The Soccer Thread (IV)

I just got irritated at all the people who told me they were <i>from</i> Mexico, when in reality they were born here. Support whatever team you want, but just because you wear that shirt doesn't make you from that country.

By the way, a job well done by Pastor and the rest of the crew against insurmountable odds, which even drew praise from Bob Bradley in his postgame presser: "We knew the percentages were against us. But behind the goal were our loyal fans, Sam's Army."

 

The Mexican fans were supporting Honduras the other night. At least it seemed so to me.

My sister-in-law is Japanese,which makes my three nieces Japanese-Americans. I expect them to root for Japan, and my sister-in-law does so with a passion. Does she root against the United States? Never. And she's not even a citizen. It's not about support. Sure, I expect Mexican-Americans to support Mexico. But to hate the United States? I guess I don't understand it especially when most of them are probably American citizens.

Of course, I want to echo it was a poor showing by the USA today - in the field and in the stands.

 

I cannot stand the San Francisco Giants.

I love San Francisco and think it's the most beautiful city in the country.

I hate the San Diego Chargers.

I also think San Diego is a great, fun city.

I am sick and tired of hearing about the f%$#ing Chicago Cubs.

I really like spending time in Chicago when I can.

I despise the Kansas City Chiefs.

I think Kansas City is . . . um . . . I guess there was a nice barbecue place there?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Anyway, the point is a simple one. Dislike of the U.S. national team (and the attendant rips during a soccer game) does not necessarily mean people HATE the United States of America.

 

Sad display by US, nothing positive from this game.

 

Not to interrupt the civic pride, but I was wondering if soccer heads more astute than myself could weigh in on a question I had.

It seemed like Mexico continually baited our back line by leaving one player clearly offside. That player would draw attention and goad us into trapping, then another player would make a run and slip through. My question is - at what point is the linesman supposed to flag that? Seems to me that the offside player is clearly part of the play at that point.

Obviously not the reason we lost the game, but it seems to be a clear violation of the spirit of the rule.

 

Only if the ball is played to him, BigC.

If the ball is played to the onside player, it's no call.

 

Off on a reunion for my wife's family, I found myself in a Nike Factory Outlet this afternoon. I spotted a US Soccer cap. Flex fit, for $6.50. I buy it. Waiting for my wife outside the store, I check today's score and see Mexico had just scored the first goal.

So do I toss the cap? Have a priest sprinkle it with holy water? Send it to Pastor to wear to break the mojo?

 

Let Pastor and his guys in Section 101 dance around with it on during the last couple of minutes of a half in one match. If it's not broken in or flowing with good mojo by then, then nothing will help.

Problem is, the shirt I was wearing today I wore to a match in that section. Freaking lot of good it did.

 

Obliged.

 

Technically, I'd say that counts as offside, but it's rarely called that way.

 

Because it isn't, Rick.

Example: Big C is offside. You play a through-ball to me because I'm onside and make a run. As long as I don't pass it to Big C as he remains offside, there's no call.

Should Big C drop back into an onside position, I can then play the ball to him. Or you, should you overlap. But as long as the ball isn't played to a person in an offside position, play continues.

 

DaMarcus Beasley's goal against Italy in 2002 was called back because Brian McBride was in an offside position.

Maybe the ref thought he was obstructing the goalie's view or something. Watch a hundred games, see 100 different interpretations of the rule. Along with continuation (keep possession after being fouled, get to play on), it's mandated that each referee must botch it at least once in every game.