Finding my footing

Good Morning and it was nice to open those windows last night!

Back in the day, I didn't know much or care much about soccer. A couple of friends played in high school. I think I went to one game.
When I got to college, I joined the school newspaper right away.
OK, the sports editor at the time told me, you can cover soccer.
So, I headed to the library and did some studying on the game. I talked to the coach, to the players, to my friends.
When I started I couldn't tell you where a midfielder would play (yeah, it's kind of obvious). By the end, I could call an offside before the ref (yeah, it's kind of obvious).
Throughout my career, I've seen thousands of soccer games. I've watched the World Cup. I've even found the game fun, not boring like so many Americans.
The last couple of years when the children got involved, I've found even more reasons to enjoy the game.
This year, about three days before the season was to begin, I heard there was no coach for my daughter's team.
I jumped right in and, even though it was about 1,000 degrees Saturday, we started the season. I think the players actually had a good time.
Now, I need to talk to those refs about offsides.

The hot and the cold of it

Good Morning and it is nice to see the sun before 7.

Driving around after a cool birthday party Saturday (Laser Tag!), I was hit about how nice and warm it was for Nov. 2.
So, I asked my passengers what they wanted to do.
"Let's go the mall," said one.
"I want to go home and play video games," said another.
"I don't know," said the third (yes, he's a teenager).
OK, to me, when you can wear short sleeve shirts outside in November, well, you better take advantage of it.
So, my first thought was a playground. That would be fun ... for about 15 minutes. Then the older ones (OK, just the teenager) would start moping about things being boring.
I remembered a miniature golf course from days go by. We were close, so that was the idea.
We played (yes, there are always arguments), but the warmth and the sun made it pretty nice.
Then came Sunday.
I knew when I first woke up and heard the wind it was going to be cold.
That playoff soccer game at 3 was going to be downright chilly.
I wasn't ready for the winter, though. My light jacket wasn't going to be enough, but I didn't want to miss the game.
So, I froze, but watching the team of 10/11-year olds play their hearts out made it feel just a little bit warmer.

Rise and Shine --- Constant buzzing

Good Morning and welcome to one of those Wednesday's that follow a Tuesday!

You know, I've tried my best. I've kept an open mind. I've read the stories. I've listened to the podcasts. I've even put it on TV.
Still, I can't get seem to find much of the World Cup very interesting.
Now, I know soccer (or futball) is the biggest sport on the planet. I seriously hope the Philadelphia Union is a huge success.
If they were interested, I would travel all over to watch the little ones play soccer. I would even help them out, as much as I could, to learn the game.
The World Cup, especially this one with the constant buzzing in the background, is just hard to watch.
Maybe it's because, like hockey, soccer is a game that must be seen live.
Back in the day, I covered many a soccer game and found them interesting. Some were even exciting.
Despite the comical effect of the announcers on ESPN, this game just doesn't translate to the small screen.
So, I'll try again this morning as the U.S. team takes the field. I'll stand in the newsroom and watch for a couple of minutes.
Then I'll wait for the final score.
It's better than falling asleep on the couch.

RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

Truth be told, I cut my teeth in the newspaper business covering soccer. I did it in college, I did it when I got out of college.
I talked with some very knowledgable people. I talked with coaches. I talked with players. I talked with fans.
Even after all that talk, I still don't really understand the game.
Contrary to some opinion, it's not a boring game. When you get two good teams playing -- and professional players -- it can be downright exciting.
The World Cup is just as good as the Super Bowl, World Series or NBA Finals.
Part of the problem, at least in one opinion, is, like many things, it's not marketed well. Soccer in the U.S. doesn't have a machine behind it like the NFL or NASCAR.
The big push is to say 'it's the world's most popular game.'
Who cares? Everybody in the world can drive a car, but NASCAR has been able to push itself into a big-time business. Is racing any more exciting. For the most part, it's just a bunch of guys (and some girls) driving around in a big circle.
Wake me when it's over.
Anyway, here are some soccer links to check out. Maybe some of this will be seen in Chester:

The most famous foul in the world

Here are some good images of the game

The Beckhams talk about the game, life

The most famous goal in MLS history

Finally, some highlights of the greatest soccer coach of all time.

If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com