Sounders Fans

The attendance and the passion of the supporters in the MLS has gone up considerably in the last few seasons. DC United have always had great fans and LA has gotten pretty good attendance since the inception. However, the recent expansion teams have added a lot to the MLS. Toronto fans pack into BMO Field every weekend and create a great atmosphere. The addition of Chivas gave the MLS its first true derby match. There is one set of supporters though, that blow them all away. They belong to the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders fans are by far the best in the MLS and create a European type atmosphere. The Sounders play there home games at Quest Field, where they get about 30,000 each game. That is by far the best in the MLS. The Seattle fans don't just fill up the stadium, though. Most of their supporters stand and sing the entire game. They wave flags and hold up signs. What is really striking though, is the noise! It is loud, I mean really loud! The crowd is absolutely defining! The support of the Sounders has really taken the MLS to the next level. In 2011, when Vancouver and Portland get there teams, it will be the reformation of three great rivalries that date back to the NASL days. The rivalries between these three teams are going to be unbelievably intense, without any doubt. The northwest is going to be the best area for soccer in the country. Also, it won't be long before the rivalries between these three teams will be mentioned as some of the best in the world.

South Africa Takes Down New Zealand

The Springboks started off their Tri Nations Campaign in perfect style, as the defeated the All Blacks 28-19. It was a deserved victory for the men in green. The first half was completely controlled by the Springboks. They should have lead by more as some poor kicking prevented them from being up by a larger margin and they had to settle for a 14-3 halftime lead. They extended their lead early in the second half to 17-3, after a converted penalty. The All Blacks got back into the match at around the 50th minute mark. Conrad Smith scored a spectacular individual try to make it 17-10. Soon after Donald converted a penalty to make it a 4 point game. The teams would then trade penalties after 63 minutes to make it 20-16. As New Zealand looked for a try to take the lead the Boks got a crucial interception. The ball was kicked deep into New Zealand territory. They got another turnover and had lots of support once they got possession. The ball found Jaque Fourie, who sprinted for the try. The conversion was missed, so the score was 25-16. The All Blacks quickly got a penalty to keep them in the match. However, South Africa won the ball back and forced a penalty. With 77 minutes on the clock, Steyn took advantage of an ill advised penalty from New Zealand. His kick from the halfway line was fantastic, and it made it 28-19. That is how it would finish and the Springboks joined New Zealand as the co-leaders atop the standings. 

Semifinal Review

What an incredible night in the Gold Cup yesterday! The two favorites USA and Mexico prevailed in to enthralling contests. The chances came fast and furious in the first game. However, the first goal would not come until 45 minutes when Goodson broke the deadlock from a cornerkick. The second half was virtually all the US. Good goal keeping from the Honduran keeper prevented the score from changing. However, in the 90th minute the US would get a second to seal the game. It was a beautiful goal, as Holden found a wide open Kenny Cooper to tap in for the second and send the US to the final.

The second game was absolute magnificent. The matchup was Costa Rica against Mexico and it was played in front of a vibrant atmosphere. However, some fans went out of line a couple times, by throwing a cascade of beverages at the Costa Rican players as they were taking corners. Mexico were able to get through a stubborn defense on a couple of occasions in the first half. Dos Santos had a great chance right before halftime, but missed wide. Early in the second half, Mexico won a penalty, but the goalie made a brilliant save to deny them. Mexico would have a number of near misses. Finally, in the 88th minute the breakthrough came. After a freekick was cleared away the ball was sent back into the box. It found a wide open Franco whose shot was blocked but got through. The goalie and a Costa Rican defender scrambled to clear it out, but it had already crossed the line. The ball was knocked back in by Mexico just to make sure. It looked like that was it. However, with 15 seconds left in stoppage time. Ledezma cleverly took a long ball around the Mexican defense and got a 1 on 1 chance with the goalie. He made a magnificent finish to tie it at 1 and send it to extra time. In extra time Mexico upped their game. They had several close encounters, but could not find the net. So, the game went to penalties. Each team converted their first two. Then, Torrado converted Mexico's third. Ledezma stepped up for the Ticos. He was earlier the hero for them, but he became the goat as his shot was saved by the goalie Ochoa. The remaining kicks were all made and as a result Mexico won 5-3 on penalties. The final that the experts expected will take place, but only just. Should be a cracker on Sunday. 

Buehrle is Perfect

Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game in the White Sox 5-0 win over the Rays today. Buehrle was amazing as he stifled the Rays all day. Buehrle though, will most likely be taking DeWayne Wise out to dinner tonight as it was his miracle catch in the 9th that saved the perfect game. Wise robbed Gabe Kapler of a homerun, as he made a sensational catch. On the way down, he almost lost the ball but was able to hold on. The perfect game is the 17th in the history of the game.

Gold Cup Semifinals

Tonight are the Gold Cup Semifinals, and they are two outstanding matchups. The first game is a rematch of an earlier game in the tournament, which is USA against Honduras. The US won that match 2-0, but it took them over 70 minutes to find the breakthrough. I expect another tight match in this one. Honduras are definitely capable of beating anyone in CONCACAF. However, I still think the US is just a little bit too strong for them. I think the USA will take this one 2-1.

The other match should be even better as Costa Rica play Mexico. Both teams are regulars in the World Cup and are coming of blowout victories. Costa Rica are currently in first in CONCACAF qualifying and want to show that they are the best in CONCACAF. A win over Mexico would go along way towards proving that. Mexico, are trying to prove that they are not on a lowpoint. They have improved quite a bit during the tournament. This one should be incredibly tight and entertaining. In the end, I expect Mexico to pull it out 3-2 in extra time. I think it should be the game of the tournament. 

Instant Replay

I have never understood why instant replay is not used in all sports. And in some cases it should be used more than is currently permitted. Yesterday, The Twins lost a wild game to the A's 14-13. However, the final out was recorded when Michael Cudyer tried to score from 2nd on a wild pitch. He was safe by a mile, but was called out. Cudyer foot had slid literally across the entire plate before he was tagged. If instant replay was permitted for base running plays the call would have been overturned and the game would continue. But, since there is no replay the game ended on a horrible call. Its always been amusing that people say human error is part of the game. In what other situation is that an acceptable excuse. If I failed a test and my mom asked me why I failed and I said because of, "human error," I don't think that would be an acceptable excuse. Or trying using, "human error," as a reason you messed up on a business project and see how your boss responds. Soccer is another sport that needs to adopt instant replay. A terrible call has already decided one world cup final, and it could have been prevented with instant replay.

Pedro Returns to Phillies

The future Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez is set to make his return to the MLB, with the defending champion Phillies. I really question the logic of this move. Pedro has been out of the league this entire season. He has had several injury plagued and ineffective seasons in his last couple years. Many teams are attracted to bringing in the old wise veteran. There is no question that Pedro is very knowledgeable about the game, however his skills are all but gone. A couple of teams in the pennant race have brought in veterans with similar attributes to Pedro. For example, the White Sox brought in Griffey and the Red Sox signed Smoltz. Both failed miserably. The Phillies are also not a team that needs to learn how to win. Remember, the are the defending World Champions. Pedro Martinez is a big name, but he will not be successful with the Phils. That is a guarantee. Luckily for the Phils, they are rolling and even though Pedro will struggle, it won't slow them down very much.

Blowouts at the Gold Gup

Costa Rica and Mexico rolled over their Caribbean opponents in the Gold Cup today. Costa Rica hammered Guadeloupe 5-1 and Mexico defeated Haiti 4-0. Guadeloupe started the tournament in impressive fashion, but could not duplicate their 2007 achievement of making the semifinals. Haiti, who overachieved to get to this point, were badly outmatched against Mexico. The semifinals are now set, with Honduras taking on the USA, and Costa Rica playing Mexico. Both matches should be outstanding, especially the second one. Costa Rica are determined to show that they are an elite team in CONCACAF, and have a great chance to show it on Thursday night. Mexico have improved as the tournament went on and hit their stride against Haiti. However, they will be put the test against the Ticos.