The 2015 League Cup Final

The big day had come. The 2015 League Cup Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. As a supporter it is almost never easy to sleep the night before, and in cases of disappointment, the night after. Both teams had worked tirelessly to put themselves in this position, and now only ninety minutes could decide who deserved to win. Finals at Wembly show what a club, a supporter, and even an individual player are made of. The stage was finally set and we had quite a show.

NY Spurs Fans watching the match at Flannery's

On the one hand there was Tottenham Hotspur. Currently 7^th in the Premier League and hoping to win their first piece of silverware in seven years. It might sound like time was against them, but history wasn’t. The last trophy Tottenham won was the 2008 League Cup. Who did they beat you ask? Chelsea. This year, as well as back then, Tottenham were considered to many as the underdog. But now with fan favorites Harry Kane in attack, Hugo Lloris in goal, and Christian Erikson in midfield, Spurs looked to restore a sense of pride within their club.  New York Spurs members and Tottenham supporters from all over the five boroughs gathered at Flannery’s Bar on west 14^th Street and 7^th avenue to watch, and hope, for a glorious déjà vu. All would love to lift a trophy in front of the Chelsea Supporters, the New York Blues, just a few uptown subway stops away.    

The New York Blues in celebration

On the one hand you had Chelsea. 1^st in the Premier League, currently in the Round of 16 in the Champions League, and now this League Cup Final. Favorites by far. Unlike Tottenham, many of the Chelsea players had already held a piece of silverware while playing at the club. Their last trophy came in 2013 with a win over Benfica, of Portugal, in the Europa League. With the likes of John Terry in defense, Cesc Fabreags in midfield, Diego Costa in attack, and lead by manager Jose Mourinho, this Chelsea side could tear into any opposition. They were, however, without key midfielder Nemanja Matic due to a suspension from a red card just a week earlier causing some nerves for supporters everywhere. The New York Blues were anxious, but confident of the ability in their side. Supporters poured into Football Factory at Legends to cheer on the Blues and perhaps watch history be rewritten.

So fans of both clubs anxiously watched anywhere they could. The lucky 89,294 who got tickets packed into Wembly. They were treated to some great atmosphere and wonderful Football. Both clubs traded shots on goal with in the first half, but just before half time Chelsea took the lead thanks to a John Terry goal. Tottenham were down, but not out as both teams continued to give their best during the second half. Spurs would eventually concede a second goal, an own goal, from their defensemen Kyle Walker making the score 2-0 early in the second half. It appeared history would not be on Tottenham’s side this year as they tried to rebound but failed. The final whistle blew and Chelsea were crowned victors. One of the more cruel truths about sport, for every smile someone else is frowning. There was elation inside Football Factory and sorrow inside Flannery’s. Both clubs can now turn their attentions back to the Premier League. Chelsea and Tottenham now have a game in hand since the rest of the league played without them. Tottenham will make up for this on Saturday March 7^th against Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea will play Leicester on April 29^th.

And hey, only five more months till the League Cup starts up again!

Champions League

Courtesy of Peña Madridista NYC 

If you have just read the article below this one about the FA Cup, the the answer to the last question is yes, it can still get better than this. What we are about to get into is some of the best Football that planet Earth has to offer, The UEFA Champions League. Picture it this way: you have already heard about some of the best teams in English Football, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and so on; we can decide who is best in England because they will win the Premier League, England's highest honor. But what about who is best in Europe? Just because you win the Premier League in England doesn't mean you are better than Atletico Madrid, who won La Liga in Spain last year, or Bayern Munich, who won the Bundesliga in Germany last year. How do we decide how is really the best of the best? Simple. We let the players play.

The Champions League is an annual competition that features the top clubs from the football associations in Europe. The tournament starts with three knock out qualifying rounds held in July. From there 10 clubs will advance and join 22 other clubs who have automatic qualification based on position in their domestic league. This is why every position in the Barclay's Premier League matters. The clubs who finish in 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd in the Premier League gain automatic qualification. The 4^th place club is sorted into the knock out rounds with the hopes of being one of the 10 clubs who survive. From there the 32 total clubs are drawn into groups of 4, refereed to by letters from A-H. There cannot be two clubs from one country in one group, which makes the draw a little difficult to follow at first. The clubs play a double round robin, meaning they play each club in their group twice for a total of 6 matches, and the top two advance to the Round of 16. Every round from then on, except the final, is a two legged match and uses aggregate score rules. The winners of the groups are drawn against runners up; with the runners up playing at home in the first leg of the match. In the Quarter Finals and Semi Finals clubs can be drawn against clubs from their domestic country. The Final is one match with extra time and penalty kicks if need be.

The Champions League is a great way to watch completely different styles of Football being played at the same time. It has familiar faces like Real Madrid and Barcelona from Spain, PSG and Marseilles from France, Juventus and A.C. Milan from Italy, and of course Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United, from England. It has underdogs like Ludogorets from Bulgaria, who showing astounding effort against clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool last year. It has some golden moments too, such as the 2004/2005 Final between Liverpool and A.C. Milan which is considered as one of the best matches ever played. After going behind 3 goals in the first half Liverpool scored 3 goals in 6 minutes and then went on to win the title 3-2 in penalties. It is known to many as “The Miracle of Istanbul.”

I can't remember now if I've mentioned it, but I did name this blog Minus5 for the 5 hour time difference between England and New York City. But it isn't just English clubs who are represented here and in the spirit of the Champions League we're taking a field trip to Quinn's. Home to Peña Madridista NYC, or simply, the Real Madrid faithful. Real Madrid have recently become the first team ever to win the Champions League 10 times, completing what is known in Spain as “La Decima” or “The Tenth.” Supporters in New York City came to watch Real Madrid play Schalke 04 from Germany in the Round of 16. Peña Madridista NYC are very in touch with the club; there are autographed jerseys and footballs around the bar. Real Madrid finished with a comfortable 2-0 win in the first leg in Germany. Now it is on two the second leg and their next prospective opponents.  

The FA Cup

Courtesy of the New York Reds 

I have slowly come to realize that I only love March because I love Football. The Barclay's Premier League slowly starts to heat up. The League Cup Final is held, which you may remember is between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea F.C. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, The number of clubs playing in the FA Cup start to really shrink. They say that March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb, but in the Football calender it stays lion all the way till May.

The FA Cup (Or the Football Association Cup is you want to sound like a know-it-all) is an annual competition similar to the League Cup. It is the oldest known Football tournament in the world with it's first winner, Wanderer's F.C., taking the trophy in 1872. What makes the FA Cup different from the League Cup are two main components: Which clubs can play and what clubs are playing for. First, entry is granted to all 20 clubs of the Barclay's Premier League, all clubs in the Football League (which contains the Championship, Football League One, and Football League Two) and lastly Steps 1-5 of the National League System. In simple terms you have hundreds of Football Clubs competing; in the 2013-2014 FA Cup 737 clubs participated. This all kicks off in August, with Premier League teams entering the competition in the Third Round Proper which is normally in January.

The Winner of the FA Cup not only gets a shining new trophy to show off, but they also get the right to play in the Community Shield match and the UEFA Europa League. The Community Shield is an annual match played in August between the winner of the Barclay's Premier League and the winner of the FA Cup. The Europa League, on the other hand, consists of Clubs from all over Europe. Clubs can enter based on finishing position in their respective league or by National or League Cup victories, such as the FA Cup. Right now the Europa League is starting to heat up as well so expect so more information on that in the upcoming weeks. Which brings up a large point—England isn't the only country with an Association Cup or League Cup. They go by different names in different countries, there is the DBF Pokal in Germany, the Copa Del Ray in Spain, and the Coppa Italia in Italy. Watching these competitions is a great way to get to know clubs from all over a particular country.

While it may seem like the larger club will always win, you can always expect a few upsets when watching the FA Cup. The weekend of March 8^th and 9^th will have the Quarter Finals of the 2014-2015 FA Cup. The big match everyone is looking forward to is Manchester United against Arsenal FC. Both teams have one 11 FA Cups, they are tied for having the most in its history. Arsenal are the current holders and are looking to keep hold of the trophy another year, while Manchester United have their way with Arsenal the past few seasons. Inside the Smithfield Hall on West 25^th street between 6^th and 7^th Avenues is where you will find the New York Reds. They were in full voice for their come from behind win over Preston North End, which earned them a spot in the Quarter Final. Now they turn their attention towards Arsenal in what should be a classic FA Cup match.

The League Cup Final, the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup, and every fixture in the Premier League. March is certainly all lion. Can it get better than this?

Transfer Window Shopping

NY Eagles celebrating at the Football Factory at Legends
Photo Credit: New York Eagles 

Window shopping in New York City can be lots of fun; going from store to store down 5^th Avenue wondering who and why would pay so much money for just the brand name. The majority of the people who do it can only imagine what it would be like to have that kind of money and how they would spend it. Of course living in New York City is expensive for everyone, whether you’re buying luxurious clothing or just groceries, but when certain holidays come around and sales begin it can feel very thrilling to get what you want. Window shopping in the world of Football has a completely different meaning, but the feeling of a good purchase is very similar.

The Transfer Windows in Football are just as important to the clubs as they are to the fans. This is the only time when clubs can purchase or trade players during the season. You read that right by the way—players are purchased. Yet, because there are so many different Football leagues in countries around the world the Transfer Windows may start and end at different times. However each league gets two windows a year—one in the summer and one in the winter. In England the first window, known as the “Summer Transfer Window,” usually begins June 9^th and ends September 1^st.  The second window, known as the “January Transfer Widow” or the “Winter Transfer Window” starts January 1^st and ends on January 31^st. There are sometimes exceptions where the window can remain open an extra day or two if need be. This idea is linear across many sports, including NFL, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League. All share the concept of a Trade Deadline, which is basically the last day you can trade players from one team to another. The trading does not recommence until the offseason, meaning that after the deadline day you are stuck with who you have till the end of the season. For example in Major League Baseball the trade deadline is July 31^st and teams cannot trade again until the end of the World Series in October. Making a trade or a big signing can show an ambition for teams to improve towards the end of the season.

Now about the actual trading, in most American sports players are traded for other players or draft picks in a future draft. In Football players can be bought, sold, loaned to another team, or traded for another player. The Transfer Market, similar to the stock market, is used to describe the availability and worth of a certain player. It works like this. Let’s say that Joe isn’t doing well for Team A and Team B would like to buy him. Team B approaches Team A with an offer of $10 Million Dollars. Team A finds this suitable and Joe can be transferred to Team B. Now let’s say Joe loves Team A and does not want to play for Team B, even if both sides have agreed a deal the move is ultimately up to Joe himself. Every time a player is transferred they need to sign a new contract and if they refuse to then they can stay at their current club. But what if Team A feels that Joe may be a better player one day? They can chose to Loan him out. A player is loaned from one team to another to gain experience and play more often. The two clubs involved determine who pays the player’s wage and the length of the loan, which is usally either half a season or a full year. After the loan has expired the player returns back to their “Parent Club” or the club who they originally belong to. Players can be used as leverage too. Let’s say Team A want $30 Million Dollars for Joe. Team B proposes $10 Million Dollars and Bob, their player who they value at $20 Million Dollars. If Team A likes the idea the transfer can go through, if they don’t think Bob is worth $20 Million than they can keep negotiating till they get what they want.

            The last day of either transfer window is always deemed “Deadline Day” and is covered by all the media outlets. Reporters scurry across entire countries to watch players fly in and sign a deal with a new club. Although there isn’t always a match on Deadline Day, it is still reason to frantically watch TV or listen to a radio for news of incoming or outgoing players. Fans all over the world tuned in on February 2^nd to hear the fate of their clubs at the end of this years January transfer window. One supporters group who were particularly happy were the New York Eagles, a dedicated fan base to the club Crystal Palace. On this day Crystal Palace secured the signings of Lee Chong-Yung, Keshi Anderson, and the return of club favorite Wilfred Zaha. Crystal Palace currently sit in 13^th place in the Premier League but supporters all around are confident that they can climb higher with the help of these signings. The New York Eagles meet for every game at the Football Factory at Legends and were just as happy to hear the news as everyone back home in South Norwood.

Weather or Not

Supporters from the New York City Blues

Here in the United States, those who are used to playing Football with their hands are gearing up for the Super Bowl. The championship, the title-decider, the big game, there are so many ways of saying how monumental those four quarters are to both sides. Thirty-two teams play all season long for the right to lift that one trophy, but what if it wasn't the only one? What if there were more? What if there was more than one tournament? More than one trophy to win. And more than just one Super Bowl to worry about...

New York City braced for what will be remembered as "The Blizzard of 2015." Schools were closed, driving became illegal, and everyone was forced to stay inside overnight. But the next day some very brave Chelsea Football Club supporters bundled up and headed to The Football Factory at Legend's on West 33rd Street for the second leg of the Capital One League Cup Semi Final. The Football Factory at Legend's has been home to over thirty different supporters groups from around the world (so I'll be hanging out there a lot) since 2011. No matter who you support you can rest easy that the Football Factory will have the match. On this day it was filled with hopeful supporters of Chelsea who were dreaming of a spot in the final. They knew it wouldn't be an easy match though--facing a sturdy Liverpool squad who wanted a chance at some silverware of their own.

But what about the Premier League? Did it finish? Where did the League Cup come from? In most popular American sports there is only one trophy (The Lombardi Trophy in the NFL, The Commissioner’s Trophy in Baseball, and The Larry O'Brien Trophy in the NBA). Although there are individual awards to be won, every team plays in the same tournament with only one winner and one trophy. In Football there are multiple tournaments going on at the same time. In addition to the Premier League there is also The Capital One League Cup (or simply "The League Cup") which consists of Ninety-two English or Welsh clubs playing a single elimination tournament. The semi-final matches are two legs, each club playing at home once. The club with the most goals over both games wins. This is known as an Aggregate Score. For example if Chelsea had won the first game 3-0 and Liverpool won the second game 2-0 then the Aggregate Score would be 3-2 in favor of Chelsea. After extra time (or overtime as we know it), the tie breaker used for these games is the number of goals score away from home. So for example, say Chelsea had won 1-0 at home and then lost 2-1 in the away match. The aggregate score is 2-2 but since Chelsea scored one goal away from home they would be the winner.

This is usually a very intense time in the Football calendar. Players are having to adjust to playing more, which means more likely hood of injuries. Supporters have high hopes in all competitions and any clubs who aren't doing well in the Premier League can aim higher in The League Cup. There is also the Football Association Cup (which I will talk about in the coming weeks) but for now all eyes are on the League Cup Final. After a thrilling 1-1 in Liverpool, Chelsea were able to secure their spot in the Final with a 1-0 at home. The day after, Tottenham Hotspur were able to book their place in the final by beating Sheffield United. So we are set for the 2015 Capital One League Cup Final between Tottenham Hotspur (of North London) and Chelsea F.C. (of West London). The date for the final is March 1st. Both clubs have many supporters in New York City so London will not be the only place with bragging rights on the line. One thing is for certain--the New York Blues are ready. No matter what the weather they are confident of supporting their beloved Chelsea. The cold never bothered them anyway.  

Larry and Liverpool

©Morgan Paar/Nomadic Frames

My goal for this blog is simple: I want you to spend a weekend watching Football with real supporters. I don't care what team or what time--that's up to you. But in addition to showing you how devoted people are to their club, I want to teach you more about "The Beautiful Game" of Football. 

Larry is watching his favorite club, Liverpool Football Club, with the New York City Liverpool supporters. He is new to Football and this is his first time venturing out to the 11th Street Bar (where the supporters group has been meeting since 2003). Seeing the walls decorated with vintage Liverpool jerseys, everyone covered in red, and the large television in the back showing the match against Aston Villa gives Larry an exhilarating feeling. Liverpool have been attacking since the start of the game. A goal is imminent, the supporters can feel it. In an instant, with grace and flawless finishing, Liverpool's Fabio Borini gets his boot on the end of a cross and the ball flies into the Aston Villa net. Liverpool 1. Aston Villa 0. 

There is a loud roar of approval from the supporters inside the 11th Street Bar. Somewhere people are just starting their Saturday--it's not even 11 o'clock--but Larry and his fellow supporters are already having a memorable day. Suddenly Larry feels a tap on his shoulder from someone next to him. "Nothing like watching the Reds keep a clean sheet aye?" Larry is startled. What's a "clean sheet?" He wonders. Larry panics and simply agrees with the man, but he feels lost. 

It's okay to feel lost Larry, but for the future, here are 10 definitions for terms you might hear while watching a Football match:

1) Clean Sheet = When one team prevents another team from scoring. Also known as a “Shutout” in other sports. It is important to remember that since a game can end scoreless, both sides can record a clean sheet. For example, if a game ends 0-0, both sides have earned a clean sheet.

2) Tackle = Don't get too excited NFL fans, a tackle is the act of taking the ball away from an opponent. The ball can be taken away by engaging an opponent and knocking the ball away or sliding on the ground to move the ball away (better known as a “Slide Tackle”). A player challenging for the ball must always target the ball. If a player challenging for the ball hits the player in possession first it may result in a foul.

3) Booking = A player is "booked" when they receive a penalty card. The two types of penalty cards in Football are Yellow cards (which represent a caution or warning) and Red cards (automatic ejection). When a player receives a card the referee makes note of it in his black book. Thus, the player has been booked. 

4) Free Kick = A Free Kick is awarded to a team after a foul. The ball is placed at the spot of the foul and a team member can kick it back into play.

5) Through Ball = Playing a pass to a player through the opposing team's Defensive Line. A Through Balls works best when a player is already in full stride. This allows them to continue running at full speed and catch up to the ball. Through Balls are also very effective on counter attacks.

6) Nutmeg = Is the act of playing the ball through an opponent’s legs. It is most commonly a means of getting passed a defender, but it can be a pass or a shot on goal as well. It is not fun being nutmegged, believe me I know.  

7) Equalizer = An equalizer is a goal scored that ties the game. For example, if Team A is beating Team B 1-0 and Team B scores it is now 1-1. The goal scored by Team B is an equalizer. 

8) Added Time = As a way to make up for any wasted time during the game (substitutions, injuries, etc.) additional minutes can be added on by the referee at the end of each half. All the same rules and regulations apply in added time.  

9) "In Touch" = When the ball crosses the Touch Line and goes out of play it is sometimes referred to as being "in touch." To bring the ball back into play it must be thrown in (called a Throw-in) by a player of the possessing team. This is the only time players besides the goalie can handle the ball. 

10) Fixture = In my first post I encouraged you to "look up a fixture list." If you were left stumped, here is the answer. A fixture is another way of saying a game. A fixture list is a list of all the games to be played in a week or competition depending how long the list is.

            Liverpool have won their fixture against Aston Villa and Larry could not be happier. The 11^th Street Bar is beginning to feel like home for him. Listening to everyone celebrate and sing puts Larry in a happy place—especially now that he understands a lot of Football terminologies. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot like Larry was, never be afraid to ask someone what something means. Some supporters might seem loud and intimidating, but they all want you to learn and love the club the way they do. Even when you are just starting out remember that once you have a team in your heart You'll Never Walk Alone (especially if you’re a Liverpool supporter).

Time Makes No Difference

Photo credit: Morgan Paar/Nomadic Frames 2014

            It’s hard to explain loving something that you can’t control. The loyalty and passion that come with being a fan of any sport isn't for everyone. Sometimes no matter how much you believe, how much you pray, hope, and the extent of your crazy pregame rituals—you just don’t win. As a sports fan you live it, you love it, and sometimes, you completely lose it. In times of triumph it’s easy to support a good team, but it’s those who stand by their clubs no matter how many wins, points, or trophies who really believe in what they stand for. Soccer, or Football as it is known to the rest of the world, has some of the most passionate fans on the planet. Many of us often say “I’ll do anything for my club,” and every game we feel like we get to prove it.

            It’s a very rainy night in London, but the five degree weather doesn't stop the football fans from gathering at the Emirates Stadium in Islington. Arsenal Football Club is preparing to take on cross town foes Queens Park Rangers. There is a buzz around the stadium of nervousness and excitement. Both sides are desperate for the win and the three valuable points added to their tally in the Barclays Premier League. Even with all the rain, there is something about seeing the pitch for the first time that evokes an adrenaline rush for many fans. As they pile in, Arsene Wenger, the manager of Arsenal, goes through final preparations for the game. The home crowd and away support combine for over 59,000, and they begin to sing as time ticks closer to kick off. Soon, the players take the pitch with the referees. They tighten their laces tight while the referees take their places, everything is set. There are first timers and regulars with hopes and dreams on the line; and they are proud of who they support. The game kicks off in London and Arsenal fans all over the world tune in, including New York City.

            Just like all the supporters in Islington, plenty of New Yorkers dress in their red Arsenal jerseys and perform their special game day rituals before kickoff. They have a few meeting places to choose from: The Blind Pig, O’Hanlon’s, both located on East 14th Street in Manhattan, or Woodwork, located in Brooklyn.  It’s not a common thing to do at a 12:45pm on a Saturday, but with the same excitement held around Islington, members of Arsenal NYC begin to cheer as the game kicks off on TV. Just as at the Emirates Stadium, there are new comers and familiar faces, friends from other Boroughs or friends from out of town. Whoever you are, you’re always welcome as long as you support Arsenal. Even though no one directly from the club asks us to wake up for games as early as 7:45am in New York (or 4:45am in California and 2:45am in Hawaii) we do it anyway, times makes no difference for us. We might have to put up with terrible refereeing, bad managerial decisions, and forgettable games, but we do it. We do it because we love it. We do it with loud voices and incredible atmosphere. They can hear us next door, they can hear us down 14th street, and we like to believe that they can hear us in Islington.

            Overall the United States population doesn't love Football the way many other countries do, but many people choose to get up for different clubs other than Arsenal. Various other clubs have supporter’s bars across New York City and while my allegiance remains forever with Arsenal; my motto is “I may not like your team, but I love our sport.” Between the World Cup, Major League Soccer, and the off-season friendlies of major European clubs in the summer, the wheels are turning and they don’t look likely to stop. When they have reached full speed we need to be able to look back and see what it was like to raise a culture of Football fans inside a country that didn't realize what the game was about. And that’s where I come in. From now, and every Thursday following, I want to show you what this sport means to myself and so many others in New York City. And if ever you should have some free time on a Saturday morning, I encourage you to look up a fixture list, or schedule as you might be more accustomed to hearing.