Well, my lackadaisical mind set comes to an end with this post. The world of soccer has continued since the defeat in Mexico, almost all of the spots for the World Cup in 2010 are filled. I will get to that here in a minute, but in bigger news, my brother got the chance to attend the a MLS game in Chicago. At the beginning of this year, I decided for some odd reason to actually follow the MLS. As people usually do for cars, I searched every possible detail on what the clubs were about when considering the players to the history. After weighing all the options, my conclusion positioned me with Real Salt Lake. The reason is simple: Strikers and Mentality. I personally feel they have some of the most diverse and game changing Strikers in the MLS. Robbie Findley has had 12 goals and four assists this year in 27 games. In the playoffs this year, he has scored two goals and one assist. Yura Movsisyan also has been a major force in the clubs line up or coming off the bench. He only has eight goals, but has provided the club with much needed energy throughout the season. It is a shame to see him leaving at the end of this year to play in the Danish League for Randers FC. The club also has Fabian Espindola and mid season acquisition Pablo Campos. The Mentality part is simple. They are in a small media market and have had some success. The last two years the team has barely squeaked into the playoffs with a 3rd seed in 2008 and a 4th seed in 2009. This year they had to win their final game and have 4 teams lose. Last year and this year, they have made the Conference Finals with a combined record of 3-1-1. The team has a pretty decent midfield with a good backline. They have been inconsistent, but they have a chance to win the Cup this year and that’s all that truly matters. I wish them good luck against the Chicago Fire tomorrow night, November 14th.
Now I am surprised that my brother actually went to a MLS game. I hope to attend one in the spring before I get to go to the World Cup. However, there are some different views that my brother and I share on the MLS. I believe that the MLS should get more credit from the soccer population here in America. Now the soccer is a little bit sloppier, and it will never be the same as in England, Spain, the Netherlands, or Germany as in history or wins. But that is the beauty in all of this. We can try to match them in pride and good ol hard work. I am not completely distrustful international players. The MLS has great players that are from the Caribbean, Africa, South America, and some of Europe’s older superstars. However, Placing the mangers and ownership into the hands of Foreign Owners is the trouble that I have. America is in a position to form their own Identity in the soccer world. With foreign owners and managers, how will Americans create their own Identity in the World’s Game. The reason why certain teams in Europe are so successful is because they fused their own identity, such as Ajax did in the Eredivisie with their Total Futbol in their earlier years. If we have all this foreign talent, then we won’t be able to think for ourselves. Also, the MLS has to appease all Americans. I believe that the problem that some hardcore baseball fanatics have with soccer is that it is displayed as being European. Baseball is called the American Past time, so they see something European taking over their very proud American history. The MLS isn’t the best soccer by any standards, but we still have to realize that it is our soccer. And the only way to make it better is by having acceptance. With acceptance, comes the better play, the world class stadiums and training facilities, and the most important of all, the hardware.
UPDATE:
I begin writing this on November 13th and I thought I would have gotten it done soon. However, it is now December 3rd. So there has been much happening in the World of Soccer. First, RSL Won The MLS Cup! They beat the star studded LA Galaxy. You can’t believe how happy I was. I will try to put up Highlights if I find them.
In the world of International Soccer, good news and bad news is upon us. For one, I’d just like to say something that I know, I have signed the petition for the World Cup to be in the US. I will put up a picture of the sticker I received for signing the list. And Indy is still on the list of stadiums. How about that? Also, All 32 teams are set for the World Cup, and the Draw is tomorrow. That means that we will finally get to see the teams in the games we get to see. I will try to put up the list. However, this list hasn’t come in the easiest way of fashion. In the qualifying match of Ireland and France, Theirry Henry assisted in the scoring of the winning goal after using his hand to direct the ball. The refs didn’t call it, and France is in the World Cup. There have been many discussions on the Handball, but FIFA has decided to do nothing. I will try to get the video that I saw of the handball. Also, Chile’s bid to the World Cup could be canceled on the account of disruption in club level soccer. However, the team may have dropped their discourse and no action will be taken against Chile. Well, the draw is tomorrow. My brother and I will get to see who is in our games and I believe Andy is going to do a draw of the Cape Town teams to see who we have to root for in the World Cup. Until next time, and I will get some articles and videos up right now.