A Free Beer Movement Must Read: What "The Shin Guardian" is Thankful For

Long time followers of this site knows that we have a very strong relationship with the brotherly writing duo of Mark and Matthew over at "The Shin Guardian". While the blog is young, their ascent to the top in the soccer blogging has been quick. In my humble opinion the news, views, insight, and, most importantly, the community that has developed over there has been an incredible addition to my soccer Internet world.

This precipitous rise for TSG has not gone unnoticed by the larger soccer blogging world as they were recently nominated in one of USSoccer.com's "best of..." awards (Full Disclosure: I voted for TSG in the "Best Soccer Blog" category and you should too!). Having been a reader, commenter, and fan of TSG from the earliest days of their site, this is something I take great pride in.

Along with another site, TSG is my first stop before and after any USMNT game. Their embrace and support of the Free Beer Movement has been uncompromising (in fact, they were the first to suggest Frankie Hejduk as our spokesperson). Their willingness to try and get into Major League Soccer and the quick growth I've already seen in their appreciation of our fledgling domestic game (and how it connected to the larger National Team equation) is encouraging.

Lest this turn too much into a "love" piece about TSG (something I'm totally fine with) I wanted to highlight their latest column that dropped right before this Thanksgiving holiday. It is titled "What I'm Thankful For" and it is a great piece that spells out coherently (even if the author doesn't think so!) what it means to be a American soccer fan (both in the USMNT sense and beyond) and what is fundamentally right about being one.

Go and read it now; it might be the best post I've read all year (except ours here, of course!). Enjoy it, embrace it, and add your two sense and become a part of their unbelievable community.

Link: The Shin Guardian's "What I'm Thankful For"

- Dan

Photo Essay: The Making of Aztex Amber Ale

Ever since the FBM decided to flee the country of Honduras because of their political problems and move to Austin, Texas we'd meticulously researched the local soccer scene.

We knew that where ever we moved when we returned to the US we were going to fully invest myself in the soccer opportunities that were available to us. Both Major League Soccer franchises, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo were both about three hours away so it fell to the United Soccer League One's Austin Aztex.

This past season was their first in USL-1 and despite the on-going political and logistical difficulties the league and its rivals are facing, the club is looking forward to a positive 2010 season.

The FBM immediately hooked up with the local supporter's group for the Aztex, Chantico's Army and dove head first into recruit friends as fans of American and Austin soccer. Long-time followers of the site know that we've hosted several "Free Beer Match Days" for Aztex games and continue to look for more chances to work with the local soccer scene.

This weekend provided the perfect opening to combine the two loves of the FBM: beer and soccer. Chantico's Army is looking to expand its influence in the city of Austin and decided that brewing a team-centric beer might crack the divide between us as soccer fans and the larger Austin social scene.

Thus the idea of Aztex Amber Ale was conceived (our name suggestion by-the-way). That idea was put into motion this weekend when one of the members of Chantico's Army, Ed, who also happens to be great homebrewer made a preliminary batch of the "Triple A," as its called.

This batch is supposed to be ready about mid-December just in time for some holiday cheer in the void that is non-American soccer winter. We'll have a full run down on its (fingers-crossed) deliciousness).

So, um, I Hear There's a Soccer Match on Tonight?

Yeah there is. Maybe you've heard of:





National TV and PRIMETIME - ESPN and ESPN360 7:30pm (central).

Who We're Buying a Beer For...

An abbreviated list this week to get it out for Friday:

1. Argentinian President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner

The South American nation's government forked over $155 million to purchase the rights to all of their national team's game an televise them for free. (Link: National Public Radio)

President Fernández de Kirchner (MILF?) announced this summer that Argentines would no longer be subject to pay-per-view matches or congregating at bars in order to catch Los Albicelestes.

Given the fiasco with the Honduran TV rights last month US President Barack Obama might want to take a page out of her political playbook. Think health care will lock in votes for Democrats? Just wait until he gets the soccer fan vote!

2. The Irish

The Guinness and Irish whiskey factories are going to have to kick it into overdrive after their national soccer team was gut-punched by France and striker Thierry Henry's extra-time handball.

There's nothing like not qualifying for the World Cup, then there's missing qualification by such a blatant touch on the ball as Henry's. This will probably go down as one of the most notorious no-call touches in the history of the game (alongside Maradona's "Hand of God" in 1986).

To add insult to injury at least Maradona was more coy in admitting his offense where as Henry comes off a bit less-than-impressive ("I will be honest, it was a handball. But I'm not the ref.")

3. Frankie Hejduk

Was given the arm band in the 71st minute of the international friendly against Denmark earlier this week.

While his defensive performance (Soccer By Ives said "Frankie Hejduk is still in the match. Is this one of these matches where you give a veteran the full 90 and then after the match you tell them 'See, you don't have it anymore'?") left a lot to be desired we'll definitely give him a round of applause for captaining the USMNT (his 1st time we believe).

That's always a special moment, no matter the circumstances.

Oh, and there was Jessica Alba, but we'll get to her next week. I know... it kills you that I didn't post a picture of her... too bad!

Do it. Do it.

America, Fuck Yeah: International Friendly Edition

Our boys in the red, white, and blue take to the pitch again today; this time from Aarhus, Denmark. And while we'd love to publish our game-day feature "Today's the Day", it seems a bit "over-the-top" for a test match at the end of 2009.

Television Note: Coverage begins at 2:25 EST / 11:25 PST on ESPNClassic. Upon the conclusion of the 2nd leg of the Ukraine / Greece WCQ which is being shown on ESPN2, the USMNT match will be simulcast on both ESPNClassic and ESPN2.

What we do hope for is a solid game against another World Cup-bound opponent, Denmark. Several of the USMNT regulars are away for Bob Bradley will tinker with the line-up to give a few other options the run out. And maybe FRANKIE HEJDUK!??!!?!

Before we get to into it, we have to remind you that we're not an analysis site (we're a American soccer loving and beer drinking site) and so we'll direct you to some people who actually know what they're talking about from a nuts-and-bolts perspective of this afternoon's match.

- The Shin Guardian, as always, has their Orange Wedges pre-game set up.

- The American Outlaws and their scouting report.

- ESPN Soccernet with their whatever. I mean the top story on the sidebar is that Robin van Persie is undergoing "placenta treatment". I think that speaks for itself.

Enjoy, we'll be catching all the action on tape delay this evening.

Frankie Hejduk is the Third Best Player on the US Men's National Team

So says this video:



Listen to that crowd when Frankie scores the first time.

So why not celebrate Frankie's third place finish by signing our "Frankie Hejduk for FBM Spokesperson" petition.

Who We're Buying a Beer For...

This segement of "Who We're Buying a Beer For..." is slightly on the sympathetic side. We're handing out free beers to those who need it the most right now.

Starting with:

1. Section 8 (Chicago Fire supporter's group) chairman Ben Burton

Last night's loss to Real Salt Lake was a heartbreaker to Fire fans, but take solace in the fact that your supporter group's chairperson is awesome! Seriously, though... over the two home games that the Fire have put on during the 2009 MLS playoffs their fans have proven to be some of the best in the league. Two SOLD OUT matches, banners, flares, the whole nine yards... this franchise is putting on the best face for the American league.

Watching last night's game with a few soccer newbies, they were stunned at the atmosphere that Chicago hosted. They were stunned at a packed American soccer stadium and were blown away when the flares went off during the second half.

Even though it looks like Mr. Burton has a beer right now (ha!), we'd love to buy the next one for him. Section 8 and the Chicago Fire fandom is in good hands.

2. Winning Ugly Radio Host Scott Bornstein

After appearing on Episode 51 of Winning Ugly Radio I think we owe Scott a nice cold one. The host was great as FBM Prez Dan got to share the stage with Sandra Franz and Ginge (of the soccer blog, Ginge Talks the Footy)

Bornstein put up with Dan's antics for quite a bit including a crashing Internet, bad microphone, and offensive lines (which didn't make it on the show... thank goodness!).

We'll either buy him a pint of his favorite beer or maybe a "Coking, Choaking Argentini".

3. New Mexico Women's defender Elizabeth Lambert

By now the soccer world and beyond has heard for Ms. Lambert's outrageous "defending" during a college soccer match against BYU. I mean, even my uncle sent me this clip and he thinks soccer is a lefty, socialist attempt to destroy America.

And while the world lashes out at Lambert we're not going to condone her actions, but certainly try to get her past them. I think a nice cold one will bring everyone's frustration-level down quite a bit.

Lambert is suffering a lot right now, but beyond her actions the fact that this was allowed to go on for so long is a poor reflection of not just her, but her coaches who clearly knew this was how she was playing. This time she just got caught which I'm sure the coaching staff wasn't betting that their little approval of her actions would be broadcast on ESPN.

In the end, its the coaches who deserve the brunt of our criticism and Lambert a beer to settle what I'm sure has not been an easy end to her collegiate career.

4. MidnightRevs

This one is not sympathetic, but celebratory.

Our guest-hosted "Free Beer Match Day" was held by New England Revolution blogger MidnightRevs who cracked open a case of post-Halloween night beers for the Major League Soccer playoff match against the Chicago Fire at Gilette Stadium in Boston, Mass.

MidnightRevs was kind enough to share his story on the blog and was handsomely rewarded for his efforts. And you can be too!

News Watch: US National Team Names Roster for Slovakia Friendly and FRANKIE is On Board!!!

USMNT Coach Bob Bradley announced his squad for Saturday's upcoming international friendly against World Cup qualifiers, Slovakia. The game is at 9am CT on Fox Soccer Channel.

Major League Soccer is represented well, although missing heavy hitters Landon Donovan, Stu Holden, and Brian Ching because their clubs are still competing for the MLS Cup in the playoffs. More important that all of that COMBINED is the inclusion of one very special man:

Mr. Frankie Hejduk!!!!!!!

Look at that intensity, that focus, that hair!

Frankie, despite some up and down play in the MLS playoffs is going to get another solid look from Bradley heading into the crucial run up to the 2010 World Cup. The FBM is keeping their collective fingers crossed that coach sees the value in keeping veteran leadership around in the squad for South Africa.

We had hoped that Mr. Hejduk would give us a call immediately after the Columbus Crew's tough loss to Real Salt Lake in the playoffs, but we understand that the healing process is a long one. Now with his Eurotrip book it looks like our "Recruit Frankie" drive has a little more time to collect signatures. Your's could be next!!!

We'll announce our own details for where the FBM is going to be on game day later this week.

Free Beer Stories: MLS Playoffs in New England

From Midnight Revs:

Sunday, Nov 1st, All Saints Day... also known as Post Halloween Sugar Crash Day.

I was packing up the car to go to Foxboro to watch the New England Revolution take on the Chicago Fire in the first leg of the MLS Playoffs, and realized that my cooler was still full of beer from the night before. Halloween is always a big party in my neighborhood, and so I was well stocked to provide refreshment to those adults accompanying their kids out trick or treating. And it occurred to me - I should use my beer to aid the Free Beer Movement. So I sent out a post on Twitter, and headed down route 1 to Foxboro.

midnightrevs
12:01pm, Nov 01 from Echofon

Heading to gillette for #revs. Will be there by 1:00.#freebeermovement will be in effect.@FreeBeerMovemnt

Now the tailgate party at Gillette Stadium is usually pretty well stocked with beer, even at Revolution games. And it was a pretty nice November day by New England Standards - Warm (meaning above 50 degrees) Sunny (i.e. NOT raining) and just a slight hint of Autumn (leaves stuck on your windshield wipers). I was hoping for a big crowd - but it never showed up. Maybe it was the fact that it was Sunday, and usually the Patriots are playing, or maybe there was a youth hockey tournament, or maybe everybody was just suffering from post Halloween meltdown disorder... but the crowd was minimal. The Midnight Riders of course showed up, and they were getting their rowdy faces on. Other small tailgating groups were already in full grill out mode - I broke out the cooler, made a quick sign, and let 'er rip.

Thanks to Midnight Revs for sharing his "Free Beer Match Day"! We'll be sending a Free Beer Movement bumper sticker his way for his efforts.

And you can get one too! Just send us your stories, pictures, and/or video showing how your free beer efforts are bringing people closer to American soccer. Next time you're off to a match grab a few friends, a case of beer, and good times will follow for sure. When the hangover is done, send us your tales!