What about Bob?

Bob Bradley has received a four-year extension from US Soccer.  I for one think this is a terrific decision.  Hopefully it will result in an improvement for the World Cup in 2014 and not a step back.  I believe it will be and that Bob will be able to add to the young nucleus that wowed so many Americans in South Africa this summer.  Bob appears to have been rewarded for his effort now hopefully he will respond and continue to take US Soccer to a whole-nother level.  Only time will tell, but for know it will take "Baby Steps" for Bob to get the US to that elite level.

Then There Were Two!

Two days left in the Olympics and a few things are still up for grabs.  The main prize, especially as far as the Canadians are concerned, Men's Hockey will come down to two. The U.S. and Canadians will play tomorrow in what will be the most watched television event in Canadian history.  This game is important for American hockey fans; the game is life or death for Canadians. 

Canada, despite losing to the Americans, will be the clear favorites.  The Americans will again need an unbelievable performance out of goalie Ryan Miller.  It should be exciting, patriotic, and well played. Even non-hockey fans should find this a compelling event.   

Hockey H-Eh-Day

There is nothing quite like international hockey. Make it the Olympics and throw in the fact that the six best teams were all playing their rivals on the same day and you have a Hockey H-Eh-Day. The day began with Russia vs. Czech and ended with Finland vs. Sweden. Oh yeah the U.S. vs. Canada was sandwiched in between.


The U.S. beat Canada in the Olympics for the first time since 1960. It took retro jerseys, which I am a huge fan of, and a 42 save effort by U.S. Goalie Ryan Miller to take out the Canadians. The 5-3 win secured the group A victory for the U.S. and gave them a first round bye. More importantly, the win gives the team a much-needed extra day off and either the first or the second seed going into the elimination round.

Russia secured first place in group B with a bone crushing win over the Czech team. The turning point in the game was an Ovechkin hit on former NHL star Jaromir Jagr (see it here). The hit lead to a turnover and two passes later a Russian goal. From that point on the score and the momentum was in the Russians favor. It would end in a 4-2 win for Russia and guaranteeing that Russia would join the U.S. in the quarterfinals.

All matchups have yet to be determined, but the elimination rounds begin Tuesday with 8 of the 12 teams in action. The U.S. & Russia will be joined by the winner out of the late game between Finland and Sweden for the top 4 seeds and byes. It will get complicated after that for the 4th seed.
Overall the day was full of excitement and it should only get better as now it is lose and go home. Hopefully, the tournament will lead to more memorable matchups and incredible hockey.

Golden Night for the U.S.

Last night was a golden one for the U.S. as Shaun White, Shani Davis, and Lindsey Vonn all took gold in their respective events.  Shaun White was phenomnal in the Men's Halfpipe soaring well above the competition.  Shani Davis used his tremendous form to have a tremendous last lap winning the 1000m. Lindsey Vonn won downhill with a dominating performance.  On men's skis Vonn pushed through her injury willing herself down the dangerous course.  Others got involved too, winning two silvers and a bronze, bringing the U.S. medal count to a total of 14 (5 gold, 3 silver, & 6 bronze).  Chad Hedrick speed skated to a bronze in the 1000m, while Scott Lago rode the half pipe to one as well.  Julia Mancuso may have been the suprise of the night challenging Lindsey Vonn on the Downhill and coming away with the silver for her efforts.  It looks to be a close battle though with the Germans who have 10 medals and still have several strong events.  The U.S. will look to add to their lead though and hear the Star Spangled Banner again tonight in both Men's Figure Skating & Ladie's Halfpipe.  Both which will be decided tonight in primetime on NBC.