Sports Blog » Soccer

Although most Americans do not realize it, soccer (or football, as most of the world calls it) is the world’s most played sport. The passion that many countries have for the game borders on fanatical and can be downright frightening to people who have never seen it firsthand.

The top soccer leagues in the world — like the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, and Italy’s Serie A — have an atmosphere that would make the Oakland Raiders famous Black Hole look like an after school day care.

All of this energy reaches a boiling point every four years during an illustrious event simply known as the World Cup. During the World Cup, 32 of the best footballing nations square off in a tournament to play for the right to call themselves the best country in the world at soccer.

This summer the worlds 19th World Cup will take place in South Africa, which is historic because it will be the first time the tournament will be hosted by an African nation. While the event is still half a year away, people are already getting excited.

To help get you ready for the historic occasion, I have pulled together some great deals on World Cup 2010 gear. This officially licensed memorabilia comes courtesy of World Soccer Shop and is this week’s Deal of the Day.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2010 Logo Soccer Hooded Sweatshirt by Adidas has the official 2010 World Cup logo on the front and the Adidas logo on the back. Available in sizes medium through double-extra large, it is currently listed for $49.99 but will not ship until Mid-January.

This Adidas World Cup 2010 Jabulani 3D Effect Soccer Ball is currently being sold in size 3 or 5 for only $29.99. From its product description: “Jabulani means to celebrate in Zulu, one of the 11 languages of South Africa, and the design of the Jabulani has 11 colors to honor those 11 languages, in addition to the 11 communities of South Africa and and the 11 players on a team.”

The World Cup History Poster is a great piece of memorabilia for any soccer fan. It has wonderful photos and some great information about the history of the event. On sale for only $13.99, this special order item does take an extra 2-5 days to ship.

Some people love them and some people hate them, but if you fall into the former group this Vuvuzela South African Soccer Horn is for you. Being sold for only $7.99, it is also available in a variety of colors.

As fans of Major League Soccer (and those who read yesterday’s post!) already know, Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup with a victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday night. It was Real Salt Lake’s first Cup since they entered the league as an expansion team in 2005 and anybody who watched the match will tell you that is was one for the ages. Between seeing some of the league’s top players play their hearts out on the pitch and watching the match go to the always captivating penalty kicks, it was a game that will be remembered for a long time by fans of United States soccer. 

To help keep those fond memories alive there is plenty of cool championship gear and clothing on sale at the official shop of Major League Soccer. There is a wide selection of memorabilia to remind you of the great 2009 MLS season and all of it is officially licensed merchandise from the MLS.

This 2009 MLS Cup Champions men’s short sleeve tee-shirt has the team, MLS and MLS Cup logo printed nicely on the front. The red championship shirt is made from 100 percent cotton and comes in sizes small through extra large. It is currently on sale for $19.99 and ships within 1-2 business days.

This 2009 MLS Cup Champions Scarf has a different print on each side of it and bears the official 2009 MLS Cup Champions team logo. It is a great way to stay fashionably warm during the winter and is currently on sale for $29.99.

This Wincraft Real Salt Lake 2009 MLS Cup Champions Pennant can be hung anywhere from an office to a dorm room and is an ideal way to show off your Real Salt Lake pride. It has full color graphics, is 12 inches by 30 inches, and is currently available for only $7.99.

This Wincraft Real Salt Lake 2009 MLS Cup Champions Sign is 11 inches by 17 inches and features the official 2009 MLS Cup Champions graphic. It is the perfect decor for a garage or media room and is currently on sale for $4.99.

This Wincraft Real Salt Lake 2009 MLS Cup Champions High Definition Key Ring has the official 2009 MLS Champions graphic and can easily fit into a pocket or purse. Currently available for only $5.99, it is a great way to be reminded of Real Salt Lake’s amazing performance every time you need to use your keys.

Image Source: MLSgear.com

Before this year’s Major League Soccer season began Los Angeles Galaxy superstar Landon Donovan called out David Beckham for what he felt was a lack of commitment to the team. Fast forward to the 2009 MLS Cup and perhaps now it is Beckham who should be calling out Donovan.

After the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake finished regulation and overtime in a 1-1 deadlock the game was left to be decided by penalty kicks. The Galaxy went first and Beckham, who has undergone much scrutiny since leaving Europe to help promote the MLS for a deal that was reported to be in excess of $250 million, lived up to his contract and delivered a goal. By the time Donovan came up as the fourth kicker the two teams were locked at three goals apiece.

Then it all went downhill for the Galaxy. Donovan stepped up and launched a bullet in the center of the goal … about five feet over the crossbar. The Galaxy eventually lost 5-4 after seven rounds of kicks and although he wouldn’t say it, you have to wonder if Beckham feels a little happy about Donovan’s misstep.

It was the first MLS Cup for Real Salt Lake and is only the second time an expansion team has won it all; the other being the Chicago Fire in 1998.

For anyone who thought that the sports world would slow down in the excitement department now that the World Series of Major League Baseball is over, well, think again. From upsets in college football to a certain disgruntled basketball player to the World Series of Poker, this past weekend had a lot of compelling action. There were teams that showed why they are considered among the best in their sport and teams that gained firsthand knowledge of what it means when people say it is a long fall from the top. So without further ado, here are the highlights of another great weekend in sports.

College Football: The top three teams in college football — Florida, Alabama and Texas — made it through the weekend unscathed and remain control of their destiny. If they win out, they will be in the BCS National Championship game. The emerging story, though, is the rise of TCU. Another lopsided victory at the expense of San Diego State has them No. 4 in the latest BCS poll and a potential BCS buster come bowl time. They are joined by No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 6 Boise State, who are both 9-0 along with TCU, as teams that could potentially cause controversy when it comes time to crown a national college football champion.

NBA: In what comes as no surprise to anyone outside of the Memphis Grizzlies management team, newly signed Allen Iverson is already disgruntled with his role on the team. He was allowed to return home over the weekend to attend to a personal matter, but many with insight into the NBA are predicting that we may have already seen Iverson in a Grizzlies’ jersey for the last time. ESPN’s Chad Ford summed it up best when he quoted an unnamed NBA general manager: “He’s finished in the NBA. He can go hang out with Stephon Marbury.”

NFL: While it is still much too early to start dreaming about the perfect season, there are still two teams that have an unblemished record. The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts both won on Sunday in games that were much closer than anyone expected and moved to 8-0 for the season. Perhaps the most interesting news of weekend, however, came from former Colts coach Tony Dungy. He said that Michael Vick, whom he has mentored since Vick’s incarceration, could end up quarterbacking for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills reportedly had interest in Vick prior to him signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and are currently struggling with the injured Trent Edwards and underwhelming Ryan Fitzpatrick.

WSOP: If it seems like the WSOP has been on hiatus for eternity, that is because it has. On break since the end of summer, the November Nine resumed action on Friday and played until the wee hours of the morning. The field has been whittled down to the final two players, who will square off for the WSOP Main Event bracelet tonight at 10pm PT. I won’t say who the final two are out of consideration for those waiting to catch action Tuesday night on ESPN, but you can get a full recap here on ESPN’s Poker Blog.

MLS: The Chicago Fire, Los Angeles Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, and Real Salt Lake are Major League Soccer’s final four teams following an intense weekend of play. The Western Conference finals kick off on Friday at the Home Depot Center at 8pm PT and can be seen on ESPN 2. The Eastern Conference finals will take place in Chicago on Saturday at 5pm PT and can be seen on the Fox Soccer Channel.

Image Source: TCU Athletics

As you read in yesterday’s post, this past weekend was an incredible one for sports. Having Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Football League all playing at the same time makes late October and early November a real treat (is it too late for Halloween puns?) for fans.With so much going on at once it has been easy to forget that the Major League Soccer playoffs are also in full swing, but with the United States national team recently securing their spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa it is a great time for casual sports fans and hardcore soccer fanatics to check out Major League Soccer’s postseason action.

And what better time to shop for great MLS gear than while you are tuning in to watch some of America’s best soccer players take the pitch. Here are four sweet deals on MLS merchandise that will help you get in the mood for the playoffs and American soccer in general.

The 2009 Upper Deck Soccer Trading Cards are the perfect way to get to know the best players in the MLS. There are 10 cards in each pack and 36 packs in each officially licensed box set. This wonderful collector’s item also includes three game worn jersey cards and special inserts like MLS All-Stars and Super Draft 2009. It is currently on sale for $71.99 and is eligible for 20 percent off with the purchase of a Beyond MLS item.

The A&E Home Video History Of The MLS Cup DVD is an excellent way for newcomers to learn about the history of the MLS Cup or for longtime MLS fans to relive the best moments of the past. This documentary guides viewers through the inception of the MLS and through the first 12 MLS Cups. It is currently on sale for $19.99 and is also eligible for 20 percent off.

Not all American sports fans watch the MLS but I am sure a good portion of them can put this Great American MLS 4pc Shot Glass Set to good use. This set includes four 2-oz square shot glasses and is currently on sale for $31.99. Let me remind you to please drink responsibly!

Of course, what MLS merchandise collection would be complete without an authentic jersey from one of the 2009 MLS Cup playoff teams. This adidas Los Angeles Galaxy Authentic Home Jersey is made from 100 percent polyester and is the same jersey worn on the field by players. It is currently on sale for $89.99 and is available in sizes small through double-extra large.

Shop for more discount MLS gear at Smarter.com.

World Cup Qualifying kicks off again with a big match up between U.S. and Mexico. Mexico is in desperate need of a win because they currently sit in 4th place in the CONCACAF standings. The U.S. wants to win to avenge their beat down in the Gold Cup, though it was not the players on the team now, and to finally get a win in Mexico. They are 0-22-1 all time playing on Mexican soil.

There is reason to believe that this game will be different because of the success that the U.S. had in the Confederations Cup, where they played with and beat some of the top countries in soccer. It will still not be easy to get a win though, but a loss will not hurt the U.S as much because they are currently 2nd in the CONCACAF. This game will be more about pride than standings right now. Mexico has brought back 38-year-old Cuauhtemoc Blanco. He has been brought back into the fold by Mexico coach Javier Aguirre in an attempt to instill some passion and spirit into the squad. Blanco is difficult to handle when he is playing his best anywhere, but this game is at the Azteca, in scorching heat and with Mexico’s World Cup future possibly on the line, so he is certain to be fired up. Oguchi Onyewu and Jay DeMerit were outstanding at the heart of the USA defense during the Confederations Cup. They will need to play the game a solid game to contain Blanco. With that being said I look forward to a very good game from both sides. The key for the U.S. will be to with stand the first couple minutes of the game when Mexico will surly be really fired up. If they can withstand that without going down a goal, they will have a good chance to win the game. For Mexico, an early goal might all but end the game because the crowd will go crazy and the U.S. might lose their composure. All in all I see the U.S. finally breaking through 2-1.

Image Source: Getty Images

Get a new soccer ball for almost half off it’s original price:

Adidas TerraPass NFHS Club Soccer Ball -$21.66 was $40

Adidas TGII MLS Sz 5 -$9.99 was $19.99

Adidas TGIII DB Glider Soccer Ball - $12.86 was $19.99

Adidas F50 X-ite Soccer Ball - $15.00 was $19.99

Find more adidas soccer balls here at Smarter.com

Busy weekend in sports but still nothing from NBA, NFL, NHL; although the NFL training camps start this week finally. I can’t wait! The NBA and NHL still have a while to go but I can live with it as long as there is football. This weekend was full of good soccer matches as the World Football Classic and the Gold Cup were finishing up in the states. In baseball, the division and wild card races are heating up with the trade deadline here this week. The Tour de France also ended this weekend with Lance Armstrong doing well but couldn’t come through the in the end. But, we’ll start the recap with some sad news. Former boxing champion Vernon Forrest was shot and killed in an apparent robbery. This is disturbing news in the sports world as another person is lost to gun violence, with Steve McNair being killed earlier this month. Longtime publicist Kelly Swanson called Forrest “a caring humanitarian who always stood up for what he believed to be the fairness of life. It was truly his calling,” Swanson said of his work with children. “When he wasn’t boxing, this was his full-time job. … When they would see him, they would just light up, and some of them couldn’t even talk. Vernon was very much involved. He’d have some of the kids over to his house on Sundays. They were part of his family.” It’s sad to lose a person like that in society and he will be missed.

In soccer, the Gold Cup Final was set for Sunday with the two favorites (Mexico and U.S.A) meeting to no surprise to anyone. The match was even up until halftime when Mexico broke the game open with a goal. They never stopped scoring after that and the game ended in a 5-0 rout. It was a big win for Mexico, even against the U.S. so called B team, because they hadn’t won in the U.S. since 1999 (0-9-2). For the U.S. it’s very disappointing to lose like this, but they still have time to rebound before World Cup Qualifying. In the World Football Classic Club, America was trying to make it an even bigger day for Mexican soccer with a win over English power Chelsea. Club America had already proved that it could hang with the big boys, with a win against AC Milan and draw with Inter Milan, but Chelsea just has too much depth and won 2-0 playing with mostly backups. The tournament was very successful in the U.S. as each game was played to full stadiums proving that Americans like high quality soccer that Europe brings. It would be cool to see more games like this in the States.

In baseball, the races are heating up with teams trying to shore up their weaknesses through trades. The Cardinals were the first to make a move picking up Matt Holliday. Good move by them to get help for Albert Pujols. Now all the attention will turn to another Holladay, Roy. There are said to be many teams interested in Roy but are they willing to give up the high price for the trade. We’ll have to wait and see this week.

Source:  AP Photo, Yahoo Sports

It was kind of a slow weekend for sports as 3 of the 4 major sports (NFL, NBA, NHl) are in their off-seasons and Tiger Woods didn’t make the cut at the British Open.  The NBA is having the summer league but most of the players playing don’t have a real shot at playing in the NBA so the games aren’t too interesting.  Soccer had some interesting games though, with the U.S. playing in the Gold Cup and top European clubs (Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan) coming to the states to play exhibitions.  The biggest game though may have been David Beckham’s first home game since his return.  Let’s just say it wasn’t a warm welcoming!  Beckham was greeted with boos from the home crowd with some holding up anti-Beckham signs.  Beckham even got into it with a fan that he said “went too far” motioning him to come down from his seat and do something.  The fan jumped down and security quickly grabbed him ending the confrontation. Even with all the boos and signs Beckham still thanked the fans when he came out of the game and after said that it was only a few that went over the line.  He actually played a pretty good game assisting on two goals in the 2 -2 tie with Italian soccer power AC Milan, the team Beckham was loaned out to.  It’s safe to say that home games for the rest of the season are going to be a circus.  Maybe Becks solid play will win the fans back.

In golf, the British Open had a pretty good story going on, even with Tiger Woods being out before Saturday.  59-year old Tom Watson was trying to become the oldest champion ever and win his 6th British Open.  It was pretty unbelievable to watch as he kept hitting good shot after good shot to lead the field.  On the last hole, Watson needed a birdie for the win.  He made it on the green with a very make able birdie putt but missed short forcing a 4-hole play-off with Stewart Cink.  By this time fatigue and the pressure of the situation had to be setting in for older Watson.  And it showed in the play-off as his shots weren’t as crisp as they were all week bogeying three of the four holes.  Cink on the other hand came up with three birdies to take the championship and steal the storybook ending for Watson.  It was still fun to watch the last round and play-off.  Part of me wishes that Watson could have won but on the other hand Cink deserves to get the win also.  He was asked a question after if he “felt like the villain in the movies that comes in at the end and steals the girl away from the main character.”  He responded laughing and said jokingly, “as long as I get the girl” and that he did.

Image Source:  Getty Images

It was a slower weekend than most in sports, but some interesting stuff still happened.  In soccer, Team U.S.A. was in their first ever final of a tournament in their international soccer history.  They got there by shocking the world in beating Spain, the number one ranked team in the world by FIFA.  Now to get their first ever win they would have to go through another world power in Brazil.  The game started out well for the U.S.A. as they got a quick goal only 10 minutes into the game.  This seemed to give them confidence as they dominated play for the rest of the half adding another goal before have time.  It was a shocking score at half time but you knew Brazil would try to answer in the second half.  And that they did as they dominated play in the second half and scored 3 times to get the 3-2 victory.  The U.S. seemed to be playing not to lose in the second have and it came back to bite them as they allowed to much room for Brazil to just keep attacking.  Even after losing the match, the U.S. could keep their heads high as they matched up with two of the best teams in the world and had a chance two win both games, even dominating play at times.  Nobody expected that to happen and it should put the world on notice to what Team U.S.A. is capable of going forward.  Next year’s World Cup should be very interesting.

In track & field, the U.S. was holding its annual National Championships.  The winners of these races are going to represent the U.S.A. in the in the World Championships in Berlin.  While most of the favorites in the races came out with victories, a surprise result happened in the men’s 200m when Shawn Crawford ran one of his best races in years and came out with the victory.  A gold medalist in 2004, Shawn had been quiet in track for a while.  Now he’ll get to compete for the World Championship.  Other new National Champions include Christian Cantwell (shot put), Jenn Stuczynski (pole vault), Bershawn Jackson (400 hurdles) Dawn Harper (100 hurdles) and Lopez Lomong (1,500 meters).  All will be representing the U.S. at the World Championships.

In baseball, Mariano Rivera became the second player in baseball history to reach 500 career saves.  He’s been one of the best closers in baseball for a while so it’s good to see him get to this milestone.  I think it only validates his Hall of Fame credentials.  Also, Manny comes back to the Dodgers this week.  After playing to sold out excited minor league stadiums he will finally have to face a major league crowd.  It will be interesting to see how the fans react to him on the road, as we already know the Dodger fans will still love him.