We'll take a break from the moneyball debate to bring you thoughts on the world of soccer. Mr. Yoder 2 and I were at Columbus Crew Stadium to watch a fantastic game between the Columbus Crew and Toronto FC. The Crew got two goals in the 76th and 92nd minute from Stephen Lenhart and Jason Garey to pull out a dramatic 3-2 victory. It was an enthralling contest from start to finish as the Crew now own the MLS' longest ever home unbeaten run of 19 games and move into first place in the Eastern Conference. Here now some random thoughts from the beautiful game. (Free of David Beckham, I promise)
-Disappointing that most Toronto FC fans boycotted the game in Columbus after an incident involving fans from the first meeting in March (above). Only about 100 were present tonight compared to over 2,000 at this year's season opener. One TFC fan was tased outside of the stadium and others were arrested after fights broke out in the parking lot. As a Crew fan, I may be a tad biased in this regard, but if TFC fans proclaim to be the best and most passionate supporters in the league, then man up and come to Columbus. It's not like police acted unjustly to Toronto fans involved in fights and damaging Crew Stadium property. To boycott a game over a minor incident seems petty and childish. Too bad their beloved Reds could have probably used the support in the heartbreaking loss tonight.
-On the world stage, Manchester City made two more marquee signings by swooping Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal and Carlos Tevez (right) from Manchester United. These are great moves by City on two fronts. First, it gives them a pair of top drawer strikers with loads of Premier League experience who should complement each other well. Secondly, they weaken their rivals at the top of the league by signing two players with a chip on their shoulder wanting to get back at their old clubs. They would do well to sign a defenseman though.
-A blockbuster in the making as it looks like Inter Milan will swap Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o plus extras. Imagine Carmelo Anthony being traded for Dwayne Wade. Hard to say who gets the better end of this deal as both are world class players. However, one has to wonder why Barca manager Pep Guardiola would want to tinker with an offense that was so dominant last season in winning the Spanish treble (La Liga, Copa Del Ray, Champions League). Eto'o gives Inter a proven CL striker, but will the pretentious Big Z be able to mesh effectively with Henry and Messi in Spain and finally break through in the CL?
-English giants Liverpool and Chelsea must hold on to Xabi Alonso and John Terry respectively if they are want to seriously compete in England and Europe next season. The money from Real Madrid and Man City are tempting for the Reds and Blues respectively, but Alonso and Terry are both critical to their teams' success. Alonso is a maestro in the center of the park for Liverpool and his presence allows Gerrard his desired freer role closer to Fernando Torres and Terry is the heart and soul of Chelsea's defense. Letting them leave means kissing any sort of meaningful hardware goodbye this season.
-Finally, the Gold Cup Final tomorrow pits bitter rivals Mexico and the US together from Giants Stadium. While both sides are throwing out younger players and second teamers, don't underestimate the importance of this game. With soccer gaining steam in the States, Bob Bradley's men would do well to win the North American title and continue their impressive summer. Also, the winner gains bragging rights and plenty of confidence heading into the crucial WC Qualifying showdown at the Azteca on August 12. I'll pick the US to win tomorrow 2-0 on goals from MLSers Stuart Holden (left) and Robbie Rogers.
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