photo credit: seriouslysilly via photopin cc

Brad Davis’s inclusion and the infusion of youth in Jurgen Klinsmann’s 23-man roster could be potential explained by a healthy respect for the Brazilian climate’s potential to impact a team’s performance. Even though it will be winter time in Brazil everyone is planning on the heat and humidity of Brazil to play a significant role in the World Cup. The Brazilian players union has even sued FIFA about the kick-off times for games.

The players’ federation filed a lawsuit this week to change kickoff times of the 24 matches scheduled to start at 1 p.m. local time (1600 GMT), saying players would be at risk because of intense heat and humidity in some venues. It said FIFA, at least, must introduce two-minute water breaks in each half during those matches. – CBS News

Apparently, the heat is such a worrisome issue that some people think it is worth suing over. Having grown up in North Carolina (I had a 6 inch wide vine in my yard), lived in Southern California (I experienced 122 F heat out int he desert), and currently living in Utah I have experienced different types of heat. Heat and humidity definitely can sap your energy quickly, and you can almost get used to playing in it. I think that is part of the reason why Brad Davis is on the team and not Landon Donovan. Playing in LA is very different than playing in Houston. Thus, part of the reason why the Houston Dynamo have the longest home unbeaten streak in MLS history. One has to manage their effort more in heat and humidity.

Plus, the USMNT will have to deal with long travel times that their bodies will need to recover from. In 2002, when the World Cup was played in South Korea and Japan (not really known for heat and humidity) Bruce Arena was quoted as saying that the World Cup is a ‘young man’s game’. I would guess that Klinsmann is betting that the climate will play a big part in Brazil, and he has decided to bet a little more on youth and those with experience dealing with heat and humidity. European teams have historically done much worse in South America than in Europe and vice versa. Interestingly, a lot of South American teams have players who play in Europe. I wonder how much this will affect their acclimatization. Also, I recognize that the heat and humidity will not have the same impact in all venues. Plus, I think Donovan would have done just fine with the heat and humidity as a sub.

Basically, I believe the Brazilian climate and the expected especially grueling nature of this upcoming World Cup campaign significantly influenced Klinsmann’s recent roster decision.

The post How Much Has the Brazilian Climate Affected Klinsmann’s Roster? appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

NE 0-0 VAN

With the Goncalves situation supposedly resolved Revolution earned it’s first shutout of the season. However, the Rev’s offense still has not been clicking on all cylinders. Vancouver’s high-octane offense came up blank for the first time this season. Vancouver attempted to adjust at half time with Pedro Morales coming on for Sebastian Fernandez. Unfortunately for Vancouver they couldn’t finish their chances. There were a number of times that goalies had to come up big on some decent shot attempts.

Highlight: Full match highlights

RSL 1-1 LA

Goal: Saborio 19′ (Assisted by Joao Plata)

Goal: Keane 34′ (Assisted by Juninho)

In this strange early re-match early season rust and possible CCL fatigue made this a RSL v. LA match-up to forget. RSL went up early with a long set piece cross from Plata to Saborio. Saborio was left unmarked and had plenty of time to collect the ball and place towards the far post. Robbie Keane showed some individual skill by going at pace towrads newly returned Chris Schuler. Robbie Keane cut inside and then back out to slot it near post past Nick Rimando. Joao Plata was subbed out due to injury, and Olmes Garcia was subbed into the game. The partnership between Garcia and Saborio was not as polished as that between Plata and Saborio. RSL coach Cassar said that they would work on that this week in practice.

Highlight: Here is Sabo’s goal.

TOR 1-0 DC

Jermain Defoe does it again. Fortunately for the rest of the MLS he showed a little weakness by not finishing more chances. Still a good choice for fantasy captain for me! TFC’s Jackson was back at it again with his cheap shots. Hopefully the disciplinary committee does something this week. Part of the story of this one was the terrible condition of the field which some said was worse than a high school soccer field.

Goal: Jermain Defoe 60′

Highlight: Jermain Defoe goal

CLB 2-1 PHI

Higuain went to work again with another masterful performance. My fantasy forward Jairo Arrieta was very close to finishing a goal early on. However, Columbus would end up scoring two in the first half anyway. Bernardo Anor had a ridiculous blast from about 25 yards out. Philly was able to get one back in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to crack the Columbus defense.

Goal: Bernardo Anor 24′ (Assisted By Frederico Higuain)

Goal: Bernardo Anor 45’+ 2″ (Assisted by Wil Trapp)

Goal: Leonardo Fernandes 62′ (Assisted by Sebastian Le Toux)

Highlight: My fantasy team member Le Toux gets an assist to Fernandes!

COL 2-0 POR
There was some snow falling for this one. Ricketts comes out and misses the ball, but he nails Deshorn Brown to earn a red. The penalty was converted, and then the backup keeper gets Sanchez for the second penalty that made the difference in this one. Portland is clearly off to a slow start. Jose Mari got an interesting red in the ninetieth minute.

Goal: Vicente Sanchez 73′

Goal: Deshorn Brown 75′

Highlight: Sanchez earns a penalty, and Deshorn Brown knocks in the rebound.

SKC 1-0 SJ

Opara gets as close to scoring as you can get without scoring. It was kind of funny actually, unless you’re Opara. I’m not sure what Lenhart was thinking later when he smacked the ball down to his feet in his own box. Dwyer took the opportunity and drove into the back of the net from the penalty spot. Wondo misses a great shot late in the game.

Goal: Dominic Dwyer 57′

Highlight: Dwyer continues SKC’s good penalty taking form.

DAL 3-1 CHV

Mauro Diaz shows again why he is such a young Designated Player. Dallas could have scored a few more in this one. It was a strong performance by them. This was a rough one with 7 yellow cards and 1 red card given. Erick Torres came through for me again on my fantasy team. Bofo was interesting to watch again. He isn’t particularly bad, but he makes good choices and protects the ball. It is kind of like a lot of Chivas’ players.

Goal: Fabian Castillo 71′ (Assisted by Hendry Thomas)

Goal: Je-Vaughn Watson 78′

Goal: Erick Torres 81″(Assisted by Kristopher Tyrpak)

Goal: Michel 86″

Highlight: Maybe, I shouldn’t have taken Michel off of my fantasy team. He keeps coming on as a sub, so it is a bit risky to put him on your team. His goal here was a bit lucky, but it went in.

CHI 1-1 NY

I loved the first title that mlssoccer.com had for this one that included something like, “Gingers Go Wild.” The redheads, Larentowicz and McCarty, both scored. I enjoyed McCarty composure on the ball for his goal. Mostly because I know I would be that guy that would have a heart attack and kick it a mile over the goal. I’m liking the play from Chicago’s Amarikwa and Shipp. Shipp could be a good fantasy steal. This was a relatively evenly matched game.

Goal: Jeff Larentowicz 6′ (Assisted by Harrison Shipp)

Goal: Dax McCarty 21′

Highlight: Dax McCarty calmly lifts the ball through traffic into the back corner of the net.

MTL 0-2 SEA

Seattle was fortunate to get the early lead, but they reinforced it with another head from Obafemi Martins. He is proof that positioning is more important than height in heading in goals. Montreal still has not been able to convert chances well. Eric Miller, a rookie defender, almost miraculously went straight at goal past a few defenders and scored. It would have been amazing.

Goal: Lamar Neagle 8′ (Assisted by Kenny Cooper)

Goal: Obafemi Martins 28′ (Assisted by Gonzalo Pineda)

Highlight: Lamar Neagle’s header bounces of the cross bar then Troy Perkins for a goal. So, it was an own goal by Troy Perkins. Should Neagle at least get assist points in MLS Fantasy League? Why not?

The post Week 3 Game Recaps appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

Toronto FC 2014 Preseason

Basically, during this past preseason Toronto FC CEO Tim Leiweke went crazy spending tons of money and signing a bunch of new players, including three DPs. He tried make the world bend to his will and have four designated players, but it didn’t work and Matias Laba was traded to Vancouver. I am writing this just after Defoe scored to solid goals in a TFC victory away in Seattle. It seems that all of that money might actually have bought something that will win games. It’ll be exciting to watch. However, for far more information check out the assortment of links and videos below.

Toronto 2014 regular season preview video. Watch…

Off-Season Events

Toronto announces USL Pro partner in Wilmington Hammerheads. Read more…

Toronto’s 2014 kit is unveiled. Read more…

Chemistry building will have to wait for Toronto FC and their DPs. Read more…

Bright Dike suffers torn achilles during training session. Read more…

Jonathan Osorio spends part of preseason training in Europe. Read more…

Players Subtracted

Matias Laba, DP, traded to Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Read more… and more…

TFC decline options for 7 players: Earnshaw, Convey, Russell, Thomas, Koevermans, Braun, and Frei. Read more…

Richard Eckersley is traded to NY Red Bulls. Read more…

New Players Added

Jermain Defoe transfers from Tottenham Hotspurs. Read more…

Michael Bradley moves from Roma to Toronto FC. Read more…

TFC sign Brazilian striker Gilberto to DP contract. Read more…

Julio Cesar is loaned to Toronto FC. Read more…

De Rosario returns to TFC in re-entry draft. Read more…

Toronto FC trade allocation money for Justin Morrow. Read more…

Toronto signs defender Bradley Orr. Read more…

Jackson traded from FC Dallas to Toronto FC. Read more…

Toronto FC signs academy forward Jordan Hamilton. Read more…

 Preseason Matches

Union v TFC

Full Match Video

DC United v TFC

Highlights

Full Match Video

Columbus Crew v TFC

Full Match Video

OCSC v TFC

Full Match Video

Preseason Highlight: Michael Bradley curls beautiful free kick. Watch…

The post Toronto FC Off-Season Summary appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

First, this is hilarious!

This is a hilarious GIF of Victor Bernardez avoiding a cheek kiss. By the end he looks very uncomfortable. Read more…

Roster Changes

San Jose can’t afford to keep Steven Beitashour. Read more…

Justin Morrow leaves as well. Read more…

Marvin Chaves is traded for Atiba Harris. Read more…

San Jose sign Brandon Barklage, Shaun Francis, and Bryan Meredith to strengthen defense. Read More…

San Jose sign French midfielder Jean-Baptist Pierazzi. Read more… Apparently he really likes the US. Read more…

San Jose win Billy Schuler in lottery. Read more…

San Jose draft promising mid at No. 9., JJ Koval. Read more…

‘Quakes sign homegrown player Tommy Thompson. Read more…

David Bingham and are loaned to the San Antonio Scorpions. Read more…

Andreas Gorlitz joins the team as a right back. Read more…

Ryan Neil, RSL draftee, and Joe Sofia are signed by San Jose. Read more…

SJ Rebrand

San Jose reveal new jerseys one of which is a new red. Read more…

Rancid member pens SJ ‘Quakes new anthem. Read more…

San Jose’s rebranding has a retro feel. Read more…

Player Development

SJ and Portland have joint affiliate agreement with Sacrament Republic FC. Read more…

Stadium Construction

Stadium finally passes slow beginning and hurdles to start rising from the foundation. Read more…

Rebranding introduction video below.

Preseason Games

LA Galaxy defeat San Jose 2-1. Read more… (with highlights)

Full Games

Portland vs San Jose

Full Video

San Jose vs. Vancouver

Full Video

Seattle vs. San Jose

Highlights here…

Full Video

The post San Jose Off-Season Summary appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

I have an obvious RSL bias. So, I would use a diamond with Beckerman in the back. He covers a lot of ground so you can commit others forward. Morales would be up top to pull the strings. Keane and Casey or Keane and Manneh would be great pairings. O’Neill and Parke would be solid center backs. Decent in the air and on the ground. Wingert and Jewsbury would be tough on defense, and both are willing to push forward at the right times. Fondy, Hairston, Allen, Palmer-Brown, and E. Miller.

Let me know what you think and share with me your own versions. You can hit reset without using any transfers and put everything back after you’re done. Try it out! It’s fun!

The post Try Fantasy Soccer Manager Without the Rules appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

If you like fantasy sports or have never tried it then try out MLS Fantasy Soccer Manager. It is free and very easy to play. It makes following sports news a lot more interesting, and it is fun to talk about with friends and other MLS fantasy soccer players. You can start your own leagues. You could even start a league for your family or co-workers.

The idea is that you have the same number of players on a team roster as an MLS team’s game day squad, 18. You have 120 million dollars to buy a team of players. Eleven players can earn you points any given week. Due to some teams having a by week, players leaving on international duty, or the different match-ups a week presents you’ll want to have a few more quality players than you can have on the field. Also, you’ll want some very cheap players that will stay on your bench to allow you to afford better field players. Each week you’ll have a limited number of transfers you can make. I think it is three or four. One strategy with your transfers is to try to buy players early that you know will increase in value so if you need to sell them you can make a profit. Players earn points for things like goals, assists, shut-outs, and other key offensive or defensive plays.

The MLS Fantasy Manager site provides a lot of information about players statistics from the current and past seasons. Each week there are advice articles and videos to give advice to players. You can see what percentage of players have certain players on their teams. Yet, it seems that right when you start betting on a player or pattern things change. It isn’t easy having a good team. Being at the top of your league takes a little bit of luck and some work.

I would love to have as many people as possible join my fantasy league. There are two types of leagues, head-to-head and classic. I have created a classic league called soccer.clarkscondensed and the code is 6650-1591.

The post Join My MLS Fantasy Soccer Manager League appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

I like some of the bibs and toddler jerseys. There were some RSL onesies, the same one’s my son has, but I couldn’t find them anymore. It is one of those fun things you can do as a dad.

Deck your car out on game day with Car decals, MLS Real Salt Lake Car Flag, and license plate frames. Get ready to be the 12th man with a Real Salt Lake Adidas MLS 2013 Home Replica Jersey (Red) or a team scarf.

On a chilly game night you might even need an RSL blanket, Northwest 1MLS-05100-0007-RET Real Salt Lake Mls Tapestry Throw.

I even managed to run across a belt buckle, a MLS Real Salt Lake Cutting Board, cabinet knobs, and a beach towel.

It is time to get ready, but if you’re as poor as me you’ll be sticking to the scarves, kid jerseys, and car decals.

The post Gear Up for RSL’s 2014 Season appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

I thought I would throw this in there to start out with. Robbie telling the truth about Aurelien Collin’s fouls in the MLS Cup final. Read more…

Coaching Changes:

Jason Kries leaves to NYC FC. Good luck Jason! Read more…

Assistant Coach C.J. Brown heads to Chicago. Read more…

Jeff Cassar named new coach. Continuity is emphasized. Read more…

Cassar names his new assistant coaches. Read more…

2014 MLS Super Draft Picks:

18. Ryan Neil, Outside Back, California Read more… 

Ryan Neil should be a decent, versatile outside back. Read more…

53. Joey Dillon, Midfielder, Georgetown Read more… 

70. Daniel Jackson, Forward, Coker College Read more… 

Trades and Signings:

Lovel Palmer to Chicago. Read more…

Yordany Alvarez goes to Orlando City Soccer Club. Read more…

RSL sign academy product, Jordan Allen, to  homegrown player contract. He would likely have been a top ten draft pick. Read more…

NASL best eleven member, Luke Mulholland, is signed by RSL. Read more…

New Jersey Deal:

LifeVantage becomes the new jersey sponsor for the next 10 years. Read more…

Apparently it is a great deal for RSL. Read more…

New jersey design

#RSL captain Kyle Beckerman at Media Day. New jersey features outline of a crown across the chest. pic.twitter.com/8qqDijpkWp

— Chris Kamrani (@chriskamrani) February 4, 2014

Storify summary of media day and new jersey. Read more…

USMNT Calls Up RSL Players:

Players called up to national team duty.

Luis Gil is youngest of the youngsters to be called up USMNT January camp. Read more…

Rimando, Beckerman, and Gil find playing time during USMNT games. Read more…

Surgeries:

Findley eyes April return after right patella tendon surgery in December. Schuler should start season healthy after having bone spurs on his left ankle removed in December. Read more…

Preaseason Highlights:

RSL vs. RSL Academy U-18s Highlights

RSL v. UC Irvine Highlights

RSL v Chivas USA Highlights

RSL v. NE Revolution Highlights

RSL v. Colorado Highlights

The post Off Season Summary for Real Salt Lake appeared first on That Soccer Guy.

Mlssoccer.com had a nice little compilation put together. The one I like the most was from Pete Schwadel, @peteeee. I like is chrysler building outline and brooklyn bridge. I wasn’t a big fan of the beige border and star in the middle. The star seems to have not real point other than to fill up space, and I guess the beige is supposed to be like some of the Manchester City eagle gold.

In the comments for the MLS article someone posted a link to these designs from Milo Kowalski. I like his more circular design, so I incorporated something similar. I also tried to us the New York Yankees logo as inspiration since they are part owners of the team with Manchester City.

This is what I came up with. I didn’t know there was a straight on version of @peteeee’s out there so had to create a straighter one. The process made things turn out a bit funny.

The post My Rough Sketch of NYC FC Crest appeared first on That Soccer Guy.