StewStuph

It's a little different than what I am accustomed to seeing in North Carolina. Chipmunks, gold finches, black squirrels.  Waiting for the Orioles to show up.

With the USA advancing to the round of 16 in this years World Cup , there are quite a few people jumping on the bandwagon .  I say, come along and enjoy the ride.  Support our team on the biggest stage.  However, I am still sick of these very same people, who after the competition is over, or the USA are eliminated, will be back to bashing soccer for any of a multitude of reasons.  I don't tell them how to fix the NFL, Baseball or Basketball.  Enjoy your 11 minutes of action per NFL game , your slow and excessive baseball, which can last hours longer than a soccer match. Fine, go back to your NFL with it's 11 minutes of action.  Leave me to my Premier League , La Liga , MLS  and even NASL and Carolina Railhawks . See you all in 2018!

FIFA have announced the disciplinary action to be taken against Luis Suarez for his biting incident in his last World Cup match. From FIFA , Suarez is to be suspend for nine matches and four months.  My interpretaion of the following is that he will miss the remainder of this World Cup and the whole of the next World Cup in 2018, if they qualify and make it to the final match in both tournaments.

I am way too excited for today.  USA play Germany with a great chance to get to the round of 16 in this year's World Cup.  When the draw was announced, everyone knew it would be a difficult task.  Ghana, our old foes, responsible for our last two dismissals.  Portugal with one of the worlds best players in Cristiano Ronaldo.  Finally, Germany, with a list of talented players and World Cups to their name. Now the day has come.  A tie will suffice, but I BELIEVE.....

For the second consecutive Open Cup match, the Railhawks had to play an extra 30 minutes.  Fortunately this time penalty kicks were not needed.  They defeated a tough LA Galaxy side 1-0 on a goal from substitute Daniel Jackson in the 105th minute.  For me, the man of the match was once again Scott Goodwin.  Numerous saves are what kept The Railhawks alive to see the 105th minute goal and a fourth round victory.  Next up in the Open Cup , FC Dallas at Wake Med Soccer Park July 9th.

It's name is Luis Suarez .  After apparently biting Giorgio Chiellini , he should have been sent off.  As it was, Italy had to defend a set play already down one player.  In that play Italy concede the goal which sends them home after this, their final game in the group stage. It is unfortunate that the talking point now is this repeat offender and not the game itself.  I certainly hope FIFA impose another, more lengthy, ban against him.

After the last victory over Chivas USA, can the Carolina Railhawks continue their winning streak against L.A. Galaxy tonight in the fifth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup .  L.A. are bringing more power than they have in previous visits to Wake Med soccer park with the likes of Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane.  Unfortunately I will not be in attendance tonight, but will be watching on WRAL2 .

USA played Portugal yesterday in the so called "Group of Death."  While a win would have secured a place in the next round of the World Cup, a tie keeps us alive.  Thursday's games are now very important.  The chances of advancement are still high, just more stress for us fans Thursday.  Not to mention the stress for the actual players and coaches in Brazil.

AUTOCAD STILL SUCKS

I picked up the latest offering from R.E.M.  Their complete recordings from MTV Unplugged .  Along with the double CD, I got a 12x36 poster, which is now hanging in my home office (thanks  +Gina Beaudry  for allowing that to become the R.E.M. artwork room) The last concert attended was Neon Trees and Smallpools at Lincoln Theatre .  While I am typically not a huge pop music fan, Neon Trees were amazing!  I was most excited to see Smallpools though.  They did not disappoint.  In addition to playing all four of their currently released tracks, we got to hear some new material and am now looking forward to their next release. The next concert on the schedule is part of the Oak City 7 series.  The dates I am planning to attend are June 26 and August 7. After that is Chevelle , again at Lincoln Theatre.  I have been a fan since 1999.  Unfortunately, for one reason or another, I have never seen them live.  I had tick...

As you can imagine, there is a lot of soccer news to get to.  I will keep it brief. Arsenal won the FA Cup, finished fourth in the Premier League. TSR , my coed team, finished third in the spring season TSR is not playing this summer, some of us are on loan to Danger Zone FIFA World Cup is in the group stages USA finally beat Ghana .  What an amazing finish after worrying play. USA are poised for a tough Portugal match this coming Sunday Carolina Railhawks beat Chivas USA in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.  It took penalty kicks to do it, but it was done!  Next up, the winner of the LA Galaxy v. Arizona United match tonight.