USMNT in Nashville Update

Disappointing Turnout Expected?

There's a minor debate going on about the turnout for Tuesday night's match between the US and Paraguay at LP Field.  As of yesterday, 17,000 tickets had been for a game in a stadium that holds nearly 70,000.  Some are arguing that a match versus a top twenty-five team that is coming off their best World Cup showing ever should attract more interest.  I'm not so sure, but I do see the valid points of the arguments.

When you compare the 63,000 tickets sold for the Argentina match, the number for next Tuesday's match seem paltry, but Paraguay is not a world power the likes of Argentina.  Despite coming off an appearance in the round of 8 where they were beaten by the eventual champions Spain in last year's Wold Cup, but La Albirroja are certainly not one of the "sexy" teams of world football (unless you count the team's unofficial mascot, Larissa Riquelme).

No word on whether Larissa Riquelme will be in attendance next Tuesday.  Now, that might sell more tickets!

Also, Paraguay aren't bringing their star players.  Even if they did, I'm guessing not too many folks who weren't born along the Rio Paraguay would buy tickets just to see Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Valdez who are being left out in favor of some of the younger talents.  Educated soccer aficionados may know the likes of Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmond) and Oscar Cordoza (Benfica), but the typical EPL obsessed fans I know don't know them at all.

But enough about the opponent.  I'm more concerned that a match with the USMNT's first choice players hasn't already drawn more than 20,000.  Landon Donovan. Tim Howard. Clint Dempsey.  These are legitimate international professionals, if not star players.  Considering that the USA's finish in last year's World Cup made these guys household names in countries on the other side of the globe, it boggles my mind that there isn't more interest on the other side of town here in the USA.

USMNT Training Ahead of Argentina/Paraguay Friendlies

Maybe I'm just getting old and impatient, but it's about time the soccer community in the US woke up and started supporting the professional game here in the US.  I know... Rome wasn't built in a day and all that hooey, but hurry up already! 


Bussing It with Rocket City United

At least the Huntsville/Madison area will be well represented.  Rocket City United has provided fans a free trip up to Nashville on their team bus, and if you haven't reserved your seat, it's too late.  All 60 seats on the bus have been taken.  The bus will take off from the Walmart on Madison Blvd. parking lot at 3:15 on Tuesday afternoon. 


Rocking the Red

Looks like the Yanks will be sporting a new look when they step on the field this week.  Nike and the US Soccer have unveiled a red third jersey.  The shirt is an attempt to appease the hard core USMNT fans who always wear red and have been asking for a return to the red shirts for a while.  The last time the US wore red in a real competition was the "last place finish" of the 1998 World Cup.  I think someone at the US Soccer house became superstitious and decided the red shirt was to blame rather than the horrid 3-6-1 tactical formation and the bickering between the players.

RCU Preseason Friendly This Saturday

Rocket City United has announced that they will play Martin Methodist College this Saturday at 1 p.m. at John Hunt Soccer Complex.  New RCU coach Gerry Cleary will be busy as he also serves as the head coach for MMC.

RCU and MMC Coach Gerry Cleary, center in black, instructs his players.

Here's the press release from RCU:

Rocket City United will kick off their preseason preparations with a friendly match against Martin Methodist College during the Southern Soccer Challenge this Saturday.   The tournament features high school teams from all over the area and will be played at the John Hunt Soccer Complex. 

Group stage matches are scheduled for Friday March 26.  On Saturday, teams will play the semifinal rounds at 9 and 11AM before the two division finals at 3:30 and 5:30PM. 

Between these rounds, at 1PM, RCU will play their first test game of the preseason.  Fans will be able to watch returning players as well as new test players who may factor into the squad come the regular season.  Rocket City as an organization is excited to start building their relationship with Martin Methodist College, as well as for the new season.  RCU’s home opener is May 14 against the new Knoxville Force as Madison City Schools Stadium.

Welcome Back Charlie

Charlie Davies' first match back from his accident was a storybook affair, and I can't help but get a little misty watching the interview at the end.

Charlie Davies- The Return

NPSL Southeast News, USMNT Bus

NPSL Southeast's New Look Keeps Changing?

With the previously announced two new teams in Knoxville and Conyers, GA and the rebranding of the Atlanta FC to Silverbacks Reserves, the NPSL Southeast Region will have a few new franchise locations and there could be an additional one on the way.  Rumor has it that a team from Jacksonville, FL will be added to the mix.  The league has not announced anything, but if it happens, it would make the already strong division even stronger.

Jacksonville is the home of the powerful amateur club Lynch's Pub and Lynch's could be an excellent addition to the league.  Lynch's battled RCU to a 2:2 draw in a friendly in 2009 and has had success in qualifying into the US Open Cup in 2007 and 2009.

Another potential organization involved in the rumored NPSL team is the youth club Jacksonville United FC. The newly formed youth club has high aspirations and could set up an NPSL squad to serve as their "senior team" similar to the Georgia Revolution's relationship with the Rockdale Youth Soccer Association. 



Take the Bus to Nashville

Rocket City United is providing a bus to travel up to LP Field for next Tuesday's USMNT match against Paraguay.  I've got my seat picked out, but the bus is filling up quickly.  So, contact Kristen Pierce (kpierce@rocketcityunited.com) to reserve your seat, free of charge!

Speaking of the USMNT, they arrived in Cary, NC for training camp prior to next week's games. 

Nashville USA Friendly and Caps

US Roster Released

US Coach Bob Bradley announced the roster for the USA v Paraguay match on March 29th and the match against Argentina three days earlier in New Jersey.  If you are one of the 15,000 already for tickets for the match at LP Field, we should see a pretty good squad line up for the US.  Sixteen of the twenty-four named played on the World Cup squad and the FIFA international date allows most of the European contingent to travel in preparation for the summer's Gold Cup.  This year's Gold Cup is being taken seriously as the winner will qualify for the 2013 Confederations Cup.  One interesting name on the list is outside back Timothy Chandler who has been strong for a surprisingly good Nürnberg team in the Bundesliga.

Here's the full list.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton), David Yelldell (MSV Duisburg)
DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Jonathan Bornstein (UANL Tigres), Timothy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps), Oguchi Onyewu (FC Twente), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Zak Whitbread (Norwich City)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Michael Bradley (Aston Villa), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Mikkel Diskeruud (Stabaek), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), Jermaine Jones (Blackburn Rovers), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht)
FORWARDS (3): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (Bursaspor), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt)


USA Fan Caps

Preparing this post got me thinking about all of the US games I've been to.  Serious USMNT fans track the games they've witnessed first hand and award themselves caps just like the players.  Now, I'm no Cobi Jones (164 caps), but I think I've done pretty well.  The USA v Paraguay game will be my 15th cap.  That would put me equal with Freddy Adu!

Here are my caps and the results:

1. May 30, 1992, USA v Ireland, 3:1 W, Washington, DC
2. June 18, 1995, USA v Mexico, 4:0 W, Washington, DC
3. June 12, 1996, USA v Bolivia, 0:2 L, Washington, DC
4. November 3, 1996, USA v Guatemala, 2:0 W, Washington, DC
5. November 10, 1996, USA v Trinidad & Tobago, 2:0 W, Richmond, VA
6. August 7, 1997, USA v Ecuador, 0:1 L, Baltimore, MD
7. October 3, 1997, USA v Jamaica, 1:1 D, Washington, DC
8. May 30, 1998, USA v Scotland, 0:0 D, Washington, DC
9. June 13, 1999, USA v Argentina, 1:0 W, Washington, DC
10. June 3, 2000, USA v South Africa, 4:0 W, Washington, DC
11. September 3, 2000, USA v Guatemala, 1:0 W, Washington, DC
12. September 1, 2001, USA v Honduras, 2:3 L, Washington, DC
13. November 17, 2002, USA v El Salvador, 2:0 W, Washington, DC
14. April 1, 2009, USA v Trinidad & Tobago, 3:0 W, Nashville, TN

My record is 9 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. Most of those games came during the 1995-9 period when I was living in DC the US basically used RFK as their home stadium.  This didn't work out to well when the other team had a large population of immigrants in the area and they outnumbered the "home" crowd (see Honduras).  Fortunately, there's little chance of Paraguay crowding out US fans on the 29th. 

How many caps do you have?

RCU News, Sabio Plays for Phillipines, USA 90 Music Video

RCU to Upgrade Website, Hold Tryouts

Sources indicate that Rocket City United is planning to upgrade their website.  RCU already boasts one of the best sites in the NPSL, but a few features I would like to see are live streaming of matches, archiving of the matches, and more player bio information/stats.  Hopefully, some of those features are part of the plans.

RCU is holding another set of tryouts this Saturday morning at 1 PM at Pt. Mallard Park in Decatur.  RCU is looking to add firepower after learning that former RCU winger Paul Willoughby is out for the season with a serious knee injury after resigning with the team. 


Sabio and Azkals Advance

Huntsville native and UA law student Jason Sabio started and played the entire match for the Philippines in the second leg of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup qualifying against Mongolia in Ulon Bator.  The Azkals dropped the game 2:1 but won the tie 3:2 and move on to play in Group A of the Challenge Cup later this month.  Sabio was in the center of a major talking point of the match when he was whistled for a penalty leading to Mongolia's second goal.

Sabio and his teammates had planned on training in Japan leading up to the match, but last week's massive earthquake understandably upset those plans.  


The "Running Man" is the "Stanky Leg" of the Late 80s

Is that former RCU coach Desmond Armstrong doing the "running man" to the terrible rap song produced to celebrate the USMNT's qualification for the 1990 World Cup?

The only thing worse than the song are the "soccer rocker" haircuts.  So glad I didn't have one of those.

MLS First Kick, RSL in Champs League

MLS First Kick

The Major League Soccer season starts Tuesday night when the Seattle Sounders host the LA Galaxy.  Rather than write up a preview of the season, I invite you to find one of the several hundred that pop up on the various sites and blogs this time of year.  And there are some exciting developments in the league this year with two new expansion teams and several new players.  I'm usually not good at predictions, but I'll take a stab in the dark by saying that my beloved DC United will not finished in last place again this year. 

Tomorrow's game should be a pretty good one, and there will be a viewing party to take in the action at Knucklehead's Sports Pub on Rt. 72 in Madison at 8:30PM.  It's been a while since we did a Soccer Bar review.  So, if you go let us know how you like it.
 

If you can't make it out to Knuckleheads, you can watch the game on ESPN.  Last week, the World Wide Leader announced that Adrian Healey would replace JP Dellacamara who is now joining Fox Soccer Channel's lineup as MLS play by play caller.

Speaking of TV, MLS will also offer a free preview of their Direct Kick TV package on Saturday, March 19.  I highly recommend this package where you can watch 221 regular season matches for $79.


Ross is the Place to Shop for Soccer Jerseys

On a somewhat related note, I was in Ross on Rt. 72 yesterday and saw several MLS jerseys in their racks.  I even picked up the light blue Colorado Rapids jersey for about 75% off the list price.  I also picked up a national team jersey Spain and Argentina each for the same ridiculous discount.  And these aren't cheap knock-offs.  These are the real deal Adidas brand jerseys.  So, get on over to "Dress for Less".


RSL Hosts Saprissa in Champs League

LA and Seattle aren't the only MLS teams in action Tuesday night.  Real Salt Lake will host Saprissa of Costa Rica in the semifinals of the first leg of the CONCACAF Chamions League.  This game may actually be more important to US soccer fans than the opening match of the MLS season, since there has been such limited success in international tournaments recently.  Catch all the action on FSC at 9PM.

RCU Offers 2 For 1 Deal, Nashville USMNT Friendly Update, Georgia Revolution

RCU Season Tickets 2 for 1

As I mentioned last week, Rocket City United is offering a great 2 for 1 deal on their season tickets.  For $50 you get tickets to each home game, tickets to each NPSL Championship Weekend game, and free food and drink at every home game.  The first 50 to take advantage of the deal will also get a free parking pass.  Act fast because the deal only lasts through March 14th.  Click here for more information.

BTW, here's a nice little article form the Madison Weekly about RCU's recent press conference.


Nashville USMNT Friendly Sale

As reported by Steve Goff in the Washington Post, the US friendly against Paraguay later this month in Nashville has sold over 13,000 tickets so far.   As Goff points out, the opponent doesn't carry the weight of the some of the other world soccer powers, and I think that anything other than a sell out of the lower bowl of LP Field would be a disappointment. 


More Georgia Revolution Info

One of the two new clubs in the NPSL Southeast has sprung to life.  The Georgia Revolution's creation has certainly not had the fanfare of the Knoxville Force or the rebranding of the Atlanta FC to the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves.  But the team has an innovative club model which will use the NPSL as a "senior team" for their youth soccer association.  I'm really interested to see how it turns out.  Looks like they will be holding tryouts at their Rockdale Youth Soccerplex in the next few weeks. 

Photos from Chattanooga

Here are some additional photos from Sunday's MLS friendly in Chattanooga.  Thanks to friends of the PWT-blog John and Will for taking these great shots and running down stats for me.

Tickets and a view from the press box

  

The starting lineups

Will and I staying warm in the press box

A nice view of the 4379 spectators

Pawns on the chessboard

Ryan Cochran sporting the great 'stache

Getting the legs loosened up

Making magic for the PWT-blog

New England Beats Crew In Front Of Large Crowd In Chattanooga

Despite the cold and dreary weather, a large, boisterous crowd came out to Finley Stadium in Chattanooga to see the New England Revolution defeat the Columbus Crew 2:1 on Sunday afternoon. 

New England speedster and first goalscorer Sainey Nyassi (17) waits for a pass.

Despite dominating possession and having the better opportunities in the first half, Columbus found themselves down 1:0 at halftime.  With his speed out on the right flank, midfielder Sainey Nyassi had been the only real danger that the Revs could muster in the opening half, and it was Nyassi who would capitalize to put the Revs ahead as the first forty-five neared the end.  A corner kick was poorly cleared by the Crew and fell to Nyassi who whipped in a shot from just outside the area that found its way through the thick of it and into the back of the net.

Rev Marko Perovic serves in the corner that led to the first goal.

Wholesale halftime changes led to a little less dominance from Columbus in terms of ball possession, but the result was nearly identical in the second half.  The Crew mounted pressure on the New England goal, only to concede a goal from a corner.  This time veteran defender Ryan Cochran rose in the 81st minute to nod a hard shot toward goal, but substitute goaltender Alex Riggs was able to get down and parry it away from the line.  Revs midfielder Zack Schilawski corralled the rebound and roofed an eight yard shot for the 2:0 lead.  

The Crew snatched a late consolation goal as Tom Heinemann rounded Bobby Shuttleworth in goal for New England in the 89th minute.

New England v Columbus in Chattanooga from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.

Crew assistant coach Mike Lapper summed up the match, "We played well, but this league comes down to winning individual battles and set pieces.  If you can't defend set pieces, you're not going to win. We played well in the first half, and we were all over them. But scoring is the only thing that matters."

All Huntsville Fields Closed. So Get Up To Chattanooga To Watch MLS!!!

With yesterday's deluge, all of the soccer fields in Huntsville have been ruled unplayable.  So, what better time to use your new free time for a short roadtrip up to Chattanooga to spend a nice sunny afternoon watching the MLS friendly between the New England Revolution and the Columbus Crew.
 

With over 2,500 tickets sold already, the Chattahooligans are pumped about the game.  If for some reason you can't make it up there, I'll be there to give you the low down.

More MLS in Chattanooga News and US Open Cup Qualifying

MLS Teams Playing in Chattanooga on Sunday Afternoon

Sunday's friendly between the New England Revolution and the Columbus Crew is almost upon us.  I'll be heading up the road to cover the game at Findley Stadium at 4PM ET, and you should really consider the short drive to catch the pros up close.  Tickets sales for the game are strong with over 1,000 already sold.  CFC has been busy promoting the game in all forms of media.  Here's a video interview with some of the CFC board members about the game.


NPSL Southeast Region US Open Cup Qualification Format Revealed?

There's been no official word about the qualification process to be used by the league, but during the interview with WDEF, CFC board member Tim Kelly mentioned that a round robin US Open Cup tournament would be held on May 28th. 
This falls in line with the announcement from RCU president Andy Zorovich about the 2011 RCU schedule.  Zorovich said, "Our league this year won slots into the US Open Cup. So, we will be playing in Chattanooga on Memorial Day weekend for the US Open Cup Qualification Round.  It will be just the teams in our conference."

A round robin qualification process would make the Memorial Day weekend action packed.  The process would have the five teams facing each of the other teams once, for a grand total of ten games in the space of three days.  Wow, the spectators will love all the action, but that's a grueling endeavor for the players!  One things for certain, the team with the best depth with have the advantage. 

Cleary Named New RCU Head Coach

As the Perfectly Weighted Through Blog speculated a few months ago, Rocket City United announced this morning that Martin Methodist Women's Coach Gerry Cleary will take the reigns for the 2011 season.

New RCU Coach Gerry Cleary from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.
Cleary spoke about building a foundation for Rocket City United and bringing consistency to the coaching staff.  After three different coaches in four seasons, consistency is certainly something that could help RCU.  Notice that RCU's most successful season when they won the 2009 Southeast Regional Championship came in the second season under Greg Petersen.

2011 Schedule

RCU also announced its 2011 season schedule.  The regular season is in the familiar home and away format to determine the Southeast Region Champion.  All RCU home matches will be held at 7:30 PM at the Madison City Schools Stadium.

• May 7 @Knoxville
• May 14 home vs. Knoxville
• May 28-30 NPSL US Open Cup Qualifying in Chattanooga
• June 4 home vs. Atlanta
• June 11 home vs. Chattanooga
• June 18 @ Chattanooga
• June 25 @ Georgia
• July 2 @ Atlanta
• July 16 home vs. Georgia
• July 28-30 NPSL Final Four + All-Star Game

The NPSL will have 4 automatic qualifiers into the US Open Cup this year and the Southeast Region's qualification tournament will be hosted by Chattanooga on Memorial Day weekend.  The format of the tournament will be announced in a few weeks.

RCU will host an exhibition match against an opponent to be named later on July 9th.
 
Other RCU News

RCU announced a partnership with the YMCA to help with the soccer program at the Y by holding coaching clinics and other special appearances by RCU players and staff.

I was finally able to get with RCU Director of Operations Jan Henner about how he came to RCU and the partnership with the Y.

RCU Director of Operations Jan Henner from Ryan Harbaugh on Vimeo.

RCU season tickets are on sale now for $50.  If you buy now, you'll get a great deal, because for a short time only, it's buy one, get one free!  With you're season ticket, you'll receive tickets to each home game, tickets to each NPSL Championship Weekend game, and free food and drink at every home game.  The first 50 to take advantage of the deal will also get a free parking pass.  That's the best deal I've ever seen for a season ticket package.

Alabama State Cup, USA v Paraguay in Nashville, Chattanooga MLS Friendly, CONCACAF Champions League

Alabama State Cup

A website for the Alabama State Cup has been created.  The tournament is April 1-3 in Birmingham and is open to all teams from affiliated leagues in the state.  So, if your team plays in HASL, you can enter.  The tournament qualifies teams to the regional tournament to be held in Tuscolusa in May.   For teams who may not be that serious, you can enter the recreation division and just have a fun weekend at a nice facility.  HASL has promised to reschedule league matches, if your team is registered for that weekend.


Nashville USA Friendly

US crowd at LP Field

The Washington Post is reporting ticket sales for the upcoming friendly at LP field has reached over 12,000 and it will be broadcast by Fox Soccer Channel.   But you guys are already going, right?


Chattanoga MLS Match on Sunday

Don't forget that Chattanooga FC is hosting a preseason match between the New England Revolution and the Columbus Crew on Sunday at 4PM Eastern.  This should be a fun match right in our own back yard (well, it's closer than the 8 hour drive to Columbus) and they've already sold over a thousand tickets.


CONCACAF Champions League Return Leg Tonight

The second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal between Real Salt Lake and the above mentioned Columbus Crew is tonight at 9PM on FSC.  There won't be a second "Concacaf Ice Bowl" in this match however, as the temperature at game time is expected to be a balmy 35 degrees.

Concussions in Soccer Take Toll

There is a secret in soccer that is rarely discussed. This time, I'm not talking about FIFA corruption.

OK, I'll tell you.  Soccer can be a dangerous sport.  If you play the game long enough, you are going to get your bell rung.

Knocking heads while challenging for a header, taking a driven shot or pass to the noggin, and hitting your head on the ground after a fall happen all the time in competitive soccer.  Sometimes these mishaps lead to concussions or brain injuries.  But it's time to take note.  Recent studies have indicated that multiple concussions may lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease.   This is scary stuff. 

Inside Minnesota Soccer has an excellent post that every player and coach should read immediately, before another game.

If you don't feel like clicking on the link, here are the symptoms to watch out for if you suspect a concussion:

• Confusion, foggy/groggy feeling, sluggish
• Dizzy, poor balance
• Sensitivity to noise or light, blurry vision
• Headache, feeling of pressure
• Poor memory: can’t remember what they ate earlier that day, the score of the game, what happened, etc.
• Poor coordination and concentration
• Nausea/vomiting

If any of those symptoms appear, do not let the player continue playing!  They should be checked out by a doctor ASAP.

Fortunately, in the pro game, MLS has taken the dangers associated with concussions seriously from the early years of the league.  They've led the sports entertainment industry by enacted standard testing for concussion symptoms for years. 

Unfortunately, these types of steps haven't prevented players form being effected by the injuries.  The this list of MLS players who have been forced out of games or even forced to retire as a result of concussions reads like an all-star line-up.  Alecko Eskandarian, Josh Gross, Ross Paule, and Taylor Twellman are former USMNT players who have had their careers cut short by concussion related symptoms.

Eskandarian retired due to concussion syndrome.

Eskandarian told the Bergen Record last year, "I'm a soccer player through and through. If I could play, I would. Being an athlete my whole life, shutting it down is the worst type of torture.  At the same time, this is my brain. It's not a hamstring or an ankle. I don't care how tough you are. This about living a good life after soccer, as well. It's really unpredictable. There's no guarantee and you're forced to think about these things."

USMNT player and Columbus Crew star defender Chad Mashall is currently sitting out of preseason training and missed the recent CONCACAF Champions League match and will miss tonight's second leg because he had failed a concussion test after taking a shot to the head in practice.  He is expected to be back in time to play in this weekend's friendly in Chattanooga.

This is also a personal issue for me.  I've been playing the game for almost 35 years.  I'm certain that I've had at least 2 concussions in my playing career and it's likely that I've had more than that.  I once knocked head while challenging for a header and I knew immediately something was wrong.  The all white uniform I was wearing looked florescent yellow to me.  BAD SIGN!  I told my coach to take me out of the game right then.  Unfortunately, I was back playing the next day.  The other time, I was kicked in the head during a scrum in the penalty area.  I played the rest of the match and don't remember a thing about it.  NOT GOOD!

As a result, I keep an eye out on the concussion syndrome developments in the media.  It's not looking good for me there, I must admit.  I don't see any really overt problems, and I've always had the minor memory issues.  Then again, I can only remember two actual concussion events in my career.  So, maybe I'm not destined for ALS.

RCU To Announce Coach, Schedule Next Week

Rocket City United has announced a press conference to introduce their new coach who will guide them through the 2011 season next Wednesday March 2nd at 9:30 AM at the Madison YMCA.  RCU will use the new Hogan Family YMCA located off Hughes Rd in Madison that opened last fall to announce a partnership with the YMCA.

RCU is also set to unveil the 2011 schedule which will feature matches against the two new NPSL Southeast Region clubs, the Knoxville Force and Georgia Revolution. 

Let me know if you have any questions that you want answered.

CONCACAF Champs League, Chattanooga MLS Friendly

CONCACAF Champions League Freezes Goalmouth Shut

I called it.  The first match of the 2011 US soccer calendar landed with a cold thud.  Real Salt Lack-of-feeling-in-my-toes held the Co-numbness-is-spreading-to-my-extremities Crew to a 0:0 draw.  Check out the frigid action.

CONCACAF Icebowl 2011

Chattanooga MLS Friendly Update

 Finley Stadium to host MLS friendly

Chattanooga FC is hosting an MLS friendly on Sunday, March 6th at 4PM between the previously mentioned Columbus Crew and the New England Revolution.  You've already seen the Crew in action above.  Now, word out of the Boston Herald is that the Revolution have suspended their best players, Shalrie Joseph and Kevin Alston.  The players were sent home from a preseason training camp in Florida, and may rejoin the team in Atlanta in time to take part in the game in Chattanooga.  Let's hope so.

And So It Begins

 With tonight's CONCACAF Champions League match between the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake, the 2011 US domestic soccer year will begin.  It'll be a 10 month voyage to the MLS Cup, and I'm looking forward to it with relish.  My couch, which will likely suffer a dent in one or more of the cushions from my time in front of the TV, is probably not looking forward to this season. 

Tonight's match feature's the 2009 MLS Supporter's Shield winner in Columbus vs. the 2009 MLS Cup Champion and 2010 Runner-up, Real Salt Lake.  So, in theory this should be a good game.  The reality is that this match will be held in arctic temperatures with two teams in preseason form.  The game-time forecast calls for 27 degrees and light snow.  So, it's likely that this first match of the calendar year will be a frozen dud, but I don't care.  After a few months without it, I can suffer through an ugly match.

More Sabio

Filipino International and Huntsville Native, Jason Sabio

The Huntsville Times has a nice little article about Huntsville native Jason Sabio's action for the Filipino National Team.

SI Reporter For FIFA President

Grant Wahl, the Sports Illustrated soccer reporter and author of the Beckham Experiment, has decided enough's enough with the lunacy at FIFA.  He's decided to challenge Sepp Blatter in the run for the FIFA presidency.  No, really.  He's serious. 

Grant Wahl for FIFA President

He's running on a pretty great platform.  If elected, he will:

• Instant replay for all close calls on the goal line
• Referees for the World Cup will be chosen on merit alone with no limits per country
• Referees will also be required to address the media post-game to explain calls
• Yellow cards will not be automatically given to players taking off their shirts to celebrate goals
• FIFA transparency by releasing all FIFA documents to the public
• FIFA presidential term limits of two four-year terms
• Eliminate FIFA's sexism by appointing a woman to General Secretary position

Unfortunately, he needs a country's soccer federation to nominate him for the election.  That may be pretty hard to do, unless he can find a country that isn't afraid of the FIFA machine politic to stick their neck out and put his name forward.

Wahl running for FIFA President

Any ideas which country would be willing to help "cure the Blatter infection"? 

NPSL Gains Automatic Berths In US Open Cup

US Soccer has released its schedule for the 2011 US Open Cup, and for the first time, the NPSL has gained four automatic qualification slots.  The qualification process for the NPSL slots has not been finalized and will be released in a few weeks.
  
The US Open Cup is single elimination tournament similar to the FA Cup in which teams from all level of the game in America compete.  In the past, the NPSL teams would participate in the US Amateur Soccer Associations (USASA) regional qualification process.  Atlanta FC (now the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves) qualified through this process in 2008 and was knocked out of the tournament the fully professional Charleston Battery.

RCU has participated in the tournament each of the past three years, but has failed to qualify for the US Open Cup.  The addition of 4 automatic berths may benefit NPSL teams.  The late spring timing of the USASA's qualification often punished NPSL teams who were largely composed of college players who had not been released from their school commitments and could not participate.

RCU Signs Maxwell, Olde Towne Closes Doors

Rocket City United announced the signing of Jamaican Youth International Ryan Maxwell this morning.  Maxwell is a midfielder who starred at the University of Tampa before being drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLS Superdraft by the New England Revolution.

RCU's newest player, Ryan Maxwell

Maxwell also has some international experience with the Jamaican U-20 national team.  MLS scouting expert, Buzz Carrick of the blog 3rd Degree, said this after seeing Maxwell at the 2009 MLS Combine, "Crazy fast wide mid, arguably the fastest player at the combine.  With or without the ball he beat players to get results."

NSR:  Olde Towne Brewing Co. Says Goodbye

Former RCU sponsor Olde Towne Brewing Co. is ceasing operations.  Established in 2004, Olde Towne blazed the trail that many Huntsville Breweries have followed.  A farewell party will be held this Saturday afternoon at the Nook with many of Olde Towne's employees in attendance.  Time to go to the local beer joint and stockpile all the Olde Towne.

UPDATE:  According to the Huntsville Times, Olde Towne may not be closing, but may be sold to fellow Huntsville brewing company Straight to Ale.   One thing is for certain, they are shutting down the bottling line indefinitely.  So, stock up on the bottles.

Soccer Trick Shot Video

Last week, the interwebs were abuzz about a UConn's second-string quarterback's trick shot video in which he displays his throwing ability by hitting targets from various distances.  Well, not to be outdone, Lassi Hurskainen, a gifted goalkeeper from UNC-Ashville has posted his version of a trick shot vid.  There are some slick skills here.  Enjoy.

Lassi Hurskainen Goalkeeper Tricks

If I were the Bulldogs coach, I'd be pulling this kid out of goal to take any free kicks in the attacking third.

UPDATE:  This guy really likes Lassi's video.  :)

Sabio Appears for Phillipines

Huntsville native Jason Sabio came on as a substitute in the 70th minute and provided the pass that led to the second goal as the Filipino National Team recorded a 2:0 victory over Mongolia in the first leg of the AFC Challenge Cup tie.

Highlights

After a world class first goal by Emelio Caligdong in the 43rd minute, the Azkals pushed hard for a second goal.  Deep into second half stoppage time, Sabio ran onto a ball on the right flank and found Phil Younghusband in the penalty area.  Younghusband's first shot was knocked right back to him and his second bite of the cherry found the net for a much needed second goal.  The teams will meet each other again on March 15th for the return leg.

The Man in the Funny Looking Shirt: The Goalkeeper

When I was a kid, I was very athletic and had a decent ability to catch a ball.  So naturally, my soccer coaches often put me in goal... and... I... HATED... it.  In my opinion, goalkeeping is best described long stretches of boredom mixed with briefs stints of terror (hmm, sounds like combat) followed by either complete dejection when a goal is scored or exhalations of relief when a goal is prevented.  Those emotions are played on repeat hundreds of times a match. 

During those long stretches while the ball was at the other side of the field, my boredom led my thoughts to many of the same philosophical questions that are expressed in this brilliant story from NPR's Radiolab program.  Enjoy!

The Loneliness of the Goalkeeper

Looking back on it, perhaps I hated it, because I didn't have the concentration required to stay in the game.  I was a kid after all.  Anyway, it is lonely between the sticks. 

Worst of the Weekend

Whether we're talking about Bayern Munich's collapse in Cologne to lose 3:2 after a 2:0 halftime lead or even worse, Arsenal giving up 4 after leading by 4 to Newcastle, there were a lot of choke jobs this weekend.  But the worst of all was this incredible see-nothing effort put on by the refereeing crew in Costa Rica.

Are you kidding me?

If ever there's a case for goal line/replay technology...

NPSL Southeast Region: Atlanta FC Partner with NASL's Atlanta Silverbacks

As announced on both club's Facebook pages today, the NPSL's Atlanta FC have reached an agreement with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the second division North American Soccer League.  The team will compete in the NPSL's Southeast Region as the Atlanta Silverback Reserves.

The Silverbacks, who just announced the hiring of the former Mexican World Cup star Jose Manual Abundis, are back in professional soccer after a two year hiatus.  The Reserves will be continue to be coached by Ricardo Montoya, who led Atlanta FC to the 2008 NPSL Southeast Region championship.

This is a very exciting development as now players on the Silverbacks Reserves will have the opportunity to develop in front of the watchful eye of the professional training staff.

Soccer on TV News

Good news:  Huntsville soccer fans won't have to shell out pay-per-view prices to watch the next two European Championships tournaments. 

ESPN has won the rights for the 2012 tournament hosted by Poland and Ukraine and the 2016 tournament in France.   ESPN did a pretty good job with the 2008 tournament in Switzerland and reaped the rewards with good ratings.

Bad news:  Next week's planned US Men's National Team match against African Champions Egypt has been canceled due to the political unrest in the country.  I was really looking forward to see how the USMNT would handle a game in a hostile environment, but that was before the use of the term "hostile" went from hyperbole to merely apt. 

Here's an interesting read about the how the country's soccer clubs have played a big part in the protests against the current regime.