Disclaimer #1: I realize that this is a Colorado Rapids and MLS blog, not USMNT.

Disclaimer #2: I realize I have a man crush (based on all 3 criteria) on Timmy and am hopelessly biased.

That being said, going into a huge USMNT weekend, it is time to establish once and for all that goalkeeper Tim Howard is the best US Soccer player. Period. I give you the top 5 reasons this is the case

1. He is the unquestioned #1 for club (Everton) and country
2. He is among the 2 players on the USMNT whose loss would have the greatest effect on our performance (I’d say Donovan is the other clear choice on this list)
3. He has performed in the best league in the world (EPL) and distinguished himself as one of the top keepers in Europe (reference: David Moyes)
4. He has excelled in the Europa league in UEFA, the finest regional association in the world
5. He is an absolute rock, a consistent leader whether we are playing T&T at home or Mexico at the Azteca

US National Team Everton, Tim Howard, US Men's National Team

You can now vote for the MLS All Stars that will face (my favorite EPL team) Everton at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah on July 29, 2009. You can vote up to 10 times a day online by clicking here.

Who are you going to vote for? Conor Casey has my vote right now.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, English Premier League, Everton, MLS All Star Game

In the US vs. Guatemala game at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, young Jozy Altidore caught my eye. It wasn’t that one phase of his game was overly dominant, he just seemed to do everything well and be in the right place at the right time.

Apparently the Toffees have taken interest as well, though Villareal has rejected Everton’s loan offer. Read more…

International Soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS), US National Team Dick, English Premier League, Everton, Jozy Altidore, red bulls, toffees, US Men's National Team

I just noticed recently that Channel 3 in Denver, KCDO based in Sterling, CO, is airing English Premier League Football games. I believe the games are through the Bolton and Everton football channels. The quality is quite poor, and the games vary from 1 day to 6 months old, but hey…it’s free!

The other exciting part is that sometimes even though the TV information in the cable guide says “English Premier League,” it will actually turn out to be a kitchen appliance infomercial with Mr. T. If I can’t get EPL for free, Mr. T is a more than adequate plan B.

International Soccer channel 3, Denver, English Premier League, Everton, KCDO, Mr. T

I just purchased 2 Blue Package (9 games) tickets, and the customer service representative provided me a very helpful tool. This 3D Interactive view of the stadium allows you to view the sight line from any row in the stadium.

I remember I sat in Section 116 in about row 5 for the Rapids vs. Everton game, and about half the field was only viewable through the net. So for these tickets I chose to head up to row 16.

If you are thinking about purchasing tickets, check out the 3d map first!

Rapids News and Analysis 3D, Everton, Major League Soccer, Rapids Stadium, Section 116, sight line