Saturday, March 27, 2010

Cut for the Weekend

Heading out to watch the Boys play an exhibition at University of Portland.

7pm- see you there.

I know I'll be listening to this song on the way out there.

2 of my favorite artists: The Black Keys & Mos Def

Enjoy

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Top 5 EPL Transfers of 2009-2010

1) Thomas Vermaillen- Arsenal FC, 10 million pounds
What a steal at 10M. He's solidified the Arsenal defense, providing a strong basis for an extended title challenge. In addition to transferring the captaincy to Fabregas, Vermaillen's presence settled Gallas and the two have formed an impressive partnership. Not to mention the 10M signing has popped up for a few clutch goals on set-pieces, normally a weak point in Arsenal's side the past few seasons.

2) Carlos Tevez- Manchester City, 25 million pounds
He gives a defined personality to a disparate squad. With so many newcomers, it is difficult to give Man City's squad a personality. Tevez's competitiveness, will to win, and backing of his teammates (see, his confrontation with John Terry in defense of Wayne Bridge), gives City and identity. This may not save a top 4 finish this season, but will help shape this squad into a possible contender next season. (Not to mention a goal return of 16, so far).

3) Niko Kranjear- Tottenham Hotspur, 5 million pounds
A steal. Clutch goals (see the game-winner against Stoke this past weekend). And in the Fall, when Modric went down injured and Defoe had that lengthy suspension, Kranjear (spelling?) helped carry this team by providing verve and creativity in the midfield. The Tottenham midfield will be stacked next year with Sandro coming from Internacional and Jamie O'Hara returning from his Portsmouth loan.

4) Darren Bent- Sunderland AFC, 14 million pounds
Helped keep Sunderland from the relegation zone. Bags of goals & a constant threat on the field. He provides Sunderland a reliable goalscorer and speed to cause every defense problems. Seems to have adapted well to the Northeast of England. Sunderland lack a reliable partner for Mr. Bent. I'm convinced that Kenwyne Jones simply isn't the answer as Bent's partner. Bent provides Sunderland confidence that a mid-table finish is always possible because he will contribute between 15-25 goals per season. Bent also seems to be thriving, given the reliable confidence Steve Bruce places in the lad.

5) Landon Donovan- Everton FC, Loan
Over the course of 2 months, Donovan won over the Everton faithful. He provided a reliable spark that helped push Everton from below mid-table to challenging for a Europa League spot. Donovan's personality blended perfectly with a squad that is built on a team-first mentality, which requires commitment & pace. Donovan grew in stature over the course of the loan. And his powerful goal in his Everton home finale was the icing on the cake. You could see Donovan's impact on the team in scoring a goal and setting up another, but also the devotion he inspired in some of England's most demanding fans. An unqualified success.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Cut of the Day

Death Cab for Cutie. "Talking Bird" - Live.

Easy to drift off to this one, from one of the Pacific Northwest's finest.