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afootballreport:

Without letting idealism and false pretenses or perceptions of a golden age overwhelm my faculties responsible for reasoning, MLS is now too stable and too promising to ignore. While most of the European leagues end their respective seasons in about two months, this weekend brings us the First Kick for MLS’ 17th season. While doubters were aplenty in 1995, the league continues to make its product, on and off the pitch, more and more appealing. Though the future may look exquisite, the present is providing an ever-emanating platform for MLS and (North) American soccer’s self-actualization. From the Timbers Army creating an unrivaled atmosphere in Portland to L’Impact supplying a vibrant new cultural experience in Montreal, I hope it’s always like this. If you’ve been hesitant to give the league a chance, just watch a match this weekend. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

But without further ado, here are my essential, all-informing reads for the weekend:

• Beckham’s passed out on the roof of the Bellagio? Oh wait, The Shin Guardian’s unparalleled and heavily pop culture-influenced MLS preview just has Zach Galifianikis backseat driving.
• The 10 Players to watch*, by Jason Davis *with a distinct lack of pop culture references (boooo)
• The New York Times tackles Don Garber. Not with two feet, but rather in the form of five key questions.
• 40k+ fans attending a game on a weekday? The Guardian focuses on how the INCONCEIVABLE(!!!) has come into being
• Making use of the offseason is how good sides become great (if you don’t have the money to go out and buy any player you’d like) *cough* LA & NY *cough* - here’s The Yanks Are Coming on who succeeded in business without really trying.
• Grant Wahl’s interview with all nine managers in MLS’ (powerhouse of a) Western Conference captures the perceptions of the league’s ongoing changes and challenges. 
• It’s nice to see the league moving forward one step at a time, and Brian Straus writes for Sporting News that there’s simply too much at stake in Year 17 to ignore.

Read More

Philippine Azkals vs. Qantas Australia U-23 Olyroos on Feb. 16, Thur LIVE at 11:30 p.m. (kick-off at 12 midnight)on studio 23 !!

we believe!!

afootballreport:

Stylish and Educational! 3nil’s Onside/Offside Shirt.

Imagine a perfectly timed run from the far side. Ozil slips Benzema in, which is followed by a cool finish to the far post. But there’s something wrong; the assistant referee has raised his flag and the goal doesn’t stand. Mourinho, furious on the touchline, takes off his “Arsene Wenger-lite” jacket to reveal a shirt that says it all. That is onside. This is offside. He shows the ref, then puts his coat back on and walks back into the dugout.

Now we’re now endorsing that sort of conduct, just throwing it out there. Why? Because our friends at 3nil have a brilliant new design.

In their words: “The fine margins of the beautiful game go hand in hand with the fine margins of quality design.”

3nil: Twitter / Facebook/ Site

afootballreport:

FC Barcelona vs. Brazil in 1999 - The Full Match

The beginning of the week is never enjoyable, but let’s lessen the dosage of suffering with a glorious find on Youtube. 1999 was FC Barcelona’s centenary year and the whole season was quite the celebration of everything FC Barcelona. The highlight of the season (apart from winning the league title) was a friendly match on the 28th of April against the boys from Brazil who finished 2nd in the 1998 World Cup.

Ronaldo (the original) and Romario were making their return to the Camp Nou, but all eyes were on FC Barcelona maestro Rivaldo. Before the game, Rivaldo said he was happy to wear the Blaugrana jersey, but country won over club and Rivaldo played for his homeland. Legends were aplenty, as Figo (before the Real Madrid transfer) put on a show. Pep Guardiola started the match, but was subbed off at half time. Who subbed him off? Well, a certain young Catalan midfielder named Xavi. The match ended 2-2, and it was a real spectacle for all involved. (Full line-ups listed in the description of the video)