Gold Cup Recap

After yesterday, I'm back on the US soccer bandwagon. The second half effort against Mexico deserves great applause, and so does the strategy employed by coach Bradley. The all out attack philosophy put Mexico on their heels after they took the game to the US in the first half. Onyewu looks as if he has regained his confidence, Bocanegra appears to be a solid choice for captain, Tim Howard made a giant save late in the match, and the Beasley/Donovan combo ran their socks off. And what a goal by Benny Feilhaber. Goodness, that's a great strike.

Let's hope this continues. I like the decision by Bradley to rest the star players in the Copa America. The other nations have done the same, so there is no sense in risking injuries. I'm sure the clubs are pleased as well.

But, what about the mess at the end of the semifinal vs. Canada. Here is a decent recap of the match and here is some video of the "non" goal. I've heard that the linesman thought the last touch came off of a Canadian player. If that's the case, why didn't the referee speak to him? Get it sorted out. It was really a shame.

Me In Reverse

I'll start back at the softball debacle from last Wednesday. Quickly. Our office teams haven't fared well over the past 9 months. We suffered a winless season in basketball, and our lone victory in softball came as the result of a forfeit. So, that really doesn't count, does it?

Last Wednesday may have brought us the best weather of the year. Facing the east at the plate was difficult though as the sun was right in the batters' faces. No excuse, as the conditions were the same for both teams. They fared better.

Needless to say, the game was virtually over by the time my own personal nightmare began in left field. My only true attribute in the outfield is speed and it came to haunt me on a short pop fly. I overran it, and the ball jumped past me. Gave up a double and a run. Ouch. On the very next pitch, here comes a towering fly ball back out to left field. With my mind still on the last play, the ball popped off the top of my glove and a humiliating two run homer followed. It was painful. Thankfully, it didn't cost us the game. Let's see if I'm back out in left in our next encounter. Just gotta shake it off.

Catching Up

When you don't want to lug around a laptop during evening plans, blogging becomes difficult. Tuesday was the "I just don't want to bring this thing home" day. Wednesday was softball (more on that later), and last night was the US v Canada match (more on that later, too).

I'm continuing to enjoy the Travis album. It's a very close second to me from 'The Man Who.'

The Planet Earth specials on Discovery HD are absolutely insane (I'm really teeing myself up for some weekend writing).

Off to The Slip show at Bowery tonight. But, first, I'm meeting my friends Shanly and George at Loreley. Ah, sausage and beer. What can possibly be better? An outside table, but I'm not pressing my luck.

Added rights for FSC

For EPL nerds like myself, Fox Soccer Channel has been a godsend. Multiple live matches each weekend. Replays almost every weeknight. And quirky Canadians to provide cliched commentary. What more do you want?

Well, now you can actually get more. They've added valuable rights to their existing tv menu. Exclusive mobile and video content through 2010. Any chance that I can get more Max Bretos, I'll take it. Did anyone else know he does wrestling commentary now? All the better.

Also, the 07-08 fixture list came out today. Ned, Merideth and I are already targeting the Merseyside derby on March 29th as this year's trip to Anfield.

Blogging live sports

A big controversy has emerged after a Courier Journal reporter was kicked out of the super regional baseball game on Sunday for blogging updates. Here's continuing fallout today.