Soccer birthdays:
Yikes. Tim Cahill (right) is already 34? I mean, we knew he was at this stage of his career when he came to New York last summer, but in light of the “adjustment period” last fall, that number is a little higher than you’d like for a guy who still needs to adjust to MLS. But another place, another time ... Happy Birthday, Tim!
Big Important Stories of the Day:
Stage 1 of this year’s MLS Re-Entry Draft happens today, with the final round taking place next Friday. If all goes right, we’ll have more on this later today (updated player list, general principles, what to look for, and of course, results). For now, know that this is essentially a garage sale. You might find something interesting and make good use of it, but if you decide not to show up, you probably won’t regret it.
RASNoD (Random American Soccer Name of the Day):
Gyasi Zardes
*Ahead on the blog today:
In addition to the Re-Entry draft content? Well, aren’t we greedy. Very well. Mr. Steve Davis will be dropping in for another post from Breakfast with Jurgen (where, I can only infer, no food was served). We’ll start looking forward to the European weekend (and one game, in particular), and we’ll be keeping an eye on all the happenings in the lands of Becks, LD, and Kaká.
What you should watch on TV today:
If you have access to it, there’s a good match in the English second division today. I know, I know - what’s this guy who’s constantly taking shots at Anglophilia doing directing people to the second division of English soccer? Hey, a good game is a good game.
Cardiff City, currently sitting first, visits preseason promotion favorites Blackburn, with Rovers sitting ninth coming into the day’s action. Cardiff’s been the heartbreak team of recent seasons (so close but never promoted) while Blackburn - who still have the likes of Paul Robinson, Martin Olsson, Scott Dann, Morgan Gamst Pedersen on their roster (along with a number of names they’ve acquired since being relegated - continue to stuff the feathers inside the bird.
Check your local beIN Sport listings for time.
Background noise while blogging:
I apologize for this, but this song has been stuck in my head for seven years: The Outfield, “Your Love.”
Don’t click on that. I mean, I’ve been clicking on it. Constantly. I’m just saying you shouldn’t.
And between refreshes of that page, the Denver Broncos are playing some kind of scrimmage against a team that’s doing a passable impression of the Washington Generals.
We’ll leave you with this:
I’m not sure I agree with it, but if somebody wanted to make the argument that there are only two English Premier League games that matter this season, I’d be willing to listen. Manchester vs. Manchester is Sunday morning.
