Soccer FanHouse

Seattle, Charleston Lead USL Charge Into U.S. Open Cup Semifinals

David J. Warner — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, Washington, DC, Soccer, Baltimore, Kansas City, MLS, US Soccer

It was a night of knockout soccer that saw three games go to extra time, two games go to penalty kicks, and one famous Mexican lose his temper and get sent off. By the time the smoke cleared, the glass slipper still fit for two USL First Division clubs, who had advanced to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals.

Why isn't this competition on TV again?

The Charleston Battery obliterated FC Dallas, 3-1, at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, TX, scoring before an after an hour-long lightning delay in the first half and shutting down all but one meaningless strike in the 93rd minute. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders fought the Kansas City Wizards to a 0-0 draw and advanced 6-5 on penalties, thanks in part to a 12-save performance by Sounders goalkeeper Chris Eylander, who also saved two PKs to help Seattle advance.

Meanwhile, USL Second Division club Crystal Palace Baltimore pushed the defending Open Cup champion New England Revolution to penalties, but lost the shootout, 5-3. In Boyds, MD, Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Mark Burch were shown red cards in extra time, while Bryan Namoff scored the winner in the 99th minute to push D.C. United past the Chicago Fire, 2-1.

The Sounders were nearly undone by poor officiating on their home field for the second straight year in Open Cup play. Early in the first half, a Wizards defender pulled down Sebastien Le Toux in the box on a breakaway, yet the Wizards somehow weren't called for the penalty. Seattle also watched three shots hit the woodwork, which left it to Eylander to save the day.

Seattle will face Charleston in one semifinal, while the Revs will visit RFK Stadium to play D.C. United in the other, thus ensuring that a non-MLS club will reach the Open Cup final for the first time since the Rochester Raging Rhinos won it all in 1999. The Sounders have to be the Cardiff City of this competition. If they win the Open Cup, who gets the CONCACAF Champions League bid? The MLS Sounders that will replace them next season? Technically, those are two different clubs.

Seattle, Charleston Lead USL Charge Into U.S. Open Cup Semifinals originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

U.S. Open Cup Matches Won't Be Seen on TV

David J. Warner — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, Washington, DC, Soccer, Baltimore, Kansas City, MLS, US Soccer

D.C. United and the Chicago Fire meet tonight in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, one month after their testy match in Toyota Park in which three red cards were given and Luciano Emilio got a surprise goal in stoppage time to lift 9-man D.C. to a 2-1 win.

If you want to watch this rematch, though, you'll have to go to the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds and buy a ticket. By all accounts, this match will not air on TV or online. Neither will tonight's New England Revolution v. Crystal Palace Baltimore match, providing further proof that the U.S. Open Cup -- a competition in which the winner receives a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League, no less -- is truly the most disrespected competition in American soccer.

The other two quarterfinal matches at least have online video feeds. FC Dallas v. Charleston Battery will be shown on MLSLive at 8:30 PM ET, while Seattle fans log on to USLLive get a free glimpse of their future MLS club's home when the USL-1 Seattle Sounders face the Kansas City Wizards at Qwest Field at 10:00 PM ET. Let's hope the groundskeepers actually try to cover up the gridiron lines this year.

U.S. Open Cup Matches Won't Be Seen on TV originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Crystal Palace Headlines Open Cup Upsets

David J. Warner — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Seattle, Washington, DC, Soccer, Baltimore, Kansas City, MLS, US Soccer

Crystal Palace supporters still suffering from the loss of that Premier League promotion playoff last May might be taking a little solace in their American counterparts today.

USL Second Division side Crystal Palace Baltimore upset an uninspired New York Red Bulls side, 2-0, last night in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The win prompted many sports fans in Baltimore to say, "Wait, we have a soccer team here?"

Indeed, the club was founded in 2006, 101 years after Crystal Palace FC was founded in London, and it serves as a player development wing for the Coca-Cola Championship club. Clearly, player development is going pretty well there, though as Ives Galarcep notes, too many Red Bulls just didn't come to play last night.

Two other USL clubs pulled off upsets, as USL-1 leaders the Charleston Battery defeated MLS Cup holders the Houston Dynamo on penalty kicks, while the Seattle Sounders topped Chivas USA, 2-0. Other USL clubs didn't get away so easily. The Kansas City Wizards came back from a 2-0 deficit to topple the Carolina Railhawks, 4-2, in extra time, and FC Dallas scored a 2-1 comeback win against Miami FC. D.C. United, the Chicago Fire and the New England Revolution also cruised to victory over USL clubs.

The U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals are scheduled for next Tuesday.

Crystal Palace Headlines Open Cup Upsets originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

U.S. Open Cup Teams Pay to Play at Home

David J. Warner — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Seattle, Washington, DC, Soccer, Kansas City, MLS, US Soccer

The 3rd round of the U.S. Open Cup kicks off tomorrow, and if you're looking for the MLS clubs that are taking this tournament seriously this year, just look for which clubs are playing at home.

Unlike England's FA Cup, where the home team is determined by random draw, MLS and USL clubs place bids with the U.S. Soccer Federation to host games, and the highest bidder plays at home. If you look at the schedule for tomorrow's games, you'll notice that the New England Revolution, the Chicago Fire, D.C. United and FC Dallas are all playing at home.

By contrast, the Houston Dynamo travel to South Carolina to face USL-1 leaders the Charleston Battery, and the New York Red Bulls head to Maryland to face USL-2 side Crystal Palace Baltimore. Perhaps Houston and New York aren't quite as interested in the CONCACAF Champions League bid that comes with winning the Open Cup.

D.C. United, however, suddenly seems much more interested in the Open Cup than they were last year.

D.C. hasn't won the Open Cup since 1996 and fielded a reserve side that lost to the USL-2 Harrisburg City Islanders last year. This time around, though, D.C. opens at home against the Rochester Rhinos. In fact, if you look at the D.C. United schedule, you'll notice a two-week gap between yesterday's 4-1 win over the L.A. Galaxy and the first SuperLiga match on Saturday, July 12 -- a gap into which they could fit the 3rd-round (July 1) and 4th-round (July 8) U.S. Open Cup ties.

D.C. has always put extra emphasis on playing internationally. Perhaps the club sees winning four games in the Open Cup as an easier path to the CONCACAF Champions League than winning the MLS Supporters Shield, which they've won the last two years. They are coming into form just in time for an Open Cup run, too.

New England, meanwhile, seems intent on winning every trophy they can get their hands on. The Revs, who won the Open Cup last season, are also the points leader in the MLS standings and a favorite to win the Supporters Shield, which also comes with a Champions League bid. The Chicago Fire, Open Cup winners in 2006, also bid high to get a home match this week.

On the other hand, the Kansas City Wizards seem even less interested than Houston and New York. They face the Carolina Railhawks in Cary, NC, tomorrow night, and Wizards coach Curt Onalfo told reporters he expects to start only a few regulars for that game.

If the Railhawks win that game, they should cheer hard for Chivas USA. According to Railhawks managing partner Chris Economides, the Seattle Sounders outbid Carolina for the quarterfinal match. So if the Railhawks beat the Wizards and the Sounders beat Chivas USA, that quarterfinal would be played in Seattle. A potential Railhawks v. Chivas quarterfinal, however, would be played in North Carolina. The Railhawks and the Sounders both upset MLS clubs on their way to the semifinals last season.

Of course, this begs the question -- if the USL Sounders win the Open Cup in 2008, would the MLS Sounders take their place in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2009?

U.S. Open Cup Teams Pay to Play at Home originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Why Can't McBride Choose His MLS Team?

David J. Warner — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer, Toronto, MLS

Here's some irony for you: Brian McBride announced last week that he was leaving Fulham and returning to the U.S. to finish out his career in Major League Soccer. According to reports, he wants to play for the Chicago Fire, which is his hometown club.

However, McBride can't sign a contract with a specific MLS club. He has to sign with the league itself, who then allocates him to a specific club -- and the club at the top of the allocation list is Toronto FC.

So the best striker in American soccer history comes home and finds that MLS rules will force him to play for the lone Canadian club.

Seriously, does that seem right to you? Why does McBride have to go through all this red tape just to sign with his chosen MLS club? Rules like this are why so many people view MLS as less than major league. Free agents should be allowed to sign with the club they choose, not the club the league assigns to them. This is just one more thing that really needs to be fixed in the next collective bargaining agreement.

You know where McBride should really be today? Santander. The U.S. men's national team takes on Spain today, and with Landon Donovan still begging out with a ~~lack of balls~~ sore groin, the U.S. needs all the help up front it can get.

(H/T: Soccer By Ives)

Why Can't McBride Choose His MLS Team? originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

MLS Primetime Wrap: DC Untied

Irishoutsider — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Washington, DC, Soccer, MLS, Soccer Posts

Chicago Fire 2 - DC United 0
We're sure the whole untied/United headline business has been used before, but we're equally fed up with the various ways the Fire can burn, torch, or scorch opposing teams in the headlines. Regardless, the Chicago Fire ran circles around the United defense, putting on an offensive display that gave them several lethal chances. Justin Mapp and Cuahtemoc Blanco scored for Chicago, with Blanco's curling strike sure to set the bar for the Goal of the Week. A physical match that saw plenty of rough challenges on both side of the ball overshadowed DC's struggling offense. United only managed 2 shots on goal but drew 3 yellow cards for reckless play.

Chicago hosts Houston Dynamo at home next Saturday while DC United travels out west for a match with CD Chivas USA.

Photo courtesy of AP and MLSnet.com

MLS Primetime Wrap: DC Untied originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Fri, 09 May 2008 13:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

MLS Preview: Chicago Fire

Irishoutsider — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:47:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, MLS, Soccer

We should probably get back on this preview horse before the season gets too far out of hand to be doing the prognosticating. Due to our inexorable link to Section 8 Chicago, the decision was made to give the Fire fans a first look over at their own site. With the exclusive running its course, its time to add the clip to our library of capsules. Enjoy.

FanHaus note: San Jose and Red Bull New York should be coming out before their first game's this week ... as long as we adequately recover from the Toyota Park opener.

MLS Preview: Chicago Fire originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wilman Conde Sleeps Around

Irishoutsider — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:49:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer, MLS

As a a shameless supporter of all things Chicago Fire, we have to borrow our bully pulpit for a second and spread the word about the latest bit of shenanigans going on in our MLS world right now. Wilman Conde, newly minted Colombian defender, urban legend, and possessor of one of the finest soccer mullet's in recent memory has apparently fallen out of harmony with his club. It seems that since his former coach, Juan Carlos Osorio (at right), left him in the dust for the New York manager's position, Conde has been pining for his maestro, stopping at nothing to be reunited with his former coach. In a note sent to the Chicago Tribune's Luis Arroyave, Conde noted:

As I said before, the Chicago Fire is a great institution but my interests and desires are no longer with this team. I thank the fans and the Chicago Fire for their understanding in this matter as I wish not to hurt anybody nor to continue with the team and not to perform at my best as a professional. It is a difficult situation but it is my desire to pursue my career with the New York Red Bulls starting this season. Thank you in advance for your understanding. Wilman Conde

We can see the notes passed in study hall from Osorio now. "Dear Wilman, if you want to weasel out of your contract check this box." More on the story as it develops, but we find it hard for the Fire to hold onto an unhappy player while we find it even harder to believe that no one has mentioned collusion or tampering once in this entire discussion.

Wilman Conde Sleeps Around originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Osorio, Reyna, and Section 8

Irishoutsider — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, New York, Soccer, FanHouse TV, MLS

Reporting live from the 2008 MLS SuperDraft.

Christmas came a little late for Red Bull New York's Juan Carlos Osorio at this year's MLS Draft. Although he resigned as head coach of the Chicago Fire for "family reasons," he certainly left his mark on the supporters. With a name that will live in infamy among Fire fans, Osorio entered Friday's draft with that chapter of his career firmly in his past ... or so he thought. Able to grab a few moments of his time, we were able to get his thoughts on the matter.

If you happen to be a RBNY fan interested in Claudio Reyna's job security, just push play. For those wishing to cut to the chase, skip to around :40.

As for the content of this year's Section 8 Xmas card ... (or thereabouts)

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Let's all be thankful this holiday
That at least we aren't the Revs.
Unless, of course, you are.

subcampeon eterno

Pleasant holiday wishes from Section 8 Chicago and all Chicago Fire fans.

Rumor has it that LA Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas also received a copy this weekend and howled with delight.

Osorio, Reyna, and Section 8 originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

MLS Draft Wrap: Chicago Fire

Irishoutsider — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:23:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer, FanHouse TV, MLS

Reporting live from the 2008 MLS SuperDraft.

It may be a while until the true winners and losers of this year's MLS SuperDraft are sorted out, but the consensus in Baltimore tonight was that the Chicago Fire had an excellent showing. With top-rated striker Patrick Nyarko falling to the club at the number 7 pick and U-23 keeper Dominic Cervi taken with the 12th, the Fire had taken care of much of their shopping in the first round. With highly-ranked midfielder Peter Lowry still available in the 2nd round (26th overall), new manager Denis Hamlett is quite pleased with today's events, and we were able to have a few words with him on his way out.

For those interested in the contract status of current keeper, Matt "Slim" Pickens, jump to the 4:05 for Hamlett's comments on the situation. We tried to press for more detail but were deftly avoided.

MLS Draft Wrap: Chicago Fire originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Liveblogging: MISL Milwaukee Wave at Chicago Storm 2nd Half

Irishoutsider — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:05:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer, Milwaukee, Random Acts of Sport

Das FanHaus continues its coverage of tonights MISL action live from the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates, IL. The Popeye cartoons have been replaced by montages splicing "300" with some kind of new age rock the kids listen to these days. Ah, Family Night.

Relive the thrilling first half here as we gear up the liveblogging apparati for the exciting conclusion. (Again, neither team pictured at right.)

Once more, we'd like to thank Windy City Wanderers FC for the credentials.

Third Quarter

The fans are dewrinkling their "Death Zone No Prisoners" pirate flag as we get ready for the action. In other MISL news, Philadelphia leads Orlando 20-4.

The PA reminds us that a local fan is your man for your real estate needs. Advertisement paid for by local man.

The fishermen are multiplying.

2 minutes into the second half and we're plagued with stoppages. Milwaukee has received a warning for encroachment and Chicago's Randy Soderman has drawn a foul.

Mariano Bonella tries the early cross to Storm teammate Matthew Stewart, but the header falls right into the arms of the waiting tranny.

11:34 left in the 3rd a pair of hard strikes from Milwaukee go just wide as Joe Hammes' attempts fail to hit home.

Milwaukee goal. 2-2 with 10:45 left in the third. Deco with the assist to Santos, reminding everyone that you don't need to play outdoors to get the one name treatment. The group of Milwaukee fans show their delight. The five of them apparently enjoying themselves thoroughly as the rafters ring with "Ole Ole Ole" a good two or three times.

Red Card to Chicago's Matthew Stewart as Santos is down. This is the last we'll be seeing of Stewart tonight as he takes his Lucas Leiva haircut and calls it a night. Santos is up and about, probably headed for a trip to the magic spray. The Storm's Stephen Armstrong in the box for 5 minutes of dissent. The Wave have a 2 minute power play.

Power play Goal by Milwaukee. Greg Howes makes it 5-2. Another 5 minutes of dissent assigned to Randy Soderman. The Cub Scouts are traumatized and the Wave fans are bringing out the ubiquitous cowbells and tambourines.

Near miss by the Storm as the shot strikes the far post. The Storm are trying to put some pressure on the Wave. Ben Chavolla gets a foul as he may have struck Vorberg in his former man parts.

Upon further inspection, the indoor soccer field is not unlike a craps table, right down to the penalty boxmen and croupiers.

Free kick to Milwaukee 4:00 left in the third. They try some kind of fancy triple crossing, dekeing, fancypants business, but the shot still hits the barriers.

7-2 Milwaukee. One-timer Ackah to Oliviero. A hush falls over the centre. We needs some t-shirts stat.

2:32 left. Ben Chavolla's shot sails wide and the Storm fail to clean up the rebound for the score. Bollella's shot also heads into the scout seats. The wheels almost completely fall off, but Deco misses the chip to put the Wave up 7. The PA thrills us all with "One Week," reminding me of the dangers of the chickety chinese chicken in my won ton nachos.

Timeout on the field, and the FanCam reminds everyone what they really came here for, the 85% chance of winding up on the Jumbotron. Considering total attendance and number of stoppages, I'd put that closer to 99%.

1:00 left in the third and Storm goalie Jeff Richey shuts down a 3 man break.

2 minutes for Milwaukee's Anthony Mauer for tripping Randy Soderman.

Fourth Quarter
The Storm have been outscoring opponents 32-6 this season, so let's see if they have some more magic in store for tonight. The Storm Chasers are certainly bringing their A game. "The best in the business" are rocking to some kind of emo dealie that this old timer couldn't recognize if he watched pro wrestling for a month.

Starting the fourth, the Wave's Fontana seems to have a few choice words with the croupier.

1st minute Storm Goal. 7-4 Milwaukee. Chicago's Chile Farias takes the assist from Armstrong and squeaks it by Vorberg. The German is angered by allowing soft goal.

Curious to what qualifies as a shot in MISL, Das FanHaus marvels at the careening offense failing to nudge the Jumbotron tally.

The Monterrey La Raza down the Detroit Ignition 14-10, ensuring Chicago will retain its one game lead for first place.

9:27 left in the fourth. 9-4 Milwaukee. Anthony Maher crosses to Howes to stretch the Wave lead to 5. The Cub Scouts are very angry. We cant tell what they are screeching at the grown men supporting Milwaukee, but we like to think its profanity.

8:00 left and Richey needs every bounce he can get to keep the Wave from striking again.

In the 7th minute, penalty on Milwaukee's Maher. 2 minutes for handball. The scouts are now heckling the Wave. The PA would like to remind everyone that they must dance to get on the TV. Its like a freaking Radio Disney Jamberoo in here.

The Thunderstick Makers of America would like to thank everyone in attendance today for keeping American sports sticky.

GET LOUDER! JUMBOTRON COMMANDS YOU! PULL THE STRING! PULL THE STRING!

6:00 left and Vorberg is down again. For the second time tonight, he appears to have been struck in his man/lady parts.

5 minutes left, and the Storm have pulled their goalie. Opting instead for 6th defender Branko Savic. We're starting to think the FIFA08 name generator just mines MISL rosters.

Richey back in now as the Storm try to make something happen... and now he's back out...Chicago opting for attacker John Ball.

Do not taunt John Ball. The striker's shot misses high, but puts a good scare into Milwaukee.

3:00 left. Free kick to Milwaukee goes wide, but Chicago fails to build a counterattack. The Wave still threaten to score as Howes just misses another good cross.

Timeout Milwaukee. 2:00 remain in the game and the Wave "Ole Ole" is deafening. No worries though, we've got another dance cam featuring the Jackson 5.

1:30 left and Ball is back in as the 6th man. Randy Soderman duffs a point blank shot, but his scouting admirers are no where to be found.

Chicago goal. Fabinho from Soderman. :45 left 9-6 Milwaukee. Milwaukee still threatens with a free kick and Striker is notiving that my hair remains untussled.

Final 9-6 Wave. The Storm fail to take the 3-point shot at the buzzer. Time expires as the visiting fans unleash their secret weapon, the air horn.

Well that wraps it up for this adventure in MISL. The game ball is given to CHicago keeper Jerff Richey, and then into the throng of Cub Scouts. High fives all around. Thanks for coming out.

Liveblogging: MISL Milwaukee Wave at Chicago Storm 2nd Half originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Liveblogging: MISL Milwaukee Wave at Chicago Storm 1st Half

Irishoutsider — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:52:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer, Milwaukee, Random Acts of Sport

It's Saturday Night in America, and what better way to enjoy a blustery winter night in Chicago than to pile up a bus full of the High Life, head on out to the suburbs, and enjoy some indoor soccer. Thanks to Windy City Wanderers FC for getting Das FanHaus one of them legitimate media passes so we can cover all of the wonders of major league indoor soccer.

(Due to image restraints, neither team pictured at right.)

Let's just start out with the first impressions of this beautiful indoor game. The Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, IL already has a name that adds a touch of Canadian class. On top of that, they have won ton nachos. I dont know how to react to this provincial treat other than expound on its deliciousness.

Starting lineups for the visiting Milwaukee Wave to the tune of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." How Ribald!

You've got to give it to the Storm when the cheerleaders have their own damn starting lineups. Good on the Storm Chasers. There's nothing wrong with dance teams and AC/DC's "Thunderstruck."

In a mist of fire extinguisher haze, the local whatsit mascot, Striker (sic) emerges in a flurry of lord knows what in front of a crowd of literally dozens. The Storm take the field, and I think we're introducing the reserves one by one, or else indoor teams start 20 players each. Im very confused. Also, I think I ran into the Milwaukee bench in line for a soda.

Ok...after about 10 minutes of some kind of reason to turn out the lights...NOW we get to hear the starting lineup for the local Storm... What a spectacle. Now, I've heard just about every form of opening lineup foofawraw there is, but I dont recognize a lick of this business. Although, I think they threw in some Prodigy "Firestarter" in there.

Local recording artist Rosie Ray (sic?) opens the ceremony with the performance of the American and Milwaukee national anthems.

On the first Storm goal, the field will be flooded with teddy bears for charity. Family friendly indeed. FanHaus note: the local fans have a blow up doll set up behind the Wave's goalie.

First Quarter

:30 seconds in and we've got a free kick for Milwaukee, kick save by Chicago's Jeff Richey.

1:14 2-0 Storm as the resulting counter opens up a Chicago attack. Chris Birssom knocs the rebound in from outside the arc.

2 minutes in as the Wave try to get level, Richey denies them.

The Milwauke assault continues into the 5th minutes as the Storm hold fast.

Das FanHaus can hear the goalie barking orders from the lofty press box. Meanwhile, we can also hear supporters remind the families in attendance that the visiting goalie's surname is "German for tranny"

Milwaukee free kick denied with 9:55 left. Also, the Storm mascot is scaring the beejeezus out of me. He kind of looks like some kind of electrocuted shark.

Half way through the first quarter, and Milwaukee is dominating in both possession and attack. The Storm seem content to sitting back and waiting for a breakout. Other observations onf the 2-0 match, the radio guy seems to be literally phoning in his commentary, and the Storm Chasers appear to have some kind of penalty box in the opposing end devoted to their various choreographing.

Free kick from Milwuakee in the 9th denied again by Richey. Chicago fails to produce anything from the resulting counter, and the Wave are back on the attack. A near miss by the visitors as they fail to capitalize on a point blank sitter.

Time out on the field as two lucky fans have their seats upgraded from the 20th to 1st row. Actually, they were just going to walk up by themselves, but they were accosted by an in-game promotion. As a result, all fans under the arbitrary 40 years of age will have their hair potentially tussled by Striker (still sic). We can't make this up. That is basically a direct quote.

11:30 Chicago's Marcelo Fontana serves a one minute penalty for horseplay. Power play to the Wave.

3 minutes left in the quarter and the brief penalty is killed.

Jeff Richey has been a wall in goal for the Storm in the first quarter. The Milwaukee goalie has not been tested nearly as much, but he also has being taunted by some guy dressed up like the Gordons' fisherman.

Winding down the 1st quarter, the Storm mount an attack but fail to make anything happen as time runs out. Intermission as the crowd is the loudest its been all night. The power of free T shirts!

Das FanHaus cannot condone the actions of any KidCam that forces the "Cha-Cha Slide" onto impressionable youths.

Chicago was outshot 9-2 in the first. Let's see if they can get anything going in the second quarter.

After consulting the internet, Milwaukee goalie Nick Vorberg's surname is confirmed to be German for transvestite.

Second Quarter

2:00 in and the Storm seem to show more aggression in the attack. The first errant shot of the night sails into the seats.

Vorburg goes to the ground, exposing the net on the rebound. Milwaukee manages to chip it out.

4:00 Chicago's Chris Brisson injured during the course of play. He walks off the field to be inspected by the team physician.

In response to the Cub Scout troop that painted their chests in honor of midfielder Andy Rosenband, we're guessing "Go Rosenband 15" was the only statement that could accommodate the space constraints. "He's not going to attack children, is he?" Yes, he is.

The Storm puts the pressure on Vorburg halfway through the second. he manages to deflect the assaults and start a Milwaukee break. The Wave attack is grounded as the ball sails into the the rowdy supporters section. The fisherman takes it on the chin, and yet another shot makes it to the concourse.

Richey still continues to be stingy in net for Chicago as the Storm protect their 2-0 lead.

Blue card issued to Milwaukee's Joe Hammes. 2 minutes for tripping up the Storm attack. Chicago as poised to score until the foul play.

Shorthanded, the Wave finds numbers on the counter. 3 on 2, but Richey stops them cold.

4:16 left in the half. A Storm shot carroms off of the Jumbotron and almost returns to play. We're not entirely sure it would be in play if it did, but we'd like to think so.

3 minutes from the half, and Das FanHaus is simply astounded by how indoor soccer players perfectly resembled characters from Super Dodge Ball.

Milwaukee just misses their chance to tie things up as the shot sails just over Richey's head and off the boards.

:30 left in the half as Chicago's Awadalla Morad misses the one-on-one. Also, not to be slowed down by halftime, Sears Center custodial is trying to cleanup the press box to save on shut down time.

:06 left and the Jumbotron commands your noise!

2-0 at the half. Catch you after another trip to the won ton stand. They've turned out the lights for some reason as well. Striker better stay the hell away from our untussled hair...

Holy hell...they're showing Popeye cartoons. I declare this officially great.

Liveblogging: MISL Milwaukee Wave at Chicago Storm 1st Half originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Random YouTube Magic: NASL Used to Have Hockey-Style Shootouts

David J. Warner — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, New York, Soccer

Here's a bit of American soccer history you might have missed. Back before the North American Soccer League went under, they tried many different tricks with the game to attract American fans. One of those tricks? Hockey-style shootouts. Instead of taking penalty kicks, players took the ball from the center circle and went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, attempting to score in five seconds or less.

The above video shows such a shootout in the 1981 Soccer Bowl between the New York Cosmos and the Chicago Sting. This was one of many rules changes the NASL adopted which still makes purists shudder to this day, and while it might be more interesting than a penalty shootout, it's nowhere near as awesome as some of the mustaches in that video. It's almost enough to make you miss 1981. Almost.

(H/T: The Offside)

Random YouTube Magic: NASL Used to Have Hockey-Style Shootouts originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Revs Ride Twellman's Bike to MLS Cup Finals

David J. Warner — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Soccer, MLS

I'm not sure what it is about Taylor Twellman that annoys me. Perhaps he just strikes me as one of these well-off suburban soccer brats who got all the best coaches money could buy. Granted, I'm probably completely wrong about this, since his best coach may have been his dad Tim, who played for years in the NASL. His brother James also played in MLS.

That might make Taylor Twellman American soccer's answer to Peyton Manning -- except, of course, Peyton Manning can't do that. Eat your heart out, Obafemi Martins.

Twellman's goal was the only score the New England Revolution needed to beat the Chicago Fire and advance to the MLS Cup Finals. They await the winner of tonight's match between the Houston Dynamo and the Kansas City Wizards. The Revolution already won the U.S. Open Cup this year, so they could get themselves a Cup double, which would make Boston sports fans just that much more vainglorious.

Enjoy it while you can, Revs fans. Fulham is coming for your backline in January.

Revs Ride Twellman's Bike to MLS Cup Finals originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

MLS Playoffs Begin: Will Anyone Watch?

David J. Warner — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Washington, DC, Soccer, MLS

How badly did Major League Soccer screw up its playoff scheduling this year? As Robert Spain of Bleacher Report points out, the MLS Cup playoffs open tonight on ESPN2, and they won't come close to grabbing any casual sports fan's attention.

D.C. United will face the Chicago Fire on Thursday, October 25th at 8:30 PM EST on ESPN2 to kick off the 2007 MLS Playoffs.

At the same time, No. 2 Boston College will be squaring off against No. 8 Virginia Tech on ESPN, while FOX will be airing Game 2 of the 2007 World Series between the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox.

That should attract hardcore soccer fans from Washington and Chicago, but that's about it, and that's not exactly a huge demographic. What's more, Game 3 of the World Series is Saturday night -- the exact same time that the other three MLS Cup playoff games will be played. Will anyone in New England really care how the Revolution fare against the New York Red Bulls while the Red Sox are playing?

Perhaps MLS should look into adjusting its schedule so that its playoffs aren't competing with baseball and football this way. After all, if a marquee event happens and nobody's there to see it, does it make a sound?

(H/T: Pitch Invasion)

MLS Playoffs Begin: Will Anyone Watch? originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

USA 2-4 Brazil: Amazingly, Brazil Is Still Better Than America at Soccer

David J. Warner — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 22:45:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer

I want someone to tell me why Oguchi Onyewu is still part of the U.S. men's national team's back line.

Seriously, can anyone explain to me why someone who's about as fast as Daunte Culpepper and seemingly out of position at least 60% of the time is anchoring this team's central defense? Does he have photographs of some U.S. Soccer Federation bigwig cheating on his wife? Or is it just because he's built like a giant brick wall?

Well, that's exactly what he was today in Chicago against Brazil, who started a brilliant attack in the 33rd minute that was parried away by American goalie Tim Howard. And where was Onyewu? Right in front of Howard, letting the ball bounce off his chest and into his own goal for an equalizer.

Yes, an equalizer. Carlos Bocanegra scored off a corner kick in the 22nd minute to give the U.S. an early lead. Clint Dempsey also scored in the 73rd minute off a cross from Steve Cherundolo. At that point, it was 2-2. A Ronaldinho goal off a free kick in the 75th minute and a late penalty after Michael Bradley brought down Julio Baptista prevented this from turning into anything resembling an upset.

There was a lot to like about this U.S. team today. The midfielders did as good a job as could be expected against the much more talented Brazilians, and they set up plenty of scoring opportunities on the attack. The other defenders -- especially Cherundolo at right back -- looked solid, and Dempsey's goal simply served to remind the rest of the world that he's a world-class player.

On the other hand, Josh Wolff started alongside Dempsey at forward, and he was mostly ineffective. Bob Bradley might have been better off starting Eddie Johnson there, rather than bringing him in off the bench. I would have liked to see Jozy Altidore starting beside Dempsey, but we'll have to wait a few years for that. Also, on Ronaldinho's free kick for goal, the U.S. wall might have considered listening to Tim Howard when he told them to move to the right.

Besides, let's not fool ourselves. These are Brazil's best athletes, and they're clearly more talented and more polished than the Americans. This country's best athletes were playing a completely different form of football today, and that's not going to change anytime soon.

Still, the U.S. side didn't embarrass itself today. There's no shame in losing to the best, which is what they did, but they showed they have the talent to compete on an international level, and that's all you could really ask of them today. Plus, we got to see Brazilian women jumping up and down lot today, and nobody gets hurt with that.

Now all they have to do is find someone who can actually do something in central defense -- unlike Onyewu -- and maybe they could win something other than the Gold Cup every so often.

USA 2-4 Brazil: Amazingly, Brazil Is Still Better Than America at Soccer originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sun, 09 Sep 2007 22:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Bradley Calls Up U.S. Stars for Brazil Friendly

David J. Warner — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer

If you had any doubts about the U.S. taking its friendly against Brazil seriously, put them out of your mind right now. U.S. men's national team head coach Bob Bradley is calling up the big dogs for this match in Chicago on Sunday.

The full roster includes Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, Fulham striker Clint Dempsey, Rangers midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, Derby County midfielder Benny Feilhaber, Reading defender Bobby Convey and Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra. Other usual suspects include Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson, Jay Demerit, Michael Bradley, and America's answer to Titus Bramble, Oguchi Onyewu.

Missing from the roster, however, are several stars from the U-20 World Cup, including Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore and Danny Szetela. You would think that some of these kids would have earned a chance to work with the senior team at this point, but for whatever reason, Bradley doesn't seem to think they're ready. Adu is struggling to see first-time action at Benfica, so his omission may be understandable, but why not Altidore? He and Dempsey are the rare American strikers that actually shoot the ball as often as they should. Jozy could use some practice time with these guys.

The Brazil roster, of course, is loaded, featuring Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Kaká (AC Milan), Robinho (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Alex (Chelsea) and Daniel Alves (Sevilla). A U.S. win in this match might be an Appalachian State-sized upset. It will also be seen by only Brazilian fans, as the rest of America will be watching the first Sunday of NFL football. More's the pity.

Bradley Calls Up U.S. Stars for Brazil Friendly originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Brazil Will Send the Big Guns to Chicago

David J. Warner — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer

Brazil won Copa America without its biggest stars in the lineup. Friendlies in the United States? According to the New York Times, that's another story.

Brazil will bring a potent, star-studded lineup that includes Ronaldinho and Kaká to the United States in September for its games against the United States in Chicago on Sunday, Sept. 9, and against Mexico in Foxborough, Mass., on Wednesday, Sept. 12. Both games fall on FIFA international "fixture" days.

Of course, Ronaldinho and Kaká both bowed out of Copa America, citing the fatigue of the European club season. They're all rested now, though, and they must figure that if David Beckham can fly to England for a friendly, then fly back to L.A. for an MLS match the next day -- all on a bad ankle, no less -- this little trip ought to be a cakewalk.

The Brazil v. U.S.A. match is being dubbed "Clash of the Champions," though that seems a lot like a college football game pitting the University of Florida against Mount Union College, but there you go. Real Madrid's Robinho and Arsenal's Gilberto Silva are also slated to play for Brazil.

Brazil Will Send the Big Guns to Chicago originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Cuauhtemoc Blanco Gets the T.F.C. Salute

David J. Warner — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Soccer, Toronto

In its first year of existence, Toronto F.C. has already seen its share of wacky fan hijinks, thanks in part to the Red Patch Boys, the club's ~~official~~ largest supporters group. Here they give Mexican star and new Chicago Fire player Cuauhtemoc Blanco a warm welcome to Major League Soccer.

Blanco, of course, deserves that salute. Before he arrived, Chicago was on a 6-game winless streak in MLS and lost a U.S. Open Cup match to the Carolina Railhawks, a USL First Division expansion club. Good luck turning that ship around, Señor Blanco.

(H/T: The Offside)

Previously at FanHouse:
Canadians Can Be Soccer Lunatics, Too

Cuauhtemoc Blanco Gets the T.F.C. Salute originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The U.S. Open Cup Really Needs a Sponsor

David J. Warner — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington, DC, Soccer, Carolina

And then there were three.

The Seattle Sounders, a USL First Division team, knocked off Chivas USA, 3-1, last night in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. In fact, five out of eight MLS clubs, all of whom entered the U.S. Open Cup in the third round, have been upset by USL clubs. The Los Angeles Galaxy was upset by the Richmond Kickers, the top USL Second Division club, earlier this week. The Chicago Fire, the defending U.S. Open Cup champs, were beaten 1-0 by the Carolina Railhawks, a USL-1 expansion team.

And nobody knows about this. U.S. Open Cup matches aren't shown anywhere on TV, they're barely covered in local press where the games are played, and attendance for most of these matches has been very small. 3,589 fans showed up at Qwest Field last night for the Seattle-Chivas match. There's a growing sentiment that some MLS clubs care so little for this tournament and that they're fielding reserve squads for these games and getting out early to focus on other things.

This is not the fault of MLS. This is the fault of the Unites States Soccer Federation, which organizes this competition.

What does it say about American soccer when you can watch the FA Cup, England's top domestic cup competition, on Fox Soccer Channel, but the U.S. Open Cup, America's domestic cup competition, is relegated to streaming video feeds on USL's web site?

Consider the prize money at stake here, too. The U.S. Open Cup champion receives $100,000 and a nice trophy. Compare that to the FA Cup winner, who receives £2 million and an automatic bid to the UEFA Cup. That doesn't include the TV money and the share of the gate receipts for each game. Gate receipts alone have been known to save lower league clubs from bankruptcy in England. The U.S. Open Cup? No TV money, and really lousy attendance.

Even Superliga, a made-for-TV competiton between MLS clubs and top Mexican clubs, awards the winner $1 million. Some pundits have suggested that clubs participating in Superliga tanked their U.S. Open Cup matches to focus on the richer tournament.

If the USSF wants to avoid this perception in the future, it needs to find a sponsor that will chip in and raise the prize pool for this tournament. A $100K first prize clearly doesn't interest MLS clubs anymore, but $500K might make it more interesting. Then it needs to get these matches on television so that people can watch them. Fox Soccer Channel could certainly use the programming right about now. They have been airing reruns of Premier League and Serie A matches in prime time this month.

The USSF should also talk to CONCACAF about getting the U.S. Open Cup winner into the CONCACAF Champions Cup. That might make MLS clubs a bit more interested. Getting the winner into Superliga might be a bit more of a longshot, since that tournament was organized in part by MLS to increase its exposure south of the border, but it wouldn't hurt to ask, either.

Until something like this happens to improve the profile of the U.S. Open Cup, though, it's will continue to toil in obscurity, and MLS clubs that may have cared about it a few years ago will simply drop out and let the USL clubs have their fun. If this many upsets happened in the FA Cup, England would be bonkers right now. Clearly, this tournament needs someone to champion it -- even if it means renaming it the "Lamar Hunt Umbro Cup" or the "Lamar Hunt Cialis Cup."

Hey, here's an idea -- "Lamar Hunt FanHouse Cup." What say ye, Mr. Mottram? Can we get AOL to hook that up?

The U.S. Open Cup Really Needs a Sponsor originally appeared on Soccer FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments