Sexy timeeeee

It is times like this when you can sit back, smile and admire what you have become a part of. This MLS season has seen many great feats, like RSL finishing second in the CCL, MLS teams winning in Mexico and Central America, the Sounders winning a third Open Cup, and some amazing goals and saves. The level of play has peaked at a very high level, and some amazing playoff games have lead up to this, the MLS Cup.

Now this is a dream scenario for the league, as Beckham, Keane, Donovan, and Super Mike Magee are going to get to play at home in front of their own people. What sort of difference does this make? Well currently good MLS Cup tickets are going for up to 4x face. The best prices I have seen on good seats have been the MLS Cup tickets on viagogo. Generally the MLS Cup does not sell out. However it could. Don Garber has mentioned in the past that the game could be played in the city of one of the teams that qualifies. I think that makes a ton of sense, but with a small tweak. Lets look at LA for example.

The Home Depot Center is an amazing venue. Great seats all around the building. It seats 27,000 but my guess is in two Sundays it will be upwards of 30k in the building. The crowd should be amazing. However the demand for this game is greater then a 30k capacity building. What if the MLS looked into hosting the MLS Cup in one of the cities of the finalists but did it in a bigger building? Somewhere like the LA Coliseum, where the Galaxy pulled 56k to play Real Madrid this year. Sure the numbers might not be quite the same, but I guarantee 50k would come out to see the MLS Cup final if the venue had the capacity. It would make it much easier for out of town fans (Houston in this case) to get tickets as well, plus it would build a ton of buzz around the MLS Cup final. A majority of MLS teams have a larger venue that would be accessible for playing the final, as most NFL stadiums would work just fine, along with anywhere events like the World Football Challenge was played.

How would this play out? If there is a good venue to play a larger MLS cup in the city of one finalist but not the other, that is the team that hosts it. If both have a good venue, there is a coinflip immediately after the second semi-final ends. If neither have one, same deal, coinflip for rights to host. Other solutions could be brought into play, I am sure, but added capacity and a non neutral crowd will help build interest in the MLS Cup, be sure that tickets are all sold, and ensure everyone gets a crack at getting a ticket. The MLS Cup isn’t quite the Super Bowl yet so holding it at a neutral venue doesn’t make a ton of sense. Hosting it at a larger capacity venue in the city of one of the finalists does though.

'Becks, where are we grabbing dinner postgame?'

For some time, the notion that ‘The MLS is a retirement league’ has been floating around. This idea came around rightwhen guys like David Beckham started taking some pretty large salaries to join MLS teams. Apparently, when one switches leagues later in live, it is only for a fat paycheck and the ability to do whatever you want and not be held accountable. Yet the last two games I have watched, Beckham and Thierry Henry have both looked like they are at the top of their game. Tonight Beckham was spraying around brilliant passes with ease, to the point where it looked like he could have stepped out of his Galaxy jersey straight into one of his perfectly tailored suits, head straight into any of the finest nightclubs in Hollywood, and melt the panties straight off of all of the beautiful women in the building. Henry on the other hand, is at his finest when he is working his ass off, constantly creating scoring chances to the point where he makes his teammates look bad because they do not capitalize on what he creates for them. For example, Henry here versus the LA Galaxy, creating for Luke Rodgers:

Certainly my eyes can be deceiving and one game is an awfully small sample size, so I looked into the statistics for what each of these guys do best. Henry scores goals, Beckham sets them up. Currently Henry has 14 goals, Beckham 15 assists. They are both in the top 3 in their respective category this year. Could be an off year for the MLS though right? In 2010, Henry would have been tied for fourth in goals and Beckham would have been second in assists. In 2009 Henry would have been third in goals and Beckham would have been first in assists. In 2008 Henry would have been tied for fourth and Beckham tied for second, bumping his past self out of the top 5. As you can see, each of them easily average a top five spot in their respective categories. Does this mean that *gasp* maybe they moved to the MLS to actually continue playing and not just collect a paycheck? The horror! Certainly their production this year indicates this is true. Even more relevant is the fact that each of them have only played 26 games this year, reducing their opportunity to boost their stats with more games. They have each produced with less opportunity then those they are chasing in the stats column.

Okay, so clearly Becks and Henry aren’t here just to collect a paycheck. Maybe the MLS as a league just sucks? It must be an easy league to do really well in without much effort! I mean, if a guy as famous in world football as Henry can ride the subway to the stadium and not be noticed by very many people, the league must be trash. Yet, in the past year, Real Salt Lake lost in the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, three MLS teams are in position to qualify for the knockout round of the CCL (and two more are on the cusp) and an MLS team won in Mexico for the first time ever. To dismiss the MLS would mean you would have to do the same with all the central American leagues that compete in the CCL as well. The race for the playoffs will go down to the final game and 64,000+ attended Saturday night’s Seattle Sounders – San Jose Earthquakes game. The league has been more competitive this year then previously, and the level of play has been at the highest it has ever been. Teams like PSG are still interested in acquiring David Beckham’s services, and players like Brek Shea will be making moves to clubs in Europe based on their performance in the MLS. Between travel and play on turf, the MLS is likely the most grueling league in the world on a player’s body. I’d say this makes a pretty compelling case that MLS is not an easy league to play in and not an easy league to compete against. It is a league that is on the rise in a country where soccer continues to become more popular.

At this point, it is safe to say calling the MLS a retirement league would be a false statement and there is minimal evidence to support such a claim. No one would argue that the MLS is not at the level of the EPL, but it is a competitive league that fits in nicely on the map of world leagues. So please, stop with the claims that players just come for a paycheck and Disneyland trips, and save your breath and my time.

Many of you remember World Cup 2010 as we watched an American team full of promise

A US soccer fan's life in the past was spent on the edge

win their group for the first time ever at the World Cup. What many people forget is that to get there, the US came through a brutal stretch of qualification where they did not dominate games against opponents that needed to be and should have been dominated. The US played very reactive soccer, mastering the ‘Bend but do not break’ defense and slicing and dicing opponents with killer counterattacks. The US was known for their steely demeanor, an incredible will to win and the ability to capitalize on mistakes while minimizing their own. That and Tim Howard’s sheer beastmode ability made them a threat to beat any team on a given day at the international level. Spain likely remembers this quite well from the Confederations Cup. However, they were never a team who would come out and tire you out by pinging the ball around, probing and possessing while seizing up small gaps with incisive passes and perfect runs. If you were facing the US you did not need to plan around the US attacking strategy, as they were constantly defending and reacting. Out of this rose no real attacking style or identity, and although they were fun to watch, every game was full of tension. You never knew if the US would score as no true offensive game plan leading to consistent, good chances surfaced. Certainly Charlie Davies injury changed the ability of the US to impose the game on their opponent, but the true definition of a good team is depth. Leading up to the World Cup it was amazing how many people pointed out the large number of irreplaceable parts the US had. You could point to almost half the starting eleven where the drop off in talent between the starter and sub was immense. Could a team really compete on the international stage consistently without an identity and with so many breakable parts? As we saw after Steve Cherundolo’s injury in the Gold Cup final, it was clear they could not. But certainly losing games against mediocre opponents isn’t the way to reconcile these problems is it?

The difference between the USMNT losing two games in a row under Bob Bradley and losing two under Jürgen Klinsmann is the fact that Jürgen is taking the team in an entirely new direction. The US is beginning to produce talent that can compete at the highest level. Clint Dempsey is the best player on an EPL team. Tim Howard is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Going forward, the US will be producing more of these skillful, creative players that make an impact on the world stage. As a result, the national team must be shaped to allow them to play to their strengths and talents. Do not be surprised when Chelsea has an American in the starting lineup. Guys like Brek Shea will become the norm instead of the exception as more young Americans win starting eleven spots across Europe. This sort of player never fit into Bob Bradley’s system. How often did Clint Dempsey look frustrated after a teammate quickly turned over the ball after defending for five minutes, or when he made a long mazy run that beat three defenders to find that he was by himself up top with no support from his center mids? The USMNT’s game under Bradley had always been taking decent to good players, fitting them into the system well and playing to the overall strengths of the system. Tactically the system was never built to dominate games, to hold the ball for long stretches, and to create tons of opportunities. As a result, two losses under Bob meant something wasn’t working. Something was broken and needed to be addressed. Two losses against beatable teams was much more then results, it was a catastrophe of Brek Shea’s hair stylist proportions.

Today, two losses for team USA right now is nothing more then growing pains. This coaching change has not only brought a new coach to the team but new players and an entirely new style of play. This style is meant to give the team an identity, something to build around. Yet this concept of ‘identity’ stretches much further then the team itself but to the American public. Jürgen wants to give the country a team that has style and substance based on its people and its fans. Something exciting, some enjoyable to watch, and something that could hook the general populace into engaging with US Soccer. He has tasked himself with doing something that ESPN and US Soccer have failed at so far, making the USMNT relevant all the time, making it something the common American person relates to. The only way to do this is to play the beautiful game in a way that is enjoyable and fun to watch. Chamo and I briefly talked midway through the Costa Rica game and I mentioned that for the first time in a long time I was really enjoying watching the game. I enjoy every US game but this was different. They held the ball, made good passes and smart runs, and were constantly playing with a purpose and a picture of what they wanted to do on the field. It was something where you could see the beauty in the movement and the passes. Proactive instead of reactive. This excited me because this is what will get other people hooked on the USMNT. I’m already hooked but if US games are fun for people to watch on TV, it will draw fans out to stadiums to see the team play as well. More US fans generates a better atmosphere for the players, for the fans there, and for those watching on TV. This rapidly becomes cyclical and viral, and spreads the beautiful game across my beautiful country. If nothing else, Americans love things that captivate them, that keep them entertained. Bradley’s tactics for the US that consisted of quick punches after long periods of holding their ground never captured the imagination of the public. Klinsmann’s ideas of controlling the ball, attacking offensively and creating chances actually has a chance of doing this. So if it takes some growing pains to develop a style that is based upon attacking and possessing the ball, I can deal with that.

The other key is that Klinsmann is trying new players while sticking with his game plan on the field. When people scoffed at seeing Orozco-Fiscal on the field, I was encouraged. Sure, he and Castillo might not be the answer for the back line or even be with the team for World Cup qualifying. But they were at least given a chance to show what they bring to the table. This bite of the pie should push them to improve by keeping the national team in the back of their minds. It also shows young Mexican-American players that Klinsmann will take a look at them and give them chances. Look at Jose Torres. After being capped in the early part of World Cup qualifying, his two main appearances in a US shirt were against Costa Rica away and Slovenia, both times in formations the US had not relied on previously. That could not have been encouraging to any young player, much less any young player who might possibly be choosing between the US and Mexico. Get cap tied, then be used sparingly and blamed for the team’s failure in the games you were part of? No thanks. Now you see Torres playing consistently and getting a legitimate shot at showing his value going forward toward World Cup Qualifying. Whether or not he ends up being a key cog in the team is irrelevant, because guys like him, Shea, and Rogers are getting ample opportunity to play and not be cast off at the first sight of a mistake or poor game. It’s better to find out now that Robbie Rogerstein isn’t what Klinsmann hope he would be on the wing then in him disappointing as the US draws against T&T in qualifying. It’s better to see Timmy Chandler get a run out at left back now, then have him be forced into that spot when someone gets injured before US-Mexico in the Hex with no experience there. It’s better to see Maurice Edu get a legitimate look at holding midfield then leave him on the bench for a more proven player. It helps remind everyone that no spot belongs to them. That the guard has changed and the coach wants you to prove to him that you deserve to even wear a shirt, much less have your name on it.

Now is the perfect time not only to test new players but to let everyone on the team feel out the new formation and strategy that Klinsmann intends to play. A majority of these players have been part of Bradley’s team and for many that is the only national team strategy they have ever known. They have played the ‘Bend but don’t break and counter hard’ for the past 4+ years. Suddenly shifting to an offensive mindset is not a change that takes place in two games, especially not when you have minimal time to train before these games and you are playing with players who you are likely not very familiar with. This massive shift in mentality and style may take up until World Cup qualifying starts to really take hold, as the US has very limited practice time each time they go on international break. The key is that every time the players come together, the system that Klinsmann wants to play is clearly defined, that they play it throughout each game, and that each player is a part of it. Constantly reinforcing that players should be creative, should take chances, should go for goal is a big part of how Klinsmann can help move the players of the national team out of the past and into the present. So far, so good.

Klinsmann’s start has been far from perfect in the results column, but he has begun to make a drastic change to soccer in the US, not only for the national team but for the fans and the overall style of soccer in the country as well. That is the only result that truly matters, and to see results there, it will take time. Fortunately he and the team have plenty of it and Mr. Klinsmann has used it wisely so far.

Even Torres scored....

There is a lot that can be said about the USMNT’s “performance” against Spain on Saturday, but almost none of those words would be positive. In fact, the backlash of that game could potentially dismantle the team’s chances at the upcoming Gold Cup. While missing their top stars (which is completely baffling outside of Landon Donovan’s exclusion) a Spain team initially comprised of only 5 players that started the World Cup final completely dismantled the US defense and midfield.

Spain dominates every team they play possession-wise, and all USMNT supporters knew that possession was going to be at a premium when the game began. That said, fielding a less than full strength squad against the best team in the world probably wasn’t Bob’s finest idea (and if you know me at all, I think he NEVER has a good idea). Instead, Bradley decided to start with an ultra defensive lineup of misfits, some of which could (and should) have seen their last game in a USMNT kit on Saturday.

It may have been a mistake to schedule such a high profile match just 3 days before the start of an important tournament, but after its scheduled you still need to honor your agreement. Instead of saving face and “resting” his top players, Bradley blatantly exposed just how big the drop off the USMNT second rate players are compared to that of a footballing nation like Spain. Players that don’t regularly start for La Furia Roja showed no different style or poise than the like of Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro, while second rate Americans like Spector, Klesjtian and Rogers looked as though they didn’t even want to be there.

The second half was a slightly better showing once Baby Brad and Dempsey were introduced (and Onyewu was replaced), but even with the improvement Spain outclassed a visibly discouraged American side. Hell, the defense even let Torres score, and made Chelsea fans everywhere rejoice. Since everyone and their mother has already written a recap, here are my notes on what the USMNT needs to do, aside from fire Bob Bradley, which I hope happens after they fail miserably during the Gold Cup.

• Defense: The outside back issue has been around for well over two years now, and Lichaj did reasonably well out of place on the left, while Cherundolo is quite obviously the only choice out right since Spector was, yet again, awful. The center never used to be an issue, until now.  Onyewu just doesn’t cut it anymore. While still aerially dominant, he offers nothing else to the back line, and actually creates more issues than he cleans up. In my opinion his US career may be done until he can learn to position himself. Goodson and Ream look a better center pairing than Gooch in there at all.
• Forward: Altidore is neither fit nor in form. Granted he saw very little of the ball, but Wondolowski’s second half performance proved what form can mean. Even though it was only his second cap, the Earthquakes man was much more threatening than Altidore was (though in truth at least Wondo saw the ball). Agudelo should be a shoe-in for the second striker role.
• Mid: While I, personally, am not a huge fan, Michael Bradley showed exactly why his dad never rests him during international games. Without him in the middle there was no structure or pressure, but second half Bradley’s presence was immense (well, as immense as was allowable). Edu looked off, and much like Onyewu, caused more issues than he should have, while Jones spent too much time cleaning up after Edu and Klesjtian to have a positive performance. Both Klesjtian and Robbie Rogers should never be allowed to play for the USMNT again, why they are favorites of Bob is beyond me, they are simply awful players, especially when you have the talent of Jose Francisco Torres not even in the squad.
• General Notes: What the hell is wrong with the US and choosing locations that have TERRIBLE pitch conditions. I’m sick and tired of watching these friendlies played on pitches worse than I practiced on in high school. Why wouldn’t the ball bounce at all on Saturday? What was wrong with that field!?

Let me know what you think, but I legitimately feel as though my Canadian team may have quite a chance come Tuesday given the performance shown by Bradley’s boys yesterday.

Highlights on demand is a glorious thing. Highlights on demand in real time is so amazing I don’t have words for it. This is a contributing factor to me becoming a full blown MLS junkie. I often times plan my Saturdays around MLS on TV. I will watch games that have nothing to do with the team I follow, the San Jose Earthquakes. Lately I have found I would rather watch MLS then a European league that I have no vested interest in, and MLS is rapidly creeping up on the EPL. So when I cannot games, I am able to come home and see what I missed instantly. I don’t have to wait for the Fox Soccer Report to show highlights, or pray that SportsCenter happens to show a glance of the MLS. I jump on the old laptop and BOOM MLS ACTION IN THE FACE! The fact that I can see a score updated on twitter, jump on the MLS website only a moment later and watch what just happened is truly amazing. I can’t think of any other sports league’s website that has this sort of real time highlights on their website. Not to mention it drives me to their website on a regular basis. I now look for goals of the week and saves of the week and vote each time (Ante Jazic’s line clearance nutmeg for save of the week this week) and I will continue to be a regular visitor and engage because they are doing such a good job. The improved level of play plus instant access at my fingertips has made the MLS website something that I cannot do without. As MLS play continues to get better, it becomes more and more rewarding to watch as a fan. Almost like watching your shitty grape juice become refined into a tasty wine. It might not be world class yet, but you can see the improvement right before your eyes.

I also used to not appreciate midweek games. In fact, I found them annoyingly inconvenient. However now I see the error in my ways. Being old means I have a job. Having a job means I want something enjoyable to do after work. Midweek MLS is enjoyable and after work. Why now isn’t that a lovely situation. Now I can catch Vancouver – Columbus or DC – Houston instead of something else that is boring on TV. As much as I love the Real World, I like watching the MLS better, so imagine how much better it is then everything else on. The more MLS is on TV, the more I want to watch it. Soccer Night in America on Friday and Saturday nights has become something we predrink to before we go out. That is quite a compliment. So do your thing MLS and get on TV as much as possible, thanks.

So in turn, I recognize and thank you for what you are doing MLS. You aren’t perfect, and you have a long way to come. But you are doing a lot of things right, and I greatly appreciate it. I’ll keep watching and checking your website, and when my friends walk in to the room while I am watching, I will explain to them and try and engage them to watch too. Because I like you enough to want to share, and I want you to grow, because you are dope MLS, and I commit to continuing to be hooked on you.

I will not provide a comprehensive analysis of the match because I simply do not want to and who in God’s name would want to read it. Go to soccernet for all I care.

However, Charlie Davies’ goal in the 52’ was a good piece of play with a nice ball played down the right side and a well placed cross, allowing Davies to cash in from about 4 yards out and provide us with a lovely rendition of the stanky leg.  The goal came moments after I explained to two less informed soccer fans that Charlie Davies is a poacher.  Now before you get angry, I realize this is probably an unfair and inaccurate assessment of him as a player.  However, I do not see this as a bad thing whatsoever (Filippo Inzaghi has made himself quite the career out of that role). While I do not think the two are the same player my message is such, THE USMNT NEEDS A PLAYER LIKE THIS. Someone who will simply score goals, not always the pretties, but who cares?  Davies doesn’t necessarily have to be that player, and maybe he isn’t, although it’s tough to argue with his scoring record thus far.  Nevertheless, the USMNT desperately needs a player who can simply be in the right place at the right time and score goals.  ZERO goals from US forwards in the 2010 World Cup ringing any bells for anyone?  I’m not looking for some miracle forward from the US, how about someone who can get a deflection and put it in the net.  How about ANY forward who can put it in the back of the net?  The USMNT’s laundry list of issues will not be solved by this, but scoring goals never hurt any team.

Yup, no transition.  Being an avid EPL (English Premier League for you amateurs) the quality of football in the game was pretty poor with a few moments of genius, as is the story for most MLS games.  But the most surprising game play was with about 7-10 minutes left and DC United up a goal.  They played by far their best football of the match.  They focused on possession, keeping the ball on the ground, swinging it from side to side, with no giant rush to get the ball in the 18.  It is easy to understand why they would play this way, protecting a one goal lead, but I would love to see an MLS team play the entire game like this! Unfortunately, most MLS teams do not possess the technical skills to play this way, as was displayed by DC United when they tried their best to give the ball away in their own defense.  But it was fun to watch and exciting to see an MLS team does actually occasionally value possession and the ball staying on the ground.  The bottom line is the MLS will become a better league when teams can increase their technical ability and attempt to keep possession of the ball for more than 2-3 passes.  This should be obvious, yet I NEVER SEE IT when I watch an MLS game.  I hope to see this transition in the MLS soon because the faster it happens, the quicker the USMNT begins to have a roster with a little depth.  While it is still a must for USMNT players to play in Europe for us to have any chance of competing, an improving domestic league can only strengthen our national team.

Start of 2nd Half

You keep smiling boy. You are good.

3 Quick Points:

1. I apologize for both of our lack of posts, Biggy is incredibly busy with work, and I’m trying to graduate sometime in the next century so I put the site on hold for a while.
2. I realize I’m not really all that foreign… having been born in Biggy’s favored US of A, but I have no emotional investment in the well being of the USMNT, and I hold a foreign passport… so for the sake of the argument, I maintain my foreign-ness.
3. Even though we aren’t posting, we are very active on Twitter, and can be really entertaining, though Biggy has used it to push his techno music love more than anything recently.

Now onto the meat of the post.

Agudelo is going to be better than Altidore and Davies combined. He is the smartest striker the US has seen since McBride, has a presence well beyond his years, and his composure, even against a team as talented as Argentina, is second to none on the USMNT.

Random Agudelo outburst aside, Argentina’s dominance in the first half isn’t even a debatable topic. They looked like Barcelona playing a Sunday-league team from the Bay Area. Messi was dancing through defenders like they were standing still, and the weak point of Argentina’s squad, their defense, never had to actually defend. I haven’t looked at the stats, but I would not be surprised if Argentina had over 75% of the possession in the first period of the game.

The second half was an entirely different story. The introduction of a second striker to clean up what was a confused and hectic center of midfield, as well as a right back actually capable of keeping pace with the likes of Di Maria inspired a respectable USMNT comeback. I firmly believe that the US actually dominated the bulk of the second half, with a few defensive miscues that Argentina probably should have converted. The biggest difference maker was the man between the sticks, Timmy Howard. I can’t remember a performance more remarkable than his show against Argentina, making no less than three remarkable saves against Messi, as well as multiple more against the rest of the Argentina contingent.

The main notes that came out of the Argentina game are these:

• Bob Bradley needs to make his initial lineup, then think about how he would change it if they were losing, and then scrap his initial plan and START with the players he SUBBED on at the half. Bob tends to always favor the conservative, but when you know a team has a week defense, and you decide to play one striker against them, you will not succeed.
• On the striker note, Altidore has no idea what he is doing as a lone striker. I’m sure I’ve mentioned that at some point before, but he looks lost, always tries to attack if he gets the ball, and gets frustrated. He doesn’t know hold-up play at all, and simply is crafty or fast enough to take on an entire defense on his own. He is a remarkable player, but not by himself.
• Agudelo, on the other hand, could potentially play as a lone striker (though I realize he is lacking some of the size). He has the mentality of a seasoned veteran, and it was the most refreshing thing to watch when he came on and settled the attack down, keeping possession and capping it by scoring a well taken opportunity without having the jitters of a typical 18 year old in his situation.
• Chandler, who I didn’t even know existed, is really good.
• Spector can’t play defense.
• The most atrocious aspect of the game was the pitch. I’m not sure what it was that was wrong with it, but the ball couldn’t bounce, everything was slow, and everyone was falling over on it. Why they decide to play on these pitches is beyond me, when you bring a major soccer nation to play you, please make sure the pitch is of a respectable nature.

Then the Paraguay game begins, and Bob finally found his balls. Two strikers from the get go, and a defense that might actually be able to contain quick players.

Unfortunately, the poor possession game that plagued them in the Argentina game for the first half returned, though not to such an extreme nature. The biggest issue with Bradley’s tactics seems to be that they change so drastically every game. Even after fielding a side similar to the second half against Argentina, the squad opted to play a flanking outside back style, which certainly wasn’t how they approached the second half against Arg (most likely out of fear that Di Maria would torch them down the left).

While unfortunate to be trailing, the USMNT struggled to make chances in the first half, particularly near the Paraguay goal, as the best opportunity was a speculative, yet impressive, 30 yd hit from Dempsey. Paraguay played a very aggressive style early on, which tends to fluster Altidore, despite his typical size advantage. Jozy’s one goal in Turkey, besides seeing the pitch more, should be to learn to play a big-man game, body up people and attack their size, not their speed. He showed glimpses of this before the World Cup last year, but has seemed to regress into a softer style (which could be due to a complete lack of playing time).

Second Half Notes:

• Tim Ream is rather impressive. Chandler and Ream could be set for some long USMNT careers.
• Dempsey seems to try to do too much while playing for the National Team. I never see him try as many tricks in Fulham games as he attempts to pull against other National squads.
• Jermaine Jones shouldn’t wear #13…. every time I see him I think its Rico Clark.
• Agudelo is way too good to be 18. I’m calling a Little League World Series situation on this one, show me his birth certificate.
• Bad Decision Bob made the only decision I wanted him to make! He actually took off Altidore and allowed Agudelo to play as a single striker, which both myself and our friends over at TSG wanted to see.
• Paraguay doesn’t offer much of an attacking threat except from set pieces.
• American Outlaws finally got a shout out on FSC!
• The Dirty Mustache made an appearance. Proof that Bob Bradley is still half-retarded.
• Kyle Martino doesn’t know the difference between a fingertip and a palm…
• Agudelo is really, really good.

Overall, the US has some promising youth, but struggle to prove that Bob Bradley is capable of making great decisions before the games begin.

Yeah ah ha
you know who it is
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Yeah ah ha
you know who it is
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Yeah ah ha, you know who it is
Scoring goals, he does it big
Yeah ah ha, when U.S got nothin
only 18 years old, now that’s somethin
Reppin the Yanks when you watch him you know everything
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo
He puts put it down from NYC to South Africa
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Verse 1-
Uh, Blue stripe, red kit
Mexico scared of it, but AO’s aint
soon as he hit the field look at them fans face
Jumping up and down making all the stands shake
Red Blood inside, give CONCACAF a warning
It’s the new boy you know that he’s made for it
and he got New York going mental
Messi’s watching but Juan’s balling out on every level
Hear them haters talk, but there’s nothing you can tell em
Just keep scoring, got another fixture on the schedule
No love for him Bob, it’s your part
No excuse, give the start

Yeah ah ha, you know who it is
Scoring goals, he does it big
Yeah ah ha, when U.S got nothin
only 18 years old, now that’s somethin
Reppin the Yanks when you watch him you know everything
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

He puts put it down from NYC to South Africa
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Verse 2-

Got a call from Grant Wahl this just in
Best newcomer since Landon Donovan
Not a target man, but he ain’t weak though
Come and watch him he’s scoring all year yo
He’s sippin Red Bulls and rocking number 9
So much pace I can’t tell where the line is
Streaking forward at the net
Throw it up for the next Gold Cup Winners

Yeah ah ha, you know who it is
Scoring goals, he does it big
Yeah ah ha, when U.S got nothin
only 18 years old, now that’s somethin
Reppin the Yanks when you watch him you know everything
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo
He puts put it down from NYC to South Africa
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Verse 3

Get’s better like he’s supposed to do
Europe’s best calling, want to get a piece of you
His runs are unapproachable
Super clean but it’s super speed
Deuce telling him where it’s at,
Score goals, make attacks
Draw pens, get assists and that’s that, No Trap
Makin’ runs down the field, he scores and he deals
Eric Wynalda feel, 2014 World Cup’s real

Yeah ah ha
you know who it is
AO know who it is man,
And those that don’t, better by now

Reppin the Yanks when you watch him you know everything
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo
He puts put it down from NYC to South Africa
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Yeah ah ha
you know who it is
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Yeah ah ha
you know who it is
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Reppin the Yanks when you watch him you know everything
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo
He puts put it down from NYC to South Africa
Agudelo, Agudelo,
Agudelo, Agudelo

Booooooooooom. Someone get into the studio and get at this.

LA tailgate. In the sun. In Jan. Rough life.

4. It started with four, four years ago. 4 guys driving down to LA from San Luis Obispo on a cloudy January day in 2008 to watch some American soccer. 2007 was a good year to be on the West Coast, there was a full first team friendly against China in San Jose (the last full first team friendly on the West Coast? I think so) before the Gold Cup and a Gold Cup group stage match at the HDC. 2008 was a new year, and we were off to support the US. I remember the weather sucking and us watching Donovan score a PK directly in front of US. We drove home that night after yelling a lot and me enjoying the game but being disappointed that we were some of the only fans standing and cheering the entire time. The following year our group more then doubled to ten to see Sacha bag a hattie and us to yell SASSSSCCCHHHHAAAAAAAAAA all night. We got there earlier, brought food and drinks and knocked the ball around in the parking lot. Some other American fans forgot their ball and asked if they could join us, we said certainly. We shotgunned beers with them as an exchange of goodwill and American soccer. What is better then that?

Last year was different. I was no longer in San Luis Obispo. I didn’t know if anyone was gonna come down as I was the driving force behind the trip and could no longer stop my friends from drinking too much the night before. I boarded a plane from SF and communicated to the guys I knew where gonna be there that we wanted to start tailgating by 3pm. By midafternoon, 20 friends and friends of friends were there. WTF?!??!?! Suddenly this was now a movement. We also ran into some of the American Outlaws who were out in force. We sat with them, chanted with them. I got to meet Dan of FBM. The US lost an ugly game, but our section was loud and strong. and NO ONE SAT! It was glorious. We drank too much, but I remember flying home feeling satisfied with the performance of American soccer fans. This trip was now a tradition, and multiple people throughout 2010 had mentioned how stoked they were for January 2011 at the HDC.

Our crew swells in size

Here we are, a day after the friendly, and I am inspired. The American Outlaws section sold out. When I say sold out, I mean so full we were sneaking people in with tickets that other people had so we could pack our rows even tighter. I never sat down. Not once. We had friends that could not get into the section. The Outlaws got the ball rolling at Off Campus Pub and Shawn and I cruised down a little after one pm. The place was packed! Tons of AO members from all over, AO Bay Area did us proud by rolling double digits deep and there were more bandannas there then a hipster hangout. Not only that, the numbers kept growing. Post cookout and a couple beers (and a coupppppple more for Shawn) we rolled to our traditional spot in the back left corner of the parking lot. Sweet tea vodka and lemonade was consumed, our now annual gross vodka shot (thanks for being 2011’s GVS, Smirnoff Strawberry) was taken as everyone slammed it, then desperately hunted for a chaser, and we bumped some good music, knocked the ball around and enjoyed the 70 degree weather. By the time we headed in, our tailgate was 30something deep in glorious American soccer fans. We crammed as many peeps as we could into the US section (and crammed a couple more into our automobiles in the parking lot) and enjoyed the most massive and loud AO section I have been a part of. 18,500 tickets sold, but unlike 2010 it was not 90% Honduras fans, American fans were out in force. Chile had nice representation too, but it was different this year. After a good game with terrible refereeing, we plotted our post game drinking session – Pasadena and USC bars respectively. We missed out on the AO postgame bars to enjoy the company of some good friends which was nice. As I jumped on a plane back to SF this afternoon, I saw a US shirt. Then a guy with a US shirt and a scarf. I read reports that LAX was full of US gear this morning. And I smiled.

The Next Generation of US Soccer Fans

I certainly hope the US January friendly continues to be a mainstay in the US international calendar. It’s now an event in our lives, something that was a facebook event and something I got multiple texts from people who couldn’t make it and apologized. More of us will be gone from SLO next year, but I think we will all find our way down to LA. You see, the energy and atmosphere of January in LA is like nothing else. The weather is gorgeous enough that you can wear a jersey and shorts up until game time. The West Coast is always underrepresented when it comes to international friendlies throughout the year. However, it was very evident that US fans care, and will show up in large numbers to see the US play in Cali. The American Outlaws did a great job of pulling people together. You see, the January friendly isn’t about the team so much as it is about the fans. We get a first peak at a lot of young guys who will likely play in front of many sold out crowds in incredibly critical games. In return, we get to give them the support they deserve, the loudness from AO and other US fans that not every city/state will bring when it’s clearly not the first team out there. The January friendly is almost an apology for the West Coast not getting a ton of international games. Thing is, we have embraced it. We love it. We get to unite together in a way that most of us don’t get to on the West Coast, to stand up for and with our team. While Bob is out evaluating young guys, we are bringing in young US fans who get a taste of what US soccer fans are like. We don’t have that opportunity when games are in DC or Dallas or NYC, but when the US comes to LA, so do we. As my friend Brett texted me today, “First of many US soccer games together!”, that is what the January friendly is all about – bringing US soccer fans together and exposing new ones to the glory that is American soccer.

WE LOVE JANUARY FRIENDLIES!

Big ups to the crew who has been there for multiple years – Chamo, Nuge, Trev, Clay, Laz and Natron. You guys have all helped bring new peeps to see the game and enjoy the most fun US games I have been to. You can’t beat drinking, beer throwing, stankylegging, parking lot juggling and truck bed sleeping in LA can you?

The rest of the vids appear to be here: http://www.youtube.com/user/mlsvids4u