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

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

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.

It was an interesting weekend for sports.  The marquee event the U.S. Open had rain and bad weather all weekend so it needed to end today.  Tune in if you can as big names like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are still lurking for the win.  It has been a surprising tournament so far as two unknown players (Lucas Glover and Ricky Barnes) have been pacing the field.  The first two rounds they were playing unbelievably well, but they started to fade back toward the field in the 3rd round leaving an opening for others to win on the final round Monday.  I would say that its all up in the air right now and the player that shoots best today will win the U.S. Open.

In soccer, Team U.S.A. pulled off one of the most improbable runs to the Semifinals in the Confederations Cup with help from Brazil. Needing just about a miracle to happen, it just did.  The only way the U.S. could advance to the next round after losing the first two games to Italy and Brazil was with a win over Egypt and an Italy lose to Brazil.  Not only that they needed to make up the 6 goal differential tie-breaker.  Brazil did their part beating the Italians 3-0 giving way for the U.S. to advance if they won 3-0 also.  And they did, playing their best game of the tournament.  It was very exciting to watch as both games were going on simultaneously, but you could tell that the players on each field knew the score on the other.  When the U.S. game went final there was pure jubilation amongst the players as they knew they pulled off the improbable.  They’ll take on number one in world Spain on Wednesday in the semis.  It will be a very tough game and I don’t see the U.S. advancing, but we will see.  In the other semifinal Brazil will take on the host South Africa.

In baseball, the College World Series has its two final teams as LSU will take on Texas in the Final series.  It will be a good match up between two college baseball powers.  Keep an eye on it during the week.  In the MLB, there were some good inter-league series with my personal favorite, the Freeway Series between the Angels and Dodgers.  The series concluded on Sunday night with the Dodgers pulling the 5-3 victory and World Champion Kobe Bryant was in attendance enjoying the game.

Image Source: Getty

5. Laker Championship Parade

Sport: NBA
When it’s on: Wednesday, June 17 @ 11 a.m. Pacific Time

The Lakers clinched the NBA Championship last Sunday in Orlando. The next logical step for any champion is to have a parade.  But, when you’re the Lakers, you have a victory parade that costs about $2 million.  This will be a big event for LA not so much for Lebron James (I just had to put that in there).  This event is so big that they had to have it in a football stadium to make room for all the people they are expecting.  The thing to watch for will be what Laker busts a Mark Madsen and embarrass themselves.  My money is on Pau Gasol!

4. College World Series

Sport: College Baseball
When it’s on: All week starting today @ 11 a.m. Pacific Time

I know college baseball doesn’t get all the publicity that football and basketball does, but the CWS is always fun to watch.  It’s a tournament where any team is capable of winning and many times the unexpected does happen.  The last four champions where not even ranked in the tournament.  It’s a fun event to watch even if you don’t have a team.  You can just pick a designated team and have fun watching till the end.

3. MLB
Sport: MLB
When it’s on: All week

The baseball races are starting to heat up right about now with teams finding out if they are contenders or pretenders.  This week should especially be fun to watch with many AL-NL rivalries taking place because of inter-league play.  Some interesting match ups include:  Cubs vs. White Sox, Dodgers vs. Angels, Astros vs. Rangers.  It’s always fun to watch two teams from the same state or city battle for bragging rights amongst fans.

2. Confederations Cup

Sport: International Soccer
When it’s on: All week for group play

International Soccer is one of my favorite things to watch.  The passion that the players and fans have for the game is almost unmatched.  This tournament although not that big (only 8 team) should be fun to watch because of world powers such as Spain, Brazil and Italy.  The U.S. is also in the tournament looking to make a statement, which should give the average U.S. fan something to root for.  The U.S. has a lot of work to do after losing to Italy in their first game to make it to the next round, but it should be fun to watch anyway.  Some great match-ups to watch for: U.S. vs. Brazil, Italy vs. Brazil, Spain vs. anyone.  I just love to watch the way Spain plays.

1.U.S. Open

Sport: Golf
When it’s on: Starts Thursday, June 18 @ 4 a.m. Pacific Time

This is the main event of the week.  All eyes will be on Tiger Woods to see if he can defend his Open title.  He played really well in the last tournament with his come from behind win. This year’s course is said to be very difficult.  So, it will be fun to watch these pros smack the ball around and look average.  Any one can win on a course like that, but my money is still on Tiger.  It will be exciting to watch.

Source: AP Photo

Adding to the excitement is the upcoming UEFA Champions League finals and a summer of World Cup Qualifying (2010 is almost here!).  Between that and furious matches of FIFA 2009 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, there are plenty of reasons to be pumped up about soccer right now.

One of the greatest parts about the sport, besides the obvious fact that it is amazing to watch, is that it is relatively inexpensive to play.  Many leagues require shin guards and uniforms, but for a quick pick up game among friends all you need is a ball.

And while there are some expensive balls out there, it is possible to find high quality, discount soccer balls that will suit your needs just fine.

To prove that you can play soccer for very little money, today’s deal of the day is on a soccer ball, courtesy of Amazon.com.  It is an Adidas TerraPass II Capitano soccer ball, and it is only $19.99.

According to its product description it is “crafted using a butyl bladder for maximum air retention and features a machine-stitched nylon/TPU construction for a soft touch and high durability.”

It comes in two different color combinations and three different sizes, so if you are playing in a competitive league make sure it is the right size for you.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more discount soccer balls and soccer equipment.

I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw this video this morning.

I know it’s a bit insensitive, but after you watch it, you’ll laugh it.

Apparently there is a new judge in town and she has her own show called “Family Court With Judge Penny.” Recently on her show, young Erek came on to speak about his displeasure with his mother. Apparently Mama made little Erek play soccer when he didn’t want to.  Was she being a bit cruel to make him play? Not if Erek was just any kid throwing a tantrum. But here’s the twist.

Erek had 75% of his ear ripped off by a dog and had to have three surgeries.

Yep. And after the first surgery, she made him put a bandage over it and play!

The reason? To show he was committed and dependable and my favorite: “he’s the star player, without him, they would have lost.”

I didn’t see how the verdict came out, but I know that if this was on Judge Judy, that old prune would have ripped her a new one and came at her like a spider monkey!

Now that’s good television!

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Source: Mouth Piece Blog

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