The Archerites are at it again. This time Aaron Stollar makes some wild generalizations about Canadian soccer fans based on the 24thminute's commentary on MLS' lacklustre participation in the CONCACAF Champions League and the plebes go wild (check the comment section).
Read the offending post. Click to continue reading...

If you've been following me in the past week or so, or are a poster on BS or BTB, you might know that I was a tad infuriated with the team selection last Tuesday at RFK against Firpo. I thought that it was pure evidence that the team didn't take the tournament seriously, despite lip service to the contrary.

Click to continue reading...

i've been asked to blog this week on BigSoccer.com. i'm soliciting questions for a Q&A on Friday and hope to cover most of these topics during the week:
1) MLS: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
2) Stand and Deliver: A reminder of supporters culture from Brandon Kitchens
3) WPS: A message to WPS 2014 and 2019 from WPS 2009
4) WPS Predictions: team and individual
5) Red Stars: Three years in the making
6) WUSA: Lessons learned. Click to continue reading...

When you're not on EPL Talk, what's your favorite soccer social networking site? <a href="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1081228/" >What's your favorite soccer social networking community?</a> <br /> <span style="font-size:9px;"> (<a href="http://www. Click to continue reading...

One of the top destinations on the Internet for soccer news and conversation is BigSoccer.com, but many of us don't know much about the man who created the mega popuar site. That is, until now. Enjoy the interview with BigSoccer founder Jesse Hertzberg: The Gaffer (TG): When was BigSoccer launched and how did you come up [. Click to continue reading...

OnGoal has been the owner of our beloved Kansas City Wizards for two years now. There have been many wonderful things done since they took over ownership: new stadium plans, a temporary home, and they are showing some signs of support towards the group of fans who stand in the Cauldron.

Their stated goal is to grow the Cauldron through a grassroots campaign. Click to continue reading...

Today the Wizards released their promotion for the first game of the season. This fact has caused quite a stir on bigsoccer, with many people not in favor of the idea. The team has come back with a response on their official blog, Hillcrest Road.
To me, the team completely misses the point of many of the people's arguments against it. Click to continue reading...

Yes, believe it or not, the fans are getting excited about the draft.
Lets be brutally honest, the fans opinions really mean nothing when it comes to player personnel decisions. What am I really saying? Peter and Curt could care less what you and I think. Just send the sales department your money for those tickets and Sing and Chant. Click to continue reading...

Sam has posted comments for all to enjoy. So if I may I shall reply to his comments.
As all can see, Sam your first amendment right exists on this Blog. I have not and will not alter your comment in any way. If you would like to have a page to state your observations feel free to e-mail Baines Breath. It will get published. After all this is a collective. Click to continue reading...

When you write 3,000 words on a topic that you have a 1,000-word limiton, sometimes the original meaning isn't going to come through clearlyin the wash. Especially when discussing a topic that generates such passion.
After re-reading yesterday's missive, there seems to be a disconnect between the meaning of "nothing" in my head and the meaning of"nothing" as it may be interpreted from the final product on the page. Click to continue reading...

Lest the complaints be thrown around that the Baines Thought Collective is just a bunch of negativists, here are some kudos for OnGoal, LLC.
On Friday, Greg Cotton stopped by the tailgate with an odd gift for the Cauldron – 80 bottles of Kansas City's finest barley pop (Boulevard) – inspiring comparisons to Steve Pastorino (Real Salt Lake) and Stan Kroenke (Colorado Rapids), both of whom have made a regular effort to contribute to the respective supporters groups, as well as Peter Wilt, a man whose dedication to the fans is legendary within MLS circles. Click to continue reading...

No my name is not Larry Baines. I am not a graduate of Shawnee Mission West. No I am not a guidance counselor there either.
I am a Wizards fan though. Tonight at the Wizards season ticket holder galla at the Zoo they are going to say thank you to all of us and then we will relive all of those great moments of 2007.
In no way tonight are they going to ask you for your deposit for the 2008 season tickets. Click to continue reading...

The British were coming the British were coming.
Just a little reminder, in case you did not get the memo, Beckham's out 4 weeks with a knee injury. What does this mean?
This means the invasion was stopped somewhere in Louisiana along the Mississippi River and those of you in Kansas City will be spared any blood shed. This does not include your wallet. Click to continue reading...

It is time to be visible again.
First I want to say I am sorry for the long silence. I was told that I was being too aggressive and only pointing out the negatives. And now it is time to be heard again.
Today I returned to my in-box hoping to be be humored by the tons of useless emails I receive everyday from those that deem me worthy of their sick humor. Click to continue reading...

I was born in Kansas City. I was raised in Kansas City. I am happy to say I choose to raise my family in Kansas City. I enjoy supporting this community as it has supported me through the years. From the the Brookside Art Fair to Hidden Glen Art Festival, Santa-Cali-Gon Days to Johnson County Old Settlers, I am there. I remember when the Royals were winners and Arrowhead was empty. Click to continue reading...

Thank you Sam for that insightful bit of information. Posted on Down the Byline
I would like to point out that you do receive a salary from the FO. Now as anyone in corporate world knows, when you're at work you defend the company, yet when you're away you may speak your mind. You have done a fine job with both.
As for the coordination and decision making practices of the company you work for, I can honestly say that I and many others would have been selling the stock, for by now it would be dropping. Click to continue reading...

I think it's fair to say I'm pretty disconnected from fan opinion. I almost never visit Big Soccer, the place where a helluva lot of fans lurk, because 1) I think it's a time-consuming black hole, and 2) people there take the whole "eat, live, breath soccer" thing more far more seriously than I do. Beyond a simple love of the game, soccer for me is an excuse for excessive behavior - e. Click to continue reading...