it's thursday, but i'm already looking ahead to sunday. why? well, the u.s. women's national soccer team is playing in the championship game of the women's world cup. this is a big deal, even if you don't like soccer.
i do like soccer, but admit that i'm not the biggest fan of the women's game. i remember watching in 99, the last time we won. in the months before the cup, i had watched a few scrimmages between the uswnt and lower tier, division 2 men's college teams. despite being the best in the world at the time, the women couldn't keep up with those guys. when i watched that cup, i sorta felt the product was inferior. the soccer wasn't as good, in my opinion.
jump ahead to now. i am amazed by our team. great crosses. flying headers for goals. shots on point. yes, there is an occasional bad pass or whatever, but the same can be said of the men's game. and it's not just the u.s. team that looks great. all of the teams in this year's world cup have really played beautiful soccer, something that i wouldn't say about last year's men's cup (i'm looking squarely at you france. you ain't the only one, but you may be the ugliest.)
the game is still a little different than the men's game. it's not quite as physical, the keepers can't quite cover as much of the net, but the soccer is still great to watch. and, the women don't fake injuries as much. there is an occasional flop, but overall, these women stay on their feet. when fouled, they pop back up and get on with the game. refreshing stuff, really.
so sunday, i'll be watching. and you should be watching. and cheering. our side is the favorite, and don't let that sway you. it's going to be a tough match, and hopefully the trophy returns to the u.s. when it's all said and done.
don't miss the best sport going on right now.
Showing posts with label u.s. soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label u.s. soccer. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
let's go USMNT
(cross posted from wide world of fresno sports and american outlaws fresno)
holy cow, so ecstatic that the usmnt has not only moved on, but won their group in amazing fashion. really, it doesn't get much more suspenseful than winning the group in stoppage time. i mean, we won our qualifying group on a stoppage goal, and now this? call 'em the cardiac kids.
great goal by landon donovan. it's too bad dempsey's goal was disallowed, but i'm glad we managed to eek through.
something to mention: we've been working on an american outlaws chapter here in fresno. if you've watched any of the u.s. games you've probably seen the outlaws featured heavily in the crowd - they're the crazy fans with flag bandannas and what not. most of the crowd shots from bars in the u.s. have been american outlaw bars, with tons of outlaws on camera. currently, we've got a handful of members, but we need more. in fact, we need at least 25 members signed up with us (+ a supporters bar but we're pretty sure we've got that worked out) to be an official chapter. we've got 5 so far. so, what am i asking? well, i'm asking you to join the american outlaws if you live in the fresno area. it's only $15 a year and you get an official t-shirt + u.s. flag bandanna. and, you'll have friends nationwide cheering along with you as well as a group here in fresno. if you're an outlaw member they also have discount rates on flights to u.s. games, on sales of gear online, and more. seriously, it's not a bad deal at all if you like soccer and follow the u.s. team.
so, enjoy the rest of the cup. if you can, join the american outlaws and come watch a game with us.
the american outlaws official site
american outlaws fresno chapter blog
american outlaws fresno chapter facebook
american outlaws fresno chapter twitter
holy cow, so ecstatic that the usmnt has not only moved on, but won their group in amazing fashion. really, it doesn't get much more suspenseful than winning the group in stoppage time. i mean, we won our qualifying group on a stoppage goal, and now this? call 'em the cardiac kids.
great goal by landon donovan. it's too bad dempsey's goal was disallowed, but i'm glad we managed to eek through.
something to mention: we've been working on an american outlaws chapter here in fresno. if you've watched any of the u.s. games you've probably seen the outlaws featured heavily in the crowd - they're the crazy fans with flag bandannas and what not. most of the crowd shots from bars in the u.s. have been american outlaw bars, with tons of outlaws on camera. currently, we've got a handful of members, but we need more. in fact, we need at least 25 members signed up with us (+ a supporters bar but we're pretty sure we've got that worked out) to be an official chapter. we've got 5 so far. so, what am i asking? well, i'm asking you to join the american outlaws if you live in the fresno area. it's only $15 a year and you get an official t-shirt + u.s. flag bandanna. and, you'll have friends nationwide cheering along with you as well as a group here in fresno. if you're an outlaw member they also have discount rates on flights to u.s. games, on sales of gear online, and more. seriously, it's not a bad deal at all if you like soccer and follow the u.s. team.
so, enjoy the rest of the cup. if you can, join the american outlaws and come watch a game with us.
the american outlaws official site
american outlaws fresno chapter blog
american outlaws fresno chapter facebook
american outlaws fresno chapter twitter
Sunday, January 24, 2010
usmnt vs honduras 1/23
btw, i've got some thoughts and pictures up over here about my recent trip to see the u.s. men's national team.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
updates on soccer issues
let me throw out a few questions to those that are interested in a jaunt down to los angeles to see u.s. vs honduras:
1. if we went to that game, would you also want to go see u.s. vs mexico on feb 24 (if that game happens - it's not confirmed yet, & it's rumored for the rose bowl)?
2. would you risk seeing no game @ all if we didn't go to honduras game in an attempt to go to potential mexico game & it doesn't pan out?
so, answer those in comments.
just so you know, i've been in contact with american outlaws regarding possible other member in the fresno metropolitan area. trying to see if i can at least get an idea of how many there are, if not actual email addresses or something. so, you should sign up and help us get the ball rolling. snazzy t shirt, bandanna, info on upcoming matches, discounts on flights, parties at games, it's the shiznit.
1. if we went to that game, would you also want to go see u.s. vs mexico on feb 24 (if that game happens - it's not confirmed yet, & it's rumored for the rose bowl)?
2. would you risk seeing no game @ all if we didn't go to honduras game in an attempt to go to potential mexico game & it doesn't pan out?
so, answer those in comments.
just so you know, i've been in contact with american outlaws regarding possible other member in the fresno metropolitan area. trying to see if i can at least get an idea of how many there are, if not actual email addresses or something. so, you should sign up and help us get the ball rolling. snazzy t shirt, bandanna, info on upcoming matches, discounts on flights, parties at games, it's the shiznit.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
u.s. vs honduras 1/23
so, who wants to go to the home depot center with me on 1/23 (it's a sunday) to watch the usmnt vs honduras. i saw these two teams play in salt lake city, but it's likely that the u.s. team will have a different look and it should be fun. gametime is 6pm, and i think tix start @ $26 but i'm checking to see if there's any rooting sections for american outlaws.
UPDATE: so, here's what i know - american outlaws tix are $36 for members, $41 for non. and, it doesn't seem like i can buy member tix @ for nonmembers. so, one option would be for everyone who's not a member to buy a membership ($15) and move us closer to a fresno chapter. if not, the other option is finding the best, cheapest seats we can, which are done first come, first served basis.
but, i know the a.o. section will be rockin.
"These are supporter section tickets for the USMNT game at the Home Depot Center on January 23rd, 2010. These tickets are in the Supporters Section which is all standing, all singing, all passion."
"We will be announcing pregame/tailgate/postgame party information on our site as those plans are finalized."
UPDATE: so, here's what i know - american outlaws tix are $36 for members, $41 for non. and, it doesn't seem like i can buy member tix @ for nonmembers. so, one option would be for everyone who's not a member to buy a membership ($15) and move us closer to a fresno chapter. if not, the other option is finding the best, cheapest seats we can, which are done first come, first served basis.
but, i know the a.o. section will be rockin.
"These are supporter section tickets for the USMNT game at the Home Depot Center on January 23rd, 2010. These tickets are in the Supporters Section which is all standing, all singing, all passion."
"We will be announcing pregame/tailgate/postgame party information on our site as those plans are finalized."
Monday, December 07, 2009
u.s. vs honduras 1/24?
here's an email i received and thought i'd pass onto you with giddy hope:
"If this story is true then we are on (it's in Spanish) for January:
http://www.diez.hn/Sintesis/Lo-mas-comentado/Ediciones/2009/12/06/Noticias/Honduras-Estados-Unidos-el-24-de-enero
Rough translation:
"Already we're working on dates and the first one will be against United States on Sunday January 24th at the Home Depot Center", confirmed yesterday by the president of the Fenafuth (Hounduran Soccer Federation), Rafael Callejas.
--
John
Los Angeles Chapter A.O"
"If this story is true then we are on (it's in Spanish) for January:
http://www.diez.hn/Sintesis/Lo-mas-comentado/Ediciones/2009/12/06/Noticias/Honduras-Estados-Unidos-el-24-de-enero
Rough translation:
"Already we're working on dates and the first one will be against United States on Sunday January 24th at the Home Depot Center", confirmed yesterday by the president of the Fenafuth (Hounduran Soccer Federation), Rafael Callejas.
--
John
Los Angeles Chapter A.O"
Friday, November 27, 2009
usa supporter's world cup shirt
every so often you hear about cool things that are worth supporting. sometimes, those things also benefit you. as you should know as a regular reader of this blog, i love soccer. i love watching soccer. i love supporting the usmnt and have even joined a supporters club, the american outlaws. (btw, if you're interested, i'm still hoping to start a fresno chapter - need 25 people signed up.)
i was checking out the american outlaws site today, and saw one of those cool things worth supporting that benefits me as well. the american outlaws have teamed up with sam's army and little feet to put out shirts for south africa 2010. here it is in gameday red (the also have an away gray)
now, the shirt is a little pricey @ $25, but, the price is worth it. here is why: you're supporting an agency, little feet, that does humanitarian work through soccer. for every shirt that is bought a soccer ball will be donated to a child in south africa. pure dope. the balls will be distributed after the december 4th draw. and, you'll also be supporting u.s. soccer, which is also awesome.
i bought two - one for me, one for my bro. you should buy one as well, and when we get together to watch the u.s. team as the have a break out world cup we can wear the shirts in solidarity.
*cross posted @ wide world of fresno sports.
i was checking out the american outlaws site today, and saw one of those cool things worth supporting that benefits me as well. the american outlaws have teamed up with sam's army and little feet to put out shirts for south africa 2010. here it is in gameday red (the also have an away gray)
now, the shirt is a little pricey @ $25, but, the price is worth it. here is why: you're supporting an agency, little feet, that does humanitarian work through soccer. for every shirt that is bought a soccer ball will be donated to a child in south africa. pure dope. the balls will be distributed after the december 4th draw. and, you'll also be supporting u.s. soccer, which is also awesome.
i bought two - one for me, one for my bro. you should buy one as well, and when we get together to watch the u.s. team as the have a break out world cup we can wear the shirts in solidarity.
*cross posted @ wide world of fresno sports.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
american outlaws
back in my salt lake city/usmnt recap i talked about walking in behind a supporter group that i initially thought was sam's army, but it turned out to be the american outlaws. they were spirited, they had chants, songs, and even some musical instruments. they definitely provided a lot of heart for the u.s. crowd at that game.
after i found out who they were, i decided to check out their website and see what they were about. their core values and history are this:
Mission:
To support the United States National Team through a unified and dedicated group of supporters.
History:
The American Outlaws started in Lincoln, NE as a local supporters group. Throwing viewing parties at local bars and attending every game possible sparked excitement amongst some of the leaders of the group, who felt like they could do more. In attending these games, a lack of consistency was observed from game to game with regard to the level of supporter organization, particularly with events surrounding the game (ie tailgates, parties, etc.). We then decided to make AO a nationwide, non-profit supporter group. a country as big as the United States, organization is a critical aspect to creating a unified culture of soccer fans. The more the fan base is unified, the greater the fan presence, the more intimidating the atmosphere, which finally leads to better results on the field. This is the goal of American Outlaws.
this sounded really cool to me. i like the organizational idea, providing a unified fan experience, having local chapters be "experts" on where to party, tailgate, etc. and, i hope to attend more national games in the future, even if they're only friendlies leading up to next year's cup. so, i joined the american outlaws. for $15 a year, i thought it could be worth it. camaraderie is definitely nice, but they're also getting hook ups, like discount flights from continental airlines. the $15 also gets you some gear: a t-shirt & a bandanna.
today my gear arrived:
i know it's a stretch, but i'd love to see a fresno chapter start up. what do we need for that?
Chapter Criteria
* A minimum of 25 paid American Outlaw Members
* Have a "home base" bar, where fans can expect to meet to watch each game
* Host a viewing party at said bar for EVERY GAME
* Complete the AO Chapter Registration, which will be mailed to you
* Inform national AO of new members as they sign up
in my mind the real difficult part of this might be to get the 25 paid members. because i'm pretty sure that we can find a bar (sequoia, hero's, some other place) to watch all the games at/host viewing parties.
why would we want to be a chapter?
Benefits of Chapterdom (if that is a word)
* Chapter awarded free banner from national organization
* Chapter receives discounts on merch, as well as benefits in other areas
* Chapter receives free promotional swag from organizations, such as NIKE
* Chapter events receive national recognition to all AO members nationwide
sounds good, right? and, i also think that if we could get a chapter together it would help out the fuego support. so, get yourself over to american outlaws. sign up. let's get our chapter on and support the usmnt.
*cross posted @ wide world of fresno sports.
after i found out who they were, i decided to check out their website and see what they were about. their core values and history are this:
Mission:
To support the United States National Team through a unified and dedicated group of supporters.
History:
The American Outlaws started in Lincoln, NE as a local supporters group. Throwing viewing parties at local bars and attending every game possible sparked excitement amongst some of the leaders of the group, who felt like they could do more. In attending these games, a lack of consistency was observed from game to game with regard to the level of supporter organization, particularly with events surrounding the game (ie tailgates, parties, etc.). We then decided to make AO a nationwide, non-profit supporter group. a country as big as the United States, organization is a critical aspect to creating a unified culture of soccer fans. The more the fan base is unified, the greater the fan presence, the more intimidating the atmosphere, which finally leads to better results on the field. This is the goal of American Outlaws.
this sounded really cool to me. i like the organizational idea, providing a unified fan experience, having local chapters be "experts" on where to party, tailgate, etc. and, i hope to attend more national games in the future, even if they're only friendlies leading up to next year's cup. so, i joined the american outlaws. for $15 a year, i thought it could be worth it. camaraderie is definitely nice, but they're also getting hook ups, like discount flights from continental airlines. the $15 also gets you some gear: a t-shirt & a bandanna.
today my gear arrived:
i know it's a stretch, but i'd love to see a fresno chapter start up. what do we need for that?
Chapter Criteria
* A minimum of 25 paid American Outlaw Members
* Have a "home base" bar, where fans can expect to meet to watch each game
* Host a viewing party at said bar for EVERY GAME
* Complete the AO Chapter Registration, which will be mailed to you
* Inform national AO of new members as they sign up
in my mind the real difficult part of this might be to get the 25 paid members. because i'm pretty sure that we can find a bar (sequoia, hero's, some other place) to watch all the games at/host viewing parties.
why would we want to be a chapter?
Benefits of Chapterdom (if that is a word)
* Chapter awarded free banner from national organization
* Chapter receives discounts on merch, as well as benefits in other areas
* Chapter receives free promotional swag from organizations, such as NIKE
* Chapter events receive national recognition to all AO members nationwide
sounds good, right? and, i also think that if we could get a chapter together it would help out the fuego support. so, get yourself over to american outlaws. sign up. let's get our chapter on and support the usmnt.
*cross posted @ wide world of fresno sports.
Friday, August 14, 2009
u.s. men's national team vs el salvador
anyone interested in a road trip sept 4-6 to utah?
the u.s. men's national team is playing there against el salvador.
tickets as low as $38.
twelve hour drive.
tempting, yes?
the u.s. men's national team is playing there against el salvador.
tickets as low as $38.
twelve hour drive.
tempting, yes?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
weekend odds and ends
so, this has been an interesting little weekend filled with all sorts of things.
yesterday, i got my first crack at supernerdery. i mean, geocaching. it's really not as nerdy as it sometimes sounds, but i had an enjoyable enough time searching for little things around town in a high tech scavenger hunt type of way. we went twice on saturday, and it was more fun when we made a little competition out of it. and when we actually found things.
last night, we went and saw m.night shamalamadingdong's movie, the happening. i enjoyed it. i won't tell you anything about it, although marky mark, whom i enjoy, makes me chuckle @ points just due to his voice. he'll say something, and it will take me back to fear (nicole 4 eva). some of the foreshadowing was a little ham-handed, but i did like the film. go see it before you hear too much (if you're so inclined) because it'll be one of those movies that the word will spread and it can spoil it for you. i will warn you that it is graphic. and it's also r rated. so, i'm not really sure why there were kids in the theater for our 10:20 (PM!) show.
on the way home, we drove a guy passed out in a dirt lot behind one of the bars by our place. i didn't see him, but heather did and so we looped back to check out if he was okay. i had seen his shopping cart knocked over, but not him, and i had a good idea which of the regular homeless guys of the area. it was. when we had initially drove by i did see a car passing where he was in the lot and not stopping. when we pulled up, another guy, who was out picking up cans, was also there. basically the guy was super drunk and passed out, but he was sort of convulsing, so i called 911. there was also another car there, and these people did ask if the guy was alright, but when they saw i was calling for help they rightfully were able to leave the scene. now, i mention this story because it was odd to me the number of people in the area doing nothing. it's not like i did some amazing thing, i called a phone number. but while we were on the scene, there were easily a half dozen people that were standing with this guy in their line of sight that hadn't done anything. this guy had been there a while. and, while we were there another dozen or so walked by and didn't pay any mind. the cops weren't there, i was off the phone, so it's not like they knew help was on the way. but they just passed by.
die hard was on when we got home, and although it was edited for tv, i ended up watching a good hour of it before i went to sleep. got to pick that up on dvd.
this morning has been enjoyable. i watched a track meet (from oslo) on espn2. yesterday, i watched part of the ncaa championship meet on cbs. while i was happy to track and field on tv, i was frustrated by the coverage of the meet on cbs. i repeatedly griped about it to mike and adam, who were over @ the time. the coverage today was much better. i think the overall coverage was an hour shorter, but i know i saw a whole lot more of the meet. some networks know how to do some sports it seems. espn, naturally does a good job covering pretty much every sport they show. they really think about it. cbs does a great job w/college basketball and football, but the don't have a clue with track and field. nbc does a good job (i credit all their olympic experience), abc does okay (they're the same company as espn). fox sports does good work with the college meets they show. something funny about catching meets on cable is that you're not always sure when they happened. this meet was june 6th (today's the 15th) but it was still very enjoyable.
anyway, after the track coverage ended, the coverage of euro 2008 started, which i'm watching right now. today, both games are on simultaneously. i've been recording them both daily and watching most, today i'm only recording one and watching one. i'm not as intrigued by today's match ups. after these games i'll be recording the first game of qualification for the u.s. men's national team for the next world cup. i'll probably watch it this evening.
while recording that game, we'll be taking in a grizzlies game over @ the chuck'. it's father's day, and so heather and i are taking my dad to the game. we would have also taken her dad, but he had to be out of town this weekend. some other time. or, maybe we'll sneak up to sf and take in a game there.
finally, be on the lookout for the next episode of the view looks good from here, fresno. we'll be recording on monday evening, so the next one should go up on tuesday.
yesterday, i got my first crack at supernerdery. i mean, geocaching. it's really not as nerdy as it sometimes sounds, but i had an enjoyable enough time searching for little things around town in a high tech scavenger hunt type of way. we went twice on saturday, and it was more fun when we made a little competition out of it. and when we actually found things.
last night, we went and saw m.night shamalamadingdong's movie, the happening. i enjoyed it. i won't tell you anything about it, although marky mark, whom i enjoy, makes me chuckle @ points just due to his voice. he'll say something, and it will take me back to fear (nicole 4 eva). some of the foreshadowing was a little ham-handed, but i did like the film. go see it before you hear too much (if you're so inclined) because it'll be one of those movies that the word will spread and it can spoil it for you. i will warn you that it is graphic. and it's also r rated. so, i'm not really sure why there were kids in the theater for our 10:20 (PM!) show.
on the way home, we drove a guy passed out in a dirt lot behind one of the bars by our place. i didn't see him, but heather did and so we looped back to check out if he was okay. i had seen his shopping cart knocked over, but not him, and i had a good idea which of the regular homeless guys of the area. it was. when we had initially drove by i did see a car passing where he was in the lot and not stopping. when we pulled up, another guy, who was out picking up cans, was also there. basically the guy was super drunk and passed out, but he was sort of convulsing, so i called 911. there was also another car there, and these people did ask if the guy was alright, but when they saw i was calling for help they rightfully were able to leave the scene. now, i mention this story because it was odd to me the number of people in the area doing nothing. it's not like i did some amazing thing, i called a phone number. but while we were on the scene, there were easily a half dozen people that were standing with this guy in their line of sight that hadn't done anything. this guy had been there a while. and, while we were there another dozen or so walked by and didn't pay any mind. the cops weren't there, i was off the phone, so it's not like they knew help was on the way. but they just passed by.
die hard was on when we got home, and although it was edited for tv, i ended up watching a good hour of it before i went to sleep. got to pick that up on dvd.
this morning has been enjoyable. i watched a track meet (from oslo) on espn2. yesterday, i watched part of the ncaa championship meet on cbs. while i was happy to track and field on tv, i was frustrated by the coverage of the meet on cbs. i repeatedly griped about it to mike and adam, who were over @ the time. the coverage today was much better. i think the overall coverage was an hour shorter, but i know i saw a whole lot more of the meet. some networks know how to do some sports it seems. espn, naturally does a good job covering pretty much every sport they show. they really think about it. cbs does a great job w/college basketball and football, but the don't have a clue with track and field. nbc does a good job (i credit all their olympic experience), abc does okay (they're the same company as espn). fox sports does good work with the college meets they show. something funny about catching meets on cable is that you're not always sure when they happened. this meet was june 6th (today's the 15th) but it was still very enjoyable.
anyway, after the track coverage ended, the coverage of euro 2008 started, which i'm watching right now. today, both games are on simultaneously. i've been recording them both daily and watching most, today i'm only recording one and watching one. i'm not as intrigued by today's match ups. after these games i'll be recording the first game of qualification for the u.s. men's national team for the next world cup. i'll probably watch it this evening.
while recording that game, we'll be taking in a grizzlies game over @ the chuck'. it's father's day, and so heather and i are taking my dad to the game. we would have also taken her dad, but he had to be out of town this weekend. some other time. or, maybe we'll sneak up to sf and take in a game there.
finally, be on the lookout for the next episode of the view looks good from here, fresno. we'll be recording on monday evening, so the next one should go up on tuesday.
Monday, February 04, 2008
u.s. soccer vs mexico
things i'm excited for this week: a friendly match between the united states and mexico. wednesday night, 6 pm, i know what i'm watching. maybe i'll even eat tacos.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
a tale of two teams
one team didn't play very well
one team did play very well
the results? well, the men's national side is exiting the copa america early. and, people aren't too happy with the u.s. for sending what is considered to be a "b team." as a supporter of u.s. soccer, i'm not real happy. it's good for us to try out new guys, to get experience for others, but should we do that in a pretty important south american tournament? we won the gold cup, and seemed to be riding a swell of energy. we looked like we were actually building something. then, we send a squad down to venezuela that bore little resemblance to that squad. what happened? 3 losses, and didn't look that good in this losses.
the other team, the men's under 20 side, beat brazil yesterday. this sent us into the next round of the under 20 world cup, and sent brazil home. as i mentioned the other day, i'm trying to catch these games now.
one team did play very well
the results? well, the men's national side is exiting the copa america early. and, people aren't too happy with the u.s. for sending what is considered to be a "b team." as a supporter of u.s. soccer, i'm not real happy. it's good for us to try out new guys, to get experience for others, but should we do that in a pretty important south american tournament? we won the gold cup, and seemed to be riding a swell of energy. we looked like we were actually building something. then, we send a squad down to venezuela that bore little resemblance to that squad. what happened? 3 losses, and didn't look that good in this losses.
the other team, the men's under 20 side, beat brazil yesterday. this sent us into the next round of the under 20 world cup, and sent brazil home. as i mentioned the other day, i'm trying to catch these games now.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
screw the copa america
i'll be watching the under 20 world cup as much as i can. right now, the u.s. is pasting poland. it's 5-1 mid way through the 2nd half. two guys have two goals, including freddy adu. some of these guys have been playing for the regular national side, as well. good stuff.
Monday, July 02, 2007
us vs paraguay
well, today yields another chance to watch soccer, another chance to root for the national side, and yes, another chance to be disappointed. we'll see what happens.
9th min - olsen has a great cross into the box and klestjan misses the easy header. but, just before this, the u.s. had looked pretty good, a lot of movement just outside the box. could bode for a good start.
10th min - long ball sent into the box, sorta high, eddie johnson just can't get an outstretched boot on it.
29th min - had been somewhat uneventful and i dozed off. i awoke to hear gol and sadly it was a paraguayan celebrating. replays look like bad marking in the back. but, it also looks like keller should have made the stop.
32nd min - eddie johnson has a great run, low cross into the box, nice shot by bornstein and a fabulous save by the keeper.
40th min - clark gets his first goal for the u.s. (i think). good passing around the 18, hammered home by clark. i think the assist goes to twellman.
half time - 1 - 1. i was glad to see the u.s. not give up, but really work back from the small deficit. they came back, played good football, and their pressure resulted in a goal.
51st min - paraguay's keeper takes a goal kick and hurts himself.
55th min - again, paraguay has a guy wide open. keller cuts the angle to something difficult, but the paraguayan is still able to slot it in. 2-1. it also looked like keller was expecting his defender in the area to do something, anything, which didn't happen. i'm pissed.
72nd min - free kick to eddie johnson header, just doesn't get turned enough to get on goal. but good effort.
74th min - great run up the side by the guy subbed in for ben olson. chips it over the keeper, and just over the cross bar, too.
last ten minutes - good flurry of action from the u.s. several decent chances, including two really nice headers that the keeper managed to snare.
91st min - u.s. gives up free kick just outside the box. 5 man wall. back of the net. went right over the wall.
and it's over.
9th min - olsen has a great cross into the box and klestjan misses the easy header. but, just before this, the u.s. had looked pretty good, a lot of movement just outside the box. could bode for a good start.
10th min - long ball sent into the box, sorta high, eddie johnson just can't get an outstretched boot on it.
29th min - had been somewhat uneventful and i dozed off. i awoke to hear gol and sadly it was a paraguayan celebrating. replays look like bad marking in the back. but, it also looks like keller should have made the stop.
32nd min - eddie johnson has a great run, low cross into the box, nice shot by bornstein and a fabulous save by the keeper.
40th min - clark gets his first goal for the u.s. (i think). good passing around the 18, hammered home by clark. i think the assist goes to twellman.
half time - 1 - 1. i was glad to see the u.s. not give up, but really work back from the small deficit. they came back, played good football, and their pressure resulted in a goal.
51st min - paraguay's keeper takes a goal kick and hurts himself.
55th min - again, paraguay has a guy wide open. keller cuts the angle to something difficult, but the paraguayan is still able to slot it in. 2-1. it also looked like keller was expecting his defender in the area to do something, anything, which didn't happen. i'm pissed.
72nd min - free kick to eddie johnson header, just doesn't get turned enough to get on goal. but good effort.
74th min - great run up the side by the guy subbed in for ben olson. chips it over the keeper, and just over the cross bar, too.
last ten minutes - good flurry of action from the u.s. several decent chances, including two really nice headers that the keeper managed to snare.
91st min - u.s. gives up free kick just outside the box. 5 man wall. back of the net. went right over the wall.
and it's over.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
u.s. vs argentina
so, we're 10 minutes in and i just realized that i wasn't blogging about this game. and in the 9th minute, eddie johnson got taken down in the box. he converted the penalty kick. we're exuberant.
11th minute, argentina has a free kick outside the box. the float it in, and apparently the u.s. decided they didn't want to mark anyone, as there are 4 argentinians coming straight at keller. keller stops heinze's initial touch but crespo puts it home. ugh. sheesh.
42nd minute, keller has just made back to back phenomenal saves. the first was on a long blast that he pushed up into the crossbar, giving up a corner. on that corner, crespo had a great flick header that keller was all over, although he did give up a rebound that was cleared out by a defender.
45th minute - big rip from a u.s. player, i think feilheber but not sure. but stopped somewhat easily by argentine kicker. as you can tell, there wasn't too much between the 11th and 42nd minute. we go to half 1-1.
53rd minute - u.s. freekick just outside the box...over the wall...and the goal.
58th minute - another u.s. freekick, this time from the side of the box...nothing much to speak of.
60th minute - messi sneaks through 3 defenders and has a really nice shot that goes into outside of the net.
63rd minute - crespo is wide freakin open for a pass from messi and he skids it into the back of the net. shoot.
75 minute - this is where i stopped watching the game. we had dinner plans, and it didn't look like the u.s. was planning on doing anything to equalize.
11th minute, argentina has a free kick outside the box. the float it in, and apparently the u.s. decided they didn't want to mark anyone, as there are 4 argentinians coming straight at keller. keller stops heinze's initial touch but crespo puts it home. ugh. sheesh.
42nd minute, keller has just made back to back phenomenal saves. the first was on a long blast that he pushed up into the crossbar, giving up a corner. on that corner, crespo had a great flick header that keller was all over, although he did give up a rebound that was cleared out by a defender.
45th minute - big rip from a u.s. player, i think feilheber but not sure. but stopped somewhat easily by argentine kicker. as you can tell, there wasn't too much between the 11th and 42nd minute. we go to half 1-1.
53rd minute - u.s. freekick just outside the box...over the wall...and the goal.
58th minute - another u.s. freekick, this time from the side of the box...nothing much to speak of.
60th minute - messi sneaks through 3 defenders and has a really nice shot that goes into outside of the net.
63rd minute - crespo is wide freakin open for a pass from messi and he skids it into the back of the net. shoot.
75 minute - this is where i stopped watching the game. we had dinner plans, and it didn't look like the u.s. was planning on doing anything to equalize.
a good day for football
the copa america started earlier this week. i'm excited because:
a) the u.s. is playing, and has been playing very well as of late. it'll be good to see how we do outside of our region (gold cup champs!)
b) i have cable and a good work schedule.
so, we got cable last summer basically because i wanted to watch as much world cup as i could. we kept it because we liked it, and it wasn't too expensive. this has greatly enhanced the amount of soccer that i've been able to watch, from champions league, to the premiership, to mls, to our national side. i already loved the game, but being able to see so much has deepened my appreciation.
anyway, today's a good day to watch. mexico vs brasil just started. brasil was already denied a goal on a terrible offsides call. when it played live, i thought the call was fine, but on the replay, the brasilian was clearly onsides. oh well, i'm sure this won't be brasil's only chance.
parguay & colombia play @ 3:30 - not a match that i must see, but probably will just to see how other teams in the tourney are looking.
and then, at 5:30, the u.s. is playing argentina. this will be a straight into the frying pan situation for the u.s. as i mentioned earlier, we're looking good, but how good? and, will we capitalize on our chances? can't wait to see.
(this reminds me, i need to go to a game soon. we haven't been to a fuego game since they cut our friend nick. there's a game this friday evening, i think i might go. after i get my new phone, that is. ooooh, and fresno is playing bakos on saturday july 14 @ 7:30. maybe our bakos friends should come up for that.)
finally, real madrid fired their coach. wha? winning the spanish title for the first time in like 4 years wasn't good enough?
a) the u.s. is playing, and has been playing very well as of late. it'll be good to see how we do outside of our region (gold cup champs!)
b) i have cable and a good work schedule.
so, we got cable last summer basically because i wanted to watch as much world cup as i could. we kept it because we liked it, and it wasn't too expensive. this has greatly enhanced the amount of soccer that i've been able to watch, from champions league, to the premiership, to mls, to our national side. i already loved the game, but being able to see so much has deepened my appreciation.
anyway, today's a good day to watch. mexico vs brasil just started. brasil was already denied a goal on a terrible offsides call. when it played live, i thought the call was fine, but on the replay, the brasilian was clearly onsides. oh well, i'm sure this won't be brasil's only chance.
parguay & colombia play @ 3:30 - not a match that i must see, but probably will just to see how other teams in the tourney are looking.
and then, at 5:30, the u.s. is playing argentina. this will be a straight into the frying pan situation for the u.s. as i mentioned earlier, we're looking good, but how good? and, will we capitalize on our chances? can't wait to see.
(this reminds me, i need to go to a game soon. we haven't been to a fuego game since they cut our friend nick. there's a game this friday evening, i think i might go. after i get my new phone, that is. ooooh, and fresno is playing bakos on saturday july 14 @ 7:30. maybe our bakos friends should come up for that.)
finally, real madrid fired their coach. wha? winning the spanish title for the first time in like 4 years wasn't good enough?
Saturday, January 13, 2007
claudio's coming home
saw earlier today on the espn screen crawler that former u.s. national team captain claudio reyna is joining the new york red bulls.
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