Weekly Soccer Column: LA Galaxy defender Robbie Rogers speaks out against FIFA World Cup bigotry and homophobia

South Bay native Robbie Rogers was once so in denial about his sexuality he could not admit to himself that he was gay.

That’s changed and now the LA Galaxy defender has found the courage to speak out against the kind of FIFA stupidity illustrated above by the clueless Sepp Blatter. For more, read this week’s 100 Percent Soccer column on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar.

And happy holidays.

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Former U.S. teammate joins growing number of women who see Hope Solo double standard as roster is named for World Cup qualifying

A now-retired former teammate has joined other female commentators blasting U.S. Soccer for allowing goalkeeper Hope Solo to keep playing while domestic abuse allegations remain unresolved.

Coach Jill Ellis, meanwhile, essentially punted when asked about Solo today in a conference call with reporters to discuss the roster:

“I’ve had a lot of thought and discussion within U.S. Soccer and certainly we acknowledge these are very serious issues,” Ellis said. “But after careful thought and consideration, we determined to stand by our decision to let the legal process play out and have Hope remain with the team.”

The column appeared Monday in USA Today and in emails circulated to media outlets. Read it after the jump.

Continue reading “Former U.S. teammate joins growing number of women who see Hope Solo double standard as roster is named for World Cup qualifying” »

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World Cup Watch: Indie soccer movie “Next Goal Wins” released on DVD today

I wrote about the documentary “Next Goal Wins,” which stars former Chivas USA coach Thomas Rongen, when it was released in April and today it was released on DVD.

The film is highly recommended. Check out the clip above and more about the movie below:

In 2001, the tiny Pacific island of American Samoa suffered a world record 31-0 defeat at the hands of Australia, garnering headlines across the world as the worst soccer team on the planet. A decade after that humiliating night, they remain rooted to the bottom of FIFA’s World rankings, having scored only twice in seventeen years. They have lost every competitive game they have ever played. It would take a miracle-maker or a madman to turn the team’s fortunes around – and in maverick Dutch coach Thomas Rongen the islanders somehow find both. With the team about to embark on a grueling World Cup Qualification campaign, Rongen has just one month to transform this ragtag group of losers into a winning team – and perhaps learn a little about himself along the way.

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Watch: Germany celebrates World Cup victory with massive public party in Berlin

A photo gallery is here.

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Watch: World Cup fireworks and local viewing parties in San Pedro and Downey as Germany beats Argentina in Brazil

Los Angeles News Group reporter Brenda Gazzar was embedded with fans at 33 Taps in Hollywood.

These were the scenes in San Pedro and Downey:

Most dedicated soccer fans watched with others of their ilk:

The sun has set on the 2014 World Cup:

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Touting World Cup stars Major League Soccer resumes, but Omar Gonzalez likely missing for LA Galaxy tonight against Real Salt Lake in Carson

But RSL are likely to have USMNT players Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman available.

MLS beat reporter Phil Collin will be at the game and has the capsule game preview.

Meanwhile, Chivas USA are in Canada to take on the Whitecaps.

capsgoats

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