May 17, 2007
US Soccer.com - Podcast of Gulati and Bradley Conference Call
US Soccer.com - Podcast of introduction of Bradley as USMNT Coach
Yanks Abroad - Jay DeMerit's take
As expected, the reaction to Bob Bradley getting the US Men's National Team head coaching job through 2010 was met with a wide range of reactions.
Some, like SI's Grant Wahl, were all for it. Others, like ESPN.com's Jeff Carlisle think it's the wrong move. And yet others are kind of on the fence like Adam Spangler from This Is American Soccer.com.
Personally, I'm siding with the Grant Wahl's of the world in wondering what took so long. I know many people are enthralled with the idea of some big name European head coach "taking US Soccer to the next level". But, the more I thought about it, the more I put weight into the head coach of the US Men's National Team needing to know the American player and how the whole set up of soccer in the US works to truly get the most out of the players.
Is Bob Bradley the perfect candidate? No, but I do think that between Bradley and his lead assistant Peter Nowak, the two combine to tick off pretty much all the major requirements that I would like the USMNT coaching staff to have.
Bradley has experience coaching within US Soccer. Both Bradley and Nowak have experience coaching American players in MLS, with both having won titles during their tenures in MLS. Nowak brings the playing experience, both at the club level and the international level. And Nowak has a nice blend of European pedigree, along with his MLS experience as both a player and a coach.
Add in that the two have a long history together and it should be expected that they can work well as a team, and I really have a hard time being disappointed with who the USMNT has leading them through the 2010 World Cup.
It's also good to know that at least Jay DeMerit liked the decision. Although, maybe he's just brown-nosing........
AC Milan Youth Soccer Camp coming to PAETEC Park
From July 2-6, PAETEC Park will be hosting the AC Milan Youth Soccer Camp.
More information can be had online at Upstate Soccer Academy.com.
MLS News and Notes
- MLS Underground is reporting that the NY Red Bulls lost St. Barnabas Health Care as a sponsor because they had moral issues with the marketing of Red Bull energy drink to kids. Ives Galarcep has reported on how Red Bull has not improved the financial performance of the club since buying it prior to the 2006 season. This is just another example of how they are struggling to turn things around.
- The Toronto Globe & Mail is reporting that Toronto FC is warning it's fans against throwing things onto the field. A lot of people loved the passion that Toronto FC fans showed during the club's victory over the Chicago Fire on Saturday. But, their throwing of seat cushions that were given away at the door led MLS to have a little sit down with the club and BMO Field management. There were no reports of any issues during Toronto's win last night over the Houston Dynamo.
- Chivas USA has a jersey sponsor . Mexican paint manufacturer Comex has signed a multi-year deal with the LA-based club. Apparently the new jerseys will make their debut at halftime of Sunday's Super Clasico match with the Galaxy.
- Pele is now comparing David Beckham's arrival in MLS to when he came over to the NASL's NY Cosmos. I wonder what the members of the media that scoffed at that idea think now that Pele has voiced his opinion on the matter?
World Soccer News & Notes
- Brazil is supposed to announce their roster for the Copa America today and Ronaldinho and Kaka want to sit this one out. That's got to hurt GolTV's ratings a tad.
- Soccer Sam is beside himself now that he's learned that Heather Mitts is out of this year's Women's World Cup due to an ACL tear suffered on Saturday versus Canada. Is there any doubt that she'll be a part of the broadcasts of the tournamen, though?
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
