March 15, 2007
United Host Chivas in Cup Semifinal
United's got a big one lined up tonight. Waiting at their doorstep is CD Guadalajara, better known as Chivas. One of the most storied clubs in the Mexican soccer, Chivas have 11 league titles under their belts, currently a record. They also have the distinction of only using Mexican players throughout their history.
Tonight's game is the first leg of a home-and-home series, the semifinal match in the CONCACAF Champion's Cup. U.S. teams have traditionally had great difficulty on Mexican soil, so it is important for United to get a favorable result tonight. Standing in their way is a Chivas team led by Mexican internationals Ramón Morales and Omar Bravo. Being an attacking team, Chivas should create enough chances to test Troy Perkins' strained right quadriceps. How he responds will be key to United's success. Backup Jay Nolly struggled in their last game (though it was played under extremely difficult conditions), so United are really counting on a strong outing by Perkins.
We just got word that the crowd is expected to surpass 22,000, so if you were planning on attending this one, you're probably going to want to secure your tickets ASAP.
Who Needs Freddy?
United have acquired what looks to be the final piece to this year's squad, a Brazilian midfielder named Fred currently playing in Australia. His arrival is being held-up due to some rights issues being touted by the Australian league. Fred would fill Freddy Adu's old spot on the right wing.
Boswell's Blog Set For Launch... With Martinis!
Bobby Boswell is mighty serious about blogging. So serious, he's having a party. Bowell's bash, a launch party for BobbyBoswell.com, is being held Tuesday at Play Lounge on Connecticut Ave., starting at nine. The real party starts at 10, when LADIES DRINK FOR FREE!!! As bloggers, we got the official invite, but the party is open to all, as long as you preregister.
Photo by Kyle Gustafson.
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Fred? What's up with these South American football players and their one-name names? Ronaldhino? Ronaldo? Pele? Are they soccer divos?
It's not limited to soccer, the Denver Nuggets have a player from Brazil named "Nene." For some reason it's much more prevelant in Brazillian soccer players than players from other countries. All of the players you named are Brazillian.
My understanding is two thing of Brazilian culture and history lead convention of players having a single name:
1.) The use of a nickname is a sign of intimancy in may cultures, ours, brazil, etc.
2.) Soccer was historcally a sport played by the "lower classes" in Brazil. Players from higher social classes would hide their roots by using one name.
3.)Over time, and the class stigma of soccer lessed, the use of one name stuck out of habit.
I am not an expert, so I hope I am not just spreading an urban myth.