San Jose Earthquakes v. David Beckham

I went over to Oakland and watched the LA Galaxy (Beckham's teammates apparently) play the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. This was the first professional "soccer" game I've ever been too, and I have to say, I'm a fan. I think geography dictates that I have to be a fan of the San Jose Earthquakes, but I don't know. I don't really want to buy a jersey that says San Jose on it. No offense. I've just never really spent much time there.

The result was a 3-0 result for the Galaxy, although it was a well-played match all the way through. San Jose had some good looks, but just couldn't get a last good touch/shot. The LA Galaxy fans are kind of obnoxious, but I have to say, not too far off from their English counterparts; making noise the ENTIRE 90 minutes. Although I must point out, every Galazy (I know I misspelled it. But I think I'll leave it) fan was wearing a "Beckham" jersey. I doubt they know the rest of the team or were fans before his arrival.

But I guess that was the point of signing him and his fine fine tuckus.

Speaking of Galazy, I think I now know why they call playing for the MLS Beckham's "retirement." He really doesn't play all that hard. He hits their set pieces and corners, but he doesn't really run around that much. I got a few pics of the match which I might put up, but here's a shot of what BART looked like afterwards.

For anyone who is getting excited for the Euro

The football competition, not the currency. Here's a fun fantasy pick/contest. France is in the group of death ridiculously good teams along with Italy, the Netherlands and Romania. Should be fun.

Jouez-la comme Domenech ! Sélectionnez vos 23 Bleus pour l'Euro 2008
LEMONDE.FR | 16.04.08

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Go Bears!

I haven't been in college in 10 years for a short while, but when I went to the Cal v. Tennessee game last weekend, I had a near orgasmic experience. Beating a good SEC team after that loss last year and all of the smack over the summer. Ahhhh. Sweet sweet come uppins.

I don't know why they are calling this a blow out, because it wasn't. This game was anyone's until the fourth quarter. The Tennessee fans were good sports and fun to hang around with after the game, so cheers, and good luck guys! Tell you what, if you take care of LSU, maybe we can do something about the University of Spoiled Children. Deal?

DeSean Jackson is something else, and if Jahvid Best runs that well as a freshman. Good lord. He's going to be one to watch.

Now an unranked Oregon dismantled Michigan, UCLA beat BYU, and Washington finally ended Boise's win streak. Before I was arguing that the Pac-10 is a strong conference. Now I'm afraid that I was right. Cal and that other school down in Compton have their work cut out for them.

Come si dice "hooligan" in Italiano?

After a policeman was killed during a riot last week after a football match in Catania, the Italian government stepped in and ordered that several games had to be played behind closed doors over the weekend, and that all stadiums had to implement certain safety features. After putting in place such safety measures, most stadiums are open again to fans, but at least one (Catania) will be closed for the remainder of the season.

I have been to rowdy college (American) football games, but I don't think anything can compare with the pure animosity that can exist between clubs or national sides. It's not just Italy. Paris accused Marseille of poisoning their locker room, not too long ago, and Britain is notorious. What is it about the beautiful game that brings out such violence at football matches? Granted, Raiders fans are nuts, but it seems when a national sport is involved, there seems to be a role reversal; Europeans seem to be the more violent ones (although the fans don't usually have guns, thank god). At least they limit it to sports. Two people were shot and killed near my neighborhood over the weekend. Here's a fun quote. Notice what the fans throw at him. That takes planning.

Ascoli keeper Gianluca Pagliuca said he would have preferred it if his team's match at Sampdoria had been played behind closed doors.

The former Italy international, who spent eight seasons at Sampdoria before spells at Bologna and Inter, was continually abused by the home fans.

"A Sunday of silence? Not for me. I was insulted for 45 minutes from the Sampdoria fans behind the goal," he complained.

"Whenever I come back here, they have it in for me. Right now, when everybody is talking about violence, I feel even more depressed after being abused for 45 minutes.

"I don't know why they do it. In 1999, in an Italian Cup match, they even threw bathroom taps at me, just because I was playing for Bologna, a team they hate."

Whole article found at espnstar.com