Y KANT JOHNNY/JANE SCORE?

After watching the women take on Mexico in their WWC send off friendly, and last night's USMNT debacle against Panama, I've fucking had it with these teams not being able to put away their opponents.

Let's start with the women, they did everything but score until Cheney saved them with a blast from the goddesses. They're not ready for the World Cup, and they need to be a lot cooler in front of the net if they're going make their way through the knockout rounds. If they expect Abby to provide the goals, they're in trouble. She's a holding forward now. She's good for heading set pieces, and for laying the ball off to speedy, clinical forwards to slot the ball home. She's not fast enough or good enough with the ball at her feet to do anything else. Let's hope someone steps up for the women to be that stone cold finisher. Can someone tell me what happened to Sydney Leroux, and why she isn't on this team?

The men...fuck...the men are in piss poor shape. I wasn't happy with Bob Bradley's re-up after South Africa, but I was willing to give him a chance. His teams don't come to tournaments ready to play. This learning as you go shit has to end, and that's Bob's fault. I'm tired of the US figuring out how to attack after they've put themselves in a hole. It's gotten stale, and it's time for a change. Short of a miracle win against an on fire, in form Mexico (+13 goal differential in 3 games!!! Are you fucking kidding me?) in the final. I think Bob's gone after this tournament. They need new blood. The forwards aren't getting shit for service. The midfield is too unsettled, and the defense is just too green. Do it now before World Cup qualifying. Please.

Wow.

Yup. Spain took 'em out behind the woodshed and they ran away with their pants down.

I know it was a makeshift crew to start the game, but daaaamn. Have some organization boys.

That said...

I've had my doubts about Michael Bradley lately. He redeemed himself well this game, he brought some much needed stability and calmness to the midfield when he came in second half. Deuce did his part too, but I still think he should be a target forward. Props to Cherundolo for holding up his side of the defense.

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Speaking of Whoop-Ass. Costa Rica's put five past Cuba thus far. I'm liking the Cuban's generic adidas jerseys.

Chuck Blazer fired...then not.

The fun for FIFA and CONCACAF continues:

If I'm Chuck Blazer,

Go get 'em Bear.
(thanks to CrushTheNeoCons and Warner Bros. for the video)

Now that's drama!

What a last day in the EPL! 5 teams threatened with relegation. Two would go down. The teams kept switching places minute by minute.

Wolverhampton's fans cheering a 3-2 loss as if they won the Champions' League.

This is why I watch.  

"Winning Time"

I just re-watched the ESPN 30 for 30 piece "Winning Time" about Reggie Miller vs the New York Knicks. If you get the chance to see it, do so, cuz it's an absolute hoot. It gives you great insight into Reggie Miller, a player who was, to say it kindly, one of the great mindfuckers of all time. He made you hate him to the point of forgetting your own game, and boy did the Knicks and their fans hate him.

Watching it made me think of the latest kerfuffle involving Mr. Landon Donovan. I saw him say something to Henry after he scored, and apparently thanks to Luke Rodgers we know what he said. Here's the thing. He seems to be pulling these stunts only in MLS games, and he seems to be getting more animated the older he gets. It's kind of a Bizzaro World Wayne Rooney.

I think it's an act. I think it's an attempt to mindfuck his opponents. He didn't pull this shit at Everton, and I don't see it at the same level when he's playing for the U.S. (I might be blinded by Red, White, and Blue glasses since Mexican fans love to hate him). I think he's clearly aware of what he's doing, and the fact that he can get away with it. He wants you to hate him. He's good at it, too.

The best way to counter it? Laugh that shit off.

The die is cast (part 2)

Two beautiful goals. More of that please. Abby's looking dangerous as a presence in the box. Japan wasn't really that strong I'm sad to say.
The foundation is there. They do need to build up if they want to get that third star over their crest. They've got several weeks to do it.

The die is cast

I think the US headed for a letdown at the Women's World Cup. I just don't see the quickness of thought and speed on the ball needed to get to the final. Let me watch this friendly against Japan. Hopefully, they'll prove me wrong.

More tomorrow...