Today, Tim Howard bottled it. No ifs, ands, or buts, he bottled it. No excuse for his poor performance today for the Toffees. Yes, Lukaku missed chances, but that shouldn't have mattered. We should be talking about a pretty drab, routine 2-0 win today over bottom of the table Leicester at home, but we're not. Over in Birmingham, it doesn't seem like Brad Guzan's doing that well, either for Villa.
So, that got me to thinking about the state of American goalkeeping in the Premier League, and the future of it. I feel that as Howard and Guzan eventually retire, there will be less Americans between the sticks overall after they retire in due course. That may be because the Bundesliga is becoming more trusting of American signings (example is former UMD goalkeeper Zach Steffen signing for Freiburg). The only other American goalkeeper in the Premier League is Cody Cropper, and, according to his player profile on the Southampton web site, "He has established himself as one of the regular goalkeepers in the Under-21 side during his time with Saints, as well as being involved with the first-team on matchdays and away trips." In the 2014-15 U21 Premier League season, he has not appeared in their last 3 games, and he has not even been included in their bench. So, without too much to go off of, I think he needs to leave and get some first-team football to further his development. I don't care if he goes to a club that's worse at developing players through a youth system, if he plays first-team football, that's better than most youth academies the world over.
So, I ask you: are American goalkeepers in the Premier League doomed, or are they just on hiatus? For me, it's not looking too good right now.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
The Possibility of Replacement Players in MLS
The MLS labor negotiations are at a fever pitch as the MLS season is slated to begin on March 6. Unfortunately, the CBA has not yet been signed, so that got me thinking about the potential use of replacement players in MLS, and my opinion on the topic. The few uses of replacement players that I could find were as follows: MLB in 1995 after the 1994 season was effectively canceled. They had to use them for a few weeks, but only for spring training. The US national soccer team has used replacement players before in 2005, but no games were played with the lower-tier players. In more recent times, the trend has been to lock out all of the personnel and cancel games and/or entire seasons in order to proceed with negotiations. For example, there was no 2006-07 NHL season, and part of a recent NBA season was also canceled, leading to dramatic shifts in the value of the leagues.
It is for that reason that I think MLS should get their labor house in order before playing any games. It would greatly hurt teams such as the Cosmos and other NASL teams as their players would be pressured to play in MLS and forego their NASL commitments, and I would like to see those NASL players play in the NASL, as per their contracts with the NASL teams. However, if a lockout were to happen, it would be a grand revolution for the NASL as more eyes will be glued to that league, using the potential MLS lockout to their advantage. However, only one league would benefit from this, and the rest of them would suffer greatly with a lockout. Well, if those leagues would like to be at the mercy of MLS, let them. They will suffer all the same.
It is for that reason that I think MLS should get their labor house in order before playing any games. It would greatly hurt teams such as the Cosmos and other NASL teams as their players would be pressured to play in MLS and forego their NASL commitments, and I would like to see those NASL players play in the NASL, as per their contracts with the NASL teams. However, if a lockout were to happen, it would be a grand revolution for the NASL as more eyes will be glued to that league, using the potential MLS lockout to their advantage. However, only one league would benefit from this, and the rest of them would suffer greatly with a lockout. Well, if those leagues would like to be at the mercy of MLS, let them. They will suffer all the same.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Thoughts on the Derby and Wednesday, and Some Personal News
If anyone's paid any attention to my Twitter account recently, you'll have seen a period of inactivity in the past week. That is because I have moved this past weekend, and it took that long to get the Internet in. So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on the two games Everton played this week, plus my belated thoughts on US-Chile. (I forgot about the US-Panama game on Sunday.)
US-Chile
I thought we played very well against Chile, considering most of our players weren't yet match fit, and we were facing a team from the Chilean Premier League, who were match fit after playing 4 league games. As much as I can say well done, I feel that we could have won that game. I remember our defense playing poorly, making too many mental mistakes, even for not being match fit.
Merseyside Derby
Every derby, no matter the fixture list, fixture congestion, injuries, etc., I expect, nay, demand that Everton win, no matter the circumstances. (I'm sure Jon Townsend would say the same thing on the other side.) For me, in this game, anything less than a win is unacceptable, and to say that we couldn't even get a goal past a converted midfielder who played CB is beyond me, no matter how good Can is at that role. We can't blame the referee here, we can only blame ourselves for this 0-0 draw that feels like loss.
Everton-Chelsea
All through that game, I was screaming at my television. Lee Dixon was right when he pointed out that Everton showed no purpose in possession. while playing like Barcelona is ideal most of the time, if you can't win playing that style, then it's time for a change. Now, let me talk about the uncalled handball on Naismith for a few minutes. I wasn't on Twitter, so I didn't see the reaction to the non-call, but from where I was watching the game, and the replays shown on the TV, that was a handball as it touched his upper arm. The game should have finished worse than 1-0, maybe 2-0 or 2-1, depending on how you feel about Lukaku's shot that got saved by Cech's legs.
US-Chile
I thought we played very well against Chile, considering most of our players weren't yet match fit, and we were facing a team from the Chilean Premier League, who were match fit after playing 4 league games. As much as I can say well done, I feel that we could have won that game. I remember our defense playing poorly, making too many mental mistakes, even for not being match fit.
Merseyside Derby
Every derby, no matter the fixture list, fixture congestion, injuries, etc., I expect, nay, demand that Everton win, no matter the circumstances. (I'm sure Jon Townsend would say the same thing on the other side.) For me, in this game, anything less than a win is unacceptable, and to say that we couldn't even get a goal past a converted midfielder who played CB is beyond me, no matter how good Can is at that role. We can't blame the referee here, we can only blame ourselves for this 0-0 draw that feels like loss.
Everton-Chelsea
All through that game, I was screaming at my television. Lee Dixon was right when he pointed out that Everton showed no purpose in possession. while playing like Barcelona is ideal most of the time, if you can't win playing that style, then it's time for a change. Now, let me talk about the uncalled handball on Naismith for a few minutes. I wasn't on Twitter, so I didn't see the reaction to the non-call, but from where I was watching the game, and the replays shown on the TV, that was a handball as it touched his upper arm. The game should have finished worse than 1-0, maybe 2-0 or 2-1, depending on how you feel about Lukaku's shot that got saved by Cech's legs.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
The Immigration Issue, starring Diego Fagundez
All we know currently is that Diego Fagundez received permanent resident status in 2013, and he is currently 19 years old, playing for the Uruguay U-20s. His parents emigrated from Montevideo, Uruguay, when Diego was 5 years old. Under federal law, this begins a 5-year (3-year if he marries an American citizen) wait for citizenship, time a soccer player does not have if he wishes to represent his adopted home at international competition. The worst part is that Fagundez cannot leave the Revolution to develop as a player even further due to a residency requirement as part of his citizenship application. A citizenship application takes months to complete, and some people (clearly not Diego) can fail the English test as part of the exam.
So, for the purposes of this blog, let us assume that Diego's parents did everything they were supposed to do to get citizenship. Even with the 5-year wait period, Diego would have become a citizen at age 10, and we wouldn't even be discussing this issue. Now, we have to assume that his parents faltered somewhere along that line of citizenship application or were not interested in becoming citizens themselves. If that is the case, they (and Diego) should have been deported once it was discovered that they had either overstayed their visa or, even worse, arrived illegally. Now, if I am missing key facts of the case, please let me know so I can correct this blog at a later date with the facts of the case.
In both scenarios I just described, we should not be having this discussion, but we are. This is a subject of President Obama's amnesty proposal that was declined by Congress, providing relief to those people who have stayed a considerable amount of time in America after being brought over by their parents at a young age. Amnesty would definitely help Diego out, but there is no guarantee that he would even become a US citizen even with Obama's amnesty. So, let us propose a new, radical solution to the problem: change US soccer policy to match the policy of FIFA for their international eligibility requirements. According to the nationality requirements, Diego would fit letter d because he has lived continuously in the United States since the age of 5. That is plenty of time for Diego to get scouted by the US national team and to receive US call-ups. Now, he could have rejected those call-ups in order to wait on Uruguay, but that would have been his decision, not our government's. I can fully understand him not wanting to wait 5 years to play for the country he's lived in for most of his life. Bottom line: we need immigration reform, and we need it now!
(Most of the info in this blog is taken from this article. Now, am I a proponent of amnesty? No, but that is a solution to Diego's issue.)
So, for the purposes of this blog, let us assume that Diego's parents did everything they were supposed to do to get citizenship. Even with the 5-year wait period, Diego would have become a citizen at age 10, and we wouldn't even be discussing this issue. Now, we have to assume that his parents faltered somewhere along that line of citizenship application or were not interested in becoming citizens themselves. If that is the case, they (and Diego) should have been deported once it was discovered that they had either overstayed their visa or, even worse, arrived illegally. Now, if I am missing key facts of the case, please let me know so I can correct this blog at a later date with the facts of the case.
In both scenarios I just described, we should not be having this discussion, but we are. This is a subject of President Obama's amnesty proposal that was declined by Congress, providing relief to those people who have stayed a considerable amount of time in America after being brought over by their parents at a young age. Amnesty would definitely help Diego out, but there is no guarantee that he would even become a US citizen even with Obama's amnesty. So, let us propose a new, radical solution to the problem: change US soccer policy to match the policy of FIFA for their international eligibility requirements. According to the nationality requirements, Diego would fit letter d because he has lived continuously in the United States since the age of 5. That is plenty of time for Diego to get scouted by the US national team and to receive US call-ups. Now, he could have rejected those call-ups in order to wait on Uruguay, but that would have been his decision, not our government's. I can fully understand him not wanting to wait 5 years to play for the country he's lived in for most of his life. Bottom line: we need immigration reform, and we need it now!
(Most of the info in this blog is taken from this article. Now, am I a proponent of amnesty? No, but that is a solution to Diego's issue.)
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
What the Cosmos Give NY Right Now... and What Other NASL Clubs Could Offer
Stability.
That's it. Stability.
The Red Bulls have just fired the heart and soul of their team Mike Petke after 2 pretty successful seasons with the MLS outlet as manager. New York City FC has what is being called "Lampardgate", the Frank Lampard situation. In contrast, the Cosmos give New York stability in time of chaos. They have just signed Giovanni Savarese and his assistants to contract extensions. They have recently signed former MLS player Adam Moffat to a deal, but, due to club policy, the terms were undisclosed. If undisclosed deals are the only thing holding the Cosmos (and the NASL) back from as much transparency as can be allowed, I think we're in for a revolution.
Oh, and go check out Chris Kessell's pro/rel blog for more pro pro/rel articles in this US soccer offseason.
One more thing: Fox Sports 2 is not available on Comcast... at all. So, for those of us that can't get
FS2 on their TVs, I'm not sure that there is an online option for viewing the US-Chile game later this month.
That's it. Stability.
The Red Bulls have just fired the heart and soul of their team Mike Petke after 2 pretty successful seasons with the MLS outlet as manager. New York City FC has what is being called "Lampardgate", the Frank Lampard situation. In contrast, the Cosmos give New York stability in time of chaos. They have just signed Giovanni Savarese and his assistants to contract extensions. They have recently signed former MLS player Adam Moffat to a deal, but, due to club policy, the terms were undisclosed. If undisclosed deals are the only thing holding the Cosmos (and the NASL) back from as much transparency as can be allowed, I think we're in for a revolution.
Oh, and go check out Chris Kessell's pro/rel blog for more pro pro/rel articles in this US soccer offseason.
One more thing: Fox Sports 2 is not available on Comcast... at all. So, for those of us that can't get
FS2 on their TVs, I'm not sure that there is an online option for viewing the US-Chile game later this month.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy New Year... NYCFC Liars
According to numerous media outlets, Frank Lampard was never owned by New York City Football Club, despite reports in July that he was their property on loan at Manchester City. In no way am I directing any blame at Mr. Lampard... this will be my biggest rant to date. The Third Rail, NYCFC's supporter's group, has released a very tame statement "denouncing" City Football Group and their handling of the Lampard business. This is how I would have done things:
Dear Members,
As you well know, we have been lied to by our "club", New York City FC, about the very reason we are all season ticket holders and once-proud supporters of this joke of a club. From henceforth, we will not be affiliated with New York City FC, nor will we give them another second of our time or money. In fact, I will be in touch with our ticket rep on January 2nd to demand answers about the Lampard situation. If I do not hear an acceptable answer, I will ask all of you to turn in your tickets for your money back. You will then be free to support whatever other club you wish to support. This has been a good 6-month ride, but don't blame me, blame NYCFC.
Statement:
We at the Third Rail are disgusted and appalled at the mishandling of the Frank Lampard situation by New York City Football Club and City Football Group. Beause of this, we will no longer affiliate with New York City FC. We apologize for any inconvenience to all of you, and we will attempt to get your money back if you hand in your season tickets to us.
Dear Members,
As you well know, we have been lied to by our "club", New York City FC, about the very reason we are all season ticket holders and once-proud supporters of this joke of a club. From henceforth, we will not be affiliated with New York City FC, nor will we give them another second of our time or money. In fact, I will be in touch with our ticket rep on January 2nd to demand answers about the Lampard situation. If I do not hear an acceptable answer, I will ask all of you to turn in your tickets for your money back. You will then be free to support whatever other club you wish to support. This has been a good 6-month ride, but don't blame me, blame NYCFC.
Statement:
We at the Third Rail are disgusted and appalled at the mishandling of the Frank Lampard situation by New York City Football Club and City Football Group. Beause of this, we will no longer affiliate with New York City FC. We apologize for any inconvenience to all of you, and we will attempt to get your money back if you hand in your season tickets to us.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Open Letter to New York City's Political and Business Leaders
To Whom it May Concern:
Your newest soccer team, New York City FC, has made a tremendous PR blunder by writing a check their mouths couldn't cash: signing Frank Lampard... only to have him stolen by Manchester City FC until the end of the Barclays Premier League season in May. I do not need to tell you how special New York is as a city to the United States and to the world, and your sports teams should be some of the best in the world at their sports. With that said, I think it is time that you publicly condemn every fan of NYCFC and the owner of City Football Group, the parent company of NYCFC, Manchester City, and Melbourne City in Australia, for taking an action in tremendous bad faith to the city that deserves (and needs) the best players in the world playing in Yankee Stadium (for the time being, until they get a stadium of their own). Even though this may be hard for most of you, I would also like a few words said against the Yankees for not showing any spine in their part of the deal to bring a soccer team to the New York city limits. In response to the disrespect, I would urge you strongly to support the one soccer team in New York that bows to no one, and the one that has brought the likes of Pele, Beckenbauer, and Chinaglia to New York to finish their soccer careers: the New York Cosmos. Yes, they play on Long Island, but if New York City got behind them and supported them without fail, they could get the first modern-day soccer-specific stadium in the city limits. Yes, they play in the "second division", but there is no second division without a system of promotion and relegation to define the divisions.
I hope this letter finds you well, and may all of you have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
J.T. Dulany
Your newest soccer team, New York City FC, has made a tremendous PR blunder by writing a check their mouths couldn't cash: signing Frank Lampard... only to have him stolen by Manchester City FC until the end of the Barclays Premier League season in May. I do not need to tell you how special New York is as a city to the United States and to the world, and your sports teams should be some of the best in the world at their sports. With that said, I think it is time that you publicly condemn every fan of NYCFC and the owner of City Football Group, the parent company of NYCFC, Manchester City, and Melbourne City in Australia, for taking an action in tremendous bad faith to the city that deserves (and needs) the best players in the world playing in Yankee Stadium (for the time being, until they get a stadium of their own). Even though this may be hard for most of you, I would also like a few words said against the Yankees for not showing any spine in their part of the deal to bring a soccer team to the New York city limits. In response to the disrespect, I would urge you strongly to support the one soccer team in New York that bows to no one, and the one that has brought the likes of Pele, Beckenbauer, and Chinaglia to New York to finish their soccer careers: the New York Cosmos. Yes, they play on Long Island, but if New York City got behind them and supported them without fail, they could get the first modern-day soccer-specific stadium in the city limits. Yes, they play in the "second division", but there is no second division without a system of promotion and relegation to define the divisions.
I hope this letter finds you well, and may all of you have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
J.T. Dulany
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