Sunday, June 27, 2010

The True Metropolitan Baseball Round Up

Sunday   JUNE 27, 2010      The Final


The ATLANTIC LEAGUE:

Final
NEWARK BEARS 9  ~  York Revolution 6
Newark scored 5 runs in the 9th inning.
cf - K. Jones  2 for 4, 3rbi
lf - L. Cooper  2 for 3, 2 runs
rf - B. BARTON  2 for 5 Grand Slam, 4rbi,  Game Winner 9th inning 

Final
LONG ISLAND DUCKS 0 @  Bridgeport Bluefish 7


The NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE:


Final
BROOKLYN CYCLONES 6  @  Aberdeen Iron Birds 3
Game 10

Line-Up:
ss - SANDOVAL    2 for 5
dh - CECILIANI     2 for 4, double, triple, run, rbi
cf - VAUGHN         HR, 2rbi
1b - FLAGG            2 for 4 , double, rbi
lf/rf- CHERRY        1 for 4, HR, rbi
3b - BONFE            3 for 4, rbi
rf - STEINHAUER
rf - SCHROEDER
 c - CENTENO

Pitcher ~ HOUCK ~ WIN
7 innings, 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 8 strikeouts.

Brooklyn batters ~ 13 for 37
Brooklyn Cyclones improve to 6-4



Final
STATEN ISLAND YANKEES 8  ~  Hudson Valley Renegades 6


The NATIONAL LEAGUE:

Final
NEW YORK METS 6  ~  Minnesota Twins 0
(NIESE)                            (BAKER)

METS Record: 42-32.  Improve to 43-32.

Line-Up:
ss - REYES
cf - FELICIANO    3 for 5, double, run
3b - WRIGHT       3 for 4, HR, 2rbi, stolen base
1b - DAVIS         2 for 4, HR, rbi, 2 runs scored
lf - BAY           1 for 4, triple, run (1,000th career hit)
 c - BARAJAS      single, rbi
rf - FRANCOEUR     3 for 4, HR ,double, 2rbi, run
2b - TEJADA          single (10 game hit streak)

Pitcher - NIESE ~ WIN ~ 5-2
6 innings, 0 runs, 4 hits, 3 walk, 5 K's

METS ~11 for 23 against Baker
David Wright and Ike Davis ~ back-to-back HR in 5th inning
Jose Reyes 0 for 5.
METS finish 13-5 in Inter-League play.


The AMERICAN LEAGUE:

Final ~ 10 innings
NEW YORK YANKEES 8  @  Los Angeles Dodgers 6    
(Pettitte)                                    (Kershaw)

Yankees: 2 errors

Derek Jeter ~ 3 for 4
Alex Rodriguez ~ 1 for 3, HR (#594), 2rbi
Robinson Cano ~ 2 for 5, 2 run HR in 10th inning, 3rbi
Brett Gardner left game due to injury.

Pitcher
Andy Pettitte ~ LOSS
5 innings, 6 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts
Joba 
1 inning, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk
Mariano Rivera ~ gets WIN

L.A. ~ Broxton can't close out this game to save his life!
He just loaded the bases by walking Granderson.  Only one out; Yanks down 3.
Base hit by HUFFMAN* (rookie) that scores two more runs.  Yanks have tying run at third base.
Curtis* up; one out; tying run on third.  Broxton almost uncorks wild pitch. 
Count 2-2.
Ball three
fouled off breaking ball
fouled off fastball   37 pitches by Broxton this inning.
fouled off fastball
fouled back a slider
 Ground ball to 1B, Loney steps on first, throws home for a tag play; throw off to the right of home plate ~ SAFE, Granderson scores. Two outs now.  Game tied 6-6.
Intentional walk to Jeter puts runners at first and second base.
(Mariano Rivera starts to warm up)
Torre still has Broxton his closer in.
Cervelli at-bat ~ ball, strike one = 46th pitch by Broxton, strike two,  grounds out 4 to 3.

Yankees tie game in top of 9th with 4 runs
Dodgers coming up in Bottom 9th.
Cano HR in 10th inning.
Mo coming out for 2nd inning of work.
end



BTB

World Cup ~ ARGENTINA vs. Mexico


WORLD CUP
2010
SECOND ROUND; KNOCKOUT

Sunday  JUNE 27, 2010

ARGENTINA


VS.


MEXICO





Argentina is deep with skill and the offense comes at opponents in waves.
You combat that with one of Mexico's greatest strengths;
Sound Defense and Expert Counter-Attacks.
This will be an excellent match.
2:30 PM

FIRST HALF
ARGENTINA 2  ~  MEXICO 0
GOAL - Tevez
GOAL - Higuain

SECOND HALF
ARGENTINA 3  ~  MEXICO 0
GOAL - Tevez (2)

90:00 Complete
3 minutes added

FINAL
Argentina 3
Mexico 0

Argentina advances.
Mexico is eliminated.

BTB

Mike
BTB

World Cup: GERMANY vs ENGLAND

WORLD CUP MATCH
Sunday  JUNE 27, 2010

GERMANY vs. ENGLAND



End of First Half

GERMANY 2  ~  ENGLAND 1

England clearly had a match tying goal which the referees did not count.
Germany jumped out early to a 2 - nil lead.  England got one goal back and appeared to have the match tying goal but play continued on without recognition from the referee.


SECOND HALF
COMPLETE

FINAL:

GERMANY 4
ENGLAND 1

Muller 2 goals for Germany.
England is eliminated.

BTB

WORLD CUP; Sunday Matches

WORLD CUP 2010
Sunday Matches
JUNE 27
Knockout ~ Round 2





GERMANY vs. ENGLAND


ARGENTINA vs. MEXICO


BTB

Saturday, June 26, 2010

The True Metropolitan Baseball Round-Up

Saturday  JUNE 26, 2010                  a/o 11:00 pm


The ATLANTIC LEAGUE:
Final
NEWARK BEARS 7  ~  York Revolution  9
Carl Everett ~ 3 for 5, rbi, run
G. Suarez ~ 2 for 4
M. Mejia ~ 2 for 3

Final
LONG ISLAND DUCKS 7  @  Bridgeport Bluefish 1     
Ray Navarrete - 2 for 2, HR, double, 3rbi, 3 runs scored, 3 walks 
J. Esposito  WIN - 5 innings 7 K's



The NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE:
Final
STATEN ISLAND YANKEES 1  ~  Hudson Valley Renegades 8

Final
BROOKLYN CYCLONES 2  @  Aberdeen Iron Birds 3
Game 9
Tonight's Line-Up:
lf ~ HOLLIDAY    2 for 4, double
cf ~ CECILIANI    1 for 4  (.361 avg)
rf ~ VAUGHN      rbi
1b ~ FLAGG       1 for 4, rbi 
dh ~ CHERRY
3b ~ BUTLER
2b ~ BROWN
 c ~ FREEMAN       double
ss ~ SANDOVAL    2 for 3  (.320 avg)


pitcher ~ WRENN - No Decision,  6.0 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, 3walks, 4 strikeouts

Brooklyn as a team 9 for 35 in the game.
Aberdeen just took the lead with 2 runs in the 8th inning.
Brooklyn fails to score in the top of the ninth inning.
BROOKLYN CYCLONES record:  5-4


The NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Final
NEW YORK METS 0  ~  Minnesota Twins 6
(Johan Santana)                  (Carl Pavano)

ss - REYES
cf - FELICIANO
3b - WRIGHT
1b - DAVIS
lf - BAY
c - BARAJAS
rf - FRANCOEUR          2 for 3
2b - TEJADA  dnp ~ CORA
P - SANTANA

REYES, FELICIANO, WRIGHT, DAVIS, BAY and CORA
combined 0 for 20 in today's game

SANTANA ~ LOSS  5-5  
6 innings; 8 hits; 5 runs; 2 walks; 4 strikeouts
Santana was hit hard to the tune of 4 doubles and fell behind early in a start again.



The AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Final
NEW YORK YANKEES 4 @  Los Angeles Dodgers 9
(AJ Burnette)                                (H. Kuroda)

Mark Teixeira ~ HR, 3 rbi
ARod strikes out looking in the 7th.
Brett Gardner ~ 2 for 3
Dekek Jeter ~ 1 for 3, 2 runs scored, walk, stolen base

AJ Burnette was horrible again AND pitching to Cervelli
LOSS  6-7 ~ 3 innings, 6 hits, 5 runs, 6 walks, 5 strikeouts


BTB

WORLD CUP MATCH: USA vs Ghana

USA will play from behind again.  They gave up the first goal of the match to Ghana.  A mid-field turnover was converted by Ghana and USA finds themselves down one ~ nil.  Ghana is clearly playing with a little more energy than the Americans.  They are getting to loose balls quicker, their passes are crisper, and their opportunities have been of better quality.

Coach Bradley gambled with a line-up shuffle starting Clark in today's mid-field.  In what seemed to be a decision to correct his strategy, Coach Bradley made his first substitution 30 minutes into the match inserting EDU when perhaps he should have started from the outset.  30 minutes is awfully early for a substitution.  He'll have to pick his moments very wisely with his remaining two substitutions.

The Americans find themselves behind....again.  At least they are accustomed to being in this situation.  Is it dipping into the well one too many times?  The second half will bare that out.  Ghana has carried play for the first 45 minutes.  They've maintained possession as I mentioned with their very crisp passing.  They are quick.

Coach Bradley has adjustments to make during the break.  The American mid-field has been a sieve thus far.  They need to shore that up.  The turnover that put us down one - nil was of the egregious variety; inexcusable.  Ghana's midfielder, Prince BOATENG, from the mid field circle dribbled alone with two defenders nagging but unable to slow him down even the slightest bit.  What success USA seems to have on attack has been coming from around the outside with crosses into the box.  Ghana has plugged up the middle well.

FIRST HALF
USA 0   ~  GHANA 1


(in-game)
SECOND HALF

In minute 46:00 the Americans had a brilliant chance at scoring.  USA looks a little quicker at the 52:00 point.  Their opportunities are becoming more numerous.  They are passing more quickly this half.  On my count this half the Americans have threatened with three very quality chances.  A corner kick was fruitless at 55:00.  Ghana and USA both have 4 shots on goal.  Ghana has a slight percentage lead in time of possession.

PENALY at 60:30
Landon Donovan draws a penalty shot!

61:49
GOOOOAL !!!!
LANDON DONOVAN
A strike to the keeper's right side.
His 45th MARK as a USA player!

USA 1   ~   GHANA 1

64:00
at 66:40 another brilliant chance on a lead pass to ALTIDORE and break-away (if I may) headed off by Ghana's keeper brilliantly.
A Yellow Card by Bocanegra warded Ghana a free kick secured by Howard.

At 71:30 Bradley just launched a booming long range shot.
Ghana has owned the last 3 minutes.  I see a lot of standing around on offense by USA when they have the ball.  BRADLEY...just as I spoke...USA passed crisply and put four consecutive touches together for an opportunity on goal by Bradley; stopped cold by Ghana's keeper.
77:00  uh Oh!   Prince, of Ghana just pulled up lame with a hamstring it appears.  BOCANEGRA just made a great defensive stop in front of the American net.  79:00 minutes are elapsed.
Ghana in the American zone...USA clears...

Another pass over the top for ALTIDORE...in the box..Penalty?!  NO!...and a strike just wide to the right as Altidore was falling down.   81:38...a free kick for Dempsey ~ into the wall.

Ghana in USA end.  A pass and header goes very wide.  Ghana gains the zone again 83:30.

USA shot blocked 84:30.  America loses the zone.  GHANA!! Offsides! 

86:00  USA settling for long passes and minimal movement again.  They are not putting together short accurate consecutive passes.  USA in their zone...87:00.  88:00...out of bounds..USA ball.
Howard kick into Ghana zone.  Free throw in for USA.  Turnover.
Ghana gains USA zone.  A cross from the right corner..cleared.  An injured Ghana player down
interrupts play.

90:00 !!  
3 MINUTES ADDED TIME.

92:30
Ghana controls...coming wide on the left...out by USA.  A Ghana corner kick coming!

From the right side...CORNER...headed out by Ghana.  USA ball.
3:00 minutes of injury time are over!

EXTRA TIME
30:00 Minutes
coming up!

ALTIDORE was a down field force today.  His size presented several chances today. 
He's been substituted.  Me personally, I thought

it doesn't matter anymore...
GHANA JUST SCORED!!!!!!
at 92:55

Unbelievable.  What seemed to be a relatively harmless ball lobbed forward was played by Ghana's #3 GYAN who managed to penetrate deep into the US zone sandwiched by two US defenders.  Incredibly after a shoulder bump and harassment on the other side, he got off a shot pass Howard.  Inexcusable by two American defenders to allow that kind of penetration and ball possession.

A corner kick coming up for USA 96:45....ends up wide.  Bocanegra was part of the exchange.
USA is scrambling now.

100:00 minute mark
(two fifteen minute periods in extra time)

One minute of extra time has been added to the first 15 minute half of Extra Time.
There were no real chances in the last 15 minutes to speak of.  No one could maintain possession.

They switch sides now and the next 15 minutes will start post haste.

105:00
Ghana ball.   USA gains possession...in Ghana's end.  A clear.  And foul.  Ghana ball.
Howard's kicks action back into Ghana end.  Free kick to USA right outside the penalty box.
Donovan will kick...punched away by Ghana's goal keeper.
Ghana back in America's zone at 109:20.
Ghana...short passes...offside.  Howard will free kick it out.

USA in Ghana's end...  On a cross...
UNBELIEVABLE...the referee is stopping play for a Ghana player down who had no one near him.  He cleared the ball out and took to the ground untouched.  How wrong is that?!  They better add all that time back on.  The Refs are letting the Ghana'ns milk the clock like a cow.

A corner kick coming up for USA 113:30
...headed out....USA loses possession.  6 minutes left.

USA gets off a shot....the other way Ghana will get a corner kick.
115:30
the kick...blocked out..Howard will kick.

Ghana gains ball.....
USA has three minutes left.
Ghana controls...USA gains.  USA will not short pass up field.  They settle for tired long passes which result in Ghana possessions.

USA turns it over again....gains it back.. Howard kicks long.
USA ball inside 119:00
USA crosses...and  they get a shot off!  Blocked!
Another shot by Gomez goes wide.  USA will kick from the corner  120:01!!
the cross....!  USA gets off several shots on good pressure.

12:40  3 minutes added on!

USA at mid field...Ghana gains and goes offside.
USA in last minute of added time!!
USA with ball...a shot goes wide by a Dempsey header.

122:05
Ghana clears......30 seconds!  Ghana has the ball.

TIME!!!

USA 1
GHANA 2
Final/Extra Time

USA loses to Ghana again. 
Just like in 2006, USA is eliminated from WORLD CUP competition by the Club from Ghana.
USA put forward some very special efforts during their participation in this tournament.
They've certainly proven to many fans all over the globe they are a club as good as any.  What they still need to demonstrate is that they're better.  Their next chance to do so will come four years from now.

I'll be back later for more wrap-up.

BTB

 

USA!! KnockOut Round


Today's front page New York Post.

Go USA

Nonsense stat of the day:
GHANA is favored by 51.3%
due to home continent advantage?

pfff!
fugheddaboudit

World Cup ~ USA vs. GHANA



WORLD CUP
2010
2nd Round of 16
The KNOCKOUT ROUND


USA vs.  GHANA


Four years later; The rematch.
Saturday ~ JUNE 26, 2010
2:00 pm


Ghana was the club that knocked USA out of the
2006 World Cup competition. 
USA did not make it out of Group play last time around.
They failed to record a victory.

This year USA has made the Round of 16 by winning their Group (C) bracket outright
for the first time since the inaugural World Cup of 1930.  Wednesday's victory over Algeria
was Club USA's first World Cup victory since 2002.
See you at the Pub.

LET'S GO
U.S.A.

Here's a last look back at what easily it the greatest goal
in USA Soccer history and arguably one of our greatest games ever.
"so far"









USA!  USA!  USA!

mike
BTB

pics from today's local tabloids:
NY Post ~ NY Daily News ~ NY Newsday


Friday, June 25, 2010

The True Metropolitan Baseball Round-Up

Friday  JUNE 25, 2010


THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE:
NEWARK BEARS 7  ~  York Revolution 8                      
LONG ISLAND DUCKS 1  @  Bridgeport Bluefish 3      


THE NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE:
BROOKLYN CYCLONES 3  @  Hudson Valley Renegades 4   
STATEN ISLAND YANKEES 4  ~  Aberdeen Iron Birds 1         


THE NATIONAL LEAGUE:
NEW YORK METS 5  ~  Minnesota Twins 2          
Mike Pelfrey  10-2     David Wright HR


THE AMERICAN LEAGUE:
NEW YORK YANKEES 2  @   Los Angeles Dodgers 1     
ARod hits HR #593 and number 10 on the season in 6th inn.
Sabathia ~ 8 innings   1 run   7 K's     WIN

Mike.BTB

Game 8; Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Hudson Valley

JUNE 25, 2010    Game 8:     FINAL


BROOKLYN CYCLONES ~ 3            
Hudson Valley Renegades ~  4             

Hudson Valley,  3 runs in bottom of 9th inning for win.



Tonight's Line-Up:

LF ~ Holliday
CF ~ Ceciliani      3 for 4    run
RF ~ Vaughn
1B ~ Flagg            2 for 4    rbi
DH ~ Cherry         
2B ~ Brown
3B ~ Bonfe             
 C ~ Freeman        1 for 2   HR, 2 rbi  run  2 walks
SS ~ Sandoval

Pitching ~ Cuan   
WIN  5 innings  3 hits  3 BB  4 K's


Brooklyn Cyclones record:  5-3


mike.BTB

METrospection; Brought to you by The "V"

Loria, David Samson, Beinfest, and now Bobby Valentine and what coaches he brings in, make for one of the elite front offices in Baseball. If you throw in their very fertile farm system...when the Marlins get their new park they are going to be down right insane with the cash infusion. The Wilpons will still be their relenting, meek/mawkish selves and there-in stemmed my fear of Valentine at the helm for the Fish. The Nats soon will have money back in their pockets when Peter Angelos finishes getting his fill of territorial rights fees and GM Rizzo is fresh. The Braves front office doesn't need detailing by me/us. The Marlin's is better. That leaves us and the Phils. Is the Mets' front office better than the Phil's?  Amaro vs Omar?  Pfff ~ I'd have fun debating that but clearly the Phils' run indicates theirs is better. If only Jeff Wilpon had a darker side.  It's really up to Jeff how cunning or savvy he's willing to be with his Pop's company.  But with the way the Mets have shaped thing up with the younglings and a return of Reyes (have to credit Dickey too!) ~ It's gotta make a Met fan think about the possibilities this team has presented for itself.  I'm thinking, are they aware enough to recognize what they have here, whether they got here by sheer luck or design?  This team is almost totally transitioned now.  Will they enhance an amazingly, quickly and remarkably rebuilt team?  And How?

Obviously I am totally in the NOW and rooting for my team every day.  But if we stay on this present course with regard to the changes towards young players we've incorporated and the select free agent signing, or a select trade, 2011 is something I'll be extremely excited about.  If 2011 can give me 8 home grown players in Mets uniforms (a very real possibility if Fernando Martinez is in RF next year) starting in one game like they will tonight?  I'm crazy with delight. 

Understand my angst.  On July 1st, 2007 I called into "the show" and announced I wanted this team gutted.  I have stood by that comment!  It was very unpopular to say especially coming off the 2006 season.  It seemed even more ridiculous to suggest considering the Mets had just taken 2 of 3 from Philly that weekend.  I felt then I recognized what the team really was and I was committed to selling everything...and selling HIGH!  That's as much as I will get into my feelings then...for now.  Just know I stood by that and meant it wholeheartedly!  Today finally, everyone has seen the results of turning that edition over.  Your proof is in the pudding.  Trust me; I know the argument against reasoning it wasn't a good idea then and today's players were not in the mix on July 1st of 2007.  To that I say DUH!  What I am saying is at the trading deadline of '07 prospects were being given away like candy on Halloween for the pennant stretch.  I could have named a team for all cast offs I had in mind.  Well, I got laughed off and I had to wait an excruciating 3 years to get what I always wanted; my team turned over.

The Mets starting Nine tonight will consist of SEVEN home grown players; seven home-grown players with some who have legitimate chances at being Big Leaguers.  If F-Mart was in RF that would be eight with Jason Bay being the lone exception.  Josh Thole was called up from AAA and will start tonight in place of our injured regular.

.....I think this team is on the precipice of something very good.  And it has everything to do with not having the same cast of characters of 2006-2009.  Compare any of those clubhouses to the one which exists today.  You know the differences.  Just put the "success" of '06 aside.  Jerry was here for those days of idiocy in the clubhouse with too many "Latinos" (I'm half P.R. myself), and not talking to reporters, and accusations about Delgado throwing Randolph under a bus, and Wagner shooting off his mouth, and LoDuca shooting off his mouth, etc etc etc.  There was a lot of drama on that team. What ever players linger from those days...your Maine's and Perez' are safely in Jerry Manuel's doghouse (DL'd but in the dog house none-the-less).  Beltran will be there too if he doesn't play good soldier when he gets back.  I hope this organization gives Manuel their blessings in treating Beltran as he sees fit.  But because Manuel remembers an anxiety ridden locker room under Randolph, I think he'll do what he needs to keep a condition like that at bay.  Yes, I believe Manuel has the gumption to take such a stance.  He seems to have no fear talking derisively of chosen players to the press.  If Beltran comes back a Diva, Jerry will have a good round of jokes and levity for the beat writers.  Count on it.

The Mets hold all the leverage with Beltran.  The money on his contract is spent already.  If he comes back and is useful, fit him in.  Platoon him.  Rotate the outfield of 4 players with time for each.  If he feels anything in his knee, he himself will shut it down.  You think he's going to risk further injury for the Mets?  Pfff ~ Yea right.  If he's an uncooperative Diva insisting on things, put him in the dog house!  Carlos Beltran has no choice but to play hard next year regardless of how much of a Diva he wants to be.  It's his contract year.  What's he gonna do?  Dog It?  Blame a twinge in his knee?  The Mets should not allow Beltran to come back on this team and disrupt something positive happening at Citi Field so far.  If he comes back with a team first mind set and understands the team's and his own situation, everything should work out fine.  But I am counting on Carlos Beltran for nothing.  My ship has sailed.

I've always said these kids were going to save Jerry and Omar's job.  Who cares about being right.  I'm just happy it's happening.  Manuel and 2011 is a different conversation.

If Josh Thole starts tonight we'll be fielding an all home-grown diamond,- Pagan in CF and with Pelfrey on the mound?...Snap a picture because this doesn't happen often. As a Met fan ~ OUTSTANDING! Give me more! This team is a far cry from the Opening Day edition. They should continue this direction. Keep all those malcontents in the doghouse. I'd like F-Mart in RF by 2011. Dillon Gee and Dylan Owen were promoted to AAA. Infielders Reese Havens and Jonathan Malo are doing quite well in AA.  Stinson and Kunz are still growing up and the more current Mejia and Nieve round out a little list of chips. I smell something brewing in METropolis. I hope! Mets are in a good spot for a Cliff Lee trade we all want. I don't want to rent him but we can do this.   It's really all about what kind of club Jeff wants his Pop's Mets to be. This team has a 1984 feel to it now.  That notion may have been mentioned along the way but it's undeniable.  Not earlier this season or in any of the last 3 seasons but today?- I'm feeling 84'ish.

Mike BTB

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/
http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.mlblogs.com/

Thursday, June 24, 2010

GAME 7 ~ Brooklyn Cyclones

JUNE 24, 2010  Game 7  @  MCU Park

Hudson Valley Renegades 5  @  BROOKLYN CYCLONES 16     FINAL

TONIGHT'S LINE-UP:

SS ~ Sandoval           2 for 4   HR   3 rbi   2 runs
CF ~ Ceciliani           2 for 3   2 runs
RF ~ Vaughn             
1B ~ Flagg                 4 for 5   4 rbi   2 runs
LF ~ Cherry              
3B ~ Bonfe
DH ~ Steinhauer
2B ~ Schroeder
  C ~ Centeno             3 for 5   3 rbi   2 runs

Pitcher  ~  Hillard       WIN 2-0    6 innings  6 hits  0 walks  3 strikeouts


Cyclones record:  5-2    1st Place   McNamara Division

BTB

the True Metropolitan Baseball Round-Up

JUNE 24,  2010     The Final

The ATLANTIC LEAGUE:
Newark Bears 11  @  South Maryland Blue Crabs 3    
Long Island Ducks 2  ~  Camden River Sharks 6         

The NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE:
BROOKLYN CYCLONES 16  ~  Hudson Valley Renegades 5       
STATEN ISLAND YANKEES 5  ~  Aberdeen Iron Birds 8          

The NATIONAL LEAGUE:
NEW YORK METS 5  ~  Detroit Tigers 6     

The AMERICAN LEAGUE:
NEW YORK YANKEES  ~  Off


BTB

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Game 6 ~ Brooklyn Cyclones

June 23, 2009    Game 6

Brooklyn Cyclones 2
@ Hudson Valley Renegades 5

CF ~ Ceciliani
LF ~ Cherry            1 for 2    2 rbi
RF ~ Vaughn
1B ~ Flagg
2B ~ Brown
3B ~ Butler
DH ~ Harris
SS ~ Sandoval

Pitcher ~ Almonte; Loss

BTB

http://thebrooklyntrolleyblogger.blogspot.com/

The True Metropolitan Baseball Round-Up

JUNE 23, 2009

The ATLANTIC LEAGUE:
NEWARK BEARS 0  @  South Maryland Blue Crabs 4    
LONG ISLAND DUCKS 2  ~  Camden River Sharks 1     game1~Final
LONG ISLAND DUCKS 7  ~  Camden River Sharks 1     game2~Final

The NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE:
(G6) BROOKLYN CYCLONES 2  @  Hudson Valley Renegades 5
STATEN ISLAND YANKEES 6  ~  Aberdeen Iron Birds 5

the NATIONAL LEAGUE:
NEW YORK METS 5  ~  Detroit Tigers 0

The AMERICAN LEAGUE:
NEW YORK YANKEES 6  @  Arizona Diamond Backs 5     10 innings


The true metropolitan area round-up.

Mike.BTB

The New American Frontier ~ World Cup 2010


WORLD CUP 2010 ~ GROUP C


They probably didn't know it.  Or maybe they did.  Which ever the case, America was forced to come away from today's match versus Algeria with a victory.  Today a draw would not suffice.  England and Slovenia were engaged in their match as USA played, and with time winding down.  America, unknowingly, already had their backs against the wall when just yesterday things were being painted in a much prettier picture.  Did they know the England score?  I don't know.  Only Coach Bradley can answer that.

Those of us packing in local pubs and cafes this morning to watch the match knew England maintained a 1-nil lead over Slovenia which forced America into a must win situation if they wanted to advance. 


USA and Algeria sat nil~nil at the half.  Time ticked off too briskly for my tastes as they continued to play to a draw in the second half.  All the pressure was on Team America to score.
They had their opportunities with quality scoring chances..  They also had a goal disallowed.  Yet the score remained nil~nil.  When the clock struck 90:00 there was yet a goal by either side.  Injury time was added on.  Only one minute was added after the first 45 minutes.  I feared the same after full regulation time; a short clock.  If I saw the TV screen correctly from my vantage point, 4 minutes were added.

Four minutes remained for USA to mount one more surge; one more wave; one more comeback.  They've used the comeback to get this far.  They would need another timely and unlikely goal now in order to go farther.  All goals scored by USA in this first round of Group C play have been of the comeback variety.  America had arrived at their new frontier; meeting expectations.  That's right.  This group was picked to advance from Group C along with England.  How special would it be if the Americans could pull out a goal here?  I don't know.  How special can you make a win or go home Group C match?  It would be great though!  Great is nice.  I'll take a great moment here versus deflation should USA not qualify for the next round.  England was off to the next round.  They secured that right. Now USA was in possession of the opportunity to join them.  Regulation was over and they were playing on borrowed time.

In the 91st minute, USA struck! 
The frontier men got their goal, from their USA Soccer Paul Bunyan;
LANDON DONOVAN



America's All-Time Leading Goal Scorer
stepped up like an All-Time Player does in times of dire straights.
He rose to the occasion like heroes do in your time of need.
He gave USA and us fans our
GREAT MOMENT!

There's elation and deflation in the stands as USA scores.


Anguishing tears of disbelief shed for her country.


In his words, "This is unbelievable.. ~ We're not done yet!"



He's a player on a team in a sport Americans choose to know little about
but right now the rest of the world knows the name of
Landon Donovan.


That's right Landon; you may have struck the most important goal in USA Football history.
This is the first time since the first World Cup Tournament in 1930
the United States has won their Group outright.
Yes! That was great. 
I also found out how special a Group C win-and-in game can be this afternoon.
VERY!

Today, I found happiness in an Italian Cafe where Fulton Street meets Lafayette St. 
For me it was the scene of USA's ultimate defeat and elimination from World Cup 2006. 
For this match I returned and departed;
Vindicated.


USA!   USA!   USA!

MIKE

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

WIN and IN Go USA!!!


GROUP C

USA
vs
ALGERIA

10am Wednesday JUNE 23, 2010.


WIN AND WE'RE IN!

All the American squad needs to do tomorrow is defeat what appears to be the weakest club of Group C; Algeria.  Simple, right?

Squad America just can not afford, much less risk, falling behind early again.  USA had to mount two furious comebacks against England and Slovenia in order to earn draws and escape with the minimum point for each match respectively.  Having said that, it's my opinion that may have been enough of a taste for what the competition demands of their play and also provided ample "game-film" by now to learn from and connect a winning attitude with effort.

A sustained and consistent passing game must emerge from USA's game in order for them to gain success in this match, and if it be our destiny, through the tournament. 
Tomorrow would be a good time to start improving that aspect of their game.
A win by Club USA could eliminate England.

LET's Go USA!!!

USA!  USA!  USA!

BTB