As the news trickles in about recent contract discussions with Lalas, Twellman, and McBride, here is my dream team for the 2018 World Cup: (assuming all contracts are up)
Studio Hosts
Bob Ley, Gary Lineker, Rebecca Lowe
Studio Analysts
Alexi Lalas, Gary Neville, Michael Ballack, Tim Howard, Franz Beckenbauer, Robbie Earle, Robbie Mustoe, Kyle Martino, Colin Udoh, Mario Kempes
Sideline Reporters
Geoff Skelling, Monica Gonzalez, Landon Donovan
Announcing Teams
Ian Darke/Steve McManaman (A team; used for all US games)
Jon Champion/Craig Burley (B team)
John Strong/Graeme le Saux (Overflow team for the times when there are 3 WC games/day)
Announcing teams are no-brainers. Darke/Macca for their years of experience commentating EPL games to a US audience. Champion is (I think) the B guy for Sky, and I wanted to pair him up with someone with whom he has good chemistry, and I wanted the American voice as a 3rd wheel.
As for everyone else, I think this gives a nice worldly perspective on the tournament with lots of Americans.
Let me know what you guys think of this World Cup dream team.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
NASL Soccer Bowl 2014 Recap
In front of 7,800 fans in the Toyota Stadium, the San Antonio Scorpions defeated the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 2-1 to win the NASL Soccer Bowl trophy. This game was the most widely-available game the NASL season, and it did not disappoint... at least the second half didn't. Here are my main talking points:
1. San Antonio's quality of goals.
That first goal should win every Goal of the Year award for which it's eligible. A beautiful bicycle kick from just outside the penalty area gave the Scorpions a 1-0 lead.
2. Defending
The defending in this game was just disgusting from both teams. They both gave each other golden opportunities to succeed, most notably, the Ft. Lauderdale penalty kick that wasn't converted. Stonewall penalty, but Fafa Picault should have taken it. Then, on the Strikers' goal, the Scorpions defense fell asleep at the wheel and got complacent.
3. KSAT's production value (or lack thereof)
First of all, as a general rule when broadcasting, you always produce the stadium audio when doing a trophy or medal presentation. And you shut up and let everyone else do the talking, no matter how badly they do it. I thought their interlude music greatly overpowered the rest of the audio that was occurring at the time, and the crowd was non-existent for most of the broadcast as displayed on my speakers. For a championship game, you need to be able to hear the crowd clearly at all times. Not to mention the unending commentary gaffes by the team's crew, one of which was saying that the Strikers have been around for 3 years, established in 2011... it's 2014. They've been around for around 50 years. Overall, I think that if you're going to have ESPN broadcasting your championship game, let them bring their people. I want to hear the dulcet tones of Ian Darke and (I pray) Steve McManaman (or Twellman if this falls in the November FIFA dates again)... it wouldn't hurt to borrow Geoff Skelling from Sky for a game either.
Overall, the second half on-field play was the best part of the game. The production and commentary were unbearable. Instead of focusing on expansion of your stadium, you should get a better production and commentary team, San Antonio. Congratulations on your championship, but improve that production value.
1. San Antonio's quality of goals.
That first goal should win every Goal of the Year award for which it's eligible. A beautiful bicycle kick from just outside the penalty area gave the Scorpions a 1-0 lead.
2. Defending
The defending in this game was just disgusting from both teams. They both gave each other golden opportunities to succeed, most notably, the Ft. Lauderdale penalty kick that wasn't converted. Stonewall penalty, but Fafa Picault should have taken it. Then, on the Strikers' goal, the Scorpions defense fell asleep at the wheel and got complacent.
3. KSAT's production value (or lack thereof)
First of all, as a general rule when broadcasting, you always produce the stadium audio when doing a trophy or medal presentation. And you shut up and let everyone else do the talking, no matter how badly they do it. I thought their interlude music greatly overpowered the rest of the audio that was occurring at the time, and the crowd was non-existent for most of the broadcast as displayed on my speakers. For a championship game, you need to be able to hear the crowd clearly at all times. Not to mention the unending commentary gaffes by the team's crew, one of which was saying that the Strikers have been around for 3 years, established in 2011... it's 2014. They've been around for around 50 years. Overall, I think that if you're going to have ESPN broadcasting your championship game, let them bring their people. I want to hear the dulcet tones of Ian Darke and (I pray) Steve McManaman (or Twellman if this falls in the November FIFA dates again)... it wouldn't hurt to borrow Geoff Skelling from Sky for a game either.
Overall, the second half on-field play was the best part of the game. The production and commentary were unbearable. Instead of focusing on expansion of your stadium, you should get a better production and commentary team, San Antonio. Congratulations on your championship, but improve that production value.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Reaction to US-Colombia
The first thing I should mention is that I despise it when the team I root for gives up a goal in the dying embers of a game. This will have a twinge of sting to it.
Now, I did feel that Rubin was my Man of the Match, simply because of his excellent movement and good play with our so-called #1 striker Altidore. He did score today... but that was a penalty kick. Rubin had so many more chances to finish because of his good play, but that's the only thing that's holding him back from stardom. Yes, every player has an off night (and Rubin did not), but if he wants to unseat Altidore from his starting spot, he has to finish those chances. He is 18 years old, so I won't be too disappointed in him, but those goals could have been his ticket to bigger and better things in January.
Now, for everyone else. I thought Yedlin did OK today, but not too great on the ball. That will need to improve before he goes to Spurs. Conversely, I thought Garza did an excellent job today, especially in spotting the Colombia corner trick and neutralizing it.
Let me talk about their first goal. As a defender (or any player), you're taught in youth soccer (or should have been) that if you raise your hand, you need a sub. Why did the defenders raise their hand? It's an offside goal, but they should have kept playing anyway. Second goal was the last-minute goal, and that needs to be eliminated from the US game immediately. Also, in the second half, the US let Colombia have the ball for pretty much the entire half. I'll end with one positive thought, though. Lee Nguyen is a creative player and should get more call-ups.
Now, I did feel that Rubin was my Man of the Match, simply because of his excellent movement and good play with our so-called #1 striker Altidore. He did score today... but that was a penalty kick. Rubin had so many more chances to finish because of his good play, but that's the only thing that's holding him back from stardom. Yes, every player has an off night (and Rubin did not), but if he wants to unseat Altidore from his starting spot, he has to finish those chances. He is 18 years old, so I won't be too disappointed in him, but those goals could have been his ticket to bigger and better things in January.
Now, for everyone else. I thought Yedlin did OK today, but not too great on the ball. That will need to improve before he goes to Spurs. Conversely, I thought Garza did an excellent job today, especially in spotting the Colombia corner trick and neutralizing it.
Let me talk about their first goal. As a defender (or any player), you're taught in youth soccer (or should have been) that if you raise your hand, you need a sub. Why did the defenders raise their hand? It's an offside goal, but they should have kept playing anyway. Second goal was the last-minute goal, and that needs to be eliminated from the US game immediately. Also, in the second half, the US let Colombia have the ball for pretty much the entire half. I'll end with one positive thought, though. Lee Nguyen is a creative player and should get more call-ups.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
NASL Soccer Bowl Preview: San Antonio v Ft. Lauderdale
NASL Soccer Bowl 2014 will consist of two teams with a big sporting history... and (if you're dumb enough to believe Ft. Lauderdale = Miami) a rematch of the NBA Finals.
Of course, that joke won't earn me any brownie points with the Strikers supporters, but this game will be the most widely available NASL game of the year: ONE World Sports will broadcast it, as well as ESPN3.com. I also know that the Strikers put on one of the most impressive defensive displays I've ever seen in a do-or-die game, referee mistake aside. I think that Contofalsky is going to have to stand on his head on November 15th if Ft. Lauderdale have a shot at winning the Soccer Bowl. As for San Antonio, they will look to pepper the Strikers defense with plenty of scoring opportunities. However, it also took extra time to decide their match at home against the NY Cosmos. The Scorpions have a deadly attack, with Forbes being their most creative player, leading the NASL with 7 assists in 2014. Not to say that Ft. Lauderdale's attack is bad (their main striker Fafa Picault has 12 goals on the year), it will be an exciting match that I think will come down to who can find the net, and which goalkeeper will turn up to be ready to make some big saves.
Prediction: SA 3-2 FTL
Of course, that joke won't earn me any brownie points with the Strikers supporters, but this game will be the most widely available NASL game of the year: ONE World Sports will broadcast it, as well as ESPN3.com. I also know that the Strikers put on one of the most impressive defensive displays I've ever seen in a do-or-die game, referee mistake aside. I think that Contofalsky is going to have to stand on his head on November 15th if Ft. Lauderdale have a shot at winning the Soccer Bowl. As for San Antonio, they will look to pepper the Strikers defense with plenty of scoring opportunities. However, it also took extra time to decide their match at home against the NY Cosmos. The Scorpions have a deadly attack, with Forbes being their most creative player, leading the NASL with 7 assists in 2014. Not to say that Ft. Lauderdale's attack is bad (their main striker Fafa Picault has 12 goals on the year), it will be an exciting match that I think will come down to who can find the net, and which goalkeeper will turn up to be ready to make some big saves.
Prediction: SA 3-2 FTL
Friday, November 7, 2014
My USMNT Preview v Colombia
This is my preview post for the US National Team's friendly against Colombia at Craven Cottage in London:
The US is looking like an experimental side at best, with some (IMO) shocking non-call-ups in Emerson Hyndman (Fulham player who will be playing with U-20s in a tournament in Spain). I truly feel that he should have been called up to this game because he's a Fulham player, and we need the local support to have a true home field advantage. Jozy Altidore has not been scoring anything as of late, and Fulham legend Clint Dempsey is playing in the MLS playoffs with Seattle.
In terms of Colombia, they will be a tough team to play against. They are coming off an impressive World Cup all things considered, and they will prove to have a litmus test that a developing squad such as ours will need for the coming few years.
The roster I would name:
Goalkeepers: Guzan, Hamid, Cropper
Defenders: Ream, Johnson, Garza, Chandler, Lichaj, Besler, Palmer-Brown
Midfielders: Gil, Sczetela, Ibarra, Bedoya, Zusi, Flores, Forbes
Forwards: Ramirez, Wooten, Picault, Chavez, Molino, Delicate, Morris
Reasons:
- Get as many NASL and USL PRO players in the European shop window to further each player's development. If this means throwing away the Colombia and Ireland games, so be it. These are only friendlies and should be used to examine all players at all levels. Cohesion with the more established players should come later.
- Get Guzan some meaningful playing time with a more youth-based defense should he get the starting nod by 2018.
I know that this lineup will never occur, but this is what I would lean toward with these friendlies.
The US is looking like an experimental side at best, with some (IMO) shocking non-call-ups in Emerson Hyndman (Fulham player who will be playing with U-20s in a tournament in Spain). I truly feel that he should have been called up to this game because he's a Fulham player, and we need the local support to have a true home field advantage. Jozy Altidore has not been scoring anything as of late, and Fulham legend Clint Dempsey is playing in the MLS playoffs with Seattle.
In terms of Colombia, they will be a tough team to play against. They are coming off an impressive World Cup all things considered, and they will prove to have a litmus test that a developing squad such as ours will need for the coming few years.
The roster I would name:
Goalkeepers: Guzan, Hamid, Cropper
Defenders: Ream, Johnson, Garza, Chandler, Lichaj, Besler, Palmer-Brown
Midfielders: Gil, Sczetela, Ibarra, Bedoya, Zusi, Flores, Forbes
Forwards: Ramirez, Wooten, Picault, Chavez, Molino, Delicate, Morris
Reasons:
- Get as many NASL and USL PRO players in the European shop window to further each player's development. If this means throwing away the Colombia and Ireland games, so be it. These are only friendlies and should be used to examine all players at all levels. Cohesion with the more established players should come later.
- Get Guzan some meaningful playing time with a more youth-based defense should he get the starting nod by 2018.
I know that this lineup will never occur, but this is what I would lean toward with these friendlies.
Monday, November 3, 2014
US National Team Players Post-Brazil; and New Stadium in Salt Lake City
First, read this.
Jurgen Klinsmann spoke to the media today regarding the European-based US players that have played in the World Cup. He said, "A lot of our players that played really well in the World Cup and were consistent and worked very, very hard really dropped their performances after the World Cup, even after they are starters with their teams or in many cases unfortunately are not starters in their teams anymore." I watched Palace-Sunderland today, with the full hope that Jozy Altidore, our #1 striker, would start and score bunches of goals, and entertain the American audience watching the game on NBCSN (or more likely streaming it from work). Unfortunately, when looking at his stats since he joined Sunderland, let alone the World Cup, he has not performed effectively for that team. No, Mr. Klinsmann, Jozy is not complacent due to a "good performance" at the World Cup (he got injured in Game 1 against Ghana), he's complacent because YOU have not given any other striker the same opportunity as you continue to give him. Bobby Wood is lighting it up for his club, what more does he have to do to get a fair shake? Terrance Boyd was in-form before the World Cup! Did you call him up? No, you didn't! You called up perennial MLS player Chris Wondolowski, who will never improve in his ability to score goals against competition who doesn't put up too much of a fight, especially at the ripe old age of 31. I agree with almost everything you say, but this one, I must disagree with your tact with complacency. you made them complacent, not a good World Cup.
Next issue is the Real Monarchs unveiling on MLSsoccer.com. I'd love to know how Real Salt Lake got a stadium for the specific use of its USL PRO team, with nothing else to occupy it regularly (not talking about one-offs like concerts) while their opponents in the USL PRO who are not second teams of MLS sides cannot even get their own stadium (except Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Charlestion). That to me screams corruption at tis finest, and that is wrong! We must stop corruption at all levels, wherever we may find it. Now, I'm not criticizing Real Salt Lake or the City of Salt Lake here, what they did was impressive. However, the other USL PRO teams must be afforded the same opportunities as them, with owners who are committed to their cities and their clubs. I hope that the other USL PRO clubs who do not have their own stadiums that they use built for their purpose can be found.
Jurgen Klinsmann spoke to the media today regarding the European-based US players that have played in the World Cup. He said, "A lot of our players that played really well in the World Cup and were consistent and worked very, very hard really dropped their performances after the World Cup, even after they are starters with their teams or in many cases unfortunately are not starters in their teams anymore." I watched Palace-Sunderland today, with the full hope that Jozy Altidore, our #1 striker, would start and score bunches of goals, and entertain the American audience watching the game on NBCSN (or more likely streaming it from work). Unfortunately, when looking at his stats since he joined Sunderland, let alone the World Cup, he has not performed effectively for that team. No, Mr. Klinsmann, Jozy is not complacent due to a "good performance" at the World Cup (he got injured in Game 1 against Ghana), he's complacent because YOU have not given any other striker the same opportunity as you continue to give him. Bobby Wood is lighting it up for his club, what more does he have to do to get a fair shake? Terrance Boyd was in-form before the World Cup! Did you call him up? No, you didn't! You called up perennial MLS player Chris Wondolowski, who will never improve in his ability to score goals against competition who doesn't put up too much of a fight, especially at the ripe old age of 31. I agree with almost everything you say, but this one, I must disagree with your tact with complacency. you made them complacent, not a good World Cup.
Next issue is the Real Monarchs unveiling on MLSsoccer.com. I'd love to know how Real Salt Lake got a stadium for the specific use of its USL PRO team, with nothing else to occupy it regularly (not talking about one-offs like concerts) while their opponents in the USL PRO who are not second teams of MLS sides cannot even get their own stadium (except Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Charlestion). That to me screams corruption at tis finest, and that is wrong! We must stop corruption at all levels, wherever we may find it. Now, I'm not criticizing Real Salt Lake or the City of Salt Lake here, what they did was impressive. However, the other USL PRO teams must be afforded the same opportunities as them, with owners who are committed to their cities and their clubs. I hope that the other USL PRO clubs who do not have their own stadiums that they use built for their purpose can be found.
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