Author Archive: [email protected]
In love with the beautiful game for as long as I can remember. Now I just try to my best to capture even a fraction of its essence on paper. Follow me on Twitter, @o_fenomeno86
SWOL Exclusive: Brian McBride discusses life as a member of the USMNT
As a United States Men’s National Team legend and one of the greatest American soccer players to ever grace the pitch in Europe, Brian McBride is a household name for any soccer loving family in the country. SWOL columnist Aaron West sat down with Brian McBride, who graciously took time out of his busy schedule, [...]
Defending Serie A Champions Juventus in Dire Straights: A (Satirical) Fan’s View
Three draws out of the last four matches and Juventus are in trouble. With the club’s seeming inability to attract a “top striker”, coupled with poor past spending and unwillingness to splash the cash for proven talent, the future looks bleak for the Bianconeri. Juventus Director General Giuseppe Marotta has proven himself time and again [...]
Youth Policy in US Soccer: Are Clubs Leaving FIFA Money on the Table?
Football’s governing body FIFA has a number of systems in place in order to ensure that clubs around the world are rewarded for their role in developing youth talent. In light of the United States’ growing stature in world soccer, and the increasing issues surrounding American talent leaving the country to ply their trade abroad, [...]
Football Manager 2013 Transfer Tricks
Most likely if you’ve played Football Manager 2013, you’ve wondered how to maximize your favorite club’s transfer budget to land the very best players available. Here’s your guide to doing so! This works like a charm with most “big clubs” with a decent transfer kitty already. I cannot speak for its efficacy with smaller clubs, [...]
FC Porto Comment: Next Talents To Watch For in the Transfer Window
FC Porto’s prowess at developing and selling on talent has been well documented here at SWOL. Their ability to consistently produce world-class players has been astounding in the last decade and beyond, and it continues today. The bright young talent on display in the Estádio do Dragão is the focus of today’s post, with some of [...]
Stadium Experience: An American Journey to Juventus Stadium
When I received the news that I’d be attending the Juventus-Napoli match in Turin a few months before the fixture, my heart started pounding and my palms began to sweat like a high school freshman being asked out by the prom queen. In my 15 years of being a Juventus supporter, I’ve seen my team [...]
Juventus vs. Nordsjaelland: Bianconeri Attacking Problems continue in UCL draw
Thirty-three shots on goal, nine shots on target and only one goal. Not a promising set of statistics for Juventus supporters. Despite creating chance after chance, Juventus’ barely-hidden issues in front of goal reared their ugly head once again. In a team that has conceded only 4 goals in Serie A play this year, Juventus [...]
Juventus Fans Pray for Health as ItalJuve Gears Up for Another Test
As the Italian national team gets set for their World Cup 2014 Group B challenges against Armenia and Denmark, Juventus fans will wait with baited breath for the end of 180 minutes. ItalJuve has always been the core of the Nazionale, but as much of a point of pride as that is for Juventini, it is [...]
Juventus vs Roma Post Match Reactions as Old Lady extends streak to 45 unbeaten
Social Media’s take on Juventus’ 4-1 victory over Roma
Does Arséne Wenger Dislike Holding Mids? An Arsenal Musing
“Arséne Wenger doesn’t care about holding midfielders.” Before you vehemently disagree, let’s take a look at the history. Patrick Vieira, Lassana Diarra, Mathieu Flamini, Gilberto Silva, Alexandre Song. These are all the (arguably) world-class defensive midfielders Wenger has sold since 2005; all BEFORE the age of 32. Why the seemingly blatant disregard for the importance of the “Makélélé [...]
UEFA Champions League Preview: Chelsea vs. Juventus
On Wednesday September 19th, UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea FC take on Juventus FC in London to kick off their title-defending campaign for 2012-13. Chelsea and Juventus last met in the round of 16 during the 2008-2009 campaign, with talismanic striker Didier Drogba spearheading a 3-2 aggregate victory over the Turin giants. Five members of [...]
FC Porto - Are THEY Football’s Best Run Club?
Italian club Udinese Calcio’s continued success in the transfer market and Serie A is well documented, to the point that it could be argued that they are football’s best run club. However, to quote The Wire, “The king stay the king”. And Portuguese giants FC Porto may just be the king. Millions of viewers watched on [...]
Italy’s International Call-Ups - A Bit of Old and a Bit of New
Italy manager Claudio Cesare Prandelli has released his squad list for the upcoming 2014 World Cup Qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Malta, showcasing a brand new look following the Azzuri’s impressive showing at Euro 2012. With a few interesting inclusions and exclusions, Italy supporters will be excited to see how the revamped side performs in [...]
Juventus rides controversy into opening Serie A match against Parma
The 2012-13 Serie A season kicks off this Saturday, with Fiorentina taking on Udinese, and defending champions Juventus hosting Parma. Let’s take a look at the gossip surrounding the Bianconeri’s opening match on Saturday.
Serie A - Why you should be watching this season
Fiorentina and Udinese kick off the 2012-13 Italian Serie A season on Saturday. After a long summer filled with Euro 2012 action, transfer drama and the Calcioscommese scandal, the year will finally begin in earnest for lovers of Italian calcio. Familiar faces,such as, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Thiago Silva are gone, but the drama of Serie [...]
Connect