Baggiodinho?

H sent me an email and told me my new nickname is "Baggiodinho" = (Little Baggio). I wonder how it would look on the back of an Italian National Team jersey?

Baggio - Now I get it H!

Well, being compared to Roberto Baggio sounds good, but H was refering to this missed pk in Wolrd Cup 1994 as he described my shot off of the top of the parking garage last night (see the previous post).






Oh, in case you were looking for a post-game meal write-up, there isn't much to write about. Post-game meals are reflective of how the game went.

Quakes downed by RSL (and Refs) + Double report

Just a quick report on today's sports "double". We stayed at the Cal gridiron game until the end of the 3rd Quarter (Cal ahead of Colorado St. by a score of 28-nil). We figured the lead was safe (Cal ended up winning 42-7). Met H in Berkeley and we jammed to the SB San Siro. We missed kickoff by about 15 minutes and when we saw that RSL had already scored (we later heard it happened in the first 3 minutes). Darren Huckerby made his contribution - scoring twice tonight, but the Quakes went down 3-2 to the visiting RSL team. The Q's did have a 2-1 lead at one point, but gave up 2 goals in the 2nd half. RSL is a very physical team and there were several skirmishes on the pitch. The refs didn't help the Quakes at all by missing/choosing not to make several obvious calls. I think the refs lost control of the game and RSl took advantage of it by ramping up their physical play. We come out with 0 pts and it certainly puts a damper on our playoff hopes. We gotta come back and hit these final games hard. Next up is FC Dallas on 10.2 (in Texas).

Missed "PK"

A PK (penalty kick) was taken tonight, but it wasn't a Quakes or RSL player that took it. It was me! We park in the parking structure for each game - the lot next door to Buck Shaw (see photo 1 below; P=Parking Lot; BS = Buck Shaw). Tonight we parked on the top floor of the garage.

After the game, there was alot of traffic - so we decided to hang out on the garage roof and kick the ball around (quite a few other fans had the same idea). H brought out his handy dandy, ever present Adidas Europass Glider out of his car.

It was a beautiful night - still warm, and we were just passing the ball back and forth. Then H took his position as goalie next to the wall of the parking lot and begged me to go for the PK (try to get the ball past him and hit the wall). How could I pass that opportunity up. I placed the ball down and had my mind set on going to my left (his right) and go for the imaginary "upper corner" of the net. I glided up to the ball with out hesitation, struck the ball cleanly - and got the shot past H and......also the top of the wall! My shot sailed off the 3rd floor roof of the parking structure into the night. (see photo 2 showing ball flight). Keep in mind it was dark and at night.

The story ended ok as we were able to recover the ball with the help of a kid that saw where the ball flew. H kept saying I did a "Baggio". I am going to need to look this up (but I have no doubt it is in reference to somebody blowing a PK in some World Cup moment and losing it for his team!). Thanks H.

Double-Double Today

Well - the decision was made a week or so ago that I'd go for the double today (Cal gridiron in Berkeley and then Quakes football later in Santa Clara). It is all going to be done "on the fly" as cell phone contact with H will determine transportation logistics. Go Bears! (3pm kick0ff vs. Colorado State)) Go Quakes! (7pm kickoff vs. Real Salt Lake)

Approx 47 miles between Memorial Stadium in Berkeley and the South Bay San Siro (Buck Shaw Stadium) in Santa Clara.

Comments on "Kicking It"

I received my DVD copy of "Kicking It", the documentary film on the Homeless World Cup. I sat down last night to view it in it's entirety (I only caught the last 15 minutes of it when it was aired on ESPN a couple of weeks ago). What an amazimng film! Football is a universal language - even amonst the world's homeless population. It provides a glimpse into the lives of a few of the players and their life struggles. It was said that one of the men, Jesus from Spain, at one time in his life played for Real Madrid (he is 60+ years old now). He became an alchoholic, robbed banks, and I think served prison time. He is currently living in a shelter in Spain. They only won 1 game (out of maybe a dozen) games during the 2006 Homeless World Cup, but their celebration after that victory was so emotional. I think the one thing that I will remember most from this film were the comments from players that said playing football at the Homeless World Cup actually helped them to feel like a "human being" again (it was stated that homeless in Russia are looked upon as less than human). Check this film out!

Today's Game - Postponed

Today's scheduled Quakes game (vs Houston) has been postponed to later in October. Houston is just not ready to hold these types of events post Ike. We continue to hold that region in prayer for a swift and safe recovery.

It seems strange to not have a Quakes game this weekend. Cal gridiron has a bye-week so there isn't a Cal game either. I think my family is happy though!

Game this Saturday @ Houston

Just read some infomation on Centerline Soccer that Nick Garcia (hamstring), Ronnie O'Brien (ankle), and Darren Huckerby (hip) sat out of practice yesterday. Also - there seems to be a question still on whether the game in Houston will be played or not due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Lets pray for the people affected in Texas (and also for Nick, Ronnie, and Darren to make a full recovery).

http://www.centerlinesoccer.com

Another... Saturday "Double" Challenge

I've done this before, but the one that presents itself to me this coming Saturday will be a challenge to say the least. You ask," What is a double"? It is attempting to attend more than one sporting event in the same day. The last time I did this, I was with who else but H, and we went to a baseball game in the City and then hit the Black Hole for a football game that evening. It was a long day, but because of the proximity of both stadiums to BART made logistics very, very easy (I mean, we could actually see Mt. Davis from our seats at AT&T).

The "double" I face weekend-after-next brings a much greater challenge. (1) 3pm Cal "gridiron" in Berkeley + (2) 7pm Quakes football in Santa Clara. I am still debating if I should choose between the two. I know if I have to pick one, it will of course be the Quakes, who are fighting for a playoff spot. Cal is only playing their 4th game of the season. We'll see what happens on that Saturday - if I attempt to do the "double"....

Battling with Houston

It was a pretty epic battle on the pitch between the Dynamo and Quakes last night. Ronnie O'Brien's first half goal was amazing from the right side. Too bad we just couldn't hold onto the lead. DeRosario and Ching didn't start for the Dynamo (rumor was they were getting rested from national team play), but both were brought into the game in the second half and Houston got the equalizer from Ching. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. We did get one point, but we really wanted to get the three. Next Saturday we play Houston again, but this time at their place.


Warrior - Nick Garcia

Nick sustained a cut above his eye during the game and stayed in the game after having his head wrapped (looking like someone that got treated at a M*A*S*H unit or something. He played tough defense all night long despite the injury.


Sellout at the SB San Siro

It was a sellout at the SB San Siro and the crowed really got behind the team in a loud way. It was really exciting to be in the midst of the "epicenter"! Here is "The Fault Zone" banner in all of its glory prior to kickoff in front of Section 108.

#6 Darren Huckerby Story (Thanks Graham!)

Post Game Meal - Hot Pot City

(http://www.hotpotcitymilpitas.com/index.asp)

Well - since we didn't win, fried fish at the Chalatecho just didn't seem appropriate. Instead we ended up at Hot Pot City in Milpitas. Another first for me (although I had heard about it alot from H and my brothers). The food was great and we also got the post-10 pm discount!

This is a link to a "how-to" Taiwanese bbq hot pot dining http://www.hotpotcitymilpitas.com/video/video.asp

From the HPC website:
We are the original Authentic Taiwanese Hot Pot Restaurant in the Bay Area. Established in San Francisco with our first restaurant on 9th Avenue in the Sunset District, this Asian cuisine is where you cook your own food at the table in a fire induced hot pot that has s simmering broth with a circle grill for barbequing.

The Hot Pot City in Milpitas offers the restaurant patrons an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Feast for less than most meals in the Bay Area. With this style of cooking method, everyone can enjoy cooking their favorite food in our sizzling soup base or simply barbequing them on the side.

We offer large variety of fresh food item such as shrimp, mussels, fish, squid and our fresh meat selections are beef, pork, lamb, chicken.

In our preparation of the special marinated meats for barbequing, there is no MSG added. *for the health conscious, please ask your server id you would like to substitute margarine instead of butter for barbequing your meats.

Also included are freshest seasonal vegetables from local farmers, tofu and noodles and much much more. One of the most important steps in Hot Pot cooking is the dipping sauce. The most common and favorite sauce is the Satay Sauce, Sometimes called Taiwanese BBQ Sauce. The basic principal for this dipping sauce is to add a variety of condiments to suit one¡¦s taste (green onion, garlic, soy sauce, etc.) in a small bowl and dip your food into the sauce just before eating the food.

For the enjoyment of the first timers, it will be our pleasure from attentive staff to guide you on this very unique way of cooking and eating this style of Taiwanese Hot Pot

Kicking It

I only caught the tail end of the ESPN broadcast of the documentary film titled,"Kicking It". The film tells the story of the Homeless World Cup 2007. I didn't even know such a beast existed. The players from all over the world live their lives of homelessness, addiction, etc., but I guess are given the opportunity to introduce football into their lives, and for some, it has made a world of difference. The 2008 cup is going to be in Melbourne. I am going to have to order this DVD - the whole idea of using football as a means to help those who are in need is awesome. The film was presented at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007 and is narrated by Colin Farrell.

ABOUT THE HOMELESS WORLD CUP
There are an estimated one billion homeless people in the world.
That's roughly the same number of football fans who watched the 2006 World Cup.
What happens when football and homelessness come together?
Lives change.
And the annual Homeless World Cup has the statistics to prove it.
In 2006, 48 countries competed in the 4th annual Homeless World Cup.
One year later...

92% players have a new motivation for life

73% have changed their lives for the better

93 players successfully addressed a drug or alcohol dependency

35% have secured regular employment

44% have improved their housing situation

39% chose to pursue education

72% continue to play football

The Homeless World Cup also supports and inspires grass roots football projects around the world working with homeless and excluded people throughout the year. Co-founded by world leading social entrepreneur Mel Young and Harald Schmied, it is supported by Nike, UEFA, United Nations, football clubs (e.g. Manchester United, Real Madrid, SL Benfica), ambassador Eric Cantona, and international footballers Didier Drogba, Rio Ferdinand.

73% of players change their lives for the better after participating by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams.
More info at http://www.homelessworldcup.org/ and http://www.kickingitthefilm.com/

Houston Dynamo (not "old" Earthquakes)

The Quakes take on the Houston Dynamo tomorrow at the SB San Siro and it is yet another crucial game for the Quakes to stay in the playoff hunt.

I am getting tired of hearing the stuff about "this is a match-up between the old Quakes and the new Quakes". Yes - Houston was a new team a couple of years ago and they happen to be the old Quakes team that got moved to the Lone Star State. I started as a football fan in 2005, so I did know that players on the Houston roster as the old Earthquakes. I wondered how I would do in rooting for the new Quakes, especially when they played Houston.But I think because I only followed the Quakes a short time before they left, I didn't have the attachment to these players that others did. I am a supporter of the San Jose Earthquakes. They are the Houston Dynamo. As Anikan Skywalker said during the end of Star Wars episode 3: "If you are not with me, you are against me." Houston Dynamo is the enemy on Saturday. GO EARTHQUAKES!

Football on TV

As a household with just basic cable service, there are not very many options to watch football on tv (the occasional US MNT coverage, MLS games weekly on ESPN, seasonal coverage of Champions League and World Cup). The most regular coverate that I get is on Telefutura, Telemundo, and Univision (Mexican League football).

I was just on a website called "LiveSoccerTV.com" and was amazed at the array of stations that cover football around the world. I've been debating whether to upgrade my cable service - but am afraid that I'll be watching football 24/7. http://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/

Football translate over television very well. I love not seeing all those stinking commercials too (American football games take forever when they are being televised). Another thing about football is that it doesn't matter what language it is being broadcast in because football is a universal language itself.

I am going to have to figure out the best way to go in upgrading my cable (stay with cable, go with dish, satellite, etc.). Until then - The Englander Pub will have to continue to do for now!

Sec 108 Family

Despite the slow start, this inaugural Quakes season has been great and alot of fun. The South Bay San Siro (aka Buck Shaw stadium) has "grown" on me and we try every game to make it a home advantage for our boys in blue/black. Sec 108 is our home during the season and it has been great fun getting to know all the fans that sit around us. Couples, families, children. Parents with children who play, a youth soccer referee and his family, and we are neighbors to those in the Colonel's Corner (KFC's promotional section). We even received a "cheer" request from a grandfather - he wanted us to drum and yell a cheer for his grand-daughter. Duh-duh- duh duh duh - duh duh duh duh - KALIA! :)

We love hearing the song and cheers coming from both the Ultras and the Casbah. We contribute with some drumming and cheering ourselves - at least the best we can. We (H and I) bring 3 drums to each game. One for the each of us and a third to use as a "community" drum. We share it with kids mostly - and they have a great time supporting the Quakes. We refer to our little Sec 108 family as, "The Fault Zone". You can see our banner on the rail in front of Sec 108.

Quakes Shake Up DC United

The Quakes end the day with another 3 points and are moving right up the western division standings. Darren Huckerby could have easily scored a hat trick tonight, but only came up with one goal as the Quakes held on for a 2-1 victory. Next Sat. - Houston comes to town!

Shea - Seventeen Magazine?

Well, we shared section 108 row 11 with a group of young gals that were ga ga for Shea Salinas. I guess it is good that he has some fans in the seats - since he hasn't played much since the arrival of Huckerby, Alvarez, Lima, and Sealy. Keep your chin up Shea - the chicks dig you!

It's ok - my wife is not here today so drum away!

The female person that did not appreciate our drumming was not in attendance today so her husband said, "don't worry, my wife isn't here tonight". We were able to lower our systems to defcom 1 for the night. Whew.

Celebratory Meal at the Chalatecho!

H and I celebrated the Quakes victory by heading over to the Chalatecho (across from Santa Clara University on the Alameda). We each ordered a mojarras fritas plate (deep-fried whole tilapia). I never had it before and can tell you right now it definitely won't be my last!

Here is an article about the place from the Santa Clara University student newspaper:

Delicious meals from bright yellow Chalateco
Don't be scared by the exterior -- it's what's inside that counts
By Tasia Endo
Issue date: 5/25/06

Yellow is to Chalateco what its food is to fresh, tasty and fun. Chalateco is more than that bright yellow eyesore on The Alameda; it is a Mexican restaurant that offers a delectable alternative to Henry's Fresh Mexican Grill. "It is like that in restaurants in Mexico City," said Erica Solis, a waitress at Chalateco, referring to the brightly colored décor. "For catching the attention, (the colors are) really flashy for that."The walls are striped yellow, orange and brown. The ceiling is covered with neon pink lighting that competes with hanging mounted television screens, all of which are playing Spanish-language pop music videos. Although the crazed yellow paint extends into the interior décor of the establishment, the casual yet quality Mexican food is most apparent. All meals at Chalateco begin with a complimentary bowl of corn tortilla chips and salsa. Simple enough, but it is a service that sets an agreeable tone for the rest of the meal. The menu might be overwhelming at first, since it is written entirely in Spanish.For those not fluent in Spanish, recommendations can be found through the tasty looking photos, such as the cheese and loroco pupusa and the chorizo sope. The pupusa is thick tortilla bread stuffed with cheese and loroco, a leafy green that looks like spinach but is really from pumpkins. Though it is small and insufficient for a meal in itself, the pupusa is a great appetizer before the main entrée, the chorizo sope. The sope is a thick tortilla with meat, lettuce, sour cream and cheese piled on top. It is also possible to add a side of guacamole to the meal, which, at Chalateco, tastes extraordinarily fresh. The only disappointment at this restaurant may be the limited variety of desserts. For those who have an insatiable sweet tooth or don't like bananas, Chalateco is not the best after-dinner option. The only desserts offered are fried bananas drizzled with a sugary cream sauce or banana empanadas, which are fried pastries also covered with the same sweet sauce. However, both are atypical choices, just like the restaurant's salient setting, and do offer a satisfying end to the dining adventure. According to Solis, since the hookah lounge is a nearby neighbor, many younger people also stop at the restaurant for late-night tacos, burritos and Mexico City-style sandwiches: the giant tortas. By August, there will also be a full bar and outdoor deck dining available upstairs. In time for the coming school year, Chalateco will be another spot for Santa Clarans to get Mexican beer and mixed drinks.With the bar and added seating to come, the potentially increased crowd could harm the restaurant's current appeal of being the less-known Mexican alternative within walking distance of Santa Clara."I like how (Chalateco) wasn't as crowded as Henry's is," said Anna Grudsky, a sophomore. "And the service was good. There was music, and it was spacious, too. It's comfortable." Should you choose to visit Chalateco for yourself, don't rush the experience. Savor the food, the colors and the catchy music, and bring your wallet with real money because they unfortunately don't accept Flex. Financial hassle aside, it's worth the visit. This restaurant takes you out of the Santa Clara experience and puts you into one of the pop music videos playing on the TVs -- yet you are truly less than a block away. Contact Tasia Endo at (408) 551-1918 or tendo@scu.edu

Huckerby #5 (by G. Yallop)

The Huckerby Story - Parts 1 thru 4

YouTube videos produced by Graham Yallop

8.3.08 Quakes vs LA Galaxy



8.16.08 Quakes vs NE Revolution



8.30.08 Quakes vs. KC Wizards



9.2.08 Quakes vs Seattle Sounders (friendly)

An Example of John Schrader's Play-by-Play (Quakes vs KC Wizards 8/30/08)

Quakes Radio and TV

Radio in English….please?

Have you not been fortunate enough to attend Quakes games in-person at the South Bay San Siro? You don’t have Comcast Sportsnet, Fox Soccer Channel, HDnet, etc? If you are a Quakes fan in your vehicle away from your tv, you still have an alternative way to experience each Quakes game live – on the radio.

Oooops. Did I mention that you also need to be fluent in Spanish to take advantage of the radio coverage? Yep. The Quakes radio station KLOK broadcasts each Quakes game over the radio in espanol. Why don’t the Quakes have an alternative broadcast in English? From my perspective, it doesn’t help in building the English-speaking fan base here in the Bay Area. I am certain we are talking about big money to secure airtime on an AM or FM frequency in the Bay Area. Maybe something creative can be developed – don’t the Oakland A’s have a radio station AND aren’t the Quakes also owned by those very same people that make the moves for the A’s? I say keep the KLOK Spanish broadcast, but please find us another frequency for an English broadcast!

A word about broadcasting and calling play-by-play:

I have never enjoyed the typical ESPN football commentators for MLS or US MNT games (World Cup, Champions League, and Euro Cup coverage is fine). BORING. I really enjoy the animation that comes with Spanish-speaking tv broadcasters - sooooo much energy and excitement (Gooooooooooooooooooool!). I can usually only pick up a few words here and there, but the game is so much more enjoyable to watch. I have heard local John Schrader broadcast televised recent Quakes games (Comcast Sports Net) and I have to say I am impressed. He does a great job – his “goal” calls are almost as exciting as Mexican league announcers on telemundo! I think John would also be a great candidate should the Quakes ever get an English radio broadcast going.

John Schrader + San Jose Earthquakes!

Hey little drummer boy...it's too LOUD!

Controversy in Section 108. At the Quakes recent home game vs the KC Wizards, my cousin H was at the game with his friend J. (Remember, I couldn't make the game because of the Cal gridiron game in Berkeley).

Anyways - H was approached by a female at the beginning of the game (pretty good start to this story wouldn't you say?). She asked him............if he wouldn't mind if she traded seats with him so that she would be sitting BEHIND the drumming instead of 2 rows in front of the "beautiful noise". I think this threw H for a loop at first. Huh? Our first formal percussion penalty? A red-card without warning? It is like asking someone to stop singing "Take be out to the ballgame" at a baseball game! Drums = Football Fans.

Well, after doing some in-depth research (a quick google on "Drums and football" - I found this discussion thread on the subject. Looks like DRUMS ARE IN. One of FIFA's mottos is "Fair Play". In part this means, "Don't discriminate against percussionists!!"

http://www.footballforums.net/forums/showthread.php?t=162153

The statistically non-significant (but meaningful) results so far:

Quakes/Sounders Friendly...

Well, H and I went to the Quakes vs Seattle Sounders "friendly" tonight. Alot of backups and reserves on the field, but it was a fun night with an intimate crowd of 1,000 (my guesstimate). Met the now You Tube celebrity Graham Yallop from Napa. It was nice to talk with him and we let him know how much we enjoy his video clips. It is pretty amazing how some clips intended for friends back home in Norwich would be a "hit" on the web here in the East Bay. Keep 'em coming Graham. It must still sting to think about Darren's departure from Norwich City - but it seems like the Quakes fans have really embraced him with open arms!







We had the chance to also take some photos posing with the MLS Cup (they had them on display before the game). I asked if I could take a photo with it and the Quakes rep said, "Sure". I picked up the massive trophy and gave H a big smile as he took the photo. then right after the shot, another Quakes rep said, "Hey, you need to put that down. You aren't supposed to touch it. If my boss sees you doing that he'd kill me!!". Oooooops.

I did get a few player autographs prior to the game...including Darren Huckerby #6

Tomorrow - "Drums - Are they too loud?"

More on DHucks

Huckerby has helped Quakes turn season around
HUCKERBY HAS HELPED QUAKES TURN SEASON AROUND
By Mark Emmons Mercury News
Article Launched: 08/31/2008 10:00:27 PM PDT

Earthquakes Coach Frank Yallop was trying to explain last week why Englishman Darren Huckerby is playing in San Jose. But he found himself stumped for the right words.
"You talk to him yet?" Yallop finally asked.
Sure. Huckerby comes across as a personable bloke with an adventurous streak who is a bit, uh, different.

"Well, then," said Yallop, as if that answered everything.

"Hucks" is a former English star forward with Norwich City who has helped re-energize the Earthquakes' previously dreadful offense. He has three goals and three assists in six games since his July arrival, including the late winner Saturday in a 2-1 victory over Kansas City.
But Huckerby, 32, also is such a cult figure back home that YouTube is filled with video tributes to him, and a rock band even named itself Huck in his honor. He turned down a chance to play in the elite Premier League to take far less money kicking the ball around in what, at least internationally, is still regarded as a soccer backwater.
So, what is this Brit doing in the States?

"I wanted to come to America forever," Huckerby said. "I already had made up my mind that if I couldn't play for Norwich, I was never going to play for another team in England. I'm a very loyal person. I know that sounds silly. But I guess I'm just a bit strange that way."
He's also an exuberant goal-scorer who has put the resurgent Earthquakes, unbeaten since Huckerby's arrival, into the playoff hunt.

For this stoutly built forward, soccer is not a cerebral chess match in which the ball is moved methodically down the pitch. His style is to constantly attack the defense at full speed. Saturday night, San Jose's offense almost entirely went through Huckerby on the left side.
"He said to me one time: 'I'm a maverick,' " Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle explained. "You can see it in the way he plays. He takes people on and beats them on the dribble. As soon as he gets the ball, you sit up on the edge of your seat because you want to see what he's going to do."

That's what made Huckerby a minor celebrity in football-mad England. In 2004, he led Norwich City to a first-division title, which pushed the Canaries into the Premier League for one season. A mutual love affair bloomed between Huckerby and the city as he scored 32 league goals over five seasons.

But a new manager cleaned house in May, and Huckerby's contract was not renewed. Yallop, a longtime admirer, had heard of Huckerby's steadfast refusal to ever play against Norwich City, and he urged Doyle to acquire the player's Major League Soccer rights from Toronto.
While his base salary of $330,000 makes him the highest-paid Earthquake, Huckerby told the British press it's only a quarter of what he could have made in England.

"It wasn't about money," said Huckerby, who has an 18-month contract with the Quakes. "Don't get me wrong, I'm well-paid and I've been that way throughout my career. But there was literally 20 times when I could have left Norwich for more money. They could have offered me 10 times what I was making and it wouldn't have mattered because Norwich meant that much to me."

So much that Huckerby constantly needles the English-born Yallop, who played for Ipswich Town, the bitter rival of Norwich City. (Think Yankees-Red Sox hatred.)
"He played for the enemy, but it's not his fault," Huckerby said. "Frank just wasn't quite good enough for the Norwich team. So he had to settle for the second best."
Yallop shakes his head.

"His Norwich connection ends when he comes across the pond," he said. "Darren's done great for us, and that's all that matters." Huckerby's wife, Lyndsey, and their two young sons are returning to England for the start of school. But Huckerby said he has no intention of spending free time hanging at pseudo-British establishments like Britannia Arms.
"I'm pretty open-minded," he said. "I want to embrace the California lifestyle. I love England, but this is an amazing place. Every morning I drive past valleys and mountains. I made the right decision coming here."

The Earthquakes (6-9-7) feel that way. The arrival of Huckerby — along with Scott Sealy, Francisco Lima and Arturo Alvarez — has transformed the team. "We've gone from where we looked liked we couldn't score to where we're dangerous all the time," Doyle said.
Huckerby already might be the team's favorite player. Fans at Buck Shaw Stadium chanted "Hucker-by" after his goal Saturday. And when the ball rebounded out of the net, he trapped it on the back of his neck and held it there as he posed. Later, he said he was trying to get on "SportsCenter." (See how he's catching on to America?)

A few days earlier, Yallop was talking about Huckerby as the forward walked past.
"You wish you could have played for Norwich," Huckerby said.
"That's bollocks," Yallop responded. "It's the other way around."
Huckerby laughed as he ducked into the locker room.
"See?" Yallop said. "It's never-ending with him."