Barra get a good pic over at Deadspin, even though there's no shout out -
I don't think these are Nationals fans.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
USA/Argentina - The Game
(Thanks for the picture Tuohy)
The Men's National Team came into its game against Argentina on Sunday night hoping to ward off suggestions of a shambolic defense and an average midfield all headed by an impotent offense.
What they at least put on was a gutsy, heart wrought performance against at least several pieces of the world's best team. Though the opening 30 minutes weren't promising, Timmy Howard showed every bit of his class and why he was once the starting goalkeeper for Manchester United.
Against any team, Argentina would have its chances and Sunday night was no different. The US defense hung on by a thread at times while at others looked surprisingly confident. Heath Pearce put together an impressive performance while Cherundolo did an admirable job dealing with Senor Messi. Even Gooch and Boca were bearable by their occasionally klutzy standards.
We may never know what left Pablo Mastroeni headed for the showers midway through the second half but I know I'm not the only one that figured the game would die off. The US would inevitably slip up and conceding one or two in the dying minutes as we floundered with a man less on the field.
I believe my words were: "That's the way to kill a friendly game..."
But after weathering a brief spell of pressure, the US actually broke out for some of its best attacking moments of the night and left all 78,000+ fans feeling like we got our money's worth. The US crowd grew its voices with the game and most of us were hoarse by the end from "U-S-A" one too many times.
When Landon Donovan, who in my book was excellent all night, sent Klestjan in on goal only for a deflection to leave the Argentinian goalkeeper helplessly stranded, I almost ended up in the 2nd level.
We all leaned back in agony as a thunderstorm rolled over and the final whistle blew. Breaking a series of US corner kicks and counter attacks in each direction that opened up in time with the rain. It seems incredulous that we were left wanting more, with every belief the US could have walked off with a 1-0 victory against the world's best.
That will wait for another day. Instead, what thousands of fans trekking from all over witnessed was an exciting, if scoreless, game with a final 20 minutes I'll never forget., including one that claimed to have flown back from community building in Affrica early in order to catch the game, When under pouring rain and lightning, all of us USA fans were confident we could bring down Argentina.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Argentines Invade New York... USA Looking to Salvage Some Respect
The US National Team has shown twice over the past week and a half that it is still far from world class. It might be hard pressed to place in the top of the second tier of international soccer given its inability to score and troubles holding the ball in the central midfield.
Away results against England (2:0 loss) and Spain (1:0 loss) don't look so terrible in isolation. However, the a general impotence in the final third and epic battles to simply keep the scoreline low against top level competition are rather distressing.
If you're looking to get pretty hammered, just make a game where you have to drink:
- Every time a central midfielder commits a turnover
- Anytime Eddie Johnson either turns the ball back or wastes a goalscoring opportunity
- Whenever you think we only have ten men on the field because Josh Wolff can't be found
- Every time Gooch takes someone down with a forearm shiver
In any event... moving on to the moment at hand. This Sunday the USA caps off what amounts to an impressive array of opponents for any team with Argentina at 7:30 pm in Giants Stadium.
I've never been (although I hear it is misrepresented and in fact located in the lovely state of New Jersey) and this will be my first men's national team game that I can remember (although it's possible I attended one years ago).
Honestly, as defeatist as it may sound, I don't expect a result from this game. But boy would I like to see a game where we don't play like we've conceded, like we think we can score and where the same tired bodies are out there in the same tired positions.
Check here for the USA roster.
Will be on a bus at 7:45 in the morning from Arlington to hopefully catch the opening Euro games and try to update on the journey/game come Monday with pictures. May try to update Twitter during the trip.
Away results against England (2:0 loss) and Spain (1:0 loss) don't look so terrible in isolation. However, the a general impotence in the final third and epic battles to simply keep the scoreline low against top level competition are rather distressing.
If you're looking to get pretty hammered, just make a game where you have to drink:
- Every time a central midfielder commits a turnover
- Anytime Eddie Johnson either turns the ball back or wastes a goalscoring opportunity
- Whenever you think we only have ten men on the field because Josh Wolff can't be found
- Every time Gooch takes someone down with a forearm shiver
In any event... moving on to the moment at hand. This Sunday the USA caps off what amounts to an impressive array of opponents for any team with Argentina at 7:30 pm in Giants Stadium.
I've never been (although I hear it is misrepresented and in fact located in the lovely state of New Jersey) and this will be my first men's national team game that I can remember (although it's possible I attended one years ago).
Honestly, as defeatist as it may sound, I don't expect a result from this game. But boy would I like to see a game where we don't play like we've conceded, like we think we can score and where the same tired bodies are out there in the same tired positions.
Check here for the USA roster.
Will be on a bus at 7:45 in the morning from Arlington to hopefully catch the opening Euro games and try to update on the journey/game come Monday with pictures. May try to update Twitter during the trip.
What Happened?
Well... it's a shame I let the site fall into disrepair as I've had plenty to write about.
Let's run down:
Head Automatica at Longwood University
First NASCAR experience - Richmond International Speedway
First trip to Nationals Park
Several DCU games (mostly disappointing)
Trips to Rochester and Ithaca
A new soccer coaching gig and...
One extreme storm that brought down power for more than 24 hours... and here we are.
As I've said many times before, I'm going to try and get this up and moving again with regularity that will hopefully start with a post on my travels to the upcoming USA/Argentina game at Giants Stadium and possibly a preview post.
In the meantime, any of you that use Twitter, my info is on the side. I'm currently obsessed, so please follow and waste more of my time.
Let's run down:
Head Automatica at Longwood University
First NASCAR experience - Richmond International Speedway
First trip to Nationals Park
Several DCU games (mostly disappointing)
Trips to Rochester and Ithaca
A new soccer coaching gig and...
One extreme storm that brought down power for more than 24 hours... and here we are.
As I've said many times before, I'm going to try and get this up and moving again with regularity that will hopefully start with a post on my travels to the upcoming USA/Argentina game at Giants Stadium and possibly a preview post.
In the meantime, any of you that use Twitter, my info is on the side. I'm currently obsessed, so please follow and waste more of my time.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Quick DCU/Columbus Preview
Very quickly - DCU has looked good at times. Columbus has looked solid in the front, a little messy in the back... like Etcheverry's mullet.
I would imagine I'm with almost everyone in DCU fandom that expects a hard working, attack minded recovery from the game away at Salt Lake last weekend where we were thoroughly embarassed (again).
It's going to be a beautiful night out for some footie and I expect the crowd will be nice even though its a weekday. Looking for a goal from Fred (I think he shoots the ball) and one from the big man Peralta... and maybe best case a bonus goal from Quaranta since he's been so dedicated to pleasing the home fans in order to get back in good graces.
I think we give one up to Schelleto's brilliance... but end 3-1 DC and get this train back on track. Will try and snap a few pictures and possibly attempt this Twitter from the game. Vamos United!
I would imagine I'm with almost everyone in DCU fandom that expects a hard working, attack minded recovery from the game away at Salt Lake last weekend where we were thoroughly embarassed (again).
It's going to be a beautiful night out for some footie and I expect the crowd will be nice even though its a weekday. Looking for a goal from Fred (I think he shoots the ball) and one from the big man Peralta... and maybe best case a bonus goal from Quaranta since he's been so dedicated to pleasing the home fans in order to get back in good graces.
I think we give one up to Schelleto's brilliance... but end 3-1 DC and get this train back on track. Will try and snap a few pictures and possibly attempt this Twitter from the game. Vamos United!
Friday, April 4, 2008
MySpace = The New Record Store?
MySpace Launches Music Service
By Eaglon News Service
April 3, 2008
On Thursday, MySpace announced the creation of MySpace Music, which will feature free streaming music, concert schedules and tour dates, cell-phone ringtones, and MP3 downloads. There will also be items for sale, such as concert tickets and merchandise. The service is jointly operated by MySpace and three top record labels—EMI is the only major label not participating, but reports indicate that they are still in discussions with MySpace.
The launch of MySpace Music will happen progressively during the next three to four months.
Myspace Launches Music Service
By Eaglon News Service
April 3, 2008
On Thursday, MySpace announced the creation of MySpace Music, which will feature free streaming music, concert schedules and tour dates, cell-phone ringtones, and MP3 downloads. There will also be items for sale, such as concert tickets and merchandise. The service is jointly operated by MySpace and three top record labels—EMI is the only major label not participating, but reports indicate that they are still in discussions with MySpace.
The launch of MySpace Music will happen progressively during the next three to four months.
Myspace Launches Music Service
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
DCU at Pachucha - Casually Running
Try and get in here every 15 minutes...
0' - A sharp looking start from United with the best chance coming after the Pachucha keeper came diving headfirst out of his box. The work between Gallardo-Simms-Neill-Emilio has looked crisp so far - much better than in Kansas City on Saturday.
Some brave tackling from Bash Brother I (Martinez) and a smart header out of the back from Bash Brother II (Peralta). Would love to see Neill get a shot off when he's inside the box instead of trying to lay it back. When we're in an away game like this I think we need to take our chances whenever we get a look.
I think Pachucha so far has looked threatening with their team speed and we could get hurt later with a free kick since we've already given away about 5 inside our half. Will need to do better than that although the home fans are sounding very restless.
Last note so far - the possession for the most part has looked very strong and will be a real key in not exhausting the team later in the game.
15' - Emilio still doesn't quite have that sharpness. Hoping he digs it up soon.
For as much as McTavish played defense last year I think some of that scoring might have gone to his head. Has lost his man once or twice out there watching the ball.
Couple times I think the backs have resorted to a long ball when they don't need to and suddenly United is defending again.
Altogether, not bad - still 0-0 but Fred looks like he's fading a little bit after an active start.
30' - Wells has made two clutch saves although Pachucha has two TERRIBLE misses.
Really bad spell from 30'-35', soft giveaways and the defense aside from Wells came undone a bit.
Gallardo is a tremendous passer. Thor not as much - too many giveaways out of the back.
HALF - Could be worse. Some good sets of possession but there were also some really rugged spots of getting spread out and losing markers on the defensive end. One or two moments could have produced a shot rather than the extra pass but we'll see how United holds up in the second half.
Pachucha rocks the upper V in the 48' - what a hit and Wells didn't have a prayer but its off the bar.
Pachucha gets through on the left side again but this time its Namoff sleeping a bit. United's got to keep it a bit now but already having a difficult time of it.
Bad Fred for a dumb foul at the top of the box... luckily the referee puts it farther back. And its into the wall.
60' - 2/3 of the way there, still 0's.
And Wells' strong night so far takes a big hit. Cheating and beaten at the near stick on a duffed cross. 1-0 Pachucha.
It's getting tough to watch from a United standpoint although a bit of possession kept the pressure off for a few minutes... All one ended right now though. Emilio is stranded and Quaranta is wandering.
Ugh... another chance but another time not pulling the trigger. Fred needs to shoot more often. Good sequence finally.
United will score a lot of goals when they start trusting that Gallardo is regularly going to put the ball in the most dangerous spot.
75' - Hanging tough at 1-0. Really by a thread.
Thank you referee... could probably have been a penalty.
Not McTavish's best day and we pay for it. 2-0. Gonzalo Martinez totally missed his mark and its a free header. United finally pays for all the bad fouls around the box.
Emilio has been TIRELESS... not quite in goalscoring form but the work up top all alone has been vital.
Pretty glad Pachucha gets one called back on an offsides... We escape 2-0. And I should emphasize escape although there were some strong performances. The fitness just isn't quite there.
Fred has some of the best moments. McTavish struggled. The center backs deserved A's until the 2nd goal where Martinez was picking his ass. Not bad but nothing to be smiling about. Another trip to Mexico, another loss. Gonna have to be a good one at RFK next week.
0' - A sharp looking start from United with the best chance coming after the Pachucha keeper came diving headfirst out of his box. The work between Gallardo-Simms-Neill-Emilio has looked crisp so far - much better than in Kansas City on Saturday.
Some brave tackling from Bash Brother I (Martinez) and a smart header out of the back from Bash Brother II (Peralta). Would love to see Neill get a shot off when he's inside the box instead of trying to lay it back. When we're in an away game like this I think we need to take our chances whenever we get a look.
I think Pachucha so far has looked threatening with their team speed and we could get hurt later with a free kick since we've already given away about 5 inside our half. Will need to do better than that although the home fans are sounding very restless.
Last note so far - the possession for the most part has looked very strong and will be a real key in not exhausting the team later in the game.
15' - Emilio still doesn't quite have that sharpness. Hoping he digs it up soon.
For as much as McTavish played defense last year I think some of that scoring might have gone to his head. Has lost his man once or twice out there watching the ball.
Couple times I think the backs have resorted to a long ball when they don't need to and suddenly United is defending again.
Altogether, not bad - still 0-0 but Fred looks like he's fading a little bit after an active start.
30' - Wells has made two clutch saves although Pachucha has two TERRIBLE misses.
Really bad spell from 30'-35', soft giveaways and the defense aside from Wells came undone a bit.
Gallardo is a tremendous passer. Thor not as much - too many giveaways out of the back.
HALF - Could be worse. Some good sets of possession but there were also some really rugged spots of getting spread out and losing markers on the defensive end. One or two moments could have produced a shot rather than the extra pass but we'll see how United holds up in the second half.
Pachucha rocks the upper V in the 48' - what a hit and Wells didn't have a prayer but its off the bar.
Pachucha gets through on the left side again but this time its Namoff sleeping a bit. United's got to keep it a bit now but already having a difficult time of it.
Bad Fred for a dumb foul at the top of the box... luckily the referee puts it farther back. And its into the wall.
60' - 2/3 of the way there, still 0's.
And Wells' strong night so far takes a big hit. Cheating and beaten at the near stick on a duffed cross. 1-0 Pachucha.
It's getting tough to watch from a United standpoint although a bit of possession kept the pressure off for a few minutes... All one ended right now though. Emilio is stranded and Quaranta is wandering.
Ugh... another chance but another time not pulling the trigger. Fred needs to shoot more often. Good sequence finally.
United will score a lot of goals when they start trusting that Gallardo is regularly going to put the ball in the most dangerous spot.
75' - Hanging tough at 1-0. Really by a thread.
Thank you referee... could probably have been a penalty.
Not McTavish's best day and we pay for it. 2-0. Gonzalo Martinez totally missed his mark and its a free header. United finally pays for all the bad fouls around the box.
Emilio has been TIRELESS... not quite in goalscoring form but the work up top all alone has been vital.
Pretty glad Pachucha gets one called back on an offsides... We escape 2-0. And I should emphasize escape although there were some strong performances. The fitness just isn't quite there.
Fred has some of the best moments. McTavish struggled. The center backs deserved A's until the 2nd goal where Martinez was picking his ass. Not bad but nothing to be smiling about. Another trip to Mexico, another loss. Gonna have to be a good one at RFK next week.
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