The first few months of the Jurgen Klinsmann era certainly had its ups and downs, but that should
be expected. When a new coach is brought in, he needs time to see what he has to work with, to
implement his philosophies, and to see what works and what doesn't, and as impatient as some are to
see instant results, that process is still very much in its infancy for Klinsmann.
The first few months of the Klinsmann era weren't as successful as many might have hoped in terms
of wins and losses, but after ending the 2011 calendar with a respectable 1-0 defeat in France and
a solid 3-2 win in Slovenia, there's definite positive momentum heading into 2012.
The slate for next year is far from finalized, but it will give fans an opportunity to gauge just
how much progression is being made and who will play significant roles going forward, as along with
multiple friendly matches, the U.
- Jason Davis
There's a piece of accepted truth in the blogging world, one of those bits of conventional wisdom
impossible to verify, that the average blog's lifespan is three years. I'm not sure if this is
meant to apply to all blogs, sports blogs, or specifically to soccer blogs, but it's a "fact" I've
heard repeated more than a few times during the span of Match Fit USA's existence, and by
extension, the time I have been penning my overwrought missives on the state of American soccer.
-by Chris Ballard
You might remember that way back in March, Keith, Jason and myself all put forth some predictions
regarding the 2011 MLS season. Usually when these things happen it becomes convenient to later
forget to revisit them; because it invariably proves that we - as much as anybody else - know
pretty much nothing.
- Jason Davis
I don't know whether to laugh or cry over the news that MLS sent out surveys looking for
information on the strength of Baltimore as an MLS market. On the surface, which is the way 99.9%
of the interested parties are viewing it, it looks like a clear sign that United is not long for
DC.
- Jason Davis
The world is abuzz this morning with the shocking revelation that "foreign" English Premier
League owners would like to see an end to relegation. Among the league's foreign ownership are
several Americans, most notably the Glazers at United, Randy Lerner at Aston Villa, and Fenway
Sports Group at Liverpool.
- Ben McCormick
Juergen Klinsmann came to the US National Team with some big ideas. He preached patience, saying he
was going to need time to experiment with several different kinds of lineups, formations and
tactics. If given time, he justified, he would find the right combination of players to play an
attacking style of soccer that was uniquely American.
- Jason Davis
The last one. Number five. Jared and I close out the buildup to the debut of The Best Soccer Show
on the North American Soccer Network with talk about the USMNT roster and MLS. The debut of TBSS
comes with giveways, sweet ones, so make sure you listen to learn how to get your chance at a copy
of EA's FIFA 12 and Bumpy Pitch gear.
- Jason Davis
The fourth installment of the Free on a Bosman program, enumerated with the classy Roman numeral
desigination, is here for your enjoyment.
Jared and I start with the good news and the bad news around the USMNT. Just when Holden gets back,
down goes Torres. Gooch is playing well (maybe?
- Jason Davis
In 2011, after Seattle and Philly and Portland and Vancouver and Montreal and the wave that came
before them (yes, San Jose counts) and all of the talk of candidates and fees and ownership groups
and stadium plans and color schemes and whether names should be "historical" (since 1975!
(Summary is not available.)
-Ben McCormick
One of the most common questions any US Soccer fan asks is who is going to replace Landon Donovan
and Clint Dempsey when they retire. They have held the attack together for the past few years and
fast approaching is a time when the US will have to rely on someone other than "Deuce" or "'Cakes"
for a goal when they need it.
The third installment of FoaB has Jason and Jared talking about the rumors surrounding Timmy
Chandler, Klinsmann effort to find dual internationals, Jozy, Beasley, a round up of MLS and the
playoff race, the MLS A-Team and much more.
Be sure you check us out on Twitter for updates. @mfusa @jrodius
It might be a good idea to check this and this out as well.
- Jason Davis
As one of those interminable people constantly worried about the popularity of soccer in the United
States, I should be thrilled that Fox is giving the sport a run on their flagship over-the-air
behemoth of a network starting this Sunday. Manchester United and Chelsea will be shown, on tape
delay, right smack in the middle of the usual National Football League window.
- Jason Davis
Jared and I are back, with Free on a Bosman, our interim show while we build up to our new show,
for which details will be released slowly over the next couple of weeks. Still with me?
Good.
In this edition, we talk 9/11 (hafta), Bobby Rhine (again, hafta), the US loss to Belgium and the
state of the team at the moment, the MLS playoff picture, and more.
