At some point in the history of televised soccer, someone must have used a stranger phrase to describe a goal than “pure animal physics,” but no example springs instantly to mind. What does it mean? How could anyone say it in such a cheerful and satisfied voice, when it sounds euphemistic and horrifying, like some [...]

Tom sent along this great video of reaction shots from the New England players as they go down 4-0 to Chicago in the first half. (Apparently Tom is a Chicago fan or something? You learn something new every day.) The game is a few days old, but the haunting disappointment is timeless.
The Tuesday Portrait will [...]

This morning I’m taking a trip to a town where the wind votes in elections and the taxis are driven by rain. Normal service to be resumed at the beginning of next week, or when I get back, or when I dry off, whichever comes last.

Posting will be light for the next several days, due to Eventualities. The Tuesday Portrait will appear as usual, but in a cursory and alternative form. An imagined post on Juande Ramos’s skillful use of the fullback position is, for the moment, only a cause for speculation and grief.

A more-hectic-than-expected bit of holiday travel has put a dent in the side of my usually scrupulous blogging schedule, which is perfectly fine with you, thanks for asking. Normal service will resume at the start of next week. In the meantime, why not enjoy one of the ugliest free kicks ever to become [...]