Cummings Set To Play For Jamaica

Omar Cummings will not be at DSG Park much of this week as the Colorado Rapids players report back for preseason duty. Like fellow Rapids' striker, Conor Casey at the weekend, the frontman is on international duty this Sunday as the Reggae Boyz turn out in Kingston to play Canada in a friendly. Cummings will be hoping for more success than his teammate who played the last 30 minutes in a hugely disappointing loss for the US against Honduras in LA.
Sunday's a big day in world soccer with Arsenal due to play Manchester United at the same time as the final of the Africa Cup of Nations takes place in Angola. If Ghana make it to the final, I think it will have to be that over a possible Premier League decider.

Another Saturday and Looking Ahead

Chelsea winning away, Manchester United playing when it suits them and Alec Ferguson not talking to the BBC. Just another typical Saturday in the English Premier League. If you want something really surprising, you should check out this BBC story on the village team in Germany that is currently riding high in the Bundesliga. TSG Hoffenheim, village population 3,300, may have lost last night away to the mighty Bayern Munich but only to a last minute goal from Luca Toni. They are still top of the league. Yes, there is money behind the team in the form of SAP founder Dietmar Hopp but it is more than that. A great story and a sportswriter's dream.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7768679.stm
In terms of the Colorado Rapids and future coverage during this quiet time of the year, I am aiming to get some decent interviews on the site over the next few weeks. Some subjects you may expect, others may give you a second thought.

O'Brien Off to UK With Generation Adidas Team

Nice trip coming up for Colorado Rapids' midfielder, Ciaran O'Brien. O'Brien, who made his ill-fated debut for the Rapids against the LA Galaxy on opening night this past season, was sent off after coming on as a substitute and then did not play again all season in the first team, is off to the UK with the Generation Adidas team. The team will play three games against Premier Leage reserve teams and will also be able to watch Chelsea training and the Blues' UEFA Champions' League game against Romanian team, FC Cluj. The trip is December 6-14. O'Brien is the only Rapids player in the 16-strong party. Other Colorado links in the squad are Aurora native, Roger Espinoza, of the Kansas City Wizards and Bruno Guarda who was briefly on the books this season at the Rapids before being traded to FC Dallas.
http://www.coloradorapids.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=17jSERs4QJc=

Guess Walcott's Not Available On Loan Then?

To those who spout cliches that football is a funny old game or that there are no easy games in international soccer, have a look at some of the results in the early stages of European qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Obviously, the easiest game was England away to FIFA fifth-ranked team Croatia. Cue wunderkind Theo Walcott's hat-trick and it did turn out to be a stroll in the park for the England boys. Not quite what was imagined as Croatia have dominated England recently and never lost a competitive game at home. This was the best performance by England since they dismantled Germany 5-1 in Germany back in 2001. Walcott was calm, quick and caused problems all night. David Beckham may never start another game for England again after this. I think it was all obviously down to the game Walcott played for Arsenal reserves against the Colorado Rapids on their preseason tour to the UK back in March. I'm sure we were thinking of picking him up on loan as he was not a sure starter for the Gunners but that might seem a little distant as a prospect now. The infamous Sun newspaper summed it up very nicely: "Walcott, 19, gave Croatia a real kick in the Balkans."
Elsewhere, the team of the moment appears to be Lithuania who have beaten both Romania (away) and Austria. Austria, themselves, beat France at the weekend. Fancied Portugal somehow managed to give three goals away to Denmark in the last eight minutes to lose at home, Finland drew with Germany and poor old Luxembourg, who basically never seem to win, got an away victory in Switzerland, hosts of Euro 2008. It's good that it's not as predictable as the Premier League. Thirteen teams will qualify for South Africa from Europe; the nine group winners and four of the runners-up. I'll try and write something periodically about the other qualifying zones.
Off to Rapids training tomorrow so will post something to preview the Chicago game on Sunday.

Rapids Shoot But Don't Score Enough

Once again, the Colorado Rapids outshot their opposition but there is only one statistic that matters in soccer and that is how many goals you score and how many goals you let in, well two statistics then. Everton scored twice, once at the beginning of the game and once right at the end. Conor Casey got on the scoresheet for the Rapids early in the second half but it proved not to be enough. One of the post-match phrases often used by lower teams in England when they play the big boys is that "we showed them too much respect." That is what happened in the first 20 minutes or so yesterday when the Rapids seemed almost in awe of the various internationals facing them in the blue shirts and consequently let Everton dictate the game. There was no surprise when Mikel Arteta (or Michael Arteta as the stadium announcer insisted on calling the Spaniard) scored after six minutes. If Spain weren't such a damn good national team and so heavily stocked with superstars in the midfield, surely Arteta could find his way into that set-up. He and Cahill make up a fantastic midfield pairing.
It was only when the Rapids woke up and realized that they were facing a jet-lagged, not match fit team with teenagers playing at its heart that they started to fight back. This was particularly clear in Colin Clark's case. Clark was basically anonymous in the first half but played really well in the second 45 minutes, making some great dribbles and creating chances with Terry Cooke and the energetic Herculez Gomez. I kept wishing he would make a fool of Phil Neville at right back just as he had with another international in Frankie Hejduk the previous week but Neville never really let him do that. The Rapids dominated the second half with Clark, Herculez and Cooke gaining the upper hand. Nick LaBrocca also gave the team a lot of energy in that second half after coming on as a substitute for Mehdi Ballouchy.
A good game. It was great fun to interact with a team from England (and to hear the anthem at DSG Park!). I think these games are great for the Rapids' players who can test themselves against international stars who play in one of the biggest leagues in the world. If they can perform well against such a team, they know they can perform on most stages. Granted this is a team with a lack of fully fit players who are only in their preseason but this is still a Premier League team who finished fifth in the league last season. Positives to take into the vital MLS game against Toronto this weekend.

It All Fits But Could It Work? Neville likes Starbuck's

Yes, it seems like a good fit but how do you get there? Colorado Rapids' skipper, Pablo Mastroeni, smiled at my idea of him playing for Everton next season. They have no players, they need to sign up to six new faces, he is looking to move to Europe and play and he wouldn't cost them as much as European players when there is controversy within Goodison Park about the transfer budget. All seems like a slam dunk, right? Well, life is more complicated. Clearly, it is too much pressure on one player to expect him to perform so brilliantly in one game that Everton coach, David Moyes, would sign Pablo on the spot. "I just don't think about the end of the season," Pablo said after training yesterday. "I'm thinking about the next game." And he has things to think about because it looks as if he may be back to a more accustomed defensive midfielder role with some changes in the defense which could see Mike Petke get a much welcome outing. More accustomed role, maybe, but Mastroeni has probably just got used to playing at the heart of the defense. Pablo revealed that he did have the chance of playing for Italian team, Brescia, two years ago, but that the MLS didn't exactly give him a free pass. This time, he won't have to worry about the league because he is out of contract at the end of the season. Moyes did say he is very well aware of American players. After all, he has national team goalkeeper, Tim Howard, to keep him aware of trends in the US player market and he did sign one Brian McBride to play for the Blues. Another point in Pablo's favor is that he wouldn't have to worry so much about the dreaded work permit in the UK because he has an Italian passport which should allow him to work freely anywhere in the European Union. See, it does all add up.
Moyes and team captain, Phil Neville, were very complimentary about the set-up at Dick's Sporting Goods Park and the overall health of the MLS. Moyes was lavish in his praise of the pitch at DSG Park, saying it was one of the best ones he had ever encountered and he had impressive words about the overall state of youth soccer in the US. "The youth teams here are much better than the ones in England and Scotland," he said. England international Neville, who said he was enjoying Cherry Creek and the fact there is a Starbuck's on every corner (there is one in all of Liverpool, apparently), said he was very much looking forward to the game tomorrow. "The quality of the football here is very high," he said."Chicago were very athletic and skillful and we are expecting a tough game on Sunday." Everton lost 2-0 to the Chicago Fire earlier this week.
A couple of other things to note. Moyes said that influential midfielder, Tim Cahill, will not be fit to play tomorrow. The upside is that the Australian walked up and down our co-ed game this morning and might just have noted my left foot rocket into the top corner. Well played, Class VI, great effort all around. Finally, don't be surprised if Preston Burpo gets a start in nets tomorrow.

Toffeemen in Town; Mastroeni to Impress?

Everton have arrived in Colorado for this weekend's game against the Rapids. It will be an intriguing game, not least because of the many subplots emerging. Just as manager, David Moyes, appears on the verge of agreeing a GBP 60,000 a week contract -yes, that's right, he will be earning about four times as much in one week as Bouna Coundoul does in a whole year -Everton's CEO has resigned. Officially, it has nothing to do with the club's protracted negotations in moving to a new stadium, a move very unpopular with many fans because it will mean the team will play outside the boundaries of the city of Liverpool.
The bigger concern for the Everton players is that they don't have enough teammates. Everton's arrival in the Rocky Mountains comes after a 2-0 defeat to the Chicago Fire where they were forced to play three teenagers and only had five substitutes available at a time when nobody is anywhere near match fit. "We can’t hide the fact that we need new players at Everton," Moyes told evertonTV. "Everybody knows it, I know it, the players know it – we have to get five or six players in before the season starts." Such comments can only lead to speculation about Rapids' skipper, Pablo Mastroeni, who has openly stated a desire to play in Europe. Mastroeni, who is out of contract at the end of this MLS season, would fit in well with the Everton squad. He has the toughness and ethical standards that a tough Scot like Moyes will demand. He has the pedigree and the experience and could be a real mentor for some of the Everton youngsters emerging. I will try and pin him down for a comment tommorrow.
One other piece of interesting news is that Australian, Tim Cahill, has surprisingly joined the Everton team at their training in the US. It had previously been made clear that Cahill, recovering from surgery, would not make the US trip but his appearance could maybe lead to a surprise outing for the tough tackling midfielder in Colorado on Sunday. That would be a major treat for all soccer fans.

Good News, Bad News

Merseysiders, Everton FC, will visit DSG Park next month in an eagerly anticipated friendly against the Colorado Rapids. I say eagerly anticipated but I wonder how many people in Denver and surroundings are actually eagerly anticipating? I say this because I can't seem to get an answer from the Rapids' ticket guys as to how many tickets have been sold for the game on August 3. I can't help thinking that this lack of information is a little fishy. Anyway, some good news and some bad news for the Nil Satis Nisi Optimum visitors. First, as always, the bad news. Tim Cahill, the Australian midfielder, looks certain to miss the trip Stateside. He has a broken metatarsal and is currently in his homeland seeking treatment. Cahill is, for me, one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premiership. He is strong, physically aggressive and quick and he scores a ton of goals, some of them spectacular as witness the bicycle kick against Chelsea last season (see link below). I am very disappointed he will not be on show at DSG Park because this is one hell of a player. The good news is that central defender, Joseph Yobo, is likely to be in a much better frame of mind if he makes the trip. His brother was eventually released from kidnappers in their native Nigeria this week after 12 days in captivity. Somehow, kidnapping does not seem to be something that you would worry about in Commerce City. We look forward to welcoming Yobo and the rest of the Blues, Cahill excepted, to the game next month. Kick-off is 6pm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L-vMRFKoHQ

Pablo Ponders as Rapids Go West

Pablo Mastroeni, the veteran defensive midfielder and longtime face of the Colorado Rapids, may want to leave Denver and seek to further his career in Europe before his contract expires in December. He is reported to be considering that option, according to today's Denver Post (link below). Interestingly, while he was previously connected only with Spain and Italy (he holds an Italian passport and speaks Spanish), the report says England is also a possibility. As Rapids' coach, Fernando Clavijo, told me today at training, Pablo could play anywhere. He clearly has the pedigree and is held in particularly high regard in Italy where his performances in World Cup 2006 were widely praised despite the team's relatively poor showing. "There is nobody at this club I would be happier to see perform in Europe," Clavijo said. "I think next year is more likely, however. For now, he has to focus on the Rapids because it will be his peformances here that will catch people's eye." Clavijo stated that Mastroeni has not had any contact with any club in Europe so far. He has been linked to Cagliari of Italy's Serie A. Livorno, now in Serie B and at the centre of match-fixing allegations, and Atalanta have also been speculated as Italian possibilities. With England now in the mix, it should be noted that Aston Villa coach, Martin O'Neill, is reported this week in the Birmingham Mail newspaper as hinting he is close to signing several deals and is also on the lookout for a new club captain with the imminent departure of Gareth Barry. With one of the smallest Premier League squads, O'Neill is definitely looking towards the US and appears particularly keen on boosting his defense. The problem with all of the European leagues is that they are off kilter with the MLS and begin competitive games in August, making it difficult for the likes of Mastroeni to secure a contract at the end of his one in Denver. Watch this space.
http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci_9844807
Meanwhile, Mastroeni will be at the heart of the defense in the Rapids' game tomorrow against San Jose Earthquakes. Expect an unchanged eleven from the team that dismantled New York Red Bulls on Independence Day. We all know the Rapids' struggles on the road this season and how they fail to win if they don't score first. With the confidence levels high after last week, maybe this will be the game that turns things around. With another away game next week against Dallas followed by three home games in a row, this is a crucial time for the Rapids. As midfielder Terry Cooke has pointed out, this could be the time to put together four or five wins on the trot. Now that would be sweet.

Barcelona's Guardiola Has The Cojones

The story has been kicking around for a while now but it's taken on a more definite hue with the ballsy words from new Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola. Not afraid to mince words, he's come out and openly said star players Eto'o, Deco and old rabbit teeth himself, Ronaldinho, are all free to leave the Nou Camp. Blimey. Just don't go to Man.City, Ronaldinho. Eto'o has already ruled out Spurs and Deco looks likely to join Portugal boss Scolari at Chelsea. There were some lazily speculating earlier this year that Ronaldinho would come to the MLS. Remember this is one of the world's best players who has obviously fallen out with the powers that be at Barcelona. Unless someone is willing to stump up a Beckham-like salary for the Brazilian, he will be staying in Europe. Props to Guardiola for not tolerating too many star individuals and trying to build a team. The story also looks to confirm that Thierry Henry will be staying in Spain after all.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7459340.stm

Arsenal Exit Making It Easier For Takeover?

Arsenal FC managing director, Keith Edelman, is to leave the club "to seek pastures new and embark upon fresh challenges," according to the BBC. How vague is that? I'm not one for idle speculation but here's some. Edelman has been a big opponent of outside investment in the London club. His shareholding is apparently small but his move would suggest any takeover may be more likely. As we all know, Colorado Rapids owner, Stan Kroenke, has a decent stake in the club. I wouldn't even pretend to know what Mr. Kroenke's designs are on Arsenal but, if he is still interested in the club, he will still have to deal with the always erratic chairman, Peter Hill-Wood, another one apparently opposed to outside involvement, particularly American. Mr. Hill-Wood does seem to contradict himself a lot on this but he did once famously say that "we would be horrifed to see ownership of the club go across the Atlantic." As if going across the Atlantic would be worse than going to deepest Moscow? The club is currently 24% owned by Red and White Holdings which is controlled by another Russian billionare not called Abramovich. Speaking of Chelski, the Rocky Mountain News has a story on its website how the chairman just bought a $36.5 million mansion in Snowmass. So many Colorado links! This truly is the global game.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/7377052.stm

It Ain't Over Until The Fat Boy Spins

That's what they used to say about Australian cricket hero Shane Warne for all those unfamiliar with what is truly still the greatest sport in the world. Now, back to soccer. I love Max Bretos on FSC. I think he is one of the most knowledgeable US commentators on global soccer. I love his enthusiasm. However, I have to take issue with his comments on Chelsea and his dismissal they have any chance to win the Premiership, along with most pundits it has to be said. I concede it is a tough ask (another Australian phrase) but, if United were to slip up tomorrow at Blackburn (not an easy game), the thing is wide open and all set for a cracker at Stamford Bridge next weekend. Let's hope, for the sake of an exciting finish to the season, that Blackburn steal a draw tomorrow. Sorry to p*ss off all you United fans. Great win by Chelsea yesterday against a good Everton side. They are still in it, just, and they will be more in it if Blackburn can get at least a point tomorrow at home. Saying that, United will probably storm it 4-0. Other key games this weekend are Fulham at home to Liverpool and a big derby match (these supporters really hate each other) between Aston Villa and Birmingham. And don't forget the biggest game of them all, on that side of the pond anyway, Gillingham against Bristol Rovers, as the mighty Gills stare at the trapdoor of relegation to the abyss of League Two. Come on you Rapids!

Rapids vs Revs; English League Ramblings

Thoughts turn feverishly now to tonight's game between the Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution. Had to wait for full-time in England before concentrating on the Rapids. With none of the big boys playing at the top of the EPL, it was all relegation-focused. Fulham and Bolton secured vital wins, Fulham away to relegation rivals Reading. Still a chance for the SW6 brigade. I hope they stay up because I used to be able to see Craven Cottage from my bedroom window. I am sure you all really care about my team, Gillingham. Having gone up 1-0 to league leaders Swansea, they managed to let in two goals in a minute at the end of the first-half to lose 2-1. Swansea got promoted to the Championship as a result and Gillingham are facing almost certain relegation. Bugger Bognor too. I'm glad I could get the quote in (George V on his death bed, apparently) but unhappy it comes at the expense of my hometown team, St. Albans City, who are also now facing imminent relegation from the heights of Conference South having lost to a last minute goal from fellow strugglers Bognor Regis Town.
Ok, got that all out of the way. Now, we can focus on the Rapids. It has the potential of being a real cracker. I remember losing so miserably last season away in the last couple of minutes, a defeat that almost decided our playoff hopes. This year, our hopes are different. I don't think there will be any fear on the part of the Rapids this time round. If we play as bullishly as we have done in the opening two games, we are in with a good chance of picking up something. But this New England team, injuries aside, will be a tough assignment. These Gambian guys look very exciting, particularly 19-year old Nyassi. Let's hope our somewhat inexperienced defense can keep him under wraps. Gomez and Joseph are clearly going to be involved in a major match-up. It will be very interesting to see how Christian Gomez handles this one. I am excited about the potential of him playing a blinder but who knows? Pablo looks to be starting so we will see for a full 90 (maybe) how he will link with Gomez. Will there be a place on the bench for new signing McManus? Burciaga running against Hilgenbrinck could also be a highlight. The Rapids somewhat unceremoniously dumped Hilgenbrinck before he could really kick a ball in anger, having signed him from Chile. Maybe Burciaga will prove today that the Rapids did the right thing? No predictions, just exciting possibilites. See you all at GB Fish and Chips. Come on you Rapids!

RIP David Rocastle

David Rocastle was a truly gifted player for Arsenal and England before his untimely death in 2001 at the age of 33. And he was also, more importantly, a class human being. This is a quick note to say that tomorrow will mark the seventh anniversary of his death. Please check the link below to maybe buy a commemorative t-shirt and raise money for autism research in the process.
http://www.arseshirts.com/rocky7

Blatter Needs to Calm Down - Nobody's Dying

The Premier League puts forward a proposal to play a few extra games around the globe and you would think that they had suggested murdering Sepp Blatter's Mum. Blatter himself comes out and says "not over my dead body," hot on the heels of the Asian FA chief equally ridiculing the idea. So, the only conclusion is that the feigned outrage has nothing to do with the proposal but much more to do with who is in charge of the global game. Blatter cannot stand anybody challenging his fiefdom and his ridiculous outbursts reflect that. It's just an idea, that's all, and it's not a bad one. Let's at least look at it and think what can be done. I'd personally love it if Arsenal played whomever at DSG Park. If they do, I'm sure they will give Mr. Blatter an invite and I think he might just show up.

Premier League Game at DSG Park? Rapids Announcing a Lot

It's all happening. Just like London buses, nothing for ages and then three (at least) come all at once. Truth is, there's always something happening in the only global game but pre-season news is finally kicking in at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids have not only announced their preseason schedule and full season schedule (Toronto road trip anyone in August?), they are apparently about to make some major announcements tomorrow (Friday) regarding a "major" player acquisition and a new technical director. Most sites appear pretty confident the player will be Christian Gomez of DC United, a former MLS MVP.
As I am way behind the news on that one, I won't say anything else and await tomorrow's announcement. The news that caught my eye today was the plan by the Premier League to stage some games overseas in future seasons. Arsenal v Man United at DSG Park? Doubt it somewhat but you might get Reading against Bolton. Here's the link to the BBC story.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7232390.stm