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Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Chris Donahoo / KC Caudron and American Outlaws: Kansas City
There is no doubt that SKC has hefty expectations in 2013 after coming off another fantastic year in 2012.
Last season included winning the East for the second straight year, but most notably the 2012 Open Cup, at home, in front of a sellout crowd. In what will be remembered as one of the best moments in Kansas City sports, SKC took the liberty of de-throning Seattle controversially via penalties, but destiny was with the home team on that starry October night. #PaintTheWall.
Kansas City lost two big-time players in Kei Kamara and Roger Espinoza to the English Premier League, but the addition of Claudio Bieler & Benny Feilhaber will be a welcome sight for the KC faithful. Bieler has two goals in two games to start the season.
Beer Selection: Boulevard Brewing Co. "Chocolate" Ale (Kansas City, MO)
If we had to compare SKC to one local beer, it would undoubtably be the Boulevard Chocolate Ale. The highly anticipated release of the Chocolate Ale could very well be symbolic of SKC's season as well. Very high expectations, little return on your investment. Boulevard had a large recall of the Chocolate Ale last year and offered a full refund for anyone who discovered "flavors and aromas not intended by our brewers, attributes not detected prior to the January release of the beer." This hasn't dimmed Boulevard's reputation or Chocolate Ale enthuisasts who continue to support their hometown brewery and their unique one-off beer.
Same could be said for SKC, who have looked very questionable out of the gate in its' two first games. We associate losing to Toronto FC with violently vomitting bad beer. This team/beer could be classified as hit and miss.. You never know what you're going to get. Only time will tell.
One thing is for sure, the KC Cauldron and local brew-lovers will be behind their city (and their brewery) until the end of time.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Michael Orr / Host, "Soccer Made in Portland"
New coach, new players, new outlook: Everything is new this year in Portland after the Timbers hired Caleb Porter to replace John Spencer. Significant roster turnover has brought familiar faces from around MLS as well as two older gentlemen from Europe’s top divisions to implement Porter’s pressing, possession style.
While the additions of Ryan Johnson, Will Johnson and Michael Harrington are expected to help carry the Timbers from two poor seasons to a playoff contender, new Designated Player Diego Valeri is the key. The Argentine playmaker is the hub around which Porter’s gambit will hinge. The responsibility of orchestrating the attack falls on Valeri, which serves a dual role of defining that role for the first time in Portland, while freeing Darlington Nagbe to meander through opposing defenses from the left side.
As Porter’s style requires up field pressing, the defense behind is often left exposed. This will be the Timbers’ greatest weakness in 2013, despite the additions of Harrington, Mikael Silvestre and Ryan Miller. The defense is improved from last year, but the set up puts more of the onus on the backline to perform at a high level. Only if Porter can use his diamond 4-4-2 with either Ben Zemanski or the injured Jack Jewsbury will Portland have adequate cover in front of the center backs. The Timbers might outscore more opponents than not, but it seems unlikely that clean sheets will be a regular occurrence.
All of that said, the paradigm has been redefined under Porter. Expect entertaining soccer, high scoring games and a wholly new attitude from players and fans.
Beer Selection: Amnesia "Copacetic" IPA (Portland, OR)
This small, North Portland microbrewery rarely sells pints off site and never bottles. The Copacetic IPA is an admittedly light and fruity IPA, especially by northwest standards. The hoppy finish is bitter but refreshing, especially when enjoyed in the sun on the brewery’s porch. Perhaps most importantly for Timbers fans though, the beer’s name presents two ideals: Amnesia regarding the past two seasons with expectations of a Copacetic 2013.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Kirsten Schlewitz / Staff Writer, SB Nation
Beer Selection: Epic Brewing Elevated Series "825 State" Stout (Salt Lake City, UT)
Real Salt Lake may have needed 70 minutes to break through San Jose’s defenses, but Álvaro Saborío then scored twice inside 15 minutes to give Salt Lake the win over San Jose. RSL added to their strikeforce in the offseason with the return of Robbie Findley and the arrival of Joao Plata, the latter who turned provider for Saborío’s first goal about five minutes after he stepped on the pitch. Perhaps that’s a sign of great things to come for Salt Lake, who are looking to improve on last season’s minor setbacks and come roaring back reclaim their spot towards the top of MLS.
And so what better brewery for RSL than Epic? Perhaps Salt Lake City’s best-known brewery, at least for those of us who live outside the city limits. Interestingly enough, it’s often easier to find Epic’s limited-release beers than it is their classics. They’ve got a unique take on beer production: rather than create several different beers in one style, labeling and promoting them individually, the brewery produces an “Elevated Series”, with different hops, malts, and other grains added to the beer style.
The 825 State Stout Series is perhaps the most distinctive, particularly because Epic does not add flavorings to the stouts in this series. Whatever you get – chocolate or espresso, marshmallow or nut – is a flavor based solely on the malts involved.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Kirsten Schlewitz / Staff Writer, SB Nation
Beer Selection: Granville Island Brewing "Kitsilano Maple" Cream Ale
The Whitecaps started their season off with a win in a hotly contested Canadian rivalry – ok, I’m lying, I was paid to insert the word “rivalry” into that sentence. But a win’s a win, and Gershon Koffie started the season off on the right foot for the ‘Caps. Newcomer Daigo Kobayashi also made an impression with his first assist for his new side, and the midfielder will likely be a welcome creative addition to the team. Vancouver have also secured the services of Premier League veteran Nigel Reo-Coker, who this Aston Villa fan has long thought would make a solid addition to any MLS team. This could very well be a side that secures more wins than losses.
I couldn’t resist nominating Granville Island’s Kitsilano Maple Cream for this season’s Whitecaps. What, after all, is more Canadian than maple? This beer would only be better if it had a large red leaf on the label. This ale is pretty much what you’d expect: toasted caramel with a hint of maple that manages to not overpower the beer. It’s got a nice and creamy mouthfeel and is easy-drinking, although it might not be one you keep going back to. Yep, it’s pretty much perfect for Vancouver.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Kirsten Schlewitz / Staff Writer, SB Nation
Beer Selection: Two Beers Brewing Company "Heart of Darkness" Cascadian Dark Ale (Seattle, WA)
Seattle are about to venture down a treacherous, dark path: they must venture into this season without the aid of Fredy Montero, who has been with the Sounders since their MLS debut. Their first foray into this unknown world ended in frustration, with Eddie Johnson unable to finish and the Impact determined to hang for a 1-0 victory.
Seattle have created a decent midfield for 2013, but many are asking if that’s enough for a side used to playoffs and Open Cup finals. There’s no real replacement for Montero, and the defense will certainly miss Jeff Parke’s solidity. But with the majority of the media content to focus on Seattle’s supporters rather than its play, it’s possible the changes to the team may not even be noticed.
But even if Seattle fans might have less to cheer about this season, at least they can console themselves with some pretty great beers (although they’re going to have to cross the borders to find Pliny the Elder – Russian River is now refusing to distribute in Washington state).
One of the better offerings is Two Beers, whose cans and bottles are now making their way across state lines. Heart of Darkness CDA is the perfect beer for this Sounders season: with its malty, chocolate taste, you’re not really getting what you expected, although the finish leaves a nice hint of citrus hops that might keep you coming back for more.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Kirsten Schlewitz / Staff Writer, SB Nation
Beer Selection: Left Hand Brewing Company "400 Pound Monkey" English-Style IPA (Longmont, CO)
Last summer, eleven new breweries opened in Colorado – if it’s not in the top three of your beer-cations, it most certainly should be. But if you’re not drinking inside the state, it’s rather difficult to get beers from the up-and-comers. So grab 400 Pound Monkey, a perennial offering from Left Hand, who celebrate their 20th Anniversary this year. This is a beer for those who are tired of the West Coast having control over the entire country. English-style IPAs say no to over-hopped, over-citrus, over-long bitter lingers. This beer focuses more on balance, using biscuity malts to counteract the herbal hops.
Just like the Colorado brewing scene, the Rapids have brought in new blood – and their focus this season is much younger, with the majority of the team clocking in around the 24 year mark. Oscar Pareja’s built a team that’s set to attack and, supporters hope, get themselves back into the playoffs. Alas, that attack meant little in the match against Dallas, when back-up ‘keeper Steward Ceus gifted a goal to Jackson in the 11th minute. The Rapids players looked gassed, out of ideas, by the end of the match.
Only time will tell if it was nerves or if Pareja’s expecting too much.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Jerry Jimenez / Black Army 1850 and American Beer Vigilantes
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Somehow that seemed like the best way to start this. OK, I should be original. Change, change, and more change. Whether it has come in abundance, or it has lacked, change has become a constant with this club. After the club fired Robin Frasier his sophomore season as head coach, Chivas USA finds itself on its eighth head coach in its eighth season, putting José Luis Sánchez Solá in the driver’s seat and twenty-seven players riding as passengers. No one is really sure if Sánchez Solá has some sort of map, but all of the faithful goat fans pray he isn’t using Google maps. That “short-cut” may lead him to crash this car into a wall and achieve a repeat of the 2012 season. (Don’t Drink and Drive)
The trip begins enthusiastically and hopeful with an undefeated preseason. Returning players, Miller Bolaños scored an impressive six goals in eight preseason games while Jose Correa scored five. Newcomers to the team, Eric Avila and Giovani Casillas also looked impressive during their time on the field. The Goats finished their preseason with a total of six wins and two ties. Not bad for a new group of kids attempting to mesh as a unit.
With an average age of twenty-four, Chivas USA has been thrown into the fountain of youth and completely refurbished with a few veterans and many newcomers to the league. Players like Joaquin Velazquez and Walter Vilchez will have to show the young ones that age is nothing but a number. Our captain, Dan Kennedy, has his work cut out for him once again and lets not forget about Juan Agudelo. I truly believe this team is one that knows it has something to prove. It has a whole lot to prove and it is set out to do just that. This definitely feels like a “make it or break it” year for the Goats. Only one thing is for sure, this season will be way more fun to watch than the last.
Beer Selection: Aztec Brewing Co. “Aztec Sacrifice” Red IPA (San Diego, CA)
A little Red for the Red and White! Comparing this beer to Chivas USA just seemed appropriate. I understand that most MLS fans don’t like my team. Yes, it feels like you haters want to “sacrifice” us to the soccer gods and rebrand, rebuild, relocate, blah, blah, and blah. I get it! It’s not easy being a Chivas USA supporter and only beer helps. You have to understand that, just like the Aztec Empire, we are not going anywhere…Oh, wait. Maybe that was a bad example.
Lets try that again and let’s talk cerveza; starting with the label, which reminds us of how our owner treats its fans, a dagger through the heart. This beer pours out hazy amber and settles into a deep ruby amber. I have to say the head on this thing is the best I have seen from any style of beer, ever; nice medium beige color to it. On the nose, we get quite of bit of hops and fruity tones. Some obvious malty aromas mixed in as well. It has some rich toffee, caramel, and roasted barley notes that get a bit of help from a well balanced bitterness. I’m an “IPA guy” and this is not too bitter, but bitter enough. One that will please the most experienced of craft beer drinkers but won’t push away newbies. At 7.6% ABV, this beer will sneak up on you and sit you back down on the bench unless you pair it up with some sort of grub. This is definitely how red ales are done on the west coast. If you can’t find this beer in Los Angeles, you may find it has “relocated” to San Diego. Cheers!
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
By Brian Wachholz / Big D Soccer Contributor
“This message approved by the Dallas Beer Guardians.”
Beer Selection: Rahr Brewing Co. "Iron Thistle" Scotch Ale (Fort Worth, TX)
FC Dallas steps into 2013 lean, mean, and ready to cause havoc, and what is the local beer that best exemplifies this season’s squad? Iron Thistle from Rahr & Sons, made in Fort Worth. Both FCD and the brew have been steadily improving over the past several years. The club has been majorly tweaked this offseason with some major player additions, some major player losses, but a strong existing core, maintaining positive locker room chemistry. One of the major storylines during the Dallas offseason was the loss of Kevin Hartman as his contract expired with a club renewal. New import, Raul Fernandez, along with club stalwarts Chris Seitz and Richard Sanchez combine for a goalkeeping pool ripe for competition. Expect FCD to be strong between the sticks, no matter whose face you see. The defensive backline is back to its 2010 strength; expect to see warrior hops from our towering centerbacks, defending at MVP caliber. With above average strength, this FCD defense and Iron Thistle will be leaving people flat on their backs at the end of the night (ABV= 8%).
On the offensive front, you will see new signings Eric Hassli and Kenny Cooper alongside second-year hoopster Blas Perez. These big forwards will give David Ferreira new outlets and options to score. Like the aforementioned brew, FC Dallas’ stable of forwards will be the thorn in the side of your MLS defenders (especially Blas).
Rahr Brewing recently medaled for the first time at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival for Iron Thistle ale after years of hard work. The time has come for FC Dallas to get its due as well. Expectations are high for a great year as we kick off into 2013!
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
By Robert Jonas / CenterLine Soccer and Quake, Rattle, and Goal!
The San Jose Earthquakes were the best team in the league last year — maybe not in November, when the chase was on for MLS Cup, but certainly from March to October. After a promising preseason, when an eclectic group of newcomers and returning players slowly meshed together into something greater than the sum of their parts, the Quakes started the regular season off strong. For 34 games they put out a consistently effective effort that didn’t stop after 90 minutes, but went well into stoppage time. These, after all, were the never-say-die “Goonies,” and they rode their success all the way to the 2012 Supporters’ Shield.
For 2013, with the recipe for making the team settled upon, the Earthquakes hope to continue winning awards and making an impact in MLS. Starting off the season without a few key ingredients — most notably the twin towers up top Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon — head coach Frank Yallop will try to tease some of the same flavor of play from the rest of the roster for at least a few nervous weeks. Something might not smell quite right at Buck Shaw Stadium in March, but no doubt by the summer the fireworks will be back on display.
A hard working, blue collar bunch, the Earthquakes added sparkplug forward Mike Fucito in the preseason. Following his three-stop international tour of MLS teams in 2012, Fucito lands in San Jose with a chip on his shoulder and a tireless energy to perform. Paired up top with defending MLS MVP Chris Wondolowski, who also arrived in San Jose after a similarly anonymous start to his career, Fucito will have every opportunity to make Quakes fans join the choir in singing his praises.
Little else changes for the Earthquakes this season — why mess with a good thing? — except for the target opposing teams humiliated in 2012 have put on their backs. After the disappointment of crashing out in the first round of the playoffs to arch rivals and eventual champions LA Galaxy, these Quakes see only winning MLS Cup as their goal. Get healthy, stay healthy, and play motivated, and the club could be celebrating their third ever championship by December.
Beer Selection: Russian River Brewing Co. “Pliny the Elder” (Santa Rosa, CA)
Opening up a bottle of Pliny the Elder, an explosion of hoppy aroma bursts forth and fills the nose with a lusciousness that belies this double IPA’s smooth finish. Like a late match Goonies attack on an opposing defense, Pliny overwhelms the taste buds with a richness that lasts until the last drop. Quite intoxicating at a whopping 8.0% ABV, a couple rounds of Pliny will have you waking up the next morning with your head feeling like you just battled Steven Lenhart for 90 minutes. An award winner and arguably the best local brew in the Bay Area, Pliny the Elder is to beer what the Earthquakes are to MLS.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
By Ryan Rosenblatt / Stars and Stripes FC
The LA Galaxy are back, and this time as two-time defending MLS Cup champions, but this isn't the same team you remember lifting the trophy back in December. David Beckham bid adieu and Landon Donovan's search for inner peace took him to Cambodia, while the team has yet to make a major signing (that's coming in July, bet on it).
So where does that leave LA? Still pretty damn good.
Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant and Sean Franklin give LA the best back line in MLS and they're joined by new goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini. Put those five behind Juninho and Marcelo Sarvas and the Galaxy will be just fine, plus that Robbie Keane fellow and Mike Magee are still around, while Donovan will be back in April and a summer signing will come.
Beer Selection: Angel City Brewery "Angeleno" IPA (Los Angeles, CA)
A new brewery just opened in downtown LA, Angel City Brewery, and they have an interesting IPA. The Angeleno IPA tastes like your run of the mill IPA, but it has something just a little different. Read the menu and you find out it's a grapefruit hop flavor -- a little bit of a change from an otherwise tried and true recipe for success, just like the Galaxy.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
By Frankie Hejduk / FBM Spokeperson (and Columbus Crew Fan Ambassador and former USMNT defender)
With a good mix of veterans and youth, this Crew team has Columbus buzzing. The spine of this team is second to none with Arietta (9 goals), Higuain (5 goals, 7 assists), O’Rourke, Viana, Marshall, Berti and Gruenebaum all returning with a full preseason in tow. Defenses will be tested with speed and experience on the flanks by MLS ironman Eddie Gaven (9 goals) and the addition of ‘freaky fast’ Dominic Oduro.
The backline of Wahl, Berti, Marshall and Williams all towering over 6’2”, brings experience and size in front of last year’s saves leader Andy Gruenebaum. With service from free-kick maestro Higuain, set pieces will play a key role to this teams run at the MLS Cup.
Add a bench full of eager, young guns (Speas, Trapp, Findley, Meram, Sanchez and Tchani) and the MASSIVE chants will be in full effect down in Crewville.
Beer Selection: Barley's Ale House Scottish Ale (Columbus, OH)
Strong, hard working (7% alc.), in your face beer that gets the job done
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
By Mark Fishkin / Red Bulls season ticket holder since 1996, and the creator and co-host of the Seeing Red podcast (www.seeingredny.com). He also had WAY too much craft beer in Portland last weekend.
Hello Red Bulls fans. If you’re reading this, just like me you’re back for another Don Quixote-like quest for New York hardware in 2013. Of course, you know New York is zero for forever across all competitions, but there are quite a few reasons that this will be the year that the boys from Harrison, NJ make the right kind of noise.
Reason #1: Mike Petke
Much has been written about the 13th manager in the 18-year history of the club. Mike is the most earnest manager the MetroBulls have had to date. A legend among the fans, Petke is the embodiment of the franchise and all he was to do is win. As the club’s Scandinavian dalliance fades in the rear-view, Mike’s focus on hard work, a stalwart defense, and creative freedom for the attacking players may just be the recipe for success.
Reason #2: New Blood
On a team with a revolving-door roster policy (see: Dwayne DeRosario, 2011), the players brought in this off-season should stick around for awhile. Fabian Espindola provides the slashing, speedy runs that the club missed in 2012, and his 2 tallies at Jeld-Wen this past Sunday may make fans forget Kenny Cooper before too long. Despite Jamison Olave’s tough night, the 6’3”Colombian is no attacking player’s idea of a good time. Yes, he stood statue-like as Diego Valeri swept by him with a flourish on Sunday, but a solid pairing with Pearce or Holgersson should develop nicely. Juninho provides New York with a threat to score on any free kick, sparing Red Bulls fans of bad dreams of Roy Miller spraying balls into the 20th row.
Reason #3: Believing in America
Much has been made of Salzburg’s disdain for the young American player in MLS since purchasing the club in 2006. However, Red Bull Global Director of Soccer Gerard Houllier and RBNY Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh have made signing Americans a priority in 2013. Dax McCarty, Brandon Barklage, Connor Lade all won new contracts this offseason. Add late arrival Eric Alexander to Luis Robles, a recovering Ryan Meara, and veteran Heath Pearce and you’ve got a core of American players that will help the club go places.
Reason #4: DPs
Thierry Henry has scored 31 goals in 63 regular season appearances for New York to date. Guy’s the real deal, and despite is scowling and gesticulating, TH14 wants to win, badly. Really, badly. If Henry’s engaged & plugged in, the ball will be in the back of the net often in 2013. Tim Cahill has yet to click in New York, but if the man from Oz can get his head on a few Juninho free kicks, RBNY is going to be unstoppable up front. Then of course is the third DP that’s rumored to head to Harrison this summer. Will it be Kaka? Ronaldinho? The great thing about Red Bulls is that no one is too expensive for the club’s Austrian overloads.
Beer Selection: Hearland Brewery "Empire Premium" Pilsner
As a nod to RBNY’s oldest supporters club, I’m going with the NYC-based Heartland Brewery’s EMPIRE PREMIUM. A Pils, this light, golden brew has a hoppy, grassy finish, and it’s perfect for the PATH train from midtown Manhattan to Harrison’s Red Bull Arena. Just remember to bag it up on the train!
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
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Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
Don't worry we've got you covered.
By Ludovick Martin / Montreal Impact fan
The Montreal Impact are not the new kid on the block anymore. After a satisfying season where the club still decided to part ways with coach Jesse Marsch, the team from Québec is looking to Swiss Marco Schällibaum to guide them in their second season. Once again the Italian contingent will be key for the Impact. If Marco DiVaio, Andrea Pisanu, Matteo Ferrari and Alessandro Nesta can stay healthy and produce accordingly, then they will fight for a playoff spot. Also, key will be the play of central midfielders Patrice Bernier and Felipe.
Beer Selection: Brassire Dieu du Ciel "Solstice d'hiver" Barley Wine (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
With all the Italians in and around this club you don't really think beer when you think about the Impact, you think finely aged red wine. So why not go for a compromise and taste a barley wine. I would suggest the Solstice d'hiver (winter solstice in English) brewed by Dieu du Ciel. Just like the Impact this beer will wake you up with its strong taste and make you forget about our long, snowy and cold winters.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
Don't worry we've got you covered.
By Andy Przystanski / Chapter President, American Outlaws: Adams (MA)
A fairly active offseason has given New Englanders reason to be cautiously optimistic. Recent acquisitions Andrew Farrell and Donnie Smith, as well as homegrown product Scott Caldwell all put in very promising shifts during the preseason. Revs fans will also keep an eye on the young Diego Fagundez, who is poised for a breakout year (in terms of goals and possibly dermatologically speaking—he is still in high school, after all).
Saer Sene, Jerry “Springer” Bengston, Juan Toja, Lee Nguyen, and Stephen McCarthy are other standouts on a surprising talented squad. Since Benny Feilhaber’s departure early in the offseason, Lee Nguyen has become the team’s marquee player. Arguably the most skillful, technically gifted member of the squad, the Revs will need him to have a great year if it hopes to make it into the postseason.
Heading into his sophomore year as head coach, Jay Heaps will hope to emulate the success his peers Ben Olsen and Jason Kreis had in their second years.
Beer Selection: Cambridge Brewing Co. "The Audacity of Hops" Double IPA (Cambridge, MA)
“This year will be different.” Being a New England fan is about keeping the faith in the face of hard times. Even without a big name signing or a soccer-specific stadium in sight, Revs supporters have the audacity to dream big.
The Audacity of Hops is an audaciously hopped Belgian Double IPA with an ABV of 9% and 70 IBUs. A meld of the quintessentially American flavors of a west coast IPA and the spicy complexities of a Belgian, the beer is a marriage of New and Old World tastes. Pair with a sharp, aged cheddar from Vermont.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, New England Revolution, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
Don't worry we've got you covered.
By Richard McGovern / Philly Sports Live & Vuvuzela: The World Soccer Show
Like most expansion teams, the Philadelphia Union spent their first couple of years looking for an identity. Now in entering their fourth season in MLS they seem to have found it under head coach John Hackworth. The Union are young, the youngest team in the league for the second straight year, with an average age of 22, predominantly American, with Hackworth stocking the squad with former US Youth Internationals and new addition Conor Casey, a man Honduran mothers tell their children scary stories about to get them to behave, and they increasingly reflect the blue collar nature of the city. Casey is joined by fellow new addition Jeff Parke, one of the best players Philadelphia has produced. The pride of Downingtown, PA and a star at Drexel University, the US International will replace departed captain Carlos Valdes. All-time team leading scorer Sebastian Le Toux will be suiting up for the blue and gold as well, after a year- long odyssey that took him from Birmingham to Vancouver to Harrison, and finally back to the banks of the Delaware.
With Freddy Adu sidelined with a terminal case of arrested development and salary inflation, the keys to the Union offense will pass to 2012 all-star Michael Farfan. A dynamic attacking talent who can strike as beautiful a cross as any midfielder in MLS, the U will go as far as he can take them. Another key player to watch will be third year goalie Zac MacMath. The former Maryland standout enters his second season as the undisputed starter in net, and will need a strong performance to get the Union back into playoff contention.
Beer Selection: Victory Brewing Co. "Mad King's" Weiss (Downingtown, PA)
Like the Union, who used to be ruled over by a mad king, this Bavarian-style hefe is a mix of disparate flavors with an unexpected finish. One of the lesser known Victory beers outside of the Philadelphia area, as it is rarely bottled, Mad King Weiss plays with several different malt flavors, and a prominent clove presence, but has an almost pilsner like bite at the top. Very refreshing and a good post-game beer to celebrate a Union win.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
Don't worry we've got you covered.
By Andrew Schueneman / Houston Dynamo fan and Texian Army supporters group member
2013 started off with another three points in BBVA Compass Stadium, the Houston Dynamo look to repeat again as Eastern Conference champs and make another trip to the MLS Cup. It won't be an easy run, as they take on Santos Laguna in the knock-out rounds of the 2012-2013 CONCACAF Champions League and start the group stage of the 2013-2014 Champions League later this year.
Personnel-wise, Houston lost Andre Hainault, Colin Clark, and the rarely-seen Josue Soto. Despite that, recent additions of Omar Cummings, Eric Brunner, Jason Johnson, Andrew Driver, the return of Mike Chabala, and homegrown Bryan Salazar, bolster the squad. Englishman Giles Barnes and Honduran Oscar Boniek Garcia both had a full off-season with the club after arriving in the summer, and look to build upon impressive performances. Both Calen Carr and Omar Cummings start the season injured, however, Cummings is slated to return by the summer and Carr hopes to be back in time for the post season. Dynamo legend Brian Ching will play his last season as a player-coach, looking to make the transition to assistant coach next year as smooth as possible.
With the slight weaknesses from 2012 addressed, and depth for Champions league added, the 2013 Houston Dynamo look yet again to be an MLS Cup finalist.
Beer Selection: Karback Brewing Co. "Hellfighter" Bourbon Barrel Porter (Houston, TX)
My beer pairing for the 2013 Dynamo squad is Karbach's Bourbon Barrel Hellfighter. Despite being a limited-release, this 10.8% American Porter still is a favorite to many in Houston, just like the Dynamo.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: The 2013 Major League Soccer season is underway! You've read your season predictions, team-by-team capsules, and all sorts of talk on the state of American soccer. Season eighteen is an important benchmark as it passes the seventeen that the last attempt at professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (version 1.0), in the U.S. survived for.
And while you might be celebrating your side's first victory or scratching your head over their first lost... there's one thing that's been missing from all these early MLS musings... beer.
Don't worry we've got you covered.
By Justin Coughlan / The Screaming Eagles
With new faces both new and veteran, D.C. United begins the 2013 MLS Season in a position unfamiliar in recent history. Returning to the playoffs last season after a five year absence and one uncalled red card away from hosting the MLS Cup, The Black and Red are amidst the list of teams to beat this year.
In the offseason, D.C. United has bolstered a roster captained by Chris Pontius and Dwayne De Rosario with the acquisition of young international players like Brazilian Rafael and Indonesian Alam Syamsir on loan. This year also sees Michael Seaton joining an elite squad of players cultivated from the D.C. United Homegrown Player System (HPS). He becomes a member of the First Team with other HPS alumni Conor Shanosky, Ethan White and Bill Hamid. Rounding out the young roster are established veteran players new to D.C., but not new to MLS, John Thorrington and Carlos Ruiz.
Beer Selection: Three Stars Brewery Brewing Co. "The Urban Farmhouse” (Washington, D.C.)
When I think about a D.C. United match at RFK, I think of the best tailgate in the MLS. With so many flavors in the shared dishes, a beer should be chosen that complements every flavor on my plate. In preparation for 90+ minutes of singing, jumping, cheering and celebrating, there is nothing like beer with a kick of spice. This Peppercorn Saison pairs exceptionally well with anything grilled and should happily be in anyone’s growler.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
The brave purveyors of beer in the name of American soccer, known more commonly as the Free Beer Movement, are joining up with The Beautiful Gear and Beertography for a once in a lifetime Soccer + Beer + Photography themed contest.
With MLS "First Kick" rapidly approaching American soccer is about to jump off to heights unseen. Beer, on the other hand, is never not awesome. So, the three of us decided to get together and put on a photography contest celebrating those two incredibly lush entities. All you have to do is send us your best original beer and soccer photographs.
To enter just follow @CarterTDaly, @FreeBeerMovement, and @Beertography on Twitter and tweet using the hashtag #CheersToSoccer. Whether you're on the pitch, tailgating, in the stadium, at the pub, or hanging out in your own living room we want you to share what you're drinking, where you're drinking and/or who you're drinking with.
We'll get together in a top secret location and select the THREE best entries that demonstrate the essence of beer and soccer to receive one of these incredibly clean "Pints Up!" Adidas X Free Beer Movement t-shirts. Three more honorable mentions will win a sticker pack from FBM.
So get to playing, watching, drinking, and photographing and get at us with your work. We'll announce the winners in two weeks time.
Cheers To Soccer!
Tags: Beer, Cheers To Soccer, contest, Major League Soccer, photography
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
This is a case of beer. We are making an argument or case about something. See the connection?
On Friday, Toronto FC announced a major sponsorship deal with beer giant Budweiser for the upcoming Major League Soccer season. The five-year deal will give Budweiser and its sub-brands Bud Light, Stella Artois, Alexander Keith's and Michelob Ultra pouring rights at BMO Field, plus many promotional events in and around the stadium including tailgates and a new Budweiser "King Club" beer garden.
This is a disturbing move for North American soccer, which despite a league-wide sponsorship agreement with Budweiser, has been surprisingly open to the craft beer revolution going on in North America. In recent years, clubs such as the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas have entered into deals with Coors and Budweiser respectively.
Meanwhile teams like Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Sporting KC grow closer to local craft beer brands to increase the mantra of "local soccer, local beer".
That's the natural extension of the Free Beer Movement way. Go local. Go local soccer. Go local beer. Go local economies. If you're making the decision to support live, local North American soccer you ought to be making the same commitment to local businesses. The more dollars we can keep in our communities the more we sustain them.
If you work in the front office of a North American soccer team that chooses this approach then you've decided that authenticity is a central tenent of your organization. That community, the people that live and work in the town, are your most important assest and they need to be embraced and their wants and needs respect.
As soccer pushes closer to the mainstream of our sports scene the siren song of "major sponsorship agreements" has and will continue to tempt the front offices of clubs around MLS. Obviously the league has already attracted dozens of major partners that pump millions of dollars into the game, but now the individual clubs are attracting interest from big-time sponsors as well; the ones that make the game-day decisions: the "party zones" fans will occupy before the matches, the "meet-the-player" events they'll attend in-between games, and, lastly, and most importantly, the beer they'll drink inside the stadium.
The biggest question of all is whether or not this deal is for the benefit of Toronto FC or any other North American soccer club in the long-term. Certainly TFC's partnership injects a much-needed marketing boost for a team with slouching ticket sales. Since their founding in 2006, this Canadian side has never made the playoffs. In season's past the TFC faithful have weathered this disappointing storm, but cracks are showing. Last season their average attendance dropped to 18,681 from 20,267 in 2011. On television, seat backs have been more and more common as Toronto slumped to dead last in the league.
If you worked in the front office of a team like Toronto FC would you look a marketing gift horse like Budweiser in the mouth? Would you choose the long-term "potential" revenue growth of building authenticity with your fanbase or the fast-track, short-term cash grab (especially as a team like TFC is hemorrhaging dollars at the gate)?
It's a tough call.
Consider the pieces of the TFC-Bud deal:
- Budweiser will launch a commemorative Toronto FC-branded Budweiser aluminum bottle at LCBO locations (Liquor Control Board of Ontario... where you HAVE to buy your booze) in the Greater Toronto Area beginning February 25 (An aside: If you're a TFC fan there's definitely some novelty in drinking a beer with your team's crest on it. But if you're NOT a TFC fan... what's the incentive to buy the TFC-branded four pack instead of, say, a plain, 30 pack? Surely there are few people who, in walking into their local LCBO, will spy the TFC Bud and exclaim "Oh my! We have a local soccer team? I never knew!")
- Having Budweiser "host a pre-game celebration at BMO Field with the Budweiser Big Rig (a mobile bar), live music and great giveaways"
- Fans will "enjoy food and beverages at the new Budweiser King Club at the North End of BMO Field"
- "For those watching at select bars across the GTA, Budweiser will extend the excitement with TFC prizing and giveaways for fans"
- Budweiser has committed to donating over US$350,000 to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s (owners of TFC) Team Up Foundation, which funds charities that support children through sport.
The irony of Budweiser's approach is all of this is a Free Beer Movement wet dream. Each one of the elements of Budweiser's approach to marketing soccer through beer is the cornerstone of the FBM Philosophy.
With one, very large exception. Where's the authenticity? Where's the local connection? Why does this stink of a big, glossy PR campaign without a soul? This deal has all the style with none of the substance.
This isn't the direction we want for North American soccer. Given that MLS and the accompanying lower-division soccer pyramid is young we've got a unique opportunity. Given the intense amount of passion associated with soccer and for one's club we've got a unique opportunity. Given the relative small size of soccer and it's "nitch" corner of the sport-scape we've got a unique opportunity.
A unique opportunity to shape North American soccer in the proper way. The local way.
North American soccer is in the unique position of being built while our culture, as a whole, is at a crossroads, where one path leads towards the "big box" approach: bigger, louder, inflexible, more santized OR the "local" approach: community-based, responsive, innovative, risk-taking, more subtle... kind of like how most would describe soccer as well.
Instead of locking itself in with Budweiser because they throw a good party with bad beer TFC should be looking to partner with craft breweries (and other local businesses) like Steam Whistle, Bellwoods Brewery, Junction Craft Brewing, Kesington Brewing Company, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Amsterdam Brewing Company, or Mill Street Brew Pub (thanks to several people on Twitter for the Toronto craft beer recommendations). The point is that there are over a dozen of craft brewers in the Toronto area that Reds fans most likely have an authentic connection to (and make a decent brew) and could partner in some capacity with their local team.
Yeah, none of these breweries could park a mobile "big rig" bar in the BMO Field parking lot or produce branded TFC aluminum bottles, but they certainly would communicate the idea that local and quality is a paramount focus for the here, now, and future of Toronto's soccer scene. That's something, especially in dire times for TFC's fan base, that they'd like to hear.
Ultimately that's what North American soccer should be about. A fan bleeds his or her local colors and they damn well should be able to drink a local beer in their stadium.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, Making The Case, The Best of Both Worlds
Planting the Seed of Soccer Across America: Danny Beerseed -
Editor's Note: We'll have more on these newly released supporter's beers in the future (and hopefully some samples), but here's some information to whet your whistle.
Press Release:
Gorilla Football Collective (GFC), an official supporters group of the Seattle Sounders FC, has partnered with Big Al Brewing and Dick’s Brewing Company to bring two distinct, craft beers to the 2013 soccer season. GFC, a 501c3 with a charitable emphasis, enjoys giving back to the community through its “CIVic Ticket” program, community service projects and fundraising events. Proceeds from both beers will benefit Gorilla FC Charities.
Big Al Brewing created for Gorilla FC Civ’s White IPA which is made using American Two Row, Malted Wheat, Unmalted Wheat, Oats, and given bitterness and aroma with Nugget and Cascade hops. This beer was designed with balance, flavor, and drinkability in mind. A refreshing wheat beer, with a unique Belgian character, balanced by an assertive bitterness and bright hop aroma and flavor and comes in at 6.0% ABV. Alejandro Brown President/Head Brewer of Big Al Brewing had this to say about the project "We are proud to partner with Gorilla FC who share our passion for Seattle Sounders FC and our commitment to community. We look forward to raising many pints of Civ's White IPA and funds for local charities while supporting our beloved Sounders with this remarkable organization!"
Dick’s Brewing Company is also working with GFC and they have produced the Dick’s Au GFC. The Dick’s Au GFC is a Golden Ale brewed with American Two Row, Malted Wheat, and Magnum hops. The Au GFC is dry hopped with 3 distinct varieties; Saaz, Mt. Hood and Tettnanger. The first sip brings refreshing crispness with a slightly sweet malty aftertaste. The dry hop adds a nice floral and herbal backbone to the beer making it a great session beer with a 5.5% ABV. Julie Young, Owner and Dave Pendleton, Head Brewer of Dick’s Brewing Company said, “We are very excited working with GFC as we are huge football fans! We love supporting GFC’s charity activities and are happy we can do that through our beer.” Dick’s Au GFC is a play on the periodic table symbol Au for Gold and when being ordered go ahead and ask your bartender for an, A-U GFC!
Big Al’s Civ’s White IPA and Dick’s Au GFC will have a special release at four GFC partner bar locations on March 2nd, 2013 for Sounders first kick: Fado Irish Pub in Pioneer Square, Auto Battery Bar and The Summit Public House on Capitol Hill, and Naked City Brewery & Taphouse in Greenwood. Starting March 3rd you will be able to find these two beers around the Puget Sound area. Soccer is a cause for drinking, now you can drink for a cause with Big Al and Dick’s and GFC! The beers are available now at the two breweries.
On March 15, 2013, from 4:30 to 9 p.m., a release party for both beers will be held at Golazo Headquarters 714 E Pike, Seattle WA 98122. Meet the brewers, enjoy Big Al’s Civ’s White IPA and Dick’s Au GFC while listening to a live DJ. Media and public are welcome! Proceeds from the event will benefit Gorilla FC Charities.
Tags: Beer, Major League Soccer, Supporters Groups, The Best of Both Worlds
