Nikesoccer

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.

One Strike Closer

socshep18 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:30:28 GMT

Nothing comes easy in international soccer, not the least of which victories away from home. But in what was a tentative 90 minutes of soccer in Port of Spain, the USMNT pulled out a 1-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago. It was only the third time a team from the region has won on the road in this 2010 qualifying campaign.

Landon Donovan continued to be the field general for the MNT, assisting Ricardo Clark's game-winning goal in 62nd minute and in the process tying the US record for assists in a year with 9. The 26-yard tailing blast from Clark was the young midfielder's first qualifying goal.

When called upon, the US players are still making the difference, and the rough road win vaults them into first place in their group with 16 points and clinches a top four position in the group table, guaranteeing at least a playoff opportunity against the fifth place team from South America with two qualifying games remaining.

The MNT needs two points in last two games to secure a birth to South Africa but could clinch given several scenarios in their next game at Honduras October 10. If unable to tie or win in San Pedro Sula, than the game against Costa Rica October 14 in Washington, DC will determine the Americans' fate. Down to the wire in a tight group, the next month holds the hopes and celebration plans of a nation of fans.

Landon takes lead

DonJulio — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:54:49 GMT

First rule in making the difference: show up. When it comes to national team duty, though, showing up requires getting selected. After Saturday night in Sandy, Utah, where the US Mens National Team defeated El Salvador 2-1, no US player has been chosen more than Landon Donovan. Already the USMNT’s all time leading goal scorer, Saturday he set a new all time record for qualifying appearances with 32.

And it came on a night when the stand-out American assisted on both US goals, earning him man of the match honors.

In the best form of his career, Donovan is poised to make the next year a special one, with a domestic cup for his club and a trip to South Africa for his country in his sights. And no one thinks those teams could reach those goals without America’s most prolific goal scorer. That’s the definition of difference maker.

Next up in the record books: all time cap leader. Donovan currently has 116, good enough for the most of any active player and fourth all time. The record stands at 164, well within the reach of the still youthful 27-year-old’s career span. Landon should add to his total on Wednesday when the USMNT travel to Trinidad and Tobago for the next round of qualifiers.

Must Win Starts Now

adamspangler — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:07:10 GMT

The USMNT doesn't have to win every game from here on out in order to qualify for South Africa, but losing even one could cause some problems in a group of nations so tightly packed.

So you prepare like every game is a must win.

As the MNT begins the final push towards qualification for South Africa next summer, they know they will need to be at their very best because at this point in the progression the dreams of every nation hang on the result of each game. The little guys become giant killers, and the giants must stand their ground. That means being prepared for battle.

Before the national anthems, before the stadiums fill with fans, before the bright lights turn on, making the difference on game day means putting in the time at training. National team fitness coach Barrieu is charged with getting the player in shape to handle the rigors of international soccer. In the video above, he explains one of the drills used by the MNT by putting Charlie Davies and Michael Bradley through the workout.

USMNT Make The Difference

adamspangler — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:34:39 GMT

It can be sticking your head where it doesn't belong, a skull risking cleat marks for a chance at the ball. It can be chasing a winger down the flank, even when he doesn't have the ball. It could be a tackle or a save, a trap or a first touch, a pass sewn through traffic or a shot from an impossible angle. It's not stopping to take a breath. It's one second on the clock.

Step out onto the field, the big international stage, and there's no telling what the difference will be, and who will make it. A trip to South Africa is not a given. You have to earn it like you have to earn every second in practice, in the gym, in the games, in your mind. In everybody's mind, turn doubt into belief. Make the Difference.

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...

US Loss in Mexico Had Bright Spots

crowlala — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:17:39 GMT

The stadium did not matter. The torrid and talked-up environment of soccer lore did not live up to its deadly billing. The Mexican beehive was full to the brim, and the crowd was vocal, but they were waves coming and going in crashing sets, not the hours of an unending tide pushing forth as was previously warned.

For a brief time it appeared the US might pull off history—and actually they did. The early 1-0 lead was the first time the northern neighbors have ever led at the crumbling pitch which opened in 1966. But it didn’t last.

Landon Donovan and Charlie Davies created some of their own waves, threatening with impressive fitness and speed in the thin, but not so smoggy air. Donovan, as usual, led by example, reaching errant passes others let go out of bounds, chasing down open space on the offense and Mexico’s fastest attackers in the defensive third. His passing led to nearly every American opportunity.

Davies’ goal helped prove his run of form this summer is no fluke, and that he is in the national team to stay. Finishing his goal in the ninth minute with composed concentration in the most daunting of circumstances bodes well for the future of the American attack.

“I was able to get in a good position between the center back and the outside back,” Davies said after the game. “And Landon obviously made a great pass, and I was able to get a good first touch and put it around the goal keeper. It’s amazing, this is what you live for, especially as a striker, to score big time goals. Hopefully there is more to come.”

Another inch on young Davies’ head, and we might be talking about a 2-2 tie. Flying through the air over the six yard line, Davies barely missed a cross in the second half. It will be one of the images taken away from the game—that old sporting question, “what if.”

Though an away goal is always nice—in Mexico, no less—the brightest spot on Wednesday in the southern outskirts of Mexico City for the US team was the last line of defense. Burly performances from Oguchi Onyewu and Tim Howard will be overshadowed by the score, but the two were beasts in the back. Is it any surprise they play for the strongest club teams of any American players? If not for Gooch and Howard, it easily could have been 4- or 5-1. That perspective is what needs to be taken from Mexico into the more friendly confines of Salt Lake City on September 5th when the US takes on El Salvador in their next South Africa qualifier. The hexagonal is all about winning at home.

“I said this week I didn’t want people to get carried away,” Donovan said after the game. “This wasn’t a live or die game for us, it was for them. Now it puts us in a little bit more difficult position, but our next game is home to el Salvador, which we expect to win.”

Montalban Match Viewing

crowlala — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:02:24 GMT

Join us at the Montalbán to watch the USMNT versus Mexico match live from Azteca Stadium.

The event will be hosted by Jeff Garcia. Bring your country flags to show your support and enter in our raffles.

Food and Drink will also be available.

RSVP by emailing rsvpnike@nike.com

1615 Vine St
Hollywood, CA 90028

Hope to see you there.

Rooftop Dedication

Gronamo — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:22:23 GMT

Nearly 1000 FCB fans turned up Thursday night to watch current champions of Europe and Spain publically unveil a new futsal court on the roof of the Montablan Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

Nike and the LA84 Foundation partnered to create the new community rooftop court as part of a commitment to build and/or refurbish 84 playgrounds throughout Los Angeles. Nike and LA84 - a group dedicated to serving youth through sport - believe the new surfaces will rejuvenate the community by giving kids safe places to lead healthy, active lives.

The event was hosted by Max Bretos & Patricia Lopez and featured special guest Mia hamm, Alexander Skarsgard & Gilles Marini. Fans watched the team play a game of 3 v 3 with celebrities and also engaged in Q & A session.

FCB is stateside for thier preseason US tour consisting of a series of friendly matches in LA, Seattle & San Francisco.

Timmy Preparing for Season

Gronamo — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:26:14 GMT

Last season, Tim Howard set the Everton FC record for shutouts. This season, he'll start the season by shattering a different streak, handing the All-Stars of America their first loss in 6 games of international competition.

Pitting Timmy head to head against the all stars of his old league, the game seemed destined to be one for the ages. And it was. Howard earned Man of the Match honors and single-handedly brought home the W for Everton FC, saving three of five PK's when the game came to a tie after a full 90.

For Everton, the All-Star game is rounding up the final preparation for the coming English season. As the face of the club, Howard knows he's got the weight on his shoulders, and is looking to replicate last season's success.

Timmy's boss would affirm post-game what everyone who watches soccer in America already knows - that Howard is the best keeper in America. But Moyes took it further, saying "if he keeps going the way he his, it might not just be America".

We know that too, Moyes. Good luck to Tim in his upcoming season!

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.

Clean Sweep

Gronamo — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:21:00 GMT

It might not have been one of the blowout victories we've become used to as WNT fans, but there wasn't much to complain about as the ladies brought home a 1-0 victory in Charleston, S.C. Wednesday night.

Well, maybe the heat. Even though the kickoff was at 8PM, the players couldn't escape the muggy 80 degree weather under the lights. And after a frustrating first half of no goals on a handful of solid tries, the weather seemed to reflect the mounting stress.

So Coach Sundhage turned to the youth of the team to light a fresh spark on the attack. And it paid off. The game winner finally came in the 89^th^ minute and the WNT would hold on to clinch the second-straight 1-0 victory against our neighbors to the north.

But let's not forget our secret, if relatively silent, weapon. We can always count on Hope Solo to be her usual self, as she made two point blank stops late in the game to save the clean sheet and ensure the sweep of the series.

Now it's back to professional (or collegiate) play for the WNT, as they prepare for the start of their WPS seasons, where they'll hone their skills for the next round of international bouts. And good luck to the Men's team as they face Honduras today at 6PM ET in Chicago (FSC).

Blastin’ Past Panama

Gronamo — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:02:57 GMT

The MNT might be rockin’ a somewhat less experienced roster, but that hasn’t stopped them from continuing the US roll and advancing to the semis. With most of the veterans and young stars back off to their clubs, the baton has been passed to the up-and-comers to carry on the success of the red, white and blue.

For a while on Saturday, nothing was going right for the MNT. A header goes off the crossbar. We lose our captain to a concussion. After applying the pressure on Panama from the get-go, we go down 1-0 in first half extra time on an unlucky corner.

Our boys would eventually rack up 16 shots to Panama’s three, but it took 90+ minutes for one to find the back of the net. And what a beauty of a blast it was. Momentum on their side, the boys would finish the job in extra time with a PK.

Yep, it’s been another great weekend for US soccer, with both the WNT and MNT showing again how to roll with the punches and come up with a victory. The MNT draws Honduras in the semis of the Cup on Thursday (FSC, July 23rd, 6 PM ET) at Soldier Field in Chicago. Any way you hack it, it’s going to be a heated finish.

Good luck to the MNT with the rest of the Gold Cup.

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!

Holdin' Off Haiti

Gronamo — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:10:40 GMT

Staring their first potential loss in recent Gold Cup history in the face, the MNT just couldn’t find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. That was until some late game heroics, just when Coach Bradley needed them most. Charlie Davies provided the spark the US needed as a super-sub in the second half, which helped secure a 2-2 draw against the Haitians. The tie clinched first place in Group B for our boys, with Haiti qualifying for the quarterfinals, as well.

Congrats to the MNT for first place in group play. And, an even bigger congrats to Sam Cronin and Luis Robles, who both earned their first career caps. Here’s to many more boys!

Now it’s to the knockout stage, where the squad will be looking to finish the job. The US will face off against Panama on Saturday in Philly to determine who makes it to the semis (Fox Soccer Channel, 7:30 p.m. ET).