""*Thinking of dropping by Havana for the USA-Cuba qualifier in September? Think again.""

Quick flight to Toronto, longer flight to Havana, just disguise yourself at the match . . . . and don't cheer, the Gestap .... er US Government is watching

Goff, if at all possible I'm hoping you can provide some additional info on Gallardo's injury. If our (real) DP, who is making several times more than anyone else on the team, may be heading for mid-season surgery, any info you can ferret out would be greatly appreciated. Soehn's comments of yesterday seemed both ominous and out of the blue. Without Gallardo, DCU's overall prospects for this season drop substantially. Thanks...

US Cuba travel policy sucks

I just figured some one forgot to pay the electric bill and that's why half the lights went out.

I don't see why they couldn't have kept playing. It wasn't THAT dark. I have been on much darker suburban soccer fields where everyone could see fine. At field level it looked like it might have been a little dim in the corner by the DCU bench but the supporters side was perfectly well-lit. Unfortunately all of the VW cars were gone from inside the stadium. They could have just aimed them all at the field and turned on the headlights.

Nicol's gonna select Angel over Emilio?? What is this coach smoking?? Angel has done nothing this year (or at least, much less than Emilio.)

Sampdoria midfielder dies this morning in a car crash:
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=777212

Goff,

Once you get the ETA on the next random power outage at Estadio RFK, won't it already be too late?

Great story on Thompson - and I'm glad to see that he's done marginally better than some other DCU reserves - but how could you resist providing a link to a picture of Marvin the Miner and his "replica pickaxe"??

I read the rest of the paper and personally I can't think of anything better for the Treasury Dept. to be doing than monitoring travel to Cuba.

Quick flight to Toronto, longer flight to Havana, just disguise yourself at the match . . . . and don't cheer, the Gestap .... er US Government is watching

Posted by: delantero | July 15, 2008 9:31 AM
________________________________
This is a really bad idea, as there are Executive Orders, laws and other government policy that outlaw it.
The best alternative is to telephone and snail-mail the hell out of DOT's OFAC division. It may not do anything, but it's legal, and sometimes venting is good.
Licensing Division
Office of Foreign Assets Control
U.S. Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20220
Tel. 202/622-2480

Who was the kid that left Tampa or Miami (?) for medical school back in like 1997 or 1998?

It just goes to show the hypocrisy of American politicians who are so smug and self-righteous about telling others to "tear down this wall."

Has Nicol coached the all-star team before? If not, (or even if so) I wonder if people have explained the all-star process to him. He may just be picking the guys he thinks are the best - the guys he would most want on his team. He may not know the idea is to look ONLY at performace in the first half of the current season.

(That is the idea, right?)

People should remember to allow time for another power out(r)age when programming their video recording devices for tonight.

it's actually pretty easy for americans to travel to cuba, and they don't stamp your passport there if you're an american. you just have to book a flight from canada or mexico.

no idea why the government thinks it can tell it's citizens where they can go.

Can we name players who we think SHOULD retire and take up a career outside of soccer? :-}

Glenn: There was enough light to see, but not enough for TV. And the whole purpose of SuperLiga is TV.

Some interesting departures include Ty Harden, Mike Fisher and the guy from the Rapids who went to work in the UN (his name eludes me)...

There is UVA star Mike Fisher, who passed up a slot on the '96 Olympic squad, and a pro career thereafter, to practice medicine:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Fisher_%28soccer%29

And we won't mention Tony Meola's acting career, such as it was.

Mike Fisher! He never played in MLS but was a two time Hermann winner, and was a very smart, strong midfielder. I think he would have been a hell of an MLS player, to be honest, but I'm sure he's happier and richer as a doctor.

Emilio will be at the All-Star game. Either the Commish will pick him, or he'll be a replacement for one of the XI selected.

But Angel? Please. Nicol needs to get a clue.

I've told you everything I know about Gallardo. I don't hold back, really. When there is more news -- perhaps in the coming days -- I will report it.

Nicol did not choose Angel OVER Emilio. Soccer America simply reported that Angel is among three on Nicol's five-man list. Garber also has two selections.

UVA's Mike Fisher bypassed a pro soccer career to attend medical school.

Soccer America reports the passing of longtime Clemson coach I.M. Ibrahim, who had a couple of national championships, and a whole mess of ACC championships in a 27-year gig (1967-1994).

Mattheus, to show off his tan.

Lalas, to go play in band.

Several thousands Americans travel to Cuba for tourism purposes via Toronto and Cancun, mainly. Cuban authorities will not stamp your passport so that people dont get in trouble back in the USA.

I hope US policy changes with the next administration, as it is really ridiculous. Of course, once Cuba's regime changes, the US president will want to take credit for it, like Reagan with the cold war [insert rolling of eyes icon here]...

Ha! Americans go to Cuba all of the time. Write OFAC -- yeah, that'll help.

Hilgenbrinck's decision has made the front page of espn.com. Are you serious?

Didn't someone retire a few years ago to go to dental school?

dn

noteworthy departures from MLS: Lothar Matthäus to hang out on the beach :-)

Matt Behncke went to law school.

RT Moore was the guy who left the Mutiny to become a dentist.

I think he would have been a hell of an MLS player, to be honest, but I'm sure he's happier and richer as a doctor.

Posted by: Mastodon Juan | July 15, 2008 10:09 AM

He's doing very well as a Radiologist in North Carolina. After UVa Med School, he was a resident at Duke. Why do I know this?... he's my wife's first cousin ;-)

Goff,
After personally witnessing the infamous headbutt on Tuesday I'm anxiously awaiting any news or updates on the Blanco situation. MLS and Chicago have been strangely (or, maybe, predictably) quiet. Unless, of course you count Blanco's "statement" which was released yesterday. A statement that wasn't even posted on their web site...

Can we expect any action on this or is it just being swept under the rug?

Thanks for all of your hard work!

Let's not forget someone who went the other way (medicine to football):

http://www.sltrib.com/realsaltlake/ci_9656611

Thanks, tri-village. That was my tragic downfall last match.

If I remember right, Lother Matthaus went back to Europe for an injury. He just was unlucky enough to have his picture snapped with his girlfriend on the beach. The wonderful French veteran from NYNJ was over seeing his ailing mother and was seen at the WCup in the standads. Zizu had sent him tickets.

What's Kyle Martino doing?

It is not really an MLS issue, the Blanco incident at the USOC match.

US Soccer will decide on any punishment for Blanco (but it won't be with a fine or additional punishment in MLS).

He'll likely be suspended for a couple USOC games next year, one would guess.

Goff any news, rumors, rumblings on DC's transfer/additions front? We have Niel's cash and spot and another spot that is being temporarily held by the variable known as Carvallo, so what do you hear and what do you know? I am getting a tad bit nervous when I look at our injuries and keep hearing about the reinforcements that the other teams are touting left and right.

Thanks and keep up the solid work.

The most noteworthy player departure in my opinion is Eddie Pope to union leader. His move will most likely lead to less player departures after he helps negotiate the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.

http://www.rdhmag.com/display_article/215535/54/none/none/Colum/From-professional-soccer-to-dentistry?host=www.dentalofficemag.com

Jurisdiction --
I understand your viewpoint but I'm not entirely convinced that MLS doesn't have either a right or an obligation to address the issue. At the very least, it is a Chicago Fire issue. Being that the league is single entity, do individual teams have the ability to dole out their own punishment? I'm not real clear on the scope of powers teams have in this area. If they do, the Fire should have the backbone to punish him equitably. But, that would presume they admit to his wrongdoing; a stance they haven't been willing to take up to this point...

@ Jurisdiction

But can't MLS play the DDJSIOC card and stretch their jurisdiction a tad bit further? He is a league employee who did conduct himeself rather poorly thus tarnishing the name and image of the league and its associates (albeit off an MLS field). Wishful thinking? Yes. But while you (Jurisdtiction, that is) may tell me that I cannot go to Cuba to support my country, you have no power over my dreams (right?)

Tell you what though some sort of precedent will be set here. It's either MLS grows a long arm of the law and taps a guys wallet over non-MLS competition, OR dirty, vindictive players with an axe to grind wait for a non-league event to do what they gotta do knowing the fallout won't follow them into league play (this is a hypothetical instance of course as players don't hold grudges **cough, cough** Roy Keane **cough** in the modern game).

Also of note in the three-team USL trade is former Virginia Tech goalkeeper, Chase Harrison.

DDJSIOC = DDOJSIOC

my bad :)

VirginiaFan, you beat me to the Youri Djorkaeff story. I was in Europe on my honeymoon when I saw his being interviewed along w/ Zidane in Germany, and I knew that wasn't going to go over well...

Goff, what is going on the Mcbride situation? Ives, now says that the Mcbride deal is dead!!!!

The best alternative is to telephone and snail-mail the hell out of DOT's OFAC division. It may not do anything, but it's legal, and sometimes venting is good.
==========================================

People at the OFAC level probably don't have much discretion. Does anyone know of any sympathetic members of Congress who might be inclined to talk to people at higher levels?

Tri-village, Congress doesn't have to go cap-in-hand to anyone. They can change the law if they want. I personally don't think they should, but if you do think they should, write your congressman, as they say...

And we won't mention Tony Meola's acting career, such as it was.

Posted by: tri-village | July 15, 2008 10:06 AM
---------------------------------------------

Don't forget his brief stint as a NY Jet!

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940CEED7173EF933A15754C0A962958260

Thought for sure Busch would get the nod for backup keeper. Forget that Nicol gets to make the choice. Onstat has only 3 wins all season. Does he get extra points for being Canada's number one?

Kyle martino to wall street?

Can't really blame him, Chase will make a lot more money that way.

As of the early '00s going to cuba was rather simple.
I did a little bit of research and, it is entirely possible that this no longer applies, but here is the gist of how I understand one can go to cuba:

1- find a non US citizen to sponsor you(i.e. pay for everything while you are in Cuba, the treasury only cares about money not people)
2- have that non US citizen put in writing that they are sponsoring you, include as much detail as possible, and have them sign the document.
3 - make several copies of the docuemnt and carry it with you on the trip.
4- Leave from a country that has diplomatic relations with Cuba other than Canada or Mexico.
5- withdraw no money, use no credit cards, cash no travelers checks...use only the cash given to you by your non US sponsor.
6 - come back and lay low for 7 years.
7 - you have done nothing illegal but that won't stop the govt from making your life a pain in the ass if they find out where you went.

Quick flight to Toronto, longer flight to Havana, just disguise yourself at the match . . . . and don't cheer, the Gestap .... er US Government is watching

Posted by: delantero | July 15, 2008 9:31 AM
===========================================
Does the Cuban immigration people stamp your US passport or not? Hopefully not and those who make the trip won't get tracked...

"Still awaiting the ETA on the next random power outage."

FREAKIN' BASQUE SEPARATISTS!

the cubans do not stamp your passport.

it is also wise to use an non US airline.

And we won't mention Tony Meola's acting career, such as it was.

Posted by: tri-village | July 15, 2008 10:06 AM

You mean him ACTING as a goalie right? ;-)

Dear DC United fans,

We regret to inform you that we will not be providing electricity to this evenings match. We request that all in attendance please take with them a candle and make sure their cell phones are fully charged so that the team may use your light.

As part of our failure to give the Nats a nice enough stadium we will also have to cut all funding for concessions and cleaning at RFK so please pick up after yourself as you leave the stadium. The money will be used to pay for new cashmere seats that mayor Williams promised to install at Nats stadium, instead of the below standard plastic seats that we gave them.

Good luck to you tonight and also be advised that RFK will be torn down to build a second Nats stadium that they can use for pre-game warm-ups which was included in the contract that Williams signed with the beloved Lerner family.

We have located a piece of grass near the back of a Safeway that we intend to let DC United use for their home games for just $4 million per game.

Warmest Regards,

Ollie Harpar
Director of Facility Operations
DC Sports and Entertainment Commission

Marvin the Miner

http://www.mines.edu/Stu_life/organ/lax/CSM%20Marvin%20the%20Miner.jpg

Heck, I'm a Mines alum and I didn't know the asmcot had a name 'Marv' or 'Marvin'.

Payne should go work for Bear Stearns

Not trying to stir the pot, but some of you have got to get over this Blanco business. I'm sure Ronnie O'brien is wondering where your outrage was 6 years ago.

Clash defender Tim Weaver and Quakes GK Robbie Fulton both left soccer for careers in medicine.

Agreed

We've got those Commies beat! No point changing course now! Fidel and his brother will die at some point, and the prison/island doors will be fully open for us to use and abuse!

In addition to DC Sports Commission's notice, DC Government is not in a position to support or endorse a bill to build a DC United Stadium. The amount $150 million of finance that DC United asking is too much of a tax payer money to go towards a sport's team. We have committed fully to support Nationals to maintain their new $611 millions and facilitate any new needs as it occurred. We enjoy our mutual relationships with Nationals and their generous gifts that they provide to us through out the year in their lovely suits.

Sincerley,

DC Counsel Members

Kosh,

I believe the precendent that you seek was established long ago. I recall Luis Hernandez intentionally kicking Peter Nowak in the head, or something close to that. Stepped on his head maybe. It was in the Open Cup, and MLS did nothing saying it had no jurisdiction. I think Hernandez was suspended for games the following year. Not sure if he was still around. Sorry, but I'm a bit lazy to go look it up.

I will be retiring from DC United shortly to pursue a career as a mime.

Soccer America reports the passing of longtime Clemson coach I.M. Ibrahim, who had a couple of national championships, and a whole mess of ACC championships in a 27-year gig (1967-1994).

Posted by: tri-village | July 15, 2008 10:15 AM

This is sad to see. I was at several of those games in '84-'88 and was part of a small band of Tiger Band percussionists who played at some, too. Ibrahim was a legend in own time while I was in school. He brought in some great African talent (which was a new idea for a South Carolina school) and trained everyone to play to the best of their abilities.

Rest in Peace.

"Sneaky" Pete Moreno to the CIA, for obvious reasons.

Ivan McKinnley (now there's a dude I would like to have seen at the USOC Fire match) became a professional wrestler.

Ben Iroha became a shamen in the bush.

and

Thomas Rongen became a soccer coach.

When we first tried to get a new stadium didn't our new owner sign some land he owned over to the District of Columbia so we could get land for our stadium? If it was signed and sealed did he ever get compensated or did they just take his land and run with it? I remember that Eleanor Holmes Norton brokered the deal. What is the deal???

"Ben Iroha became a shamen in the bush."

I was hoping that the quasi-racist caricature of Ben Iroha with a bone through his nose that tickled so many DC fans a decade ago was deservedly forgotten. I guess not.

My bad. You're right.

Marvin the Miner

http://www.mines.edu/Stu_life/organ/lax/CSM%20Marvin%20the%20Miner.jpg

Heck, I'm a Mines alum and I didn't know the asmcot had a name 'Marv' or 'Marvin'.

____________________________

I smell a tifo idea... :D

From the "Where the Hell Are They Now" file.... where the hell is John O'Brien these days? He was the best American player of all time for like 3 weeks.

Steven, the first sign that MLS was going to struggle to get its footprint in the American sports scene was in Season 2 when Mike Fisher, who was drafted first or second by Tampa Bay (RIP Mutiny), and decided not to play so that he could attend medical school instead. The other examples listed are pretty quality though... Keep up the great work.

@Posted by: tri-village | July 15, 2008 9:55 AM

why because we choose to not support the governments of despotic thugs who have actively worked at trying to disrupt our government for 40+ years? Uh ok...

As Fidel said, all you have to do is travel to Mexico or anywhere else (you'd have to take a layover anyway) to travel to Cuba as they don't stamp passports for this very reason.

@Posted by: Kosh | July 15, 2008 11:21 AM

Remind me what did DC do when Gomez spat in the face of a Fire player in a USOC match a few years back to show they have 'spine'? Oh yeah, NOTHING. Step off your high horse.

@Posted by: Cyclone | July 15, 2008 12:53 PM
You had it right the first time, Nowak was kicked in the face while he was down and Hernandez only got a USOC suspension for it. I'm sorry, I know some DC fans will burst into flames at the mere suggestion of this, but kicking someone in the face while they are down is far worse than anything Blanco was PROVED to do (punch Simms in the ball/gut--sorry, headbutt not proved despite eyewitness accounts from dunkards in the stands 20 yards away saying otherwise)

why because we choose to not support the governments of despotic thugs who have actively worked at trying to disrupt our government for 40+ years? Uh ok...
==========================================

There were no similar attempts to prevent Americans from traveling to, say, Eastern Europe during the entire Cold War. Why the selective indignation? Besides, nothing undermines such thugs like economic interdependence and cultural exchange.

I remember Jordan Stone of Dallas retired to go to college...