USA Soccer beats Spain??

Yeah, I was just as shocked as everyone else. I turned on the TV and saw the 1-0 score in the 50th minute and couldn't believe it. Then Clint Dempsey made it 2-0 and I was beside myself - was this really the U.S. national team handling the mighty Spaniards?

Next up for the Americans is powerhouse Brazil in the final of the Confederations Cup. To be honest, I don't care so much about that game at this point. The Americans showed the other day that they can contend in next summers' World Cup. They proved that they can hang with the big boys on any given day. So if they lose to Brazil, I don't think my opinion of U.S. soccer will diminish that much. That being said, if they can somehow defeat the Brazilians, I will be that much more energized about the United States' chances at the World Cup.

I gotta mention the U.S. Open because I haven't posted since then, but I was saddened to see Phil Mickelson come up short (again). Here's the biggest reason why:

At just about every hole, Phil waves to the crowd. He gives a thumbs up or slaps hands with spectators, showing his true appreciation for their support. Tiger Woods? I haven't ever seen him do that. Sure, maybe on the rare occasion he has waved to the crowd or done something of that nature. I'm not saying Tiger is a bad guy. I'm just saying that because of Phil's obvious appreciation it is much easier to root for him than it is Tiger or anyone else who refuses to acknowledge the fans.

I'm sick and tired of hearing about Manny Ramirez and all of his crap, so I'm not gonna mention anything about him playing four innings for the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque Isotopes yesterday in preparation for his July 3rd return. However, I will mention that the Albuquerque Isotopes have the greatest name in all of minor league baseball. What the hell is an Isotope anyway? Honestly I don't really care, I just think it sounds cool.

I leave you all with this clip of T.O. getting chewed out by some bimbo supermodel. Sure, it was probably all staged, but I still enjoyed it.

Keepin up to date

Quick update today - not alot has been going on, so I've been left to twiddle my thumbs and wait for somethin big to post about. Here's what's on tap for the next couple of days:

- My U.S. Open reactions/opinions/coverage

- Some thoughts on the U.S. national soccer team

- My thoughts on the Sammy Sosa allegations

In the mean time, here's something from video-blogger/insane lacrosse talent Brett Queener that you will find entertaining.

Sid the Man, Cristiano the Rich

Before I dive into my euphoria over the Penguins Stanley Cup title, let me first address the second HUGE deal pulled off by Real Madrid. Sure, they now have Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best soccer player in the world. Everyone by now knows that he was transferred for a record $131.6 million. But when I think of this transfer, one saying comes to mind - "don't hate the player, hate the game."

At first, I was mad at Ronaldo. I couldn't believe anyone could be worth that much money (I still can't). But now, after digesting this deal for a few days, I realize it is not his fault at all. Heck, he's not gonna see any of the $131.6 million (all of that is going to Manchester United). So where must I direct my angst and blame for a deal of this proportion?

Real Madrid. That's where. If they have this much money, shouldn't they be using it for something better than signing one single player? Shouldn't they do something to help the economy, or maybe develop their youth program, or possibly sign a couple defenders? (ESPN's Tommy Smyth informs me that their defense is quite porous). 

Ultimately, I'm upset with the spending by Real Madrid. It makes me angry that so many people and companies are struggling right now, and here's a soccer club shoveling out tons of money for one person. Some will say that this deal is just an indicator of how healthy the soccer world is financially, and I suppose that is true. But it still rubs me the wrong way. 

In other news, how 'bout those Penguins? I will sadly admit that I didn't sit on my couch at home and stare at the TV for the duration of Game 7, although I did manage to catch a good

 majority of it at two of my favorite bars in Rochester (Nathaniels and J.D. Oxfords - I highly recommend both).

Here was my scenario during the final five minutes of the game: 

-I'm sitting at Nathaniels. 

-I'm talking to a couple friends whom I haven't seen in quite some time. 

-I'm keeping one eye on the giant TV in back of the bar, which is showing the game.

-I have no idea what the conversation with my friends is about.

-I apologize for being anti-social, "I just really wanna see what's gonna happen in this game" I say.

-I can't help but wonder what happened to Sid in the second period - how severe is the injury?

-Detroit hits the post. I almost barf all over. 

-"JUST CLEAR THE PUCK" I think to myself as Detroit goes on an all out offensive onslaught during the final 3 minutes.

-Marc-Andre makes the save on Lindstrom. The clock strikes zero. I can exhale, and get back to conversing with friends instead of sitting on the edge of my seat about to puke. 

What was so indicative of the series was the reaction of the Penguins players when the clock hit all zeros. It almost seemed as if everyone took a split second to look at the clock, and didn't believe that time had really run out. They couldn't believe that they had completed the journey - that they beat the mighty Red Wings in Detroit, and actually won the Stanley Cup.

What a great series. What an evenly matched series. I'm gonna miss hockey over the next 4 months.