and another thing

Does anyone else think the new US soccer jerseys by Nike are styled after the allied shirts from Victory?



Interesting that we wear these to the World Cup in GERMANY! Coincidence…I think not!

I saw that new soccer movie, Goal!, and I think it was actually pretty good. Not a top tier sports drama like Hoosiers, Chariots of Fire, or Miracle (also Friday Night Lights, Seabiscuit, Remember the Titans, Raging Bull). But it does fall in that second level of quality as far as I’m concerned – with Rudy, Breaking Away, Coach Carter, The Rookie, and such. And yes, it’s better than Bend it like Beckham.

Unfortunately they couldn’t bring themselves to completely stay away from a love interest, but at least it was minimal. The soccer action was not bad (best to date), and the use of pro players was well executed. It had some good ‘hooks’ – him being an illegal in the US and not able to go home if he gets cut from the English squad; his struggle with his father; the conflict with other hopeful players, and his effect on the established superstars. They also didn’t force him into the hero role too quickly; he spends a good amount of time adjusting to the pro European game before he gets called up.

By the way, I’m not giving away any spoilers here, don’t worry! I'd say see it in the theatre to support soccer, otherwise wait for video.

The film isn’t intended as such, but it is a subtle commentary on the lack of scouting in this country for our own good. I still believe that it is possible for the next great player in the world to exist here and never get noticed and developed. We rely too heavily on expensive private programs to develop young players, and precious few of those have the resources to scout the kids that are pushed into them by affluent parents. These clubs are also hampered by parental politics – since they pay the club, they feel they control what happens (in Europe the clubs are owned and funded by the major teams and players are developed in the clubs interest).

The volunteer coaches of the free teams are generally not soccer savvy enough to spot the early signs of a high performer…not the way we can in baseball, basketball, and football. It’s also true that many of the players who grow up around the sport are still poor immigrants who can’t afford to play and don’t see soccer as an option the way basketball is. I couldn’t help but watch the film and think it should be the true story of Alvaro Zuniga…the best high school player I’ve ever seen!

Coming Soon: My World Cup picks!