My father is a bit obsessed with hair, or more specifically, the lack of it. Normally, his obsession revolves around politicians, their lovely locks or bald noggin, and its effect on their chances of being elected. Something along the lines of, “John Edwards has to do well. Just look at that hair!” or “Rudy Giuliani can’t get the Republican nomination – he’s going bald!”

But recently he took his follicle interest in a different direction and asked me a question: Why is it that all American goalkeepers are bald? This was just after the United States’ third game in the Copa America, in which Brad Guzan had been given his competitive debut in the net. As my father pointed out, Guzan is relatively young (24) to be losing his hair.

A small picture, but notice Brad Guzan’s hair thinning on top

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Some guy named David Beckham officially joined the LA Galaxy. I’m so fed up with the excessive coverage already (you’d think this Beckham chap was the only person playing soccer in the US) and so am going to limit my discussion of this event (if you really want to read about Mr. Posh Spice, check out Grant Wahl’s Sports Illustrated cover story as well as his article discussing the Latino response to his arrival).

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In many ways, it was like any other weekend soccer tournament. There was the players’ palpable excitement, families cheering the teams on, younger children dragged along with little interest in the soccer, but happy to play with their friends. But in one crucial way, this soccer tournament was very different: everyone involved was Afghan.

The tournament was called the Afghan Cup and it was the 10th year such an event has taken place. The final of the tournament took place last Sunday outside of Washington, DC, but it was just one part of a weekend of festivities that at times resembled a family reunion more than a sporting event. Below, you will find some pictures of the Afghan Cup 2007 final interspersed with the thoughts of several attendees.

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So, for those of you who don’t know me in “real” life, I am moving from Washington DC, where I live now, to San Diego, where I will be starting a PhD program in anthropology in the fall. I’ve been thinking about my trip across the country and how I can make it more interesting than a mad dash from Point A to Point B.

One idea I’ve had recently is to try to make into an American Soccer Road Trip. It occurred to me recently that, without going too far out of my way, I could stop in most cities with MLS teams (Washington, Columbus, Chicago, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles). I like the idea of building my trip around these teams and cities rather than, say, truck stops off the highway. Update: Here’s a link to a map for a potential route I could take.

But, if you have read the blog with any regularity, you know that I’m interested in stories behind the headlines. So, while I’d like to stop and visit all of the MLS teams I could (even if it’s just to see a practice and interview a player or two), I’d also hope to find interesting soccer stories that not many people know about. A league for Mexican migrants in Nebraska, a Polish soccer club in Chicago, etc.

This is where you come in. I’m posting this in the hope that some of you will have ideas for interesting stories that I might try to cover on my way across the country. Really, as long as it is soccer-related in some small way, I’m probably interested in it (yes, I’m obsessive), so please don’t hesitate to holler at me with an idea or two. I know I have readers from all across the country (and the world) and I’m hoping that your collective expertise can make my trip a “great success” (say it like Borat does). I’m leaving at the end of August, so keep that in mind.

Oh, and one last thing. I’m going from being an elementary school teacher to being a grad student, both things not known for being lucrative. So, if you live along the route I sketched out above and want to put me up (I’m not opposed to sleeping on couches), I’d be immensely grateful.

Please leave a comment below or send me an email at david [at] cultureofsoccer [dot] com. Thanks in advance for all of your help!

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That money plays a huge role in the success of teams is no surprise. One of the most successful teams both on the field and earning money (no coincidence, of course) is Manchester United. As the Irish Independent reported last week, Man U has been among the most successful clubs worldwide in marketing itself. The marketing department there has done an incredible job, raising the profile of the team around the globe. Many of the teams sponsors – e.g. AIG – are international companies interested in being seen by Man U fans around the world. And because the club can boast such a wide fan base, it can charge its sponsors more. This money can then be used to buy stars. The 75 million pound bill so far for summer purchases Owen Hargraeves, Nani, Anderson, and Carlos Tevez (soon enough) could not been achieved without the club’s success in marketing.

Wayne Rooney sports the AIG logo

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In Trinidad and Tobago, Christopher Birchall is known by his nickname: “Me Mum.” The nickname was his two-word response to a reporter who asked him how he was eligible to play for the country’s national team, the Soca Warriors. It is rare that a player would be asked to explain their eligibility, but Christopher Birchall is himself a rarity: a white player on the Trindadian national team.

Can you find Christopher Birchall? Hint: he’s the one lacking pigment.

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