Yanks Soccer

I’m thrilled right now.  The US won their first game of the Olympics, against the opponent that undoubtedly is the easiest to beat.  It wasn’t the most beautiful win, but we have 3 points out of a possible 3 points and that’s all that matters.  We still have to play Nigeria and the Nedtherlands, but I think there’s a sunny outlook for these Olympics. Continue reading “USA 1-0 Japan: 6 Points to Think About”

Good Morning All.  I was going to do a running commentary of the game as many of you know, but I slept right through my alarm this morning.  That’s the price you pay for some jet lag I guess.  Anyway, the US Olympians took a giant step towards qualification for the knockout rounds by winning against Japan.  Stuart Holden’s 47th minute goal was the difference and the US held on for the win. Continue reading “USA Downs Japan 1-0 in Olympic Opener”

We’re less than a day away from the Olympics starting, and with no real soccer news to report yet today, we’re going to do a little guessing.  Below are the Olympic groups and then below that, you place the teams that win and come in second in their groups where they are supposed to be.  I think you guys get it. Continue reading “Olympic Soccer Predictions”

It was a sunny day at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, Colorado as the US Women’s team was able to defeat Brazil in a 1-0 victory. Although it was only a friendly, the game brought some very good signs for the US team. The first and foremost promising sign of a possible Olympics trophy was that they were able to shut down the aggressive Brazilian offense. The US has not conceded a goal in their past six games, and this was just more proof that they have the best defense in the world. Their entire offense was held to 0 goals as Marta Vieira da Silva, Brazil’s leading goal scorer on the year, was shut down by the ruthless US defense. Amy Rodriguez managed to score the only goal of the friendly, coming in the 71st minute. These two teams will cross paths one more time (this Wednesday, the 16th) before the Olympics in Beijing which start 8/8/08.

Sepp Blatter, a.k.a King FIFA, has done it again.  He continues to suggest that South Africa will be replaced by another host if they don’t get their act together.  Sepp himself switched to the continental rotation system in order to have Africa host a World Cup, but he know is making contingency plans in the event that South Africa is not ready to host.  Worries surrounding power outages, transportation, stadium building delays, and security has made Blatter hint about a “Plan B.”  Today, Blatter said he has three nations who could host a World Cup in one years notice, one of them is rumored to be the USA.   Continue reading “USA: A Plan B for World Cup 2010?”

As we draw closer to the July 23rd deadline for submitting Olympic rosters, it is time for speculation to begin on who the USA should bring.  Each team is allowed 18 players, three are allowed to be older than 22, the rest are not.  Peter Nowak I’m sure, is busy calling players and their clubs as he tries to put together the best 18 players.  Nowak also had to deal with a World Cup Qualifier on August 20th which potentially conflicts with the Olympics.  All over-age call ups will also have to take into account the qualifier.  So, here’s my take on the three over age players he should take. Continue reading “US Olympic Roster: Who Should the Three Overage Players Be?”

Early July is the heart of transfer rumor season and we are really feeling it now.  This site normally doesn’t have to deal with a heavy dosage of European rumors, but this summer, there seem to be plenty of Americans on the move as well.  So as we continue with our relentless coverage of Americans transfering, there come news from the British Midlands about some young Yanks. Continue reading “2 Americans Set to Join Aston Villa”

Since the European transfer window opened on July 1st, there has been increasing speculation about Michael Bradley’s potential transfer to a number of places.  Hamburg in Germany, Blackburn, and Middlesborough in England, and now, AS Monaco in France.  When the dust settles and Bradley chooses a place, we will presumably know his reasons, but for now all we can do is way the pros and cons of each team.  So, with that said, here is my attempt to discern which team would be the best fit for Bradley.   Continue reading “The Hunt for Michael Bradley’s Signature”

This Video is a serious pump up video and it got me ready for the beginning of World Cup Qualifying.  Let’s celebrate all we have accomplished recently.

2007 U.S. Men’s National Team Highlights from US Soccer on Vimeo.

Courtesy of Offside Rules