Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-0
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-2, yet HSV still looks like garbage
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 5-0, truly gutless performance, and Magath taking away most of the break for this sad-sack squad
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-1, Daniel van Buyten tried to make this interesting by gifting goals but he failed for Bayern.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-2, late equilizer on a PK kept this from being 100 percent correct
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-1, too much Kagawa and company
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1, beautiful bicycle kick goal by Cicero rescues point for VfL
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Crisis in Berlin!!!
It's been a busy time as 2010 nears it end, but the big story in the football world is the stunning struggles of TBG's favorite German team, Hertha BSC. When we last checked in on Hertha, the Berliners were cruising atop the Zweite Liga standings and looking like one of the best teams in the country, quite honestly.
Hertha, though, has lost three of four matches and slumped to third in the table - not even good enough for automatic promotion - with fancied FC Augsburg close behind. These are trying times in the nation's capital.
What has gone wrong? Well the goals have dried up, as a team that was running rampant has failed to score in back-to-back games. Saturday's 2-0 loss to Duisburg is Hertha's first at home while Adrian Ramos and Raffael have not combined like they did in early matches while a fortunate brace from teenage sensation Pierre-Michel Lasogga is all Hertha have mustered in the last four games.
Up next is a tricky trip to the fabled Allianz Arena to face 1860 Munich with Benjamin Lauth. Can our heroes turn this around and spare their blushes? Or will it be more heartbreak for the loyal fans of the capital city. Stay tuned.
What are your suggestions for Hertha to turn it around? Tell us below and we may pass them along to the Hertha technical staff.
Hertha, though, has lost three of four matches and slumped to third in the table - not even good enough for automatic promotion - with fancied FC Augsburg close behind. These are trying times in the nation's capital.
What has gone wrong? Well the goals have dried up, as a team that was running rampant has failed to score in back-to-back games. Saturday's 2-0 loss to Duisburg is Hertha's first at home while Adrian Ramos and Raffael have not combined like they did in early matches while a fortunate brace from teenage sensation Pierre-Michel Lasogga is all Hertha have mustered in the last four games.
Up next is a tricky trip to the fabled Allianz Arena to face 1860 Munich with Benjamin Lauth. Can our heroes turn this around and spare their blushes? Or will it be more heartbreak for the loyal fans of the capital city. Stay tuned.
What are your suggestions for Hertha to turn it around? Tell us below and we may pass them along to the Hertha technical staff.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 14 predictions
After the rough effort in our debut segment, TBG is back to preview Matchday 14. Will Bayern Munich win a match? Will Dortmund lose? Will Jakub Blaszczykowski get another chance to shoot an at open goal? Will Werder Bremen score a goal?Find out below.
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Schurrle (team-high five goals) there's no chance of an upset in this spot for the Bavarians, even in a bitter snowstorm!
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Not much to see here. The Swabians continue to disappoint and Hamburg also seems to hitting another dip in form.
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Amazingly, S04 qualified for the knockout round of the Champions League with a match to spare. Will they be motivated for the trip to K-Town?
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Louis van Gaal has set a goal as for three wins and a draw in the final four fixtures before the winter break. Well, let's guess that it's a draw in this spot against a battling Frankfurt side.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Hard to believe this is a matchup of 4 versus 6. The 96ers welcome back Steve Cherundolo, and should welcome him back in style.
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Leverkusen has yet to lose on the road this season, and should be playing with confidence after last week's good result against Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
The battles of the Borussias is a top versus bottom clash, with Gladbach 24 points behind the table-toppers. Dortmund rewarded Juergen Klopp with an extension through 2014 and can't possibly slip up here.
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Sure, Bremen have been outscored 10-0 in their last three league matches and are in total disarray following their lethargic ouster from European play. But the supporters should make this a tough task for the visitors, and the Green-Whites can solidify their place in the top flight with three points.
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Expect Podolski and company to do enough to muster a good result against an underachieving club that is sliding closer and closer towards the drop as Steve McClaren gets his resume ready.
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Schurrle (team-high five goals) there's no chance of an upset in this spot for the Bavarians, even in a bitter snowstorm!
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Not much to see here. The Swabians continue to disappoint and Hamburg also seems to hitting another dip in form.
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Amazingly, S04 qualified for the knockout round of the Champions League with a match to spare. Will they be motivated for the trip to K-Town?
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Louis van Gaal has set a goal as for three wins and a draw in the final four fixtures before the winter break. Well, let's guess that it's a draw in this spot against a battling Frankfurt side.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Hard to believe this is a matchup of 4 versus 6. The 96ers welcome back Steve Cherundolo, and should welcome him back in style.
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Leverkusen has yet to lose on the road this season, and should be playing with confidence after last week's good result against Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
The battles of the Borussias is a top versus bottom clash, with Gladbach 24 points behind the table-toppers. Dortmund rewarded Juergen Klopp with an extension through 2014 and can't possibly slip up here.
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Sure, Bremen have been outscored 10-0 in their last three league matches and are in total disarray following their lethargic ouster from European play. But the supporters should make this a tough task for the visitors, and the Green-Whites can solidify their place in the top flight with three points.
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Expect Podolski and company to do enough to muster a good result against an underachieving club that is sliding closer and closer towards the drop as Steve McClaren gets his resume ready.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Mourinho angering everyone again
It seems like Jose Mourinho has already upset everyone in Spain ahead of Monday's 'El Clasico' at the Nou Camp. First, it was respected Sporting Gijon boss Manolo Preciado, who was criticized by Mourinho when Gijon rested some starters in its trip to the Nou Camp this season, although Barca only managed a 1-0 win.
That started a war of words between the managers heading into their matchup in Gijon, a match that Mourinho was banned for his antics during the Spanish Cup. Preciado responded by calling Mourinho a Spanish word that - since this is a family audience - wasn't very complimentary - canalla.
After Madrid was outplayed and won anyway 1-0, Mourinho and an assistant were on the bus leaving the stadium when he stuck out two figures to signify that Gijon would be sent down. Preciado responded by throwing a bottle at Mourinho.
Which brings us to Madrid's trip to Amsterdam on Tuesday for the Champions League. Sure RM won 4-0 over Ajax, but Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were both sent off in the late stages for time wasting. Both wanted to miss the meaningless group finale against Auxerre as opposed to a knockout stage contest. Of course, this was orchestrated by Mourinho.
So Mourinho is the scum of the earth. But you knew that. Here's hoping that Barca runs circles around Real Madrid.
That started a war of words between the managers heading into their matchup in Gijon, a match that Mourinho was banned for his antics during the Spanish Cup. Preciado responded by calling Mourinho a Spanish word that - since this is a family audience - wasn't very complimentary - canalla.
After Madrid was outplayed and won anyway 1-0, Mourinho and an assistant were on the bus leaving the stadium when he stuck out two figures to signify that Gijon would be sent down. Preciado responded by throwing a bottle at Mourinho.
Which brings us to Madrid's trip to Amsterdam on Tuesday for the Champions League. Sure RM won 4-0 over Ajax, but Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were both sent off in the late stages for time wasting. Both wanted to miss the meaningless group finale against Auxerre as opposed to a knockout stage contest. Of course, this was orchestrated by Mourinho.
So Mourinho is the scum of the earth. But you knew that. Here's hoping that Barca runs circles around Real Madrid.
Monday, November 22, 2010
NCAA College Cup down to the last 16!!!!
Now that the NCAA Men's College Cup is down to the round of 16, it's time for TBG to step in and make our predictions on these thrilling games. Here we go:
No. 1 Louisville v. No. 16 Ohio State
The Buckeyes have advanced with a sold win, but their reward is the No. 1 team in the country, coached by Ken Lolla himself. This shouldn't be close.
Louisville, 3-1.
No. 8 UCLA vs. Dartmouth
Credit Dartmouth with two big NCAA wins. The run ends on the west coast against the powerful Bruins.
UCLA, 2-0.
No. 5 SMU v. No. 12 William & Mary
It's been an outstanding soccer season in Dallas, with FC Dallas reaching the MLS Cup title game and SMU turning in another big season. William & Mary is best known as where Steve Jolley and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart played their college soccer.
SMU, 1-0.
No. 4 North Carolina vs. Michigan State.
The Tar Heels have plenty of talent, but the Spartans are a very mentally tough team. Go with the upset.
Michigan State, 2-1 (OT).
No. 3 Akron v. No. 14 Indiana.
This is THE GAME of the round of 16. The Zips lost a heartbreaker in the final last season as they search for that elusive national title. The Hoosiers are never pushovers. What a classic!
Akron 3-2, penalty kicks.
No. 6 California v. Brown.
The Golden Bears are enjoying a terrific season, and hope to make short work of the visitors. Brown shouldn't be taken lightly, however.
Cal, 1-0.
No. 7 South Carolina v. No. 10 Michigan.
Both teams needed overtime to advance to this round, and appear evenly matched. TBG will play a hunch on this pick.
Michigan, 3-2 (OT).
No. 2 Maryland v. No. 15 Penn State.
Legendary Terrapins coach Sasho Cirovski has another terrific team with this ACC championship squad. Do the underdog Nittany Lions have what it takes to pull the upset?
Maryland, 4-1.
What do you think? Let us know, you may win a trip to the championship game in Santa Barbara!
No. 1 Louisville v. No. 16 Ohio State
The Buckeyes have advanced with a sold win, but their reward is the No. 1 team in the country, coached by Ken Lolla himself. This shouldn't be close.
Louisville, 3-1.
No. 8 UCLA vs. Dartmouth
Credit Dartmouth with two big NCAA wins. The run ends on the west coast against the powerful Bruins.
UCLA, 2-0.
No. 5 SMU v. No. 12 William & Mary
It's been an outstanding soccer season in Dallas, with FC Dallas reaching the MLS Cup title game and SMU turning in another big season. William & Mary is best known as where Steve Jolley and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart played their college soccer.
SMU, 1-0.
No. 4 North Carolina vs. Michigan State.
The Tar Heels have plenty of talent, but the Spartans are a very mentally tough team. Go with the upset.
Michigan State, 2-1 (OT).
No. 3 Akron v. No. 14 Indiana.
This is THE GAME of the round of 16. The Zips lost a heartbreaker in the final last season as they search for that elusive national title. The Hoosiers are never pushovers. What a classic!
Akron 3-2, penalty kicks.
No. 6 California v. Brown.
The Golden Bears are enjoying a terrific season, and hope to make short work of the visitors. Brown shouldn't be taken lightly, however.
Cal, 1-0.
No. 7 South Carolina v. No. 10 Michigan.
Both teams needed overtime to advance to this round, and appear evenly matched. TBG will play a hunch on this pick.
Michigan, 3-2 (OT).
No. 2 Maryland v. No. 15 Penn State.
Legendary Terrapins coach Sasho Cirovski has another terrific team with this ACC championship squad. Do the underdog Nittany Lions have what it takes to pull the upset?
Maryland, 4-1.
What do you think? Let us know, you may win a trip to the championship game in Santa Barbara!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Bundesliga prediction review
So it seems TBG's first crack at predicting the most unpredictable league in Europe turned out similar to this miss by Jakub Blaszczykowski: http://bit.ly/aOtjRq
Let's review:
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 0-4
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-3
Hannover v. Hamburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 1-3
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result: 0-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
The results in Frankfurt, Nurnberg and Stuttgart were frankly unfathomable. Who loses 4-nil at home anyway and bottom-placed Koln had not won away all season. Hamburg was a disappointment and Gladbach threw away a 2-1 lead. All in all, another wild and crazy weekend in the Bundesliga and TBG paid a major price. But we love the challenge and will be right back at it for Matchday 14.
Let's review:
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 0-4
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-3
Hannover v. Hamburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 1-3
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result: 0-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
The results in Frankfurt, Nurnberg and Stuttgart were frankly unfathomable. Who loses 4-nil at home anyway and bottom-placed Koln had not won away all season. Hamburg was a disappointment and Gladbach threw away a 2-1 lead. All in all, another wild and crazy weekend in the Bundesliga and TBG paid a major price. But we love the challenge and will be right back at it for Matchday 14.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 13 predictions
We are about to start a weekly feature here at The Beautiful Game, our Bundesliga predictions.
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Frankfurt have been a major surprise and are unbeaten in their last seven. Hoffenheim seems to be hitting a wall.
2-0
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Jurgen Klopp's men continue to astound the pundits by outscoring foes 29-7 as Shinji Kagawa has helped Dortmund go unbeaten in their last 11. It's always tough to win in the Dreisamstadion against a fired-up Freiburg side.
1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
These disappointing Champions League teams have been an embarrassment to the league and to the country. Werder coach Thomas Schaaf just got a vote of confidence, but he needs solid play from his defense. This screams a draw.
2-2
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Credit Michael Frontzeck with getting his side off the bottom. Gladbach has been playing well and scoring goals. The storybook season of Mainz has gone south, and traveling to Borussia Park is not a good place to revive it.
3-1
Hannover v. Hamburg:
This is an enticing matchup of No. 7 Hannover against No. 9 Hamburg. Hamburg seems to be getting healthier while the 96ers' luck should run out soon. Hannover will be without the suspended Steven Cherundolo, a U.S. international.
1-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Der Club was predictably humbled in last week's Bavarian derby, but looks to be the better side here. K-Town is in a serious slide and their road form has been abysmal.
3-0
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Franck Ribery will likely be back for the defending champions as Toni Kroos returns to Leverkusen. Munich are unbeaten in five, and that figures to continue but Louis van Gaal needs all three points.
1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
VfB have posted some resounding wins for a team that was in the drop zone most of the season. The Swabians have bagged nine goals in their last two games, and figure to add to their total against the league's worst team.
5-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
For all the hype about St. Pauli returning to the top flight, someone forgot to tell the Buccaneers to bring their shooting boots. The home side has one goal over four straight matches. Surely, Dzeko and Grafite can muster enough to top that kind of an attack near the Reeperbahn?
1-2
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Frankfurt have been a major surprise and are unbeaten in their last seven. Hoffenheim seems to be hitting a wall.
2-0
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Jurgen Klopp's men continue to astound the pundits by outscoring foes 29-7 as Shinji Kagawa has helped Dortmund go unbeaten in their last 11. It's always tough to win in the Dreisamstadion against a fired-up Freiburg side.
1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
These disappointing Champions League teams have been an embarrassment to the league and to the country. Werder coach Thomas Schaaf just got a vote of confidence, but he needs solid play from his defense. This screams a draw.
2-2
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Credit Michael Frontzeck with getting his side off the bottom. Gladbach has been playing well and scoring goals. The storybook season of Mainz has gone south, and traveling to Borussia Park is not a good place to revive it.
3-1
Hannover v. Hamburg:
This is an enticing matchup of No. 7 Hannover against No. 9 Hamburg. Hamburg seems to be getting healthier while the 96ers' luck should run out soon. Hannover will be without the suspended Steven Cherundolo, a U.S. international.
1-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Der Club was predictably humbled in last week's Bavarian derby, but looks to be the better side here. K-Town is in a serious slide and their road form has been abysmal.
3-0
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Franck Ribery will likely be back for the defending champions as Toni Kroos returns to Leverkusen. Munich are unbeaten in five, and that figures to continue but Louis van Gaal needs all three points.
1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
VfB have posted some resounding wins for a team that was in the drop zone most of the season. The Swabians have bagged nine goals in their last two games, and figure to add to their total against the league's worst team.
5-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
For all the hype about St. Pauli returning to the top flight, someone forgot to tell the Buccaneers to bring their shooting boots. The home side has one goal over four straight matches. Surely, Dzeko and Grafite can muster enough to top that kind of an attack near the Reeperbahn?
1-2
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A star is born and he's from the U S of A!!!!
The Beautiful Game told you we were excited about this U.S. team and they backed it up with a tremendous 1-0 victory at South Africa on Wednesday. And a star has been born in the Red Bulls' Juan Agudelo, who scored the winner in the 84th minute after entering as a substitute.
A patchwork group of unproven youngsters mostly took the field in Cape Town against a more experienced side in front of a sellout crowd. And guess what? These guys weren't intimidated.
Eric Lichaj looks like he will become a capable national team player at right back and another red Bulls youngster, Tim Ream, didn't look overmatched. Ream and Clarence Goodson had a surprisingly strong partnership in central defense for the Americans, who are usually terrible in the back.
Substitutes Teal Bunbury and Mikkel Diskerud had their moments as well, and Brad Guzan excelled in goal, although that was not a surprise. TBL thinks that this group could give the U.S. first-teamers a good run, actually.
What do you think? let us know, you could win a prize. Nobody responded last time so our trip to South Africa to watch this match was unclaimed.
A patchwork group of unproven youngsters mostly took the field in Cape Town against a more experienced side in front of a sellout crowd. And guess what? These guys weren't intimidated.
Eric Lichaj looks like he will become a capable national team player at right back and another red Bulls youngster, Tim Ream, didn't look overmatched. Ream and Clarence Goodson had a surprisingly strong partnership in central defense for the Americans, who are usually terrible in the back.
Substitutes Teal Bunbury and Mikkel Diskerud had their moments as well, and Brad Guzan excelled in goal, although that was not a surprise. TBL thinks that this group could give the U.S. first-teamers a good run, actually.
What do you think? let us know, you could win a prize. Nobody responded last time so our trip to South Africa to watch this match was unclaimed.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Finally
I must be the worst blogger out there. I created this blog a while ago. Not only have I not posted anything since, but I also forgot how to get in here to actually write something. I had to go through the exercise of admitting that I forgot my password and then wait for an email. . . .
Anyway, now that I am here, let's talk football shall we. Yes my Chicago Bears are 6-3, but let's stick to the other football - The Beautiful Game. In terms of what I will watch my preferences are as follows: Barcelona, Real Madrid (even though I hate them), then I will watch almost any EPL game, then Bundesliga. The other European leagues, not so much. MLS - almost not at all. Why though? I think if I was younger I would sit through the growing pains of the MLS more patiently. I tend to bash the MLS a lot, but If you compare where the league was at inception and today, it has come a long way.
Back in 1996, the league started with 10 teams and D.C. United was our first champion. The league kind of struggled to find its place on the American sports circuit, but it eventually found its way. Most of the original teams are still in place and the league now has 16 teams. There is a nice balance of West coast, Midwest, and East coast teams. Most of the teams play in soccer-specific stadiums now, which makes going to the games (or watching on TV) more enjoyable. There is much greater star power now compared to the early years with guys like Beckham, Donovan, Juan Pablo Angel, and probably a bunch of good young players that I cannot name. When I say I cannot name it's because I don't know who they are. That is not bad for 14 years of existence.
I guess this blog's purpose is to admit to myself, and to the loyal readers of The Beautiful Game, that I am not a good MLS fan and I need to be. If you look at this league from a larger scope, it is still in its infancy stage experimenting and growing slowly. The NFL was not always like it is today. George Halas funded almost all the teams when the league started. MLS had Anschutz and Hunt to guide the ship. BTW, if you don't know who Anschutz and Hunt are, you are a worse fan than me!
I am writing here to make my pledge. I will be a better MLS fan and Chicago Fire fan. I am going to grow with this league instead of complain about the poor quality of play and lack of creativity by the coaches and the players. I am going to see it through until it is as popular as the big 4 American sports. I want it to be the Big 5 American sports. I promise to do all this, but not until next season. I am very busy with fantasy football and fantasy basketball. But come spring time I am getting on this train and I am not getting off until the MLS is compared to the EPL or La Liga!
Who's with me!??!?!
Anyway, now that I am here, let's talk football shall we. Yes my Chicago Bears are 6-3, but let's stick to the other football - The Beautiful Game. In terms of what I will watch my preferences are as follows: Barcelona, Real Madrid (even though I hate them), then I will watch almost any EPL game, then Bundesliga. The other European leagues, not so much. MLS - almost not at all. Why though? I think if I was younger I would sit through the growing pains of the MLS more patiently. I tend to bash the MLS a lot, but If you compare where the league was at inception and today, it has come a long way.
Back in 1996, the league started with 10 teams and D.C. United was our first champion. The league kind of struggled to find its place on the American sports circuit, but it eventually found its way. Most of the original teams are still in place and the league now has 16 teams. There is a nice balance of West coast, Midwest, and East coast teams. Most of the teams play in soccer-specific stadiums now, which makes going to the games (or watching on TV) more enjoyable. There is much greater star power now compared to the early years with guys like Beckham, Donovan, Juan Pablo Angel, and probably a bunch of good young players that I cannot name. When I say I cannot name it's because I don't know who they are. That is not bad for 14 years of existence.
I guess this blog's purpose is to admit to myself, and to the loyal readers of The Beautiful Game, that I am not a good MLS fan and I need to be. If you look at this league from a larger scope, it is still in its infancy stage experimenting and growing slowly. The NFL was not always like it is today. George Halas funded almost all the teams when the league started. MLS had Anschutz and Hunt to guide the ship. BTW, if you don't know who Anschutz and Hunt are, you are a worse fan than me!
I am writing here to make my pledge. I will be a better MLS fan and Chicago Fire fan. I am going to grow with this league instead of complain about the poor quality of play and lack of creativity by the coaches and the players. I am going to see it through until it is as popular as the big 4 American sports. I want it to be the Big 5 American sports. I promise to do all this, but not until next season. I am very busy with fantasy football and fantasy basketball. But come spring time I am getting on this train and I am not getting off until the MLS is compared to the EPL or La Liga!
Who's with me!??!?!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Excited about US soccer
OK that doesn't mean we here at The Beautiful Game believe the US is going to become a world football power all of a sudden. But the young team that Bob Bradley is sending to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana won't include the same Europeans and veterans that many supporters have grown a bit weary of. Instead we get to see Gale Agbossoumonde and Mikkel Diskerud. In addition, Red Bulls wunderkind Juan Agudelo and New York defender Tim Ream have been selected.
Will these youngsters do something in the red white and blue? Will they fall apart and leave our country with no hope whatsoever for the future? Let us here at TBG know what you think and you may win a trip to the game in South Africa!
Will these youngsters do something in the red white and blue? Will they fall apart and leave our country with no hope whatsoever for the future? Let us here at TBG know what you think and you may win a trip to the game in South Africa!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Meet Shinji Kagawa
Here at the Beautiful Game, we love to give you the scoop on players you haven't heard about. So we want you to remember the name Shinji Kagawa, who is a big reason why Borussia Dortmund is leading the Bundesliga.
Kagawa is a striker/midfielder signed out of the J-league. He's second on the team in goals with five and also had two goals in a Europa League qualifier in his debut with the club.
What's great about the Japanese star is that he has stated that playing for Dortmund is not his goal now that he is Europe. He says he wants to play for Barcelona and La Liga teams are now after him reportedly.
Can you imagine a player from the U.S. saying his goal is to play for Barca?
But I digress. Remember the name Shinji Kagawa. He's a star in the making and one of the The Beautiful Game's top-rated transfer prospects.
Don't hesitate with any comments or questions, please. We love our fans!
Kagawa is a striker/midfielder signed out of the J-league. He's second on the team in goals with five and also had two goals in a Europa League qualifier in his debut with the club.
What's great about the Japanese star is that he has stated that playing for Dortmund is not his goal now that he is Europe. He says he wants to play for Barcelona and La Liga teams are now after him reportedly.
Can you imagine a player from the U.S. saying his goal is to play for Barca?
But I digress. Remember the name Shinji Kagawa. He's a star in the making and one of the The Beautiful Game's top-rated transfer prospects.
Don't hesitate with any comments or questions, please. We love our fans!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Meet Wilfried Bony
You come to the Beautiful Game to learn about the beautiful game, and do we have a scoop for our loyal followers. A big-time player to watch is none other than the Ivory Coast's Wilfried Bony - and you heard it here first.
Wilfried or 'Willy' as we like to call him, currently plays for Sparta Prague. He's been tearing it up in the Europa League with back-to-back braces and five goals overall.
Since many of our blog's followers are in Italy, if you happen to be in Palermo on Dec. 2, Wilfried and Sparta will be there to take on the Rosanero. We guarantee you will see a superstar or your money back!
Wilfried or 'Willy' as we like to call him, currently plays for Sparta Prague. He's been tearing it up in the Europa League with back-to-back braces and five goals overall.
Since many of our blog's followers are in Italy, if you happen to be in Palermo on Dec. 2, Wilfried and Sparta will be there to take on the Rosanero. We guarantee you will see a superstar or your money back!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Red Bulls crash out in stunning fashion
The hopes and dreams of the New York metropolitan area have died again. The New York Red Bulls have been eliminated from the MLS playoffs after one of the best seasons in franchise history. Bobby Convey had a brace to lead San Jose to a 3-1 victory Thursday to overturn a 1-0 loss in the first leg in California.
Juan Pablo Angel tied it before Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski put San Jose ahead for good. The Red Bulls had chances to get even but Thierry Henry failed to put an unchallenged, point-blank header on target while Rafa Marquez badly missed the target on a blast from outside the box.
The New York fans and all of New York City and New Jersey are in stunned disbelief. It's absolutely heartbreaking and The Beautiful Game is crushed.
Juan Pablo Angel tied it before Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski put San Jose ahead for good. The Red Bulls had chances to get even but Thierry Henry failed to put an unchallenged, point-blank header on target while Rafa Marquez badly missed the target on a blast from outside the box.
The New York fans and all of New York City and New Jersey are in stunned disbelief. It's absolutely heartbreaking and The Beautiful Game is crushed.
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