Sunday, August 22, 2010

Episode 19 of the Zygo Soccer Report: Dynamo 4 - 3 Fire

BRIDEVIEW, IL - APRIL 24: Patrick Nyarko #14 of the Chicago Fire and Mike Chabala #17 of the Houston Dynamo go for the loose ball in an MLS match on April 24, 2010 at Toyota Park in Brideview, Illinois. the Fire defeated the Dynamo 2-0. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)


The Houston Dynamo managed to break a 10 game winless streak on Saturday night with a wild 4-3 victory over the Chicago Fire in Houston. This episode includes post match audio from Brian Ching, Lovell Palmer, Bobby Boswell, Pat Onstad, and Coach Dominic Kinnear's entire press conference.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

It's Not You, It's Me, Wait, It is You: Moving Beyond the Bradley Era

United States national soccer team head coach Bob Bradley responds to a question from a reporter at a news conference in Irene June 27, 2010, one day after the U.S. team lost to Ghana in their second round match in the 2010 World Cup.  REUTERS/Brian Snyder  (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)


Last week news and rumors of Bob Bradley resigning from his post as coach of the U.S. National Team were swirling around the internet, both on new media and within so-called traditional news media too, like ESPN's web offerings. So far, Soccer House (i.e. U.S. Soccer) and Bob Bradley's camp have denied the news of his resignation and claim that talks are ongoing. All through this process there was, in my opinion, way too much neurotic hand wringing amongst folks that cover soccer in the U.S. in one capacity or another over how accurate the rumors were and whether it was best to sit back until there was some official word on the matter. A mannerism that, I fear, tends to stifle the creativity and analysis that is needed to elevate soccer beyond boring box scores and match reports within the realm of sports coverage in the US.

Well, I really don't care who breaks a news story first, breaking news isn't a primary focus of what I do, that being said I am of the opinion that it's foolish to ignore a rumor until there is "official word" because official announcements in the world of sports have become mere formalities. Face it, we all knew that Lebron James was headed to Miami (sorry South Beach) before "The Decision" aired on ESPN. Instead, with all this talk of a potential Bradley resignation, this is the prime opportunity for me to state my position that I hope Bradley resigns and that Soccer House takes the search for a new coach seriously this time.

That being said, here's a short list of who Soccer House should interview if Bradley does resign:

- Jürgen Klinsmann
- Sigi Schmid
- Javier Aguirre
- Dominic Kinnear
- Giovanni Trapattoni
- Dunga
- Martin O'Neill
- Luciano Spalletti
- José Pekerman
- Henk ten Cate

Let's face it, if you were to take a poll of U.S. Soccer fans asking who they want to be the team's next coach, Jürgen Klinsmann would be near the top, if not on top, of the poll. Following Bruce Arena's departure after the US's dreadful 2006 group stage experience, Soccer House seemingly put all of its eggs in one basket with said basket being Jürgen Klinsmann. We all know how that went though. In the end Klinsmann wanted certain powers that Soccer House wasn't willing to cede to him. No agreement was reached, so Soccer House took the word "interim" out of Bob Bradley's title. Is Soccer House now willing to cave on Klinsmann's demands? I doubt it, but we shall see if Soccer House now realizes it has to make certain sacrifices to see the team reach the next level.

One final note on Klinsmann, in my opinion, Jürgen is more of a general manager than a coach. That explains why he wants, nay needs, certain concessions from Soccer House in order to achieve any real success with the US National Team. My concern with Klinsmann is that I question how much of Germany's success during his tenure was due to Klinsmann and how much of it was due to Joachim Löw. Since it's unlikely that Löw would leave Germany to help Klinsmann with the US team, I'd be curious as to who Klinsmann would want as his assistant before offering him the US position.

Ever since Bora Milutinović's reign as coach of the US National Team ended in 1995, Soccer House has relied on Americans to steer the US National Team. First it was Steve Sampson, then Bruce Arena, and now Bob Bradley. In light of this recent history, Soccer House will definitely take a look at a couple of Americans with potential to take the National Team to new heights. In particular, Soccer House should interview both Sigi Schmid and Dominic Kinnear. While neither Schmid nor Kinnear were born in the United States, they are naturalized citizens who have carved out their soccer careers as Americans.

While both Schmid and Kinnear have managed similar achievements as coaches in Major League Soccer, they have taken very different paths towards becoming the coaches they are today. Schmid, who never played professional soccer or international soccer, launched his coaching career at UCLA in 1977, spending the next twenty plus years in Westwood until the opportunity to coach the US U-20 squad came along in 1998. Shmid would again coach the U-20 team between his coaching stints at L.A. Galaxy and Columbus Crew. Kinnear, on the other hand, spent 14 years playing professional soccer in the United States and abroad, retiring in 2000 after playing for the Tampa Bay Mutiny. Additionally, Kinnear was a member of the U.S. National Team between 1990 and 1993, getting cut from the squad prior to the 1994 World Cup finals. Kinnear had no interest in coaching, but in 2001 his long time friend, Frank Yallop, convinced him to be an assistant coach for the San Jose Earthquakes, now the Houston Dynamo.

The main argument in favor of hiring an American to coach the US National Team is familiarity with the pool of American players. While I believe an open minded foreign coach could become very familiar with the pool of American players, I admit that it would be nice to see what either Schmid or Kinnear could achieve when set free of the salary cap and bizarre rules of MLS. As I mentioned above, Kinnear was cut from the US Team prior to US 1994, a fact that would give Kinnear a bit of a Herb Brooks vibe should he become the National Team coach.

Probably the most controversial name on the above list is that of Javier Aguirre, the former coach of the Mexico National Team. I've tossed Aguirre's name out there on the radio and on twitter, and while I've received some positive responses I have also received some responses indicating that a chunk of the US National Team's fan base would not be happy with a former Mexico coach in charge of the US National Team. While I can understand where this sentiment comes from, I believe that the fact that Aguirre has coached Mexico might make him the perfect replacement for Bradley.

Aguirre is a foreign coach who is obviously familiar with American players and their skill sets; additionally, Aguirre is familiar with CONCACAF and what it takes to advance out of the region and into the World Cup finals. More importantly, Aguirre is familiar with the Mexican team and its weaknesses. US fans long for a solid victory against Mexico at the Azteca in Mexico City, Aguirre might be the only coach who can deliver such a victory at this point in time.

It helps that Aguirre makes his home in Florida, not all that far from Bradenton, potentially giving him a great platform for scouting America's untapped soccer talent. In particular, the Aguirre era could result in expanding Soccer House's scouting focus beyond the traditional youth soccer systems in the US. Finally, after years of having to deal with the Mexican press corps, it might be a pleasant experience for Aguirre to have a coaching job where the local press is not as rabid (something that could make the US job attractive to Dunga).

I'll spare you, good reader, a breakdown of all the names I've listed above, choosing instead to focus on the potential top runners and my personal favorite. Should Bradley move on, as I hope he does, I want to see Soccer House take several months to perform its search for a new coach. Interviewing several candidates, especially some of the ones I listed above, would raise the profile of the US coaching job, which is important when clubs consider dragging their heels in releasing players for national team duty. But more importantly, when you cast a big net, you might unexpectedly end up with the perfect catch.

So, who do you think Soccer House should interview should Bradley move on?

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The Kids Are Alright - Some Players I'd Like Bob Bradley to Call Up for the Brazil Friendly

The United StatesÕ Brek Shea (20) gives Dilly Duka (10) a bear hug after he scored a goal against Cameroon in the second half during the FIFA Under 20 World Cup Group C Match between the United States and Cameroon at the Mubarak Stadium on September 29, 2009 in Suez, Egypt. Photo via Newscom


Word came out last week that US National Team Coach Bob Bradley would be announcing his roster for the August 10th friendly with Brazil early this week. Brazil's roster has been announced, and it is primarily made up of young players, many who play in Brazil instead of Europe.

While I don't anticipate the announcement of this US roster even a fraction of the amount I anticipated the announcement of the US roster for South Africa, I would like it if Bob Bradley thought outside of the Soccer House box, took a cue from Brazil's roster, and focused on calling up younger US players. Additionally, with the start of most European club seasons only weeks away, I hope Bradley focuses more on players based in North America.

So, Mr. Bradley, if we want to really grab our attention, here's a roster I would like you to consider for the Brazil friendly at the Meadowlands on August 10th:

Herculez Gomez, forward, Pachuca
Marcus Tracy, forward, Aalborg
Mike Grella, forward, Leeds United
Macoumba Kandji, forward, RedBull New York
Chris Pontius, forward, D.C. United

Alejandro Bedoya, midfielder, Örebro
Geoff Cameron, utility player, Houston Dynamo
Michael Hoya, midfielder, Estudiantes de La Plata
Anton Peterlin, midfielder, Plymouth Argyle
Kyle Beckerman, midfielder, Real Salt Lake
Dilly Duka, midfielder, Columbus Crew
Jose Francisco Torres, midfielder, Pachuca
Landon Donovan, midfielder, L.A. Galaxy

Edgar Castillo, defender, San Luis (on loan from Club America)
Omar Gonzalez, defender, L.A. Galaxy
Mike Chabala, defender, Houston Dynamo
Brek Shea, utility player, F.C. Dallas
Chad Marshall, defender, Columbus Crew
Gale Agbossoumonde, defender, Sporting Braga (on loan from Miami FC)
Drew Moor, defender,Colorado Rapids

Stefan Frei, goal, Toronto FC
Samir Badr, goal, Porto
Zach McMath, goal, University of Maryland

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Episode 18 of The Zygo Soccer Report - Thierry Henry Comes to MLS & Houston

HOUSTON - JULY 31: Thierry Henry  of the New York Red Bulls holds his head after his ball on goal went off the post in the first half against the Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium on July 31, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)


On Saturday July 31, 2010, Thierry Henry made his MLS debut with RedBull New York as they faced the Dynamo at Robertson Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Henry having roles in both of New York's goals. This episode includes post match audio from Tally Hall, Brian Mullan, Mike Chabala, Thierry Henry, Juan Pablo Angel, Hans Backe, and Dominic Kinnear.

Please click the link below to view it.
http://zygosoccerreport.podomatic.com/entry/2010-08-01T19_20_36-07_00

Or Use this Player:








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Video: Post Match Reaction from RedBull New York after 2-2 Draw with Houston Dynamo

HOUSTON - JULY 31: Thierry Henry  of the New York Red Bulls drives past Andrew Hainult  of the Houston Dynamo in the second half at Robertson Stadium on July 31, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)


Saturday night Theirry Henry made his MLS debut when RedBull New York traveled to Houston to face the Dynamo at Robertson Stadium. Despite being up a man, New York allowed a late equalizer by Brian Mullan and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Here's post match reactions from New York. Video by Erin Dutka:

New York Coach Hans Backe:



Thierry Henry:



Juan Pablo Angel:



Finally, some video of one of the pitch invaders being turned over to security:

The 2010-2011 Serie A Schedule

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Now that the 2010 World Cup finals are behind us, it's time to start looking forward to the 2010-2011 European Club season. Taking advantage of their new found independence, having split off from Serie B, Serie A will be making some interesting changes this season. All night matches will be starting at 8:45 local time, instead of 8:30, and there will be an early Sunday match, starting at 12:45 local time, meaning even earlier Sunday mornings for fans in the United States. Additionally, there will be more Friday matches this season, apparently in an effort to alleviate fixture congestion for teams competing in the Champions League and the Europa League.

Here is the basic 2010-2011 Serie A fixtures with early predictions on must watch matches highlighted:

Weeks 1/20
29/8/10 and 16/1/11


Bari-Juventus
Bologna-Inter
Chievo-Catania
Fiorentina-Napoli
Milan-Lecce
Palermo-Cagliari
Parma-Brescia
Roma-Cesena
Sampdoria-Lazio
Udinese-Genoa

Weeks 2/21
12/9/10 and 23/1/11


Brescia-Palermo
Cagliari-Roma
Catania-Parma
Cesena-Milan
Genoa-Chievo
Inter-Udinese
Juventus-Sampdoria
Lazio-Bologna
Lecce-Fiorentina
Napoli-Bari

Weeks 3/22
19/9/10 and 30/1/11


Bari-Cagliari
Cesena-Lecce
Chievo-Brescia
Fiorentina-Lazio
Milan-Catania
Palermo-Inter
Parma-Genoa
Roma-Bologna
Sampdoria-Napoli
Udinese-Juventus

Weeks 4/23
22/9/10 and 2/2/11


Bologna-Udinese
Brescia-Roma
Cagliari-Sampdoria
Catania-Cesena
Genoa-Fiorentina
Inter-Bari
Juventus-Palermo
Lazio-Milan
Lecce-Parma
Napoli-Chievo

Weeks 5/24
26/9/10 and 6/2/11


Bari-Brescia
Catania-Bologna
Cesena-Napoli
Chievo-Lazio
Fiorentina-Parma
Juventus-Cagliari
Milan-Genoa
Palermo-Lecce
Roma-Inter
Sampdoria-Udinese

Weeks 6/25
3/10/10 and 13/2/11


Bologna-Sampdoria
Chievo-Cagliari
Fiorentina-Palermo
Genoa-Bari
Inter-Juventus
Lazio-Brescia
Lecce-Catania
Napoli-Roma
Parma-Milan
Udinese-Cesena

Week 7/26
17/10/10 and 20/2/11


Bari-Lazio
Brescia-Udinese
Cagliari-Inter
Catania-Napoli
Cesena-Parma
Juventus-Lecce
Milan-Chievo
Palermo-Bologna
Roma-Genoa
Sampdoria-Fiorentina

Weeks 8/27
24/10/10 and 27/2/11


Bologna-Juventus
Chievo-Cesena
Fiorentina-Bari
Genoa-Catania
Inter-Sampdoria
Lazio-Cagliari
Lecce-Brescia
Napoli-Milan
Parma-Roma
Udinese-Palermo

Weeks 9/28
31/10/10 and 6/3/11


Bari-Udinese
Brescia-Napoli
Cagliari-Bologna
Catania-Fiorentina
Cesena-Sampdoria
Genoa-Inter
Milan-Juventus
Palermo-Lazio
Parma-Chievo
Roma-Lecce

Weeks 10/29
7/11/10 and 13/3/11


Bari-Milan
Bologna-Lecce
Fiorentina-Chievo
Inter-Brescia
Juventus-Cesena
Lazio-Roma
Napoli-Parma
Palermo-Genoa
Sampdoria-Catania
Udinese-Cagliari

Weeks 11/30
10/11/10 and 20/3/11


Brescia-Juventus
Cagliari-Napoli
Catania-Udinese
Cesena-Lazio
Chievo-Bari
Genoa-Bologna
Lecce-Inter
Milan-Palermo
Parma-Sampdoria
Roma-Fiorentina

Weeks 12/31
14/11/10 and 3/4/11


Bari-Parma
Bologna-Brescia
Cagliari-Genoa
Fiorentina-Cesena
Inter-Milan
Juventus-Roma

Lazio-Napoli
Palermo-Catania
Sampdoria-Chievo
Udinese-Lecce

Weeks 13/32
21/11/10 and 10/4/11


Brescia-Cagliari
Catania-Bari
Cesena-Palermo
Chievo-Inter
Genoa-Juventus
Lecce-Sampdoria
Milan-Fiorentina
Napoli-Bologna
Parma-Lazio
Roma-Udinese

Weeks 14/33
28/11/10 and 17/4/11


Bari-Cesena
Bologna-Chievo
Brescia-Genoa
Cagliari-Lecce
Inter-Parma
Juventus-Fiorentina
Lazio-Catania
Palermo-Roma
Sampdoria-Milan
Udinese-Napoli

Weeks 15/34
5/12/10 and 23/4/11


Catania-Juventus
Cesena-Bologna
Chievo-Roma
Fiorentina-Cagliari
Lazio-Inter
Lecce-Genoa
Milan-Brescia
Napoli-Palermo
Parma-Udinese
Sampdoria-Bari

Weeks 16/35
12/12/10 and 1/5/11


Bologna-Milan
Brescia-Sampdoria
Cagliari-Catania
Genoa-Napoli
Inter-Cesena
Juventus-Lazio
Lecce-Chievo
Palermo-Parma
Roma-Bari
Udinese-Fiorentina

Weeks 17/36
19/12/10 and 8/5/11


Bari-Palermo
Catania-Brescia
Cesena-Cagliari
Chievo-Juventus
Fiorentina-Inter
Lazio-Udinese
Milan-Roma
Napoli-Lecce
Parma-Bologna
Sampdoria-Genoa

Weeks 18/37
6/1/11 and 15/5/11


Bologna-Fiorentina
Brescia-Cesena
Cagliari-Milan
Genoa-Lazio
Inter-Napoli
Juventus-Parma
Lecce-Bari
Palermo-Sampdoria
Roma-Catania
Udinese-Chievo

Weeks 19/38
9/1/11 and 22/5/11


Bari-Bologna
Catania-Inter
Cesena-Genoa
Chievo-Palermo
Fiorentina-Brescia
Lazio-Lecce
Milan-Udinese
Napoli-Juventus
Parma-Cagliari
Sampdoria-Roma


Here's an interactive schedule you can bookmark for later use.