Soccer in NJ

Its been the best and will always be the best! People can argue that states like California and Texas have better programs and all that garbage but you can't tell me that NJ soccer players aren't the most committed, passionate, and talented players available to in our youth systems. We have like a whole country in our own little state. We have the North Jerseyians (Red Bull, Ironbound) who play a more technical style of play because of the ethnic diversity in that area. The mix of latin, italian, and portuguese styles influence the style of play that teams from there play. I remember dreading heading up to play a game in Newark because you always knew that you weren't going to get any calls from the ref and many of the teams were very dirty gritty teams. Then we have the Central Jersey teams (PDA, NJ Rangers, Bridgewater) and they play an intense attractive possession style of soccer which pleases parents and crowds. I played for PDA for two years and I would here comments about how people loved watching our team play because of the attractiveness of our style of play. Next we have the Western New Jersey Teams (LSTF, Princeton) who play a hard nose style of play and love to compete. I always would love beating a team from there because of how the took losses. Let's just say they weren't the happiest of teams. Following that we have South Jersey (Pittsgrove, South Jersey Barons, and Vorhees) these teams and style of play are known for kick and run, individual brillance and skill, and very very tough. However, the one exception would be the Pittsgrove 89 team which I played against they played a very nice style of play and were very competitive. Lastly, we have the Jersey Shore Boys (matchfit, njsa, toms river, jackson) these teams play with style and swagger. The have flair, know how to play the game, competitive, passionate, and so forth. These teams were the complete teams because they had a little bit of everything, they know how to adapt to certain teams and different situations. We have a bold self confidence about us that may be un seen anywhere else. With that said, NJ soccer has everything  and every style you can think of. Some of the U.S brightest stars have come from jersey: Tab Ramos, Cladio Reyna, John Harkes, Tim Howard, Alexi Lalis, Michael Bradley, Alejandro Bedoya, and etc. NJ brings together the diverse groups of people that makes this state the greatest soccer state in the country. You may agree or disagree with my biased opinion but I know that I'm proud to have played NJ soccer growing up

Funny Video

Thought this was pretty great guys! I will be back on thursday to talk about soccer in NJ. Enjoy kiddies
Just shoot the damn thing people haha

Better then Rooneys! No Way Jose

Soccer America's title to this was "Better the Rooney's". Are you serious Soccer America. Rooney clearly placed his 100 times better, it was in a bigger game, it put them up 2-1, and it was eventual game winner. If anyone ever says they see a better goal (bicycle kick) then Rooney's send it to me I bet you it can't compare.

World Cup Selections 2018/2022

This weeks topics include: World Cup choices and soccer in NJ. Let's talk about the World Cup Selections that happened a few months ago. The 2018, irrevelant to most Americans was a very debated World Cup and the frontrunners were England and Russia. The Russians eventually won, so does this mean there back to be a world power? haha just playing folks but seriously the last time England hosted was in 1966 where they actually won the whole damn thing. Only two reasons come to mind that Russia beat England in this vote. The first, and most important, Russia is very sneaky and has plenty of assasians that would certainly be more then willing to threaten death to the committee (both of these are hypothetical). Second, FIFA hates England, let's face it there a bunch of stubborn englishmen and they last time they did something big was on their home soil. Why in the world would FIFA want to give them that advantage again? Now we move onto the the World Cup 2022 where the USA was absolutely snubbed by the UAE....ARE YOU SERIOUS FIFA. First off, I guarantee that at least one person on every team will end up in the hospital on a death bed due to heat exhaustion. Second, who the hell is gonna wanna go to the desert in the middle of the summer to go watch soccer games. Its great that they can guarantee a/c stadiums but when I'm not watching the game I'll still be sweating my balls off. Not even worth it. I honestly hope that it has the lowest ticket sales for the World Cup EVER. The other reason is that there were so many bribes, threats, and etc that went torwards the committee. Who doesn't love BILL CLINTON...jesus christ FIFA is filled with a bunch of pansies. I guess its safe to say that FIFA and any World Sports Organization doesn't like us because we got snubbed of not only the World Cup but also the Olympics in Chicago. Anyway, I am truly disappointed in FIFA and there decision/s and it looks like I will be going to Russia in 2018. Russia can't be too bad haha

We'll see how this goes!

Decided to come home for the weekend and get some work in and make some moolah. Parents are in the keys and brothers down in so flo so I got the house to myself. Anyways, just wanted keep everyone up to date with whats been going on lately. I really love writing about soccer. Its my biggest passion and its so easy to tak about. When the idea came up write a blog for my class I knew exactly what I wanted to do and want I wanted to accomplish out of this. My coach at Stockton recently named me captain for next season and to me thats a huge commitment and responsiblity especially since the other captain is away in England studying abroad. Its a big responsability because at Division III you don't have the same off season rules as Division I. At northeastern we practiced every night with the coaches being there twice a week in Jan and increasing by one every month. In Division III offseason means offseason and you have to motivate yourself to get to the gym, to play, and run. Since I am captain I have to try and motivate the whole team. I found out this week that we are going to have a great core of guys next year. They all want to play and always icthing to play which is so positive to see. We recenty had a hiccup with our Costa Rica trip. We may not be able to go because of fundraising money and if everyone is going to able to afford it. Me personally, I would pay whatever the price is because an international trip is the greatest experience a American soccer player can get at any level. For our team it would have so many advantages: bring us closer, get us fitter, getting aquainted with each other on the field. I went to England and Scotland as a junior in high school and the experience was unreal. Anyways, if you want to hear me talk about something thats going on in the soccer world, comment on my blog statuses and bring up an issue or thoughts so I can respond! I would really love your feedback and your insights!
Thanks,

Wayne Rooney!

Ladies and Gents, I give you the greatest goal of all time.

Goal Line Technology

Got two posts this week folks! the first I will be talking about Goal line technology and how I am totally against. I come from an old fashioned Scottish soccer family who has always been talented in this sport. My Grandfather played semi pro my uncle played pro and my dad played at a high level. My brother has all the talent in the world and I think will turn pro one day (i'll be his pr guy). Having said that, I have always been taught that soccer is a game of successes and unfortunates. Anyone can win on any given day and it doesn't matter who! It is why the FA Cup and other cups are a great wait to give the little fish a chance at the pig pond. Anyway as for the Goal Line technology thing it would take everything the game is and this would be a beginning step of taking away other things this great game gives us. Our generation doesn't realize the constant honesty that this great game provides us. There is going to be mistakes, my players, teams, and referees and the fact that a clear goal is disallowed is part of the game. If we take that away from soccer our world will start to tarnish the world's sport. Some people think that it will improve the game and make it better but I firmly believe that using goal line technology will take away from the games honesty and unexpectedness. We play this game to play the game we love, sometimes stuff doesn't go our way and sometimes it does. There's days where we feel like the best players in the world, and other days where it just isn't working for you. Keeping the game honest and giving the referees the last call will keep the game sain. Which leads us to another reason, we are taking the power away from the referees in a sense. How would a referee feel if he had to reverse his call. THERE IS NOT REVERSE CALLS IN SOCCER. It would take so much power away from the refs, who have the worst job already, and give it to the players, the managers, and fans.

This Years MLS Superdraft and MLS Draft

Hey all,
I would like to take a brief moment to talk about this years MLS draft. This is the year before my age group gets drafted and to me its actually been a pretty depressing time hahahah. Reason being that I played with and against a lot of these kids and I felt like I was good enough to play with them and yet they will be getting drafted and I probably won't. Having said that my goals in life have changed over the past three years after I found out what it takes to get to that next level and too be honest I don't think I would have been happy. However, hats off to my three friends Bryan Merideth (Seattle), Jon Okafor (Chivas USA), and Santiago Bedoya (Whitecaps). It was a pleasure to play with these three guys especial Bryan and Okafor. I was able to play with PDA Socrates alongside these two excellent players. I always thought that Merideth was one of the best goalkeepers in our age group and if he was put into the right environment and pushed sky's the limit. He has great technique, athletic as hell, great shot stopping abilities, good in the air, and he can play the ball with his left and right foot. My first tryout with PDA I thought he was a field player hahaha he could play on the field at the Division 1 college level if he wanted to. Jon Okafor, I feel that he is the most raw talent out there but I feel like his attitude and consitency have always let him down. I haven't seen Jon play since we are 18 but I heard good things about him from the combine and it seems like he is starting to really figure out the professionalism needed in the MLS. He was one of my good soccer friends that I really enjoyed being around and playing with. He made everything interesting and demanded the best from you. Lastly, I got a chance to play with Santi while I was attending Northeastern. Honestly, Within my two years there he was the most improved player at the school. His maturity increased dramitcally, his speed, consistency, touch, decisions, and confidence kept getting better and better every day we trained. I think and hope that we gets signed and has a chance at a professional career. He is a great person, fun to hang out with and I hope all the best for all three of these guys. The HOMEGROWN PLAYER! one thing the MLS is actually doing right is alllowing their teams to sign homegrown players. Red Bull has the best youth system in my opinion nationwide and they are going to produce the best talent to bring into their senior squad. Two major examples, Juan Agudelo (US national team and Red Bull academy product) has excelled and will continue to grow and develop. Also Matt Kasell from Bridgewater, NJ has decided to forgo his senior year and sign with the senior squad. And recently, Sacir Hot, another NJ product signed too. So I feel that MLS and Redbull are starting to get things right in the sense of youth soccer in America. Peace

EPL Results this weekend

This weekend proved to be a huge and crucial weekend for the big 4 (liverpool, manu, arsenal, chelsea). In the first match of the weekend Arseal ended up tying Newcastle 4-4. What a thriller huh? I watched the highlights and Arsenal seemed to have the game in the bag. The second half started and their were two penalties given to Newcastle in the second half that gave them life. Joey Barton put them in the back of the net and another two goals by newcastle but the game in a balance that finished in a 4-4 draw. The toon came back from a 4 goal deficit which to me is almost near impossible. The last goal especially was a thumping volley from 25 yards out that set the tone of what type of comeback this was. A thrilling comeback indeed. The next matchup saw Manu lose away to Blackpool 2-1. This 2-1 defeat concludes Unites shot at the undefeated season and chance to be the only other team to remain undefeated during the EPL season besides the Arsenal invicibles. This match proved to be a tough away game but I have faith that United will rebound and as I predicted they will lift the trophy in May. Lastly, was the ever so crucial match between Liverpool and Chelsea. This match was very important to both teams and it was hard to tell who needed the win more. I believe Chelsea because they could have capitalized on the mistakes United and Arsenal made on Saturday and could have catipulted themselves back into the title race. However, liverpool pulled out a emphatic 1-0 victory to give Kenny Dalgish's side their first win in the post Torres era. Just days ago he was wearing Liverpool red and it was weird to see him over in that Chelsea blue. Stay tuned for tuesday when I talk about this years MLS superdraft where some of my buddies were selected.

The Transfer has offically closed!

What a week. Especially over England where a lot of moves and transfer happened in the dying moments of the window. One of the most questionable calls was the Fernando Torres transfer! haha I mean the fact that Liverpool, granted he requested a trasnfer, gave up torres and brought in the untested Suarez from Ajax makes them the losers of the transfer season. The winners! obvouisly chelsea with their addition of Torres maybe they can now back on track and get back in this title race. There were three other teams that have positive luck during the transfer window. The first is Aston Villa, who signed Darren Bent and prolific scorer who is a seasoned veteran of the premier league and the got Michael Bradley on loan from his club in Germany. They also recieve Robert Pires, who will be a great sub off the bench as he is on his last legs after a successful career around Europe. Birmingham City, got David Bentley who is trying to resurrect his career and Obefmi Martins a Thomsen favorite and he should add a little speed to the attack. West Ham also had a solid Janruary aquiring seasoned defender Wayne Bridge and Robbie Keane (shoulda came to America). The last group who had a great trasnfer season would have to be all the American boys. First and foremost the two that I am very excited about is Bradley's move to Aston Villa as we'll get to see how he copes in the best league in Europe. Next, Jermaine Jones was able to move to Blackburn which is a great move considering the help that the rovers need. There are three other important moves that Americans made, Gooch's move to Twente will be very positive because he will again be playing regualry. I personally believe his move to AC Milan was retarted and stupid but thats just me. Jozy got loaned out again and although he is young it is quite dishaertening to not see him get a transfer to a smaller club that he would help tremendously. I feel like he would do quite well at Fulham, or a club in Holland. Lastly, Freddy Adu is still only 21 yet seems like his professional career is going nowhere with a loan to a division 2 turkish club. I am hoping that he revamps his form after the man hurdles and pressure he has had throughout his career. Lastly, I just want to touch on the MLS. Three key figures that I am excited to see for the upcoming season. Center back, Jay demerit has made the move back home which I couldn't be more pleased with. Charlie Davies is back home too, I hope the best for him the U.S soccer community is rooting for you! Laslty, an Arsenal lad has signed with the Portland Timbers, and his name is Kerrea Gilbert! Watch out for him ladies and Gents his raw, and talented and in the right place to succeed those fans out there in the Northwest are the most passionate and dedicated fans across the states