America: Knowledge Leader No More?

In a viewpoint piece at BusinessWeek Online, EMC Chairman Mike Ruettgers says what many, including NY Times Columnist Thomas Friedman, have been saying for over a year now: America is losing the battle to remain the world's "knowledge leader." With India and China turning out a multiple number of engineering grads than the US, it's only a matter of time before we'll look to those nations for innovations and new product development. That'll mean redistribution of global wealth, and that my friends, is a scary proposition.

The Week in Soccer

Nick Sakiewicz
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Nick Speaks
This week, Nick Sakiewicz, the embattled GM of the MetroStars, sat down with MetroEmpire's Kristian Dyer for an interview on the state of the team. Faced with a 1-2-2 record to start the season, including an 0-2-2 record at home, dwindling attendance, and a disaffected fan base, Nick deflected criticism, offered nothing concrete on the Harrison stadium situation, and offered the dreaded "vote of confidence" in his coach, Bob Bradley.

Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Saturday, May 7th
MetroStars 0-1 San Jose
New England 2-0 Chicago
DC United 3-1 Columbus
Kansas City 3-3 FC Dallas
Chivas USA 1-0 Real Salt Lake

Sunday, May 8th
LA Galaxy 3-2 Colorado

MLS Standings after Week 6 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 16, +10
Chicago 10, -2
DC United 8, 2
Kansas City 6, 0
Columbus 6, -5
MetroStars 5, 0

Western Conf.
LA Galaxy 12, 4
FC Dallas 11, +4
San Jose 9, 1
Salt Lake 5, -5
Colorado 4, -3
Chivas USA 4, -6

This Week's Matches:
Saturday, May 14th
New England v. DC United, 4pm, ESPN2
Columbus v. Kansas City, 7:30pm
Chicago v. MetroStars, 8:30pm, HDNet
Colorado v. Chivas USA, 9pm
Salt Lake v. LA Galaxy, 9:30pm, FSC
San Jose v. FC Dallas, 10pm

The Next MLS Owner?

Andrew Murstein
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

Andrew Murstein, President of New York-based Medallion Financial Group, is bidding to become the next owner in MLS. In Tuesday's New York Times, Murstein was profiled as the leading candidate to own a club in San Antonio for 2006. In a bit of a surprise, Murstein noted his desire to bring a 2nd team to the NY area, acquire the Cosmos trademark, and build a soccer-specifc stadium adjacent to Shea Stadium in Queens.

According to today's Kansas City Star, Murstein has offered KC Wizards owner Lamar Hunt $15 million for the club, possibly to move the Wizards to San Antonio. Hunt has been trying to find a Kansas City-based buyer that would keep the 2000 MLS Cup champs and build a stadium in KC.

The Week in Soccer

Amado Guevara (Wireimage)
Originally uploaded by mfishkin.

It was a week of good, bad, and ugly in the world of soccer.

The Good
The MetroStars finally got in the win column at a snow-whipped Invesco Field in Denver, as 2004 MLS MVP Amado Guevara notched a hat trick in the Metros' 3-1 win over the Rapids on Saturday. Also, more than 50,000 fans turned out to a double-header in Chicago on Wednesday for the Fire-Revolution and Poland-Mexico.

The Bad
Not only did DaMarcus Beasley's PSV Eindhoven squad drop the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie to AC Milan (2-0), but the American midfielder was injured in a meaniningless Eredivisie match over the weekend, keeping him out of this week's return UEFA match, and sidelining him for the next 3-5 weeks. He should miss the US' June 4th World Cup Quallie with Costa Rica.

The Ugly
New England is surprisingly sitting on top of the league with a 4-0-1 record, but Revolution fans have yet to show up at the stadium. A season-low 7,813 came out to Foxboro for the Revs' 1-0 victory over Chivas USA on Saturday.

Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Wednesday, April 27th
Chicago 0-3 New England

Saturday, April 30th
Kansas City 0-0 DC United
New England 1-0 Chivas USA
Columbus 0-2 Chicago
Colorado 1-3 MetroStars
Salt Lake 2-2 San Jose
LA Galaxy 2-0 FC Dallas

MLS Standings after Week 5 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 13, +8
Chicago 10, 0
Columbus 6, -3
MetroStars 5, +1
Kansas City 5, 0
DC United 5, 0

Western Conf.
FC Dallas 10, +4
LA Galaxy 9, +3
San Jose 6, 0
Salt Lake 5, -4
Colorado 4, -2
Chivas USA 1, -7

This Week's Matches:
Saturday, May 7th
MetroStars v. San Jose, 4pm, ESPN2
New England v. Chicago, 7:30pm
DC United v. Columbus, 7:30pm
Kansas City v. FC Dallas, 8pm
Chivas USA v. Salt Lake, 10pm, FSC & HDNet

Sunday, May 8th
LA Galaxy v. Colorado, 8pm

Best of Luck to Beasley

DaMarcus Beasley (AP)

US International Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley should become the first American to play in the Champions League semifinals when his Dutch Champion PSV Eindhoven squad takes on AC Milan at the San Siro today at 2:45pm ET. Kelly Whiteside of USA Today has a nice profile of Beasley, who cut his teeth with MLS' Chicago Fire.

This Week In Soccer

Kirovski Celebrates (AP)

Soccer on the big screen
Now in limited release is the story of the US' 1950 World Cup win vs. England in "The Game of Their Lives." Starring Wes Bentley (American Beauty), the film was produced by the team that made other sports underdog stories Hoosiers and Rudy.

The Week in MLS
It was the best of times and worst of times in LA this week.

First comes the best, as 27,000 fans packed the Home Depot Center for the first "Honda Super Clasico" match between the LA Galaxy and stadium expansion rival Chivas USA. On the field, the old boys took care of the Mexican-American newbies, 3-1.

Now the worst: The match was to be televised live at 10pm ET on espn2, but coverage of the 3rd round of the NFL draft delayed the telecast until after 11pm. While the deuce showed the match in its entirety, espn2 teased viewers on the "bottom line" crawl by updating the score while the match was in progress, removing any element of surprise for viewers waiting to watch the game. Combined with the season opener shift to ESPN from ABC after the death of Pope John Paul II, and a recent Friday night espn2 telecast delay by the South Carolina spring football game, one has to wonder how much of a broadcast partner the Disney networks really are.

Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
MetroStars 0-1 Chicago
DC United 3-4 New England
FC Dallas 3-0 Salt Lake
Colorado 2-0 Columbus
LA Galaxy 3-1 Chivas
San Jose 3-2 Kansas City

Standings after Week 4 (Club PTS, GD):
MLS East
New England 7, +4
Chicago 7, +1
Columbus 6, -1
Kansas City 4, 0
DC United 4, 0
MetroStars 2, -1

MLS West
FC Dallas 10, +6
LA Galaxy 6, +1
San Jose 5, 0
Colorado 4, 0
Real Salt Lake 4, -4
Chivas USA 1, -6

This Week's MLS Schedule:
Wednesday, April 27th
Chicago v New England, 7pm, FSC

Saturday, April 30th:
Kansas City v DC United, 4pm, ESPN2
New England v Chivas, 7:30pm, FSC
Columbus v Chicago, 7:30pm, HDNet
Colorado v MetroStars, 9pm, MSG
RSL v San Jose, 9:30pm
LA Galaxy v FC Dallas, 10pm

This Week In Soccer

Hall of Fame Voting
Three US soccer pioneers were voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Induction will be held in Oneonta, NY on August 29th.

Defender Marcelo Balboa earned 128 caps and scored 13 goals with the National team between 1988 and 2000. Balboa played in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. His seven-year MLS career was almost exclusively spent with the Colorado Rapids. Balboa played in 152 MLS matches, notching 24 goals, including the 2000 Goal of the Year on an incredible bicycle kick vs. Columbus.

John Harkes was the first American to play in England's hallowed Wembley Stadium, with Sheffield Wednesday in 1991. A midfielder, Harkes scored 6 goals in 90 appearances with the National team between 1987 and 2000. Harkes played for the US in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, but was inexplicably cut from the 1998 team weeks before the competition by coach Steve Sampson. Harkes played for DC United during its early dominance of MLS, and helped the team to titles in 1996 and 1997. He also played for New England and Columbus, appearing in 167 league games overall, and scoring 16 goals.

Tab Ramos may have been the most talented player ever to wear the US shirt. His National Team career spanned from 1988 until 2000, including 81 caps and 8 goals. Like Balboa, midfielder Ramos appeared in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. On July 4, 1994, the US faced Brazil in the '94 World Cup round of 16 at Stanford Stadium. With the match tied in the first half, Brazilian midfielder Leonardo cracked Ramos with an elbow to the side of the head, forcing him to leave the match (Leonardo received a red card). Without Ramos in the lineup, the US fell to 10-man Brazil, 1-0. Ramos, the first-ever player signed to an MLS contract, spent his career exclusively with the MetroStars, though frequent injuries prevented him from playing more than 25 matches in any one season. Ramos appeared in 112 league matches, scoring 8 goals.

The First MLS Derby
In soccer parlance, a derby is a match between two teams from the same city. This week, the first MLS derby will be held with Chivas USA playing "at" the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center, which both teams call home. LA has been bolstered by the arrival of Landon Donovan, who had 2 goals in his team debut two weeks ago. Chivas is struggling out of the gate, with an 0-2-1 record after three matches.

This Week's MLS Schedule:
Friday, April 22nd:
Chicago @ MetroStars, 8pm, ESPN2

Saturday, April 23rd:
New England @ DC United, 7:30pm, FSC & HDNet
Real Salt Lake @ FC Dallas, 8pm
Columbus Crew @ Colorado, 9pm
Chivas USA @ LA Galaxy, 10pm, ESPN2

Last Week's MLS Matches:
DC United 0-1 Columbus (Buddle 26)
Colorado 0-1 Real Salt Lake (Dunseth 81)
Kansas City 2-2 MetroStars (Jewsbury 20, Klein 31; Galvan Rey 43, 60)
San Jose 1-2 Chicago (Moreno 82; own goal 58, Thiago 91+)
FC Dallas 3-1 Chivas USA (O'Brien 40, Ruiz pk 85, Johnson 94+; Martins 44)

Standings after Week 3:
MLS East (Club PTS, GD)
Columbus 6, +1
New England 4, +3
Kansas City 4, +1
DC United 4, +1
Chicago 4, 0
MetroStars 2, 0

MLS West
FC Dallas 7, +3
Real Salt Lake 4, -1
LA Galaxy 3, -1
San Jose 2, -1
Colorado 1, -2
Chivas USA 1, -4

This Week In Soccer

DC United's run in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup came crashing to an end last night in Mexico after a 5-0 drubbing by MFL Champion UNAM Pumas. DC and Pumas had tied 1-1 in the first leg last week at RFK. Pumas will face Saprissa of Costa Rica for the title, after Saprissa beat Mexico's Monterrey in penalty kicks after 2-2 and 1-1 draws.

The only GM that the Chicago Fire has ever known, Peter Wilt, was unceremoniously dumped by owner/operator AEG in favor of current Metros VP Marketing John Guppy. Wilt, who was known as the most fan-friendly GM in the league, had led the team to the MLS Cup title in its very first season (1998), and US Open Cup titles in 1998, 2000, and 2003. He oversaw the Fire's move to Naperville, IL for two seasons while Solider Field underwent renovation, and negotiated the building of the Fire's own stadium, now under construction in Bridgeview, IL, 12 miles south of Chicago.

In Europe, Chelsea, Liverpool, and DaMarcus Beasley's PSV Eindhoven squad advanced to the Champions League semifinals. The two English squads will play each other, and PSV awaits a UEFA ruling on the AC Milan-Inter Milan series after AC keeper Dida was hit by a flare thrown from the stands in the teams' second-leg match. The match was abandoned with AC Milan holding a 3-0 aggregate lead.

This Week's MLS Schedule
Friday, April 15th:
DC United @ Columbus, 8pm, ESPN2

Saturday, April 16th:
Colorado @ Real Salt Lake (Home Opener), 3pm ESPN2
Kansas City @ MetroStars, 7:30pm MSG
San Jose @ Chicago, 8:30pm, FSC
FC Dallas @ Chivas, 10pm, HDNet

Standings after Week 2
MLS East (Club, PTS, GD)
New England 4, +3
DC United 4, +2
Kansas City 3, +1
Columbus 3, +0
Metros 1, +0
Chicago 1, -1

MLS West
FC Dallas 4, +1
LA Galaxy 3, -1
San Jose 2, 0
Colorado 1, -1
Chivas USA 1, -2
Real Salt Lake 1, -2

What It's All About

Frank Dell'Apa has a great profile in today's Boston Globe about Revolution rookie D Michael Parkhurst who, as a 12-yr old youth player, attended New England's first-ever game at old Foxboro Stadium. Now he wears the jersey. A great read about the present and future of MLS.

That's One Way to Get Some Press

The MetroStars rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange this morning.

Not that it'll have any impact on their stadium project. The Star-Ledger is reporting that the NJSEA director that's trying to complete the Harrison, NJ stadium deal would benefit financially from the residences that are to be built adjacent to the stadium, a clear conflict of interest. Isn't NJ politics fun? It really is a soap opera at this point, folks.

This Week in Soccer

Tonight, DC United continues it's quest for the 2005 CONCACAF Championship Cup as the defending MLS Champions open a semifinal home-and-home series vs. Mexican Champion UNAM Pumas at RFK Stadium at 7:30pm (Fox Soccer Channel).

The European Champions league is in its quarterfinal phase. Yesterday, Liverpool took a 2-1, 1st leg win vs. Juventus, and DaMarcus Beasley and PSV Eindhoven drew at Lyon, 1-1. Today, Chelsea hosts Bayern Munich (2:30pm, ESPN2), and Milan and Inter play the first of two derby legs.

This Week's MLS Schedule
Saturday, April 9th:
Chivas USA @ San Jose, 4pm ESPN2
Columbus @ New England, 7:30pm FSC
Chicago @ DC United, 7:30pm HDNet
FC Dallas @ Colorado, 9pm
Real Salt Lake @ LA Galaxy, 10pm

Standings after Week 1
MLS East (Club, PTS, GD)
Columbus 3, +3
DC United 3, +2
Kansas City 3, +1
New England 1, +0
Metros 1, +0
Chicago 0, -1

MLS West
FC Dallas 3, +1
San Jose 1, +0
Real Salt Lake 1, +0
Colorado 1, -1
Chivas USA 0, -2
LA Galaxy 0, -3

A Must Read on the World Economy

Last Sunday's NY Times Magazine included a vital essay, "It's a Flat World, After All," by Thomas L. Friedman. In the piece, Friedman argues that as fewer American students enter science and engineering programs, and quality education becomes accessible in China and India, low cost, high tech jobs will shift to the other side of the world, undermining the US' global economic leadership.

As he says, "So parents, throw away the Game Boy, turn off the television and get your kids to work. There is no sugar-coating this: in a flat world, every individual is going to have to run a little faster if he or she wants to advance his or her standard of living. When I was growing up, my parents used to say to me, ''Tom, finish your dinner -- people in China are starving.'' But after sailing to the edges of the flat world for a year, I am now telling my own daughters, ''Girls, finish your homework -- people in China and India are starving for your jobs.''

Blown Away

Over the weekend, three rainstorms converged over the New York area to create a swirling mess of wind and rain. I had the fortune to be spending Saturday night at Giants Stadium for the MetroStars - Real Salt Lake MLS Season Opener. Outside the stadium, light stanchions shook in the rain. Small children were blown away from their parents. Parking attendants were surly.

Inside the stadium, goal kicks traveled 20 feet before getting cut down by the wind. Longballs blew far in front of intended players. Corner kicks went nowhere near the goals. The match finished in a scoreless draw, which was a fair result for both teams.

The Metro (0-0-1, 1pt, 4th place) takes a week off before facing Kansas City (1-0-0, 3pts, 1st place) at the Swamp on April 16th.

3 Valuable Points

The US was literally head and shoulders above a shorter Guatemala team last night at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL, taking their WCQ match, 2-0, on goals from Dallas F Eddie Johnson (his 8th in 8 national team appearances) and New England M Steve Ralston. Johnson nearly had a pretty bicycle kick goal, which was saved by the Guatemalan keeper, and LA Galaxy M Landon Donovan had a goal called back on a horrible offside call. Add a missed Guatemalan handball in the box and this match could have ended 5-0. With the win, the US moves into 2nd place in the six-team Hexagonal with seven matches remaining. Other scores from last night: PAN 1-MEX 1, and TTO 0, CRC 0.

The current standings:
After 3 of 10 matches (W-L-T, Pts, GD)
1. Mexico 2-0-1, 7, +2
2. USA 2-1-0, 6, +2
3. Guatemala 1-1-1, 4, +2
4. Costa Rica 1-1-1, 4, +0
5. Panama 0-1-2, 2 -1
6. Trinidad 0-2-1, 1, -5

Matchday 4 will be held on Saturday, June 4th.
The schedule:
Panama at Trinidad
Mexico at Guatemala
Costa Rica at USA (Salt Lake City)

This Week in Soccer

It's going to be quite a ride this week as WC Qualifying continues at a fever pitch and the MLS season begins.

The action will start off the field tomorrow, however, as the MetroStars sit down with the NJSEA in what Metro GM Nick Sackiewicz says will hopefully be the "last negotiation" for the Harrison, NJ, stadium project. A report today in the Star-Ledger has Hudson County ready to sell bonds to fund the purchase and cleanup of the stadium site.

On the field, the US teams needs to rebound after getting smacked by Mexico. The Nats take on Guatemala in Birmingham, AL (espn2, 8pm). Also in CONCACAF, Mexico will be in Panama (Telemundo, 8pm), and Trinidad will play at Costa Rica.

Fox Soccer Channel will show three European WC Qualifiers on Wednesday:
England-Azerbaijan live at 1:30pm
Serbia/Montenegro-Spain delayed at 4pm
Israel -France delayed at 6pm

MLS' 10th season kicks off this Saturday, April 2nd, with all 12 teams taking part. Fox Soccer Channel has an hour-long preview show on Friday April 1 at 8pm.

Schedule:
DC United @ Chivas USA - 3pm, ABC
Real Salt Lake @ MetroStars - 7pm, MSG
LA Galaxy @ Columbus Crew - 7:30pm, HDNet, FSC
Colorado Rapids @ KC Wizards - 8pm
Chicago Fire @ FC Dallas, 8:30pm, CSN-Chicago
New England Revolution @ San Jose Earthquakes, 10pm, WLVI-TV

Fox Soccer Channel's MLS Wrap returns at midnight on Saturday.

Here we go, here we go, here we gooooooooooooo.

Ouch!

The US took it on the chin on Sunday in Mexico City, losing to Mexico 2-1, and the match wasn't that close. US Coach Bruce Arena chose to go with a mostly European-based squad that hadn't had a lot of altitude training, and it showed. The US was seriously gassed after the first 30 minutes of play, and gave up 2 goals in a 3 minute span. The first Mexican goal (Borgetti) was a thing of beauty, but the second saw Mexico's Naelson all alone in front of US keeper Kasey Keller with no defenders in sight. Eddie Lewis got the US on the board in the 59th minute, but there was never a sense that the Yanks would come back to tie. With the loss, the Yanks' 16 match unbeaten streak overall and 31-match CONCACAF unbeaten streak came to an end. They better get their act cleaned up for Guatemala on Wednesday in Birmingham, AL. The Chapines routed Trinidad 5-1 on Saturday.

Game Reports from:
Stephen Goff (Washington Post)
Grahame Jones (LA Times)
Filip Bondy (NY Daily News)

Current CONCACAF Standings
Top 3 qualify directly to WC 2006, the fourth placed team plays the Asian 5th place team for a berth
After 2 rounds of 10 (W-L-T, Pts, GD)
1. Mexico 2-0-0, 6, +2
2. Guatemala 1-0-1, 4, +4
t3. USA 1-1-0, 3, +0
t3. Costa Rica 1-1-0, 3, +0
5. Panama 0-1-1, 1 -1
6. Trinidad 0-2-0, 0, -5

Schedule for Wed, March 30th
Guatemala at USA (Birmingham, AL), espn2, 8pm
Mexico at Panama
Costa Rica at Trinidad

Ice Madness

Though we're halfway through the basketball version of "March Madness," the NCAA Ice Hockey tournament kicks off this afternoon. 16 teams will be trying to get to the Frozen Four in Columbus OH on the weekend of Apr 7-9.

The pairings:

East Regional - Worcester, MA
Semifinals today, Final tomorrow
Boston College vs. Mercyhurst (PA)
North Dakota vs. Boston University

Northeast Regional - Amherst, MA
Semifinals tomorrow, Final Sunday
Denver vs. Bemidji State (MN)
New Hampshire vs. Harvard

Midwest Regional - Grand Rapids, MI
Semifinals today, Final tomorrow
Colorado College vs. Colgate
Michigan vs. Wisconsin

West Regional - Minneapolis, MN
Semifinals tomorrow, Final Sunday
Minnesota vs. Maine
Cornell vs. Ohio State

Cities Without Kids

What happens when families leave the city to raise their kids in cleaner, safer suburban environments? The city suffers. Timothy Egan of the Times takes a look at this interesting demographic and economic phenomenon.

US-Mexico: Friday Press

With the holiday weekend (for some) approaching, today is the last big day for national news reports on Sunday's match (1pm, ESPN2).

Fox Soccer Channel's Sean Wheelock leads off with his thoughts on why all the pressure is on Mexico.

Andy Gardiner of USA Today has a great piece about the US team's altitude training in Colorado this week.

FIFA.com has a very tongue-in-cheek look at the match, poking fun at the mainstream US sports media and fans for ignoring the sport.

Andrew Monfried of the US National Soccer Players site asks former US players about the experience of playing at the Azteca.

Former player and current journalist Greg Lalas (Alexi's brother) thinks in his column on US National Soccer Players that the hype is getting a little out of hand.

The players are certainly hyped up as ussoccer.com has a quote sheet from guys on both squads.

Finally, Paul Oberjuerge of the San Bernadino Sun continues his ride down to Mexico City. A must-read.

US-Mexico: Thursday Press

Today's coverage kicks off with a Glenn Davis piece from the Houston Chronicle. Davis notes that Drew Carey has become the US team's answer to the Lakers' Jack Nicholson.

Dana Harman of the Christian Science Monitor and USA Today writes about the match's effect on the Mexican psyche.

A short AP piece on Fox Sports.com covers the Mexican tactics for the match.

Steven Goff of the Washington Post reported that M/F Clint Mathis and D Joe Cannon have been dropped from Bruce Arena's training camp.

The terrific site of the US National Soccer Players Association has a run-down of the history between the two CONCACAF powers.

In an interesting travelogue, Paul Oberjuerge of the San Bernadino Sun shares his views of Mexico as he and a colleague drive to Mexico City for the game.

Thought Police in the Red States

Lest you forget that the Scopes trial of "Inherit the Wind," actually happened, The New York Times' Cornelia Dean recently wrote about IMAX theatres and science museums in the South that are refusing to show films with ANY reference to the Big Bang or evolution. Yikes!

Soccer Viewing-a-Rama

Over 75 World Cup Qualifiers will be held over the week, and a healthy portion of them will be shown on US television. Add to the mix the kick-off of MLS' 10th season on April 2nd and you've got soccer-a-rama going on. Thanks to Andy Mead of Yellow Card Journalism for pulling the below list together. I've excluded repeat showings of matches, of which there are many. All times are ET.

Sat 3/26
10:30am FSC WCQ Sweden at Bulgaria (2:30, live)
1:00pm FSC WCQ Holland at Romania (2:30, live)
4:00pm Telemundo WCQ Scotland at Italy (delayed)
11:30pm Telemundo-East WCQ Panama at Costa Rica (delayed)

Sun 3/27
9:30am ESPN Outside The Lines (USA/MEX) (1/2 hour)
12:00pm Telemundo WCQ United States at Mexico (3:30, live)
1:00pm espn2 WCQ United States at Mexico (2:10 live)

Mon 3/28
7:30pm GolTV American Soccer (1/2 hour, debut)

Tue 3/29
8:00pm FSC WCQ Northern Ireland at England (debut)

Wed 3/30
1:30pm FSC WCQ Azerbaijan at England (2:30, live)
4:00pm FSC WCQ Spain at Serbia (delayed)
6:00pm FSC WCQ France at Israel (delayed)
8:00pm espn2 WCQ Guatemala at United States (2:10, live)
8:00pm Telemundo WCQ Mexico at Panama (2:40, live-8:30pm)

Fri 4/1
8:00pm FSC MLS Preview Show 2005 (1 hour, debut)

Sat 4/2
3:00pm ABC DC United at CD Chivas (live)
4:00pm Telemundo WCQ Costa Rica at Trinidad & Tobago (debut)
7:00pm MSG, Real Salt Lake at MetroStars (live)
7:30pm FSC, HDNet Los Angeles at Columbus (2:30, live)
8:30pm CSNC Chicago at FC Dallas (live)
10:00pm WLVI San Jose at New England (live)

Sun 4/3
12:00am FSC MLS Wrap (1/2 hour, live)
1:00pm Telemundo WCQ Brazil at Uruguay (debut)
3:00pm Telemundo WCQ Colombia at Argentina (debut)

Tue 4/5
8:00pm FSC Fox Soccer USA (1/2 hour, debut)

Thu 4/7
12:00am FSC MLS Preview Show (1 hour, debut)

US-Mexico: Wednesday Press

We start off today with the transcript of Arena the Bruce's conference call at US Soccer. Here's my favorite part:

Reporter: Why do you think the U.S. has had so much trouble in Mexico and what might be different this time to tip the game in our favor?
Arena: How many teams have won in Mexico in the last 30 years? Can you answer that question?
Reporter: Not off hand.
Arena: How about if I said ‘one.'

Mark Zeigler of the SD Union Tribune has a piece about a huge 1991 US win over Mexico that started the Yanks' strong run against the tricolores.

Bob Roberts (no, not Tim Robbins) of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has a short piece about the altitude factor.

Storied soccer writer Paul Gardner talks about national pride in this story from the New York Sun (reg. req'd).

The match will also get some well-deserved attention in this week's Sports Illustrated, as well as an episode of ESPN "Outside the Lines," to be shown Sunday morning at 9:30.

US-Mexico: Tuesday Press

Grahame Jones of the LA Times sets the stage for this Sunday's clash at the Azteca. As per Colorado and US defender Pablo Mastroeni, "I think we're prepared."

Chris Cowles of the Houston Chronicle points out that the US is 6-2-1 vs. Mexico in the Bruce Arena era, with a 0-1 loss in Mexico City in a WC 2002 qualifier. Salt Lake and US Midfielder Clint Mathis says, "We just have to be prepared to deal with whatever comes at us and hopefully come away with a good result."

The San Bernadino Sun looks at the rivalry through the eyes of Mexican fans. "A loss to the U.S. is still unacceptable," said one fan. "Mexican fans will not admit the U.S. is at their level."

Soon to be displaced, Gaza Settlers Steam

This past Sunday's Times had an interesting article on those literally in the way of the Mideast peace process, the 9,000 Israeli settlers in Gaza who'll soon be re-settled after Israel cedes the region to the Palestinian authority.

The Week In Soccer

US Teams went 2-1 against foreign competition in the last week, as the US Men's National Team geared up for El Partido Grande in Mexico City this Sunday (1pm, ESPN2) with a 1-0 win over Honduras in Albuquerque, NM on the 19th. The MLS-based roster was led by Eddie Johson (FC Dallas), who tapped in a 40-yd Clint Mathis shot off the crossbar to score his seventh goal in his sixth USMNT match. Joe Cannon (Colorado) and Kevin Hartman (LA Galaxy) combined in goal for the shutout.

Look for the full complement of European-based players to head home for the Mexico clash, including Claudio Reyna (Manchester City, ENG), Landon Donovan (Bayer Leverkusen, GER), Kasey Keller (Moenchengladbach, GER), DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven, NED), Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, ENG), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96, GER), and Cory Gibbs (Feyenoord, NED).

On the club side, DC United got goals from Jaime Moreno and Josh Gros to beat Jamaica's Harbour View FC 2-1 on Wednesday, and take their Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal Series 4-2 on aggregate. DC now takes on Mexican champion UNAM Pumas in a home-and-home starting April 6th at RFK.

The Kansas City Wizards got a goal on the road from Jose Burciaga with only 12 minutes to go in their CCC quarterfinal 2nd leg match at Saprissa of Costa Rica, but gave up goals two minutes into injury time, then five minutes into overtime to drop their series, 2-1 on aggregate. Saprissa takes on Monterrey (MEX) in the semifinals.

The MetroStars signed five young players, including Jamaican Ramon Bailey, Chris Corcoran (St. John's), Jason Hernandez (Seton Hall), Abbe Ibrahim (Togo), and Carols Mendes, who spent 2003 and 2004 with the Rochester Rhinos of the USL 1st Divison (one level below MLS).

Metros GM Nick Sackiewicz announced that the March 30th meeting with NJ and NJSEA officials should "be the final, and hopefully positive," meeting regarding the Harrison, NJ, stadium project.

DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven, NED), the only American remaining in the European Champions League, takes on Olympique Lyonnais in the quarterfinals on April 5 and 13th. The winner takes on the winner of the Inter-AC Milan derby in the semifinals.
Other matchups: Liverpool-Juventus and Chelsea-Bayern Munich.

Steamboy: From the Director of Akira

A sure amine classic opens this Friday from director Katsuhiro Ôtomo, who gave us Akira in 1988 and wrote the screenplay for Rintaro's Metropolis in 2001.

Far, far away from Tetsuo and Kaneda comes Steamboy's Rei, who lives in the UK in the mid-19th century. Shortly before the first ever World Expo, Rei receives an invention called the "Steam Ball." Hijinks and destruction ensues. Check out the trailer.

DC, KC Look to advance

DC United and the Kansas City Wizards both hope to get positive results on the road in order to advance to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals over the next two nights.

DC takes a 2-1 aggregate lead into tonight's match (7:30pm on Fox Soccer Channel) in Kingston, Jamaica vs. Harbour View FC. United got goals from Alecko Eskandarian and Josh Gros in the victory at home on Mar 9th. A win or tie puts DC into a semifinal home-and-home series vs. Honduras' Olimpia or Mexico's Pumas, who drew 1-1 in the first leg.

KC has a much tougher assignment with a 0-0 aggregate score heading into tomorrow's 2nd leg at perennial Costa Rican Champion Saprissa in San Jose, CR. Wizards keeper Bo Oshoniyi kept Saprissa off the board in the home leg at Arrowhead stadium on the 9th. A victory puts the 2004 US Open Cup Champs into the semis vs. Guatemala's Municipal or Mexico's Monterrey. The Mexicans lead 2-1 after the first leg.

MLS: Metros must be in Harrison or Jets Stadium, or leave NY

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said yesterday that he's had it with NJ state politics, and is considering either moving to the proposed Jets stadium on Manhattan's West Side, or leaving the NY area all together.

According to the Bergen Record's Ives Galarcep, "Talks stalled once state officials began demanding that AEG, the MetroStars' parent company, guarantee half of the portion of the stadium proposal that is to be paid off by state-issued bonds (roughly $18 million according to a source with knowledge of the deal) in the event that MLS folded.

The current Harrison plan will cost $84 million, would have AEG paying $20 million, the town of Harrison paying $20 million, the NJSEA paying $15 million and state-issued bonds covering the difference as well as potential overages (between $34 and $36 million). The Metros and the NJSEA have come close to agreements on two separate occasions, only to have the state back out and seek new concessions."

Reported in today's Newark Star Ledger, Garber said, ""We do believe that we are providing value to the city of Harrison and Hudson County, significantly improving an area that right now is a bunch of abandoned gas tanks. The incremental tax value, the incremental real estate development and overall quality of life value -- and I live 20 minutes from there -- is something that as a tax payer in New Jersey I rather have somebody do something there that's going to improve that environment and I'm willing to help pay for that.

"So I do believe that our stadium is no different than a Wal-Mart, a Sears or an office building, and municipalities contribute in partnership with private developers because that overall development enhances the value to citizens and the tax coffers of the municipality."

Should Harrison fail and the Jets stadium fail to materialize, Garber said he is willing to leave the NY Metro area. Today's Record: "If we can't find a solution to stadium situation that team will not be able to exist in this market," said Garber. "We lose two to three times more money with that team than any other team because their expenses are higher. Their attendance is higher than most teams, but their expenses are higher."

Galarcep: "The sides are scheduled to meet on March 30, where they will discuss the findings of an independent consultant hired by the NJSEA to quantify the viability of MLS and of the stadium deal."

Ep 3 Trailer Online

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the trailer for Star Wars: Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. Hooo-eee!

Wonderful News Abounds

I can't remember a week when so many wonderful things happened.

1) Elissa and Peter Everett welcomed Graham Duncan Everett to the world on Friday, March 11th. The crackah already has his own yahoo account and has already won his own fantasy baby pool! Welcome Graham!

2) Eric Broder is hanging up a shingle as he opens Broder & Orland, LLC, on April 1st in Westport, CT. He'll continue to practice in Family & Matrimonial Law. Way to go, Eric!

3) Andy Brown will be at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for his three-year Oncology fellowship, starting in mid-2006. Very impressive!

4) Girish Khera is getting married in the next few weeks in India. He and Ashish are opening their own company, Scientific Animations, next month. Best of luck, guys!

5) Susie Fox will be leaving uncertain times (and an awful commute) at Merck to join Medical Knowledge Group, a medical communication company in midtown. Congrats!

Keep that good news coming! It's infectious!

The British Are Coming!

For the first time since 1994, the US Men's Soccer team will face England, on May 28th at Chicago's Solider Field. The match will be a warmup for soon-to-follow World Cup Qualifiers at vs. Costa Rica & Panama.

The Updated USMNT 2005 Schedule:
Wed Feb 9 W 2-1 at Trinidad*
Wed Mar 9 W 3-0 vs. Colombia at Fullerton, CA
Sat Mar 19 vs. Honduras at Alberquerque, NM
Sun Mar 27 at Mexico*
Wed Mar 30 vs. Guatemala* at Birmingham, AL
Sat May 28 vs. England at Chicago
Sat Jun 4 vs. Costa Rica* at Salt Lake City
Wed Jun 8 at Panama*
Thu Jul 7 vs. Cuba** at Seattle
Sat Jul 9 vs. Canada** at Seattle
Tue Jul 12 vs. Costa Rica** at Foxboro, MA
Sat Jul 16 Gold Cup Quarterfinals** at Foxboro, MA
Wed Jul 20 Gold Cup Seminfinals** at Giants Stadium
Sun Jul 24 Gold Cup Final** at Giants Stadium
Wed Aug 17 vs. Trinidad* at Hartford, CT
Sat Sep 3 vs. Mexico* at Columbus, OH
Wed Sep 7 at Guatemala*
Sat Oct 8 at Costa Rica*
Wed Oct 12 vs Panama* at TBD U.S. site

*World Cup Qualifier
** CONCACAF Gold Cup

US Teams Go 3-0-1 on Wednesday

US National and club teams had an impressive day yesterday, posting a 3-0-1 record in three competitions in the US and abroad.

The US Men's National Team got goals from newbies Pat Noonan (New England) and Chad Marshall (Columbus) and veteran Clint Mathis (Real Salt Lake) to beat Colombia 3-0 before 7,000 fans at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, CA. First-time starter John Busch (Columbus) got the shutout in goal. The international friendly was one of two tune-up matches for the Easter Sunday WCQ in Mexico City. The US next plays Honduras in Albequerque, NM on Saturday the 19th. The US hasn't lost in 15 matches (10-0-5) since a 1-0 defeat in Holland last February. Over the streak, the US has outscored its opponents 31-7.

MLS Cup Champion DC United used a second half goal my Josh Gros to take a 2-1 lead over Jamaica's Harbour View FC in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champion's Cup first round matchup in Germantown, MD, before 3,000 fans. A horrible defensive error by goalie Nick Rimando allowed Harbour View to score. The two play the return leg of the aggregate goals match in Kingston on the 16th.

US Open Cup Champion Kansas City Wizards settled for a scoreless draw in their first-round, first-leg match with Costa Rica's Saprissa at Arrowhead Stadium. The second leg will be held in San Jose, CR, on the 17th.

The US Women's National Team opened the 2005 Algarve (Portugal) Cup with a 1-0 victory over France. Christie Welsh scored the only goal in the 20th minute. The US faces Finland on Friday.

More US Dates Set, The Beas hits Net

Learning from past miscues, US Soccer has placed final-round World Cup Qualifying matches in cities unlikely to attract strong opposition support.

Today, Concacaf announced that the US will face Trinidad on Wed. Aug. 17th at Hartford's Rentschler Field. On Saturday, September 3rd, the US will host Mexico at Columbus' Crew Stadium.

Other home matches this round will be held in Birmingham, AL on 3/30 vs. Guatemala, and Salt Lake City on 6/4 vs. Costa Rica.

The days of playing Latin American teams in LA and Miami thankfully appear to be over.

Yanks Abroad
Earlier today, US and PSV Eindoven striker DaMarcus Beasley scored only two minutes after coming off the substitutes bench in a 2-0 (3-0 aggregate) win over host side AS Monaco in the European Champions League round of 16. PSV moves on to the quarterfinal vs. an opponent TBD. Landon Donovan played the first 53 minutes in Bayer Leverkusen's 3-1 (6-1) loss to Liverpool in Germany. UEFA.com noted that Donovan had "a disappoining night." Yesterday, Tim Howard played 90 minutes in Manchester United's 1-0 loss to AC Milan at the San Siro. Man U. was eliminated 2-0 on aggregate.

MLS All-Star Game to feature London's Fulham

Joining the bandwagon of bringing European teams to the US to make some cash is Major League Soccer, who today announced that the league's 10th All-Star game, to be held on July 30th at Columbus Crew Stadium, will forgo the East-West matchup in favor of a unified MLS All-Star squad taking on Fulham FC from the English Premier League.

Fulham, currently sitting in 15th place on the EPL table, has two former MLS All-Stars and current US National Team players on its roster: Forward Brian McBride, who played in Columbus from 1996-2003, and Defender Carlos Bocanegra formerly of the Chicago Fire.

The match will be televised nationally on ABC.

Soccer Marches Forth

March is a big month for soccer for the US and MLS.

The US Men's National team plays four matches this month: two warmups in the next two weeks before Matches 2 and 3 of World Cup Qualifying. An MLS-only US Squad takes on Colombia on Wednesday in Fullerton, CA, then heads to Alberquerque, NM for a match against Honduras on the 19th. Why New Mexico? To prepare the Nats for the the altitude of the big World Cup Quallie on Easter Sunday (the 26th) against Mexico at the Azteca in Mexico City, where the US has never won. The following Wednesday the Nats take on Guatemala in the first home game of the Quallie finals in Birmingham, AL. The US currently is tied for the top spot along with the tricolores.

Last season's MLS Cup finalists kick off the 2005 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the region's version of the Euro Champions League, this week. MLS Cup champ DC United hosts Jamaican champion Harbour View FC in the first match of a home-and-home quarterfinal seriesm, Wednesday at 7:30 on Fox Soccer Channel. MLS runner-up and US Open Cup winner Kansas City Wizards host Costa Rican champion Saprissa at 9:30pm, also on FSC. Return matches follow on the 16th. Other participating clubs include Mexico's UNAM Pumas and Monterrey, Honduran champ Olimpia, and Guatemala's Municipal. MLS teams have won two CCC titles: DC United in 1998 and LA Galaxy in 2000.

Last week, the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup draw placed the US into Group B with Cuba, Costa Rica and Canada for July's biennial continental championship. The tourney will be held at seven sites across the US, and to get to the final, the Nats will play at Seattle, Foxboro, and Giants Stadium. The US will be gunning for its third Gold Cup, following up titles in 1991 and 2002. Other participating countries include Group A's Honduras, Panama, Trinidad and Colombia, and Group C's South Africa, Guatemala, Mexico and Jamaica.

On Sunday, the US U-20 squad was drawn into a very, very difficult group for this June's World Youth Championship in Holland. The "Gnats" will face defending champion Argentina, Germany and Egypt. In 2003 tournament in the UAE, the US lost to Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Metro Up, Metro Down, Metros from ALL Around

First, the good news: Eddie Gaven was called into another US Soccer training camp as the team prepares for upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

The Metros also added World Cup '98 and Euro 2000 winner Youri Djorkaeff to the squad for at least the 2005 season. While Djorkaeff is 37, he is showing a positive attitude and willingness to fit in and lead the team. He should be huge positive influence on the young Metros. Combined with the addition of longtime US defender Jeff Agoos, the Metros will lead MLS in 37-yr olds this upcoming season.

Then, the bad: apparently the State of NJ has asked the Metros to guarantee the team and league will not fold before funding half of the MetroCentre stadium development in Harrison. New Jersey has asked that the Metros put all profits into an escrow account until the state has re-couped its investment. It's insane. Hey cronies, no risk = no reward!

BU Gets By BC, Faces Huskies for Beanpot

As if we were worried. On Monday night, BU's Terriers, on the strength of two goals from Junior John LaLiberte, beat #1 BC 2-1 in the opening round of the Beanpot. BU now faces a dogfight from Northeastern in the finals on Valentine's Day. NU needed double overtime to beat Harvard, 2-1, in Monday's other match. BU will be playing for its 26th Beanpot in the tournament's 53rd year. Northeastern's four Beanpots all came in the eighties, the last in 1988.

A "Massive" Win

The US started their 2006 World Cup Qualifying finals campaign with a pair of steady Eddies providing the goals in a 2-1 win at Trinidad & Tobago yesterday. FC Dallas' 20-yr old Eddie Johnson headed in the 1st US goal in the 30th minute, for his incredible 6th US goal in only his 4th appearance with the national team. Former SJ Earthquake and current Preston North End (ENG) midfielder Eddie Lewis added an insurance goal in the 55th minute. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who called the road win "massive," let one in with a minute to play.

Sean Wheelock has a great piece today on the changing of expectations of the US team since that day in Trinidad in 1989.

In other Hexagonal action yesterday, Mexico got goals in the 7th and 8th minute to win at Costa Rica for the 1st time in 40 years, 2-1, and Panama and Guatemala played to a scoreless draw. The top three teams after the home-and-home round robin will qualify directly to next year's World Cup in Germany. The fourth-placed team will play off again the 5th place team in Asia for another berth. The US next plays at Mexico's Azteca Stadium, where it has never won, on Sunday, March 26th.

Beanpawwwwt!

Tonight at 8pm at the FleetCentah, #13 BU takes on the hated, dreaded #1 BC Eagles in the opening round of the 53rd annual Beanpot hockey tournament. Hahvahd & Enn You play the early game. The winners meet next week for all the beans. Today's Boston Globe has a preview.

Ramping up for US-Trinidad

Lots of bits & bytes on next Wednesday's US WC '06 Hexagonal Opener in Trinidad (espn2, 2:30pm). First, Fox Sports World's Sean Wheelock sits down with former US and current KC Wizards coach Bob Gansler to discuss the 11/19/89 match vs. Trinidad that put the US into the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

Next is a look at the match from the Trini's point of view from the official WC '06 site.

A release from US Soccer updates Bruce's west coast training camp, and finally, here's an eye-opening interview with five 1st time US camp invitees, including the Metros' striker Mike Magee.

Enjoy.

We're Going to Tehran, We're Going to the Fair

...to take over another country, by water, land and air!

In last week's New Yorker, Seymour Hersh laid out the Bush Administration's plans for next phase in the war on everyone he doesn't like. This year's lucky country is Iran, where one third of the population is younger than 15 years old.

In this online piece from 2002, Joe Klein wrote on how 9/11 was perceived by both the government and citizens of Iran.

Yes, Virginia, There Will Be World Cup Qualifying

Sean Wheelock of Fox Sports World (soon to be the Fox Soccer Channel) gives his view of the Fed and Player Association's "agreement" to save World Cup Qualifying.

US Soccer May Play in NY This Summer

The Gold Cup is the Concacaf region's biennial continental championship. This year's 12-team tournament will be played in July in seven U.S. venues, including the semis and final at Giants Stadium on July 21st and 24th.

Holding this tournament in the middle of World Cup Qualifying will be a challenge, and Bruce may decide to field a "B" team to protect his starters from possible injury. However, if the US progresses to the semis, it'll be their first appearance in the NY area since they whomped Jamaica 5-0 in a World Cup '02 tuneup.

Wow! Huygens Lands on Titan

History was made today when the European Space Agency's unmanned Huygens probe landed on Titan, a moon of Saturn that scientists hope hold some of the building blocks of organic life. Launched in 1997, Huygens rode piggy-back on NASA's Cassini probe for seven years on the trip to Saturn before deploying and landing on Titan earlier today. While the Voyager space probes launched in the 1970's have reached the edge of the solar system, the Huygens probe at Titan marks the farthest point from Earth where a human probe has landed.

The Ragtag Fugitive Fleet Returns

Tonight at 9pm on SciFi, the new Battlestar Galactica series blasts off with 2 episodes. With acting heavyweights Edwards James Olmos (Adama) and Mary McDonnell (the President), this new Galactica boasts a recovering alcoholic Col. Tigh, a female Starbuck, and Cylons who look just like humans. I'll be watching... by your command.

US Soccer Labor Mess: Everybody's Wrong

Soccer America's Senior Editor, Ridge Mahoney, breaks down the ugly, ugly labor impasse that may have a huge impact on whether the US Qualifies for next year's World Cup.

The latest Fed offer, Mediation, with a promise that the players won't strike this year, was rejected by the players. What a mess.

Metro Eddie Gaven Gets His Goal On

Eddie Gaven scored a hat trick the opening twenty-five minutes of CONCACAF U-20 qualifying, leading the US to a 6-1 drubbing of Trinidad & Tobago at the Home Depot Center last night. The two other teams in the group are Panama and Costa Rica, who drew 1-1 last night. After the round robin, the top two teams will advance to the FIFA U-20 World Championship this Summer in Holland.

US Soccer Fans Are Everywhere

Another fine Galarcep piece, at ESPN Soccernet, about a 20-yr US Army soldier who's a big fan of MLS and the US National team.

The Auteur of Anime

Pick up this week's New Yorker for a fantastic profile of director Hayao Miyazaki, who created such films as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind. There's a Q&A with the author of the piece at the New Yorker site.

Sharon & Abbas: Here We Go

The AFP has reported that Ariel Sharon and newly-elected Palestinian president Muhmud Abbas will be meeting in the next two weeks to discuss peace initiatives.

On Monday, Sharon called Abbas to congratulate him on his election victory.

In the 1979 film bomb "Americathon," John Ritter was president of a bankrupt U.S. in 1998. The Israelis and Arabs had made peace by identifying their common love for "blond chicks with great butts". If only.

Ruiz a Metro?

Ives Galarcep of the Bergen (NJ) Record is reporting that the MetroStars are pursing a trade with LA for Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala), the 2002 and 2003 MLS scoring champion. There's rumor of a rift between Ruiz and Galaxy coach Steve Sampson, who coached the USMNT to a last-place finish at the '98 World Cup in France. Metro may move MNT-mainstay D Eddie Pope to get Ruiz. Pope became expendable after the Metros aquired former National Teamer Jeff Agoos from San Jose to anchor the backline. Combining the dangerous Ruiz with Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara, the 2004 MLS MVP, would significantly improve an already-potent Metro offense.

BBHS Alum Scott Gurfein featured in the NY Times

Scott Gurfein's (BBHS '91) new company, Freeze 24/7, was highlighted in an article in this past Sunday's Times.

Richard Gere's Message is Lost on Palestinians

Years ago on the MTV Video Music Awards, host Jon Lovitz made an impassioned speech about why the world should listen to him on major geopolitical issues. "I'm an ACTOR," Lovitz said, "I've had extensive ACTING training, which gives me the right to speak to the world on big, important things."

Richard Gere, longtime Tibetan rights activist, recently made a television spot imploring Palestinians to get to the polls in their upcoming election. And at least one Palestinian couldn't care less.

The Fed Speaks

Jim Moorhouse, Director of Communications at the US Soccer Federation speaks to Sean Wheelock of Fox Sports World, and outlines the Fed's stance on the labor impasse, their $30MM budget surplus, and a new arbitration offer.

A Rant on the US Soccer Labor Impasse

Here's an impassioned piece on the state of the USSF/Player's Association pissing match from Soccer365.com. The first Hexagonal date is one month from tomorrow.

In other soccer news, former Metro Clint Mathis has returned to MLS with expansion club Real Salt Lake. Clint's biggest soccer moment was shaking my hand at a Metro kick-off event in April, 2003.

N.Y. Giants, NFL Opponents Set for 2005

The NFL has announced team-by-team opponents for next season, based on the final 2004 standings.

In 2005, the Giants will face the NFC East (of course), the NFC West and the AFC West, with two other 2nd place NFC teams thrown in to complete the schedule.

At the swamp, the G-Men will face Dallas, Philly, and Washington, as well as Arizona, St. Louis, Denver, KC, and Minnesota.

On the road the Giants will play Dallas, Philly, and Washington, plus San Francisco, Seattle, Oakland, San Diego and New Orleans.

Scouting the Opponents

• Six of the Giants thirteen 2005 opponents are playoff teams this season: Philly, St. Louis, Minnesota, Seattle, Denver, and San Diego.
• The Giants finished their division schedule at 3-3 this season, beating Dallas twice and Washington once.
• Four west coast trips in one season will be a challenge, though the Niners of the 80's and early 90's did just fine, thank you, with all that travel.
• Pulling Minnesota, whom the Giants have beaten four straight times since the 2000 41-0 NFC Championship Game thrashing, is a positive sign.
• The Giants were crushed, 45-7 by New Orleans, the last time the two teams played on 12/14/03, Jim Fassel's next-to-last game as coach.
• The Giants beat the Rams in both 2002 and 2003.
• Big Blue went 1-2 vs. the current AFC west in 2001, the last time the Giants played that division, beating Kansas City and losing to Denver and Oakland. The Giants beat San Diego the last time the two played, on 9/27/98 on the west coast.

Things to Watch for in Soccer in 2005

ESPN's Marc Connolly puts the Metros' Eddie Gaven on his list of 25 people to watch for in 2005.

BU's New Arena Opens to Rave Reviews

The BU Terriers opened the new Agganis Arena last night with a 2-1 victory over the top team in the nation, Minnesota.

Here's a story about the game and the Icedogs' new home in today's Boston Globe.

FINAL 2004 COMMISHKIN Standings

Congrats to Dr. Andy Brown, the winner of the inaugural Commishkin Prize. Andy won the fantasy league championship, tied for first in the Suicide league, and finished 4th in the Pick 'Em league to claim the top spot.

Final Standings

Rank: Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1: Andy Brown: (1-4-t1) 8-13-11.5: 32.5 Points

2: David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5

3: Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5

4: Mark Fishkin: (5-3-t11) 4-14-3: 21

5: Dan Fox (x-5-t5) 0-12-8: 20

6: Brett Friedman (7-7-t9) 2-10-5.5: 17.5

7: Drew Sumter: (x-13-t1) 0-4-11.5: 15.5

8: Susie Fox: (x-6-t11) 0-11-3: 14

9: Mike Steele: (x-12-t5) 0-5-8: 13

10: Eric Broder (8-11-t9) 1-6-5.5: 12.5

t11: Will Caligiuri (x-8-x) 0-9-0: 9

t11: Charlie Conrad (x-16-t5) 0-1-8: 9

13: Steve Scheer (x-9-x) 0-8-0: 8

t14: Matt Feldman (x-10-x) 0-7-0: 7

t14: Anthony Palomba (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7

16: Rob Shapiro (3-x-x): 6-0-0: 6

17: "Grande Poobah" (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5

t18: Dana Atkinson (6-x-x) 3-0-0: 3

t18: Adam Lavinsky (x-14-x) 0-3-0: 3

t18: Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3

t18: Kevin West (x-15-13) 0-2-1: 3

Begging Bush to Put Israel on the Front Burner

Warren Christopher, Clinton's Secretary of State, sees an historic opportunity to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and implores Dubya to seize the day this piece in today's NY Times. Registration Req'd.

Walker clears the air

Think Metros goalkeeper Jonny Walker was upset about being on the club's unprotected list in the MLS expansion draft? Andrew Monfried gives Walker a shot in this interview.

My Top Eleven Movies of the Year

Now I didn't see as many movies in 2004 as I had in past years, but saw enough to pick the wheat from the chaff. With three days left in the year, I plan to see two more movies that may make the cut: Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic," and Alexander's Payne's "Sideways."

Here are my top 11 movies from January 1st-December 29th, 2004

11. The Village
Yeah, I know it was a glorified episode of The Twilight Zone, but Ron Howard's kid was terrific, as was William Hurt and M. Night Shamalamadingdong's regular, Joaquin Phoenix. Movies are about being taken to a different place, even if, well, you're here. Nice parable to post-9/11 paranoia.

10. Mean Girls
Adria and I were the two oldest peeps in the theatre on opening night. An 80's-style high school movie written by Tina Fey of SNL. Pre-hysteria Linsday Lohan was great, and it's always nice to see Tim Meadows getting work.

9. Man on Fire
Saw this on Pay-per-view at my in-laws. A great character study by Denzel, who blows his stack when the little girl who warms his heart is kidnapped. The moral: don't go to Mexico City. Ever.

8. Super Size Me
Watching Morgan Spurlock's body turn against him is terrifying, though he does show the guy who eats five Big Macs a day, and is the picture of health. A frightening expose on public school lunch programs.

7. Garden State
Oh, Natalie Portman. So cute, and so so young. Zach Braff is a S. Orange native, so now I can claim him as a neighbor. A smartly written riff on The Graduate, with less adultery.

6. Collateral
Love, love, love that Michael Mann. While I've heard that Jamie Foxx was terrific in Ray, he really impressed me as the cab driver who picks up the wrong fare. LA at night can be a scary place. The moral: don't go to Asian dance clubs after 2am.

5. The Incredibles
Not sure if I buy into Brad Bird's message on saving praise to only those truly special, but the animation, the plot, the evil lair, Elizabeth Pena's voice, and Edna Mode made for a super film.

4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Finally, this franchise moves away from the candy-colored, to-the-book world of Chris Columbus do the forboding look of Cuaron. The dementors were super, as was the great scene with Harry and Snape in the dark hallway with Snape's wand producing a hypnotic, pulsing light. Shame we're shifting directors again for #4.

3. Farenheit 9/11
Was it gratutious? Yes, but with so much that the Bush administration has to answer for, extremely welcome. Not that it made a bit of difference in November. G-d help us all.

2. Spider Man 2
A sequel that surpassed its orginal. Alfred Molina made for a great villian in this truly character-driven superhero movie. The scene when Peter told Aunt May that he was responsible for Uncle Ben's death, and her reaction, was priceless.

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I'm sure glad that I'm not Charlie Kaufmann. I'm really glad that I get to enjoy his work. An original fantasy about the real crap of failed relationships, with superb acting, editing and effects, pushed this title to the top. I really forgot that Jim Carrey was in this movie, a testament to his acting skills. Mark Ruffalo is great in everything he did this year, including Collateral and 13 Going on 30.

2004 movies I didn't see, that may make this list someday:
Million Dollar Baby, In Good Company, Hero, House of Flying Daggers, Ray, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Bourne Supremacy, Shaun of the Dead, Dodgeball, Team America:World Police, Hidalgo, Before Sunset, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.

How to Help Victims of the South Asia Tsunami

This is a time when we reflect on the year almost complete, and the year to come. Thousands and thousands of people are thinking about where their family members are and how they're going to find something to eat.

Please visit Tsunami Help for information on international charities. Please help.

Poor Martian Manhunter

The only member of the Justice League of America without a movie deal.

Could Labor Spat Threaten World Cup Qualification?

Ives Galarcep of ESPN.com surmises a big challenge for US Soccer if they can't get their act in gear with the players association. Also, Sean Wheelock of Fox Sports World recently sat down with player rep Mark Levinstein:

Having a Bad Day?

THESE guys are having a bad day.

Metro 2005 Opening Day Set

The NY Times reports today that the MetroStars will open their 10th season on Saturday, April 2nd vs. expansion team Real Salt Lake. RSL is on the verge of signing former Metro Clint Mathis to their first-year squad. Should make for an interesting opener.

Spanking New at BU

Here's a link to some photos of BU's new Harry Agganis Arena, set to open on 1/3/05 vs. the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. The new place seats 6,300, up from Walter Brown Arena's 3,800, where the Terriers have played since the early 70's. Can't wait for my first trip!

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 15

With two weeks to go for the inaugural Commishkin Prize, Andy Brown continues to lead the pack. Here's the top ten with 2 weeks to go.

Rank: Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):
1: Andy Brown: (1-4-t1) 8-13-11.5: 32.5 Points
2: David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3: Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4: Mark Fishkin: (5-3-t11) 4-14-3: 21
5: Dan Fox (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19
6: Mike Steele: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18
7: Drew Sumter: (x-t11-t1) 0-5.5-11.5: 17
8: Eric Broder: (6-t11-t9) 3-5.5-5.5: 14
9: Brett Friedman (8-10-t9) 1-7-5.5: 13.5
10: Will Caligiuri (x-5-x): 0-12-0: 12

First Three US Hexagonal Times/Dates Set

Despite a salary dispute between the US Soccer Federation and the US National Team Players Association, the first three dates of the hexagonal have been set:

Wed. Feb. 9 at Trinidad & Tobago at 2:30 pm
Sun. Mar. 27 at Mexico at 1 p.m
Wed. Mar. 30 vs. Guatemala at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. at 8pm on ESPN2

The USSF considers the players to be on strike, and is prepared to play the TTO match on 2/9 with "replacement" players, if necessary. Not an ideal way to start the final phase of WC qualifying.

Frank Rich on the Culture War

Why do some members the hate-spewing religious right get air time on the nation's 24-hr cable shows? Because they're louder and more outrageous than their more moderate counterparts, surmises Frank Rich in last Saturday's Times. Reg. Req'd.

US Soccer Readies for the WC 2006 Hexagonal

Last night, the US Men's National Soccer team finished the World Cup 2006 CONCACAF Semifinal qualifying round with a 1-1 draw vs. Jamaica in Columbus. Dallas Forward Eddie Johnson scored for the US, for his 5th goal in three matches this year.

The US won its group handily with a 3-0-3 record, and along with second-place finisher Panama, advances to next year's qualifying finals, along know as "The Hexagonal." Qualifying from other groups were Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The top three finishers of the 2005's year-long "Hex" will qualify directly for World Cup 2006 in Germany, and the fourth-place finisher will play the 5th place Asian team in a home-and-away series for a World Cup berth. On paper, the US should have little trouble qualifying for Germany.

The team's record vs. Hex opponents since 2000:
vs. Costa Rica: 3-2-1
vs. Guatemala: 1-0-1
vs. Mexico: 6-1-1
vs. Panama: 1-0-1
vs. Trinidad: 1-0-1
TOTAL: 12-3-5

The US, currently ranked 11th in the world by FIFA, finished its 2004 season with a 8-1-6 record, with the lone loss coming vs. Holland in Amsterdam in February. The US finished the season with a 13-match unbeaten streak. Since 2000, the US record is 45-19-19. The US also has a 29-match unbeaten streak against CONCACAF opponents, dating back to a 0-2 loss in Costa Rica on 9/5/2001.

The schedule for the Hex will be determined next month. The first matchday is February 9th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 10

Andy Brown continues to lead the pack after 10 weeks of Commishkin play. Big jump is from Matt Feldman (+2), big drop is from Charlie Conrad (-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):

1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-6-t1) 8-11-11.5: 30.5 Points

2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5

3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-11.5: 24

4 (+1): Mark Fishkin: (5-3-t11) 4-14-3: 21

5 (-1): Mike Steele: (x-t4-t5) 0-12.5-8: 20.5

6 (nc): Dan Fox: (x-8-t5) 0-9-8: 17

t7 (nc): Drew Sumter: (x-12-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5

t7 (+1): Brett Friedman: (8-7-t9) 1-10-5.5: 16.5

9 (+1): Will Caligiuri: (x-2-x) 0-15-0: 15

10 (+1): Eric Broder: (6-11-t9) 3-6-5.5: 14.5

11 (-2): Charlie Conrad: (x-t13-t5) 0-3-8: 11

12 (nc): Susie Fox: (x-t9-t11) 0-7.5-3: 10.5

13 (+1): Steve Scheer: (x-t9-x) 0-7.5-0: 7.5

14 (-1): Rob Shapiro: (2-0-0) 7-0-0: 7

15 (-1): Anthony Palomba: (3-0-0) 6-0-0: 6

16 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5

t17 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t13-x) 0-3-0: 3

t17 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3

t17 (+2): Matt Feldman: (x-t13-x): 0-3-0: 3

t20(-1): Dana Atkinson: (7-x-x): 2-0-0: 2

t20(-1): Kevin West: (x-16-13): 0-1-1: 2

The next Commishkin standings will be published by November 24th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 9

The top three players remain unchanged for the fourth straight week of Commishkin play.Big jump is from Steve Scheer(+2), big drop is from Adam Lavinsky (-4).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):

1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t5-t1) 8-11.5-11.5: 31 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4 (+1): Mike Steele: (x-t5-t5) 0-11.5-8: 19.5
5 (-1): Mark Fishkin: (6-4-t11) 3-13-3: 19
6 (-2): Dan Fox: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18
7 (nc): Drew Sumter: (x-12-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5
8 (nc): Brett Friedman: (8-8-t9) 1-9-5.5: 15.5
9 (+1): Charlie Conrad: (x-10-t5) 0-7-8: 15
10 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-3-x) 0-14-0: 14
11 (nc): Eric Broder: (5-t13-t9) 4-3.5-5.5: 13
12 (nc): Susie Fox: (x-9-t11) 0-8-3: 11
13 (+1): Rob Shapiro: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
t14 (+1): Anthony Palomba: (3-0-0) 6-0-0: 6
t14 (+2): Steve Scheer: (x-11-x) 0-6-0: 6
16 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (-4): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t13-x) 0-3.5-0: 3.5
18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (+1): Dana Atkinson: (7-x-x): 2-0-0: 2
t19 (+1): Matt Feldman: (x-15-x): 0-2-0: 2
t19 (-1): Kevin West: (x-16-13): 0-1-1: 2

The next Commishkin standings will be published by November 17th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 8

The top three players remain unchanged for the third straight week of Commishkin play.
Big jump is from Brett Friedman (+4), big drop are from Conrad, Sue Fox, and Grande Poohbah(-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):
1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-4-t1) 8-13-11.5: 32.5 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-t4-t1) 0-45.5-11.5: 26
4 (+1): Dan Fox: (x-t5-t5) 0-11.5-8: 19.5
5 (-1): Mike Steele: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18
6 (-1): Mark Fishkin: (6-t5-t11) 3-11.5-3: 17.5
7 (nc): Drew Sumter(x-t11-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5
8 (+4): Brett Friedman: (7-t8-t9) 2-8.5-5.5: 16
9 (nc): Will Caligiuri: (x-t2-x) 0-14.5-0: 14.5
10 (-2): Charlie Conrad: (x-t11-t5) 0-5-8: 13
11 (-1): Eric Broder: (5-14-t9) 4-3-5.5: 12.5
12 (-2): Susie Fox: (x-10-t11) 0-7-3: 10
13 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t8-x) 0-8.5-0: 8.5
14 (+1): Rob Shapiro: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
15 (+2): Anthony Palomba: (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
t16 (nc): Steve Scheer: (x-t11-x) 0-5-0: 5
t16 (-2): "Grande Poobah": (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
t18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
t18 (+2): Kevin West: (x-15-13): 0-2-1: 3
t20 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-x-x): 1-0-0: 1
t20 (nc): Matt Feldman: (x-16-x): 0-1-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published by November 10th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 7

The top five players remain unchanged for the second straight week of Commishkin play. The Suicide pool concluded this week as all four remaining players' picks went down to defeat.

Big jump is the Commishkin himself (+3), big drop is Brett Friedman (-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):

1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t4-t1) 8-12-11.5: 31.5 Points

2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5

3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5

4 (nc): Mike Steele: (x-t4-t5) 0-12-8: 20

t5 (nc): Dan Fox: (x-7-t5) 0-10-8: 18

t5 (+3): Mark Fishkin: (6-t4-t11) 3-12-3: 18

7 (-1): Drew Sumter(x-t11-t1) 0-5.5-11.5: 17

8 (-1): Charlie Conrad: (x-t9-t5) 0-7.5-8: 15.5

9 (nc): Will Caligiuri: (x-3-x) 0-14-0: 14

t10 (+1): Eric Broder: (5-t14-t9) 4-2.5-5.5: 12

t10 (+1): Susie Fox: (x-8-t11) 0-9-3: 12

12 (-2): Brett Friedman: (7-13-t9) 2-4-5.5: 11.5

13 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 0-7.5-0: 7.5

14 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7

15 (nc): Rob Shapiro: (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6

16 (+1): Steve Scheer: (x-t11-x) 0-5.5-0: 5.5

17 (-1): Anthony Palomba: (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5

18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3

19 (-1): Matt Feldman: (x-t14-x) 0-2.5-0: 2.5

20 (nc): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2

21 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The standings will be next updated by November 3rd.

Jon Stewart Throws Down on "Crossfire"

Here's the transcript...

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0410/15/cf.01.html

Suskind Article in the 10/17 NY Times

Registration is required. Go to www.bugmenot.com toget a username/password if you don't want to registeron your own.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/17/magazine/17BUSH.html?pagewanted=3&oref=login

"Without a Doubt," by Ron Suskind

An excerpt...''You think he's an idiot, don't you?'' I said, no, Ididn't. ''No, you do, all of you do, up and down theWest Coast, the East Coast, a few blocks in southern Manhattan called Wall Street. Let me clue you in. Wedon't care. You see, you're outnumbered 2 to 1 by folks in the big, wide middle of America, busy working people who don't read The New York Times or WashingtonPost or The L.A. Times. And you know what they like? They like the way he walks and the way he points, the way he exudes confidence. They have faith in him. Andwhen you attack him for his malaprops, his jumbled syntax, it's good for us. Because you know what thosefolks don't like? They don't like you!'' In this instance, the final ''you,'' of course, meant the entire "reality-based community."

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 6

The top five players remain unchanged after six weeks of Commishkin play. Six players took one step up this week, big drop is Anthony Palomba (-3).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):
1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t3-t1) 8-13.5-11.5: 33 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (nc): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4 (nc): Mike Steele: (x-5-t5) 0-12-8: 20
5 (nc): Dan Fox: (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19
6 (+1): Drew Sumter: (x-11-t1) 0-6-11.5: 17.5
7 (-1): Charlie Conrad (x-10-t5) 0-7-8: 15
8 (nc): Mark Fishkin: (6-t8-t11) 3-8.5-3: 14.5
9 (+1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t3-x) 0-13.5-0: 13.5
10 (-1): Brett Friedman: (7-12-t9) 2-5-5.5: 12.5
t11 (nc): Eric Broder: (5-15-t9) 4-2-5.5: 11.5
t11 (+1): Susie Fox: (x-t8-t1) 0-8.5-3: 11.5
13 (nc): Adam Lavinsky: (x-7-x) 0-10-0: 10
14 (+1): "Grande Poobah": (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
15 (+1): Rob Shapiro: (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
16 (-3): Anthony Palomba: (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (nc): Steve Scheer: (x-13-x) 0-4-0: 4
t18 (+1): Matt Feldman(x-14-x) 0-3-0: 3
t18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
20 (-1): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2
21 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The standings will be next updated by October 26th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 5

Andy Brown remains on top after five weeks of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, and Dana Atkinson remains in the cellar. Big movers are Dan Fox, Mark Fishkin, and Steve Scheer (+2 in the standings), big drop is Matt Feldman (-2).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie, nc denotes no change):
1 (nc): Andy Brown: (1-t3-t1) 8-13.5-11.5: 33 Points
2 (nc): David Cutler: (x-1-t1) 0-16-11.5: 27.5
3 (-1): Brian Perkis: (x-2-t1) 0-15-11.5: 26.5
4 (nc): Mike Steele: (x-5-t5) 0-12-8: 20
5 (+2): Dan Fox: (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19
6 (-1): Charlie Conrad: (x-8-t5) 0-9-8: 17
7 (-1): Drew Sumter (x-12-t1) 0-5-11.5: 16.5
8 (+2): Mark Fishkin: (6-7-t11) 3-10-3: 16
9 (-1): Brett Friedman: (7-t9-t9) 2-7-5.5: 14.5
10 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t3-x) 0-13.5-0: 13.5
11 (nc): Eric Broder: (5-t13-t9) 4-3.5-5.5: 13
12 (-1): Susie Fox: (x-t9-t11) 0-7-3: 10
t13 (+1): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 0-7-0: 7
t13 (nc): Anthony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
15 (nc): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
16 (nc): Rob Shapiro : (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (+2): Steve Scheer: (x-t13-x) 0-3.5-0: 3.5
18 (nc): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (-2): Matt Feldman: (x-15-x) 0-2-0: 2
t19 (+1): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2
21 (nc): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published no later than October 19th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 4

Andy Brown remains the man to beat after week fourof Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, put his lead is slipping. Dana Atkinson remains in the cellar. Big mover is Drew Sumter (+3 in the standings), big drop is Susie Fox (-4).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1 (-): Andy Brown: (1-t3-t1) 8-13-11.5: 32.5 Points

t2 (+1): David Cutler: (x-t1-t1) 0-15.5-11.5: 27

t2 (-): Brian Perkis: ((x-t1-t1) 0-15.5-11.5: 27

4 (-1): Mike Steele: (x-t3-t5) 0-13-8: 21

5 (-): Charlie Conrad: (x-6-t5) 0-11-8: 19

6 (+3): Drew Sumter: (x-t9-t1) 0-6.5-11.5: 18

7 (-2): Dan Fox: (x-t7-t5) 0-9-8: 17

8 (-): Brett Friedman: (7-t9-t9) 2-6.5-5.5: 14

9 (+2): Will Caliguiri: (x-t3-x) 0-13-0: 13

10 (+2): Mark Fishkin: (6-t9-t11) 3-6.5-3: 12.5

t11 (-1): Eric Broder: (5-t14-t9) 4-2.5-5.5: 12

t11 (-4): Susie Fox: (x-t7-t11) 0-9-3: 12

13 (-): Anthony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7

14 (+1): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 6-0-0: 6.5

15 (-1): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6

16 (-1): Rob Shapiro : (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5

17 (-): Matt Feldman: (x-13-x) 0-4-0: 4

18 (-): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t11) 0-0-3: 3

19 (-): Steve Scheer: (x-t14-x) 0-2.5-0: 2.5

20 (-): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2

21 (-): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published no later than October 12th.

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 3

Andy Brown remains the man to beat after week three of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games. Dana Atkinson now occupies the cellar. Big mover is Dan Fox (+4 in the standings), big drop is Steve Scheer (-9).

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1 (-): Andy Brown: (1-t1-t1) 8-15-10: 33 Points
2 (+1): Brian Perkis: (x-t1-t1) 0-15-10: 25
t3 (+1): David Cutler: (x-t4-t1) 0-12-10: 22
t3 (+1): Mike Steele: (x-t4-t1) 0-12-10: 22
t5 (-3): Charlie Conrad: (x-t7-t1) 0-9.5-10: 19.5
t5 (+4): Dan Fox: (x-t7-t1) 0-9.5-10: 19.5
7 (-3): Susie Fox: (x-t1-t10) 0-15-3: 18
8 (-4): Brett Friedman: (6-9-t8) 3-8-5.5: 16.5
9 (+1): Drew Sumter: (x-t10-t1) x-5-10: 15
10 (-2): Eric Broder: (5-14-t8) 4-3-5.5: 12.5
11 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t4-x) 0-12-0: 12
12 (+3): Mark Fishkin: (7-t10-t10) 2-5-3: 10
13 (-): Anthony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7
14 (+2): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
t15 (-2): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t10-x) 0-5-0: 5
t15 (+3): Rob Shapiro : (4-x-x) 5-0-0: 5
17 (-): Matt Feldman: (x-13-x) 0-4-0: 4
18 (+1): Adam Tarsitano (x-x-t10) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (-9): Steve Scheer: (x-15-x) 0-2-0: 2
t19 (-): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-1-1: 2
21 (-2): Dana Atkinson: (8-0-0) 1-0-0: 1

The next Commishkin standings will be published no later than October 5th.

High School Reality

Two Blind Brook High School alums are currently starring (?) in two of the top-rated reality series on television:

Twenty-seven year-old Amanda Lawrence (BBHS '95) has survived the first cut on ABC's The Bachelor, Wednesdays at 9pm.

Twenty-six year-old Stacey Rotner (BBHS '96) is in the final fifteen contestants on NBC's The Apprentice, Thursdays at 9pm.

Best of luck to these former Trojans!

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 2

After week two of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, Andy Brown has taken the lead. Kevin West is now in the cellar. Big mover is Brett Friedman, big drop is the Commishkin himself.

This Week (Change from last week): Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Standing for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1 (+1): Andy Brown: (2-t6-t1) 7-11-9: 27 Points
2 (+2): Charlie Conrad: (x-2-t1) 0-16-9: 25
3 (-1): Brian Perkis: (x-t3-t1) 0-14-9: 23
t4 (-): David Cutler: (x-t6-t1) 0-11-9: 20
t4 (+4): Mike Steele: (x-t6-t1) 0-11-9: 20
t4 (+7): Brett Friedman: (6-t9-t1) 3-8-9: 20
t4 (-3): Susie Fox: (x-1-t10) 0-17-3: 20
8 (+2): Eric Broder: (4-t12-t1) 5-5-9: 19
9 (+4): Dan Fox: (x-t9-t1) 0-8-9: 17
t10 (-6): Drew Sumter: (x-t12-t1) 0-5-9: 14
t10 (-1): Will Caligiuri: (x-t3-x) 0-14-0: 14
t10 (+4): Steve Scheer: (x-t3-x) 0-14-0: 14
t13 (+4): Anthony Palomba: (1-x-x) 8-0-0: 8
t13 (-1): Adam Lavinsky: (x-t9-x) 0-8-0: 8
15 (-8): Mark Fishkin: (8-15-t10) 1-3-3: 7
16 (+2): "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6
t17 (-3): Matt Feldman: (x-t12-x) 0-5-0: 5
18 (+2): Rob Shapiro (congrats on your new son!): (5-x-x) 4-0-0: 4
t19 (+2): Dana Atkinson: (7-17-x) 2-1-0: 3
t19 (-3): Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t10) 0-0-3: 3
t19 (-): Kevin West: (x-16-13) 0-2-1: 3

The next Commishkin standings will be published on September 29th.

Help the Folks Hurt By the Hurricanes

Folks, the Southeastern US has been hit pretty hard by hurricanes Frances and Ivan, and there are more storms on the way. Sending even $25 to the following charities can help the people in need rebuild:

The American Red Cross
American Jewish World Service
Florida Hurricane Relief Fund

Thanks!

COMMISHKIN Standings, Week 1

After the first week of Commishkin play across three NFL fantasy games, Susie Fox leads the pack on the strength of her strong Pick 'Em performance. Dana Atkinson brings up the rear after cellar-dwelling in both Fantasy and Pick 'Em.

Standings
Standing: Player: Fantasy-Pick 'Em-Suicide (Rank for each game), then Commishkin Points earned for each game (x denotes not participating, t denotes tie):

1: Susie Fox: (x-1-t1) 0-17-7.5: 24.5 Points
t2: Andy Brown: (1-t8-t1) 8-8-7.5: 23.5
t2: Brian Perkis: (x-t2-t1) 0-16-7.5: 23.5
t4: Charlie Conrad: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-7.5: 20.0
t4: David Cutler: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-7.5: 20.0
t4: Drew Sumter: (x-t4-t1) 0-12.5-7.5: 20.0
7: Mark Fishkin: (7-t8-t1) 2-8-7.5: 17.5
8: Mike Steele: (x-t8-t1) 0-8-7.5: 15.5
9: Will Caligiuri: (x-3-x) 0-15-0: 15
10: Eric Broder: (4-16-t1) 5-2-7.5: 14.5
11: Brett Friedman: (6-15-t1) 3-3-7.5: 13.5
12: Adam Lavinsky: (x-t4-x) 0-12.5-0: 12.5
13: Dan Fox: (x-t13-t1) 0-4.5-7.5: 12.0
t14: Matt Feldman: (x-t8-x) 0-8-0: 8.0
t14: Steve Scheer: (x-t8-x) 0-8-0: 8.0
16: Adam Tarsitano: (x-x-t1) 0-0-7.5: 7.5
17: Tony Palomba: (2-x-x) 7-0-0: 7.0
18: "Grande Poobah": (3-x-x) 6-0-0: 6.0
19: Kevin West: (x-t13-13) 0-4.5-1: 5.5
20: Rob Shapiro: (5-x-x) 4-0-0: 4.0
21: Dana Atkinson: (8-17-x) 1-1-0: 2.0

The next Commishkin standings will be published on September 21st.

US Squeaks Out of The Zone with a Point

They... can't... finish.

The US Men's National Team's inability to finish scoring chances nearly cost them this past Wednesday night at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama. Playing before a small but vocal Panamanian crowd, the US squandered chance after chance in the game's first 30 minutes, until the Canaleros switched from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 formation. The extra attacker brought life to the home side, which dominated the World Cup Qualifier throughout the remainder of the match. After a 70th minute Panamanian goal, the US sulked and skittered their way toward their first loss in 26 matches against CONCACAF opponents.

However, Coach Bruce Arena's subbing intuition paid off again as late sub Cobi Jones, in his 163rd appearance with the National team, knocked home a loose ball in the second minute of injury time, to give the US a valuable draw and road point in the qualifying semis. If the US wants to reach Germany 2006, they must find a way to score early in matches, and often. They need to finish their opportunities. It'll only get harder from here.

Come Back Again..

...some other day! Apparently the NYC area survived the RNC convention without a scratch, but the remains of hurricane Frances put a major crimp in the morning's commute. NJ Transit suffered a disabled train between Secaucus & NYC, adding 45 minutes on to a 30-minute morning train ride. The rain also cut off subway service above 42nd Street, and as of 1pm, service was still out or delayed on the A, B, C, D, F, M, N, Q, V, 1/9, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains. Boy, if something really bad happens the city, look out.

Well, THAT Happened.

Well, the elephants came and went, messing up a perfectly easy commute for a week. Taking the ferry between Hoboken & W. 38th St. was a nice change of pace, though. What a bizzare time that we live in.

Our Fearless Leader, who skipped out on his service in the Air National Guard, actually has a two-tour war veteran on the ropes for his service record. The NYPD's suspended Habeus Corpus for the week. The Governator had the most memorable line of the week, "girlie men," that Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon used to ridicule him.

Makes you wonder if we'd better off splitting into two nations: Red America, where it's a bright, uneducated, Jeebus-loving, W-monarchy, sunshiney day every single day, and Blue America: where people actually pay attention to what's going on. Oh well, time for fun down the shore...

21 Ready To Go For First "Commishkin Prize"

Twenty-One NFL fanatics are ready to go for the first-ever "Commishkin" Prize, having entered one or more of three Yahoo! NFL fantasy football games:

-Fantasy Football group: "Heroes of the Gridiron 2004"
-Pro Football Pick' em group: "Psychic Swamis 2004"
-Survival Football group: "Psychic Swamis Suicide '04"

Over the course of the season, the players: Dana Atkinson, Eric Broder, Andy Brown, Will Caligiuri, Charlie Conrad, Dave Cutler, Mark Fishkin, Dan Fox, Susie Fox, Matt Feldman, Brett Friedman, Adam Lavinsky, Anthony Palomba, Brian Perkis, Steve Scheer, Rob Shaprio, Mike Steele, Drew Sumter, Adam Tarsitano, Kevin West, and "Grande Poobah," will be able to follow their combined prognostication prowess on the Kin of Fish blog site. Points/game will be doled out as follows...

Fantasy Football: 8 pts for 1st place, 7 for 2nd, etc.
Pick 'em: 17 pts for 1st, 16 for 2nd, etc.
Survival: 13 pts for 1st, 12 for 2nd, etc.

The player with the most points at the end of the season will win 2 tickets to a 2005 NFL game.

Kickoff is only 8 days away! Enjoy!

Welcome Jessica!

Today at 7:45am, Jessica Anne Broder was born at Stamford Hospital! She weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 18 inches long! Mom, Dad, and brother Matty are doing great. Congrats to the Broder clan!

What a Wedding!

What a terrific day for Andrew and the newest Mrs. Fishkin, Amy. The happy couple looked smashing, the band was super, and the guests all seemed to have a great time. Kudos to the sisters Korn for their touching Maid of honor speeches. A&A head to Hawaii tomorrow for some deserved R&R. We love you!

The COMMISHKIN Prize

This season, I'm playing 3 NFL Fantasy Games on Yahoo!
-Fantasy Football
-Pick 'Em
-Survival (Suicide) Pool

To increase participation & have a little more fun, I'm putting up the first "Commishkin" Prize: 2 tickets to a 2005 NFL game (your choice of team) to the person that is the greatest pigskin prognosticator.

Here's how it'll work:
For each game, players will receive points for their weekly ranking. i.e. 1st place among 8 teams = 8 pts. 2nd place = 7 pts, Last place= 1 pt. The person with the most points across all three games will be the winner.

Weekly standings will be posted on my little-used blog, The Kin of Fish at http://thekinoffish.blogspot.com/

Obviously, it behooves you to enter as many of the three games as possible. To find out how, send me an email at mfishkin@yahoo.com.