A World Cup weekend

In the muni off season -- yes I know our LAML cup finals are still to be played this coming Tuesday -- my attention turned to the current World Cup action on ESPN this weekend ... both the Women's World Cup and the Men's U17 have offered some high and extremely low notes over the past few days.

If anyone wants an example of extreme courage, one had to see the U17 semi-final match-up on Friday between host-country Mexico and Germany ... a game which, no matter your allegiances, was one of the best of 2011 for sheer excitement.

After suffering what could have been a game ending head injury when he clashed in mid-air with a German defender twice his size during Jorge Espericueta’s direct goal from a corner kick, Mexican star and Manchester United prospect Julio Gomez returned to the field so bandaged up he looked like he was wearing a turban. Mexico, tied at 2-2 in the late stages of the game, were playing with 10, having already used the last of their substitutes.

Gomez brought the squad back to full strength ... but what could one expect from a player whose cage had been severely rattled? The winning goal, no less -- in the 90th minute, Gomez struck a perfectly executed bicycle kick goal off another corner kick to send Mexico into the finals against Uruguay. Classic football ... while we all play and watch the game.

Then we have the other side of the sport ... the Women's 2011 World Cup, being staged in Germany, has already been plagued but what can only be described as atrocious officiating ... inexplicable calls which have often determined the outcome of important matches ... offsides called, where there were none, legitimate offsides ignored, and numerous highly suspect free kicks awarded as if officials were instructed that they had a quota to meet after being light on carded offenses in the early rounds.

Such was the case in Sunday's quarterfinal match-up between Brazil and the US ... two calls (a retaken PK and an obvious offside) threatened to knock the US women out, but thankfully heart and more than a little karma eventually kicked in.

A completely manufactured Brazilian injury in overtime, as the clock was winding down, was so ludicrous a time-wasting effort it bears looking up on YouTube ... but to describe the incident ... the Brazilian back Erika (13), after a US goal-scoring opportunity was cleared, walked back towards her goal completely fine, then flopped and rolled around like she was dying.

Stretchers came out as she was still writhing in pain ... but even before the med team could clear the corner of the field with her strapped down, she had bounced off the stretcher and proceeded to run (not walk) back to her bench, so she could come back on the field on the next whistle. She was yellow carded for the maneuver ... but really FIFA should have harsher punishments for this sort of behavior which lowers the game ... -10 in the no class department, -20 in the lack of honor department.

I'm happy to say though that karma kicked in twice, as the ref did add the lost time onto the clock (go figure), even though the teams were already in extra time, and the US tied the match on an inspiring Abby Wambach header with the clock already over the 120 minute mark. Then the US netted all five of their PKs while US goalkeeper Hope Solo saved her second legitimate PK of the match to knock out Brazil.

Sometimes things work out.

Tuesday Men's 30s Cup Final all Red

For those who are still interested, both blue division squads in the Tuesday over-30s muni league semi-finals were knocked out last week, with Hollywood United being pasted by Martin Fierro 6-3 and Los Andes losing a tight 1-0 result to FC Armenia Deportivo.

FC Armenia Deportivo (1st in season standings) will play Martin Fierro (2nd in season standings) in the Tuesday Cup final, July 12 at Griffith Park with a 7:30 PM start.

Golden Boot winner playing gig

From: Nick Midulla

Hey guys,

Just lettin you all know about my gig this sat night at Paladinos. Stoned Alice will be killin it yet again! Billy says it will be our after season party and he will provide the cheese pizzas and soda pop!!

We play at 10ish! Hope to see some of you guys there!!

Paladinos
6101 Reseda Blvd.

Rock on,

nick

Happy Birthday

Apache FC Birthday well wishes to Sammy Xaylitdet (July 5), and Ivan Miller (July 7)

Apache FC: Latest News

Firstly a big thank you to all the players who came out for Apache FC this past first season.

We are already in the planning stages for the next fall/winter season in the LA Municipal League. To the players, let us know if you are interested in playing again in September and whether you prefer Tuesday or Thursday nights. An informal poll thus far seems to sway toward Tuesday nights.

Priority registration for the next season runs July 11 to 14, with open registration starting July 18. So we will be taking player deposits soon. The official managers meeting will be held in mid-August with matches set to start in either late August or early September. The fall/winter season is longer than our just completed Spring season, and will include an over-30s cross league Cup competition, which spans teams on Tuesday and Thursday night divisions.

In other news, Coach Billy Alarcon is already hard at work getting us some pre-season friendlies for August on the Griffith Park turf field (details to be announced soon).

We will also be holding some practices between now and September, and will be recruiting a few more players to fill in gaps.

For now have a safe July 4 weekend and stay fit.