Kevin Payne One-on-One

Fot the DC United fans out there.

I really hope Veron comes to MLS. He is truly one of my all-time favorite players. I would be forst in line to get my DC United 'Veron' jersey.

Futbol Fever Hits Hollywood

Or Not?

I came across this little gem of a video this morning while scouring for some reaction to Beckham's debut tonight for LA Galaxy. It shows just how excited the celebrities are for soccer in America.

Although seeing the clueless celebs try to answer questions about the match was tremendous, the best part has to been Frank Lampard bulling his way right through the gaggle of cameras right before Skipper John Terry stops for a chat. You may remember that Lamps has been in a bit of a spot lately in the tabloids.

HT: LA Galaxy Offside

BogTV #23

BECKHAM-PALOOZA

I was overjoyed when Steinberg told me that he had videotaped the Beckham festivities out in Los Angeles last Friday, and here's why.

No wonder they call Donovan 'LandyCakes', huh?

La Barra Brava is Fun

MY GUESTS FOR THE EVENING

DRUNKEN ANTICS

MORE ANTICS

BRINGING IT!

THE DRAW WAS AS BAD AS A LOSS

Ronaldinho has rhythm ...

... and an erection, apparently. I mean, I don't translate Spanish too well, but I have to imagine the title, 'Ronaldinho Refregando y Erecto!', has something to do with wood. If it actually doesn't then tha tag 'ereccion' defenitely lets the cat out of the bag.

Tip of the hat to Deadspin.

Beckham vs Bush

You've heard all about David Beckham and Reggie Bush getting together for a new Adidas Campaign, you've probably even seen the really queer looking photos of Becks in a Saints uniform.

Well here are the moving pictures to prove it.

Both guys look to be pretty decent at the other guy's sport.

Alexi Lalas ... Moron!

Is it possible that Alexi Lalas is this dumb? There's just no way he can be that unintelligent, right? How can you possible think that the 11-year old MLS is on par with the greatest soccer league in the world, the English Premier League?

The Los Angeles Galaxy president, who scored when the United States beat England 2-0 in a friendly in 1993, told British newspapers that Major League Soccer is on a par with the Premier League.

Look, I'm one of the people who thinks the MLS has grown leaps and bounds over the past few years, but it was hard not to. The level of play in this league was dismal for many years, and by dismal, I mean utterly-awful. It's not like that anymore at all. There is a ton of talent, young and old, on display in the MLS these days, but to go and spout off like Lalas is just plain silly.

"In England, our league is considered second class, but I honestly believe if you took a helicopter and grabbed a bunch of MLS players and took them to the perceived best league in the world they wouldn't miss a beat and the fans wouldn't notice any drop in quality.''

WRONG!
WRONG!
WRONG!

Sure, they are a handful of players currently wearing MLS colors who could definitely play in the EPL, but that handful is very limited. Not only is the EPL's overall talent-level in a different stratosphere than the MLS, it's a much different game. Could you imagine little Freddy Adu going up against some of the blokes in the EPL. That would be a hoot for all involved.

Alexis Lalas should concentrate on getting his crappy team back on track before David Beckham makes his arrival on United States soil, before he goes and defames the most prestigious league in the world like this. It's not good for American Soccer at all when comparisons like this are made. The people who truly care about MLS should stick to trying to grow the fanbase at a grass roots level and not try to take this little league to an international stage, just yet.

The Closest Thing to a Derby in American Soccer

I realize that LA Galaxy and Chivas USA have their little west-coast derby, but it's forced and contrived. The only true passion (aka hatred) exists between DC United and RBNY (formerly the New York/New Jersey Metrostars). This rivalry is born out of a 'strong dislike' between the supporter groups and a history of chippiness on the pitch.

Just look what happenned at the 2006 Season Opener when RBNY brought 800 traveling supporters to RFK Stadium.

The rivalry is renewed this Sunday at RFK. Word is that quite a few supporters will be making the journey down I-95 for the match. If you're in the DC Metro Area and are looking for something to do, I suggest heading to Southeast DC and picking up one of the many tickets that will be available. You will not go away disapointed, just make sure you're wearing the right colors.

An American in Germany

June 7, 2006. The day I departed for my trek across Germany. I can't believe it's been almost a year. The experiences that I gained during my trip will be with me forever and now, thanks to power of the internets, it's time to finally share it with you.

This piece aired on Comcast Sportsnet on the day that I arrived home from my 11-day journey. I hope you enjoy it. I know I did.

Out of the Basement, Onto the Game: Soccer Edition (Mr Irrelevant)

Swedes Takes Advantage of Danish Drunk!

Qualifying for the 2008 European Football Championships continued on Saturday after a 65-day layoff. Some results that stand out are obviously World Champions Italy squeeking out a 2-1 in the Faroe Islands and Germany 'taking it easy' on San Marino by only scoring 6 goals this time around. (Ze Germans netted 13 goals during the fixture last September in San Marino. The result is the largest margin of victory in European Qualifying history.)

The match of the day was definitely contested in Copenhagen, where the Danes hosted Sweden in a Scandanavian Derby. It was an ending to remember! With the score ied at 3 in the final minutes, the match was abandoned and Sweden was awarded a forfiet victory when a Danish fan entered the pitch and appeared to strike the referee. The hubub followed a sequence in which Denmark defender Christian Poulsen punched Sweden striker Markus Rosenberg (and by 'punched', I mean hit him in the spot that no man should hit another man). Sweden was awarded a penalty kick and Poulsen was shown a red card by German Ref Herbert Fandel. Don't believe me? Take s look.

I don't think I have ever heard of a match of this magnitude (it basically eliminated Denmark from contention) being called of because of the actions of a supporter. The decision is apparently under review by UEFA, so we shall see what the final outcome will be.

Oh, The Oranje don't have another qualifier until September 8th, but they did dispatch of South Korea quite easily on Saturday.

HUP HOLLAND!

BogTV #17

DC UNITED IS TALENTED

The success of BogTV Episode #16 was unparalled. We have just about 10,000 views on the You Tubes, and it is now the 85th Most Viewed Sports Clip this week!

We've actually had a nice little run here with the America's Cup of Polo, the Preakness, and now this.

Stay Tuned because on Monday we have a special treat ... The Best of BogTV!

You'll Never Walk Alone

Champions League Final tomorrow!

Liverpool goes for their 2nd European Championship in the last 3 years against the team they shocked to take the title in 2005, AC Milan.

I've always been a fan of the Liverpool supporters and here is their signature.

Unfortunately for the people in this video, I think the Rossoneri are destined for this year's title.

Chivas? Again?

Boca? Nope.
River? Think Again.
Sao Paulo? Keep trying.

Turns out DC United will get another shot at Mexican Club Chivas in La Copa Sudamericana.

Bleh. I guess it will be nice to extract some revenge on the Goats for knocking us out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, but I would have rather played a South American club.

DC United invited to Copa Sudamericana

The Black and Red are hanging with the big boys now! They were officially invited to La Copa Sudamericana earlier today. There had been a question as to which MLS team would get the nod. Both United and the Houston Dynamo went out in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year, so it left to the powers that be to decide which club would get the invite. In the end, United was invited based on their larger goal differential in the CCC. So where does that leave them? It leaves them on the precipe of a match with one of the bigger names of futbol in the Western Hemisphere.

So what is the Copa Sudamericana you ask? Let me enlighten you. It's basically the second most important club competition in South America, behind only Copa Libertadores. Most people would compare this tournament to the UEFA Cup in Europe, but the interesting fact about Sudamericana is that clubs can compete in both Sudamericana and Libertadores in the same year, making the competition in the two tournaments closely matched.

CONMEBOL has been inviting CONCACAF teams to their little party since 2005. DC United is actually the first and only MLS team to have play in the Sudamericana. In 2005, they fell to Universidad Catolica of Chile in the Rd of 16 (the first non-qualifying round).

The list of clubs in this year's tournament is a who's who of South American futbol. From Argentina comes Boca Juniors, River Plate, and defending Apertura Champions Estudiantes. Brazil is sending a staggering EIGHT CLUBS to the tournament, including defending Serie A Champions Sao Paulo. Millonarios of Columbia, El Nacional of Ecuador, and Universitario of Peru are just a few more of the notable clubs in this year's tournament. Mexico had two teams invited including the defending Sudameriana Champion, Pachuca FC; the same team that just captured the recently completed CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The thought of DC United taking the pitch at La Bombonera, the infamous home ground of Boca Juniors, makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It also gives me an excuse to post some videos of La Doce, the supporters group of Boca, and one of personal favorites.

Um, 'intense' would be a lame description of these guys and their home.

The draw for the tournament is Tueday. Stay Tuned.

The Blues are some Drunk Geezers

You've no doubt heard that Chelsea knocked off Manchester United in extra time to win the FA Cup this past Saturday. What you probably didn't hear about was the wild post-game celebration that followed. The all-night bender cost a reported 25,000 pounds! Go do the conversion to find out what kind of night this was. Chelsea Captain John Terry led the celebrations and was joined by Frank Lampard, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the hero of the day, Didier Drogba.

All that booze was more than enough to leave one of the lads in no condition to do much else, other than fall over.

Lampard needed help to find his way to a waiting car.

You'd think with the hordes of paparazzi that London is famous for, someone would have shot of Frank stumbling out to the sidewalk, but alas, I have come up empty in my search. I'll try to make up for it with this great shot of a young Lampard from his days in with The Hammers in East London.

Tip of the hat to The Offside for the original link.

The Best of the Best

The European Football season is winding down, and that means it is time to scour the YouTubes in search of the 'Best Goals of the Season Compilations'! Here's the best one I have seen so far.

The Matthew Taylor goal at 43 seconds is just disgusting!

I will never forget the Robin Van Persie strike at 1:43. I was watching that match live and just about hit my head on the ceiling when the Dutchman cam flying through with the left boot.

Best Goal in Europe 2006/07 (The Offside)

Curtain Up

We're less than 24 houra from the FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Chelsea! The excitment is building all across the globe as the Brits prepare to unveil the New Wembley to the world. Check out the BBC Video of the state on the art structure.

As for the match, I really don't see the injury-riddled Blues being able to keep up with the newly-crowned Premiership Champions. I'm going to say 3-1 Red Devils as the final score line.

Special note. A 'Pint of Lager' costs 4.50 pounds at the New Wembley, which would set you back almost NINE AMERICAN DOLLARS! I guess they have to pay off that $1.5 billion somehow, huh?

New $1.5B Stadium Wembley Wipes Away Competition (Sports By Brooks)

DC United should sign Rivaldo!

Yea, that's right, I'm saying it. The Black & Red should go out and use their designated player spot on 35-year old Rivaldo.

It was recently reported that the Brazilian was leaving his previous club Olympiakos, effective immediately. It was an interesting announcement considering back in February, he said he would be returning to the club next season. He had been the main cog in back-to-back-to-back Greek Super League titles, and had just scored 15 goals in 24 Greek Super League games.

In my eyes, this guy is the perfect addition to any MLS team, and if one of the 13 clubs is lucky enough to land him, they will definitely benefit from it.

So why DC United, you ask? They already have a playmaking center midfielder in reigning MLS MVP Christian Gomez, you say? Well, my guess is that Gomito aint going to be around too much longer. Contract talks have broken off between Gomez's camp and the club, and my gut feeling is that he will return to Argentina next season to finish his career with his boyhood club, Nueva Chicago.

Rivaldo would bring a flair that has yet to be seen in the MLS, and the fact that newly acquired Luciano Emilio and Fred also both hail from Brazil can't hurt the situation. Rivaldo was basically Ronaldinho before there was a Ronaldinho, and he definitely still shows the flashes of brilliance that lead Brazil to the 2002 World Cup.

Want to see what this guy is all about? Check this out!

Now, granted, this was many moons ago, but it shows the kind of footballing this guy was and, I believe, still is capable of.

Now I know the chances of this actauuly going down are zero to none, but mark my words, if it were to happen, DC United would not only make a splash on the world futbol stage, but it would ensure a few more pieces of hardward for the trophy case at RFK Stadium.

Where Next for Rivaldo? (The Offside)

No one will be emBARASSed at the UEFA Cup Final

Whenever one of the great European Sporting Events rolls around (such as tomorrow's UEFA CUP Final), I tingle with anticipation. It's usually not because I expect to be wowed by the competition on the field. It's because of Mark Roberts. But, unfortunately, the chances of Mark making an appearance in Glasglow are slim to none.

A serial streaker famous for targeting major sporting events has been slapped with a three-year football ban designed to stop him from baring all at the Uefa Cup final.

This terrible news was brought to my attention by the premier futbol blog out there, The Offside.

Roberts' list of streaks includes some of the most prestigious events across the pond; the 2006 Ryder Cup, the 2006 Winter Olympics, the 2003 Running of the Bulls, the 2003 French Open Final, the 2002 Champions League Final, and the 1999 British Open, just to name a few. But perhaps his most famous jaunt was during Super Bowl XXXVIII, when he made international headlines.

And the 42-year-old has vowed to fight the banning order.

It stops him from entering every football ground in the UK and requires him to hand in his passport and register with the police whenever British teams play in Europe.

It's encouraging to see that the ban only applies to "whenever British teams play in Europe", which means that the chances of seeing Roberts' bum at an event in the near future is a good possibility.

All the man wants to do is show his Willy to the World (The Offside)

Jose Mourinho is a crazy Son of a Bitch!

What seemed like what was shaping up to be a pretty good season for Chelsea has very suddenly gone to complete shit. They were at one point on pace to perhaps claim the once unheardof Quadruple (Carling Cup, FA Cup, Premiership, and Champions League titles). Well, any thoughts of that have up and vanished like a fart in the wind, and now it seems 'The Special One' is going off the deep end!

Jose Mourinho was ordered from the bench 10 minutes from the end in Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday in the Premier League and then discovered he had misunderstood the referee.

It's not like this is the first time that Mourinho has overreacted, but to just up and leave the bench during a nil-nil match because the ref pissed you off? Granted, the match held little to no meaning whatsoever, but this is a head-scratcher.

This will be the first time since 2002 that Mourinho has failed to lead his club to a league title (before his back-to-back triumphs at Stamford Bridge, he lead FC Porto to back-to-back Portuguese SuperLiga titles in 2003 & 2004), but is that enough to lead to this weird episode?

Was this some sort of mental ploy ahead of the fast approaching FA Cup Final?

Was Jose just sick and tired of his old friend Graham Poll?

Uh, folks, I think we have our answer!

"Nothing special," Mourinho said when asked why he was so incensed. "I just think he [Poll] was what he is always, a normal performance when he is refereeing a Chelsea match. Nothing special. I just cleansed my soul a little bit."

On a totally related note, it seems that things got a little chippy in the match today. Chippy to the tune of seven yellows in what was a match that was basically played between a sprinkling of starters amongst a host of reserves. What does this tell us?

Make sure to be in front of a television set on Saturday, May 19 as The Blues and Red Devils get back together to christen the new Wembley!

I'll leave you with two truly entertaining videos. The first is 'The Special One' being taunted by Shane McMahon on a recent edition of Raw, followed by a sweet Jose montage set to Bon Jovi. Does it get any better?

Pure Brilliance!