Soccer Buzz

I was going to write this post about how David Beckham opened his Galaxy account with a trademark free kick goal in the 27th minute against DC United in the Superliga semi-final. I intended to note how the crowd at the Home Depot Center was buzzing with anticipation the moment DC was whistled for a handball in the spot, and Beckham delivered even though he hasn’t taken a free kick in eight weeks. I also was going to mention how DC goalkeeper Troy Perkins has obviously never come up against a free kick like that as Perkins looked totally lost. Finally, I wanted to note how the Galaxy seem to play better as a team with Beckham on the field.

Then I made the mistake of watching national news outlets “cover” the game. I’m normally not one to complain about soccer coverage in the United States, and for the most part, I’m pleased with what we have. However, I have to comment on the coverage of this game. The pattern of nearly every sports highlight show was as follows: show the goal, marvel at the feat, note how “only” 17,000 were at the game, claim that Beckham was over-hyped and that the buzz has worn off, and finally say that Beckham can’t “save” soccer (and possibly bring up the NASL to make it look like you know what you are talking about). Finally, I even heard a Sportscenter anchor suggest that Beckham missed so many games because he was saving himself to play for England.

Okay, let’s rant:

• Spectacular goal, no question about it.

• How is 17,000 in attendance a major disappointment? This game was not included in the season ticket package, ticket prices were nearly double the cost of a league match, and the game wasn’t even on any schedule until a few weeks ago. Then there is always the midweek curse. And even if 17,000 is truly just a disastrous number, isn’t it a specious argument to make such a massive conclusion based on one game?

• I’ll admit that the Galaxy and the league hyped Beckham, but at no point did they claim he was the savior of soccer in this country. In fact, Don Garber explicitly stated that this league doesn’t need saving on several occasions.

• Sports journalists love to claim that Pele couldn’t make soccer huge in America. It makes them sound intelligent, but they are actually dead wrong. America was a soccer wasteland in the 1970s. Pele changed that forever. Millions of people who didn’t know the difference between a corner kick and an offside trap (let alone even know about those terms) suddenly paid attention to soccer because of Pele. And it isn’t as if attendances and interest in NASL plummeted the moment Pele retired; the league’s highest average attendances occurred after Pele retired. The reason NASL collapsed is because they had no idea how to capitalize on this surge in popularity, and they didn’t have a deep and talented pool of American players to turn to once they realized that they can’t just keep spending big money on aging foreign stars. Pele was a smashing success; it’s just a shame that the NASL was a house of cards.

• Okay, there is only one word to describe the theory that Beckham sat out matches because it would help him play for England: “idiocy”. Regardless of the problems with the England squad, Steve McClaren is not going to fly Beckham halfway around the world and back if Beckham hasn’t played a competitive match in two months.

• These media types complain about the Beckham hype, but they don’t seem to understand that in order to create hype, journalists must be complicit. And the most ironic thing of all is that by complaining about the hype, they actually create more hype.

• So why does coverage of soccer usually devolve into this sort of conversation? It’s simple; these people have next to zero knowledge about the game so in order to cover the event, they have to revert to thinly-veiled soccer bashing. Perhaps the ferocity of the hatred is toned-down, and some of the points have become more nuanced. Still, it is the same old, same old from some of these people.

I don’t mean to be one of the typical whiny babies when it comes to soccer coverage. I actually was a soccer fan in this country when fans of the game were begging for any kind of scraps, but today, there is absolutely no shortage of soccer coverage.

I know I’m asking for a lot, but I pray for the day that soccer coverage only covers the action on the field.

I never could get to the computer yesterday so I apologize. I thought I’d share some interesting items with you

Grant Wahl Interviews Freddy Adu About Making the Move to Benfica

The $2 million transfer may not sound like much, but there is a sell-on clause that would give the league a portion of a potential Adu transfer from Benfica.

Freddy never did dominate the league, but I’m not going to call his MLS career a personal failure. He was very impressive at times with DC United, especially in 2006, and I can’t find fault with him struggling in Salt Lake since that club has way too many issues for one player to overcome.

As he says in the article, he was often forced to play out of position in MLS. At DC, Christian Gomez was one of the best playmakers in the league, but coach Peter Nowak wanted to get Adu on the field anyway so Adu needed to learn how to play out wide in a 3-5-2, a position with immense defensive responsibility as well. Still, Freddy was able to produce some eye-popping moments of brilliance for DC. At Salt Lake, they played him on the wing with Mehdi Ballouchy playing as the number 10, which is the type of mind-boggling move that forced John Ellinger out of the coaching ranks early in the season.

Benfica often plays with a diamond midfield or a 4-2-2-2; both formations would allow Adu to play the type of central attacking role where he is most comfortable. Even if he does not become a starter immediately, he will get the chance to learn from veterans like Rui Costa as well play in a real reserve system. (MLS did not have a reserve system when Adu entered the league in 2004)

The Yankee Hooligan on the Beckham Backlash in Dallas

Okay, I understand that people really want to see Beckham, and that they put down good money to do so. Still, do people lack the common sense to know that there is a chance that any player can get injured and be unavailable to play? Beckham is going to be around for a while so it isn’t as if you’ve missed a once in a lifetime event, and besides, the fans in Dallas got to see a frickin’ 6-5 match. Now that’s a once in a lifetime type of event!

Anyway, Beckham is flying with the team to Toronto this weekend, and he might play. By the way, Tennis Coach provided a pretty good article explaining Beckham’s left ankle.

Superliga continues this weekend with four games.  I’m interested to see if the energy from games earlier this week will continue tomorrow and Sunday.  I’m still somewhat skeptical about this competition, but I did enjoy the four opening round games.

Because of Superliga, MLS has a light schedule this weekend.  The week kicked off with what I thought was a shocking result - Chivas USA defeating New York 2-0 last night at the Meadowlands.  The Red Bulls had most of the possession, but Chivas really took advantage of what few scoring chances they had.  If anyone is still keeping track, that’s an 0-1 start for me on this week’s predictions.

New England Revolution @ Real Salt Lake

Freddy Adu returns to Salt Lake for his first game since the U-20 World Cup, but I doubt he’s totally focused on Real right now with transfer stories flying around.  Plus, it isn’t like he’s been a house of fire for Salt Lake this season anyway.  New England is just a better team, and the only chance for something other than a New England victory is if the Revs get caught looking ahead to next Thursday’s game against Kansas City.  Don’t bet on it.  Revs 3, RSL 1

Chicago Fire @ Toronto FC

Toronto has been very tough at home, and Chicago hasn’t won in six games.  Still, I think the arrival of Blanco (and the eventual arrival of Wanchope) will energize the Fire, at least in the next few weeks.  Fire 1, TFC 1

Chivas USA @ Kansas City Wizards

Chivas will try to follow up their impressive win over New York, but they will find it a rough going in KC.  Chivas could be battling fatigue, which will make defending Eddie Johnson even more difficult.  KC will also want to bounce back from that absurd draw with Colorado last week.  KC 2, Chivas 1

I’ll get to Beckham, MLS, and European transfer news later this week, but today, I’ll look at international competition.

The United States was upset in the U-20 World Cup 2-1 by Austria in the quarterfinals on Saturday. The Americans looked set to dominate in the early going, but they relinquished control, which Austria was more than happy to seize upon. Austria finally broke through in the extra time after Anthony Wallace was sent off for a second yellow card.

I thought the United States was suffering from their extra time win over Uruguay only 3 days prior, which could explain why Austria controlled the last 75 minutes of the game. Still, I thought they could have shown better than they did. Their tactics seem a bit static, especially with Danny Szetela not playing his best game. They seemed to miss his marauding runs forward to support Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore.

I’m disappointed in the result, but there is plenty of talent on that team that can have a solid career with the senior team.

In the Copa America final, Brazil pulled off an upset of its own by defeating Argentina 3-0. This was supposed to be Argentina’s tournament. They brought their big guns to this tournament, determined to win their first international competition in 14 years. Brazil, on the other hand, left Kaka and Ronaldinho at home and looked shaky at many times in this tournament.

However, it shouldn’t totally shock anyone that a Brazilian team managed by Dunga would have a game plan to shut down creative players like Riquelme and Messi. After all, Dunga was the defensive midfielder and captain of the 94 World Cup winning team, a Brazilian team that was criticized for being too tactical and playing enough of the beautiful, free-flowing soccer that Brazil is famous for. On Sunday, Argentina could not get their attack going with Riquelme and Messi constantly being hounded (and often fouled) by the Brazilian midfield. Brazil was willing to concede possession, but they certainly capitalized on their forays into the Argentine half with great goals from Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves.

Brief highlights are featured below. Click here for an extended highlight reel of the match.

U-20 World Cup, Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, Danny Szetela, Copa America, Juan Roman Riquelme, Lionel Messi, Dunga, Julio Baptista, Daniel Alves

Argentina defeated Mexico 3-0 last night to advance to the final where they will face Brazil.

Argentina broke through in the dying moments of the first half when Gabriel Heinze touched in Juan Roman Riquelme’s perfect free kick.  Then Lionel Messi delivered a beauty of a goal when he somehow chipped Oswaldo Sanchez, who really didn’t seem all that far off his line.

Mexico shouldn’t hang their heads over this game.  They played well throughout the tournament, and they were unlucky not to score against Argentina as Andres Guardado and Nery Castillo both hit the woodwork. This should take some of the sting out of their loss to the US in the Gold Cup final.

Finally, this Argentine team is an absolute buzz saw.  They have both the immense talent, and they desperately want to win their first international title since 1993.  Argentina lost to Brazil in the 2005 Copa America final, but this time, I don’t see the Albicelestes losing this one.

Copa America, Argentina soccer, Mexico soccer, Juan Roman Riquelme, Gabriel Heinze, Lionel Messi, Nery Castillo, Andres Guardado

Brazil defeated Uruguay on penalties last night to advance to the Copa America final. The heat and humidity may have kept the game from being the most beautifully played game, but it did not lack in excitement and tension. Brazil twice took the lead against Uruguay, but Uruguay was able to conjure up a response on both occasions.

And as unjust as penalties may be, the also delivered fantastic drama. It took seven rounds to determine the victor, including Sebastian Abreu of Uruguay deciding to chip in a must make penalty. If you haven’t seen this game, I’d recommend finding a way to watch it.

With Uruguay’s loss in Copa America, the nation’s hopes for international glory now rests with its U-20 team, who will face the United States this evening. After an opening draw against South Korea in which the team looked slow, passive and unprepared, the United States has been outstanding in defeating Poland 6-1 and Brazil 2-1. Freddy Adu has reminded us why he was hyped as one of the next big international stars with numerous highlight reel moves and spectacular goals.

Uruguay enters the knockout stage with significantly less fanfare, especially after a 2-0 defeat to Zambia in the final group stage match. The defeat saw goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea sent off for professional foul after he committing a ghastly giveaway in his own penalty area. The replacement goalkeeper for the Uruguayans will face a baptism by fire facing an American attack featuring Adu and Jozy Altidore.

Brazil soccer, Uruguay soccer, Sebastian Abreu, Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore

Kansas City Wizards at Columbus Crew (Tonight)

The Wizards had hoped they would enter this game on top of the league after only ten games, and it seemed like that would be the case late in Saturday’s game against New York at the Meadowlands. Kansas City fell behind 2-0 early on goals from Juan Pablo Angel and Clint Mathis, and only Kevin Hartman’s point blank save on Dave van den Bergh kept it from being a bigger deficit. However, KC came storming back, controlling the play and coming all the way back to take a 3-2 lead thanks to two second half goals from substitute Yura Movsisyan. Then, in the 89th minute, controversy struck when referee Abi Okulaja awarded a penalty to the Red Bulls, and Angel tied the game with his second of the night. The Wizards were clearly annoyed with the call, especially since it is the third penalty called against them in their last two games at the Meadowlands. As for the legitimacy of the call, I’ll let you decide. (around 2:20. Note that clips are taken from the local New York area broadcast)

A Wizards win not only would have put them top of the league, but it was a four point swing between the two top teams in the East. Moreover, it would have given the Wizards the end of season tiebreaker over their main eastern rivals.

Tonight, the Wizards have to find a way to put all of that behind them as they travel to Columbus. The Crew are coming off a 3-3 draw against New England, a good result for Columbus, but it extended their winless streak to seven games. They will face a Wizards defense that has allowed 8 goals in its last three games (two of them penalties), but the Crew’s defense is struggling as well, especially with international call ups and injuries. I think KC coach Curt Onalfo will be able to get his team to forget the rough end to last Saturday’s game with the Wizards winning in another high scoring affair. KC 3, CREW 2

Chivas USA at Houston Dynamo

After a slow start, Houston has started to pull things together as of late and are currently doing it without Dwayne De Rosario, Pat Onstad, Brian Ching and Ricardo Clark. The Dynamo are on a three game winning streak with Joseph Ngwenya scoring in all three games after being traded from Columbus. Chivas has also been playing well as of late as they have climbed into the top half of the league. However, Chivas hasn’t fared as well on the road so I think home field advantage wins out in this one. HOUSTON 2, CHIVAS 1

MLS, Kansas City Wizards, Columbus Crew, Houston Dynamo, Chivas USA

This site is currently in need of a writer. If you have any interest in writing on the topic this site covers, feel free to submit an application at 451 Press. Thank you.

451 Press, Soccer, Writers Needed

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.

To remember and honor the victims of those tragic events, the university has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process and generate financial support.

The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to:

• Grief counseling
• Memorials
• Communication expenses
• Comfort expenses
• Incidental needs

If you plan to give, please click the link below:

After some technical difficulties the SoccerBuzz is back! So without further ado, let’s get cracking.

A statue erected at St Mary’s Stadium to commemorate Southamton’s legend Ted Bates is to be pulled down after fans complained of it’s poor quality. The £102,000 statue, which was half-funded by the Southampton fans, is bizarrely out of proportion!

Fans were left fuming when the statue of ‘Mr Southampton’ was unveiled. Some claimed the body, legs and arms are out of proportion and the facial likeness is a poor one.

Chairman Leon Crouch said: “Ted was Southampton Football Club and we owe it to him to build a fitting statue.”

Crouch added: “With hindsight some things could have been done differently, but this is not a time for recriminations. Let’s just sit down and put things right.

“I’m a perfectionist and I want it to be just right. ‘Mr Southampton’ deserves that.”

Brennan had apologised to supporters and insisted that he would have liked more time to work on the project.

He said: “This was more than a commission, it was a passion. I’m sorry some supporters don’t like the result.”

I’ll keep you updated!

[tags]Southampton Football Club, Statue, Ted Bates, Bates[/img]

Yes, that’s right the wait for the completion of England’s national football stadium is nearly over. Thw keys have been handed over from the builder’s to the FA and it is now up to the authorities to host two ‘ramp up’ events to prove the stadium is worthy of its security certificate. The first of these two events will be an England U21’s match against Italy U21’s. The tickets went on sale and all 60,000 were sold within hours, causing the official FA website to reportedly crash. If the events are a success the FA will be allowed to open the staidum to it’s full capacity of 90,000.

Below is a timeline of the Wembley saga.

The last ever football game to be played at the old Wembley Stadium ends England 0-1 Germany on 7 October 2000

Not until 30 September 2002 does the long-awaited demolition work begin as bulldozers move in on the twin towers

The arch stands serenely above the chaos of ongoing construction work, a full 133m above where the pitch will be.

On 12 June 2006 the first strip of turf is laid, exactly one month after Wembley was meant to host the FA Cup Final.

The new stadium must now host test events on 17 and 24 March to gain necessary licences before it can be used.

But the FA is confident that a new dawn at Wembley will be brought in by the return of the FA Cup final on 19 May, 2007!

Wembley Stadium The FA, Wembley, Construction, Wembley Pictures, England, England U21, Italy, Italy U21