It's U.S against the World

The Future:55 names to remember 23 or under

2010-05-28T12:39:00.001-07:00

Goalies:

1.Samir Badir (FC Porto,Portugal) 18 years old
2.Bill Hamid (DC United) 19 yeards old
3. Cody Cropper (Ipswitch Town,England) 17 years old
4. Zac MacMath (Maryland) 18 yeards old
5. Dominic Cervi (Celtic) 23 yeards old
6.Brian Perk (Philadelphia Union) 20 years old

Defenders:

7.Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy) 21 years old
8.Tim Ream (NYRB) 22 years old
9.Ike Opara (SJ Earthquakes) 21 years old
10.Gale Agbossoumonde (Sporting Braga,Portugal) 18 years old
11.AJ DeLagarza (LA Galaxy) 22 yeards old
12.Perry Kitchen (Chicago Magic) 18 yeards old
13. Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa,England) 21 years old
14.Kyle Davies (FC Dallas) 21 years old
15. Tim Ward (Chicago Fire) 23 years old
16.Anthoney Wallace (FC Dallas) 21 years old
17. Parker Walsch (Karlsruher SC,Germany) 19 years old

Midfielders:

18.Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake)16 years old
19.Ryan Smith (KC Wizards)23 years old
20.Charles Renken (Hoffenheim,Germany)16 years old
21. Joseph Gyau (Hoffenheim,Germany) 17 years old
22. Sebastian Lletget (West Ham United,England) 17 years old
23.Irving Garcia (NYRB) 22 years old
24.Tony Tchani (NYRB) 21 years old
25.Michael Stephens (LA Galaxy) 21 years old
26.Freddy Adu (Aris,Greece) 20 years old
27.Mix Diskerud (Stabaek,Norway) 19 years old
28.Lester Dewee (Olyimpique Marsielle,France) 17 years old
29. Marlon Duran (Latino Americano) 18 years old
30.Alex Molano (Dinamo Zagreb,Croatia) 18 years old
31.William Packwood (Birmingham City,England) 19 years old
32.Michael Hoyos (Estudiantes,Argentina) 18 years old
33.Jared Jeffrey (Mainz,Germany) 19 years old
34. Devann Yao (Ipswitch Town,England) 19 years old
35.Amobi Okugo (Philadelphia Union) 19 years old
36.Dilly Duka (Columbus Crew) 20 years old
37. Brek Shea (FC Dallas) 20 years old
38.Anton Peterlin (Everton,England) 23 years old

Fowards:

39.Jozy Altidore (Villareal,Spain) 20 years old
40.Charlie Davies (Sochaux,France) 23 years old
41.Danny Mwanga(Philadelphia Union)18 years old
42.Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union) 17 years old
43. Tristan Bowen (LA Galaxy) 19 years old
44.Bobby Wood (1860 Munich,Germany) 18 years old
45.Fafa Picault (Cagliari,Italy) 19 years old
46.Stefan Jerome (West Pines United) 17 years old
47.Steven Lenhart (Columbus Crew) 23 years old
48.Zack Schilawski (NE Revs) 23 years old
49. Mike Grella (Leeds United,England) 23 years old
50. Juan Agudelo (NYRB) 17 years old
51. Perica Marošević (FC Dallas) 21 years old
52.Marcus Tracy (Aalborg,Denmark) 23 years old
53.Emilio Orozco (Tigres,Mexico) 18 years old
54.Abdus Ibrahim (Toronto FC) 18 years old
55.Fransisco Navas Cobo (Houston Dynamo) 18 years old

Ethnic Diversity:

Samir Badr is the only Arab-American out of the 55
Bobby Wood is the only Asian-American out the 55
There are 20 players of African American descent or recent African immigrants
There are 10 players of Latin American Descent or born in Latin American immigrants
There are 23 players of White descent out of the 55

Overall : 1.8% Arab-American,1.8% Asian-American,36.3% African-American or African descent,18.1% Latino-American or Latino descent, and 41.8% White descent

Why England will flop again this summer in South Africa

2010-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Scared to play against England US fans?While it may be safe to say most (myself included) are very nervous to play England,I'm in no way scared to play England.Even under the great coaching of the Italian tactician Fabio Capello, I feel England will not be able to make it past the round of 16 in South Africa,and this is why:

Goalkeeping:The main problem for England,who haven't had a great goalkeeper since David Seaman (who still managed to make the mistake that knocked England out the 2002 World Cup)Who will it be?Green?Hart?James?Robinson?Foster?Kirkland?Americans everywhere are smiling knowing that England would do anything to have Brad Freidal or Tim Howard in goal for them this summer.

Defenders:Starting rick back for England will most likely be Liverpool defender Glen Johnson,who is very quick and great coming up and combining with teammates attacking up the field.However,his marking and tackling skills are limited,one smart off the ball run and you have a chance to be in on goal.The center of England's defense is plagued with injuries and a bit of controversy.John Terry has been stripped of his captaincy after the Wayne Bridge incident,while Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King have had their season destroyed by injuries.At left back Ashley Cole is out at the moment due to an ankle injury.England back-up left back Wayne Bridge quit the team,leaving the door open to Everton's Leighton Baines or Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock.While Cole should be back in time to start,his long term injury and also popstar Cheryl Cole finally calling it quits with him means he might not be one of the worlds best outside backs in South Africa.

Midfielders:England have so many well-known midielders,but being well-known won't always get the job done.On the right David Beckham won't be playing after suffering a long-term injury with Milan.Also,Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has picked up a pretty bad injury which is keeping him out of action for Spurs.Frank Lampard has had a decent season but has had better.The question that must be asked is who will play in the middle with him?The Gerrard-Lampard combination never ended up working out in the center of the field,and also you have Owen Hargreaves who has had another season decimated by injuries.Now for the left side,will it be Gerrard,who's team is struggling just to get into Europe?Joe Cole,who can barely get minutes for Chelsea?Or a surprise,such as Villa boys Ashley Young,James Milner or Stuart Downing?

Fowards:Wayne Rooney.The 2010 season has been his year,and is easily one of the worlds 5 best players,but will he be the next England start to pick-up a big injury right before an international tournament?Michael Owen has been ruled out due to another long term injury.Jermain Defoe has had a great year for Tottenham but just picked up a hamstring injury and will probably be starting on the bench,due to Capello loving a target foward starting,leaving it up to either Peter Crouch or Emile the selfless Emile Heskey.

Add more injuries,more drama off the field wth players like John Terry and Ashley Cole,the press saying "This is the best team since 66" and you have a recipe for disaster.What do I say?England will win there group then get shocked in the round of 16 by either Ghana or Serbia.

Mike Posner- You don't have to leave

2010-03-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard the name yet you will soon.The beat of the this song is amazing,I'm starting to dig his music,shout out to Rico for showing me him.

MLS Preview:Columbus Crew

2010-02-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Columbus are coming off a great season,however when playoffs began they were upset by Real Salt Lake and the great play of Robbie Findley and Javier Morales.The Crew finished the season first in MLS,so many people were when a team that barely snuck in the playoffs (and ended up winning MLS Cup) beat them in the second leg in Columbus.Columbus have had a decent offseason,picking up U.S U-20 and Rutgers standout midfielders Dilly Duka in the MLS Draft,and also picking up Colombian foward Sergio Herrera from Deportivo Cali.However,one loss going into the 2010 season for the Crew will be the loss of Venezuelan international foward Alejandro Moreno,the forward provided more than just goals,he also heckles defenders for 90 minutes and makes himself a pest.My prediction is Columbus will take first again in the east,and it will be up to these five factors if my prediction is right:

1.Can Guille still do it?-Each year he gets older but still leads this team perfectly by example.Expect Columbus to rest him a couple more games this year as his legs get tired more easily the older he gets.

2.Start the season running-Last season Columbus started the season awful,which almost led to Robert Warzycha getting fired.

3.Lenhart and Garey stepping up-Both fowards will be given more responsibity this year with Alejandro Moreno off to the Union.

4.The outside mids-Stacked with talented outside mids (Rogers,Ekpo,Gaven,Duka)Players like Emmanuel Ekpo will have to step it up ore if Rogers is away on international duty.(When Ekpo is on his game he is of the best wingers in MLS)

5.Chad Marshall-With Frankie Hejduk and Gino Padula getting older more goes on the shoulders of Chad Marshall,who is a great MLS defender but has had his struggles internationally with the U.S.

Kasabian Football Hero-Where the hell do you get this game?

2010-02-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is straight up amazing.My favorite sport with one of my favorite bands?I like.

Taylor Twellman:The Forgotten One

2010-02-15T11:15:00.001-08:00

Does that name ring a bell to anyone else?One of the most dangerous strikers in the history of MLS,the reason you haven't heard his name is because he has missed the last two years due to injury with the Revs.With recent injuries still hurting the U.S attack (Charlies Davies and Clint Dempsey) spots are up for grabs.I'm not saying Twellman is the man but if he gets healthy and starts scoring goals he should get a call-up.

If Connor Casey keeps on getting called up (with all respect to Casey) I think TT deserves a shot.Twellman has good pace,is great in the air for his heights,and a proven finisher.
If it's going to happen this is the year for Twellman,who will be 30 when the MLS season starts.For all we know,if he stayed healthy and MLS allowed him to go to Preston North End(English Championship side) he could have been tallying up tons of goals.Here's to you Taylor Twellman,you are not forgotten.Good luck in 2010.

MLS Preview:Colorado Rapids

2010-02-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

Garry Smith's team are coming off of a disappointing 2009 campaign,which saw the Rapids get 6th place in the Western Conference and not qualify for the playoffs.However,the Rapids have had a great offseason and made a great change with the Revs,getting midfielders Jeff Larentowicz and Well Thompson while sending inury-plagued defender Corey Gibbs,goalie Preston Burpo,a draft pick,and allocation money to the other way.Also good picks in the draft with former U.S U-20 international Andre Akpan and Cal State Northride standout defender Chad Borak give Rapids fans a good reason to be happy.The team is led up top by a mix of power and pace, with the strength and positioning of Connor Casey tallying up 16 goals last season,much due to the pacy off the ball running of strike partner Omar Cummings.Here are the 5 determining factors in where this team ends up in the 2010 season.

1.Will the injury plagued players get fit?-Foward Pat Noonan and Scottish winger Jamie Smith can provide a spark off the bench when fully fit.

2.The duo in the center of the park-Captain Pablo Mastreoni and Jeff Larentowicz will both have to dictate the game and provide charisma away from home to help take away points from tough games.

3.Colin Clark-One of the most underated players in MLS,the left winger has good pace and a great set of moves to leave defenders standing still.

4.Playing for the full 90 minutes-One of the downfalls of the Rapids last season was not playing until the end,which led to wins becoming draws and draws becoming losses.

5.Star Power-Who's turn is it to lead this squad?Connor Casey did last year with 16 goals,but I think this is the year of Omar Cummings.The quick foward is a constant threat up top with Casey.

Landon Donovan:All 42 U.S Goals

2010-02-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

US all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan tearing it up,my favorite is either the third goal he scored vs. Ecuador or the goal where he dribbled Sanchez to make it dos a cero.Great Stuff.Shout out to Rob for the video.

Phoenix- "Everything is Everything"

2010-02-11T15:43:00.001-08:00

Phoenix is a Grammy Award-winning French alternative rock band founded by Thomas Mars, Deck D'Arcy, Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Brancowitz in the suburb of Versailles, in the same culture that produced late-'90s bands such as Air and Daft Punk.

MLS Preview:Chivas USA

2010-02-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

The goats will be looking to build on last years campaign, which ended in the Quarterfinals at the hands of their rivals the Galaxy.The man in charge now is Martin Vasquez,who was Jurgen Klinsmann's assistant at Bayern Munich.Vasquez is taking over the team after Preki left the team by "mutual consent" and heading over to Toronto FC.Chivas USA come back with for the most part the same core of players,however with the retirement of Jesse Marsch(Now assistant of the National Team with former coach Bob Bradley) and losing Shavar Thomas to the new Philadelphia Union,there will be some holes to fill.Keeping Yamith Cuesta (Expresso Rojo),Maicon Santos (Bonsucesso),and Jesus Padilla (Chivas De Guadalajara)for next season though will be a big boost,with players like Ante Razov and Ante Jazic constantly plagued with injuries.Here are five keys determining the faith of this team.

1.Sacha Kljestan-The U.S international has had his ups and downs recently,it's time for Sacha K to be the full-time leader of this team.

2.Will the highly rated young players fulfill their potential?Chivas USA have some very young underated players such as Yamith Cuesta,Gerson Mayen,Michael Lahoud and recently invited to national team camp Justin Braun.

3.Zach Thorton-One year wonder?Big Zach Thorton was a huge reason this team played so well last year,now at age 36 can he still do it?

4.The former Mexican League players-On- loan Jesus Padilla,Mariano Trujilo,and Eduardo Lillingston all did well last year,but can they take it to the next level?

5.Third time a charm?-After two consecutive playoff appearences,Chivas USA lost both in the quaterfinals,First to Real Salt Lake,then last year to the L.A Galaxy.

MLS Preview:Chicago Fire

2010-02-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

2010 will be a very interesting year for the Chicago Fire.Chris Rolfe (Aalborg) and Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz) will be huge losses for this offense,who never really lit the league up in scoring to begin with.However, signing Marco Pappa to a permanent deal,taking Polish left-back Krzystof Krol and Salvadorian international midfielder Juilo Martinez on loan for the season will help Section 8 and the rest of Chicago's fans sleep better at night.Mexican-born former El Salvador coach Carlos de los Cabo is the new man in charge,after Chicago fired Denis Hamlett after failing to make the MLS Cup.While Chicago has a good team,these are five questions that will determine where this team finishes:

1.Which Justin Mapp will we see this year?Will we see the one that tore Denmark apart,or the Mapp known around MLS as an overpaid player not making the most of his talent?

2.Can this team stay healthy?Last year Chicago was decimated all year with injuries all across the pitch.

3.The development of the youngsters- Patrick Nyarko,Baggio Husidic,Tim Ward and Corben Bone need to all have solid years if this team has a shot at the title.

4.Will Brian McBride stay healthy?If so,will he get the service he needs?

5.Can he do it at 34?Center-back C.J Brown is a Fire original and has been with the team for 12 years.This team will need his leadership and charisma.

"Sunny Days" By Kid British

2010-02-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Kid British are a British hip-hop band from Manchester,composed of Adio Marchant, James Mayer, Sean Mbaya, and Simeon Mclean.Adio is the only City fan in the group,while the rest of the boys support United.One of my favorite songs at the moment,check out Adio sneaking the Man City scarve in the video at 0:30 :D

'Sunny Days'

Kid British | MySpace Music Videos

Keano goes on loan to Celtic for rest of the season

2010-02-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Robbie Keane is finally after all the talk back with the team he supported as a boy,Celtic.Look at the reaction on this chilly night in Glasgow,thousands of fans piled to see the new signing.Keane takes the #7 (which makes all Celtic fans first say,"Henrik"!)

Beautiful Women:Alex Morgan

2010-01-22T15:48:00.000-08:00

Alex Morgan is a 20-year old foward for the US U-23 National team and for the University of California.Morgan was named to the United States U-20 women's national team that competed in the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile, scoring a total of four goals in the tournament against France, Argentina, and North Korea; her last goal scored against North Korea was subsequently voted the best goal of the tournament.This girl is BEAUTIFUL.Best Looking girl ever in a U.S jersey.

The 10 Wishes of a U.S Soccer fan

2010-01-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here are the ten wishes of a U.S Soccer fan,brought to you right on this gloomy Friday.The US square off against Honduras tomorrow at the HDC in Carson in the first U.S game in what seems like forever.

1.Robbie Findley steps up vs. Honduras- Findley is coming off a career year,being a threat all season long with MLS Cup Champions Real Salt Lake,the question now is can he score at the international level???

2.The young midfielders taking there game to the next level- Benny Feilhaber,Sacha Kljestan and Robbie Rogers have all showed the potential to be a vital part of the national team,now it's time to put the talent to use and break out.

3.CD9 and Gooch get fit before the World Cup-While Gooch will be fit he will still need to get playing time and regain form.CD9 has been making a great recovery so far since his tragic accident.

4.Jermaine Jones is not secretly John O'Brien- O'Brien was one of the best ever American field players until multiple injuries forced him to retire and give up on a very promising career.Let's hope Jones finally gets healed up and stays healthy.

5.Jozy starts scoring and hitting form- With some many people excited about Jozy's loan to Hull City,he hasn't managed to score a goal yet in league play.I hate to say it but somethings wrong if he's our best striker.Time to step it up Jozy.

6.LD Stays in Europe and playing well-Yes, your hearing this from a Galaxy fan.In my opinion,Donovan is the best field player in the history of U.S Soccer,he needs to show his talent week in and week out,he has no more competition in the MLS.

7.Carlos Bocanegra gets playing time SOMEWHERE.- I don't care if he stays at Rennes or ends up going to St. Ettiene (sell or loan),the guy just needs to play it's that simple....he's our captain.

8.DaMarcus Beasley finds his way into the Rangers line-up.-I don't care if your a jeweler now DaMarcus,we might actually need you in South Africa this year.Some Vintage Run DMB would be amazing.

9.Luis Gil has a future,please don't over-hype him.-We saw it with Freddy Adu,who was dubbed the next Pele.Gil's name has been thrown around the academies of Arsenal,Man City and Barcalona.Perhaps,the best thing that could happen would be Gil keeping a very low profile.

10.Finally,Bob Bradley WEAR A SUIT.-We need you looking like a professional coach of a national team!!!Sadly,this is much more of a dream than a wish.But seriously cmon Bob,Armani,Dolce and Gabbana,Ralph Lauren...do I have to go on???So many choices...just wear a suit please.

Wiz Khalifa's beats are sick backwards.

2010-01-22T14:36:00.000-08:00

How epic is this???Khalifa is dope.

Anybody who thinks Soccer is not big in this country

2010-01-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

I insist you watch this,I'm in there somewhere.EPIC.
I could watch this over and over.

Dizzee Rascal Freestyle

2010-01-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Dude is amazing.Obviously not huge here in the States,but probably my favorite current rapper.

The Old-Firm Derby:How to Celebrate a goal

2010-01-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Celtic striker Scott McDonald put Celtic ahead 1-0 at Parkhead vs. Rangers on Sunday.Mon the hoops!!!!!This is how you celebrate a goal.

A recap of 2008:US Soccer

2010-01-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

Awesome video.

US Soccer 2009 Recap (Best Songs of the Year)
Uploaded by arkjayback. - Discover the latest sports and extreme videos.

Mando Diao- Down In The Past Moonbootica Remix

2009-12-30T12:28:00.000-08:00

One for all you electro lovers out there.Mando Diao are a Swedish rock band,while the original version is solid,I think this remix totally blows it out of the water.If this song sounds familiar it was on the 2006 Fifa World Cup soundtrack.Some of the best songs ever=songs that are on FIFA.

A Look at Two of Orange County's Stars:Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan

2009-12-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan are two of the upcoming US national team stars pushing for a ticket to South Africa,also two reasons to be excited for the Honduras friendly and the 2010 MLS Season.Watch them while you can,these kids can be in Europe in the next year or two if they play there cards right.

Robbie Rogers:The 23 year-old Orange County native was a two-time All-American in high school at Mater Dei before transferring to the University of Maryland.At his first year at Maryland he helped the team life the 2005 NCAA Championship.In August 2006,Rogers hopped the pond and played at SC Herenveen in the Dutch Eridivese.However,after not making any first team appearences he went to the Columbus Crew in 2007 due to them winning a draft lottery.Rogers flourished with the Crew,winning the Supporter Shield and the MLS Cup in the 2008 season,while also making the MLS XI.He has also been a solid performer with the National Team at various levels.Rogers started at the U-20 World Cup in Canada,The Olympics, and the 2009 World Cup.Robbie's speed,dribbling,and creativity make him a player to keep on your radar for the 2010 World Cup.

Sacha Kljestan:The 24 year-old Southern Californian has enjoyed a good career so far in the MLS with Chivas USA.2009 wasn't Kljestan's best year;but he has shown promise as a player that can go to South Africa.2009 was Sacha's breakout year,making MLS XI and nominated for the All-Star game.After scoring a hat-trick against Sweden in January 2009,Kljestan had a trial at Glasgow Celtic,the reigning SPL Champions.A deal could not be worked out,and for a couple of months Kljestan's play began to suffer.Kljestan,now back in form, has a chance to step up and make himself a force in Bob Bradley's midfield.Know for his first-touch,vision and passing rannge,Kljestan can play anywhere across the midfield.Europe and Bob Bradley will be keeping an eye on this talented midfield maestro.

Cut Off Your Hands-Still Fond

2009-12-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

Cut Off Your Hands is an indie pop band originally from New Zealand citing influences from British punk and jangle-pop/new wave ala Buzzcocks, Gang of Four, the Cure, and the Smiths.

A Closer Look at the 23 for South Africa: Fowards

2009-12-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

1.Jozy Altidore:The Best foward we have.The question isn't if he will start,but who will he start with.Jozy needs to get a couple of goals to get his confidence back up and get more playing time at Hull City.The sky is the limit for Jozy,he just needs to stay focus....and oh yeah,also get to practice on time.

2.Robbie Findley:One of the reasons to be excited about the January camp and Honduras game is this guy.If CD9 isn't healthy or healthy enough to start Findley's speed might be just what the doctor ordered for a replacement.After a great season with Real Salt Lake,Findley will be given a chance to prove himself at the international level.

3.Charlie Davies:What a beautiful scene it would be.Charlie Davies,defying all odds since his trafic car accident and making the World Cup team.I will never forget the scene's at RFK during the last World Cup Qualifyer,I was lucky enough to make the trip from Southern California.With the right treatment and rehab I think Chuck Deezy will have a chance to make it in June,he is a warrior and an inspiration.

4.Connor Casey:I know don't worry,you probably just rolled your eyes.Bob loves big target strikers,so I think Casey will end up getting the nod.Casey,who is known mostly more his aerial presence,can also get himself into good goal scoring positions.Don't get me wrong though,I get just as frustrated as the next U.S Soccer fan when I see Casey just strolling around the field creating "defensive pressure."

A Closer Look at the 23 for South Africa: Midfielders

2009-12-26T18:54:00.001-08:00

1.Landon Donovan:The best field player in the history of U.S Soccer,there I said it.LD has been in amazing form and this is his time to show the world he is top class.Alot will depend on how Landon does at Everton,confidence is everything to Landon.If we see the 2002 World Cup Landon Donovan this World Cup will be a memorable one for U.S fans and could be the turning point for Soccer in this country.

2.Clint Dempsey:One of Fulham's best players this year,has been excellent. While he disappears out of games with the Yanks, Dempsey being the magician he is can and will appear out of nowhere with a moment of brilliance.(Egypt,Spain)With CD9 possibly out,do not be surprised if Deuce plays up top,where I feel he can be more effective and much more of a threat.

3.Michael Bradley:I'm sure this kid has grown on me just as much as he has on any other U.S fan. He is no longer known as the "coaches son." Great in tackle,key goals,and a passion to improve each and everyday are reasons to like this guy.Although more of a defensive-minded midfielder,he is still a box-to-box midfielder who has a habit of scoring huge goals (Switzerland,Mexico[2],Egypt)

4.Benny Feilhaber: Legend.I don't think I will ever be able to forget that beautiful volley vs. Mexico in the Gold Cup Final.Benny has great vision and can pick out passes most guys in this group wouldn't be able to.If we need a goal and start Bradley and Jones in the middle,I think Benny would be a great attacking super-sub.

5.Stuart Holden:With Scotland not qualifying (again :[) for the World Cup Aberdeen-born Holden will give the Tartan Army a team to cheer for.How sweet would a Holden game-winner vs. England be?Anyway,Holden's stock has went through the roof and now has a chance at starting in South Africa.His crossing ability is something that will be worrying defenders,while Holden can also be a spark coming off the bench giving the team that extra boost of energy.

6.DaMarcus Beasley:Yes,you heard that right.Beasley has made the most of his recent minutes at Rangers(In which most believe were minutes to raise his transfer value.)But Beasley has been the best player the last three weeks in the SPL and looks keen to stay at Ibrox.If Beasley keeps his form up in Scotland he will be going to South Africa and have a chance to start out wide on the wing.

7.Maurice Edu:Edu has had a tough season so far with Rangers due to injury but is hopeful to make his return in a couple of weeks in the Old-Firm vs. Celtic.When healthy,Edu has show he can be good in the middle with Pedro Mendes and Stephen Davis.As long as Edu stays healthy I can see him being the guy that steals Rico Clark's spot at center defensive-mid on the roster.

8.Francisco Torres:What does this guy have to do to get some love from Bob Bradley?He has shown he is a great distributor of the ball and also has a great first touch.While he may be tiny and not great in tackle,Torres has shown he is a great center mid when pair with a defensive-mid in the middle,Like Michael Bradley.

9.Jermaine Jones:What would be the best gift during the holidays?Perhaps having someone tell you Jermaine Jones will be healthy soon.Having watched this guy at Schalke 04,not only is he the best defensive-mid in the Bundesliga,but he is also one of the best midfielders in the entire league.Having Bradley and Jones in the middle together would be a massive advantage going into the opener vs. England.Please get healthy Jonesy.

A Closer Look at the 23 for South Africa: Defenders

2009-12-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

1.Carlos Bocanegra: Captain Carlos will be the leader of the American back four,and might have even more responsibility on him depending on the fitness of the injured Oguchi Onyewu. Bocanegra might play both center back and also left back (Where he plays at Rennes) in South Africa.

2. Oguchi Onyewu:American fans everywhere know how important it is to get Gooch back to full fitness and form before June.In all honesty, Onyewu is in a very tough spot.When he was at 100% he wasn't getting minutes at Milan and rumours started popping up about him going to Russia. A couple mistakes and an injury later in the Costa Rica match and now we can just cross our fingers that he will be back in time and back in form for the World Cup.

3.Steve Cherundalo:Best word to describe this guy=consistent. Dolo has been a solid right back for Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga for several years now. While I don't think he will start if all our back four are healthy (Spector,DeMerit,Onyewu,Bocanegra) Cherdundalo is more than capable filling in at right or left back.

4. Johnathan Spector:The starting right back for this team. Calm on the ball,reads the game well,and can swing in a great ball (Egypt,Brazil game.)Also a very versatile play that can play anywhere across the back. It's really hard not to like Spector.

5.Jay DeMerit:The man.What Soccer in this country is all about,May not be world class but effort and determination can get you places. Deserves to start in South Africa, Jay is a pure warrior. This guy's story gives me hope I can still play professional. Anywho,a solid defender who will give you 200% each and every game.

6.Johnathan Bornstein: The President of Honduras will probably be remembered for his late-game heroics vs. Costa Rica in the final World Cup Qualifyer.Bornstein has began to pick-up his form the last couple of games and has looked pretty solid.Bob Bradley might be thinking Bornstein's pace is the answer to England's fast and tricky wingers.(Lennon,Wright-Phillips)

7.Clarence Goodson:Taking advantage of the playing time and rising to the challenge is Clarence Goodson.His stock in the national team pool continues to rise and had bigger club teams interested in his services trying to take him away from IK Start.Do not be surprised if Goodson gets the nob over fellow youngster Chad Marshall or veteran Jimmy Conrad.

A Closer Look at the 23 for South Africa : The Goalies

2009-12-25T22:03:00.000-08:00

1. Tim Howard: Timmy is the obvious starter for the Yanks,having been the starter since Kasey Keller retired after the 2006 World Cup. Howard has been one of the bright spots for Everton this year,a team currently leaking goals at the back and plagued with injuries.

2. Brad Guzan: El Guzano could be starting at European-bound Aston Villa if it wasn't for the stellar form of U.S Veteran Brad Freidel. Guzan will be backing up Howard in South Africa,but Howard better watch his back for 2014,Guzan is a young goalie with a tremendous upside.

3.Marcus Hahnemann: This is a tough call beetween Marcus and Troy Perkins,But I think experience will win out. After a solid career with Reading Hahnemann is now at Wolves and is trying to help them stay away from the drop. Since Hahnemann became starter at Wolves they have been picking up better results and are looking like a team that can escape relegation. He has had a great career and deserves to be on the roster to top it all off.

Beautiful Women: Stacy Kiebler

2009-12-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

Stacy Kiebler is a 30 year-old actress and model from Baltimore,Maryland.

Indie Rock, a Fashion Statement

2009-12-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

These rockstars are ones who I believe not only inspired people with there music,but also the way they dress and present themselves.Check it out.

First is Luke Pritchard, lead singer of the Kooks.Rey Bans,old classy shoes,a cardigan and what looks like a white V-neck,nothing over the top but still well done.

Then there is Serge Pizzorno, guitarist for Kasabian.Serge,Like the rest of Kasabian is an avid Leicester City Fans.Mon the Foxes.

Ahhhh yes I'm sure you guys saw this one coming.Brandon Flowers,lead singer of the Killers.How could he not be on here????

I wouldn't be telling the truth if I've told you I haven't swiped any of these guys ideas,but then again thats what makes stlye good,taking pieces of things you like and putting it together

The Green Brigade

2009-12-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

These guys are legends.They are part of what makes Parkhead so beautiful and such a fortress.Great background music too by the way.Kasabian and the Von Bondies FTW.Mon you Bhoys.Play up Celtic!!!

Jay Sean "Down" Acoustic

2009-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Although this song has already blown up and got big here,I don't think alot of people have heard it Acoustic,In my opinion it's better Acoustic.Dude has a great voice.Shoutout to Hannah P. for this find

Your 23 Going to South Africa

2009-12-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

Goalies (3): Tim Howard (Everton),Brad Guzan(Aston Villa),Marcus Hahnemann(Wolves) Defenders (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes),Oguchi Onyewu (Ac Milan),Jay DeMerit (Watford),Steve Cherundalo (Hannover 96),Johnathan Spector (West Ham),Johnathan Bornstein (Chivas USA),Clarence Goodson (IK Start)

Midfielders (10): Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy),Clint Dempsey(Fulham),Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach),Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus),Stuart Holden (Houston),DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers FC),Maurice Edu (Rangers FC),Francisco Torres (Pachuca),Robbie Rogers (Columbus),Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04)

Fowards (3): Jozy Altidore (Hull City),Charlie Davies (Sochaux),Robbie Findley (Salt Lake) If

Onyewu can't make the World Cup I would either say Conrad or Marshall to fill in for his spot.

If Jones can't make the World Cup roster or players like Beasley lose playing time or for, I expect Sacha Klkjestan or Rico Clark to fill in for there spot.

If Charlie Davies can't make the World Cup due to injurt,I expect either Connor Casey or Jeff Cunningham to take the spot....jeez.....thats scares me.

In a perfect World this is what our starting 11 would look like vs. England if everyone is healthy:

--------------------------Howard-------------------------

--Spector-----Onyewu----------DeMerit-------Bocanegra

--Holden---------Bradley----------Jones---------Donovan

-------------------Dempsey--------Altidore--------

If Beasley keeps his form up switch him in the starting roll for Holden,he would be good tracking back vs wingers.

I will be giving an in-depth write up of the 23 making the plane for South Africa,until then take care.