Thank you, Ann Coulter, for enlightening me about the game of soccer.

Funny, I didn’t realize that individual achievement was the definition of a “real sport”.  All these years of coaching I must have been doing it all wrong…

According to the expert on everything sport related, Ann Coulter in soccer “the blame is dispersed and almost no one scores anyway. There are no heroes, no losers, no accountability, and no child's fragile self-esteem is bruise”.   I didn’t realize she knew so much about the game, this is truly eye opening for me!  I never knew that it is more impressive to catch a fly ball with a wad of tobacco in your mouth than it is to run at speeds of 35mph, with control of a ball while being pushed, pulled, and tackled.  I really do learn something new every day.

Last time I checked every team has a hero on any given day, see Maradona and his Hand of God, there are losers…see every team that played Colombia this World Cup.  There is accountability, which is why some men have literally died when blamed for giving up goals and on a smaller scale, why Geoff Cameron was benched against Germany.  There are MVP’s, in every level of the game, in fact there is an award for MVP of the entire world FIFA Ballon d'Or…just like in football, oh wait no they don’t.

Although I am not sure why this last bit is an issue to discuss…in soccer even kids self-esteem gets bruised from time to time when they get cut from a team, when someone megs them with the ball.  There is not much more embarrassing than that! And also when a teammate calls them out for playing poorly.  Another thing I never knew was that it is more difficult to run past a 300lb “athlete” and score a touchdown than it is to only use your feet and score a goal in soccer?  Amazing how much I have learned from the soccer expert Ms. Ann Coulter. I really can’t thank her enough.

With regards to soccer being the only sport that is played co-ed at the youth level…maybe she never heard of T-ball? Mix doubles tennis? Beach Volleyball? any swim team? Golf? The list goes on…

The only reason soccer has taken longer to “take off” in the USA, is one of the reasons the USA is so great!!  People have choices here.  They can play many sports and it is a wonderful thing…just ask Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Andrew Luck, Usain Bolt what their favorite sport is?  Yup, soccer.   Luck was too slow to play…Bolt not skillful enough (he tried out for MLS); Steve Nash has it written into his contract that he is allowed to play soccer in the off season, and Kobe flew all the way to Brazil to watch and support the USA!  Which by the way, whether you like soccer or not, is something that you should do!  

 

I am at a loss for the idea of the “force-fed aspect of soccer”.  I have been around the game for over 25 years and at no time have I tried to convince someone to love the game.  I answer questions about it when asked, I talk about it with my friends and family, just as any diehard Packers fan would do.  And just like any typical hard-nosed Boston sports fan would say, if you don’t like my sport, I don’t give a rats a@@.  If you don’t like it, don’t watch, it’s that simple.  I personally think watching NBA regular season games is like watching the grass grow but I don’t harp on my basketball loving friends for enjoying it.  I just don’t watch.  What a concept.  

But Ms. Coulter, if you can’t understand “The Beautiful Game” for the skill and athleticism is takes that is fine, but one thing that you can’t overlook is what it does to the world on an actual global scale.  Just like American Football, oh wait, that never happens, ever. 

Soccer can:

          *  literally put a halt to a civil war- Ivory Coast

      *  bring joy to a country in utter despair- Japan women’s soccer winning world cup after tsunami

          *   bring neighboring countries together- Ghana bought energy from the Ivory Coast so the people could watch the games live

      * brings attention to a country operating as a slave state- Qatar

     * gives a voice to the people- Brazil public protests government spending

     * gives a voice to unions- Germany asking government to allow workers to come to work late after Germany soccer games (airing in the middle of the night haha awesome!) and, 

         * brings hope to a country in ruins- Haiti women’s national team

Just to name a few…

You should have just continued your 10 year ban on writing about soccer...

 

Protecting the minds of the game...

Yesterday, the New York times published an article titled, U.S. Women’s Soccer Stars Take Lead on Risks of Heading.  I enjoyed reading the article for many reasons, the first one being that my mom actually started this discussion back around 1992.  Her ideas have always been before her time...on more than one occasion her rules for raising her three daughters were eventually written into law...and I am not even joking. (see MA law on new drivers).

I started to play soccer when I was 6 years old.  The idea of heading the ball at that time was pretty much unnecessary because the ball rarely left the ground.  I continued to play recreational soccer and was lucky that my coaches weren't just parents supervising us run around but actual former soccer players.  When I was 9-10 I started to play competitive travel soccer and this was around the time my mom started to speak up.  Before practices with any of my club/ODP teams, my mom would address the coach and tell them that I was not allowed to head the ball during practice.  She believe that it would cause injury to my brain and also lower my future SAT scores.  

I was embarrassed by this situation and thought I would develop slower than the rest of the kids but turns out that was not the case.  At that age, there is not a lot of heading in the games...just in practice for specific drills.  My teammates didn't actually seem bothered by my lack of heading in practice and some of them started to follow suit.  Once I was older, bigger, and stronger I began to head the ball, and never noticed a deficiency in my ability to perform the task.

I am happy to say that I never got a concussion from playing soccer.  Although I have had moments where I've "seen stars"as mentioned by Cindy Parlow, I don't currently have any residual headaches.  In 2005 while working as a young professional at a law firm in NYC, I participated in an adult co-ed soccer tournament.  I went up for a header and got the back of a head to my upper eye lid; and let me tell you.  Sporting a black eye at a law firm for several weeks is not a good look for clients haha.  Now when I think of using my head in a game, I have more caution. Meaning, I think to myself, "is it the end of the world if I don't head this punt?"  The answer is most often no, I can just take it down with my feet and move along.  

In college however that was not the case, and as an asst. college coach for 8 years I had roughly 7 girls with documented concussions and who knows how many just kept quiet.  Every sport carries a risk of injury but it seems to me in this country, we always try to find a way to make the games we love more safe so we can continue to enjoy the healthy competition.  

I hope the future of soccer continues to grow and develop and I hope that people take the idea of protecting young brains more seriously for both girls and boys. 




 

Way to Represent CONCACAF!!

The game on Sunday really left me deflated, basically a speechless lump on the wall but with the help of friends and family I am back up on my feet ready to help push the USA into the knock out rounds.  What the USA has already done to prove the "haters" wrong and succeed in the group of death is an accomplishment in itself but as a typical American...I want more  : )

Cheers! Lets go USA!

For those of you who have had the pleasure of hearing me scream at the TV and jump up and down throughout the Cup, know that I am passionate about the apparent disrespect given to the CONCACAF teams.  As a member of the region, we know how hard it is to qualify out of this group.  We know difficult it is to beat Mexico in Mexico at crazy altitudes and 80,000 screaming fans...or how hard a road trip to Costa Rica can be...how physical Honduras games become and how a tiny country like Jamaica can still give you a run for your money.  We as fans of CONCACAF know this, but for some reason Europe has been so pleased with themselves they didn't see us coming this World Cup!

Much praise to the Ticos of Costa Rica for beating the powers of Italy and Uruguay, and lets face it...probably England too!  Hats off to Mexico (this is the only time that will happen from me haha) for representing strong against hosts Brazil and the likes of a tough Croatian team.

I am so happy that we as a region, have turned a page in the success and recognition of greatness in our part of the globe...good luck to you all in the upcoming games...but most importantly to the USA!

"Don't stop believing! Hold on to that feeling!" of scoring goals and taking names!

Goals, Goals and more Goals

So there have been discussions that the European teams don't play well in South America, they can't handle the heat, but apparently France didn't get the memo.   They just continue to dominate.   In my mind, they are the strongest team to date.  And as much as it pains me to say, they are simply just fun to watch.  

Italy seems to think that their history will win games for them instead of actually working for it...  Ciao Italia, Costa Rica made you look like amateurs.

The media can put down Wayne Rooney all they want, but England struggles were not with him...their defense has more holes than the Swiss and their cheese heads...

What a show the France v. Switzerland game turned out to be!  The goals were all spectacular.  That is the kind of game you hope a lot of kids were watching to learn how to properly strike a ball, how to execute a perfect counter-attack, and how no matter what the score, don't ever give up...5-2! What a crazy score but those last two goals for the Swiss will help with the goal differential and keep their hopes alive.

Despite the fact that FIFA seemingly hates CONCACAF, we continue to get it done on the pitch (knock on wood).  So here we go USA, can't wait for Sunday night!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!

What teams are looking good and not so good...

My thoughts after the first round of games (that I was able to watch):

Strongest Performances
1) Netherlands
2) France
3) Germany

Gutsiest Performances

1) USA
2) Belgium
(playing until the last minute)

Lucky/Unlucky Performance
1) Brazil
2) Croatia
(thanks Ref)

Surprising performance, and not in a good way
1) Spain
2) Portugal (fine with me hah)
3) Uruguay
4) England
5) Argentina

Surprising performance, in a good way!
1) Costa Rica
2) Mexico 
(way to represent CONCACAF)

Uneventful Performances
1) Australia
2) Nigeria
3) Iran
4) Ivory Coast
5) Honduras
6) Bosnia and Herzegovina (need an attacking CM badly)
7) Cameroon (no sense of urgency, no movement)

 

USA vs Ghana...best feeling ever!

There are no words to effectively explain how happy I am after USA's victory over Ghana.  Not just because we have lost to them in the last two World Cups, but because the first game in every knock out stage is excruciating...just ask Nigeria and Iran.  Oh wait, that was the most boring game in the history of the World Cup...and even worse, it is from two teams that will most likely not even advance.  The fact that they didn't score a goal vs. each other makes its entirely possible that they will go an entire World Cup without scoring at all...but we have seen the unthinkable so far, so I will just shut my mouth : )

Anyway, this was a gutsy performance from the USA and I expected nothing less...no one was more surprised than me to see the amazing play from Jermaine Jones.  He was an animal! I mean, talk about putting on your best performance at the most critical time.  I officially take back all of my previous comments about how lazy he played during qualifying, apparently he was just saving up for the actual tournament which is okay with me! haha  I mean just look at his picture, who do you think wants the ball more?  WOOHOO USA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Man of the Match- Jermaine Jones

Clint Dempsey put on a valiant effort for 90mins even though he could barely breathe through his broken nose.  Thanks Captain Clint!  Way to represent!  Geoff Cameron killed himself to the last minute despite cramping, hats off to you Cameron! Besler and Bedoya way to fight it out! Apparently Fabian Johnson is a super hero with no problem playing box to box in 90 degree weather but for the rest of you I hope that your legs are okay  : )  

In the last 20 mins of the game I wanted to run for you guys...I tried so hard to mentally push you through the final minutes by the end I was exhausted! haha Heart Rate up, inhaler was almost needed...

I was obsessed with Klinsmann's line up, I think he used his substitutions wisely based on unexpected injuries and I cannot wait for SUNDAY!   To the entire team, please eat a ton of bananas, no more cramping!  No Guts, No Glory! Bring it on Portugal!

The Novice Soccer Fans Guide to Watching the World Cup

Predictions and Opinions- How Media Presents the World Cup

I understand that each member of the soccer media, or any sport for that matter, has an opinion.  I understand that some members of the media actually have a "TV personality", and sometimes it is their job to fire up the viewers.  But as it turns out, I don't like to be negatively fired up about my National Team. 

Such was the situation when Alexi Lalas told the US National team (to their face) that they "won't get out of the group"...following it up with "prove me wrong".  Since 1994, my feelings for Lalas went from big fan to respectfully disagree to currently dislike.  I, along with many others, would love nothing more than to prove Lalas wrong.  I secretly hope this is his strange way of firing up the team, and also that this is just his TV personality.  I have USA and Germany leaving the group stage : )  

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!

American Outlaws at Red Bull Arena 2014

At the end of the day, members of the press can make all he predictions they want because there is no consequence if they are wrong.  They can easily say, "Argentina did not play they way I thought"...or "Chile should have switched to a 4-4-2", or "Mexico got lucky".  Members of the press are never even criticized for being wrong, after all it really is just a guess.  Which is why I loved to hear Timmy Howard's thoughts on Lalas' prediction "they are just words".  Simple as that.   

The site FiveThirtyEight.com, presents a mathematical prediction for the upcoming World Cup games.  As interesting as the numbers are, to me they are just numbers.  These stats don't include any variables such as: 

1) current player fitness, 

2) weather (they do mention weather but can't predict how even Brazil will handle it since 18 of the 23 players actually live in Europe)

3) food/hydration (South Korea already suffered from food poisoning in Miami this week), 

4) injuries, 

5) use of substitutions, 

6) time zone (sleeping challenges), 

7) travel during the tournament (USA has the longest travel between stadiums in this World Cup), and lastly

8) home field/ feeling of home field advantage (outside of Brazil the most tickets were sold in the USA).

With all these predictions, guesses, betting over/unders, and estimates, there is one thing that stands true.  All over the globe millions of fans are excited for the unpredictable games to begin!  I wish every team the best of luck.  I can't wait to see the many talents and new breakout stars!!  However, going forward my thoughts will all be biased : ) Cheering loud for the Red, White, and Blue!

Injuries- How will they change the outcome of the World Cup, if at all?

I have been very curious if anyone has done a study about how many more injuries professional soccer players have in the 6, 8, 12 months before a World Cup tournament, compared to the 3 years in between.  I am not sure if it is just the time of year when people pay more attention to the injured players, or if in fact, there are more injuries due to the pressure of making the World Cup squads.

The Netherlands, Germany, Mexico and England have been hit hard with injuries.  France just took a big blow with the loss of Ribery.  Portugal is broadcasting that Ronaldo has a nagging leg injury, and he has been sitting out of the send off games, but who knows if that is just to protect him from getting hurt in the first place.  I wouldn't blame them if that is what they were trying to do, except for the fitness factor, and of course the team working as a unit.

No doubt, the men from every country have been killing themselves for over a year to make it to the Cup, make the final roster, make it into the starting line up...and no matter how much I like the idea of non-USA rosters weakening down to a B squad level, its sad that the Cup won't have the top talent from every qualifying country.

Hopefully the USA get an injury free victory this evening vs. Nigeria, another World Cup bound team, sure to show how effective we can be against the best of the best.

KEEP THE TRAIN ROLLIN USA!!

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!

USA vs Turkey- LIVE

It has been awhile since I have seen a soccer game live that I wasn't playing in, or that wasn't played by 9 year old girls.  So, upon arriving to the Red Bull Arena on Sunday afternoon I was beside myself with anticipation! 

American Outlaws

The American Outlaws did not disappoint, singing, dancing, and playing the drums to the delight of the players and fans.  I literally only saw 5 Turkey fans, and their attempt at cheering was short lived based on all the Red, White, and Blue sitting around them. 
 
During the game, I realized more than ever, how much my thoughts of the game can be influenced by the way it is broadcasted.  The way the camera shows the game, the highlights they choose to replay, and the opinions of the actual announcers.  Together they all have a slight way of influencing the fans perception of the game and players.  I am SO glad that I saw this game at the stadium because I am sure I enjoyed it more than if I was on the couch listening to Taylor Twellman mention how Zusi didn't have the same impact he did against Azerbaijan.  However, there was one man who annoyed me at the game.  The man behind me who insisted that every time a US player lost the ball, he should be replaced with Landon Donovan.  Apparently Donovan never lost the ball when he was on the team? 

Overall, the game was a great deal of fun, and it felt wonderful to be around so many passionate fans.  But to be more brief, here is a handful of player insights for the guys that stood out for me, (as usual) for good and for bad.

I have been a doubter in Altidore's abilities, and specifically to score for us this World Cup but by the end of this game I found myself screaming and hoping so badly for him to get one! Just one!  It's as though you can tell, once he gets one, he will get 5.  Whether or not I think he should get the start is far from an issue, so since Klinsmann feels so strongly with him up there, here's hoping that he gets one this weekend vs. Nigeria.

Tim Howard, getting it done!

Tim Howard and Brad Guzan- Both had a good game by making a handful of big saves and benefited from the their friend the goal post.  You can never underestimate the friendship between a GK and the framework : )  

Jones showed A LOT more effort and discipline at the holding midfielder position than I am used to seeing.  And although I was thrilled to see Beckerman enter the game, nothing specifically stood out regarding his play. 

Apparently this is not a foul

Green was very aggressive getting into the box, and I believe that with any other ref, he could have been awarded at least 1 PK.   I look forward to him playing the same "go to goal" style, and predict that he could win some PK's for the team in the future.

I was very happy with Johnson and Chandler in the outside back positions.  Johnson had a WICKED goal...amazing assist from Bradley but just an OUTSTANDING shot by Johnson.  The two of them played the flank defender to perfection, making moves forward and tracking back.  The handball was unfortunate but at least he was back defending where he was supposed to. 

Altidore vs. Turkey

 
General weaknesses were with both offensive and defensive corner kicks.  Difficult to score a goal with one forward in the 6 yard box, and 4 running in.  Turkey defended all free kicks with 9-10 players, and you better believe that in the World Cup every team will be doing the same.  One goal can be the difference between getting out of the group stage and going back home...





I find myself so excited and nervous for this World Cup, you would think that I am actually playing in it.  Too bad Alexi Lalas doesn't feel the same way.  He continues to be the antagonist with the prediction that the USA won't get out of the group.  Why so bitter Alexi? You did you part in the 90's, time to move on and pass the torch to this group.  

Let's go USA!