Well I had my first indoor game of the spring season last night and we drew 8-8. Not bad for a team of "free agents" with 1 sub against a full side plus multiple subs. I didn't do as well as I would have liked but I chalk that up to first game rust and low endurance at the end of the game. I had 2 shots that were saved on a couple nice plays by the keeper, but I should have had a few more if my legs didn't want to give out.
Being my first competitive game in over 2 years, let me tell you, it's not as easy as I remember. I think I'm getting too old for this! Of course on the other hand, it could be we only had 1 sub so I was out on the field for 40 of the 50 minutes. I woke up real sore this morning that's for sure. I also ended up with a nice blister on my left foot from my new shoes, but hey it's all part of the fun!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Referees
Hello everyone. It has been a while since I've posted but now that spring has come and Mike and I are playing again, you can expect some more posts. So Let's start with this one, eh?
Both Mike and I have been soccer referees for quite a long time. Over 10 years of experience for me and likely close to 7 or 8 years for Mike. One thing we can both agree on this that referees just get no respect (cue Rodney Dangerfield). As noted in this article by Norman Hubbard, even professional referees get blamed for Premier League team failings. The disrespect that many managers at this level show referees is transferred to lower levels of soccer, all the way down to youth soccer here in America.
As I've said before coaches and players have a sense of entitlement that they cannot do wrong and that the other team always fouls them unfairly. Teams often believe the referee is out to make their team lose. I've personally heard these, "He doesn't know what he is doing out there" (once again, years of experience) or "He must be from the city/town of the other team" (at out of state tournaments). When you hear lines like that, it becomes hard to take real, constructive criticism which is what many referees need because let's face it, none of us are perfect and we learn from our mistakes.
We wonder why we don't have experienced referees in the ranks anymore here in America. Well you need to be mentally tough to be neutral, because you are going to get grief from all sides. So next time you watch or play, remember that the referee is human too and deserves your respect (even if he/she is honestly bad, there are some out there who are). I know I will.
Both Mike and I have been soccer referees for quite a long time. Over 10 years of experience for me and likely close to 7 or 8 years for Mike. One thing we can both agree on this that referees just get no respect (cue Rodney Dangerfield). As noted in this article by Norman Hubbard, even professional referees get blamed for Premier League team failings. The disrespect that many managers at this level show referees is transferred to lower levels of soccer, all the way down to youth soccer here in America.
As I've said before coaches and players have a sense of entitlement that they cannot do wrong and that the other team always fouls them unfairly. Teams often believe the referee is out to make their team lose. I've personally heard these, "He doesn't know what he is doing out there" (once again, years of experience) or "He must be from the city/town of the other team" (at out of state tournaments). When you hear lines like that, it becomes hard to take real, constructive criticism which is what many referees need because let's face it, none of us are perfect and we learn from our mistakes.
We wonder why we don't have experienced referees in the ranks anymore here in America. Well you need to be mentally tough to be neutral, because you are going to get grief from all sides. So next time you watch or play, remember that the referee is human too and deserves your respect (even if he/she is honestly bad, there are some out there who are). I know I will.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Reffing Update
Back when I was reffing about 4 years ago, before I went to grad school, I remember it being a challenge but being fun at the same time. Sure you would have the occasional uppity player or coach or parent, but not too bad and not too often. Nowdays, it's like you are supposed to be omnipotent out there. Know everything that's happening at all times. If you make a mistake, you're blasted for it. I mean hey, we're human, we're gonna make mistakes or not see fouls. But according to the spectators (especially parents) that's not good enough.
Then there are the players... most of them are good. Don't say a word, play hard, and play right; just like they should, like I did back in the day. If I got fouled, I didn't say squat whether I got the call or not. I just got up and kept playing. Now you have a few prima donnas out there who just can't have anything go against them. And once they start, it becomes contagious...
Lastly coaches. When I coached, unless it was a clearly blatant wrong call, I didn't say anything. I wanted to set a good example for my team. Now, every coach thinks they are "Sir Alex" out there and will question every call you make. I was yelled at by a coach from the other sideline, while I was an AR, not even the center for making a correct offside call, twice, on his team. It's enough to make you want to stop because even for the money, it's just not worth the abuse.
Now I know what you're thinking. You're saying, "A.J., you just have to grow thicker skin, mate." Wrong, no matter how thick your skin is (and I'll tell you, mine is pretty thick and my fuse is quite long) the comments get to you on some level. In the end, I am all in favor of the quiet games that are implemented in some areas where there are no spectators and the coaches can only give instruction to their players.
Anyway, rants like this should not deter anyone from giving reffing a shot. Mike does it still and enjoys it. He can forget easier than I. And in fact, I don't mind being an AR, but I don't know if I'll ever center again, unless it's an emergency. But something needs to be done about the lack of sportsmanship directed at the officials. Most of these kids are younger than I am by 10 years and if I am sick of it, imaging what they are going through. Players, coaches, and especially spectators need to chill out and realize what I did so long ago. This is a game. No one is going to die if they lose, no one will be making six figures if they win. The coaches aren't going to be selected to the US Men's National Team. It is supposed to be fun for everyone involved. But at the moment, I don't know if it's fun for anyone.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Holy Crap! It's Been A While!
Hey folks! I know it's been a while since either one of us has written anything on our blog and you all probably considered it dead. But fear not! We are back, ready to bring you more on the beautiful game!
Tonight, I am reacting to a couple articles I have read on the ESPNSoccernet. The first is an article that broke the news that some "foreign owners" want to end relegation. I say foreign owners because I believe there are undoubtedly some English owners who want their investments safe (even if they won't openly admit it). The second was an article which talked about what we all thought, which is WTF?
Mike and I discussed that relegation is what brings so much appeal to some us Americans about English soccer. The thought that a team in a division 10 leagues below the Premier league could, someday, be playing on the Premier stage. That the teams we like to follow could be relegated if they have a poor season (Newcastle for example which was in the Championship 2 years ago). It brings some excitement because all teams have something to play for. Either it winning the regular season crown or avoiding being humiliated and dropped down a league. What do our losers have to look forward to here in America? The #1 draft pick? Oh boy. In which case, fans actually root for their team to lose.
Wouldn't it be cool to have our soccer system set up like the English system? Here is a breakdown of the American soccer pyramid. Of course as another blog points out, it's missing one key item about being a pyramid. There is no upward or downward movement. So all the teams are bookmarked into their divisions with no chance of moving up or down.
Imagine how much fun it would be to be a fan of, for example, the Harrisburg City Islanders if there were relegation and promotion. They are a team that plays in the USL Professional Division (formerly USL-1). They are quite competitive, having won their respective league (USL-2) in 2007, came in second this year in the new USL Pro, and have beat 3 different MLS teams when they have gotten the chance during the U.S. Gold Cup. Heck, even the former Milwaukee Rampage beat the Chicago Fire.
Point is, these teams can play with the big boys, given the chance. But it will never happen. American professional sports teams are franchises where investors don't want to have anything unpredictable happen and therefore, lose money. It's unfortunate but it shows what really drives American sports. Money.
That's it tonight. Stay tuned for a review of the game Mike and I had pre-ordered and are currently obsessing over currently, FIFA 12. Oh and check out the new poll!
Tonight, I am reacting to a couple articles I have read on the ESPNSoccernet. The first is an article that broke the news that some "foreign owners" want to end relegation. I say foreign owners because I believe there are undoubtedly some English owners who want their investments safe (even if they won't openly admit it). The second was an article which talked about what we all thought, which is WTF?
Mike and I discussed that relegation is what brings so much appeal to some us Americans about English soccer. The thought that a team in a division 10 leagues below the Premier league could, someday, be playing on the Premier stage. That the teams we like to follow could be relegated if they have a poor season (Newcastle for example which was in the Championship 2 years ago). It brings some excitement because all teams have something to play for. Either it winning the regular season crown or avoiding being humiliated and dropped down a league. What do our losers have to look forward to here in America? The #1 draft pick? Oh boy. In which case, fans actually root for their team to lose.
Wouldn't it be cool to have our soccer system set up like the English system? Here is a breakdown of the American soccer pyramid. Of course as another blog points out, it's missing one key item about being a pyramid. There is no upward or downward movement. So all the teams are bookmarked into their divisions with no chance of moving up or down.
Imagine how much fun it would be to be a fan of, for example, the Harrisburg City Islanders if there were relegation and promotion. They are a team that plays in the USL Professional Division (formerly USL-1). They are quite competitive, having won their respective league (USL-2) in 2007, came in second this year in the new USL Pro, and have beat 3 different MLS teams when they have gotten the chance during the U.S. Gold Cup. Heck, even the former Milwaukee Rampage beat the Chicago Fire.
Point is, these teams can play with the big boys, given the chance. But it will never happen. American professional sports teams are franchises where investors don't want to have anything unpredictable happen and therefore, lose money. It's unfortunate but it shows what really drives American sports. Money.
That's it tonight. Stay tuned for a review of the game Mike and I had pre-ordered and are currently obsessing over currently, FIFA 12. Oh and check out the new poll!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Keepers Getting Some Recognition Too
Continuing from my last post, I was actually unaware that you can also vote for the MLS Save of the Week too. This is pretty awesome, and I'm pumped to see that Keepers are finally getting some recognition around here!
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxbzIzIkx3Q
Catching Up
It's been a while since there's been anything notable enough to update upon here. But, I did want to just write a little bit about how pumped I am about Manchester City's recent success in the EPL. In the past two weeks they have secured a spot on the FA Cup Final against Stoke City (beating Man U on the way ;-) ), as well as all but locked up a Champions League Spot for next season, knock on wood. Woo!
Also, it sounds like A.J. and I will be restarting out refereeing careers this weekend after a three year hiatus. We've had some bad luck with weather canceling out a tournament once this year already, so hopefully the Wisconsin weather doesn't turn on us this weekend again!
Lastly, go vote on the MLS Goal of the Week! There were some really sweet goals this past week, and I had a tough decision to choose between Chad Barrett's goal for LA and Juan Agudelo's goal for Red Bulls. I eventually chose Agudelo, but I'll let you decide yourselves.
View the Video of the 5 Goals of the Week here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2VEmzbZs04
Vote here: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/vote-now-att-goal-week-wk-6
Also, it sounds like A.J. and I will be restarting out refereeing careers this weekend after a three year hiatus. We've had some bad luck with weather canceling out a tournament once this year already, so hopefully the Wisconsin weather doesn't turn on us this weekend again!
Lastly, go vote on the MLS Goal of the Week! There were some really sweet goals this past week, and I had a tough decision to choose between Chad Barrett's goal for LA and Juan Agudelo's goal for Red Bulls. I eventually chose Agudelo, but I'll let you decide yourselves.
View the Video of the 5 Goals of the Week here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2VEmzbZs04
Vote here: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/vote-now-att-goal-week-wk-6
Monday, April 18, 2011
Soccer Tomorrow!
So awesomeness is in fact happening tomorrow. ESPN2 will be showing Manchester United coming to St. James' Park to play Newcastle United at 1:30 CDT. I am excited to say the least. ManU was the EPL team I first became attached to when I was younger, in part because of their marketing and they were one of the few teams Americans knew of. But over time I have realized how much they are like the New York Yankees (which I and every other small/mid-market baseball fan hate). So I started looking for a new team to root for. Lo and behold I stumbled upon my solution in the bottom of a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale. Since, I have become an avid fan of the Magpies (or as much as a fan here in America can be).
So you can see why I am excited for the game tomorrow! Childhood team vs. my current team. ManU comes into the game winning 2 of their last 3 games (the loss being 1-0 at ManCity). They are also at the top of the Premier League table. Newcastle comes into the game having lost 2 of their last 3 games and is sitting in 10th place in the table.
In the end though, I am thoroughly rooting for Newcastle who need some strong wins here at the end of the season to bolster their outlook for the upcoming transfer season. My prediction however, ManU wins 3-1.
Get 'cha popcorn ready for this one! Happy watching!
So you can see why I am excited for the game tomorrow! Childhood team vs. my current team. ManU comes into the game winning 2 of their last 3 games (the loss being 1-0 at ManCity). They are also at the top of the Premier League table. Newcastle comes into the game having lost 2 of their last 3 games and is sitting in 10th place in the table.
In the end though, I am thoroughly rooting for Newcastle who need some strong wins here at the end of the season to bolster their outlook for the upcoming transfer season. My prediction however, ManU wins 3-1.
Get 'cha popcorn ready for this one! Happy watching!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Name Change
Hello everyone! Just wanted to inform you that the name of our blog has changed from "Those Crazy Soccer Guys" to "The Soccer Authority." The first name was really a placeholder until I could think of something better. So make sure you change your bookmarks from http://crazysoccerguys.blogspot.com to http://authorityonsoccer.blogspot.com.
May your goals be plentiful...
May your goals be plentiful...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Up and Coming American MLS Players
Just as A.J. said in an earlier post, I'm going to do a little blurb here about up and coming players that may have an impact on the US Men's National team some day. However, in this blurb here, I will be highlighting young American players currently playing in the MLS. The best players in the world all started out their pro careers in their home country and did not rush going to Europe at a young age. This list of players includes Baggio, Weah, Zidane, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, C Ronaldo, Messi... all these guys started at home. So without further adieu...
Juan Agudelo -- 4 Caps, 2 Goals -- New York Red Bulls
After watching this 18-year-old kid receive a start against Paraguay a few days ago, I have to admit that he looks pretty dang good already. While the forward's goal against Argentina was a bit of a fluke (the keeper should definitely have been able to hold on to the initial shot... just saying, from a keeper's prospective), he was in the right place at the right time, and there's nothing wrong at all with being a bit lucky. Look for him to be a regular in the coming times for the US National Team, as he could develop into just the explosive player we need along side Altidore or Davies.
Teal Bunbury -- 2 Caps, 1 Goal -- Sporting Kansas City
One of the most promising up and coming players for the US Men's National team is 21-year-old Teal Bunbury. The forward/attacking midfielder originally initially had said that he would follow in his father's footsteps and play internationally for Canada, but instead changed his mind when he was called up by the US National team for the Nelson Mandela Challenge in 2010. He scored his first and only international goal on a PK against Chile, which was followed by the famous "Boon-boo-ree" celebration (watch the Youtube video here). Interesting fact: Teal is the first son of a former MLS player to be drafted into the league. He also was the 2009 Hermann Trophy Award Winner for the best player in college soccer, and has played on trial with English Premier League team Stoke City.
Brek Shea -- 2 Caps, 0 Goals -- FC Dallas
The 20-year-old Brek Shea could someday be a replacement for one of the US National Team's aging defenders. Currently playing for FC Dallas, Shea has played in 2 games for the national team (at the senior level). Although he did not impress too much in his most recent game for the national team against Colombia, look for him to be a more common name in the future, along with Eric Lichaj (plays for Aston Villa in the EPL). Check out some highlights of him scoring on a header against Chivas here.
Omar Gonzalez -- 2 Caps, 0 Goals -- Los Angelos Galaxy
Another viable replacement on the defense for the national team in the future could be Omar Gonzalez. The 22-year-old was the 2009 MLS Rookie of the year, and has been nothing short of solid on the defensive line in LA. He was also named to the 2010 MLS All-Star team, and was on the University of Maryland team that won the National Soccer Championship in 2008. Personal suggestion: remember the name. Check out a great diving header goal here.
Jack McInerney -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Philadelphia Union
Another one of my personal favorite up and coming players is 18-year-old Jack McInerney. While Jack Mac is yet to be called up to play for the US Men's National Team, he has played games for them at the U-20, U-17, and U-15 levels, with 15 caps and 11 goals at the U-17 level. The midfielder/forward has had a great start to his career in the MLS (while not quite at the level yet of Andy Najar, who recently snubbed the USA with his decision to represent Honduras internationally), and looks to certainly be building upon his rookie season this year. There are a few videos of McInerney out there on Youtube, but if you're too lazy, you can check this one out here of a nice little finish he had last year in his rookie season.
Tony Tchani -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Toronto FC
Now I have to admit, I do not know too much about Tony Tchani, but from what I have read, he could be very, very good in the midfield or on defense for the US Men's team someday. Born in Cameroon, Tchani moved here in 2004, attended the University of Virgina and won the national championship with them in 2009. The 21-year-old must first get his United States citizenship however before he could represent the team. Tchani was recently traded from the New York Red Bulls, who drafted him 2nd overall in 2010, to Toronto FC for Dwayne De Rosario and a first round draft pick. Check out some highlights of his college career here.
Danny Mwanga -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Philadelphia Union
Another player I don't know much about besides that this 19-year-old can really play. He scored 7 goals in 24 appearances last year, his rookie season. In 2010, he was the first overall pick in the MLS Superdraft. Although he is yet to earn his United States citizenship, he has stated that he would be honored to represent the US National Team some day. Check out a video of a great goal he scored in his rookie season here.
There ya go, anybody you feel I missed? Feel free to leave a comment!
Juan Agudelo -- 4 Caps, 2 Goals -- New York Red Bulls
After watching this 18-year-old kid receive a start against Paraguay a few days ago, I have to admit that he looks pretty dang good already. While the forward's goal against Argentina was a bit of a fluke (the keeper should definitely have been able to hold on to the initial shot... just saying, from a keeper's prospective), he was in the right place at the right time, and there's nothing wrong at all with being a bit lucky. Look for him to be a regular in the coming times for the US National Team, as he could develop into just the explosive player we need along side Altidore or Davies.
Teal Bunbury -- 2 Caps, 1 Goal -- Sporting Kansas City
One of the most promising up and coming players for the US Men's National team is 21-year-old Teal Bunbury. The forward/attacking midfielder originally initially had said that he would follow in his father's footsteps and play internationally for Canada, but instead changed his mind when he was called up by the US National team for the Nelson Mandela Challenge in 2010. He scored his first and only international goal on a PK against Chile, which was followed by the famous "Boon-boo-ree" celebration (watch the Youtube video here). Interesting fact: Teal is the first son of a former MLS player to be drafted into the league. He also was the 2009 Hermann Trophy Award Winner for the best player in college soccer, and has played on trial with English Premier League team Stoke City.
Brek Shea -- 2 Caps, 0 Goals -- FC Dallas
The 20-year-old Brek Shea could someday be a replacement for one of the US National Team's aging defenders. Currently playing for FC Dallas, Shea has played in 2 games for the national team (at the senior level). Although he did not impress too much in his most recent game for the national team against Colombia, look for him to be a more common name in the future, along with Eric Lichaj (plays for Aston Villa in the EPL). Check out some highlights of him scoring on a header against Chivas here.
Omar Gonzalez -- 2 Caps, 0 Goals -- Los Angelos Galaxy
Another viable replacement on the defense for the national team in the future could be Omar Gonzalez. The 22-year-old was the 2009 MLS Rookie of the year, and has been nothing short of solid on the defensive line in LA. He was also named to the 2010 MLS All-Star team, and was on the University of Maryland team that won the National Soccer Championship in 2008. Personal suggestion: remember the name. Check out a great diving header goal here.
Jack McInerney -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Philadelphia Union
Another one of my personal favorite up and coming players is 18-year-old Jack McInerney. While Jack Mac is yet to be called up to play for the US Men's National Team, he has played games for them at the U-20, U-17, and U-15 levels, with 15 caps and 11 goals at the U-17 level. The midfielder/forward has had a great start to his career in the MLS (while not quite at the level yet of Andy Najar, who recently snubbed the USA with his decision to represent Honduras internationally), and looks to certainly be building upon his rookie season this year. There are a few videos of McInerney out there on Youtube, but if you're too lazy, you can check this one out here of a nice little finish he had last year in his rookie season.
Tony Tchani -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Toronto FC
Now I have to admit, I do not know too much about Tony Tchani, but from what I have read, he could be very, very good in the midfield or on defense for the US Men's team someday. Born in Cameroon, Tchani moved here in 2004, attended the University of Virgina and won the national championship with them in 2009. The 21-year-old must first get his United States citizenship however before he could represent the team. Tchani was recently traded from the New York Red Bulls, who drafted him 2nd overall in 2010, to Toronto FC for Dwayne De Rosario and a first round draft pick. Check out some highlights of his college career here.
Danny Mwanga -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Philadelphia Union
Another player I don't know much about besides that this 19-year-old can really play. He scored 7 goals in 24 appearances last year, his rookie season. In 2010, he was the first overall pick in the MLS Superdraft. Although he is yet to earn his United States citizenship, he has stated that he would be honored to represent the US National Team some day. Check out a video of a great goal he scored in his rookie season here.
There ya go, anybody you feel I missed? Feel free to leave a comment!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
FIFA 12
Mike and I are always discussing things we'd like to see in the next iteration of EA Sports FIFA franchise, including music. FIFA games always have an international soundtrack with some very catchy tunes. Here is one Mike found recently.
MOVITS! - "Sammy Davis Jr."
I like it and definitely think it fits the FIFA mold. Those of you who have played the series, what do you think?
MOVITS! - "Sammy Davis Jr."
I like it and definitely think it fits the FIFA mold. Those of you who have played the series, what do you think?
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