Monday 30 October 2006
big ben and bulls get set for new season
Whilst Charlton lurch around the foot of the table like a drunk, it's time to remind you of Chicago's sporting dynasties.
Yesterday lunchtime the Bears swept to their 7th consecutive victory. "Soldier Field did not need a scoreboard Sunday. It needed an abacus," as the Bears took a 41-0 lead over the once great San Francisco 49ers at half-time. Next up are the equally trounceable Miami Dolphins before the Bears credentials get a real test with three away matches against New York Jets, New York Giants and the New England Patroits.
The Baseball season came to an end on Friday when the St Louis Cardinals beat Detroit Tigers 4-2 to record a 4-1 series win. St Louis were pronounced 'world champions' despite having the worst season record in the 102 years of the competition.
On Saturday the cities 'soccer' team Chicago Fire fizzled out of the MLS play-off's after losing to New England Revolution on penalties or PK's as they say here. Despite taking a 1-0 lead from the 1st leg to Foxboro, MA and then taking an early lead, New England hit back with two goals to take the tie to extra time and then the dreaded spot-kicks. I was asleep by this time as the fare was pretty crap to be honest.
DC United now play New England in the Eastern Conference, whilst on the west coast Houston will play Colorado with the winners taking all at the MLS Final in Dallas on November 12th at the wonderfully name Pizza Hut Park - only in America!
On Friday last week I was lucky enough to be invited to the Bulls tip-off lunch here in Chicago, where players and coaches discussed the coming season and answered questions from the audience. As I have said before basketball has become my favourite American sport and I have a real soft spot for the Bulls. There are some big expectations this year, particularly since the inspirational signing of 'Big' Ben Wallace from Detroit Pistons. Inspiration does not come cheap at $15m a year mind but his presence and experience should really augment the talented set of youngsters that Scott Skiles has put together, including of course my favourite Luol Deng.
The opening game is tomorrow night and they have a stinker of a starter away at NBA champions Miami Heat but I'm looking forward to an exciting season and will keep you updated. Go Da Bulls. ¶ 20:30
Yesterday lunchtime the Bears swept to their 7th consecutive victory. "Soldier Field did not need a scoreboard Sunday. It needed an abacus," as the Bears took a 41-0 lead over the once great San Francisco 49ers at half-time. Next up are the equally trounceable Miami Dolphins before the Bears credentials get a real test with three away matches against New York Jets, New York Giants and the New England Patroits.
The Baseball season came to an end on Friday when the St Louis Cardinals beat Detroit Tigers 4-2 to record a 4-1 series win. St Louis were pronounced 'world champions' despite having the worst season record in the 102 years of the competition.
On Saturday the cities 'soccer' team Chicago Fire fizzled out of the MLS play-off's after losing to New England Revolution on penalties or PK's as they say here. Despite taking a 1-0 lead from the 1st leg to Foxboro, MA and then taking an early lead, New England hit back with two goals to take the tie to extra time and then the dreaded spot-kicks. I was asleep by this time as the fare was pretty crap to be honest.
DC United now play New England in the Eastern Conference, whilst on the west coast Houston will play Colorado with the winners taking all at the MLS Final in Dallas on November 12th at the wonderfully name Pizza Hut Park - only in America!
On Friday last week I was lucky enough to be invited to the Bulls tip-off lunch here in Chicago, where players and coaches discussed the coming season and answered questions from the audience. As I have said before basketball has become my favourite American sport and I have a real soft spot for the Bulls. There are some big expectations this year, particularly since the inspirational signing of 'Big' Ben Wallace from Detroit Pistons. Inspiration does not come cheap at $15m a year mind but his presence and experience should really augment the talented set of youngsters that Scott Skiles has put together, including of course my favourite Luol Deng.
The opening game is tomorrow night and they have a stinker of a starter away at NBA champions Miami Heat but I'm looking forward to an exciting season and will keep you updated. Go Da Bulls. ¶ 20:30
