The beginning of a U.S. WNT camp inevitably features the Beep Test, the USA's endurance/fitness test that involves running back and forth between cones -- and beeps -- with the time between beeps getting shorter as the players advance through the test. Suffice it to say, it hurts, but the U.

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.

Hooligans in Rochester Have a Ball
By: Shane Badger
The Rochester chapter of the American Outlaws (AO) sponsored the first annual Western New York Soccer Supporters Ball, held at Matt Wambach's infamous Back Nine Grill in Rochester, New York Saturday evening.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan J. Lang/Released)
Speaking of the U.S. Women's Youth Teams, the U.S. Under-20s are also training in San Diego (a big Navy city) and got the opportunity to tour the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bonhomme Richard. As the players and the sailors are both representing their country, this seemed like a natural fit.

Dr. Jay Martin and his Ohio Wesleyan team went on an amazing journey this season, which culminated with a National Championship on Sunday.
The story to get there was amazing, and a tremendous tribute to Martin's ability to keep his players focused on the process and to not get distracted when adversity struck during the week leading to the Final.

A wonderful day to remember and thank everyone that cares about you, makes you better, helps you out.

A happy Thanksgiving to you. A few motion pics here that just seemed appropriate for the day and sentiment.

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Below is a list of just some great groups that many others are already thankful for.

In the world's leading football (soccer) leagues pinpoint accuracy, speed and intensity can make the difference between a top flight place in the standings or relentless pressure to avoid league and cup disappointment. With the stakes so high, players look for a ball that gives them unrivalled touch and feel to ensure it goes exactly [.

The Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Sounders teamed up have some animals play with soccer balls. Who doesn't like big cats, wolves, bears and a miniture donkey with the game we love?

Read their blog entry on the subject.

Oh, and go to the zoo as an adult some time. I went with my dad over the summer and it was a cool way to remember youth, but learn some stuff.

Photo Credit: Denna RoyIn September, fueled by months of drought and high winds, wildfires swept across Central Texas destroying thousands of acres of forest, parks, farmland, and homes. Thousands were evacuated and many lost their homes. Many, nationwide, opened their hearts and wallets, to aid the victims of some of the nation's, and most definitely, Texas' most deviating wildfires in 2011.

Dr. Jay Martin is more than men's soccer coach at Ohio Wesleyan University, or the man on the verge of having the most wins in college soccer history.
Jay is an institution when it comes to coaching and leadership, and clearly is a model of understands the significance of enriching his student-athletes holds more value than winning or losing soccer matches.

Editor's note: I added this to the FP because I thought there were enough big names that it could be pretty fun. - Jeremiah

Thought I would share this email I received from the Sounders about a fundraising event for America SCORES happening Thursday in Ballard. Prize drawings and appearances by Steve Zakuani, Brad Evans, Sigi Schmid, Adrian Hanauer and the USOC trophy.

Video Above: Mayhem with fans begins around the 2-minute mark.
Around the world, the Mexican First Division is respected as a talented league with tough competition from top to bottom. Soccer is Mexico's pasttime.

The Beautiful Game series explores how soccer makes a difference around the globe.

Been a very emotional week here at TSG and we are tardy in following up on our The Beautiful Game series.

Good news this month....the super touching Freddy Fund is about to break ground on their field that story.

Article republished on businessofsoccer.com

Yesterday in West Philadelphia, former U.S. Men's National Team Goalkeeper Tony Meola and former Mexican National Team Goalkeeper Adolfo Rios surprised the players of the West Philadelphia Hurricanes Youth Team. Partnered with the official insurance sponsor of the U.

[UPDATE: "Due to the heat, sealed water bottles are permitted for tonight's match." - Philadelphia Union"]

Here's all of the relevant information for Philadelphia Union (or Real Madrid) fans for tonight's game at Lincoln Financial Field...

There will be three events tonight. The Philadelphia Phillies are playing at 4:10 tonight, Rihanna is at the Wells Fargo Center at 7:30 and then the Union and Madrid at 9.

The Women's National Team has returned to the United States and made their first stop in New York City. They received a very welcome homecoming, and fans greeted the team as they arrived in Times Square.
Although the tournament is all wrapped up, the team is busy visiting your favorite news and entertainment shows to talk about their experience at the Women's World Cup in Germany.

From the Joplin Globe JHS Athletic Boosters lose sources of income in tornado

When the roof of Kaminsky Gymnasium collapsed during the tornado that struck Joplin on May 22, the Joplin High School Athletic Boosters lost tens of thousands of dollars of equipment that had been donated to the athletic department in recent years.

My recent post on Louisa Necib has been the most read popular I've ever written on this blog. That's a great testament to the burst of interest this Women's World Cup has generated around the world. (France's semi-final game, for instance, attracted 4 million viewers in a country that has been very slow to adopt women's football).

We don't believe we've put up this WNT Player Profile, so here are the USA's back-up goalkeepers Jill Loyden and Nicole Barnhart, who as you will see, like to have a lot of fun, whether it's getting drilled by soccer balls during training or doing crosswords, and you'll find out why forward Alex Morgan will not be the team's emergency goalkeeper.

Watching the France-Canada game of the Women's World Cup yesterday, I was exhilarated by the playing of the French side. Their dominance in the game was a surprise to many, and to me, and also a little ghostly: suddenly, I was watching the sort of flowing, graceful, entertaining French football which for the past years had existed mainly in my imagination.

WE'RE ALL EQUALS HERE
Because it's a tie, with soccer balls on it. Geddit?
There seems to be nothing separating MLS teams lately as the draw emerges as the dominant result. In Week Twelve, six out of ten results were draws; three 0-0s and three 1-1s. That must be hell for US folk, who are used to sports fixtures being decided on the night rather than being left without a winner.

In 2010, Coors became the U.S. beer brand to sponsor the Mexican Premier League. Now, the top division sponsor wants to give American fans an opportunity to experience all of the pageantry and excitement of the 2011 Torneo Clausura.
Soccer fans have until May 15th to enter to win a trip to Mexico for the semifinals and finals of the 2011 Torneo Clausura (Closing Tournament).

We wish we had more variety of pics for the WNT Blog, but really, the trip so far has feature a lot of training, some more training and a little bit more training. We did get this image of Kelley O'Hara and yes, we have no idea what was going on there, but she looks pretty graceful. The U.S. team has been extremely pleased at the awesome weather so far in the Algarve, especially the East Coast folks who are emerging from a long winter.

Yesterday I went on another one of my rants questioning why American soccer team logos seem to always have the 1970′s Adidas Telstar style black and white soccer ball on them.

This all came up in the discussion of San Antonio's 3-finalist for their team logo. All three had the old black and white soccer ball again.