The Sin: Pride is often called the “ultimate sin” because it leads to so many of the other sins. According to Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction”. It’s true, too. I define “pride” as the unwillingness to view one’s own abilities objectively, or – to put it bluntly – insincere self-respect. Pride is akin to vanity, and it is the root of almost every other major sin. Think about it: this sin wars against a humble spirit, which Jesus says we need to hump it up to heaven (Matthew 5:5). We must see ourselves as the sinners we are, instead of making false claims of righteousness.  Read more... (515 words, 4 images, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet sin in one point, he is guilty of all.”

- James 2:10

For centuries, mankind has been obsessed with the idea of “sin.” Different cultures and religions have sought to define “sin” for their members, and several theories have been advanced regarding what constitutes a “sin.” But, when it comes to Western civilization (which is heavily influenced by Christianity), seven “sins” have risen above the rest to be identified as the “Seven Deadly Sins”. Now, this list of “sins” appears nowhere in the Old or New Testaments, but…   Read more... (763 words, 4 images, estimated 3:03 mins reading time)

Monday 21st December 2009 is a date to mark in your calendars. Once again the world’s best footballers both male and female will gather at the Zurich Kongresshaus for the 19th FIFA World Player gala.

A total of 33 strong candidates make the list this year and the main focus will no doubt be in the male category where Lionel Messi will face-off with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi is considered the front runner for this award and just like i had earlier said concerning the Ballon d’or award, Lio will carry the day. As good a player as Cristiano is, this year truly belongs to Messi. In my opinion Cristiano might be the world’s most expensive player but there is no doubt as to who is more talented.  Read more... (331 words, 3 images, estimated 1:19 mins reading time)

Every week we give our predictions of the upcoming games in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A. I am sure that some of you scoff at the predictions and think you can do better. Well now is your chance!

We have partnered with Score Five, an Online Soccer/Football Prediction site. We have created a channel for Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League games.

We are giving away 2 tickets to the overall winners of each competition, plus we will be doing some weekly prizes between now and the end of the European season.

The competition starts October 17th. To sign up (its free) go to http://scorefive.com/index.php/Register.html and register as a player. After you login, it will ask you for the password to join a league. That password is soccertickets.

Good luck

Background: It is fitting that this is the only picture of Daniel Peinado I could find because his career was pretty unremarkable. The fact that there is no picture of him on the field (just in training) is ironic. Peinado didn’t play a ton in MLS, but he did take the field one day in late April 1997 against the Los Angeles Galaxy. We will get to that soon.

Career: Peinado’s career doesn’t exactly measure up. He was a mediocre player for the Former Burn. To tell you the truth, I can’t really find that much info on him online. I can’t even find his career stats. This indicates that those stats must have not been too impressive. Well, Mr. Peinado does hold one statistical record, and I will share it with you. 

Dishonors: Peinado committed 9 fouls on 04/26/97, which is an MLS record for number of fouls in one game. What’s more shocking than such a flagrant disregard for the rules? The fact that Peinado got all nine penalties in a single half (the 2nd). That’s right. Over a 45 minute span, Peinado was whistled for a foul nine times. That’s 1 foul every 5 minutes.

Legacy: Peinado doesn’t really deserve to be on this list. I just happened to notice that he not only held the record for fouls in a single game, but also in a single half. I do not know if Peinado was subbed in at the start of the 2nd half, or if he simply didn’t pick up a foul early on. Who knows? I do know that nine fouls in one half is wholly excessive. But hey, at least Peinado is remembered for something, right?

Background: Mamadou Diallo is known as “Big Mama”. Like the Martin Lawrence movie of the same name, he is unbearable to watch. He’s a huge, sulking Senagalese striker. He currently plays in Mali, but back in 2000-2002, he played for three MLS teams: the New England Revolution, the New York Metrostars, and the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

Career: Diallo has played in almost one dozen nations. Why does he move around so much? Well, he is known for his fiery temper and dislike for authority (especially his coaches). He’s a regular for the Senegal National Team, and he is definitely a prolific scorer, but his temper tantrums have always cost him. His most famous incident occurred in MLS.

Dishonors: Diallo’s place on this list is due to many small displays of bad sportsmanship and one big one. On August 16, 2000, Diallo and the Mutiny faced the Metrostars. After colliding with goalie Mike Ammann, Diallo stood up and stepped on Ammann’s ribs, puncturing his lung and ending his career. It is remembered as MLS’s dirtiest play ever.

Legacy: Diallo’s legacy depends on who you talk to. Those who believe Diallo “accidentally” stepped on Ammann support the striker, but those like me who have seen footage of the play still feel that Diallo intended to injure Ammann, even if he didn’t mean to end his career. Diallo’s incendiary talent will always ensure some fans love him. But, fans of fair play – and Mike Ammann – will never care much for Big Mama.

After searching and searching for information on the richest footballers, I finally came up with this list. The amazing thing about it is that it contains 3 Brazilians, 3 Britons, an Argentinean, 1 Portuguese, and 1 German and no players of African or Asian decent.

 

David Beckham is by far the richest footballer but I personally feel that either Kaka or Ronaldinho should top the list. Why? Because they are outstanding. So without further delay here is the breakdown:

 

 

1. David Beckham 24.7 million Pounds ($49.4m)

2. Ronaldinho 19.2 million Pounds ($38.4m)

3. Lionel Messi 18.3 million Pounds ($36.6m)

4. Cristiano Ronaldo 15.5 million Pounds ($31m)

5. Thierry Henry 13.4 million Pounds ($26. 8m)

6. John Terry 11.08 million Pounds ($22.16m)

7. Michael Ballack 11 million Pounds ($22m)

8. Ronaldo 10.6 million Pounds ($21.2m)

9. Kaka 10.2 million Pounds ($20.4m)

10. Steven Gerrard 10 million Pounds ($20m)

Background: Like Pablo, who I already enshrined, I love me somes Clint Mathis. How could you not love Clint, or “Cletus” as many fans call him due to his bad attitude and foolish demeanor. I love the man as a player, but most MLS fans hate him. After all he has broken their team’s hearts with thrilling goals and their players knees with ugly tackles.

Career: Clint has been just about everywhere in his long MLS career. He’s played for LA, New York, RSL, Colorado, New York (again), (sort of) LA (again), and now RSL (again). He moves around a lot because he has a historically poor attitude and a classic dislike for authority. Hence, he had the league’s most famous mohawk and the ‘tude to go with it.

Dishonors: Mathis makes this list for many reasons, but the main one is his MLS all-time record for red cards (8). Clint isn’t a player who can control his emotions and get the better of his rivals on the field. If you wrong him, he will straight up cleat (or “cleatus” you, if you will) in the face. His violent outbursts have landed him in my Hall of Shame.

Legacy: Mathis is having somewhat of a career revival with RSL this year, and I hope the best for him. But, he has made many MLS players weep from his ugly tackles, and even more fans of his own squad weep due to his send-offs. I like Cleatus a ton, but he may be the most hated MLS player ever, so he belongs in my MLS Hall of Shame.

Background: I’m ready for the backlash, and I hold no remorse for putting beloved American player Pablo Mastroeni on this list. While I love me somes Pablo, both as an MLS star and a US MNT warrior, one cannot deny he is one of the dirtiest MLS players in league history. He plays with passion, but sometimes he lets his top blow.

Career: Pablo has been with the Rapids since 2002,  but he also played in 100 games to start his career with the defunct Miami Fusion. He’s a perenniel all-star and member of many MLS Best XI squads. But, he is also typically one of the league’s leaders in fouls and cards, so I think he earns his spot in my inaugural MLS Hall of Shame class.

Dishonors: Let’s see, Pablo has received more yellow cards (64) than any player in league history. He’s also in the top 10 all-time in fouls committed. His leg crushing tackles have been criticized by players throughout the league. No one likes his rough-and-tumble style. Well, other than Rapids fans who have enjoyed his defensive prowess for years.

Legacy: Pablo is a nasty defensive mid, no doubt about that, but his legacy has been mixed. Most MLS fans want to see more open, creative play, and less of the bone crunching tackles Pablo has displayed for years. His style is reminiscent of Serie A greats who play with reckless abandon, but his 64 (and counting) yellows make him a shoo-in for my MLS Hall of Shame.