Nikesoccer

Victorious from the start

crowlala — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:10:56 GMT

From the training pitch to their first trophy, the season has yet to kick off and Barca have already claimed the Spanish Super Cup.

Zlatan's arrival and Guardiola's intensive pre-season training has so far proved lethal. The pride of Barcelona knows exactly what it takes to win and they’ll stop at nothing to win it all.

Inter’s Preseason Prep

crowlala — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:51:50 GMT

After a global tour Inter Milan begins league play on Sunday in what will be the 78th season of the Italian top flight. It’s also number 78 for Inter—the only team in the country to never be relegated.

How do they do it? Any good coach will tell you its no mystery. The difference between Inter capturing a 5th straight Scudetto—last done by Juventus in the 1930’s—and finishing below the top spot is creating a team of unmatched, technical footballers.

Some say it’s luck, and the ball does bounce in mysterious ways at times, but if from training day one a unified Inter push themselves to the limits, destroying their bodies in practice to later glorify them at during a game, can anyone in Italy stop them? They have won the last four league trophies this way, making themselves bigger, stronger, faster, better each year. They know if they put in the work, there is no reason to think the Italian record books won’t eventually all be theirs.

Davies Dances

crowlala — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:20:51 GMT

Certain players have a knack for finding the goal. Some call them goal poachers. Some call them goal hounds. But in the frantic mixer that is the 18-yard box, they are often the difference makers between win, lose, or draw.

The United States’ manager has said as much about Clint Dempsey, and now it seems that Charlie Davies name needs to be added to that list. The relentless striker came off the bench as a substitute in the second half of the his new French team’s first game of the season and scored twice. Twice!

The first goal came on a string of passes that began on the right flank. The 5’10” speedster trapped a bullet pass, turned and shot in one motion, blasting a left-footed strike that the defender and keeper couldn’t begin to catch up with. The second goal came off a corner kick, where Davies ghosted into the far post and found a forgotten ball that snaked through the charging horde--an easy poke from the most acute angle.

Did we mention the goals came against the defending French champions? Sadly Davies’ team lost 3-2, but the 23-year-old showed Europe some class this weekend, after South Africa and Mexico got a taste earlier this summer. Next year, the world...

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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FCB Field Reporter Contest Names Winner

crowlala — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:09:02 GMT

Congratulations to Miguel2011, winner of the FC Barcelona Field Reporter Contest held by Nike Soccer and Eurosport. Miguel2011 will now be getting the VIP experience for the San Francisco leg of FCB’s US tour, including chauffeured limo rides to a training session in San Francisco, an all-access field pass while at the match on August 8, and an exclusive meet and greet with Europe’s reigning champs! And as if that weren’t cool enough, he’ll also get to document his entire experience on NikeSoccer.com. So be sure to check back after the match to catch up with Miguel2011 and see how he did in his role as Field Reporter.

If you weren't selected this time, don’t worry. With the championships approaching you never know what NikeSoccer.com might have in store. So be sure to keep checking back to stay up on the latest, or you can simply register on the site to get important news and updates sent directly to you.

To all who submitted entries in the FCB Field Reporter Contest, thanks for participating!

LAB TESTED FOR STRIKERS, NIGHTMARE FOR KEEPERS

crowlala — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:42:10 GMT

The new T90 Ascente is the peak of innovation. The new official ball for the EPL, La Liga, & Serie A designed in the lab and tested by top athletes and clubs, the ball has been engineered for perfection. Wherever you are on pitch, whoever’s in front of you – the shot’s on.

Check it out

JUMP ON TOUR WITH FCB

crowlala — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:34:59 GMT

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take the field with the world’s best footballers? To be chauffeured to practice and games in a stretch limo? Get the VIP treatment like an international soccer star? Well here’s your chance to make those dreams a reality. With the Eurosport FC Barcelona Field Reporter Contest, you have a chance to win a once in a lifetime prize package that includes:

Limo ride to FCB training session in San Francisco and Chivas match on August 8th
Exclusive meet and greet with the team at training session
All-access field pass to Chivas match
Your articles and photos documenting the experience on NikeSoccer.com

So how do you win? To become the FC Barcelona Field Reporter, you have to show some journalistic skills. That includes writing a caption for a photo we posted on the contest page, plus a brief essay telling us why you’re the right person for the job. Then it’s all about getting your entry voted into the qualifying pool. Only those entries with the most votes and highest ratings will be considered by our judges, so make sure you get your friends to weigh in. If you qualify and our judges think you’re up for the task, you could soon be on your way to San Francisco to join FC Barcelona on their US tour!

ENTER CONTEST

The Youth

crowlala — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:36:47 GMT

For the youthful side that Bob Bradley fielded in the tournament that ended Sunday, a silver medal exceeded many critics’ expectations. Not without reason, either. Aside from one or two players, most of the starting XI had barely a few CAPS between them.

To be sure, the thrashing that they took at the hands of a more experienced Mexican side on Sunday wasn’t what anyone expected either, but it reminded us of one thing above all else. They’re young.

And when a loss doesn’t mean too much, it can be a good thing for a young side (see Coach Bob's thoughts). The young side had some help from some slightly more experienced players starting out the tournament – Benny and Freddy were both in there. But as the tougher games came, those players even went back to club duty.

So by the semifinals, it was up to Robbie Rogers, Kyle Beckerman, and Chad Marshall to lead the forwards, midfielders, and defense. And don’t forget that before falling to Mexico Sunday, the boys had an impressive win against Honduras in the Semi’s.

US and Mexico will meet again on August 12th and this time the stakes will be a little higher – qualifying for South Africa. Congrats to the boys for a silver medal, but there’s work to be done ‘till the qualifier next month. See you there.

Zlatan to reign in Spain

crowlala — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:09:56 GMT

Europe’s hottest striker has swapped Inter Milan for Barcelona.

Zlatan would improve any team in the world. Just imagine what he’ll do to the first ever team to achieve a Spanish treble.

Last season’s top scorer in Serie A, this season’s top scorer in La Liga?

Have your say on the Nike Football Facebook Page.

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 (check it out here).

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!

CLUB AMERICA IN THE HEART OF SAN FRAN

crowlala — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:38:04 GMT

CLUB AMERICA COMES TO UNION SQUARE, SF

Come support the Club America Soccer Team as they unveil their new Kit and get ready for their US tour.

Friday, July 17th
7pm - 8:30pm
Union Square

Be the first to buy the new Club America jersey at NIKETOWN SF and get it autographed by the team.* You'll receive Club America giveaways just for attending the event** and while you're there, enter to win tickets to the Club America v Inter Milan game on July 19th.

*as time permits: July 17th only.
**while supplies last

INTER MILAN STORMS LA

crowlala — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:15:20 GMT

Reigning Italian champions Inter Milan will be showcasing their high-octane style of play at three can’t-miss matches throughout the US this summer. And what better way to kick off the tour than an exclusive global unveiling of their new Inter Milan kit in Los Angeles! This is your chance to get face to face with Italy's conquering heroes and get your hands on their brand new kit for 2009-2010. See below for details on how to get into this ultra-exclusive kit launch party and hang with Italy’s top footballers.

INTER MILAN GLOBAL KIT LAUNCH PARTY

WHEN:
Thursday, July 16
8:30-10PM

WHERE:
Nike’s The Montalbán
1615 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO:
“Blue” carpet arrival by team
History of Inter Kit Runway Show
Q&A with Materazzi and team
Celebrity Emcee Hosts
Free gift with kit purchase

Ticket required for entry, free thru July 16 at:

Niketown LA
9560 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Niky’s Sports
1536 W. 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA
&
2720 W. Pico
Los Angeles, CA

Soccer Central
12130 E. Carson St., Unit D
Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Soccer Fanatic
24721 Alicia Parkway, Ste B
Laguna Hills, CA

*20 VIP tickets at each store, first come-first served. VIP gets special access including exclusive photo opportunity with the team, reserved seating and a chance at tickets to Inter v. Chelsea on 7/21 at the Rose Bowl. General admission tickets while supplies last.

Make sure you mark your calendar for the Inter Milan kit launch event and spread the word to your friends and teammates!

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.