Nikesoccer

Training IS The Difference

Gronamo — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:28:36 GMT

Want proof? Meet Kilian.

Kilian Jacquet is a 15 year old Belgian footballer. A good one. And, according to him, training Nike Football has a lot to do with it. See what a potent mixture of serious commitment and pro level conditioning can achieve. In his own words.

"I did the Nike Football training drills at home, in the garden. When I didn't have the time to do it at home - because of school, or the 4-5 training sessions a week with my club - I did the drills after the training sessions.

There were a few drills that I really liked - "High Gears", "Star Run" and "Rebound." I downloaded the PDFs of the drills and printed all of them and i just took them to the pitch in my pocket.

I can still remember very well the ‘Star Run' effect... I got a transfer to a better club! They said that they were positively surprised by my movement without the ball, and a big reason for that is the ‘Star-Run-drill!!

My volley got a lot better too. I scored a lot of goals last season, because I'm an attacking midfielder and when the ball gets headed back by an opponent, I can take the ball immediately on the volley, because I practiced it so often in the drill.

Last season I played with FC Dender, U19. I started at the U16, and when I started to train, my game went to such a high level, that they "upgraded" me to the U19, first U17, and then U19...so thanks a lot again! And next year -as I mentioned earlier in - I'll play with Zulte-Waregem."

Good luck in the upcoming season, Kilian. But with focus like that, you won't need much luck. The SPARQ pro-conditioning programme starts on the Nike Football Facebook page on August 17th.

Try it. It might just change your game.

Train to Make the Difference - Week in, week out

Gronamo — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:56:51 GMT

Starting the season strong is essential for professional players. Fast out the blocks means an early season advantage. That's why top coaches put such emphasis on pre-season training. But what about you?

When are you planning to hit peak physical condition? The weekend before your first match? Start tuning your body now and get a physical edge that gets you noticed from kick-off to final whistle.

Starting August 17th we're dropping the Nike Football Training SPARQ ‘Get Fit' program on Facebook. Three sessions a week of pro-level conditioning drills created by top international coaches, Jens Bangsbo and Paul Winsper.

Just hit Facebook, watch stars like Andres Iniesta and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar demo the drills - then get out there and sharpen your edge.

Nike Football training helps you build your strength making you harder to shrug off the ball. Helps improve your speed, making you as fast in the last 20 minutes as the first 20. And toughens your core muscles, helping you avoid injury. All the drills are done with the ball at your feet, so you'll improve your touch as you build your fitness.

This is your season. Own it.

Get Training

Want proof? Read Kilian's story.

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FC BARCELONA SOM UN

Gronamo — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:37:12 GMT

Witness the reigning Champions of Europe and Spain in action as the team unveils the new Nike LA84 Foundation community rooftop court in Hollywood.
Hear from FCB legends including Guardiola, watch the field dedication and 3 v 3 match with special guest Mia Hamm. Plus, be one of the few to win VIP seating!

Nike Soccer Presents

The Montálban

1615 Vine Street

Hollywood, CA 90028

Thursday, July 30th 4:30PM - 6PM

Space is limited. Please RSVP your entry to rsvpnike@nike.com .Tickets for theatre seating will be provided outside of the theatre on a first come, first serve basis. Only 1 ticket per person. Outdoor event viewing will be available in south parking lot on the corner of Vine St & Selma.

Hope to see you there!

Hometown Hero Nets 100

Gronamo — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:57:49 GMT

In front of a hometown crowd on Sunday, Abby completed her miraculous comeback from injury with her 100th career goal for the US WNT. A huge congrats goes out to Abby, who joins Mia Hamm and three others in this exclusive club.

Almost exactly a year ago today, Abby suffered a broken leg that kept her out of Beijing and the entire Achieve Your Gold tour. On Sunday, against a dangerous Canadian side, Abby showed us that the injury hasn’t changed her a bit.

Receiving a dangerous through ball in the box on a cutting run, Abby took one touch and put a surgical strike off the far right post and in. The hometown crowd of 9,000 in Rochester went wild for the game winner and Abby’s 100th, not to mention her first goal since coming back. A goal can’t get more special than that.

The US had a number of other chances, pounding the Canadians with 21 shots including a laser that Angela Hucles put off the crossbar from 20 yards in the 8th minute. But in a fitting end, Abby’s was the only one that found the back of the net.

The WNT faces Canada again on Wednesday (July 22nd, FSC, 8 PM ET). Well done Abby on 100! Now bring on 101!

Gooch Going to Milan

Gronamo — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:41:24 GMT

Fierce and ferocious with the skill to back it up, Gooch has earned himself a move to Milan - one of the world's best clubs.

Those that follow US soccer have always known Gooch has the size and strength to shutdown strikers on the international level. Well, now it looks like the world has taken notice too.

Since his dominating performance in South Africa, securing our backline as we marched all the way to the final, Europe's top clubs have had their eye on Gooch. And, for all his rock solid performances, Gooch has been rewarded with one of the most high-profile signings of any American soccer player in history.

So make sure to catch the new Milan man when he dons the legendary red and black of his new club next season.

My Expectations are Greater than Yours

Gronamo — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:27:19 GMT

With Manchester conquered, it’s on to Madrid.

Now the world’s most expensive player has been unveiled before an 80,000-strong crowd, it’s on to business.

For every single screaming fan in the Bernabeu, that means just one thing - snatching the title from Barcelona.

The $130 million man is ready to launch his latest bid for supremacy wearing new, personally
tailored black Mercurial boots. Don’t bet against him.

A Golden Start

Gronamo — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:10:38 GMT

The MNT knows how to start a Gold Cup. For the tenth consecutive time since the Gold Cup began, the MNT opened up group play with a win, handling Grenada 4-0.

Most of the vets coming back from South Africa are having a rest this tourney, but the younger talent that Coach Bradley has chosen to showcase is far from lacking. It only took seven minutes for the US to get on board, as Freddy Adu reminded everyone what he's all about when he received a well-placed low cross from Robbie Rogers and one-timed it into the back of the net with his right foot.

Man of the Match, Robbie would assist the next goal and have one of his own in the 60th as he received a through ball on a slicing run behind the Grenadian back line, slotting it past the keeper to the far post.

The gem of the match, though, came when a long looping ball played up the far wing was one touched out of the air toward Charlie Davies, who controlled it at a dead sprint and finished with his right foot.

The US faces a more talented, more eager Honduran side (still fresh off a loss to the USMNT in qualifying). The game is under the lights at RFK stadium in DC, and you can be sure the tension will be high. See you there (Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET, FSC and Univision).

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.”

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!

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.

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.

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).