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Monday, January 2, 2012

African soccer legend George 'The Wizard' Sacko dies homeless, penniless and ... - Daily Mail

The Liberian footballer hailed as an inspiration and true patriot has died, penniless, homeless, suffering from a long battle with drugs and alcoholism.

George Sacko - known as the Wizard - had entranced his country with his football skills and captaincy. But despite his illustrious career the footballing great, 75, died in a New Jersey hospital on September 17 almost anonymously.

Friends and family were not aware of his death for nearly a month afterwards, as the shelter where he was staying did not have accurate records of his stay.

A sad end: George Sacko, aka 'Wizard' has passed away in Newark

Soccer days: George Sacko (far left) was a Liberian legend in the 1960s and captain of his team

The midfielder learned to play the game kicking footballs barefoot in Monrovia, Liberia's capital, before serving as captain for Lone Star, the country's national team in the 1960s.

Mr Sacko, one of seven children, was hailed as the 'glue' in the team and attracted a diverse audience different ethnic groups and political persuasions, news website NJ.com reported.

'Sacko was very, very important to our national pride, because he brought us together,' Benedict Wisseh, another Lone Star player, told the website.

'He made us forget our differences.'

In his playing career Liberia never qualified for the World Cup, but as captain he led the team to its first victory, a 2-0 result over the Ivory Coast in 1960.

A national hero: The midfielder for Lone Star was the darling of his country

Remembering a legend: A friend holds up a jersey with George Sacko's name and number

Yet a debilitating knee injury in 1962 dashed his glittering career and his skills would never be the same afterwards.

He received an offer from the New York Generals in 1968, but the deal never went through as the team folded shortly after Mr Sacko's arrival.

In 1971, Mr Sacko moved to Brooklyn permanently to live with his brothers.

The Wizard: Sacko was an inspirational football captain

His wife June had already been living in the New York borough for several months with their two sons and June’s daughter.

She said that even during his heyday as a famous football player, Mr Sacko remained grounded.

‘He was very calm, thoughtful,’ she told NJ.com. He held a good job at a custom metals company in Harrison, New Jersey, which allowed the family to live comfortably.

She said that while he always remained a devoted father, ‘the love went away for me.’

She eventually moved back to New York while Mr Sacko stayed in New Jersey, continuing his job at the metals plant until it closed its doors permanently in the 1980s.

After that, Mr Sacko began a downward spiral, drinking in excess and using heroin, his brother Garretson told NJ.com.

After a fire forced him out of a friend’s apartment, he began living in a cramped, dingy room subsidised by public assistance.

He was forced out of the Carlton Hotel after he refused to meet with authorities and in the end, spent his time wandering around Newark’s streets.

Memorial: A sign commemorates George Sacko's professional achievements

He spent his nights sleeping at Newark Penn Station - about eight miles outside of New York City.

His family encouraged him to come back to Rhode Island where they now lived, but he refused. Family and friends weren’t aware of his passing for nearly a month.

'Something happened in my brother's life. He just didn't care anymore. He was not crazy, but he gave up on life.'

-Garretson Sacko

According to the death certificate, the once-brilliant footballer died of natural causes. His lungs were acutely diseased, it said.

It also indicated that his upper gastrointestinal tract had started to bleed about a month before his death.

In May of this year, the Liberian community honoured the former football player’s 75th birthday at a local Newark restaurant.

Last public event: The Liberian government held a luncheon for the 75-year-old player last May. The event flier said Mr Sacko was in good health

While the flier for the occasion boasted that Mr Sacko was ‘in excellent health,’ his brother Garretson said that his brother told him that day that he was sick. ‘Pray for me,’ he said.

In September, Mr Sacko made $50 by helping move furniture. It was that money, his brother said, that funded his final purchase - a fatal dose of heroin.

‘He just didn’t care anymore,’ Garretson told the website. ‘He was not crazy, but he gave up on life.’

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Section V soccer players named to All-State team - Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

First-team selections Anthony Rozzano of Webster Schroeder, Brandon Bianchi of Spencerport and Michael Jackson of Bath highlight the 17 boys from Section V who earned all-state honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Rozzano, a forward (Class AAA); Bianchi, a midfielder (AA); and Jackson (B), a defender, each led their clubs to Section V championships. Rozzano and Bianchi were on the large-school team; Jackson on the small-school team. Other area players honored:

Large schools

Second team: Seyefe Brouk (Pittsford Mendon). Third: Julian Ekeze (Brockport), Charlie Cosentino (Irondequoit). Fourth: Dan Lynd (Penfield), Danny Peckham (Webster Schroeder). Fifth: Garrett Rauck (Brighton), Nick Tata (Aquinas).

Small schools

Second team: Trevor Lang (Bath), Mo Carlon (Geneseo). Third: Austin Richardson (Byron-Bergen), Mark Reeves (Palmyra-Macedon). Fourth: Rueben Marquez (Williamson), Dave Moore (Holley). Fifth: Jacob Welkley (North Rose-Wolcott).

Hawkins, Coleman earn All-State soccer honors - The Daily News Journal

MURFREESBORO ? As the lone senior in a talented soccer lineup, midfielder Tori Hawkins had the task of being the leader for a youthful Siegel girls soccer team in 2011.

She excelled at the roll, too.

Hawkins, a two-time District 7-AAA Offensive MVP, led Siegel with 11 goals and had six assists this past season. The MTSU commitment helped lead the Lady Stars to the TSSAA Class AAA state quarterfinals.

And today she has been named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association?s Class AAA All-State team. It?s the second straight year that Hawkins has been named to the squad.

Hawkins also was recently named an Academic All-American by the NSCAA. She is Siegel?s second soccer player to garner the award and first since former standout Brittney Winn.

Hawkins is joined on the TSWA team by Oakland junior defensive standout Shelby Coleman.

Coleman, who was named the District 7-AAA Defensive MVP, had 14 assists for the Lady Patriots this past season.

She also helped anchor a defense that recorded five shutouts.

Her play helped the programs? resurgence, which reached the Class AAA sectionals a year after making its first trip to the state tournament since the 1990s.

?Tom Kreager, 615-278-5168

Three Physical Health Benefits of Soccer - Yahoo! Sports

Soccer is one of the best sports that an athlete can become involved in, because there are numerous health benefits of playing the sport. For an athlete, some of the best benefits he or she might get from a sport include the benefits to his or her physical health.

Here are three of the best physical health benefits that an athlete can gain from playing soccer, which can increase the quality of his or her life.

Can Control Weight

An athlete that plays soccer is less likely to be obese, and can actually help him or her lose a considerable amount of weight. Since soccer is a form of aerobic exercise, and it can help burn a lot of calories and fat, which means that an athlete is likely to maintain a healthier weight. When an athlete plays soccer, he or she is jogging, running, and sprinting for a long period of time, which is a great way to get aerobic exercise. A youth athlete that plays soccer will also notice he or she has a higher metabolism, which can control weight later in life. There are many benefits for an athlete when it comes to controlling weight, since a healthy weight can lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. If an athlete is looking to shed a few pounds, then soccer is going to help him or her lose weight, and also maintain a healthy weight throughout his or her life.

Can Build Muscle

An athlete that plays soccer will also notice his or her muscles are stronger, since playing soccer can significantly help build muscles. Soccer uses a lot of different muscle groups, which means that an athlete will notice the benefits in more areas of the body. Soccer can help build and strengthen muscles of the legs, thighs, abdomen, and chest. If an athlete plays soccer regularly, then he or she will notice the muscles becoming stronger, which can help reduce the risk of injuries. When an athlete builds muscles through participation in soccer, he or she is also more likely to notice an increase in endurance, which means that he or she will not get lethargic or fatigued as easily. Building muscle and increasing muscle tone is a great way to increase overall health, and it can also help an athlete increase his or her athletic performance.

Can Increase Flexibility and Agility

An athlete will also notice that he or she has become more flexible and agile, which is a direct result of playing soccer regularly. Soccer requires an athlete to be able to move fast in certain directions, move laterally and vertically quickly, and also run forward or backward. The fast motions that are required in soccer will help an athlete become more flexible, which can help him or her become successful. The legs, chest, and arms will all increase in flexibility due to the constant shifting that is required for soccer, which also occurs as the muscles become stronger. Every time an athlete plays soccer, he or she will go through a lot of different motions and positions, which can only increase his or her flexibility as time moves forward. An increase in flexibility will also help reduce the risk of injury, since the body will be trained to move constantly at such a high intensity.

Jeanne Rose worked as a dietary clerk in a hospital for three years, went to vocational school for Allied Health, and obtained certification in nurse assisting.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

Three Social Health Benefits of Soccer for Youth Athletes - Yahoo! Sports

There are a lot of health benefits that soccer can provide a youth athlete, including many social health benefits. Soccer is one of the best sports for a youth athlete to get involved with, because it can help him or her maintain positive health and wellness. When it comes to soccer for a youth athlete, the social benefits can outweigh the physical benefits, which might be why he or she decides to participate.

Here are three of the best social health benefits that soccer can provide a youth athlete, whether he or she is on a team at school or through another organization.

Can Teach Teamwork

Soccer can help a youth athlete develop teamwork skills, which is very important for social interaction during school, and during his or her adult years. Teamwork is built through soccer by the fact that it only takes one person to mess up, in order to potentially destroy the play, and create a score for the opponent. Youth athletes that participate in soccer will find they can build off of each other, help each other learn, and create an environment built around winning. Not all sports are centered on teamwork, but soccer relies on each person doing what he or she is supposed to at all times. Soccer can also teach a youth athlete to be more positive to his or her teammates, and it can help him or her develop constructive criticism skills, which is also important for social interaction.

Can Help Develop Communication Skills

A youth athlete that is playing soccer is also going to have better communication skills, which can help him or her in many social situations. Communication is needed in soccer because each player has a role to play, and needs to fulfill the role successful, in order for the team to win. A youth soccer athlete is also going to have to communicate with coaches when there is a problem, and be able to communicate his or her specific needs. Communication is also a part of teamwork, because without effective communication skills, the soccer team will not be cohesive. A youth athlete will also need to know how to communicate physical limitations and strengths, in order to become successful at soccer. As a youth athlete becomes more involved with soccer, he or she will increase communication skills, which can enhance performance, and also help him or her bond with other players.

Can Teach Equality

Equality is also a very positive social benefit that a youth athlete can learn while playing soccer, which can help him or her learn about relationships. Both men and women can play soccer, but sometimes a younger youth athlete does not realize this, and often lacks equality skills needed in society. While playing soccer, a youth athlete can learn that women and men are similar, and that regardless of your gender, you can play sports. A youth athlete can also learn that equality means that no matter what you look like, you can become successful, and be very productive at soccer or other sports. A youth athlete is also likely to find out that having physical or mental disabilities does not exclude someone from sports, and it can help him or her learn to treat people in those situations as equals. A youth athlete will meet a lot of people while playing soccer, and this can help him or her learn about equality as a social issue, and can help him or her succeed later in life.

Jeanne Rose has certification in nurse assisting, worked as a dietary clerk in a hospital for three years, and went to vocational school for Allied Health.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Soccer predictions for 2012 - CNN

1. Germany could be the new Spain. The average age of the Germany team that started in a 3-0 win over Holland last month, playing a fast-paced and flexible style more reminiscent of the Dutch team of the 1970s, was 24.5. By the time the game ended, it was down to 23.4. Forward Miroslav Klose is the only player over 30 in the squad and there is young talent waiting in the wings wherever you look. Two from Mesut Ozil (23), Toni Kroos (21), and Mario Goetze (19) make up the creative fulcrum that supplies a three-pronged attack with Lukas Podolski (26) and Thomas Muller (22) either side of Mario Gomez (26), whose 22 goals in 22 games this season (at time of writing) puts him in the company of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie.

Spain beat Germany 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final, and by the same score in the 2010 World Cup semifinal, one of the best games in the tournament. If, as expected, the two sides meet again in the Euro 2012 final, this time there might be a different outcome -- and a new dominant force in world football.

2. French soccer will become sexy again. In the late '80s and early '90s, the world's best players all wanted to play in France. Enzo Francescoli, Rudi Voller, Dragan Stojkovic and Chris Waddle were at Marseille; George Weah and Glenn Hoddle at Monaco while a few years later, and Rai, Valdo and Leonardo played for Paris Saint-Germain. Leonardo is back at PSG as sports director, and overseeing a revolution at the club thanks to funding from new owners Qatari Sports Investments (QSI). QSI spent €42 million ($54.7M) on Javier Pastore, one of nine new signings in the summer, and is set to confirm the arrival of David Beckham and a big-name coach (possibly Rafael Benitez or maybe Frank Rijkaard) in January.

PSG will not be the only beneficiaries of Qatari funding next year. Broadcaster Al-Jazeera has agreed to a €90M-per-year deal ($117M) to show Ligue 1 matches, and a €60M-per-year deal ($78M) for Champions League game. English clubs' summer failures to sign the likes of Yann M'Vila, Andre Ayew, Eden Hazard and Blaise Matuidi show that the talent drain from France to England is already slowing down. With the extra funding, France will soon become an attractive option for top players.

3. Second Season Syndrome will work for Jose Mourinho -- but Real Madrid must plan ahead. Mourinho always said that we should judge his work in Madrid not on his first campaign, which was not too bad (Real Madrid's 92-point tally would have won La Liga in nine of the last 10 seasons, and it did win the Copa del Rey), but on his second season at the Bernabeu. Historically, that's when his teams have performed best. At Porto, in his second full season, the team won the Portuguese league and the Champions League; at Chelsea, it repeated its league success; and at Inter Milan, it won a league, Cup and Champions League treble, ending a 45-year wait for the European trophy.

This season Real Madrid is a true Mourinho side, no longer reliant solely on Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliance. Despite its weaknesses, which were apparent in losing the recent home Clasico 3-1, it is a real threat to Barcelona's hopes of retaining its La Liga and European champions crown. But Madrid should be wary. A look at the tribulations of Chelsea (five coaches in four years) and Inter (four coaches in 18 months) shows that life after Mourinho is far from simple.

4. Mario Balotelli will make headlines for his play. If you believe the English newspapers, the list of dramas involving Balotelli is never-ending: damaging his house on the eve of the Manchester derby by setting off fireworks in his bathroom (he claimed it was his brother); throwing darts from a window at a youth-team player; suffering an allergic reaction to the grass during a Europa League game at Dynamo Kiev; and being subbed off "for disrespect" after attempting a pirouette-and-backheel goal in a preseason friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy, to name a few. On the pitch, he has become a key player for Roberto Mancini, a regular pick in all the big games (unlike Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri, who are benched). He scored the crucial opener in the 6-1 Old Trafford demolition of Manchester United (unveiling a T-shirt with the slogan, "Why Always Me?"), scored the ultimately futile equalizer in the Champions League tie at Napoli, and the first goal in the defeat at Chelsea.

Balotelli is also becoming an important player for Italy, in good time, too, given its injury concerns over Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano. "He is beginning to understand that he cannot waste his talent," Mancini said. And we are beginning to see just how talented he is.

5. Mental health problems need to lose their stigma. There was something poignant about the timing of Ronald Reng's book A Life Too Short, the moving biography of Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke, who took his own life in November 2009, winning the 2011 Sports Book of the Year award. One day earlier, Wales coach Gary Speed had been found hanged in his garage, leaving his family and friends distraught and wondering if he had been hiding a depressive illness. Stan Collymore, the former Liverpool and England forward now a broadcaster, had also just eloquently described his feelings during the worst bout of depression he had gone through for eight years. He is now putting together a soccer auction to raise money for the Depression Alliance charity.

It's not just in the UK. German referee Babak Rafati tried to commit suicide because he was afraid of making mistakes, his solicitor told Bild newspaper, while Chris Schelstraete, a Belgian linesman, slashed his wrists one hour before he was due to officiate a second-division match.

"In professional soccer, there are many people suffering from psychologically- related conditions," Dr Mark Nesti, author of Psychology of Football, told the Leaders in Football conference. "Anywhere where there is a desire for quick answers all of the time, an inhuman rate of change, little trust and utilitarian values, will place people under great mental strain."

Reng wants his book to help depressives find more sympathy and understanding, while Collymore's honesty and hard work is achieving the same thing -- and about time too.

6. England will appoint an English coach who is nothing like Fabio Capello. There has been a pattern to England coaches appointed by its FA since Glenn Hoddle left his job as coach in 1999. After Hoddle, who was seen as cold toward his players, came the friendly Kevin Keegan, who made up in man-management what he lacked in tactical nous; then Sven-Goran Eriksson, its first foreign coach, and seen as a tactical genius (how wrong that was); then Steve McClaren, English and young; and finally Capello, foreign, proven and a disciplinarian.

Capello will leave after Euro 2012 and the FA has already said that his successor will be English. Harry Redknapp is the huge favorite, certainly among the press if not the FA, while other candidates include Roy Hodgson, Sam Allardyce, Alan Pardew and maybe even Hoddle again. One thing is sure: He will be English. At least that way, the national team's failures can be blamed on soccer, and not translation problems or cultural differences.

7. MLS will have to compete with new markets for top players. Nicolas Anelka turned down offers from three MLS teams -- reported to be the Philadelphia Union, the New York Red Bulls and the Montreal Impact -- before joining Shanghai Shenhua on a lucrative two-year deal. The Chinese side also wants to sign Didier Drogba from Chelsea, while David Trezeguet, available after a short stint in the UAE, was another target before he signed with River Plate. These players have all been touted for MLS Designated Player slots, but the Chinese market is now competing with teams in Russia, the Gulf States and the MLS to sign them.

Samuel Eto'o currently earns ?330,000 per week ($511,000) at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, while Asamoah Gyan is on ?125,000 per week ($193,000)at UAE club Al-Ain.Diego Maradona is a coach in the same league, at Al-Wasl, while Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour also bankrolls Al Jazira.

Next summer, Alessandro Del Piero and Michael Ballack will be on the market. Both players have been linked with MLS sides, but given the new options available to them now, their arrivals may not be as certain as previously thought.

8. Ghana will get what it deserves -- at last. Ghana was African Nations Cup semifinalist in 2008, losing finalist in 2010, and World Cup quarterfinalist the same year. It's about time it won a trophy, and January's African Nations Cup could be the one. Eight players on its current squad won the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, beating Brazil in the final. Graduates from that side include Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese) and Andre Ayew (Marseille), now key players for their clubs. Even without AC Milan's in-form midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who retired from international soccer last month (and Emmanuel Frimpong, unavailable due to eligibility problems), Ghana should still have enough to get past group opponents Botswana, Mali and Guinea. Its biggest challenge could come from Morocco, Senegal and C?te d'Ivoire, for whom this tournament represents the last chance of its Golden Generation, which includes Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure and Didier Zokora, to win a title. Ghana's last African triumph was 30 years ago, back in 1982; only one of its current players, John Pantsil, had been born then.

9. So much for the international coaches' merry-go-round. Most of the top coaches going into Euro 2012 are tied down to long-term deals that run beyond next summer's tournament. Joachim Loew (Germany) has a deal until 2014, Bert van Marwijk (Holland) until 2016 and Vicente del Bosque (Spain) a verbal agreement to extend his contract. Morten Olsen (Denmark), Dick Advocaat (Russia) and Giovanni Trapatonni (Ireland) are also signed until 2014. The futures of Paulo Bento (Portugal) and Laurent Blanc (France) will depend on how their teams do, while Fabio Capello (England), Frantisek Smuda (Poland), Oleh Blokhin (Ukraine) and Slaven Bilic (Croatia) are definitely moving on.

International soccer may typically work in two-year cycles from a tournament perspective, but the men on the bench, particularly Loew, Van Marwijk and Del Bosque, each of whom is trying to make his own history, are now looking longer-term.

But wouldn't it be interesting to see how Loew or Van Marwijk would cope at a big European club?

10. If you must talk Moneyball, talk Udinese, not Liverpool. Liverpool sports director Damien Comolli once said that you could acquire 10 world-class players but if one signing doesn't work out, that's the one that you are remembered for. It's almost a year since Liverpool sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea for ?50M/$80M (great business) and bought Luis Suarez for ?23M/$35M) (also great business) and Andy Carroll for ?35M/$54M (not so good, so far at least). Comolli might be the most public face of the Moneyball ethos (after Michael Lewis' book, recently made into a film starring Brad Pitt), known in soccer as Soccernomics after the book and consultancy established by Simon Kuper, but its most successful proponent sits only two points behind first place in Serie A: Udinese.

Udinese sold the spine of its team, and its three best players in the summer -- Cristian Zapata to Villarreal, Gokhan Inler to Napoli and Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona -- and yet is still a serious contender for the Scudetto. Coach Francesco Guidolin, who changed last season's 4-3-3 formation into a 3-5-1-1, deserves great credit, as do the scouts who found the current generation of stars: Samir Handanovic, the goalkeeper signed from Slovenian side NK Domzale for ?40,000 ($619,000) now worth €20M ($26.5M) and among the best in the world; defender Mehdi Benatia, signed as a free agent from Clermont and now tracked by Manchester United and Chelsea; and Pablo Armero, who cost $1.5M from Palmeiras, and wanted by Real Madrid.

As SI.com's Gabriele Marcotti put it: "Udinese buy low and sell high ... what it does year on year is arguably just as impressive as what Barcelona or Inter Milan do, if not more." With Financial Fair Play regulations kicking in soon, Udinese is the model that UEFA wants all clubs to follow.

Ben Lyttleton has written about French football for various publications. He edited an oral history of the European Cup, Match of My Life: European Cup Finals, which was published in 2006.

Dempsey, Wambach the best of American soccer - SportingNews.com

In the short term, the past year in American soccer will be remembered largely for the on-field failures, starting with the blown leads in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final and the Women’s World Cup final.

The MLS campaign started off in frustrating fashion as well, with a glut of ties and several horrific injuries dominating conversation. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake’s agonizing home loss in the CONCACAF Champions League decider was downright depressing.

The U.S. paid big money and is expecting big things from new coach Jurgen Klinsmann. (AP Photo)

But there were plenty of positives. Some actually happened on the field as the MLS season was redeemed with a compelling stretch run, some excellent playoff games and a deserving champion in the L.A. Galaxy. But it’s going to be the off-the-field news that marks 2011’s place in U.S. soccer history. From the arrival of Jurgen Klinsmann and the three-way Cascadia rivalry to the historic broadcast deal between MLS and NBC, many of the year’s highlights were about positioning the sport for greater growth in the long term.

With a newsworthy year drawing to a close, Sporting News looks back at the best and brightest of American soccer’s 2011:

This one’s no contest. Dempsey was outstanding for both club and country, combining skill, will and results in a way that none of his countrymen can touch. He led the U.S. national team with five goals in 14 games (no one else scored more than three) and scored the winner in the 1-0 Gold Cup semifinal triumph over Panama, while proving to be a game-changer as an outside midfielder, a playmaker and a forward.

He also has been brilliant for Fulham, which is fighting to stay relevant in the English Premier League. Dempsey has nine goals for the club in all competitions since the start of the 2011-12 season and he had seven in the second half of the 2010-11 campaign, giving him 16 for the calendar year.

No American field player has starred at one of Europe’s big clubs. Dempsey has the tools if the opportunity comes along.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/qYBGNbLOChQ

In late July, more than a month after the U.S. lost to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati finally landed the coach he’d been chasing since 2006.

Promised full control and paid $2.5 million per year, Klinsmann launched an ambitious quest to take American soccer toward the big time with a new outlook and philosophy that ran the gamut from youth development to jersey numbers. After 16 years, the U.S. once again had a foreign coach and in Klinsmann it had a World Cup winner whose unorthodox approach invited both hope and scrutiny.

“We talked 20 minutes before the (introductory) press conference (in Manhattan)," Gulati recalled. “I said, you understand there are a number of people, not necessarily in the room but out there, that believe right after the press conference you’re going to be walking across the Hudson River. He got it.”

Abby Wambach’s last-gasp equalizer was just one of a host of “did that just happen?” moments over the course of more than 120 nail-biting minutes. From Rachel Buehler’s red card to Marta’s sublime overtime finish and from Megan Rapinoe’s unforgettable cross to Hope Solo’s shootout save, the quarterfinal in Dresden—which the U.S. won on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw—offered gripping theater that captured the country’s attention and transcended the sport.

Real Salt Lake went to Monterrey in mid-April and played the sort of skillful, mature game we’ve been hoping to see from an MLS team at the highest level, coming from behind twice to forge a 2-2 draw on an eventful night at the Estadio Tecnológico.

Defender Nat Borchers tied the match just before halftime and RSL bent but didn’t break in the face of a Monterrey onslaught after falling behind again in the 63rd minute. In the 89th, RSL’s Javier Morales scored on a brilliant individual effort to put the MLS side in excellent position to claim the title.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/PdcmODIazno

Two clubs that ultimately would miss the MLS playoffs played a frenzied few minutes of desperate soccer Oct. 19 that included about a season’s worth of scoring chances and close calls that left the RFK Stadium crowd breathless.

“It felt like a schoolyard game,” D.C. midfielder Santino Quaranta told The Washington Post.

Playing to save their seasons, United had a goal disallowed and a penalty kick appeal turned down, the Timbers hit the crossbar and both goalkeepers made spectacular saves. Somehow, the game ended 1-1.

Davies’ D.C. United sojourn didn’t end well, but what a beginning he had. Returning to the city where his career (and life) nearly ended in a horrific 2009 car accident, Davies entered the March 19 season-opener against the Columbus Crew in the 52nd minute, converted a penalty kick in the 63rd and then scored a second on a fine run in the 77th.

“This has been like a storybook tonight,” Davies said. “I don’t think you could write this stuff. You can’t make this up.”

http://www.youtube.com/embed/zcC3CCjwzWo

As a league bridging sporting cultures, MLS is in a unique position to impact both. In late June, it accepted that responsibility and launched an effort to change soccer for the better by sanctioning Davies for his tumble against Real Salt Lake. The damage to Davies’ reputation far exceeded the damage to his bank account.

A month later, MLS fined and suspended RSL’s Alvaro Saborío for similar shenanigans.

“If you’re a general sports fan tuning into soccer or you’re a traditional fan of the sport, this is the one piece of behavior both sides agree that they hate,” MLS executive vice president Nelson Rodriguez told Sporting News.

Davies' dive that led to the June fine wasn’t Davies’ first of the year. In an April game against the L.A. Galaxy, Davies earned an 89th-minute, game-tying penalty kick after falling far too easily for Donovan’s liking.

In response, the U.S. star tweeted: "I got @CharlieDavies9 some gear in case he decides to dive again. Couldn't find a scuba mask though."

Attached to Donovan's tweet was a picture of a red beach towel and a swimsuit.

It really was the only way a team named for a collection of stars could finish off a spectacular season. With the MLS Cup final between the L.A. Galaxy and Houston Dynamo deadlocked, designated players Beckham (header), Robbie Keane (dribbling run and pass) and Donovan (finish) combined for the 72nd-minute clincher. The Galaxy got what they paid for.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q6UcG2m5HjY

The Galaxy’s championship wasn’t only about the big names. Their airtight defense featured a starting back four who’ve represented the U.S. a combined five times, and its roster was filled with players whose hard work gave the stars room to shine.

No one embodied that ethos like Magee, whose effort and diligence in left midfield led to eight MLS goals and whose selfless and improbably successful 47 minutes in goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in June typified his willingness to do whatever the situation required.

Naturally, he credited Donovan and Beckham with establishing the tone in the Galaxy locker room, but Magee’s willingness to be led while setting his own example represents the sort of behavior that builds championship teams.

“You know by our locker room and our atmosphere every day there are guys you want to fight for,” Magee told Sporting News.

He’s one of them.

The Frenchman provided plenty of fireworks in an otherwise dour debut season for the Whitecaps. His 10 goals and league-leading three red cards were testament to the skill and passion with which he played. One of the ejections came after he earned a second yellow card for tossing his jersey into the stands while wearing another one underneath.

And, of course, Hassli scored the real MLS goal of the year, no matter what the voters say. His incredible chip and almost no-look volley from across the penalty area against the Seattle Sounders was world-class and arguably the most astonishing strike in MLS history.

Several notable players, including retired national team forwards Taylor Twellman and Alecko Eskandarian, agreed. The latter called it “one in a million.”

http://www.youtube.com/embed/UAxUEWMlNIk

Sure, it came against Guadeloupe. But Altidore’s ninth-minute piledriver in the Gold Cup’s group stage finale sent an emphatic message that the beleaguered 21-year-old (now 22) would have his say as the national team continued its maddening pursuit of a striker who can score consistently.

Altidore missed the tournament’s climax with an injury but began the 2011-12 season with AZ Alkmaar with seven goals in under two months. When in form, Altidore remains the best hope the U.S. has up top.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/yQd4fuIBzlA

In 25 competitive matches in Mexico, MLS clubs were 0-21-4. The U.S. national team was 0-23-1 all-time on Mexican soil. Then on Aug. 17, midfielder Marvin Chávez’s 66th-minute goal stood up against UNAM Pumas and FC Dallas broke the most infuriating curse in American soccer.

Cynics immediately pointed to the second-string team Pumas fielded that night in Mexico City, but that shouldn’t matter. It always seemed there were forces much larger than a coach’s lineup choices at work when any U.S. team headed south of the border. FC Dallas proved that winning was possible, and everyone associated with American soccer benefits from that confidence boost.

Adu was named to the Gold Cup team because Bradley wanted to see if he would stay quiet, work hard and behave like a pro. Playing time would be a bonus.

He got off the bench in the semifinal and helped set up Dempsey’s winning goal. On June 25, he was awarded a start the final against Mexico and was the Americans’ best player for significant stretches of the first hour, when it looked the U.S. had a chance.

Adu was confident, creative and full of the promise he showed as a teenager.

He hasn’t played for the U.S. since.

The amount of sweat, effort and commitment the U.S. women’s national team star puts into a given game is evident not only in the grass and mud stains covering her when she leaves the field, but in the results.

That 122nd-minute goal against Brazil was no accident—she ran the length of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion field (while battling tendinitis in her right Achilles tendon) to get in position, and her late goals in both the semifinal and final are testament to her relentlessness.

It’s a shame that several teammates were unable to rise to the occasion against Japan—Wambach deserves a world championship.

Random results, questionable champions and complaints about an apparently meaningless regular season were the result of MLS’ stubborn insistence on a playoff format that required only four games to win the title.

In 2011, the league added two wild-card games that forced the winners to face each conference’s top seed on a short turnaround, giving the rested team a deserved advantage. Starting next year, the conference finals will be two games instead of one.

In 2012 and beyond, championship hopefuls will have to negotiate five or six games rather than four. It’s a significant difference that should produce worthy winners far more frequently.

MLS has been on TV since Day 1 but few have noticed. Fox Soccer is a niche network, and ESPN habitually shies away from promoting the league or showing highlights on SportsCenter.

In August, MLS announced a new three-year, $30 million deal with NBC, which will broadcast both league and U.S. national team games over the air and on NBC Sports Network (the re-branded Versus network).

NBC's reach is tantalizing, and its promotion proved so attractive to the MLS officials that they reportedly turned down a more lucrative offer from Fox (ESPN remains a broadcast partner).

The stirring scene at Jeld-Wen Field as the Timbers kicked off their home MLS schedule in April embodied the most attractive difference between attending a soccer game and going to any see any other major American sporting event: The atmosphere is loud, colorful and fan generated rather than marketer or scoreboard generated. The video of nearly 19,000 Timbers fans and their a cappella rendition of the national anthem went viral, and the idea was copied by the NBA’s Miami Heat a couple of weeks later.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/loYS5Vgo5JA

The Timbers got a lot right in their inaugural season, including the uniform. Instead of sticking to the lazy and tired trend of monochrome kits that could be worn by just about any team in the world, Portland wore a distinctive dark green-and-white primary uniform and a punchy red-and-white alternate that played on its “Rose City” nickname. They are classy, colorful, unique and a model for what MLS teams should look like.

OnGoal LLC, fronted by CEO Robb Heineman, bought the Kansas City Wizards in 2006. This year was their coming-out party. A new name, a stunning new stadium featuring a fan-friendly environment emphasizing social and technological innovations, a creative membership scheme and a commitment to on-field performance have transformed a formerly woebegone organization into a model franchise. Kansas City matters in American soccer, and the message sent to other struggling MLS originals is clear: There are no excuses. It can be done.

An American getting hired to coach the national team of a country where soccer is the most popular sport is a significant indication of the increasing respect the world has for the American game.

An American coaching the national soccer team of the Arab world’s most populous nation (by far) is historic and transcends sport. Yet Bradley’s move to Egypt has been almost entirely ignored by the American media, which is unfortunate considering the symbolism and potential ramifications of the move.

Bradley’s charge: Qualify Egypt for the World Cup for the first time since 1990. If he does, perhaps the appreciation and respect for Bradley finally will match his achievements.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Soccer shorts - Irish Times

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Milijas loses his red-card appeal

WOLVES midfielder Nenad Milijas has lost his appeal against the red card he received during Tuesday’s game at Arsenal and will have to serve a three-game ban with immediate effect.

The Serbia international had been hopeful of overturning the dismissal by referee Stuart Attwell for a challenge on Gunners midfield Mikel Arteta during the second half of the 1-1 draw.

But a Football Association disciplinary committee has dismissed his appeal and his ban will begin with tomorrow’s Premier League bottom-four clash at Bolton Wanderers.

Milijas will also be ruled out for the home league game with Chelsea on January 2nd and the FA Cup third-round tie with Birmingham at St Andrew’s five days later.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was seething immediately after the game at Emirates Stadium.

Helguson extends QPR contract

VETERAN striker Heidar Helguson has penned an extended contract with QPR.

The 34-year-old has been one of the club’s stand-out players since their return to the top flight, netting seven goals in 12 Premier League appearances.

Helguson’s future at the west London club had looked in doubt in the summer, but impressive performances have seen him rewarded with a new deal until 2013.

Swansea set to sign Donnelly

SWANSEA look set to finally complete the signing of Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly after manager Brendan Rodgers revealed the club have agreed a new fee and personal terms for the Northern Ireland Under-21 international.

Swansea had initially appeared to be in pole position to land the 19-year-old after having an offer of around €119,000 accepted, but they were last week told to up that bid following interest from Merseyside giants Everton and Liverpool, and Rodgers had appeared downbeat on his hopes of bringing Donnelly to the Liberty Stadium.

But the south Wales club have had another offer accepted by the Belfast outfit, and Donnelly, who it is understood always favoured a move to Swansea, is set to complete his transfer. Rodgers said: “I think we now have an agreement on both sides in terms of Cliftonville as a club and personal terms with the player, so we hope to complete that fairly soon. He will be over here for the game against Tottenham on Saturday.”

Modric says he's almost certain to stay at Spurs

TOTTENHAM Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric said he was almost 100 per cent sure he would stay at the club until the end of the season amid speculation that he could leave during the January transfer window.

Modric, who nearly joined Chelsea last summer, said he would continue to “play his heart out” for Spurs, who are chasing their first league title since 1961.

He has reportedly also been targeted by Manchester United, whose manager Alex Ferguson is yet to find a long-term replacement for the retired Paul Scholes.

“Given all the circumstances, namely the fact that I don’t want to go through the same ordeal I went through during the summer transfer period, I am almost 100 per cent certain that I will stay at Tottenham until the end of the season,” Modric said in an interview yesterday.

“Of course, my departure always remains a theoretical possibility if the club gets an offer it can’t or wont refuse.” Spurs travel to Swansea City tomorrow.

Calls for fans to support O'Neill

NORTHERN Ireland supporters’ chief Gary McAllister has called for the Green and White Army to throw their support behind new national boss Michael O’Neill.

McAllister, chairman of the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs, wants everybody to get behind the new appointment. “I think the relationship with the manager over the last year was at a very low ebb, but we need to look forward, not keep looking back,” said McAllister. “As fans we’ve not had too much to celebrate in the last year but now is time to look forward. We all need to get behind Michael O’Neill. A new manager can create a new dawn, if you will.

“There’s always a little sparkle and people are hopeful that it can lead to something good or a repeat of past glories.”

Justice done for Sammon

WIGAN boss Roberto Martinez believes justice has been done after the Football Association rescinded the red card shown to Conor Sammon in Monday’s 5-0 defeat against Manchester United.

Wigan were trailing 1-0 at Old Trafford when, in the 39th minute, the former UCD striker caught Michael Carrick in the face with his left hand.

There did not appear to be any real intent and Sammon looked disappointed to be penalised, and that turned to shock when he was shown a straight red by referee Phil Dowd.

Martinez said: “We thank the panel for their decision, which is the correct one. We now need to draw a line under the matter and move on.

“I am delighted to have Conor available for the next three matches. It would have been really unfair for him to share the frustrating feeling that he had on Monday for another three games after doing nothing wrong. “

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

International Soccer Match Tournament Coming to Dallas Cotton Bowl in February ... - Sacramento Bee

The International Soccer Tournament will feature world class football teams from Argentina, Hungary and Mexico to play a championship match at the famed Dallas venue. Event Promoter Pius Oleh, President of AmeriSoccer USA, LLC has been working with the international teams and the Cotton Bowl operators for more than one year to plan this match to bring professional soccer to Dallas. Soccer is fast becoming one of the most popular sports in the United States and is the most widely watched spectator sport in the world.

This International Soccer Tournament will feature four international teams to compete in Dallas. The soccer teams are: River Plate of Argentina; UNAM Pumas of Mexico; Ferencvarosi FC and Vasas FC of Hungary. The teams will fly to Dallas from a similar match competition held in Detroit before returning to their home countries.

"We are very excited to bring world class soccer tournament play to Dallas," said AmeriSoccer President Pius Oleh. "As a passionate fan of this world game of football, I am confident the many amateur soccer fans in Texas will want to see this match in-person and we have already received great interest from many soccer clubs and local schools." Mr. Oleh is a registered FIFA Match Agent, only one of 17 duly registered in the United States.

The tournament schedule begins with the teams arriving on February 7 and playing warm-up and practice games at the Cotton Bowl on February 8. The official game schedule is Thursday, February 9, 2012, Game 1, River Plate FC, Argentina vs. Vasas FC Hungary at 6 p.m. Game 2, UNAM Pumas FC, Mexico vs. Ferencvarosi FC Hungary at 8 p.m. Saturday evening a championship match will follow a consolation match to be held at 6 p.m. with Invitational Tournament Championship game at 8 p.m.

Some 40,000 soccer fans from Metro Dallas and surrounding areas are expected to attend. Tickets for each day of the match are $30 general admission. A two-day ticket is also available for $50. Tickets available online at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets including Fiesta, HEB and select Macy's stores. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Group discounts available on block ticket purchases.

SOURCE AmeriSoccer USA, LLC

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Des Moines Menace will field a Women's League Soccer team in 2012 - DesMoinesRegister.com

How's this for an opening act?

The Des Moines Menace will now open for ... the Des Moines Menace.

The soccer franchise announced Wednesday that it is adding a women?s team for the 2012 season.

"I think it just adds that much value to the Menace soccer experience," said Adam Small, Menace director of operations. "It's exciting."

The new team will become the sixth member of Women's League Soccer, joining the Chicago Breeze, the Cincinnati Lady Saints, FC Indiana, Fort Wayne and the Indiana Invaders.

The men's squad competes in the 64-team United Soccer League's Premier Development League.

Kevin Schalk, who works as the Menace?s youth development director, was tabbed as the women?s coach.

"It's long overdue," Schalk said. "I think we have a great presence of Division I programs in the state. I think it's not only going to benefit the Menace as an organization but really the schools themselves with the best players playing high-caliber soccer for the summer."

The women's team will open for the men?s team for home events at Valley Stadium, giving fans a chance to catch two matches in one night.

"I think that it helps us get the word out," Schalk said.

Schalk said the news of the women?s team has generated interest from possible players from colleges throughout the state over the last few months.

"I'm open to bringing in 25-30 players, and I don't think that should be a problem," Schalk said.

Small said plans haven't been finalized on ticket prices or game times for the doubleheaders. He said fans would be able to purchase one ticket that would admit them to both matches.

Small said fans have been asking for a women?s team in recent years.

"We have great soccer fans who like seeing the game played at a high level here at Iowa," Small said.

Schalk said he has big plans for the new squad.

"As we continue to grow and develop the program, I would hope that we would have a strong enough following to play solo. I do see that down the road."

MHS soccer falls 6-1 to Live Oak - Milpitas Post

The Milpitas High School varsity girls soccer team lost its second game of the season Saturday in a 6-1 loss to Live Oak High School in Gilroy.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said this was Milpitas' first game against a team in the higher De Anza Division this season, and the score was not an indication of the Lady Trojans' potential.

"Live Oak was big and physical which was an intimidation factor for some of our younger players," he said. "We made simple mistakes in front of our goal such as mishandling the ball or bad passes. Live Oak was able to capitalize on those mistakes."

Tomlin added the Trojans were able to do their fair share of attacking but were not persistent enough to finish their scoring opportunities.

The Lady Acorns scored three times in both halves.

Belen Acosta scored Milpitas' lone goal on an assist from Sarina Bolden.

The Trojans won a lopsided match against Overfelt High School 10-0 Dec. 8 at home. Milpitas scored seven times in the first half.

Bolden and Alyssa Escobar both had two goals, while Acosta had one goal and two assists.

Michelle Cordova, Laura Cosgrove, Julie Joseph, Kelsie Aviles and Madeline Gomez all scored as well.

Cosgrove, Joseph, Gomez, Haley Garvey and Natalie Minor all had an assist.

Tomlin said Milpitas had a solid performance and a charged game in San Jose Dec. 6 in a 5-2 victory over Piedmont Hills High School.

"The game had its ebb and flow and both teams made surges, but we were able to keep

pressure on Piedmont throughout most of the match," he said.

Garvey scored in the first half on an assist from Bolden. Garvey assisted Susie Cadorin on her first half goal as well.

The Lady Pirates got on the board in the second half, but Minor scored on another assist from Bolden and Acosta scored on an assist from Cordova.

Piedmont Hills scored again to cut the lead in half at 4-2, but Bolden scored her second goal of the game on an assist from Acosta.

Milpitas is 4-2 on the year. The Trojans were in Fremont Tuesday to take on Irvington High School and hosted Del Mar High School yesterday. Scores were too late to print.

The girls' Alumni Game is tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Milpitas High School, and the Lady Trojans will return to action Jan. 4 when Lynbrook High School comes to town for a 7 p.m. match.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

College Soccer News Honors Four Men's Soccer Players - GoCreighton.com

The honors continue to roll in for the Creighton men's soccer team as seniors Andrew Duran, Ethan Finlay and Brian Holt have all been named first-team All-Americans by College Soccer News and freshman Eric Miller was named third-team All-Freshman by the online organization. The All-America honors for the trio of seniors comes after each was also tabbed an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and the trio of Bluejays equals North Carolina for most players represented on the first team.

Holt set an NCAA record with a 0.206 goals against average this season, posting 17 shutouts, while starting all 19 of Creighton's clean sheets. Creighton's first NSCAA first-team goalkeeper, Holt was named the MVC Goalkeeper of the Year and the MVC Tournament MVP, as he went 21-2-1 with an NCAA-leading 92.3 save percentage and just five goals allowed in 2,180 minutes played. The CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year and the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award winner finishes one of the most decorated seasons in Creighton history, and ends his career with an NCAA record 44 career shutouts and MVC and school records for wins (57) and goals against average (0.62).

Finlay was named one of three finalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy on Friday – college soccer's top individual honor. The two-time MVC Player of the Year, Finlay led the conference in goals (14) and points (34) for the second straight season, while he topped the MVC in game-winning goals for the fourth straight year. One of three players in school history to twice earn All-America honors from the NSCAA, he scored six game-winning goals in 2011 to finish his career with 20 game-winners among his 43 career scores. His 43 goals rank fifth in school history and seventh in league history, while his 103 points are sixth in CU history and 10th in The Valley record books. Both Holt and Finlay each started all 79 matches they played in during their careers.

Duran delivered on his potential with the help of a fully healthy year in 2011. His first four seasons were all shortened by injury, but the left center back started all 24 matches for Creighton's record-setting defense this year. He helped the Bluejays post 19 shutouts, one shy of the NCAA record, while Creighton's defense set an NCAA record with a 0.20 goals against average. Duran was named the MVC Defensive Player of the Year and named second-team NSCAA All-America for his outstanding work on CU's back line.

Miller was the only freshman to start a match for the Bluejays in 2011, as the rookie started 23 of Creighton's 24 matches as its right outside back. The Woodbury, Minn., native graduated high school early last December and started training with the Bluejays in January. That early start helped him finished as the runner-up for MVC Freshman of the Year and contribute to Creighton's record-setting defense.

Creighton, the MVC regular-season and tournament champion, finished its season with a 21-2-1 mark, following a shootout loss to 14th-ranked Charlotte last Friday night in the College Cup Semifinals.

Group exploring Major League Soccer franchise for Elk Grove - Sacramento Bee

Then-Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, left, listens to soccer team Toluca's president Valentin Diez Morodo during a 2005 match in Mexico. A Núñez-led group is now exploring a soccer franchise for Elk Grove.

Major League Soccer in Elk Grove?

Well, why not?

A group led by former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, who sits on the board of soccer's national governing body, is exploring the possibility of landing an MLS franchise for the suburb.

One of Núñez's partners in the project, Sacramento attorney Dick Hyde, said Tuesday the idea is in its early stages.

"I wouldn't characterize it as a long shot, but it's an endeavor that's in its infancy," said Hyde, who was part of a group that tried to bring the MLS to Sacramento a decade ago. "I think Elk Grove is probably a really good spot for soccer."

Elk Grove officials are ready to at least look into the concept. The City Council tonight is expected to approve a negotiating agreement with Núñez's group, Northern California Soccer LLC.

Landing a team wouldn't come cheap. Based on recent history, an MLS stadium can cost upward of $100 million. And team owners would have to pay the MLS a fee of at least $40 million for an expansion team, said league spokesman Dan Courtemanche.

There are plenty of other hurdles. Elk Grove, saddled with foreclosures and an unfinished mega-mall, hasn't been spared the impact of the region's weak economy. Sacramento is struggling to hold onto the NBA's Kings, and it's unclear whether a region with 11.4 percent unemployment would be capable anytime soon of supporting big-time soccer.

For that matter, putting a team in the Sacramento area isn't high on the MLS' list of priorities. The league just added its 19th team, in Montreal, and would like to have a second team in New York. Beyond that, it isn't focused on additional expansion and doesn't have any teams looking to relocate, Courtemanche said.

Still, he wouldn't rule out expansion several years down the road and said soccer has a solid foundation in the Sacramento area.

"Sacramento is certainly a market that has supported the sport," he said.

Núñez and MLS Commissioner Don Garber sit on the board of U.S. Soccer, the sport's national governing federation. Núñez couldn't be reached for comment, and Courtemanche said he doesn't know whether the former Assembly speaker had contacted Garber about a franchise.

The agreement between Núñez's group and Elk Grove wouldn't commit either side to do anything besides talk, look for a stadium site and see if a financial deal can be worked out, said City Manager Laura Gill. Núñez's group wouldn't talk to anyone but Elk Grove for the next five years.

Asked about the likelihood of getting a team, Gill said, "I don't know, to be frank. But we have an entity that has an interest."

The MLS scouted Sacramento in the mid-1990s, when the league was getting off the ground and looking for markets. The city was passed over.

Then, in 1999, a group including Hyde and former Sacramento Kings owner Gregg Lukenbill was given development rights on a 100-acre parcel of city-owned land near what is now called Power Balance Pavilion.

The group looked at building a baseball stadium but also hosted a delegation from the MLS.

"If we designed on paper a city that would be perfect for our league, Sacramento has exactly what we want," league executive John Ertmann said at the time. But the idea went nowhere, and the city cut ties with the development group.

Hyde said he's more optimistic this time, largely because the MLS has become a success.

The league drew an average of 17,872 fans a game this year, slightly more than the NBA and NHL, according to the Sporting News. The most successful team, the Seattle Sounders, drew an average 38,496 fans per game.

"This potentially has some life to it," said Elk Grove City Councilman Gary Davis.

Call The Bee's Dale Kasler, (916) 321-1066. Follow him on Twitter @dakasler.

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