MLS Week 14 In Review

After a nearly 3 week break for the World Cup group stages the league kicked back in with a full slate of games over the weekend.

dN

Sunday saw the grand opening of PPL Park in Philadelphia!!!

dN

Matches & Scores:
-Fri Jun 25
Real Salt Lake 0-0 San Jose Earthquakes
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium - Sandy UT
Attendance: 16,216
-Sat Jun 26
Columbus Crew 2-0 DC United - CC goals by Guillermo Barros Schelotto & Eric Brunner.
Venue: Crew Stadium - Columbus OH
Attendance: 15,335
Toronto FC 0-0 Los Angeles Galaxy
Venue: BMO Field - Toronto ON
Attendance: 18,809
Kansas City Wizards 0-3 New York Red Bulls - NYRB goals by Salou Ibrahim & Juan Pablo Angel(2).
Venue: CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City KS
Attendance: 10,385
Houston Dynamo 2-2 Colorado Rapids - HD goals by Danny Cruz & Joseph Ngwenya. CR goals by Conor Casey & Lovell Palmer(OG).
Venue: Robertson Stadium - Houston TX
Attendance: 13,744
Chivas USA 1-2 FC Dallas - CUSA goal by Oseal Romero. FCD goals by Ante Jazic(OG) & David Ferreira(PK).
Venue: Home Depot Center - Carson CA
Attendance: 14,173
-Sun Jun 27
Philadelphia Union 3-1 Seattle Sounders FC - PU goals by Sebastian LeToux(PK), Fred & Danny Mwanga. SS goal by Pat Noonan.
Venue: PPL Park - Chester PA
Attendance: 18, 755
New England Revolution 0-1 Chicago Fire - CF goal by Marco Pappa.
Venue: Gillette Stadium - Foxborough MA
Attendance: 12,306

dN

EJECTIONS:
Davy Arnaud - Kansas City - Red Card
-It was Arnaud's 3rd Red Card of the season. I think someone needs a change of scenary. Fast.

dN

New York Red Bulls forward Juan Pablo Angel was named MLS Player Of The Week.

dN

Kyle McCarthy of Goal.com recaps the weekends games for us.

dN

Chivas has now lost 6 games in a row.

dN

Chivas signed former central midfielder Paulo Nagamura. He played last season for Tigres in Mexico.

dN

Sam Cronin who was just sold to San Jose by Toronto made his debut on Friday and didn't look out of place at all. Great signing.

dN

And San Jose's even bigger move was putting Jon Busch in the goal in place of Joe Cannon, and Busch repaid them with a huge game.
-For his effort he is the du Nord MLS Player of the Week.

dN

Matt Reis was back in the New England goal for the first time this season after 2 off season surgeries, and that horrific broken leg suffered by his deputy Preston Burpo.

dN

It was awesome that Philadelphia came back to win their new stadium opener. My friend Paul is headed out there in a couple of weeks for game #2 at PPL Park. Expect a full report.

dN

The Delco Daily Times gives us their report on the opening, with video and pictures.

dN

The Bleacher Report sheds some light on problems at newly opened PPL Park in Philadelphia. The first couple are opening day problems, while some of the others like cramped corridors, will be a real issue. Red Bull Arena has that same problem.

dN

Lets check in on the Kansas City Wizards new stadium building project shall we. Hot damn, its already looking like a stadium! Can't wait to trek on down there the day it opens.

dN

New England appears to be looking at a new stadium site again, and it is Somerville again, an inner-ring suburb of Boston.

dN

A quick look ahead to Week 15:
-Thu Jul 1
Toronto FC v Houston Dynamo
-Fri Jul 2
Real Salt Lake v New England Revolution
-Sat Jul 3
Columbus Crew v Chicago Fire
FC Dallas v Kansas City Wizards
San Jose Earthquakes v DC United
Chivas USA v Philadelphia Union
-Sun Jul 4
Colorado Rapids v New York Red Bulls
Los Angeles Galaxy v Seattle Sounders FC

dN

Are you enjoying all the new soccer friendly media types coming out of the woodwork to tell us that MLS is a joke league that doesn't matter? Please, crawl back in your holes.
Sadly - tons of Americans won't give our teams or league the time of day, they only watch England and the Premier League - anything USA or MLS is just beneath them. All you and I can do is keep burning the flame and spreading the gospel truth.

dN

Finally, do you think Real Madrid legend Raul is serious about playing for a MLS team? And should a MLS team be interested?

MLS Kicks Back Into Action and PPL Park Opens Sunday

After a nearly 3 week break for the World Cup group stages the league kicks back in with a full slate of games this weekend.

And Sunday sees the grand opening of PPL Park in Philadelphia!!!

dN

Matches & Scores:
-Fri Jun 25
Real Salt Lake v San Jose Earthquakes - 8:00 PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium - Sandy UT
-Sat Jun 26
Columbus Crew v DC United - 6:30 PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: Crew Stadium - Columbus OH
Toronto FC v Los Angeles Galaxy - 6:30 PM Central on FSC
Venue: BMO Field - Toronto ON
Kansas City Wizards v New York Red Bulls - 7:30 PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City KS
Houston Dynamo v Colorado Rapids - 7:30 PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: Robertson Stadium - Houston TX
Chivas USA v FC Dallas - 9:30 PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: Home Depot Center - Carson CA
-Sun Jun 27
Philadelphia Union v Seattle Sounders FC - 4:00 PM Central on ESPN2
Venue: PPL Park - Chester PA
New England Revolution v Chicago Fire - 6:00 PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: Gillette Stadium - Foxborough MA

dN

Salt Lake's most recent 5 games: WTWWW
San Jose's most recent 5 games: TLWTW

dN

The Salt Lake Tribune with an article on RSL keeper Nick Rimando who goes for win #100 tonight.

The Tribune also reports that RSL has not lost in the past 20 home games.
-Captain Kyle Beckerman is hoping to return from a torn tendon in his foot.

And the Tribune with an article on RSL's links to and impact in the greater Salt Lake community.

James Edward of the Deseret News with an article on RSL midfielder Ned Grabavoy who could be a key player for the team this season.

Edward also previews tonight's game, noting that RSL has struggled after long breaks in the past.

Elliot Almond of the San Jose Mercury News on the Earthquakes purchase of midfielder Sam Cronin from Toronto. He looks to be an instant fill in for Andre Luiz who suffered a knee injury that required surgery and will knock him out for the rest of the season.

The Mercury News talks to Cronin about the move.

And Almond talks to Bobby Convey who after dropping out of USA national team contention has focused on his club, and it is paying off.

USA Goal Disallowed - It Was A Make Up Call! UPDATED

My theory on the controversial call:

In my belief the referee did not allow the USA goal late in the game against Slovenia because he felt me made a poor call on the foul that led to that free kick in the first place, and used a "make up call" to correct that mistake.

In the preceding play, a Slovenian defender clashed with American striker Jozy Altidore to the right of the penalty box and Altidore went down very easily, yet still drew the foul. It is my belief that the referee Koman Coulibaly of Mali realized he made a bad call on that play, so as soon as Landon Donovan made contact with the ensuing free kick the referee blew his whistle to kill the play dead long before anything could happen in the box, including the Maurice Edu goal. Of course there was no call to be made against the Americans, as they committed no discernible fouls. But the referee, knowing he would never have to explain himself during or after the game, so he used the opportunity for a "make up call" to correct his prior mistake.

Do I have it wrong? I could be 100% off the mark. You tell me.

I am sticking with my explanation until I hear otherwise.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

EDITORS NOTE: Aaron in Mpls sent us this gem from USA coach Bob Bradley, posted at Soccernet on Saturday: "There are times when a referee, for whatever reason, blows a foul and now thinks either he didn't make the correct call on the foul or from a previous play, and then literally as soon as the free kick's taken, he blows his whistle."

Some News for Fri Jun 11. 2010

Gonna keep this short and sweet today my friends!

TEAM USA WORLD CUP 2010

Let us begin with a prayer: Oh Ghost of Joe Gaetjens, please be with our boys on Saturday and lead us to glory!!!

dN

Match & Score:
-Sat Jun 12
USA v England - 1:30pm Central on ABC
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium - Rustenburg

dN

Jozy Altidore will start! The coach said so.

dN

Last summer in Rustenburg where Saturday's match will take place, the USA drilled African champions Egypt 3-0 to turn around the Confederations Cup and propell them to the historic win over Spain a few days later!

dN

8000 Americans bought tickets to the game tomorrow, compared to 6000 English. But we don't know how many English living in America bought tickets. Who will have the fervent fans. I think we will shock them.

dN

German legend Karl Heinz Granitza picks the USA over England. (thanks to Joel for the cool link)

dN

US Soccer with tons of details and stats previewing the big USA v England game. Some really good stuff here.

dN

The New York Times pits 2 of their writers in a point/counterpoint USA v England debate - video.

dN

The NY Times also has ESPN authors David Hirshey and Roger Bennett give their thoughts on the game at hand.

dN

Ridge Mahoney of Soccer America tells us about our boys the day before they get the tournament started.

dN

Paul Kennedy also of Soccer America looks at the current level of media coverage in America and describes the difference from prior tournaments.

dN

Filip Bondy from the New York Daily News cheap shots the English in their own London Evening Standard. Hilarious, and completely true. (Thanks to our old friend Michael for this brilliant link.)

dN

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated previews.

dN

Jeff Carlisle of ESPN previews as well!

dN

Ives Galarcep of Soccer by Ives previews too.

dN

The AP with words from Tim Howard. Via Sports Illustrated.

dN

Lawrence Donegan of the Guardian wonders if us Americans will get excited about this game and tournament.

dN

The AP reports that the USA got held up on the way to training by elephants in the road! Oh yeah! Via Soccernet.

dN

I got to contribute some of my own World Cup predictions to Marc Ecko's Complex magazine. Loads of other internet soccer bloggers give their opinion too.

dN

I will be co-hosting a live web chat during the Slovenia v Algeria game on Sun morning at Sports Myriad - If you are watching the game or not please join us!

dN

Sadly on the radio today I disgraced myself and my country when I predicted England 2-1 USA. I can only hope that I eat my words, and have to beg your forgiveness!

WORLD CUP VIEWING

-Sat Jun 12
S Korea v Greece - 6:30am Central - Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
Argentina v Nigeria - 9:00am Central - Johannesburg - JEP
England v USA - 1:30pm Central - Rustenburg

-Sun Jun 13
Algeria v Slovenia - 6:30am Central - Polokwane
Serbia v Ghana - 9:00am Central - Tshwane/Pretoria
Germany v Australia - 1:30pm Central - Durban

-Mon Jun 14
Netherlands v Denmark - 6:30am Central - Johannesburg - JSC
Japan v Cameroon - 9:00am Central - Mangaung/Bloemfontein
Italy v Paraguay - 1:30pm Central - Cape Town

LESSER KNOWN WORLD CUPPERS TO WATCH FOR

Our panel of Friends-In-Football who contributed their World Cup predictions here on du NOrd this week, just scroll back through the week and read all the great contributions, answered a question about "surprise players" and I thought it would be good to collect those players names and give them too you in one nice neat list.

Some great players to watch for:

Pablo Aguilar - Argentina (Newell's Old Boys)
Kwadwo Asamoah - Ghana (Udinese)
Lucas Barrios - Paraguay (Dortmund)
Michel Bastos - Brazil (Lyon)
Nicklas Bendtner - Denmark (Arsenal)
Cuauhtemoc Blanco - Mexico (Veracruz)
Michael Bradley - USA (Monchengladbach)
Edson Buddle - USA (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Giorgio Chiellini - Italy (Juventus)
Landon Donovan - USA (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Seydou Doumbia - Ivory Coast (BSC Young Boys)
Benny Feilheiber - USA (Aarhus)
Robbie Findley - USA (Real Salt Lake)
Gervinho - Ivory Coast (Lille)
Herculez Gomez - USA (Pachuca)
Yoann Gourcuff - France (Bordeaux)
Jonas Gutierrez - Argentina (Newcastle)
Marek Hamsik - Slovakia (Napoli)
Javier Hernandez - Mexico (Manchester United)
Gonzalo Higuan - Argentina (Real Madrid)
Stuart Holden - USA (Bolton)
Keisuke Honda - Japan (CSKA Moscow)
Soloman Kalou - Ivory Coast (Chelsea)
Tae-Se Jong - North Korea (Kawasaki Frontale)
Sami Khedira - Germany (Stuttgart)
Milos Krasic - Serbia (CSKA Moscow)
Chung-Yong Lee - South Korea (Bolton)
Aaron Lennon - England (Tottenham)
Tony Lochhead - New Zealand (Wellington Phoenix)
Nicolas Lodeiro - Uruguay (Ajax)
Marko Marin - Germany (Werder Bremen)
Juan Mata - Spain (Valencia)
Diego Milito - Argentina (Inter Milan)
James Milner - England (Aston Villa)
Teko Modise - South Africa (Orlando Pirates)
Thomas Muller - Germany (Bayern Munich)
Jesus Navas - Spain (Sevilla)
Blaise N'Kufo - Switzerland (Twente)
Mesut Ozil - Germany (Werder Bremen)
Steven Pienaar - South Africa (Everton)
Wayne Rooney - England (Manchester United)
Alexis Sanchez - Chile (Udinese)
Roque Santa Cruz - Paraguay (Manchester City)
Giovani Dos Santos - Mexico (Galatasaray)
Wesley Sneijder - Netherlands (Inter Milan)
Alexandre Song - Cameroon (Arsenal)
Luis Suarez - Uruguay (Ajax)
Humberto Suazo - Chile (Real Zaragoza)
Zoran Tosic - Serbia (Manchster United)
Robin van Persie - Netherlands (Arsenal)
Carlos Vela - Mexico (Arsenal)
Karim Ziani - Algeria (Wolfsburg)

MLS

Just a couple of notes on the 2 MLS games last night:

Matches y Scores:
-Thu Jun 10
Kansas City Wizards 2-0 Philadelphia Union - KCW goals by Kei Kamara & Graham Zusi.
Venue: CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City KS
Attendance: 10,176
Seattle Sounders FC 2-3 DC United - SS goals by James Riley & Fredy Montero. DCU goals all by Chris Pontius.
Venue: Qwest Field - Seattle WA
Attendance: 36,146

dN

Seattle fans are amazing! Another packed house. It doesn't matter the day, the opponent, the competition, the weather. I am jealous and proud of you all.

dN

KC got a huge must needed win. A loss to the expansion Union would have been a disasterous cap to this first part of a disappointing season.
-I see KC coach Vermes took my advice and put Josh Wolff back up top. See!
-A stonkin' goal by Special K.
-Philly's right back got torched for both goals! Oof.
-What did you think of the Union wearing all gold?
-PU centerback Michael Orozco Piscal had a real stinker of a game earning 2 yellow cards in the first half. See ya.
-Video highlights from MLS.

dN

Chris Pontius bags 3 for DC! Simply WOW!. And then there was Seattle's come back. I know they came up short, but they showed us something that could help them out down the stretch.
-How in the world did DC pull that off. They got beat in every aspect of the game except the ONLY one that counts - goals. Great job.
-2 of Pontius' 3 goals came off Seattle blunders, especially #2. Have you ever seen Kasey Keller muff one like that?
-Seattle came back from dead with 2 late goals, one in the 90th minute and the other in stoppage time. Wow!
-Video highlights from MLS.

USSF DIVISION 2

Matches & Scores:
-Sat Jun 12
Tampa Bay Rowdies v Montreal Impact
Rochester Rhinos v Crystal Palace Baltimore
Miami FC Blues v Portland Timbers
Puerto Rico Islanders v AC St Louis
Austin Aztex v Vancouver Whitecaps

dN

Standings (As of Thu Jun 10):
24 Austin - 11 played
18 Tampa Bay - 10 played
16 Vancouver - 10 played
15 Rochester - 10 played
14 Minnesota - 13 played
13 Carolina - 9 played
13 Portland - 10 played
12 Montreal - 9 played
11 Baltimore - 10 played
10 Miami - 10 played
9 Puerto Rico - 7 played
4 St Louis - 9 played

dN

Standings base on Points Per Game: [CORRECTED]
2.18 Austin
1.80 Tampa Bay
1.60 Vancouver
1.50 Rochester
1.44 Carolina
1.33 Montreal
1.30 Portland
1.29 Puerto Rico
1.10 Baltimore
1.08 Minnesota
1.00 Miami
0.44 St Louis

FINALLY

I got to see the movie Pelada the other night and it was fantastic. Highly highly highly recommended. And I got to meet the co-star Gwendolyn Oxenham, who I have no doubt would have been swept away with my handsome looks and considerable charm had she not gotten married just last Saturday to co-star Luke Boughen. Oh well!
-Buy your copy direct from the filmmakers right here. Again highly recommended.

Some News for Thu Jun 10, 2010

STARTERS

Don't miss the second du Nord appearance on ESPN 1500 talking World Cup on Friday afternoon at 1pm Central sharp. Details here.

dN

Midfielder Sacha Kljestan has been sold by Chivas USA to Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht in Belgium. He has signed a 4 year deal, and departs next week for his new club.

dN

Salt Lake slays the dragon again beating unbeaten Los Angeles 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy UT.

dN

Houston is going to be losing the Texas face of their team as President Oliver Luck is leaving July 1 to become the Athletic Director of the University of West Virginia.

dN

Nelson Mandela has joined the USA World Cup Bid Committee, ooooh, wait, sorry, that would be Morgan Freeman has joined the USA World Cup Bid Committee. OK, sounds good.

GREAT TV VIEWING

Join me at the Sweetwater for the big USA game on Saturday. I will also be there for opening day, both games, and many other days during the whole tournament.

I will also be cruising all around the Twin Cities to watch games. Do you have any suggestions for me?

WORLD CUP LIVE WEB CHAT

I am excited to announce that I will be joining in on some live web chatting during the World Cup over at the great website Sports Myriad run by Mr Beau Dure. They will have a chat set up for every game during the whole tournament. My first assignment is Sun Jun 13 at 6:30am for Algeria v Slovenia. I will be hosting the chat along with Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. So if you are out of bed you should join us online.

LOOKING GOOD

Our friends at Bumpy Pitchy have come with some beautiful new USA and England shirts that would look really good on you.













TWITTER

Get on board our Twitter train: @dunord

USA WORLD CUP 2010 SOUTH AFRICA

1 day till we get started and 2 days till the big game.

dN

How much is left to be said?!?!?!

dN

Matches & Scores:
-Sat Jun 12
USA v England - 1:30pm Central on ABC
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium - Rustenburg
-Fri Jun 18
USA v Slovenia - 9:00am Centraol on ESPN
Venue: Soccer City Stadium - Johannesburg/Ellis Park
-Wed Jun 23
USA v Algeria - 9:00am Centraol on ESPN
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium - Tshwane/Pretoria

dN

Steve Davis of Sports Illustrated looks at the weight of this huge first USA game.

Lawrence Donegan of the Guardian on Landon Donovan.

The folks at the Everton fans site Toffeeweb have thrown their lot in with Tim Howard and Landon Donovan, and called England the Non-Everton Dandies!

Ronald Blum of the Associated Press talks to Jozy Altidore about his injured ankle.

Blum also reports on the World Cup mania sweeping the USA.
-Kinda, lets not get carried away here.

Really good video report on our team from the NBC Nightly News.

Our pal Simon Evans of Reuters says the USA are not minnows anymore at the World Cup.

dN

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Official Team Blog

The US Soccer video page at You Tube. Fantastic stuff!
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dN

USA OPPONENTS:

Slovenia
-Former Slovenian star Zlatko Zahovic (currently the director of football for Maribor) has apparently been smoking something funny, and I doubt the current team would approve of his bravado (while at the same time appreciating his enthusiasm): “Whatever happens we will get out of that group. And do you know why? Because we are stronger than both the US and the England teams. Remember how easily we defeated Russia in the play-off games? We were so much better than the Russians. I do not think that even their best player, Andrei Arshavin, could compete for a place in our squad. So, we will go further – and then see what is going to be next for us.”

dN

Michael Lewis of the NY Daily News talks to someone who knew Edson Buddle in his youth, and let him get away.

GROUP C SCHEDULE WORLD CUP 2010

-Sat Jun 12
England v USA - 1:30pm Central on ABC
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium - Rustenburg
-Sun Jun 13
Algeria v Slovenia - 6:30am Central on
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium - Polokwane
-Fri Jun 18
Slovenia v USA - 9:00am Central on ESPN
Venue: Soccer City Stadium - Johannesburg/Ellis Park
England v Algeria - 1:30pm Central on
Venue: Green Point Stadium - Cape Town
-Wed Jun 23
Slovenia v England - 9:00am Central on
Venue: Port Elizabeth Stadium - Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
USA v Algeria - 9:00am Central on ESPN
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium - Tshwane/Pretoria

MEXICO WORLD CUP 2010 SOUTH AFRICA

Group Stage Matches & Scores:
-Fri Jun 11
South Africa v Mexico
-Thu Jun 17
France v Mexico
-Tue Jun 22
Mexico v Uruguay

HONDURAS WORLD CUP 2010 SOUTH AFRICA

Group Stage Matches & Scores:
-Wed Jun 16
Honduras v Chile
-Mon Jun 21
Spain v Honduras
-Fri Jun 25
Switzerland v Honduras

WORLD CUP 2010 - SOUTH AFRICA

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated previews game #1 South Africa v Mexico.

dN

Word from the Argentine camp is that Lionel Messi joined the team exhausted from the long season. Will he be ready??

MLS WEEK 12

Matches & Scores:
-Wed Jun 9
Chicago Fire 2-2 Colorado Rapids - CF goals both by Marco Pappa. CR goals by Omar Cummings & Conor Casey.
Venue: Toyota Park - Bridgeview IL
Attendance: 13,607
Real Salt Lake 1-0 Los Angeles Galaxy - RSL goal by Javier Morales.
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium - Sandy UT
Attendance: 19,513
-Thu Jun 10
Kansas City Wizards v Philadelphia Union - 7PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City KS
Seattle Sounders FC v DC United - 9PM Central on ESPN2
Venue: Qwest Field - Seattle WA

dN

And then a 2 week break commences for the World Cup group stage.

MLS TEAM & PLAYER NEWS

No new unbeaten record for Los Angeles. They were tied for the best start to a season at 12 games unbeaten, but Salt Lake put an end to that last night.

dN

But Salt Lake has extended their home unbeaten string to 16 games. Impressive.

dN

Kurt Kragthorpe of the Salt Lake Tribune writes that RSL Midfield general Javier Morales was the leader of the pack last night.

dN

Conor Casey grabbed a road point for Colorado in stoppage time at Chicago.

dN

Clemente Lisi of the US Soccer Players Assoc does a Q & A with Salt Lake youngster Luis Gil.

MY THOUGHTS

Baggio Husidic laid back a stunning pass for Marco Papa to finish last night in Chicago. See it here.

MLS EXPANSION

Great video introducing the all new Vancouver Whitecaps.

MLS EXHIBITIONS

Coming Up:
-Sat Jun 12
Sacramento Cup
Chivas USA v San Jose Earthquakes
Venue: Raley Field - West Sacramento CA
-Sun Jun 13
New England Revolution v Cruzeiro (Brazil)
Venue: Gillette Stadium - Foxborough MA

USSF DIVISION 2

Of the 4 games played on Wed night, my Star were the only one to get a win, the other 3 ended in ties. Hooray Beergarden!

dN

Matches & Scores:
-Wed Jun 9
Miami FC Blues 3-3 Crystal Palace Baltimore
NSC Minnesota Stars 1-0 Montreal Impact
Austin Aztex 0-0 Portland Timbers
Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 Carolina RailHawks

-Sat Jun 12
Tampa Bay Rowdies v Montreal Impact
Rochester Rhinos v Crystal Palace Baltimore
Miami FC Blues v Portland Timbers
Puerto Rico Islanders v AC St Louis
Austin Aztex v Vancouver Whitecaps

dN

Standings (As of Thu Jun 10):
24 Austin - 11 played
18 Tampa Bay - 10 played
16 Vancouver - 10 played
15 Rochester - 10 played
14 Minnesota - 13 played
13 Carolina - 9 played
13 Portland - 10 played
12 Montreal - 9 played
11 Baltimore - 10 played
10 Miami - 10 played
9 Puerto Rico - 7 played
4 St Louis - 9 played

dN

Standings base on Points Per Game:
2.3 Austin
1.80 Tampa Bay
1.67 Vancouver
1.50 Carolina
1.50 Montreal
1.50 Rochester
1.33 Portland
1.29 Puerto Rico
1.11 Baltimore
1.00 Miami
0.92 Minnesota
0.44 St Louis

NSC MINNESOTA STARS

After a big home win last night over Montreal (our main man Melvin Tarley bagged the winner!!!), the Stars have this weekend off, but must be ready for a brutal week ahead when they play at home Tue, away Thu, home Sat and home Sun. Insanity.

Schedule:
-Tue Jun 15
NSC Stars v Kansas City Athletics - US Open Cup
-Thu Jun 17
Portland Timbers v NSC Stars - league match
-Sat Jun 19
NSC Stars v Portland Timbers - league match
-Sun Jun 20
NSC Stars v Chicago Fire - exhibition

ITALY

Former Liverpool manager Spaniard Rafael Benitez was introduced today as the new man in charge of UEFA Champions League winning Inter Milan. He got a 2 year contract, which is pretty short for this level.

Part 5 - The du Nord Semi-Ultimate World Cup 6 Questions

We asked lots of friends from around the footballing universe to give us their thoughts on some very important questions relating to the WC.

Here is the fifth batch of folks and their answers:

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Richard Farley
Soccer editor at SBNation.com
Host of the World Cup Buzz, EPL Talk and MLS Talk podcasts


Who is your favorite national team?

Definitely the U.S. It's a weird feeling for me, though. I used to hear writers all the time use clichés like "but once the match starts" they become fans. That really does happen, now, with me. Most people know I'm not afraid to put the national team under the microscope, but I admit to cheering just like everybody else when Conor Casey found those goals in San Pedro Sula.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Spain and the Netherlands with the hope that we have a new winner; Brazil, because I'm arrogant and want my picks to be right; South Korea, because of their style and it would go the global game good to have another power, from another part of the world.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil over Spain. That's the kind of original analysis I'm known for. Spain plays Barcelona to Brazil's Internazionale.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Sami Khedira, as he excels the space vacated by Michael Ballack; Marek Hamsik, leading Slovakia into the quarterfinals in their first major tournament; Lucas Barrios, filling in for Salvador Cabañas; Giovani dos Santos, as Mexico goes on a long run and people ask "why doesn't he play like this at the club-level?"

How will the USA do?

They'll disappoint those expecting them to advance, but they'll play very well. Slovenia is a very tough match-up for them, and that (along with their defense) will be their undoing, but I expect strong performances from Donovan and Bradley (in particular).

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Raymond Domenech is difficult to like. Feel sorry for? Yes. Like? No. I apologize to those who support Les Blues, but I would like to see this France-thign put to rest. Let the FFF move-on to the Blanc-era.

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Steve Sirk
TheCrew.com


Who is your favorite national team?

United States

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Slovenia. My top two eggs are in one basket there. Then, New Zealand. Basically, barring a miracle, I'll have to develop a line of succession that's much longer than what this question allows for.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

While Duncan Oughton is surely hoping that New Zealand can regain its independence by defeating Australia in the final, I think one of the usual handful of finalists will defeat one of the other usual handful of finalists. Sorry, Dunc. Looks like another offseason of indentured opal mining for you.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Whoever the first player is that celebrates a goal by running to the stands, joyously reaching into the crowd for a vuvuzela, and then angrily breaks it over his knee like Bo Jackson after a strikeout. Instant hero the world over.

How will the USA do?

With Edson Buddle, all things are possible.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

England, France, Italy and Serbia. Normally I'd say Mexico, but there's a microscopic chance we could be meet them in a quarterfinal, so I won't root against that 2-0 victory just yet.

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Brian Quarstad
Inside Minnesota Soccer


Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Probably Argentina, but I really want an African team to go far. I wish I could say Côte d'Ivoire but they have two strikes against them. #1 an injured Drogba, #2 a prima donna, self-serving manager named Sven-Göran Eriksson.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil v Spain and it's a summer of magical for Español.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

If I told you it would no longer be a surprise. Seriously, Tony Sanneh recently said, every team that's successful in the WC seems to have one unlikely player who steps up and makes an impact. I really have no idea.

How will the USA do?

Makes it out of the group as #2 - Plays Germany and beats them in the round of 16- Gets dumped in the quarterfinals by Argentina. I know! ... that's very wishful thinking.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Unequivocally England.

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La Velle Neal
Star Tribune


Who is your favorite national team?

USA! USA!

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Holland, Cameroon, Brazil and Argentina. I’ve always been a big fan of the Dutch, who might be the most underachieving team in WC history. Blind faith, I guess.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Netherlands over Italy. And I’m not that solid on old ass Italy getting that far.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Alexandre Song, Cameroon. Young stud. If Hercules Gomez gets on the field, he could be due for a big pay raise.

How will the USA do?

Lose to Argentina 4-2 in the quarters. That’s right. They avenge the 2002 loss to Germany in the round of 16.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico, England, Italy. I view Mexico like I view the Cubs. I hope they fail spectacularly in all areas.

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Prairie Rose Clayton
Tifosi (tifosi.hooverdam.net)

Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

At the risk of sounding like a front-runner, Brazil. Excuse: I live in a city with a large Brazilian population and my mother-in-law lived in Brazil for several years.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil and someone else, and Brazil I guess. Is it obnoxiously provincial of me to say once the US is out of it, I'm only in it for the entertainment and don't especially care who wins? (okay, provided it's not England)

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Tony Lochhead

How will the USA do?

Either second or third round. An Italian friend of mine, after seeing how annoyed I was in 2006, told me that the rule is that if the WC is in Europe, it's boring European teams that win, but if it's outside of Europe, anything goes. Let's just say I'm looking forward to the ride this year and in 2014.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Every other gimmicky Outlaw/Sammer will say Mexico, so I'll go against the grain and say England. Mexico, at least their fans get it when they win, and we've got a lot more in common with our CONCACAF brothers than anyone on either side of the border wants to admit. England, though, it's hard for me to see anyone involved there as anything but spoiled, whiny, and unpleasant.

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Jason Davis
Match Fit USA
The American Soccer Show


Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Argentina

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil v. Spain - Brazil wins

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Giovani Dos Santos, Edson Buddle (CONCACAF love)

How will the USA do?

Quarterfinals

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico

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Brian Balboa
Host of The Orange Slice on 1560 The Game in Houston


Who is your favorite national team?

USA of course

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Any Concacaf team that is left.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Spain vs. Brazil / Brazil wins

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Herc Gomez, Stu Holden, Javier Hernandez.

How will the USA do?

I think they will make it out of the group stage. But after that I really don't know. Whether they match up against the Germans or Ghana, I think the US will definitely relish a rematch with those either of those two.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Brazil

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Kevin Friedland
NSC Minnesota Stars


Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Spain

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil & Spain - Brazil

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Feilheiber & Buddle for USA and Dos Santos

How will the USA do?

Semis

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico, and for this Cup... England

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Dan Barnes
Creator/Webmaster of USLFans.com and USLDiscussions.com


Who is your favorite national team?

USA, of course :-)

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Italy

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Argentina, Brazil - Argentina wins !

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Buddle is going to have a fantastic tourney.

How will the USA do?

Round of 16

Which team do you love to see get beat?

England, then Italy

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Part 4 - The du Nord Semi-Ultimate World Cup 6 Questions

We asked lots of friends from around the footballing universe to give us their thoughts on some very important questions relating to the WC.

Here is the fourth batch of folks and their answers:

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The Gaffer
EPLTalk.com

Who is your favorite national team?

Wales

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Since Wales didn't qualify, I'm now supporting England and the United States. So my allegiances will be split on June 12th, but I'm hoping for a US win to send a message to the world and mainstream America.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil against Spain with the South Americans winning it in extra time.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

I'm really hoping that Herculez Gomez gets a chance to shine for the United States. He could be a breakout player. But the footballer I'm most looking forward to seeing break out is Jesus Navas for Spain. Again, if he gets a chance to play, he'll be able to amaze viewers with his dribbling skills and clinical finishes in front of goal.

How will the USA do?

I keep on going back and forth on them. Some days I wonder if they'll make it out of Group C. Other days, I think they'll go far. My problem with the US squad is that they're a Jekyll & Hyde side. When I think they'll do well, they play with no passion. When I think they'll get clobbered, they step up their game and completely stun me. I'm predicting they'll make it out of Group C but will exit in the round of 16.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

I'd love to see France get beat for the way they cheated their way into the World Cup. A thrashing from Mexico, Uruguay or South Africa would be lovely. Come on karma!

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Richard Allen
Crave Cottage Newsround


Who is your favorite national team?

England, but part of me will be cheering on Ghana, Chile, the US and probably someone else I haven’t thought about yet. North Korea even: there’s so little mystery in modern football isn’t there?

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

See above, although these teams will probably be out too. Who knows….

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Cameroon v Brazil, with Brazil to prevail.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Part of the fun of the world cup is when people you didn’t know about surprise you. I remember a Russian fellow scoring five goals in a game in the nineties. That was terrific. So here’s to the unknown player who doesn’t know what a hero he’s about to become.

How will the USA do?

Surprisingly well. England’s weaknesses and the US strengths (and vice-versa) are intriguingly aligned, which could lead to a more open game than people are expecting. Then in the knockouts anything can happen, so a semi-final isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Portugal are the only team that stand out this year. I don’t dislike Holland as a team, but Arjen Robben winds me up. So his removal somehow would be pleasing.

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Sam Pierron
Fan Relations Maven - Kansas City Wizards


Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Oh, I mostly just root for good games at that point.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil and Spain. Brazil wins.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Hmm. Great question; the teams that are likeliest to do well are filled with players we see on a monthly basis. Alexis Sanchez is the kind of player who can make people take notice, in a system that showcases his abilities. With Juve being down a bit, eyes haven’t really been on Chiellini; it takes defenders a while to get their due (it seems like people forgot about Lucio for 8 years), but he could get some major cred in his first World Cup.

How will the USA do?

Lose in the second round.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

I would say Mexico, but when it comes down to it, I enjoy seeing Italy lose more.

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Duane Rollins
The 24th Minute


Who is your favorite national team?

Canada

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Home Nations + Ireland

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Argentina over Brazil

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Rocky Santa Cruz

How will the USA do?

3 pts, 3rd in group

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Which team do you love to see get beat? Italy

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Greg Seltzer
Mouthy scribe - MLSsoccer.com/Soccer 365/No Short Corner

Who is your favorite national team?

USA, but I also live 'n die with the Dutch

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

See above.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Injuries have changed things and I need to re-do my brackets. That being said, right now, I can say I think either Brazil or the Netherlands will make the final from one half. Depending on a couple of injury situations, Spain is likely my other half pick. My sleeper choices are Paraguay, Serbia and Uruguay.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Several guys could make names, Japan's Keisuke Honda, Paraguay's Lucas Barrios, Serbia's Milos Krasic, Brazil's Michel Bastos, Spain's Juan Mata. And of course, let's not forget, possibly someone like Edson Buddle, Herc Gomez or Stuart Holden.

How will the USA do?

Advancement from the group seems well within reach, even with the injuries. From there, the round of 16 match should be very tough. That's probably where it ends. A famous win there could see them meet up with Mexico to make the semis. I doubt they can win it, but they could put in a good scare.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico!!

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Alex Haueter
Media Coordinator - NSC Minnesota Stars

Who is your favorite national team?

USA, despite the constant frustration I experience when I watch.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Switzerland, where my dad’s side of the family is from. After the Swiss get knocked out, I’ll pull for Spain because I appreciate their style.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil 2, Spain 1

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Nicklas Bendtner

How will the USA do?

To give a definitive answer, I’ll say second round. However, I won’t be at all surprised to see a three-and-out, and I also could see the team making the quarterfinals depending on what happens in Group D. If the US can manage to avoid a second-round match with Germany, I could see them getting past Serbia, Australia or Ghana.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Italy. Catenaccio makes me cry, and a team that practices diving earns no respect from me.

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Amos Magee
F-I-F
Director Soccer Development, Coach - Portland Timbers

Who is your favorite national team?

US nats are clearly my favorite. However, I will always support the French National team as I spent three weeks of the 1982 world cup in France. The French national team of Platini, Tigana, Tresor, Giresse etc. helped make me a soccer fan and I have loved and supported them ever since. I am still not over the loss to W Germany in the 82 semifinal. I was also at Parc des Princes when Bulgaria upset France and knocked them out of qualifying for the 1994 world cup. Being among all those crying French fans solidified them as my team. The pathos was appealing. Suffice to say 1998 was my favorite world cup since 1982.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

See Above.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

It is tough to pick against Spain or Brazil. But what fun would that be? I am picking the Dutch in a surprise. They beat Brazil in the final.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

I think that Wesley Sneijder will have a fantastic world cup. He was the engine that made Inter go in the attacking 3rd. I think Carlos Vela will have a great world cup. Fresh and fit with a lot to prove. This could be his coming out party. Youan Gourcuff will pull the strings for France and almost make French fans forget about Zidane. Almost. And I think Landon Donovan establishes himself as the first bonafide American superstar at this tourney.

How will the USA do?

I think the US gets into the quarter final. Loses in extratime.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

I root against the Germans. Refer above to 1982 and that cheat Schumacher. I will root against Argentina this tourney as I can't forgive Maradona for not taking Cambiasso and Zanetti. I'm also comfortable w him failing as well. I actually root for Mexico in the world cup as their success helps CONCACAF.

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Tom Dunmore
Editor of Pitch Invasion (www.pitchinvasion.net)


Who is your favorite national team?

England. I was born there....I don't live there, don't particularly like the players or the circus that surrounds the English team or the inevitable fact we will suffer a cruel and unusual punishment in an elimination round, but that's the card that fate dealt me.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

I'll support the United States, if only because of their numerous connections to my club team, the Chicago Fire.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Spain....over someone that I've have to check is possible for them to play depending on the bracket. Which I'm too lazy to do.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, would it? Honestly, I'm not sure what would be classified as a breakout when we're now so familiar with so many players around the world thanks to the magic of television. Robbie Findley?

How will the USA do?

A horrible defensive breakdown will see them go out in the second round despite a good performance.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

It used to be Germany, but the enmity's not there so much any longer. Wait, no, still Germany.

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Jared Montz
Former Chicago Fire player
Created America's 1st Online Soccer Academy at http://www.OnlineSoccerAcademy.com
Host the Jared Montz Soccer Podcast


Who is your favorite national team?

USMNT!

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

I just follow the tournament in general.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

The USMNT will be in the final and will win it. Gotta "Believe in it"! However if they are not then Spain will win it.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Edson Buddle. Michael Bradley will increase his stock by a lot this tournament too.

How will the USA do?

USMNT will do great.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Any team the USMNT is playing!

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Nick Green
English-born, naturalized Canadian citizen who lives in the U.S.
Writes a column for the Daily News and other SoCal newspapers
Blogs at www.insidesocal.com/soccer


Who is your favorite national team?

Canada

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Too late. North Korea

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil-England (I can dream). England chokes again and Brazil wins.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Edson Buddle

How will the USA do?

Reach the last 16

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico. Mexico. Mexico.

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Dan Loney
bigsoccer.com until they come to their senses


Who is your favorite national team?

I was going to say I'm Tina Turner to the US National Team, but Tina Turner eventually left Ike. So I'm Christina Crawford, and the US is Joan. Or I'm Mia Farrow in "Purple Rose of Cairo," and the US is her abusive husband Monk - "I never hit you! I always warn you first!"

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

"If." That's cute. France is only a coin flip in my book to make it to the second round, but I'm still cheering for them. People hate everything about France, for one thing. For another, if France does win, then the Republic of Ireland become the Moral Champions of the World.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Gotta go with the Galaxy over Columbus at this point. What? Okay, fine. Cameroon over Brazil.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

I don't know. Probably some god-damned foreigner. What?

How will the USA do?

My heart says "Semifinals, fuck you." (My heart has a foul mouth.) If I were betting my children's shoes, though, I'm saying second round elimination.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico, but I don't think they're going to get beaten until long after we can gloat about it comfortably.

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Part 3 - The du Nord Semi-Ultimate World Cup 6 Questions

We asked lots of friends from around the footballing universe to give us their thoughts on some very important questions relating to the WC.

Here is the third batch of folks and their answers:

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Roberto Gotta
Guerin Sportivo & ESPN Soccernet correspondent


Who is your favorite national team?

None really. Back in the Eighties, too many players I disliked put me off for ever supporting Italy. Enjoyed being in Berlin four years ago because of the experience and I was happy for some of the players, though

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

I always want England to do well; the US, Germany and Mexico, too. So I will be pretty neutral on June 12.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Without looking at how the pairings might be, I believe Brazil are going to beat Spain in the final, but I also think reliable predictions can only be made after the group phase. Getting through to the knockout phase is no indicator of a side's chances of winning it all.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Marek Hamsik; James Milner; Pablo Aguilar; Mesut Ozil; Alexis Sanchez

How will the USA do?

Reach quarterfinals if central defenders play reasonably well and someone supports Altidore up front

Which team do you love to see get beat?

I do not like to say this, but... Argentina

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John Sandate
ELAC of the Union Ultras


Who is your favorite national team?

ESTADOS UNIDOS de AMERICA!! USA!

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Any COCACAF team or any underdog team. Maybe Mexico (I'm Mexican-American). Maybe.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Spain versus Brazil. Brazil wins again.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Luis Suarez -Chile. Soloman Kalou - Ivory Coast. Javier Hernandez - Mexico. Herculez Gomez/Edson Buddle - USA.

How will the USA do?

Los Estados Unidos will reach the Quarterfinals.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

MEXICO. MEXICO. MEXICO. ENGLAND, TOO.

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Marguerite Kirchhoff
F-I-F
Shegunner

Who is your favorite national team?

#USMNT

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

This year it will be The Netherlands

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Netherlands v Argentine with The Netherlands winning.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Edson Buddle and Robin vanPersie

How will the USA do?

How will the USA do? Realistically, we fall to Germany in the Round of 16.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

This year...England.

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Kartik Krishnaiyer
NASL Director of Communications and Public Relations


Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Nobody in particular except for England's opposition. I'll just hope for some good, attractive football, and England's elimination.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil vs Germany with Brazil winning.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Gonzalo Higuan, Gio Dos Santos, Meszut Ozil, Karim Ziani and Humberto Suazo

How will the USA do?

Second Round

Which team do you love to see get beat?

England, England and England. I love reading the tabloids after an England defeat. I disdain the hubris of the English press and English fans who assume an American cannot appreciate the game the way they do. We are more varied in our appreciation of the game here in the United States- we watch more leagues, and different styles of play here. I believe we know more about football than the English do. I would not make that argument about the Germans or the Italians, but simply about the English. Similarly, I don't have the same dislike of any other nation that I have for England in this sport. I don't care for Mexico either, but found myself in love with El Tri when they played England in a recent friendly. That says alot.

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Chris Nee
Editor of twofootedtackle.com.

Who is your favorite national team?

England, by genetics rather than choice and proud of it.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

I really shouldn't say this given the draw, but USA. I follow American soccer very closely and have a real fondness for USMNT. After 12th June, of course.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

I think Brazil and Spain will reach the final but Brazil will edge it, maybe after extra time.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

I've been bigging up Jong of North Korea but I think their group's too tough for him to shine. I expect Alexis Sanchez to do well, but hardly a surprise. Let's say Marin and Ozul of Germany, who should make an impression between the two of them, and Teko Modise, who will be key if the South Africans are to benefit from home advantage.

How will the USA do?

Out in the second round along with England.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Tough question. I really hope England don't have to play Portugal because they've got the sign over us in a big way. Apart from that, I think Spain being beaten would make the whole thing more interesting. I don't have any animosity towards our traditional foes, Argentina and Germany, unless we're actually playing them.

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Evan Mitz
Manager of Business Development
Playbook Management International

Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

EVERYONE, I watch every single game (except if the 3rd game in a group is not relevant to advancement)

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

ENGLAND v BRAZIL (BRAZIL winning it all)

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Mike Bradley, Messi (surprise to the argentines only)

How will the USA do?

Quarter-Finals

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Mexico, but I also love to see them play well with their possession style of play

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Eddie Rock
Libero Sports LLC

Who is your favorite national team?


USA followed closely by Rep. of Ireland

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Argentina and Holland - dooming both to penalty heartache in the later rounds

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Argentina 4 - 1 Brazil

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Javier Hernandez, Salomon Kalou

How will the USA do?

Advances to the 2nd Round

Which team do you love to see get beat?

England

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Kyle McCarthy
Boston Herald, Goal.com


Who is your favorite national team?

I've always had a soft spot for San Marino.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

I always keep an eye on Ireland and England. Trapattoni has done a very nice job with the Irish, though he can't even find a way to game plan for a handball on the line.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil and Spain are the two prohibitive favorites and they're located on opposite sides of the draw, so both of those teams are solid bets to reach the final. Brazil is probably the better bet with its approach, though Spain offers more pleasing fare for the neutral.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

It's so tough to peg breakout players when so many players are familiar faces. If you're going to find one, look to unheralded teams that could possibly make a run to the second round or the quarterfinals.

How will the USA do?

Second round, but advancing through the group won't be nearly as easy as many people have suggested.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, but I'm not sure Wednesday would be eligible for this prestigious tournament since the Owls are now currently resting comfortably in the third tier of English soccer.

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Buzz Carrick
3rd Degree


Who is your favorite national team?

USA

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Netherlands and Argentina

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

Brazil and Netherlands, Brazil will win.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Javier Hernandez

How will the USA do?

Advance to 16, win one game (against Ghana) and then be eliminated in Quarters by Argentina.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

Italy

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Lizz Summers
Director of Communications - New England Revolution

Who is your favorite national team?

USA. My first experience with soccer was the ’94 World Cup and watching the US on TV. Now look where I am.

If your team gets knocked out, who do you follow then?

Probably no team in particular, but will look for games that have a back story or secondary storyline in the knock-out stages.

Who is in the final and who is going to win?

I’d love to see a Spain-Brazil final, but as for who actually gets there? No clue. Teams are still losing key players to injury right now and that will have a big effect.

Who will be the surprise breakout players of the tournament?

Some team’s young up-and-comer with no pressure … someone from the lesser-heralded countries maybe, a few from African countries.

How will the USA do?

Round of 16 or quarters, but I don’t want to rule out the possibility of more.

Which team do you love to see get beat?

England by the US and Italy other than that. No particular reason, however.

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Some News for Wed Jun 9, 2010

STARTERS

The Los Angeles Galaxy goes for a new league record tonight in Salt Lake as they try to go 13 games without a loss to start the season.

dN

Vancouver has already sold their initial batch of 10,000 season tickets for their MLS campaign in 2011. The next block will go on sale soon. Fantastic!

dN

FYI: All World Cup games are at 6:30am, 9:00am or 1:30pm Central time.

dN

I had a few emailers ask how to pronounce the last name of Ace Ntsoelengoe. Here you go, its: net-so-LEN-gay
-Thanks to Luke for suggesting I post it.

TWITTER

Get on board our Twitter train: @dunord

USA WORLD CUP 2010 SOUTH AFRICA

2 days till we get started and 3 days till the big game.

dN

Jozy Altidore is back to full training, but said his ankle is "a little sore."

dN

Matches & Scores:
-Sat Jun 12
USA v England - 1:30pm Central on ABC
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium - Rustenburg
-Fri Jun 18
USA v Slovenia - 9:00am Centraol on ESPN
Venue: Soccer City Stadium - Johannesburg/Ellis Park
-Wed Jun 23
USA v Algeria - 9:00am Centraol on ESPN
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium - Tshwane/Pretoria

dN

Oliver Kay of the Times tells us about the referee for the big game. (thanks to Bart for the link)
-I only remember this guy as the really creepy bastard who laughed while handing out a red card in the last world cup. He literally made my skin crawl at the time. Just look at him and his psychotic glee:



















Wayne Drehs of ESPN on coach Bob Bradley who wastes no time with busy talk.

Jay Greenburg of the NY Post on coach Bob Bradley.

The NY Post also sees Jozy Altidore as a player waiting to bust out.

And Brian Lewis of the NY Post calls this team the best USA team ever.

Paul Fletcher of the BBC on Bob & Michael Bradley.

Ronald Blum of the Associated Press says stopping Rooney is the key to stopping England.
-You won't get any argument out of me.

Jeff Carlisle of Soccernet also says the USA knows that Wayne Rooney is the key for England.

Frank Giase of the Newark Star Ledger tells us that 5 former New York Metrostars/Red Bulls players are on the USA team.
-Is that a curse??!!??!!

Kate Fagan of the Philadelphia Inquirer on Edson Buddle's battle to win a starting job against England.

Fagan also looks at down/away time for the players.
-Lots of great video clips on this page too.

Stefan Bondy of NorthJersey.com on Landon Donovan's resolve.

Bondy also looks at the potential success of this USA team.

Brian Sciaretta of Yanks Abroad on Robbie Findley.

David Smith also of Yanks Abroad on Steve Cherundolo.

The Daily Mail on Clint Dempsey and his Fulham the giant killers mentality.

Melissa Segura of Sports Illustrated with the Clint Dempsey story.

Colin Stephenson of the Newark Star Ledger on the USA striker corp.

American Stefan Fatsis writing for English paper The Independent tells England to bring it on.

dN

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Official Team Blog

The US Soccer video page at You Tube. Fantastic stuff!
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dN

USA OPPONENTS:

England
-Simon Austin of the BBC tells us about coach Fabio Capello's assistants.
-The Daily Mail says England is being put through extra training due to the lack of satisfaction being felt by coach Fabio Capello.
-Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail tries to fire his countrymen up by telling them that England CAN win the cup.
-Sam Wallace of the Independent with 5 key questions about England.

Slovenia
-The Independent talks to Robert Koren who says that they are thinking about themselves not their opponents.

dN

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated gives his full prediction for the USA at WC 2010.

Steve Davis of Sports Illustrated wonders were Bob Bradley will be after the World Cup.

Davis also gives us 5 great USA World Cup performances to remember.

Dave Lange of the St Louis Globe Democrat with the story of Charlie Colombo one of the stars of the 1950 USA World Cup team. (thanks to BQ for the heads up on this article)

The Washington Post on the number of Americans in SA.

GROUP C SCHEDULE WORLD CUP 2010

-Sat Jun 12
England v USA - 1:30pm Central on ABC
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium - Rustenburg
-Sun Jun 13
Algeria v Slovenia - 6:30am Central on ESPN
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium - Polokwane
-Fri Jun 18
Slovenia v USA - 9:00am Central on ESPN
Venue: Soccer City Stadium - Johannesburg/Ellis Park
England v Algeria - 1:30pm Central on ESPN2
Venue: Green Point Stadium - Cape Town
-Wed Jun 23
Slovenia v England - 9:00am Central on ESPN2
Venue: Port Elizabeth Stadium - Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
USA v Algeria - 9:00am Central on ESPN
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium - Tshwane/Pretoria

WORLD CUP 2010 - SOUTH AFRICA

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated ranks the final 32.

Andres Iniesta of Spain has not been healthy for much of 2010 and after trying to play for Spain in a friendly yesterday he came out with a thigh muscle issue. No real details, but he has barely played in months. I have figured he would not be a big time player at this tourney.

Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian does not see the positives in the Ivory Coast that others might.
-Sven Goren Eriksson is their coach for Pete's sake.

Owen Gibson of the Guardian writes about South Africa who hope to be the big surprise African team.

James Lawton of the Independent sees Kaka as a player with something to prove.

dN

Portugal and Spain both crushed opponents yesterday.

Friendly Matches & Scores:
-Tue Jun 8
Portugal v Mozambique - Por goals by Danny & Hugo Almeida.
Spain 6-0 Poland - Spa goals by David Villa, David Silva(2), Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres & Pedro

QUOTE OF THE DAY

From our Friend-In-Football Bart Edes: The Philippines, where I spend most of my time, seems to be the only country in East Asia that is NOT football crazy. The Filipinos picked up basketball from the USA and ran with it. You can't walk 10 feet without running into a Lakers fan. If they had to choose an American sport, it should have been baseball. If they had gone that route, you would probably today see dozens of Philippine nationals in the professional ranks in North America. In contrast, height disadvantages have played a big role in keeping Filipinos out of the NBA. Anyway, the missus and I have managed to attract 60+ people to our USA-England match watching bash this weekend. The clash starts at 02.30 Sunday local time, providing a good excuse for a Saturday night of partying before the event. Given local sporting tastes, the bulk of the group will be expats. The good news is that the Yank fans will outnumber the English supporters by about 3-2 (I've got a Welshman, a Scot, a French couple and a German on side!). The one complication is that my wife (and visiting mother-in-law) are English, and they have lured a fair number of Three Lions supporters to our place. People have come in from Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong to attend this party. Actually, I would not be surprised if we attract a larger number of Americans for this match than any other venue in the Philippines. U-S-A! U-S-A!!

STORY OF THE DAY

Steven Sandor of the Toronto Sun points out the we will know MLS has arrived when a game like tonight's Salt Lake v Los Angeles match has the whole North American soccer community buzzing!
-I believe that analysis is 100% correct.

THIS IS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT

CTV News in British Columbia with a really good video report on the unveiling of the new Vancouver Whitecaps logo, and their temporary home for next season which looks fantastic.

MLS WEEK 12

Matches & Scores:
-Wed Jun 9
Chicago Fire v Colorado Rapids - 7:30 PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: Toyota Park - Bridgeview IL
Real Salt Lake v Los Angeles Galaxy -8PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium - Sandy UT
-Thu Jun 10
Kansas City Wizards v Philadelphia Union - 7PM Central on Direct Kick
Venue: CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City KS
Seattle Sounders FC v DC United - 9PM Central on ESPN2
Venue: Qwest Field - Seattle WA

dN

And then a 2 week break commences for the World Cup group stage.

MLS TEAM & PLAYER NEWS

Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe on the return of Steve Ralston to New England.

dN

James Edward of the Deseret News previews the arrival of Los Angeles to Sandy UT. A huge game.
-Fullback Chris Wingert is ready to play for RSL.

dN

Len Zeihm of the Chicago Sun Times sees a chance for the Fire to get their season really rolling tonight.

dN

John Meyer of the Denver Post talks to Colorado coach Gary Smith about their last game before the World Cup break.

dN

The Odessa American reports on West Texas United beating FC Dallas in friendly yesterday. Obviously it was the Dallas reserves.

dN

Jack McCarthy of the Chicago Tribune says that Fire coach Carlos The Conch will take the break to assess his team and figure out what they need going forward.

MLS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Fort Bend Now with an article on a local youth club working with the Houston Dynamo Academy team.

MLS STADIUM BUILDING

Opening day at Philadelphia's PPL Park is a sell out.

dN

Jonathan Tannenwald of Philly.com compares the new Union stadium to Chicago's Toyota Park.

dN

Pete Ratajczak of Center Line Soccer writes about the new stadium project in San Jose while checking out Toyota Park in Chicago.

MLS RUMORS

Now that Kenny Cooper has messed up a great chance to establish himself in Germany, by demanding a loan deal so he could improve his World Cup chances and backfired in his face, there is talk of him returning to play at Dallas again.

USSF DIVISION 2

Matches & Scores:
-Wed Jun 9
Miami FC Blues v Crystal Palace Baltimore
NSC Minnesota Stars v Montreal Impact
Austin Aztex v Portland Timbers
Vancouver Whitecaps v Carolina RailHawks

dN

Standings (As of Mon Jun 7):
23 Austin - 10 played
18 Tampa Bay - 10 played
15 Rochester - 10 played
15 Vancouver - 9 played
12 Montreal - 8 played
12 Carolina - 8 played
12 Portland - 9 played
10 Baltimore - 9 played
11 Minnesota - 12 played
9 Puerto Rico - 7 played
9 Miami - 9 played
4 St Louis - 9 played

dN

Standings base on Points Per Game:
2.3 Austin
1.80 Tampa Bay
1.67 Vancouver
1.50 Carolina
1.50 Montreal
1.50 Rochester
1.33 Portland
1.29 Puerto Rico
1.11 Baltimore
1.00 Miami
0.92 Minnesota
0.44 St Louis

SOCCER IN AMERICA

Etahn Skolnick of NBC sees soccer as a slow growing giant in America.
-It's what I have described as a glacier.

dN

The Associated Press tells us about ESPN's expectations for this World Cup in America.

dN

The New York Times on ESPN and Univision who see the USA as a soccer country.

AMERICANS IN EUROPE

Ynaks Abroad talks to young goalkeeper in France Quentin Westberg who is looking for a new team.

AMERICANS IN EUROPE - RUMORS

The Daily Echo with a story on Freddy Adu possibly moving to League 1 team Southampton.

ENGLAND

Dan Donovan of the Huffington Post looks at some scary financial details of the English Premier League.

SPAIN

Both Xavi Hernandez & Pedro Rodriguez have signed contract extensions with Barcelona.

dN

And Gonzalo Higuain has signed a new deal with Real Madrid.

ITALY

Roma has taken a big big risk and signed Brazilian striker Adriano.