Pele O Rei - The Soccer Network -

Jozy is no Pussycat

2009-07-03T13:52:00.002-06:00

I became a fan of Jozy Atliedore during the 2007 U-20 World Cup. I had just ruptured my Achilles and was laid up for the summer inside on crutches. I love the US National team so I watched all of the games they played and became fans of Jozy and Micheal Bradley. It is great to see two young stars from the u-20 program play a huge role in the success at the Confederations Cup. For a 19 year old Jozy seems to have his head screwed on tight and has a humble air about it.

Holy Cow What a Finish

2009-06-28T10:54:00.002-06:00

As a coach and soccer blog I preach about the first five and the last five minutes of the half. They are the most critical of every game. Amazing at the international level goals are given up like hotcakes in the final minutes of the game. Shame on the South African fans for leaving early and not believing. What a finish to regulation. If this is a preview to the final the USA better fasten its seat belt because we might see Brazil give up three goals like they did against Egypt.

USA USA USA

2009-06-24T21:59:00.002-06:00

This is a huge win for US Soccer. Beating the worlds best team with its best players on the field should give soccer fans hope. An outstanding win for Uncle Sam's Army that will send a ripple through the soccer world. The Soccer Network has been doubting Bob Bradley lately but the last two victories have put the complaining on hold.

Poor Officiating in the US Loss

2009-06-16T21:42:00.002-06:00

The red card in the US loss was a joke. FIFA should be ashamed for assigning the ref, it really changed the course of the game. While it was a foul and possible a yellow card it was not a sending off offense. It appeared the ref was on the take from the Italian side which has happened before in Italian soccer in the Seire A.

The two goals that cost the US the game were given up not because the good guys were playing a man down but due to a lack of pressure put on the ball. It really is that simple. If they would have been playing pressure, cover, balance then the goals would not have been allowed. See for yourself.

Tommy Smyth On Ronaldo's Transfer

2009-06-11T17:47:00.000-06:00

I love Tommy Smyth insight. I think he is spot on.

US National Team Highlights

2009-06-08T19:26:00.002-06:00

This is a classic mistake by the US, in giving up give up a goal in the first five minutes of the game on a bad play by Clint Dempsey. He held the ball to long, tried a bad heal pass and was disposed to give up the counter attack that caused the goal.

This is same story in a different round of qualifiers. The US needs to learn how to open and close a half, the first five and last five minutes of the half are crucial. Maybe they will learn before 2010.

FA Cup Final

2009-06-05T10:13:00.000-06:00

The highlights of a Chelsea FA Cup victory.

Real Madrid's Pepe Horrendous Foul and Red Card

2009-05-30T14:34:00.001-06:00

This is a total cheap shot and the uglier side of football. Nothing to enjoy from this video. Makes you wonder why a top player for Real Madrid and a 1st teamer for Portugal would pull such a stupid stunt.

The Master Speaks Out

2009-05-30T14:21:00.000-06:00

Guus speaks his peace on why he is not staying with Chelsea.

More than Just Goals

2009-05-24T09:42:00.002-06:00

A good friend of mine, known for his world class throw-ins, pointed out that there is more to soccer than just the goals. Here is a tribute to the non goals in soccer.

UEFA Cup final highlights

2009-05-23T14:32:00.002-06:00

The UEFA Cup may be the NIT of European soccer playoffs but it still produces great soccer but suspect goal keeping in the UEFA Cup final. Enjoy the goals from the Tangerine team.

Another Chelsea Classic

2009-05-07T19:46:00.002-06:00

On Sunday, I posted one of my favorite EPL goals and probably my favorite goal from Chelsea's ultra tough defensive midfielder Michael Essien. The goal highlight posted was from EPL action against Arsenal several years ago.

It's like I asked the Soccer God's for another gift and it was granted. This is another classic goal from Essien. I real gem. Unfortunately, it was spoiled with a tie and the exit from the Champion's League. Enjoy this beautiful strike.

A classic

2009-05-03T20:27:00.002-06:00

I love this goal! It's a long range strike that is perfect. I think the announcer captures the quality and emotion of the goal. It's a cracker from way down town. What a clean and true shot that bends and finds its way into the goal. Enjoy.

Are You True Blue?

2009-04-24T21:29:00.002-06:00

I think the Chelsea player of the year has to be Frank Lampard. He has been so critical in contributing 12 goals and 9 assists to keep the blues in the EPL race and advancing in the FA Cup and the Champions League. My vote is for #8.

Odd Ball Goals

2009-04-18T14:05:00.001-06:00

Odd Ball Goals from the Soccer Network

Right through the Goalies legs

2009-04-12T14:06:00.001-06:00

An older high light but a classic. Right through the Goalie's legs. Enjoy this HQ YouTube clip.

ESPN Review of US MNT WC Qualifier vs TnT

2009-04-10T21:37:00.001-06:00

Jozy's Goal - #1

2009-04-10T21:21:00.002-06:00

I love this goal.

A wonderful long ball out of the back right to forward Brian Ching who heads it onto Landon Donovan who takes a great touch and then makes a perfect cross to Jozy who hammers a one time in the net for a classic finish.

The long ball is a fantastic ball to a forward who moved to space to collect and pull the defender out of the area for Landon to run into space for the cross.

MLS Goals of the Week

2009-04-05T15:23:00.002-06:00

Terry Cooke's goal is the top pick of the week. Cooke had been on the field about 20 seconds as a sub when he scored on this rocket from a set piece.

Terry Saves the Queen and 3 Lions

2009-04-05T15:17:00.002-06:00

Centerback John Terry saves the Three Lions with a late goal against the Ukraine to give England a win in World Cup qualifying.

Kenny Cooper With a Goal from Midfield

2009-03-26T18:13:00.000-06:00

PeleOrei loves goals ... and goals from midfield are even better. What was the goalie doing on this one? Truth be told it was actually a very good shot.

Goooaaalll!

MLS Kick Off

2009-03-26T17:55:00.001-06:00

The Colorado Rapids home opener is this weekend. Denver is working through a snow storm but it should be in the 50s/60s this weekend for the game. Go Rapids.

Brazil vs England The Never Friendly

2009-03-15T10:12:00.001-06:00

Highlights from the Brazil England Friendly.

Crossbar: Freddy Adu vs. Michael Bradley

2009-03-15T10:09:00.000-06:00

Watch as Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley try to put it where they want it.

Chelsea Updates

2009-02-07T12:49:00.002-07:00

Ballack talks exclusively to Chelsea TV.

Ballack has a snowball fight after the recent snow storm in London with teammates.