His entire life had led up to this moment. All that blood, sweat and tears shed from pee-wee to high school to college had all led up to this. The consistent, heavy and excited heartbeat pumped in his chest. He closed his eyes and tried to relax for a moment. But he had a red Indian head sweater on. It's hard to relax when you've grown up cheering for this team and find yourself playing for them.
"Alright boys, let's go!" He heard the call. He stood up from his locker and followed his teammates out of the locker room and down the tunnel. He grabbed his stick and waited for the cue to go out. He could hear the music and roaring of the crowd muffled by his location. he waited for a moment until his teammates started walking out. A couple guys were patting them on the back while they stepped out.
Then he heard the loud horn. Now he knew it was real. The music had changed and he stepped out of the tunnel, high-fiving fans who were sitting on both sides of the tunnel. He maneuvered through the benches and then took a small but giant step.
As soon as his skate hit the ice, he felt a rush of adrenaline and he skated out, taking warm-up laps on his team's end of the ice. He looked out at the sea of red, all making their noise for him. He could barely even hear the PA announcer, introducing the starting line-ups. But then... "Left wing, number 19, Scott... DOLAN!!!"
Unable to control himself, he smiled the widest smile he'd ever smiled. Charged up and full of energy, he skated over to the blue line and lined up for the national anthem.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
A Statement
Cobi Jones said this match was a statement match for the USMNT in their 6-1 victory over Belize. In a way, yes, it was. I kinda thought it was more of a statement for Belize, but hearing Jones saying that the US was saying it was the dominant team in this tournament made sense. This was very much a dominant performance by the US to take their first Gold Cup match.
Instead of Wondolowski, this time three other players scored. Michael Orozco, Stuart Holden--a great goal after his recent knee injury--and Landon Donovan. Donovan looks like he's starting to get back into rhythm after his little missing period. The defense was exceptional. They really recovered after that one goal that I'm sure Belize fans will be looking back at with pride.
Speaking of which, you have to give credit to Belize. They had to hold a fundraiser just to get to the Gold Cup! This truly was a David-and-Goliath match in favor of the US. It's not something American fans are really used to. But I can see, as the FSC commentators mentioned, American fans wearing Belize colors for the rest of the tournament.
Now the US has to watch out for Cuba and Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a strong team and this match won't matter. However, in another sense, it will. Three points are very important. If the US ties or loses to Costa Rica, those three points will be really important. However, I don't see the US losing in the group stage. I do think the US will beat Costa Rica and Cuba.
This game just ratchets up the confidence factor for the US. We'll see what happens in the coming games, but I do think it will be successful for the US.
Instead of Wondolowski, this time three other players scored. Michael Orozco, Stuart Holden--a great goal after his recent knee injury--and Landon Donovan. Donovan looks like he's starting to get back into rhythm after his little missing period. The defense was exceptional. They really recovered after that one goal that I'm sure Belize fans will be looking back at with pride.
Speaking of which, you have to give credit to Belize. They had to hold a fundraiser just to get to the Gold Cup! This truly was a David-and-Goliath match in favor of the US. It's not something American fans are really used to. But I can see, as the FSC commentators mentioned, American fans wearing Belize colors for the rest of the tournament.
Now the US has to watch out for Cuba and Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a strong team and this match won't matter. However, in another sense, it will. Three points are very important. If the US ties or loses to Costa Rica, those three points will be really important. However, I don't see the US losing in the group stage. I do think the US will beat Costa Rica and Cuba.
This game just ratchets up the confidence factor for the US. We'll see what happens in the coming games, but I do think it will be successful for the US.
So Far, So Good for Team USA
It's halftime in Portland right now and the USA leads Belize 3-1. It's actually been pretty evenly matched so far. Credit to Belize for playing their hearts out against the US, but the US has been playing well, too. Chris Wondolowski (not Wondowlowski!) already has a hat-trick! Belize has been keeping the US in check so far and even managed to score. A credit to them and the US had better not underestimate them. Belize has been playing great defense.
Against an opponent like this, you'd expect the US to have a 5-goal lead by now, but Belize held them scoreless for the first 10 minutes. The US really started to wake up late in the half. I expect Klinsmann to stress that the US play their passing game and be more aggressive. It will be the same for Belize.
I'll see you at the end of the match where I'll have my short little analysis.
On the Ice
A cloud of spray was thrown from the ice as Sean skidded to a stop near the boards. His Minnesota opponent also stopped and slammed him into the boards. Sean grunted from the impact, but not in pain. Several Minnesota fans got up in his face on the other side of the boards. He could hear them taunting him and his Wisconsin Badger teammates. He ignored them.
His stick clashed with the Golden Gopher defenseman. But he was unable to move. With a little elbow move, he knocked the Gopher player off of him. Now he went after the puck. The Gopher grabbed at his red sweater--essentially the Detroit Red Wings home sweater with the word "WISCONSIN" going down from the right shoulder to the left hip. Sean wristed the puck away to his captain and cousin, Jimmy.
Now the Badgers had possession of the puck and streaks of red sped down the Mariucci Arena rink. Sean looked up at the scoreboard for a second. Four minutes left and the game was tied 3-3. It seemed like only a minute ago Minnesota was up 3-0. Man, he loved comebacks.
By now, Jimmy had passed to Ritchie on the right wing. His nickname is the "Oneida Rocket". It's not a joke. The man is full-blooded Oneida and fast as hell out on the ice. He sped down the ice with puck in hand and prepared to shoot on goal. However, the goalie was watching him. "METOXEN!!" Sean shouted.
Ritchie noticed him and passed to him. Sean wristed a one-timer at the goalie. He watched it fly through the air, its spin propelling it. The goalie reacted as quickly as he could, but Sean could see it wasn't good enough. The puck flew past the goalie and into the net.
"YEAAAH!!" His shouts were the only sounds in the entire arena. The crowd had fallen silent. Just to rub it in, he showboated in front of the Badgers' hated rivals. He would have given a certain gesture, but he had class. And the Minnesota crowd didn't deserve a gesture like that.
However, the most important things was that the Badgers were up 4-3. In four minutes, they would vanquish their hated rivals.
His stick clashed with the Golden Gopher defenseman. But he was unable to move. With a little elbow move, he knocked the Gopher player off of him. Now he went after the puck. The Gopher grabbed at his red sweater--essentially the Detroit Red Wings home sweater with the word "WISCONSIN" going down from the right shoulder to the left hip. Sean wristed the puck away to his captain and cousin, Jimmy.
Now the Badgers had possession of the puck and streaks of red sped down the Mariucci Arena rink. Sean looked up at the scoreboard for a second. Four minutes left and the game was tied 3-3. It seemed like only a minute ago Minnesota was up 3-0. Man, he loved comebacks.
By now, Jimmy had passed to Ritchie on the right wing. His nickname is the "Oneida Rocket". It's not a joke. The man is full-blooded Oneida and fast as hell out on the ice. He sped down the ice with puck in hand and prepared to shoot on goal. However, the goalie was watching him. "METOXEN!!" Sean shouted.
Ritchie noticed him and passed to him. Sean wristed a one-timer at the goalie. He watched it fly through the air, its spin propelling it. The goalie reacted as quickly as he could, but Sean could see it wasn't good enough. The puck flew past the goalie and into the net.
"YEAAAH!!" His shouts were the only sounds in the entire arena. The crowd had fallen silent. Just to rub it in, he showboated in front of the Badgers' hated rivals. He would have given a certain gesture, but he had class. And the Minnesota crowd didn't deserve a gesture like that.
However, the most important things was that the Badgers were up 4-3. In four minutes, they would vanquish their hated rivals.
US Soccer and the Gold Cup
It's been a while since I've written anything about US Soccer. But the Red White and Blue begin their quest to knock off the Mexican in the CONCACAF Gold Cup team tonight in Portland against Belize. The game will be telecast on Fox Soccer. The past two Gold Cups have seen the Mexican team dominate the US in the final. The 2011 final saw the ousting of then-head coach Bob Bradley who was replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann. At the time it looked like Mexico was going to dominate CONCACAF for years to come and the US was going to end up relegated to second-place.
My, how times have changed.
Instead, Mexico have been struggling throughout the Hex and the US has been flying high. Their only loss this year was against Honduras on a hot afternoon. Mexico has yet to break out of a funk were they've tied most of their matches, even in their impenetrable fortress Estadio Azteca. That included a scoreless draw against the hated Gringos.
Now, with Mexico losing 2-1 in their opening Gold Cup group stage match against Panama. The blood is in the water and the CONCACAF sharks can smell it coming from the hated giants. Tonight the US will take on Belize in what looks to be a decisively pro-US crowd in Portland, home of Timbers Army (although that might not matter. Panama defeated Mexico in a pro-Mexico crowd in the Rose Bowl). Long-time American superstar Landon Donovan will lead a high-class "B" team in their quest to win the Gold Cup for the first time in six years.
However, Belize won't go down quietly. They've already made waves with the President of Belize's FA declaring that he wants his team to embarrass the American team. Strong words coming from a country making its first Gold Cup appearance.
However, the US should be wary and they should not take them lightly. The US has been on the winning side of several big-time upsets themselves, especially Landon Donovan. Indeed, according to some words by Kyle Beckerman, they're not taking Belize lightly. The "Jaguars", as they're known, once held Mexico scoreless back in 2008 before Mexico pulled away for a 2-0 victory. Indeed, even Canada lost to Martinique. It's possible this Gold Cup might be a tournament of upsets.
But the US has an advantage with big-name stars and a few part-timers on this team. This is could be a B+ team, if you want to call it that. It's not just Donovan, who's making his first MNT appearance in over a year, but Oguchi Onyewu and Stuart Holden, both MNT regulars before knee injuries temporarily halted their careers. Also in the mix are Mix Diskerud and Kyle Beckerman. Diskerud shows serious promise for the national team while Beckerman is solid, but not World Cup material.
Either way, it looks to be an interesting match tonight. I expect the US, boosted by a pro-US crowd to break the chain of upsets, but Belize will keep it close. I don't make predictions, so I'll just watch and see what happens.
My, how times have changed.
Instead, Mexico have been struggling throughout the Hex and the US has been flying high. Their only loss this year was against Honduras on a hot afternoon. Mexico has yet to break out of a funk were they've tied most of their matches, even in their impenetrable fortress Estadio Azteca. That included a scoreless draw against the hated Gringos.
Now, with Mexico losing 2-1 in their opening Gold Cup group stage match against Panama. The blood is in the water and the CONCACAF sharks can smell it coming from the hated giants. Tonight the US will take on Belize in what looks to be a decisively pro-US crowd in Portland, home of Timbers Army (although that might not matter. Panama defeated Mexico in a pro-Mexico crowd in the Rose Bowl). Long-time American superstar Landon Donovan will lead a high-class "B" team in their quest to win the Gold Cup for the first time in six years.
However, Belize won't go down quietly. They've already made waves with the President of Belize's FA declaring that he wants his team to embarrass the American team. Strong words coming from a country making its first Gold Cup appearance.
However, the US should be wary and they should not take them lightly. The US has been on the winning side of several big-time upsets themselves, especially Landon Donovan. Indeed, according to some words by Kyle Beckerman, they're not taking Belize lightly. The "Jaguars", as they're known, once held Mexico scoreless back in 2008 before Mexico pulled away for a 2-0 victory. Indeed, even Canada lost to Martinique. It's possible this Gold Cup might be a tournament of upsets.
But the US has an advantage with big-name stars and a few part-timers on this team. This is could be a B+ team, if you want to call it that. It's not just Donovan, who's making his first MNT appearance in over a year, but Oguchi Onyewu and Stuart Holden, both MNT regulars before knee injuries temporarily halted their careers. Also in the mix are Mix Diskerud and Kyle Beckerman. Diskerud shows serious promise for the national team while Beckerman is solid, but not World Cup material.
Either way, it looks to be an interesting match tonight. I expect the US, boosted by a pro-US crowd to break the chain of upsets, but Belize will keep it close. I don't make predictions, so I'll just watch and see what happens.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Frustration
I happen to be one of millions of people my age who can't get a job. We do all the right things; we apply, we interview well, we make a very good impression, but nothing ever comes our way. WHY!? What's wrong with us? Is it my attitude? Right now, I have no clue. It's getting so, so frustrating when you think you have the right qualifications for a job and someone says "No" and doesn't tell you exactly why. I've changed my attitude. I tried to "Hit the pavement", but nothing works. We keep getting told to "just get a job" and it's not that easy.
I wish it was that easy. I have a college degree and had a great internship last year where I found some contacts. I even had two interviews back in March. I got nothing. I left my resume at stores and restaurants. I had interviews there, and I still got nothing! I've been yelled at for not getting a job. Why would someone blame me for not getting a job?
Of course, I'm not sure how much of it is my fault. I'm not lazy, I'm a hard worker. And I'm not entitled. Just going for the past several months without so much as an offer is humbling. My reason for making this is frustration. And one can't blame me for being frustrated with a never-ending job search. I'm a twenty-something out of college who can't find employment. At all.
Of course, I'm not sure how much of it is my fault. I'm not lazy, I'm a hard worker. And I'm not entitled. Just going for the past several months without so much as an offer is humbling. My reason for making this is frustration. And one can't blame me for being frustrated with a never-ending job search. I'm a twenty-something out of college who can't find employment. At all.
And there are millions of me. And it's only getting worse.
They Mean to Win WIMBLEDON!!
In all seriousness, congrats to Andy Murray for winning Wimbledon yesterday. Seventy-seven years since the last Brit won the prestigious tennis tournament since Fred Perry back in 1936. It's kind of like the Cubs' streak, but unlike the Brits, the Cubs have no chance of winning the World Series... ever.
With that out of the way, I am constantly reminded of Monty Python's "Science Fiction Sketch" where tennis-playing alien blancmanges turn the entire population of England into Scotsman. The only man who stands between the blancmanges and their dastardly attempts at winning Wimbledon? A Scotsman named Angus Podgorny. Looking back, I can't help but laugh now that a Scotsman, Murray, has proven the Pythons right and wrong at the same time!
I wonder what the Pythons are thinking right now...
With that out of the way, I am constantly reminded of Monty Python's "Science Fiction Sketch" where tennis-playing alien blancmanges turn the entire population of England into Scotsman. The only man who stands between the blancmanges and their dastardly attempts at winning Wimbledon? A Scotsman named Angus Podgorny. Looking back, I can't help but laugh now that a Scotsman, Murray, has proven the Pythons right and wrong at the same time!
I wonder what the Pythons are thinking right now...
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