Landon Donovan: Narrow World of Sports

Here is some humor to start your week off! Landon Donavan being interviewed by the very 'unique' Peter Mehlman, the humor is a little out of sorts and some how the conversation turns to getting caught with prostitutes! Landon does pretty well to stay cool headed and keep the answers flowing, could have got awkward! But enjoy....

The Amateur Footballer spends....

The guys over at footy-boots.com put together a great post, listing the items they have in their soccer bag for a Sunday morning soccer league game. I personally have a few pairs of cleats, my slip in shin guards, Chelsea Leather food and my wash bag! Pretty simple really. Luckily for me, I get my cleats for free so my number is probably not as high as the normal player. But when it comes down to it, no matter the amount you have to pay, when you cross that white line onto the field it is all worth it! I spent last year traveling 2 hours to and from practice (LA to Ventura) and I never once complained about the fact that I had to do it, or the fact that I had to pay for gas. In the end, I was blessed to be able to play at a great level, in front of large crowds and in the end win a PDL National Championship.

Check out the amateur footballers kitbag here.

The Great Football Giveaway

I absolutely love this! Why? Because it is what soccer is all about...reaching around the world, to the farthest corner with the ability to bring joy to others! And soccer can do that because of its universal power. For me, soccer is a way of life, and giving these young potential superstars the opportunity to kick a ball around is priceless. When the school teachers admits that school attendances will increase because the kids have know they will play soccer after school sums it up perfectly! If you have an extra $15 lying around go to their website and give to a cause that really makes a difference http://www.thegreatfootballgiveaway.org.uk/

Cristiano Ronaldo - Before moving to Real Madrid....

Cristiano Ronaldo made his dream move to Real Madrid this summer, but he will forever be a legend for what he did at Manchester United. This is one of my favorite commercials for the Portugese winger, and oppitimizes his status at Manchester United. The commercial was released just after Christmas this year, after he had won the World Player of the year award. My favorite part is the kid's reenactment of Ronaldo...as I feel I used to do the very same in recreating Eric Cantona's goals! Let me know what you think.

Champions League: Celtic vs Arsenal

I just wanted to send out a reminder about tomorrows Champions League clash between Celtic and Arsenal, I have a feeling it will be a classic clash! Not often do you get the opportunity to see two huge teams from different leagues play this early in the Champions League, especially in the qualifiers! Both teams had good wins over the weekend, but Arsenal's was without a doubt the most impressive, a 6-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Lets be honest, it has to be one of the best ever Premier League wins, and I think Arsenal will need to be wary as they head north to Parkhead. Celtic had a morale boosting 2-0 win away to Dinamo Moscow in the last round, there first away from home in the Europe for over 6 years. With that being said, I actually fancy a tie in this game, with a few goals thrown in. I reckon a 2-2, since both teams are in goal scoring mood. Make sure you check it out if you have some free time around midday tomorrow!

Steve Nash Showdown in New York

On June 25th 2009, a cast of pro athlethes took to Nike Field in Sara D. Roosevelt Park in New York to take place in the Steve Nash Celebrity soccer game. This was the 2nd year for the event to take place. It is super cool as it brings together soccer players, basketball players, movie stars and a host of celebrities in a soccer game that is free for the public to watch. Among those that participated this year were Baron Davis, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell, Leandro Barbosa, Joakim Noah, Thierry Henry, Claudio Reyna, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Jozy Altidore, Juan Pablo Angel, and Gregg Berhalter. What a great line up! And here is a sweet video that puts together the day, well worth watching!

Chelsea win the Charity Shield

Chelsea got a piece of revenge over Manchester United for their penalty loss in the Champions League two seasons ago. In what is the showcase for the Premier League season Chelsea and UNited put on a very entertaining game, finishing in normal time 2-2. Nani opened the scoring for United, before Carvahlo and Lampard fired Chelsea into the lead. With the game seeming finished, Wayne Rooney latched onto a Ryan Giggs through ball and send the game to Penalties. Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra fired in extremely weak PK's, leaving Chelsea with the opportunity to take the title for 2009, which they duely accepted.

I was impressed by the showing in this game. The tempo was high, and both teams had some great chances. In terms of the line-ups the only thinkg that surprised me was the fact that Antonio Valencia did not start for United, but I am sure Fergusin wants to ween him in slowly. Ballack came off the bench for Chelsea, he broke a toe during preseason, so I expect to see him in the starting line up in the coming weeks. If this game is anything to go by, then this season should be another exciting one!

English Premier League Fantasy Soccer

It is fast approaching that time of the year again, the English Premier League kicks of on August 15th. And with the kick off comes one of the most fun and challenging online games - Fantasy soccer! This season, we will be posting a weekly update on the previous week action with hints and tips on the following weeks selections. I play using www.premierleague.com, and it is by far and away the most advanced Fantasy soccer available. This season, they have even added the option of having your own mini league with friends where you can play 1 vs 1 each week just like in regular league play! Or you can just stick with the normal points mode. Either way, it is well worth getting a team in and giving it a go in a league against your peers. All you need to do to get started is head over to www.premierleague.com and select a team comprising of 2 goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders and 3 strikers for $100 million. The key to picking your team is getting the best value for money. Since you only play 11 players at one time, it is key to pick up cheap substitutes that will play regularly, so that if one of your regular players misses a game the sub can fill in and gain you some points! Usually, it is best to pick up some players from newly promoted teams who have a good track record. This is something that will be featured in the next post 'picking your team'.

The Loss of a Legend: Sir Bobby Robson

In a deserved mark of respect, thousands of fans and friends of Sir Bobby Robson flocked to St. James park to pay respects to one of the true legends of the game of soccer. On Friday, Sir Bobby lost his battle with Cancer, a battle that he had overcome 4 times before. At the age of 76, Sir Bobby passed away at his home in Durham with his family surrounding him.

This morning, Newcastle stars gather round the St James' Park centre circle and held a minute's silence as they paid tribute to the late, great Sir Bobby Robson. More than 5,000 fans also turned up at the ground to pay their respects to the former Magpies and England boss and the first few rows of the Sir John Hall Stand have been turned into a shrine of flowers, notes and jerseys.

I spoke to Graham Smith, who was a close English friend of Sir Bobby's from his time playing in the old First division. He was saddened by the death of an icon to English soccer, but said that he will have nothing but good memories. I personally remember Sir Bobby on the pitch hugging Paul Gascoigne after England's defeat to Germany in the 1990 World Cup Semi final. He was a compassionate manager who always brought out the best in his players.

Sir Bobby Robson, R.I.P.