Thursday, June 27, 2013

Finding The Right Soccer Uniform

Playing back in High School i remember when i got my Soccer Uniform, well actually it was just a Soccer jersey. Actually it was a used soccer jersey that was fading a bit. I wondered in my own thoughts, why can we buy new ones? i mean we did car washes and donut sales and we still couldn't afford new uniforms? apparently we couldn't afford the brand name uniforms, so instead of settling with an unknown company we just used last year's jerseys.

When looking for soccer uniforms, whether for your team, league or club is very tempting to look at Brand name companies like Nike or Adidas just to name a few. You would be surprised to know however that there are quite a few manufacturers of soccer uniforms that have decades of making high quality products. Some of them actually supply many soccer clubs, high schools and individual teams. Nowadays you can find These uniforms of similar quality at half the price you would pay for a Brand name.




Many teams now carry 2 uniforms, however that doesn't mean you have to spend twice as much. One idea is to simply buy the main uniform you decide on and then also get an alternate jersey that would match with the shorts and socks. In this manner you don't have to buy two complete uniforms. See below.



Where can you find these great deals? well you might be able to find them at your local soccer store. But another way that is growing rapidly is Online. Stores like eSoccerOutlet carry more than one brand of soccer uniforms at great prices. What this means to you is a greater selection of products to choose from.
Sunday, June 23, 2013

Why are Soccer Cleats Important to Play Soccer?

From as far as i can Remember i have always own at least a pair of Soccer Cleats. Originally Soccer cleats were designed to get a better grip on the grass fields and to be able to kick the ball harder, however with so many different types of fields, including artificial grass, turf, indoor and such we are almost force to own different type of soccer shoes in order to play in each of these types of fields.

Can you play soccer with regular sneakers? sure you can, in fact you can play barefooted if you want. However i don't recommend it. Playing with sneakers in a grass field can lead to a lot of slipping and frustration not to mention a higher risk of injury. Having the wrong type of soccer shoes can also lead to frustration and injuries. So how can you pick the right type of cleats? Are you a midfielder? Forward? play in only grass fields or a combination of fields?


Brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma and others offer a large amount of soccer boots to choose from that can assist you in deciding the right type for you. Personally i usually have 2-3 different pairs because i play in all types of soccer fields, and after many injuries i have found that using the right type is the way to go. You don't have to spend 100's of dollars for each pair you buy, i find enjoyment in looking for a bargain such as in amazon, or other sites. Just be sure you are not buying used soccer cleats as they have already formed around the previous owner's foot.

If you rely a lot on speed, maybe you are a forward? a lightweight pair of cleats like the Puma King SL  , might be just what you need. If you are a Midfielder and the Puma King Finale is a great option as well as the Puma King XL as they give you more cushion for the constant running that these positions require. At the end, you can find similar cleats from just about every major brand, it simply comes down to how they feel and what type of field of fields you will be playing on.


As always is important to wear Soccer Cleats so that you may enjoy the sport to the fullest. No matter what brand you choose, always look for the one that fits you and the field you play on, not what it looks like.
Thursday, June 13, 2013

USMNT... back in business.

Jozy Altidore is on fire and the United States is riding the striker's newly found confidence as it inches closer to clinching a spot in next year's World Cup. After failing to score for the national team for two years, Altidore tallied his third goal in three games to jump start the U.S. to a much-needed 2-0 victory over Panama in a World Cup qualifier at CenturyLink Field on Tuesday. Eddie Johnson, who plays for the hometown Seattle Sounders, added the USA's second strike in the 53rd minute in front of 40,847 fans, the seventh-largest home crowd in U.S. World Cup qualifying history. "Obviously very pleased with our performance," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "Throughout the entire game, we were in control of every area on the field. The guys did their job." The U.S., which defeated Jamaica on the road five days earlier, moves into first place in the Hexagonal standings with 10 points following a draw between Mexico and Costa Rica earlier in the night. "Right now we're having fun. But most importantly we're on the same page and have one common goal which is qualifying for the World Cup," Johnson said. "We've got one more game to put ourselves in a good position to make that happen." Altidore opened the scoring in the 36th minute off a brilliant transition play. It started with Michael Bradley opening up the pitch before finding Fabian Johnson, who delivered a low cross to Altidore at the back post. Moments earlier, Altidore was denied a potential penalty kick. Coming off a 31-goal season at club AZ Alkmaar, Altidore had finally found his scoring touch with the national team after tallying against Germany in a friendly earlier this month and against the Reggae Boyz in Kingston on Friday. He had entered the camp on a 24-month run-of-play scoring drought. "I know how forwards think. These guys live for goals. They can give the same performance, but if one game they score, in the other game they don't, they're going to be happy when they score," Bradley said. "He's such an important guy for our team, even on nights when he doesn't (score)." Playing without Jermaine Jones, who suffered a concussion against Jamaica, and the suspended Graham Zusi, Klinsmann needed to make two changes to his lineup from the previous two games. It had been the first time in the Klinsmann era that the U.S. had the same starting XI in back-to-back games. Klinsmann decided to go with Geoff Cameron and Eddie Johnson as replacements, and his decisions paid off as the pair worked together to give the Americans a two-goal cushion early in the second half. Playing at the defensive midfielder spot, Cameron delivered a long, over-the-top pass to Johnson down the right side of the pitch, leaving the veteran one-on-one with Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. Johnson controlled the ball and easily beat Penedo for his 11th World Cup qualifying goal. "I saw Geoff had time with the ball and it was on his strong foot... I knew I could make a run in behind and I like my chances running without the ball behind the defense," Johnson said. Panama, playing without leading scorer Blas Perez, struggled offensively for much of the night but did manage to nearly score an equalizer at the end of the first half when Luis Tejada got behind the U.S. defensive and beat Tim Howard, but the offside flag was up before the shot was in the net. Panama also nearly scored in second-half stoppage time, but Howard saved Rolando Blackburn's shot. The Americans will host Honduras next Tuesday night in Sandy, Utah.

Conmebol Qualifiers Predictions

Conmebol (South America) World cup qualifiers are widely considered one of the most competitive Regions, if not the most competitive to qualify from. 10 teams play home and away games for a total of 18 grueling matches to decide who goes and who stays. This time is no different, though only 9 teams are participating since Brazil is the host country. With only 3-4 games remaining there are still teams fighting to make it, nowhere is the fight more competitive than for 5th place. Let us look at each team's chances starting from the top of the table.

ARGENTINA- Mathematically Argentina can still be eliminated. Realistically that won't happen. Their next game will be at Paraguay and a tie or other results will officially put Argentina in the World Cup. Questions still remain about their defense and defensive midfield, however they have a year to figure that out and an attack that features Messi, Di Maria, Aguero and Higuain will give them a good chance to make it far in Brazil.

COLOMBIA- After a strong tie at Buenos Aires and a convincing win at home against Peru, Colombia is on the verge of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. With players like Falcao, Rodriguez, and Elite Goalkeeping from Ospina, Colombia might just make past the second round in Brazil.

ECUADOR- Though Ecuador only managed 1 point in their last 2 games and have only one remaining home game, their lead over 5th place is large enough to pencil them for Brazil as well. Ecuador problems lie in their defense and suspect goalkeeping, however they have a potent offense that is sure to carry them far in Brazil with the likes of Benitez, Caicedo and Valencia among others.

CHILE- At one point Chile was out of the running, but thanks to a coaching change Chile is the hottest team in qualifying right now and sits in 4th place with 21 points (same as Ecuador). Though they have though games remaining Chile at this point will also qualify and hopefully have a good showing in Brazil. Players like Alexis Sanchez, Fernandez and others are sure make them a though out no matter what group they are drawn in.
URUGUAY- Like Chile, Uruguay was at the bottom of the table until a dramatic win at Venezuela put them in 5th place and in control of their own destiny. With world class players like Suarez, Cavani and Forlan Uruguay is the most talented of the 3 teams fighting for this spot. A crucial game in Lima against Peru can define who will win this spot and continue fighting to make it to Brazil.

VENEZUELA- The only team in South America to have never qualify to the World Cup. Having lost to Uruguay at home have complicated their chances of making their first trip. However 2 of their last 3 games are at home including the Peru game which could define whether they can make their first World cup or not. Either way Venezuela has only grown as a soccer country and it seems inevitable that they will make a World Cup if not now in the near future.

PERU- Rich in soccer history, Peru has not made a World Cup since 1982. There is hope that this squad can change that still. In my opinion this team is as talented as the 85 squad that almost made it. With players like Guerrero, Pizarro, Farfan and others it would seem that Offense would be a strength, however Peru has only averaged 1 goal per game in qualifiers. If they are going to qualify they must grind out wins like they did against Chile and Ecuador. Two huge matches loom, first, home against Uruguay and then away at Venezuela. One thing is for sure, This is the closest Peru has been in contention in quite a while.

BOLIVIA- Though not yet eliminated, for all intends and purposes Bolivia will once again finish another disappointing campaign. What's worse is that there isn't much young talent that can give Bolivia a sense that the future might be brighter, however things may change in a couple of years.

PARAGUAY- Probably the most surprising of all has been the huge fall from South America's most consistent team. Paraguay could always be counted to fight for spot in the World cup campaign after campaign. This time it seems like drastic changes will have to take place if Paraguay is to contend for a spot in 2018.

Predictions- The top 4 teams in the table, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Chile are pretty much in. Bolivia and Paraguay are out. The only remaining question is the half spot between Uruguay Venezuela and Peru. This is a though one, as there are crucial games between these teams that will decide that last spot. Logic tells me that when in doubt you go with the more accomplished team, in this case Uruguay is my pick to get this last spot and fight it out with the 5th place team in Asia to go to Brazil. What do you think? comments and questions are welcomed.
Thursday, June 6, 2013

Soccer Uniforms for my Team or League.

Soccer is the most popular game in the entire world. It has continued to attract a large pool of

fans from countries where soccer was very unpopular. Soccer teams wear uniforms so that they

can be different or unique from other competing teams. Soccer uniforms are important because

they also make teams be recognized. For example, you will find a team such as Liverpool known

as the reds because their team wears red soccer uniforms as the main Jersey color. Therefore,

soccer uniforms play a great role in the identity of a team and it is important to put various

factors into consideration when purchasing them for your team or league.



1. The soccer uniforms should be made of quality and durable materials Soccer uniforms can be 

an expensive investment, therefore it is important to look for ones made of quality and durable 

materials for them to last longer. This will help reduce the management cost of the team because 

the uniforms can be used for a longer time. Having quality uniforms also makes the team look 

great even in terrible field conditions or weather. The confidence of the players is also boosted 

by wearing great looking uniforms, making them have a high level of motivation when playing.

2. Look for soccer uniforms offered at an affordable cost, Soccer uniforms are sold at various 

prices depending on the quality of the materials. There are soccer stores that sell the uniforms at 

higher prices than others, and it is always a good idea to look at shops selling them at a price 

that the team can afford. However, it is also good to consider the quality, so that you do not get 

tempted to buy cheap but low quality uniforms.

3. Check for shops that offer full uniforms It is always advisable to look at shops that offer full 

soccer uniforms because such shops end up selling the soccer uniforms at a cheaper price. In 

such shops you can get all types of uniforms at the same place. Buying the full uniforms at the 

same shop help to get better deals depending on the quantity of the uniforms purchased. It is 

also more convenient to do shopping under one roof instead of moving from place to place looking 

for the uniforms. Shops that do not offer full uniforms leads to some inconveniences in shopping 

time and also in price because they tend to be more expensive. You may also end up buying 

uniforms that may not be exactly alike if you buy them from different shops.

4. Always consider the color of the uniforms It is advisable to look at uniforms that are not too 

bright because they get dirty fast. This means they have to be washed more times, making them 

wear out more quickly. This will help the team reduce some of its costs. Uniforms should also not 

be so dull because dull colors may not be attractive to the fans because fans like soccer teams 

that look appealing in the field.

5.if your league only requires soccer jerseys this is a great opportunity to save money without

sacrificing quality. Many leagues nowadays only require teams to wear the same color jerseys.

online stores like eSoccerOutlet provides set jerseys with numbers at great prices.

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