When the Minnesota Stars won the 2011 North American Soccer League championship cup last fall we're sure they weren't thinking they'd be able to drink a beer made especially for them when their title defense kicked off the following spring.
The Twin Cities-based Northern Brewer, a home brewing store with over 17 years experience and the web's number one retailer of home brewing supplies, just announced a partnership with the club that will put a Stars-specific beer in the hands of their supporters.

By Kirsten Schlewitz / Senior West Coast Beer and Aston Villa Correspondent
Sorry guys, but I refuse to give up my standing whisky atthe dive bar date in order to wait until Houston Dynamo – Philadelphia Unionand Los Angeles Galaxy – New York Red Bulls are finished and I can give you adecent recommendation for the MLS semi-finals.

By Kirsten Schlewitz / Senior West Coast Beer and Aston Villa Correspondent
The Serie A season finally kicks off on Friday, and what better way to welcome it than the return ofmy column? I know y'all missed me during the summer – how on earth did you find new beers to try?Well, I'm back, my lovelies, ready to challenge your both your taste buds and your soccer watchingpreferences, encouraging you to try some of both from around the globe.

Editor's Note: We were asked to contribute a column to the Kicking and Screening Soccer Film Festival a few weeks back. The festival, which runs from July 20 to 23 at the Tribeca Theater in New York City, features some of the most interesting soccer films from around the globe. If you're in and around the NYC-area don't hesitate to get tickets to this great event.

The President's posse... the Colorado Rapids.The President welcomed the reigning Major League Soccer champions Colorado Rapids to the White House this week building on his already bulging soccer credentials. He even compared himself to Barcelona great Lionel Messi.
Even though its customary for Presidents to welcome league title holders in American sports, Barack Obama has proven to be unique in his soccer fandom from his predecessors.

We stumbled across this beer and American soccer marketing gem and couldn't resist having a little fun with it. Found while reading SI.com a banner ad caught our eye, "Modelo Especial Shootout with Clint Dempsey."
Hey! We love beer! We love the Deuce! First though was... do you think the Dempsey used to sling back Modelos with his bros in Nacogdoches?

By Kirsten Schlewitz / Senior West Coast Beer and Aston Villa Correspondent
This week, it's time to move away from the thrilling and slightly scary realm of Turkish football and back into the safety zone – not the zone keeping teams away from the relegation zone, but the nice easy place in which we can watch matches in English without straining too much.

By Kirsten Schlewitz / Senior West Coast Beer and Aston Villa Correspondent
Last week, the mood was all about friendlies. But now that the international break has passed, it's time to get back to what soccer's really about: intense, bitter rivalries. The sort of match that will leave a sour taste in your mouth.

By Kirsten Schlewitz / Senior West Coast Beer and Aston Villa Correspondent
The Major League Soccer SuperDraft—was it good for you? Did your team fulfill your hopes and dreams, or were you left stuttering and confused? If you're a Galaxy fan, you might as well drink through until the start of the season.