VIDEO - Chicago Fire's Dominic Orduro is Fast, Freaky Fast

What happens when Dominic Oduro puts his salary on the line to prove how fast he is?

Well.... that's a lot to fight for. And you can only imagine how fast one of the fastest players in the league is going to run to protect his earnings.

"@FreakyFast8" on Twitter easily claims his end of the bet, a jelly donut from "Touchline TV" host Brendan Hannan.

Next up? Usain Bolt?


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VIDEO - Becks on BK

"Handsome Man" David Beckham has sold a lot of things in his day on either side of the Atlantic, watches, fancy-pants underwear, fast cars, but these new Burger King smoothies are something we might actually be able to afford.

Given his benching by Bruce Arena this weekend put money on Becks sipping on one of these on the sidelines if he's there again this week.

That's product placement for ya.


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VIDEO - Another Sweet NBC Sports Network MLS Promo

Another promo from NBC Sports Network for their Major League Soccer coverage.

All rise.

Is there anything more to be said?
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VIDEO - RIP Giorgio Chinglia and 50 Goals

Giorgio Chingalia an American soccer legend passed away yesterday at age 65. An instrumental part of American soccer history he tallied 193 goals (and 43 in the playoffs) for the iconic New York Cosmos.

In 1980 he scored 50 (50!) goals for the Cosmos.


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VIDEO - Highlights from MLS "First Kick"

Goooooooaaaaaals! Saaaaaaaaves! Taaaaaaackles! You get the idea. All the cool stuff from week one of Major League Soccer.
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VIDEO - "Vince Lombardi on Clint Dempsey"

Starting your morning with this cool, fan-made video combining the powerful words of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi and the power play of legendary "football" Clint Dempsey.


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VIDEO - USMNT U23s Vs. Mexico "Behind The Scenes"

We posted this not only because it's another "Dos a cero" against Mexico (hey, even at the youth level we'll take it), but for the complete performance that the Baby Nats put in against our CONCACAF rivals.

There's a mentality that is spreading in this U.S. program. Growing that we, too, can play a tactical, dominating, possession-style. Combine that with our inherent emphasis on athleticism and an ingrained "never-say-die" attitude and we've got a National Team, at all levels, to be reckoned with.

Listen to Coach Caleb Porter pre-game talk and try and argue that a change isn't happening:

"Let's go out and play. Let's be confident. We play to win today. We play to win. Alright, let's make them deal with us. We play to our potential they cannot play with us.

That's belief you have to have. That's the confidence you have to play with. We're strong. We're athletic. We play too good of football. We're technical. Alright?

We're going to make it difficult for them on both sides of the ball. We're going to control them game. We're going to defend. Battle! When we have the ball, open up, play, move the ball, be confident.

Everything on the line here."

That's a talk you don't hear everyday from a USMNT coach.

Times. They're a-changin'.


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VIDEO - A Trip Down 2002 Memory Lane

Stumbled across this AMAZING website the other day that archived the entire 2002 FIFA World Cup. Relive the stunning 3-2 win over Portugal, the 1-1 tie versus South Korea, no way to the Poland match, and then watch Mexico crumble to the US in the Round of 16. We're not even going to talk about the quarter-finals...

All of these from glorious ESPN2 narrated by Jack Edwards and Ty Keough.

We re-watched the Portugal match last night and lost our minds when John O'Brien (Oh.... JOB... where have you gone?) smashed the opening goal off the rebound Brian McBride saved header.

The really funny thing is remembering seeing that goal (and the rest of the game's goals) in the basement of a friend's house in high school at 6:30am... freaking out, but not being able to make a sound otherwise we'd wake up his parents. Almost same situation last night only substitute friend's house for FBM HQ and not wanting to wake up Mrs. FBM.

Anyways... here's all the good stuff from the USMNT's 2002 World Cup campaign. There's more WC highlights (including 2010 and the 2011 Women's Final) here (but in Russian).

USA - Portugal:

USA - Korea:

USA - Mexico (Round of 16):


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VIDEO - "Return to MLS Paradise"

Our friend Jay Bell put together this cool video to get you pumped up for MLS "First Kick".

Enjoy!


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VIDEO - NBC Sports MLS Promo "Stand"

Like it? We made it. NBC... call us!

The new NBC Sports Network just keeps cranking out the fantastic Major League Soccer promos for the upcoming 17th season. Whoever is behind them in the NBC marketing department is nailing it.

Each of the ads we've seen now have really touched a chord with us and the greater American soccer community. The dedication in tapping into the core elements of what makes this sport great is on display with each of their spots. And it all started with a tiny, 20 second promo during a National Football League game to really get American soccer fans thinking that maybe, this time, a sports network would be good to us. Because we've been hurt before.

Then came the "warm up" commercial featuring a few of the lesser-known members of the Los Angeles Galaxy (basically anyone not named Donovan, Beckham, or Keane) which touched a hopeful, yet down-to-earth approach. Signalling that NBC was, perhaps, going to spend good time building the narrative of the players of this league (a good thing for newbies to American soccer).

The last ad we saw from NBC Sports was, of course, the "dangling piece of meat" spot focusing on the momentary, yet massive battle for time and space that is a corner kick. A video that appealed both to the veteran fan for its poetic nature of the event and the newbie that could explain how what seems to the untrained-eye as an inconsequential event it actually one of great importance.

By the time their fourth advertisement hit today it was pretty much a given that the camera would be turned from the field to the stands. Much like the corner kick ad, the appeal in NBC's approach is a powerful narrative that can move both novice and passionate supporter at the same time. A tough balance to strike to engage someone who knows less about soccer or American soccer and the died-hard, but the evolution of these ads proves that it can be done.

Check it out (if it doesn't play:... try directly on the MLS website)

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The After Bar - USWNT Highlights and Post-Match Comments

Alex Morgan scored a pair for the U.S. Women's National Team as they overcame a 1-0 deficit to grab the win in stoppage time, 2-1.

Fun fact: The two headers in the 88th and 93rd minute meant that ten of her career 16 goals have come in the 80th minute or later.

An uncharacteristically poor backpass to second half goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart gave New Zealand the lead shortly after halftime (49th minute), but the sometimes sloppy Lady Nats found another victory in the jaws of defeat.

The game was played in near-freezing temperatures at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas in front of a sell out 20,677 fans, the largest home crowd to see a women's soccer game since the 1999 Women's World Cup Final in Los Angeles.

The match was the first since the USWNT qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and their only game on U.S. soil before leaving for Portugal to prepare for the Algarve Cup and, potentially, their ninth title of that tournament, at the end of the month.

Highlights:



Reaction:


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VIDEO - LADUMA Official Trailer

Relive the 2010 World Cup through this amazing documentary by One Goal. Their film project followed the American Outlaws (and other American soccer fans) to South Africa. Their footage shows the amazing passion for soccer in the United States and the future for the sport in this country.

But "LADUMA" is more than just an American soccer film, but a tale of soccer in South Africa as well.

The film is currently being screened in theaters across the country. Get in touch with the awesome guys behind "LADUMA" through email (info@onegoal.com) and Twitter: @OneGoalUSA.

What is "LADUMA"?

"LADUMA" is the story of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, told through the eyes of adventurous American soccer supporters who traveled to South Africa to experience the first ever World Cup on the African continent. It is also about South Africa's long journey from a land suffering through the injustices of apartheid to a richly diverse nations that represents what the sport of soccer - and the world - is all about."


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VIDEO - USMNT Highlights vs. Venezuela (With Post Match Quotes)

Post Match Quotes from USSoccer.com


U.S. Men’s National Team head coach JURGEN KLINSMANN: 
On Jermaine Jones and what went in to decision to make captain: 
“It was certainly a difficult situation for Jermaine with the suspension in Germany. I spoke with his coach and the club and we agreed it was beneficial to all of us to have him come in. He arrived the night of the 14th and the next day he practiced twice. Everyone could see why he was playing with a Champions League team. He elevated the group within one training session with his energy and with his leadership. His vision on the field makes a big difference. These young players are all hungry that want to make the next step that want to know how to get to the next level. Jermaine jumped in and talked with the guys and took care of it, and that’s why it was an easy decision to make him a captain. We also wanted to give him a signal that we want this type of leadership from him.” 

On whether the conditioning work paid off: 
“I think that’s a good question for the players. I think it’s very difficult to bring a group for only two and a half weeks from an off season and get them ready for international competition. That is pretty much impossible. You take it just the way it ends up. You hope they have the legs to carry them. We also stretched it out for the past two and a half weeks. We did an extreme amount of work, and that’s what we told the players before the match: you had a tremendous attitude and effort for two and a half weeks, now go out there and get the reward. I think they experienced it now, where you can push it for two and a half weeks and get a win.” 

On Ricardo Clark: 
“I wanted to bring him into camp and see for myself why he was struggling. He had to get his fitness up to the level of the other players, so every day we pushed it a little more and a little more. I knew that when he’s on the field, he is a very technically gifted player. He can play one touch football. We needed to find a way in the second half to move the ball quicker, to get the ball in the box and be a little more aggressive. He gives us more speed with his distribution and we are very happy it worked out for him this way.” 

On Heath Pearce and A.J. DeLaGarza: 
“You’re curious to see and work with them coming off their seasons with their club. We played intense scrimmages and the way they integrated themselves was wonderful. A.J. is the type of player where he can play right back like he did tonight or in the middle. Heath is the same type of player. They understand their roles, and they both do that very well.” 

On the players who got their first caps tonight: 
“It was very important that they knew they were part of a group. We told them that they had a whole group of players out here to help them. Even if a mistake happens, you shake it off and move on. When you have your first camp, you’re nervous, you’re shaky, but the way the group helped them was really cool to see. It speaks for the group. It speaks for their characters that they help these young players coming in.” 

On the impact that switching to the 4-4-2 formation had on the game: 
“It added more danger in the box. We went with one striker, and when the time was right in the second half we pushed it up with two. We did that in practices and scrimmages. It’s good to see that the players can play one system and switch to another in the middle of a game. If we had Juan available maybe we would have started with the 4-4-2, but we didn’t so we switched to it to push the game and push the ball in the box more. It was just about getting one goal sooner or later. We got it—a bit late, but not too late.” 

U.S. team captain and Budweiser Man of the Match JERMAINE JONES 
On the game: 
“I was feeling good. We had good training sessions this week, and we developed a good relationship. I think the game showed that we all connected together, and I think we showed a good game tonight.” 

On the goal: 
“I think the two corner kicks before were dangerous as well. I had it in my mind that maybe this was my last chance and I needed to hit a good ball. I was happy to see Rico was in the right place and scored the goal.” 

On being named captain tonight: 
”I think what was important to see tonight is that everyone was rooting for other guys. I was happy to be the captain tonight, but the important thing was that we played a good game tonight as a whole 
team.” 

U.S. midfielder RICARDO CLARK 
On playing with Jermaine Jones: 
“I think it’s the first time we’ve been on the field together and with games there is a better understanding of each other, but it is definitely a good start. It felt good to be with the National Team. Germany’s training is pretty rigorous, so it is not too hard to stay fit. I just wanted to provide some energy coming onto the field, and it is an ideal way for me to make an impression. I hope there is more to come for the National Team. Goals help to build confidence.” 

U.S. midfielder BREK SHEA 
On switching from the left side to the right: 
“I’m trying to throw the other team off so they don’t get used to our tendencies. Sometimes we did it on purpose, and other times we did it to help each other out and we just stayed there. I don’t think it was my best tonight, but in the team won so it’s good. I’m fortunate to keep being called in, and hope to get better each game. 

U.S. goalkeeper BILL HAMID: 
On making his debut for the National Team: 
“It’s good to put the uniform on and play for our country. It was a good game, a tough game. We had a good run and continued to create opportunities. Our defense played extremely well and were composed and organized. We played a full 90 minutes, and we were finally rewarded at the end. Hats off to the whole team for the effort.” 

On whether it was easy to settle down in his first game with such good defense in front of him: 
“The first couple minutes of the game the butterflies were flying. Once I realized the guys were doing well and felt comfortable, it gave me a bit of confidence to settle down and do what I needed to do.” 

U.S. midfielder BRAD EVANS 
On making changes in the second half: 
“In the first half we were feeling them out. We came in after halftime and said “Let’s go for it.” When we watched them on film, they really pressured Costa Rica when they played them last time. It made it difficult for Benny to find the ball and the forwards to get a hold of the ball and spread it out wide. Our fitness showed through, and in the second half we got a spark from the guys on the bench and we pulled through.” 

On coming in to hear a big ovation: 
“The crowd was great tonight. I think having 22,000+ fans says something about Arizona soccer, which is big. I didn’t see too many Venezuela fans. It was mostly U.S. fans so it was tremendous.”


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VIDEO - Chicago Fire Announce Quaker Oats as Jersey Sponsor

The new threads. (Home on left, Away on right)

The 2012 Major League Soccer season is right around the corner and clubs are gearing up in all sorts of ways. Not only are they stocking up on young talent through the SuperDraft and wily veterans in the Supplemental Draft, MLS teams are locking down sponsorships and marketing as well.

The Chicago Fire's previous jersey sponsor, Best Buy, didn't renew their agreement for the upcoming season, but the chests of their shirts will not be bare for 2012. The Fire announced today that Chicago-based Quaker Oats will adorn the home and away jerseys.

The Fire even put together this snazzy video to accompany the launch.

You'll have to forgive us, but the Logan Pause in the video looks like the son in "Arrested Development" all grown up.




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VIDEO - USMNT Vs. Baby Nats

Goals, goals, and more goals. Watch the senior USMNT give the Baby Nats some schooling.


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VIDEO - LADUMA Trailer

Feeling a bit misty for South Africa? Maybe hear Landon Donovan's goal call one more time from Ian Darke? "One Goal USA" just released the official trailer for their 2010 World Cup film, "LADUMA".

"Millions of people worldwide watched the 2010 FIFA World Cup on television, as Spain won the first ever soccer World Cup to be played on the African continent. But few have witnessed this untold story of the World Cup EXPERIENCE, shown through the eyes of American soccer supporters partaking in the World's greatest celebration.

This documentary is not about just one person. It's an experiential film about how two countries and two cultures were impacted by the Beautiful Game. This is the story of how soccer united the South African people against Apartheid, and how the sport brought Americans together in the magical summer of 2010."

ABOUT ONE GOAL:

We spread the love of Beautiful Game in the USA by making soccer films, and we're just getting started. HELP US GROW by following us on Twitter and Facebook and sharing this video.

Follow @OneGoalUSA

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VIDEO - Major League Soccer "Super Draft" Hype

 

Great production value. Strong story line. If this doesn't get you pumped about an event you normally might not get pumped about then check your pulse.

But seriously, the SuperDraft, silly name and all, is where dreams start for a lot of players in our domestic league. Each one has the chance to make American soccer even greater.

If you've got some free time Thursday at 11am (CT) tune into ESPN2 or ESPN3.com for live coverage of the whole draft. Need to be more sneaky? Check in at MLSSoccer.com for all the coverage sans video.

All the hoop-la makes us really wish we were in Kansas City for the draft and the NSCAA Convention. And KC BBQ... craving some BBQ.

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VIDEO - New NBC Sports MLS Teaser

Our cool-look logo for NBC Sports.

 Well. That was goosebump-inducing.

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VIDEO - Under Armor: "If Americans Invented Soccer"

Get up. Play on. Under Armour Spec Ad from Jonathan Wright on Vimeo.

So Under Armor wants to get into the soccer apparel business? Here's their first advertising crack from the brand that has made its name in the other football.

The premise is similar to one line from Nike's "Play Like American" ad that declared that we don't dive.

What do you think? Does UA have a shot to fit in your soccer heart and wallet?

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Americans Abroad: Dempsey Becomes American All-Time Leading Scorer in EPL

Photo Credit: AFP

The Deuce was on the loose this afternoon after the Nagadoches (Texas) native bagged a rebound goal to give his Fulham side a 1-0 victory over Liverpool. The goal, Dempsey's 37th in England makes him the all-time leading goal scorer for Yanks in England. Brian McBride, who also played for Fulham (and one of the stadiums bars is named after) now sits in second with 36 goals.

Dempsey was in "I-don't-give-a-shit-mode" all game and nearly had a goal minutes earlier when a nice cut in the box gave him space, but his curling ball struck the crossbar with Liverpool's Pepe Reina was nowhere near being able to stop it.

Video of Clint's goal:

 

  

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