Weston McKennie Leaves Schalke For Juventus Where Cristiano Ronaldo Will Be A Teammate

 

    If you've been paying attention lately, this end result wasn't a surprise by any means since European soccer rumors are covered almost as extensively as U.S. presidential elections stateside but it is still enormous news for the U.S. men's soccer national team that one of their top talents-midfielder Weston McKennie-has been loaned from FC Schalke (Germany) to Juventus (Italy) until June 30, 2021. If things go well for the 22-year-old Texan at one of the world's top clubs, he could in line for 18.5 million Euros paid over three years. He will be the first American to ever play for Juve. Wow!

    It's been a meteoric rise for McKennie who started with his local MLS club's (FC Dallas) youth program before making the prudent move to head to Schalke and the Bundesliga in 2016. He spent part of his childhood growing up in Germany so there wasn't a huge culture shock for him once he returned. In fact, he made his first team debut the next year. Over the past three seasons, he's become a fixture for Schalke playing in multiple positions and therefore in the same time frame he got his first USMNT call-up under his belt (memorably scoring vs. Portugal in his U.S. debut) and since then he's become enough of a star that he was a captain for them as a 20-year-old.

    Christian Pulisic rightfully gets most of the headlines which makes sense with his insane career trajectory but with McKennie at Juventus now along with Tyler Adams at Red Bull Leipzig and Giovanni Reyna at Borussia Dortmund just to name a few, the US men's national team shouldn't miss any more World Cups in the near future-assuming that those are still a thing despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Besides their ages and limitless potential, my favorite part about all of these guys is that they are not afraid to go to Europe where they can train and compete against the best players from around the globe. They are not the coddled players from previous USMNT generations that mostly preferred to stick around here where they could dominate without putting in much effort.

    Moreover, they are not scared to make the leap to even bigger (ie. more pressure-packed) clubs. With five goals in 91 career appearances for Schalke (including a Champions League game-winner) and six goals in 19 appearances for the Red, White and Blue, McKennie realized that Schalke will never be more than a mid-tier club in the Bundesliga at best. Their glory days have long passed and they'll never be better than the juggernaut Bayern Munich or Dortmund who is also becoming a budding powerhouse in their own right. Juventus on the other hand is a lock to win Serie-A every year (9 in a row and counting!) not to mention the fact that they are always a contender for the Champions League crown as well. Oh and one of the greatest players in soccer history-Cristiano Ronaldo-plays there along with another absurd attacking talent in Argentine Paulo Dybala. You can't expect McKennie to have an immediate impact with Juve, remember that even Pulisic had some bumpy moments in his first Chelsea campaign, but you can't find a much better environment in every possible way (players, coaching, fans, worldwide attention) to maximize his abilities.

Tweet

Follow @RichSlate  

USMNT Gets The Job Done: Advances To the Knockout Round for the 2nd World Cup in a Row

It was not a memorable match by any means since the U.S. men's national team basically held on for dear life the entire time, but when the final whistle blew at Arena Pernambuco in Recife this afternoon that hardly mattered. The Americans had booked a spot in the knockout round of the 2014 World Cup via a 1-0 loss to Germany coupled with a 2-1 Portugal win over Ghana.

The Americans finished in second place in Group G (behind Germany) with four points and a goal-differential of zero. Portugal and Ghana both go home while the U.S. meets Group H winner Belgium on Tuesday (4, ESPN) in the round of 16. Germany plays Algeria on Monday with the elimination games beginning on Saturday while we all get a welcome day off tomorrow following two straight weeks of incredible soccer.

This is the first time ever that the U.S. has made the knockout round in back-to-back World Cups so there is plenty to celebrate, especially when you consider the supposedly great teams that are already gone: Spain, Italy and England to name a few.

Germany controlled the ball the entire way but at least had nothing to show for it in a scoreless first half. The one real good chance for the U.S. came on a curling shot from the top of the box by Graham Zusi that just went over the crossbar. Unlike fraudulent Portugal which was ranked No. 4 for no good reason, Germany is legitimately recognized as the No. 2 team in the world.

At some point, the talent of a team like that will eventually take over. Tim Howard had just made a diving stop when the rebound went out to Thomas Mueller. His one-timed rocket from distance went into the corner of the net. It was a breathtaking strike, his fourth of the tournament which ties him for the lead with Brazil's Neymar and Argentina's Lionel Messi.

From there, it didn't matter that much if Germany scored again. It was more about what happened in the other match (going on at the same time) which makes it even tougher to take. Ghana was the bigger threat to the U.S. since Portugal buried themselves with the opening 4-0 loss to Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal for Portugal basically sealed the U.S.' fate so I guess we have to take all the nasty stuff we said about him.

After defending the whole game against a superior opponent, in the pouring rain, credit to the U.S. for conjuring up a couple near goals in the dying minutes. Their best passing sequence of the group stage almost resulted in a beautiful goal by Alejandro Bedoya but it was stopped by the sliding German defense. Clint Dempsey had a header from feet away that somehow went over the net. Oh well, bring on Belgium.

I don't fear Belgium nearly as much as I did Germany. They are one of the top teams in the world these days but they are new to these lofty heights so as far as the national team goes, they really don't have much big game experience. We'll see if that plays a role on Tuesday but I feel like if the United States plays up to their capabilities, they could surprise Belgium since make no mistake, the U.S. will be the underdog.

The winner of U.S.-Belgium meets the winner of Argentina-Switzerland (12, ESPN) which precedes it on Tuesday. That quarterfinal match is on July 5. The U.S. lost in the round of 16 to Ghana in 2010 and they've only reached the quarterfinals once in the modern era (2002). Therefore the next few days' worth of hype is well deserved and it would really be something for the sport in this country if they can get past the Belgians to possibly have a shot at Messi (the best player in the world) and Argentina-another top team.

UPDATE 6/27: Jermaine Jones broke his nose yesterday in a collision with teammate Alejandro Bedoya but the good news is that it sounds like he'll still be able to play vs. Belgium. He is carrying a yellow card along with Kyle Beckerman and Omar Gonzalez into the Belgium match. Those only clear when you reach the semifinals.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

U.S. Blows Late Lead, Draws 2-2 With Portugal Setting Up A Huge Match vs. Germany

It should tell you something about the rapid rise of the U.S. men's soccer team under head coach Jurgen Klinsmann that a 2-2 tie vs. Portugal this afternoon at Arena Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil was seen as very disappointing. We feel this way because the Americans had all the power in their hands as they could have booked their trip to the knockout round with a win while Portugal would have been eliminated from the 2014 World Cup if they had lost.

Instead, after allowing the tying goal in the 95th minute on Varela's header from Cristiano Ronaldo, the U.S. faces the grim challenge of Germany on Thursday (12, ESPN) in their final group stage match. A win or tie against the Germans would do the trick but the U.S. can also advance with a loss: 1) coupled with a tie in Ghana-Portugal or 2) better goal-differential than whoever wins the other match. You couldn't ask for much more in terms of excitement since all four teams in Group G are still alive.

This was a fantastic contest and since it was on a Sunday night in primetime, I predict they received record ratings in the U.S. It was the type to pull in a casual fan and hopefully hook them enough that they check out the Germany match and possibly some others. What is it about the beginning and ends of games for the U.S.? They are always filled with drama.

After Geoff Cameron's clearing attempt went horribly awry-deflecting right to Nani in the fifth minute-the Manchester United product showed the finishing skills that he's lacked for the past year with both his club and country. The U.S. trailed at halftime in the rainforest which was certainly alarming since they were 0-14-1 when trailing at halftime at the World Cup (they tied Slovenia in 2010). Meanwhile, Portugal had been 8-0-0 when ahead at halftime.

Unlike vs. Ghana, the U.S. looked solid from the start (save for Cameron's blunder). They owned more possession and were unlucky to be down to the team that FIFA ranks as the fourth best in the world (haha yeah right!) The Americans tied it in the 64 minute on an absolute howler by midfielder Jermaine Jones. It easily has to go down as one of the prettiest that the U.S. has ever scored on as he wound up from way behind the 18-yard box and put it in the corner with serious pace.

A tie would have been ok but credit to Klinsmann and his team for continuing to go for the three points. They were handsomely rewarded in the 81st minute when Clint Dempsey's re-directed Graham Zusi's cross with his stomach. Not his chest, I can't say I have ever seen that kind of maneuver. In a sense, the U.S. was fortunate to be leading at that point since Portugal had blasted a shot off the post and Tim Howard made a spectacular reaction save on the followup.

Ronaldo hadn't done much all day so it figures that the top player in the world showed up when it mattered most: Michael Bradley capped off his tough day (he should have scored an easy goal earlier in the second half) by turning the ball over in midfield. The Portuguese quickly counterattacked (albeit 5-on-7) then Ronaldo whipped in the cross that Varela perfectly hit past Howard.

If we're being honest, this game probably was most deserving of a draw. Germany and the U.S. are tied atop Group G with four points while the Germans have a superior goal differential (+4) to the Americans (+1). Ghana (-1 goal differential) and Portugal (-4 goal differential) each have a point. Leading up to Thursday, I can guarantee that most sane fans and media will expect Germany to win. The good news is that tough situations like that where people are doubting them the most seems to be when the U.S. plays its best. Four points against Ghana and Portugal is admirable but the U.S. still has plenty of work to do to prepare for Germany (who have an extra day of rest) and get a result that will keep them alive.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Real Madrid Vs. AC Milan This August At Yankee Stadium

I am a pretty big fan of European soccer clubs doing summer tours in the United States, it gives newer soccer fans a taste of what the top teams around the world look like; even more so when they play in historic, non-traditional venues like Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium.

This August 8, Real Madrid will face AC Milan. That's right, Real Madrid head coach and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the Big Apple as the Spanish giant travels across the U.S to play one of Italy's top teams.

Real Madrid is slated to play at the Los Angeles Galaxy on August 2, against Juventus in Las Vegas, NV (which could be brutal given the desert heat) on August 5 and they wrap things up in Philadelphia, PA with an exhibition against Celtic on August 11. This will be the third straight summer that Real Madrid has used a preseason tour of the U.S. prepare for its grueling La Liga regular season.

AC Milan will play Chelsea on July 28 in Miami and they have another match in Pittsburgh, PA on August 4 against an opponent to be determined.

If you're wondering, there has never been a soccer game at Yankee Stadium (which opened in 2009). Chelsea faces Paris Saint-Germain on July 22 in what will be the first soccer game there, a prelude to Real Madrid vs. AC Milan. Over the last few years, there have been college football games-(Notre Dame vs. Army) and the Pinstripe Bowl-in the Bronx but this should bring a much more diverse and lively crowd since they'll be drawing from the biggest city in the U.S. that is chock full of every nationality you can think of.

Tweet


Follow @RichSlate

Messi, Ronaldo & Xavi Named Three Finalists For FIFA's Top Award

The greatest rivalry going in club soccer has extended to year-end award shows as well. Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez along with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo were named finalists for FIFA's Ballon d'Or after outlasting 20 other nominees.

Messi also won the award two years ago when France Football magazine chose the best player in Europe. The Ballon d'Or is now merged with FIFA's player of the year award to create one trophy.

"As I've always said, it's great to win individual awards, especially the prestigious ones, but what comes first for me is winning matches and titles,'' Messi said.
Messi and Ronaldo have already scored 17 league goals this season. They face each other in the Spanish league on Saturday.

"It's great to be again nominated as one of the FIFA Ballon d'Or final 3 contenders,'' Ronaldo said on his Twitter account.

Ronaldo won the Golden Ball award in 2008, and his quest to overtake Messi as the world's top player has seen the Portuguese star playing probably the best football of his career over the past year.

He broke the Spanish league scoring record with 40 goals last season, including 11 in his last four games.

Messi scored fewer - 31 league goals - but set up more than Ronaldo. He also walked away with the Champions League and Spanish league titles, while Ronaldo only won the Copa del Rey, or Spanish Cup, scoring with a bullet header in the final against Barcelona.

The winner will be announced on Jan. 9 in Zurich, Switzerland.

If Messi wins the award for the third time, he will join former France midfielder Michel Platini, and former Netherlands greats Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten as three-time Golden Ball winners.

The 24-year-old Messi scored in the 3-1 win over Manchester United in last season's Champions League final.

Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho, Manchester United's Alex Ferguson and Barcelona's Pep Guardiola are in the running for best coach.

Messi hailed Guardiola's influence and the way he has modernized the club.
"His leadership is so important to us, not just in the day-to-day but in the way he prepares games and keeps us motivated,'' Messi said on FIFA's website. "His attention to detail also makes a huge difference. When he came in, for example, he decided that we should start having lunch at the club and that the doctors and our (physiotherapist) should keep a closer eye on us.''

Madrid currently leads the Spanish league ahead of Barcelona, but last season Mourinho was powerless to stop the Catalans from dominating Europe. Barcelona beat Madrid 3-1 over two legs in the Champions League semifinals, with Messi scoring twice in Madrid. Ronaldo failed to score and cut a downcast figure as he was totally outshone by Messi.

Messi, Neymar and Wayne Rooney are shortlisted for the best goal award.

My money is on Messi to win since he's the best player on the best team. Plus, he's coming off the best season. Ronaldo and Xavi (in that order) are worthy choices too but it just feels like Messi's resume is better and it's his time to win, again.

Follow @RichSlate


Tweet

Yikes

Haha just after I lauded Casillas for a good play (albeit after a bad first touch by him) he almost gave up a weak goal to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Man U. star took a free kick from 37 yards away and put it on goal, right in Casillas' stomach but for some reason (swerve?) he didn't catch it and it bounced out. Luckily for him and Spain, nobody from Portugal was on the doorstep.

0-0 in the 30th minute.

Do it Cristiano, do it

No surprise, it didn't take long for Cristiano Ronaldo to leave his imprint on the match (I hate that saying).

He fired from about 30 yards out and it would have been one of the goals of the tournament but it hit the post and richocheted away. Can you say wonderstrike?

As incredible as Ronaldo is, he hasn't been scoring lately for Portugal. Just something to keep in mind.

Also, so far Ghana is the only African nation to win in South Africa at the 2010 World Cup.

Scoreless in the 15th minute.

Ivory Coast defender Siaka Tiene just curled a free kick, their first chance, wide from outside the box.

A little magic from Ronaldo...

We all love to hate Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid, but at the same time if you're like me you also love to watch the guy play because no one can do the things he can do not even the great Messi.

The Portuguese man has the fastest step-overs I've ever seen and the defender below from Almeria, who got toasted yesterday probably agrees with me. Check out the highlights:

A couple of great goals from the week

Fresh of his spectacular laser shot to send Chelsea packing in the Champions League, Samuel Eto'o had this bicycle goal vs. Livorno the other day in Inters' 3-0 win as an encore.

Ronaldo, the king of the step-overs with the quickest feet I've ever seen, also uncorked two "bamboozlers" yesterday on a free kick and then the step over... Check out the second goal at the 2:45 mark, I just wish I could find Ray Hudson's call of it, it's genius

Rooney staking his claim

Alright so yea this clip is a couple of days old as is ESPN's top 50 players in the world column, but let me get right to business - there are major problems with this list starting right at the top in my opinion.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/page/worldcup101-03012010/ce/us/best-players-2010-world-cup?cc=5901&ver=us

(Fast forward to the 5:00 mark to see Rooney's goal)

I want to get straight to the point. Ronaldo and Rooney are better than Messi at this point, but I want to discuss Rooney right off the bat. When Manchester United sold Ronaldo to Real Madrid most wondered where his incredible goal-scoring service would be made up. Sir Alex Ferguson said Rooney, who had played all over the pitch when Ronaldo was in Manchester including outside midfield and various forward positions, would make up much of the difference playing almost exclusively at forward. Being the genius that he is, Ferguson was right.

Rooney has enjoyed his coming out party this season and has become the greatest forward in the game this season - the numbers bare that out. In 27 English Premier League games, the 24-year-old has 23 goals and in 42 overall games he has scored 34 goals, just incredible numbers. The guy is simply unconscious right now as evident by his recent display against Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final. Initially Ferguson had planned to give Rooney the day off with several big games for club and country coming up, but when Michael Owen went down to injury, Rooney came in and scored an iquisite game-winner over American goal keeper Brad Friedel.

He does not have the ability to take on two or three defenders at a time, but Rooney is incredibly versatile and possessing the ability to play as a target player, be a top flight finisher, and move to outside midfield if his team needs be.

For me Cristiano Ronaldo still is not only the greatest player in the world he may be the single most skilled player I have ever seen. His ability to do anything on the pitch is second to none in all aspects. For a long time I thought Ronaldinho had the fastest feet in terms of making scissor moves and other deceptive quick on the ball movements, Ronaldo has surpassed even the great Brazilian's prime. The original Ronaldo of Brazil was the greatest goal scorer I'd ever seen growing up, but again Cristiano has surpassed him as well scoring goals at amazing clip from the flank with his greatest season to date coming two years ago for Man U when he scored over 40 in all competitions and the team won the Champions League as well as the World Club Championship. And his free kick taking and head ball abilities elevate him above any other player in the world in his league because of ability to score in so many different manners. Although his technique on free kicks is odd running straight onto the ball, when he gets it right goalies are left at the mercy.

Messi is great no doubt, but Rooney in my eyes has made the leap above him. Messi is a dribbling machine, his greatest skill no doubt better than Rooney, and a terrific finisher. But Messi is limited as a player, he is not good in the air despite what ESPN says and has trouble playing up front because he is much better going at defenders instead of playing with his back to goal. Just look at the evidence with Argentina where he has greatly struggled in his forward's role with the national team.

This is not disrespect the guy or take anything away from him. He was worthy last year of the Ballon d'Or give to Fifa's best player in the world as he was clearly the best player on the best team in the world. And he too is enjoying another fine season scoring 17 goals in 21 Spanish La Liga games and 26 goals overall in 41 games of all competition.

So as far as the list goes clearly there is much to debate, but I would completely switch around the top three with Ronaldo topping the list, Rooney a close second for the time being, Messi in third, Xavi fourth, and Kaka fifth.

I would certainly have Cesc Fabregas higher than 16 as well as John Terry, Carlos Puyol, Patrice Evra, Philipp Lahm - the four defenders named to last December's Fifa Best XI in the world - who only could amount to 37th, 39th, 42nd, and 47th on ESPN's list.

England's Rio Ferdinand and Jermaine Defoe and Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin were completely omitted from the list as were Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, debatably the U.S.' best two players. Miroslav Klose of Germany and Lucio of Brazil do not deserve to be on this list, both are aging players past their primes. Where is Spain's Marcos Senna another phenomenal defensive midfield talent? Certainly Liverpool/Argentina man Javier Mascherano, who plays the same position, is not as good a player.

Just some food for thought as I'm sure I may be forgetting some players.