I would have called Marko the German Messi but it seems someones already came up with that comparison. I came up with "Buzz Bomb" for his new name, lets see if it sticks. First saw this kid play when Werder took on Sampdoria in the Champions League Playoff round. Amazing skills so here is the best put together video I could find of him. Check it out!

     Recently had the opportunity to do some Q & A with the Motor City Supporters. This club is dedicated to bringing the MLS to Detroit and uniting football fans in the area. They are helping pave the road to the MLS in Michigan are you?

How many members does MCS currently have?

Currently we have a reach of 750 people and that number grows every day through facebook, twitter, email and meeting in person.

What are the clubs goals and what will be done to achieve them?

Our ultimate goal is to bring an MLS team to Detroit.  We are attempting to do that by bringing together soccer fans from all over the metro area.  In the mean time we are gathering for the level of soccer that we currently have in the Detroit in the PDL Michigan Bucks.  We are trying to foster a real soccer supporters atmosphere and attract the passionate and loud soccer fans that define supporters groups.  So we welcome all fans to come join us and see what we are all about.

In your mission statement you state a professional team would be successful here, why is that?

There is a history to prove that a professional soccer team would work here in Detroit.  The Detroit Express had an average attendance of around 12,000 in the Silverdome.  There is a high level of youth participation in the sport in the area and with the World Cup in 1994, there were a lot of people exposed to the game on a different level.  Those people are now getting older and have a passion for the sport and are looking for the beautiful game; I am one of those people. 

What kind of events do your members take part in? I noticed FIFA 10 tournaments and viewing parties etc. on your site.

Throughout the year we do a lot of events to bring people together.  We have pickup soccer four times a week at various places around the city (Allen Park, Livonia, Troy and Shelby Twp.) and now that winter is coming we are arranging drop-in times around the city so that the games can continue, we gather to watch MLS, EPL and USMNT games. We have a monthly FIFA10 tournament and we take trips to go see live soccer games.  We are also open to all kinds of ideas and if it sounds like fun we’ll do it. In addition we are trying to give back to the community, during the USA / England game we did a fundraiser raffle for Holden’s Heroes (Children's cancer research and support)  and our home bar Claddagh in Livonia, where we hold all of our events, arranged some great giveaways for us.  We are lucky to have such a great place to work with for things like this.

Who are the founding members of your club and can you give some information about them?

The founding members of the group are the officers and people that make the group as successful as we have been.  Two years ago it started with a dozen soccer fans with a pipe dream to bring an MLS team to Detroit.  We talked about what we wanted to do and how we were going to do it.  We really didn’t quite know what we were getting into but, it has been a great time getting to know people and making the friends that we have.  Come out to some of our events and meet everyone is the best advice I can give people. 

What were your thoughts on the “Match of the Titans”

First off I need to say a HUGE thank you to the Apostolopoulos family for making this event happen, without them there is no game.  Second thanks goes to Claddagh in Livonia for chartering the bus for us to take to the game.  What an amazing trip that was and we can’t wait to take our next bus trip.  Friday August 6th marked the 2nd birthday of MCS to the day and what a present it was, to see professional international level soccer live on grass in the Silverdome once again, brought back the feelings and memories from 1994 for me.  For the age of the facility it certainly didn’t show it and it looks great once you realize the first act in the Silverdome was Elvis!  We got into the stadium about 20 minutes before the game and saw a little of the warm-up and then we started making noise!  The game was an exciting 0-0 draw although we had prime seats to see the missed goal call.  Overall it was a good game, the facility looked great and everything went well.  Not so much for the two guys who invaded the pitch.  We look forward to the next big match to come to Detroit as the 30,514 attendance number shows that soccer will be a success here in Detroit.

What is the overall consensus for an MLS team name in Detroit?

To be honest there isn’t one.  A lot of names have been thrown around and there are a lot of opinions on the topic.  There are the historical names Detroit Express, Detroit Wheels and Detroit Bucks.  Then there are the traditional names Detroit FC, Detroit SC, Motor City FC (MCFC), Inter Detroit and AC Detroit.  The current favorite I think is Motor City FC at the moment.

If a team is brought to Detroit do you plan on becoming the main supporter group such as, Section 8 in Chicago or Sons of Ben in Philadelphia?

Absolutely and we would be part of a supporters section.  Our goal would be to have a unified section of fans singing and cheering for the full 90+ minutes.  We anticipate that other groups will form once a team comes to Detroit and we plan to work together to provide support for our club.  We feel we are specially positioned to be more connected with our front office than any other supporters group to date.  We have a very good relationship with the owners of the Silverdome and have had several discussions.  

What does it take for someone to join or who is interested in the club?

Just start showing up to our events, join our mailing list and start posting in the forums. It is that simple. 

 

Where can readers find out more about MCS? Twitter, e-mail, webpage etc. 

Well, everywhere! The website is the home base for all information and the forums is where all the real action is at. 

You can like us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/MotorCitySupporters

Follow us on twitter @MCSDetroit or join our mailing list.

All of the information goes out everywhere so you can find us whatever service you use.

Soccer fans in Ann Arbor, Michigan or the surrounding area have hit the jackpot. The University of Michigan has just created a top facility with the U-M Soccer Complex. I’m dubbing it the “Mecca” after my visit on September 1st, 2010. I got to take in everything the facility had to offer and it’s going to be a great success. Not to mention the Men’s soccer team looks to be a force with the Saad brothers leading the pack. Big things are coming for the sport in Michigan and the University is helping lead the effort.

After a drive down US-23 to Ann Arbor I arrived at 2250 S. State St. At first I struggled to see the stadium. After inching closer the stands appeared looming over a wooded area. A short walk past the first practice field takes you along the main field’s goal end. A great student section has been built that nearly spans the length of the pitch. It’s basically a covered row of bleachers that will be home to the “Michigan Ultras”. The Ultras name pays homage to the die hard supporter clubs in Europe and around the world. This section filled out nicely by the end of the night and I can only expect it to be packed when more students arrive on campus. My guess is that in the next five years more seating will need to be built for the young fans. I’m hoping this was part of the plan because there looks to be space for expansion.  Fans attending will find themselves only a few feet from the pitch. While sitting in the student section will find you right in the action at ground level. This will end up being a huge home field advantage in the years to come as the chants were already taking form.

The area around the venue is very natural and appealing. The main seating features four bleacher sections with one centrally located chair back section. From either section you’ll have a great look at the field. The view from the upper terrace over looks some wooded areas and apartment complexes off to the south. Elevators can take you up to the area where there is wheelchair seating and the press box. Nets spanning the width of the field help keep the ball in play. The venue even boasts a great sound system that might wake up the neighbors. Players won’t mind though as it played some tracks to get them warmed up.

Just seeing the venue was enough for me but I was fortunate enough to see the Men’s Soccer team get a win as well. A great first-half start for the club as they dominated possession. I rarely had to look past half field as their Midfielders controlled the attack. It led to some rough defending by Detroit and an eventual free kick in front of goal. The ref picked the spot on a foul and Soony Saad netted home the opener from thirty yards out. A beautiful goal that was very fitting for the opening game. The first half only got better for U of M after Otieno Victor picked up his second yellow for a studs-up challenge. Michigan was unfortunate not to score a few more in the first forty-five.

Seven minutes into the second half things turned around for Detroit. Pat Lapera had a nice headed deflection into goal. The assist was credited to Adam Bedell after a long throw-in placed neatly in the box. Detroit began to push forward on offense only leaving three defenders back. When U of M gained possession they would quickly send two midfielders back to cover the line. Michigan had twelve shots in the second half but couldn’t find the net.

Overtime saw a great pickup in the pace for the Maize and Blue. Pressing forward they were just too much for the shorthanded Detroit side. Hamoody Saad got the eventual game winner. A nice feed from Latif Alashe to find the 5’ 11” sophomore. The pass and game winning goal can be seen here.

Michigan got off to a great start and the confidence from the overtime win should play a part in their next match versus Drake on September 3, at 7:30 p.m. If you love the game go check out the new complex you won't be disappointed.

Anyone looking for more information can check out the Men’s Soccer page at http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-soccer/mich-m-soccer-body.html

Or on twitter @michigan_msocc

Check out some of Ronaldinho's skill in this highlight video of AC Milan versus Lecce. Watch the whole clip or scan into 2:50 to see him pull off a nice flick to cross.

This week we saw a drop in scoring with only twenty-two goals.  The only big surprise was the upset win for Wigan as they scored late against Spurs. Redknapp’s players looked worn out from the big victory over BSC Young Boys in the days prior.

As the Champions league groups are set you’ll have to keep an eye on teams participating. As we learned it can have an effect on their - continue reading here

Full match highlights from Blackpool vs. Fulham on 08/28/10. Fast forward to 7:53 if you just want to see Etuhu's wonder goal. Incredible touch and finish from the Nigerian midfielder.

Torres gets his first goal of the 10/11 season for Liverpool. A wonderful shot set up by Dirk Kuyt's volley. Fernando still doesn't seem fit and I expect him to start making this happen regularly. Let's see if he can dish Manchester United their first loss in a few weeks.

Birmingham get a slap in the face as they draw 2-2 with Bolton on the road. Jaaskelainen was sent off for the incident, straight red!

Henry finally nets one for the New York Red Bulls. Still sorta crazy he went from Barcelona to a team in New York!