Archive for March, 2011

News in brief

Thurs. March 31 (PM): Racism claims draw anger, Najar nears decision, Toronto signs defender

With claims of racism being thrown around the accused are defending themselves. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce says he’s not racist after one of his own players, defender Marcos Angeleri speculated he wasn’t getting playing time because he’s not English. That’s the way to get on the pitch!

The Scottish FA wants an apology after Neymar spoke of a racist atmosphere. You see, the Brazilian was angry with the Scotland supporters, but it turns out it was a German who threw a banana on the pitch at the ground of an English side. Got it?

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United States

Greg Garza Solves The Left Back Problem… For A Night

NOAH DAVIS from Guatemala City – Let’s get this out of the way now: Greg Garza is not the solution to Bob Bradley’s problems on the left flank. Ultimately, his best position might not even be on the backline, but instead further up in the midfield.

Still, he looked competent and strong against Suriname on Tuesday night. And sure, the opposition rarely tested the United States – there were times when it looked like Perry Kitchen and Gale Agbossoumonde could have handled any attacking forays themselves — but the left back easily shut down what invasions there were.

There’s plenty more on the MLSsoccer.com story I wrote about Garza, but suffice it to say that it was nice not having to worry about the left back position for once.

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News in brief

THURS March 31 (AM): Manchester United, Mario Balotelli and Juan Agudelo

The latest name in the running to replace Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United after his retirement this May is current Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea. The Manchester-club has held talks over signing the 20-year-old Spaniard, according to his agent.

No, seriously, Mario Balotelli is happy at Manchester City. He’s just not thrilled about the £100k fine he’s reportedly being assessed for throwing darts at youth players.

A group of American investors are apparently making a bid to buy Roma by mid-April.

Check out the unlikely story of electrician-turned-Premier League player, Michael Richardson.

The love-fest continues for Juan Agudelo.

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News in brief

WED Mar. 30 (PM): Forlan, Kranjcar, Yossi, and Heinman

World Cup sensation Diego Forlan is once again letting any new potential clubs that he is up to a good offer. This summer Forlan amazed the world with his ability to score from outside the box, but this season he has struggled for Atheltico Madrid. The Uruguayan forward has not kept up with his scoring pace from the summer and he only has eight goals this campaign. Also, it is hard to see any clubs with a huge amount of interest in Forlan since he is 31. With his prime years likely behind him  not many big clubs would want to spend a huge transfer fee on Forlan.

Another player on the move could be Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar. The Croatian is not seeing much playing time for Tottenham, and would like to play more. Kranjcar just moved to Tottenham last year, and if he does leave numerous teams will want him.

Chelsea get some good new about winger Yossi Benayoun.

See the unlikely story of Crew Forward Tommy Heinmann.

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10 Kit Essay

Derby della Madonnina

ANTHONY MANNINO- The Seire A season is coming to a close, and this season has been filled with many surprises. Both Udinese and Lazio have had fantastic seasons and are on pace to win a Champions League spot. However, this weekend, the Milan derby could decide who wins the Scudetto… and would we have it any other way?  Two points only separate the two historic clubs, and the winner of this match will have the distinct advantage for the remaining seven games. Here’s what to look forward to for the match this weekend: (more…)

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News in brief

WED Mar. 30 (AM): US Soccer, MLS, La Liga, and EPL

New kits couldn’t bring victory. In front of 29,059 – which is apparently a record crowd for a USMNT game in Tennessee (why do we still play there?) – the US Men fell 1-0 to Paraguay at LP Field in Nashville thanks to an 18th minute strike from Oscar Cardozo. The lone goal was a gift of poor US clearing, and while defending and finishing were far too sloppy, the US offered an inspired performance with plenty of opportunities (US outshot Paraguay 13-5) worthy of more than the shutout that resulted. Highlights and quotes.

Behind the scenes of the 1-1 tie against Argentina.

Back in MLS, the Portland Timbers cut the wood for the first time as an MLS side.

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News in brief

TUES March 29 (PM): Ghana ties England, the U.S. takes on Paraguay, Gareth Bale and Chad Ochocino

Asamoah Gyan leveled for Ghana in the 91st minute in their friendly against England at Wembley Stadium this afternoon. Andy Carroll struck first for the three lions, but Gyan equalized in the waning minutes of the match to give the African side a well-deserved draw.

In Euro 2012 play, the Netherlands bested Hungary 5-2, Spain downed Lithuania 3-1 and a surprising Israel squad defeated Georgia 1-0. Click here for a full list of scores.

The U.S. takes on Paraguay in a friendly tonight in Nashville and all eyes will be on youngster Juan Agudelo. Agudelo was the spark for the Americans on Friday night, poking in the tying goal against Argentina.
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United States

Wishful Thinking Against Paraguay

ANTHONY MANNINO- After an impressive second half against Argentina, the Men’s National team will want to build on that momentum tonight. Coach Bradley is expected to make numerous changes to the squad. Here are some wishes that I would like to see the Americans fulfill in the match against Paraguay.

Juan Agudelo starting

I do not care if you think he is overrated or over hyped, so far Juan Agudelo has been impressive for the Americans and he deserves to start. In three caps the 18 year old has had two goals, and even if he is just on a scoring streak Coach Bob Bradley should ride the streak for as long as possible. The young striker has yet to start for the senior team and his play has merited at least an opportunity to start. Although he is young and may make mistakes if Agudelo continues to score Coach Bradley should allow the youngster to play and learn from these mistakes. (more…)

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United States

Fitness and Football at 5,000 Feet

NOAH DAVIS – Brent has your preview of Tuesday’s United States-Suriname match, so I’m here with an observation: Guatemala City is high.

Like Denver, Mile High City high.

High enough that it was immediately noticeable when I went running this morning.

Perry Kitchen, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to mind.

“Not really,” he said when I asked if it was a problem.” Most of the guys are pretty fit. I haven’t really noticed it.”

Neither, for that matter, did Omar Saldago.

“I didn’t feel it at all,” he said after training on Monday. “The only place I felt it was in Peru.”

In case there were any doubts, US team: fit. Me: less so.

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