So I'm headed to where the 2010 World Cup is going to happen: South Africa. Its pretty exciting. The African Cup of Nations starts in less than a week. Hopefully I can watch some of the games there. Watching them in Africa should be great. Because my day off is on Saturday I hope to watch some premiership games as well. Have to see what TV stations are available.
The USA has a friendly on January 19th versus Sweden.
Should be good probably won't get it on TV though.
Also WC qualifying starts up in earnest in February and March. Perhaps I'll get to see some games there as well. The USA doesn't start until June with what should be a very easy series versus either Barbados or Dominica. I'll look forward to that.
Also the Revs start March 29th versus Houston. Taylor Twellman just got denied a chance to move to England for a $2 million transfer fee and he doesn't seem happy about it. Hopefully he'll be happy for season's start.
Anyway heres to soccer in South Africa. Peace out all.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
MLS and changing
So its the MLS off-season and I've delayed writing another blog entry. Im over the Revs loss but it is still going to suck until they win it once and for all.
I write tonight about letters I saw in MLS Magazine, a start-up that I subscribed to. Its a good magazine lots of articles and soccer stuff but needs some time to grow into itself and get better with typos and layout.
Anyway they asked people what they wanted changed about MLS and printed them in 2nd article. Most are laughably unfeasible and seek to make MLS too much like a European or Latin American league. To summarize, changing the season time to go from august-may, splitting the season into two halves, or eliminating the playoffs will never happen.
One thing we as American soccer fans must understand is soccer isn't that popular here. Sure there is the hardcore few of us who will always care, and watch, and go to games, but to survive, MLS needs to bring in more people. This fact has led to many huge mistakes. Having shootouts instead of ties is one of these. Having a baseball announcer start cold during the 2006 World Cup was another. MLS execs need to know that they can't just compare something in a soccer game to the World Series and get tons of fans. More likely they just piss off real fans like myself.
There can be a balance however. Garber seems obsessive about keeping conferences. This is boorish and lame. Americans can handle a single table what they can't is ludicrous playoff results. DC United had no business as best record holder playing Chicago in a first round tie this year.
If a single table does come (which I have to guess will have to wait till we get to 16-18 teams) it will dramatically simplify things.
MLS will always have playoffs. It simply has to. Americans could not tolerate have the regular season just ending. It would be worse than the BCS. Europe has UEFA Cups and league cups to have fun with, America has the US open Cup which apparently no one cares about.
A single table would simplify playoffs dramatically.
But until than lets propose a playoff idea within the conference system.
1)Over 50% of teams qualifying is too many. Soccer is a very fickle game and teams that were 7th or 8th in a 13 team league don't deserve the playoffs.
2) Conference winners qualify automatically.
3)the next 4-6 best (if they insist on 8 teams) qualify based on points. Period. All this wild card bracket crap is confusing and useless. Make it simple and logical people will get it.
4) if 6 teams 1st round will be play-in round to conference finals against conference champions.
I think this is logical and feasible. If MLS gets up to 18 teams I think having 8 playoff teams would be fine.
MLS needs to strike a balance between pandering to American's tastes but also staying true to the world's game.
Let's go MLS.
I write tonight about letters I saw in MLS Magazine, a start-up that I subscribed to. Its a good magazine lots of articles and soccer stuff but needs some time to grow into itself and get better with typos and layout.
Anyway they asked people what they wanted changed about MLS and printed them in 2nd article. Most are laughably unfeasible and seek to make MLS too much like a European or Latin American league. To summarize, changing the season time to go from august-may, splitting the season into two halves, or eliminating the playoffs will never happen.
One thing we as American soccer fans must understand is soccer isn't that popular here. Sure there is the hardcore few of us who will always care, and watch, and go to games, but to survive, MLS needs to bring in more people. This fact has led to many huge mistakes. Having shootouts instead of ties is one of these. Having a baseball announcer start cold during the 2006 World Cup was another. MLS execs need to know that they can't just compare something in a soccer game to the World Series and get tons of fans. More likely they just piss off real fans like myself.
There can be a balance however. Garber seems obsessive about keeping conferences. This is boorish and lame. Americans can handle a single table what they can't is ludicrous playoff results. DC United had no business as best record holder playing Chicago in a first round tie this year.
If a single table does come (which I have to guess will have to wait till we get to 16-18 teams) it will dramatically simplify things.
MLS will always have playoffs. It simply has to. Americans could not tolerate have the regular season just ending. It would be worse than the BCS. Europe has UEFA Cups and league cups to have fun with, America has the US open Cup which apparently no one cares about.
A single table would simplify playoffs dramatically.
But until than lets propose a playoff idea within the conference system.
1)Over 50% of teams qualifying is too many. Soccer is a very fickle game and teams that were 7th or 8th in a 13 team league don't deserve the playoffs.
2) Conference winners qualify automatically.
3)the next 4-6 best (if they insist on 8 teams) qualify based on points. Period. All this wild card bracket crap is confusing and useless. Make it simple and logical people will get it.
4) if 6 teams 1st round will be play-in round to conference finals against conference champions.
I think this is logical and feasible. If MLS gets up to 18 teams I think having 8 playoff teams would be fine.
MLS needs to strike a balance between pandering to American's tastes but also staying true to the world's game.
Let's go MLS.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
New England loses 4th MLS Cup since 2002
So it happened...again. New England managed to fall short at the final hurdle of the MLS season, losing 2-1 in its 3rd straight MLS Cup final and 4th in 6 years.
I think the thing that hurts most about this lost was how everything pointed to a New England win. They were healthy and rested, experienced and playing far from Texas. Houston was missing two of its best players and would surely have a letdown after last years victory.
New England had a lead. Twellman had a great header and the 1st half was securely New England's. The hope was they would go through the post season unscored upon. It was not to be.
A scrappy soft goal by Ngueyna and a brilliant header by that thorn of a great player, De Rosario saw the revs fall behind.
The revs almost tied it, had some good chances, no greater than when Onstead had to save a point blank header from Jeff Larentowivcz, while falling down in the 87th minute. It was not to be however.
What I hate is how undeserving the Revs are of this. Steve Nicol has built a team that has been as consistent as any other except perhaps Houston and thats only in terms of Cups won. Nicol deserves the vindication of his brilliance with his title. Twellman has been underrated forever and deserves a title. Shalrie Joseph, perennial MVP candidate deserves a title for his excellence, commitment and skill.
The Revs have lost again and their is no joy for this soccer fan. We did win the US Open Cup this year, our first major title ever and I have t-shirt that attests to that fact. Until the Revs do win the Cup I will treasure that shirt, its the only hope I have that the Revs will eventually get what they have shown they are so capable of, a full out league title.
Here's to next season.
I think the thing that hurts most about this lost was how everything pointed to a New England win. They were healthy and rested, experienced and playing far from Texas. Houston was missing two of its best players and would surely have a letdown after last years victory.
New England had a lead. Twellman had a great header and the 1st half was securely New England's. The hope was they would go through the post season unscored upon. It was not to be.
A scrappy soft goal by Ngueyna and a brilliant header by that thorn of a great player, De Rosario saw the revs fall behind.
The revs almost tied it, had some good chances, no greater than when Onstead had to save a point blank header from Jeff Larentowivcz, while falling down in the 87th minute. It was not to be however.
What I hate is how undeserving the Revs are of this. Steve Nicol has built a team that has been as consistent as any other except perhaps Houston and thats only in terms of Cups won. Nicol deserves the vindication of his brilliance with his title. Twellman has been underrated forever and deserves a title. Shalrie Joseph, perennial MVP candidate deserves a title for his excellence, commitment and skill.
The Revs have lost again and their is no joy for this soccer fan. We did win the US Open Cup this year, our first major title ever and I have t-shirt that attests to that fact. Until the Revs do win the Cup I will treasure that shirt, its the only hope I have that the Revs will eventually get what they have shown they are so capable of, a full out league title.
Here's to next season.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
REVS qualify for 3rd straight MLS CUP
So I attended my second Revs game in a week and came away happy again, the Revs vanquishing the Fire 1-0 on a brilliant bicycle kick goal by Taylor Twellman that literally was conjured for nowhere it seemed. It was a hard-fought game and the Revs got aces all around.
To put it simply (if a bit lamely) the REVS simply had more fire than the Fire did. 50/50 balls were almost a foregone conclusion with New England almost always winning them. Special honors go to Avery John here who was heroic in always going for the ball and being successful at it too. He was incredible. If Joseph wasn't so good, John would be my favorite player.
Reis had 10 saves, quite impressive and Thompson, rookie extraordinare has really come into his own. He still doesn't have that lethal final touch but he had some great possessions, runs and of course he crossed the ball that Twellman made count.
One brief word about the Fire. I can't believe they beat DC. Blanco is shameful. He is on his butt more than he is playing. He may be skilled and I know it's good he is in the league but his style is little more than that of a diving, whining, pansie. I thought he was Greg Louganis at one point. I hope he enjoys his long off season break in Mexico.
Now its on to the MLS CUP. If the Revs want to shed their label as MLS' Buffalo Bills they must win. They must score in first half and then hopefully put their oppenent away with a second and third goal. They have made 6 straight Eastern Conference finals and won 4 they are only missing one thing.
I'll have a preview next week.
Till then GO REVs!
To put it simply (if a bit lamely) the REVS simply had more fire than the Fire did. 50/50 balls were almost a foregone conclusion with New England almost always winning them. Special honors go to Avery John here who was heroic in always going for the ball and being successful at it too. He was incredible. If Joseph wasn't so good, John would be my favorite player.
Reis had 10 saves, quite impressive and Thompson, rookie extraordinare has really come into his own. He still doesn't have that lethal final touch but he had some great possessions, runs and of course he crossed the ball that Twellman made count.
One brief word about the Fire. I can't believe they beat DC. Blanco is shameful. He is on his butt more than he is playing. He may be skilled and I know it's good he is in the league but his style is little more than that of a diving, whining, pansie. I thought he was Greg Louganis at one point. I hope he enjoys his long off season break in Mexico.
Now its on to the MLS CUP. If the Revs want to shed their label as MLS' Buffalo Bills they must win. They must score in first half and then hopefully put their oppenent away with a second and third goal. They have made 6 straight Eastern Conference finals and won 4 they are only missing one thing.
I'll have a preview next week.
Till then GO REVs!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Revolution are going to the conference championship!
So I went to the playoff game at Gillette stadium this Saturday night. It was quite an experience.
The remnants of hurricane noel were present and not only was it cold and rainy it was ridiculously windy. When I opened my car door it almost got blown into the vehicle next to me. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea but it turned out ok. It was cold but I was prepared and it stopped raining by halftime.
On to the game action. Only one goal but I had great seats and was totally into it whole time. In first half Revs had more chances but both teams had balls go just wide or over.
In 2nd half, Shalrie Joseph has a fabulous pass to Ralston who lays it off for Twellman who just manages to get it in the near post as the NY keeper and defenders try to kick it out. The stadium erupted and I was very happen. NY fought back admirably but failed to equalize.
The Revs now have qualified for their 6th straight conference final and our a win away from their 3rd straight MLS Cup Final.
Chicago is a hot team but the Revs are at home and I am hesitant to say that this is their year finally.
Depending on the weather my prediction is NE 3, Chi 1.
Heres to the Revs.
Also if anyone wants to go to the game email me.
The remnants of hurricane noel were present and not only was it cold and rainy it was ridiculously windy. When I opened my car door it almost got blown into the vehicle next to me. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea but it turned out ok. It was cold but I was prepared and it stopped raining by halftime.
On to the game action. Only one goal but I had great seats and was totally into it whole time. In first half Revs had more chances but both teams had balls go just wide or over.
In 2nd half, Shalrie Joseph has a fabulous pass to Ralston who lays it off for Twellman who just manages to get it in the near post as the NY keeper and defenders try to kick it out. The stadium erupted and I was very happen. NY fought back admirably but failed to equalize.
The Revs now have qualified for their 6th straight conference final and our a win away from their 3rd straight MLS Cup Final.
Chicago is a hot team but the Revs are at home and I am hesitant to say that this is their year finally.
Depending on the weather my prediction is NE 3, Chi 1.
Heres to the Revs.
Also if anyone wants to go to the game email me.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Playoffs Game 1
Game one ended scoreless for the Revs in New York versus the Red Bulls. A good result considering the amount of chances the Red Bulls had. We are in a good position going into next week, a game I will be attending. While I do not doubt the Revolution's capacity to put a few goals in at Gillette it does worry me that they were so content to let the game stay 0-0. A little more attacking would not have hurt. All the other 1st round match ups are at 1-0 advantage to the home team. While I do not doubt those score lines will change quickly in game two the point is we are very lucky to be in the same situation. I really hate the settle for a draw mentality on the road. If you are a good team, and every goal counts in a two goal series, go out and attack. Don't be reckless but take it to the other team.
In any case I think the Revs will be able to pull this one out. My update will be forthcoming.
In any case I think the Revs will be able to pull this one out. My update will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
MLS Playoffs
So it playoff time now. I haven't written on blog recently, just haven't gotten around to it, but playoffs preview warrant a blog.
The Revs faceoff versus the Red Bulls, a dangerous but beatable team. I want to say that Revs will take care of them but it will not be easy. Juan Pablo Angel is an incredible player with a deft finishing touch. Young players Jozy Altidore and Dan Richards also are talented and will cause trouble.
While the Red Bulls have potential they have been much more inconsistent than the Revs and so I think we'll win.
On the Revs side we haven't played great recently. Letting up late goals and tying not winning is a bad habit to get into, esp. when your entering an aggregate series where every goal equals your life. That said I think the Revs will be geared up for this match. They are at end of day one of best teams in league from top to bottom. Attacking they have Twellman and Noonan with the very capable rookie, christman to back them up.
In midfield they have the veteran assist genius Ralston along with my favorite player Shalrie Joseph who is quite simply awesome. Not sure what been going on with Dorman lately but he's very able to contribute and when Khano Smith is on he can run by anybody.
In defense Micheal Parkhurst should be still feeling giddy from his stunning goal last weekend against TFC. He's not a bad defender either.
And at back the most consistent keeper in the league Matt Reis.
Simply put we can beat the Red Bulls easily. The Revs just have to execute and not let up any soft goals.
My prediction?
Game 1 in New York 1-1 Tie
Game 2 in Foxboro 3-1 Revs Win
4-2 Revs win on aggregate.
GO REVS!
The Revs faceoff versus the Red Bulls, a dangerous but beatable team. I want to say that Revs will take care of them but it will not be easy. Juan Pablo Angel is an incredible player with a deft finishing touch. Young players Jozy Altidore and Dan Richards also are talented and will cause trouble.
While the Red Bulls have potential they have been much more inconsistent than the Revs and so I think we'll win.
On the Revs side we haven't played great recently. Letting up late goals and tying not winning is a bad habit to get into, esp. when your entering an aggregate series where every goal equals your life. That said I think the Revs will be geared up for this match. They are at end of day one of best teams in league from top to bottom. Attacking they have Twellman and Noonan with the very capable rookie, christman to back them up.
In midfield they have the veteran assist genius Ralston along with my favorite player Shalrie Joseph who is quite simply awesome. Not sure what been going on with Dorman lately but he's very able to contribute and when Khano Smith is on he can run by anybody.
In defense Micheal Parkhurst should be still feeling giddy from his stunning goal last weekend against TFC. He's not a bad defender either.
And at back the most consistent keeper in the league Matt Reis.
Simply put we can beat the Red Bulls easily. The Revs just have to execute and not let up any soft goals.
My prediction?
Game 1 in New York 1-1 Tie
Game 2 in Foxboro 3-1 Revs Win
4-2 Revs win on aggregate.
GO REVS!
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