So NISA, huh? - NISA fever is sweeping the country and no amount of CDC warnings are gonna stop it. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but the truth is if you watched the week 1 matches, there is a lot going on in this league to be excited about. The clubs are solid on the field, some are downright great, the broadcasts have been good so far, the league seems to be shaping up, and don’t forget, next season we see even more sides hopping in, including NY Cosmos. Sort of wish Miami FC hadn’t pulled the plug on their NISA launch, but whatever, enjoy being the 10th-12th ranked club in USL-C.
Icarus is the gem of lower league soccer kits. - So many beautiful kits coming out of the genius mind of Robby Smuckler. I don’t know when, in his trajectory, that I met him, but every interaction with the guy has been top notch, class. I don’t understand why more clubs aren’t working with him, he’s simply the best. Every time I see another bland, generic kit I think, why didn’t you call Icarus?
NPSL regular season is underway, huh? - Yeah, the southwest clubs are already at it in the NPSL, way before we see the rest of the league kick off. Can’t express it enough, this is not a positive thing. It leads to all sorts of imbalance and gaps at the end of the season. Standardize the start times, guys! It would be better for everyone involved, OR have a smaller league with multiple tiers. It doesn’t make sense that Napa Valley kicked off their season last weekend and MPLS City’s opener is MAY 16th. That’s a full 2 months from now. What the hell.
Anyone else see that mock up of if Hummel made MPLS City’s kits? - @KonceptKitz is a handle out of England that focuses on football kits and reimagined MPLS City kits if Hummel had done them. mmmmmm. Yeah. Not good, Bob. If any club nails their kits, it’s MPLS City. Hummel would have generated some boring ass kits, apparently.
Picking up my Locomotive season tickets today. - Yeah, I’m a shill and a traitor.
Chipotle. Really? - Chipotle is now “the official Mexican restaurant” of US Soccer. How hilarious that a place that doesn’t serve real Mexican food is the official Mexican food of a plastic organization like US Soccer (which is so little dedicated to actual soccer). So maybe it’s the perfect fit? Also 9 times out of 10 I get a stomach ache from consuming what they are serving?
On a side note, I’m glad they are picking up sponsors, but wish they’d focus on building up the talent development.
Politics - If you follow me on social media, you know I’m very into politics and have strong takes on pretty much everything political. We may not agree, but I feel strongly about things and express myself. I’m very left leaning. I’m a Bernie guy, without the shitty aggressiveness online to people with different opinions. Just as in 2016, super Tuesday has left me really disappointed with many of my fellow voters. Especially after recently coming back from Europe, seeing so many amazing things that a country can do for its citizens if it wants to put its money where its mouth is. Instead, in the United States we whine about costs, cut taxes on the rich, cut social programs, and let our weak and mentally unstable wander the streets. Sigh.
OVPL expands into WOSO. - I’m glad, but are they growing faster than sustainable? Feels like it, but I don’t want to be THAT GUY. I am that guy. Patience, people. You’ll dominate the world someday, but today is not that day. I wish them well though!
Las Vegas Lights, corny on purpose - When I write these columns, I like to scroll through my twitter feed and find subjects based on what’s going on. LVL is always there and usually I ignore them, but today I wanted to make a point. I think they have the most overrated, ugly kits in the game, that their mascot is moronic, and their marketing is shitty. And you know what, it’s perfect for their hometown. It’s not about a one size fits all approach, it’s about finding what works for your fanbase and doing that. Be you, LVL.
Music: “My Companjera” - Gogol Bordello. If you haven’t listened to this “gypsy punk” band, I’d really suggest it. Great band full of international influence without the general douchiness that comes with “international music.” Fantastic music.