Another year and another 12 months worth of memorable soccer.  Here are some of the moments that stick out in my mind.

10. The Beckham Experiment

The Beckham Experiment, the book written by Grant Wahl brought a tidal wave of attention to Beckham, Donovan, the Galaxy, and MLS.   Landon Donovan unleashed on his Galaxy teammate in the book. Calling him a bad teammate and uninterested in the Galaxy’s success.  The book also revealed the problems in the front office that led to the disasters in the first year and a half of Beckham’s time with the Galaxy.

The Book thrust the league into the limelight, never a bad thing.  Beckham came home from his loan spell in Milan to a frosty reception, including two ugly incidents with fans in the stands.  In the end that all blew over, Donovan and Beckham made up, and Beckham went on to help the Galaxy to the MLS Cup and Western Conference Championship.

9. Switzerland and Ghana are new champions

Ghana won its first U20 World Cup and Switzerland won its first U17 championship over the summer.  Ghana became the first African team to win a U20 World Cup.  Ghana is quickly becoming one of the best teams in Africa and the world.  This can be attributed to their excellent youth development programs.  The “Black Stars” have won two U17 championships and have finished runners up several times at the U20 and u17 World Cups.

The Swiss only have the 2002 U17 European Championship trophy to talk about in their entire soccer history. This win is big for the Swiss as they slowly start to work their way into the soccer elite. Young stars like Haris Seferovic, Nassim Ben Khalifa, and Benjamin Siegrist should usher in a new Era in Swiss football.

8. MLS Rookies and Newcomers

The new faces in MLS really lit up the league.  The new crop of rookies really made an impact for their clubs. Omar Gonzalez, Rookie of the Year, solidified the LA Galaxy backline, helping them get to the MLS Cup.  Offensively, Steve Zakuani and Chris Pontious were dangerous and exciting to watch.  Sam Cronin and Stefan Frei were key starters for Toronto, Cronin earning a national team call up.  This is important for the league, because 1) it reaffirms the belief that there are quality soccer players coming out of college and available in the draft, and 2) it helps calm some worries that the US isn’t producing enough talent to support MLS’s expansion.  You could put together a very good team composed of all 2009 MLS rookies.

The league also did a good job of finding talent abroad. Players like Fredy Montero, Freddy Ljungberg, David Ferriera, and Pablo Vitti provided much needed skill and offensive spark to their teams.  The league also brought home some Americans from overseas.  Guys like Berhalter, Keller, and Heath Pearce all played major roles in their clubs.

7. Jonathon Bornstein scores tying goal against Costa Rica

The US’s World Cup qualifying campaign had its ups and downs but no one ever believed we wouldn’t qualify.  After securing a berth to the World Cup, the US played a lackluster match against Costa Rica in October on the final day of qualifiers.  Down 2-0, the US pulled one back in 72nd minute off a Michael Bradley tap in.  Deep into to stoppage time the Costa Ricans were just waiting for the final whistle to blow.  Soccer is a cruel sport, in the 95th minute Jonathon Bornstein rose up to meet a corner kick at the front post and buried it in the net.  The final whistle blew and the Costa Ricans cannot believe what just happened.

Why is this goal so important? First, it came a few days after Charlie Davies was seriously injured in a deadly car crash.  The stadium was filled with cheers and banners supporting the young American striker, so the game meant a lot to everyone. Second, it assured the US a first place finish in qualifying, a moral victory but important nonetheless.  Third, it reminded everyone of how good the US is at fighting back when the chips are down.  Finally, for every Honduran soccer fan in the world Bornstein was a hero, a god, a savior.  One goal changed the history of Honduran soccer forever.

6. Ronaldo to Real Madrid

This past summer we saw an incredible shift in power from the English league to the Spanish league.  After Barcelona took home the Champions League title in a convincing performance over Manchester United, the power balance began to tilt.  England was no longer a desirable destination for the world’s top players.  Some attribute taxes, style of play, and weather to the change in focus.

I think the major tipping point was the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from England. There is not question that he is among the best players in the world, and too some the best.  Although players like Kaka and Messi are in the same class as Ronaldo, neither of those players can match Ronaldo’s overall appeal.  Ronaldo was an icon both on and off the field for the English game.  Once he left, some of that spectacle left with him.

5. Henry Handball

One of the most controversial moments in 2009 had to be Henry’s handball that led to their World Cup berth.  The handball was clear enough and Henry openly admitted to handling the ball.  The problem is that the referee didn’t see it and the goal was allowed.  The incident sent shock waves through the soccer world.  People were calling Henry a cheater, while others called him a hero.  For the Irish it was slap in the face.  The Irish played well enough but it took a slick handball to end the Irish’s World Cup dreams.

4. Seattle Sounders

The Seattle Sounders inaugural season will go down in history as one the most important moments in MLS history.  The club broke all previously set attendance records by a large margin.  The Sounders created a model for all other expansion teams to follow.

So what did they do right? Almost everything. First, MLS decided to expand in a market with a built in fan base.  Second, Drew Carey took charge of getting fans involved and excited about the game. Third, they hired MLS Coach of the Year Sigi Schmid.  Fourth, they drafted for defenders and purchased attacking talent from abroad.  Fifth, they dedicated themselves to playing good soccer. Finally, they got lucky, a necessary ingredient for any successful business.

3. Selecao

The Brazilian national team has been absolutely unstoppable in 2009.  They finished first in South American qualifying and won the Confederations Cup after recovering from a 2-0 deficit against the US.  It isn’t so much about what Brazil did in 2009, but how they did it.  The Brazilians are playing great soccer. It doesn’t have the same flash or style of the 1970 squad, but this team has more grit and to go along with their magic.  The team hasn’t lost its identity though. Players like Robinho, Kaka, Luis Fabiano, and Elano bring enough spark to remind us just how magical soccer can be.  It was a pleasure to watch them play in 2009 and they should be better come the summer of 2010.

2. Barcelona

The Spanish Giants were completely unstoppable in 2009 winning 6 trophies (La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, and the Club World Cup).  The Barcelona roster reads like a shortlist for the World Player of the Year.  Led by Lionel Messi, Xavi, Puyol, Alves, Iniesta, Ibrahimovic, and Eto’o the club played a beautiful style of soccer. Their quick passing and attacking flair captured the hearts of the world.

Their exploits in 2009 were so great that the coach conceded that there is no way they can duplicate that form.  They club had reached its peak and it will slowly start to fall from grace. This Barcelona team will go down in history as one of the best teams of all time.

1. Confederations Cups

The Confederations Cup, in my mind, is one of the biggest moments of all time for US soccer.  After a dreadful start in group play, the US fought back and did the impossible to qualify for the second round.  The team went on to beat #1 ranked Spain ending the Spanish’s 15 game winning streak.   They met Brazil in the final and came out guns blazing. The US was up 2-0 at the half, but failed to hold on to the lead.

The tournament was huge for the US. It was the first final the US has reached in FIFA sanctioned tournament.  They beat the unstoppable Spanish.  The world was introduced to a young striker known as Charlie Davies.  Landon Donovan played like one of the best players in the World. Jay Demerit and Jonathon Spector arrived as national team starters.  The US played with the kind of heart and athleticism that gained us respect in the 2002 World Cup.

Let me know what your top 10 moments were this year.  Thanks and Happy New Year!!!

Here are some interesting tidbits that have happened in the last few days.

Onyewu ready by March

Oguchi Onyewu should be ready to start playing again in March.  The American central defender suffered a knee injury against Costa Rica in October.  Gooch should be ready to go in March and is expected to start running in early 2010.  He will still need to find a way to crack into the AC Milan starting lineup but having him healthy and fit is the first step.

Charlie Davies is still a little further away but is optimistic. The young striker was given a 6-12 month prognosis after surviving a deadly car crash.  Earlier this month Davies told ESPN he expected to be running in March and fully fit by June.

Curt Onalfo hired as DC United head coach

The former national team assistant coach and DC United player, spent two and a half years at the helm of the Kansas City Wizards before being let go in August.  After Akron Coach Caleb Porter turned down the position at DC United Onalfo became the number one candidate. Onalfo spent 2000-2002 as assistant and interim coach at United so he is familiar with the club.

After failing to get results at Kansas City I think this hiring might be a long shot.  DC United and Kansas City are worlds apart in infrastructure and talent so that might make a big difference in Onalfo’s success. The club is looking for someone to get the club back to being one of the top teams in the league.  One thing is for sure, there won’t be any shortage of pressure on the new head coach.

Freddy Adu booted from Belenenses

Freddy Adu has failed to impress once again and has been let go by Portugese side Belenenses.  The club’s new coach, Toni, needed to cut dead weight from the roster. Adu was on loan with the club from Benfica.  Adu has some important decisions to make about his soccer career.  There are MLS options available to Adu if he is willing to take a serious pay cut.  Denmark or Belgium would be another option for the young attacker.

The future is looking less and less bright for Freddy but I’m keeping faith. He is a talented player but it isn’t his time yet.

Beasley might be ready by Sunday

Had a minor setback this week, suffering slight thigh injury.  The injury was supposed to keep him out of the match against Celtic this weekend, but it looks like he might be ready to play.  Apparently the injury was not as bad as they had thought and Beasley is keeping his fingers crossed.

Clubs interested in Ricardo Clark

The American midfielder is drawing attention from Premier League side Burnley and Scottish powerhouse Celtic. The word is that Clark leaning towards a move to Celtic but is considering the opportunity to play in England’s top flight.  Burnley has also been linked to Clark’s Houston teammate Stuart Holden.

Our very own Michael Ogletree is making a big impression with the Denver Dynamite.  Tree is a recent transplant from Southern California and had very little trouble adjusting to the Colorado soccer scene.  He came on board with the FC Denver Premier team before the fall season and was one of our top players.   Tree can play any position on the pitch and was an incredible asset to the team.

After a season of outdoor soccer under his belt Tree has moved up in the world and is now playing for Denver’s professional indoor soccer team, the Denver Dynamite. Tree is coming off a goal and assist performance in his debut against the Ft.Collins Fury.

Here is a recent press release about Tree: Denver Signs a Christmas Ogletree

It is a good read.  Tree spent some time with Chivas USA before coming to Denver.

Tree’s next game: Colorado Springs Cavaliers this Tuesday, December 29th at the Westridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch. Game time 7:30PM. $10 General Admission tickets for all ages. $5 tickets with Highlands Ranch Recreation Association ID.

I hope you guys can make it out to support him.

Merry whatever it is you are celebrating at this time of the year from FC Denver and the Green Army.  I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday season.

The new year is just around the corner, so stay tuned for the Green Army’s top ten of the year.  Also, an MLS draft analysis should be on its way soon.

Cheers!!!

Award Season is here, and here is a list of the latest winners.

US Soccer Awards:

Landon Donovan wins Male Athlete of the Year for the third time.  Donovan has added another accolade to his already well decorated career.  Donovan had a stellar 2009 and we all hope he continues his great form into South Africa this summer.

Hope Solo becomes first Goalkeeper to win Female Athlete of the Year.  Hope Solo went from hero to villain and back hero over the last 2 years. The WPS goalkeeper of the year was a major reason St. Louis Athletica finished 2nd this season in the WPS.

Luis Gil and Tobin Heath Claim Young Athletes of the Year.  Heath lead UNC to a college cup this year.  She has represented the US with the U23’s and the full Women’s National Team.  Luis Gil was the youngest member of the U17 team that represented the US in Nigeria a few months ago.  He is a talented and exciting attacking player that is already getting professional offers.  He is the youngest athlete to win the award.

FIFA Awards:

Messi wins FIFA World Player of the Year for 2009.  It was an easy choice, beating out Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, and Iniesta.

Marta, Brazilian playmaker, won the women’s FIFA World Player of the Year for the 4th year in a row. She beat out England’s Kelly Smith for the award.

Here is FIFA’s Best XI:

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), John Terry (Chelsea), Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Daniel Alves (Barcelona),Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

All are deserving of the award.  I think Samuel Eto’o could have gotten a nod over Fernando Torres. Eto’o had a much better club year than Torres winning the Champions League, the Spanish League, and scoring 30 goals.  Torres had a much better year with Spain, tearing through qualifiers on their way to South Africa this summer.

Barcelona news:

In case you missed it, Barcelona beat Estudiantes de la Plata to win the Club World Cup on Saturday.  Estudiantes played admirably and was winning 1-0 until Pedro tied the game with 2 minutes left in regulation.  Messi scored the game winner off a beautiful cross from Xavi.  This was Barcelona’s 6th trophy in 2009 (UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa Del Rey, European Supercup, Spanish SuperCup and the Club World Cup).  That is an incredible feet for any club.

In the first half, Estudiantes came out and stifled Barcelona’s fluid soccer, something no other team has been able to accomplish.  Estudiantes midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron was the best player on the pitch in the first half but once he faded so did Estudiantes.  Barcelona capitalized on their superior fitness to overcome the valiant Argentinians.

Messi took the Golden Boot, Veron took the Silver Boot, and Xavi was awarded the Bronze Boot.

Manchester City has rejected Barcelona’s bid for Robinho. The English club does not want to let the Brazilian go.  Barcelona club President, Laporta, commented:

”The conditions we set out for Robinho were not acceptable to City and since the squad are developing so well, unless there are any unforeseen last-minute changes we will not be signing anyone in January.”

Laporta has also confirmed that his goal is sign Pique to a new contract, who he considers one the best center defenders in the world.

Beasley Back?

Another game, another goal and assist for the American winger.  Beasley looks like he is back in form and getting plenty of playing time with Scottish powerhouse Rangers.

Gers boss Walter Smith has assured Beasley that if he keeps performing he will get plenty of minutes for Rangers and win a place on the US’s World Cup squad.  That is good news for American fans and great news for Beasley.  The American winger has been struggling with injuries since he had knee surgery two years ago.  It finally looks like he is passed that and is back in the form that made him a standout at PSV.

With the loss of Charlie Davies to long term injury, Beasley being back in form will be a huge relief for Coach Bradley.  Beasley can take a spot on the left flank, freeing up Donovan to play up top with Altidore or Dempsey.

Personally, I think God must truly hate me.  For me, Beasley back with the national team will be the equivalent of getting my nuts slammed in a car door.  Anyways, you have to respect a guy who fought through injury to win a starting spot.  But he probably still sucks, because he’s always sucked.  Ok . . . moving along.

Are you excited to see Beasley back in form? Where do you think he fits in the national team picture now?

Kroenke close to Arsenal take over:

Stan Kroenke is getting close to taking over at Arsenal, full story: Daily Mirror. Rapids fans must be thrilled . . . maybe not.   I am interested to see what the effects of a full takeover will be on the Rapids.  It could be nothing, or it could be a closer relationship with the London based club.  Personally, I hope it is the later. Kroenke has taken a lot of heat for not being involved enough with the Rapids and focusing more on this takeover.  When it is all done he might turn his attention back to MLS . . . but that is probably wishful thinking.

Other news from this weekend:

Mark Hughes has been replaced by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. Transfer speculations have begun. Balotelli and Chiellini have been mentioned.

Dempsey got an assist this weekend in Fulham’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Yes, you read that correctly 3-0 over Manchester United.

Chelsea squeaked out a 1-1 tie off a controversial penalty against West Ham.

Inter wins again and takes an 8 point lead on top of the Serie A table.  Juventus lost its 3rd consecutive match but still sits 3rd in the table.

Independiente Medellin has won its 5th Colombian title. Medellin coach, Leonel Alvarez, played with the Dallas Burn and New England Revolution from 1996-2001.

Here it is, the number one image of the season. It is a video of our fearless coach, Kyle Firebaugh, curling a perfect free kick right past the keeper.

So that is it for the Best of 2009 Pictures. I hope you enjoyed them.  It has been a great year and I know the years to come will be even better.  Happy holidays.

We are almost there! Coming in at #2 in the Best of 2009 pictures is….

2nd PLACE

This was the picture taken after the first annual United vs. Select Game played this fall. United is here in the Dark Jerseys and Select is in White. United won this tighly-contested contest by a 2-1 score.

Tomorrow is the #1 Picture. Be sure to check back for that!

We have a tie for our 3rd place picture of the year. Both of these pictures were taken during the Vail 2009 Tournament. Here they are:

TIED FOR 3rd

This picture captures a beautiful morning before our first game in Vail.

TIED FOR 3rd

A terrific team picture from a great tournament. We dominated our group in round robin play and lost out in a close quarterfinal match. This picture was taken before the quartfinal match. We look forward to competing for the Vail tournament championship next summer.

Coming in at 4th place in this years Best of 2009 Pictures is the following:

4th PLACE

This was taken from the stands before the last game of the Fall 2009 season, played on the turf field at Broomfield Commons Park. Our premier team needed a win and a big win against the Denver Kickers to get 4th place in the 1st division (on goal differential). And we got it!