My Boys took it to the other team this weekend with a 6 - 0 shellacking of our opponents. Prince Tilam scored on a really nice direct kick from way outside the box...bent it into the far corner. Our last goal was a hard pass to the goalie (after 5 up, we stop shooting) who ran to kick the ball..and whiffed. Ouch. Not a way to score. So, after 4 games we have had 11 goals scored by 5 different players. (But then again, I was never worried about our offensive breadth.)
Now for the tough part of the season.
So the US WNT beat Norway 4 - 1. Hope Solo was not part of the team. According to Kristine Lilly, it was a team decision, so you wonder what the future holds for Solo and whether she can be part of it going forward. I suspect she will as the old guard (who was probably more taken aback by the comments) leaves. That said while I certainly agree with the sentiment of Solo's comments, she really threw Scurry (who has lived and breathed US Soccer for years) under the bus and that can't sit well with anyone on the team. She may have also given coach Greg Ryan a reprieve, if US Soccer chooses to "rally" around the coach. And that would be too bad, because that decision was such a bone-headed move, he should be let go.
In other news, Brazil lost to Germany 2 - 0. It seems the US game took the wind out of them.
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soccer. Show all posts
10.01.2007
9.27.2007
When Coaches Lose Games
Being a coach is tough. Trying to get the right chemistry among your players and getting the top performances you can game in and game out. In soccer, especially, a coach's job is done once the players take a step out on the field. You can no longer help...it is up to them.
But one firm rule of coaching is "don't mess with success." And that make Greg Ryan's decision to swap Hope Solo for Brianna Scurry so inexplicable. The results speak for themselves. A 4 - 0 spanking by the Brazilians.
Now this is not Monday morning quarterbacking. There was plenty of vocal opposition to Ryan's move prior to the game. What is unfathomable is the position he decided to tinker with. Goalie. The heart of the defense - the quarterback of the back line. Ryan was quick to say it did not matter, but that is total bullshit. It did. The own goal was miscommunication between the defense and the goalie. Scurry looked slow and tentative. It was a total (and predictable) disaster.
Greg Ryan lost that game for those women.
But one firm rule of coaching is "don't mess with success." And that make Greg Ryan's decision to swap Hope Solo for Brianna Scurry so inexplicable. The results speak for themselves. A 4 - 0 spanking by the Brazilians.
Now this is not Monday morning quarterbacking. There was plenty of vocal opposition to Ryan's move prior to the game. What is unfathomable is the position he decided to tinker with. Goalie. The heart of the defense - the quarterback of the back line. Ryan was quick to say it did not matter, but that is total bullshit. It did. The own goal was miscommunication between the defense and the goalie. Scurry looked slow and tentative. It was a total (and predictable) disaster.
Greg Ryan lost that game for those women.
9.24.2007
One Giant Leap...
I mentioned in a prior post that my U12 Boys team was, shall we say, struggling. We played last Saturday to a 1 - 1 tie. It was an outstanding game. Both teams played well. I thought we should have won the game, but could have lost it.
While the other team was not top flight competition. they were quite good. Their tying goal was a nicely executed 3 v 2, which we defended well, but couldn't stop. For our side, Prince Tilam scored from outside the box with a hard shot that caught the goalie a bit far out, but ducked under the cross bar at the last second. (That he managed to hit the upper part of the back of the net from 22 yards was pretty cool.) I was behind him when he struck the ball and from my vantage point on the sidelines, there was no doubt it was going in. We also missed a penalty; hit the cross bar another time; and missed from point blank range with < 1 minute remaining. Unfortunate, but it was still a great game to watch.
Several of the parents were still a bit frustrated we could not finish, but I said to them in an e-mail: "[Let] me stress one thing to remember when watching the game. The difference with soccer and every other major sport is that everything important a player needs to do on the field they do balancing on one foot. So while soccer has the same flow of basketball or hockey or lacrosse, at least those players get to use both their feet to stand. In soccer, dribbling, receiving, passing, shooting, etc. is all done with only one foot on the ground (and one touching the ball). As a player, you can see the right thing, know the right thing and want to do the right thing, but being even slightly off balance or leaning the wrong way makes it nearly impossible or causes a pass or a shot to be slightly off." Well played soccer is as pretty as ballet, if you know what to watch for.
Anyway, we picked up our first point...and some badly needed momentum.
While the other team was not top flight competition. they were quite good. Their tying goal was a nicely executed 3 v 2, which we defended well, but couldn't stop. For our side, Prince Tilam scored from outside the box with a hard shot that caught the goalie a bit far out, but ducked under the cross bar at the last second. (That he managed to hit the upper part of the back of the net from 22 yards was pretty cool.) I was behind him when he struck the ball and from my vantage point on the sidelines, there was no doubt it was going in. We also missed a penalty; hit the cross bar another time; and missed from point blank range with < 1 minute remaining. Unfortunate, but it was still a great game to watch.
Several of the parents were still a bit frustrated we could not finish, but I said to them in an e-mail: "[Let] me stress one thing to remember when watching the game. The difference with soccer and every other major sport is that everything important a player needs to do on the field they do balancing on one foot. So while soccer has the same flow of basketball or hockey or lacrosse, at least those players get to use both their feet to stand. In soccer, dribbling, receiving, passing, shooting, etc. is all done with only one foot on the ground (and one touching the ball). As a player, you can see the right thing, know the right thing and want to do the right thing, but being even slightly off balance or leaning the wrong way makes it nearly impossible or causes a pass or a shot to be slightly off." Well played soccer is as pretty as ballet, if you know what to watch for.
Anyway, we picked up our first point...and some badly needed momentum.
9.17.2007
Getting Spanked
I had mentioned before that my U12 Boys team was promoted to the Tournament of Champions League. Gah! It has not worked out so well.
Our first two games we got spanked 7-2 each time. Since my coaching career has been relatively successful, this is driving me nuts. Yes, the team is very young. Yes, the larger field is new to them (as is the formation). Yes, we are not the top all-star team. And yes, it is the start of the season, but sugar, honey ice tea!
Dissecting the games has been easy: our defense sucks! So I know the first problem we need to solve, but solving it will be tricky. To wit, I have only two "natural" defenders..."natural" being defined as both ability AND interest. Everyone else prefers the other side of the ball. This couple with my natural tendency to preach offense has resulted in two massacres. I am used to being Sherman, not Atlanta.
Oddly, it is not that we played poorly all the time...in fact we dominated huge parts of the last game, but our lapses are complete and devastating. In both games, 10 minute lapses resulted in four goals a piece. I nearly burst a vessel!
Two practices and one scrimmage this week marks the journey back.
Our first two games we got spanked 7-2 each time. Since my coaching career has been relatively successful, this is driving me nuts. Yes, the team is very young. Yes, the larger field is new to them (as is the formation). Yes, we are not the top all-star team. And yes, it is the start of the season, but sugar, honey ice tea!
Dissecting the games has been easy: our defense sucks! So I know the first problem we need to solve, but solving it will be tricky. To wit, I have only two "natural" defenders..."natural" being defined as both ability AND interest. Everyone else prefers the other side of the ball. This couple with my natural tendency to preach offense has resulted in two massacres. I am used to being Sherman, not Atlanta.
Oddly, it is not that we played poorly all the time...in fact we dominated huge parts of the last game, but our lapses are complete and devastating. In both games, 10 minute lapses resulted in four goals a piece. I nearly burst a vessel!
Two practices and one scrimmage this week marks the journey back.
8.31.2007
8.28.2007
Pre-season Soccer 1 - 0
The Boys have been practicing and yesterday we had an impromptu scrimmage against another BU12 team. The result was dominance and a 5-0 "win."
But I view pre-season much the way Bill Belichick does...which means the outcome just does not matter. But while we were rusty, there was a lot of good team play, passing, talking, dribbling.
Games start September 8th...not a lot of time.
But I view pre-season much the way Bill Belichick does...which means the outcome just does not matter. But while we were rusty, there was a lot of good team play, passing, talking, dribbling.
Games start September 8th...not a lot of time.
8.24.2007
Soccer Week
Okay, this has been (and will continue to be) soccer week for me.
Yesterday, I spent the day in Gillette Stadium watch the NE Revolution practice. Of course, I kept on wanting to jump on the field and play. Interestingly, Miguel Gonzalas gave my son a practice ball. Then my daughter received one...the only two to be given out (we gave one to the little kids next to us). But its a $130 dollar ball! Nice.
It was loads of fun, but if Taylor Twellman is 5'11", I am 6'2". And I ain't 6'2".
But all the players were great. Really good to the kids and generous with their time. Top to bottom, they are all class acts.
Also found out my Boys U12 soccer team was promoted to the Mass. Tournament of Champions League. Doh! That was the sound of the sphincter puckering.
I'll leave you with a picture of Prince and Princess Tilam doing sit-ups at midfield.
Yesterday, I spent the day in Gillette Stadium watch the NE Revolution practice. Of course, I kept on wanting to jump on the field and play. Interestingly, Miguel Gonzalas gave my son a practice ball. Then my daughter received one...the only two to be given out (we gave one to the little kids next to us). But its a $130 dollar ball! Nice.
It was loads of fun, but if Taylor Twellman is 5'11", I am 6'2". And I ain't 6'2".
But all the players were great. Really good to the kids and generous with their time. Top to bottom, they are all class acts.
Also found out my Boys U12 soccer team was promoted to the Mass. Tournament of Champions League. Doh! That was the sound of the sphincter puckering.
I'll leave you with a picture of Prince and Princess Tilam doing sit-ups at midfield.
8.20.2007
Glory Days, Well, They'll Pass You By
Saturday and Sunday were "work" days for me. I spent 16 hours taking the Mass. State "E" coaches license for soccer. Of the 16 hours, about 9 hours were on the field drilling and scrimmaging.
Argh! My aching bones.
Happily, I did hold my own against fellow participants as young as college age. We were all at 80% speed in an effort to avoid injuries...which we were 80% successful. But it was terrific fun to play again at a high level with other high level players.
My highlights...a Cryuff shot which nutmegged my opponent and scored! And a back heel shot...nutmeg...score.
Oh, yeah, and I really did learn a shitload on coaching.
Argh! My aching bones.
Happily, I did hold my own against fellow participants as young as college age. We were all at 80% speed in an effort to avoid injuries...which we were 80% successful. But it was terrific fun to play again at a high level with other high level players.
My highlights...a Cryuff shot which nutmegged my opponent and scored! And a back heel shot...nutmeg...score.
Oh, yeah, and I really did learn a shitload on coaching.
7.25.2007
The Zombie Watch
Posting has been incredibly lite for both of us for the last month. For me, it was a surprise as summer is normally a slower time at work...but not necessarily this summer.
Anyway, regarding some of Thew's points:
I can't imagine a worse Baseball Commish then Selig. At least in the sense that I just don't think he gives a rat's ass about the average fan. And, as Thew has said, he does not respect the Game. Finally, though, someone has bitch-slapped some sense into him. That said, the Brew Crew has got to be one of the "feel good" stories in the MLB.
The NBA...Nothing But Assholes. When is the NCAA season starting?
My favorite soccer story is not Beckham right now, but the Asian Cup. After beating the South Koreans in PKs, the Iraqis play the Saudis, who beat Japan. Politics aside, this has got to be a tremendous boost to the people of Iraq. (The terrorists expressed their displeasure.) I think its time that the European clubs will take a flyer on a few players.
Any word on Michelle Wie?
In other sports news, Ben Rothisnvhvhnzcm is dating Missy Peregrym of Heroes and Stick It fame. Which is just an excuse to add a picture of her.
Anyway, Yankees are creeping up and the fact that the Red Sox are beating the Indians, leaders for the AL Wildcard, makes the Sox-Tribe series a win-win for the Yankees. They do have a tough stretch coming up though, which will make or break the season. 4 games against Detroit (in NY), travel for 3 against the Angels, 4 more at Detroit after which they come home and play 3 against the Red Sox. 14 straight games against division leaders.
In other sports news, I have a nasty taste in my mouth after my girls' soccer season. No, not because we lost, but we only placed one player on the 2007-08 Select (All Star) Squad. Now let me get this straight: the team mops the floor with the opposition, only has 1 or 2 close games and one ONE All-star Selection? A bitter, bitter pill. I take total blame, of course. They took the team concept to a very high level and did not cut it as individuals in the try-outs.
Well, work calls....
Anyway, regarding some of Thew's points:
I can't imagine a worse Baseball Commish then Selig. At least in the sense that I just don't think he gives a rat's ass about the average fan. And, as Thew has said, he does not respect the Game. Finally, though, someone has bitch-slapped some sense into him. That said, the Brew Crew has got to be one of the "feel good" stories in the MLB.
The NBA...Nothing But Assholes. When is the NCAA season starting?
My favorite soccer story is not Beckham right now, but the Asian Cup. After beating the South Koreans in PKs, the Iraqis play the Saudis, who beat Japan. Politics aside, this has got to be a tremendous boost to the people of Iraq. (The terrorists expressed their displeasure.) I think its time that the European clubs will take a flyer on a few players.
Any word on Michelle Wie?
In other sports news, Ben Rothisnvhvhnzcm is dating Missy Peregrym of Heroes and Stick It fame. Which is just an excuse to add a picture of her.
Anyway, Yankees are creeping up and the fact that the Red Sox are beating the Indians, leaders for the AL Wildcard, makes the Sox-Tribe series a win-win for the Yankees. They do have a tough stretch coming up though, which will make or break the season. 4 games against Detroit (in NY), travel for 3 against the Angels, 4 more at Detroit after which they come home and play 3 against the Red Sox. 14 straight games against division leaders.
In other sports news, I have a nasty taste in my mouth after my girls' soccer season. No, not because we lost, but we only placed one player on the 2007-08 Select (All Star) Squad. Now let me get this straight: the team mops the floor with the opposition, only has 1 or 2 close games and one ONE All-star Selection? A bitter, bitter pill. I take total blame, of course. They took the team concept to a very high level and did not cut it as individuals in the try-outs.
Well, work calls....
5.29.2007
The Worst, the Best and Just PlainSports
I am really un-interested in the whole dog-fighting thing. It should be stopped, period. If Vick is involved, he should be thrown out of the NFL. SI has a big article on what is going on for those interested. Be warned, the details are not pretty.
* * *
This weekend had two phenomenal lacrosse games. First, Duke beat Cornell 12-11 in the second semi-final and the right to play Johns Hopkins. After being down as much as 10-3, Big Red came back and tied the game with 17 seconds left! Duke wins the face off and as time wound down, Matt Greer put the ball in the net. Time remaining: 0:03.
The title game was just as exciting without the last second heroics. But it was the Blue Jays up 10-4 at the half and Duke coming back. Duke was poised for another Cinderella like ending, but the blistering shot with 9 seconds left was kicked away (yes, kick save!) by the Jays goalie. Final Johns Hopkins 12-11.
But hats off to Duke. Given the total crap they went through with the false allegations of rape, the spinelessness of the Duke administration and faculty, cancelling their 2006 season and the scrutiny they were under this year, it is truly amazing what they accomplished.
* * *
The CONCACAF Gold Cup starts next week after a US-China warm-up. Comments and analysis to follow. This is Coach Bradley's first real competition as permanent head coach, so it will be interesting to see how the players respond.
Of course, this is just a warm-up for Copa America later this year...
* * *
This weekend had two phenomenal lacrosse games. First, Duke beat Cornell 12-11 in the second semi-final and the right to play Johns Hopkins. After being down as much as 10-3, Big Red came back and tied the game with 17 seconds left! Duke wins the face off and as time wound down, Matt Greer put the ball in the net. Time remaining: 0:03.
The title game was just as exciting without the last second heroics. But it was the Blue Jays up 10-4 at the half and Duke coming back. Duke was poised for another Cinderella like ending, but the blistering shot with 9 seconds left was kicked away (yes, kick save!) by the Jays goalie. Final Johns Hopkins 12-11.
But hats off to Duke. Given the total crap they went through with the false allegations of rape, the spinelessness of the Duke administration and faculty, cancelling their 2006 season and the scrutiny they were under this year, it is truly amazing what they accomplished.
* * *
The CONCACAF Gold Cup starts next week after a US-China warm-up. Comments and analysis to follow. This is Coach Bradley's first real competition as permanent head coach, so it will be interesting to see how the players respond.
Of course, this is just a warm-up for Copa America later this year...
5.01.2007
A Rolling Stone Gathers No...
Moss. Bill Simmons' comments are funny and dead-on. Favorite line: Brady to Belichick, "COULD YOU GET ME SOME HELP PLEASE! THERE'S A CHANCE MY EX-GIRLFRIEND PULLED THE GOALIE ON ME THIS WINTER, COULD YOU THROW ME ONE EFFING BONE HERE!" "Pulled the Goalie"?! I nearly pissed myself.
I think Moss is thinking two things: One, there are more important things then money. He will never post HoF numbers in Oakland nor will he ever win a Super Bowl in Oakland. Both are quite possible in New England. Two, there is nothing more important then money and I will be worth nothing in two years if I stay in Oakland. Sooooo, where do I go? I need a top quarterback; a deeper receiving core and an offensive line that will give said QB time. And I want to put up numbers in the play-offs. Hmmmmmm.
Count me as optimistic this is a good move for New England and Moss.
Quinn. Two words: Eli Manning. No one wanted to make that mistake again.
Russell. Good fit in Oakland. He needs a year, but won't get it. The question is is he the next Randell Cunningham or Drew Bledsoe.
Landis. Is there reasonable grounds to believ..Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I love to bike, but I hate TDF politics. The French were going to strip him of the title because he is American.
Yankees. Tom Verducci says they are done. We will see. True Yankee fans see April through September as pre-season ball. Let's talk again in October. They are 5 games below .500, but it is very early.
My Girls. Are 3-0 (5-0, if you view split squads as separate games) for the season and are looking pretty solid. This is my last season with this group of kids, so I am hoping to run the table. The games have been relatively close, but we really have not been threaten yet. We are lucky, we have 4-5 very good players who are very good, but our younger girls (first graders) make our team. It is clear that we have a much stronger young squad then the other teams. Normally, you are happy that the youngsters don't mess up too badly, but we have girls who really contribute.
I think Moss is thinking two things: One, there are more important things then money. He will never post HoF numbers in Oakland nor will he ever win a Super Bowl in Oakland. Both are quite possible in New England. Two, there is nothing more important then money and I will be worth nothing in two years if I stay in Oakland. Sooooo, where do I go? I need a top quarterback; a deeper receiving core and an offensive line that will give said QB time. And I want to put up numbers in the play-offs. Hmmmmmm.
Count me as optimistic this is a good move for New England and Moss.
Quinn. Two words: Eli Manning. No one wanted to make that mistake again.
Russell. Good fit in Oakland. He needs a year, but won't get it. The question is is he the next Randell Cunningham or Drew Bledsoe.
Landis. Is there reasonable grounds to believ..Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I love to bike, but I hate TDF politics. The French were going to strip him of the title because he is American.
Yankees. Tom Verducci says they are done. We will see. True Yankee fans see April through September as pre-season ball. Let's talk again in October. They are 5 games below .500, but it is very early.
My Girls. Are 3-0 (5-0, if you view split squads as separate games) for the season and are looking pretty solid. This is my last season with this group of kids, so I am hoping to run the table. The games have been relatively close, but we really have not been threaten yet. We are lucky, we have 4-5 very good players who are very good, but our younger girls (first graders) make our team. It is clear that we have a much stronger young squad then the other teams. Normally, you are happy that the youngsters don't mess up too badly, but we have girls who really contribute.
4.16.2007
Not a Horse Joke in Sight...
Ouch. Go on the road a bit and everything seems to fall apart. Comments on the headlines:
Imus. I am not a big Imus fan. But the fact is, he got nailed for being white. “Nappy headed hos” is mild compared to rap lyrics, but rap artists are (generally) black. I was traveling and I heard an interview on CNN with Robert Johnson, founder of BET. I am not in tune with the guys politics, but he gets kudos for his business achievements. But he lost me when he defended rap artists by saying they are free express themselves ARTISTICALLY, but Imus in not free to express himself POLITICALLY. Oddly, one is protected by the Constitution, the other is not. Care to guess which is?
If you are white, you have no moral authority to talk about race. Which brings us to…
The Duke Hoax. No surprise here. Anyone with half a brain saw this coming from the start. I recommend Jon Stewart's take on all this.
Now the inevitable "did the media rush to judgment?" questions. Well, it is not as if media EVER publishes items without fact checking, in the face of conflicting evidence, that supports its world view. Oh, that's right, this happens all too frequently. There will be no introspection, no changes, no one will be fired.
And it will happen again...this week if the story presents itself.
Number 42. On the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut, many major leaguers are wearing “42” as their number. What a great tribute. Jackie Robinson had to endure real racism unlike that manufactured racism of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. He did so with dignity and class, again unlike Jackson and Sharpton.
A fitting tribute to a true pioneer.
My U8 Girls. My Under 8 girls team opened up the season with a full squad indoor game (normally we play split squad outdoors) and a 5 - 1 victory. After shaking off the cobwebs, Princess Tilam scored from her midfield position for our inaugural goal. The other team capitalized on an error on our part. After the half, one of our girls dribbled toward the wrong goal and amidst the confusion, they put a well placed shot in the net. (This same young lady scored twice later on, so she clearly regained her bearings.) The rest was all us.
We dominated possession, but like many games, we could have lost. We missed several "easy" opportunities in the beginning, but as the game tighten up we got off several very nice shots. Four girls scored five goals and only two goals were scored by our "normal" scorers. All-in-all, a fine start.
Imus. I am not a big Imus fan. But the fact is, he got nailed for being white. “Nappy headed hos” is mild compared to rap lyrics, but rap artists are (generally) black. I was traveling and I heard an interview on CNN with Robert Johnson, founder of BET. I am not in tune with the guys politics, but he gets kudos for his business achievements. But he lost me when he defended rap artists by saying they are free express themselves ARTISTICALLY, but Imus in not free to express himself POLITICALLY. Oddly, one is protected by the Constitution, the other is not. Care to guess which is?
If you are white, you have no moral authority to talk about race. Which brings us to…
The Duke Hoax. No surprise here. Anyone with half a brain saw this coming from the start. I recommend Jon Stewart's take on all this.
Now the inevitable "did the media rush to judgment?" questions. Well, it is not as if media EVER publishes items without fact checking, in the face of conflicting evidence, that supports its world view. Oh, that's right, this happens all too frequently. There will be no introspection, no changes, no one will be fired.
And it will happen again...this week if the story presents itself.
Number 42. On the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut, many major leaguers are wearing “42” as their number. What a great tribute. Jackie Robinson had to endure real racism unlike that manufactured racism of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. He did so with dignity and class, again unlike Jackson and Sharpton.
A fitting tribute to a true pioneer.
My U8 Girls. My Under 8 girls team opened up the season with a full squad indoor game (normally we play split squad outdoors) and a 5 - 1 victory. After shaking off the cobwebs, Princess Tilam scored from her midfield position for our inaugural goal. The other team capitalized on an error on our part. After the half, one of our girls dribbled toward the wrong goal and amidst the confusion, they put a well placed shot in the net. (This same young lady scored twice later on, so she clearly regained her bearings.) The rest was all us.
We dominated possession, but like many games, we could have lost. We missed several "easy" opportunities in the beginning, but as the game tighten up we got off several very nice shots. Four girls scored five goals and only two goals were scored by our "normal" scorers. All-in-all, a fine start.
4.03.2007
That is Why I am Not on ESPN
I could not have been more wrong if I tried. The Florida-OSU game was over by half-time...just like the BCS Championship. Ohio State might be getting a complex.
All that said, this is how it should have been. The fact that Florida lost some "easy" games shows, in retrospect, a loss of focus, not talent. Hat's off to them.
In other sports news:
1. Yankees bats and bullpen saved Pavano. But A-Rod's error and all the "boos" in the top of the first was the highlight of the game. Good of Jeter to throw one away to make A-Rod feel better.
2. Schilling had a rough go. His control....well, let him tell you. Maybe I am just nuts, but reading him recap a game is like watching 24. Riveting. (Okay, I am officially in complete baseball crazy mode.)
3. Barry Bonds. He will break the record, probably in late-June. Too bad.
4. Back to NCAA Hoops. Billy Donovan becomes one of only four active coaches to have one more then one title. The others: Bobby Knight, Coach K and Jim Calhoun.
5. Peter Crouch scores a "perfect" hat trick for Liverpool against the Arses...I mean Gunners. A perfect hat trick is a left foot, right foot and header. Given the stinginess of goals and the opponent (Arsenal is not some "soon to be regulated" squad), kudos to Crouch.
All that said, this is how it should have been. The fact that Florida lost some "easy" games shows, in retrospect, a loss of focus, not talent. Hat's off to them.
In other sports news:
1. Yankees bats and bullpen saved Pavano. But A-Rod's error and all the "boos" in the top of the first was the highlight of the game. Good of Jeter to throw one away to make A-Rod feel better.
2. Schilling had a rough go. His control....well, let him tell you. Maybe I am just nuts, but reading him recap a game is like watching 24. Riveting. (Okay, I am officially in complete baseball crazy mode.)
3. Barry Bonds. He will break the record, probably in late-June. Too bad.
4. Back to NCAA Hoops. Billy Donovan becomes one of only four active coaches to have one more then one title. The others: Bobby Knight, Coach K and Jim Calhoun.
5. Peter Crouch scores a "perfect" hat trick for Liverpool against the Arses...I mean Gunners. A perfect hat trick is a left foot, right foot and header. Given the stinginess of goals and the opponent (Arsenal is not some "soon to be regulated" squad), kudos to Crouch.
1.11.2007
$250 Million Reasons to Be Like Beckham
David Beckham is reported to be going to the LA Galaxy. For $250 million in salary and endorsements. Holy Shite!
Now I have been a consistent supporter of the old man. (Time to remind everyone of his and Posh's interview with Ali G! 'Ear me, now.) At 31, as I said before, he has lost a step, but can still play AND still is the best in the world at free kicks. That said...$50 million per year?
There is plenty of speculation that Ronaldo is coming to the Red Bulls. Most important, Beckham has broken an important barrier and the amount of money is SURE to get attention from other players with international appeal.
The MLS has to tread lightly here though. There are maybe a hand full of players with the skills and the marketing potential to be superstars here. (Andy Rooney or Mickey Rooney or whatever your name is - don't bother.) Paying nine figures for a bunch of has beens gets you into bankruptcy real quick.
UPDATE: I am basically in agreement with Jen Chang. My quibble is that at $250 million, ANYONE in the EPL would not hesitate to play here.
Now I have been a consistent supporter of the old man. (Time to remind everyone of his and Posh's interview with Ali G! 'Ear me, now.) At 31, as I said before, he has lost a step, but can still play AND still is the best in the world at free kicks. That said...$50 million per year?
There is plenty of speculation that Ronaldo is coming to the Red Bulls. Most important, Beckham has broken an important barrier and the amount of money is SURE to get attention from other players with international appeal.
The MLS has to tread lightly here though. There are maybe a hand full of players with the skills and the marketing potential to be superstars here. (Andy Rooney or Mickey Rooney or whatever your name is - don't bother.) Paying nine figures for a bunch of has beens gets you into bankruptcy real quick.
UPDATE: I am basically in agreement with Jen Chang. My quibble is that at $250 million, ANYONE in the EPL would not hesitate to play here.
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