Domestic footie during the World Cup? Of course. The non-stop soccer action has set my soccer support aflame, and I think it's time to take a quick tour of my 3 favorite soccer squads.
Newcastle United: It's been highly publicized that 'Castle opens their EPL season on the road against former Chivas star Javier Hernandez, current English flop Wayne Rooney, and the rest of the Red Devils. Some around the EPL may be writing of my boys, but I'll quote the Toon Army chant, "Who the fuck are Man U?" Loads of rumors are hitting Magpie Nation about players bring brought in (Andy O'Brien, Danny Shittu, and J'lloyd Samuel to name just 3) but I think I'm ready to see the undefeated home side from the ECL try their luck at the premier level. Our Irish manager, Chris Hughton, is being given a chance at the top flight after leading us to promtoion, why not the players? So far, we're looking at Pancrate, Butt, Baheng, Danquah, Godsmark, Lough, and Morris all being marked to leave via free agency. But, we are still rolling with the brilliant talents of Kevin Nolan, Peter Løvenkrands, Andy Carroll, Shola Ameobi (my boy!), and Stevie Harper guarding the net. It all gets underway Saturday August 14.
Celtic: Once Neil Lennon was officially announced as the new Celtic boss, the expectations suddenly rose to new heights. After finishing second beind Rangers in the SPL twice around, us Hoops fans are getting anxious. Will Neil With The Deal be able to stand up to the pressure. The 39 year old Irish (albeit, Northern Irish) midfielder is ready to lead this club to a return to the top of the table in the same spirit of his playing days. Prior to their season opening match with Inverness on Saturday August 14 (a big soccer day for this guy), there could still be a bit of roster movement. For now, though, the Bhoys still feature the greats like Boruc between the pipes, McManus and Naylor at the D, Samaras and Fortune up front, and McGeady and Ki Sung-Yong in the all important middle. Again, a lot could change (like maybe Nakamura could come back from Japan?) before we start, but I'm getting excited for Celtic football.
Chivas USA: My MLS squad completes the Holy Trinity of my soccer support (I know, I know, I also root for Lazio, Guadalajara, and Sligo on the domestic level, but the Celtic/Newcastle/Chivas tridium is where my real serious interests are, as you know). Now of my favorite three squads, Chivas USA are the only 11 actually in the middle of their season. Dismal, dismal stuff really. So far this year, the Goats are 3-9-1 with a -6 goal differential. Um, Martin Vasquez, why do you suck so much? Surely to be sacked prior to the end of the year if it doesn't turn around...quickly. Forward Justin Braun has been a bright spot with 4 goals in 9 starts at the striker spot. Jesus Padilla has added 3 in 9 starts as well from the midfield. Losing Kljestan was really hard on this team. Having Bornstein up with the US team has been hard on this team. But, the resigning of Paulo Nagamura back from Mexico and the hopeful resurgence of ZTB in front of the net will equal a bump up in the tables. Next up is a Saturday match with MLS newbies from Philly, who share our lowly 10 point status. Hopefully we can put out a little more effort than in the 1-2 loss to FC Dallas on Saturday. It was sloppy play that spelled our defeat, and we need to clean it up for the Union match.
¡Chivas es mi vida! Olé. Support the MLS, soccer fans.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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