October 6, 2008 by Jordan
Sometime last week balloting closed for the winner of the Honda Player of the Year which is given to the best player on the U.S. National Team for the calendar year. While we often think of the stars - Donovan, Dempsey and Beasley - I think the most valuable player for the U.S. team this year clearly was goal keeper Tim Howard.
Check out his game stats - 5 shutouts in 8 world cup qualifying games this year which includes a 0-0 tie against the number one team in the world, Argentina. In that match, he made 6 or 7 highlight saves and clearly made the difference while the rest of his team played extremely sloppy.
We know that Landon Donovan is having an incredible year in the MLS, but as far as the National Team goes, Howard is the unquestioned MVP.
I think his improvement and leadership have come, in large part, from having played 5 years now in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Everton. Playing in the best league in the world certainly helps improve a player, especially when he is getting shots from the likes of Rooney, Lampard, etc.
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Tags: Demarcus Beasley, Honda Player of the Year, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, U.S. National Soccer Team | Comments (0)
September 20, 2008 by admin
With so much of the attention in the world of soccer pointed toward the players playing in the midfield and striker positions, we felt the need to highlight the blue collar work horses known as goalkeepers.
The goalkeeper plays an interesting role in the game of soccer. Few players find themselves in the position that the goalkeeper does, with the game on his/her shoulders. Few players can singlehandedly decide the fate of a game like the goalkeeper can. Few players ever feel the pressure that a goalkeeper feels throughout the course of a close game.
Sure, a striker may be given an opportunity to win the game with a goal, but the consequences aren’t nearly as severe if the striker makes a mistake. For the goalkeeper, there is no room for error. It is the one position on the field where consistency and perfection is not just expected, they are imperative to a team’s success.
I am often much more impressed with an incredible save than I am a beautiful shot. Fewer things in soccer are prettier than a goalkeeper diving to make a save. Below is a clip of what one fan believes to be the Top 10 Goalkeepers of all time. I’ll warn you in advance…the music is kind of annoying, but the saves are amazing. Take a look and cast your vote.
Feel free to submit your opinions in case we leave anyone out and we will be sure to write about the Best Goalkeeper Ever as chosen by our readers. Enjoy!
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Tags: barthez, best goalkeeper ever, buffon, cech, chilavert, kahn, schmeichel, seaman | Comments (3)
September 15, 2008 by Jordan
With all the talk surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and his recent award winning play, it brought to my mind the question of who the best midfielder ever is/was. I’m fairly certain that Ronaldo would put himself ahead of everybody else, but we want to know what you all think. I’ll list a group of about 6 different midfielders who I think deserve to be in the discussion, but I guarantee I’ll miss somebody. Please comment on how ridiculous my list is and who I am missing.
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Tags: bergkamp, maradona, midfielder, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, zidane | Comments (0)
September 14, 2008 by admin
Take a look at the video and then cast your vote!
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Tags: Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Who's better? | Comments (0)
September 5, 2008 by admin
I recently saw some buzz regarding who the better player is between Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry. Is there seriously much of an argument? Is there something I’m missing? While Henry was incredible in his prime, those days are long gone, my friends. I will, however, agree that if the comparison were between Thierry Henry in his prime vs. Wayne Rooney today, Henry would be the clear winner.
I’m a numbers guy. As far as TODAY is concerned, I must say, Rooney is far superior. For those who disagree, take a look at the statistical evidence below and let me know if you still feel the same way.
2007-2008 Stats
Thierry Henry, age 31:
Games Started: 27
Goals Scored: 12
Assists: 9
Shots: 72
Shots on Goal: 33
Wayne Rooney, age 23:
Games Started: 25
Goals Scored: 12
Assists: 13
Shots: 104
Shots on Goal: 69
Wayne Rooney can get it done (equal goals, more assists, shots, shots on goal) while playing two less games…and he’s seven years younger! Who would you choose? The logical choice TODAY, is clearly Wayne Rooney.
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Tags: Barcelona, English Premier League, Manchester United, Soccer, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney | Comments (0)
September 4, 2008 by Jordan
Looking forward to the rest of the year in the Barclay’s season, several teams look to take the top spot. In examining the rosters and their histories, two teams look the most promising with a third making a possible run at it. Manchester City, with it’s brand new acquisition of Robinho, promise to make the lead spot competitive. Even though they were able to grab Robinho at the last minute, I doubt they will be the champs in the end.
The two clubs that really stand out are Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea takes to the pitch with a lineup that includes several superstars - Drogba, Lampard, A. Cole, J. Cole, Terry, Ballack and Cech. It’s a very formidable lineup that promises domination on many levels. Man U also brings out many stars- Rooney, Ronaldo, Van der Sar, newly acquired Berbatov and Ferdinand.
I fully expect these two clubs to battle to the end for the number one spot in Barclay’s. My opinion is that Chelsea will end their two year drought and win the league this year. They currently own the top spot so far after 3 games played, though Man U is sitting on 4 points with only 2 games played.
Tags: Barclay's, Chelsea, English Premier League, Manchester United | Comments (0)
