So Saturday was supposed to be the watershed day for soccer in this country, but it was far from it and that can be blamed on one person: Dave O'Brien. Yes not Beckham, but O'Brien. During the course of the Chelski vs. LA Golden Balls game on Saturday, O'Brien was up to his old tricks that got him into the trouble during the World Cup last summer. Telling the American public about how Beckham's Manchester United teams were rivals with Chelski when he was in England. Not True. Chelski was a team that was basically Spurs before the Russian money came in and United never really considered they serious title contenders. This is just a mistake that can not happen, especially during an event like that.
Before soccer is going to grow in this country, you have to have a different voice for it. During the Champions League games Derek Rae and Tommy Smith take us through the games and everyone is happy.
So please ESPN bring a person that knews what they are talking about, you would never put a soccer announcer to call the Superbowl.
You are badly mistaken. I thought O'Brien was a wonderful choice as the soccer voice for the World Cup in '06 and MLS this past season. Great voice, presence, candor, insights. He knows the game pretty well, I think. I learned a great deal from him - terrific stories, anecdotes. It was about time we had - not some dull English voice - but an exciting American voice call the beautiful game here in the States. Time for you to be fair.
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