tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79011062359992604222024-03-06T01:16:58.055-08:0011 Players, 1 TeamFor my love of a beautiful gameRuss Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-85407725829407711512009-08-28T13:10:00.000-07:002009-08-28T13:15:03.285-07:00Eduardo to be Banned by UEFA?UEFA has found Arsenal striker Eduardo guilty of "deceiving the referee" and could be handed a two-match ban in the Champions League as a consequence.<br /><br />But if he does get punished, this will open a huge can of worms for UEFA and its President Michel Platini. Will they actively punish diving players in all European competitions from here forward? How could they possibly punish everyone? Diving is not a black and white issue - there's lots of gray area where some see a legitimate foul and others simply see a dive.<br /><br />UEFA clearly needs to do something. But I think this is a path they should not go down.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-23778061604621666642009-08-28T06:40:00.000-07:002009-08-28T06:45:21.919-07:00Fulham's European Tour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://stadiums.football.co.uk/Images/Photos/Large/1599-0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://stadiums.football.co.uk/Images/Photos/Large/1599-0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />We're going on a European Tour!!<br /><br />That would also be a picture of the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, just one of several places you will see Fulham play before the end of the year.<br /><br />You have absolutely no idea how excited I am!Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-80620883499488745822009-08-27T07:50:00.000-07:002009-08-27T07:57:56.315-07:00Fulham: From Russia with LoveFulham are playing the second leg of their Europa League tie against Russian side Amkar Perm after winning the home tie 3-1 last week. Now...they travel to Russia. Fulham doesn't exactly like this team so much - a defender levelled Andy Johnson in the first game and dislocated his shoulder, keeping him out for 5 weeks (the defender received a yellow card, nothing more). Also, Perm plays on an artificial turf, which will prove tough to play on.<br /><br />When Fulham arrived at the airport, there were some friendly Russians who met them:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nordeurope.kp.ru/upimg/3dbcf1e95a9df2bc3cfa526f880f3a43063654af/223479.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 498px; height: 341px;" src="http://nordeurope.kp.ru/upimg/3dbcf1e95a9df2bc3cfa526f880f3a43063654af/223479.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nordeurope.kp.ru/upimg/3dbcf1e95a9df2bc3cfa526f880f3a43063654af/223482.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 498px; height: 355px;" src="http://nordeurope.kp.ru/upimg/3dbcf1e95a9df2bc3cfa526f880f3a43063654af/223482.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nordeurope.kp.ru/upimg/3dbcf1e95a9df2bc3cfa526f880f3a43063654af/223480.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 498px; height: 395px;" src="http://nordeurope.kp.ru/upimg/3dbcf1e95a9df2bc3cfa526f880f3a43063654af/223480.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Uh oh...Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-3810081084113292622009-08-26T21:29:00.000-07:002009-08-27T07:33:03.404-07:00Disgraceful<embed src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/3216650/arsenal_cheats.swf" width="400" height="345" wmode="transparent" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" name="Metacafe_3216650" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br><font size = 1></font><br />Arsenal beat Celtic 3-1 at the Emirates to advance to the group stage of the Champions League on a 5-1 aggregate. However, the larger story (in my eyes) is Eduardo's clear dive for a penalty against the Celtic keeper Artur Boruc. The public views his recovery from his devastating ankle injury as miraculous, and they enthusiastically celebrate each goal he scores because it proves he's back at or close to being 100 percent.<br /><br />But after watching this...yikes. That's absolutely disgraceful. Celtic probably didn't have much of a shot of advancing, but I guess you never know what would've happened if that wasn't a penalty.<br /><br />Rant over.<br /><br />MORNING UPDATE: The Scottish Football Association chief exec <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=671010&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5901">wants to see Eduardo banned</a>, adding his voice to several Celtic players who are lobbying for the same thing. This could get interesting real quick.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-46843217152980214992009-08-26T11:12:00.000-07:002009-08-26T11:23:16.059-07:00Man City finally buying defendersAfter capturing Joleon Lescott from Everton for a cool 22 million pounds (and then <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=670773&sec=england&cc=5901">taking swipes at his former manager, David Moyes</a>), Manchester City finally have bought some competent defensive cover for Shay Given:<br /><br />- Kolo Toure for 16 million pounds. He has championship pedigree as a part of the Invincibles at Arsenal.<br />- Sylvinho on a free transfer. He's surely past his prime, but he's definitely worth a punt (not like Man City will have any problems paying his wages), and he comes from Barcelona, a team of champions and playmakers.<br /><br />Hughes has bought well. These defenders are class and have lots of experience playing at the highest level for club and country. Man City has yet to concede a goal in the league, but they've also looked less than inspiring so far considering the players they now have on their squad.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-66819053092087702632009-08-24T17:42:00.003-07:002009-08-24T17:49:18.401-07:00Good-bye Juan Carlos Osorio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2008/writers/the_limey/12/02/epl.mls/juan-carlos-osorio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 272px;" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2008/writers/the_limey/12/02/epl.mls/juan-carlos-osorio.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The hapless manager of the New York Red Bulls <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2009/08/21/2009-08-21_juan_carlos_osorio_resigns.html">resigned on Friday</a> after leading the team to a 2-16-4 record less than a year after reaching the MLS Cup Finals.<br /><br />What does the team do in its first game under interim coach Richie Williams? They end a 13 game winless streak with a 3-2 over Dallas yesterday. Even a goal from former Red Bull Dave Van den Burgh could not stop New York from winning only their third game of the season.<br /><br />Guess Osorio needed to go sooner.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-35447361801276158732009-08-24T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-24T16:11:57.212-07:00Burnley: This year's Reading or Hull?After an uninspiring loss away to Stoke City on the first day of the new campaign, Burnley have won successive home games against Manchester United and Everton, no small feat. Not a whole lot is expected of them since they are the playoff champions, and they only finished fifth in the Championship last year.<br /><br />The question now will be play like Reading two years ago and not be troubled by relegation or will they be like Hull City, starting strongly and then collapsing in the second half?<br /><br />I don't know for sure, but I can say one thing about Burnley: I like their coach, <a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2009/5/28/1243512046133/Owen-Coyle-Burnley-002.jpg">Owen Coyle</a>, a lot better than I do <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ho1Sd3MYLI">Hull's Phil Brown</a>.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-66844605924018134882009-08-22T17:52:00.000-07:002009-08-22T17:59:59.575-07:00Jozy Altidore: Welcome to England<embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/0o9EIR6pYVqs45HDYt0q/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" width="400" height="350"></embed><br /><br />His first touch of the ball as a second half substitute leads to a goal in a 1-0 for Hull...their first win of the season. Not a bad way to make your first appearance for a new club in the most competitive league in the world.<br /><br />I said it before and I'll say it again: Hull have not been able to bring in any strikers except for Altidore, so their success (and whether or not they stay up) will be closely tied to his success as a player this year. That's a huge burden for a relatively inexperienced, but incredibly talented 19-year-old.<br /><br />Video courtesy of 101greatgoals.com. Altidore is wearing number 9.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-39024883617927117532009-08-22T17:35:00.000-07:002009-08-22T17:52:15.302-07:00Sounders vs. RevolutionI went to my first Sounders league game on Thursday night against the Revolution. Even though the final score wasn't one that I was hoping to see (1-0 to the visitors), I still thoroughly the experience. Here are my thoughts concerning the fans, the game and the league.<br /><br />The fans:<br />- There are have been a lot of people (Portland fans especially) who have slagged Seattle for getting behind this team so strongly and wondering why it didn't happen sooner with the USL Sounders. I saw several fans with old USL jerseys at the game, Sebastian Le Toux received the loudest ovation of any of the players (he was the star of the Sounders their last few years before being "promoted" to the MLS) and the recipient of the "Golden Scarf" before the game was a member of the Nordstrom who helped found the NASL Sounders (I believe, I can't remember exactly). The fans are not naive about this club's long and storied history.<br />- It really annoyed me when the big screens would read "scarves up" as certain points before and during the game. For starters, the fans aren't stupid. Also, let us create our own traditions and customs, not have some technician or PA person dictate what we should do.<br />- The Emerald City Supporters, the group of fans behind the south goal, are led in song and movement by a couple of guys in black "XBox Live" shirts who don't watch the game. I'm sure their getting paid to do this...which really bothers me. It creates a cool spectacle, but it's all staged. I was disappointed when I found this out.<br /><br />The game:<br />- David Beckham was right about the MLS referees - they stink. The ref let the game get out of hand with rash challenges and dives all over the place. The 7 yellow cards is a sign that he didn't do a very good job.<br />- The Sounders were better than the Revs, but we lack that clinical finisher who can bury a single chance.<br />- On a related note, Nate Jaqua isn't very good. Fredy Montero had an off day by his standards (and the paper certainly agreed), but I thought he looked very sharp...until he got in front of goal. And we missed Freddie Ljungberg<br /><br />The league:<br />- MLS should've come to the Pacific Northwest a long time ago. The fans here know their soccer (a guy a few rows in front of me had a Wolverhampton Wanderers flag next to his Sounders flag tied to the railing...you gotta know your soccer to know much about the reigning English League Champions) and are passionate about it. It's so hard to get tickets, hence why I was only able to go on a Thursday night in mid-August when people are out of town. I can't wait for Portland and Vancouver in 2011.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-80756512743717945222009-08-19T19:52:00.000-07:002009-08-19T20:19:12.805-07:00EPL Season Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://emywinchester.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/epl-soccer-main1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 415px; height: 300px;" src="http://emywinchester.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/epl-soccer-main1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It's the start of a new and exciting season in the Premier League (OK, we're 16 games into the season already. Pardon me...I've been out of town). It's been a bizarre transfer window, one that has been influenced by the global economic recession that has lowered the number of transfers that clubs are making (excluding Manchester City of course, but more on that later on). What impact will this all have on the Premier League? Will the promoted clubs have a chance? Who will win the title?<br /><br />None of these predictions have been heavily influenced by the first few games of the season. After all, one game won't determine what a team does through next May. It has only shown us that it's never as easy as it looks to predict what will happen over the course of a long season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Champions:</span> Manchester United. Yes, they lost Ronaldo, but look at their fellow challengers for the title. If we ignore Manchester City for the moment, nobody has bought anyone who can really change the league. Liverpool sold Xabi Alonso, who I feel is just as valuable (if not more so) as Ronaldo was to United. Chelsea have the same team that they've had for the past few seasons. Lampard, Terry, Cech...they aren't getting any younger. Carlo Ancelotti will be their fifth manager in about two seasons. I just can't see them doing it this year. Arsenal are a scary prospect once all their players are healthy, but they sold Kolo Toure, the last of the invincibles. Nobody on their squad (besides Arshavin with Zenit and the UEFA Cup perhaps) has won a significant trophy. Can they deal with the pressure? I think not.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Manchester City...?</span> They will finish 5th and will have to be content with a Europa League spot. This will probably get Mark Hughes fired at some point. There are too many new faces and big egos for this team to jell right away. Can Hughes keep them all happy? How much of a defense do they have? Even though this squad is very good, there are too many question marks dangling overhead - I think they'll narrowly miss a top 4 finish.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Relegation:</span> Burnley, Portsmouth and Hull/Wolves. Portsmouth already seem doomed. They haven't bought anyone, their takeover, at the rate it's going at now will stretch beyond the end of the transfer window, and they are rumored to be near administration. Burnley will probably be in for a tough season as the playoff champion team. I can't for the life of me determine whether Hull City or Wolves will go down. Hull were so bad at the end of last year and haven't bought much of anyone (Jozy Altidore will be their wild card...he could be brilliant as a strong and tall targetman, or he could flop due to his inexperience). Mick McCarthy doesn't have a strong track record of coaching in the EPL, and it's now his job to keep Wolves up this season. I think it's a coin flip.<br /><br />It's already turning into a brilliant season. Let's all sit back and enjoy (and c'mon Fulham!).Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-83447518990586918122009-08-19T19:40:00.000-07:002009-08-19T19:51:50.256-07:00A Wacky Start to the EPL (is this the Year of the Away Win?)16 games have already been played in the Premier League this season, and we've already seen some eye-catching score lines (Arsenal winning 6-1 against Everton, Tottenham winning 5-1 today, Man Utd losing to Burnley). But out of these 16 games, three amazing (I think at least) statistics have popped out for me:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">0</span> draws<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9</span> away wins (including Fulham of all teams)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">41</span> goals scored, which averages out to <span style="font-weight:bold;">2.56</span> goals a game<br /><br />Not only that, but <span style="font-style:italic;">Spurs</span> are presently leading the league (come again?)Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-91256956117743836132009-08-17T17:39:00.001-07:002009-08-17T17:41:45.346-07:00Just Another Reason Why I love the Sounders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs183.snc1/6096_114683768588_34459843588_2427986_2739549_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 604px; height: 403px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs183.snc1/6096_114683768588_34459843588_2427986_2739549_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>This guy makes me proud to be a Sounders fan.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-2742003367214071392009-08-04T19:32:00.000-07:002009-08-04T19:55:57.253-07:00RIP Sir Bobby Robson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/pict/column/020129_BobbyRobson_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 455px;" src="http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/pict/column/020129_BobbyRobson_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />After defeating cancer four previous times and pushing his life well into extra time, Sir Bobby Robson could not overcome a fifth bout, passing away on Friday.<br /><br />Robson had a successful playing career spanning 18 years where he earned 20 England caps, but he will be remembered more for his coaching achievements. He spent 13 seasons at Ipswich Town and coached England to two fabulous World Cup performances in 1986 and 1990 before going abroad to Holland, Portugal and Spain. He concluded his decorated career at Newcastle United. He was the last great coach at both Newcastle and England (although Capello at this pace is on track to take England to new heights I think), which should prove how great of a coach he was.<br /><br />Above all that, however, Robson was a true gentleman. Respected by everyone in England regardless of the club they supported, he is being mourned across the entire country, which truly shows beloved he is by everyone.<br /><br />This sport has lost a legend and a great man. May he rest in peace.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-73664268593184221782009-07-29T23:49:00.000-07:002009-07-30T00:02:10.633-07:00Zlatan and Eto'o Switch Clubs, Inter Milan better offZlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o have switched clubs, to FC Barcelona and Inter Milan respectively. Zlatan scored 25 goals with Inter, leading Serie A while Eto'o scored 30 and finished second in La Liga.<br /><br />When considering this move at first, it just seems the two clubs swapped their most prolific strikers so they each could have a change of scenery. They scored similar amounts of goals, and the two players are only a year apart in age.<br /><br />And then you realize that Inter Milan will get 46 million on top of receiving Eto'o (or so I've heard, I haven't been able to confirm this. I apologize if this is completely wrong). I consider Eto'o to be the more prolific scorer of the two. He also scored six times last year for the title winners in the Champions League, Zlatan scored only once. I also think Eto'o is the better all around player. So why Inter is getting money in addition to the better player (in my opinion) is beyond me.<br /><br />Also, I see that Manchester City have finally had the sense to invest in their defense. They bought Kolo Toure from Arsenal today for a cool 16 million pounds.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-31313218133597982402009-07-29T23:20:00.000-07:002009-07-29T23:36:59.605-07:00Getafe Win Competition for Ugliest Kit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/stories/getafe-09-10-joma-kits-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 770px;" src="http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/stories/getafe-09-10-joma-kits-4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>(Taken from footballshirtculture.com. I wish I could fix the blog so it doesn't cut off the pictures, but the guy on the right is wearing the same shirt as the guy in blue, <a href="http://www.footballshirtculture.com/09/10-kits/getafe-cf-2009-2010-joma-kits.html">only it's in red</a>.)<br /><br />Wow, words cannot even begin to describe how ugly these shirts are. The multi-colored stripe running across the top is atrocious, and the Burger King sponsorship simply looks terrible.<br /><br />And it gets even worse. Former striker Fabrizio Ravanelli used to celebrate his goals by pulling his shirt over his head and running around as such:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/07/23/article-0-00D8434500000190-687_468x313.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 313px;" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/07/23/article-0-00D8434500000190-687_468x313.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />So what does Burger King then decide to do? If any Getafe player decides to celebrate in the Ravanelli style, the Burger King himself will be present as well:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/stories/getafe-09-10-joma-kits-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 519px;" src="http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/stories/getafe-09-10-joma-kits-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Burger King should really be ashamed of themselves for this. Tell everyone you know to boycott eating there simply because of this mess. Joma (the kit manufacturer) should also be ashamed.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-66982960782139192232009-07-29T23:04:00.001-07:002009-07-29T23:18:43.269-07:00MLS All-Stars Lose First Game to International CompetitionI've always been torn about the what the MLS should do for it's All-Star game. An East vs. West game, like they've done in the past, is rather boring and doesn't draw in an audience outside of the cult followers of the league. This is probably the main reason why the league scrapped this format.<br /><br />For the last five years (I believe), the MLS All-Stars have played teams from international leagues, most commonly from the EPL (Fulham, Chelsea, West Ham and now Everton). This format attracts a much larger audience to the game and promotes the MLS by showboating their best players against some of the best teams in the world. But this current format also sets the league up for potential failure. If a group of all-stars from the 15 MLS teams can't contend or beat these teams, most of whom aren't champions of their respective leagues and aren't even regular competitors for the title, then what does that say for the rest of the league and the players who aren't "all-stars?"<br /><br />MLS is certainly walking a tightrope here. If they lose, it shows just how much further we have to go to become a respectable league on the world stage. If they win, however, then the national sports media will rave how a bunch of (mostly) American players just beat Chelsea or Celtic and claim that we're on our way up in the soccer world.<br /><br />Another thing the MLS All-Stars have going against them is that these players must come together and jell on the pitch in a matter or days. The teams they play have settled squads with players who know the system and understand what their teammates are and aren't capable of. Even though the game is part of their preseason training, that doesn't mean they've forgotten how to play with each other after a month or two apart.<br /><br />For these past five years, the MLS All-Stars have pulled through and won. This year's game really shouldn't have been any different. The boys have nothing to hang their heads about besides all the missed chances they had in the second half. To lose on penalty kicks...that's really just a crap shoot anyway.<br /><br />Except for when you're shooting against Tim Howard. He's damn good. It's bittersweet - I feel better for the USMNT after seeing him perform so admirably between the sticks.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-85730276003467306332009-07-26T18:50:00.000-07:002009-07-26T18:53:09.071-07:00Gold Cup Fiasco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/media/ALeqM5gQK-9GI0dETmRfVXvUAVSZghAmhQ?size=l"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 512px; height: 363px;" src="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/media/ALeqM5gQK-9GI0dETmRfVXvUAVSZghAmhQ?size=l" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I don't want to talk about it.<br /><br />By the way, how freaky does Guillermo Franco (10) look?Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-90345990896723376402009-07-25T14:33:00.001-07:002009-07-25T14:40:13.146-07:00Leyton Orient 6-1 Newcastle UnitedYes, you read that correctly - <a href="http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1733257,00.html">Leyton Orient beat Newcastle United</a> 6-1 in a preseason friendly today.<br /><br />Yes, Newcastle United are now in the Football League Championship and Leyton Orient reside in League One, but that score is shocking for any Newcastle fan with hopes of getting back into the EPL. Yes, it's a friendly, but that is ridiculous.<br /><br />It only took Orient 4 minutes to open the scoring. And they sure didn't let up after that. It gets even worse for Newcastle - their only goal came from a Joey Barton <span style="font-style:italic;">penalty</span>! They couldn't score a goal in open play, yet they conceded six to a lower league side.<br /><br />Oh dear.<br /><br />Their first match of the season is only two weeks away. And isn't Mike Ashley still their owner?Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-53376352392082984022009-07-23T16:46:00.001-07:002009-07-23T16:58:01.494-07:00Everton signs another obscure American<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/.a/6a00e54ef2975b883301157227e7ad970b-500wi"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://www.soccerbyives.net/.a/6a00e54ef2975b883301157227e7ad970b-500wi" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Soccer by Ives brought this story (and the above picture) to my attention - Everton have signed another American player who I've never heard of. This time, it is Wake Forest striker Cody Arnoux, who just finished his junior year.<br /><br />Apparently, he had a trial with the club in March and signed a contract today. He was projected to be a top three prospect in the MLS draft next year, according to SBI.<br /><br />Arnoux is so obscure at this point that he doesn't have his own Wikipedia page, nor is he listed as an Everton player on that team's Wikipedia page. That will surely change in the next day or two, if not sooner.<br /><br />Everton is quickly overtaking Fulham as the American team in England. If they end up signing Clint Dempsey as well, then they surely will have claimed that title away from the London club.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-18048877809221023452009-07-23T16:34:00.000-07:002009-07-23T16:44:31.455-07:00Book Club: "The Beckham Experiment"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/.a/6a00d83451583769e201156e83a437970c-800wi"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 489px;" src="http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/.a/6a00d83451583769e201156e83a437970c-800wi" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />My copy of "The Beckham Experiment" by SI's soccer writer Grant Wahl came today from amazon.com. I have a bunch of stuff that I want to read, but this will be put near the top of my list.<br /><br />Consider this the first edition of the "11 players, 1 team book club."Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-32214317342550881762009-07-22T14:48:00.000-07:002009-07-25T14:33:01.373-07:00Sven to Notts County?!?Sven Goran Eriksson was revealed as the <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=662263&sec=england&cc=5901">director of football at Notts County FC today</a>.<br /><br />You may be asking "why Notts County?" I'm right there with you. Especially when Sven is saying things like this after taking the job<br /><blockquote>I always said I wanted to come back to the Premier League. I chose a little bit of a difficult way to do it I think.</blockquote><br />Not sure why taking a job with a League Two side who finished 19th out of 24 teams last year has Sven convinced that this job will lead him back to the Premier League. Maybe he wants to construct a team that he can assemble with funds from a Middle East consortium who just took the team over. Notts County FC are the oldest professional soccer team in the world, after all - they certainly deserve something better than League Two.<br /><br />But still, for Sven, who managed England in two World Cups, took Manchester City to their highest ever point total in the top flight (not to mention beating Man Utd in both league games in his only season in charge) and has been in charge of such high profile teams as Benfica, Roma and Fiorentina, this is a bizarre move. Even after a rough stint with the Mexican national team of late (for which I will be forever grateful - thanks Sven!), he surely could've landed<br /><br />Just to clarify, Sven will <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> be managing Notts County, he will be the director of football. He will essentially be the equivalent of a general manager in US sports.<br /><br />Also, I wonder how this will play out on a new season of Special1 TV.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-32097263422934135842009-07-19T12:20:00.000-07:002009-07-19T12:28:11.459-07:00Fredy Montero to Europe; Fulham?The British media is known for fabricating rumors and nonsense in all matters relating to soccer and transfers. This rumor, which I stumbled across this morning, seems much more plausible (mostly because the coach was quoted, but I suppose that could be fabricated as well).<br /><br />Fredy Montero, the 21-year-old scoring sensation with the Seattle Sounders (he's the second leading scorer in all of MLS with 9 goals, only behind Columbus' Guillermo Barros Schelotto with 10) is being linked <a href="http://footytweets.com/fulham/news/114746">with a move to Europe</a>, and Fulham seems to be a likely destination.<br /><br />As a young player who has made such an impact in MLS, the sky seems to be the limit for him. That said, I'm surprised that he's being linked with England, Europe's undisputed top soccer league. He is explosive and is capable of making special plays whenever he's on the ball, but as I was also reminded yesterday, he's prone to making silly mistakes and be selfish with the ball. <br /><br />He's young and that can change, but he's certainly capable of making a switch to Europe.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-17994482448544143122009-07-19T12:05:00.000-07:002009-07-19T12:18:31.763-07:00Sounders vs. Chelsea<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SEUoDeC7B1A&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SEUoDeC7B1A&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />Above are the two goals that Chelsea scored against the Seattle Sounders. I had seats up in the nosebleed section above the corner flag at the end where Chelsea scored both of their goals. Seattle competed with Chelsea and were able to move the ball around, I thought, but boy, Chelsea's defense didn't let anything remotely close to the goal. Our only real opportunity to score came from Freddie Ljungberg's free kick where Petr Cech made a flying save.<br /><br />Overall, Chelsea is a very good team. They made their goals looks so simple, coming so quick. It felt like they could score anytime they touched the ball because every single player they had on the field was capable of doing something special with the ball. The players they brought on in the second half were first team players as well (Carvalho, Ivanovic, Obi Mikel).<br /><br />A good day out. The weather couldn't have been better. I only learned after the game that ESPN2 showed the game nationally. Chelsea put on a show for the country, and the Sounders didn't play too shabby either.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-51267029525938804252009-07-17T22:40:00.000-07:002009-07-17T23:21:15.937-07:00Off to the Sounders vs. Chelsea Game Tomorrow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.king5.com/sports/stories/M_IMAGE.11f5fb26346.93.88.fa.d0.277b1afc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 168px;" src="http://www.king5.com/sports/stories/M_IMAGE.11f5fb26346.93.88.fa.d0.277b1afc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I have tickets to go see the Seattle Sounders take on Chelsea tomorrow at Qwest Field. I have yet to see the Sounders play live since it's so hard to get tickets, but officials opened up the entire stadium for this friendly match. It's almost completely sold out (less than 1,000 tickets left in a stadium that holds 67,000). We (my dad and I) only managed to get tickets up in the nosebleed section, but I can't complain really. I'm just happy to be there.<br /><br />I'll have thoughts and possibly even pictures on here whenever I get around to it. Tomorrow will be a busy day.<br /><br />PS. I hate Chelsea. But I couldn't help myself from smiling while i watched this video <a href="http://www.seahawks.com/media-lounge/videos/chelsea-football-meets-seahawks-football/61d66ac5-70b2-4d93-a898-825b0bb07602">Terry, Drogba and Ballack trying their hand at American football</a>.Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901106235999260422.post-26371115095064111052009-07-17T11:02:00.000-07:002009-07-22T15:17:08.571-07:00Fulham Concludes Pre-Season Trip to AustraliaFulham recently finished up a pre-season tour of Australia, where they played three teams out of the Australian A-League. Below, I've posted their goals from their last game, a 5-0 thrashing of the Perth Glory. Eddie Johnson had two assists that this short video shows (he is wearing #21). Maybe he'll be able to make the team a second time around?<br /><br /><object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GAO4k5zWJeg&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GAO4k5zWJeg&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><br /><br />Come on Fulham!<br /><br />Also, Erik Nevland had a hat trick for the Superwhites (goals 2-4 on the video).Russ Doubledayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18250354297743540307noreply@blogger.com0