The Footie

Epic Women’s Soccer Fight

Jyle Dupuis — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:43:13 +0000

It’s rare to see players fighting out on the field during a soccer match. In hockey it’s almost expected, but in soccer it’s almost unheard of. That’s why this new video showing a Bringham Young University player elbowing, punching and pulling hair is making it’s way around the internet like wildfire.

The match was between BYU and New Mexico’s university women’s soccer teams. In the scene you can see that the violent recipient in pleading at the refs to call some of the violent acts. When it became clear that no one was going to call the infractions the violence got worst until finally she was pulled to the ground by a quick snatch of her pony tail.

Not to be all sanctimonious but BYU tries really hard to maintain their “image”. They need to deal with this player by having her kicked off of the team. If they let this slide without any diciplinary action I’d be surprised.

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Ronaldo Out For Another Two Weeks

Jyle Dupuis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:09:56 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo will be out for at least two more weeks after being off of the field for a month. Doctors confirmed to Real Madrid managers and coaches that Ronaldo should refrain from practices and games until his ankle fully heals. Ronaldo was injured during a Championship League Game last month. It was made worst by the fact that he chose to play for Portugal in the World Cup Qualifiers on October 10th.

Cristiano Ronaldo

If Ronaldo was having troubles with his ankle, why did he play for Portugal? I know that he wants to be patriotic and all and help his team qualify for the World Cup, but they are not the ones who pay the bills. His loyalty should have been with Real Madrid.

Image: TSN.ca

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Hamm Named as 2011 World Cup Ambassador

Jyle Dupuis — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:30:51 +0000

Mia Hamm of the United States has been named as ambassador for the 2011 Women’s World Cup Games in Germany. The prestigious honor means that Hamm will be going around the world to represent the games and help promote women’s soccer. She was named world player of the year back in 2001 and has brought home gold medals for the United States for the last two summer Olympic games.

Mia Hamm named 2011 Women's World Cup ambassador

Mia Hamm was an obvious choice for FIFA as she has single handedly brought more attention to soccer as a professional sport in the United States than David Beckham. Despite what people say about soccer in North America she has shown everyone that they are competitive and are the team to beat in any world competition. With the US Womens national team missing Mia many are wondering if they will be able to bring it. I guess we’ll just have to see in 2011 in Germany.

Image: TSN.ca

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Nike Manchester United Jacket – Black/White

Jyle Dupuis — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:22:17 +0000

Nike Manchester United Line Up Jacket - White with Black

I gotta say that Manchester United has a some of the best looking jackets and jerseys in the English Premier League, or any league for that matter. I have a Man. United black sweater that I wear all the time and now I just got the new Nike Manchester United Black/White Jacket.

The two-toned jacket is made of 100% polyester and is very comfortable to wear. I though that I would have trouble with color bleeding in the washing machine but the jacket held its own and looks great. The contrasting white with black is a bold look for a casual wear jacket but how else could you state your pride in your favorite team? The only sign of color is displayed by the Manchester United Crest with its ‘red devil’ placed on the front left chest. Corporate sponsor AIG is strategically placed just below the crest but because it is in black print it doesn’t take over its focal point. Man. United’s clothing manufacturer, Nike shows off it’s swoosh over the right chest and left arm. The only other signage on the jacket is on the upper back with MANCHESTER UNITED printed in bold black print.

In all the jacket would be a great addition to anyone’s soccer gear collection. The Manchester United line up Jacket is currently on sale now at SoccerPro.com’s Soccer Shop so get them now before they run out. Also check out their great selection of other teams soccer jackets.

Image: SoccerPro.com

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2010 World Cup Animal Sacrifice?

Jyle Dupuis — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:58:06 +0000

There is a news circulating that South Africa plans on kicking off the 2010 World Cup games by ’sacrificing’ a cow (check out the article at Yahoo.com). This of course is upsetting some people as they seem to care if a cow get’s killed. South Africa is defending their decision by stating that the ceremony needs to be blessed ‘African Style’ for the games to run smoothly.

The World Cup Stadium in Capetown, South Africa, 17 February 2009.

I personally don’t see what the big deal is about sacrificing a cow for the South African World Cup. No one seems to care about the cow that died to end up in their Big Mac. Why is this such a big deal. For the Muslim people they ’sacrifice’ lambs once a year for Ramadan, after which they are eaten. But I mean we don’t even need to look to foreign countries to see ritual sacrifices. Here in North America we go out into the woods to find a wild turkey to ’sacrifice’ for our traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration. What exactly is the difference. Isn’t killing the turkey apart of our tradition? My goodness people need to chill on other people’s traditions. I really hope South Africa does go ahead with their rituals.

Image: Newscom

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Seattle Sounders Eliminates F.C. Dallas

Jyle Dupuis — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:51:55 +0000

The Seattle Sounders shut down any hopes for the F.C. Dallas winning the Major League Soccer Cup this year by eliminating them from the playoffs. Saturday night’s game at the Qwest Fields in Seattle was a saddening loss for Dallas when they let in two goals, ending the game 2-1.

Sigi Schmid waves to the fans, in a 3-0 Seattle Sounders victory over the New Your Red Bulls, Thursday, March 19, 2009.

The lone point was enough to crush Dallas dreams for a cup this season but hey did they really think they could best the Seattle Sounders? The team was introduced this 2009 season and was marked as the team to beat after they acquired Steve Zakuani (who was the MLS first draft pick) and head coach Sigi Schmid.

Not only was the victory a important one for the Sounders it was also significant because it marked Sigi Schmid’s 125 game wins in the MLS, a new all time record.

Image: Newscom

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Bordeaux Takes Lead In French League

Jyle Dupuis — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:48:07 +0000

In France’s Ligue 1 the defending Bordeaux F.C. champions fought to retake the lead in their division. It was a special game for the Bordeaux Girondins after defeating Les Mans 3-0 to retake the one point lead over Monaco. Also in the league Lyon lost to Nice 4-1.

Bordeaux has been trying to stay on the top of the league after winning last years Ligue 1 cup. They have been a tough team for other French teams to play against as they are so determined. When they played the Montreal Impact in a friendly match on July 25 they played to win and didn’t go easy on the team. I just hope they can maintain their momentum for the rest of the season thus proving that they truly are the best team in France.

Image: TSN.ca

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World Cup Qualifiers Draws Closer To an End

Jyle Dupuis — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:00:22 +0000

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa looms ever closer as teams from around the world compete for a chance to play in the worlds most prestigious sporting event. The FIFA World Cup Games begin on June 1th this summer and will run until July 11th. Only 32 nations will be honored enough to play in the games. And the tail keeps getting shorter as the qualifiers are disqualifying teams.

October 14th, 2009 - Stade de France, Saint Denis near Paris - France vs. Austria 2010 World Cup Qualifying. (3-1)

France has a second chance with their pair up against Ireland in their November 14th and 18th match up. Other teams playing qualifying games on those days include Russia against Slovenia, Greece vs. Ukraine and Portugal was drawn to play against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Watch out for the crowds Portugal.

Image: Newscom

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Ebbsfleet United The Future of Soccer?

Jyle Dupuis — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:23:11 +0000

On April 26, 2007 Will Brooks had the bright idea of re-inventing the way soccer is managed. He started MyFootballClub.com, a site that is basically a community of fans who get together and play a fantasy soccer, except the team is real. The community of members pooled all of their money and collectively purchased Ebbsfleet United, a soccer club that plays in the Conference National League in England.

The Ebbsfleet United team celebrate their victory over Torquay United after their FA Trophy Final at Wembley football Stadium, London on May 10, 2008.

Members of the MyFootballClub.com go online and discuss the teams success and failures and votes on player positions, lineups and trades. The idea is revolutionary as it allows fans the opportunity to really be involved in their team. Normally, as you know, the decisions are made by the head coach and general managers. This new idea of collectivity opens up new possibilities for the team.

So far the success of this new program is hard to tell. Ebbsfleet United aren’t exactly at the top of their league but they do have a supportive fan base. And at the end of the day isn’t that the most important factor – merchandise and ticket sales. Members also get to vote on the type of food to be served at the stadium.

This new Sports 2.0 concept is not new, but with the help of the internet it has become a viable option to receive the more opinions. The only question that comes to my mind is the fact the old saying “too many chefs spoil the pot”. We’ll just have to wait and see what can come of this new collective competition.

Find out more at MyFootballClub.com and Ebbsfleet United F.C.

Image: Newscom

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Charlie Davies Injured in Deadly Accident

Jyle Dupuis — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:46:49 +0000

It was a blow to the United States soccer community to learn of the recent accident involving Charlie Davies age 23. He was involved in a deadly vehicle accident that left one passenger dead at the scene.

Charlie Davies. US Men's National Team vs Honduras at Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Scheduled as one of the starting forward for the US national team Davies will have to be replaced as the accident left him with a shattered elbow, lacerated bladder and other broken bones. However severe the accident he was lucky to have survived as one other passenger of the wrecked vehicle died.

Davies will remain at the Washington Hospital Center Medstar for another week before being released. His recovery is expected to take anywhere from 6-12 months with many more months needed for rehabilitation.

Davies played for the FC Sochaux-Montbéliard in the French League.

Image: Newscom

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