Andrei Arshavin: Go West Young Man
Posted on May 16, 2008 in the Europe category
After his sublime performance in the 2008 UEFA Cup victory over Rangers FC, Arshavin can expect to hear from some of Europe’s elite. Clubs preparing for next year’s Champions League appear to be his most likely destination. A closer look at the playmaker’s career follows.
Andrei Arshavin came up through Zenit St. Petersburg’s youth system playing with Zenit-2 in 1999 and 2000. After this apprenticeship, he moved to the senior club full-time in 2000. Arshavin was moved all around the midfield before settling in as a second striker; although, if needed he can return to a midfield playmaker or winger role.
His versatility, vision, and playmaking attributes played a large role in his being named as the Russian Footballer of the Year in 2006. In 2007, Zenit St. Petersburg won the Russian Premier League. Andrei enjoyed a successful campaign with 10 goals and 11 assists. He has played his entire club career in St. Petersburg with Zenit. In 214 matches, he has 47 goals.
Internationally, he has scored ten times in 33 national team appearances. With goals against Euro 2008 participants Germany, Portugal, and Romania, the forward can be counted on to perform against top competition. He will not be able to play in Euro 2008 until the third group match.
Will he end up in Germany, England, or remain in Russia with Zenit as they prepare for Champions League play?
Garbage = Bald Men Arguing About Streamers
Posted on May 16, 2008 in the MLS category
Just when you thought MLS was becoming a legitimate part of the American sports landscape, the commissioner, former NFL Europe Chief (um, how’d that league end up again?) Don Garber, has to open his big trap and set soccer back a few years. And what could lure “the Don” to come out swinging like a vintage Rock-em Sock-em Robot?
Well, basically pundit Michael Wilbon called Toronto FC fans “minor league” and “garbage” for throwing streamers onto the field during corner kicks. How dare he?
This would not offend me as Wilbon calls something “garbage” about every five seconds. Its usually his buddy Kornheiser’s shirt or Stat Boy’s daily attempt at humor instead of 30,000 maniacal TFC fans.
If he had called Raiders’ fans “garbage”, Roger Goodell wouldn’t release a statement.
No, Goodell would simply smile and Dude-like respond “well, that’s like, your opinion, man.”
But Garber? He has to start a skirmish.
Garber responded to Wilbon by arguing that unlike other sports, soccer fans “are a part of the game experience.”
Um, what the hell is he talking about?
Has he never been to an NFL game (in America) where on 4th and 1 near the goal line you can actually hear your ear drums explode (I know, sounds impossible doesn’t it)?
Has he never seen those Anaheim or California or whatever Angels fans waiving around their little rally bats and worshipping that monkey from Outbreak.
He’s definitely never been to an NHL game in Canada, where they have the only hockey venues in the world that feature more fights in one section of the arena than on the ice.
Listen, soccer is different than other sports, there’s no doubt about that. But you can’t claim that it’s the only sport where
“fans are part of the game experience.” If you do, you not only end up sounding like an idiot, but you also risk alienating fans of those other sports by insinuating their favorite is inferior.
And MLS does not need to be in the business of alienating fans.
I must admit, I have always thought the practice of throwing streamers on the field was stupid. Beside the point that it creates more work for the field crew (I know, what do I care?) it could interfere with play.
I think it’s even more stupid though that the Commish is choosing to take a throw-away remark by a pundit and turn it into a public squabble. Soccer’s merits need to be publicly debated in America, but debating the merits of throwing streamers onto a soccer field?
Well, like the streamers themselves, it’s just garbage.
Bob Bradley Digs Younger Men
Posted on May 16, 2008 in the Europe category
Bob Bradley, or as I call him Skeletor, recently named his 33 man player pool for the U.S. MNT’s upcoming friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina.
Now, if we emerge with any points from these three games, I will be shocked. Argentina is the #1 team in the world, and Spain and England both could make valid arguments as to why they should be the top ranked squad.
Bradley’s list of players to some looks like a roster, but to me it looks more like a list of human sacrifices.
The biggest trend on the roster is clearly the inclusion of young talent. Gone are many of the names we are accustomed to seeing take the field for the MNT. In their place is a score of under-25 players whose club success has catapulted them into the MNT discussion.
Bradley is the anti-Alexi Lalas, choosing to go with youth and desire over age and experience. As the team prepares for the 2010 World Cup, it is a wise move in my opinion to get these youngsters on the field against the world’s best now so they know what to expect two years from now.
So without further Adu (no wait, he’s included!), here is who Bradley went with for the team’s 3 most difficult challenges of 2008:
Goal: Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Dominic Cervi (Unsigned)
Defense: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew)
Midfield: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
Forward: Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Unsigned), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)
Some of Bradley’s selections were quite surprising. Robbie Rogers, who scored twice against SJE last weekend, is a hot young talent, but I am surprised to see him called up to play with the big boys so soon. Ditto that statement for the entire midfield, except for golden oldies DB, Lewis and Pablo.
Kenny Cooper is another name I didn’t expect to see. Cooper has had a great year with the Burn and will look to translate his growth into a regular MNT job.
Finally, the inclusions of Dominic Cervi and Nate Jaqua are odd. Since they are still unsigned (despite the fact they could play in MLS if they wanted to), maybe Bradley just wanted to make sure they don’t get too rusty. I like Cervi, but personally I think Jaqua is the Ryan Leaf of U.S. Soccer. On paper, he looks like a talent, but in games he lacks the awareness to succeed. So far anyways.
But everyone knows the snubs are more fun to talk about than the surprises, so let’s get to them. The biggest ones come between the posts. Marcus Hahnemann and Kasey Keller, two guys who are usually in the pool, are fishes-out-of-water this time (who likes Marco Polo references!). I don’t know why Bradley would want an unproven commodity like Cervi over Hahnemann and Keller, but clearly this trip is about gaining experience for young players.
And Bradley’s theory certainly makes sense when you look at the forwards. Other than Ching and Wolff, the rest of the forwards couldn’t even buy beer five years ago (well, I bet Dempsey had a great fake I.D.) These guys need to face a stifling defense now, or they will be looking for their pacifiers come 2010.
The mid is also infused with youth, including Adu, Bradley, Feilhaber, Clark, Gaven and Klejstan. The D is a little older and more experienced (which is good thing when you consider who we will be up against). Look for Carlos B. to wear the arm-band, but the Gooch to continue in his role as defensive enforcer.
All in all, I think it the roster looks great. Lots of youth, but also some experienced guys to keep the team even-keeled and calm, even as they face their toughest challenges of the year. Look for the U.S. to surprise its opponents, but still fall to the world’s soccer powers.
MLS Power Rankings: Week 7
Posted on May 16, 2008 in the MLS category
MLS POWER RANKINGS (05/16):
- Columbus Crew [last week 1]: Columbus flat out never lets up. Just when it looks like they are going to finally play below their potential, they explode for three goals in nine minutes. Teams will need to figure out how to stop Schelotto, or the Crew will stay entrenched at #1.
- Chicago Fire [last week 2]: Again, if there’s one team that could give CMB a run for their money, it would be Blanco’s bunch. Great goalkeeping, sturdy defense and the coupling of a veteran playmaker with young speedy forwards is a recipe for success in any league.
- New York Red Bulls [last week 5]: Perhaps even more surprising than the Crew, NYRB continues to catch opponents off guard with their stunning chemistry. Now that Richards and Angel are healthy, this team just got a whole lot more dangerous.
- Colorado Rapids [last week 4]: Colorado got hosed when De Rosario was awarded that penalty in the final minutes. The soccer gods (er, refs) threw poor Houston a bone. Gomez still looked good out there though. Amazing how one player can change an entire team’s dynamic.
- FC Dallas [last week 3]: A tough away loss to stomach? Sure. But Dallas is still playing tough defensive soccer and Rice-Eccles is a tough road venue. So long as its key playmakers stay healthy, the Burn is bound for West supremacy in my book.
- Kansas City [last week 6]: No game. No move. I wonder what Jimmy Conrad did to enjoy his week off. Spelunking? Deep sea fishing? Naw, not Jimbo. He probably caught his reflection in a mirror and couldn’t tear himself away for 132 hours. That’s the price of being beautiful.
- Toronto FC [last week 7]: No game. No move. I wonder what Mo Johnston did to enjoy his week off. Actually, no I don’t. He did what he always does on weeks off. Stare at a picture of Jimmy Conrad for 132 hours.
- New England Revolution [last week 8]: Good win for the Revs. Must be nice to finally have Twellman and Ralston back. Now they just need Dorman and Noonan to be deported back to American and forced back into action, and they will be back on the path to another MLS Cup loss.
- Los Angeles Galaxy [last week 10]: Another tough loss for the Gals. When is Ruiz supposed to get healthy? The Fish has been off the market for quite awhile already, and I haven’t heard much about his return. In the meantime, Gordon (who I have nicknamed ”Fishsticks” for obvious reasons) is playing quite well.
- DC United [last week 8]: Technically DCU should have probably fell further because they suffered an ugly loss last week. But, I think the Fire will be making a lot of teams look foolish this season. Despite the uncharacteristic home loss, United will likely bounce back.
- Real Salt Lake [last week 12]: Kyle Beckerman doesn’t play sexy soccer. He’s more of a grinder. Like Pete Rose though, Beckerman hustles out there for every inch his opponent will give him. What were the Rapids thinking when they traded him for Ballouchy?
- Chivas USA [last week 11]: What is going on with the Goats? After the best season in franchise history, they have been resigned to needing B.S. extra time goals to avoid ugly shutouts. There’s a lack of intensity among their players that Preki must reverse. Soon.
- Houston Dynamo [last week 13]: If you had told me it would be May before the Dynamo would notch a win, I would have asked what you were smoking (and whether I could get some). But, alas, it took the defending champ seven games to come away with three points.
- San Jose Earthquakes [last week 14]: Poor SJE. They were about to pull a huge upset by beating the #1 team on these rankings, but couldn’t stop young Robbie Rogers. Joe Cannon may be past his prime. If so, It’s going to be a long season for Yallop.
Player of the Week: Jon Busch. There is no way to dispute that Jon Busch has been the best keeper in MLS so far this season. He’s ceded the fewest goals. He has the best save percentage. And it’s not like he’s not being challenged. In fact, he is getting a barrage of shots on goal every game. He’s answering the call so far, and for that he’s player of the week.
Brazil name squad for U.S. tour
Posted on May 15, 2008 in the News, Tickets category
Brazil has announced their team and the good news is that Kaka, Alexandre Pato and Robinho are all on the roster for upcoming exhibition games in the United States. The bad news is that Ronaldinho did not make the team.
Brazil plays Canada at Seattle on May 31 and Venezuela at Foxborough, Mass., on June 6. It then has world cup qualifiers at Paraguay on June 15 and against Argentina at Belo Horizonte on June 18.
Adriano will be part of the team for the qualifiers but will miss the two-match trip to the United States by the South American champions.
The Brazil Roster
Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Almeria, Spain), Doni (AS Roma, Italy), Julio Cesar (Internazionale of Milan, Italy)
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Spain), Alex Costa (Chelsea, England), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Juan (AS Roma, Italy), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich, Germany), Luisao (Benfica, Portugal), Maicon (Internazionale of Milan, Italy), x-Marcelo (Real Madrid, Spain)
Midfielders: Anderson (Manchester United, England), Diego (Werder Bremen, Germany), Elano (Manchester City, England), Josue (Wolfsburg, Germany), Kaka (AC Milan, Italy), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal, England)
Forwards: y-Adriano (Sao Paulo), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid, Spain), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla, Spain), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan, Italy), Robinho (Real Madrid, Spain), x-Rafael Sobis (Real Betis, Spain)
European Power Rankings
Posted on May 14, 2008 in the Europe category
Eurosport has just released its inaugural European Power Ranking and Manchester United are on top. Intern Milan had led these rankings for much of the season but have dropped to fourth place after their recent stumbles is Serie A.
Europsport uses a mathematical formula based on based on points per game in domestic league and European games. What I cannot understand is how Arsenal are ranked higher than Chelsea. Chelsea finished higher than then in the Premiership and went two rounds further in the Champions League. Somehow the last-minute goal they conceded against Bolton cost them a place. And I thought the BCS formula was confusing!
European Power Rankings (previous position in brackets)
1 (1) Manchester United - 23.95
2 (3) Arsenal - 20.92
3 (2) Chelsea - 20.77
4 (4) Internazionale - 20.46
5 (5) Sevilla - 20.24
6 (7) Liverpool - 20.00
7 (5) Barcelona - 19.90
8 (9) Roma - 19.45
9 (6) Porto - 19.10
10 (11) Everton - 18.55
11 (10) Fenerbahce - 18.17
12 (12) Real Madrid - 17.96
13 (13) Milan - 16.99
14 (17) Werder Bremen - 16.84
15 (14) Olympiacos - 16.83
16 (16) Bayern Munich - 16.81
17 (15) Hamburg - 16.15
18 (16) Lyon - 16.12
19 (19) Fiorentina - 15.66
20 (20) Rangers - 15.56
US vs Barbados Tickets Are On Sale
Posted on May 12, 2008 in the Tickets category
Over the weekend tickets for the US vs Barbados Soccer Tickets World Cup qualifier went on sale. The game at Home Depot Center will be played on June 15th and is a 2pm kickoff P.S.T. For those not in the LA area, the game will be televised live on ESPN2 and Galavision.
Barbados represent one of the trickier matches in this round. Though they are relative newcomers to international competition and sit over 100 places below the US on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, coach Eyre Sealy has a stable of no less than eleven England-based professionals to call on.
Emerson Boyce of Wigan Athletic played in the last round gainst Dominica (Barbados won the series 2-1 on aggregate). Also, Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood, Tom Soares and Paul Ifill of Crystal Palace and Mark McCammon of Doncaster Rovers are just some of the English brigade eligible to play for the Bajan Braves.
This will be the U.S.’s first qualifying match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. In preparation for this game the U.S. will play three friendly’s in June against top opposition. The U.S kicks of its warm-up games with a trip to famed Wembley Stadium for a May 28 clash with England. The U.S. will then face fourth-ranked Spain on June 4 at the Estadio El Sardinero in Spain, before heading back across the Atlantic to face No. 1-ranked Argentina on June 8 in New Jersey.
These three friendlies might be the toughest three game stretch in U.S. soccer history.
US Soccer is anticipating a sold-out Home Depot Center for the Barbados game and we have great tickets available.
Get Great Tickets on StubHub.com!
Mexico’s Future Starring in Europe
Posted on May 12, 2008 in the Europe category
The Mexican national team began a massive player overhaul after the 2006 World Cup. Blanco, Borgetti, Bravo, and Marquez performed at a high level for years; it is now time for players such as Vela, Dos Santos, Castillo, and Mureno to compete on the international stage. FEMEXFUT’s decision to move forward with this new generation excited many supporters but also left them with a strong case of anxiety. The recent battle against the United States proved that these players can compete at the highest level. Remember, many of these senior international neophytes dominated the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship.
Let’s take a closer look at three players who played their 2007-2008 club seasons in Europe. Their continued development in the continental leagues will prove pivotal to their international careers.
Carlos Vela – Winger – Osasuna on loan from Arsenal
Perhaps as soon as next season, Vela could earn first team minutes in the Premiership with the Gunners. The 19 year-old scored his first goal against Real Betis this past October. Will he be scoring next October in the Premiership? All information points to yes.
Giovani Dos Santos – Forward – Barcelona
The 18 year-old forward’s career with the Catalan club will end the spring. Rumors peg him with a move to Manchester City. Playing alongside Mexican teammate Nery Castillo benefits both players as well as Mexico’s national team due to the eventual chemistry that will develop.
Nery Castillo – Midfielder/Forward – Manchester City
Unfortunately, injuries derailed Nery’s season at City. The 23 year-old Castillo hopes to make his loan move permanent when it expires in December 2008. Castillo saw time in Manchester City’s final match of the season. It was an forgettable 8-1 thrashing by Middlesbrough.
New England’s Familiar Faces Return
Posted on May 12, 2008 in the MLS, Revolution category
After losing Andy Dorman and Pat Noonan to transfers, Steve Nicol knew he was going to need to rely heavily on Steve Ralston and Taylor Twellman this season. What he did not know was that both would be sidelined for more than a month to start the season, Twellman with knee issues and Ralston with a broken collar bone.
Without all four of its top scorers the previous season, NER has relied on gritty defense and quick counter attacks to hover around .500 this season. Due to fast starts by the new Gambians, Mansally and Naissey, NER and Nicol were remarkably still in the hunt despite its egregious losses.
Both Twellman and Raslton are back now though, and their contribution could be said to have immediately turned one point into three on Saturday. Ralston, the MLS all-time leader in assists, added one more to his ever growing tally by setting Twellman up for the game winner in the second half against the Goats.
Surely, opponents must now fear NER. The team plays tough as nails defense with Albright, Heaps and Parkhurst, and its midfield is as fast as any in the league. When the dirty D and the quick mids are combined with Twellman and Ralston’s experience, there are likely few teams in MLS who can compete with the Revs.
Giggity, Giggity Giggs!
Posted on May 12, 2008 in the Europe category
When Ryan Giggs came off the bench in the second half for Manchester United on Sunday, he wasn’t making just another typical appearance. Not only was he appearing in the second half of the most important league game of the season, but he was also tying Bobby Charlton’s Ripken-like record of 758 team appearances.
Giggs’ soccer story begins when, on his 14th birthday, Sir Alex Ferguson offered him a contract with Man U. During the next twenty years, Giggs would help obtain over 20 foreign and domestic trophies for the squad, and he would never play for another side.
At 17, during his first top division professional appearance, Giggs netted a goal. Therefore, it was fitting that in his 758th appearance, last Sunday, Giggs once again found the back of the net in the 80th minute and sealed the EPL title.
It was Man U and Giggs’ tenth title. Fans of the pesky Red Devils will no doubt honor the man as a God for years to come, and even rivals have to admit that Giggs is the most successful player in league history.
keep trying » 