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.

Philadelpha Falls in Open Cup and Loses Le Toux.

The seeds of a Philadelphia Union-New York Red Bull rivalry were actually planted long before the two teams first met this past Saturday thanks in part to the Union Supporters group, Son’s Of Ben.

You see the SOB’s have long made it a point to torment Red Bull fans with chants of "We've won as many championships as you have," and for those of you keeping count, that’s zero championships for NY in 15 years.

The Bens would actually book passage to Red Bulls games just to establish themselves as an up and coming supporters group and wanted to remind NY fans that they were here to stay. 

That may be the case, but on the field, the Red Bulls have jumped on the early advantage, beating the Union 2-1 in league play over the weekend and by the same score again tonight in the Lamar Hunt Open Cup Play in game.

New York, playing most of their younger players, carried the play of game in the first half and opened the scoring in the 16th minute, when Union goal keeper Chris Seitz failed to secure a Brian Neilson shot that eventually ended up on the boot of rookie Connor Chinn and into the back of the Philadelphia net.

Then in the 41st minute it was Chinn again, this time finishing off a nicely placed cross from Luke Sassano, with a header past Seitz. 

It wasn’t until the 68th minute that Philadelphia was able to pull one back and guess who, that’s right Le Toux.  

The Union’s leading goal scorer actually started the game on the bench, but came on in the second half as the fourth and final sub, per Open Cup rules.  

Le Toux’s goal may have cut Red Bulls lead to one, but in the end it turned out to be a costly sub for Philadelphia, as Sebastien would be stretched off the field with a lower body injury in the 82nd minute.  

I am sure an MRI is forthcoming for Le Toux, and hopefully the results will prove nothing too serious. Despite playing a man down for the remaining eight minutes plus, the Union did their part to keep New York off the board for the remainder of the game.  

Tonight’s loss, by the way, eliminates the Union from the Open Cup tournament as they now set their sights on a two game road trip that begins this Saturday in L.A. against the Galaxy and finish the following Saturday at Real Salt Lake.  

NY-Chinn-(16th minute)
NY-Chinn-(41st minute)
PHI-Le Toux-(68th minute)

Where's The Beef? Eagles Bulk up Afte the Draft.

I think it safe to say I was not the only one surprised by the Philadelphia Eagles decision to not select an offensive lineman in last week’s NFL Draft; especially considering that they eventually ended up with 13 picks overall.

As long as I can remember, Philadelphia has always drafted at least one offensive lineman every year with the exceptions of 2001 & 2007, but this year’s lack of a lineman selection was blatant considering how thin they appear to be at that position. 

With that said, the Eagles did sign 11 undrafted rookies the Monday after the draft, three of whom were offensive linemen consisting of two tackles and one guard. 

The tackles 6'6", 328 pound Jeraill McCuller from N.C.State and 6'7", 333 pound Austin Howard of Northern Iowa. The guard is 6'5", 297 pound Zipp Duncan from Kentucky. 

Obviously not much is usually expected of undrafted rookie free agents, but there is always that rare occasion when a team gets lucky and actually inks a serviceable player. It is clear, however, that these three players have something to offer.

McCuller appears to be a character guy. A three-year starter for the Wolf pack who last year received the Governor Award, which is given to the team’s most valuable player based on ability, contribution, leadership, and intangibles.

At 6'7", 333 pounds Austin Howard obviously has something you can’t coach, size. The big fella also appears to be very athletic for his size; in 2008 he was switched from tight end to left tackle and as a freshman he actually played some hoops for the University of Northern Iowa.

What can you say about a guy who goes by the name ZIPP? Well like Howard, Zipp Duncan started his college football career as a tight end but spent a majority of his sophomore and junior seasons at Kentucky playing guard before being moved to tackle. 

Duncan was a also a high school basketball standout who led his prep team to the Kentucky High School sweet 16 where he scored 37 points and pulled down 26 rebounds in two games.

So for what it’s worth, The Eagles do have a little something to work with through mini camp and Summer camp.

Philadelphia Eagles Resign Rocca.

The Philadelphia Eagles announced today that they have signed Punter Sav Rocca to a one-year deal. Rocca had been a restricted free agent.

Now entering his fourth NFL season, Rocca (6'5", 265) originally signed with the Eagles in 2007 after a stellar 15-year career in the Australian Football League. 

The 36-year-old Rocca notched a franchise-best 38.3 net punting average in 2009, breaking his old single-season record of 37.9 which he set in 2008. He has averaged 42.6 gross yards per punt in his three seasons in Philadelphia while also dropping 74 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Also, at 6'5", 265, couldn’t he also play linebacker? After-all Aussie Rules football is tackle without the pads. I’m just sayin.

WPS: Henderson Replaces LeBlanc In Goal for Independence

Week three of the WPS (Women’s Pro Soccer) action is fast approaching, as the Philadelphia Independence (0-0-2) continue to prep for their Sunday, Aug. 25 match against Abby Wambach and the visiting Washington Freedom (1-1-0). 

The first order of business for Independence coach Paul Riley was to insert former L.A. Sol and UCLA net minder, Val Henderson, as his starter for this game. 

Keep in mind Henderson will be replacing Karina LeBlanc, one of the top keepers in the world. Now don’t get your shoe laces in a knot, as this switch has nothing to do with LeBlanc’s performance through the first two games of the season.  

LeBlanc has posted one shut out and given up one goal, a goal by the way, that came from a deflection off of one of her own players during a free kick last week in Boston.  

Leblanc has simply taken a leave of absence to join Canada’s National team in advance of an international friendly April 24th against China.  

In her last National Team call up, Karina posted a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over the New Zealand in the 2010 Cyprus Cup Final.  

So with LeBlanc away and Henderson in net, that leaves Robyn Jones as the back-up for the game against Washington. 

Now don’t get me wrong, every draw in the WPS is a tough draw, since after all, this is the best women’s league in the World. However, Henderson faces a tough task against the Freedom, who are led by U.S. national team striker Abby Wambach.  

Wambach was recently named the Week two WPS Player of the Week, after scoring one goal and setting up two more in Washington’s 3-1 victory Sunday over the Atlanta Beat.

Philadelphia’s back four has looked solid so far this season and will offer Henderson plenty of support. A key match-up in this game will be the 5’10” Wambach against 6’0” Independence defender Allison Falk.

Falk, by the way, is now in the Philadelphia record book for having scored the first goal in franchise   history, a one-all equalizer in last week’s tie with Boston.   A league leading 6,028 fans shimmied through the turnstiles for Philadelphia’s season home opener against Atlanta, a number the team will be looking to exceed Sunday when they celebrate “Go Green” night. 

For ticket information, check out https://independencetix.ticketleap.com.

NFL Commisioner Sacks Roethlisberger for Six Games.

It had been rumored that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would not hand down a verdict on beleaguered Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger until after this week’s NFL draft.

Today the Commissioner notified the Steelers and Roethlisberger that he must undergo a comprehensive behavioral evaluation by medical professionals and will be suspended without pay for the first six games of the regular season for conduct detrimental to the NFL in violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.

Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old female college student in a Georgia nightclub last month, but will not face criminal charges.  

So where does this leave the Pittsburgh Steelers as far as the early portion of their 2010 schedule. F

For starters, the team did reacquire quarterback Byron Leftwich this week by trading a seventh-round draft pick (225th overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Leftwich of course was Roethlisberger’s backup during the 2008 season, when the Steelers won the Super Bowl. Leftwich knows offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' system and could be ready for Pittsburgh’s season opener. 

Then again, if the team has an eye on the future, there is also third-year pro Dennis Dixon.

Dixon was selected by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 draft (156th overall), and was initially thought of as a utility type player, ala Antwaan Randle-El or maybe even a Kordell Stewart (Slash).

During his rookie season (2008), Dixon passed for a combined 12-for-24 in a pair of preseason games while also scoring on a 47-yard touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills. 

His first official NFL pass is in the Steelers record books as the 800th career reception hauled in by perennial Pro-Bowler Hines Ward. 

Dixon made his first career start last season against the Baltimore Ravens after injuries to Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch moved him up the depth chart. The Steelers lost that game in overtime, 20-17. 

Dennis was 12-26 with one touchdown and one interception for 145 yards and also ran for 27 yards on three carries, including one run for a touchdown. However, his one interception was in the overtime period, allowing the Baltimore Ravens to kick a field goal for the winning score.  

If Roethlisberger does indeed serve a full six game suspension, the penalty would cover the following portion of Pittsburgh’s schedule: Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Bye, and Cleveland.  

Big Ben's suspension includes conditions that will allow the punishment to be reduced based onRoethlisberger's behavior and compliance with clinical evaluators.  

Commissioner Roger Goodell's verdict reinforces a message that NFL employees will be held to a higher standard than the law.  

There was some speculation that Ben could have been subject to an eight-game suspension, but the four-six games is more in line with previous suspensions handed down by the Commissioner.

2010 Philadelphia Eagles Draw Ninth Toughest Schedule

I realize that the chase for Lord Stanley’s Cup is currently underway and that the Flyers have just grabbed a 3-1 stranglehold on their opening round series against New Jersey.

I also understand the fightin Phils are trying to become the first team since the 1942-44 St. Louis Cardinals to win three straight National League Pennants. No doubt exciting stuff if you are Philadelphia Sports Fan, but make no mistake about it, this is also a big week for Philadelphia Eagle fans.

In two nights, the birds venture into their 75th draft in league history holding five picks in the first three rounds and ten overall. As a draft appetizer, the NFL tonight released the 2010 regular season schedule, which has Philadelphia’s schedule as the ninth toughest in the league.

Highlighting the 17-week season are of course the two games verses former Eagle QB Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins. The first matchup is Sunday, Oct. 3, a 4:15 start at Lincoln Financial Field. The second go around against Donny Mac, a Monday Night affair, Nov. 15 at Washington.

Philadelphia will open the regular season Sept. 12 with a 4:15 p.m. kickoff against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Birds' bye will come Halloween weekend, and trust me: with five of Philadelphia’s final seven games scheduled against the NFC East, that bye is strategically placed.

Home Games: Packers, Redskins, Falcons, Colts, Giants, Texans, Vikings & Cowboys.

Away Games: Lions, Jaguars, 49ers, Titans, Redskins, Bears, Cowboys & Giants.

Philadelpha Union Seeing Red after 2-1 Loss to Toronto FC

For the second time in three games, the Philadelphia Union on the wrong end of a red card send off.

Talk about playing at a disadvantage, ten against eleven is certainly no way to make a living, as Philadelphia found out in their season opening loss at seattle.

In that game Philadelphia's Toni Stahl was sent off in the 40th minute after being shown a second yellow card.  At the time Seattle led 1-0, but quickly pushed it to a 2-0 advantage three minutes later.

Last night in the 34th minute, it was a straight red card send off for Union Captain Danny Califf. No yellow card warning needed, as Califf got called for an elbow to the head of Julian de Guzman, who had beaten Califf and had a clear path to a slow rolling ball headed toward the Philadelphia goal.

That send off setup the games first score, as Toronto's Dwayne De Rosario struck a free kick past a wall of Union defenders and into the fragile hands of Union keeper Chris Seitz.

It was a save Seitz should have made, but instead the ball deflected off his gloves and over the goal line, 1-0 Toronto. It was the second time in as many games a mishandled ball by Seitz has cost his team a goal (with the other being the second D.C. United goal in last week's game against Philadelphia). 

I know that Seitz has been tabbed as the next great American goalkeeper, but through three games his play has been a bit suspect, especially on clearing plays. 

The keeper job is Seitz's to lose, but If you listen closely you can almost hear Union backup Brad Knighton pealing back the velcro on a new package of goalkeeper mits.

Give Philadelphia credit however for not collapsing.

In first half stoppage time, 18-year-old Roger Torres served a nicely placed volley to Jordan Harvey inside Toronto's 18 and just off the far post. The first touch was nice and the second touch found the back of the  net.

Game tied one-all at half time.

It was a questionable call in the 81st minute that for all intensive purposes decided the outcome.

Seitz was called for taking down O'Brian White inside the 18. In my eyes the call was questionable because Seitz was cleary going for the ball, the referees assistant however saw it differently. No yellow card, but a penalty shot was awarded.  Seitz guessed correctly on which way to dive, but De Rosario's shot was just a bit too strong  

Philadelphia and Toronto are both now 1-2 on the season, as the Union look to regroup before their April 24th trip up the Jersey Turnpike to play the New York Red Bull. Unfortunatley, they will have to play that game without Danny Califf, who will serve a one game suspension for his red card.

Scoring Summary :

TOR-Dwayne De Rosario (Free Kick) 35'

PHL-Jordan Harvey (Roger Torres,Sebastien Le Toux) First half stoppage time

TOR-Dwayne De Roasrio (Penalty kick) 82'