WOW! You've probably heard by now, and maybe you were there to watch it; but Manchester United took apart LA Galaxy last night in the Rose Bowl. Man U-7, LAG-0. Man U, 3rd or 4th day of pre-season training, new coaching staff, on a US pre-season tour (they play Roma from Italy in Denver this weekend). LA Galaxy in the middle of MLS season, full team out there, and thumped 7-0. Sooooooo, MLS....I think it would be fair to say that you have a LONG way to go before we can start believing the claims of "top level professional soccer" in the USA. As Robert Frost might say, "But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep. Miles to go before I sleep." (I paraphrase)
Other good MLS news: Frank Lampard of Chelsea fame will be with expansion franchise NYCFC next season. Sporting KC announces a partnership and plans with US Soccer to develop a $75 million National Team Training Center a mere 10 minutes away from Sporting's new stadium in Kansas City, KS. By the way, if you have not had a chance to tour that stadium....it is a MUST see! Clearly the best soccer-only stadium in the United States.
It's late July. I hear the whine of turbines as college coaches and programs begin to "spool up" their Fall 2014 seasons. I hear the pitter-patter of little feet as players "cram" in some last-minute running and physical training in order to pass pre-season fitness tests when they report to training camps in early and mid-August. Good luck with that. If you haven't been working all Summer, you're not going to catch up in these last 3 weeks. FACT. Check out the NSCAA website for a TV schedule of nationally televised college soccer matches--both Men's and Women's--for Fall 2014.
And last but not least, a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to Ethan Horvath of Molde FC in Norway. Ethan is a full professional at the age of 18, the firm #2 GK for Molde's first team, and is in Slovenia tonight as Molde begins their Europa League campaign. We will hear more from Ethan as his year goes on through his Blog which will take you inside the day-to-day life of a young American "living the dream" of playing professional European Football. Good Job, E!
OK! Get back outside and start training! Sitting there playing FIFA 14 is NOT going to get you the starting spot on your team!
As always, may the ground beneath your dive be soft; may every shot be hit straight at you; and may your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV
Other good MLS news: Frank Lampard of Chelsea fame will be with expansion franchise NYCFC next season. Sporting KC announces a partnership and plans with US Soccer to develop a $75 million National Team Training Center a mere 10 minutes away from Sporting's new stadium in Kansas City, KS. By the way, if you have not had a chance to tour that stadium....it is a MUST see! Clearly the best soccer-only stadium in the United States.
It's late July. I hear the whine of turbines as college coaches and programs begin to "spool up" their Fall 2014 seasons. I hear the pitter-patter of little feet as players "cram" in some last-minute running and physical training in order to pass pre-season fitness tests when they report to training camps in early and mid-August. Good luck with that. If you haven't been working all Summer, you're not going to catch up in these last 3 weeks. FACT. Check out the NSCAA website for a TV schedule of nationally televised college soccer matches--both Men's and Women's--for Fall 2014.
And last but not least, a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to Ethan Horvath of Molde FC in Norway. Ethan is a full professional at the age of 18, the firm #2 GK for Molde's first team, and is in Slovenia tonight as Molde begins their Europa League campaign. We will hear more from Ethan as his year goes on through his Blog which will take you inside the day-to-day life of a young American "living the dream" of playing professional European Football. Good Job, E!
OK! Get back outside and start training! Sitting there playing FIFA 14 is NOT going to get you the starting spot on your team!
As always, may the ground beneath your dive be soft; may every shot be hit straight at you; and may your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV