Alexi Lalas, the first American to play in Italy’s Serie A and the most marketable face of US Soccer in the 1990s was named President/General Manager of the MetroStars on Tuesday, replacing Nick Sakiewicz, who had alienated many fans of the club during his six-year run at the club. Not that Sakiewicz is going for want: he was promoted to head “AEG Soccer NY/NJ,” and presumably will be responsible for running the long, long, loooooooong-delayed Harrison stadium project which (we’re told) is only a week or two from becoming reality. Really. That’s what they said.
Lalas, the former Rutgers All-American and future US Soccer Hall of Famer was serving as the GM of the San Jose Earthquakes, a club owner-operator AEG now seems certain to jettison, perhaps to Club America of Mexico, who may move the Quakes to Houston for 2006.
Lalas took questions from the online community during a web chat on Tuesday afternoon, and while he clearly didn’t have all the answers as of yet, he certainly showed off his trademark sense of humor…
Rob from Hillsdale, N.J.:
Will an announcement about the stadium honestly be made in 1-2 weeks or will it really be 60 - 90 days?
Alexi Lalas:
It sounds like you've been around long enough to recognize that the concept of time with the stadium project is relative.
Nick from Secaucus, N.J.:
What benefits do you feel you have as a former player over a business man in the position of General Manager of an MLS team?
Alexi Lalas:
I'm better looking.
AEG, which currently owns Metro, Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, DC United, and San Jose, is said to be close to selling four-time champion United as well, to a local DC-area consortium. AEG Pres/CEO Tim Lieweke made a point of noting that the Metros have been a bit ignored by the parent company, and that more effort will be put toward making the team more relevant in both the crowded NY sports scene and the national soccer scene.
On the field
The US U-20 team had the better of play through most of the match, but couldn’t score in a 0-0 draw with Group D powerhouse Germany in a FIFA World Youth Championship match in Enschede, Netherlands yesterday. The US (1-0-1, 4pts, +1GD) which hasn’t conceded a goal in two matches, in currently in 2nd place in the four-team group. The US should qualify for the round of 16 after its Saturday, 7:30am match (FSC) with group bottom dwellers Egypt (0-2-0, 0pts, -4 GD).In the 24-team tournament, the 1st, 2nd, and best four 3rd place teams advance out of group play.
Metros G Zack Wells made 14 saves a scoreless draw with DC United on Sunday in the swamp, marking young Wells’ fourth shutout of the year. The UCLA product was named Player of the Week in MLS for his efforts, which were one save shy of the all-time record for saves in a league match, held by former Metros G Tony Meola.
Last Week’s Results
Saturday, June 11th
US U-20s 1-0 Argentina
Columbus 1-0 Colorado
Kansas City 0-2 New England
LA Galaxy 1-0 Salt Lake
Sunday, June 12th
MetroStars 0-0 DC United
Chicago 2-0 FC Dallas
Chivas USA 1-1 San Jose
Tuesday, June 14th
US U-20s 0-0 Germany
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
FIFA World Youth Championship, Group D
Germany 4, +2
USA 4, +1
Argentina 3, +1
Egypt 0, -4
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 25, +13
Chicago 22, +3
MetroStars 17, +6
Kansas City 17, +3
DC United 13, 0
Columbus 13, -9
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 24, +10
LA Galaxy 23, +7
San Jose 15, 0
Salt Lake 11, -10
Colorado 8, -6
Chivas USA 6, -17
This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, June 15th
DC United vs. Chicago, 7:30pm
Colorado vs. LA Galaxy, 9pm
Saturday, June 18th
US U-20s vs. Egypt, 7:30am, FSC
Chicago vs. Kansas City, 4pm, ESPN2
MetroStars vs. Columbus, 7:30pm, MSG
DC United vs. New England, 7:30pm, FSC
FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy, 8:30pm
San Jose vs. Salt Lake, 10pm, HDNet
Chivas USA vs. Colorado, 10pm
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Monday, June 13, 2005
The US Starts Off with a Bang
The US U-20 team got off to a flying start at the FIFA World Youth Championship on Saturday in the Netherlands with a shocking 1-0 win vs. defending champion Argentina. Chad Barrett of the Chicago Fire headed in a deflected Marvel Wynne pass just before halftime for the score. The US could have put the game away in the second half, but Freddie Adu hit the post on a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. The US continues group D play vs. Germany on Tuesday at 2:30pm on Fox Soccer Channel.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
US digs Panama, 3-0, to approach WC Qualification
First-half goals from Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, and Brian McBride and another stellar goalkeeping performance from Kasey Keller made the US a near-certainty for next summer’s World Cup in a 3-0 thumping of Panama last night in the Central American capital. Combined with Mexico’s 2-0 home win vs. Trinidad and Costa Rica’s 3-2 win over Guatemala in San Jose, the US (4-1-0) sits comfortably in 2nd place in the CONCACAF Standings after five of ten qualifying matches. Both Bocanegra and Donovan scored on headers in the first 25 minutes of the match, making the Panamanian crowd a non-factor. McBride scored his 28th goal for the US close to halftime. The only down note for the team was a yellow card picked by defender Eddie Pope, which will suspend him for the next qualification game, vs. Trindad on August 17th in Hartford. If results stay true to form, the US could clinch their fifth consecutive World Cup berth with a win on September 3rd in Columbus vs. Mexico.
In other World Cup news, five nations joined host Germany as qualified teams for next summer: Argentina, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
Results
Wednesday, June 8th
CONCACAF
Mexico 2-0 Trinidad
Panama 0-3 US
Costa Rica 3-2 Guatemala
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
1. Mexico 13, +6
2. US 12, +8
3. Costa Rica 7, -2
---------------------
4. Guatemala 4, -1
---------------------
Trinidad 4, -5
Panama 2, -6
In other World Cup news, five nations joined host Germany as qualified teams for next summer: Argentina, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
Results
Wednesday, June 8th
CONCACAF
Mexico 2-0 Trinidad
Panama 0-3 US
Costa Rica 3-2 Guatemala
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
1. Mexico 13, +6
2. US 12, +8
3. Costa Rica 7, -2
---------------------
4. Guatemala 4, -1
---------------------
Trinidad 4, -5
Panama 2, -6
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
The Week in Soccer: Donovan Does the Double
Landon Donovan scored in the 6th and 63rd minutes, and Kasey Keller made some incredible saves as the US deflated Costa Rica 3-0 in front of more than 40,000 fans in Salt Lake City on Saturday. Brian McBride scored the other US goal in a match that saw the nats dominate possession against the Ticos, save for a 15 minute-stretch in the second half when Keller made six terrific saves that kept Costa Rica from tying the match. His most acrobatic came in the 60th minutes, when Keller reached backward with his left hand to make a fingertip save on a shot from Costa Rica’s Jafet Soto.
The win, combined with Mexico’s 2-0 win at Guatemala and Trinidad’s 2-0 defeat of Panama left the US solidly in 2nd place in the six-team World Cup 2006 CONCACAF qualifying final group. Tonight, the US visits Panama, Mexico hosts Trinidad, and Costa Rica takes on Guatemala as the round reaches its midpoint. Wins by Mexico and the US will all but assure the two rivals a ticket to next summer’s World Cup in Germany. Soccernet’s Mark Connolly has a great piece on what the US must do to prevail.
Around the World
In other World Cup Qualifying news, Japan become the first team, other than host Germany, to qualify for next year’s tournament after a 2-0 win over North Korea this morning. 24 matches will be held today around the world, and five other nations have an opportunity punch their World Cup tickets: Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina.
U-20’s Get their Game On
The U-20 National Team has left for Holland for the biennial U-20 World Youth Championship. On the squad are Metros Eddie Gaven and Tim Ward, as well as DC’s Freddy Adu. The 24-nation tourney kicks off on Friday, and the US has been placed in a tough Group D with powers Argentina, Germany, and Egypt. The “gnats” start off vs. Argentina on Saturday at 11:30am on Fox Soccer Channel.
Metro News
The Metros continued their strong road play with a 2-2 draw at LA Galaxy on Saturday. Abbe Ibrahim and Sergio Galvan Rey scored for Metro, who one-third into the MLS season sit in 4th place. The team made a controversial trade yesterday, sending super-sub and fan favorite John Wolyniec to Columbus in exchange for 31-year old former national team forward Ante Razov. Razov played for Metro coach Bob Bradley when the two were in Chicago. When with the Fire, Razov was known as a Metro-killer, scoring 12 goals in 18 matches vs. the Metro.
Last Week’s Results
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA 1-1 Kansas City
Saturday, June 4th
CONCACAF
US 3-0 Costa Rica
Guatemala 0-2 Mexico
Trinidad 2-0 Panama
MLS
Chicago 5-2 Chivas USA
New England 1-1 Kansas City
Salt Lake 0-2 FC Dallas
LA Galaxy 2-2 MetroStars
San Jose 0-0 DC United
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
Mexico 10, +4
US 9, +5
Guatemala 4, 0
Trinidad 4, -3
Costa Rica 4, -3
Panama 2, -3
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 22, +11
Chicago 19, +1
Kansas City 17, +5
MetroStars 16, +6
DC United 12, 0
Columbus 10, -10
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 24, +12
LA Galaxy 20, +6
San Jose 14, 0
Salt Lake 11, -9
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 5, -17
This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, June 8th
Mexico vs. Trinidad, 8pm, Univision
Costa Rica vs. Guatemala, 9pm
Panama vs. US, 9:30pm, tape-delayed on ESPN2 at 1am
Saturday, June 11th
US U-20s vs. Argentina, 11:30am, FSC
Columbus vs. Colorado, 4pm, ESPN2
Kansas City vs. New England, 8pm HDNet
LA Galaxy vs. Salt Lake, 10pm, FSC
Sunday, June 12th
MetroStars vs. DC United, 6pm
Chicago vs. FC Dallas, 7pm
Chivas USA vs. San Jose, 8pm
Tuesday, June 14th
US U-20s vs. Germany, 2:30pm, FSC
The win, combined with Mexico’s 2-0 win at Guatemala and Trinidad’s 2-0 defeat of Panama left the US solidly in 2nd place in the six-team World Cup 2006 CONCACAF qualifying final group. Tonight, the US visits Panama, Mexico hosts Trinidad, and Costa Rica takes on Guatemala as the round reaches its midpoint. Wins by Mexico and the US will all but assure the two rivals a ticket to next summer’s World Cup in Germany. Soccernet’s Mark Connolly has a great piece on what the US must do to prevail.
Around the World
In other World Cup Qualifying news, Japan become the first team, other than host Germany, to qualify for next year’s tournament after a 2-0 win over North Korea this morning. 24 matches will be held today around the world, and five other nations have an opportunity punch their World Cup tickets: Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina.
U-20’s Get their Game On
The U-20 National Team has left for Holland for the biennial U-20 World Youth Championship. On the squad are Metros Eddie Gaven and Tim Ward, as well as DC’s Freddy Adu. The 24-nation tourney kicks off on Friday, and the US has been placed in a tough Group D with powers Argentina, Germany, and Egypt. The “gnats” start off vs. Argentina on Saturday at 11:30am on Fox Soccer Channel.
Metro News
The Metros continued their strong road play with a 2-2 draw at LA Galaxy on Saturday. Abbe Ibrahim and Sergio Galvan Rey scored for Metro, who one-third into the MLS season sit in 4th place. The team made a controversial trade yesterday, sending super-sub and fan favorite John Wolyniec to Columbus in exchange for 31-year old former national team forward Ante Razov. Razov played for Metro coach Bob Bradley when the two were in Chicago. When with the Fire, Razov was known as a Metro-killer, scoring 12 goals in 18 matches vs. the Metro.
Last Week’s Results
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA 1-1 Kansas City
Saturday, June 4th
CONCACAF
US 3-0 Costa Rica
Guatemala 0-2 Mexico
Trinidad 2-0 Panama
MLS
Chicago 5-2 Chivas USA
New England 1-1 Kansas City
Salt Lake 0-2 FC Dallas
LA Galaxy 2-2 MetroStars
San Jose 0-0 DC United
Standings (Team, Points, GD)
CONCACAF (Top 3 qualify, 4th place plays off vs. Asian 5th place)
Mexico 10, +4
US 9, +5
Guatemala 4, 0
Trinidad 4, -3
Costa Rica 4, -3
Panama 2, -3
MLS Eastern Conference
New England 22, +11
Chicago 19, +1
Kansas City 17, +5
MetroStars 16, +6
DC United 12, 0
Columbus 10, -10
MLS Western Conference
FC Dallas 24, +12
LA Galaxy 20, +6
San Jose 14, 0
Salt Lake 11, -9
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 5, -17
This Week’s Matches
Wednesday, June 8th
Mexico vs. Trinidad, 8pm, Univision
Costa Rica vs. Guatemala, 9pm
Panama vs. US, 9:30pm, tape-delayed on ESPN2 at 1am
Saturday, June 11th
US U-20s vs. Argentina, 11:30am, FSC
Columbus vs. Colorado, 4pm, ESPN2
Kansas City vs. New England, 8pm HDNet
LA Galaxy vs. Salt Lake, 10pm, FSC
Sunday, June 12th
MetroStars vs. DC United, 6pm
Chicago vs. FC Dallas, 7pm
Chivas USA vs. San Jose, 8pm
Tuesday, June 14th
US U-20s vs. Germany, 2:30pm, FSC
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
The Week In Soccer: Veni, Vidi, Vici
A second-string squad of the English National Team had a good week in the former colonies, beating the US 2-1 at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, and defeating Colombia 3-2 at Giants Stadium yesterday. The Brits’ second match was played with regular starters David Beckham and Michael Owen, and the latter pumped in all three goals for England in front of a raucous 50,000+ at the swamp. Those with fortitude stayed for yesterday’s MLS nightcap where MetroStars captain Amado Guevara bent a Beckham-like ball into the upper ninety in the waning moments of injury time to beat Chicago 2-1.
US Team News
Late additions to the US squad for this Saturday’s quallie vs. Costa Rica in Salt Lake City include defenders Oguchi Onewyu (Standard Liege, Belgium) and Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), midfielders DaMarcus Beasley (PSV, Holland) and all-time US MNT caps leader Cobi Jones (LA Galaxy), and forward Pat Noonan (New England). My lineup for Saturday: Keller – Cherundolo, Bocanegra, Gibbs, Hejduk – Beasley, Ralston, Zavagnin, Dempsey – Donovan, Johnson. After the Costa Rica match, the US heads to the Canal Zone to visit Panama on the 8th.
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 28th
New England 0-0 Colorado
DC United 0-2 FC Dallas
Columbus 0-3 MetroStars
Kansas City 1-0 San Jose
Salt Lake 0-3 Chicago
Chivas USA 0-2 LA Galaxy
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars 2-1 Chicago
MLS Standings as of June 1st (Team, Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 21, +11
Chicago 16, -2
MetroStars 15, +6
Kansas City 15, +5
DC United 11, 0
Columbus 10, -10
Western Conference
FC Dallas 21, +10
LA Galaxy 19, +6
San Jose 13, 0
Salt Lake 11, -7
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 4, -14
This Week’s MLS Matches
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City, 10:30pm
Saturday, June 4th
Chicago vs. Chivas USA, 4pm, ESPN2
(US vs. Costa Rica, WCQ at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2)
New England vs. Kansas City, 7:30pm
Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas, 10pm
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
San Jose vs. DC United, 10:30pm, FSC, HDNet
US Team News
Late additions to the US squad for this Saturday’s quallie vs. Costa Rica in Salt Lake City include defenders Oguchi Onewyu (Standard Liege, Belgium) and Frankie Hejduk (Columbus), midfielders DaMarcus Beasley (PSV, Holland) and all-time US MNT caps leader Cobi Jones (LA Galaxy), and forward Pat Noonan (New England). My lineup for Saturday: Keller – Cherundolo, Bocanegra, Gibbs, Hejduk – Beasley, Ralston, Zavagnin, Dempsey – Donovan, Johnson. After the Costa Rica match, the US heads to the Canal Zone to visit Panama on the 8th.
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 28th
New England 0-0 Colorado
DC United 0-2 FC Dallas
Columbus 0-3 MetroStars
Kansas City 1-0 San Jose
Salt Lake 0-3 Chicago
Chivas USA 0-2 LA Galaxy
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars 2-1 Chicago
MLS Standings as of June 1st (Team, Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 21, +11
Chicago 16, -2
MetroStars 15, +6
Kansas City 15, +5
DC United 11, 0
Columbus 10, -10
Western Conference
FC Dallas 21, +10
LA Galaxy 19, +6
San Jose 13, 0
Salt Lake 11, -7
Colorado 8, -5
Chivas USA 4, -14
This Week’s MLS Matches
Wednesday, June 1st
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City, 10:30pm
Saturday, June 4th
Chicago vs. Chivas USA, 4pm, ESPN2
(US vs. Costa Rica, WCQ at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2)
New England vs. Kansas City, 7:30pm
Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas, 10pm
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
San Jose vs. DC United, 10:30pm, FSC, HDNet
Thursday, May 26, 2005
The Week In Soccer
What a match yesterday in the European Champions Cup Final in Istanbul, as Liverpool came back from three-nil down at the half to beat AC Milan in penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw and a scoreless overtime. It’s Liverpool’s fifth European crown, and its first since 1984. Sadly, by finishing fifth in the English Premier League this season, the Scousers will miss next year’s continental competition.
Actual Soccer Press
It’s been a great week for soccer in the national sports media, as Sports Illustrated has a three-page article on Dallas and US scoring sensation Eddie Johnson and rise of African-Americans on the national team. Pick it up on the newsstand. Also, Thursday's USA Today has an “in focus” piece on page C3 regarding the upcoming US National team schedule (see below).
US Team News
A mostly European-based US squad will play an England B-team in a friendly this Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago, though injuries have forced the additions of MLS players Kerry Zavagnin, Eddie Pope, and Josh Wolff. England will be without David Beckham, Steve Gerrard, Michael Owen, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney. Then the US heads to Salt Lake for a major World Cup Quallie on June 4th vs. Costa Rica. Four days later, the Nats head to Panama City for a Quallie date with the canaleros, who were a Cobi Jones 92nd minute goal away from beating the US in the semifinal round on 9/8/04.
In MLS
New England, Dallas, and LA continue to be the class of the league at the quarter pole. The Revs (6-0-2) kept up their season-opening undefeated run after Taylor Twellman scored in the 89th minute to draw the MetroStars 2-2 at Giants Stadium last Saturday. FC Dallas (5-1-3) got goals from five different players in a 5-2 pasting of Chivas USA at the HDC last Sunday. Last night, the Galaxy (5-2-1) played Columbus to a scoreless draw to stay in 2nd place in the West.
The Soccer Calendar
The next two weeks will see a lot of action between the US National Team and MLS…
Saturday, May 28th
US vs. England at Chicago, 2pm ESPN
Six matches, including Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm, MSG
Tuesday, May 31st
Doubleheader
England vs. Colombia at Giants Stadium, 4pm
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm, FSC
Saturday, June 4th
US vs. Costa Rica, World Cup Qualifier at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
Wednesday, June 8th
Panama vs. US, World Cup Qualifier at Panama City, 11:30pm Delay, Telemundo
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars 2-2 New England
DC United 3-2 Kansas City
Columbus 2-0 Salt Lake
Chicago 2-1 Colorado
LA Galaxy 2-1 San Jose
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA 2-5 FC Dallas
Wednesday, May 25th
Kansas City 1-0 MetroStars
Colorado 0-1 San Jose
LA Galaxy 0-0 Columbus
MLS Standings as of 5/26/05 (Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 20, +11
Chicago 13, -4
Kansas City 12, +4
DC United 11, +2
Columbus 10, -7
MetroStars 9, +2
Western Conference
FC Dallas 18, +8
LA Galaxy 16, +4
San Jose 13, +1
Salt Lake 11, +4
Colorado 7, -5
Chivas USA 4, -12
This Week’s MLS Matches
Saturday, May 28th
New England vs. Colorado, 7:30pm
DC United vs. FC Dallas, 7:30pm
Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm
Kansas City vs. San Jose, 8pm
Salt Lake vs. Chicago, 9:30pm
Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy, 10pm, FSC, HDNet
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm FSC
Actual Soccer Press
It’s been a great week for soccer in the national sports media, as Sports Illustrated has a three-page article on Dallas and US scoring sensation Eddie Johnson and rise of African-Americans on the national team. Pick it up on the newsstand. Also, Thursday's USA Today has an “in focus” piece on page C3 regarding the upcoming US National team schedule (see below).
US Team News
A mostly European-based US squad will play an England B-team in a friendly this Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago, though injuries have forced the additions of MLS players Kerry Zavagnin, Eddie Pope, and Josh Wolff. England will be without David Beckham, Steve Gerrard, Michael Owen, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney. Then the US heads to Salt Lake for a major World Cup Quallie on June 4th vs. Costa Rica. Four days later, the Nats head to Panama City for a Quallie date with the canaleros, who were a Cobi Jones 92nd minute goal away from beating the US in the semifinal round on 9/8/04.
In MLS
New England, Dallas, and LA continue to be the class of the league at the quarter pole. The Revs (6-0-2) kept up their season-opening undefeated run after Taylor Twellman scored in the 89th minute to draw the MetroStars 2-2 at Giants Stadium last Saturday. FC Dallas (5-1-3) got goals from five different players in a 5-2 pasting of Chivas USA at the HDC last Sunday. Last night, the Galaxy (5-2-1) played Columbus to a scoreless draw to stay in 2nd place in the West.
The Soccer Calendar
The next two weeks will see a lot of action between the US National Team and MLS…
Saturday, May 28th
US vs. England at Chicago, 2pm ESPN
Six matches, including Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm, MSG
Tuesday, May 31st
Doubleheader
England vs. Colombia at Giants Stadium, 4pm
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm, FSC
Saturday, June 4th
US vs. Costa Rica, World Cup Qualifier at Salt Lake City, 7:30pm ESPN2
LA Galaxy vs. MetroStars, 10pm, MSG
Wednesday, June 8th
Panama vs. US, World Cup Qualifier at Panama City, 11:30pm Delay, Telemundo
Last and this Week’s MLS Results
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars 2-2 New England
DC United 3-2 Kansas City
Columbus 2-0 Salt Lake
Chicago 2-1 Colorado
LA Galaxy 2-1 San Jose
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA 2-5 FC Dallas
Wednesday, May 25th
Kansas City 1-0 MetroStars
Colorado 0-1 San Jose
LA Galaxy 0-0 Columbus
MLS Standings as of 5/26/05 (Points, GD)
Eastern Conference
New England 20, +11
Chicago 13, -4
Kansas City 12, +4
DC United 11, +2
Columbus 10, -7
MetroStars 9, +2
Western Conference
FC Dallas 18, +8
LA Galaxy 16, +4
San Jose 13, +1
Salt Lake 11, +4
Colorado 7, -5
Chivas USA 4, -12
This Week’s MLS Matches
Saturday, May 28th
New England vs. Colorado, 7:30pm
DC United vs. FC Dallas, 7:30pm
Columbus vs. MetroStars, 7:30pm
Kansas City vs. San Jose, 8pm
Salt Lake vs. Chicago, 9:30pm
Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy, 10pm, FSC, HDNet
Tuesday, May 31st
MetroStars vs. Chicago, 6:30pm FSC
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The Week In Soccer
Road Sweet Road
Youri Djorkaeff had his best performance as a MetroStar in the team’s 3-0 pasting of Chicago last Saturday at Solider Field. Djorkaeff put a picture-perfect pass on the foot of a charging Eddie Gaven, who nutmegged Fire keeper Zach Thornton for the first of his two goals on the night. With the win, the Metro stepped out of the East cellar and hopefully gained some confidence for this Saturday’s home match with unbeaten New England. (4pm, ESPN2)
Prepping for England
Bruce Arena named a Euro-heavy 19-man squad for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend friendly with England in Chicago. Brian McBride (Fulham) and Kasey Keller (Moenchengladbach) are the most seasoned on the US Roster, which includes MLS stars Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Eddie Johnson. The roster for the June 4th and 8th World Cup Qualifying matches vs. Costa Rica and Guatemala will be named after the England match.
Public House Enemy Number One
Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer took control of Manchester United this week after acquiring shares of team stock. Glazer now owns 75% of all Man U shares. Fans of the team are calling for boycotts of season tickets and merchandise to express their displeasure of a yank running the world's richest soccer club. Glazer and his son Joel have been threatened by hard-core groups of Man U fans. Stay tuned.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Saturday, May 14th
New England 1-0 DC United
Salt Lake 2-1 LA Galaxy
Columbus 0-4 Kansas City
Chicago 0-3 MetroStars (see above for link)
Colorado 2-1 Chivas USA
San Jose 0-0 FC Dallas
MLS Standings after Week 7 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 19, +11
Chicago 10, -5
Kansas City 9, +4
MetroStars 8, +3
DC United 8, +1
Columbus 6, -9
Western Conf.
FC Dallas 12, +4
LA Galaxy 12, +3
San Jose 10, +1
Salt Lake 8, -4
Colorado 7, -2
Chivas USA 4, -7
This Week's Matches:
Wednesday, May 18th
FC Dallas v Colorado, 8:30pm
Salt Lake v Chivas USA, 9:30pm
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars v New England, 4pm, ESPN2
DC United v Kansas City, 7:30pm, FSC
Columbus v Salt Lake, 7:30pm
Chicago v Colorado, 8:30pm, HDNet
LA Galaxy v San Jose, 10pm
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA v FC Dallas, 9:30pm
Youri Djorkaeff had his best performance as a MetroStar in the team’s 3-0 pasting of Chicago last Saturday at Solider Field. Djorkaeff put a picture-perfect pass on the foot of a charging Eddie Gaven, who nutmegged Fire keeper Zach Thornton for the first of his two goals on the night. With the win, the Metro stepped out of the East cellar and hopefully gained some confidence for this Saturday’s home match with unbeaten New England. (4pm, ESPN2)
Prepping for England
Bruce Arena named a Euro-heavy 19-man squad for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend friendly with England in Chicago. Brian McBride (Fulham) and Kasey Keller (Moenchengladbach) are the most seasoned on the US Roster, which includes MLS stars Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Eddie Johnson. The roster for the June 4th and 8th World Cup Qualifying matches vs. Costa Rica and Guatemala will be named after the England match.
Public House Enemy Number One
Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer took control of Manchester United this week after acquiring shares of team stock. Glazer now owns 75% of all Man U shares. Fans of the team are calling for boycotts of season tickets and merchandise to express their displeasure of a yank running the world's richest soccer club. Glazer and his son Joel have been threatened by hard-core groups of Man U fans. Stay tuned.
Last Week's MLS Matches (home team first):
Saturday, May 14th
New England 1-0 DC United
Salt Lake 2-1 LA Galaxy
Columbus 0-4 Kansas City
Chicago 0-3 MetroStars (see above for link)
Colorado 2-1 Chivas USA
San Jose 0-0 FC Dallas
MLS Standings after Week 7 (Club PTS, GD):
Eastern Conf.
New England 19, +11
Chicago 10, -5
Kansas City 9, +4
MetroStars 8, +3
DC United 8, +1
Columbus 6, -9
Western Conf.
FC Dallas 12, +4
LA Galaxy 12, +3
San Jose 10, +1
Salt Lake 8, -4
Colorado 7, -2
Chivas USA 4, -7
This Week's Matches:
Wednesday, May 18th
FC Dallas v Colorado, 8:30pm
Salt Lake v Chivas USA, 9:30pm
Saturday, May 21st
MetroStars v New England, 4pm, ESPN2
DC United v Kansas City, 7:30pm, FSC
Columbus v Salt Lake, 7:30pm
Chicago v Colorado, 8:30pm, HDNet
LA Galaxy v San Jose, 10pm
Sunday, May 22nd
Chivas USA v FC Dallas, 9:30pm
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
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 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
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
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
The Next MLS Owner?
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.
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.
Monday, May 02, 2005
The Week in Soccer
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
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
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Best of Luck to Beasley
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.
Monday, April 25, 2005
This Week In Soccer
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
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
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
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
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
Thursday, April 14, 2005
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
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
Friday, April 08, 2005
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.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
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.
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
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.''
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.''
Monday, April 04, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
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)
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)
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, March 28, 2005
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
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
Friday, March 25, 2005
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
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.
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.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
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)
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
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."
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.
Monday, March 21, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
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."
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."
Monday, March 14, 2005
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!
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!
Friday, March 11, 2005
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
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
Thursday, March 10, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, March 07, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
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!
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!
Thursday, February 10, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, February 07, 2005
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.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
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.
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.
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.
Friday, January 14, 2005
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.
The latest Fed offer, Mediation, with a promise that the players won't strike this year, was rejected by the players. What a mess.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
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.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
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.
Friday, January 07, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
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
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.
Tuesday, January 04, 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.
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
Thursday, December 30, 2004
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.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
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.
Please visit Tsunami Help for information on international charities. Please help.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
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:
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
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.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
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
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.
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.
Monday, December 20, 2004
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.
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