At this point, a consistent United States Men’s national team is pretty much an oxymoron. Competing throughout the United States for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the USMNT and  11 other teams have been fighting to prove who’s best in region. In the end, the United States are up against their rivals Mexico in the finals. Getting to this point, however, has been anything but the simple road for the United States that critics were expecting it to be.

Pretournament friendly: USA vs. Spain 0-4

Their pretournament warm up wasn’t exactly the sending off the Team USA or their fans were hoping for, even if it was against the No. 1 national team in the world. Being routed 4-0 by the Spaniards, fans couldn’t help but frustrate over some of the calls Bob Bradley made. Rather than test out his starters against the World champions, he left out players like Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan to allow some of the less prolific players get some time on the field. But with a leaky defense that let goals from Fernando Torres, Negredo, and Carzola through and a lackluster offense, fans didn’t get to have much fun at the home exhibition.

Group stage: USA vs. Canada 2-0

With their normal starters back on the field, Team USA put on a performance that quieted some concerns about their ability. They scored two consecutive goals early in the first half to take the game from the Canadians. Jozy Altidore sponsored the first one taking a long through ball from Donovan. Altidore beat his defender and slipped the ball under the goalie who could only get a loose hand on it before it went in. Altidore set up their second goal as well, crossing low and across the net to a running Dempsey who only just caught up with it and stuck it into goal. An absolutely impenetrable Tim Howard allowed the shutout by blocking 2 definite would be goals at near range. The second was an absolute thriller when he blocked a low shot inside the goalie’s box which bounced back and gave the Canadians another shot, to an already prepared and waiting Tim Howard.

Group stage: USA vs. Panama 1-2

Team USA reverted back to their less capable alter ego against Panama, a match most assumed would have been an easy match. By half time, however, they found themselves 2 goals behind. The first came from a cross from midfield which was headed toward the goal. Tim Howard got a hand on the ball but couldn’t hold on to it, allowing Tejada from Panama to put it in. The second was the result of a careless challenge inside the box, giving Gabriel Gomez the chance to put their second goal in with a penalty kick. The United States were able to rally back during the second half when Landon Donovan’s corner kick was headed in by Clarence Goodson. It wasn’t enough in the end and Team USA found themselves in a must win situation, to prevent elimination and to save their pride.

Group stage: Guadeloupe vs. United States 0-1

The Americans did just enough to stay in the competition by beating Guadeloupe 1-0. The singular goal came from a brilliant shot in the 9^th minute by Jozy Altidore that rocketed high and right into the goal from about 25 yards out. Several more goals were a definite possibility but finishing was an issue, including a through ball to Dempsey that gave him a shot on goal from no more than 3 yards out without a goalie to pass. Dempsey hesitated for a second too long and had the ball stripped. The USMNT remained strong throughout the match and held on to their lead to advance into the quarterfinals.

Quarter finals: Jamaica vs. United States 0-2

USA finally looked confident on Father’s Day as they comfortably defeated Jamaica 2-0 in the quarter finals. Despite several chances on goal during the first half, their first goal only came shortly after the start of the second half when a cleared ball found itself in Jermaine Jones who volleyed it from 20 yards out. The shot deflected off a Jamaican player, fooling the goalie, and into the goal. Jamaica hurt their chances even further when a slide tackle in open field resulted in a red card. Clint Dempsey sealed the victory in the 80^th minute after accepting a low cross in front of goal. Sidestepping a charging goalie, Dempsey slotted it in for the 2-0 lead.

Semi-finals: United States vs. Panama 1-0

The rematch was a complete turnaround for the US compared to their dismal group stage match. A relentless attack prevented any worthwhile chances from Panama. Their first chance came during the 25^th minute when a cross into the box from Cherundolo was headed by Juan Aguadelo. The ball took a bounce off the ground toward the goal only to have it rattle off the post. Question marks started popping up when Bradley subbed Freddy Adu, former golden child, into the game. It’s been years since the media frenzy that surrounded Adu and it was questionable how he would perform for at all since his flop. He quickly proved himself, however, after making a beautiful long pass to Donovan to set up their ticket into the finals. Donovan brought it up the right side of the field and sniped an approaching Dempsey through 4 defenders. Dempsey tapped it in for the only goal in the game.

Team USA return to the finals stage where they will face off against their long time soccer rivals, Mexico. Tune in on June 25 and see if the United States can tie the Gold cup trophy count or fall to Chicharito and the seemingly undefeatable Mexico.

Scholes- England- Manchester United

Joining Manchester United at the age of 14, the one-club Paul Scholes has been regarded as one of the best midfielders of the era. He has received high praise all around from legendary soccer figures including Zinedine Zidane who said, “Scholes was my toughest opponent, the complete midfielder and undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation” or Thierry Henry who said, “Without any doubt the best player in the Premiership…” With Manchester United, Scholes has won ten premier leagues, 3 FA cups and 2 UEFA champions and was part of the 1998-1999 season where they won all three for the treble. Scholes concluded his career as a player in the UEFA Championship Finals where Manchester United lost to Barcelona. He won’t be leaving Old Trafford, however, as he joins the Manchester United coaching staff for the next season.

Makélélé – France- Real Madrid, Chelsea

Claude Makélélé may not have turned many heads or lined up interviewers, but he practically became the definition of the position, defensive midfielder.  Born in Zaire, Makélélé made his first significant appearance in soccer in France with FC Nantes Atlantique where he quickly moved up the ranks. He moved around to Olympique de Marseille, Celta Vigo, and then eventually landed in Real Madrid where he played alongside the likes of Zidane and Luis Figo. With Real Madrid, he won two La Liga championships and a UEFA champions League. After three seasons, Makélélé made a controversial move to Chelsea after Real Madrid Florentino Perez refused to reconsider his contract, essentially bringing aboard David Beckham for him instead. He became a centerpiece for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea team where they made several successful runs and won 2 premier league titles and 3 domestic cups. His role on the Chelsea team was so significant that fans and media alike started calling the defensive midfield position the “Makélélé role.” Makélélé concluded his soccer career with Paris Saint-Germain where he stayed for two seasons.

Sami Hyypia – Finland, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen

The Finnish center back made his way to fame defending for his childhood favorite team, Liverpool, from 1999-2009. He was instrumental in the Reds treble season in 2001 where they won the UEFA Super Cup, League Cup, and the FA Community Shield, as well as their 2004-2005 Champions League victory. He frequently donned the captain’s band for both the Finnish national team and often traded back and forth with Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard at Liverpool. In May 2009, Hyypia played his last match with Liverpool where he received a standing ovation, recognizing him as a Liverpool legend. Hyypia finished his career as a player at Bayer Leverkusen. After retirement, he plans to join Bayer Leverkusen and the Finnish national team’s coaching staff.

Van der Sar – Netherlands – Ajax, Manchester United

Manchester United lose another essential part of their team with the retirement of Edwin van der Sar. The Dutch goalkeeper was personally responsible for several of the victories and trophies earned by any of the teams he played for. Van der Sar began his professional career at Ajax, one of the top teams in the Dutch national league where he found almost immediate success. With his help, Ajax made it to the UEFA finals three times, two of which they won. In 1999, van der sar moved around to Juventus in Italy and Fulham in England but wouldn’t reunited with his former success until he caught the attention of Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson. Van der Sar would help another team win a UEFA league finals, saving a penalty shoot out for the Red Devils in the 2007-08 season. During the 2009 season, he the all time record for most consecutive number of clean sheets and longest time without conceding a goal, (1,311 minutes) winning Manchester United the Premiership. Van der Sar concluded his career in yet another UEFA league final against Barcelona where they lost 3-1. Ending his career as a four-time Best European goalkeeper, two time UEFA club goalkeeper of the year, and the most capped Dutch player in his country’s history, it’s a wonder how Manchester United will find a worthy replacement.

Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima – Brazil – Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan

Ronaldo certainly does not need an introduction as his accomplishments alone could fill pages and pages. The prolific Brazilian announced his retirement earlier this year in February, concluding the career of easily one of the best soccer players of all time. Among his long list of achievements include three time FIFA player of the year, highest goal scorer in the history of the World Cup, winner of the Ballon d’Or at 21 years old, and too many club cups to count. Starting his professional career Cruzeiro, he made his way through multiple clubs which include PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and eventually concluding his career with the Corinthians. His unfortunate early retirement is attributed to his continuously deteriorating physical health. His final match was a farewell friendly match against Romania on June 7^th where he played for 15 minutes.

Abby Wambach

Position: Forward

Current Club: Washington Freedom

Wambach’s rise to become one of the best players in the game seemed nearly effortless considering her quick rise to success. Leaving a year early from the University of Florida, where she became the all-time leading scorer, to join the professional league. Wambach was the second overall pick, taken by the Washington Freedom. It didn’t take long for her to prove herself after winning the Women’s United Soccer championship match and becoming the MVP. She has played with the women’s national team since the 2003 World Cup and was part of the gold medal winning team in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. The four-time US Soccer Athlete of the year is the third highest scorer for the US team all time and has one of the best goals to game ratios out there. You can expect to see Wambach dominate inside the box as she takes control of the air with her height and headers.

Carli Lloyd

Position: Midfielder

Club: Atlanta Beat

The New Jersey native and Rutgers University graduate is making her second World Cup appearance with the USWNT. She is currently signed with Sky Blue FC based in Piscataway, New Jersey after making her way through various New Jersey clubs and the Chicago Red Stars. With the USWNT, she has 108 caps and 27 goals and was instrumental in their gold medal victory in Beijing, scoring the game winning goal against Brazil in the final. After missing a much of the 2010 season due to an injury, Lloyd returns with the USWNT to take home their next trophy.

Heather O’Reilly

Position: Midfielder

Club: Sky Blue FC

Already a two-time gold medalist with the national team, O’Reilly experienced professional level soccer before she even left high school. She was recruited by the USWNT when she was 17 and was the youngest player, at 19, for her team when they competed and took home gold in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The midfielder from New Jersey is already one of the more experienced members of the team, competing in the 2007 World Cup where she saved the team from early elimination with a late goal and also took home gold at Beijing. As co-captain of her club, Sky Blue FC, O’Reilly led her team to win the championship in the2009 women’s professional soccer playoffs where she scored the winning goal. O’Reilly will put her already impressive history to test in Germany where she will be found in the midfield.

Heather Mitts

Position: Defender

Current Club: Atlanta Beat

Another two-time gold medalist to add on to the well experienced US team, Heather Mitts joins the team again for Germany as a defender.  A graduate of the University of Florida playing with the Gators, Mitts holds the record for most appearances and helped them win their first national championship. She has played for multiple professional teams in the Women’s United Soccer Association league including Philadelphia Charge, Boston Breakers, and now currently with Philadelphia Independence. Although there are several concerns about her physical conditions after dealing with injuries throughout the year, we can expect to see her part of Sundhage’s 11 on the field throughout the World Cup.

Christie Rampone

Position: Defender

Current Club: Washington Freedom

The 2011 World Cup will be the fourth for veteran Christie Rampone and yet another notch on her long list of experience. Currently the most capped active player, Rampone represented USA in the past three world cups, three Summer Olympics and nearly all of USA’s CONCACAF Championships. The all round natural athlete was the scoring leader in her conference three different sports during high school, basketball, soccer, and field hockey, and played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse at Monmouth university. Rampone finally stuck to soccer when she chose to join the US women’s national soccer team during her senior year. With plenty of awards, years of experience, and two children under her belt, Rampone leads Team USA as captain to hopefully another World Cup victory.

Hope Solo

Position: Goalkeeper

Current Club: magicjack

Returning from a major shoulder surgery back in September, Solo represents the USA as their main goalkeeper in her first major international tournament back. After a drama filled 2007 World Cup where a controversial call by then coach Greg Ryan to bench Solo resulted in a 4-0 loss to Brazil, the ties between the goalkeeper and the rest of Team USA became frayed. Solo spoke out against Ryan and the team for their call which resulted in her ban from any post World Cup activities with the team. Once Sundhage took over, however, Solo was invited back to the team and was given the chance to prove herself in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Playing against the Brazil in the final, Solo made save after save in a match that resulted in a 1-0 win for the USA, giving them the gold medal. As one of the most capped USA goalkeepers, Solo will look to prove that she’s back in top form at this year’s World Cup.

Following their 2-0 win over Japan a month ago, Team USA were looking to further refine their game and prove that they are deserving of their number 1 ranking. But although they dominated possession of the ball throughout most of the match, Team USA couldn’t do anything to get the ball between the goal posts. Forward Abby Wambach had multiple chances early in the game, receiving plenty of accurate crosses but all of her shots went wide or far beyond the crossbar. In the 39^th minute, a 4 person offense quickly became more and more threatening until the ball got caught up between Megan Rapinoe’s legs to quickly halt the attack.

All of Team USA nonexistent goals can’t be solely attributed to their own misfortune and mishaps, however. Despite failing to create any serious momentum on the offense, the Mexican defense was successful in blocking several definite goals and breaking up dangerous advances. There were doubts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            about 16 year old goalkeeper, Ceci Santiago, because of her lack of experience, but those worries were quickly dashed away after an amazing performance throughout the  match. This included an impressive save during the 69^th minute after a shot made by Carli Lloyd less than 20 yards out rocketed towards the near post.

After plenty of more attempted shots and buildups, Team USA finally received their salvation from Lauren Cheney in the 92^nd minute after she side stepped a defender and unleashed a cannon, burying the ball in the back of the net near the far post.

Team USA now heads off to Germany where they wait in anticipation for their first match against North Korea for the World Cup. Their match will take place on June 28^th at 12:15 p.m. in Dresden, Germany.

It’s really a two step process:  (1) determine the schools and programs you are interested in, (2) contact the coaches to let them know you are interested in their program and let them know where they can see you play.

There are a number of online services, high school counselors and other resources that can help you focus academically on the school you wish to attend. Generally, the decisions turn on your preferences for school size, location, academic strengths, and other factors.  From the soccer side, it’s always a good idea to visit the school and watch the team play.  There are also a number of resources like Sport Source, as well as other online services that you can review the style of play, analyze the roster to determine which seniors are leaving so you have insight on what the coach is looking for and where the coach tends to draw players from (a personal contact is a great way to get information). Generally, what you want to find is a school where you can contribute on the team and fit well academically. Once you have identified three or more schools, it’s time to get the word out.

How do you get a coach to see you play?  Prepare material to send to the coach.  With seasons just wrapping up, this is the perfect time to contact prospective coaches.  Do a little homework to see how the season went, whether the team is in the playo­ffs, and any awards that the team/coach received this year.  This is a great opener.  Next, determine how you think you can help the program and why this school is a good fit for you. A well written letter should reference the school soccer year, explain how you could contribute to the school, why you would like to be at the school, attach a resume with your qualifications and list the showcases that the coach can see you at.  If your grades and background are a good fit for the school, you have a very good chance that the coach will come watch you play.

How does the process work?  Typically, college coaches will attend the showcases where the players they wish to see are at.  Coaches will have a list of prospects from referrals and other sources (many times your club coach can help you with a reference), as well as from players that have sent a letter expressing interest.  From these two groups, the coach will schedule to see players that they have an interest in, players that have expressed interest and then with the remaining time the coach will seek out games that seem to be interesting.  By far the last category provides you with the least chance of being seen.

With a little over a week left until the Christmas season ends, you may be rushing around trying to find that last minute gift for the soccer player in your life. Here are a few gift ideas to help the shopping go a little bit faster.

What’s better than staying warm this Winter? How staying warm and supporting your favorite club! A team scarf is sure to help you stay nice and warm during the down season.

The latest installment of the FIFA series features the standard team and player customization options of the previous FIFA titles with the addition of the new Personality+ system which sees a soccer player’s ability on the pitch mirrored authentically in game, creating clearly differentiated players with individual personalities.  Fans can create their own team and play against the league’s finest all from the comfort of the couch!

Sometimes we forget that the most important part of the game is right beneath our feet. The Nike T90 Strike (hi-viz version pictured) is a true-flying ball that is perfect for recreational and competitive play. At its low price point, this ball can compete with the equipment that professionals use without breaking the bank.

One of the best ways to prepare for an upcoming match is a good night’s sleep, but with all the traveling some of the clubs do, this can be tough. A comfortable pillow can make the hours stuck in the car/bus go by much faster. There are a variety of goodies the traveling player could use, so think creatively!

Of course, the ultimate gift for any soccer fan would be a ticket to one of the new, exotic places that will be hosting the World Cup in the years to come. Brazil, Russia, and Qatar would all make fantastic vacation destinations and everyone knows it’s best to book as far ahead as possible.  If someone you know has been extra good this year, this is the gift to get!

Q&A With Chuck Blazer

Chuck Blazer is the only American member of the FIFA comittee. Do not try to sit on his lap come Christmas time.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, the New York Times recently interviewed the most Santa Claus-esque member of the FIFA World Cup Committee and the only American member, Chuck Blazer. Blazer talks about the voting process and the future of soccer in the United States in the complete interview, available here.

Futsal, although similar to soccer, is more like indoor soccer with a few special changes for indoor play. The field is much smaller, about the size of a basketball court (25mx15m), and, unlike indoor soccer, futsal uses touch boundaries instead of dasherboards. This means that there are no walls to bank the ball off of if you get into a tight squeeze. The 5v5 match consists of two 20 minute halves using a stopped watch system instead of the running watch we are used to in regulation soccer. A #4 ball (instead of #5) is used because of its low bounce properties. Clearly, because of the touch boundaries and special ball, futsal focuses more on ball control and creative plays in a tight area.

Here’s a quicker run-down of the differences between Futsal and Soccer:

For those curious, here’s a highlights reel from the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup where Brazil played Spain.

FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008 – Brazil vs. Spain

And, to preview the big UEFA and NCAA matches coming up, UEFA.com has put up a training video with some futsal play tips.  Check back next week for a re-cap of the UEFA and NCAA finals!

UEFA Training Ground – Futsal Formations

Joseph Blatter, current President of FIFA, announced the host countries for World Cups 2018/2022 this past Thursday.

Perhaps the biggest recent news in soccer, the FIFA World Cup Committee announced the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. For those not keeping track everyday, the 2018 candidates were: England, Spain/Portugal, Russia, and Netherlands/Belgium. The 2022 candidates were: Australia, Qatar, Japan, USA, and the Korea Republic.

On Thursday, it was announced:

The 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia.

The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar.

It is upsetting for all of us to hear that the United States will not be hosting the 2022 World Cup, especially after seeing the fervor the 2010 World Cup brought with it. However, as soccer fans, we will respect (although we will certainly talk about) the decision and wait, eagerly, for another exciting clash of soccer greats.

The votes for each round went as follows:

2018

Round 1: England 2 votes, Netherlands/Belgium 4 votes, Spain/Portugal 7 votes and Russia 9 votes.

Round 2: Netherlands/Belgium 2 votes, Spain/Portugal 7 votes and Russia 13 votes (Russia obtain absolute majority)

2022

Round 1: Australia1 vote, Japan 3 votes, US 3 votes, South Korea 4 votes and Qatar 11 votes.

Round 2: Japan 2 votes, South Korea 5 votes, US 5 votes and Qatar 10 votes.

Round 3: South Korea 5 votes, US 6 votes and Qatar 11 votes.

Round 4: US 8 votes and Qatar 14 votes (Qatar obtain absolute majority)

For those curious, the final presentations given by Qatar and Russia are provided below. Get your passports ready! The beautiful game is traveling to new places!

Russia’s Final Presentation

Qatar’s Final Presentation

For those suspicious:

“FIFA was facing fresh bribery claims Sunday after a whistle-blower accused two executive members of the international soccer body of striking deals worth $1.5 million for their votes ahead of last week’s contest to host the World Cup.” (Read more via NYPost.com)

The first goal, scored by Mexico, was an interesting play that started with a through ball that appeared to be for Carlos Vela who was offsides. Vela put up his hands and avoided touching the ball. But while Spanish players preemptively called for the offsides, Javier Hernandez, aka Chicharito, burst up the middle and had a wide open one on one with the goalie. Chicharito finished it off by himself to put his team up 1-0 in the 12^th minute.

Despite playing the goal down, Spain looked as strong as ever with their usual possession play and dominated control of the ball for over 65 percent of the game. Their chances on goal were numerous but couldn’t put one in until a trademark Spain goal in the 90^th minute. Xavi threaded the ball through the middle between Mexican players and found David Silva in the box. The newly signed Manchester City player finished it off to prevent the loss.

This match, while certainly showcasing Spain’s usual precision passing and teamwork, featured the player the soccer world has been recently going crazy over: Chicharito. Ever since scoring against France in the World Cup (for which he was voted man of the match) the former CD Guadalajara star has been gaining worldwide recognition, proven by the fact that he was signed to Manchester United. With Manchester United, Chicharito has scored in nearly all of his appearances off the bench during the preseason and has already scored in competition against Chelsea. This 22 year old Mexican star will definitely be someone to keep an eye out for in the future.