The FA Cup has always had an easier time of it. Like the traditional North American pro sports leagues, it's been around forever, basking in the tradition and resonance that comes with heritage. It's not so easy for the League Cup. Depending on what sponsor has attached a name to it, it gets the kind of treatment associated with Major League Soccer in the United States. Allowed its big moments, but normally reminded that it's not going to be displacing the headliner any time soon.
In this new series, USSoccerplayers.com looks at how retired National Team players (alumni, if you will) are using their experience and knowledge to develop and grow the game in the United States.
In a clip of highlights from the 2001 season, Manny Lagos, then of the Earthquakes, has the ball deep on the left side in the attacking zone. He is basically mugged by two MetroStars defenders and knocked down, but somehow gets up, wriggles free, strides into the box, where he back heels the ball to Wade Barrett, who curls it into the goal (at about 3:20 of that video).
That's a lot of what Manny Lagos' career has been like. Getting up off the deck and transforming a difficult situation into a winner wherever he's gone. This National Team Alum has transitioned from college to the US Olympic Team, from USL to MLS (three MLS Cups), and to the US National Team. Now, he's back in Minnesota, again creating a winner out of a difficult situation.
By Dario Camacho - MIAMI, FL (Jan 30, 2011) US Soccer Players -- When we see the recent success of former and current Major League Soccer players in England, it has to feel good for fans of North American soccer. An ex-Revolution player outrunning a pair of defenders en route to a triplet of goals was a cathartic, ecstatic moment for those of us rooting for Fulham's Clint Dempsey. His performance as the first American with a hat-trick in the EPL will be remembered as a watershed moment.
A week later, it was Landon Donovan assisting on two goals against Dempsey's Fulham in the FA Cup. Two other MLS designated players are also doing work, Robbie Keane at Aston Villa and Thierry Henry at Arsenal.
"We just need everybody to be at the same level on and off the pitch on Saturday. If we play like that and get the support we got, we'll give ourselves a better chance of progressing in the FA Cup." Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish.
Tim Howard on life in the Prem - from ESPN.com's Leander Schaerlaeckens: "that's not like a mystery."
Kirovski ready to jump into coaching - from The Carson Daily Breeze's Phil Collin: "I have the soccer smarts to play different positions, so I know where people should be," said Kirovski.
By J Hutcherson - WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 27, 2012) US Soccer Players -- The news that Arsenal - Manchester United drew 1.2 million viewers in the United States for a live game early on a Sunday morning has opened a new discussion for the what it means for televised soccer to succeed. Use whatever cliché you would like, but the impact of that game should have the holders of other foreign soccer rights in the US wondering what they need to do to follow Fox's lead with the Premier League.
Before dismissing that with 'buy the rights to the Premier League,' remember we're talking about broadcasters that already on the rights to competitions featuring the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the giants of Serie A. With that in mind, what are the most undervalued soccer properties in the USA?
Continue reading "What American Soccer Fans Should Be Watching" »
Clemente Lisi reviews what 2011 was like for US National Team players with their clubs in Europe, Mexico, and Major League Soccer.
After Portland impressed soccer jersey fashionistas with their new third shirt, Dario Camacho looked at changes in branding across the history of MLS.
Cesar Diaz takes a look at what soccer's statistical revolution means when covering a game.
Jason Davis explains the message New England sent when they opted to use a designated player salary exemption to re-sign a player.
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