Monday, June 30, 2008

Congratualtions to Spain - 2008 European Champions!

The Euro 08 final was enjoyable to watch, but I couldn't help but cringe as I sat and watched Klose of Germany take that accidental kick to the groin, dropping him to the ground in an instant. Ouch.

The Quakes were playing in Chicago over the weekend and came away with nil-nil tie (+ 1 point). We had a couple of tries that should have gone in - if only the ball bounced our way. Joe Cannon played brilliantly - several "full stretch" saves.

Next home game isn't until 7/12 vs. Columbus....can't wait to get back to the South Bay San Siro.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Euro 08 and 6/18/08 vs RSL

Well - I didn't get a chance to see the Quakes game against Real Salt Lake "live" but did see it via MLStv. Joe Cannon worked his tail off to preserve the 0-0 draw (1 point!) I still hate that RSL home field!

Euro 08 has been really exciting. I caught the Turkey-Croatia quarterfinal today - unbelievable! What a comeback.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Quakes go down to the Donovan-less Galaxy

Well, I just returned home after seeing the Quakes take a hammering from the Galaxy 3-0. Close to 30,000 were at the game at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland (the largest crowd in Quakes history). Of course a majority of them were there to see one person - David "Mr Posh Spice" Beckham. he had a decent game, nothing spectacular. I do agree that Beckham has done alot for the MLS - in terms of visibility and credibility. The Galaxy were even without Donovan who was with the US men's national team getting ready for their world cup qualifier against Barbados tomorrow. Who knows what the score could have been.

The Quakes did pick it up in the 2nd half - after Shea Salinas got into the game. The speed that he brings to Quakes lineup really makes a difference. Too bad he missed another shot right in front of the goal though (arghhhhhh).

A couple of things. It was great to see that large crowd. The Quakes didn't do alot to "win" any of them over to support SJ soccer in the long term. The turnout did show that there are soccer fans out there - they are just not Quakles fans (YET!)

Tonight was the game that was the debut of my new "The Fault Zone" banner. It is not very big, but I think it turned out nice. I am going to have add something to highlight the letters a little better though. I think it will look great at the South Bay San Siro! (Buck Shaw). Thanks to my friend David for delivering it in time for the game tonight.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Euro '08 and the Galaxy coming to town

My Euro predictions are looking pretty shabby early in the group stages. My Italy pick, based on their game against the Netherlands, looks pretty foolish. I hope that one day, soccer will have this kind of energy in North America.

Beckham and Donovan are coming to Oaktown on Saturday night. I wonder how many tickets have been sold? Tickets are still being sold by the Quakes, so I know it isn't sold out. It will be interesting to see what the in-stadium atmoshpere will be like - high energy soccer fans or mostly Beckham gawkers. I agree with those that say Beckham is the best thing that has happened to the MLS in a looooooong time. I hope that this is the way of the future for the MLS - bringing in top players from Europe that might be a bit past their prime, but still playing at a very high level.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

6/8/08 Quakes thump the Crew

YES! An away victory against one of the best teams in the MLS this year. Ryan Johnson and Ronnie O'Brien are my favorites so far this season. I'm looking for Johnson to make alot of noise this year. He has size and speed plus he attacks. We need someone like this on the team - a go to person. Ramiro Corrales is another high point this year. Looking forward to the home game coming up against the hated Galaxy at the Oakland Coliseum. I have a group of 130 people from my work that are going together.

What's Up with TV Networks?

What's up with the major networks - the US National Team is playing Argentina in a friendly tonight and if you only have basic cable - you have no way to watch the game live without paying for the priviledge. I am able to watch the Mexico/Peru friendly on Telemundo no problem (update - Mexico is hammering Peru 3 - nil in the 39 min). Let's get free online access to US MNT games so that the game can be promoted in our own country.

What is the problem here? At least ESPN has many of the Euro2008 matches on live. Let's get free online access to US MNT games so the game can be promoted in our country.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

My Favorite Quakes Fan - My Daughter Hope!

What can I say? The apple doesn't fall too far away from the tree!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

May 31.2008 Loss to RSL

Well, the Quakes lost again. This time 3-1 to Real Salt Lake. After watching the game (that was hosted in Utah) I just can't figure out why any soccer game should be played on artificial turf. It is not the same game (ball becomes too bouncy and players have to adjust to the what seems like increased ball speeds). Plus - it is plain ugly (or maybe it had more to do with the fact that you could still see the American football lines on the field - University of Utah's football field). It looks horrible, especially on tv. If games have to be played on turf, at least completely get rid of the American football field markings.

Next game: 6/7/08 vs. Columbus (away)