In your face

Facebook. All the kids are doing it. It's...like...the cool thing to do. CCSL has a facebook page now as well. Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29574192188.

What do you think - is facebook worth doing?

I don't have a facebook page. Probably not going to start one.

Weather report

The forecast looks decent for the weekend. We've got possible showers on Friday and Saturday evening. It doesn't look like enough to interrupt our game on Sunday. Follow the weather with our new weather module to the left of the blog homepage. Don't forget to use the weather line if you have a question regarding game status.

Makeup game scheduled

The game that was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Hanna has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 2nd. Otherwise, same time (9:45 a.m.), same place (Trinity).

Take note.

Be there.

Thoughts on the sked

It's going to be a challenging season, and we welcome that. Overall, I think the average quality of our opponents will be higher than we are used to seeing - on par with the Coed Classic this summer.

Since this is a new division, it's difficult to prepare for the games. We may have vague scouting reports for certain games, but the only teams we truly know are Far Post (against whom we are 2-1) and Flirting with Sobriety (against whom we are 1-1). We'll have to approach every game with a blank slate and make quick adjustments to mark players and stay in games. Scoring first will be important against the best teams.

I'm circling a few games as always. First one is the Flirts game this coming weekend. Since we've already shot ourselves in the foot by handing Hoover FC a win in Week 1, we need to get back into the win column and stay in the middle of the table. The Flirts have the better of us in goal differential, having outscored us 4-2 in two games in the spring. We can't say much because we know they spy on us, but let's just say the rematch ought to be good.

The other two key games will be against Diplomats (Oct. 12th) and Lost Tourists (Oct. 26th). These are both bound to be high quality teams. Diplomats finished at the top of the Second Division last year, while Lost Tourists were relegated from the 1st Division. Both will have high quality strikers and present quite a match for us, who have spent a year and a half in Third Division. The Lost Tourist game worries me for a different reason; it's at 8:00 a.m.!

Kickoff times vary so pay attention and clear your schedule now. We have some early morning, mid-morning, and afternoon games. We have one night game on Sept. 28th.

DCU operates at a loss

Interested in the business side of Major League Soccer? It's a very complicated business organization with centralized ownership, management, and control. Perhaps I'll do a legal and business analysis of it later on this blog on the off chance that you care - in my field of competition law, it's an interesting case study.

Oh, you're still awake. Let me get to the point. While the league used to go to great pains to maintain parity in salaries and financial performance among players and teams, the business is now maturing and some disparities are occuring that have been the undoing of previous leagues. Some clubs face immediate challenges. Like most professional sports, teams can more easily turn a profit if they control revenues from their venues.

DCU does not control its venue, and consequently continues to post an operating loss of approximately -$3M annually, according to Forbes. The value of the club still rests at $35M, which I'm guessing is approximately 3x the initial investment in 1996. Outlook: good, but with risk.

Read about MLS franchise values here: http://www.forbes.com/sportsbusiness/2008/09/09/mls-soccer-beckham-biz-sports-cz_kb_0909mlsvalues.html

New referee course

FYI - our referee assignor has notified teams of another certification course for new referees.



----- Forwarded Message ----From: Tom Frank twfrank@aol.com
Class Code: NORTH00108-09
Area:
NorthGrade: 8
Type: New Referee
Dates: 09/16/2008 - 09/25/2008
Times: 6:30 PM
to 10:30 PM on each night of Tuesday Sep 16, ThursdaySep 18, Tuesday Sep 23, and
Thursday Sep 25
Location: Greenstein DeLorme & Luchs, P.C., 1620 L Street, N.W., Suite900, Washington,
D.C. 20036
Club Name: WAWSL and CCSL
Instructor: Frank, Thomas
Contact: Jessie Kratz
Contact
Email: refs@wawsl.org
Minimum #: 10
Maximum #: 30
Comments:
Students must attend all four sessions: Sep 16, Sep 18, Sep23 and Sep 25. Each
session will start at 6:30 PM and end at 10:30 PM.Students must complete an
online registration to register as a referee andto sign up for the clinic (two-step process) at the State Referee Programweb page: www.vadcsoccerref.com. If you have a problem registering andsigning up for a clinic, e-mail Jessie. Cost of registration and the classis $65.00.
You can pay on-line or bring check to class, checks to be madeout to "State Referee Program."

RSVP for third game vs Flirts

Are you in?

Hope so 'cause want to win!

We know the following people are out: Chip, Jon, Kate.

Captain faces tough questions

Last week, we endured a 3-1 loss to Hoover FC at the Marina. I am told we were only able to field 10 players. We had some defensive miscues and missed a PK. Not our day.

Following the loss – our fifth in a row across all competitions – I sat down with the media to talk about the rest of the season. (BTW, this is not meant to be serious)

Q from NBC’s Bob Costas: What’s your greatest challenge this season?

A: Bob, I believe it all starts with communication and consistency. When we field a full squad, we work well together and often take home the W. We have a deep bench and sweet tradition of teamwork. However, when players do not communicate their status or show up late, we don’t give ourselves a chance to win – and that’s frustrating. Last season, attendance may have been the difference between promotion and staying put. This year, we’ve already had a lapse in week one, which means we’re in the hole early.

Q from ESPN’s Michelle Tafoya: What’s happening with your roster?

A: As you know, Michelle, the final roster is due to the league on September 21st. Almost everyone is returning, which is great because we have a kick ass team. We are making some minor changes as necessary. We’re losing our beloved co-captain, Megan, to retirement. Tom is shifting to alternate status and we’ve picked up a few more players to round out the team. We welcome Cat, who will help us continue the tradition of having the best all-around female roster in the league. We’ve also added Alec to mix, who stood out in the summer tournament and who will give us superb depth at the goalie position.

Q from ESPN’s Julie Foudy: Talk about what it means to have Jackie take over as co-captain.

A: Well, it obviously means a lot. Jackie is one of the best players and personalities we’ve ever had on the team. You can trace a large part of our roster to her recruiting efforts. Whether it’s delivering fierce tackles or motivating the troops, she’s there for us. Of course, this season, she won’t actually be there for us for half the season, but we’ll make do!

Q from the George Michael Sports Machine: What do you need to do to get the Goleros back on track?

A: Without revealing secrets to our competitors, I think we need to shore up our defense, improve the work rate of our forwards and midfielders, play a little more dynamically, and make sure enough people show up to games. We do those things and we’re going to be successful.

Q from MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann: Next year, you are entering your 10th season. What does that mean to you and your fans?

A: It means a lot, Keith, it really does. We’ll be sharing more details on that soon.



Notes: 3-1 loss to Hoover FC, 8/24/08, Marina field. Goal: Ermy (NK). GK: Nate, Liam. PK opportunity: Jon (earned by Jer).

Sunday's game is cancelled due to field conditions.  It's important to keep these expensive fields in playable shape.  We'll have a makeup game scheduled, probably for the end of the season. No pick up tomorrow.

Tropical Storm Hanna Comes

Tropical Storm Hanna is headed in our direction, projected to blanket the DC area with her wrath right around kickoff time on Sunday morning.

We are playing on grass (Trinity), so there's a high likelihood that the game will be canceled.  Make sure to check your cell phone for text updates and call the inclement weather line.  I keep it permanently posted on the blog, but for avoidance of doubt, it's 703.229.1705.  If you don't hear that the game is canceled, show up!

I caught the tailings of Gustav this past weekend in St. Petersburg, FL, so this is two-in-a-row for me.

Follow weather updates here and here.

Dues report

The deadline for fall dues is today (see prior post).  As of yesterday, my records reflected that only 7 people had paid.  Therefore, my blacklist is quite long.  Starting today, I reserve the right to publish it!

The charity program is working.  Most people have contributed.  Please do - it's an $18 optional add-on, and if necessary, you can give less than that.  I would like to get about $250 in contributions.  It would be modest, but it's beginning to add up season after season.

RSVP for second game - time to get serious

RSVP now for the second game of the season.

Sun. September 7th 9:45 a.m. at Trinity.  

We play DC Divided, the commissioner's team.  It's time to show that we belong in the Second Division.  This is the great field at Trinity.  Remember, there are special rules - mainly, no peeing, don't speed, don't cuss, no dogs.  Read about it here.

Are you in?  RSVP now!!!! 

The competition was serious

At our summer bash, hosted by Ally, the competition at beer pong was serious.  

The young Ebony & Ivory team (self-named) was the team to beat.  Not only do they have great technique, but clearly they love the game.  They are inspiring to young college students everywhere.

The veteran team, Pong X-plosion, showed that age isn't a factor in this game.  They were 1-1 overall, notching an important come-from-behind victory.

Pong X-plosion

Fun party.  Great job Ally!  I tried to find a detail that you missed, but couldn't.

The Hostess

Bad Picture

The picture in the post below is not my favorite - especially when you
click on it to see the full size image.
On a different but not unrelated note, a guy at Starbucks called me over
to his laptop while I waited for my americano to show me the picture
attached - saying I look just like Mario Cipollini (famous Tour de
France rider). What's your vote? My wife's vote is "no".
See you at the first game of the season (unfortunately, I will probably
not make the party).

Posted by Nate.

Skipper

Jackal and I can't be at the game, but don't worry, Nate's got you covered. He will wear the captain's armband in our absence. If we had a captain's armband.

Nate's an ideal coed teammate. He's the Running Man, Versatility Inc., Speedy Gonzalez, Mr. 100%, Everywhere Man.

Nate, thanks for taking over this crew. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. I heard that somewhere.

Gold

I'm not admitting to watching the US women's game at work this morning.  However, if I would have watched it, I would have been thrilled.  I would have thought that there were only a few standout players - Lloyd, Solo, Rodriguez.  

The US couldn't hold the ball or impede the creative play of Brazil.  Their build-ups and passing from the back were off.  But they kept fighting and made something happen with a tremendous overtime period.  

Here's a shot of Carli Lloyd - who scored the game winning goal - and the resurgent Angela Hucles, who should probably be tournament MVP.  I took it at RFK during the US vs Canada friendly.

The party is so on

This is exactly what Ally's backyard is going to look like Friday for our team BBQ. It's going to be such a scene, how could you miss out?

You should have the evite in your inbox. Please respond so we have an accurate count. Directions and instructions are there.

Let's make sure to take metro and carpool b/c there will be a few spirits.

It's up to me to convince someone to make some jello shots - Kristin, your name came up, I guess that's a compliment.

Someone bring a few soccer balls. A brilliant idea has arisen to have cocktails and kick the ball in the backyard.

Charity report

As of today, we have a 100% participation rate in our charity program.  That is awesome, let's keep it up! 

Photos of China 3

Continuing my acclaimed photo series, here are some shots of Sichuan.  The first shot, depicting three juvenile pandas, was taken at Wolong Breeding Center in remote Sichuan Province.  It is quite close to the epicenter of the recent disastrous earthquake.  Many buildings were destroyed; pandas and people were lost.  Nevertheless, I learned on NBC that 10 baby pandas were born this year and the rebuilding has begun.  In 2006, we saw a crop of 14 babies all in one enclosure.  We also met Lala the panda, which I recounted in this post.

The other photos are of the Tibetan high grasslands in Western Sichuan.  Due to recent unrest, the county depicted in the shrine with prayer wheels is closed to outsiders, according to something I read.  It's inhabited by a firm majority of Tibetan people.

First game of the season - RSVP here!

Our first game is set. Sunday, 4:00 p.m. at the resurfaced but still awful Marina field in Alexandria along the Potomac. We play Hoover FC, who we have never faced before.

Are you in? Post your status here.

I was hoping to attend the game but I can't b/c I have a flight at 5:15pm. So please send your dues ahead of time, per this post.

No word on the rest of the schedule yet. We have Labor Day weekend off. Next game after this one will be Sunday Sept. 7th.

See you at the party on Friday night.

The season begins Sunday

The clock is ticking on the start of our season. We kickoff this Sunday. Here are some updates for you:

- I don't have a schedule yet for any games. I will pass it on to you immediately.

- We have 3 possible events this week: (1) scrimmage on Tuesday (maybe); (2) party on Friday (definitely); (3) game on Sunday. What's the most important? The party of course. More details on that later.

- Remember to pay your dues.

Photos of China 2

Continuing my series of China photos, here are a few more of Beijing. 

USA vs Cuba

On Saturday October 11th, 7:00 p.m., the U.S. will play Cuba in a World Cup qualifier at RFK stadium.  Tickets will probably be $30-35 for the premium seats.

This is the only qualifier to be played at RFK this cycle.  While the Cuban national team hasn't shown us much at the senior level, they do have some talent and it could be a good game.  Mainly, it's a chance to see the best of the US team right here in Washington.

I'm not going to formally organize a group.  We'll buy tickets on Wednesday.  If you want to join us, send me a note and be prepared to pay in advance.

All the best

Our friend and teammate Courtney has big news. She got married to her boyfriend, Scott, two weeks ago in Olympia. Megan alerted me to this little piece in the New York Times style section about the big event:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/fashion/weddings/10gregoire.html?scp=1&sq=gregoire&st=cse

We began covering this story in this earlier post about wedding bells. Looks like everything worked out great.

There's more news. But it's not so peachy for the team. Courtney and Scott are moving back to Washington State, so it appears that Court will soon file her retirement papers with me. We knew it was coming, we hadn't seen her on the field in a while. Based on our last conversation, it seems that she'll already be gone by the time our party comes around on the 22nd. I hope to cross paths with her in Denver at the end of the month.

Good bye Courtney, we love you.

All the best.

Photos of China

In honor of the Olympics, I'm gonna share a few photos of my travels to China.

Let's start with the Olympic stadium - a.k.a., the Bird's Nest - which I had occasion to see twice while under construction.  It's located on the 3rd ring road in Beijing, I believe, which is the third of five beltways around the incredibly crowded metropolis.  I saw it first in May '06 (first two images) and then again in August '07 (third image).  I've also seen the Water Cube, which is adjacent if memory serves.  See a photo of the stadium today.

Focusing in on the first image, I was told by a local that the black banner at the construction site was some type of propaganda for the workers.  That, I could believe.

Notice the air quality on both of the random days that I was there.  I experienced the worse air in August '07, despite the fact that my trip coincided with trials by the local authorities to reduce smog.  They banned about 50% of the registered cars from driving, based on license plate numbers.  In anticipation of this reality, many wealthy residents actually bought a second car and arranged for alternating license plate codes, in order to be able to drive on all days.  I take it they were still working out the kinks in the system at that point.  The lesson: air quality in Beijing is truly terrible.