Category: Soccer (Page 29 of 29)

      Instant Replay. Is Soccer Next?

      October 9, 2008 /

      Instant ReplayWhen Major League Baseball decided to adopt instant replay earlier this year, it seemed as if the technology now had a presence in every major American sport. However, Major League Soccer has avoided its use, primarily because it’s never been called upon…until now. It’s well known that professional soccer is far more popular in the rest of the world than in the States, so leave it the enormously influential English Premier League to advocate the technology. Jorge Moran of FoxSoccer.com examines the possible repercussions of this decision:

      A seldom discussed yet more worrying aspect of the possible introduction of video evidence is that it would splinter the sport into two factions: the football practiced by those clubs and countries that can afford to have the technology installed and maintained, and the football of those that can’t.

      HawkEye, the camera-based goal-line technology that the Premier League tested but was unable to receive FIFA approval to use, would cost a reported $438,000 to install per stadium. Only a very small handful of national federations and leagues would be able to afford that, and perhaps only at the top flight level.

      Who’s to say that a country’s lower leagues aren’t worthy enough to receive the same sort of sporting justice that video evidence would bring to the upper tier? Teams from the lower divisions may be less profitable, but they are just as important to their supporters.

      Moran makes an interesting case. What binds soccer on a global level is that the game’s simplistic rules are relatively the same in every league. While a third world country may not be able to afford the cameras, implementing instant replay in a wealthier nation tilts this equilibrium. Hopefully a more cost-conscious system will arise.

      If some leagues do side with the technology, I hope it’s used on a smaller scale, as with MLB. Many people were upset when the ATP and WTA started using instant replay during tennis matches. However, players are given a limited number of “disputes” per game. Like tennis, soccer is popular on a global level. If instant replay creeps its way into the game, I hope it’s used both sparingly and wisely.

      Soccer

      Remember Cobi Jones? Well, now you can call him “Coach.”

      August 13, 2008 /

      There was a time when the U.S. men’s soccer team could give Italy a run for their money. This was in 1992, specifically at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. That squad included the talents of Tony Meola, Steve Snow, and Alexi Lalas. The star of that team, however, was the speedy goal-scorer Cobi Jones.

      After stints in South America, Europe, and for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS, Jones retired from professional soccer in 2007. But the Galaxy has called upon the great one once again, naming him interim head coach as the team reevaluates their recent performance. He will replace first-year coach Ruud Gullit who has resigned for personal reasons. The major changes include the dismissal of general manager Alexi Lalas, Jones’ former teammate.

      Lalas arrived in Los Angeles in April 2006 after holding a similar position with both the New York Red Bulls and the San Jose Earthquakes, which, like the Galaxy, were owned by AEG. Handing his responsibilities will be Paul Bravo, the team’s director of soccer and Tom Payne, the assistant general manager.

      “With Ruud moving on, we believe that this is the right time to make more sweeping changes throughout the organization,” Leiweke said. “Our commitment continues to be focused on not only winning the MLS Cup this and every season but to build a club capable of competing at the international level. This decision is the right one for the organization, the right one for the players and the right one for our fans. We thank Alexi for the tremendous hard work and dedication he brought to his job each and every day.”

      This has been an extremely disappointing season for the Galaxy. They are on a seven-game losing streak and rapidly falling within their division. The fanfare has seemingly died down despite the solid play by David Beckham and Landon Donovan. It’s unclear whether Jones’ abilities as a player will transfer over to his new coaching position. One thing is for sure, he’s a soccer icon and a Los Angeles darling, and his presence will arouse needed fan support at home games.

      Soccer

      U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Quickly Eliminated

      August 13, 2008 /

      Before the U.S. men’s soccer team even played their first match, coaches from other nations mocked them, saying their roster and style of play could not hold up in international competition.

      This morning, Nigeria defeated the U.S. men’s squad 2-1, knocking them out of the Olympics. With this win, and the Netherlands’ victory over Japan, so ends preliminary play. To the dismay of the U.S. men’s team, who played so well in their first two matches, a favored Netherlands and an underrated Nigeria will see their teams advance to the quarterfinals.

      Things went sour early for the United States when defender Michael Orozco earned himself a red-card in the third minute, elbowing Solomon Okoronkwo with a referee standing nearby. For the remaining 87 minutes, the United States was short one player. This put the U.S. at a major disadvantage, especially considering the absence of Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley because of yellow-cards they received in previous games.

      Nigeria struck first with a goal by Promise Isaac in the 38th minute. Victor Obinna then added another for his team late in the second half. The United States did put one in the net, scoring on a penalty kick with two minutes left in the game. It was for naught, however, and Nigeria secured the victory.

      Orozco’s bone-headed decision to throw a nasty elbow in front of an official probably cost them the game. Referees are instructed to keep Olympic soccer matches as civil as possible and Orozco’s move was anything but.

      Soccer, The Olympics

      25 Must-See YouTube Sports Videos

      August 9, 2008 /

      SI.com put together a collection of 25 Must-See YouTube sports videos and most of them are fantastic.

      Boom Goes the Dynamite

      Ali G interviews David Beckham and Posh Spice

      Every time I see that “Boom Goes the Dynamite” clip I cringe and I can’t help but feel awful for the young man…but I just can’t look away.

      Poor bastard.

      General Sports, Golf, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, Soccer, Television, Tennis, Video

      Without Wambach, U.S. Women’s soccer faces a tough road in Beijing

      July 23, 2008 /

      U.S. Women’s Soccer team’s plan to win gold in the August Summer Olympic Games was hit with a severe blow during an exhibition game in San Diego last week. Starting forward Abby Wambach broke her left leg after a violent collision in the first half of a 1-0 win over Brazil. The team’s leading scorer is expected to be out for 12 weeks and will miss the Summer Games, which begin in three weeks.

      The U.S. Women have dominated international soccer play since its inception by winning Olympic gold in 1996 and 2004. But other countries have caught up in international play with the Americans. No further proof than the U.S. third-place finish at the 2007 Women’s World Cup is necessary. The team lost a lopsided contest to Brazil in the semi-final round before salvaging a bronze medal by defeating Norway. Gone are the days of the U.S. Women’s domination of the opposition.

      Out went head coach Ken Ryan, and in came Pia Sundhage, who revamped the mentality of how the team attacked the goal. Sundhage implemented a possession-based offense to create more opportunity for everyone to score. The team no longer relies on Wambach to be the squad’s lone goal scorer, which could ultimately help the Americans to claim a medal in Beijing.

      Simply put, this team is not lost without their star on the pitch as it would have been prior to Sundhage becoming coach. By de-emphasizing the role of Wambach and revamping their offensive style, Sundhage has created a diverse look for opponents to try to defend.

      Besides Wambach, injuries to defender Cat Whitehill and midfielder Leslie Osbourne have left the Olympic roster young and untested. The talent is there but their poise will be tested in Beijing. Sundhage’s plan is to keep possession of the ball and find the right moment to penetrate the defensive zone, while also forcing the majority of play to the middle of the field. Sundhage feels the team’s strength is that they can play very well against different styles, and this will be helpful in the Olympic tournament.

      It is hard to imagine that the U.S. will be the gold medal favorites at the start of Olympic play in China. But one advantage on their side is Sundhage, as she is one of the more creative coaches in the game today. You have to like the team’s motto going in the Summer Games: “If one is fully prepared, you should not be nervous to play in any contest. Be mentally prepared to leave it all on the pitch.”

      They might be down, but the U.S. Women’s Soccer team is certainly not out.

      Soccer, The Olympics

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