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Posted: 11 Sep 2012 06:34 AM PDT
Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
On June 11th the legendary career of Andriy Shevchenko appeared to have one last hurrah left as he rolled back the years, scoring his nations first ever goals in the European Championship as they came back to beat Sweden. Eight days later, the two teams that meet September 11, 2012 at Wembley took to the field knowing that the winner would go through to the next round. Wayne Rooney scored, Marko Dević’s perfectly legal goal was disallowed and with it the fairytale for Ukraine was over. 
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The pressure that is put upon the shoulders of a player who isn’t yet ready for such a burden, mush as Wayne Rooney having being tasked with winning the World Cup at eighteen years of age, is something that the manager will have to keep in check. What he will be hoping to achieve however is something of a comfort level so that when players like Sterling, Adam Lallana (Southampton) and Jake Livermore(Tottenham) are ready to make the step up, it’s much smoother. Ukraine manager Oleh Blokhin has a similar problem. Shevchenko’s retirement wasn’t so much of a passing of the torch as it was a collective letting go. With no figurehead in the heart of the team to drive the Ukrainian national team forward, the collective will of the players will have to be that much stronger. To illustrate the point even further, adding together all the international goals of everyone called up for the game at Wembley this evening only comes to six more than the former AC Milan and Chelsea forward managed on his own. 
Ukraine international Andriy Yarmolenko(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
When it comes to nurturing, the game of football is about as patient as an axe murderer with a short fuse. The culture of wanting – needing even – to win yesterday means that as soon as there is the first whiff of potential, coaches can sometimes fall victim to wanting to milk that for all it’s worth before moving onto the next one. What can sometimes be very easily forgotten is that we’re dealing with human beings here, people who are barely old enough to legally drink a glass of victory champagne in most cases. We demand of them that they learn quickly and grow up fast, then when they reach their peak we complain that they’re not fearless enough and don’t have the energy to do what made them famous in the first place. It’s a fickle old game. Euro 96 was the tournament that defined English football in so many ways. The victory over Holland is at worst the second – behind the 5-1 demolition of Germany – most impressive performance that the national team ever put out in my years of watching football, while the penalty loss to the Germans was as bitter a pill to swallow. Until this year it was the last time the nation as a whole allowed ourselves to enjoy the game without being overwhelmed by expectation. We may have fallen back in love with the game then but we’re very possessive. Football didn’t just come home; we wanted to know where it had been and who with. Every tournament that followed was to be the one that would see England climb back onto the throne that didn’t really exist other than in the minds of certain marketing people for whom football had become one of their toys. The best crop of talent to come through this country in many a generation, wasted because of a media that was determined to have a team that would either fit their narrative or be vilified in the process. 
DONETSK, UKRAINE - JUNE 19: Steven Gerrard of England celebrates victory. Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Posted: 10 Sep 2012 08:35 PM PDT
Image via Genevieve Jooste
For the better part of the past two years, former United States international and Major League Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Tony Meola has been helping Allstate bring smiles to the faces of the impoverished youth that love the game. During his playing career Meola represented the United States in three World Cups (1990, 1994 and 2002), and was named the 2000 MLS MVP, Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS Cup MVP leading the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting Kansas FC) to their only Championship. 
Image via Good Hands FC Facebook
On Monday September 10, 2012, Meola and Allstate staged their most recent event in Columbus, Ohio in conjunction with the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus. The event is done around the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign that sees the United States host Jamaica after their recent 1-2 loss in Kingston, Jamaica last week. It was with great pleasure that SWOL got to talk with Tony in the hours prior to his surprise event for the youth of Columbus. Thomas Atzenhoffer: How did you first get involved with Allstate and Good Hands FC? Tony Meola: The whole thing started about a year and a half ago when Allstate signed with Major League Soccer and the USMNT. It just seemed like a good fit for everybody, and they brought me onboard to be a spokesperson for Good Hands FC. TA: What is the driving initiative behind the program? TM: Essentially we go into a community where there is a big event, National Team games, MLS Cup matches and have also been involved around the last two Allstar games. We involve the media before the match and do a community event such as the one in the Columbus area tonight. We will sneak up on a practice where the kids are not expecting it, and Allstate puts on a surprise clinic where I will come in and help out a little bit and at the end of the night the kids involved will get outfitted with new home and away uniforms, bags, new soccer balls, and everything a soccer player needs to make it through the season. The biggest surprise will be a ticket for the match around which the event is staged such as an MLS Cup game or the USMNT World Cup Qualifying match against Jamaica on Tuesday September, 11. It is essentially taking a lot of kids that might not ever have the opportunity to do something like this and Allstate walks into their backyard and makes it easy for them. It is fun to be a part of and for me it's the best part of the week when I get here and everybody is always happy when we leave. TA: This event is done in conjunction with the Columbus Boys and Girls Club, but do you choose different charitable foundations for each event? TM: Yes, each community is completely different. Allstate goes into the area priory to an event and does a lot of research. When we were in New Jersey we did an event in a very needy community with a guy that had been running a soccer club for children on his own dime, so every story is different with every city. TA: What is the largest amount of kids you have ever had at a clinic? TM: We did an event in Los Angeles that was just a goalkeeper clinic last year. It was unusual because we had to change the typical format of the event because we had so much involved and had about 150 kids that were part of the clinic. The goalkeepers all got to enjoy a clinic with the players from Chivas USA and then got complete goalkeeper gear. Any parent of a goalkeeper understands and appreciates the cost of their kid being a shot stopper. But even with that one being so large we have also done events for as little as five depending on the need. TA: Do you have any set things you incorporate into the event with your involvement? TM: We try not to change the format of coach's practices and it all depends on the level of involvement they want to allow us to have as this is their normal weekly practice time. We typically do a penalty shootout competition which is really fun for the kids. For the winners we give away from additional US national team gear, usually Tim Howard (USMNT and Everton FC Goalkeeper) autographed stuff as he is an additional spokesperson for AllState as well as additional national team jerseys which is all part of the Good Hands FC experience. TA: Do you get in goal for the penalty shootout? TM: Oh, no no no, they are far too young for me; too acrobatic and agile. TA: What has been your best experience with an event so far? TM: My best experience was the event in Philadelphia because I was with my youngest son who went with me. He talked about the event for weeks with his friends about the excitement on the faces of the kids that were part of the event around the MLS All-Star Game and he will still talk about it. I think he kind of learned something and maybe appreciates it a little bit more what he has in life and the chances he has to play at a club that supplies everything and that has uniforms and all the little things that these children don't necessarily have, and that some kids take for granted. TA: In closing Tony, it was my pleasure to talk with you today and I just want to close saying that what you and Allstate are doing is a great thing and I enjoy hearing about these sorts of events because they are often the things that go unnoticed with what is involved with the USMNT and Major League Soccer. TM: We try our best to get the word out about it, but if in the end if only the club's and the kids know about it they will spread the word and that is good enough for me. SWOL also holds the well being of young soccer fans close to its heart as you should also read about the first annual Kickin' for Kids fundraiser from June of 2012 that was conducted for the Miami Children's Hospital. You can follow Tony on twitter @TMeola1 and Thomas Atzenhoffer @TheDailyAtz. |
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Posted: 10 Sep 2012 07:06 PM PDT
 Roma and AC Milan will likely be the two front runners in the chase for Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi.Rossi is set on moving away from Spain after Villarreal were relegated to the Segunda Division-which is partly due to Rossi’s ACL injury that kept him out for most of the season. The Italian international is still recovering after knee surgery and will be out until February. However, there has been heavy interest from Italy all summer. Milan seemed to be in pole position to land Rossi this summer, but the club instead went with Giampaolo Pazzini and Bojan Krkic. Now it seems like Roma could pry him away from the Yellow Submarine. According to ESPN, Rossi would like to work with Roma manager Zdenek Zemin. So it seems like Rossi could be a Serie A player by the end of January. Roma appears to be the team most likely to get him, but they will have a fight on their hands. |
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Posted: 10 Sep 2012 06:50 PM PDT
 José de Jesús Corona is currently, without a doubt, Mexico's number one.The Cruz Azul shot-stopper proved to be very important this summer by playing a key role in Mexico's quest for the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Time after time he was called upon throughout the tournament, and time after time he delivered with brilliant saves each game. Despite the hard competition for a place in the starting eleven, Corona established himself as México’s first choice in the goal. Guillermo Ochoa and Alfredo Talavera, two excellent players themselves, were left waiting for a chance that never came while on the bench. Corona was born on January 26, 1981 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and made his first appearance in professional football on February 15, 2003 with Atlas – one of Guadalajara's three clubs along with Chivas and Tecos. He was transferred to Tecos UAG just one year later where his performances caught the attention of Cruz Azul in 2009. Internationally, Mexicans everywhere will recognize Corona from his involvement with El Tri over the years. In 2004 he participated at the Olympics in Athens then went on to make the final cut for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He was a member of the squad but did not get the chance to play, because Oswaldo Sánchez was the first choice for Mexican head coach Ricardo La Vople at the time. Jesús is recognized for his remarkable technical skills, especially the precision he shows from goal kicks and clearances. Despite having such a decorated career, Corona's time between the posts has passed through some difficult times. In 2010, just before the South Africa FIFA World Cup, he was left behind during the tournament due to a bar fight that went on to become a legal problem. In 2011 he missed another important competition – José Manuel de la Torre decided not to take him to the Gold Cup after Corona hit a rival physical trainer in a playoff game. With his problems in his past, Corona has been able to continue playing at the top level and has made his return to the national side. He was selected for the 2011 Pan-American Games held in his hometown, Guadalajara. As things stand currently, Corona is considered by Mexican supporters as the best goalkeeper for El Tri. His outstanding performances in London made him the strongest option that México has in goal for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. |
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Posted: 10 Sep 2012 02:03 PM PDT
 Europe got its 2014 World Cup Qualifying campaign underway earlier this month and with it, the Home Nations also started their group proceedings.While England got off to the most emphatic of starts with a 5-0 win over Moldova. Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland all had slightly more desperate outings. However, as is always the case in pool qualification, lingering on past games does no good and all four participants will now be looking to improve in this week's fixtures. England vs. Ukraine – Wembley Stadium, 15:00 p.m. EST Following on from his side's 5-0 demolition of Moldova, Roy Hodgson appears set to continue his squad experimentation against Ukraine. The Eastern Europeans will pose a significantly tougher challenge to the Three Lions, and will be familiar competition after the two sides met at Euro 2012. England came out on top of that affair, albeit not without the regular dose of controversy as a result of a wrongly disallowed goal that ignited the goal-line technology debate once again. It was revealed earlier this week that Raheem Sterling would be called up to replace the ill figure of Theo Walcott after impressing in his first senior appearances for Liverpool. The 17-year-old is joined by Adam Lallana and Jake Livermore who are both called up while John Terry and Ashley Cole remain sidelined through ankle injuries. Prediction: This won't be the walkover that England enjoyed in Chisinau, but the hosts will ultimately emerge triumphant at Wembley. (3-1) Serbia vs. Wales – Karadjordje Stadium, 14:30 p.m. EST A James Collins sending off marred what could have been an encouraging win for the Welsh, pretty much ending any chances they may have had of clinching the three points. Chris Coleman is likely to replace the West Ham centre-back with Ashley Williams, who moved into a holding midfield role after it emerged that Joe Allen was unavailable. Allen is now in the reckoning to make his return but if he should remain sidelined, David Vaughan may make his return from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined for over six weeks. Craig Bellamy is also out of the running as he struggles with personal problems which allegedly relate to the death of best friend, Gary Speed. Speed would have celebrated his 43rd birthday last week, were it not for his tragic death in November 2011. Prediction: Serbia are a strong side when performing as a collective and have the star quality necessary to triumph in Novi Sad. Wales have serious injury concerns but will challenge with a counter-attack mentality. (2-0) Northern Ireland vs. Luxembourg – Windsor Park, 14:45 p.m. EST Having lost 2-0 in Russia last week, Michael O'Neill will be pleased to hear that Jonny Evans is fit to feature against Luxembourg this week. The Manchester United defender was in pain against Russia after having surgery over the summer, but declared himself fit on Sunday. NI will be keen to open their home account with a victory, expecially against the lowest-seeded team in Group F. Prediction: Northern Ireland may have found it tough against someone with Russia's calibre, but they have enough about them to see off nobodies, Luxembourg. (1-0) Scotland vs. Macedonia – Hampden Park, 15:00 p.m. EST One major boost for the Scots is the news that Allan McGregor may be fit to stay in the squad after aggravating a groin injury in the bore draw against Serbia on Friday. The Besiktas stopper is one of Scotland's senior members and with Matt Gilks looking doubtful, his presence would certainly help Tuesday's hosts. Craig Levein may opt to hand Jordan Rhodes, newly of Blackburn Rovers, his second starting cap against Macedonia, although Kenny Miller could well retain his spot. Prediction: Scotland looked defensively impressive against the Serbians last week, but need a clinical touch in the final third of the pitch. Macedonia won't roll over in this one, but won't stage an away upset, either. (2-1) |
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Posted: 10 Sep 2012 01:12 PM PDT
 Olympic gold medalist, Alex Morgan, made her appearance in New York during Fashion Week. She attended the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge. Mercedes-Benz has been a sponsor of Fashion Week for eight years. This year the company invited stars to the lounge for a new campaign: "Fit for Fashion." Those invited participated in a workout routine with celebrity trainer Joey Gonzalez and model Joan Smalls. Alex Morgan, despite being dressed to impress, also took part in the routine, which included some fashionable workout regimens. Who better to have at an event than a gold medalist, role model who the crowd doesn't mind looking at? The famous WAG Victoria Beckham of course had a show in New York during Fashion Week. Her show was more than a success; it has been noted as her best yet. Victoria Beckham has taken her fashion line from the small dress collection to an internationally famous brand. She decided to expand her dress line into separate pieces. Many Hollywood stars have been dressed in her attire and Victoria looks to offer the stars more than just dresses next season. Another addition to the line was the inclusion of flats, not all the models donned the usual sky high heels. The new line seems to be more functional and comfortable for women who know what it feels like to prance around in heels all day.Who else was seen at Victoria's show? Why her husband of course. Famous LA Galaxy player, David Beckham was in the first row at the fashion show supporting his wife. David watched Harper as mom was busy backstage with the models. After the show, models all gawked at David Beckham. Nonetheless he was bombarded by models and fans for photos and the chance to bask in the glory of Becks. |
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Posted: 10 Sep 2012 11:46 AM PDT
 Ever wonder what Alex Morgan has playing on her iPod? Or what Megan Rapinoe dances to in the locker room? How about what the Swedish National Team Captain, Caroline Seger, is blasting in her headphones? Or what the five-time FIFA world player of the year, Marta, sings along to in the car on the way to practice? Now you can see who shares your taste in music and who you think should stay on the football field and away from the DJ booth.Here's your chance to test your knowledge of your favorite female footballers taste in music! Below is the link to a playlist. See if you can guess which song was shared with me by each of the following professional players. Then scroll down to check your answers and share your score in the comments section. (Note: there is one fewer song than there are players because two players share a favorite tune.) Good luck and enjoy jamming out like the stars! Here’s the Playlist. -Anita Asante: (England, Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC, Midfielder) "Neets" has gained the reputation from her teammates as being somewhat of a musical authority. Her favorite song is the debut song for the group who released it, and has charted in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. -Verónica Boquete: (Spain, Tyresö FF, Midfielder) It shouldn't be hard to guess from the list what song the talented Spanish playmaker, "Vero," chose. -Lauren Cheney: (USA, Midfielder/Forward) Cheney prefers smooth R&B. -Ashlyn Harris: (USA, FCR 2001 Duisburg, Goalkeeper) Ashlyn's favorite song is also the name of the album on which it was released in 1993. -Sarah Huffman: (USA, Midfielder) "Huffy" says summer is all about country music for her. -Meghan Klingenberg: (USA , Tyresö FF, Defender) "Kling" is another country fan. -Karina LeBlanc: (Canada, Goalkeeper) "KK" brings a little reggae flavor to the playlist. -Lori Lindsey: (USA, Midfielder) Lori "Lightning" Lindsey might need to wear a cowboy hat if she attends a concert by her song's artist. -Carli Lloyd: (USA, Midfielder) The winning goal scorer in the Olympic gold medal game likes to relax to a slower song. -Marta: (Brazil, Tyresö FF, Forward) The Brazilian superstar shared her favorite artist, and anyone familiar with Portuguese should have no problem picking hers. -Anja Mittag: (Germany, LDB FC Malmö, Forward) You might have heard Anja's favorite song on the radio in the U.S. in the summer of 2002. -Alex Morgan: (USA, Forward) "Baby Horse" has been loving an acoustic hit recently. -Heather O'Reilly: (USA, Midfielder/Forward) HAO, pronounced "Hay-oh," gets her nickname from her initials. She went with an all-time fave that she likes to perform for her teammates in the locker room. -Megan Rapinoe: (USA, Midfielder) "Pinoe" shares her favorite with a USWNT teammate. -Ali Riley: (New Zealand, LDB FC Malmö, Defender) Ali's pick is by an artist whose most recent album is titled, "Master of My Make-Believe." -Caroline Seger: (Sweden, Tyresö FF, Midfielder) She played in WPS for two years and now sings along to the lyrics, "I'll be your platinum, I'll be your silver, I'll be your gold." -Christine Sinclair: (Canada, Forward) The Canadian legend, also known as "Sinc," chose to go a bit old school with her selection, but you can't go wrong with this classic. -Therese Sjögran: (Sweden, LDB FC Malmö, Midfielder) "Tee," who played for Sky Blue FC of WPS last season, likes a song that gained its British singer acclaim in 2010. -Abby Wambach: (USA, Forward) Abby isn't the only soccer star who jams out to a tune that has the line, "Why don't we break the rules already?" Think you have the songs matched up with the player? Check below to see how you did. Anita Asante: Million Voices- Otto Knows Verónica Boquete: Tu Oportunidad- Taxi Lauren Cheney: Only Want To Give It To You- Elle Varner Ashlyn Harris: Show Me Love- Robin S. Sarah Huffman: Cruise- Florida Georgia Line Meghan Klingenberg: Stay- Sugarland Karina LeBlanc: I Feel Good- Beres Hammond Lori Lindsey: Dirt Road Anthem- Jason Aldean Carli Lloyd: Mumford and Sons- I Will Wait Marta Pais: Tropical- Ivete Sangalo Anja Mittag: Dilemma- Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland Alex Morgan: The A team- Ed Sheeran Heather O'Reilly: Eminem- Lose Yourself Megan Rapinoe: Some Nights- Fun Ali Riley: Disparate Youth- Santigold Caroline Seger: As Long As You Love Me- Justin Bieber Christine Sinclair: Man In The Mirror- Michael Jackson Therese Sjögran: Night Air- Jamie Woon Abby Wambach: Some Nights- Fun Any players share your favorite song? Don’t forget to put your scores in comments below. |
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Posted: 10 Sep 2012 10:15 AM PDT
SWOL has teamed up with Bumpy Pitch and created a competition that will see one lucky winner receive a shirt from the Los Angeles based clothing line.
The United States Men’s National Team is set to play Jamaica on September 11th at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio in what now appears to be a must win for Jurgen Klinsmann’s men. After suffering defeat in Kingston on the 7th of September, the United States will be looking to bounce back and secure three crucial points in their quest for qualification. Tweet #USlineup Follow @SWOLofficial Follow @bumpypitch Follow @bp_tow Joining the competition is simple – just tweet what you think the starting lineup will be for the United States while mentioning @SWOLofficial and @BumpyPitch in the tweet and hashtagging #USlineup. One lucky winner will be selected from all entries and get to choose a shirt from Bumpy Pitch’s unique collection at their online store. 
BPFC Laurel Crest
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