...And We're Back!

After a break for vacation, the Demosphere Insider is back. Things have slowed down considerably following the Olympics from last week. I believe many, including myself, are still stunned that the US Women took home gold after beating Brazil last week, 1-0. Our favorite national teamer, Carli Lloyd, scored the game winner! More to come next week.

Finally, some good tv!

There have have been dozens of feel-good stories at the Olympics in Beijing this summer. Rarely do we see negative stories...the Olympics is usually about everything that is good with sports and humanity.

That's why this video caught my eye. Jenn Stuczynski, an American pole vaulter, won Silver after barely losing to Russian Yelena Isinbayeva. She is the current world record holder and also defeated Stuczynski at the World Championships earlier this year.

Despite losing to the best women's pole vaulter in the world, her coach decided to let her have it after the competition. He was clearly disappointed in the loss. Very entertaining.

Bring on Brazil!

Thanks to a 4-2 win over Japan, the US moves to the Gold Medal game on Thursday against Brazil. No word on whether Brianna Scurry will start in goal.

Japan Time!

Less than 2 hours from now, the US Women will take on Japan in the Olympic Semifinals. The winner is guaranteed of a medal and will play the winner of Brazil/Germany in the Final. The loser will play for Bronze. Will the US earn a rematch with Marta and Brazil? We should know by lunchtime!

US Youth Soccer Does Funny Things

"FRISCO, Texas (August 14, 2008) - US Youth Soccer is proud to announce that West Virginia and West Virginia Soccer Association will host the 2009 and 2010 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships as part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the country's most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The games will take place in the Village of Barboursville."

An interesting decision to say the least! This will be the first time WV has hosted a US Youth Soccer National event and the small town of Barboursville will play host. The town, 40 miles from Charleston, is quite a hike for many of the Region I states outside of WV. With flights challenging and driving just as tough, I would be curious to know exactly what WV offered to get the event in their backyard.

After years of preparation...

...the US Men's Olympic Soccer Team has failed to advance to the quarterfinals. The team lost 2-1 to Nigeria and has officially been eliminated. The result must be disappointing for boss Peter Nowak, the former DC United manager who took the post a few years ago only to be part of 3 games.

The game was lost in the 4th minute when Michael Orozco was ejected, leaving the US with 10 men for 85+ minutes.

For the women, an impressive 4-0 win over New Zealand means they finish first in their group as they advance to the quarterfinals in Shanghai. Go team!

Lalas Does It Again!

Alexi Lalas does it again! It didn't take long for Lalas to run another team into the ground. The LA Galaxy released him late yesterday along with coach Ruud Gullit in a move to shake up the team.

After completely destroying the former San Jose Earthquakes and the New York Red Bulls, it's no surprise that he's up to his old tricks in LA.

No comment yet from Alexi or his brother, a columnist for SI.com.

Where will Alexi land next? Are there any other AEG-owned teams looking to completely implode in the next 1-3 years? Here's hoping he's not put in charge of the new MLS team in Philadelphia!

Open For Business!

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing officially open in about 35 minutes. Unfortunately, we won't see things on TV here until 7:30 due to the time zone difference. There's just something about watching Bob Costas that won't be as good if seen via the 'Net.

On Project Runway this week, the task was to design an outfit for opening ceremonies. We'll see if the female athletes are sporting the winning look!

Who Knew?

I guess I didn't pay close enough attention. I failed to release that the Olympics started today with some soccer action from China. In very early action, the US Women's Team lost 2-0 to Norway. Early reports indicate the team gave up 2 goals in the first 4 minutes. Not the best way to start.

Anyway, with opening ceremonies set for Friday, I did not realize there was action before this point. The team suits up again Saturday @ 5am when they play Japan. Time to focus, ladies!

The Olympic Countdown Is On!

Less than 4 days until the Olympics begin in China! Now that the stories about smog have mostly subsided, it's nearly time to focus on the actual competitions that will take place from Aug. 8-24.

The torch relay is concluding and athletes from around the world have descended on Beijing.

Fear not sports fans, for Jackie Chan has also arrived in China to help promote the China Story. No word on whether Chris Tucker will join him.

One Week 'Til Seattle

Just over one week until the National Cup Finals in Seattle! Each year, USASA, the governing body of adult soccer in the US, runs a nationwide competition to crown National Champions in 8 age groups.

Two of the finals, the Women's U-23 and the Men's Amateur Cup, will be broadcasted by yours truly on Sunday, August 10 beginning at 2p eastern. The event will be held at Starfire Sports Complex just outside Seattle, WA.

For more information, visit the National Cups site here!