With the threat of a strike over and with the league making steady progress year after year, there are lots of reasons to think that this year could be a breakthrough year for Major League Soccer. What do I mean by breakthrough? For instance, if you look at 2009, I would argue that it was [...]
Filed under: Future of American soccer, MLS | 4 Comments »
I know it was only Portsmouth at home, but after many, many painful displays of inept and disgraceful soccer, Liverpool finally put together a strong outing in yesterday’s 4-1 win. Scoring four goals against the Premier League’s bottom team that is in administration and definitely going down is not any great achievement in itself. But [...]
Filed under: Liverpool, Premier League | 1 Comment »
This was cross-posted at Huffington Post Sports. While other MLS clubs are preparing for the new season by playing lower tier US clubs, the San Jose Earthquakes are in London testing themselves against Premier League competition and practicing at the training facility of Premier League risers Tottenham Hotspur. What is an MLS club doing in [...]
Filed under: Future of American soccer, MLS, Transfers | 2 Comments »
By rupturing his Achilles yesterday playing with AC Milan, David Beckham’s World Cup dreams are over. This, in footballing terms is not that great of a blow to England, as the Guardian’s Rob Smyth dryly notes. But this is a big blow for MLS and to the LA Galaxy who have now likely lost Becks [...]
Filed under: England National Team, MLS, Transfers, World Cup 2010 | 8 Comments »
England’s injury woes depended today as David Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan. Beckham hobbled off after he went down without contact and him being officially ruled out of the World Cup is now just a formality. With Aaron Lennon having setback after setback as he attempts to return to fitness, Fabio Capello looked [...]
Filed under: England National Team, World Cup 2010 | 2 Comments »
I know everyone has been desperately wondering where that grumpy Liverpool fan has been these last couple of months. Well, I got a new job that has caused a disruption in my free time and had to curtail my soccer blogging. But I am back and ready to resume regular service as we build up [...]
Filed under: World Cup 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Seemingly lost in the conversation about the national team is Benny Feilhaber. Most see him playing a reserve role for the Nats come World Cup time. But in my view Feilhaber should be central to Bradley’s plans. As this World Cup cycle began, Feilhaber looked certain to be a pivotal figure for the national team. [...]
Filed under: USMNT, World Cup 2010 | 5 Comments »
Watching the England-Egypt game there are reasons for the US to both feel good and feel nervous. While the 3-1 scorline against the African champions is certainly impressive, England was on the back foot for much of the first half and the 1-0 lead that Egypt took in at halftime was probably deserved. However, the [...]
Filed under: England National Team | 3 Comments »
Overall the US was outmatched by Holland, but they certainly didn’t get played off the field. There have been better US performances but overall the US was well organized defensively and showed flashes of attacking venom throughout the game. But in general the Yanks were slow to open up and launch counterattacks. Instead, the US [...]
Filed under: USMNT, World Cup 2010 | 1 Comment »
The US plays Holland this afternoon (2:30pm EST on ESPN2) in an important tune-up for the World Cup, which is now less than 100 days away. This is also coach Bob Bradley’s last opportunity to get US players together before he has to select the 23-man roster. While there are some important absences from the [...]
Filed under: USMNT, World Cup 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Max Bergmann
Ken Gude
Pat Garofalo
Jay Heidbrink