Nikesoccer

From Silver to Gold

Gronamo — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:12:47 GMT

The US MNT’s silver medal performance at the Confederations Cup will be a tough act to follow. But then again, there’s no greater excitement than representing the red, white, and blue on our nation’s birthday. On Saturday, the MNT will don the colors once again on Independence Day and look to start the CONCACAF Gold Cup off with some fireworks against Grenada.

It may not be with the same roster that defeated Spain and gave Brazil a run for their money, but it does return a few key veterans that were missing from the Confeds Cup. What’s more, CONCACAF has granted the US 7 extra roster spots, because of their participation in the Confederations Cup.

Every game in the Gold Cup will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel and Univision. The action starts on Saturday as the US takes on Grenada (6 p.m. PT), followed by Honduras on July 8th and Haiti on the 11th.

Hit up NikeStore.com to get kitted out with the latest Don’t Tread on Me boots, and then tune in on the 4th to show your true colors.

A Tale of Two Halves

Gronamo — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:50:12 GMT

In their first full international final, the US MNT came roaring onto the pitch in blistering form. What a difference a week makes, as the red, white and blue showed the world all the pride, passion and skill that was lacking in their group stage game against Brazil.

Riding a wave of confidence after their semifinal win against world #1 Spain, the US struck first blood when Deuce Dempsey did what he does best – one-timing a pinpoint cross into the side netting in the 10th minute. Opportunistic and lethal, Deuce tallied for the third time in as many games, earning the tourney’s Bronze Ball for his big-game heroics.

The US did the unthinkable 17 minutes later when they went 2-0 up on Brazil for the first time ever with what is arguably one of their greatest goals of all time. Ricardo Clark started the play intercepting the ball in our defensive third and outletting up the middle to the streaking Donovan, who one-timed it out to Charlie Davies, who returned the favor back to Donovan with one touch. Donovan then beat his Brazilian defender with a perfectly taken first touch, sized up the keeper and slotted the ball in the corner of the net. As clinical and surgical a counterattack as you could ever hope to see.

The second half was another story, as Brazil finally found their way around tournament Golden Glove winner, Timmy Howard, to draw one back. And, from there Brazil mounted wave after wave of attacks, constantly threatening until the US was finally undone 3 – 2. Congrats go out to Brazil, who played phenomenal in the second 45 and, in particular, to Luis Fabiano who scored two of the three to win the Golden Boot.

So while they may not have come away with a victory today in South Africa, the US MNT has served notice to the world that they are capable of beating anyone on any given night. And as they go into qualifying matches for South Africa 2010, Landon had this to say:

“We’re at the point where we don’t want respect; we want to win.”

USA face Brazil in the Confederations Cup Final

crowlala — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:01:32 GMT

It’s the final no-one expected. It’s the final some think is already decided. But nothing is ever that simple in international football.

This Sunday, Brazil and the USA play for the last piece of international silverware before next summer’s showpiece event.

It’s a chance for the Americans to prove they’re genuine contenders on the world stage after beating Spain.

It’s a chance for Brazil to prove their credentials for world football’s biggest prize next year in South Africa.

Who’ll take their chance?

Spain is Slain

Gronamo — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:07:13 GMT

The US MNT has pulled off the unthinkable and shocked the world yet again. In the ultimate David vs. Goliath match-up, the MNT dethroned the Spaniards, the Titans of international soccer and the world’s undisputed No. 1 team.

Forget beating the African champions. Spain hadn’t lost since November 2006. That’s 15 straight victories, 35 straight matches without a loss, and 451 straight minutes of shutout play.

Those shutout minutes came to a decisive end when Deuce played a ball with a little flair to his teammate, who turned his marker and finished strong. Then Deuce would add the dagger in the 74th, driving home a deflection from inside the penalty area for his 15th international goal.

Add in the stalwart, quintessentially American physical D played by Gooch, DeMerit, and Boca, a stunning performance by Howard, and that’s a shutout W.

The finals are on Sunday, as the MNT plays the winner of Brazil vs. South Africa. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Against All Odds

Gronamo — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:13:36 GMT

In three incredible moments on Sunday the critics were silenced and the passion returned to American soccer.

The first was pure heart and hard work by Charlie Davies, as he held off multiple defenders and craftily flicked it around his marker and off the Egyptian keeper’s head into the goal. 21st minute, US 1-0.

The second was an awe-inspiring counterattack, as Michael Bradley ran at the Egyptian backline in Landon-esque fashion before giving it to the Captain himself, who crossed it back to Bradley’s right foot. Goal, 2-0. Happy Father’s Day, Coach Bob.

Finally a pinpoint cross in the 71st minute gave Clint Dempsey the opportunity to secure a place in US soccer lore, as Deuce laid out for a picture-perfect header to the back post. GOLASO!

If you missed any of the goals that sent the MNT into the Confederation’s Cup semifinals, check 'em out here. Now the MNT, with the help of a 3-0 Brazilian victory over the Italians, has been rewarded with a chance to butt heads with the No. 1 team in the world, Fernando Torres’ Spain.

With courage, grit and a refusal to say die, our boys have delivered an unforgettable moment in US soccer. It’s time to refocus and back this performance up with another.

Don’t miss this one (Wednesday, ESPN, 2:30 ET). We can hardly wait….

A Hungry Heart

Gronamo — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:14:17 GMT

Robinho, Maicon, and Ramires. Those names alone are enough to give any backline a headache. Playing down a man for the second consecutive game against perhaps the world’s most prolific offense is just a plain nightmare. Truly, there were just too many weapons for Tim Howard and his defense to contend with as the US fell to Brazil on Thursday.

All the more reason why this coming game against Egypt is the perfect opportunity for the MNT to show what matters most: A hungry heart.

Egypt might not be a perennial world power, but anyone who has been following the past week’s games knows otherwise. Egypt put in three against Brazil, only losing in the last minute, then responded two days later with a shutout victory against the Italians. Rebounding with a W against the Egyptians would be as big a victory for the US as any.

And there’s still a whole year left until South Africa 2010. We’ve seen the talent level – now we need to raise our game another notch.
Tune in and look for a new starting 11 against Egypt (Sunday, ESPN2, 2:25 pm ET) as Coach Bradley tries to stir the pot a little bit and add some fuel to the fire.

Test the Best

Gronamo — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:08:47 GMT

When the stakes are high, Landon comes to play. For the second consecutive game, Landon blasted home a clutch PK in the 41st minute (his 40th tally for the MNT). This time it was to take the lead against the defending world champions. No small feat.

But a questionable red card and 60 minutes of man-down play later the US fell in a hard-fought, high-intensity game to the Italians. Everybody knows playing a man down is virtually impossible against the Azzurri. But, like Coach Bradley said, it’s only the first game of the group.

The MNT has a chance to bounce back against Brazil on Thursday. It’ll be another tough match, no doubt. But don’t forget why we’re in the Confederations Cup – to get some experience against the world’s best in the same stadiums that will host the 2010 tournament next summer. Call it a high-level practice run.

The Brazilians are coming off a last minute 4-3 win against the Egyptians; they’re anything but invincible. Leave it to Landon to prove it. So tune in on Thursday (ESPN, 10 AM ET, 6/18/09) and watch Landon and the crew test their skills against the Brazilian side.

Bouncin' Back

Gronamo — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:26:01 GMT

Trailing 1-0 in the 41st minute to Honduras, Landon Donovan stepped up to the spot and drilled a PK into the upper netting. Calm, cool and collected, Landon earned his record-setting 11th qualifying goal for the MNT. More importantly, he tied up a crucial match
against our rivals to the south.

With the boys going down a goal in the first five minutes, it was an almost identical start to the shocker in Costa Rica. But this time the senior leadership would step up to bring home a W, showing a quality we might not have seen before with the MNT. Resilience.

The MNT possesses the talent no doubt – we have seen what they’re capable of (US 2-0 Mexico). But the fact is that the MNT hadn’t had a comeback victory in qualifying since 1985. That all changed Saturday night as team veterans Landon, Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey delivered when their team needed them most.

Dempsey out muscling his defender at the back post to head the ball back to ‘Los for a diving goal-line header summed up exactly what this team is all about – gutsy, fearless play. Check the highlights here.

Congrats to Landon for becoming the most prolific qualifying goal scorer in US history, and Boca for putting his head where it really shouldn’t be. Now get ready for a rematch of the electric clash in Kaiserslautern as the US takes on Italy to start the Confederations Cup on June 15th (ESPN, 2:25 ET).

Master Close Control

Gronamo — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:08:02 GMT

Make the pitch your playground with magnetic touch.

Watch the video to see how Carlos Tevez, Robinho and Ronaldinho keep the ball stuck to their feet and tie defenders in knots.

Dance Past Defenders with Robinho

Gronamo — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:06:04 GMT

Robinho grew up playing street football, no rules, no pitch – just skill. Now his lightning-fast changes of direction and mesmerizing footwork make him one of the game’s most feared forwards.

Take a look at the video to get tips, hints and analysis from Robinho on how he uses his close control to menace any defence in the world.

Nail your close control with Tevez

Gronamo — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:04:11 GMT

Nail your close control with Tevez.

The player that can’t be penned in, can’t be stopped. Get killer close control and devastate defenders.

Watch top European coach Jens Bangsbo put Carlos Tevez through his paces, giving him everything he needs to dribble his way round dogged markers.

Dempsey's Half-Century

Gronamo — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:03:13 GMT

Clint Dempsey earned his 50th cap for the MNT the other night. That’s right, Deuce has been doing what he does best – fearlessly attacking defenses – for a half-century of national team matches.

Number 51 is right around the corner. On Saturday the US hosts Honduras at Soldier Field in Chicago. And along with his audacious, relentless attitude, Clint will bring another weapon to the pitch – a brand new pair of custom “Don’t Tread on Me” Mercurial Superfly boots, imprinted with the name of his baby daughter Elyse. (Design your own Mercurials here).

To ensure his 51st cap is a W, Dempsey has been putting in the hard hours on the training ground. We’re talking no excuses, sweat-dripping, all-out hustle. But, hard work is something Deuce is very familiar with – coming from the States, Deuce had to earn and re-earn his starting spot in the ever-cutthroat EPL. There are no gimmes on the top level.

The US vs. Honduras qualifier (ESPN, Saturday, 7PM CT) is a monumental one. Tune in and show Deuce and the boys some love.

The Home Stretch

Gronamo — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:26:16 GMT

The MNT is back on the grind. After spending the last week training in Miami, the team touched down in Costa Rica this afternoon for the first of two more CONCACAF qualifiers for South Africa 2010.

The MNT has never had an away victory in Costa Rica, and it doesn’t get any easier after the qualifiers when the guys head to South Africa for the Confederation’s Cup, where they take on opening group opponents Italy, Brazil and Egypt.

But lately the boys aren’t used to losing. They’ve won 9 matches in 11 since Coach Bradley took over the reins, and are currently sitting atop the final round qualifying hexagonal with a 2-0-1 record.

Not to mention the individual accolades. Gooch is coming fresh off a first place finish as a back-line anchor in the Belgian Superligue, while U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year Tim Howard posted 20 shutouts and barely missed winning the F.A. Cup. And if you haven’t heard, Mia Hamm and Landon Donovan have joined the push to bring soccer’s biggest stage back to the States. You won’t find a sign of the recession in American soccer.

It’s the beginning of the final stretch to 2010. The pedal is to the floor. So tune in at 8 PM June 3 for the start of the action (8PM MT, ESPN).

Spotlight on Tim Howard

Gronamo — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:44:25 GMT

On Saturday, May 30th, Tim Howard will step into the spotlight in front of thousands of raucous fans at the famed Wembley Stadium. Millions of more viewers will watch on TV as Howard and his Everton side take on Premier League powerhouse Chelsea for the right to lift the FA Cup. If Everton are able to win their first piece of hardware since 1995, much of the praise will be heaped on Howard who has been nothing less than spectacular for the Toffees, recording a club record 16 shutouts. Along the way to the final, Timmy delivered one of the most spectacular displays of shear brilliance when he stonewalled his former club ManU, including two saves in the penalty shootout.

Immediately following the FA Cup final, Timmy will hop on a plane and join his compatriots for two critical qualifying matches - June 3 in Costa Rica and June 6 against Honduras at Chicago's Soldier Field (both matches shown live on the ESPN Networks). Howard and the US
team will then travel to South Africa for the Confederations Cup, which pits the Red, White and Blue against three of the more dangerous teams in the world. On June 15 they take on reigning world champions Italy, then on June 18 they face five-time world champions Brazil and on June 21 they go up against current African Cup of Nations winners Egypt.

It won't be an easy road for the US national team or Everton, but with Tim Howard in goal at least both teams have a rock solid foundation to build upon.

We are European Champions. We are One.

gabejazzy — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:46:32 GMT

Barcelona strode into the Stadio Olimpico, on a mission to become Europe’s greatest. Led by Iniesta, they claimed every ball in midfield,
virtually passing Man Utd into submission as they took down another of the giants of the game.

Lifting the greatest prize in club soccer means that in Pep Guardiola’s first season as manager, Barcelona have become the first Spanish team
ever to win the treble of the league title, the Copa del Rey and now Europe’s biggest prize.

Barcelona were never just 11 on the pitch. Instead, Europe’s finest came together on the night that mattered most.

And, now you have a chance to get the latest jersey of one of the world's most dominant clubs: FC Barcelona.