Nepotism ain't so bad...

As I watch Michael Bradley score twice for the US with his father as the head coach, I'm beginning to think "keeping it in the family" is a great idea. Maybe there's another team with family connections... ;-) So, it’s been a long time, I know. Things have gotten busy. That may actually be an understatement! Lots has happened in the WPS, and I hope you’ve been keeping up in the news, so I won’t have to recap. So let me just give you some very humble opinions:

1) First I need to give a “holla atcha!” to the WWPSA U10’s. They are apparently blog readers. Pound it and explode.

2) Secondly, a round of applause for Joey Peters. A former WUSA player, she’s actually the reason for my ‘A’ in “History & Politics: World Soccer”, the class on campus which every person turned to me and said, gosh that sounds like a class made just for you. I mean, even the lunch lady. But wait, how did this happen? Ready for this random connection? In 2005, I worked with the Charlotte W-league team, including a player named Lindsey Jones. She then moved to Northwestern as an assistant. I went on to work at Cal State Fullerton. One weekend, I'm working promotions. Who do I see in the crowd, but Lindsey Jones, in town to recruit! Why ask an American who played one season in Australia, when you can interview the Co-captain of the Matildas?? Without even asking, she put me in touch with Joey. When I turned in my paper mentioning my interview, my professor laughed, “Should I even bother reading it or just give you the A now?” Thanks, Joey! And all the best in your retirement. You were right in your prediction you made in spring 2006. In 2007, the team had their best showing yet, making the quarterfinals.

3) Now every has their games to watch. Mine are a bit different. Are you ready:

- Sky Blue FC vs. LA Sol, April 5th. Yes, everyone says, ooh Marta’s coming to play. Who cares? More importantly, KK (Karina LeBlanc) and Charlie (Naimo, LA Sol GM) are rolling back into town, both with important NJ connections.

- Sky Blue FC vs. Chicago Red Stars. Okay, the obvious answer to that is Denise Reddy, former Jersey Sky Blue W-league coach comes back. However, its more than that. We’re also pitting Illinoians vs. Illinoians. If that’s a word. AND, I actually got to know the Red Star staff at the NSCAA convention. Needless to say, while I appreciated their hospitality, a good amount of trash talking occurred. Can't wait.

- Sky Blue FC vs. St. Louis Athletica. This is actually not important to anyone else except the hundred of kids who have been coached by Jillian Loyden, and her former roommates like me. Okay, and her family. And her Villanova teammates… her friends in the tri-state area. Wow, maybe that is a lot of people. She may not even play against us being that she’s in the same pool at Hope Solo, but she’s still, I think, one of the greatest role models for kids today. I had the opportunity to do a bit of coaching with her last Saturday I’ve dealt with a lot of soccer players. Bar none, my friends, she “gets it”. Works her butt off, is one of the best in terms of dealing with kids, outgoing, friendly, interactive. So of course, I want to her to do well. Just not against us. ;-)

4) Carolina Morace was hired as the Canadian National Team coach. She must be mixing things up, because the CSA called us asking for a head shot of Leah Robinson. Congrats Leah on being named to the recent training camp. And I understand, Kelly Parker’s there too. Holla, Sky Blue Soccer! eh?

5) Sky Blue FC has been in the news quite a bit lately. Thanks Phil Murphy! In an article run by every major newspaper, Phil Murphy was listed on the committee for the US’s 2018 WC bid. Notably mentioning his ownership of a certain team I call my employer.

PS. Soccer-Celeb Siting today. Ian’s whole family came to visit the Sky Blue Soccer offices today. Rumor is Julie was here negotiating her player contract....just kidding!

PPS. Okay, so obviously Heather O'Reilly doesn't answer our phones, but check out photos from when HAO came by to record a message for our phone system. Hear her at 888-SBFC-TIX!