Nikesoccer

Pro Combat Player Of The Week

DonJulio — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:27:42 GMT

The best come ready for battle. But who battled best this week?

It's not about scoring goals. It's about total match performance. It's about running all over the field, winning every 50/50 ball. It's all the intangibles that don't show up on the score sheet but in the end turn the game for your team.

That's a Pro Combat Player, and now it's your turn to tell us who is the first Pro Combat Player of the Week.

Each Monday we'll select three players who personified what it means to be a Pro Combat Player from the weekend, and then you tell us who you thought came best prepared for battle.

To vote, reply to @nikesoccer at Twitter with your vote and the hashtag filter #procombat. We'll announce the winner on Wednesday.

Mesut Ozil - Werder Bremen
The one they call Little Diego, because his feet are so fleet, made a difficult volley appear passe, netting Werder Bremen's only goal in a hard fought draw. But that's just the scoresheet. Mesut had more chances and nearly delivered a hat trick. He didn't fret when defenses rose up to turn him away; Ozil pushed on, fighting to the final whistle.

Wayne Rooney - Manchester United
His team lost, but he was everywhere, the immovable object in constant motion. He tracked back on defense and was a constant threat on attack. Wherever Rooney was on Sunday, he was causing problems. The pitbull of a striker isn't pushed around, even in a loss.

Clint Dempsey - Fulham FC
By drawing a penalty and slotting it home the from the mark, Clint Dempsey scored his third goal in as many weeks by displaying the hard edge and non-stop motor that helped him rise from a tiny town in Texas to the bright lights of London. His effort throughout propelled him to the highest match rating with 8.

Don't miss a single Make The Difference moment. Follow Nike Soccer on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

Three For Three

DonJulio — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:12:05 GMT

3 games. 3 goals. The highest player rating on the field.

Clint Dempsey is making the difference for Fulham with a blazing show of form.

It's shaping up as the best season yet for the 26-year-old attacker.

Don't miss a single Make The Difference moment. Follow Nike Soccer on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Discover more about Clint Dempsey at his player page.

Heatin Up

DonJulio — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:02:20 GMT

2 games. 2 goals.

An equalizer against the Blues and then a late game blast to put the nail in the Reds' coffin.

Clint Dempsey is catching fire and people are starting to notice. Fans voted him the top-rated player for the match.

His 7 goals last season tied him for the team lead. Can he do it again? Can he beat that mark?

Don't miss a single Make The Difference moment. Follow Nike Soccer on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Discover more about Clint Dempsey at his player page.

Something About The Blues

DonJulio — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:09:10 GMT

Last season it was a brace on the road to lead Fulham over City.

A year later and again Clint Dempsey makes the difference. There must be something the Texan likes about playing the Blues from Manchester.

Heading home Fulham's second goal in a five-minute span, Dempsey provided the equalizer to secure an important road point against a team perfect at home.

Even more impressive, this crucial point came in the club's third match in six days. The Whites now have as much time to prepare for their next battle when they welcome a rejuvenated Liverpool to London.

Can Dempsey continue to be a threat in the box and ruin Liverpool's recent high?

Don't miss a single Make The Difference moment. Follow Nike Soccer on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Discover more about Clint Dempsey at his player page.

A Chance For European Power

DonJulio — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:12:12 GMT

While the battle of European super powers steals most of the headlines and TV time this week, there is another European cup up for grabs. This battle for European supremacy might be set in the shadows, but for the teams competing it offers huge opportunities to step into the global spotlight.

And anyway, a European trophy is a European trophy.

Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard throw themselves back into the continental calendar on Thursday as the final round of their group play begins.

A relative newcomer to the international club game, can Dempsey put his mark on the newest European championship when he takes on the giants of Rome? Can Howard build upon his more extensive experience when he travels to Lisbon?

Don't miss a single Make The Difference moment. Follow Nike Soccer on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Discover more about Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard on their player pages.

Dempsey's Derby Day

adamspangler — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:10:54 GMT

Before Fulham welcomes Arsenal to their historic home along the Thames River, Clint Dempsey talked exclusively with nikesoccer.com about his life in London, his hectic travel schedule, and his mindset leading into a derby weekend.

For all the fanfare that goes into derby clashes, Clint's quiet life in the London suburb of Wimbledon allows him to fly under the radar. His public notoriety has changed just a little bit since he was the relative unknown American moving abroad. "It's not too crazy now, but I do get noticed more." Clint says. "If I am out and around Wimbledon, especially when school is letting out, I do get people coming up to me or saying 'what's up.' It's cool."

You might expect some trash talking in a city with 13 professional clubs delivering more than a fair share of derby games and distinct fan bases, but Clint says he doesn't hear negativity from fans, even in jest. "There is so much going on in London," he says. "More than just football, so I don't get a lot of attention." If he does hear anything, it's usually from fans of the Blues, he says, not Arsenal.

And so the American soccer star goes about his low key London life, focusing on family and soccer. It's been a whirlwind start to the season for Clint, who has more on his plate than most. Beyond a new baby, there's Fulham's league schedule of course, then a new European competition and qualifying games en route to South Africa, where the punishing midfielder recently won the bronze ball as the third best player in the warm-up tournament to the finals. Clint plans on returning next summer.

In the last few months alone, Clint has traveled to Russia, South Africa, El Salvador, and California, just to name a few. How does he maintain? "I don't have any secrets," Clint says of dealing with the travel and multiple games in a week. "I like to get a lot of sleep, get in work with the team's physio staff, and take ice baths. Just things that help bring the life back into your body." During stretches like this, "there is no training outside of training," Clint says. "I rarely get even one day off a week." Want to be the best? You gotta put in the work.

Heading into a big game, it's a balance between mental focus and physical fitness. "You got to make sure you are feeling sharp and rested," Clint says. "Don't think about the game too much, because then you will stress yourself out. Stress can take its toll, so you have to manage your mind and body. I'll spend the time from now until the game focusing on my marking assignments, how Arsenal will play, and my overall game plan."

The work is never done, not for new fathers, not for footballers. Not for outside midfielders who need to cover the entire length of the field. Want to make the difference? You gotta be ready.

Clint Dempsey is ready for Arsenal.

Constantly Clint

adamspangler — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:38:05 GMT

They had several of their offensive stars return from injury, but Clint Dempsey and Fulham didn't have the first half they wanted to at home against Tim Howard's Blues. The best American goal keeper kept the London club off the score sheet for 45 minutes, but Fulham stormed back with a relentless second half to snatch an important come from behind win that takes them to the middle of the league table.

Clint Dempsey didn't add to his goal tally, but the respect of the players and knowledgeable fans grew immensely for the US international. Only four days removed from playing in Trinidad and Tobago, the well-traveled midfielder dug into his fitness reserves to be a constant threat, a difference maker driving the ball through the midfield, finding his teammates, firing from distance, and then pushing through to get his head on the ball in the box. A few inches here and there and a hat trick would be his.

The statisticians may not remember, but Dempsey found his way to the top of his coaches, teammates, and opponents' memories. A Difference Maker today, indeed.

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 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.

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).

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.

Three's a Charm

gabejazzy — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:43:45 GMT

There’s nothing like quality service, and Landon and the rest of the MNT demonstrated exactly what this meant in their rout of Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday night.

Landon assisted on all of his teammates' goals, propelling the team to a convincing 3-0 win and putting them atop the hexagonal for 2010 qualifying.

Fans viewing the game on Wednesday were probably swearing that they were watching a different team than the one they had seen the previous Saturday. No surprise there, as Coach Bradley made a number of changes from Saturday’s draw vs. El Salvador, and they all seemed to work like magic.

Between the new 4-4-2 formation, Beas going to left back and Donovan to left flank, the US attack looked invigorated and dynamic, creating chance after chance throughout the game. The US converted on a world-class beauty in the 13th minute when Landon delivered a laser-guided pass to his teammate on the far post. The Soca Warriors’ defense looked helpless as the ball was tapped in for a lead in the 13th minute. Just check the highlights and see for yourself.

With Tim Howard and Oguchi Onyewu back in the lineup, the lead was never relinquished as the back line held the Soca Warriors to just one SOG.

So if you had any pangs of doubt after the 2-2 tie, let them be gone now. The O is clicking and the D is back to its rock-solid self. Matchday 4 comes in two months as the US heads back down to Central America to face Costa Rica. See you then.