Crocketteers » General

Crocketteers headed to MLS All-Star Game

James Hope — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:40:37 +0000

The Crocketteers are headed to Houston for the MLS All-Star game against Manchester United on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. This is our first MLS game as a group and of course will be our first tailgating experience together. Our tailgate will be set up in the BLUE LOT 22 at Reliant Stadium. Tailgating starts at 4:00 pm. If you are planing on going to the game we ask that you stop by and have a Bubba burger and a Red Bull or two with us.
We will have hot dogs, Hamburgers (Courtesy of Bubba Burgers), Chips, water, soda, and Red Bull (Courtesy of Red Bull USA) and of course some beer.

If you would like to contribute something to the tailgating i.e more BEER, a special dish, soda, chips, dips, etc. the thought would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. The more food and drink the merrier.

Wear your Crocketteers shirt if you have one. If not we will have few for sale for $10 in sizes L, XL and 2XL.

See everyone in Houston on Wednesday.
Still need tickets? Here is a link to ticketmaster. Tickets as low as $35 bucks when you buy 4. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C004493A55E67C6?artistid=875665&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=11

World Cup Final Wrap Up

Chris Hockman — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:06:27 +0000

World Cup Final Netherlands V Spain
Moment of the Match
First Half: A great free kick finds Ramos, who unleashes a powerful header forcing Steklenberg to launch to his right and make a brilliant save, the Dutch can’t clear the initial follow up but Steklenberg saves again before the Dutch finally clear.

Spain are 2010 World Cup Champs photo from Yahoo Sports

Second Half: Snijder with a great through ball finds Robben, who breaks the offside trap and runs through onto the keeper, he shoots to Casillas’ right, Casillas moves left but flicks up his boot to send the ball for a corner
Extra Time First Half: Jesus Navas receives the ball wide, runs toward goal, he unleashes a shot, which deflects off Van Bronckhorst, and edging wide, Stecklenberg was heading the wrong way.
Extra Time Second Half: The Spanish with a man advantage, Torres’ cross is half cleared & Iniesta receives the ball in space, controls & volleys, and scores Spain’s first ever goal in a world cup final. Also earning a yellow card for his celebration.
Why Spain are World Champions: They did the thing they’ve done all tournament, pass and move, take the one chance that comes your way and win 1-0 again. Realistically it was just that neither side wanted to lose and the Dutch just got pushed with only ten men, Spain took one crucial chance & that won them the game. Spain become the first team to win the world cup after losing a game.

Semi-Final Wrap Up 7/6/10

Chris Hockman — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:14:46 +0000

Netherlands V Uruguay
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Van Bronckhorst scores what could be the goal of the tournament, after receiving a pass on the wide left he unleashes an amazing shot from about 35 yards, with pinpoint accuracy that hits the corner of the post and scores.

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst celebrates his 30 yard blast. Photo USA Today

Second Half: Another Dutch goal, some great Dutch play, leads to Kuyt putting in a great cross, which Robben meets powerfully heading it into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
Why Netherlands won: This game was a real midfield battle, and in a game like that it’s going to come down to who can create & put away chances. The Dutch seemed to shade Uruguay in the midfield, and were able to create more chances thus score that crucial extra goal
.
Prediction for Wednesday:
Germany V Spain
Why Germany will win: The Germans have been the goal scoring side of this tournament scoring 4 goals 3 times. They have a disciplined side who are able to work the ball through to their strikers.
Why Spain will win: David Villa has proved lethal for this Spanish attack, along with a solid back line, and Casillas as one of the better goal keepers going around. They’re a young side with pace and that has shown up a number of defenders and could be key for Spain.
Prediction: This is a really tough game to predict & it’s certainly a mouth watering clash. They both have an attacking line up, so it may just come down to who is the most sensible at the back, I think the Germans just have the edge of the Spanish but it’ll be a tight game. Germany 1-0 (of course, they are the shootout masters, so they could take it all the way)

Semi-final Preview 7/5/10

Chris Hockman — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:46:42 +0000

Uruguay V Netherlands
Why Uruguay will win: Suarez proved they’d do anything they can to win, and they have the talent to do it. They’ve come through tough matches to be here, they definitely have the mental strength & technical skill to win.

Reuters – Uruguay's Luis Suarez (R) saves the ball with his hands during a 2010 World Cup quarter-final soccer …

Why Netherlands will win: The Dutch seemed to have abandoned total football in an effort to get results. Many people see that as a bad thing, I’m not so sure, the Dutch seem much more structured & disciplined now and are able to move from defense to attack really well. They also seem to be hitting their best form yet.
Prediction: Few expected Uruguay to have such a great tournament, but they are a proud nation & this will not be enough for them. The Dutch have been wasteful, but have still gotten results. Uruguay without Suarez may struggle in this one. Netherlands 1-0

6 Yard Box blogging from San Antonio..Last Entry 7/4/10

James Hope — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:05:13 +0000

By Decature Tounsel

July 4, 2010

Happy Independence Day!! From, San Antonio!!!

This is my last post regarding the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and it comes exactly 2 weeks prior to the start of The 6 Yard Box’s Sunday Purple League!! The Sunday Purple League kicks off at 1pm on Sunday, July 18th at the Aztec Indoor Soccer Facility. You should check it out if you are in San Antonio this summer. Games will be held every Sunday until September 26th. You can keep up with this exciting league on our Facebook pages, Six Yard Box and The 6 Yard Box company page, and also at this site, www.6yardbox.org!

Now, back to the World Cup…

My flight back home to Chicago took me exactly 24 hours and it shouldn’t have, weather in Chicago on June 27th caused a 2.5 hour delay from our departure from Washington D.C. It was about 2pm when I finally got home, and home felt SO GOOD! Although I was going to miss South Africa, and all the great people I had met, I was looking forward to coming home to start the next stage of my life in San Antonio. I was in a car packed with a whole lot of clothes on June 30th, and drove 20 hours straight! I got to my new home at about 12.30a on July 1st and I couldn’t of been happier.

On Thursday I relived some of the moments that I experienced with my new roommates, Doug Alvarez and Crystal Alex. I showed them pictures of the South African jumbo jet that took us to Johannesburg, I showed them pictures of Arturo, Heather, Nate, Jason, Ray, Leba and the rest of our wonderful “Ke Nako” group. I showed them pictures of lions, up close and personal! I talked about stadiums filled to the brim with shouting fans from Boston, Johannesburg, Chicago, Alaska (yes, Alaska), Los Angeles, D.C., New York, Houston, Tampa, New Orleans, Slovenia, Algeria, London, Birmingham, Manchester and beyond! I told them about beer baths, Jozi Altidore jumping electronic boards, men crying, new family members, sour England fans, Brazilian and Portuguese fans, oh my!!!! ESPN, ABC and other TV crews from around the world, fan parks with 20,000 screaming South African fans, meeting Argentina soccer team players, Mario Bolatti and Clemente Rodríguez, meeting wonderful kids in a village that looked like the ones in District 9. Watching the US Soccer team win their group! Eating Crocodile! Meeting Miss Earth, the US Embassy being right across the street from our hotel, Vuvuzelas, 60 degree weather during the day, 40 degree weather at night, and the experience of all which was the experience of living the world’s greatest tournament with the World!!

I look forward to watching the Semis and Final of the World Cup with the Crocketteers in San Antonio! Stay tuned on where they are watching it at http://www.crocketteers.com

It has been a pleasure to write this blog! I look forward to reading your blog from the World Cup one day!

Until then…

Oh, I almost forgot, since the USA are back home, I’m rooting for the Netherlands to take it all!

DDTJR

World Cup Wrap Up 7/2/10

Chris Hockman — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:31:34 +0000

Netherlands V Brazil
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Robinho is played through the middle, after lax defending from the Dutch with no one on him, Robinho scores a simple goal.
Second Half: Snejider puts in a great ball, after receiving the ball which has pushed the defense out, Cesar comes out and can’t get at it, coming off the back of Mello, who gets classed with an own goal, changing the game, making it 1-1
Why the Netherlands won: The Dutch never gave up, they’ve been a more disciplined side than they have in the past, determined to defend well, but they’ve proven today they can score when they have to. Melo had a nightmare game, getting sent off for being stupid plus the own goal. The Brazilians certainly helped out the Dutch today. Remember when I said the Dutch would make the final?

GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images

Uruguay V Ghana
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Right at the very death of the half Ghana make some great link up play, Uruguay give Salley Muntari acres of space, which he uses to turn and make a shot at goal, the keeper is unsighted & moves late, Ghana 1-0 up!
Second Half: Forlan does what he does best, a great free kick lifted over Kingston, bending perfectly, Uruguay level the match.
Extra Time First Half: Uruguay defend poorly, giving the ball to Ghana, Gyan works hard in the box through traffic, but can’t score getting hurt in the process.
Extra Time Second Half: Great corner from Ghana is headed towards goal, Uruguay keep it out, shot comes in again and it’s blocked, but with Suarez’s hand, red card & penalty – Shot is missed! Amazing drama, match was extended for the kick, in the end, great decision from Suarez to block it.
Penalty Shootout: For Gyan to step up after missing the penalty was a very gutsy move and he should be praised for that, however it’s not enough, Abreu hits a very cool penalty after watching 3 consecutive misses to send Uruguay to the semi-finals.
Why it went to Penalties: Both teams canceled each other out really well, they just seemed to match each other beautifully. Add to that the fact that it just seemed neither side wanted to win the match, Gyan will feel like the worst man on the planet tonight, Ghana terribly unlucky.

My Predictions:
Argentina V Germany
Why Argentina will win: They have been clinical all tournament, they have an amazing attack, and if they perform they can beat anyone. They’ve even been getting results when they’ve played poorly & that is the sign of a champion team.
Why Germany will win: Even without Ballack, they’ve shown that they can move the ball through midfield well, Klose & Podolski are a great strike pairing and Klose is nearing the world cup record. Add to that typical German discipline & you have a great side.
Prediction: This is probably the toughest game to call of the tournament, as much as Argentina have been playing well I can’t help but think it has to eventually fade, Germany’s performance against England was amazing, after a poor group stage. I can’t pick a winner, Argentina will want to win it in regular time, because the Germans are clinical at penalties. I’ll tip Germany here, just because I think it’ll go to Penalties, and you never tip against the Germans in a shootout.

Paraguay V Spain
Why Paraguay will win: They’ve shown a lot of tenacity to get this far, they’ve handled the conditions well & showed that they could defend. The counter will be key for Paraguay as they have a pacey attack that could really cause Spain some problems.
Why Spain will win: Spain have really been coming into form after a slow start to the tournament. Villa in particular has impressed, they still have a lot of improving to do but the signs are there for Spain.
Prediction: Any Quarter-final is tough to call, but I think I’m going to have to go with Spain for this one, they just seem to be peaking at the right time, and have been playing better football than Paraguay, that’s not to say we couldn’t see something big here. Spain 2-1

World Cup Wrap Up 6/29/10

Chris Hockman — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:34:03 +0000

Paraguay V Japan
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Japan counter quickly, with the ball falling to Matsui who unleashes a shot on goal that cannons back off the crossbar. The shot is followed up but goes out for a goal kick.
Second Half: Well worked throw from Paraguay crossed in for a free header, shot straight at the keeper, Japan able to counter but their play fizzles to nothing after a cross that is too powerful goes over everybody and out for a throw. Sums up the game well, as counter attack followed counter attack
Extra Time First Half: Lots of chances fall for Paraguay, starting with Valdez being denied by a great save ball half cleared, shot is deflected, a cross comes in again but the header goes wide.
Extra Time Second Half: Japan able to launch a good counter through Honda, Tamada & Nakazawa link up well on the left, the final ball is hit too far for Nakamura to latch onto
Onto Penalties: Cardozo takes a calm soft penalty into the bottom left hand corner, bluffing out the Japanese keeper, to win the shootout for Paraguay 5-3
Why it went to Penalties: Both sides were determined to not lose this match more than actually win it, with both sides having a solid defense there was always a sense it would go to penalties, which really offered us the only drama in the match.

Photo: Spain's David Villa celebrates after scoring Tuesday. Credit: Matt Dunham / Associated Press.

Spain V Portugal
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Ronaldo shoots powerfully from a free kick, straight at Casillas, who thumbles it. The Portuguese can’t get on the rebound & Spain clear.
Second Half: Some great passing movement from Spain, Iniesta sends a good through ball to Villa just inside the box on the right, his shot is saved but Villa jumps on the rebound sneaking it in off the crossbar.
Why Spain won: They neutralized Ronaldo, who just looked like a spectator today, eventually getting booed by the crowd for a tame effort towards the end. Add to that the fact that they were just a lot more clinical than the Portuguese, dominating the shot statistic, with a high percentage on target.

So the 2nd round is wrapped up, we now have a few days off before the quarter finals:
Netherlands V Brazil – Jul 2 9am ESPN
Uruguay V Ghana – Jul 2 1.30pm ESPN
Argentina V Germany – Jul 3 9am ABC
Paraguay V Spain – Jul 3 1.30pm ABC

So with that I’ll be taking a break and be back to preview the quarterfinals on Thursday, try and enjoy two days without the World Cup, perhaps catch up with family members you’ve neglected the last few weeks, maybe even go outside.

World Cup Wrap Up 6/26/10

Chris Hockman — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 05:03:47 +0000

Uruguay V Korea Republic
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Forlan given alot of space & time by Korea to play the ball into the box, poor work allows the ball to bounce through to Suarez who scores the opening goal.
Second Half: Uruguay’s winner, an amazing strike from just outside the box, comes off the inside of the post and goes in, a great goal worthy of winning any game, puts Uruguay through to the quarters
Why Uruguay won: Some great movement & classy play from Uruguay made sure they always had a measue of control in this match, even after conceding the equaliser, Uruguay didn’t panic & kept playing good, calm football.

USA V Ghana
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Clark is responsible for the US conceding the opening goal as Kevin Prince Boateng gets the ball from the turn over, and runs straight towards goal, with little to stop him, he unleashes a great strike beating Howard, Ghana’s first goal in open play of the tournament.
Second Half: The Feilhaber substitution at half time, from that moment on the USA looked a completely different side, Feilhaber almost scored on his first touch and launched the pass that lead to the penalty
Extra Time First Half: Great control shown by Gyan to chest the ball down & get around two defenders before a neat finish puts Ghana ahead
Extra Time Second Half: Howard coming forward for one last corner, showing the desperation of the US Team, facing up to the Ghanaian keeper, and just missing the header
Why Ghana won: Solid defensive play from the Ghanians which they’ve showed all tournament, however unlike in the group stages Ghana were actually able to put their chances away

Germany V England
Why Germany will win: Discipline has been the key for the Germans in the opening games, they were unlucky not to get past Serbia, and it was discipline that gave them first place in the group ahead of Ghana, it will take a lot of work to beat this German side.
Why England will win: The English have improved in their last match and they have shown that they can play some good football, if the service is there to Rooney, they have a real chance, especially considering the strength of their defense compared to the weakness of Germany’s attack.
Prediction: England never beat Germany, it just never happens, despite a lot of hype coming into this tournament the English have failed to produce, and while Germany didn’t play at their best against Ghana they did the job & will look to regain some form here. Germany 2-0

Argentina V Mexico
Why Argentina will win: They say the sign of a champion side is that they can win even when they play poorly & Argentina have done this. They have shown great skill, as well, and with Messi up front they can be lethal.
Why Mexico will win: Mexico, for me, have been one of the most impressive sides in the tournament. They’ve played some beautiful football and probably deserve better than having to play Argentina. The Mexicans can play a very fast game that will match with Argentina and have a real chance here.
Prediction: This game is quite tough to call, I’ve been very impressed with Mexico, but Argentina have just been lethal this tournament, with Messi working hard for his team (despite his lack of goals), it’s a tough one to call and it’s bound to be exciting. Argentina 3-2 (maybe even penalties)

6 Yard Box Blogging from South Africa 6/24/10

James Hope — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:32:40 +0000

By Decature Tounsel

June 24, 2010

9:15a in Johannesburg — 2:15a in Chicago/San Antonio

OLE, OLE OLE OLE, USA, USA!!!!!!!

WE WON THE GROUP! History was made last night ladies and gentlemen! Did you know, the US Men’s Soccer team has NEVER won the final group match at the World Cup until yesterday! What an incredible day yesterday! Every USA fan I talked to yesterday was confident in a win for our guys. Everyone was saying 2-0 to the US, and yet we found ourselves on the brink of elimination when the fourth official lifted his board that read four minuets of extra time. Im not going to lie to you; I always felt a US goal was going to happen. It was our destiny! Our seats this time were on the 20 yard line, 20 rows up, perfect, yet again. Our guys were shooting at our goal in the second half, so I knew a goal would give us a front row seat to the greatest US celebration since the Mexico win in ’02, and the Spain win last year.

Tick Tick Tick, BOOM!

Around the 89th minute our section of US fans were almost mute. There was a buzz about the offside call on Dempsey in the first half. People were saying that replays showed that he was really onside. I personally saw the replay back at the hotel and he was a hair offside, sorry. Anyways, its the 89th minute, they’ve already shown the 1-0 England score on the big screen, and yes, nerves were as high as they can be. Then the breakaway. So remember, I’m thinking that the winning goal is going to come, its now the 91st minute and my brain begins to paint a picture of utter gloom and doom for the USA. Then there was the pass, to a wide open Altidore. I have played enough soccer to know that LATE counterattacks like the one Altidore has just started are the Soccer Gods way of letting a team rewrite the plans they have decided for the game. I knew that this was going to be it, there would be no more REAL chances at goal after this. I started to scream, GO GO GO, BUDDLE BUDDLE!! I could see Buddle screaming down the field, awaiting a pass that would put him in a position to clinch the game, and the group. Seconds later we saw the pass, moments later, we saw the block, then we saw, DESTINY! After Algeria’s goalkeeper stopped Dempsey’s shot I thought…SOMEONE GET IT!!! Then, like an angel out of the sky, Landon comes in to strike the low blow that sent us all on cloud nine! I stood on top of my chair and started to hug anyone I could. I eventually made it down two rows to hug new friends of mine, Nate, and his mom, Leba. Nate, a six foot tall football coach in Houston is one of those guys that is cool under pressure, but not in this moment. At one moment it looked like Nate was crying — but we’ll keep that between me and you. Leba grabbed me and hugged me like I was one of her own. For a moment, I couldnt hear anything, the moment was that amazing!

A minute and a half later…HISTORY!

USA 1 — Algeria 0.

We started to dance, and I could hear it all. I could hear fans singing above us in the second tier, just as happy as they could be. Nate, Leba and I found some other people from our group and started celebrating with them. The greatest celebratory moment was when the whole US Team came over and started jumping up and down with us. Jozy Altidore actually jumped the electronic advertising board and made his way into the crowd! Landon picked up a flag a fan threw at him and started celebrating with it. At that moment, every US fan was family! Everyone was high fiving each other, hugging each other, and just living the joys of life with each other, it was like New Years in Pretoria! We were in there almost until they shut that place down! I will never forget yesterday! I will never forget this trip! I want to write more but then again, I hope that one day you can experience a World Cup and live all that I have. I hope you can experience the new friendships, new family members, the sights, the sounds, the heartwarming moments, the once in a lifetimes. This trip was worth every penny! If I was given a death sentence by a doctor tomorrow I can say I would die in peace, because I have been so blessed!

On a sad note, my flight back home leaves three hours before our Round 16 match starts. I will be watching a recording when I get home, as soon as I get home. My only worry is that someone will leak the score during my almost 20 hours of traveling back to Chicago. Oh well.

Another post will come before I get on the jumbo on Saturday. Until then…

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO USAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

DDTJR

World Cup Wrap Up 6/21/10

Chris Hockman — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:21:38 +0000

Portugal V DPR Korea
Moment of the Match:
First Half: A great throughball leads to the opening goal on the 29th minute, Portugal show their class.
Second Half: Ronaldo scores his first goal for Portugal in two years, showing his class by being able to keep the ball under control and puts away a goal.
Why Portugal won: They played some great football, add to that the fact that they actually showed DPR Korea respect unlike Brazil, and just wore DPR Korea down. Once they were 3, 4-0 down DPR Korea seemed to give up.

Chile V Switzerland
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Berami, under pressure from Vidal throws an elbow at him. Vidal obligingly takes the bait and goes down clutching his face, succeeding in getting Berami sent off
Second Half: Perennes gets the ball from over the defense (hints of offside) and rounds the keeper, but with far too narrow an angle for the shot he crosses to Gonzales who heads into the ground, sneaks over defender on the line & scores.
Why Chile won: Yet again an early red card made sure that the team with the numbers would push. Chile had all the attacking play, and were determined to score, however they did everything they could to not score.

Spain V Honduras
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Some great work from David Villa leads to one of the best goals of the tournament, weaving around the defenders amazingly well, and unleashing a great shot just over the keeper’s hand to open the scoring
Second Half: David Villa’s missed penalty reminded us all that he was human & made us all feel a little better about ourselves. It also reminded us why you don’t let the player on a hattrick take the penalty
Why Spain won: You cannot have that many chances & that much posession & not win the game, Honduras did little in attack apart from on the counter and Spain just dominated the midfield and held the ball for most of the match. Especially the second half.

Tuesdays Predictions:
Mexico V Uruguay
Why Mexico will win: The have shown a lot of class in their matches, with some great ball movement and some brilliant entertaining attacking football, they really have looked good, and that attacking play will open up a number of chances.
Why Uruguay will win: Defense. Uruguay have had impressive form all tournament in their defensive line.
Prediction: For me Mexico have been one of the more impressive teams in this tournament and have played some very attractive football, realisitcally both of these teams are realistically already through, so it’s a hard one to call. Mexico 1-0

France V South Africa
Why France will win: Their backs are against the wall and they love shutting everybody up. They have some real stars and that quality you would think gives them some sort of edge.
Why South Africa will win: The French might not even show up to this game, the way things are going internally for them. The French have been one of the most pathetic teams in South Africa (even accounting for DPRK’s 7-0 loss) and home advantage will always lift South Africa.
Prediction: The French camp is absolutely in shambles, they have been possibly the worst team in this whole tournament, and have done nothing to stop our sympathy for Ireland. I’m not kidding when I say there’s a chance they might not even turn up for this match, there’s so much trouble in the French camp. South Africa should account for the French, but will it be enough to advance? South Africa 2-0

Nigeria V South Korea
Why Nigeria will win: They’ve got the kind of pacey attack that can really cause Korea some problems. If they could actually get some good service in from set pieces they could do well here.
Why Korea will win: A disciplined defensive side, that are also confident going forward, they held Argentina well for quite a while in their loss, and only needing a draw will feel confident about getting past Nigeria.
Prediction: Nigeria looked good initially against Greece, but blew the chances with the red card. Korea have looked the better of the two over the tournament but have really lacked something infront of goal, if Nigeria remain disciplined they have a real shot. 1-1

Greece V Argentina
Why Greece will win: They’re a solid defensive line up, which is what won them Euro 2004 but they’ve improved on attack as they showed against Nigeria. If they can get the ball forward to Charisteas they have a real shot.
Why Argentina will win: They’ve got the form, and the talent, they seem to be back to their clinical best as they showed against Korea & in that kind of form are dangerous.
Prediction: The Greeks where perhaps a little fortunate to get three points out of Nigeria, where as the Argentines were absolutely clinical against the Koreans, they’ll be looking for momentum to take them through to the 2nd round. Argentina 3-0