More likely than not, five years from now, in 2020, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior will be the best player in the world. Lionel Messi has a few years left in his prime, but when the Argentine wizard is 33, and Neymar is as old as Messi is today, 28, it’s hard to see Messi… Continue reading Neymar Must Choose His Mentors Carefully
Author: Elliott Niblock
FIFA Women’s World Cup Final Preview: USA v. Japan
After taking down top-ranked Germany, the United States Women’s National Team is headed to Vancouver for a rematch of the 2011 World Cup Final against Japan. Although Japan’s route to BC Place Stadium was perhaps not the perfect storybook narrative—barely escaping an upset against England, who went out tragically on a stoppage time own goal—the… Continue reading FIFA Women’s World Cup Final Preview: USA v. Japan
The Timbers Army: Exemplary Support
As I walked with the Timbers Army—the “ultras” among Portland Timbers fans—out of Yankee Stadium on the evening of April 19, elated by Dairon Asprilla’s 79th minute match-winner, I was stopped by a stadium security guard. He was not halting me for foul language, or trying to confiscate a flask; rather, he was thanking us… Continue reading The Timbers Army: Exemplary Support
USWNT Round of 16 Preview and American Support
The US Women’s National Team is into the knockout round of the Women’s World Cup, and will face Colombia on Monday night, as the two teams battle to earn a spot in the quarterfinals against China. The Americans will be clear favorites when they take the field in Edmonton, but they would do well not… Continue reading USWNT Round of 16 Preview and American Support
Copa America: Three Can’t-Miss Games This Week
I have a great deal of time for CONCACAF’s Gold Cup. I’ll watch, and support, the US Men’s National Team at this year’s tournament, in what might be a second swan song for midfielder-turned-wingback Demarcus Beasley. Last time round, I had the pleasure of attending the Final of the 2013 tournament in Chicago, and given… Continue reading Copa America: Three Can’t-Miss Games This Week
Women’s World Cup: USA’s War on Turf
On the afternoon of July 17, 2011, I was huddled among friendly star-spangled strangers in a soccer bar in Cambridge, MA, alternating between gnashing my teeth, and chewing on my USA scarf like a piece of long, blue cotton taffy. I was playing (martyr-)witness to an amazing match between the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT)… Continue reading Women’s World Cup: USA’s War on Turf
MLS Conferences: A False Dichotomy
That the MLS does things differently from its European counterparts is clear. Whereas in most European leagues, teams at the bottom of the table are relegated, making room for the top teams in lower divisions to be promoted, the MLS has no promotion system, and only accepts new teams through ‘expansion,’ similar to the NFL… Continue reading MLS Conferences: A False Dichotomy
La Liga Suspended: “Disparity or Death”?
As things stand in La Liga’s table, the season seems poised for a photo finish between the two perennial houses of Spanish power: Barcelona, and Real Madrid. The Catalan giants hold the advantage, with a four point lead over Real, and two games left to play. But even as Barça can secure the title with… Continue reading La Liga Suspended: “Disparity or Death”?
EPL Relegation Battle: What to Watch, and Why
In most professional sports, the politics of the playground are far from mind. Of course, even as adults, we don’t want to be picked last, to be in the final group of athletes bringing up the rear, but when it comes to professional sports in America, whether the team you cheer for ends up dead… Continue reading EPL Relegation Battle: What to Watch, and Why
Manchester United: Theater of Dreams in 2016
Manchester United’s Old Trafford is often billed as the Theater of Dreams. This season, however, it’s been more like the vaudeville show of half-waking mediocrity—at least by Man U’s demanding standards. Although they look favored to finish in the top four, thus earning a Champion’s League berth, with a fifteen point gap between them and… Continue reading Manchester United: Theater of Dreams in 2016