My brief midterm election thoughts from “The Jumpoff”

Henry Doin' Work

Can’t wait to see him in action live, already picked up a goal in the exi match vs. Tottenham, talk about deja-vu:

http://www.90soccer.com/domestic/the-promise-of-henry-reversing-the-beckham-effect-in-the-mls/

In the final weeks of June, the nation was undoubtedly captivated by the US Men’s Soccer team and their South African escapade. It was no doubt an important step forward for the sport in the this country. As Simmons noted in his recent column, it seems like we’ve been saying this for years.

From Dempsey’s unthinkable goal against England, to Donovan’s inspiring penalty kick against Ghana, this was a hard-nosed and determined US team, miles above their 2006 debacle in Germany.

ESPN had a field day with the replay of Edu’s disallowed goal, speculation about Howard’s ribs, and the coronation of Donovan after his dramatic game winner against Algeria.

Now that the World Cup experience is over for the Yanks, it’s time for a serious reality check, the kind that we’ve not really had in this nation’s World Cup history. That in and of itself is part of the problem. More on that later.

First, the second round is not good enough. The elation felt by Sam’s Army with Donovan’s game winner against Algeria was warranted, particularly considering how difficult Group C turned out to be. With that, however, the Round of 16 exit makes the incredible performances of the group stage lose some of their meaning.

There were breakout performances by Bradley (my man of the match against  Slovenia and Algeria), and good progress by Altidore.  But in our attempt to become card-carrying members of the elite soccer world, we cannot rest on the laurels of barely winning a group that was one of the easier draws in the entire World Cup, only to lose unconvincingly in the second round.

The cyclical nature of the US in the World Cup is getting to be ridiculous. After 2002 we thought we’d arrived, only to crap the bed terribly within the first 20 minutes of 2006′s opening match against the Czech Republic. And there is the temptation to think that because we won our group for the first time since 1930 that this was an acceptable performance. Don’t get it twisted, it was not.  Since the pulse of our national media isn’t as attached to our World Cup results like it is in other countries, the discussion will not be as heated regarding our early exit like it will be in England. (I’m honestly surprised Capello hasn’t been fired yet).

And it is that disparity in expectations (even when you consider the football sensationalism in the English press) that is holding back the progress of the US National team.  Those expectations, since they will not be a part of the national discussion on TV and elsewhere, have to be set by head coach and our governing soccer body, the USSF. Needless to say, the decision made about Bradley or a replacement this time around will dictate the next 20 years of progress  for National team in international competition.

Reading this article from ESPN about Sonny Gulati  does nothing to put to rest the biggest fear die-hard soccer fans have about the future: Bob Bradley staying on as coach.  This is not a personal attempt to discredit his authority and mastery of the game. Numerous accounts have been written about his hidden genius, some even calling him the “Rainman” of the sport (is that a compliment?). Deep down, US fans know that a change has to be made.

The calamity after 2006, which saw the USSF fail to solidify the final details to bring on Jurgen Klinsman is still all too fresh for Yank fans.

It’s a shame ESPN has been so schizophrenic with its studio coverage of the games. Otherwise, JK could have his chance to publicly interview with not only the die-hard fan (who should already have tons of respect from his accolades as player and coach), but also with the casual fan who will undoubtedly feel left out when the head coach discussions begin.

Sidebar:  Could you imagine the studio team for NFL Today or ESPN College Gameday changing before EVERY SINGLE GAME and sometimes at HALFTIME?!?!?  Who approved this at ESPN? I understand the rotation keeps the on-air talent fresh for their appearances, but they took it to a next level. Rotate the hosts and then just have, Klinsman, Lalas, and Macca. Done. I digress.

A coach of Klinsman’s calibre is necessary to adjust the nationwide and eventually worldwide expectations for US Soccer.  The reality of the 2010 World Cup is that with the talent we fielded and the group we drew, a Round of 16 exit is not just disappointing, its a failure. And having been there as a player and coach, Klinsman has the credibility to demand no less.

The Gulati  quotes concerning the missed opportunity to keep the team in front of American TV audiences miss the point. He sounds like an NBA owner talking about his displeasure with their teams inability to make the playoffs.  That approach isn’t going to cut it, SG.  The World Cup is a revenue generating event for ALL involved, yes, but its what happens on the field that should be your first concern. Sarkozy didn’t call Thierry Henry into his office for a special meeting (lINK) because they missed a chance to be in front of more French TV viewers, he called him in because what happened is quite literally a national embarrassment and someone needs to be held accountable. In all seriousness, if we got to that point as a soccer nation, where the freaking president (!) got involved after a bad performance, I’d rest a little bit easier.

Gulati  should be less concerned about TV ratings and working with MLS bosses and owners to ensure that the next head coach can have unlimited access to players for regional friendlies and cup competitions, apparently the main sticking point for Klinsman a few years back. Seriously? The freaking MLS was the reason we couldn’t get a proven yet up and coming international coach to take our program? Who is asleep at the wheel of this car? Oh right, Gulati .

There is an opportunity to right that wrong in the next few weeks as the opportunity to name a new coach will present itself to the Federation.  And to do that correctly, it must be a man who has proven himself, in the World Cup or at the international level as a player, coach, or both. Someone who can chance the expectations not just for the die-hard 80s babies like myself , but for the casual fan who is more interested in America doing the best it can, whatever the sport is. The comments from Simmons’ column  come to mind here.

We have the resources. The facilities. The players. The interest. Now its up to the Federation to follow through and not waste another 4 years. As hopeful as I am, I’ve been burnt before by Gulati  and company.

James Mundia is a soccer player, coach, and enthusiast based in Washington, D.C.

My first post as a guest writer, peep peep peep and respond!

J

In early March I came across a short blog post from Jack Bell (of the NYT’s Soccer Blog) about ESPN’s switch to an all foreign broadcasting team for the 2010 World Cup. There was an initial surprise on my part, particularly when I found out that J.P. Dellacamera, the most seasoned soccer play-by-play man that ESPN has, would not be spared from the switch, instead being moved to ESPN Radio for the duration of the matches. I’ve been watching J.P. Since my dad busted out his VHS tapes of the 1990 Finals to show me, my first experience being a match that JP himself called.

From a business perspective, its a solid move. It demonstrates the networks serious commitment to televised soccer in this country, something that has been increasing more and more in the last decade. These steps culminated with the expansive coverage of the 2008 European Championships, the first time all of the matches were televised in the States. The 2008 Euros also brought about the introduction of Andy Gray to casual ESPN soccer viewers, although those of us who watched highlights on Fox Sports Net during the 90′s and 2000′s or played FIFA video games were familiar with his one-of-a-kind accent and style.

ESPN’s seemingly sudden attempt to take soccer seriously stems from two sources: the inevitability of the sport as a viable television product, and media competition. The growth of Fox Soccer Channel and other soccer-only media ventures is something that mammoth ESPN had to take seriously. Remember, ESPN is a Disney subsidiary, and Mickey Mouse is not a fan of rolling over when there are new markets to explore.

So by offering the Brit-only commentating team the novelty of soccer is given a little more legitimacy to the fringe and casual fans. Can’t you imagine ESPN execs in pitch meetings saying things like: “They invented the sport, right?”.

That being said, as a diehard fan, someone who has been hooked on the sport since I was 8, and subsequently watched every US TV World Cup broadcast that I could, the move to replace my beloved JP Dellacamera and others leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

JP’s enthusiastic and smart coverage was exactly what the American fan needed to get accustomed to the “world’s game”, as was his familiar voice and knowledge of the game’s history. His historical intimacy was especially valuable in his coverage of the American teams through the years. With his long broadcasting history, he bore witness to many crucial American soccer moments as a commentator, something that “old-school” (read: 80′s babies) football heads like myself associate with the broad range of soccer memories that we hold dear.

Among the many great JP moments, his late 90′s Champions League coverage, primarily with Ireland’s Tommy Smythe, (who will also not be in the booth for ESPN TV broadcast’s this summer), was a perfect counterpart to ESPN’s expansion of world soccer coverage. JP presided over a number of the important matches as Manchester United made their Treble run in 1999, concluding with the epic final against Bayern, a match with a finale so thrilling it made no sense but to have someone other than JP making the calls.

To say that we remember the broadcaster’s words as much as the actual details of monumental sports moments is an understatement. I was amazed to watch Vancouver Olympic hockey coverage this winter and see Al Michaels’ face all over the place in ads and vignettes in memory of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey team. He is inextricably tied to that moment in sports history because of his amazing call. This has led to broadcasting immortality for him, and his presence as a useful tie-in for subsequent broadcasts geared toward those that lived through the “Do you believe in miracles???…YES!” moment.

Though Michaels was not on the booth team for NBC’s Olympic in-game commentary, he remained a part of their broadcasts through the games. Dellacamera’s TV presence has been taken away completely, instead he’ll be covering matches on ESPN Radio, while his new partner John Harkes has been left out of the festivities all together.

I’m not accusing ESPN of ruining the World Cup for me, but it will be a little like watching NFL football without John Madden. We can get through it, but you might catch yourself thinking about “the good ‘ole days.”

Here are some old school WC clips, including a look at a much younger ERNIE JOHNSON (!!!) of NBA on TNT fame as the lead studio man for the TNT’s 1990 WC Coverage

JP Short clip during a 1990 WC Match: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP4Q5_8Sx_0

Eric Wynalda Free Kick Goal 1994: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHtbb3yd9wM

Ernie Johnson in Studio 1990 WC for TNT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHB6vyqwm5k

James Mundia is a soccer player, coach, and enthusiast based out of Washington, DC

3.3.10

FRESNO–Local software engineer Holden Bradley, 28, has instructed his closest aides and members of his inner circle to form an exploratory committee into getting him some action, sources confirmed Tuesday.

A friend close to Bradley, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Munion that it has been at least 5 years since he’s had any tang, though there has been no official confirmation of the last time Bradley got busy.

Bradley’s camp downplayed the move, which is par for the course with such announcements. A press release from his downtown apartment headquarters was nonchalant and slightly dismissive:

“Those of us close to Holden feel that it’s best for him to keep his options open. With spring coming up, we don’t want him to miss a golden opportunity to get some tail. Should that chance arise, the committee will take the necessary steps to ensure that he is prepared to smush.”

Regardless of the motivation behind the move, the announcement immediately stirred up discussion among locals about the last time Bradley tried to get laid.

“It was a mess,” local bartender Joe Allen recalls.  ”He’d just watched that VH1 show, ‘The Pick Up Artist’, so he came in wearing a fur coat and some stupid mad-hatter hat, what a disaster.  I want him to get some good-good, but I’d settle for him just not making an ass of himself.”

The Munion’s anonymous source claims that despite the relaxed face Holden’s staffers are putting forward, the campaign to get poon is already in full swing.

“He’s cut down his World of Warcraft time down to 8 hours a day, is showering regularly, and will invest up to $100 dollars in clothing that is not gaming or Harry Potter themed.”

2.25.10

Portland–A local restaurateur, going under the alias Jim Linsco for the purposes of anonymity, recently admitted to “not really being into soccer”.  The shocking statement comes months before the nation inevitably goes soccer crazy during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, particularly surrounding the US National team’s chances.

“In the 80s and most of the 90s”, remarked Linsco, “it was chic to hate or at the very least be indifferent to soccer. Now, every time I’m with a group of people and they start talking about the best multi-national striker pairs in the world, I just kind of nod and smile, doing my best to stay out of the conversation.  If they knew I had no idea what they were talking about, I’d be blacklisted.”

Linsco notes the effect on his romantic life as well. “Finding a girl who is okay with me not caring about soccer is basically a lost cause”, says the 29 year old. “You’re on a date, things are going well, you’re hitting it off, then she trips you up by asking what you think about the 5-4-1 formation and its side-effect of creating a more defensive style of play, especially in international competitions. It hits you like a ton of bricks, an even though she acts cool you know on the inside she can’t believe she’s on a date with a dude who doesn’t know how to answer that.”

The romance mishaps don’t end therefor the Portland native. “Last year a long term girlfriend broke up with me because I forgot about the anniversary of Paul Caligiuri’s “shot heard round the world”, he laments. “I was devastated that such an simple mistake ended a pretty meaningful relationship.”

The recent success of the US in soccer has not made things any easier on the Portland business owner.  “When we almost won the Confederations Cup last summer I had to be on Xanax just to get through the day. It makes me nervous about the World Cup, since I could always find solace that we wouldn’t  make it past the first round. Now they’re a legit threat to make it into the knockout stage and maybe even pretty far into the tournament. I dunno how long I would last having to pretend to care about all those matches and sitting through conversations about whether Bob Bradley is getting Jozy Altidore enough playing time.”

His fear of being outed as a “less than casual” soccer fan stems from many personal behavior traits that put him at risk, including: not owning a single European replica soccer jersey, and his inability to name the third string goalkeeper for Cameroon’s national team.