The 2015 – 2016 Bundesliga season is the first to be comprehensively broadcast in the United States, with all matches airing on either one of the many Fox networks, or, in lieu of television coverage, available through the streaming web service Fox Soccer 2 Go. No longer would fans of the German top flight be… Continue reading 2015 Bundesliga Ratings Show Room for Improvement
Author: Elliott Niblock
The One Who Specializes in Failure: Mourinho Sacked
It’s finally happened. After dismal performances on the pitch, characteristic histrionics in front of the microphone and on the sidelines, and amid flourishing rumors about his being sacked, Jose Mourinho, ‘The Special One,’ has been fired. Chelsea FC’s official statement claims his departure comes by “mutual consent,” and that Mourinho leaves “on good terms” with… Continue reading The One Who Specializes in Failure: Mourinho Sacked
Portland, OR: Soccer City USA, MLS Champions
This week, the Timbers Army was forced to retire a song that has been with them since they joined MLS in 2011, laying to rest a chant that has embodied the fiery optimism supporting Portland’s club since even before they joined the ranks of Major League Soccer five years ago. Sung to the chorus of Camptown… Continue reading Portland, OR: Soccer City USA, MLS Champions
One Cup To Rule Them All: MLS Cup Final
This Sunday, the Portland Timbers will travel to Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew for the right to call themselves Champions. Some—fans of European football, especially—question Major League Soccer’s playoff format, suggesting that, like most leagues around the world, America’s top flight should simply crown its kings based on who has the most points… Continue reading One Cup To Rule Them All: MLS Cup Final
Copa America Centenario: World’s Best Come to US
The Copa America—CONEMBOL’s tournament to crown the Champion of South America, and the world’s longest-running international football competition—will celebrate its 100th year in 2016, pairing with CONCACAF as the United States prepares to host next summer’s special Copa America Centenario. The century mark means that the tournament will be played in back-to-back seasons, as Chile… Continue reading Copa America Centenario: World’s Best Come to US
Football and The Refutation of Terror
Under normal circumstances, a 2-0 victory over reigning World Champions Germany would be a major headline in the French media, a promising plot point in the narrative of France’s progression toward hosting Euro 2016. In the shadow of terror and tragedy, however, the play on the pitch is all but forgotten—Olivier Giroud and Andre-Pierre Gignac’s… Continue reading Football and The Refutation of Terror
USMNT World Cup Qualifying Preview
The United States will take their first step on the road to the next World Cup this Friday, playing host to St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 7 PM Eastern in St. Louis. The USMNT may be heavy favorites, but the Americans come into the match on the back of a dismal three game losing… Continue reading USMNT World Cup Qualifying Preview
FIFA’s Presidential Candidates: The Good, The Bad and The Likely
In the realm of the garish and hyperbolic, nothing compares with the spectacular political theatre that is an American presidential election; yet with FIFA’s current crisis, this election will likely be the closest they’ve ever come. FIFA won’t elect its next president until well into the New Year—on February 26, 2016—but amid the seemingly incessant… Continue reading FIFA’s Presidential Candidates: The Good, The Bad and The Likely
Blatter’s Comments Show Suspended FIFA President Still Far From Reality
He’s done it again. The mouth of suspended FIFA President Sepp Blatter must have a very special sort of gravity—and lots of it—because despite being the subject of worldwide ridicule, an official suspension, and a criminal investigation into his complicity in corruption and bribery, the Swiss septuagenarian simply cannot manage to keep his foot from… Continue reading Blatter’s Comments Show Suspended FIFA President Still Far From Reality
Kevin De Bruyne: City’s Favor, Chelsea’s Folly
To say a new signing is ‘a revelation’ is usually hyperbole. To say that of a player in Manchester City’s already star-studded lineup is perhaps even more rare. But at this point, if Kevin De Bruyne keeps up his scintillating form, he may just be worthy of the title ‘epiphany.’ At minimum, limiting ourselves to… Continue reading Kevin De Bruyne: City’s Favor, Chelsea’s Folly