Author Archives: Abe Asher

The end of a dynasty is never quick and painless. It’s a long and sad process. Heroes are riddled with blame and great men are discarded. Everyone watches as the walls come tumbling down. That was Spain against the Netherlands … Continue reading →

After losing their World Cup opener 2-1 to Italy in stifling Manaus, England find themselves in an uncomfortable position. No, it’s not about making up the lost points. It’s this: England lives in hope. How else can you explain The … Continue reading →

Following the USMNT’s 2-1 victory over Ghana we look at the playmakers and rank their performances on the evening. Tim Howard, 9: The US goalkeeper was at the top of his game all night long, and while he was forced … Continue reading →

It’s been a continuous contradiction from Jurgen Klinsmann: The US can’t win the World Cup, but they’re here to shock the world. They’re not underdogs in the Group of Death, but they’re here to shock the world. It’s anyone’s guess … Continue reading →

It’s time for 32 World Cup teams to meet their maker. Four years of preparation have come to this. It’s a little unnerving. Anything and everything can happen. For the U.S., things are no different. Three games in the Brazilian … Continue reading →

To say that the USA and Ghana are unlikely rivals would be an understatement. One nation is a global superpower at the center of almost every international engagement, and the other is a sovereign African nation that has made great … Continue reading →

In just two days, the World Cup kicks off from the (hopefully) completed Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo with Brazil against Croatia in the opening game. Ian Darke and Steve McManaman will call the match on ESPN. Here introductions to … Continue reading →

At some point, Jurgen Klinsmann made the decision that the formula that churned out the USA’s best ever year in 2013 wasn’t going to be good enough at the World Cup. When he named his 23-man squad, Klinsmann axed four … Continue reading →

To say that the USA and Ghana are unlikely rivals would be an understatement. One nation is a global superpower at the center of almost every international engagement, and the other is a sovereign West African nation that has made … Continue reading →

The USA national team defeated Azerbaijan 2-0 in their first pre-World Cup friendly on Tuesday night at Candlestick Park. Here are five observations from the game: 1. Nothing About This Friendly Was A Good Idea The reasons the US played … Continue reading →

We’re going to look back and say this is the moment where it all fell apart. No Landon Donovan. Apparently, 156 games, 57 international goals, twelve World Cup games, five World Cup goals, an unassailable position as the best American … Continue reading →

For a manager, the World Cup is often one long heart attack. These men often prepare four years to lead their team into the biggest tournament in sport, and all that’s guaranteed is 270 minutes of soccer and a lack … Continue reading →

If you follow the United States Men’s National Team closely, ask yourself this question: Are you more or less confident than you were when the World Cup draw was made on December 6, 2013 that the USA will advance from … Continue reading →

With World Cup commercials, an all-time list of the best 10 isn’t quite all time because of the lack of commercials that are easily accessible prior to 1998. Still, there are plenty of gems to be watched again and again … Continue reading →

To most fans of US soccer, Ian Darke wasn’t a familiar name when he was  hired in 2010 to commentate for ESPN at the World Cup in South Africa. After a debacle in 2006 with ESPN’s embarrassing commentator Dave O’Brien, … Continue reading →

Walking out of the 2006 World Cup Draw in Germany, Bruce Arena knew that the United States’ tournament was over before it even started. Despite boasting a strong side that would climb into the top ten of the FIFA World … Continue reading →

Tonight features the second leg of Western Conference Championship between Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake. For viewers in the United States, the live broadcast begins at 9pm ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. What It Means For Portland, 2-1-0 … Continue reading →

By Wednesday, there will be no more ifs ands or buts. The field for the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be set in stone. Twenty-one teams have booked their places in Brazil. In the coming days, the last eleven spots … Continue reading →