Soccer Saturday Night

Myself and Mr. Yoder II just got back from Columbus Crew Stadium where the Crew welcomed back captain Frankie Hejduk with a 1-0 victory over the hapless New York Red Bulls. While the game wasn't a classic by any means, the atmosphere at Crew Stadium always makes for a good time. For all the folks out there that look there noses down at soccer, go check out a game for yourself, just once. From the singing and the horns in the stands, to the action on the pitch, there are not a lot of better experiences for your money in the sporting world.

So while we are in the mood, let's try some Soccer Saturday Night Quick Hits on the beautiful game:

-The race for playoff positioning in MLS should heat up in the Summer months. For those that may not know, the top 3 teams from each conference make the playoff, and then 2 Wild Card spots go to the teams with the next best records. The West looks pretty set with Houston, Chivas USA, Seattle, and Colorado holding the top 4 slots. The East, however, is set for a dynamite race with 6 clubs all in good position. It should be a very exciting Summer and Fall for MLS with Becks coming back and the playoff races in full swing.

-Why not throw some random predictions out there for the heck of it:

East- 1. Chicago 2. Columbus 3. Toronto

West - 1. Chivas USA 2. Seattle 3. Houston

Wild Cards - 1. Colorado 2. DC United

-International soccer is only rivaled by the NFL as far as year long sports are concerned worldwide. The top Euro leagues play from mid-August till May but the transfer speculation makes the Hot Stove League look like a wet blanket. Already this Summer, we've seen Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo move to Real Madrid for record deals and speculation is running rampant over the next stars that will switch sides. The endless rumors and potential moves around the globe make the soccer off-season incredibly intriguing.

-Real Madrid, as the Yankees of soccer, are trying to spend their way to the top of the world buying Kaka and Ronaldo for over $200 Million. Much like the Bronx Bombers, this strategy won't work for Real. While they may be the most exciting, and interesting team in the world, they won't win titles unless they add some quality defenders and some bite in the midfield. In the first galactico era it was unheralded defensive midfielder Claude Makelele who was the "glue guy" that brought success, not offensive stars such as Zidane, Ronaldo, or Beckham. Pay close attention to Real Madrid, and to nouveau riche Manchester City in England to see if they try to build winning teams, or waste their money on guys who will sell jerseys.

-How nice to see the US Soccer team get so much support going into the Confederations Cup Final against Brazil. Increased coverage in the national media has put US Soccer at the forefront with not much else occupying the sports landscape. The sporting nation has gotten behind this team after the heroic win against Spain, and they'll need a good performance tomorrow to keep the fans' interest at a peak as they enter the 2009 Gold Cup and finish out World Cup Qualifying. Speaking of the CC final, how about a preview as I bring in Mr. Yoder II...

Confederations Cup Final Preview

Mr. Yoder II - Well Mr. Yoder I, this game on Sunday will be a microcosm (big word for a sports blog, I know) of the arguments I was making to you earlier this week in our soccer debate. While one or two good wins raises the profile of the USNT for a week or so, they won't be heard from for another year after Brazil dominates them in the FIFA Confederations Cup Final. The U.S. did play well against Spain mid-week, but there's no way they have the talent or organization to defeat two top 5 teams in one week. While everyone is hoping for another miracle, the fairy tale has to end here. Brazil 3 United States 0, and the USNT and soccer in the mainstream sports media will once again fade into the background, a distant memory until next year's World Cup.

Mr. Yoder I - Come on bro, ya gotta have faith! US Soccer is on an upswing and this is a completely different side than the one that got hammered by Brazil in the group stages. The US must follow the blueprint from the Spain victory: hustle, work hard, and attack from the start. If the US comes out aggressive and takes it to Brazil from the opening whistle as against Spain they can win this game. This Brazil team is beatable as long as our boys don't timidly play against merely the jersey. The keys will be defending with vigor and intensity and taking the scoring chances when they come, which they will against Brazil who love to go forward. The US is on an all-time confidence high after being given new life and they will complete the miracle double and defeat Brazil. USA 3 Brazil 2 on a late Landon Donovan goal in extra time which will cement soccer in the national landscape...therefore I win!