Saturday, June 12 - USA v. England

I. Can't. Wait.

Soccer Crash Course

So, for all of you new soccer fans, or folks just dipping your feet in the World Cup pool, rest assured that GQ, once again has got you covered. In anticipation of the World Cup (kickoff is in 10 days), GQ magazine has published a "cheat sheet" of soccer terms that can help you understand the lingo. Pretty good idea, if you ask me. Check it out!!

Dempsey - The One To Watch

My prediction: Clint Dempsey will be the standout for the USMNT at the World Cup this summer.

I thought today would be appropriate to share my opinion on Dempsey, as he has just helped the USMNT win their last send-off friendly on US soil. His goal, late in the USA v. Turkey game put the US on top.

Between his play with the US and his play at Fulham, he has tallied a handful of clutch goals. He has the determination that more American soccer players should adopt, and his fitness level is out of this world.

If you are tuning into national team games for the first time this summer, number 8, Clint Dempsey is the man to watch!

The Game is in US

Bring the World Cup back to the United States!! Click on the image above to go vote.

Flashbacks: Scenes from USA 1994

The whole family in LA at the World Cup in 1994. I was too young to realize how important this World Cup would be for US Soccer and MLS. But I could definitely feel how special it was.

Washington Post is Getting Into It.... Are You??

Earlier today, Steve Goff, the official author of Washington Posts, "Soccer Insider" blog announced a pretty cool opportunity for fans travelling to South Africa.

The Washington Post wants to hear about real fan experiences. Pictures, stories, conversations. If you are planning to go to the World Cup and want to share your adventure, check it out!

Have You Ever Heard 40,000 People Sing the National Anthem??

Well I have heard them. And it is even more unbelievable than this video can possibly capture.

During the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The US fans turned out in masses for the USA v. Italy game, and it seems that EVERY SINGLE American in the stadium that day was singing our National Anthem as loud and as proud as possible!

I Heart Nike Soccer

I am sure most of you have already seen this incredible spot that Nike and Wieden + Kennedy put out. The 3 minute, "Write the Future" spot features Rooney, Ronaldinho, Christiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba, not to mention the awesome cameos by Homer Simpson and Kobe Bryant.

In it's debut week, the viral video received 7.8 MILLION online views, setting a new record (in your face Tiger, you are OLD news now). This is just a glimpse at the numbers of people who will be turning to the internet for updates and viral media during the World Cup.

World Power Ranking

USA remains strong at 14th. Brazil and Spain are in the lead with 1st and 2nd. Check out the top 35 nations.

England is only in 8th place... My prediction for June 12:

USA starts a bit slow, but does not sit back on their heels, allowing England to push on us. I think it will be a game worth watching, no matter which side you are cheering on. I think some star performers will be Landon and Dempsey for the US and Rooney for England.

Final score?? USA 2 - England 1

Making a Difference at the World Cup

So, today, my friend Alex shared this awesome link with me.

The FADER and Nike Sportswear are teaming up for Pitch Perfect, their collaborative effort aimed at South Africa and soccer. The mission is to pitch in, and support the education and relief of the challenges that face South Africa today.

Pitch Perfect sounds like it should be a great combination of community outreach and cultural immersion. I can't wait!! Check it out at the link above.

USMNT Visits Obama

Today, President Obama, and former President, Bill Clinton are scheduled to meet the USMNT as their World Cup send-off week continues.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that Obama will be able to attend any games in South Africa this summer, but hopefully Joe Biden will go in his place.

Check out a photo gallery from the White House visit!

SCORE!!! - Did you know that this past winter, First Lady, Michelle, participated in a "Lets Move" event with DC United and their academy team?

Flashbacks: Scenes from Germany 2006

My mom, my sister and I take tequila shots as we prepare to march to the Italy vs USA game in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Wavin' Flag - K'Naan

Official Song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher

See the champions, take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud

In the streets are, exaliftin , as we lose our inhabition,

Celebration its around us, every nation, all around us

Singin forever young, singin songs underneath that sun

Lets rejoice in the beautiful game.

And together at the end of the day.

WE ALL SAY

When I get older I will be stronger

They'll call me freedom Just like a wavin' flag

And then it goes back

And then it goes back

And then it goes back

We Are Going to South Africa!

(image from NY Times)

Bob's 23-man Final World Cup Roster:

Goalies: Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan

Back Line: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector

Middies: Damarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Edu Maurice, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Jose Torres

Front Line: Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, Herculez Gomez

This is the team who will represent the Red White and Blue at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Let's go boys!!

Live on Sportscener - Bradley Announces 23 Man Roster

A couple of weeks ago, Head Coach, Bob Bradley named his 30-man provisional roster. The roster included some obvious favorites, Landon Donovan, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, along with about ten players who would be fighting for the remaining few spots.

Unfortunately a World Cup squad only consists of 23 men, and the time has come to make a few cuts.

After Last night's defeat against the Czech Republic, Bob is scheduled to cut his roster down to 23 today. The broadcast will be live on Sportscenter.

SCORE!!! ("SCORE!!!" is like a PS, an extra fun tid-bit, if you will)- If you were not aware, ESPN has a microsite dedicated specifically to soccer and the World Cup, which is PRETTY cool. Finally getting acceptable recognition.

World Cup Trailer - US Men's National Team 2010

Countdown: 15 Days!!

As my first REAL post, I thought this was a great video to share. It is a very well done trailer for the 2010 US Men's National Team (USMNT) as we very quickly approach the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

What is the F*ing Point??

Hi All,

So, many have complained that my soccer updates are bombarding their Facebook and Twitter profiles. SFP.

Anyway, in an attempt to find a middle ground between sharing something I am passionate about, and not annoying my friends, I have set up this blog where I can go crazy with videos, stories, pictures about the World Cup in South Africa.

If you love soccer, or if you just want to get into the World Cup for the first time... please join along!

CHEERS