Bleacher Report - Articles by Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

Why the Miami Dolphins Should Not Depend On One Player

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:20:53 -0500

The 2009 NFL season for the Miami Dolphins is a far cry from the 2007 and 2008 seasons. It has been marked with five victories and five defeats as well as Ronnie Brown and Chad Pennington being out during most or the rest of the season.

The pundits were afraid that the season would be over with the injury of Pennington and have repeated their predictions after Ronnie Brown's injury. The game against the Carolina Panthers proved that this was not the case.

The Fins still have life and have been able to cope in their last game with the help of Ricky Williams. It does not mean that they are going to win every game and that they are Super Bowl material.

The underwriter wrote in previous articles about the meltdown of the southernmost NFL Team in America. He stated reasons such as lack of practice methods that have been tried with success.

The other problem has been the dependence on one player. When Marino was active in the franchise, he was looked (directly or indirectly) as the player who kept the team together.

Pennington, Brown, and Williams have been placed in the same limelight which means increased pressure to success. The dependence on one player should not be the basis for any NFL Football team.

The players of today will be the players of history but a franchise such as the Dolphins must remain independent of such dependence on one person. The team must concentrate on practice as well as attempting to salvage what remains of the current NFL Season.

It should do that by having players attempt different positions and game strategies. The Fins should look forward and not look back with the intention of playing football like it has never been played before without depending on one player.

If this could be done, there is the possibility that the Dolphins may have saved what remains of their 2009 NFL Season before returning to the drawing board in the NFL Draft.

The Fins Definitive Meltdown

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:31:28 -0400

During the month of September 2009, the underwriter wrote about the meltdown of the Miami Dolphins and its reasons. While hoping that he was wrong, the loss to the New Orleans Saints proved that indeed there is a meltdown.

The Miami Dolphins appeared to have started its' game against the Saints in its home turf with a big lead at the end of the second quarter. The Fins had everything and was poised to add another win to its already two victories.

The second half of the game was a disaster, as Miami made many mistakes with players repeating the same mistakes as the first two games. The defense [in the opinion of the underwriter] was weak and made errors that the Saints were quick to take advantage.

The Fins were disorganized, lacked coordination and organization while the Saints appeared to have come from behind after a lackluster first half. It appeared that the Dolphins made the mistake of resting on their laurels instead of hearing the old adage: "It is not over until it is over."

What happened to the team that won the Super Bowl and once had a perfect season? It did not learn its lesson and did not train players for different positions. Its reliance on one quarterback such as Pennington did more harm than good when an injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2009 season.

The best thing that could happen to Miami is the following: Attempt to play the best that they can and attempt to win as many games as possible to at least make a decent showing by the end of the season.

When the 2009 NFL season comes to an end, the Fins can make changes in the defensive ends, quarterbacks, and other positions to strengthen their position. The suggestion that should also be made must be a change in practice tactics.

No team ever won a Super Bowl [or any other sporting event] by pretending to practice before the cameras. The games that are won, are won by blood, sweat, and tears. The meaning of blood, sweat, and tears [as well as no pain no gain] is defined as practicing under all forms of weather conditions with maximum discomfort.

The Miami Dolphins will never win any games and much less win the Super Bowl unless that type of practice is initiated. It is total agony since the underwriter wanted to see the Miami Dolphins compete in the Super Bowl 2010 which will take place in its own city.

Miami Dolphins: Why the Meltdown?

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:50:36 -0400

The Miami Dolphins played against the Indianapolis Colts at home on Sep. 21, 2009. The game, which was featured on Monday Night Football, produced the following results: Ronnie Brown scored two touchdowns for the Fins by rushing for 136 yards on 24 carries.

The other result was Peyton Manning surpassing Johnny Unitas as a team leader in victories for quarterbacks. He also surpassed Vinny Testaverde on the NFL's all-time yardage list. Manning has 46,232 yards, compared with Testaverde and his 46,223 yards.

The aforementioned historical occasions pale in comparison to the Miami Dolphins squandering all of their advantages to hand the game over to the Colts. What happened was a disgrace that has people wondering "what is going on?"

The people in the streets have said that "the first game doesn't count" and "this was close, but we will win the next time." It is these comments and what was witnessed that have this writer asking questions.

He found the answers in an article written by John Friel for Bleacher Report: "No Catch of the Day: Miami Dolphins Could Have Handed the Indianapolis Colts a Loss."

Chad Pennington is no Dan Marino, since he either does not have the qualities of a leader that is expected of a quarterback or he is afraid to use them.

It is this ambivalence or lack of action that was used to the advantage of the Colts under the stronger leadership of Peyton Manning.

Ted Ginn, Jr., who was the subject of an article written by me on October 2008 (please see "Tedd Ginn, Jr. and Miami Dolphins Cannot Be Written Off") did a poor job in receiving the balls thrown to him by Pennington. What was Ginn thinking about? He was not concentrating on the game.

The fact that timeouts were used inappropriately, as well as lack of coverage for some of the Dolphin players, contributed to the debacle.

The Fins miscalculated on time, as well. Of course, the way practice is conducted is not conducive to winning games or even the Super Bowl.

The fact that players have been changed does not contribute to a winning team. After all, do not fix a good thing if it works.

The next game is going to be against the San Diego Chargers and it is hoped that the Dolphins can turn around the situation.

The alternative would be the Dolphins becoming the second team in the NFL with no wins during the current season, which would undo all of the accomplishments of the previous season.

Miami Dolphins Struggle In 19-7 Loss To Matt Ryan's Atlanta Falcons.

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:53:55 -0400

After an amazing 2008 campaign, the Miami Dolphins started off their 2008 campaign flat; while the Falcons sent a message to the league that their "here to stay."

What was supposed to be the beginning of an example of continuous improvement, was a utter disgrace.

The Fins were scoreless until a touchdown and field goal was scored within the last few minutes of the game. Even then, it was not enough to even come close to the Falcons who led them by close to two touchdowns.

It appears that the Dolphins have forgotten the lessons learned from the 2007 and 2008 season. In the process, they made mistakes that led to interceptions and the Falcons taking advantage of their errors.

The Dolphins seemed complacent; even worse, they looked like a team who has failed to listen to their sideline and front-office leaders, Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells.

The Falcons [and the writer is a fan of the Dolphins] deserve to be congratulated for its tenacity, discipline, and continuity. On the other hand, the fish have to go back to the drawing board by practicing in the trenches instead of the comfort zone of South Beach.

The Fins can start by listening to the song interpreted by the British Rock Group Queen "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions," before and during hard core practice [mountains, cold weather, heat, and the Everglades].

They have to be a lean and mean team if their goal is to advance to the Super Bowl. They have to be consistent in their plays with Chad Pennington avoiding interceptions.

The example of being a mean and lean team is to go on the offensive, reinforce the defensive, and place emphasis on tackling.

In other words, be tough, but at the same time play by the rules.

Until that happens, I don't see a bright future for the Dolphins we all fell in love with last season.

Jason Taylor Deserves to Be in the Football Hall of Fame

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:51:59 -0400

Every year the Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio, plays host to the induction ceremony for football's greatest. Many players including those from the Miami Dolphins have been elected to form part of this grand and exclusive club.

While very few can be inducted into the Hall of Fame, there are people who deserve to be inducted but appear to be overlooked. One of the notable examples has been Jason Taylor.

Jason Taylor has been a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins since he was picked by the team during the third round of the 1997 draft. The only exception was when he played for the Washington Redskins.

Mr. Taylor was born on September 1, 1974, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He started his football career at Woodland Hills High School. During this period, he was a recipient of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League which is an honor awarded by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Gateway Newspapers.

He was accepted by the University of Akron and played as a starter and a letterman for the Zips. During his college career, Mr. Taylor managed to accumulate 279 tackles, 21 sacks, seven recovered fumbles, and three interceptions under his belt.

During his junior year, he was a linebacker and an All-America pick as well as the First Team All Mid-American Selection. Mr. Taylor also received the same award of All Mid-American Selection in his senior year.

He was also the recipient of the National Defensive Player of the Week Award for his excellent performance against Virginia Tech. The performance consisted of 12 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and tackled a punt returner in the end zone for safety.

During his NFL career, he managed to accumulate 482 tackles, 120.5 sacks, and seven interceptions. He was also the recipient of awards such as the Walter Payton Man of the Year, AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and the All-American Honorable.

Jason Taylor was the Pro Bowl Selection six times during his career as well as the First Team All Pro Selection three times. He was also chosen two times to the First Team All-MAC [Mid American Conference].

He founded the Jason Taylor Foundation with his wife Katrina. The purpose of the foundation was to help improve the lives of South Florida's children. The result has been the Jason Taylor Reading Room which has helped increased literacy, and the Jason Taylor Children's Learning Center which provides a selected 11 sixth grade students with college scholarships.

It is for being outstanding off as well as on the field that Jason Taylor deserves to be inducted in the Hall Of Fame.

The Miami Dolphins' Future in the 2009 NFL

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:48:33 -0400

The underwriter attempted to write an article concerning players and different scenarios for the Miami Dolphins. The laptop was not cooperative with him so this will be a general review and opinion.

Before starting with the 2009 season, it is important to recap the last two years. The year 2007 was a disaster for the Fins with only one game won. The team was demoralized and the coach was a disaster.

It was a miracle that Miami was spared the fate of Detroit, which became the first team in NFL history to lose every game during one of their seasons. The year 2008 was a year of change in the guard and the team.

Parcells was brought in to help with the change, and Sparano was hired as a coach. The Fins improved a lot in the 2008 NFL Season, and they were even candidates for the playoffs. However, it was not to be.

The NFL Season is coming, and people in Miami still want a repeat of a perfect season and are expecting more from their team than in previous attempts. The fear is that the fans may be deceived if they receive what is least expected.

It is of the opinion of the underwriter that the Miami Dolphins is still a team in reconstruction mode after a decade of abuse and mismanagement. It would be an injustice to name players or techniques that could result in a Super Bowl team or even winning it.

The first thing that should be addressed is that every season is different. The year 2009 is totally different from the perfect season of 1972.

If the Miami Dolphins expect to win or even do better than the year 2008, several things need to happen. Mr. Sparano will have to make tough decisions on which players will stay, and which ones will go.

My only suggestion for Mr. Sparano is to stay away from Michael Vick because he is a liability in football. The rest of the decisions will have to be based not only on professional play but on personal conduct.

The people who play football should also develop a well disciplined and well oiled team that can stand the pressure of the game. This can be accomplished by obeying the coach and working as a team. The idea of personality clashes should be consigned to the trash can.

The practices should take place in mountains surrounded by tough roads and under hot and cold weather conditions. The idea of practicing in a gym is not the way to make a championship. The conditions of hardship are those that make a team.

When all of these elements are together, only then can the Miami Dolphins talk about a future in the 2009 NFL Season.

Costa Rica defeats Guadeloupe in CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009, 5-1

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:56:54 -0400

The Dallas Cowboy Stadium, in the city with same name, located in the Lone Star State, was the scene of one of the quarter finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009. The participants were Costa Rica and the French Overseas Department of Guadeloupe.

Costa Rica is currently in 30th place with 789 points in the FIFA Coca Cola Classifications. The Central American Nation has also made three World Cup Appearances [1990, 2002, and 2006] and was a runner up in a previous CONCACAF Gold Cup game in 2002.

Costa Rica is second place in Continental standings behind the USA and above Mexico.

The writer has been attempting to find the statistics for Guadeloupe without success.

First Half

Costa Rica started the game with a total dominance secondary to its discipline, continuity, and a desire to classify in the 2010 World Cup. Armando Alonso started the show for Costa Rica with some fancy footwork between him and Celso Borges

Borges surprised the multitude and the Guadeloupe goal keeper Faustus Marius with a bicycle kick in order to score the first goal for Costa Rica within three minutes..

Guadeloupe was unable to recover from the initial shock and received another surprise. Saborio scored another goal with his head hitting the ball towards the left part of the goal post and over the goalie’s head within 16 minutes.

Costa Rica continued its dominance as Guadeloupe made mistakes upon mistakes such as passing the ball between its players only to have it blocked and recovered by the Central American Country.

The first half finished with Costa Rica dominating the game with a two-point lead.

Second Half

Costa Rica appeared to be enjoying the game but playing a well disciplined one in the process. Andy Herron managed to widen the gap between Costa Rica and Guadeloupe with another goal without looking back.

Guadeloupe was not going to go down without a fight.

Alphonse attempted a last minute resistance by kicking the ball within the Costa Rican goal post and scoring its only goal of the game within 64 minutes. The only goal by the French Caribbean Island galvanized the Costa Ricans with Saborio scoring another goal within 71 minutes.

Saborio scored this goal with another direct kick into the left corner of the goal post.

Herrera finally placed the nail in the coffin for the Guadeloupe team with a last minute goal and the game remained consigned to the history of the CONCACAF Gold Cup as well as both nations.

Costa Rica will play Mexico after its victory over Haiti while the USA will play Honduras.

Most Valued Player: Saborio

Event: CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009

Site: Dallas Cowboy Stadium Dallas Texas

Final Score: Guadeloupe 1-5 Costa Rica

Say Yes To Manchester United And No To Hatred

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:05:43 -0400

It came to the attention of the underwriter about the cancellation of the upcoming game between Manchester United and the Indonesia All Star due to the recent bombings at the Ritz Carlton in Jakarta.

Manchester United deserves praise for conveying their condolences to the families of victims of such infamy. United also deserves praise for protecting its players and staff. I am also sending my condolences as well as a condemnation of those who managed to destroy the possibility of a beautiful match.

What can a bunch of cowards achieve by blowing up a hotel which leads to the cancellation of a friendly match? They have destroyed the happiness of people who love sports especially soccer including the team from Old Trafford.

It appears that these people with the bomb do not have a life except for making others including sport lovers miserable. It appears that in an earlier life, the cowards who committed this act of infamy were never lovers of any type of sports.

At the present time, there is anger in my heart for what has happened to the people in Jakarta including the people who love soccer. There is anger in my heart for those who want to mix sports and politics.

While the cowards can kill a game, they cannot kill a spirit that loves football [soccer]. There are more people who love sports than the "fools on the hill" who cannot see beyond their own twisted agenda.

The time has come for the sports world to unite against all form of hatred. The sports world should say "No" to all forms of hatred and adopt the anthem "All You Need Is Love".

In other words, get high on sports [including soccer] and say no to negative influences of all types.

Chicago Fire 2-1 Over New England Revolution In Superliga

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:39:31 -0400

The Chicago Fire played against the New England Revolution in the Superliga semifinals at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

The Fire needed a win after a draw against the Columbus Crew in their last MLS encounter. They also wanted to continue their unbeaten streak.

New England had the advantages including the hometown one. Regardless, the Revolution came into the game with a record of 6-6-6. For this reason, they also needed a victory.

The first half started uneventfully with both teams just kicking the ball in elongated lumps before getting serious at the task at hand. The first goal was initiated by Edgaras Jankauskas for the New England Revolution.

His bicycle kick attempt deflected off the midfielder for the Fire, John Thorington, and slid past its goalkeeper Jon Busch for the first goal for the Revolution. It was also the first goal for Jankauskas.

The second half went to the Chicago Fire with Cuautemoc Blanco scoring an equalizer within 63 minutes. He scored on a direct kick with his right foot to the right side of the net.

Afterwards, both teams were scrambling for a much-needed victory until Blanco's second goal on a penalty placed a nail in the coffin of New England in the Superliga.

The next game in the Superliga will be between Chicago and Tigres

Final: New England 1-2 Chicago Fire

Superliga 2009

Foxboro, Massachusetts

MVP: Cuautemoc Blanco

USA-Egypt: 3-0 in the FIFA Confederation Cup 2009

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:18:20 -0400

It was an historic day on June 21, 2009 in South Africa. The USA faced Egypt in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. According to the experts in football (soccer), it was a game in which the victory belonged to Egypt.

There were many reasons that were discussed among the experts. One of the reasons was that the USA was not a nation of football (soccer) but one of American football, basketball, and baseball. The experts reasoned that these sports were the ones that ruled USA.

One reason that gave Egypt victory over the USA was the victory of Egypt in June 8, 1987 in Seoul, South Korea.

The experts remained adamant in their theories even though the FIFA Coca Cola Standings as of June 2009 placed the USA in 14th place with 947 points compared with Egypt in 40th place with 719 points. Many people have forgotten that since the 1994 World Cup, the USA took strides to move forward as a football (soccer) nation.

Who will forget the lone fan who travelled from Arizona to Washington State and then to Illinois to see his beloved Manchester United? What about the various teams such as the Miami FC that have formed after the 1994 World Cup? What about the formation of the MLS?

Who could not forget the people who trained in football (soccer) camps since the 1994 World Cup? What about the USA vs. Honduras Game in Chicago, Illinois?

The presence of 23,140 people watching the USA vs. Egypt game paled in comparison to the more than 57,000 people who saw the USA play against Honduras for the CONCACAF World Cup Classification.

The USA has come a long way since its humiliating defeat to Iran during the 1998 World Cup to respectable standings in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Regardless, the experts dismiss all of this and said that the US Victory was secondary to Brazil eliminating Italy in the Confederation Cup of 2009.

It was inevitable that Brazil would defeat Italy since Brazil is one of the greatest when it comes to football. What happened was that Davies, Bradley, and Dempsey were able to surprise the negative people with their dominance of the game via their discipline and playing consistency.

The first goal which was by Davies in 21 minutes was due to a direct kick which El Hadary (Egypt) attempted to block but without any success. In fact, El Hadary crashed into fellow citizen Fathi in an attempt to block the goal.

Everything remained the same, while Brazil was taking care of its game with Italy. The second half was full of surprises with a goal by Michael Bradley in the 63rd minute and another one by Clint Dempsey within 71 minutes.

Egypt was a tough opponent with various opportunities to score, and they almost did; in one instance within 90 minutes, Gomaa (Egypt) attempted to score a goal but kicked the ball over the bar of the goal post.

It appears that Spain will play against the USA. Spain may win but the fact remains that the US Soccer Team has come a long way since the 1994 World Cup. US Soccer is only beginning to write its chapter in football (soccer) history.

Houston Dynamos 1-0 Chivas USA

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:17:53 -0400

On the 10th of June 2009, Houston Dynamos played against Chivas USA. It was expected that Chivas USA would defeat Houston given its first place in the Western Conference and being one of the best teams during the current season.

Houston Dynamos started the MLS Season with 0-1-2 and it appeared that they would not go anywhere in the Western Conference. During the season, Houston started to surprise people.

The game took place at Robertson Stadium in Houston, Texas. Houston and Chivas USA started an intense battle for possession of the ball and the game. Both teams attempted to score without success.

It appeared that the game was going to be without a goal until Stuart Holden surprised the goal keeper and made a direct kick into the center of the net to score the first and only goal of the game. This ocurred almost at the end of the first half.

Holden with this only goal is close to or may have reached the same level of goals for 2009 as Brian Ching. Regardless, the game was intense as Chivas USA tried to score an equalizer and Houston was blocking every attempt.

It appeared that both teams were going forward with the intensity of a World Cup game. In the end, both teams were exhausted but Houston won the day. At the present time, Houston is now 7-2-3 with an unbeaten streak of 7-0-2.

What happened in this game is the proof that nothing in sports especially football [soccer] is written in stone.

Most Valued Player: Stuart Holden

Stuart Holden was also declared the Houston Dynamo Man of the Match in a poll conducted at their webpage.

Houston Dynamos 1-0 Chivas USA

USA Defeats Honduras 2-1 In 2010 World Cup Qualifier

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:42:31 -0400

The US Soccer Team played against Honduras in Soldier’s Field in Chicago Illinois in the presence of 55,647 people. This was a situation in which the team had to win in order to maintain its second point lead after an embarrassing loss to Costa Rica.

This was a do or die game after Costa Rica defeated Trindad and Tobago and El Savador defeated Mexico.

The first half of the game got off to a good start for Honduras with the first goal by Costly within five minutes of the game. Both teams were struggling to survive especially the United States until Landon Donovan took over the reins of the team and the game. He was instrumental in ensuring the discipline and consistency of the game.

Within the end of the first half, Donovan scored the equalizer for the United States secondary to a penalty kick.

The second half started with more emotion than the first half with both teams attempting to break the equalizer. Both teams forgot that they were playing for a classification by playing like if it was the World Cup. In one instance, Landon Donovan had a corner kick which he did.

The ball went to another player before reaching Bocanegra who did a second goal. This occurred within 68 minutes and now it was up to the United States to maintain the lead. The minutes appeared like if they were hours with players and fans agonizing over their own team.

The underwriter was afraid that the US Soccer Team would not classify but was proved wrong when the USA danced around the Honduran team in the game. There was no doubt that the USA was fighting for its life and that the saviors were Donovan and Bocanegra.

Finally, the match ended and the USA maintained its second place. This was necessary after it lost first place to Costa Rica following its humiliating defeat.

Most Valued Players were Donovan and Bocanegra

USA 2, Honduras 1

Other World Cup Classification News

South Korea, Japan, and Australia classified for the 2010 World Cup. North Korea was not lucky since it lost to Iran 1 to 0 at Pyongyang.

Brazil as expected defeated Uruguay while Argentina as expected defeated Colombia. It remains to be seen how the 2010 World Cup Classification Scenario will be played out but there will be more excitement before its commencement.

Costa Rica Defeats USA 3-1 in 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:00:40 -0400

The U.S. soccer team played against Costa Rica in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Elimination Rounds at Estadio Ricardo Sapissa in San Jose, Costa Rica. The crowd was 19,200 spectators, and the result was not what the legions of U.S. supports at home expected for the United States.

In the first half, Costa Rica drew first blood with a goal by Saborio within the first two minutes of the game, pinning the US into an early deficit. Defensive mistakes continued to pile up early as Tim Howard was unable to prevent the second goal via a direct kick by Borges roughly 10 minutes later.

The goals by Saborio and Borges occurred within the first fifteen minutes of the game. Costa Rica continued its celebration until Freddy Fernandez received a warning for his anti—professional behavior at 30-minute mark. The rest of the first half was Costa Rica playing in a disciplined and organized manner leaving the U.S. dazed.

The first half finished with a scoreless U.S. team against the two goals from Costa Rica. Both teams planned their strategies during the intermission and the second half began.

Costa Rica was able to continue its dominance of the game in spite of Herrera receiving a yellow card. In fact, Herrera scored the third goal for Costa Rica while the U.S. was reeling from the yellow cards that Bradley and Klejstan received.

The U.S. tried to salvage some dignity as Landon Donovan scored via penalty kick in the closing minutes. While it was the first time Donovan scored for the U.S. since 2000, it was not enough to save the game.

After the game, the U.S. fell into second place behind Costa Rica in the CONCACAF 2010 FIFA World Cup Elimination Round. Can the team recover from its loss? It can under the following conditions: discipline, tenacity, and maybe an influx of new soccer players, since Donovan and many others appeared fatigued.

This underwriter has faith that this situation can be resolved even with the U.S. team (and maybe still the sport itself in this country) in the adolescent phase.

Final Score: Costa Rica 3—1 U.S.

Most Valued Players: Saborio, Borges, Herrera

Carlo Ancellotti May Be Right for Chelsea

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:34:00 -0400

It appears that, after the departure of Gus Hiddink from Chelsea, the new manager will be Carlo Ancellotti from AC Milan.

The BBC asked if Ancellotti is the right choice for Chelsea, or if Abramovich had made another mistake.

The selection of football managers has never been an easy task and, taking into account that Abramovich is very demanding, things get more complicated. Who could forget Mourinho, Grant, and Hiddink?

It is the desire of Abramovich to win a Champions League trophy for Chelsea. Whether it is for the team or for his own ego is another thing all together.

It is the opinion of the underwriter that Carlo Ancellotti has the will and the discipline to help Chelsea win the Champions League Trophy.

Carlo Ancellotti's record with AC Milan and other teams reads like a Midas touch in football. In the 1995-1996 season, he led the football club Reggiana to its Series B Promotion. It was the start of a magnificent career as a manager.

His further exploits led to a second place finish for Parma in the 1996-1997 season, and a continual second place finish for Juventus in the Series A for the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. His biggest success was to occur with AC Milan.

It was under his leadership that AC Milan won the Championship League and the Coppa Italia Trophy in the 2002-2003 football season, followed by the Series A Title in 2003-2004. Ancellotti continued his victory streak with a second win of the Championship League and the Club World Cup for AC Milan in 2006-2007.

Ancellotti is a person who is an expert at looking at teams and games in order to envision a triumph. He is also an expert on how to triumph in the face of adversity. Under Ancellotti's guidance, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Ronaldino were able to do their best in AC Milan. Ancellotti has also worked with Zidane and Kaka.

I think that Ancellotti will be one of the greatest in the history of Chelsea in the same fashion that Capello is making strides with the English National Team.

Regardless, it remains to be seen what will transpire within the next Chelsea football season.

North Korean Football Reflection

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:11:30 -0400

The North Korean national team is currently competing against South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for a spot in the 2010 World Cup. In the latest standings (those as of May 26, 2009), the North Korean Football Federation is in second place behind South Korea in Group Two with ten points, but it is predicted that in the end, Iran or South Korea will become the top contenders for a classification for the 2010 World Cup.

The current statistics for the team according to FIFA, the team has eight wins (five of them at home), four draws (evenly divided between home and away), twenty goals for seven goals against, and two losses (both of them away). The squad has accumulated 14 yellow cards and one red card for unsportsmanlike behavior.

One of the top scorers for North Korea is Hong Yong Jo, who participated in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. His career in football has featured victories over Saudi Arabia and Iran in order to qualify for the fourth round. He was also instrumental in the victories of his country over Turkmenistan, Jordan, Thailand, and Yemen in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers. His overall record is one of nine wins, six draws, eight goals for, five losses, and one yellow card while clocking 976 minutes played.

Jong Tae Se is another important player from the North Korean Team. He has 899 minutes played with one goal for, four yellow cards (the most on his team), four wins, four draws, and two losses. He was instrumental in the victories of North Korea over South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran in order to classify for the fourth round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

The top North Korean football players in minutes played are Ri Jun Il with 1,235 minutes, Ri Myong Guk with 1,126 minutes, Mun In Guk with 1,079 minutes, and Cha Jong Hyok with 1,050 minutes. The team has left such an impression on the world football community that the Iranian President announced that he is allowing the Iranian National Team to use the Presidential Plane for their latest qualifying game against North Korea.

It is hoped that the qualifying games go smoothly, but many things cannot be predicted. According to the BBC, North Korea accused South Korea of "poisoning" opposing players before a qualifying game in April 2009. It was a charge that South Korea denied, but largely the incedent has been regarded as an attempt to mix politics with sports, which should not happen. What should predominate is good will and the art of sports, especially football.

New York's Jorge Rojas Fined and Suspended By MLS

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:23:43 -0400

The soccer world was a witness to an out of the ordinary event that occurred during the New York Red Bulls vs. Houston Dynamo game.

Jorge Rojas was suspended for two games and fined $1000 for exhibiting disorderly conduct during the game. He elbowed Houston Dynamo's Midlfielder Bryan Mullan in the head followed by a heated argument with their goal keeper Pat Onsted.

He refused to leave the field in an orderly manner after his conduct.

The behavior of Rojas is unacceptable and goes against everything that Soccer stands for. The fact is that elbowing in the head just like the head butt could cause trauma to the brain. After all, the brain is the most sensitive area of the body with its multiple arteries and veins which controls all forms of movements and behaviour in the human body.

The MLS did the right thing in suspending Rojas for two games and this should be set as an example that anti social behavior and sports of all kinds should not mix. If the MLS had not stepped in soon with its two game suspension and $1000 fine, others could repeat the anti social activity or others.

Personally, it would be better if Rojas would have been fined $2000, have a quarter of his pay severed for five games and suspended for the same amount. Regardless, maybe the MLS knows better.

Change of Guard in Romanian Football

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:23:09 -0400

The external shortwave service of Romanian radio and television, Radio Romania International, announced that Victor Piturca has been replaced by Razvan Lucescu as coach of the Romanian national team.

The news comes after a special election within the Romanian national football team. The post was first offered to Mircea Lucescu for his efforts in taking Shahktar Donetsk to the UEFA Semi Finals. He refused the offer.

The team then called on his son, Razvan Lucescu, who accepted the job as coach. The election of Lucescu comes as no surprise after considering the poor performance of the team in the 2010 World Cup classification.

Romania lost its games against Serbia and Austria. Romania is currently eight points behind Serbia

The Romanian team was suffering from cases of corruption and match fixing. Romania did the right thing in replacing Piturca with Lucescu and there is the possibility of a brighter future for the team.

MLS' Houston Dynamo Defeats New England Revolution On Its Hone Turf, 2-0

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:18:07 -0400

The MLS [Major League Soccer] game for the date of the 3rd of May 2009 was between the Houston Dynamos and the New England Revolution in the latter’s home turf. If there is a lesson that needs to be learned is that no team should ever be underestimated even if they are in bottom half of their regional conference.

While the Houston Dynamos and the New England Revolution are in the bottom half of their classifications, they played an unforgettable game. While New England had the home advantage, Houston surprised them, 2-0

The game started with Houston dominating from the beginning to the end of the game. Houston had the speed, discipline, and consistency needed to win the game. Holden surprised the goalkeeper by scoring the first goal with a direct kick within 22 minutes of the first half.

It appeared that the goal galvanized Houston further even though Clark and Mullan were booked for anti sports behavior. Clark received a yellow card at 43 minutes while Mullan received his at 62 minutes.

Brian Ching was the biggest surprise in this important game for Houston with his second goal in 58 minutes. The goal was the third for Mr. Ching in the year 2009. While Houston was doing its version of a victory dance even before the game was over, New England was having trouble.

It appeared that the Revolution could not get started and sputtered. Mansally received a yellow card in 51 minutes of the game and many mistakes were made. Houston was able to use the mistakes of New England to their advantage.

In the end, it was all over.

Brian Ching deserves to be named the most valued player of the game for his part in the second goal for Houston. It was the second goal that consolidated the victory for the Houston Dynamos in this all important game.

It appears that Houston maybe ready for the latest battle over Texas with the FC Dallas. It is hoped that Houston could draw some valuable lessons from this victory for their future games. Houston could classify for the MLS Championship if it were to win all of its game.

The down side is that maybe Chicago will have a big chance of winning the MLS for 2009 secondary to its yet undefeated record and a fired up team brimming with discipline and tenacity.

Most valued player: Brian Ching.

http://alvarezgalloso.wordpress.com/2009/05/03/houston-defeats-new-england-in-the-mls/

A Tribute To Felo Ramirez

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:27:56 -0400

The United States of America is the home to the greatest broadcasters in the sports world. Since sports are universal, it is only fitting that a legend receives the publicity that is due. The person who will be the subject of this profile is Felo Ramirez.

Felo Ramirez was born in Bayamo, Oriente Province, Cubaand has the nickname of “El Orgullo de Bayamo” [The Pride of Bayamo].

He is the Spanish Language Voice for the Florida Marlins and hearing him on the radio is the equivalent of being at the game. Felo Ramirez has been a baseball broadcaster since 1945 when he started with Radio Salas in La Habana Cuba.

The career of “El Orgullo de Bayamo” in Cuba was narrating amateur baseball games and the Winter Series. The Winter Series were a group of games in Cuba where Baseball Players from the American Continent including the USA would play.

His career as a baseball announcer took him to Puerto Rico and Venezuela. In these two countries, he announced games for illustrious teams such as the Cagua Natives, Santurce Crabs, San Juan Senators, and the Magallanes Navigators.

Felo Ramirez has also been famous as the voice of over forty Caribbean World Series Games since 1949. He has also been present as the Spanish Language Voice for the World Series and All Star Games broadcast over Latin America.

He participated in the broadcast of Hank Aaron’s 715^th home run, Roberto Clemente’s 3000^th career hit, and the perfect World Series Game of Don Larsen.

He also shared the podium with Buck Canel when both appeared in the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports. The Gillette Cavalcade of Sports was a show with an assembly of the major and largest network of Hispanic Radio and Television Stations.

He was always finding new opportunities and one arrived in 1993.

In 1993, the Florida Marlins were formed and he became one of the principal announcers for the team in its Spanish broadcasts to Latin America and the Latin Community within North America.

Felo Ramirez is an inductee to the Puerto Rican Baseball Hall of Fame and has been honoured by its legislature. He is also the recipient of the 2001 Ford C. Frick Award of the Baseball Hall of Fame] for his long time contribution to the sport.

Mr. Ramirez has also been inducted into the Laredo Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame on the Jan. 17, 2004 for the same reason.

He has not limited himself to baseball since his other passion is boxing. Felo Ramirez has also broadcast boxing matches throughout Latin America since he started his career as a sports broadcaster.

Felo Ramirez deserves this tribute in all of the sporting venues for his work in entertaining people who love sports as a form of recreation or to escape the drudgery of every day life.

http://web.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers/frick/ramirez_felo.jsp

http://madmax.lmtonline.com/textarchives/010804/p4.htm

Scandal in Romanian Football

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:52:05 -0400

FC Arges in Romania has been the scene of a football corruption scandal involving three referees and one observer. Others who have been implicated are Cornel Penescu who is the owner of FC Arges and Gheorghe Constantin former President of the Central Referee Commission.

They have been accused of receiving 100 Euros in order to arrange games. At the current time, Penescu and Constantin have been placed under arrest under the charge of bribery. There has been another case of corruption in Romanian Football.

The case deals with corruption, illegal player transactions in which the Steaua Bucharest Owner Gigi Becali is involved. It remains to be seen how these scandals will play itself out and how it could affect Romania in Domestic and International Football.

Regardless, the time has come to talk about corruption in sports, including football. While it is repetitive, it is great to bring this subject out into the open and denounce it. It will not help ignoring the situation since corruption grows when it is not addressed properly.

I am sick and tired of seeing one of my favourite sports being an object for corruption and other negative vibrations. The issue of sports is to enjoy the game and forget the troubles that face our daily lives.

The people who watch the game have a right to see a fair and decent game with victories that are true instead of prearranged. It is an abuse of trust between those who work in the sports industry and those who are the spectators when bribes to fix games and illegal transactions involving players are accepted as a norm.

The spectators deserve more when it comes to their favorite sports.

The people who work in the sports industry, including the regulators, have a responsibility towards the spectators including those who pay their hard earned cash to watch a sporting event.

They must tell their employees, including coaches and players, that bribes and match fixing do not go hand in hand with sports. Corruption like drugs corrodes the sport within and destroys it. The country that is involved is likely to end up under the scrutiny of those who work in domestic and international events.

I congratulate the measures taken in Romania against those who have participated in the corruption scandal. It is hoped that Romania can do more to safeguard football so that it can participate in International and Domestic Games the sooner the better.

http://www.rri.ro/art.shtml?lang=1&sec=18&art=20917

http://alvarezgalloso.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/romanian-football-scandal/

Parcells Should Draft Maybin

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:38:22 -0400

I have been reading about the NFL Draft for 2009. While I have been a fan of the Miami Dolphins since 1969 [when I was seven years old], I am still a novice when it comes to the draft. My understanding of the NFL Draft is the equivalent of high school students being matched with the college of their choice or vice versa.

What happens afterwards depends on the team and the player. The same might apply with the college and or the aspiring student. Before writing about the draft and the Miami Dolphins, it was decided to make a comparison between 2008 and 2009 before discussing the draft.

The Fins are in a better position in the beginning of 2009 then they were during the 2008 NFL Draft. Sparano and Parcells were instrumental in turning the team around after their only victory in the 2008 NFL Season. The time has come to select players that will contribute to the continuity of the success story from Miami Florida.

One of the interesting sources has been “Craig’s NFL Mock Draft Picks, Nos. 21-32” written by ctsports picks. He commented about Aaron Maybin from Penn State. I am in agreement with his suggestion of Maybin for the Miami Dolphins.

Aaron Maybin played defensive end for the Penn State Nittany Lions. During his career with Penn State, he had 61 tackles, one forced fumble, and no interceptions. His participation in the 2008 campaign resulted in eleven victories and one loss in what almost became a perfect season for the team.

Maybin participated in the Alamo Bowl [2007] and the Rose Bowl [2008]. He was also the recipient of the All-American, All-Big Ten, and the Big Ten Defensive Pow during the 2008. He has also ranked in seventh place in the United States of America with 12 quarterback sacks.

While he has visited Seattle, San Francisco, and Baltimore to explore the possibilities with each aforementioned teams, I cannot help but think that it would be a big mistake if Parcells and Sparano allow Maybin to go to another team.

If Maybin goes to another team and the Fins receive another defensive end who cannot help in the continuity of the Miami success story, then they should talk with the other teams and negotiate a trade. Again, I am stating this as a novice of the NFL Draft. I watch the NFL Draft every year and I am attempting to learn about it.

Maybin is of a good character that is respected by his teammates. He has been known to be tough in the field. While his weakness is a lack of consistency in his plays, he can learn to improve his deficiencies. His advantage is not only playing football but a desire to learn in his sport.

There are people who say that the regular season is not the time to learn. I am of the opinion that learning is a never-ending process. If Sparano and Parcells could read my article, I would say to them that whatever they do in the NFL Draft of 2009, the person who deserves to wear the Dolphin uniform is Aaron Maybin.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/159271-craigs-nfl-mock-draft-2009-picks-21-32

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=188688

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1117617

Miami Dolphins Draft History: Recent and Past Hits and Misses

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:00:42 -0400

The spring of 2009 has no shortage of important events, and the NFL Draft is one of the headliners.

As expectations for the franchise grow, the Miami Dolphins will be facing more scrutiny but also participating more confidently.

Let's take a look at the five best and five worst picks in Miami Dolphins history since they were established as an AFL franchise (they joined the NFL in the '60s).

No. 1 Best Pick: Dan Marino

The greatest selection ever made by the Miami Dolphins has to be that of Dan Marino.

Marino was the first draft choice by the United States Football League's Los Angeles Express and was also rumored to be a candidate for a job on the Pittsburgh Steelers (the Steelers ended up selecting Gabriel Rivera).

So the Dolphins selected Dan with the 27th pick of the 1983 NFL Draft. At the time, many people did not think much of the selection, but it was actually the beginning of a golden era for the Dolphins.

Of course, while Marino was the MVP multiple times, he was unable to win a Super Bowl.

Dan Marino was more than just a football player; he was also a class act and a leader of the team.

No. 2 Best Pick: Larry Csonka

Larry Csonka was the No. 1 selection by the Miami Dolphins during the '68 Draft. At that time, the Miami Dolphins belonged to the American Football League, and the merger had yet to occur.

Csonka was one of the principal players that helped the Miami Dolphins win the Super Bowl during their perfect season. He was named the MVP for Super Bowl VIII after establishing a record of 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries.

He eventually retired on a high note after being named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1979.

No. 3 Best Pick: Jake Long

Simply put, Jake Long was one of the best players a team could have taken to redeem themselves after a one-win season (which the Dolphins had in '07). He was the first overall selection and was named Rookie of the Week during the 10th week of the 2008-09 NFL season.

While it is too early to say for sure how Long will go down in history, this author is of the opinion that he has potential and may surprise us in the 2009-2010 campaign.

No. 4 Best Pick: Chad Henne

Chad Henne was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. According to ESPN Reporter Chris Mortenson, he may become the starting quarterback for the 2010 season.

If this is true, then Henne may have the potential to inherit the mantle left by Dan Marino and Chad Pennington.

No. 5 Best Pick: Ronnie Brown

Ronnie Brown has 916 yards on 214 carries after being drafted by the 'Fins. Hopefully, the best is yet to come from him.

Now we will deal with the busts. Wouldn't it be great if we could go back in time and fix just one of these?

No. 1 Bust: Yatil Green

Jimmy Johnson, who was coach of the Miami Dolphins at the time of this pick, made a mistake with Yatil Green.

Green was selected by the team as a first-round pick in the 1997 Draft. He did not live up to expectations when he tore his quadricep, anterior cruciate ligament, and right knee cartilage.

Green was later released after 10 surgeries on his knees. The New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders later signed him, but he was dropped from those rosters due to injuries as well.

No. 2 Bust: John Avery

John Avery was selected in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. It was hoped that the team had learned their lesson from the Green debacle, but it was not so.

Avery reminds me of the one-hit wonders of the music industry, as he produced for only a very brief period. He was later traded to the Denver Broncos, who decided during training camp that he was no longer needed.

While I respect Jimmy Johnson as a coach and broadcaster, this was another first-round mistake in his coaching career.

No. 3 Bust: Reagan Mauia

Reagan Mauia was drafted just before the 2007 Miami Dolphins season and is famous for having done nothing to help the team. He eventually lost the competition for starting fullback to Boomer Grigsby in the preseason competition.

No. 4 Bust: Samson Satele

Samson Satele was taken before the '07 campaign. He ended on the same note as Reagan Mauia.

No. 5 Bust: Lorenzo Booker

Lorenzo Booker was yet another 2007 Draft disappointment. His first action was at the end of his rookie season, when the Dolphins lost to the Jets. He was eventually traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Reference: “Dolphins Disaster: Miami Cam Cameron Doomed by Draft History” Newman, John. Bleacher Report; January 5, 2008;

North Korea To South Korea: "We Lost Because You Poisoned Our Players"

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:53:22 -0400

I am writing this article as a believer that sports and politics must remain separated. It appears that the deteriorating relations between the two Korea's have affected football [soccer] matches.

On the 1st of April 2009, North Korea lost one of the most important games to South Korea for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Classification. North Korea's Football [Soccer] Association launched a complaint against South Korea accusing it of poisoning its players.

The South Korean Football [Soccer] Association called the Korea Football Association [KFA] has denied the claims. Their response was that their physician evaluated the North Korean Players and found no evidence of food poisoning.

North Korea has asked to have the games between the two Korea's played in neutral areas. FIFA has said no to the North Korean request. The only exception was when a game had to be played in a neutral area.

The reason was that North Korea prohibits the national anthem and flag of South Korea in its territory. Every country has its rules and regulations but sports should be separated from politics in the same way that the state and church.

While many talk about sports with politics, sports is a way of escaping the daily routines of life. Many people who watch a football [soccer] game or enjoy baseball as well as other sports just want to have fun.

It is nothing more and nothing less. The people and the nations should leave their personal problems at the doorstep when concentrating in sports. I have said this many times in life and will continue to say this.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7985154.stm

http://my.nowpublic.com/sports/north-korea-accuses-south-korea-poisoning-football-players

Personal Reflection: A Maradona Mess

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:50:28 -0400

When Diego Armando Maradona was selected to coach the national team of Argentina, the football world was divided in its opinion. There were people who thought that Maradona would be responsible.

While there were people who were praising Maradona, others like me thought that the selection of Maradona as Coach of the national team sent a wrong signal to those who think sports and drugs should be separated.

Many people thought that Argentina was living on its past glory and thought that Maradona would ruin the team.

When Argentina was humiliated by Bolivia 6-1 in its classifying game for the 2010 World Cup, my theory and opinion passed the test. Maradona has not trained the players well for such an important game.

It appears that Maradona and he may not know it since he thinks he is the gift of the Gods to the world of football. He cannot say much for what has happened in football.

From his beginnings as a promising star that later fell into the world of drugs and the self-aggrandizing behavior that accompanies it, the loss of his country to Bolivia should be defined as the lowest point of his career.

Maradona's career should have ended in the World Cup of Mexico 1986 when his so called "Hand of God" which was his hand by admission awarded a victory to Argentina.

Maradona's career should have ended with the drug abuse since he has promised to rehabilitate himself but ends up falling. No other national team would have tolerated a Maradona in their midst. Why should Argentina be any different?

It is a crime that the world of football has to tolerate such a person who is proud of his drug addiction and whose loyalty is nothing more and nothing less than “Maradona, Maradona, and Maradona”.

Argentina has football players who are better than Maradona but do not have the negative publicity that he has. In fact, they have no publicity since the press is in love with a narcissistic player who appears more like the reincarnation of a French King called Louis XIV [who was the biggest narcissist in the history of mankind].

The only person that comes to mind to coach Argentina would be Juan Roman Riquelme, since he knows his sport and is down to earth. Maradona detests Riquelme in the same realm that Count Dracula detests the sun.

When will Argentina wake up and smell the roses? Will Argentina learn the bitter lesson when it suffers a humiliating defeat in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? These are questions that need to be answered by Argentina and its national team.

US and El Salvador Tie In Their 2010 World Cup Classifier

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:34:55 -0400

I have decided to read again the article by Al Bracco about Landon Donovan. I also read my article about not underestimating US Soccer. It has been decided that another article was worth writing after El Salvador and the United States Soccer Team finished their game with a tie.

The United States Soccer Team made the mistake of underestimating the Salvadoran team and paid heavily when Quintanilla scored the first goal of the game in 15 minutes. It appears that the United States Soccer Team piled mistake upon mistake during the game.

It was during the majority of the game that El Salvador was able to dominate being in their country, with a discipline and tenacity that deserves high points.

The price that was paid with complacency almost gave the United States Soccer Team its first major defeat to a team from the American Continent in more than a decade.

El Salvador almost won the game with a goal by Castillo at 72 minutes. Castillo managed to hit the ball with his head into the left side corner of the head. The United States had to act fast to avoid humiliation.

While all appeared lost, Altidore scored the first goal for the US Soccer team at 77 minutes followed by Hejduk at 85 Minutes. The last 5 minutes of this game was exciting with both teams attempting to break the equalizer and win. This was not to be

El Salvador played magnificently without incident until fatigue set in. The US Soccer Team was not disciplined, nor organized until the last twenty minutes. If the USA wants to be a serious contender in the 2010 World Cup, it must not rest on its laurels. It should be looking at the game and the future or all will be lost.

Why US Soccer Should Not Be Underestimated

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:34:38 -0400

I have just finished reading an article written by Al Bracco about Landon Donovan and US Soccer. The question and answer is whether Landon Donovan is the only thing in US Soccer. The article and the subject matter is worthy of discussion.

While I am tempted to agree with Al Bracco about US Soccer, I beg to disagree. While US Soccer is not in the same league as Football Soccer leagues in Europe, Africa, Asia,and the rest of the American Continent, it is growing.

It can be said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has it easy with other teams such as Cuba (which is also a novice in the sport) as well as teams such as Mexico. It is also said that US Soccer and Landon Donovan has not faced stronger teams in the World Cup.

Let us imagine if the US Soccer Team competed without the presence of Landon Donovan in the 2010 World Cup. I feel that there are other players in US Soccer who have the same strength or more than Landon Donovan.

US Soccer has Altidore who is beginning his career as a professional. Altidore may have won his games against Mexico and Cuba yet he has become popular with the Xerex Football Club in Spain. The reason is his efficiency in the game.

Demarcus Beasley is another example of US Soccer with his two within eight games during the 2010 World Cup Qualifier CONCACAF. He has also instrumental in defeating Portugal during the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan.

In his 2010 World Cup Qualifying CONCACAF games, Beasley has two goals in eight games. Beasley has also been popular with the Rangers in spite of not scoring.

Carlos Bocanegra is another US Soccer player who could surprise many people in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He has scored one goal out of six games in his 2010 World Cup Qualifiers and was instrumental in many victories in the American Continent.

Regardless, Bocanegra could be a surprise in the 2010 World Cup.

While mentioning Altidore, Beasley, and Bocanegra, it would not be a surprise if Altidore and Beasley along with younger players are sent to the 2010 World Cup representing the United States. After all, Bocanegra and Donovan are already beyond their age when 2010 arrives.

I have also seen many young players here in Miami Florida ready to continue the US Soccer Tradition after Donovan and Bocanegra have left the scene. Some may be training for South Africa while this article is being written.

If there is a lesson to be learned from my article, it should be that nothing in sports is written in stone. It would be a huge mistake to underestimate or overestimate any team. It remains to be seen which teams the USA will play against.

While the USA may not win the 2010 World Cup, it may show improvement from previous World Cup Competitions. It must be remembered that US Soccer is in its adolescent stage and needs support as well as nurturing.

Reference:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/international?id=21583&league=fifa.world&&cc=5901

Freddy Montero of The Seattle Sounders FC: A Personal Reflection

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:27:07 -0400

The Seattle Sounders started their history as the latest franchise in Major League Soccer with the acquisition of Freddy Montero in 2009. The MLS has never been the same.

The history of soccer in the United States of America was witness to the first game between the Seattle Sounders and the more experienced New York Red Bulls. It appeared that the Red Bulls underestimated the Seattle Sounders and Freddy Montero.

It was a mistake that was to cost the team dearly as Freddy Montero scored the first two goals of the inaugural MLS Game in Seattle. He then proceeded to hammer a nail in the coffin of New York as the Sounders defeated it 3-0.

The soccer world in the United States of America has been celebrating Freddy Montero as if he was the latest fad. It is time for another tribute to a soccer great that is starting his career.

Freddy Montero is a forward for the Seattle Sounders who is currently on loan from the Colombian Club Deportivo Cali. Freddy Montero was born on the 26th of July 1987 in Campos De La Cruz, Colombia.

His full name is Freddy Henkyer Montero Munoz and he started his career with Deportivo Cali at the age of 13. His expertise and discipline earned him a contract with Deportivo Cali after only one tryout.

During his career with Deportivo Cali, Freddy Montero participated in victories over the National Colombian youth team and an equalized game against Juventus FC of Italy. Actually, the victory was against the youth team of Juventus FC.

His career with Deportivo Cali was 20 goals within 38 appearances. He was also loaned out to Atletico Huila. During his time with Atletico Huila, he scored 22 goals in 27 appearances.

Freddy Montero was also a top scorer in the Copa Mustang for Atletico Huila before returning to Deportivo Cali.

Copa Mustang is a competition of the Colombian National Team with a rich history of its own in the world of Football Soccer.

It should be remembered that before signing with the Seattle Sounders, Freddy Montero received his first cap for Colombia during its game against Panama in the year 2007.

Before Freddy Montero became famous for giving the Seattle Sounders their first victory as an MLS Franchise in an inaugural game, he managed to score nine goals within nine games of the MLS Preseason.

Freddy Montero is the future of Football Soccer and is deserving of his success. My best wishes to him and the Seattle Sounders FC.

http://alvarezgalloso.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/freddy-montero-and-the-seattle-sounders-fc/

Sounders Sound Off in Seattle

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:45:01 -0400

The opening game of the MLS on March 19, 2009 is one that will be written in the history books of American soccer. It pitted the newborn Sounders FC of Seattle, Washington against the New York Red Bulls in a David vs. Goliath Match at Qwest Stadium.

The game got off to a roaring start with both teams struggling for possession of the ball. In the end, the Sounders had control of the game, the field, and the ball. The team from Seattle surprised the world when Freddy Montero made his debut with a goal within the first few minutes of the game.

Montero kicked the ball directly into the net, surprising the New York Red Bulls goalkeeper. The ball landed in the right hand corner of the net. The spectators at Qwest Stadium were jumping for joy while a TV monitor showed Drew Carey celebrating.

Carey is the entertainer from Ohio who is a supporter of Sounders FC. He also owns a minor stake in the team, but the important thing is that history was made.

New York attempted an equalizer but were no match for the team. Montero engineered another surprise by helping Brad Evans score a second goal within the first half of the game.

The second half of this historical game left New York emotionally and physically drained. It appeared that they were playing if only to finish the game. Montero again scored another goal towards the end of the game and consolidated the victory of the newborn Sounders FC.

Freddy Montero and Sounders FC deserve all of the praise for this game that left a lot of memories.

Soccer Is Here to Stay in America

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:03:28 -0500

Mike Kent wrote an article concerning the popularity of soccer in America and the MLS expanding into 18 teams. While American football (I like the Dolphins), basketball (I like the Heat), and baseball (I'm a fan of the Marlins) will remain the dominant sports in America for the time being, soccer is here to stay.

No one thought that the USA could host a World Cup in 1994 and begin to adopt soccer. We are in an era of globalization of sports. If there are NFL teams in Europe with their fanbase, there are US as well as foreign soccer clubs with American fans.

The Cold War between the USA and Mexico (so named because this 2010 FIFA World Cup Classifier game was played in Ohio) is one of the living proofs about the presence of soccer. The stadium where the game was played was packed.

Every time the New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy, Chivas USA, and others play, the stadiums are packed with people waving American flags or flags of their state. Who can forget that the United States women's soccer team won a gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China?

I could still remember a story of a Manchester United Supporter from Phoenix, Arizona who drove all the way to Seattle, Washington to watch his team play. Afterwards, the same supporter drove from Washington State to Chicago, Illinois when the team went to play in the Windy City.

In the year 2007, I saw the game between the Miami FC and Charleston Battery of the USL (another league different from the MLS) in Miami, Florida. The stadium at Tropical Park was packed to the point that people were standing during the game.

In Miami, people gather at restaurants such as Hooters and Applebee's to see the United States soccer team accumulate victory after victory. Soccer has also been popular among high schools, and there have been trades of soccer cards in the same way other sport cards have been traded.

Another reason why soccer is also becoming popular is the same reason why the other sports in America are popular—people want to escape from the bad news and financial situations that affect our lives.

I can only say one thing to the United States Soccer Federation and the supporters of the game (myself included): We have come a long way.

A-Rod and MLB from a Personal Perspective

Roberto Alvarez-Galloso — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:30:31 -0500

While I am more into football (soccer) and American football, I do like other sports, and baseball is one of them. After seeing the ESPN report about the use of steroids with A-Rod, I decided to write an article concerning what has happened.

I decided to visit Bleacher Report to write about A-Rod. Before writing, I read an article about Major League Baseball written by Alexander Freund titled: "Why Jason Stark is Wrong about Alex Rodriguez and Steroids."

After examining the two viewpoints, I have decided to write an article based on the premise "He or She Who is Without Sin, Please Cast the First Stone" and "Do Not Judge So that You Are Not Judged."

Present Baseball Players

What A-Rod, Jose Canseco, and other baseball players have done is terrible, but it does not irreversibly damage baseball. The use of steroids and all forms of drugs in baseball and other sports must be universally condemned.

The people who play sports and consume drugs are not good role models. They deserve to make restitution to the people they defrauded. The restitution should rest on the governing body of Major League Baseball.

I cannot believe that A-Rod was NOT aware that he was using steroids. He and many other consumers should have been aware before making a decision that would cost them heavily.

A-Rod had family, friends, and supporters who were with him in the beginning of his career. The same applies to Jose Canseco. They flushed all of that down the toilet when they began to act as God or any superior being.

It appears that fame and fortune has been linked intrinsically with lack of judgement and the attitude of "I'm invincible," which blocks all forms of effective decision making and effective judgment.

Past Baseball Players

What Alexander Freund has written in his article is true. It is a shame that Major League Baseball had a tarnished reputation when it came to segregation.

It is for this reason that many African American baseball players went to Cuba and other Latin American countries to excel in their chosen sport.

I also have to wonder what baseball history would have been if Babe Ruth and others were to compete with African American players.

Babe Ruth and other baseball players in the past have been guilty of many things and had vices that are now acceptable in 21st century America.

There is no need to elaborate, as Bleacher Report readers can read the article linked previously.

Media and the American People

The people who should also be at fault for what has transpired are the media and those who have preconceived notions that an athlete has to be perfect.

We have elevated today's athletes and have praised them in excess. We have placed great expectations on our athletes, including baseball players, to be perfect. The reality is that such perfection does not exist.

Resolution

Major League Baseball is NOT dead, and it will be around for a long time. The demand for 100 percent perfection must stop. The media and the people who believe the lavish praise on the athletes must be stopped.

We must accept our athletes as human beings instead of some sort of machines. The way it can be accomplished should be through a source for serious discussion.

The baseball players of today must own up to their drug use and take serious steps to clean themselves. Major League Baseball should make the laws governing baseball much stricter.

In order to honor the baseball players of past and present, it is important to honor ALL of them for their contributions. Justice would be served if they were to be honored with all of their accomplishments, either big or small.

While this is not a long term solution, it is a start.