Mr. Leander Schaerlaeckens at ESPN Soccernet gave Jonathan Bornstein a 1.5 because he had two bad offensive touches and got exposed several times on defense against Paraguay. I believe that grade was unfair. I believe that Bornstein was just confused and trying to play a suicidally high offside trap by himself, hence getting caught out of position repeatedly. If his teammates had joined him, perhaps the US would have mirrored the successful Dutch teams of the 1970′s. Thus, I would have given Bornstein a 1.6.
Category Archives: USMNT
Franco Panizo at SBI Believes the USA Was Much Improved
Franco Panizo at Soccer by Ives reflected on the USMNT loss to Paraguay that Team America “was much improved against Paraguay.” Yet he later describes the loss as “disappoiting.” I am confused. How can a loss be “much improved” and “disappoiting” at the same time? Also, the FC Barcelona Camp banner ad on the left hand side failed to draw my attention from the blocks of text.
Jack Bell of the NYTimes said that Agudelo Seemed to Add Spit & Vinegar
Jack Bell at the Goal Blog on the NYTimes remarked about the USMNT game that Juan Agudelo “seemed to add spit & vingar” to the team. However, I respectfully disagree. Rather, I assert that Juan Agudelo “appeared” to add spit & vinegar to the team. There is a major difference between appear and seem. It is much more than semantics.
If you disagree, I can see your point, but would prefer you click on the banner ads rather than actually commenting.
Franco Panizo at Soccer by Ives believes Agudelo was overleazous
Franco Panizo at Soccer by Ives praised young American forward Juan Agudelo, but also criticized him for being “overzealous” when trying to dribble by two defenders at one stage in the game. I disagree. I thought that Agudelo was only moderately to slightly-more-than-sufficiently zealous in that particular dribbling attempt.
If you disagree, feel free to comment. Or take out your anger by clicking on the banner ads in frustration. Either way, I will get the message that my post has provoked your ire. I tremble before your might.
Jeff Carlisle of Soccernet thinks Bocanegra deserved a 5
Jeff Carlisle at ESPN Soccernet believes that Carlos Bocanegra of the United States Men’s National Team deserved a grade of 5 for his performance in the 1-1 tie with Argentina. I disagree. I thought Carlos Bocanegra showed slightly improved composure on the ball. Thus, I would have awarded him a 5.1 grade for his performance.
If you disagree, feel free to comment. Or click on the banner ads. I derive no greater satisfaction than a participatory relationship with my cherished readers, readers who participate by clicking on banner ads, that is.
Landon Donovan Files Suit for Fan Support
Don’t make that face. Don’t lie to me. As an individual with a blog and access to Google search analytics, I know the superficial truth and the deeper truth. You hate Landon.The phrase “Donovan is a b$$$ch” populates my website with trolls in waiting. Yet the irony drapes the window of your soul like a curtain. You hate him, yet you actively seek to read about him?
I suggest professional help for the both of you. Like a failed marriage, attempts at reconciliation are a good idea. However, at some point you feel your stomach churn when you get a certain somebody’s tweets. The world turns and spontaneous calls to “check in” turn into needy cries for affection. But a professional can help.
As your trusted blogger, I will agree to file a fan’s dissolution petition for significantly less than the going “attorney” rate. And I’m not like that notary who filed a frivolous asylum petition that got your undocumented friend in hot water. Consto!
So let’s begin. Continue reading “Landon Donovan Files Suit for Fan Support” »
My Favorite Moment from Soccer in 2010
Yes, I am slightly biased. Ever so slightly. Continue reading “My Favorite Moment from Soccer in 2010” »
US World Cup Bid – Domestic Ad Campaign
Junito: pleito, persuasion, and morality
So, Wayne Rooney wanted to leave Manchester United. The Earth ceased to spin, Sir Alex held a press conference, and within twenty four hours Rooney had signed a contract extension. His wages got a bump and Sir Alex kept his prized (but sorely out of form) possession. Is this style of negotiation shrewd, immoral, or natural? Or all three?
Junito, at the tender age of three, deploys similar tactics in his infamous leche con chocolate negotiations. We always tell Junito – portate bien, and then you can have some chocolate milk. But Junito, of course, prefers a subtle shift in chronology – dame chocolate and then I’ll behave well. Junito prefers a reward for a future effort, and who wouldn’t? But, as a father, not a manager, is giving him that early dose of cocoa going to instill morals and perseverance?
I normally plant my feet firmly on the ground. And Junito resorts to plan b…. Continue reading “Junito: pleito, persuasion, and morality” »
US v. Brazil – An American Dreaming Realities
Let’s play in the world of a constructed binary. The land of television is seduction. Images and sound combine to tempt you, seduce you, and entertain you. Helpless, you sit there, motionless. The flashing light leaves you still, like a deer in front of a semi on a back alley road in the dead of night.
Pause.
Welcome to reality. The sunlight burns your eyes and warms your skin. A gentle breeze caresses your neck. The feint odor of garlic abounds, flaring your nostrils. You are in your body. This is reality.
So what was the US game vs. Brazil last night? Continue reading “US v. Brazil – An American Dreaming Realities” »