Entries from August 2005 ↓

The Russkies come away with the most fortunate of wins due to a poor offside decision, and some very dodgy defending.

Yesterday’s match always looked like going to the team that capitilized on the other’s mistake. Didier “I look like Predator” Drogba of Chelski did just that, miscontrolling the ball so badly that Frank Lampard’s free kick bounced off of his knee and past a suprised Jens Lehmann, for the only goal of the match.

After yesterday, I have a few observations, but since I’m at work, they’ll have to wait until lunch time - or even later…

from ussoccer.com:

Brian McBride’s goal in the second minute was all the U.S. Men’s National Team needed to get by Trinidad & Tobago in their World Cup qualifying match-up Wednesday night in East Hartford, Conn. The 1-0 victory gives the U.S. 15 points and keeps them in second place in the final qualifying group, one point behind Mexico.

Took me a couple of days to get to this, but I’ve been busy. Anyway, this past weekend, my sister and I drove up to upstate NY for the first “Cousins Weekend” my family’s had in fourteen years. We went to Uncle Joe and Aunt Daisy’s place near Saratoga Springs. Those who are regular visitors to AOM will recognize Uncle Joe as the Live Steam enthusiast, and as the photos he’s shared here indicate, the land is being used as one giant layout!

Friday was spent mostly in the car, as was Sunday, so it was really Saturday where all the activities took place.

Early Saturday morning, six of us set out for a horseback trail ride through the mountains. Very, very cool stuff. It was the first time I’d been on a horse. I may not do it every day, but I’d definitely do it again.

After a great barbecue lunch during which several beers were drunk, nine of us headed off to do some whitewater rafting. This was another activity I’d never done before, but now that I have, I can’t wait to try again!

In the evening, the majority of us went to play miniature golf, while some of the others went to a classical concert put on by the local high school.

All in all, a great weekend in the mountains without the distractions of mobile phones or the infanet. God, I can’t believe how much I missed them!

Gunners kick season off on right foot, beat Geordies 2-0.

They left it late, but Arsenal scored twice in the last twelve minutes of today’s season opener to beat Newcastle United 2-0.

Thierry Henry scored from the spot after Freddie Ljungberg was taken out in the penalty area, and Robin Van Persie put the finishing touch on a classic counter attack to ensure all three points.

The midfield looked a bit slow, and the defense was never really tested, so it’ll be interesting to say the least when the Gunners make their way to Kremlin Bridge to take on the Russian mobsters, er, Chelski on Sunday. Chelski looked crap during their 1-0 win over newly promoted Wigan, so this may be the best time to get three points from them. Kickoff is at 11 AM ET, and the match is live on PPV here in the US.

Hard to believe it’s been ten years since Jerry Garcia passed away on this date in 1995. He’s still missed.

“May the four winds blow you safely home”

Arsenal play well, ultimately lose to the Russian mafia in the unofficial season kickoff.

Thanks to two goals by Didier Drogba, Chelski beat Arsenal 2-1 in today’s FA Community Shield match in Cardiff. Cesc Fabregas scored the Gunners’ consolation goal midway through the second half, a half in which Arsenal looked the much better side. According to superstitions, this means Chelski can kiss winning the league this season goodbye.

Next week, it all kicks off for real at Highbury against Newcastle on Sunday. No live coverage here in the US, but the match will be shown SDD @ 1PM on Fox Soccer Channel.