Football vs "Gridiron"

Pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

2009 Expansion Draft - Philadelphia Union

Shea Salinas was selected from the unprotected MLS players to be part of the Philadelphia Union. The following is the entire list of players selected by Philadelphia and the team they will be leaving.

Jordan Harvey (Colorado Rapids)
Andrew Jacobsen (D.C. United)
Brad Knighton (New England Revolution)
Sebastien Le Toux (Seattle Sounders FC)
Stefani Miglioranzi (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Alejandro Moreno (Columbus Crew)
Dave Myrie (Chicago Fire)
Shea Salinas (San Jose Earthquakes)
Shavar Thomas (Chivas USA)
Nick Zimmerman (New York Red Bulls)

On Shea Salinas: I have mixed thoughts on Shea. He was one of those players that has so much "potential", but just has not gotten there yet. His energy and speed were great assets, but he never became a threat for the Q's. He is still a very young player and I hope he succeeds in the future. The teen females at the South Bay San Siro (aka Buck Shaw) will miss him I know! In the big scheme of things, this should not be a change that will hamper the Q's like the departure of O'Brien last year.

Real Salt Lake - 2009 MLS Cup Champions

I watched the 2009 MLS Cup match last night and was rooting for RSL to upset LA Galaxy. The quality of the game was typical MLS standard - not quite as exquisite as European football, but the game was exciting. LA took the lead, but RSL came back with an equilizer in the 70th+ minute. They remained tied and went into OT. After OT didn't break the tie, the MLS Cup came down to PK's. The difference I think was Zazoo's version of a "Baggio" - Donovan sent his PK attempt over the crossbar!

A Sub-.500 team winning the MLS Cup: It is a nice story, but should never happen in a top flight league of any kind. Period.

Qualifiers for World Cup 2010!

The entire field for World Cup 2010 has been filled. The Group Draw will be completed on December 4, 2009.

Qualifiers

Africa

Algeria (ALG)

Cameroon (CMR)

Côte d'Ivoire (CIV)

Ghana (GHA)

Nigeria (NGA)

Asia

Australia (AUS)

Japan (JPN)

Korea DPR (PRK)

Korea Republic (KOR)

Europe

Denmark (DEN)

England (ENG)

France (FRA)

Germany (GER)

Greece (GRE)

Italy (ITA)

Netherlands (NED)

Portugal (POR)

Serbia (SRB)

Slovakia (SVK)

Slovenia (SVN)

Spain (ESP)

Switzerland (SUI)

North and Central America

Honduras (HON)

Mexico (MEX)

USA (USA)

Oceana

New Zealand (NZL)

South America

Argentina (ARG)

Brazil (BRA)

Chile (CHI)

Paraguay (PAR)

Uruguay (URU)

Host Country

South Africa (RSA

Captain Corrales Signs

Ramiro Corrales has signed a multi-year contract with the Quakes. Don't get me wrong, I like Ramiro, but I don't think we have really seen his best the past 2 years (primarily due to injury). I hope that the coming season will be a healthy one for our captain!

2009 ends with a fizzle.

The Q's fall to the Galaxy 2-nil. We finish at the bottom of the Western Conference table (7-14-9) once again. As they always say, "There's always next year." My votes for 2009:

Quakes MVP: Ryan Johnson
Quakes Top Defender: Joe Cannon
Quakes Inspirational Leader: Joe Cannon

BEAT L.A.! BEAT L.A.!

Well, we are at the doorstep of the season close. Away at the HDC to take on the Galaxy. I am hoping that the Q's can muster up a great result this weekend. What can we say about this season that we haven't mentioned before? Injuries did us in. So many key players had seasons that never really started (Huckerby, Hernandez, Corrales). Ryan Johnson was again the team's highlight reel. Awesome job Ryan!! Season ticket renewal packets were sent out several weeks ago. H and I will definitely be renewing our seats. We understand that the Ultras are moving to our end of the field - next to the Casbah. Should liven up the our haven behind the north goal. It is time to focus on the EPL, the remaining WC qualifiers, and the Champions League.

One Win, Another Loss

October 2nd 2009 - the Quakes capture a 1-nil win over the NY Red Bulls....but where was I? I was in Berkeley watching Cal get pummeled by USC in a "gridiron" game. October 7th - I show up for the next home game vs FC Dallas. We lose 2-1. My so-called "friends" in Sec 108 have decided that it was my fault they lost - because I showed up. I guess everyone has to find something or someone to blame when you have to deal with a season like we have experienced with the Quakes this year. Yuck.

H and I are toying with the idea of traveling to the Home Depot Center to catch the Quakes take on the Galaxy one more time this season. No firm decision yet....but maybe, we'll see.

Farewell Hucks

In the last 2 weeks, Darren Huckerby announced his retirement from football. His arrival to San Jose last year was everything the team needed - and not it is over due to a hip injury that he never fully recovered from. He brought life into a new squad that was seeking leadership and an identity last season. Hucks' injury plagued season this year has been difficult for everyone - I'm sure especially for him. I wish him great success in his future football endeavors - coaching, etc. I hope he enjoyed his short stay here in America and who knows - maybe a coaching position pack here with the Quakes?

Darren - even in such a short time, you have made your mark in American sports (you have your own bobblehead doll).

News on Stadium; Lower Prices for 2010?

Well, the Q's dropped a heartbreaker against Colorado this past weekend and the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of the .......referees. They were awful. I really can't say much more without throwing up.

Huckerby's Pending Retirement

I am sorry to hear that Darren Huckerby's stint with the MLS and the Quakes will be short-lived. He did bring a spark and excitement to the Quakes in 2008. Hucks is the man (...when he isn't injured....)

Stadium Drawings Released

Well, it is great to see these "drawings". I like everything except for the "open end". I'll believe it when I see it though....I hope that it isn't another "dream" like that new A's stadium in Fremont.

(I do like the idea of calling this place the "Epicenter")

Lower Prices for 2010?

The Quakes also announced that ticket prices will be down in 2010. Well, I think it is a good idea - but what is really going to draw fans is the product on the pitch. But don't get me wrong...I'll be ordering my season tickets and will be thankful for the reduced prices.

A Season Lost

As the last days of summer linger a bit here in the Bay Area, we Quakes supporters are ready for this season to end. we still have several games remaining, but post-season play is not in the cards. Love the team - hate the results.

World cup qualifiers continue to be played and in the CONCACAF group a tight ending is in place. the USMNT is near the top of the group, but could easily drop fo the "playoff" spot depending on the results of the final 2 matches (Honduras and Costa Rica). Aston Villa is doing ok (mid-table) after the first few weeks of the Premiership season. I am really enjoying the increased coverage on ESPN on Saturdays. Despite the Quakes position, I am having no problem in finding my football fix!

Quakes Drop match to Revs; The Quick Re-Birth of WSD?

The Quakes took on the Revs today, but lost another one (2-1 Revs).  The game was scoreless about 2/3 through the game, but then the Revs got 2 goals and went up 2-nil.  Ramon Sanchez did knock in a nice header for his first MLS goal close to the end of regulation eliminating Reis' clean sheet.  Up next for the Q's are a couple of non-league games (9/4 vs Copa Alianza All-Stars and 9/8 vs CD Aguila).  My guess is that these games will be games for the Quakes reserves.  Next MLS game will be against Colorado at Buck Shaw on 9/18.

Rebirth as "World Football Daily"

well - less than a week ago, World Soccer Daily ended (the only daily football talk show in America) due to controversial comments by host Steven Cohen with regards to the Hillsborough 96 tragedy.  Yesterday it was announced that WSD would return as "WFD" under a different format (no advertisers, but listener supported through "subscription".  I think that this show is great for football in the US.  I just have to make a personal decision as to whether to make the financial commitment for a subscription or not.  (It is a nominal amount, but cash doesn't grow on trees).  we'll see. 

Quakes Win, Football Fans in the U.S. Lose

The Q's picked up 3 points against KC with the last minute (actually extra time) goal by Chris Wondoloski.  This season appears to be in the books already, but it is great to see that the lads are not giving up.  It has been a looooooooong season.  

Tonight is also the final summer session for Soccer Fours.  Starting this fall, it is moving to Thursday nights - which I cannot do.  :(  It was fun while it lasted.

Farewell to World Soccer Daily

Without much notice, the only daily football podcast in the U.S. has ended - World Soccer Daily.  I won't go into the details about what happened - you can do that by checking the web.  It saddens me that this program will not be available to us anymore because of the narrow-mindedness of some LFC supporters  that forced Steven Cohen to end WSD because of remarks he made about the horrible events that ended in the death of 96 fans at Hillsborough.  It is a loss for football fans here in America.

Messi!

I just had to post this YouTube clip that captures Lionel Messi's bicycle kick that was so close to hitting the back of the net (our seats were on the second deck - right above the vantage point of this video)  Barca v Chivas (8.8.09 Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA)

Quakes Stumble and Barca Comes to Town

Today was what had been marketed as the "Night of Champions" at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.  MLS Champions Columbus Crew taking on the Quakes and then followed by FC Barcelona vs Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas). Prior to the football, we had a great turnout for a tailgate in the 'Stick parking lot (friends from church, work, relatives, friends of friends).  Of course we had way too much food - H was an amazing tailgate host!  The lot was filled with Barca and Chivas supporters + football fans in general.  Latin music, thousands of bbqs....alot of fun.

The Q's drop the first game 3-nil and pretty much snuffed out any hopes for a miracle playoff run.  It is too bad to see them come of such a great game against Seattle and lay an egg tonight.  Barca did not disapppoint in the 2nd game.  We were fortunate to be sitting above the goal Barca was targeting during the first half (before all of the subs came in after halftime).  Barca is incredible - the possession game was a thing of beauty and there were several tries that easily could have been goals (including a Messi bicycle kick attempt!).  The game ended in a 1-1 draw with both goals coming in the 2nd half.  It was totally worth it to see Barca's first team play 45 minutes - they are incredible.

2009 Peace Cup Champions

Aston Villa beat Juventus in the 2009 Peace Cup Finals this past weekend on penalty kicks. The Peace Cup is a pre-season friendly tournament (http://www.peacecup.com/). GK Brad Guzan saved the day in the finals.

MLS Playoff Picture (as of Aug 5, 2009)

Claret and Blue - Who Do You Support?

As you know, I am now a supporter of Aston Villa of the EPL. What's the story behind the popularity of team colors "claret and blue"? There are 3 teams currently in the EPL that have home uniforms that are near identical. Confusing is an understatement. I am going to have to do a little digging to see if there some sort of story behind these colors.
West Ham United Aston Villa FC Burnley FC

YES! 3 Points!

Finally - a win at home. It has been so long. Yes, yes - it did help that (1) Lundberg was on red card suspension from last week and (2) Sounders went a player down after Riley is sent off with a red card in the first half. But the Q's played the best we have seen all season. Our two new lads in the midfield (Sanchez and Luis) looked really good and kept turnovers to a minimum. Shea used his speed not to score, but to deliver balls for scoring chances (he ended up with two assists yesterday). The Q's 4-nil victory left us at the SB San Siro in a frenzy. We got a gift own goal and then goals from Glen, Huckerby, and Wondoloski. Woo hoo.

I am looking forward to the double header next week (Q's vs Columbus and then followed by Barca vs Chivas), BUT I am not looking forward to going to Candlestick Park to see the matches!

Quakes announce Moreira signing

Today's news from sjearthquakes.com

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The San Jose Earthquakes announced Friday that the team has signed Brazilian midfielder Andre Luiz Moreira. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are excited to add a player of the caliber of Andre Luiz to our roster," said General Manager John Doyle. "He understands the game well and has great vision. The experience he gained in a number of top leagues around the world, as well as with the Brazilian national team, will be invaluable to our team. Along with Ramon Sanchez, we feel that we have really bolstered our midfield."

Andre Luiz most recently played for Jaguares de Chiapas FC in the Mexican First Division. He registered four goals in his 51 appearances for Jaguares since signing there in 2007. He helped them finish second in Group 3 in the 2009 Clausura tournament in Mexico and earn a spot in the playoffs. They also made the playoffs in the 2008 Clausura tournament.

The Sao Paulo native has made 21 appearances for the Brazilian national team and has scored two goals. He was also a member of the Bronze medal winning Brazil team from the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

The 34-year-old central midfielder has played for successful clubs around the world such as Paris St. Germaine (France), Olympique de Marseille (France), S.L. Benfica (Portugal), C.D. Tenerife (Spain), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Corinthians (Brazil). Overall, he has appeared in over 300 professional matches in his career and scored over 20 goals.

While with Sao Paulo, Andre Luiz won two Copa Libertadores titles and two Intercontinental Cups. He helped Sao Paulo defeat FC Barcelona in 1992 in the Intercontinental Cup, and the following year they defeated AC Milan in the final. He also won two Paulista titles in Brazil with Corinthians and one Paulista title and the Conmebol Cup with Sao Paulo. In France, he was a part of the 2003 Paris St. Germaine team that won the French Cup.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - Earthquakes sign M Andre Luiz Moreira.

Andre Luiz Moreira #28 
Status: Senior/International 
Position: Midfielder 
Height: 6-0 
Weight: 174 
Born: November 14, 1974 in Sao Paulo, Brazil 
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil 
Last Club: Jaguares de Chiapas (Mexico) 
Citizenship: Brazil

Why blog?

I was listening to a NPR program this morning about the blogging phenomenon. People "blog" to share their thoughts on a subject that they are interested in or are "experts" in. People "blog" to journal their lives and share it with friends. Others "blog" because they see a potential business opportunity if your blog can attract alot of interest from the general population of the world.

What category do I fall in? I guess just sharing thoughts on this global game that has has captured the sports fan in me. I grew up in the SF Bay Area and as a youngster was a big fan of the Oakland Athletics (Major League Baseball), Oakland Raiders (National "American" Football League), and the Golden State Warriors (National Basketball Association). Later, I became an avid supporter of University of California - Berkeley athletics (particularly American football and basketball. "Cal" is my alma mater and will always have a place in my heart as a sports fan. I think college sports has the added "emotional" factor beyond what pro sports bring out of their fans. It is hard to explain in words - it is like "you go as your team goes" and traveling to see your team compete is never a hard decision. Plus your wardrobe retains distinct colors (in my case - blue & gold!).

The only "professional" sport that has even come close to this sense of "attachment" between team and supporter is football. My home team is the San Jose Earthquakes (Major League Soccer). No matter how they are playing or where they are in the league table, you support them to your fullest at every match and away from the pitch. This is further enhanced because with the MLS (unlike the well-know international leagues in Europe), money is not the only driving force. Players for the most part are not making huge amounts of money (most are probably just eeking out a living), but they stay in it for their love of the game and fulfilling their dreams of being a pro footballer. As a supporter - winning is important, but the I think the true fan supports a team all of the time (win, lose or draw).

Quakes Hang Tough; US MNT Crumbles; Football Podcasts

In the beginning it looked as if we were going to experience much more of what we have been seeing at Quakes games when they took on DC United this past Saturday at the SB San Siro. We gave up an early PK and a second goal to go down 2-nil, but the lads didn't react in the same way they have in the past. Ryan Johnson's goal late in the first half sparked the team. The Quakes would eventually comeback to tie with a late PK taken by Cornell Glen. It wasn't a win, but it also wasn't another loss. I'll take the 1 point and congratulate the team for niver giving up.

Mexico Tears Us Up

I am still not sure what happened yesterday in the Copo Oro final between the US and Mexico. The first half was played well by both teams ending in a nil-nil draw at half. But in the 2nd half - Mexico figured out some kind of weakness in the US defense and bombarded us with 5.....count 'em.....5 counter attack goals that made the US squad look like a middle school team. What I couldn't understand was why couldn't the team make an adjustment after the first 2-3 goals??? I was so bad - I think it pretty much erased the positives we gained in the Confed Cup. Yes - it was a different team then the one at the Confed Cup, but no team should be shredded like that at that level. The game next month in Mexico City is going place alot of pressure on the USA.


Podcasts

Just a quick review of the football podcasts that I subscribe to via ITunes:

World Soccer Daily - North America's #1 daily football show (Steven Cohen & Kenny Hassan)

5 Live Football Daily (UK) - Football news, interviews, and discussion (Mark Saggers and regulars John Motson, Steve Claridge, Ian McGarry and Mark Clemmitt )

5 Live World Football Phone-in (UK) - Expert answers to your questions in World Football (Tim Vickery)

ESPN Soccernet - all the news, views and analysis from the world of football (Adriano Russo, Jon Harris-Bass, Dan Mason, and more)

Centerline Soccer - source for news and features regarding the San Jose Earthquakes and WPS Bay Area FC Gold Pride (Jay Hipps and Keiran Downie )

The Guardian Football Weekly (UK) - news and banter from the Premier League, Championship, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga (James Richardson, Barry Glendenning, Sid Lowe and the rest of the Football Weekly team)

Villa Park View (UK) - official Aston Villa podcast

Villa Podcast (UK) - Get all the best bits from Villa games (only during the EPL season)

El Salvador International Signs with Quakes

The Quakes announced that they have signed midfielder Ramon Sanchez from El Salvador.  He is a veteran of the El Salvador Nat'l Team and has played with several clubs in the El Salvador first division.  I am clueless about Sanchez, but it will be nice to see a new face that will hopefully give us a spark.  

This Saturday's match vs DC United is pretty much a must win for the Q's of they want to maintain some slim chance of sneaking into the playoffs this year.  What a loooooooong season it has been.

Pretty Much Says It All & More on Aston Villa

More on Aston Villa

Without hesitating for a moment, I ordered (directly from AVFC), my home Aston Villa home shirt. I wore it recently at one of my volunteer shifts at George Mark Children's House and Claire (RN mgr, originally from the UK, and a Liverpool supporter) had great interest in hearing about this Acorns sponsorship. I have begun my efforts to delve into AVFC. Two GK are from the U.S. - Brad Friedal and Brad Guzan. Still need to spend more time going through the roster before the beginning of the season. I have also subscribed to the Villa Podcast and the Villa View Podcast. Villa View has some great audio clips from radio calls of AVFC goals this past season.

One more thing - I'm debating if I should subscribe to AVTV ("Exclusive news, exclusive match highlights, live commentary and stats, searchable video archive, and complete match live console". It's not clear what "complete match live console" means (...if it includes live video webcasts... I'm "in". I'll let you know what I find out.

Quakes Lose Another....US MNT Survive

The Q's played the Chicago Fire last night and got burnt again.   They did play admirably for 80+ minutes and then gave up 2 goals to lose 2-nil.  I think confidence on the team is at a new low...sometimes we are so close, but maybe think we can't win (we are focused on trying not to lose instead).  It is tough on a diehard supporter like me to stir up interest in a team when they are going through such a tough time right now.

I was also watching the US MNT play Panama in their Gold Cup match last night (Quakes and MNT games were on at the same time - FSC + CSBA).  It was a tough game - went into OT periods with the US winning on a Kenny Cooper PK in the first OT period.  I am trying to figure out why Cooper has not been a regular on the MNT.  He brings some amazing size and strength to the front line.  The guys now move on into the semis.

The Pain Continues...

The Q's finally came home for a match last night to take on Toronto FC. There was still talk about the chance to still sneak into the playoffs if we can string some wins together. We'll, after last night, sneaking into post season play may not be coming into the near future. The Quakes really stunk it up last night. They did have their few moments + a nice goal coming from the combination of Ryan Johnson and Hucks, but the defense just didn't... defend. Too many opportunities for Toronto and DeRo. It was really disheartening...it still feels like we have stepped backwards in time to our form at the beginning of our inaugural season last year. The only sure thing that I know is - I'm a Quakes supporter forever.

Non-Commercial Football Shirt Sponsorships

The shirt sponsorship that Barca has with Unicef is quite amazing in this day of bottom line profit. I was scanning the EPL website last week and saw that Aston Villa's shirt sponsor is Acorns - the children's hospice network in the UK. This brings me great pleasure as I am a volunteer at the George Mark Children's House in San Leandro, CA (http://www.georgemark.org/) The past couple of years, I had adopted Chelsea as my adopted EPL team, but after considering this contribution and the support Aston Villa is giving to Acorns, I am considering a switch in my EPL alliance. More later.

$30 parking, US player to AC Milan

I went to the 2009 Gold Cup opening round matches at the Oakland Coliseum on July 5th (Guadalupe beating Panama and then Mexico downing Nicaragua).  The crowd was pretty small for the first game.  Most were there for the Mexico game and stayed in the parking lot to party up until game time.  H and I came late so we decided to park in the Coliseum lot.  We almost had a heart attack when we saw that it was $30 just to park.  Dang - the tickets cost $30 each.  I don't think I have ever been to an event where the parking was just as much as the event ticket.  This world is screwy. 

Interesting things that we spotted in the parking lot: "Cage" 1v1 football, girls sponsored by beer companies taking pictures with guys in the crowd (H posed a few times!).  You'll have to ask him about one particular gal that had an expression that never changed!  Lots of food being cooked on BBQ's and little supporter bands marching all over the parking lot with their national flags.  Inside the MEX/NICAR fans were in a frenzy (90+% were Mexico supporters).  We almost had an international incident occur in the section next to us and we had one guy throwing up and going unconscious in our section (a little bit too much of the liquid refreshment I am guessing).  It is too bad - he missed a good match.

US MNT Defender Heading for AC Milan!

It was announced today that Oguchi Onyewu has been signed by AC Milan.  His impressive work in the Confederations Cup must have helped his cause.  I'm looking forward to see how ACM will use him - he is a powerful dude.

Enhancing Your Appreciation of the Beautiful Game

From several of my previous posts, you all know that I truly appreciate the game of football. I have recently discovered the most powerful way to solidify and make permanent one's romance with the beautiful game. Take some time to learn and play the game. Now I don't mean you have to go out and join a league for 11v11 games and a formal season. Being a total newbie (meaning NEVER EVER have I played the game), joining some formal football league was way too intimidating. H played football growing up and recently began playing again - in an indoor 5v5 league and in an infomral 4v4 outdoor program called SoccerFours in San Francisco.

H encouraged me to try SoccerFours and eventually I did. Before signing up (http://www.soccerfours.com/), I emailed the organizer of SoccerFours - Chris. I told him that I was a total novice who has never played the game and I was concerned how I would "fit in". Chris was totally encouraging. Now that I have played with them for 3 weeks, I have come to realize (1) How out of shape I am, (2) how Chris was right in terms of me being comfortable learning the game in the SoccerFours community, and (3) how much playing the game is really the only way to fully appreciate the players that I watch as a fan and what they can do on the pitch. Beyond the obvious things like passing, shooting, dribbling skills... just their endurance to play 90+ minutes on a full-size pitch just floors me. I am sure that this phenomenon is true for every sport (I don't think people fully appreciate the demands of golf until they actually try to play the game!).

So Close

I took in the 2009 Confederations Cup at Manny's in Berkeley (on Telegraph). The place was packed with hopes of witnessing the first U.S. FIFA cup of any kind. The teams energy from their upset over Spain continued into the first half of the final yesterday. Defense was shutting down everything. Howard was solid in goal. Dempsey scored the first goal in the 10''. Donovan scored the second goal in the 27''. The place was rockin' and we were all pinching ourselves. But alas, our opponent this day was mighty Brasil. Kaka'. Robinho. Brasil roared back in the second half. Their first goal by Fabiano (he ended up with 2 goals) seemed to pop the U.S. bubble and they began to remember they were playing Brasil. I sensed their high energy drop with every tentative step they were making. Fabiano scored one more and then Lucio scored Brasils third. The dream ended Brasil 3 USA 2. It was an exciting game to watch, but it was heartbreaking at the same time. The teams performance gives us greater hope for 2010 WC success.

2009 Gold Cup

With not much of a break, the US MNT will begin their 2009 Gold Cup defense. Manager Bob Bradley has already announced the roster for the Gold Cup. Only a handful of players that were on the Confederations Cup roster (Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Heath Pierce, and Luis Robles) will play in the Gold Cup. Only Davies saw any significant playing time in the Confederations Cup matches.

2009 Gold Cup Roster
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown Club Caps/G

1 Perkins, Troy GK 6-2 190 07/20/81 Worthington, Ohio Valerenga IF (Norway) 1/0
2 Pearce, Heath D 5-10 175 08/13/84 Modesto, Calif. Hansa Rostock (Germany) 23/0
3 Goodson, Clarence D 6-4 170 05/17/82 Alexandria, Va. IK Start (Norway) 2/0
4 Marshall, Chad D 6-4 190 08/22/84 Riverside, Calif. Columbus Crew 4/1
5 Beckerman, Kyle M 5-10 165 04/23/82 Crofton, Md. Real Salt Lake 3/0
6 Cherundolo, Steve D 5-6 145 02/19/79 San Diego, Calif. Hannover 96 (Germany) 51/2
7 Rogers, Robbie M 5-10 165 05/12/87 Huntington Beach, Calif. Columbus Crew 1/0
8 Pause, Logan M 5-10 155 08/22/81 Hillsborough, N.C. Chicago Fire 0/0
9 Davies, Charlie F 5-10 160 06/25/86 Manchester, N.H. Hammarby IF (Sweden) 9/2
10 Holden, Stuart M 5-10 160 08/01/85 Houston, Texas Houston Dynamo 0/0
11 Ching, Brian F 6-1 195 05/24/78 Haleiwa, Hawaii Houston Dynamo 36/9
12 Conrad, Jimmy D 6-2 185 02/12/77 Temple City, Calif. Kansas City Wizards 24/1
13 Clark, Colin M 5-11 161 04/11/84 Ft. Collins, Colo. Colorado Rapids 0/0
14 Parkhurst, Michael D 5-11 155 01/24/84 Providence, R.I. FC Nordsjaelland (Denmark)5/0
15 Cronin, Sam M 5-10 165 12/12/86 Winston-Salem, N.C. Toronto FC 0/0
16 Heaps, Jay D 5-9 155 08/02/76 Longmeadow, Mass. New England Revolution 0/0
17 Cooper, Kenny F 6-3 210 10/21/84 Dallas, Texas FC Dallas 4/2
18 Robles, Luis GK 6-1 180 05/11/84 Fort Huachuca, Ariz. FC Kaiserslautern (Germany)0/0
19 Adu, Freddy F 5-8 140 06/02/89 Potomac, Md. AS Monaco (France) 13/1
20 Quaranta, Santino F 6-1 185 10/14/84 Baltimore, Md. D.C. United 11/0
21 Evans, Brad M 6-1 160 04/20/85 Phoenix, Ariz. Seattle Sounders 0/0
22 Arnaud, Davy M 6-0 165 06/22/80 Nederland, Texas Kansas City Wizards 2/0
23 Busch, Jon GK 5-10 165 08/18/76 Albany, N.Y. Chicago Fire 1/0

I'll be attending first round matches at the Oakland Coliseum on 7/5 (this coming Sunday): Panama vs. Guadalupe and Mexico vs. Nicaragua.

Shocked, Amazed, and THRILLED!

I am still trying to let it sink in that the US MNT has advanced to the Confederations Cup Final (vs Brasil). H and I watched the semifinal vs Spain at Marriott FC with several other patrons. As the clock kept moving and as the US lead started at 1-nil (Altidore) and than it later grew to 2-nil (Dempsey) - I didn't want to say a thing to jinx the boys. Beating the #1 team in the world who hadn't lost a match since late 2006...wow. Spain dominated the stat sheet - everything except for the scoreboard. The Americans played with huge hearts - it was so good to see how good they can be (especially compared to how they were playing in the earlier group stage). Congratualtions to the lads for eaching their first ever FIFA cup final! U.S.A! U.S.A! My MVP? Tim Howard.

International Football in the Bay Area this Summer + Soccer Fours!

2009 Gold Cup: I have my tickets for the first round matches that will be played at the Oakland Coliseum on July 5th (Guadeloupe vs Panama and Mexico vs Nicaragua)

Int'l Friendly August 8th: Today - I just secured tickets to the FC Barcelona vs Club Deportivo Guadalajara (a double header with the first game being the Q's vs the Columbus Crew).

I decided to pass on the World Football Challenge match between Inter and Club America (at Stanford Stadium). It would have been fun to do this one too - but $ is scarce and choices had to be made. Now if it were AC Milan or Chelsea.....

Soccer Fours:

Well - with the encouragement of H, I have finally stepped onto the pitch myself by starting to participate in a 4v4 program called Soccer Fours. They pick-up 4v4 games are on Wednesday nights at Franklin Sq Park in San Francisco. No refs, no score keeping, no league of official teams. It involves mostly club players, but even a novice like me felt welcome to join in. My legs were sore and I was definitely sucking wind during the 1 hour session that consisted of six 10-minute games. Check it out at http://www.soccerfours.com/

Franklin Sq Park pitch (artificial turf)

US MNT Celebrates on Father's Day!

It didn't look like there was any chance for the U.S. Men's National team to advance in the Confederations Cup. Their play has been awful and were taken apart by both Italy and Brasil. The only was they could make it was to win by several goals in their final group stage match against Egypt and they needed Brasil to score several goals over Italy for the U.S. to advance by goal differential. Everyone including me thought there was a chance to beat Egypt, but there was no way we would advance.

A miracle happened today. Brasil took apart Italy 3-nil and the U.S. beat Egypt 3-nil. Brasil won the group and there was a 3-way tie between Egypt, Italy, and the U.S. (3 points each). The U.S. advance to the semis by goal differential by the smallest margin. It is great for the lads to move on (they play Spain next on Wednesday), but it will be difficult to move farther. They can be thankful that we will have 2 games left to hone their game (semifinal match + 3rd place match for the losers in the semis). I did see a different team today on the pitch - although I think Egypt was beginning to run out of gas after their battles with Brasil and Italy.

YES! 3 Points!

The Quakes took on the Galaxy today at the Oakland Coliseum - the result was a 2-1 victory and 3 points! The taste of victory is sweet especially since we have been on a diet for so long this season. The Galaxy was without Kazoo and the Quakes took advantage by playing an above average game. PK by Pablo Campos and another goal for Ryan Johnson. Joe Cannon had a great game and kept us in the game.

Next game is July 3rd at Real Salt Lake.

FC Barcelona vs Chivas on August 8th!!

Looking forward to the announced doubleheader coming up in August at Candlestick Park: First game is Q's vs Columbus Crew Second game is FC Barcelona vs. Chivas!

Kaka' and Ronaldo Record-Breaking Transfers

What a whirlwind of a week. In less than 1 week: Real Madrid gets Ricardo Kaka' for a transfer fee of £65million! And then yesterday, it was announced that they have retained the services of Cristiano Ronaldo for a record £80million transfer fee. Keep in mind - these are only transfer fee figures (the $ that goes to AC Milan and Man Utd for rights to these players). It will be interesting to see in the coming weeks what they negotiate for their actual player contracts.

Kaka' is my favorite footballer and I am sorry to see him leave ACM. But I guess it IS a business. I like players like Paulo Maldini - those where it would appear that loyalty has at least just as much importance as the $. Big money transfers are just part of the game now I guess.

Quakes Announce Yet Another Move

Nick Garcia, a stalwart on defense for the Q's the past 1 1/2 seasons has been dealt to Toronto FC (along with rights to Ali Gerba) for a 3rd Rd 2010 SuperDraft pick. Are the Quakes cleaning house mid-season? I guess it is good that they are not afraid to pull the trigger, but I am still sore about the loss of Ronnie O'Brien during the off season. Let's hope that this shake-up helps the team the remainder of the year.

Weaver Gone - Wondoloski In

The Quakes announced a move - sending Cam Weaver to the Houston Dynamo for Chris Wondoloski and a draft pick. Not earth-shattering news my any means. Wondoloski played for the old Quakes right before their move to Houston (I think he played most of his time with the reserves). Do we expect any bit change? No, but Wondoloski is coming from being part of two recent MLS Cup victories. Maybe that experience will help a little. He is local (Danville) so it must be exciting for his family and friends that he will be playing closer to home.

One Point on the Road - But a Lead Lost Again

The Q's faced Dallas FC today at Pizza Hut Park. The Q's looked better than they have in the recent past, but appeared to be a step slower (maybe the heat). The Q's took a 2-1 lead in 82nd minute after a powerful goal off the left foot of Arturo Alvarez. Could they hold on the final 8+ minutes? Nope. Defense broke down again and left Kenny Cooper one-on-one at the net vs Joe Cannon. Cooper's tap in goal came at the 86 minute. Dang it. There were some new faces on the pitch for the Q's because Simon Eliott (New Zealand) and Cornell Glen (Trinadad & Tobago) were on international duty + Ramiro Corrales (yellow card suspension) + Bobby Convey (injury). Brandon McDonald and Aaron Pitchkolan were two new names in the midfield. But 1 point from a road game is a positive. The Telefutura broadcast did show Hucks on the bench in uniform, but he did not play. Another road game next week in Seattle. I sure hope that the lads are up for this one. Our first visit to QWest Field was not a pleasant one.

Kaka' Rumors, World Soccer Daily Controversy, etc.

Where will Kaka' end up next year? I have heard rumors about Real Madrid and Chelsea. I have also heard that he has not intention of leaving and wants to stay at ACM. I think I need to start another rumor...

World Soccer Daily....Liverpool FC Controversy

Just as I discover this daily soccer radio program/podcast - there is a controversy that has many Liverpool FC supporters from around the world calling for a boycott of this program as well as a boycott of all of WSD's sponsors. What is the issue? I has to do with some comments made by one of the WSD hosts - Steve Cohen - and comments that he made on the program with respect to a tragedy known as the "Hillsborough 96". Because I am such a newbie to this sport, I had to do some research. The Hillsborough 96 refers to a disaster that occurred on April 15, 1989, at Hillsborough stadium (the home of Sheffield FC). 96 Liverpool FC supporters were crushed to death within the stadium crowd. From what I understand, thousands of people - some without tickets - were pushing into the stadium through a narrow gateway. As people continued to push in, the section in the stadium also felt the pressure and those closest to the field were crushed up against a fence/barrier between the stands and the pitch.

I have not gone back to find the podcast where the WSD/Cohen comments were made, but the response has involved death threats and other acts of violence (on top of the recommended boycotts). Here are his comments - he focused his questions on those ticketless fans that contributed to the situation. Cohen did make a public apology, but I have read that Liverpool FC supporters did not accept it. More later.

href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_disaster">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_disaster

Quakes Win and More...

Ahhhhhh - finally the sweet smell of victory. The Q's took it to Real Salt Lake and came away with a 2-1 victory. WHile still rough around the edges, the Q's had some new faces in the lineup (Cornell Glen - forward and Mike Zaher - defender). Glen and Alvarez scored for the Quakes. Biggest change? The defense played really well - there seemed like a much greater sense of urgency to turn things around. H and I finally were able to visit Chalatecho after the game for our traditional victory meal of fried tilapia! Yum.


Thank You Paolo Maldini!


This morning I watched Paolo Maldini's final game as AC Milan beat Fiorentina 2-nil. Here is an excerpt from a recent Canadian paper on Maldini and his career:

This is a player who learned his trade alongside Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassotti and Alessandro Costacurta, and helped set a national record of 929 minutes without conceding a goal.

In recent years Milan's other world-class defender, Alessandro Nesta, has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch and at a time when Maldini should have been winding down he has been playing more than ever.

He is now due to play his 902nd and final match next week at Fiorentina, bringing to an end his outstanding career. When coach Nils Liedholm handed Maldini, the son of club legend Cesare, his debut at Udinese in January 1985, few would have predicted that the rangy, 16-year-old leftback would still be going more than 24 years later.

He has straddled two periods of Milan greatness, the first under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, when the side won three Champions League trophies and five Serie A titles. Though Alberto Zaccheroni's spell in charge included another league title in 1999, there was a real renaissance under Carlo Ancelotti that included a pair of Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007, Maldini's seventh Italian championship in 2004 and a World Club Cup in 2007.
In that time he has changed from a coltish leftback to an ultra-dependable central defender, captain of both club and country.

Despite age and knee injuries taking their toll, he has refused to change his style, relying on stealth and intelligence to win the ball in such a way that the striker doesn't actually realize it's gone. He has been as far from the stereotyped Italian defender as it is possible to be. He has no need for the ankle taps, shirt pulling and all-around cynicism that personified the likes of Claudio Gentile and even Baresi.

It is on the international stage that Maldini's career remains unfulfilled, though it is doubtful he could have gone any closer. Maldini holds the unenviable record of being a losing finalist at both the World Cup and European Championship, both times by the narrowest of margins. It's open to question what hurt the most, a loss on penalties to Brazil in 1994 or David Trezeguet's decisive 'golden goal' that won the continental crown for France in 2000 after the Azzurri had dominated the match.

His 126 caps show how important he was to the national side from his debut against Yugoslavia in March 1988 to retirement at the end of the 2002 World Cup. Despite a 'golden goal' loss to South Korea signalling the end of his career, Maldini kept a dignified, quiet counsel, whilst many Italy fans blamed referee Byron Moreno and FIFA for joint-host nation South Korea's progression to the quarter-finals.

Earlier this year fans launched a campaign to give Maldini one more farewell cap.
Typical of the man, though, he thanked the fans for the idea, but said it would hinder the development of the team ahead of the 2010 World Cup, which to him was worth far more than any number of sentimental farewells.

The man himself is unsure of what the future holds, but says whilst he followed his father to Milan, he won't be following him into coaching. "I won't be a coach, because it is a role that brings out all the things that I don't like about football," he said. "The excessive exposure to the media, moving to different cities and having to work with difficult presidents."
Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.



Discovered a couple of podcasts:


World Football Phone In http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/wf/


World Soccer Daily http://www.worldsoccerdaily.com/