Manchester United 5 – MLS All-Stars 2 : 11 Things We Learned
By: Taylor Rockwell |
10 Comments
1 – Major League Soccer may have improved a great deal, but the first 20 minutes displayed by their All-Star team definitely didn’t demonstrate that fact. However, the All-Stars settled and, despite allowing 5 goals, played well (especially for a team that was hastily thrown together). Both of their goals were well taken and quality, and countless other opportunities went just wide, glanced off the post, or were only barely saved by United defenders. The two styles were evident, as United utilized their skill on the ball and the All-Stars showcased their heart, effort, and comfort in the sweltering Houston heat. In the end, all credit to both sides for a classy, entertaining match; an absolute joy when compared to the Kansas City and Philadelphia games.
2 – Macheda can finish… against the MLS All-Stars. His first goal (which came inside the first minute) was a major gift from the All-Stars’ defense, but it was his speech, touch, and calmness that allowed the Italian to slot home the goal. His second was equally brilliant, as he nodded a corner from Nani into the back corner. Errant marking? Absolutely. But it takes class and ability to score a goal like that, and that’s just what Macheda demonstrated with his second strike. Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester United
MLS All-Stars v Manchester United – Match Preview
By: Taylor Rockwell | 7 Comments
Who: The Best Players Major League Soccer has to offer against the best youngsters that Sir Alex Ferguson could fit into an adult small uniform.
What: The MLS All-Star Game
Where: Houston, Texas, USA or (if you can’t make the game in person) ESPN2/Galavision
When: Wednesday, July 27th – 8:30PM EST
Why: CHICHARITO! CHICHARITO! CHICHARITO! Yeah, I’m on board with this one…
A Brief History of the MLS All-Star Game:
MLS began in 1996, and so too did the All-Star Game. However, it was a long six years before the league instituted the type of event we’ll be seeing Wednesday night. No, for five of it’s first six years, MLS employed an All-Star game similar to those in other major American sports. Thus, it was East v West in a battle of “who could score more goals without even attempting to play defense.” All that changed when, in 2003, the league scheduled a match with Chivas de Guadalajara of the Mexican Premier League. Aside from a minor blip in 2004 when Real Madrid failed to turn up, the league never looked back. Subsequent opponents included Fulham (a 4-1 win for MLS), Chelsea (a 1-0 win for MLS), Celtic (a 2-0 win for MLS), West Ham (a 3-2 win for MLS), and Everton (A 1-1 draw which American Tim Howard one for the Toffees in a penalty shootout). Thus, it’s fairly clear that the MLS All-Stars have a good record against British opposition, something that Head Coach Bruce Arena will be hoping to continue Wednesday. Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester UnitedQuestions For Gemma
By: Taylor Rockwell | 1 Comment
I’m hoping to interview Manchester United’s contributing editor Gemma Thompson sometime later this week. She’s been traveling with the team on their North American tour, and has been regularly updating her blogpage over at the official site. So, that said, any questions in particular you would like me to pass on? I’ve already got “Is Chicharito our savior” and “Am I overhyping Obertan a bit too much” covered… but all suggestions are welcome…
Category: Manchester United12 Thoughts From Manchester United v Philadelphia Union1
By: Taylor Rockwell | 8 Comments
Apologies for the lack of photos or pretty graphics, but the wireless internet in the press box was something out of America Online in 1999 and I didn’t feel like wasting 20 minutes waiting for a screencap of Fergie/Berba/Obertan to upload. So, to make up for it, here the main points I took away from tonight’s clash between the Philadelphia Union and Manchester United.
1 – Approximately 44,200 people turned out for the United-Union match-up, and I’m guessing it was about 70%-30% United supporters (although I did hear loud smatterings of “USA-USA-USA” and “you suck, asshole!”. Not surprisingly, I only noticed about 12 Green & Gold scarves/jerseys. Apparently, an American running Manchester United into the ground may be upsetting for many US-based fans, but not upsetting enough to purchase further merchandise. In all fairness, prior to kickoff, I spoke with a number of supporters who espoused a complete and total hatred of the Glazer Family. Perhaps “Glazer Hate” (rather than English or Mandarin) should be the new universal language? Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester UnitedPhiladelphia Union v Manchester United – Live (with Lineups)
By: Taylor Rockwell | 1 Comment
Okay, so… we’re trying this post for the third time. The wireless signal here at Lincoln Financial Stadium is less than stellar, and I’ve been booted enough times that my desire to type is waning. My desire to write liveblogs remains minimal, so I’m posting this as more of a “rant box” than anything else. United and the Union have yet to take the pitch, so I’m currently set behind a panel of glass watching youngsters kick a ball around. So, until I have anything of worth to report, you’ll have to be content with my abbreviated summary of the day thus far. Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester UnitedManchester United 3 – Celtic 1: Retro LiveBlog
By: Taylor Rockwell | 2 Comments
Having produced, monitored, and contributed to multiple live blogs throughout the World Cup, I must admit I’m a little burnt out on spending more of the game staring at my computer monitor rather my pretty new HD television. So, today I’m stealing a page out of Bill Simmon’s book. Not out of his Red Sox book or his 8000 page anthology of he NBA… no, tonight I’m borrowing his concept of the retro-liveblog. So, that stated, we’re coming to you semi-live from my living room. Thirty minutes to kickoff…
Pre-Kickoff Thoughts:
1 – “Down Periscope” remains an exceedingly rewatchable cable movie. I mean, obviously terrible… but if you’re trying to decide between this particular Kelsey Grammer film and, say, rewatching Sportscenter for the 3rd time, I’ll take “Down Periscope” as my preferred pre-game program. Hell, if United play well, I may have discovered my new pre-game tradition for this season.
2 – Tonight’s starting eleven: Van der Sar; Rafael, Smalling, J.Evans, Fabio; Obertan, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs; Berbatov, Diouf. A backline of Rafael, Smalling, Evans, and Fabio? Say hello to the Red Devil defense of the future. Here’s hoping they can handle the pressure of playing in… uh… Canada. Those Canadians are definitely known for their rabid, hooligan nature… Our youngsters better play well, or they may be only mildly thanked for coming to the country.
3 – Our announcers today would like us to know that “the season starts today.” Looking at the starting lineup and potential substitutions today, I’m guess that United and Sir Alex Ferguson might disagree. Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester UnitedUnited (Officially) Unveil New Kit… Sigh…
By: Taylor Rockwell | 8 Comments
Hey everyone, it’s 1980 again! Everyone be sure to invest in Apple and IBM… and avoid New Coke at all costs… Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester UnitedUnited Announce Squad List for Tour 2010
By: Taylor Rockwell | 2 Comments
What do you get when you combine the World Cup and a lot of random injuries? A less-than-star-studded 22 man roster that could easily feature the above infant as a serviceable player. Only kidding, of course… Earlier this morning, Manchester United released the squad list for their North American Tour, and it’s about what was expected. Here are the names (with some notable exceptions): Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester UnitedA Pre-Season Injury Crisis? Does Such A Thing Exist?
By: Taylor Rockwell | 5 Comments
A few weeks ago, I put up a post detailing some of the more concrete figures regarding Manchester United’s impending pre-season campaign here in North America. Now I’m wondering if there will even be enough players to staff a full squad.
Here’s what we know (or at least, what I think we know): Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester UnitedManchester United 2010-2011 Kit Confirmed?
By: Taylor Rockwell | 13 Comments
If Nike’s UK website is to be believed, then we have the above design to look forward to next season. Read the rest of this entry »
Category: Manchester United
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