World Cup Final Predictions
When Argentina defeated the Netherlands on penalty kicks, ESPN announcer, Jon Champion, stated the World Cup Final would be, "Messi vs the machine". A great title, maybe even a good name for a band, but Argentina has proven this tournament their side is a lot more than Messi and his 10 buddies. Angel di Maria was a key contributor in the group stages, while Higuain and Mascherano have taken turns being the star player in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. Germany has many parts to their machine as well - all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, Klose; a player that could break Klose's records, Thomas Muller; and the best goalkeeper in the tournament, Manuel Neuer. Just to name a few. Soccer Banter spoke to five Division I men's soccer coaches to get their analysis and predictions on Germany v. Argentina. Continue Reading
Quarterfinal Predictions
Three weeks ago the World Cup started with a bang as Brazil had to come from behind to defeat Croatia 3-1, which provided a blueprint for the tournament. Plenty of goals have been scored, European sides have been sent home, and Tim Howard and Miguel Herrera have become global icons. Attacking soccer has replaced the defensive tendencies of past competitions and now only eight countries remain to lift the trophy on July 13. Soccer Banter spoke to six men's soccer college coaches to get their analysis and predictions on the quarterfinal matches. Continue Reading
Extra Time
The 2014 World Cup is on course to become the highest scoring tournament since 1958. The majority of games have been very entertaining with most teams committed to attacking soccer. Even some of the scoreless games have been compelling with Brazil v Mexico one of the games of the tournament. Continue Reading
Off The Ball
1. The World Cup kicked off yesterday and Brazil earned the three points, but if they want to lift the trophy in July, Big Phil needs to stop screaming on the sidelines and, instead, insert Ramires into the starting lineup. Continue Reading
Sermanni Out, Who's Next?
Late on Sunday evening the most talked about women's soccer team in the world made quite a controversial move - removing their head coach. After defeating China 2-0 earlier in the day, Tom Sermanni was told by US Soccer president, Sunil Gulati, that the team was heading in a new direction. The news was met with much speculation including whispers of player's pressuring US Soccer into removing Sermanni. We might never know the true story of why US Soccer decided to remove a coach that was so-liked by his peers, but the next question is who will US Soccer appoint next? Soccer Banter posed this question to David Copeland-Smith and Terry Foley. Between the two of them, they came up with five different names. Copeland-Smith is the man behind Beast Mode Soccer, a technical training program for all players, from AYSO to international superstars like Alex Morgan and Landon Donovan. Foley is the President and Technical Director for FC Virginia and was previously the General Manager for the Philadelphia Independence. Continue Reading
2014 MLS Preview
After one of the busiest off-seasons in the history of the league, the 19th season of Major League Soccer kicks off this weekend. Two clubs that have been at the bottom of MLS in the past, both received major facelifts this winter. Toronto FC added Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe, while MLS bought Chivas USA from Jorge Vergara with the idea that a new owner will rebrand the club following the 2014 season. A host of clubs hired new head coaches with Jeff Cassar having the biggest shoes to fill after New York City FC stole away Jason Kreis. With plenty of other story lines occurring as the season kicks off, Soccer Banter spoke with a few experienced Major League supporters to get their opinions on the upcoming season. The guest panel for the 2014 MLS preview includes - Jamie Clark (University of Washington Head Men's Soccer Coach), Marc Connolly (Chief Researcher & Editorial Consultant for ESPN's MLS & U. S. National Team soccer broadcasts), Eric Da Costa (Quinnipiac Univeristy Head Men's Soccer Coach), and Sam Lopes (University of New Hampshire Head Women's Soccer Coach). Continue Reading
2013 Soccer Banter in Review
Just a few more games left in Europe this weekend and then it will be a wrap on soccer in 2013. And what a year it's been. In March, Klinsmann was left for dead by his own players, but in December (and after a summer of winning) he signs a new 4-year contract. Sporting KC is crowned MLS Champion while becoming the model franchise for the league. NWSL survives year one and in a dash, added a new club for 2014. Tom Sermanni, possibly the nicest national coach in all of soccer, picked up where Pia left off, but is adding new players into the mix. The World Cup draw has been announced and it doesn't look kind for the red, white, and blue. Sir Alex retired, Mourinho returned, Messi & Ronaldo scored goals, and Bayern Munich landed Pep and are best in the world. There were plenty of other intriguing stories in 2013 and along the way, Soccer Banter tried to share a few of them. Below are the top seven viewed articles of 2013.
To Sir, With Love - Eoin O'Callaghan Why I Love the Premier League - Gary Curneen Q&A with Andres Deza - Brendan Faherty Soccer Night in Newtown - Eric Da Costa The Football Sartorialist - Allan Lewis #SoccerParentProblems - Michael Shaw Criticism for LeRoux Celebration Actually Sexist, Eh - Therese Smith MLS Cup Preview
When I was asked to write an article with a prediction for the winner of MLS CUP 2013, and to back it up with a few key reasons to support my audacious claim…I figured why not? I start out with a 50% shot at being right so I can't ask for better odds of looking smart than that! In 2006, prior to winning my third MLS Cup with the Houston Dynamo, I was on ESPN radio three days before the game and guaranteed a victory over the New England Revolution in Pizza Hut Park. Thanks to a great goal from Brian Ching and about three unbelievable saves by Pat Onstad, my prediction came true. The truth of the matter is I just chose us because it was the only option and the smart thing to do…I was standing up for the club and maybe trying to endear myself to the fans a bit more….and oh yeah…again I like those 50% odds! Continue Reading
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World Cup Semifinal Predictions
Europe v. South America. Soccer Banter spoke to five division I men's soccer coaches for their analysis and predictions of the World Cup semifinal matches. Continue Reading
They Think It's All Over...
Phew, so that’s over.
In fairness, I’m not convinced that the USA/Belgium game ever needed to end. It’s been my favourite match of the tournament so far, and if its final 15 minutes were still playing out in some far flung favela I’d risk the Soccerbanter riches to attend. Continue Reading 1st Round Impressions
I count this year’s World Cup in Brasil as my seventh. I was alive for 1982 and 1986, but those cups didn’t register because I was only just getting used to not peeing my pants regularly. The 2014 version is by far the most engrossing, entertaining World Cup I’ve experienced. I know I’m not alone in this view. To celebrate a thus far fascinating show, I submit a few impressions from the tournament’s first round. Continue Reading
World Cup Moments
Close your eyes. Think about the words...THE WORLD CUP.
What moments appear? I see those moments that are played over and over but really only needed to be seen that one time. They will forever be remembered because of what they meant...When they happened...and who created them. Continue Reading LFC: The Final Week
You’d have thought with a season like we just had that the I Hate Liverpool column would have rolled like thunder. Alas, a range of circumstances, namely children, work and other extracurricular pursuits forced the column into the back seat of a slow-moving vehicle. My apologies.
Regardless, our editor asked for a special blow-by-blow account of the last week of the Premiership season, which I deliver below. It is, at best, a distorted recollection of inner monologue from the Crystal Palace match onward. No prizes to be won here; read on, if necessary. Continue Reading The End of the Old Firm
Let’s get this out of the way. Rangers Football Club went into administration, was liquidated, and ceased operation in 2012. That means one of the two clubs, which made up the Old Firm of Celtic and Rangers no longer exists. Therefore, the Old Firm no longer exists. Continue Reading
2014 NWSL Preview
The NWSL season opens its second season this weekend with many new story lines to accompany the league. Portland Thorns, the champions in 2013, have a new coach in Paul Riley. The League has expanded to nine teams with the addition of the Houston Dash, which is led by the well-respected Randy Waldrum. This season sees an influx of foreign talent including Kim Little, Nadine Angerer, and Veronica Boquete. Besides new international players, more Americans have returned, led by Yael Averbuch, Christen Press, Whitney Engen, and Meghan Klingenberg. Continue Reading
Q & A with Keelin Winters
The second season of NWSL kicks off this weekend with many picking the revamped Seattle Reign to reverse their fortune from a year ago - from last to first. Soccer Banter spoke to one of the few holdovers from the Reign, holding midfielder Keelin Winters, about the squad, her own company (Pro Skills Soccer), the Pilots, and more. Follow Winters on twitter @KeelinWinters
Soccer Banter: A lot has changed with the Reign this offseason – new players, new stadium – How different is the atmosphere around the team this preseason compared to last year? Continue Reading Five for Friday with Gary Curneen
To kick off the New Year, we spoke with University of Cincinnati Assistant Women's Soccer Coach, Gary Curneen, about his new book, The Modern Soccer Coach 2014. Curneen shares with us the reason behind writing the book, the changes he sees in the modern game, and his own coaching influences. Follow Curneen on twitter @GaryCurneen
Soccer Banter: Why did you decide to write Modern Soccer Coach 2014? Continue Reading Arsenal FC: My Club, My Passion
In the summer of 1996 my roommate, Matt Micros, and I were asked by a group of parents to take the members of my summer district team and create a premier team. I was only two years out of college and had no idea what that entailed. Neither of us did. The first question was….were we really equipped to coach 14 year old girls for an entire year? I had recently completed my first season coaching high school girls as a favor to my former AD and, while I enjoyed the experience, I wasn’t certain that coaching girls year round was the road I wanted to travel. After some thought and some nudging from a couple of persuasive parents, we agreed to take the plunge and, with that, our journey into the premier world had begun. Little did we know that eighteen years later this would become our passion. Continue Reading
If You Know Your History
In a sinister way, many Manchester United fans appear to be enjoying David Moyes' fraught beginning as manager of their club. His failure to capture a creative midfielder during the summer and appearing to have to settle for his former beau Maroune Fellaini, has seen many supporters spit venom from their soapbox towards the new coach after just four games, that's four. FOUR! Continue Reading
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Quote of the DayJuly 12, 2014
"We must keep calm and be aware of the situation. We want more history. We don't want to just settle for this result before the final." - Per Mertesacker
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