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.

Just Wait...

Just wait...everyone will see. Just wait, you will wonder why you were so foolish. Just wait, Chicago will have its 7th ring soon enough, if not this year then next.

Chicago took a collective gulp when Derrick Rose went down near the end of game one, and Chicago also shed a collective tear when they found out that the MVP was out with a "torn acl"; basically swear words to any sports fan. But just wait, hold the phone, stay right where you are at.

Just wait Chicago, we are not done yet. We have a 23 year old superstar, who is going to be so hungry to get back, and prove to everyone that he still has it; you will see a Derrick Rose unlike no other. Just wait, because he will make this year up to Chicago and its' fans.

But let's not look that far ahead Chicago fans, lets just wait...a second. Because this Bulls team can still play. This Bulls team has the Coach of the Year, no matter what any award plaque says, and this team has the most cohesive group in the league. To the Miami Heat, Philadelpiha 76ers, and Boston Celtics, I say just wait. Just wait one moment, and remember, this Bulls team can still beat you.

And Just wait to the Chicago Bulls players. Because you know that you will beat, or at the very least, take any team to the brink with or without Rose in the Eastern Conference Finals. You will once and for all, definitively remind the rest of the league just who exactly they are going to be dealing with when Derrick Rose is back healthy, and the reign of terror you will have in the league for many years to come.

Just wait, because this Bulls team is not out, not by a long shot. And just wait Bulls fans, stick around don't give up on this team. They need you, and we need them. Everyone just wait. Take a deep breath, and watch what happens.

Just wait. And if you want to ask why, just remember; I know more about this than you, so just trust me.

Soccer in America

Many can debate, that this sport is not an American sport. Many can say that this sport is for pansies, or wusses, and that American football is the pinnacle of a mans sport. But, how little these many know. How they forget that this is the World's game.

Now those same many fear one thing, that this game taking over in the United States. Yes. Soccer is becoming overwhelmingly popular day-by-day in this country. ESPN is picking up more soccer games, Fox has started to broadcast marquis games in European Leagues. Still we have those that will never give it a chance.

To you I have one thing to say: YOU ARE STUPID! This game is beautiful. This is a great sport. We have the MLS in America, and that is a flourishing league, but it is still light years behind the elite talent and amazing action that is seen in European Soccer. Soccer takes toughness, soccer has parody, and most of all soccer has excitement.

If you watched, you would understand that there is a far bigger rivalry out their than Yankees vs Red Sox. You would know that if you watch 10 minutes of action in El Clasico, that pits FC Barcelona against their bitterly HATED rivals Real Madrid. You would understand how great this game can be if you saw the absolutely ridiculous transfers that are made for players. If you watched you would see how a virtual unknown can come from obscurity to football greatness. If you watched, you would not have missed this:

Soccer in the United States is coming, fast and strong. Dont be a oblivious to it. Jump on the bandwagon. The US Mens National Team is competing at a very high level, and are earning more and more respect world wide. They just came off their best World Cup since 1930 winning their group, which had soccer super power England in it. If you saw the final game in the group stage (vs Algeria) you would have seen the American Dream and one of the most historic and amazing moments in AMERICAN history in a course of a couple of seconds. It bought me to tears.

The team is very young. They have talent that can play with anyone in the world, and they do. See Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, and English Premier League Player of the Year Finalist Clint Dempsey.

Just as those in other countries follow our sports so closely, we must follow theirs'. For that is where the true beauty of these sports lie. Watch Manchester United in England to see what real tradition is, watch Cristiano Ronaldo score more goals than anybody in history. And for you ladies just watch Cristiano Ronaldo, Trust Me! That is all that I can say.

Soccer needs no more persuading other than just having potential doubters watch it being played on its highest level, in Europe. You will understand what all of the fuss is about. And get behind our men's national team. Parents, put your children in soccer, their is a huge youth movement going on to support soccer in America. Your child might not be the next Lebron James or Derrick Rose, but in soccer there is room for a 5'6" kid with fast feet, a great mind, and a dream, just ask one of the worlds' best players, Lionel Messi; 3-Time Defending World Player of the Year.

Take my advice, pay attention to this game, watch this game, play this game. It is coming, and it is coming fast here in the states. You will want to be there when it does. You can call this my biased opinion, but remember I know more about this than you, so just trust me.

The Playoffs. The Only Picks that Matter

Once again it is time for my favorite time of year, The NBA Playoffs. The start of the playoffs mean a lot to me. It means more games over more nights then any other time in the year, it means more exciting finishes, and heck, it also means warmer weather. But that is not why it is my favorite.

It is my favorite because it is time for my yearly rants with friends and foes alike over who is gonna win the NBA Title, and why my opinion is right, and how everyone else is wrong. Call me irrational, but if you think about it, someone might always find your opinion irrational. 


But as I once heard from a great friend; find me someone that knows more about the game than I do - you wont by the way - and I still wont listen. (Hows that for an irrational opinion?)


So here we go, my picks for the Quarterfinals:

East:


Bulls vs Sixers:
The Sixers laid down in their last game to be able to play Chicago. Be careful what you wish for, Derrick Rose hates getting disrespected, ask the Indiana Pacers. If he is healthy, look for this series to be over on the quicks.

Heat vs Knicks:
The Knicks can beat this team, and if JR Smith comes to play, not only can he score with Dwyane Wade, but he can defend him. Carmelo has shown time in and time out that he has the skills to cancel out Lebron's impact on a game. Stat and Tyson can shut down what little inside presence the Heat have with Bosh Spice. That means this series will come down to the benches or lack thereof for the Heat. Advantage NYK. Knickerbockers in 6

Magic vs Pacers:
No Dwight. That changes things greatly. With him this is a good close series, without him I will take the Pacers in 6.


Celtics vs Hawks:
I think that Rondo and company (and yes Rondo, because he is their best player) will have no problem handing the Hawks. Celtics are primed for a run, and MAYBE, just maybe, they can do it. This series will be over in 5 or 6. 



West:


Mavs vs Thunder:
This can go the distance, and if the Mavs had the Lamar Odom of last year, or more appropriately even Lamar Odom at all, they would probably win. Nonetheless, I think it will be a hard fought series, but the Thunder will win in 7.

Jazz vs Spurs:
San Antonio will win. Jazz dont have much playoff experience. There will be no first round let down for the Spurs this year. SAS in 5.


Nuggets vs Lakers:
So not sure if anyone noticed but Denver is DEEP. Especially with Gallo back. Durant and Westbrook combined for 90+, and in the same game Ibaka had a trip-dub against them earlier in the year, and the Thunder still BARELY won. This team keeps coming at you. No MWP will hurt them. If Kobe does not get Bynum his touches the Nuggets will win. Kobe will not get Bynum his touches so Nuggets in 6.

Clippers vs Grizzlies:
I think Blake is a lot of style, albeit very very good style, and not enough substance. He struggles with the jumper, and rebounding the basketball. Not to mention a bad free throw shooter. Z-Bo on the other hand is the anti-Blake. No style, just points-rebounds, hard hat and lunch pail. The Grizz in 6.


So there you have it. I will be back to update the later rounds, but for now these are my First Round Picks. Remember, I know more than you about this, so trust me picks.