Futbol Report

Friends,

The U.S. men's soccer team is working its way through qualifiers in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. They dispatched Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 yesterday thanks to a hat trick by Jozy Altidore. Is a new star being born? Could this 19 year old bring to the table the leadership and presence that the men's team has been lacking to a large degree? I guess time will tell. But, anytime a player gets three goals in one game, it causes us soccer fans to sit up and take notice.

Also, can anyone believe the beat down that Bolivia delivered to the proud Argentinians? 6-1 has to be one the worst, if not the worst defeat they have taken in world competition in a long time, if ever. Unfortunately, the architect of this humbling defeat is none other than Argentinian World Cup superstar, Diego Maradona, who is now the coach of the national team.. Too many more defeats like this and Senor Maradona will be invited to go into early retirement. I have to say, though, it is wonderful to see such a huge underdog pull off such an astounding upset.

Finally, after a 26 year absence, the Seattle Sounders have returned to Major League soccer. They are an expansion team in the MLS for 2009. The Sounders used to be big stuff back in the day, and if their upset of the New York Red Bulls in their first game this season was any indication, perhaps these Sounders will fare well in 2009. Here is hoping that MLS will be able to grow and expand wisely...not making the mistakes of their predecessor, the NASL...so that Seattle, Dallas and other cities will be able to enjoy professional soccer for a long time to come. Blessings,

Don