The story of how it came to be... PART 1

PART 1 -

In the beginning 

 I was never one for listening in class. I was never one for completing homework on time, or indeed completing homework at all. I went to a high school called Stuart Bathurst in a town called Wednesbury in the suburbs of Walsall. I met many of my current friends there and we all have our own opinions of that place. Some people got what they wanted, some didn't. From what I can remember, I failed most if not all of my exams at high school purely through a lack of interest in most of my subjects. I always had an idea of what I wanted. I had no aspirations to go to university, heck, I wasn't anywhere near qualified for 'higher education'; but we'll get to that later. I remember receiving my high school exam results and not being that surprised when glancing over the list of 'FAIL' signs. This was supposed to be a huge part of my life, a big deal! However, at the time I found myself not conceded in the slightest and all due to an obvious obsession with another huge part of my life........ Football.

My high school crest

 I'd had a bad knee injury playing, but if i'm totally honest and those who know me and saw me play will share my own opinion that I simply was nowhere near good enough to ever make it as a professional. Coming to terms with the fact that I knew I was never going to play was a confusing time for a 15/16 year old lad who was on the verge of leaving high school. I scraped into 6th form (for those in the USA, its 2 years of college education before you head off to university) by the skin of my teeth after my dad had a conversation with a would be class tutor. At a young age i'd always known I wanted to be involved in football, but it was finding out how and where that was causing me a problem. I thought about coaching for a long time and even worked part time in my local park on a Saturday morning for 2 years or so and even got my level 1 coaching license. It seemed a real possibility at 1 stage that i'd venture into that side of football and I loved it. In actual fact I do really miss coaching and maybe 1 day i'll get an opportunity to do it again. I really enjoyed coaching the older level lads who were 11-13 and teaching them techniques, body shape, posture, first touch, how to move off the ball and some things that are at times overlooked because at that age that learning process is key.

 I remember having my 1st journalistic experience when I was 15. I shadowed a national newspaper writer called Neil Moxley (who still writes for the Daily Mail today). That certainly sparked an interest in the industry but I wasn't sure how to approach it. I hadn't put that much thought process into commentating or broadcasting at the time. I knew it was something i'd always wanted to do, but the question was "where on earth do I start?". I was enjoying coaching on a Saturday morning, occasionally 2 close friends and I would also help out on a Tuesday night for extra sessions as well. Then of course it was an extra 10 quid for the week which always helped. It was 2006, I was 16, enjoying my school life for the 1st time in years, coaching well and learning, plus at times earning a little money in the week. Then 1 evening I had a conversation with my Mum and Dad who had a good friend that worked at the local radio station in Birmingham called 'BRMB'. Dad thought it'd be a good idea for me to go in to their studio's for a day to see what its all about and he was able to swing this through his mate Andy Davis, at the time the graphics designer at BRMB.

BRMB's studio's on Broad St,
downtown Birmingham

I was obviously excited. I'd listened to BRMB's coverage of football for as long as I could remember and to be in the studio during a match day was nothing short of a heart stopping moment. I remember Mum and Dad dropping me off at the studio on a Saturday, a few hours before they were on the air to meet the producer. I remember being nervous but at the same time so eager to learn and ask questions. I'd never been in this situation before and knowing that if I perhaps said the right thing or showed enough knowledge i'd be in. Well, at least thats what I thought. I was obviously naive enough to think if I impressed they'd give me a full time, full paid job and benefits, but little did I know of the long path that would await me for that opportunity to arise. Mum and Dad left and I found myself nervously backed in the corner of the main production room where the producer, Cosey (Ian Powell) would continuesly give information to the commentator about scores, when to get to commercial break, when to cue a pre recorded interview and so on..... I was enthralled and thus sparked a passion that I only ever previously recognized as curiosity rather then will. We'll skip forward a few hours to the moment that made me smile the most all day. I'd sat back for hours watching the pre production of it all and was really enjoying my day. Cosey had been telling the commentator score lines around the country all day and also giving him the goal scorers. Then a goal was scored at Portsmouth and Cosey looked up at the Sky Sports News feed to see who'd scored and said in a confused fashion "who the **** is that". To my delight I knew exactly who it was and was able to confidently tell him that Benjani Mwaruwari, a Zimbabwe international, who'd signed from Auxerre in France was who'd scored. His response was "**** me, alright, cheers lad". I sat back comfortably in my chair with a confident and proud smile. After the football show was done and we went off the air Cosey pulled me to 1 side and said to me "If you want, I haven't got a problem with you coming in here every week" to which I responded "YES, absolutely". I left for the day and headed home on the bus. I was in! I had an opportunity to learn and experience the industry and more importantly there and then within my very 1st sniff at radio, i'd developed a passion/obsession that still thrives today. I wasn't getting paid, but it was a way in and i'd hoped it was the start of what I wanted to be new opportunity in my life.


BRMB

Lets fast forward a year or so. I'd been continuing my school work whilst coaching on a Saturday morning to then head over to BRMB in the afternoon to work. I still wasn't getting paid, but I didn't expect to be. Mum and Dad were wonderful in supporting me financially. I'd do odd jobs around the house for a bit of money here and there whilst they were at work; but it was still tough not earning. I went through a stage of coaching in the morning and earning enough money to pay for my taxi into downtown Birmingham and work at the radio station for the day. I'd learnt so much in the time I was in studio. I'd made friends and was also starting to cover shifts for the week day games and occasionally for the Friday night phone in. My role was basically editing goal clips and interviews for the producer to play during the show at certain points and to also answer the phone for the football phone in and put people on hold before they'd go on air and speak to the main commentator to cast their feelings on the days action. Also, I obviously became the best tea and coffee maker of all time. I was then asked to be apart of an OB (Outside Broadcast) for the station. We had a room full of an audience who were there for an Q&A session with the host and certain guests (current managers, players, ex managers and players). I'd walk around the room with the wireless mic for the fans to ask questions. Even better was, I started to get paid for it. It wasn't much, but it was something. After a short time a certain individual wasn't happy with me getting paid and the small amount that was coming in stopped. I did my bit around the studio and even thought of taking a full time job their when a lad called David 'Salty' Salt pulled me to 1 side and said there was a low paid but full time production job available. I was desperate for a way in, but Salty advised me not to take it. I carried on coming in 3/4 times a week for free to continue learning and this continued for 2 1/2 years with very limited opportunities. I knew, I always knew that commentary was exactly what I wanted to do and I thought i'd be good at it. I just had to be patient and work my way up.

 Like most current broadcasters, I would mute the match on TV and commentate into a recorder of some sort, edit things down on my computer and try and come up with something. I remember being told I wasn't needed 1 weekend and looking up the local football fixtures to see who was playing at home. Unfortunately for me, the only home game that weekend was Birmingham City (Villa's rivals). I plucked up the courage to head down to St. Andrews stadium with my little walkman/recorder and bought a ticket. "That'll be 45 quid please", said the lady behind the ticket window... I remember thinking to myself, "45 quid! They're in the Championship, no wonder their attendances are crap". Either way I paid and got myself in and worked my way to the back of the stands, sat in the corner to try and get the best view possible and started commentating. I remember a few people giving me a few strange looks, but I had to get over it, I was trying another way to get a demo together. I remember giving a reel of some sort to the sports editor at BRMB just so he knew thats what I wanted to do. Adam was his name. I sat back and waited for an opportunity that never came. Realistically, I never expected it to come, I was 17 and BRMB had a very big listening audience for football. I saw people in the production room go past me from assistant producer to commentator a few times and I got the feeling that it wasn't going to happen. I remember helping the main commentator pack his car up on a Friday night and asked him some advice about how to get into commentary or even if he had a chance to take a look at my demo. For the 1st time but by no means the last I was told "look kid, you're good at what you do, helping us out in studio, but you'll never be a commentator".....

BRMB logo in 2007

My heart sank. It was a particular low moment because I knew I had to find something else. During my time at BRMB i'd been sending e-mails out all over the country seeing if people needed any help anywhere covering football or any sports for that matter. I managed to get a day shadowing here and there on the odd occasion, but nothing came up. I was still only 17 but it felt like every time I e-mailed different radio stations i'd never get a reply or when I would it'd be either "sorry we don't have anything but keep doing what you're doing" or "you don't have enough experience". I tried absolutely everything and nothing was working. It was funny, the only thing I would find any sort of remorse in was the same thing that was killing me..... Football.

I remember asking the press officer of my local League 1 side Walsall, if I could come and sit in the press box for a Tuesday night game. The plan was to bring my laptop and a mic that my dad had given me and record myself commentating and perhaps meet a few people and make a few contacts here and there. It just so happens that I did indeed meet someone, an old experienced commentator named Geoff who after I asked for some advice he gave me the contact details of several people for the radio station he was working for, Beacon Radio. It was a smaller but well known station that covered football throughout the black country (an area outside of Birmingham where the main teams are West Brom and Wolves). I remember ringing the main commentator who put me on the phone to the main producer/presenter, a lad called Stu Haycock who said to me "ye, come on in, we'll see what we can do for you". A change of scene was perhaps what I needed and maybe that was about to happen...

Continuing in commercial radio

I remember telling the producer at BRMB after the previous season had ended that I wouldn't be coming back and wanted a new challenge. I was just turning 18, was in the final year of my college studies and had quite a tough time finding regular paid opportunities at BRMB (or anywhere else for that matter). I went a few months coaching on a Saturday morning and spending the afternoon's e-mailing and watching football. Then, out of nowhere I found myself heading to the city of Wolverhampton. At the time I didn't drive and it used to take me 2/3 hours riding 4 buses to get to the Beacon Radio studio's. But at the time it was something I needed to do to keep myself in the loop. I remember heading into the offices and speaking with 1 or 2 of the commentators and producers in the quaint little building that Beacon Radio called home. They were impressed with my resume, they liked the fact that I could edit and help pre produce content but they knew I wanted to commentate, an area I had no experience in what so ever.

The old Beacon Radio building on Tettenhall Road

That day, I learnt that Beacon Radio had a sister station called 'Shropshire's Beacon Radio' where an opportunity appeared to exist. The main footballing coverage was reports on League 2 (4th tier) side Shrewsbury Town and Blue Square North (6th tier) side AFC Telford Utd. The sports team from that side of Beacon Radio and its group consisted of Stu Haycock who would host and produce the sports coverage but he also had a weekly music show on the station. Elsewhere there was several other assistant producers Ben and Steve who were also heavily involved in the Wolves and WBA game production. Then there was an individual who to this day is still the craziest, strangest yet interesting man alive. Never mind the man from the dos equis commercial, George Andrews was indeed and still is the most interesting man i've come across thus far in my career. That day, Stu said to me "do you want to go to a game today?". I agreed and off I went to experience my very 1st Blue Square North game at AFC Telford Utd's delightful 'New Bucks Head'. The Blue Square North is a league full of part time players who've perhaps fallen out of youth academies or players that weren't quite good enough for the leagues above and were looking for a way back into the Football League. I sat next to George as he provided updates on the match to Stu's music show and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

New Bucks Head
Home of AFC Telford Utd

After heading back to the studio Stu told me that there would be an opportunity due to a lack of bodies and money to get myself on the air. I was to shadow George for several weeks before they put me on the air but leaving the studio after my 1st day I came away delighted. George was an old timer, he'd been in the industry for decades and taught me so much in the spell we had working together. Once again, I wasn't getting paid, but this was too good of an opportunity to say no. I remember phoning my Dad on the bus ride home to express my delight. After 2 1/2 footballing seasons it looked like i'd finally have an opportunity to get myself on the air.



I remember at this stage of my life. A lot of people were heading off to University and I was struggling to make any sort of money but I had an opportunity in front of me at Shropshire's Beacon Radio. Once again my school grades weren't great as i'd been focusing on working at the studio and seeking new opportunities. My coaching had to stop at this point, as I could no longer commit to Saturday morning due to all the traveling to the stadiums i'd be doing. I'd also been playing in a band for a about a year with some good friends. That obviously had to stop as well.

I woke up the morning of my 1st day on the air full of excitement and enthusiasm. I was heading up north to cover AFC Telford Utd's away game at Gainsborough Trinity, who surprisingly had a few ex football league players I recognized. I'd done my research during the week and I was ready to give reports every 10 minutes or so whilst George was commentating on the Shrewsbury Town game. I had remembered practicing so much, thinking of different lines to open up with and had listened to so many different commentators the past few years. I was on the brink of going live for the 1st time. Stu was in my ear saying "your next mate, we'll be with you in 5 minutes". That 5 minutes flew by as I tried to concentrate on what was going on in front of me rather then what I was going to say. "Cal, here we go", Stu said, "Live in 5,4,3,2... mic live"......

This was the scene of my first on air report, away at Gainsborough Trinity

No matter how many classes you take, no matter how much you think you're prepared or you've practiced. Nothing will ever prepare you for that moment the producer says "mic live" in your ear for the 1st time. I remember nervously reading out the team news from my phone (of course the radio equipment didn't work on my 1st day on the job) and getting through it. I listen back to it now and its absolutely awful. But at the time I had a huge sense of relief that i'd done it, i'd appeared on live radio.

During my time with Shropshire's Beacon Radio the e-mailing around the country never stopped and I rather fortunately landed myself an opportunity to commentate on a few QPR games for their website and stadium feed. It was once again unpaid but I had a chance to mix with some really well connected people. I remember a moment when QPR scored and a Sky Sports reporter well known in the UK called Chris Kamara decided to dance around me; which was odd but funny at the same time. I remember getting the train down to London which Mum and Dad paid for (not for the first or last time) For a couple of months I was quite busy covering both QPR and AFC Telford Utd. I also had the chance to cover Shrewsbury Town (arguably the bigger market team) on a few occasions and once again meet quite a few people whilst continuing to show up at the studio 2/3 times a week to help out.

I do sit back and chuckle to myself once in a while when I think of my 1st ever football league experience. I traveled down to Bournemouth (for those in the USA, its right on the tip of the UK down south) and it was a bit of a journey....

 I had one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong. My trains were late, my equipment wouldn't work, I didn't have a great day on the air and I remember in a scramble to try another idea to get the Comrex (broadcasting device) working, I slipped in the press box and split my chin open minutes before we were due on air. Eventually I did it via my phone. My shirt, blood stained, my pride hurt and it would only get worse. Of course that day I forgot my phone charger, missed my last train home and the furthest I could get up the UK was Oxford (about an hour south of Birmingham)! I couldn't call anybody because my phone died, I had little money but did have enough to make 1 phone call from a pay phone to someone I knew in Oxford to see if I could stay the night. I remember talking to her and she seemed to have no answer despite her best efforts. It was Saturday night, everyone was out and had probably had far too much to drink to be able to drive. I seriously contemplated finding cover of some sort and sleeping in an ally or on someones door step to get away from the rain. I remember standing helplessly outside the train station in the rain and looking rather suspect. I continued to get wetter and colder as the rain dripped down my face. Things just weren't going right for me. It was a serious low moment in my life but it also seemed par for the course due to the rotten luck i'd felt I had. Was someone giving me a sign? I was delighted to see my girlfriend at the time and her parents pull up at Oxford train station to pick me up. Someone must have given them notice. I'll never forget that day for as long as I live.

For the 1st time in my life I actually began to doubt myself and the choices i'd made. Was this something that I wanted to do? Was this something I could carry on doing......? Was it all worth it? It all seemed fairly pointless that evening in Oxford.....

Home and kicking

Hello again


So sorry its been such a long time since i've done one of these. Once again i'll remind people that this blog is my own personal thoughts and not the views of Sporting Kansas City or anyone else affiliated with the organization. Though i'll be talking about Sporting KC, this blog will mainly be about my personal experiences within the world of MLS. So, without further or due, here we go again.....


Lots to catch up on so i'll start right from the moment I arrived back in the USA. Early February i'd packed my bags, said my goodbyes and was once again more then ready to get back to a place i've quickly come to learn as home. Reunited with the girlfriend for a night in KC I then flew straight down to Orlando to meet up with the boys. There was obvious excitement as I hadn't seen people like Jake (@jakeyadrich), Dan (@the_doubledown), Chris (@ctwyche) or Brad (@bmertell22) in a few months. In the glorious sunshine I found myself in a fairly recognizable pre season place. It'd been a year since we'd visited the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to cover pre season for MLSsoccer.com and we were there once again. After re-uniting myself with the lads and the surroundings of television I started going through my notes for the next 2 games. In true spectacular MLS fashion, I was told I was then going to call an extra game (of which I had no notes for). Basically, i'll admit, I winged it. However, it was spectacular fun, as was the whole pre season for us. I love covering Sporting KC, but I really enjoyed being able to call other MLS games during the pre season. It certainly helped Jake and I prepare for the regular season covering games such as Philadelphia Union - Toronto FC and Montreal Impact - Columbus Crew. Once again, Orlando City were fantastic hosts and I honestly hope we end up doing the same next season. I love the pre season atmosphere, talking to coaches, fans, scouts, fellow broadcasters about MLS, players, trades etc. Also enjoyed calling several games with Cory Gibbs who now seems to be a fully fledged broadcaster with MLSsoccer.com; top lad!

So lets skip forward to a few weeks into the season. After a decent broadcast in Philadelphia it was clear as an away broadcast team we still had a few minor things to address. In Toronto, I think we fully addressed the issues of the 1st broadcast. I have to admit, despite the horrific plastic pitch, I really enjoyed broadcasting from Rogers Centre. It did at times feel as though we were on some sort of spaceship due to the decoration but a crowd of 35,000 plus made the atmosphere really good and exciting to be apart of. I remember going out for a few drinks in the evening in downtown Toronto (lovely city by the way) and chatting to a few TFC fans who were much more optimistic about their season under Ryan Nelsen. Now, i'm also been lead to believe that some fans weren't happy about my approach to that broadcast and my apparent delight when Toronto FC scored. Apologies to people who thought I was 'anti SKC' but my style is to approach the storyline. It was the TFC home opener and their 1st win under a new, well known manager. I'm not a biased commentator, nor will I ever be. Maybe that comes from the impartiality of the BBC, but ever since I arrived here i've always been told to approach our games like i'm doing it for ESPN; Jake also. Story lines are so often the ammunition for great moments and I can't dismiss them. I'm always going to lean towards favoring SKC (for obvious reasons), but I can't skip story lines and if the opposition does something spectacular, in my view as a commentator, you have to note that. We of course throughout the season have been broadcasting our weekly show on Sports Radio 810 as well. Andy Edwards (@andyedskc) my radio partner has been flawless in his delivery and approach to it all. Expect big things from him. We've already had a few giggles and so far we hope you've enjoyed it. For me this year, our TV broadcasts have been Ok, but I really enjoyed the call on Friday night. Our production team were brilliant and Jake and I really enjoyed the match. The in-house boys as well with their pump up video's have once again produced some spectacular stuff. Next up its New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy away in a few weeks and once again, I can't wait to get behind the mic.

This weekend we all had a deserved 2 days off (almost alien in our line of work). Had a lovely afternoon on the plaza on Saturday before meeting up with some good friends in the evening. Due to the unbalanced schedule we have another weekend off coming up as well. Looking forward to spending some more time in the city i've come to call home.

Cheers

Cal

See you in 2013

Afternoon all

Hope this finds you well


Its been a few weeks since we last spoke, again, apologies for that.

So, the season is officially over for Sporting KC after being knocked out at the Eastern Conference semi final second leg stage by Houston Dynamo, losing 2-1 on aggregate over two legs. Rather then concentrating on that though, i'd rather concentrate on what a fantastic season its been once again for Sporting KC. I think every couple of years, your team goes through a season of playing well and perhaps (from my point of view being an Aston Villa fan), over achieving (unless you're a Man United, Barcelona or Real Madrid fan). Last year, many said that was the case with Sporting KC. However, I think after this season and finishing top of the East for a second year running; its been confirmed that Sporting KC really are now one of the better sides in MLS. A really well ran organization, with a great stadium, fantastic fan base and a solid team with silver wear to show for their efforts this season. What more could one want!

There weren't to many low points of that season, but I think if I had to pick one, it'd probably be that 4-0 loss at Philadelphia Union. The high point, most definitely winning the US Open Cup. The first  professional piece of sports silver wear that Kansas City had seen since 2004. What a night that was! I remember that moment when Eddie Johnson smashed the final PK over the bar (rather fittingly into the Cauldron) and the whole stadium erupting. I've seen many stadium explode in my time covering this game, but that was undoubtedly the best outburst of energy and celebration I think i've ever experienced within soccer.

I'm a lucky lad to call what I do 'a job'. I work with some incredibly talented people and on behalf of the organization i'd like to thank every single one of the TV lads for their efforts this season. Jake Yadrich, Chris Wyche, Dan Drelich, Justin Bull, Craig Niedfedlt and Eric Zorans especially for their contribution when traveling on EVERY SINGLE MLS ROAD GAME. The likes of Brad Mertel, Chad Reynolds, Abner Aceves, Carter Augustine, Jack Hochman have all been unbelievable in playing their part as have the home producers Brad Pace and Rudy Guzman. I'd also like to say a quick thanks to Andy Tretiak and Jed Marshall on the Sports Radio 810 side of things too.

My favorite road trip this season was when we went up to Vancouver. I love that city. We had a great broadcast, got to explore the town a little and we won! The worst..... last weekend at Houston Dynamo. Up at 4am for an early flight, a small commentary booth with an awkward view, a loss in the play offs and a late flight home in one day. It was a sad way to end our traveling season.

Either way, its been a great year for Sporting KC and I know Jake shares the same views when I thank all of you, the fans of this wonderful club for once again being so supportive, not only of the team, but also of us on the TV side of things as well. Thank you so much, we love you guys.

I'm due to fly back home to England for an off season break in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing a few old faces and perhaps covering some English soccer once or twice. Then, its back to it in February, as we head down to Orlando for MLS 2013 pre season to do this all over again.

Thanks for a wonderful season guys, see you all in 2013.

Cheers

Cal

KC set for the big stage..... once again.

Afternoon all

Hope all is well

So as we take a break from MLS this week our sole attention will be on the United States Mens National Team as this play 2 World Cup qualifying games. The 1st, down in Antigua and Barbuda (beIN Sport 6pm CT) on Friday evening. After that its here in Kansas City at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park where the USMNT host Guatemala (ESPN2 6pm CT).

Here is the latest USMNT roster for the 2 upcoming games -

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/England), Tim Howard (Everton/England), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander/Spain), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/England), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana/Mexico), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover/Germany), Maurice Edu (Stoke City/England), Clarence Goodson (Brondby/Denmark), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim/Germany), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland/Denmark)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Roma/Italy), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana/Mexico), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04/Germany), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht/Belgium), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim/Germany), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

FORWARDS (4): Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur/England), Herculez Gomez (Santos Laguna/Mexico), Alan Gordon (San Jose Earthquakes), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders)

Obviously there is no Landon Donovan or Brek Shea who will both miss out through injury. However, i'm surprised that Jurgen Klinsman didn't opt to bring in 2 replacements. Many people are stunned that Jozy Altidore was snubbed. But was he really 'snubbed'? Could this now be Klinsman saying, 'you've done well, but I expect more from you' perhaps triggering a bit of anger and determination into Altidore's mind set. I must say, either way, i'm surprised at the timing of this but expect Altidore to be involved in the next set of USMNT games. 

No Chris Wondolowski; a player with 25 goals (and counting) in MLS this season. This is not a disrespect of MLS by Klinsman as some have suggested because he's got 5 others in that squad and thats not counting the recently injured Brek Shea from FC Dallas and Landon Donovan of LA Galaxy. I'm stunned that Wondolowski isn't even in the roster as an option, however, he's never really done it on the international stage has he..... Its very similar to a situation back in England a few years back. For those of you who follow the EPL, you'll be familiar with the name Kevin Phillips, who time and time again would score countless amounts of goals but could never quite find the same form at international level. He would often finish a season within the 20-25 goals per season range. A bad season would be between 9-15; he was that good at scoring goals. With Wondolowski over the past 3 years he's notched 18 in 28, 16 in 30 and this season so far its 25 in 30, but in 8 national team caps (ironically the same amount Phillips finished on for England), he's yet to score. So I get not selecting Wondo, but on the same page, how on earth do you ignore someone with 25 league goals this season. 

On a similar subject, some players that did make the roster that were perhaps surprising to a few were forwards Alan Gordon (San Jose Earthquakes) and Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders). Johnson arrived back in MLS through the allocation process and ended up at expansion side Montreal Impact who later traded Johnson to the Sounders for the pairing of Mike Fucito and Lemar Neagle. Many thought that Montreal got the better deal as Johnson had recently had a torrid time in European football. He left Kansas City (after scoring 15 goals in 1 MLS season) in 2007 for Fulham of the EPL after rejecting another EPL offer from Derby County. But after a poor spell with only 2 goals in 4 years in English football (including loan spells with Cardiff, Preston North End and Greek side, Aris), he returned to MLS after being deemed 'not fit' by representatives of Mexican Premier League club Puebla, where Johnson was on trial. How wrong they were..... It seems the Eddie Johnson of old is most certainly back in the swing of things. Over the weekend in front of a 66,000 crowd, Seattle Sounders beat rivals Portland Timbers 3-0, with Johnson claiming the 2nd and his 15th of the season in MLS. Johnson hasn't scored in a US Jersey since 2008, but instantly you can see why Klinsman has opted to use him. Also at the age of 28, perhaps this is his last chance to impress at the international stage. 

On the other end of the scale, 30 year old journey man forward Alan Gordon was selected to be the national fold for a 2nd time running. He didn't play last time out, but perhaps that may change over the next few days and he could make his USA debut. After an uneventful 6 year spell with LA Galaxy, he had short spells with Chivas USA and Toronto FC before making the move back to California with San Jose Earthquakes. During his time in MLS he's never really been considered a goal scorer, heck, he'd not really been considered a starter for most of the teams he's played for; until now. This season he's notched 13 goals in 23 starts (his best MLS season to date), playing alongside Chris Wondolowski and Stephen Lenhart, the 3 headed monster from San Jose has struck fear into the hearts of many MLS defenses. With 48 goals between them so far this season(San Jose have scored 69 all season), they're undoubtedly the most potent forward line in MLS this season; and they like to leave it late don't they! 8 of Gordon's goals have come when he's started, but 4 of them (including 3 in a row) have come from the bench. Alan Gordon has been in inspired form this season and it really wouldn't surprise me to see him involved, maybe even start on Friday night vs Antigua and Barbuda. The service from either flank, which you would expect to be occupied by Clint Dempsey and Graham Zusi would be something Gordon would relish. Some say this is an experiment and I kind of agree. I do question the timing of this 'experiment' if that is indeed the case, but which ever way you look at it, its always exciting when new strikers come on board, because lets face it, we all love goals! 

So the last thing is...... if you can't wait to discuss the USMNT until Friday. Tune into 610 Sports Radio on Thursday evening from 6pm, where Steve Brisendine and I will firstly talk about Sporting KC, before featuring the USMNT and their upcoming games. We'll talk about all the above and if you fancy your say, call in on 913-576-7610 or tweet me @calwilliamsskc. See you all soon. 

Cheers

Cal 

Business as usual

Afternoon all,

Hope all is well,



Well, once again its been quite a busy time in the 'business end' of the MLS season. Sporting KC secured two crucial wins over Toronto FC (although not as comfortable as perhaps we would have wanted) and tied 1-1 at home to a Thierry Henry less New York Red Bulls who boasted new boy Tim Cahill. Six of the last seven regular MLS season games are against play potential play off opposition, meaning this really is the time for Sporting KC to grind out results and show how good they really are. The two away trips to New York Red Bulls will undoubtedly have all eyes on it (and for good reason), but I think the away games at Columbus Crew and Montreal Impact have now become just as difficult. Montreal Impact have invested heavily in their roster and now boast some fantastic individuals such as Nesta, Di Vaio, Bernier (who's having the season of his life), Felipe, Arnaud, Rivas, Nyassi, Mapp and Neagle to name a few. For me, Montreal Impact have to be considered late play off pushers. Despite loosing to Columbus Crew (who we'll talk about in a second), they went the whole of August 4-0 and defeated New York before that in late July. Just 3 points stand between Montreal Impact in 7th and Houston Dynamo in 4th.

Here is a look at the Eastern conference table as is stands -

1	Sporting Kansas City	50	27	1.85	15	7	5	34	24	10	17	7	17	3
2	New York Red Bulls	46	27	1.7	13	7	7	46	39	7	27	15	19	-8
3	Chicago Fire	44	26	1.69	13	8	5	35	31	4	20	8	15	-4
4	Houston Dynamo	42	27	1.56	11	7	9	39	33	6	24	14	15	-8
5	Columbus Crew	42	26	1.62	12	8	6	33	30	3	21	4	12	-1
6	D.C. United	41	27	1.52	12	10	5	43	38	5	31	17	12	-12
7	Montreal Impact	39	29	1.34	12	14	3	43	46	-3	31	13	12	-16

For me, even though Sporting have a 4 point cushion at the top, no one is safe and every point now counts. Chicago Fire play their game in hand mid week next week vs bottom of the league Toronto FC and Columbus Crew play tonight at 9th placed New England Revolution. It seems as though Columbus Crew and now doing what they've not been able to do all season........ score goals. They're now unbeaten in just over a month and in that time have scored 11 goals in 5 games. This is obviously due to the dynamic duo up front Jairo Arrieta with 3 goals in 6 and the new DP Federico Higuain (for those reading in europe, the brother of Real Madrid's Gonzalo) who has 6 assists and 3 goals in 5 appearances in MLS. They've crept into 5th above DC United and it wouldn't surprise me if they won tonight at New England either. Columbus Crew have tough games vs New York, Sporting KC and Chicago Fire BUT they also have games vs Toronto FC, Chivas USA and Philadelphia Union. We're in for an intriguing end to this MLS season, I can promise you that.

Elsewhere around the world of US Soccer, the USMNT play 2 World Cup qualifiers vs Jamaica. Firstly on Friday evening away and then at home in Columbus, Ohio on the Tuesday evening.

Here is Jurgen Klinsman's roster for these upcoming games -


GOALKEEPERS (4): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Maurice Edu (Stoke City), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur), Herculez Gomez (Santos)



Really pleased that Graham Zusi has received some recognition. It wouldn't surprise me if we saw Graham Zusi play more of a wide role for the national team at some stage. He's done it consistently for Sporting KC in MLS and done it well. For me, with Michael Bradley out injured, there's a real opportunity for someone to show what they can do. Bradley will always start for the US, he's now become that good (as an Aston Villa fan, it still pains me to think we let him go so easily). We've seen the games were some of these players have been tried and tested, now its the time to shine. Very interested to see if Break Shea starts out on the left (no reason why he shouldn't) but i'm excited to see who will start up front on Friday evening. Its been a rapid start for Terrance Boyd in Viena (excuse the pun). He scored another 2 over the weekend and took them very very well.

(here they are - http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2012-09-02/terrence-boyd-goals-rapid-vienna-us-mens-national-team-austrian-bundesliga)

For me, Boyd is really 1 to watch out for. He's only 21, but if you watch both goals, his 2nd is a really well directed header but its his 1st that gives away the most for me. Watch his movement as he sprints past his marker to get in front of him. He's more then aware that the ball is going near post. He could be the next big natural goal poacher and threat for the USMNT. On the other hand Jozy Altidore has 4 goals in 3 Dutch Erdivisie games, Herculez Gomez is always a threat and Clint Dempsey finally got his move away from Fulham and joined Tottenham Hotspur (how on earth have Liverpool not shelled out the extra few million for him, i'll never know). I think Tottenham is a great fit for Dempsey now as they failed in a bid to sign Joao Moutinho from FC Porto. Expect to him Demspey out wide for Spurs or even just underneath the front man (Adebayor or Dembele). My point is, the USMNT are not short of options up top and will be a threat, as long as they get service.

The Jamaican national team also boast some very good players throughout their roster too. Defensively they are sharp with Jermain Taylor (Houston Dynamo, USA) and Adrian Mariappa (Watford, England). Their midfield will consist of pace and patience in the shape of Dane Richards (Vancouver Whitecaps, USA), Je-Vaughn Watson (Houston Dynamo, USA) and Rodolph Austin (Leeds Utd, England). The front line may consist of Toronto FC's Ryan Johnson (who of course scored vs Sporting KC last weekend in MLS), Colorado's Omar Cummings but the 1 player i'm very eager to see at the international stage for only the 2nd time in his career is Vancouver Whitecaps forward and MLS rookie Darren Mattocks. Aged just 22, for me an outstanding candidate for MLS rookie of the year with 7 goals in 12 starts in MLS.

I'm excited to see what the USMNT can do in this game, but equally, the Jamaican national team have plenty to offer as well. 2 very good games coming our way on beIN Sport and ESPN. Lets enjoy!

Cheers

Cal

The life of an announcer

Hello there!

I can't believe its been over two months since I last did one of these! My sincere apologies; its been a very busy time for us. Lots to talk about over the last two months, results, travel, trades/transfers should all hopefully squeeze into this one.


So let me start right from the last time we spoke. June was upon us as was Euro 2012. After England surprisingly finished top of the group, the TV boys and I set our sights on what would be the longest and busy eight week stretch of the season. First up we got a solid home result over a poor Toronto FC. After that we set out eyes over to the pacific north west and a trip to Seattle. Really do like that city, great place and obviously its a great place for soccer. But we'll talk about Seattle Sounders a little later on, won't we ;-). From their we had the cross country trip to Philadelphia. Two coast lines within the space of four days. We got back to KC to prepare for the Open Cup quarter finals. A result at home in that game and then a radio commentary at home to Chicago Fire would follow (again, three days apart). If i'm totally honest, the months of June/July  just seem like one big blur. This was our schedule since I last wrote on here -

JUNE

Sat 16th - TORONTO FC HOME
Wed 20th - SEATTLE SOUNDERS AWAY
Sat 23rd - PHILADELPHIA UNION AWAY
Tue 26th - DAYTON DUTCH LIONS HOME (USL) (US Open Cup Quarter Finals)
Fri 29th - CHICAGO FIRE HOME

JULY

Wed 4th - MONTREAL IMPACT AWAY
Sat 7th - HOUSTON DYNAMO HOME
Wed 11th - PHILADELPHIA UNION AWAY (US Open Cup Semi Final)
Sat 14th - COLUMBUS CREW AWAY
Wed 18th - HOUSTON DYNAMO AWAY
Sat 21st - NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION HOME
Tue 24th - MONTPELLIER HOME (International Friendly)
Sat 28th - COLUMBUS CREW HOME

AUGUST

Wed 1st  - STOKE CITY HOME (International Friendly)
Sat 4th - NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION AWAY
Wed 8th - SEATTLE SOUNDERS HOME (US Open Cup Final)
Sat 11th - DC UNITED HOME

This weekend we're away to Toronto FC. Lots of fun, but lots of work. Bare in mind preparing a TV show is not something that happens over night. It takes time and precision. Major thumbs up to Jake Yadrich (@jakeyadrich) who prepared every perfectly. Brad Mertel (@bmertell22), Abner Acevas (@abnerha) and all the rest of the video boys really did a fine job helping us prepare for that and they even had time to make some great in stadium video's including the three video's for the Open Cup final. Its the travel more then anything that kills you. We love it and we're very lucky we get to do it, but we don't get any time to see anything though. Maybe downtown for a couple of beers but I think we've maybe done two tourist things this season. But hey, its Ok, it really is, #itsokbecausewetravel (inside joke).

I think the hardest part of that schedule was getting up at 4am to head to Phily for the Open Cup semi's. We got there, did the game, then flew back to KC at 6am for a day, then was up again at 4am to head to Columbus. Think I may have swerved a little on the highway as I was driving to the airport. Doing broadcasts on top of that was testing, but major respect to the back room boys who got their even earlier then I did to set up! Also during this madness, helping the girlfriend Stacey (@staceygolub) move into her new place in 100 degree heat was a nightmare, but worth it in the end (she has a pool :D)!

We got to see two new stadiums in Montreal and Houston, both of which I liked and again is a clear sign as to where this league is heading. Houston was particularly good fun as  Stacey came along to the game as she was visiting her sister, who also had an enjoyable experience. Hosting Stoke City was a lot of fun. I ended up doing a couple of interviews for the BBC and another local radio station in Stoke-on-trent (Signal radio) to help out an old friend of mine who covers Stoke City for a living. I felt like a proper journalist again, almost fighting people to get the interview that mattered; it was a lot of fun and I sometimes miss those days.

To the more recent times we go. Incase you missed it, Kansas City has a champion again! The last two pro titles in this town have been soccer titles when the then Kansas City Wizards won the MLS Cup in 2000 and the Open Cup in 2004, but before that, it was the baseball team 'The Royals' who won the World Series back in 1985! This game against Seattle Sounders was a BIG occasion in KC and I was privileged to be on the call locally for Sports Radio 810.

Here is the link to our commentary of the penalty shoot out -

http://www.stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=26&c=377&f=665371

Think I may have lost every ounce of composure i've ever gained in that moment. But what a moment it was. This club has made some major strides of the past two years, now they have something to show for it. I have to say there was a wave of emotion around the stadium that night. The scenes after the game were unbelievable. Every room you went in to, people were smiling, laughing, hugging each other, it really was a site for sore eyes and one night i'll never forget. Thanks for all the kind comments about our recent broadcasts as well guys, really appreciate it, just wish the whole of the country could see them.

Sporting then also reclaimed top spot of the eastern conference after a confident win over DC United. However, the week was already topped off by a wonderful event on Friday evening when Jake Yadrich got married to his fiancé Whitney (@whitneyyadrich). An absolutely lovely evening surrounded by work colleagues who've become close friends. The so called 'other half' was there also, to make it even more enjoyable. Again, another special moment to be apart of in this huge and very loving Sporting KC family.

Life is absurdly good right now. Very excited for what the future holds, but right now, I think i'll enjoy the present!

See you soon

Cal