Sunday, June 28, 2009
So close, but so far; Brazil edges States in Final
4:26 AM | 
Posted by
Nick Mendola
There are a lot of bridesmaids in world soccer. Take the World Cup, for example, a tournament which only seven teams have won. If you toss in the Confederations Cup, only two more nations are added.
This, of course, is little consolation to the average American hoping to grasp onto soccer, and of just a bit more to the established US Soccer fan, who saw his team fall to Brazil despite mounting a 2-0 first half lead in the Confederations Cup Final on goals by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. The Brazilians were simply too much to handle in the second half, and likely cemented their status as the world's new No. 1 with three second half goals.
That the Yanks played brave soccer against a team that hadn't lost in 15 matches is worth contemplating. For three games, the States were a fine representation of the guts and class America wants out of its athletes, and it's important to remember that they had nice stretches in the two red-card-aided losses to Italy and Brazil.
Again, heathens will point to the shot disadvantage, wantonly ignoring that the American side went up 2-0 and chose to defend rather than continue attacking. The philosophy is the real thing to question here, but this was America's first dance in a FIFA Final, and we learned plenty. The States stepped up and continued to attack in the first 30 seconds of the second half, but you can argue that they played their soccer too guarded after Brazil's counter stunned them one minute in. Expect them to learn from this, though I'd argue they were simply outclassed in the final half.
Against a Brasilian Selecao with top-club starters on their bench, the Yanks came out fearless and brought true athletic valor to their play. It was brilliant, albeit short-lived, and you simply have to be excited for the States' expected return trip to South Africa in 2010.
So if you're asking me, feel free to sound the vuvuzela and salute your soccer team, States. Even FIFA's recap used the adjective "brave" to describe the inner strength of the red, white and blue. From the Egypt game onward, they showed a refusal to stop fighting, and even an error-filled half-hour in the final shouldn't tarnish your pride. It simply isn't choking against a team like Brazil, and shame on you if you want to label this runnes-up finish that way.
The goals:
-- States 1, Brazil 0 -- Clint Dempsey with a creative side kick off a beautiful Jonathan Spector cross, and how far have we come from Game One of this tournament, when Spector appeared to be outclassed and Dempsey a passenger. Dempsey still had little to offer defensively, and that's something to speak of moving forward, but not right now.
-- States 2, Brazil 0 -- Charlie Davies left-footed pass on a long 1-2 was splendid, and Donovan's touch to shoot looked awkward but was wonderful. His left-footed side-panel rip was pretty, and he was celebrating before it was in. True strikers know those sorts of things.
-- States 2, Brazil 1 -- Brazil counters the States early attack with terrific transition play, and Luis Fabiano makes a brilliant turn before blasting a ground rip through Jay DeMerit's legs and past Tim Howard.
-- The "non-goal" -- How Kaka's 59th minute effort inside the six wasn't called a goal is kinda absurd, but that's a tough call to make. If the official had called it a goal, there is no way we could argue against it, either.
-- States 2, Brazil 2 -- One of the few time we can criticize Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu, and it's the worst time for the States. Bocanegra whiffed on a potential clear -- though of course slow motion makes it look easier than it would've been -- and Gooch wrongly assumed Howard would snag the Elano's blast, and let Fabiano step in front. At this point, it was hard to envision the Yanks coming back.
-- Brazil 3, States 2 -- The US' spot kick bugaboo is their undoing. Lucio gets over Dempsey, who apparently thought he was marking a small child. A great header, a perfect header, a heartbreaking header.
The stars, and the criticism...
-- Tim Howard was named goalkeeper of the tournament, and how could any player possibly be chosen as better class. As early as the 12th minute Howard was responsible for keeping US hopes afloat with a wonderful save of a Robinho strike.
-- It would be too dramatic to call Jay DeMerit's play a "revelation," but the 15-times capped American used the Conf. Cup to exhibit the skills, smarts and leadership that lead him to be named captain of Watford, a second-tier team in England. Even if Brazil's first goal came through his legs, he's a tough nut to crack, and the Spector/Boca/Gooch/DeMerit backline is quality.
-- Landon Donovan, a.k.a. PK Lando, responded brilliantly after a miserable couple of games, and you can be genuinely proud of the American star. While he'll need to show it consistently, No. 10 showed himself to be a world class talent, and his "it's me" moment while touching the US crest on his kit after goal No. 2 is worth noting.
--Kaka truly looked like the best player in the world. Charlie Davies' 54th minute bear hug coverage of the Brazilian star on a free kick is emblematic of the respect the new Real Madrid player deserves.
-- The difference in depth was underscored when Daniel Alves entered. The Barcelona man was outstanding in so many ways after entering in the 66th minute.
-- Onyewu came so close to equalizing in the 87th minute off a Donovan corner.
-- I do not understand the Bob Bradley's Conor Casey obsession, even in the absence of Brian Ching. He hasn't done much for me yet.
-- I like John Harkes as a color man. I don't get the hate.
-- Sometimes Landon Donovan makes faces that make him look like Hilary Swank.
-- Night soccer is stunning in HD.
What's next...
The next time the novice fan sees the States team, he will see the equivalent of a "C" team, but this will not be mentioned by mass media. Only seldom-used subs Freddy Adu and Luis Robles, as well as new star striker Charlie Davies, will be in the fold for the Gold Cup. It's a shame because a nice run in that tournament will be pretty impressive, and losses understandable, but those bitter 40-year old men terrified of losing their jobs will have precious little patience.
US Gold Cup dates (all LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel):
July 4- vs. Grenada at Qwest Field in Seattle (6 p.m. EST)
July 8- vs. Honduras at RFK Stadium in Washington (9 p.m. EST)
July 11- vs. Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro (7 p.m. EST)
P.S. I love the Lionel Messi commercial, even if I don't think it makes much sense. The Atomic Ant!
Email: nick@wgr550.com This column also appears at Nick's shared soccer blog, Have A Dig.
This, of course, is little consolation to the average American hoping to grasp onto soccer, and of just a bit more to the established US Soccer fan, who saw his team fall to Brazil despite mounting a 2-0 first half lead in the Confederations Cup Final on goals by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. The Brazilians were simply too much to handle in the second half, and likely cemented their status as the world's new No. 1 with three second half goals.
That the Yanks played brave soccer against a team that hadn't lost in 15 matches is worth contemplating. For three games, the States were a fine representation of the guts and class America wants out of its athletes, and it's important to remember that they had nice stretches in the two red-card-aided losses to Italy and Brazil.
Again, heathens will point to the shot disadvantage, wantonly ignoring that the American side went up 2-0 and chose to defend rather than continue attacking. The philosophy is the real thing to question here, but this was America's first dance in a FIFA Final, and we learned plenty. The States stepped up and continued to attack in the first 30 seconds of the second half, but you can argue that they played their soccer too guarded after Brazil's counter stunned them one minute in. Expect them to learn from this, though I'd argue they were simply outclassed in the final half.
Against a Brasilian Selecao with top-club starters on their bench, the Yanks came out fearless and brought true athletic valor to their play. It was brilliant, albeit short-lived, and you simply have to be excited for the States' expected return trip to South Africa in 2010.
So if you're asking me, feel free to sound the vuvuzela and salute your soccer team, States. Even FIFA's recap used the adjective "brave" to describe the inner strength of the red, white and blue. From the Egypt game onward, they showed a refusal to stop fighting, and even an error-filled half-hour in the final shouldn't tarnish your pride. It simply isn't choking against a team like Brazil, and shame on you if you want to label this runnes-up finish that way.
The goals:
-- States 1, Brazil 0 -- Clint Dempsey with a creative side kick off a beautiful Jonathan Spector cross, and how far have we come from Game One of this tournament, when Spector appeared to be outclassed and Dempsey a passenger. Dempsey still had little to offer defensively, and that's something to speak of moving forward, but not right now.
-- States 2, Brazil 0 -- Charlie Davies left-footed pass on a long 1-2 was splendid, and Donovan's touch to shoot looked awkward but was wonderful. His left-footed side-panel rip was pretty, and he was celebrating before it was in. True strikers know those sorts of things.
-- States 2, Brazil 1 -- Brazil counters the States early attack with terrific transition play, and Luis Fabiano makes a brilliant turn before blasting a ground rip through Jay DeMerit's legs and past Tim Howard.
-- The "non-goal" -- How Kaka's 59th minute effort inside the six wasn't called a goal is kinda absurd, but that's a tough call to make. If the official had called it a goal, there is no way we could argue against it, either.
-- States 2, Brazil 2 -- One of the few time we can criticize Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu, and it's the worst time for the States. Bocanegra whiffed on a potential clear -- though of course slow motion makes it look easier than it would've been -- and Gooch wrongly assumed Howard would snag the Elano's blast, and let Fabiano step in front. At this point, it was hard to envision the Yanks coming back.
-- Brazil 3, States 2 -- The US' spot kick bugaboo is their undoing. Lucio gets over Dempsey, who apparently thought he was marking a small child. A great header, a perfect header, a heartbreaking header.
The stars, and the criticism...
-- Tim Howard was named goalkeeper of the tournament, and how could any player possibly be chosen as better class. As early as the 12th minute Howard was responsible for keeping US hopes afloat with a wonderful save of a Robinho strike.
-- It would be too dramatic to call Jay DeMerit's play a "revelation," but the 15-times capped American used the Conf. Cup to exhibit the skills, smarts and leadership that lead him to be named captain of Watford, a second-tier team in England. Even if Brazil's first goal came through his legs, he's a tough nut to crack, and the Spector/Boca/Gooch/DeMerit backline is quality.
-- Landon Donovan, a.k.a. PK Lando, responded brilliantly after a miserable couple of games, and you can be genuinely proud of the American star. While he'll need to show it consistently, No. 10 showed himself to be a world class talent, and his "it's me" moment while touching the US crest on his kit after goal No. 2 is worth noting.
--Kaka truly looked like the best player in the world. Charlie Davies' 54th minute bear hug coverage of the Brazilian star on a free kick is emblematic of the respect the new Real Madrid player deserves.
-- The difference in depth was underscored when Daniel Alves entered. The Barcelona man was outstanding in so many ways after entering in the 66th minute.
-- Onyewu came so close to equalizing in the 87th minute off a Donovan corner.
-- I do not understand the Bob Bradley's Conor Casey obsession, even in the absence of Brian Ching. He hasn't done much for me yet.
-- I like John Harkes as a color man. I don't get the hate.
-- Sometimes Landon Donovan makes faces that make him look like Hilary Swank.
-- Night soccer is stunning in HD.
What's next...
The next time the novice fan sees the States team, he will see the equivalent of a "C" team, but this will not be mentioned by mass media. Only seldom-used subs Freddy Adu and Luis Robles, as well as new star striker Charlie Davies, will be in the fold for the Gold Cup. It's a shame because a nice run in that tournament will be pretty impressive, and losses understandable, but those bitter 40-year old men terrified of losing their jobs will have precious little patience.
US Gold Cup dates (all LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel):
July 4- vs. Grenada at Qwest Field in Seattle (6 p.m. EST)
July 8- vs. Honduras at RFK Stadium in Washington (9 p.m. EST)
July 11- vs. Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro (7 p.m. EST)
P.S. I love the Lionel Messi commercial, even if I don't think it makes much sense. The Atomic Ant!
Email: nick@wgr550.com This column also appears at Nick's shared soccer blog, Have A Dig.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Let's Go T-Wolves? Flynn to Minnesota
wasn't going to type this on Jeremy's 30th birthday, but I am not a Syracuse fan, which made the last few years very difficult. Niagara Falls standouts Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris seem to be kids worth rooting for, going back to my days writing at the Niagara Gazette, but seeing them in orange made me hope they ended up on a fine NBA team.
We'll know soon where the undrafted Harris ends up, but Flynn went No. 6 overall to Minnesota, jumping from non-lottery pick to top of the draft in a few short months. His quickness and creativity made the T-Wolves select him as one of their four first-round picks, and join a roster of exciting young players.
When consensus No. 1 or 2 pick Ricky Rubio dropped to five, Minnesota was able to take a risk on the Spanish guard because they had the next selection as well, and Flynn joined the team. The T-Wolves then used the 18th pick on UNC guard Ty Lawson, an exciting pick, but didn't need a third rookie point guard and sent him to Denver for a future first round pick. They then snagged his college teammate, Wayne Ellington, 28th overall.
Now there are rumours that Rubio will return to Spain, but I wouldn't be sweating it. Worst-case scenario, the Wolves deal his rights to somewhere he wants to play and maybe pick up the small forward they need, or a veteran point guard to tutor him. Heck, as a Celtics fan and knowing their rumours, maybe it's Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo for the rights to Rubio and some package like Rodney Carney, Shelden Williams and a future No. 1.
Now you don't get four first-rounders without some mismanagement, and the fans have watched Kevin Garnett and Randy Foye walk out the door for "the future," which is now coming along fine. Big man Al Jefferson, acquired from Boston in the KG trade, is a gem, and averaged 23.1 and 11.0 before a season-ending injury. Along with last year's lottery pick, UCLA's Kevin Love, and $10 million in cap space, Minnesota should be able to start to come together.
Sure, it's Minnesota, and someone's sure to screw it up, but at least Flynn has experience with cold weather. I'm happy to accept the Timberwolves on a trial basis as my Western Conference team. Go Celtics.
Here are the rest of the lottery picks:
1. LA Clippers- Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
2. Memphis- Hasheem Thabeet, C, Georgetown
3. Oklahoma City- James Harden, PF, Arizona State
4. Sacramento- Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
5. Rubio
6. Flynn
7. Golden State- Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson
8. New York- Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
9. Toronto- DeMar DeRozan, SG, Southern Cal
10. Milwaukee- Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy
11. New Jersey- Terrence Williams, G/F, Louisville
12. Charlotte- Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
13. Indiana- Tyler Hansborough, PF, North Carolina
14. Phoenix- Earl Clark, F, Louisville
P.S. I love Harden to Oklahoma City. The idea of him fitting with Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook is super exciting.
P.P.S. Maybe Harris and UB's Greg Gamble will sign with the Toronto Raptors. Gamble worked out for them last week.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
We'll know soon where the undrafted Harris ends up, but Flynn went No. 6 overall to Minnesota, jumping from non-lottery pick to top of the draft in a few short months. His quickness and creativity made the T-Wolves select him as one of their four first-round picks, and join a roster of exciting young players.
When consensus No. 1 or 2 pick Ricky Rubio dropped to five, Minnesota was able to take a risk on the Spanish guard because they had the next selection as well, and Flynn joined the team. The T-Wolves then used the 18th pick on UNC guard Ty Lawson, an exciting pick, but didn't need a third rookie point guard and sent him to Denver for a future first round pick. They then snagged his college teammate, Wayne Ellington, 28th overall.
Now there are rumours that Rubio will return to Spain, but I wouldn't be sweating it. Worst-case scenario, the Wolves deal his rights to somewhere he wants to play and maybe pick up the small forward they need, or a veteran point guard to tutor him. Heck, as a Celtics fan and knowing their rumours, maybe it's Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo for the rights to Rubio and some package like Rodney Carney, Shelden Williams and a future No. 1.
Now you don't get four first-rounders without some mismanagement, and the fans have watched Kevin Garnett and Randy Foye walk out the door for "the future," which is now coming along fine. Big man Al Jefferson, acquired from Boston in the KG trade, is a gem, and averaged 23.1 and 11.0 before a season-ending injury. Along with last year's lottery pick, UCLA's Kevin Love, and $10 million in cap space, Minnesota should be able to start to come together.
Sure, it's Minnesota, and someone's sure to screw it up, but at least Flynn has experience with cold weather. I'm happy to accept the Timberwolves on a trial basis as my Western Conference team. Go Celtics.
Here are the rest of the lottery picks:
1. LA Clippers- Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
2. Memphis- Hasheem Thabeet, C, Georgetown
3. Oklahoma City- James Harden, PF, Arizona State
4. Sacramento- Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
5. Rubio
6. Flynn
7. Golden State- Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson
8. New York- Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
9. Toronto- DeMar DeRozan, SG, Southern Cal
10. Milwaukee- Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy
11. New Jersey- Terrence Williams, G/F, Louisville
12. Charlotte- Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
13. Indiana- Tyler Hansborough, PF, North Carolina
14. Phoenix- Earl Clark, F, Louisville
P.S. I love Harden to Oklahoma City. The idea of him fitting with Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook is super exciting.
P.P.S. Maybe Harris and UB's Greg Gamble will sign with the Toronto Raptors. Gamble worked out for them last week.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
On to the Finals; States Shock Spaniards
Four pints of Guinness were totally expected for Wednesday afternoon's Confederations Cup clash between No. 1 Spain and No. 14 USA. I just expected them to come in misery, not to stave off nerves as myself and several friends bounced up and down at a local establishment in anticipation of one of the greatest upsets in US Soccer history.
Yes, the Yanks knocked out Spain, 2-0, to reach the Confederations Cup Final, but it's so much more than that. The States ended a 35-game Spanish unbeaten streak. The Spaniards had outright won each of their last 15 matches. They had been ranked No. 1 in the world for over a year.
The States? Not-so-much. They needed a miracle to reach the semi-final, but everything worked their way, beginning with Jozy Altidore hammering a ball right at Iker Casillas that hit the Spanish keeper's hand before going in to make it 1-0 less than a third of the way in. Clint Dempsey's 74th minute made it all but certain the States would become the first team since the 2006 Romania squad to top Spain (by the way, huge thanks to Sergio Ramos for trapping a ball in his own six).
But, it was what happened in between and after those tallies that mattered. The States sold their selves for the ball. They draped themselves on Fernando Torres, and made sure any ball that got to unbeatable Tim Howard was saveable. Pick a player, and they made an outstanding play: Landon Donovan, Ricardo Clark, Michael Bradley, etc. Even Bob Bradley's sub choices were outstanding, particularly in the face of a "red for red's sake" from the officials late in the goings.
They played with panache -- Charlie Davies almost opened the scoring with an absurd attempted bicycle. They played with guts. They played with everything you want in an American side. Every Yank fan can be proud of their boys today, regardless of what happens Sunday.
And to make the day complete... fat babies on Maury!
Email: nick@wgr550.com (This column also runs on Nick's soccer blog, Have A Dig)
Yes, the Yanks knocked out Spain, 2-0, to reach the Confederations Cup Final, but it's so much more than that. The States ended a 35-game Spanish unbeaten streak. The Spaniards had outright won each of their last 15 matches. They had been ranked No. 1 in the world for over a year.
The States? Not-so-much. They needed a miracle to reach the semi-final, but everything worked their way, beginning with Jozy Altidore hammering a ball right at Iker Casillas that hit the Spanish keeper's hand before going in to make it 1-0 less than a third of the way in. Clint Dempsey's 74th minute made it all but certain the States would become the first team since the 2006 Romania squad to top Spain (by the way, huge thanks to Sergio Ramos for trapping a ball in his own six).
But, it was what happened in between and after those tallies that mattered. The States sold their selves for the ball. They draped themselves on Fernando Torres, and made sure any ball that got to unbeatable Tim Howard was saveable. Pick a player, and they made an outstanding play: Landon Donovan, Ricardo Clark, Michael Bradley, etc. Even Bob Bradley's sub choices were outstanding, particularly in the face of a "red for red's sake" from the officials late in the goings.
They played with panache -- Charlie Davies almost opened the scoring with an absurd attempted bicycle. They played with guts. They played with everything you want in an American side. Every Yank fan can be proud of their boys today, regardless of what happens Sunday.
And to make the day complete... fat babies on Maury!
Email: nick@wgr550.com (This column also runs on Nick's soccer blog, Have A Dig)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Why I'm Worse Than Jon and Kate Plus Hate
Problogue: Whatever horrible things I say about anyone in the next few paragraphs, please know that I realize I'm just as bad -- if not worse -- for playing into it.
My wife is a regular viewer of a television program called "Jon and Kate Plus Eight," and has been for several years. As such, I've seen my fair share of episodes, sometimes of my own volition. The show deals with two parents, Jon and Kate Gosselin, and their eight young children.
In the past few months, the show has become a bigger hit because the Gosselins were on the highway to Splitsville, and without "ruining" what went down Monday, they didn't find an interesting enough rest stop.
What really pushed me over the edge with "Jon and Kate Plus Hate" were their explanations. To paraphrase: "it just got out of control, and there was nothing we could do about it."
You sure about that? How about quit your television show or at least go on hiatus? You know, you could try and fix your 10-year marriage or something. At least prepare your kids sans cameras for life without Mom and Dad together.
To make matters worse, they'll keep doing the program. Both said, "The show must go on."
Not really, kids. How about stepping away from the show before your children become the new fairy tale children of misery, like The Seven Dwarves plus One: Methy, Druggy, Smokey, Thiefy, Smutty, Murdery, Boozehound, and Doc. This isn't some sociological experiment of which the scientific community is reaping benefits. It's a television show that's made them rich beyond their wildest dreams just for being exceptionally fertile.
The worst part about all of this? I could've turned it off. I could've left the room whenever it was on the minute it became anything more than, "Holy goodness! These folks have a boatload of anklebiters!" I could've treated this show the way I treat other faux-serious trash like Nancy Grace, Nancy Grace, Jane Velez or Nancy Grace.
I didn't, though, and that makes me part of the problem. Instead of making the world a better place in my downtime, I sit down to watch two self-absorbed folks complain about their lack of privacy and the size of their fame-bought house -- husband and wife, respectively.
I know 2009 is a new frontier for entertainment. For goodness sake, "NicholasMendola" has a Twitter account because most folks "in the know" seem to agree that it's a good way to further your connections, communication and maybe even career. I signed up... more out of career-fear than actual interest.
I don't know if I'm getting across what I want in this space. Reality television blogging is definitely more Greg Bauch's department, and he does it well. I'm just really angry, and the wife and I just finished watching all five seasons of "The Wire," one of the best television programs in the history of drama, and we can't buy solar lights for our backyard every night, can we? We need to get rid of cable, but the History Channel, AMC, CNN, Fox Soccer...
Now, go ahead and lie, and tell me you've never watched the show, or any other hot piece of televised garbage: nick@wgr550.com
My wife is a regular viewer of a television program called "Jon and Kate Plus Eight," and has been for several years. As such, I've seen my fair share of episodes, sometimes of my own volition. The show deals with two parents, Jon and Kate Gosselin, and their eight young children.
In the past few months, the show has become a bigger hit because the Gosselins were on the highway to Splitsville, and without "ruining" what went down Monday, they didn't find an interesting enough rest stop.
What really pushed me over the edge with "Jon and Kate Plus Hate" were their explanations. To paraphrase: "it just got out of control, and there was nothing we could do about it."
You sure about that? How about quit your television show or at least go on hiatus? You know, you could try and fix your 10-year marriage or something. At least prepare your kids sans cameras for life without Mom and Dad together.
To make matters worse, they'll keep doing the program. Both said, "The show must go on."
Not really, kids. How about stepping away from the show before your children become the new fairy tale children of misery, like The Seven Dwarves plus One: Methy, Druggy, Smokey, Thiefy, Smutty, Murdery, Boozehound, and Doc. This isn't some sociological experiment of which the scientific community is reaping benefits. It's a television show that's made them rich beyond their wildest dreams just for being exceptionally fertile.
The worst part about all of this? I could've turned it off. I could've left the room whenever it was on the minute it became anything more than, "Holy goodness! These folks have a boatload of anklebiters!" I could've treated this show the way I treat other faux-serious trash like Nancy Grace, Nancy Grace, Jane Velez or Nancy Grace.
I didn't, though, and that makes me part of the problem. Instead of making the world a better place in my downtime, I sit down to watch two self-absorbed folks complain about their lack of privacy and the size of their fame-bought house -- husband and wife, respectively.
I know 2009 is a new frontier for entertainment. For goodness sake, "NicholasMendola" has a Twitter account because most folks "in the know" seem to agree that it's a good way to further your connections, communication and maybe even career. I signed up... more out of career-fear than actual interest.
I don't know if I'm getting across what I want in this space. Reality television blogging is definitely more Greg Bauch's department, and he does it well. I'm just really angry, and the wife and I just finished watching all five seasons of "The Wire," one of the best television programs in the history of drama, and we can't buy solar lights for our backyard every night, can we? We need to get rid of cable, but the History Channel, AMC, CNN, Fox Soccer...
Now, go ahead and lie, and tell me you've never watched the show, or any other hot piece of televised garbage: nick@wgr550.com
Sunday, June 21, 2009
How the States Scored a Shocker
Sound the Vuvuzela, as the buzzing will continue for American soccer in the face of everything improbable. The States needed to win by three and have Brazil win by three, which is stupid enough before you consider that the Amerks have looked nothing shy of garbage for the first two games of group play in the Confederations Cup.
Leaving my house for a men's league game at 3:30 p.m., I planned to write the somewhat moral victory post. The US was up 1-0 at half, and Brazil was demoralizing Italy, 3-0. Yet texts began to roll into our team during the game, and as we topped our opponents, 3-0, the United States did the same.
I'm watching it now, knowing what's coming, and I'm buzzing. Charlie Davies' first goal, digging deep in the six and wresting a ball off of Egypt's keeper, was the sort of goal the States have to score, blue collar and no baloney.
The next two goals were also things the US needed. Seeing Michael Bradley rewarded for a stellar tournament despite nothing from his fellow midfielders is fantastic, and, yes, full marks for PK Lando on a wonderful low-pass. As much as I can't stand Bob Bradley lately, the look on his face when his son put in No. 2 was downright stars and stripes. It was Michael Bradley's second-straight goal on Father's Day, with his father behind the lines.
The third and final tally was needed, too, as Fulham's Clint Dempsey had been anything but stellar in the first two contests before turning it on the first half. His strong heading finish of a Jonathan Spector cross sent the Yanks into ecstasy, and they held on for an unlikely trip to the semi-finals to meet Spain.
How unlikely is this? Borderline impossible... and it comes on a day I actually scored in our team's game, which truly shows you how the stars were aligned.
Full marks to Brad Guzan for the clean sheet, but this was without Tim Howard and Carlos "Charlie Blackmouth" Bocanegra.
This is a fine day for US soccer, a day that no one can take away from us, regardless of what happens against Spain in Wednesday afternoon's Stage Two. We'll be at a bar. If you're near Buffalo, come find us (or just email).
And it wouldn't be fun if we didn't ask Giuseppe Rossi how he feels about the whole thing.
Email: nick@wgr550.com (This blog originally co-appears at Nick Mendola's soccer blog, Have A Dig).
Leaving my house for a men's league game at 3:30 p.m., I planned to write the somewhat moral victory post. The US was up 1-0 at half, and Brazil was demoralizing Italy, 3-0. Yet texts began to roll into our team during the game, and as we topped our opponents, 3-0, the United States did the same.
I'm watching it now, knowing what's coming, and I'm buzzing. Charlie Davies' first goal, digging deep in the six and wresting a ball off of Egypt's keeper, was the sort of goal the States have to score, blue collar and no baloney.
The next two goals were also things the US needed. Seeing Michael Bradley rewarded for a stellar tournament despite nothing from his fellow midfielders is fantastic, and, yes, full marks for PK Lando on a wonderful low-pass. As much as I can't stand Bob Bradley lately, the look on his face when his son put in No. 2 was downright stars and stripes. It was Michael Bradley's second-straight goal on Father's Day, with his father behind the lines.
The third and final tally was needed, too, as Fulham's Clint Dempsey had been anything but stellar in the first two contests before turning it on the first half. His strong heading finish of a Jonathan Spector cross sent the Yanks into ecstasy, and they held on for an unlikely trip to the semi-finals to meet Spain.
How unlikely is this? Borderline impossible... and it comes on a day I actually scored in our team's game, which truly shows you how the stars were aligned.
Full marks to Brad Guzan for the clean sheet, but this was without Tim Howard and Carlos "Charlie Blackmouth" Bocanegra.
This is a fine day for US soccer, a day that no one can take away from us, regardless of what happens against Spain in Wednesday afternoon's Stage Two. We'll be at a bar. If you're near Buffalo, come find us (or just email).
And it wouldn't be fun if we didn't ask Giuseppe Rossi how he feels about the whole thing.
Email: nick@wgr550.com (This blog originally co-appears at Nick Mendola's soccer blog, Have A Dig).
Friday, June 19, 2009
Decade of Debate; Decade of Hate
Ten years ago, poor enforcement of a dubious rule awarded the Stanley Cup to the Dallas Stars.
Sabres fans remember it as so much more.
For me, it was one of those "Why are my hands sweating while I watch televised sports?" moments. After each heart-pounding overtime, I had to run downstairs and play video games just to stay awake. The game? "Virtual Bart."
My mom mandated that everyone stay in the same seats they were in when Stu Barnes equalized in the second period. Everything was superstition based, and when Brett Hull got his goal, my parents' immediate reaction was "No goal! No goal!"
We knew the rule. Everyone did. I wonder if it helped or hurt the Sabres more during the run to the Finals, but it stunk. It was "Saturday-night-not-old-enough-to-drink-don't-wake-me-up-for-Church-tomorrow" awful, and it was all part of a disturbing trend. It didn't help that Brett Hull was as smug a winner as you could imagine. I still remember him scoring off a face-off for St. Louis to beat the Sabres in overtime several years before "No Goal."
In the late 1990s, it seemed like Buffalo teams's seasons were only allowed to happen if there was tomfoolery and/or heartbreak. John Leclair scored a goal through the side of the net. Frank Wycheck's supposed forward pass. Pass interference on a Hail Mary against the Patriots. Even St. Bonaventure's thrilling, double-overtime upset attempt of Kentucky in 2000 didn't finish off quite right.
There's no overriding point here, just commemoration of a miserable event. The goal probably should've counted, and maybe we're even close to over it by now. I'd say I'd take it to my grave, but that's embarassing when you consider its a sporting event.
One day, I won't have to feel like I've typed in this tone 150 times. One day, we'll have our names on something special. We get a taste from time-to-time, whether it be the Bandits' MLL titles or UB Bulls' MAC Championship, but I can't wait for the day the whole community is 100 percent behind a title.
I'm ready, but I was just as ready 10 years ago. Stupid Brett Hull.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Sabres fans remember it as so much more.
For me, it was one of those "Why are my hands sweating while I watch televised sports?" moments. After each heart-pounding overtime, I had to run downstairs and play video games just to stay awake. The game? "Virtual Bart."
My mom mandated that everyone stay in the same seats they were in when Stu Barnes equalized in the second period. Everything was superstition based, and when Brett Hull got his goal, my parents' immediate reaction was "No goal! No goal!"
We knew the rule. Everyone did. I wonder if it helped or hurt the Sabres more during the run to the Finals, but it stunk. It was "Saturday-night-not-old-enough-to-drink-don't-wake-me-up-for-Church-tomorrow" awful, and it was all part of a disturbing trend. It didn't help that Brett Hull was as smug a winner as you could imagine. I still remember him scoring off a face-off for St. Louis to beat the Sabres in overtime several years before "No Goal."
In the late 1990s, it seemed like Buffalo teams's seasons were only allowed to happen if there was tomfoolery and/or heartbreak. John Leclair scored a goal through the side of the net. Frank Wycheck's supposed forward pass. Pass interference on a Hail Mary against the Patriots. Even St. Bonaventure's thrilling, double-overtime upset attempt of Kentucky in 2000 didn't finish off quite right.
There's no overriding point here, just commemoration of a miserable event. The goal probably should've counted, and maybe we're even close to over it by now. I'd say I'd take it to my grave, but that's embarassing when you consider its a sporting event.
One day, I won't have to feel like I've typed in this tone 150 times. One day, we'll have our names on something special. We get a taste from time-to-time, whether it be the Bandits' MLL titles or UB Bulls' MAC Championship, but I can't wait for the day the whole community is 100 percent behind a title.
I'm ready, but I was just as ready 10 years ago. Stupid Brett Hull.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Bills going throwback? Best/worst unis in NFL ranking
With the news that the Bills will be unveiling an all-white throwback uniform on July 30, Sportstalk Saturday became a show about the best uniforms in pro football, and how the Bills would be among the best if they committed to the old gear. After discussion between Nick Mendola, Dan Cave, Brian Koziol, callers, emailers and even texts from Paul Hamilton, here is our football uniform rankings.
These are based on primary road/home combinations.
The Elite:
1. Bears
2. Browns
3. Steelers
4. Redskins
5. Colts
Solid:
6. Packers
7. 49ers
8. Chiefs
9. Jets
10. Giants
11. Cowboys
Adequate:
12. Raiders
13. Buccaneers
14. Chargers
15. Texans
16. Eagles
17. Saints
Eh:
18. Cardinals
19. Rams
20. Lions
21. Ravens
22. Panthers
23. Patriots
24. Jaguars
Poor:
25. Dolphins
26. Seahawks
27. Bills
28. Bengals
29. Broncos
30. Falcons
31. Vikings
32. Titans
Email: nick@wgr550.com
These are based on primary road/home combinations.
The Elite:
1. Bears
2. Browns
3. Steelers
4. Redskins
5. Colts
Solid:
6. Packers
7. 49ers
8. Chiefs
9. Jets
10. Giants
11. Cowboys
Adequate:
12. Raiders
13. Buccaneers
14. Chargers
15. Texans
16. Eagles
17. Saints
Eh:
18. Cardinals
19. Rams
20. Lions
21. Ravens
22. Panthers
23. Patriots
24. Jaguars
Poor:
25. Dolphins
26. Seahawks
27. Bills
28. Bengals
29. Broncos
30. Falcons
31. Vikings
32. Titans
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
East vs. West
The NBA's playoff rebirth continues in the finals, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic face-off in a series with more subplots than "Lost" (Probably not).
1. Kobe Bryant gets another shot at a title without Shaquille O'Neal
-- After three titles with the game's then-premier big man, Bryant has fallen in two trips to the Finals, against Detroit in 2004 and versus Boston last year. O'Neal was on board when the Lakers lost to the Pistons, but last year was the Kobe Show, and it ended in six games.
You can call the presumed knock on Bryant fair or unfair, as 2008's finals came down to Kobe versus Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, but there's no denying the pressue on No. 24.
2. Dwight Howard defying his critics
-- After calling out his coach after a loss during the Boston series, Howard has cleaned the glass better the blue stuff, and put a little extra polish on his offensive game. Howard will go up against Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, and doesn't have a ton of help inside, so an outstanding performance could really punch his detractors in the face. Plus, there's that whole title thing.
3. The Magic team against Magic's (former) team.
-- Not so much a subplot as something I think is funny and haven't been able to phrase in a wittier manner.
4. If you believe in NBA coaching, a win would be Phil Jackson's best title.
-- Sure, he's helped teams to the titles with severe emotional issues (Jordan's title the year after his father was murdered), and severe personality disorders (Dennis Rodman in Chicago and Kobe/Shaq in Tinseltown).
I'd submit that this would take some of the sting off the "only won with absolute superstars" criticism. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will never be mistaken for the Top 50 players in NBA history, and Jackson's had either Jordan/Pippen or Bryant/O'Neal for every run at the O'Brien Trophy.
Again the criticism can't be perceived as entirely fair. Maybe he had two of the most motivated superstars in the history of the game, but Jackson won three-straight titles with Chicago from 1991-1993, then six-straight in years he coached (1996-1998 w/ Chicago, 2000-2002 w/ Los Angeles). Hard to argue that success too vehemently.
5. Conference Power
-- The conversations about conference dominance are creeping back into the picture. After the Spurs and Lakers claimed five-in-a-row for the West by 2002, they've gone back-and-forth since. If Orlando can win, it can help validate the East as the stars' conference -- Howard, LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Garnett, Pierce, Bosh, etc.
6. Officiating is still terribly inconsistent
-- If you think the NHL can't get out of its way, take a peek at the NBA playoff crews. It feels like you could decide outcomes just based on who is officiating that night's game. The Tim Donaghy thing certainly dances through your mind from time-to-time, but the biggest problem is that the basketball which has been so good could be great if the players had any idea what fouls were going to be called.
7. Adam Morrison versus J.J. Redick
-- As Page 2's Bill Simmons astutely pointed out: It's arrived! Sure, Morrison hasn't dressed in a uniform for the playoffs, and Redick averaged 6.2 points in 21 minutes per game. And you thought the Duke/Gonzaga debate was thrilling!
Ah, the 2006 draft class. I'd like to use this moment to make fun of our former intern, Dan, who laughed at me for liking the Celtics selection of Rajon Rondo at No. 21.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
1. Kobe Bryant gets another shot at a title without Shaquille O'Neal
-- After three titles with the game's then-premier big man, Bryant has fallen in two trips to the Finals, against Detroit in 2004 and versus Boston last year. O'Neal was on board when the Lakers lost to the Pistons, but last year was the Kobe Show, and it ended in six games.
You can call the presumed knock on Bryant fair or unfair, as 2008's finals came down to Kobe versus Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, but there's no denying the pressue on No. 24.
2. Dwight Howard defying his critics
-- After calling out his coach after a loss during the Boston series, Howard has cleaned the glass better the blue stuff, and put a little extra polish on his offensive game. Howard will go up against Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, and doesn't have a ton of help inside, so an outstanding performance could really punch his detractors in the face. Plus, there's that whole title thing.
3. The Magic team against Magic's (former) team.
-- Not so much a subplot as something I think is funny and haven't been able to phrase in a wittier manner.
4. If you believe in NBA coaching, a win would be Phil Jackson's best title.
-- Sure, he's helped teams to the titles with severe emotional issues (Jordan's title the year after his father was murdered), and severe personality disorders (Dennis Rodman in Chicago and Kobe/Shaq in Tinseltown).
I'd submit that this would take some of the sting off the "only won with absolute superstars" criticism. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will never be mistaken for the Top 50 players in NBA history, and Jackson's had either Jordan/Pippen or Bryant/O'Neal for every run at the O'Brien Trophy.
Again the criticism can't be perceived as entirely fair. Maybe he had two of the most motivated superstars in the history of the game, but Jackson won three-straight titles with Chicago from 1991-1993, then six-straight in years he coached (1996-1998 w/ Chicago, 2000-2002 w/ Los Angeles). Hard to argue that success too vehemently.
5. Conference Power
-- The conversations about conference dominance are creeping back into the picture. After the Spurs and Lakers claimed five-in-a-row for the West by 2002, they've gone back-and-forth since. If Orlando can win, it can help validate the East as the stars' conference -- Howard, LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Garnett, Pierce, Bosh, etc.
6. Officiating is still terribly inconsistent
-- If you think the NHL can't get out of its way, take a peek at the NBA playoff crews. It feels like you could decide outcomes just based on who is officiating that night's game. The Tim Donaghy thing certainly dances through your mind from time-to-time, but the biggest problem is that the basketball which has been so good could be great if the players had any idea what fouls were going to be called.
7. Adam Morrison versus J.J. Redick
-- As Page 2's Bill Simmons astutely pointed out: It's arrived! Sure, Morrison hasn't dressed in a uniform for the playoffs, and Redick averaged 6.2 points in 21 minutes per game. And you thought the Duke/Gonzaga debate was thrilling!
Ah, the 2006 draft class. I'd like to use this moment to make fun of our former intern, Dan, who laughed at me for liking the Celtics selection of Rajon Rondo at No. 21.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
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