Dec/095
US vs. England: A World Cup Dream for America
In an extraordinary turn of events the United States will play its first game of the World Cup in South Africa next summer against the country’s oldest rival, England. The draw is a promoter’s dream. Outside of Mexico, England is probably the best fit for the Americans’ as a natural adversary.
Nov/090
Edgar Castillo: Is He The Answer At Left Back For USMNT?
by Sean Heffernan
A large percentage of US soccer fans have heralded 23 year old Edgar Castillo as the next left back for the national team without the Mexican-American ever making a appearance for the Stars & Stripes. FIFA recently approved Castillo's request to play for the United States instead of Mexico (for who he appeared four times in international friendlies) making him available to play in next summer's World Cup for the USA.
Nov/090
MLS Playoff Winners Lose Out on US National Team
by Sean Heffernan
The US have two friendlies scheduled in Europe against Slovakia (Nov. 14) and Denmark (Nov. 18) making those MLS players who's clubs advanced this weekend unavailable for national team duty. Time with the national team is precious to those players fighting to earn their spot on the roster heading to South Africa next summer for the World Cup. Success with their MLS teams won't be ignored by USMNT head coach Bob Bradley, but those American players will miss out on making an impression in person. Below is a breakdown of the players who might have been had been called up for the friendlies in Europe, but were unavailable because of the MLS Cup Conference Finals...
Oct/090
USMNT Charlie Davies Injured in Car Accident
by Sean Heffernan
American soccer star, Charlie Davies, is undergoing surgery following a car accident that took place in the Washington DC area and is in stable condition. A female passenger died at the scene while Davies and another male were injuried. It was reported by the Washington Post's Steven Goff that the injuries could be career threatening for the 23 year old Davies according to a US Soccer Federation official.
"Charlie Davies" is currently one of the 'Trending Topics' on twitter as the outpouring of support for the USMNT player has flooded Internet waves. Earlier this year Davies was kind enough to answer some of my questions for Soccer365. Since we spoke he's earned his way from a fringe player on the national team to a full fledged starter.
After proving his worth at the Confederations Cup this summer with the USMNT, Davies made a move professionally from his club Hammarby in Sweden to Ligue One club Sochaux in France. My prayers go out to Davies and his family as well the families of those afflicted in the accident.
Sep/091
Fabrice-Jean Picault Making an Impact Early in Italy
by Sean Heffernan
Young American, Fabrice-Jean "Fafà" Picault, has gotten off to successful start to the season with Cagliari in Italy's Primavera division. The Miami based striker is in his second year with the Sardinian club's youth system and has seen action in both of the squad's first two games. Picault was able to notch a goal in the first half of the club's season opener, but the Rossoblu fell 3-1 to Empoli.
Despite scoring in his first match of the year, Picault did not get the start the following game against Torino, but came on as a second half substitute with the game tied 1-1. The New York City born speedster made the most of his limited time on the field breaking away with the ball in the 67th minute and setting up team mate Mathias Gallon for the game winning goal.
Though U-20 head coach Thomas Rongen did not select Picault for the U-20 World Cup, the 18-year-old will be eligible to participate in the 2011 Youth World Cup for the United States.
"I will be eligible and it's always an honor to be able to represent my country on an international level. However, I will be about 20 years old by that time and God willing I am hoping to be at an even higher level with the national team, which depends on how soon I am inducted into the system" Picault told Soccer365.
The Miami native of Haitian decent speaks (in addition to English) some French, Spanish, and Italian. Picault is proud of his affinity for different languages saying, “My Italian is now better than my French in my opinion. I understand a lot of Spanish also. In my family many languages are comprehended and spoken due to our passion for different cultures.” Though his time in Europe his language skills the young footballer admits, “My brother is actually much better than me in all languages except for Italian.”
Cagliari is on the Italian island of Sardinia which is a major tourist attraction in the summer months. Growing up in New York City and Miami it took some time for Picault to adjust life in Cagliari, but he’s grown to enjoy his adopted home.
“I'm a city boy, but I am able to enjoy the calmness of this island. The people are very passionate about life and soccer of course. The food is also very good in Sardinia and I have been able to enjoy a few ‘home-sardo’ dishes”. Though he’s grown to enjoy his Italian surroundings Picault remains focused on his personal goals, “I am here on a mission and to accomplish my dreams so everything else comes after.”
On the pitch, Picault is typically used as one of two attacking forwards for Cagliari and is known for taking on defenders in 1-on-1 situations, using his speed on fast counter-attacks, and threatening opposing goalies as a target on corner kicks. Picault explains his role stating “When the game gets intense or it gets to be towards the end of a match, I usually try to take a bit more initiative and do anything in order to get a win.”
For his positive start to the season Picault credits the model set by one of the most successful American athletes of all time, Michael Jordan (who was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame last month), saying "I was recently inspired by Michael Jordan's acceptance speech and how great of a work ethic he had".
Fafà Picault hopes his hard work will continue to pay off in Italy this season and lead to bigger and brighter things for the American.
Sep/092
US Soccer Fans Need to Give Up On Firing Bob Bradley
For a USMNT manager one constant always seems to be that there will always be people on the Internet calling for your head at all times. People need to start facing facts about Bob Bradley. He's earned his shot with the US team for next year's World Cup. Bradley led the US back from the grave earlier this summer to the Confederations Cup final where they came close to beating a Brazil team featuring some of the world's best players. Right now the U.S. is on top of their World Cup group. Though people often cite CONCAF as a weak region, the U.S. has done what it needs to so far to make it to the World Cup. Look at world powers Argentina and Portugal struggling to get to South Africa. World Cup Qualifying isn't easy no matter where you play.
Sep/093
Top Five Most Underpaid Players in MLS
by Sean Heffernan
Although in recent years Major League Soccer has signed a few international stars to multi-million dollar deals, many players in the league are paid less than a lot of college graduates make their first year out of school. To make matters worse some of MLS’s best players are also some of the lowest paid. In America, where we’re so accustom to overpaid professional athletes, it’s both endearing and disturbing to recognize these five soccer players who don’t play for expensive shoe contracts or million dollar signing bonuses, but excel on the field nonetheless. So the Top Five are...
Sep/090
Who Should Start For US vs. El Salvador?
by Sean Heffernan
Following the Americans' defeat in Azteca to fierce rivals Mexico, the United States Men's National Team looks to secure its entry to the 2010 World Cup with their four remaining World Cup Qualifiers. This coming Saturday the US will welcome El Salvador to Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah for the first of two qualifiers the US will play in Septmeber. The following Wednesday the Yanks will travel to Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago where they will try to capture three points from the "Soca Warriors" away from home. ...
Aug/091
Why You Should Care About US vs. Mexico
by Sean Heffernan
While the United States Men's National Team was in the throes of the Confederations Cup earlier this summer I remember driving across the Midwest from Columbus to Chicago and listening to the "The Herd" hosted by Colin Cowherd and ESPN 1000 as I passed cornfield after cornfield. ...