It might be a moot point with FC Dallas managment seemingly unwilling to sell Kenny Cooper but I think if Cooper REALLY wanted to leave Dallas then they would let him go.
As it is, Cooper's new MLS deal will snag him roughly 400k per year with sponsor money thrown in. If the newest European target decided to move he could count on at least 1 million per year.
News that Cardiff doubled their bid to 4 million dollars shows their desire. I think Rosenborg was a little cheap on their offer of a reported 2 million dollars, especially since they just netted about 10 million for the Stoor to Fulham deal.
If he goes to Rosenborg, Kenny would get the chance to play in Euro competition this year. If he headed to Cardiff he is likely to be playing in the Premiership next season with Cardiff a very strong promotion candidate.
If Cooper were me, he'd be headed to Cardiff. But Cooper is Cooper and it's his decision and I think it's not an easy one. For now it looks like he's staying in Dallas which is great for MLS and us fans. Whether it's great for Kenny, well that's for Kenny to decide.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
MLS All-Stars Prevail Against West Ham
As I predicted the game did not disappoint. West Ham struck first on a quality shot from Dean Ashton set up by a Carlton Cole flick on header but our MLS boys fired back immediately on a wonderful play that started with Beckham to Blanco who with a cheeky heel pass sent Gomez through on the Hammer's Robert Green. Gomez coolly slotted home for the equalizer.
MLS led 2-1 at the break on a bit of quality from Blanco's foot as he left Green watching the ball curl in the side netting.
The 2nd half continued the attacking theme with both sides creating chances. Ashton struck again for West Ham when his shot took a deflection that left Matt Reis watching helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net.
But history was on the side of MLS as De Rosario drew a penalty on a penetrating run into English box. De Rosario duly converted the game winner and it stood at 3-2 for the MLS players.
At the end of the day Blanco was named Man of the Match and everyone went home happy. The fans at BMO were raucous as usual and provided a great atmosphere regardless if they were cheering for West Ham or not. Either way it was another great All-Star game.
MLS led 2-1 at the break on a bit of quality from Blanco's foot as he left Green watching the ball curl in the side netting.
The 2nd half continued the attacking theme with both sides creating chances. Ashton struck again for West Ham when his shot took a deflection that left Matt Reis watching helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net.
But history was on the side of MLS as De Rosario drew a penalty on a penetrating run into English box. De Rosario duly converted the game winner and it stood at 3-2 for the MLS players.
At the end of the day Blanco was named Man of the Match and everyone went home happy. The fans at BMO were raucous as usual and provided a great atmosphere regardless if they were cheering for West Ham or not. Either way it was another great All-Star game.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
MLS All-Star Game Sure To Provide Thrills
I have to say I enjoy this format of the MLS versus somebody else that is currently being employed by the league. The current victims are the Hammers of West Ham in the EPL.
This year's game is being played at BMO Field in Toronto. Many people say they are the league's best fans. I read that their supporter groups are planning to cheer for West Ham. I'm thinking that there's a reason the game should never be held in Canada again. Personally I was against expansion into Canada anyway while ignoring places like Rochester NY and Atlanta or even Seattle (at the time they didn't have a franchise).
To the matter at hand. Our MLS players should win this game. Doesn't mean they will but they should. The All-Stars are undefeated using this format and have downed the likes of Chelsea, Celtic and thrashed Fulham. The other victim's name escapes me at the moment and I'm too lazy to look it up.
Interestingly the MLS team only has 4 defenders among the 18 players selected. That might be a problem for fitting everyone into the game. Maybe Becks will have to slot in at right back. That would be umm thrilling?
Bottom line; MLS to win 3-1 in an exciting match where fun was to be had by all.
This year's game is being played at BMO Field in Toronto. Many people say they are the league's best fans. I read that their supporter groups are planning to cheer for West Ham. I'm thinking that there's a reason the game should never be held in Canada again. Personally I was against expansion into Canada anyway while ignoring places like Rochester NY and Atlanta or even Seattle (at the time they didn't have a franchise).
To the matter at hand. Our MLS players should win this game. Doesn't mean they will but they should. The All-Stars are undefeated using this format and have downed the likes of Chelsea, Celtic and thrashed Fulham. The other victim's name escapes me at the moment and I'm too lazy to look it up.
Interestingly the MLS team only has 4 defenders among the 18 players selected. That might be a problem for fitting everyone into the game. Maybe Becks will have to slot in at right back. That would be umm thrilling?
Bottom line; MLS to win 3-1 in an exciting match where fun was to be had by all.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Old Man Razov Is Like a Fine Wine
Cliches are often times true and apt. Ante Razov who I admittedly had written off as a non factor back in the spring is making me look the fool I most definitely am at times. His goal scoring streak stands at 6 in 6 after picking up Chivas' lone goal in their 1-1 Superliga draw against the Revs.
Keep it up Ante, you've been a pleasure to watch this season.
Keep it up Ante, you've been a pleasure to watch this season.
Bundesliga Gives The Finger To Olympics
The top flight in Germany has said no freaking way are they letting players go to the Olympics. The German FA is backing the clubs saying that the Olympics is not on the International Calendar no matter what FIFA tried to slip through in recent days and that clubs DO NOT have to release players for the games.
I understand perfectly and feel their pain. I think a showdown is coming sooner rather than later over this situation. I've said this is a tough one, arguing that on the men's side the Olympics games have little relevance in the bigger soccer picture. It's viewed more as an annoyance.
Ah well I'm sure Sepp I'matool Blatter will chime again soon.
I understand perfectly and feel their pain. I think a showdown is coming sooner rather than later over this situation. I've said this is a tough one, arguing that on the men's side the Olympics games have little relevance in the bigger soccer picture. It's viewed more as an annoyance.
Ah well I'm sure Sepp I'matool Blatter will chime again soon.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Beijing Blues and the Olympic Quandary
I'm finding myself a little less than excited about the upcoming Olympic games. On one hand more games than ever will be televised with a dedicated soccer channel. On the other hand, I can't help wishing that some of our players weren't called up to the team. Let's face it, Olympic soccer glory isn't that high up on the radar. The men's version anyway. The women's side...well this is big simply because of so few options to play in and showcase their talent.
On the men's side we have Brad Guzan, recently acquired by Aston Villa. Where should Brad be? He has a chance to cement a place as the number one at Aston Villa and instead he will be missing all of pre-season and the first few games in the upcoming Premiership fixture list. Not an easy thing to choose I'm sure, country or club. Are the Olympics that important for men's soccer? There are no teams from the UK because they would have to send a UK team not an English or Scot or Welsh etc. They don't bother.
There are others in Guzan's position such as Jozy Altidore. I wish he was in Spain fighting for a spot in the first team. Maybe it's a longshot but you only get one chance to make a first impression. Another lesson is that if someone else impresses first your first impression often has less of an impact.
To be fair a good Olympics could help a young player who was not going to get a sniff of first team football. Maybe a good run helps Freddy Adu and Danny Szetela open their coaches eyes to what they have right in front of them.
To summarize dear readers, the Olympics are neither good nor bad but somwhere in between and that's exactly how I feel about them. USA USA USA
On the men's side we have Brad Guzan, recently acquired by Aston Villa. Where should Brad be? He has a chance to cement a place as the number one at Aston Villa and instead he will be missing all of pre-season and the first few games in the upcoming Premiership fixture list. Not an easy thing to choose I'm sure, country or club. Are the Olympics that important for men's soccer? There are no teams from the UK because they would have to send a UK team not an English or Scot or Welsh etc. They don't bother.
There are others in Guzan's position such as Jozy Altidore. I wish he was in Spain fighting for a spot in the first team. Maybe it's a longshot but you only get one chance to make a first impression. Another lesson is that if someone else impresses first your first impression often has less of an impact.
To be fair a good Olympics could help a young player who was not going to get a sniff of first team football. Maybe a good run helps Freddy Adu and Danny Szetela open their coaches eyes to what they have right in front of them.
To summarize dear readers, the Olympics are neither good nor bad but somwhere in between and that's exactly how I feel about them. USA USA USA
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Queen of America Crocked
Just got the news and the news ain't good. Abby Wambach broke her leg in the US Women's last friendly before Beijing playing against Brazil. The US won 1-0 on a Tasha Kai goal but who cares!
I hate seeing the Queen miss these games. Friendlies are the devil.
Abby broke the tibia and fibula and will have surgery on today. They are talking about a 12 week layup but we shall see. She's a tough one so I'm sure she'll come through all right.
Get well soon my Queen.
I hate seeing the Queen miss these games. Friendlies are the devil.
Abby broke the tibia and fibula and will have surgery on today. They are talking about a 12 week layup but we shall see. She's a tough one so I'm sure she'll come through all right.
Get well soon my Queen.
Reyna - What A Crying Shame
No, I'm not talking about his tearful goodbye upon retirement, I'm talking about something else entirely. I'm gonna go against the majority and say he could have been so much more. I have always wanted to like this player. I wanted to believe he was going to try and lift the USA to greater heights. Certainly he has done some wonderful things for the game. He is widely respected in Europe and rightfully so. I can't help feeling we never got his best back in Apple Pieville. Forget about his spell with the Redbulls. He's been cooked for awhile. And now we come to crux of the problem. Injury ridden and out of shape. This could describe his career.
One could argue that he was constantly battling fitness because of injury. Really? Or is it he was battling injury because his fitness was so bad so often. Think about it.
Another thing that bugs me is that having seen games of absolute brilliance from the man you expect it. Too many matches where he took a nap for 80 minutes left me less than impressed. If Reyna had managed to meld his vision and talent with the workrate of say a John Harkes.....We would have had a player of Legend. To some he will be the USA's greatest player for some time to come. To others he will be a footnote.
I will say that I will always be grateful for two big things Reyna did in an American jersey. RFK in the 1995 US Cup when we whipped Mexico and I mean whipped. And the 2002 World Cup when he was as fit as I ever saw him. He was a PLAYER in that World Cup.
I'm left with the feeling that we rarely saw the true ability within. Reyna, what a crying shame.
One could argue that he was constantly battling fitness because of injury. Really? Or is it he was battling injury because his fitness was so bad so often. Think about it.
Another thing that bugs me is that having seen games of absolute brilliance from the man you expect it. Too many matches where he took a nap for 80 minutes left me less than impressed. If Reyna had managed to meld his vision and talent with the workrate of say a John Harkes.....We would have had a player of Legend. To some he will be the USA's greatest player for some time to come. To others he will be a footnote.
I will say that I will always be grateful for two big things Reyna did in an American jersey. RFK in the 1995 US Cup when we whipped Mexico and I mean whipped. And the 2002 World Cup when he was as fit as I ever saw him. He was a PLAYER in that World Cup.
I'm left with the feeling that we rarely saw the true ability within. Reyna, what a crying shame.
Kljestan and Razov on Form in SuperLiga
Sacha Kljestan continues en fuego status with a sweet ball that met Ante Razov's head for a late goal as Chivas USA got a fortuitous win over Santos in game 2 of the Superliga. Razov has a four game goal streak going on and so he joins the En Fuego list. Santos did enough for at least a draw and will be steamed over the loss. But hey that's footie boys and girls.
New England scraped a 1-0 win over Pachuca with an injury time PK. I gotta say they wouldn't have gotten that call away from the Gillette.
New England scraped a 1-0 win over Pachuca with an injury time PK. I gotta say they wouldn't have gotten that call away from the Gillette.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
World Cup Group Stage One 8-20-08
So, in just about 5 weeks the USA Men's team begins the 1st WCQ Group Stage away at Guatemala on August 20th. Let's say I'm a little bit more than cautiously optimistic.
In case you are wondering why....I'm gonna tell ya anyway so listen up. The US may think of itself as a CONCACAF Soccer power, and on most days they are, but here's the thing. And there's really no getting around this. Thinking you are a power and playing like a power are two different things.
We and I say we have been less than impressive in recent months. Don't hand me the silver lining crap of a good showing. In fact the match against England at Wembley was a disgrace. You know it, I know it so let's just admit it.
There are striker woes to say the least. Ching is not the answer and never was. McBride is past his prime. Johnson looks lost just like at Fulham. (and why does he fall down so much) Donovan is a better Attacking Midfielder. Dempsey is a Winger. Twellman? Please.
I'm going to solve your problem and give you two names. Jozy Altidore and Kenny Cooper. Can you say I'm wrong? No you cannot. Why? Because Boss Bradley hasn't seen fit to call them up and blood them enough to actually prove me wrong. He doesn't return my calls either. Anyone have his email?
I'll get back to the upcoming WCQ and address some more team failings over the coming weeks.
In case you are wondering why....I'm gonna tell ya anyway so listen up. The US may think of itself as a CONCACAF Soccer power, and on most days they are, but here's the thing. And there's really no getting around this. Thinking you are a power and playing like a power are two different things.
We and I say we have been less than impressive in recent months. Don't hand me the silver lining crap of a good showing. In fact the match against England at Wembley was a disgrace. You know it, I know it so let's just admit it.
There are striker woes to say the least. Ching is not the answer and never was. McBride is past his prime. Johnson looks lost just like at Fulham. (and why does he fall down so much) Donovan is a better Attacking Midfielder. Dempsey is a Winger. Twellman? Please.
I'm going to solve your problem and give you two names. Jozy Altidore and Kenny Cooper. Can you say I'm wrong? No you cannot. Why? Because Boss Bradley hasn't seen fit to call them up and blood them enough to actually prove me wrong. He doesn't return my calls either. Anyone have his email?
I'll get back to the upcoming WCQ and address some more team failings over the coming weeks.
O' Brother Where Art Thou?
It's two weeks on into the English transfer window and wantaway U.S. player Michael Bradley is yet to find an English home. Rumors abound with Boro at the top for the USA boss's son but where he'll land no one knows. Monaco has tabled a bid and possibly Leverkusen. I hope he goes to an English side.
A case of nepotism could be made against Boss Bradley for showcasing his son in recent months to make sure he had the neccessary Caps to gain an English work permit for his expected move this summer. I would certainly be complaining more if one, Michael wasn't a good enough player and two, Jozy Altidore hadn't been signed to play in La Liga. As it stands we'll save the pitchforks and torches for another day.
Oh and at least it looks like he got Brad Guzan enough Caps to get a WP to sigh with Villa. (fingers crossed)
Back to possible destinations. Easier to rule out teams than decide who will actually get young Bradley's services. Out: The Big Four, Fulham, Tottenham, Hull, West Brom, Stoke, Man City. That leaves ten to choose from. Your guess is as good as mine. One team not mentioned with Michael is Newcastle and in my not so humble opinion they could use him. Look for something to happen in the next week. My money is on Middlesborough.
A case of nepotism could be made against Boss Bradley for showcasing his son in recent months to make sure he had the neccessary Caps to gain an English work permit for his expected move this summer. I would certainly be complaining more if one, Michael wasn't a good enough player and two, Jozy Altidore hadn't been signed to play in La Liga. As it stands we'll save the pitchforks and torches for another day.
Oh and at least it looks like he got Brad Guzan enough Caps to get a WP to sigh with Villa. (fingers crossed)
Back to possible destinations. Easier to rule out teams than decide who will actually get young Bradley's services. Out: The Big Four, Fulham, Tottenham, Hull, West Brom, Stoke, Man City. That leaves ten to choose from. Your guess is as good as mine. One team not mentioned with Michael is Newcastle and in my not so humble opinion they could use him. Look for something to happen in the next week. My money is on Middlesborough.
Sad State of Television
Did you know that there are only 12000 people in the USA with a Nielsen's ratings box? Each box represents 80,000 households. No wonder soccer ratings are always low. Soccer fans can't be bothered to have a bunch of shady Nielsen clones in their house for 8 hours hooking the junk up. I would say it's more the American Idol crowd. The funny part is that T.V. networks actually base programming on this ludicrous system. Who the hell is Nielsen anyway and WTF is he watching?
Beasley Crocked
In case you haven't heard, Damarcus Beasley was injured in the Gers friendly the other night. How long he will be out remains to be seen but you can count him out of the USA's first WCQ in August. I wasn't counting him in the first XI but so many of the soccer "gurus" think he's necessary to success. Apparently they didn't really pay attention in the last World Cup or many of the games after. Sorry folks he's squishy and unreliable. He's welcome to prove me wrong.
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