So I have a new favorite on the team. I think that watching international football (my boyfriend is a huge fan, so English premier league & World Cup is on our TV…everyday.) has kind of exposed me a little bit to “real” soccer. Or football, depending on what you want to call it. American Soccer is different than watching international soccer. I think that, and my BF pointed it out, that in international soccer, there’s a lot of crossing (I am not a soccer player, so excuse me for not knowing the technical terms) up, so that when someone like Fredy Montero kicks the ball, there’s someone who has crossed up the center to kick it in. Also, in international football/soccer, it seems like they are better and quicker at passing, and it doesn’t seem like they pass it back – they actually pass it up field. That’s one thing that is always bugging me at games – I want them to pass it up! I guess it’s some kind of tactic to keep it from the other team, or to waste time. But, guys, pass it up so we can score!
Anyway, the whole point of the post – I heart Kasey Keller. I think that since I HAVE started to watch some of the more experienced teams, I’ve started to realize how lucky we are to have such an amazing goalie. When I played soccer (I was 12, so it doesn’t really count) I hated being put into the goalie position. It was boring. I wanted to be in on the action. And really – at 12 – who has goalies that are any good? Who has strikers that make having a good goalie a requirement? So I’ve never really appreciated the need for having someone who can get the angles and will put himself out there to save it.

Another thing that I’ve learned about Keller – he puts the team first. It was recently explained to me about “designated players” and how the rest of the team only gets to split about $3million for everyone else’s salary, but the DP has no cap. I think that is ridiculous. Now, Ljunberg seems to be pretty amazing, and I’m not saying that he hasn’t earned his money. All I’m saying is that we have an awesome player that really did take one for the team (since he also has the experience and skill to earn a large salary!). (If I remember correctly, Keller was on premier leagues as well.) So, all I REALLY wanted to do here was recognize Kasey Keller and tell everyone that I think he’s awesome. So, Keller, you’re awesome, and here’s to you!!
PS – anyone know where I can get a Keller t-shirt?













