Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Highlights | USMNT VS Mexico | Draw at Azteca

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

TOP MLS VENUES | 2013





Thursday, March 21, 2013

Deuce will lead us! | JK chooses a captain

Sarcasm??

No way.

Jurgen Klinnsman ruffled more than a few feathers recently when he chose USMNT forward Clint Dempsey to wear the armband for Friday night's match-up with Costa Rica in Denver Colorado.

While many see the move as Jurgen being Jurgen, (I thought Mike Bradley was the heir apparent to all things Captaincy) the selection of the Tottenham player makes sense.

How?

Simple..Dempsey scores goals.

Who better to lead a squad in the midst of transition from previous Capo Bob Bradley's dink-defend-counter style to the 'you play because you present the best set of skills' mindset JK seems to favor?

The work in progress remains about two years old but JK's wont to make a bold personnel statement continues.

Some argue that Clint ain't got it.

He represents the highest level of individual accomplishment for an American playing on foreign soil, but he's just that-too individualistic.

Balderdash!

Clint represents more than just a guy who just  'scores goals' (Chris Carter, anyone?)

He represents the epitome of what it means to succeed through sweat and trial.

While many of the Arena/Bradley bunch moved up the hierarchy of US Soccer through academy and 'pay for play' channels, Clint's climb began on a dirt-lot pitch down in the heart of beautiful state of Texas.

Who better to lead than a cat that possesses a superior set of skills, a penchant for the dramatic and a fearlessness that you can't teach many players. 

This is not an indictment of the academy crowd. In fact, we need a strong youth/talent funnel to identify and nurture the VAST amount of football talent in this country; but as Dempsey represents (and JK recognizes) leadership often comes from somewhere else.

Somewhere inherent to that person.

Dempsey's got it

This selection was a long time coming..




Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Montreal Impact | Canada's Hope

A few weeks into the season and we have witnessed the darn near impossible...

The Miami Heat have inched closer....Sorry wrong sport. The Montreal Impact (better?) have taken MLS by storm.

Sure, this notion may tickle a few and maybe nauseate a few others. Undeniable remains the fact that the second year franchise represents a discernable rise in the quality and on-the-field competence of Canadian soccer.

Canadian Soccer??!

You mean the same French/English cousin-folk who flamed out rather quickly in the recent group stage of World Cup qualifying??

The same nation of hockey lovers who produced the wonderful product that was the 2012 Toronto Football Club (still, the best single game atmosphere in the league)?

Yes, yes and a definite yes.

The brain-trust in the 'City of Saints' have put together something rather impressive in the nascent years of the franchise's MLS story.

Let’s take a look

An expanded stadium designed to expand even further as the product takes hold

A solid roster complete with a mix of young talent (Martins, Wenger) and top notch veteran performers (Di Viao, Bernier)

The ability to lure solid European talent to a fledging MLS franchise (I know, they've been around since the invention of iced cream and cole slaw)

These accomplishments, along with an MLS-best start seems to indicate that the team knows a little about football. Combine this with a successful post-season European tour and a declaration of the intent to break away from 'American' style soccer and you have the 2013 Montreal Impact.

This team not only stands atop MLS, but atop a burgeoning domestic Canadian soccer scene.

Toronto seem to have their ducks in order under first-year coach Ryan Nelson, while Martin Rennie's revamped and extremely talented bunch will no doubt expand on last year's first round play-off appearance.

So how soon until we have a full fledged Canadian Soccer league?

Ottawa? How about a Winnipeg?

How about an Edmonton-Calgary rivalry to match the energy Hockey fans enjoy?

Speaking of Ottawa, when are we going to see this come into fruition?




One of the better rendering prior to the award of a franchise..

Anyway, Canadian soccer seems to have a bright future..

Good for MLS
Good for Canada
Good for all involved

As the World (Cup) Turns: Drama, Klinnsman and the state of the USMNT


So what do we make of the recent Sporting News Article featuring an 'unknown' USMNT player supposedly criticizing the current US coach's methodology and tactics?

Nothing..

For all we know the unnamed source could be none other than Suni Gulati himself. I mean look, the timing of this bombshell piece not only precedes the Men’s squad crucial showdown with a dangerous Honduras squad, but suspiciously brings attention of the notorious sort to the US soccer program while the country feasts on the endless bounty that is March madness

hmmmmmm...

Theories aside. Klinnsman's bunch has been anything short of controversial since the Deutscher took the helm around a year ago.

 In review, the criticisms hurled by said 'unnamed' player revolve around the rather unorthodox techniques (side note, in today's pop/trend society, the notion of achieving peak athletic performance through nutritional discipline is hardly out of the ordinary) and lack of tactical communication.

Tactical communication??

Sounds like sour grapes to me..

Fact remains facts. The current version of the US men’s national team remains smack dab in the mist of a long awaited (and well published) transition. Along with this seemingly novel realization, comes the fact that the national team stands as someone who must act as the front man whose hands stand firmly placed on the steering wheel of the ENTIRETY of the US soccer program.

JK has, up to this point, demonstrated a quality that seems to be overlooked in American soccer pundit circles.

GUTS

The man has taken the reigns of the program from an oh-so-conservative yet successful Bob Bradley and introduced a mountain of 'change' in his short tenure. Said change has produced results that look a little like this:

Best USMNT record over a 360 period

First ever defeat of a first team Mexican National side on Mexican soil

First ever defeat of a full Italian National side on Italian soil

The largest number of US-born players plying their trade in the world's top leagues

A solid player evaluation program responsible for the introduction of several (some of the German-American kind, aghast) key newcomers to the USMNT

The achievement of all this sans the consistent presence of all-time US scorer and greatest player in US history Landon Donovan

A declared program-wide mission designed to elevate men's soccer and compete with the world's elite.

Sure, the man loves a motivational sound bite. But to the chagrin of a few, his motivation works. The resounding defeat in Honduras aside, this thing is headed in the right direction.

So where does that leave us and the (supposed) disgruntled few on the American side?

Same place we were earlier this week.

Days away from the most crucial match in JK’s short tenure.

Who knew?

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

3 things to watch for | USMNT vs. Costa Rica

The upcoming World Cup Qualifying match in Denver highlights a host of issues for a US team looking to recover from a surprising setback against a solid Honduras side in early February.

Not long after US Men's Coach Jurgen Klinnsman released the official game roster, critics and fans unleashed a fury of questions related to the apparent lack of depth along the team's back line.

The debate rages as injury and diminished playing time prompted Klinnsman to omit  previous defensive starters Timothy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and Carlos Bocanegra.

The absence of these players along with uncertainty surrounding forwards Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan leave the US vulnerable to a Costa Rican side keen to steal crucial qualifying points on the road.

With the match just days a way, the following seven factors will make or break the US team's chances in the upcoming showdown:

Can the team find an offensive rhythm in the Denver cold?

With local temperatures in a downward spiral, the US must find some sort of offensive punch from forwards Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Jozy Altidore. Despite noticeable contributions off the ball, Altidore's continued excellence at club level has yet to fully translate on the international scene.

Clint Dempsey returns from a prolonged injury hat saw him miss significant time at club side Tottemham.

Can he shake off any signs of injury and continue his run as the US' top offensive threat. The ability of the United States to avoid elimination for the first time in decades may very well depend on it.

What player will emerge to provide the spark the US needs?

Landon Donovan will not walk through that door. Not yet at least. As the US leading goal-scorer continues his sabbatical, the Jurgen's side needs someone to step up and place a personal stamp on this game.

Will that player appear in the form of current captain Michael Bradley?

Can Forward Herculez Gomez deliver a dose of second half magic against a game Costa Rica team?

Regardless, some one must step up to take the mantle of scoring or defensive leadership the US sorely needs.

Can Jurgen Klinnsman walk away from this qualifier more confident in his team’s chances?  

This is it, World Cup qualification versus a worthy regional opponent. Jurgen knows that his grand US experiment hinges on the results garnered over the next few games. If the US comes away with a point in Denver, many will breathe a sigh of relief. If his charges go down in defeat, then look for the hot seat to come to a boil. Either way, look for this portion of qualifying to test the Men’s Coach like never before.



Thursday, March 14, 2013

CCL Update: All MLS Final?? It’s possible.


The impossible seems slightly more probable every day

With the quarter-final closeout of Tigres and Herediano this week, the buzz surrounding American soccer begins and ends with one question:

Can Major League Soccer place two teams in the CONCACAF Champions League Final?

Why Not?

For those who remember, US-Based soccer came enticingly close a few years back when MLS side Real Salt Lake, up 1-0 with the final leg at Rio Tinto, fell to current champion Monterrey.

Currently, the 2013 version of the Monterrey club stands in the way of both the championship and regional double aspirations of the 2012 MLS crown-holders the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The in-form Galaxy have faired well in the early stages of the MLS season despite the loss of long-time leader and USMNT star Landon Donovan. To soften the sting associated with the former captain’s self-imposed “sabbatical,” LA has relied heavily on a cast more than capable of picking up the slack.

Irish star and fan favorite Robbie Keane appears ready for the transition into team leader as he has picked up both the scoring slack and the ‘star’ leadership void left by both Donovan and departed Designated Player David Beckham.

The team also benefits from the experience and professionalism of stalwarts Omar Gonzalez and Mike Magee.  Their steady play provides a pivotal component in dampening the loss of Donovan and facilitating the emergence of young players like Jose Villareal and Jack McBean.

The Seattle Sounder Football Club face an experienced Santos Laguna team that features US international and former MLS forward Herc Gomez. The Sounders will no doubt look to feed from the energy of last Tuesday’s electrifying defeat of current Liga MX leaders UNAM Tigres.

The shale-clad Northwestern side looks to continue the fine offensive play that saw them score three highlight worthy goals to vanquish a 10-man Tigres squad that curiously fielded a reserve-laden team in the quarterfinal’s deciding match.

The question remains: Can Los Angeles and Seattle match the hype with semi-final success?

Sure they can. Both Seattle and Los Angeles come into the round with the experience and depth to move forward. Fittingly, they face off versus the two Mexican sides that have captured the CCL title over the last several tournaments.

No doubt, the recent play of both MLS sides will cause the Mexican teams to approach the round with the appropriate amount of caution.

In reality, the same may not have been said for previous MLS semifinalists Toronto and Salt Lake. Either way, league leaders and American fans alike with enjoy the best chance yet at seeing a domestic side capture the title and earn a birth in the Club World Cup.

This mere presence of two strong sides this late in the tournament bodes well for both the growth of the sport and the strength of regional soccer as a whole.

CCL update: LA Galaxy book a spot in the semifinals

The defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy inched closer to a regional double with a convincing 4-1 victory over Costa Rican powerhouse Herediano.

The US-based club continued its fine early season form despite the absence of former team captain and USMNT star Landon Donovan.

Current captain and Irish international Robbie Keane continued to reward head coach Bruce Arena’s faith with another strong performance as the home side followed a disappointing 0-0 draw in the first leg of the CCL quarterfinal matchup.

The Galaxy also received goal-scoring efforts from standout defender Omar Gonzalez and young forwards Jose Villarreal and Jack Mcbean.

The LA team moves on to face the defending CCL champs Monterrey in a home-and-home series set to begin in early April.

Watch highlights here:


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

CCL Update: Seattle 3 Tigres 1



Seattle Washington-It was a miracle of sorts....

To the delight of the rain-drenched crowd of 20,000 in attendance, the Seattle Sounders pulled off an improbable comeback to secure a birth in the semi-final round of the CONCACAF Champions League.

The electric atmosphere at Century Link Field saw the Monterrey-based UNAM Tigres side field a reserve-laden squad that proved more than capable of challenging for next-round qualification on US soil.

Previously, no US-based team had yet managed to eliminate a Liga MX side this deep into North America's club level championship.

Smack in the face of history, a game Sounders squad staged a furious second half comeback marked three highlight-worthy scoring strikes.

That second half comeback followed a controversial red card that allowed Seattle to play the remainder of the match with a man advantage.

To the delight of US fans, the contest revealed a coming out of sorts for highly rated US youth player DeAndre Yeldin.

The Seattle-bred Yeldin came alive in the second half of the game with solid defensive work and dazzling array of ballhandling and passing.

To add to his resume, the Seattle fullback score a high quality goal with a one-time strike to pull the shale-clad home side even at one in the second half.

The goal-scoring continued as Northwest newcomer Djimi Traore showed his big game pedigree with a Sport Center-leading highlight goal that beat the sprawling Mexican keeper from deep in the final third.

US international Eddie Johnson finished the scoring and sealed a birth in the semifinals with a quality run at goal and clinical finish in the game's waning moments.

Although, the pre-half red card issued to Tigres set up a 10 v 11 half favorable to the home side, the game Sounders applied attacking pressure worthy of a team seeking capture the first Concacaf Champions League title for an American club.

Watch match highlights:


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Soccer RX Super 5: Week One Club Rankings


The 2013 MLS Season is under way and the race for supremacy has already taken on a mid-season sense of urgency.

Sure, with only one game under the books the exercise of ranking teams may be moot to some-but with an offseason of hustle and shuffle, the new campaign signals the end to off-season stagnation.

As an added bonus, the season started with a bang as each contest provided a glimpse into the potential on-the-field product and personnel savvy delivered by League and individual franchise alike.

Here’s a Look at the first edition of the 2013 Soccer RX top five club rankings:

1

Houston Dynamo
Opening 2-0 league victory over  DC combined with a first leg 1-0 victory over Herc Gomez and Santos. Enough for the number 1 ranking.

2

Los Angeles Galaxy
Solid victory 4-0 victory over Chicago without the services of Beckham and Donovan signifies team depth and the superstardom of Mike MacGee.
3
Sporting KC
Beiler scores. Convey and Feilhaber contribute. Things look OK in KC.
4

Real Salt Lake
Solid Victory over Western Conference points leaders on the road. Sabo and company look primed for a major MLS run.
5

Portland Timbers
Wonder-goal by Argentine import Valeri has Porter’s men Looking to put the league on notice.  




Just in case you missd it here are the highlights of the Houston v. Santos CCL match at BBVA Compass in Houston:


Sunday, March 3, 2013

Sporting on the Rise: Could the 2013 KC squad prove better than last year?

© 2013 Major League Soccer. All rights reserved.
With a resounding defeat of the upstart Philadelphia Union on their home field, the 2013 edition of the blue-clad Sporting side put the league on notice.

The Eastern conference favorites christened their newly-signed designated player Claudio Bieler following a game's worth of quality forward play capped by a solid one-touch strike that put the opening contest out of reach.

If the team's performance in this contest bears indication, the fierce march to the league's ultimate series just got tougher for everyone involved.

To head coach Peter Vermes' delight,  the off-season acquisition of the Argentine striker paired with a solid shift put in by oft-injured midfielder Bobby Convey.

As witnessed in the build-up that led to the game's final goal, the team's attack will fair fine in the absence of departed forward Kei Kamara and midfielder Roger Espinosa.

Could the 2013 version of the Kansas city club fair better than the last?

It may be early, but if yesterday's game is any indication, then Eastern conference and league rivals should take notice of the threat posed by a KC side poised for 2013 success.




Saturday, March 2, 2013

Who'll Rise in the West??

Western Conference Predicted Order of Finish: Which teams will challenge Los Angeles for west coast supremacy?

Aside from the recent sabbatical of long-time team captain Landon Donovan, the defending MLS Champions Los Angeles Galaxy inter the '13 campaign sans any major upheaval to season opening roster.

Despite the obvious wealth of returning talent, the team will face major challenges from traditional rivals and upstart franchises alike.

Here's a look at the challengers:

The Major players:

© 2013 Major League Soccer. All rights reserved.
Seattle Sounders FC

Why they are contenders: A solid play-off tested core group of players.  Experienced coaching staff with a penchant for shrewd player management. A rabid fan-base that lends a decided home-field advantage. 

Why they may falter: The stigma of never having advanced to the final stage of the MLS play-offs. Inability to contend with Los Angeles in direct personnel match-ups. Inability to shake the "Soft" Label.

Key Personnel: Head Coach Sigi Schmid, F Eddie Johnson, F Obefemi Martins, M Mauro Rosales, M/F Steve Zakuani, M Shalrie Joseph

Outlook: With the addition of Nigerian import Martins and the prospect of improved campaigns from Johnson, Joseph, Morales and Zakuani; this could be Seattle's (most recent) best shot at glory. Stay tuned