<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453</id><updated>2011-11-27T18:49:10.569-05:00</updated><category term='Reaction'/><category term='Schedule'/><category term='Emigrated'/><category term='NYC'/><category term='Embedded Content'/><category term='FCB'/><category term='SA 2010'/><category term='Squad Picks'/><category term='Soccer'/><category term='Juve'/><category term='USMNT'/><category term='Transfers'/><category term='EPL'/><category term='Gold Cup'/><category term='Randoms'/><category term='I Fischi'/><category term='WCQ'/><category term='Highlights'/><category term='&apos;Pool'/><category term='Americans'/><category term='Marcus Tracy'/><category term='Preview'/><category term='Video'/><category term='Europe'/><category term='Ballon d&apos;Or'/><category term='WC Prep'/><category term='Confederations Cup'/><title type='text'>I Fischi</title><subtitle type='html'>&lt;a href="http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/05/first.html"&gt;CLICK FOR AN EXPLANATION OF MY VENTURE INTO THE SELF SERVING WORLD OF BLOGGING&lt;/a&gt;</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>43</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-6741410872412303649</id><published>2009-12-02T17:39:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2009-12-02T17:42:02.666-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Blog Migration!</title><summary type='text'>With all apologies to Blogger, I find the interface too difficult to manipulate.  I am especially frustrated with the narrow postings and therefore have moved the blog to IFischi.Wordpress.com.This whole post is a link to the new blog so just click and come on over.  All new and old posts will be there...</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/6741410872412303649/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/12/blog-migration.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6741410872412303649'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6741410872412303649'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/12/blog-migration.html' title='Blog Migration!'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-5096956927989568259</id><published>2009-11-30T20:17:00.007-05:00</published><updated>2009-12-01T15:53:27.787-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Ballon d&apos;Or'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>Messi wins 2009 Ballon d'Or</title><summary type='text'>In a break with the regular theme of this blog, here is some breaking news...Lionel Messi has won the 2009 Ballon d'Or award.  The most prestigious award in all of football and soocer...combined!!!  He garnered an unprecedented 473 of 480 total points from the 96 jurors (a collection of worldwide soccer journalists, 52 European based/44 based elsewhere).  In second was deservedly Cristiano </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/5096956927989568259/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/messi-wins-2009-ballon-dor.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5096956927989568259'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5096956927989568259'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/messi-wins-2009-ballon-dor.html' title='Messi wins 2009 Ballon d&apos;Or'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-8329512228999092339</id><published>2009-11-30T08:55:00.013-05:00</published><updated>2009-11-30T11:32:07.788-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WC Prep'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Randoms'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>Randoms: Classico/GolTV/Q &amp; A/US Bits</title><summary type='text'>Barcelona!Some unforeseen circumstances prevented me from watching El Classico live on Sunday afternoon but I was able to spend an unusually lovely early Monday morning catching up.Definitely a big win for Barca to move them back to the top of La Liga, but playing at home this is a game they must take all 3 points from.Barcelona didn't look as sharp as their midweek encounter against Inter but I </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/8329512228999092339/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/randoms-classicogoltvq-aus-bits.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8329512228999092339'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8329512228999092339'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/randoms-classicogoltvq-aus-bits.html' title='Randoms: Classico/GolTV/Q &amp; A/US Bits'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-1339335967769715741</id><published>2009-11-18T18:10:00.006-05:00</published><updated>2009-11-21T10:08:10.483-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='&apos;Pool'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='EPL'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='SA 2010'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WC Prep'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Randoms'/><title type='text'>Reaction: US v Denmark 11/18/09 + Randoms</title><summary type='text'>Wednesday's friendly between the US and Denmark so far down the list of important soccer happenings from this last week that I feel a little stupid even mentioning it.  However, we love the USMNT here so I will provide a few notes.Besides the goal which was gifted to Jeff Cunningham, there were almost 0 positives to take from this.  The goal was nicely finished and while Cunningham did seem to be</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/1339335967769715741/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/reaction-us-v-denmark-111809-randoms.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1339335967769715741'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1339335967769715741'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/reaction-us-v-denmark-111809-randoms.html' title='Reaction: US v Denmark 11/18/09 + Randoms'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-6532818323927773556</id><published>2009-11-16T18:03:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2009-11-16T18:31:01.248-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WC Prep'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Reaction (Brief): US v Slovakia 11/14/09</title><summary type='text'>It was a rather timid affair that saw the USMNT fall to Slovakia 1-0 on Saturday AM.  The only real surprise was Jonathan Spector getting the central defensive start alongside Carlos Bocanegra.  He never looked overmatched and did a much better job of feeding the ball into the midfield than Onyewu usually does.  He is not the physical presence that the AC Milan center back is but he seems to be </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/6532818323927773556/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/reaction-brief-us-v-slovakia-111409.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6532818323927773556'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6532818323927773556'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/reaction-brief-us-v-slovakia-111409.html' title='Reaction (Brief): US v Slovakia 11/14/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-1462448213386605246</id><published>2009-11-13T15:05:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T18:02:17.115-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WC Prep'/><title type='text'>WTWF: US v Slovakia 11/14/09</title><summary type='text'>The USMNT opens up a 2 game European swing tomorrow Morning in Bratislava, Slovakia at 10AM on Fox Soccer Channel.A few things to watch along with your breakfast tomorrow AM...Brad Guzan should get the start in net with Tim Howard choosing to remain in the UK.  The 25 year old has impressed in limited club duty at Aston Villa and is seemingly the net minder of the future for the states.  Would </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/1462448213386605246/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/wtwf-us-v-slovakia-111409.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1462448213386605246'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1462448213386605246'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/wtwf-us-v-slovakia-111409.html' title='WTWF: US v Slovakia 11/14/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-7697677415747440420</id><published>2009-11-09T11:32:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2009-11-11T11:09:07.560-05:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><title type='text'>Game week</title><summary type='text'>With the USMNT back in action this weekend @ Slovakia in their first warm-up match since qualifying last month, I thought it would be a good time to get writing again.  First and foremost...the game is this Saturday, 11/14 @ 10 AM EST on Fox Soccer Channel.Bob Bradley called up his 22.It would be a surprise to see this team come out with a win for a few reasons.  Slovakia was the automatic </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/7697677415747440420/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/game-week.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7697677415747440420'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7697677415747440420'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/11/game-week.html' title='Game week'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-8412170622244880309</id><published>2009-10-15T13:02:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2009-10-16T18:10:12.056-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><title type='text'>Reactions: US v Costa Rica 10/14/09 &amp; WCQ</title><summary type='text'>It's been almost 48 hours since the US's improbable tie against Costa Rica and in a concerted effort to let it stew for a while before providing some reflection, here it is.  (Ha, really just being lazy)In the realm of qualifying for South Africa, the only real implication it had was this....Awesome video and a great moment for Honduras; congrats on your first visit to the dance since 1982, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/8412170622244880309/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/reactions-us-v-costa-rica-101409-wcq.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8412170622244880309'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8412170622244880309'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/reactions-us-v-costa-rica-101409-wcq.html' title='Reactions: US v Costa Rica 10/14/09 &amp; WCQ'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-8636071864407950550</id><published>2009-10-13T19:01:00.005-04:00</published><updated>2009-10-13T20:10:58.037-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><title type='text'>WTWF: USA v Costa Rica - 10/13/09</title><summary type='text'>UPDATE: This blog is providing excellent status updates.It is with a suddenly emotional match tomorrow night in Washington DC that the US finishes their qualifying campaign for the 2010 WC.Taking into account the fact that they have secured qualification and today's frightening development, let's keep tomorrow's game in perspective.  While finishing the CONCACAF qualifying hexagon in first would </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/8636071864407950550/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/wtwf-usa-v-costa-rica-101309.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8636071864407950550'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8636071864407950550'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/wtwf-usa-v-costa-rica-101309.html' title='WTWF: USA v Costa Rica - 10/13/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-4558675866633992063</id><published>2009-10-11T14:32:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-10-11T15:25:45.817-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Highlights'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Lock it in: South Africa, June 2010</title><summary type='text'>It's a good thing I didn't write that final preview for the US v Honduras game as it definitely would not have come close to foreshadowing that type of result.  Overall it seemed more like Honduras were intimidated at home and the US was able to capitalize when opportunities presented themselves.I though the inclusion of Stuart Holden worked out pretty well, as he showed flashes down the right </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/4558675866633992063/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/lock-it-in-south-africa-june-2010.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4558675866633992063'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4558675866633992063'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/lock-it-in-south-africa-june-2010.html' title='Lock it in: South Africa, June 2010'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-276831533889902153</id><published>2009-10-06T17:56:00.002-04:00</published><updated>2009-10-06T18:11:22.661-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>US @ Honduras Midweek Update</title><summary type='text'>Yo man, I think BB reads my fcking blog!!!!  Yea right, lets not get out of hand here...but in a twist of events, Clint Dempsey has been ruled out with a Shoulder and taking his spot is USMNT classic/I Fischi favorite, Mr. Frankie Hejduk.  Personally, in Honduras, I think Hejduk should get the starting nod at RB.  How can age trump experience, fitness, and the leadership he brings?  Spector may </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/276831533889902153/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/us-honduras-midweek-update.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/276831533889902153'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/276831533889902153'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/us-honduras-midweek-update.html' title='US @ Honduras Midweek Update'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-1365418112238334591</id><published>2009-10-02T17:12:00.006-04:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T19:37:10.987-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='&apos;Pool'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>Coming Back -&gt; etc</title><summary type='text'>After a prolonged absence from posting, here is an attempt at a return post.  If you weren't able to tell, September of the year before a World Cup is a crazy time in the world of soccer.  From all the continental leagues starting, to World Cup qualifying breaks, to CL Group stages kicking off, to the U20 World Cup beginning; it's a monster month for the sport and impossible to keep up with </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/1365418112238334591/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/coming-back-wtwf-us-v-honduras-101009.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1365418112238334591'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1365418112238334591'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/10/coming-back-wtwf-us-v-honduras-101009.html' title='Coming Back -&gt; etc'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-5488934995210326277</id><published>2009-09-02T21:34:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-09-05T10:13:31.657-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><title type='text'>WTWF: US v El Salvador (9/5/09)</title><summary type='text'>The USMNT resumes their qualifying bid Saturday (read: tonight) at 8PM on ESPN Classic vs El Salvador.  The men find themselves tied for 3rd place with Honduras on 10 pts with 4 games left to play.  Not a terrible situation but they lead Mexico by only 1 spot.  Being that the top 3 qualify automatically, while the 4th has to play a home and home playoff against the number 5 team from South </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/5488934995210326277/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/09/wtwf-us-v-el-salvador-9509.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5488934995210326277'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5488934995210326277'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/09/wtwf-us-v-el-salvador-9509.html' title='WTWF: US v El Salvador (9/5/09)'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-7876228215127010201</id><published>2009-08-30T16:46:00.017-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T11:52:50.159-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='EPL'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Juve'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Randoms'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>FC Barcelona on ESPN + Weekend of Randoms</title><summary type='text'>This weekend set up very well for me to watch a lot of excellent soccer and in an attempt to make up for my lack of recent blogging, I figured I would share some thoughts.BARCAMost importantly; Tomorrow aka Monday 8/31 at 2:55 EST on ESPN here in the States, FC Barcelona begins their La Liga title defense against the Asturian side Sporting Gijon.Gijon, whose narrow escape of relegation was </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/7876228215127010201/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/weekend-of-randoms-fc-barcelona-on-espn.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7876228215127010201'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7876228215127010201'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/weekend-of-randoms-fc-barcelona-on-espn.html' title='FC Barcelona on ESPN + Weekend of Randoms'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-5258278148378841962</id><published>2009-08-24T10:07:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-24T11:07:02.949-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='&apos;Pool'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='EPL'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Randoms'/><title type='text'>Randoms: 8/24/09</title><summary type='text'>For the few of you out there who read this on any sort of a regular basis...I apologize but the kind of work they pay me for has been taking priority.  A few noteworthy soccer events involving American's happened this weekend and I had to share.First and foremost...congrats to Jozy Altidore on making his EPL debut for Hull City and, impressively, contributing directly to the winner.  Here's the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/5258278148378841962/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/randoms-82409.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5258278148378841962'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5258278148378841962'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/randoms-82409.html' title='Randoms: 8/24/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-4000480413592669739</id><published>2009-08-13T00:21:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-14T10:47:57.509-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Reaction: US v Mexico 8/12/09</title><summary type='text'>Not going to spend too much time discussing what happened earlier today but just a few quick thoughts for now.Overall, I think the US looked ok, they came out playing well and took the game right too Mexico.   They kept the midfield battle pretty even and looked up to the task for the first 10'.  Davies' goal was very well taken off a very nice move in the midfield from Donovan; great touch and a</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/4000480413592669739/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/reaction-us-v-mexico-81209.html#comment-form' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4000480413592669739'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4000480413592669739'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/reaction-us-v-mexico-81209.html' title='Reaction: US v Mexico 8/12/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-1768396065988587366</id><published>2009-08-07T17:37:00.017-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-12T14:27:04.914-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><title type='text'>WTWF: US v Mexico 8/12/09</title><summary type='text'>Overall it's important to remember that this isn't the most important match of the year for the US National team.  They are in excellent shape in the final stage of qualifying, needing only 2 wins from the final 5 games.  Mexico on the other hand, is holding onto the only playoff spot by a single point over El Salvador; a W here is integral to solidifying their spot.That being said, it will </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/1768396065988587366/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/wtwf-us-v-mexico-81209.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1768396065988587366'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1768396065988587366'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/wtwf-us-v-mexico-81209.html' title='WTWF: US v Mexico 8/12/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-5038304726378255262</id><published>2009-08-07T17:06:00.008-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-07T17:47:21.157-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Squad Picks'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><title type='text'>Squad Picks: US v Mexico 8/12 - OFFICIAL</title><summary type='text'>BB and co. have announced their squad for a short training camp before travelling to Mexico on Tuesday.  In all its glorious nature....GKs: Tim Howard, Brad GuzanDefenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Chad Marshall, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan SpectorMidfielders: Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden, Jose Francisco </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/5038304726378255262/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/squad-picks-us-v-mexico-812-official.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5038304726378255262'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5038304726378255262'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/squad-picks-us-v-mexico-812-official.html' title='Squad Picks: US v Mexico 8/12 - OFFICIAL'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-793592375010650755</id><published>2009-08-07T10:53:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-07T17:06:04.330-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>Randoms: 8/7/09</title><summary type='text'>A few random soccer related internets finds...DempseyPretty cool to see Mr Dempsey get some FIFA recognition and the beginning of the video contains some sweet video of historic USMNT moments.  He has received his fair share of criticism on this blog but only b/c I have come to expect a lot of him. He has good field vision and a creative style that is not very American, along with a knack for </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/793592375010650755/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/randoms-8709.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/793592375010650755'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/793592375010650755'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/randoms-8709.html' title='Randoms: 8/7/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-8788266460890917806</id><published>2009-08-05T13:06:00.006-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-07T21:42:24.839-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Transfers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><title type='text'>American on the move....Jozy Altidore</title><summary type='text'>As the transfer period enters its final month with a flurry of movement, albeit not of the galacticos variety, there are a few Americans still looking for the right team.Jozy Altidore seems to have settled his.Via his Twitter feed and the standard soccer press, it seems as if Premier League side, Hull City, will sign Altidore on a 1 year loan from Villareal.Some reaction from Jozy himself....The </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/8788266460890917806/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/american-on-movejozy-altidore.html#comment-form' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8788266460890917806'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8788266460890917806'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/08/american-on-movejozy-altidore.html' title='American on the move....Jozy Altidore'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-7657918949391280045</id><published>2009-07-28T09:39:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-28T10:04:45.111-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Transfers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>OFFICIAL: Eto'o for Ibrahimovic</title><summary type='text'>So the actual deal that went through was....Barca gets:Zlatan IbrahimovicInter gets:Samuel Eto'oA one year loan of Aliaksandr Hleb €43.25 millionFor an attitude like this Samuel Eto'o will be missed“I don’t feel at all inferior to Ibrahimovic. I am Samuel Eto’o and can’t be compared to anyone,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. A good article here which kind of explains Barcelona's financial logic...</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/7657918949391280045/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/official-etoo-for-ibrahimovic.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7657918949391280045'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7657918949391280045'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/official-etoo-for-ibrahimovic.html' title='OFFICIAL: Eto&apos;o for Ibrahimovic'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-656187789286055441</id><published>2009-07-24T10:48:00.011-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-28T09:39:32.805-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>Swap Meet (Multi Million Dollar Soccer Player Version)</title><summary type='text'>You know those swap meet things?  You bring stuff to sell or trade...sometimes you make out with a sweet wooden tennis racket or old bowling shoes.  I don't know if they happen much anymore but I have memories of going to them when I was young and being real excited until I realized everything there was shit.Anywho, the soccer version of this is always rumored in Europe but rarely actually </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/656187789286055441/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/swap-meet-multi-million-dollar-soccer.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/656187789286055441'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/656187789286055441'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/swap-meet-multi-million-dollar-soccer.html' title='Swap Meet (Multi Million Dollar Soccer Player Version)'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-4323302664321823255</id><published>2009-07-23T11:30:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-07T11:38:23.109-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Randoms'/><title type='text'>Randoms: 7/23/09</title><summary type='text'>A few random points/finds from around the soccer universe...Summer of Soccer???This "World Football Challenge" that has been providing a great array of soccer on ESPN/ESPN2 over the past few weeks has provided more soccer in a summer that has been full of it.  It also provides excellent variety to a sports landscape that is really limited to baseball and the terrible nature of the Mets.  From a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/4323302664321823255/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/randoms.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4323302664321823255'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4323302664321823255'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/randoms.html' title='Randoms: 7/23/09'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-5119113788179293872</id><published>2009-07-19T12:27:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-19T12:28:36.959-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Gold Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Quick Thoughts: US v Panama</title><summary type='text'>Despite being stretched for the full 120 minutes, the US was able to qualify for a semi final date with Honduras thanks to an extra time penalty from Kenny Cooper. A few quick thoughts from the game and on the Thursday night semi-final against Honduras in Chicago...Stuart Holden has continued to establish himself as the integral offensive cog for this iteration of the national team. Feeding Kenny</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/5119113788179293872/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/quick-thoughts-us-v-panama.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5119113788179293872'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5119113788179293872'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/quick-thoughts-us-v-panama.html' title='Quick Thoughts: US v Panama'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-177235622276015751</id><published>2009-07-17T11:20:00.002-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-17T18:01:31.604-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Gold Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>The Gold Cup now matters....kind of....</title><summary type='text'>The US is through to the elimination round, expectedly. Feilhaber, Davies, Adu, Cherundolo, and Parkhurst are back in Europe as the shortest offseason imaginable comes to a conclusion.Jozy Altidore seems to be in Florida with his family while his club future is being determined.So let's take a look at where the US goes from here (hopefully) and how...Panama has had a pretty good showing in Gold </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/177235622276015751/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/gold-cup-now-matterskind-of.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/177235622276015751'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/177235622276015751'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/gold-cup-now-matterskind-of.html' title='The Gold Cup now matters....kind of....'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-4491085180105002991</id><published>2009-07-10T11:08:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-10T12:32:26.931-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>WCQ Update - US v Mexico 8/12 @ 4PM EST???</title><summary type='text'>Apparently the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) decided to schedule the August 12th World Cup Qualifying match against the US at 3PM local time (4PM EST).This continues the trend between the two nations of going a step further in order to really cement their home field advantages....The last US/Mexico qualifier (a 2-0 US victory) was a February game, played in the cold, 92% white/black, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/4491085180105002991/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/wcq-update-us-v-mexico-812-4pm-est.html#comment-form' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4491085180105002991'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/4491085180105002991'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/wcq-update-us-v-mexico-812-4pm-est.html' title='WCQ Update - US v Mexico 8/12 @ 4PM EST???'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-941320169176370594</id><published>2009-07-07T10:11:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-07T10:37:31.943-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Transfers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Americans'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>Onyewu on the Move....AC MILAN!</title><summary type='text'>As has been widely reported this AM...Oguchi Onyewu has been obtained by AC Milan on a free transfer from Standard Liege in Belgium.  Interestingly enough, during his time in Belgium, Onyewu was able to get a Belgian passport and therefore will count as an EU player for Milan, thus easing the transfer process.This is arguably the biggest transfer move ever for an American player.  Milan is a club</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/941320169176370594/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/onyewu-on-moveac-milan.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/941320169176370594'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/941320169176370594'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/onyewu-on-moveac-milan.html' title='Onyewu on the Move....AC MILAN!'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-8362511344768004991</id><published>2009-07-04T20:06:00.002-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-07T10:38:28.391-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Gold Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>WTWF: USMNT in the Gold Cup</title><summary type='text'>To be honest... A) I don't know much about the squad picks andQ) I am about to eat dinner at the beach and am trying to do this on my mom's iPhonesoB) a few quick things to watch for...- Freddy Adu - assuming he gets the proverbial keys to the offense, can he engineer a US run?  If so, his role with the nat'l team should increase.  A good enough performance could also see his European/club stock </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/8362511344768004991/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/wtwf-usmnt-in-gold-cup.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8362511344768004991'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/8362511344768004991'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/wtwf-usmnt-in-gold-cup.html' title='WTWF: USMNT in the Gold Cup'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-3329727120095293040</id><published>2009-07-01T14:25:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-01T14:39:44.715-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Schedule'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Gold Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><title type='text'>US Gold Cup Schedule</title><summary type='text'>Just a quick heads up on the USMNT's schedule for the Gold Cup...Saturday 7/4 @ 9 PM EST v Grenada (Qwest Field - Seattle)Wednesday 7/8 @ 9 PM EST v Honduras (Soldier Field - Chicago)Saturday 7/11 @ 7 PM EST v Haiti (Gillette Stadium - Foxboro)All US games will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel and TeleFuturaComplete schedule of all games with corresponding TV Stations can be found hereGood news</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/3329727120095293040/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/us-gold-cup-schedule.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/3329727120095293040'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/3329727120095293040'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/07/us-gold-cup-schedule.html' title='US Gold Cup Schedule'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-6816580411677430666</id><published>2009-06-29T11:02:00.005-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-19T01:47:49.921-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Confederations Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>It was coming all along...</title><summary type='text'>A good friend of mine says that a 2 0 lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey.  Yesterday it also proved to be disastrous for the the US National Team.  At halftime, their fortune was an exact 180 from the prior Sunday's final group game against Egypt.  They went from a match that seemed to be a formality to being up 2-0 in a final with only 45 minutes to play against one of the top 3 teams in </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/6816580411677430666/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/it-was-coming-all-along.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6816580411677430666'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6816580411677430666'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/it-was-coming-all-along.html' title='It was coming all along...'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-1692590860870928876</id><published>2009-06-26T15:53:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-26T16:00:14.346-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Confederations Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Video: USMNT Reaction</title><summary type='text'>Some video reaction from the players on Wednesday's win.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/1692590860870928876/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/video-usmnt-reaction.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1692590860870928876'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1692590860870928876'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/video-usmnt-reaction.html' title='Video: USMNT Reaction'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-1686405727689895180</id><published>2009-06-24T22:14:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-26T11:55:56.867-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Highlights'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Confederations Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>THIS IS WHY THEY PLAY THE FCKING GAME</title><summary type='text'>Spain Vs United States Highlights 6/24Quick thoughts...Tim Howard showed why so many consider him one of the top GKs in the Premier League and therefore the world at this time.  Quick off his line, aggressive and accurate in the air, and constantly in great position to make big save after big save.Bocanegra on the left was a brilliant move by BB.  It is the best solution at this time as it allows</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/1686405727689895180/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/this-is-why-they-play-fcking-game.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1686405727689895180'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1686405727689895180'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/this-is-why-they-play-fcking-game.html' title='THIS IS WHY THEY PLAY THE FCKING GAME'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-765084181585157487</id><published>2009-06-24T10:20:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-24T10:40:17.614-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='NYC'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>Steve Nash + Soccer + LES, NYC</title><summary type='text'>Steve Nash pulled off a great event in the form of a charity/celebrity soccer game in Sara D. Roosevelt Park on the Lower East Side of New York City.  I actually made it, snuck into the field, and sat just off the backline.  Attendees last year included Thierry Henry, Baron Davis, Steve Nash, Giovanni Savarese (Sp?), Salomon Kalou, Claudio Reyna, and some old school Liverpool players.  It was </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/765084181585157487/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/steve-nash-soccer-les-nyc.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/765084181585157487'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/765084181585157487'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/steve-nash-soccer-les-nyc.html' title='Steve Nash + Soccer + LES, NYC'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-1605822934913023339</id><published>2009-06-22T17:49:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-23T12:04:41.251-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Confederations Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Lovely...just lovely...</title><summary type='text'>Sorry for the delay with this reaction.  Fathers Day, the USOpen ending on Monday, and actual work all pushed this back...in the interest of time, I have combined reaction with a brief look at the US v Spain Semi Final tomorrow at 2:30 (see it live on ESPN or DVR it)Just when everyone was ready to send BB back to the MLS and make snide comments about the staet of American soccer, they put </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/1605822934913023339/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/lovelyjust-lovely.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1605822934913023339'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/1605822934913023339'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/lovelyjust-lovely.html' title='Lovely...just lovely...'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-784898203056891029</id><published>2009-06-16T11:42:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-16T15:11:17.488-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Confederations Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Blue and Red but limited White</title><summary type='text'>Not sure what the title means but it incorporates all the important colors of the game....back to basics.Anywho, based on the way yesterday's game unfolded, let's be honest...the final socre wasn't a surprise.For the US to be red-carded, deservedly or not, and be up 1-0 at the half the first 45 couldn't have turned out any better unless Bradley Jr or Altidore had remember to finish.  However, BB </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/784898203056891029/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/blue-and-red-but-limited-white.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/784898203056891029'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/784898203056891029'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/blue-and-red-but-limited-white.html' title='Blue and Red but limited White'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-3176912397879758995</id><published>2009-06-14T19:15:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-16T15:11:50.735-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Preview'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Confederations Cup'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>WTWF: Confederations Cup</title><summary type='text'>A little preview type post (WTWF = What to watch for) for the USMNT's upcoming South African adventure.To state the obvious, this opportunity sets up as excellent preparation for next summer's World Cup.  There are tough matches in the CONCACAF region, however they tend to be that way  due to hostile environments rather than top class opposition.  Not taking anything from Costa Rica, Mexico, or </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/3176912397879758995/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/wtwf-confederations-cup.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/3176912397879758995'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/3176912397879758995'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/wtwf-confederations-cup.html' title='WTWF: Confederations Cup'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-9057341136563981577</id><published>2009-06-12T10:24:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-12T14:32:56.103-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Transfers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Europe'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>Galacticos: 2009</title><summary type='text'>Less than 6 weeks ago FCBarcelona strolled into the Santiago Bernabeu and made Real Madrid look nothing less than foolish, getting goals from center backs Puyol and Pique en route to a 6-2 thrashing. In response Real Madrid has gone out and bought arguably 2 of the top 5 players in the game; the straight line, thank the lord for my ability, Brazillian orchestrator Kaka....and basically his </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/9057341136563981577/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/galacticos-2009.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/9057341136563981577'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/9057341136563981577'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/galacticos-2009.html' title='Galacticos: 2009'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-7412705665563130966</id><published>2009-06-08T09:54:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-08T13:11:59.271-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Reflections on a W</title><summary type='text'>So a give away goal wasn't really the start they were looking for on Saturday night but always better to give up a goal early than late....at least you have the time to fight back after that.  I think it served as a wake up call to Clint Dempsey; he's a great player but just b/c he had a great year at Fulham doesn't mean he's that much better than everyone around him.  He constantly tried to do </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/7412705665563130966/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/reflections-on-w.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7412705665563130966'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/7412705665563130966'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/reflections-on-w.html' title='Reflections on a W'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-2559400525173545693</id><published>2009-06-06T16:49:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-06T17:17:37.302-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Squad Picks'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>If I were Bob Bradley... (WCQ - US v Honduras 6/6/09)</title><summary type='text'>I like the idea of being able to choose a squad with out having to worry about my job relying on the success it brings.  It is with that incredibly simplified view that I am picking a squad for tonight's WCQ match in Chicago.------Howard------Spector-Onyewu-DeMerit-BocanegraDempsey-Clark-Adu-TorresAltidore-DonovanSome thoughts about it....I see Adu and Torres as basically interchangeable.  </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/2559400525173545693/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/if-i-were-bob-bradley-wcq-us-v-honduras.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/2559400525173545693'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/2559400525173545693'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/if-i-were-bob-bradley-wcq-us-v-honduras.html' title='If I were Bob Bradley... (WCQ - US v Honduras 6/6/09)'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-5206552394785307898</id><published>2009-06-04T09:59:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-06T17:16:10.334-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='WCQ'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='USMNT'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Reaction'/><title type='text'>Well Then.....</title><summary type='text'>A 3-1 thrashing at the hands of Costa Rica and a qualifying campaign that seemed to be running smoothly has suddenly become a little more tenuous.  The squad that optimistically would have been able to put up at least a fight against Italy/Brazil in two weeks is now one that has all sorts of question marks about it.Let's start with BB (Bob Bradley) .  He had the squad responding to him; a quality</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/5206552394785307898/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/well-then.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5206552394785307898'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/5206552394785307898'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/well-then.html' title='Well Then.....'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-6717920675075944267</id><published>2009-06-02T10:41:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-06T17:16:38.843-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Video'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Embedded Content'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='FCB'/><title type='text'>Barcelona Pre-CL Final Video</title><summary type='text'>Apparently Pep Guardiola had his friend at Catalan TV Station TV3 make this video and showed it to FCBarcelona right before they took the field in Rome.  A little long but it's pretty sick....esp the Gladiator scenes in Spanish...."Mi nombre es Gladiador"</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/6717920675075944267/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/barcelona-pre-cl-final-video.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6717920675075944267'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/6717920675075944267'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/06/barcelona-pre-cl-final-video.html' title='Barcelona Pre-CL Final Video'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-404198557444508737</id><published>2009-05-29T10:32:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-01T12:54:50.766-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Emigrated'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Marcus Tracy'/><title type='text'>Marcus Tracy Extended Version/Outtakes</title><summary type='text'>After each interview I am going to try to post some of the more interesting points or expanded responses that didn't fit or flow with the article, along with my personal thoughts of the player.  Here they are from the Marcus Tracy interview this article is based upon.  Phone interview took place on 5/8 and was followed by a series of emails....My Thoughts...Personally, Marcus was a pleasure to </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/404198557444508737/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/05/marcus-tracy-extended-versionouttakes.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/404198557444508737'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/404198557444508737'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/05/marcus-tracy-extended-versionouttakes.html' title='Marcus Tracy Extended Version/Outtakes'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614632988190938453.post-2805513602579057653</id><published>2009-05-19T19:34:00.001-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T14:47:51.064-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='I Fischi'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Soccer'/><title type='text'>First</title><summary type='text'>As (no longer) explained in the header, this is being started as a venue for me to publish outtakes and extra material from interviews done on behalf of Goal.com.  If I feel ambitious and selfish enough, I might expand into some personal opinion on the global soccer world.In order of priority; the US Men's National Team, FC Barcelona, Champions League, Premier League (due to the coverage of FSC),</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/feeds/2805513602579057653/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/05/first.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/2805513602579057653'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1614632988190938453/posts/default/2805513602579057653'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://ifischi.blogspot.com/2009/05/first.html' title='First'/><author><name>ARotberg</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07546225625129749900</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry></feed>
