Grateful Gooner

Blackburn 1 – 1 Arsenal

// August 19th, 2007 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

Jens Lehmann’s second gaffe in as many league games cost Arsenal two points today as Blackburn lucked into a 1-1 draw with the Gunners at Ewood Park this afternoon.

Arsenal had taken the lead through Robin van Persie’s 18th minute goal, and looked good for the win despite increased pressure by Blackburn during the second half. However, David Dunne’s 71st minute strike from 25 yards out somehow managed to be palmed by the crazy German into his own net.

Truth be told, Arsenal did have a chance to re-take control of the game when Ryan Nelson was sent off for a second bookable offense about 8 minutes from time. They failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage, and head back to London ruing what might have been. It’ll be a long trip back for Jens who has to be worried about keeping his starting job now.

Next up is Man City’s League visit to the Grove on Saturday. Kickoff is 10 AM ET, and the match will be shown live on Fox Soccer Channel here in the US.

Sparta Prague 0 – 2 Arsenal

// August 15th, 2007 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb each scored second half goals to essentially ensure Arsenal's passage into the group stages of this year's UEFA Champions League. The 2-0 away victory over Sparta Prague this afternoon was 0-0 until the 72nd minute when Cesc slotted to the far post from across the penalty area - a fantastic goal. Hleb sealed what had been a rather chippy affair in the 90th minute (his second late goal in as many games) as Sparta seemed to more intersted in fouling than scoring goals.

Next up is Blackburn away in the league on Sunday. Kickoff is @ 10 AM ET, but won't be broadcast here in the US until 2:30 PM ET on Fox Soccer Channel.

R.I.P. Scooter

// August 14th, 2007 // No Comments » // New York Yankees

1917-2007

My earliest baseball memories are of the Yankees and of Phil Rizzuto’s voice. I know that Mel Allen is considered “The Voice Of The Yankees”, but it’s Scooter, who, along with Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson, my dad, POP POP, and my Uncle Mike, introduced me to baseball. I’ve been in love with the game ever since. Thanks for the memories Scooter, you’ll be missed.

AoM: Advocate & Visionary

// August 14th, 2007 // 2 Comments » // Adventure

Isn’t Advocate the name of a gay & lesbian magazine? I think I might prefer one of the following choices listed on thesaurus.com:

Main Entry: advocate
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: publicist
Synonyms: apostle, attorney, backer, campaigner, champion, counsel, defender, exponent, expounder, lawyer, pleader, promoter, proponent, proposer, speaker, spokesman, supporter, upholder

Arsenal 2 – 1 Fulham

// August 12th, 2007 // No Comments » // Arsenal FC

Jens Lehmann’s gaffe fifty-one seconds into the first half gifted Fulham a 1-0 lead in today’s season opener at the Grove. It seemed like last season all over again. The remainder of the match was pure Arsenal vintage 06-07 as chance after chance was created, but none were converted.

Finally, with under seven minutes to go, Kolo Toure earned a penalty after being body checked by Carlos Bocanegra in the box. Robin van Persie stepped up and converted the penalty cooly, pulling the Gunners level with only minutes to go.

Ten seconds before the end of the ninety minutes, Cesc Fabregas’ floated ball into the box found Alex Hleb, who took one touch, turned and fired into the far corner to score Arsenal’s second. Hleb had been playing well all match and fully deserved the goal.

S0, in the end 2-1 to the Arsenal, and three points in the bag. Next up is Sparta Prague away in the Champions League on Wednesday. The game kicks off at 2:45 PM ET, but won’t be shown in the States until 5 PM on Setanta USA. If you don’t want to wait, live audio commentary will be available on Arsenal.com starting at approximately 2:30 PM ET.

*Cliche Alert* How Suite It Is!

// August 9th, 2007 // No Comments » // Adventure and Baseball

Through a strange string of circumstances, my buddy Joel and I found ourselves with tickets to the Mariners v Orioles game at Camden Yards last night. Normally, the 102 degree weather would have been a major factor in our decision NOT to go to the game. However, these tickets were for one of the Skyboxes.

Air-conditioned, and stocked full of beer, soda, nachos, pizza, hot dogs and crab cakes, it was definitely a fun way to take in a ballgame. I have to admit though, there’s nothing like being out in the stands.