I'll do my part to help D.C. United win the attendance race....Pachuca is going down.

Could it be? 1st post? YESSSSS!!

Greta info as usual Goffinho.

VAMOS UNITED!

Smitty!!

While I admire what you posted and support you wholeheartedly, would it have killed you to wait just a few more seconds? :)

United can do the business.

Smitty!!

While I admire what you posted and support you wholeheartedly, would it have killed you to wait just a few more seconds? :)

United can do the business.

Posted by: Kosh | April 9, 2008 10:02 AM

Kosh, why the hell do you care if you're first? It is so lame of you.

It'll be interesting to see if we get 20k for tonight what the Nats figure will wind up being.

Do away goals count in this competition?

VAMOS UNITED!!!!!Barra Brava in the house!!! lets make it happen guys!!!

No

Do away goals count in this competition?

Posted by: Michael | April 9, 2008 10:19 AM

No they dont!

I played for a season in Quito at 9300 feet.

Upon arrival, walking up one flight of steps saw my heart rate jump to 130 and I got dizzy.

After a week I was able to do 4 to 5 flights without stopping, but the idea of running was laughable.

After a month I was able to run a mile without stopping, but I still felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest.

Liverpool must have a pact with the Devil. A clear penalty against Liverpool denied at Arsenal last week, a blatant dive given a penalty for Liverpool yesterday. What a bunch of cheats. Gerrard, Kuyt, Babbel, all of them, cheating, diving super cheats. They make Ruiz look like an honest character.

More evidence that the FIFA rankings are utter crap. That is, every time they come out they provide new evidence. Couldn't they just stop doing them?

Note that the FIFA rankings link is for men's teams. Our women's team replaced Germany in the top slot.

http://fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=f/fullranking.html

While it's good that we get high attendance, my main objective is to win tonight. 20k or higher attendants wouldn't send United to the final or to Japan to represent our Country and the City but winning will. Nats and Wizards are good for their fans but outside of the gate of this country they are none existance. So, we need to get behind the team that competes on the globle stage.
By the way, local networks mentioned Nat's game tonight but delivertly silent mentiong of United competing for a chompions cup against Mexican Powerhouse club. Interesting.

We stand a chance now that I'm suspended.

Wednesday night game in KC? What's the over/under on attendance there? 6k?

In the immortal words of Jean Paul Sartre, 'Au revoir, gopher'.

3 teams all with attendence near 20k with start times near or at 7:30 tonight should make for lovely ride on Metro.
4-2 'Pool not sure how a fantom penalty changes the outcome still 3-2 and how about the handball to set up the foreign legions 1st goal??? Look like somebody would rather see Arsenal rather than 'Pool

Is anyone else's tv guide (I'm talking about the guide on my t.v., not the magazine) showing Shalke-Barcelona at 2:30 on ESPN2??? I would much rather watch the Roma-ManU game. Hopefully it's a mistake....

Everyone,

Just wanted to let my fellow United fans know that I am in preliminary discussions to open up a DC United themed bar/pub in Bethesda, MD. I am looking to attract a couple of investors who love United, soccer, and all other Washington sports. Do you guys think this is a good idea? Also, Goff, what are you hearing about Riquelme coming to MLS for $15 million. It is being reported on ESPN Deportes, so I think this rumor could have some bearing.

The tweelamn injury seems to be linger whcih was predictable about not getting his transfer in January. Let's see what happens in August.

Everyone,
Just wanted to let my fellow United fans know that I am in preliminary discussions to open up a DC United themed bar/pub in Bethesda, MD. I am looking to attract a couple of investors who love United, soccer, and all other Washington sports. Do you guys think this is a good idea? Also, Goff, what are you hearing about Riquelme coming to MLS for $15 million. It is being reported on ESPN Deportes, so I think this rumor could have some bearing.
Posted by: DC United Fan | April 9, 2008 10:53 AM
xxxxx
Excellent idea. Best of luck! Too bad it's not in Arlington. Riquelme, even if there is slight truth into it, he won't be coming to United. We already have a play maker.

Smitty!!

While I admire what you posted and support you wholeheartedly, would it have killed you to wait just a few more seconds? :)

United can do the business.
__________________________________

Sorry, Kosh....but, you know that was my plan! :)

At least even you recognize how much you suck these days Mr. Bob Boswell.
You been officially dropped from my fantasy teams.

Anyone know if the Womens Olympic Qualifiers is being streamed online

Can anyone figure out the espn 2 game at 245? The ever trustworthy Goff says man u - roma my tv says schalke - barca. I am planning on skipping out of work to watch barca-if they are on.

DC United Fan, I think that's an awesome idea. I have thought about doing the same thing, but for the Metros (NOT Red Bull) in Harrison in a couple years, but Bethesda is a much better location than Harrison-- year round business assured, and unimpressive competition nearby.

CASK ALE IN IMPERIAL PINTS PLZ.

Everyone,

Just wanted to let my fellow United fans know that I am in preliminary discussions to open up a DC United themed bar/pub in Bethesda, MD. I am looking to attract a couple of investors who love United, soccer, and all other Washington sports. Do you guys think this is a good idea? Also, Goff, what are you hearing about Riquelme coming to MLS for $15 million. It is being reported on ESPN Deportes, so I think this rumor could have some bearing.

Posted by: DC United Fan | April 9, 2008 10:53 AM
________________________________

You can bet I would patronize such an establishment.

DCBird, sorry but if you're talking about Sartre's nickname for Simone de Beauvoir it was, embarrassingly for English speakers, "the Beaver" - "le castor" in French. And he died before her by the way.

Sorry but I just finished a book about their relationship.

Let the relevant commentary continue.

can you put a spam filter on blog posts to not allow any posts that include "1st" or "first"? those posts are possibly more annoying than mastodon juan.

So, yesterday morning I was watching NBC4 news and they mentioned metro's challenges on Wednesday with the Nats and "the DC United" both having games.

I had heard the "the DC United" several times before and decided it was time to let NBC4 know the appropriate way to refer to United.

Anyway, today they refer to United correctly when discussing the parking challenges for the Nats fans at RFK, but mistakenly said that the Nats, Wizards, and Caps all had games tonight.

While I will definitely be at United's game tonight, I am interested in seeing the Caps and the Wizards play at the same time.

@ DC United Fan:

Count me in as another patron. It's not often I voluntarily cross the line into the People's Republic, but for a cold beverage and good food (you said good food, right?) while watching United play, I'm in. I'll even bring my Benny bobblehead.

Save me a seat, will ya?

Interesting piece by Nationals beat writer Barry Svrluga in today's WaPo regarding the original folks who brought the baseball team to DC (yeah, and temporarily trashed RFK, I know). This is what Barry writes that former Nats President Tony Tavares is doing:

"Now, his new venture is as chief executive of Sports Properties Acquisitions Corp., a firm that has raised more than $200 million of capital and intends to purchase a pro sports franchise, a restaurant chain, an agency, a food-service for sports franchises -- some large business that has ties to the sports or entertainment industries. Among the company's board members are baseball legend Hank Aaron, former quarterback and U.S. representative Jack Kemp and Mario Cuomo, the former governor of New York."

Now that the current DCU ownership group isn't getting its real estate wishes with Poplar Point anymore, what's the point of their continued investment in DCU?

4-2 'Pool not sure how a fantom penalty changes the outcome still 3-2 and how about the handball to set up the foreign legions 1st goal??? Look like somebody would rather see Arsenal rather than 'Pool

Posted by: Glove | April 9, 2008 10:52 AM

You must be a Scouse retard. How is it 3-2 when the last goal (for 4-2) came on a break away with Arsenal having everyone forward to level? You'll Never Have a Job, You'll Never Have a Job....Again.

Foreign Legion? Take a good look at Liverpool.

For tonight...

Wizards - 19k announced (15k actually there)
Nationals - 22k announced (15k actually there)
United - 16k (16k actually there)

@DC United Fan

Would it be worth it to talk to the team and see what it would be to get that pub opened in conjunction with the stadium (when/where it opens). I know that the Rapids have theirs and couldn't think of a better way to have a year-round anchor to host Supporters and others that would like to watch games in the close season.

If not even as part of the official stadium development - how about one near it? Sort of like the pub near Highbury that all the Gooners gather before the walk up to the Emirates.

" those posts are possibly more annoying than mastodon juan."

If I didn't exist, Goff would have to invent me.

(pace Voltaire-- see, I went to college too)

Interesting piece by Nationals beat writer Barry Svrluga in today's WaPo regarding the original folks who brought the baseball team to DC (yeah, and temporarily trashed RFK, I know). This is what Barry writes that former Nats President Tony Tavares is doing:

"Now, his new venture is as chief executive of Sports Properties Acquisitions Corp., a firm that has raised more than $200 million of capital and intends to purchase a pro sports franchise, a restaurant chain, an agency, a food-service for sports franchises -- some large business that has ties to the sports or entertainment industries. Among the company's board members are baseball legend Hank Aaron, former quarterback and U.S. representative Jack Kemp and Mario Cuomo, the former governor of New York."

Now that the current DCU ownership group isn't getting its real estate wishes with Poplar Point anymore, what's the point of their continued investment in DCU?

Posted by: Juan-John | April 9, 2008 11:21 AM

OK, how are you connecting these two seemingly unconnected dots in your mind?

*Roma faces a 2-0 deficit in the Champions League quarterfinal at Manchester United (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

--------------

Is there any place to watch that online for free? Or do i just get scoreboard updates?

Goff,

A common theme that I am seeing in the media and in my personal life is that Americans are larely uneducated when it comes to International Competitions ALA CCC, SuperLiga, Copa Sudamericana, etc. As children we are brought up watching the NBA, NFL, MLB. Those teams rarely (if ever) play outside of their leagues. As a result, they place more importance on MLS league games instead.

Have you ever pondered writing a piece about this?

Would it be worth it to talk to the team and see what it would be to get that pub opened in conjunction with the stadium (when/where it opens). I know that the Rapids have theirs and couldn't think of a better way to have a year-round anchor to host Supporters and others that would like to watch games in the close season.

If not even as part of the official stadium development - how about one near it? Sort of like the pub near Highbury that all the Gooners gather before the walk up to the Emirates.

Posted by: Virginia Blue Blood

That's a must at Poplar Point. Good revenue from United fans (who will be doing less tailgating). Plus Nationals fans will be taking advantage of the Poplar Point parking to access Nats Park - they can stop in for a drink when United are not playing.

(And yes, I know I'm talking about Poplar Point as if it's an actuality. Power of positive thinking...zzzzzzzzzzzz)

*Soccer pub in Bethesda -- YES.

*Au revoir Gopher -- Carl Spackler quoting Sartre, not Sartre his own bad self. Just trying to make gopher's last hours on earth as peaceful as possible. Nothing to be worried about.

Some places where you can find the ManU-Roma match can be found here.

an anyone figure out the espn 2 game at 245? The ever trustworthy Goff says man u - roma my tv says schalke - barca. I am planning on skipping out of work to watch barca-if they are on.
Posted by: pigman sweet | April 9, 2008 11:08 AM
xxxxxxx
My TV says ManU v. Roma is on ESPN2 as also mentioned by Derek Rae on yesterday's broadcase that it would ManU. Barca game will be on ESPN Deportes.

@Juan-John

I believe that DCU's ownership has a committed idea that the stadium development would help their other businesses in life.

However, Chang comes to almost every game, if I'm correct, and MacFarlane attends a good amount as well. These guys paid for a Designated player when they didn't really have to and seem to generally care about the team. I tend to believe that these guys are more committed than some give them credit.

Now - it's the Laettner and Davis part of DC United Holdings that was only here to ride the coattails of real estate development. I haven't heard of nor seen them at anything since that initial press conference. I guess they are about as visible owners as they were players in the NBA.

Today may be the first time ever that ESPN has opted for the matchup without a UK team...

Just trying to make gopher's last hours on earth as peaceful as possible. Nothing to be worried about.

Posted by: WNT fan | April 9, 2008 11:37 AM

Don't mind this - doctor's orders!

So continuing this theme, if Pachuca is Mr. Gopher, does that make United Mr. Squirrel tonight?

"Americans are larely uneducated when it comes to International Competitions "

Or maybe they legitimately care more about beating NY or Chicago than beating a team from Aguascalientes or Valparaíso that they probably have never heard of. Why should Goff be involved in promoting soccer snobbery, when he already does the basic work of writing previews and recaps of the games themselves?

I guess they are about as visible owners as they were players in the NBA.

Posted by: Virginia Blue Blood | April 9, 2008 11:44 AM

========================

But they pwned UVA.

Today may be the first time ever that ESPN has opted for the matchup without a UK team...

Posted by: RK

They didn't. Manchester United v Roma on the deuce. Would be foolish not to show the English clubs, they draw the best ratings in the US (aside from Mexican clubs). The other option might be Barca, but they are sh*t at the moment anyway.

Mastodon Juan:

I never claim snobbery. I don't know how you draw that out of what I wrote. What I wrote is that the majority of the population is uneducated when it comes to International Competitions because they arent exposed to it as children with the current crop of American sports.

Aren't we supposed to grow the sport? Isn't that a major part of the sport in every other country of the world? That's all I'm saying.

@ Modibo

I was quoting Caddyshack...

So continuing this theme, if Pachuca is Mr. Gopher, does that make United Mr. Squirrel tonight?

Posted by: Rob | April 9, 2008 11:54 AM

The eagle that rips the head off of Mr. Gopher and eats its innards..

DUH!

Why is Boswell out? Two yellows or one red? If it is two yellows, do yellows from early rounds carry over all the way through the tournament? Which United players, if any, are in danger of suffering Boswell's fate if they get any more cards?

strago -- don't fret about Mastodon Juan. He surely discounts international competitions as unimportant since his Red Bulls don't ever get to compete in such contests.

Strago, I just don't understand what sort of sports article Goff is supposed to write to "educate" people. He already writes previews and re-caps of these competitions, and mentions the World Club Championship or whatever it's called.

When DC United-- his beat, after all-- plays in the World Club Championship, I assure you people will get the message. But to make a big deal about CONCACAF, which is essentially a qualifier for the WCC in that sense, or more laughably Superliga or Sudamericana, does something besides presenting facts.

It would be an unimpeachable argument to the general public that qualifying for the categorically highest-level competition for all teams throughout the world is a big deal. And I would expect Goff to be sent to Japan in that case.

But to underscore the great importance of international competitions that people haven't heard of and don't, in the scheme of things, intuitively mean a lot, seems patronizing.

Just a little silliness. From Chris Coolley's Blog:

"20. Any chance I will be supporting DC United this season? I actually just started following our team. I randomly played golf at Raspberry Falls a couple months ago with Jaime Moreno. He was awesome, so I gotta start watching soccer."

Captain Caveman in the Barra Brava for a match?!?! I foresee a punishing night of beers!!!

So do most teams. Ask any kid if they'd rather play at Duke or UVA and if they say UVA I'll say their crazy.

We don't offer the same caliber of tutors.

Or maybe they legitimately care more about beating NY or Chicago than beating a team from Aguascalientes or Valparaíso that they probably have never heard of.
==========================================

If people are educated about the significance of competitions against the likes of Aguascalientes and Valparaíso, and they still choose to focus their attention on the domestic league, that is their prerogative. But as the saying goes, you don't know what you don't know. Part of the appeal of soccer is precisely that it is a change of pace from other sports. Why should Goff withhold this part of the picture from his readers?

Everyone,
Just wanted to let my fellow United fans know that I am in preliminary discussions to open up a DC United themed bar/pub in Bethesda, MD. I am looking to attract a couple of investors who love United, soccer, and all other Washington sports. Do you guys think this is a good idea?

Posted by: DC United Fan | April 9, 2008 10:53 AM

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia!

I think you need to have a ring of Asian gamblers playing Russian Roulette in the basement. Just a thought.

Tonight the Wiz (DC not KC) will sell out easily. DC and the Nats will do just fine but the Nats will get every single one of the vendors, as well as every single on-duty police officer to protect the fans.

Which means DC and Pachuca fans will be in a beer-less RFK without police protection...should be fun.

According to ESPN's site, the Deuce has the Man U-Roma game -- even if your Comcast listings show Barca-Schalke.

To Strago: It's not just Americans. Did you watch the America-Pachuca game? Full house, very pumped. Contrast that with empty seats when DC United was in town. There were empty seats in Kingston, as well, when DCU was in Jamaica. I feel like I've seen empty seats even for some UEFA early rounders, in some countries. When some team the locals have never heard of comes in town for some tourney that's not the one they've been going to for years, it isn't necessarily as thrilling as you think it should be.

DCUnited fan -- The bar in Bethesda? Well, I live in Bethesda, so I guess I'd go sometimes. I'm curious about it, though. Clearly, you can't expect crowds during home games? The real fans are at the game. This isn't Manchester where the real fans can't even get tickets. I might suggest that you try to work out an arrangement where the league/club let's you show the match on tape delay. People might come for that, even if United's official bar is Finn MacCool's. Never been there, but I've been to Belga (across the street), after games, and seen people going in and out of Finn's, with their jerseys on.

Of course, you might get some folks for DCU away games, but your real strength will be showing US National games and other internationals. You'd be competing with Summers, but there is surely a bunch of us that would love to have a place in Montgomery County, instead of making the trek down into Arlington.

My point being that there's probably a place for a soccer bar in Bethesda (though even Summers is positioned as a sports bar, not just soccer). I might even be interested in talking business, if you're looking for help or investors. I'm just not sure that the United theme will be a big attraction. In fact, with Chatters gone (is it coming back?) there might be call for a sports pub.

Chaos, not Caveman. I always do that.

Juan --

I think Strago's orginal point --one that I agree with -- that people don't even understand the international copmpetitions. I know when I first started following soccer, it took me a while to get that teams play in games besides their league contests. It's just a foreign (ha!) concept to many Americans because it's so different from other American sports.

In talking to people who only casually follow DC United, it's not uncommon to find that they don't "get" competitions like the CCC. There's people who, if told that DCU is playing a Mexican team, will wonder whether MLS has now expanded to Mexico or simply think it is a meaningless exhibition. The idea that it is a real competition that actually counts for something against a team not in your league is very different from anything in the American sports psyche. There's a huge difference between education/informing people about the CCC and other international competitions (which Strago suggested) and telling people that they are more important than league games (which he did not).

That said, I'm not quite sure how would be a good way to educate people -- though I think educating would be a good idea. Obviously articles about the games themselves would be the appropriate venue and Goff does that. I don't know if a separete piece about the CCC would make much sense. More ideal would be ESPN (or other mainstream national sports media) covering the competition and providing some explainations to the masses, but I don't expect that any time soon.

No police protection? What will we do when we're confronted with the Pachuca hooligans?

Don't put words in my mouth, anonymous. I do think international competitions mean a lot. But I'm a devoted soccer fan, and I choose to invest my time in learning more about the intricate details of the sport.

The information is already out there, in Goff's stories, that DC United plays in international tournaments. NEWS would be if they qualified for/played in Japan in December.

By the way, the Metrostars did qualify, ONCE, for an international tournament, the Merconorte, which with the Mercosur was the precursor to the Sudamericana, about which so many here make a big deal. Wasn't a success, but we did technically get past Chivas when they pathetically bailed out on playing us in October 2001, citing Sept 11th as their reason. Millonarios clobbered us, but we also beat Deportivo Italchacao. Nobody's making a big deal about it, and I'd love to see us not suck so much that we could play internationally again, but I'd like call BS on the "sour grapes" charge. If anything, DC fans pretend their grocery store Norton grapes are in fact Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Bordeaux.

Fisch Fry,

The Harbour view game had 6,985, which is 15 people less than capacity. But you're point is made.

tri-village,

Good point!

It still doesn't change the fact I think it would be a nice side piece to the "previews" and "match reports". Maybe it gets the casual soccer fan interested after reading about all the history involved, traditions, etc. Maybe it doesnt. Who knows that's why people write ( I would but I suck at writing).

To you Arsenal fans...sure, an iffy penalty call, but if you want to blame anyone you should blame Bendtner (?) for stopping your sure goal in the first leg. That would have made all the difference.

Wah...the refs are awful...it's never our own fault.

How can Liverpool be more of a "foreign legion" than Arsenal? Arsenal starts how many England players again? Oh, right...

Joe Doc:

People's Republic? Compare Maryland with our neighboring state, Virginia:

- Virginia has stuck with the title "Commonwealth of Virginia", in what looks to me like longing for the days of monarchy. Further evidence of this fact is the "Scenic Patriot" Virginia license plate, which in fact shows a filthy Redcoat using his fife to lead the British into battle with our brave revolutionary militias (no, I am not making this up: http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/exec/vehicle/splates/info.asp?idnm=SNPAT). It is a true disgrace. You might as well put King George III on there.

- Virginia and Maryland originally agreed to both contribute land to form our nation's capital, which was to be a 10 mile x 10 mile square. Maryland contributed more land to this noble endeavor, despite having much less land. End result? Well, does DC look like a true square to you? Do we refer to Arlington as part of the District? No, because Virginia never learned how to share.

- Virginia's capital city, Richmond, is a monument to the insurrection that was the Confederacy. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting something named after treasonous figures like Davis and Lee, who dedicated themselves to separating from our great union.

- State flags: Maryland's is awesome. Virginia's looks like everyone else's. Booooooring.

Seriosuly, though. Would it kill them to open up a sausage grill on each side of the stadium, and make sure there are enough beer vendors? I mean "Beer". Not that Budweiser or Miller swill they sell at the Uncle Sam stands. Beer! And not just one Dos Equis stand that moves at a glacial pace, for some reason that is beyond my intellectual capacity to grasp.

"Why should Goff withhold this part of the picture from his readers?"

Uh, he doesn't.

"Anything less will result in elimination from the 46-year-old regional championship, which rewards the victor with a trip to Japan for the Club World Cup late this year." (4/9)

"The series winner will advance to the finals of the 46-year-old regional tournament, which will send the champion to the Club World Cup in December in Japan." (4/2)

"United has turned its full attention back to the Champions' Cup, a 46-year-old regional tournament that will send the winner to the Club World Cup in Japan next winter." (4/1)

"But by adding two more in the series finale before 12,394 at RFK Stadium, the Winchester, Va., native helped propel United into the semifinals of the 46-year-old tournament that determines the top team in North and Central America and the Caribbean." (3/19)

"Regardless of the site and opposing lineup, United players acknowledge that they must enhance their play in order to reach the semifinals of the 46-year-old tournament that crowns the champion of North and Central America and the Caribbean." (3/18)

"The 46-year-old tournament serves as the regional championship for clubs from North and Central America and the Caribbean. The winner will advance to the Club World Cup in Japan in December." (3/12)

Juan -- Did the Metrostars even qualify for the Merconorte? I'm under the impression that they were invited, uch the same way that certain teams were invited to SuperLiga, which you've gone to great lengths to disparage.

Fisch Fry:

A lot of times, international competitions are not included in season ticket packages. This is a big reason you see smaller crowds for some international games. I recall Bayern Munich having a notably small crowd for Champions League matches a couple years back, considering their normal drawing power and the relatively low cost of tickets in Germany.

Here's an interesting article about the beer that can be found--or, more accurately, cannot be found--at Nationals Park. I hope some of these local brews can find a home at a new SSS.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/08/AR2008040800632.html

Everyone,

Just wanted to let my fellow United fans know that I am in preliminary discussions to open up a DC United themed bar/pub in Bethesda, MD. I am looking to attract a couple of investors who love United, soccer, and all other Washington sports. Do you guys think this is a good idea? Also, Goff, what are you hearing about Riquelme coming to MLS for $15 million. It is being reported on ESPN Deportes, so I think this rumor could have some bearing.

Posted by: DC United Fan | April 9, 2008 10:53 AM
___________________________________________

Excellent! I don't think that I'd be able to pony up enough dough to be a owner/invester, but I'll sure pony up to the bar if you pull this off. Be sure to have Guinness & Newcastle Brown on tap and plenty of bottles of Wild Goose Porter in stock!

This is yet another great potential milestone for the USA's greatest futbol team -- Vamos United!

Tallguy

Maryland:

I know you have home-state pride, and that's great and all, but Maryland just sucks compared to Virginia. Come on now...

On an unrelated note, Jason La Canfora said something interesting in his non-Redskin related Redskins Insider blog. He was saying how great the Dallas-Houston game was and how there was great American talent in the game. He added "are you listening DC United?" or something to that effect. I completely agree. While I'll always support DCU and the players on the team, it would be nice if the front office broke away from this love affair with Latin-American imports and tried to develop some homegrown talent. It seems like the last few years the participants in the MLS Cup's best players were Americans, so it obviously doesn't hurt them that they aren't obsessed with foreign acquisitions like DCU is.

"Did the Metrostars even qualify for the Merconorte? I'm under the impression that they were invited, uch the same way that certain teams were invited to SuperLiga, which you've gone to great lengths to disparage."

Nice try, Phil.

The circumstances were indeed murky, much like the Sudamericana 2007 "qualifying" and nearly everything MLS was involved in (I don't see DC giving any trophies back).

But the Metrostars finished second to KC for the Supporters Shield the previous season (2000-- KC also won MLS Cup). At least, that was given as the reason at the time.

I think you may be confusing Merconorte with the execrable CONCACAF Giants Cup, which ostensibly rewarded nothing more than attendance and was really a backroom deal by Mexican and USA federations to get mediocre teams in international play. I saw "ostensibly rewarded" because DC actually finished 2nd in attendance in 2000, and even that was due to the ridiculous outlier crowd of 53k for a World Cup qualifier against Guatemala (33k higher than the next highest RFK figure).

Everyone,

Just wanted to let my fellow United fans know that I am in preliminary discussions to open up a DC United themed bar/pub in Bethesda, MD. I am looking to attract a couple of investors who love United, soccer, and all other Washington sports. Do you guys think this is a good idea? Also, Goff, what are you hearing about Riquelme coming to MLS for $15 million. It is being reported on ESPN Deportes, so I think this rumor could have some bearing.

Posted by: DC United Fan | April 9, 2008 10:53 AM

-------------------------------------------
This sounds great, as soon as my British Lottery, and Nigerian friend get back to me with my money, I'll be sure to look you up and invest!

MJ: Strago suggested that Goff "writ[e] a piece" about the various and sundry non-MLS competitions that DCU and other MLS teams get involved in. The passing references, buried in larger articles, that you cite are nice, but are no substitute for what could be a very interesting feature story that not only mentioned these tournaments, but actually talked about their history, how they fit into the larger picture of world soccer, etc.

And it is not "patronizing" to expose people to new things. It *is* patronizing to attempt to dictate to other people what they should or should not consider important, which neither strago nor I nor anyone else is suggesting.

Okay, so here are the details: Preliminary name of my establishment will be called "Etcheverry's" in honor of Marco. The bar will be decorated with all things United including signed Jerseys, Press Clipings, banners and flags, plus I am going through in some Redskins stuff since they are my second love, some US National Team stuff, and some Tottenham stuff(they are my EPL team). I will have all of the great beer on tap, plus I am also thinking about having an Absinthe stand for those who trully like to drink. I am also going either build a rooftop deck for the smokers, or try to get a license to have an outdoor patio. As for home games, I figured it would be a slow day of business, but I'll take the loss. I will show all football games all day along on 25 flat screen TV's. I thought about opening it up in DC, but I live and work in Bethesda, so its just easier for me. It can definitely be a place for everyone to come and cheer United while they are on the road. Another idea I have is for every goal scored by United I will give out free shots of GM. I still have to contact the team about licensing issues, but once I get the green light from Montgomery County its on like Donkey Kong. As an added incentive I will have a pinata of every team we play o that he we can take out some of our frustration, because god knows how much United has frustrated us sometimes. Vamos United!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Formerly part of the District of Columbia, the land now comprising the county was retroceded to Virginia in a July 9, 1846, act of Congress that took effect in 1847.

CNN Money ranked Arlington as the most educated city in 2006. It is one of six Northern Virginia counties among the 20 highest median household income counties of the 2006 Census as reported by Forbes.

Sources: Arlington County website and Wikipedia.

On an unrelated note, Jason La Canfora said something interesting in his non-Redskin related Redskins Insider blog. He was saying how great the Dallas-Houston game was and how there was great American talent in the game. He added "are you listening DC United?" or something to that effect. I completely agree. While I'll always support DCU and the players on the team, it would be nice if the front office broke away from this love affair with Latin-American imports and tried to develop some homegrown talent. It seems like the last few years the participants in the MLS Cup's best players were Americans, so it obviously doesn't hurt them that they aren't obsessed with foreign acquisitions like DCU is.
Posted by: Phil | April 9, 2008 1:06 PM
---------
There are not many who are compareable to international players. MLS or US Soccer in general is developing US Players but somehow there is something in the blood that causes the lack of attractive football players in this country. Skins games, what talent do they require? None.

Anyone know what the beer prices are like at Summers?
Kitty Osheas isn't so bad but it's awfully smokey.
I really should just go to the game but I don't think it's financially possibel hence the question of beer prices at the arlington soccer spots.
Bailey's isn't so bad on a Tuesday when it's $2.50 Pints all night but today is Wednesday, I suppose I could watch one half @ Summers and the other at Kitty's but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.
Which bar is better for catching a Wednesday night DCU Game?

Maryland: Did it ever occur to you that the term "People's Republic" could be taken as a compliment? That is how I use the term. To me it connotes a community that is a bit different, has its own personality, and is a nice place to visit (whether you'd want to live there is another matter). Hence, the People's Republic of Takoma Park, the People's Republic of Boulder, the People's Republic of Eugene, etc.

United pub in MD sounds amazing. I'll have my share of pints there if you guys go through with it. But as a poor student, it would be tough to invest (my money will go to tuition, beer, and United tickets haha).

Tonight... I think we can pull this off. Pachuca is an excellent team. But we own at home. When we play attacking football we really are a force to be reckoned with. How does 3-1 United sound in regulation? Emilio will be lazy but finish at least one. Gallardo will continue to be intelligent in possession, and Santino should continue his run of good form. Then we own extra time to advance? The power of positive thinking. Can't wait to get out there tonight.

Oh, and by the way I appreciate everyone's support. This bar/pub will be for us, and will try to be as genuine as soccer pub as possible.

DC United Fan,

Are you hiring?

Dadryan.

show up early, free beer in lot 8.....

Dadryan:
Ticket is $28 for the walk up.

ATTENTION: For those of us battling insomnia I suggest this...don't watch the Liverpool/Chelsea semi-final live. Record it and start to watch it exactly 2 min. before your targeted sleep time. It is guaranteed to knock you out cold.

Dadryan.

metro in and you got a cheap night!!
---------------------------------------
Dadryan.

show up early, free beer in lot 8.....

Posted by: myt | April 9, 2008 1:52 PM

Dadryan:
Ticket is $28 for the walk up.

Posted by: td | April 9, 2008 1:53 PM

soccer pub in bethesda? Union Jacks is constantly playing european games on their flat screens. You would have to compete with that.

@ 135

Can I get Barra tix to the game tonight using my credit card at the Barra window? At the tailgate? Would prefer the tailgate.

VAMOS UNITED!

Dadryan:
Ticket is $28 for the walk up.

Posted by: td | April 9, 2008 1:53 PM

Posted by: myt! | April 9, 2008 2:00 PM
===============================

$30 Barra Brava/$35 regular per an email from el Jefe this morning.

DC United Fan - if you start a pub in Bethesda, I'd certainly love to support it. Flanagans and Union Jacks are fine for a game, but a down and dirty pub would be terrific. I'm in south part of Rockville.

On the pub -- There is Union Jacks. Seems to me there's another place that shows some games, too?

Personally, I don't think Etcheverry's is the best name. Especially if you want to attract people for pointy-ball games. Eagle's Nest or Eagle's Roost might be better? Even El Diablo's or Marco's would be more inviting, but I'd get more with the team than an ex-player, unless he's involved. Maybe La Barra? Kinda sounds as if it's Spanish for bar....

I wouldn't leave out the Nationals from your scheme, either. That's 162 games -- 10x what the Skins offer, and 5x what DCU plays.

Mastodon Juan says...

The circumstances were indeed murky, much like the Sudamericana 2007 "qualifying" and nearly everything MLS was involved in (I don't see DC giving any trophies back).

But the Metrostars finished second to KC for the Supporters Shield the previous season (2000-- KC also won MLS Cup). At least, that was given as the reason at the time.

---------

Apparently, math isn't a strong suit for you either because the Metrostars did not finish as runners up in the SS in 2000 -- that honor goes to Chicago who finished with 57 points to Metro's 54. And the Fire furthermore knocked the Metrostars out of the playoffs that year and played in the MLS Cup against KC. So, either your not remembering right or you are talking out of your ass.

So, again, it sounds like Metro's entry to Merconorte had about as much legitimacty as SuperLiga which you have disparaged. Huh.

As for the Sudmaricana 2007 qualifying, it was indeed a silly rationale for taking DCU over Houston and I agree that these things should be set up in advance. That said, DCU did however have a better 2007 CCC than Houston (2-1-1 versus 2-2-0 in addition to the better goal differential) so I suspect that even if there had been some firm qualification rules, then DCU would have been the rep regardless.

Phil says...

He was saying how great the Dallas-Houston game was and how there was great American talent in the game. He added "are you listening DC United?" or something to that effect. I completely agree. While I'll always support DCU and the players on the team, it would be nice if the front office broke away from this love affair with Latin-American imports and tried to develop some homegrown talent. It seems like the last few years the participants in the MLS Cup's best players were Americans, so it obviously doesn't hurt them that they aren't obsessed with foreign acquisitions like DCU is.

------------

Just a quick note that this previous Phil is not me -- I actually completely disagree with this idea. I think that DCU's willingness to scout and sign foreign players is one fo the things I really love about the team. More MLS teams should mine foreign talent, not less.

re: united pub

name it Lot 8......

end of subject....

Actually, it should be the Democratic People's Republic of Maryland, to use the communist euphemism. Our general elections are merely formalities to allow the dominant party's nominee assume office. Elected Republicans like Morella and Erlich are just anomalies that allow the Glorious Party of the People to state that the electoral process works.

And yes, I would patronize a DC United pub. I fear, however, that if you exclude the Eurosnobs, you won't be in business for long. Buena suerte.

DC United Fan,

Great idea, love to see it!

I agree with Fisch Fry on the name -- if you run a bar geared too closely for fans, it'll be hard to attract walk-in crowds.

If you run a great and welcoming bar that also supports DCU, you'll bring more people in and help to create more fans. I was also thinking El Diablo's would make an attractive name that could serve both purposes. Or maybe "The Black & Red". Heck, even "The Insider" could be fun!

I agree also that it would be smart to support all the local teams -- Caps too. Just make DCU/MLS the priority for the big screen (unlike most sports bars).

You'll have trouble competing with Finn MacCool's for the hardcore Brava crowd, but if your pub is friendly and your taps are tasty, you'll do good business in Bethesda.

Cheers!

don't forget that morella and erlich have already been cast aside. no longer a pretense that the electoral process works.

and hey, don't knock the norton grape!

There is already a "The Black and Red" on H st. NE

Geez, it practically looks like Big Soccer out here today!

Thank goodness there's a game tonight!!

Vamos United

Phil, I took pains to say that the circumstances were murky. And you're right, the Metros won the East in the three division set-up. Chicago, who was second in both the 2000 regular season AND MLS Cup, qualified for the 2001 CONCACAF Champions Cup, which in another great piece of confederation organization, was scrapped and the qualified teams were put in the 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

(DC, by virtue of "qualifying" for, and losing, the Giants Cup final, was allowed into the 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup, despite having finished in 11th (out of 12) in 2000, 10th (out of 12) in 2001, and dead last in 2002. Aptly, they were very badly beaten in their first game, and unceremoniously knocked out of the competition.)

And by the way, nobody makes a big deal about the Merconorte. Nobody made much about then. Like the Sudamericana, it was a dumb second-rate competition aimed at nothing higher than making money, and like the Interamericana, it was an irregularly competed for, and then defunct, tournament (just to show how seriously it should be taken). Was the qualification process less than clear? Yes, but EVERY international competition was at the time handled badly, and with a division championship and 3rd place finish, it was far, far, far more legitimate than, say, the 1996 US Open Cup or the 2001 Giants Cup or most outrageously the 2002 CONCACAF Cup.

My point was just to put a stop to the ignorance or deliberate lies. It's ignoble enough without fools making up their own "facts."

RE: DCU bar.

Etcheverry might have a real legal basis for challenging someone making money off his name... unless you could get him involved financially.

Since "The Black & Red" is out, you could go for something else unmistakably United but still generic enough to withstand a legal challenge. If not the colors of the crest, what about the elements, "The Eagle and Stars" or summat?

What a wasted opportunity.

April 9, 2009 (Bethesda, MD) Reuters.

The long awaited opening of Etcheverry's, a D.C. United based pub, was tarnished last night when a man with a wooly mammoth T-shirt tore off his shirt to reveal a Red Bulls jersey underneath, signed by Lothar Matthäus. The unidentified man was apparently suffering from United envy, a mild, but treatable form of depression, which was exacerbated by his inability to fetch no more han a $1 bid on E-bay for the autographed jersey. Outnumbered by United fans, the outsider eventually sauntered off an was heard mumbling the words "Rotmasters Forever" under his breath.

After the incident, E-bay bids for the jersey rose to $2.

Anyone know if the Womens Olympic Qualifiers is being streamed online

Posted by: El rey | April 9, 2008 11:03 AM
==========================================

It'll be on Gol TV, but I don't know whether there is an online version:

http://www.livesoccertv.com/fixtures.php

Apart from that, there's always the U.S. Soccer matchtracker:

http://ussoccer.com/

Stop feeding trolls.

Interesting sequence of events leading to Toure's goal.

The game lost steam at the end of the half, but I have to say that the first 40 minutes were probably more exciting than the Liverpool-Arsenal match the press is calling one of the greatest CL games ever....

DC United Fan,

Are you hiring?

When the time comes I'll let you know. I am thinking I might pull a Seattle Sounder FC contest, and have my patrons vote for the name. We'll see. Oh by the way, I very much dislike baseball, so you won't see one item mentioning it. Sorry to all the baseball lovers. In regards to Union Jack's, it's a bar in a basement, it plays its music too loud, and really is not a soccer pub. The Harp and Fiddle is an Irish pub, as is Ri Ra. Flannigans does not exist anymore. I am opening THE FIRST EVER DC UNITED THEMED Pub, not a Nationals, Wizards, Capitals bar. There will be some Redskins stuff as I mentioned before, because I love the Redskins and the NFL. I think this will happen hopefully by the end of summer, so please be patient. I'll keep everyone up-to-date about it. I do like some of your suggestions of names of the bar: El Diablo's definitely has a nice ring to it, as does Lot 8 (but once United gets its own stadium, it really won't apply anymore), I don't want to steal any names from the Barra Brava or the Screaming Eagles, so you can scratch out any name relating to them. Also, I doubt I would be sued using Etcheverry's, since there are thousands of people in the world who have that last name. All in all, I came up with the idea after watching Green Street Hooligans and saw how each team in Europe has there own pub for fans to mingle, and throw down some drinks and discuss everything futbol related. I realized that in Montgomery County there really wasn't such an establishment, or sports bars that mention United. So I figured it would be a cool idea to spread the word about United, as well as promote the football culture in America. Thanks for your support, and do me a favor and go to the game tonight and celebrate the forthcoming victory against Pachuca. VAMOS UNITED!!!!!!!!!!

Oh by the way, I very much dislike baseball, so you won't see one item mentioning it.
-------------------------
Posted by: DC United Fan | April 9, 2008 3:39 PM

Amen to that!! Does that make me a soccersnob? Anywho...DC United Fan I think you are onto a brilliant idea, and though I amy not be able to frequent your bar (as I live in the land of the Quakers), I will make it a point of duty to stop by and whet-me-whistle on me way to adn from RFK (or Poplar Point).

It's a tall ask, but I think we have the talent to do the business tonight...man what a thing that would be, ay?
VAMOS UNITED!!

United can breathe more easily now.

Can anyone transcribe Tevez' t-shirt?

I'm getting kinda thirsty thinking about it.

"Lot 8 (but once United gets its own stadium, it really won't apply anymore)" -- so much the better, it will be old school

or just keep it simple and play the way you're facing -- Bethesda Soccer Pub

Nationals 25,000
Wizards 20,000
United 17,000

Warmer weather helps the walk-up crowd for the Nats and the United.

can you put a spam filter on blog posts to not allow any posts that include "mastodon juan?"

RE: Tevez's Shirt

Happy B'Day Ariel.

Goff has started the evening thread.

RE: Tevez's Shirt

Happy B'Day Ariel.

Posted by: Red Devil | April 9, 2008 4:52 PM
---------

That's cool. Thanks.

Here is one Bethesda resident who would patronize a United-themed pub. Trouble is, "Etcheverry's" says "soccer" but not necessarily "beer." And speaking of beer, I e-mailed Greg Kitsock, the Post beer writer who wrote today about beers available at the new baseball park, and urged him to write about the dearth of good beer at RFK. Maybe he can start something!

If they are going to import beer from Pennsylvania, I wish they would offer Hedonism Red Ale from Legacy Brewing, if only because of the packaging:

http://www.packagedesignmag.com/issues/2006.05/spotlight.food.1.shtml

Hey, they might be a good choice for the proposed new soccer pub in Bethesda, too.

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