Friday, December 31, 2010

Thanks For A Great 2010...



This year brought Center Circle some serious growth and accomplishments. We can not do the things we do without your support so we wanted to send a huge thanks out and wish you all a very Happy New Year tonight!

2010 for Center Circle:

Legendinhos 2010 grew from 72-81 teams and we went from 3-6 "Legendinhos" teams
5v5 Summer League grew from 30-38 teams
Copa Memphis brought Brazilian professional club Botafogo FR to our first annual international tournament and 40 teams with 4 colleges
Winter Futsal grew from 22-33 teams and is going great at our new facility

Thanks again and lets make 2011 even better!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Why I Teach Brazilian Soccer



I read a great stat earlier today on twitter and I wanted to give a huge shout out to Ted Westervelt and soccerreform.us for tweeting this:

2010 saw Brazil sell 1440 players on the international market, while MLS was rumoured to sell 2.

This is why brazilian motor-coordination and technique is a must for the American soccer player from the time they first put boots on. Coaches, stop focusing on winning and focus on development through technique and coordination. Step your game up so we start producing players the best teams in the world want. No one cares how many club soccer games you win. Players, College and MLS is not what you should be aiming for if you are serious about soccer as well. Put in work on your own, find coaches and clubs that will develop you to get you in the "shop window", and watch professional soccer on tv to learn (Im still dumfounded over the lack of this)!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Complex's 25 Most Badass Soccer Goals of 2010



It's that list time of the year and the good people over at Complex decided to put together a nice little list with videos of their choices click here to see them.

Monday, November 29, 2010

The Chance Brazil - The Journey (Short Film)



Nike...ahead of the competition again. This is a little video of the Chance trials in Brazil. The Chance is something Nike is running in 44 countries to find the best players to train at the Nike Academy in England ad get a "chance" to play professional in Europe.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Nike5 - Break Your Opponent



How about this one. Nike5 > See widescreen here

Nike5 - Death From Above



Can you do this move? See you December 9th. See widescreen here

Nike5 - Become the Master



great video...gosh I gotta go back to Spain. This is Futsal! Sign up for Center Circle's Winter Futsal now, contact cntrcircle@gmail.com See widescreen here

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Real Madrid vs Atletico Bilbao Highlights – La Liga



wow...who can say Jose Mourinho's teams cant play attacking football?! This team is steamrolling anyone who gets in their way.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Ibracadabra's Bicycle Kick Goal Against Fiorentina



Zlatan Ibrahimovic may be completely mad...but we love him for his genius. Pep, you made a mistake running him out of Barcelona. View widescreen here

Thursday, November 18, 2010

South Africa v USA - Uh oh, do we have a new star?



Are you watching closely? Juan Agudelo #17 (age 17) and on 11/17 makes his debut for the US Mens National Team with the winning goal in South Africa. Watch widescreen here

Monday, November 15, 2010

adidas x Spain – It Comes From Within



great commercial and even better jersey, well done adidas. See widescreen here

Barcelona vs Villareal Highlights – La Liga



Wow, I know he didn't have the best World Cup but I blame that solely on Maradona who played him as a midfielder as opposed to a forward. Enjoy and see widescreen version here

Friday, October 29, 2010

CR7 Safari – A Pioneer’s Design



By now you should know how much I love Nike...check out the new signature Cristiano Ronaldo boots the Safari Vapor Superfly II's. See widescreen version here.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Winter Futsal



Winter Futsal is back and this year INDOORS! We will be at Faith Lutheran Church in Collierville on the corner of Byhalia and Market. League will run from 12/9-1/30 and teams will play a 6 game season. No coaches and players pick name and outfit their own teams from 5-9 players. This league is 100% about player development and the game itself leads to that as their are no walls and players kick a slightly heavier ball and have to control it in tight spaces. Along with that players have to take responsibility for substitutions etc which forces them to grow mentally and relationally with other players.

email us cntrcircle@gmail.com for registration form and more info.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Copa Memphis 2010 video



It's been a little while in the making but I hope you enjoy. Click here for widescreen version

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Nike Running – London’s From Moon To Lunar



All other sportswear companies, Im sorry but Nike is better than you. See widescreen here

Monday, October 4, 2010

Fifa Mundial - Fugees



Great story and we are trying to bring them to Legendinhos in the Future. If you haven't read it pick up Outcasts United at your local bookstore or online and support this great cause. Lufa, give us a shout and we will get you to Memphis for a tournament!

watch widescreen here

Friday, October 1, 2010

Nike Stadium – From Moon To Lunar



the design of this store is sooooo inspirational. If you look closely you will see a couple footballers in the store. I'll give you a hint they play or played for the Milanese clubs. see full version here

Nike Academy – Step Inside The Lab



Wow, if I wasn't doing my own thing with Center Circle...I would have to get a job at Nike. see full video here

Monday, September 27, 2010

Umbro x Falcao Futsal



Here is a lil promo video of Futsal great and Umbro's new Futsal inspired clothing line. See full size video here

Ibracadabra



I love this player. AC Milan 1 - Genoa 0 watch full screenhere

Monday, September 20, 2010

Eastbound and Down: Season Dos trailer



Kenny Powers is coming back ....... soon! I love this show but it's certainly not one for the kids!

9/26 on HBO

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Copa Memphis Recap



Sorry it has taken so long but I wanted to give everyone who participated in the inaugural Copa a shout out and recap the winners in each age group. We had a great time and hope everyone participating did as well. Hope to see you all next year.

U10 Girls - SMSC Ambush (Missouri)
U11 Girls- Purple Rain 2000 (Tennessee)
U14 Girls- SMSC Stars (Missouri)

U13 Boys- Real Madrid AC (Texas)
U14 Boys- USC 97 (Alabama)
U15 Boys- West GA Premier (Georgia)
U17/18 Boys- MS Brilla (Mississippi)
U19 Boys- Botafogo FR (Brazil)

Adult World Cup- Honduras

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

30 Million Strong, Parabens Corinthians!



Today is Corinthians centenary! Check out this great video from Nike Football in widescreen here

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Copa Memphis T-Shirts



These are our awesome Copa Memphis t-shirts. They will be for sale at the tournament along with Botafogo FR gear. The table with these items will be by concessions by the scoreboard. Also they will be for sale at registration tomorrow from 5-9.

T-Shirts $12
check or cash
checks made out to: Center Circle LLC

Copa Memphis Kickoff


It's here, it's finally here Copa Memphis. Botafogo FR arrived yesterday at 1:30 and didn't get to their host families till 4:00pm. Despite that fact they played very well against University of Memphis yesterday and University of Kentucky today. Both games were 1-0 losses but the Brazilians played very well, especially in today's game after getting enough rest. Even though Botafogo had the majority of the possession and played beautifully they got beat on the counter attack by Kentucky. Tomorrow Botafogo plays against Midsouth FC in which should be a very good game for the Brazilian team and a great chance to score their first goal and get their first win in America.

See everyone on field 6 tomorrow at 7:00pm

SOU BOTAFOGO!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Complex top 20 2010-2011 football kits


http://www.complex.com/blogs/2010/08/11/kit-fancy-rating-the-jerseys-of-the-2010-11-european-soccer-season/

great article and the kit companies really put in some work this year.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Soccer Rocks Music Festival



soccerrocksfestival.com

poster by Ronnie Lewis

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Code Red: The Football Fundamentals with Manchester United



You paying attention coaches... not once on these videos did you see simple long distance running. More great tips from one of the worlds best teams, Manchester United (scum!) lol.

Code Red: Rebuild your body with Manchester United.



Good advice for recovery...even if it comes from someone involved with the scum! lol See widescreen version here

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Neymar's Time is Now



The Brazil squad for the USA friendly in August has been announced and Neymar as well as Paulo Henrique Ganso and a host of other exciting young brazilian talent have been added to the squad. look out world Brazil is going to bring the swagger and joga bonito back. Also the man who picked this team is new coach Mano Menzes formerly of Corinthians.

Nani Getting Back - Endurance. Code Red: a pre-season with Manchester Un...



Another great training tool for coaches to do fitness with the ball. Coaches, stop sending your teams to tracks or running long distance! Improve their fitness and technique in the same drills.

Nike Code Red - Nani, getting back quickness



Great drill for kids to try develops freedom of thought reactions and quickness. if you don't have that many balls (which I am sure most kids dont) use other obstacles cones, rocks, pinnies, etc

Monday, July 26, 2010

Gotta Love the Spanish



Wow just...wow! Make sure you catch the replay to see what he did.

shout out to The Original Winger

Total 90 Tracer Ball



Sorry Adidas but this is what technology in a ball should look and feel like. Great video great insight into another top ball from Nike. Watch widescreen version here

Monday, July 19, 2010

Hope Is A Game Changer



well looks like another project we at Center CIrcle are going to have to get behind...

Monday, July 12, 2010

Just incase you have been living under a rock...


Spain won the world cup, pictured above is Liverpool player Fernando Torres celebrating with his Spain teammates wearing a Liverpool scarf. Hands off Chelsea looks like he has made his intentions known.

I have been telling everyone I thought Spain would win for probably over two years now and it feels so good to see it come to fruition. I visited Spain in 08 and it is a brilliant country and I think the way they have changed and constructed an incredible youth set up has led to the two most famous victories in the countries history (Euro 08 and World Cup 2010). Proof that technique and beautiful football does win out. It is also great encouragement for myself as a coach that what I am teaching and trying to install and evolve here in America is the right path. Viva Espana

You wanna score goals? Wear the adidas adizero f50!


Below is the final tally from the world cup...it wasn't even close. Stars like Villa, Mueller, Higuain, Robben, etc wore this boot to great success.

adidas – adizero F50 – 41
Nike – Total 90 – 19
Nike – Mecurial Superfly – 15
Nike – Maestri CTR360 – 14
adidas – PredatorX – 12
Puma – Puma – 9
adidas – adiPure – 7
Nike – Tiempo – 7

Monday, July 5, 2010

Master Speed: The Brazilian Journey



I know they lost but I still believe 100% in what they teach and believe in...too bad their coach didn't. Great video and a great series from Nike. Watch full size here

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Curse of the Nike Commercial


Although the Nike "Write The Future" commercial is great it seems to me a curse. Almost everyone involved in it has had a bad World Cup and is already out (Rooney, Cannavaro, Ribery, Drogba, Ronaldo etc.). Here are some interesting statistics that show not only is it the players but the adidas F50 is dominating total number of goals scored as well. So I guess the moral of the story is if you are a footballer get adidas to sponsor you...


BY BOOTS
adidas F50 Adizero – 33
Nike Mercurial Superfly – 14
Nike Total 90 – 13
adidas Predator X – 12
Nike Maestri CTR360 – 11
Puma Puma – 8
adidas adiPure – 7
Nike Nike other – 7
Nike Tiempo – 4
adidas other – 1
Other – 11

BY BRAND
adidas – 53
Nike – 49
Puma – 8
Other – 11

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Midsouth FC x Graceland x USA




Tonight Midsouth FC will flip a ceremonial switch to light up Graceland (The former home of the King of Rock, Elvis) Red, White, and Blue in honor of the US Mens National Team's great performance in South Africa. This will be covered by local news and national news (Good Morning America).

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Robinho - escreva o futuro (Write The Future)



Love these Nike ads...is there anyone who does it better? Watch widescreen version here

Drogba V Aids




Hope everyone is enjoying the greatest sporting event on the planet. On June 20th lets help Didier and Nike beat Aids. See widescreen version here

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Rafa and Liverpool part ways


The two have finally called time on their relationship and it appears to have come to an end with about a 3 million pound settlement. Thanks Rafa for everything but it was definitely time for a change. Hope the next one in is either Hodgson or Pellegrini.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Aziz Ansari x Justin Bieber MTV Movie awards promo



I know this has nothing to do with soccer but...I love Aziz! Check out Parks and Rec on NBC if you haven't already and tune in to the MTV Movie awards to catch Aziz hosting the event.

PS this should be the only post to ever contain Bieber's name on this website. If it's not, feel free to give me a slap whenever you see me!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Remembering Garrincha


Talking to one of my parents about Pele I had to bring up the fact that sometimes the greatest players aren't recognized as the best of all time due to consistency that other very good players have. Please click the link to learn about one of Brazil's best and arguably a player who at his best was better than Pele at his best. Either way, enjoy...

watch here
courtesy of ESPN

Agreement Reached


An agreement, reported to be worth €8 million, has been reached after Real president Florentino Perez and Inter president Massimo Moratti met in Milan. Jose will be revealed to Madrid public on Monday... and the rest of the world's clubs quickly proceed to running and hiding. Ok maybe not Barca but everyone else. This year's La Liga is going to be epic!

Kanye's back


With the first single from his untitled new album, Power. Along with soccer my biggest passion is music and I am a huge Kanye fan. Power is one of the best hip-hop tracks I've heard all year and I think along with Eminem and Dr. Dre he will destroy everyone else with his 2010 album. Click below to download.

Kanye West - Power

Monday, May 24, 2010

Hi My Name is Mourinho


and Im better than you. People want nothing more than someone who is great to fall but Jose just continues to laugh in their faces. As much as I hate to say this to my second favorite club in the world, I have to, "watch out Barca, your days at the top of Spain are becoming increasingly short." Jose will shortly be named manager of Real Madrid and the rest of the world should take serious notice. My prediction is the league and Champions League within 2 years and that's being generous. Im pretty sure he can do it in 1 year. Look for a big clear out at the Bernabeu and 3 key defensive signings.

Celebrations in Piazza Duomo...


What I truly don't think American's understand. When football happens the world outside of the US stops, there is nothing like it. Click here for full version.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Professor v Student, Mentor v Mentee, Head v Assistant...



Tomorrow afternoon 1:30 central on Fox HD Bayern v Inter, Van Gaal v Mourinho... should be a great game in which Inter and Jose crush Bayern, haha. Shout out to Carl Schmidt!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Spain Finalizes Roster for World Cup


Goalkeepers - Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel ‘Pepe’ Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).

Defenders - Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).

Midfielders – Xabier Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona).

Forwards - Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

Write The Future - Commercial



great commercial clickhere to see widescreen version

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

David Villa to Barcelona for 40 mil Euros


Wow, I have been hearing talk that this would be done by today, but how often in football does that actual happen. Great news for any Barca fans or anyone in love with the beautiful game. I don't know if they are going to keep Ibra but if they do...Villa Ibra and Messi is as good a front line that has ever been assembled on paper. I would love to see Barca add Fabregas to the roster in the next few days as well. He was born to wear the blaugrana. Looks like this could be a much better silly season than last year. Now if only Liverpool could actually sign someone worth while...

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Champions League final viewing in LA


Id' kill to be at this. Looks like it's time for more Center Circle innovations...

Nike Soccer and Temryss Lane from Fox Football Fone-In will be hosting the Champions League Final at The Montalban Theatre in Hollywood this Saturday. If you are in LA and are looking for a spot where you can watch the game on a giant 40 foot theatre screen with a few hundred other soccer fans, then The Montalban is where you need to be. Not to mention, you can play some futsal on the roof, check out some of the new gear that is available from Nike and wash it all down with some free food and drinks. from www.theoriginalwinger.com

Friday, May 14, 2010

perfect video for today



when you truly believe in what you are doing and where you are it's more than a job, a team...

Thursday, May 13, 2010

What I love about this game in a single goal



Paulo Henrique Ganso to Robinho, this is the absurdity and creativity that separates this game from others and makes me love it so much. Obrigado jogadores Brasileiros

Monday, May 10, 2010

Chelsea are Champions


In a tightly fought game at the Bridge against Wigan (ok maybe 8-0 wasn't that tightly fought) Chelsea brought home the Barclays Premier League title. In Italy and Spain it looks to be going down to the last week as well with both Roma & Inter both winning as well as Real and Barca doing the same.

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Power of Ten



The number 10 is so much more than a number, great commercial ESPN. Shout out to EPL Talk. To see full version as the blog doesn't allow widescreen video posts click here

Friday, April 30, 2010

Well...he's not "The Special One" for nothing


A tour de force performance at the back from everyone (yes even new left back Eto'o) kept Barca at bay to lose 1-0 and go through 3-2 on aggregate. Well done Inter.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Mas Que (More Than)...


a match, a semi, a war...who knows but in a few hours we will find out. I think Barca can do it but I will not be upset if Inter goes through as I love Jose, but I believe in beautiful soccer and I would love to see it win out. Also watching Barca destroy Bayern in Madrid and shove it in Madridistas faces would be quite funny! Either way, whoever wins this game will win the final with some ease in my opinion. The score from the first leg (for all those living under a rock) was 3-1 Inter which is a substantial lead but a 2-0 win for Barca puts them through and I am pretty sure that they can do that but we will see...

FC Barcelona v Internazionale Milan on Fox Soccer Channel at 1:30 Central time (654 AT&T, 219 Comcast, 619 Direct TV)

Sunday, April 25, 2010

It's about that time, 5v5 Summer League


Sorry it's been so long since the blog has been updated. It's because Center Circle is hare at work to provide you with more and better events. Up next is our 5v5 Summer League that was such a huge success last year and will be bigger and better this year. 6/7-7/22 teams will be coachless, pick themselves, sub themselves, pick their own team name and jerseys, but fear not we will provide referees. The league will take place at Mike Rose and will basically be a safe imitation of street soccer which other countries play all the time and the kids in the US do not do nearly enough. The rules are Futsal rules and it is basically Futsal on grass, kick-ins in 4 seconds is the main difference from soccer. This is to increase thought process and speed of play as well as movement to get open. Playing at this high speed and with more touches on the ball is only helping everyone involved. Registration form and promo email coming early this week.

Joga Bonito

Are you ready?


Teams from USA, Brazil, possibly Italy, and working on Mexico, and Argentina. Bands from Memphis, NYC, England, Vancouver, and LA. You will not want to miss Copa Memphis August 27-29, 2010 at Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis, TN

What a tourney: Legendinhos '10


What a weekend, 81 teams - 6 "Legendinhos" teams plus 4 middle school teams with 71 club teams. Great soccer on display and a great competition for all. The diversity and level of soccer was great this year. Especially since we more than doubled our diverse teams (3 to 10). Hope to see everyone at Copa Memphis August 27-29 for the event to end all soccer events in this area.

Of course since our tournament is not like anyone else's and it is about "real" soccer and diversity, there was always going to be an idiot. Anyone not with helping out everyone to get a chance to play at our world class facility (Mike Rose Soccer Complex) against great competition, can get lost. That one team knows who I am talking about ;)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Inter v Barca first leg


I can not wait for this, only 6 more minutes until the first leg of what can only be an epic battle mentally and physically on the field as well on the respective benches.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Robbed




After the 4-1 thrashing from Barca I thought yesterday's games might not be able to live up to the excitement, good thing I was wrong. After utterly dominating Bayern Munich in the first half and being up 3-1 in the second Man United fullback Rafael got himself sent off and Arjen Robben hit a goal with such technical brilliance I about fell on the floor. A corner was taken from the left of the goal and Robben was on the right of the "D" at the top of the box. He struck the ball one time out of the air back across the goal just inside the post. You can see a pic of his celebration at the top of this post. It was unbelievable and put Bayern through on away goals 4-4 over the scum (Man U)!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Messi and Barca 4-1 over Arsenal


What do yo do when you go down 1-0 at home...how about score a hat trick in 21 minutes directly after that goal and then add a fourth at the end of the game. You know, just cause why not? I was completely in awe of what I watched yesterday from barcelona but mainly Messi, as soon as I saw him get the ball for his second I just started laughing because not only was there only going to be one outcome for the ball (it was going in the goal) but one outcome for the game. Messi and Barca just simply refuse to lose. As I saw him break for his third (and what a third it was!!!) I couldn't help but think I may just be watching THE best to ever play so I got down on my knees and half sarcastically half serious praised him.

All you young amateur footballers take note, hard work and dedication will take you wherever you want to go but to do those 2 things with passion and joy make you the complete package. This is what at first made me admire Messi but now I have fallen in love with him *no homo* To do what he did in any game would be massively impressive but to do it against Arsenal in the Champions League Quarter final is just otherworldly. I guess in summary I really just want to say from myself and all lovers of the beautiful game...Messi, thank you.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Rooney...*shakes head*



Video of Rooney trying to sneak a pint of beer at this weekends Man U v Chelsea game, epic.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Pelada the Movie...Center Circle's next project?

NEW Pelada Trailer from Rebekah Fergusson on Vimeo.



I think that Center Circle's next project is bringing this movie to Memphis for a big premier screening. Great stuff Gwendolyn and Luke and props to World Football Daily for bringing this to our attention. Click Pelada Movie for full info.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The best soccer show around



shout out to the WFD crew Steven, Kenny, Casey, and Rafa who are sponsoring a team in this year's Legendinhos. Sign up to be a premium member and become an infinitely more knowledgeable football supporter WFD Website

Sunday, March 28, 2010

A Corner Turned?...


I don't know how many times we (Liverpool supporters) have heard that this season but I truly feel that is what I witnessed today. That was the first time I've seen the Liverpool team that destroyed Real Madrid and Manchester United in back to back games. Torres was unplayable and if it wasn't for some bad luck he would have matched Frank Lampard's 4 goal performance from Saturday. I think Christian Purslow talking to the senior players and assuring them as well as multiple players and Rafa coming out and admitting they basically threw in the towel after their second loss of the season which pretty much guaranteed they couldn't win the title has freed them. Usually once someone confesses or is able to vent they are free of the burden...that is exactly what today looked like. Long may it continue.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Charlie Davies’ (aka Chuck Deezy) Press Conference

Video of Charlie Davies’ Press Conference

I love this guy...how can you not. Get em Chuck Deezy!!! Click the link to go to the video.

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Majesterial Messi (ode to Ray Hudson)



How does one improve on a hat trick performance? how about by scoring another hat trick and then after earning a penalty kick in which he was well with in his rights to take and earn his fourth, giving it to the player who has been in a slump recently. Unselfish, unbelievable, uncanny...Messi.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Europa League Quarterfinal Draw


QUARTER-FINALS: April 1 & 8
Fulham v Wolfsburg
Hamburg v Standard Liege
Valencia v Atletico Madrid
Benfica v Liverpool

SEMI-FINALS: April 22 & 29
Hamburg or Standard Liege v Fulham or Wolfsburg
Valencia or Atletico Madrid v Benfica or Liverpool

The home team in the final will be Valencia/Atletico Madrid/Benfica/Liverpool to be held at the HSH Nordbank rena, home ground of Hamburg, on Wednesday, May 12 2010.

Europa league roundup

first off, Could I really start with anything but Dempsey's goal... DEUCE!!!

100318_FUL
Uploaded by 1513BB92024. - Discover more college videos.

the action in the Europa League was even better then the Champions League and comeback from Fulham being down 3-1 to Juventus and wining 4-1 at Craven Cottage in London was insane. Shout out to David Villa who did what he does best for Valencia and scored a hat trick against Werder Bremen to draw 4-4 and go through on away goals. Also I have to shout out my Liverpool team who believe it or not have won 2 games in a row!!! They beat Lille 3-0 with one from Gerrard and a brace (2 goals) from Fernando Torres.

The Quarter final draw...so good.


QUARTER-FINALS: March 30 & 31 plus April 6 & 7
Lyon v Bordeaux
Bayern Munich v Manchester United
Arsenal v Barcelona
Internazionale v CSKA Moscow

SEMI-FINALS: April 20 & 21 plus April 27 & 28
Bayern Munich or Manchester United v Lyon or Bordeaux
Internazionale or CSKA Moscow v Arsenal or Barcelona

The home team in the final will be Bayern Munich/Manchester United/Lyon/Bordeaux, in the Bernabeu, Madrid on Saturday, May 22.

Manchester United supporters have to be happy with this one. Well Im disappointed that the final can't be Barca v Inter as I wouldn't be disappointed if either of them won. Arsenal Barca should be a cracking tie...really all of these should be great. Have I said how much I love this competition?!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Chelsea v Inter, does it get much better?


Well it's finally here after the great 2-1 victory for Inter over Chelsea we will finally see the conclusion to the ongoing saga that is Mourinho v Chelsea. Will the away goal give Chelsea the advantage? Will Jose lose only his second game ever at Stamford Bridge or will he do what he always does at his old home and win? At 5:00 central on Fox Soccer Channel we will get the answers.

players to watch:
Chelsea
Drogba
Anelka
Lampard
Terry

Inter
Eto'o
Milito
Sneijder
Cambiasso
Maicon

What is the UEFA Champions League


UEFA = Union of European Football Associations

Champions League: Consists of the champions from almost all European professional soccer leagues. Teams qualify for this competition the season prior and compete in this competition concurrent with their own league season (League’s mostly play on Weekends and European competition occurs midweek). In the case of the biggest leagues (England, Spain, and Italy) the top 4 teams qualify for the Champions League and almost as big leagues such as Germany and Portugal etc get 3 or 2 qualifiers. There are 32 teams when it gets to the group stage (8 groups of 4) and then the top two from each group qualify for the round of 16 (which is where we are now). These games are two legged affairs in which each team gets a game at home and then the total aggregate score determines the winner. Incase the score is even over two legs then it goes to “away goals” as the first tie breaker. For ex. A team loses 2-1 away and wins 1-0 at home the total aggregate score is 2-2 but the team that scored away from home goes through. These two legged ties only go to overtime and penalties if the teams are tied on total and away goals (ex. 1-0 and 0-1 total 1-1). This competition is the biggest and most watched club competition in the world as it is has the best players and clubs in the world involved and is the dream destination for every footballer in the world.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Barca's back


Without Zlatan and Guardiola, Im sure Valencia wish one more Barcelona player was missing...Messi. He scored his second and third almost back to back. TV's were still showing the replay of his second and cut immediately to him on another break which resulted in the same, another goal. The first half of this game was like watching paint dry, second half when Henry came on Barca came alive and looked reminiscent of last year. Well done boys now do it against Stuttgart midweek.

No Achilles, No World Cup


AC Milan's game on the weekend spelled the end of David Beckham's World Cup. He ruptured his achilles and doctors say he will make a full recovery but it will take 5-8 months. Sorry David...

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Oi, its Daaaavid (in high pitch london accent)!



Manchester United v AC Milan 1:30 central Fox Soccer Channel
Today Goldenballs (David Beckham) returns to Old Trafford to try and overturn a 3-2 defeat against his old club Manchester United. Although all English eyes will be on David anyone with real knowledge of the game will be watching Ronaldinho (who has had a hand in 24 of Milan's 42 goals this season) and Rooney who has never been in better form and scored two of the three in Milan. This should be an excellent game as Milan have to attack and I have never really known United to sit back.

Real Madrid v Lyon 4:00 central on FSC
The roller coaster first season of big spenders Real Madrid is really starting to reach the heights they should on a much more consistent basis. Although Lyon is a tough opponent, I really see Madrid overturning the 1-0 loss in Lyon. There is amazing talent in this game that will be display with arguably two of the worlds best in Ronaldo and Kaka.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

10 goals in 2 games...WOW!


Arsenal (without Cesc Fabregas) went completely balls to the wall and ran over FC Porto like Wayne Rooney playing against a 5 year old. The much maligned (not be me) Nicklas Bendtner had a hat trick with Nasri and Eboue adding one each. Bayern Munich came back in a match I swore they were done in and I was all but ready to throw in the towel for them...good thing Im not Luis Van Gaal. Van Bommel and a blast from Robben brought them to 3-2 on the night making the tie 4-4 and Bayern through on away goals.

Champions League round of 16 second legs


Today Arsenal tries to overturn a 2-1 defeat against FC Porto at the Emirates, and Fiorentina see if they can get better refereeing against Bayern to turn over a likewise 2-1 deficit. both games are on Fox Soccer Channel and coverage starts at 1:30 central. Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Only Brazil...



As much as I want to rip on Robinho for leaving England I can't hate on his performance yesterday. This goal is e Brazil at their best, Joga Bonito.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Nike x MADSTEEZ

"Make the Difference" : MADSTEEZ from MADSTEEZ on Vimeo.



We have got to get this kinda artwork on our Futsal court/s whenever we get them here in Memphis!!!

World Cup warm up games


Starting today we have an international break for World Cup warm up games. Check the tv schedule below:

Tuesday
Brazil v Ireland 2:00 - Fox Soccer Channel

Wednesday
Argentina v Germany 1:45 - Gol tv
USA v Netherlands 2:00 - ESPN 2
England v Egypt 2:00 - Fox Soccer Plus
Italy v Cameroon 3:45 - Gol tv

France v Spain play but I can not find the channel, which makes me angry as I would love to watch this. Viva La Furia Roja!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

great marketing...


nike is outdoing themselves today, I want one! the shirts go on sale for pre order tomorrow on soccer.com

USA Home Kit for World Cup 2010


Subtle and classy, love it as well.

Landon Donovan in the Away Kit


Loving the kit!

More from the Nike "Write History" event


the new kits for the national teams in World Cup 2010 are made from 8 recycled bottles each shirt. Well done Nike!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Nike Mercurial Superfly II


a boot that is sure to upset the "black boot" only dinosaurs. This is the first reveal at the Nike "Write History" event in London. Cristiano Ronaldo came to speak about how much he loves the boots and be interviewed. Now on to the next part of the event...

Monday, February 22, 2010

Nike "Write History" event


This looks pretty cool. Nike has the best promotion and their Nike Football + stuff is really good as well. Really interested to see what happens at this.

On 24.02.10, from a secret location, Nike will write a new chapter in football history.

A world first in Mercurial technology, the latest NikeFootball+ Training Program. And a revolution in National Team Kit Design.

Let us take you inside this year's biggest launch.

Follow the action right here on Facebook and the NikeFootball Twitter page.

--

24th February 2010
18.00 GMT
19.00 CET
10.00 PST
13.00 EST

http://www.facebook.com/nikefootball
http://www.twitter.com/nikefootball
http://www.twitter.com/nikesoccer