Time for an Update

It's been awhile since I have written, but there are somethings to update. Most importantly, the US-Argentina game has been officially booked!

The US will play Argentina at Giants Stadium, Sunday, June 8. Tickets are not on sale yet, but we should receive some official word sometime this week.

On Saturday, the ESC hosted a MLS Kickoff Party at the Kearny Irish American Club which I would say was a solid success. More details in the AM.

Primetown: Nashville Reflection

I finally have some down time after a hectic couple days to reflect a bit on the Olympic Qualification Final and the trip in general.

On Sunday, some of the ESC NYC Crew were looking for a place to watch the big EPL games. However, unlike NYC, nothing in Nashville opens before 11 AM. And I mean any day of the week.

Luckily, we got into the Big River Grill but were forced to watch college hoops (not a bad second option) because the bar did not have Fox Soccer Channel. Eventually, we walked across the Cumberland River and made it to the stadium for the tailgate. It was a relatively small tailgate organized by ESC Ben and 4Winds (who drove down to Nashville in the trailer). The food was aplenty burgers, dogs, etc. But the highlight of the tailgate was the 4 racks of ribs brought by Maaaaaaan 2.0. Absolutely amazing. They definitely went down well with the bottle of jager I brought to the game.

Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was darn good for a meaningless game. The Hondurans came out strong, but the US contingent was solid. I'd say the stadium was 60% Hondurans/40% US supporters. We out sang the Hondos for much of the game, but once they hit that wondergoal in extra time, some of the US supporters were stunned and the Hondos cheered in full force making for a great atmosphere.

It was a disappointing loss, but not much further than what I suspected when Freddy Adu and Jonathan Spector left to go back to Benfica and West Has respectively.

After the game we headed to Bosco's for some post game chow. After singing for 90 minutes and jumping around, it was definitely time for another meal. At Bosco's, I had my most bizarre moment of the evening where I ran into an old friend from college who was living in Nashville. I heard he moved down there, but definitely didn't expect to run into him at a random restaurant. He works in the music industry, so where else would a guy end up than the Music City.

Eventually, we said goodbye to our hosts for the weekend. MetroFlip and I headed to the Springwater for $2.00 pints of Shiner Bock and discuss our time in Nashville. Finally, it was time to call it a night and a trip.

On my way home Monday morning, I was going through security at the airport. Right after I went through security, I saw none other than US goalkeeper Chris Seitz, then forward Robbie Findley, and then defender Patrick Ianni. I couldn't let the moment pass so I did a little US chant and talked with the boys for a few moments wishing them luck in Beijing. Cool moment and definitely a great way to end my trip to Nashville.

It won't be too long until I'm posting again, MLS kicks off this weekend and the ESC is hosting an event in Kearny, NJ. It is also the day of the Old Firm match which I'll be watching with my Rangers buddies at the Kearny Scots Club. Looking forward to that. Till next time... C'mon US!

When I'm able to upload some Nashville videos onto Youtube, I'll post them here. There are a couple of really good ones including the singing of the Olympic song and one of the smoke bomb that was let off. Hopefully, I can get those uploaded later this week.

Primetown in Nashville: Goodbye

Monday has arrived...

The games are over and it's time to return to Dirty Jersey. It's been a busy weekend, but over the next few days I'll post some new photos as well as finally upload some of the videos I took at Thursday's game including a good of Sam's Army humming the Olympic song in the final minutes of the USA's win over Canada.

But now, it's time to pack the bags and head on home.

But before I do that, one more shout out for the host town for this weekend...

Viva NashVegas!

Viva NashVegas!

Viva! Viva! NashVegas!

UPDATE: Free WiFi at the airport. Planning to upload some videos before the flight. Stay tuned...

Primetown in Nashville: On Those Off Days

After Thursday's important victory over Canada, mission #1 was accomplished and it was time to explore Nashville.

For those not from Tennessee, Nashville is the college town of the south. There are over half a dozen colleges spread around Nashville including two that were in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (Belmont and Vanderbilt).

During the weekend, we went to all sorts of bars around Nashville to watch games and just chill out.

Enough of my writing, here's some pictures from the weekend:

A view of the extremely touristy downtown Nashville where every place is a chain restaurant or bar.


Mmmm. Mexican food in Nashville and a chance to hum the Olympic Theme to those that won't be in Beijing.



At least I wasn't the only one beat from the night before.


Maaaaaaaan 2.0 ... aka Ben one of our local hosts in Nashville.

The other Ben and our other local host in Nashville.

Viva NashVegas. Viva, Viva, NashVegas!


Vanderbilt University from the view from Hillsboro Village.

Inside the Village Tavern: A local hangout from Vandy U students.


Inside the Stillwater bar. In what I would describe as the ultimate dive bar.

Primetown in Nashville: What a Day

Greetings from the Holiday Inn Select Hotel Lobby in Nashville where the wonderful world of WiFi exists (boolakashah!)

Holy crap what a day and an even better night. To start, what should have been a 6 hour (from leaving my house to arriving in Nashville) took nearly double that time. To keep the story short: I was bumped from my 930 AM flight and had to take 240 PM flight to Nashville. On the plus side, I got to take a shot jaeger with some cute coeds from the University of Rhode Island at the airport and was seated next to their friend from Fordham University on the plane. Cool peeps, maybe I'll run into them again in the Music City.

Finally I arrived in Nashville shortly after 5 PM local time. Upon arriving at the pregame bar, McFaddens, I was greeted by "It only took him 9 hours, it only took him 9 hours," and Leo's original "Poland, Attacked from the East."

Regardless, the US contingent was there, but there wasn't much time so I pounded some jaeger bombs and we headed out. Here are some photos from the pregame:

ESC NYC representing at McFaddens in Nashville.

Bartenders repping the scarf prior to the march to the stadium.

We left McFaddens and began our 1/2 mile march to the stadium. The usual US songs on the way to LP Field.

MetroFlip leading the chants on the way to LP Field.


LP Field: Venue for Thursday's match.

View inside during the stadium from the Guatemala/Honduras match.

After arriving at LP Field aka Foxboro of the south it was time to try out some food. And boy, for $6 you can have one hell of a turkey leg. Highly recommended if you go to Nashville. Eventually, Honduras won in penalty kicks and the US game started. Pictures from our historic 3-0 victory over Canada are below.

Sam's Army singing for the US behind Canada's net in the first half.

After a US goal, smoke bomb goes off in the section. Well done.

Honduran fans puts on US gear and smiles for the camera.

ESC NYC member Fina and honorary ESC member from the south Joel repping for the camera.

After our 3-0 triumph, Man of the Match Freddy Adu heard the cheers for his name, he made his way over to Sam's Army. I ran down to the front of the section to great Freddy and parted way with my 2007 Under 20 World Cup scarf (seen below around Freddy's neck) and gave it to the maestro. I reached out, shook his hand, patted him on the back, and told him can't wait to see him in Beijing as the Americans will take part in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Later, Freddy signed autographs and I yelled for him to come over and he waved for me to go over there. I took off the #11 PRIMETOWN jersey and Freddy signed is name above the #. Awesome.

Freddy signing autographs and wearing my U-20 scarf (now his.)

With the victory intact, the night was still young. The ESC NYC contingent and a few others headed to Gold Rush for some beer and steak/biscuits.

After that we hung out for awhile, some of the boys called it a night while others hung around some more and we headed to a 24/7 joint (one of the few in Nashville) which had the weirdest collection of music you will ever hear. First, elevator music straight out of the Weather Channel followed by Beastie Boys "Sabotage," you can't make this shit up.

After that the bars had closed and it was time to the sack. It's Friday now and I just heard some country music. It is the Music City after all.

Nashville Thursday Game Plans

The tenative plans for Thursday's Olympic Qualifer are as follows:

What: USA - Canada Under 23 Olympic Qualifying Pregame Meetup

When: Thursday. 2:30/3 PM or whenever you can get there.

Venue - McFaddens

Location: 134 2nd Avenue N

Menu: Appetizers, Sandwiches, Local Favorites, Draft Beer

March to the Stadium: Not decided yet. Sometime between 6 & 7 PM we will walk to LP Field Section 125 where Sams Army will be situated for this match.

Primetown on the Road: Nashville

Tomorrow is the Stars and Stripes pivotal semifinal Olympic qualifying game against Canada. The winner take all contest is Thursday 9 PM/8 PM CT (local time).

Sam's Army will be on hand in Nashville to root the Americans to qualification. Primetown is taking the show on the road and will be singing with Sam's Army.

I will hopefully be blogging daily with photos and content of what's going down in the Music City and giving everybody the latest scoop from the fan's perspective. Primetown will be arriving Thursday right around the opening tip of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

Look later today for a post on tomorrow's pregame plan.

Streaker!

For your viewing pleasure, Saturday's streaker.

US Through to Nashville

That image above is something Mexico will not see for at least four more years after they were eliminated from Olympic play Sunday night.

The Mexicans dominated Haiti winning 5-1, but the Canadians superior victory (5-0) over Guatemala sees Canada qualify ahead of Mexico to the semifinals in Tennessee.

What does this result mean for Hugo Sanchez? Time will tell, but I'd be surprised if he isn't fired from his position as Head Coach of the Mexican National Team. Mexico were the favorite heading into qualifying and were unable to even qualify for the second round finishing third in a four team group. Just an abysmal performance from Mexico which has to be one it's worst performances in an international competition in some years.

As for the United States, an Eddie Gaven penalty kick in stoppage time saw the US top Honduras and finish at the top of Group A. The Americans rested key players, but played a solid match to earn the victory.

What does all this mean? Lots of fun singing songs about Canada on Thursday evening. We are now less than 3 days away from the Nashville trip.

The viewing at Slainte on Saturday was great. We had about 25 people watching the game and the songs were a flying especially after the streaker appeared on camera in the final 20 minutes. The Girls Gone Wild/Spring Break references were the highlight of the match. Honestly, it ain't everyday a streaker decides to hit a US soccer game.

Perhaps, soccer in this country is becoming more popular. We have a streaker and there is no shame in that. Not one of those 40-something year old men, but an attractive coed who just wanted to do a little pitch invading. There's no shame in that.

Hugo in a World of Hurt

Hugo Sanchez's job will be on the line this Sunday.

The Mexican Under 23 National Team's chances of qualifying for the 2008 Olympics took a huge hit on Friday as they were upset by Guatemala 2-1 at the Home Depot Center.

It's the Tricolores first loss in Olympic qualifying since 1992; a stretch of over 20 games.

Hugo Sanchez's job was said to be on the line if he didn't qualify for the Olympics, wouldn't it be ironic if he couldn't even qualify Mexico to the semifinal round in Nashville.

Prior to this result, I wanted to avoid Mexico until the final of the U-23 tournament (after Olympic qualification is secured), but now I want to take out Mexico in the winner take all semifinal game on Thursday. Nothing would be sweeter than a late game Freddy Adu free kick strike being responsible for Hugo Sanchez receiving the pink slip.

U-23's: USA vs. Honduras Match Viewing

Saturday night's match viewing has been confirmed. Come watch Freddy, Jozy, and the boys lead the US into the semifinal round for the all important berth into the Olympic games. The winner of this game will win the group and likely will avoid Mexico in the semifinal game.

What: USA - Honduras Under 23 Olympic Qualifying
Match ViewingWhen: Saturday. 7 PM.
Venue: Slainte Bar Location: 304 Bowery Street (Between Bleecker and Houston)
Mass Transit: B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette Street or 6 to Bleecker Street

Hope to see you all there.

USA Wins, Tickets Basically Assured to Nashville

A tough, gritty 1-0 victory over Panama has the USA all but assured a ticket to the semifinals in Nashville. An Eddie Gaven through ball sent Jozy Altidore one on one with the goalkeeper. The Panamanian 'keeper clipped Altidore resulting in a penalty. Freddy Adu converted the penalty for his second goal in as many matches to give the US the vital victory.

With that result in hand, my nerves have finally calmed a bit now that the realization of Nashville will actually occur. Less than a week from today, I'll be touching down in Music City.

The viewing party was chill. It was my first time at Slainte and I have to admit I really enjoyed this bar. It had a good atmosphere, but enough space where we could all sit and enjoy the match. Special shouts to Hoboken16 and Miss Jevanvoo for making the trip out to Slainte as well as my boys US Chant Leader MetroFlip and Fina, both of whom will be making the trip to Nashville. Special thanks to Zeppo for organizing the viewing and picking out a quality place.

I recommend the Blue Moon and the Shepherds Pie. Both were excellent.

A time and place for Saturday's viewing should be decided soon. With the Big East Final on Saturday night, it looks like anything in midtown would be a disaster.

If you have a suggestion, feel free to hit me up in the comments section.

Under 23's: US - Panama Match Viewing

Slainte Bar will be where the ESC/NYC crew will be at for tonight's match.

Tonight is the all important second game as the United States takes on Panama in group play. The US currently sits in a tie for second place with Cuba after a 1-1 tie on Tuesday night. For details, on tonight's away viewing, see below.

The boys tell me they serve a mean plate of nachos and the limited amount of eye candy is high quality. Hope to see you all tonight.

What: USA - Panama Under 23 Olympic Qualifying Match Viewing

When: Tonight. 8 PM.

Venue: Slainte Bar

Location: 304 Bowery Street (Between Bleecker and Houston)

Mass Transit: B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette Street or 6 to Bleecker Street

Menu: Beer, Food

Review: Village Voice

Nashville Trip In Doubt

After the United States' disappointing 1-1 tie with Cuba on Tuesday night, a trip to Nashville is no certainty.

The Americans need to finish top two in their group of four to make it to to Nashville. Honduras is currently the group leader with three points after a victory in the final minutes over Panama. Cuba and the US are tied for second with Panama in last place.

The Americans face what has become the most vital game in the draw in a Thursday tilt with Panama. A win would nearly clinch the Americans into the second round. The US wants to finish top of their group in order to avoid Mexico in the all important winner take all spot in the Olympics in the semifinals.

To keep it brief, three thoughts on Tuesday's 1-1 match:

1. Peter Nowak's lineup did not work. A lot of speed, but not enough technical ability on the flanks.

2. Dax McCarty played a very effective game. The tools he brings to the table are not as appreciated as they should be by fans. He's not a flashy player, but he holds the ball well, has good instincts, and turns the field quite effectively.

3. Freddy Adu is a clear class above the rest of the midfielders in this pool. It won't be long before he starts for the US full national team on a regular basis.

In addition, check out my boy SF's post about Cuban players missing from the team hotel. As he said, no surprise.

Kosovo Wants to Play the US: Not a Good Idea

I read an article earlier today that the self proclaimed independent nation of Kosovo would like to play the United States in its first ever national team match.

While this is a great way for the US Men's National Team to get some publicity in the mainstream press, this could be a terrible situation. When Kosovo announced its independence, looters took to the streets and vandalized the US Embassy. Kosovo wants to play this match in their grounds. However, that would be a horrible idea. The area is just not a stable, safe environment where a US team should play.

If Kosovo wants to play the US at a neutral site... fine. But the political concerns in that area of the world are just not worth the possible risks to our players and for that matter the state of the game around the world.

U-23 Qualifying Roster Controversy

Peter Nowak has called in 20 players for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament set to begin Tuesday in Tampa, Florida.

The roster has caused a stir of controversy over at BigSoccer with the glaring omission of Gold Cup hero Benny Feilhaber from the roster. The Derby County midfielder hasn't seen much first team time at all this season and there has been speculation that he has not been a good locker room presence in the latest U-23 camp.

In addition, there have also been reports that the starters were spanked by the reserves 5-0 in a recent scrimmage. Hopefully, these problems will be ironed out by Tuesday.

Here's the roster:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (7): Hunter Freeman (New York Red Bulls), Kamani Hill (Vfl Wolfsburg), Patrick Ianni (Houston Dynamo), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96)

FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

A Rocky Mountain High

Throughout the past few years, I have made some good friends through soccer. Most of them are based locally in New Jersey or New York, but some of them are live in other parts of the country such as Boston and Kansas City.

Recently, one of my buddies in the ESC switched jobs and moved out to Denver. He's spoken highly of the Mile High city and is itching for me to come out and visit. If I make the venture out west, I would have to make a pit stop at the Rapids new digs -Dick's Sporting Goods Park (plenty of jokes to be made here).

Unfortunately, the Red Bulls play Colorado on July 4th weekend. A perfect time to go to Colorado, but the stadium is already sold out. This is still a great opportunity to go, but who wants to scalp tickets to go to a MLS match?

I've never been out to Colorado before, so a western style Independence Day sounds like a good thing to me.

If I wait a couple more months, it will already be snowing there. And who wants to go on a mini vacation to a snow infested venue. Especially, if you do not ski or snowboard. Exactly.

The point I'm trying to make is that through the game of soccer one has the opportunity to make friends all around the globe. In my time writing for American Soccer Daily and Yanks Abroad, I've now got soccer buddies in Europe and some awesome places to crash if I ever feel so inclined. The same can be said for different places around MLS. It's just a really awesome way to travel if you can go on a short vacation, pick up a game, drink some beers, and talk footy.

If you make yourself available, talk to fans from different areas; relationships and great friends are there to be made.

A New Friend from Not So Far Away

Nashville is now less than two weeks away and things are progressing well.

The other day I received a message on BigSoccer from a fellow US and RBNY fan also headed down to Nashville. The difference is these folks have the patience and time to do it right and take a RV to the Music City.

They have volunteered to provide a tailgate for us on Sunday for the final game in Nashville.

It's always awesome when fellow fans take the initiative and arrange things for their fellow supporters.

If anyone else is heading down to Nashville, hit me up with an email. Hopefully, we can get a quality pregame party going for the Thursday game.

USA - Argentina @ Giants Stadium

According to NY Beat writer and amigo Ives Galarcep, the US is set to square off against world power Argentina on June 8 right in my backyard at Giants Stadium.

The last time the Stars and Stripes played at Giants Stadium was back in 2005 when they won the Gold Cup in penalty kicks over Panama. The Gold Cup competition also marked the first time I ever stood and sang with Sam's Army, so Giants Stadium does hold a special place for me when it comes to supporting the US National Team.

Will Argentina be bringing a full squad including Manchester United star Carlos Tevez (pictured above)? Sure looks like it as the Argies have a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador within a couple weeks of the game against the Americans.

Hopefully, we will have a large section in 101 supporting the boys. If you are coming from out of the area, feel free to get in touch with me about a tailgate. I will likely be involved in those efforts.

For those coming from outside of NY, a US game with the NY/NJ crew is an experience like none others with US fans. The NYC group is the most creative group of soccer fans in this country with the largest collection of songs. The concept of singing for 90 minutes is not just a hope, but a reality.

A Busy Month Ahead

I'm starting to get excited for my second soccer trip of the year (I was in Baltimore for the MLS Draft with my fellow members of the Empire Supporters Club).

The plans have been made:

Time requested off the job.... check.
Airplane ticket purchased .... check.
Hotel booked .... check.
Tickets in hand .... check.

I've never been to the land of country music, southern bbq, and a good ole' southern good time. Should be an excellent trip capped by watching Jozy and the gang qualify for Beijing.

But that's not all.

The qualification process begins Tuesday, March 11 for the boys in Tampa. A three game, four team group with the top 2 teams making it to Nashville. With the amount of talent on the US roster, this should not be a problem.

A viewing for the US Olympic teams game on March 15 should happen. Haven't had a bar viewing since US/Mexico back in February. At that game, we had over 100 people fill a room at Stout in midtown Manhattan to see Baby Primetown score his first goal for the senior national team.

Less than a week later, the Nashville trip will arrive where all sorts of crazy adventures will take place.

On March 29, perhaps the greatest club rivalry in the world will occur when Celtic play Rangers. I will be watching this Old Firm match for the first time at the Scots American Club in Kearny, New Jersey. The Scots Club is a landmark in the area having hosted the likes of Sean Connery, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Kearny's own John Harkes. I recently became a member of this historic club and look forward to catching this game with the club's very own Rangers Supporters Group.

Later that day, the 2008 MLS Season kicks off and I will stay in Kearny for the ESC's Kickoff Opening Event which will take place at Kearny's Irish American Club.

It's early in the year, but winter is over and soccer is finally here.

The Night Primetown was Born

Here's highlights from the night Primetown was born. In my opinion, the most technically sound performance by a US team in a major competition.

What is Primetown?

Montreal, Canada - July 3, 2007.

It was the day I truly decided that I would travel and sing for the USA. Anytime, anyplace. If I can get there, I will be there, chant, and sing till my voice goes numb.

The game was at Olympic Stadium. The opponent: Poland. The competition: Under 20 World Cup.

After falling behind 1-0, the boys put on the most impressive performance I had ever seen a group of men ever put on in a US uniform. It was a performance that could only be categorized by one word: "Primetown." It is a word created by just to describe the US' performance in this game. The quality of play from the trilogy of Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley will be witnessed on the senior national team for years and years to come, but it all came to fruition that day in Montreal.

Six unanswered goals by the young Americans saw them beat the Poles 6-1. It was a performance that saw a heavily biased crowd against the Americans become an applauding, complimentary crowd as the boys in white put a clinical display of brilliance yet to be matched by an American squad in a major competition.

Later that week, the boys did the unthinkable knocking off Brazil 2-1 in Ottawa which will be regarded as the match of the tournament, however is the sublime victory in Montreal over Poland which will forever be remembered as the birth of Primetown.

Will Primetown occur again? I hope so as the US begins Olympic qualifying in a week's time. With Adu and Altidore called into squad, fireworks should be on the horizon.