That Just Happened

91 Minutes. That’s how long it took for the US to break down the Algeria defense. It was a drama-filled game where the players fought till the end. The team made history, and they brought a nation along with them for the ride. Extra time. A goal disallowed. England winning. It was all going wrong…and then it was all going right. With Donovan’s goal, the shouts of conspiracy were replaced with the disbelieving chants of USA. I think it’s safe to say that soccer has officially arrived in America.



The beautiful game. For all of you watching for the first time, can you really continue to argue that soccer doesn’t deserve that name? Soccer is the worlds game, and finally the US has decided to jump on the bandwagon. And let me tell you, it’s about time!

Now I’m not saying that soccer has to replace any of “the big three” sports in the US. I’m just saying that there is no reason that we can’t appreciate a sport that combines the brutal (have you seen some of those mid-air collisions?), the beautiful (what other word would you use to describe this? And I’m not only talking about how he looks ;P), and the passion (what other sport has ever stopped a civil war?).

If that sounds like something you can like, then tune in this Saturday. If there is one thing we know about this US team, it's that they live on drama. Here are a few soccer pubs in the Bay Area:

1) Kezar Pub & Restaurant
2) Mad Dog in the Fog
3) The Chieftain

Hope to see you there!

They Hate Each Other…And That’s A Good Thing!

What’s better then a really low-down dirty rivalry? Where the fans hate each other, the cities hate each other, and the players hate each other. Where the history between the teams literally sits in the stand watching their replacements continue the battle. Where the most titles have been won, the best players have laced up their shoes, and the best games have been played. The answer, in case you hadn’t figured it out already (and in that case, there is something way wrong with you), nothing!

And that my friends, is what we are privileged to be watching Thursday night in Celtics vs. Lakers. In an era where all the players seem to be friends, there aren’t many times where you can watch two teams play each other and honestly feel that they want to rip each others throats out on the way to the desired title. The McHale Clothesline? Yeah about that…never would happen today. Well, ok you’re right. Artest would quickly sign up to join that party. But I mean, he’s just plain crazy! He doesn’t need to hate you to want to kill you!

The series hasn't been pretty. I'll give you that. But you can't say that it hasn't been passionate, hard-fought and intense. The fans are into it, the players are into it, hey even the refs are having a good series! So enjoy the game. I know I plan to.

And the World Cup officially begins…

You thought the world cup began last Friday? Well, you are mistaken my friend. It actually began today, at 10 am eastern when the Swiss decided that they were going to bring some excitement to the world’s most favorite stage. Modeling themselves as Dragon Slayers, Switzerland drew first blood in month-long frenzy known as the World Cup.

You’ve heard of Spain right? Winner of 15 straight matches, an international record, until they were beat by the in the Confederations Cup? Ranked number 2 in the FIFA world rankings? Made up of superstars such as Fernando Torres, Xabi Alanso, Sergio Romas, and David Villa? Well, if you haven’t heard of them, take my word for it that Switzerland has. And the Swiss also knew that their role in this play was to lie down and die as Spain beat in their march to their first championship trophy. It was finally their time, and this was finally the team...except, today at least, it wasn’t.

Underdogs are good for tournaments. If March Madness has taught us anything, it’s that people love rooting for those who are told they don’t have a chance. So in a tournament that has been seriously lacking in beautiful soccer (check that...beautiful soccer? I’d take some freaking goals even if they were ugly!), Switzerland vs. Spain was just what the doctor ordered.