Soccer: August 2007 Archives

You could tell something was up as soon as you approached PGE Park last night. Traffic was in chaos. Throngs of people were pouring towards the gate. And once you got inside, it was apparent that this wasn't just an ordinary large Timbers crowd. I kept saying to anyone who would listen, it was the most I'd seen for the Timbers since the Sunderland friendly in 2005. Little did I know that it was going to top even that.

A record 15,833 people came to see a team regain its form and complete an entire season undefeated at home. Throughout the second half, as the boys in greenyellow created chances they just couldn't put away, that creeping feeling began to come over me that we just weren't going to break through. But finally, in the 79th minute, a rebound fell right to Justin Thompson, who didn't even need to think about it. The volley he struck was like a dagger through the air, beating the Charleston keeper and unleashing crazed, pent-up hysteria like a biblical flood.

Even now, I still can't figure out how the planets aligned for the Timbers. Sure, some good promotion and a Thirsty Thursday bring in an extra thousand or so, but we're talking almost double the attendance of the last match (also a Thirsty Thursday), which was pretty impressive itself. Was it something in the water? Something in the beer? Regardless, I don't want to probe too deep and break the spell. This is rightly Soccer City, U.S.A., in word and deed.

Just as I was starting to wonder if the Yanks' time was running out at Fulham, along comes this news chunk. Kasey Keller! At Fulham! That hopefully is the first of many mentions of Portland Timbers in Premiership team press releases (albeit incorrect in this case... we'll let it pass because Keller is a U of P boy).

Of course, this deal does carry a bit of risk. Fulham boss Laurie Sanchez is practically betting the farm on many mid-tier players, rather than a few standouts. Keller has also slid in form from his amazing display in the WC qualifiers, so we have to hope that his best days aren't behind him.

Unfortunately, though, one wishing to see all four Fulham Yanks on the field at once will have to wait. McBride had to be stretchered off the field last week against Middlesboro, when he dislocated his kneecap while scoring Fulham's only goal (how studly is that? When Brian goes down, it's in a blaze of glory). He'll be out for several months at the least, and given his age and the danger inherent in knee injuries, we hope it isn't the last time we see McBride in Fulham white. Or any kit, for that matter.

Tonight! PGE Park! The mighty mighty Timbers play their last regular season home game against Charleston, who bring along former PTFC'er Byron Alvarez. Come with us and sing yr brains out! Give our boys some momentum into the playoffs! Drink some beer! WOOOOOO!!!

Welcome back to True Fan's Awkwardly Earnest Guide For The New Yank Fan Of The Premiership! So now we've covered some basics in Part 1, laid out the intense rivalries in Part 2, let's explore the first question you may have when trying to decide what team or game to watch: Where my Yanks at?

All right, it's time for Part 2 of our Awkwardly Earnest Guide For The New Yank Fan Of The Premiership! Games are set to begin tomorrow with champions Manchester United travelling to just outside London to take on last year's plucky underdogs Reading, Aston Villa hosting Liverpool, Fulham travelling across London to meet Arsenal, Manchester City also travelling down south to play West Ham United, and newcomers Derby County will play south coasters Portsmouth (these are the games available on FSC this weekend, check here for dates and times).

Unfortunately, none of the games this weekend are in the category of what we'll be talking about today. That is, the crosstown rivalry, or as it's known in England, the Derby.

Breaking News: Benny Feilhaber, Slayer of Mexico, has been granted a work permit to join newly promoted Derby County! Yet another Yank in the Prem, and Derby will be on the American teevees this weekend as they open up their campaign against Portsmouth (Fox Soccer Channel, 11:30am PDT).

Of course, I can't resist posting this again:

golazo!

So, let's say you're a sports fan (if you're not, you might be at the wrong place, go check cute overload instead). And let's say that you're new to this soccer thing. Or maybe you're not, but regardless, you've never followed England's top level of soccer. And while we're at it, let's say you're an American. Got all that?

Well today's your lucky day! Because today True Fan presents a four-part blow-by-blow series introducing you to the 9-month long soap opera that is The English Premier League. It's the best 9-month soap opera you can participate in that doesn't involve a screaming, crying fetus at the end of it. Unless you count Cristiano Ronaldo, that is.

Welcome to True Fan's Awkwardly Earnest Guide For The New Yank Fan Of The Premiership! Today in part one, we'll be discussing the basic league setup and the major characters: The Big Four. In parts two through four, we'll cover rivalries, Yanks Abroad, and the lowdown on all the cast, large and small.

First up, though, the League itself and the Big Four...

It's August of a "rebuilding" year, and instead of my mighty mighty Timbers merely scrapping for a playoff spot, we're in the hunt to win the Whole Fecking Shmear. And who are we fighting it out with? It's none other than those posers from the north, Seattle. Zach has the rundown on the craziness up north.

Tomorrow night, 7pm, PGE Park, the Timbers fight for precious points against last-place Minnesota Thunder. Then this Saturday (same time, same place), a truly fierce clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps may have huge implications on the finish to this season. Only three home games left this season! Must the magic end so soon? NO! GIVE US A PLAYOFF RUN!!!

As one season winds down, another winds up. The English and Scottish leagues are primed and ready to go as the season begins this week. Champions League qualifiers are already in motion, and DaMarcus Beasley kicked off a great week for Yanks abroad by sealing victory for his new Glaswegian club Rangers in a Champs' League second leg qualifier over FK Zeta with the game's only goal.

Run DMB's first goal for Rangers was marred unfortunately by monkey chants from the Zeta supporters, and props to Beasley for speaking out against it. Rangers look to take on Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, who have their own large history of racism, so this is the time for UEFA and FIFA to make good on their promises of cracking down on this.

Continuing the great news from our countrymen, Bobby Convey is finally healthy! After a debilitating season of multiple surgeries, Convey's knee has come back from the brink and he scored the game winner from one of his classic free kicks in a closed-door preseason friendly with Queen's Park Rangers.

And finally, to cap it off, Brian McBride gets some well-deserved love from his new manager, who named him the full-time Fulham captain today. Considering that Sanchez has completely revamped the team with his own guys, it's a testament to McBride's professionalism and heart that he gets the armband. Even though they open against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, I can't wait for Fulham's season to begin.

And to kick off the UK excitement, True Fan will unveil, starting tomorrow, a four-part, drinking-from-the-firehose introduction to the Premier League for all you Yanks that are new to watching England's top flight, and are wondering what's the deal with all the funny town names.

Yes, it's.... True Fan's Awkwardly Earnest Guide For The New Yank Fan Of The Premiership. Look for it tomorrow! Set your RSSerizers appropriately!