RIPCITYSOCCERPREVIEWS Presents

A Short Time From Now, En Un País Muy, Muy Lejos…

ElSUPER

CLASSICO

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It is a period of soccer rivalry! Real Madrid, striking from

The Bernabau, have taken top spot in La Liga and look to

Taste their first victory over the Evil Galactic Empire

(Barcelona) in more than a year.

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During the game, Madrid must smother Barcelona’s

Ultimate weapon, MESSI DONA, a mercurial argentine

With enough pace and trickery to destroy an entire

Defense.

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Shaking with intergalactic anticipation, I can’t wait to

Watch the match, at 3:00 ET or 2:00 CT on ESPN2 or

ESPN3, that could restore Madrid’s honor and help

Return the La Liga Title to the Galacticos where it

Belongs …

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USWNT on to the World Cup

In front of approximately 9,000 fans at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois the US Women's National team managed to avoid the embarrassment of not making the World Cup by defeating the Italian national team 1-0.  They were forced into this playoff when, in one of the largest upsets in women's soccer history,....

Weekend in Review

So as I continue to digest my copious amounts of turkey I will reflect briefly on the weekend.

1.
For all you college kids out there...its gut check time. 2-3 weeks of hell until we are finally released from our institutions of higher education and returned to the rough streets from which we were raised.

2.
Dimitar Berbatov ended his goal drought with an unbelievable 5 against a terrible Blackburn side. Berbatov joins Andy Cole, Alan Shearer, and Jermaine Defoe as the only players to have scored 5 goals in a Premier league game.

3.
Chelsea continue their awful run of form, tying Newcastle United 1-1. Manchester United have taken the premier league lead with 31 points. Seems dumb to have sold Ricardo Carvalho without buying a replacement when the flimsy Paulo Ferreira is starting at Center Back.

3. Barack Obama required 12 stitches from battling terrorists in hand to hand combat in caves on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Rumor has it, although it has not been confirmed by official sources, that he slayed Osama Bin Laden with a can opener but not before Bin Laden had headbutted him in the dome with hidden razors in his turban. Just kidding, Obama got elbowed during a basketball game. We all wish he could hunt down terrorists.

4.
Benoît Assou-Ekotto has been awarded the premier league award for most swag:least skill ratio. What on earth is he doing starting on a champions league team?

5.
To continue the theme of Tottenham's defense, William Gallas continues to be my least favorite premier league player ever.



Brooklynism of the Weekend:
No sag no swag.

MUSIC: Who Sampled?

Here's a website that I found out about recently.  It's not new or anything, but many of you may not have heard of it.  It's called whosampled.com.  Basically, it is a huge database tracking which songs are sampled in other songs, which songs are covered by other bands, and which songs have remixes.  It's a really cool website if you like groups/artists such as Chiddy Bang or Kid Cudi, who frequently sample alternative or indie songs.  You can search by song, original song artist, year, or category.  Check it out.

Fail Friday 11/26

This is a little late, I know, but here is this Friday's weekend kickoff. Some of you may have seen this fail, but for those of you that haven't, this might be the funniest video i've ever seen. The guy wasn't hurt badly...Check it out!

Premier League Prediction Game

Sorry about the late picks on this weekends up coming action. Thanksgiving as well as a whole ton of school work have kept me away from the BPL.

1 for a home win, 2 for an away win and X for a draw. 10$ up for grabs if you guess 10/10 correct.

Sat 11/27

1. Aston Villa vs. Arsenal

Both teams coming off of defeats. Robin Van Persie could make it back into the Gunners starting lineup especially after Chamakh's wastefulness last week.

Bosque's Prediction: 2

2. Bolton vs. Blackpool

Stewy Holden bags another goal in an exciting encounter between too attacking sides.

Bosque's Prediction: 1

3. Everton vs. West Brom

Everton, at home, takes all three points. Cahill with a brace.

Bosque's Prediction: 1
Click to read the rest of the picks and the winners from last week!

Be Thankful for the Little Things

As an athlete, there are somethings we take for granted.  We sometimes forget about the wonderful opportunity we have to play the sport we love, while others have never even had that chance to take the field of play.  We take for granted our opponent who, at times, we'll curse, scream and even hate, yet we forget that if it wasn't for them, we'd have no one to play against resulting in us not playing at all.  Lastly, we forget to remember how precious the gift of good health is to us.  Injuries happen often in sports; we watch it happen to both teammates and opponents every game, yet we have the naivety to act as if we're invincible and it will never happen to us.  The cold and somber truth is that injuries happen, and you never expect yourself to get hurt until you're lying on the field.

I found a story on D3 Football.com about a college senior quarterback who was hurt the second game in the season.  He was not going to be able to take another snap in his college career.  However, this leader took it upon himself to neither pack it in or give up.  He spent the entire rest of the season helping out the young, inexperienced, backup quarterback to help lead their team to the best season the school has had in the past 24 years.

In the end, the injured senior quarterback was able to take the last snap of the season on a victory kneel to win the game.  I can guarantee you that no one has been more thankful for the simple action of taking one snap of the football than this guy was.  Click here to read the original and touching story.

So during this Thanksgiving break, take time to really give thanks for the simple things in life.  It's the meager actions and events that we take for granted, and we never realize it until they're long gone.  Be thankful and have a very delightful and joyous Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Rip City crew. We will be taking the day off and I hope you are too.  Be safe,  eat until it hurts and then sleep it off, and don't forget about the turkey day playlist.

Rip City Hump Day Links

National Geographic photogralphy contest releases crazy pictures.

Ohio St. releases alternative jersey for The Game. (that's right I'm a Buckeye fan)

MLS Cup comes at a cost for one Rapids

Bayern Munich future starlet opts for US?

AC St. Louis is in limbo; Is NASL truly right D-2 Candidate? 

This Week In Numbers - FIFA

Video of the Day: World Cup bad boy Suarez bites another player

USSF releases 2010 Award finalists

Happy Thanksgiving from Rip City Soccer

peace

MLS Expansion Draft: The picks are in (Updated)

Expansion teams Portland and Vancouver are finally starting to take shape.  Each team picked ten players in the MLS expansion draft today, significantly altering the rosters in MLS.  Several MLS teams took gambles with some of their more important and more expensive players by leaving them unprotected. Those that did were rewarded as no DPs were selected. However, several rising stars in the league did get snatched up by the Portland and Vancouver. See picks and grades after the jump.

Premier League Surprise Packages

As we approach game week 15 the Premier League has been more surprising and more competitive than ever before. Liverpool's fall from grace last season has broken the deadlock of the big four. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal have been dropping more points than in recent memory and only 14 points separate Chelsea in 1st place and Fulham in 17th. Furthermore, with the absences and lack of form of superstars like Cesc Fabregas, Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres, and Frank Lampard this season has been dominated by surprise performers and new arrivals. Because of this I have decided to put together a starting IX all star team for the biggest and best surprises and new arrivals of this season.

Goal Keeper: Ben Foster
Despite suffering from lack of confidence and opportunities at Man United Foster has flourished this season at Birmingham putting him back into the England frame.

Right Back: Rafael
Although we could all see his skill, last season his attitude and temperament were sometimes in question. This season he has looked much more disciplined, keeping even the great Gareth Bale in his pocket.

Center Back: Roger Johnson
Even though he was relatively unknown before signing last year for Birmingham his towering displays have put him in the picture for an England call up.

Center Back: Titus Bramble
Even though he has been voted worst premier league player of the year, Steve Bruce always gets the best out of him and he has been part of a stingy Black Cat defense this season.

Left Back: Gareth Bale
Everyone knew he had great talent but it was not until this year that he has been talked about as one of the best players in the world, leading Tottenham with 9 goals on the season. In fact, it took Bale more than 2 years to play in a game that Tottenham won.

Right Wing: Nani
The Portuguese winger has finally stepped out of Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow, leading Manchester United with assists and becoming one of their most dangerous attacking players.

Center Mid: Rafael Van Der Vaart
Never utilized properly at Real Madred, he has recaptured his earlier form at Hamburg and has been the best player on the pitch most games, including a commanding 3-1 win against European Champions Inter Milan. He has scored 8 goals this season so far.

Center Mid: Jordan Henderson
This 20 year old English player has become a stalwart part of Sunderland's midfield. His great form this season has just seen him earn his first senior England cap last week.

Left Wing: Chris Brunt
This West Brom winger has been a revelation from the championship, sparking interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa.


Forward: Johan Elmander
The swede looked average at best at the Reebok last season. But now the Bolton forward has justified his 10 million pound price tag with 8 league goals this season.

Forward: Andy Carroll
Nobody doubted his talent, but adapting from the Championship can be challenging however he has responded with 8 league goals in an up and down season for Newcastle so far.


Surprise Manager of the season: Owen Coyle
He has caused the Bolton faithful to think realistically about European football again.

Honorable mentions:
Charlie Adams
Chamakh
Wilshire
Albrighton
Dann

In other news I still continue to dominate Bosque in our fantasy league.

Video Game Review: Black Ops

The newest game in the Call of Duty series, Black Ops, was released two weeks ago.  I’ve spent a good amount of time in those weeks testing the game out and I have to say, I’m impressed by the game on a whole.

However before I write more, here’s a little background on the Call of Duty games.  Black Ops was created by the design team called Treyarch.  These designers made the CoD 3 and CoD: World at War.  They are not the same team that made the CoD series and the ever popular Modern Warfare series (Infinity Ward made these).

MLS Expansion Draft

The release of the lists of protected players came out last night and Portland and Vancouver will be pouring over the list of players who didn't get protected in preparation for the draft tomorrow.  Both teams will be looking to find several starters for their teams and there are plenty of quality players to choose from.  The draft will start 1pm tomorrow.  Portland will pick first and then the teams will alternate for ten rounds. There is quite an extensive list of rules and guidelines that can be found here...Expansion draft rules.  MLS teams often try and work the system in expansion drafts.  They take risks and gamble on what they think the expansion teams will need.  It will be interesting to see if any of the big names that were left unprotected get snatched up because traditionally their high salaries are deterrents for expansion teams. However, Ljunberg, Geovanni, and Blaise Nkufo sure look tantalizing to me on those lists.  Those aren't the only players on the lists of available players worth drafting. The full list can be found here...http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-releases-unprotected-list-expansion-draft

Turkey Day Playlist

So it's almost Thanksgiving time, which for a lot of us, means miserable travelling.  But travelling doesn't have to be all that bad.  I find that a good mix is crucial for traveling so I thought I'd try something new at Rip City Soccer and make a playlist for people to make and listen on their way home, or wherever, for Thanksgiving.  I used to make mix CDs for my ex-girlfriend and friends all the time, and I'm told I have a knack for it (although, I don't know how much skill or insight is needed for this sort of thing).  So here's 25 songs I've compiled that I think you guys should listen to on your travels.

MLS Cup Hangover

The Colorado Rapids won their first MLS title last night in Toronto.  They overcame a first-half deficit to win in overtime 2-1.  Sadly, an own goal was the decider.  The actual goals came from David Ferreira for FC Dallas and Conor Casey from Colorado.  Overall, the game was extremely physical with challenges and cards a-flying.  Colorado did a good job physically beating the aesthetically-pleasing flow out of Dallas.  The game started with neither team really gaining a foothold in neither possession nor scoring chances.  The game changed in the middle of the first half when Jair Benitez clearly tripped Conor Casey in the box but the ref didn't buy it.  From there, Dallas started gaining possession and converted their chance in the 35th minute with a classly counterattack.  Around the half, Jair Benitez play a crossfield ball to an onrunning Marvin Chavez, who put in a beautifully-whipped in ball into the box.  The cross was met by an unrushing Ferreira who netted his second of the postseason by volleying the ball past an ondiving Pickens.  The half ended in controversy with a hard head-to-head collision in the Dallas box between George John and Conor Casey (not the last time this happened).

NASL approved as second division league.

MLS fans who desperately want a promotion/relegation system should be happy this week because the division 2 soccer situation in the United States seems to be settling.  Last weekend USSF approved NASL's application to become the official second division league in the United States.  This ends the battle between the NASL and USL that has been going on for around a year and a half now.  USL will become USL-Pro and become the third  division league.  If MLS is ever to go to a promotion relegation system these lower tier leagues will need to flourish.  So no matter what division your local team is in go out and support your club. NASL will begin its first division 2 season with eight teams. Those include the Carolina Railhawks, FC Edmonton, Atlanta Silverbacks, Puerto Rico Islanders, NSC Minnesota, Montreal Impact, FC Tampa Bay, and Miami FC.  San Antonio is set to join in 2012 and the future of AC St. Louis is in limbo right now but if current owner Jeff Cooper manages to sell the team they could possibly join the league for the 2011 season.

MLS Cup Final: Extended Highlights

Look for Thug Winslow's recap of the MLS Cup Final tonight but for now enjoy these highlights.

MLS Cup Final: Cover it Live

Upcoming Cover it Live Event: MLS Cup Final Colorado VS FC Dallas

Barack Obama wants YOU to watch the MLS Cup Final.

Tonight at 7:30 the Rip City crew will be doing a live commentary of the game so don't forget to log on and join the conversation.  Don't let baracka flacka flame down.

MLS Cup Preview, an in-depth look

The 2010 MLS season wraps up this weekend in Toronto with the 15th MLS Cup Final.  The Championship features the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas, two originial MLS teams with modest histories.  The game kicks off at 8:30 ET (7:30 CT), and can be seen live on ESPN, Galavision, and of course, ESPN 3 on Xbox Live.  If your'e in the Macalester, pull through Wallace 316 for the game.  Also, Rip City Soccer will be covering the game live on the blog.

MLS Cup Final Preview

We’re one day away from the 2010 MLS Final where FC Dallas will face the Colorado Rapids at BMO Field in Toronto.  The game kicks off at 7:30 pm Central Time and you can follow the game online here at Rip City Soccer while you watch.  We’ll be posting comments and answering questions that you guys post.  For now, the authors of Rip City have gotten together and each formulated who they think will win the MLS Cup.

Country

Results: Colorado Rapids 2-1

These two teams have faced off against each other twice this year and both times they ended in draws.  I predict that the dynamic duo of Casey and Cummings will pull through and win this one for the Rapids.  They have the midfield help of guys like Smith and they have the defense led by Kimura to hold back Ferriera and the rest of FC Dallas.

Thug Winslow

Results: FC Dallas 3-1

I predict that Hartman and Dallas’s defense will be able to shut down Casey and Cummings.  Not only that, but Dallas just plays better together as a team.  They will get the ball to Ferriera and he’ll score big for them.  Yet, the game will come down to the guys in the middle like Harris and Chavez for Dallas and Smith and Thompson for the Rapids. 

Doddsy

Results: FC Dallas 3-2

Colorado just won’t be able to handle the flowing attack of Dallas that goes through Ferriera.  But, Colorado will be able to get a few goals through Casey and Cummings.  At the end of the day though, Hartman will be too much of an obstacle for Colorado.

Could Tottenham win the Premier League?

Today's dramatic come from behind win against Arsenal has sparked talk of the Spurs having a shot at the Premier League title.  Manchester United certainly hasn't looked championship worthy and Rooney doesn't look like he will be back to his old form any time soon.  If he does return to his old form that could be enough to put Man U over the top this year.  Chelsea looked early on to be the clear favorites but in their last four weeks they have faceplanted and lost 3 out of their last 4 games. See more after the jump.

TV Review: Blue Mountain State

Here at Rip City Soccer, we love a good TV series. We’ve been through a lot in the past year and a half. We’ve gone through all of the seasons of Steve Carell’s The Office which, inadvertently, caused an increase in the amount of “that’s what she said” jokes. Also, Thug Winslow has introduced the crew to both It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and How I Met Your Mother (which I’m currently completely enthralled with), two hilarious sit-coms.

Our TV viewing was revolutionized however by the edition of Netflix this year. We’ve torn through all the available seasons of HBO’s popular comedy Weeds, watched Michael Scofield break out of multiple prisons in Prison Break and laughed at the over-the-top story of Archer. However, our favorite TV series out of all of these has to be the ridiculous and hilarious story of the D1 college football team from Blue Mountain State.

Fail Friday: 11/19

Today is the beginning of a new trend here at Rip City Soccer. Every Friday I'll be posting a video of someone failing miserably at something normal. I hope it makes you laugh and helps kick off an awesome Friday night!

RIPCITY 4 LIFE- Today's links

Black and Red United- Expansion draft explanation and Who United should protect
MLS rewarding form over frame
World's greatest soccer dive.
Photo of the Day
NASL future
Canada looking to cut ties with US Soccer?
Who Chicago should protect in the expansion draft.
Rooney may play against Wigan

SCIENCE: New "Yoda" Bat discovered in biodiversity expedition in Papua New Guinea

As a bio major and Star Wars aficionado, the story is a dream come true.  This story came out a little over a month ago but I think it's recent enough to highlight...and gawk at.  For two months in 2009 a group of scientist from Conservation International and A Rocha International went on a biodiversity hunt in order to attain UN World Heritage status for a remote part of Papua New Guinea.  On the expedition, scientists described 3 new species of mammals, 24 frogs, a bunch of spiders, and almost 100 insects. 

Soccer Look-A- Likes (For Macalester)

Rumors of Voldemort Involvement in MIAC Soccer

Known commonly by the Alias of Jeremy Carpe and wearing number 9 this season, Voldemort has been playing soccer in the MIAC for three years now.

Voldemort keeps a very low profile and in general acts like a bitch in order to mislead us into thinking that he is not the most evil man in the entire world. However, occasionally Voldemort slips up and lets some of his pent up anger out (remember Loras). It's important to always keep a couple of spells up your sleeve when you encounter Voldemort in this guise. Studies have found that the best spell to incapacitate the Volde-carpe is to coo the word carrrrrpe in a soft falseto with a long rolling of the r's.

Premier League Prediction Game

Beginning last year, a writer for ESPNsoccernet.com by the name of Eduardo Alvarez began writing a weekly column, The Quiniela, in which he tries to predict the outcome of the 10 La Liga matches each week. This week starts the first version of this fun, yet surprisingly tricky, competition on Rip City Soccer. Have at it!

A Couple Important Rules and Information:

1. Instead of predicting the La Liga scores, were going to try and guess the 10 Barclays Premier League fixtures each week

2. 1 = home win, 2 = away win, X= draw (places guesses in the order of matches listed each week)

3. 10$ prize if you guess all 10/10 fixtures correct (So we can contact you if you win, provide email address with submission please)

4. Must submit your guesses before the start of the first match each game week

5. Home teams listed first, away teams listed second

BPFC

Bumpy Pitch FC is the clothing line that helps to power one of the best online magazines out there. (theoriginalwinger.com)  These t-shirts and hoodies are definitely worth checking out.  Rip City Soccer will definitely be repping BPFC in the near future. (Chicago Spurs NO DOUBT)  I will let them rep their own gear though. Here is their explanation of their line:

          Bumpy Pitch is a cultural movement that encompasses a clothing company and an online magazine (theoriginalwinger.com). Our objective is to showcase and build the culture and lifestyle that soccer inspires.Our current collection is a retrospective look back at the teams that have played a part in shaping the sport of soccer in the United States. The graphics consist of teams that date back to the early 1890's all the way through the 1980's. We feel that it is important to understand where we have come from before we can embrace where we are headed. 

Go check it out.  bumpypitch.com

The Wizards re-brand to Sporting Kansas City SC

  The Kansas City Wizards turned over a new leaf yesterday with the announcement of the clubs rebranding.  The new name will be Sporting Kansas City SC and the new look crest is above.  The colors are basically the same, albeit it a little different shade of blue.  the club president Robb Heineman stated, "This is all about a new start. It’s a new name, a new stadium, a new time.”  Sporting KC are set to move to their new very own home next year, tentatively called the Sporting Kansas Stadium at Village West.  In addition to the announcement of rebranding, the club introduced new DP Mexican striker Omar Bravo, as well as the new kits.  The club has said it is near a deal for a jersey front sponsor for next year.  Interestingly, Heineman said the new brand was a move to be different and innovative, however Sporting is certainly not an innovative name in the soccer community.  And what's more unique and different than the Wizards?

MUSIC: Girl Talk's New Album "All Day" FREE download online

Like Seamless Mash-Ups? Like Copyright Controversy? Like Free Music??

 

The king of mash-ups is back with "All Day," the follow up to 2008's "Feed The Animals."  Gregg Gills, better know as Girl Talk, released his newest cd and is available on the website for his company Illegal Art.

Top 10 WAGS

We all know soccer players get the hottest girls. Especially really rich soccer players...I have compiled a list (with pictures) of my top ten soccer players' wives and girlfriends.

10. Eva Gonzalez



Former girlfriend of foxy Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Matt Weyer shit I mean Iker Casillas, shit I mean Matt Weyer...

Expansion: Where? How big?

In Don Garber's state of the league address yesterday one of the biggest topics were the rumors surrounding what city will be awarded the 20th MLS team.  For some time now it has been clear that the MLS wants that team to be from New York.  With the resurgence of the the New York Cosmos brand it is starting to look like that is where MLS will be headed next.  The Cosmos have come out with new merchandise from Umbro and have announced Pele as their honorary president.  Also, MLS has been in talks with the Wilpon family who own the Mets for some time now.  Garber also mentioned that he envisioned the league would grow beyond 20 teams.  Several cities have been interested in joining such as Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and San Diego, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Ottawa.  Garber mentioned that he couldn't imagine that the league wouldn't expand into the Southeast at some time.  Where do you see the league going?  What cities do you want to get in?  Any love for Des Moines? Just sayin.

MLS release 2010 Best XI

Major League Soccer has released this year's Best XI.  There is a great highlight video for the team on mlssoccer.com.  There are no real surprises, however there are some notable exclusions.  I know it's hard to narrow the field down to 11 players, but no representatives from MLS Cup finalists Colorado?  I probably would've put Omar Cummings on the list.  Also, only one DP in the form of Landon Donovan.   What do you think of the list? Would you like to see your club better represented? Share your thoughts and look at the roster after the jump

UPDATE: Four Loko Banned in United States

The douche that banned Four Loko

Run to your nearby liquor store and stock up on the Lokos while you can because new reports seem to indicate that the FDA will be banning the caffeinated alcoholic beverage due to the dangers of drinking them.  It's sad that just yesterday I wrote a post about how it was only being banned in New York and how Minnesota was being spared...  

The culprit that is taking the Four Lokos out of our hands is US Senator Charles Schumer from New York.  According to his website, "U.S Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will rule that caffeine is an unsafe food additive to alcoholic beverages, effectively making products such as Four Loko, Joose, and others like them, prohibited for sale in the United States. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plans to notify manufacturers that they are engaged in the potential illegal marketing of unsafe alcoholic drinks."

Vote: San Antonio's new NASL team holding open Name-the-Team contest

I don't know how many of you follow Division 2 soccer in the United States but if you're not from a MLS city, then this is relevant.  Even if  you are, you should still promote Division 2 soccer because a strong soccer pyramid is what makes MLS stronger (i.e., Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, Montreal).  Anyways, Division 2 has been a complete shit show the past year with the feud between the re-vamped NASL and USL.  It seems now that USL has refocused their motives for Division 3 soccer in the new USL-PRO league (Go Battery!!!), and NASL is applying to be the viable Div. 2 league.  NASL granted my home city San Antonio a franchise for the 2012 season, owned by local philanthropist Gordon Hartman.  The organization is going in motion by letting the fans name the team and decide the colors. 

Don Does it again, the Reserve League is reincarnated, plus MLS expands rosters.

MLS commissioner Don "The Don" Garber revealed today in a teleconference that the MLS reserve league will begin anew in 2011.  Also the limit on the amount of homegrown players has been removed.  This could help to fill in the extra four spots on the rosters for the teams next year.  In 2011 MLS teams' rosters will expand from 26 to 30.  This comes as a breath of fresh air for those teams competing in extra fixtures throughout the year, such as the U.S. Open Cup, Superliga, and the Concacaf Champions League.  The interesting thing about this roster expansion is that roster spots 25-30 are reserved for players 24 and younger.  MLS looks to be combatting its old dp infusion with a youthful player development movement.  Perhaps getting the best of both worlds, allowing those teams that don't have the cash to bring in three designated players to compete by running a more efficient and successful development program. While at the same time bringing in star power to fill the seats.

Other news that was announced was that every MLS soccer team next year will have a jersey front sponsor.  We'll know who the new sponsors are by in the next two months.  Also three new or renovated stadiums will be completed by next year.  The teams that will have these new pitches are Kansas City, Vancouver, and Portland.

More information can be found over at mlssoccer.com. Many think its time for Don Garber to move on and quit restricting the growth of the league but in my opinion the road to glory for MLS follows right behind the Don and his slow growth plan.  Thoughts? Already excited for next year? Ready to see some new homegrown talent?

Album Review: Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager

So...Kid Cudi's sophomore effort "Mr. Rager" has been released officially for a week now, which has given me time to listen to it a couple times through and form a fair analysis of it. Overall, this album is not the mind-blowing perfection of The End of Day. However, I wouldn't call it a sophomore slump. The album, I think, is appreciated best when it is listened to as a whole - a concept rare in modern hip hop. It is like a hip-hop version of the rockoperas of the late 70s and 80s. This album immediately reminded me of MGMT's "Congratulations," in that is what more about the psychedelic trip of listening to the sounds both for the audience and the artists, rather than being about the singles or the formation of individual "radio-ready" songs. This album is a commentary of Cudi's year goneby with his drug problem, fan altercation, jail time, and the birth of his daughter. Many critics have said that this album is just liquid cocaine to which Cudi replied, "I want my shit to be like you're reading a novel, not a Dr. Seuss book. (Complex)" Cudi did admit however that he needed cocaine in order to get past the emotional barriers that kept him from talking about his past - a major theme of the album. Read more and CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO...

Four Lokos: Down, But Not Out

Recent press has shown that the popular college alcoholic/energy drink Four Loko was banned from the state of New York yesterday. This follows previous Four Loko bans in the states of Washington, Michigan, Utah, and Oklahoma.

Four Loko bans have been seen due to the "dangerous mixture of an energy drink and a malt liquor". Some who are for the ban are even calling the drink "liquid cocaine".

Here at Rip City Soccer, we're outraged with Four Loko bans. For a little over two dollars, one of these tall boys will get you slizzard and feeling wide awake for the rest of the night. The taste is a little questionable, sure, but it's definitely on par, if not better, than the cheap beer and vodka that most of us college kids drink anyways.

Recap: MLS Semifinal: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

It looks like there will be a first time MLS champion this year, as FC Dallas rolled over Los Angeles Galaxy last night 3-0. In the early moments of the game, Galaxy of course enjoyed the majority of possession. However, the was an early half chance by Dallas in which Atiba Harris was sprung on a breakaway the gave Dallas hope. Then, completely unexpectedly, David Ferreira opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a brilliant piece of skill. He received a bouncing ball on the eighteen with his back to goal, took a touch and turned while freezing his defender, and ripped the ball of the halfvolley under Ricketts and in the far lower corner. Soon after, Donovan had a chance that almost found the net with a hard and low shot the went across Hartman but was just wide. Read more....

Upcoming: USA VS South Africa, Nov. 17, 1pm

The United States are heading back to South Africa, this time for the Nelson Mandela Challenge.  Wednesday at 1pm ESPN2 and Galavision will have the coverage of the game.  Bob Bradley went with an extremely young squad with several never before capped players, including Canadian prospect Teal Bunbury.  While the roster is clearly at best a B squad this should be a great game to watch if you're interested in the future of the USMNT. The detailed roster that ussoccer.com supplied and Michael Kammarman's Studio 90 interview with assistant coach Mike Sorber about the roster after the jump:

COMEDY: Baracka Flacka Flame - Head of The State

Here's something to brighten up your Monday. A Brooklyn Boy showed me this video of a presidential parody of rapper Waka Flocka Flame's "Hard in Da Paint." It features Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and of course, Oprah. Take this video lightly and Enjoy....

From the Gridiron to the Pitch: My Life with Soccer

Soccer has been a foreign concept to me for most of my life. As a child my father always told me that soccer was a game for “lawn fairies” and that the real sports to play was the big American three: football, basketball, and baseball. Yet, as a kid, you do what your friends do and in my small home town in Wisconsin that was to play soccer.

Josh Gotoy

Recently our attention has been called to a young budding musician named Josh Gotoy at Loyola New Orleans. He sings, creates all his own beats, raps, and plays the piano. Josh's music can best be described as a positive and soulful mix of R and B, Hip Hop, with some jazz influence. Josh grew up in BedStuy Brooklyn. His debut album, J.A.G is set to drop sometime in the near future.

Check and become fans of his Facebook music page:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1344597533#!/pages/Josh-Gotoy/165167413498465

LA Galaxy VS. FC Dallas

Upcoming Cover It Live Event: LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

Rip City Soccer will be covering the MLS Semifinal tonight but seeing as it is on ESPN we will not be doing as much play by play.  We want to use the program as more of an open forum tonight so that our readers can interact with us and other readers. So join the discussion tonight at 8.

Top 10 Boots

Because that youtube video was off, Rip City Soccer decided to make our very own top 10 football boots. This list evaluates the best 10 recent football boots based on a quantum formula that takes into account comfort, price, performance, longevity, and style.
10. Puma PowerCat 1.10
9. Copa Mundial
8. Predator Pulse
7. Puma V1.10
6. Adipure II
5. Laser I
4. Adizero
3. Legend I
2. Vapor VI
1. Vapor IV Euro Edition (The Rolls Royce of boots)

Premier League Fantasy Game Week 13: Heros, Zeros, and The Random Walk

Dear Readers,

I know were all getting pumped for the second burst of semifinal action in the MLS Cup tonight, but I feel the need to take a second an acknowledge the weekend gone by in fantasy premier league soccer. Here's how this column is going to work. First, I give the nod to the player or group of players who performed above and beyond expectations and racked up the fantasy points (Heros). Then, those who have disappointed will get dully lambasted (Zeros). Finally, in the last section I will throw in my two cents about next game week and or soccer happenings (The Imaginary Number). This is my first attempt at this column so bear with me.

Men among Boys: Wigan Athletic Defense

With a clean sheet against WestBrom, Wigan defenders manned two out of the four dream week defender spots this game week. Al-Habsi recorded a respectable 7 points in goal while Alcaraz posted an impressive 8 points at center back. Although the Wigan defense is more likely than not on the wrong end of a seven goal lambasting this week

at the JJB the boys came through in spades. Roberto Martinez is no slouch and his well drilled back line is a testament to his coaching ability; however, next weeks away fixture to Manchester United may well see Wigan defenders making an appearance in the Dog House.

The Dog House: Chelsea FC

What happened? Having woken up early to commentate on the Arsenal Everton game I went back to sleep with visions of clean sheets, goals, and an all star performance by the men in Blue. Yet, upon waking I found Steve Bruce and Sunderland had stolen the show, at Stamford Bridge nonetheless. Now personally, this was an occasion for a jig, but for the many thousands of us in Fantasy premier league who had Drogba or Malouda as captain or maybe even gave that coveted arm band to the dark horse Ashley Cole (oops oops) and started lively Solomon Kolou this was a disaster. Shipping three unanswered goals to sunderland, especially in light of Newcastle's drubbing of the Black Cats at home, is just plain silly. Malaria or no Malaria, Lampard or no Lampard, Terry or no Terry, an entire back line of outside backs (haha Ferreira playing center back) or not, Chelsea were dealt a black eye by the black cats.

The Random Walk through Soccer:

Feather in the cap to Stewy Holden with a goal and an assist this week for Bolton. His first premier league goal if I'm not mistaken. Even though you are beginning to speak like one of them Brits, Rip City's got your back mate.

And next weeks pick: NANI ; as I mentioned above Manchester United to host Wigan Athletic. Can't see that one going any other way than a home win. Nani should, no doubt, be in on the spoils.

Thanks for reading,

Bosque

Preview: MLS Cup Semifinals - Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

After winning an entertaining game last night, Colorado Rapids will learn their foe tonight as the semifinals wrap up. At 9:00 p.m. ET (8 CT), Supporters Shield Winners Los Angeles Galaxy will host FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center. The game will be televised by ESPN 2, ESPN Deporters, or if you're in the Macalester area, on ESPN3 on XBox Live in Wallace 316!!!! Rip City!!! takes a preview of the game:

Los Angeles Galaxy
the gals are looking to head to the playoff final for a record seventh, and the second in as many years. Although they won the regular season title, their form had dipped a little towards the end of the season. However as the playoffs commenced, Beckham and Co. regained their winning formula - score early (usually through Buddle) and defend well. In the quarterfinals, the Galaxy dumped arguably the hottest team in the MLS, the Sounders. In the first leg, a Buddle wonder-volley sealed the away victory while David Beckham stole the show in the home leg, garnering 2 assists en route to a 2-1 win (3-1 on aggregate). Statistically, Edson Buddle leads the team with 19 goals in all competitions, while Donovan has notched 16 assists.

FC Dallas
For much of the season FC Dallas were a tough read. They broke the undefeated MLS streak, yet they drew a lot of games and lacked a finishing "bite." The team's legitimacy was questioned further with two late season losses to Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy. However, the playoffs gave Dallas a new look as they methodically finished off defending champs Real Salt Lake 3-2 on aggregate. The highlights of the series included Eric Avila's gamewinner in the first leg, the Shea chest to McCarty finish to silence the home crowd in the second, and Hartman's heroics in goal. FC Dallas are looking for their first final appearance and their first silverware since their lone U.S. Open Cup. Statistically, Jeff Cunningham leads the team with 11 goals, and David Ferreira leads the team with 13 assists. Look for Schellas Hyndman to mix things up in the midfield as Atiba Harris is back from suspension and McCarty, Shea, Hernandez, and Chavez all came off strong performances that deserve starting nods.

Head-to-Head
The Galaxy leads the all-time series 25-18-9. This year the Galaxy took the series 2-0 (May 20: LAG 1-0 FCD, goal by Magee;Oct 24: LAG 2-1 FCD, goals by Beckham, Junihno, and Harris)
Look for there to be a tactical battle between the coaches as both teams like to defend off of their quick-scoring leads. Coach of the Year Schellas Hyndman of FC Dallas will be up against last year's award-winner Bruce Arena. Another interesting matchup will be the goalies: Kevin Hartman of Dallas and Ricketts of LA, both goalie of the year finalists. Hartman, formerly of the galaxy, was the showstopper against Salt Lake and is still coming off an injury. Ricketts, the Goalie of the Year, showed strength against Seattle's few chances but is always injury-prone.
Another battle will be up top. Buddle is red-hot and is out to prove he is the true golden boot winner and MVP. Jeff Cunningham is out to prove is MLS's all-time greatest goalscorer. The biggest match-up will be in the midfield. Veteran stars Beckham and Donovan, along with Juninho, will look to exploit the likes of in-form Dax McCarty, Brek Shea, and Daniel Hernandez.

Share your predictions below!!

Top 10 Football Shoes?

I saw this on youtube and thought the idea was pretty cool but its a little outdated and i was definitely dissapointed that my puma v1.10's weren't included. Please, lets be real...number 1. Thoughts? What is your favorite boot?

Arsenal vs. Everton 8 AM Sunday

Colorado VS. San Jose

"LIKE A G6" (OFFICIAL) FAR EAST MOVEMENT (FM) feat The Cataracs & Dev

TIME TO GET SLIZZARD

NCAA playoffs have arrived and its time to bust out the beer, vodka, rum, four loco or whatever other inebriating liquid you prefer. Tonight 7 PM at Macalester we need hundreds of crazy fans to help the Scots move on to the next round of the tournament.



-When we drink we do it right, get SLIZZARD!