Bad Mood = Short Blog

Ok, Here’s the deal. Liverpool lost to West Ham United yesterday and all last night my co-ed teammate, a Hammers supporter, spent the night tauntingly smiling at me. Long story short, today’s bloggin' is going to be brief, cause I’m pissed off.

Last night after the co-ed game with smiley McSmilerson, we went a couple of blocks over to a local tavern where I caught the end of the Cavilers versus Trail Blazers. I wasn’t paying much attention until I noticed that the score was 83-82, and Cavs had the ball with seconds left on the clock. The Cavs put the ball in the hands of LeBron James, who slipped right through the Trail Blazers defense for a smooth reverse layup. LeBron was so smooth if you’d have blinked you would have missed it, the Blazers sure did.

Over to College hoops, as the Maryland Terrapins got the win over Virgina 85-75. Head coach, “Grumpy” Gary Williams, was apparently disappointed with the win. Gary is one of the only coaches who seem just as angry when he wins, as he is when he looses. Gary might not be happy with career win 598, but Terps fans are. If the Terps can get a couple more wins, and another upset like the one over the Tar Heels, they could find themselves in the “Big Dance”. Oh, and Brambale Osby’s afro keeps growing.

Reports remain confused over the future of Orioles lefty Erik Bedard. Late yesterday, reports said that O’s owner Peter Angelos was having a change of heart, and was thinking of signing Bedard to a multi-year contract. By mid-day today, those reports were being denied by Bedard’s agent. Word for now is that center fielder Adam Jones, and pitcher George Sherrill are still set for physicals with the O’s, and could be cleared sometime this week. The deal could sink fast, however, if either doesn’t pass his physical. Hopefully, this deal won’t drag-on as long as the local sports radio show hosted by Mark Viviano. Did you know that thing has been on for three years? Zzzzzzz.

David Beckham was not selected in Fabio Capello’s first team selection headed into England’s friendly against Switzerland on the sixth of February. If selected, Becks would have earned his 100th Cap for his country. Don Fabio’s exclusion of Beckham doesn’t surprise me much. He knows what Becks can do. Let’s remember two things. First, Beckham hasn’t played competitive football in months, though he has been training with Arsenal. Second, the midfielder has had problems with injury over the last year. Never fear, if Becks can prove match fitness with the L.A. Galaxy his recall will come.

Due to my frustration over the next topic I will attempt to keep it short. The relationship between supporters and American owners Gillette and Hicks have begun to reach a boiling point in Merseyside. Yesterdays loss to West Ham United may be the beginning of the end for Gillette and Hicks. Liverpool lost in stoppage time 1-0, due to a penalty kick given by referee Alan Wiley. Liverpool supporters are now in the process of trying to buy out the American owners. In Spain, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna all are owned by the club supporters. If I had the money I’d buy in, you might notice that two of those Spanish clubs are the two most successful clubs in La Liga. Even if this particular deal does not go through, its not a good sign for Gillette and Hicks’ future with the club.

Finally, the U.S. home jersey has been redesigned, again. When will we get a good jersey design? Is Nike mad at us? The new design is a slight improvement over previous designs, however, still lacks something. I don’t know clothing design, but you’d think someone at Nike would.

Slow Day = Media Day

It seems like just last week I started this little adventure and now I come across my first road bump - A slow sports day. What’s a blogger to do if he’s not interested in the Patriots perfect invasion of Arizona? While most of the sports world gathered for Media Day yesterday, I was talking about some effeminate Portuguese footballer. So what to do? Do pretend I know what’s going on in the NBA?

Last night the Seattle Supersonics snapped at 14 game-loosing streak against last years champions the San Antonio Spurs, winning 88-85, which is good news for… the... well that’s not working…*sigh*…I guess I have no choice but to give into the peer pressure and talk about… Media Day.

Media Day- For those of you who don’t know, Is the Tuesday before the Super Bowl, when the world’s media is invited to come and met and talk with the Super Bowl’s participants.

Well at least there was one upside to all of the Media Day shenanigans. Ines Gomez Mont of TV Azteca, who came dressed in a little white wedding dress, with big asperations. Ines, who decided to perpetuate a negative stereotype, asked every NFL player at Media Day, “Would you marry me?”. Good job, Ines. Way to set your people back 15 years. In all honesty, I have to say kudos, I apprecate a woman with a good sense of humor, and a short skirt. Though, next time if you want people to take you serious, I’d advise against the red shoes.

It seems in every “big game”, in any sport, someone from the “under dog” team feels the need to promise victory. It’s pretty much an American sports tradition. But, why? Why does someone always have to promise victory? Can’t they just get up to the mic and say, “We’ve been practicin’ hard and we’re comin’ out to try and win”. Just an idea for Plaxico Burress, because if the Giants don’t win the Super Bowl, one of first questions out of every reporter's mouth will be, “So you promised victory… what happened?”. My advice, save yourself the frustration after the game. I think Tom Coughlin agrees with me. A few feet to Burress’ left he was quoted saying, "I was not aware of that," shaking his head. "We've had a good theme all year, and it hasn't been that. We do our talking on the field."

Meanwhile, Tom Brady was confused when asked his thoughts on the matter, because he thought the Patriots had already won the Super Bowl. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I hate the Patriots. There is just something about this arrogant Patriots team that annoys me, espcially Bill Belichick. The glory to be had from a perfect season has been ruined by “spy gate”. If you don’t want me to question your tactics or abilities, don’t get caught cheating at the beginning of the season.

In other football news closer to home, Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston thinks its time for Jonathan Ogden to retire. I think its time for Mike Preston to shut up. His argument is that the Pro Bowl tackle has nothing to prove. He might be right there. But, with an off-season to get back to full health, there’s a lot the Pro Bowl tackle could provide to a team that is in a re-buliding process. So if your out there Jonathan do Ravens fans, and the team a favor, and tell Mike to find something else to write about on a Wednesday. I did.

Apparently, Englishman Ian Poulter has been taking a few pages from the Plaxico Burress School of press management. Poulter is claiming he is the only one capable of challenging world number one Tiger Woods. Poulter doesn't seem to realize the only way an Englishman is going to get the better of a Tiger is on safari.

I’m not big on baseball. But, I know a lot of people who are, and are Orioles fans. Depending on how you look at it, the good news is it seems the Seattle Mariners are having a hard time closing a deal for left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard. Negoations were said to be going very well, with Seattle even calling Adam Jones back to the states from playing winter ball in Venezuela. Word from Orioles president Andy MacPhail is, "We continue to talk". Meanwhile, We continue to wait.

Finally, on the advice of a friend, I am “hiding” football news at the end, so not too turn American readers away. Stuart Pearce has been given a promotion in Fabio Capello’s new England coaching staff. He will continue to focus on the under-21s. But, this is a good sign who the FA has in mind as Capello’s successor when he leaves the position, in the future.

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o is set to break the African Nations Cup scoring record. He’ll pass Ivorian Laurent Pokou's mark of 14 goals if he can find the back of the net on more time in the competition. Somehow, I don’t think that Eto’o will have much trouble with that, barring any injury.

Last but not least, Spanish national coach Luis Aragones proves that he might be a racist, but he’s no fool. La Furia Roja are set to call up Barcelona’s young Bojan Krkic Perez to the national side, before Serbia can. The youngster is only 17 and has already scored four goals for Barca in La Liga. His mother is Spainish and his father is Sebrian, incase you were wondering. I guess it turns out that there is something Luis Aragones, Frank Rijkaard, and myself have in common. We think this kid is a talent.

Note: If selected Bojan will be the youngest player to be capped by Spain, at 17 and six months.

Also Note: I hate the Patriots.

The One that Hurts the Most.

Two things happened on my way home last night. One, the girlfriend suggested I talk about rhythmic gymnastics, or ice-skating. Don’t worry guys, that won’t happen unless there’s an Olympics involved. Sorry, babe. Second, I had a horrible realization. And this is really going to be painful for me, but I started to think…*sigh*…Cristiano Ronaldo might be the best footballer in the world right now.

In previous blogs I have mentioned my dislike for “America’s Team” Manchester United. It always seems that anyone interested in soccer in America is a Manchester United fan. Why? Is it because American's only know one other team name, that other being Chelsea, or is it that David Beckham played for the Red Devils? Who knows. That’s not the point of today’s bloggin’.

I remember a couple of months ago FIFA was to name their FIFA World Player of the Year. It was a very short list consisting of AC Milan’s Kaka, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, and the afore mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo. Better crack the Red Bull as we get this one started. At the time, I thought, “That’s a tough choice”. Messi has been absolutely brilliant for both club and country. The little Argentinean’s Maradona goal was nothing short of spectacular last year. However, Barcelona has not won a major piece of silverware in the last year.

Ronaldo’s 06/07 season began with a great deal of question, as most of England was in a row over his part in, Manchester United teammate, Wayne Rooney’s sending of in England’s World Cup quarterfinal. His season got off to a slow start, but by the end of the 06/07 season Manchester United had reclaimed the Premiership Title. Ronaldo had finished second in League goals, behind Chelsea's Didier Drogba. In the 06/07 season he also began to shake of his reputation as a diver. Though his reputation would continue to follow him and earn him several yellow cards through out the season.

This season he leads the league in goals with 17 having already tied his total number of goals last season. And with Manchester United in a dead heat with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table Ronaldo could find his way to a FIFA World Player of the Year Award this year. Barcalona stands second in La Liga but Little Messi has only returned to to first team action this month, after a long injury absence. Kaka and the Rossoneri are struggling in the middle of the table in Serie A, some 23 points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

If Ronaldo continues his goal scoring, which could be best described as rampant, and if he does not incur any injury. He should easily win this years Golden Boot. I might not like Ronaldo much and I might believe that it looks like he uses more hair and makeup products than some women I know. But, you can’t argue his football. His feet seem to move with a blinding speed. His pace is nothing short of impressive, Nike had the winger show off his speed in a ad for the upcoming release of their new boots, the Mercurial Vapor IV, by having him “race” a Bugatti. Aparently, pumpkin color shoes make you fast.


I might not like the effeminate winger, but right now at this point and time, he is probably the best in the world. So, here’s to Cristiano Ronaldo…getting injured. By the way if I have to choose, I’d rather see Arsenal win the title than United!

One last thing from England, Derby County has new ownership, the majority of which is American. Derby seems to have nestled in comfortably at the bottom of the table and seems a poor investment to this yank, but what do I know.

And in a little piece of American soccer news, congratulations are due to Howard University’s men’s soccer coach, Joseph Okoh, who was arrested in an underage sex sting. Who are these idiots and why do they think they’ll get away with this stuff?! Until next time.

Looks Like a Case of the Mondays

The weekend is probably the busiest time of the week in sports. A lot can happen in two days. Your team could loose. Your laptop could die. Your best friend could have sex on a ski trip. This is my first Monday writing and I feel like it is my duty to cover as much as I can of this weekends sports action. Or, at least the parts I find interesting. Of course, if we are going to recap the weekend we need some sort of title for this recap, something simple, graceful and elegant. So with out further a due, cue the 3-D animation for:

“The Super Happy Ultra Mega Weekend Review”

First, Congratulations to Havant & Waterlooville for their fine performance in the FA Cup. They led Liverpool twice in their meeting at Anfield before finally sub-coming to the Reds as Yossi Benayoun scored his second hat trick of the season. Havant were certainly the “feel good” story of the FA Cup, and the Kop end of Anfield saluted them with a standing ovation at the end of the match for a fine performance. Just another example of why Liverpool supporters are probably the best in the world. I know I am biased, but I’d still believe that even if they weren’t my club. Oh, and Cristiano Ronaldo continues to score goals at will for Manchester United. He leads the Premiership in goals and could reach 30 for the season if he continues at this pace.

The weekends FA Cup matches failed, however, to come close to the excitement in La Liga this weekend. Friday nights match between FC Sevilla and Osasuna came down to an injury time penalty taken just as cool as you like by Luis Fabiano. Fabiano continues to share the top scoring honors in La Liga with Real Zaragoza’s Diego Milito. In the capital, the highly anticipated match up between first place Real Madrid and third place Villarreal took place on Sunday. Little Robinho had two goals as Los Merengues sunk The Yellow Submarine in a great match that ended 3-2. Wesley Sneijder’s second half goal was the decider and puts Real nine points clear of second place Barcelona.

One last note before we go state side. I believe that I was one of four American’s who attempted to catch the men’s final of the Australian Open, at 3:30am. Novak Djokovic defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-2). The night before, Maria Sharapova defeated Ana Ivanovic with a commanding 7-5 6-3 win. I wish in knew how to say, “You go girl!” in Russian.

Meanwhile here in America….Tiger Woods won the Buick Invitational, again. He is now tied with Arnold Palmer with 62 career wins. Though Kelly Tilghman was not part of CBS’s broadcast, her accomplice in “Lynch-gate” Nick Faldo was. Most of broadcast you couldn’t help but wonder if Faldo was going to try and trick Jim Natnz in to saying something racist about runner-up Ryuji Imada. Sadly, Nick was unable to trick anyone in to making any anit-japanese comments. Better luck next time Nick.

Incase you missed the NHL All-Star game or SuperSkills event. The East won, and Alex Ovechkin had some sweet moves, in hockey's version of the slam-dunk contest, the SuperSkills Competition. How sweet? So, sweet I’m putting the video in today’s bloggin’! Sure he didn’t score, but who cares?!! No wonder the Washington Capitols just signed him to a 13-year $124 million dollar contract. “C – A – P – S. CAPS!! CAPS!! CAPS!!”, ahem. (FYI. The good stuff is at 1:50ish)


In the NFL the coaching mix n’ match continues as Redskins owner Daniel Snyder completed his snubbing of Gregg Williams, by firing him. The ‘Skins did hire Jim Zorn, Seattle Seahawks quarterback’s coach, to be their new Offensive Coordinator. Dan Snyder now says he’ll be taking his interview show on the road as he heads to Indianapolis to talk to Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks. Don’t sigh just yet ‘Skins fans, its being reported that there are plenty more interviews to come, word is ‘ol Danny boy is just waiting for the Super Bowl to be over. Near by, the Raven’s and new head coach John Harbaugh did the right thing and hired Rex Ryan back as Defensive Coordinator, and made him Assistant Coach as well. Good job John Harbaugh! This is at least a good first step.

By the way, good news. Tom Brady finally appeared before the media and with out the mysterious boot that had everyone talking. Tommy boy looked quite dashing in his suit and open dress shirt, someone must have forgotten to tell him that it was snowing in Boston, though Tommy didn’t seem to mind. He was too busy enjoying his Super Bowl win, already. The only good "super sunday" news is …the Lingerie Bowl is back this year!! Wh00t!

Oh and Maryland lost to Duke, leading me to wonder if I could choose who I hate more, Duke or the Patriots!

T.G.I.F.

First things first, Roger Federer Lost?!!! Wow! I did not see that coming. So I guess that ruins the last few sentences from yesterday’s blog experiment. I just want you to remember that; A. I am not a professional; B. I do not work for ESPN’s Page2; and C. I am not getting paid for this so, bite me. I’m just you average jackass who thinks he knows something with a blog. Trust me, there’s a lot of us out there. Congratulations are due to Serbian Novak Djokovic, good thing this is a blog and I don’t have to enunciate that. He beat the top ranked Roger Federer to seal his place in the men’s final of the Australian Open. So lets just pertend we were drunk and I never said Federer was going to win the Aussie Open, Ok.

Moving on to what may either be the beginning or only installment of what I’m going to call:

“10 Things I’m “Looking Forward to” This Weekend”

1. Beer.

It’s been a long week and I will be consuming it while I watch sports. Nuff’ said.



2. Liverpool v. Havant & Waterlooville

It’s the 4th round of the FA Cup and my reds are facing non-league Blue Square South Club Havant & Waterlooville. That has no affiliation with Waterloo, Belgum. The infamous sight of Napoleon’s last battle. The fact that Havant have made it this far is just part of the magic of the FA Cup and its great to see them get to make the trip to Anfield. Under normal circumstances I would be rooting for the underdog. Unfortunately, they are playing my club and our manager is under close scrutiny from team owners Gillette and Hicks and needs a piece of silverware to secure is job. So, sorry Havant but I hope to see a score line as impressive as our UEFA Champions League victory over Besiktas. (We won 8-0).



3. Villarreal v. Real Madrid

Villarreal travel to the Bernabeu and try to snatch a vial three points from the league leaders in an attempt to challenge for the title. I love La Liga. The end of last years season was so exciting. A Villarreal win could potentially be the start of another nail biting finish to one of the greatest leagues in the world.



4. Finding a way to get Sport Relief Mile in America

I don’t know how I’ll do it. But, look at that picture. I don’t fully understand what Sport Relief Mile is and I don’t think I have to. I just know we need it in America!



5. Duke v. Maryland

I’ve lived in Maryland my whole life, and a fan of the ACC since I can remember. I might be torn when the Terps play the Tarheels. But, that only makes one thing more certain. I hate Duke! So “Fight, fight, fight for Maryland!…..”.



6.Kelly Tilghman’s Return to Broadcasting

She’s apologized. She’s said she’s sorry. Jim Brown’s still mad, and still to my surprise Rev. Al Sharpton still hasn’t gotten involved. I really hope he’s ok. Let’s just hope Kelly’s learned her lesson and wasn’t watching to much South Park during her suspension.



7.FOX to remind me one more time they have the Super Bowl

I can not wait for the constant reminders that FOX has the Super Bowl. I think I should get some plug money for that. The even better news is that before the 36hr pre-game show leading up to Super Bowl XLII*, FOX has Presidential Election “Super” right before the longest pre-game show in the history of sports! Thank you FOX, its everything I wanted and then some.



8.Candid photos of Tom Brady, his boot, and a Smart Water.

Paparazzi, on your mark…..get set….GO!. I hate the Pats so much with their 19-0* potential that I’ve got two things this weekend that just have me giddy with Boston pride (Note: If you can’t tell that was sarcasm you should stop reading this blog immediately.) All I want is Paparazzi to snap a ultra rare picture of Tom Brady wearing his boot and drinking Smart Water. Then maybe Smart Water could take all the credit for him making it to Super Bowl XLII*. That would be some kind of marketing.



9. Getting Internet
So I can check scores from the FA Cup. Also, so I can learn more about other sports I’m not so familiar with like Baseball, and Hockey. If I don’t this whole blog thing might not last long.



10. Watching ESPN
For pretty much the same reasons as stated above.

Until next week. Sorry about the Federer thing again. Now, Who wants to get drunk?





*See kids cheaters can prosper.

Day 3 - The Challenge

After two days of talking the beautiful game I realized if I really want a challenge and really want to have fun with this. I have to grow and expand in my writing. With that lets crack a Red Bull and see if we can figure out what the Redskins, a King, the Falcons, Jim Brown, a Russian tennis player, and a boot all have in common. The answer might just be their part in today's headlines. But before today had you ever heard of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga?

Starting in the NFL the Redskins continue in their attempt to interview every assistant coach in the league. Last night ESPN and Comcast SportsNet did their best to contradict each other for over 30-minutes as Comcast reported that the Skins were close to signing Jim Fassel as their head coach, meanwhile ESPN was reporting no such deal was close. The rumors continue today with more names being connected with Dan Snyder's deep pockets ranging from Steve Spagnuolo (Giant's Def. Coord.), Jim Zorn (Seahawak's QB. Coach), Monte Kiffin (Bucks Def. Coord.), and of course in house favorite Gregg Williams (Def. Coord.). Williams was considered the front-runner till Dan Snyder remembered that money is not an option and when you have options why not explore them. Dan Snyder seems to be treating Williams like that cute "just a friend" girl in all those 90's teen movies that the main character doesn't notice cause he wants the class hot chick. Skins fans will just have to hope that Williams' self-esteem is as low as those girls in the movies, and he won't realize he "can do better". The Atlanta Falcons hired Mike Smith as their head coach, making him their third in about three years. And finally in the NFL, the Patriots can't get enough attention as Tom Brady is pictured with a boot sparking speculation he's injured. The good news is Brian Belichick* is as smug as ever smirking is usual smirk as informed reporters "I don't have any comment on it. I don't have any comment on it.". At least he promised that the injury report would be in on time, next Wednesday.

Across the pond the guess who's boss this week continues in European football after the Toon army saw the return of their beloved King Kev in Newcastle. George Burley took the reigns of the Scottish National Team; at least they don't make them wear kilts at the press conference. That could be a bit awkward for any short members of the press, male or female. The only Boss who hasn't been replaced since about 29 B.C., Sir Alex Ferguson found a way to get him name in the papers mid-week even The Red Devils didn't play and were out of the Carling Cup. Fergie took a few shots at Liverpool owners Gillette and Hicks at their treatment of Liverpool boss Rafel Benitez. As much as I hate Fergie, he's right. A sign held by supporters read "Tom + George Thanks But No Yanks", the dislike for the still relatively new American owners is growing at a feverous rate and is not likely to stop anytime soon. The fact is that Gillette and Hicks might understand selling razors and making investments, respectively, but don't seem to quite have a grasp of European football and how to run a club. As a Red's fan I completely agree and can only hope and pray that Dubai International Capital can come up with enough money to save the club, which has struggled over the months under the uncertainty.

As we begin our wrap up Jim Brown has decided to step in for the surprisingly absent Rev. Al Shaprton asking Tiger Woods to step foreword and condemn television anchor Kelly Tilghman for her "lynch" comment on Golf Channel. I have debated this with friends for the past few weeks and continue stand by "its in the intention of the words". Tilghman meant it as a joke and if the world wasn't so politically correct it could be considered a compliment. Tilghman's words were not a call to action, rather an jest about how good Tiger Woods is as a golfer. I have to admit. I'm still surprised that Al Sharpton hasn't shown up for his 15 seconds of fame yet. Hope he's ok. People talk about equality and getting over America's dark, get it, history but that's not going to happen if we make every little racial comment a federal case. Apparently saying the word lynch isn't nearly as bad as putting the image of a noose on a magazine cover, sucks to be now former Golfweek Magazine editor Dave Seanor. Wow, I finished a paragraph about racism in America and Al Sharpton didn't show up. He must have the flu. I'm sure he'll pop up before the "Lynch Tiger" controversy is over.

Finally!!!, who is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga? And what about that Russian chick I promised?! That "Russian Chick" is Maria Sharapova and she seems determined to prove that you can be attractive and play tennis, very well. Unlike famed model/tennis/girlfriend of Enrique Iglesias ....Anna Kournikova, who never won a grad slam but some how got plenty of media attention. I think I know why, but then I could be wrong. Sharapova could win her third grand slam leaving Kournikova to be remembered as nothing more than "that blonde in the Latin guys video, not Ricky Martin, the other guy". And a drum roll please for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga!!!! The Frenchman who out played second ranked Spaniard Rafel Nadal to make it to the men's final at the Australian Open. He will have the honor of being Roger Federer's next victim. Federer has established himself as Zeus at this point in his career and could go down as one of the if not the greatest tennis players in history. You know you've made it when your shoulder to shoulder selling razors on TV with Thierry Herny and Tiger Woods. Proper congratulations are in order for Tsonga who was ranked highly as youth but then suffered a series of injuries placing him in relative obscurity. But don't fell bad I don't think this is the last time you'll hear the name of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga dispatching Nadal isn't an easy task and he did it 6-2 6-3 6-2. We'll I think I met my challenge today of taking on more than just football. But what will tomorrow bring...? We can only wonder.








*Note: I really really really hate that guy, ahem.

Arsenal v. Arsenal......?

On a Wednesday that finds the world a little emptier with out Heath Ledger, though I was always to homophobic to watch Brokeback Mountain. A Wednesday morning that must have Gooners scratching their heads. Both for the loss to Spurs, in yesterdays Carling Cup tie. Also because, apparently, Emmanuel Adebayor can't do math. We all know winners like to win and no one wants to loose, but when you loose 5-1 its the five that makes the difference not a one. We can all assume that having come on late into a 4-0 spanking and scoring with in minutes of his introduction Adebayor must have been frustrated at the score line. But Nicolas Bentender's own goal that put Spurs one to the good wasn't the straw that broke Arsenal's back and for a club that has scored as many as seven goals in a match this season Bentender was not the one to be blamed.

The truth of the matter is that the loss to Spurs was inevitable in the first leg of their tie Spurs had jumped to an early lead that Arsenal was, by full time, able to over come. So if not Bentenders own goal could any one person be blamed after all football is a team sport. Usually the answer to these questions is of course no. However, maybe this time there is a sole person to fault for Arsenal missing a Carling Cup final at Wembley. Normally when his name is uttered it is followed by the word genius. His free flowing football and ability to find young talent is well documented and though any other day of the season Gooners would praise their "brilliant" boss, today they will question Arsene Wengers decision to play such an inexperienced side in a semi-final. The truth is, however, they shouldn't. The Frenchman’s decision to play a younger perhaps less experienced side in the FA Cup and Carling Cup over the years is the reason the Arsenal was not only able to have a like A.H. (After Henry) but challenge eternal Premier League champions Manchester United, who I hate only slightly more than Chelsea.

So to Arsenal supporters I say "Eh, its only the Carling Cup". Let's face it no one cares about the Carling Cup. If Wengers tactics can produce a team that is capable of challenging for a title the season after the departure of the highest scorer in club history. I say, "be grateful". If the Gooners steal a title from Manchester United, a feat of magic in itself, who's going to care about a Carling Cup semi-final. Now, for words you'd never expect to hear from a red fan of Merseyside "I kind of hope Everton can upset Chelsea". I know the rivalry of Everton and Liverpool literally stems from our beginning, however, it would be nice to see anyone other than Man. U. or Chelsea lift pieces of British Footballing silverware. So for the today and today only, I'll hope the best for Everton at home in Goodison Park against Russian savings and loan club Chelsea. I still can't get excited for the Super Bowl but, I guess that'll have to wait for another bloggin'.

You Know Who.... Freddy Adu.

Some ten years after moving to the united states at the age of eight the question still remains, "So is Freddy Adu any good?". Shortly after his arrival in the U.S. he was discovered playing football with children "twice his age". Keeping in mind that would be something in the age range of 16-18, and lets also consider that, no offense to my country men, but we are talking about American children who have not yet in our countries history excelled at football and many who have never had the pleasure of witnessing "the beautiful game", especially at its finest. After being discovered, there was interest from Italian giants Inter Milan to bring him on board for a significant sum. The offer was turned down by his mother, at the advice of the youth’s agents. I can remember a 60 minutes segment on the youth questioning if he was the messiah of U.S. Football. But, football is a team sport and Adu has not as of yet proven himself to the world and least of all to me.

Adu is one of the youngest people in American history to sign a sports contract in over 100 years. But there is a reason professional sports clubs don't sign teenagers, there's no way to be certain how they will develop. Even fully-grown athletes go through streaks, good and bad. So was Adu that good or were we just desperate to have found our little babe in a manger? Adu had 87 appearances for his record signing D.C. United in two years. It was no secret then that Adu imagined himself in a Manchester United Kit playing football in Europe with the games elite. You have to wonder even back then what Adu's mother and agents were thinking turning down Inter. one of Italy's mightiest clubs for Centuries and a threat in any European competition. When one of Europe’s top 20 clubs asks for a dance you don't turn down such a seductive offer. We'll assume for the moment that Mrs.Adu and his agents know something about football we don't, I'm not sure what that would be but it is their job after all, right?

In his 87 appearances for D.C. United, Adu scored 11 goals. A bit disappointing, for the babe in swaddling clothes. He was still selected for the MLS All-star team both seasons, though as a commissioners choice and a coaches choice it was not the accolades of his peers or fans that bestowed this honor upon him. Adu finally found regular starts in his second season only to be traded to Real Salt Lake the next season. Manchester United finally came knocking as the youth turned man over the summer, they however decided to pass on his talents and were quoted with something that almost sounds like they were blowing off a girl that you'd never be attracted to but someone told you had a great personality so you figured you'd give her a shot.

With his broken heart in hand Adu made his way across the Atlantic not to the glitz and glory he'd hoped for but instead to Portuguese Club Benfica. You can't help but wonder if Mrs.Adu and her agents might have gotten it wrong with young Freddy. After all lucrative contracts with Nike are great but would have been far more lucrative had they had some patients. Could Adu actually be a genius not on the pitch but in marketing? Perhaps he knew that he would never be able to achieve the success that the wise men of the American press had pinned on him and realizing that took the cash that he could while the getting was good, a technique applicable even now with the American stock market fluctuating up and down.

To his credit Adu has had a better start with his Portuguese club with two goals in only eight appearances. Will however, Mrs. Adu and her wise men one day admit that they failed young Freddy's footballing career eyeing the gold, frankincense and myrrh instead of footballing greatness. Inter Milan would have made a great place to learn the beautiful game and on one of the worlds biggest footballing stages the San Siro. Success with Inter from his youth could have put him center stage in European football opening the door to even more lucrative contracts. "So is Freddy Adu any good?". Only time will tell. For now Adu will have to make the most of his time with Benfica and hope that one of Europe’s bigger clubs comes calling. Who knows maybe one day even old Manchester United might give his broken heart a second chance.