They're just friendlies!

So I keep telling myself...

Gooch. Jozy. Please find teams that'll play you. You're both rusty.
Germany Jones (snort, I like the nickname), well done. Need to be a bit sharper, but right now he's the offensive cog in midfield that the Yanks have needed since Reyna retired.
Eric Lichaj, welcome aboard, please stay awhile.
Bob, can we please shitcan the 4-3-3? The defense just sucked.

Did he sleep with your sister?

Reading comments on the Soccer by Ives blog about the call up for the next set of U.S. friendlies, you'd think that Eddie Johnson had swine flu, herpes, and crabs the way people were talking about his inclusion in the squad.

I don't get the bias. The Grown Ass Man has obviously matured into a better professional from his earlier MLS days. Is he our best forward? No. However, considering Bradley was shying away from calling in MLS players due to the season being in full playoff chase mode, he deserved to be considered. The man started for Fulham this weekend along with Deuce (after the Ives post I linked to -- to be fair to those I'm questioning). Hasn't he done enough for you?

All we are saying, is give us more goals!

Wondo's exploits this season notwithstanding, the Quakes need a stronger finisher. Maybe the inclusion of Geo and Eduardo will pay dividends next season after they get a bit more MLS seasoning, but it's not quite clicking the way it should.

Now, I'm not saying this as if the Quakes suck, they don't. I'm talking about what it'll take to make the club one of the best in MLS. Wondo may be the answer. If his growth as a player continues, he might end up surprising us like DeRo did. For now we'll continue to grit our teeth as the Quakes continue to fight to hold onto a playoff spot.

I was at the WPS Championship a week ago. Maybe we can sign Marta. :)

Oh yeah!

There's still soccer going on, isn't there?

So many things have happened post World Cup, it'll take me a while to sort them out, but for now...

Bob, it's time to move on.
I watched the final 70 minutes of the US/Brazil friendly fuming at how timid the US looked. It's time for some new blood. Bob, you've done a wonderful job with the team, but I think they looked stagnant at the World Cup, and even worse against Brazil.

I'm not convinced Klinsmann is the answer, but I'm willing to give him a try.

Let the celebrations begin!

I stumbled upon this parade of Spanish supporters while I was driving around San Francisco the afternoon after the final.

Day 25 - The Final

You don't finish your chances; you don't win. Spain didn't give up many chances, bully on them for that, but Robben had two chance to beat the keeper and Casillas came up with big saves.

Not the most open game ever, and probably not a fun game to watch for the newbies, but it was gripping enough for those of us who had a rooting interest.

Congrats to Spain on their first World Cup. Dammit, I've cheered on the loser of the last three finals (2002 I barely leaned towards Germany...but just barely).

I guess I have to get back to job hunting now. :)

Day 24 - Karma, bitches!

Watching Forlán's free kick clank off the crossbar was pretty good redemption for Ghana (although, I'm sure the Ghanaians would have preferred to have been in that game. Well done, Germany. Well done, Uruguay.

Time for the main event.