The Big Lead's scathing criticisms of U.S. Soccer included a striking set of numbers:

Against big-time opposition (Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Italy), the USMNT was 1-5. They outscored those teams 5-3 in the first half. They were outscored 13-1 in the second, when teams adjusted tactically.

Beginning the first of what will hopefully become a new regular feature here on Ginge Talks the Footy, I present "In Case You Missed It". What is the cleverly titled new piece of gold you ask? Well, it's a unfiltered match report...
DC United 2 - 2 FC Dallas
Pizza Hut Park
Frisco, TX
Ginge Status: In Attendance
Walking in to Pizza Hut Park is always a mixed bag experience.

This email was received last week by FC Dallas season ticket holders...

You are valued. And your voice is important. That's why we're inviting you to a special Season Ticket Holder Town Hall meeting in the Stadium Club on Saturday, June 20.
The Town Hall will begin at 4:30pm and last for one hour.

Hi guys-

We have talked before. I am noticing a disturbing trend on the internets regarding our little soccer team. Yes I did say our cause you know what we are part of a whole. Obviously we wouldnt exist without you...but you guys wouldnt exist without us. There is very little that you or frankly anyone can do about the on field activities.

The Major League Soccer sides played their first games in this year's US Open Cup this week, and half of them got knocked off by lower-level opponents. One of the most unlikely was the New England Revolution being beaten by the USL-2 Harrisburg City Islanders.
In a burst of insanity (or apathy) New England coach Steve Nicol made all three of his allowed subs at halftime.

Aly's Break-out Performances this Year in the CL this Past Season Put Him On the Radar of Some the Biggest Clubs in Europe.
When Aly Cissokho left France back in June '08 , probably only a handful of people- including himself- were even aware, and even fewer in Portugal to be sure.

Isn't it reassuring to know that in a world where it seems you can expect money to buy you anything, and where apathy to rise up and fight for a fairer world is all around us, sometimes the little guy still wins.
Love it.

There is nothing worse for a fan than to see your season petering out into nothing. Football is all about the drama, the twists and turns, evident in every second of last night's dramatic 4-4 draw between Liverpool and Chelsea. Championship chases, relegation scraps, tight cup ties - this is what the latter stages of a season are all about.

Tomorrow marks the start of Lyon's 2009-2010 season. For the first time in a really long time, Lyon will be fighting to earn back the title, as opposed to defending it (maybe this will help the team wake up from their apathy). Tomorrow they'll be facing Le Mans, who are definitely capable of surprises on their good days.

After the 29th round of Brasileiro, it seems no one wants to take the title home. Like in the last round, when only one club on the top won, the leaders collectively failed again. Palmeiras, Sao Paulo and Atletico-MG lost. Inter and Goias tied at home. And, in this way, Flamengo, the 6th side on the table, was the first team on the top to win.

Another week, another glimmer of hope rained on. Liverpool fans are, on the whole, an optimistic bunch, but a second successive 2-2 home draw – this time against potential Champions League rivals Manchester City – left many heading out of Anfield boasting only of apathy and indifference. The optimism was gathering pace ahead of a [.

Yesterday I read something very sad. Manny Road has left the bloggy ranks. I don't know if you ever visited the site, but it was home to good writing, good jokes, and good opinions. After having complained about Megson for a very long time (haven't we all?) he has finally had enough and won't be supporting the club until Megson leaves.