Old Firm- Round One!

And the first round goes to the Light Blues! Rangers go to the East End, and trump on their Cross town rivals 4-2. Kenny Miller, who has made the cross, and come back to the Ibrox side of Glasgow, dealt with some flak, and managed to put in two against his old club.

The Gers went to Parkhead and put the hoops to the sword on their own turf. Rangers haven't won this big at Celtic in over 15 years! We drew first blood in the match with a strike from Daniel Cousin in the 37th minute, but hoops replied within two minutes by the ex -man. city man, Samaras.

After the break, it was all Light Blues. First a goal from Kenny Miller, then a beauty of a goal from another new acquisition for this season, Pedro Mendes, who added the third. Kenny Miller stamped his mark on the Old Firm stage, making sure the back pages of the English Evening News have something to talk about. Nakumura scored a conciliation goal in injury time, but Celtic didn't seem to threaten at all in the second half. What a way to start the SPL season. Sure, the European dreams are dashed, but three wins out of four games, and Rangers are atop the tables with a nice cushion in front of their Old Firm rivals.

As for the rest of Europe, to be quick...

Tottenham managed to stay a float, just barely, by snatching a point from the dream team that shares their town. Chelsea and Tottenham drew over the weekend, 1-1. This match was big for Spurs, and their supporters. Going to Stamford Bridge, Spurs needed to come away with anything! A point will do for now, but Spurs need this match to gain some traction and start their season rolling. They recently moved to sign Roman Pavlyuchenko from Spartak Moscow, pretty much squashing rumors of signing another Russian hotshot, Andrei Arshavin.

Sunderland take a step back as they get trounced by Manchester City, 3-0. Keane had his team looking sharp the first couple of EPL match fixtures, but they seemed to look lost against a Man. City squad who continues to have Owner issues, with an owner who is technically a fugitive from the country of Thai Land. City played with out Petrov and other bigger names on their squad, but Brazilian, Jo, showed some promising play on the pitch.

Because Chelsea and Tottenham drew on Sunday, and Liverpool drew against Aston Villa, 0-0, the top of the tables remain the same. Liverpool and Chelsea are tied a top with 7 points each. Man. City, West Ham, Arsenal, and Middlesbrough are tied for third with 6 points. All in all, the EPL looks exciting so far, with only 3 games into the season.

Jose Mourihno's new Inter Milan side drew against Cassano and Sampadoria this weekend, 1-1. With many more opportunities on both sides that were not put away, the score line doesn't give justice to the excitement of the actual game. Mourihno's new Italian job will prove to be a little more difficult that expected.

Sorry I haven't been able to post as often as I would like to, but two History courses, and three English courses, have me reading over ten different novels and 4 different books written by two of my professors, so not necessarily interesting reads. Either way, I am slightly overwhelmed, and trying to prioritize my duties. Seeing as how I am trying to be moving back to Cal by December, I need to sacrifice some fun for now, to enjoy myself later.

Three Weeks In!

Lovely, to put it simply. Second weekend into the Premiership, and already, the drama begins to stir. Again, my Spurs go down to Sunderland this weekend, and Chelsea sneaks by with a beautifully taken free kick from Deco, and Wigan went down. I adore the English (Barcalay’s) Premier League, but my thoughts will always go straight the Scotland first.
We are three weeks deep into the Scottish Premier League, and my Light Blues were trying to maintain their 100% start to the season. In all honesty, we still should be 100% in the tables, but an injury time goal from DeMarcus Beasley was disallowed, and the ‘Gers take a point from their meeting with Aberdeen over the weekend. For all those who say the Old Firm get all the calls, here is the evidence against your case. We drew first blood against Aberdeen, with a set piece header from David Weir, but they replied back with a tying goal. Again, the American, who has been looking in top form for club, and country, put the ball in the back of the net in injury time, but linesman, Baxter raised the flag.
So Rangers start the season with two wins and a draw. Celtic won over the weekend, and this season, the Light Blues will need to keep a close eye on the happenings of the cross town rivals, hoops. With no more Europe for the rest of the season, Rangers must finish top of the tables, and for sure above hoops, or suffer a major blow to their finances and hopes for competing further in Champions League Dreams.
Maurice Edu obtained his work permit and Walter Smith is looking to start the American along with his national teammate DMB, for the next weekends Old Firm match. This could be a much needed six point separation from our rivals, real quick!

Only an hour wait, but hear my voice on WSD!

Amazing. Love to call in to the World Soccer Daily Sirius Satellite Radio Show, it is just ridiculously hard to find the time to sit and wait on hold to talk on the show live. But when I can, I try to put my two pence into the WSD radio show, be it live and on the phone, or just a daily email. Of course my emails are not always used, but I would say they either respond to me on the show, or they do afterwards, and always seem to appreciate my angle on any given topic.

There is just so much to talk about in the world of football, but most of the time, it tends to be the same stories that make headlines. My goal is to try and find a different angle to view headlining news or, even better, find a story that may seem insignificant, and explain it's importance. That is one thing that I am really trying to do with my internship. Many Americans fail to find significance in following the sport, but there is regularly vital matters that carry tremendous weight in football, that often has global influence and roots. Take for example, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This is a perfect opportunity for a country who is slightly behind in the times, and full of crime and corruption, to make a statement and start a new beginning. They can step out of the shadows of a third world image, and step into being a recognized government by the rest of the world. It is also an opportunity for the world to come to the aid of this country and help it grow into the present standards of living. Many politicians and football pundits, as well as those in the higher offices of FIFA and other governing bodies of football around the world, have begun to see an opportunity for South Africa and the world to put political pressure on neighboring Zimbabwe and their radical leader Robert Mugawbe.

I digress. I really only began writing this post to tell all friends and family that you could hear my voice on the WSD radio show today. About an hour and fifteen minutes into the show, they go to Rafael in Tempe. I conversed with the boys about Tottenham Hotspurs and how I think that they looked incredibly small for a Premiership side, and were dominated by a much more taller and physical Middlesbrough side. Boro seem to win every header and set piece and should have won 3-1, but one goal was disallowed, for no aparent reason. Dos Santos looked and played well, Madric looked a little lost. the midfield was lost in the tall red forest that were the Boro midfield players. And next week, Spurs play Sunderland in a meeting of a team with many former Tottenham players, all physical and larger then the current roster. Good times.

2nd weekend into the season...

Wow. So there is so much to say and report on, I have no clue where to begin. But had to say a couple things. One is this, Maurice Edu, American national, was signed for a $5 million dollars, not pounds, from the MLS, to Rangers. The deal was made through the MLS, not Toronto like most leagues would have business run. Although, I must say this, I am proud to see so many Americans take to abroad to play. It really will only expand the skill and soccer culture in this nation, and will help to build a strong base for our future national team.

Here is a little ironic fun fact though about Mr. Edu and what he is getting himself into. Maurice is from sunny, southern California, Fontana to be exact. He has been playing most of the summer in the States in fair to hot weather. He has just signed for Rangers and will be moving to Glasgow, Scotland. The Scottish Premiere League plays its season through the winter. Snow flurries are not unusual to a game in the middle of January in Scotland. Sunny and bright, to cold and dreary. Hope he is ready. I would be!

Follow, Follow, We will follow Rangers!

Rangers start off the season with two straight wins

Well Kenny, I know it is hard. Getting our hopes dashed so quickly with European dreams coming to an abrupt end. But at least we are still perfect in the SPL. We handled Hearts well, and our new signing all look to be fitting in nicely. Kyle Lafferty scores a goal, and then, the man who I wear on my back this season (bought his Jersey, yes, I buy a Rangers jersey every season... a small show of support if you ask me), Kris Boyd gets the second to down Hearts in the end 2-0.

I love to watch Kris Boyd, and love his attitude. He seems to be extremely competitive and deadly serious about the game. Much like myself with Adult Amateur Leagues out here in Arizona. But I have a love for the sport that runs deep and I care about football. I like when she is played beautifully, with passion and intensity. I love the epic battles that take place and appreciate the comraderie and respect for the player you mark all game. It is a blessing football is back in season... summer was a tad long this year.

Here is hoping the 'Gers win the SPL. Here's to a great new season ahead full of amazing football to feast upon, and here's hoping you guys sign me to your team come the January transfer window...

Rafael in Tempe

I'm not even a Hammers fan

Wow! And thank God for the EPL! I cant believe this, but I'm being thrilled by a West Ham game! Dean Ashton looks in shape and fit!? His first goal was beautiful, and his second was scappy, but all before we had telve mins. Balls are hitting crossbars, the goals are being sprayed with shots on target and the tackles are going in good and hard.

I'll say it! I'd rather watch a Wigan v. West Ham anyday over MLS! The pace, creativity, intelligence, and thrill I get from watching the EPL is better than any drug. Only know do I really grasp how long summer really was.

Here's to the new season! cheers and see and look forward to the discussion come Monday. ole ole ole ole Deano, Deano!

Raf in Tempe

pedro mendes signing

I should point out first, that I will be now posting all the emails I send into the World Soccer Daily Sirius Satellite Radio Show (WSD). This is just so I can keep track of what I send to them and, if needs be, they could too! I am trying to get an internship with them, down in Redondo Beach, CA. Plus, its a way for you out there to read and keep up with lots of soccer news that I find important.

Hey boys,

It is just me Rafael, out here in Tempe. We are in the middle of our monsoon season, which makes the desert humid and hot, with cloud coverage, lots of lightning, and hardly any rain… depressing really. And how about that Nastia Luekin, smoking hot, even the runner up, Shaun. (sp.?), the small one, has an astounding body, just at miniature side. But I digress.

What I am really writing for is about Rangers. Well, the ‘Gers and our pal’s, Chuck Culpepper’s favorite, Pedro Mendes. According to the Rangers home website, we acquired Mendes for $3million pounds. I think the Portuguese midfielder will help out a great deal. He may be getting on, but Rangers always have trouble with injuries and the SPL isn’t the known for its friendly style of play. I really hope he opens up the midfield some and maybe even brings a more attacking style of football to the Ibrox.

I was wondering if you thought the light blues were going to continue to improve their roster? I believe they sold Carlos Cuellar for $13 million pounds, so we should have some funds to throw at some quality players soon. Hopefully we still have enough time?

Thanks,
Rafael in Tempe

Ps… Kenny, are the Ibrox and Murray Park synonymous?

My little brother and me

I have recently been writing a lot of letters to lots of different friends and family across the country. One of the people is my little brother Miguel, who is about 7 years younger than my self. I remember when this kid was born, and thinking, "Yes, this is the little brother I have been waiting for! We are going to play baseball, and Ninja, and (of course) play video games with!" it turned out he had to actually grow up a little bit first.

When I wrote to him first, I explained that I was writing to all those people who were important to me. I wanted to keep in touch with his life and what was going on with it. He was my family, my blood, and I saw so much of my self in him. As I grow older, I find it funny the realizations we come to. Just a couple years ago, before moving out to Arizona, I remember not really caring that I was leaving. I acted as if I wouldn't miss my family or friends and people I grew up with for 18 years. I hated my parents for everything they did, and resented them for no real good reason. I remember sitting in the shower after being spanked once, telling my self over and over, "I'll never be like my dad". Now I find myself so similar to my father it's scary. I mimic his ways and mannerisms without knowing it. I have started gardening and i take care of and grow lots of different plants. I know for a fact, that if my kid gets out of line, I'm going to give him a whipping! Just like my dad taught me. Which is exactly what he did when he spanked me, he was teaching me a good lesson really.

All this has been coming to me over my experience away from home. Now, I have a hard time calling it that, as I haven't lived there in years, and it isn't my nest anymore. I've made my move, and I've got to play it. But this great Epiphany shed light on another subject. I began to think about the influence I had on my younger siblings. I remember all the nights I snuck out to smoke pot with various girls, breaking other girls hearts, and making my very existence a constant worry for my two parents. I started to feel incredibly bad for all the harm I may have brought to my family, but then realized another thing. We only got better...

What I mean by that is, as my parents popped out the children, it was as if they progressively got better, like new and improved versions, a Gonzales 4.0. Each one of the kids was influenced by me in many ways. My drinking and smoking, kept my two youngest siblings from experimenting with them early on because they had the perfect example of what happened with me. So whether my influence was in a positive or negative manner, it was beneficial for my younger siblings to witness a first go round, crudely put.

With my brother, I see so much. I see what I could have been had I not smoked or drank so much, or not tried to seem so "bad" and keep that image. Miguel is incredibly smart, intelligent and talented. All characteristics I had, and still do, but used in different ways. My little brother excels in school and takes it serious, where I only skated through and didn't really care. Miguel seems to be quite to actor, singer, dancer,etc. I loved performing for a crowd and being on stage. Miguel has picked up sports, which makes me proud, because I loved to compete in sports and he is showing signs of competitiveness. I have a picture of my brother and girlfriend at an ASU football game where we made it down onto the field. I love that picture, it makes me feel close to my brother, and that night, we were. I only wish I could have been closer the past 6 years.

Miguel, I will always be your big brother, even though you passed me up height wise years ago. I am here for you to talk to, ask questions, and give whatever advice I could to you. To see you succeed as you have done so, so early in your life, makes me jealous and incredibly proud. I wish the absolute best for you life, and promise, you can count on me.

And yea, I think your girlfriend does look similar to mine, but Brytni doesn't like that idea... haha. Send me a pic of your gf, and I'll post it next to a pic of my gf, and we will let the world decide. hahahaha

last minute soccer news before the epl begins

so there is so much to say as the season draws near... first off, not a bad olympic tournament, my boy messi scores in the first game for argentina... and more importantly, FIFA made the decision to back the clubs who believe that they can hold a player from olympic participation... but most clubs who were threatning holding their players, relented and let many young stars play... thank goodness.

there are so man silly season transfer rumors whirling around out there, with the season coming within the next two weeks... my favorite team to watch, tottenham hotspurs, have been making big moves in the off season, and their face has changed drastically... and still, there is a slight possibility that we may get Arshavin, and KGB Killer, or just a russian nation. he lit up two games for russia in the Euros, and was only kept quite by a tournament best performance by marco senna from spain...giovanni dos santos, luca modric, darren bently, wow, what a great transfer seasons.

for my gers, and the spl has begun, but we recently let go of carlos ceullar for 7.8 million pounds. ouch and well, i guess nice? he was our player of the year last year and held down the back line and kept the gers in many a competitions... but we just dont have the need for such high profile players when we are only chasing the spl title. you are lucky aston villa for gaining a great defender. walter smith seemed surprised at the move, saying he was unaware?

United is said to be after a right winger??? umm cristiano ronaldo??? michael richards also was said to be linked with man. united. whatever, but tevez has been lighting it up in early preseason fixtures... love to see the argentines do well. across the town, in manchester city, the light blues are dealing with a fugitive owner from thailand. mark hughes is in for quite a drama filled season...

the premiere league table is really broken down into third parts, the top four, 5 thru 12, and those facing relegation... and this seasons relegation battle will promise to be an amazing fight. Speaking of top four, the reds, liverpool are linked to milan superstar kaka, and if that happens, united and chelsea better look over their shoulders... as of now, arsenal looking to finish fourth.

as for the usa in the olympics, we are just a draw away from advancing to the knockout round of the tournament. we play nigeria and if we lose and the dutch beat japan, we are out of the tournament, draw and a win gets us through, so the fate of our tournament is in our hands really. i hope we do well, even if we suck at soccer in the worlds eyes.

and the woes keep coming...

I have given myself one day. I tried to sit and come to terms with the situation. No matter how I look at it though, it was terrible disaster of a way to start the season for our beloved ‘Gers. My eyes well up as I write this, but something had to be said, and this is the best and only way for me to truly let it all out.

My Rangers are knocked out of Europe competition. It’s true. Sad but true, and it aches in heart like the loss of a loved one. Kaunas FC of Lithuania, defeated my boys in the second leg of their second round of Champions League play, 2-1. To put it simply, the boys just didn’t show up.

Rangers fielded an incredibly talented side, and even managed draw first blood in the first half. But after that, it seemed the light blues lost the plot, and fairly quickly after the restart, Kaunas FC even the score board by leveling the match at one all. The boy from Glasgow still had the advantage by having scored the away goal, but in the 85th minute, Kaunas FC dashed our European dreams with a late goal from a corner.

Last season, Rangers complained of fixture overload, having to extend their season drastically to fit in all their extra tournament fixtures. There will be none of that this go round as the light blues, one round away, were unable to secure a place in the UEFA Cup tournament by losing in the second round. Many in the office at the Ibrox will point to the fixture cram put on by the Scottish FA, as the reason they were unable to secure their SPL title, finishing second to their Old Firm rivals Celtic. By finishing second, Rangers were not granted a straight bid into the third round of the Champions League, and had to play through the first two qualifying rounds. Either way, the performance from the boys from Glasgow was poor, and that hurts to say from a true supporter.

The ramifications of this are tremendous. Because they are no longer in European competition, Rangers are missing out on millions of pounds in revenue from added fixtures and extra attendance to major tournament games. Because they are missing out on all this European cash, it is of the utmost importance that they secure the SPL title this year, or their funds for the following seasons will have plummeted to next to nothing after player wages, chairman salaries, and stadium up keep just to name a few. For this season, they will also suffer from the loss of extra fixture funds. Last season, they beefed up their roster in order to deal with all the added games. Now that they don’t have as many games, they still have to pay the players wages. Since they don’t have as many games, it will be time to seriously consider dropping some of our big name players, and save up for the next European campaign, assuming we finish in a position on the table that results in a European bid.

It really hurts to see all this have to happen to our squad, but it is part of the game and as a true supporter, you have to stick with the club through it’s ups and it’s downs. No matter how hard it gets and how painful it feels. Walter Smith has quite a lot to think about, and I sure hope he has some tricks left up his sleeve. He sure did a lot with a team that wasn’t created by him, last season. Here is hoping Celtic get knocked out as soon as possible.
Come on you ‘Gers!

Ronnie in the US tabloids

According to my girlfriend’s In Touch magazine, a certain Brittny Gastineau of one of those “entertainment channel shows”, Gastineau Girls, spent some quality time with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Yea, it’s true. I guess they met randomly at the Beverly Hills Hotel on July 26. The story says he sent his friend to talk to the girl and get her number for him. From there, he called her up, set up plans to meet at Villa Lounge in LA. They were extremely cozy at the posh lounge, but when he got up to leave the table, and asked her to go back to his room with him, she said no.

It’s funny, I’m not exactly sure how long the kid has been in the states, but for a while now, he has been in my girls tabloids… she keeps getting my attention…”Babe, one of your soccer players is in the news again!” She thinks this is news… I said that the kids has made panties drop around the world!

Rockin' the Scottist Rocket's Jersey...

Oh it's true, yes it's true. The babe and I will be rockin' our brand new, Rangers' Home kit with our lad Kris Boyd's name on our backs as of Monday. for those of you who may not be so familiar with one of the most prolific goal scorers in recent Scottish Premiere League history, having scored over 114 goals in SPL competition. He is a Scottish hit man, tall, good with his feet, and strong in the air, he is deadly when he is up top. He spent much of the season coming off the bench for the "Gers" last season, yet still managed to rack up his goal scoring record. He once scored all five goals in a match against Dundee United in 2004 when he played for Kilmarnock. And the boy can score against the hoops as he has done so many of times for a variety of teams in the SPL... but none better then the goals he has scored for our beloved Rangers FC...

It is just a matter of time before we make our pilgrimage to the holy sanctuary of Scottish football, the Ibrox, and watch our very first Rangers v. Celtic Old Firm derby. Our plan is not this season, but next season, to catch a dead of winter grudge match between the two sides, and that will determine our European trip. It is also the reason why we went with the Kris Boyd jersey, as opposed to my last name or even DeMarcus Beasley's name. We didn't want to stand out as Americans.

My trip up north...

On Saturday morning, I woke up early as always, took my Husky on his morning run, and took a shower to get ready to head over to my friend Cosmo's place. I got what I would have needed for the day and left my house. Stopping by a lovely little French patisserie(sp.?) called P.Croissant, I got three croissants and a large coffee for the road. Let me just go ahead and punt this place for a second because on quality of food alone, they deserve business. This place is on the northwest corner of Rural Road and Elliot, and they bake croissants daily. But these are not just any old croissants, no no, they are amazing baked goods that take you to another planet. I honestly think that all those people who liked Krispy Kremes, this would be a good substitute or a new habit. I am a huge fan of their Almond and their Strawberry Croissants. To die for, if you ask me. And lastly, as I know we are kinda of on a tangent here, but their coffee is actually extremely good. I thoroughly enjoy their hazelnut Hawaiian coffee...stellar.

With that done and out of the way, I now feel as though I can continue on with my adventure. I got to my friend Cosmo's house around 7:30am and waited for our friends Jordan to wake up and get ready and Cosmo had some last minute packing to take care of. We left his place around 8am and stopped for some oil and a bathroom break. We shortly headed out of Phoenix after that. It takes forever to actually get out of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area to speak honestly about the subject, and the further towards the outskirts you get, the more random these crazy towns like Anthem just pop up out of no where. Seriously, you'll be driving and thinking to your self, "damn, finally out of Phoenix", and then bam, here is Deer Valley, and Anthem and, well... you get the idea.

We first stopped in Cottonwood, AZ to meet up with an extremely good friends of mine, Parley Jack Stock. I met Parley when I first started working for Starbucks around the end of my Freshman years of college. So me and Jack go way back, and even though he lives up north these days, we always end up getting together and catching up like nothing ever happened and he still kicked it with me on the daily. So we went to Parley's new business' building. Technically, it is located just outside the city boundaries, so he is on county land. The building is covered in red rock(kind of the theme of places up north ), and has an old almost Southwest wooden furniture theme. Very homey feeling in my opinion, and all the furniture was picked out by his mom. The building houses his office, another room with two offices, and a gigantic living room area, equipped with a message chair, two other leather comfy chairs, a oversizes comfortable couch and an enormous 5"x12" wooden coffee table that I desperately wanted. We spent some time at Jack's new business building, until we decided to head even further north to Flagstaff, AZ and get some breakfast/lunch at Jordan's Dad's Girlfriend's diner. I believe it was called Morning Glory Cafe, but the girlfriend's name was Maria, and that made me think of my sister even more than I already was.

Coming into Flagstaff, and looking over to the right, you see a big white dome which is the football field for NAU, and immediately Maria, my sister came to mind. Maria is like a mini mom to me, and both are my best-friends, so Flagstaff will always make me smile because my thoughts immediate go to my family just because Maria spent some time in school here. Either way, my friends and I had some food made by vegetarians and it was good... but Jordan's wanted to take us out to a piece of property he was working on.

Once again, the crew was off, now, there was Cosmo, Jordan, Parley, Dave(Jordan's dad), and my self, and we took the 30 min trip out the the Cinders just north east of Flagstaff. The Cinders gets its name from the black volcanic rock that has covered the landscaped. We drove to the kinda place where there isn't a soul around for miles and the only sounds you heard were the wind over the sparse vegetation. Really cool actually. We fired off bow and arrows, pellet guns, old black powder pistols, etc. and by the time we left, we stocked the bed of Cosmo's truck with over $400 worth of Terra-cotta pots. Yea, sweet, I know.

After that, we made the long trek back into Flagstaff to drop of Dave, then we headed back to Cottonwood to get Parley's Caddy and eventually headed back to Parley's place before deciding where to go for dinner. We got to Parley's chateau in the Verde Valley and every one of the other guys was amazed at the property in the area. Huge acreage of land, lots of overgrown trees and shade, and lush green pastures, just beautiful. Then we decided to hit up Johnny Rockets in the Indian Casino just down the highway a ways. I wont go into the details, but will punt their shakes as they were absolutely fantastic.

After Johnny Rockets, we headed home to Parley' s and the competition began. That's right, FOOZEBALL! We take this shit serious and I will give it Jack, he is the best player I have ever played against. We played some fooze for about two hours and by that time, it was about 9:15pm and the boys and I were fading fast. We said our good byes, and thank yous, and we headed home to conclude an excellent adventure up north on a Saturday afternoon.