Um, you should probably read this, especially if you have any interest in US Soccer or Major League Soccer. Basically, former USMNT player and Fox Soccer analyst Eric Wynalda gets all out of character and speaks his mind and pulls his punches at the recent NSCAA Convention in a lecture cleverly titled “Why Not US.” Go ahead. Don’t be embarrassed. As you’ll soon see, he isn’t.
The MLS playoffs are just around the corner. And if you like playoffs, these are playoffs, with teams playing each other and everything. Some people like them because of reasons you can find on the Google. Others, like Empire of Soccer’s Mike Vallo, have an issue. Vallo even suggests his own team should be doing an apology lap instead of a victory lap for squeaking into the aforementioned playoffs.
The Vancouver Southsiders. Who knew Vancouver had a Southside. I thought they only had North, East and Westsides. Shows how little I know. But that just means that it’s time for education. And for that, I suggest you jog on over to our ex-buddies (hehe) at The Free Beer Movement to learn about Vancouver’s Southsiders, the supporters group for the brand new (in MLS, at least), shiny Vancouver Whitecaps.
You may have seen that Jay DeMerit (of Merit in French) is a new captain. My first thought was that DeMerit must have been appointed captain of a new cruise ship. Something like the Love Boat. Turns out that’s not the case. Apparently, DeMerit has just been appointed captain of the brand new (to MLS at least) Vancouver Whitecaps. Good for him. I still hope he wears an eye patch.
We spend a lot of time talking about identity in MLS. What is American? How much borrowing from other cultures is too much? Is there too much? In a self-described country of immigrants, perhaps borrowing is our culture. Perhaps borrowing is actually the wrong word. Maybe that which we describe as borrowed is actually ours too. For example, you can go to the MLS website and find this article on Omar Salgado (more…)
As a child, it doesn’t take much to become involved in idol worship. Often, simply having an advanced age is enough for children to develop worship-like tendencies toward pretty underwhelming characters. All you have to do to comprehend this mindset is stroll into a kid’s room to see the array of magazines, posters, dolls, cards, and other collectibles reflecting their worldview.
And there’s nothing wrong with any of that. (more…)
Sexism or cultural ignorance? The Philadelphia Union landed have a 4-year, $12 million shirt sponsorship deal. Great news, right? Well, maybe not for everyone. You see, the sponsor is a massive, Mexican bakery company called Group Bimbo, which is seemingly offensive to some. Turns out, more than eight people may be furious that “BIMBO” will be plastered across the Union’s jerseys.
This David Beckham character has the world in his palm.
After successful stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Beckham decided to pursue a new challenge in America (the North one). As part of Beckham’s unique deal with MLS, he was given the option to purchase an MLS club if he stays with the LA Galaxy for the remainder of his contract. That’s a good deal for Team Beckham. And now, long-time Daily Mail football writer Martin Samuel wants to give Beckham English football.
I think we may be approaching the “David, I want you to have my wife” territory, which is fine, as long as everyone knows that that’s where we’re heading. (more…)
Sometimes news of failed transfers are just as interesting as successful ones. In MLS, we always hear names dropped about potential designated players (DP). Some of these names are verified by team owners. But what about the others? Don’t you ever wonder what types of players the league goes after? Geovanni just signed as a DP for the San Jose Earthquakes. (more…)
Sometimes you need to just take a deep breath and appreciate what you have. That goes for all of us. We complain a lot about MLS, and often our complaints are warranted. But at times we make it painfully obvious that we have as much perspective as Preki has patience.
I was preparing a rant while watching the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League match between Toronto FC and Motagua of Honduras. Venting about what we take for granted was the goal. For example, I pondered venting about the fact that: (more…)
If you love perms or Didier Drogba, you’ll love the Les Éléphants shirt …
Spain is trying to conquer the world again. This time, they might succeed.
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