Songbird

Afternoon all

'Songbird', apparently thats my new nickname because I don't stop humming or singing. I can't help it, I like it; haha.

So after a 1-1 tie with New England Revolution, we took on a rather forceful Real Salt Lake side. The 1 thing which shocked me about the away side was their lack of width. I was familiar with their diamond formation style of play, but though head coach Jason Kreis would have maybe reverted to a different style of play after seeing how much we rely on our wing forwards and width. It also made me revert back to our 1-0 loss to Columbus a few months back and remember how Robery Warzycha changed the tactics of his side to counter act us. It obviously worked because from what I remember from that game, we had minimal opportunities and Columbus Crew ran out 1-0 winners and arguably should have had a 2nd had it not of been for another great save from Nielsen.

Sporting KC were making history and were now 14 games unbeaten in Major League Soccer. The longest stretch the club had ever gone on without loss. Next up was the Seattle Sounders. I always enjoy playing the Seattle Sounders for a couple of reasons.

1. They seem to be the team that everyone hates at the moment, which generates a great atmosphere at games.
2. They have a good team who play nice, flowing soccer.
3. I gives me the opportunity to once again indulge into conversation with another British play by play guy; Arlo White. I always enjoy having a chat with him and he was also 1 of the main reasons I was persuaded to come to MLS after seeing that using an English commentator in MLS works.

Arlo and I had a chat before and after the game and spoke of the continued progress of Major League Soccer. We also talked visa's, BBC and settling into life in the USA as a British broadcaster and the changes it has from working in the UK. I always used to listen to Arlo and Mark Clemmit's Football League show on BBC Radio 5Live when I was back home, so having Arlo come into the booth and utter the words 'ello mate, good to see you' always makes me laugh.

So we got under way eventually and everything seemed to go smoothly in the pre game show and Sporting took the lead through a Kei Kamara header. This was unbelievable, I remember thinking how far adrift we were just a few months ago and watching LIVESTRONG Sporting Park going crazy once again. Sporting eventually lost the game thanks to 2 very, very late goals from Rosales and Neagle, thus ending the unbeaten run. Omar Bravo's red card didn't help, the team were struggling with the intense heat and humidity and at 1 stage were down to 9 men with Luke Sassano getting on the receiving end of a bad tackle. That ultimately cost them. I don't think there can be any complaints about the Bravo red card. In today's day and age, especially after Seattle's Steve Zakuani had his leg broken from a similar tackle, you can't do that. I accept he got the ball, but his feet were together, a high, uncontrolled tackle got Bravo sent off and the Seattle Sounders would take full advantage.

After the broadcast I spoke with a few fans in the 'Members Club' about the red card and soccer in general. Afterwards a few drinks in Quintons in Waldo with some of the boys went down well.

With no game this weekend, things are quiet at the moment, but we expect it to pick up as we prepare to film 'Off the Pitch' at some stage later this week. Quite a lot of this has been in the back of my mind today as I continue to watch the rioting unfold in the UK. It started in London, but now seems to have spread across the whole country and in to my home town city Birmingham. Looking at pictures of places I have regularly shopped with Lauren, walked to the movies with friends absolutely trashed is sickening. I get the feeling it is only getting worse as well. Having spoken to my Mom, Nan and best friend Carl and have them share their experiences has been absolutely awful to hear. It seems like a war zone! The most annoying thing is, is that it seems most people don't even know what they are rioting about and are just there because its an opportunity to steal a TV.

On a lighter note, my parents are coming to KC on Thursday which i'm really looking forward to. I went from seeing my Mom and Dad every day to not seeing them for 5 months. I understand they want to see just about everything KC has to offer, so if you have any suggestions, by all means, let me know. I assure Mom that she'll love the Plaza for shopping whilst Dad is eager to get a game of golf in. Its come at the perfect time really, with me now having the weekend off (which is unheard of) and I can spend some time with them and i'm very excited to show them around.

So I sit here writing a few hours after getting back from Swope Park training facility. Don't forget despite not having a game this weekend, we still have a special edition of 'Off the Pitch' on Sunday evening, 9.30 KSMO - TV.

Cheers

Cal