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!
Showing posts with label MLS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLS. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)