It's been over two years since I last spilled ink on South American soccer. Thanks to the excellent Futbol y Asociados, I brought you the story of the altered cedula (national id card). Basically, a young Argentine got a national ID card and wore his team's jersey in the picture.

So, MLS President Mark Abbot said that Southeastern markets would support an MLS team. Granted, he used some pretty minced word and just appeared to play to the fans on hand, but, I ask would Southeast expansion work?

I know that I blog about MLS infrequently. Yes, I do MLS Cup reflections.

So, MLS President Mark Abbot said that Southeastern markets would support an MLS team. Granted, he used some pretty minced word and just appeared to play to the fans on hand, but, I ask would Southeast expansion work?

I know that I blog about MLS infrequently. Yes, I do MLS Cup reflections.

Everyday, a football club owner falls into the media's cross hairs for some reason or another. One of the common gripes is that Owen Owner is a no good corporate raider. Without a doubt, some investment banks and American executives fit this Barbarians at the Gate caricature perfectly. We can all thank our lucky stars that Liverpool ran out of town Gillete and Hicks before administration entered the equation.

Everybody wants to talk about Luis Suarez. He was charged with racism, served his suspension, and has returned to play. Done. Was he petulant before the game? Yes. But since when was that novel? I'm more interested in this little thing called the field. On said field, players kick balls. In fact, just yesterday, a game was played on said field.

So, in case you have resided in a cave on the large rock in outer space formerly known as planet Pluto, Real Madrid played Barcelona in the 2nd leg of the Copa del Rey. Based on secondhand accounts, 'twas a most enjoyable spectacle. Teams scored goals. Teams kicked soccer balls. Teams ran. At the end of 90 minutes, the two teams tied 2-2.

Players are people. If you prick them, they bleed. Despite a professional existence that involves getting kicked, not all are invincible shoulder-goal-popping memes. They have feelings. If they sit on the bench for not scoring goals, then their confidence dips and they score less goals. It's a brutal cycle.

For the last decade, the greatest benefit to being a Manchester United fan has been the license to perpetually wear a smug grin of satisfaction. Liverpool only qualified for the UEFA league again? Poor King Kenny. At least Andy Carroll has curbed his drinking problem and keeps the bench nice & warm during winter.

Rocking chairs. Porches. Cross-stitching. Some things were made for long international breaks before worthless international friendlies. Entertaining and insightful sports writing is not one of them. At least not in these here parts. Instead, we bring you the next best thing random thoughts and musings sent our way via electronic mail from you the reader.