Soccer

Florida’s Best Soccer Team Skips Playoffs

by Josh Dhani on December 2, 2010

 One of Florida’s best soccer teams in the 2A class won’t be even attending the playoffs this season! They are Monteverde Academy, and they are undefeated. According to the Orlando Sentinel, they are foregoing the playoffs right after a 6-0 victory over last year’s champions!

The reason for this? The team wants to spend more time developing their players so they can help them get their scholarships for college.

This is just like what happened with the team’s basketball team!

Weird stuff.

Via Prep Rally

By Josh Dhani

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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U.S. Preeminent Run Magnetized Soccer, but Will It Last?

by Josh Dhani on June 27, 2010

They were emotionally hyped and adored a surreal moment that believably seemed genuine, the glorious feel-good story that appeared mesmerizing at a time all populace jumped onto the bandwagon to embrace an infatuating portrait.

But now, a casual fan will return to the regularly scheduled programs by watching reruns of CSI or the Simpsons, as television ratings will drastically descend after the United States chase for the beautiful prize came to an end so miserably.

All over the nation, the locals in most cities crowded the sports bars and sat in front of the nearest television to witness the improbable that suddenly faded in a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ghana in the Round of 16 of the captivating World Cup. Because soccer is a foreign activity beloved worldwide but not nationwide, it won’t ever merit a mutual perception or a large portion of entertained fans.


As a nation, we cherish football more than we eulogize futbol, unless of course, the United States is riding a miraculous journey while on a mission to not only attain the unimaginable, but also popularize the diminishing sport of soccer. This time, in an every four year event, the U.S. was successful, galvanizing us to watch a languid event in America and was supposed to implode in the early stages of the tournament.

But it apparently was the most enjoyable drama since New Orleans threw a party on Bourbon Street to laud the Saints for winning its first ever Super Bowl in franchise history, after pulling off the unthinkable against the Indianapolis Colts.

This time, however, we may have witnessed the healthiest soccer tale in U.S. history, thrilled and proud of the historical goal that salvaged pride. In the greatest soccer story that was heartwarming to a large population in the States, the great people witnessed patriotism and persistence, different from four years ago when the United States were inexperience and unsuccessful.

It was merely a subpar team that fizzled in meeting standards, traditionally jeered for the harrowing insults following an agonizing loss. From all the helpless struggles, to the insulting stories, to the bad reputations, the United States devalued the excitement of soccer in a country where it’s unpopular and renounced.

The matches were beneficial and valuable for improving the growth of an unhealthy sport, and were dramatic to the causal supporters. It was only thrilling to watch with the presence of the Americans, seeing whether or not the U.S. could secure a miracle in South Africa.

Really after the Americans were eliminated and sent home by the last Africa team standing, the nation returns back to normalcy and prefers to observe a much-improved baseball season or patiently wait for football season. Few couldn’t care less about the World Cup here in the states, after the Americans were ousted in the Round of 16.

That bothers the growth of soccer in the United States, that defines the typical American as a casual fan, and that describes the average native as a minority in comparison to other countries. As it seems, we may never know if soccer will mount or largely produce a creation of passionate soccer stars in the United States, other than manufacture a quantity of amateurish players.

Greater than ever, the U.S. excited those from Seattle to Los Angeles to Dallas to Kansas City and to New York, boosting television ratings for a growing fan base witnessing a seminal moment in soccer. The game became a part of social life and inspired Americans to travel overseas, believing in a miracle, worldwide recognition and an indelible moment in U.S. history, a theory for eclipsing misconception.

By wrongly misunderstanding of what the sport offered and signified in other countries, the Americans taunted the U.S. for inferiority and insufficiencies in an every four year event, as the local tabloids ripped the United States of poor performances. Across the nation, it expanded realization for a nation satisfied with the U.S. prosperity, despite struggling to prevail past the Round of 16.

There was clear evidence that the Americans were talented and athletic, saving a heartfelt feeling of pride and spirit in a nation that hadn’t became attached, but now coach Bob Bradley has some answering because of his outlandish lineup moves.


Every way, that is, Ghana was the better opponent with explosiveness, assertiveness and ambition. It turns out the Americans were jingoistic, but weren’t durable enough to outlast Ghana. Beside the stereotypical chatter, there were periods in the game when the U.S. looked fatigued and sluggish, particularly in the beginning the Ghanaians exploded with the early stunner and took advantage of the United States porous defense.

The most compelling tournament came to an end, when an exhausted and slower Ghana terrified the U.S. in overtime. Three minutes in overtime, the sensational star of Ghana, Asamoah Gyan booted the game-winning goal, breaking the hearts of U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra.

“We tried to push and push,” Bocanegra said. “I don’t know if we just didn’t have anything left because we had been pushing so much the entire tournament.”

With a multitude of young people living in an era when all sports are regarded, it could have uplifted the image in a narrow-minded country that really wasn’t introduced or developed an aura in the unsought game of soccer.

Will soccer ever survive in America or will people unwelcome the sport? Not a bad question, considering that the country has stared at one of the world’s greatest athletes. Some will argue Landon Donovan is one of the greatest American sporting figures, remembered for the remarkable, game-winning goal during stoppage time in World Cup history against Algeria to qualify for the Round of 16.

He scored on a penalty kick that sent the game to overtime tied 1-1. He has a U.S. record of five goals at the World Cup, and 45 in international play alone. It was a heartbreaker, however, when Donovan exchanged jerseys with a Ghana player and walked off the field and sat on the bench and hung his head, literally disillusioned over the grieving defeat.

“If we’re a little less naïve tonight, we would have advanced,” said Donovan. “I said all along this was a young team and a relatively inexperienced team at this level.”

He’s a valuable player on the United States National team and the best American soccer player ever. If he wasn’t at his best, he wouldn’t have converted on the penalty kick or saved the U.S. with his mesmerizing goal. It’s a privilege to watch a 28-year old soccer assassin be the superior one in his prime and record incomparable milestones in the world-class event. But it wasn’t enough to knock off Ghana in the elimination rounds as the United States were defeated by the Ghanaians for the second straight World Cup, mourning another disappointing scenario after inspiring the nation with bravery and heroism.

“A stinging, tough defeat,” said Bradley, who has been criticized for his lineup changes.

But it was a sense of humanity for a country that pride itself on soccer, with former President Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger sitting in the stands, discovering a memorable moment in U.S. soccer history. But unfortunately, the soccer gimmick and phase may actually dematerialize with the Americans’ falling at the worse possible time and missing out on the semifinals, a round the U.S. hasn’t advanced to since the first World Cup in 1930.


The reality of this story is that the Americans lost, while having an extremely talented and experienced group. They had all the elements to win, surrounded by the heroics of Tim Howard, one of the best goalkeepers in the world and Clint Dempsey one of the greatest defenders. But none of it mattered once the U.S. suffered a loss, wasting a shot at reaching a pinnacle in a sport our country isn’t known for delivering glory.

It was possible, at least it seemed that way, until the Americans encountered Ghana in an elimination round. It’s hard to ignore and forget a seminal moment, but will soccer remain popular in this country? Judging patriotism, it’s hard to tell how an American visualizes sports.

It remains whether or not soccer will last permanently or temporarily.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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U.S. Channels a Captivating Scene In World Cup As Our Nation Believes

by Josh Dhani on June 26, 2010

At most cities in a nation sporting events draws much buzz and excitement, enthusiastic sports fanatics have gathered at local pubs to cheer on the U.S. National Soccer Team. The casual fans have diminished the biggest tournament that happens every four years, but now a large portion of the world’s population closely glance at the most popular sporting event globally.

All over the world, soccer is greatly observed and idolized as a cultural convention, alluring the minds of children who eventually becomes attach and benefits from a civilized activity.

But in a nation where soccer is downplayed and forgotten, as folks are merely paranoid and brainwashed of David Beckham, a gorgeous soccer star known as a celebrity and for his sex appeal, selling the sport of soccer based on his fame and endorsed products, we are suddenly believers and grateful to witness the U.S. attain the unprecedented.

All the populace are raving specifically about soccer in the slowest months of the sports seasons, willing to immerse in the global landscape. With the latest finish in a historic fashion, the U.S defied logic, for once, rising as a hallowed favorite to contend in the World Cup. Frankly, there’s no longer a suggestion of skepticism or disgrace, but a feeling of intuition and certainty, shunning the traditional flaws.


Here in America sports is one thing. But soccer, of course, is another. Because my instincts tell me it’s a sport that never seemed mesmerizing to the average citizen residing in the States, we are stuck to believe that there is no consensus perception. Then again, this is a more venturous age in sports, meaning the average devotee is satisfy watching men tear back and forth down the field wearing cleats and shorts, while dripping sweat and exhausted during a long-lasting contest.

This is greatly a country that never cared about the dying sport. This is a game that never absorbed much attention, considering that futbol isn’t football, but a boring festivity without action-packed tackles and muscular hits most are accustomed to seeing in the fall and winter months. Think of it as foosball, a strategic tabletop game that you find often in arcades.

Point is, the foosball table rarely generates a crowd as pinball tables or electronic video games rally a large assembly. And it even seems like soccer is the version of the foosball table in a nation that treasures a physical and brutal game. That is football, of course, not futbol.

But all things were viewed differently and veered instantly, following the American’s thrilling win against Algeria Wednesday night, with Landon Donovan booting a game-winning, historical goal in the 91st minute to propel the U.S. to a 1-0 shutout. Never did we suspect the Americans to fulfill a miracle or even advance to the Round of 16, knowing they had a highly talented and crafty national team with coveted and goal-oriented stars.

If this is a sport played universally, then we should acknowledge the emergence and intensity of the Americans, vehemently competing with spirit, strong character and humanity. For the moment, the U.S. is confronted with immense expectations for meeting uncommon standards, bringing a sense of pride and installing aspiration in a subsiding activity.

What’s very heartwarming is that the guys representing a patriotic homeland are classy and dynamic, giving us reason to believe as the world is convinced to give the entire core the benefit of the doubt. It’s a miracle to some extent that the U.S. is stronger than ever and has mellowed as an indomitable crew.

You can recall when the Americans were lackluster and too inexperience. You can recall when the boys were hopeless and voiceless, disillusioned for failing to revise all the botches and disadvantages.

All this happened four years ago, a doleful moment when Donovan was inexperience and hadn’t developed as an inspirational force. All this happened last decade, a depressing time when the whole team was fearful and timidity.

Four years later, this is a soccer team with guts and bravery, excelling on the high emotions of Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Donovan, and ultimately Tim Howard, who is arguably one of the greatest goalkeepers worldwide.


Can they win it all? It’s very likely. Do you believe? If you don’t, you should believe in the Americans. The magnitude of winning and outlasting all teams to be presented with the beautiful cup could amplify the growth of a mediocre tournament and erode a relentless farce. With three matches alone, the Americans renounced an imperfect tradition and have verified a beloved tradition by performing with stamina, persistence and energy.

By virtue, the U.S. isn’t vulnerable or effortless in eliminating from contention, fighting off their weaknesses and charming without hearing critics define the Americans as obscure or an embarrassment to the States, but instead credible of capping a miracle.

There have been six consecutive World Cup appearances, including a final-eight in 2002 for the U.S., and during each contest we never brought together a friendly cult as fans are urged to celebrate historic marks and remarkable plateaus, wishing for the happiest ending in American soccer history.

Each casual fan has rejoiced this enormous moment in American sports, bigger than the Winter Games in Vancouver it seems. Although we live on a continent that doesn’t adore soccer nor share gratefulness and admiration, we have rapidly opened a chapter and turned it into a beautiful story.

Currently, the U.S. is ranked 18 places higher worldwide than Ghana, and has six straight World Cup appearances. In other words, the Americans aren’t the underdog or vulnerable, but have parity and gifted athletes to manhandle the team from Africa. In fact, the U.S. has an easier road than any other team in the World Cup.

Do the Americans a favor, applaud and appreciate what they have accomplished during a watchful tournament. Do the U.S. a favor, honor their success and wish for the best.

It’s very possible that the U.S. can win the World Cup, but it’s hard to imagine the Americans turning it into a popular sport here in the States.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Glamour, Allure, Razzle-Dazzle: Three Ingredients To David Beckham’s Legend

by Josh Dhani on September 5, 2009

CARSON, CA - AUGUST 15: David Beckham #23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy walks to the dressing room after being red-carded and ejected on a studs up tackle against Peter Vagenas #8 of Seattle Sounders FC in the first half during the MLS match at The Home Depot Center on August 15, 2009 in Carson, California. Seattle Sounders FC defeated the Galaxy 2-0. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
Written by Graham Brunell

Thanks to Taylor Rummel for edits on this article.

When you think of David Beckham, words rapidly spin around in your brain, knocking off the dust of everyday work life that bores us all.

Glamour. Allure, Razzle-dazzle. Magnificence. Appeal. Glory.

What would it be like to live the life of David Beckham, a world-wide phenom that practically represents the term “soccer superstar”?

His legacy grips us all, bewildering us to the point where we can only watch him with an expression similar to rapture and disbelief.

He is a God on the field, not quite like the monsters such as Pele or Maradona, but a behemoth in both sport and endorsement.

Early Years and Beginning

Beckham was born on May 2, 1975. A gift given to David Edward Alan Beckham and Sandra Georgina Beckham. He grew up with soccer, or in his home country, “football,” as his parents were major supporters of Manchester United.

David, of course, followed his parents’ passion for the team and football, knowing from the start that his dream was to become a professional player. He recalls that his teachers would often inquire what his goal in life was, or what he hoped his future occupation would be.

Naturally, he replied “I want to be a footballer.” Feeling it was a joke, they asked again, querying “No, what do you really want to do, for a job?” as if being an athlete to pay the bills was a preposterous belief.

His answer the second time was identical to the first answer, because, as he remembers, that was the only thing he ever wanted to do.

As a kid, he played for a local team, the Ridgeway Rovers, one of the three coaches being his father. Later in 1990, after a two-year stint playing for the Brimsdown Rovers, he was awarded the Under-15 Player of the Year.

In the year after in 1991, he signed a Young Training Scheme (YTS) contract with Manchester United, which led him to move up to Manchester to continue his academic education—while also beginning his footballing education with the club’s expert youth coaches.

Professional Football/Soccer

Manchester United

Beckham perhaps fulfilled his biggest ambition in becoming a member of the Manchester United football squad in 1992, as a pupil and amateur of the game. While he was still learning, he continued to thrive despite little experience as the team won the FA (Football Association) Youth Cup in 1992.

Years later in 1995, Beckham finally crawled to the top of the organization, making his Premier League debut, the sole powerhouse professional league around in England.

He played midfielder for the formidable and controversial MU gang, which was a big fat target for criticizers and fans to shout “down with youth” from the top of a mountain. A mountain which would soon be summited by the young, persevering team.

After falling 3-1 to Aston Villa to further elevate the critics’ intolerance of the team, the club went on a streak which was supported by drive and fresh, raw talent. They won their following five matches, going on to finish the year with both the Premier League championship and the FA Cup, which is commonly known as winning “The Double.”

Beckham cemented himself as a household name after scoring on an amazing kick in the 1996-97 season, which was shot from the halfway line.

Keep in mind that a football field is in the neighborhood of 100 (minimum length) and 110 metres (maximum length), meaning that Beckham shot the ball from a range that stretched 50-60 metres.

The relationship between Beckham and team manager Alex Ferguson, who backed him up when Beckham was face-to-face with the vitriol and wrath of impatient fans the previous season, was sliding down a dangerous hill during the early years of 2000.

This had something to do with his personal life, which began to involve photo shoots and plans for his latest football boot design and started to drift from soccer all day every day to a business. One that he loved yes, but one that he had to treat professionally and couldn’t let bias nor passion interfere with money.

Beckham, during the 2002 season, suffered an injury during a game against Argentina. There’s been accusations fired toward Aldo Duscher, the player who brought down Beckham, that allude to the possibility of the injury being set up on purpose, as Argentina was scheduled to play England in the World Cup that year.

While United did not reach the Premier League title that year (a championship they won the year earlier), Beckham agreed to sign a three-year deal with the team in May of 2002.

Like many renowned athletes, the quote “all good things must come to an end” is rarely not used. Also like other distinguished athletes, that end was not pretty.

In the 2002-03 season, Beckham was out with injury and, upon returning, was unable to earn his place back to his position. And, unfortunately for both MU and Beckham, the fury and disgust Ferguson and Beckham had for each other risen to such a level to the point where the couldn’t stand each other.

Witnesses claim that Ferguson threw (or kicked—that part of the incident is not certain) a boot at Beckham, and struck him directly above the eye. The cut required multiple stitches.

Real Madrid

While United desired to ship Beckham out to FC Barcelona, he changed their plans by signing a contract with Real Madrid, another soccer titan.

Beckham immediately became the heartthrob of the city, starting off on fire, scoring five times in his first 16 games with the team.

In 2007, Madrid won the Spanish La Liga title, the first championship for the team in three years.

Once again, the downfall of Beckham’s Madrid career happened at the end, and this time, its ugliness was also evident and conspicuous.

Beckham’s game had hit a bump in the road, and Madrid’s manager decided to start the supposedly more agile Jose Antonio Reyes on the right wing, Beckham’s usual spot. In the first nine matches Beckham started, Madrid lost seven.

Los Angeles Galaxy

Beckham would soon after release the news of his finalized five-year deal in which he would travel overseas to play football (now probably known as soccer to him) with the Los Angeles Galaxy. The deal was announced Jan. 11, 2007, and he was scheduled to officially become a member on the team July 1.

In a game against D.C. United, Beckham got over the anticipation of the many “firsts” that come with arriving at a new city; his first game as team captain, his first yellow card, his first start, and his first goal.

So far in his time with the LA Galaxy, things have not exactly gone swimmingly.

The Galaxy have been ousted from the playoffs, even failed to make them, Beckham has fought with injuries, and the fans haven’t been pleased with his performance. He’s even got into a heated rivalry with his own teammate, Landon Donovan.

However, Beckham claims he’s been dedicated to the team and the fans. Here’s what Beckham had to say about facing pressure from the organization and fans, as he has clearly fallen short of the originally high expectations: “…What you’ve seen is that I’ve been very dedicated to the Galaxy, dedicated to the fans.”

When asked about the comments Landon Donovan made about Beckham, claiming he was not giving the Galaxy 100 percent after he decided to stay in Milan further than his loan allowed him too, Beckham had this to say:

“I was given the to chance to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. If you ask any player in any league in the world, if they were given the chance to finish the season with one of the biggest clubs in the world, they would have said ‘Yes.’”

In conclusion, Beckham’s soccer career, overall, has been a success.

He’s played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, the Los Angeles Galaxy, and even internationally for England. Former manager and perhaps even enemy at times Alex Ferguson once had chosen these words to express Beckham’s remarkable work ethic and 110 percent effort: “He practiced with a discipline to achieve an accuracy that other players wouldn’t care about.”

The two-time runner-up for FIFA Player of the Year, and the highest-paid soccer star in the world, David Beckham has captured the world’s audience that is comprised not only of soccer/football fans, but fans of sport itself.

The man in the spotlight

While Beckham has grasped the attention of those following sports, he also has managed to get his name in the paper (or face on television) for other achievements.

He’s inspired illustrious films such as Bend It Like Beckham and The Goal! series. He’s written three books about his astonishing life, those being David Beckham: My Side, Beckham: My World, and Beckham: Both Feet on the Ground.

Beckham’s various outstanding feats and skills bring such diversity to sports. He’s shown that one single “sonic boom” that whistles past the goalie and rips through the net can transform in an instant into book and novel ideas, or even inspiration for a peer to make a movie.

He admired Michael Jordan, donning the No. 23 jersey twice in his honor.

Beckham had an astounding amount of followers; he was liable for an eye-popping $600 million in merchandise sales in his four years with Real Madrid.

David Beckham was the living, breathing example of how a person can transcend the limits of two passions.

Because whether it was the scream of “GOOOOALLLL!!” from an emphatic announcer, or the shriek of “I LOVE YOU DAVID!!!” from an adoring fan, Beckham always knew he was on top.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Do You Believe In Miracles? U.S. Beats Spain, 2-0, In a Stunning Victory

by Josh Dhani on June 24, 2009

Oh my, oh my! What a victory USA got to defeat Spain.

They downed them, 2-0, in a stunning victory in which everyone thought Spain would do. Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey saved the US to make sure the victory would stay with their goals to give the US a score of two, and Spain with nothing.

In the 27th minute, Altidore scored to give USA a 1-0 lead which stayed through halftime until the 74th minute in which Dempsey scored to guarantee a victory. A stunning upset if you would call it.

The US chances of winning were exceedingly slim but they proved the world that they weren’t accurate with their percentages, as Spain was honored with the mishap.

Although the US was very inaccurate in the Confederations Cup, being ranked 14th and losing the first two games, they have moved up to authentic.

It was a well-played game by the US today, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!

This article can also be seen at

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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