Archive for May, 2008

The men’s soccer team recently lost to England in the famous Wembley Stadium. I am a die hard US Soccer fan and it is frustrating to see them struggle in big atmospheres. They struggled in the last World Cup and it seemed as if they were shocked to be there the whole time. It seemed that way against England and they lost 2-0. What do they need to do to get back on track and focus for big games? Landon Donovan sat out this game with a sore groin and that could have caused them to struggle up front, but a national team should not rely on one player alone. What do you guy’s think the US Soccer team needs to do to step it up and compete in big games?

The only US game I have been to was a qualifier for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. They came to Utah and played Costa Rica. The US team dominated the game and Landon Donovan had 2 goals en route to an easy victory for the US. It was very exciting to cheer for my country in a match and I look forward to the time I have the opportunity to cheer them on again in person. It doesn’t matter what country you are from it is always exciting to cheer your team on in an athletic event! I recommend you go if you have not had the chance before. It was the greatest sporting event I have ever been to and hopefully someday I will be able to go cheer them on in the World Cup!

I would love to hear your responses on what the US team needs to do to compete in big games. I would also love to hear any stories you may have about cheering on your national team and what it feels like to watch them play in person.

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I apologize for all of the posts recently about David Beckham. I live in Salt Lake City and recently Beckham and the Galaxy visited to take on Real Salt Lake. I am not a Real Salt Lake fan because they have not been very good since they started and have done nothing to get me excited to go watch them play. I have always liked the LA Galaxy because of Cobi Jones. He was my favorite US player growing up and I love the way he played! It was amazing watching this game and it reaffirmed my belief that Beckham will have a positive impact in the MLS.

In the first couple minutes Real came out strong and scored 2 goals to take an early lead. I thought Real was going to dominate the Galaxy and pick up an easy victory – then David Beckham took control of the game. He hit a shot from his outside position that was one of the greatest goals I have ever seen in person. I only say one of the greatest goals because a couple minutes later he scored off one of his famous free kicks. His free kick goal was probably the greatest goal I have seen in person with his outside shot coming in a close second. I have seen him bend a lot of free kicks on TV, but there is something about witnessing it in person. It is incredible what he makes the ball do and I feel bad for any goalie that has to try and stop it. Both of his goals caused the Real Salt Lake fans to cheer due to the fact they had witnessed some remarkable goals. The game ended in a 2-2 tie, and it was great to finally witness Beckham play in person. He may be losing a step and he is not as fast as he once was, but he makes up for it with his intelligence.

It was agreat experience and I am glad we went as it was Beckham’s best game since he has been in the MLS. It was his first game in the MLS that he scored 2 goals. If you have the opportunity to go watch David Beckham play this year I would recommend it. He is a great player and it would be very beneficial for younger players to watch him and study how he moves with and without the ball.

I know for my wife the best part was at the end when he took off his shirt and gave it to a lady sitting on the front row. The stadium was pretty loud when he scored the goals, but it didn’t compare to when he took off his shirt. All of the ladies at the game started screaming and cheering for him. It was pretty funny to watch the ladies stick around after the game taking pictures of him.

Here is a video of Beckham’s first goal:

Here is the video of his second goal: