2-3-11

News and notes from Sounders pre-season training in Arizona.

The Sounders had open tryouts last weekend (not sure if anyone was offered a chance with the full team) but one guy blogged about his experience.

The NY Redbulls have been busy in the off season signing some good players, but getting this guy would be a major coup!

Charlie Davies showed up in Florida wearing a DC United uniform, they will look at him for a week to see if they will accept the year long loan from Sochaux.

The Monopoly on broadcast soccer in Europe could change very soon!

In 1988 Japan didn't win a single game in the Asian Cup, 2011 they are Champions. How did this rapid change happen? One American had a big influence on a nation! All 38 J-League teams from both the first and second divisions are required to have U-12, U-15 and U-18 teams as part of their organizations. The clubs are trying to develop players from a young age. Also, there are national tournaments in all the age groups, which are extremely popular. The national high school tournament attracts more than 40,000 spectators for the final, which is held in Tokyo’s National Stadium. The -U12 final is carried on TV nationally. Youth soccer is played 52 weeks a year in Japan, with 300 Million people what is the USA waiting for?

Here is this weekends listing of Soccer on TV (all times eastern)


Skills-Show Vol. 47


The thing kids and parents need to understand if they really have aspirations of playing pro, you need to train and you need to get exposure to the professional environment. This 18 year old kid did!


Liverpool 2 – Stoke 0 (Premier League, February 2, 2011)


Many guys dream of playing in England, Stuart Holden is on his second go around and is making the very most of it!


Birmingham 2 – Manchester City 2 (Premier League, February 2, 2011)


In England kids beg their parents for Jersey's of their favorite players, one boy witnessed both of his favorites leave on deadline day!


Blackburn 0 – Tottenham 1 (Premier League, February 2, 2011)


Cup football is always fun to watch, it really is the only time the little guy has a chance to test themselves against the big boys. In France the dream continues for one amateur team!!

Fulham 1 – Newcastle 0 (Premier League, February 2, 2011)


At 35 years old can Juan Pablo Angel score the goals the LA Galaxy are looking for?


Blackpool 1 – West Ham 3 (Premier League, Feb 2, 2011)


Spots on the 2011 Sounders are going to be tough to come by, the team will be even deeper than last year and guys may have to play various positions to make it. That doesn't stop Roger.


Real Madrid 2 – Sevilla 0 (Agg. 3-0) (Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, February 2, 2011)



His injury has kept him out of soccer for two years, he is a true talent and still has some years left in him but will those years be and ManU or in the MLS?


Almeria 0 – Barcelona 3 (Agg. 0-8) (Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, February 2, 2011)


The influx of Colombian players in the MLS over the past 5 years has been a big benefit for the league.

Rangers 1 – Hearts 0 (SPL, February 2, 2011)


Signs of how you know when it's time to retire, varicose veins, overweight, slow, and fans throwing stones at your car. He used to be "Il Fenameno" now he is just "Fat Ronaldo"

Goal of the Week Nominee