Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxbzIzIkx3Q
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!
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?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
News! News! News!
Hello folks! Wasn't that long before my first real post eh? Here's the lowdown:
Interesting article from NBCSports. LeBron James apparently bought a part of Liverpool recently. Hopefully he won't be moving them to a city he thinks can win quicker (ha! bad joke I know). That said, I do hope his ownership goes better than that of other American owners (Malcom Glazer and Man U come to mind). Granted he is only a minority ownership but when he does retire, you never know if he goes for majority ownership. Interestingly, he didn't wait for retirement to buy into a team like a lot of professional athletes do a la Michael Jordan.
Speaking of professional athletes and soccer. I've always found it interesting how many superstars in other sports are fans or players even of the sport. Kobe Bryant is a great example. Chad Ochocinco (or is it Johnson again?) is even playing with the Sporting Kansas reserve team. If only those guys had kept playing instead of moving on to other sports (on the other hand, they may have flamed out like Freddy Adu or not even made it that far).
While we're on the subject of American soccer, Andy Najar has chosen to play for Honduras instead of the United States. Apparently he was somewhat of a phenom and had some American fans' hopes up that he would play for us. But, turns out that's not the case. Another Giuseppe Rossi type miss, although I think the article by Jeff Carlisle on Najar hit it on the head basically saying he wasn't a sure bet to start with since he wasn't a U.S. Citizen as Rossi is. Still a miss is a miss and I hope we don't see him scoring a goal again us that knocks us out of qualifying for the World Cup in the future...
Hopefully Mike will do an article on up and comers in the U.S. program one of these days...
Oh and one more thing! My favorite EPL team, Newcastle United is coming to the States in July to play the Columbus Crew and I am so there! (And apparently Rossi was on loan to Newcastle back in the day. If only they coulda kept him...)
Interesting article from NBCSports. LeBron James apparently bought a part of Liverpool recently. Hopefully he won't be moving them to a city he thinks can win quicker (ha! bad joke I know). That said, I do hope his ownership goes better than that of other American owners (Malcom Glazer and Man U come to mind). Granted he is only a minority ownership but when he does retire, you never know if he goes for majority ownership. Interestingly, he didn't wait for retirement to buy into a team like a lot of professional athletes do a la Michael Jordan.
Speaking of professional athletes and soccer. I've always found it interesting how many superstars in other sports are fans or players even of the sport. Kobe Bryant is a great example. Chad Ochocinco (or is it Johnson again?) is even playing with the Sporting Kansas reserve team. If only those guys had kept playing instead of moving on to other sports (on the other hand, they may have flamed out like Freddy Adu or not even made it that far).
While we're on the subject of American soccer, Andy Najar has chosen to play for Honduras instead of the United States. Apparently he was somewhat of a phenom and had some American fans' hopes up that he would play for us. But, turns out that's not the case. Another Giuseppe Rossi type miss, although I think the article by Jeff Carlisle on Najar hit it on the head basically saying he wasn't a sure bet to start with since he wasn't a U.S. Citizen as Rossi is. Still a miss is a miss and I hope we don't see him scoring a goal again us that knocks us out of qualifying for the World Cup in the future...
Hopefully Mike will do an article on up and comers in the U.S. program one of these days...
Oh and one more thing! My favorite EPL team, Newcastle United is coming to the States in July to play the Columbus Crew and I am so there! (And apparently Rossi was on loan to Newcastle back in the day. If only they coulda kept him...)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome all to the unveiling of our blog, "Those Crazy Soccer Guys!" Mike and I are looking forward to continuing the discussions we already have on Facebook, but now in a more public forum (and so that they won't clutter up our FB walls). As far as I know we won't have a specific publishing schedule but instead will probably just write when we get the urge or when something big happens in the world of soccer (to us or professionally).
We tend to discuss everything from our favorite teams, player transactions, and our experiences playing and refereeing. So if that interests you we hope you all come back often and check out what Those Crazy Soccer Guys are talking about next!
We tend to discuss everything from our favorite teams, player transactions, and our experiences playing and refereeing. So if that interests you we hope you all come back often and check out what Those Crazy Soccer Guys are talking about next!
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