With the excitement of the upcoming season, the Riverside City College football team will be starting off as one of the best community college football programs in the nation.
According to JCGridiron.com's preseason poll, the website ranks the RCC Tigers No. 12 in the nation.
The website said the Tigers will have 18 starters returning from last season's 10-1 team, but since this season's schedule is weak; the chances for the Tigers to compete for a state title can be slim.
By viewing the Tigers' 2011 schedule, the Tigers' only tough opponent is Mt. San Antonio, who is the two-time defending state champion, whereas the other opponents are not recognizable as teams with a chance to compete for state level titles.
Although Los Angeles Harbor City College, who RCC defeated in the Central Conference Bowl title game, is ranked No. 27 in the nation.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Riverside City College football 2011 schedule
The schedule is released for the Riverside City College football team's 2011 season.
Following a near perfect season in 2010, the RCC Tigers look to defend their Central Conference Bowl title.
Led by first year coach, Tom Craft, the Tigers made an outstanding turn around as they ended the season 10-1 after ending the 2009 season 1-9.
Losing its only game to Mt. San Antonio, the team was able to win the East Central Conference but the loss was enough to keep the Tigers out of any contention to play for a state title.
The RCC Tigers open up the season Sept. 10 at San Bernardino Valley College at 6 p.m. followed by another road game on Sept. 17 at Victor Valley College in Victorville at 1 p.m.
The team heads back home for its home opener against the team they lost to last season, Mt. San Antonio, on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.
The schedule plays out as followed:
Oct. 1 vs. Chaffey College at 6 p.m.
Oct. 8 at Citrus College at 1 p.m.
Oct. 15 at Orange Coast at 6 p.m.
Oct. 22 vs. Golden West at 6 p.m.
Oct. 29 vs. Santa Ana at 6 p.m.
Nov. 5 at Desert of the College at 6 p.m.
Nov. 12 vs. Southwestern College at 6 p.m.
All of the RCC Tigers home games are played at Wheelock Stadium at RCC.
Following a near perfect season in 2010, the RCC Tigers look to defend their Central Conference Bowl title.
Led by first year coach, Tom Craft, the Tigers made an outstanding turn around as they ended the season 10-1 after ending the 2009 season 1-9.
Losing its only game to Mt. San Antonio, the team was able to win the East Central Conference but the loss was enough to keep the Tigers out of any contention to play for a state title.
The RCC Tigers open up the season Sept. 10 at San Bernardino Valley College at 6 p.m. followed by another road game on Sept. 17 at Victor Valley College in Victorville at 1 p.m.
The team heads back home for its home opener against the team they lost to last season, Mt. San Antonio, on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.
The schedule plays out as followed:
Oct. 1 vs. Chaffey College at 6 p.m.
Oct. 8 at Citrus College at 1 p.m.
Oct. 15 at Orange Coast at 6 p.m.
Oct. 22 vs. Golden West at 6 p.m.
Oct. 29 vs. Santa Ana at 6 p.m.
Nov. 5 at Desert of the College at 6 p.m.
Nov. 12 vs. Southwestern College at 6 p.m.
All of the RCC Tigers home games are played at Wheelock Stadium at RCC.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The ultimate underdog story, Japan takes home the gold
How's this for a great humanity story? After the devastating earthquake that took so many lives and destroyed so many homes, Japan still put together a women's soccer team to compete in the world cup and they stunned the US silent with a game saving comeback, and extra time comeback, and a 3-1 penalty kick victory.
Talk about a nerve-racking game.
It's been a long road for them, battling Germany and Sweden to get to the final against the ambiguous United States. Unlike the other teams in the World Cup, Japan had something more to fight for than just their nation. Many of the players lost friends and family in the devastation. That kind of grief wears on a player to the point that the game became a means of honoring those lost loved ones.
Their heart took them all the way to final, which was impressive enough. After all, they had nothing to lose whereas the US had a reputation to maintain.
After barely qualifying for the world cup in the first place and after their mediocre performances against France, Brazil and even back in the group stages, it was really something to finally see the US play up to their full potential.
U.S. coach Pia Sundhage gathered her team and came up with a brilliant game plan: suffocate the middle, exploit their height advantage, keep the game in front of you. It worked like a charm.
The Japanese have impressed the world with their beautiful possession game and Sundhage knew that she had to find a way to shut down Japan's lethal midfield if her team was to win the game.
And they did just that.
The Americans pressed the goal hard, playing tight in the middle, changing their lineup to include an extra midfielder to compensate for Japan's. It was the best performance I've seen the U.S. put on the entire World Cup.
They played together as a team, they disciplined themselves to keep to their positions and to the game plan of suffocating the middle, and they really proved to the world that they are worthy of their No. 1 ranking. It was the first time I've seen them play seamless possession soccer.
They just couldn't score. They squandered a boatload of chances that sailed over the crossbar, whacked the post and were frantically cleared by the rattled Japanese defense, chances they would later regret.
Japan, who have been decidedly impressive all tournament long, did not look like themselves at all. They seemed terrified all game and never really recovered. The US would not let them settle into their rhythm.
In the second half, the youngster Alex Morgan came off the bench, wormed her way behind the defense, received a perfect ball from Meagan Rapinoe, and scored a beautiful solo goal.
Japan finally stepped up their game and Aya Miyama (my favorite player for Japan) capitalized on the first bout of sloppy defending for the U.S. Rachel Buehler made a miserable effort to clear the ball in the front of the net, the ball fell to Ali Kreiger who didn't seem to know what to do with the ball so close to the goal mouth and laid it right into the path of Miyama. We're tied at 1-1.
The game went into extra time, where I thought for sure the U.S. had the advantage of endurance. Sure enough, Abby Wamback, who had been pounding at the goal all game long, did what she does best and headed the ball in (I'm really not sure she can score any other way).
But once again Japan came back, this time Homare Sawa, Japan's leader and play maker, tied it up again.
We're off to penalties. And again, I thought for sure penalties favored the U.S. They hardly ever miss and keeper Hope Solo owns her goal in a way that would make former keeper Brianna Scurry envious.
So let the nail biting begin. Shannon Box was up first. The crowd held its breath as she drilled the ball into Ayumi Kaihori's leg. First penalty missed.
Next up Aya Miyama. Solo was left flat-footed as Miyama sent the ball the other direction to put Japan up 1-0.
Then Carly Lloyd stepped up. Missed horribly. It took her a second to realize that she'd sent the ball whizzing over the crossbar (as she'd been doing all game long), covering her mouth with a hand, as stunned as the crowd.
Solo kept her team in the game by saving the next shot, giving Tobin Heath a chance to tie it up but Kaihori had other plans. She dove the right way and collected the ball firmly with both hands.
That three missed shots for the US, something simply unheard of in their long, impressive history.
Solo came up with another save and FINALLY! Wamback reminded her team how to take a penalty shot and burried hers home, giving the US a slim chance to catch up, but a chance nonetheless.
So it came down to Saki Kumagai to make history for Japan. And she did.
3-1 was the final score on penalties. And what a celebration. After going through such hardship at home, it was a great humanity story to see them honor their nation with a world cup win, to see Sawa win the golden boot with five goals in the tournament, and to see their heart and hard work rewarded.
The U.S. outplayed them, held firmly to a brilliant game plan, and played like the US team of old that won the 1999 world cup.
But I have to say, Japan winning the whole thing is a great underdog story that means so much more to them and to the world than if the U.S. had taken home the gold.
Talk about a nerve-racking game.
It's been a long road for them, battling Germany and Sweden to get to the final against the ambiguous United States. Unlike the other teams in the World Cup, Japan had something more to fight for than just their nation. Many of the players lost friends and family in the devastation. That kind of grief wears on a player to the point that the game became a means of honoring those lost loved ones.
Their heart took them all the way to final, which was impressive enough. After all, they had nothing to lose whereas the US had a reputation to maintain.
After barely qualifying for the world cup in the first place and after their mediocre performances against France, Brazil and even back in the group stages, it was really something to finally see the US play up to their full potential.
U.S. coach Pia Sundhage gathered her team and came up with a brilliant game plan: suffocate the middle, exploit their height advantage, keep the game in front of you. It worked like a charm.
The Japanese have impressed the world with their beautiful possession game and Sundhage knew that she had to find a way to shut down Japan's lethal midfield if her team was to win the game.
And they did just that.
The Americans pressed the goal hard, playing tight in the middle, changing their lineup to include an extra midfielder to compensate for Japan's. It was the best performance I've seen the U.S. put on the entire World Cup.
They played together as a team, they disciplined themselves to keep to their positions and to the game plan of suffocating the middle, and they really proved to the world that they are worthy of their No. 1 ranking. It was the first time I've seen them play seamless possession soccer.
They just couldn't score. They squandered a boatload of chances that sailed over the crossbar, whacked the post and were frantically cleared by the rattled Japanese defense, chances they would later regret.
Japan, who have been decidedly impressive all tournament long, did not look like themselves at all. They seemed terrified all game and never really recovered. The US would not let them settle into their rhythm.
In the second half, the youngster Alex Morgan came off the bench, wormed her way behind the defense, received a perfect ball from Meagan Rapinoe, and scored a beautiful solo goal.
Japan finally stepped up their game and Aya Miyama (my favorite player for Japan) capitalized on the first bout of sloppy defending for the U.S. Rachel Buehler made a miserable effort to clear the ball in the front of the net, the ball fell to Ali Kreiger who didn't seem to know what to do with the ball so close to the goal mouth and laid it right into the path of Miyama. We're tied at 1-1.
The game went into extra time, where I thought for sure the U.S. had the advantage of endurance. Sure enough, Abby Wamback, who had been pounding at the goal all game long, did what she does best and headed the ball in (I'm really not sure she can score any other way).
But once again Japan came back, this time Homare Sawa, Japan's leader and play maker, tied it up again.
We're off to penalties. And again, I thought for sure penalties favored the U.S. They hardly ever miss and keeper Hope Solo owns her goal in a way that would make former keeper Brianna Scurry envious.
So let the nail biting begin. Shannon Box was up first. The crowd held its breath as she drilled the ball into Ayumi Kaihori's leg. First penalty missed.
Next up Aya Miyama. Solo was left flat-footed as Miyama sent the ball the other direction to put Japan up 1-0.
Then Carly Lloyd stepped up. Missed horribly. It took her a second to realize that she'd sent the ball whizzing over the crossbar (as she'd been doing all game long), covering her mouth with a hand, as stunned as the crowd.
Solo kept her team in the game by saving the next shot, giving Tobin Heath a chance to tie it up but Kaihori had other plans. She dove the right way and collected the ball firmly with both hands.
That three missed shots for the US, something simply unheard of in their long, impressive history.
Solo came up with another save and FINALLY! Wamback reminded her team how to take a penalty shot and burried hers home, giving the US a slim chance to catch up, but a chance nonetheless.
So it came down to Saki Kumagai to make history for Japan. And she did.
3-1 was the final score on penalties. And what a celebration. After going through such hardship at home, it was a great humanity story to see them honor their nation with a world cup win, to see Sawa win the golden boot with five goals in the tournament, and to see their heart and hard work rewarded.
The U.S. outplayed them, held firmly to a brilliant game plan, and played like the US team of old that won the 1999 world cup.
But I have to say, Japan winning the whole thing is a great underdog story that means so much more to them and to the world than if the U.S. had taken home the gold.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
United States and Japan looks to make history
The long road to glory is one match away for the United States' women's national soccer team.
Following emotional, hard fought wins over difficult teams like Brazil and France, the United States has strengthen its identity of being the most dominate women's soccer team in the world and being able to back up its No. 1 rank in the world.
Following the 2-1 loss to Sweden in the final match of group play, the United States battled a giant opponent in Brazil where the U.S. needed a late miracle from Abby Wambach in extra time to send the match to a penalty kick shootout; where the U.S. won the match 5-3 in penalties.
With little to celebrate, the U.S. had to bounce back and face a up and coming young France team full of young stars.
The France team did not mess around as it controlled the match for the majority of the time. While the match stood at 1-1 with less than 15 minutes to go, Wambach came through for the U.S. to send the team to the finals.
The U.S. will be facing Japan, who had a rough road getting to the finals, because they were not favored against Germany. Japan was not getting no media attention from its own country and many did not see them getting this far.
But Japan managed to use anything it could built momentum on and it has sent them passed Germany, who were many people's pick to face U.S. in the finals, and Sweden who were slight favorites over Japan.
The Japanese women have shown lots of pride and emotion in its matches throughout the tournament and facing them in the finals, where they do not have anything to lose, only makes the match much harder for the United States to win.
Despite the United States overcoming the Brazil team, which the best player in the world, the team has a lot on the line, including a 2-0 record the United States has in the Women's World Cup finals.
The last time United States won the Women's World Cup was in 1999 against China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Faith has brought these two teams to the end of the road where one will come up glories while the other one looks beyond in what was not to be for them.
A lot is on the line for both teams as Japan is using the earthquakes that have devastated its country and the United States that has overcame elimination in stressful, heart-pounding moments.
Following emotional, hard fought wins over difficult teams like Brazil and France, the United States has strengthen its identity of being the most dominate women's soccer team in the world and being able to back up its No. 1 rank in the world.
Following the 2-1 loss to Sweden in the final match of group play, the United States battled a giant opponent in Brazil where the U.S. needed a late miracle from Abby Wambach in extra time to send the match to a penalty kick shootout; where the U.S. won the match 5-3 in penalties.
With little to celebrate, the U.S. had to bounce back and face a up and coming young France team full of young stars.
The France team did not mess around as it controlled the match for the majority of the time. While the match stood at 1-1 with less than 15 minutes to go, Wambach came through for the U.S. to send the team to the finals.
The U.S. will be facing Japan, who had a rough road getting to the finals, because they were not favored against Germany. Japan was not getting no media attention from its own country and many did not see them getting this far.
But Japan managed to use anything it could built momentum on and it has sent them passed Germany, who were many people's pick to face U.S. in the finals, and Sweden who were slight favorites over Japan.
The Japanese women have shown lots of pride and emotion in its matches throughout the tournament and facing them in the finals, where they do not have anything to lose, only makes the match much harder for the United States to win.
Despite the United States overcoming the Brazil team, which the best player in the world, the team has a lot on the line, including a 2-0 record the United States has in the Women's World Cup finals.
The last time United States won the Women's World Cup was in 1999 against China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Faith has brought these two teams to the end of the road where one will come up glories while the other one looks beyond in what was not to be for them.
A lot is on the line for both teams as Japan is using the earthquakes that have devastated its country and the United States that has overcame elimination in stressful, heart-pounding moments.
Defense sends USA to World Cup final
After barely managing a win against Brazil, the US women’s soccer team had yet another less than convincing victory against France.
The game ended 3-1 but this was one of those games where the score line does not tell half the story.
Out-possessed, out-shot and out-played, the US really had no business winning the game.
In the end, however, it was the defense that decided the game. The French midfield was superb. Between Necib, Abily and Bompastor, the French controlled the game from start to finish. The first opportunity US had on was in the 10th minute of play . . . and Lauren Cheney poked it home.
It was all France after that. The five-player midfield displayed brilliant prowess, passed circles around Carly Lloyd and Shannon Box (the weakest links of the US team), sent shots whizzing barely over the crossbar, and whacked the post more than a few times, but they didn’t put the ball in the net until the second half. Sonia Bompastor to the rescue!
France’s biggest weakness was their defense. This was where the US held their greatest advantage. With a keeper as unbelievably mobile as Hope Solo, the incessant shots by Abily and France's lone striker Delie were kept at bay.
US sweeper Christy Rampone (the player of the game in my book) kept her defense together and organized them to keep the French players in front of them instead of committing to their dribbling.
And the dribbling was pretty fantastic.
Camille Abily and Louisa Necib gave the US defense fits, dribbling three and four players at once with fancy moves that would’ve impressed the Brazilians.
And I have to take a moment to mention the individual prowess Necib. Louisa Necib . . . remember that name because she is going to be the world’s next best player. Perfect touch, perfect vision, and perfect composure, the US had a difficult time containing her.
But the US defense held strong and if they did not completely contain the French players, they did enough. The French defense did not.
In the last ten minutes of play, Wambach headed the ball home and Alex Morgan scored her first world cup goal. No offense to any of the strikers but to be honest, the goals were all results of defensive errors on France’s part.
The game ended 3-1 but this was one of those games where the score line does not tell half the story.
Out-possessed, out-shot and out-played, the US really had no business winning the game.
In the end, however, it was the defense that decided the game. The French midfield was superb. Between Necib, Abily and Bompastor, the French controlled the game from start to finish. The first opportunity US had on was in the 10th minute of play . . . and Lauren Cheney poked it home.
It was all France after that. The five-player midfield displayed brilliant prowess, passed circles around Carly Lloyd and Shannon Box (the weakest links of the US team), sent shots whizzing barely over the crossbar, and whacked the post more than a few times, but they didn’t put the ball in the net until the second half. Sonia Bompastor to the rescue!
France’s biggest weakness was their defense. This was where the US held their greatest advantage. With a keeper as unbelievably mobile as Hope Solo, the incessant shots by Abily and France's lone striker Delie were kept at bay.
US sweeper Christy Rampone (the player of the game in my book) kept her defense together and organized them to keep the French players in front of them instead of committing to their dribbling.
And the dribbling was pretty fantastic.
Camille Abily and Louisa Necib gave the US defense fits, dribbling three and four players at once with fancy moves that would’ve impressed the Brazilians.
And I have to take a moment to mention the individual prowess Necib. Louisa Necib . . . remember that name because she is going to be the world’s next best player. Perfect touch, perfect vision, and perfect composure, the US had a difficult time containing her.
But the US defense held strong and if they did not completely contain the French players, they did enough. The French defense did not.
In the last ten minutes of play, Wambach headed the ball home and Alex Morgan scored her first world cup goal. No offense to any of the strikers but to be honest, the goals were all results of defensive errors on France’s part.
Nevertheless, the US capitalized on France’s unfortunate weakness and despite being horribly out-played, the US defense insured the team a place in the final for the first time since 1999.
The US will face yet another tactically strong midfield team, Japan, in the final on Sunday. France and Sweden face off in the third/fourth place match on Saturday.
The US will face yet another tactically strong midfield team, Japan, in the final on Sunday. France and Sweden face off in the third/fourth place match on Saturday.
Monday, July 11, 2011
USA narrowly defeats Brazil in quarter final
The weekend's quarter final matches of the women's world cup were . . . unexpected. Who would've thought that Japan would give the two-time reigning champions a run for their money?
Sweden soundly defeated Australia in the only quarter final match that did not go to extra time, and France emerged victorious in a penalty shootout with England. But the match of the weekend was definitely USA and Brazil.
The game was practically decided on controversial calls by the referee. Honestly, as far as play, the game could've gone either way. The USA trumped Brazil in team work and chemistry, but they were no match for the individual flare of the Brazilians.
In the second minute of play, Brazilian defender Daiane scored an unfortunate own goal, putting the Americans up for the entire first half.
The second half was where all the controversy happened. USA defender Rachel Beuhler had no choice but to pull Marta down in the box or the world's best female player would definitely have tied the game. Obvious foul. Obvious penalty. But a straight red card? I'm not sure it was even a yellow.
Christiane lined up to take the penalty, but USA keeper Hope Solo saved it (I still can't believe how good she is at saving penalty kicks). The referee whistled a re-kick.
Now, initially no one knew why. It came out later in the game that there was some encroachment by an American player . . . maybe, possibly, by a mere few inches, Wambach kind of encroached a second before the shot was taken.
In any case, Marta took the second shot. She missed a vital penalty in the last world cup final against Germany . . . but she was not about to miss again. With the game tied at 1-1, the USA down to 10 players and Brazil finally feeling their thunder, it was looking pretty bleak for the USA.
And then it got even worse.
In the first few minutes of extra time, an offside call was not called and Marta scored a tricky goal off of it. Unfortunately it does happen in soccer and you just kind of deal with it . . . And it was one pretty goal.
By the second half of extra time, with Brazil up 2-1, the USA could not wait any longer. They had no choice but to gun at Brazil with everything they had. And they did. In the end, with 10 players, USA outlasted Brazil and Abby Wambach headed the ball home in the extra time of extra time. Literally at the last possible second.
On to penalty kicks.
Poor Daiane, the same person who scored the own goal, missed her penalty and the USA scored all five of theirs.
Sweden soundly defeated Australia in the only quarter final match that did not go to extra time, and France emerged victorious in a penalty shootout with England. But the match of the weekend was definitely USA and Brazil.
The game was practically decided on controversial calls by the referee. Honestly, as far as play, the game could've gone either way. The USA trumped Brazil in team work and chemistry, but they were no match for the individual flare of the Brazilians.
In the second minute of play, Brazilian defender Daiane scored an unfortunate own goal, putting the Americans up for the entire first half.
The second half was where all the controversy happened. USA defender Rachel Beuhler had no choice but to pull Marta down in the box or the world's best female player would definitely have tied the game. Obvious foul. Obvious penalty. But a straight red card? I'm not sure it was even a yellow.
Christiane lined up to take the penalty, but USA keeper Hope Solo saved it (I still can't believe how good she is at saving penalty kicks). The referee whistled a re-kick.
Now, initially no one knew why. It came out later in the game that there was some encroachment by an American player . . . maybe, possibly, by a mere few inches, Wambach kind of encroached a second before the shot was taken.
In any case, Marta took the second shot. She missed a vital penalty in the last world cup final against Germany . . . but she was not about to miss again. With the game tied at 1-1, the USA down to 10 players and Brazil finally feeling their thunder, it was looking pretty bleak for the USA.
And then it got even worse.
In the first few minutes of extra time, an offside call was not called and Marta scored a tricky goal off of it. Unfortunately it does happen in soccer and you just kind of deal with it . . . And it was one pretty goal.
By the second half of extra time, with Brazil up 2-1, the USA could not wait any longer. They had no choice but to gun at Brazil with everything they had. And they did. In the end, with 10 players, USA outlasted Brazil and Abby Wambach headed the ball home in the extra time of extra time. Literally at the last possible second.
On to penalty kicks.
Poor Daiane, the same person who scored the own goal, missed her penalty and the USA scored all five of theirs.
Though the USA beat the mighty Brazilians (and I'm going to miss watch Marta), they're still missing something. I just don't think they have what they need to win this world cup. Sweden out classed them and if they face Sweden again, I think they will lose again for the same reason.
USA will play France in the semifinals on Wednesday and we will see if they stand to an organized midfield, something Brazil lacked but Sweden dominated.
Japan will play Sweden on Wednesday.
USA will play France in the semifinals on Wednesday and we will see if they stand to an organized midfield, something Brazil lacked but Sweden dominated.
Japan will play Sweden on Wednesday.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tomorrow's soccer stars look to make history
The youth of soccer has been demonstrating the future of international soccer in Mexico for the past month and the celebration ends Sunday when one rising squad of youths will be crown U-17 FIFA World Cup champions.
The final two squads are Mexico and Uruguay, who will meet Sunday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the top prize of the tournament.
The Mexican team had its share of doubtfulness well it trailed a strong Germany squad in the semifinals.
Mexico struck first in the beginning minutes with a header by Julio Gomez as the Mexicans celebrated the early success.
The smiles would not last long as Germany responded with a goal of its own seven minutes later. The two teams remained tied ending the first half.
By the 60th minute, Germany took the lead while Mexico began to wonder if its campaign to another U-17 World Cup title will be ending in the hands of the Germans,
Without hesitation Mexico continued to strike on goal and 18 minutes later Mexico got its answer off a corner kick and tied the match.
Soon later Gomez found himself injured and the Mexicans were left to force extra time in a 2-2 draw or score another goal with 10 minutes to go in the match.
The rising hero with a bandage wrapped around his head, Gomez, returned into the game as Mexico had a final chance to win the match with another corner kick.
As the ball with up and toward the goal, it was deflected and without thinking, Gomez scored the winning goal for Mexico to send them off to the finals.
The heroic performance by Gomez has created a avalanche of momentum for Mexico as it looks to win its second U-17 World Cup. The country won its last one in 2005, that was led by Carlos Vela.
The team will not have a easy run to the trophy because they will have Uruguay in the way, the team who shutout Brazil in a 3-0 win.
Uruguay jumped on top of Brazil with a penalty in the first half.
In the second half Uruguay poured two more goals in to send a messaged to everyone that it is not settling for a trip to the finals but to win the trophy too.
The two performances by Mexico and Uruguay in the semifinals sets up a awesome match. The two teams have been outstanding throughout the tournament as both won difficult games against outstanding opponents.
The two teams have came out from the pack and Sunday will be their chance to claim the world's prize and mark history in their young lives.
Without a doubt Mexico will have the home field advantage and will be favorites in the match but Uruguay has other plans too.
It will be a exciting match and Mexico will emerge as the clear winners.
The final two squads are Mexico and Uruguay, who will meet Sunday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the top prize of the tournament.
The Mexican team had its share of doubtfulness well it trailed a strong Germany squad in the semifinals.
Mexico struck first in the beginning minutes with a header by Julio Gomez as the Mexicans celebrated the early success.
The smiles would not last long as Germany responded with a goal of its own seven minutes later. The two teams remained tied ending the first half.
By the 60th minute, Germany took the lead while Mexico began to wonder if its campaign to another U-17 World Cup title will be ending in the hands of the Germans,
Without hesitation Mexico continued to strike on goal and 18 minutes later Mexico got its answer off a corner kick and tied the match.
Soon later Gomez found himself injured and the Mexicans were left to force extra time in a 2-2 draw or score another goal with 10 minutes to go in the match.
The rising hero with a bandage wrapped around his head, Gomez, returned into the game as Mexico had a final chance to win the match with another corner kick.
As the ball with up and toward the goal, it was deflected and without thinking, Gomez scored the winning goal for Mexico to send them off to the finals.
The heroic performance by Gomez has created a avalanche of momentum for Mexico as it looks to win its second U-17 World Cup. The country won its last one in 2005, that was led by Carlos Vela.
The team will not have a easy run to the trophy because they will have Uruguay in the way, the team who shutout Brazil in a 3-0 win.
Uruguay jumped on top of Brazil with a penalty in the first half.
In the second half Uruguay poured two more goals in to send a messaged to everyone that it is not settling for a trip to the finals but to win the trophy too.
The two performances by Mexico and Uruguay in the semifinals sets up a awesome match. The two teams have been outstanding throughout the tournament as both won difficult games against outstanding opponents.
The two teams have came out from the pack and Sunday will be their chance to claim the world's prize and mark history in their young lives.
Without a doubt Mexico will have the home field advantage and will be favorites in the match but Uruguay has other plans too.
It will be a exciting match and Mexico will emerge as the clear winners.
United States to face Brazil in quarter finals
With the round of 16 concluded, there are only eight teams left in the women's world cup. The quarter finals schedule is all set and ready to go for this weekend and some of the match-ups promise to be good games.
Germany, the defending champions, collected all nine points in their group after defeating a very impressive looking French side 4-2. German's star player Birgit Prinz has yet to find her form, which may be a small comfort to Japan, who they will face in the quarter finals.
Japan's impressive 4-0 win over Mexico shouted to the German's that they would not go down without a fight.
Though England made it through top in their group, their one-point victories have been less than convincing. Captain Kelly Smith has been trying to do everything herself but the team will have to tighten up in the middle to defeat the French in the quarters.
The upset of the tournament so far, the United States fell to Sweden 2-1 in a game that two Swedish goals were inaccurately called offside (they weren't even close to being offside, to be honest). Sweden showed more organization in the midfield, more patience in handling the ball, and a more creative offense, looking more like the team that reached the final in 2003.
A penalty from Lisa Dahlkvist put Sweden ahead and a second goal by Swedish captain Nilla Fischer, though it took a nasty deflection on its way, secured Sweden's group C victory and a match against Australia.
USA star striker Abby Wambach (though I personally would go with Lauren Cheney as the more impressive forward) finally ended her dry spell and scored a less then orthodox goal with her shoulder (no it was not a handball). But it wasn't enough for them to avoid a second place standing in the group.
Which wouldn't be a big deal except that their next opponent is Brazil.
Brazil is home to the best female player in the world, Marta. Named best player for the last five consecutive years (and she's only 24), Marta has already proven in this world cup that she means to lead her team to victory.
Erika's fancy goal against Equitorial Guinea (and awesome back flip celebration) opened Brazil's scoring and Christiane, an excellent striker often overshadowed by Marta, solidified the victory with two goals of her own.
The United States defense, who showed a lack of organization in the game verses Sweden, is going to need a game plan to stunt the powerful Brazilian offense.
Brazil's own lackluster defense will have to stand firm as well against Lauren Cheney's outside shots and Abby Wambach's opportunistic presence.
Catch Germany vs. Japan and England vs. France on Saturday July 9. USA vs. Brazil and Sweden vs. Australia are scheduled for Sunday the 10.
Germany, the defending champions, collected all nine points in their group after defeating a very impressive looking French side 4-2. German's star player Birgit Prinz has yet to find her form, which may be a small comfort to Japan, who they will face in the quarter finals.
Japan's impressive 4-0 win over Mexico shouted to the German's that they would not go down without a fight.
Though England made it through top in their group, their one-point victories have been less than convincing. Captain Kelly Smith has been trying to do everything herself but the team will have to tighten up in the middle to defeat the French in the quarters.
The upset of the tournament so far, the United States fell to Sweden 2-1 in a game that two Swedish goals were inaccurately called offside (they weren't even close to being offside, to be honest). Sweden showed more organization in the midfield, more patience in handling the ball, and a more creative offense, looking more like the team that reached the final in 2003.
A penalty from Lisa Dahlkvist put Sweden ahead and a second goal by Swedish captain Nilla Fischer, though it took a nasty deflection on its way, secured Sweden's group C victory and a match against Australia.
USA star striker Abby Wambach (though I personally would go with Lauren Cheney as the more impressive forward) finally ended her dry spell and scored a less then orthodox goal with her shoulder (no it was not a handball). But it wasn't enough for them to avoid a second place standing in the group.
Which wouldn't be a big deal except that their next opponent is Brazil.
Brazil is home to the best female player in the world, Marta. Named best player for the last five consecutive years (and she's only 24), Marta has already proven in this world cup that she means to lead her team to victory.
Erika's fancy goal against Equitorial Guinea (and awesome back flip celebration) opened Brazil's scoring and Christiane, an excellent striker often overshadowed by Marta, solidified the victory with two goals of her own.
The United States defense, who showed a lack of organization in the game verses Sweden, is going to need a game plan to stunt the powerful Brazilian offense.
Brazil's own lackluster defense will have to stand firm as well against Lauren Cheney's outside shots and Abby Wambach's opportunistic presence.
Catch Germany vs. Japan and England vs. France on Saturday July 9. USA vs. Brazil and Sweden vs. Australia are scheduled for Sunday the 10.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Four Away From Three
New York Yankees short stop Derek Jeter went to bed tonight most likely not thinking about his stagnant season, or his dwindling career or even which supermodel he should have taken to the hotel, but about four simple little hits.
Four hits that place him into a category no other Yankee has ever been in. Four hits away from the 3,000 hit club. I won't lie. I was shocked when I found out that no other Yankee has accomplished this feat. especially with how historic that franchise is with players like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, but I'm ecstatic that I'm around to see the first.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a Yankees fan, (Go Dodgers) but as a baseball fan it's always great to see someone accomplish something this grand. For a Hall of Fame player like Jeter, this will be just another notch on his belt to add to the myriad of accomplishments he already has.
Adding to the fact that he's the all-time hits leader for the Yankees, Jeter has 12 all-star appearences (2011 included), five Gold Golve Awards, four Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards, AL ROY, all-star game MVP, World Series MVP and the list goes on and on. Oh did I forget to mention he has five rings.
After all this I ask, why is everyone writing him off? Saying his career is over, that he should leave the game already, and that he's overpaid? Yes Jeter is in the midst of his worst season batting .257 with two home runs and 22 RBIs, but two words compensate for any struggles he has in the regular season. MR. NOVEMBER.
Jeter's ability to come up big in clutch situations seperates him from about 99% of the league and anyone that can get the big hits doesn't deserve the criticism Jeter is facing. If LeBron James was clutch, he'd have a ring by now, maybe he can buy one of Jeters, he does have four to spare. Do you think LeBron would hear all the ridicule he hears now if he could make a shot when he needs to.
Derek Jeter brings that to the organization. Sure, lately he's been going 0-4 or 1-5 in games this season, but he's got other all-star talent around him to get the team some wins. When it comes time for post-season baseball, who's the guy you want at the plate? I wan't the experienced veteran who's done this before.
Let me give you an example, I'm an LA guy and I love the Lakers. One of the Lakers is in the same position as Jeter. Aging, slower, average has declined. If you watch sports, you should know I'm talking about another Derek, Derek Fisher. Fisher is in the same situation as Jeter, and the media continues to bad-mouth them.
What the media doesn't count in are the intangibles that these two players bring to their respective organizations. They are leaders in the locker rooms, they play with class, and the are mentors to the new faces in the league.
Think about what goes through the mind of a rookie in the Yankees clubhouse. They look at Jeter and most likely see someone they grew up idolizing. Who doesn't want to be the best player on the country's most popular team? And then they see all the harsh things being said about them, by the media, the fans and worst of all, by the organization.
Why would someone want to play in a league like that, where you can become everyone's hero then in a heartbeat become yesterdays garbage. That is just like this country to cherish something then throw it to the side as soon as it begins to decline. It happens to our cars, to the elderly and even hall of fame players aren't safe.
Now I know that the Yankee organization is looking out for the interest of the team. Yes the name on the front of the jerseys is more important then the name on the back. Or in this case, the pin stripes are more important than whoever is wearing them. But would the organization have been the same if Jeter had never worn the pin stripes?
Jeter was an integral part of all five championships the Yankees won with him, especially the first four. I can stand here and say that without him they wouldn't have won the first four, that's how important he is to the team. Yes, the franchise would still be legendary without those four championships but they wouldn't really be the Yankees, because the Yankees are one of those fanchises that are supposed to win, not just some of the time, but all of the time.
So what should happen with Jeter then? I personally believe he needs a bit of a spark lit under him. We see it all the time, players get older and decline a bit, but something happens and their careers blossum once again. We're seeing it with Yankees pitcher Bartolo Colon. No one wanted to give him a chance, the Yankees picked him up and he's having a great season for them this year. We saw it last year in the NFL with Donovan McNabb. He got benched in the Fourth quarter, that lit a fuse and he had some of his best moments after that.
I say move him down the order a bit. Let him hit behind Cano, someone who swings for the fences and averages a good amount of XBH's. That way you have someone with a better average batting leadoff and Jeter won't commit so many double plays this year, something he's done a lot.
I'm just saying give the guy a break. For everything he's done for baseball and that organization, he can afford to have a slow year or two. He's Derek Jeter for Christ's sake, he'll figure it out. For now lets just look at what's ahead, 3,000 hits, which he should get in New York this weekend against the Rays.
So as Jeter wakes up this morning, he should get out of bed, eat some breakfast, walk past the morning paper, head to the stadium and just do what he does best, be Derek freaken Jeter.
Four hits that place him into a category no other Yankee has ever been in. Four hits away from the 3,000 hit club. I won't lie. I was shocked when I found out that no other Yankee has accomplished this feat. especially with how historic that franchise is with players like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, but I'm ecstatic that I'm around to see the first.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a Yankees fan, (Go Dodgers) but as a baseball fan it's always great to see someone accomplish something this grand. For a Hall of Fame player like Jeter, this will be just another notch on his belt to add to the myriad of accomplishments he already has.
Adding to the fact that he's the all-time hits leader for the Yankees, Jeter has 12 all-star appearences (2011 included), five Gold Golve Awards, four Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards, AL ROY, all-star game MVP, World Series MVP and the list goes on and on. Oh did I forget to mention he has five rings.
After all this I ask, why is everyone writing him off? Saying his career is over, that he should leave the game already, and that he's overpaid? Yes Jeter is in the midst of his worst season batting .257 with two home runs and 22 RBIs, but two words compensate for any struggles he has in the regular season. MR. NOVEMBER.
Jeter's ability to come up big in clutch situations seperates him from about 99% of the league and anyone that can get the big hits doesn't deserve the criticism Jeter is facing. If LeBron James was clutch, he'd have a ring by now, maybe he can buy one of Jeters, he does have four to spare. Do you think LeBron would hear all the ridicule he hears now if he could make a shot when he needs to.
Derek Jeter brings that to the organization. Sure, lately he's been going 0-4 or 1-5 in games this season, but he's got other all-star talent around him to get the team some wins. When it comes time for post-season baseball, who's the guy you want at the plate? I wan't the experienced veteran who's done this before.
Let me give you an example, I'm an LA guy and I love the Lakers. One of the Lakers is in the same position as Jeter. Aging, slower, average has declined. If you watch sports, you should know I'm talking about another Derek, Derek Fisher. Fisher is in the same situation as Jeter, and the media continues to bad-mouth them.
What the media doesn't count in are the intangibles that these two players bring to their respective organizations. They are leaders in the locker rooms, they play with class, and the are mentors to the new faces in the league.
Think about what goes through the mind of a rookie in the Yankees clubhouse. They look at Jeter and most likely see someone they grew up idolizing. Who doesn't want to be the best player on the country's most popular team? And then they see all the harsh things being said about them, by the media, the fans and worst of all, by the organization.
Why would someone want to play in a league like that, where you can become everyone's hero then in a heartbeat become yesterdays garbage. That is just like this country to cherish something then throw it to the side as soon as it begins to decline. It happens to our cars, to the elderly and even hall of fame players aren't safe.
Now I know that the Yankee organization is looking out for the interest of the team. Yes the name on the front of the jerseys is more important then the name on the back. Or in this case, the pin stripes are more important than whoever is wearing them. But would the organization have been the same if Jeter had never worn the pin stripes?
Jeter was an integral part of all five championships the Yankees won with him, especially the first four. I can stand here and say that without him they wouldn't have won the first four, that's how important he is to the team. Yes, the franchise would still be legendary without those four championships but they wouldn't really be the Yankees, because the Yankees are one of those fanchises that are supposed to win, not just some of the time, but all of the time.
So what should happen with Jeter then? I personally believe he needs a bit of a spark lit under him. We see it all the time, players get older and decline a bit, but something happens and their careers blossum once again. We're seeing it with Yankees pitcher Bartolo Colon. No one wanted to give him a chance, the Yankees picked him up and he's having a great season for them this year. We saw it last year in the NFL with Donovan McNabb. He got benched in the Fourth quarter, that lit a fuse and he had some of his best moments after that.
I say move him down the order a bit. Let him hit behind Cano, someone who swings for the fences and averages a good amount of XBH's. That way you have someone with a better average batting leadoff and Jeter won't commit so many double plays this year, something he's done a lot.
I'm just saying give the guy a break. For everything he's done for baseball and that organization, he can afford to have a slow year or two. He's Derek Jeter for Christ's sake, he'll figure it out. For now lets just look at what's ahead, 3,000 hits, which he should get in New York this weekend against the Rays.
So as Jeter wakes up this morning, he should get out of bed, eat some breakfast, walk past the morning paper, head to the stadium and just do what he does best, be Derek freaken Jeter.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
United States aims for another World Cup
With two impressive wins over North Korea and Colombia, the United States women's national team is peaking at the right moment as it sets itself up for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals.
The two wins have secured the team a spot in the next round but the United States has one more match against Sweden on July 6.
The team was questionable heading into the World Cup because it did not qualify for the world's soccer tournament until the last minute with a victory over Italy.
The United States fell to Mexico in its first chance to qualify.
Abby Wambach, who has dealt with injuries in the past and is the team's best striker, did not score in the United States two World Cup matches and only has one goal in the past year.
The worries dangling over the United States have been cleared away as other players like Heather O'Reilly, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Lauren Cheney and Rachel Buehler has been scoring and winning matches for the team.
Following the team's 2-0 win over North Korea, the United States continued to shut out its opponents with a 3-0 win over Colombia.
The team has been impressive in the two matches as the offense has been a team effort and the defense has been a collective effort by the U.S. defenders and the team's goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Solo is coming off a shoulder injury and many believed she was going to be unable to block and dive for shots but she has made it clear multiple times that she is fully healthy and ready to play.
The United States women's soccer team is nearly on all cylinders and on the right path to reaching the finals, where they hope to win its third World Cup in Germany.
The challenge remains for the United States because Germany is the country who has won the past two World Cups and beating a champion on its home field can have its problems.
The two wins have secured the team a spot in the next round but the United States has one more match against Sweden on July 6.
The team was questionable heading into the World Cup because it did not qualify for the world's soccer tournament until the last minute with a victory over Italy.
The United States fell to Mexico in its first chance to qualify.
Abby Wambach, who has dealt with injuries in the past and is the team's best striker, did not score in the United States two World Cup matches and only has one goal in the past year.
The worries dangling over the United States have been cleared away as other players like Heather O'Reilly, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Lauren Cheney and Rachel Buehler has been scoring and winning matches for the team.
Following the team's 2-0 win over North Korea, the United States continued to shut out its opponents with a 3-0 win over Colombia.
The team has been impressive in the two matches as the offense has been a team effort and the defense has been a collective effort by the U.S. defenders and the team's goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Solo is coming off a shoulder injury and many believed she was going to be unable to block and dive for shots but she has made it clear multiple times that she is fully healthy and ready to play.
The United States women's soccer team is nearly on all cylinders and on the right path to reaching the finals, where they hope to win its third World Cup in Germany.
The challenge remains for the United States because Germany is the country who has won the past two World Cups and beating a champion on its home field can have its problems.
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