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[thecounter333]

The Final Touch 11

What a thrilling end to a season. We had two teams fighting at the end for the supporters shield and it couldn’t have been more exciting. For me I crave for moments like this. I figured FC Dallas were on their way to a victory but I didn’t want to jinx it. But Colorado seem to have been forgotten and managed to come back and show why this team is so serious. Kudos to these two great clubs. Now on the other spectrum of the league some of the teams just got lucky. A team that everyone threw away a chance for was DC United. They are not the only ones. Sporting KC lost fire midway and so did Real Salt Lake. On the eastern side many teams had problems as they always seem to have. There are teams that are out of the playoffs that I had to ask myself, how? What went wrong that some are in that shouldn’t be in, some are out that didn’t do enough to stay a-float.

Lets get to it….

This was a season filled with teams that truly understand grinding it out. Toronto, New York Red Bulls, Seattle Sounders, even NYCFC came and conquered. Its pains me to say that but they did. For me every single one of these teams made the necessary adjustments to find themselves in a good position. Out of the few Seattle Sounders made great moves and it paid off. Losing Clint Dempsey their star striker really took a certain edge out of the line-up. It definitely started to look as though they had no choice but to bow out. Until players stepped up and made a true difference. One in particular is Jordan Morris. He has had plenty of time to grow into the MLS skin of approval. In this league getting graded right away is very common. Stepping up with a vengeance, yearning for goal after goal paid for him and the team. There is always something that looks a little flimsy though. It’s their defense. Simply said they don’t look unified. Teams in the west are going to flirt with that back line for the entire post season. If they don’t correct that they could be out in the first round.

Then there are the teams that somehow made it into the playoffs. Sporting KC? Philadelphia Union? For real For real, DC United? These are the teams that were a true shocker to me. The biggest shock was Philly Union. No one could could have told me that the Union would even have a slight chance of making the playoffs. Even though they truly got lucky they definitely should have been the team on the outside looking in. Losing their last seven would have been the sign sealed delivered moment. One way or another it was a last minute breather for the Union. One team just happen to have a slightly worst record, New England Revolution. I’m sorry that I am naming all of these Eastern teams. Powers in the east fluctuate and makes for competitive soccer so we couldn’t ask for more drama (he sarcastically said).

Other teams were unable to get as lucky as the Union. Of course have to point out my boys in purple, the OCSC. We just didn’t have the right answer, not to mention losing Inchy in the middle of the year. It was hard for sure but many things to look forward to next season. They were not the only ones that came up short. The two teams that were the most surprising were the New England Revolution and the Portland Timbers. Wow. Two teams I truly thought had it all. I believe Portland’s problem had a lot to do with injuries and the CCL. The two combined can be a recipe for disaster. Missing key players at time that they were needed the most caught up to last years champs. New England also had a interesting time, dealing with international duty and a lack of chemistry. Main problem to me was plugging in Kei Kamara. It was all over the place with him. It just seemed as though the Revolution never really had an answer for where he fit in. I expected a ton more out of the two teams but that’s the way it goes.

My goodness, I love and hate this time of the seasons. It’s always hard to see the regular season become a memory to us all. Another one for the books but for many reasons it never failed. Guys, be proud of this league and the league will do whatever it takes to be a strong league. This regular season proved that pride and it shined throughout every club. Be sure to tune into the four knockout matches. The first two are Wednesday, the 26th of October with Toronto vs. Philly at 7:30. Then the LA Galaxy vs. RSL AT 10:30. Then on Thursday, the 27th DC United vs Montreal at 7:30 and Seattle Sounders vs. SKC AT 10:30. Every game should be a photo finish game seeing as these teams are matched perfectly. Regular Season has ended but the playoffs have begun. I’m so ready for this, are you? Who will prove to be the real deal, and what team will be a fluke? Time to find out… For those of you out there reading, I really appreciate. As always

-Just Another Soccer Lover

[thecounter333]

The Final Touch 10

Guess who's back, back again? Final touch, tell a friend. Well I have certainly missed writing about the sport of sports. While I've been gone tons of things have surfaced. Our USWNT were bumped unexpectedly. FC Dallas won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open cup expectedly. We all knew they were going to win it. The Concacaf Champions league has brought along many surprises as well. Teams got bumped that we never thought would even have that opportunity. In light of all of this we still have league to follow and believe you me, good things are happening. The playoffs are right around the corner and every team understands the importance of making a spot. If you are FC Dallas fan the only thing you are worried about is winning the shield. Others have made it and a few are still trying to beat the infamous red line. There are only three games left and the best of the league will be left. There are few teams that understand the nature of making the playoffs every year. One team I can think of right away are the L.A. Galaxy. With the experience on this team they come prepared to do their jobs, every year. This is interesting to L.A.'s cause. Even though it seems as though they will make the playoffs, LA fans, I fear how long they will stay. Their play and inconsistency has been the theme for this Galaxy team. Players getting hurt and leaving at a time where anyone would want more trustworthy options. Have no fear LA, your knight and shining armer has arrived. Guess who's back? Mr. LAndon Donovan, out of retirement to help in anyway necessary. Lots of My friends called this and few of my friends believed there was no way. Well, way, footballers. Was this the best idea though? Can Landon produce what he still has left in the tank? First let me start off by saying, players are constantly on the injury list for this team. I understand the worry of having players be healthy because teams have invested in them. When this happens though, options become slim. Stevie G has been hurt a lot this year. Along side half of the team that contributes in a big way, they realize the stress of being able to produce what they're looking for. That being said, I think alot of questions were not being answered. Landon might be the best answer. Bringing the hope of the fan base alive has been the task at hand, even after a 4-2 loss to Seattle Sounders. Even after that loss, the team seemed like nothing fazed them really. Believing in what you have can play a big role in confidence and the confidence is slowly coming back. LA not to long ago lost a big player maker as well. Nigel De Jong left and pursuid an interest in the turkish leageu at Galatassaray. Not sure of his reasoning but that kind of sucks. Time has been put into winning siverwear and he leaves? That created panic was squandered by a player that has gotten this team and USMNT out of so many binds. Like last week for example. The LA Galaxy traveled to Sporting Kansas City with an available Landon Donovan. He starts out on the bench then to come and do what he has always done, score goals. Not every teammate is on board with this seeing positions in the balance. Very interseting how Landon comes back and players are magically well. I leave that up for you to decide. Will he make a positive impact for this team to go into the next round? I do believe it could be possible. Now the negatives about him coming in, believe me there are many but I'll state a few. I know it's gone through every fan's mind. What is his true role on this squad? He can definitely make things happen, when and where though? What if after the Seattle game there is no more left to give? As a sports fan, I'm aware of the players that were able to leave their respective sports, come back and still dominate. I can't help but think about the one and only Michael Jordan. He left twice and made a difference in many ways. Last time around really didn't amount to anything but it still resonated in the hearts of all fans everywhere. I'm afraid that won't be enough of what is being asked of the great LD. The fan base in SoCal love their team. One Landon Donovan can't really make the case for the entire team. They have a very good and hungry FC Dallas team to be worried about, also a Houston team that has somehow found form. Landon could create some chances at a midfield role but nothing more. I do not believe he will be able to take on a defensive mid role. The options are slim and could help them in one area and leave them lacking in ohers. Only time will tell, unfortunately time is running out. As a fan of Landon Donovan, I really want this to work. Him come in do what he does best and save the day. How amazing would that be. I'm afraid though that too much, even though his role is supposedly limited, too much is being asked of him. I would like to thank him for being Landon Donovan, that made us stand up in joy. He has been one of my favorite players and I'm so happy we get a chance to see him again. No matter what other league lovers may say, I'm so proud we had, have, one the best in the world. Thank you guys for reading! It's so good to be back here with you, at The FINAL TOUCH. -Just Another Soccer Lover My prayers and thoughts go out to Jose Fernandez and his family. The Miami Marlin's pitcher died in a terrible boating accident. The smile of the pitcher and additude to baseball will never be forgotten on mounds around the USA.

[thecounter333]

The Final Touch 8

Hello Guys and welcome back. Football does not cease to amaze me. I am blessed as are all other fans, who witness magic in every form of this game. No matter if its a goal or a signing of that player you know is going to make a difference, we watch with excitement. Where does that put the MLS? Are we in the same discussion of the excitement level in the world. If you actually watch the MLS, everything that's going on around it has to pore out nothing but excitement. A part of that excitement is our All- Star game. Now I understand a lot of people don't get it and that's okay. I'm going to try my best to help explain why this game is very important for this league and would be for many other leagues as well. Most of the time a fan would never actually get a chance to see players they enjoy play together. This game gives us the opportunity to not only see this but to select the players that play in the game. That alone plays a big role in why it's necessary. This process brings a unity that is hard to duplicate. Other leagues in America have All Star games as well, none loom quite as large in my Opinion. Most of the other leagues play a East and West, or Conference vs. Conference. Boring! Its not everyday that we get to see the best in the league battle teams from Europe. With this league growing at a rapid rate, fans enjoy being proud supporters. When your team plays that game every Saturday you're behind your boys no matter what. And when you see that other team come out of that tunnel, all hell breaks loose. During the All Star game, when you see your DP walking on the field with the DP from another team you hate, none of that matters. The pride of this league stands on the shoulders of our stars. They make people watch and acknowlegde why they are wanting this league to do well. Its so unique that every players understand what it means to be on this roster. It not only showing they care for their team but most importantly, the league. In previous years the teams we've had available have either completely done terribly or come out as the team that wanted it more. Simply put, this game is not a friendly. It will never be a friendly, plain and simple. Even though I've seen the All Star games many times one game stuck out to me the most, Portland. Bayern Munich came here not realizing the will power to win for our team. Those MLS players fought and fought and it was truly a site to see. They felt as though they were more than just a group, they deserved to show up and win. The result ended in a 2-1 result in favor of our league. That result felt really good, even if the game means nothing in terms of standings or scores. But it's about who was willing to show up to represent. Most people will argue that this game means nothing. Some making the argument that a league that is willing to do something like this has it wrong. I understand all leagues -with the exception of a few-are way older than we are and thats fine. But the way a game can bring together a league like the MLS All- Star-there's nothing like it. Like America, this game is able to bring people from completely different backgrounds and areas, together. In other leagues fans have a hard time taking a loss in a derby. If other leagues were to implement All Star games that could show off they're league, I wonder what that would do to preserve the pride of that league? This would mean fewer fights and riots and emotions would be concentrated on football where they should be. For the MLS our focus is on soccer (football). This game is an example of that focus, bottom line. With that being said make sure to watch the 2016 All- Star game, coming to us live from the new Avaya stadium, in San Jose. Thanks again for reading, the final touch -Just Another Soccer Lover MLS All- Stars vs Arsenal Thursday, July 28th 7:30 pm EST

[thecounter333]

The Final Touch 6 (Soccer)

Football is totally a sport that giveth and taketh away. There are really good days and then there are days that hurt for years and years. The Final two games of Copa America 2016 reeked of desperation. All four teams wanted it but not in way that I was proud to see the tournament go out. Yellow and Red cards went flying the whole game. Some really bad calls were made and it set a bad taste in the mouths of the viewers. Flops left and right, intentional kicks that can injure a player for life and tempers flaring is the last thing I want to think about when watching the final two games of a very exciting tournament. I did however see a very hungry American team fight with no tactics whatsoever. Even though the plan seem set on counter attacks (which obviously is not enough), this looked like the better game against the same Colombian team we played in the first match. And what about the Argentina - Chile game? Full of chills and thrills. Maybe the wrong kind of thrills. I have never seen a chippier Final in my life. It was completely disgraceful. Two Red cards in the first half…. What the hell? Excuse my language, but those players could’ve costed the two squads the game early. Every player is important but I guess these idiots didn’t think so. In a very intense game Chile somehow won in penalties, again. With the excitement coming to an end, what’s next for soccer in America? How do we build off of this kind of exposure making us a complete federation? A lot of things to interpret from this entry today. Here is what we’ll discuss, the Final two games and the state of our federation.

The whistle has been blown, lets begin…

From where I was standing Saturday night, the entire time I was yelling at the screen. Would you like to know what I was yelling? I’ll tell you. Shoot the ball!!!!!! Every single time from beginning to the end of the match the USA team couldn’t shoot the ball in the box. They took *0* opportunities. The only time I felt they stepped up is when Clint took the free kick and Bobby hit the post. Come on man. This team gives themselves no credit at all. We are playing the same game that our opponent is playing. Take chances. Be extraordinary. If you don’t find yourselves taking any chances, the chances will be left unanswered. What was answered for me was a few players. I saw Gyasi Zarde (LA Galaxy) in such a better light. This kid can compete and works hard. His speed needs a little work but he attacks with promise. The only thing he needs now is a poachers mentality. I enjoyed the excitement around Christian Pulisic, but he clearly wasn’t ready for this level just yet. I am actually okay with that. Give him the time he needs, I guarantee he’s going to be on the level of Landon Donovan. Nagbe (PTFC) is easily one of the best players to ever wear the Red, White and Blue. He is extremely talented and can really make you pay if he gets the opportunity. He just didn’t have enough of a chance. All I’m going to say on Bobby Wood (Hamburg SV), if he can shoot the ball in the box and stay healthy he’s going to be a monster for us. I actually didn’t mind Matt Besler (SKC), he just has to command the box better. Then there is Father Prime. Clint Dempsey(Seattle Sounders) keeps the dream alive for sure. He fights and fights and it is such a breath of fresh air. He is truly a leader and I’m going to be sad to see him go. That time is not now though. Every one else just seem to do a mediocre job. Some very unnecessary tackles and fights destroyed the tempo of the game. For me no one deserved to win.

The Final really brought a rematch of Deja vu. You either liked this game or you really hated it. I do not like when teams are fighting the referee for certain calls. That annoys the crap out of me. These are two respectable Soccer federations and their behavior made them look like hooligans. It was extremely distasteful. It was Argentina’s final to lose. They lost it in a fashion that will haunt them and also make it seem as though they would have to be cursed. They lost in penalties, just like they lost in the Final last year. Before this Argentina lost a last minute goal to the European giants, Germany in the 2014 World Cup. They just seem to not be able to catch a break. I do believe with the right coach, hard times will vanish for this Argentine team. To make things hard enough, Leo Messi announced his retirement after the heartbreaking ending to Copa America. What a lost for the La Albicelest if he were to leave this team that early. He should definitely stay on for the 2018 World Cup then make a choice after. This team is simply legendary, they just have to figure out how to finish out. What a heart breaking lost for them. This game proved that football is so relevant in America with the record of attendance being the highest it’s ever been. These teams made the world watch a major Final and 3rd place match take place in America.

I know you are wondering. What does this all mean for a growing federation? Exposure. Exposure puts every figure/being in the right light. Now the right light is defined by what the figure/ being will do with it.With a few tweaks the USSF is on the right track. With our amazing USA Womens team, could you imagine if both senior teams were destroying left and right? It would create a situation where we would not only be feared as a federation but our region would be feared as well. Copa America showed us that the talent in America is rising and many are taking heed. Even though we lost the 3rd place match we fought and fought against a team that is ranked in the top ten. That is a part of what it takes to be amongst the best. Anyone remember 2006? We were ranked 4th for a while. Need I add with a great MLS representation. There is no reason why we can’t find ourselves right back into that position. But not for show, for competition. After a new coach comes on, every team clearly lays out a rebuilding stage. Its been five years since the era of Klinsmann and it hasn’t been easy. This is where we either fall or take that pressure and rebuild correctly. This federation, this family is growing at a rapid rate. MLS has a lot to do with that. As I said before, if there is a love for your club at home, then there is definitely going to be love for the National team. The way MLS has been able to bring fans in makes you proud of the smart things that are being done. With the way we broke records and showed vigor has made it very clear; we are here, fighting toe to toe Domestically and Nationally. The competitive nature of players fighting for a spot in the MLS makes the eyes gleam for what is the to come for the national team. After Copa America, I recon they’re fighting hard. With that being said, thank you guys for reading The Final Touch

- Just Another Soccer Lover

[thecounter333]

The Final Touch 5

Hello, passionate American football fans. It has been one of most fantastic summers for this sport. Euro has begun and doesn't cease to bring excitement. Some very good last minute goals that will bring the fans to their feet. Well guess what, I hope they're paying attention over there because we are making a statement that cannot be thrown to the waste side. There is no doubt that Copa has made the hairs on a babies arm stand. What a great feeling it is. I could give a preview on the Semi- final games coming up but I think this entry calls for more. This entry is about the fire to be proud as a nation of where we are. I've seen USA grind it out before. This tournament has put us on a level that reeks of eagerness and zeal. I am proud of were we have come from. I see many people walking the streets bleeding Red, white and blue. It's the best feeling when I can have a conversation with a friend about our formations and strategies creating trouble for other teams. That just warms my heart to know we have a voice. A voice that will not go away. I've been alive for 27 years and not many things excite me. The moment I saw my first live match I promise you, it changed my life. The feeling I get watching our boys gets better and better win, lose or draw. Tuesday, June 21st 2016 our boys will be playing Argentina. Easily one of the best teams in the world. This game will not disappoint. This USA team has shown they're not afraid and are willing to give it all. Tuesday will bring on tears and screaming to make a first time fan become an enthusiast. I'm proud to say because of moments like tomorrow, we'll be the soccer nation the world has been waiting for. We stand behind you boys, no matter what. One nation, one team! Always. From The Final Touch, thanks for reading! -just another soccer enthusiast

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