Should he be considered??

I feel like if anyone can be a comparable replacement for Charlie Davies, it has to be Robbie Findley. I've been watching him all season and no doubt he has been making the case for a call-up. Look, either we cap him or T&T will! I have a feeling this guy would be a great fit. he possess so many of the same attributes as Chuck D, but the one specific is speed... Speed kills on all levels and this is something we (U.S. National Team) need up front. What do you think? Am I way off?

Watch his 2 goal performance vs Colorado and make the call.

The Buehldozer?

I don't keep up with women's soccer, but the thing that impresses me the most about this clip, is the fact that there is great fan support in this stadium. Who knew you could fill the stands at a women's game with out the majority of the people being pre-teen girls?

Tommy Smyth's Top 25

This goes out to Oh Danny Boy. I know how much he loves the Leprechaun.

Becks and the Playoffs

David Beckham and the MLS Playoffs, a match made in heaven... at least for Commissioner Garber.

RSL vs Columbus Live Game

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

Real Madrid vs Getafe

Fulham vs Liverpool

Surely Rafa is feeling the hot seat now.

SONICSGATE

Very interesting documentary. Let this be a lesson to the Sounders.

Sounders FC vs Dynamo Highlights

Does anybody else wish that MLS used the away goal rule?

MLS Extra Time

MLS Cup Playoff Predictions

In anticipation of the MLS playoffs starting tonight, I will attempt the surefire method of looking like an idiot who has no idea what he is talking about and make some predictions.

East:
Columbus Crew (1) vs Real Salt Lake (4):
Columbus has been too strong over the last two years to vote against them. Having said that, RSL has the firepower to post the biggest upset of this year’s playoffs. For RSL to get past Columbus it will have to get a huge performance from one of its creative veterans. Lucky for RSL, Andy Williams and Clint Mathis both have the ability to be the game changer that RSL needs.

My pick: Columbus

Chicago Fire (2) vs New England Revolution (3):
Neither of these teams have been playing particularly well, but they both have unique advantages. New England has as much playoff experience as any other team, plus their drive to win a championship has been building for 14 years. Chicago has Blanco. In the end, Blanco will win.

My pick: Chicago

Conference Finals:
I have to go with Columbus for their consistency over the last two seasons.

West:
LA Galaxy (1) vs Chivas USA (4):
Chivas started the year strong, but the Galaxy always have the edge in the Super Classico. The Galaxy have a well rounded team and the two best players in the league (Yes I said it. It’s subjective so go ahead and disagree).

My pick: LA Galaxy

Houston Dynamo (2) vs Seattle Sounders FC (3):
On the surface, this is the most evenly matched series, but Seattle has had Houston’s number all year. Add in the fact that Houston did not finish the season strong, and Seattle ended with a three game win streak, and I have a feeling Seattle will walk away with this one and kill off the hopes their second Texan opponent in a row.

My pick: Seattle

Conference Finals:
Mr. Roth will be getting ready to produce a Cinderella story movie about his team winning the trophy in their own stadium in their first year, but the Galaxy will not stand for it. It has been years since Donovan was in the playoffs, but no one should forget that he is unstoppable once he gets there. Donovan will lead the Galaxy to the championship game.

MLS Cup:
You could really just read what I said about Landon in the Western Conference Finals. He will lead the Galaxy to the Cup before he heads back to Europe in the winter, and pictures of Beckham with cup will be seen all over the world.

We're Doing Cribs Today

Sounders FC Defender Taylor Graham takes us on a tour of the Sounders FC facilities. With Special appearances by our boys Ben Dragavon and Gary Wright.

MLS Final Kick Week 32

Assassin's Creed Lineage

Ubisoft is dropping a short film to help launch Assassin's Creed II. It will premiere on Spike TV on November 11th at midnight. Check out the video below if you have 14 minutes to blow.

Dynamo vs Chivas Highlights

A goalfest from the HDC.

Sounders FC Sing

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.

Sounders FC Home Finale

David Falk, the Seattle Soccer Examiner posted this video from Saturday night. The bummer of the evening was that FC Dallas and Jeff Cunningham didn't make it into the post season. But the Charlie Davies tribute was unreal. It's at the 2:02 mark.

ESPN's Top 10 MLS Goals Of The Year

Now that the regular season is over, every body's doing their Best Of...

Adidas Predator X Launch

We told you last week that these shoes would be dropping today. I also think that Zidane could still play...MLS maybe?

MLS Goal of the Week Nominees - The Final Week

I'm torn between Findley's goal and the strike of Jeff Larentowicz. A massive free kick from Copper Top to put his team into the playoffs.

FIFA 10 Tutorial - Juggling

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.

LA Galaxy vs SJ Earthquakes Highlights

LAndycakes goes to work and gets the job done and the Gals claim the top spot in the West. It's amazing the difference a year makes.

DC United vs KC Wizards Highlights

It feels kind of weird not to have DC United in the playoffs. I mean, they win trophies.

TFC vs NYRB Highlights

I still can't believe how big of an egg TFC laid. Win and you're in. It's that simple. But lose 5-nil?

Freestyle Fridays

It's been a while since I've dropped some freestyle football skills, so here you go.

The New Adidas Predator

Adidas will drop the first official pics of their new Predator X boot on October 26th. Until then, you have this:

UPDATE: Our boys over at The Original Winger have advance pics of the boot.

Extra Time Episode 35

Once again, I give you all three acts in one post.

Chicago Fire vs Chivas USA Highlights

The Fire finally clinched a spot in the playoffs with the win. We're looking at some interesting playoff scenarios for this weekend. And I still don't think that Kljestan deserves to be on the cover of FIFA 10. He must have a great agent.

The League

F/X has a new show coming out on the 29th of October and I hope it's as funny as the commercials have been. Will this be as funny as my favorite show "It's always Sunny in Philadelphia?" I doubt it... but it has potential.

What the?

I've seen drunk, this looks like a dude on some hardcore ish. The part that cracks me up is the the slow motion fall with the bowl of condiments. Anyway, don't be tool and drink responsibly.

Your Current U.S. World Cup Squad

Yanks Abroad have just posted their updated 23 Tickets to South Africa while Soccernet just dropped their blatant rip off of 23 tickets yesterday. Take a look at both of their lists and let us know what you think.

Rookie Life

This edition of Rookie Life focuses on the young defenders from the LA Galaxy.

Stuart Holden on FFF

Stuart Holden called in to Fox Football Fone-In on Monday night.

CONCACAF Champions League - Wednesday Night

Action from last night. Don't forget that there are two more CONCACAF Champions League matches tonight as well as the MLS Game of the Week on ESPN2 featuring Chivas USA at Chicago Fire.
Pachuca vs Arabe Unido

W Connection vs Real Espana

Metapan vs Houston Dynamo

Can you believe the goal Tally Hall scored? That's got to be a first in CONCACAF Champions League play. I've never played with the Gig Harbor, WA native, but I have had conversations with his dad. Does that count, Ty?

CONCACAF Champions League - Tuesday Night

Highlights from Tuesday night's matches.
DC United vs Toluca

Puerto Rico Islanders vs Columbus Crew

Saprissa vs Cruz Azul

I'm Broke!

Reports out of England say that former Liverpool man, John Barnes is bankrupt. The news comes shortly after he was let go by Tranmere after they were spanked 5-0 by Millwall. At least John was successful during his stint in Jamaica...which is really close to a few banks in the Cayman Islands. Just saying, and the dude did rap, and he might do it again.

Happy FIFA 10 Day

Today is the release day for FIFA 10 in North America. I really should have taken the day off to play it and watch Champions League. Instead I've been crazy busy at work, so sorry this post is so late in the day. Here is a user created video of Ronaldo in FIFA 10. It plays on the Schweinsteiger video I showed you last week. See you on Xbox Live!

MLS Goal of the Week Nominees - Week 31

Fabian Espindola gets my vote for the week, but I used to play against that Galindo guy.

Nike Academy Physical Conditioning

You can get to know the Nike Academy players here. From Nike:

Being nifty on the ball means nothing unless you can match it with the physical capabilities to stay strong throughout the game. Thats why Performance Director Jon Goodman has stepped in to put the lads through their paces working on drills to increase endurance, improve reaction speed and boost athleticism.
The Academys recent match against Brighton & Hove Albion was an eye-opener and showed how fitness can make the decisive difference between victory and defeat. As the season moves forward, the opposition and challenges get tougher...
The team now must up the tempo and prove they have the right mix of technical, tactical and physical skills to take their game further.
Next up Nottingham Forest.

Sounders FC vs KC Wizards Highlights

FC Dallas vs Colorado Rapids Highlights

DC United vs Columbus Crew Highlights

Chivas USA vs SJ Earthquakes Highlights

Fire vs Revolution Highlights

RSL vs TFC Highlights

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

Inter Milan vs Genoa Highlights

Does anybody else remember Cambiaso's old haircut?

Real Madrid vs Valladolid Highlights

Some great goals in this match.

Charlie Davies Tribute

Ran across this while on http://www.soccerbyives.net/ and I still can't believe Charlie Davies got in that car accident. It's so shocking, especially since we all had such high hopes for him heading into the World Cup. Here's a little tribute to him. We all can't wait to see you back on the field again.

Uh oh!

Here is the evidence. Was this LFC supporters being careless? Or were they framed?! I kid I kid, but pictures don't lie.

Man of the Match... Beachball?

The 'ol beachball trick works everytime....

FIFA U-20 World Cup Final Highlights

What's a FIFA final if it doesn't have Brasil in it? IF you want to catch the whole game you can watch the replay on ESPN360.com.

Puma Loves Football...And So Do These Guys

Sameul Eto'o


Emmanuel Eboue


John Mensah


I love football too, in fact, I kiss football.

Kaka: The Maestro

FIFA 10 + Adidas

I think it's pretty cool that EA and adidas have joined marketing forces. I'm also a big fan of Schweinsteiger, he's like the German Beckham.

What the??????

Man, I don't really know what to think... I had to share it though. I can't imagine a kids show like this being allowed now a days. Still pretty funny.

Freestyle Fridays

I'm heading out to a Paul Wright and Rootdown show tonight so I'll leave you with a freestyle from the artist formerly known as Pauly Paul.

Modern Warfare 2 Infamy Trailer

This game looks insane. I'm not going to have enough time on my hands to play this, FIFA 10 and Assassin's Creed 2.

Extra Time Episode 34

I give you all three acts in one post. Start at the top and work your way down.

Fredy Montero Speaks English (sort of)

Last Sunday's Sounders FC Weekly had the first ever english interview with Fredy Montero.


Then, a few days later Matt Gaschk had the opportunity to interview Montero in english.

Cesc Fabregas: Total Control

I'd have to go back and look at the tape, but I think Landon was wearing these against Costa Rica. Which doesn't make any sense, since LD is a Vapor guy.

Where the Wild thing are

Can't wait for this. Hope it's good.

Who will make the trip to South Africa?

Now that the US is set to go to South Africa...who will make the trip for the USMNT? I was reading up at espnsoccernet to see who was all going to SA in 2010 and saw a player ranking page for the US team, needless to say I had to check it out. It was interesting an read. Click here for the link.

Why I Like Fabio Capello

I can't say that I agree with every decision a football manager makes and Fabio Capello is no different. But I can say that I like his politics (actually, I don't know his politics, but I like a comment he recently made). After inserting David Beckham as a second half substitute yesterday against Belarus, David Beckham went on to win the Man of the Match award from ITV panelist, Steve Bruce. Keep in mind that the dancing robot, Peter Crouch, scored a brace in the 3-0 win for England. When asked about the surprise selection of Becks as MoM, Capello responded by saying,

"It was like Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize after eight months as president. He gets the man of the match after 30 minutes here."

My thoughts exactly.

Disclaimer: I'm not ripping on David Beckham. I like the guy and I think he's a great footballer.

David Beckham gives a thumbs up to the fans after being named the Man of the Match against Belarus.

What is up with the beard? Please don't tell me he's already started the play off beard!

Well Done Sam's Army

Outstanding Tribute. Can't wait to see you back Charlie D.

My thoughts on Honduras

After seeing the Honduran national team fall to the American's in Honduras, nothing prepared me for what I saw as the USMNT walked off the pitch... The Honduran supporters cheering for our boys. This was such an awesome act that it left me in amazement, our boys just about crushed their chances of seeing South Africa and yet they still applauded the old US of A. Well, not only did they cheer for us after we beat them, but they waved our flag along with theirs after Honduras defeated El Salvador 1-0 (Carlos Pavon), thus ensuring a place in SA. No doubt, the U.S. flag waving was in thanks that we tied Costa Rica, but the gratitude and respect is something I don't think I would ever see in Mexico. Take notes Mexico, even as Honduras is in political turmoil they still know how to be gracious in triumph and defeat. Congrats to Honduras for making the World Cup, you owe us one if we ever need it... IF we ever need it. I am down with team Soul Glo.

FIFA 10 Video Review

RSL vs NY Red Bulls Highlights

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

Trinidad & Tobago vs Mexico Highlights

I would personally like to thank the Soca Warriors for holding Mexico to a draw.

Team Soul Glo vs El Salvador Highlights

Congrats to Honduras for qualifying for the World Cup.

U.S. vs Costa Rica Highlights

Placing first in the group is huge when it comes time for our seeding and the World Cup draw.

Onyewu Stretchered Off With Knee Injury

WASHINGTON (AP)—U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu tore a tendon in his left knee during Wednesday night’s World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, an injury that usually requires a recovery time of three-to-four months.

The AC Milan defender fell down on the slick turf of RFK Stadium during the 83rd minute of the 2-2 draw and left the field on a stretcher.

Because the U.S. had used its three substitutes, he could not be replaced. Still, the United States gained the draw when Jonathan Bornstein headed in a corner kick in the fifth minute of stopped time.

Onyewu was diagnosed with a torn patellar tendon.

A 6-foot-4 defender from Olney, Md., Onyewu left Belgium’s Standard Liege after last season and signed a three-year contract in July with AC Milan.

The 27-year-old has appeared in just one of the club’s 10 competitive matches this season, making his official debut as a 60th-minute substitute in the 1-0 Champions League loss to Zurich on Sept. 30.

My New Boots?

You guys know what I'm currently rocking for my games from a post a few months ago. Well, yesterday Beans from The Original Winger stopped by the Nike Offices in LA and took a pic of my next boot (hopefully). They're set to drop in November, so I'm thinking they'll make a good Christmas present, plus the Don't Tread On Me design is fitting for today's U.S. game.

U.S. vs Costa Rica - Don't Tread

The U.S. Men's National Team has a chance to secure first place in the final CONCACAF qualifying group tonight at RFK. In light of everything that's happened in the last 24 hours, I figured we all needed to get hyped for the day. The telecast begins at 7:30 PM Eastern/ 4:30 PM Pacific on ESPN2 and ESPN360. Don't tread on this!

More on Charlie Davies

I wanted to update you on some more info from yesterday's post.

Here's a little insight into the team's preparations before games.

For all of you going to the game or want to pay tribute to Charlie, here's your chance.

Video coverage from ESPN:

Fallback by MG! The Visionary

MG! The Visionary has never been your typical rapper. The dude sounds different, acts different and just rawks a show different. So when he posted his latest video that he did on his phone, I had to pass it along. Also, the guy used to play goalkeeper and was pretty good from what I've heard. He never seriously pursued soccer after high school though to focus on his music. I'll let him tell you the story of this video, it's interesting:

Yeah, don't leave me on a bus or in a backseat for a long time without realizing I WILL shoot a video! Here is my second offering in my own personal style, Phone-Shot Videos. This is the 1st rough draft I rendered but the final will have new edits and a few diff twists along with my bro and fav dejay DJ Ataxic on the cuts. Dig it! Pass it on.

Rookie Life Season In Review

A good recap of the main rookie players.

Charlie Davies Injured In A Car Crash: Update

I found this article with pictures of the vehicle on NBC Washington that identifies the deceased as 22 year old, Ashley J. Roberta. Our prayers go out to her family and friends.


I just saw the following article on Soccernet:

Charlie Davies, a striker for the United States national soccer team, was involved in a one-car accident early Tuesday in suburban Washington, D.C. in which another person was killed, a U.S. Soccer Federation spokeman said.

Davies was in surgery Tuesday afternoon and in stable condition, U.S. Soccer spokesman Neil Buethe said. The extent of his injuries were unknown, but Buethe said they were not life-threatening.

It is not known whether Davies was the driver or a passenger in the car.

Three people were inside the car when it crashed into a metal guardrail along the George Washington Memorial Parkway at about 3:15 a.m. ET on Tuesday, U.S. Park Police spokesman David Schlosser said, according to The Washington Post.

One of the three occupants was pronounced dead and the two others were taken to a hospital with serious injuries, the newspaper reported.

"The car was pretty much split in half," Schlosser said, according to the report.

Schlosser said the identity of the person who was killed would be made public once family members were notified, according to the report.

MLS Final Kick Week 30

Go Joe!

Our boy Joseph Supang just posted on his Facebook page that he was recently selected for the Botswana National Team. The leading scorer in Botswana history, Dipsy Selowane, used to play in MLS so we'll see where this takes Joe. We'll give you more details on his journey, but for now you can learn a lot about the guy in the first video. Best wishes, Joe!

Rookie Life

I slept on this video last week so you're getting this a little late. The Haitian Sensation is featured on the season in review episode.

Jean scored 4 goals and tallied 1 assist in 9 matches for the Aztex, averaging 1 point a game and becoming the team's second leading goalscorer.

My thoughts exactly on Columbus Day... but you know how life goes, I worked today.

Soccernet.com's coverage of U.S. birth to South Africa.

Honduras vs USA

Sterlinho and I just got back home from watching our boy's book their tickets to S. Africa and just in case you missed the game, here are the highlights. Yes, we scored some great goals, but a lot of questions are left unanswered. All I have to say is that Bornstein is not the answer and I believe our ability to attack is still our best option rather than sitting back and attempting the counter attack. Let me know what you think, for me I just don't believe in this team yet. I do believe in the players, but as a team I am not sold. We have the talent and the athleticism, but BB's team leaves me with a sinking feeling.

Ronaldo singing his heart out.

Seriously this guy needs to just stick to soccer and modeling. I'd rather listen to Sanjaya than listen to Ronaldo sing... OK, not really both suck and I'd rather hear Barry Manilow jams than this guy. Well, to be honest this is just a gag and I think it's pretty funny that Ronaldo would let everyone see how much he sucks at singing. You can read about the gag on: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/102923/His-love-song-s-offside/

US vs Honduras Viewing Locations

Since you can't catch tomorrow's World Cup Qualifier against Team Soul Glo on TV/cable, the folks at USSoccer.com have published a list of pubs that will have the game available. So it looks like we'll see you at Fado's (although the LA Galaxy viewing party looks dope).
The video below documents the team's journey to Honduras.

Freestyle Fridays

This week's Freestyle Friday features our boy Shonlock spittin' it live during a tobyMac concert. Also on the mic is Gabe Real of Arch Nemesiz. A big shout out to our boy Halicious for hooking us up with the video.

FC Dallas vs SJ Earthquakes Highlights

Jeff Cunningham cannot be stopped right now. I will admit that I want him to beat Connor Casey in the race for the Goldenboot.

The WPS Inaugural Year

We don't take a lot of time to recognize the women's game here, but we would like to say, "congratulations" to the WPS for their first year. We recognize that the WPS is a vital part of the soccer landscape in America and we wish them continued success. After all, the U.S. Women have won two more World Cup Championships than the men and the WPS has Free Agency.

Jermaine Jenas & Nelly

Spurs star Jermaine Jenas had St. Louis' finest perform at his engagement party the other night. But while one St. Louis boy is busy singing in England, another is modeling for Cosmo letting all the ladies know what he's looking for. I have a small suspicion that we won't be seeing Nelly at Taylor's engagement party in the future.

Press Pass: Americans Abroad

Derek Rae and Janusz Michallik weigh in on the Americans Abroad.

MLS Final Kick Week 29

Landon's Goal On Friday Night

In case you missed the MLS Game of the Week on Friday, you can watch it in it's entirety on ESPN360...or you can see Landon's goal right here.

USMNT and World Cup Qualification

All you need to know and more.

Wizards vs Dynamo

The draw allowed the Dynamo to become the third team to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

Single Entity

I saw this article about cases the Supreme Court will hear this term, and one involving the NFL could have implications for MLS. MLS is considered a Single Entity, so on the surface this case may appear to have little to do with MLS. If the court rules that the NFL is a single entity, it would likely have little impact on MLS' current structure. However, if the Court rules that the NFL is a collection of individual business, it could open the door for either the Major League Soccer Players Union or a third party such as Nike to challenge Major League Soccer's Single Entity structure. This could lead to the Players' Union gaining bargaining power, or even the end of the league's exclusive deal with Adidas. There are many variables in these scenarios and I am no lawyer, but this case does have the potential to have a major impact on MLS. Below is the excerpt of the article related to this case, as well as a link to the article in its entirety.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20091005/us_time/08599192776000

American Needle v. National Football League
At issue: Whether sporting leagues should be exempt from antitrust regulations.

Experts say American Needle may turn out to be the most important legal decision in sporting history. The sportswear manufacturer contracted with NFL teams to produce hats and headgear with official team logos. But the NFL decided to give an exclusive leaguewide license to Reebok in 2000, leading American Needle to sue, claiming the NFL's action violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by limiting the market for who could produce team-branded merchandise.

The fundamental question for the court to decide is whether the NFL should be considered a single entity or a collection of 32 individual businesses. The answer to this question has repercussions beyond the production of licensed merchandise. If the NFL is considered a single entity, it would largely be exempt from antitrust laws, giving the league not only continued right to grant exclusive licenses for team apparel but also the ability to make decisions on a leaguewide basis. This opens the door to the NFL - rather than individual teams - determining things like ticket prices and player salaries. Indeed, the bargaining power of the NFL Players Union is based on antitrust legislation that the league would largely be immune to if it receives a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court. Other sporting leagues are watching the American Needle case closely; many have filed briefs in favor of the NFL's position.

New England Rev's vs Colorado Rapids

DC United vs Chivas USA

Columbus Crew vs Seattle Sounders FC

B-Boy Mickey

In anticipation of MJ: This Is It, I had to post this video of Mickey Mouse breaking out the Moonwalk. Enjoy.

1901, by Phoenix

Heard this song on a commercial and thought... Dang that's a nice guitar sound! Definitely had to search for it. As many of you know, I'm into this kinda of music. Especially bands from the U.K. But wait.... This band's from France? I heard the studio version and let me say they sound the same live. You know bands are good when they sound just as good live as they do on their album. Enjoy.

Crossbar Challenge Part 3

The Sounders have posted part 3 of their Crossbar Challenge series.

Zach Scott is in this one, and Ty used to play with him, he's a good player.

Johnny Evans feeling the pressure.

The secret to Rooney's success... Marriage??