While we would not expect this to make international headlines as the “mega-transfer” of the summer, it is curious that even MLS has kept such a low profile in promoting the signing.

Read more…

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But it’s not that simple.

First up at the Nou Camp…

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We’re talking about Liverpool, right?

Actually no.  It’s the boys from Old Trafford.

Read more…

Tour #1) In 1999, Donovan joins Bayer Leverkusen at the ripe age of 17, turning down training offers from Manchester United and Arsenal. After two years, with a hard case of homesickness and no senior Team appearances, Donovan negotiates a loan to MLS’s San Jose club where he leads the side to two MLS Championships in four years, scoring 32 goals. In 2002, Donovan inspires the US Squad into the World Cup Quarterfinals with a second half goal against arch-rivals Mexico.

Tour #2) Given his success for both club and country, Leverkusen calls Donovan back to Germany in 2005. After only seven appearances and two starts in the Bundesliga, Landon negotiates a return to MLS to join LA Galaxy, his hometown club. Many speculate his budding relationship with future wife and little known US soap opera actress Bianca Kajlich (who?) plays a major role in his decision to return home to LA.

Tour #3) Bayern Munich Manager Jurgen Klinsmann brings Donovan back to Germany to train with the club in November 2008. Signed to a short-term loan, Donovan is unable to settle and plays second fiddle to established stars Miroslav Klose, Luca Toni, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Lukas Podolski. Hoping to have signed permanently with Munich, Donovan is forced to return to L.A. and and face friendly foe David Beckham for the start of the 2009 MLS season.

So can the US Golden Boy make good at Everton? >>

But what do we know about these two shifty characters: Formerly owners of Birmingham City, they have a few bob, but surely not in the oligarch category… maybe an East End oligarch?  David Sullivan and former Birmingham City chief exec Karren Brady were not so long ago arrested by the police in connection with untoward activity on transfers but we understand those charges have been withdrawn. David Gold is of Ann Summers fame and Gold and Sullivan have made money in the not-quite-porno mag business.

To be fair Gold and Sullivan do boast top flight football experience having witnessed Birmingham yo-yo back and forth between the Championship and the Premier League for the best part of the decade.

Assuming Gold and Sullivan pass the Premier League’s ‘fit and proper’ test (which we don’t see being a problem if the new owners of Portsmouth squeezed by), they’ll be working their magic in London’s East End in the very near future.

And, of course, like Mike Ashley who was a lifetime fan of Villa, whoops I mean, Newcastle – we assume the first thing Gold and Sullivan will tell us is that they have supported Birmingham City, whoops, West Ham - since they were wee lads.

Will claret and blue 'suit' Gold and Sullivan?

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Mark Solomon in West Orange, New Jersey for submitting this article.

Sony Ericsson FIFA World Cup Flag Bearer competition

This was a disappointing result, not only for the Galaxy, but also for MLS officials who undoubtedly wanted photos of Beckham hoisting the MLS Cup to be beamed around the world. At 34-years old, Beckham made a valiant effort to even stay on the field for 120 minutes considering he had received 3 pain injections to his injured foot before the match. Becks revealed afterwards that the medication wore off in the 50th minute explaining an apparent limp that become more pronounced as the match wore on. And who knew Goldenballs had a asthma? Cameras caught Beckham frantically huffing on his inhaler prior to extra time. But don’t worry England and Galaxy fans, Becks and his red inhaler are in good company as the likes of Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes suffer from the breathing disorder.

Becks sneaks a puff in front of the cameras

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

Sunday night’s MLS Cup Final is set with an unheralded Real Salt Lake squad squaring off against the LA Galaxy, David Beckham and his ever-growing collection of tattoos. LA overcame crosstown rivals Chivas USA in the quarterfinals. A spectacular one-touch cross from Beckham to a streaking Landon Donovan sparked the attack that resulted in the game-winning penalty kick. The diagonal cross from midfield was a thing of beauty, as Beckham sent a slicing ball with his right foot 50-60 yards to the feet of the charging LA captain at the edge of the box. While Beckham’s performances on the whole have been relatively pedestrian, this move was a subtle reminder that Becks still possesses certain skills no one in MLS can equal. LA then knocked off a strong Houston Dynamo squad, led by US national team regulars Brian Ching and Stuart Holden, to reach the final.

Real Salt Lake spoiled MLS front office dreams of an LA-Chicago final by beating the Fire on penalties. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando made three sterling saves, all to his left side, to help Salt Lake reach its first ever final. Undoubtedly, the League would have preferred the Fire, led by Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride. This would have pitted MLS‘ two most popular and controversial international stars against one another, not to mention the current and former Golden Boys of American soccer: Donovan and McBride. But alas, MLS executives must do their best to promote a match between the Galaxy and a Real Salt Lake outfit best known for its ridiculous name and for selling Freddy Adu to Benfica. No doubt they’ll also focus their television cameras on Salt Lake’s  two biggest stars, US national team fringe players Robbie Findley and Kyle Beckerman, who sports dreadlocks that would make Bob Marley proud (”Yeah mon!”).

So who will win...Tattoos or Dreads?!

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

Midfield Mastery

Buffon’s health and the defensive situation notwithstanding, Italy’s midfield is critical to its success. The team’s arguably best two players are midfielders who are currently in their prime: Roma’s Daniele De Rossi and Milan’s Andrea Pirlo. Boasting two distinct and complementary sets of skills – namely the strength and tenacity of De Rossi and the grace and creativity of Pirlo – these two stars provide Italy with one of the best midfield cores in the world. (Spain and England should be included in the discussion too, but let’s save that debate for another time). Throw in the locomotive engine that is Mauro Camoranesi of Juve and you have quite a superb triumvirate if you are going 4-3-3.  For a 4-4-2, Liverpool’s Aquilani, a talismanic though likely past-his-prime Gattuso, or any of several other up-and-coming midfielders would work.  The bottom line: The midfield is Italy’s most reliable asset and the Azzurri will go as their midfielders go.

Offensive Overture

The loudest debate in the Italy press revolves around the inclusion of Antonio Cassano – and to a lesser extent, Francesco Totti - in the squad.  Coach Marcelo Lippi has thus far resisted calling up the Sampdoria (and former Roma and Real Madrid) starlet, relying instead on his favourites Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta. Lippi has also used Antonio DiNatale and Fabio Quagliarella, as well as Giuseppe Rossi, to varying degrees of success. In the end, none of these strikers has proven consistent enough to guarantee a starting spot, so Lippi might be well-advised to play together Totti, Cassano, and Rossi, thus combining the veteran leadership and skill of Totti (who continues to perform as one of Europe’s leading scorers), the current form of the man in his prime of Cassano, and the new blood of the capable youngster Rossi. Doing so would allow the coach to inject a bit of new energy into an offense that surely needs it – but without destroying the team’s foundation that won the World Cup 4 years back.

In the end, I expect Italy to offer the right blend of the old guard and new blood and provide a respectable showing next year, advancing past the group stage but succumbing 1-0 on a penalty or freak goal before the semi-finals. Who will make the semi-finals in Italy’s place? As of today, I see Ghana, Germany, Brazil, and England, the last of whom I predict will win their first World Cup in 44 years by utilizing the same veteran-based approach used by Italy in 2006.

Will De Rossi and Totti be kissing again in South Africa?

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Check out the first installment of this post: Italy’s World Cup Hopes Begin At The Back

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Jerry Russo from NYC for submitting this article.

As such, let me say that I do believe the defending world champions of Italy have the talent to win the World Cup again (and certainly as compared to other teams.) However, I don’t think Lippi’s squad will do so given two key historical facts:

First, it is very difficult to repeat, especially in the current era. Italy accomplished the feat in ‘34 and ‘38, while Brazil repeated in ‘58 and ‘62, but no one has achieved it since. Second, Italy has never won a World Cup outside of Europe - although it did reach the final in Mexico in ‘70 and the U.S. ‘94, only to lose to Brazil on both occasions.

That being said, the Azzurris‘ success will hinge on four factors.

Buffon’s Health

While Fabio Cannavaro undoubtedly led Italy to glory in 2006 through his skill and leadership on the field, let’s not forget that goalkeeper Gigi Buffon allowed only two balls past him during the whole tournament: an own goal off Christian Zaccardo in the group stage against the U.S. and a penalty kick that barely crossed the goal line in the final against France.

Buffon was an impenetrable fortress during the 2006 tournament – as he has been for 99% of his career.  But in 2010 he will be four years older (yes, I understand that Dino Zoff was 40 in ‘82) and more importantly, he has accumulated several injuries since ‘06. That includes a knee injury that will require surgery at the end of this calendar year, the recovery from which no doubt will extend into the early spring of next year.  Should Buffon not be at the top of his game health-wise, Italy will have to rely on its defenders even more so than it did in Germany.

Defensive Dominance

Italy ’s defence was just magnificent in 2006. Fans knew that if the team could not score a goal until injury time or extra time, its defence would no doubt hold the line and not allow opponents to score either. Today, while still one of the best defensive units in the world, Italy’s back four cannot realistically be expected to be so frugal. Cannavaro is older; Zambrotta is not the same player he was in Germany; Grosso cannot be expected to re-create the clutch magic he provided in 2006; and Materazzi is gone.

Giorgio Chiellini’s arrival helps immensely (he will be a force for years to come and likely be better than Materazzi.) And if Cannavaro is half the player he was in 2006, then the Italians should be alright in the middle defensively. But then what?  Inter Milan’s Davide Santon shows much promise and likely will join Chiellini as the wave of the future. But he may be too inexperienced to provide a real impact next year. While it helps that three of Italy’s four defensive starters, and the keeper, all play for the same club, Juventus (Zambrotta is the lone player out at Milan), a lot of questions asked during last summer’s Confederations Cup remain unanswered, especially when considered alongside Buffon’s health.

Whisper it, Buffon and Cannavaro hold the key for Italy

Check out tomorrow’s installment for the third and fourth factors that will be crucial to Italy’s success in South Africa.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Jerry Russo from NYC for submitting this article.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In case you haven’t been following Becks in the US… The Galaxy has been a laughing stock ever since Beckham’s arrival in the States two summers ago. They showed signs of life during the early part of last season but things quickly took a turn for the worse. Half-assed training methods, ineffective player acquisitions, and rumors of player unrest soon affected team performances. Ruud Gullit was replaced by Bruce Arena, and the former US National Team manager took on the unenviable task of stopping the rot.

Arena promptly revamped the roster calling in some “old reliables” (we stress the word “old”) from those 1999-2006 National Team days. To shore up LA’s leaky defense, Arena convinced Eddie Lewis to return from England, and Gregg Berhalter to quit Germany. Racking up 4 wins, 1 loss and 2 draws since Becks’ return, the club is this season poised to compete for the title. While the former Man U and Real man has hardly been the star of the show, Saturday night’s strike is a promising first step toward redemption.

Beckham bounces back into favour

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

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Related articles:

Beckham Can’t Catch a Break

An L.A. Story

Will David Beckham return to the MLS?

David Robert Joseph Beckham: A tribute

Club: Liverpool. (Signed from Roma for a reported £20 million.)

Age: 25

Upside: A lot of potential.  At 25, Aquilani is only just entering his prime.  The attacking midfielder brings a lot of weapons to Anfield – with his ability to score from long range, carve dangerous runs in the box, and keep the play moving forward.  If Aquilani manages to deflect some of the opposing team’s focus away from Steven Gerard and Fernando Torres, then you could argue he’s an upgrade over Alonso.

Downside: A lot of potential.  Fans in Rome and Italy have been eagerly waiting for Aquilani’s breakout season, but he has yet to turn the occasional flashes of brilliance into sustained excellence.  The Anfield faithful might not be so patient.  Injury has cut into his playing time, but he still has managed to play in at least 20 games a year since 2004, only scoring at most six goals in one season.

Pedigree:  Young Alberto came through the youth ranks of Roma, preferring to stick with his home club even when teams like Arsenal and Chelsea made inquiries about the player.  It was a smart decision, as Aquilani was able to learn at the feet of Italian maestro Francesco Totti.  But not only has Aquilani played with the best, he’s also played against the best, as Roma have featured prominently in the Champions League over the past several seasons.

International Career: Aquilani boasts double-digit call-ups to the Azzurri, and is expected to feature significantly during their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Alberto Aquilani - To finally spread his wings at Anfield?

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The other Premiership New Boys:

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

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Graham Alexander

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Gabriel Obertan

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Christian Benitez

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Jerry Russo from NYC for submitting this article.

We fully expect Beckham to take up the challenge in the future. However, we also predict he will leave the show in the middle of the taping, fly to Milan for a Dolce & Gabbana photo shoot and declare, “I have to stay in top modeling form ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London. I’m committed to the Shaq project, but right now, for my country, I need to be with D&G.” Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan will then publicly rebuke Beckham’s leadership and lack of commitment to American pop culture.

The USA has produced some world-class keepers in recent years: Tim Howard, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller come to mind. But who knows?  With the wingspan of a small jetliner and hands as big as oven mitts, 37-year-old basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal could end up being the best of the bunch.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

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Related articles:

An L.A. Story

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David Robert Joseph Beckham: A tribute

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JT spent the last few weeks confirming that Chelsea still had ambitions. He found out they do; so he’s pledged his future to the club and assumedly a new contract will follow.

But c’mon John. This wasn’t about ambition. This was about money. Man City turned your head; fair enough but don’t deny it. Most Chelsea fans are fed up with you and your badge hugging; the talk around Fulham Broadway in the last few weeks has been along the lines of “let him go and good riddance”. A Chelsea fan in New York suggested that you just be honest with the supporters and you’d be better off. You could’ve said the following:

“I love football and I love Chelsea. But I love my family (and myself) more. I have to make sure the family is financially secure.

When Mark Hughes came calling I had to consider the Man City project in light of my long term financial security. I talked to Chelsea and they are going to throw a few more quid in the pot to make me say no to Man City.

I am sorry if the fans are unhappy with me but I hope that when they see my performance on the pitch this season they will forgive me for doing what I had to do to get more money from Chelsea.”

Transparent. Honest. Clear.

Unfortunately it’s a statement we will never see.

Just so we're all clear, I stayed for the money.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Mark Solomon, a Chelsea fan in West Orange, NJ, for submitting this article.

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Related posts:

Terry Speaks: City Weeps

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Terry and the Untouchables

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Five Reasons Why Terry Should Leave…

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Netting 24 Premier League goals in the 2007-2008 season, Adebayor helped maintain Arsenal’s position within the top four and cement a Champions League birth. His displays that season attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including AC Milan whose rumoured interest dragged through the summer.

To the relief of the fans, the Togolese striker remained at the Emirates supposedly desperate to win silverware and continue on the road to stardom. But his attitude had changed. His head had been turned – and it showed in his performances. He wanted a new challenge and a higher salary. Step forward Man City. The Premier League’s nouveau riche swept in to snatch the striker’s signature from beneath the likes of AC and Chelsea. While his attitude and demeanour are better off elsewhere, the power, skill and general swagger that he brought to the side will be sorely missed and leaves Arsene Wenger with a glaring hole in attack.

We certainly won't miss the man-bags

Every season, a section of fans accuse Wenger of turning Arsenal into a feeder club for Europe’s richer, ‘bigger’ and more successful sides. And there’s some truth to the argument. Every season, one of Arsenal’s best players is allowed to leave and rarely is his loss replaced. In recent memory, Emmanuel Petit signing for Barcelona in 2001, signalled the first major player to exit North London under Wenger’s tutelage. But it wasn’t until Patrick Viera was sold to Juventus in 2005 that the adverse effects of growing youth and selling stars were felt. In Viera, Arsenal lost arguably one of the best players to ever play in the red and white; a leader on and off the pitch captaining the side during their historic unbeaten season. The Viera loss has been the one Arsenal fans and players regret the most. Trophy-less since his departure, Viera’s impact was never adequately replaced by Wenger. But it’s not just the lack of silverware that bites deep. Viera’s move sparked an ethos that three years on has clearly proven unsuccessful. Every summer, a few good men leave and worryingly, fewer arrive. Following on the heels of the Frenchman’s exodus saw Arsenal lose Freddie Ljunberg to West Ham, Ashley Cole to Chelsea, Sol Campbell to Portsmouth, Robert Pires to Villarreal, Matthieu Flamini to AC Milan, Alexander Hleb to Barcelona and most notably, for a bargain price, one of the Premiership’s best ever players, Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

While several transfer windows have come and gone with Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool nicking all the goodies, critical positions left vacant by the departed have yet to be filled. Wenger’s transfer policy is questionable. His ethos has been to encourage the promotion of kids through the youth scheme and hope they return faith by displaying maturity beyond their years.

Arsenal kids look around for leadership

Ending with a few words on Adebayor’s defection. Can Wenger honestly sit back and hedge his bets on Robin Van Persie, Eduardo and the young Carlos Vela filling the void? Many fans are happy to see the back of the lazy, petulant and negative aspects of Adebayor’s game, but will they feel that way if goals start to dry up, so much so that we drop from fourth place, possibly seeing a rejuvenated Man City leapfrog our achievements with the help of the very player we sold?

With only a year left on Wenger’s contract time is quickly running out for both the players…and the fans. We expect Arsenal to win trophies, full stop. The Arsenal hierarchy need to revise their strategy and start signing thoroughbreds to fill the obvious holes we have in defence, midfield and now attack. Dare I say, in one fan’s opinion, it may be approaching the right time for Wenger to pack his bags.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank A.M. Dupee, an Arsenal fan in London, for submitting this article.

While these negative factors may resurface again, especially the whispers concerning the club’s ownership, Spalletti and his men no doubt head into this season hoping to prove that last year was just an aberration. This summer has seen Juventus beef up their squad and Inter hold onto their integral players. Roma meanwhile have quietly built a team that is once again capable of competing with the best.

Spalletti celebrates the prospect of another season on the Roma touchline

Let’s take a closer look at their preferred line-up:

Goalkeeper: Doni. Not the best keeper to ever come out of Brazil, but he has played for the national team as recently as April.

Defenders: Juan and Motta boast 74 Brazilian caps between them, albeit most of them Juan’s. Riise proved one of the best attacking left-backs in the world whilst at Liverpool and Mexes, another accomplished defender from the Auxerre production line, fills the fourth spot. Overall, it’s not the scariest defense in Europe, but it’s undoubtedly serviceable.

Midfielders: Roma’s strongest line on the field with World Cup winner Perrotta, national team star Aquilani and arguably Italy ’s current best player DeRossi.

Strikers: Vucinic, a reported target of United, partners the experienced Brazilian goal-grabber Baptista, with Totti, still a world class talent when in the mood, hovering just behind.

Substitutes: Calling on the likes of Cicinho, Brighi, and Menez is a plus. More importantly is the sight of the now committed Spalletti directing play from dugout.

Prognosis: Look out Inter. Roma is capable of playing a dynamic and exciting style of football – think less Serie A, more La Liga. Spalletti’s squad certainly should contend for Europe’s top honor.  Right???!!!

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Jerry Russo in NYC for submitting this article for publication.

LA fans would welcome him back with open arms, right? Los Angeles – a place where stars are idolized despite their misgivings (see star basketball player Kobe Bryant’s rape allegations from 2002) or their perversions (queue your favorite Michael Jackson tune). They would still love their golden boy with the multi-million dollar smile, tattoos, and sponsorship deals, right? WRONG. The fans lashed out at Beckham hurtling boo’s and displaying banners admonishing his two-timing ways and “commitment” to their club. At halftime, while heading to the locker room, Becks approached one of the groups berating him and whilst pointing to the ground in front of the stand yelled up, “come down here!” One zealous fan leaped out of the stands and before either he or #23 could throw a punch, security, as well as a host of players from both teams, were on the scene. Even a huffing and puffing Ronaldinho rushed to support his former teammate. Landon Donovan… not so much.

Who says we don't care?

LA tied the match 2-2 with Becks assisting both goals. Substituted in the 75^th minute, Beckham jogged off to a mixture of cheers and boo’s. This entertaining saga still has life in it yet. Two things we learned from recent events:

1) The MLS fan is more evolved than anyone knew prior to Sunday. The MLS fan can get angry when one of its megastars acts as if he’s bigger than the club. The MLS fan will charge from the stands if provoked, regardless of the consequences.  The MLS fan will buy your $90 jersey one day, and spit on it the next if you don’t give your heart and soul to the club. Take note Becks, this didn’t happen in DC, NY or Chicago, but right here in sunny and mellow LA. Kudos, MLS fan!

2) Becks can turn this around. LA has been the laughing stock of the league ever since he joined, but they are currently on a 4-game win streak and charging up the table. If Becks can ride the tide and contribute to the Galaxy’s run into the MLS Playoffs then he’ll undoubtedly turn these fans back on side once again. Or, at least until his next rendezvous with his mistress in Milan.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

What you looking at sucka?

In the end, Onyewu is off to Milan – a club currently in transition following the departures of manager Carlo Ancelotti and talisman striker Kaka. Given the unsettled environment and current fan backlash following the sale of the Brazilian, Onyewu can expect his performances to be under the microscope from day one. As the club attempts to improve upon its 3rd place finish last season, an organized and stingy defense will be the launch pad for a run to the Scudetto.

The 27-year old Onyewu, or “Gooch,” as he’s know to the US faithful, has developed into a very solid central defender over the last 2-3 seasons.  Undoubtedly gifted from a physical perspective, early in his career the 6′4″ defender suffered by committing too many fouls and garnering too many bookings. This was the case during the 2006 World Cup as Gooch gave up a questionable penalty-kick to Ghana just before halftime in the US’ final 1st round game which eliminated the side from the competition.

To his credit, recent performances demonstrate signs that Onyewu has learned to contain the urge to commit meaningless fouls. His stalwart displays in South Africa, highlighted by the shut out of Spain, prove that he has become a reliable force in central defense and provides a devastating aerial threat at set pieces. This move to Serie A will only improve the player and give the US backline added experience and confidence when they return to Africa next summer.

We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

Best - Eyes always on the ball

Times haven’t changed. In the modern game every footballer craves a name in the fashion scene; Thierry Henry combines life at the Nou Camp with his ambassadorial role for Tommy Hilfiger and world’s most expensive player Cristiano Ronaldo has flooded the market with his CR7 brand.

But it’s not just the sport’s star players that are molding popular culture through their attire. In the last decade, player’s wives and girlfriends have been catapulted in to the spotlight with the running of several TV shows, magazines and articles documenting the football ‘WAG’. Donning the latest labels, lipsticks and leathers, the infamy of the modern day football wife and girlfriend has made Saturday’s result as important as the scores in Sunday’s Style section.

England WAGs kitted up for the last World Cup

Supporters bring their own style to the stands, playing an integral role in the elevation of gritty footy wear to catwalk fodder. In the mid 70s, the notorious Perry Boys or “football casuals” distinguished themselves through style. The Manchester chapter wore mod-like clothing; long-sleeved polo shirts with hoops, narrow-bottomed corduroy pants, boat pumps, and wedge hairstyles. In London, the crew sported narrow jeans and sandals, while in Liverpool they embraced punk and dumped the wedge hairdos. Today’s more ardent fans express their club loyalty through a style that transcends their team’s colors. Look around at your next match and you can always find your local thug sporting Aquascutums latest with a Stone Island patch.

Whether you’re waiting for Umbro’s new silhouette, or hoping for last season’s away kit to go on sale, take note that in the game of two halves you can still be on the losing side, even after the final whistle.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Hollywood Hoop for submitting this article

Nevertheless, what can the American faithful deduce from their most recent performance? A turning of the corner on the road to success… or a one-off moment of footy genius in their perpetual quest for respectability?  And what does the national side need to do to make sure they build on their success over Egypt and enter next year’s World Cup strongly?

· Will the real Clint Dempsey please stand up?

Lamps introduces Dempsey to English football

The strong, nifty attacker has a habit of popping up in the right place at the right time.  Case in point: his sensational equalizer against Ghana in the 2006 World Cup.  Or how about his two goals against Liverpool which saved Fulham from relegation in 2007.  Some are even saying that his play against Egypt saved U.S. Coach Bill Bradley’s job. But for every man-of-the-match performance comes an early substitution as Dempsey too often is found clinging to the ball, tripping over his own skills, and reluctant to challenge defenders.  The bottom line: Dempsey needs to show some consistency.

· Michael Bradley must avoid careless bookings.

Another star falls victim to a Bradley special

Despite suggestions of nepotism, Michael Bradley didn’t make the U.S. national team because his father is coach.  (Or at least that’s what his father says!)  To his credit, the tough-tackling and attack-minded central midfielder has so far performed admirably at the Confederations Cup.  But we can’t help but feel that his game is always threatening to spiral out of control.  His yellow card in the second half against Egypt was the result of another careless tackle – the kind that has plagued Bradley throughout his career and will continue to limit his progress unless his game and temperament mature.

· Unleash Charlie Davies.

We're not the only ones keeping an eye on Davies

Unless you’re a fan of Swedish league football, you probably haven’t heard of Charlie Davies. But he’s our bet to be the starting striker for the U.S. at next year’s World Cup. At 22 years of age, he has speed and agility to match the more-celebrated Freddy Adu, except with one key difference – he scores goals! His first, against Egypt, was no stroke of beauty, but demonstrated his quick feet and strong presence in front of the net.  Last season he scored 15 goals for Hammarby of Sweden, and he’s already dispatched 6 goals in 11 games during this campaign.  If he keeps it up, it won’t be long before the top European clubs come knocking.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

]]> http://footyfactor.com/3203/an-african-nightmare-becomes-an-american-dream.html/feed 1 http://footyfactor.com/3144/sepp-targets-mls.html http://footyfactor.com/3144/sepp-targets-mls.html#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:39:11 +0000 Footy Factor http://footyfactor.com/?p=3144 Sepp Blatter is a man full of unsolicited opinions, and this week he tossed some advice towards Major League Soccer: Bring your March-to-November season in line with the international calendar and you “can have success.”  If you don’t adjust to the international calendar, “you will not attract star players from Europe to play six or seven months.”

Even Beck's has found time to enjoy himself

Blatter’s criticism seems justified.  MLS runs right through the middle of the summer, when European stars (and CONCACAF stars, as well) are shifting gears to international competition. MLS has mulled the idea of a “summer break” to let its most popular players leave for tournaments like the Confederations Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the World Cup without draining the league of its money-makers. But alas, MLS has not yet instituted this idea.  As a result, the closest thing the league has to international superstars – players like Landon Donovan from the U.S., as well as Jamie Moreno of Bolivia, Amado Guevara of Honduras, and Mexico’s Cuauhtemoc Blanco – have been and will continue to be consistently at risk of missing major chunks of the summer season due to national team commitments. And as MLS continues to attract a younger talent base from CONCACAF and South America, this issue will continue to become more problematic, with the league’s younger stars like Sacha Kljestan and Jonathan Bornstein of the U.S. and Freddy Montero from Colombia also missing in action.

So switching to the international calendar sounds like a no-brainer, right?  Not so fast.  Don’t forget that MLS was designed economically to survive the long haul, due to the fact that ineffective financial management had squashed earlier attempts in the 70’s and 80’s at maintaining a top professional league in the States.  So here’s the major problem with Blatter’s idea: WEATHER.  England and Scotland are able to maintain attendance at matches during the cold, gray days of winter partly because they have a long tradition of doing so. M.L.S. fans, in general, haven’t developed the same level of devotion.  In most M.L.S cities, games are seen as an opportunity to spend a nice day out at the park, with maybe a couple of hours barbequing and drinking in the parking lot beforehand.

Could M.L.S. maintain winter attendance levels in cold weather cities such as Toronto , Boston , New York and Seattle ?  Maybe.  But it’s a huge risk for the league. The league maintains a salary cap that has only recently been significantly altered to allow each team to sign one Designated Player (also known as “The Beckham Rule”) at no restriction to salary. This rule has worked splendidly for the league in attracting the likes of Beckham, Blanco, Juan Pablo Angel, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto, but it has also backfired with the signings of Marcelo Gallardo and Denilson.

Blatter's MLS comments, another mis-kick?

The important point here is that M.L.S. is still struggling to maintain attendance in places like Kansas City and Salt Lake . It’s not warm there at all during the winter. Moving away from a summer schedule could spell their extinction.  Maybe that’s not a bad thing, as long as recent expansion teams continue to flourish in terms of attendance. Just this Wednesday, the Seattle Sounders drew more than 29,000 fans for a mid-week fixture versus DC United – a number unheard of in MLS for a weeknight match. And that leaves MLS with the tough decision between attracting top talent from Europe by switching to the international calendar versus potentially leaving a large portion of its fan base, quite literally, out in the cold.

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.

]]> http://footyfactor.com/3144/sepp-targets-mls.html/feed 0 http://footyfactor.com/3098/wenger-to-change-his-ways.html http://footyfactor.com/3098/wenger-to-change-his-ways.html#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:52:48 +0000 Footy Factor http://footyfactor.com/?p=3098 Another trophy-less season for Arsenal has left both supporters and pundits asking the same old question: will Arsene Wenger finally deviate from his strict devotion to youth and spend the funds that are readily available?

For the fifth season in a row, the Gunners, one of the Premiership’s most entertaining and eye-catching teams, came up empty handed. Exits in both the FA Cup and the Champions League semi finals to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively have left the Arsenal faithful disillusioned and hurt. Some of the more ardent supporters have even aimed their anger at the most successful manager in the club’s history, Arsene Wenger.

At the club’s last annual general meeting, supporters voiced their concern over the club’s performances this season and prospects for the future while lambasting Wenger for not bolstering a squad which last summer lost so many of its key players to ‘bigger’ clubs. Now, just four weeks into the summer transfer season, the club’s most talented individuals are being vigorously pursued by the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, fuelling sentiment that Wenger will once again lose key players and be left with an immature, inexperienced side ill-equiped to win silverware.

Trophyless for five seasons, is Arsene starting to feel the heat?

Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates in the CL revealed their vulnerability in defence and lack of strength in midfield, two areas of the pitch that Wenger failed to reinforce following the departures of Alexander Hleb, Matthieu Flamini and Phillipe Senderos last season, let alone Henry, Viera and Pires in previous seasons.

With significant portions of the club’s ownership now in the hands of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and American sports financier Stan Kroenke, a plethora of funds must be available. Up to this point only a young, unproven Thomas Vermaelen has been linked with a move to North London and supporters are beginning to grow wary of whether Wenger can part from his stubborn ways and whip out the cheque book.

What Arsenal need is to dip in to the transfer market and compete for the signatures of the best – the established, powerful and successful professionals. These players can bring back the success enjoyed under the ‘Invincibles’ and the glorious double winning sides, injecting life back into a club that plays some of the most scintillating football in Europe. One thing is certain; without a strengthened midfield and defence, as well as a replacement for the ever-ready to depart Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal look to be heading for their sixth straight trophy-barren campaign.

The Invincibles - Stylish and Successful

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank A.M. Dupee, an Arsenal fan in London, for submitting this article.

Ferguson's new look money-tinted spectacles

N- as in N’Kono – can the new Cameroon coach and former national hero from Italia 90 ensure the Lions’ qualification for South Africa 2010?

O- as in Owen – with Newcastle’s drop, will he opt for a Premiership team that will allow him to showcase his skills for a slot on the 2010 roster and will a Premiership team opt for the oft-injured striker?

P- as in Pirlo – following Kaka’s and Maldini’s departures, does he assert himself as Milan’s premier midfielder and overall leader next year?

Q- as in Quaresma – having overstayed his welcome in Milan and London, and having rejected joining Crespo (another former Interista and Blue) at Genoa, where does the Portuguese youngster go next?

R- as in Ribery – will he bolt Bayern for Spain or England ?

S- as in Senor Perez – seriously, how is he coming up with the cash for these gents?

T- as in THE United States – given our most recent performances against North American competition, how will Bradley’s boys do against the African, South American, and World Champions?

U- as in Uruguay - will the two-time World Champion grind through its qualifiers and return to the World Cup in 2010?

V- as in ‘Viva Italia’- so how will Serie A cope with the loss of its biggest international star and potentially several others and otherwise begin to turn its fortunes (or lack thereof) around?

W- as in Wolfsburg – which players will join/leave the German champions as they prepare to defend their crown in 09-10?

X- as in XI - who will join Kaka and Ronaldo among the Top XI transfers of the summer?

Y- as in Year 1 – can newly-appointed first-time coaches Ciro Ferrara (Juve) or Leonardo (Milan) successfully follow Pep Guardiola’s model for success in 09-10?

Z- as in Zenith – how else does one describe the point from which Barcelona begins the new season?

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Link to Part 1

We at Footy Factor would like to thank Jerry Russo in NYC for submitting this article for publication.

Man City notes could buy a boatload of talent

A- as in Adebayor – will he or will he not finally leave Arsenal?

B- as in Bunyodkor – why is Scolari resuming his coaching career in Uzbekistan?!!!

C- as in Carlo (Ancelotti) – who will the Champions League winning player and coach bring to the Bridge to join the formidable Blues in the quest to become European (and English) champions?

D- as in David (Villa and Silva) – where will the Valencia and Spain national team stars end up as their current club deals with its financial difficulties?

E- as in Eto’o - would Barca really let the Cameroon standout go?

F- as in Fabregas - will he leave London to return to his homeland in Spain?

G- as in Giuseppe (Rossi) – how will the American-born Italian national team striker perform on the international stage for Lippi at the Confederations Cup?

H- as in Henry - where could he go after Barca?

I- as in Ivorians, Drogba and Kalou – will either (or both) leave West London?

J- as in Jose (Mourinho) – how will the Special One change his inter squad in pursuit of the Champions League trophy?

K- as in Karim Benzema – who will snatch the Frenchman away from his homeland, if anyone?

L- as in Liverpool - what does Rafa do to build on the second place finish this year and ensure silverware at Anfield next season?

M- as in Manchester (United and City) – do the former add Ribery to their all-star cast and who follows Barry to the latter?

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We at Footy Factor would like to thank Jerry Russo in NYC for submitting this article for publication.

It all comes down to this weekend for the big three European leagues, with the climatic (or is it anti-climatic?) crowning of their champions taking place Saturday and Sunday.

Premier League

"It's okay Arse, there's always next season"

Following yesterday’s come from behind victory against Wigan, Manchester United will likely clinch its third straight league title on Saturday at Old Trafford against a ravaged Arsenal side. Having thrashed the Gunners 10 days ago in the Champions League semis, the prospects look good for another Red Devils celebration come Saturday evening.

The gods must not be smiling on the Gunners these days – a heartbreaking FA Cup semi-final loss to London rivals Chelsea at Wembley a few weeks back, followed by the aforementioned defeat to Man Utd at home, as well as this past Sunday’s embarrassing home loss to those same Blues has left Arsenal fans pining for the summer transfer season.

And now Arsene’s boys will in all likelihood have to watch Sir Alex’s “reigning, defending, and undisputed” champions raise the trophy in triumph yet again, but this time in person.

Bottom line, by Saturday afternoon, Ricky Hatton’s devastating loss to Manny Pacquiao will be completely forgotten by the Manchester faithful – and yes we know he is a Man City fan.

Serie A

"Go on, give him a medal. I know he didn't play much."

On Sunday, Inter look like collecting their fourth straight league title with a win over Siena, though if this Siena team has as much fight in it as the New York based college basketball squad that almost beat Louisville in the second round of this year’s NCAA tournament, Mourinho will be sweating it out for 90 plus minutes.

Then again, should AC Milan lose at Udinese on Saturday, Jose will have added an Italian championship to his English and Portuguese titles even before the Siena match kicks off.

We expect that exiting AC boss Carlo Ancelotti (there is no denying now that the club owner, and national prime minister lest we forget, reportedly has called Carlo out) will make sure the red and black achieve at least a draw however, so Inter’s celebration will probably have to wait until Sunday evening.

The Special One’s target next term will be to win two (if not four) knockout stage rounds in the Champs League for Inter before he moves on to Spain for the 2010/11 season – you heard it here first.

However, between Sunday night and the start of the next Champions League tourney in the fall, Inter fans (and players, staff, management) can enjoy being Campioni yet again.

La Liga

Eto'o and Henry salute the champions

Finally, speaking of La Liga, Barcelona travel to Mallorca on Sunday to claim their first league title in three years.

Two guarantees: Samuel Eto’o scores at least once against his former mates (see current scoring standings) and…Eric Abidal picks up no red cards (see last two matches vs. Chelsea and vs. Villareal and subsequent bans).

Its been a truly remarkable year for the Barca front line of Henry, Messi, Sammy Eto’o, plus midfield standout Spaniards Iniesta and Xavi, but a shout must go out for rivals Real Madrid too.

Dismissed by most critics and fans as early as December, captain Raul’s men fought back courageously until the knockout blow that was the 6-2 debacle at the Santiago Bernabeu against Barca last week.

In fact, Real’s tremendous run made the Spanish league the most exciting of the year, Liverpool’s proximity to Man United in the table notwithstanding.

ps

So, with all of us lamenting the end of the season, let us remember that next year’s European slots are far from decided (unless you’re in England – go Big 4!) and that the preeminent annual professional sporting event (not just football, but all sports) has yet to occur this year – rejoice, Rome is but two weeks away…

- We at Footy Factor would like to thank JR in NYC for submitting this article.

The dust is starting to settle following this week’s Champions League semi-final drama. Chelsea fans are returning to work, Didier Drogba has apologized for his post-match, foul-mouthed tirade and everyone from Sir Alex to the bloke next door has wade in on the debate surrounding the referee’s performance. A feeling of deep regret hangs in the West London air and even victory in the FA Cup will only temporarily alleviate the pain. But Chelsea fans are used to this kind of disappointment, aren’t they?

Terry's moment of truth in Moscow

It’s been only a year since John Terry missed the winning penalty in the Champions League final in Roman Abramovich’s own backyard, the culmination of a gut-wrenching 2008 when Chelsea lost the Carling Cup final and finished runners-up to Manchester United in the league. But it doesn’t stop there, 2007 was no different as they were knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage to Liverpool on penalties and were forced to perform a humbling guard of honor at Stamford Bridge for newly crowned champions Manchester United. Chelsea have reached the Champions League semi-finals in 5 of the last 6 years yet have never won the competition – that says it all.

Baggio's penalty heartache against Brazil

To come within touching distance of the greatest prizes on offer comes hand in hand with challenging at the top. And its no different at International level. Another cloaked in blue, Italy, winner of 4 World Cup titles, were losing semi-finalists at Italia ‘90, saw their dreams dashed with Baggio’s ballooned penalty in the final of USA ‘94 and fell during extra-time in the final at Euro 2000. Both Chelsea and Italy have great, world-class players, win most of their games, play to win – not to entertain and have experienced their fair share of truly heart-breaking results over the years (in Chelsea’s case, the last 5 years).

The good news for Chelsea fans still wiping the tears back is that Italy eventually won again in the 2006 World Cup. Hopefully the English Blues will follow suit next year or over the next few years. With a healthy Essien plus Lampard, Terry, Cech and rumors of the impending arrival of a new manager and a string of world-class players, it will happen soon.

- We at Footy Factor would like to thank JR in NYC for contributing to this article.