June 2015

NBA

Knicks fans must give Kristaps Porzingis time to prove himself

With the fourth pick in Thursday's NBA draft, the Knicks decided to with Kristaps Porzingis of Latvia and that didn't sit well with Knicks fans who made their presence known with loud boos and sad faces. Knicks supporter, who also works at ESPN, Stephen A. Smith voiced his displeasure in a Twitter-filled rant. But the problem with this, however, is that fans aren't in the trenches, doing the dirty work, doing the scouting and knowing what is the best fit for the team. Instead, they just see the flashy names, the awesome random dunk highlights and stuff televisions show them. Because of that, Knicks fans have to give Porzingis a chance to prove himself before making a true judgement on him.

International Soccer

Better offenseive showing gives USWNT hope against Germany

The U.S. still only managed one goal through 90 minutes — which came off of a header by Carly Lloyd — but this felt different. This time the U.S. was up on the wheel, so to speak, pressing the Chinese and getting chance after chance. In fact, Rodiguez got her first chance right off the bat, getting in behind the defense less than a minute in, but miss hit her shot. Still, even with that one goal, the U.S. seems to be finally finding its stride on the offensive end. And the Americans are going to need every bit of that confidence going into a massive showdown against two-time champion Germany Tuesday.

Toyota Stadium from the west side as FC Dallas and Orlando City play

MLS

FC Dallas desperately needs a win in first game at home in some time

The time frame between May 23 and June 19 is a period FC Dallas would rather forget. During that time, the Hoops managed zero wins, going 0-2-3, suffered to losses of three or more goals and slipped from the top of the conference to fighting of a playoff spot. And all of this came away from Toyota Stadium. In fact, the only bright spot in that nearly month-long span came in the form of a 4-1 win at TCU's soccer stadium in the U.S. Open Cup against USL side Oklahoma City. So it's safe to say that FC Dallas has missed their home in Frisco.

International Soccer

USWNT has to change offensive formation, tactics to have a chance

The results have nearly been disastrous. The U.S. was a clearance off the line by Meghan Klingenberg off the line away from losing against Sweden, and they only scored once against Nigeria and struggled at times against a very competitive Colombia side. And realistically, the U.S. is fortunate to be in the position they are in. But moving forward, this team has to get better on the offensive end and it starts with changing the offensive formation and the tactics that come along with it against China.

DCI

Summer of DCI should be another entertaining season

Last Wednesday, summer officially started. Yes, I know summer really started Sunday, but Wednesday was the Drum Corps International premiere at Lucas Oil Stadium and simulcast in theaters across the country, starting off nearly two-month long journey across the country that will end up right back in Indianapolis in August. Yes, summer is officially here. And if the premiere is anything like how the rest of the season, it's going to be another great year for DCI.

MLS

Dempsey actions agains official embarrassing

In the world of sports, there is an eternal struggle between referees and players, especially in soccer. Some players, particularly the star players, think they're above the rules and referees usually try to rein them back in. This usually results in heated confrontations, especially in big matches. Chelsea has perfected surrounding the center official en mass after calls they don't like. But what Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey did Tuesday night is deplorable.

International Soccer

After escaping ‘Group of Death’, U.S. has great chance to make a run

The U.S. Women's National team managed to survive the proverbial "Group of Death" and survive is absolutely the correct for how they performed in those three matches. The U.S. didn't exactly look like the dominating team that came so close to taking the World Cup four years ago. Yes, the defense was much improved, allowing just one goal in the group stage, but the offense was stagnant, scoring just four goals, and a couple of them in the Australia game were quite lucky if you ask me. But that doesn't matter now. The group stage is behind and the Americans came out onto of the group, and that has given them a massive advantage on the road to Vancouver over the next couple of weeks.

Computer screen with the Giornalismo homepage

Giornalismo

Complete style change for Giornalismo

So after the success of Nuovo and the JM Breaking News plugin, I've restarted working on Giornalismo full time. I ended up getting a ton fixed on it over the past couple of days, but no one change was bigger than the font and a slight color change.

DCI

Previewing the DCI 2015 shows

Tonight starts the almost two-month journey for the 20+ World Class drum corps of DCI. The DCI premiere at Lucas Oil Stadium and shown in theaters around the country kicks off the summer of drum corps as the corps then criss-cross the country before winding up back in Indianapolis for the championships in early to mid August. With the season officially starting tonight, here is a very basic preview for 12 of the top corps for this season. The notes I have for each corps are based off their repertoire, theme name and whatever they had to accompany their show announcement. I haven't seen any videos for the corps during their preseason workouts. So without further adieu, here are the previews for 12 corps going into this season.

Globe Life Park from the first base dugout

MLB

Rangers’ lineup could be the most dangerous in baseball after injuries

Going into this season, the outlook for the Texas Rangers' offense was anemic. Last year was so frustrating with so many guys going down with injuries and not a whole lot of moves made in the offseason, there wasn't a whole lot to look forward to this season. But fast forward to today, 64 games into the season, and things are still looking incredibly better for the offense. Prince Fielder has become the hitter everyone thought he would be when the team made the trade a year-and-a-half ago. Joey Gallo has shown the potential he has once he gets used to facing major league pitching. And Delino Deshields, though now on the disabled list, has come out and taken the leadoff spot. And once Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton return from the disabled list here in a few weeks, this lineup could easily be the most feared line in all of baseball.

International Soccer

USWNT needs to find offense for World Cup success

The U.S. Women's National team has amassed a grand total of four points and three goals. They were shut out in a poor offensive showing against Sweden and were lucky to get two goals against a stout Australian side. Despite the fact that they are in a good spot in the proverbial "Group of Death" and nearly everyone would take these two results before the World Cup even started, this team has issues. Like, I-never-thought-I-would-say-the-men's-team-is-better-than-the-women's-team issues. And they all happen to fall on the offensive side of the ball.