Conan Talks MLS Cup

MLS Final Kick - The Final Kick

I'm guessing this will be the last Final Kick we see until March 2010.
*They make a mistake in the video calling Andy Williams, Robbie Findley. What do you expect from the same guys that got his wife wrong too?

News From This Weekend

I admit it. I'm a slacker. I was too busy living it up during MLS Cup weekend that I didn't get around to giving you all the juicy footy news you crave. So instead of reinventing the wheel, I'm giving you links to the news that you need to know.

You probably already know this, but Real Salt Lake are the 2009 MLS Champions.



Wednesday is the expansion draft for the Philadelphia Union. Each team's protected players list came out today and here are the players left unprotected.

MLS announced the Generation Adidas graduates.

The USL Breakaway teams are forming the NASL...minus the Sounders and Earthquakes. But what about the Cosmos?

Long time DC United midfielder, Ben Olsen is retiring.

Jermaine Defoe and Tottenham went off on Wigan to the tune of 9-1, causing the Wigan players to refund the ticket prices to the fans. You can see the highlights here.

Did you know that David Beckham has asthma? I didn't.

Apparently, Freddie Ljungberg is a fan of Hawaii, but not MLS pitches.

I attended the MLS Supporters Summit on Saturday where Commissioner Garber discussed expansion, naming Montreal and David Beckham's option to own a future team as teams number 19 and 20 to round out the league.

I ran into Preki on Sunday, who happens to be the new coach for Toronto FC.

Oh Danny Boy and I definitely had some adventures and made some good connections to make this blog even better in the future. Stay tuned for more tales from MLS Cup 2009.

Press Pass MLS Cup Preview

The events around Seattle are starting to heat up. We will be chillin with the Designated Players crew on Friday night and at the Supporters Summit on Saturday. FYI - The last time I saw Andy Williams live in person at a final was the 2003 US Open Cup on another plastic pitch...and he won. Just saying.

MLS Final Kick

MLS Eastern Conference Final Highlights

I remember telling White Kix that the Sounders needed to end their season so that they could end up as the wild card seed in the East. I just had a feeling...so Real Salt Lake ends up as the Eastern Conference Champion as they beat the Chicago Fire in a penalty shoot out. I feel kind of torn on this one. I like the guys on RSL, especially Andy Williams, Nick Rimando, Robbie Findley, Raphael Cox and Clint Mathis, but Chicago being in the final with Blanco and McBride would have been better for the media aspect. I personally thought the best final from the league's perspective would have been the LA Galaxy against the home side Seattle Sounders. That would have been a media circus in my opinion.

MLS News

Or really just random MLS items I wanted to post. Remember, the Western Conference Final is Friday night on ESPN2 with the Galaxy hosting the Dynamo.




The Eastern Conference Final is on Saturday night on Fox Soccer Channel with the Chicago Fire hosting Real Salt Lake.

And this goes out to our boy, Marty, since Austin Washington is his boy.

And while you're not watching footy this weekend, how about some golf?

Behind The Scenes: RSL vs Crew

From Behind The Shield:

Watch RSL's huge comeback in the second leg of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final series vs. the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium, from a slightly different perspective...

Real Salt Lake vs Columbus Crew Highlights

Well that screwed up my bracket. Congrats to Real Salt Lake for knocking off the defending champions. Last year they were in the Western Conference Final, this year they're in the Eastern Conference Final.

Deja Vu

For the second year in a row, the wild card team knocked out the defending champion in the first round of the MLS playoffs. On a side note, Andy Williams called his goal on Facebook.

RSL vs Columbus Crew Playoff Highlights

I suppose this adds more fuel to the fire for Oh Danny Boy's case for Robbie Findley.

RSL vs Columbus Live Game

If you want to watch the one game that's not on National TV, you can watch it here.

RSL vs Rapids Highlights

The Rocky Mountain Cup never disappoints.

My boy Andy Williams with two assists and Robbie Findley with the brace. RSL carved up the Colorado defense and left Preston Burpo hanging a few times. Oh yeah, I used to play with that guy, he's a good goalkeeper...although these highlights might lead you to think otherwise.

RSL vs TFC Highlights

I think there was a handball by Chad Barrett on the TFC goal.

RSL vs NY Red Bulls Highlights

Great goals from Andy Williams and Fabian Espindola to keep RSL's playoff hopes alive.

RSL vs The Goats

A game with huge playoff implications.

Findley and Espindola with some great Fantasy Football points.

RSL vs New England Revolution

A Chance For You To Help

Marcia Williams, wife of Real Salt Lake midfielder, Andy Williams has been battling a rare form of Leukemia. Since being diagnosed on July 3rd, 2008, many people have stepped up to help the Williams family and now you can too. Sounders FC have partnered with fellow Jamaican international, Tyrone Marshall to host a bone marrow drive in honor of Marcia. The event will take place tomorrow, August 18th at Qwest Field Plaza adjacent to the Pro Shop. The drive will run from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Click here for the specifics. If you aren't in the Seattle area, you can go to DKMS or Soccer Unites Utah to learn how you can help. If you live in the Puget Sound but can't make it tomorrow then click here.





I've had the opportunity to meet and chat with Andy and he is a very nice, humble guy. I know that your support is appreciated and you can save a life. See you there.
-Sterlinho

Behind The Scenes: 2009 MLS All Star Game

Portland's Timbers Army always accuses the Sounders organization of being manufactured. Well, you can't just show up and hope things run smoothly on game day without preparation and planning. This video has a brief glimpse into all the hard work that goes into making game day a special event.

RSL's New Signing

Dutchman, Rachid El-Khalifi is Real Salt Lake's newest signing. The 30 year old signed a 3 year deal and is looking to make an impact in RSL's new 4-3-3 formation. The video below has some game footage of his time in the Dutch League.