Constantly Offside is in its infancy, just like the new wave of American soccer fans. Smart, edgy, opinionated, and generally on base, we designed the site to keep you informed on what's going on in the soccer world from a perspective that is actually relative to your life. Tommy "Chamo" Brown and Matt "Biggy" Biggerstaff take the wheel so you don't have to deal with more fifty year old writers reminiscing about their golden days, but interesting, relevant pieces that will keep you on top of the soccer world, and make you sound like a euro snob as you discuss the implications of the winter transfer window at your next kegger. http://www.constantlyoffside.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:29:33 -0700 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) unlicensed version http://www.feedforall.com Stealing from a slightly more important fellow, and a much more important idea, I give you the State of the Union address for the US national team. Just like our country, the national team is headed for a pivotal year, and the word that makes the world go round is hope. Without further Adu, I give you the State of the Union. Oh yeah, that's right Chamo I just appointed myself El Presidente, and I'm giving the address too. So you can suck it. I'm quite confident that is the first time "You can suck it" was used as a lead in to a SOTU. Constantly Offside, number one in your hearts and in ridiculousness. http://www.constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20(USMNT)%20State%20of%20the%20Union.php D5CEBAC4-D79E-8FB6-165C-8BC6310CC27B Tue, 2 Feb 2010 20:29:08 -0700 Seriously, drop four bucks, get involved, throw them on your shoes and ball out. It's easy peasy lemon squeezy. More info after the jump. http://www.constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Get%20Red.php D5CEBAC2-D78E-8FB6-165C-8DD6310CC27B Tues, 2 Feb 2010 20:29:08 -0700 The game played in the HDC, not the LBC this weekend was just that, a depth charge. How would the US react to playing against a side that was starting some of its World Cup qualifying side with little experience and star power behind it? They were rocked by the explosion. Filled with little and great big holes, the US side was pretty much trounced on an occasion that could have been a spectacular learning experience. Some tidbits before I get down to what was really important in this game. http://www.constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Depth%20Charge.php D5CEBAC2-D78E-8FB6-165C-8BC6310CC27B Mon, 26 Jan 2010 20:29:08 -0700 So after a hectic day trying to get across London from Stansted to Gatwick in the middle of the night, I'm finally back home in Iceland. Snow delays in Madrid and London made me miss my connecting flight; however, it also gave me time to write this game report in Gatwick airport on the 22nd. Here it is: http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Tottenham-ManCity-122309.php D5CEBAC2-D78E-8FB6-165C-8BC6310CF97B Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 The year is winding to a close, and the wonderful holiday season is upon us (though I have done no gift shopping as of yet...). This past year has been filled with controversy, though perhaps some may argue no more than any other season, but what has increased rather unfortunately, is managerial whining. The key culprits of the past season, as they seem to be every year, are Mr. Benitez, Mr. Wenger, and Sir Alex Ferguson. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20Year%20of%20the%20Whiner.php D5CECCC2-D78E-8FB6-165C-8BC6310CF97B Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Just a fabulous look into life as an Arsenal youngster (which Chamo would identify as any player ever affiliated with Arsenal and all of the current squad included) in the Academy and a very worthwhile read or set of reads if you will. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/An%20Arsenal%20Collection.php A5CECCC2-A78E-8FB6-165C-8BC6310CF97B Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Between the two of us we tend to make a considerable number of errors. Last week we totaled three correct results... our worst showing of the season. Along with that, we failed to include the eight midweek games, so this will be posted earlier than anticipated due to our lapse (and Biggy, you have till noon to send me your picks, because its your fault). http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2017%20Predictions.php A5CECCA2-A78E-4FB6-165C-8BC6310CF67B Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Hands down. No goal will touch this one. Watch the entire video. My reasoning after the jump. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20Goal%20of%20the%20Year.php A5CECCC2-A78E-8FB6-165C-8BC6310CF67B Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 You seem to be forgetful. You said this recently - Torres also looked further ahead to World Cup next summer where he says Spain would relish the chance to face the United States, England's opening opponents. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Dear%20Fernando.php A2BECCC2-A78E-4FB6-165C-8BC6310CF67B Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 A terrible week for just about anything (it is finals week here at Cal Poly) means that our posts are slow. We haven't even managed to put up a post about the World Cup draw yet, which is incredibly disappointing. But, predicts are a weekly work, and we just can't skip them, even if it means Chamo will fail Physics. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2016%20Predictions.php A5CECCC2-A78E-4FB6-165C-8BC6310CF67B Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Day Two of MLSCUPADVENTURE lead us to a breakfast place in downtown Bothell, which is about 15 minutes outside Seattle. Shawn and I had a lovely romantic breakfast which included us talking lots of shit to each other about pretty much every subject including: who was going to pay for the meal, whos meal would be better, why California is better then any other state, why Shawn's life is so great, why Seattle still sucks more then San Jose (MLS Cups sir, MLS Cups, let's count and compare) and other things that now escape me but seemed quite worthwhile. The big debate was how we both thought the Pina Colada pancakes looked quite tasty, however I manned up and ordered them while he hid in a corner and ordered blueberry pancakes. To both of our surprise, we each ended up with Blueberry Pineapple pancakes that were quite tasty, however I ended up victorious because mine came with delicious Coconut whip cream, and I would not share with poor Shawn. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/MLS%20Cup%20Recap%20Day%20Two%20Creepin%20Seattle.php A5CECBB2-A78E-4FB6-165C-8BC6310CF67B Wed, 9 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Though the biggest news comes from the International stage on this day, we must never fail to provide our predictions. Biggy slumped again, and Chamo didn't fare much better, but still maintains his spot top of the table (is it really a table if there are only two competing?). Get your predicts in! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2015%20Predictions.php A5CECAA2-A78E-4FB6-165C-8BC6310CF67B Fri, 4 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Our first World Cup pool mock draw has officially been completed, and two letters reign true. D is for Death, and F is for effing France. I'll give you a look deep inside of Constantly Offside's brain trust here. Our draft used the finest RNG that google search listed first, and a foolproof method known as "Chamo, reassign the teams". Enjoy our banter and analysis below. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Constantly%20Offside%20Mock%20WC%20Draw.php A5CECAA2-A78E-4FB6-165C-8BC6310CF94B Thu, 3 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 It only comes around once every four years. It's the biggest day of them all. I have been dreading it and yet am hopefully optimistic about it, but could not be more nervous for it. You might think, the World Cup is still months away, what the hell are you yammering about? It's the day that decides the fates and fortunes of so many teams that are in the World Cup, the day of the draw. The day that my soul will fly to the heavens or be crushed like it was in 2006. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20Most%20Important%20Day%20of%202009.php A5CECAA2-A78E-4FB6-165C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 1 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So, I love shoes. As a soccer player, you appreciate your feet a lot more then most people do, because you realize how important it is to take care of them. This is especially true when it comes to cleats and other shoes you play in. Recently I was asked to join a team that plays on turf in San Francisco and after playing in my Adidas Goodyears for a game and sliding around the pitch like a slip n slide, I realized it was time for some new shoes. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/SoccerPro%20Brings%20the%20Sexy.php A2BACAA1-A78E-4FB6-165C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 1 Dec 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers in the States, the holiday season has us posting our predicts a day later than usual, but hopefully we get it up in time for all of you. An even week between the two of us has Chamo in raptures, as his title dreams are coming closer and closer by the week. Hull managed to upset the system a bit, but can they keep up their run to stay in the Prem? http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2014%20Predictions.php A2CECAA1-A78E-4FB6-165C-8AF6310CF94B Fri, 25 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So I was fortunate enough to travel to Seattle for my first MLS cup this past weekend and it was a spectacular experience that I was so lucky to participate in. I took my camera and hopefully can share some of the best parts of the weekend via both pictures and words, as neither quite describes the majesty and awesomeness that this weekend was. I'll break it up by day so it's a bit more manageable and readable, and hopefully worthwhile. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Friday%20The%20Cup%20Beckons%20(MLS%20Cup%20Recap).php A2CEFAA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 We have to post this a bit earlier than usual, so we hope you all find this even if it gets smothered by the mass of posts Chamo is dumping at the last minute before he leaves for Phoenix for the rest of the week, but the predicts must go on! Biggy returned, to form, and Chamo floundered a bit, but no one got close to touching the impressive display our reader Brett put in. 3 correct scorelines is a feat in its own Brett, keep up the good work! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2013%20Predictions.php A2CEFBA1-A88E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 There were some tense moments as the Cal Poly Men's Soccer Club crashed out of the Regional tournament, despite not losing a game. It only took one day for that tension to disappear, as the call came in that they had received an at-large bid to the Championship division of the NIRSA Tournament down in Phoenix, Arizona. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/CPSC%20Going%20To%20Nationals.php A3CEFBA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 US news pre-friendly with a depleted Danish side, as a depleted US side looks to show the fringe strength...or lack thereof. The two things I was looking forward to most were seeing Jose Francisco Torres and Edgar Castillo both get some serious play time now does not look to happen as Torres has begged off international duty for personal reasons. Best of luck to him and whatever he is dealing with. Hopefully Bob gives Castillo a shot at starting at left back, regardless of the outcome, I think he deserves a look. Johnny B and Heath have both gotten considerable looks in non important games this summer and fall, and both have been less then convincing. Give Edgar the rock! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Brief%20USMNT%20Scoop.php F2CEFBA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 In typical Constantly Offside style, Chamo and I were reunited briefly over Halloween as I made the venture down to glorious San Luis Obispo. After an impromptu rendezvous at Taco Bell late Saturday evening/early Sunday morning that Chamo was not so pleased about, we decided to enjoy some lunch together at the Stone. Now generally our lunches are decided by FIFA09, however I was too hungry with my slight hangover to want to play before we got to eat. Off to Firestone we went, where they were not showing the right type of football, but what can you do. After a delicious lunch, it was business time. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Who%20Will%20Replace%20Bob%20Bradley.php A5CEFBA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Oh boy. FIFA has gone and done it again. The UEFA playoffs have been seeded and something seems a little fishy... Chamo will give you some background to bring you up to date, and then off we go! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Debates/The%20Debate%20-%20UEFA%20Playoff%20Seeding.php A2CEFBA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So I've been planning on heading to Madrid this December break and I want to make the most out of my $400 plane ticket and I'm going to have to stop by in London on the way so the deal is this: http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Kenjo%27s%201st%20EPL%20Match%20Challenge.php A1CEFBA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So I wanted to share this with the public, hopefully to help get the word out. I received this email last week and felt that CO could help give it the audience it deserves. A brave soul has taken up the task of putting together a Yay Area chapter of the American Outlaws, and I'm quite pleased to A) spread the word and B) be a member. So if you want to spend some quality time with the brain behind Constantly Offside, read up and shoot my man Andrew an email. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/American%20Outlaws%20-%20Bay%20Area%20Chapter.php A1CEFCA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 MLS postseason award time. Get your vote in. So many dirty plays, so little time. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Rock%20The%20Vote-%20MLS%20Edition.php A1CEFAA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 It took me three days to write this report, but not for any of the reasons you may be expecting. It wasn't that I was sulking about in defeat, avoiding the inevitable report, or that I was on such a high from beating the #4 team in the US. No, instead it took me three days because I simply did not have enough material from the match to write a worthy report. An unfortunate truth about the sport of soccer is simply that sometimes games are uninteresting, boring draws. This was one of those cases. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Cal%20Poly%20-%20UCSB%20110409.php E1CEFAA1-A78E-4FB6-965C-8AF6310CF94B Sat, 7 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 A stunning return to form from Chamo saw him grab an impressive three correct scores last week, and launched him into a comfortable lead over Biggy, who is still struggling (and consequently still not writing explanations for his predictions). Round 12 has the meaty matchup of the two heavyweights at the top of the league, Manchester United versus Chelsea at the Bridge. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2012%20Predictions.php E1CEFAA1-A78E-4FB6-975C-8AF6310CF94B Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Tomorrow night the two top squads in the Big West will be pitted against each other in a match that has league title implications. After Cal Poly's devastating loss to Davis over the weekend, the Gauchos down in Santa Barbara are in sole possesion of first place, having been in a dead heat with the Mustang's up to that point. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Cal%20Poly%20v%20UCSB%20Preview.php E1CEFAA1-A78E-4FB7-975C-8AF6310CF94B Tue, 3 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Hope everyone had a spectacular weekend, Halloween has to be one of the most entertaining holidays around if nothing else. Props to everyone who went all out with their costumes, my Lil Wayne fitter wasn't quite up to the high standards of years previous that I have set but sometimes you gotta go with the flow. Village People '10 is gonna be crackin, now it is all about execution. In case your weekend was as busy as mine, you might have missed some great soccer. I managed to catch a bunch of the MLS playoffs, which I will probably recap tomorrow, as they may be the best thing on TV right now. Here is some EPL goodness to tide you over though, the three best games after the jump. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20EPL%20You%20Missed%20This%20Weekend.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-8AF6310CF94B Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:29:08 -0700 We had a combined four correct results last week. That's 4/20, or a massive 20% correct. Even worse was that Biggy only contributed one of those four, leaving him as the worst performer of the year thus far. You readers barely out did us, with a three way tie for first as three of you managed to choose three correct results and one correct scoreline, which was still dismal, considering the results of past weeks. Time for redemption, especially if you are Biggy, at least there are 11 matches in this one. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2011%20Predictions.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-8AF6310CF94B Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Out for just over a week now here in the US, the game soccer enthusiasts worldwide wait for at the beginning of every new season has returned with great success. Last year, FIFA 09 was majestically produced, and a great improvement on 08, however it had many quirks that fans worldwide wanted to see fixed. So far 10 has not only stepped up to the challenge, it has surpassed it on so many levels. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/FIFA%2010%20Review.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So we have slowed down a bit here at Constantly Offside, with some good reason, but I return to pick up the pace and inform you all on many different topics, ranging from our recent sponsorship of the new 2009 Mustang Manglers T-shirts, Biggy being productive, our worst ever week of predictions, club soccer updates as well as some news from around the world. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Manglers,%20CPFC,%20Regionals%20and%20Updates.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Saturday was an awesome day to be an MLS fan. I spent the day on the couch watching games with major playoff implications and I was quite impressed. The two main games that I caught were RSL-Colorado and Seattle-Dallas. Each of these games was action packed, and the level of soccer and the intensity that MLS teams play with were on display. A legit offensive outburst from RSL helped them lock up a playoff spot, and the multinational front four of Seattle combined to score a gorgeous goal that sent FC Dallas packing. That left us with the MLS playoff picture as follows. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Ye%20Olde%20MLS%20Playoff%20Picture%20and%20Predictions.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 In a match pitting two GI-normous clubs against each other – a match up that you could expect to see in a Champs League final – Real Madrid Hosted AC Milan at the Bernabeu. Both teams seemed tentative going into this match and if you were to take the game as a whole Real had the bulk of the possession and chances by a slight margin. The play-level of the game didn’t really match the hype. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Real%20Madrid%20v%20AC%20Milan%20-%20Kenjo.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 After an enthralling week of Champions League football, we return to the grind of the Premiership. What better way to come back than to the ever brutal match between Liverpool and Manchester United? Not only is this a vital top-4 pairing, but it holds some significant weight as well. One more loss for Liverpool here would spell five straight for the Reds and could mean the end of Rafa's reign. It also puts them well beyond reach of top spot and in a vital struggle to even hold on for the coveted fourth position with the way Tottenham and Manchester City are going. Here's how we think things will play out: http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%2010%20Predictions.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 I sat down Saturday to take a look at a game from a different perspective. Normally I'm a pretty intense game watcher anyway, focusing on ball movement and position along with passing and goals, but I figured maybe I could learn something from watching what is inevitably the best team in the world at this point. What does Barcelona do that we can teach our youth, that we can pass on to create players that play at levels that Barcelona does. How can I compare and contrast the Barcelona Valencia game and the Galaxy Houston game and how is the MLS improving? Both games were very interesting even though they ended in draws, and I felt like some things stood out that are critical to teach our young players. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/What%20We%20Can%20Learn%20From%20Barcelona.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Here we go. A day late due to Biggy, but here they are. We realize many of you won't get your picks in on time, but feel free to throw them up here, regardless of how much we suck at posting our content in a timely fashion. What's your match of the week? http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%209%20Predictions.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 In front of a crowd of 3,253 – pretty weak for an international, even a friendly – Iceland pulls off the surprise win, 1-0. I was honestly looking forward to this game for the past month, as it is one of the rare opportunities to see a national team match on this tiny island called Iceland. What do I get for my patience? Not much from either team. So why write about this game when it is merely a blip on the international football scene (clearly overshadowed by Argentina’s, Portugal’s, etc. title hopes)? Well, because seeing how this year’s host country treats its crucial warm up matches is important. We all, irrespective of who we are rooting for, don’t want to see the host team get killed.If that were to happen, it would be a huge shame being the first WC tourney played on African soil. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Iceland-South%20Africa-101409.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 In what has to be one of the most unfortunate stories this year, US national teamer Charlie Davies, who this year has awed fans both at home and abroad was in a car crash early this morning. We at Constantly Offside wish to pass along our prayers and condolences not only to Charlie and his family and friends, but those of the young lady who died and the driver who is also in the hospital and both of their families and friends. This is tragic, and life altering for all parties involved. At this point we know Davies is in serious but stable condition after fracturing multiple bones in his right leg among other injuries, and multiple hours of surgery. We wish the best to Charlie for a speedy and stanky recovery. It looks like he will miss next year's World Cup. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Bad%20News%20Bears%20-%20Charlie%20Davies.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Apologies for the delay, but as Biggy promised I have delivered my match report. Besides the enormous trouble I had finding a consistent feed that didn’t make all the players look the same (I was convinced Bocanegra was called for the handball, not Holden and they don’t look remotely alike) I have to admit even I found the match entertaining. It was so riveting for me because it managed to prove every single point I see wrong with the USMNT, all the while managing to keep Biggy from wallowing in pain for the rest of the year if they had failed to clinch a berth to Africa. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/More%20Questions%20than%20Answers%20for%20USMNT.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So the US has clinched a spot in the grandest tournament of them all. They did it away, against a pretty solid team. I'm impressed. Certainly centerback and center mid have some things to be worked out, but that is what time is for. Now myself and all the other US fans don't have to go through a gut wrenching Wednesday game against Costa Rica. Not that this one wasn't gut wrenching enough. Chamo was kind enough to text updates, and I had other plans for the evening that didn't allow me to watch the game. Probably better that way, as I take US games pretty seriously and they put me on an emotional rollercoaster. I chuckle at people who talk about their team and how much they love them, because soccer fans passion is so much greater then fans of any other sport. It is the truth. So instead of giving you a recap of the game, which hopefully Chamo will do instead, I'd rather give you some posts on the USMNT that I have written across a couple blogs in this qualifying period. Be warned, it's long. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Taking%20it%20Back.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 As we approach what certainly feels like the most important qualifier, scratch that, qualifiers of my life, I must admit I am torn. You see, I love the national team with all my being. If I had to pick one team in any sport to follow and never watch another team again, it would be them, my red white and blue that I bleed somewhere deep near my soul. However, it is my vow to at least cover them relatively objectively, and to be quite frank, I am scared for them. For myself. I plan on attending the World Cup next summer but without the US in it, I do not think I really could make that trip. It would make my heart break, me attending the game's biggest stage while my team sits at home. Now this certainly seems pessimistic, but it is not to be that way, but more to show the passion and what I have riding on these games. I have dreamed of World Cup 2010 since my senior year of high school, and yet I would give it all up if I cannot proudly fly the flag of the Red White and Blue. So Chamo, time to start cheering for the land of the free and the home of the brave unless you plan on being as soul crushed next summer as I would be if they do not qualify. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Cometh%20the%20Moment,%20Cometh%20the%20Man.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Fri, 9 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Just like VH1, I like to recognize those having the Best Week Ever. Except when we hand out a best week ever award, it actually means that they did something worthwhile. This week our award goes to Arsenal centerback and somehow leading scorer Thomas Vermaelen, who is making such noise in the Premiership, every single fantasy team owner is kicking themselves for passing up on the Belgian. http://constantlyoffside.com/BWE/100809%20Thomas%20Vermaelen.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 8 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 In the absence of our weekly predicts I am forced to use the time I typically spend incorrectly guessing about the weekend’s scores writing a legitimate article. Luckily, the lack of Premiership matches does not mean there is a lack of news bits to talk about. Here is a brief rundown on the coming international week, as well as some news bits that may interest you. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/What%20You%20Need%20To%20Know%20This%20Weekend.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 8 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So Adidas looks like they are doing good stuff again. I generally like their commercials, but this looks like it is gonna be a series and what a dope one it looks to be. I'm a bit of a good animation junkie especially when it comes to soccer, and Adidas loves pushing the boundaries of new media with soccer which i really like. Scope "The Powerhouse": http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Adidas,%20Anton%20and%20Painful%20Outcomes.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Tue, 6 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Another week where I have a gut feeling about a game, but just can't man up and pull the trigger. Seriously, I need to man up already. I seem to ramble about this, but it is either the parity in the EPL or the fact I just don't think either Manchester United or Liverpool are that good, but I wrote down 2-2 Sunderland vs United and then changed it. Even though I really didn't want to. Ugh. It's frustrating when you second guess yourself, even more so when you then don't actually get it right. I think in this game it had to be the relative strength of Sunderland instead of just pure weakness from United. Sunderland is clearly here to play and will torch you with Bent and Jones if you aren't prepared. I'll talk more about this parity in a bit, but goodness. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/USMNT,%20Poly%20Preview%20and%20EPL%20Musings.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Tue, 6 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Madrid suffered their first loss of the season last night, and deservedly so. They weren't as amazing as they've looked in their previous fixtures, which was quite disappointing given their newly acquired talent. Although missing CR7 (or should I say CR9 now?), out from an injury occurring in a Champs League match midweek, Los Galacticos shouldn't have any excuse for their result. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Sevilla-Real%20Madrid%20-%20Kenjo.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Mon, 5 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 I must admit rather disappointingly that this was my first trip to watch the boys play at home. They awarded me with a well fought battle against bitter conference rivals UC Davis in a match up that constantly produces rough-and-tumble games. I made it to the field just after half time (another disappointment) to learn that we were up 1-0. This is how the next events took place: http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Cal%20Poly%20v%20UC%20Davis.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Sun, 4 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 After complaining incessantly about my lack of posts, Biggy has managed to get me to finally find some time and write an article. It’s finally the weekend, but it’s a busy weekend for me here at Cal Poly, where my Club team boys have two big games, one at Santa Barbara (inside their stadium!) Saturday at 7:00 PM and then another on Sunday at 10:00 AM against UC Davis on our home turf. Not only are these huge games for the team, but for myself as I get my first start of the season on Saturday against the Aggies. I really recommend coming and seeing either of the games if you are in the area, I think many people would be surprised at the level of college club soccer, especially in these two high profile matches. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Club%20Matches%20and%20Chamo%27s%20Return!.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Sat, 3 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So it is Friday and you are chilling in your office/cube/class/house bored waiting for that sweet happy hour/cocktail party/kegger/nap that soon awaits you. Let us help you get through this Friday with some reading that will give you updates on all things soccer. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/I%20See%20You%20Napping%20in%20Your%20Cube.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Fri, 2 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 We are getting exponentially worse at predictions as we go along and last week neither of us were aided by the blowout scores and ridiculous performances by Liverpool, Tottenham and Wigan. Still, our readers seem to have some clue what they are doing, so continue to send in your predicts and make us look bad. At this point, you really can't do any worse than we are. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%208%20Predictions.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 1 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 The growth of interest in soccer in America has lead to a unique relationship between what is rapidly becoming the most popular social media outlet and the beautiful game. Today is the day of instant information and then immediate analysis of said information, especially when it comes to major sports in the US. However, soccer still does not get that level of attention from the media, particularly when it comes to television and major sporting website coverage. Even the Fox Soccer Report, which is essentially soccer's own SportsCenter is hindered by licensing and rights to show highlights of games that have occurred, meanwhile they lag almost 12 hours behind when EPL games are early Saturday morning and one might not get a full scope of highlights until that evening US time. This has helped spawn the growing reliance on the internet to keep up with what is going on with both matches and players abroad, particularly those who may be of interest based on their relevance to the future of the USMNT. This is where this curious relationship between soccer fans in the United States and Twitter begins. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Tweety%20Bird%20What%27s%20the%20Word.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 1 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 You can now find a list of where the USMNT game is going to be shown in a little less then two weeks. The site http://www.copatvonline.com/ is giving a list of places the game can be seen across the states. Scope it here and find out where your friendly nearby USMNT game retailer will be. If they aren't charging a cover, run up a big bar tab as a thank you. If they are, run one up anyway to support those who support our national team. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/USMNT%20Honduras%20List%20of%20Televisors.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 1 Oct 2009 20:29:08 -0700 In the last four days I have been fortunate enough to catch a bunch of soccer ranging from the U-20 World Cup to the Serie A and certainly each of these matches has given me more insight into the sides that were contesting them and the leagues and tournaments they are participating in. Like the fact that the US U20 squad mimics its older brother, Arsenal's surprising depth, and the quality of the teams in Milan. Let's get this party started with the US squad that is busy repping our fine country on the world stage in Egypt. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/USMNT%20U20%27s,%20Arsenal%20and%20Milan,%20Oh%20My!.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Just like VH1, I like to recognize those having the Best Week Ever. Except when we hand out a best week ever award, it actually means that they did something worthwhile. Best Week Ever is proud to welcome our first Spaniard to the list of lucky recipients, and no man woman child or forest dwelling animal is more deserving of this award then Fernando Torres. http://constantlyoffside.com/BWE/92009-92909-Fernando%20Torres.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 We spend months preparing for the season. Winter, spring, and fall are literally spent lifting, training, running, and refining the minute details in preparation for only an eighteen game regular season (hopefully longer with playoffs). It is difficult not to lose focus when your goal is six months away but when opening day arrives you know your hardwork is about to payoff. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/College%20Soccer/College%20Soccer-%20Game%20Day%20Prep.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 At Constantly Offside, we love bringing you the freshest soccer scoop and opinion. Often, we have it for you. However we read some pretty good blogs and articles, and enjoy hooking you up with what you need to know. Here is the scoop for the weekend. A friend showed me some cool stuff earlier today, it's Visa's Financial Football. Basically it is an online soccer game that you play via using your financial knowledge. I'm a big fan of footie, video games, and personal finance, so I checked it out. It's relatively fun and brushes up your financial knowledge, letting you know how much or little you actually know about the financial world. Being a business major, I certainly pride myself on knowing what is going financially, and I used that acumen to beat Mexico. Cuz really, anytime you can do anything in your power to beat Mexico, it is well worth your time. You can brush up on your knowledge of the financial world and beat up on your favorite rival here. (Mexico, Italy, Germany among others on my list) The US even has a Jozy Altidore look alike up top, although I'm relatively sure it just worked out that way. You will understand when you play. Visa's goal is to help 20 million people world wide with financial literacy via football, which is pretty awesome. More reading and links after the jump: http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20Soccer%20World%20Today.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Chamo took the lead in results while Biggy broke the tie in score predictions, but neither of us did as well as our reader Doug who scored an incredible nine out of ten results, as well as a correct scoreline. We are getting to the point in the season where the table begins to take its shape and this week should start the seperation of the top teams from the less than stellar. Here are our predictions: http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%207%20Predictions.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 So its been a month since our last formation evaluation and for that we apologize. It has been a hectic month between Chamo's training and classes, while Biggy has been in the job hunt for a while now and still is working hard. Do not worry though, our content will continue, starting with our next installment of our formation evaluations, Real Madrid. With their immense amount of money spent, and wealth of fresh talent at their fingertips, we give two options for what we see as the most effective lineups using the new Galacticos. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Formations/Real%20Madrid%20Formation%20Evaluation.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 At Constantly Offside, we love a lot of things. Chamo loves Chelsea, computers, hating on Bob Bradley, ignoring Biggy's text messages, and ABC burgers. Biggy loves napping, Clint Dempsey, playing “Where in the world is the US's center attacking midfield” and playing FIFA with Chamo with lunch riding on the line. We both love soccer, and those who promote the game in the states are very close to our hearts. When you mix in a refreshing adult beverage with some friends and some soccer, well you really can't do much better in life. This combination is what our friends over at the Free Beer Movement are all about. Biggy had a chance to chat with Dan of the Free Beer Movement and see what they are all about over at FBM http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Movements%20Worth%20Talking%20About.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Big ups to the lads who made the squad, rep Cal Poly like I know you will. Certainly the A team has league championship and nationals aspirations, and the Black squad full of stars in the making. The squad follows. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/CPSC%20Holla.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Okay, so these aren't movies, they are videos and they are lovely ones, of lots of goals. Good goals at that. In case you missed any of the matches this weekend, here are some highlights to tide you over to get you past your case of the Mondays. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Monday%20Movie%20Madness.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Argentina has now dropped to fifth in qualifying in South America, and with two games remaining in October, they are on the cusp of not qualifying automatically for the World Cup and even slipping out of the playoff spot. We debate whether or not the legend Maradona should keep his job as the head coach of Argentina for these last two games and going forward. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Debates/The%20Debate%20-%20Maradona%27s%20Job%20Security.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Recently I reviewed the success of the Seattle Sounders and why they have done so well in their expansion season, and the excitement this has caused in Seattle. Yesterday, my pathetic San Jose Earthquakes took a giant step toward joining this success club, and it had absolutely nothing to do with their play on the field. The release of drawings of a possible new stadium to be built in San Jose near the airport is quite possibly the sexiest thing I could have seen tonight. Clean sight lines, a great location, and just the dream of a stadium just for the Earthquakes means tonight, I will dream about steel pillars, stadium seating, and guys chanting “Earthquakes.” Slightly creepy, but when you can dream about chanting about your team with other dedicated fans in your own stadium, it is a good dream. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/MLS%20Done%20Right%20-%20San%20Jose.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 Clubs with exclusive membership are very exciting. They build your status in the world, make you feel elite, and allow you to look down upon the peons of the world. Just like in Yes Man, where we learned the value of an exclusive membership to Costco and what prestige that adds to your life, American supporters have a bevy of choices of USMNT fan clubs that they too can join. Our personal favorite at Constantly Offside is featured today, that being The American Outlaws. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20American%20Outlaws.php E1CEFAE1-A78E-4FB7-975C-9AF6310CF94B Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:29:08 -0700 While Biggy continues to embarrass Chamo in EPL picks (no, that is a lie) by pulling ahead to an insurmountable lead (another blatant lie) and even beating him in fantasy EPL (biggest lie of the day!) Biggy has taken the first spot in our Winner's Blurb area on the site and written something that Chamo told me two weeks ago when he drunk dialed me. This concludes Biggy's brief interval of telling you things that aren't nowhere near true. Outside of the fact that Biggy did win week 5 by the narrowest of margins, thanks to solid performances by both Fulham and Aston Villa. I do want to encourage everyone to participate in adding your picks in the comment section, as A) you will get a shot to write a blurb on our site, and have it up all week, and taunting your friends on a website that people actually read is awesome, trust me and B) if we get enough participation the opportunity to give away some LEGIT prizes from a third party is likely to appear. I can't tell you more on part B, but get your friends on here to start making picks, and who knows what might just happen. Now then, let us talk EPL. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%206%20Predictions.php 11BAC1CE-8EE4-42C7-AAA0-3A25600DB3C0 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:58:06 -0700 Just like VH1, I like to recognize those having the Best Week Ever. Except when we hand out a best week ever award, it actually means that they did something worthwhile. We missed a week due to Chamo not being superman and figuring out how to move into a new house, go through double days and update the site at the same time, but we are back, and this week the award goes to the unstoppable Wayne Rooney. http://constantlyoffside.com/BWE/9909-91609-Wayne%20Rooney.php C617F1EF-67D9-4E4B-968F-3DB94C1598C7 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:07:50 -0700 Indeed we are, and the MLS playoff race is spectacular this year. The league has changed the format so that each conference gets two guaranteed spots, and the final four spots are all wild card, meaning theoretically one conference could get six teams in and the other only two. This ensures that the best eight teams in the league get in, regardless of where they play. This lends itself to an exciting final two months of the season. The current standings and my predictions below. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/MLS%20Playoffs.php 6F7C6453-ACFA-457F-9D25-1DF3B6FDB7FE Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:41:22 -0700 Start your Tuesday off with a blast of information that will keep you up to date on the lovely wide world of soccer. Some vital things to read and know after the break. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Keeping%20You%20Informed.php 8ABE3185-3BC8-46A5-9EB2-D80B63981BD3 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:40:49 -0700 The beautiful summer of American soccer has come to a close, as fall's cool breeze and temperature drops from 100 to 85 strike quickly out here in California. Okay, so summer may never really close for us, just take a brief break to head elsewhere, but the Summer of American Soccer has come to an end and what a glorious summer it was. The US national team showed incredible heart, rallying at the Confederations Cup from the brink of elimination to beat the champions of Africa in style, and with help from the Brazilians found themselves in the unenviable position of squaring off with Spain, the best team in the world. No problem, the red white and blue was up for the challenge and landed an incredible 2-0 victory behind Altidore, Dempsey, and a stellar defense. The final was heart wrenching as the US ran out to an early lead only to squander it late. Still, they battled in Mexico, and then came home and took care of business in World Cup qualifying, coming back to beat El Salvador, and going to Trinidad and Tobago and escaping with all three points, just so we, the fans could possibly enjoy watching them next summer. Now it is your turn to return the favor. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/A%20Call%20To%20Action.php 3BB46B30-7FED-45BE-A589-62247A3CF85B Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:32:00 -0700 So we have added a couple twists to the EPL prediction game during international week. Chamo is hard at work adding a new spot on the site on the front page where whoever performs better between he and Biggy will have about the length of a tweet to say whatever they want. Biggy's early predictions on what will go up there: If Chamo wins, it will be all about Mexico and Chelsea, and how good they are, but if Chamo loses, he might unknowingly confess his love to Bob Bradley for the world to see. It gets better. If you throw your picks in the comment section, and do the best out of everyone who predicts in the comments, we will let you have a shout out on the front page too. Make sure to include your email address in the top of your comment so we can reach you, we will screen your comment for anything too ridiculous, but anything within reason is going up there. Get on it and get your picks in before games start Saturday. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%205%20Predictions.php 479E604C-85DB-437B-8161-BB3336EDDDB7 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:31:38 -0700 World Cup soccer is incredible. To have a nation behind eleven men as they fight both for their honor and for that of their nation makes games take on a meaning that no other sporting event can touch. World Cup Qualifying is the same, where men become legends and games are no longer just a sporting event, but a chance to become part of history. One of today's games was just that, a moment that millions across the globe will never forget. I will paint the picture for you, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are in a two leg playoff for the right to play New Zealand to go to the World Cup. The first match was in Bahrain, a nil nil draw. Today, the second part of the tie was played, in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia scored first, then Bahrain drew level. As the game entered stoppage time, Saudi Arabia needed a goal to go through, where Bahrain could go through on away goals if they could hold the score and end the game with the score tied. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/WC2010Qual/The%20Greatest%20Game%20on%20Earth.php 969225D9-B71E-476B-8770-7FCB0296EFD8 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:31:11 -0700 After a less then convincing win at home, the United States national team traveled nearly to South America to square off with Trinidad and Tobago, a team that is holding down last place like it is going out of style. Unfortunately, someone informed the USMNT that they were traveling to the island nation for a vacation, and some of them even tried to sleep through the game on the field. A surprising result was the reward for what seemed to be a surprise match for the United States. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/T&T-USMNT-090909.php 94BE86C3-F616-4AE1-9807-BB256E2D23FC Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:19:11 -0700 So we at Constantly Offside want to serve you, our loyal reader better. We ask you to scope our short poll, fill out what corresponds to you, and in the comment section tell us what you would like to see covered more by us at Constantly Offside. We just want to hook you up with the best soccer coverage possible. As long as it means we don't have to hear how much Chamo likes both Dan Califf, Joe Cole, Frankie Lamps, and Jose Francisco Torres. Okay, I lied, who doesn't want to hear more about Jose Francisco Torres. We promise to keep the poll short, and interesting. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Straight%20Pollin.php D4EF84A5-B8E1-4A5B-9E55-EE60AF5DA6DC Wed, 9 Sep 2009 23:57:39 -0700 I hope everyone had a spectacular Labor Day weekend and is enjoying the short week that this week is. I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with a bunch of my best friends in Chico, CA where we did it big all weekend and floated down the river on Sunday. If you are in college, or just enjoy a good time, I cannot recommend going to Chico for Labor Day enough. Saturday I enjoyed a good US win that reminded me both of the heart and the inconsistency of this team, one which will greatly benefit them longterm and the other that has been a pain in the side throughout qualification. The great thing about international weeks are that you get to see whether what went wrong or right in the first game is corrected, and if your team has the strength and ability to go the distance with limited recovery time that mimics the set up of the World Cup. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Match%20Preview%20-%20USMNT%20v%20T&T.php C6D260E4-C5CC-415C-9719-6605A7FA2C9F Tue, 8 Sep 2009 23:57:20 -0700 Drama is aplenty early this Premiership season and barely a week after the Eduardo diving fiasco, a new media outbreak has occurred. Chelsea has been banned for two full transfer periods from signing anyone. I will preface this entire article by initially stating what many of you already know, that I am a Chelsea fan, thus any bias that you see should holy a rather bold asterisk. That being said, I believe many of you will find what I have to say very surprising, considering my allegiance, and very nonpartisan. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20Transfer%20Debacle.php 3F3B959A-AFC0-470B-8102-2299847DFD1A Tue, 8 Sep 2009 23:56:56 -0700 To be part of the first major World competition in Africa is huge. To be an African representative is a whole different story. With South Africa already possessing one of the coveted six spots assigned to the continent, African qualification has taken on a whole new fervor as we get closer to reaching the final 32 teams. With most teams half way through their respective qualification process, with only three games left for each (with the exception of Cameroon and Gabon – with four) some interesting front-runners have emerged. As expected, Ghana and Ivory Coast are sitting with maximum points atop their groups, but more interestingly, Algeria is leading Group C over Egypt. Gabon is on top of Group A and Group B is a close race between Algeria and Nigeria, but who is going to end up on top? http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/CAF%20Qualification.php 0AE22C00-D7E1-42DB-B7E3-EB4F424E80C2 Tue, 8 Sep 2009 23:56:33 -0700 When you bleed red white and blue soccer, national team games are not a good time to hang out, or to watch if you are have time. They are circles on the calendar, events I plan my day around. World Cup qualifiers are like that, except magnified by five. This game was no different, except for the fact that it fell on the biggest party weekend of the year. I certainly enjoy a good party, and Chico for Labor Day is one of the biggest parties in the world, and it all revolves around floating down the river. Needless to say, when my friends suggested we float Saturday, I was adamant that we go Sunday because US soccer comes first. Of course, Sunday isn't a bad floating day either. Regardless, when 5pm Saturday rolled around, the TV was on ESPN classic for the critical world cup qualifier in Sandy Utah. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/USMNT-ElSalv-090509.php EFF3DFDD-5660-4551-BD47-0C9BFA963185 Mon, 7 Sep 2009 23:55:45 -0700 Portugal needed two things to happen to salvage their qualification hopes: first they needed a draw in Hungary, so neither Hungary or Sweden would gain max points and their own victory against group leaders Denmark. Neither happened, but they managed to at least live to see another game with a late draw in Copenhagen. The Portuguese haven't looked convincing during qualification and needed at least a positive showing to prove that the loads of talent they start on the pitch can get the job done. Yet despite one of the strongest midfields, Portugal has no stand-out striker and goals have been hard to come by. Denmark have been one of the sturdier sides throughout the past two years, and have the perfect mixture of experience and youth in their side to produce quality results against any oppositon. This match proved exactly why I said Portugal would miss out on qualification, let me explain why. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Denmark-Portugal-090509.php 3096B173-C306-41BE-89A8-A9DD0C9E19E3 Sat, 5 Sep 2009 14:57:41 -0700 So transfer windows are a foreign concept to many fans, literally. In the states, trades and free agency are the common way that players move teams, and when they enter the league from colleges or wherever else, they do it via draft. Soccer does not work like that. Players can be signed by any team worldwide that recruits and pays the player appropriately, and then once they sign a contract, they are the property of the team for the duration of the contract. If a player wants to go elsewhere, he must do so by being sold by his club. There are only certain periods during the year when these transfers can occur, one during the summer and another during the winter. During this time, many players move from team to team to fit in with new squads and managers, and American players are no different. Here is a rundown of the five most important moves made by US national team players and the impact each move will make. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/5%20Important%20USMNT%20Transfers.php D9D918B9-B71A-4D6E-8345-B43325E9E2E6 Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:57:29 -0700 The US faces a critical showdown with El Salvador in Sandy, Utah (just outside of Salt Lake City) that will greatly impact their odds of qualifying for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. If the USMNT goes in, takes care of business, they could move from a precarious tie for second quite possibly into first. If they draw or lose, they will have given away valuable points at home, which they cannot afford to do. So by all means, this is a must win game, considering El Salvador is one of the bottom two and a team the US should defeat handily in the US. My keys to the game follow. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/USMNT%20Showtime%20in%20Sandy.php 8A5A99B4-635D-4646-9721-C2255CD0D20F Thu, 3 Sep 2009 14:57:07 -0700 After a war of words in the media that lead to the creation a bold website and some creative marketing and a lot of trash talk and the emergence of a new rivalry in MLS, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final was set to be the most hyped up final in the history of the tournament. Coming in, I wasn't sure the final would live up to the hype that had been building after some comments from each front office that in the old west would be described as fightin' words. Both Seattle and DC are fighting for playoff spots in an ultra competitive MLS playoff race because they have been two of the most inconsistent teams in the league. The Sounders look like Cup competitors every day, however some days they are MLS cup competitors, and some days they are Livermore Halloween tournament U-12 girls Cup competitors. DC has been plagued by road woes, to the point that they have looked bulletproof at home and helpless on the road. Fortunately, they were home at RFK where a solid crowd of upward of 17k showed up. Not only did they show up, they were LOUD. Like if I knew any of the words of the Screaming Eagles songs, I could have sung along with my headphones in and not felt out of place. Immediately I knew this was gonna be a game worth watching. I settled in with my laptop at the library as my boy Drew was doing materials engineering and economics research and I was learning via osmosis. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Seattle-DC-OpenCup-090209.php 3C2ADAC9-56E2-4106-B52E-54E81D9EC22E Thu, 3 Sep 2009 14:56:48 -0700 With the UEFA disciplinary committee ruling today to ban Eduardo two matches, Biggy and Chamo got into an argument over the repercussions this ruling creates. Does this open up a whole can of worms where coaches can now call for intervention when referee's get a call wrong? What cases is it now acceptable to question, and what cases will see managers with fines for their outbursts? Should Eduardo, if he was just trying to protect his previously broken leg, then proceeded to get up and let the referee know that it wasn't a penalty, much like Arshavin last season, or Joe Cole after a clean tackle a few years ago that looked awful? With the integrity of the game in the balance, after the goal that wasn't given to Crystal Palace and now the rather blatant dive by Eduardo, was the ruling necessary? The debate ensues... http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Debates/The%20Debate%20-%20The%20Eduardo%20Ban.php 68E87CE6-9859-467A-9AF9-6D28A07AFA1D Wed, 2 Sep 2009 14:56:27 -0700 The final look into UEFA qualification sees Group Seven, Eight, and Nine. The Netherlands have already completed their qualification run in their rather simple group, but Scotland, Macedonia and Norway are all in a tight race for the playoff spot in Group Nine. France has struggled during this qualifying campaign, but can it really affect their chances? Can Bulgaria mount a late comeback and quash all Irish hopes of making it into the ever important playoff spot? Chamo dissects the remaining groups and completes his roundup with playoff predictions to give you the 13 European teams headed to South Africa next summer! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/UEFA%20Qualifying%207-9.php 87AA4BE8-6D67-42ED-B194-C6329F56B846 Wed, 2 Sep 2009 14:56:10 -0700 Just like VH1, I like to recognize those having the Best Week Ever. Except when we hand out a best week ever award, it actually means that they did something worthwhile. This week’s winner of our Best Week Ever award goes to Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor. He has quietly scored in every game City has played so far, and is the key to their early season success. There were questions about how he would do at City, but he has fit in quite nicely and continued the form that made him the number one striker on everyone's wish list this past summer. He is off to a great start, which is why he is having Constantly Offside's Best Week Ever. If he keeps up this form, City fans will likely have the best year ever. http://constantlyoffside.com/BWE/82509-9109-EmmanuelAdebayor.php 1ADDEFF3-F48C-444D-A02F-BAFFEF4D17EE Wed, 2 Sep 2009 14:55:51 -0700 Asian qualifying is more interesting currently then any other group because of the fact that it is pretty much over and the only games left are for all the marbles. All that remains is a battle for the fifth spot in Asia and the right to square off with New Zealand with the small prize of a ticket to South Africa and a reservation for the big dance. The two teams who don't make it out of this odd three team qualifying will be buying their own tickets to the dance, but not going to be hanging out with the popular kids, stuck on the sideline like that awkward, socially unsure kid that some of us were in high school. Fortunately, I learned to dance early in life, so I never had that pain. Let's find out who else won't have that pain. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/AFC%20Qualifying.php 43335ABE-F811-41B6-B966-C41D79501A3C Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:55:31 -0700 Groups Four through Six are significantly less interesting than my initial installment of Groups One-Three, in a still very interesting sort of way. That made no sense, anyway, with the top teams in each of the three groups in no significant danger and England capable of clinching a trip next summer with a single win this coming week, it is the battle for the playoff spots that could be gripping. Finland, Turkey, and Ukraine all are within reaching distance of the number two slot, but Turkey has the stern test of playing the youthful and incredibly impressive Bosnia-Herzegovina team that has been shocking Group Five. A loss would see the team that stunned Euro 2008 miss out on a trip to South Africa all together. Here’s how I see it unfolding. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/UEFA%20Qualifying%204-6.php 96FF373A-8BAB-422D-879C-31D17524295B Tue, 1 Sep 2009 14:54:09 -0700 Watching Barcelona is like playing FIFA09 for me, it is love. It's funny because we play similar ways, using dangerous probing passes to open holes in defenses and crisp balls swung in, typical beautiful soccer. Except mine is in a video game, and Barcelona does it in real life, which makes it that more impressive. Barcelona is the true epitome of both attacking soccer and possession soccer, and it is a joy to watch. Last season they were dominant, taking both the Champions League and La Liga titles. However, changes bring a different face to Barcelona this year, and the question lingers if they can repeat the magnificence that was last year. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Barcelona-Sporting%20Gijon-083109.php 53485BDF-CF81-4BFC-B986-6814C53CBABD Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:54:09 -0700 With one week until we are flying through the international week and two qualification groups predicted and accounted for, it is time to look at the largest of the qualification zones, Europe. Naturally Biggy left this one to Chamo given his following of all things European. The most interesting match-ups to note, especially for this upcoming week, come from groups one and three, with two big names on the verge of not making it into South Africa next summer. Portugal has the opportunity to salvage qualification as they match up against both Hungary and Denmark, the two teams ahead of them in the standings. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has an incredibly important match against Slovakia followed by a simple game versus the minnows from San Marino. See who Chamo thinks will make it to the big dance next June and who will spend a lonely summer at home! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/UEFA%20Qualifying%201-3.php 841A4D1C-FE90-41CF-B8D0-2EBAC21D6EBE Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:54:09 -0700 Back in the day, being a soccer fan and playing soccer in the US wasn't cool. Nowhere near. I played because my parents wanted me in a sport where I would get out my excessive amounts of energy, but the more I played, the better I got and the more I loved the game. Unlike every other sport, you couldn't catch much soccer on tv and just about no one was marketing to soccer players. That's why these commercials were a revolution in my world. We used to go to the library in high school and watch them online, and were amazed by both the creativity and talent, and the amazing concepts. Yesterday when I was in San Fran, I hit up Niketown with a friend where I saw two of the coolest shirts I had ever seen, one was good vs evil 96 and the other was airport 98. Hopefully I can figure out how to upload these pics so I can post them, but until then, here is some old school goodness that had Nike ahead of the curve before the curve even existed. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Old%20School%20Cool.php 70685F22-2321-48AA-9538-49E7ECF049BC Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:26:43 -0700 Appreciation for something well done is often overlooked in our society. We are so used to things going right that when they don't, it's more of let's fix this problem instead of what is standing out about our competition that is making them better. Many times you appreciate a good steak, a beautiful piece of art, or a cute lady on the dance floor. Far less do you appreciate a rival, and yet I cannot help but appreciate the standard set and achieved by the Seattle Sounders in their first year of existence in the MLS. Being a die hard Earthquakes fan makes it even harder to appreciate a club that is thriving, both on and off the field, without any jealousy, but I shall certainly try. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/MLS%20Done%20Right%20-%20Seattle.php C17FDDA4-EECA-4E5F-AEC9-C45F0D0F9F1C Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:12:05 -0700 You always hope the matchup of the weekend lives up to its billing. You hope it's a fiesty fight with two quality squads playing beautiful football, scoring magnificent goals leading to a dramatic result. This match had all of that... for about 10 minutes. In what could have been a fantastic game, Arsenal outplayed United in every aspect, but couldn't come away with the result. United couldn't afford to drop any more early season points, and will be happy they got anything from this game. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/ManUtd-Arsenal-082909.php 7AE27BCD-4897-4260-8471-0FC04140624A Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:40:37 -0700 In anticipation if next Summer's World Cup and in direct response to the uproar that was caused during the Confederation's Cup this past Summer, we have decided to do a Pro versus Con battle on the inclusion of the infamous Vuvuzela. Should they be allowed at all games next year or should a large part of soccer culture in South Africa be stripped from its own residents? The battle ensues.... http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/The%20Debate%20-%20Vuvuzelas.php 7C63D206-4A38-45DE-A1A7-4046412D02EB Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:43:32 -0700 Round 4 is upon us, and our next round of predictions are in for this upcoming weekend. Biggy currently has a one point lead over Chamo in the result department, while neither of us correctly guessed any scorelines last week. Hopefully these picks see some results match our predictions, as we dive once again into our Premier League picks. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Premiership%20Predictions/EPL%20Round%204%20Predictions.php 8AED17A1-7947-4996-A1ED-72298FF8AA47 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:41:08 -0700 The Champions League Group draw occurred early today, and we are here to deliver the results of the draw for you. Interestingly, Sevilla has managed to surpass Real Madrid in the top group, as they have won the UEFA cup twice while Madrid has struggled in the tournament since their last European Cup in 2003. Who will be the Group of Death this year? Which of the top teams will get paired up against Real Madrid and their new Gallacticos now that they aren't amongst the primary draw group? There are seven first-time draws in the fourth group, so who knows, maybe a shock is in store for the Champions League. All the drama unfolds below! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Champions%20League%20Group%20Draw%2009-10.php AE754B7C-8756-49B8-B3EB-C7D10BCBDDE4 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:40:49 -0700 One of the biggest questions around the Premier League this season regards what Manchester City are going to do with all the attacking players they have. Much like the dillema that faces Real Madrid, who also spent all their pennies on attacking talent, City must find a way to implement seven different attacking players, and still manage not to concede five goals a game. Biggy and Chamo give you two different options which we think would work and would make the Sky Blues one of the most entertaining teams to watch. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Formations/Man%20City%20Formation%20Evaluation.php D0A9C588-5300-475E-99E5-7C746DAA30BD Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:40:30 -0700 Just like VH1, I like to recognize those having the Best Week Ever. Except when we hand out a best week ever award, it actually means that they did something worthwhile. This week’s winner of our Best Week Ever award goes to Burnley manager Owen Coyle. After a tough opening weekend loss to Stoke, the Clarets have managed three successive victories, two of which were over some of the Premiership’s elite class. http://constantlyoffside.com/BWE/81809-82409-OwenCoyle.php 3BE1427E-8F5A-47A7-9BBB-A59547021CFB Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:40:10 -0700 College soccer life in the United States is difficult. Not only do you have the stress of playing highly competitive matches with practice daily, typically in the early morning, but you also have to juggle your class schedule. We are lucky enough to have Michael Strickland on board to take us step by step through the college season. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/College%20Soccer/College%20Soccer-The%20Inside%20Story.php 4277D6DC-819A-4784-962D-5F79D03B8375 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:39:38 -0700 I realize we have now done two reports on Liverpool games and two reports on Chelsea games, and we promise this will not be a consistent thing. We will add variation, however this week these two games made the most sense to cover: the huge upset by Villa at Anfield, and the ever interesting West London battle (had I been able to watch United’s demolition of Wigan, I would have reported on it, I swear). Anyway, Fulham has played Chelsea tough over the past couple of seasons, working out a draw in the corresponding fixture last season, and the rivalry between the two London clubs always adds an extra dimension. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Fulham-Chelsea-82309.php ECBAA014-33BC-46AC-829E-7C8BD2D60FCD Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:39:17 -0700 A real test for each team, both Liverpool and Villa have gotten off to starts that neither is overjoyed about. Liverpool looked good midweek versus Stoke, but still have major concerns about class and talent to make a title run that they so desperately desire. Aston Villa has a young dangerous midfield that is slowing becoming one of the best in the league, but they needed to show it at the Kop in an effort to better their 6th place finish last year. An exciting game lead to an interesting result. http://constantlyoffside.com/Match%20Reports/Liverpool-AstonVilla-82409.php 48FAC926-70B6-4D07-9808-8F3BFB9BE844 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:36:27 -0700 Certainly the appropriate next stop on the World Cup qualification tour is South America and CONMEBOL. The breeding ground of players like Pele and Maradonna has now given us Messi and Kaka, and brilliant technical teams like Brazil, who won this year's Confederations Cup. Qualification has been unpredictable in South America, and the four teams that get automatic spots will have negotiated a maze of mines, with peril at every step. Four games remain to separate five teams who are all within 5 points of each other for the fourth qualification spot and the playoff fifth spot. For everyone in this group, its time to show up and bring the goods, or watch the show from home next summer. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/WC2010Qual/CONMEBOL%20Qualifying.php B5E2C12A-F960-429A-8FBB-D3469CA5607D Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:35:28 -0700 Both Biggy and Chamo critique the USMNT formation, and offer their own options, with full explanations. Also a little tidbit from each on their opinions of Bob Bradley and the job he is doing. Check it out and see if you agree! http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/USMNT%20Formation%20Evaluation.php 88D66C40-4DBE-4BCE-B67B-DD0A139587C6 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:31:41 -0700 We run through this weekend's matches and give our two cents, as well as predict the outcomes and sometimes even try to guess the goal scorers. An interesting way to look at the games ahead. http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/EPL%20Week%203%20Predictions.php 33CF3C94-3654-4B8D-8BF9-B25F26389944 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:11:57 -0700 We have exclusive video of Clint Dempsey's gorgeous 25 yard strike in the UEFA cup match against Russian team FK Amkar Perm' http://constantlyoffside.com/Articles/Dempsey%20Goal.php 3A09EC9D-F297-4F02-9801-4B46926C774B Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:59:19 -0700