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Bob Bradley Facts
by FFI Soccer Magazine, Subscribe Today

Over the past year and change the American soccer public has gotten to know a lot more about US Men’s National Team Coach Bob Bradley. Those steel blue eyes, that coarse powerful voice, and that commanding stature. One look at Bob Bradley and you’ll know that he is someone that you NEVER want to mess with. We asked around and came up with the most remarkable Bob Bradley facts that prove that he is the toughest coach ON EARTH.
• Bob Bradley can kill two stones with one bird.

• When the Boogeyman goes to sleep at night, he checks his closet for Bob Bradley.

• Bob Bradley once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.

• Bob Bradley has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoly card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.

• Bob Bradley doesn’t actually write stuff down. Words assemble themselves out of fear.

• If you have five dollars and Bob Bradley has five dollars, Bob Bradley has more money than you.

• Bob Bradley always knows the EXACT location of Carmen San Diego.

• Bob Bradley ordered a Big Mac at Burger King and got one.

• The chief export of Bob Bradley is pain.

• Bob Bradley can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass…at night.

• Bob Bradley doesn’t read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

• If it looks like chicken, tastes like chicken, and feels like chicken but Bob Bradley says its beef, then it's fucking beef.

• Bob Bradley clogs the toilet even when he pisses

• Bob Bradley’s dog is trained to pick up his own poop because Bob Bradley will not take shit from anyone.

• Bob Bradley once bowled a 300. Without a ball. He wasn’t even in a bowling alley.

• When Bob Bradley goes cow-tipping, he lifts a cow up and drop kicks it into the neighboring farm. All the other cows simply tip themselves over to keep from having to walk back in the dark.

(Sure, you might be saying to yourself that we stole these facts from Chuck Norris. All we have to say is that Chuck Norris recently saw a couple videos of Bob Bradley and now if you Google “Chuck Norris Facts” all that comes up is a picture of Bob Bradley. True story.)

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The United States was lifted a healthy seven places to No. 21 after a 3-0 exhibition win at Poland in this months FIFA Rankings. While Argentina is still at No. 1 at the head of an unchanged top seven, Greece rose two places in the list released Wednesday after beating Portugal last month 2-1 in an exhibition.

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Tim Howard dodged what could of been another football-fan tragedy. Goalkeepers are typically sitting ducks for fans behind the goal, but, when a fan threw an eight ball at him while playing in Norway for a Uefa Cup match it threatens our sport. More on the story can be found at the Independant.

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Like most US Soccer fans, I read the recent articles on Bruce Arena at Goal.com. His honesty is always refreshing and his perspective on USSF spot on. So why do I always get depressed after I hear this honesty? Well, because truth hurts. Yes the USMNT had a terrible draw, but for the most part we were way over our heads in believing we‘d have success in Germany.

That being said. The time Arena took over the USMNT in 1998 – the US soccer community discussed our core weaknesses on the pitch – speed of play, athleticism and creative players. Every coach and administrator could agree that the African-American / Urban athlete was missing from the American soccer landscape.

So today my optimism comes from the path America has taken over the last decade and strides we’ve made. We essentially could have a roster full of African Americans who will be admired by the next soccer generation.

Arena’s probably right that we have years before we have the players to compete for a World Cup. However, the achievements of the players above and players like Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley has given this US soccer fan hope.

By Matt Lengkeek

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Argentina stayed atop the world rankings for the fifth straight month in the list released by FIFA Wednesday.

With few matches played by the top teams over the past month, Greece's rise of one place to 10th was the only change in the top 10. Brazil, Italy, Spain and Germany rounded out the top five places, followed by the Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Netherlands and Greece.

International Friendlies

• International Friendlies, Feb. 6

Mexico stayed the highest ranked CONCACAF team at No. 16, 10 spots ahead of the United States, which dropped six places after losing some of its older ranking points.

There was plenty of movement lower down after the African Cup of Nations, with tournament host Ghana becoming the continent's highest ranked team by rising 29 places - the most of the 207 teams in the rankings - to 14th after reaching the semifinals.

Egypt improved to 29th from 35th after successfully defending its title, with runner-up Cameroon up eight spots to 17th and semifinalist Ivory Coast up 14 to 24th.

Other than Argentina, Brazil and Ghana, the top 20 was filled out by European teams, with England rising one spot to 11th after beating Switzerland 2-1 in Fabio Capello's first match as manager.

The next world rankings will be released March 12.

Who do you think should be ranked higher, Mexico or United States? Please share your comments

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The New USA Jersey

So here is the New National Team Jersey for the year of 2008. There isn’t a collar, which I usually like on a kit, yet I do like the hoops because of the change of pace.

What’s your opinion on the new US kit? Does it look like a proper National Team jersey?

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Good Luck Eddie!

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Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley has been having a wonderful year in the Eredivisie. He took some time to talk about his past year playing in the Dutch league and on the US Men's national side. You can here it here at usscoccer.com.

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Gold Cup Champions and Win over Mexico: 41.67%
David Beckham’s Arrival: 25%
Under 20’s Team Success: 16.67%
Houston Dynamo’s Repeat: 8.33%
Other: 8.33%

Well the results are in and the majority of the voters believed that the United States success in the Gold Cup was the most memorable moment. Of course, beating Mexico is always wonderful and doing it to win silverware is even better!

Benny's Midas Touch

Beckham’s arrival in the United States, although not prolific, was very effective in providing a platform for soccer to build in the United States. While the US Under-20 world cup displayed that the United States possesses talent to build with in the near future.

By: Christopher Chantland

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The match between the hosts of the next World Cup, and the USA, was characterized by a tale of two halves. In the First half, the United States dominated possession as well as the chances on goal. Good build up play through the midfield and some skill injected by Freddie Adu, Clint Dempsey, and DeMarcus Beasley helped the US in the first half. Steve Cherundolo scored a goal from a long run from his fullback position, and finding the back of the net from the tightest of angles.

Jozy debuts for USMNT.

In the second half, the US was on the back foot for almost all of the second half. Some good defending and goalkeeping be Brad Guzan, who came on for Tim Howard in the second half, allowed for the US to earn a one - nil win. Jozy Altidore, who came on in the second half didn't see much of the ball, but displayed some skill and maturity to hold the ball and kill of the game.

For his fine display of strong defending and getting forward while on attack, Steve Cherundolo, who played well in the back and scored the only goal, recieves Objectivo.com's player of the game. Who was yours?

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Bob Bradley released the names of the 21 players that will be on the roster for the Switzerland friendly on October 17. There are some new names on the roster like Tally Hall and Steve Purdy, while the biggest surprise is Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley being called up.

Bradley seems to have built his roster around the upcoming 2008 Olympic Team with U-20 players like Freddy Adu, Danny Szetela and Chris Seitz being called up.

Here’s the full roster:
GOALKEEPERS- Marcus Hahnemann (Reading FC), Tally Hall (Esbjerg), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Jay Demerit (Watford FC), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Steve Purdy (1860 Munich)
MIDFIELDERS- Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Danny Szetela (Racing Santander)
FORWARDS- Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Preston Zimmerman (Hamburger SV), Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96)

Who would you like to see on this roster that is missing? Considering the United States’ record in Europe, is it a good idea to go with such a young team?

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In what's becoming an annual event, the U.S. Men's National Team will play Sweden on January 19th at The Home Depot Center in Carson. The game will be during the month-long National Team camp.

"That camp will largely be made up of domestic-based players," U.S. head coach Bob Bradley said. He also added that fans could expect Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, DaMarcus Beasley and Clint Dempsey to make the nucleus of the team as they prepare for World Cup Qualifiers.

Who would you like to see Bradley give a chance to in camp?

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Los Angeles Galaxy forward and U.S. National Team star Landon Donovan won a record-breaking fourth U.S. Soccer Player of the Year. The award is sponsored by Honda, so LD also got to drive away in a new Ridgeline.

He's also won in 2004, 2003 and 2002, where he was the youngest player to ever win the award.

Donovan received 413 points in the balloting. Goalkeeper Tim Howard came in second with 122 points, and three-time finalist Carlos Bocanegra was third with 105 points. The voting was done by 203 journalist. First place votes received three points, second place received two points and third place received one point.

Who do you think should have been named the U.S. Player of the Year?

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Bobby Convey scored his first goal since coming back from a knee injury in Reading's 4-2 loss to Liverpool in the third round of the League Cup. Reading should be thrilled to have Convey back, who proved to be a vital member of the team since joining them from DC United.

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With another weekend of European matches in the history books, here is what the Americans abroad did:

As noted in Michael Bradley Scores Again, Bradley was the only National Team player to score this weekend, but another American born player found the back of the net twice. Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi helped his team to victory against Murcia.

Over at Fulham, both Clint Dempsey and Carlos Bocanegra played the 90 minutes in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City. Bocanegra even drew a yellow card for his efforts. On the bench was Kasey Keller.

Benny Feilhaber came in during the second half, while Eddie Lewis played the full 90 minutes in Derby's 5-0 loss to Arsenal.

Jonathan Spector played the final 10 minutes for West Ham United.

Marcus Hahnemann was in goal for Reading and drew a yellow card in Reading's 2-1. Bobby Convey played 27 minutes for the team.

Brad Friedel was in goal for Blackburn's 1-0 loss to Portsmouth. Jay DeMerit played the first half in Watford's 1-1 tie. While Frank Simek played the full 90 for Sheffield Wednesday.

U.S. National Team midfielder DaMarcus Beasley was on the bench for the Rangers this week.

Steve Cherundolo started and played 90 for Hannover 96.

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It seems Michael Bradley is on a scoring streak. The U.S. National Team midfielder notched yet another goal for Heerenveen in the team's 3-2 loss to FC Utrecht. That's number four in three games, just in case you are keeping count. Check out the highlights to that game.

Bradley really seems to be making a name for himself overseas. If he continues playing like this, don't be surprised to see a move to the Premiership.

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U.S. National Team midfielder Michael Bradley was the only American to make an impact in today's games. He scored the first goal of the match against Helsingborg, as well as Heerenveen's last goal. Heerenveen won 5-3. Bradley scored in his league match last week as well.

As for the other Americans, Brad Friedel played in the Blackburn loss against Larissa. Danny Califf started and played 90 minutes as his team, AaB, tied Sampdoria. Oguchi Onyemu played in Standard Liege's loss. And, finally neither Tim Howard or Charlie Davis dressed for their respective teams. Both Hammarby (Davis) and Everton (Howard) won.

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The Americans in Europe definitely made their mark this week. U.S. National Team and Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey scored the only Fulham goal in the 1-1 tie with Wigan. Michael Bradley got on the scoreboard for Heerenveen, as he's team destroyed Excelsior 5-2. DaMarcus Beasley couldn't be showed up by his National Team teammates also scoring in the Ranger's 4-2 loss to Hearts.

Other American players around Europe:

Carlos Bocanegra reached his 100th match for Fulham during the tie against Wigan. Kasey Keller was on the bench for that game.

Reading lost to Sunderland 2-1, but Marcus Hahnemann made eight saves, and Bobby Convey came off the bench in the 76-minute of play.

Brad Friedel helped Blackburn walk away with a point, as he made 13 saves against Chelsea.

Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock) and Frank Simek (Preston North End) all started and played for their respective teams.

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U.S. National Team and Everton goalkeeper, Tim Howard, is still recovering from his dislocated ring finger on his left hand. It also seems that during U.S.'s game against Brazil, Howard also injured his pinky finger.

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For Chris Seitz, being called up to the National team for the game against Brazil, was supposed to be a learning experience. To get some time in training with the big boys. But when Tim Howard dislocated his ring finger on Brazil's third goal, it seemed that the U-20 and backup RSL keeper would get his chance in goal sooner than anticipated.

It's been a few days since the U.S. took the field against Brazil in Chicago at Soldier Field. Everyone has had time to analyze the game, and give their opinions, now it's OBJ's turn. The U.S. National team should be proud of how they played.. The score might have read 4-2 at the end of the game, but the National team played in a way that most of us, soccer fans, have never seen before. They played with confidence and they were organized.

Carlos Bocanegra helped the U.S. get on the scoreboard first, as he scored off a Landon Donovan corner. That assist broke Cobi Jones record for most points in a year with 22. Jones set the record at 21 points in 2000.

Unfortunately for the U.S., Oguchi Onyewu also scored, but it was an own goal. In Gooch's defense, there was really nothing he could do, as Tim Howard deflected Kaka's shot on goal in the defender's chest.

The best goal of the night came from Clint Dempsey, although it was a team effort. Eddie Johnson and LD started the play which gave defender Steve Cherundolo the ball, who crossed it to Dempsey who in his own words, "I hit it low and hard and fortunately it went in."

Although the U.S. men walk away from the seventh straight loss, they should be proud of their effort. Even the Brazilians were impressed. "It was a tough game," Kaka said. "They played well. I think they're getting better."

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It seems that the U.S. Men's National team will not be playing against Catalonia, but it seems a better opportunity has presented itself.

The U.S. Men will be visiting 2010 World Cup host South Africa...seemingly set for Nov. 17th. The match will be called the Mandela Challenge Cup, and while on an international date--MLS Cup is the next day, so any player that will be apart of MLS Cup 2007 will most like miss this game.

South Africa is set to host 2010.

For the rest of this story, check out Soccer By Ives

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Shame on U.S. Soccer for playing Brazil with American football lines painted on the field. There comes a time when some things need to be perfect, and that time was today. U.S. Soccer needs to commit to a soccer specific stadium that can provide our game with the respect it deserves.

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With 53 International Friendlies this weekend, MLS games are sure to take a hit. Although Bob Bradley seems to be giving MLS teams a break this FIFA friendly weekend, other National Team coaches haven't been so friendly. Bradley only called up five MLS players - three of them, Eddie Johnson, Davy Arnaud and Kerry Zavagnin play for Kansas City who has the weekend off. Chris Seitz is the back-up keeper for Real Salt Lake and the U-20s keeper. Of course, the Galaxy's bad luck streak continued as Landon Donovan was called up as well... leaving the already shorthanded Galaxy one star less for Saturday's game.

Teams are hit are by other friendlies going on this weekend though. The Galaxy, FC Dallas and Toronto FC will all lose players to the Canada friendly. The Galaxy will also lose Pavon and Chivas USA will lose Ramon Nunez to the Honduras National team. Each MLS team will lose at least one, in most cases two to three players this weekend.

OBJ has to ask the question - why play MLS games at all during FIFA dates when teams lose all their best players?

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Playing at Soldier Field is almost a homecoming of sorts for the U.S. National Team. Josh Wolff, DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra all played at Soldier Field while they suited up for the Chicago Fire and don't forget Bradley, who coached the team all the way to an MLS Cup win in 1999 at Soldier Field... Clint Dempsey scored his first international goal at Soldier Field in 2005 against England... Both Landon Donovan and Benny Feilhaber scored goals here just months ago during the Gold Cup Final... It seems that Chicago's US Soccer's kinda town.

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OBJ took another look at both the SuperLiga finalists. Both squads needed to recover quickly as league play beckoned.

However, the Galaxy’s next match wasn’t against a league contender and the Galaxy were beat 2-1, and now are four points behind RSL, who jumped ahead of them in the stands after the win against Kansas City on Wednesday.

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