3.21.14
ASN Morning Read: We Can't Have Nice Things
Less than three months out, things aren't looking too bright in Manaus; Julian Green clearly has media training; Toluca's coach rubs salt in the wound; Aron Johannsson advances in Europe.
BY
Jesse Yomtov
Posted
March 21, 2014
7:55 AM
The pitch at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus is damaged and undergoing emergency repair because of course it is. Grass is seriously undernourished due to the excessive use of fertilizer and patches in the penalty areas are almost completely devoid of grass.
In even gloomier news, the chief of the Amazonian military says his forces will be on heightened terrorism alert for the games featuring the U.S. and England. "[Their presence here] represents a concern for us, because people target those two countries for terrorism actions," General Ubiratan Poty said. "That is a concern for us. Our national intelligence agency has not yet provided us with the report of the threats, but one way or the other we will have extra attention for those two teams, where they are training. One hour before and three hours after their games all the air space in the region will be closed."
Ole Pongratz managed to speak to Julian Green on Tuesday. Asked about any guarantee Klinsmann might have made about the World Cup and his chances of making the roster, Green was quite diplomatic for an 18-year-old. "Guarantees never exist. No, I just want to perform, show my stuff, and if I’m there, I am there," he said. "I just want to step on the gas and in the end, we’ll see."
Toluca coach Jose Cardozo whined about how the Earthquakes played in Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal match and then took a shot at American soccer. Said the Paraguayan: “Here they say soccer has grown a lot in the United States, but I honestly don’t know in what way.” Whatever floats your boat, bro.
Aron Johannsson went the full 90 as AZ advanced to the Europa League quarterfinals with a 0-0 draw at Anzhi, going through 1-0 on aggregate. They'll play Benfica in the next round.
Meanwhile, Brad Friedel started in goal for Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at Benfica, but Spurs crashed out 5-3 on aggregate.
New York City Football Club unveiled its official team badge, as voted on by the public. It’s inspired by New York subway tokens (RIP), which is pretty cool
The Seattle Sounders have shared business operations with the Seahawks since the city was awarded a franchise in 2007, but that will change April 30, when the club becomes independent from the Super Bowl champions. Part-owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer says the move establishes “Sounders 2.0." They’ll still play at CenturyLink Field and Seahawks owner Paul Allen retains his 25 percent share of the Sounders.
