Is Philadelphia's Roy Halladay the National Leagues Best Pitcher?

The remaining regular season schedule is set up to allow Phillies righty Roy Halladay at least two more starts before the Phils begin their post season push; however , its more than likely that tonights start against Washington will be Roy’s last before the play-offs.

There is no question that Harry Leroy Halladay has been a work horse for Philadelphia Skipper Charlie Manuel this season, as he currently leads the National League with 241.2 innings pitched to go along with a league leading 8 complete games, so resting that arm would help to do a body good.

Tomorrows start against the Nationals could also go a long way in solidifying what should be the Phillies seventh Cy Young Award in team history; Steve Carlton, 1972, 1977, 1980 & 1982, John Denny 1983 and Steve Bedrosian 1987.

Yes, I said it Cy Young, the award given annually to Major League Baseball’s (MLB) best pitchers, one each in the National League (NL) and American League (AL).

Each league's award is voted on by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America, with two representatives from each team, which means 28 ballots are cast for the American League winner, and 32 ballots cast for the National League. Each voter places a vote for first, second, and third place among the pitchers of each league. The formula used to calculate the final scores is a weighted sum of the votes. The pitcher with the highest score in each league wins the award. If two pitchers receive the same number of votes, the award is shared.

You would think that Halladay’s numbers would speak for themselves. A win tomorrow would give him a league leading 21 wins, one more than Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright who by the way will also have another chance this week to win his twenty-first.

Wainwright’s 2.43 earned run average (ERA) is a scant better than Halladays 2.53, and as I write this blog both pitchers are tied for the league lead with 213 strikeouts.

Yes it’s that close.

So why should Roy win the Cy? For Starters eight complete games verses five for Wainwright, and to date Halladay has walked only 30 batters verses Wainwrights 56.

(Insert drum roll here please) Oh yes and did I fail to mention that on a mild Miami night back on May 29, the six-foot-six, 230 pound Halladay struck out 11 Florida Marlins while on his way to recording just the 20th perfect game in MLB history.

Think about it, 135 years of baseball and only 20 perfect games. The Phillies by the way are just the fifth team to boast two perfect game pitchers in team history. Jim Bunning threw Philadelphia's other one on June 21, 1964 vs. the Mets.

So there you have it, I have stated my case for Roy Halladay as the 2010 National League Cy Young award winner, besides that trophy would look really nice next to Halladays 2003 AL Cy Young award.

By the way if Halladay does win this year’s award, he would join Roger Clemens, Gaylord Perry, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martínez as the only pitchers to win the award in both leagues.

Seattle Based TEKK Company On The Rebound

Innovative is perhaps the best way to describe Tekk Athletic, Inc., the Seattle, Washington based company that has clearly moved to the head of the class when it comes to innovative training products for both soccer coaches and players.

Eight years ago I not only had the opportunity to meet Tekk Athletic CEO Tim Gill, but also to take advantage of his offer to try a set of his company’s trade mark one-piece training goal; a durable five foot by eight foot portable goal that sets up and folds down in less than two minutes.

Trust me when I tell you that my Tekk goals have seen their fair share of usage over the years. In addition to the obvious, my favorite aspects of the Tekk one-piece training goals are the permanently attached rebounding nets and custom storage bags, making it easy to throw into the back of my company’s, Goalstopper Academy Trailer.

Speaking of rebounding, Tekk has done it again, this time creating a one-piece goal that also turns into a rebounder/trainer, the only one of its kind in the world.

Of course the beauty of the Tekk Trainer is that it can be used for, team training, keeper training and for individual training. Hey I have two boys who love bouncing balls off the side of the house, after a while that gets to be a bit annoying, but with the rebounder my siding is now safe and so is my sanity.

The Tekk trainer is currently being used by the top players and coaches in America, from professionals through to youth players of all ages. For players who want to become better quickly and improve their passing, shooting, control and agility I recommend that you seriously consider purchasing.

Again, this product is great for players of every position whether you’re a field player or a goalkeeper. Go to www.tekk.com/trainer to view the video and get more information. If you’re a goalkeeper also check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/user/747tekk#p/f/0/1_dNbx-YJhA. You can view more videos of the Tekk Trainer at www.youtube.com/747tekk.

Through Tekk’s support our members will be able to purchase the Tekk Trainer for $249.99, a savings of $110.00 off the retail price and you will also receive a target rebounder net valued at $80.00 for free. This is for a limited time and will expire September 30th. Apply coupon code “TEKK28” at checkout to receive the special price.

Philadelphia Soccer Fans Finally Finding Their Niche

Why waste your time and money building a soccer specific stadium near Philadelphia? Professional soccer never has and never will survive in an area where the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies are king.

No, but it can certainly co-exist.

For as long as I have lived here in the Delaware Valley that has always been the mantra, soccer sucks and no one cares.

News Flash! People do care and there is evidence that professional soccer cannot only survive in Philadelphia, but also thrive, thanks in part to the sixteenth member of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the friendly confines of PPL Park.

Last night the Philadelphia Union not only hosted, but beat one of the top club teams in the world, thanks to a 1-0 result over visiting Chivas de Guadalajara. The Mexican side not only brought their attacking style of play, but also several hundred of their spirited fans which only added to the electrifying atmosphere on this balmy summer night.

“Two things I hear when people walk in here (PPL Park)” said Union President Tom Veit, “Oh what a great building and then oh what a great atmosphere”. “You can’t build that, you can’t create that, it’s gotta be organic, its gotta happen when its right, especially in soccer, which is a sport where the passion of the fans help create the atmosphere”.

In addition to last night’s game against Chivas de Guadalajara, the Union have played seven MLS Games at PPL Park so far this season and emerged a 1-0 winner over Scottish club side Celtic.

Before the MLS announcement that the Union would join the league, there had been one U.S. Men’s National Team game played here in Philadelphia in 30 years. Since the announcement, the city has hosted several Gold Cup games and the U.S. National team in their last match before departing to South Africa for World cup 2010.

Oh did I also fail to mention that the Union in conjunction with the Philadelphia Eagles, helped put 54,000 fans in the stands at Lincoln Financial Field this summer for a 1-0 loss to English Premier League Power Manchester United.

“ I don’t think any other MLS team has done this” Expressed Veit, “Within the first 120 days of the building being open we will have hosted two national team games, two friendlies with two of the top club teams in the world, we will have the league leading LA Galaxy coming in, theoretically we could have (David) Beckham, NY Redbull with Thierry Henry and we also have Villanova playing South Florida here”

So, I guess it’s safe to say that PPL Park has exceeded Veits expectations?

“If you had asked me what your dream was, this probably would have been it. You go in and hope for the best, plan for the worst and yet it has been all that we could have expected, especially from our fans

but we still get up every day saying we still have a lot to do”.

Well, in addition to creating a slice of heaven for soccer fans here in the Delaware Valley, this 18,500 seat venue along the Delaware River has also created about 600 jobs for residents of Chester, Pa. and surrounding areas.

A Slice of Americana Fails to Make the Final Cut.

There is perhaps nothing worse than being the last to know.

At first, I was in total disbelief, and then over the next few moments my emotions ran the gamut from disbelief, to confusion, to anger and of course denial.

So perplexed by what I was seeing, I actually had to pick up my cell phone and call a friend to get some clarification on what the heck was going on. If anyone would know the 411 on this situation, it would be my long time friend Frank Phifer; Owner, CEO and President of one of the most respected real estate appraisal and title companies in the tri state area.

As expected, Frank knew exactly what was going on and as he offered up details, my mind started to wonder.

You see it all started last weekend while on my way to watch the Philadelphia Independence play their regional rival Sky Blue FC in a Women’s Pro Soccer match.

I was at the intersection of Germantown Pike and Whitehall Road in East Norriton, Pa. waiting for the traffic light to turn green. I took a quick a glance over my left shoulder and there they were; bulldozers, dump trucks and other construction vehicles, replacing the manicured greens and lush fairways of what was once a golfing oasis.

Also gone were the trees and bushes that shaded the various portions of Wood’s Golf Center, once the Philadelphia area's only 18 hole Executive Par 3 course. The course was beautifully maintained, featuring bent grass greens, sand bunkers and ponds, giving it a "regulation feel" that appealed to golfers of all ages and abilities.

The Par 3 holes on the executive course ranged in distance from 105 to 250 yards adding up to an impressive 3076 total yards. These distances were not too intimidating for beginners, and not too excessive for seniors, and yet there was still plenty of sand and water to provide the ultimate par 54 challenge for the advanced player.

The entire course had been laser measured and given a U.S.G.A. (United States Golfing Association) short course rating of 54.7 for the men and 57.4 for the women.

Unfortunately, it now looked like a huge laser beam from a space ship had blown the whole thing up, killing every, tree, shrub and blade of grass in sight.

Gone was the 9 hole Chip and Putt course with distances ranging from 44 to 91 yards. Gone was the Center's award winning miniature golf courses which were themed around "The Adventures of Sinbad" and "The Land of Dinosaurs". Gone was the 20 acre, award winning driving range once tabbed as the biggest and best practice range in the Philadelphia area?

Yes, for just $14.99 I could purchase a monster bucket of 150 balls and continue to tee them up, load up my driver and aim for the chain link fence some 300 yards away. I think I actually even reached that fence on a few occasions.

When I first arrived in Pennsylvania back in 1990, Woody’s was my golf practice facility of choice and remained so up until about two years ago when I became unemployed and could no longer afford the luxury of playing golf.

Over the years I had taken both my sons to the driving range, par three course and mini-golf course in an attempt to teach them the game, and who can forget the numerous long drive and chipping challenges with my former golfing buddies.

Woods Golf Center first opened in 1957, and for over fifty years provided folks here in this part of Montgomery County with hours of entertainment, but now it is about to become the sight of a new $360 million dollar hospital being built by the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network (AEHN).

Apparently the 82-acre parcel of land was purchased earlier this month (July 2010) for about $25 million dollars.

The 360,000-square-foot, five-story hospital building will include a separate, 75,000-square-foot medical office building, 1,137 parking spaces in four parking areas and a dedicated traffic light controlling the new driveway entrance on Germantown Pike.

In the latter half of 2009, AEHN officials announced the hospital would open (in June 2012) with 146 beds and the ability to expand later to 218 beds. In-patient services at 172-bed Montgomery Hospital in Norristown will move to the East Norriton facility when it opens. “Ambulatory services,” including an obstetrics clinic and general medicine services, are slated to remain at two medical office buildings in Norristown.

Construction should be complete by late summer/early fall of 2012.

It’s certainly going to feel strange driving by that property in the future, but then again given the industrial revolution in this part of the county over the past decade or so, it is simply just par for the course.

As for the Wood family, thank you for the memories.

Former MLB Pitcher Curt Schilling Taking Video Games to A New Level

As a Player, former Major League Pitcher Curt Schilling was a “GAMER” in more ways than one.

On the diamond his career numbers speak for themselves; a record of 216-146, an earned run average of 3.46 to go along with 3,116 strikeouts.

In 1993 he helped guide the Philadelphia Phillies to the 1993 World Series, before actually winning the Fall Classic with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 and again with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.

To date, he is the only major league pitcher in history to compete in World Series games while in his 20's, 30's and 40's, retiring with a post season record of 11-2. His .846 post season winning percentage is a major league record for pitchers with at least 10 post-season decisions.

By the way, Schilling will be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot in 2013, which of course is a Blog for another time.

Yes, the former 6 time all-star and World Series co-MVP (2001), was a GAMER, and by all accounts still is.

You see during his baseball career, Curt constantly had his nose buried in a lap top computer, we of course were led to believe it was to study the hitting tendencies and splits of opposing batters, but some of Curt’s former teammates tell me Schill was also a huge video gamer, a habit he picked up back in 1980.

One of Schilling’s favorite PC games was the EverQuest - EverQuest II saga. To give you a quick synopsis. EverQuest II is set in the fictional world of Norrath five hundred years after The Planes of Power storyline of the original EverQuest game. The gods withdrew from the world in retaliation for mortal incursions into their planes. On Norrath itself, Dark Elves and the Orcs destroyed much of Faydwer; while the Ogres, Goblins, Orcs, and Giants ravaged Antonica. Transport and communication to the moon Luclin were cut off.

See, now how do you not get caught up in a politically based story like that and not want to do something to help rectify the situation? With all joking aside, EverQuest I and II, and games like them, are widely popular among video gamers all over the world.

With this knowledge in hand, Schilling decided to combine his love of video gaming with his ability to excel in pressure packed environments by sliding head first into the competitive world of video game development.

In 2006, Schilling founded Green Monster Games, an entertainment and IP (intellectual property) Development Company which was later renamed, 38 Studios after his former MLB jersey number. The company focused on MMORPGs (Massively multiplayer online role-playing games), which of course Schilling has a personal passion for, thanks for his adventures with Everquest and Everquest II.

After leasing 30,000 sq feet of office space in downtown Maynard, Massachusetts, Schilling then had to assemble his team and if you know anything about Curt Schilling, then you know nothing but the best will do.

The 38 Studios' team includes a wide array of talent and experience. In the past, members of the team have worked on everything from movies like The Spiderwick Chronicles and A Bug's Life, to games including EverQuest II, Doom, Half-Life 2, and Lord of the Rings Online.

It has been four years now since Schilling took a leap of faith, faith that he and his company could make a difference in the gaming industry and thanks to collaborations with the likes world-renowned comic book and toy creator Todd McFarlane (http://www.spawn.com//) and best-selling fantasy author R. A. Salvatore (http://www.rasalvatore.com/), big things are about to happen for 38 Studios.

Actually, I should rephrase that by saying Big Huge things are about to happen. You see not too long ago, 38 Studios acquired Big Huge Games (http://www.bighugegames.com/). Simply put, Big Huge Games is a very successful RTS (real time strategy) game making studio.

Everything had fallen into place for 38 studios including a publishing agreement with EA (Electronic Arts), I’m pretty sure you all know who they are. As a matter of fact it is that agreement that has paved the way for 38 Studios to publish its first video game, an RPG (role playing game) that started out with the code name Project Mercury but to be released under the name Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

Scheduled for release in the fall of 2011, Reckoning is an epic, open-world, single-player RPG set in Amalur, a mysterious and magical new fantasy setting.

The world of Amalur was created by New York Times-bestselling author R.A. Salvatore and brought to life visually by renowned artist and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. For more information on the release of this game and another upcoming projects by 38 studios check out the following links. (http://www.reckoningthegame.com/) and (http://www.38studios.com/).

By the way, Reckoning will be available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. You can also follow the game on Twitter ReckoningGame and become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/ReckoningTheGame.

On the Outside Looking In, I'm Phil Andrews

A-Rod Slotted As WPS Player For the Month of June.

No one was more disappointed with Amy Rodriquez and her overall performance during her rookie season in the fledgling WPS (Women’s Pro Soccer) than Rodriguez herself. As the No. 1 overall pick of the Boston Breakers in the 2009 Draft, A-Rod managed to muster just one goal in 17 games.


What a difference a change of scenery and system has made for the former University of Southern Cal star. Since being traded from Boston to Philadelphia this off season, Rodriguez has flourished in her starting role with the expansion Independence; 7 goals and three assists in 13 games. Her goal total by they second only to four time FIFA Women’s player of the year Marta, who currently leads league table topper FC Gold Pride with 8 goals.

For her recent efforts, A-Rod has been selected as WPS Player of the Month for June in a vote by soccer media.

Last month Rodriguez notched five goals and two assists for the Independence, including two goals in a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Washington Freedom on June 26. Her performance throughout June helped lead Philadelphia into a solid second-place position in the WPS table behind FC Gold Pride. Rodriguez also notched a goal and an assist at the 2010 WPS All-Star Game playing for Marta XI in the side’s 5-2 win over Abby XI. She has seven goals and three assists on the season.

Rodriguez is the second Philadelphia player to be selected as the Player of the Month after midfielder Lori Lindsey won the honor in April. She is also the first player to receive unanimous first-place media voting for the award since it began in April 2009.

Eniee, Menee, Minee, Moe: 2010 WPS All-Star Roster Solidified

Abby Wambach and Marta are perhaps two of the most notable names in women’s soccer. Marta of course the brilliant Brazilian striker who has not only been honored four times as FIFA Woman’s player of the year, but is also the star forward for F.C. Gold Pride of Women’s Professional Soccer.

Wambach, a big, physical player with skill to match has been a mainstay on the United States Women’s National team for almost a decade. At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Abby scored the game winning goal in overtime against Brazil to help the U.S. win the gold medal.

Wambach is now enjoying her second stint with the Washington Freedom; 2002-2003 in the Women’s United Soccer Association and currently with Women’s Pro Soccer.

Tonight, Marta and Wambach will captain their respective teams in the second annual WPS-All-Star Game in Atlanta’s KSU Soccer Stadium, home of the expansion Atlanta beat.

You see Abby and Marta were selected as captains by virtue of being the top two vote-getters in 2010 WPS All-Star voting. The all star coaches are Albertin Montoya of F.C. Gold Pride and Paul Riley of the Philadelphia Independence, who teams currently sit first and second in the league table here at the all star break.

Kudos and high fives to WPS for thinking outside the box on this one and going with an idea that I would love to see filter over to other Professional sports.

The teams for tonight’s all star game were picked one player at a time by Marta and Wambach, much like we used to do back in grade school when we would pick teams for kick ball or tag. Hey Rock, Paper, Scissors would have been pretty Rad too.

Each side had just 30 seconds to make their selections. So as top vote getter Abby XI and Coach Riley went first and picked Atlanta Beat goalkeeper Hope Solo. Marta and Montoya then followed with the selection of Sky Blue keeper Karen Bardsley. Unfortunately, Bardsley was injured in a training session yesterday and had to be replaced by FC Gold Pride goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart.

After the keepers, the coaches and captains when through defenders, midfielders and forwards sequentially.

In all there were 22 WPS All-Star Starters voted on by media, coaches, players and fans with the All-Star Reserves picked through coaches and commissioners selections.

If you are missing your daily dose of World Cup Soccer from South Africa and would like to see some of the World’s best women’s players then check out tonight’s all-star game on Fox Soccer Channel or check your local listings. At Least you won’t have to listen to that annoying buzz of all those Vuvuzelas, although by now you are probably entranced by the noise.

I am the game day PA announcer for the Philadelphia Independence so I get to see these ladies play on a regular basis and trust me when I tell you their skill set is just as good as the men.

2010 WPS All-Stars

Abby XI (green/home; Abby Wambach – Captain, Paul Riley – Head Coach)

Starters
#1 – Hope Solo, GK, Atlanta Beat
#3 – Amy LePeilbet, D, Boston Breakers
#6 – Lori Lindsey, M, Philadelphia Independence
#7 – Shannon Boxx, M, FC Gold Pride
#8 – Tina Ellertson, D, Atlanta Beat
#9 – Eniola Aluko, F, Atlanta Beat
#10 – Heather O’Reilly, M, Sky Blue FC
#11 – Lauren Cheney, F, Boston Breakers
#17 – Lori Chalupny, M, Atlanta Beat
#20 – Abby Wambach, F, Washington Freedom
#84 – Cat Whitehill, D, Washington Freedom

Reserves
#4 – Angie Kerr, M, Atlanta Beat
#14 – Karen Carney, M, Chicago Red Stars
#19 – Kelley O’Hara, F, FC Gold Pride
#21 – Laura Kalmari, M, Sky Blue FC
#66 – Tasha Kai, F, Sky Blue FC
#85 – Jillian Loyden, GK, Chicago Red Stars
Kate Markgraf, D, Chicago Red Stars (injured/not rostered)

Marta XI (white/away; Marta – Captain, Albertin Montoya – Head Coach)

Starters
#1 – Karen Bardsley, GK, Sky Blue FC
#3 – Allison Falk, D, Philadelphia Independence
#4 – Rachel Buehler, D, FC Gold Pride
#7 – Kelly Smith, M, Boston Breakers
#8 – Sonia Bompastor, M, Washington Freedom
#9 – Ramona Bachmann, F, Atlanta Beat
#10 – Marta, F, FC Gold Pride
#12 – Christine Sinclair, F, FC Gold Pride
#13 – Kristine Lilly, M, Boston Breakers
#14 – Brittany Taylor, D, Sky Blue FC
#24 – Aya Miyama, M, Atlanta Beat

Reserves
#5 – Christie Rampone, D, Sky Blue FC
#11 – Becky Sauerbrunn, D, Washington Freedom
#17 – Amy Rodriguez, F, Philadelphia Independence
#18 – Erin McLeod, GK, Washington Freedom
#22 – Alex Scott, D, Boston Breakers
#78 – Cristiane, F, Chicago Red Stars
Caroline Seger, M, Philadelphia Independence (injured/not rostered)

Hey Dad What Are You Doing This Weekend? Well Son, It Just So Happens......

Most of you probably won’t not care about this story while some of you will be able to relate, but this weekend signifies a bit of irony in my life.

You see for the past 20 years or so I have worked as Sports Anchor/Reporter here in Philadelphia and during that time became a father three times over. My children are now 15, 11 and 10 years old.

Given the work load that often accompanies the job of television journalist, I consider myself lucky to have been in the delivery room for all three births. However, there were also numerous occasions when I was away from home for long stretches at a time; Super Bowls, World Series, Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, two weeks at the United States Tennis Open. I think you get my drift.

I can’t tell you how many little league, soccer and basketball games, I have missed, in addition to dance recitals and other family functions.

At the moment I am unfortunately unemployed and while I miss the Anchor Desk and the camaraderie that goes along with the job, being out of work has given me the chance to rediscover my family.

For instance last year I coached my youngest sons Pop Warner football team, two years ago I it was my son and daughters coed soccer team.

And I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed watching my older son go from sixth grade CYO tackle football to a strapping 6 foot 200 plus pound, two sport athlete in High School.

I think it’s true what they say about Dads living vicariously through our kids when we watch them participate in sports.

Now that I’ve painted a picture for you, let me tell you about my weekend, which actually started a little after seven o’clock this evening when we sat down to watch Phillies Ace Roy Halladay work another masterpiece as the Phil’s played a road game in their own stadium. You heard me correctly, this weekend the Phil’s will play the role of visiting team at Citizens Bank Park here in Philadelphia.

You see, this weekend’s Phillies-Blue Jays series was initially scheduled to be played in Toronto, Canada, however due to security concerns over the G20 Summit being held in Toronto, the Jays and Phil’s agreed to play the series in Philly.

Do you know how strange it is watching the Phil’s walk out of the visiting dugout, wearing their road gray unis at home, batting in the top instead of the bottom of the inning and oh yeah, Ryan Howard in the designated hitters role.

Anyway, game just ended with the Phillies winning 9-0, their fourth straight win in row as Halladay was on point against his former Toronto Teammates, going seven innings, allowing six hits but no runs, while striking out four. Halladay now 9-6 on the year.

To think, the weekend has only just begun. I probably should think about going to bed soon, must be up early to drive out to Valley Forge, PA to watch my oldest son and his PYLA lacrosse team take part in the Battle of Valley Forge Lax Tournament.

The games are nicely spaced; 10am, noon and 1pm. The ending of that third game should give me just enough time to find a local sports pub to watch the United States Men’s National Soccer team take on Ghana in the FIFA World Cup 2010, round of 16. Go U-S-A!!! By the way, I will not be taking my son to the pub with me, I am hoping at that time his lax team is progressing through the play-off rounds at Valley Forge.

Hey did anyone know the National Hockey League is currently holding their entry draft in Los Angeles as I write this. The Philadelphia Flyers don’t have a pick until the end of the third round but they did manage to trade the rights of defenseman Dan Hamhuis to Pittsburgh for conditional picks in next year’s NHL Draft.

Flyers actually just picked up the rights for Hamhuis earlier this week trading defenseman Ryan Parent, to Nashville. Unfortunately Hamhuis and his agent could not agree on financial terms of a new contract so, the Flyers have passed the puck.

Anyway I digress, back to that USA-Ghana game. I need Bob Bradley and the boys to score early play good defense, and let’s cut back on the diving, I need as little extra time as possible, even though it was in extra time against Algeria that Landon Donovan got the game winner to help propel the Americans into the knockout round.

I probably will not be able to watch the end of the game, because by 4:00pm I need to be in West Chester, PA to start prepping for my job as the Game Day Announcer for Women’s Pro Soccer (WPS) as the Philadelphia Independence (5-3-3) host the Washington Freedom (4-2-3) at West Chester University’s John A Farrell Stadium.

Hey a win for Philadelphia will give them a solid hold on second place in the standings, six points ahead of third place Washington and just one point behind table topper F.C Gold Pride.

Hold up, wait a minute BREAKING NEWS!!!!: Edwin Jackson of the Arizona Diamondbacks has just thrown the fourth no-hitter of the season, leading Arizona to a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay. Jackson by no means was perfect for the game, walking eight. It was the second no hitter in Diamondbacks history.

Anyway, as far as the expansion Philadelphia Independence are concerned, I’ll just go out on a limb now and say they will make the play-offs in just their first year in the league, good luck ladies.

Speaking of expansion, time to talk about how we wrap this weekend up. About 12 noon Sunday, yours truly, the wife and two sons, will head south on Interstate 476 towards Chester, PA. What’s in Chester you ask?

Why PPL (Pennsylvania Power & Light) Park, new home to the Expansion MLS (Major League Soccer) Philadelphia Union (2-7-1). Unlike their female counterparts, the men have struggling during their rookie season, but their fan base has not.

In two home games at Lincoln financial field, the Union drew and average of 25,000 fans which should translate nicely into the friendly 18,500 seat confines of PPL Park. Sunday marking the long, but much anticipated opening of the Unions new home as they host the Seattle Sounders.

Professional soccer is back in Philadelphia and expectations are it will be around for quite a long time.

So as you can see, this is a weekend crammed with non-stop sports, but instead of covering or reporting on it, I am getting the chance to actually enjoy the action and do so with my family.

Of course there is this thing called Monday that kind of brings everything back to reality. You know getting up early, giving the wife a kiss goodbye on her way to work, making breakfast for the kids getting them on the bus for their second to last day before summer vacation, then spending the rest of the day thinking about what to make for dinner.

Boy from sports anchor in the fourth largest media market in the country, too Mr. Mom in the Andrews household. Now tell me there’s no irony in that.

Philadelphia Independence Blasts Sky Blue 4-1

The Philadelphia Independence traveled to New Jersey last night for the first time this season, earning a decisive 4-1 victory over 2009 WPS Champion Sky Blue FC. The Independence posted its highest scoring game of the season with four goals and as a result improve their record to 5-3-2.


Danesha Adams was a driving force for the Independence offense, earning her first start of the season and posting a goal and assist in the first 18 minutes of the match. Less than five minutes into the match, Amy Rodriguez beat the defense on the right wing and sent the ball across the goal for a crashing Adams, who buried the ball past Sky Blue’s backup keeper Amanda Luckenbill. Adams’ first goal of the season gave the Independence the 1-0 lead, and just ten minutes later, Rodriguez and Adams connected again to put the Independence ahead by two.

In the 17th minute, Adams found space in midfield and split the defense with a through ball to Rodriguez. With a defender on her heels, A-rod took a quick touch and nailed a shot top corner over the onrushing keeper. Rodriguez posted a goal and an assist the first time the Independence faced Sky Blue FC and matched that offensive performance with another goal and assist last night .

Sky Blue FC bounced back from the two goal deficit quickly, and in the 27th minute, Natasha Kai was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick against Independence keeper Karina LeBlanc. Rosanna stepped up to take the kick and put it away, closing the gap to make it a 2-1 game. Despite a couple of strong chances for both teams in the remainder of the half, the score remained 2-1 at halftime.

The Independence struck early in the second half, with another offensive press from Adams. A ball slipped through to Adams on the right side of the six yard box, and her blocked shot found a waiting Joanna Lohman to slot the ball home and make it 3-1. Adams is credited with the assist, earning two assists and a goal for the night.

Karina LeBlanc had an outstanding performance in net, and the Independence defense allowed Sky Blue minimal chances in the second half. The Independence put the game out of reach with a final goal in the 74th minute by newcomer Tina DiMartino. It was Tina’s second goal in as many games with the team.

The Independence returns home next weekend to face the Washington Freedom in their third battle of the season. The teams are 1-1 in their first two contests and will be battling for the top spots in the league. Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm on Saturday, June 26th. Visit www.independencetix.com to get tickets and see the Independence in action!!

Courtesy: Philadelphia Independence Communications

Manute Bol 1963-2010: NBA Gentle Giant and Humanitarian

Death is never easy to grasp, especially when it comes unexpectedly, much like today’s passing of former NBA center Manute Bol at the age of 47.

I had no idea Bol was even sick but apparently the seven-foot-seven gentle giant became gravely ill in May with kidney problems and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin disease contracted while visiting his home country of Sudan.

According to the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, the official cause of death was kidney failure

My personal connection with Manute dates back to the winter of 1985. At the time I was the weekend sports anchor/reporter for WMUR Television in Manchester, N.H. The University of Bridgeport men’s basketball team was in town to play the New Hampshire College Penmen, and guess who was the starting center for Bridgeport?

Until that night the tallest athlete I had interviewed was former Boston Celtic center Robert Parish who was seven feet tall. Manute at seven-feet-seven inches was just an unbelievable sight to see in person, especially standing next to the other 9 players on the court.

Needless to say the Dinka Dunker dominated the boards at both ends of the court that night and as expected; his English was not that great. Until arriving in America, Manute had spent his entire life in his tribal Dinka village in the Sudan.

Later that spring, Bol was selected in the second round of the NBA draft by the Washington Bullets (Wizards).

Bol was actually first drafted by the by the San Diego Clippers in the 5th round of the 1983 NBA Draft, but at the time the league ruled that Bol had not been eligible for the draft and declared the pick invalid.

In 1988 he was traded to Golden State then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, 1990.

It was here in Philly where Manute and I crossed paths once again and not only had his English improved but he had developed quite a personality, which was greatly magnified when in the presence of his side kick Charles Barkley, whom Bol would affectionately call “Charlie”. Yes, Charlie and Manute used to make those Sixers practices at St. Josephs University quite entertaining.

Manute would tell the story about how he once killed a lion with a spear while watching over his family’s herd of cattle back in Africa.

We also learned that Manute’s mother was six feet eight inches tall, his father six-ten, sister six-eight and his grandfather seven-feet-ten inches. It was Bol’s grandfather who actually gave Manute his name which means, “Special Blessing”.

Well this Special Blessing, played 10 seasons in the NBA with Washington, Golden State, Philadelphia and Miami. During that 10 year span Bol averaged 2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 3.3 blocks per game while only playing an average of 18.7 minutes per game. A true specialist, Bol finished his career with totals of 1,599 points, 2,647 rebounds, and 2,086 blocks, having appeared in 624 games.

After the end of his NBA career, Bol played 22 games for the Florida Beach Dogs of the Continental Basketball Association during the 1995-1996 season. In 1996, the Portland (Maine) Mountain Cats of the United States Basketball League announced that he would be playing with the team, and included him in the game program, but he never actually appeared in uniform. He then played professionally in Italy and Qatar before rheumatism forced him to retire permanently.

Following his Hoop career Manute worked closely with Sudan Sunrise, a humanitarian group based in Lenexa, Kan., that promotes reconciliation in Sudan unfortunately between funding Sudanese freedom fighters, children’s charities and a vice of casino gambling, Bol lost the several million dollars that he earned in the pros, but it never stopped him from trying to continue to raise money to help the refugees and children from his country.

As a matter of fact as a publicity stunt to raise money, Bol once signed to play hockey for a minor league team even though he couldn't skate. When he became a jockey at a horse racing track, also to raise money for charity, it was widely suspected that he just might have been the tallest professional jockey ever

Most people will remember Manute as the Freakish seven-foot-seven basketball player who swatted basketballs like a dad swatting flies while grilling in the back yard, but I will remember him for his big heart, infectious smile, and great personality.

Bol is survived by 10 children, including four with his second wife, Ajok, of Olathe, Kan., his nephew Mayom Majok Said.

2010 FIFA World Cup Players Get the Boot From Nike

I actually first noticed the shoes earlier this Summer while attending an MLS (Major League Soccer) match between the Philadelphia Union and D.C. United.

The grayish-purple boots with the bright orange Nike Swoosh, worn by Union striker Sebastien Le Toux. Being the football traditionalist that I am, I thought how awful the purple and orange blend looked against the back drop of the finely manicured green grass of Lincoln Financial Field.

Then as I watched Le Toux cap off the match with the first hat trick in Philadelphia Union team history, I smiled and said to the person next to me, it’s gotta be the shoes.

As it turns out I not only took the bait but let the folks at Nike reel me in like a big mouth Bass. The hard to miss boots are part of an aggressive campaign being used by the marketing masterminds at Nike to help cut into the international football merchandise market dominated by Adidas and Puma.

Historically, Nike has been a strong soccer brand in the United States, but has struggled to gain much of a market share internationally. Nike by the way a huge sponsor of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT)

It is no mistake that almost every other pair of boots being worn at the World Cup are a variation of this boot; Nikes Total90 Elite or the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II Elite.

As a matter of fact, Nike released their Elite series as a lead up to this year’s World Cup and as you continue to watch the group and knockout stages, you’ll notice some of the top players on the planet are wearing the shoe with the grayish-purple forefoot and bright orange heel and underside.

Coincidentally, both goals scored during the World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa was scored by players wearing the shoes.

Other notable players who have tossed the boots into their kit bag are, England’s Wayne Rooney, Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Clint Dempsey of the United States, Alex and Robinho of Brazil and Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro just to name a few.

South Africa might just be the springboard Nike needs to open some space in the international soccer market.

By the way, if you’re thinking about purchasing the boots to put in your bag to impress your buddies at the weekend pickup game in the park. The Nike Total90 Elites will cost you about $324.00 American dollars while the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II Elites sell for around $399.00

Gee, I wonder how much a couple of cans of bright orange and purplish gray paint would cost.

Women's Professional Soccer Partners With Cable TV Giant

Women's Pro Soccer (WPS) bolsters league television schedule for the remainder of Summer 2010..............

Comcast Sports Group’s regional sports networks are each airing up to 27 games of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) this summer live and on tape delay. 

The Comcast Sports Group networks which are providing WPS coverage serve the home market for all seven of the league’s teams, including: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (FC Gold Pride), Comcast SportsNet Chicago (Chicago Red Stars), Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (Washington Freedom), Comcast SportsNet New England (Boston Breakers), Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia/The Comcast Network (Philadelphia Independence and Sky Blue FC), and CSS (Atlanta Beat).

“We are continuing and expanding our relationship with Women’s Professional Soccer, now in its second season, because these games provide exciting content to our audiences throughout the summer, particularly for young women,” said Comcast Sports Group Senior Vice President of Sports Content Mike Sheehey.

This regional coverage across the Comcast Sports Group networks provides fantastic exposure to all sports fans of the world class product that is Women’s Professional Soccer,” said Rob Penner, Director of Communications & Broadcast Relations, WPS.

The lineup on each network includes games produced by Comcast Sports Group outlets and an exclusive in-market syndicated package that includes the WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard Reserve on June 30, as well as WPS Playoff and WPS Championship coverage from September 19-26 produced by Fox Soccer Channel. The individual schedule of games will vary by network and viewers should check their local Comcast Sports Group network listing for complete information.

Regional television coverage of WPS games this summer can be found at: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/schedule/2010-tv-schedule.
About Comcast Sports Group:

Comcast Sports Group operates 11 sports networks that deliver 2,400 sporting events annually and sports news and analysis to more than 50 million cable and satellite homes. Comcast Sports Group’s networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet New England, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, SNY, The Mtn. – Mountain West Sports Network, CSS, and Comcast Sports Southwest. Comcast Sports Group also manages New England Cable News (NECN), the nation’s largest regional news network, and The Comcast Network, based in Philadelphia and Washington, which delivers community-oriented programming. For more information, see ComcastSportsNet.com.

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS):

Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with seven teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first-ever WPS Champions. In 2010, seven teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including five original WPS teams – Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) and Washington Freedom – and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence. The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer.

St.Louis Franchise Folds: Is Women's Pro Soccer in Trouble?

Back during the 2010 NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Convention in Philadelphia, there were nine teams involved in the WPS (Women’s Pro Soccer) college Draft.

One of those teams, the L.A. Sol, which ceased operation before their season ever had a chance to start. Now comes the disappointing news out if St. Louis, Missouri that the league has now dwindled to seven.

Seems likes the WPS entry from the Show Me State-St. Louis Athletica-was unable to Show us how to handle its finances, as a result a funding crisis has left the team without the necessary funds to operate for the remainder of the 2010 WPS Season. The Athletica players will be available as free agents to other WPS teams as of Tuesday, June 1.

Just two weeks ago, the league learned of a cash flow shortage at St. Louis Soccer United – which includes the owner of the Saint Louis Athletica and a St. Louis men’s team – that threatened the remainders of both teams’ seasons.

After a thorough and extensive review of the situation together with interested parties, which involved the League covering the funding shortfall for the Athletica’s last two player payrolls, the Athletica have folded their franchise.

WPS will re-make the remaining schedule for the 2010 WPS season as a seven-team league – the same number that took part during the WPS Inaugural Season.

The fact that two teams have ceased operation before the midway point of the season should set off numerous red flags. My first thought of course, is that the league in serious jeopardy of following the

footsteps of its now defunct predecessor WUSA (Women’s United Soccer League).

Philadelphia Independence Owner/CEO David Halstead was quick to shoot down my theory with the following statement.

“Philadelphia, and the other six WPS markets, have incredibly committed owners and teams that will remain focused on building strong businesses and on all the exciting things happening on the field in this WPS season.

For the Independence, this Saint Louis situation changes nothing…we remain full steam ahead with an excellent road map for 2010 and the future. Our financial standing is solid, our business vision and structures are clear and certain, and our front office, coaches, and players are at the top of their game.

We are hitting our stride and proud to be continually refining our processes and practices to ensure we capitalize on lessons learned, but don’t stray from the conservative 5-year plan and milestones set in motion a year ago.

In addition, our community connections, business partnerships, and fan support have never been better. In practical terms, we have a terrific plan in place for success, all our bills are paid, we have money in the bank for our franchise needs, and we have the best roster of players in the league”.

As a matter of fact Halstead and the remaining seven team owners will meet in Chicago next week to share plans to ensure the league does stay afloat and maintain their five-year plan for stability.

With the business end of things aside, one has to feel for Athletica players Shannon Boxx, Aya Miyama, Christina DiMartino, and Cathrine Paaske-Sørensen who actually started the season with the L.A. Sol before moving to St.louis via the league dispersal draft.

With free agency waiting in the wings, these players will now have to adjust to their third team in six months.

U.S. Men's National Soccer Team To Announce 23-Man World Cup Roster

It is indeed a huge week for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and it all begins tonight in East Hartford, Connecticut, where U.S. Head Coach Bob Bradley and his squad play an international friendly against the Czech Republic.

This game along with Saturdays friendly in Philadelphia against Turkey, are part of the teams send off tour before heading to South Africa to begin preparation for next month’s World Cup Soccer Tournament.

Tournament rules require that the final 23-man roster be submitted by June 1 to FIFA. A preliminary list of 30 players had to be submitted by May 11 by all 32 teams. According to a new regulation, the 23 players on the final roster must come from the original preliminary roster.

Once the rosters are finalized, a team may replace an injured player up to 24 hours prior to their first match of the tournament. In this case, the replacement player does not have to be selected from the 30-man preliminary list.

With that said, Bob Bradley is set to reveal his final 23-man FIFA World Cup roster tomorrow, May 26 during a live broadcast of ESPN’s daytime Sports Center. All the players selected for the tournament in South Africa will be on the ESPN campus for the announcement that will take place during the 1 p.m. ET hour of the show

Not only does this make sense but is very convenient given the fact that it’s a short ride on interstate 84 west from the site of tonight’s game in East Hartford, to the ESPN Campus in Bristol, CT.

So for many U.S. players, tonight’s game against the Czech Republic will be their last opportunity to play before that World Cup roster is decided.

Tonight’s game by the way is scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET touch live on ESPN and Galavision. ESPN will have a 30-minute pregame show beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can also follow online via ussoccer.com’s Match Tracker and at twitter.com/ussoccer.

The U.S. is slated to open first round World Cup play in Group C and open play against England on June 12 in Rustenburg with matches to follow on June 18 against Slovenia in Johannesburg and Algeria on June 23 in Tshwane/Pretoria.

Pizza, Wings and A Slice of History: Observations from The Ultimate Man Cave!

I was in the Boston Garden back on April 20, 1986 when a blooming super star by the name of Michael Jordan dropped a playoff record 63 points on Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics.

I was there at the Igloo (Melon Arena) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 20, 2000 when Philadelphia Flyers forward Keith Primeau eventually scored the game winning goal in the in the FIFTH overtime period of the NHL’s Eastern conference playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

I was also there at the Philadelphia Spectrum, March 28, 1992 for the quote un quote, “Greatest college basketball game ever played”; Duke University Forward Christian Laettner burying the 104-103 buzzer beater against Kentucky in the NCAA tournament’s East Regional Final.

Yes, as a Sports Journalist, I had the privilege of covering those three events and many more, the perks I suppose of working in this particular career field.

As exciting and memorable as those three events were, they have now been replaced atop my list of most memorable sports moments by an event I didn’t even physically attend.

As a matter of fact, I was a guest along with my 15 and 10 year old sons, at a private residence in Haverford, Pennsylvania. Also in attendance, two other young men the same age as my sons and three other adult males, one wearing a Philadelphia Flyers Jersey with his last name on the back.

We had gathered on that rainy night not quite sure what to expect from the game we were about to watch; the seventh and deciding game of the Stanley Cup, Eastern Conference Semi-Final series between the Flyers and Boston Bruins.

History led us to believe the odds were slim to none that the Flyers would actually win the game, after-all they were playing on Boston’s home ice after battling back from a three games to none deficit in the series.

Only Three teams in the history of major professional sports had ever battled back to win a best of seven series after falling behind three games to none; the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, 1975 New York Islanders and the 2004 Boston Red Sox.

So again, what were the Flyers odds of winning? Exactly!

Now I mentioned that we were guests at a private residence, but folks this was unlike any residence I had ever seen. The host called it the club house, a two story building unattached from the main mansion. The second floor had a full bathroom and live-in apartment. The first floor, a dream come true for every red blooded American male sports fan.

One thousand square feet of pure sports heaven. The main focus was a red brick and motor wall with a 63 inch flat screen television smack dab in the middle, surrounded by four, 30 inch flat screens, Hello!!!!!

There were also two small flat screen TVs in the fully functional kitchen, which consisted of a full size stainless steel refrigerator stocked with G2 Gator Aide. Cappuccino machine, dish washer, sink and microwave.

Oh I forgot to mention there was also a flat screen TV over the full length men’s urinal in the locker room. That’s right, locker room complete with lockers, shower and rubberized floor, just in case you wanted to lace up your skates.

So if you’ve lost count, that’s 8 flat screens, powered by six direct TV tuners and three digital cable boxes. Toss in X-box, Sirius Radio, Surround Sound, a full service sports ticker display board and a partridge in a pair tree.

As for the remaining décor; sports memorabilia galore.

There were autographed helmets, footballs, basketballs, sneakers, photos, Super Bowl seat cushions and

numerous signed jerseys; Larry Bird, Dr. j, Magic Johnson, Yao Ming, Ladainian Tomlinson and Michael Jordan just to name a few.

By the way, our host was also a University of North Carolina Alumn and Buffalo Bills fan, so needless to say there was plenty of corresponding memorabilia.

Oh my goodness, I almost forgot why we were even in the middle of this sports oasis. Flyers-Bruins, game seven of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, loser goes home.

I have to be totally honest with you, after Philadelphia fell behind 3-0, I whispered to my boys that it was probably going to be an early night. Heck at that point, the only thing really keeping everyone’s interest were the wings, pizzas and flat screen TV number five.

Number five was giving us the Phillies-Milwaukee Brewers game in which both teams were sporting their respective 1970’s throw back Uni’s. You know, those powder blue Phillies road retros with the Maroon lettering; meanwhile, Milwaukee with BREWERS” in royal blue block letters on the front of the jerseys and a yellow “M” logo on the cap..

Then all of a sudden the entire ambiance of the night begun to change, starting with Flyers rookie James Van Riemsdyk (JVR) netting his first ever play-off goal, to cut Boston’s lead to 3-1.

Not that it means anything to you, but JVR a fellow University of New Hampshire alumn.

So, Van Riemsdyk’s goal illuminated a little light at the end of the Ted Williams Tunnel, so I told my boys, let’s stay until the end of the second period and see what happens. Well what happened was a chain of unbelievable events.

Just as Flyers forward Scott Hartnell scored to make it a 3-2 Boston advantage, Phillies First Baseman Ryan Howard was busy jacking a two run homer in Milwaukee to give Philadelphia a 2-0 lead over the Brewers.

Needless to say we were all getting a bit pumped up in the club house especially after Danny Briere scored his seventh goal of the play-offs to tie the game at three; chest bumps, fist bumps and high fives all around.

Not only had the Flyers come back to tie game seven at three, but in doing so stuck the Bruins with another record of dubious distinction. Boston, the first team in NHL playoff history to squander a 3-0 lead in game seven, but for the B’s the worst was yet to come.

12:52 of the third period, Flyers on the power play following a two minute Boston Bench penalty for too many men on the Ice. Simon Gagne almost puts a hole in the back of the net with what turned out to be the eventual game winning goal.

The goal that helped the flyers overcome a three-nothing deficit in game seven and a three games to none deficit in the series.

As the clock at Boston’s TD Bank Garden ticked down the final 10 seconds of the game, we too counted out loud, ten-nine-eight-seven and when we hit zero, a loud cheer , followed by more fist bumping and chest bumping, hey male bonding at its best.

I will never forget that night, not just because of the historic impact of the flyers effort, but because it was also one of those rare special moments that a father got to share with his sons. A moment I hope that same day they will share with their children.

Thank you to the Philadelphia Flyers and especially thank you to our gracious host that night. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to revisit the ultimate man cave sometime during the 2010 NFL Season.

By the way, the Phillies also won that night, beating the Brewers 9-5.

Bahr None: Walter Is One Of America's All-Time Best Soccer Talents

Despite the fact that the game of soccer has not quite grabbed the attention of the casual sports fan here in the United States like it has in every other country on Earth,  certainly doesn’t mean that home grown talent doesn’t exist.

As a matter of fact, American born soccer players plying their talents overseas , has become a bit of the norm over the past 10-15 years. Proof perhaps that the Beautiful game here in the U.S. has improved by leaps and bounds, or to use “FOOTBALL” terminology, crosses and volleys.

Long before there was Landon Donovan, Carlos Bocanegra,Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel or Tim Howard, there was Walter Bahr.

Considered one of the greatest American soccer players of all time, former Scottish international Tommy Muirhead, writing in the Glasgow Daily Mail during the Scottish national team tour of the U.S. in 1949, paid him the ultimate compliment. “Bahr,” he wrote “is good enough to play for any First Division team in the United Kingdom.”

Ironically just one year later, Walter Bahr assisted on the only goal in the US National Teams 1-0 upset victory over England in the 1950 World Cup.

Most experts consider this game the greatest upset in World Cup history.

With World Cup 2010 just around the bend, and the United States and England set to face each other in their June 12th World Cup opening match, Bahr has been quite visible at numerous soccer related events around the country this year, the 60th anniversary year of that U.S. upset over England.

I had the privilege of meeting Walter Bahr back on April 10, when the MLS (Major League Soccer) expansion Philadelphia Union, played their first ever home game at Lincoln Financial Field. 

The 88-year-old Bahr still had a firm Hand Shake.

Bahr, a Philadelphia native, took part in the Union Pre-Game ceremonies that day along with Vice President Joe Biden.

This Saturday, May 15, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame (formerly the Philadelphia Old timers Soccer Association,) will host their 63rd annual awards banquet and the Guest of honor —you got it —Walter Bahr.

The event will kick off about an hour and half after the Philadelphia Unions home game against F.C. Dallas and 58 days before the U.S.-England World Cup opener.

For those soccer fans living in the Philadelphia area interested in attending the awards banquet, you can get more information at http:www//sepasoccerhall.com

Altogether Walter Bahr played 19 times for the U.S. national team in full international competition at a time when the U.S. didn’t play anything like as many internationals as it does today. 

He is known, not only in the U.S., but around the world as one of the greatest and most respected soccer players ever to wear the shirt of the U.S. national team and has often served as an ambassador for his country.

After his retirement as a player Walter Bahr became a highly successful coach at Temple and at Penn State Universities, and with two professional teams Philadelphia Ukrainians and Philadelphia Spartans.

He coached Temple from 1970 to 1973 and Penn State from 1974 to 1988, as well as Frankfort High School, for 17 years. His overall coaching record is 448-137-70. 

He was elected NSCAA Coach of the Year in 1979, and the Nittany Lion soccer team was selected to the NCAA Tournament 12 times in Walt’s 14 year career.

In 1995, he was elected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame.

His three sons Casey, Chris and Matt all played soccer. Casey and Chris both played for the U.S. Olympic team and all three played in the North American Soccer League, Casey and Chris for Philadelphia Atoms and Matt for Colorado Caribous.

Later, Chris and Matt kicked field goals for a number of teams in the National Football League. Daughter, Davies Ann, also carried on the family’s sports tradition and was named to the All-America gymnastics team in 1977.

Walter’s wife, also named Davies Ann, was a championship swimmer at Temple and a Physical Education teacher at Penn State.

Mistakes Prove Costly As Philadelphia Union Fall to Real Salt Lake 3-0

No one really expected the Expansion Philadelphia Union to burst onto the pitch and take MLS (Major League Soccer) by storm in their inaugural season, but lax stretches of play through the first six games have prevented Peter Nowak’s side from producing better results.

Example one, 27th minute: In today’s 3-0 loss at Real Salt Lake, the Union carried play during most of the first half, but in the blink of an eye an errant back pass from defender Christian Arrieta to keeper Chris Seitz proved costly.

Instead of finding the comfort of his own keeper, Arrieta put the ball right at the feet of Salt Lake

forward Alvaro Saborio, all alone behind the Union defense. A Jordan Harvey tackle prevented Saborio from scoring, but the deflection landed right in front of Real Captain Kyle Beckerman whose one time blast beat Seitz to the lower right corner.

Note to Union Defenders; Need to do a better job of marking your man. Why was Saborio so wide open inside your own 18?

Example two, 51st minute: Arrieta was also indirectly responsible for Salt Lake's second goal. Arrieta’s yellow card for rough play helped set up a Real free kick just outside the 18. The placement of the ball and Philadelphia’s use of a two man wall (Fred & Roger Torres) should have been enough to help protect the angle on the near post.

Operative words here “should have been enough”.

First mistake, Torres ducked on the free kick attempt instead of perhaps heading it out. Second mistake, Sietz inability to hold onto the ball. The best keepers in the world have what I call soft hands; they catch the ball like they are trying to catch a raw egg. Sometimes it seems like Sietz has hands of stone. Heck, anyone knows that if you kick a ball off stone it’s going to bounce back.

Look, I do not want to continue to bash Sietz week in and week out, but so far this season, he has given up several soft goals. From my stand point as a goal keeper instructor, you cannot give up rebounds in your own 18, especially with your opponent standing right there.

In this case the opponent was Jamison Olave, who tucked the loose ball into the back of the net to give Salt Lake the 2-0 lead.

The third goal of the game in the 70th minute was simply a direct result of Salt Lake's hard work and ability to move through the Union Defense. Alvario Saboreo on the give and go to Pablo Campos returned a nicely played volley that end up on Saboreo's fore head and into the back of the net. 3-0 Real.

The loss was Philadelphia’s fourth in a row, a stretch in which they have been outscored by a margin of 10-3. Hopefully a return to the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial field for next Saturdays game against FC Dallas will help put an end to the winless streak.

Side Notes: Philadelphia’s leading goal scorer, Sebastien LeToux made the trip to Sandy Utah and was dressed and available but Nowak decided to give the striker another week to strengthen his healing knee. LeToux’s absence made way for the surprise start of 17 year old Jack Mcinerney who scored his first MLS goal in last week’s loss to the L.A.Galaxy. Draft pick Kyle Nakazawa also got his first MLS Start today, playing at midfield for Stefani Miglioranzi who sat at a one game suspension following last week’s Red card.

Scoring Summary:

RSL – Kyle Beckerman (Unassisted) 27

RSL – Jamison Olave (Javier Morales) 51

RSL – Alvaro Saborio (Pablo Campos) 70

Philadelphia (1-5-0)

Salt Lake (3-3-2)

Philadelphia Eagles Finalize Plans to Honor 1960 Championship

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie today announced that the Eagles will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1960 NFL championship team during their home opener on Sept. 12, 2010 against the Green Bay Packers.  

The festivities will include a number of different commemorative events to celebrate the rich history of the franchise. 
The announcement, held at the site of the game, Franklin Field, was made by Lurie along with Eagles president Joe Banner and Eagles 1960 alum Pete Retzlaff, who joined the voice of the Eagles, Merrill Reese,  and 1960 the voice of the Eagles, Bill Campbell, in remembering the game. 

The event was also highlighted by appearances from Eagles 1960 alumni Tommy McDonald, Chuck Bednarik, Dick Lucas, Riley Gunnels, and Maxie Baughan, as well as current Eagles tight end Brent Celek, wide receiver DeSean Jackson, linebacker Stewart Bradley, and Eagles head coach Andy Reid. 

“We are excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1960 team. This celebration marks a very important event in Philadelphia Eagles history. In the past few months, we have had the pleasure of working with an advisory committee of volunteers, many who actually attended the game at Franklin Field 50 years ago,” said Lurie. 

He added, “This milestone in Eagles history will be commemorated with the authentic kelly green uniforms from 1960, as well as a number of different events planned to make sure this extraordinary group of men are lauded for their efforts. Remembering this accomplishment and these players is important not only for the team, but for our fans whose passion for the Philadelphia Eagles spans many generations.” 

After losing the season opener against Cleveland, the 1960 Eagles rattled off nine straight wins, tying the longest streak in team history and securing their fourth Eastern Division title. 

On Dec. 26, 1960, Hall of Famers Norm Van Brocklin, Tommy McDonald, and Chuck Bednarik led the Eagles to their third NFL championship after mounting a come-from-behind, 17-13 victory over Green Bay at Franklin Field. This victory handed Vince Lombardi’s Packers their only playoff loss under his tenure.

NOTE: Jeff Lurie quotes courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles Communications.

Philadelphia Eagles To Honor Their Last NFL Championship

In 1960 the Philadelphia Eagles capped a 10-2 season by beating the Green Bay Packers 17-13 in the NFL Title game. It wasn’t the last NFL Championship game the Eagles played in (Super Bowls XV and XXXIX), but it was the last Championship won by the franchise.

There has been some talk here in Philadelphia this offseason that the current Eagles ownership should consider honoring the 50th Anniversary of that 1960 NFL Championship by actually playing their September 12 season opener against the Green Bay Packers at Franklin Field.

As novel as the idea sounds, it would be a logistical nightmare. For one there is a great deal of infrastructure work taking place near Franklin Field with one of the main entry roads to the stadium currently closed.

There is also the question of what do with all those Eagles fans and big businesses that own or rent luxury suites at Philadelphia’s current stadium, Lincoln Financial Field.  

Luxury suites simply do not translate to the 115-year venue located on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Not to mention that Lincoln Financial Field currently seats 68,532 Franklin Field 60,658. 

I would love the idea, but again it just does not seem like a realistic option. What will probably happen is that the two teams will commemorate the the anniversary by playing their 2010 season opener in their respective 1960 throw back uniforms, of course not much of a commemoration for Green Bay.   

With that said, the Eagles have scheduled a press event for Monday, May 3. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Joe Banner will lead the ceremony, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at Franklin Field. Others attending will be former players from the 1960 title team, Chuck Bednarik, Dick Lucas, and Maxie Baughan, as well as current players DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, and Stewart Bradley. 

The event has been tabbed as “Philadelphia Eagles Unveil Plans to Honor 50th." I, for one, am very interested in seeing exactly what the Eagles have in planned.