by Patrick 'Rey' Reynell Excuse the informality of the title, but that's how I felt when I saw Manchester United hoisting yet another 2008 championship trophy. The Red Devils are the most recent champions of the FIFA Club World Cup, played in Japan this year, which pits the best club teams from each continental region. That gives Sir Alex Furgeson's club four trophies in … [Read more...] about Another Friggin’ Trophy for Manchester United
N. Broad and Beyond
Pomp(ey)ous Decision: Redknapp goes to Tottenham
I wish players would all spend their careers with one team. I’m not an idealist; I know this wasn’t even the case before free agency. But it would be nice, you know? Even more bothersome are the coaches who seem to bounce from team to team. It’s like Larry Brown was throwing darts and…bulls eye! “Thanks Detroit, off to the next city before I’m actually expected to win on a … [Read more...] about Pomp(ey)ous Decision: Redknapp goes to Tottenham
White Hart Lane and the Importance of Frugality
The only objection I have against European club football is not having playoffs. As an American sports fan, this is a hard concept for me to grasp. Despite no postseason, relegation encompasses all the anxiety and excitement of a playoff. As the regular season winds down, the bottom of the table plays out like the BCS as teams desperately try to avoid relegation to the league … [Read more...] about White Hart Lane and the Importance of Frugality
On the Pitch with an American Novice: The Soccer Learning Curve – The Americas Edition
So here’s the plan: I want to choose an MLS team to follow and perhaps cheer for next season. As I was watching the U.S. National team play, I realized that I’ve limited my soccer knowledge intake to European football. If I want to back an MLS team and have a greater appreciation for my country’s team, I better learn the terminology on this side of the pond as well. And just to … [Read more...] about On the Pitch with an American Novice: The Soccer Learning Curve – The Americas Edition
On the Pitch with an American Novice: Pints and Red Cards
To show their appreciation for winning the 2008 European Championship, a beer company in Spain rewarded each member of La Selección, as the Spanish team is called, his weight in beer. So I figured here on the clipboard, we could give out our own football rewards, a pint at a time. Hold on – if anyone has done something that merits a reprimand, we’ll have to card ‘em. Know … [Read more...] about On the Pitch with an American Novice: Pints and Red Cards