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By Bryan Berg  January 18, 2010, at 7:30 pm  After getting the draw of a lifetime in the 2010 World Cup, the United States finds itself in serious trouble.
First, Charlie Davies breaks both of his legs during a one-car crash in October. He is immediately ruled out of the World Cup, though there’s a slim chance he could be ready. Just days later, Oguchi Onyewu suffers a knee injury during World Cup qualifying. The four-month recovery timetable puts him back in the US squad in time for the World Cup, but it’s still a concern. If that’s not bad enough, Clint Dempsey injures his knee today while playing for Fulham in England. The extent of his injury is still unknown, but it’s hardly encouraging. Three impact players for the US, all with serious question marks for South Africa.
The US men’s national team made huge strides in 2009. Most people assumed the US was a big fish in a small pond, that it could only beat the likes of Honduras and Guatemala. However, the run to the Confederations Cup final silenced those critics, and the US was finally getting respect on the world stage. Big-time moves like Onyewu’s transfer to AC Milan followed. Now, the US is once again the underdog, at least on some level.
Make no mistake, the US can still get through the group stage. But what kind of shape will they be in? The answer to that question lies in Europe.
The past five years have seen many US stars leave MLS for Europe. This sounds like a great thing, both for the players’ bankroll and the development of the national team. The thing is, Europe hasn’t been all that kind to American players. Dempsey and Tim Howard have earned regular play on their teams, and Landon Donovan has shown he can excel in the Premier League while on loan with Everton. These players, unfortunately, are the exception. Onyewu wasn’t playing for Milan before he got hurt. How can he possibly get his game to his usual high level in advance of the World Cup? Jozy Altidore has appeared in the majority of Hull City’s games this year, but has started only eight games and has no league goals for his efforts.
And then, there is the ultimate cautionary tale for Americans abroad, Freddy Adu. Yes, he was overhyped in MLS, but he has had horrible luck finding playing time. Once considered a mortal lock for the 2010 World Cup squad, Adu has had no luck finding a European team and is now playing off Bob Bradley’s radar in Greece. Sadly, Adu’s fate has become the norm when it comes to American players. Is there a bias against American players? It’s a strong possibility; Altidore found no playing time on two different European squads last year despite being part of a $10 million transfer. Regardless of the reason, players have realized that Europe is not the paradise it seems to be.
Rumors state that Stuart Holden is the subject of a bidding war waged by Premier League and Championship teams. You’d think Holden could pick his spot and excel on the most needy team, but that might not work out. Perhaps it’s in Holden’s best interest – and the best interest of the US national team – to stay in MLS for at least the first half of the year. With so many injuries to critical players, the US needs to have as many cylinders firing as possible. They can’t risk having Holden toiling on a European bench instead of getting in the best shape possible for South Africa.”
After getting the draw of a lifetime in the 2010 World Cup, the United States finds itself in serious trouble.
First, Charlie Davies breaks both of his legs during a one-car crash in October. He is immediately ruled out of the World Cup, though there’s a slim chance he could be ready. Just days later, Oguchi Onyewu suffers a knee injury during World Cup qualifying. The four-month recovery timetable puts him back in the US squad in time for the World Cup, but it’s still a concern. If that’s not bad enough, Clint Dempsey injures his knee today while playing for Fulham in England. The extent of his injury is still unknown, but it’s hardly encouraging. Three impact players for the US, all with serious question marks for South Africa.
The US men’s national team made huge strides in 2009. Most people assumed the US was a big fish in a small pond, that it could only beat the likes of Honduras and Guatemala. However, the run to the Confederations Cup final silenced those critics, and the US was finally getting respect on the world stage. Big-time moves like Onyewu’s transfer to AC Milan followed. Now, the US is once again the underdog, at least on some level.
Make no mistake, the US can still get through the group stage. But what kind of shape will they be in? The answer to that question lies in Europe.
The past five years have seen many US stars leave MLS for Europe. This sounds like a great thing, both for the players’ bankroll and the development of the national team. The thing is, Europe hasn’t been all that kind to American players. Dempsey and Tim Howard have earned regular play on their teams, and Landon Donovan has shown he can excel in the Premier League while on loan with Everton. These players, unfortunately, are the exception. Onyewu wasn’t playing for Milan before he got hurt. How can he possibly get his game to his usual high level in advance of the World Cup? Jozy Altidore has appeared in the majority of Hull City’s games this year, but has started only eight games and has no league goals for his efforts.
And then, there is the ultimate cautionary tale for Americans abroad, Freddy Adu. Yes, he was overhyped in MLS, but he has had horrible luck finding playing time. Once considered a mortal lock for the 2010 World Cup squad, Adu has had no luck finding a European team and is now playing off Bob Bradley’s radar in Greece. Sadly, Adu’s fate has become the norm when it comes to American players. Is there a bias against American players? It’s a strong possibility; Altidore found no playing time on two different European squads last year despite being part of a $10 million transfer. Regardless of the reason, players have realized that Europe is not the paradise it seems to be.
Rumors state that Stuart Holden is the subject of a bidding war waged by Premier League and Championship teams. You’d think Holden could pick his spot and excel on the most needy team, but that might not work out. Perhaps it’s in Holden’s best interest – and the best interest of the US national team – to stay in MLS for at least the first half of the year. With so many injuries to critical players, the US needs to have as many cylinders firing as possible. They can’t risk having Holden toiling on a European bench instead of getting in the best shape possible for South Africa.
By Jordan Lauterbach July 4, 2009, at 2:43 pm While today might be a day for glorious celebration in the great nation, I have two short observations that aren’t quite long enough for a full column, but need to be said…
1. I hope Andy Roddick loses in tomorrow’s Wimbledon final- I’m not a tennis guy. When I tell people that, they are always shocked. “But you like golf! Don’t golf and tennis invariably go together?!?” My reply- no. I find golf fascinating to watch. Watching Tennis is dull as dirt. Despite this, I have noticed something in the last two weeks. Andy Roddick is the most unlikable athlete in the sport. Watching his press conferences, I am amazed at how anyone could like this guy. He looks like he wants to kill everyone in the room…and this is after wins! The guy is the definition of a sad sack. I don’t care that he’s American. I hope Federrer whoops him tomorrow. That being said, I could think of about 1000 things I’d rather do then watch the match.
2. The Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest is the worst “sporting event” on television- Of course, I use the term “sporting event” loosely. I don’t know what else to call it…. I don’t care what anyone says. Joey Chesnut is not an American hero. He’s a guy with no useful skill set who has chosen to beat the bejesus out of his digestive system for a living. Eating contests, in general, disgust me. I don’t understand what kind of valor can be gained by downing an unreal amount of hot dogs in a short period of time.
What is sadder then people who compete in eating contests? People who watch and are impressed by these guys. ” Look at him eat, what a guy!”…It has nothing to do with the food of choice, either. Hot dogs are a personal favorite of mine. But seeing people jam hot dogs down their gullets make me question my love for them.
The competitors are not exactly graceful looking either. By the end of the event, the combo of 35 luke warm dogs in a ten minute period and the water they use to wash down begin to seep out of the mouth like a dog with rabies. Then come the inevitable regurgitation. Surprise! The human body is not equipped to handle ten pounds of beef and pork in under a half hour. My favorite part of this is that their are actually provisions in the rules to deal with “refunding” The dogs that come up don’t count. So not only do you have to down ‘em, you have to keep ‘em down. Since when is fooling the digestive tract an accomplishment? Not surprisingly, that digestive tract almost always wins. Call me unamerican, but I don’t see the appeal of spiting up on yourself on ESPN. Hey, any publicity is good publicity, I guess.
I really feel bad for the competitors families. I’m sorry. I’m trying to be sensitive. But don’t tell me that’s not embarrassing. I can imagine a few conversations go like this.
Friend: Jill!, good to see you here in Brooklyn…Hey, wheres your husband?
Jill: Uh, see the guy keeled over at the table?
Friend: Oh.
Jill: Yep, that’s him….Hey, do you have any pepto? and is your brother still single?
I knew a girl is high school who was a vegan. She would always tell me why. I never understood.
Today I do.
Happy Fourth!
By Jordan Lauterbach July 1, 2009, at 12:20 am From Newsday:
The Isles could use a little more firepower on the wings, which might make them consider moving Tavares. Referring to general manager , Gordon said: “That will be something that Garth and I talk about with players and coaches as far as what potential lines could be. It’s a possibility [wing], but that’s something we’ll find out along the way, as opposed to writing in stone right now.”
Asked if he’s convinced Tavares can play wing, Gordon said: “I don’t know if that’s something he’s comfortable with. I’ve never had that discussion with him. I just said hello to him at the draft. That’s something we’ll talk over as a staff, specifically what we’ll do with the personnel and how they will complement each other.”
This screams bad idea. I thought that the idea was to build around the potential savior of the franchise, not make him fit into a system. A system that, by virtue of the fact that you had the first pick in the draft, didn’t work out too well. If the Islanders have too many center man, why not try and convert someone else. I guarantee that whoever is chosen would be a better choice then John Tavares. Why mess with unbelievable junior hockey success?
I guess the traditional dumb Islander logic didn’t end with the right selection on Friday night.
Because it is probably inevitable, is it possible that Scott Gorden is trying to see how fast he can be fired?
My guess? Game 55.
By Jordan Lauterbach June 29, 2009, at 3:00 am Its been a fun year to watch Kenny Perry play golf. Seven top ten finishes, a victory at the FBR Open, and nearly his first major championship at Augusta in April. But perhaps his most impressive showing came yesterday when he finished up a brilliant week of golf with a win at the Travelers Championship.
Coming into the day one shot back of Paul Goydos, Perry put together a confident seven under, 63 to win by three. The win shot Perry into first place on the FedEx cup leader board and a piece of Travelers Championship history. His winning week number, 258, was the lowest any player has ever shot in the history of the tournament.
Despite the fact that the Sunday sun did not rise with Perry leading, by the time CBS’s TV coverage began at 3pm it wasn’t difficult to see that Perry would be hard to beat. As it turned out, besting the 48 year old proved a nearly impossible task. He sank almost every putt he attempted, long and short, and birdied seven holes. Perry’s round was a perfect example of how to win a tournament like this. Putt well, make par, and let the field crumble around you.
No one really crumbled today. In fact, this is a rare week where I will not give out a choke of the week. A few players played good enough to win. But Perry was unreal. David Toms crept up the leader board and tied for second. He, like Perry, failed to bogey a hole. But he parred to many holes to make that final leap towards first, especially with Perry playing as well as he was. Tom birdied four of the final nine holes, but only one before the turn…not quite enough.
Paul Goydos had to play perfect to hold of Perry. He shot himself in the foot with a bogey on 8 and 10. An eagle of 15 moved him from ninth place into a tie for second, but catching Perry was pie in the sky by that point.
A lot of times in golf, the story is about who lost it, rather than who won. And why not? Generally, it’s easier to criticize then to praise. Theirs only so Manny “atta-boy’s” you can throw out, but seeming an unlimited amount of hypothetical scenarios for the losers. But the story today is no doubt Keny Perry’s day. Was it a Brian Gay-eske crushing? No. But was it a relative certainty that Perry was going to win for most of the day? Yes. He didn’t need a lot of help. He didn’t need anyone to wilt under pressure to win this tournament. Often times, you won’t get a big time collapse in a tournament like The Travelers in Hartford Connecticut. After all, it’s not the Masters.
But it might as well been for Kenny Perry.
Next stop on Tour: AT&T National- The defending champ in this one is Anthony Kim. He returns to defend his crown. Kim’s best finish this year came at the Mercedes-Benz championship when he tied for second. Other big names include U.S Open champion Lucas Glover, Davis Love III, Fred Couples, Jum Furyk, Roco Mediate, Paul Goydos… and the biggest draw in all the land, Tiger Wood.
It’s a Tiger week! Should be fun as we get set for the British 2 weeks from now.
By Jordan Lauterbach June 26, 2009, at 2:35 am Today is the most important day in New York Islanders history.
Why? Because its the day where the Islanders could take a major step toward becoming relevant in the NHL. It’s also the day they could fall on their face and essentially starting packing their bags for Kansas City.
With all the hoopla of the NBA draft this week (and the general fact that only a precious few care about hockey and even less about the Islanders), the NHL Draft has been lost in the shuffle. Oh yeah, its tonight if you didn’t catch on.
Here’s the situation: Their are two players in the draft that are both predicted to be future all-stars. John Tavares and Victor Hedman. Tavares is a center man who is being touted as the next Sidney Crosby. He’s a dynamic scorer with all the skills to be the next great player in this league. He has, in addition to Crosby, drawn comparisons to Wayne Gretzky. In fact, Tavares broke Gretzky’s OHL record for goals in a season . This guy not only has the chance to be great. He has the chance to be….. wait for it…. legendary. (Kudos to anyone who got that reference)
Although Headman is arguably just as good as Tavares, I am not of the belief that you build a hockey team around a defensemen. You win with scoring and goaltending. Defensemen are great, but if you have a chance to get a “league changing” scorer like Tavares, you don’ pass that up.
Tavares is the type of player who can build around for 15 years. The Isles thought that they had that with Rick Dipietro (ironically also a number 1 pick), but now are seeing that building a team against an oft-injured, super inconsistant goaltender might not be the best idea in the world. Charles Wang and company can not afford to let the disaster that has been and might continue to be the Rick Dipietro contract affect their decision tonight. Money being the issue is no excuse. Although it may be hard to swing, they have to come up with a way to pay Tavares, At this point, I think one could make an argument that finding a way to pay Tavares is more important then anything having to do with Rick Dipietro. This issue is bigger then money. It’s about a team that has one more chance to save itself from, well, itself. That chance is tonight.
That chance is John Tavares.
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