Hawaii's Own, with another amazing goal, this time to defeat Supporter's Shield winners DC to move within sight of a playoff spot. To see the amazing goal just follow the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuECatf6qaw
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Game Reports: Championship Week
USL Division 1 Championship
Rochester Raging Rhinos VS Vancouver Whitecaps
FSC: Final Score 0-3
Not too bad of a game. FSC did a much better job announcing this game than they did with the US Open Cup Final. But that could have just been the difference between USL production and FSC's in house production team. Despite a few replay issues, the USL announcing was better than usual... Although I admit during the first half to having had the TV on mute and music on instead.
PAETEC Park still looks great. 9,500 in attendance is pretty good considering the weather (cold rain) and the performance the home team put in. FSC reported that this was the first time in 10 years that the home team hasn't won the final. This was the first championship for the Whitecaps since their victory in the 1979 Soccerbowl against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Although they did win a number of CSL Championships as the '86s before joining the USL (then known as the USISL A-League).
The first twenty minutes of the game were all Rochester, but then a misdirected cross lead to an own goal. While there was still a lot of soccer left to be played, Rochester seemed defeated. Despite having a historically solid defensive line, continued mental lapses allowed Vancouver two more goals, and never gave their offense a chance to get back in the game.
Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
Chicago Fire VS Los Angeles Galaxy
FSC: Final Score 3-1
I wish I had had this game on mute. The announcing was pretty terrible, those guys didn't seem to know anything about the US Open Cup. I mean, they seem like soccer fans, but they just didn't seem to know anything about the Cups history, or anything that had happened in the cup this year. How can you talk about Cinderella stories and not mentioned Dallas Roma FC? They beat a PDL team, a USL1 team, and then an MLS team before finally going down to an MLS side. That's a pretty good run for an amateur team. But yet it got no mention. All these guys seemed to know was that it was an all MLS final 8. Not to mention the constant slips calling it the MLS Cup or MLS Open Cup. I mean come one guys. You really didn't give this game its deserved respect.
The Fire did though. They really seemed to know what they were playing for. As did LA. Since 1998 the Fire hasn't gone 3 years without winning an Open Cup title. They have now held the trophy four times. LA has had the trophy twice. Including its remarkable Cup run last year that then continued on as LA went on to win the double. A feat that has only been accomplished by three teams. DC United won the double in MLS's first year, and the Fire did it themselves in their first year. No team has ever won the Supporters Shield, US Open Cup and MLS Cup.
DC United has done a Supporters Shield and MLS Cup double in 1997 and 1999, Kansas City did it in 2000, LA in 2002. Only the Chicago Fire has done a Supporters Shield and US Open Cup double so far, which they accomplished in 2003.
The game itself was pretty good. Lots of fouls, but few cards. LA looked like a quality squad, as they have for much of the season. You can't fault them on playing some good looking soccer when on TV, but they haven't been able to string together more than a few wins, certainly not enough to dig themselves out of the hole they made earlier this season. Chicago just had too much momentum, and seemed to have a quickness that LA couldn't counter. There seemed little LA could do most of the game, they were just constantly off target and unable to convert Chicago mistakes.
Section 8 had a great night, they were hard to miss on TV. And while one wonders why Garber played such a big part in a Cup that he had nothing to do with, the game itself wasn't bad at all, and it was great to see how intense the players were.
Rochester Raging Rhinos VS Vancouver Whitecaps
FSC: Final Score 0-3
Not too bad of a game. FSC did a much better job announcing this game than they did with the US Open Cup Final. But that could have just been the difference between USL production and FSC's in house production team. Despite a few replay issues, the USL announcing was better than usual... Although I admit during the first half to having had the TV on mute and music on instead.
PAETEC Park still looks great. 9,500 in attendance is pretty good considering the weather (cold rain) and the performance the home team put in. FSC reported that this was the first time in 10 years that the home team hasn't won the final. This was the first championship for the Whitecaps since their victory in the 1979 Soccerbowl against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Although they did win a number of CSL Championships as the '86s before joining the USL (then known as the USISL A-League).
The first twenty minutes of the game were all Rochester, but then a misdirected cross lead to an own goal. While there was still a lot of soccer left to be played, Rochester seemed defeated. Despite having a historically solid defensive line, continued mental lapses allowed Vancouver two more goals, and never gave their offense a chance to get back in the game.
Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
Chicago Fire VS Los Angeles Galaxy
FSC: Final Score 3-1
I wish I had had this game on mute. The announcing was pretty terrible, those guys didn't seem to know anything about the US Open Cup. I mean, they seem like soccer fans, but they just didn't seem to know anything about the Cups history, or anything that had happened in the cup this year. How can you talk about Cinderella stories and not mentioned Dallas Roma FC? They beat a PDL team, a USL1 team, and then an MLS team before finally going down to an MLS side. That's a pretty good run for an amateur team. But yet it got no mention. All these guys seemed to know was that it was an all MLS final 8. Not to mention the constant slips calling it the MLS Cup or MLS Open Cup. I mean come one guys. You really didn't give this game its deserved respect.
The Fire did though. They really seemed to know what they were playing for. As did LA. Since 1998 the Fire hasn't gone 3 years without winning an Open Cup title. They have now held the trophy four times. LA has had the trophy twice. Including its remarkable Cup run last year that then continued on as LA went on to win the double. A feat that has only been accomplished by three teams. DC United won the double in MLS's first year, and the Fire did it themselves in their first year. No team has ever won the Supporters Shield, US Open Cup and MLS Cup.
DC United has done a Supporters Shield and MLS Cup double in 1997 and 1999, Kansas City did it in 2000, LA in 2002. Only the Chicago Fire has done a Supporters Shield and US Open Cup double so far, which they accomplished in 2003.
The game itself was pretty good. Lots of fouls, but few cards. LA looked like a quality squad, as they have for much of the season. You can't fault them on playing some good looking soccer when on TV, but they haven't been able to string together more than a few wins, certainly not enough to dig themselves out of the hole they made earlier this season. Chicago just had too much momentum, and seemed to have a quickness that LA couldn't counter. There seemed little LA could do most of the game, they were just constantly off target and unable to convert Chicago mistakes.
Section 8 had a great night, they were hard to miss on TV. And while one wonders why Garber played such a big part in a Cup that he had nothing to do with, the game itself wasn't bad at all, and it was great to see how intense the players were.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Soccer Log: September 16, 2006
Been busy with University Elections lately. So here is an entry. Reviews of Once in as Lifetime, book and movie upcoming, as well as review of Payne Media's DC United 2004 Champions DVD. But Until then, here is a page out of the soccer diary.
Los Angeles Galaxy VS Colorado Rapids
There were no stars out tonight. No stars on a cold cloudy night and a key Galaxy game not on TV.
The Galaxy still struggle to keep their head above the water. Their season is not over, but if the wins do not come, they will be on holiday pretty soon. The soccer world is backwards, a holidy for me is a reward, but for any club worth its salt, its a punishment. Luckily no one else seems to know how to win either. We have been given a stay of execution so far. And with leaders Dallas unable to wrap up a playoff spot, much less the Western title in consecutive weeks, the season still has some possibility. But while they only need one win, the Galaxy need to win at all costs just to stay alive.
I can sympathize.
I could use a few wins as well. I've been in good form, but feel winless.
Leaving the university feels harder than coming. Applying to leave, making plans for after graduation. Figuring out how soccer is supposed to fit into this. Its all a year away, but so much is expected already. And at this moment all I can do is wonder why this game was not on TV. You can read a game report, stare at the score, but it never reels real unless you saw it.
The Gals need to wake up. The season is ending. We can not settle for ties, just reminding ourselves, Hey! At least we did not loss. Or sooner or later time will be up and we may find ourselves in a place we don't want to be in the table, in the world, in our lives.
Without seeing the game, how do you know if they battled to the end, but just did not get the result, or if they were resigned to defeat the whole time, or if they played with distracted indifference as if the game did not matter. It helps to imagine the first one. You should never have to see a hero resign themselves to the inevitable. So it helps to imagine Donovan rattling the post a few times, Cobi Jones streaking down the wing, and Albright just getting unlucky as he dominated in the box over and over again.
Without seeing the game its hard to know if you can wear your jersey with pride or if it is best just worn around the house or maybe even left in the closet for a week. All on the off chance that thousands of miles someone might recognize the jersey.
I still have dreams and I still have a plan. Nothing has derailed me. I have not dropped a game, but all those ties feel like losses. And even when you have a year, it can feel like September. The season is closing down, time for a move. Time is running out.
Los Angeles Galaxy VS Colorado Rapids
There were no stars out tonight. No stars on a cold cloudy night and a key Galaxy game not on TV.
The Galaxy still struggle to keep their head above the water. Their season is not over, but if the wins do not come, they will be on holiday pretty soon. The soccer world is backwards, a holidy for me is a reward, but for any club worth its salt, its a punishment. Luckily no one else seems to know how to win either. We have been given a stay of execution so far. And with leaders Dallas unable to wrap up a playoff spot, much less the Western title in consecutive weeks, the season still has some possibility. But while they only need one win, the Galaxy need to win at all costs just to stay alive.
I can sympathize.
I could use a few wins as well. I've been in good form, but feel winless.
Leaving the university feels harder than coming. Applying to leave, making plans for after graduation. Figuring out how soccer is supposed to fit into this. Its all a year away, but so much is expected already. And at this moment all I can do is wonder why this game was not on TV. You can read a game report, stare at the score, but it never reels real unless you saw it.
The Gals need to wake up. The season is ending. We can not settle for ties, just reminding ourselves, Hey! At least we did not loss. Or sooner or later time will be up and we may find ourselves in a place we don't want to be in the table, in the world, in our lives.
Without seeing the game, how do you know if they battled to the end, but just did not get the result, or if they were resigned to defeat the whole time, or if they played with distracted indifference as if the game did not matter. It helps to imagine the first one. You should never have to see a hero resign themselves to the inevitable. So it helps to imagine Donovan rattling the post a few times, Cobi Jones streaking down the wing, and Albright just getting unlucky as he dominated in the box over and over again.
Without seeing the game its hard to know if you can wear your jersey with pride or if it is best just worn around the house or maybe even left in the closet for a week. All on the off chance that thousands of miles someone might recognize the jersey.
I still have dreams and I still have a plan. Nothing has derailed me. I have not dropped a game, but all those ties feel like losses. And even when you have a year, it can feel like September. The season is closing down, time for a move. Time is running out.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Disappointment (West)
As the season winds down, disappointing, is almost too nice a description for the way the season has turned out for some MLS teams. What happened? Can they recover? What next year? These are the questions many fans in the league are already facing. And with the playoffs looming ever larger, four teams are about to find themselves left out and on early holiday.
West
LA Galaxy
The mighty Gals started last season on a blistering pace. And it was a good thing they did, because despite the struggles of RSL and Chivas, the Galaxy almost plummeted out of the playoffs last year, only to turn on the jets, win the Double.
A year later, and without a great start to the season, the Galaxy are on the verge of another US Open Cup, but are getting farther adrift of the MLS Playoffs.
What happened boys? You returned most of your stars, but you have returned little of the firepower that propelled you last year. Donovan is the team's leading striker, despite having missed about ten games. Quaranta and Gordon have both posted some good strikes lately, but not enough to make a difference. Gordon missed the target multiple times last weekend, if he had only managed to get one on target the Galaxy would look in much better shape.
Gomez has been MIA most of the season, only four goals in 25 games is not acceptable. Especially when last year he hit 11 goals in only 22 games.
With Yallop at the helm the Gals can only hope for some stability, they have dealt with constant turnover this season. Nine players have left the team, and only twenty roster spots are currently being filled. So while the Galaxy returned much of their underperforming Champion team, they have totally disappointed again. Will most likely miss the playoffs for the first time, and can only hope that during the off season they can prevent another season of under performing and under achieving.
Houston Dynamo
A collection of players that posted a perfect home record, won the supporters shield in classy fashion, but tripped in the playoffs.
I doubt many people expected Houston to have as much trouble as they have this season. Last year as San Jose these players were incredible and for the longest time looked poised to take the MLS crown. So despite no serious coaching changes, or significant lineup turmoil, Houston has gone from poised for another great run, to mediocre.
They may have beat up on Dallas this year, but have had little success against the rest of the league. Yes, they are second in the west, but being only one point up on both Chivas and Colorado, there is every chance they could enter the playoffs in fourth, and an even more remote chance they could sink to the bottom of the western table and miss the play offs all together.
The move of SJE to Houston was traumatic on fans, but seems to have affected the team as a whole. A team you should have expected big things from, seems to have just wilted away in the Texas heat.
West
LA Galaxy
The mighty Gals started last season on a blistering pace. And it was a good thing they did, because despite the struggles of RSL and Chivas, the Galaxy almost plummeted out of the playoffs last year, only to turn on the jets, win the Double.
A year later, and without a great start to the season, the Galaxy are on the verge of another US Open Cup, but are getting farther adrift of the MLS Playoffs.
What happened boys? You returned most of your stars, but you have returned little of the firepower that propelled you last year. Donovan is the team's leading striker, despite having missed about ten games. Quaranta and Gordon have both posted some good strikes lately, but not enough to make a difference. Gordon missed the target multiple times last weekend, if he had only managed to get one on target the Galaxy would look in much better shape.
Gomez has been MIA most of the season, only four goals in 25 games is not acceptable. Especially when last year he hit 11 goals in only 22 games.
With Yallop at the helm the Gals can only hope for some stability, they have dealt with constant turnover this season. Nine players have left the team, and only twenty roster spots are currently being filled. So while the Galaxy returned much of their underperforming Champion team, they have totally disappointed again. Will most likely miss the playoffs for the first time, and can only hope that during the off season they can prevent another season of under performing and under achieving.
Houston Dynamo
A collection of players that posted a perfect home record, won the supporters shield in classy fashion, but tripped in the playoffs.
I doubt many people expected Houston to have as much trouble as they have this season. Last year as San Jose these players were incredible and for the longest time looked poised to take the MLS crown. So despite no serious coaching changes, or significant lineup turmoil, Houston has gone from poised for another great run, to mediocre.
They may have beat up on Dallas this year, but have had little success against the rest of the league. Yes, they are second in the west, but being only one point up on both Chivas and Colorado, there is every chance they could enter the playoffs in fourth, and an even more remote chance they could sink to the bottom of the western table and miss the play offs all together.
The move of SJE to Houston was traumatic on fans, but seems to have affected the team as a whole. A team you should have expected big things from, seems to have just wilted away in the Texas heat.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
News & Notes: Sept 13
CD Chivas USA @ FC Dallas
If Chivas played as sharpe as a dull knife, then FCD was as sharpe as a baseball. FCD why? Why, why why? I think you have a problem. A problem with commitment. But I think we can work on it. This is at the very least the third year in a row you have just melted away at the end of the season. First place should have been a lock by now, you could have been in thje play offs by now, but no. No, it was not to be. Did you even realize you were at a game, and you were the ones playing?
Carlos Ruiz? The lad hasn't scored since early June and at this point I wonder at the wisdom of going through all this trouble to secure his services and put him up as the face of the team. Although he still seems like the better option, when compared to his former strike partener Eddie Johnson, who has only scored twice in eighteen games.
Ronnie O'Brian? The kids got talent and speed. But he seems toi swing wildly from being a major play maker to a dissinterested winger, who for whatever reason is yet to jell with the rest of the team.
Chivas was only slightly better off than FCD, but still had their own fair share of defensive lapses, miscues, and irate players. If you believe the announcers, then Chivas is the team to beat. But strangely enough, I find myself still most impressed with the Gals, even though they lost their game this past Sunday.
After this game, I don't see FCD or Chivas havign any chance to win the MLS Cup unless they change there ways. And at this rate FCD could give up its home advantage all the way to the final.
Mexico @ US: Women's Friendly
Great to see PAETEC Park get shown off on national TV. The field and stands really look top class for a second division team. The game was really the perfect homecoming for Abby Wambach, who scored two goals.
The US Women are now 17-0-0 against Mexico and according to espn.com, the US has outscored Mexico 82-6. I only wish the men enjoyed such one sided domination.
The game was by far the most entertaining American fixture on TV today and I found myself spending long periods enjoying this match over the drab and dull FCD/Chivas match. The women passed much crisper, attacked harder, and showed off their creative abilities with great success. While the announced crowd was only about 7,000, those that were there saw a great game, and really made some good noise during the game.
Hawaii girl Natasha Kai came on as a sub late in the game and only got a few touches on the ball. While I obviously would have liked to see more of her, you can't argue with the results put up by the forwards that did start the game.
If Chivas played as sharpe as a dull knife, then FCD was as sharpe as a baseball. FCD why? Why, why why? I think you have a problem. A problem with commitment. But I think we can work on it. This is at the very least the third year in a row you have just melted away at the end of the season. First place should have been a lock by now, you could have been in thje play offs by now, but no. No, it was not to be. Did you even realize you were at a game, and you were the ones playing?
Carlos Ruiz? The lad hasn't scored since early June and at this point I wonder at the wisdom of going through all this trouble to secure his services and put him up as the face of the team. Although he still seems like the better option, when compared to his former strike partener Eddie Johnson, who has only scored twice in eighteen games.
Ronnie O'Brian? The kids got talent and speed. But he seems toi swing wildly from being a major play maker to a dissinterested winger, who for whatever reason is yet to jell with the rest of the team.
Chivas was only slightly better off than FCD, but still had their own fair share of defensive lapses, miscues, and irate players. If you believe the announcers, then Chivas is the team to beat. But strangely enough, I find myself still most impressed with the Gals, even though they lost their game this past Sunday.
After this game, I don't see FCD or Chivas havign any chance to win the MLS Cup unless they change there ways. And at this rate FCD could give up its home advantage all the way to the final.
Mexico @ US: Women's Friendly
Great to see PAETEC Park get shown off on national TV. The field and stands really look top class for a second division team. The game was really the perfect homecoming for Abby Wambach, who scored two goals.
The US Women are now 17-0-0 against Mexico and according to espn.com, the US has outscored Mexico 82-6. I only wish the men enjoyed such one sided domination.
The game was by far the most entertaining American fixture on TV today and I found myself spending long periods enjoying this match over the drab and dull FCD/Chivas match. The women passed much crisper, attacked harder, and showed off their creative abilities with great success. While the announced crowd was only about 7,000, those that were there saw a great game, and really made some good noise during the game.
Hawaii girl Natasha Kai came on as a sub late in the game and only got a few touches on the ball. While I obviously would have liked to see more of her, you can't argue with the results put up by the forwards that did start the game.
The Midweek
Brian Ching
Finally getting a chance to see some action. The local boy came on as a sub against LA Galaxy in Houston's 2-1 win at the Home Depot Center. The announcers made a special point of mentioning that Ching is MLS's only Hawaiian. Interesting. I guess no one counts Duke Hashimoto (although yes, true enough he hasn't appeared in a pro game yet...)
Natasha Kai
Hopefuly playing today verses Mexico. Considering the great pace and accurate shooting shje has displayed against some, occasionally less than adequate opposition, it would be great to see her in action against the Southern Devil.
While I am sure she wants to carve outr her place on the international scence, I am also sure that she can't wait to continue her new career coaching girls high school soccer for the Kahuku Red Raiders.
Hawaiian Soccer Factory
While talking about Brian Ching and in recent news articles about Natasha Kai, reporters have been mentioning Hawaii as an untapped source of raw soccer talent. While none of them seem to have any insight, they have all heard rumors and of course wondered who will be the state's next big export. So far the state's only national caps have come from strikers.
Other news to be added later... the game is on....
Finally getting a chance to see some action. The local boy came on as a sub against LA Galaxy in Houston's 2-1 win at the Home Depot Center. The announcers made a special point of mentioning that Ching is MLS's only Hawaiian. Interesting. I guess no one counts Duke Hashimoto (although yes, true enough he hasn't appeared in a pro game yet...)
Natasha Kai
Hopefuly playing today verses Mexico. Considering the great pace and accurate shooting shje has displayed against some, occasionally less than adequate opposition, it would be great to see her in action against the Southern Devil.
While I am sure she wants to carve outr her place on the international scence, I am also sure that she can't wait to continue her new career coaching girls high school soccer for the Kahuku Red Raiders.
Hawaiian Soccer Factory
While talking about Brian Ching and in recent news articles about Natasha Kai, reporters have been mentioning Hawaii as an untapped source of raw soccer talent. While none of them seem to have any insight, they have all heard rumors and of course wondered who will be the state's next big export. So far the state's only national caps have come from strikers.
Other news to be added later... the game is on....
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Its a little Blah
Lacking a reliable internet connection and being swamped with school, have really worked to slow down my ability to post.
MLSgear.com and Onionbag.com are both taking ridiculously long times to ship things I ordered and hoped to write reviews for. But at the rate they are taking I'll probably end up writing reviews about their service instead. Eurosport delivered what I wanted... but they accidentaly listed something as a DVD when they only have VHS. Hmmmm. For someone who is young and hip and doesn't own VCR, this is problematic. But they fixed it, and I am still hopeful I can find a VCR to borrow.
What have I been working on?
Well my history of the Miami Fusion is still coming along. I'll probably put up the outline and what has been written eventually. Very interesting stuff, although its a little depressing, its hard not to feel the team was doomed from day one.
Also collecting information about MLS Rivalries. Should have been easy enough to write, but it wasn't until I started that I realized how little I understand about some of the coming and goings in the Eastern Conference.
So anyway, thats whats in the works now. Still have some old Soccer Diaries to put up if nothing else and a few more book reviews.
MLSgear.com and Onionbag.com are both taking ridiculously long times to ship things I ordered and hoped to write reviews for. But at the rate they are taking I'll probably end up writing reviews about their service instead. Eurosport delivered what I wanted... but they accidentaly listed something as a DVD when they only have VHS. Hmmmm. For someone who is young and hip and doesn't own VCR, this is problematic. But they fixed it, and I am still hopeful I can find a VCR to borrow.
What have I been working on?
Well my history of the Miami Fusion is still coming along. I'll probably put up the outline and what has been written eventually. Very interesting stuff, although its a little depressing, its hard not to feel the team was doomed from day one.
Also collecting information about MLS Rivalries. Should have been easy enough to write, but it wasn't until I started that I realized how little I understand about some of the coming and goings in the Eastern Conference.
So anyway, thats whats in the works now. Still have some old Soccer Diaries to put up if nothing else and a few more book reviews.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Soccer Log: August 26, 2006
LA Galaxy at DC United
It is true enough, that love never feels quite so real, as when its not returned. When you love something that doesn't love you back, when you love someone who doesn't feel the same.
Despite two consecutive season victories by the Gals and a cup win, I was still feeling down. Its not that I didn't appreciate the wins, and its not that I didn't hope for the future. But I still just couldn't see how things would work out.
A loss, and I am sure I would have withdrawn further, given up, and closed my eyes so that reality couldn't extinguish that last little glimmer of hope I was keeping alive. But they didn't loose. I haven't lost yet. The season still isn't over, and as Real Salt Lake faced down the wrath of RBNY on the same day, the Galaxy let loose.
I did not get to see the game. I was at work and knew I would not know the result until some hours after the game was over and I was finally home.
Its hard to describe how I felt when I saw the scoreline. I was not relieved and nor was I joyful. The shock I felt, the surprise, the no... no... thats not right, even as I write this, I can not even imagine how this happened.
A barrage of five goals rekindles hope. Against the league's most dominant side this year, it was a dream I didn't even think to ask for. Because some days I feel like the Galaxy and me have a lot in common. Sometimes I feel like we mirror each other.
As we captured the double last year, I was feeling truly happy again, everything seemed in order. We were on the right path and nothing could stop us.
But then things happened. Unexpected things. A death. A betrayal.
A downward spiral, and a hurt so deep that even now we wonder if we can recover and gain the form that we lost. But there have been wins, and the Open Cup is not yet lost. And five glorious goals in front of a hostile crowd means that hope is maybe not be so foolish.
It is true enough, that love never feels quite so real, as when its not returned. When you love something that doesn't love you back, when you love someone who doesn't feel the same.
Despite two consecutive season victories by the Gals and a cup win, I was still feeling down. Its not that I didn't appreciate the wins, and its not that I didn't hope for the future. But I still just couldn't see how things would work out.
A loss, and I am sure I would have withdrawn further, given up, and closed my eyes so that reality couldn't extinguish that last little glimmer of hope I was keeping alive. But they didn't loose. I haven't lost yet. The season still isn't over, and as Real Salt Lake faced down the wrath of RBNY on the same day, the Galaxy let loose.
I did not get to see the game. I was at work and knew I would not know the result until some hours after the game was over and I was finally home.
Its hard to describe how I felt when I saw the scoreline. I was not relieved and nor was I joyful. The shock I felt, the surprise, the no... no... thats not right, even as I write this, I can not even imagine how this happened.
A barrage of five goals rekindles hope. Against the league's most dominant side this year, it was a dream I didn't even think to ask for. Because some days I feel like the Galaxy and me have a lot in common. Sometimes I feel like we mirror each other.
As we captured the double last year, I was feeling truly happy again, everything seemed in order. We were on the right path and nothing could stop us.
But then things happened. Unexpected things. A death. A betrayal.
A downward spiral, and a hurt so deep that even now we wonder if we can recover and gain the form that we lost. But there have been wins, and the Open Cup is not yet lost. And five glorious goals in front of a hostile crowd means that hope is maybe not be so foolish.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Soccer Log: August 20, 2006
Los Angeles Galaxy VS FC Dallas
It seems like a dream ago that I set foot in the Home Depot Center. My life has taken a few twists and turns, the relationship I was in seems to have gone the same rocky path as the Galaxy. Despite new management and the return of world cup stars, things just haven't been working out. The play offs are still possible, we still have a future, but how much of this is just a dream and how much is real.
This is a key weekend. And after scoring in his first ever game in the green and gold, I can't wait to see Santino Quaranta. With any luck I am sure he will put up enough points on the board that I can miss the last minutes of the game as I stroll down the block to work.
Its difficult seeing the Home Depot Center on TV when your not sure the next time you will ever see the ground, its not as fun watching the game in the middle of the day by yourself wishing you were surrounded by other fans living and dying by the play on the pitch.
And Of course I am only a mild Galaxy fan by my own standards. And once Cobi Jones retires and if me and my personal connections to SoCal lost, I do not think that my dedication to the Galaxy would be strong enough to keep me as a fan. The jersey could be replaced, the scarves just added to the collection, and the Home Depot Center forgotten. Maybe.
A win today would put the Galaxy in a much better position, a loss would all but nail the coffin shut. And I can't help but think my own life is carrying on in the same fasion. Its do or die time. A win and the title isn't so far away, but a loss and we will have to wait till next season.
At least Cobi Jones is playing. I always knew we could count on him.
It seems like a dream ago that I set foot in the Home Depot Center. My life has taken a few twists and turns, the relationship I was in seems to have gone the same rocky path as the Galaxy. Despite new management and the return of world cup stars, things just haven't been working out. The play offs are still possible, we still have a future, but how much of this is just a dream and how much is real.
This is a key weekend. And after scoring in his first ever game in the green and gold, I can't wait to see Santino Quaranta. With any luck I am sure he will put up enough points on the board that I can miss the last minutes of the game as I stroll down the block to work.
Its difficult seeing the Home Depot Center on TV when your not sure the next time you will ever see the ground, its not as fun watching the game in the middle of the day by yourself wishing you were surrounded by other fans living and dying by the play on the pitch.
And Of course I am only a mild Galaxy fan by my own standards. And once Cobi Jones retires and if me and my personal connections to SoCal lost, I do not think that my dedication to the Galaxy would be strong enough to keep me as a fan. The jersey could be replaced, the scarves just added to the collection, and the Home Depot Center forgotten. Maybe.
A win today would put the Galaxy in a much better position, a loss would all but nail the coffin shut. And I can't help but think my own life is carrying on in the same fasion. Its do or die time. A win and the title isn't so far away, but a loss and we will have to wait till next season.
At least Cobi Jones is playing. I always knew we could count on him.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Book Reviews: Soccerhead: An Accidental Journey Into the Heart of the American Game
Continuing a collection of reviews on American-soccer related media, we switch breifly to books...
"Before his son enlisted for a season of Youth Soccer at the neighborhood Boys and Girls Club in College Park, Maryland, Jim Haner was just your typical white middle-class suburban father. And as an award-winning journalist for The Baltimore Sun, Haner was more likely to write about scoundrels than soccer.
But his son had caught the bug, so Haner reluctantly found himself in a room full of anxious parents, listening to the Youth Soccer Commissioner proudly proclaim that 'soccer is the essence of being!' He wondered, What's this all about? and before he knew it, he was giving pep talks to nine-year-olds in shin guards and cleats. As the coach of the Hornets, a ragtag team on ten boys and one determined girl, Harner found himself eating, sleeping, and dreaming soccer; the game became an overwhelming, all-consuming obsession. So he imersed himself in soccer lore, dug deep into the historical record, took road trips to meet the living greats, and funneled his research into an intimate portrait of the soccer craze from the bottum up, and from the past to the present. With pyrotechnic flair, the coach-turned-soccer apostle describes how 'Mob Ball' fever was spread when successive waves of immigrants arrived in the States from England, Europe, South America, and Africa. He traces the rises and falls in the game's popularity in the decades since, up to the current wave of 'soccermania.' When 100,000 people showed up in Pasedena to see the Americans take the Women's World Cup title in 1999, it was clear that the craze had become unstoppable. Now little girls paste up posters of Mia Hamm on their bedroom walls, instead of pop stars. Youth soccer enrollments are skyrocketing. And socer is finally getting its due from the American media.
Soccerhead is a timely meditation on the poetry and politics of the game- a memoir, a cultural history, and a relfection on the Zen-ness of the sport, all rolled into one. This is a book for soccer moms and dads, sports fans, sociologists, politicians, historians, and last but not least, anyone who's ever been empowered by a pair of shin guards and a two-tone ball."
2006 Jim Haner. North Point Press.
What was good?
A very detailed and easy to read history of soccer in America. Haner very successfuly intersperses scenes of youth soccer with his own journey through the rich, yet very much hidden legacy of American soccer. His own journey from uninformed to soccer historian makes it easy for even those who know little of soccer to pick up the book and understand the progression that takes place.
What was bad?
There is little to complain about. The speed with which I finished the book makes me wish that it were longer, and the journey wasn't over with so quickly. Sometimes the youth soccer scenes are a little hard to follow with the way the historical journey is injected into them.
Overall?
A great book and a must for true fans of American soccer or anyone wanting to know more about this great sport. The youth soccer parts should be familar to both former players as well as parents, coaches and refs. And the historical journey through American soccer that makes up the backbone of this book is an easy read and very enjoyable.
Rating 9/10
Retailed for $24.00 @ Barnes & Nobles
"Before his son enlisted for a season of Youth Soccer at the neighborhood Boys and Girls Club in College Park, Maryland, Jim Haner was just your typical white middle-class suburban father. And as an award-winning journalist for The Baltimore Sun, Haner was more likely to write about scoundrels than soccer.
But his son had caught the bug, so Haner reluctantly found himself in a room full of anxious parents, listening to the Youth Soccer Commissioner proudly proclaim that 'soccer is the essence of being!' He wondered, What's this all about? and before he knew it, he was giving pep talks to nine-year-olds in shin guards and cleats. As the coach of the Hornets, a ragtag team on ten boys and one determined girl, Harner found himself eating, sleeping, and dreaming soccer; the game became an overwhelming, all-consuming obsession. So he imersed himself in soccer lore, dug deep into the historical record, took road trips to meet the living greats, and funneled his research into an intimate portrait of the soccer craze from the bottum up, and from the past to the present. With pyrotechnic flair, the coach-turned-soccer apostle describes how 'Mob Ball' fever was spread when successive waves of immigrants arrived in the States from England, Europe, South America, and Africa. He traces the rises and falls in the game's popularity in the decades since, up to the current wave of 'soccermania.' When 100,000 people showed up in Pasedena to see the Americans take the Women's World Cup title in 1999, it was clear that the craze had become unstoppable. Now little girls paste up posters of Mia Hamm on their bedroom walls, instead of pop stars. Youth soccer enrollments are skyrocketing. And socer is finally getting its due from the American media.
Soccerhead is a timely meditation on the poetry and politics of the game- a memoir, a cultural history, and a relfection on the Zen-ness of the sport, all rolled into one. This is a book for soccer moms and dads, sports fans, sociologists, politicians, historians, and last but not least, anyone who's ever been empowered by a pair of shin guards and a two-tone ball."
2006 Jim Haner. North Point Press.
What was good?
A very detailed and easy to read history of soccer in America. Haner very successfuly intersperses scenes of youth soccer with his own journey through the rich, yet very much hidden legacy of American soccer. His own journey from uninformed to soccer historian makes it easy for even those who know little of soccer to pick up the book and understand the progression that takes place.
What was bad?
There is little to complain about. The speed with which I finished the book makes me wish that it were longer, and the journey wasn't over with so quickly. Sometimes the youth soccer scenes are a little hard to follow with the way the historical journey is injected into them.
Overall?
A great book and a must for true fans of American soccer or anyone wanting to know more about this great sport. The youth soccer parts should be familar to both former players as well as parents, coaches and refs. And the historical journey through American soccer that makes up the backbone of this book is an easy read and very enjoyable.
Rating 9/10
Retailed for $24.00 @ Barnes & Nobles
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Movie Review: MLS Greatest Goals: 1996-2003
"MLS-The Greatest Goals 1996-2003 featers awesome goals scored with diving headers, bicycle kicks and simply incredible moves by Major League Soccer's best players as they fight through the defenders to score. Watch the goals from different angles. Ultra slow motion replays show you exactly how these great players score the great goals when the game is on the line."
2004 Payne Media Inc. Runs Approx. 60min
What was good?
Seeing some of the goals from multiple angles is a great touch, as is the slow motion on others to see how the play develops. Not to mention some really great goals. Year-by-year breakdown of goals is a nice touch.
What was bad?
Unless you watch the year-by-year setting, you don't always know who the goal scorer was, or what team they even played for. Most of the time its obvious, but in a few cases it wasn't so. There is very little set-up for the goals as well, it would have been nice to have a little context for the goals to understand why some of them were so important. Some of the goals in slow motion, don't really need to be. Unfortunately you don't get to see multiple angles for all of the goals. The music sounds like something out of an 80's educational video, techno loops are rarely good ideas in my experience. Some of the goals repeat themselves a couple of times. Would have been nice to have a team-by-team breakdown of goals as well.
Overall?
Considering its a greatest goals DVD and not a history of the MLS DVD, I was probably expecting to much. Its really not that bad, I made it all the way through it, on normal and year-by-year settings. It is also one of very few MLS DVDs out there that I know of, so besides the Goal of the Week highlights at Climbing the Ladder, there is little to compare it to.
Rating 5/10
Retailed for $19.99 @ Tower Records
2004 Payne Media Inc. Runs Approx. 60min
What was good?
Seeing some of the goals from multiple angles is a great touch, as is the slow motion on others to see how the play develops. Not to mention some really great goals. Year-by-year breakdown of goals is a nice touch.
What was bad?
Unless you watch the year-by-year setting, you don't always know who the goal scorer was, or what team they even played for. Most of the time its obvious, but in a few cases it wasn't so. There is very little set-up for the goals as well, it would have been nice to have a little context for the goals to understand why some of them were so important. Some of the goals in slow motion, don't really need to be. Unfortunately you don't get to see multiple angles for all of the goals. The music sounds like something out of an 80's educational video, techno loops are rarely good ideas in my experience. Some of the goals repeat themselves a couple of times. Would have been nice to have a team-by-team breakdown of goals as well.
Overall?
Considering its a greatest goals DVD and not a history of the MLS DVD, I was probably expecting to much. Its really not that bad, I made it all the way through it, on normal and year-by-year settings. It is also one of very few MLS DVDs out there that I know of, so besides the Goal of the Week highlights at Climbing the Ladder, there is little to compare it to.
Rating 5/10
Retailed for $19.99 @ Tower Records
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Movie Review: The World at Their Feet
"This film takes a look back at the American team that brought women's soccer to the cover of Time Magazine. From the World Cup's visit to China in 1990 to the record setting Final in 1999."
2000 Bombo Sports and Entertainment.
Runs Approx. 60 min.
What was good?
A good job was done getting former players and celebrities to give interviews for the documentary and most of them were very informative. There was a decent amount of archive footage that was shown, which made reliving the events a lot easier. And for someone who knew little about the USWNT before 1999 it was very informative.
What was bad?
The film was too short, considering it covers over ten years of history and moves too fast in my opinion. The actual 1991 World Cup isn't covered as much as I would have liked, and neither are any of the others. More game footage and expanded commentary from all of the US games would have helped flesh it out. And with little in the way of special features, all you can do is watch the short film over and over.
Overall?
Not a bad US centered soccer documentary. Despite its condensed nature I still came away feeling better informed about the USWNT and entertained in the process as I remembered watching the final in 1999 and the emotions that went with it.
Rating
7/10
Retailed for $14.99 @ Tower Records
2000 Bombo Sports and Entertainment.
Runs Approx. 60 min.
What was good?
A good job was done getting former players and celebrities to give interviews for the documentary and most of them were very informative. There was a decent amount of archive footage that was shown, which made reliving the events a lot easier. And for someone who knew little about the USWNT before 1999 it was very informative.
What was bad?
The film was too short, considering it covers over ten years of history and moves too fast in my opinion. The actual 1991 World Cup isn't covered as much as I would have liked, and neither are any of the others. More game footage and expanded commentary from all of the US games would have helped flesh it out. And with little in the way of special features, all you can do is watch the short film over and over.
Overall?
Not a bad US centered soccer documentary. Despite its condensed nature I still came away feeling better informed about the USWNT and entertained in the process as I remembered watching the final in 1999 and the emotions that went with it.
Rating
7/10
Retailed for $14.99 @ Tower Records
Monday, August 14, 2006
Future Events
Having a slow weekend at work gave me more than enough time to ponder those things that soccer fanatics tend to ponder. But instead of dwelling on the past, I was imaging the future. And here are a couple of events I was most looking forward to.
*RSL Stadium Dedication Match VS Real Madrid
Real Madrid did a great job in Salt Lake this past week. Bringing a huge crowd out to watch soccer, announcing plans to help RSL build a world class youth academy, helping break ground on a new stadium, and announcing that not only will they come back, but that they want to play in the first match in RSL's new ground.
One wonders if Real Madrid didn't have some hand in the way events, that had been spiraling out of control, suddenly came together so that RSL can start writing checks and building for the future.
Opening day should be huge, the renderings that have been released and the return of Real Madrid have made an opening day that is at least a year and a half away, something to look forward to.
*Cobi Jones Testimonial Match
I love Cobi Jones. He was my hero as a wide eyed twelve year old in 1996 and 1997 and even though me and soccer separated for a while it was in no small part thanks to him and the Galaxy's pre-season friendly in Hawaii that I am the fanatic that I am (even if he didn't play in the game.)
So when he retires, I expect nothing less than a huge celebratory testimonial match, for a player who has helped define his team. He has been a prized striker, explosive midfeilder, captain, and aged hero. He has made the Galaxy one of the most successful MLS sides in the first ten years.
Now I don't know when he will retire. I hope he still plays a couple more. But when he does hang up the boots, I expect the Gals to throw him a great sending off party. He certainly deserves nothing less.
*RSL Stadium Dedication Match VS Real Madrid
Real Madrid did a great job in Salt Lake this past week. Bringing a huge crowd out to watch soccer, announcing plans to help RSL build a world class youth academy, helping break ground on a new stadium, and announcing that not only will they come back, but that they want to play in the first match in RSL's new ground.
One wonders if Real Madrid didn't have some hand in the way events, that had been spiraling out of control, suddenly came together so that RSL can start writing checks and building for the future.
Opening day should be huge, the renderings that have been released and the return of Real Madrid have made an opening day that is at least a year and a half away, something to look forward to.
*Cobi Jones Testimonial Match
I love Cobi Jones. He was my hero as a wide eyed twelve year old in 1996 and 1997 and even though me and soccer separated for a while it was in no small part thanks to him and the Galaxy's pre-season friendly in Hawaii that I am the fanatic that I am (even if he didn't play in the game.)
So when he retires, I expect nothing less than a huge celebratory testimonial match, for a player who has helped define his team. He has been a prized striker, explosive midfeilder, captain, and aged hero. He has made the Galaxy one of the most successful MLS sides in the first ten years.
Now I don't know when he will retire. I hope he still plays a couple more. But when he does hang up the boots, I expect the Gals to throw him a great sending off party. He certainly deserves nothing less.
Ching Out
Hawaii's top men's soccer player will be out for a month after undergoing knee surgery, despite playing in two more games for his MLS side, Ching believes that he injured himself against Chelsea FC of England during the MLS All-Star game.
"It's a little disappointing, frustrating," Ching said in Monday's editions of the Houston Chronicle. "I feel a little unlucky."
Ching currently has ten goals this season, putting him in fourth for the Budweiser Golden Boot award, despite the fact that he has missed much of the season while on National team duty at the world cup.
"It's a little disappointing, frustrating," Ching said in Monday's editions of the Houston Chronicle. "I feel a little unlucky."
Ching currently has ten goals this season, putting him in fourth for the Budweiser Golden Boot award, despite the fact that he has missed much of the season while on National team duty at the world cup.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Soccer Log: June 22 2006
USA VS Ghana June 22 2006
Sometimes as a fan you begin to think that no one else understands. Sitting in a poor excuse for an airport bar I realized that no one else understood me or the US National Team. Even as the minutes wound down and it become clear the US would not win, something inside of me wanted to scream. I wanted to scream at the only mildly disappointed faces around me, at the off hand comments about the US loosing, the very tone that seemed to say 'of course' or 'it was inevitable'.
I wanted them to know they were wrong, the US was brilliant, they were going to win the cup and shock the world. There had just been some mistake.
I walked out of the bar and away from the TV before the final whistle. I think something inside of me still thought a miracle would save us. Maybe if I wasn't watching God would give us a hand, or maybe it just wasn't happening at all. At some point you begin to wander if it was all just a dream and sooner or later you are bound to wake up so you can go see the real game. Of course I haven't woken up yet. I'm still hopeful, but I have a nagging feeling its just not going to happen.
Its hard to accept reality is not what you knew it was. The US did not win the World Cup. Kesey Keller was not the stone wall I knew he was. Donovan, Beasely, they had all betrayed me and had a good laugh about it. Somewhere inside of me I know they must have taken this harder than anyone else, but in the aftermath of disaster its hard to feel sorry for anyone but yourself.
And so I began my day proudly wearing my new US away jersey only to feel embarrassed by lunch. I woke up knowing victory was at hand and that by wearing my jersey I would be bathed in a prideful radiance all day. However, as I walked out of the bar in shock I realized I was now covered in the filth of shame (and air travel). My jersey was not a glorious badge of pride, but a dirty reminder of the reality that was melting away.
Its hard for any fan to stay in that mood forever though. Before I finished my flying the jersey had again become a source of pride. The doom that befalls all of us lifts after a while, sometimes remarkably quick as we again begin to believe the hype and something inside of us begins to remind us how brilliant the team really is. The immaculate runs of Dempsey, the leadership of Reyna and the courage of McBride. We construct our own beautiful realities. The jersey became a badge of honor, proclaiming that I was a real fan, no matter the struggles or harsh results, that I had faith the team would win and even elimination could not stop our World Cup triumph.
Sometimes as a fan you begin to think that no one else understands. Sitting in a poor excuse for an airport bar I realized that no one else understood me or the US National Team. Even as the minutes wound down and it become clear the US would not win, something inside of me wanted to scream. I wanted to scream at the only mildly disappointed faces around me, at the off hand comments about the US loosing, the very tone that seemed to say 'of course' or 'it was inevitable'.
I wanted them to know they were wrong, the US was brilliant, they were going to win the cup and shock the world. There had just been some mistake.
I walked out of the bar and away from the TV before the final whistle. I think something inside of me still thought a miracle would save us. Maybe if I wasn't watching God would give us a hand, or maybe it just wasn't happening at all. At some point you begin to wander if it was all just a dream and sooner or later you are bound to wake up so you can go see the real game. Of course I haven't woken up yet. I'm still hopeful, but I have a nagging feeling its just not going to happen.
Its hard to accept reality is not what you knew it was. The US did not win the World Cup. Kesey Keller was not the stone wall I knew he was. Donovan, Beasely, they had all betrayed me and had a good laugh about it. Somewhere inside of me I know they must have taken this harder than anyone else, but in the aftermath of disaster its hard to feel sorry for anyone but yourself.
And so I began my day proudly wearing my new US away jersey only to feel embarrassed by lunch. I woke up knowing victory was at hand and that by wearing my jersey I would be bathed in a prideful radiance all day. However, as I walked out of the bar in shock I realized I was now covered in the filth of shame (and air travel). My jersey was not a glorious badge of pride, but a dirty reminder of the reality that was melting away.
Its hard for any fan to stay in that mood forever though. Before I finished my flying the jersey had again become a source of pride. The doom that befalls all of us lifts after a while, sometimes remarkably quick as we again begin to believe the hype and something inside of us begins to remind us how brilliant the team really is. The immaculate runs of Dempsey, the leadership of Reyna and the courage of McBride. We construct our own beautiful realities. The jersey became a badge of honor, proclaiming that I was a real fan, no matter the struggles or harsh results, that I had faith the team would win and even elimination could not stop our World Cup triumph.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Natasha Kai Update
Quoted from: Women's Soccer USA
"A group of senior US WNT players are lobbying coach Greg Ryan to start Natasha Kai (5 goals in 8 games) ahead of Christie Welsh in the upcoming friendlies vs. China and Mexico. (Various)"
Could be a big break for the Hawaii Alum.
For more on here you can check out an earlier post about the amazing pace she has been on.
"A group of senior US WNT players are lobbying coach Greg Ryan to start Natasha Kai (5 goals in 8 games) ahead of Christie Welsh in the upcoming friendlies vs. China and Mexico. (Various)"
Could be a big break for the Hawaii Alum.
For more on here you can check out an earlier post about the amazing pace she has been on.
MLS Working Class Heros
I was walking through campus today, wearing my Galaxy away jersey. I love wearing the jersey, not so much because I am a Galaxy fan, I am only a marginal one at best, but because I always wonder if someone will recognize it. Until today no one ever had.
I was stopped just shy of my destination by an elderly British man. He stopped me and inquired if that was in fact the MLS team from LA. I replied positively, but through in a quick, they suck though. Just In case he stopped me to mock me, I wanted first dibs on that. But the conversation quickly switched to another topic as he asked me about the All-Star game and if I'd watched it.
Within a five minute span I knew that this man grew up just blocks from Highbury and loved going to midweek matches between Arsenal and Spurs and had even played on the Arsenal youth team when he was a much younger lad.
But really, he just wanted to deride the English stars as "overpaid, over hyped, and in some cases overweight". He was quite proud of what the MLS All-Stars had done against Chelsea and had enjoyed reading post game reports about how much quicker and stronger the MLS side was. A side whose players had hardly been looking at by the British giants, a side whose players were still making not much more than an honest salary, journeymen and working class players.
I actually found myself defending Chelsea. It was only there first game I tried to tell him. No, I was told. For players, some of whom make millions of pounds a year, there is no excuse to loosing to players who only make thousands a year.
Which comes back to his original point, that the Chelsea players and indeed most players in England are over paid and over hyped. But MLS, MLS should enjoy the journeyman aspect, the working class players, that we know our boys play for the love of the game, because for most, that big break will never come.
And while I never found out if he supported Arsenal or Spurs or even his name. He was a nice old man, and I can only hope I run into more like him wearing the green and gold.
I was stopped just shy of my destination by an elderly British man. He stopped me and inquired if that was in fact the MLS team from LA. I replied positively, but through in a quick, they suck though. Just In case he stopped me to mock me, I wanted first dibs on that. But the conversation quickly switched to another topic as he asked me about the All-Star game and if I'd watched it.
Within a five minute span I knew that this man grew up just blocks from Highbury and loved going to midweek matches between Arsenal and Spurs and had even played on the Arsenal youth team when he was a much younger lad.
But really, he just wanted to deride the English stars as "overpaid, over hyped, and in some cases overweight". He was quite proud of what the MLS All-Stars had done against Chelsea and had enjoyed reading post game reports about how much quicker and stronger the MLS side was. A side whose players had hardly been looking at by the British giants, a side whose players were still making not much more than an honest salary, journeymen and working class players.
I actually found myself defending Chelsea. It was only there first game I tried to tell him. No, I was told. For players, some of whom make millions of pounds a year, there is no excuse to loosing to players who only make thousands a year.
Which comes back to his original point, that the Chelsea players and indeed most players in England are over paid and over hyped. But MLS, MLS should enjoy the journeyman aspect, the working class players, that we know our boys play for the love of the game, because for most, that big break will never come.
And while I never found out if he supported Arsenal or Spurs or even his name. He was a nice old man, and I can only hope I run into more like him wearing the green and gold.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
MLS All-Stars
In today's All-Star match the mostly dollar store toys of MLS defeated the expensive imports off fellow today collector Chelsea FC. Or something like that. But before anyone gets any ideas about buying any of the MLS stars, whose profiles might have been raised today, I must direct you to Ivan Gazidis.
I am glad the good guys won. I was very impressed with the way our players handled themselves against one of the most expensive sports teams ever assembled. But now the excuses will start to pile up at our doorsteps. A few, hey its an entire leagues all-star team against just one British side, some more, hey we aren't in season and could care less about some MLS All-stars, and even more, its right in the middle of their season damnit, its all just a matter of fitness.
But who cares. We won. If we had lost, then we'd have two super clubs looking down on us (thanks Real... goodluck at Salt Lake!). So whatever the excuses we still won.
And we reserve the right to use those very excuses when we bomb out of the CONCACAF Cup every year as well. We all know the things a joke, something to be taken less seriously than the US Open Cup. Only three countries can even afford to compete in it, the US, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Some continental competition.
So bottles up. It was an entertaining game, played in a great looking stands, and even though the grass was too long play moved along at a good pace. The 1-0 score didn't do justice to the chances each team had, it could have easily been more, and perhaps that's too bad, we all know those casual sports fans love to see high scores, not all of them have soccer fans at hand to multiply scores by seven and convert the action into football for them to understand what's going on.
So what's the plan now that we have scored a victory over a top opponent in a meaningless exhibition game? Forget it ever happened and move on I bet. It was a good game I said, yes, and the good guys won, yes, but really? Eh. I'm not into All-Star games, especially ones like this in which I see little gained. As far as respect goes (the only thing even on the line here) I feel like we bet the house for the return of a toaster if we win. Not a bet I would make.
But hey, now we've got a new toaster.
I am glad the good guys won. I was very impressed with the way our players handled themselves against one of the most expensive sports teams ever assembled. But now the excuses will start to pile up at our doorsteps. A few, hey its an entire leagues all-star team against just one British side, some more, hey we aren't in season and could care less about some MLS All-stars, and even more, its right in the middle of their season damnit, its all just a matter of fitness.
But who cares. We won. If we had lost, then we'd have two super clubs looking down on us (thanks Real... goodluck at Salt Lake!). So whatever the excuses we still won.
And we reserve the right to use those very excuses when we bomb out of the CONCACAF Cup every year as well. We all know the things a joke, something to be taken less seriously than the US Open Cup. Only three countries can even afford to compete in it, the US, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Some continental competition.
So bottles up. It was an entertaining game, played in a great looking stands, and even though the grass was too long play moved along at a good pace. The 1-0 score didn't do justice to the chances each team had, it could have easily been more, and perhaps that's too bad, we all know those casual sports fans love to see high scores, not all of them have soccer fans at hand to multiply scores by seven and convert the action into football for them to understand what's going on.
So what's the plan now that we have scored a victory over a top opponent in a meaningless exhibition game? Forget it ever happened and move on I bet. It was a good game I said, yes, and the good guys won, yes, but really? Eh. I'm not into All-Star games, especially ones like this in which I see little gained. As far as respect goes (the only thing even on the line here) I feel like we bet the house for the return of a toaster if we win. Not a bet I would make.
But hey, now we've got a new toaster.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Don Garber Speaks
The State of the Game speech has rarely been ground breaking or earth shattering news. But represents a feel good moment where we can delight at what has been accomplished and exult in what's coming. So lets look over what was said.
1) Look, We're On TV!
The ESPN deal has been confirmed yet again. Thursday night coverage is a certainty on ESPN and it has been announced elsewhere that Saturday coverage will be on FSC and HDnet and Sunday coverage will be on Univision (or a sister network). ESPN and MLS will be looking for ways to improve coverage, from an 18 yard offsides cam, sky cam (remember what happened to the last one?), HD coverage, and pre-game coverage on sportscenter. Although in the after chat Garber stressed that the final programming grid had not been determined, but that MLS does expect to receive its share of ancillary programming.
So here's to the MLS Monday Night show! (Note, no such show was mentioned.....yet)
2) Beckham/Superstar/Franchise Player Rule
No deal. It turns out it isn't financially viable for the league to invest in big names to try an drive attendances and sponsorship revenue. Not a huge surprise for some, but probably a disappointment to others. But this announcement was mentioned along with the next big announcement.
3) Vertical Player Development
No no, not growth hormones for height. But the institution of an academy system, or at least the right to develop and sign local talent rather than seeing them snatched up by other teams because of the current rules with signing players. This should be huge for those teams that have already made some youth investment like Chicago or New York. We can only hope to see more MLS teams invest in PDL franchises, expanded roster, and an expanded reserve division. But its a relief to me to hear them talk about greater investments in "vertical player development" than bringing over players known for their name rather than their ability these days.
Of course Garber has said we'll have to wait a while for an announcement with any kind of details, but that they are in the final stages is a good sign.
4) Expansion & Relocation
Current plans are still to expand to 16 teams by 2010 and then take a break. Obviously Toronto was one of the four that will be added. As for the other three Garber mentioned Las Vegas, Miami, Seattle, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Atlanta. I hesitate to say it, but I think San Jose will also get one of those three remaining spots, Lew Wolf has certainly been making a point to announce the staff he has hired and the offices he is opening for them. All of those cities have been mentioned before, besides Las Vegas. So we know Cleveland has made progress as well as St. Louis and Philidelphia. The Atlanta bid sounds like it has promise, but I would be curious to find out who the investors for Seattle are, and who is trying to bring MLS back to Miami.
Kansas City may or may not be relocating, Garber still seems hopeful that the situation can be resolved. And Salt Lake City will not be going anywhere, Garber seemed pretty firm in his resolve that Salt Lake City will find a way to build a stadium and that the team is in no immediate danger or relocating.
5) Scheduling Issues
Plans are in place for an unbalanced 13 team schedule next year, using the current conference set-up. Although Garber did not totally discount the possibility of a single table in the future, it was not mentioned as still being discussed. However he did mention that they would be discussing the possibility of a split season schedule, or a summer break. So we'll see what happens, be very interesting to see what comes out of the board of governors meeting in respect the schedule, conference set up and the future of the playoffs.
6) Advertising?
Ads on the front of jerseys are apparently "a plan" that's being worked on. So good news there as far as helping teams hit the black. Currently many teams have little quarter size ads on the back of jerseys. I can only hope that front ads will generate greater revenue. Otherwise they just wouldn't be worth it.
Gardner also hopes that MLS advertising will expand this coming season now that ESPN/FSC will have a vested interest in promoting the programming that they are paying for. So we should start seeing ads aired on ESPN during more than just the actual game.
7) Stadiums
Red Bull Park should break ground any time now. And this time it really seems like its going to happen. And despite failures by the MLB and NFL to build a stadium in Boston, the MLS has been having some success in this area. The cost and size of a soccer stadium make it a lot easier to fit in somewhere in the city, so I guess all we can do is stay tuned.
1) Look, We're On TV!
The ESPN deal has been confirmed yet again. Thursday night coverage is a certainty on ESPN and it has been announced elsewhere that Saturday coverage will be on FSC and HDnet and Sunday coverage will be on Univision (or a sister network). ESPN and MLS will be looking for ways to improve coverage, from an 18 yard offsides cam, sky cam (remember what happened to the last one?), HD coverage, and pre-game coverage on sportscenter. Although in the after chat Garber stressed that the final programming grid had not been determined, but that MLS does expect to receive its share of ancillary programming.
So here's to the MLS Monday Night show! (Note, no such show was mentioned.....yet)
2) Beckham/Superstar/Franchise Player Rule
No deal. It turns out it isn't financially viable for the league to invest in big names to try an drive attendances and sponsorship revenue. Not a huge surprise for some, but probably a disappointment to others. But this announcement was mentioned along with the next big announcement.
3) Vertical Player Development
No no, not growth hormones for height. But the institution of an academy system, or at least the right to develop and sign local talent rather than seeing them snatched up by other teams because of the current rules with signing players. This should be huge for those teams that have already made some youth investment like Chicago or New York. We can only hope to see more MLS teams invest in PDL franchises, expanded roster, and an expanded reserve division. But its a relief to me to hear them talk about greater investments in "vertical player development" than bringing over players known for their name rather than their ability these days.
Of course Garber has said we'll have to wait a while for an announcement with any kind of details, but that they are in the final stages is a good sign.
4) Expansion & Relocation
Current plans are still to expand to 16 teams by 2010 and then take a break. Obviously Toronto was one of the four that will be added. As for the other three Garber mentioned Las Vegas, Miami, Seattle, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Atlanta. I hesitate to say it, but I think San Jose will also get one of those three remaining spots, Lew Wolf has certainly been making a point to announce the staff he has hired and the offices he is opening for them. All of those cities have been mentioned before, besides Las Vegas. So we know Cleveland has made progress as well as St. Louis and Philidelphia. The Atlanta bid sounds like it has promise, but I would be curious to find out who the investors for Seattle are, and who is trying to bring MLS back to Miami.
Kansas City may or may not be relocating, Garber still seems hopeful that the situation can be resolved. And Salt Lake City will not be going anywhere, Garber seemed pretty firm in his resolve that Salt Lake City will find a way to build a stadium and that the team is in no immediate danger or relocating.
5) Scheduling Issues
Plans are in place for an unbalanced 13 team schedule next year, using the current conference set-up. Although Garber did not totally discount the possibility of a single table in the future, it was not mentioned as still being discussed. However he did mention that they would be discussing the possibility of a split season schedule, or a summer break. So we'll see what happens, be very interesting to see what comes out of the board of governors meeting in respect the schedule, conference set up and the future of the playoffs.
6) Advertising?
Ads on the front of jerseys are apparently "a plan" that's being worked on. So good news there as far as helping teams hit the black. Currently many teams have little quarter size ads on the back of jerseys. I can only hope that front ads will generate greater revenue. Otherwise they just wouldn't be worth it.
Gardner also hopes that MLS advertising will expand this coming season now that ESPN/FSC will have a vested interest in promoting the programming that they are paying for. So we should start seeing ads aired on ESPN during more than just the actual game.
7) Stadiums
Red Bull Park should break ground any time now. And this time it really seems like its going to happen. And despite failures by the MLB and NFL to build a stadium in Boston, the MLS has been having some success in this area. The cost and size of a soccer stadium make it a lot easier to fit in somewhere in the city, so I guess all we can do is stay tuned.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Soccer Log: July 15, 2006
July 15, 2006: L.A. Galaxy VS CD Chivas USA
It took two weeks of internal debate on the part of my girlfriend to decide that yes, we could go to the game when I stopped over in California to visit her. Although in all honestly I had wanted to visit her earlier in the month when chances were good I could catch two or three games at the Home Depot Center. But I was willing to settle for whatever I could get.
Her internal debate about whether or not we could go lasted until two hours before game time. It had taken me no more than thirty seconds to know I had to go to a game some weeks before. After that I had spent two weeks trying to impress upon her that going to the game was not a big deal and our relationship was not based off going to a soccer game. But I knew it was likely my only chance to see a game that year after the Galaxy qualified for the continental cup and had forgone their supposed pre-season tour.
The game promised to be amazing, as many of the Los Angeles derbies had proven to be passionate affairs. I tried to pump my other half up for the game with tales about the game, discussion of the HDC, histories of the teams, and just letting her know how big this game was. If the Galaxy lost, they would have little hope of catching Chivas, and yet if they won they would only be a few wins back and in perfect position to make a run on the western table.
I think slightly ruined the mood of the game yelling at the girlfriend for getting us lost on the way to the game. I couldn't handle knowing that I would miss any of the game. In true fanatical style I felt as though I needed to be there a cool hour early. But ultimately nothing could ruin the game for me.
I dressed out in my national team jersey, sure it would declare me for the Gals and their pair of national team players. But to make it more obvious I wore my Galaxy scarf, purchased the year before at the Aloha Cup.
Unfortunately, the girlfriend's indecision had lead me not to buy tickets before the match and showing up on game day I was loath to stand in the long lines that had formed. But again, nothing could ruin the game for me. Getting lost and standing in line almost cost me the kickoff. But I made it by scalping tickets for a VIP box. I felt famous. Upon entering the box I realized I would be spending the game with one of the player's families. Not the way I would have chosen to watch the game, but again I was just glad to be there.
The game itself was a rather dull affair. They sold all the tickets they put on sale. Which for some reason did not include the upper deck. The fans were passionate, although not as they appeared on TV. The Galaxy fans were silent almost the whole game. Besides a couple of sections of gold, you would have forgotten they were there.
And despite both teams needing the win, it ended up a 0-0 draw. Both teams threatened, and the Gals had a rather dubious goal called back, but by the last quarter hour or so both teams seemed to have forgotten that they needed wins and sat back and just hoped not to loose.
A bore game I said. But I was intoxicated by it all. And despite knowing it lasted a keen two hours. I remember a mere ten or fifteen seconds. The girlfriend never complained, but I'm sure she was well aware that the game lasted two hours and wasn't the same as what she saw on TV during the World Cup.
It took two weeks of internal debate on the part of my girlfriend to decide that yes, we could go to the game when I stopped over in California to visit her. Although in all honestly I had wanted to visit her earlier in the month when chances were good I could catch two or three games at the Home Depot Center. But I was willing to settle for whatever I could get.
Her internal debate about whether or not we could go lasted until two hours before game time. It had taken me no more than thirty seconds to know I had to go to a game some weeks before. After that I had spent two weeks trying to impress upon her that going to the game was not a big deal and our relationship was not based off going to a soccer game. But I knew it was likely my only chance to see a game that year after the Galaxy qualified for the continental cup and had forgone their supposed pre-season tour.
The game promised to be amazing, as many of the Los Angeles derbies had proven to be passionate affairs. I tried to pump my other half up for the game with tales about the game, discussion of the HDC, histories of the teams, and just letting her know how big this game was. If the Galaxy lost, they would have little hope of catching Chivas, and yet if they won they would only be a few wins back and in perfect position to make a run on the western table.
I think slightly ruined the mood of the game yelling at the girlfriend for getting us lost on the way to the game. I couldn't handle knowing that I would miss any of the game. In true fanatical style I felt as though I needed to be there a cool hour early. But ultimately nothing could ruin the game for me.
I dressed out in my national team jersey, sure it would declare me for the Gals and their pair of national team players. But to make it more obvious I wore my Galaxy scarf, purchased the year before at the Aloha Cup.
Unfortunately, the girlfriend's indecision had lead me not to buy tickets before the match and showing up on game day I was loath to stand in the long lines that had formed. But again, nothing could ruin the game for me. Getting lost and standing in line almost cost me the kickoff. But I made it by scalping tickets for a VIP box. I felt famous. Upon entering the box I realized I would be spending the game with one of the player's families. Not the way I would have chosen to watch the game, but again I was just glad to be there.
The game itself was a rather dull affair. They sold all the tickets they put on sale. Which for some reason did not include the upper deck. The fans were passionate, although not as they appeared on TV. The Galaxy fans were silent almost the whole game. Besides a couple of sections of gold, you would have forgotten they were there.
And despite both teams needing the win, it ended up a 0-0 draw. Both teams threatened, and the Gals had a rather dubious goal called back, but by the last quarter hour or so both teams seemed to have forgotten that they needed wins and sat back and just hoped not to loose.
A bore game I said. But I was intoxicated by it all. And despite knowing it lasted a keen two hours. I remember a mere ten or fifteen seconds. The girlfriend never complained, but I'm sure she was well aware that the game lasted two hours and wasn't the same as what she saw on TV during the World Cup.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
MLS Single Table
What the MLS would look like under a single table.
1. FC Dallas 11-3-5 36PTS 19GMS
2. DC United 9-6-2 33PTS 17GAMES
3. Houston Dynamo 7-8-3 29PTS 18GMS
4. Colorado Rapids 7-3-6 24PTS 16GMS
5. Red Bull Ny 5-9-5 24PTS 19GAMES
6. CD Chivas USA 6-5-6 23PTS 17GMS
7. Chicago Fire 5-7-5 22PTS 17GAMES
8. NE Revolution 5-7-6 22PTS 18GAMES
9. Columbus Crew 4-8-5 20PTS 17GAMES
10. Real Salt Lake 5-4-8 19PTS 18GAMES
11. KC Wizards 5-2-9 17PTS 16GAMES
12. LA Galazy 4-4-10 16PTS 18GAMES
Now how can you take unbalanced schedules and make a single table? Isn't that a little weak, what with the way DCU has feasted on an usually weak Eastern Conference? Well no. Not if we only let teams play each other twice. In order to do that I only counted the first two meetings between teams, which hurt a few teams, but overall didn't really change things too much.
So throw in promotion and relegation and LA and KC would both be gone and right now Montreal and Charleston would be coming up. Of course chances are with Toronto joining next year you would just want to relegate one team to have a 14 team top flight.
But as promotion/relegation will never happen between leagues owned by different entities and MLS single table remains not much more than a rumor/pipe dream of the future.
1. FC Dallas 11-3-5 36PTS 19GMS
2. DC United 9-6-2 33PTS 17GAMES
3. Houston Dynamo 7-8-3 29PTS 18GMS
4. Colorado Rapids 7-3-6 24PTS 16GMS
5. Red Bull Ny 5-9-5 24PTS 19GAMES
6. CD Chivas USA 6-5-6 23PTS 17GMS
7. Chicago Fire 5-7-5 22PTS 17GAMES
8. NE Revolution 5-7-6 22PTS 18GAMES
9. Columbus Crew 4-8-5 20PTS 17GAMES
10. Real Salt Lake 5-4-8 19PTS 18GAMES
11. KC Wizards 5-2-9 17PTS 16GAMES
12. LA Galazy 4-4-10 16PTS 18GAMES
Now how can you take unbalanced schedules and make a single table? Isn't that a little weak, what with the way DCU has feasted on an usually weak Eastern Conference? Well no. Not if we only let teams play each other twice. In order to do that I only counted the first two meetings between teams, which hurt a few teams, but overall didn't really change things too much.
So throw in promotion and relegation and LA and KC would both be gone and right now Montreal and Charleston would be coming up. Of course chances are with Toronto joining next year you would just want to relegate one team to have a 14 team top flight.
But as promotion/relegation will never happen between leagues owned by different entities and MLS single table remains not much more than a rumor/pipe dream of the future.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Natasha Kai, Super Woman
Seven games, five goals, including a goal in each of her first two international appearances, a feat which has only been matched by four other US women internationals. Some might think Natasha Kai is on track to become Hawaii's best International Soccer player, and I would count myself one of them. Of course the list of Hawaiian Internationals is pretty short, but one that has grown quickly lately with Hawaiian son Brian Ching's own international call ups. And with the blistering pace Natasha Kai has been setting on the international level the future of the USWNT does look bright indeed.
There is some comparison to the rapid rise of Eddie Johnson during the men's qualifying, but I doubt the lure of fame and fortune will lead to the same attitude problems that have been reported with EJ. Even with no major domestic league in the US, it still seems a gamble at this point to try playing overseas. And I can only assume that the pay in the W-League or WPSL is a rough equivalent to what is offered in Europe at this time.
So with any luck Natasha will make the USWNT for the World Cup in China. Her success in qualifying and friendlies aside, the talent pool for the USWNT has grown exponentially in depth and quality. So here's to the rise of the Striken Hawaiian or is it the Flyin Hawaiian? Or how bout just Super Woman.
There is some comparison to the rapid rise of Eddie Johnson during the men's qualifying, but I doubt the lure of fame and fortune will lead to the same attitude problems that have been reported with EJ. Even with no major domestic league in the US, it still seems a gamble at this point to try playing overseas. And I can only assume that the pay in the W-League or WPSL is a rough equivalent to what is offered in Europe at this time.
So with any luck Natasha will make the USWNT for the World Cup in China. Her success in qualifying and friendlies aside, the talent pool for the USWNT has grown exponentially in depth and quality. So here's to the rise of the Striken Hawaiian or is it the Flyin Hawaiian? Or how bout just Super Woman.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Aloha MLS
Honolulu Advertiser Article
Official Aloha Cup Site
It seems as though the Aloha Stadium Authority has decided to give both baseball and soccer the boot. And it now seems more and more that the MLS will not be returning to Hawaii in the forseeable future. And one wonders if the LA Galaxy's agreement to play a preseason friendly in Hawaii every year has been discarded as a promise unfufilled.
When the Galaxy came in 2005 the media reported that they had signed a five year agreement to come and play a J-League team in Hawaii each year. The first year the J-League side Hiroshima cancelled due to the J-League's descion to start their season earlier because of World Cup Qualifying. DC United (another AEG side) would come in their place to play. This past year CONCACAF commitments kept LA from paradise, that however is just my own educated guess, as nothing was ever reported.
With the locking of the stadium there would be few alternative venues to host a soccer game. It might still be possible to remove several rows of seats to bring the field up to the smallest possible allowed field size, but having been to the Aloha stadium I'm not sure how feasible this really is. Another alternative is the Waipio Soccer Complex, but after the first game drew more than 14,000 fans to the game on a cold and rainy night (yes we get those in Hawaii), limiting seating to 5,000 could be problematic.
Other Aloha Cup Articles...
Spotlight Cobi Jones
Color Commentary on the Game
Heres to hoping they come back.
In an aside, you might think that the Star Bulletin is a very soccer friendly paper with all of these articles, many of them very positive about soccer. However they have a tendancy to forget to publish MLS scores. Which is to bad, when they are otherwise the better paper in Hawaii I feel.
Official Aloha Cup Site
It seems as though the Aloha Stadium Authority has decided to give both baseball and soccer the boot. And it now seems more and more that the MLS will not be returning to Hawaii in the forseeable future. And one wonders if the LA Galaxy's agreement to play a preseason friendly in Hawaii every year has been discarded as a promise unfufilled.
When the Galaxy came in 2005 the media reported that they had signed a five year agreement to come and play a J-League team in Hawaii each year. The first year the J-League side Hiroshima cancelled due to the J-League's descion to start their season earlier because of World Cup Qualifying. DC United (another AEG side) would come in their place to play. This past year CONCACAF commitments kept LA from paradise, that however is just my own educated guess, as nothing was ever reported.
With the locking of the stadium there would be few alternative venues to host a soccer game. It might still be possible to remove several rows of seats to bring the field up to the smallest possible allowed field size, but having been to the Aloha stadium I'm not sure how feasible this really is. Another alternative is the Waipio Soccer Complex, but after the first game drew more than 14,000 fans to the game on a cold and rainy night (yes we get those in Hawaii), limiting seating to 5,000 could be problematic.
Other Aloha Cup Articles...
Spotlight Cobi Jones
Color Commentary on the Game
Heres to hoping they come back.
In an aside, you might think that the Star Bulletin is a very soccer friendly paper with all of these articles, many of them very positive about soccer. However they have a tendancy to forget to publish MLS scores. Which is to bad, when they are otherwise the better paper in Hawaii I feel.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Three Thousand Miles Away
At this point in my life I have never been blessed enough to live in a city with a true professional soccer team. I grew up in a city with fond memories of its soccer playing past, but with little hope of any soccer future. There were MLS teams in the region... but as a high schooler its hard enough to convince your parents to let you stay out past midnight, even harder to convince them to allow you and some friends to pack up and drive down to Dallas or up the Kansas City.
But, we did have Arena Football. And so soccer would be forgotten, lost in memory, while we watched guys smash each other into walls. Then, as if to remove myself further from soccer I moved to Hawaii. Where I have been, with a few trips back to the States, for the past three years.
I would come back to soccer slowly. The fact that Hawaii didn't have arena football after my freshmen year helped. Seeing the, then Dallas Burn, on TV in a match the announcers called dour, drab, and meaningless somehow enthralled me. Picking up FIFA05 got me a little more familar with various international players and teams and then buying a FourFourTwo at Borders one night gave me my first real glimpse into the real global and historical legacy that soccer has and pushed me that much closer to soccer fandom.
The LA Galaxy and DC United took care of the rest playing one of the only two games I have ever seen in person in Hawaii. The game probably wasn't that good. I hardly remember the actual game. But I remember the crowd, the oo's and aa's and the loud drums beating as if to my own heart. The was really the end of it. I have been bought and sold by the MLS and the wider would of soccer ever sense.
Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I can't stand the other fans, the ignorant observers, or the know-it-alls, who are really know-nothings. Then their are the crashing disapointments after some games, the let downs you feel when players make mistakes.
Somehow, even though I fear soccer is driving me mad, I keep coming back.
But, we did have Arena Football. And so soccer would be forgotten, lost in memory, while we watched guys smash each other into walls. Then, as if to remove myself further from soccer I moved to Hawaii. Where I have been, with a few trips back to the States, for the past three years.
I would come back to soccer slowly. The fact that Hawaii didn't have arena football after my freshmen year helped. Seeing the, then Dallas Burn, on TV in a match the announcers called dour, drab, and meaningless somehow enthralled me. Picking up FIFA05 got me a little more familar with various international players and teams and then buying a FourFourTwo at Borders one night gave me my first real glimpse into the real global and historical legacy that soccer has and pushed me that much closer to soccer fandom.
The LA Galaxy and DC United took care of the rest playing one of the only two games I have ever seen in person in Hawaii. The game probably wasn't that good. I hardly remember the actual game. But I remember the crowd, the oo's and aa's and the loud drums beating as if to my own heart. The was really the end of it. I have been bought and sold by the MLS and the wider would of soccer ever sense.
Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I can't stand the other fans, the ignorant observers, or the know-it-alls, who are really know-nothings. Then their are the crashing disapointments after some games, the let downs you feel when players make mistakes.
Somehow, even though I fear soccer is driving me mad, I keep coming back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)