Nikesoccer Vapor

Don't Tread on Dempsey

Gronamo — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:39:12 GMT

The Vapor has never been just a soccer boot. It's an attitude. A statement.

And tonight, Clint Dempsey, is making his statement loud and clear: Don't Tread on Me.

In preparation for the U.S. national team's crucial qualifier against Mexico on Wed., Feb. 11th, Deuce has designed his very own Mercs.

El Tri will be warned when they see Clint's boots, which highlight his name and the Don't Tread on Me snake.

So tonight get behind the U.S. team as they open up the final round of qualifying. And remember to chant so they can hear you in Mexico: Don't Tread on the Red!

Landon Lights Up

Gronamo — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:06:01 GMT

There's not another Vapor player around that's hotter than the one and only Landon Donovan. All you have to do is look at the stats: 4 goals in 5 games. Looks like Landy is getting his stint in Germany off on the right foot. In his most recent match, Donovan scored twice after entering as a sub in the 60th minute.

On loan from Los Angeles, Landon is now the leading scorer for his German club during the midseason friendlies. With his current form, the kid from California looks destined to make a permanent move to the Bundesliga. A big congrats to one of the most lethal merchants of the Merc!

The Power of Pink

Gronamo — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:00:25 GMT

French phenom Franck Ribery recently scored a goal in his sixth consecutive game, but this one was a little different than the others. This goal came courtesy of his bright pink Mercs.

They’re known as the Vapor Rosa, and the Italian-made boots took to the pitch with resounding success as the best of the best laced them up across Europe.

If you want to get the lowdown on the super-light, supersonic Rosa then go to Nikesoccer.com. And, while you’re there, check out Franck doing his best Pink Panther imitation. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

124 km/hr is Ibra

Gronamo — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:58:58 GMT

That’s how fast the ball traveled between Ibra’s right foot and the back of the Palermo net. That’s 77 mph. Roughly 0.5 seconds; 25 meters out. Never has a goalkeeper been less at fault. What can you do in 0.5 seconds? Blink?

Zlatan’s performance on Saturday was nothing short of spectacular. Not only did he score two of the most physically impressive goals we've seen this season, but he also kept Inter at the top of Italy on a day when his team desperately needed the help. Unusual how one man wearing the Nazzuri’s black and blue can inflict so much pain on others, but when you’re that big, that audacious, and that talented, nobody’s gonna stop you.

In Form Franck

Gronamo — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:29:48 GMT

Now’s the time in Champs League when points really start to add up; teams are scrounging and scrapping to try and make it into the knockout round.

So who shined brightest this week? Top honors have to go to Franck Ribery, the French winger who’s penetrating defenses, finishing opportunities, drawing penalties and just plain doing it all for his team. Ribery says he’s only 85% healthy after suffering a major injury at this summer’s Euros. So if this is what 85% looks like, we can’t wait to see him at full-strength.

Ribery’s form has fired his side to the top of Group F. So what are you doing to find your top form?

The Golden Boot

Gronamo — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:11:52 GMT

Landon’s Vapors just got a new hint of gold. If you’ve haven’t heard, he locked up the MLS Golden Boot award with a career high 20th goal on Sunday.

And if you haven’t been following the goals this season, check the highlights. Landon has been finessing, blasting and blazing past defenders and keepers on his way to the Boot.

The MLS is gonna want him to stay, but keeping his talent under wraps will be like shutting down the fireworks show on July 4th. It just ain’t right. Let that man ball – because he will, wherever, whenever

Ibra Cadabra

Gronamo — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:28:02 GMT

Please say you’ve seen Zlatan’s goal from the weekend? If you haven’t, check it out on Youtube.

In one brilliant flash, Ibra showed the footballing world what he’s all about – spontaneity and audacity. What sets him apart from the competition is the creativity to think up the impossible and the skill to make it happen.

On a near-post run with the defender draped on him like a bad suit, Zlatan busted a ridiculous shoulder-high, no-look, heel flick to beat the keeper and power his side to victory.

If that doesn’t inspire you to grab some goals, nothing will.

Donovan Destroys

Gronamo — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:07:26 GMT

Landon Donovan is demolishing defenses across the U.S. this season. Most recently he notched a hat-trick and an assist against D.C. Landon’s famous British teammate was quoted as saying, “When he plays like that no one can stop him…no one can get near him, because he’s too quick.”

Donovan currently sits atop the league in goals scored with 19. His closest rival trails by 5. So with all the hype surrounding Landon what will his next step be? Well, according to some reports, he may be heading back across the pond to try his hand in Europe once again.

With the confidence, maturity and speed that Landon is playing with at the moment it’s time the world sees just what type of player he is.

Theo-mania

Gronamo — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:30:28 GMT

In case you haven’t heard, Theo Walcott is officially on fire. The 19-year-old striker has become the talk of the town after his remarkable exploits for club and country.

One week after completely dismantling Croatia with a devastating hat-trick, Theo backed it up by turning provider for Arsenal in their Champs League tie. In the 88th minute of play against Dynamo Kiev, Walcott sent in a perfectly placed cross for an on-rushing teammate to slot home. A goal which salvaged a point for the Gunners.

Walcott’s reaction to all the hype?

"I've just got away from it by concentrating on my football and I've tried to be myself. I don't want to get ahead of myself. I just love playing for Arsenal and my country. Playing for Arsenal at 19 is a dream come true and starting in the Champions League has been brilliant."

With an attitude like that there's no telling what the future holds for Theo Walcott.

Robinho Rules the City

Gronamo — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:25:02 GMT

In the dying seconds of a truly gonzo last day of transfer window dealings, Man City shattered the Premiere League record when they shelled out 32.4 million pounds for Robinho. So look out Prem defences, because Robinho’s got more than the name, he’s got the game too.

This show-stopping 24-year-old grew up as a futsal prodigy and graduated from a youth program to take a coveted place in the Brazilian international squad. With an armory of jaw-dropping creative tricks, Vapor lovers worldwide had better just sit back and enjoy the fireworks.

Lloyd Laser

Gronamo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:20:19 GMT

With one strike of her customized Mercurials, Carli Lloyd lifted the WNT into the history books. Shrugging off exhaustion, oppressive heat and the Brazilian defense, Lloyd fired a laser from beyond the penalty box into the far corner of the net. The goal dashed the hopes of the Brazilians and reaffirmed the legacy of women's soccer in America. Not to mention, it put Carli Lloyd's name up their in the pantheon of great U.S. players.

The boots that she designed with NIKEiD were a testament to her personal trainer's philosophy. James Galainis had always stressed to Lloyd the importance of the five pillars - technical training, tactical awareness, physical power, mental toughness and character development. In one moment of brilliance, Carli showed all five. And in doing so, she showed the world who's number 1.

Congrats Carli!

League’s Leading Scorer

Gronamo — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:59:09 GMT

Landon Donovan continues to light up the score sheets this season at L.A., as the U.S. star enjoys one of his greatest campaigns ever.

With 15 games played, Landon has scored a league-leading 12 goals and notched an impressive 7 assists.

How has Donovan been able to do it? By always being on the offensive. By burying half-chances. And, by training relentlessly, day in and day out.

So take a cue from this lethal striker and start training today to take your game to the next level.

Carli’s NIKEiD Mercs

Gronamo — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:56:23 GMT

Carli was recently tapped by NIKEiD to become one of their ambassadors. So, starting in Beijing, look for Carli to be sporting her three personally designed Mercs.

Here’s Carli to tell you about the inspiration behind each pair.

“The first pair is red, white and blue, and I’ll be wearing them in the first three rounds. They represent our country and I used the word ‘courage’ on them to remind myself that I have made the commitment to play 100%. To help remind me to stay the course regardless of the obstacles I may face.

“Hopefully, if we make it to the quarters and semis, I’ll wear my orange boots. For these I chose the word ‘belief,’ because we are only as good as we believe we are. My belief in what I do and how well I do it determines the level of confidence I have. My boyfriend helped design these, so his initials are on them.

“If we’re fortunate enough to make it to the finals, I’ll use my red and white Mercurials, because I want to save the best boot for last. This pair is dedicated to my trainer, J.G. (James Galainis), because if it weren't for him I wouldn't be playing on the U.S. team. He has guided me and pushed me to limits I have never imagined. His motto is the five pillars, which are technical training, tactical awareness, physical power, mental toughness and character development. These enable me to be the complete soccer player.”

Ronaldo Talks Goals

gabejazzy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:54:38 GMT

With speculation swarming him like a dogged defender, CR7’s next step is one of this summer’s hottest topics. So to counter all the sensational headlines, we thought we’d talk to the man himself to get his thoughts on the only topic that matters – scoring goals. And, here’s what the reigning EPL Golden Boot winner had to say:

1. What’s the greatest goal you’ve ever scored?
It’s difficult to choose, but I think it was the one against Rome. I also like my free kick goals.

2. What’s your best goal celebration?
I like to head towards the fans and to the place where my family is sitting.

3. Do you have a favorite type of goal?
To be honest I just like to score, it doesn’t matter the type!

4. When is the last time you embarrassed a defender with your skills?
I did it in the last game!

5. Is there a type of defender that you look forward to going against?
None in particular. What matters is to bypass them and score!

6. Is there anything you would like to say to the people who doubted you could get to where you are now?
The people that are important to me always believed in me.

Vapor EC08

gabejazzy — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:21:05 GMT

22 days, 31 matches, and 77 goals later, EC08 is in the history books! EC08 came to a close last night, as pre-tournament favorites Germany were unable to win their 4th European Championship after being outplayed by a strong Spanish side who won their first major tournament in 44 years! Throughout the tournament’s many highlights, it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Andrei Arshavin who stole the show in their Brown Mercurial Vapors- both scoring 2 goals a piece. Ibrahimovic led Sweden’s charge to nearly immerge out of Group D. His stunner against Greece was one of the goals of the tournament, and his quick strike against eventual-winner Spain was memorable, as well.

Andrei Arshavin arrived late into EC08 action, but quickly made up for lost time. In his debut against Ibrahimovic’s Sweden for the right to advance to the quarterfinals, Arshavin was all class. Then Arshavin led Russia as they shocked the world and beat the Dutch to make it to the semis. Overall, 7 Vapor athletes scored 9 goals in the tournament…a great showing.