A penalty breaks the scoring drought

So I ended my scoring drout 2 weeks ago. I put away a penatly on the 2nd chance. I've had some good games but I'm not scoring on the fast breaks. I've easily missed 10 chances this season. I have been playing really well at Saturday Morning pickup. Some of it seems to translate over to games but it's been a disapointing season.

Racer X have been really bad and I think we're all excited to go to division 2 for winter. We have our last game tonight and I need another Hat Trick to make this season even worth remembering. I think I have one goal which SUCKS. I've hist the post a few times and have had to play mid a little more. The Defenses we've been playing are better and have been shutting us down well.

Coopers FC was a lot of fun and I'm excited to play Spring with them. I feel like I play better when I'm playing at a higher level. A little more change of direction and speed and I should continue to progress.

Too many games, Not Enough Goals

I've played 3 games since my last post....

Racer X - 1 Strikers - 4

Strikers aren't going to be as good this season. They had some weak spots but still controlled the game. I had a few chances that I didn't put away.

Coopers FC 2 - Interface 2

This Coopers team is starting to come together and has some great players. I got to play with Craig Tomlinson of the Seattle Sounders. He's the guy that ran me down 2 years ago. I had an assist to Sherrif off a short corner. He made a sweet diving header. I did miss a cross that skipped by me right in front of the goal.

Racer X 4 - Proalliance Surgons 3

Did get the game winner here off a cross from Zac. It's good to get a win finally. Some guy tried to tackle me at the end of the game which was awesome.

New Team, FC Coopers

So a guy I met at pick up asked me to come play GSSL over 30 on Mondays which I did. I scored 2 goals, one from the spot after I was tripped in the box. The other a dink over the keeper off the fast break. I also got blindsided by the right fullback which left me with a bruised hip. I will most likely play with this team starting in Spring.

Fall Recap

We've lost and tied a game this season but we've played a lot better. The first game of the season was at Nathan Hale high schoool which has the best turf ever VS LP. The ball was dying just like on grass. I had a fast break that I lost the ball on which hasn't happened in a while. Our 2nd game was against Jesus and Pals, a 0-0 draw. I had a free kick that dipped over the wall perfectly but went right to the keeper. I had a few other chances but just couldn't put any away. This was the team that had the big french dude who missed from 3 yards out, putting it over the bar.

End of Summer Recap

The last 2 games of summer were pretty bad getting shelled in both to the same team. I only had one goal, a pretty sweet drive from the 18 off a pass from Dave. It was a pretty good summer session even though we didn't win a lot of games.

USA Woman Steal Gold from Brazil

The USA women held off Marta and a dangerous Brazil team, winning 1-0 with a goal in 1st half overtime by Carli Lloyd. (Those are her Mercurial Vapor IV's in Red White and Blue) We really don't look very good without Wambach up top controling and holding the ball up. I also like to match speed with speed so I thought not putting Tasha Kai in sooner or starting was a mistake but it all worked out this time. Look for Brazil to overtake the US in the next few years as they develope the intangibles. Hope Solo played great for the US showing everyone that she's the best female keeper by far.

I really don't like too many women sports but if Marta comes to play in the WMLS I will watch.

EPL Season has started

The English Premier League has started which means I'll be watching a lot more soccer than I should. It was an exciting first week and now with World Cup Qualifying starting for the US and the MLS season nearing playoffs it's a great time to be a soccer fan.

Also the Seattle Sounders FC have named Kasey Keller the new keeper for the team. He'll be a great anchor in the back and should get a lot of work unless they decide to build from the back like San Jose.

Raxer X 6 - Team of Youth and the Ref 0

I can't really claim my 3 goals as a true hat trick due to the fact that the other team was made up of 14 year olds but it was still 11 v 11. Deportiva Tinga has been kicked out of the league which means we might get a shot at the finals. Zac had 2 goals and Dave added another. Chase and Romeo came to play as well.

Palyoff Game 1: Zillow Edge 1 - Racer X 3

It's great when you can play a team 2 weeks in a row and win the 2nd game. We looked a lot better this week with some good one touch passing and many more scoring opportunities. Not having Ryan playing defense for their team made a big difference. I had 1 goal in the first half off a missplayed ball by their defender. I did take a free kick that I put on frame but not outside enough. It did bend really well around the wall. I got a 2nd goal with time running out to put the game away. I made a deep run from midfield and Zac put a ball right down the middle.

8-5-08 Zillow Edge 2 - Racer X 1

We were pretty much dominated this game. Our goal came off my pass to Richard on the fast break. We did have some chances in the first half but the heat got to us in the 2nd.

4 - 4 tie

Best comeback we've ever had being Down 3 - 0 in the first 25 minutes. I got a header off a wonder strike free kick that just spun inside the post. Then Dave got one from the 18 dribbling to his right. Then I put one upper 90 from about 21 (best goal of my life). Then Dave got us the tie with a minute left.

4-3 win over Los Latinos

Probably our best game of the year offensively and some of the best goal Mark has ever done.

Another Loss 2-1

A last minute big bounce left us with our 4th loss of season. I should have put the game away with my 5 fast break chances, none of which went in. not to mention 2 or 3 shots from the top of the box. I did get one goal, a little chip over the keeper's head but I blame myself for the loss.

6-1 loss

We got smoked pretty good without Greg and Carlos. There were 2 really good goals, one by the other team where the guy vollied the ball 2x's and put in in the upper 90 and one by some indian guy that subbed for us.

Sumer Game 2

We Lost last night to cambo united 5 to 3 but it was one of my best games ever. I scored 2 goals, one off a lob from Randy right down the middle which I side netted and a volley off of a throw in from about 20 yards. I also pulled of a couple new moves: the chop behind and some reverse turns. David also had a sweet goal from about 25 yards that he put over the keepers head.

Ram Big Horn 4 - Racer X 5

The first payoff game finds us again on turf at Genesse Upper. It's a perfect night for a kick around against our old foes Ram Big Horn.

Racer X takes the lead early on a poor back pass by a Ram defender. With a burst of speed Mark is able to get onto the end of the misplaced ball putting it past the keeper. The Big Hornys tie it up minutes later when Ref decides not to whistle offsides against 3 players. The fast break goal makes it one - one.

Tico gives us the lead again on a pass/shot from Chris but the joy of the lead is short lived as the Ram Striker blasts a powerful arcing shot into the far net. The 1/2 ends 2-2.

The 2nd half sees Ram Big Horn take the lead on what could be considered the header of the year. A corner ball is swung in near post which the Big Horn Striker meets near post and directs perfectly into the corner.

Randy is able to pull us even off a perfect pass from Mark. The shot hits the keeper hands but finds it's way to the back of the net. Racer X then takes the lead off a throw in the is headed from Randy to Chris to Marks feet and into the back of the net. With 10 minutes left it looks like Racer X's game to lose.

With 2 minutes left Racer X gets caught with not enough guys back and the game is now even again. But as time expires Racer X makes one more push. Lances works the ball from the left side of the field to the right where he finds Chris wide open. He takes 2 touches and strikes....Game over.

Racer X is now in position to win the League Title.

Imperial Prints 4 - Racer X 3

Our only game on sand also turned out to be the worst officiated game of the season. I'm the first guy to say that being a Ref isn't easy and we should cut them a break but this dude was way too wistle happy.

It was a back and forth game that saw both teams take the lead. Carlos got 2 goals and David added another in the loosing effort. The difference in the game came on a late corner that bouced off Greg's Jimmy Hat and into the goal. Not the best end to the regular season but that's the way the balls bounce sometimes.

Game 2 make-up Racer X - 3 Ram Big Horn 0

The first really rainy game of the season finds the Racer X team at one of my favorite fields, Bobby Morris. Right from the start Racer X finds them selves in control of the game but they aren't able to open up their account until minute 35. A pass from Zack finds Chris in the box. He's able to control and side-net a left footer. The Rams answer back with a fast break that just sneaks under Mark. Adam almost saves it but 5th gear just doesn't kick in. The half ends 1-1.

Racer X takes the lead for good on a pass from Zack that Chris bangs in off the defenders foot. The looping shot sails over the keeper and into the corner. Racer x is able to put one more goal away but I can't remember who scored it.

Men of the match go to Randy and Lance for outstanding midfield play and controlling the game. Great job guys!!

Game 5 Racer X 3 FC Globo 3

First let's start off with an R.I.P. for Steve Peck who as officially retired from Racer X. You were a great defender for the Racer X team when you weren't getting yellow carded or throwing balls at people's heads.

As for the game, it was another cold one for the Racer X crew. Globo gets a fast break that's stopped by Steve but earns him a yellow card. After some confusion, Racer X ends up a man down and Globo exploits the advantage with a few passes an puts away an early goal. At this point a Racer X player is shown a second yellow and game is almost called due to lack of sportsmanship but with all the confusion surrounding the departure of said player no one notices that Racer X still has 11 players on the field. Racer x has a few chances, one off the post but the half ends 1-0 Globo.

Racer X pull even early in the 2nd half on a pass from Carlos to Chris at the edge of the box. The left footed shot is hit low and hard past an out of position keeper. Racer then takes the lead. After David's shot is parried away by the keeper Tico is there for the follow chipping it over a diving keeper. Globo counters with 2 more goals to regain the lead but with a final surge Randy is able to knock in a far post cross off his twig and berries.

Man of the Match honors goes to Tico for his Key goal.

Racer X - 0 Bloodhounds 0

With a chill and a light sprinkle in the air it's game time again and it's verse a familiar foe, The Bloodhounds. They are one of the elite teams in the league, anchored by a solid defense, a quick off sides trap and a solid mid field. Their only weakness is lack of speed in their attacking front.

Racer X is short 2 of it's best offensive players, Zach and Carlos, so it'll be a hard game to win. The game starts off with no real possession for either squad. A chance falls for Racer X as the Bloodhounds play a sloppy ball towards their own goal, releasing Chris on the fast break. He gets the shot off but the ball is parried over by the keeper. The rest of the half sees the ball on much Racer X's side of the pitch, but solid defense, great goal keeping and poor shooting keep the game 0-0 at half.

Undeterred, Racer X starts the 2nd half with more passion and conviction. Although they are not winning the ball in the air, they are marking better and even putting together some passes from the back. One such possession finds Tico with the ball at the 18 but he decides to do the Fat Joe lean back and puts the ball over the cross bar.

The Bloodhounds get a few more chances, the best of which is a shot from the left side by their talented midfielder, but the shot is fisted away by Mark. The Game ends 0-0 with both teams in good spirits over a hard fought match.

Men of the Match are both Marks for outstanding play in Mid Field and Keep.

Wonder Kid

This kid could play on our team.

Game 3 - Entellium Ants FC vs. Racer X

It's a cold night as Racer X takes the field at Sea Tac #1. Entellium Ants FC is new to Div 2 and they are looking sharp sporting their new green unies.

The game starts off with Racer X grabbing control of possession. The ball is in the Ants end of pitch for the first 15 minutes but the Racers can't capitalize on any of there chances. The Ants on the other hand find the net on there first set piece, a corner kick taken by their vertically challenged mid fielder. The kick arc's perfectly over the near post defender and into the net.

Racer X is not discouraged until 5 minutes later when the Ant's striker who looks like a full back is released up the middle on a fast break. He shrugs off the Racer X defender and puts in the goal. It's looking like the season will not start off with 2 wins. But then with 30 minutes in Racer X get a break off some sloppy defending. If they had read the scouting reports they would have know not to give up any free kicks in the 22 yard range. Carlos sends his trade mark bender into the top left corner, well outside the reach of the 6ft4 abercrombie keeper.

Momentum is back with the Racers. Zach wins a penalty for the team when he gets tripped in the box. Carlos steps up and hits a low roller that beats an unmoving keeper on the right. With 5 minutes left Randy finds the ball at the 18 and takes the shot which is blocked by a diving defender who seems to think he's working in the secret service. Shouts for hand ball go unheard. But amazingly the same defender tries it again just a minute later and this time the ref awards the penalty. Carlos finishes off the hat trick with a left corner strike.

The 2nd half is completely dominated by Racer X. Goal 4 was scored by Zach off a set piece. Greg played a long ball over the top that Zach was able to volley in. Goal 5 was also set up by Greg, a header he put on target which the keeper spilled. Team Captain Adam top shelved the rebound. Goal 6 was scored by Chris on a fast break.

All in All it was a solid game by Racer X. Men of the Match honors goes to Carlos and Greg.

Brazil's Next Star: Alexandre Pato

Alexandre Pato is the new rising star for Brazil. (like they need any more) He just recently made his first team debu for AC Milan, scoring a goal and looking right at home with fellow brazilians Ronaldo and Kaka. He's only 18 but he will be the next great Brazilian Goal Scorer.

Major League Soccer: Seattle's New Name? Emerald City Greens

This is the name floating around for the new MLS team that's coming to Seattle in 2009. I would have to say that this is about a 3 on a scale of one to ten. Part of my job in creating new skin care lines is coming up with new names and this one is not good. Most people will not know where the team is located. For a sport already in obscurity, a more obscure name is not going to help. And what is a green? Vegitables? Maybe it's not too late to give our feedback....

Ruiz to Galaxy

Over the past 2 or 3 years my appreciation for the MLS has grown. I still feel that the league will not grow without the help of the media but that's for another post. This is a great move on the part of the Galaxy if you're a fan of scoring but everyone knows that what the Galaxy needs is DEFENSE. I heard a stat the other day that said that Beckham alone will account for 9 scoring chances in a game so to have a real finisher in Ruiz is excellent but there is nothing more discouraging in soccer than not being able to hold a lead or playing from behind. The Galaxy are officially the Tottenham of the MLS.

FROM the Galaxy Website....
CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy have acquired forward Carlos Ruiz from FC Dallas in exchange for allocation money and a second round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Ruiz, who began his MLS career with the Galaxy, helped lead the club to their first-ever MLS Cup title in 2002. He is the eighth leading scorer in MLS history with 81 career goals in 140 regular season games and has scored more than 100 goals in all competitions since arriving in MLS in February 2002.
"We are very pleased to be bringing a proven goal scorer and veteran leader in Carlos Ruiz back to Los Angeles," said LA Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo. "Carlos is an experienced forward who has averaged better than a goal every two games during his MLS career and we believe that he will be a tremendous asset to our attack."

Ronaldo Gets Hat Trick.

Ronaldo scored 3 goals, all in the 2nd half, leading Man U to a 6-0 vicotry over Newcastle. Looks like the new vapors are going to work for him. The score could have been 10-0 if not for the outstanding play of keeper Shae Given. The goal of the match has to go to Rio Ferdinand who scored a far post volley from a set piece beating the keeper near post. Not bad for a defender.

Christiano Ronaldo VS. Bugatti Veyron in his Mercurial Vapor IV's

So my favorite player of all time is Christiano Ronaldo. Here he is in his new Mercurial Vapor IV's racing a Bugatti.

Player Profile: Dimitar Berbatov

Berbatov is my one of my favorite new players to watch in the Premier League. He's Silky smooth with the ball. He has the rare ability to always be in control. Rumors have him trying to force a move to United or Chelsea but I don't see it happening. The only way it makes sense for Tottenham is if they use the money to sign 2 or 3 quality defenders and I mean QUALITY. I think Defoe and Keane can net enough goals to keep spurs moving up the table if they get some defense. Chimbonda is a better winger than Defender and Malbronk, AKA the dective from the Pink Panther has really underpreformed since his move from Fullam. Anyway, Berbatov will get 20+ goals this season and cement himself as one of the premier strikers in Europe.

Bavarian Bandits 1 vs. Racer X 6

The first game of the season turned out to be a romp as Racer X took on new comers Bavarian Bandits. The game starts off with Racer X into a stiff breeze but the rain has cleared making conditions tollerable. 10 minutes in Bavarians, against the run of play, sneak in a goal as a slow rolling back pass finds an unmarked Bavarian striker. It's looking like the same ol' Racer X but 5 minuets later Zack recieves a perfect ball from David, the man of the match, which he tucks neatly into the right corner. Zack nearly scores again just minuests later but a great diving save by the keeper keeps the score 1 - 1 into at half.
Wind conditions get stronger at the beginning of the 2nd half allowing Racer X to really push forward and keep the presure on. Carlos makes the game 2 - 1 with a sweet right foot shot through a crowd of defenders. David also adds to the scoring with 2 near post goals from the left side. He also gets credit for the own goal. Joe added a solid low ball that found the net. Other notes from the game: New commer Casey showed a mid fielder how they play soccer in Canada by putting him on his but and Chris hit the cross bar 2x's and the post on a fast break.

This kid is SIC....SIC....SIC

This kid can do it all. I wish they had some clips of him playing....

Mercurial Vapor Carbon Fiber Boot

This is a look at the Mercurial Vapor Carbon Fiber Boot that's coming out soon. I hear it's going to be priced at around $500 US and they are doing a limited run. There's no way I'm getting these but I'd love to hear from someone who is.

Jermaine Vanenburg

Ok, this guy is sick. I've been watching a lot of Euro street soccer on youtube lately and this guy is a legand and I'm not talking the Tom Curise kind. I wish we had some type of street league in Seattle...3v3 w/ goalies.


Nike is currently doing a five v five turney in the UK. It's got some sweet stuff on the site. www.nikefive.co.uk

Mercurial Vapor III's

So I picked up the new Mercurail Vapor III's from Ebay. I have the II's and they've been great. I've been surprised at how well they've held up for as light as they are. But it was time for a new pair which I found on ebay for $82 including shipping. I'm not too excited about the color but the yellows are no where to be found and the Cactus are still full price. I'm sure I'll be able to pull some C. Ronaldo moves now.

Hot Kicks

The new predators are out from adidas and in my opinion they're the best looking yet. I had a pair of Predator Absolions that ripped but were really nice. I may give these a whirl if I don't like the new Mercurial Vapors.

'07 Recap

'07 was a pretty good year for me and goal scoring. I started off the year playing indoor at the Starfire Complex in Tukwila. It's an excellent facility with ties to Manchester United. I played for Flash Pack, a team which has been disbanded due to too much yelling and fighting. We did win the league 2 or 3 times in a row.

Spring and Summer found me Subbing for Racer X in the 1st division of Co-Rec. I became a full fledged member for the fall season where we finished at the bottom of Division II. I'm pretty sure I 7 goals in 9 games and as a team we preformed great offensively. Defense was where we lost games but we're looking to turn that around tonight as Winter Season starts.

Seattle Soccer Spot

This is a compilation of all things soccer. Well, not all things, just the cool stuff: Footware, Kits, Nike, Adidas, Moves, Games and Teams.