For a brief time earlier this month, F.C. Barcelona star Lionel Messi was widely celebrated for scoring his 86th goal of the calendar year, breaking a record set by German Gerd Mueller in 1972. But, in recent weeks those voices have gotten quieter. Bill Littlefield turns to ESPN’s Roger Bennett to find out what happened.
Spain is home to two of the most popular and successful soccer teams in the world: FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Bill talks with Richard Fitzpatrick about his book, ‘El Clasico’, which details the history of the rivalry and the reasons for its lasting intensity.
Sporting Kansas City advanced in the MLS playoffs after defeating the Houston Dynamo. Closer to home, the team is under scrutiny for the naming rights to its home field, the Livestrong Sporting Park. OAG’s Greg Echlin reports from Kansas City.
The New York Red Bulls are preparing to play in the MLS playoffs, but face the dual challenges of declining attendance and a potential regional rival. Jim Edwards of ‘Business Insider’ talked with Bill about the state of soccer in New York and postseason hopes for the Red Bulls.
The Houston Dynamo, coached by Dominic Kinnear, are undefeated at home this season, and prepare for postseason play. Jesus Ortiz of the ‘Houston Chronicle’ spoke with Bill about the team’s dominance and Kinnear’s coaching success.
The Vancouver Whitecaps became the first Canadian soccer team to qualify for MLS postseason. Bill talks with Vancouver Sun columnist Iain MacIntyre about the team’s success and potential performance in their first match-up.
Some of Europe’s most accomplished soccer teams offer fans the opportunity to vote on club management. Now, the Seattle Sounders, a MLS team partially owned by comedian Drew Carey, is following suit. Bill speaks with Adrian Hanauer, the general manager whose job is on the line.
Gwendolyn Oxenham traveled the world with an open mind and a soccer ball. The former Duke University player documented her experiences as she explored new countries and interacted with strangers using the universal language of sport. Bill Littlefield speaks with Oxenham about ‘Finding the Game: Three Years, Twenty-Five Countries, and the Search for Pickup Soccer.’
Premier League soccer kicks off this weekend, and several teams have made big moves on and off the field. ESPN’s Roger Bennett joins Bill Littlefield to discuss the start of the season and what fans have to look forward to in the Premiership.
The Liverpool Football Club’s game against A.S. Roma at Fenway Park in Boston brought soccer to a hallowed hall of the national pastime. The game comes as a growing number of U.S. investors are buying European soccer teams. Bill Littlefield reports.
