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strider
Indiana
Experienced Environmental Geologist
Interests: Soccer, Golf, College Basketball, Music, History, Geology
Recent Activity
Nice to see a defender get some props. Kids doing a great job, but obviously will improve with time.
GO FIRE!!
SBI MLS Rookie of the Month: Austin Berry
Photo by ISIphotos.com When the Chicago Fire selected University of Louisville centerback Austin Berry with their first-round pick in January's SuperDraft, they hoped they were getting a player who could come in and contribute immediately. While injuries across the Fire back line may have ac...
Modibo beat me to it, but as another Fire fan I am glad the FO is making the effort to accomplish the most this season. After some poor results the past 2 years, it is vital that the team make the playoffs and Pappa will be a big help to accomplish that. How far they go in the playoffs is, of course, impossible to tell ahead of time as it so often comes down to key injuries or just sheer luck.
Pappa signs Heerenveen pre-contract, will play out 2012 season with the Fire
The long-standing question of whether Marco Pappa would be leaving the Chicago Fire and heading to Europe this season has finally been answered. Yes, Pappa is heading to Europe, but no, he won't be leaving the Fire this season. Chicago announced on Monday that Pappa had signed a pre-contract...
Gang, while the rankings have real challenges (i.e. are not that good), don't dwell on Brazil being ranked so low. FIFA's Valcke came out yesterday and noted that Brazil's "low" ranking was primarily due to the fact that they are the hosts for 2014 and so are not playing any qualifiers. Since you gain more points for quals than for friendlies, this accounts for Brazil's low points and therefore ranking. England being #3 however, is an absolute joke and FIFA has NO explanation for how that happened. Unfortunately, these rankings WILL BE used to seed the groups for the WC2014. Scary!
USA sticks at 36 in latest FIFA rankings
After a quiet month, the U.S. men's national team's place in the FIFA rankings is unchanged, and the Americans remain at their lowest point of the Jurgen Klinsmann era in the international standings. The U.S. men held firm at 36th in the world, sandwiched in between Serbia and Wales, ahead o...
To help with the cultural awareness of this group, Wien is how Austrians spell the name of their capital (which we call Vienna). Anything from Wien is Wiener. So, Wiener Wacker is Wacker (club) from Vienna. That's why a Frankfurter in Germany is someone from Frankfurt.
Americans Abroad: Weekend Rewind
photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com By FRANCO PANIZO DaMarcus Beasley had one of the better performances this weekend, but even he endured a bit of a topsy-turvy outing in a subpar weekend for the Americans Abroad. Playing a week after suffering an injury, Beasley started and went the dist...
You seem to be forgetting MB at Roma, Sascha in Belgium, the German contingent, etc. However, England is the "easiest" place to go in terms of cultural change, that is, they speak English (even if can be VERY different). Most of the guys that go to Scandinavia do so because those teams are more open to Americans and are less demanding in terms of talent. The BPL, even the Championship, are well above the skill levels of most of the other leagues in Europe (not considering La Liga and the Bundesliga).
Cameron agrees to terms with Stoke, will join club in Orlando for preseason tour
Only one step remains before Geoff Cameron's transfer to Stoke City is done and dusted. Cameron told the Houston Chronicle that he has agreed to personal terms with the Premier League side and is joining the club in Orlando, where it is continuing its preseason tour of North America with a f...
You've got to be kidding! No, Stoke are not one of the top teams in the BPL, but they are IN the BPL and get to play against some of the best players in the world. Getting paid well is just a bonus to the level of competition. This is definitely a major step up from MLS.
Cameron agrees to terms with Stoke, will join club in Orlando for preseason tour
Only one step remains before Geoff Cameron's transfer to Stoke City is done and dusted. Cameron told the Houston Chronicle that he has agreed to personal terms with the Premier League side and is joining the club in Orlando, where it is continuing its preseason tour of North America with a f...
Hard to believe Guzan couldn't get a gig from one of the newer or lower ranked teams in the EPL since he was on a Bosman. If I were him I would even have gone to the Championship in order to get a job where I was more sure of playing time, preferably for a team with a good chance of getting to the EPL next year. If he can't beat Given out as the starter this will likely turn out to be a bad move for his career.
Monday Kickoff: Guzan re-signs with Villa, Russia to appoint Capello, & more
By FRANCO PANIZO If Brad Guzan is going to permanently claim a starting goalkeeping spot in the near future, he will have to do so at the club where he has struggled to breakthrough thus far. After flirting with free agency, Guzan re-signed with Aston Villa on Monday, the Premiership club anno...
It would be great to see Giggs come home with a medal. After playing for Wales and not really being able to compete internationally, this would be a nice way to end his international career.
It will be interesting to see if Deschamps can do more with this team than Blanc did. I am curious to see where Blanc will turn up next, or has he already taken a position?
Monday Kickoff: France hires Deschamps, Terry's trial begins, & more
By FRANCO PANIZO The man who last led France to international glory as a player is now in charge of doing the same as a coach. Former France captain Didier Deschamps was hired as manager of Les Bleus on Sunday, agreeing to a deal that will see him take charge of one of the more troubled sides ...
This is really too simplistic because there could easily be a defender or the goalie blocking the view. It really is a more complicated issue than it initially seems to be. For example, I'm still not sure the goal fully crossed the line in the England - Ukraine game even though I've seen lots of replays. I could never see any space between the ball and the goal post. Of course, the goal line is not as wide as the post, so that creates a bit of a challenge.
Goal-line technology approved, to be used in upcoming tournaments
By FRANCO PANIZO The day so many soccer fans have been waiting for has arrived. Yes, goal-line technology has been approved by FIFA. The decision was made by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) during a meeting in Zurich on Thursday, with two different systems getting the green...
Edu should have better options that 2.Bundesliga. Let's hope he finds a spot in France or the 1.Bundesliga. Even the Championship would be better competition, but we'll see what happens. The MAIN thing is he needs to be somewhere that he gets playing time and better still, is under a coach that can help him develop more.
Spotlight on Maurice Edu
It has been one roller coaster ride of a year for Maurice Edu. The U.S. national team midfielder has seen his club team, Glasgow Rangers, fall into the nightmarish reality of financial ruin, but he has also seen his national team stock rise as he has become a regular starter for Jurgen Klins...
Sorry vic, but this really wasn't about Roy. This is really an indictment of the level of talent available in England currently. This is why the best teams in the EPL have primarily foreign talent. If England had continued to play through this match like they started, perhaps there would have been a different outcome. But for some reason, they just stopped attacking except for rare counters when they were too slow to gain any real advantage. That's on the players in my mind, not the coach.
EURO 2012: Italy advance to semifinals with PK win over England
By JOHN BOSCHINI Penalty shootouts are notoriously unfair but in the end justice was served as Italy are through to the semifinals. A scoreless 120 minutes was dominated by the Italians as England's torrid time in shootouts continues and sends the Three Lions home in the quarterfinals. Aless...
Sorry, but the US WILL dominate at least A&B (including goals) and possibly Guat and Jamaica at home (possession). The question is, will the scoreline reflect that possession? Both Jamaica and Guat are potential spoilers, but we should do fine and win this group, even if we struggle some on the road.
Where will USMNT finish in the semifinal round of qualifying?
photo by Nick Turchiaro/ISIphotos.com Only two days separate the U.S. men's national team from the start of its 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, but plenty of questions about the team still remain after the three summer friendlies ended with mixed results. Whether it was tired legs at the e...
Should have said this before, but this question needs a poll!
Where will USMNT finish in the semifinal round of qualifying?
photo by Nick Turchiaro/ISIphotos.com Only two days separate the U.S. men's national team from the start of its 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, but plenty of questions about the team still remain after the three summer friendlies ended with mixed results. Whether it was tired legs at the e...
Yeah, this is the same kind of OG that Clint got denied an extra goal on in the EPL on a great shot and good attempted save. I "understand" the logic of it being an OG, but it doesn't really seem fair. I say, don't give the initial "save" and simply credit the goal.
Sounders one of five MLS teams to advance to U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals
Five MLS teams advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night, but no club made as big of a statement as the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders put an end to Cal FC's Cinderella run in the tournament, scoring five second-half goals en route to a 5-0 win. Osvaldo Alonso got t...
I agree with the possible exception of Edu. I don't think we have seen enough of him in the right position, right in front of the defense, to say he isn't cutting it. Torres just hasn't played well these 3 games. He slows down the offense and then does nothing helpful. Castillo isn't bad, but he has to learn when to make a pass instead of trying to drible through everyone. Of course, he is obviously behind Fabian for LB. I strongly agree Lichaj should have been in this group. I really wonder why Klinsi left him out. Parkhust is obviously not as strong.
USA 0, Canada 0: A Look Back
There were no goals, and few quality scoring chances, only question marks and some concern for the U.S. national team as it heads toward World Cup qualifying following Sunday's 0-0 draw against Canada. Credit to the Canadians, they stayed organized and compact and never let the Americans get...
Perhpas, but do you know how they worked their players in between. If we ran 2-a-days each day, that wears you down pretty good and you don't rebound for the next match the way you would with lighter workouts. ALSO, if the point was to simulate a 3-game group you would NOT run the players so hard in the practices in between matches. So, the comparison is likely not as clear as you make out.
USA 0, Canada 0: A Look Back
There were no goals, and few quality scoring chances, only question marks and some concern for the U.S. national team as it heads toward World Cup qualifying following Sunday's 0-0 draw against Canada. Credit to the Canadians, they stayed organized and compact and never let the Americans get...
Would anyone know ANY of their players names if they did?
Mid-Day Ticker: Boa Morte trains with TFC, Najar left off Honduras and more
Luis Boa Morte has resurfaced, and it is with Toronto FC, at least temporarily. Boa Morte, who abruptly left South African club Orlando Pirates last week and was released from his contract, is reportedly on trial with the winless MLS side and was at training on Tuesday ahead of the club's se...
Although City's form is a bit better of late, this could come down to the difference between the managers, and we all know who that favors - Man U. Should be a good game if no one does anything too stupid, yes I'm referring to you Balotelli (if he gets in).
Who is your pick in the Manchester Derby?
The English Premier League title will go a long way toward being decided today when Manchester United and Manchester City square off at the Etihad Stadium today (3pm, ESPN). A United victory would essentially seal the title, while a City triumph would leave the teams tied heading into the fi...
Using the Android Ap FotMob you can get this infor pretty quickly. Van Persie has 27 goals w/ 2 being PKs, Rooney 26 (6), Aguero 22 (3), Dempsey 16 (0), Yakubu 16 (4), Ba 16 (2), Dzeko 13 (0), Adebayor 13 (2), etc.
Tuesday Kickoff: Dempsey finishes fourth in FWA voting, Rangers hit hard & more
Clint Dempsey's tremendous season for Fulham has not gone unnoticed overseas after all. After being left off the Professional Footballers' Association Premier League Team of the Year, Dempsey took fourth in the Football Writers' Association voting for Premier League Player of the Year. Arsen...
Loved Frankie's attitude - NEVER say die and always hustle. Oddly, my favorite memory was of him in the stands at the 2006 match against Czech. Even though he was hurt and couldn't play, he was getting us all pumped up to root for the team! Quite a leader.
Long-time USMNT defender and Crew star Hejduk retires
Frankie Hejduk has called it a career. The long-time U.S. national team defender and Columbus Crew captain retired on Thursday, ending an impressive career that saw him play in multiple World Cups as well as in Europe. Hejduk enjoyed a 16-year professional career that saw him play for the Ta...
Typically the 3rd goalkeeper is not even on the bench in a big tourney unless keeper #1 or #2 are injured during the tourney. That's why you typically see really young #3 keepers.
SBI MLS Best XI: Week 6
It isn't often that you see Chivas USA dominate a Best XI side, but the team's latest road victory helped three Goats earn honors in SBI's MLS Best XI. Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, defender Heath Pearce and midfielder Oswaldo Minda lead this week's Best XI selections, while FC Dallas teammates Bl...
Sorry, but I don't think racism is the issue here. I really enjoyed Blanco's time with the Fire and there have been other Mexican players that I have enjoyed in MLS and other places, e.g. Chicharito. HOWEVER, Rafa has shown a pattern of committing fouls that, if not meant to injure, have the great potential to injure. To pull off a football tackle like this is without excuse, regardless of race. There are plenty of Gringo hacks in the league too. Its just right now we're talking about Rafa.
How long should Marquez be suspended?
After Rafa Marquez' latest act of misconduct, the consensus question seems to be not if MLS' Disciplinary Committee will suspend the New York Red Bulls Designated Player, but how for long? Marquez' much-publicized, off-ball, NFL-style tackle and kick to San Jose Earthquakes winger Shea Salin...
OBVIOUSLY Rafa deserves a ban for this. A second and perhaps equally important question is why a foul was not called. Referees have to man up and make these calls. We all KNOW it is against the rules, but people keep saying "it happens all the time". Well, the only way to stop it is to call the foul and give a PK. Its time to enforce the rules. By the way, I am a long-time defender not a forward so I think I am being pretty objective here.
Marquez's latest bad behavior
BY DAVE MARTINEZ Saturday night's match between the New York Red Bulls and the San Jose Earthquakes was a chippy affair, with plenty of questionable plays. None more questionable than Rafa Marquez's football tackle of Shea Salinas. With the Red Bulls defending a corner kick situation,...
So what is the current allocation order?
MLS West Notes: Status unclear for DP Galaxy duo, Chivas sign Delgado & more
By ADAM SERRANO CARSON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy face a stern test this weekend when they hit the road for the first time to take on currently undefeated Sporting Kansas City. Making matters even more difficult is that the Galaxy may have to do so without Landon Donovan or David Beck...
Hard to tell how this will affect his development. Would love for him to have more time with Henry, but I guess he is getting some good opportunities with the U23 and full USMNT. There are some good guys there to grow with as well, esp. the full USMNT. We'll just have to wait and see how the kid develops.
Full plate for Agudelo limits opportunity with Red Bulls
Photo by Rick Yeatts/ISIphotos.com By DAVE MARTINEZ Playing time has been hard to come by for Juan Agudelo in his brief time with the New York Red Bulls, even after his emergence as a striker for the U.S. senior and Under-23 men's national teams. Luke Rodgers' prolonged battle over his United...
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