Soccer Ramblings from

Looking Back: Bobby Rhine

2012-01-09T10:26:00.000-06:00

I know it has been a few months since Bobby Rhine suddenly passed away. Many people who knew him well have written more eloquently than I about the life and legacy of Bobby Rhine. A few nights ago I was killing time with my phone perusing Twitter. I followed Bobby Rhine on Twitter. I had forgotten I followed Bobby Rhine on Twitter. I re-read his last tweet which is still there. “…Going off the grid for some beach time. Cup full of seeyoulaterade.”

I started following the Burn in 1997 – Rhine was drafted in 1999. For every game since then, Bobby has been with the club. He was always supporting the team in every way he could – on and off the field. I was proud that a former FC Dallas player like Bobby was still with the team calling the action. He fit everywhere he ever was at the club.

I did not know Bobby Rhine. I had only spoken to him once briefly after a game at the Cotton Bowl. A couple friends and I were hanging out after the game near the locker room and he came over and started a conversation. What athlete does that? When he died, it hit me harder than I thought it would or maybe even should.

I am lucky, other than grandparents, everyone I love and care about is still here. I have never understood the mass outpourings of grief I see on TV – memorials and flowers left by people for someone who they never knew. Until Bobby Rhine died.

I was in kind of a daze for a couple days. It was so sad and impossible to comprehend.

My men’s team here in Austin, we wear FC Dallas blue uniforms. One player on the team brought black arm bands for the team and we wore them in his honor. I don’t remember if we won or lost. The first FC Dallas game without Bobby in the booth was unbelievably sad. I missed his voice and his enthusiasm. I still do. That photo in the TV booth with Bobby leaning over and calling the action with Steve Jolley – it is the one picture that keeps coming into my mind.

I have 2 kids. I guess when you die the best that you can hope for is that you were loved and you will be remembered. Bobby Rhine was loved by those who knew him and he is missed by many more who did not. One day when FC Dallas wins MLS Cup and raises it into the sky I hope Bobby Rhine is looking down smiling. And when we win the Cup, I hope the players and the team look up to the sky and remember Bobby Rhine.

Wanna be the best ?

2011-02-02T15:07:00.000-06:00

2010 All Goals from FC Dallas

2010-12-27T10:25:00.000-06:00

Austin Aztex Gone Like The Wind

2010-11-17T17:16:00.001-06:00

So the Austin Aztex are gone. This was a big surprise for just about everyone as well as a HUGE disappointment for all. From all indications, everything about the team on and off the field was moving in the right direction. So how did it come to this? What changed?

The team was pretty good. The future looked bright. Attendance was up 25% in 2010 from 2009 to about 3,300 per game. 3,300 fans per game put the Aztex smack in the middle of attendance ranks for USL D1 teams and the Aztex probably didn’t give away any more tickets than anybody else. That is not bad for Year 2 of D1 soccer.

The Austin area has at least 30,000 youths playing some sort of organized club or school soccer. Austin has around 10,000 adults playing some sort of organized soccer. There are about 40,000 people in Austin who are fans of the game, who watch and follow soccer. That is 80,000 people who you should be able to count on to support the local team, right? That does not include friends and family who might go to a game as well.

If every soccer fan in Austin came to just one Aztex game per year – the Aztex would average about 5,333 people per game. Would that be enough to keep the Aztex here – my guess is yes.

Everyone is complaining about Phil Rawlins and what a bastard he is and how he lied to everyone and how in the world he could do this to us. Or maybe we did this to him.

My only problem with the team leaving is that not much had changed from the time the team kicked off until now. The travel costs, stadium costs and stadium issues have been there since Day 1. Maybe the economy is not as good as it was when the idea for the team was born – but what else had changed? Nothing really.

But soccer is a tough sell in the USA. You have to sell it every day, you have to fight against the mainstream for every inch you get. Just ask MLS. Ask FC Dallas. It is every day, grinding work. It takes time to gain a presence and a following. Why? In part, because soccer fans don’t unite behind their sport. Youth soccer organizations work against each other. Many EPL fans think MLS is below them. The Aztex play on an artificial surface.

There are all sorts of reasons why a fine soccer fan won’t watch an MLS game or in this case an Aztex game. Wishing the team well is all fine and good – but if you don’t actively support local soccer it will go away. And now it has gone again. If you don’t go to the games and buy a ticket, you are not supporting local soccer. If you buy on-line or go to Academy to save $5 rather than go to your local soccer store – the soccer store will go away too.

Then you are left with nothing. If you didn’t go to a game this year, you have no right to lament their loss.

Soccer is not big enough in this country to survive through apathy from its own fans and players. Yes the team or the store has to earn your business, but their business is your passion and you should do what you can to support them if they deserve it.

Phil Rawlins deserves some blame for pulling the plug early but Austin soccer deserves more blame for not turning out in better numbers. We only have ourselves to blame.

FC DALLAS "RED & WHITE"

2010-11-12T11:22:00.000-06:00

Fastest Own Goal Ever !

2010-11-09T13:18:00.000-06:00

Glentoran 1-0 Portadown BURROWS GOAL

2010-10-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

World Cup Final

2010-07-11T10:34:00.002-05:00

I had Spain as the winner before The Cup started - and I still believe they will win. But it will be nice to see 2 deserving countries play for the Cup who have never won it before.

Lets hope the game turns out as great as it could and should be.

These have been the two best teams of the tournament - with Germany a close 3rd.

My MVP of the tournament: Diego Forlan

Make Some Noise

2010-06-21T12:01:00.003-05:00

We have the Vuvuzela horn - in stock. Impress your neighbors, wives, girlfriends and boyfriends with the sound of the World Cup 2010.

New Under Armour Cleats Have Arrived

2010-06-07T07:54:00.008-05:00

Austin Aztex - We're in Austin, too

2010-05-29T11:51:00.000-05:00

Black Mexico Jerseys are Here in Austin

2010-04-29T11:57:00.002-05:00

Finally.

World Cup Countdown

2010-04-27T10:56:00.003-05:00

CC United Raiders U12

2010-03-02T15:40:00.012-06:00

Check CC United website for field status: http://www.ccunited.com/

or CAYSA website: http://www.caysa.org/

3/7/10 SPARTANS 12:00 P.M. WCRP Field 2

3/13/10 BYE

3/20/10 BYE

3/27/10 CCU THUNDER 10:00 a.m WCRP Field 1

4/3/10 Wells Branch Fusion 12:00 P.M. WCRP Field 2

4/11/10 vs NASA Spartans 4:00 p.m. St. Francis

4/17/10 vs CCU Thunder 10:00 a.m. RAINED OUT

4/24/10 SPARTANS 12:00 p.m. St Francis

4/25/10 vs CCU Thunder 2:00 p.m. WCRP Field 1

5/1/10 THUNDER 2:00 P.M. WCRP Field 6 - Stadium Field

5/8/10 Wells Branch Fusion 3:00 p.m. Wells Branch

MAPS

WCRP http://www.ccunited.com/index.php?ct=map_wcrp

RRSA http://www.rrsa.org/field_rrsa_map.php

St Francis http://www.rivercityrangers.org/images/rcr_fields_stfrancis_1.gif

Wells Branch http://www.wellsbranchsoccer.com/images/fields/wb_field_11.gif

Dirty tackles of the week

2010-02-25T13:22:00.001-06:00

Do not try this at home.

New Stuff

2010-02-06T09:40:00.004-06:00

Tons of new cleats, gear and apparel from adidas. Highlights are the

Real Madrid Away jersey.

Youth adidas Absolado Cleats - in Leather.

Adult adidas adipure III cleats.

Plus adidas techfit heat gear - long sleeve and short sleeve in black and white. Its cold outside.

Youth black adidas Sereno training pants.

Plus much more. And more on the way.

Hey Refs - OSI Gear is IN !!!

2010-01-11T16:42:00.002-06:00

Hello referees. Our Official Sports referee gear is in - official USSF referee jerseys are now in stock - in long and short sleeve, in Pro and Economy styles.

Plus socks and Fox 40 whistles - with more referee accessories on the way.

You can't give out a red card unless you look like a ref!!!

England World Cup Jersey in Stock

2009-12-19T17:43:00.002-06:00

This just in - the new England World Cup 2010 jersey - in the traditional white.

England training jerseys in stock as well.

Replica and training jerseys available now in all sizes - youth and adult.

New Jerseys In Stock - More Than You Can Shake a Stick At

2009-12-16T15:48:00.005-06:00

World Cup Draw 2010

2009-12-04T15:29:00.002-06:00

It is all in front of the USA now - a dream World Cup draw. If the USA does not advance:

1. Bob Bradley should be punched in the nose.
2. Should have to find his own way home.

But we should advance out of the group. Anything less would be a disaster worse than 2006 proportions.

2009-12-02T12:52:00.006-06:00

New adidas Predator X Cleats are in stock in all sizes. We have the $220 retail and $110 retail cleats in the black and red color way.

Also in stock are the newly unveiled Germany and Argentina jerseys that will be worn during the 2010 World Cup.

New adidas Gear

2009-10-29T10:16:00.009-05:00

Some of our new adidas gear flowing into the store. Print this section of the Soccer Post Blog, bring it in and receive a 25% discount on ANYTHING IN THE SOCCER POST of Austin through the end of November 2009.

Below is some of our new adidas gear. We have also received new shipments of adidas goalie gloves, goalie jerseys, shin guards and balls:

Take Care of Your Cleats

2009-10-20T15:27:00.003-05:00

If you just bought some cleats from us, thank you. Even if you didn't there are some things you can do to take care of your investment. To make sure your cleats will last as long as possible whether they are leather of synthetic, here are some tips:

Mud and dirt are best removed using warm water and a brush or cloth.
To dry your cleats, fill them with newspaper, which is highly absorbent. Place the cleats in a dry place - out of direct sunlight.
The best way to care for your leather cleats is with boot cream or shoe polish. Clean your boots first, then once a week or twice a month, rub some polish or leather cream onto your cleat uppers. Let air dry.
Leather or synthetic cleats do not require waterproofing.
Do not put mink oil on leather cleats unless you really want to stretch out the leather.
When storing the cleats, use a boot tree. This way they will maintain their original shape.
A characteristic of soccer cleats made from genuine leather: In the course of use, a small gap may develop between the outer sole and the shoe last or shank. This is normal and will not affect your play.

DO NOT:

Do not put leather cleats in a washing machine.
Do not put the leather cleats in a bag after washing. They will need to air dry.
Do not expose the cleats to direct sunlight or a near heat source like an oven or a radiator after washing. The leather must dry from the inside to the outside. If that is not the case the leather may crack which reduces the lifespan of the cleats.

Doing some or all of these hints will help lengthen the life of your cleats.

Enjoy and play good soccer.

- chris

2009-10-03T10:07:00.002-05:00

2009-10-03T10:02:00.002-05:00

Nike Mercurial Vapor V

2009-06-15T12:05:00.002-05:00

Two words: Nike Vapor

Loads of Replicas

2009-06-11T08:22:00.010-05:00

Its been a little while since I updated this blog, and that is my fault. But that does not mean nothing has been happening.

In addition to receiving several new styles of cleats - we have loads of new replicas for the summer. Get them while they last:

2009-04-22T17:15:00.006-05:00

Lotto Cleat Sale

Lotto Zhero Evolution Due

Regular Price $150

Sale Price $100

Save $50

It is a super lightweight synthetic, similar to the Nike Vapor but with a wider fit.

Lotto Stadio Campioni FG

This is a Kangaroo leather of Lotto's Stadio Campioni. It has a unique glossy finish and offers improved durability and more support.

Fits and feels very similar to the Nike Legend or Ronaldinho line of kangaroo leather cleats.

Trust me, this is an awesome shoe and feels great on the foot.

Regular Price: $165 Sale Price $115 SAVE $50

Lots of Lotto

2009-02-07T09:06:00.020-06:00

We have received the first of our Spring shipments of Lotto adult and youth cleats and turf shoes. We expect a second shipment of more cleats and flats in the next few weeks. First the adult shoes:

The Lotto Zhero Evolution Due

The Lotto Zhero Evolution Due brings you Italian performance and flair at a competitive price point. Here are some of the features of the Zhero Evolution Due:

Water-repellent microfiber upper
Asymmetric lacing.
Removable anatomical insole with Shock-Absorber in the heel area.
The sole also features Twist'n'go technology which which consists of a rotating stud under the big toe of each shoe which penetrates the ground and allows the shoe to rotate around it.
With Twist'n'go, pivoting takes place more rapidly than a traditional stud, foot to ground friction is reduced, improving performance. Risk of injury is reduced because the balance and axis of rotation is maintained.
9.0 ounces

Lotto Zhero Mito Due

- This soccer boot has an extremeley soft and supple, water-resistant, full grain leather upper

- It features modular lacing, an EVA insole and Puntoflex technology for greater feel and rebound.

- The stitched outsole adds durability while the TPU plate with rounded studs grab firm natural surfaces like a pro.

- 9.6 ounces

Lotto Primato FG

- The full-grain calfskin leather upper on the Lotto Primato LX FG soccer shoe provides durability and excellent in boot feel.

- New, better gripping PU outsole with Polyamide reinforced frame and 12 fixed studs.

- Puntoflex technology and a Shock-Off heel insert.

- For use on firm, natural or artificial surfaces.

- 9.6 ounces

Lotto Stadio Mondiale Turf

- Supple full grain leather upper.
- EVA insole offers shock absorption.
- Soccer cleat made for playing on hard ground or synthetic grass.
- Lightweight upper is constructed from supple full grain leather.
- Flexibility is improved with the Puntoflex device that allows the foot to flex correctly and gives an excellent elastic return.
- Outsole is stitched to the upper to increase the longevity of the footwear.
- 6.00 oz.

And now our Lotto youth shoes:

Soft, supple full-grain leather upper provides a great fit and fantastic look.

Stitching design adds element of good looks and great craftsmanship.
Lace-up closure provides a snug fit.
Foldover tongue creates a smooth kicking surface for better ball control.
Shock-Off™ insert is placed in the heel area to absorb and disperse impact.
Puntoflex® technology in the forefoot allows for proper flex and rebound.
Studded outsole for excellent traction, perfect for firm ground or natural grass.

Lotto Punta Jr

Water-repellent Premium Plus upper.
Asymmetric lacing with an EVA insole and midsole.
Puntoflex technology in the forefoot allows for proper flex and rebound.
The outsoles are stitched to the upper to increase the longevity of the footwear.
Also available in white with blue trim
Only $20 a pair.

Employee of the Month

2009-01-29T15:32:00.006-06:00

Hunter
Idea Guy
Shoe Expert
Cider Maven

and an Arsenal fan in a Chelsea jersey.

Beckham: To MLS or Not to MLS? That is the Question

2009-01-28T17:05:00.007-06:00

You can't blame him. Beckham has played for some of the biggest teams in the world on soccer's biggest stages. Getting excited about playing in Columbus on a hot Wednesday in August doesn't quite compare to Milan v Roma.

I am a big fan of Major League Soccer but even I can admit that Beckham is just too big for the league. Going from Real Madrid and winning La Liga and then going to the mess in LA has to be frustrating. In LA, he is on a team that has players that shouldn't be on an MLS team let alone starting. The MLS cap structure just doesn't allow for having 2 big salary guys and still put together a decent team. I hope he sticks around for one more season but if he wants to stay in Milan, who can blame him? Its a team in a rebuilding stage that is doubtful to make the playoffs for the 4th year in a row.

Becks is an easy target and everyone loves to take their shots, but the fact remains he is a starter at AC Milan, left Real Madrid as a starter and the guy can still play. He wants one more World Cup with England and playing with Ely Allen and Dema Kovalenko this summer does not help his chances. Maybe he and MLS should have seen this coming, but at least they tried. It was interesting while it lasted.

The more pressing concern in my opinion is that MLS needs to come up with a mechanism so that players like Kenny Cooper and Sacha Klejstian can stay and play in MLS and get paid favorably to what they can make in Norway or Scotland. That is how MLS will become more popular, increase tv ratings and increase attendance. Keep young, exciting American players playing in America.

Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan may be destined for bigger leagues, but MLS needs a way to keep the bread and butter American players in America. Or otherwise MLS will always be looking for the next big import.

Referee gear from Official Sports

2009-01-20T09:30:00.003-06:00

We are loaded with referee gear from Official Sports Inc - the official supplier to the US Soccer Federation.

We have the new official referee jersey style in all the colors. We have sizes from Youth Large through XXL. We also have long sleeve jerseys in yellow and green in adult sizes. We have loads of black referee shorts.

We have referee socks in youth and adult sizes.

We have whistles, warning cards, data wallets, linesman flags - everything a veteran or brand new referee could possibly need.

All this has come in within the last week so come in now to choose from the biggest selection.

Coming Soon.....

2009-01-10T22:32:00.003-06:00

Kelme is Here

2009-01-10T21:55:00.015-06:00

The first of our Spring 2009 shipments has arrived with several full runs of all leather cleats and turf shoes for adults and youth from Kelme.

KELME DIABLO AIRE
The Kelme Diablo Aire TRX soccer shoe feature Kelme's innovative Kool Air technology which has a revolutionary design that keeps water out while letting cool air flow around your feet.
The Diablo is 100% waterproof and breathable.

UPPER: Lightweight kangaroo leather with a ceramic finish.

OUTSOLE: TRX4 with bladed studs.

WEIGHT: 9.6 ounces.

KELME MASTER SERENA TRX

The Kelme Master Serena TRX Soccer Shoe features a full grain leather upper with and external tongue flap with an all natural fields profile.

UPPER: Made of soft full-grain leather for excellent touch on the ball. Includes an external tongue flap.

Outsole: TRX4 outsole for excellent traction and shock absorption. Biomechanically engineered cleat placement for optimum surface contact and traction, ensuring maximum comfort and stability.

Profile: Designed for use on all natural surfaces / fields. Weight: 9.4 ounces.

Kelme Azteca

The Kelme Azteca FG Soccer Shoe features soft full grain leather and is an homage to Mexican soccer in color scheme and detail. A high quality soccer cleat for players of all ages and skill levels.

UPPER: Made of soft full-grain leather for quality touch on the ball and durability. Fold-over tongue flap is decorated with Mexican flag, Kelme logo & paw print.

Outsole: Biomechanically designed PU outsole with midsole shank for torsional rigidity. Studs in a combination of different shapes for increased traction and braking power.

Profile: Designed for use on all natural surfaces

Kelme Master Serena Turf

UPPER: Full grain leather for comfort and durability.
OUTSOLE: Incredibly durable rubber for use on turf and hard ground.
Imported.

Kelme Master Serena TRX Jr.

Available at the Soccer Post in youth sizes in both all black and all white colors.

The Kelme Jr. Master Serena TRX Soccer Shoes feature soft full grain leather. A high quality soccer cleat for young soccer players of all skill levels.

UPPER: Made of soft full-grain leather for great touch on the ball and durable performance.

Outsole: TRX4 outsole for excellent traction and shock absorption. Biomechanically engineered cleat placement for optimum surface contact and traction, ensuring maximum comfort and stability.

Profile: Designed for use on all natural fields.

Kelme Master Serena Turf Jr.

Available at the Soccer Post in youth sizes in both all black and all white colors.
UPPER: Full grain leather for comfort and durability.
OUTSOLE: Incredibly durable rubber for use on turf and hard ground.
Imported.

We also have Backpacks, parkas, shoe bags and other gear:

2 Puma Cleats

2008-12-29T18:59:00.002-06:00

We received 2 colors of Puma Vencida II iFG cleats. Right now, we are stocked in sizes 4 1/2 -12.

The Vencida is a soft, full grain leather upper with quilted vamp and GripTex ankle lining. It has off-centered lacing and a foldover tongue. It has a lightweight TPU injected bi density outsole with firm ground stud configuration and DuoFlex technology.

The Vencida runs about a 1/2 size small and is not as wide as a typical Puma. It is a great mid-level, lightweight, leather cleat.

One customer writes: "The Puma Vencida II i FG is a great shoe. I wore them all last season, they are extremely comfortable."

Spring Season 2009

2008-12-29T18:43:00.000-06:00

2008 is almost over and it is time to look ahead to 2009 and the Spring season. High school soccer starts in early January, adult soccer in February and youth soccer in February and March.

We are expecting big shipments of product into the store in January as we gear up for the Spring youth and adult soccer seasons. We will be getting in several new cleat styles we have never carried before, shorts, jerseys, bags, referee gear and plenty more.

As new product arrives I will highlight some special items and let you know what we have. We hope to start seeing shipments within a week or so. As we head into our 3rd full year as a store, we hope we can continue to grow as we have the last 2 years. It has been our privilege to serve such a diverse, dedicated and energetic group as the Austin soccer community. We are happy to be a part of it.

- Chris

As always, feel free to stop by or give us a call if you are looking for anything