Once Major League Soccer gets beyond its current labor problems, the league faces a series of marketing challenges that are currently holding back some of its oldest franchises. Red Bull New York, for example, continues to struggle penetrating a fractured New York market.

To talk about that and the other challenges facing Red Bull New [...]]]>

Once Major League Soccer gets beyond its current labor problems, the league faces a series of marketing challenges that are currently holding back some of its oldest franchises. Red Bull New York, for example, continues to struggle penetrating a fractured New York market.

To talk about that and the other challenges facing Red Bull New York and MLS, Mark Fishkin is on the show. He is a media industry veteran and an avid Red Bull-supporter, and with Red Bull Arena poised to open in March of this year, New York has a chance to turn the corner.

Mark and I talk about that, the labor problems, the successes of Seattle and Toronto, and growing the sport in the United States.

Then, I welcome Ray Curren to the show. Ray is a contributor to Set Piece Analysts and joined me on Sunday to talk about a trio of issues: Cup of Nations, English football, and United States talent leaving Major League Soccer.

[podcast]http://www.pointoneohradio.com/pods/its_20101114.mp3[/podcast]

On the Tuesday edition of World Soccer Reader’s Inside the Six, I am joined by Jared Dubois, who talks to me able what he saw from Landon Donovan’s debut for Everton.  That, plus my thoughts on the Cup of Nations, Manchester City, Roberto Mancini and Carlos Tevez.

[podcast]http://www.pointoneohradio.com/pods/its_20100112.mp3[/podcast]

In the final installment of my African Cup of Nations Preview series, I take a look at the group of Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia and Zambia – Group D – at World Soccer Digest:

Across the three sets of [...]]]>

Cameroon is expected to win Group D, but who joins them is an open question. (Photo: REUTERS/Andreas Schaad)

In the final installment of my African Cup of Nations Preview series, I take a look at the group of Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia and Zambia – Group D – at World Soccer Digest:

Across the three sets of rankings we reference, Cameroon is the footballing team in Africa with the highest regard. They are ranked no lower than 18 (Elo) and go as high as 11 (FIFA). Their chances in South Africa 2010 are better than other rankings portend.

At the Cup of Nations, Cameroon avoids the trials handed to Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana – the other African titans – in being handed an easier group.

You can read more about of this article – including team break-downs and game-by-game picks – at World Soccer Digest, here.

The second [...]]]> There is a new article about the African Cup of Nations at World Soccer Digest:

The second day of Cup of Nations play gave us two matches, two surprise results.

Algeria’s defending fell apart in allowing three goals to Malawi in the Desert Foxes’ 3-0 loss.  Losing what was supposed to be the easiest match of the group, Algeria has put themselves in a bad spot (as it concerns advancing).  They are in last place in Group A.  They have a -3 goal differential.  They are (at least) three goal behind the next team on goals scored.  For the nation most of you liked to win this group, the odds are against their advancing.

You can read more at World Soccer Digest.

We start talking Italy, move the England then back to Spain before concentrating on the African continent’s [...]]]> Inside the Six’s 67th episode was a joint distribution with Set Piece Analysts. SPA’s daily Cup of Nations pod is the last half of this show which, along with the first half’s weekend wrap-up, features Kevin McCauley throughout.

We start talking Italy, move the England then back to Spain before concentrating on the African continent’s championship.

[podcast]http://www.pointoneohradio.com/pods/its_20100111.mp3[/podcast]