What is Your Breaking Point? Where do you Draw the Line?

I am writing this post out of curiosity, to find your breaking point. To find out what would cause you to leave your team, and to stop supporting your national team. I am writing this from a perspective of a man who love the Philadelphia Union.  I am going to throw scenarios at you and make you think would you ever abandon your club. For the most part my scenarios can be twisted and contorted to fit any club. I am well aware that this situations will never happen (Hopefully).

Would you still Support the Union if

1. Reffing never improved in MLS: We all live in an era where reffing in MLS is constantly effecting games and outcomes. A lot of fans believe that in a few years MLS will direct focus and fix this plague. But what if the reffing never improved? Year after year, big games and big decisions get affected by poor reffing. I have seen people tear up season tickets because of this. Constantly feeling that your team does not have a fair shot at winning because of the officiating may cause a few fans to lose it.

2. Every off season the team imploded: Would you be able to support your team if every off season the management sold top players, fan favorites and young players with brought in inadequate replacements? It happened to the Union this off-season and it was tough on many fans. The Union lost fans when the team waived bye bye to all notable players. But what if this happened every year? Would you be able to stomach it. Having every player you love be replaced every year.

3. Philly got a new team: What if Philadelphia was gifted another soccer team? What if that stadium that was suppose to be built in Bristol actually got built? Philadelphia would have two soccer specific stadiums. and two MLS teams. Say this Philly team two was able to bring in a big star like Kaka, or Gio Dos Santos, along with some USMNT players like Carlos Bocangra, Joe Corona and Hercules Gomez. A wealthy of talent, experience and youth.  Say the Philadelphia second soccer team also signed players like Le Toux, Danny Califf and Roger Torres.

4. Made tickets unfordable: What if Union tickets cost as much as Eagles tickets? Would you still support them? Would you still get season tickets, an travel?

5. Ownership questions your morals: Say the ownership began to question your morals and put you in morally conflicting spots. Would you be able to support a team that had an owner that openly hated gays, Jews, Muslims, and or minorities. What if the owners supported Fascism, Communism or were Nazis? What if they were publicly backing the Lords Resistance Army in Uganda? Would you support a team that had an owner that was in a Sandusky like situation but got off without conviction?  If the team you loved put you in morally conflicting situation would you stop supporting?

6. You were banned Unjustly from the stadium for life: What if you were in Teddy Montoya’s shoes? You get banned from the stadium where you team plays and you did nothing wrong? You have 0 chance of ever seeing your team play at home ever again. Could you still support that team?

7. The supports section becomes overrun with fake fans: Say the River End gets filled with fans who don’t understand soccer just want to drink and yell. Gradually the fun of the game deflates. The people in the supports section cause more troubles and the chants begin to die and it is all crude cursing.

8. Financial problems strike the Club: What if your team got into some hot water financially? Problems so bad it caused them to be demoted. Say if the Union had to join the USL Pro or NASL. Would you still go out week in and week out?

9. Your team losses 99 games straight: Take a moment and sink in this one. Say your team loses 99 straight games , would you still be able to watch? Would you lose all interest? 99 games is over a season FYI. So we are talking about years without victory. Would you still be able to go to the stadium every week?

Everyone has a breaking point what is yours? Would any of these or any combo of these make you stop supporting your team? Did I miss something? Take a moment let it digest. Personally it would have to be a mixture of  2,3,4 and 5 to make me stop loving the Union.

Soccer Sharks

Its that time again folks, Shark Weeks a coming and in honor of this great week I am going to do something special. I am going to write a post that combines this JAWsome week with the beautiful game. It is sure to be FINtastic. Sharks come in all different shapes and sizes and shark has individual traits that allows them to survive. I am going to take some of the top sharks and compare the similarities between Shark and soccer player.

********Side note, I am using the MLS and US players**********

The Great White/Abby Wambach: The great white shark is the ultimate predator and the most prolific hunter in the sea. They are fast, and powerful with a bite force second to none.If a great white grabs a hold of you, the chances of you getting away in one piece are slim. Great White’s have an hora about them, with a reputation of being one of the most dangerous animals on Earth. Abby Wambach has some of the same traits, she is a prolific striker who instills fear in the hearts of defenders. Abby has great vision and sense, along with being physically dominate. The Great White and Abby also share one more quality that is very unique, they both are deadly in the air. Great Whites have been known to jump out of water to feed on seals, Abby is known for getting airborne and netting spectacular headed goals.

The Bull Shark/Chris Wondolowski: The Bull Shark is a ruthless killing machine just how Wondo is a ruthless goal scoring machine. Alot like Wondo, Bull Sharks  are coastal animals that are very versatile. Bull Sharks can both be in oceans and rivers. Bull Sharks are medium sized sharks but have a very imposing force, just like Wondo. Bull Sharks get their name from their tenacity along with their tendency to head but prey. A lot like Bull Sharks Wondo is known to stay shallow in the defense and strike with precision. Also a very unique characteristic they both share is they are both overlooked. Wondo has been hands down the best striker in MLS for the last few years but does not get the attention that Henry gets. Bull Shark’s could be the most dangerous shark but do not get the attention or stigma the Great White has.

The Tiger Shark/Thierry Henry:  Another two voracious predators are Tiger Shark’s and Mr. Theirry Henry. Both are lethal hunters who attack with precision. Tiger Sharks are found allover the world just as Mr. Henry’s reputation. Tiger Sharks have a very long life span and Henry’s career feels like it has been going on forever. Tiger Sharks have been known to swim in deep waters along with swim outside their habitats. Henry has been known to play out wide or drop down into the midfield. The similarities continue, a Tiger Shark is a massive shark very large could grow up to 13 feet. Henry stands at a towering 6’2.

Mako/ Dominic Oduro: The Mako shark is a medium sized shark that is not very bulky, they are slim and slender. Mako’s and Oduro are both known for their blazing speed. The Mako is the fastest shark and Oduro maybe the fastest player in MLS. Alot like Oduro, Makos are not that dangerous, their high speed offers up a form of shock but they are not prolific. It may take a Mako a few strikers before they kill their target. Oduro will score goals but by no chance is he an elite finisher in the league.

The Goblin Shark/ American’s in Germany: The Goblin Shark is the most mysterious animal. Every time I plan on educating myself on thees oddly shaped creatures I am met at a cross roads of what to believe. I am always hit with opposing and contradictory statements. It reminds me of some US players who are playing in Germany. When I first learned about these guys I was told that Fabian Johnson was a outside mid, Danny Williams is a holding midfielder and Timmy Chandler is left or right back. When in reality they can all play almost every position. I watched a Hoffenheim game once and witnessed Fabian Johnson playing right mid, left mid and left back while Danny Williams played on the wing and then in holding mid. I have seen Chandler play winger, striker, mid and defense. Like the Goblin Shark it is hard to get a read on thees guys. Does Chandler want to play for the US or for Germany? All I know is that like the Goblin Shark I want to see more of them.

Any comments? QUestions?

Throwback Thursday: Coudet

 

Lets take a trip back in time to July 14th 2010, the Philadelphia Union were going to get a taste of European competition for the first time as they took on the Celtic FC from Scotland. When the players were worming up, it was evident their was a new face in the team. As many people searched their smart phones and small conversation broke out over ”who is the fat guy with highlights”. That man was Eduardo Coudet. Cudet was a trialist who played in the friendly and was eventually signed to the Union.

Coudet was a big guy standing 5’10 and was fairly heavy not in the best of shape, he was listed as an attacking player but only played at holding midfield. He was nicknamed “El Chacho (the Jaw)” for his massive jaw?? I was very confused at why the Union were bringing in this guy, with Migz, Naka, Roger Torres, Fred and Okugo all fighting for spots in the central midfield I was confused at why we brought in another one. Specially a holding mid who was up their in age (35 at the time), and not in the best physical condition. The first impression he gave me was that he was a gritty player. He fought and expended a lot of energy. Coudet may have slid more then anyother player I have ever seen. It was as if he could only stop an attacker if he was on the ground. Every play he was sliding on the ground. El Chacho’s time was short, he only played 9 games registered 0 goals 0 assist. He is most notible known for his bleached frosty tips that is reminiscent of the 90s. His lasting impact on the Union is that of a player who was a hard worker and brought a wealth of experience to a new team. I can’t recall ever hearing any quotes or any interviews from Eduardo Coudet. His personality was that of a man of mystery, I am not even sure if he spoke English.

It is interesting to speculate how Coudet would have turned out if he was playing under Hackworth instead of Nowak. With Nowak haveing acuasations of over training, refusing players water, and playing injured players. Coudet being old may have picked up injuries and was forced to play. I remeber times watching him and thinking something is not right. I think Coudet would have faired slightly better under Hackworth, maybe under Hack Coudet plays CAM. He did afterall have a very strong season in the NASL last season with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers where he scored 6 goals.

Does Anyone have any Coudet memories? Take a moment and think back to the summer of 2010.

US V Japan the Ultimate Rematch

 

US Womens National Team are coming off one of the most sensational games in US Soccer history along with the most dramatic game in Olympic soccer history. A 123 minute goal to by Alex Morgan to win the game and put the US through to the gold medal match is surreal. Coming from behind three times and winning 4-3 is unheard of. The type of drama and excitement that encompasses the USWNT is something out of a video game or movie.

 

Last year in the world cup these ladies put on a show filled with drama including an amazing goal from Abby Wambach in the 2nd minute of stoppage time in the 2nd half of extra time. Just like this year, last year the women advanced to face Japan in the final of the world cup. In last years final the US loss in the most heartbreaking and cruel fashions on PK’s. Penalty Kicks are the most unjust way to decide a game. Japan showed great grit to rally twice to force ET and penalty kicks.

 

Since the epic WC finale Japan and US have faced eachother three times in friendly matches in 2012. With an astonishing record of 1-1-1, thus making this Olmpyic match the ultimate tie breaker. A great series between two of the best teams and winner gets gold. The last match between the two nations was June 16th when the US downed Japan 4-1. Morgan and Wambach both scored two goals in that game. The duo up front have been able to get goals against Japan, Alex Morgan has 4 goals in 4 games and Wambach with 3 goals.

 

 

It is uplifting to know that the two most dynamic goal scorers have been able to get goals against Japan but it is a bit troubling that they are the only two. This game is going to be intense to say the least, Japan will have Abby marked tightly and playing her roughly. She has scored a goal in every game this Olympics, Japan will need to stop her. Someone else needs to step up, someone who isn’t Abby or Alex Morgan. The pressure turns on Megan Rapinoe who is the catalyst in the midfield. Her and her flank mate Tobin Heath will have to play better, and create more. Megan has the speed the service and skills to score goals. She scored two goals in the last game against Canada but her play has been sporadic over this Olympics. Tobin Heath has played well and showed why she is in the starting 11. She has great technical skill, and pace along with solid vision to pick out passes. Heath has gone off the radar at times I would like to see more of her as far as commanding the ball and making plays. I have faith in her and her technical abilities. I strongly beleive that she will be a great number 10 attacking midfielder in the future for US, now is a great time to show the world why. Speaking of number 10′s, I expect a big match from the US’s. Carli Lloyd has an absolute cannon of a shot, and is a great orchestrator of the game. It is unfortunate that Shannon Boxx was injured because their is no better holding midfielder in the womens game but Lloyd brings an attack flair that will benefit the US.

 

On the defense is where US fans should be worried about the US. They played a tough game against Canada, and where consistently beat. The outside defenders were beat with ease at times, Beuhler and Amy Lepeilbet had rough games and logged big minutes. Due to the physicality of the game and the poor play it would not be suprising if coach Pia Sundhage starts Becky Sauerbrunn. A concern is the aging Christie Rampone. She left it all on the pitch, her body has to be exasperated from the physicality of that game. But lets be honest Rampone is a warrior she gave birth to two kids she can handle anything.

 

Japan had a much easier time qualifying for the gold medal match. Japan beat France 2-1 in a dramatic game that ended in regulation. Japan commited a number of errors but ultimately France could not finish. The French missed a PK and could not convert several goal scoring opportunity. Japan will be significantly more rested and  mentally ready for the biggest match outside the World Cup final.

 

This game is going to be must see TV. It will be a drama filled match that is highly competitive. The US may have tired legs but they have heat and great endurance. They will push Japan to the brink. Both teams will look to capitalize on mistakes making this a chess match for the ages. The beginning will be a touch an go feeling out period the US will most likely be on the offensive and trying to push the tempo and score early. As we know no lead is safe, the US will need to score multiple goals and continue exploiting the weaknesses of the Japanese defense.

 

Ultimately what I am trying to say is if you enjoy sports watch this game.

USMNT Missing Olympics the Best Thing for the Union

With the soccer tournaments winding down in London, and the US women marching on with grace and style to what could be a gold medal,  it’s hard not to feel a sense of frustration that the men did not qualify. Especially with the build-up that this US team had, with such talents as Fabian Johnson, Danny Williams, Joe Corona, Brek Shea and Terrance Boyd. The Olympics would also be a chance for the Union to show off some of their youth products with Sheannon Williams, Freddy Adu, Zach MacMath, Jack McInerney, Amobi Okugo and maybe even a Farfan or two being considered for the team. With the way the Farfan’s have been playing it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that they coul have gotten a call up.  The Olympics would have been a great showcase for the Union to show off some talent and for the youngsters to gain experience. Even for the Farfans, Williams and MacMath who likely wouldn’t have started, the international stage would have given them a great chance to grow as players.

 Going into the MLS season it was expcted that the US  team would qualify for the Olympics, and many Union fans were excited at the chance to see players like Okugo and McInerney who had, at the time, seen limited minutes for the club over the last two seasons. Of course the US didn’t qualify and the Union imploded. Piotr Nowak imploded, the team got rid of many players, and they were almost entirely eliminated from any hope of the playoffs before Nowak left. If the US qualified it would have been the worst thing for the Union hands down. This run they are going on, which may be saving the season, would likely never have happened. With Okugo and Williams (and possibly others) gone the Union would have to resort to playing Albright, Jordan, Gaddis, or even Lopez (ugh). It would be ugly, not saying Gaddis wouldnt do a great job but Williams is starting for a reason. Who would be in net? I love Chase Harrison, but he is not Zac and more importantly has never held down a starting job. Plus  it would not help to play the second string goalie with an alreaedy weakend defense. There is of course the arguement that the Union have Soumare to help out on defense, but he would have been barely coming into fitness while Okugo was in camp tuning up fro the Olympics. Hack would have had to rush him back to fitness, which he hasn’t shown any intrest in doing with Okugo available. Now lets look up top. With Adu and Mac gone who would fill in? Hoppenot is great off the bench but asking him to carry a team is a very different thing. Pajoy would have to step up along with Perlaza, Martinez or Hoffman or whoever Hack might have had to bring in. Lots of inexperience. Adu would be replaced by the injured Roger Torres who has looked less than impressive in his brief moments since getting back to fitness.

 

The US missing the Olympics has saved the Union for the short term, but also the long term. WIth players like Okugo getting minutes in the Olympics it wouldn’t be surprising if a European club made him an offer he couldnt refuse. He is no high-roller here in Philly and a lower division European club could pay him more then he would make here. The same could be applied to any youth player. Of course whether or not the Union would sell, or what they would get back would make it very interesting.

So to really think about it, I along with many Union fans were excited about potentially seeing some Union players represent the US. I got what I wished for, in the sense that I am now watching players who were not getting alot of minutes, just not for the US. Do not get me wrong, as a Union fan and a US fan I would love nothing more then to see Union players contribute to the national team at any level. But for now its in the best interest of the club that the US missed the Olympics. It is crazy how the world works. This is not the ideal scenario. The season has been a dissapointment. The ideal scenario would have included Nowak keeping Le Toux, Mwanga, Califf et al. and putting together a winning season. Ideally the Union would be in contention for the top spot and the some Union players would be thriving in the olympics. Ideally we would have our cake and eat it too, but we dont.

In short, the Olympic woes of the men’s national soccer team benefits the Union and keeps a slim sliver of playoff hope alive. To quench your US soccer thirst, watch the women they are playing amazing football right now as usual.

 

How the MLS All Star Game Should Be.

The MLS All-star Game takes place here in Philadelphia at PPL Park on Wednesday night at 7:30 against the champions of Europe Chelsea FC. The match against CFC marks the 10th consecutive year that a team of MLS players will take on a foreign club. This format is a neat take on the All-star game which traditionally is East vs. West in the rest of the major American sporting leagues. I have many qualms with the MLS setup.

Before I get into modifying and sharing my version of what the MLS All-star game could be I want to commemorate both MLS and CFC. Chelsea brought a fully stacked squad filled with their top talent. Roberto Di Matteo has an arsenal of options and from what it appears will give everyone a shot. Personally I am excited to see Chelsea’s big new signing Eden Hazard. On the other side MLS has brought the league’s best. I simply can’t find fault with this roster, very talented and dangerous. This team isn’t a squad of DP’s although the ones on the squad have earned it.

Football/Soccer is the world’s game, it is a beautiful game, and no country knows how to put on a show like America. The two should be a match made in heaven. The MLS All-star game should be a giant festival and just a crazy party. This is an opportunity to display the great starts of both the global game and the league. A chance to grow the game the game and MLS brand.

I would love to see the MLS implement a competition night a lot like NBA. The NBA has the slam dunk competition, three point competition along with other fun fan friendly activities. I know the NBA is on the decline mainly because the players lost interest. But the MLS has a chance at having a night of festive activites. Some suggestions I have are:

******I know my ideas are half baked and will never happen, but it would be fun to see stuff like this happen.

A. A 5 v 5 match: Featuring a youth player, a retired player, a female player, current player and a celebrity. The World Football Challenge brings many of the world’s best teams to the states, if they were to offer up a few players this 5 v 5 match could be an amazing hit. Just imagine a team of Javier Pastore, Freddy Adu, Will Smith, Tasha Kai and a youth player taking on Kasey Keller, Sydney Leroux, Mario Rosales, Drew Carey and a youth player. It would be a great event to say the least.

B. A freestyle contest: Everyone has seen the freestyle videos of street ballers doing absurd tricks. It would be cool see how creative MLS players can get. A trick could be anything from freestyle juggling or long distance shots off the crossbar.

C. PK contest: A contest having goalies take and save PK’s to declare who is the best PK stopper in the league. Or could bring in a few MLS goalies and they could go up against Chelsea goalies.

D: Steve Nash Celebrity Match: Every summer in Chinatown, NY, Steve Nash hosts a celebrity soccer pickup game. The game features players like Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordaba, Baron Davis even stars like Demba Ba show out. The MLS should strike a deal with Steve to make this event a part of the All Star game.

E. Supporters group games would be epic! THe MLS flys in 7 people from every supporters group in the league. They compete in a worldcup stlye tournament to decide who is the best supporters group. The games would be short and played on a smaller pitch but would be so much fun for the fans. Just a side thought it would be cool if  a player representative was coach of the supporters teams. Forinstance Chris Albright would coach the Sons Of Ben team against Kris Boyd and Timbers Army.

Apart from the competition night I believe the MLS Allstar game is great, I do like the idea of playing a giant European team. I would like to see the MLS switch back to the old format in a few years as long as the league continues to grow at a steady pace. Once the league grows a little more I would love to see the MLS go back to the East v West Format.

Just for Kicks I put together a team of East v West all stars.

WEST:

GK: Dan Kennedy (CHV), John Busch (SJ), Nick Rimando (RSL), DEF: Steven Beitashour (SJ), Jay Demerit (Van), Justin Marrow (SJ), Marc Busch (Sea), Sean Franklin (LA), MID: Mario Rosales (SEA), David Beckham (LA), Osvaldo Olanso (SEA), Landon Donovan (LA), Kyle Beckerman (RSL), Jamie Castrillion (COL), Camilo (Van), FW: Chris Wondolowski (SJ), Eddie Johnson (SEA), Sabiro (RSL).

EAST:

GK: Jimmy Nielsen (SKC), Tally Hall (HOU) DEF: Austin Collins (SKC), Heath Pearce (NYRB), Carlos Valdes (PHI), Chris Tierney (REV), Sheanon Williams (PHI),Andre Hainnault (HOU) MID: DeRosario (DC), Graham Zusi (SKC), Michale Farfan (PHI), Joel Lindpere (NYRB), Sanna Nyassi (MON) FW: Saer Sene (NE), Theirry Henry (NYRB), Kie Kamara (SKC), Chris Pontius (DC).

Derby in Harrison

It is the big one this week, Union v Red Bull at RBA. Its going to be all out war in the stands between the fans, Sons of Ben and miscellaneous Union fans will be heading up to NJ in the scores. As much as we all want it to be decided by the fans the game will ultimately be decided on the pitch.  This game is no easy task but as always I am optimistic in the Union’s ability. The Red Bulls have not been playing up to par recently even though they edged out a win Wednesday against Chicago. Wednesday’s day game was a scorcher being played on one of the hottest days of the week.  Overall They have not been playing well on a current W-D-L-D-W streak and the play has not been pretty. Henry has been in a slump he scored the game winning goal his play was still poor that game.
Those factors are working against the Red Bulls and are playing into the hands of the Union but that doesn’t mean the Union can slack. It is going to be a fierce game highly competitive should go down to the wire. The Union will need to be smart on and off the ball to make sure not to commit any fouls. As shown this year the Union have a weakness against set pieces, so the Union will need to mind their P’s and Q’s around the box.  The Union will have their hands-full with this one. The Union have shown to be resilient and find ways to get results. Last minute goals against LA and Montreal have shown this team is tough. They are young and motivated, they are well aware they need to start racking up the points to make playoffs.

This game will be intense and the Union will have to show no fear going against a very dangerous team.  The Red Bulls have Cooper, Henry and Le Toux a true three headed monster that can beat you in the air, on the ground and out work you. A lot of pressure falls on the holding midfielders, Brian Carrol is going to have have a major impact and keep the ball from getting to the back line.  Carrol will be key figure for the Union  and control the tempo. Traditionally the Union struggle with managing games and controlling the tempo of a game. SO they should abandon that all together. For the Union to win they need to find their comfort zone stay in it, make the smart passes, and most importantly get trigger happy around the box. Pepper the goal with shots on shots on shots.

All in all I predict a Union victory, over the Red Bulls 1-0. They will score one goal and continue to attack. They will keep up the pressure, with the defense playing sharp and communicating well the Union will find their way to victory.

Liga MX: A Gringo Prespective

Friday night marks the kickoff of the Mexican liga MX. Although the Liga MX may not be the most popular league to the average American soccer fan, but it is certainly worth paying attention to. I am going to provide to you a Gringo’s guide to Liga MX that will include; reasons why you should watch, what teams to follow , and notable opening weekend games.

The Mexican league is a great league that is often underrated and overlooked. It offers up a high quality play that talented players. A lot like the MLS the league is very unpredictable and it is a toss up every year. Often the winner of the Apertura (first championship) is not the winner of the Clausura (second championship).

Why you should watch:

1. No Thy Enemy: Mexico is The US’s biggest rival it can not hurt to understand the league and understand the players. This is not just an international affair, MLS clubs battle Liga MX clubs in Champions league. I have gained a lot of respect for El Tri since I started following F.M.F.

2. Attractive Style of Play: Expect an opened, free flowing style with box to box end to end action. The game is very easy on the eyes.The passion runs deep with the players and it shows on the pitch.  The theatrics of the coaches helps create a great show. Next time your watching Club America watch Miguel Herra, he is always good for a laugh or two.

3. Its Always on: Liga MX is covered by more then a handful of Spanish speaking TV stations. Telemundo, Galavision, Univision, Telefutura and Azteca America just to name a few. Every weekend you will be hit with a bevy of games. If you happen to be bored and looking for some footy Liga MX will be on.

4. The Colorful Announcers: Mexican League Announcers are some of the more colorful and vibrant ones in the business. Andres Cantor and Pablo Ramirez both offer up unique and entertaining styles of commentary. You may not understand the language but you can understand the passion. 

5. Americans in Mexico: One of the biggest if not the biggest factors is the American connection. A handful of young American’s working their way up the youth systems in Mexico. Plus you get to see players like Demarcus Beasley and Joe Corona. Not to mention Herculez Gomez who is currently the hottest American striker.

Teams with Americans on them:

Tigres: Bornstien

Tijuana Xolos: Greg Garza, Joe Corona and Edgar Castillo.

Santos Laguna: Herculez Gomez.

Santos Laguna: Michael Orozco Fiscal.

Puebla: Beasley

Pachuca: Paco Torres

Jaguares de Chiapas: Dereck Mckuper, and Adrian Ruelas.

Chivas: Ponce (Okay so he isnst American but he was born the USA.

Atlante: Sonny Guadarrama

Opening Weekend Games to watch:

Tijuana v Puebla: One of the first games to watch has an interesting USMNT twist. Former USMNT start DeMarcus Beasley going against up and coming star Joe Corona. The Xolos are entering their second season in the top flight and going against Puebla who have become a staple in FMF/Liga MX. Expect some creative midfield work with an uptempo pace.

Atlas v UNAM: I am a big UNAM fan so naturally I have to put them in. Pumas will be taking on Atlas and I know not many people see this as a big match considering the mid table finishes last year by both teams. Pumas has some explosive like Martin Bravo and some young and exciting players like  Javier Cortes and Eduardo Herrera.

Santos v San Luis: Santos look to keep the trophies coming as they kick off the season against San Luis who finished 16th last season. This game is great opportunity to watch Gomez apply his trade against a team that let in the second most in the Clausura. Sit back and watch Herculez and the Saints go to work.

All in all I am just a gringo who loves USMNT and the Philadelphia Union. Prior to the Union in my down time I experimented with other teams and leagues. During my experimentation phase I found out that, Liga MX is great league, and highly underrated. After weeks of watching Pumas I found myself ordering a cheap jersey  religiously watching every game that was on TV. The language barrier is a bit cumbersome but makes it fun. If anything start watching for the Americans and you will eventually learn to love the league.

Michael Bradley to Roma

This morning Associazione Sportiva Roma (A.S Roma) announced the signing of USMNT player Michael Bradley from Chievo Verona. Roma dealt €3.75M to Chievo to obtain the services of the American star. Bradley, who is 24 years old, has signed a contract extension which will keep him with the Giallorossi until 2016. After weeks of flirtation and courtship this transfer has finally come through. Bradley has been rumored to move to a bigger club since the season ended. Bradley had a phenomenal season in Verona, making 34 appearances and was arguably the team’s most effective player. He showed a  superb ability to manage a game, control the tempo and jump-start the attack. Bradley had been scouted by many teams throughout Europe.

Bradley has done much traveling since he left the New York Metrostars in ’06. He transferred from MLS to the Netherlands playing for SC Heerenveen. Shortly after the transfer, Bradley began making USMNT appearances under his father. After two years in the Netherlands he made the switch to Germany playing for Borussia Monchengladbach. During his stay at  Gladbach, Bradley became a fixture for the national team. After an unsuccessful loan spell in the EPL with Aston Villa, Bradley moved to Chievo Verona.

A.S. Roma finished 7th in the Serie A and are looking to make a run at the top four this year. This is a significant step up for Bradley whose Flying Donkey’s finished 10th in the same league. Lots of departures from the Serie A may make Roma’s goals more achievable. With AC Milan, Lazio, Napoli, all losing big name players and Inter getting older, Roma’s chances are greatly improved.

Roma have recently gained a very strong American presence. With American owners an American star, Roma are clearly America’s team in Italy. USMNT  fans will be able to see Bradley when Roma starts their preseason American tour. Roma take on Polish side Zaglebie Lubin in Chicago on July 22, then Liverpool in Boston on the 25th and El Salvador at Red Bull Arena on July 27.

Why You Should Go To The Cup

 

Ahead of the Union’s cup match I decided to compile a list of reasons why people should actually attend. This list is in direct response to the poor turn out of fans at the last game. It was a quarter-final and the Union couldn’t bring in over 5,000 people. The sports watching public of Philly are missing out on a great chance to see some high quality football.

1. It is a semi final: Lets  be honest the Union are the only Philly team that could be in a semi-final game for a while at least till the Flyers start-up. The enormity of the game is self-explanatory; win and the Union are in the final.

2. Biggest game in franchise history: It is exciting going into a game knowing that it will be the biggest game in a franchises history and years from now you can look back at it.

3. The Union are playing well: Why wouldn’t you want to see a team playing the beautiful game in a beautiful style. They are playing a style that is easy on the eyes and exciting.

4. Philly has a surprisingly Rich Soccer History: For those sports historians this is just the  beginning of a long line of Philly/PA success in this tournament. Bethlehem Steele (5x winners), Philly Ukrainians (4x Winners), Harmaville Hurricanes ( 2x Winners),  Gallatin SC, Morgan Strasser and Uhrik Truckers/ Philadelphia Americans. This is just an opportunity to look at a new team continue success of the entire area.

5. It is Cheap: The game itself will cost you only about $25-$30. Not a bad seat in the house great bang for your buck.

6. It is Dollar Dog Night/Free parking/Free Mini Cup: Cheap ticket plus dollar hot dogs and free parking. Get your ticket and enjoy the game! As a give away the Union are handing out a free mini cup. I am so excited.

7. You have nothing better to do: It’s a Wednesday night  the Phillies are slumping, No big concerts are going on that day. It is the perfect time to treat yourself to a good soccer match. Its better than staying inside all night.

8. SKC are a good team and it will be a great match: Last time around the Union embarrassed SKC.that will most likely not happen again. It will be an intense match. SKC are still second in the East and have a good shot at hosting the final they will come to play.

9. Roger Torres: The Colombian playmaker got 7 minutes against Toronto and there is a good chance he will get more time against SKC. That makes the Union that much more exciting and dangerous.

10. The Phillies, Eagles and Flyers all want you to go: If you have paid attention the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers have been promoting the game and having special offers. We all know it’s basically Comcast telling the organizations to do so but still.

11. Escape the depressing sports news around you: The Phillies are awful, the Flyers are having a rough offseason and not landing any big names, and the Sixers aren’t going to sign anyone either. Being a Philly sports fan these days is depressing. The Union still have a mountain to climb to reach the playoffs. So escape this depressing rut and enjoy a semi-final.

12. The game is not on TV: You can watch it on a stream or you can go to the game. Can you really handle watching another game with Rigby ? Not to mention the stream quality is straight out of the 70′s, it is not good for your eyes.

13.”We want the cup” Chant:  Who doesn’t love a chant promoting Parliament-Funkadelic chant. Sure to have everyone grooving.

14. It wont be god awful hot: Forecast for an amazing night on Wednesday. Partially cloudy, slight showers and 84 degrees. That sounds a lot better than the heat wave we have been on.

15. Prospect of Extra Time and PK’s: The drama of a cup semi-final is that it could go to extra time or even Penalty kicks. Does that need anymore explanation? What would be better/more heart wrenching than going a full 120 and winning on PKs to get to the final. I think half of the fans would have a heart attack.

I can go on for days and days and days and days, and come up with a million reasons why you should go to the game. So just go, enjoy yourself.

Get Tickets Here