Catch Soccer Matter’s with Glenn Davis the new half hour magazine style tv show today at 2pm on Fox Sports Houston. The new episode will air tomorrow morning on Fox Sports Houston at 9am and features top ten goals plus an interview with midfielder Ricardo Clark.

Sad news from overseas as former England manager Sir Bobby Robson passed away after fighting cancer. Robson led to England to a World Cup semi-final in 1990 and also formerly managed Newcastle United. I always liked the way he dealt with the press and brought a sense of elegance to the role of manager.

So what is it with Freddy Adu. Has this young talent been over-hyped. He sure is struggling over-seas and after little playing time in France is back at Benfica and one wonders where his future lies. Sure see him having a hard time fitting into the current U.S. National team scheme.

You had to think this was going to happen…..How long was Kenny Cooper Jr. going to labor in Dallas with things slow to improve. Good for Cooper who has been patient and deserves the opportunity overseas in Germany with 1860 Munich. Ironically, the Dynamo will now not have to face him next week in Dallas. The other dynamic that is now coming into play is that MLS clubs with poor attendance and coverage are going to find it hard to entice and keep players in markets where there is no relevancy. Where would you rather play? Seattle? Houston?
You get the point.

Your thoughts on Robson and Adu?

It was dueling “penalties” last night at the All Star Game at the beautiful Rio Tinto Stadium (same architect I believe as the Dynamo will be using for new stadium) between Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and MLS All Star goalkeeper Kasey Keller. In the end Everton took the penalties after Howard provided a “penalty kick” saving exhibition.

Regulation ended 1-1 with Louis Saha scoring first off a bad pass from Stuart Holden and then Holden redeemed himself steering a ball towards the back post to Brad Davis who scored Dynamo to Dynamo. Davis and Geoff Cameron went the full 90 minutes while Holden went 64 ultimately being replaced by Javier Morales of RSL who wore number 77 in honor of Andy Williams whose wife is battling leukemia.
The All Stars outshot Everton by a wide margin and hit the post in the second half from Landon Donovan after a great set-up from Freddy Ljunberg.

WORST PENALTY I HAVE EVER SEEN TAKEN has to have come last night from James Vaughan of Everton who took the first pk. You have to see it to believe it!

What did you think of the MLS All Star event and television coverage?

DYNAMO nemesis PACHUCA last night defeated Jalapa in their first leg of Concacaf Champions play 3-0 so it looks like the Dynamo will take another trip to Pachuca come September 16th and entertain the Tuzos on September 30th at Robertson Stadium. Great international soccer coming our way. Not to mention the Dynamo at home against DC United this weekend who drew with Firpo in their opening leg of Concacaf Champions League play. The DC result is not a good one as they will have to head to El Salvador and pull off a result after disappointingly not taking care of their business at home. Toronto FC lost to the Puerto Rico Islanders 1-0……..

Now I don’t wish upon anyone losing their job but it is amazing that Juan Carlos Osorio remains in charge at the Red Bull in New York. Could it be the Red Bull are waiting to get in their new stadium and seeing the season out with Osorio to name a new signing next year. Who is the coach for the job in New York?

“Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis” this Saturday morning at 9am on Fox Sports Houston features top ten goals plus Dynamo Ricardo Clark interview. Catch the re-air on Fox Sports Houston Friday of this past weeks show at 11:30 pm.

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Don’t forget to check out the MLS ALL STAR game tonite from Sandy, Utah. The Real Salt Lake facility with the back-drop of the mountains will undoubtably look beautiful and provide the perfect canvas for the game.
Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear plus his players like Stuart Holden, Geoff Cameron and Brad Davis will represent. Brian Ching and Pat Onstad also were selected.
Ching and Onstad will not play.
Everton led by manager David Moyes is a great premier league story and no doubt in pre-season form. Tim Howard is the U.S. connection while Jo, Marouane Fellaini , Tim Cahill and others are familiar.

Javier Morales of RSL will wear a number on his jersey (77 the same number Andy Williams wears for RSL) in honor of Andy Williams wife who is battling leukemia…………So what do you think of the MLS All Star format? Like these types of games or not and can they promote the sport in the U.S.? Are you excited about the ALL STAR GAME coming to Houston in 2010?

“Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis” re-airs tonite on Fox Sports Houston Friday at 2pm……..The re-air features HBU mens coach Steve Jones, Houston Express youth soccer club director Mark Gibbs, The Helmet Crew plus top ten goals and Dynamo highlights. This weekend’s show which airs at 9am Saturday includes an interview with Ricardo Clark of the Dynamo, Dallas Texans Houston Division director Lee Baker plus youth player Kyle Emerson. I break down the U.S. loss to Mexico, Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, top ten goals and we hear from you the fan!!! The show airs on Comcast and ATT Uverse. How do you like the show and what would you like included in it?

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Despite reports to the contrary that Ricardo Clark has signed for Livorno and will join them in December , this is not true according to Chris Canetti the Ceo of the Houston Dynamo who has been in contact with Clark.
Also, having interviewed Ricardo Clark this morning at Robertson Stadium for the Fox tv show “Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis”, Clark only acknowledged that their was interest and an offer with Livorno and other clubs in Europe. The first offer was apparently rejected.
Now obviously all involved have to be careful in the negotiation process but I am thinking if I am Livorno I want Ricardo Clark at the start of my season as opposed to during the December transfer window. Of course that is a position the Dynamo and MLS are fully aware of so you would have to think they will expect Livorno “to pay” for acquiring Clark now during the summer transfer window as they should.
To lose Clark now would be challenging at this stage for the Dynamo with Richard Mulrooney now shelved for the season and Concacaf Champions League play right around the corner.
These are obviously interesting times for the talented Clark who had an exceptional Confederations Cup for the United States and was a part of their historic win over Spain and recently with his wife had their second child.
You get the sense that a move is will get done but the question is for what time period?

Listen to the podcast of last night’s Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis. Go to 790thesportsanimal.com, click podcasts, click Glenn Davis.
Guests include Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear, Dynamo midfielder Chris Canetti , DC United President Kevin Payne plus Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark.
Clark to his credit is bold enough to come on to speak about his career at this point with interest from Europe.
What are your thoughts on these two hours of soccer talk on the radio?

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston every Saturday morning at 9Am.

Catch this past Saturday’s re-air Tuesday night at 11:30 pm .

DYNAMO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

Wednesday August 19th Metapan @ Dynamo 7pm

Wednesday August 26th Dynamo at Olimpia or Arabe 9pm

Wednesday September 16 Dynamo at Pachuca or Jalapa 9pm

Tuesday September 22 Olimpia or Arabe at Dynamo 9pm

Wednesday September 30th Pachuca or Jalapa at Dynamo 9pm

Wednesday October 21 Dynamo at Metapan 9pm

Houston will get a big event next summer as it is expected that MLS Commissioner Don Garber will announce Houston as it’s destination in 2010.
The event which pits MLS All Stars against a top club team from Europe will bring attention to the game in our fair city.
The game will either be played at Robertson Stadium or Reliant Stadium………Does this announcement excite you?

Join me for Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis from 7-9 pm on 790 The Sports Animal tonite………..U.S./Mexico, Dynamo, Ricardo Clark to Italy, poor showing from U.S. fans in New Jersey…Is this a tragedy?

FIESTA, MARK WEST PINOT NOIR, ZUKOWSKI, BRESENHAN AND SINEX, STERLING BANK thank you for your support of soccer in the media!!!!!

For 45 minutes the MLS roster against Mexico looked solid and at halftime most would have gotten the sense that this would be a one goal game ….
After Gio dos Santos was brought down (not a penalty in my mind) and Gerardo Torrado smoked in his spot kick the amazing route was on with a dis-oriented U.S. National team.
Five, count them….second half goals made this a day to forget for U.S. Soccer at Giants Stadium in front of 77,000 fans. It was an embarrassing loss no matter how you slice it or condition it. Life will go on and it will be different at Azteca but no one can dispute what this means to Mexico from a confidence stand-point. The streak of not losing on U.S. soil is over.

DOS SANTOS FACTOR

The “golden generation” played a part in this one with Gio Dos Santos afforded too much space, allowed to turn and run at people and the “kid” wrecked the U.S. structure with a grande size wrecking ball. He was dangerous every time he was on the ball literally. His power in his lower body, ability to stop and start on a dime plus amazing change of direction all coupled with razor sharp skills was a sight to see. Arsenal’s Carlos Vela came off the bench and helped to change the game with his dynamic play and he too was motivated and afforded too much space but the class of these two could not be matched on this day. The veteran Gerardo Torrado also controlled the middle of the field.

…..So what will the effect for this be on each team?

For Mexico the emphatic win is uplifting and will give and entire country a feeling of good-will. Is it time for Mexico to give this team to youth complimented by players like Torrado, Guardado and Bravo? Is it time for ego’s like Nery Castillo, C Blanco and Oswaldo Sanchez to be retired?
Can Dos Santos and Vela be players that carry Mexico in the World Cup qualifier on August 12th at Azteca? The real question lies in if they will be able to keep their feet on the ground after the win? This will be Aguirre’s job and why he has been brought in to restore faith and pride.
Not sure the gatorade dunk at the end was appropriate but Mexico’s celebration was warranted and for them to choose how to revel.

For a fan of the United States like me this one hurts and it is a grand piece of humble pie. Credit to Mexico because they were clearly superior in the second half.
So how does one look at this loss? I felt Mexico based on the edge of experience they had would find this the opportunity to win yet never by this scoreline.
The positive is looking at the entire tournament and saying Bob Bradley got tremendous experience for some young players who stepped up and are now in the mind of the coach for the full squad. Stuart Holden, Robbie Rodgers and others looked committed and produced but the step up in competition in this final could not be matched by this roster for 90 minutes. New squad, more experience on August 12th at Azteca will right the ship.

DYNAMO/ NE

I will be watching the tape today of the game so I am really on your thoughts from Robertson. Feedback from the Dynamo NE please?

Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis tonite on 790 The Sports Animal from 7-9pm….call in number is 713-212-5790

A press release from Major League Soccer says that Shalrie Joseph has been replaced on the All Star roster by Will Johnson of Real Salt Lake. So what does this mean? Will Joseph play tonite against the Dynamo or is he just getting a break from the All Star game based on his injuries.
Find out at Robertson Stadium…..

Excuse me for planning your soccer day.
Today at 9am tune in to “Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis” on Fox Sports Houston, then it is ESPN at 2pm to catch Chicago try to produce a result at sold out Qwest Field in Seattle against the Sounders without Brian McBride who strangely is out for the season with shoulder surgery.
Then the big “kahuna” is the live game tonite at Robertson Stadium with a beat up Dynamo coming back home.

INJURY PROBLEMS

Eddie Robinson still remains in a battle to get back on the soccer field with his knee injury and at his age one has to wonder about not just this season but his career potentially. Richard Mulrooney seems finished for the season after undergoing knee surgery and is a huge loss with his versatility. Brian Mullan now is also out for an extended period of time so all of a suddens lots of new opportunity and performance will have to come from others on the roster.

NGWENYA and local product GBANDI

A Sports Illustrated article says Joseph Ngwenya is looking to return to MLS and this reminds us that that the journey for top class football in Europe is not an easy thing and not as romantic as all believe. Still players have to follow their aspirations.
Dynamo have first dibs on Ngwenya which leads me to former FC Dallas defender Chris Gbandi who is a local player who represents Liberia. Gbandi was recently in town training and was playing in Europe. Could he want back in MLS?

BECKHAM fined a grand….

David Beckham was fined $1000 by MLS for enticing a fan to come on the field.
Hey he just wanted to do a clinic for the young man and spread the lore of the MLS.
Supposedly Beckham wanted to teach the fan how to pass a ball over distance……Don’t even know what to think about this.
Maybe better off leaving it alone…….

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Amazing turn-around. The U.S. on the brink of elimination from the Confederations Cup and fans calling for manager Bob Bradley’s head.
Wins over Egypt and #1 ranked Spain and a “game” loss to Brazil 3-2 in the final boosted the optimism of U.S. fans.
Well the performance of the so called U.S. “B” squad has been impressive in the Gold Cup.
The United States defeated Honduras 2-0 last night with help from players with Texas connection.

*Central defender Clarence Goodson formerly of FC Dallas scored on a header off a Stuart Holden corner kick on the stroke of halftime that was a game changer.
One thing to note here is that Honduran forward Carlos Costly was the man marking Goodson. How many times do we see strikers come back to defend set pieces and corners against an opponents top threat in the air. Strikers are not generally your best defensive headers of a ball and markers yet we repeatedly see this happen even at the international level.
Huge goal that changed the game.
Incidentally the late first half push was ignited by Holden.

*Ken Cooper Jr. scored in his second consecutive game and is making a push to get noticed as a striker. Brian Ching and Stuart Holden helped to set him up making it a Texas connection. Ironically these players will meet in the near future at Pizza Hut Park in MLS play.

Overall it is great to see the energy that these roster is bringing to games representing the United States. Application and effort are certainly not missing and this group see these games as an opportunity to impress a coach and get to a World Cup.

MEXICO
It took penalties but Mexico got past a stubborn Costa Rica after Miguel Sabah totally blew a penalty kick. Guillermo Franco scored on a rebound in the 88th minute and Mexico thought they had it won but Froylan Ledezma scored in the 90th minute to remarkably tie the match. El Tri’s most dangerous player was Gio Dos Santos who now is expected to produce this type of form in the final against the U.S. this Sunday afternoon at 2 cst at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The U.S. will need to deny him space and time .

What are your thoughts on these two Gold Cup matches? Is it the U.S. or Mexico on Sunday and whose stock has risen on either team in the pecking order?

DYNAMO coming on home…..It has been a long ardous road trip for the Dynamo but they will be back to home sweet home this Saturday night to take on the NE Revolution.
All Star Shalrie Joseph leads in the Revs who need points and have also like the Dynamo have been hammered by injury.
Lots of concern around the Dynamo and injury after Richard Mulrooney has had surgery on his knee and Eddie Robinson still a ways off to getting fit.
Another make-shift lineup for manager Dominic Kinnear in the offing. Get over to HoustonDynamo.com and support your squad Saturday night!
Then catch the Gold Cup on Sunday……now that is a great weekend. Live soccer to go along with a great match on tv.

YOUR TV SHOWS

Soccer matters with Glenn Davis airs tomorrow morning on FOX SPORTS HOUSTON at 9am….tune in and support your game in the media……..Also Dynamo All Access airs tonite at 9pm on KHOU 11.2 as does the Dynamo game this weekend but get out to the stadium!

FIESTA, Zukowski, Bresenhan and Sinex, Sterling Bank -Pat Robertson, Mark West Pinot Noir…thank you for your support!!!!!