This past several days were full of soccer activity between the Gold Cup, U17 Cup, U21 Cup, MLS, and the start of the Women's world cup.
While it is possible I haven't been paying enough attention, I have noted an increase in the number of warnings and yellows that are being handed out to players taking dives. This is not only very amusing but a great thing to see. I was, however, disappointed to see this happen several times in the U17 games. I guess I figured that these boys were still a little naive to Hollywood acting on the field.
I am also hoping that coaches might be able to protest calls to allow a post-game viewing by league officials. I am not suggesting that game results be altered, but certainly it could be an opportunity for yellow and/or red cards to be either negated or levied. For example, in the LA Galaxy-San Jose Earthquake game, LA's first goalie went out with an injury. The backup goalie was then charged with a Red card after a San Jose player came from behind to head butt the goalie and the ball he was holding. The goalie then threw his arm up in the air grazing the back of the forwards head, who then went on a Hollywood trip grabbing his face and screaming foul. The Goalie was given a red card and the Galaxy played the rest of the first half and second half with one man down and a defender playing in net. I was amused to see it was a 0-0 tie.
While it is possible I haven't been paying enough attention, I have noted an increase in the number of warnings and yellows that are being handed out to players taking dives. This is not only very amusing but a great thing to see. I was, however, disappointed to see this happen several times in the U17 games. I guess I figured that these boys were still a little naive to Hollywood acting on the field.
I am also hoping that coaches might be able to protest calls to allow a post-game viewing by league officials. I am not suggesting that game results be altered, but certainly it could be an opportunity for yellow and/or red cards to be either negated or levied. For example, in the LA Galaxy-San Jose Earthquake game, LA's first goalie went out with an injury. The backup goalie was then charged with a Red card after a San Jose player came from behind to head butt the goalie and the ball he was holding. The goalie then threw his arm up in the air grazing the back of the forwards head, who then went on a Hollywood trip grabbing his face and screaming foul. The Goalie was given a red card and the Galaxy played the rest of the first half and second half with one man down and a defender playing in net. I was amused to see it was a 0-0 tie.