Sunday, May 8, 2011

The End

Well the end is even closer - that tends to happen has the sun rises and falls. Not the end like the end of the World, but the end of the premier league season. Chelsea once again thoroughly disappointed on the biggest occasion, and Manchester United took full advantage. It was nice to see Hernandez get on the score sheet once again. As has been said in numerous 'Best Signings' lists, he has certainly lived up to his spot at number one this season. Who could have seen it coming besides Sir Alex? Not me - I thought he might get a few good games under his belt, but instead he's been a key figure throughout the season, upstaging the biggest names in the league.

I hope Man U beats the living hell out of Barcelona. The way that team has represented the game lately is a DISGRACE. They can play beautifully at times, but their acting and attitude toward the game makes them and the sport as a whole quite ugly. Here's hoping...

Monday, April 25, 2011

NSFW: Horrific Tackle on Zakuani

I have not watched this video, nor do I intend to. EVER. But I heard about this incident quite a bit over the weekend and thought I would say a few words about it. This was unfortunately the first of TWO similar incidents over the weekend in the MLS. I don't know too much about the second, though.

With all accounts pointing to complete and utter intent to hurt the player, I think Brian Mullan should at the very least be banned from playing until Zakuani is back on the field, whether that be six months or a year. I remember seeing an incident like this three or four years ago when a player from Sunderland went in on Diaby from Arsenal, fracturing his ankle. I don't recall the ensuing punishment, but the player shouldn't have been allowed to play while he's putting players' careers in jeopardy. I believe Arsene Wenger said something along those lines. He's right.

There are no excuses. Others are left to suffer the consequences of an idiots bad judgement. MLS hasn't issued a statement on the incident yet; let's hope they don't puss out on a measly fine and a 1-3 game ban.

I understand there are some instances where accidents happen and that it's just part of the game, but stuff life this is inexcusable.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Baseball, Golf & Women's Basketball

Let me get this out of the way. I respect the history surrounding the two dominating clubs in Serie A - Inter Milan and AC Milan - but I really can't back the league as a whole. The games are boring and the players spend more time sideways than actually playing. Why does Fox Soccer play so many of the league's games. I would put it in the same category as Baseball, Golf, college Basketball and women's Basketball. And I love soccer!

That's not what I'm here to talk about. With the Premier League in the final stretch, these last games are becoming so important for both sides of the table. The bottom six teams are so close in points that anything could happen. The race for spots in the Champions League is mighty close as well. As far as the title, it looks like it'll be a two horse race now that Arsenal once again shot themselves in the foot.

The game between Manchester United and Chelsea looks to be a massively important one. Chelsea looks to be in good form as of late, and since they're out of all domestic and european tournaments, they will no doubt be putting all of their energy into winning the league. It's tough to call at this point, though. If Manchester United can stay healthy and keep from getting fatigued from the extra Champions League games, the title is theirs to lose.

How fitting would it be for Torres to win the game for Chelsea?

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Rare Event: Fernando Torres Gets His First Chelsea Goal

It's been a long time coming. After his record transfer fee and a number of goalless appearances, Fernando Torres finally got that much allusive first goal as a Chelsea player. Was there ever any doubt? I guess the professional critics would say yes, there was, but he's obviously much better than what he's shown lately; hopefully he can resume business as usual. He's dealt with an unusual run of form this past year, but we've seen strikers turn it around before - Wayne Rooney anyone?

I'm a fan of Torres and enjoy his ability in front of goal, so I hope to see him come back into his own and justify his reputation as one of the best there is. The final run of games in the EPL is going to be very interesting with all the drama at both ends of the table. It's harsh on West Ham; I'm a closet fan of any team with an American on it, but they've been doomed from the beginning it seems. It's unfair to Avram Grant as well, who has done his best since taking over.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Mark Viduka Scores for Leeds, Fan Commentator Goes Berserk

This gem was shared with the World Wide Web a short two years ago, and never does it get old. I can only imagine how the fans must have felt seeing this happen live. I guess the feeling is conveyed to us as viewers quite well from the commentator, but experiencing the match from the crowd would have been unreal. If anything, learn the dialog to repeat to your friends during a night out or after you've scored the winner in a pick-up game.

Great Agudelo Goal Against D.C. United

USA fans have been starving for the next reliable (the best being Brian McBride) striker to come through the national team ranks, with many promising prospects failing to deliver when it matters. Eddie Johnson comes to mind, and so does Robbie Findley. The biggest standout, however, is easily Jozy Altidore, who has not scored an International goal in I don't know how long, not to mention his failed moves to Spain and England. I personally think he still has a lot to offer on the club and international stage, and compared to some other critics I feel like he's put in some commendable performances these past few friendlies.

Although Agudelo still has a long way to go, we are seeing signs that he could actually be the real deal. The kid scored on his debut against South Africa, following that up with a right-place-at-the-right-time goal against Argentina. Sure, he's still very early into his international and club career - he just recently turned 18 - but he's showing signs that gives US fans reason to be excited: creative, fearless, quick; exactly the ingredients the US needs.

Here's hoping to his continued development...

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Copa Del Rey

Say what you will about Christina R. and his on-the-field boy band dance routines, but he can bulge the ole onion bag better than most. Here he is doing it against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final, prancing above his marker to head home the eventual winner. To be fair, Barcelona's defending wasn't the greatest, letting that gremlin Marcelo play a one-two down the line with Di Maria. And Ronaldo essentially had a free header at the back post. I didn't see the match myself, but felt their previous match was a bit of a snooze fest. I know Mourinho's tactics are just to park the bus, but come on! Wonder what Barcelona's response will be when they meet in the Champions League.