May 23, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
The good, bad and ugly of Claudio's career
Presenting one writer's memories of the career of Red Bulls retiring captain and midfielder Claudio Reyna, which includes, the good, the bad and yes, the ugly. This is a repost of a story that appeared on this website in 2008.
April 22, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
Cahill deserves another chance at center mid
One game certainly doesn't make the season and you have to consider the opposition as well, but Tim Cahill's performance at central midfielder had to be an encouraging sign for the Red Bulls.
April 5, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
CONCACAF gets it right with the Gold Cup change
Given what the scandals the confederation has struggled with, CONCACAF has had more than its share of criticism the past few years -- and rightfully so. But let's give CONCACAF some credit. On Friday, CONCACAF got something RIGHT -- big time.
April 4, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
Remembering a great man and a great writer
You always fondly remember the people that open the doors for you in your career. When it is a hero of yours that swings the door open, it is even more gratifying. On Thursday morning I learned that former Newsday sports columnist and sports editor Stan Isaacs had passed away on Tuesday.
March 27, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
El Tri is very, very trying these days
So what happened? What happened to Mexico?It seems that just about every CONCACAF observer — including this writer — made El Tri the kings of the confederation for the next five or even 10 years. But a funny thing on the road to domination can happen — not being able to win.
March 26, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
WCQ predictions: Home sides will prevail: Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama
In World Cup qualifying, it's all about taking care of business at home. You don't win or accrue points at home, you are not going to the dance -- ie. the World Cup. Saying that, the home teams will prevail in the three CONCACAF hexagonal encounters on Tuesday night.
March 23, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
The heat is really on for El Tri, de la Torre
So, you thought the United States was under plenty of pressure to produce a win against Costa Rica on Friday night? Now, that’s nothing compared to what Mexico faces when it returns home to face its fanatical public nd the United States in what has to be a must, must, must win World Cup qualifying game for El Tri on Tuesday.
March 19, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
Remembering one fabulous Owen goal and one incredible World Cup encounter
In case you haven't heard, Michael Owen announced he would retire after this English Premier League season. Didn't it seem just like yesterday he scored that incredible goal off a 50-yard jaunt against Argentina in the World Cup? Actually, it was 15 years ago -- as a fuzzy-cheeked, 18-year-old striker for England in 1998.
March 18, 2013 OFFSIDE REMARKS
The weakest U.S. WCQ roster I can remember
I took a good look at the United States National Team roster and I am not impressed at all. I have never been confused with Chicken Little, but I fear for the U.S. in its next two World Cup qualifiers -- against Costa Rica on Friday and at Mexico on Tuesday, March 26. In fact, it is one of the weakest rosters I can remember in years for a qualifier, outside of times when the U.S. used a weakened lineup after they had clinched a berth.