Monday, November 23, 2009

MLS Cup etc.

We are back from the USL meetings in Tampa - it was interesting to say the least. It's difficult for me, being on the inside but knowing how much all the fans of the various teams want to know what is going on. I have no intention of adding to the rumours and speculation and will wait until there is something tangible before committing it to print.

It was also an interesting weekend for soccer in general - the MLS Cup was won by the 'underdogs' Real Salt Lake. Despite the presence of Beckham and Donovan (who blasted his penalty kick over the bar) it was Beckerman and his team mates who played with more heart and determination. It was reported that the game was being shown in 123 different countries - great news for the game here in the USA.

Those of you who had Defoe in your Fantasy League team had a stellar weekend - 5 goals in one game in an English Premiership game - quite an achievement. Defoe ties with Andy Cole who scored 5 playing for Manchester United in a 9-0 victory over Luton Town in 1995. That's not the record though - Arsenal's Ted Drake scored all seven goals in a 7-1 win over Aston Villa in 1937. The record for most goals scored in the English FA Cup goes to Ted McDougall - he scored nine goals in an 11-0 win over Margate in 1971.

Alex Tapp and I attended a career fair at Galindo Elementary School this morning. The kids asked some great questions but were most fascinated to hear about the ice baths the players take after training. It was one of those 'don't try this at home kids' moments!

Look out for the Colombia story on the website soon.

Kay

Monday, November 16, 2009

I don't know if you've been following the MLS Cup but personally, I'm glad to see the so-called 'Cinderella' team, Real Salt Lake making it to the final. Not least because two of their players have pulled on Aztex jerseys this season and done very well for us. On that note, here is THAT goal again! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xpAuGXWIeI We have also supported RSL player Andy Williams in a bone marrow drive - his wife Marcia has a rare form of leukemia. There will no doubt be international interest in the game due to the presence of a certain Galaxy player who was probably glad to miss England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil in Doha. Not digging the haircut by the way.
Catch the game on Sunday November 22nd, 8.30 pm. http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2009/

Phil and Adrian are currently in Colombia - more on that when they return - and they will then travel to Tampa for the USL AGM starting on Thursday. As well as the new owners of the league and USL team delegates, strategic partner Beswicks Sports, a leading European sports management and law firm, is leading a diversified group of foreign organizations who are interested in US soccer. Representatives from Burnley FC, Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC. The diverse group of attendees will also include a Portuguese agent, Tony Araujo and Mexican entrepreneurs Rodrigo Suarez and Eduardo Salamonovitz who are representing a group of Mexican investors who are interested in launching a club with United Soccer Leagues. I'm looking forward to a lively and interesting conference!

Kay


Friday, November 6, 2009

USL news

The messageboards and blogs have been working overtime in the last week debating and reporting any snippets about the USL and TOA situation. Whilst the meeting in Portland did not address the TOA matter directly, it was a very positive meeting with many new initiatives. Ironically some of them are the very issues the TOA claimed to be at odds with the USL management. I'm not going to speculate on what will happen next - it's too busy here at the office preparing for next season.

We've also been busy decorating the office - we have accumulated quite a few jerseys and scarves over the season and we finally got round to putting them up. We also have an amazing wooden Aztec calendar that has pride of place at the front of the office. Visitors are welcome!




Last night's MLS playoff game between Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew was full of action and, to be honest, some woeful goalkeeping. It was great to see Jean Alexandre get into the action. He had a great England trip and was indispensable as a translator for Ednerson and Vaniel. Speaking of, Adrian has been on a trip to Haiti (more on the website) and was in a car on the way back from a game when he saw an Aztex sticker in the back of a car - it turned out to be Ednerson!

Phil and Adrian are also taking a side trip to South America on the way to the USL AGM in Tampa on 19th November.

Finally, we welcome Djorn to the office on Monday - he's keen and ready to take up his duties.

Kay