Recently I was asked by a reader to write about why so many kids play soccer in the U.S. and yet by the time they are in their late teens it seems like no one plays. Well today we will dive into that.

This is a subject that I have tried to figure out many times and here is what I have come to conclude. In the U.S., we have more kids playing soccer up to U-15 than any other country in the world, which is quite impressive. In fact, no one come close to us. But after U-15 we lose that top spot, by a lot.

First lets talk about why so many kids play soccer. Soccer is an easy game that does not have that many rules or exceptions unlike football and baseball. It comes naturally to many kids because the motions in the beginning are not miniscule and complex like in other sports. It gives them a oppertunity to run around and whack a ball at their friends.

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Hi Everybody. So yesterday the Yankees and the Rays began a critical 4 game series. In the midst of a pennant race, these next four games can decide who wins the American League East crown. Still, in the midst of division madness, there was time for remembrance.
On July 13th, the Yankees principal owner George M. Steinbrenner III died of a heart attack. Steinbrenner, one of the most famous owners in sports history, led the Yankees to 11 American League pennants and 7 world series titles. A true visionary, he changed the game of baseball forever by seeking prized free agents and through his other interesting and at times questionable actions. A man of charity, he helped the careers of many and provided a second chance, as well as giving to many different charities and organizations. His motto was, “the best form of charity, is through anonymity.”
The Yankees organization unveiled a monument dedicated to him in the fabled Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. This is the first monument to be dedicated in the new stadium. Other than all the pre game fanfare, Curtis Granderson hit two dingers and the Yankees downed the Rays in Game one 8-5.
So for Yankee fans, as well as sports fans everywhere, this week has to be one of tension, and reminiscence. We remember “The Boss,” as we get to watch AL East drama in the hunt for October.

On September 17, we had our first varsity football game against Trinity Classical Academy. The game was broadcast on the website, so I told my parents and friends in Taiwan to watch. Also, many of our fans came to support us. They really encouraged us to play hard and finish strong. Unfortunately, we didn’t come out with a victory. However, it was a really good experience and a great game. This is the first time that I have played football at night and on artificial turf. Unlike the normal field, artificial turf is flat and soft, and easier to run on. During this game I played both starting tight end and corner back. At the beginning of the game, I made my first tackle of the season!

The shock news today was that Arsenal tied Sunderland after getting an early lead. Arsenal went up 1-0 in the 13th minute but gave up the win in the 95th minute when Sunderland’s Darren Bent scored the equalizer. Everton continued their abysmal start, losing 1-0 against Newcastle United. Everton has a talented squad but cannot put together a good team effort on the pitch. Tottenham Hotspurs were able to pick up three points, coming back to beat Wolverhampton 3-1.

For a complete round-up of todays Premier League games go to http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=824365&sec=england&cc=5901

North of England, in the Scottish Premier League, Rangers walked all over Dundee United, winning 4-0 to stay  at the top of the league. In Germany Stuttgart destroyed Borussia Monchengladbach 7-0, a surprising scoreline. 

For the game summary of the Stuttgart game go to http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=297101&cc=5901&league=GER.1 

The trash talking continued ahead of tomorrows clash between Manchester United and Liverpool F.C. Sir Alex Ferguson came out today and said that Liverpool’s recent decline is due to former coach Rafael Benitez, not due to the owners. Benitez last season blamed their 7th place performance on the lack of available funds for buying new players. Liverpool look to show that their new coach Roy Hodgson is the man for the job tomorrow when they take on their red rivals.

Go to http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=824163&sec=england&cc=5901 for more

Although real football is usually he focus on my blog, today I read an article that I thought deserved some attention. The news came out today that Washington Huskies coach and former USC coach Steve Sarkisian thinks that Reggie Bush’s returning of the Heisman Trophy was not enough. Sarkisian claims that Bush should have apologized and that he “just looks like an idiot again.” Bush was asked to return the Heisman because he and his parents were caught accepting  gifts from people associated with the USC football program while he was in college, which is strictly against NCAA rules. This one story has been the focus of sports articles and programs for long enough. Reggie Bush might have taken gifts but in my mind it did not affect his immense talent. Yes this is the first time the Heisman has been returned but this should not overshadow the amazing talent the Reggie Bush showed during his time in college.