The Bubble

Indeed.

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:34:23 -0500

So, the past two months have been a bit...well, I've certainly had better periods in my life. As such, this site fell precipitously down my list of priorities. The last time I checked, it was nestled somewhere between 'Ignored' and 'Forgotten'. However, things have settled down recently. As a result of what's gone down I now have quite a bit of free time on my hands. What better to fill it with than the resuscitation of this site. My ambitions, though temporarily distracted, remain the same.

So, what's been going on in the soccer world while I've been away. Oh, look! Tottenham Hotspur sits at the foot of the Premier League table with two points to their name, while the New York Red Bulls teeter precariously on the edge of making or missing the playoffs. Wonderful. I couldn't even bring myself to watch Tottenham's match against Stoke City. My judgement proved sound, as it turned out. Spurs fell 2-1 to Stoke. Yeah. I couldn't find Stoke City on a map. I'm fairly adept at geography, for those wondering. At this point, I'm just looking for Spurs to avoid the drop and the Red Bulls to achieve their annual first-round defeat in the playoffs. Low expectations are more easily met, I find.

And We're Off

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:50:11 -0500

Alright, so I've just about recovered from my trip to Nevada Smiths for the first game of the English Premiership season. Adorned in my 2006/2007 Tottenham Hotspur jersey, I set out with my friend Fuz at 6 AM. We arrived without incident, walking into the bar just after the start of the Arsenal-West Bromwich Albion game. I realized quickly that I'd miscalculated in my choice of wardrobe and our arrival time. Nevada Smiths at the time was filled entirely with Arsenal fans, and I do mean entirely. There Fuz and I were, he in his Manchester United jersey and me in my Tottenham Hotspur jersey, in a bar filled with Arsenal supporters. The unspoken hostility was palpable. We stayed until halftime, whereupon the fatigue that comes with five hours sleep and a trip into the City hit us. We made our way out of the bar and spent the next forty-five minutes recovering on a stoop around the corner. When we returned, we found a much more diverse crowd for the next round of games. We settled in for the Spurs-Middlesbrough game. No, I don't want to talk about it. After the game, we again made our way outside. There we met a Liverpudlian Everton supporter who I can only describe as a thirty-year-old Harry Potter if he drank and smoked. After confessing to smoking a significant amount of marijuana before coming to Nevadas, he showed us an impressive scar that ran the length of the underside of his arm. Naturally, I asked him how he managed that. He confessed that he had gotten it in an altercation with Liverpool supporters back in England. A box cutter appeared and with it came a fourteen-inch gash. Interspersed throughout our conversation, he told any and all Liverpool supporters entering the bar to 'fuck off'. Truly a memorable character. We stayed for the Liverpool-Sunderland game out of a masochistic desire to see Robbie Keane playing for Liverpool. It was as painful as could be expected. He hasn't clicked with Torres the way he did with Berbatov and who knows if they will. Their partnership was truly something special. Our hunger for English football satiated, we found our way to Amore Pizza, just around the corner from Nevadas, where we satiated a different kind of hunger. We somehow wound up on a subway train to Queens, which is, unfortunately, in the opposite direction of our New Jersey homes, not realizing our mistake for several stops. We managed to rectify our error and found our way back to Hoboken and an NJ Transit train for home.

My Final Table Prediction
1 - Chelsea
2 - Manchester United
3 - Liverpool
4 - Arsenal
5 - Aston Villa
6 - Tottenham
7 - Everton
8 - Newcastle
9 - Man City
10 - Middlesbrough
11 - Portsmouth
12 - Sunderland
13 - West Ham
14 - Blackburn
15 - Bolton
16 - Wigan
17 - West Bromwich Albion
18 - Fulham
19 - Hull City
20 - Stoke City

US Robbed

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 09:00:02 -0500

I'd like to start by saying that the Netherlands didn't deserve it. The US played them off the pitch. The US created better chances. The US possessed the ball better. Holland was reduced to playing counter-attacking soccer. That's Holland. Birthplace of Total Football and Johan Cruyff, the should-have-been champions of the 1976 World Cup, the actual champions of Euro 1988. Outplayed by the United States. Outplayed, but not outscored. I knew it was going in from the second the camera pulled back for the wide shot.

The US goes from being about fifteen seconds away from automatic qualification to a much less assured position. Instead of looking at an essentially meaningless game against Nigeria, it's now certainly a must-tie, if not a must-win. Oh, and they'll have to do it without Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley. So, instead of guaranteed qualification the US now faces a must-win game against a solid Nigerian side. This with two of America's best players suspended due to yellow card accumulation. In case you were wondering, Adu's second yellow card was indeed dubious.

When's Team Handball on?

FC Barcelona in Central Park

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 23:05:05 -0500

I made up for my failure to make it to Steve Nash's Charity game a few weeks back by heading into Central Park today to watch the likes of Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez, Samuel Eto'o, and Carles Puyol...stretch. There were no soccer balls involved and I made it there after they ran, I assume. Still, being so close to the players of that caliber, people I watch do spectacular things week in and week out, was pretty cool. I took a few pictures.

-The Barca Squad doing some abdominal work.

- I was very excited.

-Carles Puyol speaking to some trainers. Samuel Eto'o behind him.

-Rafa Marquez.

-I'm not sure who this guy was, he seemed pretty popular, though.

All We Want Is The Fee For Robbie Keane

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:51:06 -0500

Yes, Robbie Keane's back in England. Liverpool, specifically. Anfield, even more specifically. The transfer of Mr. Spurs to Liverpool is on the verge of completion. The deal appears to be just about done, with Keane agreeing to personal terms up at Anfield. Reports indicate a transfer fee of between £18 and £20 million.

I'm not going to beat around the bush, you can get the details of the transfer at any one of a billion news sites. This transfer sucks. I've made no secret of the fact that I'm a big fan of Robbie Keane. I earlier espoused my doubt that Keane would leave Tottenham Hotspur. It didn't make sense to me. Especially after Keane had professed his love for the club and desire to finish his career at Spurs. Look, he actually said it: “There’s always speculation that I’m going here, there and everywhere but I’m very content with my life and with my time at Spurs, I will continue to play there for as long as I am happy and for as long as I am wanted. It’s good to have a summer off but then I look forward to going back to Spurs next season.” Way back on May 28th. My, how things have changed. We as fans tend to forget that football is a business and as much as we'd like to believe our club's players have the same dedication to the badge that we do, they quite simply do not. Robbie Keane made the mistake of leading Tottenham Hotspur's fans to believe he cared just as much as we did. As a result, it seems there are large elements of Spurs' fan base who want to vilify and demonize a player who gave Tottenham six seasons of faithful service. I'm sorry, but I can't bring myself to do that. Instead, I'll remember the goals he scored and the way he'd hurtle around the pitch, refusing to give up. Keane went from being a third-choice striker at the club to an unquestioned starter and team leader. He was eventually given the job of Vice-Captain and wore the armband during Ledley King's frequent and lengthy trips to the Physio's table. Then, after achieving such a prominent position at the club, he leaves for greener pastures. Hmm. Keane's departure is a symptom of a larger problem in English football. Namely, the domination of the big four clubs. As I mentioned, playing football professionally is a job. Just as regular people would, in most cases, jump ship if a more successful company offering more money came calling, so too will professional footballers. Though Liverpool haven't won the league in eighteen years, they've won it eighteen times before that. Which is, approximately, sixteen more times than Tottenham Hotspur. In those eighteen years since their last league championship, however, Liverpool have been far from unsuccessful. They've won three FA Cups, three League Cups, and in just the last four years have made it to the Champions League Final twice and the semi-finals once. In that same time, Tottenham have won the League Cup twice, the FA Cup once, and have failed to make much noise in the UEFA Cup. To an employee without much attachment to his employers, the former certainly seems the more tempting option. I'd also like to make note of the caveat Keane added to his declaration of loyalty. Keane said, "I will continue to play there (Tottenham) for as long as I am happy and for as long as I am wanted." I think we may have to recognize the very real possibility that Robbie Keane was simply not a big part of Juande Ramos' plans at Tottenham Hotspur. It seems increasingly likely, given his pursuit of just about every young winger I can think of, that Ramos is looking to implement a five man midfield with with an emphasis on attacking with width. Robbie Keane cannot play as a lone striker. He just doesn't have the skillset. He wouldn't be a particularly effective wide midfielder, either as, 2006 embarrassment of Khalid Boulahrouz aside, he lacks the pace to make consistent forays down opponent's flanks. He would inevitably drift inside, failing to provide the width necessary for Ramos' system to be effective. There's simply no place for Keane in the system I believe Ramos is trying to bring to White Hart Lane. He wasn't wanted anymore.

Yes, he's gone. However, I won't minimize the impact he's had at Tottenham Hotspur. He was a tremendous player and leader at White Hart Lane and that's what we should remember about him. On the bright side of things, it appears that we've gotten the fee for Robbie Keane. A very nice one, at that.

Freddy Adu Loaned to AS Monaco

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:13:54 -0500

Soccer by Ives is reporting that Freddy Adu has been loaned to AS Monaco of the French Ligue 1. Rumors of the move, which also linked Michael Bradley to the French outfit, had surfaced in early July. Adu's loan comes with an option for Monaco to buy the young American if he impresses. The move is a good one for Adu, who would have been hard-pressed for playing time after Benfica's capture of Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar. Despite a strong start at Benfica, Adu's playing time withered as both the manager who signed him and the replacement manager left the club. Benfica's new coaches proved hesitant to grant Adu time with the first-team. At Monaco, Adu will see much more significant time on the pitch as the French side looks to rebuild following a disappointing 2007-2008 campaign. Adu's would-be main rival for minutes at AS Monaco, Jeremy Menez, looks set to leave the club this summer, clearing the way for Adu.

Goddamnit - Levy Says Keane and Berbatov Are Off

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:45:38 -0500

I hate everything.

"I have absolutely no wish to sell either player and to date we have not accepted any offer for either. However, when a player's head is turned and their commitment is absent, particularly when they occupy key positions such as that of striker, they become a negative influence in a team dressing room in which they were once a positive addition and influence. This is the situation we now have on our hands, with both Dimitar and Robbie having made it clear that they wish to leave for Manchester Utd and Liverpool respectively.

"Irrespective of the outcome and futures of Robbie and Dimitar, we are continuing to seek to bring in quality, talented players for the future, who want to play in a Spurs shirt."

-Daniel Levy, Spurs Chairman

Mexican Clubs Fooled by Eriksson Impersonator

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:16:24 -0500

I'm sorry, but this is hilarious. Apparently, an Englishman named Derek Williams falsified some documents from the Mexican Football Federation and wrangled himself a tour of Universidad Nacional's stadium and spoke to some reporters, all the while pretending to be Sven Goran Eriksson. He apparently told Universidad's manager that he was watching his players ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers. Classic.

US Olympic Roster Released

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:40:26 -0500

United States Olympic Coach Peter Nowak today released the eighteen man roster he'll be taking to China. According to FIFA rules, participating teams are permitted to bring three players over the age of 23. Peter Nowak took advantage of this rule and invited new Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, New England defender Michael Parkhurst, and the between-teams forward Brian McBride. US supporters, myself included, will be thrilled to see McBride step on the field once again for the red, white, and blue. The US as yet have been unable to replace the loss of McBride to international retirements. The majority of his potential successors, including Eddie Johnson, Brian Ching, and Taylor Twellman, have disappointed against tough opposition. The Olympics, however, will likely see McBride partnered with the player many hope will be the one to finally fill McBride's shoes: Josmer Altidore.

2008 U.S. MEN’S OLYMPIC TEAM ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (5): Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio)
FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Brian McBride (out of contract), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Claudio 'Iron-Man' Reyna Retires

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:11:51 -0500

I can't help but feel a bit guilty that my overriding emotion upon reading that Claudio Reyna is retiring was relief, rather than appreciation. Reyna came to the Red Bulls last year as Bruce Arena's first Designated Player signing. Reyna was Arena's boy, the captain of Bruce Arena's USA. It was no surprise that Arena would look to bring Reyna in to run the New York midfield. Reyna had been having a tough couple of years with injuries in Europe and it looked like it was time for him to come home. Reyna's ties to New Jersey and his relationship with Arena made his arrival in New York a certainty. Red Bulls fans wouldn't have minded having Reyna on the payroll, even as they hoped against hope that the team would not use their designated player slot on Captain America. So, in true Metrostars fashion, that's exactly what they did. Reyna was signed by the Red Bulls for some $1.25 million dollars. The man's fate was sealed. The fans were outraged by the decision. Reyna would never play enough games to warrant a designated player salary, they argued. As it turned out, they were right. Reyna has played 27 games in 2 seasons to earn his $1.25. My trusty computer calculator tells me that's about $46,000 a game. Reyna did not score any goals for the Red Bulls and produced only three assists in those 27 games. Money well spent, it seems.

Based on that evidence, Red Bull fans' collective sigh of relief can be forgiven. However, as a US supporter as well, I feel that the man's accomplishments should be highlighted instead of focusing on his year in New York. Reyna was on the US team in the 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 but didn't play in 1994 due to injury. Reyna was named captain of the US team for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, earning All-Tournament honors in the 2002 tournament. He remains the only American player to be so distinguished. He earned 112 caps, scoring 8 goals and providing 12 assists before retiring from international soccer after the 2006 World Cup. On the club side of things, Reyna began his career with Bayer Leverkusen before being transferred to Vfl Wolfsburg. It was at Wolfsburg that Reyna became the first American player to captain a European side. He would go on to play for Glasgow Rangers in Scotland, and Sunderland and Manchester City in England. It was during his time in the UK that Reyna earned the nickname "Captain America". In 2007, Reyna and Manchester City terminated his contract by mutual agreement and Reyna made his way 'across the pond', as they say, and began his long and storied career at Red Bull New York, cementing his status as an iron-man, and leading the club to their fifth, six, seventh, and eight titles.