Carlos Tevez Transferred to Local Rivals Manchester City

By Aditi | July 20, 2009 4:24 pm |
Categories:
Premiership,Site News

carloz tevez

Carlos Tevez became the fourth signing of Manchester city in the summer 2009 transfer window after the completion of the transfer of the former Man U striker last Tuesday. The Argentina striker had a two year stint with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side prior to joining their local rivals. Carlos Tevez has played forward for Corinthians West Ham and Boca Juniors. The deal is worth £25.5 which the Manchester City has reportedly paid to the advisors of Tevez who own his economic rights.

At the press conference on Tuesday where the Manchester city manger Mark Hughes was also present, Tevez admitted that he was very happy to join Manchester City as the club has the ambition to be one of the biggest clubs in the world. Tevez also expressed his excitement about working with the City manger mark Hughes and hoped to build a good relationship with him.

Continue reading Carlos Tevez Transferred to Local Rivals Manchester City

Michael Owen fit to play

By Aditi | July 9, 2009 6:52 pm |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central

michael owen

According to the opinion of the personal medical advisor of Michael Owen, the striker is all set to make a comeback on the World stage. This is wonderful news for all the fans and for Sir Alex Ferguson as well.

Manchester United has signed the star on a two-year deal. However, if John Green is to be believed Owen has become much fitter by undertaking his programmes. He said that the striker’s medical issues had more to do with the lack of proper advice rather than him being susceptible to injuries.

Continue reading Michael Owen fit to play

Ronaldo Warned By Greats

By Jason | July 13, 2008 2:13 am |
Categories:
Rumors,Site News,Soccer Central

Both Pele and Gordon Banks passed out their warnings to Cristiano Ronaldo about a premature Man U departure. Both have stated, he needs to honor his end of the contract that has four years left on it. He is now 22, when his contract ends with Man U he will be 26. My personal take on this situation is that he does need to heed the advice of two of the best players in soccer/ football history. At the same time, it is his decision to make. Pele and Banks have a point but at the same time he, Madrid, and Man U have already made this a big deal. Will his teammates accept him although his thoughts lie elsewhere?


Other News

  • Brad Guzan and Aston Villa have agreed to the fee that it will take to send him from the States to England. Guzan is a good keeper and I think he will thrive in a more competitive environment. English Soccer could possibly shape the 23 year old into America’s next number 1.
  • Although Barca failed at landing Arshavin, he apparently has his eyes set on Arsenal.
  • Frank Lampard‘s potential move to play for the Inter side is all up to him now and it is completely his decision.
  • With the completion of the Nasri signing, the Gunners are looking to complete the deal with Barca to move the unsettled Hleb.
  • Former Barcelona player, Deco, has moved on to Chelsea to join former Portugal manager Luis Scolari. He moves into a rather deep midfield as they already have the likes of Joe Cole, John Obi Mikel, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Florent Malouda, Claude Makelele, and Frank Lampard.

Corrections

  • After Brazil confirmed that Ronaldinho would be joining a very young Brazilian Olympic team in the Beijing Games, the FIFA has denied him. While it would have been fun to watch an Olympics with Ronaldinho on the field, Brazil has enough young players to take his place. He would have only over-shadowed somebody else’s opportunity to shine.
  • Although the source from AC Milan believes that they can acquire Ronaldinho if a move is to occur. The key phrase there is: if he moves. Amidst all the speculations and rumors, Barca may decide to keep ‘dinho after all.

American Leagues Breakdown

By Jason | May 2, 2008 2:35 am |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central,Soccer Tips

I look at how far the MLS has come in a matter of years. When I first started getting into soccer, about 5 years ago, American soccer was a joke. We had decent clubs but the MLS was constantly mocked for having very poor play, talent, and matches that most people wrote the league off in general.

In retrospect, I should have done a lot more research or reading. American Soccer is actually very big now and has many different leagues for going pro. However many people will tell you that some of these leagues can not even be considered “semi-pro”. Take everything that I say and others say with a grain of salt.

The First breakdown I would like to do is the MLS. I think we are starting to see a better MLS. They are claiming that they will have 18 teams by 2012. We shall all wait and see. It was a little disheartening to see 2 of our teams lose to Pachuca and Saprissa recently, however if you never fail, you will never learn. So the Dyanmo and D.C. United should look to improve next time they are in international competition.

Overall:

-I would like to see more Youth Academies from all the teams. I have heard the Chicago Fire are in the process of making one in Chicago. While I do support the Sockers and various other “L” Train teams, Academies will produce more than club academy teams.

-Another thing, while exporting players to bigger and stronger leagues is a good thing, if you look at Mexican Soccer, a lot of good players are staying. This gives their league a lot of strength. For instance, Guillermo Ochoa, Oswaldo Sanchez, and many many others are some examples of this. However, Ochoa stay has a lot of time to decide what to do concerning this topic.

The USL: Besides the A-League or Division 1, I know very little about the other competitions. I think this league is a good league however for one thing. Although the USL is lower than the MLS, I love the structure. Take a look: USL first division(11 teams), USL second division(10 teams), Premier Development League (67 teams), and finally the Super-Y League(approximately 700 teams). So having said all this, a good league with good structure will produce good clubs. I think the players get noticed a lot better and from that receive more opportunities.

MISL: Think mini-MLS but for indoor soccer. I like this league, for one thing, it is a different game indoor wise. For one thing, Goalies have to live with giving up double digit goals a game. Another thing that I love is that there are a lot of teams and they even have an established minor league playing league. I like this due to my love of developing players from within.

NPSL: The National Premier Soccer League is a break off of the USL Division 3 pro league. Teams come and go from this league and it is to be honest, semi-pro. It is very established and I look forward to watching these guys compete.

USASA: There are a number of good amateur adult teams in USASA. Look at Hollywood United.

Robinho Situation

By Jason | April 23, 2008 7:55 am |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central,Soccer Tips,Transfer Central

Recently I was combing through my email when Soccer America, put out an article concerning Brazilian striker, Robinho.

As some of you may know, I put out an article myself about one of his National Team Teammates, Ronaldinho. It seems both ‘Inhos, have fallen out of favor with their respective clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid-how ironic. Both rivals, are sure to be losing key players if they so choose to let go both guys.

Furthermore, the Robinho situation is quite interesting. He has been benched by Bernd Schuster, the Madrid boss. Supposedly Robinho has ditched training sessions rather sneakingly which has not impressed his coach either. He has taken a rather nice liking to jumping out of a dressing room window during training sessions while avoiding the team, the press, and of course Schuster himself.

The general consensus is that Manchester City, who has been in the market for sometime for a big name, is interested. Also, Manchester City has been included in the discussion for Ronaldinho’s services if they become available.

We shall watch these situations very closely to see what ends up happening. By the way, Robinho was the proposed front-runner for the FIFA World Player of the Year award but has fallen out of this race due to these occurrences.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

By Jason | April 12, 2008 2:14 am |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central,Soccer Tips

Since the early days to the present day, internationals alike have been trying to jump start American Soccer. We see it from Beckham to Pele, East Coast to West Coast. However with all this hype and rising talent, where does the player that used to be good, go?

I have been honestly thinking about this for quite some time. So what does a player do if he truly can not make an MLS squad or even get a look?

Internal Options:

  1. The United Soccer Leagues or USL, offers just about the same thing that the U.S. does without the money and obvious fame. They are also considered “semi-pro” however the Seattle Sounders will reach the MLS by 2009. The USL also has 2 divisions plus the Premier Development League which is generally geared towards developing College athletes.
  2. The next step down from this would have to be the Major Indoor Soccer League or MISL. These players make significantly less money however they are still professional. Something that someone just looking to play or get noticed might consider doing. The MISL however is not as popular.
  3. The National Premier Soccer League or NPSL, is truly semi-pro. As a matter of fact I do not believe any of these teams actually pay their players to play. I think some travel expenses are paid for and pretty sure equipment is taken care of as well.
  4. United States Adult Soccer Association: (USASA) This is to be honest, amateur level. There is no professional or even semi-pro status tag that is tied to this level of competition. Here you will see the little pub team to Hollywood United–an adult amateur club team that is known to have Alexei Lalas on its side from time to time. If a player were to go this route, I would strongly advise picking a team that competes in a strong league year to year, plays regular and many friendly matches against the senior USL, PDL, or NPSL teams, and always enters into the U.S. Open Cup…this is the least that you want from this type of team.

When all else fails, go international:

If everything else has failed you, and the U.S. simply isn’t your fit or place, look either North or South.

North: Canada has many different teams and leagues that are separate from the USL and NPSL. The CSL would have to be considered the strongest league outside of USL play. The Canadian Soccer League has many good teams as well as opportunities. Look here first.

The next level would have to be the Pacific Coast Soccer League, however it is relatively small. The league consists of teams that are all on the Pacific Coast of Canada and the level varies. Some teams do host top USL players during the USL off-season.

Right near the bottom comes the Canada Indoor Soccer League or CMISL. It is probably comparable to the level of the MISL here in the States, however we would probably consider it a lower league.

South: Mexico, Caribbean, and Latin America as well as Central.

Mexico: This country has a lot of opportunities, however if you do not speak Spanish, I do not know how you will even get a try-out. If you can not make the MLS, then forget about the top league. I would take a strong look at one of the lower level teams or even semi-pro down there.

Caribbean: I have heard most of the Caribbean is not very strong and as a matter of fact I bet one who would be willing to nationalize himself would have a decent shot at making the National team of one of these island nations.

Latin America: Latin America has its share of good playing countries and their respective pro leagues. Obviously, one who does not make the MLS will have an issue making say the Brazilian league team or Argentinian. The level of play is generally strong in Latin America because creativity, ball handling, and speed is a mere “given”.

Central America: Many of these nations will have spots open surely for players that are decently good.

Next: We shall take a look at English Soccer Opportunities!

My analysis of U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices For Coaching

By Jason | March 6, 2008 7:13 am |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central,Soccer Tips

I recently took a look at the United States Soccer Federation’s guide for better coaching practices. I was impressed about this free compilation of very good information into a 70 page or so guidebook. Honestly, it does have very good tips for coaching and how to develop youth soccer players.

My two main concerns or problems with this guide are as follows:

1. The guidebook is great and all however my position(Goalkeeper) is shunned from overall selection until the U-12 to U-14 age. I don’t know about this proclamation. They say that a goalkeeper should not be selected until around that age. While many famous goalkeepers from Brazil and many other countries were first strikers then keepers…it just kills me. I think 8-10 is a good age. It gives 10-8 years to develop into a keeper and learn the role, position, and pretty much gives the most experience required.

-Most keepers like myself until my injury are frantic to find playing time because I was a late bloomer(15-16 when I became a keeper) but others started at the suggested age and we are frantic for playing time. That is what makes us better and what makes us feel comfortable in an already difficult position. The more seasoning and aging on something can only improve it, not hurt it.

-They do have 1 single point that I like in a little bit of a way. Goalkeeper can be very demanding. For example, after a tough loss to a very good team, I found myself driving home crying and wanting to quit soccer altogether because I thought I wasn’t good enough. Keeper burnout could occur, however with the right training and constant match-play every mistake could be forgotten or never occur in the first place.

-Last thing: It takes a long time to develop the type of leadership that you need to be a keeper. If you truly know the position, 5-10 years at one position will give you that, then you will be a good on-field leader and defense controller.

2. The guidebook suggests that a player only train a certain amount of days with enough time to rest 3 days in a week. It also says a player should never play more than 160 minutes in a 72 hour period w/o a day of rest. I have a definite problem here. Take my next words with a grain of salt. Pros train 3-4x per day. Thats on a single day with probably a 2-3 hour session. How can we get players to go a total of their suggested 4 days of training=4 training sessions if they need to work up to the level of 15-20 sessions per week…maybe even more. Talk about burnout.

Successful Americans Abroad: Field Players

By Jason | February 27, 2008 6:04 am |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central,Soccer Tips

I recently thought about all the Americans abroad per say, Europe, South America, or any other league that is better than the MLS. To clarify 1 thing, I am not a MLS basher, but the level of soccer is different here than else where. Here is a list of American field players who have seemed to have found success abroad:

Here are 4 players who are successful in my mind as for field players-this is however “now” not then or has ever been:

  • Clint Dempsey: The Revolution and US MNT star has found a home in the premiership with Fulham. An interesting story if one is ever so fortunate as to read it, his Mom drove him 2 hours one way just to get to a better club team than the one in his home town.
  • Freddy Adu: The 15 year old that we all heard sooo much about transferred to Benfica in Portugal to experience European soccer for himself. His story is yet to begin as we will watch what he does with his opportunities in Europe.
  • DaMarcus Beasley: Many people love him for his speed and many talents however Manchester City thought different–no not that he didn’t have talent-just he wasn’t right for them right now…interesting. Watch him with Rangers.
  • Sal Zizzo: A former UCLA player that jumped from college to the Bundesliga, Zizzo definitely has attracted the attention of many people other than those in the MLS. This will be an interesting story to follow as he avoided the MLS for some reason and made the jump directly to Europe. This is also interesting because he is a production of the next generation’s youth soccer programs, academies, camps etc. etc. He currently plays for Hannover 96.

All these players are young, full of talent, and ready to test the waters abroad. Keep up with all of them as surely some will shine, flourish, or fade away. View all of the “Yanks Abroad“.

The State of American Soccer

By Jason | January 31, 2008 5:23 am |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central,Soccer Tips

The state of American soccer is not in shambles but its not the spotlight of soccer. For instance, people all over the world do not turn to American soccer each and everyday. As a matter of fact, most Americans turn to the English Premier, German Bundesliga, Spanish Primera…the list goes on and on. I personally tune into the Italian League and Mexican league as much as possible.

But lets take a wonder at why American soccer is so, lets say, middle pecking – like luke warm.

American View:

  • Soccer is below Baseball, Football, Basketball
  • Soccer is considered Latino in Pop culture American Views
  • Soccer is new to America, we like things we made.

That is what Americans will tell you. But what is the real reason?:

  • American Soccer does not have Academy Teams
  • American Education systems limit soccer time
  • When the average MLS player makes 10,000 Grand a year, that can’t be that inspiring.

A true Academy team allows players to develop underneath professional coaches and their guidance. While there are a handful of good amateur coaches, pro coaches are surely better. Also, these players will play other academy teams where they will be constantly competing with one another, playing with and against the cream of the crop, and develop with a strong soccer environment.

My Tips for American Soccer:

  1. Obviously we need to start Academies – even if they are only Summer Academies.
  2. The Olympic Development Program is great, but we could step this up.
  3. Academys would be able to find and sign the world’s talent.
  4. Talent will not be lost – it will be found early on and honed to its max level.
  5. If anything, build more soccer schools in the U.S.

I have high hopes for the U.S. but we just need to start somewhere. Now is the time. This is the type of stuff I hope “Project 2010″ is discussing. If not, that committee is useless, do they really expect to win the World Cup??

~Jason

Schedule: Coming Up 1/30/08

By Jason | January 30, 2008 11:05 pm |
Categories:
Site News,Soccer Central

English Premier League:

19:45 Liverpool vs. West Ham

20:00 Man U vs. Portsmouth

Serie A

19:30 Reggina vs. Milan

African Cup

17:00 Egypt vs. Sambia

17:00 Cameroon vs. Sudan

Copa Del Rey

19:45 Atletico Madrid vs. Valencia

20:00 Getafe vs. Mallorca

Copa Del Rey

Coppa Italia

14:00 Catania vs. Udinese

16:45 Fiorentina vs. Lazio
20:00 Juventus vs. Internazionale


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