SHANE STAY - Blog

st. louis city sc, 2023

1/13/2023

"St. Louis City SC: 2023, the Opening Season!"
(First published at Cardinal Publishers Group, January 12, 2023)

2023. St. Louis enters MLS for the first time! St. Louis City SC takes the field in its inaugural MLS season, making history in the process. As I point out in This Is Our CITY, St. Louis should eventually be champs and have a strong franchise for years to come.

MLS started in 1996. Why such a long wait for the king of soccer, St. Louis?! This little tidbit is elucidated in This Is Our CITY and let’s just say ownership issues combined with a proper stadium were reasons for the delay. That is, well-intentioned ownership issues and stadium proposals that didn’t materialize to the liking of MLS leadership. The current ownership group, led in part by Carolyn Kindle Betz and Jim Kavanaugh, pushed it over the top.

Early on, the St. Louis Stars (of the NASL) had players from various backgrounds, yet under Coach Bob Kehoe the Stars were known for a one-time “all St. Louis” starting lineup with top-notch players, including Pat McBride. Unless there’s some secret archive of the Seattle Sounders that slipped by my radar, this is the only time such a thing has occurred in American pro soccer history. (Or any pro sport, for that matter.)

Since the Stars, St. Louis made history with a number of pro outfits, including but not limited to the St. Louis Steamers and St. Louis Ambush, the latter of which won the indoor championship in 1995 under legendary owner Abe Hawatmeh.

From that point, there were a couple pro outdoor ventures, one being Saint Louis FC of the USL Championship league.

But St. Louis City SC is the milestone. This is the biggest venture for St. Louis pro soccer, to date.

Over the years, by way of club, high school, college, pro, and the USMNT, St. Louis has contributed a voluminous amount of talent to US soccer at large. As the original headquarters of soccer in America, this contribution has been heralded as overwhelmingly unique, to say the least. To this date, St. Louis University is still the number one team in NCAA history with the most titles, 10. Lurking close behind in second-place with eight is powerhouse Indiana University. For years, Indiana’s success has, in part, been thanks to skillful players gathered from St. Louis.

Here are a few St. Louisans that represented Indiana University:

Jeff Sendobry
Tim Walters
Mike Freitag
Dan King
Joel Shanker
Kenny Godat
John van Buskirk
Chris Klein
Pat Noonan
Kevin Robson
Mike Ambersley
Mike Roach
Harry Weiss
Will Bruin
Jack Maher
AJ Palazzolo
Austin Panchot
Daniel Munie
Kyle Barks

One such player, with an interesting connection to St. Louis, would be author Whitey Kapsalis. As a kid, he briefly landed in the St. Louis suburb, Collinsville, IL, before eventually becoming captain of Indiana University…as a walk-on! Unheard of! If you haven’t read To Chase a Dream, you might want to.*

St. Louis City SC will also rely on local talent, in part, to guide its opening season, including John Klein of Saint Louis University. This 2023 season opens the beginning of something special for St. Louis City SC, St. Louis, American soccer, the MLS, and international soccer as this team is not only stepping into MLS but that of the international soccer community. It's a big moment and there's much more in store for St. Louis in the days ahead.

* Kapsalis also wrote, The Leadership Code, an empowering message of the true definition of leadership as a quiet confidence that truly desires the good of another and leaves others better off.

More at This Is Our CITY

usmnt: a quick reflection and look ahead to 2026

12/29/2022

“USMNT: A Quick Reflection and Look Ahead to 2026”
The Four-Year Review: America’s Quest for the Cup
(First published at Cardinal Publishers Group, December 29, 2022)

Once again, the USMNT had the athletic talent to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar outright yet something happened, something very familiar: it didn’t. Why? Why is it that the most talented athletic nation on earth didn’t win the men’s World Cup? What is it about American soccer culture that keeps holding us back?...more at Cardinal Publishers Group

fifa world cup 2022 champs: argentina

12/20/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Champions:
Argentina!

It wasn’t easy, never is. It seems, at times, Argentina had to do it the hard way. Take for example, the first match: Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia by 2-1. Not a good start. Yet, Spain, the year it won the 2010 World Cup, lost 1-0 in its opening match to Switzerland. When Argentina went down to the underdog Saudi Arabia there was immediate panic, yet Argentina, like Spain, came back and showed its true quality.

Fast forward to the 2022 WC quarter-finals against Netherlands in which Argentina allowed the Dutch to come back and tie it 2-2 at the end of the game…one of the tournament’s best matches, yet tense for Argentina as it held on, just barely, in large part thanks to Otamendi as the Dutch unleashed a formidable aerial assault in the box.

And for the final, Argentina allowed France to come back and tie it 2-2. Before that happened, I said to a smart soccer friend of mine, Dige, “I don’t want to say anything but Argentina’s allowed teams to come back before.” And then it happened. For Argentinean fans, it must’ve been agony. It was a 2-0 lead that turned into a potential nightmare, right at the very end when France—by way of Mbappe—tied it up!

Similarly, in the 1986 World Cup final, Maradona and Argentina had a 2-0 lead over West Germany—with Rummenigge, Rudi Voller and Lothar Matthaus—that ended up being a 2-2 tie. Eventually, at the end of the game in dramatic fashion, Maradona’s through pass led to a 3-2 victory.

In 2022, Messi’s magic helped Argentina get back on top and it cemented Messi’s place among the greats, such as Maradona and Pele. For France, it made sense to sub Giroud, who is older and a boost from the bench was likely the idea. But to sub Griezmann, a playmaker that was the engine for France all tournament long, it didn’t make any sense whatsoever. Yet, France did manage to tie it up. Mbappe surged at the end. Would Griezmann have made a difference? Perhaps questions Deschamp must answer for in the near-term, should he remain as coach for the next World Cup. In earning second place, France nearly became a back-to-back champion (like Brazil in 1958 and 1962; Italy in 1934 and 1938). Though, it was Argentina’s tournament and third overall title.

What a phenomenal final and finishing touch for a superb tournament in Qatar.

It seems that FIFA World Cup 2026—Canada-Mexico-United States—will have a great boost, as the first “tri” World Cup in history. Who will take over the tournament? Will Messi, who will be close to 40, find a reason to make one last World Cup run, perhaps off the bench like Roger Milla in 1990? Will Cristiano Ronaldo be around? Might Mo Salah lead Egypt to the tournament? Will the United States and Mexico have home-field advantage to help put each side over the top? With a different format in 2026—a tournament that daringly has increased to 48 teams, the most ever—it will be interesting, and qualifiers are right around the corner!

a quick look at the usmnt

12/8/2022

A Quick Look at the USMNT
"The Four Year Review: America's Quest for the Cup"
Published with Cardinal Publishers Group, December 8, 2022

As the Quarter-finals for FIFA World Cup 2022 approach, it seems clear the “old guard” of world soccer is showing up. In the Round of 16, a few challengers came in the form of Japan, South Korea, Australia, Senegal and the United States. As of 12-5-22, the teams that made the Quarters are Netherlands, Argentina, Croatia, Brazil, England and France. (The remaining Round of 16 teams are Morocco, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland.)

As for the United States, who lost 3-1 in the Round of 16 to Netherlands, it’s much of the same: macro talk that revolves around “almost, the need to stay consistent, and it’s a gradual process.” Yet fans are gradually becoming more impatient each tournament. When will the USMNT take home the ultimate prize? When will the USMNT when the elusive World Cup trophy? Not in Qatar, that was proven. All in all, the USMNT had one big victory in FIFA World Cup 2022: it reached the Round of 16. However, in four short years, when the US-Canada-Mexico host, a big opportunity awaits. Will it be the same players still? The same coach? That’s yet to be seen. For now though, a lot of thought is being put into what form the team will take in the near-term and eventually 2026.

Stay tuned, it should be interesting. Just as this World Cup in 2022 remains as interesting as ever!

facts about their country: argentina

12/6/2022

Argentina is a beautiful country in the south of South America that has an estimated population of 45.6 million people and a GDP of about $444 billion. While Argentina has produced a top-level international basketball team, the number one sport is, without a doubt, soccer. Argentina’s captain from its 1978 FIFA World Cup championship team: Daniel Passarella. The captain from its 1986 FIFA World Cup championship team: Diego Maradona.

Who won the Adidas Golden Ball (i.e., the MVP) at the 2014 FIFA World Cup? Answer: Messi.

For the best wine in the world, you’d go to California (specifically Sonoma and Napa Counties, Vine & Barrel, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Australia, a lesser-known hub in Southern Illinois and Missouri, and, of course, Argentina and Chile. The latter two are known for very good wines.

A few wines from Argentina?

Felipe Staiti Vertigo Blend 2014
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2015
Graffigna Reserve Pinot Grigio
Luigi Bosca Gala 2

However, for beer drinkers during the World Cup, a couple from Argentina include Antares and Quilmes...more at THE World Cup 2022 Book

fifa world cup 2022: game 1

11/20/2022

Qatar vs. Ecuador
0-2

That was not the Qatar I was expecting to see. Qatar is a good side. Prior to this tournament, I was even "bragging" to an extent of how good this Qatar team is. Not today. That was disappointing. The pressure was obviously getting to them. Could be wrong, I was slightly turned away, but it seemed as though a Qatari player threw the ball into the opposition. Whatever the case, Qatar had a bad game. Period. The upside for Qatar is that it's a better team than this. The downside is that, based on this game, Netherlands will destroy them. That was already the presumption. So Qatar needed good games against Ecuador and Senegal to escape the group. For now, with a bad game against Ecuador, Qatar is in trouble. Next up will be Netherlands and Senegal.

What did Qatar do wrong? How can it improve? Essentially, Qatar's possession was nonexistent. This is the team's strong suit: possession! Go figure. Without two-man game connections on possession, Qatar was losing the ball in one-on-one situations where the dribbling was practically nonexistent as well. Regain possession, which is the team's strength, and better scoring chances should arrive.

fifa world cup 2022: GROUP H

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group H: The Forgotten Group?

Group H:

Portugal
Ghana
Uruguay
South Korea

Portugal, with Ronaldo’s last stand, will more than likely escape this group. While some may overlook Group H, it might hold the attention of aficionados in that Portugal has some stiff competition, albeit less than exciting competition.

Ghana has captured the world’s attention as a program on the rise, and a major foe—in past years—to the United States. Outside of squashing American World Cup dreams, Ghana hasn’t yet done the same to other nations on its quest to World Cup greatness. The problem for Ghana in Group H is that it’s not a clear favorite; Uruguay and South Korea are equal opponents and it’s anyone’s game to advance.

Uruguay, luckily, has Suarez, one of the leading forwards in the world. Without Suarez, Uruguay’s in big trouble. However, with a new coach that sees the game with an offensive mind, Uruguay’s fortunes may soon be changing. In recent World Cup history, Uruguay has been an extremely dull team to watch. Hopefully, with a twist in the coaching department, things will look more prosperous. This group is very equal though, so Uruguay, the big U, has its hands full.

South Korea—led by Superstar Son Heung-min—is hoping to shock the world with a deep run in Qatar. It starts in Group H. For South Korea, this is a problem because all the teams in this group are very level. No one has an edge. What South Korea has to create a wedge is a phenomenally ambitious group that plays with physicality, perseverance, and fortitude.

As to which teams will escape this group: Even Portugal—the 2016 Euro winner—is fighting for a spot. This might not be the “group of death” but this is a very competitive one nonetheless.

fifa world cup 2022: group g

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group G: Who will Stop Brazil?

Group G:

Brazil
Serbia
Switzerland
Cameroon

Who will stop Brazil? Well, probably no one in this group. However, don’t be fooled. These are quality sides that can put up a fight and if Brazil has a bad game—which is possible—you never know. The most likely to stand up to Brazil? It would probably go: Serbia, Switzerland, then Cameroon—in that order. Brazil has too much quality across the board. Watch for Neymar and company to ease into the Round of 16 with goals, creativity, and swagger.

Serbia has its eye on being number two here. It needs to have strong showings against Switzerland and Cameroon, obviously, but it needs to pull out wins with these teams. This goal is overwhelmingly possible as the Serbians play with skill and passion. It’s a national team with a lot to prove and Group G could easily be a chance to show how good it is.

Switzerland is steady on top of steady. If you want steady: go to Switzerland. This team will not wow you with skill or dribbling or fancy play. It’s a group that wears down its opponent with consistency in every position. Scoring goals will be an obvious issue for the Swiss.

Cameroon could, once and for all, be the “Cameroon of 1990” and shock the world with stellar play! In 1990, for those who don’t know, Cameroon—as led off the bench by an aging Superstar, Roger Milla—came oh so close to reaching the semi-finals. Might this team do the same? Are the semi-finals within reach? Tough to call. But probably not this time around. This isn’t to say Cameroon is a bad team. It’s quite good, actually. However, Brazil, Serbia, and Switzerland are tough opponents standing in the way, early on.

fifa world cup 2022: group f

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group F: A Walk in the Park for Belgium and Croatia?

Group F:

Belgium
Canada
Morocco
Croatia

Belgium should come out on top. If not, count on Croatia. One might think it’s going to be those two leading the way. This will likely be the case. Eden Hazard and De Bruyne are too colossally good, as are their teammates. Count Belgium in for the next round.

Canada is fast. Davies and Buchanan are two of the fastest players in the whole tournament. Keep an eye on them. This group can light up a sideline run in a heartbeat. Will this be enough to sneak into the next round? Probably not but crazier things have happened. Don’t count Canada out too fast!

Morocco, in theory, should have a leg up on Canada. Yet, Morocco tends to disappoint. Without steady scoring, this team could be in big trouble. As such, Canada—of all countries—might have an open window to sneak into the Round of 16. Therefore, a big match between Morocco and Canada will occur, considering that Croatia or Belgium have some bad luck.

Croatia is guided by many good players, notably Luka Modric—an elite talent. He’ll push the squad forward with exquisite passing on the level of Platini in his prime. Croatia is full of creative bursts, passionate fans, scoring opportunities, and lively spirit. It’s a team to watch. Baring any bad luck, this Croatian squad should most likely enter the Round of 16 with Belgium.

While Belgium and Croatia will lead the way, keep an eye on Canada. The speed it possesses will be interesting to see at this level. If you think speed is essential for soccer success, then you’ve got it with Canada. Buchanan is probably the fastest player in CONCACAF. The order would go like this:

Fastest in CONCACAF (currently)

Buchanan (Canada)
Lozano (Mexico)
Davies (Canada)

Canada might have some catching up to do with respect to skill and technique, but this team will be very fascinating to watch in Qatar!

fifa world cup 2022: group e

10/31/2022

FIFA World Cup 2022
Group E: Japan’s Big Chance!

Group E:

Spain
Costa Rica
Germany
Japan

Spain is more than likely going to advance, alongside Germany, into the next round. The Spanish passing engine is better than ever, things are looking good, and this is going to be a cruise-control expedition of elegance for millions of Spanish fans that will be eagerly awaiting the knockout rounds.

Costa Rica. Who are we kidding? Get your bags ready, board the plane, and head home! This won’t last long. Costa Rica is good but this group is not looking prosperous for Cosa Rican fans. No disrespect to Costa Ricans, but this group stage is going to be merely a formality of three losses in a row. The problem with Costa Rica is that Ruiz and Campbell have “lost their fastball” in recent years. Due to age and injury, these two phenoms, who are quite extraordinary talents, aren’t what they used to be. And frankly, the team is riding on their expertise. Without them, this group is a well-intentioned plane ticket waiting to happen. Predictions. Germany will win 5-0. Spain will win 5-0. Japan will win 1-0.

Germany, like Spain, should waltz through onto the next round. Germany is powerful, well-equipped with superb passing, strong defense, and the finishing touch of the speedster Timo Werner. Outside of mentioning every Superstar on the team, this is a group expected to go far this tournament. Spain will present an obstacle. Costa Rica will be an easy win. And Japan will be a very fascinating opponent.

Japan—who has a ton of talent, including that of Takumi Minamino—is the clear wild card. While Costa Rica is expected to lose big, and lose big it will, Japan has a few tricks up its sleeve. The question is: can the Japanese manage to pull an upset over Spain or Germany? It’s very possible as Japan has emerged as one of Asia’s top talents in the past 20-30 years. Japan makes this group extremely interesting and it should cause a lot of worry for Spain and Germany.

Spain and Germany are tournament leaders. Expect these two to lead the group. However, when you have big expectations you might, from time to time, have some problems. Don’t mention the failure of World Cup 2018 to Germany. However, that bad experience should serve as great motivation for this team of all-stars in 2022. Japan will likely come in third place, while Costa Rica inevitably will finish last. But there’s something about Costa Rica. As they say, you never know. In fact, Costa Rica might just be the most interesting to watch as it has a lot to prove. Does it belong? Is it good enough to be here? Can it qualify for the Round of 16? I say no. But you never know. What’s more, Japan is a program on route to greatness; it needs a big break at the World Cup level to move closer to the ultimate goal: a World Cup title. So, watch for Japan as a team on the brink of something special. The problem for Japan this time around is that it has some fierce competition. Back to Spain and Germany: a standard of greatness for teams like Japan to catch up to. Spain and Germany are expected to reach the semis. These early matches will be a hint of things to come for Spain and Germany. Most fans just assume the semis are waiting for Germany, and probably Spain. Though it’s never guaranteed. How far can each team go? This group will provide many clues.

<<Previous

st. louis city sc, 2023

usmnt: a quick reflection and look ahead to 2026

fifa world cup 2022 champs: argentina

a quick look at the usmnt

facts about their country: argentina

fifa world cup 2022: game 1

fifa world cup 2022: GROUP H

fifa world cup 2022: group g

fifa world cup 2022: group f

fifa world cup 2022: group e

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