2009 was a fascinating year for sport. Last year’s hero Usain Bolt managed to break his own world 100 metres record in Berlin, destroying all comers. In May Bolt set a new record of 9.58 seconds and he seems to be getting better. Who would bet against him going even faster in the next few years.

Fastest man alive: Usain Bolt

It was also a good year for another of the world’s best sportsmen. Many had begun to write off Roger Federer, but in 2009 he reached the final of each of the four Grand Slams and won both the French Open and Wimbledon. While some may point to injuries to his main rival Rafael Nadal, Federer has this year underlined that he is one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

While Federer could consider 2009 to be one of his best, the same could not be said for those who share duties advertising Gillette. Federer was selected alongside France football captain Thierry Henry and Golfing superstar Tiger Woods as ambassadors for the mens grooming brand, but the other two have greatly diminished reputations after the past year.

Henry was denounced as a cheat after handling the ball as he created the goal which sent France to the World Cup and sent Ireland crashing out. Henry clearly tapped the ball to keep it in play to set up his colleague William Gallas for an extra-time winner in the Qualifying play-off and admitted so after the game, but blamed the referee for not spotting his indiscretion. Henry will now, I fear, be forever tarnished with this incident after years of success with Arsenal, Barcelona and France.

Handball: Henry was denounced as a cheat

Henry may be forgiven for a rash breaking of the rules, but Woods’ reputation as the greatest player of his sport is now certain to be overshadowed by events in his personal life. After a bizarre late night motor accident, it became clear that his marriage was on the rocks as stories alleging affairs with many women filled the press. Woods largely remained silent throughout the furore and recently announced that he would be taking an indefinite  break from Golf.

2009 was an ashes year and the England Cricket team surprised many by taking back the ashes, by defeating a weary Australian team. The victory was not as momentous or as special as the 2005 victory, but was nonetheless a great achievement.

Undoubtedly, however, the best team of 2009 was FC Barcelona who won an historic sextuple of the Spanish League, Spanish Cup, Spanish Supercup, Champions League, European Supercup and World Club Championship. What makes this unique achievement all the more special is the fact they did it with style. Pep Guardiola had inherited a promising, but dysfunctional team and turned them, quite literally into world beaters. Few would argue that they have three of the world’s greatest players in Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

World beater: Barcelona's Andres Iniesta

In international football, 2009 marked a major milestone in the development of the US Soccer team. At the Confederations Cup, the US played well in a difficult group and defeated European champions and probably the world’s best team at the moment Spain before narrowly losing to Brazil in a humdinger of a final. They were then drawn against England for their opening game in the World Cup and I believe they may cause England and other established nations some problems at next years tournament.

Closer to home, Manchester United won the Premiership and finished runners-up to the all conquering Barcelona in the Champions League Final. However, after selling Ronaldo, their star man they have struggled to replace him adequately and coupled with a dip in form from Chelsea this has led to one of the most open Premiership seasons for many a year.

The free spending Man City are a threat but they remain a bit of an unknown under new manager Roberto Mancini. Tottenham and Aston Villa have also improved, while Arsenal are also a better team than they were last season, with their star man being the league’s most improved player – Alex Song.

Miracle worker: Roy Hodgson

The best manager of the year has been Fulham’s enlightened cockney and the man everyone wishes was their grandad: Roy Hodgson. He has got Fulham playing fantastically against the odds and transformed a decaying lower order Premiership team into an exciting and fun attacking force. He has also brought out the latent talent Brighton fans have always seen in their talisman Bobby Zamora.

Tonight in Nashville the United States took on Trinidad and Tobago in the third game of the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. The U.S. appeared in charge of the match from the first minute until the end of stoppage time thanks in part to the great crowd that showed up to support the team. U.S. coach Bob Bradley made several changes in the starting lineup from the squad that started Saturday in El Salvador; most notably-moving DaMarcus Beasley from Forward to Defender. The U.S. came out strong against Trinidad and Tobago, enjoying the majority of possession in the first half. 19-year-old, Jozy Altidore was rewarded for his play coming off the bench on Saturday with a spot in the starting eleven. Altidore played like he had been starting at the international level for years scoring the game’s first goal in the 13^th minute from a hard low pass from Landon Donovan. Overall, the U.S. played well in the first half despite only scoring one goal by halftime. Trinidad and Tobago had to play without legendary player and former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke due to suspension, which did not help the Caribbean nation’s chances.

I was pleased with the aggressive play by the U.S., although I was equally nervous at the number of great chances the U.S. missed in the first half. Next summer, the U.S., most likely, will be playing in South Africa against the likes of European and South American power houses like Italy, Germany and Brazil. The U.S. can get away with missing chances to score goals against Trinidad and Tobago—it will not be able to squander such chances next summer. Trinidad and Tobago played better in the first ten minutes of the second half enjoying a nice run of possession. However, ultimately the U.S. proved too strong for the Caribbean nation. Jozy Altidore found himself on the receiving end of two more Landon Donovan assists—making Altidore the youngest American to score an hat rick for the senior national team. In the end, the U.S. played well-the combination of Jozy Altidore and Landon Donovan seems promising for the future.

I have decided to read again the article by Al Bracco about Landon Donovan. I also read my article about not underestimating US Soccer. It has been decided that another article was worth writing after El Salvador and the United States Soccer Team finished their game with a tie.

The United States Soccer Team made the mistake of underestimating the Salvadoran team and paid heavily when Quintanilla scored the first goal of the game in 15 minutes. It appears that the United States Soccer Team piled mistake upon mistake during the game.

It was during the majority of the game that El Salvador was able to dominate being in their country, with a discipline and tenacity that deserves high points.

The price that was paid with complacency almost gave the United States Soccer Team its first major defeat to a team from the American Continent in more than a decade.

El Salvador almost won the game with a goal by Castillo at 72 minutes. Castillo managed to hit the ball with his head into the left side corner of the head. The United States had to act fast to avoid humiliation.

While all appeared lost, Altidore scored the first goal for the US Soccer team at 77 minutes followed by Hejduk at 85 Minutes. The last 5 minutes of this game was exciting with both teams attempting to break the equalizer and win. This was not to be

El Salvador played magnificently without incident until fatigue set in. The US Soccer Team was not disciplined, nor organized until the last twenty minutes. If the USA wants to be a serious contender in the 2010 World Cup, it must not rest on its laurels. It should be looking at the game and the future or all will be lost.

En el 28 de Marzo 2009 el equipo de futbol de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica jugo su clasificación contra El Salvador en la capital salvadoreña. Un juego que los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica figuraba como favorito parecía como una lucha hasta la muerte.

El  juego comenzó con los Estados Unidos recostando en sus laureles y las glorias pasadas en vez de estar en el presente mirando hacia el futuro. Quintanilla aprovecho del síndrome de conformidad en el equipo estadounidense para lanzar el primer gol a los 15 minutos para El Salvador.

Después del gol, los Estados Unidos trato recuperar el terreno pero parecía que todo estaba perdido. El Salvador dominaba el terreno y el juego hasta los últimos 25 minutos. Incluso, los salvadoreños sorprendieron a los Estados Unidos con otro gol.

Castillo anoto el segundo gol con un cabezazo depositando la pelota al lado izquierdo de la cancha a los 72 minutos. Parece que los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica estaba en el camino hacia su peor derrota en más de una década.

El equipo de futbol de los Estados Unidos sorprendió a los salvadoreños con un gol cortesía de Altidore a los 77 minutos y Hejduk a los 85 minutos. Hubo empate y se calentaba los ánimos con el juego.

El Salvador y EEUU intentaron un gol para la victoria pero se acabo el tiempo.

El  Salvador mostro tenacidad con disciplina durante la contienda mientras los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica logro salvarse con un empate. No obstante, si los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica quiere esmerarse en el futbol, debe tener sus pies puestos en la tierra.

Los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica será clasificado para la Copa Mundial de 2010 pero debe afianzar su juego pues enfrentara equipos que quizás son superiores. Mis felicitaciones para El Salvador y EEUU.

I have just finished reading an article written by Al Bracco about Landon Donovan and US Soccer. The question and answer is whether Landon Donovan is the only thing in US Soccer. The article and the subject matter is worthy of discussion.

While I am tempted to agree with Al Bracco about US Soccer, I beg to disagree. While US Soccer is not in the same league as Football Soccer leagues in Europe, Africa, Asia,and the rest of the American Continent, it is growing.

It can be said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has it easy with other teams such as Cuba (which is also a novice in the sport) as well as teams such as Mexico. It is also said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has not faced stronger teams in the World Cup.

Let us imagine if the US Soccer Team competed without the presence of Landon Donovan in the 2010 World Cup. I feel that there are other players in US Soccer who have the same strength or more than Landon Donovan.

US Soccer has Altidore who is beginning his career as a professional. Altidore may have won his games against Mexico and Cuba yet he has become popular with the Xerex Football Club in Spain. The reason is his efficiency in the game. Demarcus Beasley is another example of US Soccer with his two within eight games during the 2010 World Cup Qualifier CONCACAF.

He has also instrumental in defeating Portugal during the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan. In his 2010 World Cup Qualifying CONCACAF games, Beasley has two goals in eight games. Beasley has also been popular with the Rangers in spite of not scoring.

Carlos Bocanegra is another US Soccer player who could surprise many people in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He has scored one goal out of six games in his 2010 World Cup Qualifiers and was instrumental in many victories in the American Continent. Regardless, Bocanegra could be a surprise in the 2010 World Cup.

While mentioning Altidore, Beasley, and Bocanegra, it would not be a surprise if Altidore and Beasley along with younger players are sent to the 2010 World Cup representing the United States. After all, Bocanegra and Donovan are already beyond their age when 2010 arrives.

I have also seen many young players here in Miami Florida ready to continue the US Soccer Tradition after Donovan and Bocanegra have left the scene. Some may be training for South Africa while this article is being written. If there is a lesson to be learned from my article, it should be that nothing in sports is written in stone.

It would be a huge mistake to underestimate or overestimate any team. It remains to be seen which teams the USA will play against. While the USA may not win the 2010 World Cup, it may show improvement from previous World Cup Competitions. It must be remembered that US Soccer is in its adolescent stage and needs support as well as nurturing.

Reference:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/international?id=21583&league=fifa.world&&cc=5901

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/146641-us-soccer-should-not-be-underestimated

I have just finished reading an article written by Al Bracco about Landon Donovan and US Soccer. The question and answer is whether Landon Donovan is the only thing in US Soccer. The article and the subject matter is worthy of discussion.

While I am tempted to agree with Al Bracco about US Soccer, I beg to disagree. While US Soccer is not in the same league as Football Soccer leagues in Europe, Africa, Asia,and the rest of the American Continent, it is growing.

It can be said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has it easy with other teams such as Cuba (which is also a novice in the sport) as well as teams such as Mexico. It is also said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has not faced stronger teams in the World Cup.

Let us imagine if the US Soccer Team competed without the presence of Landon Donovan in the 2010 World Cup. I feel that there are other players in US Soccer who have the same strength or more than Landon Donovan.

US Soccer has Altidore who is beginning his career as a professional. Altidore may have won his games against Mexico and Cuba yet he has become popular with the Xerex Football Club in Spain. The reason is his efficiency in the game. Demarcus Beasley is another example of US Soccer with his two within eight games during the 2010 World Cup Qualifier CONCACAF.

He has also instrumental in defeating Portugal during the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan. In his 2010 World Cup Qualifying CONCACAF games, Beasley has two goals in eight games. Beasley has also been popular with the Rangers in spite of not scoring.

Carlos Bocanegra is another US Soccer player who could surprise many people in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He has scored one goal out of six games in his 2010 World Cup Qualifiers and was instrumental in many victories in the American Continent. Regardless, Bocanegra could be a surprise in the 2010 World Cup.

While mentioning Altidore, Beasley, and Bocanegra, it would not be a surprise if Altidore and Beasley along with younger players are sent to the 2010 World Cup representing the United States. After all, Bocanegra and Donovan are already beyond their age when 2010 arrives.

I have also seen many young players here in Miami Florida ready to continue the US Soccer Tradition after Donovan and Bocanegra have left the scene. Some may be training for South Africa while this article is being written. If there is a lesson to be learned from my article, it should be that nothing in sports is written in stone.

It would be a huge mistake to underestimate or overestimate any team. It remains to be seen which teams the USA will play against. While the USA may not win the 2010 World Cup, it may show improvement from previous World Cup Competitions. It must be remembered that US Soccer is in its adolescent stage and needs support as well as nurturing.

Reference:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/international?id=21583&league=fifa.world&&cc=5901

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/146641-us-soccer-should-not-be-underestimated

Sacha Kljestan and the US Soccer Team have started 2009 on a positive note. The time has come to write about the life and times of Kljestan. He deserves praise for his decisive hat tricks which gave the United States its 3 to 2 victory over Sweden..

More on Sacha Kljestan and the US Soccer team

A few weeks ago, we reported that Benny Feilhaber was on the auction block at Derby shortly before he was named to the US Olympic squad. Now, it seems he may still have a place in the club’s side, but just barely. After his meteoric rise from Hamburg and the US national team to last summer’s transfer to Derby, Feilhaber seemed to be the next big thing. But he fell on black days, riding the bench after Paul Jewell took the reins at Pride Park. But, he kept his head down, continued training, and waited for a break which never came.

Last week, the new numbers were passed out at Derby and Feilhaber went from being #22 to being #31, the last number passed out by the club. Its usually a good sign when a coach assigns a number (and a bad one when they don’t), but being #31 is a clear sign that the American midfielder in the man on the bubble. There is, of course, always a chance he be sold before the August 31st transfer deadline.

As the English Championship season started today, Derby lost 1-0 to Championship newcomer Doncaster Rovers sans Feilhaber and Australian Ruben Zadkovich, also in Beijing to compete in the Olympics. That makes it 25 straight losses for Jewell, who has yet to win a game at Derby. Since he did not get a result today after starting seven of his new signings, the door may be creaking open for Feilhaber.

The question remains whether Feilhaber can prove himself now by starting and making a good showing at the Olympics. But that is already proving to be a difficult task. With so many quality players competing for a starting spot, it is easy to be outshined by the others – coach Piotr Novak only used Feilhaber as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Japan.

If Feilhaber can break out of his rusty cage and prove his worth, he needs to do it quickly. If Team USA has a chance to steal a point from a powerful Netherlands squad tomorrow, a resurgent Benny Feilhaber may be just what they need. Given Derby’s form, he may be just what they need as well.

The best that can be done is to wish the New England Revolution the best in what remains of the MLS [Major League Soccer] Season.

One of the standout Olympic Athletes from the United States of America in Women’s Football [Soccer] is Lauren Cheney. I would have written about Abby Wambach since she is great. Unfortunately, she was forced to withdraw from the Olympics after breaking her leg during a game against Brazil which saw the United States of America. Before talking about Lauren Cheney, it would be great to inform the reader that the United States of America is in Group G with Japan, Norway, and New Zealand. The United States of America enjoys an advantage since it is in first place in the FIFA Rank on Women’s Football [Soccer] with 2,200 points. Japan is in tenth place with 1,957 points. New Zealand is in twenty forth place with 1,724 points. Norway is in fifth place with 2,043 points. Regardless, the United States Women’s Football [Soccer] Olympic Team is not taking any chances. For this reason, Lauren Cheney is a standout US Olympic Athlete.

Lauren Cheney has more reasons to be a standout US Olympic Athlete. Lauren Cheney is a woman who is made of steel and determination which originates from her birthplace of Indianapolis, Indiana. Lauren Cheney [who is not related to Dick Cheney] is a forward in the United States Women’s Football [Soccer] Team who was born on the thirtieth of September 1987. Lauren Cheney graduated from UCLA [University of California in Los Angeles] where she excelled in two seasons of women’s football [soccer]. Lauren Cheney was able to score forty two goals in forty four games and was able to lead UCLA [otherwise known as the Bruins] to the Nationwide Semifinals before joining the United States Women’s National Football [Soccer] Team.

Lauren Cheney left her mark as a forward in the United States Women’s National Football Team by scoring twenty goals within thirty matches for the U-20 [Under Twenty] Group in 2006 while undergoing training in the Women’s National Team Camp and during her participation in the Resident Training Camp. Lauren Cheney also scored her first goal in her second professional game. The goal occurred during the United States of America VS Mexico Game at Foxborough, Massachusetts on the fourteenth of April 2007. Lauren Cheney also earned her first seniour team cap when the United States played against Germany in the Four Nations Cup Tournament in China during the year 2007.

Lauren Cheney started the year 2008 with a blaze of glory by scoring against Finland in the Algarve Cup in Portugal and against Jamaica in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Lauren Cheney continued in her blaze of glory until she was selected to replace Abby Wambach. Lauren Cheney is going to be the woman to impress people at the Women’s Football [Soccer] Games alongside Amy Rodriguez and other members of the United States Women’s [Soccer] Team.

REFERENCE:

ussoccer.com: “Cheney replaces Wambach on Olympic Roster”

http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/womens/woc/index.jsp.html

Beijing 2008, Sports Illustrated, CNN: “Lauren Cheney”

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/2008/athletes/bio/220374.html

FIFA Women’s Football Classification:

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=f/fullranking.html

I spent some time talking with the hosts of the Champion Soccer Radio Network show The Two G’s recently.  The Two G’s airs Monday through Friday on Sirius Satellite Radio.  The show has only been around since Fall 2007 but it’s built up quite a fan base in that time. 

We have producer and host Diana Germano (pictured here in the studio) to thank for finding us through our mutual friends Patrick and Diane from the Gear Guru.  Germano plays soccer for HUGS, Hollywood United Girls Soccer, along with producing The Two G’s and World Soccer Daily. You can also hear her on-air on several shows including, The Two G’s, The Treble, Divers and Cheats, and Around the League in 90 Minutes.

The show aired on June 4 but don’t worry if you missed it.  You can check it out online in the show’s archive.  Once you get to the website, click on the “Launch Player” button and scroll down and select the June 4 show.  The interview is from minutes 95-104.  There’s a location handle at the top of the player that you can slide to find the segment after it loads in your web browser. 

Side note: one of the comments made by the hosts after I got off the line was funny. I’m not often called a “diplomat” for avoiding a controversial question about Bill Bradley and the US soccer team.

As of yesterday, Bologna was no longer expressing interest but according to the Nice Matin newspaper, AS Monaco has now targetted Benefica’s American midfielder Freddy Adu for transfer. With Monaco looking to rebuild after a disappointing season, a player like Adu could see significant playing time early on.

The New England Revolution is one of the institutions of Major League Soccer. From its humble beginnings in 1995 as one of the founding members of Major League Soccer to its present place in Gillette Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, the New England Revolution has been a beacon to those who say that Soccer would never take hold or even gain a foothold in the United States of America. How wrong were the so called Sports experts?

New England Revolution has the same owner as the New England Patriots [Robert Kraft] and has had five coaches since its beginning such as Frank Stapleton, Thomas Rungen, Fernando Clavijo, Walter Zenga, and Steve Nicol. Many of the alumni who played for the New England Revolution such as Alexi Lalas, Joe-Max Moore, Mike Burns, Walter Zenga, Raul Diaz Arce, Leonel Alvarez, Eric Wynalda, John Harkes, Wolde Harris, William Sunsing, Adin Brown, Jose Cancela, Clint Dempsey, Pat Noonan, Andy Dorman, and Jose Manuel Abundis have gone to other careers and teams.

While they have had their largest win against the Colorado Rapids in Gillette Stadium on the eighteenth of September 2004 and their largest defeat against the Chicago Fire on Soldier Field on the twenty second of September 2000, they have had impressive records such as the most goals [91] by Taylor Twellman, the most assists [59] by Steve Ralston, and the most minutes [16,749] and games [188] played by Jay Heaps. Taylor Twellman has had the most shots with 510, as well as two hundred and ninety two shots on goals, three hat tricks, fifteen multi goal games, and twenty six game winning goals.

The New England Revolution has been the recipient of many awards such as being the runner up to the MLS Cup in the years 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Other awards that the New England Revolution received were the MLS Supporters Shield as Runner Ups in 2005 and the US Open Cup as Runner Ups in 2001 and Champions in 2007. The New England Revolution has also participated in the CONCACAF Champions Cup by advancing to the first round against Ajaleunse in 2003 and 2006 as well as the CONCACAF Champion’s League in 2008, and the 2008 Superliga against Chivas USA, CF Pachuca, and Santos Laguna.

In the current MLS Season for the year 2008, the New England Revolution has had four victories, three defeats, and one draw. With the 2008 Season progressing [especially after signing Chris Albright, Spencer Valentino, Matt Britner, Spencer Wadsworth, Kheli Dube, Mauricio Castro, Argenis Fernandez, Brandon Tyler, Sam Brill, and Chase Hilgenbrinck], it remains to be seen whether the New England Revolution can maintain momentum and win games so as to win the MLS Cup Trophy. My best wishes to the New England Revolution.

The Houston Dynamos have been two time champions of the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007. The year 2008 is all too different and it reminds me of the song by the Monkees after they reunited in 1987: “That Was Then and This Is Now”. The MLS [Major League Soccer] Season for 2008 began on a bad note for the Houston Dynamos. The Houston Dynamos won half of their games in February and March 2008 during the Preseason Games. In April 2008, the Houston Dynamos scored no points in their game against Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica and was able to save themselves from a humiliating defeat at the Robertson Stadium in Dallas Texas with a last minute goal by Geoff Cameron with a little help from Brian Ching. Regardless, the score between the Houston Dynamos and FC Dallas was 3-3.

If the Houston Dynamos want to win the MLS Cup three straight times, they have to organize themselves into a team that can possess the ball and the game. At the present time, the Houston Dynamos are suffering from the mentality of “We can win” without actually doing the things necessary such as taking advantage of an opponent’s weakness. The Houston Dynamos also appear to suffer from a lack of organization, coordination, and discipline that is necessary in any successful bid for the MLS Cup. It also did not help that the Houston Dynamos lost to the New England Revolution on the 29th of March 2008 with Steve Ralston, Adam Cristman and Sainey Nyassi scoring for the New England Revolution while the Houston Dynamos were disorganized. The New England Revolution’s three to zero victory over the Houston Dynamos in that game was proof as to the lack of coordination, discipline, and organization within the team.

While everything within the MLS [Major League Soccer] Season is possible, the idea of the Houston Dynamos winning the MLS Cup three times in a row is not one of them. The Houston Dynamos are not playing the same way they did in 2006 and 2007. The Houston Dynamos should remember the saying that “if something is not broken do not fix it”. The Houston Dynamos should stick to the plan that won them the MLS Cup two times in a row. Regardless, I will leave a window open to the fact that Michael Ching could be used as an inspiration to start winning games and become organized.

En un estadio ubicado en San Luis Misuri, el equipo femenino de los EEUU jugaron contra el equipo femenino de Mexico. Con su victoria, el equipo femenino de EEUU mostraron que su fuerza en el futbol femenino. 

Pero hay un defecto, porque jugaron con esmero y brillo a principios de 2007 pero terminaron mal en la Copa Femenina de la FIFA en China? El equipo femenino de EEUU poseen la capacidad, la diciplina, la tenacidad, la organizacion en el 2007 incluyendo este juego donde ganaron 5 a 1. 

Considero necesario que el tecnico Ryan debe ser reemplazado por una mujer. Una mujer dirigiendo un equipo de futbol femenino estaran en contacto con las necesidades femeninas. Ademas, casi todos los equipos de futbol femenino tienen un tecnico femenino.