Fail Friday: 12/31/10

How's it going Rip City Soccer Fans!  Sorry I (or any of the Rip City Staff) haven't posted in awhile.  We're all on break and enjoying the holiday season with our families and friends.  We hope you are too!  Here's a nice soccer related Fail Friday for you all!  From all of us here at Rip City Soccer, Happy New Year!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

MLS releases opening game schedule

Today at 3:30 ET, MLS released the opening kick-off matches for Week 1 of the 2011 MLS season.  The list features some interesting match-ups with two new teams entering the competition fold.  Here's the list:

Tuesday, March 15
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles Galaxy - Qwest Field, Seattle, WA - 9:30 ET on ESPN
This is Seattle's third consecutive home First Kick, but this one might not be so lopsided.  Last year, the Galacticos embarrassed the home crowd with a 4-0 rout in front of the Sounders faithful.  The Galaxy may be without Becks, but they will still look to flex their new muscle in the form of Frankie Hejduk and JP Angel (and maybe Ronaldinho??)

FIFA Club World Cup in Review

The annual FIFA Club World Cup wrapped up in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.  Pre-Tournament favorites Inter Milan won the final with ease (3-0 romp of TP Mazembe), however, I think the tournament was about much more than who won it.  Here are some stats, results, and interesting stories that developed throughout the tournament.

2010-11 Champions League Round of 16 Draw

UEFA completed the draw for the Round of 16 in the Knockout round of this years Champions League.  The draw pitted some heavyweights against each other.  This years knockout finalists features 4 teams from England, 3 from Spain, 3 from Italy, 2 from Germany, 2 from France, 1 from Denmark, and 1 from the Ukraine.  As you should know, a group winners are drawn against group runners-up, and no teams from the same group or country can be drawn against each other.  The first leg of the knockout phase starts on February 15.  Checkout out the draw:

Charlie Davies No Playing time Sunday....but Wednesday?

There was a lot of press about Charlie Davies making the squad for Sochaux in their game Sunday against Bordeaux.  It turned out to be a bit of a let down because Charlie didn't get into the game but that wasn't too much of a surprise seeing as this was a huge game for both teams and with it being tied for most of the match it may have been too big of a risk for Sochaux to bring in a player that is probably way out of form.  However,  this is obviously a positive step forward for Davies and Sochaux have a quick turnaround on Wednesday against a near bottom of the table Monaco team.  This looks like it could be the perfect opportunity for Davies to see some action.  Especially because this is the last game before the transfer window opens and they may be inclined to throw Charlie a bone before he goes out looking for loan options.  If he can get in a game and look capable his stock will be much improved.  So if your a Davies fan and praying for him to rebound to his former glory then  Wednesday could be a big day for you.  Hope that he makes the lineup again and that Sochaux takes an early lead. CD9!

Fail Friday: Snow Driving Fail

With the massive blizzard that hit the MSP area last weekend I thought this week's fail friday should have a snow theme. I had my own fail during our snow event and got my car towed and slammed with a huge fine:( FAIL. I am currently excepting donations.

Holiday Playlist

It's about that time of year again...Exams are over/almost over, the weather is freezing, and the warm feeling of relaxation and bonding sets in.  That's right, it's almost Christmas.  Christmas, as an aging kid, has become bittersweet.  No more extravagant presents, it goes by way too fast, and shopping is miserable.  Yet it's the little things like cookies, movie marathons, and looking at lights that makes this time of year special.  With all this soppy shit said, Here's a list of songs that make me feel Holiday-y from the good times to Christmas to the weird in between week, and finally to the New Year.  In all of it's glory, Merry Christmas and HAPPY HOLIDAYS...MA'AM.  Click the Link Below if to get to the Youtube playlist, but I encourage you to put it on your iTunes or a CD:

Landon Donovan Winter Destination: Fulham? Everton? Newcastle? SoCal?

Lando's so hot right now.

US soccer's poster boy Landon Donovan is once again a hot loan prospect for teams in Europe.  However, this year Lando's world looks a little different than it has in the past.  He is wrapping up an amazing year in which he finally succeeded in Europe, scored a last second winner in the World Cup, and helped the Galaxy win the Supporter's Shield in MLS.  After the MLS season ended speculation on Donovan's future quickly arose.  He responded only that he would be resting for a few months before he made a decision on whether or not he would like to go on loan.  Recent developments seem to have made his decision more difficult. Hit the jump for more...

Edson Buddle from Galaxy to Birmingham?

Current L.A. Galaxy star striker Edson Buddle is trying out with English Premier League Club Birmingham FC. Right now Birmingham sits 2 points above the relegation zone and Birmingham Manager Alex McLeish admits that he is the market for a new striker. However, it is unclear whether Buddle is even available. Last year the Galaxy allowed Landon Donovan and David Beckham to go on loan over the MLS offseason, but Beckham's injury suffered on loan that kept him out for much of the 2010 season for the Galaxy may make Galaxy Manager Bruce Arena un-wiling to let Buddle go this year. Yet, after nabbing aging star Juan Pablo Angel this week the Galaxy may be willing to part with Buddle for the right price.

Talks have not yet begun between the clubs or with the player so all of this may come to nothing. Nonetheless, it is exciting that a promising american player is getting attention abroad. While Birmingham may not be the cream of the crop they still compete in one of the best leagues in the world and if the U.S. national team is to elevate their game they need more players playing in the top leagues of the world so that they will improve as individuals. I believe Buddle has out grown the MLS and that it is time for him to try to make it at the european level. Good luck to you son!

Rip City Crystal Ball: MLS in 2020. Part 2

Promotion/relegation is a topic that many hardcore soccer fans are passionate about.  Many eurosnobs won't even consider MLS a legitimate league until they implement a P/R system.  So, in 2020 will MLS have a promotion relegation system?

Christmas Gift Idea: Microsoft Zune vs. iPod

The wait is over: Apple finally has a rival to their iPod monopoly.  If your looking for somehow to listen to your music on the go and you have a PC, you should look into Microsoft's Zune.  They can do everything a iPod can do: Windows 7 phone is like and iPhone and a Zune HD is just like iPod touch.  The only thing is that Microsoft has not outsourced app-making priveleges so the app selection is a little meek.  But give it time.  I got a Zune HD this past February and it has been the best purchase I have made.  It makes sense, why not match up Microsoft with Microsoft.  Zune has so many advantages for PC users.

Rip City Hump Day Links

FC Dallas win MLS's Fashion Statement of the Year. Click Here to see why.
Juan Agudelo on the move to Spain? Think again says RBNY
St. Paul kid earns D3 All-American honors for Macalester
USL-PRO's LA Blues official introduced
New PDL team in Winnipeg: WSA Winnipeg
Diver breaks depth record
D.C. United sign 4th Homegrown Player
Big moves in the Second Phase of the Re-Entry Draft
Iconic Images of 2010
Blender's Songs of the Week, with videos!
Video of the Week: MPLS Metrodome caves in during historic blizzard

Holden: Is He The One?

Stuart Holden is the future of U.S. Soccer and what a bright future it is!

Check out minutes 8:30 and 10:07: Holden Steals the Show this weekend against Blackburn.

More often then not when I watch the U.S. Men's National Team I have the urge to go and bang my head against the wall. I bang my head against the wall because the U.S. never holds possession for more than a couple passes, frequently resorts to aimless kickball and attacks with the precision and efficiency of a Dodo bird. I am convinced the reason for these occurances is that the U.S. does not have a creative, exciting, unpredictable, forward minded, attacking center midfielder who actually wants the ball at his feet.

Enter Stuart Holden:

This year Holden has played the attacking center midfield (like a QB in soccer) role for Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays English Premier League. Bolton are currently the fourth highest scoring team in the league behind the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea and sit in six place over all. Moreover, the Premier league is arguably one of the most competitive in the world. Each premier league team fights tooth and nail every week to keep their opponents out of the goal. Indeed, the league is known for its hard nose tackling and impenetrable organized defenses. Holden has only 2 goals in 1 assist in 17 appearances. Not terribly impressive. Yet, Holden is young and there is still plenty of time for him to grow into a the center mid star that U.S. soccer desperately needs. Most people know Donovan, Dempsey and the goalie Howard, but if the U.S. is ever going to be a serious contender for the World Cup they need a center midfielder who wants the ball at his feet. Holden has shown hat he can be the answer to our midfield nightmare if only Coach Bob Bradley would give him a chance.

Best Players From Underachieving Teams

We constantly hear about the best players who play for Man United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal as well as teams who are punching above their weight. However the star performers of those fighting against the drop are rarely noticed. This gives the proper dues to those who produce great performances every week for the bottom 5 teams, Birmingham, Fulham, Wigan, Wolves, and West Ham United

GK: Ben Foster (Birmingham)

RB: Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

CB: Roger Johnson (Birmingham)

CB: Brede Hangeland (Fulham)

Brooklynism of the Week

Bitches I like them brainless, guns I like them stainless
steel, I want the fucking fortune like the wheel.

--Notorious B.I.G--

99 PROBLEMS

Just for a raw Brooklyn throwback that gets me hype.

Sunday Fun Day

Today was a day of intense studying/procrastinating here at Rip City as finals are upon us. That didn't stop us from keeping up to date so we could keep you up to date. So in case you missed it here are some of the big news stories of the day. Including another track from the B.o.B. mixtape just because.

Christmas Gift Idea: Soccer Scarf Culture

So Christmas is right around the corner which can only mean one thing: last minute gift shopping.  What do I get Suzie? What do I get Mom? How can I buy the cheapest possible gift for Little Jimmy and not make it look obvious?  The answer may surprise you......Soccer scarves.  Soccer scarves have created a fashionable and cosmopolitan culture which exudes class and worldliness.  If you see a guy walking around in a scarf, you automatically think douche.  But if you look closer and see that this scarf is embroidered with Liverpool or Osasuna or Chicago Fire or Genoa, you think, "Hey, I like this guy."  The soccer scarf is what separates the US soccer fanbase from the European fanbase.  That degree of style or class or everyday exposure hasn't hit us yet.  It's time to change that.  We here at Rip City have started our own collection.  We've got AC St. Louis (R.I.P.), US National Team, Espana, Inter Milan, Man U, New England Revolution, and more.  I myself have started a collection where I try to get a scarf from the local club team of the places to which I travel.  I've garnered a Chicago Fire one, a Charleston Battery one, a Tottenham scarf (even though I've never been there), an Eintracht Frankfurt scarf, and lastly a Kaizer Chiefs scarf from my journey to the World Cup.  On a side note, if anyone knows how to get an AmaZulu or Golden Arrows (club teams from Durban, S. Africa) hit me up!!!!

So it's time we, as a true passionate American soccer fanbase, step up in class and rock the soccer scarf.  They are a perfect Christmas gift.  They can be worn for utility or accessory, and they look great draped on the wall over your TV! Good places to look for them are worldsoccershop.com, soccer.com, mlsgear.com, ruffneckscarves.com, or ebay.

B.o.B - Beast Mode - Video

For those of you in college right now finals are either upon you or they are about to be. If your feeling unmotivated or have a deadline fast approaching then just throw this on and get to work.

Rip City Crystal Ball: MLS in 2020

This post is the first of the Rip City Crystal Ball series.  Throughout the next few weeks we at Rip City will be doing our best Shawn Spencer (Psychic detective) and divining what MLS will look like in 2020.  With all of the recent success of not only MLS but of soccer in the United States the future looks bright but for many the development of MLS is painstakingly slow. Have no fear though because this series will give you a sneak peak into the glorious future of MLS.  This week we look at the always exciting and hot topic of expansion.  Where will MLS stop?  Which cities will get the final spots?

Rip City's Starting XI Sexiest Soccer Players

You've all oogled over the Top 10 WAGs for some time now, so here's one for the ladies.  Ladies, clear your Saturday because this one could get steamy.  Here is Rip City's Starting XI of hottest, sexiest footballers on the planet.  This list was compiled by our beautiful female correspondents Babs and McMilf, enjoy:

Subs: David Villa, Didier Drogba, Phillipe Mexes, Franck Ribery (no, just kidding, that's just mean)

11) Rafael Marquez: 
Rafael Marquez está muy caliente. Yep, that has pretty much maxes out my knowledge of the Spanish language, but when it comes to Marquez, that’s all you need to know. Perhaps it’s his ability to wear a ponytail without reminding me of the patrons I’d expect to meet in a rural South Carolina diner, or maybe it’s his smoldering, just-the-right-amount-of-scary stare. Regardless, I’m sold.

Fail Friday 12/10

This week's Fail Friday is footy-related.  It features the unforgettable, disgraceful whiff/handball/WTF!?! performed by Kansas City Wizards' striker Kei Kamara.  This video just murders MLS's credibility and is just absolutely.  The old addage "my grandma could've scored that, and she's only got one leg" comes to mind.  And to think he actually had a really productive season with the Wizards.  The Wizards may now be gone, but we will not let this moment be forgotten in the archives as well. Have a freaking AWESOME Friday, party, don't party, stay safe, relax, study, whatever. Just enjoy from Rip City Soccer.  Take it away Kei:

MLS Jerseys: Thank God for Portland

Portland Timbers unveiled their first ever MLS kits in fashion earlier this afternoon, and......WOW!!!  Finally, we are starting to see some quality MLS kits.  The team walked out of a Boeing airplane in the new garb onto a runway in an empty Portland airplane hangar.  Here's a look and description of the home kit:

The home jersey features the Timber green with a two-tone jersey.  The two shades of green are cross-linked with chevrons.  The back neck ID tag is an ax and there is a "No Pity in the Rose City" JockTag.  The jersey has white sleeves and features Alaska Airlines as the sponsor.  Now for the surprise of the afternoon, the away kit:

Premier League Prediction Game

Another weekend of Barclays English Premier League action on the way and what a weekend it promises to be! Manchester United vs. Arsenal at Old Trafford and Tottenham vs. Chelsea at White Heart Lane. It's always a nice when the premier league heats up just in time to combat the oncoming winter chill.

As always 1 for a home win, 2 for an away win and X for a draw. $10 if you guess all ten fixtures

correctly. Submit guesses on the comment forum please. Also home teams are listed first. Ok lets have at it!

12/11

1. Aston Villa vs. West Brom (10:00 E.T. 9:00 C.T. ; FSC)

West Brom have scored seven goals in their last to games, both wins one of which was

away 4-1 against Everton, and are now sitting pretty in 9th position in the Barclays Premier League. Conversely, Villa's defensive form has been woeful of late, epitomized by their three nil defeat to liverpool last weekend. However, the Villans can look forward to the return of Ashley Young from injury. Still, Villa's young midfield does not provide enough protection for their strong but sluggish center backs.

Bosque's Prediction: X

Preview: 2010 NCAA D1 College Cup

The college soccer season culminates this weekend in Santa Barbara, CA.  The field left involves three predictable powerhouses and perhaps one surprise -- #1 University of Louisville Cardinals, #3 University of Akron Zips, University of North Carolina Tar Heels, and University of Michigan Wolverines.  The semifinals start Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2 with Louisville taking on UNC, followed by Michigan vs. Akron at 10 pm CT.  The final is slated for Sunday, Dec. 12 at 3 pm CT on ESPN2.  First of all, I'd like to comment on the freaking jerseys.  How nice are D1 jerseys?!!!!!  The pristine Nikes and Adidas with crests and all.  They look glorious compared to any jersey I've ever worn.  I'd also like to comment on the impact that MLS academies have made to the college game.  Here's a list of academy grads on the final four rosters (tell me if I missed one):
Akron
Chad Barson, Columbus Crew Soccer
Andrian McAdams, Columbus Crew
Ben Speas, Columbus Crew
Eric Stevenson, Columbus Crew

Preview: 2010 FIFA Club World Cup

The 2010 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off tomorrow morning in Abu Dhabi when Hekari United of Papua New Guinea takes on Emirati domestic champs Al-Wahda SC in the play-in game.

Why There Is No Greatest Team In the History of Soccer

Today, ESPN.com's soccer page headline news was an opinion piece on why Barcelona was the best team ever in the history of soccer. The writer compared them to many legendary teams of the past: Milan, Brazil, Bayern Munich, Netherlands, France etc. and said Barca were better using a combination of arguments ranging from aesthetics to trophies to individual player awards.

To all of us Americans these historical references can be a bit intimidating and may even seem to give the writer has some credibility. However, do not be intimidated by this pompous drivel of soccer history and facts because the crux of the writers argument was that Barca were the best team ever because they are the best all time representatives of the beautiful game. In other words, this current Barcelona team captures the imaginations of people all over the world, even those who are not fans of Barca or soccer, and convinces them that soccer is something worthwhile or even inspirational.

To prove that Barcelona is not the greatest team in the history of soccer I don't need to go into petty arguments about Busquet's flopping, Pique's handballs, whether Victor Valdes is any good or not, David Villa's facial hair, etc. These arguments are irrelevant. In fact, any team that aspires to be the greatest of all time will have its unique faults because every team is made out of human beings and all human are uniquely imperfect.

Indeed, in many instances imperfections are what make players and teams and leagues endearing and even legendary. Paul Scholes would not be Paul Scholes if he didn't tackle like a Ninja. If Barcelona wouldn't be Barca if they never missed an opportunity because they made one pass too many. Arsene Wenger would not be Arsene Wenger if he didn't chuck his water bottle like a five year old throwing a temper tantrum. The Italian League would not be the Italian league if the players didn't dramatize like opera singers. The list goes on. The point I'm getting at here is that, in soccer, no player nor team nor league is faultless and many times it is their imperfections that makes them endearing as well as annoying and in the end impossible to compare.

I believe, that it is this last point, the impossibility of making conclusive comparisons, that makes soccer most valuable. Unlike baseball, american football, basketball; soccer players are not defined by their batting average nor their shooting percentage nor their forty meter dash nor anything that would make them valuable fantasy picks. In fact, all the players and teams that I consider the best have flaws that keep them from even being mentioned in the realm of the greatest ever. However, this is because in soccer it is the intangibles of heart, grit, class, cheekiness, and above all love for the game that defines great players and great teams for all of us. Undoubtedly Barcelona has a great team; however, I am convinced that there are millions of teams worldwide who's love for the game is no less inspiring than that of Xavi, Iniesta, Pique, Pedro, Valdes, Dani Alves, Messi, and Co. Therefore, the perfect soccer team is not defined by perfect play (if the goal was perfection or dominance why would we use our feet?), but by the amount of passion and commitment with which a team plays. Soccer is about making something wonderful, sensible, and meaningful out of something that is imperfect through commitment and love.

Commitment and love, although exemplified by a dazzling dribble or the perfectly weighted pass, transcend soccer specific talents. We all have the ability to express these qualities no matter how skillful we are. Therefore, though all of us cannot play for Barcelona, if we play with commitment and love, we are the best ambassadors for the game.

Mac Miller - Knock Knock

Saw this on Good Music All Day. Mac Miller holding it down for the white boy rappers out there.

Brooklynism Of The Week:

Life without wisdom is death in disguise.

--Talib Kweli--
Brooklyn Native

Premier League Prediction Game

Week 16 in the Barclays Premier League. Some tantalizing fixtures this week including Manchester City vs. Bolton at the City of Manchester Stadium and Chelsea Everton at Stanford Bridge. Also the possibility that mother nature weighs in with a snow game or two. Indeed, the Blackpool Man U game has already been postponed. Yet, we carry on. As usual ....

1 for a home win, 2 for an away win, X for a draw, and 10$ if you guess all 9 of this weeks

fixtures right.

12/4

1. Arsenal vs. Fulham (10:00 am E.T. or 9:00 am C.T. ; FSC)

Fulham are without a forward. Currently, American Clint "don't tread on me" Dempsey is their top scorer. As much as I love the bug eyed, happy footed, pint swilling,

hiphopopotamus ... did I mention he used to play for the New England Revolution! ... Fulham are going to get trounced.

Bosque's Prediction: 1

2. Birmingham vs. Tottenham (10:00 am E.T. or 9:00 C.T.)

Good ole 'Arry Rednapp has suggested Tottenham are title contenders. Is this true? No its is not. Why? Because Tottenham do not have a deep enough squad to challenge in the EPL, Champions League, as well as domestic cup competitions. Birmingham puts in another solid team defensive display. Real Madrid should be taking notes.

Bosque's Prediction: X

3. Blackburn Rovers vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (10:00 am E.T. or 9:00 am C.T.)

Big Sam and Co. no which games to win and which games to lose. Now I don't mean that they got shellacked 7-1 by Manchester United on purpose last week, but I don't think that Blackburn was expecting to win. Big Sam will expect his team to beat Wolves and they will come through.

Bosque's Prediction: 1

4. Chelsea vs. Everton (10:00 am E.T. or 9:00 am C.T. ; ESPN3.com)

Micheal Essien is back; therefore, Chelsea win at the Bridge. Yes, it is as simple as that.

Bosque's Prediction: 1

5. Manchester City vs. Bolton (10:00 am E.T. or 9:00 am C.T.)

(Pretty. Boy. Swag. for musical accompaniment click here)

Both defenses will have their hand full in this game. With the amount of goals Bolton has been

scoring of late I wonder how many CDMs (center

defensive midfielders) Mancini will play? No doubt a few too many. Also the cold

temperatures could mean that some of the more, how should I say ... faint of heart in the city lineup cough cough Yaya, Mario, even Joe Hart (C'mon man your english suck it up), will be in their jamies at home instead of on the pitch.

Bosque's Prediction: X

6. Wigan Athletic vs. Stoke City (10:00 am E.T. or 9:00 am C.T.)

This will be a battle. Stoke City know how to fight.

Bosque's Prediction: 2

7. Blackpool vs. Manchester United (Postponed)

Unfortunately this game as been postponed. Therefore it will not count for this weeks game. Too bad because it promises to be full of goals.

Bosque's Prediction: hot coco and christmas decoration

12/5

8. West Bromwich Albion vs. Newcastle (8:30 am E.T. , 7:30 am C.T.)

Last week West Brom surprised me with a convincing 3 nil win away at Everton. However, West Brom has a poor home record and Newcastle has a good record away from home.

Bosque's Prediction: 2

9. Sunderland vs. West Ham (11:00 am E.T. , 10:00 am C.T. ; FSC)

Sunderland are in a crisis similar to that of Chelsea. That is: Where have their center backs gone, O where O where could they be? For musical accompaniment click here. Also West Ham are coming off of a four nil win over, can you believe it, Manchester United. All be it in the League Cup. Sunderland loose their unbeaten home record.

Bosque's Prediction: 2

12/6

10. Liverpool vs. Aston Villa (3:00 pm E.T. , 2:00 pm C.T. ; ESPN3.com)

No Jamie Carragher for the Reds as he is out for over a month with an injury. However, Aston Villa have plenty of injury woes too. For whom will fate and form smile on monday? It must be Liverpool with two goals from the clinical Torres of olden days.

Bosque's Prediction: 1