Welcome to the first installment of Your February Questions Answered. It is March 1st, the ideal day to look back and begin answering a record-setting number of questions from SBI readers.
I will be traveling quite a bit this week and will hopefully be able to answer as many of the February Questions as possible this week. This first installment includes questions on subjects ranging from TV shows to the future of D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid to which non-USA player I would add to the current U.S. national team.
Now, onto the first installment of Your February Questions Answered:
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JAMES T– Hey Ives, if you had to put a percentage on whether or not Landon Donovan is bought by a European club this off season, what would it be? Also, what is your favorite Olympic event?
IVES– I’d put the chances at 75 percent (which may seem high to the folks overplaying his bad miss on Sunday. It was a bad miss, but it was WAY overblown. You would have thought the chance was as easy as Maurice Edu’s vs. Celtic).
As for favorite Olympic event, I’ll assume you mean winter Olympics. The one where they fly down a hill on skies and then do flips in the air before sticking the landing was fun to watch. Whatever that’s called, I was a fan of that. Didn’t watch much to be honest, though I did watch the hockey gold medal match, which was amazing.
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IAN– Lost or 24?
IVES– Lost
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BEN– What is your beer (or drink of choice) while viewing a nice match at the pub or at home? As a grad student mine has to be whatever the cheap special is or a solid dirty thirty.
IVES– I don’t get to watch many matches in the pub, but if I did I’d probably have to have some Guinness. That said, Heineken is my beer of choice.
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DYTMUS– Please speculate as to the reason Nowak left the USMNT. How do you think the loss of Nowak has effected the USMNT? What role did Nowak play in as an assistant coach? (I tend to think it was a bigger role than the outward appearence)
IVES– Sounds like you’re fishing for a conspiracy theory my friend. Nowak left because he was presented with a great opportunity to build a club from scratch and have total power to do that. As for the impact of his departure on the national team, I’m sure it hurt the team to some degree because he had a good relationship with the younger players in the group, but I wouldn’t say the move was devastating for the squad.
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WILYBOY– Who has more of a shot to start against the Netherlands, Torres or Edu?
I'd choose Torres, but wondering what Bradley might be thinking.
IVES– I said Edu last week, before his game-winning goal vs. Celtic, and that pick stands even more now. I’d love to see Torres, but Edu gets the nod. I’ve also heard suggestions that Michael Bradley should sit so we can see both Torres and Edu, but that’s pretty silly. Bradley’s the best central midfield in the pool and we need to see how Edu pairs up with him because they very well could be the starting central midfield tandem in South Africa.
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J MANN– Favorite comic book hero?
IVES– When I was a kid I was a big Daredevil fan.
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TREX– Any update on the Agudelo front? Please tell me RB are pushing hard to get him a GA contract.
IVES- It’s a unique situation because Hans Backe told me he hopes Agudelo signs but I’m hearing the club isn’t exactly rushing to get the signature. One issue could be the fact that Agudelo has grown and improved considerably in the past four to five months. He’s physically matured and is much stronger, and he’s also playing with more confidence. That, coupled with a successful trial at Colombian club Millonarios could have Agudelo looking for more money, which could be why a deal isn’t getting done.
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JOSH ST PAUL– Ives, perhaps you've answered this before…
i'm curious as to what prompted the transition for you to strictly cover soccer. a number of years back (and still, to an extent, today)soccer journalists were few and far between and not too respected. it seems that you must have had some inclination as to where the popularity sport was headed in this country. passion is one thing, but one has to pay the bills. so what is/was your story?
IVES– I covered soccer in college and had a growing interest in the sport and when my newspaper had the beat open I jumped at it. I can’t say I made the move looking ahead and seeing soccer as a growth sport, but I saw it as something I could do well.
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DCD– If you owned a team and had to slap a corporate logo on the jersey, who would be your dream sponsor?
IVES– I do like the Ferrari logo, but I’d probably go with Inca Kola. It would be a great way to rep my Peruvian people, and let’s face it, it’s a great soda.
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PHIL– Do you think there is a chance mike grella would be a call up to the USMNT, if he starts getting playing time, or is league 1 (or probably championship league next season) too low a level for the US?
IVES– I think Grella has showed good promise with Leeds and has transitioned well to the pro game. If he can find a steady role with Leeds as the club moves up, I can see him getting a call in the summer of 2011.
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DOMI-NATE– What do you think about organizing a Vegas trip for those who can't make it to South Africa? Do you know a bar/casino that will give World Cup the respect it deserves?
IVES– Wow, Best Idea Ever. Unfortunately, I’ll be in South Africa so I can’t even get to enjoy that trip. As for bar/casinos to watch the World Cup, that’s a very good question. I’m sure Vegas-based SBI readers could offer some suggestions.
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CAIRO– If you could take one Non-American and add him to the USMNT for the World Cup, who would you choose; or rather, who would make the biggest difference in the team's fortunes?
IVES– Wayne Rooney. A pure goal-scoring forward with an unmatched work rate who is also a professional and relatively humble would do wonders for the U.S. team. I’m sure others would say Messi or Ronaldo, but for what the Americans have and don’t have, I’d go Rooney.
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DARIUS– On a scale of 1 to 7 (7 is the best), How excited should we be for the inaugural Green Soccer Bowl, the Tournament in Detroit featuring Ghana, Malaysia, Puerto Rico and Kenya this May?
IVES– What’s less than 1? Oh right, zero. Seriously, who thought this up? More importantly, who in Ghana’s Soccer Federation thought this was a good idea?
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SETH DAVEY– How old do you think Freddy Adu really is? Some say 26, but I'm guessing he's pushing mid-30's. Thoughts…
IVES– I had the chance to meet and interview Freddy Adu very early on, back in February of 2003 to be exact, and I found him to be smart and confident but I also found him to be totally believable as a 13-year-old. This was well before the real Freddy hype began. At no point back then did I get a feeling that he might be older. Even back then there were questions about his age, but I just never got that impression that he was someone much older.
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JD– With Herculez Gomez's recent form at Puebla, do you think he should get a look in an upcoming camp even though he hasn't been capped in almost three years?
IVES– There are no more camps until December. Now, if he keeps on scoring for the next few months, I’m sure Bob Bradley will look at him. Will that mean a spot on the World Cup roster? I can’t really see it unless the other options are all just not looking good (Davies is still not back, Robbie Findley and Jeff Cunningham aren’t looking that good in MLS and Eddie Johnson’s time at Aris doesn’t get any better).
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T. WHITE– Do you think Mourinho goes back to EPL after this season? I want him at Liverpool if Rafa leaves for Juve.
IVES– I would bet on Mourinho joining either Manchester City or Liverpool, depending on which of them doesn’t finish in fourth place. If neither finishes in fourth, then I think City wins the bidding war.
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PMAC– What are the prospects for a Soccer By Ives show on FSC or FSC2?
IVES– Chances of getting some air-time on FSC? Good. Chances of an actual show? Not so sure about that one. I’ll go with long shot (for now).
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HUTSKIZZLE– If Juan Agudelo was available in this years draft, where would you rank him?
IVES– Based on how he’s looking right now I’d have to make him a Top Five pick. No worse than a Top 10 pick.
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DAVE– Ives, great site, but I miss more regular Red Bulls news and inside information you had in the past. Any plans to bring more of this back in the future?
IVES– There just aren’t enough hours in the day. People might realize that my job now is just different than it used to be when I was a beat writer for the Red Bulls for a newspaper. When you’re a newspaper beat reporter it’s easy to devote a ton of time to a team and focus on them. When I made SBI a national site it meant having to spread my time and energy across the country. I wish I could still cover the Red Bulls like I used to, but it’s just not possible.
That said, I plan on adding a writer to cover the Red Bulls and I will continue to cover the team personally by attending matches and occasional practices.
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TIM– After Bill Hamid's good preseason, as a DCU fan, do you have any idea of what I should expect from Bill Hamid? How good can he become and how long should it take him to reach this potential.
IVES– I think D.C. fans have every reason to be excited about Hamid and I’ll put it down right now. Hamid will be D.C. United’s starting goalkeeper in 2012. I’ve heard some pretty impressive things about him from sources I respect, including one who believes he’s better at his age than Tim Howard. That’s saying a lot, and that’s not to say he’ll be as good as Howard, but he has the tools to be starting in MLS sooner than later.
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As far as a place to watch World Cup in Vegas I would suggest the Crown and Anchor bars, one is on Tropicana and the other is on Warm Springs. They are British style pubs and are always packed for matches. I watched the Confederations Final at the one on Tropicana and it was a great time.
Inka Kola?
How about Cusqueña?!? The best Peruvian beer.
Or the sponsor could just be “Pisco es de Peru”
Hey Ives, I did not intend for it to be a harsh critisizm or a knock on the site. I was just stating my opinion, as this is a comments section, and I think it is very interesting how your loyal readers defend you blindly. I appreciate your explanation and after recieving a few replies to my statement, I realize that you oblige your readers with answering all questions including personal ones. Also, I would like to go on the record and repeat that I am a fan of this site.
To change the mood a bit I would also like to state that I love Inka Cola!
Ives, if you are ever in Los Angeles I am half peruvian and I know the best places to get peruvian food, and I live five minutes away from the Home Depot Center.
I beleive he was referring to Moguls as well. It is a timed event with a bumpy hill and two jumps where flips and other tricks are involved.
Case in point, I love the non-soccer questions. Helps the reader get to know Ives’ personality a bit more.
I dont really understand how Detroit deserves to take a blow from you here…the city had little to nothing to do with organizing this tournament/games. It was a local businessman of Ghanaian descent who must have some serious pull within the Ghanaian football association to set this up.
And the games will be played at the Pontiac Silverdome, where the Detroit Lions used to play and where world cup 94 hosted a few matches. I’d figure some games are better than none for the poor city…
Lost is for the thinking man. 24 is for the Chuck Norris types. I like both but Lost is far and away the better show.
I surrender. You’ve hurt me deeply.
Ives,
Would you have chosen more of a CAM over Rooney if you though BB would use one?
(SBI-I personally hate any and all references to the phrase “CAM” since it’s based in video game lingo and you won’t find a professional soccer coach anywhere who would use it (or at most, a VERY small few). As I’ve said before, until there’s a LAM and RAM, I think CAM is silly. Say playmaker, attacking midfielder, but when you say CAM you lose a bit of credibility with me. That’s just a pet peeve of mine.
As for the idea of adding a playmaker, which was your point, I think the U.S. midfield can be strong enough to make the most out of having a cold-blooded striker who will finish almost all his chances like Rooney will.)
Perhaps he is referring to moguls which has both speed and flips.
How is he definitely 24? I just don’t get the motive to lie about his age when he first emigrated to this country.
ives,
you’re crazy on your “lost” selection. I’m guessing, like most folks, you actually havent watched “Lost” in years. “24” is totally the shizzle this year. Did you see the mentally-troubled former FBI agent, Rene (female), saw off that russian duded’s hand? That was so sick, and something only fox would allow.
I nominate this as “comeback of the year”
funnier than tiger stadium: the pontiac silverdome.
They even sell Inca Kola in Harrison.
Check a mirror, buddy.
Adu is definitely at least 24. Ives is defending Adu because he is probably worried about getting sued for libel by him or something, which would actually be a good thing because a lawsuit would likely bring out the truth, as truth is a complete defense to libel.
The recent fascination w/ Herculez Gomez is funny. Frankly, the fact he’s scoring in the Mexican league says more about the Mexican league than any so-called increase in form. I mean, the dude is 27 and had zero goals last year for KC. The straw-grasping gets tiresome.
Wow! Ed Dog clearly states “…a tiny bit of professionalism..” all of a sudden the cult members of this site are ready to pounce. Last time I checked a little critizism only helps to give Ives another perspective of a fan of his site. Rory has a valid point on Ives being hassled with the same questions, but the other responses were hilarious. Hey Adam in Irvine, Ed Dog never said he was a professional. Hey OmarVizquel, You “eagerly await the “(SBI- …)” comment” I think you should double-check your own life buddy.
or “renown.” Whatever.
Leeds would most likely buy another striker with Beckford gone. They just signed Paul Dickov tell the end of the season.
When they move up to the CCC if he doesn’t get playing time then I could see him go on loan to a League One club.
Out of all the yanks in League One (including Joyce who is leaving at the end of the season) I consider Pittman and Grella to be the best choices for a callup at some point in their careers. I wouldn’t mind seeing them play together in the Gold Cup.
Ed Dog:
You’re probably coming from a good place, but relax a bit — it’s a blog, not the White House AP pool. Peter King (NFL writer of national reknown; DISCLAIMER: I think he’s a yutz) wastes space in a weekly in-season column taling about coffee and airports. There’s nothing unusual or unprofessional about a few personal elements or a little levity. Your question about Bob Bradley and why he won’t play Torres has probably already been answered 97 times.
Yeah I don’t see why it’s viewed as negative. For people in Detroit it’s a chance to see some decent soccer and hopefully attract some revenue. I’m a little more surprised Ghana agreed to it.
I eagerly await the “(SBI- …)” comment.
Get a life Ed Dog.
Hahaha, notes on professionalism from a grown man who calls himself “Ed Dog.”
If Ives doesn’t put that stuff in then we get a LOT of repeats of the same question… things like “Why isn’t Freddy Adu on the national team?” or “Dont you think _________, who wasn’t that great last year in MLS butjoined a foriegn team and scored the other day should be our starting forward over proven MLS scorers?”
It doesn’t make him less professional… it’s not like the headline to tommorow’s SBI will be “Daredevil is cooler then Batman and here’s why” or anything. It just lets us learn a few nuggets about the man that is by far the most professional soccer blogger in America.
Ives, I really love your site. I am a big fan of your work and I check out your articles several times a day. I do have one complaint about the site and that is the monthly questions answered page. The complaint is not on the article itself, it is on the questions that you choose to answer. I really could care less about who your favorite super-hero is, or what is your drink of choice might be, etc., and I believe it takes a tiny bit of professionalism away from this site. I think your site is great, but those questions you choose to answer are not soccer related and belong on your facebook page, not as content in an article.
(SBI-Ed, and I mean this with no anger or attitude, if you don’t like the Q&A then don’t read the Q&A. I’m hardly the first writer who does Q&A to field non-sports questions. If people have interesting non-soccer questions, I’ll answer them. I feel it helps break things up and keeps things from getting too stale. You may not find them at all interesting, but others do.)
Considering are options at forward, and Gomez seems to be the only American forward in any type of good form outside of Altidore, I’d like to see him get a camp before the World Cup. But I can see the apprehension with the move considering the guy wasn’t even in the conversation for almost 3 years.
I was looking forward to the green soccer bowl
Inca Kola is good stuff! lets work on rebranding the New York Inca Kolas
“Green Soccer Bowl, the Tournament in Detroit featuring Ghana, Malaysia, Puerto Rico and Kenya” – Hilarious! another good one from Detroit! where are the games being played old Tiger Stadium?
Grella is a fantastic striker, one I would keep an eye out for. I consider him better playing just behind a proper striker but he’s fast and technically gifted. He hasn’t gotten a solid run in yet but he’s scored a nice amount of goals compared with time out on the field.
Beckford will be gone next season and I would expect Grella’s time to increase while playing in the Championship. I agree with Ives, we’ll see him next year.
I think League 1 is comparable to MLS or at the very least just behind the better teams. Leeds above all the others is really a Championship team and have shown well against Premier League teams (beating United and bringing Spurs to a second leg). He’s at a good team and is young enough to bide his time learning. Seems to really have a good head on his shoulders.
I want us to be sponsored by Taitian Treat, or some other red soda (naturally)…
http://www.rootbeerreviews.com/others/images/tahitiantreat.gif
the WC should be on every TV at sports-showing bar, especially at 7-10 am! I would be surprised to hear otherwise.
Someone should carbon date him and get it over with…
I FREAKING LOVE INCA KOLA!!!!
We just signed Perkins for a long while and with the money we’re paying for him, I certainly don’t think Hamid will get ahead of him so soon. Time is always with a goalkeeper and if Hamid does well this season, expect Wicks to get the axe (finally) and Hamid move up to second string. From there we wait.
Especially this year when ESPN is going to pimp the hell out of the WC.
They might sell of Beckford, who is in demand in the Colaship and EPL, in which case Grella could fight it out for a starting role.
lol ives answered a question about how old Adu is.
We all know player prices are inflated after a good tournament. If he does well in the WC, some team might think the is worth 10 million or more.
Although Areolas DEFFINATELY should be what they call that outside ring part of the curling ice.
yeah, he has seen a good amount of time. look over the american abroad weekend reviews. he does seem to come off the bench more than anything, but that is more than can be said for a # of our strikers. the question is whether or not League One is better/worse/same than MLS. Bob seems to think MLS is superior and goes with Findley and Cunningham. I honestly couldn’t say, I haven’t watched a single League One game. Just highlights.
At least you didn’t call it areolas!
My wife and I were in Vegas for the final of the last World Cup. We ended up watching it in the bar in New York New York with the dueling pianos. The US is not the biggest soccer nation but everyone seemed to be watching that game. If you are in Vegas it won’t be to hard to find a place to watch it with a spirited crowd. It is the World Cup. There aren’t really any bad places to watch it.
I mean aerials, stupid spelling help
Ives the olympic sport you are thinking of is Ariels
I truly think MLS will price Donovan out of the range of any European team where he would realistically earn playing time.
That contract was not about flexibility for Donovan, it was about handcuffing him to MLS. The only teams that will be able to afford him will be teams where he would not break into the first XI.
has Grella even gotten any significant playing time? What makes us think he’ll get more if they promote?
Ives, any idea why MSG and MSG+ don’t televise at least the Red Bulls home games in HD? They seem to be able to pull it off for all their other teams (Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Sabres, Devils). With the infrastructure of the new Stadium, I figured it would be a slam dunk.
What gives?