US WNT beat China 2-0, Capture Four Nations Title

The US Women’s National Team beat China 2-0 to capture the 2007 Four Nation Title yesterday. Goals from Lori Chalupney (46+) and Natasha Kai (58) led the Americans to their first victory of the 2007 campaign. The team finished 1-0-2 during the tourney, and keeper Hope Solo was named Best Goalkeeper, racking up two clean sheets and while allowing only one goal through the three matches.

It was also announced that the team will face Mexico for their previously-announced friendly on April 14 at Gillette Stadium. The match will start at 5:00pm, followed by the Revs-Toronto FC match at 7:30pm.

US WNT draw 0-0 to Germany in Four Nations Tourney

The US Women’s National team played to a 0-0 versus Germany at Guangdong Olympic Stadium on Friday. The game was the first of three matches scheduled for the 2007 Four Nations Tournament being held in China.

The teams both fired eight shots, with three on goal, in an evenly-played match which saw veteran US defender and team captain Cat Whitehill notch her 100th career cap, and US keeper Hope Solo shut out the powerful Germans side. The last time the squads faced off was during the 2006 Algarve Cup Final last March, which also ended 0-0 in regulation before the US eventually fell 4-3 on PKs.

The US will play England next on Sunday, January 28, at 4pm local time – that’s 3am for us on the East Coast!

Parkhurst, Reis and Twellman called to US MNT camp

Interim US Men’s National Team manager Bob Bradley called up three Revolution players on Wednesday in preparation for the February 7th tilt against Mexico. Defender Michael Parkhurst, goalie Matt Reis, and forward Taylor Twellman have been invited to US MNT camp. Reis, who started in goal last Saturday vs. Denmark, allowed only one goal against the Danish, en route to the 3-1 win – the first US MNT victory since last May (vs. Latvia, 1-0). Parkhurst was invited to Bradley’s initial camp prior to the Denmark match, but did not see game action. Twellman was also called into the same camp, but later declined in order to recover from offseason hernia surgery.

Ahmet Ertegun 1923-2006

On a sad note, I just recently learned of the passing of music & soccer pioneer Ahmet Ertegun. In addition to his highly successful music career, Mr. Ertegun was also a driving force of soccer in America – he was one of the key figures behind the rising to prominence of the North American Soccer League in the 1970s. Mr. Ertegun was also a driving force behind the success of World Cup ’94, and was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2003.

Ahmet Ertegun, 1923-2006.

Beckham and the Revs

When the news of one David Beckham signing broke, the national media quite predictably spoke of the possibilities it would have on American soccer. How will Becks’ arrival impact a nation that would rather watch its baseball, football and basketball? Will he be the high-profile star that “legitimizes” American soccer on the international scene, or will trade goals for glitz? The national story is largely one of mass marketing a sport to a population that has largely ignored its otherwise worldwide appeal. Having said that, what kind of impact will his arrival on the West Coats have here in New England?

Surely the ramifications are far greater in sunny SoCal than 3,000 miles away in New England. Although a sizeable media contingent will follow him along every stop on the Galaxy schedule, his real presence will be felt within the bright lights of Sunset Boulevard. Nonetheless, the anticipation of Beckham’s Traveling Circus making a stop at the Gillette Stadium Fairgrounds will certainly pique the interest of area soccer fans and non-soccer fans alike. Those who previously brushed the sport aside in favor of the Red Sox and Patriots may soon entertain the idea of actually attending a Revolution game, even if it is just to admire the beautiful Becks in action. That being said, it’s safe to say that 1.) The date of the LA-Revs tilt will be circled on the calendars of thousands from Portland to Providence and all points in between, 2.) That a large part of the paid attendance will be there to blow kisses and shout its undying love for Mr. Posh Spice, and 3.) That the game itself has the potential to be the most visible soccer event seen in New England since Foxboro hosted World Cup games in 1994.

Speak on the potential that Beckham rides into Foxboro with, and behold a Pandora’s Box of questions. How will these uninformed wannabe socialites and newcomers take to the game itself here? Will the initial draw of celebrity spark an interest in Revolution soccer? Or will the kiss-blowing contingent merely discuss the dreamy midfielder amongst their girlfriends and simply dismiss the game itself? How will the annual Beckham/LA Galaxy sideshow translate with regards to putting additional bodies in the Gillette Stadium surroundings? More so, what will it do in terms of securing a much-coveted soccer specific stadium for the team?

On a player personnel level, the arrival of Beckham also entertains the inevitable question: Who will the Revs acquire to fill their Designated Player Allocation? Now that the Designated Player Allocation has been utilized and effectively publicized on the grandest of scales, the pressure has been officially cranked up on the other MLS franchises to follow suit and use their DPAs as well. Although patience should be practiced when it comes to devoting hefty sums of cash for players abroad, it would clearly be in the best interest for Kraft Soccer to allow itself the time to research and scout before rushing into any potential hasty signing.

The Revolution fan base itself is smart; the collective would be content in waiting for a talented, lesser-known prospect signing rather than an immediate, glamorous acquisition. The club is an already-talented bunch capable of winning. With the side coming off an Eastern Conference Championship, the hunger for the high-profile “player that turns it around” is about as non-existent as the hair on Matt Reis’ dome. That being said, there should be no rush in using the DPA immediately or irrationally. It should only be used to compliment the product on the field rather than create fodder for the six o’clock news. Let the others use their DPAs in a reactionary manner to appease their respective fans and local media. Kraft Soccer is in the fortunate position of having an informed fan base that won’t berate the front office calling for the immediate signings of Ronaldinho & Co.

Revs Add Three in Supplemental Draft

SuperDraft’s little sister, Supplemental Draft, came out to play via conference call on Thursday, with the Revs selecting three collegiate players amid the fun.

On tap in the first round (12th overall) was goalkeeper Phil Marfuggi out of Clemson. Marfuggi posted a1.29 goals against average in 15 starts for the Tigers in 2006. He was also named a Preseason All-American by Soccer America after a stellar 2005 campaign that included a miniscule 0.85 GAA and 89 saves.

During the second round (25th overall), defender Gary Flood was taken out of Hofstra. The senior captain helped anchor a Pride defense which recorded seven shutouts in 2006, all while playing alongside his younger brother, Chris.

In the third round (38th overall), the club selected Chris Loftus out of Duke. Loftus, a tall (6-5) midfielder/forward, scored five goals and recorded three assists (13 points) for the Blue Devils in 2006.

With one remaining pick left, the Revs appearing to have their fill of up and coming talent, passed on a their fourth round selection.

Kyle Brown Traded to Real Salt Lake

According to SoccerNewEngland.com, the Revolution traded forward Kyle Brown to Real Salt Lake on Friday, in exchange for their first fourth round pick (48th overall) in the 2007 SuperDraft, which they used in order to draft midfielder Adam Cristman.

Brown, the Revs third-round pick in 2006, had seen limited action during his rookie season with the Revs. He appeared in 12 games, starting two, and recorded his first (and only) MLS point, when he assisted on Andy Dorman’s game-tying goal at Chicago on June 11. Brown saw the bulk of his action on the Reserve squad, where played in all 11 reserve team games (all starts) and tallied one goal on the year.

Revs SuperDraft Recap

The New England Revolution played pre-draft poker Friday, dealing a portion of the Clint Dempsey allocation for LA’s fifth overall selection (as well as a conditional second-round pick in ’08) in order to draft Wake Forest midfielder Wells Thompson as their first selection. Less than an hour later, the Revs drafted Santa Clara midfielder/defender Amaechi Igwe with their original twelfth slot selection, giving them two first-round picks this year.

The Revs later completed their slew of picks (overall 23rd, 38th, 48th, and 51st) by adding M Ryan Solle, M Bryan Byrne, F Adam Cristman, and D Kyle Helton, respectively.

Thompson scored seven goals – five of which were game-winners – and three assists during the 2006 campaign. He was the model of durability for Wake as well, starting 24 of a possible 25 games this year. He is the highest SuperDraft selection (5th overall) to come out of Wake Forest.

Igwe, a member of the Under-20 Men’s National Team and Generation adidas as well, scored five goals and chipped in three assists for Santa Clara this year, and started 20 out of a possible 23 games for the Broncos. His contributions helped lead his squad to the West Coast Conference championship this year.

Solle, joined fellow Wake midfielder Thompson in New England after setting the school record for assist in a season (13) in 2005, and finished with 27 career assists, 2nd in school history.

Byrne, co-captain of the 2006 NCAA National Champion UC Santa Barbara squad, scored three goals and added ten assists for the Gauchos in ’06. The speedy Irish midfielder was also a First Team All-Big West choice in 2006.

Cristman scored ten goals and added five helpers in 2006 for Virginia alongside fellow draftee and Coventry, RI, native Nico Colaluca. The Cavalier midfielder finished his collegiate career with 34 goals and 15 assists in four years at Blacksburg.

Helton will join fellow Blue Devil Jay Heaps on the Revs defense in 2007. In 2006, Helton was a member of a superb Duke defending corps that recorded nine shutouts, which helped put Duke at number one in the nation before falling to UCLA in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

Notes:

-With the off season departures of midfielders Clint Dempsey and Jose Cancela, it was quite evident that the Revs took to addressing their immediate needs for this season by drafting four midfielders and a forward.

-A testament to the strength of Atlantic Coast Conference soccer: The first six picks were all culled from the ACC. Additionally, four of the six Revolution picks played in the ACC last year.

-With the additions of Thompson and Solle, the Revs now have four Demon Deacons on their roster, in addition to veterans Michael Parkhurst and James Riley.

-Kudos to ESPN for giving SuperDraft the same feel as their NFL and NBA Draft productions. Included was Eric Wynalda’s “Best Available” list, much like the one assembled by Mel Kiper, Jr., during the NFL Draft.

-ESPN Analyst Rob Stone on Wells Thompson’s selection: “Wow, not many people had Wells Thompson that high on the board. Wow, is that a shocker!” He later gave Nicol & Co. a “free pass” given their overall success in previous drafts.

-With SuperDraft’s Indianapolis, IN locale, there were large numbers of Crew and Fire fans on hand for the festivities.

What Can David Beckham Do For You?

Just as I had shed my final goodbye tears at the departure of our beloved Deuce, I was soon comforted by the arrival of David Beckham to MLS. Now before I dispense with the undeniable comparisons to MLS 2006 and NASL 1975 that will surely be beat to death in the coming weks by different drums, I fully disclose this: I have currently own four Beckham jerseys, all sitting pretty in my closet as you read this. So if you expect a critical essay on the potential negative impact this soccer god’s arrival may bring, you’ve come to the wrong place. Besides, when have you ever known me to be objective?

Understandably, the comparisons from Pele’s arrival in 1975 and Beckham’s approximately 30 years later is one that will surely be analyzed until Becks ultimately retires or moves on to another club after his 5-year, $250 million contract expires. We all know the story: NASL, a fledgling pro soccer outfit during the 1970s, brings in Pele the King. Pele brings unprecedented attention to soccer in the States. NASL thrives off Pele’s popularity (although no franchise ever pulled in a profit, not even the his New York Cosmos). Pele leaves, other stars arrive, fans leave, empty stadiums follow, boom, RIP NASL 1968-1984. She will be missed. MLS learned much from reading NASL’s obituary before undertaking the potential slippery slope that is the Designated Player Rule.

Much to its credit, MLS no doubt carefully calculated the introduction of this very rule (which is colloquially known as the ‘David Beckham Rule’) to perfectly coincide with the megastar’s Real Madrid contract set to expire in less than a year. Timing is everything, you see. After all, how else do you introduce what is essentially a watershed rule if the prime target isn’t immediately available? The MLS knew full well what it was doing when it ingeniuously dangled its supremely tasty bait to catch their 50 pound salmon. It’s almost like watching a police press conference announcing a handsome reward for a fugitive, and minutes later, a local hero brings in the bad guy tied up and accounted for. “Here’s the ‘David Beckham Rule’…and on my left, here’s David Beckham himself!”

Immediately, the one benefit of owning a worldwide media magnet like Becks brings is instant publicity. When was the last time you saw MLS being discussed simultaneuously on CNN, MSNBC, ESPN, FSN, and every other acronymed cable network? Alot people didn’t even know what the LA Galaxy was before today’s announcement. And now? Those same people are talking about MLS! How awesome is that? MLS is now fodder for watercooler talk tomorrow at workplaces across the country, sparked up by lollygaggers and slackers who just know that Becks is gonna make $250 million playing soccer here in the States! It’s almost as if AEG plotted paying him the exhorbitant amount of dough knowing that “Hey let’s make this announcement even more ludicrous by throwing an obscene nine figures into the deal? Now everyone will talk!” (Note: I used the following adjectives in a positive light) Well giddy-up, because the bucking bronco of Becks courtship with MLS just drank twenty gallons of Jolt in a single gulp.

The agreement itself, in terms of athletes’ contracts, now resides in its own stratosphere. Michael Jordan, at his peak, signed yearly, $35 million dollar deals with the Bulls from 1996-1998. Becks stands to make that much in just over half a season. And while MJ had previously starred in Space Jam, Becks had an actual move named after him when Bend it Like Beckham was released in theaters in 2003. It could be argued that MJ may be the most recognizeable athlete in the States; it could also be argued that Becks is the most recognizable athlete in the world. It’s one thing to get David Beckham; it’s another thing to give him a quarter billion dollars and have everyone from temps to bosses to the Roast Beef Guy to the Hot Chick at the Gym (all of whom I’ve talked to regarding the news) about the cash spent on just one athlete. It wasn’t just weird. It was Twilight Zone-Back to the Future-Sliders weird.

As a soccer fan in general, you have to like this. Now everyone who made fun of you for liking soccer and laughed when you called it “football” suddenly wants your at-length opinion about David Beckham and MLS. Today, for the first time ever, I wasn’t the only one talking about reading and talking about soccer at work. Hell, the bloke’s name came up during the course of our damn team meeting! It even prompted The Hot Chick at the Gym to finally talk to me! (Thank you Becks!) People who couldn’t give a crap about soccer suddenly want to know all about it, and I bet those very same people will spend some cash to appease their curiousity. So in light of this promising development, I give AEG, MLS, and Becks himself the wink and smile of approval.

Of course, much remains to be seen regarding the ultimate impact this signing entrenches upon the league in the long run. The Arrival surely opens the olfactory nerves of soccer stars abroad sniffing for cold hard cash in the States. Who these players are at the moment remains to be seen. Nevertheless, you can be rest assured that the general public has now gotten a taste- a tease if you will- of American professional soccer through today’s news, and their accompanying the curiousity factor will surely bring many of them to the gates this year.

Now that you’ve had to endure my incessant ramblings, here’s my conclusion. It goes without saying (which is why I’ll say it) that this is a new day in MLS. This is the “uh oh, the Delorean’s flux capacitor is permanently damaged” kind of deal. There’s just no going back after a deal of this magnitude is reached. To quote the late Steve Ross, the Warner Brothers chairman who spearheaded Pele’s arrival in the States thirty two years ago: “If you’re not a risk-taker, you should get the hell out of business.”

Dempsey’s English Dream Comes True

The Clint Dempsey Transfer Saga reached its finale on Wednesday, as the United Kingdom work permit required for him to play for Fulham FC was finally secured from the British Home Office. With the move now official, the attacking midfielder/forward will soon join fellow American players Carlos Bocanegra and Brian McBride at Craven Cottage. Reports have indicated that Dempsey could be introduced by the English club to the media as early as Thursday, and possibly train with his new club that same day. The reported $4 million transfer fee paid by Fulham for Dempsey’s services is believed to be the highest paid for an MLS player in league history.

Dempsey, whose international profile soared after scoring the only U.S. goal (versus Ghana on June 22) during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, had been seeking a transfer overseas prior to the start of the 2006 MLS season. Dempsey’s return from the World Cup as an American soccer star only made the Nacogdoches, TX native even hungrier for a possible summertime transfer to an English club. While an immediate move overseas never materialized, Dempsey’s offensive prowess helped spark a depleted New England attack down the stretch, and rallied the home side to another Eastern Conference Championship

In his final game for the Revolution, a nicked-up Dempsey came on as a sub during 62nd minute of the 2006 MLS Cup vs. Houston. Despite an injured ankle, which he suffered during the Game 1 semi-final vs. Chicago, he played valiantly, as he tried to spark the Revs offensive attack. Ultimately, he and his compatriots lost in heartbreaking fashion, 4-3, on penalty kicks, as the sun set on Dempsey’s brilliant three year reign in New England.

A fan favorite for his flashy escape from defenders and flamboyant style, which included numerous (and often humorous) goal celebrations, Dempsey also found his fair share of controversy during the span of his MLS career. In 2006, he was suspended for two weeks following a preseason altercation with teammate Joe Franchino and later suspended twice by MLS for on-field incidents vs. Chicago and Kansas City. Despite these episodes, there is no question that the talented “Deuce” will be missed by fans and teammates alike.