This past weekend saw Liverpool goal-less tie with Premier League bottom feeders Reading. The amount of chances that were thrown Liverpool's way were in great abundance, and all credit goes to the Reading keeper. I do not know if our shots are that bad; or does it seem that the opposing goalkeeper has the game of his season when playing Liverpool? Maybe it's a mixture of both.
Once again, it comes down to consistency. Liverpool is living up to the "consistently inconsistent" label. I also have to agree with Soccernet.com's Liverpool blogger Kristian Walsh in his most recent post saying that Liverpool "lack ruthlessness." Here's a link to that post... http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/866?cc=5901
Over the past few seasons, Liverpool have changed. I know that seems very simplistic, but there doesn't seem to be a better way to describe it. Unfortunately that change has been for the worse. Brendan Rodgers is doing his best to reverse the negativity that seems to be hovering over the club, but changes like that take time. So many supporters are accustomed to Liverpool being a power club that stays in the top ranks of the Premier League. For the time being, those days are gone, and people just need to accept that. After seeing the methods and style of coaching from Rodgers, I'm a believer he will be the one to take Liverpool back to the "good ol' days."
Friday, April 19, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Spring Break, Blizzards, and Mexico
It has been a while since my last post, mostly because we were on Spring Break here in Mid-Missouri. I would like to honor that break by also taking a break from LFC, but just for this week. For my post this week, I would like to reflect a little about the US Men's team and their most recent week in World Cup qualifying.
US vs Costa Rica
US vs Costa Rica
Many schools around the country are currently, or were recently on their Spring Break. Spring Breakers, especially those from Northern states usually flock to warmer temperatures and beaches along the Gulf. By this time in the year people are ready for warmer weather, and most of us are lucky to see it. This was not the case for the US Men's national team heading into Denver for their match up with Costa Rica, on Friday March 22nd.
Blizzard-like conditions were expected to hit Denver a few hours before game time, and the weathermen couldn't have been more dead on with their forecast. Tuning into the pre-game coverage, as well as viewing pictures posted to Twitter of snow removal crews frantically blowing snow off of the white lines of the field, I could tell this game was going to be interesting, to say the least.
Both teams struggled a bit playing in the snow. After all, it's not every day you play a game during a blizzard. I remember playing one game in the snow and one during icy conditions. Both games were ugly and difficult to get anything going, but they are memories I will never forget. I'm sure the USMNT players feel the same. In the end, the US won the match 1-0 off of a pretty cheap goal from the trusty Texan Clint Dempsey.
The highlight of the game for me was when play stopped to consider calling the game, as well as remove snow from the lines once again. Players from both teams urged the referees to continue play after the snow was removed. The ref reluctantly gave the players what they desired. Scenes like that are a pretty cool reminder that these professional athletes love what they do, and want to have fun doing it.
I expected to hear some fallout from the game being played, especially since it ended in a loss for Costa Rica. I won't lie, I don't think the game should have been played because of the importance of these World Cup qualifying matches in the CONCACAF Hexagonal. But at the same time, the good guys won in the end. Costa Rica looked like sore losers after their attempted protest. FIFA got it right (for once) by rejecting the formal protest.
US @ Mexico
The hype surrounding this game for the US was a little more than usual, especially because the last trip to Azteca in Mexico City resulted in a win for us. Wins, even ties are very difficult to come by in that stadium. Mexico has made it a near impenetrable fortress, no matter the quality of the opposition.
For such a big game, I thought it was appropriate to watch with a few friends at a local bar/popular pizza joint in Columbia. It was refreshing to walk in and see the bar section with a small crowd of US supporters, even for it being 9:30 on a Tuesday night. All of us were secretly hoping we wouldn't be seeing a typical match in Mexico. Maybe that's why bars are great places to watch sporting events??
As far as the game goes, I was pretty pleased that we came away with the draw. I'm sure other US soccer fans would completely agree with that also. I feel like Jurgen Klinsmann has done a fantastic job (for the most part) of preparing the US for games against quality opponents and tough environments. Let's not kid ourselves, the US isn't anywhere near being able to consistently beat top teams. But the tactics/methods Klinsmann is trying to implement seem to be paying off. It will take time to get to "winning ways" but Jurgen is showing us how to get results in important games. Getting our first point ever in a World Cup qualifier in Mexico is a baby step, but it's a big baby step.
Klinsmann went with a more defensive strategy for this game, and rightfully so considering Mexico's record in Azteca. Five midfielders and four in the back congested America's side of the field against the talented strikers of Mexico. Brad Guzan came up big with some pretty solid saves, and looked good replacing the injured Tim Howard. I personally feel the combination of Besler and Gonzalez in the middle of our defense immensely helped in preserving the tie. Those are two guys that have the potential to be a mainstay on the back line.
Like I said before, I think we did what was necessary to get that result in Mexico City. As much as I hate ties, I can't help but feel it's a small victory in such a historically hostile environment. Well done Yanks, not a bad week at all! Congratulations on turning 100, and here's to many more successful years! 'Merica!
Next WCQ: @ Jamaica, June 7
Both teams struggled a bit playing in the snow. After all, it's not every day you play a game during a blizzard. I remember playing one game in the snow and one during icy conditions. Both games were ugly and difficult to get anything going, but they are memories I will never forget. I'm sure the USMNT players feel the same. In the end, the US won the match 1-0 off of a pretty cheap goal from the trusty Texan Clint Dempsey.
The highlight of the game for me was when play stopped to consider calling the game, as well as remove snow from the lines once again. Players from both teams urged the referees to continue play after the snow was removed. The ref reluctantly gave the players what they desired. Scenes like that are a pretty cool reminder that these professional athletes love what they do, and want to have fun doing it.
I expected to hear some fallout from the game being played, especially since it ended in a loss for Costa Rica. I won't lie, I don't think the game should have been played because of the importance of these World Cup qualifying matches in the CONCACAF Hexagonal. But at the same time, the good guys won in the end. Costa Rica looked like sore losers after their attempted protest. FIFA got it right (for once) by rejecting the formal protest.
US @ Mexico
The hype surrounding this game for the US was a little more than usual, especially because the last trip to Azteca in Mexico City resulted in a win for us. Wins, even ties are very difficult to come by in that stadium. Mexico has made it a near impenetrable fortress, no matter the quality of the opposition.
For such a big game, I thought it was appropriate to watch with a few friends at a local bar/popular pizza joint in Columbia. It was refreshing to walk in and see the bar section with a small crowd of US supporters, even for it being 9:30 on a Tuesday night. All of us were secretly hoping we wouldn't be seeing a typical match in Mexico. Maybe that's why bars are great places to watch sporting events??
As far as the game goes, I was pretty pleased that we came away with the draw. I'm sure other US soccer fans would completely agree with that also. I feel like Jurgen Klinsmann has done a fantastic job (for the most part) of preparing the US for games against quality opponents and tough environments. Let's not kid ourselves, the US isn't anywhere near being able to consistently beat top teams. But the tactics/methods Klinsmann is trying to implement seem to be paying off. It will take time to get to "winning ways" but Jurgen is showing us how to get results in important games. Getting our first point ever in a World Cup qualifier in Mexico is a baby step, but it's a big baby step.
Klinsmann went with a more defensive strategy for this game, and rightfully so considering Mexico's record in Azteca. Five midfielders and four in the back congested America's side of the field against the talented strikers of Mexico. Brad Guzan came up big with some pretty solid saves, and looked good replacing the injured Tim Howard. I personally feel the combination of Besler and Gonzalez in the middle of our defense immensely helped in preserving the tie. Those are two guys that have the potential to be a mainstay on the back line.
Like I said before, I think we did what was necessary to get that result in Mexico City. As much as I hate ties, I can't help but feel it's a small victory in such a historically hostile environment. Well done Yanks, not a bad week at all! Congratulations on turning 100, and here's to many more successful years! 'Merica!
Next WCQ: @ Jamaica, June 7
Monday, March 18, 2013
Speedbump
I don't have much to say about this past week's performance from Liverpool. Saturday's loss to Southampton pretty well sums up the label "consistently inconsistent," the Reds have been given this year. The mere fact that Southampton were able to put 8 shots on target within the first 20 minutes of the match says a lot about Liverpool, at least in this game anyways.
The back line looked dazed, and unable to contend with Southampton's counter attack. I haven't seen that many balls played over our last line in a long while. It's never a good sign to see defenders turning to catch up to the ball!
Southampton were able to get two goals before half. Coutinho knocked one in for Liverpool just before the halftime whistle off of a pinball in the box. The Saint's put another one in during the second half to seal the deal, and send Liverpool home scratching their heads. Let's hope this was just a minor hiccup in the Red's climb to a Champion's League spot.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Fighting back
As an American Liverpool fan, my Saturday/Sunday morning ritual usually consists of getting out of bed (sometimes fairly early for a weekend) and finding the best internet link to watch the Liverpool game on my computer. I've grown so accustom to this that it almost feels like a treat to see ESPN picking up the occasional game. It still baffles me that the major American broadcasting companies aren't buying more into the best overall league for the world's most popular sport. Even with soccer moving into the second most popular sport for Americans between the ages of 12 and 24.
This past Sunday was no exception to the usual routine. I was a little wary of the impending result for the Reds, primarily because they haven't been able to put together a solid performance against a top team this season. Tottenham were coming into the game sitting in the top 4 of the EPL. The Spurs were riding high on the stellar form of their Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale. I'll be completely honest, I figured we would give them a run for their money, but in the end Bale would pull out some heroic goal like he'd done several times recently. I don't think that seemed too far-fetched as the Spurs hadn't lost since December. I'm glad I was wrong...
Early on Liverpool seemed a little slow, but it didn't take much time for the club to get into the game. Once again, you could tell Coutinho came to play. It seems his performance in the club's last game boosted his confidence. 20 minutes in he played a cheeky back-heel pass to a forward-charging Enrique, who eventually played it back. Coutinho then played a threading through ball back to Enrique at the top of Tottenham's box, who then brilliantly found Suarez. And Suarez being Suarez quickly tapped it in before Spurs's keeper, Lloris could cover the near post. Beautiful build up from the young Brazilian, equally impressive finish from the Uruguayan.
Following the first goal, Liverpool seemed to take their foot off the gas. I likened it to how the U.S. National Team often reacts after scoring a goal. And in similar fashion, Tottenham eventually took advantage of the dazed play of Liverpool. Jan Vertonghen equalized right before half-time from a perfect cross sent in by, guess who? Gareth Bale.
Brendan Rodgers has been known for his half-time pep-talks and team adjustments. I was expecting to see Liverpool come out after half with fire in their eyes. Whatever fire there was, if any, was quickly extinguished by a go-ahead goal from Vertonghen in the 53rd minute. Liverpool seemed to be asleep during many of Spurs's set pieces. This was no exception, with the defender putting in a quick-reaction shot.
At this point in the game, I was getting that all too familiar feeling of watching a team (supposedly on the rise) come so close to beating a quality side, but coming up short in the end. Although, like a true Liverpool fan, I couldn't forget the countless times the Reds had put together last minute miracles. In the 66th minute, Stewart Downing smashed home an embarrassingly bad back pass to Lloris. Hope was restored at Anfield with a deep exhale from the stands. 2-2 boys and girls.
I would have been okay with this game ending in a draw. Tottenham were a team that was experiencing an impressive undefeated streak, as well as the club with one of Europe's most in-form players Gareth Bale. But Liverpool had proven they could fight back (whether it was with a bit of luck or not). So needless to say in the 83rd minute when Suarez was brought down in the box by an Assou-Ekotto forearm to the face, I was elated to see the penalty given. A few exclamatory expletives may have escaped my breath when Stevie G banged in the PK to put Liverpool up 3-2. After a few nervous closing minutes, GAME OVER! Liverpool 3, Tottenham 2.
With a result like that, it's hard not to buy into Liverpool making a run in to a Champions League spot. Walk on boys!
This past Sunday was no exception to the usual routine. I was a little wary of the impending result for the Reds, primarily because they haven't been able to put together a solid performance against a top team this season. Tottenham were coming into the game sitting in the top 4 of the EPL. The Spurs were riding high on the stellar form of their Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale. I'll be completely honest, I figured we would give them a run for their money, but in the end Bale would pull out some heroic goal like he'd done several times recently. I don't think that seemed too far-fetched as the Spurs hadn't lost since December. I'm glad I was wrong...
Early on Liverpool seemed a little slow, but it didn't take much time for the club to get into the game. Once again, you could tell Coutinho came to play. It seems his performance in the club's last game boosted his confidence. 20 minutes in he played a cheeky back-heel pass to a forward-charging Enrique, who eventually played it back. Coutinho then played a threading through ball back to Enrique at the top of Tottenham's box, who then brilliantly found Suarez. And Suarez being Suarez quickly tapped it in before Spurs's keeper, Lloris could cover the near post. Beautiful build up from the young Brazilian, equally impressive finish from the Uruguayan.
Following the first goal, Liverpool seemed to take their foot off the gas. I likened it to how the U.S. National Team often reacts after scoring a goal. And in similar fashion, Tottenham eventually took advantage of the dazed play of Liverpool. Jan Vertonghen equalized right before half-time from a perfect cross sent in by, guess who? Gareth Bale.
Brendan Rodgers has been known for his half-time pep-talks and team adjustments. I was expecting to see Liverpool come out after half with fire in their eyes. Whatever fire there was, if any, was quickly extinguished by a go-ahead goal from Vertonghen in the 53rd minute. Liverpool seemed to be asleep during many of Spurs's set pieces. This was no exception, with the defender putting in a quick-reaction shot.
At this point in the game, I was getting that all too familiar feeling of watching a team (supposedly on the rise) come so close to beating a quality side, but coming up short in the end. Although, like a true Liverpool fan, I couldn't forget the countless times the Reds had put together last minute miracles. In the 66th minute, Stewart Downing smashed home an embarrassingly bad back pass to Lloris. Hope was restored at Anfield with a deep exhale from the stands. 2-2 boys and girls.
I would have been okay with this game ending in a draw. Tottenham were a team that was experiencing an impressive undefeated streak, as well as the club with one of Europe's most in-form players Gareth Bale. But Liverpool had proven they could fight back (whether it was with a bit of luck or not). So needless to say in the 83rd minute when Suarez was brought down in the box by an Assou-Ekotto forearm to the face, I was elated to see the penalty given. A few exclamatory expletives may have escaped my breath when Stevie G banged in the PK to put Liverpool up 3-2. After a few nervous closing minutes, GAME OVER! Liverpool 3, Tottenham 2.
With a result like that, it's hard not to buy into Liverpool making a run in to a Champions League spot. Walk on boys!
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| GettyImages |
Monday, March 4, 2013
Momentum... And debt
Tuning in to the Liverpool game Saturday morning versus Wigan Athletic, I could tell we were in for a good showing from the Reds. Wigan were in poor form near the bottom of the table. It seemed as though the club had been gaining momentum over the past couple of weeks. The combination of the players buying into Rodgers' system/style of play, as well as the new transfers picked up in January (Sturridge and Coutinho), seem to have the club heading down a road to greener pastures.
That momentum was summed up within the opening minutes by Coutinho's smooth control from a long ball, then leaving the Wigan defender frantically searching for his jock strap, crossing to Stuart Downing who calmly headed the ball into the back of the net. From that sequence alone, one could easily tell Liverpool was headed for a good day. Luis Suarez solidified that hunch with a hat-trick performance for 21 goals in the 2012/2013 campaign. Performances such as that make it difficult to exclude Suarez from EPL Player of the Year. Some of his on-field antics may raise questions, but his play this season has been undeniably impressive. On top of the 4 goals, Pepe Reina also put in a solid performance with a few key saves, allowing Liverpool to keep the shut-out. 4-0, good guys!
So I started off with the good news, now for the bad. Monday morning revealed the club's debt has risen to nearly $130 million. Not good, especially for those who are aware of ex-Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers. For a better read on this story, check out Mike Whalley of Soccernet.com's article. Here's the link: Liverpool Debt
That momentum was summed up within the opening minutes by Coutinho's smooth control from a long ball, then leaving the Wigan defender frantically searching for his jock strap, crossing to Stuart Downing who calmly headed the ball into the back of the net. From that sequence alone, one could easily tell Liverpool was headed for a good day. Luis Suarez solidified that hunch with a hat-trick performance for 21 goals in the 2012/2013 campaign. Performances such as that make it difficult to exclude Suarez from EPL Player of the Year. Some of his on-field antics may raise questions, but his play this season has been undeniably impressive. On top of the 4 goals, Pepe Reina also put in a solid performance with a few key saves, allowing Liverpool to keep the shut-out. 4-0, good guys!
So I started off with the good news, now for the bad. Monday morning revealed the club's debt has risen to nearly $130 million. Not good, especially for those who are aware of ex-Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers. For a better read on this story, check out Mike Whalley of Soccernet.com's article. Here's the link: Liverpool Debt
Monday, February 18, 2013
Hold on tight...
Last week for Liverpool FC summed up the club's entire 2012/2013 season, thus far. A 0-2 loss early in the week to Zenit St. Petersburg in the Europa League did nothing for building confidence, especially after being dominated the prior weekend by West Brom. Just when you think an out-of-control-downward-spiral is immenent, Liverpool springs back to life with an overwhelming 5-0 win against Swansea.
Weeks such as Liverpool's last leave me scratching my head in confusion. One match they resemble the struggling side from last season, the next leaves me wondering how the club is mid-table and not at the top with the Manchester clubs. It's been a roller coaster ride, that's for sure. The moments of brilliance in team play exhibited in the most recent game against Swansea are hard to ignore. I consider myself to be pretty optimistic, so I will continue to hold on to those glimpses for what could come in the near future (hopefully).
For now, I think the ESPN staff at Soccernet.com, and the club's coach Brendan Rodgers have both described the season to a "T" by granting Liverpool the title of "consistently inconsistent." This season has had its peaks and valleys, but it's hard not to enjoy the ride. Walk on, walk on boys and girls...
Here are a few links about last week's "adventure" for Liverpool...
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1344561/liverpool-boss-brendan-rodgers-hoping-for-top-four-finish?cc=5901
http://espnfc.com/feature/_/id/1344138/mike-whalley:-liverpool-discover-ruthless-streak-to-rout-swans?cc=5901
Soccernet.com's blogger, Kristian Walsh:
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/655?cc=5901
Weeks such as Liverpool's last leave me scratching my head in confusion. One match they resemble the struggling side from last season, the next leaves me wondering how the club is mid-table and not at the top with the Manchester clubs. It's been a roller coaster ride, that's for sure. The moments of brilliance in team play exhibited in the most recent game against Swansea are hard to ignore. I consider myself to be pretty optimistic, so I will continue to hold on to those glimpses for what could come in the near future (hopefully).
For now, I think the ESPN staff at Soccernet.com, and the club's coach Brendan Rodgers have both described the season to a "T" by granting Liverpool the title of "consistently inconsistent." This season has had its peaks and valleys, but it's hard not to enjoy the ride. Walk on, walk on boys and girls...
Here are a few links about last week's "adventure" for Liverpool...
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1344561/liverpool-boss-brendan-rodgers-hoping-for-top-four-finish?cc=5901
http://espnfc.com/feature/_/id/1344138/mike-whalley:-liverpool-discover-ruthless-streak-to-rout-swans?cc=5901
Soccernet.com's blogger, Kristian Walsh:
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/655?cc=5901
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Now is the time
The 2012-2013 season for Liverpool, thus far, has had its fair share of ups and downs. Newly appointed coach Brendan Rodgers has introduced a much more attractive style of play that gives the club a more free-flowing look. However, a few results throughout the season have left fans and players scratching their heads in the name of progress.
Bad...
8/18/2012- Opening day of EPL: 0-3 loss to West Bromwich Albion
9/2/2012- EPL: 0-2 loss to Arsenal
10/31/2012- Capital One Cup (Round 4): 1-3 loss to Swansea City
12/15/2012- EPL: 1-3 loss to Aston Villa
1/27/2013- FA Cup (Round 4): 2-3 loss to Oldham Athletic ---> embarrassing!
Despite a few hiccups along the road, as well as missing out on goal help for striker Luis Suarez in the 2012 summer transfer window, Liverpool have put up some impressive results to add to the win/draw columns. Albeit against lesser quality teams of the EPL and Europe, for the most part, the brand of soccer Liverpool are playing in these glimpses shows good promise for the future.
Good...
8/26/2012- EPL: 2-2 draw vs Manchester City
9/20/2012- Europa League: 5-3 vs BSC Young Boys
9/29/2012- EPL: 5-2 win vs Norwich City
12/22/2012- EPL: 4-0 win vs Fulham
1/19/2013- EPL: 5-0 win vs Norwich City
1/30/2013- EPL: 2-2 draw vs Arsenal
2/3/2013- EPL: 2-2 draw vs Manchester City
The newest additions picked up during the January transfer window are looking to bolster Liverpool's attack. Young talent Daniel Sturridge was brought in from Chelsea and has already contributed 3 goals to the team. Another young talent from Inter (Italy), Phillipe Coutinho, is looking to make his mark on this Liverpool squad. Time will only tell, but I'll be sure to keep my fingers and toes crossed. Let's hope for a "W" in the upcoming match against West Brom. Tune in at 3pm ET on 2/11/13, on ESPN2. Walk on, walk on!
Bad...
8/18/2012- Opening day of EPL: 0-3 loss to West Bromwich Albion
9/2/2012- EPL: 0-2 loss to Arsenal
10/31/2012- Capital One Cup (Round 4): 1-3 loss to Swansea City
12/15/2012- EPL: 1-3 loss to Aston Villa
1/27/2013- FA Cup (Round 4): 2-3 loss to Oldham Athletic ---> embarrassing!
Despite a few hiccups along the road, as well as missing out on goal help for striker Luis Suarez in the 2012 summer transfer window, Liverpool have put up some impressive results to add to the win/draw columns. Albeit against lesser quality teams of the EPL and Europe, for the most part, the brand of soccer Liverpool are playing in these glimpses shows good promise for the future.
Good...
8/26/2012- EPL: 2-2 draw vs Manchester City
9/20/2012- Europa League: 5-3 vs BSC Young Boys
9/29/2012- EPL: 5-2 win vs Norwich City
12/22/2012- EPL: 4-0 win vs Fulham
1/19/2013- EPL: 5-0 win vs Norwich City
1/30/2013- EPL: 2-2 draw vs Arsenal
2/3/2013- EPL: 2-2 draw vs Manchester City
The newest additions picked up during the January transfer window are looking to bolster Liverpool's attack. Young talent Daniel Sturridge was brought in from Chelsea and has already contributed 3 goals to the team. Another young talent from Inter (Italy), Phillipe Coutinho, is looking to make his mark on this Liverpool squad. Time will only tell, but I'll be sure to keep my fingers and toes crossed. Let's hope for a "W" in the upcoming match against West Brom. Tune in at 3pm ET on 2/11/13, on ESPN2. Walk on, walk on!
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