Ziga-Zoga's Footballers Blog (soccer)

Revs & Rapids Route Their Fo's On Opening Night

Opening night proved to be a double route as the Revs and Rapids drummed their opponents.  Both New England and Colorado threw out the gravel, greased the wheels and drove right over their competitors.

The Revs started strong - coming out with the intention to get back at the Dynamo for snuffing them in the Cup.  Although it's just the beginning, I heard a crazy stat at the beginning of the match that went something like, "the team who loses their opening match 90% of the time does not win the MLS Cup".  I don't know what the validity is or if its just one of those fuzzy stats for chatter but, it certainly worth looking into and important enough to frame mentality for performance.

Best goal and man of the match by the Gambia assassin Sainey Nyassi (highlight video above).  In the mountains, Colorado handed the pretty boys from LA their bags and sent them back to Hollywood for another take on a better day.  The Rapids were just too much for Becks and Donny boy.  If I were Gullit I'd be really ticked - his stars were still dreaming and maybe needed a sweater cause they sure did play a bunch of panzies. 

I thought Terry Cooke's rip got the white water flowing and it was down hill from there.   
Here are both MLS and Fox Soccer recaps of all MLS matches today.  You can also catch some really cool coverage over at my boy Nathan's American Soccer News.

TPSF Sunday Recap: Houston 1-1 D.C. United, Toronto FC 3-2 Chivas USA

On Sunday, the first Texas Pro Soccer Fest wrapped up at Steele High School in Cibolo with the Houston Dynamo and D.C. United playing out a 1-1 draw, and Toronto FC defeating Chivas USA 3-2.

Both Houston and D.C. entered the early match with wins in their first two matches, so their matchup was for the tournament trophy. The Dynamo were on track to claim it after Franco Caraccio's rebound goal in the 53rd minute, but D.C. United made it very interesting with an equalizer in the 78th minute through Cezar.

D.C. had a great chance to take the win and the trophy in the final minutes, but Pat Onstad made a great diving save to keep out a goalbound header and preserve a draw, which was good enough for the Dynamo to be crowned champions, thanks to having scored more goals than D.C. (6 to 4).

Toronto FC and Chivas had each lost their first two matches, but certainly weren't hanging their heads when they took the field for the tournament finale. There were four goals in the first 30 minutes, which saw Toronto go up in the 12th minute, only to fall behind 2-1 after Ante Razov's 27th minute goal, and then level things at 2 when Danny Dichio scored in the 30th minute.

The match would be decided in the second half, when Toronto's Jeff Cunningham scored his second goal of the game on a 63rd minute penalty, after a handball by a Chivas player.

So, the tournament started and ended with a goalfest involving Toronto, and besides some terrific goals being scored, there were some great saves and defensive performances all around.

So, the first Texas Pro Soccer Festival is in the books, but it certainly won't be the last.

Thanks to all who came out for the games, and to all who worked hard to make the week a success, from the faces in the forefront to the people behind the scenes.

I'm already looking forward to another special event next year, and I hope everyone else is as well.

TPSF Friday Recap: D.C. United 1-0 Toronto FC, Houston Dynamo 1-0 Chivas USA

After ten goals on Wednesday night, Friday's Texas Pro Soccer Fest doubleheader at Steele High School in Cibolo was much more about quality defense and being opportunistic on the attacking end.

In the first match of the night, Toronto FC and D.C. United were headed for a goalless draw until the 84th minute, when D.C.'s Josh Gardner, who'd been a threat with his pace for much of the evening, found the net off of a nice assist by Quavas Kirk.

There was also only one goal in the second match, between Houston Dynamo and Chivas USA, but that one came much earlier. In the 11th minute, Houston's Dwayne De Rosario unleashed a 30-yard blast that surprised everyone, including Chivas USA goalkeeper Lance Parker. Houston very well could have had at least another two or three, but the one goal was all that they got - and all that they needed.

Both the Chivas and Houston fans made a lot of noise last night, especially throughout the first half, when both teams played several of their starters.

So, we're down to our last doubleheader, which will take place tomorrow starting at 12:30, when Houston and D.C., both 2-0, battle for the Texas Pro Soccer Festival crown before heading to their CONCACAF Champions' Cup matches. Then, in the finale of the tournament, Toronto FC and Chivas USA go at it, looking to go out on a high note. If you haven't made it out for the first two nights, come out to Cibolo for the final doubleheader, and not only support MLS, but soccer in the San Antonio area.

Steps for Success: Chivas USA's Ante Razov's Tips to Help You Score Big

As promised, here are a few tips for aspiring footballers courtesy of Chivas USA's Ante Razov. Razov has three main musts to help pave the way for success:

1) Practice a lot.

2) You have to love the game, and have that competitive edge every day.

3) Have fun and enjoy the game.

These are good words to follow, coming from someone who has 109 MLS goals, which is second behind D.C. United's Jaime Moreno. On a side note, four of the league's all-time leading scorers are here this week: Moreno (112 - 1st), Razov (109 - 2nd), Toronto FC's Jeff Cunningham (96 - 4th), and Chivas USA coach Preki (79 - 9th). On top of that, last year's Golden Boot winner, D.C. United's Luciano Emilio (20 goals) is here as well.

We'll have practice video from the other day up later on today, and keep coming back for more Texas Pro Soccer Festival updates here in San Antonio.

TPSF Wednesday Recap: Houston Dynamo 4-3 Toronto FC, D.C. United 2-1 Chivas USA

Last night, the trio of Texas Pro Soccer Fest doubleheaders kicked off, and if you weren't able to make it to Steele High School in Cibolo, you missed a lot of goals.

In the first match of the night, Houston Dynamo jumped out to a three-goal lead early in the second half, but had to hold off a late Toronto FC comeback to win 4-3.

It didn't take long for Houston to go ahead, as Chris Wondolowski scored three minutes in.

From there, it looked it'd be all Houston, but Toronto equalized in the 36th minute through Kiki Musampa, and it was set to go into the half 1-1.

But, Brian Ching scored twice in three minutes (42, 44) to put Houston up 3-1, and it was 4-1 two minutes into the second half when Eric Ustruck scored.

Game over, right? I'm sure most people thought it was, but Toronto made things tight towards the end with goals by Martin Brittain (71) and Tony Vairelles (80). But, it was too little, too late.

In the second game, between D.C. United and Chivas USA, all of the goals happened in the first half.

The two teams played most of their starters in their scrimmage at Soccer International in the morning, so the nightcap in Cibolo featured primarily reserves. Still, the fans in attendance were into it, and there were a lot of Chivas fans who were excited when Jorge Flores scored in the 13th minute.

But, that excitement wouldn't last very long, as two D.C. goals over the next 15 minutes (Quavas Kirk & Cezar Hermenegildo) put the four-time champions ahead.

That advantage held up for the final hour, and matched the score from the morning, when D.C. won 2-1 with goals from Luciano Emilio and Franco Niell.

It was an exciting night overall, and Friday and Sunday should be even better. Given that it was in the middle of the week, the turnout wasn't what it stands to be for the other two doubleheaders, and the stadium should be packed, especially on Friday night.

If you're in the area, come out to Steele HS to make these next two doubleheaders a sellout! It's a great chance to see professional soccer up close and meet some of MLS' best too, so don't miss out, because along with the chance to see some great action, but also to support area soccer and make sure that these events and others can happen on a regular basis.

To get directions, ticket prices, and to find out more about the event, head on over to http://www.texasprosoccerfest.com.

TPSF Update: The Importance of Communication

It's Eddie checking in again, shortly before I head off to catch tonight's TPSF doubleheaders in Cibolo.

This evening, the Texas Pro Soccer Fest kicks off in earnest with the first of three doubleheaders at Steele High School, but if you were out at the Soccer International fields this morning, there was an extremely spirited and intense scrimmage between D.C. United and Chivas USA, who will face off one of tonight's matches, with Houston Dynamo and Toronto FC playing in the other match of the twinbill.

One of the most noticeable things about the scrimmage was not only its intensity, but the way the players were communicating with and encouraging their teammates.

Good communication is very important in sports, and in life in general. In a sport like soccer, when the players have to deal with language barriers sometimes, it's vital to be able to communicate with teammates both on and off the pitch to succeed and have the closest-knit unit as possible.

Speaking of helpful tips for footballers, I got a chance to speak with D.C. United forward Jaime Moreno and head coach Tom Soehn yesterday, and with Chivas USA forward Ante Razov today, and all three provided great tips for aspiring footballers. I'll be posting a video of yesterday's practice and interviews later on, along with the complete transcript from today's interview with Razov.

Moreno and Razov are two of the remaining 'MLS Originals,' who have played in the league since it started in 1996, and both have experienced a lot of success on a personal and team level, so if they have something to say on how to reach your goals, it's definitely worth listening to.

As for coverage from tonight's matches, if I have Internet access at the stadium, I plan to provide live updates of each game, but if not, I will post a recap afterwards.

Texas Pro Soccer Festival In San Antonio (Cibolo, TX)

(From left to right SAMYS, Ziga-Zoga & Touch-Tel representatives:  Jason Cronkhite, Steve Arters Dr. Ed Sakiewicz, Jim Hope & Gary Gill)

This morning at the Hotel Contessa in San Antonio, TX, several members from the local organizing group SAMYS (San Antonio Metropolitan Youth Soccer Institute) and Ziga-Zoga announced the coming of the Texas Pro Soccer Festival to the area.  Presented by Touch-Tel Communications, the event is the first of its kind in Major League Soccer -- a week long training camp and exhibition series -- featuring four teams including the two-time MLS Champions Houston Dynamo, Chivas USA, DC United and Toronto FC.

The event is an unprecedented opportunity for area fans to see a collection of MLS stars, including Brian Ching and Dwayne De Rosario of the Dynamo; MLS Gatorade Rookie of the Year Maurice Edu and Marvell Wynne on Toronto FC; Christian Gomez and Jaime Moreno on DC United and Ante Rasov and Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza on Chivas USA.  Tickets go on sales this Friday, February 1st and all specific event details can be found at the event website: http://www.texasprosoccerfest.com .

All Festival proceeds will be donated to SAMYS, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City School District's soccer program and other national and local charities.   To see the official release just click here and stay tuned for more coverage of the event and highlight footage.

Podcast With De Ro: Dynomo Driving It Home For H-town

He told us earlier this year that he goes into each game visualizing how he can make an impact on the match.  De Ro has been doing it all season in the MLS and made the biggest impact on not just the game but the season with his neck snapping game winner yesterday.

An open and up-and-down match, the 2007 MLS Cup proved to be more exciting than I expected.  There was a decent crowd and these boyz went at it for them.  Too bad MLS could not find a better half-time act :-)

Poor REV's eh?  You'd think they'd have the edge with all the finals they been in the past few years.  Maybe Mr. Kraft needs to switch the team cheese from Humboldt Fog to Dragons  Breath cuz I think thats what De Ro had before the match.  Alright, sorry, Robert Kraft probably gets the cheese joke all the time.

Like I was saying, De Ro and gang played with conviction and they did so all season long.  Dynamo have been pretty consistent and Dominic deserves a yahoo for that!  So, Yahoooooooooo!  Since we did chat with De Ro earlier this year, you might be interested to hear what his mindset was before even getting to the MLS Cup.  Listen in Now as he talks about his Game. Body and Mind preparation.

Congrats Dynamo for a great year!

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....SLOWLY, BUT SURELY

I watched the Galaxy v NY match over the weekend, and I was SHOCKED!! ...what an exciting match. I say "exciting" not only because of all the goals, but the action was almost nonstop.  That on top of seeing the stadium full and actually hearing the supporters singing and chanting was BRILLIANT!!.  THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN RANTING ABOUT BOYS AND GIRLS!

ATMOSPHERE!!, ATMOSPHERE!!, ATMOSPHERE!!!...it makes a world of difference. 

When I see what I watched, it makes me think.."THAT IS SOMEWHERE I NEED TO BE"!  My hope now is that even if Beckham isn't going to be in the stadium, that the crowd will still be as full and as loud.

One team that has been a brilliant representative of MLS is Toronto FC.  Even though they aren't doing very well, they consistently have a full stadium and supporters singing loud and proud.

THAT MY FRIENDS IS HOW TO SUPPORT A TEAM!!

Cheers,
~Scott

Scott Hudlow is a member of Ziga-Zoga and blogs passionately about his views on what's happening in the world of football.  Scott that can be reached from his page here.   

ESPN Ratings for Galaxy v. Chelsea

Well the numbers are out and ESPN has now announced a 1.0 ratings share, which equals about 1,468,000 viewers.  Does anyone else think that ONLY 1.5 million people watched the match on ESPN Saturday night?  There was standing room only in the stadium, there were thousands of reporters and a circus like atmosphere, but we only drew that type of viewership on television?  Jeez - you would think there would be more than 1.5 million Chelsea fans wanting to see their team!

If thats the case - I am extremely disappointed by that # (if in fact it is true, which I dont think it is).  Especially since it wasn't like Beckham played the first few moments and then was subbed - which meant that all viewers left once he left the pitch.  He didn't enter the match until the 77th min and no one knew when he would be subbed in.  So you would think that people would watch the entirety of the game, through the final whistle. 

I was thinking that there would have been a much larger share for this event.  I know its a cable channel, but hell, almost 90% of people who have a TV have cable these days, and almost 100% of basic cable packages have ESPN as a channel.  So I would think that almost anyone with a TV has ESPN, which makes these figures even more disappointing.

Im still not sold that its accurate...thoughts?

Until then, Get Stuck In!