Significant happenings in Arsenal, not only in the last week but the last 24 hours...
David Dien makes return
For all those who haven't heard of him, he was the face of Arsenal for years (Mr. Arsenal) until his falling out with the Arsenal board this past spring, over reports of fueds regarding foreign takeovers. Dien pulled himself from the board and from all positions with Arsenal with a promise to sell his 14% share. He did so, selling to Red and White Industries, a corporation set up by a Russian billionaire (legit, not like the Chelsea owner) and a London investor. What the catch is, is that they named Dien Chairperson. Through this role, Dien is back with the club. Dien has stated that re-signing his longtime friend Arsene Wenger is first priority (rumor has it that he is prepared to sign a three year extension, which will keep him at the Emirates until 2011). This is great news for Arsenal fans (Wenger's re-up that is). Dien is still leads the board of G14 clubs in Europe and has significant influence in world football. Although there still will be significant tension if he starts a takeover bid, which I think would be a HUGE mistake for the club. I like the current boards commitment to Wenger and to his system, despite many people calling for the signing of a big name star, which was really not needed. Dien called for this in particular, so while it is good to have Dien back in the fold, I would prefer to keep him where he is and see the current management continue the operations.
Thierry Henry
No surprise to Gooners, he is playing well in Barcelona, who's fans have fallen in love with his style, flair and goal scoring prowress. But with Wenger on the verge on a contract extension and Dien returning to the club (the two reasons he left the club in the first place), you have to wonder if he's thinking he made a mistake...
Champions League
Arsenal has been drawn into Group H for the group stages of this years Champions League. They will face the winner of the Sevilla/AEK Athens game next week as well as Steau Bucharest and Slavia Prague. They received a good draw, as most groups are about as equally classed, with the exception of group E who will have Barcelona, Lyon, VfB Stuggart and Rangers, this years 'group of death'. Arsenal played well enough on Wednesday to secure this spot against Sparta Prague. The 3-0 victory and 5-0 aggregate was well won. Rosicky had a great finisher of an amazing Walcott cross, followed by a Fabregas goal that was beautifully set up by Eduardo and, not to be outdone, Eduardo buried one off a Denilson cross in injury time. The three goals were fun to watch, although much of the rest of the game was a bore. Arsenal knew they were going to win and completely laid off for most of the middle half of the match. Even so, we're off to the group stages and will hopefully find champions league silverware come next spring.
Premiership
Arsenal took care of Man City on Saturday, pushing them up to a tie for 3rd (6th with GD) with a game to play on the majority of the table. Van Persie was by far the most excited when Fabregas netted his first Premiership goal of the season to make up for his horrid penalty earlier. Portsmouth this weekend, should be a good one, and then next weekend, this seasons first derby against Spurs...lets hope we push Jol out of a job.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Sweeden v. USA Preview
A strong side will no doubt be displayed by the Americans as they travel to Sweeden for their friendly, tomorrow August 22nd in Goteborg's Ullevi Stadium. A European strong group with 15 of 19 coming from the premier European leagues. The only 4 US players being Donovan, Mastroeni, Ching and Bornstien. The Americans will try to reverse a trend of US teams getting hammered across the pond by elite European internationals.
Sweeden, while not the England's, Germany's, France's and Italy's of the world, are still elite competition. They compiled 5 points and a 2nd place finishing in last years World Cup and were then subsiquently defeated 2-0 by eventual 3rd place finishers Germany in the round of 16. They are a poor mans Italy in a sense. They have a solid midfield with an equal part experience (Ljungberg, Linderoth) and long range shooting ability (Kallstrom) and a world class striker in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who at 6'4", could spell considerable trouble for Onyewu/DeMerit. Fortunately/Unfortunately, however you look at it, both the captain Ljungberg and Linderoth will both be out with injury. Ljungberg has yet to make his debut after his transfer to West Ham from Arsenal this offseason.
On the US side, they feature one of their strongest lineups I've seen in recent years. This is arguably the best side the US has to offer and very well could have at least 17 of these guys making the trip to South Africa in 2010. In my humble opinion, there are two glaring omissions from this roster. One, understandably so, one, not at all. The one that I don't really mind is the omission of Jozy Altidore. This kid will be our lead striker and arguably the only true striker on the entire US side over 17. Why not give him a shot now instead of Brian Ching, who we know can play decently, but not on the international level. The second and most significant omission would have to be Frank Simek. Why would Bradley opt to bring Bornstien AND Spector? Both are natural Left Backs, and Bornstien plays in Kansas City. Why wouldn't Bradley want Simek included instead of Bornstien. That way he can even out the depth in the backfield and save Bornstein the 3,000 mile trip and inevitable jet lag. Otherwise it should be a good game with strong sides put forward by both ends. We could see history if Donovan scores to break the US record held by Wynalda, and more importantly, it is a chance to see how the US have matured as a team since the Gold Cup and each player's respective training camps. Enjoy the match.
Sweeden, while not the England's, Germany's, France's and Italy's of the world, are still elite competition. They compiled 5 points and a 2nd place finishing in last years World Cup and were then subsiquently defeated 2-0 by eventual 3rd place finishers Germany in the round of 16. They are a poor mans Italy in a sense. They have a solid midfield with an equal part experience (Ljungberg, Linderoth) and long range shooting ability (Kallstrom) and a world class striker in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who at 6'4", could spell considerable trouble for Onyewu/DeMerit. Fortunately/Unfortunately, however you look at it, both the captain Ljungberg and Linderoth will both be out with injury. Ljungberg has yet to make his debut after his transfer to West Ham from Arsenal this offseason.
On the US side, they feature one of their strongest lineups I've seen in recent years. This is arguably the best side the US has to offer and very well could have at least 17 of these guys making the trip to South Africa in 2010. In my humble opinion, there are two glaring omissions from this roster. One, understandably so, one, not at all. The one that I don't really mind is the omission of Jozy Altidore. This kid will be our lead striker and arguably the only true striker on the entire US side over 17. Why not give him a shot now instead of Brian Ching, who we know can play decently, but not on the international level. The second and most significant omission would have to be Frank Simek. Why would Bradley opt to bring Bornstien AND Spector? Both are natural Left Backs, and Bornstien plays in Kansas City. Why wouldn't Bradley want Simek included instead of Bornstien. That way he can even out the depth in the backfield and save Bornstein the 3,000 mile trip and inevitable jet lag. Otherwise it should be a good game with strong sides put forward by both ends. We could see history if Donovan scores to break the US record held by Wynalda, and more importantly, it is a chance to see how the US have matured as a team since the Gold Cup and each player's respective training camps. Enjoy the match.
Monday, August 13, 2007
EPL Opening Weekend and Foreign Transfers
It's been awhile since I've blogged on this so let's play some catch up shall we?
Transfers
No matter who has transferred or who will transfer (there are still three weeks to go in the transfer period) this will always be known as the 'Thierry Henry' transfer summer. For me, a die hard Gooner, who wore '14' when I played footie in honor of "his greatness", I was incredibly sad to see him go. No matter who Arsenal picks up over the next fortnight (it could be noone), this will always seem as a sad summer for me.
On the US side I was thrilled the see 3 of the 5 best players of the U-20 WC US Side make the move to Europe, Adu to Benefica, Zizzo to Hanover 96, and Szetela to AS Roma (the other two who did not move being Sietz and Altidore). Adu made the best move for all the right reasons, I would have said a year ago that the best place to see him end up would be either Portugal or Spain, both of which have been noted for the technical play and pace of play that would suit Adu's playing style and allow him to grow in that role. I think the Premiership would've been a little to hard for him, unless he ended up on a team with a fluid playing style, ie Arsenal or Man U, or even 'Pool, but he would've never started....but I digress. Great move for Adu. As far as Zizzo and Szetela, great moves. Zizzo will play with Cherundalo, who could be the mid-defense combo for WC 2010. The most interesting is Szetela who brings his Hargreaves type defensive mid capabilities to the Italian A side. I will look forward to see how this progresses. Also, I cannot leave out the most underrated transfer of the offseason, Benny Fielhaber to Derby County. What an amazing move. He will be starting by mid September and be a fixture at Derby by the end of October. Instead of sitting on the bench in the Bundesliga he will be Derby's go to in the central midfield gaining invaluable experience against world class clubs.
EPL Opening Weekend
Great startup to the EPL season. Before I get into Arsenal, a few points around the league... I would not be surprised if at least 2 of the 3 promoted teams stay around for next year. Sunderland has a world class coach in Roy Keane and outshone Tottenham (some project them to be top 4 this year) with a 1-nil victory. Birmingham City was leading Chelsea for a decent period before Malouda went crazy and almost singlehandedly put the game up 3-2. But the second best game I saw all weekend (we will get to the first in a minute), Derby v. Portsmouth. What a fun game to watch. I had no preference on the outcome and slowly began pulling for Derby towards the end, which lucked out for me when Todd decided to go airborne and lauch a great diving (he had to be at least 4-5 feet off the ground...horizontally) header to seal a 2-2 draw.
Now the best game of the week... We're there better games played all weekend? Possibly, but it doesn't matter when it comes to the Gunners, who despite a play that will be included on every blooper real for the next hundred years, played an amazing game. My hat off to the backup Fulham keeper for a great game (his save on Toure was especially clutch). They dominated the play the entire game, especially for the last 20 where it always seemed like they had fresh legs (thank you very much Theo Walcott and Niklas Bendtner). van Persie's penalty was a thing of beauty after Bocangera nearly tackled Toure for the PK. The best part of that whole exchange was the sound of the Ashburton Grove crowd after van Persie netted top shelf. Even throughout all of last years matches, they weren't nearly as loud after a goal. Hleb's winner in injury time was almost a given. If you watch the replay you can see it was effectively 3 on 1 with van Persie and Bendtner out on the wings after the great pass from Fabregas. Hleb landed the tough angel shot and it was winner, winner, chicken dinner on the home front.
And the last note before hanging this one up... Caught the replay of the Barcelona/Hong Kong game on Telemundo... Two points... One, Henry looks real good, not four years ago good, but definitely still top 10 striker in the world... Two, Barcelona will be tough to beat in this year's Champions League. Just seeing a front four of Et'o, Henry, Ronaldinho and Messi on paper is scary... seeing them in person will just solidify that feeling.
Transfers
No matter who has transferred or who will transfer (there are still three weeks to go in the transfer period) this will always be known as the 'Thierry Henry' transfer summer. For me, a die hard Gooner, who wore '14' when I played footie in honor of "his greatness", I was incredibly sad to see him go. No matter who Arsenal picks up over the next fortnight (it could be noone), this will always seem as a sad summer for me.
On the US side I was thrilled the see 3 of the 5 best players of the U-20 WC US Side make the move to Europe, Adu to Benefica, Zizzo to Hanover 96, and Szetela to AS Roma (the other two who did not move being Sietz and Altidore). Adu made the best move for all the right reasons, I would have said a year ago that the best place to see him end up would be either Portugal or Spain, both of which have been noted for the technical play and pace of play that would suit Adu's playing style and allow him to grow in that role. I think the Premiership would've been a little to hard for him, unless he ended up on a team with a fluid playing style, ie Arsenal or Man U, or even 'Pool, but he would've never started....but I digress. Great move for Adu. As far as Zizzo and Szetela, great moves. Zizzo will play with Cherundalo, who could be the mid-defense combo for WC 2010. The most interesting is Szetela who brings his Hargreaves type defensive mid capabilities to the Italian A side. I will look forward to see how this progresses. Also, I cannot leave out the most underrated transfer of the offseason, Benny Fielhaber to Derby County. What an amazing move. He will be starting by mid September and be a fixture at Derby by the end of October. Instead of sitting on the bench in the Bundesliga he will be Derby's go to in the central midfield gaining invaluable experience against world class clubs.
EPL Opening Weekend
Great startup to the EPL season. Before I get into Arsenal, a few points around the league... I would not be surprised if at least 2 of the 3 promoted teams stay around for next year. Sunderland has a world class coach in Roy Keane and outshone Tottenham (some project them to be top 4 this year) with a 1-nil victory. Birmingham City was leading Chelsea for a decent period before Malouda went crazy and almost singlehandedly put the game up 3-2. But the second best game I saw all weekend (we will get to the first in a minute), Derby v. Portsmouth. What a fun game to watch. I had no preference on the outcome and slowly began pulling for Derby towards the end, which lucked out for me when Todd decided to go airborne and lauch a great diving (he had to be at least 4-5 feet off the ground...horizontally) header to seal a 2-2 draw.
Now the best game of the week... We're there better games played all weekend? Possibly, but it doesn't matter when it comes to the Gunners, who despite a play that will be included on every blooper real for the next hundred years, played an amazing game. My hat off to the backup Fulham keeper for a great game (his save on Toure was especially clutch). They dominated the play the entire game, especially for the last 20 where it always seemed like they had fresh legs (thank you very much Theo Walcott and Niklas Bendtner). van Persie's penalty was a thing of beauty after Bocangera nearly tackled Toure for the PK. The best part of that whole exchange was the sound of the Ashburton Grove crowd after van Persie netted top shelf. Even throughout all of last years matches, they weren't nearly as loud after a goal. Hleb's winner in injury time was almost a given. If you watch the replay you can see it was effectively 3 on 1 with van Persie and Bendtner out on the wings after the great pass from Fabregas. Hleb landed the tough angel shot and it was winner, winner, chicken dinner on the home front.
And the last note before hanging this one up... Caught the replay of the Barcelona/Hong Kong game on Telemundo... Two points... One, Henry looks real good, not four years ago good, but definitely still top 10 striker in the world... Two, Barcelona will be tough to beat in this year's Champions League. Just seeing a front four of Et'o, Henry, Ronaldinho and Messi on paper is scary... seeing them in person will just solidify that feeling.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Eddie Johnson is lazy.
Sorry no one's posted here in a while. I'll need to catch up with the guys and see what the deal is. For Eddie Johnson fans, I apologize, but this is going to be me ranting about how useless he is.
EDDIE JOHNSON
I sat down last night to partake in the Kansas City vs. New England game with a virtual soccer hard-on. Yeah, I don't get a whole lot of soccer boners about the MLS, but I thought it could be a good one last night. They both play decent, attractive soccer, so I thought I'd pour a nice Stella Artois and enjoy the HD broadcast.
The Article
I should note before I go into my rant that I pretty much can't stand anything about Eddie Johnson. His story posted on www.kansascity.com did not help me any being that he just seems like you're usual 'rich with no idea of what to do with the money' type of guy. If you want me to feel for good for the guy (which is what the article seems to be attempting to do), don't tell me about how he's driving an Escalade with rims on it and sporting a bunch of diamonds all over the place. That makes me feel like he's a rapper, not a KC Wizards soccer player. If you have a mom, brothers and sisters, a baby mommy, and a child to support, why the hell are you spending your money on diamonds and a killer haircut with 4 Real and a flame carved in the back? Who are you, Vanilla Ice?
Last Night
Anyways, back to the gameplay. Last night was the laziest performance I've ever seen by a soccer player. If you have the game taped, re-watch it and just focus on Eddie's runs and defensive pressure. He did nothing. He got paid a lot of money to go out and stand around. And for all of you who are going to vent in the comments section about how he has 12 goals, go back and watch those. Almost all of them are from a deflection or him just being faster than someone on a long ball. Eddie doesn't beat people off the dribble b/c he's lazy. The ball comes to his feet and he either a) passes backwards as EVERYONE could see in Copa America and the Gold Cup. b) stands there and let's the defender step in front of him (evidenced at least 3 times last night), or c) traps the ball and loses it. He has done nothing productive to go forward as long as I've watched him. Everyone talks like "he's back" or as he likes to put it, he's "4 Real", but it seems to me that all that's changed is his luck. It's not due to his extreme hard work and effort. 98% of the MLS has less talent than Eddie, but it seems to me he's perfectly happy to take that for granted.
Derby County, etc.
At this point, everyone knows that Eddie Johnson turned down an offer from Derby in the EPL. I understand he has 12 goals this year and I read all of his jibber-jabber excuses about not going, but I sincerely think that he won't ever go and here's why...
Landon Donovan syndrome. Yes, I just diagnosed it with a Pap smear.
It's much easier to stay in the States where you're a) comfortable. b) where your child and baby mommy is. c) where you can drive an Escalade and live a rapper's lifestyle. d) where you can still lead the league in goals. e) where you can still look impressive enough to get a US Men's National Team call-up even though you never prove yourself when you get there and f) and most importantly, you can be lazy.
Don't get me wrong, folks. I don't think Eddie Johnson isn't talented. And I also can't say that I was never lazy in my playing days, but the point is, we, as fans must stop defending him. We need to watch his effort on the field and judge our opinion based on that. Goals aren't the only definitive thing that makes a player. The effort he puts forth for his team is more important. For those of you that are questioning my ranting lunacy, email me when you see him apply defensive pressure, or hustling after he loses a ball, or fighting for a header, or putting a move on someone and beating him, etc. When you see that more than 50% of games, I will shut my mouth and post a personal apology.
- Brad
EDDIE JOHNSON
I sat down last night to partake in the Kansas City vs. New England game with a virtual soccer hard-on. Yeah, I don't get a whole lot of soccer boners about the MLS, but I thought it could be a good one last night. They both play decent, attractive soccer, so I thought I'd pour a nice Stella Artois and enjoy the HD broadcast.
The Article
I should note before I go into my rant that I pretty much can't stand anything about Eddie Johnson. His story posted on www.kansascity.com did not help me any being that he just seems like you're usual 'rich with no idea of what to do with the money' type of guy. If you want me to feel for good for the guy (which is what the article seems to be attempting to do), don't tell me about how he's driving an Escalade with rims on it and sporting a bunch of diamonds all over the place. That makes me feel like he's a rapper, not a KC Wizards soccer player. If you have a mom, brothers and sisters, a baby mommy, and a child to support, why the hell are you spending your money on diamonds and a killer haircut with 4 Real and a flame carved in the back? Who are you, Vanilla Ice?
Last Night
Anyways, back to the gameplay. Last night was the laziest performance I've ever seen by a soccer player. If you have the game taped, re-watch it and just focus on Eddie's runs and defensive pressure. He did nothing. He got paid a lot of money to go out and stand around. And for all of you who are going to vent in the comments section about how he has 12 goals, go back and watch those. Almost all of them are from a deflection or him just being faster than someone on a long ball. Eddie doesn't beat people off the dribble b/c he's lazy. The ball comes to his feet and he either a) passes backwards as EVERYONE could see in Copa America and the Gold Cup. b) stands there and let's the defender step in front of him (evidenced at least 3 times last night), or c) traps the ball and loses it. He has done nothing productive to go forward as long as I've watched him. Everyone talks like "he's back" or as he likes to put it, he's "4 Real", but it seems to me that all that's changed is his luck. It's not due to his extreme hard work and effort. 98% of the MLS has less talent than Eddie, but it seems to me he's perfectly happy to take that for granted.
Derby County, etc.
At this point, everyone knows that Eddie Johnson turned down an offer from Derby in the EPL. I understand he has 12 goals this year and I read all of his jibber-jabber excuses about not going, but I sincerely think that he won't ever go and here's why...
Landon Donovan syndrome. Yes, I just diagnosed it with a Pap smear.
It's much easier to stay in the States where you're a) comfortable. b) where your child and baby mommy is. c) where you can drive an Escalade and live a rapper's lifestyle. d) where you can still lead the league in goals. e) where you can still look impressive enough to get a US Men's National Team call-up even though you never prove yourself when you get there and f) and most importantly, you can be lazy.
Don't get me wrong, folks. I don't think Eddie Johnson isn't talented. And I also can't say that I was never lazy in my playing days, but the point is, we, as fans must stop defending him. We need to watch his effort on the field and judge our opinion based on that. Goals aren't the only definitive thing that makes a player. The effort he puts forth for his team is more important. For those of you that are questioning my ranting lunacy, email me when you see him apply defensive pressure, or hustling after he loses a ball, or fighting for a header, or putting a move on someone and beating him, etc. When you see that more than 50% of games, I will shut my mouth and post a personal apology.
- Brad
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Tired of the Soccer-Bashing on Pardon the Interruption?
Well, let's do something about it. Much like there was an initiative this past week to try and get the U-20 game put on ESPN, I'm asking all soccer fans to rise up and flood PTI's mailbox with reminders that soccer is the World's Game. Wilbon was overly critical of soccer again today, which is he is almost everyday. I don't care if him and Terry Francona want to joke about how they don't give a crap if Beckham is coming, but I think it's ridiculous to not give credit where credit is due for the U-20 Men's Team.
As almost every soccer fan knows, soccer in the US is being held back b/c the majority of sports writers try to make it out to be a game for pansies. But let's take this time for a bit of a comparison and let's look at baseball or basketball for some examples.
Complaint
1. Soccer is boring. There's not enough action.
This article from Rick Reilly pretty much sums up baseball to me. You watch one baseball game for 3 hours and there's 12 minutes of actual 'ball in play' action. Soccer is a continuous 90 minutes of gameplay.
2. Fat people can play baseball. You can chew tobacco while you play baseball.
Please give Landon Donovan some dip to play a 90-minute game of soccer. I'd love to watch him hurl. Could you ever see Cecil Fielder trying to do ANYTHING for 90 minutes, much less run.
3. Soccer players are pretty boys.
This is coming from people who watch players in super tight outfits pat each other on the ass after every play. Riiiiiight.
4. Soccer players dive and fake injuries.
Alright, so let's look at basketball for this one. If a player comes down the lane and you want to flop on a charge, it's completely acceptable, am I wrong? Now, if someone slides you from behind in the box, you put the ball a little too far ahead of you and you try to draw a foul, same thing, right? Essentially. I would never endorse diving and most Americans don't. If you watch the US MNT or you watch most American-born soccer players, you don't see that. So don't criticize soccer in America for flopping.
My point with all this is that soccer in America gets a lot of crap, especially from sports writers. I don't know if it's something where Americans need to have their own sports and want to ridicule anything that is foreign to them or what. But, other sports are more boring, have less action, have more whiners, have people who are out of shape, and have 2 hours of commercials in a game that could last 1 hour. And I suppose that is where it all lies. In the fact that other sports are much more marketable and give time for people to get up piss the beer out of them, watch 1000 car commercials, and remind ourselves what America is really about and that is $$$.
This is an exciting time for soccer for all of us fans and I don't think it should be cheapened by the talking heads on ESPN or anywhere else. I suppose if you'd like to share how you feel, you should. Email PTI (pti@espn.com), email ESPN, email your local paper. Hell, I'm a lazy bastard, but even I don't mind dropping an email expressing my rage once in a while.
Thanks!
- Brad
As almost every soccer fan knows, soccer in the US is being held back b/c the majority of sports writers try to make it out to be a game for pansies. But let's take this time for a bit of a comparison and let's look at baseball or basketball for some examples.
Complaint
1. Soccer is boring. There's not enough action.
This article from Rick Reilly pretty much sums up baseball to me. You watch one baseball game for 3 hours and there's 12 minutes of actual 'ball in play' action. Soccer is a continuous 90 minutes of gameplay.
2. Fat people can play baseball. You can chew tobacco while you play baseball.
Please give Landon Donovan some dip to play a 90-minute game of soccer. I'd love to watch him hurl. Could you ever see Cecil Fielder trying to do ANYTHING for 90 minutes, much less run.
3. Soccer players are pretty boys.
This is coming from people who watch players in super tight outfits pat each other on the ass after every play. Riiiiiight.
4. Soccer players dive and fake injuries.
Alright, so let's look at basketball for this one. If a player comes down the lane and you want to flop on a charge, it's completely acceptable, am I wrong? Now, if someone slides you from behind in the box, you put the ball a little too far ahead of you and you try to draw a foul, same thing, right? Essentially. I would never endorse diving and most Americans don't. If you watch the US MNT or you watch most American-born soccer players, you don't see that. So don't criticize soccer in America for flopping.
My point with all this is that soccer in America gets a lot of crap, especially from sports writers. I don't know if it's something where Americans need to have their own sports and want to ridicule anything that is foreign to them or what. But, other sports are more boring, have less action, have more whiners, have people who are out of shape, and have 2 hours of commercials in a game that could last 1 hour. And I suppose that is where it all lies. In the fact that other sports are much more marketable and give time for people to get up piss the beer out of them, watch 1000 car commercials, and remind ourselves what America is really about and that is $$$.
This is an exciting time for soccer for all of us fans and I don't think it should be cheapened by the talking heads on ESPN or anywhere else. I suppose if you'd like to share how you feel, you should. Email PTI (pti@espn.com), email ESPN, email your local paper. Hell, I'm a lazy bastard, but even I don't mind dropping an email expressing my rage once in a while.
Thanks!
- Brad
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Beckham Bash
Well, the time is nearly upon us. Within two days, David Beckham will be officially welcomed to the Los Angelas Galaxy squad. As has been the focus for so called soccer "experts" here in the US, is America ready for Becks and Posh?The answer to me is simple, and that's no. If you're reading this, you are probably an avid football fan yourself. You are ready for his arrival. You understand what he brings to the table. Can we say that for the average American casual sports fan? Of course not, but hopefully all of you out there WILL understand exactly what he'll do here 'cross the pond, then not be disappointed by what you've seen.
He'll come into the league, immediately contend for the honor of most assists, and of course will "bend it like Beckham" in pursuit of goals on beautiful set pieces (hopefully). He is easily one of the top players in the world, albeit in his role. That's right, he's merely a role player, and never has been much different. Again, a very good one, but nothing more. As with any footballer, he will on occasion show flashes of brilliance and maybe even some dazzling footwork, but I fear the media is pumping the masses up for the second coming of Pele.
Now, don't get me wrong, I DO like Beckham. I hope he comes here and completely blows the nation away with his prowess. He's bringing with him immense star power, and his wife by his side certainly will have her own effect. But, unless you are a true soccer fan, you have no idea what's coming when it hits you.
The reason to have concern is the fact that I believe he can help make or break the MLS. He has provided the league with the opportunity of a lifetime. There will be thousands, if not millions, of people watching his team, and more importantly, the MLS, that would never have even batted an eye over the mention of soccer. How will the league handle this? Hopefully, it will kick start a revolution in the popularity of the sport here.
I have my favorite EPL team I've rooted for for a couple years now, Reading (still can't get over promotion then staying in the top flight!), but the reason I became a soccer fan and started following the sport was for the USMNT. Yes, we have a lot of talent in the player pool who are with European clubs, but the majority are players in our domestic league, the MLS. The only way for players to get better is playing better competition. The MLS is not as bad as some media outlets would have you believe. To be honest, it's not that bad at all. But, it certainly is nowhere close to the EPL. However, the potential is there. All we need is a consistent national following of the sport, and that starts right here at home. I'd be lying if I said I'd be happy rooting for EPL teams the rest of my life. Call me selfish, but I want the best league in the world to be right here in the USA. I want the greatest players in the world itching to come to America to play for the greatest teams in the world. Compare it to the MLB for a moment. Yes, some call it slow, but it is still America's past time, and there will be millions of followers of the sport for years to come. We've all heard of Dice-K from Japan. He was hailed as the greatest thing "since sliced bread" when it came to Japanese baseball. The player that a whole nation rooted for, even if he beat your team. A once in a lifetime, if not more than one lifetime, type of player. What does he do? He comes to the US, abandons all of his stardom at home (granted, he still has his following at home, and Boston seems to like him just fine), all just to play with the best of the best in the world. Why can't the MLS be that league some day in soccer? I want this because the better our domestic league does, the better talent we may have sprouting here at home. You get more of a following, you have more kids playing the game beyond 8-10 years old, and in theory, you may have a better national team. Yes, that is not always the case (ie England, quite arguably holding one of the best leagues in it's own back yard, has yet to produce outstanding results lately on the international scene; but, who wouldn't want the success for their team as England has? I would.), but it certainly doesn't hurt.
Beckham could be the pebble that starts the avalanche of support here stateside. If he comes in, dazzles the crowds and hopefully sells tickets for years to come, then America could find itself home to a powerful league in the next few decades. However, we as sports fans all too often give players, and even teams, one chance, and only one chance. Were it one of the three major sports (sorry NHL, you are no more), of course the game will survive American scrutiny. But a league in it's early stages will now have all eyes focused on it. The league execs cannot, and I stress CANNOT, overlook Becks' arrival. This is a monumental opportunity. How the rest of this season plays out associating to fan support could very well provide a glimpse of what's to come in the future. We need fans to embrace the game and the wonderful skills he does possess, and appreciate him for his worth. I'm afraid his value is being overly appraised compared to his actual assets.
In the end, hopefully Beckham will be a star, not just some model who plays soccer on the side. Help spread the word that his arrival is a very good thing, but be careful to avoid crossing the line. We could be watching history in the making.
-Matt
Keller has some company
I know I'm a few days late on this, but I still need to say it... Kasey Keller now has some company in the panthenon of greatest games ever played by a US keeper after Chris Sietz's performance in the US-Brazil U-20 World Cup. The 2-1 win could have gone so many different ways. It could have been 2-0 US (the goal was almost a fluke for Brazil), or easily 4-2 Brazil (they had a ton of chances, most of which were stopped amazingly by Sietz). He commanded the defense well, made his plays, was agressive and stopped a lethal Brazilian attack. I think his contributions to this U-20 US team have been underrated considering all the press Adu is getting (not that it isn't warranted because he has been unbelievable in the last 2 games).
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