Pele O Rei

MLS better for some

2011-06-19T21:07:00.003-06:00

The number of MLS players players in the gold cup is on the rise. Heck the heart and soul of the Jamaica national team is from the MLS and no one can argue the day to day training and games played in the MLS are better than most leagues around the world. This is where it becomes a catch 22 for the USMNT. Americans think going over seas is the answers vs. Playing in the MLS. This may be the case if you play a majority of the games like C. Demsey but if you flounder on the bench and don't get game time then playing in the EPL is no better than playing anywhere else. So the question is playing every game in the MLS better than riding the pine in another league. I think the games of Jozy Altidore and Micheal Bradley are suffering from not playing everyday.

Colorado Rapids stoppage time goal

2011-06-11T22:27:00.001-06:00

Holy cow the Rapids score a late stoppage goal on the road. Look for the goal here shortly.

USA sinks in the Panama Canal

2011-06-11T22:03:00.002-06:00

It should really be no surprise that the the US men's national lost to a talented team that played with a sense of urgency and pace. The US has not addressed several key issues from the 2010 world cup. Where is the attacking creative midfielder? Since Tab Ramos retired the US has not had a creative passer in the midfield and unfortunately no replacement has been identified. The central defense is weak and crossing from wing backs is uninspiring and wildly inaccurate. Bob Bradley is an excellent coach but what is the deal with the slow starts. The first five minutes of each half are so critical and routinely the US take the first 15 minutes to get it going. Don't expect much from this Gold Cup.

Now this is it

2011-01-10T17:11:00.001-07:00

From way down town ... Bang. This is a huge corner kick and a heck of a volley. He strikes the perfect kick right as the ball dips. Sweet.

Its a handball in the box ... PK

2010-07-30T21:28:00.002-06:00

What a great highlight. I know what the defender was thinking. The ball goes off the crossbar and out of play for a goal kick. Let me catch the ball, hand it to the GK for a kick. The only issue is that the ball never actually went out! The ball remained in play the whole time which makes this a handball in the penalty box! Thankfully this was not the game winner and in a blow out it never mattered. Huge mistake at the Under 20 World Cup.

What really happened with Zidane?

2010-07-18T14:59:00.002-06:00

One of the greatest footballers of all time Zidane had one of the worst endings to a legendary career. Ejected from the 2006 World Cup final to watch your team lose on penalties from the locker room. The interview took place in Denver at the Colorado Rapids Stadium aka Dicks Sporting Goods Park.

What Impact will the World Cup have on SA?

2010-07-18T14:52:00.001-06:00

Interesting view of the 2010 World Cup. What will the impact have on this country as it attempts to continue to transform its self. I hope the stadium's are reused for local football and rugby clubs. Time will tell.

Top 10 Goals of the 2010 World Cup

2010-06-26T21:04:00.001-06:00

Come on You Yanks!

2010-05-13T19:42:00.001-06:00

A Gift of a Goal

2010-05-03T22:17:00.001-06:00

Not sure what is worse Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard or the Chelsea fan in a black shirt, experiencing a level of spastic joy that can not be measured.

BONO Pimps the World Cup 2010

2010-04-25T21:55:00.002-06:00

Cool ad from U2 for ESPN and the World Cup!

Chip it or not?

2010-04-19T21:13:00.002-06:00

Taking us back to Zidane's daringly chipped a penalty kick off the crossbar for the first goal of the game in the 2006 World Cup Final. In Sunday's championship between Botafogo and Flamengo in Brazil, Sebastian "Loco" Abreu, pulled off a near identical penalty kick off the bar in the 73rd minute.

What a Goal.

2010-04-18T13:58:00.001-06:00

Long Shot

2010-01-24T13:31:00.001-07:00

You know we love long goals that make Goalies look foolish. This one is from way downtown. Love it!

The US President?

2009-12-06T20:09:00.003-07:00

Maybe Obama is really a Brazilian soccer fan?

Brazil First Division soccer team - Flamengo sealed their sixth Brazilian league title with a 2-1 win over Gremio recently and one of the many celebrating fans of the most popular club in Brazil is a man who calls himself "Rinaldo Obama". He does vaguely look like U.S. President Obama.

In order to completely sell his shtick as Brazil's foremost Obama impersonator, Rinaldo Obama not only dresses like Barack when he attends Flamengo matches but he is also flanked by fake Secret Service agents (the men wearing sunglasses and Xbox Live headsets to each of his sides in the above picture).

Wow what a Miss!

2009-12-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

This shows the good and bad of Soccer.

Talk about a Cat Fight

2009-11-07T07:42:00.002-07:00

I think this is getting blown out of proportion a little bit. Yes, there was some rough and tough play. The hair pulling and the punching certainly deserve some form of punishment. Where was the ref and the linesman? There were fouls from a player caught up in the heat of battle. I am a little shocked about the amount of media coverage this is getting. The player is a college junior she is getting 15 mins of fame in a bad way. I hope she learns from this and turns this situation into something she can benefit from in the future.

From Way Downtown ... Bang!

2009-10-25T19:43:00.001-06:00

What a great goal from 95 yards.

Ryan Rosenbaum of SMU men's soccer scores from 95 yards out in the 63rd minute of SMUs 3-2 upset victory at No. 16 Tulsa on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The goal was the first of Rosenbaums career, and put the Mustangs up 3-1 in the game.

Another Ballon Hoax

2009-10-18T10:26:00.002-06:00

Sunderland striker, Darren Bent, beat Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina with the help of a sizeable deflection off a beach ball which had been thrown onto the field by a fan. Referee Mike Jones conferred with his assistant but decided the goal should stand, helping Sunderland to a 1-0 win.

BBC Radio 5 Live radio had this to say: ''I'm absolutely amazed. It is basic law in football. The goal should just not have stood. The laws of the game state that if there's an outside interference the game has to be stopped.

''Talk about an outside influence - the ball went in off the beach ball and completely deceived the Liverpool goalkeeper. I am absolutely amazed that for a referee at that level of football, that between him, his assistant, the fourth official, they didn't see what had happened and give the correct decision.''

US Soccer Tragedy

2009-10-13T21:32:00.002-06:00

Bad news has hit the US Men's National team. Forward Charlie Davies was in a serious car wreck at 3AM Tuesday morning. It's sad stories like this that reinforce that idea that nothing good ever happens after midnight.

Jozzy and the Goal

2009-08-27T10:41:00.000-06:00

Jozy Altidore scored a nice goal for Hull.

When will Fox Soccer be Broadcast in HD

2009-08-14T21:30:00.001-06:00

This is taken from Fox Soccer net website.

Will Fox Soccer Channel be offering broadcasts in high definition (HDTV)?
FSC is targeting January, 2010 as the date to offer select programs in high definition (HD) where rights and access to HD feeds are available, including the UEFA Champions League, Barclays Premier League and Serie A.

EPL League

2009-08-10T22:04:00.000-06:00

Shout out to the EPL lovers who love the game if you are interested in managing your own EPL sign-up for the league below. Its a lot of fun.

If you aren't already playing the game then you can register at

http://fantasy.premierleague.com

Once you have logged in and entered your team, click on the 'Leagues' link you can find on the right of the page.

Now enter the code 383998-90775 to join the private league.

It Happens to the Best

2009-08-01T08:22:00.002-06:00

Former Brazil Superstar had an unfortunate free kick for Corinthians. You might expect this from a JV B teamer but it can happen to anyone.

MLS All-Star Game Highights

2009-07-30T21:08:00.002-06:00

I had the privilege of attending the game two years ago in Denver and it was a great but last night might have been better. It was awesome to see US National team goalie Tim Howard put on the display that he did. He was clearly the man of the match and saving three PKs in the shootout was unreal. No slight to Kasey Keller who at 39 still looks awesome. It was a fun game to watch. Enjoy the highlights.

Beckham Highlights - Bored of Beckham?

2009-07-26T09:34:00.001-06:00

KC scores a long range goal on a horrible error from the LA Goalie, who to add insult to injury gets hurt on the play. A cynic might say "rightfully so" but the Soccer Network never wishes an injury on any player.

Landon and Becks combo for a decent goal in the 1-1 draw.

Chelsea Tops AC Milan

2009-07-25T08:58:00.002-06:00

Chelsea was the better team on the night. Drogba scores another goal from long range.

MLS Goals of the Week

2009-07-14T20:12:00.000-06:00

I love the Seattle Sounders bicycle kick

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.

US Mens National Team Finishing Practice

2009-02-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Feb. 6, 2009: Inside the Lines continues from Carson, Calif. In an afternoon session, the MNT works on crossing and finishing

Training Ground Update from Chelsea

2009-01-31T13:39:00.001-07:00

Always a fan of Chelsea, enjoy a quick update from the training ground.

Beckham Scores 1st Goal for AC Milan

2009-01-25T13:04:00.003-07:00

David Beckham has hinted that he could stay at AC Milan beyond the end of his loan.

AC Milan vs the LA Galaxy which would you choose?

David Beckham celebrates his first goal as a Serie A player. Shortly after scoring his first goal for the Rossoneri, Beckham admitted anything could happen.

"I can't say what will happen," he said. "Even if my contract says that I'll be here until March. We'll have to see.

"At the moment I'm enjoying this experience. I'm at one of the biggest clubs in the world. And having won gives us confidence to continue."

"It's great to score my first goal - I will keep this jersey," he said. "But it's more important the team won and we played well.

"It's special to play for Milan and also to score, but what's most important is that we won."

"If he said 'we'll see' it means he's thinking about staying," Ancelotti told Sky Italia. "However, our hands are tied as he has a clear contract.

"We can't do anything to change things, he can surely do so. He has to resolve his contract with the American team.

"I am realistic, we are capitalising on his presence at the moment and so, while we have him at our disposal, we will try to do things the best way possible."

Cristiano Ronaldo crashes Ferrari

2009-01-21T19:01:00.002-07:00

News you may have missed on ESPN. Cristiano Ronaldo crashed is Ferrari on the way to training and escaped without incident. From the state of the car one has to guess he was wearing his seat belt and driving at a high rate of speed.

You have to love the car collection Ronaldo has in the garage. Ahh the lifestyle of famous footballers.

Nike and Man U #7

2009-01-21T18:57:00.001-07:00

You have to love Nike's soccer ads - they are always entertaining. Love him or hate him as the ad says if you love the game, you have to respect if not admire the skills of Cristiano Ronaldo. He was voted the FIFA World Player of the Year 2008 for his skills and finishing.

A Tough Late Tackle

2009-01-10T20:43:00.001-07:00

Roy Keane comes in high and late on the tackle. Note not a complaint from the the other player or a card from the referee. In todays EPL this would be a yellow card or automatic ejection.Check it out.

Best Free Kick Goals for 2008

2009-01-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

We love the soccer goals in this highlight video ... the music now that is another matter.

Enjoy and Happy New Year.

Frank Lampard Goal From the Stands

2008-12-28T14:34:00.001-07:00

Nice home footage of Frank Lampards goal vs Fulham. A very nice free kick from Frank.

Soccernet Update

2008-12-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

A Holiday Soccer Update.

Lazio and AC Milan Highlights

2008-12-07T14:04:00.003-07:00

Several near misses, then a goal, a PK and a magic finish from Lazio to win the game. Check out the touch to pull the ball down and cut it back. They followed the ball till it was finally banged in for the winner. Enjoy.

MLS Newcomer of the Year San Jose Earthquakes Darren Huckerby

2008-12-06T15:31:00.004-07:00

You might not have seen these highlights from one of the bright spots in the Earthquakes lineup this year. San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Darren Huckerby was voted the 2008 MLS Newcomer of the Year. Huckerby scored six goals and assisted on four others in just 14 games after joining the Earthquakes in mid season.

Great moves and smooth goals.

MLS Golden Boot Winner LA Galaxy Landon Donovan

2008-12-06T15:26:00.005-07:00

OK enough of the Defense highlights, after we do love goals at the soccer network. Landon Donovan scored a lot of goals this year in the MLS. Here are some of the highlights.

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Chicago Fire's Jon Busch

2008-12-06T15:20:00.004-07:00

Check out these amazing saving by the MLS Goalkepper of the year. MLS recently annouced that Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch was awarded Goalkeeper of the Year. Jon Busch led the Chicago Fire to the playoffs in his first full season as a starter since 2004.

MLS Defender of the Year Columbus Crew Chad Marshall

2008-12-06T15:16:00.003-07:00

While we love goals at the soccer network, good defense is also near and dear to our hearts. Chad Marshall appears to have the size and skill to be a great player in the MLS and possibly a league the EPL. Rumor has it he is looking to move overseas. Let's hope he stays in the MLS.

What a Highlight !

2008-12-01T21:02:00.003-07:00

This might be the best highlight on the Soccer Network. Its got snow, a diving header off the post, a bicycle for a goal and an orange ball. What is this the old school MISL? No. It's Demouge Willem II - FC Groningen (3-0) in the Dutch League.

Block the GK's vision by Players Dropping their Shorts

2008-11-23T08:13:00.004-07:00

From the AP Wire - Serie A side Catania has come up with a creative way to score from a free kick: block the goalkeeper's vision by having players drop their shorts down in a wall. The stunt resulted in a goal for the Sicilian team. Giuseppe Mascara scored on the play for a 3-2 win over Torino.

Three Catania players dropped their shorts down near their knees so Torino goalkeeper Matteo Sereni couldn't see Mascara's kick.

"This is a strategy that (Catania coach Walter) Zenga tries continually in training," the club's chief executive Pietro Lo Monaco told RAI state radio Monday.

Lo Monaco responded, "A trick? I wouldn't say so. It's up to the referee to decide if it should be penalized, otherwise I don't see where the problem is....Good taste is relative."

While it's an interesting tactic to have players drop their shorts during a free kick, I think it may create a distraction for the GK during the kick. I don't think it really blocks the goalkeepers view of the kick but it may add more to the chaos and confusion of the play.

Take a look at the video to judge for yourself.

Update on World Cup 2010

2008-11-09T07:20:00.003-07:00

Interesting comments from the head of the South Africa WC committee. Interesting point that I can not considered is that the WC will be played during the African winter, which means temperatures will be cooler and conditions will be rainy. This may benefit the US National team(assuming they qualify). Looks the USMNT to continue qualifying in Denver, at Dicks Sporting Goods Park on Nov 19th.

Worsd from Chelsea

2008-11-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

A hat trip, words from Big Phil and Lamps. Go Blues.

Champions League Minute

2008-11-04T20:35:00.002-07:00

You will love these highlights of the worlds beautiful game. This why the Champions league is so much fun. The worlds best clubs scoring classic goals.

Chelsea got thrashed, Liverpool lucks into a tie, and Barcelona ties.

Champions LEague Notes

2008-11-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

Liverpool luck out on a late penalty to save the game.

Colorado Rapids Highlights

2008-11-01T08:33:00.003-06:00

While the Colorado Rapids season was 20 seconds from continuing into the playoffs it came to a screeching on halt with a tie to RSL to end the season.

Watching these goals gives Rapids Nation hope.

Chelsea CEO Speaks

2008-10-25T14:30:00.000-06:00

News from the top of Chelsea

The Champions League is Back in Full Swing

2008-10-21T20:27:00.001-06:00

Man U looks to defend its Champions League Title with a solid victory over Celtic.

Enjoy three Man U goals.

A Minute with Arsenal

2008-10-19T14:52:00.000-06:00

Arsene Wenger Talks To ESPN

Mid Season Report

2008-10-11T14:52:00.001-06:00

The Mid Season Debate with Tommy and the boys.

Your EPL Minute from Peleorei

2008-10-07T19:21:00.001-06:00

Take a minute to enjoy an update from the best league in the world the EPL. Chelsea got another win and Liverpool scores again in stoppage. Classic stuff.

A Classic Goal

2008-10-07T19:19:00.003-06:00

A Special goal for the special one. A classic goal comes off a wonderful cross. The aggressive to the ball and catching the defense ball watching for a split second.

Highlights from the weekend

2008-09-28T14:54:00.000-06:00

Your weekend in Soccer.

The Ghost Goal

2008-09-23T21:19:00.001-06:00

This is the reason my the Premier League and the Championship League need instant replay. Awarding a goal in this case is flat out criminal. The fact the players and the crowd do not even react as if it is a goal is a sure sign that it was not even close. Truly amazing.

Champions League and the EPL Minute

2008-09-15T18:39:00.000-06:00

The Champions League Returns

And a Soccernet Extra - the EPL Minute

Your EPL Minute

2008-09-04T21:15:00.001-06:00

Chelsea get a draw and Aresenal play like a future champs.

EPL Week 2 Recap

2008-08-25T20:39:00.002-06:00

Chelsea and Liverpool lead the pack. Chelsea won a brilliant goal from Deco, Fulham with a great victory over Arsenal and the HotSpurs continue to struggle early in the season. Aston Villa lost a heart break in stoppage. The EPL continues to bring the drama and action packed matches.

out-peleorei.com

Hope Solo Wins Gold with the US WNT

2008-08-21T20:33:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to the US WNT and GK Hope Solo for bringing home the gold almost one year after the crushing defeat in the womans World Cup. Many of you avid soccer network readers know that we are fan of Hope. The gold medal should wash away the bad coaching moving of benching Hope and wrecking the team chemistry going into the WC semifinals against Brazil last summer. A year later former Coach Greg Ryan should finally be seeing the errors of his ways and making a Jedi Knight decision to change GKs on a hunch in the semifinals.

Go USA! Great Win

out peleorei.com

Edu to the Rangers

2008-08-18T21:10:00.002-06:00

GLASGOW, Scotland -- U.S. MNT midfielder and Olympic team centerback Maurice Edu agreed to a five-year deal with Glasgow Rangers of the Scotish Premier League.

Toronto's 2007 rookie of the year would join compatriot American DaMarcus Beasley in the Rangers midfield. Edu may ending playing as a center back, where his debut at the Olympics.

La Liga to Bouna Time

2008-08-12T21:05:00.001-06:00

Barcelona proves why La Liga is one of the best in the world with its route of the Red Bulls and Chad Barrett scores on a rocket from 35 yds that keeper Bouna Time from the Rapids almost stops.

Uncle Sam's Boys get Crucial 1st Win

2008-08-07T20:48:00.002-06:00

The US soccer team was good enough to win and lucky enough in getting the 1-nil win over Japan. The Japanese team had more chances in the first half but the US held strong to come way with a victory.

Central defender Maurice Edu was the clear stand out in keeping the US side organized in the back and reading the game very well. Freddy Adu played well and battled the double teams all day long. I thought Brian McBride being named to the US team was a bit of a PR move for US Soccer and the MLS. He is a greater player and hard worker but he seemed out of synch with the team and looks like a guy that is new to the team. The chemistry is just not there and I am not sure it ever will be with this team. I think Peter Nowak needs to come back against Holland with Freddy and Jozy Altidore upfront and bring Brian McBride off the bench.

"It felt like an eternity as the ball was rolling out to the top of the box. I just wanted to get it on frame because there were a bunch of people in front of me. I hit it left-footed and it crawled over the line. I think it's the first goal I've scored that hasn't touched the back of the net."

-- U.S. midfielder Stuart Holden

The Olympic Soccer Tournament

2008-08-04T21:52:00.005-06:00

The Olympic soccer tournament kicks off this week and the US MNT has a tough draw and will need to play at high level to repeat previous sucess. There groups looks like this

Netherlands
The European Under-21 champions, the Netherlands are considered the best side in the group. They have forward Roy Makaay(Bayern Munich) as one of their overage players and defender/left wing Royston Drenthe (Real Madrid),and midfielder Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia), along with midfielder Ryan Babel(Liverpool). The US will struggle to win this game.

Nigeria
When Nigeria coach Samson Siasia Nigeria Siasia has several key players from the U-20 team that finished second to Argentina (and Messi) at the 2005 FIFA world championships. Look for olumbus Crew midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo to play a key role. This is a game the US should win and may need to tie to go through.

United States
The USA will be competitive. But will they be good enough to duplicate their performance in 2000. Or will they revert back to their former selves and just manage to miss out on the quarterfinals. Freddy Adu, Brian McBride, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Michael Parkhurst and Brad Guzan will try for the former over the latter.

Japan
The Japanese Japan has qualified for four consecutive Olympics, although it has failed to get past the quarterfinals. This is the first game of the tourny for the US and is a must win!

ESPNSoccer Net Preview

Monaco and Freddy Adu

2008-08-02T17:07:00.002-06:00

You ask what's up with Freddy Adu being loaned to AS Monaco from Benfica? Is it a step backwards? Will it be good for his development.

It could be a good thing. Monaco has been one of the best teams in the French first division in the modern era winning seven league title since 1961, so there is a history and tradition of winning.

Players like Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, and Lillian Thuram got there starts at Monaco. Other big names to spend time at Monaco include Juergen Klinsmann and recently Rafael Marquez. In other words Monaco can be a launching pad for Freddy and the coaching history is not to bad either current Arsenal Coach Aresene Wegner coached there from 1987-95. His English Premier Titles speak for themselves.

The chairman of Monaco has ties to US Soccer and is interested in transforming Monaco into a European power so it is actually not a surprise to see a high profile US player land there. I would not be surprised if more arrive in the near future. Monaco has recently announced a relationship and investment in the Chicago Magic soccer club which plays in the recently formed US Development Academy League.

Liverpool Preview

2008-08-02T16:47:00.002-06:00

The guys at ESPN breakdown Liverpool with New England Revolution, Coach Steve Nichol. I agree with them on the addition of Robbie Keane to add more firepower upfront. The issue at Liverpool is the lack of a solid wide player that can contribute to the attack. Adding another central middie to the equation will not make the Reds a title contender.

The Traditions of Football

2008-07-28T20:33:00.004-06:00

Chelsea has a traditional initiation ceremony of making new players stand in front of their new team-mates to sing a song of his choice during the pre-season.

Recently, Deco and Jose Bosingwa were subjected to the Chelsea tradition in Macau. Each new player did so by standing in front of their new teammates.

Even chief executive, Peter Kenyon, has agreed to sing sometime on the Asia pre-season roadshow and yes even World Cup winner Scolari's will make a much anticipated performance in the future

John Terry said "It might sound silly, but it's been a tradition at the club for years and it maybe helps people settle in, when the lads first arrive and hear what they have to do, they're shitting themselves. They can go out there and play in front of 80,000 people and yet they're frightened to get up in front of 24 of their mates. So it's a great test of character for them."

Changes at Chelsea

2008-07-26T20:24:00.002-06:00

Chelsea is becoming a global brand and is an EPL soccer powerhouse. Its pre-season tour is about spreading the gospel of the Blues while allowing the new manger to learn the ins and outs of each player. Scolari has to figure out how all the pieces fit together for the EPL campaign and the Champions league run. Scolari had this to say about the pre-season

"Because I am new to Chelsea I need to learn about my players. I have an idea about my players, but I need to work everyday with them to learn more," said the former Portugal coach.

"These games are important for me. If I was able to chose the opposition, I would choose this team at this time in our pre-season."

The biggest is question is who will fill the holding midfielder spot?

News and Rumors in the Transfer Window

2008-07-24T21:57:00.002-06:00

Speculation and rumors for the transfer market. Why would Drogba leave Chelsea? Eto to the EPL. Keep your seat belt on there might be a big move this summer.

Man U Tours the World

2008-07-21T21:52:00.001-06:00

Soccer Legend Claudio Reyna Retires After 14 Years

2008-07-16T20:50:00.002-06:00

NEWARK, N.J. -- Claudio Reyna retired Wednesday. Reyna, who turns 35 on Sunday, had been bothered by various injuries this season which played a role in the decision.

"My mind and body together told me it was time," Reyna said during the announcement at St. Benedict's Academy, the prep school where he was a two-time national player of the year and super star.

"I'm very happy with my decision," he said. "Some people hang on and keep looking for another team. I didn't want to be that guy.There's not going to be any Bret Favre situation here,"

Claudio took American soccer to another level when he burst on to the scene. He will be missed.

SuperClassico Goal Recap

2008-07-12T21:28:00.002-06:00

Two nice goals by each team. Chivas takes advantage of the space in the attacking zone for a nice finish. You have to love Beckham putting his arms up well before the goal knowing its going to go in, I guess his crystal ball works just fine.

Steve Nash Street Soccer Classic

2008-06-30T20:08:00.002-06:00

NBA All Star Steve Nash and former EPL and US MNT star Claudio Reyna got together with some of their famous pals for a game of street soccer. The game was a collaboration between Nash and Claudio Reyna. The game was free and helped raise money for both of their foundations. Nash, a huge soccer fan and once player, thought New York would be the perfect venue for an all-star exhibition game. “It makes sense,” to hold the event in New York, said Reyna. “We both live here. It’s an international city, and I think we showed tonight how many soccer fans we have … to have people just walk to get here, it was an easy decision.”

Beckham Speaks

2008-06-30T20:05:00.001-06:00

MLS million dollar man speaks his mind on the the MLS and playing in America.