The FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Chelsea ...
Can anything exciting be written about such a snoozer?
I don't think so.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Galaxy 3 - Red Bull NY 1 (AET)
The Los Angeles Galaxy advanced into the next round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after defeating Red Bull New York after extra time.
It was 120 minutes of lack-luster football with about two minutes total of good football. Red Bull demonstrated they can keep possession, while the Galaxy showed promise down both flanks. They both exposed their lack of creativity and execution in the final third of the pitch. At the end of regulation time, the highlights were two red cards. Thanks to tiring legs, both defenses opened up in extra time and made the game more exciting.
Back-up goalkeeper Steve Cronin was easily the man of the match with 14 saves. He denied excellent scoring chances from Clint Mathis and Juan Pablo Angel, who was making his debut on U.S. soil. Angel was very active and dangerous. Hopefully, the shape of things to come.
Overall, you could call it a disappointing night at the Home Depot Center with the thin crowd, boring football, and benched stars. But it was still a fun night. This was my first match of the season and I am looking forward to a few more.
It was 120 minutes of lack-luster football with about two minutes total of good football. Red Bull demonstrated they can keep possession, while the Galaxy showed promise down both flanks. They both exposed their lack of creativity and execution in the final third of the pitch. At the end of regulation time, the highlights were two red cards. Thanks to tiring legs, both defenses opened up in extra time and made the game more exciting.
Back-up goalkeeper Steve Cronin was easily the man of the match with 14 saves. He denied excellent scoring chances from Clint Mathis and Juan Pablo Angel, who was making his debut on U.S. soil. Angel was very active and dangerous. Hopefully, the shape of things to come.
Overall, you could call it a disappointing night at the Home Depot Center with the thin crowd, boring football, and benched stars. But it was still a fun night. This was my first match of the season and I am looking forward to a few more.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
British Invasion?
THE BRITISH ARE COMING!
(Well, English more like it)
There has been an influx of English Football connections lately. Last year, I found out Charlton Athletic has an academy in Tucson, Arizona; Crystal Palace FC USA is situated in Annapolis, Maryland; the Los Angeles Galaxy have a development agreement with Chelsea FC while the Colorado Rapids have something similar with Arsenal FC. And today, Liverpool FC announced its affiliation with the Long Island Junior Soccer League.
David Beckham should be kicking balls at the Home Depot Center by July or August. Paul Dalglish (King Kenny's son - can we call him Prince Paul, then?) is a crucial component of Houston Dynamo's title defense. Then there is Terry Cooke, etc., etc.
Its crazy, isn't it? Three out of the English Premier League's big four are represented and arguably the most recognizable name and face in world soccer is coming?
So while Americans are buying up clubs across the pond. Clubs and players are starting to look over the other way. I am quite sure that this will not harm US Soccer. The trade-off should be simple, it helps develop young American talent while they extend their brand to what they believe is an untapped market.
There must be something more to it. It can't be that simple. It surely can't hurt the US, but what does it really do? Is there anybody out there who can help enlighten me?
(Well, English more like it)
There has been an influx of English Football connections lately. Last year, I found out Charlton Athletic has an academy in Tucson, Arizona; Crystal Palace FC USA is situated in Annapolis, Maryland; the Los Angeles Galaxy have a development agreement with Chelsea FC while the Colorado Rapids have something similar with Arsenal FC. And today, Liverpool FC announced its affiliation with the Long Island Junior Soccer League.
David Beckham should be kicking balls at the Home Depot Center by July or August. Paul Dalglish (King Kenny's son - can we call him Prince Paul, then?) is a crucial component of Houston Dynamo's title defense. Then there is Terry Cooke, etc., etc.
Its crazy, isn't it? Three out of the English Premier League's big four are represented and arguably the most recognizable name and face in world soccer is coming?
So while Americans are buying up clubs across the pond. Clubs and players are starting to look over the other way. I am quite sure that this will not harm US Soccer. The trade-off should be simple, it helps develop young American talent while they extend their brand to what they believe is an untapped market.
There must be something more to it. It can't be that simple. It surely can't hurt the US, but what does it really do? Is there anybody out there who can help enlighten me?
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The Bad Week.
I've been itching to write about Arsenal for about a while now, but the last two weeks have been disappointing. After numerous drafts on the PSV, Carling Cup final, and the FA Cup tie with the Blackburn Rovers, I just couldn't finish my pieces.
EDIT: Make that two weeks. Arsenal just got knocked out of the Champions League by PSV.
EDIT: Make that two weeks. Arsenal just got knocked out of the Champions League by PSV.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Same old Arsenal?
Same old Arsenal, isn't it? They go on a good run, get your hopes up, and then they break your heart (twice).
After the woeful display against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup, the Gunners follow it up with another dismal performance against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League. Although it is wrong to count them out due to two matches after a fantastic run which included good results against Liverpool, Manchester United, Bolton, and Tottenham. It is just plainly disappointing.
Pundits were quick to put the blame on Thierry Henry's pedestrian performance. A few people pointed out that Arsenal plays better without Henry. There might be substance in this thought that but he wasn't alone, William Gallas and Gilberto had as much claim to the lackluster play. They look tired which can be attributed to the congested fixture list which has them playing every weekend plus a match in mid-week be it the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, or the Champions League. Nothing went well for Gallas. Gilberto gave away the ball easily. I think the stellar displays by the Baby Gunners in the League Cup (or Carling Cup) can be attributed to the innocence of youth. They do not have to defer to Henry (since he never plays in the League Cup) and they play better as a team. They do not look for the perfect goal and they never hesitate to play direct football if needed. I wonder if Arsene Wenger sees it the way I do or will he just tell me "I do not know, I did not see it"?
Emmanuel Eboue (arguably, Arsenal's best player for this season) was sorely missed. Gallas' flexibility and experience did not translate into him filling Eboue's boots, albeit he is not match-fit. Emmanuel Adebayor, while showing a lot of talent and the potential to get better, has the touch of a door. His work-rate can never be questioned, but if his touch was a bit better ...
Based on current form, I do not see it happening, but I still hope that Wenger captures the European title that has eluded him. For revolutionizing football all over the world, The Professor deserves one.
Relax ... it's early. Pretty soon, these kinks will be ironed out. It will soon be the SAME OLD ARSENAL, ALWAYS SCORING. Then I can refer to matches like this by saying "I do not know, I did not see it."
(who said Arsene is not a genius?)
After the woeful display against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup, the Gunners follow it up with another dismal performance against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League. Although it is wrong to count them out due to two matches after a fantastic run which included good results against Liverpool, Manchester United, Bolton, and Tottenham. It is just plainly disappointing.
Pundits were quick to put the blame on Thierry Henry's pedestrian performance. A few people pointed out that Arsenal plays better without Henry. There might be substance in this thought that but he wasn't alone, William Gallas and Gilberto had as much claim to the lackluster play. They look tired which can be attributed to the congested fixture list which has them playing every weekend plus a match in mid-week be it the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, or the Champions League. Nothing went well for Gallas. Gilberto gave away the ball easily. I think the stellar displays by the Baby Gunners in the League Cup (or Carling Cup) can be attributed to the innocence of youth. They do not have to defer to Henry (since he never plays in the League Cup) and they play better as a team. They do not look for the perfect goal and they never hesitate to play direct football if needed. I wonder if Arsene Wenger sees it the way I do or will he just tell me "I do not know, I did not see it"?
Emmanuel Eboue (arguably, Arsenal's best player for this season) was sorely missed. Gallas' flexibility and experience did not translate into him filling Eboue's boots, albeit he is not match-fit. Emmanuel Adebayor, while showing a lot of talent and the potential to get better, has the touch of a door. His work-rate can never be questioned, but if his touch was a bit better ...
Based on current form, I do not see it happening, but I still hope that Wenger captures the European title that has eluded him. For revolutionizing football all over the world, The Professor deserves one.
Relax ... it's early. Pretty soon, these kinks will be ironed out. It will soon be the SAME OLD ARSENAL, ALWAYS SCORING. Then I can refer to matches like this by saying "I do not know, I did not see it."
(who said Arsene is not a genius?)
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