Questionable Passes Thrown on the Pitch

International soccer had its second go-round at M&T Bank Stadium this past weekend. But before the players even stepped on the pitch, they took a little bus ride up the road to Carroll County.

The day before the match, City players and coaches made their way up to Ravens Training Camp in Westminster where they got to mingle with the likes of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and avid soccer fan/player Trevor Pryce. And after a few pointers from the kicking team, a players attempted field goals...with soccer balls…from the 50-yard line…in street shoes!! To see for yourself, go to City’s website: US Tour: When City met the Ravens

Also, that night the City boys visited the soccer-crazed pub Slainte’s- make sure to check out that story while on City’s site!! Slainte is latest ‘Heart of the City’

Back to Match Day: Baltimore was Manchester City’s last leg on a whirl-wind 4 game US tour as part of their preseason; Inter Milan arrived right off of the jet from Italy to begin their pre-season US tour in Baltimore. The match may have been dubbed a ‘friendly’, however as we all saw it was anything but: a couple scuffles in the first half resulted in three yellow cards and one unfortunate (and suspect) red card against City’s Patrick Vieira- about 25 minutes into the game!! This changed the pace of the whole match, as City had to play a man down the rest of the match. Side note: Red cards are not usually given in friendlies and produced quite an uproar with the crowd, as Inter Milan took full advantage of the situation.

Soccer Soccer Everywhere . . . .

This was the week we finally got to crow about the impending Manchester City - Inter Milan soccer match coming to M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, July 31st.

(That's Terry talking with Liz Farmer of the Daily Record about the economic impact of the event.  You can see him on video here.)

The "friendly" has been in the works a long time, and the press conference scheduled and rescheduled several times.  Having the news seep out a little early did nothing to quell the interest and enthusiasm of the press and general public in the prospects of another energetic, sold-out event this summer.

In fact, all of us have been questioned pretty much all the time about when and who the next soccer rockers were going to be. It is nice to finally be able to direct folks to ticket sales.

Particularly fortuitous about the announcement was the timing.   The Inter Milan side was in Madrid, preparing for the European Champions League final against Munich.  Inter Milan had already wrapped the Serie A and league titals;  winning the Champions League would be the equivilent of a triple crown.

Keeping soccer even more in the forefront of conversation is the impending World Cup competition in South Africa, which always brings the conversation back to --- how is Maryland doing in the bid to host a match if the US is awarded either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup?

Yes, we get asked that all the time, too.  And yes, even though the US bid has officially been delivered, Terry is still churning up support to remind US and FIFA officials that Maryland is a hotbed of soccer mania and splendid facilities.

Part of this campaign is the ongoing effort to get signers for the online petition -- the link for which is carried on this blog and also the main website.  But Terry is reaching even further -- trying to tap into every sports bar, running reminders on scoreboards, and sending email alerts to clubs and rec leagues.  (If it's possible to get an app, Terry will probably figure a way to have you vote via Iphone.)

In fact, that latest word is that our campaign has 15,000 signatures and is in the top five contenders.

It was actually part of this outreach effort that took me to Fells Point yesterday to a place where soccer-watching is said to be a religion.   Somehow this seemed to be a good choice to watch Inter Milan and see what kind of crowd really follows this stuff, and if they could somehow be incorporated into our petition signing campaign.

It's not like I'm a stranger at sports bars (as the folks in the establishment beyond centerfield will attest) but I'd never seen anything quite like this before.  For one thing, everyone in the place wore some kind of soccer shirt.  Didn't have anything to do with who was playing (although there was a sizable delegation of black and blues quaffing pints) but more a celebration of European soccer in general.   Most shirts were from English clubs, although the Croation was a colorful touch.  (As the only Saprissa in the house,  I was floored that someone actually recognized the Costa Rican purple dragon.)

I snagged a stool next to a British visitor who identified all the shirts and explained many of the soccer customs (his tutorial on the rules helped, too.)

What I was actually listening for was chatter about Inter Milan's visit to Baltimore (although there was regret expressed that Special One will probably have moved on to his next miracle by then, everyone I spoke with was planning to go) and thoughts about the World Cup (some of the zealots there were actually planning to take off work to watch the tournament to the end.)

It was an enlightening experience.  I was delighted Milan won, because that translates into even greater interest in their appearance here.  But I was genuinely astounded by the whooping and hollering that goes on while watching a soccer match halfway across the world in which not a single American seemed to be involved.

I also enjoyed explaining the role Baltimore played in the War of 1812 to the chap from Tottenham, who quickly retorted that if his side hadn't been dealing with Napolean and all his nonsense, we'd all still be part of the family.

Looking around that room at all the soccer-mad locals in their Arsenal jerseys, I couldn't help but think maybe we are.

Anyway, this was the week for soccer.  Next week, it's all lacrosse, all the time and the following week we'll be learning even more about that Indy Race that is zooming our way next year.

Sign the petition!

Team Terry, Mining for Gold

While our bids for future World Cup competitions are marinating somewhere, Team Terry went prospecting for gold.  The CONCACAF Gold Cup, that is.  CONCACAF is the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football and it is one of six continental confederations in the FIFA family.

Gold Cup occurs the year before and after World Cup, and two years before FIFA Confederations Cup, which will be in Brazil in 2013.   They are all qualifiers for the quadrennial showdown in some way or another.

The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be the 11th edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition and 21st CONCACAF regional championship overall.  A host nation for the Gold Cup has not yet been announced, so Terry and the Ravens are in the hunt -- not for the final match, but for one of the qualifying rounds.  This would work into other stadium complex uses much better, and is potentially more lucrative because it involves a longer stay for the teams and use of practice facilities.

In 2009, the Gold Cup series was held in the United States.  RFK in Washington was selected for an early round and hosted a double header on July 8th.

I'm learning that the world of international soccer offers many opportunities to bring top teams to Maryland, whether they be these continental tournaments, or barnstorming "friendlies."  As interest in soccer continues to grow, OSM and our partners will keep pursuing them.

Who, What, Where, When, and Why

Team Terry can't go anywhere without tout le monde asking about the international soccer match planned this summer at M&T Bank Stadium.  Yes, we thought we'd know something definite by now, but there are reasons why we don't.  So to answer as many of your questions as possible, we're giving you it to you in Journalism 101 format.

WHO:  We aren't sure whice teams are coming, but they will be major league (Premier, etc.) and European.

WHAT:  An exhibition or "friendly" match.  Unlike last year, this won't be a part of an International Football Challenge or round robin tournament.

WHY:  Remember, 2010 is a World Cup year.  That creates conflicts with league schedules since many players leave their professional team in order to participate in their nation's quest for the World Cup.  World Cup rounds take place in South Africa between June 11 and July 11.  (England is scheduled to play the US  June 12.)  World Cup obligations have made a US tour for European sides a tad trickier than last year.

WHEN:  Another variable.  The data has vacillated between July 25 and July 31, but that doesn't mean another date between those might not be selected.

WHERE:  That part we know-- M&T Bank Stadium.

Believe us, as soon as we have the answers to "when" and "who"  (as well as "how much") we'll let you know.  But we can guarantee that interest in soccer will be intensified by the focus on World Cup competition.  You'll be seeing and hearing about it all summer.  We already know of three large venues in Maryland planning "watch" parties.  By the time our match rolls around in late July, the country will be primed for the top flight soccer action we'll be bringing to Baltimore.

Another steller soccer showdown

Terry called this one in as he headed home from FedEx after the DC United-Real Madrid match. He was one of 72,368 who braved heat and humidity (the dreaded double H were in the mid-nineties today) to see the local MLS side take on the Greatest Team Money Can Buy. (Real Madrid recently stunned the soccer world by applying New York Yankee methods to roster development. Several of their $375 million acquistions were unveiled today.)

The high ticket talent eventually prevailed 3-0, but United kept them contained for a good portion of the game, thrilling the hometown fans.

Terry remarked that once again, enthusiasm and attendance showed how supportive Maryland and the Metropolitan region are for soccer. United's fan clubs demonstrated the spirit the franchise is known for with singing, flag waving and drum beating. It was an impressive display for the US bid executives who returned to the region for the FedEx match after attending the friendly two weeks ago at M&T.

We won't know for a few weeks if Maryland makes the cut for consideration in the US bid to host the World Cup, but there is no doubt a strong base of support exists in our state.

Sold Out Soccer

It’s official – the Chelsea FC-AC Milan soccer match taking place at M&T Bank Stadium July 24th has sold out, ten days before the event. This “friendly” is more than an exhibition . For the first time, the European soccer teams who cross the pond post season will be participating in a round robin tournament known as the World Football Challenge. Each team plays three times in the six matches, accumulating points to determine the winner of the inaugural Challenge. The event in Baltimore will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Baltimore, with its avid soccer community, is a natural to host a contest between two teams recognized as the best of the best. The fact that this came about is a tribute to the synergy created by the Office of Sports Marketing and the Baltimore Ravens, who took quick advantage of an opening in the schedule to land this premiere event (au revior, Montreal) on very short notice.

The showcase event gives us yet another opportunity to demonstrate why Maryland is such an excellent choice. We’ll be commenting as more preparations take place prior to Friday’s face off.

Are you ready for some Futbol?

Hard to believe, but within a span of three weeks, Maryland will host four European soccer teams in three matches at three different stadiums.

On July 13, local Crystal Palace team will host their British parent, Crystal Palace FC, at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, when the Blue Crabs are on the road. The Crabs are getting into the act, having a special promotion for all kids wearing their soccer uniforms to the July 9th game.

July 24th brings the Chelsea and Milan AC teams to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. This match, part of a summer round robin tournament known as the World Football Challenge, is nearly sold out now. It will be broadcast live on ESPN, and carried internationally.

August 9th will pit DC United against Real Madrid at FedEx field. The lower bowl is already sold out.

With a possible World Cup bid looming, Maryland will be showing the world just how enthusiastic it is about the sport the rest of the world calls "futbol." It's more than just our great facilities and convenient access. Maryland has a tremendous youth soccer network that helps drive ticket sales. This is the month we get to strut our stuff.