Freestyle Fridays

Nike Master Accuracy - Hit the Target

Injuries mounting for US

Clint Dempsey went down with a knee injury in the 62nd minute versus Blackburn and could have his World Cup hopes shattered. The extent of his injury is still unknown as Fulham boss Roy Hodgeson is waiting on further detail. What do you think of the news? Are you just as frustrated as I am? This will certainly test the depth of the US National Team.

The Power of X

18 Bid Cities Announced (Sorry Portland)

I received this email from David Downs, the Executive Director of the USA World Cup Bid Committee:

The USA Bid Committee just released the final list of cities to be included in our official Bid Book to FIFA. These cities could be the site of a future World Cup match!

Click here to see the full list of cities that will be part of our bid:

http://gousabid.com/BidCities

It was very difficult to narrow the list of cities to 18, the maximum allowed by FIFA. All 27 locations under consideration demonstrated an incredible understanding and passion for the Game, and would have made excellent additions to our bid.

The 18 cities that were selected far exceed FIFA's criteria and were able to deliver signed FIFA agreements. They represent all four time zones and every corner of the country, making this a truly national bid.

Check out the full list of cities -- and share it with every soccer fan you know:

http://gousabid.com/BidCities

With the selection of these 18 cities, we are another step closer to completing our bid and bringing the FIFA World Cup™ back to the United States. I'm so glad you're such a big part of this effort.

Thanks again for your continued support.

-- David

David Downs
Executive Director
USA Bid Committee

Does anybody else find it funny that the self proclaimed Soccer City USA isn't on the list? And how about President Obama's Chicago getting shut out by the Olympics and now our own country?

The Fire Hire Carlos de los Cobos

The Chicage Fire have announced the hiring of Carlos de los Cobos as their new head coach. Carlos (click here to see him in his playing days) was most recently the head coach for the El Salvador national team and led them to the final round of CONCACAF's World Cup qualifying tournament. I find it interesting that another club has gone outside the ranks of MLS coaches to find their man. We'll see how these new coaches deal with all the quirky MLS rules (unless the teams are banking on a new CBA without all the weird MLS rules. Oh sorry, I'll stop dreaming now.). At least de los Cobos is committed to playing attacking futbol.

MLS Combine

The MLS Combine in Fort Lauderdale, FL has kicked off it's second day of matches. You can follow the action through Soccer By Ives or the MLS Insider. It's been uncharacteristically cold in Florida so here's something to warm you up.

Here is video from game 1 on Saturday.

Goals from Andrew Hoxie (#50), Steven Kinney (#40), Eric Alexander (#48), Othaniel Yanez (#45) and Drew Yates (#31).

UPDATE - Here is video from today's first game .

MLS Combine 2010: Monday Game One Goals from mlsinsider on Vimeo.

Goals by: Michael Thomas (#43, Notre Dame), Villanova’s Mike Seamon (#64) and Andrew Hoxie (#50, William & Mary)

When fans counter attack.

I caught this on Fox Soccer Report the other night. Usually clips like these are only meant for a quick laugh and we forget about it, but this guy made actual headlines. I found the article on Reuters UK. Things must be pretty bad for the Indonesian National Team if a fan invades the pitch mocks the team and is now being labled a hero.

Landon Donovan postgame interview

Landon gives BBC Sport a post game interview on his debut vs Arsenal. He comments on the pace of the Prem vs MLS and gives a quick assessment on his play. Not a bad first day considering the opponent and it won't get any easier... Up next, Manchester City. BBC Sport also interviewed David Moyes on the match and praises Landon on his first game.

Donovan makes debut vs Arsenal

Got to admit I was pretty excited to see Landon starting against the Gunners. Even more happy with his contribution. Not a bad first day for the Yank.

Togo Teamed Attacked (Update)

After suffering a deadly ambush in Angola the Togo national team have announced that they are withdrawing from the African Cup of Nations. The decision was final when 2 more deaths to the Togolese staff was announced today, making it a total of 3 killed. Do you think more will follow Togo? Is this competition doomed? Do you think these events will have a negative effect on the World Cup in South Africa?

Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Gladiator + 300= Starz Original Series. Glad I don't have Starz.

Even Messi Dines Alone

Here is video of Lionel Messi waiting for an interview the day after he won the FIFA World Player of the Year.


And here's said interview.

We Are Not Spectators

FC Dallas have started their push to get 2010 season tickets deposits with their We Are Not Spectators campaign. I appreciate the effort, but it feels kind of like a bad version of the Nike commercial with the Brasilian National Team in the airport. It could be worse, much worse, like New York's Running with the Red Bulls campaign, which might be the worse marketing campaign ever. Even the Revolution did a better job with their parody of NYRB's flop. Come on already, just bite Scarf Seattle, look how it worked for the Sounders.

Patrick Viera's Man City Unveiling

On The Spot With Robbie Keane

From Nike Football:

Superstar striker Robbie Keane dropped in to give us the low-down on taking a flawless penalty.

Robbie gave his tips on how to score from the spot, every time you step-up. From top techniques for scorching top corners, to keeping your cool when the crowds against you strikers cant afford to miss this.

Check out the video and put the fear into a keepers eyes.

Get your T90 III boots at the Nikestore.com.

Togo Team Attacked

The club managers in Europe (especially in England) have already been complaining about the African Cup of Nations, but today's events surely add fuel to the fire. The Togo national soccer team was attacked by gunmen in Angola a few days ahead of their opening match against Ghana. The bus driver was killed and at least nine others were injured.

For those of you wondering how this may effect this summer's World Cup, you can read Steve Zakuani's reaction here.

And since we're on the topic of violence surrounding football, check out this article from Mexico. I wouldn't want to play with that ball!

I'm So Excited!

So Landon is excited to play in the Premier League. Being given the #9 shirt has to put some pressure on him and the media in England will actually pay attention to him. So I hope his excitement doesn't cause him to freak out Jesse Spano style. I'm so scared!

Red Bulls Hire Hans Backe

The other day I asked, "What's going on with the Red Bulls?" I guess someone was listening because the organization announced Hans Backe as their new Head Coach. Backe recently quit Notts County seven weeks after signing a 3 year deal.The Sven-Goran Ericksson protege has a lot of experience, but nothing can prepare foreign coaches for the intricacies of MLS. Footballing great, Ruud Gullit is a prime example of the frustration that MLS rules can cause a foreign coach. At least Backe can't do any worse than Juan Carlos Osorio...or can he?

More Donovan at Everton news

Landon Donovan was officially unveiled to the media today and what surprised me is that he received the number 9 shirt. Talk about expectations! Landon also revealed that David Beckham helped him in his decision to go on loan to Everton. Will Donovan fail or succeed? And what would be a successful loan spell? Let us know what you think.

My Footballing Heroes - The Real Ronaldo

I'm going to date myself a little bit here, but two of my biggest footballing heroes were/are OG Ronaldo (you know, the one who actually holds the World Cup record for goals scored) and David Beckham. I guess being a winger I tried to take parts of both of their game and meld them into mine. Too bad I didn't do a better job. So just watch this video and agree with me that OG Ronaldo is the sickness.

Hip Hop Lives by KRS-ONE and Marley Marl

This track is from 2007 but it still rings true today. After listening to this track, you'll understand why I post underground stuff that you've probably never heard of. And if you know your hip hop history you'll realize that this song squashes major beef.

Adu off..... Again.

Freddy Adu has signed with Aris Thessaloniki FC according to the clubs website his loan will go till June of 2011 with the option to buy. Freddy will sure be happy to join the team knowing his USA teammate Eddie Johnson will be there. Eddie Johnson joined the club on loan as well from Fulham F.C. of the English Premiership. Aris sits one point clear in 4th place and are battling for the final Europa League spot. Do you think this is a good move for Freddy? Is this his last hope to succeed in Europe?


In other transfer news:

F.C. Dallas has announced the signing of Ghana International Aziz Ansah (Defender). Not a whole lot out there about Ansah, I will definitely be checking him out once the MLS season begins.

Not a whole lot of action going on in the Transfer Window... so far, but with Donovan at Everton, Eddie Johnson and Adu at Aris, will we see more Yanks finding new clubs? I am sure this is the calm before the storm. Stay tuned.

Dark Times for United?

I'm a huge Manchester United fan and this article by John Leicester of the Associated Press, brings out the fears that I've been feeling for quite some time. This season has been a huge disappointment and the continuing downward struggle I've been noticing, in particularly the FA Cup disaster makes me think of Leeds United's fall from Footballing grace. I may be jumping the gun as to say Man U will be relegated, but a Cup drought doesn't look too unlikely. Check out the article and let me know your thoughts. Will United recover or has the high price of winning and keeping up with the spending power of their rivals finally caught up with them? Do you think the Glazers have ruined the club? Is this all paranoia?

What's Going On With The Red Bulls?

The worst team in the league is tough to figure out.
Good: They are about to open the coolest soccer specific stadium in the country. Which puts them in the running to host the 2010 MLS Cup in addition to the Big East Championships.
Bad: They still don't have a head coach and the MLS Combine is starting next week with the draft on January 14th.
Good: They signed Costa Rican defender Roy Miller. Miller currently plays for Rosenborg in Norway and was a pre-season target for the Sounders last year.
Bad: Mac Kandji in this article. Well, at least we know he can score off the field.

Dempsey's Volley Against Stoke

The Full Generation Adidas Class

MLS officially announced their full class of Generation Adidas players and one name that I immediately noticed was missing is the 2009 Young Male Athlete of the Year, Luis Gil. The U.S. U-17 World Cup midfielder was a hot prospect for MLS and Ives even had him as a first round pick. Well now it looks like the kid might be skipping the domestic league and trying to land in Europe. Rumors have been around for a while now that he would cross the Atlantic, but now I see two options:
1) Stay at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL for another year, or
2) Sign with a European squad...after all, they have youth AND reserve teams.

Stuart Holden on Good Morning America

I really slept on this. Really, I was sleeping while Stu was holding it down. I saw on his twitter that he was going to be on, but I never set my DVR.

The Mexican Lottery?

I have no idea what this is about...other than a Mexican lottery game. Oh Danny Boy, please translate!


UPDATE - Someone was kind enough to translate this for me...no thanks to ODB.
Caption - Mexican Frontier 7:30am
COP: Stop right there.
LD: I am Mexican.
COP: Of course not, you're Landon Donovan!
LD: Awwh.
COP: What are you doing over here?
LD: It's just that it's winning in Mexico is easier.
COP: WHAT?!?
LD: No, no, no! I'm talking about GanaGol.
COP: GanaGol???
LD: GanaGol - the new game where it's easier to win because there are only 12 games.
COP: Well, it'll be easier for ME...not for you!
LD: [Sighs]
COP: So go back home. NOW! LET'S GO!
LD: [Walking Away] CULEEEEEEERO!

Everton through to round 4 as Landon arrives.

Landon Donovan was in the stands to see his new side's win over Carlisle United (League One) in F.A. Cup round 3 action. James Vaughan was the first to put Everton in the lead after picking off an embarrassing back pass from Adam Clayton in just 12 minutes from the start of the whistle. If David Moyes' side thought this was a taste of things to come they were sadly mistaken. The Cumbrians proved to be a worthy adversary and Kevan Hurst was the man to prove that. In just 6 minutes after Vaughan's goal, Hurst put away Adam Clayton's long range bomb that Tim Howard could only parry in the path of Hurst, which he put away from a yard out. As the game wore on Everton grew increasingly frustrated until Tim Cahill put the Toffees ahead in the 82nd minute. Leighton Baines added the insurance goal with a 90th minute penalty that made sure Carlisle's dream of advancing was laid to rest, and gave the blue side of Liverpool a sigh of relief. No word yet if Donovan will feature in the match against Arsenal on January 9th.