Lakers put emphasis back on D!

Los Angeles, CA

In the aftermath of the NBA's biggest 'Decision', it's a little guard from Arkansas-Little Rock, that's making the biggest splash. Los Angeles free agent Derek Fisher has decided to skip the sun and sand of Miami, and try to soak up more champagne with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Fisher, 35, had been heavily pursued by the Miami Heat. Saturday, Fisher met with Miami owner Micky Arison and Heat president Pat Riley at the posh Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami. Apparently Dwayne Wade, nor Lebron James, or even Chris bosh were enough to lure Fisher away from one man. The finals most valuable player, Kobe Bryant.

"I have decided to continue with Kobe, continue with our teammates and the fans of Los Angeles," Fisher said in a statement on his website. "While, this may not be the most lucrative contract I've been offered this offseason, it is the most valuable. I am confident I will continue to lead this team on and off the court. Let the hunt for six begin."

The deal Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has reportedly put on the table, calls for the 14-year veteran to earn $10.5 million over three years, with the final year being a player option.

"Nothing is signed yet," said Kupchak. "We're in continuous dialogue with [Fisher's] representatives and we hope to announce something soon." But not before Fisher added that Kobe Bryant, who had been loyal to him even when others had doubts, asked him to stay-- although also telling Fisher he supported his decision whatever it may be. Bryant and Fisher have won five championships together in eleven seasons as teammates.

Last season Fisher averaged 7.5 points a game with 2.5 assists before upping his numbers to 10.3 and 2.8 respectively in the postseason. He will likely share time with guard Steve Blake whom the Lakers signed last week. On Monday, the Lakers let Jordan Farmar go to the Nets for a three year deal of his own.

With Fisher's signing, the core of the Back-to-Back World Champion Lakers roster will remain in tact for the long term. Everyone; Bryant, Gasol, Bynum, Odom, and, Artest have all previously signed contract extensions.

Lakers take inside route to 2-0 series lead.

By: Brandon Vondera

Los Angeles, CA

Nearly seven years to the day, a Lakers big snatched down 13 rebounds in one half of a playoff basketball game. Last time the feat occurred, it was the 7'6" Shaquille O'neal, and the Lakers were just a season removed from winning their third consecutive championship. This time around, it's the young Andrew Bynum. At 7' and just 22 years old, he could very well be the central piece LA needs to win this championship and more.

It is well known that Phil Jackson could go elsewhere after the seasons conclusion. If Bynum and the Lakers win however, it's almost 90% certain the zen-master will comeback to try and taste three-peat for the third time in his career.

The Lakers bigs were so effective in the paint, (64 points, 58-40 rebounding, 13 blocks) that Bynum needed only 1 extra board in the second half to finish with 14, along with 17 points. Pau Gasol netted 22 points and peeled away 15 rebounds of his own as the Lakers pounded the Jazz steadily inside for a 111-103 victory. It is Utah's 16 straight road-loss, including 8 in the playoffs, to the Lakers.

The Jazz look to turn things around Saturday night in Salt lake City.

"We're not going to be frustrated," said Boozer. "We're not going to get demoralized. We're not going to back down. We're going to keep fighting, keep attacking and stay aggressive."

That sounds pretty optimistic for a guy that scored 20 points, pulled down 12 boards, and yet sees his team trailing the Lakers 0-2 in a playoff series for the third straight year.

Utah's other star, Deron Williams-- whom most agree is the best point guard in the NBA-- struggled to find his rhythm in game two, managing only 15 points on 4-of-16 shooting with 9 assists for the Jazz.

"We'd try to get in the lane, and there were two or three guys there," said Williams. "Their length bothered us tonight. We've just got to hit some shots [stretch their defense]. We'll do better."

One of Jerry Sloan's players that did keep Utah close for stretches was power forward, Paul Millsap, scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds. Now Utah has three more days to practice, plot, and prepare for a home game at EnergySolutions Arena, where the college-like atmosphere may be just what the doctor ordered to help disrupt the Lakers dominance.

Simply put, Sloan has got to be feeling some angst as he flies back to Utah and tries to scheme a way for his team to contend with the Lakers frontcourt, who all posted double-doubles in their Game 2 win. The longest tenured coach in the NBA is without his inured bigs Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur, and the Jazz are the ones feeling the pain for it. When Andrew Bynum torches the Jazz while playing with a torn meniscus, it emphasizes the importance of Okur and Ak-47. Kirilenko says he will play in Saturday's Game 3 matchup.

"Their rebounding tonight was just something we could not handle, "said Sloan. "I don't like to use the word 'disheartening.' I thought our guys played extremely hard to try and stay in the ballgame."

I'm pretty sure Sloan did use the word 'disheartening', and if the Lakers can win in Utah on Saturday, that will be the only word to describe the Jazzes luck of playing in the west and running into the Lakers year-after-year in the postseason.

All the while, Andrew Bynum, who says he only feels some stabbing pain-- "just like cutting and jumping and landing and pushing off is where I feel it."-- has three days to himself. Three more days to get treatments and prepare himself to cut and jump and land and push Utah's noses into the ground, for the third straight year.

Game 3 will be nationally televised, live from Utah, Saturday at 8p.m. EST.

Also of note, the Lakers Phil Jackson picked up his 215 career playoff win Tuesday night. Scotty Bowman, the longtime coach of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, has 223 playoff victories. If the Lakers win this years NBA championship, PJ will end up with 225 wins, making him the most winningest playoff coach in the history of the four major professional sports.

Padilla, bats, propel Dodgers.

By: Brandon Vondera

Los Angeles, CA

In his first outing since his Opening Day effort in which he was bounced by the Bucs after just 4 1/3 innings, ceding 7 runs on six hits and 3 walks, Padilla was a different pitcher. Maybe it was the friendly confines of Dodger Stadium that had the Nicaraguan throwing gas or possibly it was the sight of orange and black in the batters box. Either way, after Ethier helped to front him a 7-0 lead, Padilla produced seven solid innings for skipper Joe Torre. He allowed three runs on four hits, struck out seven, and had a scare when he let a sinker slip away and into the helmet of Giants center fielder Aaron Rowand in the fifth. San Francisco 1B Aubrey Huff recognized a difference in Padilla.

"I've hit him pretty good in my career, but tonight he was a different guy," said Huff. "He was making his pitches and just painting them away. He went away on everybody -- and just when you think you're going to get him away, he busts you in. When he's on, he's really tough. And he was on tonight."

Presumably holding an old blue ice bag over his left cheek, that was fractured in two places, Rowand may not feel the same as his teammate about Padilla's control. Vicente's batterymate Russell Martin, was sympathetic of the Giants slugger, who also sustained a mild concussion from the blow to the bill of his helmet. "Hopefully, he's all right. I like that dude," said Martin. "In that situation, you're trying to get a groundball. So he was trying to throw a sinker down in the zone. Obviously, that's not where it ended up. It just took off leaving his hand. I don't know if it hit him square on the helmet or on the bill, but I know his nose was bleeding."

Before Rowand, the Giants weren't able to stop the bleeding from a heavy attack of Dodgers hitters. For a game with a 7:10 start, the Giants starter, Todd Wellemeyer saw himself staring at a 7-0 deficit by 8 p.m. In the first inning he served up a two-run homer to Matt Kemp (5, four in as many nights) and then a solo shot to Ethier (2). An inning later, more trouble from a familiar face. With the bases juiced and 1 out, Andre Ethier (3) sent a fastball sailing 418' over the fence in straight-away center field.

"It took me five years to get my first one, but I finally got it," Ethier said. "I've hit my fair share of home runs those first four years and never got one, so I'm glad it's over now."

Wellemeyer seemed a little perturbed after allowing 7 runs, six hits, and issuing three walks in four brief innings. "It's a difficult task, especially when the zone was as small as it was tonight," he quipped. "When you throw a strike, you expect it to be (called) a strike. That's all I'm asking for. It (makes) a big difference when you walk the leadoff guy than when you strike him out, but you've just got to go from there and keep battling." After laboring in the first two innings, Wellemeyer fired a Roger Clemens-like bow-tie pitch up and in past Matt Kemp's head, before walking him to load the bases for Ethier. Andre apparently had his boy's back, sending his shot straight back, and well over Wellemeyer's upturned head.

"Maybe sometimes in the past, I tried a little too hard in those situations," Ethier said. "But right there, I think the last thing on my mind was to hit a grand slam. i just wanted to put a good swing on the ball and drive it into the gap."

That he did, and the boys in blue rolled to an eventual 10-8 win over San Francisco. With the victory and a late walk-off winner for San Diego, the Dodgers picked up a full game on both the Giants and Diamondbacks.

Notes: Matt Kemp, who has homered in four straight, became the first Dodger to homer in the teams first four home games since the club moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn in 1958. Bruce Bochy the San Fran skipper celebrated his 55th birthday. And, both teams wore Jackie Robinson's No. 42 jersey, as the Giants had Thursday off. It was the second straight night for the Dodgers in Robinson's jersey, marking the 63rd anniversary of Jackie's first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Popular recording artist Slash of the rock-and-roll group Guns-and-Roses, performed the National Anthem on guitar. The crowd loved it.

By: Brandon Vondera

Los Angeles, CA

As the Lakers return home, following a tumultuous road trip in which they dropped 3 of 5 games, some good news is to be had. Mitch Kupchak, the Lakers GM, today announced that All-Star guard Kobe Bryant has signed a three-year contract extension with the team. "We are extremely pleased that we were able t reach an agreement and come to terms on the extension at this time." said Kupchak. "Kobe has been a cornerstone of the Lakers for well over a decade, helping to lead us to four NBA Championships and in the process developing into one of the greatest players in basketball history."

Bryant is averaging 27.2 points, with 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on the season. He has spent his entire 14-year career in Purple and Gold.

Lakers woes continue!

By: Brandon Vondera

Atlanta, GA

For the second night in a row, Kobe Bryant had to walk (slink) off the court with the sour taste of defeat in his mouth. Kobe led all scorers again (28) but was unable to carry his team over a strong Atlanta squad led by Joe Johnson. The Lakers loss resulted in just the fourth back-to-back loss for Los Angeles all year, but it has added to the Everest-like pile of doubts concerning the teams chances of repeating as champions.

As Phil Jackson's team slithered out of Atlanta's Phillip's Arena, the Hawks were soaring to new heights. In front of the largest regular season crowd ever at Phillip's, the Hawks just seemed to fly by the lethargic Lakers.

The Bench Mob of years past, seems passé. Gone by are the glory days of yesteryear when you might witness 'the machine' explode with a fury of trey's, departed the days that DJ Mbenga enters the game for 12 minutes and leaves with a dozen points, 3 blocks, and a couple boards.

Atlanta's bench, led by former Laker, Mo Evans (18) and paced by Jamal Crawford (15) flexed its muscle with a 48-22 victory over the LA reserves. Same old story if you've followed the Lakers even remotely this year. Even Zaza Pachulia scored ten off the pine, to go along with ten rebounds, resulting in his first double-double of the year.

In the dirty south, it's a different story. Atlanta's got that ambition babe. And after 9 straight wins, they sit a full game ahead of Boston in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing Orlando by just four, with 8 to go before the postseason begins.

Atlanta returns to action Friday at Clevland, while Los Angeles looks to rebound at Staples, hosting the Jazz.

World Cup update...

By: Brandon Vondera

Manchester, England

Wayne Rooney, the vastly talented Manchester United striker, sustained a minor ankle injury this past Tuesday. In the final minute of a Champion's League loss to Bayern Munich, Rooney experienced some minor ligament damage to his right ankle following an awkward landing. Moments later Ivica Olic scored the game winning goal for Bayern, matter of factly adding insult to injury.

With Rooney unofficially expected to miss up to four weeks, he will surely be sidelined for Saturday's matchup with Chelsea at Old Trafford and also the return leg against Bayern scheduled next week in Manchester.

With an update expected from Sir Alex Ferguson coming at his usual Friday press conference, the Man U camp has released this statement on the matter.

"We're pleased to report that Wayne has not suffered a fracture. The scan revealed only minor ligament damage. For now, the club is not commenting on how many games Wayne is likely to miss."

Wayne Rooney is atop the Premiere League with 26 goals registered thus far in his 2010 campaign. Following in hot pursuit is Didier Drogba of Chelsea (24). Drogba now looks to lead the blue past the Red Devils in both match and standings Saturday, while Rooney is on the mend.

As far as England goes, this will undoubtedly trouble manager Fabio Capello. The latest injury only adds to the preceding concerns over the form and fitness of recently made skipper Rio Ferdinand as well as his companion defender Glen Johnson.

Just 71 days until England opens their bid for World Cup glory vs the United States at Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Lakers clinch playoff birth.

By: Brandon Vondera

Los Angeles, Ca

At Staples Center in Los Angeles before an A-list audience (Hollywood players Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jack Nicholson were all perched courtside) the Lakers improved to 51-18. By pulling away late from the Curt Rambis coached, Minnesota Timberwolves, LA set aside all concerns after Darko Milicic tied the game at 66 in the third. The Lakers thrusting aside of the T-Wolves was just the latest calamity for the latter, dive-bombing steeper yet in their latest 12-game losing streak.

Kobe Bryant led with a game-high 22 points and 13 dimes, as the Lakers closed out the Wolves with a 104-96 victory -- their tenth straight over Minnesota.

Pau Gasol playing with the passion of a Spaniard as of late snatched 14 rebounds, and injected 17 points into the Lakers offensive effort. Subsequently seeing firsthand that his fellow big men shot well, a combined 11 for 18 from the field, Lamar Odom acted as the spark that lit the Lakers flame in the fourth quarter. LO finished with 11 of his 18 points in the final period, also making 4 of six shots from beyond the arc in 26 minutes off the bench.

Unfortunately for the Los Angeles coaching staff and fan-base alike, the real news came in the third quarter when Andrew Bynum limped out of the game. The early verdict was a left achilles sprain, coming after the Lakers big was able to walk off the court under his own power. LA coach Phil Jackson looked burdened when he spoke of his young center's injury after the game.

"We're a little concerned, he'll probably miss a little while," said Jackson. "We'll have to use our practice tomorrow to reassess how we're going to play without Andrew for a little bit here."

Next up for the Lakers will be a 6:30 appointment with the Gilbert Arenas-less Wizards on Sunday. Fans attending the game should leave extra time to arrive to the stadium as the streets of Los Angeles will be finally putting themselves back together following the 24th running of the Los Angeles Marathon. It will be the first race with a new course beginning at Dodger Stadium and finishing at the Santa Monica pier.

By: Brandon Vondera

Phoenix, AZ

Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully has been hospitalized after a fall at his home.

Scully, 82, told LA club vice president of communications Josh Rawitch about his injury. According to Rawitch, the Dodgers legend got up from bed too quickly, fell and bumped his head. I'm sure Vin's recollection of the event will be much more poetic when he returns to the booth.

Rawitch later added that after remaining hospitalized overnight at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center for observations, Scully is expected to be at Camelback-Ranch-Glendale this weekend to call the Dodgers' Sunday exhibition game.

Scully has long been heard over the airwaves and seen as a fixture and face of the Dodgers organization. He is in every Hall of Fame imaginable for a broadcaster, has called 3 perfect games (Don Larsen '56, Sandy Koufax '65, and Dennis Martinez '91) as well as 18 no-hitters.

An unprecedented 27 times, Scully has been named the California Sportscaster of The Year. Began calling games in Brooklyn when gas cost 27 cents a gallon, called his first World Series action at 25, and in 1982 had his star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I invariably look up to Vin Scully with such respect and amazement. The thing is, I couldn't tell you how many people do the same. We will be listening to and talking about Vin Scully as long as baseball is played.

Stu knew?

By: Brandon Vondera

Stuart Holden is a midfielder for the U.S. national team. Just this past Wednesday during a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands, he suffered an injury. The bygone Houston Dynamo star, suffered a fractured fibula, the result of a hard tackle by Nigel de Jong. His injury, though considered serious, will see him back on the pitch in about six weeks time. Holden who regularly plays for the Bolton Wanderers of the English Premiere League has been granted permission to return to his hometown Houston this week to attend to personal affairs and spend some time with his family.

You needn't worry too much however, after visiting his former Dynamo teammates this week, he should be soon able to start his rehab even while wearing a boot. His Bolton manager Owen Coyle expressed concern but expects a full recovery.

"[Holden's loss] is a blow, but the most important thing is that he returns bigger and better."

Strong words that clearly put the pressure on the 24 year old. It also shows me that Coyle has a lot of confidence in his player to be so curt and not worry about Holden not being able to bounce back fit, and before long.

Stuart was an active member on the U.S. U-17 and U-23 teams prior to being called up to the United States Gold Cup squad in 2009. Holden promptly scored a goal in his national team debut vs Grenada, and successfully followed that up with a 30-yard strike in the ninety-second minute against Haiti in his second game. That goal came after he assisted the match's first goal. In the United States 2-0 semi-final win over Honduras, Stuart notched two more assists and as a byproduct was selected to the Gold Cup All-tournament team.

Lets rally behind the midfielder as he recuperates and root for a speedy return. He will be a great compliment to Michael Bradley as the U.S. heads to South Africa.

Gettin' cozy with Jozy.

By: Brandon Vondera

With just over three months to go before Mr. Josmore [pronounced ZHOES-MAIR] Volmy Altidore steps on the pitch against England in the World Cup, get reacquainted with the Hull City star.

If you can't already recognize Jozy from his 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup goal against Spain, you may recognize him as the guy next to Ronaldinho and Guillermo Ochoa on your copy of the video-game FIFA 08. Brian Ekberg of Gamespot.com caught up with the prolific striker and asked him what is was like playing as himself in the game fore the first time.

"It was a crazy experience because now, you know, it's not like, 'Look what I just did.' he answered. It's look what Jozy just did. It's a lot of fun and it's great." Altidore also added that his character is actually just like himself. "He's aggressive. he's fast. He's got a very powerful side and he's very energetic and it's spot-on to how I am as a player."

After attending the Bradenton academy in Florida, Altidore has played for the U.S. national team at almost every level. As a possible foreshadowing of his upcoming World Cup 2010 appearance, Jozy received his first call up to the national team on November 17, 2007 for a friendly against South Africa. He turned 18 only 11 days prior to coming in as a 65th minute substitution. A few months later, in February of 2008, he had his first start with team in a friendly versus Mexico where he also scored his first goal.

Aside from the youngsters national team duties, Jozy was taken as the 17th over-all pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, with the MetroStars (now called the New York Red Bulls). In a 2-1 loss to D.C. United in the Eastern Conference Semifinals Series, Altidore headed in a cross, becoming the youngest player to score a MLS playoff goal at just 16 years 337 days. You're going to have to eat all your veggies and practice long hours if you'd like to best that mark. Succeeding his impressive early run in the MLS, Villarreal of the Spanish La Liga signed him for nearly $10 million, the highest transfer fee paid for any MLS player. He is currently on loan to Hull City of the Premiere league, and quite possible could end up staying there.

The boy with nicknames like oatmeal and juice is sure to be a fixture on the nation team for years to come, as he is only 20 years old, and continues to improve. Watch out for his wristbands while he plays. His parents hail from Haiti and he wears both the flags of Haiti and the United States when he plays.

You can follow Jozy on twitter if you like. He posts pretty frequently, and is a funny dude.

USA sliding into cup.

By: Brandon Vondera

MVB Sports

Zurich --

The Associated Press this morning has reported that the United States has slipped four spots, to 18th in the FIFA rankings. The top spot is still held by European champion Spain. Brazil, the Netherlands and Italy fill the remaining top four spots respectively.

Germany has climbed up one spot to fifth, England as well, to eighth. And, another former European champion (2004), Greece, has improved two spots displacing Egypt as the world's 10th best team.

Egypt had previously moved up the rankings following their championship in the African Cup of Nations in January. They have now slipped to 17th, just ahead of team USA. Ronaldo's Portugal dropped as well, to sixth. Also seeing more chutes than ladders was Argentina, falling to ninth.

The United States will visit the Netherlands for a friendly today.

Kings stay sharp.

Dallas TX,

At this weekend's NFL combine, the über-moneyed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, announced more plans for his grandiose soapbox of sport. His $1.2 billion Cowboy cathedral has already hosted the most recent Big 12 Championship, NBA All-Star, and AT&T Cotton Bowl games. Next up is a super-fight featuring Manny Pacquiao on March 13th, and next year's Super Bowl XLV. If that wasn't enough, he wants to go international, bringing a World Cup match and a U.S. Olympic swimming event to Cowboy Stadium. Heck, the guy even aspires to host the Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Dallas.

"Hey, I'll tell you what," said Jones from Indianapolis. "Truthfully, we are looking at possibly doing one of the big qualifying swim deals there." Jones even mentioned a Texas sized swimming pool could be installed. "We'd fill it full of water," he said. "It would be 300 feet deep. We would build them in there. But we are serious about, just looking into it." And there's more...

Jones has also had communications with the NHL about hosting the annual Winter Classic outdoor hockey game. This past Classic presenting the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins was held at Boston's Fenway Park baseball stadium. Clearly Jerry Jones has a lot on his mind these days.

Being so devoted to all things Dallas, the oil-man owner would most likely call on the Dallas Stars play in his stadium. He's also probably scratched the red-hot Kings (11-1-1, in their last 13 games) off his list of possible Winter Classic combatants after last night.

In their first game back from a 16-day Olympics break, Los Angeles dominated the Stars from start to finish. Final score 5-1. Man-of-the-match was none other than returning USA back-up goalie Jonathan Quick, who stopped 31 shots.

"You get back to the rink and get into your routine and everything starts to feel natural," said Quick, who didn't see any ice for the U.S. Olympic team as eventual tournament MVP Ryan Miller's backup. "I caught a couple of lucky breaks and got a lot of support from my team."

Both Quick and Dallas net-minder Marty Turco, had an assist in the contest, marking the first time since March 23, 2006 that both goalies recorded a helper in the same game. The last time it happened, Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils and Atlanta's Kari Lehtonen were between the pipes. Lehtonen now plays for the Stars and is looking to be the future in Dallas as Turco plays out his final year of his contract. The loss also marked a milestone for the 37 year old, 17 year veteran of the NHL. It was his 500th game for Dallas, making him one of only five goalies to play that many games all with one team. Dallas has lost all four games to the Kings this season.

Before the game Olympic medal winners from both teams were recognized on the ice. Drew Doughty of the Kings and Stars captain Brenden Morrow were members of Canada's gold medal team. Los Angeles players Jack Johnson, Quick, and Dustin Brown earned silver medals with team USA and Stars forward Jere Lehtinen won a bronze medal for his native Finland.

Photo credits: Quick- Sharon Ellman AP

Olympians- Glenn James NHLI via Getty Images

Hanging with Mr. Cooper

By: Brandon Vondera

Kenny Cooper's name has been all over the newswire as of late. Recently word dropped that he would be loaned to Plymouth Argyle, by his current squad 1860 Munich. Previous to playing for 1860 Munich, Cooper played three seasons in MLS for FC Dallas. In 90 appearances for Dallas, Kenny logged 40 goals (only Landon Donovan has more goals in that span). He even led the club with 18 goals while starting all 30 games of the 2008 season. Banking on his success in the 2008 campaign, Kenny garnered many awards including the MLS Comeback Player of The Year for 2008.

In the case of Cooper, the apple didn't fall to far from the tree. His father, Kenny Cooper Sr. played goalkeeper in England before moving stateside to play for Dallas Tornado of the now defunct North American Soccer League. When pops retired from coaching, he transplanted the family to Dallas. It is there, in the The Lone Star State, that the Jr. Cooper developed his game. Under the strict mentorship of his father, Kenny blossomed into a fine footballer. Kenny played for the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, where he was named the Dallas area High School Player of The Year in 2003.

Subsequently while playing for Dallas Solar 85 Soccer Club in the Dallas Cup, several former NASL players noticed his skills and alerted Jimmy Ryan, the Director of Youth Football for Manchester United of the English Premiere League. After a successful week-long trial with The Red Devils, Kenny was signed as a free transfer to United. Though he stayed with the club from 2004-2006, he was never able to break into the first team.

The MLS was different, a fresh start. Cooper flourished in the league from his debut game, in which he scored a goal to help his team beat the Chicago Fire. With a newfound confidence his game continued to develop and new opportunities arose. One such opening saw him travel back to Europe where he spent a good deal of his childhood. His current German squad 1860 Munich plays in Munich, Bavaria in the Second Bundesliga. The Green Army, as they're known share a stadium, Allianz Arena, with Bayern Munich which US forward Landon Donovan played for in 2009.

2010 may be yet another favorable time for the young forward. With just four months to go before the World Cup in South Africa, Kenny is eager to make his mark in Enlgand. "Going to the World Cup is a huge goal of mine," said Cooper. "My hope is to have success here with Plymouth and hopefully that will translate into some opportunities with my national team."

Based on his brief resume of national team appearances (10 games, 4 goals), I believe the opportunity may be just what we need heading into June. It was only last July, when Cooper took a boot to the chest from Roman Torres of Panama, leading to a penalty kick he converted to put the USA through to the semifinal round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Five days later, Kenny Cooper seized the day again, scoring late in a match vs Honduras, giving the USA a 2-0 lead and putting our country safely in the Gold Cup Final.

Cheer Kenny on as the USA open up with England June 11 in South Africa.

Consistencey counts

Is your game corespondent to the level you imagined it be. Can you remember any time you ever went through spells of inconsistency or, the dreaded, slump?

While being consistent is a primary focus for top-athletes around the world, many may have seen themselves lose focus. A new trend shows why sports psychology may be here to stay. Dating back to 1920's Germany and the Deutsche Sporthocshule labs for sports psychology founded by Carl Diem, sport psychology professionals have been interested in how participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity may enhance personal development and well-being throughout the life span.

By definition; Sport Psychology-- is (a) the study of the psychological and mental factors that influence and are influenced by the participation and performance in sport, exercise, and physical activity, and (b) the application of the knowledge gained through this study to everyday settings.

It is hard to say exactly how many professional or amateur athletes work with sports psychologists, but one certainty is the numbers have been steadily growing over the past two decades for athletes reporting participation.

Sport psychology is not confined to struggling athletes alone. The tools a sport psychologist can offer an athlete are vital in helping them attain greater confidence and supplying motivation. Also likely is these tool have helped many more successful athletes reach new desired heights, they otherwise would not have achieved.

Some of the ideas conveyed through sport psychology are that of confidence, imagery, motivation, cohesion, and attentional focus.

Using imagery is something athletes of any age can do right now to improve their game. It is also a quite leisurely activity. You simply picture yourself performing your sport in your mind. More importantly however, you must visualize yourself performing correctly and with excellence.

Confidence is an additional vehicle that can drive athletes to perform beyond anything they have ever accomplished before. This certitude allows them believe they can do better. I believe confidence is the least acknowledged, yet greatest must-have attribute for success among highly skilled athletes.

Quite possibly it is deficiencies present in ares like the ones aforementioned, or perhaps things like cohesion, focus, and motivation, to name a few, that might hindered your game. But conceivably, it is something else all together, and wind and weather permitting this can be the untapped well of support you cast your quarters into while wishing to net that formerly elusive game-winning-goal.

If you'd like to make your game more consistent and physical practice alone is not providing you with the results you seek, the time could be now to try something you've never tried before. The aftermath could be a whole new success you'd never imagined.

Check out a couple of resources or ask your friends, coaches, parents. Keep playing and keep winning in sport and in life.

AAASP Online: Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology

http://www.aaasponline.org

This website run by the AAASP provides a forum for those interested in psychological research, theory development and the application of psychological principles in sport and exercise, including coaches, athletes, students, and parent.

Also, The Sports Training Blog offered a post that mentioned some of the top sport psycholgist in the US.

Free-kicking frontrunners.

By: Brandon Vondera

What's all this talk you hear about free-kick specialists? What is a free-kick? And, who are the worlds premiere free-kickers?

Formally, just another way to restart play after an infringement by the opposition, the direct free-kick is quickly rising to be one of the most dynamic methods to score in football. With its increased importance to a clubs lively-hood, more and more free-kick specialists are emerging in todays modern game. This is one of the most exciting and feared moments in a game depending on which side your alliances fall.

In football a direct free-kick is awarded the opposing team when a player commits a personal foul, for example tripping or pushing an opponent. More so, if the offense was committed within the opposition team's penalty are, the kick becomes a penalty kick. The importance of the 'direct' free-kick, is that it allows a player to shoot directly at the goal. A traditional free-kick must first touch another player before being put on net. Since you know now what it is, let's see why it is so crucial to the game.

Looking back,World Cup dreams have sprung to life, and equally been smashed to smithereens by the free kick. Believe me. One must only ask anyone that witnessed David Beckham's goal drawing England with Greece, enabling his side to secure qualification for the 2002 World Cup. (more on that later)

After much deliberate debate and rounds of re-mixing, here is my list of the world's top-ten free-kick virtuosos.

10.) Steven Gerrard

To get things started, I present to you , Steven Gerrard. He published his own autobiography, Gerrard: My Autobiography in 2006. Nowadays he spends time producing more for his club, Liverpool, than he does for the publishing world. Above fan support, Gerrard has a 3X FIFA World Player of The Year winner, Zinedine Zidane in his corner. "Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of Messi and Ronaldo but, yes, I think he might be." Said the famous Frenchman, of the 2009 Football Writers' Association Footballer of The Year. This blast vs The Gunners was spectacular.

9.) Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is quickly making many fans cheer and keepers jeer as he continually makes his free-kick tries count. He may have been number ten on my list, but with his birthday (Feb. 5) coming this week I decided to give him the nod at number nine. Besides, I am pretty sure he is only going to improve for another couple of years. Check out this fan view of a beautiful goal vs. Euro in 2007.

8.) Pierre Von Hooijdonk

Pierre Van Hooijdonk was really doing his thing at the beginning of this decade, and I have not forgotten. While he played for the Dutch club Feyenoord, he was truly remarkable. All throughout the 2001/2002 campaign his free kicks were precise. None more so than his über-shot against Freiburg in the UEFA cup. This shot cemented his name as a legend at Feyenoord forever.

7.) Roberto Carlos

There is one big reason why Roberto Carlos made this list, and it has much to do with his famous goal vs France in 1997. That particular goal defied the laws of physics when it bent around the wall for Brazil. It may be one of the top-three goals all-time.

6.) Diego Maradona

His compact physique, short powerful legs, and low center of gravity were all used with such effectiveness, Maradona is often considered the best footballer of all-time. While it was well documented that he battled monstrously with cocaine abuse, it was his magic on the field that landed the 1986 World Cup Golden Ball recipient at number six. This free-kick is over 20 years old. But time stands still for this spectacular shot.

5.) Alessandro Del Piero

As famous over the years for scoring from the "Del Piero Zone", attacking from the left flank and curling precision lobs into the far top corner of the goal, he is also the ageless wonder of the dead ball. It was the ephemeral Maradona that quipped, "I am certain that Del Piero really never grows old". I've showcased a long video highlighting some of his best. The soundtrack on this clip is well-favored too...

4.) Shunsuke Nakamura

In 2006, he became the first Japanese player to score a goal in the UEFA Champions League. His fame grew astronomically, so much that, the Asteroid 29986 Shunsuke is named in his honor. Undeniably he has failed to shine much since leaving Celtic of the Scottish Premiere League. Although he primarily plays a reserve role for Espanyol of the Spanish Primera Division, he remains one of my favorites from the free-kick. This unstoppable goal in the final ten minutes against Manchester United, although courtesy of a controversial whistle, is one I regard remarkable.

3.) Siniša Mihajlović

Known as one of the top-notch free-kickers of all-time, you had to feel certain Siniša would make my list. One of his finest outings, had to be when he scored a historical hat-trick on free-kicks against Sampdoria during his stay with Lazio. He is currently chiefs Cantina of Serie A.

2.) David Beckham

When the catch-phrase "Bend it Like Beckham" is not only globally recognized, but the synopsis of a Hollywood film of the same title, you are certainly a fanciful free-kicker. Before his days of being established as an elite advertising brand and popular fashion icon, Becks was to play 100 Champions League matches before any other Brit would do so. His most famous free-kick is positively this goal vs Greece that enabled England to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. His former manager Sir Alex, once said about Beckham, "He practiced with a discipline to achieve an accuracy that other players wouldn't care about." A natural entertainer on pitch or off, Beckham often came up clutch for both club and country securing him as one of the choice free-kickers in history.

(Turn up the volume on this one. No more for the magnificent call, but to feel the crowds eruption at Old Trafford)

1.) Juninho Pernambucano

Born Antõnio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr., and hypothetically not known enough for having more free-kick highlight-worthy goals than letters in his name, Juninho Pernambucano is known as the free-kick master of football. It was rumored that he once ownedd a 50% conversion rate on his set piece shots while playing for Lyon, all the while notching upwards of 40 goals for the club. Juninho has been accurately portrayed as "One of the world's most feared strikers of the static ball." The king of the knuckleball, Pernambucano retired from play follwoing the 2006 FIFA World Cup. As June draws nearer and nearer, I can only hope we see a new star of the set piece rise from the Soccer City stage of South Africa.

Who would you pick to be your top free-kick specialists?

Show me the money!

By: Brandon Vondera

Sal•a•ry

-noun, plural -lies.

a fixed compensation periodically paid to a person for regular work or services.

In today's woeful economic times, a proper is an important thing to work for. While some complain theirs is not enough, others grind the mill daily to ensure growth to their own net worth. In football (Let's stop pretending, if we are to embrace the sport, let's call it by proper name. I am quite sure if I bring up either Landon Donovan or Donavon McNabb in conversation you'll understand which football I speak of.) the work may or may not be considered regular. But I'll tell you one thing, it is definitely a service, entertaining millions around the globe.

Recently director James Cameron (Titanic, Aliens, True Lies) was at it again with his latest epic, Avatar. The new movie which is set in the future has broken the record (also held by Cameron and Titanic) for the highest grossing box-office movie worldwide. The movie has already seen sales reach over $1.84 Billion and it is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide have seen the feature. Incredible numbers.

What's more impressive are the estimate's for viewership of the upcoming 2010 World Cup. The tournament beginning June 11, is to be played in South Africa. At last report it was estimated that over 1.5 Billion people will tune into the final. Now if this gem of sport we call football is attracting over five times as many viewers as the world's most seen movie, then the stars of the show are definitely entertainers. Providing past time to all of us dreamers and fans.

Our modern Princes-of-the-pitch, are handsomely profiting from their talents. Unless, unworldly, they play in the precincts of the red, white, and blue. Not supposing to bore you with bunk that MLS players do not bank on their own talents. Rather, they are decades behind their mates accross the pond in compensation. Here is a look at the top 20 earning footballers in the USA vs the World.

(click chart for larger image)

Clearly you can see there is a major difference in what players are paid in the U.S. versus the world's top leagues. Perhaps these numbers are fair in perspective to the present skill level of the different leagues, but I'll venture to say the drop-off for players in the MLS is not going to remain this way forever. As the climate for soccer becomes brighter in the coming years, more resources will flood the league. Player salaries will rise and new soccer-specific stadiums will be built. It looks to be a booming time for football in America. With the sport rising faster than any other at both the high school and collegiate level breakout American stars are surely already being developed from sea to shining sea.

Super Venue

Today it was announced that the U.S. Men's National team will play El Salvador in Tampa, FL on February 24. The match will be the Americans second World Cup warmup of the year-- the first coming later this month as the United States play host to a fellow World Cup qualifying nation, Honduras on January 23rd in Carson, California. The 27,000 seat Home Depot Center in Carson is the home of two MLS teams (Chivas USA, LA Galaxy), as well as being home to the United States Soccer Federation National Teams.

Playing at Raymond James Stadium is not only a wonderful location, but also, a chance for the U.S. to highlight another of it's 18 cities featured in a bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cups. This stadium previously held both Super Bowls XXXV and XLIII. The "Ray Jay" as it's known by most fans also bears claim to "the best turf in the NFL" according to one 2004 study. America, 2-1-1 playing in Tampa, last visited the city March 25, 2007. The result was a 3-1 victory over Ecuador.

In early March the U.S. will play the Netherlands in Amsterdam. It will be the final match before coach Bob Bradley sets his 23-man World Cup Roster. Also of note, it is the only date before May in which club teams are required to release players to their respective national teams.

America opens the South Africa 2010 World Cup tournament June 12, against England, with group play ending after matches against Slovenia on June 18, and then Algeria five days later. The United States has never placed in a World Cup, although FIFA now officially gives credit for third-place in the 1930 Cup.

Now with 570,000+ fans watching the games live in South Africa, as well as an estimated 1.5 billion more watching on TV this will be the most widely viewed sporting event in history. With wholly 20% of the world's population watching, the American desire to win will be more abounding than ever before.

Are you ready to be a scholar athlete?

Every autumn brings a new hope to thousands of high school soccer players of taking their game to the next level. Being a college student-athlete is an imposing goal for many prep players. The final culmination after years of soccer camps, snacking on half-time orange slices, and team names like the Mighty Red Ants. Whether it be because: parents, siblings, friends, or heroes played soccer collegiately before them, America's youth will be clamoring for roster spots.

After putting in two-a-days, running endless drills (and miles) the time has come for them to go to a university and earn a degree. With the responsibilities of classes, labs, homework, and finals, the student-athlete must also train for his or her sport. Sound exhausting? To the many parents thinking of long overtime hours needed to fund their children's dreams it sure does. Thus, the college athletic scholarship.

Athletes who are granted a full scholarship receive funding that covers tuition and fees, room, board, and course-related books. Many more athletes who don't get a full scholarship may be given a partial scholarship to help offset some of these costs.

In 2008, the NCAA estimated the value of a full athletic scholarship to be around $14,000 a year at an in-state public school. The numbers were higher of course-- $24,000 and just over $32,000 for out-of-state institutions and private schools respectively. In any form, the scholarship is a delight to the student and family alike. Beyond dollars and cents, something the NCAA prides itself on, is the intangible value of these scholarships. Without them, many student-athletes would be unable to pursue their athletic and academic dreams.

A long time has passed since our young Pelé's were caught sleepy-eyed in the backseat of mom's mini-van, still wearing sweat-soaked jerseys with mud-caked cleats. Now that they're ready for college and probably driving themselves to practice, being pro-active is of the utmost importance. Less than 2% of high-school athletes will earn a scholarship. Each student must make sure he or she is eligible and continue to improve themself on and off the pitch.

Students must commit themselves to the process, by choosing a school that best suits their individual desires. Doing this as tirelessly as they have dedicated time to improving technical skills over the years, will offer the maximum satisfaction. Come May, graduating with a four year degree is the ultimate G-o-o-o-a-l!