No REO No Foreclosure
5 Bedrooms 3 Baths 2,366 Sq. Ft.
$456,000.00
Call 619-857-2217
e-mail Hector@MyHomeOurHome.com
DRE # 01503968
Monday, December 7, 2009
Home for sale
Home for sale in Chula Vista, California
No REO No Foreclosure
5 Bedrooms 3 Baths 2,366 Sq. Ft.
$456,000.00
Call 619-857-2217
e-mail Hector@MyHomeOurHome.com
DRE # 01503968
No REO No Foreclosure
5 Bedrooms 3 Baths 2,366 Sq. Ft.
$456,000.00
Call 619-857-2217
e-mail Hector@MyHomeOurHome.com
DRE # 01503968
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Leo Messi, el mejor
Diciembre 2, 2009
"Un viaje de mil millas comienza con el primer paso". Si se le da crédito a Lao-Tsé y su frase, la fantástica travesía de Lionel Messi por el universo del fútbol tuvo su origen no en la sofisticada Barcelona que lo idolatra sino en un modesto barrio del sur de Rosario, su ciudad natal.
El romance con la pelota del argentino que fue coronado como "rey de Europa" se inició en las calles asfaltadas del barrio Fonavi, a fines de la década del ochenta. Allí, la verdadera "Pulga", con tres años apenas, ya hacía de las suyas con el balón y tiraba paredes con el cordón de la vereda como aliado, para desairar a sus amigos.
Pero el primer escenario "formal" en el que Messi deslumbró con su habilidad, velocidad y pegada fue en la desprolija canchita del club municipal Grandoli, llena de desniveles, pequeñas piedras y trozos de vidrios, nada más alejado de la "mesa de billar" del Barcelona.
Tenía cinco años cuando un hecho "fortuito" lo depositó sobre el campo minado al que se asemejaba el club Grandoli por aquella época: uno de sus hermanos jugaba en el equipo de baby-fútbol y él lo fue a ver. Y como faltaba un jugador, 'Lío' recibió su primera convocatoria.
Con menos edad y físico que el resto de sus compañeritos y rivales, Messi maravilló a todos con su talento. Emanuel Biancucchi, primo de Lionel y su "colega" en aquel equipo del Grandoli que durante dos años se cansó de ganar todos los torneos de su categoría, describió a dpa las precoces virtudes del futuro astro.
"Era imposible sacarle la pelota. Yo era el arquero y la pelota nunca me llegaba al arco, la tenía siempre él y la gente se asombraba. Eramos Lionel y seis más. Hacía tres o cuatro goles por partido", afirmó Biancucchi, quien actualmente se desempeña como mediocampista en el equipo del 1860 Múnich de la segunda división alemana.
En el Grandoli jugó hasta 1995 y entonces pegó el salto a las inferiores de Newell's Old Boys, donde ya jugaba su hermano Rodrigo. "Hacía todo solo. Generaba un fútbol brillante. Tenía un físico pequeño, pero cuando encaraba no lo frenaban. Es más, era gol seguro", relató Adrián Coria, uno de sus técnicos en aquellas épocas en que un Messi niño vistió la misma camiseta rojinegra que había usado Diego Armando Maradona en las postrimerías de su carrera.
De aquellos orígenes hasta este presente, el tiempo voló para Messi. Se probó en River Plate e Independiente, pero ambos no hicieron nada por retenerlo y entonces, a los 13 años y de la mano de su padre Jorge, 'Leo' cruzó el 'Gran Charco' del Atlántico y se fue al Barcelona.
Los catalanes vislumbraron sus kilates enseguida, cual avezados buscadores de oro, se hicieron cargo del tratamiento a base de hormonas que le permitió a Messi superar el diagnosticado problema de "edad ósea retrasada". Así creció de estatura física, pero sobre todo futbolística, tanto, tanto, que hoy, pese a sus apenas 22 años y 1,69 metros, se convirtió en el nuevo "gigante" del fútbol europeo.
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/12/01/futbol/1259691930.html
"Un viaje de mil millas comienza con el primer paso". Si se le da crédito a Lao-Tsé y su frase, la fantástica travesía de Lionel Messi por el universo del fútbol tuvo su origen no en la sofisticada Barcelona que lo idolatra sino en un modesto barrio del sur de Rosario, su ciudad natal.
El romance con la pelota del argentino que fue coronado como "rey de Europa" se inició en las calles asfaltadas del barrio Fonavi, a fines de la década del ochenta. Allí, la verdadera "Pulga", con tres años apenas, ya hacía de las suyas con el balón y tiraba paredes con el cordón de la vereda como aliado, para desairar a sus amigos.
Pero el primer escenario "formal" en el que Messi deslumbró con su habilidad, velocidad y pegada fue en la desprolija canchita del club municipal Grandoli, llena de desniveles, pequeñas piedras y trozos de vidrios, nada más alejado de la "mesa de billar" del Barcelona.
Tenía cinco años cuando un hecho "fortuito" lo depositó sobre el campo minado al que se asemejaba el club Grandoli por aquella época: uno de sus hermanos jugaba en el equipo de baby-fútbol y él lo fue a ver. Y como faltaba un jugador, 'Lío' recibió su primera convocatoria.
Con menos edad y físico que el resto de sus compañeritos y rivales, Messi maravilló a todos con su talento. Emanuel Biancucchi, primo de Lionel y su "colega" en aquel equipo del Grandoli que durante dos años se cansó de ganar todos los torneos de su categoría, describió a dpa las precoces virtudes del futuro astro.
"Era imposible sacarle la pelota. Yo era el arquero y la pelota nunca me llegaba al arco, la tenía siempre él y la gente se asombraba. Eramos Lionel y seis más. Hacía tres o cuatro goles por partido", afirmó Biancucchi, quien actualmente se desempeña como mediocampista en el equipo del 1860 Múnich de la segunda división alemana.
En el Grandoli jugó hasta 1995 y entonces pegó el salto a las inferiores de Newell's Old Boys, donde ya jugaba su hermano Rodrigo. "Hacía todo solo. Generaba un fútbol brillante. Tenía un físico pequeño, pero cuando encaraba no lo frenaban. Es más, era gol seguro", relató Adrián Coria, uno de sus técnicos en aquellas épocas en que un Messi niño vistió la misma camiseta rojinegra que había usado Diego Armando Maradona en las postrimerías de su carrera.
De aquellos orígenes hasta este presente, el tiempo voló para Messi. Se probó en River Plate e Independiente, pero ambos no hicieron nada por retenerlo y entonces, a los 13 años y de la mano de su padre Jorge, 'Leo' cruzó el 'Gran Charco' del Atlántico y se fue al Barcelona.
Los catalanes vislumbraron sus kilates enseguida, cual avezados buscadores de oro, se hicieron cargo del tratamiento a base de hormonas que le permitió a Messi superar el diagnosticado problema de "edad ósea retrasada". Así creció de estatura física, pero sobre todo futbolística, tanto, tanto, que hoy, pese a sus apenas 22 años y 1,69 metros, se convirtió en el nuevo "gigante" del fútbol europeo.
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2009/12/01/futbol/1259691930.html
Friday, November 13, 2009
Los jugadores del Real Madrid están más divididos que nunca
Noviembre 13, 2009
Un día más la polémica salpica a los jugadores del Madrid. Al parecer, en el vestuario blanco se estaría viviendo un conflicto de intereses entre Raúl y Casillas. Aunque los dos capitanes se empeñan en asegurar que mantienen una buena relación, vuelven los rumores sobre una guerra entre ambos.
El diario Público, en una información publicada este viernes, habla de una "Guerra Fría soterrada" en el vestuario blanco que enfrentaría al propio Raúl y a Casillas por la capitanía del equipo.
Cuando todos piden unidad para sacar las situaciones complicadas adelante, como la eliminación copera frente al Alcorcón, los capitanes madridistas se empeñan en remar cada uno para un lado y forzar una división en un vestuario que tendría que estar más unido que nunca.
Raúl, primer capitán, se ha convertido en suplente habitual esta temporada y parece que este hecho ha provocado una lucha de poder dentro del vestuario.
Al parecer lo que más molesta al siete blanco no es calentar el banquillo, sino la sospecha de que su situación actual podría nacer en los despachos y no en el campo.
Según este diario, Florentino Pérez mantuvo una reunión hace unos días con Casillas para pedirle que empezara a adquirir el papel de capitán del equipo y realizase un acercamiento hacia los nuevos jugadores de la plantilla, como Cristiano Ronaldo o Kaká.
El guardameta parece que ha recogido el guante que le ha lanzado el presidente y llevaría varias semanas ejerciendo como líder. Aunque Casillas en estos momentos es el tercer capitán, ya estaría ejerciendo como primero en las arengas antes de los partidos, los descansos e incluso cuando sale a dar la cara por las derrotas.
A diferencia de lo que ocurría en la primera etapa de Florentino, la sintonía del portero con el presidente es total.
En el vestuario nadie es ajeno a esta 'guerra' y los jugadores ya empiezan a tomar partido.
Raúl cuenta con el apoyo incondicional de Guti, segundo capitán. Llevan 15 temporadas juntos en el primer equipo y presentan una visión del club desde el madridismo más tradicional como aval para liderar el grupo. Además. algunos jóvenes como Adán o De la Red y los extranjeros más veteranos son afines al 7.
Casillas por su parte lideraría junto a Sergio Ramos la nueva generación que pretende marcar una nueva época en el club. Marcelo, Garay, Higuaín y Pepe serían los futbolistas que secundan a Iker en sus decisiones.
Los otros internacionales españoles como Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa y Albiol estarían entre dos aguas porque conectan con Casillas pero respetarían la historia de Raúl.
Los recién llegados como Kaká, Cristiano o Benzema se mantendrían el margen de esta lucha que se vive en el vestuario y pueden considerarse neutrales.
Nota de un periodico Español
Un día más la polémica salpica a los jugadores del Madrid. Al parecer, en el vestuario blanco se estaría viviendo un conflicto de intereses entre Raúl y Casillas. Aunque los dos capitanes se empeñan en asegurar que mantienen una buena relación, vuelven los rumores sobre una guerra entre ambos.
El diario Público, en una información publicada este viernes, habla de una "Guerra Fría soterrada" en el vestuario blanco que enfrentaría al propio Raúl y a Casillas por la capitanía del equipo.
Cuando todos piden unidad para sacar las situaciones complicadas adelante, como la eliminación copera frente al Alcorcón, los capitanes madridistas se empeñan en remar cada uno para un lado y forzar una división en un vestuario que tendría que estar más unido que nunca.
Raúl, primer capitán, se ha convertido en suplente habitual esta temporada y parece que este hecho ha provocado una lucha de poder dentro del vestuario.
Al parecer lo que más molesta al siete blanco no es calentar el banquillo, sino la sospecha de que su situación actual podría nacer en los despachos y no en el campo.
Según este diario, Florentino Pérez mantuvo una reunión hace unos días con Casillas para pedirle que empezara a adquirir el papel de capitán del equipo y realizase un acercamiento hacia los nuevos jugadores de la plantilla, como Cristiano Ronaldo o Kaká.
El guardameta parece que ha recogido el guante que le ha lanzado el presidente y llevaría varias semanas ejerciendo como líder. Aunque Casillas en estos momentos es el tercer capitán, ya estaría ejerciendo como primero en las arengas antes de los partidos, los descansos e incluso cuando sale a dar la cara por las derrotas.
A diferencia de lo que ocurría en la primera etapa de Florentino, la sintonía del portero con el presidente es total.
En el vestuario nadie es ajeno a esta 'guerra' y los jugadores ya empiezan a tomar partido.
Raúl cuenta con el apoyo incondicional de Guti, segundo capitán. Llevan 15 temporadas juntos en el primer equipo y presentan una visión del club desde el madridismo más tradicional como aval para liderar el grupo. Además. algunos jóvenes como Adán o De la Red y los extranjeros más veteranos son afines al 7.
Casillas por su parte lideraría junto a Sergio Ramos la nueva generación que pretende marcar una nueva época en el club. Marcelo, Garay, Higuaín y Pepe serían los futbolistas que secundan a Iker en sus decisiones.
Los otros internacionales españoles como Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa y Albiol estarían entre dos aguas porque conectan con Casillas pero respetarían la historia de Raúl.
Los recién llegados como Kaká, Cristiano o Benzema se mantendrían el margen de esta lucha que se vive en el vestuario y pueden considerarse neutrales.
Nota de un periodico Español
Friday, November 6, 2009
"Hay varios culpables": Carmona y la FMF
Noviembre 6, 2009
David Cohen, abogado de Salvador Carmona, se presentó anoche (20:40 horas), obviamente acompañado de Carmona, en las oficinas del Tribunal de Oficialía de Partes Común, para presentar el legajo de apelación, de la demanda en contra de la FMF, que en su momento salió a favor de dicho organismo.
"Hoy presentamos el recurso de apelación en contra de la sentencia que es totalmente ilegal, y la apelación consta de más de 200 hojas, en las cuales se contienen todos los argumentos por los cuales la sentencia es ilegal y esperamos que la Sala del Tribunal resuelva conforme a derecho, esperando que revoque la sentencia, como también esperamos que no le pese el nombre de la Federación -FMF-, como le pesó al juez de primera instancia, pero el asunto no está lejos de estar perdido, y lo vamos a ganar".
-¿En qué basa el tema si es legal o ilegal la sentencia?
"El argumento central de la apelación no es uno sólo, sino varios, pero el argumento central es que la Federación había reconocido que la CAD era la que iba a resolver el asunto de Salvador; la CAD había absuelto a Salvador, y finalmente la Federación resolvió cumplir la resolución del Tribunal Arbitral del Deporte, en la cual se condena a Salvador; por eso es ilegal la sentencia, porque el juez consideró que valía más la resolución del Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo en Suiza, que la Comisión de Apelación de Arbitraje en México, y es totalmente absurdo que un Tribunal extranjero que no está reconocido por nuestra ley tenga mayor valor que un organismo reconocido por la ley".
-¿Qué tiempo se llevará este asunto?
"En este momento la apelación va al juzgado, el juzgado posteriormente lo remitirá a la Sala, que es el superior, y la Sala tiene un término de 15 días, más cinco por cada magistrado para estudiar el proyecto y resolver, y aproximadamente para febrero estará resuelta esta apelación".
CHAVA
Salvador Carmona declaró:
"Estoy tranquilo, y en su momento convocaré a una conferencia en la cual diré todo lo que se ignora".
-Si hablas ¿sí se privaría a México de ir al Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010?
"No estoy para perjudicar al futbol mexicano, inclusive, por ahí dijo el abogado de la Federación, que consiguieron un triunfo para los mexicanos, pero que quede muy claro: yo no demandé al país, demandé a una Federación, y espero que la gente no piense que estoy en contra de los mexicanos".
-¿Hay muchos culpables, pero toda te la dejaron a ti?
Rió y dijo: "Yo creo que sí".
Mi comentario es que la corrupción sigue vigente en la Federacion y es lo que evita el progreso del futbol mexicano. Se va a ir al Mundial, pero , para que?
Nota de Esto
David Cohen, abogado de Salvador Carmona, se presentó anoche (20:40 horas), obviamente acompañado de Carmona, en las oficinas del Tribunal de Oficialía de Partes Común, para presentar el legajo de apelación, de la demanda en contra de la FMF, que en su momento salió a favor de dicho organismo.
"Hoy presentamos el recurso de apelación en contra de la sentencia que es totalmente ilegal, y la apelación consta de más de 200 hojas, en las cuales se contienen todos los argumentos por los cuales la sentencia es ilegal y esperamos que la Sala del Tribunal resuelva conforme a derecho, esperando que revoque la sentencia, como también esperamos que no le pese el nombre de la Federación -FMF-, como le pesó al juez de primera instancia, pero el asunto no está lejos de estar perdido, y lo vamos a ganar".
-¿En qué basa el tema si es legal o ilegal la sentencia?
"El argumento central de la apelación no es uno sólo, sino varios, pero el argumento central es que la Federación había reconocido que la CAD era la que iba a resolver el asunto de Salvador; la CAD había absuelto a Salvador, y finalmente la Federación resolvió cumplir la resolución del Tribunal Arbitral del Deporte, en la cual se condena a Salvador; por eso es ilegal la sentencia, porque el juez consideró que valía más la resolución del Tribunal de Arbitraje Deportivo en Suiza, que la Comisión de Apelación de Arbitraje en México, y es totalmente absurdo que un Tribunal extranjero que no está reconocido por nuestra ley tenga mayor valor que un organismo reconocido por la ley".
-¿Qué tiempo se llevará este asunto?
"En este momento la apelación va al juzgado, el juzgado posteriormente lo remitirá a la Sala, que es el superior, y la Sala tiene un término de 15 días, más cinco por cada magistrado para estudiar el proyecto y resolver, y aproximadamente para febrero estará resuelta esta apelación".
CHAVA
Salvador Carmona declaró:
"Estoy tranquilo, y en su momento convocaré a una conferencia en la cual diré todo lo que se ignora".
-Si hablas ¿sí se privaría a México de ir al Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010?
"No estoy para perjudicar al futbol mexicano, inclusive, por ahí dijo el abogado de la Federación, que consiguieron un triunfo para los mexicanos, pero que quede muy claro: yo no demandé al país, demandé a una Federación, y espero que la gente no piense que estoy en contra de los mexicanos".
-¿Hay muchos culpables, pero toda te la dejaron a ti?
Rió y dijo: "Yo creo que sí".
Mi comentario es que la corrupción sigue vigente en la Federacion y es lo que evita el progreso del futbol mexicano. Se va a ir al Mundial, pero , para que?
Nota de Esto
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Rafa Marquez con el Barcelona 2 años más
Octubre 29, 2009
Rafa Márquez, defensa mexicano del Barcelona, dio por prácticamente firmada la renovación de su contrato por dos temporadas más, hasta el mes de junio de 2012, después de haber acercado posturas con el club a lo largo de los últimos días.
"Por mi parte no habrá ningún problema", confirmó el mexicano, "falta alguna cuestión, pero por ambas partes ya está casi definido lo que queremos", refirió en relación a su continuidad en el equipo azulgrana, con el que renovará por dos temporadas, hasta junio de 2012.
La duración del nuevo contrato "es uno de los puntos claves del acuerdo", aunque Márquez concedió que la firma confirmará su continuidad "por esta temporada y dos más", es decir, hasta el mes de junio de 2012, cuando tendrá 33 años. Ilusionado con su renovación, Márquez aseguró que su último equipo a gran nivel será el Barcelona, pero no descartó terminar su carrera deportiva "en México o en algún otro sitio"
Nota de un periodico español
Rafa Márquez, defensa mexicano del Barcelona, dio por prácticamente firmada la renovación de su contrato por dos temporadas más, hasta el mes de junio de 2012, después de haber acercado posturas con el club a lo largo de los últimos días.
"Por mi parte no habrá ningún problema", confirmó el mexicano, "falta alguna cuestión, pero por ambas partes ya está casi definido lo que queremos", refirió en relación a su continuidad en el equipo azulgrana, con el que renovará por dos temporadas, hasta junio de 2012.
La duración del nuevo contrato "es uno de los puntos claves del acuerdo", aunque Márquez concedió que la firma confirmará su continuidad "por esta temporada y dos más", es decir, hasta el mes de junio de 2012, cuando tendrá 33 años. Ilusionado con su renovación, Márquez aseguró que su último equipo a gran nivel será el Barcelona, pero no descartó terminar su carrera deportiva "en México o en algún otro sitio"
Nota de un periodico español
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Juegos de preparacion para el TRI
Ocubre 22, 2009
La selección mexicana de futbol se preparará para el Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010 con una gira por Europa, en la podría enfrentar a rivales de la talla del actual campeón Italia, Inglaterra o Alemania, informó la FMF.
El Tri viajará el 19 de mayo a Europa, y permanecerá 12 días en la ciudad alemana de Herzogenaurach, donde la selección de Argentina concentró en el Mundial del 2006.
"Se estará en Europa planificando tres encuentros en diferentes sedes contra selecciones referentes. Hay contactos con las principales selecciones como Italia, Alemania, Holanda, Inglaterra y Bélgica", dijo Néstor de la Torre, director general de selecciones nacionales.
Además de la gira por Europa, el seleccionado azteca, que iniciará su concentración el 12 de abril, sostendrá otros nueve encuentros de preparación, seis en Estados Unidos, dos en México y uno en Sudáfrica.
"Los rivales se darán a conocer después del sorteo, tenemos opciones de todo tipo, estamos buscando las mejores porque está claro que lo que te hace superarte es el tipo de competencia que lleves a cabo", dijo De la Torre.
El sorteo del Mundial se realizará el 4 de diciembre en Ciudad del Cabo.
Javier Aguirre, director técnico de la selección mexicana, dará a conocer la lista de convocados la primera semana de abril.
México se despedirá de su público el 16 de mayo, tres días antes de emprender el viaje a Europa. Tras su gira por ese continente, México se trasladará el 31 de mayo a Sudáfrica.
En los primeros días de junio, México cerraría su preparación para el Mundial con un amistoso ante un equipo de la liga local.
Nota publicada por Esto
La selección mexicana de futbol se preparará para el Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010 con una gira por Europa, en la podría enfrentar a rivales de la talla del actual campeón Italia, Inglaterra o Alemania, informó la FMF.
El Tri viajará el 19 de mayo a Europa, y permanecerá 12 días en la ciudad alemana de Herzogenaurach, donde la selección de Argentina concentró en el Mundial del 2006.
"Se estará en Europa planificando tres encuentros en diferentes sedes contra selecciones referentes. Hay contactos con las principales selecciones como Italia, Alemania, Holanda, Inglaterra y Bélgica", dijo Néstor de la Torre, director general de selecciones nacionales.
Además de la gira por Europa, el seleccionado azteca, que iniciará su concentración el 12 de abril, sostendrá otros nueve encuentros de preparación, seis en Estados Unidos, dos en México y uno en Sudáfrica.
"Los rivales se darán a conocer después del sorteo, tenemos opciones de todo tipo, estamos buscando las mejores porque está claro que lo que te hace superarte es el tipo de competencia que lleves a cabo", dijo De la Torre.
El sorteo del Mundial se realizará el 4 de diciembre en Ciudad del Cabo.
Javier Aguirre, director técnico de la selección mexicana, dará a conocer la lista de convocados la primera semana de abril.
México se despedirá de su público el 16 de mayo, tres días antes de emprender el viaje a Europa. Tras su gira por ese continente, México se trasladará el 31 de mayo a Sudáfrica.
En los primeros días de junio, México cerraría su preparación para el Mundial con un amistoso ante un equipo de la liga local.
Nota publicada por Esto
Friday, September 18, 2009
7 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
September 18, 2009
A year after the financial collapse of 2008, the housing market is very different than it was before the foreclosure crisis. Here are seven bits of wisdom from economists and financial planners for anyone contemplating a home purchase today:
Old-fashioned basics are more important than ever. The safest way to purchase a home is to put down 20 percent on a fixed-rate, 30-year (or less) mortgage.
Don’t become overconfident about income growth. Even though buyers in their 20s and 30s will likely see their incomes grow more quickly than previous generations, it is important to act sensibly when borrowing.
Anyone contemplating adding children to the family should calculate whether they could live on one income because having both halves of a couple work may turn out to be impractical.
Include a maintenance budget. Even new homes need upkeep and repairs.
Buyers who can't afford their dream home now should opt for a starter home where they can save money each month for what they really want.
Consider a property that can be expanded and improved down the road when money is available.
No two buyers are the same, but they should all feel confident with the loan they enter into, no matter the size of the mortgage.
A year after the financial collapse of 2008, the housing market is very different than it was before the foreclosure crisis. Here are seven bits of wisdom from economists and financial planners for anyone contemplating a home purchase today:
Old-fashioned basics are more important than ever. The safest way to purchase a home is to put down 20 percent on a fixed-rate, 30-year (or less) mortgage.
Don’t become overconfident about income growth. Even though buyers in their 20s and 30s will likely see their incomes grow more quickly than previous generations, it is important to act sensibly when borrowing.
Anyone contemplating adding children to the family should calculate whether they could live on one income because having both halves of a couple work may turn out to be impractical.
Include a maintenance budget. Even new homes need upkeep and repairs.
Buyers who can't afford their dream home now should opt for a starter home where they can save money each month for what they really want.
Consider a property that can be expanded and improved down the road when money is available.
No two buyers are the same, but they should all feel confident with the loan they enter into, no matter the size of the mortgage.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
This is what Senator Feinstein wrote to me.
September 17, 2009
Dear Mr. Sanchez:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.
In July 2008, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-289) provided first-time homebuyers with a tax credit, equivalent to an interest-free loan, worth up to $7,500. The tax credit applied to homes purchased between April 9, 2009 and July 1, 2009. As the housing situation worsened in the fall of 2008, additional action was taken to prevent further declines in home values. Congress included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), a more robust first-time homebuyer tax credit. Specifically, the tax credit was increased to $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009 and will not have to be repaid.
I understand your belief that the first-time homebuyer tax credit should be increased and expanded further. As you know, on June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the "Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009" (S. 1230), which would increase the credit to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will keep your support for this legislation in mind should it come before the full Senate.
Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Dear Mr. Sanchez:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.
In July 2008, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-289) provided first-time homebuyers with a tax credit, equivalent to an interest-free loan, worth up to $7,500. The tax credit applied to homes purchased between April 9, 2009 and July 1, 2009. As the housing situation worsened in the fall of 2008, additional action was taken to prevent further declines in home values. Congress included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), a more robust first-time homebuyer tax credit. Specifically, the tax credit was increased to $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009 and will not have to be repaid.
I understand your belief that the first-time homebuyer tax credit should be increased and expanded further. As you know, on June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the "Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009" (S. 1230), which would increase the credit to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will keep your support for this legislation in mind should it come before the full Senate.
Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tax credit for home buyers
September 16, 2009
This is a copy of a letter asking for more time for a tax credit to purchase a home.
Congress of United States of America
Dear [ Decision Maker ],
As a Realtor and a constituent, I can assure you that the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit has definitely been a success. Homebuyer interest and housing sales increased almost as soon as the ink was dry on the tax credit legislation. Today's lower prices and interest rates appeal to consumers, but it's been the tax credit that has attracted people to open houses and to homeownership. That progress could grind to a halt sooner than you think.
Congress must act NOW to extend the credit through 2010. Otherwise, uncertainty will return and the market might again be frozen -- possibly as soon as October.A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is "purchased" before December 1, 2009.
That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day.
In today's market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing. The market has improved, but it has not yet fully corrected itself. The credit needs to be extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that's been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand.
The best way to assure continued housing activity is to extend and expand the credit and to do that NOW. We can't wait until late in the year to see what happens. Consumers will drop out soon if they can't predict what's in their future. Please act NOW to extend and expand the credit through 2010.
Sincerely,
Hector Sanchez
This is a copy of a letter asking for more time for a tax credit to purchase a home.
Congress of United States of America
Dear [ Decision Maker ],
As a Realtor and a constituent, I can assure you that the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit has definitely been a success. Homebuyer interest and housing sales increased almost as soon as the ink was dry on the tax credit legislation. Today's lower prices and interest rates appeal to consumers, but it's been the tax credit that has attracted people to open houses and to homeownership. That progress could grind to a halt sooner than you think.
Congress must act NOW to extend the credit through 2010. Otherwise, uncertainty will return and the market might again be frozen -- possibly as soon as October.A homebuyer is eligible for the tax credit only if the home is "purchased" before December 1, 2009.
That means that buyers have to find a house, complete a contract, satisfy any contingencies, secure financing and go to closing by November 30. Accomplishing those tasks by November 30 will become more difficult with every passing day.
In today's market, it generally takes between 45 and 60 days to go from contract to closing. The market has improved, but it has not yet fully corrected itself. The credit needs to be extended for an additional period of time and expanded in order to build upon the progress that's been made. Uncertainty about the future of the credit will dampen consumer demand.
The best way to assure continued housing activity is to extend and expand the credit and to do that NOW. We can't wait until late in the year to see what happens. Consumers will drop out soon if they can't predict what's in their future. Please act NOW to extend and expand the credit through 2010.
Sincerely,
Hector Sanchez
Don't cry for me Argentina....
September 16, 2009
One of Argentina's most senior and respected players - midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron - acknowledged the South Americans may miss their first World Cup since 1970.
"It could happen," Veron said on Tuesday in an interview on La Red radio. "Anything could happen. The situation is not the best. It all depends on us."
Argentina has lost three straight World Cup qualifying games, leaving the Gauchos in fifth place in South America. The top four teams advance automatically to the World Cup in South Africa. No. 5 faces a playoff with the No. 4 team in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Veron is the first player to openly acknowledge the shortcomings of coach Diego Maradona and top Europe-based players like Lionel Messi.
"There are great players, but the coach has not gotten us to play like a team," Veron said.
Veron explained why Messi, ranked by many as the top player in the world, excels with his club Barcelona but has done little with Argentina.
"Barcelona plays its style," he said. "It has players that pass quickly, that move quickly. On the national team, we wait for Lio (Messi) to beat five players by himself and score a goal."
Argentina wraps up regional qualifying next month - at home against Peru on Oct. 10 and at Uruguay on Oct. 13.
"The important thing today is to look critically at our ourselves, which includes players as much as the coaching staff. I hold hope we will still make it."
CONMEBOL WC Qualifying.,
Sep. 5
Argentina 1-3 Brazil Recap Colombia 2-0 Ecuador Recap Paraguay 1-0 Bolivia Recap Peru 1-0 Uruguay Recap Chile 2-2 Venezuela Recap
Wed., Sep. 9
Paraguay 1-0 Argentina Recap Brazil 4-2 Chile Recap Bolivia 1-3 Ecuador Recap Uruguay 3-1 Colombia Recap Venezuela 3-1 Peru Recap
Note from Yahoo
One of Argentina's most senior and respected players - midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron - acknowledged the South Americans may miss their first World Cup since 1970.
"It could happen," Veron said on Tuesday in an interview on La Red radio. "Anything could happen. The situation is not the best. It all depends on us."
Argentina has lost three straight World Cup qualifying games, leaving the Gauchos in fifth place in South America. The top four teams advance automatically to the World Cup in South Africa. No. 5 faces a playoff with the No. 4 team in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Veron is the first player to openly acknowledge the shortcomings of coach Diego Maradona and top Europe-based players like Lionel Messi.
"There are great players, but the coach has not gotten us to play like a team," Veron said.
Veron explained why Messi, ranked by many as the top player in the world, excels with his club Barcelona but has done little with Argentina.
"Barcelona plays its style," he said. "It has players that pass quickly, that move quickly. On the national team, we wait for Lio (Messi) to beat five players by himself and score a goal."
Argentina wraps up regional qualifying next month - at home against Peru on Oct. 10 and at Uruguay on Oct. 13.
"The important thing today is to look critically at our ourselves, which includes players as much as the coaching staff. I hold hope we will still make it."
CONMEBOL WC Qualifying.,
Sep. 5
Argentina 1-3 Brazil Recap Colombia 2-0 Ecuador Recap Paraguay 1-0 Bolivia Recap Peru 1-0 Uruguay Recap Chile 2-2 Venezuela Recap
Wed., Sep. 9
Paraguay 1-0 Argentina Recap Brazil 4-2 Chile Recap Bolivia 1-3 Ecuador Recap Uruguay 3-1 Colombia Recap Venezuela 3-1 Peru Recap
Note from Yahoo
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
US soccer U-20 world cup games
September 15, 2009
“It’s a culmination of two years of investing and looking at players through a good training environment and playing high level games and trying to figure out which 21 eventually would represent the United States well in Egypt.,” said Rongen, who will be at the helm of his third U-20 World Cup squad. “It’s a long process and the coaches take great pride in making sure we select the right players, and we have come to the conclusion that the 21 players we have selected are the guys that will do a great job for our team.” The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
Every game of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be shown live on the ESPN family of networks with Galavision also broadcasting all three U.S. group games. The first U.S. game will be shown live on ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com at 9:55 a.m. ET, while Galavision will also broadcast the game at 9:55 a.m. ET/PT. The remaining two group games for Rongen’s team will be shown live on ESPN2 and on tape delay on Galavision. For a complete television schedule (subject to change), click here. Fans can also follow every U.S. game live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
The defensive corps will be led by team captain Kyle Davies, who has become a regular in the FC Dallas starting lineup since a mid-season transfer from English club Southampton. He will be joined by club teammate Wallace and three others who return from the team’s successful qualifying campaign in March, in Gale Agbossoumonde, Aaron Maund and Sheanon Williams. That group, which posted four shutouts during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, will be bolstered by Wake Forest’s Ike Opara.
The midfield represents an even mix of college and professional players, including two who will join the team from European clubs with Jared Jeffrey, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, and Norwegian-based Mikkel Diskerud, who plays for Stabek. The Houston Dynamo’s Danny Cruz and Chivas USA’s Jorge Flores round out the pro players in midfield. Rutgers University’s Dilly Duka, who had a standout performance in Trinidad & Tobago during qualifying, leads a collegiate contingent that includes Virginia’s Brian Ownby, Michael Stephens from UCLA and Notre Dame freshman Dillon Powers, who will be looking to continue a breakout year that saw him earn both the U-17/18 Development Academy and Gatorade National Boy’s Soccer Player of the Year Awards.
A pair of forwards, Peri Marosevic and Brek Shea, complete the group of five players who will represent FC Dallas in Egypt. The duo also tops the roster in career goals, with Marosevic netting five in 14 caps and Shea tallying four goals in 10 U-20 internationals. Sam Garza, who in 2008 helped lead the University of Denver to its first NCAA Tournament since 1970, and Jacksonville University’s Tony Taylor are also expected to be key members of the U.S. attack.
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “Group of Death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.
Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (Central Florida; Lilburn, Ga.), Josh Lambo (FC Dallas; Middleton, Wis.), Brian Perk (UCLA; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) DEFENDERS (6): Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC; Syracuse, N.Y.), Kyle Davies (FC Dallas; Danville, Calif.), Aaron Maund (Notre Dame; Dorchester, Mass.), Ike Opara (Wake Forest; Durham, N.C.), Anthony Wallace (FC Dallas; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sheanon Williams (Unattached; Boston, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Danny Cruz (Houston Dynamo; Glendale, Ariz.), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabak; Oslo, Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers; Montville, N.J.), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA; Anaheim, Calif.), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge; Richardson, Texas), Brian Ownby (Virginia; Glen Allen, Va.), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame; Plano, Texas), Michael Stephens (UCLA; Naperville, Ill.)
FORWARDS (4): Sam Garza (Denver; Highland Village, Texas), Peri Marosevic (FC Dallas; Rockford, Ill.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; College Station, Texas), Tony Taylor (Jacksonville; Jacksonville, Fla.)
National Team Staff Head Coach: Thomas Rongen (Stuart, Fla.) Assistant Coach: Dave Dir (Dallas) Assistant Coach: Juan Carlos Michia (Miami) Goalkeeper Coach: Tim Mulqueen (Lakewood Ranch,Fla.) Strength Coach: Robbie Elliott (Newcastle, England) Team Doctor: Mel Hayashi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) Team Coordinator: Jon Fleishman (Long Beach, Calif.) Athletic Trainer: John Dunham (Lawrenceville, Ga.) Massage Therapist: Mark Higgins (Tinley Park, Ill.) Equipment Coordinator: Beto Cuevas (Redondo Beach, Calif.) Security Officer: Craig Conger (Raleigh, N.C.) Videographer: Scott Riddell (Pasadena, Calif.) Press Officer: Kate McMaster (Chicago)
Note published by ussoccer
“It’s a culmination of two years of investing and looking at players through a good training environment and playing high level games and trying to figure out which 21 eventually would represent the United States well in Egypt.,” said Rongen, who will be at the helm of his third U-20 World Cup squad. “It’s a long process and the coaches take great pride in making sure we select the right players, and we have come to the conclusion that the 21 players we have selected are the guys that will do a great job for our team.” The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
The U.S. team will depart for Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sept. 14 and play a final tune-up against Australia before traveling to Suez, Egypt, on Sept. 21. The U.S. will open against Germany on Sept. 26 before facing Cameroon on Sept. 29 and rounding out group play against Korea Republic on Oct. 2. All three of the USA’s group matches will be played at the brand new Mubarak Stadium in Suez.
Every game of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be shown live on the ESPN family of networks with Galavision also broadcasting all three U.S. group games. The first U.S. game will be shown live on ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com at 9:55 a.m. ET, while Galavision will also broadcast the game at 9:55 a.m. ET/PT. The remaining two group games for Rongen’s team will be shown live on ESPN2 and on tape delay on Galavision. For a complete television schedule (subject to change), click here. Fans can also follow every U.S. game live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
The defensive corps will be led by team captain Kyle Davies, who has become a regular in the FC Dallas starting lineup since a mid-season transfer from English club Southampton. He will be joined by club teammate Wallace and three others who return from the team’s successful qualifying campaign in March, in Gale Agbossoumonde, Aaron Maund and Sheanon Williams. That group, which posted four shutouts during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, will be bolstered by Wake Forest’s Ike Opara.
The midfield represents an even mix of college and professional players, including two who will join the team from European clubs with Jared Jeffrey, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, and Norwegian-based Mikkel Diskerud, who plays for Stabek. The Houston Dynamo’s Danny Cruz and Chivas USA’s Jorge Flores round out the pro players in midfield. Rutgers University’s Dilly Duka, who had a standout performance in Trinidad & Tobago during qualifying, leads a collegiate contingent that includes Virginia’s Brian Ownby, Michael Stephens from UCLA and Notre Dame freshman Dillon Powers, who will be looking to continue a breakout year that saw him earn both the U-17/18 Development Academy and Gatorade National Boy’s Soccer Player of the Year Awards.
A pair of forwards, Peri Marosevic and Brek Shea, complete the group of five players who will represent FC Dallas in Egypt. The duo also tops the roster in career goals, with Marosevic netting five in 14 caps and Shea tallying four goals in 10 U-20 internationals. Sam Garza, who in 2008 helped lead the University of Denver to its first NCAA Tournament since 1970, and Jacksonville University’s Tony Taylor are also expected to be key members of the U.S. attack.
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “Group of Death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.
Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (Central Florida; Lilburn, Ga.), Josh Lambo (FC Dallas; Middleton, Wis.), Brian Perk (UCLA; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) DEFENDERS (6): Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC; Syracuse, N.Y.), Kyle Davies (FC Dallas; Danville, Calif.), Aaron Maund (Notre Dame; Dorchester, Mass.), Ike Opara (Wake Forest; Durham, N.C.), Anthony Wallace (FC Dallas; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sheanon Williams (Unattached; Boston, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Danny Cruz (Houston Dynamo; Glendale, Ariz.), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabak; Oslo, Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers; Montville, N.J.), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA; Anaheim, Calif.), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge; Richardson, Texas), Brian Ownby (Virginia; Glen Allen, Va.), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame; Plano, Texas), Michael Stephens (UCLA; Naperville, Ill.)
FORWARDS (4): Sam Garza (Denver; Highland Village, Texas), Peri Marosevic (FC Dallas; Rockford, Ill.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; College Station, Texas), Tony Taylor (Jacksonville; Jacksonville, Fla.)
National Team Staff Head Coach: Thomas Rongen (Stuart, Fla.) Assistant Coach: Dave Dir (Dallas) Assistant Coach: Juan Carlos Michia (Miami) Goalkeeper Coach: Tim Mulqueen (Lakewood Ranch,Fla.) Strength Coach: Robbie Elliott (Newcastle, England) Team Doctor: Mel Hayashi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) Team Coordinator: Jon Fleishman (Long Beach, Calif.) Athletic Trainer: John Dunham (Lawrenceville, Ga.) Massage Therapist: Mark Higgins (Tinley Park, Ill.) Equipment Coordinator: Beto Cuevas (Redondo Beach, Calif.) Security Officer: Craig Conger (Raleigh, N.C.) Videographer: Scott Riddell (Pasadena, Calif.) Press Officer: Kate McMaster (Chicago)
Note published by ussoccer
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Mexico..USA...Honduras...Costa Rica...we'll see
September 9, 2009
With a stunning victory, the old order was restored. And, sorry American fans — we're talking about Mexico.
Sparked by a fantastic individual goal from Gio Dos Santos, Mexico took the Ticos by the throat and never loosened up. So comprehensive was Mexico's display that the home fans started to file out with a good twenty minutes left to play.
Credit coach Javier Aguirre with another Lazarus act. But equal measure must be given to circumstance. Mexican confidence is currently sky-high thanks to some poor decisions by their biggest rival.
The USA's decision to throw a C-team out in the Gold Cup final led to the Americans conceding a huge psychological advantage. The USA is no longer invincible on home soil, and Mexico got five examples to prove it. Following that up with a disappointing 2-1 loss at the Azteca, the USA demonstrated that their "A" team weren't all they were built up to be, either.
Teams have noticed. On Saturday night, El Salvador, a team that has never won on American soil and hadn't beat the USA since 1992 anywhere, ran the Yanks ragged, nearly nabbing the equalizer at the death.
The Americans escaped Sandy, Utah with a 2-1 win and three valuable points to be sure. But this was another in an unbroken line of ragged, schizophrenic performances. What we're seeing is an American team limping to South Africa.
Once again, the Americans conceded the first goal. Once again, the defense failed to communicate and the midfield looked shaky. The best player on the field — as usual — was Landon Donovan. But the goalscorers, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, did little else on the night. Michael Bradley had another vexing outing, and aside from Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber, there didn't seem to be a lot of drive.
And when Feilhaber was inexplicably subbed for Kyle Beckerman, the team nearly collapsed.
And have we mentioned this was at home against a team that is tied on points for last place in the Hexagonal?
Blaise Pascal once wrote: "It is natural for the mind to believe and the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false." His point? Humans are well seduced by fantasies, in spite of evidence to the contrary. He would have a field day with American soccer, whose fans fall over one another in a mad scramble to explain away mediocrity.
The facts are pretty plain — the USA is currently an average national team. They routinely lose to quality sides and have now begun to regress at home. They lack significant depth at too many positions, and seem unable to overcome adversity. This is a program which, according to U.S. Soccer's most recently available financial reports, has had some $27 million lavished upon it and has a coach who is receiving half a mil a year to lose five of six to quality teams.
These financials dwarf the USA's neighbors in CONCACAF, some of whom can't even get regular meals. Yet, the Americans have been unable to imprint any sort of stamp upon the region —and were forced to accept a 2-2 draw against a Haitian team that not too long ago was living en masse in its coach's house in Florida.
So why do fans excuse them? Yes, the Americans took three points. That they looked miserable seems to fly right by.
Sure, the USA didn't have some players available due to injury or suspension — but the Americans are not the only ones to suffer from such impediments. Sure, USA played with the same kind of heart and determination that has become its hallmark — but how does that distinguish them from an El Salvador side that was equally desperate and perhaps more vibrant?
And then there's the hoary old saw that CONCACAF is a tough region in which to win games. Really? Does anyone truly believe that El Salvador would be competitive against Serbia?
Instead of making excuses, let's examine how the players on the field performed. Across the board, the answer is 'not well.'
Jonathan Spector is a fine example. Here's a kid who can cross the ball, create plays and spark an offense. And yet, he is made to look miserable by a back line that seems unable to track back. Jonathan Bornstein? Horrible. Chad Marshall? Surplus goods.
Carlos Bocanegra? He's only in the middle because Oguchi Onyewu was suspended and Jay DeMerit wrenched his groin. And yet, you'd think the captain — Bocanegra! — would open his mouth once in a while. Perhaps he'd signal that he's been beaten and needs help. Instead, he seems oddly silent, allowing the play to collapse around him and creating one mess after another.
Another is Michael Bradley. We've defended him because he is in an untenable position. His father is the coach, and no matter what he does, he's going to take some heat. But that was predicated on his ability to perform. Since he has not performed lately, it's time to ask why he isn't sitting? He has a case of the Agoos — trying to overcompensate for bad decisions. Currently, he's giving the ball away and leaving his position too often, and he needs to be replaced.
Still another is Clint Dempsey. Yep, he scored. Bully for him. He did nothing else. If you want a Gio Saverese on the field for 90 minutes, he's currently your man. But right now, the load is on Donovan's shoulders, and against a good team, that's a big liability.
We're inclined to cut Jozy Altidore a little more slack, but we can't help but note that he was out of position and aimless much of the night as well. Is it unfair to pick on the scorers? Some will say it is. But we're looking to the future.
Finally, there's Jonathan Bornstein. If there was ever a kid who wraps up the phrase "lack of depth," he's it. We feel bad for him, because he is clearly being asked to do way too much. Again, this is a failure of coaching.
Players who are asked to do things they cannot do are doomed to fail. Instead, Bornstein is going to be ripped all next week. Instead of being able to grow and learn, he's just been torched. That's ridiculous in a program that needs every warm body it can get.
Make no mistake — the coaching staff is ultimately responsible. And if you believe this excuses the players from culpability — to be fair, it might — there are many "good" teams with bad coaches (think France and Argentina) who are not performing up to snuff. There is something to be said for a coach who gets the best out of his charges (Fabio Capello currently is doing just that with an ordinary England group), just as scorn is piled upon coaches who cannot deliver.
Wednesday night, the Americans will face a stiff challenge against the last-placed team in the Hexagonal. The Soca Warriors aren't a good side — and they know it. New player/coach Russell Latapy admitted as much in comments made to the Federation's web site, saying, "Realistically, it is very difficult now. We're in a situation (where) in order to qualify we have to win our three games and we have to depend on other results from the other teams."
Yet T&T don't have a horrible record against the USA at home (2-2-4 at Port of Spain compared to a 2-3-15 lifetime record) and the USA have yet to win a road game in this round. The pressure is also squarely on the Americans, who are in a tough battle with current group leaders Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico for one of three automatic slots. Costa Rica is expected to rebound against their drubbing by Mexico away at El Salvador, and odds are Mexico's home form will hold against Honduras.
That's why it is so critical that the Americans collect their first three road points. Doing so would likely spare them from having to beat Costa Rica at RFK in October and could also put them in the group lead. Failing to take points would mean a very tough game in Honduras followed by a nail-biter in Washington.
Right now, the USA is going to reach the World Cup — but looks like a side that won't do much of anything once it gets there. And should Costa Rica, Mexico and Honduras outplay the Americans over the final three Hexagonal matches, the USA might find itself having to face an Argentina in a playoff just to get to Johannesburg.
Sadly, that might be what it takes for a program locked in inertia to make the big changes.
At that point, of course, it would be too late.
Note from Fox Sport
With a stunning victory, the old order was restored. And, sorry American fans — we're talking about Mexico.
Sparked by a fantastic individual goal from Gio Dos Santos, Mexico took the Ticos by the throat and never loosened up. So comprehensive was Mexico's display that the home fans started to file out with a good twenty minutes left to play.
Credit coach Javier Aguirre with another Lazarus act. But equal measure must be given to circumstance. Mexican confidence is currently sky-high thanks to some poor decisions by their biggest rival.
The USA's decision to throw a C-team out in the Gold Cup final led to the Americans conceding a huge psychological advantage. The USA is no longer invincible on home soil, and Mexico got five examples to prove it. Following that up with a disappointing 2-1 loss at the Azteca, the USA demonstrated that their "A" team weren't all they were built up to be, either.
Teams have noticed. On Saturday night, El Salvador, a team that has never won on American soil and hadn't beat the USA since 1992 anywhere, ran the Yanks ragged, nearly nabbing the equalizer at the death.
The Americans escaped Sandy, Utah with a 2-1 win and three valuable points to be sure. But this was another in an unbroken line of ragged, schizophrenic performances. What we're seeing is an American team limping to South Africa.
Once again, the Americans conceded the first goal. Once again, the defense failed to communicate and the midfield looked shaky. The best player on the field — as usual — was Landon Donovan. But the goalscorers, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, did little else on the night. Michael Bradley had another vexing outing, and aside from Charlie Davies and Benny Feilhaber, there didn't seem to be a lot of drive.
And when Feilhaber was inexplicably subbed for Kyle Beckerman, the team nearly collapsed.
And have we mentioned this was at home against a team that is tied on points for last place in the Hexagonal?
Blaise Pascal once wrote: "It is natural for the mind to believe and the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false." His point? Humans are well seduced by fantasies, in spite of evidence to the contrary. He would have a field day with American soccer, whose fans fall over one another in a mad scramble to explain away mediocrity.
The facts are pretty plain — the USA is currently an average national team. They routinely lose to quality sides and have now begun to regress at home. They lack significant depth at too many positions, and seem unable to overcome adversity. This is a program which, according to U.S. Soccer's most recently available financial reports, has had some $27 million lavished upon it and has a coach who is receiving half a mil a year to lose five of six to quality teams.
These financials dwarf the USA's neighbors in CONCACAF, some of whom can't even get regular meals. Yet, the Americans have been unable to imprint any sort of stamp upon the region —and were forced to accept a 2-2 draw against a Haitian team that not too long ago was living en masse in its coach's house in Florida.
So why do fans excuse them? Yes, the Americans took three points. That they looked miserable seems to fly right by.
Sure, the USA didn't have some players available due to injury or suspension — but the Americans are not the only ones to suffer from such impediments. Sure, USA played with the same kind of heart and determination that has become its hallmark — but how does that distinguish them from an El Salvador side that was equally desperate and perhaps more vibrant?
And then there's the hoary old saw that CONCACAF is a tough region in which to win games. Really? Does anyone truly believe that El Salvador would be competitive against Serbia?
Instead of making excuses, let's examine how the players on the field performed. Across the board, the answer is 'not well.'
Jonathan Spector is a fine example. Here's a kid who can cross the ball, create plays and spark an offense. And yet, he is made to look miserable by a back line that seems unable to track back. Jonathan Bornstein? Horrible. Chad Marshall? Surplus goods.
Carlos Bocanegra? He's only in the middle because Oguchi Onyewu was suspended and Jay DeMerit wrenched his groin. And yet, you'd think the captain — Bocanegra! — would open his mouth once in a while. Perhaps he'd signal that he's been beaten and needs help. Instead, he seems oddly silent, allowing the play to collapse around him and creating one mess after another.
Another is Michael Bradley. We've defended him because he is in an untenable position. His father is the coach, and no matter what he does, he's going to take some heat. But that was predicated on his ability to perform. Since he has not performed lately, it's time to ask why he isn't sitting? He has a case of the Agoos — trying to overcompensate for bad decisions. Currently, he's giving the ball away and leaving his position too often, and he needs to be replaced.
Still another is Clint Dempsey. Yep, he scored. Bully for him. He did nothing else. If you want a Gio Saverese on the field for 90 minutes, he's currently your man. But right now, the load is on Donovan's shoulders, and against a good team, that's a big liability.
We're inclined to cut Jozy Altidore a little more slack, but we can't help but note that he was out of position and aimless much of the night as well. Is it unfair to pick on the scorers? Some will say it is. But we're looking to the future.
Finally, there's Jonathan Bornstein. If there was ever a kid who wraps up the phrase "lack of depth," he's it. We feel bad for him, because he is clearly being asked to do way too much. Again, this is a failure of coaching.
Players who are asked to do things they cannot do are doomed to fail. Instead, Bornstein is going to be ripped all next week. Instead of being able to grow and learn, he's just been torched. That's ridiculous in a program that needs every warm body it can get.
Make no mistake — the coaching staff is ultimately responsible. And if you believe this excuses the players from culpability — to be fair, it might — there are many "good" teams with bad coaches (think France and Argentina) who are not performing up to snuff. There is something to be said for a coach who gets the best out of his charges (Fabio Capello currently is doing just that with an ordinary England group), just as scorn is piled upon coaches who cannot deliver.
Wednesday night, the Americans will face a stiff challenge against the last-placed team in the Hexagonal. The Soca Warriors aren't a good side — and they know it. New player/coach Russell Latapy admitted as much in comments made to the Federation's web site, saying, "Realistically, it is very difficult now. We're in a situation (where) in order to qualify we have to win our three games and we have to depend on other results from the other teams."
Yet T&T don't have a horrible record against the USA at home (2-2-4 at Port of Spain compared to a 2-3-15 lifetime record) and the USA have yet to win a road game in this round. The pressure is also squarely on the Americans, who are in a tough battle with current group leaders Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico for one of three automatic slots. Costa Rica is expected to rebound against their drubbing by Mexico away at El Salvador, and odds are Mexico's home form will hold against Honduras.
That's why it is so critical that the Americans collect their first three road points. Doing so would likely spare them from having to beat Costa Rica at RFK in October and could also put them in the group lead. Failing to take points would mean a very tough game in Honduras followed by a nail-biter in Washington.
Right now, the USA is going to reach the World Cup — but looks like a side that won't do much of anything once it gets there. And should Costa Rica, Mexico and Honduras outplay the Americans over the final three Hexagonal matches, the USA might find itself having to face an Argentina in a playoff just to get to Johannesburg.
Sadly, that might be what it takes for a program locked in inertia to make the big changes.
At that point, of course, it would be too late.
Note from Fox Sport
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Mexico vs Honduras
September 8, 2009
Mexico faced the stark possibility just a month ago of missing next year's World Cup in South Africa. El Tri, under new coach Javier Aguirre, responded, beating the United States and Costa Rica in its last two qualifying matches.
And a victory over Honduras on Wednesday in Azteca Stadium would put Mexico in good shape to reach its fifth straight World Cup.
The United States can nearly clinch its sixth straight berth with a victory at Trinidad and Tobago, the last-place team in the CONCACAF qualifying group. In the third match, Costa Rica plays at El Salvador.
"We're at the stage of qualifying now where all the points are critical," Aguirre said.
The battle among the top four at the top of the standings is too close to call. Honduras and the United States have 13 points - Honduras leads on goal difference - with Mexico and Costa Rica with 12 each. El Salvador and Trinidad have five points.
The first three advance automatically to next year's 32-team tournament in South Africa, and the fourth-place team faces a playoff with the fifth-place team from South America for another berth. Awaiting could be countries like Argentina, Colombia or Ecuador.
Mexico will be without starters Guillermo Franco at forward and captain and midfielder Gerardo Torrado, both suspended after picking up yellow cards in Saturday's 3-0 win at Costa Rica.
The last time Honduras and Mexico played, Sven-Goran Eriksson was coaching Mexico. The Mexicans lost the April 1 match 3-1, and a day later Mexico fired Eriksson and brought in Aguirre. Eriksson, a former England coach, won four of nine qualifiers and dug Mexico into a hole from which Aguirre is still trying to escape.
"There are four teams trying to earn those three automatic spots and we can't afford to give up our home advantage on Wednesday," Aguirre said.
Mexico in almost unbeatable in Mexico City, where the thin air at 2,400 meters (7,400 feet) gives the home team a clear edge.
Of the top four teams, Mexico has the easiest schedule in the two final qualifying games next month, playing at El Salvador and finishing up on Oct. 14 at home against Trinidad.
The Americans are heavily favored to pick up three points at Trinidad and Tobago, which was poor in its 4-1 loss on Saturday at Honduras. The United States defeated El Salvador 2-1 Saturday in Sandy, Utah.
"I don't think anybody gives up, but obviously it's deflating for them," said United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, speaking about Trinidad. "It's still a home game and you wonder how their crowd will react to them. Will they get on their backs or will they give them a lift? It's tough to say."
Defender Oguchi Onyewu will return for the United States after sitting out a one-game suspension on Saturday. Defender Jay DeMerit also missed the game with a strained groin.
"It's hard to know what to expect," United States forward Landon Donovan said about facing Trinidad. "But we can't really worry about that."
Note published by FoxSport
Mexico faced the stark possibility just a month ago of missing next year's World Cup in South Africa. El Tri, under new coach Javier Aguirre, responded, beating the United States and Costa Rica in its last two qualifying matches.
And a victory over Honduras on Wednesday in Azteca Stadium would put Mexico in good shape to reach its fifth straight World Cup.
The United States can nearly clinch its sixth straight berth with a victory at Trinidad and Tobago, the last-place team in the CONCACAF qualifying group. In the third match, Costa Rica plays at El Salvador.
"We're at the stage of qualifying now where all the points are critical," Aguirre said.
The battle among the top four at the top of the standings is too close to call. Honduras and the United States have 13 points - Honduras leads on goal difference - with Mexico and Costa Rica with 12 each. El Salvador and Trinidad have five points.
The first three advance automatically to next year's 32-team tournament in South Africa, and the fourth-place team faces a playoff with the fifth-place team from South America for another berth. Awaiting could be countries like Argentina, Colombia or Ecuador.
Mexico will be without starters Guillermo Franco at forward and captain and midfielder Gerardo Torrado, both suspended after picking up yellow cards in Saturday's 3-0 win at Costa Rica.
The last time Honduras and Mexico played, Sven-Goran Eriksson was coaching Mexico. The Mexicans lost the April 1 match 3-1, and a day later Mexico fired Eriksson and brought in Aguirre. Eriksson, a former England coach, won four of nine qualifiers and dug Mexico into a hole from which Aguirre is still trying to escape.
"There are four teams trying to earn those three automatic spots and we can't afford to give up our home advantage on Wednesday," Aguirre said.
Mexico in almost unbeatable in Mexico City, where the thin air at 2,400 meters (7,400 feet) gives the home team a clear edge.
Of the top four teams, Mexico has the easiest schedule in the two final qualifying games next month, playing at El Salvador and finishing up on Oct. 14 at home against Trinidad.
The Americans are heavily favored to pick up three points at Trinidad and Tobago, which was poor in its 4-1 loss on Saturday at Honduras. The United States defeated El Salvador 2-1 Saturday in Sandy, Utah.
"I don't think anybody gives up, but obviously it's deflating for them," said United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, speaking about Trinidad. "It's still a home game and you wonder how their crowd will react to them. Will they get on their backs or will they give them a lift? It's tough to say."
Defender Oguchi Onyewu will return for the United States after sitting out a one-game suspension on Saturday. Defender Jay DeMerit also missed the game with a strained groin.
"It's hard to know what to expect," United States forward Landon Donovan said about facing Trinidad. "But we can't really worry about that."
Note published by FoxSport
Friday, August 28, 2009
La Volpe habla de trampas en la Seleccion de Mexico
Agosto 28, 2009
El ex director técnico de la selección Mexicana, Ricardo Antonio La Volpe se soltó y dejo muchas dudas sobre aquel partido que él dirigió en el 2005 ante Trinidad y Tobago, en el que México ya se encontraba calificado al Mundial de Alemania 2006, mientras que los trinitarios necesitaban de una victoria para aspirar al repechaje, que finalmente los llevaría a la justa mundialista.
El argentino aseguró que la idea era tener la menor cantidad de conflictos posibles. No olvidemos que el presidente de la Concacaf es Jack Warner de origen Trinitario.
"Yo ya sé como pasé una eliminatoria, en la primera fase también se le ganó por primera vez a Trinidad y Tobago, el primer partido, en la primera, no cuando ya estábamos clasificados, que fuimos al ultimo partido para no tener problemas. Diría yo que fuiste justo contra el que hoy maneja la Concacaf, entonces dijimos mira, los menos problemas posibles y andá califícate" señaló el sudamericano.
Ese partido México lo perdió por 2 goles a 1, con dos tantos de Stern John y uno de Jaime Lozano.
El técnico nacional realizó cambios en su alineación titular de cara a ese partido, lo cual es entendible tomando en cuenta que México ya estaba calificado y que quería cuidar a sus jugadores, sin embargo, estas palabras del hoy técnico del Atlas dejan muchas preguntas al aire. México en la era La Volpe terminó siendo cabeza de serie, y aunque no cumplieron con la meta de llegar al famoso quinto partido, sí dejaron muy contento al presidente de Concacaf Jack Warner, quien pudo ver a su selección en la copa del mundo.
Así entonces pareciera que una nueva "mecha" en el fútbol Mexicano se está prendiendo.
No me sorprende lo que dice el bigotón, en el futbol mexicano pasó ésto y siguen pasando muchas cosas más, y las que vienen también. Yo sigo insisitiendo, mientras exista corrupcion y mal manejo de los directivos del futbol mexicano , éste seguirá resagándose de los demás paises.
El ex director técnico de la selección Mexicana, Ricardo Antonio La Volpe se soltó y dejo muchas dudas sobre aquel partido que él dirigió en el 2005 ante Trinidad y Tobago, en el que México ya se encontraba calificado al Mundial de Alemania 2006, mientras que los trinitarios necesitaban de una victoria para aspirar al repechaje, que finalmente los llevaría a la justa mundialista.
El argentino aseguró que la idea era tener la menor cantidad de conflictos posibles. No olvidemos que el presidente de la Concacaf es Jack Warner de origen Trinitario.
"Yo ya sé como pasé una eliminatoria, en la primera fase también se le ganó por primera vez a Trinidad y Tobago, el primer partido, en la primera, no cuando ya estábamos clasificados, que fuimos al ultimo partido para no tener problemas. Diría yo que fuiste justo contra el que hoy maneja la Concacaf, entonces dijimos mira, los menos problemas posibles y andá califícate" señaló el sudamericano.
Ese partido México lo perdió por 2 goles a 1, con dos tantos de Stern John y uno de Jaime Lozano.
El técnico nacional realizó cambios en su alineación titular de cara a ese partido, lo cual es entendible tomando en cuenta que México ya estaba calificado y que quería cuidar a sus jugadores, sin embargo, estas palabras del hoy técnico del Atlas dejan muchas preguntas al aire. México en la era La Volpe terminó siendo cabeza de serie, y aunque no cumplieron con la meta de llegar al famoso quinto partido, sí dejaron muy contento al presidente de Concacaf Jack Warner, quien pudo ver a su selección en la copa del mundo.
Así entonces pareciera que una nueva "mecha" en el fútbol Mexicano se está prendiendo.
No me sorprende lo que dice el bigotón, en el futbol mexicano pasó ésto y siguen pasando muchas cosas más, y las que vienen también. Yo sigo insisitiendo, mientras exista corrupcion y mal manejo de los directivos del futbol mexicano , éste seguirá resagándose de los demás paises.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Jesus Padilla new player for Chivas USA
August 25, 2009
Jesús Padilla and Maicon Santos have been on the Chivas USA roster for just eight days, but already the newcomers are making an impact for the club.
Both players got their first start in Chivas USA's 2-0 victory against Toronto FC on Saturday. Padilla spent 71 minutes on the right flank while Maicon played just more than an hour as a striker alongside Maykel Galindo. Both settled into the team's rhythm quickly, helping to earn the second victory for the Red-and-White in as many games.
"We have a couple of new guys and it's not always easy to gel right away with your teammates," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "But I thought both of those guys, the longer the game went, they settled in and played better."
Padilla was acquired on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara on August 17.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., but moved to Mexico at the age of 14 to start playing with Guadalajara. He made his professional debut Aug. 8, 2006 in a 1-0 loss to Deportivo Toluca.
"[It was my] first game out. I had to see how they play and get used to it and had to relax a little," said Padilla of his MLS debut.
Preki is pleased with Padilla's debut, and is excited for the young player's continued improvement in red-and-white stripes.
"He's been here for three or four days and he's been trying to settle down," said Preki. "He's a young player who hasn't played a lot of minutes, but he has good offensive instincts and we can only hope that he can get better."
Maicon Santos was born in Paracambi, Brazil and made his professional debut with Rio de Janeiro-based Madureira Esporte Clube in 2004. Since then he has played for clubs in Tunisia, Libya, and Israel, before joining Chivas USA on August 21.
"Maicon is very technically gifted," said Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo. "I'm happy with the group of forwards that we have here now and I think offense has gotten a lot stronger."
Santos enjoyed a successful debut, notching his first MLS assist on Sacha Kljestan's second goal.
"He's a target guy," said Preki. "He can hold the ball and he's good with his feet. Now the thing for him is to settle in this league and learn about the physicality of this league. If he can do that, I think he'll be an important player here."
Both players will get a crash-course in MLS competition this week, as Chivas USA first take on Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and then the Galaxy on Saturday.
"This is a period of adjustment for us with a few new faces," said Preki. "Hopefully we can survive this period and towards the end of the year we'll be the team that we want to be."
Chivas USA at Los Angeles Galaxy August Wednesday 26 6:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
MLS note
Jesús Padilla and Maicon Santos have been on the Chivas USA roster for just eight days, but already the newcomers are making an impact for the club.
Both players got their first start in Chivas USA's 2-0 victory against Toronto FC on Saturday. Padilla spent 71 minutes on the right flank while Maicon played just more than an hour as a striker alongside Maykel Galindo. Both settled into the team's rhythm quickly, helping to earn the second victory for the Red-and-White in as many games.
"We have a couple of new guys and it's not always easy to gel right away with your teammates," said Chivas USA head coach Preki. "But I thought both of those guys, the longer the game went, they settled in and played better."
Padilla was acquired on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara on August 17.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., but moved to Mexico at the age of 14 to start playing with Guadalajara. He made his professional debut Aug. 8, 2006 in a 1-0 loss to Deportivo Toluca.
"[It was my] first game out. I had to see how they play and get used to it and had to relax a little," said Padilla of his MLS debut.
Preki is pleased with Padilla's debut, and is excited for the young player's continued improvement in red-and-white stripes.
"He's been here for three or four days and he's been trying to settle down," said Preki. "He's a young player who hasn't played a lot of minutes, but he has good offensive instincts and we can only hope that he can get better."
Maicon Santos was born in Paracambi, Brazil and made his professional debut with Rio de Janeiro-based Madureira Esporte Clube in 2004. Since then he has played for clubs in Tunisia, Libya, and Israel, before joining Chivas USA on August 21.
"Maicon is very technically gifted," said Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo. "I'm happy with the group of forwards that we have here now and I think offense has gotten a lot stronger."
Santos enjoyed a successful debut, notching his first MLS assist on Sacha Kljestan's second goal.
"He's a target guy," said Preki. "He can hold the ball and he's good with his feet. Now the thing for him is to settle in this league and learn about the physicality of this league. If he can do that, I think he'll be an important player here."
Both players will get a crash-course in MLS competition this week, as Chivas USA first take on Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and then the Galaxy on Saturday.
"This is a period of adjustment for us with a few new faces," said Preki. "Hopefully we can survive this period and towards the end of the year we'll be the team that we want to be."
Chivas USA at Los Angeles Galaxy August Wednesday 26 6:00 p.m. ESPN2, Deportes
MLS note
Saturday, August 22, 2009
American Teenager to play with Arsenal
August 22, 2009
Following the likes of Freddy Adu and Anton Peterlin, 15-year-old Luis Gil is ready to make the jump to Europe to play for Arsenal.
Related LinksIn what is becoming a bit of a trend lately, the big clubs in Europe are noticing the young talent that the United States has to offer and are eagerly signing them up.
The latest team to do so is Arsenal of the English Premier League, who appear ready to sign 15-year-old Luis Gil, a native of Garden Grove, California.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners have apparently had their eye on Gil for quite some time, with their original interest stemming back to May when the youngster trained with the club.
Reports from tribalfootball.com suggest Gil will sign for Arsenal within weeks and will join up with fellow Academy members immediately.
He previously played club football at Patedores and has been capped for the USMNT at the U-17 level.
Published by Goal.com
Following the likes of Freddy Adu and Anton Peterlin, 15-year-old Luis Gil is ready to make the jump to Europe to play for Arsenal.
Related LinksIn what is becoming a bit of a trend lately, the big clubs in Europe are noticing the young talent that the United States has to offer and are eagerly signing them up.
The latest team to do so is Arsenal of the English Premier League, who appear ready to sign 15-year-old Luis Gil, a native of Garden Grove, California.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners have apparently had their eye on Gil for quite some time, with their original interest stemming back to May when the youngster trained with the club.
Reports from tribalfootball.com suggest Gil will sign for Arsenal within weeks and will join up with fellow Academy members immediately.
He previously played club football at Patedores and has been capped for the USMNT at the U-17 level.
Published by Goal.com
Friday, August 21, 2009
Entrevista a Hugo Sanchez
Agosto 21, 2009
El entrenador del Almería habló de fútbol con AS, del Real Madrid, de la Liga, de su selección mexicana y por supuesto de su equipo, que cada vez tiene más de su personalidad, de su carácter ganador. Por cierto. No da por cerrado el capítulo de fichajes. Habrá novedades.
Explíqueme su evolución como entrenador desde que llegó al Almería.
Ahora es diferente porque he tenido la oportunidad de hacer una pretemporada y he podido analizar con el presidente, con cierta calma, la salida de algunos jugadores y la llegada de otros. Estoy contento por haber conseguido el gran objetivo de mantener al equipo en Primera en la mejor Liga del mundo. Estoy feliz por estar una campaña más en el club donde yo quería.
¿Le siguen llamando tantos periodistas de todo el mundo pidiéndole entrevistas sin parar como el año pasado?
Me siguen llamando de todos los lados y las tengo que ir administrando. En México hay un gran seguimiento, muy completo y en todo el continente americano, igual.
¿El Almería ya es conocido en su país natal?
Había mucha gente que no sabía donde estaba instalada (la ciudad de Almería) pero ahora ya es un lugar que los mexicanos tenemos como punto de destino y eso es agradable para mí, saber que en el continente americano se está dando a Almería una promoción importante.
¿Le siguen mirando más como ex jugador del Real Madrid que como entrenador?
Hay un poco de todo. Le estoy agradecido a la gente que me recuerda como futbolista. Pero el jugador ya murió. Ahora se está valorando mi capacidad como entrenador y voy en la misma línea.
Hugo Sánchez está en el equipo ideal del Real Madrid del Siglo XX. Con Ricardo Zamora, Di Stéfano...Se lo agradezco a todos aquellos que lo votaron. Para mí es un privilegio y orgullo haber estado en el mejor equipo de la historia.
¿Y qué me dice del actual Real Madrid con los fichajes que ha realizado?
Es algo a lo que nos tiene acostumbrados el Real Madrid. Si no estuviesen los mejores jugadores no sería el Real Madrid. Por eso se ha caracterizado y ahora los madridistas tienen que estar ilusionados... excepto cuando jueguen contra nosotros, ¡je, je!
Usted como delantero, ¿entiende que el Barcelona haya prescindido de Etoo y encima pagando dinero?
Es difícil opinar cuando uno no está dentro. Pero es indudable que Etoo es de los jugadores que cualquier equipo del mundo quisiera tener. Sus razones tendrán.
¿Echará de menos a Álvaro Negredo?
A jugadores como él o como los que estuvieron la temporada pasada, se les echa de menos. El Sevilla ha sido el equipo afortunado y creo que Negredo va a hacerles disfrutar.
¿Es verdad que les pone a los delanteros vídeos con sus mejores goles?
Eso es mentira. Algunos medios de comunicación han inventado eso. Eso es un invento que ha soltado alguien con mala intención. Cada jugador que quiere ver mis goles no tiene más que meterse en internet. Si ellos me los piden, por supuesto que les regalaría alguna colección de los mejores goles que tengo.
¿Cómo motiva a sus delanteros para que sean mejores?
Intento hablar con ellos. Les asesoro y les sugiero situaciones que hay en el campo. Les cuento algunos secretos de mi metodología en el trabajo. Eso les ayuda. Me da gusto.
Sus entrenamientos son muy intensos.
Porque busco la similitud con un partido para que el rival no nos aguante el ritmo.
¿Da por cerrada la actual plantilla con estos 22 jugadores incluido Solari?
Con el presidente estoy en comunicación y esperaremos hasta el último día para saber si hay una modificación.
¿Pueden venir más jugadores, otro delantero?
Preferiría no comentarlo para no herir susceptibilidades. Si nos quedamos así, estaremos preparados para la competición porque contra el Málaga ya dimos una buena imagen.
¿Es cierto que ha convencido a Kalu Uche para que no se vaya?
Siempre deseo que los grandes jugadores permanezcan más tiempo. También entiendo que los futbolistas quieran mejorar. Él cuenta con mi colaboración y apoyo. Si Kalu se queda es porque es bueno para él y para el Almería.
Guilherme tiene pinta de ser todo un cañón...Hay jugadores jóvenes que llevan una línea ascendente. El club invierte en este tipo de futbolistas. Es una política acertada.
¿Le está sorprendiendo David Rodríguez?No. Estuve viendo vídeos sobre él y recabé información.
¿Ha recibido ofertas para entrenar a otros clubes?¡Alguna! Tanto de España como de fuera. Me da gusto saber que tengan interés en mí.
¿El presidente, Alfonso García ya le ha propuesto renovar?Tengo contrato hasta el 30 de junio de 2010. Y espero estar mucho tiempo en Almería.
Y después, al Real Madrid.
¡Vamos a ver, vamos a ver! Siempre, como entrenador aspiras a lo máximo. Y dirigir al Real Madrid es una de mis metas y objetivos. Tendré la paciencia y la tranquilidad para esperar ese momento.
Hablemos un poco de la Liga. ¿Le parece normal que el Real Madrid se haya gastado tanto dinero en un solo jugador como Cristiano Ronaldo o el Barcelona en Ibrahimovic?
Si se pagan esas cantidades es porque se tiene el dinero y el jugador lo vale. Las cotizaciones ahora son diferentes a las que se manejaban antes. Me parece muy bien que la evolución en el fútbol siga y me da mucho gusto ver que parte del fútbol es el desfile de fichajes. El Real Madrid nos tiene acostumbrados a eso y si no fuera eso, no sería el Real Madrid,
¿Piensa que el Real Madrid ha fichado bien?
Sí. Creo que ha acertado con los fichajes. Florentino Pérez es un presidente que tiene muy buena visión y eso es mérito también de la gente que trabaja en el Real Madrid como Valdano y Pardeza. Florentino Pérez está haciendo algo que me está gustando mucho: Se está hablando más del Real Madrid que del triplete del Barcelona.
¿Qué opina de su ex compañero en el Real Madrid Míchel? ¿Tenía pinta de entrenador?
Me da gusto que me haya hecho caso. Estando en el Celaya yo le animaba para que fuera entrenador y él no lo tenía muy claro. Y ahora me agrada ver que está más metido y que cada vez le gusta más. Conociéndole como es él, su carácter y su personalidad, su sabiduría y su interés por todo lo que compete al fútbol, tanto español como mundial le veo que está capacitado y le deseo muchísima suerte.
¿Hasta dónde y puede llegar este Almería?
Nuestro principal propósito es mantener la categoría. Y después me gustaría que igualásemos y superasemos los puntos y clasificación de la temporada pasada. Quedamos en el puesto número once. Y eso no está mal teniendo el presupuesto número 15. Estamos por encima de nuestro potencial.
Ha crecido como entrenador...Llevo un paso ascendente en mi trayectoria.
Entrevista de AS de España
El entrenador del Almería habló de fútbol con AS, del Real Madrid, de la Liga, de su selección mexicana y por supuesto de su equipo, que cada vez tiene más de su personalidad, de su carácter ganador. Por cierto. No da por cerrado el capítulo de fichajes. Habrá novedades.
Explíqueme su evolución como entrenador desde que llegó al Almería.
Ahora es diferente porque he tenido la oportunidad de hacer una pretemporada y he podido analizar con el presidente, con cierta calma, la salida de algunos jugadores y la llegada de otros. Estoy contento por haber conseguido el gran objetivo de mantener al equipo en Primera en la mejor Liga del mundo. Estoy feliz por estar una campaña más en el club donde yo quería.
¿Le siguen llamando tantos periodistas de todo el mundo pidiéndole entrevistas sin parar como el año pasado?
Me siguen llamando de todos los lados y las tengo que ir administrando. En México hay un gran seguimiento, muy completo y en todo el continente americano, igual.
¿El Almería ya es conocido en su país natal?
Había mucha gente que no sabía donde estaba instalada (la ciudad de Almería) pero ahora ya es un lugar que los mexicanos tenemos como punto de destino y eso es agradable para mí, saber que en el continente americano se está dando a Almería una promoción importante.
¿Le siguen mirando más como ex jugador del Real Madrid que como entrenador?
Hay un poco de todo. Le estoy agradecido a la gente que me recuerda como futbolista. Pero el jugador ya murió. Ahora se está valorando mi capacidad como entrenador y voy en la misma línea.
Hugo Sánchez está en el equipo ideal del Real Madrid del Siglo XX. Con Ricardo Zamora, Di Stéfano...Se lo agradezco a todos aquellos que lo votaron. Para mí es un privilegio y orgullo haber estado en el mejor equipo de la historia.
¿Y qué me dice del actual Real Madrid con los fichajes que ha realizado?
Es algo a lo que nos tiene acostumbrados el Real Madrid. Si no estuviesen los mejores jugadores no sería el Real Madrid. Por eso se ha caracterizado y ahora los madridistas tienen que estar ilusionados... excepto cuando jueguen contra nosotros, ¡je, je!
Usted como delantero, ¿entiende que el Barcelona haya prescindido de Etoo y encima pagando dinero?
Es difícil opinar cuando uno no está dentro. Pero es indudable que Etoo es de los jugadores que cualquier equipo del mundo quisiera tener. Sus razones tendrán.
¿Echará de menos a Álvaro Negredo?
A jugadores como él o como los que estuvieron la temporada pasada, se les echa de menos. El Sevilla ha sido el equipo afortunado y creo que Negredo va a hacerles disfrutar.
¿Es verdad que les pone a los delanteros vídeos con sus mejores goles?
Eso es mentira. Algunos medios de comunicación han inventado eso. Eso es un invento que ha soltado alguien con mala intención. Cada jugador que quiere ver mis goles no tiene más que meterse en internet. Si ellos me los piden, por supuesto que les regalaría alguna colección de los mejores goles que tengo.
¿Cómo motiva a sus delanteros para que sean mejores?
Intento hablar con ellos. Les asesoro y les sugiero situaciones que hay en el campo. Les cuento algunos secretos de mi metodología en el trabajo. Eso les ayuda. Me da gusto.
Sus entrenamientos son muy intensos.
Porque busco la similitud con un partido para que el rival no nos aguante el ritmo.
¿Da por cerrada la actual plantilla con estos 22 jugadores incluido Solari?
Con el presidente estoy en comunicación y esperaremos hasta el último día para saber si hay una modificación.
¿Pueden venir más jugadores, otro delantero?
Preferiría no comentarlo para no herir susceptibilidades. Si nos quedamos así, estaremos preparados para la competición porque contra el Málaga ya dimos una buena imagen.
¿Es cierto que ha convencido a Kalu Uche para que no se vaya?
Siempre deseo que los grandes jugadores permanezcan más tiempo. También entiendo que los futbolistas quieran mejorar. Él cuenta con mi colaboración y apoyo. Si Kalu se queda es porque es bueno para él y para el Almería.
Guilherme tiene pinta de ser todo un cañón...Hay jugadores jóvenes que llevan una línea ascendente. El club invierte en este tipo de futbolistas. Es una política acertada.
¿Le está sorprendiendo David Rodríguez?No. Estuve viendo vídeos sobre él y recabé información.
¿Ha recibido ofertas para entrenar a otros clubes?¡Alguna! Tanto de España como de fuera. Me da gusto saber que tengan interés en mí.
¿El presidente, Alfonso García ya le ha propuesto renovar?Tengo contrato hasta el 30 de junio de 2010. Y espero estar mucho tiempo en Almería.
Y después, al Real Madrid.
¡Vamos a ver, vamos a ver! Siempre, como entrenador aspiras a lo máximo. Y dirigir al Real Madrid es una de mis metas y objetivos. Tendré la paciencia y la tranquilidad para esperar ese momento.
Hablemos un poco de la Liga. ¿Le parece normal que el Real Madrid se haya gastado tanto dinero en un solo jugador como Cristiano Ronaldo o el Barcelona en Ibrahimovic?
Si se pagan esas cantidades es porque se tiene el dinero y el jugador lo vale. Las cotizaciones ahora son diferentes a las que se manejaban antes. Me parece muy bien que la evolución en el fútbol siga y me da mucho gusto ver que parte del fútbol es el desfile de fichajes. El Real Madrid nos tiene acostumbrados a eso y si no fuera eso, no sería el Real Madrid,
¿Piensa que el Real Madrid ha fichado bien?
Sí. Creo que ha acertado con los fichajes. Florentino Pérez es un presidente que tiene muy buena visión y eso es mérito también de la gente que trabaja en el Real Madrid como Valdano y Pardeza. Florentino Pérez está haciendo algo que me está gustando mucho: Se está hablando más del Real Madrid que del triplete del Barcelona.
¿Qué opina de su ex compañero en el Real Madrid Míchel? ¿Tenía pinta de entrenador?
Me da gusto que me haya hecho caso. Estando en el Celaya yo le animaba para que fuera entrenador y él no lo tenía muy claro. Y ahora me agrada ver que está más metido y que cada vez le gusta más. Conociéndole como es él, su carácter y su personalidad, su sabiduría y su interés por todo lo que compete al fútbol, tanto español como mundial le veo que está capacitado y le deseo muchísima suerte.
¿Hasta dónde y puede llegar este Almería?
Nuestro principal propósito es mantener la categoría. Y después me gustaría que igualásemos y superasemos los puntos y clasificación de la temporada pasada. Quedamos en el puesto número once. Y eso no está mal teniendo el presupuesto número 15. Estamos por encima de nuestro potencial.
Ha crecido como entrenador...Llevo un paso ascendente en mi trayectoria.
Entrevista de AS de España
Monday, August 17, 2009
4 Round Mexican League
August 18, 2009
This is a note of the last weekend results of the mexican league
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2009/08/17/1445355/jornada-4-recap-mighty-have-fallen
Note by Goal.com
This is a note of the last weekend results of the mexican league
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2009/08/17/1445355/jornada-4-recap-mighty-have-fallen
Note by Goal.com
Beckham and his attitude
August 17, 2009
David Beckham is many things to Major League Soccer – ambassador, future club owner, biggest star, figurehead and highest-paid player. He is also increasingly becoming an embarrassment.
Beckham appears to think his superstar status should give him preferential treatment, given his reaction to his first MLS red card on Saturday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder was banished from the field after a foolish studs-up challenge on the Seattle Sounders’ Peter Vagenas.
Instead of accepting responsibility for his actions, Beckham once again resorted to his tired old line of blaming the game officials, in this case referee Ricardo Salazar.
While no one can argue that MLS officiating is generally poor, Beckham’s reckless tackle would have earned him his marching orders in England, Italy or any other league. His demented lunge, with his foot raised nowhere near the ball, could have caused Vagenas severe damage and had no place on a professional soccer field.
Beckham’s anger is commonplace these days. Even though he has performed well for an improving Galaxy team since returning to the United States last month, he clearly doesn’t want to be in America and is hankering for a switch back to the Italian Serie A with AC Milan.
That ire has manifested itself in arguments with supporters, and that did little more than provide comedic value at the expense of the England star.
However, actions like those witnessed on Saturday must not be tolerated.
Even if Beckham has no respect for MLS, he needs to respect the sport that has brought him fame and fortune.
Note by Martin Rogers of Yahoo
David Beckham is many things to Major League Soccer – ambassador, future club owner, biggest star, figurehead and highest-paid player. He is also increasingly becoming an embarrassment.
Beckham appears to think his superstar status should give him preferential treatment, given his reaction to his first MLS red card on Saturday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder was banished from the field after a foolish studs-up challenge on the Seattle Sounders’ Peter Vagenas.
Instead of accepting responsibility for his actions, Beckham once again resorted to his tired old line of blaming the game officials, in this case referee Ricardo Salazar.
While no one can argue that MLS officiating is generally poor, Beckham’s reckless tackle would have earned him his marching orders in England, Italy or any other league. His demented lunge, with his foot raised nowhere near the ball, could have caused Vagenas severe damage and had no place on a professional soccer field.
Beckham’s anger is commonplace these days. Even though he has performed well for an improving Galaxy team since returning to the United States last month, he clearly doesn’t want to be in America and is hankering for a switch back to the Italian Serie A with AC Milan.
That ire has manifested itself in arguments with supporters, and that did little more than provide comedic value at the expense of the England star.
However, actions like those witnessed on Saturday must not be tolerated.
Even if Beckham has no respect for MLS, he needs to respect the sport that has brought him fame and fortune.
Note by Martin Rogers of Yahoo
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Mexico 2 - USA 1
August 12, 2009
Bob Bradley: "I Think It's A Tight Game And A Fair Score"
U.S. coach Bob Bradley called the 2-1 loss to Mexico a "fair score" but couldn't hide his disappointment with the loss.
A disappointed Bob Bradley addressed the media immediately after the United States Men's National Team's difficult 2-1 loss to Mexico in Estadio Azteca.
"I think it's a tight game and a fair score," the American coach told reporters. "It's a tough loss to have so many guys work so hard and then give up a late goal. The feeling inside is one of great disappointment."
When asked if he was expecting a loss in the venue where the U.S. has never won, he answered simply: "No."
After Charlie Davies gave the Americans their first ever lead in Mexico's national stadium, El Tri began to dominate, but Bradley believed his squad could find a goal.
"We still felt when the game was 1-1 that we could get opportunities down the stretch," he said.
The second half insertion of Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber in the 58th minute and Jozy Altidore in the 76th gave the U.S. some much needed fresh legs, which Bradley pointed out.
"Yes, we were pleased with the timing of the subs, with the energy that they brought on," the coach said. "When we made our last sub with Jozy, we felt like there was an opportunity to get a goal. I think both teams were still thinking about a win there."
The game-winning goal, scored by Miguel Sabah, was clearly fresh in Bradley's mind as he sat on the podium in the bowels of the stadium.
"When they started coming down that side, Dos Santos pulled out wide," he recalled. "There was a moment when Landon [Donovan] hesitated because I think he thought Carlos [Bocanegra] was going to hold inside more. Carlos got sucked out a little bit towards [Giovanni] Dos Santos and that left a gap. When Landon hesitated, that created a space for [Efrain] Juarez to dribble through. Jay DeMerit came over and got a good tackle, and obviously the ball went right to [Miguel] Sabah."
Bocanegra agreed with his coach's assessment.
"Me and Landon maybe got a little confused at the end," the U.S. captain told Goal.com after the game. "Maybe should've stayed inside and pushed [Juarez] wide, but those split-second decisions sometimes cost you."
The coach declined to comment on the officiating of the match.
Despite the loss, Bradley reserved some praise for Azteca, a stadium where he hadn't previously coached.
"Like everyone says, it's a magnificent soccer stadium," he admitted. "The size of the stadium, the crowd, the atmosphere, the players, coaches, fans. It's special."
Then he added: "But that doesn't change..."
Sometimes disappointment can't be put into words.
Published by Goal.com
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-08-12-usa-mexico_N.htm
Bob Bradley: "I Think It's A Tight Game And A Fair Score"
U.S. coach Bob Bradley called the 2-1 loss to Mexico a "fair score" but couldn't hide his disappointment with the loss.
A disappointed Bob Bradley addressed the media immediately after the United States Men's National Team's difficult 2-1 loss to Mexico in Estadio Azteca.
"I think it's a tight game and a fair score," the American coach told reporters. "It's a tough loss to have so many guys work so hard and then give up a late goal. The feeling inside is one of great disappointment."
When asked if he was expecting a loss in the venue where the U.S. has never won, he answered simply: "No."
After Charlie Davies gave the Americans their first ever lead in Mexico's national stadium, El Tri began to dominate, but Bradley believed his squad could find a goal.
"We still felt when the game was 1-1 that we could get opportunities down the stretch," he said.
The second half insertion of Stuart Holden and Benny Feilhaber in the 58th minute and Jozy Altidore in the 76th gave the U.S. some much needed fresh legs, which Bradley pointed out.
"Yes, we were pleased with the timing of the subs, with the energy that they brought on," the coach said. "When we made our last sub with Jozy, we felt like there was an opportunity to get a goal. I think both teams were still thinking about a win there."
The game-winning goal, scored by Miguel Sabah, was clearly fresh in Bradley's mind as he sat on the podium in the bowels of the stadium.
"When they started coming down that side, Dos Santos pulled out wide," he recalled. "There was a moment when Landon [Donovan] hesitated because I think he thought Carlos [Bocanegra] was going to hold inside more. Carlos got sucked out a little bit towards [Giovanni] Dos Santos and that left a gap. When Landon hesitated, that created a space for [Efrain] Juarez to dribble through. Jay DeMerit came over and got a good tackle, and obviously the ball went right to [Miguel] Sabah."
Bocanegra agreed with his coach's assessment.
"Me and Landon maybe got a little confused at the end," the U.S. captain told Goal.com after the game. "Maybe should've stayed inside and pushed [Juarez] wide, but those split-second decisions sometimes cost you."
The coach declined to comment on the officiating of the match.
Despite the loss, Bradley reserved some praise for Azteca, a stadium where he hadn't previously coached.
"Like everyone says, it's a magnificent soccer stadium," he admitted. "The size of the stadium, the crowd, the atmosphere, the players, coaches, fans. It's special."
Then he added: "But that doesn't change..."
Sometimes disappointment can't be put into words.
Published by Goal.com
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-08-12-usa-mexico_N.htm
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
"Cuau" Blanco in FIFA Soccer 10 video game
August 11, 2009
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Chicago Fire will be featured on the front packs of FIFA Soccer 10, the next chapter in the internationally acclaimed videogame franchise from EA SPORTSTM .
Blanco joined EA SPORTS officials in Mexico City Monday for the announcement just two days before he joins the Mexican National Team for a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the U.S. Men's National Team on August 12.
The popular Chicago midfielder and two-time MLS All-Star won five MVP awards in the Mexican Premier League prior to joining the Chicago Fire. Blanco has represented Mexico at two FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002), and is the second leading goal scorer of all time for the Mexican national team.
At Monday's press conference EA Sports cited Blanco's well-known and unique Cuauhtémiña (CWAU-te-MEEN-YA), or "Blanco Bounce" move where he jumps with the ball held between his feet to escape defenders, which will be a featured skill move in FIFA Soccer 10.
Blanco will be joined on the cover by midfielder Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2008. In his third year in MLS, Kljestan led Chivas USA in scoring, was named Team MVP, chosen as an MLS All-Star, and played for the United States Olympic Team.
The spotlight will also shine on Chelsea's world-class attacking midfielder Frank Lampard who will be featured on FIFA Soccer 10 packaging in North America and around the world. Lampard is just the second midfield player in the history of English Premier League to score more than 100 goals.
Responding to consumer feedback from more than 400 million online games played* last year, FIFA Soccer 10 will deliver gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of soccer. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. A new Freedom in Physical Play concept enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender. Master the game before stepping on the pitch in a new practice arena that enables users to design free kicks for different dead ball situations. Record and test plays before taking them onto the pitch with Customizable Set Pieces.
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER
Chicago Fire Soccer was founded on October 8, 1997 as a Major League Soccer expansion team. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998 and was crowned the champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL.
Note published by MLS
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Chicago Fire will be featured on the front packs of FIFA Soccer 10, the next chapter in the internationally acclaimed videogame franchise from EA SPORTSTM .
Blanco joined EA SPORTS officials in Mexico City Monday for the announcement just two days before he joins the Mexican National Team for a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the U.S. Men's National Team on August 12.
The popular Chicago midfielder and two-time MLS All-Star won five MVP awards in the Mexican Premier League prior to joining the Chicago Fire. Blanco has represented Mexico at two FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002), and is the second leading goal scorer of all time for the Mexican national team.
At Monday's press conference EA Sports cited Blanco's well-known and unique Cuauhtémiña (CWAU-te-MEEN-YA), or "Blanco Bounce" move where he jumps with the ball held between his feet to escape defenders, which will be a featured skill move in FIFA Soccer 10.
Blanco will be joined on the cover by midfielder Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2008. In his third year in MLS, Kljestan led Chivas USA in scoring, was named Team MVP, chosen as an MLS All-Star, and played for the United States Olympic Team.
The spotlight will also shine on Chelsea's world-class attacking midfielder Frank Lampard who will be featured on FIFA Soccer 10 packaging in North America and around the world. Lampard is just the second midfield player in the history of English Premier League to score more than 100 goals.
Responding to consumer feedback from more than 400 million online games played* last year, FIFA Soccer 10 will deliver gameplay refinements and innovations that will make it the most complete and intelligent simulation of soccer. The first-ever true 360° dribbling system gives players finer control of the ball, enabling them to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible. A new Freedom in Physical Play concept enables players to perform wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender. Master the game before stepping on the pitch in a new practice arena that enables users to design free kicks for different dead ball situations. Record and test plays before taking them onto the pitch with Customizable Set Pieces.
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER
Chicago Fire Soccer was founded on October 8, 1997 as a Major League Soccer expansion team. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998 and was crowned the champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL.
Note published by MLS
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tim Howard interview
August 10, 2009
Everton's No1 Tim Howard will line up between the posts for his first taste of qualifying at the fabled Azteca on 12 August, when the USA renew their tense rivalry with Mexico. The 30-year-old shot stopper will take his position at the base of a wall of anger and contempt, with approximately 110,000 animated Mexican fans sending shock waves of noise and bile his way for a full 90 minutes.
Like Tony Meola, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller before him, Howard is preparing to accept one of the toughest assignments in all of world football: Mexico at their Estadio Azteca. Chating with the New Jersey native, who was recently voted top keeper at the FIFA Confederations Cup, ahead of this, the latest CONCACAF Clasico.
Last time we spoke was over a month ago after the loss to Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Looking back, with a bit more perspective, what are your feelings about it?Tim Howard: To be honest, my feelings haven't changed much. We did some really good things against some really good teams [beating Egypt and Spain before surrendering a 2-0 lead against Brazil]. But on the other side we learned some harsh lessons. We played some of the best teams in the world and when you mistakes against those kinds of teams, you get opened up in a hurry.
Up next is a date with Mexico, currently struggling in fourth place in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. What makes the USA-Mexico rivalry so intense and so heated?It's all about the passion of the fans. For so long Mexico dominated our region, dominated us. Now, and for some time, we have been the dominant team. So there's a lot of anger and hurt feelings between the two of us. Let's face it, for they kicked our butts for a long time. And when the tide turned, they didn't like it. Why would they? It's just a pure and natural rivalry.
Where would you rate this rivalry, this Clasico, between the two nations in the scope of world football?Most people around the world, in Europe and elsewhere, can't really understand just how big this thing is here. It's quite simply massive. That's the case with most of these great rivalries. How can you really know how special River-Boca or Celtic-Rangers or Barcelona-Real Madrid is unless you've been there and felt it?
You were in goal the last time USA met Mexico, a comprehensive 2-0 win in Columbus in February. Does that game, and that result, matter now?In some ways, yes, it does. It was the last time we met with our full teams and we certainly got the better of them on the day. Maybe the Mexicans will feel that having won the CONCACAF Gold Cup [Mexico beat an experimental USA squad 5-0 in the final in New Jersey last month] will swing the balance back in their favour, but that's more useful for a story or an article than what's going to happen out on the field.
When you, as an experienced professional, walk out of the tunnel on a big derby day, whether it's Everton-Liverpool or USA-Mexico, does it feel differently, or can you bury those feelings?As a human being, you can't completely control your feelings. These are special days for players. If games like this didn't have special meaning then no one would get excited about them; they'd just be like any other game. You can't always put your finger on what it is you're feeling on, but it's a special thing.
Coach Bob Bradley brought a highly experimental squad to the Gold Cup, and they were hammered in the final by Mexico, a slightly less experimental side. Do you think the El Tri attackers will have grown in confidence as a result?There's no doubt that the Mexican players will be feeling good about themselves. Our rivalry is so tense, that every little thing is important. It doesn't matter if it's the first team or the second team; it's the shirt that's important. But the ball's in our court now and we'll try to set things right.
I don't need to tell you that no USA team has ever won at the Estadio Azteca. Is the possibility of making history something that weighs on you and your teammates before a game like this? Practically no one but Mexico wins at the Azteca [only Costa Rica, in 2001, have ever won a qualifier in Mexico City]. But I've always had this feeling that this group of players, this US team, can do something special there. You might hear me telling a different story on the 13th, after the game, I'm not making any predictions, but this group of players is bold and will put history to the side.
Note published by FIFA
Everton's No1 Tim Howard will line up between the posts for his first taste of qualifying at the fabled Azteca on 12 August, when the USA renew their tense rivalry with Mexico. The 30-year-old shot stopper will take his position at the base of a wall of anger and contempt, with approximately 110,000 animated Mexican fans sending shock waves of noise and bile his way for a full 90 minutes.
Like Tony Meola, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller before him, Howard is preparing to accept one of the toughest assignments in all of world football: Mexico at their Estadio Azteca. Chating with the New Jersey native, who was recently voted top keeper at the FIFA Confederations Cup, ahead of this, the latest CONCACAF Clasico.
Last time we spoke was over a month ago after the loss to Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Looking back, with a bit more perspective, what are your feelings about it?Tim Howard: To be honest, my feelings haven't changed much. We did some really good things against some really good teams [beating Egypt and Spain before surrendering a 2-0 lead against Brazil]. But on the other side we learned some harsh lessons. We played some of the best teams in the world and when you mistakes against those kinds of teams, you get opened up in a hurry.
Up next is a date with Mexico, currently struggling in fourth place in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. What makes the USA-Mexico rivalry so intense and so heated?It's all about the passion of the fans. For so long Mexico dominated our region, dominated us. Now, and for some time, we have been the dominant team. So there's a lot of anger and hurt feelings between the two of us. Let's face it, for they kicked our butts for a long time. And when the tide turned, they didn't like it. Why would they? It's just a pure and natural rivalry.
Where would you rate this rivalry, this Clasico, between the two nations in the scope of world football?Most people around the world, in Europe and elsewhere, can't really understand just how big this thing is here. It's quite simply massive. That's the case with most of these great rivalries. How can you really know how special River-Boca or Celtic-Rangers or Barcelona-Real Madrid is unless you've been there and felt it?
You were in goal the last time USA met Mexico, a comprehensive 2-0 win in Columbus in February. Does that game, and that result, matter now?In some ways, yes, it does. It was the last time we met with our full teams and we certainly got the better of them on the day. Maybe the Mexicans will feel that having won the CONCACAF Gold Cup [Mexico beat an experimental USA squad 5-0 in the final in New Jersey last month] will swing the balance back in their favour, but that's more useful for a story or an article than what's going to happen out on the field.
When you, as an experienced professional, walk out of the tunnel on a big derby day, whether it's Everton-Liverpool or USA-Mexico, does it feel differently, or can you bury those feelings?As a human being, you can't completely control your feelings. These are special days for players. If games like this didn't have special meaning then no one would get excited about them; they'd just be like any other game. You can't always put your finger on what it is you're feeling on, but it's a special thing.
Coach Bob Bradley brought a highly experimental squad to the Gold Cup, and they were hammered in the final by Mexico, a slightly less experimental side. Do you think the El Tri attackers will have grown in confidence as a result?There's no doubt that the Mexican players will be feeling good about themselves. Our rivalry is so tense, that every little thing is important. It doesn't matter if it's the first team or the second team; it's the shirt that's important. But the ball's in our court now and we'll try to set things right.
I don't need to tell you that no USA team has ever won at the Estadio Azteca. Is the possibility of making history something that weighs on you and your teammates before a game like this? Practically no one but Mexico wins at the Azteca [only Costa Rica, in 2001, have ever won a qualifier in Mexico City]. But I've always had this feeling that this group of players, this US team, can do something special there. You might hear me telling a different story on the 13th, after the game, I'm not making any predictions, but this group of players is bold and will put history to the side.
Note published by FIFA
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Donovan wants victory
August 9, 2009
Donovan: U.S. Not Going To Azteca For Just One Point
U.S. striker Landon Donovan breaks his self-imposed silence about next week’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico, and he is as defiant as ever.
Maybe it was his first-half golazo that staked the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Maybe it was the fact that the win was LA’s fifth in six games. Whatever it was, Landon Donovan was feeling confident on the eve of reporting to the United States National Team camp in Miami ahead of next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico.
“We’re not going [to Mexico City] for a point,” Donovan said. “We’re going there to win the game and we’re going to keep playing the way we’re playing.”
One can assume Donovan meant the form of the U.S. squad that reached the final of the Confederations Cup in June, not the one that lost 5-0 to Mexico in the final of the Gold Cup last month.
“I was sitting on my bed, not too happy,” Donovan said about how he felt while watching the Gold Cup defeat. “I think the frustrating part was the naivete to let it get away like that. Because there are implications beyond just losing that game. There are historical implications, confidence implications for them and for us, and it made it a little more difficult on everybody in U.S. soccer.”
The trophy provided El Tri, currently in fourth place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, with a massive boost ahead of the U.S. game. Not that they needed it. Mexico has never lost to the U.S. at Azteca Stadium; the two have shared the points only once, a scoreless draw in a World Cup qualifier in 1997.
“The difficulty [of playing at Azteca] is everything but the soccer,” Donovan said. “They use all of the outside influences to their advantage but that’s not an excuse anymore for us. We’re not going to use it as an excuse.”
The Los Angeles captain, who had refused to talk about the Mexico game all week while he was still with his club, went further in his explanation of el Tri’s home-field advantage. He explicitly declared that Azteca is the only place the Mexicans have an advantage.
“When we play Mexico anywhere else in the world, I have no doubt we beat them,” he said.
That could be true—until this year’s Gold Cup final, the U.S. had not lost to Mexico outside of Mexico City since 1999—but unfortunately for Donovan, the game is not anywhere else in the world. It’s at Azteca.
Published by Goal.com
Donovan: U.S. Not Going To Azteca For Just One Point
U.S. striker Landon Donovan breaks his self-imposed silence about next week’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico, and he is as defiant as ever.
Maybe it was his first-half golazo that staked the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Maybe it was the fact that the win was LA’s fifth in six games. Whatever it was, Landon Donovan was feeling confident on the eve of reporting to the United States National Team camp in Miami ahead of next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico.
“We’re not going [to Mexico City] for a point,” Donovan said. “We’re going there to win the game and we’re going to keep playing the way we’re playing.”
One can assume Donovan meant the form of the U.S. squad that reached the final of the Confederations Cup in June, not the one that lost 5-0 to Mexico in the final of the Gold Cup last month.
“I was sitting on my bed, not too happy,” Donovan said about how he felt while watching the Gold Cup defeat. “I think the frustrating part was the naivete to let it get away like that. Because there are implications beyond just losing that game. There are historical implications, confidence implications for them and for us, and it made it a little more difficult on everybody in U.S. soccer.”
The trophy provided El Tri, currently in fourth place in the CONCACAF Hexagonal, with a massive boost ahead of the U.S. game. Not that they needed it. Mexico has never lost to the U.S. at Azteca Stadium; the two have shared the points only once, a scoreless draw in a World Cup qualifier in 1997.
“The difficulty [of playing at Azteca] is everything but the soccer,” Donovan said. “They use all of the outside influences to their advantage but that’s not an excuse anymore for us. We’re not going to use it as an excuse.”
The Los Angeles captain, who had refused to talk about the Mexico game all week while he was still with his club, went further in his explanation of el Tri’s home-field advantage. He explicitly declared that Azteca is the only place the Mexicans have an advantage.
“When we play Mexico anywhere else in the world, I have no doubt we beat them,” he said.
That could be true—until this year’s Gold Cup final, the U.S. had not lost to Mexico outside of Mexico City since 1999—but unfortunately for Donovan, the game is not anywhere else in the world. It’s at Azteca.
Published by Goal.com
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
World Cup U-20 in September
July 28, 2009
“It’s going to be a challenge for sure, but we had the same mentality heading into the 2007 World Cup,” said U.S. goalkeeper Brian Perk, who also played in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. “We didn’t have too much pressure on us in that tournament because of the difficult draw and I think we’re in a similar situation this time. It’s definitely a tough group, but I’m excited and I think my teammates will be as well.”
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh-consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “group of death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.
FIFA U-20 World Cup Group C Schedule
Date........... Match-up..............Venue...........Kickoff (Local/ET)
Sept. 26 USA vs. Germany Mubarak Stadium; ............10 a.m.
Sept. 26 Korea vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Sept. 29 Germany vs. Korea Mubarak Stadium;........... 10 a.m.
Sept. 29 USA vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; ..............12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 USA vs. Korea Republic Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 Germany vs. Cameroon Ismailia Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
“It’s going to be a challenge for sure, but we had the same mentality heading into the 2007 World Cup,” said U.S. goalkeeper Brian Perk, who also played in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. “We didn’t have too much pressure on us in that tournament because of the difficult draw and I think we’re in a similar situation this time. It’s definitely a tough group, but I’m excited and I think my teammates will be as well.”
The U.S. will be competing in its seventh-consecutive and 12th overall FIFA U-20 World Cup, previously known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. They will be looking to build upon a successful campaign under Rongen in 2007, where the Americans took the top place in what was widely considered to be the tournament’s “group of death” that included Brazil, Poland and Korea Republic before falling in overtime in the quarterfinals to Austria.
The U.S. qualified by posting a 2-1-2 record at the 2009 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in March, collecting four straight shutouts before being downed by Costa Rica in the final. Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago will all join the U.S. to represent the region in Egypt.
Out of the 11 appearances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the USA’s best finish came during the tournament in 1989 in Saudi Arabia. With goalkeeper Kasey Keller leading the way, the U.S. advanced to the semifinals and finished in fourth place.
FIFA U-20 World Cup Group C Schedule
Date........... Match-up..............Venue...........Kickoff (Local/ET)
Sept. 26 USA vs. Germany Mubarak Stadium; ............10 a.m.
Sept. 26 Korea vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Sept. 29 Germany vs. Korea Mubarak Stadium;........... 10 a.m.
Sept. 29 USA vs. Cameroon Mubarak Stadium; ..............12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 USA vs. Korea Republic Mubarak Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Oct. 2 Germany vs. Cameroon Ismailia Stadium; .........12:45 p.m.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
USA 0 - 5 Mexico
July 26, 2009
Mexico snapped a decade victory drought against the Americans in the United States on Sunday with a 5-0 rout for its fifth CONCACAF regional championship. Captain Gerardo Torrado scored on a penalty kick in the 56th minute, then the inexperienced U.S. squad came unglued.
As an overwhelmingly pro-Mexico sellout crowd of 79,156 rocked Giants Stadium, Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela scored 5 minutes apart despite several brilliant saves by Troy Perkins. Indeed, it seemed the goalkeeper was the only American on the field during the 11-minute blitz in which Mexico's attackers could have sprinted all the way back to Azteca Stadium without being touched.
Jose Antonio Castro and Guillermo Franco put the finishing touches on Mexico's first win at the United States since March 1989. Castro scored off a great through-pass from Vela, a substitute who energized Mexico when he entered the game after halftime.
The United States, fielding an inexperienced squad after the top team finished second in the Confederations Cup last month, could not maintain American dominance of its continental rival.
Mexico was 0-9-2 at the United States since its last win, and fell 2-0 in February in a World Cup qualifier. The nations meet again in Mexico City on Aug. 12, but then the full American roster will be on hand, along with several of the players who carried El Tri to this Gold Cup crown.
But that is another story. For now, after a 10-year wait, there was sweet victory in commanding style.
At the final whistle, the green-clad Mexican players stormed onto the field in jubilation, mobbing Dos Santos, who was voted the game's most valuable player. Then they saluted the crowd that made the Meadowlands sound more like Mexico City, making a tour of the pitch with the trophy in hand.
For the Americans, it was a return to reality. After Bob Bradley coached them to a runner-up finish in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, he gave most of the players a pass for the Gold Cup. Still, the untested fill-ins showed versatility and fortitude -- at least until Mexico ran over them in a spectacular 45-minute offensive onslaught.
U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley
On seeing a lot of younger players during this tournament: “I think we’ve had a good chance to see so many different players. I think we’ve got a good, solid nucleus, but we’re always looking for players that we believe are going to move forward and help our team.”
On allowing goals in the second half:
“The second half for us is not what we’re all about. It’s important we can look hard at ourselves and learn from a half like that and use it the right way.”
On if the inexperience of the U.S. players factored into the result:
“The area where we didn’t do well enough was our response to the first goal. I think the first half we played pretty well, and now when the second half starts you obviously want to build on that. We had one very good chance at the start of the second half when Robbie Rogers hit one over. But now, when we get down, your ability to make sure that the game doesn’t become a free-for-all where the other team has all sorts of space and opportunities, where your numbers aren’t good enough in the back when the ball turns over, where you lose bad balls, so there’s a lot of different things there that obviously came into play. I think it’s most important that we can look at those things.”
On how this loss may impact the qualifying match in Mexico City on Aug. 12:
“There’s no doubt that you want competitors and we are competitors. When you have a game that feels like this at the end you don’t forget it. It’s something that we will always on the inside talk about, be honest about, and hopefully we can use it in a way that we’re better from it today.”
On the play of Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos:
“Both are good players. When the game opens up in the second half, they’re the kind of players that can take advantage of the space and in that regard they did very well today.”
On finishing second in the Gold Cup:
“Today was their day. When you have to stand there, whether it’s in the Confederations Cup in South Africa and it’s Brazil, or whether it’s in Giants Stadium and it’s the Gold Cup and it’s Mexico, when you finish second you have to stand there – which is the right thing to do – see the other team get their medals, hold up the trophy, that’s a feeling that as athletes, as competitors it’s a feeling that you don’t like. You hope those are things that help you grow in the future on an individual basis and on a team basis. Like I said, today is their day, they can celebrate. It’s our job to make sure we’re ready for what we already knew was a challenge to play in Azetca. We’ll be ready. It’s 90 minutes and it starts over.”
On if this result is a set-back for the team:
“Everyone reads into it their own way. We know the work going on. We’re honest about every step of the way. People will read into it in different ways, but once again when we go to Azetca, we start over on that day and have a chance to do something the U.S. hasn’t done before.”
On what changed the game:
“The change was the goal. When a goal is scored, now all of a sudden things change in the game. We didn’t do well at that point in terms of our response, our ability to keep control while we pushed for the equalizer. We opened ourselves up. I said it earlier, these are talented players, you open yourself up, you start to give away balls in bad spots, you start to get caught where again you’re all over the field and not solid enough in the back when you lose bad balls, good players make you pay and that’s what happened in the second half.”
U.S. Men’s National Team captain and forward Brian Ching On giving up five goals:
“When it comes down to it we just lost our composure. They're a good team and they punished us. We're a young team and guys played a lot of minutes, but we have no real excuses. They moved the ball around a lot, we were chasing the ball a lot in the second half and it tired us out. I think it was a combination of things but we're not going to sit here and make excuses. We're going to hold our hands up and I'll be the first one to say I didn't do enough.”
On what they’ll take from the game:
You look at anybody in the United States and this loss will anger you. We have to channel that, use it and bring it with us on August 12.
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Stuart Holden On the loss and how the team moves forward: “I think we just put this behind us. Maybe this will give them a little bit of confidence but it will be a different group come August 12. Over the course of the tournament guys have shown well and stated a case to be considered going forward. Today was just not one of those days and we're very disappointed with our efforts. You never like getting beat 5-0.”
http://www.exonline.com.mx/diario/noticia/adrenalina/futbolsoccer/mexico,_campeon_de_la_copa_oro/672476
Mexico snapped a decade victory drought against the Americans in the United States on Sunday with a 5-0 rout for its fifth CONCACAF regional championship. Captain Gerardo Torrado scored on a penalty kick in the 56th minute, then the inexperienced U.S. squad came unglued.
As an overwhelmingly pro-Mexico sellout crowd of 79,156 rocked Giants Stadium, Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela scored 5 minutes apart despite several brilliant saves by Troy Perkins. Indeed, it seemed the goalkeeper was the only American on the field during the 11-minute blitz in which Mexico's attackers could have sprinted all the way back to Azteca Stadium without being touched.
Jose Antonio Castro and Guillermo Franco put the finishing touches on Mexico's first win at the United States since March 1989. Castro scored off a great through-pass from Vela, a substitute who energized Mexico when he entered the game after halftime.
The United States, fielding an inexperienced squad after the top team finished second in the Confederations Cup last month, could not maintain American dominance of its continental rival.
Mexico was 0-9-2 at the United States since its last win, and fell 2-0 in February in a World Cup qualifier. The nations meet again in Mexico City on Aug. 12, but then the full American roster will be on hand, along with several of the players who carried El Tri to this Gold Cup crown.
But that is another story. For now, after a 10-year wait, there was sweet victory in commanding style.
At the final whistle, the green-clad Mexican players stormed onto the field in jubilation, mobbing Dos Santos, who was voted the game's most valuable player. Then they saluted the crowd that made the Meadowlands sound more like Mexico City, making a tour of the pitch with the trophy in hand.
For the Americans, it was a return to reality. After Bob Bradley coached them to a runner-up finish in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, he gave most of the players a pass for the Gold Cup. Still, the untested fill-ins showed versatility and fortitude -- at least until Mexico ran over them in a spectacular 45-minute offensive onslaught.
U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley
On seeing a lot of younger players during this tournament: “I think we’ve had a good chance to see so many different players. I think we’ve got a good, solid nucleus, but we’re always looking for players that we believe are going to move forward and help our team.”
On allowing goals in the second half:
“The second half for us is not what we’re all about. It’s important we can look hard at ourselves and learn from a half like that and use it the right way.”
On if the inexperience of the U.S. players factored into the result:
“The area where we didn’t do well enough was our response to the first goal. I think the first half we played pretty well, and now when the second half starts you obviously want to build on that. We had one very good chance at the start of the second half when Robbie Rogers hit one over. But now, when we get down, your ability to make sure that the game doesn’t become a free-for-all where the other team has all sorts of space and opportunities, where your numbers aren’t good enough in the back when the ball turns over, where you lose bad balls, so there’s a lot of different things there that obviously came into play. I think it’s most important that we can look at those things.”
On how this loss may impact the qualifying match in Mexico City on Aug. 12:
“There’s no doubt that you want competitors and we are competitors. When you have a game that feels like this at the end you don’t forget it. It’s something that we will always on the inside talk about, be honest about, and hopefully we can use it in a way that we’re better from it today.”
On the play of Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos:
“Both are good players. When the game opens up in the second half, they’re the kind of players that can take advantage of the space and in that regard they did very well today.”
On finishing second in the Gold Cup:
“Today was their day. When you have to stand there, whether it’s in the Confederations Cup in South Africa and it’s Brazil, or whether it’s in Giants Stadium and it’s the Gold Cup and it’s Mexico, when you finish second you have to stand there – which is the right thing to do – see the other team get their medals, hold up the trophy, that’s a feeling that as athletes, as competitors it’s a feeling that you don’t like. You hope those are things that help you grow in the future on an individual basis and on a team basis. Like I said, today is their day, they can celebrate. It’s our job to make sure we’re ready for what we already knew was a challenge to play in Azetca. We’ll be ready. It’s 90 minutes and it starts over.”
On if this result is a set-back for the team:
“Everyone reads into it their own way. We know the work going on. We’re honest about every step of the way. People will read into it in different ways, but once again when we go to Azetca, we start over on that day and have a chance to do something the U.S. hasn’t done before.”
On what changed the game:
“The change was the goal. When a goal is scored, now all of a sudden things change in the game. We didn’t do well at that point in terms of our response, our ability to keep control while we pushed for the equalizer. We opened ourselves up. I said it earlier, these are talented players, you open yourself up, you start to give away balls in bad spots, you start to get caught where again you’re all over the field and not solid enough in the back when you lose bad balls, good players make you pay and that’s what happened in the second half.”
U.S. Men’s National Team captain and forward Brian Ching On giving up five goals:
“When it comes down to it we just lost our composure. They're a good team and they punished us. We're a young team and guys played a lot of minutes, but we have no real excuses. They moved the ball around a lot, we were chasing the ball a lot in the second half and it tired us out. I think it was a combination of things but we're not going to sit here and make excuses. We're going to hold our hands up and I'll be the first one to say I didn't do enough.”
On what they’ll take from the game:
You look at anybody in the United States and this loss will anger you. We have to channel that, use it and bring it with us on August 12.
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Stuart Holden On the loss and how the team moves forward: “I think we just put this behind us. Maybe this will give them a little bit of confidence but it will be a different group come August 12. Over the course of the tournament guys have shown well and stated a case to be considered going forward. Today was just not one of those days and we're very disappointed with our efforts. You never like getting beat 5-0.”
http://www.exonline.com.mx/diario/noticia/adrenalina/futbolsoccer/mexico,_campeon_de_la_copa_oro/672476
Friday, July 24, 2009
USA vs Mexico in the final game of Gold Cup
July 24, 2009
The United States and Mexico will square off for the CONCACAF Gold Cup crown for a second time running this Sunday. The host Stars and Stripes made easy work of Honduras in the early semi-final at Soldier Field in Chicago, while Mexico needed extra time and penalties to overcome an inspired Costa Rica in the late game. When the two age-old rivals, both tangled on four regional titles apiece, meet at the Meadowlands on Sunday it will be a replay of the 2007 final, which the USA won.
The Americans took the edge early against a lethargic-looking Honduras, creating chances through Brian Ching and Robbie Rogers. But as the Central Americans forced their way back into the contest, the hosts needed to wait until the stroke of halftime to finally pry open the scoring.
We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final.USA midfielder Stuart Holden
Minutes after Martin Chavez rattled the USA crossbar, Stuart Holden - one of Bob Bradley's top players at these finals - swerved in a dangerous corner-kick with his right foot. Tall defender Clarence Goodson, who plays his club football in Norway, powered a thunderous header home in the 45th minute to take a hard-fought lead into the changing room.
The US came out in the second half looking to extend their lead. Putting good pressure on the Honduran rearguard, they forced Donis Escobar into three good saves in quick succession inside 10 minutes of the restart. However, as the hosts failed to capitalise on their early chances, the Hondurans nearly drew level in the last ten minutes, Carlos Costly forcing keeper Troy Perkins to scramble away the opportunity.
The Americans finished off the job in the 90th minute, when substitute Kenny Cooper poked home his second goal in two games after a great bit of build-up by Holden and Santino Quaranta.
"I'm thrilled we won the game. We played well overall, even though we had some sloppy moments. We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final."
Mexico edge clasico
The second semi-final in Chicago saw Mexico edge Costa Rica on penalties in a classic Latin American showdown. The Ticos began sharper, looking to take the air out of the wildly pro-Mexican crowd, and nearly opened the scoring after 12 minutes. A powerful strike from the edge of the box by Armando Alonso slammed against Memo Ochoa's post, forcing a collective sigh of relief from the stands.
Although the Mexicans were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack, Costa Rica created the better chances over the course of the first half. Alvaro Saborio, Andy Herron and Alonso all went close to scoring. But Gio dos Santos, Mexico's fleet-footed Spurs man, missed a golden chance for a sucker-punch in the final minute of the opening period when we glanced his free header wide.
The 56th minute brought what looked like a turning point. Mexico were awarded a penalty kick when Costa Rican captain Jose Fernandez handled in the area. Up stepped tournament top scorer Miguel Sabah, but his tame effort was gobbled up by Tico keeper Keylor Navas.
Supersub Guille Franco looked to have saved the day for Mexico late on. Getting on the end of a lofted, hopeful ball from midfield, the Villarreal striker slammed a volley toward goal. The outstanding Navas got a hand to it, but it bobbled over the line all the same making it 1-0 with only seconds to go. Costa Rica were not done yet, though, and Froylan Ledezma chased down a long ball, flicked on by Alvaro Saborio, to guide home the equaliser deep into time-added-on, forcing extra time.
Although both sides went close to scoring in the additional half-hour, a penalty shootout was required to separate the two old rivals. Mexican keeper Ochoa proved the hero on the night, saving from Ledezma as all five of his El Tri teammates hit the net. The USA and Mexico will meet on Sunday in a replay of the 2007 final, where Benny Feilhaber broke the deadlock to force an American win. With both teams balanced on four CONCACAF Gold Cups apiece, the stakes will be high for bragging rights in New Jersey.
The United States and Mexico will square off for the CONCACAF Gold Cup crown for a second time running this Sunday. The host Stars and Stripes made easy work of Honduras in the early semi-final at Soldier Field in Chicago, while Mexico needed extra time and penalties to overcome an inspired Costa Rica in the late game. When the two age-old rivals, both tangled on four regional titles apiece, meet at the Meadowlands on Sunday it will be a replay of the 2007 final, which the USA won.
The Americans took the edge early against a lethargic-looking Honduras, creating chances through Brian Ching and Robbie Rogers. But as the Central Americans forced their way back into the contest, the hosts needed to wait until the stroke of halftime to finally pry open the scoring.
We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final.USA midfielder Stuart Holden
Minutes after Martin Chavez rattled the USA crossbar, Stuart Holden - one of Bob Bradley's top players at these finals - swerved in a dangerous corner-kick with his right foot. Tall defender Clarence Goodson, who plays his club football in Norway, powered a thunderous header home in the 45th minute to take a hard-fought lead into the changing room.
The US came out in the second half looking to extend their lead. Putting good pressure on the Honduran rearguard, they forced Donis Escobar into three good saves in quick succession inside 10 minutes of the restart. However, as the hosts failed to capitalise on their early chances, the Hondurans nearly drew level in the last ten minutes, Carlos Costly forcing keeper Troy Perkins to scramble away the opportunity.
The Americans finished off the job in the 90th minute, when substitute Kenny Cooper poked home his second goal in two games after a great bit of build-up by Holden and Santino Quaranta.
"I'm thrilled we won the game. We played well overall, even though we had some sloppy moments. We're just thrilled to have booked our place in the final. We'll just need to regroup now, get our focus and get ready for the final."
Mexico edge clasico
The second semi-final in Chicago saw Mexico edge Costa Rica on penalties in a classic Latin American showdown. The Ticos began sharper, looking to take the air out of the wildly pro-Mexican crowd, and nearly opened the scoring after 12 minutes. A powerful strike from the edge of the box by Armando Alonso slammed against Memo Ochoa's post, forcing a collective sigh of relief from the stands.
Although the Mexicans were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack, Costa Rica created the better chances over the course of the first half. Alvaro Saborio, Andy Herron and Alonso all went close to scoring. But Gio dos Santos, Mexico's fleet-footed Spurs man, missed a golden chance for a sucker-punch in the final minute of the opening period when we glanced his free header wide.
The 56th minute brought what looked like a turning point. Mexico were awarded a penalty kick when Costa Rican captain Jose Fernandez handled in the area. Up stepped tournament top scorer Miguel Sabah, but his tame effort was gobbled up by Tico keeper Keylor Navas.
Supersub Guille Franco looked to have saved the day for Mexico late on. Getting on the end of a lofted, hopeful ball from midfield, the Villarreal striker slammed a volley toward goal. The outstanding Navas got a hand to it, but it bobbled over the line all the same making it 1-0 with only seconds to go. Costa Rica were not done yet, though, and Froylan Ledezma chased down a long ball, flicked on by Alvaro Saborio, to guide home the equaliser deep into time-added-on, forcing extra time.
Although both sides went close to scoring in the additional half-hour, a penalty shootout was required to separate the two old rivals. Mexican keeper Ochoa proved the hero on the night, saving from Ledezma as all five of his El Tri teammates hit the net. The USA and Mexico will meet on Sunday in a replay of the 2007 final, where Benny Feilhaber broke the deadlock to force an American win. With both teams balanced on four CONCACAF Gold Cups apiece, the stakes will be high for bragging rights in New Jersey.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Oguchi Onyewu will play with AC Milan this season
July 21, 2009
The first U.S.-born player to sign with the prestigious Italian team, Onyewu is eager to prove he belongs at soccer's highest professional level.
And he'll get a first chance, of sorts, when AC Milan played Mexico's Club America in an exhibition at the Georgia Dome.
"Obviously in sports, there's no guarantees," Onyewu said Tuesday night. "I'm certainly under the impression that I'll have to play for my spot. I'm still trying to figure out what I need to do because we have a number of great defenders on the squad, and this is the first day that I actually got involved with the team."
AC Milan organizing director Umberto Gandini, who has hired Brazilian Leonardo as a rookie head coach, hopes Onyewu will be the central piece in a slight rebuilding job for the long-respected team. Captain Paolo Maldini retired when last season ended, and many Milan fans were upset when playmaker Kaka's contract was sold to Real Madrid.
Gandini replaced coach Carlo Ancelotti, who signed with Chelsea, after Milan finished third last season in Serie A. The team also announced that Massimo Ambronsini will replace Maldini as captain.
"We are in a new period," Gandini said. "Therefore we are in a situation with our new coach, Leonardo, to help with ideas and new motivations to develop a new era. We are very proud of our history. We are very confident of our present and working toward the future. Since leaving Clemson after his sophomore season to play professionally in Europe seven years ago, Onyewu believed one day he would become a world-class defender.
Now 27, Onyewu showcased his talent in helping the U.S. national team advance to a FIFA championship game for the first time. Though the Americans lost 3-2 to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, Onyewu played well enough to warrant a contract offer from AC Milan.
He signed a three-year deal earlier this month, but AC Milan had been scouting Onyewu since he emerged with Belgium's Standard Liege in 2004. Despite an unsuccessful 11-game tenure with Newcastle, where he often failed to keep up with the fast pace in the English Premier League, Onyewu returned to Belgium last year and helped Standard Liege's win the Belgian league.
For the United States, Onyewu started all three games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and showed his talent in the Americans' CONCACAF Gold Cup championships in 2005 and '07.
The Confederations Cup success, however, showed Onyewu that Americans care more about the U.S. national team than he might have realized.
"We received an enormous amount of positive feedback about how we performed in reaching the finals," Onyewu said. "When I arrived back in America, I was overwhelmed with the number of people that were aware of soccer and who I was. Maybe five years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. It's exciting to see that more people are taking interest in the game."
Alexi Lalas, the first U.S.-born player to sign with an Italian team when Padova brought him overseas in 1994, believes Onyewu's time with Milan could boost the Americans' World Cup hopes.
"The only concern that any of us have is that he doesn't play," said Lalas, a former general manager of the Galaxy and a member of the U.S. World Cup teams in '94 and '98. "It's one thing to go to a team like AC Milan, but it does you no good and it does the U.S. national team no good if he's not playing. He's got to get time to gain that experience and hopefully transfer some of that to the national team."
For Onyewu, the last two months have been a whirlwind of first-time experiences. Now he's ready to show what he can accomplish on the field.
"I'm thrilled right now," he said. "Obviously, with the national team to be a part of history and the first to take part in a FIFA final in any organized event and now to be a part of AC Milan is something I've been working toward ever since I first started playing soccer. It paid off."
Note of AP
The first U.S.-born player to sign with the prestigious Italian team, Onyewu is eager to prove he belongs at soccer's highest professional level.
And he'll get a first chance, of sorts, when AC Milan played Mexico's Club America in an exhibition at the Georgia Dome.
"Obviously in sports, there's no guarantees," Onyewu said Tuesday night. "I'm certainly under the impression that I'll have to play for my spot. I'm still trying to figure out what I need to do because we have a number of great defenders on the squad, and this is the first day that I actually got involved with the team."
AC Milan organizing director Umberto Gandini, who has hired Brazilian Leonardo as a rookie head coach, hopes Onyewu will be the central piece in a slight rebuilding job for the long-respected team. Captain Paolo Maldini retired when last season ended, and many Milan fans were upset when playmaker Kaka's contract was sold to Real Madrid.
Gandini replaced coach Carlo Ancelotti, who signed with Chelsea, after Milan finished third last season in Serie A. The team also announced that Massimo Ambronsini will replace Maldini as captain.
"We are in a new period," Gandini said. "Therefore we are in a situation with our new coach, Leonardo, to help with ideas and new motivations to develop a new era. We are very proud of our history. We are very confident of our present and working toward the future. Since leaving Clemson after his sophomore season to play professionally in Europe seven years ago, Onyewu believed one day he would become a world-class defender.
Now 27, Onyewu showcased his talent in helping the U.S. national team advance to a FIFA championship game for the first time. Though the Americans lost 3-2 to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, Onyewu played well enough to warrant a contract offer from AC Milan.
He signed a three-year deal earlier this month, but AC Milan had been scouting Onyewu since he emerged with Belgium's Standard Liege in 2004. Despite an unsuccessful 11-game tenure with Newcastle, where he often failed to keep up with the fast pace in the English Premier League, Onyewu returned to Belgium last year and helped Standard Liege's win the Belgian league.
For the United States, Onyewu started all three games at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and showed his talent in the Americans' CONCACAF Gold Cup championships in 2005 and '07.
The Confederations Cup success, however, showed Onyewu that Americans care more about the U.S. national team than he might have realized.
"We received an enormous amount of positive feedback about how we performed in reaching the finals," Onyewu said. "When I arrived back in America, I was overwhelmed with the number of people that were aware of soccer and who I was. Maybe five years ago, that wouldn't have been the case. It's exciting to see that more people are taking interest in the game."
Alexi Lalas, the first U.S.-born player to sign with an Italian team when Padova brought him overseas in 1994, believes Onyewu's time with Milan could boost the Americans' World Cup hopes.
"The only concern that any of us have is that he doesn't play," said Lalas, a former general manager of the Galaxy and a member of the U.S. World Cup teams in '94 and '98. "It's one thing to go to a team like AC Milan, but it does you no good and it does the U.S. national team no good if he's not playing. He's got to get time to gain that experience and hopefully transfer some of that to the national team."
For Onyewu, the last two months have been a whirlwind of first-time experiences. Now he's ready to show what he can accomplish on the field.
"I'm thrilled right now," he said. "Obviously, with the national team to be a part of history and the first to take part in a FIFA final in any organized event and now to be a part of AC Milan is something I've been working toward ever since I first started playing soccer. It paid off."
Note of AP
El Almeria de Hugo Sanchez se prepara
Julio 21, 2009
El plantel rojiblanco llegó ayer a La Manga Club, en Murcia, e inició los entrenamientos por la tarde. El cuerpo técnico ha preparado tres sesiones diarias que comenzarán a las 08:00 horas con una hora de carrera continua.
El Almería ya está en Murcia.
Los 26 jugadores que actualmente forman la plantilla rojiblanca llegaron a La Manga a las 12:00 horas de ayer, y tras hacer una parada para comer y reposar, volvieron al trabajo después de un día y medio de descanso. Allí usarán las instalaciones del complejo de cinco estrellas en el que se alojan, el Hotel Príncipe Felipe. A los de Hugo Sánchez les espera la concentración más dura de las programadas por el cuerpo técnico para esta pretemporada.
A las 8:00 horas de cada día tendrán que estar listos para acompañar a Hugo Sánchez y al preparador físico, Edu Pons, para realizar carrera continua dentro de las instalaciones del complejo. El primer ejercicio físico del día durará entre una hora y hora y media. Después será turno para fortalecer los músculos con una sesión de gimnasio que se alargará hasta la hora de comer. Y ya por la tarde, a partir de los 19:00 horas, el balón será el protagonista.
Además, durante estos nueve días de estancia en Murcia, el Almería deberá jugar dos encuentros amistosos. El primero de ellos será el lunes próximo frente al Cartagena y el segundo frente al Torrevieja dos días después. No habrá que viajar para ninguno de los dos choques.
La Manga Club está preparada para albergarlos. Para disputar estos dos encuentros ya estará a las órdenes del técnico Kalu Uche, que se incorpora el pasado mañana al trabajo de pretemporada .
Tres canteranos en la expediciónJunto a los 23 jugadores del primer equipo han viajado a La Manga tres futbolistas del conjunto filial del Almería. Se trata de Galán, Trujillo y el tercer guardameta Álvaro García, cuya presencia se podría hacer real en algún encuentro de Primera División. El primero, centrocampista, tiene condiciones de lateral diestro, ya entrenó con el primer equipo durante las últimas semanas de la pasada temporada y puede hacerle falta a Hugo Sánchez, si su experimento con Juanma Ortiz no cuajara. Lo mismo que Trujillo, que ya parte como el cuarto central del equipo y no hay que descartar su participación en la Liga. Ambos han viajado para que se vayan acoplando al ritmo de trabajo del primer equipo rojiblanco y al día a día.
Nota de As
El plantel rojiblanco llegó ayer a La Manga Club, en Murcia, e inició los entrenamientos por la tarde. El cuerpo técnico ha preparado tres sesiones diarias que comenzarán a las 08:00 horas con una hora de carrera continua.
El Almería ya está en Murcia.
Los 26 jugadores que actualmente forman la plantilla rojiblanca llegaron a La Manga a las 12:00 horas de ayer, y tras hacer una parada para comer y reposar, volvieron al trabajo después de un día y medio de descanso. Allí usarán las instalaciones del complejo de cinco estrellas en el que se alojan, el Hotel Príncipe Felipe. A los de Hugo Sánchez les espera la concentración más dura de las programadas por el cuerpo técnico para esta pretemporada.
A las 8:00 horas de cada día tendrán que estar listos para acompañar a Hugo Sánchez y al preparador físico, Edu Pons, para realizar carrera continua dentro de las instalaciones del complejo. El primer ejercicio físico del día durará entre una hora y hora y media. Después será turno para fortalecer los músculos con una sesión de gimnasio que se alargará hasta la hora de comer. Y ya por la tarde, a partir de los 19:00 horas, el balón será el protagonista.
Además, durante estos nueve días de estancia en Murcia, el Almería deberá jugar dos encuentros amistosos. El primero de ellos será el lunes próximo frente al Cartagena y el segundo frente al Torrevieja dos días después. No habrá que viajar para ninguno de los dos choques.
La Manga Club está preparada para albergarlos. Para disputar estos dos encuentros ya estará a las órdenes del técnico Kalu Uche, que se incorpora el pasado mañana al trabajo de pretemporada .
Tres canteranos en la expediciónJunto a los 23 jugadores del primer equipo han viajado a La Manga tres futbolistas del conjunto filial del Almería. Se trata de Galán, Trujillo y el tercer guardameta Álvaro García, cuya presencia se podría hacer real en algún encuentro de Primera División. El primero, centrocampista, tiene condiciones de lateral diestro, ya entrenó con el primer equipo durante las últimas semanas de la pasada temporada y puede hacerle falta a Hugo Sánchez, si su experimento con Juanma Ortiz no cuajara. Lo mismo que Trujillo, que ya parte como el cuarto central del equipo y no hay que descartar su participación en la Liga. Ambos han viajado para que se vayan acoplando al ritmo de trabajo del primer equipo rojiblanco y al día a día.
Nota de As
Monday, July 20, 2009
USA vs Honduras this Thursday
July 20, 2009
After beating Panama in overtime, the U.S. team said its conditioning paid off down the stretch, though Beckerman admitted some fatigue heading into Thursday's semifinal against Honduras.
"This definitely took a lot out of us, and I don't think many of us have played an overtime match in a while," Beckerman said. "We're going to have to really recover quick and get right back to preparing for what will be a really tough game against a team looking for revenge."
"They play hard and have a good group of players," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. " We expect a hard game. In the first game in D.C., we had a good finish to the match after a tough 65 or 70 minutes. That says a lot about their organization and their discipline, and we'd expect another difficult game."
Panama seemed content to play rough, with 20 fouls to just three shots. Honduras, third behind Costa Rica and the USA in World Cup qualifying, should pose more of an offensive threat.
"They've got a good attacking team," defender Jay Heaps said. "They've got some big guys up top, and they like to get the ball up top and move. They don't mess around. They play direct and really get after it."
Given the busy schedule for the USA, which reached the Confederations Cup final last month, the team was allowed to name several alternates. So far, the alternates have been little-used, even as several players have left the tournament squad to rejoin their European teams for the preseason (Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst and Benny Feilhaber).
Bradley said Conrad's injury could force him to call in another player. Jonathan Bornstein was the only defender named among the seven alternates.
Note from usa today
After beating Panama in overtime, the U.S. team said its conditioning paid off down the stretch, though Beckerman admitted some fatigue heading into Thursday's semifinal against Honduras.
"This definitely took a lot out of us, and I don't think many of us have played an overtime match in a while," Beckerman said. "We're going to have to really recover quick and get right back to preparing for what will be a really tough game against a team looking for revenge."
"They play hard and have a good group of players," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. " We expect a hard game. In the first game in D.C., we had a good finish to the match after a tough 65 or 70 minutes. That says a lot about their organization and their discipline, and we'd expect another difficult game."
Panama seemed content to play rough, with 20 fouls to just three shots. Honduras, third behind Costa Rica and the USA in World Cup qualifying, should pose more of an offensive threat.
"They've got a good attacking team," defender Jay Heaps said. "They've got some big guys up top, and they like to get the ball up top and move. They don't mess around. They play direct and really get after it."
Given the busy schedule for the USA, which reached the Confederations Cup final last month, the team was allowed to name several alternates. So far, the alternates have been little-used, even as several players have left the tournament squad to rejoin their European teams for the preseason (Charlie Davies, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Michael Parkhurst and Benny Feilhaber).
Bradley said Conrad's injury could force him to call in another player. Jonathan Bornstein was the only defender named among the seven alternates.
Note from usa today
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Blanco goal, assist and Chicago wins
July 18, 2009
As a starter, Cuauhtemoc Blanco is an exciting player. As a reserve, he might be more dangerous.Blanco, the Chicago Fire's first Designated Player, set up a Patrick Nyarko goal in the 82nd minute then added one of his own with a sublime shot in stoppage time to lead the Fire to a 2-0 win against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Toyota Park.
Blanco had entered the game in the 60th minute after getting some rest after playing the full SuperLiga game against New England on Wednesday.
Forward Chris Rolfe chased a ball into the right corner against an Earthquakes defender, who in his rush to release the ball sent it out to Blanco in the midfield. Blanco set himself up for the pass over the defense to Nyarko, who sent a one-touch shot past Earthquakes 'keeper Joe Cannon from close range.
Blanco scored himself in stoppage time, taking advantage of a poor clearance by the Earthquakes defense. Wilman Conde raced forward to intercept the ball, playing it to Blanco right on the edge of the area. Blanco stood on the ball before lifting a subtle chip that Cannon could barely get a finger on, the ball just looping over him and settling into the back of the net.
The victory lifted the Fire to a 7-3-7 record (28 points) and kept them in first place in the Eastern Conference. It was only the Fire's second home win in eight games this season. The Earthquakes (3-10-4, 13 points) saw their road record fall to 0-7-2 this season.
Coming off their exhausting SuperLiga game Wednesday in Foxborough, Mass., the Fire started Saturday's game with a much-altered lineup. While Jon Busch remained in goal, the defense in front of him included regular starters Tim Ward and Bakary Soumare along with Daniel Woolard and Dasan Robinson, who has played in only four games and has had two previous starts.
Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop promised a change in the lineup after an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Toronto last week. Joe Cannon remained in goal, and the back line was the same. Antonio Ribeiro returned to the starting lineup in the midfield, and Chris Wondolowski got only his second start at forward.
The game was unusually chippy from the start, and bodies were flying all over the Toyota Park field. Jason Hernandez and Wondolowski of the Earthquakes each received a yellow card in the game's first five minutes.
Blanco finally connected with Nyarko in the 82nd minute to put the Fire into the lead. In the 84th minute, Hamlett used his last substitution to send Conde into the game for Mapp. Yallop followed by sending Quincy Amarikwa into the game for Wondolowski.
The Fire hit the road next week, traveling to Seattle to take on Sounders FC at Qwest Field. The Earthquakes will return home where they will face D.C. United.
Published by Major League Soccer
As a starter, Cuauhtemoc Blanco is an exciting player. As a reserve, he might be more dangerous.Blanco, the Chicago Fire's first Designated Player, set up a Patrick Nyarko goal in the 82nd minute then added one of his own with a sublime shot in stoppage time to lead the Fire to a 2-0 win against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at Toyota Park.
Blanco had entered the game in the 60th minute after getting some rest after playing the full SuperLiga game against New England on Wednesday.
Forward Chris Rolfe chased a ball into the right corner against an Earthquakes defender, who in his rush to release the ball sent it out to Blanco in the midfield. Blanco set himself up for the pass over the defense to Nyarko, who sent a one-touch shot past Earthquakes 'keeper Joe Cannon from close range.
Blanco scored himself in stoppage time, taking advantage of a poor clearance by the Earthquakes defense. Wilman Conde raced forward to intercept the ball, playing it to Blanco right on the edge of the area. Blanco stood on the ball before lifting a subtle chip that Cannon could barely get a finger on, the ball just looping over him and settling into the back of the net.
The victory lifted the Fire to a 7-3-7 record (28 points) and kept them in first place in the Eastern Conference. It was only the Fire's second home win in eight games this season. The Earthquakes (3-10-4, 13 points) saw their road record fall to 0-7-2 this season.
Coming off their exhausting SuperLiga game Wednesday in Foxborough, Mass., the Fire started Saturday's game with a much-altered lineup. While Jon Busch remained in goal, the defense in front of him included regular starters Tim Ward and Bakary Soumare along with Daniel Woolard and Dasan Robinson, who has played in only four games and has had two previous starts.
Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop promised a change in the lineup after an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Toronto last week. Joe Cannon remained in goal, and the back line was the same. Antonio Ribeiro returned to the starting lineup in the midfield, and Chris Wondolowski got only his second start at forward.
The game was unusually chippy from the start, and bodies were flying all over the Toyota Park field. Jason Hernandez and Wondolowski of the Earthquakes each received a yellow card in the game's first five minutes.
Blanco finally connected with Nyarko in the 82nd minute to put the Fire into the lead. In the 84th minute, Hamlett used his last substitution to send Conde into the game for Mapp. Yallop followed by sending Quincy Amarikwa into the game for Wondolowski.
The Fire hit the road next week, traveling to Seattle to take on Sounders FC at Qwest Field. The Earthquakes will return home where they will face D.C. United.
Published by Major League Soccer
Friday, July 17, 2009
Hugo Sánchez: "Nuestro objetivo es la permanencia y luego veremos"
Julio 17, 2009
El entrenador de la UD Almería, Hugo Sánchez, ha declarado que su objetivo primordial es la permanencia, que a su juicio ya es importante para el gran nivel que hay en la competición.
"Luego veremos dónde estamos", añadió, "y si podemos aspirar a algo más, lucharemos por ello".
El entrenador mexicano ha realizado una primera valoración del inicio de los entrenamientos, del equipo y ha precisado: "estamos puliendo la plantilla, y hasta el momento se está componiendo bien; espero que estemos tan fuertes o más que la temporada anterior".
"Los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea"
El técnico del conjunto andaluz ha precisado: "esta semana es un tanto atípica porque estamos teniendo la primera toma de contacto, y realizando las pruebas físicas para ver cómo están los jugadores. La pretemporada de verdad empezará en La Manga", en alusión a dónde se concentrará el cuadro almeriense.
Del plantel, Hugo Sánchez ha manifestado: "los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea en la realidad", y ha eludido dar detalles sobre cesiones o nuevas incorporaciones ya que "yo cuento con todos los jugadores que tienen contrato con el club y están disponibles; todos ellos viajarán el lunes a La Manga".
Preguntado por el calendario de la próxima campaña, el entrenador del Almería ha dicho: "es mejor que el de la campaña anterior porque no nos vamos a tener que enfrentar a todos los grandes de forma consecutiva. Lo del año pasado era muy duro y peligroso, ahora estos partidos van a estar más dispersos".
http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/81546
El entrenador de la UD Almería, Hugo Sánchez, ha declarado que su objetivo primordial es la permanencia, que a su juicio ya es importante para el gran nivel que hay en la competición.
"Luego veremos dónde estamos", añadió, "y si podemos aspirar a algo más, lucharemos por ello".
El entrenador mexicano ha realizado una primera valoración del inicio de los entrenamientos, del equipo y ha precisado: "estamos puliendo la plantilla, y hasta el momento se está componiendo bien; espero que estemos tan fuertes o más que la temporada anterior".
"Los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea"
El técnico del conjunto andaluz ha precisado: "esta semana es un tanto atípica porque estamos teniendo la primera toma de contacto, y realizando las pruebas físicas para ver cómo están los jugadores. La pretemporada de verdad empezará en La Manga", en alusión a dónde se concentrará el cuadro almeriense.
Del plantel, Hugo Sánchez ha manifestado: "los jugadores que están viniendo son para mejorar el nivel y esperemos que así sea en la realidad", y ha eludido dar detalles sobre cesiones o nuevas incorporaciones ya que "yo cuento con todos los jugadores que tienen contrato con el club y están disponibles; todos ellos viajarán el lunes a La Manga".
Preguntado por el calendario de la próxima campaña, el entrenador del Almería ha dicho: "es mejor que el de la campaña anterior porque no nos vamos a tener que enfrentar a todos los grandes de forma consecutiva. Lo del año pasado era muy duro y peligroso, ahora estos partidos van a estar más dispersos".
http://laaficion.milenio.com/futbol_internacional/nota/81546
Beckham no es bien recibido
Julio 17, 2009
La vuelta del astro inglés David Beckham a la competición de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS) no ha tenido su mejor comienzo, en cuanto a imagen, después de ver como era "abucheado" durante el partido que su equipo, el Galaxy de Los Ángeles, disputó en el Estadio de los Gigantes. El Galaxy, con el delantero Landon Donovan, el gran crítico hasta el pasado lunes del astro inglés, de estrella, ganó por 3-1 al equipo local de los Red Bulls de Nueva York, el peor de la liga, pero Beckham, que hizo su debut esta temporada quedó en un segundo plano y además abucheado.
Su permanencia en Italia para jugar con el AC Milán y por segunda temporada, de las tres que lleva en el Galaxy, llega cuando la competición de liga en la MLS ya se encuentra en la segunda mitad le ha hecho perder imagen e interés entre los aficionados estadounidenses que siguen al deporte del fútbol. Los desplantes "justificados" de Beckham no han gustado para nada y más cuando se ha comprobado que su presencia tampoco ha sido necesaria para el desarrollo del fútbol nacional, como ha demostrado la selección con su brillante actuación en la última Copa Confederaciones.
Las estadísticas tampoco le favorecen al astro inglés que firmó un contrato en el 2007 con el Galaxy por 33,5 millones de dólares y cinco temporadas para llevar disputados sólo 31 partidos, marcado cinco goles y dar 12 asistencias. Demasiado poco para el jugador mejor pagado de la liga, que cobra cinco millones de dólares más que Donovan, que es el que tiene el salario más alto entre los profesionales nacionales.
"Me he dado cuenta que he recibido unos cuantos abucheos por parte de los espectadores", declaró Beckham al concluir el partido en el que salió como titular y jugó 70 minutos. "Era algo que me esperaba". Beckham, de 34 años, en su línea de jugador educado dentro y fuera del campo, admitió que no era lo más agradable, pero que como profesional tenía que estar preparado. "Lo importante es que conseguimos la victoria y el equipo se vio bien en el campo", comenta Beckham. "Creo que mi presencia ayuda para que seamos mejor como conjunto y de eso se trata, de jugar y ganar en grupo".
Beckham admitie que algunas veces los aspectos negativos ayudan a superarse y hacer mejor las cosas, algo que siempre ha tenido en cuenta durante toda la carrera profesional de 17 años. "Algunas veces es constructivo el sentir como te abuchean, porque te dan también la inspiración que necesitas para que puedas superarte como profesional y persona", señala Beckham. Pero para los directivos del Galaxy y especialmente para los de la MLS no es la mejor señal, que en el mercado comercial y de televisión más grande del país, el debut de Beckham, que ellos mismos habían planificado, se haya convertido en un revés tanto de imagen como de la asistencia de espectadores que fueron al campo.
Beckham ya no interesa
Por segunda temporada consecutiva, el fenómeno Beckham dejó de interesar a la audiencia neoyorquina, en referencia con la marca histórica que logró cuando en el 2007 hizo su primera aparición en el Estadio de los Gigantes, nada más llegar procedente de España y de haber ganado la liga con el Real Madrid. En su primera visita de Beckham a Nueva York, Beckham reunió a 66.237 espectadores para verlo en el partido contra los Red Bulls, la mayor entrada que ha registrado en la historia del fútbol de Estados Unidos para un encuentro de liga. Sin embargo, el año pasado ya la asistencia bajo hasta los 46.754 espectadores y la pasada noche se quedaron en 23.238 las personas que pagaron entrada para ver el debut de Beckham con el Galaxy después de haber cumplido con su etapa anual europea. Un descenso del 50 por ciento que con toda seguridad habrá encendido las luces rojas entre los encargados de las finanzas de la MLS y del Galaxy, mientras que para Beckham era algo "normal" dadas las circunstancias de la crisis económica y que no era la primera vez que llegaba al equipo. "Obviamente, el primer año todo fue más espectacular e impresionante", valora Beckham. "Tampoco debemos olvidar que estamos en una recesión y puede tener algo de influencia".
El entrenador del Galaxy, Bruce Arena, también quiso quitarle importancia a la gran disminución de asistencia de aficionados para ver a Beckham y dijo que lo único que contaba era comprobar que con su presencia el equipo iba a ser mejor y su trabajo más fácil. "Creo que seré un mejor entrenador con Beckham en el equipo y que se ha confirmado el buen entendimiento que puede tener en el campo con Landon (Donovan)", señala Arena. "Ambos nos van a ayudar a conseguir el gran objetivo de estar en la fase final cuando concluya la temporada regular", agrega el ex seleccionador nacional.
Nota de AS de España
La vuelta del astro inglés David Beckham a la competición de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol (MLS) no ha tenido su mejor comienzo, en cuanto a imagen, después de ver como era "abucheado" durante el partido que su equipo, el Galaxy de Los Ángeles, disputó en el Estadio de los Gigantes. El Galaxy, con el delantero Landon Donovan, el gran crítico hasta el pasado lunes del astro inglés, de estrella, ganó por 3-1 al equipo local de los Red Bulls de Nueva York, el peor de la liga, pero Beckham, que hizo su debut esta temporada quedó en un segundo plano y además abucheado.
Su permanencia en Italia para jugar con el AC Milán y por segunda temporada, de las tres que lleva en el Galaxy, llega cuando la competición de liga en la MLS ya se encuentra en la segunda mitad le ha hecho perder imagen e interés entre los aficionados estadounidenses que siguen al deporte del fútbol. Los desplantes "justificados" de Beckham no han gustado para nada y más cuando se ha comprobado que su presencia tampoco ha sido necesaria para el desarrollo del fútbol nacional, como ha demostrado la selección con su brillante actuación en la última Copa Confederaciones.
Las estadísticas tampoco le favorecen al astro inglés que firmó un contrato en el 2007 con el Galaxy por 33,5 millones de dólares y cinco temporadas para llevar disputados sólo 31 partidos, marcado cinco goles y dar 12 asistencias. Demasiado poco para el jugador mejor pagado de la liga, que cobra cinco millones de dólares más que Donovan, que es el que tiene el salario más alto entre los profesionales nacionales.
"Me he dado cuenta que he recibido unos cuantos abucheos por parte de los espectadores", declaró Beckham al concluir el partido en el que salió como titular y jugó 70 minutos. "Era algo que me esperaba". Beckham, de 34 años, en su línea de jugador educado dentro y fuera del campo, admitió que no era lo más agradable, pero que como profesional tenía que estar preparado. "Lo importante es que conseguimos la victoria y el equipo se vio bien en el campo", comenta Beckham. "Creo que mi presencia ayuda para que seamos mejor como conjunto y de eso se trata, de jugar y ganar en grupo".
Beckham admitie que algunas veces los aspectos negativos ayudan a superarse y hacer mejor las cosas, algo que siempre ha tenido en cuenta durante toda la carrera profesional de 17 años. "Algunas veces es constructivo el sentir como te abuchean, porque te dan también la inspiración que necesitas para que puedas superarte como profesional y persona", señala Beckham. Pero para los directivos del Galaxy y especialmente para los de la MLS no es la mejor señal, que en el mercado comercial y de televisión más grande del país, el debut de Beckham, que ellos mismos habían planificado, se haya convertido en un revés tanto de imagen como de la asistencia de espectadores que fueron al campo.
Beckham ya no interesa
Por segunda temporada consecutiva, el fenómeno Beckham dejó de interesar a la audiencia neoyorquina, en referencia con la marca histórica que logró cuando en el 2007 hizo su primera aparición en el Estadio de los Gigantes, nada más llegar procedente de España y de haber ganado la liga con el Real Madrid. En su primera visita de Beckham a Nueva York, Beckham reunió a 66.237 espectadores para verlo en el partido contra los Red Bulls, la mayor entrada que ha registrado en la historia del fútbol de Estados Unidos para un encuentro de liga. Sin embargo, el año pasado ya la asistencia bajo hasta los 46.754 espectadores y la pasada noche se quedaron en 23.238 las personas que pagaron entrada para ver el debut de Beckham con el Galaxy después de haber cumplido con su etapa anual europea. Un descenso del 50 por ciento que con toda seguridad habrá encendido las luces rojas entre los encargados de las finanzas de la MLS y del Galaxy, mientras que para Beckham era algo "normal" dadas las circunstancias de la crisis económica y que no era la primera vez que llegaba al equipo. "Obviamente, el primer año todo fue más espectacular e impresionante", valora Beckham. "Tampoco debemos olvidar que estamos en una recesión y puede tener algo de influencia".
El entrenador del Galaxy, Bruce Arena, también quiso quitarle importancia a la gran disminución de asistencia de aficionados para ver a Beckham y dijo que lo único que contaba era comprobar que con su presencia el equipo iba a ser mejor y su trabajo más fácil. "Creo que seré un mejor entrenador con Beckham en el equipo y que se ha confirmado el buen entendimiento que puede tener en el campo con Landon (Donovan)", señala Arena. "Ambos nos van a ayudar a conseguir el gran objetivo de estar en la fase final cuando concluya la temporada regular", agrega el ex seleccionador nacional.
Nota de AS de España
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Donovan vs Beckham
July 15, 2009
On the eve of his return to the Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham reaffirmed his commitment to Major League Soccer during a press conference at the team hotel Wednesday afternoon. "I'm very dedicated to the Galaxy, I'm dedicated to the fans," Beckham said. "I've always been very positive and very honest with my play here and also when I went to Milan, I explained to everyone the reasoning behind it. I said to the players and I said to the manager that I would be coming back. Maybe one or two didn't believe me, but at the end of the day I'm here, I'm committed to the team."
It was the third stop of a media tour for Beckham, which included television appearances on NBC's "Today Show" and "Live with Regis and Kelly." He answered a bevy of questions, most involving his decision to go on loan with Milan and the strong likelihood that he will again go on loan ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last chance to play on the world's stage.
"The England manager has made it very clear to me I need to be playing at a European level," Beckham said. "I'll always regret it if I didn't do everything to give myself the chance to be involved in that."
Time and again, the midfielder, who is the most capped outfield player in England history, said Major League Soccer, and the Galaxy especially, remain a major priority.
"I'm a very honest person," Beckham said. "If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't. I've always been committed to every contract I've had as a soccer player -- Manchester United, Real Madrid, Galaxy and that doesn't change. I'm a very committed person. If people want to question my professionalism and also my commitment, what I will say about that is the fact that I'm willing to travel thousands of miles to play for my country says it all."
Beckham also addressed his relationship with Galaxy star Landon Donovan, who criticized Beckham in a newly published book. Beckham said the two ironed things out at The Home Depot Center following the Galaxy's 1-0 win against Chivas USA in the SuperClasico Saturday night.
"It was actually the manager that brought us together," Beckham said. "We knew that we had to speak once we were back in the same country. ... We sat down, went through everything. Landon apologized and I told him my view on things and it's forgot about."
For Beckham, it is just the latest bit of criticism he's received in his 17-year career.
"I've been criticized by Pelé before," Beckham said. "I've been criticized by George Best before. And these are people I've respected for my entire career, people I look up to. At the end of the day, it's about the criticism and how it affects you and it doesn't affect me."
As for Beckham's influence on the Galaxy, Los Angeles boss Bruce Arena expects it to be nothing but a positive for both his team and Major League Soccer.
"I think if we're going to grow this league we need to grow this league with a good plan in mind and have the ability to attract players of David's visibility," Arena said. "I think David Beckham has only been a plus for the league and I firmly believe when it's all said and done, he's going to be a real plus for the Galaxy."
Beckham, who trained with the Galaxy for the first time this season on Monday in Los Angeles, will make his return Thursday night against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium. It is unclear if Beckham will start or how much time he might see in the match.
Regardless, Beckham said he is enthused about what he's seen from the Galaxy this season.
"It's exciting to see some of the young kids who are coming through," he said. "The game over the weekend was a big game. It's always nice to win those games. I think the manager has agreed that in the first half we looked compact and strong and the second half was a bit messy, but it shows the character of the team that when there was tough times in the game, we came through."
According to Arena, Beckham will boost the Galaxy whenever the famous bender of free kicks steps onto the field.
"I think David will offer us a lot on the field as well as off," Arena said. "The team's been very excited to have David return and obviously over the next couple of weeks, as David starts to get back into form, I think he's going to make a fabulous contribution on the field. He comes in at the right time to help us get a little bit better in the midfield. I believe he will do that and he'll be nothing but a positive addition."
Note from Major League Soccer
On the eve of his return to the Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham reaffirmed his commitment to Major League Soccer during a press conference at the team hotel Wednesday afternoon. "I'm very dedicated to the Galaxy, I'm dedicated to the fans," Beckham said. "I've always been very positive and very honest with my play here and also when I went to Milan, I explained to everyone the reasoning behind it. I said to the players and I said to the manager that I would be coming back. Maybe one or two didn't believe me, but at the end of the day I'm here, I'm committed to the team."
It was the third stop of a media tour for Beckham, which included television appearances on NBC's "Today Show" and "Live with Regis and Kelly." He answered a bevy of questions, most involving his decision to go on loan with Milan and the strong likelihood that he will again go on loan ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last chance to play on the world's stage.
"The England manager has made it very clear to me I need to be playing at a European level," Beckham said. "I'll always regret it if I didn't do everything to give myself the chance to be involved in that."
Time and again, the midfielder, who is the most capped outfield player in England history, said Major League Soccer, and the Galaxy especially, remain a major priority.
"I'm a very honest person," Beckham said. "If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't. I've always been committed to every contract I've had as a soccer player -- Manchester United, Real Madrid, Galaxy and that doesn't change. I'm a very committed person. If people want to question my professionalism and also my commitment, what I will say about that is the fact that I'm willing to travel thousands of miles to play for my country says it all."
Beckham also addressed his relationship with Galaxy star Landon Donovan, who criticized Beckham in a newly published book. Beckham said the two ironed things out at The Home Depot Center following the Galaxy's 1-0 win against Chivas USA in the SuperClasico Saturday night.
"It was actually the manager that brought us together," Beckham said. "We knew that we had to speak once we were back in the same country. ... We sat down, went through everything. Landon apologized and I told him my view on things and it's forgot about."
For Beckham, it is just the latest bit of criticism he's received in his 17-year career.
"I've been criticized by Pelé before," Beckham said. "I've been criticized by George Best before. And these are people I've respected for my entire career, people I look up to. At the end of the day, it's about the criticism and how it affects you and it doesn't affect me."
As for Beckham's influence on the Galaxy, Los Angeles boss Bruce Arena expects it to be nothing but a positive for both his team and Major League Soccer.
"I think if we're going to grow this league we need to grow this league with a good plan in mind and have the ability to attract players of David's visibility," Arena said. "I think David Beckham has only been a plus for the league and I firmly believe when it's all said and done, he's going to be a real plus for the Galaxy."
Beckham, who trained with the Galaxy for the first time this season on Monday in Los Angeles, will make his return Thursday night against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium. It is unclear if Beckham will start or how much time he might see in the match.
Regardless, Beckham said he is enthused about what he's seen from the Galaxy this season.
"It's exciting to see some of the young kids who are coming through," he said. "The game over the weekend was a big game. It's always nice to win those games. I think the manager has agreed that in the first half we looked compact and strong and the second half was a bit messy, but it shows the character of the team that when there was tough times in the game, we came through."
According to Arena, Beckham will boost the Galaxy whenever the famous bender of free kicks steps onto the field.
"I think David will offer us a lot on the field as well as off," Arena said. "The team's been very excited to have David return and obviously over the next couple of weeks, as David starts to get back into form, I think he's going to make a fabulous contribution on the field. He comes in at the right time to help us get a little bit better in the midfield. I believe he will do that and he'll be nothing but a positive addition."
Note from Major League Soccer
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