Saturday, March 21, 2015

NASL 2015 Season Predictions

Here is my predicted standings and Soccer Bowl prediction for the NASL 2015 season.

Assume that I show combined standings, and that the winner of the Spring Season is the same as the winner of the Fall Season for simplicity's sake.

Qualify for NASL playoffs
Carolina RailHawks
New York Cosmos
Ft. Lauderdale Strikers
Minnesota United

5. Tampa Bay Rowdies
6. FC Edmonton
7. San Antonio Scorpions
8. Indy Eleven
9. Jacksonville Armada
10. Ottawa Fury
11. Atlanta Silverbacks

NASL Playoff Predictions:
(1) CAR 0-1 (4) MIN
(2) NY 3-2 (3) FTL

NASL Soccer Bowl 2015
NY 2-1 MIN aet

I strongly hope that the Silverbacks prove me wrong, but it seems that the ownership group has given up, but the fans are very strong. Please prove me wrong, Atlanta, for your fans don't deserve to finish last for their efforts.

Friday, March 13, 2015

American Outlaws Reaction

I'm sure all of you have seen the fusion.net article that broke this story, but if you haven't seen it, go look at it now, then continue reading.

Now, for my reaction. AO Phoenix should be ashamed of themselves for not only the incidents described in the article, but for their response was even more disrespectful. I think AO national needs to expel their Phoenix chapter or put them on probation for a long time for them to get themselves sorted out.

However, they, thank God, do not represent all of AO. AO Seattle's response to this was full of class and respect. They gave an e-mail and a phone number for members to call about their negative experiences. If that does not show proper leadership of a chapter, I don't know what else would. I am proud of AO Seattle for their response, and I think AO Phoenix should be either done or on probation for a really long time. Racism and sexism is uncalled for in those settings, and there needs to be steps taken, especially in light of the SAE controversy at the University of Oklahoma, and the new controversy surrounding another fraternity at the University of Maryland.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Women Win Against Norway... and #MartinezOUT

The United States women's team defeated Norway 2-1 today in the Algarve Cup. Hope Solo came straight back into the first team after her suspension, and the effort shown was poor. The only thing I can praise the women for was their determination not to lose.


Then, the "main event" at the Brittania: Stoke-Everton. That was about as enjoyable to watch as tennis. Roberto Martinez went out there with a so-called 4-3-3 formation with 1 winger and 4 center midfielders. And that's not even the worst part. He never put a second winger on throughout the game. (He did put Mirallas on, but only after taking Lennon off) He has been doing this for far too long, and everyone knows the team set to play week in, week out, which is depressing. So, I think there has to be a change at Everton manager immediately. Roberto Martinez should not be allowed to ride the bus back with the lads back to Liverpool. Even though Robles played magnificently in Howard's absence, he puts him straight back in after injury. That's not being a manager, that's playing favorites. I could go on and on with all of this, not to mention Lukaku's shot that he should've scored. The only player that I can genuinely say cared was John Stones. He has played very well, and also Garbutt with his corner delivery. Those two should be in the starting XI every week, if fit, on merit.

And now, my message to all Evertonians in Britain: do whatever you have to do to get Martinez out.