Moyes, Magical Madrid

The footballing world has really changed since the last time I wrote. It has had some crazy flops, flips, and fouls the past few months and many of the competitions have been thrilling to watch. I went to an FC Dallas game in person which is the closest I've been to a professional pitch in a while. It was a pretty entertaining game in which Dallas secured 3 points against the Timbers by winning 2-1. Right now Dallas is tied for 1st in the Western Division with Seattle. In more Europeanish news Man Who... Oops Man U has fired their coach David Moyes and the Madrid Derby will take place in Lisbon. 

"Glory Glory Man United" is not a song that should've been heard at Old Trafford this year unless United fans support boring, tasteless, and bad football. Whether it was Moyes fault or not, the former Everton and now former United boss is gone. Fired by the club for a season which will end with Manchester United out of the top four. There are many Moyes haters out there, and whether I think he should've have been fired or not, I think Sir Alex left Moyes with a sinking ship. Yes they did win the EPL last year but that does not mean the next season you can be mediocre. A lot of players at Manchester United seemed to be getting a little old, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, and Darren Fletcher were a few names. On the other end, there seemed to be a lack of experience from a few players. Mostly young players like Januzaj and Buttner are not quite Premier league level yet but might be in the future. A person that I would've like to see Ferguson get into the line up more was Kagawa so maybe he would've been ready for Moyes to use. Kagawa was always exciting to watch in the Yellow and Black, but maybe he was not cut out for the more challenging English game. Not everything can be blamed on a "sinking ship" left for Moyes. He had opportunity to spend big bucks in both transfer windows but only brought in Fellaini and Mata. I'm sorry, but Fellaini was never a Manchester united player. I thought that before United bought him  he would never work out. Of course he would've already known Moyes coming from Everton, but he wouldn't fit in on the field for the Red Devils. Mata on the other hand might work well in the United system later, but for now I cant see him making much of an impact. Although, the first game he played for United he made some good passes and looked like he was ready to play. Other things we don't know about could have affected United's football, like if the players got behind Moyes' messages and coaching or if they didn't like anything he said. For a while at the beginning of the season Wayne Rooney seemed like the only player interested in winning at all. Robin Van Persie has only participated in 18 games out of the 35 United have played due to injury. They probably needed the services of the Dutchmen very bad. In the end, I probably wouldn't have fired him because most managers need more than one year, but oh well, I don't like United anyways, hopefully they'll keep falling.

A manager that I would like to see fired is everyone's favorite Pep Guardiola. I hated him when he was at Barcelona (a team I don't really care for so it didn't matter then) and I hate him even more at Bayern (a team that I actually like). Why would Munich fire Jupp Heynckes, I think that story about early retirement is just partially true, when he won the treble is crazy. Yes they had made the agreement to let him go before he won the Bundesliga, German League Cup, and Champions League, but they should've given him till the end of the season. Now look where they are, out of the Champions league. You know who I blame it on? That's right everyone's favorite, Guardiola. He went into Bayern, changed their interesting, entertaining play to ticky-taca, possession ball. Yes they have won the Bundesliga title but they just haven't looked as good. This can be highlighted by their Semi Final exit. Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich on a 5-0 aggregate score to advance to the finals in Lisbon. I was really hoping the German Giants would win back to back Champions league trophies but Real was just too good for them. After an impressive performance in the first leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid pulled off an even more impressive second leg at the Allianz.

Something I am thrilled about in terms of the Champions league is that Atletico Madrid knocked Chelsea out of the champions league... AT STAMFORD BRIDGE. "Oh they'll never beat us at the bridge, we are too good there." HA! A quick note about the last game: Many people criticized Mourinho for playing the way he did, not because they got a bad result out of the game, but because it was boring. Who cares if it was boring, yes I want a match to be fun to watch too, but if that's the best strategy for a team, then let them do it. They are here to win and if they think that's the best way well let them do it. With Chelsea there are many more things to complain about, trust me.

A year after the all German final, this final will not only be all Spanish, but both teams are coming from the same city. A derby for a final!  The atmosphere should be tremendous and absolutely deafening. I'm pulling for Atletico although Real are the favorites. Atletico manages to surprise us over and over again with thrilling victories. It should be an exciting match. Both mangers are very good at what they do and both teams have attacking players that should create many chances. Atletico better win this year, because like Arsenal, I have a feeling a few of their players will be departing next year.

Share this blog, tell your friends and pets about it! Make sure it gets spread around! More exciting posts are still to come: World Cup's Best and Worst Jerseys, a preview of the Champions League final, and many others!

Title Race Fun

What, I'm actually writing a blog post? I know, crazy right!? Well I'm on Spring Break and I've finally got around to writing. While I drink Donut Shop Coffee fresh out of the Keurig, I'll inform you about all the details of the soccer world since the last time I wrote, okay maybe not since the last time I wrote because that would be 2,000,000 things. Anyways...

As the football leagues across Europe get closer to their ending, a title favorite for each league must be emerging. The Bundesliga is the only league out of the big three (La Liga, Premier League, and Bundesliga) that really has a clear favorite. Lets be honest, since the beginning of the season, Bayern Munich was really the favorite the whole way. Although they've climbed back up to second, Dortmund got off to a horrible start and really let Bayern run away with the league straight away. I think, according to Bayern's Instagram, they can clinch the title today.

The La Liga has really been an interesting league this year. At the moment, no one is in the lead for the title by a huge amount of points. The Spanish league is having a good race, impossible!!! Even thought the rest of Spain has sucked as usual, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona are in an intense race right now that can only end with one winner. The El Classico was two days ago and Barca came out on top in what is seen as the best El Classico in many years. Even though the Catalonians won, many still see Real as the title favorites. I don't think Barcelona will win it, but I don't think Real is just the outright favorites. Many "experts" are giving Atletico no chance, but with the form of Diego Costa they are a good contender in the race. In the end, unfortunately, I think Real will come out with the title. I'm pulling for Atletico and I even think they will give Barca a good battle for second.

Now to my favorite league and what can be seen as the best league in the world at the moment, the English Premier Leauge. Following the trend of the last few years, the EPL race is a very close and an entertaining one. Arsenal and Liverpool started out the season sprinting ahead. For Arsenal, they've pulled an Arsenal. Although this year we haven't really had to fight for 4th place, we find ourselves there again. That's pretty annoying because we are supposed to be a very high class team, but we haven't really challenged for the title in a while. Liverpool is still in pretty good shape and they are sitting in second right now. But the two main contenders are Chelsea and Manchester City. Both seem to have the depth of an ocean and both are playing very good at the moment. Oh, and Manchester City have a few games in hand. I'm thinking Chelsea will end up with the title, but no doubt City will not make it easy for them.

Today there are a few matches including: The Manchester Derby (City vs United), Bayern Munich vs Berlin (Munich can clinch the title with a win), and a couple of Serie A matches. Come back and read more. Don't forget to share these blogs!

Dinosaurs Rule

So like the last time I actually posted on this blog was when team T-Rex took on Team Triceratops in the Jurassic league final (team triceratops won in penalty kicks because the ball got impaled on one of the goalies horns). A lot has happened in the soccer world, and a lot has really happened everywhere. The Sochi Olympics have been going on, although the summer Olympics are better in my opinion, the winter games have still been pretty entertaining. In the soccer universe Arsenal have dropped out of the lead in the English Premier League, Ibrahimovic's ponytail and nose are still having a competition to see who can be the longest, Bayern is still dominating the Bundesliga, Ronaldo won an award, and the champions league started back up today.

Although that wasn't everything, those have been the big headlines lately. In my soccer life I've made my high school soccer team, gotten in pretty good shape because we run a lot, and got some new cleats. You might remember somewhere long ago that I got the NEW stylish awesome Kangaroo leather Puma King SL cleats last year. Well they had been through many games, practices, rain showers, and even the occasional snow/ice. So, I decided to retire them, they were coming apart anyways. So then I had to search for new cleats, which is always a daunting task. Hours were slaved over a computer screen filled with countless options. Ranging for low priced to high dollar fancy steak restaurant price. After I thought about switching to Nike and looking at what Adidas had to offer too, I decided to stick with Puma. After all, they had given me a great soccer year. Unfortunately they don't make my version of the kings anymore. So more hours dropped over the computer screen looking for my long lost friend. Then finally I found a pair that looked nice, and was from a reputable store. I order them and received them a week or two ago. They've been working great so far.

Hopefully this short little segment of a blog post today is a good sign that I will actually start posting again. With my homework and coffee drinking self, you never know when I might just pop up with an outstanding, super-tastic, courageous post.

Upgrading Equipment

Before we get into stuff all about me, this weekend the Premier League had plenty of exciting matches taking place. It's the famous "Winter Period" in England which calls for a jam packed schedule for all Premier League teams. The teams with  depth deeper than the Atlantic ocean will definitely have the upper hand during this montage of games. The wonderful Arsenal traveled to Newcastle, the North East is never an easy place to travel. The game was kind of sloppy, but in the end Arsenal pulled out the 1-0 win on a free kick taken by Walcott to the French head of Olivier Giroud. Manchester United has really had a disappointing season in terms of Man U, but lately they've been pulling out results. Not beautiful results, but for them 3 points is all they need right now. Their game in Norwich showed how desperate they were for those valuable mid-table 3 points. It was sloppy but Welbeck scored the only goal sending United back to Manchester with a win. Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 and Hull beat Fulham 6-0. I don't know why I like Fulham a little, maybe its because of their awesome stadium (even though they took down the statue of Michael Jackson), but they need to get it together or regulation could be on the horizon.

So I made the High School soccer team which is a pretty big deal for me. Now I'm thinking, "Hey maybe its time for an equipment upgrade." I'm not talking like hundreds of dollars worth but maybe just a few things to help with my training. I was shopping at tj max and saw a nice pair of puma sweat pants (my favorite brand) so I thought why not pick these up, I don't even have to order them online! So as I continue my online shopping I'm thinking about buying some Nike Elite soccer socks. They look pretty nice and they're supposed to feel great too, but they're around the $20 mark. That's expensive for any kind of sock. If I do get a pair it will be interesting to see if their better than my Bayern Munich socks. They were kind of pricey too, but they have proved to be very good.

Other things I've been looking at are Nike Elite running socks, Adidas/Puma training pants, and maybe even some new cleats. They are so many things to buy out on the soccer market, but unfortunately my funds are not that high haha. If they are recommendations that y'all have for me please comment: At the moment I'm more interested in more training like equipment (socks, running shoes, pants, jackets, clothes, and etc). But I'll take any suggestions. Come back and read... Share this on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Webkinz, and Myspace (haha nobody gets on myspace anymore).

Straighting Out the MLS

Ah yes, Christmas has just taken place and it was nice to get tons of gifts. Of course a few of them soccer related. Most notably a Confederations Cup official match ball which I was filled with joy to receive. It adds to my match ball collection. Although I still cant tell which is the best between it and my champions league match ball, I will definitely find out soon (a report might come out on that). Anyways besides the match balls the rest of my holidays have been great.

The MLS just cant get itself together for me. I think it could be a pretty good league if it keeps improving in the next 3-5 years, but there are some major steps it will need to take. Some like allowing more foreign and high dollar players into the league instead of just focusing on mainly American's and lower quality foreign players. Also, teams need to get sorted out what their style of play will be and if they really want to keep players they have. At least the league is expanding in the coming years.

During half time of the MLS Finals the announcer guys interviewed the MLS Commissioner who said that the MLS would not start letting in more high dollar players and foreign players, that the MLS is focused on improving the American game. Now maybe he meant the MLS, but it sounded like the MLS was a farm system for the USA National team. To be honest Mr. Head Enchilada, your league will not get better if you don't allow more players in. American players might get better and better down the road, but that could be like 10 years from now. I understand we want to make home grown soccer produce, but most great leagues around the world don't just have their home players on the pitches. Alexi Lalas tried to tell the commissioner this, but whether he listens or not we will have to see.

So far since the MLS Finals in Kansas City, a lot of transfers have been made. Some of them are pretty disappointing to me. Eddie Johnson leaving Seattle was a big blow to me since I like Johnson and the Seattle Sounders. I think that if the Sounders would have kept Eddie Johnson and kept building a good team around him (bringing in players like Dempsey) they could win the MLS Championship. Instead of keeping Johnson, they elected to bring in Kenny Cooper. Being an FC Dallas fan and all I like Cooper, but he had a horrible season and I don't really think he's what Seattle needs. But then again, at Dallas the players around Cooper didn't do that good this season either.

DC United's coach Ben Olsen is going to have to step it up this season or his career at DC could be over. United had a horrible year in the MLS after coming off a previous season where they finished
2nd in the Eastern Conference table. Olsen has been there a while and this season United didn't really look like they new what a soccer ball was, "Football...whats a football?" Luckily for them Eddie Johnson will now play for them and maybe he's the spark that they need!

Come back and read more!

England finally starting to shape up? Maybe not...

Woo, finally back to write again. My club season ended for me a few weeks ago with me scoring 4 goals and my team winning the match 7-2. It was a good way for me, and the team to end the season, after a season that did not really meet our tremendous standards. In the end, it was still a great season and I was happy to go out on a quad trick, I don't know what you call it when you score 4 goals in a game haha. I'm excited because its Christmas time, which is usually when I stalk up on soccer gear. But more on that later, in a later post. 

A big week for football all around the world. Everything ranging from a World Cup Draw, an MLS final, and an interesting weekend in the premier league. As I write this, Fulham is thrashing Aston Villa at the cottage 2-0. Then in North London Arsenal is warming up preparing to take on Everton in what should be a great match. In action that happened yesterday, David Moyes took another bad result at home to Newcastle, losing 1-0. Manchester United needs to get it together real quick if they want even a 1% chance at the title. Yes, I know I predicted Man U to win the title at the beginning of the season, but they aren't helping me out any. I'm scared they'll finish at best 3rd. Other notable matches in England's highest division yesterday included Manchester City continuing their horrible away form and tying Southampton 1-1. Southampton's goal was spectacular from Osvaldo. Chelsea lost to Stoke 3-2 in a pretty exciting match. With so many top teams losing, if the gunners pull out the win today, they will extend their lead at the top.

The World Cup draw took place on Friday and drew some pretty interesting groups. Unfortunately for USA fans, their group is probably one of the worst possible outcomes they could have had. Germany is one of the favorites for the world cup, Portugal doesn't always perform in big stages but they do have Ronaldo, and Ghana has eliminated USA from the past 2 world cups. Expect a World Cup Special issue by at least January about who I think will win, and what interesting things will happen. There is still a long time before Brazil.

The MLS Finals took place last night and I thought even though the game was kind of sloppy, it was very entertaining. It went all the way to penalties and lasted till the 10th kicker. I'm working on an MLS season review. Could come out in a few weeks, or a few days.

Bayern Munich continues to destroy everyone in Germany. Meanwhile I'm about to watch Arsenal beat Everton. Come back for more.

Meat Pies, Pumpkin Pies, and Egg Nog

Yes, the wonderful Thanksgiving break is upon us, or well for me anyways. A full week off from school! That's just as long as Spring Break, which is pretty crazy. Although meat pies will not be on the table on our Thanksgiving feast, tons of good food will be! Wayne Rooney isn't just hungry for goals, he's also hungry for a tremendously plump turkey.

The end of fall and all of winter is usually a big time for the Premier League. The title can be lost and won in these months. Yesterday Arsenal convincingly beat an on form Southampton team 2-0 at the Emirates. The first goal in the game was a major disappointment for Southampton fans considering that their goalie thought he was Lionel Messi. Dribbling the ball in your own box with Olivier Giroud on you is not a good strategy in the Premier League... OR ANY LEAGUE! The next goal came later in the game with the Frenchman scoring again, but this time from the penalty spot.

Although Saturday was an okay day in England's highest division, today was even more exciting. Manchester City took on Spurs at home in what was an important match for both teams. Tottenham finally had a chance to show if they really were top 4 material this year (HA! Spurs are never top 4 material). For Man City, they needed to prove they were still a challenger for the title after spending loads of money on their team. The score finished 6-0... in favor of the Citizens. Manchester City is unstoppable at home, their attacking football is magical. Their passing flows more like you would expect Arsenal's to do. Spurs seemed to stand there wondering what this object rolling around on this strange green surface was. They looked slow and they looked like they had no team chemistry. More teams look threating this year than usual in the Premier League, if the North London team wants to have a chance in Europe next year, they have to improve their offense (yes I know their defense just gave up 6 goals) and their chemistry, or it could be a sad season for the blue side of North London. Manchester City on the other hand can take a lot of good things out of this game, but they need to focus on their away form. If they want to be successful in terms of a title, they need to know how to win on the road. They played counter attacking style at home, why don't they try that on the road? By the way, Kun Aguero has more goals by himself than the whole Tottenham team does as a whole.

After Manchester United beat league leading Arsenal 2 weekends ago, they could only muster a point in Wales today at Cardiff. Congratulations to Cardiff for looking like the best newly promoted team this season. They have impressed me way more than I expected them to do.

That's all for today. Start making your list for Black Friday shopping and Moyes, make sure Rooney doesn't eat too much turkey.