Rimando's Army

What a week...

2006-04-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

The aftermath of the 4-1 victory over New York has been...busy...to say the least. On Monday Alecko Eskandarian was named Player of the Week for his 2 goals against the northern rival. On Tuesday, MLS fined Alecko $250 for the Red Bull spitting incident, that made Pardon The Interruption, twice(Monday's episode mentioned it, and on Wednesday, during the Sportscenter portion the fine was mentioned). And on Wednesday, Facundo Erpen was awarded with the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week, beating out one of Alecko's strikes, as well as Dewayne De Rosario and Craig Waibel of Houston and FC Dallas' Aaron Pitchkolan.

DC United play host to FC Dallas on Saturday. The game can been seen on MLS Direct Kick.

Rimando Named to DC United Decade's Best XI Team

2006-04-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's the press release.

For Immediate Release -
April 24, 2006
Contact: Doug Hicks (202) 587-5448, Boris Flores (202) 587-5452 or Kyle Sheldon (202) 587-5450

D.C. United unveils ‘Decade’s Best XI’Team determined by fans online voting at dcunited.comWashington, D.C. (April 24, 2006) - D.C. United unveiled today the club’s ‘Decade’s Best XI,’ as voted on by fans via dcunited.com. Led by top vote-getter Marco Etcheverry, the team is made up of eight former players - Jeff Agoos, Raul Diaz Arce, Etcheverry, John Harkes, Carlos Llamosa, Ryan Nelsen and Eddie Pope - and four current players - Christian Gomez, Jaime Moreno, Ben Olsen and Nick Rimando. Bruce Arena, the current head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, was named as the Decade’s Best coach. With Etcheverry, Agoos, Diaz Arce, Gomez, Harkes, Moreno, Olsen, Rimando and Arena scheduled to attend, the Decade’s Best XI will be honored prior to United’s match versus FC Dallas on Saturday, April 29. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium.

“Looking at the names on the Decade’s Best XI brings back some wonderful memories to me, and I'm sure to all fans of D.C. United,” said D.C. United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “This is a truly impressive group of people, who embody all that our club stands for - pride, passion, skill, and an indomitable will to win. I can't wait to see this group together again at RFK Stadium and can't wait to hear the best fans in D.C. once again welcome their champions home!”

Agoos earned numerous accolades during his time with the club, including Defender of the Year (‘01), MLS All-Star (1996-‘00) and MLS Best XI (1997 & ‘99). Playing mostly on the left side of defense, he notched six goals and 17 assists in 135 games (131 starts) and helped D.C. to three MLS Cups, two Supporter’s Shields, a CONCACAF Champions Cup, an InterAmerican Cup and a U.S. Open Cup. Agoos retired from MLS in December.

In 1996, Diaz Arce put together one of the most impressive offensive seasons in MLS history, collecting 23 goals in 28 games. He was instrumental in the club’s 1996 and 1997 MLS Cup championships, 1996 U.S. Open Cup victory and 1997 Supporter’s Shield. He scored a total of eight goals in ten playoff games and, in 1997, was named as an All-Star. Diaz Arce currently serves as an assistant coach for the U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team.

Etcheverry led United to three MLS Cups (1996, ’97 & ’99), two Supporter’s Sheilds (’97 & 99), the 1996 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship, the 1998 CONCACAF Championship, and the 1998 InterAmerican Cup. He amassed seven League All-Star honors, the 1996 MLS Cup MVP, the 1998 MLS MVP and was a four-time MLS Best XI member. In 2005, he was named to the MLS All-Time Best XI. He also scored the League’s 1997 and 1999 Goals of the Year.

Gomez joined United in August of 2004 and served as the spark that led D.C. to its fourth MLS Cup Championship, as he scored four goals in nine games down the regular season stretch. In 2005, he collected 11 goals and nine assists as he was named an MLS All-Star and to the League’s Best XI.

Harkes made 83 appearances (80 starts) for United, collecting 14 goals and 23 assists, while helping lead D.C. to their first six major titles. He was three times named an MLS All-Star (1996-‘98). He was United’s first-ever captain and logged nearly 9,000 total minutes for the Black-and-Red. Harkes currently serves as United’s Director of Youth Development.

Llamosa played in 83 games (75 starts) for United during his four seasons with the team. Despite primarily playing defense, he managed to notch three goals and two assists during his time with the club. Llamosa anchored United’s defense in winning six major titles and was named to the 1999 MLS All-Star team. Currently, he plies his trade with Chivas USA.

A part of each of United’s nine major titles, Moreno owns numerous team records and has earned a staggering number of individual awards - five League All-Star appearances (1997-00, ’04), one MLS Cup MVP (1997), three MLS Best XI teams (1997, ’99, ‘05) and the MLS All-time Best XI team. He has 12 goals and nine assists in 27 career playoff games. His 94 career goals place him second all-time in MLS history.

United’s first pick in the 2001 SuperDraft, Nelsen played four seasons with the Black-and-Red. As the team’s captain, he helped United’s ‘Return to Glory,’ by leading the team to the 2004 MLS Cup. He was named to the MLS Best XI in 2004 and was named as an All-Star in 2003. He made 81 total appearances (78 starts) behind the D.C. badge. Following the 2004 season, Nelsen moved to the Blackburn Rovers of the English Premier League, where he continues to anchor their defense.

Named as the Rookie of the Year in 1998, Olsen’s 40 assists are the third most in team history. He has appeared in 157 games (144 starts) and was named an MLS All-Star (1998 & ‘99), the MLS Cup MVP (1999) and, for his community work, the USSF Humanitarian of the Year (2004). He was instrumental in five major titles with D.C. United - two MLS Cups (1999 & ’04), a Supporter’s Shield (1999), a CONCACAF Champions Cup (1998) and an InterAmerican Cup (1998).

Pope made 143 regular season appearances (140 starts) over seven seasons for United. He was a five-time League All-Star (1997-‘00 & ’02), was twice named to the MLS Best XI (’97 & ’98) and was the 1997 Defender of the Year. He scored the sudden-death overtime winner in the inaugural MLS Cup championship in 1996 and the game-winner in the 1998 InterAmerican Cup final. Pope is now a member of Real Salt Lake.

Rimando is United’s all-time leader in wins (41), saves (349), shutouts (29), games played in goal (96) and minutes played in goal (8,776). In 2004, he led United to its fourth MLS Cup championship. His best season came in 2005, when he won 15 games, collected 11 shutouts and allowed just 35 goals in 30 games.

Arena led United to the MLS Cup Final in each of his three seasons with the club, winning the title in 1996 and 1997. The 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 1998 InterAmerican Cup were also captured under Arena's guidance, as were the 1996 U.S. Open Cup and the 1997 Supporter’s Shield. Arena compiled a career 61-35 record during the regular season and 14-3 in the playoffs.

Who the f*** are the Red Bulls?

2006-04-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

4-1 final. Very, very nice game. Esky scores twice, Erpen puts in the goal of the game(and a sure fire GOTW canidate) and Walker adds one late. Youri scores in the run of play this time, and no question about position of an offside player. But despite the goal, Troy Perkins played well in net. He made a couple mistakes, but nothing major...and the goal was to late to make a difference. Still, he hasn't won me over...Nicky should still start when he's healthy. If Mo Johnston is fired, I want Piotr to hire him as an assistint. Of course, I'm sure he'll get a job as a head coach somewhere. The Red Bulls just look like they don't care right now. This is going to be a long season for them. Thanks to Natty on BigSoccer for this gem...

I went to Tiajuana and all I got was this lousy hangover...

2006-04-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates this week. I've been away from the computer all week. And took a couple hour vacation to TJ with my brother and a couple of his friends...I've never been searched by a police officer here in the States...not even 10 minutes down there and I'm getting searched...but we had fun.

Anyways, News on Nicky appears that he still isn't ready to come back...we are hearing "another couple weeks"

Washington Times article

DC plays the Red Bulls again on Saturday in the 2nd Atlantic Cup match of the season. The game will be shown LIVE on ESPN2. Alexi Lalas quit as Red Bulls General Manager/President to succeed Doug Hamilton, who passed away shortly before the season, in the same post for the Gals. Mo Johnston, head coach of the Red Bulls is still with the team, though rumors are spreading that he will be the next to leave.

DC 2-0 Dynamo

2006-04-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Gros and Gomez the scorers....good game by Perkins, which isn't good for Nicky. We will see what happens on Saturday against New York(LIVE ON ESPN2)...he should be availble.

Benny Scores Goals!!!!

2006-04-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ben Olsen got himself on the scoresheet in about the 25th minute of the International friendly vs Jamaica. He also shaved. The score line is currently 1-1.

Still no news on Nicky

2006-04-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

DC still has not given us a definitive time frame for Nicky's return...he said 2-3 weeks when the season began, so hopefully after we beat the crap out of the Dynamo we will get him back...

And please, no dangerous free kicks while Perkins is in the net.

DC United 2-0 CD Chivas USA

2006-04-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Lineups-
...........Perkins................
........Erpen...Boswell......
Gros.....................Wilson
.........Carroll...Olsen.......
..............Gomez...............
Filomeno...........Esky.....
...............Moreno.............

................Guzan...............
.......Suarez...regan.........
Bornstein..........vaughan
......Kljestan..Marsch......
Mendoza...............Garcia
.........Razov...Palencia....

Moreno scored both goals. Garcia had one called back. It was a great game. The crowd was light(rain). We'll take the 3 points...Wilson shouldn't play next week. Adu should start again...he gave a solid 15 minutes.

YAY GOMITO IS BACK TONIGHT!

2006-04-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Projected lineup for the Goats:

Perkins

Gros Erpen Boswell Prelson

Carroll Olsen

Gomito

Moreno Adu

Eskymeno

We'll see how the line up in about 4 hours...and I heard it's rainibg.....VAMOS UNITED

Major League Soccer-Matchday 2

2006-04-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

DC United vs CD Chivas USA(4 PM ET/1 PM PT-ESPN2)
This could wind up being game of the week. If anyone said that last year, they'd be looked at like they were crazy. But look at last week. Chivas crushed Real 3-0. Ok, it was Real, but still. DC United overcame a 2 goal deficit to draw 2-2, thanks to the return of Alecko Eskandarian and a nice redirected cracker from Facundo Erpen. And 1 of NYRB's should of been disallowed. Add to the fact a returning Bobby Boswell(?) and Christian Gomez, and DC should fare even better.

Prediction-DC 3-2 Chivas. DC Need to put the draw last week behind them. They start with 3 home games, you need 2 wins.

New York Red Bulls vs New England Revolution
New York scored 2 against a weak DC defense. One however was pure class...even with 2 people offside. New England avenged their 1-0 MLS cup defeat with a 1-0 victory of the Galaxy on a header by Deuce. Could be a cracking game and the Red Bulls make their home debut.

Prediction-New York 2-2 New England

Hoyston Dynamo vs Kansas City Wizards
Both teams showed off great attacking soccer last week, with the Dynamo being led by Brian Ching's 4 goals and Alejandro Moreno's goal of the week for his Bicycle kick in stoppage time beating Colorado 5-2. The Wizards showed off new signing Eddie Johnson, and took care of Columbus 3-1.

Prediction-Houston 2-1 Kansas City

FC Dallas vs Real Salt Lake
FC Dallas pulled a victory out of their hat on national television last week, beating Chicago 3-2 with a header from Kenny Cooper. Real lost to Chivas 3-0 in Los Angeles, and will be looking to find their ground, on defense and offense.

Predicition-FC Dallas 2-0 Real

Colorado Rapids vs Columbus Crew
The Rapids were on the wrong side during Brian Ching's thrashing, losing 5-2. The Crew lost to KC 3-1. Kai Kamera did score for the Crew, and Kyle Beckerman scored a nice goal for the Rapids. Pablo Masteroni was sent off in the Houston game and must sit out.

Prediction- Colorado 1-2 Columbus

Los Angeles Galaxy vs Chicago Fire
This could be the best matchup of teams without a win we see all season(save for opening weekend)...ok, so it won't happen all that much, but you get what I'm saying. Both teams suffered tough losses to begin the season, LA 1-0 to New England and Chicago 3-2 to FC Dallas. I expect this to be a real cracker.

Prediction- Los Angeles 1-1 Chicago

RimandosArmy on The2g's!

2006-04-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

I will be on the2g's radio show today, at aproximintly 9:30 AM(Pacific)/12:30(eastern). I encourage everyone who will be able to listen to this great show does tune in, the show starts at 9 on the west, noon on the east. You can listen online, or on Sirius Satietlite Radio, station 122 I believe. The2g's is a radio show(obviously) about footy, it's hosts are Graham Bell and Gazza Richards. For more information, check out their website at http://www.the2gs.com

Djorkaeff's Goal deemed Illegal by MLS/USSF

2006-04-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

All I can say is that I am baffled. They threw Brian Hall under the bus...first they tell New York it's legal to set 2 players offside in the goal area on a free kick. The ruling on the field was that it was legal. Then, they say it shouldn't of counted, but the goal stands...

MAKE UP YOUR MIND. I always defend the ref's decision...okay, not ALWAYS, but most of the time I do. Please, MLS and USSF, clarify the ruling, and let us all know what should be done in that case.

Bolton Drop 3 more

2006-04-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Bolton lost to Birmingham today. They really don't want Europe next year I guess.

:-(

Oh well....Olsen got another call up to the MNT for the game against Jamaica. Tony Meola also got called up...which to me is quite weird. Plenty of better MLS keepers IMHO. Guess it's just a ceremony to get him his 100th cap.

2006-04-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Just posting an image.

More on DC-NY(and a bit on ManU/BWFC)

2006-04-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

First off, before I get started...

Thanks to Hannah and The2Gs(and Special G) for promoting the blog. Check out their respective sites to the right.

Now onto the action.

First and foremost...It's great to have Alecko back. It's been 10 months since Matt "Who cares about Rules?" Reis took him out. The goal Saturday was 10 months in the making. The look on his face said it all...then he runs up to John Wilson and reading his lips he says "I'm back!" Then Benny mobbed him. Benny said on ESPN that the look on his face when he scored was just amazing. And it was. He deserved that goal.

Facundo Erpen scored a nice goal as well...except if it didn't take that little deflection it probably would of been eaten up by Tony Meola.

On the other end...Youri Djorakeef(Bolton Alum) scored a screamer on a freekick about 35 yards out. Some are complaining that Red Bull had 2 men offside...but they weren't involved in play. Perkins had no chance at it. Even Nicky couldn't of gotten that. The 2nd goal though was utter trash. Perkins and Prediux get tangled up and then Perkins runs into Wilson as well as Buddle strikes home for New York. Utter trash.

Also, Mo Johnston has to be the best dressed coach in the league.

-Thanks to Andy Mead at Yellow Card Journalism-

Bolton dropped another 3 points, this time to ManU. I listened to the game and it sounded pretty bad. But Jussi signed a new deal...so that's good.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to comment ;-)

Oh, almost forgot...I regret to report that there were a couple altercations between a couple DC Fans and some traveling RBNY fans. Let me just say that those involved from DC are disgraces to the rest of the great fans that were there. There needs to be a line...unfortunatly some people crossed it Sunday. DC United, and it's supporter clubs do not condone that kind of behavior. I'm embaressed that it happened.

DC 2:2 New York

2006-04-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

1st half was shit...especially Perkins. 2nd half we had 2 nice goals. We'll take it. Nicky get your ass healthy!

Greatest. Online. Quiz. Ever.

2006-04-02T00:57:00.000-08:00

Take the quiz:
Which D.C. United Keeper are U?

NICK RIMANDO!!! :)
YOUR AN AWESOME KEEPER YOU ARE THE MAIN KEEPER AND YOU LOVE SOCCER

Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!

Hehe...only 2 options in the test, and of course I'd get all the Nicky ones(Cause Troy sucks :-P) Just wish he wasn't hurt for tomorrow(tonight's?) game.

Also of note...I have a friggin Hangover...I went to a local pub to watch FC Dallas beat Chicago 3-2, and I watched the first basketball game there...well long story short, I came to my Grandma's house to eat dinner(my Aunt is down from NorCal), I ate and took a *Nap* and here I am, in the middle of the night with a hang over....not fun.

Go United! Beat the Red Balls!

Embrace The Colors in 2006-MLS Season Preview

2006-03-31T04:37:00.001-08:00

Here it is-The MLS SEASON PREVIEW!

EASTERN CONF:
Chicago Fire-
What Happened Last year?-The Fire were able to dominated DC in the 2nd leg of the 1st round playoffs, 4-0, as a 3 seed(15-13-4). But they fell to New England in the finals.

What's New?-Chicago will start the season with a 9 game road trip, as Bridgeview Stadium finishes construction. Not many changes to the side should mean Chicago has another solid season. Only key loss was M Jesse Marsch.

Prediction-3rd in the East.

Columbus Crew
What Happened Last Year?-The Crew missed out on the playoffs last year, finishing in 6th place in the East.

Whats New?-The Crew had an offseason overhaul, inlcuding bringing in Sigi Schmid as coach. The key addition was bringing in Eddie Gaven, but it cost the Crew Edson Buddle. Expect a lot of different faces from last season.

Prediction-5th in the East

DC United
What Happened Last Year?-DC played well early and seemed to be headed towards another chance at MLS Glory, but several key injuries set them back. They finally crashed out losing to Chicago in the first round of the playoffs, 4-0, as a 2 seed.

What's New?-A more developed role for Freddy Adu is really the only thing different for the team, save for a healthy Alecko Eskandarian. They did lose tough M Dema Kovalenko to his native Ukraine, and M draftee Justin Moose could see some playing time on the wing. Expect a battle between Lucio Filomeno and Esky for the 2nd strike spot.

Prediction-1st in the East

Kansas City Wizards
What Happened Last Year?-After moving from the Western confrence for 2005, the Wizards world went turned upside down. They finished just shy of a playoff berth in 5th place.

What's New?-Unfortunatly for the Wizards, they lost more then they brought in. Losing 2 key players from years past, including legendary Midfielder Preki. However, the team did make one key addition, bringing in Forward Eddie Johnson from FC Dallas. However, the side could lose several players during the World Cup and that could hurt them quite a bit.

Prediction-6th in the East

New England Revs
What Happened Last Year?-New England were unable to keep Los Angeles at bay in extra time of MLS Cup 2005, falling 1-0. They were the 1 seed.

What's New-Not much has changed at New England. No one of signifigance has left the squad, so expect another solid season, with a possible hiccup during the World Cup, especially if Taylor Twellman does get called up.

Prediction-2nd in the East

New York Red Bulls
What Happened Last Year?-As the MetroStars, they battled to the 4th seed for the playoffs on the final day of the season, but fell 3-2 to New England in the first round.

What's New?-EVERYTHING. New Name. New Colors. New Coach. New Owners. New Players. Key addition could be F Edson Buddle from Columbus, but the team brought in several possible starters. Eddie Gaven is gone to Columbus in the Buddle deal, and Ante Razov followed former coach Bob Bradley to Chivas.

Prediction-4th in the East.

WESTERN CONF:
CD Chivas USA
What Happened Last Year?-As one of 2 expansion teams, the LA club found it much tougher then expected in MLS and finished the season in dead last in the league.

What's New?-Several key moves include Coach Bob Bradley coming from New York with Ante Razov, Jesse Marsch coming from Chicago and Claudio Suarez, a mexican legend in defense. Expect the team to be much more experinced.

Prediction-5th in the West.

Colorado Rapids
What Happened Last Year?-Made the Conference finals as a suprise in the wide open West last season, before falling to eventual Champs Los Angeles.

What's New?-Clint Mathis will try to create magic in Colorado, something he wasn't able to do in Salt Lake. Rapids gave up leading goalscorer Jeff Cunningham to bring him in. Cornell Glen comes in from Columbus and could score some goals.

Prediction-6th in the West(no Goal Scoring)

FC Dallas
What Happened Last Year?-With the opening of Pizza Hut Park the club changed it's image and it worked, finishing in 2nd place in the west before falling to the Rapids.

What's New?-Dallas will have some questions-mainly who will mend goal with Scott Garlick leaving the team for Real Salt Lake and who will be paired with El Pescadito up top.

Prediction-2nd in the West

Houston Dynamo
What Happened Last Year?-As the Earthquakes they captured the Supporters Shield but fell to Los Angeles in the opening round of the playoffs.

What's New?-Well, a new city to start, as the club moved from San Jose to Houston. Add a couple name changes, and here we are. The team lost a few midfielders, but bring in Canadian International Adrian Serioux, to team with fellow Maple Leafs Dewaye De Rosario and Pat Onstad.

Prediction-3rd in the West

Los Angeles Galaxy
What Happend Last Year?-The Galaxy suprised everyone by giving Steve Sampson a lifeline by winning the US Open Cup, and then doubled that with the big one at the end of the season as a 4 seed.

What's New?-Brian Dunseth could be the key in the back. The Galaxy will be missing several players, including Landon Donovan during the World Cup. But anything can happen in the wide open West.

Prediction-1st in the West

Real Salt Lake
What Happened Last Year?-Real were able to win one thing last year, the battle of Expansion teams. Finished 5th in the west.

What's New?-A couple key signings include GK Scott Garlick from FC Dallas to help fix the defense, and Jeff Cunningham from Colorado for the offense. Clint Mathis will head to Colorado.

Prediction-4th in the West

MLS CUP-New England Revs over FC Dallas
US Open Cup-DC United over Real Salt Lake
Supporters Shield-DC United
Both confreneces are wide open this year, should prove to be an exciting season.

Dynamo Unveil Jerseys and Chelsea/AEG agreement

2006-03-30T23:37:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post again, get this thing rolling. Expect an MLS Preview piece sometime tomorrow. But for now...Houston Dynamo have unveiled their new kits! The colors are orange and white...they don't look to bad for something thrown together.

Dynamo open up the season on sunday, vs Colorado Rapids.

Since we are talking about an AEG team, why not talk about the MAJOR agreement made just days ago by Chelsea and AEG. Chelsea and the Los Angeles Galaxy, and as a whole AEG(owners of the Gals, DC United, Houston Dynamo and Chicago Fire.) The plan is to include a tournament every other year at a host MLS site, as a well as a direct connection with Galaxy and Chelsea.

Here's the article from the London Times

What I want to know is what this means to the rest of the league as a whole. Obviously it's good for Los Angeles and Chelsea. Anytime you have a direct relationship with another club to share ideas, I think it's good. But what about the other 3 AEG teams. We know Houston is on the market, having been before they left San Jose. We know AEG would like to sell DC United as well, possibly to a group led by President and CEO Kevin Payne. What about Chicago? Should their fans take note of this and expect to be out of the picture with AEG soon? I think it's clear that AEG only wants to own one team in MLS. The Galaxy, I believe, are the only team making a profit right now(maybe one of two) in the league. They already have their stadium, and are getting rent paid by ChivasUSA. On top of that, Chivas has helped set up some deals for the Gals, and vice versa. Obviously, AEG would be stupid to sell of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, we have seen them sell an underperforming franchise already this year, in MetroStars...now Red Bull New York. So how long can we expect the agreement to be with AEG as a whole, and not just the Galaxy? Will the first 4 team tournament take place in LA? Overall, the agreement is defintly good for the league...but how will it affect AEGs other 3 teams?

Also, thanks to everyone who has sent me a nice comment or message elsewhere about the blog, feel free to comment here as well!

The Start of Rimando's Army-The Blog

2006-03-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I was just sitting here, waiting for the2g's to start their radio show, clicking on message boards, and soccer sites....and it hit me...I should start a blog. I chose the name Rimando's Army for the blog because I have just started promoting it as a group over on www.bigsoccer.com and www.the2gs.com in support of DC United GK Nick Rimando. You can expect plenty of news on Rimando himself, and DC United. But the blog will be a Soccer in general board. I will try to focus on MLS a lot during the season, and follow the offseason action as well.

A little bit about me from a soccer stand point. I started following the beautiful game about 5 years ago. I've always loved the game, but as a child I played baseball and basketball. No one else in my family could give 2 shits about the game. Not even during WC 1994, which would of been a great time for me to get into the game. Instead, I learned about it on my own. Kicking balls when I could. Playing on the school yard. During High School I started following the game a bit more, though I still didn't know much. But that's when I really fell for it. Playing with my JROTC class, wishing I had the skill as some of my classmates who had played their whole life. I started watching EPL quite a bit, and a friend of mine turned me onto Everton. But I never really grew to love the Toffee's, and instead, the following year I chose to throw my support behind Bolton Wanderers FC as they fought to stay up. Well, they were succesful in not only staying in the Premiership(barely, went to the last weekend), but also turning me into a fan of theirs. I also watched MLS during this time, and although I wasn't hooked quite yet, I liked DC quite a bit. Especially since their Goalkeeper, Nick Rimando, attended my High School. I followed DC as much as I could, with the internet and watching when they were on ESPN2, Fox Soccer Channel or a local channel playing the Los Angeles Galaxy. I've been a United fan , really, for 3 years now. I wasn't able to attend the 2004 MLS Cup Match, but I was there in spirit. I did however make it to the first macth of 2005 against Chivas USA. I had a blast singing and chanting with the other United fans. I hope to make both LA Matches this year. Anyways, during the past few years I also dabbed into Officiating, taking care of AYSO youth games, and for a season I did High School matches as well.

Well now it's time for 2006 to start for MLS. On Sunday United play host to Red Bull New York at RFK Stadium. United will be without my boy Nick Rimando as he has strained ligaments in his foot. He'll miss probably 2-3 games to start the year. Speaking of which, DC United signed Ryan Mcintosh to a development deal to serve as the #3 Keeper, and sit on the beach while Rimando recovers. Troy Perkins will start in the net. The "MLS First Kick" will officially be the FC Dallas and Chicago Fire match at Pizza Hut Park, on ABC. It will not be head to head with NCAA Basketballs Final Four...so if your in front of a TV a couple hours before the tip off of the Basketball game, watch Dalls and Chicago go at it. Should be a good game too. Hopefully Pescadito, last years Goal of the Year and Goal of the Decade award winner, can score a nice goal so anyone who just turns in can fall in love with the game. Other matches include LA Galaxy hosting New England in a night cap on ESPN2. Kansas City Wizardz taking on the Crew at Arrowhead also takes place Saturday. On Sunday, as well as DC/NY, Chivas USA will host Real Salt Lake, and Houston Dynamo starting their new begining with the Rapids.

In England, a couple things of note. Bolton host Manchester United in a huge match for the Trotters. It's reportedly a sell out at the Reebok for the match against one of their biggest rivals. The Trotters exciting midfielder Kevin Nolan has been linked with a possible World Cup call up for England, but should lame duck boss Sven Goran Erikson pass on Nolan, it's possible he could play for Republic of Ireland.

Speaking of Sven, Real Madrid star David Beckham has backed Sven to take over at Real after the World Cup. Sven will be out with England after the tournament.