The New Kings of North America: The Changing of Guard in the USA vs Mexico Soccer Rivalry

I'm sure we can all admit, soccer is not the first sport that comes to mind in America. Maybe not even the second, third, or fourth. And we can safely assume that it is the first, and sometimes only sport that comes to mind in Mexico.

Despite the growth of the sport in the States, it seems like we have always been taking a back seat to Mexico in the sport. Mexico were considered the rulers of North American soccer, the force that no team could stop, but what if I told you that were changing?  What if slowly, but surely that foregone conclusion was becoming more and more invalid as the years go by?

Since the turn of the last century, the Yanks have started to make an indelible mark on the face of world soccer. We have had our share of success, from a quarter-final appearance in the 2002 World Cup, to a CONCACAF Gold Cup Win, and winning our World Cup Group in 2010. The Americans are also the only team in the World to beat the mighty Spaniards, at full strength might I add; in a knockout phase of a tournament in the last 5 years. And ending their historic run of going nearly three years without a scuff in the loss column at the same time.

Young American forward Jozy Altidore after delivering
the fatal blow to Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup

Not only have we had our share of modest international success in tournaments, but we have a promising league being built here in America, and a great feeder system that is producing more and more talent as the years go by. The Americans are coming straight after Mexico, and the rest of the world in this sport, and they are not too far off.

In the early years of the Mexico vs USA rivalry, the Yankees were dominated by "El Tri". Wherever, whenever, however, Mexico kicked our rears into oblivion, including a 43 year unbeaten steak. But this has all changed since the turn of the last century. Don't believe me? Check the record it speaks for itself:

To summarize, since the turn of the century, the USA and Mexico have played 20 times. The USA has won 11 of those matches, compared to just 5 by El Tri, combined with 4 draws. If you ask me, that is a pretty good record. Also, the last two times the Yanks have gone into the altitude at Mexico's fabled Azteca stadium, standing at 7000 feet above sea level, we have not conceded one goal, and stolen a victory. Mexico rarely loses at Azteca, and the Americans earned two clean sheets in a row at the ground.

If you watch a match, it may not seem like the Americans are in fact better than the Mexicans. Eli Tri plays with great style, they have superstar players like Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who practices his trade in England at Mighty Manchester United. The USA don't always look to be the most deserving side, see the latest World Cup Qualifier for proof, but in the end they find a way.

They band together, just as Americans do, and they win as a team. They prevail as a team. They prevail as Americans. They hold superstars in check. Goal scorer extraordinaire Chicharito has yet to find the back of the net versus the Americans, most recently being held in check by two young American defenders making making only their 2nd and 4th appearances in the stars and stripes.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez in absolute despair after
failing to find the net vs the Americans

The United States are making a strong case for the title of "Kings of North American Soccer", and there is not a team that can get in their way. Even mighty Mexico has suffered their wrath. The sport is only growing in the country, and more talented athletes are putting down their shoulders pads, lacing up a pair of boots, and hitting the pitch!

The new Kings are here, and they are out to prove that they are for real. They will not vacate the throne easily, and in true American spirit, they will find a way to win!

Where is our Hero?

Dear Derrick Rose,

I AM CALLING YOU OUT.

Where are you? 

I feel like you have deserted your city. I feel like you are ready to go physically, and you can't find the mental fortitude to get you back on the court.

I feel like I'm being let down expecting this huge #RETURN as its being called, and its just not coming. Its not much of a return if you take a season off, and play at the start of the next. But Derrick, lets not talk about that, let me just tell you: WE NEED YOU

When I say we, I mean me, I mean your team, I mean your city, and I mean the game of basketball. Just look at your team; they have, against ALL odds, found a way to stay competitive, but how long can you expect them to keep the ship afloat? They held it together until the All-Star break, and your return was supposed to be on the horizon. Everything we heard was that you were ahead of schedule, was that you were jumping, cutting, practicing playing, and now just LOOK!

Now that its falling apart, you are nowhere to be found. We are sinking and you have not come to save us. How long can you expect us to hold it together without our leader? Without our saviour? Without our MVP?

Derrick this is my plea: 

I know you want to be 110% as you say it, but you won't be. The second you come back you are going to have lingering pain no matter what. But with time it will get better. You will not be 110% until you get back on the court. You were 100% when you were on the court, how can you get to 110% without getting back on it?

Chicago does not want you to rush back, but all signs point to you being physically ready. SO NOW ITS TIME DERRICK. It's time for you to come back and help us make a playoff run that everybody has written us off for. People say the Heat are invincible, but I know that you are the one that has the strength to loosen the vice grip LeBrick and W.o.W. (Washed Out Wade) have on this league.

Come back and help us. Come back and lead us. Come back and get our city a title. Come back and prove everyone wrong. And most of all, come back so I can love you again, because I don't know if I will ever think about you the same way again if you are not back this season.

Respectfully,

Alber Ahmad

All the Help He Needs: The Return of Derrick Rose

It seems like every star in the NBA is relying more and more on another superstar to help carry them to the mountain top. You can make the argument that this has always been the case, and teams for the most part always have needed two superstars, but lets be honest things are getting ridiculous in today's day and age.

The domino's started falling with the Celtics Big 3, who lets face it, were not even in the prime of their careers. So the Miami Heat said, heck, lets actually get 3 players at the top of their game; Enter Lebron, Wade, and Bosh, the most hated men in the league now. The Lakers decide to counter with 3 of their own, Kobe, Dwight, and Nash. And maybe this formula works, and maybe everyone wants what these teams have; everyone except one, #1.

In this league there is only 1 man, 1 player who does not care who is on his team or who is in his way. He does not care who you put with him or in front of him. He does not go crying to ownership for help, nor does he court other players to come join him in his quest. He just plays his heart out every night, and carries his team to win by any means necessary. He takes down anyone in front of him, with anyone who stands with him. He plays for the things professional basketball should be played for, his city, his team, and for a title.

This man is Derrick Rose. And he is coming back. He is the only man in the league that knows he does not anyone else to take out these superstar loaded teams. He just needs himself, his team regardless of who is on it, his will to win, and his city.

The man who had the only legitimate shot at taking out the defending champ Miami Heat is coming back. He is coming back to his city, and he is getting ready to take the league by storm; again. He has a new look team, that no one has on their radar, but that was the same case two years ago, when he called his own MVP winning season, and took his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. He has no other superstar on his team, but a team that trusts that he can take them to the top.

Derrick Rose will definitely need  to get his title. But he has all the help he needs. Its this city. Its his team. and Its himself and his will to win.

He is coming. He needs no other superstar to put him over the top. He can do it on his own. Watch out. You have been put on notice.

The Greatest Team to Ever Wear the Red, White, and Blue: The Story of the 2012 USWNT

One day, later on in life, you may be asked who the greatest team you ever saw compete in the Olympics was. You might be asked what the greatest performance you ever witnessed in the summer games was. And to your mind might come the 1992 Dream Team of Basketball, The 1997 Magnificent 7 of Gymnastics, even the dominance of the USA swim team during in the last decade and a half. But you may never even think of the 2012 United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT).

You may never think of the team that captivated not only a nation but the entire world. You may forget that this team delivered one of the greatest games ever played in the "Theater of Dreams", on the legendary pitch of Old Trafford in Manchester. You may even forget that there was a women's soccer tournament at the 2012 Olympics.

But how could you? How could you ever forget the greatness that is the USWNT. How could you ever forget the wild ride that they took a nation, and a world on in the Summer of 2012. How they came back from the brink of elimination, how they squandered both old foes and new, and how most importantly, and undoubtedly, this team changed not only women's soccer, but the game of Soccer as we know it. This team showed that women have a place in this beautiful sport, and how this game can be just as, or if not more fun to watch at its highest levels when ladies take over the pitch.

How could you ever forget this team?

Up until these games, your only image, your only memory of United States Women's Soccer is probably the indelible image of Brandi Chastain scoring the game winning penalty kick for the USA in the 1999 World Cup Final, and subsequently taking her shirt off in celebration. But lets be real. Most dont remember the goal, they remember the celebration.

Let's give you some new images.

This is the team, who in their opening game of the 2012 Olympics fell down 2-0 in their opening game, and all the chatter started. This team fought back in that game, and broke a French side winning 4-2.

This is the team that played the first ever women's international game at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Arguably the most famous stadium in the world, and beat the North Koreans.

This is the team, who played a fierce Canadian side in the Olympics Semi Finals, and trailed 3 times in the game, but somehow found a way to win.

This is the team, who went into the Olympic Final after playing a grueling 120 minute extra time semi final, against a team who just beat them in the 2011 World Cup Final, but fought out a tough game and bought home the gold for the Red White and Blue.

A team is not only the sum of its parts, but also a representation of a collective effort. A collective effort to win. Of course teams have their stars, and this team has some of the most talented players in the world, but this is a team.

It was a team effort, including a heads up pass from Abby Wambach to a streaking Heather O'Reilly, and a cross, that led to a goal by star USA striker Alex Morgan to put away the Canadians in the equivalent of a last second three pointer in double over-time of a basketball game.

It was this team that helped goal keeper supreme Hope Solo recover from allowing 3 goals in the Olympic semi final, and the same team that was bailed out in the final vs Japan by the same keeper making amazing save after amazing save. These ladies have each others back, literally and figuratively; the true mark of a champion, and a team.

This team battled from deficits, played with the lead, bent in every which way, but never broke. They kept it together. This team is coached by a magician in Pia Sundhage, who keeps them all together, all on the same page.

If you want to see a real team in action just watch one game of these Olympics, preferably the semi finals or finals, not because they won, but so you can see the caliber of competition that this team dismantled.

More importantly than all of this is how eager this team is to spread soccer. They will be returning home for a  10 game tour, to celebrate, hoping to bring soccer to the masses here in the states. They are truly driven to bring this game to the forefront of American sports, for boys and girls a like.

If you want to see the greatest team to ever wear the red, white and blue you dont have to look far. Look at this team. Look at the United States Women's Soccer Team. Because this team is GOLDEN!

The Finish of Finishes

So what if I told you, that there was the equivalent of 1 minute and some change left in a basketball game, and a team was trailing by 10 points? What if I also said that those 10 points were what were standing in the way of a team winning a championship or going down in history as probably the biggest choke artists in the history of sports? To put the cherry on top, what if I told you that the team that this squad was down to are the equivalent of the Washington Wizards, sitting near the gutter of its league?

What would you say? What would you think? What would you expect? Yesterdays performance by Manchester City answered every one of those questions, and left no room for interpretation. You see Manchester City was fighting all year for the English Premier League title, probably the toughest league title to win in all of soccer. With a defeat of bitter crosstown rivals, Manchester United, about a week earlier, City just had to win their last game to seal their first title in 40+ years. In their way? A team that was in danger of being booted from the top ranks of English Football in the Queens Park Rangers, QPR. Easy enough task for the Boys in Blue and White playing at the Etihad; their home stadium, right? How boring you must say, how much easier could things get? Manchester City will coast to this win.

Only that is not what happened. Far from it actually. The first half had just ended, Man City was up 1-0. What's more, they were completely controlling the game, with 81% of the possession, and about 4 times as many shots on goal as their opponents. City and their fans had to be feeling great, they would get to celebrate on their home field; get the bubbly ready, there would be a party in Manchester. But wait. QPR decides that they are not ready to leave the top flight of English Football.

See they are fighting. Fighting for the notoriety, and lets face it overall cash, they would lose should they be booted from top flight English football. Quickly, QPR puts in two goals. And in a blink of an eye, the entire mood in the City of Manchester changes. You see City is now down 2-1, and their rivals, are up 1-0 in there game. A City loss or draw, coupled with a United win could spell the unthinkable for Man City. They would lose the title on the last day of the season, to their hated rivals, having beaten and battered Manchester United both times they played in league play.

The 90th minute comes, and the referee tabulates stoppage time to be put on at the end of the game. 5 MINUTES. Already Twitter, and the social network universe have erupted, completely blasting City for the loss, or other being completely ecstatic for a United League title.

On the phone with a good friend of mine, and die hard Manchester United fan, I hear a huge string of profane language. I should have known by his response what was about to happen. But I didnt realize it. I thought QPR will hold this lead as I chatted up with my friend and even going as far giving United the title, and talking about how Roberto Mancini, the city boss, will lose his job.

And then BOOM. 91st minute. Goal Manchester City off of a corner kick. Tie game 2-2. The crowd in Manchester cheered, but there was more work to be done. A draw would not be enough. City needed the win to be crowned champs.

Then it came. 3 minutes later, basically in the last gasp for City, Sergio Aguero takes what looks like a broken play and turns it into an amazing goal in traffic assisted by EPL bad boy Mario Balotelli, off of the equivalent of a give and go in basketball. SLASH! The ball finds the back of the net and the entire park, and city of Manchester, well the blue side any way lose it. United fans can only hold there heads and think what could have been had last place QPR been able to hold on for less then a minute.

And so it was. Manchester City were crowned champions of the English Premier League. In what I think is, the most dramatic fashion possible in soccer (I hate penalty kicks). I cannot describe what the scene looked like at the Etihad, but it was everything I would have expected. The only thing I can compare it to is the pride and happiness that I felt when USA Soccer won its 2010 World Cup Group  in the last seconds, but maybe that was not even enough, as those fans in Manchester take soccer more serious than even the most die hard of American fans.

Enjoy the video linked below, I cannot embed it, to see a bit more of the scene in Manchester. You may not like soccer, you may not like sports, but you always have to love the underdog. City played second fiddle to United in Manchester for years, and they probably still do, but this year they are the top dog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=f8b8RNCwbhY

Remember, soccer is a beautiful sport. You have to give it a chance. I devote a lot of my blog to this, partly because I am disgusted with what is going on in the NBA in these playoffs, but mostly because I am here to increase awareness about soccer in the states. And remember, I know more about this than you, so just trust me. Give this sport a chance.

Mayweather Money

What more is there to be said about Floyd "Money" Mayweather, that has not already been said. He is the "pound-for-pound" king of boxing, although many would argue the fact that, no one can lay claim to that title until Money May and Pac-Man aka Manny Pacquiao duke it out. That is a story for another day.

For now, lets focus on the man that commands more money in one fight, than any athlete in the US does in one year, without any endorsement deals might I add. Yes, you heard that. Every penny of what Floyd earns is, "Mayweather Money" as he so calls it.

Money May is his own promoter. He owns every part of the process, from setting gate prices, to concession sales. Money bets all of his money on himself, and it has yet to not pay off. Unlike most fighters, who depend on promoters, and endorsements to front the costs of putting on a prize fight, Mayweather pays for everything out of his own pocket. It costs roughly, 10 million to put on a prize fight, and Mayweather bets that he will earn 4-5 times that.

That does not come without headache though. Mayweather is the one who negotiates his pay-per-view deals, he is the one that negotiates fight demands, and works with the governing body.

Mayweather also knows how to get his name out, and to market himself. See his last fight with Miguel Cotto. Justin Bieber was in Mayweather's corner. By affect, every "Belieber" is now on the "Money Team". One simple move, one that probably didn't cost Floyd much money, will now bring him a new legion of fans, who will buy his pay-per-views, watch his shows, and come to his fights.

Money, not fear is the key behind a Pac-Man vs Mayweather fight. Most seem to contend otherwise, but just look at the facts.

Mayweather has guaranteed Pacquiao a 40-50 million dollar payday, on a fight that would probably generate between 150-175 million. 40-50 mil will make this fight Pacquiao's biggest payday by far, but Pac's promoters are crying foul. You see, since Pac does not control his own money, he has to rely on his promoters, who undoubtedly have to be paid, and paid back out of the money that Pac-Man's camp will receive from this fight.

His promoters are crying for a 50-50 revenue split, but there is no reason for Floyd to do that. He can pay some fighter 1-5 million to fight him, and take the rest of the money for himself. Floyd made 40 million off of his fight with Cotto. And while most would say well even if he does a 50-50 split, Floyd will still make 60-70 million on the Pac-Man fight after fees. But Floyd asks why he would do that?

Why would he give someone by far and away the biggest payday of their career and then take a concession. Floyd can stand to make 100 mil for the fight with Pacquiao, why would he take less? Mayweather does not need Pacquiao. He can contend a 35 million + payday fight after fight. Pac-Man can only dream of that. Blame this one on Pac's promoters, who stand to make more than the fighter if this bout goes through.

That is where Mayweather is King. Why should the promoter make more than the fighter? He does not allow that to happen. Money May owns everything, including his money. Even if he ever loses a fight, he still wins. That is what being undefeated thus far has gotten Money May, just that: MONEY.

City vs United: More Than a Game

Just to put this into some perspective; take the rift in Los Angeles that has just begun between the Clippers and Lakers, ever since the Clippers acquired CP3 and starting contending in the West. Get the picture? OK take that rift, multiply it times a thousand, and then throw it out. Toss it away, because even that is not enough to describe one of the most anticipated soccer matches of the year.

The Manchester Derby, featuring everybody's favorite team, Manchester United, against their in city Rivals Manchester City. United, filled with pride, tradition, veteran leadership, and a manager who is simply legendary have ruled Manchester, and for all intents and purposes, English Soccer for decades.

But in walks Manchester City. Owned by a Saudi prince, with basically some of the worlds biggest pockets, and suddenly, through ridiculous acquisitions, and the desire to not play second fiddle to the other team, Man City has become quite the contender in England, and Europe as a whole. They have no tradition, they are not known much by anyone here in the states but believe me they are good.

They are very much the polar opposites of their in city rivals. Manchester City plays with great pace, and are foot on the gas at all times. Their manager is outspoken, and their players, although talented, are extroverted to say the least. Manchester United builds its play from the back. They breed talent from a young age, and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson, will probably go down as one of the greatest football minds ever.

City and United will soon clash, just hours from now. Usually they play for the title of Manchester; with the winner of the Derby matches proclaiming its position as the top footballing side in the city. But today they are playing for much more than just bragging rights. These two teams sit atop the table in the English Premier League standings. Today's match will basically decide who the winner of the league is going to be, and who is going to take home the top prize in all of England, by winning the EPL.

The match is being broadcast in the states, and tensions are sure to rise and be high around the world and in Manchester. There have been riots over these games in the past. Manchester Police have already put calls into players on both sides asking them to not elaborately celebrate after goals, because doing so could cause riots and injuries right on the pitch. Europe takes its soccer very seriously, and believe me when I say, there are deaths that can be associated with Derby games. Last year, in this game, all of Europe erupted with one of the most amazing goals on record in the history of soccer.

Me personally, I want to see a great game. I don't know if I have a side in all of this. I will say this, in soccer, unlike basketball I like to stick with certain stars and not teams. Having said that, I love Mario Balotelli. The 21-year old Manchester City striker is an eccentric personality who has won the hearts of City fans with his knack for goal scoring, and his "I Don't Give a F***" attitude.

But I cant sit here and tell you that I hate Manchester United. I have so much respect for that team. They play together, and they play for each other and their manager. There is so much tradition at United, and playing at Old Trafford, is one of the most hostile environments for an opposing team. United also have their star power in, Wayne Rooney, arguably one of the best players in all of Europe for the last 5 years. United also has some extra motivation this time around, after being shelled by Manchester City in their first meeting this year 6-1. That win gave City a commanding lead in the EPL standings, that few thought United could overcome. But, they fought and clawed, and here they are, once again a top the table and standings. Viva United! As their fans frequently chant.

I will hold off on a prediction because I am still torn, but I will tell you this. Watch this game. Even if you haven't watched must soccer in your life before. Tune into this game, at 3:00 EST, on ESPN in the states. You will understand a real rivalry, and understand why soccer is such an amazing game.

If you want to ask me why you would ever watch soccer in your life, I would probably turn you to this game for support. And if you still ask me why you should watch it; remember, just trust me - I know more about this than you.