For all of us who are still playing and over 60 or so.

Jack Charlton fals and breaks hip   Just saw this short BBC article on the web.  English football legend, Jack Charlton fell down the stairs at home and broke his hip.  Charlton,  brother of Bobby,  is 76 years old.  I've been out on the pitch in recent weeks with fellas that old and even more that are in a close heat to be that old.  Makes me appreciate every day I can go out,  put on my boots,  and kick the ball around. The article notes that when his son arrived after Charlton called to tell him of the fall,  the old boy was sitting in a chair watching the tv where he'd dragged himself.  That gave me a chuckle.

Kenny Cooper- Red Bull

I just happened to see that the Red Bulls international crossover match against Pumas was on ESPN stream and tuned in for a look.  All the MLS teams are taking a look at their personnel in real action as the season start gets closer,  so the presence of Kenny Cooper on the frontline didn't mean very much.   Even from a distance on the small screen,  Coop was easy to recognize with his loping style.   He had a couple of looks at the ball in the box, one shanked high and the other,  on a great feed from Dax McCarthy,  arriving awkwardly and ricocheting away.  


As I watched I concluded that what I wasn't seeing was any sign of ferocity or desire to tear up the carpet.  And I believe we're going to need a good dose of that here in PDX as the season opens.   Best of luck to Kenny.  I'm hoping the guys who're trying to fill his slot come to it fierce.

El Clasico: Barca v Real documentary premiere

Filmmaker Kelly Candaele speaks about this new production.  "This documentary film is about Spanish history, culture and regional identity that will be screened in the 5th Ave. Theater on Saturday, March 10th at 7:30 PM.  The film is titled El Clasico – More Than a Game and it looks at the intense soccer rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona through the perspective of Spanish history and politics.  

Eighteen months ago I took 10 students from California State University, Chico to Spain to shoot this documentary.   I put together an academic program of classes and lectures about Spain before we left, to provide some context for the production of the film.   In Spain we interviewed historians, journalists, players, team officials and fans about the significance of this soccer rivalry.    After the screening we will have some time to enter into discussion with you and your students.    The film is in both Spanish and English, with English subtitles.  

Hope to see you there on the 10th and please let me know if you would like any further information. "  View the El Clasico trailer.

Whatever Happened to?

Alex Nimo, the dynamic but small player who came out of Benson HS and provided some exciting local color as the Portland Timbers closed out their USL campaign,  has not been mentioned much.  A quick search shows that he's still pursuing his career as a player.  "Sparing: Drutex-Bytovia - Pomorze Potęgowo 5:3" was the headline in a Polish newspaper review  .Alex Nimo in Poland   A reminder that being a soccer player anywhere other than the top tier of play is a daunting task.  Best wishes to Alex and also that he comes home at some point, safe and whole..