Sports Blog

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

With the news that Manchester United just won their record-tying 18th English Premier League trophy, it is as good a time as any to grab some friends and hit the pitch to play some soccer.

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.