Lets get this party started!

Our Spring 2010 Tryouts are this weekend. Tryouts are open to Public, but we ask that only serious and qualified players attend. We are recruiting players for 3 teams (2 Men’s open teams and 1 Men’s Over-30 teams).

Tryouts are scheduled for Sunday from 10am - 1pm at Hampden Heights Park (MAP)
There are no cost for tryouts. Just bring your gear, any club questions you have, and be ready to show your skills. We’ll start at 10am sharp, so be sure to be there and be ready.

Please let me know if you have any questions: efulton@fcdenver.org

Cheers!

_
Eric Fulton
Futbol Club Denver
fcdenver.org/blog

The US beat El Salvador last night 2-1, thanks to two late strikes by Brian Ching and Sacha Kljestan.

The first 30-35 minutes were unwatchable.  El Salvador was overly casual with the ball and the US’s pressure forced multiple turnovers.  The US failed to do anything with their possession and looked like they needed someone to remind them what they were supposed to do with the ball.  Its called soccer fellas . . . the sport you get paid to play!!!!

After the “Amateur Hour in Tampa Show” was over the US started to put things together a little better.  Conor Casey  got a few nice touches and set up Kljestan with the best scoring opportunity of the first half.   Beckerman dominated the midfield for the US giving Kljestan a little bit more time to create.  The defense was rarely troubled in the first half, and Goodson, Bornstein, and Pierce enjoyed a solid half defensively. Brad Davis had a good half, demonstrating some poise and skill.

The second half was more of the same.  Brian Ching and Eddie Gaven, subbed in at the half, were creating chances for the US.  Rogers moved to the left and started to produce a little more. The US dominated El Salvador physically but a mistake by Brad Evans saw El Salvador take the lead. El Salvador’s keeper, Miguel Montes, batted away several good US chances.  The US finally leveled in the 76th minute when Brian Ching headed home a Heath Pearce cross.  Kljestan found the game winner two minutes into stoppage time. Kljestan collected an errant pass and played a quick 1-2 pass with Ching for any easy finish.

Positives:

The US was willing to attack.  It was good to see the US players aggressive and hungry to find the goal.  Miguel Montes was in great form for El Salvador and he saved them from a possible 5-1 scoreline.  I think they were also a little lucky that our finishing was poor all night.

Negatives:

I can’t believe the US can still field players with such a disturbing lack of fundamentals, both technical and tactical.  I thought we were passed these days but I guess we still have a few years to go.

Players, the good:

I thought Eddie Gaven, Brian Ching, Beckerman, Heath Pierce, and Brad Davis did themselves a favor last night.  Ching was mobile and hungry.  It doesn’t hurt that he got the tieing goal and assisted on the game winner.  Gaven was lively and showed some clever ball skill.  His final touch to pass or shoot failed him, but he had some highlight reel moments.  Beckerman is reliable and coaches love players they can depend on.  Pearce was lucky that he played on El Salvador’s weak side.  He locked down the left side defensively and put in a nice cross for Ching’s goal. Davis’s performance on the left was probably bolstered by Robbie Rogers poor play, but Davis looked sharp and dangerous in the first half.

Players, the bad:

Robbie Rogers was a mess last night.  On the right side of the field he looked like he belonged on a Wednesday night coed team.  He moved to the left and played much better but still didn’t have a good night.  Robbie Findley needs to rely on more than just his speed.  His fundamentals looked poor, and in my opinion, he shouldn’t wear the US jersey until he cleans that up.  Similarly, Jeff Cunningham might have worn the US jersey for the last time.  He started brightly but disappeared completely from the match.  Brad Evans . . . poor Brad Evans . . . he is a good player but he isn’t a right back.  I want him to get a chance at center mid and show that he can play.  It’s tough not to blame him for El Salvador’s goal but we all knew that if El Salvador was going to score, it would be down our right side.

Players, did just enough:

Conor Casey, Jonothan Bornstein, and Clarence Goodson demonstrated more of the same.  Goodson looked solid against a weak El Salvador attack.  He was also dangerous on set pieces.  Casey reminded Bradley that he can win the physical battles and play good passes up top, but he won’t work like Brian Ching.  Bornstein didn’t shine but he was steady and that is what Bradley was expecting from him.

Sacha Kljestan found the game winner last and put himself into good spots.  Before the game winner, I was going to put him in the bad category because I don’t think he did enough on either side of the ball to say he had an overall good game.  I’ve always liked Kljestan’s style and hopefully this game winner will spark his confidence and get him out of the slump.

Final Thoughts:

The season of the B-team is over. THANK GOD!!!  It was ugly, painful, and embarrassing but we survived.  As terrible as these last few games were, I still think they are necessary for the growth of our national team. Our MLS guys need to play international matches and top competition in order to grow.

I’m looking forward to our next friendly against the Netherlands.  I think Ching has earned a right to make the trip, along with Bornstein, Goodson, Perkins, and Beckerman.   I’m still hoping for Conor Casey to make the trip but if Bradley can only take one target forward, I think Ching edged him last night.

Share your thoughts on last night’s match. Who do you think should make the trip to the Netherlands?

FC Denver is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with the number one soccer pub in the Denver Metro area; the British Bulldog. The British Bulldog has long been known amongst those in the Denver footy scene, but has recently undergone a reemergence under the tutelage of its new owners, the Little Pub Company (LPC). The LPC purchased the Bulldog over a year and a half ago and have instilled class and great service to what has always been an aesthetically cool locale.

Our partnership ranges from the big (upcoming tournaments, events, player referral, jersey recognition) to the more minute (discounts on food purchases, video watching availability, etc) and is geared towards the growth of both organizations and, possibly more importantly, promoting the love of the game in Denver and beyond. Our organizations share a uncannily similar desires to share our passion of the game with the broader community.

By combining efforts in several like-minded areas’ we can have a broader and more wide-ranging influence. One area that FC Denver is excited to put its support behind is the new Rapids Supporters group that the British Bulldog has organized called the “Bulldog Supporters Group” or “Bobbies” for short. FC Denver will be joining and chanting alongside the Bulldog Supporters group in the new Supporters Terrace Section of Dicks Sporting Goods Park.  Be sure to check back on the blog in the coming days for more information about getting involved with the Bulldog Supporters Group.

Our first official club event @ the Bulldog will be our FC Denver Spring 2010 Preseason Club party next Thursday evening March 4th from 6:30 - 9pm. We will also be organizing once or twice a week get-togethers at the Bulldog after games/practices so everyone can get to know Jon Forget (Bulldog GM), his friendly crew of employee’s, and all the great beers and food they have to offer.

We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship between our footy-loving organizations.

Here’s to the the Bulldog and FC Denver!!!

MORE INFO:::

British Bulldog Website: http://www.britishbulldogdenver.com/

Bulldog Supporters Group: http://www.bulldogsupporters.com/

Bulldog Supporters Group on Facebook: HERE

The US faces El Salvador tonight in a make or break game for most players.  The Honduras match was marred by an early red card and most of the US players on the roster want to erase that memory and show their worth. For a majority of these players the ship has already sailed, but for the select few that are holding on this game is very important. There is plenty of competition on this roster and it will be interesting to see who stays in contention for a final roster spot in South Africa.

Here is the US roster:

Goalkeepers: Troy Perkins (D.C. United) and Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA); Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway); Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew); Heath Pearce (FC Dallas) and Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake); Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo); Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo); Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders); Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew); Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA); Dax McCarty (FC Dallas); Chris Pontius (D.C. United) and Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Attackers: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids); Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo); Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) and Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

I think Bornstein has already proved his worth.  He might not be in the final roster but he has less to prove than most of these players.  The same can be said about Troy Perkins.  On the other hand, Brad Davis, Eddie Gaven, Chris Pontious, Geoff Cameron, and Brad Evans can’t really be seen as serious contenders.

Players to watch:

Conor Casey v. Brian Ching: Although Bradley could take both, if he had to choose one, the El Salvador game will show who is higher in the pecking order.  Casey brings more skill and strength than Ching. Ching is a work horse and one of Bradley’s guys.

Kljestan v. Dax v. Beckerman: Who will come out this match as a contender? At one point, Kljestan looked like a potential starter in South Africa. As of late, all the skill and imagination has vanished and Kljestan is a shell of himself.  Beckerman is proving that he is serviceable but, absent a breakthrough performance, it might be too little to get him into contention.  Dax is the latest bright spot in the national team picture. The FC Dallas midfielder is dynamic but he has to show it wasn’t a flash in the pan.

Robbie Rogers v. Robbie Rogers: Robbie Rogers will only have himself to blame if he doesn’t make the roster for South Africa.  Rogers has moments of brilliance followed by moments of utter amateurism. Right now he has little to no competition for the left mid spot and needs to take hold of this opportunity. He needs to show that he is a good option not just the only option.

Clarence Goodson v. Chad Marshall: Both have had their fair share of good and bad performances. With Demerit, Onyewu, and Bocanegra as the first choice center backs, I don’t see Bradley taking both these players. Personally, I can’t separate the two so it will be interesting to see who plays better against El Salvador.

Robbie Findely v. Jeff Cunningham: I think Bob Bradley breathed a sigh of relief when he found out Davies could be ready for the World Cup.  Neither Findley nor Cunningham looked like a suitable replacement.  Both have speed but neither is as dynamic as Davies.  There are no guarantees with Davies situation so either Findley or Cunningham will likely stay in Bradley’s plans.

Previewing El Salvador:

Roster:

Goalkeepers: Miguel Montes and Dagoberto Portillo

Defenders: Alfredo Pacheco, Marvin Gonzalez, Manuel Salazar, Alexander Escobar, Deris Umanzor, Jose Henrique, Ramon Flores

Midfielders: Ramon Sanchez, Dennis Alas, Osael Romero, Shawn Martin, Juan Moscoso, Arturo Alvarez, Josue Flores, Edgar Alvarez

Forwards: Rudis Corrales and Andres Flores

The team is led by veteran defenders Alfredo Pacheco, ex-NY Red Bulls player, and Marvin Gonzalez. Their midfield has a trio of MLS players in Ramon Sanchez (San Jose), Arturo Alvarez (San Jose), and Osael Romero (new addition to Chivas USA). Rudi Corrales will lead the attack for El Salvador. A noticeable absence from the squad is attacking midfielder Eliseo Quintanilla who was not released by his club. Another player of note is Edgar Alvarez.  Edgar, a 23 year old community college player from Texas, is looking for his first cap.

El Salvador was tough throughout qualifying but they should be an easier opponent than Honduras. This is the first game for El Salvador since qualifying ended, and it is the first game for interim head coach Jose Luis Rugamas.

If the US doesn’t win this game, I’d cut everyone.

FC Denver will be at the British Bulldog watching the match. Please join us from some good beer and good soccer.

Where: British Bulldog, 2052 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80205

When: Wednesday, February 24 at 5pm

Faraoni.com has put together a competition for the best football video editors on the internet.  Plenty of youtube video highlight compilations have been produced over the years but the submissions for this competition are top notch.  There is some serious quality in the videos being produced for this competition and you should do yourself a favor and check them out.  If you think you can hang with the videos being produced for this competition, you should submit your work. The deadline is at the end of this month.

Check out some of the videos already submitted:

Here is an intro video for the competition:

Here is one of my favorites, “This is Football”

This is a great Messi compilation: “Season of Memories”

You can see more videos on Faraoni’s website or by searcing BFVECC on youtube.

The CBA mess:

For those that have been following the wheeling and dealing of the collective bargaining agreement things got a little bit more interesting over the weekend.  Players voiced their frustrations and MLS quickly responded. Yesterday, the players union executive Bob Foose replied to the MLS’s claims.

It is hard to believe what anyone is saying at the moment, but here are my two cents on the matter.  MLS is successful and that fact has been recognized globally.  I give credit to the people in charge of the league for doing an outstanding job.  I also think the decision makers are smart enough and care enough about the league to do the right thing.

If this was any other sport I would back the league whole heartedly. But it isn’t, this is MLS, this is soccer in America.  This isn’t about making an extra million, like those cry baby NBA or NFL players, this is about making a living and job security.

Although I think MLS is getting things right and has the right intentions, it sounds to me, in my humble opinion, that MLS is about cross a line between doing what is best for the players and disrespecting the players.  In the end, everyone wants to see the league succeed.  MLS can’t forget they are dealing with people, not commodities.

Gil to Kansas:

The Kansas City Wizards won the rights to U17 national team standout Luis Gil.  The 17 year old midfielder was allocated to the Wizards via a lottery earlier today.  Word on the street is that the young midfielder will end up on the West Coast by the end of the day.  I wonder who or what the Galaxy or Chivas are going to trade for Gil’s rights. [Update: RSL and Seattle look like his desired destinations, but Kansas is trying to keep him]

I like seeing young players stay close to home.  Gil is a Southern California native and I think it will help his development if he has a solid support system around him.

Argentina to play a friendly in the US:

The Argentinian national team is set to play a friendly in the US after the World Cup.  I probably won’t be a full national side, but Argentina is always fun to watch. One of the best live matches I’ve ever attended was Argentina v. USA at Giants Stadium in 2008.  The atmosphere was electric.

Possible dates for the match include: Aug. 11, Sept. 3-7, Oct. 8-12 and Nov. 17.

Mancini desperate to get Tevez back:

Manchester City coach Mancini has basically stated that he wants Tevez back from compassion leave immediately.  Tevez returned to Argentina because his second daughter was born prematurely.  Tevez’s wife is out of the hospital but his daughter is still in intensive care.  Tevez believes he will be back for City’s clash against Chelsea this weekend.

Sounds like a douche bag move to me by Mancini.  Maybe its because I have a daughter. But if my child was in intensive care I would hope the people closest to me would be supportive.  Tevez has given everything to City but it sounds like Mancini is more concerned about his job than Tevez.

As we prepare for a historic 2010 Club campaign, I want to take a moment to reiterate the clubs overarching values and goals so that all, both old/new players and fans, are all on the same page moving forward.

We are here to have fun AND to win championships. To grow as friends and as players. To challenge ourselves, and to enjoy each others company. If we only have fun, and don’t win championships, well then, we can take solace in the great times we had. If we only win championships and don’t have fun, well then….. that doesn’t happen really, does it, so it kind of a moot point. We strive towards excellence both on and off the field, whether it be winning tournaments or enjoying club get-togethers. This carries over to smaller thing like how we carry ourselves at practices and at games. We strive towards success and professionalism, and have fun while doing it.

We are passionate about the sport and want to lay the groundwork for the continued growth of the sport in our city, and country. We are interested in building a unique soccer culture  including: becoming the #1 source for info for all things footy-related in the Denver area,  staying continuously engaged in local charitable causes, partnering with other venerable Denver soccer institutions,  and passionately supporting our professional futbol team; the Colorado Rapids SC.

This can only be done with your involvement. Its your commitment, time, dedication, and attitude that will make this happen.  We need people to get involved on the Blog, we need people that are willing to volunteer a Saturday afternoon to help a charitable cause, we need players to be dedicated to their soccer fitness level, we need players that are excited and prepared for their best performance on the pitch on Sundays, we need people that are ready to have a good time when our club get-togethers come around. This will make our club truly memorable.

Looking forward. Forza FC Denver!

US U-17 standout midfielder, Luis Gil, has finally signed with MLS.  It was rumoured that he would sign before the draft but when that fell through most figured he’d be headed to Europe. Gil was linked to Real Madrid and Arsenal but chose to snub those offers for MLS.  He will be allocated to a team this coming Monday after the weighted lottery. 

He’s a talented 16 year old midfielder but probably isn’t ready to make an impact right away.  Should the Rapids throw their name into the lottery for this kid or hold out for a better prospect?

Its a little snowy and gloomy out there today.  Here is some national team news from the last few days that will hopefully brighten your day.    

Charlie Davies is back in France, check out the interview he did on their website:

Davies is really pushing to be ready for the World Cup.  I’m happy for the kid and hope we see in South Africa.  I’m dying to read this headline “Charlie Davies scores the game winner off a brilliant pass from Freddy Adu, to top England 1-0 in the US’s World Cup opener.”

Landon Donovan Player of the Month:

Landon Donovan was named Everton’s player of the month.  He played 5 times this month and has been the talk of the town.  I wonder if the powers at  Everton are reconsidering signing Donovan to an extended loan deal?

Gooch is Training with USMNT:

Onyewu has started training again and did a light 30 minute session with the national team.  This is good news for US fans as he is a crucial part of our defensive unit.

Check out Onyewu’s video interview here: Sit Down with Oguchi Onyewu

10 Questions with Brian Ching:

US Soccer Player did caught up with Brian Ching and asked him 10 questions about his career, the national team, and his off field activities.  Check it out here: 10 Questions with Brian Ching

Conor Casey training with the USMNT:

In case you missed it, here is a video of Colorado Rapids striker Conor Casey with the national team.

The Rapids beat the snow this morning and were able to hold a session.  It was another physical display but you could tell that the 2 and 3 a day trainings are starting to get to the players.  This is where the real the quality players start to shine through.  The players that can handle the rigors of the pro game are rising to the top and those that can’t are starting to show.

Training Observations:

• Akpan was getting to the end of crosses and getting himself into good positions.
• Ross LaBauex played center mid again and looked comfortable. For a guy who was getting knocked for not having a good first touch he looked very comfortable on the ball the last few times I’ve watched him.
• Devon Hodges was out there today.  He’s definitely a little stocky. He didn’t show too much today but I’m sure he’s still getting acclimated.
• Omar Cummings looked sharp.
• Colombian defender Oscar Murillo trained today.  He has good size and is pretty athletic.   He was marking Cummings and was able to chase him down a few times.   Murillo moved up on corner kicks as well. You can tell the elevation was getting to Murillo but he looked ok otherwise.
• Wells Thompson looked good again.  On one play he cut through the midfield and ripped a brilliant shot with his left foot that just missed the upper angle.
• Mehdi looked sharp. He was the most confident player on the ball in the scrimmage.
• Danny Earls is quick but made a few bad decisions with the ball.  They are looking at him as an outside back and outside mid.
• Diz and Schunk didn’t show too much today.  They played hard but you have to wonder if we have a viable option should Casey make the national team this summer.
• Pat Noonan played a little center mid today.
• Nick LaBrocca looked really good.  He’s a smart player and covers a lot of ground.

Notes:

• The Rapids travel to Arizona this weekend.
• Pablo Mastroeni did an interview this morning, check it out here:  2The Deuce

A few words with Oscar Murillo:

I caught Oscar Murillo after training.  In the best Spanish I could conjure up I asked him a few questions. Here is the jist of what he said:

He is very happy to be here and is excited about playing in MLS. When Murillo’s representative informed him that a team from MLS was interested in him, he jumped at the opportunity

He said he watched quite a few MLS games last year and that MLS gets good media coverage in Colombia.  He sees MLS as a more physical league and more tactical than Colombian soccer. He describes himself as a fast, athletic center back that is good in the air.

Right now his main focus is to learn the system, get along with his new teammates, and earn a starting spot.  He wants to help the team however he can.

Final Thoughts:

The coaches were demanding a little more of the players today.  The players needed to clean things up on both sides of the ball.  The play on the wings, in particular, was a little sloppy.  Most of the highlights came from Mehdi or LaBrocca being on the ball down the middle.  I think the better players are finally starting show.  Guys like LaBrocca, Cummings, Moor, and Mehdi, just to name a few, look like a different class.

It looked like a few players were running out of steam.  Legs looked a little heavier and the overall energy wasn’t as high as last week. Hopefully this snow will give them a little break to re-focus and rest up before going to Arizona.