Thursday, March 28, 2024

Are you a Soccerholic?

David Nugent in Editorial, English Premier League 11 Nov 2009

1,146 Views

zenit an rangers fansI have something to reveal and its hard for me to say but I am a Soccerholic. Now usually I hate the fact that people call football soccer because I’m English and most of the world call the game football but I use the word soccer as it suits my purpose better than football. Anyway enough of that rubbish and back to subject in hand!

Obsessed

I recently realised that I will watch every bit of football action that I can. I currently watch games from the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, French Ligue One, Dutch Eredivisie  and Russian Premier League. If that wasn’t enough I have recently even started watching action from the American MLS. Although I used to watch the league many years ago I have lost touch with the league until a few weeks ago.

I have always been obsessed with the beautiful game. Even at a young age I was writing and reading about football stats and figures. I loved to play the game and would even play in crazy conditions. I once stayed on the football pitch when everybody else had ran inside during a thunder storm!. My love for playing and watching football obvious spread to reporting and writing about the game.

Sad but true

I think I may have a problem. I find myself thinking about football all the time. I drive my partner absolutely crazy sometimes. She doesn’t understand my passion. She says its just a game and other various sayings but as football fans we know its much more than just a game to us. It might be a hobbie or a pastime for some people but to me football is a passion.

When we go to the match we are part of something, a part of male bonding that is sometimes lacking in other parts of society. At the match we talk to people we wouldn’t usually talk to outside of the stadium. We hug people we don’t know when our team scores. The smell of the football stadium, the noises, the whole atmosphere of the game. You just can’t beat it.

Its the same the whole world round. We are a part of a team or a community because of who we support. From Bolton to Buenos Aires the beautiful game unites people. It means so much to so many people and a football club can be the centre of a community. That is why I love the game so much.

Are you a kindered spirit?

I was just wondering if there’s anybody out there who has the same passion for the game and watches as much football as me. Do you find yourself blanking out when your partners talking to you and thinking about the weekends game? Do you think about football while sitting in your office at work?

Do you constantly annoy your friends and relatives with meaningless football stats? If you do all these things its likely that you are a Soccerholic and need help. To get help please call 0151 foot ball or just leave a comment underneath this article!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Nugent


David is a freelance football writer with nearly a decade of experience writing about the beautiful game. The experienced writer has written for over a dozen websites and also an international soccer magazine offline.
Arguably his best work has come as an editorial writer for Soccernews, sharing his good, bad and ugly opinions on the world’s favourite sport. During David’s writing career he has written editorials, betting previews, match previews, banter, news and opinion pieces.

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  • Chicharito

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    Las metas logradas de Chicharito lo colocaron al top diez del mundo. Esta vez brinca 5. Sigue asi Javier!

  • Brad

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    I’ll take your word for it.

    Stinks MUFC lost on their home ground today. When I found out (just a few minutes ago) I kicked the TV. The TV didnt break (Thank God) but I’m not so sure my foot was so lucky (haha, it aint broke, just sore).

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    really? dude – you should google her and check out the video…she is intimidating, to say the least.

  • Brad

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    wtf? dont know Elizabeth Lambert (women’s football I guess) That was a surprise.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Hey Brad – I gave Elizabeth Lambert your email address and said you needed your own personal cheerleader…let me know how that goes.

    188 days to the World Cup…I hate this time of the year!

  • Brad

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    Oh ok, give me the silent treatment, huh? Very funny. . .

    haha. . .

    Just as an update. . . :
    me and my JV school team just won our last game of the season, 2-1. I didnt score but I got an assist. We finished (win-lose-tie) 10-2-2, and in first place. I finished with 8 goals, 7 assists. Also, a yellow card. . . dad gum

  • Brad

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    OOOOOOHHHHH!!!!! Thanks, man!! You made me feel better bout all this local controversy. . . just so you know, I seem to have already made a good impression on the Rhino coaches (I think I said that already, but I dont want yall to think I am being arrogant). I would like to be an important part of the team, but then again that is not unheard of; everyone wants to be #10 player for the team. I do, that’s for sure. . . I’ve been to the training ground of the Rhinos (youth area, not senior team) and even though I was only there for a few days (trials, remember) I already feel at home there. . .

    I sure hope the Rhinos help me build up even more. . . the Storm have already done so much. . . Rochester have a lot of ground to cover if they want to do the same (just saying, no arrogance).

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Hey man – you probably already know, but take it one step at a time…you might not be on the greatest of teams, but the Rhino’s are confident in you…2011 will be your year to turn the tables for the Rhino’s – just do what you do best, make a good impression and i’m sure other clubs will show interest in your contributions as well.

  • Brad

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    Dropping bombs on Chelsea all over Soccernews????????????????????????

    Do you really think that is ME????

    Go look at “Why do so many people hate Manchester United?” and you’ll see that it really aint me. . . there is another Brad lurking around. . .

    Besides the big clubs dont want me. . . I dont think the Rhinos are a powerhouse; they used to be, but I havent seen them win anything in years. . .

    Yes, you can say I dropped a bomb on Chelsea in my previous post, but then again, I also dropped one (a fairly bigger one too) on my own team, Manchester United.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Good job with the Rhino’s Brad.

    Yeah – I noticed things were a little quiet around here with you not flapping your mouth about how good you are and all the big clubs that want you…

    haha (just kidding)…

    but, I do notice, more and more, that you be dropping these bombs on Chelsea all over Soccernews…grrrrrrrr…

  • Brad

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    But all this is the reason why I havent been on line for days, just so yall know.

    I was thrilled by MUFC’s win over Portsmouth 4-1 on Saturday. I know, I know, we had two penalties, both helping Rooney get his third career hat trick, but once the ref blows that whistle of his, you caint do nothing. . . I think Rooney said that a couple months ago.
    I know, too, that it was a win over the bottom of the ranks club, but you never know when an upset comes around. MUFC can attest to that, when Burnley shocked us, and CFC (sorry CFC Fan, but it is a fairly good example) fell to Wigan.

    These two small examples show why football is the best sport in the world. . . it is unpredictable, and also stirs up the emotions in all passionate fans, and we get to see how emotional the players and the club staff are. . . and it is the most civilized sport to boot (when compared to American football and hockey)

  • Brad

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    Haha, you guys are being funny. . .

    It’s all over. I aint with the Rhinos. Not yet anyway. . . the coach got involved when the Rhinos offered me a position with em (hoorah) and the past few days has been war of the clubs practically, but in the end we managed to make an agreement. . . Here it is:

    I play for one more season with the Storm at Hurricane Field, and when the 2011 season comes round, I will be #18 (more likely than not, but one of the Rhino coaches was trying to convince me to be #7 or 10. . . lol).

    So, in the end, I get to stay with my friends for a season more, then I can start my advance into the professionals. . .

  • David Nugent

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    lol I accept the grammar mistakes! You have to excuse me I was educated in the English school system!

  • gooner-11

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    (don’t think I don’t catch those grammar and spelling mistakes Dave – haha)
    hahaha
    CFCFan you mind reader!

    …friggin canadians, eh?

  • David Nugent

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    lol Eh Chelsea FC Fan enough of that!

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Trust me Brad…no team in Toronto has any luck right now…we are the city of losers…we make the bad teams rrrriiiiich…if you ever own your own team one day, move them to Toronto – cuz win or lose, we’ll buy your tickets – haha.

    Hey man – you can’t make everyone happy so it’s best to do what makes you happy (most of the time anyways)…I heard when you get married, you do what makes everybody else happy so take advantage while you can…

    I’m kind of in the same predicament – I play in a Mens league (Division 2) and a Division 1 team from my league wants me to play with them next summer…all i’m thinking is the quality of play would drastically increase and i’d probably enjoy playing Div 1 a bit more…on the other hand, my boy from high-school has a pretty decent team in Div 2 already, but we might not make Div 1 this year…do I jump ship, or not? The correct answer is (as Baka and others might be thinking) ‘Who freakin cares you washed up good for nothing web-posting amateur??’…

    the point is Brad, you have to know what you want before you can get it…maybe the Rhino’s can help further your career, maybe they can’t…you’re intelligent enough – you read Soccernews.com (don’t think I don’t catch those grammar and spelling mistakes Dave – haha) – so i’m sure you’ll figure out what’s best for you. Good luck.

  • David Nugent

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    I agree with Chelsea FC Fan. That is really good advice. I admire you two for your committment to the Soccerholic cause! I think I’m going to copyright the term!

  • Brad

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    I dont think it would be a bad idea for playing for Toronto. They just seem unlucky when it comes to qualifying for the playoffs. the atmospher at BMO Stadium is also brilliant, only second to Quest Field (Seattle Sounders).

  • Brad

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    Thanks for the advice, CFC Fan. I already talked to the coach, told him I am in a lot of debt to him and the team, but he did seem a bit cold after I said I wanted to transfer. I never bragged about getting a trial with Rochester, I simply stated it. By the way, I aint the only one from my team who is going to the trial (we are currently in an interval as I say this for Day 2), our #9 is here with me, and he is making more of an impression than me, I’d say. I keep on messing up on marking at corners. . .
    To be honest, I hope I am making a lasting impression on the coaches here, they seem to like my skills and passion for the game; I think I’m actually louder than any of them when I’m on the pitch. lol.

    I’ll never forget my time at Hurricane Field, I have enjoyed it more than anyone will ever know. . . I just feel it is “career over club” in this case, for me as a player. the team will understand THAT, as some of them are going through it, too. . . just some of them felt too much loyalty to the team. It is crazy and complicated. . .

    By the way, CFC Fan, you wear your footie socks every gameday under your suit? lol. . . I do something crazy like that too: I wear my football kits (MUFC, USMNT, or Albany Storm) to school everyday. . . laf out loud.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Hey Brad – handle it like a pro and you’ll be fine. Don’t go bragging about it, just let the team know you can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done to help you develop your game and without them this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible. They’ve provided a platform for you to grow so it’s important to never forget that – on the other hand, you’ve also offered a lot to the team as well, so don’t sell yourself short – you deserve a chance at the big leagues. Good luck with that and hopefully I get to boo you sometime if you ever play MLS in Toronto – unless you’re playing for Toronto.

    By the way – I am a soccerholic…I wear my (clean) game socks under my business suit every gameday.

  • Brad

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    Oh, David, you dont understand MY teammates. One of my former teammates transfered to the Richmond Kickers (USL 2) youth team, and now he is mud here at Hurricane Field. In fact, just over a year ago, the Storm and Blues had a “friendly” that we lost 3-2. Dont know or care whether or not his kneecap is better yet. . . he was a traitor, like what I will be.

  • David Nugent

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    I’m sure teammates will understand more than you think. A lot of Rooney’s ex-teammates are still friends with him now. Yeah the sale of Rooney helped us build a team.

    Moyes and Rooney disagreed because Rooney got frustrated at not getting minutes on the pitch. Moyes was a little less experienced also and was probably not ready to deal with such a talented youngster.

  • Brad

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    I guess the Rhinos give me the better future. . . after all they are the team that, in a few years, will probably advance me to the senior team. then I can advance to MLS after a few seasons. . .
    But, there is the prob when it comes to my teammates. Like the Evertonians, who sang “there is only one greedy b——” around the time Rooney left, and the teammates, who felt a bit cheated by his departure, I will be treated as a traitor if I leave. No going back to Hurricane Field unless me and the Rhinos play an exhibition against the Storm. . .
    I would probably get my foot broken if i play in the “friendly”, my current teammates all know my right foot has a knack of getting an injury. . .

    I thank you for your advice, David. It helped. I think I’ll follow Rooney’s footsteps. . . By the way, you know why he left Goodison? Problems with Moyes, and Everton needed money. If he hadnt transferred, Everton might not be in existance anymore. . .

  • David Nugent

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    Which side offers you the better future in the game? If you do change you will make new friends and meet new people. You can still hang out with your old friends when your not playing. Take the Wayne Rooney route Brad!

    He took the hard option moved from Everton his childhood team and look how good he is now. Oh by the way Brad check out my latest article!

  • Brad

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    Well, the season was still a success for Becks, Donovan, and the Galaxy. They went from worst to first, almost completely. They just fell to some heroic saves at the very end. . .

    My first day in trials went extremely well, here in Rochester. The coaches are awesome, highly trained, and easy to get along with. They held a pickup game to see everyone’s strengths/weaknesses. Mine was defending at corners, I let my mark past me two or three times, and showboating my juggling skills too often (well, my role model is Cristiano Ronaldo, I do everything he does, tricks, juggling, etc., just not diving).
    But. . .
    There is a problem that I didnt think of until right before I got online.
    Here it is:
    I will have to transfer from the Albany Storm. I have been happy here at the Hurricane Field (our pitch) and have good friends/teammates, some of which I have known/played with since I was three or four years old. The atmosphere is brilliant, and the spectators are always into the beautiful game. I want to sign with Rochester, but I ALSO want to stay with the Storm, but I cant do both. Rock and a hard place for me to get out of. . .

    I would like to have some advice. . . i am a tad confused. . . what to do? what to do? Should I graduate, or should I stay?

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    daam man…

    I was hoping for Landon and LAX to win – he’s really done a lot this
    season to propel this team forward.

    Better luck next time Landon – great season, a lot to look back on, and a lot more to look forward to.

  • Brad

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    Oh another thing, if yall didnt see the MLS 2009 Cup last night (well, early morning for England, but late in the nite for my time zone) yall missed a REALLY big treat. It ended 1-1 at regulation time (Magee for L.A. Galaxy, Findley (I think) for Real Salt Lake), went though scoreless extra time periods (no golden or silver goals) and then went through a crazy penalty shootout. Here is what I can remember:
    1). Beckham’s shot sends Rimando (Real Salt Lake’s keeper) the other way. 1-0 on penalties to L.A. Galaxy.
    2). Donovan’s shot flies over the crossbar. (What the hell?) This was a bit later, and a highlight.
    3). Rimando saves a shot, giving the RSL a chance to win if they score, but then Saunders returns Rimando’s favor.
    Rimando and Saunders trade saves again a short while later.
    4). Rimando makes his third penalty save, but then Sauders cant make a reply, and Russel scores his penalty, which means RSL, the underdogs, won the Cup on their first try.

  • Brad

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    At first, I though Rochester was in a different state, but it turns out they are based in Rochester, NY. Not too far away from my town. . . just a couple hours. . .

  • Brad

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    I understand why you would rather call it footballholic instead of soccerholic, but it doesnt fit. Also, it is fairly ironic that after you say you hate the term “soccer” that you say “I find myself thinking about soccer all the time”. . .
    I aint trying to offend you. . . just so you know.

    I am currently on the road to my trial’s first day with the Rhinos, yall.
    Wish me luck! 🙂

  • Pawlu Frendo

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    I’m a footballholic (I hate the term soccer) . . . i find myself thinking about soccer all the time . . I traing frequently and I don’t miss a game when my team is playing and when there is a game on i watch it . . And im proud to be a footballholic : D

  • Brad

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    I know, I know, CFC Fan, laf out loud at the extra smiley face, but look at the post I put above yours: “Yeah, well, I’m that excited.”
    Dont know about pros in Ontario. I live in New York.. . used to live in GA (georgia) but before then I lived where I am now. . . moved back, basically.
    Glad to hear some shout outs from you two. . . thanks a lot.
    I will probably take my laptop with me on the trip to put some posts, keep in touch.
    And I cant wait to see Man United play this weekend. I believe it is agianst Everton. . . great, Rooney should keep a cool head.
    I know your a Evertonian, David, but I am loyal to Man United so I’ll put this!!!
    ONWARD TO VICTORY, MANCHESTER UNITED!!!!!!!!
    What’s better is that my foot is better. I have had injuries worst than this actually, one kept me out for five months.
    But, here is something ironic: a player is out for months, no practice, then recovers, but practices only a bit for safety, then plays a full game and scores a hat-trick. If I remember corectly, Rooney did that on his debut for Manchester United. I did that two years ago. . .
    That is just an FYI. Not bragging. . .

  • David Nugent

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    Good luck Brad mate!

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    lol @ kukaka…

    and lol @ Brad for posting a smiley face…

    that’s great news tho Brad – good luck dude…if you ever come to Ontario, Canada to play a game, give a brother a shout – i’d love to watch.

    As a matter of fact, is there anyone here from Ontario playing pro or in a local men’s league right now?

  • Brad

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    Yeah, well, I’m that excited.

  • kukaka

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    wow brad. . . ….. u put an xtra post jes to show an xtra smyle face.
    Good luck with da rhinos tho.

  • Brad

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    😀

  • Brad

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    Another thing I JUST found out:
    Remember me telling you all that Rochester Rhinos of the USL 1 scouted me?
    I just RECIEVED AN INVITATION TO HAVE A WEEK LONG TRIAL WITH THEM!!!!!!!
    😀 😀 😀 WINKERS!!! WINKERS!!! BU BU BU BU BOOOOOOO YYYYYEEAAHHHH!!!!
    I’m so excited! I just caint hide it!!!

  • Brad

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    By the way, my foot got better, i put something about it a few days ago.

    Gregorio:
    Yes, the ovation Del Piero got was fantastic. I was actually in the stands as a neutral. That was the first (and so far only) professional football game I have attended that wasnt between two MLS Clubs or the U.S.M.N.T and some other country. I forgot the score though, dad gummit.

    something I realized, it doesnt fit to say footballholic or even footieholic, does it? And it is the same thing when you talk about that dark horse team, The Australian National Team: they are called the Socceroos. It doesnt fit to say Football- or Footieroos.

  • Gregorio

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    I am a soccerholic. My first encounter that got me sucked in was the 2003 Italian Cup final AC Milan vs. Juventus. It was played in Giants Statum, so it was a real treat for my family who are Juventus supporters. I, at the time didnt really have an interest in the sport, so I just thought ehh whatever I will go see it for the heck of it. So the whole game was pretty boring, not going to lie. However, in overtime Pirlo scores a penalty.. and I just remember my family being like, okay lets go Milan will probably win. Once this happens, Coach Marcello Lippi subs in Del Piero. Once he comes in there is an automatic spark and the crowd goes wild. I couldnt believe all the pasion there was in the stadium, it was something I never experienced before. I even started going on cheering! Trezeguet eventually scores and that was when I came to love Juve and Soccer.

  • kukaka

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    i am a soccerholic. in evre life i would be one, and a fan of usa colorado rapids and fulham to da death.

  • Brad

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    Thanks once again, David.

  • David Nugent

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    Brad, I think its pretty sure that you a Soccerholic! I hope your foot feels better soon.

  • Brad

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    Anyone else who I have immense respect and had done something-even the slightest thing- to help me, I almost always recognize them.
    But I think that is enough of my personal playing. Right mow I am a bit (expletive), as the U.S. just lost to Slovakia 1-0. Sure, it was a narrow loss, but a win is a win, a tie is a tie, and a loss is a loss. I have recovered from Man United’s loss to CFC, but my newly healed wound just had some salt rubbed in it. Also, I may be out for a week or two, one of my toes got fractured in a game today. It is still sore.
    Well, one thing I want yall to know is that I am a devoted fan. Yall probably figured that out already, but here is an extra bit of information.
    When the U.S./Manchester United win, I am practically over the moon about it.
    When they draw, I aint that happy, but I’d rather drop two points than all three.
    But that is where it goes horribly wrong. If Manchester United/ USMNT lose, and I am not ashamed to tell you this, I break down pretty badly. In fact, the outcome of my two beloved teams’ games always affects my mood for the next week or so.

    Now, does that show I am a “Soccer”holic or what? If anyone is like that, than you are 100% a “Soccer”holic.
    CHEERS!!!!:D

  • Brad

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    What am I making a good impression on everyone? For all I know, yall might not even believe what I’m saying. . .
    In fact, I myself find it hard to believe. A fourteen year old, being scouted by a professional team! And, believe it or not, I have had a knack of praising people who helped/encouraged me on the way to something.
    Of course, the coaches, my teammates, and family, but also you David

  • David Nugent

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    Wow! Brad its good your being scouted. I’m glad you won’t forget us little people! I will be expecting to see you at a World Cup in the near future.

  • Brad

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    Well, for the part about me being number 18 for the Senior Team, wait a good six or seven years.

    Lastly, thank you, David, for making this article. It has allowed quite a few people besides me to show just how much we love the beautiful game.

  • Brad

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    Thanks again, David!
    Well, it dont really matter, as I prefer being outside playing football or watching it on TV. Video games only come around after both, and I have some free time.
    As a matter of fact, when it comes to becoming a professional footballer, I think it is a matter of “when” and not “if” I make it. If you go back and reread my first post from yesterday, you will see that I stated the belief a scout had attended my school’s game last night. Turns out I am right: he was from Rochester Rhinos.
    But for the Premier League. . . yes, I think I can make it, but be a REGULAR starter? And for a member of the Big Four? We will have to wait and see. . .
    You said you would like to interview me when I make the PL. . . blush!
    Just so you all know, I have a very retentive memory, I wont easily forget any of yall. . .

    I have stated my intentions of playing for United, after rising through the ranks of USL Division 1 (Rochester Rhinos is in that one), then MLS (hopefully for L.A. Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, or New England Revolution), and finally go to Old Trafford. Also, I have said my dreams (almost come true?) of being with the Eagles (U.S.).
    But I havent said anything about what I want to do with each of them.
    Of course, win games and score goals, but I want to win loads of trophies for each team. I want to help Manchester United do what I know they havent done: win Carling/FA/UEFA Champions League Cups, and consecutively at that in each category. As for the U.S., I would like to be on the team, and play for it, too, when they win the World Cup. Project 2010 is working; the Eagles are becoming a world power. I hope to be one of the players when we become a world power. When this happens, we will leave a stamp on the game and the world, and we will be a giant in the football ocean. Forever.
    If you have a very retentive memory like I do, check a U.S. Men’s National game (against anyone) and look for the LCMF position. If you see the number 18 (the number I have always worn for any team I have been with) look closely at him. If he has the first name Brad (duh) and is tall and lanky, that will be me.

    FOREVER A RED DEVIL!!!!! FOREVER AN EAGLE!!!! FOREVER A FAN OF FOOTBALL AS A WHOLE!!!!

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Overall, I was happy with CFC’s play against Barca…they had them completely tamed.

    BUT,

    I think CFC let Barca’s stigma get in their head…I think everyone was anticipating an offensive onslaught from Barca and Chelsea turned their game in to a defensive show…I don’t know about you, but I was expecting Barca to score (which they did), but that meant Chelsea should have been playing for at least two goals, which they didn’t seem to be doing after they scored the first one…as we all saw, the offensive onslaught never came from Barca and if Chelsea had been playing more offensive-minded, maybe a goal or two more would have been scored and we wouldn’t have had to worry about other factors in the game.

    Chelsea’s worst enemy tends to be themselves.

  • David Nugent

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    Don’t worry Brad when you are playing for United and the US you will have enough money to buy a PS3. Don’t forget us when your a star! I want to be able to interview you when your in the Premier League!

  • Brad

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    Wait, almost forgot. . .
    Yall said some stuff about the FIFA games. I am JEALOUS. I am still stuck with a PlayStation 2, and I still have the FIFA 08 and 09 versions, plus PES 09. Well, they are good, but, in FIFA’s words for FIFA 10, “How Big can Football (well, they say soccer, but I say football) Get?”

  • Brad

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    Also, just as a fun fact, I am putting some new lines to “Welcome to Old Trafford”.
    HHHHHHEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYY!!!!!! Glory, Glory Man. United!!! Welcome to Old Trafford!!!
    (Guitar playing in background)

  • Brad

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    Thank you, David, for supporting me in trying to fulfill my dream of becoming a player for my teams, U.S. and Man Utd.

    . . . Am currently on the way back home from a JV game against my high school’s biggest rival as I type this on my laptop. I have good reason to believe a scout from either an MLS or USL Division 1 club was attending, as I saw a guy talking to the coach on the toachline at the half, and it sure looked like he was looking at me (!). We are now 5-0-0 (win, lose, draw) and drubbed the Tigers 10-1, I scored a kinda-sorta-but not really Beckham goal, from almost halfway across the field (not bragging, just an update) and a penalty (yes, I am the spot kicker).

    And YES, CFC Fan, I am crazy about football, and I like to hear you dont underestimate Manchester United, even though the Blues won against us back on Sunday. You should know (though you probably already do) that we are a team capable of coming back when it looks like we’re out to win it- this just past season is an example, with us losing consecutive games, then saved by Macheda’s explosive entry into the Premireship. I dont wanna sound arrgant when I say this, but dont get used to being on top!

    And one thing I want to ask you is: what mistakes against FCB? You can be proud- sort of- that even though you were knocked out by the away goal rule (MLS doesnt allow that crap on our fields) you played pretty well, at least in my eyes. I wanted yall to win, but really only so then MUFC wouldnt have to deal with Barca’s attacking trio: Henry, Etoo, and Messi, plus Iniesta as backup.

    And yes, Wenger has awakened Arsenal’s beast, and has brought some extra powder and cannon as a surprise gift. The Blues may have the power to destroy the beast, but it wouldnt be for long. . . and MUFC has already beaten you to it. Sure, we won on a penalty and an own goal, but a win is a win, I hope everyone agrees with me on that.

    Cant wait for Saturday. . . of course, there are some play off WC Qualifiers to watch (anyone fancy France’s chances? I aint so sure) and the U.S., who have already qualified, have a game against Denmark. On top of that, there is a MLS playoff game between Beckham, Donovan, and the L.A. Galaxy and Ching, Onstad, and the Houston Dynamo. Hold on to yer seats fellas, this weekend will show just how much of a soccerholic you are.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    haha Brad…you’re about as crazy as me too…and an incredulous day-dreamer – i’ll let you hold on to that one tho cuz there’s not much left to hold on to with Man U (haha)…just kidding – i’d never underestimate Rooney, or any team Fergie was managing.

    Patrick – I think American Football’s name should be changed to Crashball…they say that for the average man, one game in the NFL would be the equivalent of putting your body through 3 car accidents – crazy. I’ve been in one accident and it took me a year to heal up…haha…these guys usually heal in a week after a game…extraordinary athletes!

    Wenger has finally woken the beast in Arsenal…look out. On the other hand tho, Chelski has a knack for over-powering and containing beasts…hopefully, it’ll be a chance to correct some mistakes made against Barca in the Champions League…

    Any updates on the voodoo war over Ronaldo? Man, I swear…if that curse takes Ronnie out of the game I will lose it!…haha

  • Manchester United Indonesia

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    yes, I am a soccer holic. I’m an MU Fans from Indonesia.

  • gooner-11

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    haha, yea, Aussies i know call it soccer too, Football to them is basically rugby…

  • gooner-11

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    wow, i think you guys have me beat, though my wife may not think so…
    anyways, dutchman in Vancouver BC, i basically watch anything i can, though Chelsea FC Fan is right- its true its expensive…but its also the only reason i watch any TV at all.
    Netherlands is my fave to watch of coarse, cant wait to watch the Italy match on Saturday, hoping for another 3-0 victory like the Euro 08’s… high hopes for South Africa, Euro 08 was tough.
    I guess if i had to pick an actual league team it would have to be Arsenal, not only did i enjoy Bergkamp so much growing up but appreciate their style the most of the ‘big teams’…
    i only play ‘drop in’ footie at this point (besides the occasional Keeper sub in the local mens league with some friends team)… but its pretty quality for ‘drop in’, Vancouver is a very multicultural part of the world.
    nice to have a team going to the MLS, going to the USL matches is OK though- though kind of messed up at the moment.
    doesn’t the term soccer comes from england anyways but since crappy ‘american football’ became way more popular in upper N. America they stuck with soccer here? could be wrong, thats what my dad thinks…

  • Patrick

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    Hahaha only an Englishmen would feel obligated to clear up the soccer/football thing. Sadly I was born on the wrong side of the pond but I also refer to the beatiful game as football. Mostly because that’s what I hear it called more often when I’m watching the game on tv or down at the pub full of English and Irish guys and some other foreignors. Not to mention Fifa refers to it as football. Also it makes more sense to call it football, I think football’s name should be changed to throwball. Don’t the Aussies call it soccer, too?

    Anyway that was very long winded and superfluous, but yes I am a “soccerholic”. I eat, sleep, breath, and bleed Arsenal. We are in a very strong position in the league right now and the way the team has been playing we have to win trophies this season. We’ve won all our home games this season and after we travel to Sunderland we’re gonna beat Chelski 3-1 at the grove win our game in hand and be number one, and what makes this season different from 07/08 is that this time we have a strong squad as opposed to just a good starting XI, so we can maintain our title challenge til the end. Also we will do well in the CL, so long as we can avoid the other English teams until as late on as possible, if you look at the recent history.

    But yes I love football. I watch it all the time and when its not on I watch highlights or play Fifa, and of course theres the odd pick up game here and there. Football is my passion.

  • David Nugent

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    Nice reply guys. Brad I’m glad you would call it football rather than soccer.Like I said in the article Soccer fits better than football for the purpose! I hope you achieve your dream of playing for the US national team and United.

    Chelsea FC Fan I also play Fifa 10 but on the Playstation 3. I don’t really have much time to play it, due to work committments. Its a shame you don’t get to see much action on TV. I’m glad you can keep up with the action on the internet though. We do our best to keep you entertained and informed.

  • Brad

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    Dad gum CFC Fan! You got carried away, didnt ya?
    I am a soccerholic just as well! Normally I would call it football, but that doesnt fit with holic really. So i am a Soccerholic.
    I daydream soccer everywhere I go: school (I’m 14, mind you), home, church (this Sunday I was dreaming of MUFC smashing Chelsea 5-0, with Rooney scoring a hat-trick), and even my uncle’s house. I play with my friends every day of the week (or almost) in any weather, once a thunderstorm, like the article’s writer, and I have been playing for a youth soccer team, Albany Storm, for the past three seasons (a regular starter, too) and I even have earned seven caps for the U.S. U15 squad, with two goals ( I am a Left Center Mid, but can also play Left Back) so far.
    I am a Manchester United fan, as you should tell from an earlier comment in this post. My room is decked in Manchester Utd. posters, Fatheads, and memorabilia, and I have the jerseys of Paul Ince, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo (of course), Park Ji-Sung, John O’Shea, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, the Nevilles, Van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Michael Owen, Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown, Ruud Van Nistelroy, etc., etc. I have Fox Soccer Channel, the whole ESPN network family, MLS Direct-Kick Pack, Gol-TV, Setanta Sports, and MUTV. I have downloaded “Glory, Glory Man United”, “He scores Goals, m’Lord” (about Paul Scholes), and “Please Don’t Take My Solksjaer Away”. I have even wrote my own song: “Welcome to Old Trafford” (as opposed to Brad Paisley’s “Welcome to the Future”). As for the U.S., I also have posters,Fatheads, and memorabilia, along with my heroes’ jerseys: Dempsey, Spector, Davies, Wynalda, Reina, Jones, Lalas (these four are now retired), Donovan, Altidore, should I go on? You should get it by now. . .
    I have even played for my Primary, Elementary, Middle, and now High School teams, and have helped us win at least one Regionals championship while at each school. Last season, I was my Middle School’s joint-top goal-scorer with 18 (which was also my number). Now, I have JV (Junior Varsity) duties for the High School, and we are (Win-Lose-Tie, not Win-Tie-Lose, for the record I am about to type) 4-0-0, and have scored 23 goals total, with only 1 conceded. I scored 5 goals so far, and have a game tomorrow.
    I dream of playing for the U.S. National team, as a starter, and also a regular starter for Manchester United. I intend to keep training hard, dreaming big, never give up, and become a pro. I want to rise through the ranks of USL Division 1, MLS, then go to MUFC.
    And when I get to the Red Devils, I will forever sing, “Welcome to Old Trafford”. . .

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    I’m not really in to the stats and I can’t afford to watch as much Soccer as you…or even as much as I would like…here in Canada, your options are limited and costly. Nonetheless, I follow every word on Soccernews, ESPN, Goal and then random news about CR9, Chelsea and Premier League news. I used to watch La Liga and the Bundesliga, but programming is limited and I seem to get my fix from reading rather than watching these days.

    But to answer your question – YES – I am a soccerholic…I also tell my g/f sometimes “you better get to the point quick – my soccer thoughts are taking over and tuning you out”…

    I play twice a week…I daydream about plays and upcoming games I have…I think about the pro-teams and events/news that could affect them…I can almost hear the fan chants in my head…I wake up every Saturday/Sunday morning listening to the games on the radio – hearing the fan chants and broadcasters is like music to my ears…I am in love with EA Sports FIFA 09 and FIFA 10 for the X-Box…I have Chelsea pics in my office…I have Chelsea jackets, shirts, sweaters, socks, hats, shorts…my iPhone is customized with Chelsea wallpaper…I download live fanchants and play them in my car (haha…that’s a little over the top, but try playing the “CHELSEA, CHELSEA, CHELSEA” fanchant (or a team of your choice) before a game and see how hype it gets you…soccer/football is like a high fever you catch that refuses to go away… it boils you with passion…I was instantly hooked when I started learning to touch pass and dribble by defenders…my heart pounds when I watch games (especially if Chelsea is playing)…the only thing more addictive (to me) is a cigarette! I used to think the Slam-Dunk was sports most electrifying move, but show me a scissor kick from Rooney, or watch Messi dribble 50 yards at top speed, my god – show me CR9, Fabregas or Drogba highlights and I am in a trance state. I go out to watch our local leagues play…sometimes with some buddies and beer’s, or sometimes by myself…I even find myself posting in forum discussions…I buy Four-Four-Two magazine (it costs $17.00 in Canada btw) which is worth every penny to me. I collect Cristiano Ronaldo rookie/soccer cards – I have a 1 of 1 collection and probably spent about $1500.00 to own these (yes – they are just trading cards, but some have jersey pieces, autographed, or very limited (1/99, 1/7, 1/1)…I have dreamt for so long of moving to England b/c of the passion everyone shares for the game…here we have Hockey (which i’ve also played and followed for some time, but personally, it is not as fulfilling to watch (“hey – way to fracture that guys face!”, “That’s pretty cool how that guy is laying still on the ice after that hit!”, “awesome hit – that guy will never play again!”)…in case you are wondering – I am being sarcastic and it’s b/c Hockey has literally become a ‘killer’ sport that I have tuned it out.

    Anyway…some of you may find it pathetic, but i’m happy…this game makes me happy…the fans make me happy…the websites make me happy…I wouldn’t trade it for anything else this world has to offer…thanks for giving me my fix (once again) Soccernews!

  • sam

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    yeah, im a soccerholic and im proud of it. its a pretty great feeling anytime i think about soccer.

  • sam

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    yeah, im a soccerholic and im proud of it. its a pretty great feeling anytime i think about soccer.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    I’m not really in to the stats and I can’t afford to watch as much Soccer as you…or even as much as I would like…here in Canada, your options are limited and costly. Nonetheless, I follow every word on Soccernews, ESPN, Goal and then random news about CR9, Chelsea and Premier League news. I used to watch La Liga and the Bundesliga, but programming is limited and I seem to get my fix from reading rather than watching these days.

    But to answer your question – YES – I am a soccerholic…I also tell my g/f sometimes “you better get to the point quick – my soccer thoughts are taking over and tuning you out”…

    I play twice a week…I daydream about plays and upcoming games I have…I think about the pro-teams and events/news that could affect them…I can almost hear the fan chants in my head…I wake up every Saturday/Sunday morning listening to the games on the radio – hearing the fan chants and broadcasters is like music to my ears…I am in love with EA Sports FIFA 09 and FIFA 10 for the X-Box…I have Chelsea pics in my office…I have Chelsea jackets, shirts, sweaters, socks, hats, shorts…my iPhone is customized with Chelsea wallpaper…I download live fanchants and play them in my car (haha…that’s a little over the top, but try playing the “CHELSEA, CHELSEA, CHELSEA” fanchant (or a team of your choice) before a game and see how hype it gets you…soccer/football is like a high fever you catch that refuses to go away… it boils you with passion…I was instantly hooked when I started learning to touch pass and dribble by defenders…my heart pounds when I watch games (especially if Chelsea is playing)…the only thing more addictive (to me) is a cigarette! I used to think the Slam-Dunk was sports most electrifying move, but show me a scissor kick from Rooney, or watch Messi dribble 50 yards at top speed, my god – show me CR9, Fabregas or Drogba highlights and I am in a trance state. I go out to watch our local leagues play…sometimes with some buddies and beer’s, or sometimes by myself…I even find myself posting in forum discussions…I buy Four-Four-Two magazine (it costs $17.00 in Canada btw) which is worth every penny to me. I collect Cristiano Ronaldo rookie/soccer cards – I have a 1 of 1 collection and probably spent about $1500.00 to own these (yes – they are just trading cards, but some have jersey pieces, autographed, or very limited (1/99, 1/7, 1/1)…I have dreamt for so long of moving to England b/c of the passion everyone shares for the game…here we have Hockey (which i’ve also played and followed for some time, but personally, it is not as fulfilling to watch (“hey – way to fracture that guys face!”, “That’s pretty cool how that guy is laying still on the ice after that hit!”, “awesome hit – that guy will never play again!”)…in case you are wondering – I am being sarcastic and it’s b/c Hockey has literally become a ‘killer’ sport that I have tuned it out.

    Anyway…some of you may find it pathetic, but i’m happy…this game makes me happy…the fans make me happy…the websites make me happy…I wouldn’t trade it for anything else this world has to offer…thanks for giving me my fix (once again) Soccernews!

  • Brad

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    Dad gum CFC Fan! You got carried away, didnt ya?
    I am a soccerholic just as well! Normally I would call it football, but that doesnt fit with holic really. So i am a Soccerholic.
    I daydream soccer everywhere I go: school (I’m 14, mind you), home, church (this Sunday I was dreaming of MUFC smashing Chelsea 5-0, with Rooney scoring a hat-trick), and even my uncle’s house. I play with my friends every day of the week (or almost) in any weather, once a thunderstorm, like the article’s writer, and I have been playing for a youth soccer team, Albany Storm, for the past three seasons (a regular starter, too) and I even have earned seven caps for the U.S. U15 squad, with two goals ( I am a Left Center Mid, but can also play Left Back) so far.
    I am a Manchester United fan, as you should tell from an earlier comment in this post. My room is decked in Manchester Utd. posters, Fatheads, and memorabilia, and I have the jerseys of Paul Ince, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo (of course), Park Ji-Sung, John O’Shea, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, the Nevilles, Van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Michael Owen, Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown, Ruud Van Nistelroy, etc., etc. I have Fox Soccer Channel, the whole ESPN network family, MLS Direct-Kick Pack, Gol-TV, Setanta Sports, and MUTV. I have downloaded “Glory, Glory Man United”, “He scores Goals, m’Lord” (about Paul Scholes), and “Please Don’t Take My Solksjaer Away”. I have even wrote my own song: “Welcome to Old Trafford” (as opposed to Brad Paisley’s “Welcome to the Future”). As for the U.S., I also have posters,Fatheads, and memorabilia, along with my heroes’ jerseys: Dempsey, Spector, Davies, Wynalda, Reina, Jones, Lalas (these four are now retired), Donovan, Altidore, should I go on? You should get it by now. . .
    I have even played for my Primary, Elementary, Middle, and now High School teams, and have helped us win at least one Regionals championship while at each school. Last season, I was my Middle School’s joint-top goal-scorer with 18 (which was also my number). Now, I have JV (Junior Varsity) duties for the High School, and we are (Win-Lose-Tie, not Win-Tie-Lose, for the record I am about to type) 4-0-0, and have scored 23 goals total, with only 1 conceded. I scored 5 goals so far, and have a game tomorrow.
    I dream of playing for the U.S. National team, as a starter, and also a regular starter for Manchester United. I intend to keep training hard, dreaming big, never give up, and become a pro. I want to rise through the ranks of USL Division 1, MLS, then go to MUFC.
    And when I get to the Red Devils, I will forever sing, “Welcome to Old Trafford”. . .

  • David Nugent

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    Nice reply guys. Brad I’m glad you would call it football rather than soccer.Like I said in the article Soccer fits better than football for the purpose! I hope you achieve your dream of playing for the US national team and United.

    Chelsea FC Fan I also play Fifa 10 but on the Playstation 3. I don’t really have much time to play it, due to work committments. Its a shame you don’t get to see much action on TV. I’m glad you can keep up with the action on the internet though. We do our best to keep you entertained and informed.

  • Patrick

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    Hahaha only an Englishmen would feel obligated to clear up the soccer/football thing. Sadly I was born on the wrong side of the pond but I also refer to the beatiful game as football. Mostly because that’s what I hear it called more often when I’m watching the game on tv or down at the pub full of English and Irish guys and some other foreignors. Not to mention Fifa refers to it as football. Also it makes more sense to call it football, I think football’s name should be changed to throwball. Don’t the Aussies call it soccer, too?

    Anyway that was very long winded and superfluous, but yes I am a “soccerholic”. I eat, sleep, breath, and bleed Arsenal. We are in a very strong position in the league right now and the way the team has been playing we have to win trophies this season. We’ve won all our home games this season and after we travel to Sunderland we’re gonna beat Chelski 3-1 at the grove win our game in hand and be number one, and what makes this season different from 07/08 is that this time we have a strong squad as opposed to just a good starting XI, so we can maintain our title challenge til the end. Also we will do well in the CL, so long as we can avoid the other English teams until as late on as possible, if you look at the recent history.

    But yes I love football. I watch it all the time and when its not on I watch highlights or play Fifa, and of course theres the odd pick up game here and there. Football is my passion.

  • gooner-11

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    wow, i think you guys have me beat, though my wife may not think so…
    anyways, dutchman in Vancouver BC, i basically watch anything i can, though Chelsea FC Fan is right- its true its expensive…but its also the only reason i watch any TV at all.
    Netherlands is my fave to watch of coarse, cant wait to watch the Italy match on Saturday, hoping for another 3-0 victory like the Euro 08’s… high hopes for South Africa, Euro 08 was tough.
    I guess if i had to pick an actual league team it would have to be Arsenal, not only did i enjoy Bergkamp so much growing up but appreciate their style the most of the ‘big teams’…
    i only play ‘drop in’ footie at this point (besides the occasional Keeper sub in the local mens league with some friends team)… but its pretty quality for ‘drop in’, Vancouver is a very multicultural part of the world.
    nice to have a team going to the MLS, going to the USL matches is OK though- though kind of messed up at the moment.
    doesn’t the term soccer comes from england anyways but since crappy ‘american football’ became way more popular in upper N. America they stuck with soccer here? could be wrong, thats what my dad thinks…

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    haha, yea, Aussies i know call it soccer too, Football to them is basically rugby…

  • Manchester United Indonesia

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    yes, I am a soccer holic. I’m an MU Fans from Indonesia.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    haha Brad…you’re about as crazy as me too…and an incredulous day-dreamer – i’ll let you hold on to that one tho cuz there’s not much left to hold on to with Man U (haha)…just kidding – i’d never underestimate Rooney, or any team Fergie was managing.

    Patrick – I think American Football’s name should be changed to Crashball…they say that for the average man, one game in the NFL would be the equivalent of putting your body through 3 car accidents – crazy. I’ve been in one accident and it took me a year to heal up…haha…these guys usually heal in a week after a game…extraordinary athletes!

    Wenger has finally woken the beast in Arsenal…look out. On the other hand tho, Chelski has a knack for over-powering and containing beasts…hopefully, it’ll be a chance to correct some mistakes made against Barca in the Champions League…

    Any updates on the voodoo war over Ronaldo? Man, I swear…if that curse takes Ronnie out of the game I will lose it!…haha

  • Brad

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    Thank you, David, for supporting me in trying to fulfill my dream of becoming a player for my teams, U.S. and Man Utd.

    . . . Am currently on the way back home from a JV game against my high school’s biggest rival as I type this on my laptop. I have good reason to believe a scout from either an MLS or USL Division 1 club was attending, as I saw a guy talking to the coach on the toachline at the half, and it sure looked like he was looking at me (!). We are now 5-0-0 (win, lose, draw) and drubbed the Tigers 10-1, I scored a kinda-sorta-but not really Beckham goal, from almost halfway across the field (not bragging, just an update) and a penalty (yes, I am the spot kicker).

    And YES, CFC Fan, I am crazy about football, and I like to hear you dont underestimate Manchester United, even though the Blues won against us back on Sunday. You should know (though you probably already do) that we are a team capable of coming back when it looks like we’re out to win it- this just past season is an example, with us losing consecutive games, then saved by Macheda’s explosive entry into the Premireship. I dont wanna sound arrgant when I say this, but dont get used to being on top!

    And one thing I want to ask you is: what mistakes against FCB? You can be proud- sort of- that even though you were knocked out by the away goal rule (MLS doesnt allow that crap on our fields) you played pretty well, at least in my eyes. I wanted yall to win, but really only so then MUFC wouldnt have to deal with Barca’s attacking trio: Henry, Etoo, and Messi, plus Iniesta as backup.

    And yes, Wenger has awakened Arsenal’s beast, and has brought some extra powder and cannon as a surprise gift. The Blues may have the power to destroy the beast, but it wouldnt be for long. . . and MUFC has already beaten you to it. Sure, we won on a penalty and an own goal, but a win is a win, I hope everyone agrees with me on that.

    Cant wait for Saturday. . . of course, there are some play off WC Qualifiers to watch (anyone fancy France’s chances? I aint so sure) and the U.S., who have already qualified, have a game against Denmark. On top of that, there is a MLS playoff game between Beckham, Donovan, and the L.A. Galaxy and Ching, Onstad, and the Houston Dynamo. Hold on to yer seats fellas, this weekend will show just how much of a soccerholic you are.

  • Brad

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    Also, just as a fun fact, I am putting some new lines to “Welcome to Old Trafford”.
    HHHHHHEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYY!!!!!! Glory, Glory Man. United!!! Welcome to Old Trafford!!!
    (Guitar playing in background)

  • Brad

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    Wait, almost forgot. . .
    Yall said some stuff about the FIFA games. I am JEALOUS. I am still stuck with a PlayStation 2, and I still have the FIFA 08 and 09 versions, plus PES 09. Well, they are good, but, in FIFA’s words for FIFA 10, “How Big can Football (well, they say soccer, but I say football) Get?”

  • David Nugent

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    Don’t worry Brad when you are playing for United and the US you will have enough money to buy a PS3. Don’t forget us when your a star! I want to be able to interview you when your in the Premier League!

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Overall, I was happy with CFC’s play against Barca…they had them completely tamed.

    BUT,

    I think CFC let Barca’s stigma get in their head…I think everyone was anticipating an offensive onslaught from Barca and Chelsea turned their game in to a defensive show…I don’t know about you, but I was expecting Barca to score (which they did), but that meant Chelsea should have been playing for at least two goals, which they didn’t seem to be doing after they scored the first one…as we all saw, the offensive onslaught never came from Barca and if Chelsea had been playing more offensive-minded, maybe a goal or two more would have been scored and we wouldn’t have had to worry about other factors in the game.

    Chelsea’s worst enemy tends to be themselves.

  • Brad

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    Thanks again, David!
    Well, it dont really matter, as I prefer being outside playing football or watching it on TV. Video games only come around after both, and I have some free time.
    As a matter of fact, when it comes to becoming a professional footballer, I think it is a matter of “when” and not “if” I make it. If you go back and reread my first post from yesterday, you will see that I stated the belief a scout had attended my school’s game last night. Turns out I am right: he was from Rochester Rhinos.
    But for the Premier League. . . yes, I think I can make it, but be a REGULAR starter? And for a member of the Big Four? We will have to wait and see. . .
    You said you would like to interview me when I make the PL. . . blush!
    Just so you all know, I have a very retentive memory, I wont easily forget any of yall. . .

    I have stated my intentions of playing for United, after rising through the ranks of USL Division 1 (Rochester Rhinos is in that one), then MLS (hopefully for L.A. Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, or New England Revolution), and finally go to Old Trafford. Also, I have said my dreams (almost come true?) of being with the Eagles (U.S.).
    But I havent said anything about what I want to do with each of them.
    Of course, win games and score goals, but I want to win loads of trophies for each team. I want to help Manchester United do what I know they havent done: win Carling/FA/UEFA Champions League Cups, and consecutively at that in each category. As for the U.S., I would like to be on the team, and play for it, too, when they win the World Cup. Project 2010 is working; the Eagles are becoming a world power. I hope to be one of the players when we become a world power. When this happens, we will leave a stamp on the game and the world, and we will be a giant in the football ocean. Forever.
    If you have a very retentive memory like I do, check a U.S. Men’s National game (against anyone) and look for the LCMF position. If you see the number 18 (the number I have always worn for any team I have been with) look closely at him. If he has the first name Brad (duh) and is tall and lanky, that will be me.

    FOREVER A RED DEVIL!!!!! FOREVER AN EAGLE!!!! FOREVER A FAN OF FOOTBALL AS A WHOLE!!!!

  • Brad

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    Well, for the part about me being number 18 for the Senior Team, wait a good six or seven years.

    Lastly, thank you, David, for making this article. It has allowed quite a few people besides me to show just how much we love the beautiful game.

  • David Nugent

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    Wow! Brad its good your being scouted. I’m glad you won’t forget us little people! I will be expecting to see you at a World Cup in the near future.

  • Brad

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    What am I making a good impression on everyone? For all I know, yall might not even believe what I’m saying. . .
    In fact, I myself find it hard to believe. A fourteen year old, being scouted by a professional team! And, believe it or not, I have had a knack of praising people who helped/encouraged me on the way to something.
    Of course, the coaches, my teammates, and family, but also you David

  • Brad

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    Anyone else who I have immense respect and had done something-even the slightest thing- to help me, I almost always recognize them.
    But I think that is enough of my personal playing. Right mow I am a bit (expletive), as the U.S. just lost to Slovakia 1-0. Sure, it was a narrow loss, but a win is a win, a tie is a tie, and a loss is a loss. I have recovered from Man United’s loss to CFC, but my newly healed wound just had some salt rubbed in it. Also, I may be out for a week or two, one of my toes got fractured in a game today. It is still sore.
    Well, one thing I want yall to know is that I am a devoted fan. Yall probably figured that out already, but here is an extra bit of information.
    When the U.S./Manchester United win, I am practically over the moon about it.
    When they draw, I aint that happy, but I’d rather drop two points than all three.
    But that is where it goes horribly wrong. If Manchester United/ USMNT lose, and I am not ashamed to tell you this, I break down pretty badly. In fact, the outcome of my two beloved teams’ games always affects my mood for the next week or so.

    Now, does that show I am a “Soccer”holic or what? If anyone is like that, than you are 100% a “Soccer”holic.
    CHEERS!!!!:D

  • David Nugent

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    Brad, I think its pretty sure that you a Soccerholic! I hope your foot feels better soon.

  • Brad

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    Thanks once again, David.

  • kukaka

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    i am a soccerholic. in evre life i would be one, and a fan of usa colorado rapids and fulham to da death.

  • Gregorio

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    I am a soccerholic. My first encounter that got me sucked in was the 2003 Italian Cup final AC Milan vs. Juventus. It was played in Giants Statum, so it was a real treat for my family who are Juventus supporters. I, at the time didnt really have an interest in the sport, so I just thought ehh whatever I will go see it for the heck of it. So the whole game was pretty boring, not going to lie. However, in overtime Pirlo scores a penalty.. and I just remember my family being like, okay lets go Milan will probably win. Once this happens, Coach Marcello Lippi subs in Del Piero. Once he comes in there is an automatic spark and the crowd goes wild. I couldnt believe all the pasion there was in the stadium, it was something I never experienced before. I even started going on cheering! Trezeguet eventually scores and that was when I came to love Juve and Soccer.

  • Brad

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    By the way, my foot got better, i put something about it a few days ago.

    Gregorio:
    Yes, the ovation Del Piero got was fantastic. I was actually in the stands as a neutral. That was the first (and so far only) professional football game I have attended that wasnt between two MLS Clubs or the U.S.M.N.T and some other country. I forgot the score though, dad gummit.

    something I realized, it doesnt fit to say footballholic or even footieholic, does it? And it is the same thing when you talk about that dark horse team, The Australian National Team: they are called the Socceroos. It doesnt fit to say Football- or Footieroos.

  • Brad

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    Another thing I JUST found out:
    Remember me telling you all that Rochester Rhinos of the USL 1 scouted me?
    I just RECIEVED AN INVITATION TO HAVE A WEEK LONG TRIAL WITH THEM!!!!!!!
    😀 😀 😀 WINKERS!!! WINKERS!!! BU BU BU BU BOOOOOOO YYYYYEEAAHHHH!!!!
    I’m so excited! I just caint hide it!!!

  • Brad

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    😀

  • kukaka

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    wow brad. . . ….. u put an xtra post jes to show an xtra smyle face.
    Good luck with da rhinos tho.

  • Brad

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    Yeah, well, I’m that excited.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    lol @ kukaka…

    and lol @ Brad for posting a smiley face…

    that’s great news tho Brad – good luck dude…if you ever come to Ontario, Canada to play a game, give a brother a shout – i’d love to watch.

    As a matter of fact, is there anyone here from Ontario playing pro or in a local men’s league right now?

  • David Nugent

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    Good luck Brad mate!

  • Brad

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    I know, I know, CFC Fan, laf out loud at the extra smiley face, but look at the post I put above yours: “Yeah, well, I’m that excited.”
    Dont know about pros in Ontario. I live in New York.. . used to live in GA (georgia) but before then I lived where I am now. . . moved back, basically.
    Glad to hear some shout outs from you two. . . thanks a lot.
    I will probably take my laptop with me on the trip to put some posts, keep in touch.
    And I cant wait to see Man United play this weekend. I believe it is agianst Everton. . . great, Rooney should keep a cool head.
    I know your a Evertonian, David, but I am loyal to Man United so I’ll put this!!!
    ONWARD TO VICTORY, MANCHESTER UNITED!!!!!!!!
    What’s better is that my foot is better. I have had injuries worst than this actually, one kept me out for five months.
    But, here is something ironic: a player is out for months, no practice, then recovers, but practices only a bit for safety, then plays a full game and scores a hat-trick. If I remember corectly, Rooney did that on his debut for Manchester United. I did that two years ago. . .
    That is just an FYI. Not bragging. . .

  • Pawlu Frendo

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    I’m a footballholic (I hate the term soccer) . . . i find myself thinking about soccer all the time . . I traing frequently and I don’t miss a game when my team is playing and when there is a game on i watch it . . And im proud to be a footballholic : D

  • Brad

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    I understand why you would rather call it footballholic instead of soccerholic, but it doesnt fit. Also, it is fairly ironic that after you say you hate the term “soccer” that you say “I find myself thinking about soccer all the time”. . .
    I aint trying to offend you. . . just so you know.

    I am currently on the road to my trial’s first day with the Rhinos, yall.
    Wish me luck! 🙂

  • Brad

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    At first, I though Rochester was in a different state, but it turns out they are based in Rochester, NY. Not too far away from my town. . . just a couple hours. . .

  • Brad

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    Oh another thing, if yall didnt see the MLS 2009 Cup last night (well, early morning for England, but late in the nite for my time zone) yall missed a REALLY big treat. It ended 1-1 at regulation time (Magee for L.A. Galaxy, Findley (I think) for Real Salt Lake), went though scoreless extra time periods (no golden or silver goals) and then went through a crazy penalty shootout. Here is what I can remember:
    1). Beckham’s shot sends Rimando (Real Salt Lake’s keeper) the other way. 1-0 on penalties to L.A. Galaxy.
    2). Donovan’s shot flies over the crossbar. (What the hell?) This was a bit later, and a highlight.
    3). Rimando saves a shot, giving the RSL a chance to win if they score, but then Saunders returns Rimando’s favor.
    Rimando and Saunders trade saves again a short while later.
    4). Rimando makes his third penalty save, but then Sauders cant make a reply, and Russel scores his penalty, which means RSL, the underdogs, won the Cup on their first try.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    daam man…

    I was hoping for Landon and LAX to win – he’s really done a lot this
    season to propel this team forward.

    Better luck next time Landon – great season, a lot to look back on, and a lot more to look forward to.

  • Brad

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    Well, the season was still a success for Becks, Donovan, and the Galaxy. They went from worst to first, almost completely. They just fell to some heroic saves at the very end. . .

    My first day in trials went extremely well, here in Rochester. The coaches are awesome, highly trained, and easy to get along with. They held a pickup game to see everyone’s strengths/weaknesses. Mine was defending at corners, I let my mark past me two or three times, and showboating my juggling skills too often (well, my role model is Cristiano Ronaldo, I do everything he does, tricks, juggling, etc., just not diving).
    But. . .
    There is a problem that I didnt think of until right before I got online.
    Here it is:
    I will have to transfer from the Albany Storm. I have been happy here at the Hurricane Field (our pitch) and have good friends/teammates, some of which I have known/played with since I was three or four years old. The atmosphere is brilliant, and the spectators are always into the beautiful game. I want to sign with Rochester, but I ALSO want to stay with the Storm, but I cant do both. Rock and a hard place for me to get out of. . .

    I would like to have some advice. . . i am a tad confused. . . what to do? what to do? Should I graduate, or should I stay?

  • David Nugent

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    Which side offers you the better future in the game? If you do change you will make new friends and meet new people. You can still hang out with your old friends when your not playing. Take the Wayne Rooney route Brad!

    He took the hard option moved from Everton his childhood team and look how good he is now. Oh by the way Brad check out my latest article!

  • Brad

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    I guess the Rhinos give me the better future. . . after all they are the team that, in a few years, will probably advance me to the senior team. then I can advance to MLS after a few seasons. . .
    But, there is the prob when it comes to my teammates. Like the Evertonians, who sang “there is only one greedy b——” around the time Rooney left, and the teammates, who felt a bit cheated by his departure, I will be treated as a traitor if I leave. No going back to Hurricane Field unless me and the Rhinos play an exhibition against the Storm. . .
    I would probably get my foot broken if i play in the “friendly”, my current teammates all know my right foot has a knack of getting an injury. . .

    I thank you for your advice, David. It helped. I think I’ll follow Rooney’s footsteps. . . By the way, you know why he left Goodison? Problems with Moyes, and Everton needed money. If he hadnt transferred, Everton might not be in existance anymore. . .

  • David Nugent

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    I’m sure teammates will understand more than you think. A lot of Rooney’s ex-teammates are still friends with him now. Yeah the sale of Rooney helped us build a team.

    Moyes and Rooney disagreed because Rooney got frustrated at not getting minutes on the pitch. Moyes was a little less experienced also and was probably not ready to deal with such a talented youngster.

  • Brad

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    Oh, David, you dont understand MY teammates. One of my former teammates transfered to the Richmond Kickers (USL 2) youth team, and now he is mud here at Hurricane Field. In fact, just over a year ago, the Storm and Blues had a “friendly” that we lost 3-2. Dont know or care whether or not his kneecap is better yet. . . he was a traitor, like what I will be.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Hey Brad – handle it like a pro and you’ll be fine. Don’t go bragging about it, just let the team know you can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done to help you develop your game and without them this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible. They’ve provided a platform for you to grow so it’s important to never forget that – on the other hand, you’ve also offered a lot to the team as well, so don’t sell yourself short – you deserve a chance at the big leagues. Good luck with that and hopefully I get to boo you sometime if you ever play MLS in Toronto – unless you’re playing for Toronto.

    By the way – I am a soccerholic…I wear my (clean) game socks under my business suit every gameday.

  • Brad

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    Thanks for the advice, CFC Fan. I already talked to the coach, told him I am in a lot of debt to him and the team, but he did seem a bit cold after I said I wanted to transfer. I never bragged about getting a trial with Rochester, I simply stated it. By the way, I aint the only one from my team who is going to the trial (we are currently in an interval as I say this for Day 2), our #9 is here with me, and he is making more of an impression than me, I’d say. I keep on messing up on marking at corners. . .
    To be honest, I hope I am making a lasting impression on the coaches here, they seem to like my skills and passion for the game; I think I’m actually louder than any of them when I’m on the pitch. lol.

    I’ll never forget my time at Hurricane Field, I have enjoyed it more than anyone will ever know. . . I just feel it is “career over club” in this case, for me as a player. the team will understand THAT, as some of them are going through it, too. . . just some of them felt too much loyalty to the team. It is crazy and complicated. . .

    By the way, CFC Fan, you wear your footie socks every gameday under your suit? lol. . . I do something crazy like that too: I wear my football kits (MUFC, USMNT, or Albany Storm) to school everyday. . . laf out loud.

  • Brad

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    I dont think it would be a bad idea for playing for Toronto. They just seem unlucky when it comes to qualifying for the playoffs. the atmospher at BMO Stadium is also brilliant, only second to Quest Field (Seattle Sounders).

  • David Nugent

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    I agree with Chelsea FC Fan. That is really good advice. I admire you two for your committment to the Soccerholic cause! I think I’m going to copyright the term!

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Trust me Brad…no team in Toronto has any luck right now…we are the city of losers…we make the bad teams rrrriiiiich…if you ever own your own team one day, move them to Toronto – cuz win or lose, we’ll buy your tickets – haha.

    Hey man – you can’t make everyone happy so it’s best to do what makes you happy (most of the time anyways)…I heard when you get married, you do what makes everybody else happy so take advantage while you can…

    I’m kind of in the same predicament – I play in a Mens league (Division 2) and a Division 1 team from my league wants me to play with them next summer…all i’m thinking is the quality of play would drastically increase and i’d probably enjoy playing Div 1 a bit more…on the other hand, my boy from high-school has a pretty decent team in Div 2 already, but we might not make Div 1 this year…do I jump ship, or not? The correct answer is (as Baka and others might be thinking) ‘Who freakin cares you washed up good for nothing web-posting amateur??’…

    the point is Brad, you have to know what you want before you can get it…maybe the Rhino’s can help further your career, maybe they can’t…you’re intelligent enough – you read Soccernews.com (don’t think I don’t catch those grammar and spelling mistakes Dave – haha) – so i’m sure you’ll figure out what’s best for you. Good luck.

  • David Nugent

    0 0

    lol Eh Chelsea FC Fan enough of that!

  • gooner-11

    0 0

    (don’t think I don’t catch those grammar and spelling mistakes Dave – haha)
    hahaha
    CFCFan you mind reader!

    …friggin canadians, eh?

  • David Nugent

    0 0

    lol I accept the grammar mistakes! You have to excuse me I was educated in the English school system!

  • Brad

    0 0

    Haha, you guys are being funny. . .

    It’s all over. I aint with the Rhinos. Not yet anyway. . . the coach got involved when the Rhinos offered me a position with em (hoorah) and the past few days has been war of the clubs practically, but in the end we managed to make an agreement. . . Here it is:

    I play for one more season with the Storm at Hurricane Field, and when the 2011 season comes round, I will be #18 (more likely than not, but one of the Rhino coaches was trying to convince me to be #7 or 10. . . lol).

    So, in the end, I get to stay with my friends for a season more, then I can start my advance into the professionals. . .

  • Brad

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    But all this is the reason why I havent been on line for days, just so yall know.

    I was thrilled by MUFC’s win over Portsmouth 4-1 on Saturday. I know, I know, we had two penalties, both helping Rooney get his third career hat trick, but once the ref blows that whistle of his, you caint do nothing. . . I think Rooney said that a couple months ago.
    I know, too, that it was a win over the bottom of the ranks club, but you never know when an upset comes around. MUFC can attest to that, when Burnley shocked us, and CFC (sorry CFC Fan, but it is a fairly good example) fell to Wigan.

    These two small examples show why football is the best sport in the world. . . it is unpredictable, and also stirs up the emotions in all passionate fans, and we get to see how emotional the players and the club staff are. . . and it is the most civilized sport to boot (when compared to American football and hockey)

  • Chelsea FC Fan

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    Good job with the Rhino’s Brad.

    Yeah – I noticed things were a little quiet around here with you not flapping your mouth about how good you are and all the big clubs that want you…

    haha (just kidding)…

    but, I do notice, more and more, that you be dropping these bombs on Chelsea all over Soccernews…grrrrrrrr…

  • Brad

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    Dropping bombs on Chelsea all over Soccernews????????????????????????

    Do you really think that is ME????

    Go look at “Why do so many people hate Manchester United?” and you’ll see that it really aint me. . . there is another Brad lurking around. . .

    Besides the big clubs dont want me. . . I dont think the Rhinos are a powerhouse; they used to be, but I havent seen them win anything in years. . .

    Yes, you can say I dropped a bomb on Chelsea in my previous post, but then again, I also dropped one (a fairly bigger one too) on my own team, Manchester United.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    Hey man – you probably already know, but take it one step at a time…you might not be on the greatest of teams, but the Rhino’s are confident in you…2011 will be your year to turn the tables for the Rhino’s – just do what you do best, make a good impression and i’m sure other clubs will show interest in your contributions as well.

  • Brad

    0 0

    OOOOOOHHHHH!!!!! Thanks, man!! You made me feel better bout all this local controversy. . . just so you know, I seem to have already made a good impression on the Rhino coaches (I think I said that already, but I dont want yall to think I am being arrogant). I would like to be an important part of the team, but then again that is not unheard of; everyone wants to be #10 player for the team. I do, that’s for sure. . . I’ve been to the training ground of the Rhinos (youth area, not senior team) and even though I was only there for a few days (trials, remember) I already feel at home there. . .

    I sure hope the Rhinos help me build up even more. . . the Storm have already done so much. . . Rochester have a lot of ground to cover if they want to do the same (just saying, no arrogance).

  • Brad

    0 0

    Oh ok, give me the silent treatment, huh? Very funny. . .

    haha. . .

    Just as an update. . . :
    me and my JV school team just won our last game of the season, 2-1. I didnt score but I got an assist. We finished (win-lose-tie) 10-2-2, and in first place. I finished with 8 goals, 7 assists. Also, a yellow card. . . dad gum

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    Hey Brad – I gave Elizabeth Lambert your email address and said you needed your own personal cheerleader…let me know how that goes.

    188 days to the World Cup…I hate this time of the year!

  • Brad

    0 0

    wtf? dont know Elizabeth Lambert (women’s football I guess) That was a surprise.

  • Chelsea FC Fan

    0 0

    really? dude – you should google her and check out the video…she is intimidating, to say the least.

  • Brad

    0 0

    I’ll take your word for it.

    Stinks MUFC lost on their home ground today. When I found out (just a few minutes ago) I kicked the TV. The TV didnt break (Thank God) but I’m not so sure my foot was so lucky (haha, it aint broke, just sore).

  • Chicharito

    0 0

    Las metas logradas de Chicharito lo colocaron al top diez del mundo. Esta vez brinca 5. Sigue asi Javier!

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