Ronaldo and Bar-B-Q's?

According to this article, CR9 is teaming up with Michael Jackson's dad to sell soccer based Bar-B-Q's for next summer's World Cup. Dude, I understand you want to conquer America, but I'm just not sure who's going to buy a Bar-B-Q that's endorsed by a guy that carries a man bag.

A Run In With Pete

I was having a late lunch today at the Starbucks in Bellevue Square. It was uneventful until I was walking to my car in the parking garage and noticed a dude getting out of his car. His head was down but it looked familiar. As the guy looked up I saw that it was Pete Vagenas of Sounders FC. I said, "What's up, Pete?" He said, "How you doing?" "Looking forward to Thursday," I replied. And with that, Passback Pete kept limping his way towards the entrance. Why couldn't I have ran into Freddie Ljungberg?

Pete a year and a half ago. Partying Big Willie Style with David Beckham.

Vagenas must not have been a very good wing man. Makes you wonder what he did to deserve the studs up treatment.

Opara's New Haircut

Ike Opara gets a Brek Shea inspired haircut. Personally, I liked his hair before they cut it, it just needed to be cleaned up on the sides. Now Ike is counting on you to decide whether or not he keeps it for the Germany game on Saturday. Don't forget to vote.

Hold Me Back!

I think the fan in the following clip was just practicing for his chance to have David Beckham call him down out of the stands. Someone needs to tell Sir David to never play in the Copa Sudamericana.

From the match pitting Argentina's River Plate against Blooming of Bolivia.

A couple of things I noticed:
1) Did you see the SWAT Team/Urban warfare gear that security were sporting? The end of the video shows why they need it.

2) Did anybody else see the dude in black run up once the fan was subdued and give him a cheap shot? There's always one punk at the end of every fight.

3) And why go after Henry Gimenez of River? You should be pissed at your goalkeeper, Mr. Butterfingers. He full on dropped the corner kick at the feet of the attacker. He's the real culprit here.

America's Former First WAG

I'm not seeing this story on other soccer blogs so I'm going to run with it. The First Wag of the United States is apparently relinquishing her title. According to People, Bianca Kajlich and Landon Donovan quietly split up several months ago. Personally, I hate to see any marraige fall apart and so this news kind of bums me out, especially with her being a Northwest native. Hopefully the two will sort things out.

Bianca after the U.S. game against Italy in the 2006 World Cup. She was in disguise, but I recognized her. All that Dawson's Creek came in handy. For the record, she was totally cool when we met her.

Stupid Terrorists

If I was a ManU fan in Indonesia I would be super pissed right now. The suicide bombs in Jakarta that killed 8 people have caused Manchester United to cancel their trip to the city. The videos below give you more of the story.

Love by Poems

Ahead of tomorrow's big US Open Cup clash against the Sounders and the Timbers, I wanted to remind everybody that the world needs love. Well, really I just wanted an excuse to drop this beat by Poems of the LA Symphony crew. Why can't more hip hop be like this?

Sounders FC vs Rapids Highlights

I've been rippin' on Jaqua a lot recently and then he has a performance like this. Hey Nate, they already set the Gold Cup roster. You should have done this two weeks ago.

Ljungberg on Press Pass

With the Sounders in New York this weekend to take on the struggling Red Bulls, Freddie Ljungberg sat down with Derek Rae to talk about his time in MLS.

One question, Sigi. Why didn't you insert Ljungberg into the game as a late sub? Are you telling me that you're content with a draw on the road in New York against the worst team in the league? Why is Jaqua still starting when LeToux makes more dynamic runs and clearly works harder and is definitely faster? Why Sigi, why?

And for the Arsenal fans...more with Freddie and the Press Pass crew.