Multiple topics, one post. What can I say, it's Friday.
Jersey Hate
I'm not a jerseyphile, shirt collector, kit freak or whatever the term is for someone who breathlessly analyzes the newest looks pumped out by Nike, Adidas, Puma, or whomever is responsible for them. The modern approach to these things is distasteful enough, with massive companies that hardly need the money changing things dramatically every few years in an effort to sell more merchandise.
I just can't work myself up enough to waste emotional energy on something that matters little to the fortunes of my team (or any other for that matter).
Yet, I can appreciate the mindset and passion that leads to commentary like Keith Hickey let fly in the previous post. He criticized the new USMNT kit because he cares. I may see it as misplaced enthusiasm, but that doesn't mean it isn't valid in the most inconsequential of ways.
For the record, I don't mind either the away or home US jerseys for the World Cup. It appears that makes me the exception rather than the rule. So be it.
When the United States takes the field in South Africa against England on June 12th, I doubt seriously that anyone will care that their shirts have a beauty queen sash, that the shirt is "cluttered" with a number added, or that there are pointless stripes of red or white on the sleeves. If the Americans manage to shock everyone with a win, or scrap their way to a hard fought draw, the jersey they're wearing will immediately become iconic in the history of American soccer (provided the take care of business against Algeria and/or Slovenia; no one will care if they crash out in the first round). If they don't, or if this World Cup ends up like the last World Cup, the shirt will fade away into history, taking its place along the terrible looks the US has sported throughout the years.
If you don't like the jersey, don't buy one. I'm not sure there's much more to say, although I would advise you to wait to see it on the players on the field before you make your final judgement. Some times these things look different in "real life".
Me, I'll be getting mine as soon as I can find a spare $75. I just hope that happens before the World Cup. Nike, if your reading, drop me a line...
Whoa, that was pretty shameless. Never mind.
Charlie's Chances
Bob Bradley made some comments on the World Cup hopes of Charlie Davies at the jersey unveiling in New York yesterday. Most outlets are characterizing those comments as "not hopeful" or a sign that Davies is still a long shot to make the 30-man roster or warm up camp next month. While on the face of it Bradley wasn't too positive, I tend to see his comments as careful and calculated rather than any real indication that Charlie will or won't be included in camp. He certainly can't say that Davies is guaranteed a spot, not at this point.
My bet is he's there, with a real shot to make the team, come May 15th. Now, it would help a lot if he could get a game before the end of the Ligue 1 season, and who knows it that will happen. Let's cross our fingers.
Bradley is right to downplay expectations, let the situation play out without tipping his hand, and minimize pressure on Charlie. What he says at a jersey launch in New York isn't necessarily going to be the most enlightening information, especially from a guy that like to play things close to the vest.
Charlie has work to do yet, and he may not end up in South Africa; but for the time being, I have no reason to believe he doesn't have a very real shot.
Supporters and Songs
It's not my habit to throw out links, but there's a quality bit of writing that popped up this week that needs some more attention.
It's a lament on American supporters and our songs from Nutmeg Radio (I'm in full agreement with this sentiment, by the way).
Go read it, it's worth a thought or two.
Back later perhaps, either in the usual one topic format (if inspiration hits) or in this more casual round up thing.
