The story of Cal FC in the US Open Cup is not what people are making it to be. Cal FC is simply a messenger. They’re trying to tell the American soccer community something that only the badasses in this country have truly known for a VERY LONG TIME. The Enemy For those of you […]
Archives for May 2012
Danone Nations Cup: Second Day of Competition. [Coach Notes]
Orlando, FL – Today’s objective. Get back to our team identity of possession and pressure. During yesterday’s victories the standard of play left a lot to be desired. I don’t do excuses so the message is clear, refocus and get back to our bread and butter. We will be playing El Temporal Azul. A team from […]
U11s in Danone Nations Cup Group Phase
Orlando, FL – My day began early. Scouting the entire field was my number one objective so I was at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at 7:45 am to see group A matches. Barcelona-USA was scheduled to play at 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. There were games at every hour and a half […]
We’re in Florida! Danone Nations Cup here we come.
Orlando, FL – The Barcelona USA under 11 boys continue to rack up the frequent flyer miles and are currently in Florida to participate in the Danone Nations Cup. We arrived Thursday afternoon with our sights set on the prize. Winner gets an all expense trip to Poland in a few months to compete in […]
A Huge Flaw in Logic that’s Keeping You From the Truth
Player development is a topic that applies to all age groups and levels of play. But, let’s keep our eye on the big picture. When the term player development is used, what is the general context it is usually being used in? What is it that’s being visualized? I think you know. We are thinking […]
Eric Wynalda’s Cal FC crushes professional side Wilmington Hammerheads
Pretty much everyone in this country would agree the system is broken. And pretty much everyone is WRONG! Wrong about precisely what it is that’s broken. You see, everyone just parrots the reasons the status quo protectors sell them. But the real problem is the status quo protectors themselves. We’re broken because of the people. […]
Portland Timbers U23s are defeated by PSA Elite? WTF?
PSA who? Exactly. Before I get all nasty with this … just a touch of background. I went to watch the final of a U.S. Adult Soccer Association regional (huh?) between a team called PSA Elite and a team that Eric Wynalda formed, Cal FC. (That was May 6th) These are two teams that were just […]
“Culture” Problem? What Culture Problem?
In the US, people point to “culture” as our fundamental impediment to excellence. And the arguments come in many flavors. But what they say essentially boils down to one theme: Numbers We don’t have the numbers, they say. Numbers in terms of audience Numbers in terms of consumers Numbers in terms of money Numbers in terms of […]
The Single Most Critical Path to Soccer Enlightenment
… is through deep emotional investment. Rite of Passage Until you cry for a team, you probably don’t have what it takes. Not as a player, not as a coach, not as a fan, not as a reporter, not as anyone. It means you don’t feel this game in your soul, it means you don’t understand […]
Blogging and the War of Ideas
I don’t think the point is getting across. As it relates to a post, let me just say that it’s ok if a reader “doesn’t get it“. People can’t be convinced or changed with a solitary article – not at their core anyways. Every time I write one of these, my brain screams: “Oh, but what […]