ravi, Ravi, Ravi Bopara, he scored three tons, he scored three tons!" -Third day of the second Test at Chester le Street, to the tune of Karma Chameleon.
"He's gonna cry in a minute!" -Wigan fans taunt Ronaldo after he throws a hissy-fit for not getting a free-kick.
"Are you Batman in disguise?" -Liverpool fans behind the goal after Di Michele's comedy tumble for West Ham.
"You're just a fat Steven Gerrard!" -Sheffield United fans to Preston's Neil Mellor.
Rather than waiting a whole week, I'll be back tomorrow to discuss the Champions League final and Bradley's roster for Costa Rica and Honduras (The Yanks are coming. Will you be there?)
Soccer Junkie is Back!
I've decided to return to the blogosphere, bring back my tireless rantings about all things footie. As anyone who's followed my previous blogs knows, things focus on worldwide soccer, with extra depth on the Red Bulls since I get to watch all home games up close and personal...
Buckle your seatbelt, Grandma, this train's about to roll...
Buckle your seatbelt, Grandma, this train's about to roll...
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