Julian de Guzman was subbed out in the 2nd half from his defensive mf position as Hannover 96 dropped into relegation territory yesterday, losing 1-0 to 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Paul Stalteri and Werder Bremen gained two points on Bayern Munich yesterday as they defeated 1.FC Koeln 3-0 and are inching ever so closer to the title.
In the Junioren Bundesliga, only Dylan Hughes was in action today as his 1. FC Kaiserslautern dropped a 2-0 decision to Bayern Munich.
Posted on Mar 14, 2004, 6:10 PM from IP address 68.145.134.137
Toronto — Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. has pulled of a plan to build a $120-million sports complex at the University of Toronto.
MLSE, which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, was working in partnership with the Toronto Argonauts, U of T., and the Canadian Soccer Association to build a new sports complex that would include a 25,000-seat stadium with synthetic grass, an all-weather track, a shopping area, a new hockey arena and a separate practice rink for the Leafs.
MLSE's contribution was to be a reported $35-million.
“We assisted where we could in working together to come up with a plan that would satisfy us,” Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. president and CEO Richard Peddie said in a statement Saturday. “However, we found that the proposition simply does not work from our standpoint.”
The University of Toronto issued a statement Saturday morning saying they planned to go ahead with plans to revitalize the former Varsity Stadium site with other partners.
“Our paramount priority continues to be the development of high-quality athletic and recreational facilities for our students and campus community,” said Jon Dellandrea, vice-president and chief advancement officer. He said discussions were ongoing with the Argonauts and CSA.
Financing will now largely come from the university and government grants. The university has applied for a $25-million federal grant for the project and approached the provincial government to cover potential revenue shortfalls of up to $1.8-million a year.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 5:03 PM from IP address 24.64.223.204
Cleveland's mission of entering MLS as an expansion team appears to be on track for 2006, with the all-important stadium issues drawing ever-closer to a secured deal.
Paul Garofolo - President of the MISL Cleveland Force indoor team - is deeply involved in heading up the bid to secure the city's transition to becoming the home for a new MLS team, and he noted that the site for a new soccer specific stadium - central to expanding as a viable MLS franchise - has progressed, contrary to recent local reports.
"Without naming names, one site that we're looking at has already engaged an underwriter for the bond financing and is preparing a term sheet for our consideration with a view to the construction of the stadium," said Garofolo.
"And the other site I have a meeting with on Tuesday - that is basically with the decision makers on that particular site, and we've had some dialogue going back and forth that has been very exciting with the potential of building it on that site as well, so we feel very good that we are making progress on both fronts."
Bart Wolstein is the money man behind the expansion team, and will put $20 million of his own money for the development. However, with the entire project heading towards the $110 to $175 million dollar mark, local Ohio people have noted doubts due to the public money that would be required at a time when local police and firemen are being laid off due to a lack of public cash in the State.
Garofolo noted that while it is no secret that there is a public finance problem in the area, a new stadium complex would prove to be part of the solution - rather than the problem.
"Right off the bat, our projections - which have been scoured over by both groups - so that in every year of our existence the building will generate nearly $5 million in new tax money," he added. "We are only looking for $6.5 million a year so you can see the spread is not that far apart for it being a total wash for the city and the counties that are involved.
"The way to get out of an economic crisis is not to stop economic development, it's actually the opposite. If you create economic development you've have additional revenues that will fend off your crisis. So when we talk about 'sure, we're in a tough situation here in Cleveland with the city, Firemen and Policemen,' the way to get these guys activated again in their jobs is to create revenue streams that create their salaries and their expenses, and every economic development project to some extent pays that.
"The other concerns and issues that we've heard about is that Cleveland's schools are desperately in need of money. Right now the downtown Cleveland site pays $119,000 in real estate taxes of which 75 per cent of that money goes to the city of Cleveland schools. When we're done building the stadium it will generate $2.7 million annually in real estate taxes - of which 75 per cent will go to the Cleveland's public schools.
"It's a windfall for schools, it helps economic development in the community, it will help police, fire, EMS guys back to work by creating tax streams that pay for their jobs.
A letter of intent has already been signed with MLS, as the League announced part of their mission for the expansion of the US top flight from 10 teams to 18-20 teams over the next 12-15 years. Chivas USA are already set to join in 2005, but Cleveland's entrance is all-but certain to be for the 2006 season.
"There isn't a set deadline yet," commentated Garofolo, "but I think the reality of what we are trying to get accomplished here will push this project to 2006 - although no official announcement has been made by MLS for us on that, but I think if you start counting the months and work your way backwards you really are looking at 2006."
If a soccer specific stadium isn't finalised, a back up option of looking for a tenant relationship with - for example - the Cleveland Browns' stadium hasn't been ruled out. Although Garofolo believes that the best opportunity for the new club would be in their planned facility.
"That (sharing dates in an American football stadium) is something that has been talked about but no final decision has been made," he noted, "but the reality to me - and this is me speaking personally - is that we really only have one great opportunity to launch Major League Soccer in Cleveland and we want our best shot out of the soccer specific stadium, where were are the landlord of the facility, not the tenant."
MLS now have to clarify their expansion plans for 2005. It is possible that A-League powerhouse Rochester may now enter with Chivas USA - set to be in San Diego, with a second round of expansion in 2006 to run alongside Cleveland's entrance, with several cities such as Oklahoma City and most recently San Antonio pushing forward their expansion bids to enter the US top flight in the near future.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 1:08 PM from IP address 129.100.91.74
Derby debutant Paul Peschisolido made a dream debut for his new club as he capped an inspired performance by scoring the only goal of the game in the second half for George Burley's strugglers.
The Rams had dominated the opening 45 minutes but were unable to make their superiority count against a gritty Rotherham outfit.
Burley's side, who have not moved out of the relegation zone because of wins for Walsall and Nottingham Forest, bolstered their squad this week by signing defender Jeff Kenna from Birmingham and striker Peschisolido from Sheffield United. Both were named in the Rams' starting line-up.
Rotherham, who could still be sucked back into the relegation battle, also needed a win to put more distance between themselves and the bottom three.
Boss Ronnie Moore included Phil Gilchrist in his starting XI after signing him on an initial month's loan from West Brom, even though the defender's last first-team game for the Baggies was on Boxing Day.
Rotherham's Julien Baudet cleared an early corner from Candido Costa and Chris Swailes then blocked a piledriver from Tom Huddlestone as the home side started strongly.
Peschisolido, keen to make a quick impression on his new employers, then sent a fifth-minute shot wide as Derby continued to dominate the early exchanges.
Rotherham's attacking forays were limited in the opening 10 minutes and a Darren Garner cross was easily cut out by Derby keeper Lee Grant on one of the few occasions they looked threatening early on.
The home side continued to look much more impressive with Rotherham keeper Mike Pollitt having to punch clear from a Costa free-kick and Peschisolido having another goalbound effort blocked.
Derby were forced to make a change on the half-hour with Paul Boertien replacing the injured Michael Johnson.
Rotherham's Paul Warne did try his luck from distance, but his effort 10 minutes before the interval was too high.
Lee Holmes sent a shot wide of the target for Derby, who continued to press Rotherham back with Peschisolido and Huddlestone both having efforts on goal in quick succession. Peschisolido then brought a fine save out of Pollitt after 57 minutes as the visitors somehow clung on.
But it proved a brief respite as Derby deservedly took the lead on the hour through Peschisolido. Richard Jackson received the ball on the right and his cross found the former Sheffield United striker who lashed the ball home on the rebound after his initial effort had been kept out by the over-worked Pollitt.
Peschisolido went agonisingly close to adding a second just seven minutes later, but his left-footed curler was superbly saved by Pollitt.
Pollitt distinguished himself again in injury-time with another superb save to deny Huddlestone.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 1:33 PM from IP address 24.64.223.204
They must be paying him tons of cash to go to Derby.
by James
I'd have thought he'd want to stick with Sheffield United and had a go at the premiership. Whatever, after todays match it looks like he'll keep Derby in the first. Is that 10 now for Pesch? He makes great debuts wherever he goes...
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 4:40 PM from IP address 24.67.166.55
Derby, England — Canadian international striker Paul Peschisolido is leaving Sheffield United to join struggling First Division side Derby County on a free transfer.
Peschisolido's contract with the promotion-chasing Blades, also in the First Division, expires at the end of the current campaign.
The 32-year-old from Pickering, Ont., who has nine goals this season, turned down the Blades' offer of a contract extension in favour of a deal that will keep him at Derby until June, 2006.
Peschisolido, who has played for Canada 48 times, also spent time with Birmingham City, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, and Norwich City.
He is married to Birmingham City's managing director Karren Brady.
“We are sorry to lose Paul but since before Christmas he has indicated that travelling three, sometimes four hours per day for training has been getting to him,” Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock was quoted on the club's web site.
“And, although we offered him a new contract, his move to Derby was clearly not just for financial reasons. He was approached by Coventry a few weeks ago, which I think made him realize that at 32 years of age, it would be nice to be at a club closer to home for family reasons.
“However, he had decided to stay until the end of the season when out of the blue Derby County offered him a deal until 2006 on triple the wages we had offered.
“Whilst the financial aspects were not the be all and end all, this was too good a deal for him to turn down. I feel, having talked to him, he should be allowed to go for his family's sake and we owe it to him for his outstanding contribution to United over the last three years. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Rams striker Izale McLeod, 19, has moved to Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season but with a view to a permanent transfer, the terms of which have already been agreed.
However, the clubs have agreed neither player will feature in the Derby-Sheffield United clash at Bramall Lane on March 23.
Derby is third from the bottom of the First Division with a 8-15-11 record. Sheffield United is fifth at 16-11-7.
Peschisolido's arrival follows the signing earlier this week of Birmingham defender Jeff Kenna, and the two new recruits are expected to make their debut for the Rams against Rotherham on Saturday.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 4:59 PM from IP address 24.64.223.204
Eleven teams without Laval Dynamites will launch the seventh season of the Canadian Professional Soccer League with the first league game between Vaughan Shooters and Durham Region on FieldTurf at The Soccer Centre on Monday, May 24.
That’s the Victoria Day holiday weekend when the league will also kickoff its popular Open Canada Cup competition with the Preliminary Round, the first of four holiday weekend rounds leading to the Open Canada Cup Final on Labour Day, September 6.
These and other details are being released by the CPSL this week, to be followed by the complete 2004 schedule of 110 regular season league games during the week of March 15.
Vaughan Shooters is new—it’s the same team with a new name, a blend of the Vaughan Sun Devils of last year and the umbrella organization York Region Shooters.
Durham has a new team and will soon have a new name—that’s new. A new group headed by former Durham Region District president John O’Neill replaces last year’s Durham Flames. O’Neill purchased the Mississauga Olympians franchise from owner David Gee and relocated the team to the vast region east of Toronto. Gee has been a prominent and successful owner since the league launched in 1998.
The Soccer Centre as a CPSL venue is new—both Vaughan Shooters and North York Astros will be using a ground on the site of the popular $10.6 million facility located in Woodbridge just north of Toronto. It opened in 1998 as the most expensive single soccer project in Canada’s history. That’s also the year the CPSL launched.
FieldTurf in the CPSL is new—for the first time Canada’s only complete professional soccer league will by playing on the FIFA-approved synthetic. This will be the first full season on the new surface, laid at a cost of $600,000 last August, a joint venture between the Ontario and Canadian governing soccer bodies.
Laval Dynamites are out—that’s new. The Quebec-based team ran out of time in bringing things together for the new season. Faced with ground renovations and other problems, the team just ran out of time and was eliminated from the schedule.
Vincent Ursini, president of the CPSL, explained the league’s position recently: “We regret losing any team, and especially from Quebec, but as I indicated late last year we intend to keep to our deadlines and could not make an exception with Laval Dynamites. We just had to move on,” he said.
The Quebec team is expected to take part in the Open Canada Cup.
Border Stars is new—an entry from Windsor and surrounding area will be playing games at Windsor Stadium and one or two just over the border in neighboring Michigan.
The CPSL season will be almost five months long, ending with the playoffs for the Rogers Cup League Championship final game on Thanksgiving Day, October 11.
EASTERN CONFERENCE: Durham, Metro Lions, North York Astros, Toronto Supra, Vaughan Shooters.
WESTERN CONFERENCE: Brampton Hitmen, Hamilton Thunder, London City, St. Catharines Wolves, Toronto Croatia, Border Stars (Windsor).
For more information, please contact Stan Adamson at (905) 856-5439
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 7:20 PM from IP address 64.56.226.23
The Vancouver Whitecaps signed three returning players, forward, Jason Jordan, defender, Jeremie Piette and goalkeeper, Mike Franks to one-year deals Piette, 24, joined the Whitecaps from the Cincinnati Riverhawks last year as a highly impressive rookie and a valued acquisition at midseason. Jordan, 25, has led the Whitecaps in scoring in each of the past three seasons, and was named team MVP in 2001. Franks, 26, enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2003, setting a team best for most shutouts in a season with 10 as well as lowest goals against average in a season at 0.74.
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 1:28 PM from IP address 129.100.91.78
'Altitude' adjustment -- Kroenke Sports names new network
Denver-based Kroenke Sports Enterprises LLC's new sports network now has a name -- Altitude Sports & Entertainment.
Kroenke Sports (KSE) announced the network's launch in February, though rumors about it cropped up in late January. Altitude is scheduled to hit the air in September.
The network's official logo is in the final development stages and will be released soon, according to KSE.
"We wanted to a have a name that truly reflects both the home community of the network and its direction," KSE President Don Elliman said in a statement.
"Altitude not only describes our geographic location, but also reflects our determination to elevate the coverage of regional sports and other local programming, both in quantity and quality," David Ehrlich, KSE executive vice president, said in a statement.
Altitude will broadcast the games of the KSE-owned Colorado Avalanche hockey team, Denver Nuggets of pro basketball and the Colorado Mammoth lacrosse team. The network also will feature high school and collegiate sports, outdoors programming as well as lifestyle, entertainment and community shows from the Rocky Mountain West.
Altitude's creation coincides with KSE's decision not to renew its contract with Fox Sports Network, which had broadcast Nuggets games for 15 years and Avs games since the team came to Denver in 1995.
Kroenke Sports is headed by Missouri real estate developer and sports entrepreneur Stan Kroenke, who is also part-owner of the St. Louis Rams pro football team.
In addition to owning Colorado's Avs, Nuggets and Mammoth, Kroenke is a part-owner of the Colorado Crush arena football team with Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and ex-Broncos quarterback John Elway. KSE bought the Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer team from Denver entrepreneur Phil Anschutz last year, and plans to build the team its own stadium by 2006.
Kroenke Sports owns the Pepsi Center sports arena and also is a partner in the Centrix Financial Grand Prix of Denver, which runs near Pepsi Center.
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 1:25 PM from IP address 129.100.91.78
Peschisolido is set to move to Derby
Derby are set to sign Sheffield United striker Paul Peschisolido, with Izale McLeod moving the other way on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.
Canadian international Peschisolido, 32, will sign a two-year deal and Derby hope he faces Rotherham on Saturday.
His contract was due to expire this summer and, despite being offered a new one, he has opted to join the Rams.
Neither player will be allowed to appear in the fixture between the two clubs at Bramall Lane on 23 March.
Theres a press conference today at 1pm to announce the deal according to www.dcfc.co.uk
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 7:22 AM from IP address 142.177.23.74
PESCHISOLIDO JOINS RAMS
Derby manager George Burley has swooped to make his second signing of the week with Sheffield United striker Paul Peschisolido the latest to join the Pride Park ranks.
Peschisolido has joined the Nationwide Division One strugglers on a free transfer from the promotion-chasing Blades with whom his contract would have expired at the end of the current campaign.
Now the 32-year-old, who has bagged nine goals in 12 starts for the Bramall Lane outfit this term, has turned down the Blades' offer of an extension and instead signed a deal which will keep him at Derby until June 2006.
Meanwhile, Rams striker Izale McLeod has moved in the opposite direction on loan until the end of the season but with a view to a permanent transfer, the terms of which have already been agreed.
However, the clubs have agreed neither player will feature in the Derby v Blades clash at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, March 23.
Peschisolido's arrival follows the signing earlier this week of Birmingham defender Jeff Kenna, and the two new recruits are expected to go straight into the Rams squad for Saturday's Pride Park clash with Rotherham.
Can anybody explain why he can't play first team football anywhere he plays?
Marco
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 9:29 AM from IP address 128.100.205.42
In my opinion, what makes Pesc so valuable (his speed), can only be maintained by him for maybe a half. After that he floats too much. His style of dynamic play requires a lot of sprint stamina and the older he gets the less he will have. Also, he is not the most rounded player, so other than striking he really can't do much else (i.e. drop back into a play-makers role in midfield). Pesc is all or nothing up front. He is no Maradonna, Girese(sp), Owen or Muller.
Paul
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 10:42 AM from IP address 207.102.108.66
Ailton scored two today, what's that then, 22 with 11 games left? How many more does he have to put in?
Really too bad that Ailton could not hold on a bit, as salary apart he is going to miss playing Champion's next year, right into the group stages meaning 6 assured Champions games. I am not sure Klose will be able to fill the gap for Werder.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 12:50 PM from IP address 80.58.34.42
...wolf on the field. Disguised as an old woman, his fangs and claws hidden, he strolled along, making a show of showering innocent passes and other works of charity. The net was the bridal veil of an irresistible girl. In front of the net he licked his chops. And in one fell swoop he stood naked, then bit."
Eduardo Galeano describing Gerd Muller.
I saw a piece on Mr. Muller on British Television just prior to the 1978 World Cup. From the descriptions and clips, he was similar to what I have read about Rocket Richard in Hockey.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 5:01 PM from IP address 24.66.94.141
also, anyone who ever met mueller knows he was a perfect guy's guy. none of the prima donna stuff.
also the coaches knew exactly how to use him, and he knew exactly how to expose space and opposition.
all in all a loveable man and it is too bad that his life turned around when he moved to fort lauderdale.
booze, a failing marriage and all made him a vegetable until beckenbauer called him back to munich, where he took the position as youth director.
it was nice that a friend saw the misery he was in.
one od the good deeds beckenbauer did.
mueller will always be in the hearts of germans and i guess other nations as well.
Posted on Mar 14, 2004, 10:53 AM from IP address 65.95.63.229
Same kinda damage in close i suppose? I've seen clips of Muller. He was great but I think there were better strikers. A couple Hungarians come to mind and considering pesch is in England, you gotta mention Lineker, who got 40 for everton one year. Personally, I loved Van Basten.
Say what you will about pesch. his record in england speaks for itself. Injuries aside, he's still managed to score well over 100 goals. This season alone, considering the minutes he's played his strike rate is pretty impressive. And it's not just the quantity, look at the importance of the goals he's scored. Sheffield Untied are going to miss him.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 5:12 PM from IP address 24.67.166.55
in some soccer magazine, that Mueller scored most of his goals from within and around 10 yards of the goal. From this description, it seems that he's soccer's version of Phil Esposito, or in our contemporary times, we might say Dave Andreychuck. Did anyone here actually get to see him play? What kind of player was he? Ed?
Christian,
Posted on Mar 14, 2004, 9:58 PM from IP address 130.15.162.125
but exceptional. If that makes sense to you.
Yesterday I saw Nedved try to score a goal against Milan, on the turn, with back to the goal, in the 18 yard box. He failed. I would say that in 99%, Gerd Mueller would have converted that chance into a goal.
His short legs, stumps to be precise, had such thrust that the ball could rip the net,from a quick shot that seemed to come out of nowhere.
He had a gift.
His mentality was such, that you would like to be his friend. Unfortunately, Mueller was not wise enough to know who his real friends were. In the end, Beckenbauer came through for him. Someone should have been of support for him when he made the move to USA and basically lost everything. Next time I go to Germany I visit Munich and will make an effort to meet him, which I never did.
Posted on Mar 15, 2004, 9:15 AM from IP address 65.95.54.36
Thanks for that little bit on Mueller, Klaus. It's always nice to read of great athletes who are also really nice people off the playing field. Juergen Klinnsmann immediately comes to mind. Klaus, I don't know about you, but I still miss his presence on the German National team. For me, I think I'll always associate the German national team with Klinsmann because he was a mainstay at striker while I was growing up and following the team. It would be nice to see a Klinsmann type playing for Germany again soon.
Christian,
Posted on Mar 15, 2004, 3:19 PM from IP address 130.15.162.27
Calgary Wildfire announces the launch of the team and the signing of head coach.
Calgary - Calgary Wildfire sign head coach Lisa Unsworth of St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. The Calgary native will lead the team on the field this season. Lisa has extensive coaching and playing experience throughout Canada and the US.
The Wildfire will play out of the Calgary Rugby Union this season. The Rugby Union has a 2800 seat stadium soon to be upgraded to 3500. The grass field and top-notch clubhouse will adequately meet the needs of the club.
The season will comprise of 7 home and 7 away games plus exhibition and playoff games. The Calgary Wildfire will play in the W-League Western Conference that includes Arizona, Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Collins, Mile High, Denver, Seattle, and Vancouver. This will be the highest level of women’s soccer in Calgary.
The club is planning on having a local content of 90-95%. These are players that have been developed by local clubs and communities.
Calgary Wildfire was pleased to announce its working relationship with Calgary Women’s Soccer Association and also its agreement and relationship with Calgary Minor Soccer Association among other things to bring special pricing to CMSA registered players.
WWW.CALGARYWILDFIRE.COM
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 3:50 AM from IP address 68.146.233.2
The full article from the Calgary Herald. 4500 seats
by scrkeeper
Talented locals expected to fuel expansion Wildfire
New W-League squad will play at Calgary Rugby Park
Murray Rauw
Calgary Herald
Friday, March 12, 2004
Lisa Unsworth is the first head coach of the W-League's Calgary Wildfire.
CREDIT: Stuart Gradon, Calgary Herald
With a bustling youth program creating a feeder system and public interest generated from the silver-medal play of the Canadian 2002 women's under-19 team, the time was right to take women's soccer to a new level.
Calgary has plunged into the W-League pro soccer loop, with the formation of the Calgary Wildfire to make its debut May 14 in Vancouver.
The team introduced Glenn Ramsay as its general manager and Lisa Unsworth as its head coach at a Thursday news conference.
Ramsay said the formation of the W-league team has been in the planning stage since the success of the 2002 U19 tournament.
The team will play on the pitch at Calgary Rugby Park in the city's south east with their home opener set for May 29 against the Arizona Heatwave. The park has seating for 3,500 spectators with plans to expand to 4,500 this summer before rugby's Churchill Cup is played.
The Wildfire will assemble its roster after a series of tryout camps in April.
"There will be players on the team that people will recognize," said Unsworth, the head coach at St. Francis-Xavier University who will commute to her former home in Calgary to be at the Wildfire helm in its inaugural season.
Unsworth predicted a team that would be dominated by Calgary prospects, many who will be at home for the summer after playing college soccer across North America.
"We will be competitive," said Unsworth. "The players are highly trained, many are coming off World Cup qualifying."
Unsworth said women's soccer has grown beyond the recreational stage. The sport is thriving internationally.
The W-League is preparing for a 10th season. It has 37 teams spread across the continent, including expansion Canadian teams in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Sudbury, joining Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver.
Calgary will play in a conference with three teams from the Denver area, Arizona, Vancouver and Edmonton.
"The emergence of youth national teams has brought a more serious side of women's soccer," said Unsworth. " We're producing high-calibre athletes. They're going to more tournaments and they're on the national and international stage.
"Most of our players will be between 20 and 24 years old and they're looking to come home."
The league lists itself as professional, but salaries are not a huge factor. Ramsay said travel costs will eat up the largest portion of the budget.
"We only play within our conference," said Ramsay.
Ramsay was the director of community relations with the ill-fated Calgary Storm men's team. He didn't have to be reminded of the financial pitfalls involved but he is now an investor of the non-profit Wildfire organization.
He said that the Wildfire had no link to Calgary Mustangs in the men's A-League. But he believed women's soccer would cut its own niche in the city.
"I think we can provide soccer value to all," said Ramsay. "I think the Mustangs offer some competition, but the failure of one won't reflect well. So in some ways we're very connected.
"It is a tough sell and we want to make sure things are done right, this time. We needed somewhere for our players to play. This will be the highest level in Canada and North America. "
Ramsay mentioned Erin McLeod and Kelly Haxton as Calgary players who have lined up with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Taryn Swiatek who played Ottawa in the W-League last year. The Wildfire want them to play in Calgary.
"These are national team players that went elsewhere," said Ramsay.
mrauw@theherald.canwest.com
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 11:23 AM from IP address 199.71.124.102
Sounds better then the 'ass'tro turf. Sounds a hell of alot more intimate too.
I'm glad we even have an A-League team though and hope McMahon bodes well fot the 'stangs. Just curious why this was never an option for the Mustang's and if it was why they would choose McMahon?
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 1:13 PM from IP address 155.191.252.219
So, Calgary Voyageurs . . . what is this facility like? Why hasn't it been mentioned before?
As to this club, I just can't see why W-League teams wouldn't want to co-ordinate with the local men's team. There is a lot to gain, and no real loss.
Surely the women's Whitecaps have drawn more fans and interest than they ever did as the Angels, and more than they were ever likely to. Surely the cross-promotion possibilities are too obvious to not be seen by anyone involved? Co-ordinate your schedules, get some double-header games, etc.
Cheers.
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 3:17 PM from IP address 24.68.180.65
the calgary soccer center is further out of the way than this ,and as a parent i have driven to that without complaint to see soccer played .i am excited for soccer both mens and womens in calgary and am willing to drive to a great facility that was good enough for the all blacks, and this year the England world cup Rugby squad to play out of .also it is a grass facility ,so for the wildfire and visiting teams this has to be a plus . i wish both the mustangs and the wildfire well for 2004
Posted on Mar 16, 2004, 8:58 PM from IP address 198.53.104.159
Notes: This list may be incomplete or inaccurate. Generally only premiere broadcasts are listed (in particular, FSWC repeats are not listed). All broadcasts are live unless otherwise noted. All times are EST.
Friday, March 12
8:00 PM (tape-delayed from March 6) on FSWC — United States: MISL
Milwaukee (Semir Mesanovic, Giuliano Oliviero) vs. Kansas City
Sunday, March 14
2:00 PM on ExpressVu 403 — Portugal: Super Liga
Benfica (Fernando Aguiar) vs. Marítimo
Wednesday, March 17
2:30 PM on FSWC — England: FA Cup (Quarterfinal Replay)
Tranmere (Iain Hume) vs. Millwall
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 2:47 AM from IP address 66.185.85.76
I'm not sure if there was a change or if my initial source was just wrong (FSW and FSWC still list it on Wednesday), but Iain Hume's match is actually on Tuesday, not Wednesday:
Tuesday, March 16
2:30 PM on FSWC — England: FA Cup (Quarterfinal Replay)
Tranmere (Iain Hume) vs. Millwall
Posted on Mar 14, 2004, 5:32 PM from IP address 24.156.163.244
With only two teams remotely in the race at the top of the table, most of the drama is in the fight to avoid relegation in the Bundesliga. Hannover 96 head into this weekend's home game against 1.FC Kaiserslautern with relegation becoming a definite threat. They currently sit in 15th place, behind Kaiserslautern on goal difference. The bottom 3, 16th through 18th, get relegated but only 1.FC Koeln look sure to go down. Spots 11 (Hamburger SV) through 17 (Hertha BSC) are only separated by 5 points. The Klingon Xavier is out (thank God) and Julian de Guzman may or may not be starting. And if so, who knows if he will be on the back line or in as defensive mid with the new man in charge.
Life is a little easier for Paul Stalteri and company as they still lead the league by 7 points and take on lowly Koeln this weekend. With Bayern Munich knocked out of the CL (Kahn's blunder in Munich was the key), and out of the DFB Pokal, they only have the league to play for so Werder Bremen will be feeling the heat going down the stretch. The two teams don't meet until matchday 32 (of 34) in early May.
Things are going well for Jahn Regensburg in the Bundesliga 2 as they travel to the Moesel tomorrow to take on Eintracht Trier. Tam will be back in familiar terrain but will be on the bench as his team looks to go 4 games without a loss. Jahn Regensburg won 2-1 in the opening round. A win would move Tam's club as high as 7th in the table.
In the Regional League South, Victor Oppong might get the nod to start in the back line for 1.FC Saarbrucken as they take on Stuttgarter Kickers at home tomorrow. They sit in 4th place and a win could put them in a promotion spot.
Maycoll Canizales is not in the picture for Werder Bremen amateurs in the Regional League North.
In the Junioren Bundesliga, no word on whether Jeremy Shepherd will be back with Hertha BSC as they are away to VfL Osnabrueck in the North/Northeast division on Sunday. Expect Dylan Hughes to be back with 1.FC Kaiserslautern as they visit Bayern Munich on Sunday as well. Still waiting for confirmation of Nik Ledgerwood's status as he was supposed to be back training this week.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 8:59 PM from IP address 68.145.134.137
Tam Nsaliwa might see the field next week as Jahn Regensburg were beaten soundly 4-0 in Trier today. They were down 1-0 at the half and were pounded in the 2nd half.
A big win for 1. FC Saarbruecken today in the Regional League South as they edge Stuttgarter Kickers 1-0 and move at least temporarily into 2nd place (top two promoted). It doesn't look like Victor Oppong was on the field according to a fan site but have not seen an official game report yet.
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 11:56 PM from IP address 68.145.134.137
Lars Hirschfeld has been recalled from his loan spell at Gillingham due to injury to Robert Burch.
Young England keeper Burch sustained an ankle injury playing for the reserves against Wimbledon on Wednesday evening and Canadian international Hirschfeld returns following a successful two-week stint at the Preistfield outfit.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 6:52 PM from IP address 68.146.198.159
Men's World Cup Team
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Canada To Play Wales On May 30
Frank Yallop
Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association today announced its Men’s World Cup Team will play an international friendly against Wales in Wrexham, Wales on Sunday, May 30, 2004. Canadian Men’s World Cup Team head coach Frank Yallop will also hold a training camp for European-based players in Manchester, England from March 28 – April 1 during the international break.
The Wales friendly will be part of Canada’s final preparations for the World Cup Qualifying series against Belize which begins in Kingston on June 13 in the first of two games. Canada is also scheduled to play Yallop’s former club San Jose Earthquakes in San Jose on Saturday, June 5. On June 6, the team will travel to Ottawa for a 4-day training camp before arriving in Kingston on June 11.
“The training camp will give me a better idea of where we stand with some players while the game against Wales will be a very good test for us and will help us prepare for our series against Belize,” said Yallop. “I am delighted with these two projects and am very much looking forward to both events.”
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 6:49 PM from IP address 209.183.21.93
HL:Canada's soccer squad schedules friendly against Wales, camp in
Manchester
OTTAWA (CP) -- The Canadian men's World Cup soccer team will play
Wales in an exhibition game May 30 in Wrexham, Wales.
FIFA is ranked No. 67 in the world by FIFA, while Canada is 87th.
Canadian men's head coach Frank Yallop has also scheduled a
training camp for European-based players in Manchester, England,
from March 28 to April 1 during the international break.
"The training camp will give me a better idea of where we stand
with some players while the game against Wales will be a very good
test for us, and will help us prepare for our (World Cup qualifying)
series against Belize," Yallop said in a release. "I am delighted
with these two projects and am very much looking forward to both
events."
The contest against Wales is part of Canada's final preparations
for the World Cup qualifying series against Belize, which begins
June 13 in Kingston, Ont., with the first of two games. Canada has a
game scheduled against Yallop's former club, the San Jose
Earthquakes of Major League Soccer, in San Jose on June 5.
Then the Canadian team will travel to Ottawa for a four-day
training camp before arriving in Kingston on June 11.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 7:41 PM from IP address 68.146.164.238
Dallas Sidekicks: SIDEKICKS GET FOUR GOALS FROM NASH IN 8-3 VICTORY AT MONTERREY
by London Ont. soccer fan
SIDEKICKS GET FOUR GOALS FROM NASH IN 8-3 VICTORY AT MONTERREY
Thursday Mar 11, 2004
DALLAS – Martin Nash scored four goals as the Sidekicks won 8-3 over the Monterrey Fury at the Monterrey Arena Wednesday night. The Sidekicks improve to 17-12 on the season and drop the magic number to two in trying to clinch the MISL Western Division over the San Diego Sockers.
Nash has scored 17 goals and added four assists during his seven game goal-scoring streak. He has had at least two points in each of those contests. It was also his third four-goal game of the season, which is the most for a Sidekick since Tatu had three during the 1996 season.
Ricardinho had two assists for Dallas and has 30 points on the season from 12 goals and 18 assists. That gives him sole possession of the Sidekicks’ rookie record for points surpassing Kevin Smith, who had 29 during the inaugural season of 1984-85. It was the franchise’s oldest standing individual record.
The Sidekicks also had two goals from Patrick Shamu and a score from David Doyle in his first game since breaking his ankle against Philadelphia January 25. Kiley Couch added an empty-net goal with 1:23 to play. This was the second time the Sidekicks blew out Monterrey (8-19) in five days after winning 10-3 in Dallas Friday.
The Sidekicks next game at the Cleveland Force (9-19) for a game Sunday March 14 at 4:05 p.m. Coverage on KSKY 660 AM begins at 3:50 p.m.
ussocceruk: Occean heads to Norway - turns down Metros
by London Ont. soccer fan
After the way Edgar Bartolomeu was cut who can blame him? We need a Canadian franchise so our players are not treated as imports fighting for a very limited number of roster spots with players from all around the world.
Striker Olivier Occean has signed with Norwegian club Odd Grenland on a three year deal, turning down the MetroStars who had drafted him in the third round of the 2004 SuperDraft.
The 22-year-old had impressed the coaches at the MetroStars during his short time in pre-season with the club, but his performances also gained the attractions of several teams while the Metros competed - and won - the La Manga Cup in Spain.
"I can confirm that he has signed a 3 year contract with Oddd Grenland of Norwegian Premier League," said his agent, Patrick McCabe of First Artist.
"Olivier felt it was an opportunity he could not turn down. It has been his dream to play in Europe and it was a chance he might not get again.
"He had a real desire to play in MLS and there was never any discussion about trying Europe. This came from out of the blue. The coaching staff helped him a great deal in a short period of time."
The Canadian forward - now waiting for his work permit in Montreal - was selected from Southern Connecticut State, and was hoped to provide depth up front, with the Metros also adding Jamaican forward Fabian Taylor to their forward line of John Wolyniec, Mike Magee, Mike Nugent and young star Eddie Gaven.
With the Metros still in confidential talks with Manchester City's Steve McManaman - due to come to a head within the next day or so, the search for another forward will re-start in earnest with only weeks to go.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 12:54 PM from IP address 129.100.91.78
Well, I (I'm logged in the other forum as WildboutCdnScr) decided to go ahead and put up a fan forum on Network 54 for Edmonton Aviator supporters (and guests!). I'm hoping it can be as successful as the Calgary fan forum and others floating around in soccer cyber space. Unfortunately I don't have a webpage up yet or even know if I'll do one. However, I'm hoping to either do that or link the forum to another fan website. Hope many can drop by for a chat or to post some good stuff.
to post here about the Edmonton team too. Personally, I probably won't visit your site, but would be interested in reading posts here about all the Canadian A-League teams. Cheers.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 3:41 PM from IP address 24.68.180.65
I had a tough time posting. Couldn't log on for some reason. I ain't all that net savy, so it was probably my bad. When I have a bit more time, I'll get myself in there somehow. My expectations for the Aviators are modest for this first season. The only thing I ask is that we beat Calgary.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 5:22 PM from IP address 24.67.166.55
MONTREAL, March 9, 2004 — Montrealer Andrew Olivieri, 22, has signed a new contract with the Montreal Impact for the 2004 season. He will back up starting goalkeeper Greg Sutton. "We’re happy to have him on board," said Impact head coach Nick DeSantis. "He’s a quality goalkeeper, and the fact that he’s from Montreal fits in well with one of the club’s roles, which is to develop local talent."
After being the Impact’s first pick in the 2002 A-League college draft, Olivieri was the Montreal squad’s third-string goalkeeper in 2003. He did not play a game last season, but he nevertheless earned a starting position with the Canadian Olympic team. He was in front of the net for Canada at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, held last month in Mexico, February 2 to 12.
"Although Canada didn’t qualify for Athens, Andrew was voted the all-star goalkeeper of the tournament," pointed out DeSantis. "He did extremely well and he kept his team in every game."
Michael Ueltschey, who started two games in relief of Sutton last season, will not be back in 2004. He had one shutout and allowed one goal in 200 minutes of play, for a goals-against average of 0.45. Sutton, for his part, had the best season of his career in 2003, and was proclaimed the A-League’s Goalkeeper of the Year as well as winner of the Giuseppe Saputo Trophy, given out to the Impact’s Most Valuable Player.
"Although Greg had an outstanding season last year, there is no doubt Andrew will have some playing time as well," said DeSantis. "With our hectic schedule, we need to be able to count on two solid goalkeepers."
OTHER PLAYER MOVES
The Edmonton Aviators, an A-League expansion team, has acquired forward Chris Lemire from the Impact in return for financial compensation. Last season with the Montreal club, Lemire, 21, collected one goal and one assist in 12 games, including three as a starter. The Edmonton resident started his A-League career in 2002 with the Calgary Storm.
Defender Drew Kopp and forward Mark Rowland have been released by the Impact. Both played two seasons with Montreal, in 2002 and 2003. Kopp played in 16 games last year, including 10 as a starter. Rowland scored two goals and picked up one assist in 17 starts and 26 games.
In spite of their departures, the Impact already has 18 players under contract for the 2004 season. Forward Sita-Taty Matondo, however, is presently taking part in a try-out in Sweden.
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 5:33 PM from IP address 129.100.91.78
Soccer Coaches Clinic By The Pros @ Downsview Hangar!
Courtesy of the Toronto Lynx
09.Mar.2004
March 9, 2004 (TORONTO, ON) – As spring arrives, more and more Canadian youth will be taking to the fields to play the world's game, making soccer the number one participation sport in our country. With the mushrooming growth of soccer, qualified soccer coaches are in greater demand than ever before and so too the need to enhance the delivery of soccer development programs.
With this mission in mind, the Toronto Lynx and Tim Hortons, an official sponsor of the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club, are pleased to announce the Tim Hortons Coaches Clinic at the Downsview Hangar on Saturday March 27th.
Soccer coaches of all skills and levels of play will be able to attend this high quality clinic FREE OF CHARGE! The National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada endorses the clinic encouraging coaches to take advantage of this event that is hoped will become an annual tradition. "We are thrilled to have the support of Tim Hortons for this clinic", says Mike LeBlanc, the Director of Sales and Marketing, for the Toronto Lynx, who was the architect of the event. "Tim Hortons has a tremendous reputation for supporting worthwhile community projects and there certainly is a great need out there with all the kids we have playing the game. The coaches are in for a great experience with the high calibre of soccer experts delivering this event!"
Tim Hortons Regional Marketing Manager for the Toronto Area, Kathie McPhee, echoed Leblanc’s sentiments. "We are excited about partnering with the Toronto Lynx to bring this opportunity to Soccer Coaches in the Greater Toronto Area. The day will be a unique opportunity that will bring great knowledge to those who are coaching kids in the sport of soccer."
The clinic is being presented by Toronto Lynx Head Coach, Duncan Wilde, and the Lynx coaching and medical staff and will include key elements that coaches will certainly need as they gear up for the outdoor season. Sessions will include:
Accommodating Goalkeepers by John Moreia, Lynx goalkeeping coach
Concentrating on First Touch by Lynx Assistant Coach, Billy Steele
Passing/Movement/Possession by Brett Mosen, U15 Toronto Lynx Junior Coach
Training Defenders by U19 Toronto Lynx Junior Coach, Danny Stewart
Goal Scoring by Duncan Wilde, Lynx Head Coach and Director of Lynx Premier Soccer Academy
Avoiding Injuries/Building Body by Dr. Robert Gringmuth of Sports Centre
Interested coaches are encouraged to call and reserve their spot by March 19th since space is limited.
Coaches will be registering at 7:30 Saturday March 27th with the clinic set to begin at 8:00 a.m. and concluding at 11:00am.
For more info:
Call Mike LeBlanc
Director of Sales and Marketing
416-251-4625 ext. 23
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 5:36 PM from IP address 129.100.91.78
of this. With the hyperbole in most Lynx releases, it's sometimes hard to notice when they actually have something to say, but any free coaching clinic is worth attending. There's always something you can learn and use. I hope someone here takes part, and comments on this. Cheers.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 3:40 PM from IP address 24.68.180.65
I feel for Tod letting his emotions run away and
create a cosly problem for himself and the League.
I have known him since 1997 when he played soccer in a celebrity game at the Robbie.Tod is a very good soccer player.The incident was played and replayed on CNN and with the Star showing a split second by split second picture ,it is a huge mess.
I sort of feel having the distinction never to stand up while a fight takes place at the ACC and MLG going back some 40 years,I strongly believe and know that there is no need to fight in Hockey. The game itself is quite sufficient to sell itself without these stupid fights.
I have never been able to figure these things out and altgough I love watching boxing I just don't see it.
Hopefully the League will take some drastic measures and will eliminate fighting period.
I know it is a Canadian tradition, but not at all necessary.
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 2:20 PM from IP address 216.129.201.197
No doubt inconsitent refereeing contributes to goonism. ie would Todd have not had such a strong urge to retaliate if...
Anyways he now must take responsibility for his actions. I wonder though how much of the neck damage was actually caused by the pile-on AFTER the hit and subsequent tumble to the ice.
Cheers,
Jim
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 3:43 PM from IP address 207.194.133.9
Fighting is a wonderful part of the game. It should be encouraged. The Bertuzzi incident was sickening and had absolutely nothing to do with fighting. He should be suspended for a very long time. Certainly the rest of this season and whatever they can salvage out of the next season as well. I always liked Todd too, he's a great player but what he did was not only stupid but it could have ended a players career(at the least)I'm sure he feels terrible about what he did but he needs to take the hit and he needs to be the example.
Was he a good soccer player? Seems a few of the tougher guys in the league can also play the game too, eh? Laraque is a fantastic player and I hear Domi can play a bit too.
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 4:07 PM from IP address 24.67.166.55
need for fighting at all. I know it is suppose to be part of this tradition and is part of the Canadian game.
I just cannot stomach a fight in hockey.
I remember in the old days fights between the Leafs and the New York Rangers,it was brutal and sure made a enormous spectacle.
Blood all over the place and penalties galore.
The game does not need fighting it so called speaks for itself,it is very fast,up and down,you name it ,why fight.
If this was not a fight well what is it,a terrorist act or a attempted murder.Whatever,it is totally wrong and if fighting is part of the game,so be the terorist act.It is a matter of splitting hairs.
CNN called it fighting,so God spoke.
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 5:01 PM from IP address 216.129.201.197
the culture of "naivete" permeates Canadian hockey fans
by red card
People who say fighting is an essiential part of the game are basically out of touch.
The NHL - like you - are a league without a clue. Any league that condones fighting and has its coaches/players use it an intergral part of their strategic approach to the game is shameful.
The NHL is guilty of idiocy. An exchange of punches between 2 players is silly, macho one-upmanship.
No wonder the NHL continues to slip from a bad fourth in North American major league sports.
A business that still thinks its needs fighting as a marketing tool, that allows threats to be carried out and that all but encourages vendettas isn't about to clean itself.
It's not the player that requires corrective measures -it's the game itself.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 9:12 AM from IP address 142.205.241.101
...and know it was outdated and unecessary. I can live without the fighting, its not an element that I appreciate in the game. In fact, I find a fight filled game a waste of my time. But the notion that a billion dollar league has no clue about the state of the market for hockey is somewhat naive in and of itself.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 9:33 AM from IP address 24.66.94.141
I am not Offended by seeing fights But by the same token, I really don't see the exitement in fights any more. Its pretty much the same, time after time: two two guys holding on to each others arm and twirling around until someone looses their balance and falls on the ice. Fans, for some stupid reason, declare the the guys who falls as the winner. Or, two guys will keep tugging at each others shirts until one guy has his shirt over his head.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 3:19 PM from IP address 206.47.220.230
would hockey be more enjoyable without fights.Would hockey benefit by eliminating fighting.Would those that are turned of on hockey become fans again.Would hockey upgrade their image by eliminating fighting period.Would the game be more exciting without the fighting etc,etc
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 4:08 PM from IP address 216.129.201.49
Most hockey fans that I've known over the years have been more turned off by the salaries and the trap than they were by the fighting. I don't know anybody that stopped watching because of a Semenko-Tim Hunter fight? But I know a few guys that lost interest when when "Parity at all costs" became the unwritten slogan for Bettman and the boys and the trap replaced the goals. I know a few guys that were digusted when a fourth liner gut a 2 million dollar a year contract.
Hockey is tough game played by tough guys. Checking and fighting are a part of it. It's worked for decades. There are problems with the league, for sure but it isn't the fighting.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 5:04 PM from IP address 24.67.166.55
Cherry front,I wonder how he is going to dance around this thing,while still maintaining his support of fighting in hockey.
He will probably say that this was a dumb thing to do.If you are going after a guy let the goons do it ,not somebody like Bertuzzi.Look at Vancouveer he will say they could be finished for the playoffs,but will he touch the fighting in hockey,any bets.
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 1:46 PM from IP address 216.129.201.51
Doesn't mean he can't be partially right once in a while though. I still don't get the connection between what Bertuzzi did and a hockey fight.
Given Bertuzzi's playoff record with the Canucks, this suspension might be a good thing for Vancouver. He's the invisible man in the playoffs anyway.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 5:06 AM from IP address 24.67.166.55
nice penalties he took in both series as well. He just isn't a big playoff performer, man. I really don't think he's going to be missed as badly as he should be.
Posted on Mar 13, 2004, 5:30 PM from IP address 24.67.166.55
If we just could get this Cherry guy to convert and stop preaching violence.It all stinks to high heaven.
It was amazing to see CNN really stick it to the NHL. They must have shown in the segment that I saw this sucker punch at least 10 times.
I am really wondeering what Cherry is going to say if anything.He can't defend it yet he also is for fighting in the worst possible way by simply accepting it as part of the game.
I would call it criminal. Anyway we will see.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 9:37 AM from IP address 216.129.201.176
CNN and all those American stations are so hypoctical. NFL, NBA, MLB are full of steroid taking, drug taking, wife beating women raping players, who sell drugs in the off season. Where's all the uproar over that? Oh wait a minute, those are american sports.
Those of you condemning hockey for what a player did in the heat of the moment should perhaps look at the numerous things soccer players have done before casting stones.
Hypocrites.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 1:37 PM from IP address 24.85.181.197
there is way to much violence during a hockey game,which to the best of my knowledge does not happen in soccer.
Soccer has it's own peculiar problems,but the game itself is lilly stuff compared to hockey.
All the other stuff of the field I suppose is quite debatable but than again how many teams play pro soccer compared to the NA sports and than look at the number of problems. Anyway I believe that no one on this board is criticizing hockey because soccer is a better game. They are brother and sister.
Hockey is great and so is soccer it is just within the sport that we have problems that should not exist.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 2:37 PM from IP address 216.129.201.176
You kind of hit on one of my pet peeves about the hockey culture in Canada. By that I mean this notion or myth that somehow Hockey player are morally superior to athletes in other sports. Are you suggesting that the game of hockey has no one who has no rapists? I would suggest some research on the topic and looking into past stories about current NHL players who were in Juniors. And no NHL player abuses their spouses????? Do some research there as well? I seem to recall stories of a certain goalie a few years ago.... And NHL players don't do drugs? you have to be kidding right?
Do you remember the sudafed controversy ? what about John Kordic. I could on and on with all kinds of examples.
The way I see it, the myth that Hockey players are all good guys eh is thinly veiled form a racism or prejudice. If americans said something similar about Canadians, we would go ballistic.
I'll bet that the same people that say these things are the ones who say soccer is for sissy's who all dive to draw fouls and for fans who kill each other in the stands .
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 3:42 PM from IP address 206.47.220.230
Cripes, Do you really watch the game or just what CNN tells you to watch? The Bertuzzi thing and fighting are very separate issues. A fight involves two willing players, who remove their gloves and and get to it. The fight ends when they tire themselves out or one of the players gains an advantage over the other. What Bertuzzi did was hunt the guy down, sucker him with a gloved hand from behind and fall on top of him, slamming his head into the ice. Pretty far from being any kind of hockey fight that I've ever seen.
This is supposed to be a soccer board. Why not save it for an american hockey board or something? Maybe CNN has something set up for you.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 4:50 PM from IP address 24.67.166.55
in my local rink, and do not join in the usual cheering and leaping to feet. I hope that anyone who does so isn't now hypocritically tut-tutting, since anyone who cheers fights has helped create the atmosphere that is part of this problem.
As a Canuck fan I'd hate to see Bertuzzi out of the playoffs (I'm sure he'll miss all the remaining league games), but I could certainly understand if the NHL suspended him for them, and could even see Gretzky not inviting him to be part of the Canadian team at the World Cup.
On the good side, maybe this will make him reflect on how he treats people. Let's just say that, although Canucks fans love his play, pretty much everyone I've ever met has a story from "a friend of a friend" of how Bertuzzi treats people in person (mine is from a fishing guide on a charity fishing trip); and in those stories "a real jerk" is probably the kindest way he's ever described.
Cheers.
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 4:08 PM from IP address 24.68.180.65
is the idea that players should be left alone to police themselves. Isn't the Bertuzzi example of why players shouldn't be policing themselves? The players have been policing themselves since 1917, the inception of the NHL, and yet throughout that time there have been so many Bertuzzi-type incidents, where one player was trying to avenge the wrong of another. What often ends up happening is that the retribution escalates into a some schmozzle that has absolutely nothing to do with the retribution that was originally intended. Just look at the Ottawa game. Hitchcock and the Flyers wanted to make Havlat eat his lunch, yet, in that fight-filled game, Havlat was never made to eat his lunch, although a lot of Senators and Flyers served each other lunch.
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 5:07 PM from IP address 130.15.162.73
Unlike a lot of people on here, what really gets me in hockey is the stick work, the constant whining and the pushing after every whistle in the playoff. I don't mind fighting and I don't think it really causes a big problem.
I didn't think Moore's hit on Naslund was that bad. It was borderline and with the guy falling it's tough to say if Moore meant to catch him with the elbow. The weird thing for me was how the Canucks were talking about it being on the best player in the league and how Moore was a nobody. Like if Joe Sakic had hit Tyler Bouck, that would have been okay.
If you look at the Brashear/McSorely and Bertuzzi/Moore incidents, in both cases guys wouldn't fight after the other guy believed they had something to be accountable for and in both cases the guy tried to force them into a fight with sick consequences.
IIRC Brashear celebrated a fight win a little too much and wouldn't tangle with McSorely. Moore would only fight Cooke (and let's face it, every guy in the league wants to kill Cooke, so it's no surprise Moore accepted his invitation) and wouldn't go with anyone else.
I can't help but think that if there's no fighting, these frustrations aren't just going to go away, but they might manifest themselves in worse fashion than they already are.
Bertuzzi broke two basic rules of having class while playing hockey, he jumped a guy from behind and he hit him with his gloves on. How tough is it, to get in front of him, drop your gloves and if he turtles, such is life.
I had respect for Bertuzzi, but it's long gone now. Same it Domi. Frankly I think the difference between Domi and Bertuzzi is that Bertuzzi fell on top of the guy he hit and broke his neck. Both were totally reprehensible (though still not as bad as McSorely or whoever cross-checked Sundstrom in the face , Brown?)
Respect has left the game and I don't know what it's going to take to get it back, but I think that's a bigger problem than fighting.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 4:50 PM from IP address 207.107.246.22
You don't recall that correctly, perhaps you are remembering the Don Cherry version, a version of someone who didn't watch the game but felt he could spew on about it as ignorantly as he does on all topics.
What happened in than game was this. McSorley challenged Brashear to fight early on in the game, Brashear kicked his ass, and embarrased him. Later on in the game Brashear was shoved from behind and fell on the Bruins goalies leg, which angered the Bruins, as did the lopsided scoreline. With the scoreline one sided Brashear didn't feel the need to get into another fight, which he would have easily won again. McSorley then tried to kill him with his stick.
Posted on Mar 12, 2004, 3:25 PM from IP address 24.85.181.197
Only one entity/person to blame, and that's the NHL.
by
I'm actually appalled that not only they suspended Bertuzzi (Which I agree with), but furthermore they fine Vancouver $250,000 which is completely un-substantiated. The NHL brought this on-themselves by allowing the players to police themselves. Moore should have been suspended for his hit on Naslund regardless of wheather a penalty was called or not. Interference/Charging whatever it was, it was still a clear intent to injure. The NHL did nothing and did not contain the situation. Moore became a marked man by being allowed to get away with that incident. Bertuzzi is not just the culprit here, he is a victim just as is Moore. If it wasn't Bertuzzi to hit him, it would have been May, or any other number of guys that wanted to take a run at him. I've also heard that Moore was lipping off at some of the canucks including Bertuzzi all game and that there is much more to this story that has been reported in the press. Anyways I hope no-one thinks i'm supporting Bertuzzi's actions because I don't. Like some of you have said, the main problem is with the mentality of the game, and the league itself. I think any attempt to injure, the guilty party should be suspended for the same length of time, as the person is injured etc. If Moore is back in 30 games, Bertuzzi is suspended for the duration. If Moore can't play again, Bertuzzi is suspended for life etc. Not just this case, but with any future major incident. I think the same should play out in any sport including soccer. Accidents are one thing, but a deliberate attempt to take someone down or injure should be punished swiftly.
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 6:18 PM from IP address 24.68.220.185
Fifteen years ago, fighting and violence were synonymous with Australian football.
In fact, the two were as common in ``footy" as they were in hockey and were proudly promoted in television commercials.
Today, the violence has been toned down and fights are so rare they aren't even an issue.
"They decided to take that out of the game and it's worked beautifully," says Greg Everett, head coach of Canada's national Australian Football team. "It's changed the focus of the game from being big and mean to being fitter and faster."
The solution was simple: increase suspensions and stop promoting violence.
In the past, fighters weren't even penalized but simply given a yellow card. A post-game hearing usually produced one-game suspensions, and often not even that.
Since changes were made in the late '80s, fighting is met with a referee's report and often an ejection from the game.
Guilty parties must appear before a tribunal that routinely hands out suspensions of three to eight games, depending on the severity of the incident and the offender's history.
Since the Australian season is only 22 games, that can be quite substantial.
There's also a "melee rule" that allows for suspensions even if no punches are thrown. Any racial epithets are dealt with harshly.
In Australia, the league reviews video of all games.
That's done just in case the referees missed any vicious tackles or plays. Offenders are then dealt with.
The governing body has also removed violent tackles from its promotional television spots, instead pushing action and speed.
The game is still filled with violent collisions and tackles, though Everett says they're certainly not on the scale of Canadian or American football.
The Australian Football League's move wasn't totally altruistic. Increasing violence had driven families from the stadiums and attendance began to drop by the late '80s.
In addition, Everett says, young athletes turned off by the mayhem were taking up soccer and rugby.
That's all changed. Attendance is back up, the families have returned and more than 135,000 kids are enrolled in footy programs in Australia.
"There's been a huge change in the crowds," says Everett, an expatriate Aussie. "Instead of the rowdies we used to see, there are kids and families."
Posted on Mar 11, 2004, 9:53 PM from IP address 24.156.163.244
Canadian men's coach Frank Yallop is planning a camp for his European-based players in Manchester, England, from March 28 to April 1. The camp will include a closed-door game against a club side. The Canadian men will train at Manchester United's old training facility.
Posted on Mar 10, 2004, 1:39 AM from IP address 66.185.85.76
Globe & Mail: U of T asks Ottawa for $25-Million for Stadium
by Winnipeg Fury
U of T asks Ottawa for up to $25-million to build stadium
By PAUL WALDIE
With a report from David Naylor
Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - Page S1
TORONTO -- The University of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment want the federal government to kick in up to $25-million to help build a sports complex at the university.
The U of T is applying for a federal infrastructure grant to help build the $120-million complex, which includes a 25,000-seat stadium for the Toronto Argonauts and the Canadian Soccer Association, a practice facility for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a shopping area.
The U of T and MLSE have also asked the Ontario government to commit up to $1.8-million a year to help cover potential revenue shortfalls for the complex. And city officials have been approached about forgoing property tax on the complex.
"There is a will to try to do this project," said Jon Dellandrea, U of T's vice-president of development. "It's seen as good for the city, it's seen as good for the university, it's seen as good for soccer, it's seen as good for amateur sport, it's seen as good for the CFL, it's got all the right pieces in it."
He added that "this has to absolutely be positioned that this is about the University of Toronto, this is about amateur sport, this is about soccer, this is not just simply about big-league sport."
MLSE is expected to contribute about $35-million to the project and the remaining $60-million would be borrowed. The borrowing costs will be reduced sharply if the provincial government commits to covering some of the potential annual revenue shortfalls.
Dellandrea said U of T and MLSE initially asked for loan guarantees from the federal government. But Toronto-area Members of Parliament suggested they apply for a grant.
"The sense that we received back from the key members of the [Greater Toronto Area] caucus is that the government has a practice and a comfort with making grants for important projects that tend to be one-time transactions, as opposed to committing subsequent governments for years and years and years," Dellandrea said. He added that the university has filed for a $25-million grant under a Canada-Ontario infrastructure program.
Dellandrea confirmed that if the project goes ahead, a separate company will be set up to own the complex. That company will be co-owned by the U of T and MLSE, although the exact ownership breakdown has not been finalized.
The U of T will also lease land for the facility to the company at no charge for 35 years. After that, the facilities will be donated to the university.
The Canadian Soccer Association and the Argonauts are backing the project. If the deal is successful, MLSE is expected to acquire up to 50-per-cent ownership in the Argos.
Howard Sokolowski, an Argo co-owner, declined to comment on the project yesterday other than to say, "The U of T is trying to put this deal together."
Richard Peddie, MLSE's chief executive officer, also declined comment and referred questions to U of T.
Kevan Pipe, the CSA's chief operating officer, said yesterday the association will have a role in managing the complex.
"We're not injecting any direct capital into the facility. But there's a recognition of the role we've played in this over the past year and a half, and if there's a stadium board of directors we will have a voting seat at that. There will also be a preferred rate for use and revenues from things like food and beverages, things we haven't had before."
Dellandrea said the project has to move ahead soon.
"We are coming down to the wire in terms of a timetable with respect to trying to get a deal done. We have a kind of, an appropriate, self-imposed deadline by the owners of the Toronto Argonauts to try to get a clear sense of where they are going to be playing."
Yesterday, the Argos launched a new slogan, "See you on the field," and an advertising campaign for this season.
"We feel the new creative campaign brings the energy needed to revitalize the brand," said Keith Pelley, the Argo's president and chief executive officer. This year "will be one of the most significant years ever for the team and the advertising campaign is the start of things to come."
Posted on Mar 9, 2004, 11:23 PM from IP address 24.79.45.117
"Kevan Pipe, the CSA's chief operating officer, said yesterday the association will have a role in managing the complex.
"We're not injecting any direct capital into the facility. But there's a recognition of the role we've played in this over the past year and a half, and if there's a stadium board of directors we will have a voting seat at that. There will also be a preferred rate for use and revenues from things like food and beverages, things we haven't had before."
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The old Varsity stadium setup was not that good for soccer (forget the details) so hopefully the deal Pipe is negotiating would be enough for MLS to view this as a viable SSS style location. It is worth bearing in mind that a lot of the existing and proposed SSS's south of the border will also be used for other sports like high school and college football, lacrosse and rugby as well. As for what MLSE's angle in all this might be the following article is worth a read. Maybe they are looking for the sort of setup that Kroenke Sports has in Denver. Ownership of a sizable number of sports teams (including the Colorado Rapids of MLS) and a cable sports channel to broadcast their games.
There is plenty of talk in the sports broadcasting business about potential ownership changes.
BCE is reportedly ready to sell its 68.5-per-cent stake in Bell Globemedia, which consists of The Globe and Mail and CTV (the main network and a suite of specialty channels headed by TSN, RDS and Discovery).
Shaw Cable may be shopping for a sports channel.
But the most intriguing speculation involves Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Air Canada Centre, as well as the digital channels Leafs TV and Raptors NBA TV (co-owned with the National Basketball Association).
Some see MLSE and TSN-RDS merging as one entity. Or they predict that MLSE will join Globemedia in a new sports-media conglomerate that would be controlled by the Thomson family, which owns 31.5 per cent of Globemedia, and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board, which owns 58 per cent of MLSE.
''I think you're going to see a lot of consolidation over the next 12 months,'' a source said. Consider the ties that already exist between TSN and MLSE:
·Globemedia, the owner of TSN, holds 15 per cent of MLSE.
·Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman and owner of 13 per cent of MLSE, has a relationship with TSN as a major investor in Insight Sports, which, along with TSN and the National Hockey League, owns the digital channel The NHL Network.
·Although MLSE's core business is club ownership, it has moved aggressively into broadcasting. Next season, MLSE will become an even larger player on the Toronto TV sports scene by airing 12 regular season Leafs games on Leafs TV. Also beginning next season, MLSE's broadcasting arm will produce all Leafs telecasts.
Why does an MLSE-TSN merger make sense? It would represent the union of an established national sports service (TSN) with a regional sports outlet (Leafs TV) and also Raptors TV, which is national in scope.
TSN is a powerful brand, but it also is facing tough competition from Rogers Sportsnet, which beams four separate signals to regions across the country and has rights deals with four of the six Canadian NHL teams.
What's more, Sportsnet gives digital subscribers access to all four of its signals (minus local NHL blackouts). ''TSN is a mature business
