Smart Soccer Tips with Glenn Davis brought to you by FIESTA

Have you listened to sports talk radio lately?
Have you even heard mainstream sports media jocks begin to even talk about soccer? Not likely, nor is it a surprise yet it is always an issue because sports at the professional level don’t survive without the media.
Now I am not talking about a quick mention, I am talking about anyone (sports jocks) driving a story or content to engage listeners. I am amazed at how much useless information flows these days around pre-season baseball and the Astros . Yet you find them on the major radio and tv stations everyday. Sure I know, they have more money to buy into the media and guarantee coverage.
It is amazing how far off our local media is when it comes to a sport that is becoming more important to the city of Houston, Texas as the gateway to Central and South American and Mexico.
In other countries around the world the roll out for the World Cup has already become as the sport is a priority, but here in the states it still remains an after-thought.
The Dynamo right now along with the World Cup has little buzz. Where is the buzz kill coming from? Collective bargaining agreement ? Fans that are content? Little news or have we just put the ball away until the MLS season starts? Are soccer fans not demanding enough when it comes to local media or are we just second class citizens?
Somebody give me a sign and don’t tell me what I already know?

DYNAMO and FIRE AT HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

What a great night for the soccer fan!
An entertaining match, a nice intimate crowd, impromptu small sided games being played by kids behind the stands and the passion of El Battalon drumming up some noise for our game. In the end the game being moved from the worn Carl Lewis Track and Field stadium led to all these great revelations over at HBU.
College players could be seen in the stands in their tracksuits, Houston Baptist University and their division one program get attention and a good number of youth players all in attendance and of course loyal Dynamo fans. A much more interesting and fan friendly environment then at Carl Lewis so in the end the change due to the poor surface at UH led to other great developments as the game became a great vehicle of promotion for the sport, Houston Baptist and the Dynamo. If there are enough good playing surfaces around the community it would be great to take pre-season games into different areas of the city? Goodwill all around last night and fans left feeling good! I love it when all the elements of the soccer community come together.
My thanks to all soccer fans who came up and spoke and nice to hear that you are watching Soccer Matters on Fox Sports Houston. A big thank you. Find clips of the show at foxsportshouston.com Twitter: Soccermattersgd

Scoring summary: Hou–Cam Weaver (Luis Landin) 63rd
Chi– Marco Pappa (Wilman Conde) 71

Dynamo lineup: Pat Onstad, Ryan Cochrane (Craig Waibel 65), Eddie Robinson, Bobby Boswell, Mike Chabala, Brian Mullan (Danny Cruz 66), Lovel Palmer, Geoff Cameron (Richard Mulrooney), Corey Ashe (Francisco Navas Cobo 81) Cam Weaver, Dominic Oduro (Luis Landin 60)

Fire lineup: Andrew Dykstra, Tim Ward, CJ Brown, Wilman Conde, Deris Umanzor, Julio Martinez, Baggio Husidic, Peter Lowry, Marco Pappa, Brian Mcbride , Patrick Nyarko
Subs: Collins John, Justin Mapp

1.) The pace of the game was quick and fans got to see two great goals in the 1-1 draw. Luis Landin hit an amazing outside of the foot ball with his right foot from a wide position on the left that was headed in spectacularly by Dynamo striker Cam Weaver. To get the power and distance on that delivery using the outside of his foot was remarkable. Landin pushed hard, looked active and gave that ever important effort when the ball was lost. He showed us again glimpses of skilled play in tight areas.
Weaver clearly is a traditional center forward and if given balls to compete for in the penalty area is dangerous. Get the delivery in when Weaver is in will be the theme to get the best out of him.
Chicago midfielder Marco Pappa had an excellent year in 2009 and is technically gifted and hit a great goal from distance. He also was denied from the penalty spot by Pat Onstad and ultimately ejected getting a second yellow card from local referee Colin Tait.

2.) Dynamo striker Dominic Oduro had excellent flashes of pace. With Oduro, Ashe and Cruz in the lineup the Dynamo overall team speed goes up a notch.
Oduro has had a solid pre-season and looks to be a critical piece either as a starter or off the bench.

3.) Jamaican Lovel Palmer in central midfield was steady and seems to be growing with the Dynamo…it will be interesting to see if he is signed.

4.) Dynamo back four the last two games has including Bobby Boswell and Eddie Robinson as center backs with Ryan Cochrane and Mike Chabala as outside backs.
Andrew Hainault must figure to be a starter but a head injury has kept him out.

5.) U.S. national team and Fulham favorite Brian McBride played for the Fire .

6.) Collins John…the former Fulham striker came on and looked dangerous on occasion for Chicago. John has had a bit of a checkered past but during his time at Fulham scored 20 goals. Born in Liberia, John lost his father in the civil war in that country. He represented the Netherlands in the 2006 European Championships at the u21 level. He could be an interesting addition to MLS and I am unclear if he is signed or not.

7.) Talented youngster Francisco Navas Cobo came on for the Dynamo and with his recent signing remains an interesting story to follow.

The Fire much like the Dynamo is dealing with change in certain areas. A new coach in Carlos de Los Cobos, loss of key players like Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Gonzalo Segares, Bakary Soumare provide challenges. Segares is playing in Cyprus with Apollon Limassol.

What did you take away from the Dynamo/Chicago match?

REAL MADRID WOES

How about the current pressure on Real Madrid after getting knocked out in the Champions League against Lyon. Now this one truly hurts for fans of the Galacticos as their home stadium the Bernebeau is hosting the champions league final in May. This 1-1 draw ocurred at home and fans again as always are questioning the money spent on players and why this club can’t find more collective unity. Real Madrid will now focus on winning their La Liga battle with Barcelona

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DYNAMO VS. FIRE tonight at HBU

The game was originally scheduled for UH but has been moved to Sorrels Field on the campus of Houston Baptist University. The game is a part of a doubleheader which also features the Houston Baptist University mens NCAA Division 1 squad and the Houston Leones of the PDL. Yes, we do have an NCAA Division one mens soccer program in Houston. Love the community nature of the Dynamo game then followed by Houston Baptist University, makes alot of sense.
Take the Fondren exit off of 59 and use entrance number 2.
Take note of Dominic Kinnear’s comments on Sports Talk 790 AM where he mentioned players will be getting extended minutes as we inch closer to the opener against FC Dallas on March 27 at the PHP in Frisco. Also, keep and eye on Lovel Palmer the Jamaica in midfield who is making a bid to earn a contract. Adrian Serioux who is reported to be coming to the Dynamo could be in attendance tonight as well.
Expect to hear more Dynamo player moves here this week.

ROONEY
Wayne Rooney has been exceptional for Manchester United scoring 30 goals so far in all competitions and yesterday hitting twice against an outclassed AC Milan.
One thing to ponder is his improved danger in the air, Rooney admittedly worked on his aerial game in the off-season . His header against AC Milan was glanced in beautifully and out of his last eight goals , five have come in the air………..

AC Milan are heading out of the city of Manchester totally outclassed as United destroyed them 4-0 in Champions League play to advance to the quarterfinals.
United dominated every facet of the game and once again Wayne Rooney produced a performance worthy of the moment. Amazingly, Rooney now has 30 goals this year as he remains unstoppable in world football.
The pace of play from United was never matched and Rooney’s goal inside of a minute in the second half was the killing blow to AC Milan.
David Beckham’s return ends up being the sideshow to the man of the hour Wayne Rooney.

Serioux is clearly unhappy with the way this trade has come down from the Toronto side.
“What bothered me most was hearing I was released. They just went about it shady, , making it look like they had the upper hand, I was out of contract,” said Serioux.
It is obvious that Serioux did not fit in new coach Preki’s plans. Serioux played last year in 26 games.
It is a bitter break for the native of Canada and one hopes he can come to Houston with that ‘edge’ to produce.

What do you think of this move?

Thank you: Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute, Fiesta, Zukowski, Bresenhan and Sinex, Mark West Pinot Noir, San Jacinto College, Space City Futbol, Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture for your support of the sport in the media. Soccer fans support these companies!!!

It is destination viewing on Wednesday at 1:00pm on FSC……the return of David Beckham to Old Trafford after seven years to play for AC Milan against Manchester United.
Milan are looking to overturn a 3-2 deficit and will have to deal with Wayne Rooney who according to the Manchester Evening News is fit to play.
United will be missing defender Wes Brown who is out with a metatarsal injury.
So can the likes of Pato, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf pull off something special at Old Trafford?
Both clubs are involved in tight domestic races with United holding a one point lead over Chelsea heading into a Sunday encounter at home against Fulham.
AC Milan who was written off after a derby loss to Inter Milan remarkably is only four points behind their rivals in the Serie A and take on Chievo also on Sunday.
VERDICT: United advance 5-4 on aggregate.

Real Madrid vs. Lyon 4pm FSC

LD WANTS TO STAY AT EVERTON
Ok, so here is the quote from Landon Donovan about staying in England with Everton:

“I haven’t given up hope of staying here at Everton a little longer. I think we will know more during the week. Both clubs know how I feel, which is I would like to stay, though I can’t end the season here. I’d have to go back April 15th at the latest.
The saga continues but if you want to see how both Dominic Kinnear and Brian Ching of the Houston Dynamo feel about Donovan in Europe you can check out the podcast of Dynamo All Access where I interviewed them both…go to Sportstalk790.com, click podcasts, click Glenn Davis for thoughts from two men who know him well.

TOP DEFENSIVE SQUAD IN THE EPL
Well, that would be Aston Villa who have only conceded 21 goals. Their goalkeeper? A man named Brad Friedel.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
You may not have seen it, than again you may have. Columbus and Toluca tied 2-2 at Crew Stadium in Concacaf Champions League play.
A valiant Crew fought back after going down 2-0. The star man was Steven Lenhart who produced two stunning second half goals. Did you ever notice that he bears an amazing resemblance to former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark “the bird’ Fidrych with his crazed hair. Lenhart was an irritant the entire second half against Toluca.
His goals counter one from Sinha and a spectacular blast from Antonio Rios. The return leg is at altitude at Toluca and the Crew will have to buck a trend as MLS teams have lost 10 of 11 two leg affairs against Mexican clubs. The Crew played without Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Chad Marshall while Toluca rested players in advance of weekend Mexican League play.

DYNAMO CHANGES
Francisco Navas of course was signed today and presented to the media. From Deportivo Cali, to the Houstonians youth club to the Dynamo Academy. The story is a great one and like great local stories that have come before him from Johnny Torres, Chris Gbandi, Rusty Pierce, Josh Gardner, Stuart Holden, Imad Baba who have all played in MLS it is a source of pride for our soccer community. Expect to hear more signings from the Dynamo Wednesday or Thursday and don’t forget an interesting pre-season match against Chicago on Thursday night at Carl Lewis track and field complex at UH starting at 7pm.

SOCCER MATTERS WITH GLENN DAVIS on FOX SPORTS HOUSTON PRESENTED BY MEMORIAL HERMANN SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE
The show was taped today at Fox Sports Houston downtown with special guest and former Dutch national team goalkeeper Jan Van Beveren who visited on a variety of topics.
Also present was Dynamo CEO Chris Canetti…..of course top ten goals and other topics will air in this show………….Catch it this week in the Comcast and ATT UVERSE cable systems on Friday at 4:00 pm and Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Times will vary a bit this month so stay connected for the times.

Fiesta Smart Soccer Tips with Glenn Davis…pick them up at Soccer 4 All, podcast of Dynamo All Access available at Sportstalk790.com

The Dynamo have put in an offer on Ghanian midfielder Anthony Obodai. The 27 year old is currently playing in the Netherlands for RKC Waalwijk who is at the bottom of the table in the Eredivisie. Abodai spent 4 years at Ajax from 2001 to 2005 and appeared in Champions League action against Juventus. He was not listed as either a starter or bench player in this past weekends 1-0 loss to Twente Enschede.
He has featured in his career for Ghana youth national team sides and reports in February showed that KC was also interested in him……….Expect more Dynamo player moves this week including today’s press conference announcing the signing of Francisco Navas.

Thoughts on Obodai, Navas and what is your preference for the Dynamo in central midfield this year? And by the way, don’t forget to catch Champions League action this week and the return of David Beckham to Old Trafford tomorrow when AC Milan visits Manchester United.

*Join me for the best in soccer talk tomorrow night from 7-9pm on Sports Talk 790 AM Radio for Dynamo All Access (Sportstalk790am.com)……..Guests Martin Vazquez manager Chivas USA, Dominic Kinnear Houston Dynamo manager, Carlos de los Cobos manager of the Chicago Fire plus more…..call in number is 713-212-5790……

*Former Houston area youth product Chris Gbandi has signed with Miami FC ……Gbandi played 111 times for Dallas Burn/ FC Dallas and scored the final goal at the Cotton Bowl before the Burn made the infamous move to Southlake to play at a high school facility called Dragon Stadium. At that point hispanic support which was evident at the Cotton Bowl was lost.

*Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute this week features Dynamo midfielder Francisco Navas, former Dutch National team goalkeeper Jan Van Beveran now the coaching director at Spindletop select in Beaumont and more…….foxsportshouston.com to catch clips of this show and more blogs from me and Dynamo defender Bobby Boswell……..Twitter: Soccermattersgd

LANDON DONOVAN SHINES…..

What an amazing day for U.S. Soccer and what an amazing day for Landon Donovan. Donovan in what MAY be his final game for Everton scored a fantastic goal and assisted on another in 20 minutes off the bench in a 5-1 win. Donovan struck a sweet half volley promptly got picked up in the goal celebration from Jack Rodwell in front of frenzied Everton fans at Goodison park. Then Donovan made a clinical one time pass to Rodwell who scored goal number five. Rodwell again lifting Donovan up to the crowd.
Bruce Arena of the LA Galaxy and others may want him back in MLS but even he can’t deny that the best thing for this player is staying in England with Everton. It is also the best thing for MLS. Landon Donovan has been a one man PR machine for MLS in recent weeks with his performances against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and more.
It is also possible his loan is extended.
On another note, Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden has had surgery for his leg fracture and is on the fast track to get healthy for the World Cup. Bolton without Holden got a critical win this weekend over West Ham 2-1 . West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola now under pressure………

DYNAMO NOTES

Not much to say about this one which left alot to be desired at Carl Lewis track and field stadium on a windy afternoon.
Game ended 1-1 with Eric Ustruck scoring a good goal from an angle for the Dynamo in the 86th minute after on own goal had given Austin Aztex the lead.

GOOD SIGN…Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson looked impressive today with his marking, tackling and overall edge he brought to the game. Robinson seemed quicker of foot and mind plus positionally looked solid.

WORK IN PROGRESS…..Geoff Cameron will need time to settle into his ‘new’ midfield role. Much like last year he is going to need some time to feel fully comfortable. Will he play as a holding midfielder? Will he play as defensive midfielder? Alot of this dependent upon who the Dynamo may sign capable of playing central midfield. Two of the brightest young American talents in Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark as you know have moved on. It makes it an intriguing and big challenge for the Dynamo!!

REGGAE BOY TRIALIST…Lovel Palmer played in central midfield for the Dynamo today and had moments but was far from making a large impact. A real test for him will be how he performs against the Chicago Fire who come to Robertson on Thursday night at Carl Lewis Track and Field Stadium. This will be a great opportunity for fans to see the Dynamo against MLS competition prior to 2010.

WORRIED ABOUT LUIS……I am one who is really hoping that Luis Landin can provide for the Dynamo on the field. If he does it opens up another potential element of attracting fans and attention to MLS and the Dynamo here in Houston. With that said, I am worried it will happen. Yes, I know that he turned his ankle but he clearly does not look fit at the moment and time is running short for a kid that is gifted with talent.
Landin was sourrounded by press after the game and I know if he starts scoring goals he could be a Houston idol to many fans but I am beginning to wonder.

KIERON BERNARD RETURNS….Former San Jacinto college player Kieron Bernard played against the Dynamo at center back for Austin.

SAY THAT AGAIN….Fans who buy a pair of season tickets in the month of March will receive two free. I kid you not…this is a crazy good promotion that fans need to jump on.
Houstondynamo.com to jump on this bargain…..

GOATS CRUSHED
Chivas had won eight straight matches heading into this weekend’s 4-0 loss at Chiapas……..a game they were never comfortable in. Thoughts?

Soccer fans, bring some opinion tomorrow night on Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis on Sports Talk 790 between 7-9pm……..Donovan, should he stay or come back? Dynamo Austin, what did you think? Mediator for CBA agreement, Mexican League, EPL , Argentine first division and more……..Call in at 713-212-5790

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston is every Thursday at 5pm presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute and Danish Inspirations Contemporary Furniture…

The LA Galaxy are adamant about Landon Donovan coming back to their club March 15th so this could be Donovan’s final game for the Toffees tomorrow morning at 10am cst. Of course the Galaxy want the ‘face of MLS’ back. Having him on their roster makes them an instant contender every year as we all know. What complicates this potentially? A players strike or work stoppage of some sort.
Donovan’s match tomorrow against Hull could be his last in the EPL…….personally I know the loss he would be for MLS and the Galaxy but I just can’t believe that from a playing standpoint that he can be as enthused coming back to MLS even though this is an MLS year. Then again, less pressure from playing in MLS could be beneficial for him as the World Cup approaches as opposed to playing in the EPL. A good question as many players come World Cup time are fatigued and challenged to live up to it. Playing in the EPL could also be the perfect preparation for America’s most important player…..

DYNAMO FANS can catch their squad tomorrow at Carl Lewis Track and Field Stadium for a scrimmage against the lower division Austin squad……..the Dynamo will also play Chicago this week as Carlos De Los Cobos brings his Fire to Houston……

MEXICO…still in awe of Mexico attendance of 90,000 at Rose Bowl. Unlike the U.S., the promotion of El Tri and the World Cup in going full bore south of the border with the World Cup trophy touring Mexico City. Fans are hoping for Mexico to get to the semi-finals.

March 20th the first ever game will be played in Red Bull Arena as New York takes on Santos and on loan Robinho who recently lashed out at Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. When Pele played his last game for the New York Cosmos many moons ago he played a half for the Cosmos and a half for Santos his boyhood club……Lets hope this stadium is a platform for the struggling Bulls because all I am hearing from the East Coast is that this facility is amazing and that excuse for poor attendance now is off the table for ‘team energy drink’.!!!!

Twitter: Soccermattersgd

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston brought to you by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute Friday at 3pm…Hear from Dominic Kinnear, Bobby Boswell and Danny Cruz…..Twitter: Soccermattersgd

So we might just have that reggae vibe in Houston. Reggae Boy Lovel Palmer who scored a long range goal in Florida for the Dynamo against FC Dallas is apparently coming in for another week on trial according to the Dynamo. Palmer who is the captain of Harbour View has represented Jamaica at the youth and senior international levels.
Find out more about Palmer as he is expected to get a game against both Austin Aztex this Sunday at 1pm and Chicago Fire Thursday at 7pm…….Just for an FYI here are my favorite reggae bands:

1.) Bob Marley
2.) Peter Tosh
3.) Third World
4.) Jimmy Cliff
5.) Toots and Maytals
6.) Mighty Sparrow
6.) Burning Spear
7.) Black Uhru

NAVAS to Dynamo
Francisco Navas will be an interesting signing and has slowly gotten in little ways more comfortable with his playing environment with the Dynamo.
He will be a marketable story for the Dynamo coming from the Dynamo Academy and local soccer but I am sure Dominic Kinnear would not extend a contract to him if he did not believe in his abilities. Lots of growth for this player has to come in his future and fans need to give him room to fail. The real question will come in the form of where will he get his ‘games’ in the future without a reserve league. His signing was held up by paperwork but fans should be real encouraged to see a young player get a shot on a professional environment. You can imagine how daunting it has been for Navas making the job to being a full time player who is expected to perform on a daily basis against experienced players.

PICK OF THE WEEKEND…

Saturday: Roma vs AC Milan 1:45 FSC- Brazilian manager Dunga hinting Ronaldinho not going to the World Cup, Beckham, Pirlo, Seedorf and Totti….

Sunday: Everton vs. Hull 10:00am FSC Landon Donovan looks to bounce back after a monster miss last weekend against Spurs and a disappearing act vs. Netherlands.
Marcus Hahnemann in goal for Hull who looks set to go to the World Cup.

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis Friday at 3pm on Fox Sports Houston presented by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Insitute….

Twitter: Soccermattersgd

Munich, Germany-

The headline in the national paper Bild mirrored what everyone was saying on the walk to the train after the match: ‘Jogi’ so we are scared heading into the World Cup’.
The #1 choice for goalkeeper made a decisive mistake, the defense was shaky, and nothing was happening up front, continued the bold text. Jogi (prounounced Yogi) Loew spent his press conference defending the players expected to be the starting 11, especially Lukas Podolski and Miroslave Klose, saying ‘we know what they can do’. But after newer, younger players came in and showed some flashes of brilliance, this will make the next few days tough for the coach and his staff as they will decide on the final roster.

“We didn’t get it done against a strong opponent, we did nothing to create pressure upfront, and we didn’t follow through on our opportunities,” said Loew. But he remains optimistic by adding, “we will play well at the World Cup.”

Notes: Lukas Podolski had an altercation with a reporter in the mixed zone. He claims the reporter provoked him and thus he came back with strong opinions.
With nothing to cheer for their home side, the almost 66,000 fans started the ‘Ole’ chant as Argentina controlled possession and put on a clinic.

Salman Mitha in Munich