Who We're Buying a Beer For...

There's no coherent theme to this week's recipients of beer from the FBM. Honestly, we're not sure where you'd get the idea that anything we do here would be considered "coherent".

Anyways, we digress... here's this week's brew-worthy list:

1) Congressional Soccer Caucus

The four co-chairs [Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Mary Bono Mack (R-California), George Miller (D-California), and David Reichert (R-Washington)] of the CSC introducted a resolution in the United States House of Representatives earlier this month congratulating the USMNT for their qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The text reads as follows:

Whereas 2 goals by forward Conor Casey, 1 goal by midfielder Landon Donovan, 3 critical saves by goalkeeper Tim Howard, and an untiring effort by all players led to their ultimate victory; (Introduced in House)

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 8, 2009

Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mrs. BONO MACK, and Mr. REICHERT) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Congratulating the United States Men's National Soccer Team for securing a berth at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Whereas, on October 10, 2009, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the United States Men's Soccer Team achieved an impressive victory over the Honduran Men's National Soccer Team by a score of 3 to 2 in its penultimate qualifying match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup;

Whereas 2 goals by forward Conor Casey, 1 goal by midfielder Landon Donovan, 3 critical saves by goalkeeper Tim Howard, and an untiring effort by all players led to their ultimate victory;

Whereas with its victory over the Honduran Men's National Soccer Team, the United States Men's Soccer Team has joined the national soccer teams from Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, and South Korea as the only teams that will have participated in all 6 FIFA World Cups since 1990, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa;

Whereas with its dramatic and emotional come-from-behind tie against the Costa Rican Men's National Soccer Team by a score of 2 to 2 on October 14, 2009, the United States finished in first place in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings; and

Whereas the entire United States Men's National Soccer Team has demonstrated once again that United States soccer is on par with the level of soccer played in nations that claim it as their national sport: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates the United States Men's National Soccer Team for its achievement in securing a berth at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

If there are any Free Beer Movers in the districts of these four House members could you do us a favor and drop a beer off in their mailbox? Thanks.

2) Jens Lehmann
The former Arsenal and Germany number one has been featured on the FBM site before, but Lehmann's continued exploits in the German Bundesliga has him earning top honors as as a receiver of beer from us. We were going to buy him a beer last week for urinating during a match, but after his scuffle in a league game we think we should double our order.

First off is his ingenuity probably because of a few too many pre-game brewskies):



Second is his stupidity:

VfB Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann injured his knee in the incident that got him sent off in Sunday's Bundesliga match against Mainz, his club said on Monday.

Lehmann was shown the red card three minutes from time with his team leading 1-0, causing a penalty and allowing the hosts to grab a last-gasp equaliser.

Lehmann, 40, pushed striker Aristide Bance for no apparent reason and injured a ligament in the process, medical checks on Monday showed. He then ripped off a Mainz fan's glasses in a minor scuffle after the match.

If there was any footballer that needed the comforts of a nice, cold beer its the beleaguered Lehmann.

3) Everton Football Club and David Moyes

The Liverpool, England-based Everton FC finalized their three month loan deal for Major League Soccer and USMNT star Landon Donovan. The Los Angeles Galaxy player will head across the pond to give his European dream another shot in January.

Obviously, any playing time in one of the world's biggest leagues, the English Premier League is good news for Donovan and the profile of the American game. The experience against some of England's best players and teams will only improve the USMNT's chances against England in their opening game in the 2010 World Cup.

The FBM's only worry is the freshness and health of our Nats' best player. Our belief is that Donovan has the fitness to not allow his English vacation affect his domestic and international form. A fit LD is the key for the Yanks (or Sons of Liberty as we've pushed) to compete effecctivly this coming summer.

The real focus of our praise is on Everton and their manager David Moyes who've given Donovan this golden chances to prove himself in Europe again. Moyes was full of praise for the U.S.'s best player:

"Landon will certainly add pace, he is a good finisher."

Moyes added that Donovan's numerous accolades proves he will be a much needed addition to his side.

He added: "He was voted best player, yet again, in the American league and is captain of the USA national team. I need players who can hit the ground running, who I think can go into the team quite quickly and make an impact.

"With his experience and the goals he has scored, I am hoping he will be able to do that," he said.

Any good news for LD is good news for American soccer. Beers all around for Donovan's first goal in the colors of Everton!

As always we'd love to hear our readers' suggestions of who we should buy a beer for next week. Leave a comment in the comments section or shoot us an e-mail using the "contact" link at the top of the page (or click the link we just left for you!).