tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91462130224927342722024-03-05T22:00:57.554-08:00futbol in the shadowsanything and everything that interests me about the sport of futbol (soccer to some). some u.s. national, some ireland national and some pro from both the u.s. and europe (mostly la liga and some bundesliga).dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-10791160440062115692013-11-15T07:41:00.002-08:002013-11-15T07:43:05.797-08:00A Return.Not that I ever really "left" but I am back and ready to post some more on this little soccer blog. Sadly, my ability to view La Liga and Bundesliga has been hampered a bit by the sale of GOL TV to BeIN Sports (I think that's who got it). My favorite teams are harded to watch... especially with FC St. Pauli falling to the 2. Bundesliga.
Both FC St. Pauli and Sevilla FC are near the middle of the pack, though it seems Sevilla is having the rougher go of it this year. For some, their next match is an important one, though it may or may not mean anything in the grand scheme of the season, <a href="http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/86875/sevilla-host-almeria-in-sixth-edition-of-antonio-puerta-trophy/">the annual Antonio Puerta Trophy match</a>. <br>
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I still have trouble believing this was six years ago. Check out the linked article, as his six year old son, who had not even been born when he tragically died during a match, will be kicking off the match against Almeria in this year's match. I certainly hope I get to catch this one just to see his son on the pitch.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fR8oQ7ImxcYE_dr9GkP3a23bUUQX9F3pBCC-3DUcgkoapHbbT8jnbhch39Gq4vNm_DHGvhFajpF0d4cBjEhROosdwRlFSD3pONz5N4pnYu7aihbJEurw_p5fVuS8HwONCvXs51t0Qvs/s1600/AntPuerta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fR8oQ7ImxcYE_dr9GkP3a23bUUQX9F3pBCC-3DUcgkoapHbbT8jnbhch39Gq4vNm_DHGvhFajpF0d4cBjEhROosdwRlFSD3pONz5N4pnYu7aihbJEurw_p5fVuS8HwONCvXs51t0Qvs/s320/AntPuerta.jpg" /></a></div>
Seems as though Sevilla still has a strong fan in one of their former players. <a href="http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/86950/jesus-navas-backs-emery-and-sevilla-to-succeed/">Jesús Navas has reportedly backed his former team with some strong words of encouragement</a>. I'll always back Sevilla and Navas, personally ... hope he's right. Besides the annual tribute match, they have two La Liga matches and a Europa match that they should win. Crossing fingers.
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Now... let's see how St Pauli does without a full-time manager... <br>dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-41649594438658399092010-07-27T08:00:00.001-07:002010-07-27T08:40:21.190-07:00A new dawning...in many ways.This will be a short one, I feel like i've gotta put something down in here to get the ba...blog rolling. <br /><br />First, if you don't know already, FC St Pauli did it. They got promoted and will be playing "with the big boys" this season, the 1st Bundesliga. I don't know what their first season back will be like, but i'm hoping to catch a match in person in case they don't fare too well.<br /><br />In light of this news, here are a couple bits of info for ya that I find interesting or entertaining.<br /><br />First we have info that <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2010/07/23/2038398/deniz-naki-happy-to-stay-with-st-pauli">Naki WILL remain at St. Pauli</a>. This is definitely good news. Granted, many will say picking up bigger names or new and upcoming talent is needed, i also like the devotion that most St Pauli players and staff show in this promotion.<br /><br />Next up, rumors were flying that Arsenal defender <a href="http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/transfer_talk/26944/st-pauli-set-to-offer-sol-campbell-one-year-deal.html">Sol Campbell was offered a one year contract</a>. But at this point it seems St Pauli <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1296249/THE-INSIDER-Newcastle-edge-ahead-Sol-Campbell-race.html">could be low on that totem pole</a>.<br /><br />For now, that's enough about the transfers... I don't usually pay attention to that until the season starts anyway. Something else I don't usually pay attention to are the new jerseys that come out every year. I know it's all about marketing and making money for the team/corporation, but I can't buy into that (partially because I don't have the kinda scratch you'd need to buy one for all the teams (or jerseys) I like every year... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://worldsoccerreader.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/FCStPauli580.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px" src="http://worldsoccerreader.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/FCStPauli580.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>BUT, with St Pauli being promoted this year AND it being their centennial anniversary, I will be picking up a <a href="http://www.fcstpauli-shop.de/index.php/cat/c6_Trikots---mehr.html">trikot</a> at some point (hopefully in the fan shop outside the stadium). Heck, I might even buy a couple of them in celebration, especially if they do play well this year. I'm kinda waiting to see what the "third jersey" will look like before I pick out my "first one." <a href="http://worldsoccerreader.com/2010/07/new-kit-round-up-european-big-guns-and-st-pauli/">Seems as though a lot of folks will be jumping on this bandwagon</a>, i'm sure their fan base will grow quite a bit this year (which is always a double edged sword).<br /><br />I could add a few things about Sevilla and their preparation for the new season but all I know so far is Fabiano will be staying even though there <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=810339&sec=transfers&cc=5901&cc=5901">were rumors he might be picked up by AC Milan or Tottenham</a>.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-6258919136260295532009-08-10T08:26:00.000-07:002009-08-10T09:08:12.320-07:00An interesting week for me...It started last Wednesday, with my first double-header match i've participated in since I was in college (no need to discuss time frame, but it was a while ago). As the season ended in the league i'm currently in, we had to win to go on to the finals. Sadly, we did not do this, we actually played a pretty bad match and the opponents played an excellent match (no need to discuss the score, but there was a pretty big goal difference). The "consolation" match was between us and the last place team in the 5 team league. This match was played directly after our horrible loss...and was the last place team's ONLY match of the night. Though we were obviously a bit worn out from putting in the extra effort during the first match, ending proudly without getting shut-out, it seemed to be the warm up we needed...well, I needed. I thought I played pretty piss-poor in the first match but was not unhappy about my play in the second. Unfortunately, in the end, our second match was a draw though I think we had both control of the ball most of the match and several more shots on goal than our opponent. Here's to hoping we are able to find a keeper for the coming season...which starts in September.<br /><br />Next we head to La Liga, another new season and another death to a prominent Spanish team's player. The captain for Espanyol, Daniel Jarque, died of a heart-attack this weekend. Yet another, high-end player in La Liga goes down to a heart problem. With little in the way of details about this, I'll just say it's sad to see such a thing happen to such a promising talent so early in life. And, like Sevilla's Antonio Puerta, from almost exactly two years ago, who suffered a heart attack during the first match of the season, Jarque had a child on the way. Just too hard to truly comprehend, but I do wish his family and his team well.<br /><br />Also, in La Liga news, there were a few matches of an international friendly nature on US soil. The first I saw was the DC United vs Real Madrid match. I am NOT a fan of either team, but for some reason I still enjoyed DC getting their butts kicked by the La Liga giants. I'm not sure what outcome would have given me a more satisfying feeling but after watching Sevilla get knocked out of the Peace Cup rather early I've not really found any pre-season La Liga matches to be truly entertaining. Even was a little disappointed in Barcelona with their draw against Chivas de Guadalajara. Disappointing in that Barca held the ball most of the match and even had nine shots on goal to Chivas' two shots, but they were never able to get it in the net. Again, it's all pre-season friendlies i'll take with a grain of salt.<br /><br />From here we head towards some good news in my book... St. Pauli wins the opening match of their Second Bundesliga 2009-2010 campaign, 2-1 versus Rot Weiss Ahlen. With two of their main attackers out with injuries this is a good start. Here's to a great season for St. Pauli!! To add to this, I just read an <a href="http://soccer.fanhouse.com/2009/05/19/football-fussball-soccer" target="new">interesting article</a> in which the author gives the MLS some advice about how they could learn a thing or two from St. Pauli and the way the team management/owners treat their "ultra" fans.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-13381258020683364402009-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:002009-07-21T07:16:12.504-07:00St Pauli in the pre-seasonSo things aren't looking too shabby for the boys in brown in the pre-season. First a draw with Scottish giants, Celtic FC, 2-2, and now they've beaten EPL team <a href="http://www.whydelilah.co.uk/news/17_Jul_2009/Stoke+City+1+St+Pauli+3.html">Stoke City a full 3-1</a>. Granted Stoke City was probably testing out some of the younger players on their squad, but surely this friendly was an opportunity for St Pauli to play some of their bench sitters as well. Regardless of who was on the pitch, seems like a pretty good outcome...for now.<br /><br />I can only hope this good form carries into the regular season which has not been their strong suit as of late. Seems they can do well in the pre-season AND even in some of the tournaments outside of the regular season, beating teams in the First Bundeliga, but have trouble in their own second division.<br /><br />Good luck boys, always behind you!dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-14039057629072618362009-06-25T09:42:00.001-07:002009-06-25T09:53:15.616-07:00Remember the MaineYes...after almost 24 hours to let this all settle in, it's time to say yesterday's match between the US and Spain was one heck of a day for the US Men's Team. I want to use loads of descriptives, but they've all been used, tons of cliches, but I try to avoid those anyway and I generally just want to scream...but i'll hold it to see how they do in the Final against either Brazil (again) or South Africa. <br />If you haven't seen it already, or if you're like me and you enjoy watching it over and over again, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=270153&cc=5901">ESPN has some good video of the highlights.</a><br /><br />Everything clicked for us on the pitch yesterday and i'd love to see something similar happen in the final. We had minor moments that were similar in the match against Brazil when they demolished us, but nothing worth mentioning. Now the USMNT will be in their first ever major FIFA Tournament Final...I can only hope they are ALL able to bring their "A game" (excuse the cliche) for the match on Sunday.<br /><br />My big question for this tournament is ... WHY are the refs continually giving us lame red cards. For the third time in four matches, a US player has received a QUESTIONABLE red card! Bradley MIGHT have needed a yellow for going in cleats up, but he did so at a low angle and HE GOT THE BALL, not the player! There was obviously no malicious intent, yet there he stood, dumbfounded like the rest of us who actually saw the play, as the ref held high another stupid red card. He will be missed on Sunday, just hope it doesn't hurt us over all.<br /><br />Regardless of what goes on in the Confederations Cup from here on out...the win over Egypt and the win over Spain (do we need to mention once again that they are the #1 team in the world?) should show a lot of folks that the US still can be a team of fortitude...when they want to be...and all pistons are firing. I'm ready for consistancy myself, but am enjoying this ride while it lasts. I think a lot of people are more interested in the US and their qualification for the World Cup 2010 and this, I like.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-65096279130526228532009-04-27T12:40:00.000-07:002009-04-27T12:51:35.363-07:00Let's Go, Sligo!Well, <a href="http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0422/uefa.html" target="new">looks like the Red Rovers are movin' on up</a>, even if their season has not been so hot this year. Looks like they've been chosen as one of four League of Ireland teams a UEFA Cup license for the 2009/2010 UEFA Club Competition season. While the Dublin Bohemians were handed a Champions League ticket for their incredible season, Sligo Rovers and three other teams will be able to participate in the Europa League, formerly the UEFA Cup.<br /><br />Would love to think some League of Ireland matches and/or some Irish club teams will be televised in my little corner of the U.S.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-2650738805981064412008-08-21T14:15:00.000-07:002008-08-21T14:18:18.030-07:00The Boys from Oslo...Nope, not Turbonegro...this is my soccer journal.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0821/ireland.html">Yup, the Boys in Green went toe to toe with Norway today. And evidently, they came away with a confidence boosting draw at 1-1.</a><br /><br />Next up... Georgia!dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-86966027512958394672008-08-21T08:53:00.000-07:002008-08-21T09:01:41.838-07:00US versus Guatemala (WC 2010 Qualifier)For those of you that missed last night's match...well, ya missed a doozy. Though the first half was a tough fought 0-0 draw, the second half was nothing short of brutal. Only two red cards were handed out (one for each side) but there were several yellows and still the ref had absolutely NO CONTROL over the home side (Guate). Though Guate probably had the upper hand as far as how the game was played (when it was actually played), it was the US that dug in and did what needed to be done. Unfortunately, there were some casualties, two-footed slide tackles from behind, Howard got a knee to the head (and then was given a yellow card) and then there was the Eddie Lewis incident. I can't believe I haven't been able to find any pictures of this yet, but i'm sure they'll be out there eventually. Truly Brutal! While the US was able to come away with the 3 points in this qualifying match, I tend to agree with <a href="http://thatsonpoint.blogspot.com/2008/08/guatemala-your-national-team-is.html">this blogger's ideas about the match.</a> Once I find a good pictures i'll be posting it as soon as I can.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-7944766659021182122008-08-07T11:32:00.001-07:002008-08-07T12:11:00.099-07:00A new season...As the friendlies wrap-up in the pre-season, things are starting to feel like it's time for some action. Yesterday I made it down to the neighborhood pub to catch <a href="http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/08/06/Friendly-Celtic-v-Manchester-city/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/football/">Celtic and Manchester City</a> make a go of it for 90 minutes. While the ball stayed on the Celtic end of the pitch most of the time there were few shots on goal and things seemed rather balanced, albeit a bit flat, but nothing unusual for the pre-season, if you ask me.<br /><br />Eventually, Man City punched in the first goal of the match well into the second half. And with Celtic frequently pinned in their half it wasn't looking good. But with a frenzy in the final 15-20 minutes, it was only a matter of time before the Hoops put one in the net. McGowan tapped one in from a cross and minutes later had a second chance only to have the shot hit the cross bar with high velocity and conviction. There were other chances to break the tie, but few, if any, were very serious. In the end, the final score was 1-1.<br /><br />Afterwords, Manchester United played Juventus...I caught about 10-15 minutes of this match and was quickly reminded that a) I'm not a Man U. fan and b) I don't like Italian League teams all that much, so I left the pub and did some grocery shopping. With the season not even in full swing yet, there will be plenty more to see in the weeks to come.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-74288890983567399422008-06-30T07:32:00.000-07:002008-08-11T12:09:26.235-07:00Viva España!So the Spaniards were able to handle Germany...and rather easily. It was very one-sided for a 1-0 result. Regardless, the best team won and the long list of Spanish players added to the "<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7481108.stm" target="new">Team of Euro '08</a>" shows how strong the full side was throughout the tournament. All that's fine and good...but until you've <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7444577.stm?goalid=502148" target="new">watched the goal that won it, from every possible angle</a> (well, I haven't found, "bird's eye view" just yet), you just haven't actually seen it yet.<br><br /><center><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/images/734968.jpg" title="Torres and the boys"><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/images/734968.jpg" alt="Torres and Villa" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/images/734968.jpg">A picture of the team I found weeks after the tournament.</a><br />Nice to see the tribute shirt that Sergio Ramos is wearing... "Siempre con nosotros," always with us. [sorry, didn't mention, that's Antonio Puerto in case you aren't a Spain or La Liga/Sevilla fan.]</center>dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-62958163827946360202008-06-09T11:22:00.000-07:002008-06-09T11:35:37.078-07:00It's a TIE!So the US barely get away with a 0-0 tie against Argentina this weekend. Though that sounds desperate, they actually played rather well. Had their fair share of possession, shots and Tim Howard had some AMAZING saves to keep our slate clean.This made the celebration of Kasey Keller's 100 matches that much sadder. Evidently there was very little in the way of ovation from the crowd for this honor.<br /><br />Both sides had a couple ding off the crossbar but nothing managed to make it into the net. This almost makes up for the US losing to both England and Spain, but the fact that they did not score a single goal during these three friendlies is a bit unsettling. That and they barely played Freddie Adu, possibly the most creative player the team has right now. <br /><br />The next match is Sunday against Barbados in their first World Cup 2010 qualifier. it will be televised at 2pm on ESPN2. Compared to these friendlies they just finished Barbados SHOULD be easily handled...but ya never know.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-33473986217142767712008-05-29T07:46:00.000-07:002008-05-29T08:24:27.232-07:00Independientes F.C.So, not the best time for me lately. Blogging is not high on my list of "things to do." But with the first season with Independientes F.C. coming to an end, I thought I should mention a couple things about that.<br /><br />Although it's basically the remainders from C.T.C.F.C. (this is all over 30s, the Open CTC<br />team is still around), we do have a handful of new players making this<br />a relatively new team. Things started to click with our new "two team"<br />plan of attack, but we still weren't getting the wins we had hoped for.<br />Goals were being scored, but we were still getting scored on quite a<br />bit. Sadly, in a game when we didn't have enough players for the two<br />team attack, we finally got a win. It was still a close match and we<br />only won by a goal, but we won. <br /><br />In the week prior to our first<br />win, I actually got my first goal in a couple seasons. Don't normally<br />brag about this but it was a goal that had several folks from the<br />sidelines, my teammates and even the keeper for the other team<br />complimenting the goal. Danny O. lobbed a ball into the box from the<br />left side. I came running in from the "18" (it's super six, so probably<br />closer to the 10 or so), and crossed in front of both the defender and<br />the keeper to nail a header into the bottom corner. Definitely in my<br />list of my favorite goals, which up to this point pretty much included<br />every goal I've scored...all dozen or so of them. After that one, I<br />decided to narrow it down to my top four or five. (Side note: a week<br />later, Celtic F.C. played for theSPL championship and won the match with a very similar goal. Made me proud on two levels.) <br /><br />Yesterday<br />we won our second match in a row...and this one was another close one,<br />had to take it into an extra period. As time in the second half wound<br />down, and we were losing by a goal, I fed KG a ball up the right hand<br />side. I was immediately upset as I fed it a little further up than I<br />had wanted to. But KG was able to get control, bring it inside avoiding<br />the defender and take a pretty hard shot. I still thought the angle was<br />too much, but rushed the goal hoping for a rebound. We got lucky and<br />the keeper bobbled the ball against the post and it bounced in off his<br />shoulder. As the ball was being picked up the ref blew the whistle, we<br />tied it up! In the extra period (not a golden goal situation) we were<br />able to put another one in and held on, just barely, to win the match.<br />Next week will be our final match of the season.<br /><br />We are probably<br />going to skip the summer season, with many of our players coaching h.s.<br />teams and summer is prep time, plus if the heat last night was any<br />indication of what this summer is going to be like, our old bones might<br />NEED to sit out this summer.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-58835976581255224442008-04-23T12:41:00.000-07:002008-04-23T13:20:53.240-07:00Well...I'm currently <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/gamecast?id=239745&cc=5901" target="new">"watching" the Man U. v. Barcelona</a> Champions League match (recording it at home, the first half sounds worthy of keeping for later viewing)...and just found a <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=527698&campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901" target="new">news article about the Olympic draw for both US National Teams</a>.<br /><br />Also, this evening will be the second round of the new season of my new >30s team at Warners. The team name, if I haven't mentioned it yet, is Independientes F.C, borrowed from an Argentine team with the name Independientes ("los diablos rojos"). We're in blue and white (once the uniforms arrive) and the unis are said to be loosely based on the other "red devils," yes, Man U....NOT happy about that, but I guess it's a step up from our previous unis which were loosely based on AC Milan's). Our defacto captain, Santi, listed the Argentine team, Independientes, as one of his favorites (he's also a La Liga follower like myself). <br /><br />The season has not started well as we lost our first match against Barely Kicking, 4-1 (I think). But the attitude was better with our team and we had a lot more show up for the first match (3 subs is a good thing). I'm hopeful about this season and it seems others are as well. Tonight we play 1040s and our goal is to shut them out...focusing on defense. I hope it works.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-71689434275716393622008-04-10T12:20:00.000-07:002008-04-10T12:34:15.448-07:00Really?!?!<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=524301&campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5901" target="new">Evidently the U.S. Men's national soccer team has jumped up seven positions to number 21 in the FIFA World rankings.</a> Personally, i'm still a fan of the <a href="http://www.eloratings.net/" target="new">ELO Ratings</a> where the U.S. is in 18...even though I think they both have the US a little higher than they should be. Guess we shall see how we do in the next few friendlies leading up to the World Cup Qualifiers. Coming up we have a couple in Europe, with England on 28 May and then Spain on 4 June, followed by a return trip home and a match with Argentina (#1 in FIFA and #2 in ELO) on 8 June.<br /><br />Anyone care to comment on their thoughts on the new U.S. jerseys? Not sure I like the new color, but I need to get a U.S. jersey. Of all the jerseys I have, both pro and national teams, I don't have a single U.S. jersey. Not right.<br /><br />Edit: Just found out the U.S. Women's National team have now qualified for the Olympics as well. Let's Go U.S.A.!dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-92199663807823394992008-03-28T09:51:00.000-07:002008-03-29T06:01:00.405-07:00Games of the week...First, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sevilla FC</span>:<br /><br /><img src="http://d.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com//ng/sp/eurosport/20080328/13/376453312.jpg" width=210 align=left>With races for the Champion's League and UEFA Cup qualifiers on the line, every single La Liga match for Sevilla will be important from here on out. After last week's extremely disappointing loss to Atlético Madrid, Sevilla now faces a possibly tougher foe in Real Madrid. <br /><br />Sevilla has already beaten Real Madrid three times this season, one more would make it a clean sweep, though it will be tough in Madrid. They really will have to play one of their best matches of the season, especially with a prime mid-fielder sittin' the next few on the bench. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=520227&cc=5901" target="new">Then again, Real Madrid have had some problems lately, losing their last two matches to Valencia and Deportivo La Coruña</a>. Also on Sevilla's side is the fact that Kanoute is set to play even though his heal has been giving him some troubles lately. Let's Go Sevilla!!! <br /><br />With Villareal and Atlético Madrid more than 3 points ahead and playing each other ...I almost wonder if a draw between those two would help Sevilla the most ...and that's IF Sevilla could beat Real Madrid somehow. Anyway, in La Liga, the matches to watch would be:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><u>Saturday</u></span>:<br />Villareal v. Atlético Madrid 5 pm <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><u>Sunday</u></span>:<br />Real Madrid v. Sevilla 3 pm<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">St. Pauli FC</span>:<br /><br />At the other end of the scale we have St. Pauli struggling a bit in their first year back in the second bundesliga. So each match is important for them as well. Last week they won for the first time in 2008, and of their last 13 matches 10 have been a draw. I think many of those could have been 3 points but several they were lucky to get the point. This Sunday's match would be a definite must win as they pair up against SCPaderborn 07, who is currently in last place in the 2nd Bundesliga. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sligo Rovers</span>:<br /><br /><img src="http://foot.ie/forums/images/avatars/elkits/kit-sligo-third-2006.png" align="right">Seems as though the Rovers are off to a very rough start and are struggling a bit as well. Tonight they face UC Dublin who currently sit 7th in the standings with Sligo Rovers behind them a few in 10th place. Got my "third" jersey on in support today at work. Let's Go Bit O' Red! (Still looking for some sort of update on this match as this is being published.) (EDIT: Ended in a 0-0 draw.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Other matches of note</span>:<br /><br />As you probably know, i'm not a huge EPL fan, but with all the US players getting picked up, it's hard for me not to hope Fulham does well...and, lately, they haven't. Saturday's match is the true definition of a "must win" match as they face the team that sits firmly in last place.<br /> <br />Derby v. Fulham 11 am on Saturday, FSC<br /><br />The MLS Kicks-Off later in the evening on Saturday, and while i'm probably and smidge<br />more interested in this than the average US soccer fan deeply into any other foreign league, I'll probably pass on these...maybe. Pretty surei'll miss the New England Revolution v. Houston Dynamo match due to other plans throughout the day. That one's at 7:30pm on FSC. <br /><br />If I catch any of either one I might watch some of the Colorado Rapids v. LA Galaxy at 9:30 pm on FSC.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-50430712968641475322008-03-26T08:23:00.000-07:002008-03-26T13:11:59.839-07:00U.S. in a few important friendliesToday is the first of a few friendlies that the U.S.M.N.T. have lined for them. In our last two meetings with Poland, the U.S. has faired rather well winning in both European meet-ups. But, this go around everything changes, the Polish side has a new coach, who helped them reach the Euros this year (even beat Portugal and Belgium). Poland poses a formidable test for the Americans ahead of upcoming meetings with world powers England, Argentina, and Spain, all scheduled for later this spring. U.S. Coach Bradley will be fielding a mostly European based roster...<a href="http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=634891" target="new">said to be one of our strongest teams since our Gold Cup win last summer</a>...which we won with a Benny Feilhaber goal that is still one of my all-time favorites.<br /><br />Though this will be one of the strongest teams the U.S. has ever fielded, it will be tough as they haven't played together since the Gold Cup. A match or two at the least will be needed to give the team some cohesion and confidence I would imagine. This is what I would imagine these friendlies are for as we prepare for World Cup qualifiers that begin in June. Poland is probably doing the same as they work towards Euro 2008 which is also this summer. (Edit: <a href="http://thatsonpoint.blogspot.com/2008/03/straw-pole.html" target="new">That's On Point has another take on this "strongest team" thing, definitely check it out as well.</a>)<br /><br />Good luck the the U.S. Match is at 3:30p ET and airs on Fox Soccer Channel...which I can't watch at work! :(<br /><br />(Newer edit: Can't record it but found <a href="http://soccerticker.blogspot.com/2008/03/usa-vs-poland.html" target="new">another online ticker stream for the game. And it's on blogger.</a>dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-74339710100049895652008-03-26T08:10:00.000-07:002008-03-26T08:20:27.002-07:00News from La Liga...<span style="font-weight:bold;">Nine-year-old protestors and a missing mid-fielder for a major match...<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/25/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-Spanish-Briefs.php"><span style="font-style:italic;">From the International Herald Tribune...</span></a><br /><br /><b>Standing and saluting or running around the field...either way do they really know what the song is for?</b><br /><br />BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — An FC Barcelona youth team has boycotted the Spanish anthem at an international tournament for the second straight year.<br /><br />The Catalans refused to stand for the anthem before their match against Benfica at the Mediterranean International Cup on Saturday, a tournament featuring players under the age of nine.<br /><br />Instead, the team began warming up while their Portuguese opponents stood in line.<br /><br />"Regrettably, Barcelona again broke FIFA's protocol before 20,000 spectators," tournament director Ricardo Godoy said in Tuesday's edition of Marca newspaper.<br /><br />Godoy said he received an "aggressive" letter from Barcelona president Joan Laporta stating that Barcelona would abandon the tournament should it be forced to stand for the anthem.<br /><br />Godoy is considering taking the case to FIFA.<br /><br />"You don't use kids as political tools," he said.<br /><br />___ <br /><br /><b>And in the "Worst Timing Ever" category, Sevilla will be missing a needed mid-fielder in several of the season's final matches...a very crucial time for them.</b><br /><br />MADRID, Spain (AP) — The Spanish football federation suspended Sevilla midfielder Vincenzo Maresca for four games Tuesday for headbutting Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero.<br /><br />Maresca was immediately ejected in the 60th minute of Atletico's 2-1 victory at Sevilla on Saturday.<br /><br />Sevilla will be without the Italian player for Sunday's game at league leader Real Madrid. Maresca is eligible to return April 27 at Murcia after missing games against Villarreal, Mallorca and Almeria.<br /><br />Sevilla is sixth in the standings with 45 points, five behind Atletico for the fourth and final Champions League qualifying place.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-71404944161750179432008-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:002008-03-18T11:48:23.017-07:00This town IS big enough...Seems as though starting your own club is the new trend with dissatisfied EPL fans. <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/7926110/Liverpool-fans-start-new-club?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=177" target="new">Next up, Liverpool fans have decided it's their turn to create a club whose matches they can afford to attend on a regular basis</a>. I think this is really the saddest part of the changes in any league. To price out your long time and usually the strongest of fans, just to boost the net gains of the club itself. Doesn't advertising bring in loads for any decent club? And let's not even get into the very high-priced contracts that many athletes have signed into lately, I'm sure they deserve it, but who pays? Not the owners obviously.<br /><br />Sadly this happens with a lot of smaller sports teams, even amateur teams. I can only speak directly about our local "Seminoles." When I was a wee lad, won't directly discuss dates or age but it was definitely over 15 years ago, the going rate for a regular season pass was about $40-60, depending on the number of home games. Now, I understand that with inflation that price will surely rise over time, but as the team gets better and/or more popular the owner understands more money is there to be had. Prices begin to rise exponentially. Today a regular season pass is now in the $300/season pass range.<br /><br />All said and done, i'm just jealous Liverpool has enough fans for a single soccer club, much less two...Tallahassee had a team...a while ago...but no more. <br /><br /><center><b>R.I.P. Tallahassee Scorpions and the E.I.S.L<br />1997-1998</b></center>dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-56150872732563742482008-03-12T09:16:00.000-07:002008-03-12T10:00:41.358-07:00England all the way huh...While all four teams making it to the Champions' League Quarter-finals are English Premier League teams...I feel I must make note of a certain <a href="http://www.uefa.com/uefa/keytopics/kind=64/newsid=584172.html" target="new">"official" ranking site</a>. I do this also because it is the EPL that is frequently touted as the greatest league with the greatest teams. An example would be the recent quote from Man. U.'s Sir Alex Ferguson, "<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=515897&cc=5901" target="new">'The Premier League is the strongest in Europe</a>. <br />Personally, I agree with <a href="http://thatsonpoint.blogspot.com/2008/03/wendazed.html" target="new">That's On Point's</a> latest take on this, in which the top EPL teams are better than other leagues' top teams, but with the money the EPL has to spend how could they not buy the best teams?? But, to consider all teams from the top to the bottom I think <a href="http://www.uefa.com/uefa/keytopics/kind=64/newsid=584172.html" target="new">the UEFA ranking</a> is more correct. <br /><br />While I may be a little biased, I still believe this "official" ranking holds true. Just look at the point spreads of each league. Currently, the comparison between the top and the bottom teams of each league are EPL = 56 points, Italy Series A = 46 points, La Liga = 43 and even the Bundesliga is only seperated by 33 points. I could be wrong but I think I remember a time last year (after the winter break) in which the top ten La Liga teams were only seperateda by about 12 points. I know this isn't the only indicator, some could say the whole league is subpar (and we know this isn't true), but when you have that strong of a league, there won't be as big of a spread.<br /><br />Just wanted to put that out there.<br /><br />(Total sidenote that I also just wanted to add: Here's <a href="http://www.theoffside.com/world-football/putting-mls-attendance-numbers-in-perspective.html" target="new">an article about attendance for leagues all over Europe vs MLS</a>.)dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-52059697867552172962008-03-12T06:42:00.000-07:002008-03-12T07:22:36.142-07:00A Bout With UnluckyAfter an "eh, okay" first half and a barrage of shots from the US in the second half, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=515852&cc=5901" target="new">the US and Cuba ended last night's match tied at 1-1 in the first round of Olympic qualifiers</a>. <br /><br />Adu had a pretty good night with several shots that just barely missed, he even put in a few great passes and one perfect set-up for a shot to Findley who tried to rush the shot, all but handing it to the Cuban keeper. But even Adu had a few rough spots sprinkled here and there. Rough spots aside, it was the bad luck that really hampered the U.S. With 19 shots and too many "near misses" to think of, luck was definitely not on the side of the U.S. Even the goal that Cuba scored seemed to get deflected a couple times, just enough to get past the keeper and into the net. <br /><br />With all this working against them, the U.S. side still looked strong and patient and I think with a little more pratice together (they'd only been together for 10 days prior to the match) and a few inspiring words from the coaches, they will do even better in their next match, which is Thurday evening (8pm ET), March 13, against Panama. I can only hope a few more soccer fans make it out to this (or the next) match, as the attendance was only a little over 4,300. After not qualifying for the 2004 Olympics, this was not our best start, but we still have two more qualifiers to go and they did end rather strong in the second half. <br /><br />(Sidenote: I know it's a part of the game, but it was frustrating for the last 10 minutes of the match when Cuba was obviously dragging their feet to get time off the clock. The red carded Linares, who scored Cuba's goal, took over a minute just to walk off the pitch after being ejected...though I also disagreed with the call, that's ridiculous. Not to mention their captain who went down no less than three times with an appearant cramp that needed tending to.)<br /><br />A quote from Captain Edu:<br />“In the second half we started pressing them again and were creating a few chances. We were unlucky not to finish one. If he had put one of those in the net, the game probably would have been out of reach, but that happens.From here we just move on and we know we’ve got to get points in the next game.”<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2008/03/12/00/512-0312ussoccer.standalone.prod_affiliate.69.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px;" src="http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2008/03/12/00/512-0312ussoccer.standalone.prod_affiliate.69.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>One of the many close opportunities as midfielder Kljestan goes up for a ball crossed over in front of the goal in the second half. His shot went just wide of the goal.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-28944406379528109292008-03-10T09:26:00.000-07:002008-03-10T09:53:26.739-07:00FC ST PAULI...match cast<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=237710&cc=5901&league=GER.2" target="new">As it stands, this ESPN site is the only one I know of that will have "updated" info about the match this afternoon against TSV 1860 Munich.</a> I hope to find a better one with more detail and info. We shall see.<br /><br />Let's Go Boys in Brown! NO MORE DRAWS!!<br /><br />And speaking of the Bhoys in Brown, looks as though a little band known as The Wakes (formerly Murphy's Law) are working on (or have recorded, I can't quite tell from the quality of this video) a new song FOR "the fans of St. Pauli." <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zw9QTS8M8k" target="new">Check out this live recording of "The Pirates of the League" from a couple weeks ago.</a>dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-1143381599430803772008-03-10T07:26:00.000-07:002008-03-10T08:51:36.890-07:00A Truly Interesting FA Cup...<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/7895056/The-romance-of-the-FA-Cup-returns" target="new">First, I can't believe I didn't watch the entire Chelsea v. Barnsley match.</a> And, second, with Portsmouth beating Man. U. (must watch the replay on Tuesday), I think I'll have a new favorite team by the end of this thing!<br />As usual, <a href="http://thatsonpoint.blogspot.com/2008/03/fa-cking-amazing.html" target="new">That's On Point has something to say about all of this amazing madness,</a> with mention of US players in the match between Blackburn and Fulham (another match that I only got to see the first half).<br />More "excitement and romance" to come:<br /><center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2c/Barnsley_FC.gif"><img style="margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2c/Barnsley_FC.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Barnsley v Cardiff City</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a0/Cardiff_City_crest.png"><img style="margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a0/Cardiff_City_crest.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />And<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/df/West_Bromwich_Albion_crest.png"><img style="margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/df/West_Bromwich_Albion_crest.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">West Bromwich Albion v Portsmouth</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/26/Portsmouth_FC_crest.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/26/Portsmouth_FC_crest.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />(Portsmouth is the lone premier league team remaining)<br /></center><br /><br />Sidenote Edit: Sevilla beat Levante this weekend but it was not televised on GOL TV so I'm not going to write about that until a replay or until I get to read a bit more about it.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-84740330327691128922008-03-07T13:51:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:05:58.299-08:00Premier League of Ireland...begin.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sligorovers.com/"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1bxRiRr5Saw1KobbsUaMbZ8_mdrAnN6_NMX2c3V0f_t7JfzYR51r7mKcRDQNJKJtvfpPpvfDbPVxkz57UigDdTlvz3hk9fmY9NdANQsRTA41tsistDV5YpIzoGAt4TkYWAIC0aDPDC8/s200/sligo-logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175127770369061106" /></a>Season openers for theEircom Premier League of Ireland are this weekend. Our dear, dear <a href="http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0307/stpats_sligo.html?rss" target="new">Sligo Rovers open with last year's runners-up, St. Patrick's Athletic</a>. We wish the Bit O' Red much luck as the opening match looks to be a rather tough one for them. Definitely hoping for a great season this year.<br /><br />While the above article makes it seem as though the season openers are tomorrow (Sat. 8 March), <a href="http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0307/stpats_sligo_1.html" target="new">this article makes it seem as though Sligo has already lost against St. Pat's</a>. I'm not saying anything else until I see something official on the Rovers' site (click their logo above) or on <a href="http://www.eircomloi.ie:82/" target="new">the official Eircom Premier League site</a>... ok, it's official, Sligo lost their opener at St. Patrick's. Well, looking forward to next week's home opener versus Drogheda United.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-71969753006275828182008-03-04T08:42:00.000-08:002008-03-05T07:27:55.960-08:00A must win situation...Only a few hours away from match time and stories about it are everywhere.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15106/match=301898/report=pr.html" target="new">UEFA.com story about what the team will need to win.</a><br /><br />and<br /><br /><a href="http://matchcentre.virginmedia.com/?cid=169&mid=6833" target="new">...<i>Meanwhile, Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has described the second leg tie as "one of the most important in the history of Sevilla FC"...</i></a><br /><br />Sounds like the Sevilla<br />match is also one of the most intense in its history. Just finished 30<br />minutes of overtime and aggregate score is still tied at 5-5. Certainly hope Gol TV or FSC replays this thing.<br /><br />Possibly one of the worst matches i've "watched" online via matchcast. And yes, it's because Sevilla<br />lost after a full overtime in penalty shots (possibly the worst way for<br />any sporting event to be decided). Not sure I want to watch it now, but<br />I had to know how it ended. So,Sevilla is out of the Champions' League finals this year and we can only hope they survive and qualify to compete in it next year.dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146213022492734272.post-61706881079309286002008-03-03T08:08:00.000-08:002008-03-03T09:22:58.132-08:00Nightmarish weekend in La LigaOnce again I was unable to watch the one match I truly wanted to see but it did not matter as nothing went right for me this weekend. First, and foremost, Sevilla lost in a match they should have won quite easily. Granted the team they played, Deportivo La Coruña, has had a late season run themselves, they are (or were) in the bottom of the bunch, in the relegation area. The final score was 2-1, but if you look at the shots and time of possession I'd guess it could have been worse. I'll still browse around and see if a replay of the match will be shown.<br />Next up was Barcelona (sort of my number two team), and they had a poor showing as well. Not sure why but they did not put in Messi until almost an hour of the match had past. They ended up losing to Atletico Madrid 4-2 which puts Atletico further ahead of Sevilla in the standings.<br />Lastly, Real Madrid somehow pulls out a win in the last SECONDS of the match to hold onto the number one position in the standings. After the final goal was scored, Recreativo Huelva only had time to tap the ball off of the midfield line to "re-start" the match before the ref blew the final whistle. Painful.<br />And to top all this off it was just announced that Sevilla FC has dropped in the world club rankings. For 17 months they held the top position, but understandably, they have dropped a bit. <a href="http://www.iffhs.de/?10f42e00fa2d17f73702fa3016e23c17f7370eff3702bb1c2bbb6f28f53512" target="new">Now Sevilla sits in Third place behind AC Milan and Chelsea FC</a>. <br />NOT a fun soccer weekend.<br />This week we have Sevilla's second match with Fenerbahce and of course next week Olympic qualifiers begin, In TAMPA, for the US Men's U-23 team (<a href="http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_5406747.html" target="new">FSC will broadcast these matches</a>).dj evol enohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10366855766077552652noreply@blogger.com0