Since the season is basically over - especially for fans like me backing sub-par teams (Roma, your 2011-12 campaign is dead to me) - here's a running list of hot summer friendlies around the USA I've noticed over the past couple of weeks:
Philadelphia Union vs. Schalke 04
May 9 @ 7:30pm (ET)
PPL Park, Chester, PA
Portland Timbers vs. Valencia
May 23 @ 7pm (PT)
JELD-WEN Field, Portland, OR
Houstan Dynamo vs. Valencia
May 31, 7:30pm (local time?)
BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX
Philadelphia Union vs. Aston Villa
July 18 @ 7:30pm (ET)
PPL Park, Chester, PA
Seattle Sounders vs. Chelsea
July 18 @ 9:30pm (ET)
Qwest Field, Seattle, WA
Toronto FC vs. Liverpool
July 21 @ 4pm (ET)
Rogers Centre, Toronto, ONT
Chicago Fire vs. Aston Villa
July 21 @ 7:30pm (CT)
Toyota Park, Chicago, IL
Chelsea vs. PSG
July 22 @ 7pm (ET)
Yankee Stadium, New York City
AS Roma vs. TBD
July 22 @ TBD
Chicago, IL
Portland Timbers vs. Aston Villa
July 24 @ 7:30pm (PT)
JELD-WEN Field, Portland, OR
LA Galaxy vs. Tottenham
July 24 @ TBD
The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
AS Roma vs. Liverpool - The Underachiever's Shield 2012
July 25 @ 6:30pm (ET)
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Chelsea vs. MLS All-Stars
July 25 @ 8:30pm (ET)
PPL Park, Chester, PA
AS Roma vs. TBD
July 28 @ TBD
New York City
Trophee Des Champions - France's Community Shield
League winner vs. Lyon (cup winner)
July 28 @ 3pm (ET)
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
Liverpool vs. Tottenham
July 28 @ 1pm (ET)
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Chelsea vs. AC Milan
July 28 @ 6pm (ET)
Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL
DC United vs. Juventus
July 28 @ TBD
RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
*yet to be finalized
New York Red Bulls vs. Tottenham
July 31 @ TBD
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
LA Galaxy vs. Real Madrid
August 2 @ 10:30pm (ET)
The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
Juventus vs. Real Madrid
August 5 @ 8pm (local time?)
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
*possible rematch on August 8 @ Yankee Stadium, New York City
That's all I have for now. I will update this list when I hear further dates have been announced. Please comment below on other games I failed to mention!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Song You'll Hear All Summer
"Endless Summer" by Oceana is the official UEFA Euro 2012 song. I've already learned to love the beat to this song via FIFA's Euro 2012 expansion for Xbox 360. It's pretty catchy and will most likely burst to life in our heads while thinking of the cracking goals scored in this summer's championship. And now, without further ado:
Video Credits:
YouTube & Oceana
Video Credits:
YouTube & Oceana
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Delio Rossi Situation: The Wrong & Right
Fighting is wrong and inexcusable, especially in situations of sport. I'm all for defending oneself when absolutely required to, but what happened on the sidelines of the Artemio Franchi in Florence last night was preposterous. In case you have not already seen this video, here is Fiorentina Coach Delio Rossi attacking a petulant Adem Ljajic following the players substitution after only 32 minutes of play against Novara:
Rossi's attack was clearly wrong in this situation, but is there a worse evil at play in the mentalities of footballers evident in this interaction? Follow my logic:
Wrong Rossi for fighting
The pressure got to the usually cool-headed tactician when the young Serb turned the screws by sarcastically applauding and jeering the Coach like an immature baby. La Viola are amidst a dismal season to boot, and Rossi snapped. His violence was clearly an inexcusable solution to combat a player undermining his decisions.
Wrong Ljajic for showing dissent
Ljajic was clearly the catalyst of this interaction. I was not watching the match, but after watching Fiorentina many times this year, I can only assume Ljajic was playing selfishly and was deemed ineffective on the field by Rossi - hence his substitution. The young players reaction was dreadful to see. When I was a young lad, I was taught to respect the coaches decisions even when they were not in my favor. Complain later and work harder in practice. Do not make an a** out of yourself by acting immature. This is exactly what the Serb did. This is also probably a main reason why he has been left out of the lineup so many times this year.
Right Fiorentina Directors for firing Rossi & suspending Ljajic
Paola De Canio has allegedly attacked his players before. Sir Alex even chucked a boot at Beckham's face (main asset, people). Both were not sacked for one main reason - these things were done behind closed doors. In Rossi's case, he snapped in front of the whole world. Club directors had no choice but to sack the sorry sap. I also commend the team for suspending the petulant catalyst of this situation, Ljajic. At a time when the club is going through hard times, to act in such a way hurts fellow players, staff and fans even more.
Thoughts Violence is wrong in sport; period. There is no room in our wonderful game for the actions Rossi took, and other violent actions that occur in world football from time to time. But, I think another issue at play here is a distinct disrespect in football. It seems that certain players have become detached from the structure of the team. When players become bigger than their teams, they clearly lack respect for the game - it's a team game, after all. I'd imagine it's easy to get caught up in the hype of being the best at a sport you love and neglect certain hierarchies you learned when initially flirting with the game. But still, when I see instances like Ljajic's disrespectful actions against his coach, the person in charge of the whole team, it makes me sick. No one person should be bigger than their team for the simple fact that no one person can win it for their team alone.
Anyone else notice this to be a recurring problem? What happened to humility?
Rossi's attack was clearly wrong in this situation, but is there a worse evil at play in the mentalities of footballers evident in this interaction? Follow my logic:
Wrong Rossi for fighting
The pressure got to the usually cool-headed tactician when the young Serb turned the screws by sarcastically applauding and jeering the Coach like an immature baby. La Viola are amidst a dismal season to boot, and Rossi snapped. His violence was clearly an inexcusable solution to combat a player undermining his decisions.
Wrong Ljajic for showing dissent
Ljajic was clearly the catalyst of this interaction. I was not watching the match, but after watching Fiorentina many times this year, I can only assume Ljajic was playing selfishly and was deemed ineffective on the field by Rossi - hence his substitution. The young players reaction was dreadful to see. When I was a young lad, I was taught to respect the coaches decisions even when they were not in my favor. Complain later and work harder in practice. Do not make an a** out of yourself by acting immature. This is exactly what the Serb did. This is also probably a main reason why he has been left out of the lineup so many times this year.
Right Fiorentina Directors for firing Rossi & suspending Ljajic
Paola De Canio has allegedly attacked his players before. Sir Alex even chucked a boot at Beckham's face (main asset, people). Both were not sacked for one main reason - these things were done behind closed doors. In Rossi's case, he snapped in front of the whole world. Club directors had no choice but to sack the sorry sap. I also commend the team for suspending the petulant catalyst of this situation, Ljajic. At a time when the club is going through hard times, to act in such a way hurts fellow players, staff and fans even more.
Thoughts Violence is wrong in sport; period. There is no room in our wonderful game for the actions Rossi took, and other violent actions that occur in world football from time to time. But, I think another issue at play here is a distinct disrespect in football. It seems that certain players have become detached from the structure of the team. When players become bigger than their teams, they clearly lack respect for the game - it's a team game, after all. I'd imagine it's easy to get caught up in the hype of being the best at a sport you love and neglect certain hierarchies you learned when initially flirting with the game. But still, when I see instances like Ljajic's disrespectful actions against his coach, the person in charge of the whole team, it makes me sick. No one person should be bigger than their team for the simple fact that no one person can win it for their team alone.
Anyone else notice this to be a recurring problem? What happened to humility?
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Away Goal Rule + 2nd Leg + ET = Unfair?
I've been thinking about the tie-breaker rule since last week's blockbuster UCL & Europa League knockout matches. It seems to me that the away goal rule becomes unfair in the second leg of a two-legged knockout round if the tie goes into extra-time. The reasoning: the team away in the second match gets an extra 30 minutes to score an away goal. At the point of this opportunity, if the away team should score a goal, the ramifications would be huge for the home team. They will most likely bow out of any tournament. It is controversial to allow such a distinct disadvantage to any team in time allotted after two matches have been played.
The counter argument: the home team in the second leg has 30 extra minutes of play in front of their home crowd, should the tie go into extra-time. I don't agree with this argument. I feel at the knockout level of a competition, the teams involved are most likely professional enough not be fazed by a home crowd after 90 exhausting minutes of play. Players are making sure fatigue does not force a mistake and focusing on grabbing a crucial goal. The crowd, I'm sure, was the last thing on Bayern Munich's mind last week while forging on into extra-time with Real Madrid.
To me, it's simple: on paper and in reality, a team away in the second game has a distinct advantage going into extra-time. The home team in the second game did not have another 30 minutes to score a crucial away goal in the first game - just 90. Given the gravity of this rule and seriousness of a second leg tie going into extra-time, I think there should be a better way to break a tie in critical matches.
Perhaps extra-time should not be judged by the away goal rule in the second leg? What do you think?
The counter argument: the home team in the second leg has 30 extra minutes of play in front of their home crowd, should the tie go into extra-time. I don't agree with this argument. I feel at the knockout level of a competition, the teams involved are most likely professional enough not be fazed by a home crowd after 90 exhausting minutes of play. Players are making sure fatigue does not force a mistake and focusing on grabbing a crucial goal. The crowd, I'm sure, was the last thing on Bayern Munich's mind last week while forging on into extra-time with Real Madrid.
To me, it's simple: on paper and in reality, a team away in the second game has a distinct advantage going into extra-time. The home team in the second game did not have another 30 minutes to score a crucial away goal in the first game - just 90. Given the gravity of this rule and seriousness of a second leg tie going into extra-time, I think there should be a better way to break a tie in critical matches.
Perhaps extra-time should not be judged by the away goal rule in the second leg? What do you think?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Juventus Shocked & Awed
Juventus players, staff, fans and mascots (old ladies?) were shocked and awed yesterday, when Marco Borriello, the man who once scored goals, finally scored another goal. Bravo, Marco. Bravo.
Photo Credits:
Associated Press
Goal.com
Yahoo! Sports
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Gracious Losers
Nothing makes me happier than seeing Barcelona lose! Due to their crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea, my euphoric attitude has lead me to show you some of my favorite pictures from yesterday's huge embarrassing failure; with commentary.
Pep Guardiola flashing the "deer-in-headlights - we lost?" look. Also could be interpreted as the "sh*t I don't really know how to coach look."
These are my favorite shots! If anyone can find any more (tears preferred), please link me so I can add them in. I want to savor this defeat forever via my blog!
Photo Credits:
AFP
Associated Press
National PostYahoo Sports
Lionel Messi tasting disappointment. It looks bitter!
Andres Iniesta performing the Messi mating stance.
Iniesta: I'm nothing without you...
Messi: Don't leave me...
Messi: Don't leave me...
Xavi trying to rub the tangy defeat out of his mouth. "What is this taste, Papa Pep?"
Poor whittle Cesc Fabregas couldn't even win La Liga or the UCL in his first year at Barca.
Alexis Sanchez, wanting his mommy.
Gerard Pique, crying for Shakira but remembering "Whenever, Wherever..."
Guardiola reflecting on how horrible the last week has been. Who's hiring?
Messi: "F*CK YOU"
These are my favorite shots! If anyone can find any more (tears preferred), please link me so I can add them in. I want to savor this defeat forever via my blog!
Photo Credits:
AFP
Associated Press
National PostYahoo Sports
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Soccer Gods Dislike Me Today
After some thought, I have come to the conclusion that the Soccer Gods chose me to dislike, effectively ruining my Sunday. Here's what happened:
My enthusiasm was high this afternoon, as the first important football match of my weekend approached - Roma, my team, versus rivals Juventus. A crucial match for both sides - Juve vying for the Scudetto, Roma for Europe - what could be better?
Nothing, until reality struck: the Old Lady tamed the Lupi, taught them how to give paw and scalded them for licking their own butts. A 4-nil drubbing in a match that should have meant just as much to Roma as it did Juve. Hats off to the Bianconeri for being absolutely brilliant all match long, but they were aided in their efforts by a dysfunctional Roma performance.
Here's what went wrong: Roma Coach Luis Enrique had the tactics and line-up wrong from the get-go. I'll admit, Daniele De Rossi has been effective at center back over the past few games, but with Gabriel Heinze available and the issue of Juve's playmaking midfield at hand, DDR should have started in the midfield in an effort to stunt Juve's midfield movement before their attacks heated up. As a result of De Rossi's missing presence in front of the back four, the Juve midfield titter-tattered their way through the likes of Fernando Gago, Marquinho and Simone Perrotta to arrive with some serious space in front of the defense. Furthermore, Enrique decided to leave out Francesco Totti, who was coming off a huge performance against Udinese and was ready to give his all in a rivalry match that always means something to him.
I understand the manager's thoughts of needing to rest certain players, given a midweek game on the horizon, but at this point of the season and the position Roma is in, all games and all points are critical. The best team needs to be fielded, no matter what - no excuses. This is one of several occasions I think Luis Enrique has actually lost Roma the game.
Ironically, game number two of my day brought a similar result and effort from my hometown team, NYRB. In what should have been a cagey grudge match (NY and DC have somewhat of a rivalry) the Red Bulls failed to understand the concept of defending, just like Roma! These two dismal performances from teams I love were so coincidental, that I think the Red Bulls must have watched Roma earlier in the day and took notes on how to roll over. Imagine my disgust at the 60 minute mark seeing the scoreline 4-0 and thinking "hmmm, this reminds me of the Roma game since it is the exact same horrible scoreline."
What went wrong: Pretty much everything. The defending was horrible: players who were introduced into the starting 11 - Lade & Palsson - didn't really click with the rest of the group. In turn, the defense was pretty scattered and individual, rather than what you would expect from a group of professionals. Simple clearances were botched and nearly every set piece was neglected. Moreover, offense was hard to come by and when the Bulls did get something going, DC transitioned quickly to surprise their shaky defense. Overall, it was a terrible effort in a game the Red Bulls could have won.
Mother always said there'd be days like these.
Juventus 4 - 0 Roma
My enthusiasm was high this afternoon, as the first important football match of my weekend approached - Roma, my team, versus rivals Juventus. A crucial match for both sides - Juve vying for the Scudetto, Roma for Europe - what could be better?
Nothing, until reality struck: the Old Lady tamed the Lupi, taught them how to give paw and scalded them for licking their own butts. A 4-nil drubbing in a match that should have meant just as much to Roma as it did Juve. Hats off to the Bianconeri for being absolutely brilliant all match long, but they were aided in their efforts by a dysfunctional Roma performance.
Here's what went wrong: Roma Coach Luis Enrique had the tactics and line-up wrong from the get-go. I'll admit, Daniele De Rossi has been effective at center back over the past few games, but with Gabriel Heinze available and the issue of Juve's playmaking midfield at hand, DDR should have started in the midfield in an effort to stunt Juve's midfield movement before their attacks heated up. As a result of De Rossi's missing presence in front of the back four, the Juve midfield titter-tattered their way through the likes of Fernando Gago, Marquinho and Simone Perrotta to arrive with some serious space in front of the defense. Furthermore, Enrique decided to leave out Francesco Totti, who was coming off a huge performance against Udinese and was ready to give his all in a rivalry match that always means something to him.
I understand the manager's thoughts of needing to rest certain players, given a midweek game on the horizon, but at this point of the season and the position Roma is in, all games and all points are critical. The best team needs to be fielded, no matter what - no excuses. This is one of several occasions I think Luis Enrique has actually lost Roma the game.
DC United 4 - 1 New York Red Bulls
Ironically, game number two of my day brought a similar result and effort from my hometown team, NYRB. In what should have been a cagey grudge match (NY and DC have somewhat of a rivalry) the Red Bulls failed to understand the concept of defending, just like Roma! These two dismal performances from teams I love were so coincidental, that I think the Red Bulls must have watched Roma earlier in the day and took notes on how to roll over. Imagine my disgust at the 60 minute mark seeing the scoreline 4-0 and thinking "hmmm, this reminds me of the Roma game since it is the exact same horrible scoreline."
What went wrong: Pretty much everything. The defending was horrible: players who were introduced into the starting 11 - Lade & Palsson - didn't really click with the rest of the group. In turn, the defense was pretty scattered and individual, rather than what you would expect from a group of professionals. Simple clearances were botched and nearly every set piece was neglected. Moreover, offense was hard to come by and when the Bulls did get something going, DC transitioned quickly to surprise their shaky defense. Overall, it was a terrible effort in a game the Red Bulls could have won.
Mother always said there'd be days like these.
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