DISQUS

I'm going to have to agree with the other commenters here -- I don't think you've taken into account the rich regional variation available in the U.S. For instance, crime-ridden Baltimore is far more suitable match for Everton or Liverpool.

The reason there are no MLS teams southeast of DC is that there is no land, other than Norfolk, southeast of DC. FC Bahama Mama, anyone?

Glad to see fair play being rewarded. Hoffenheim has been the most interesting team to watch this season.

Mark, as a fellow DC-dweller, I have to report this was the best election I've ever had the privilege to witness in the capital city. U Street was quite the party.

Thanks for this article. The next time someone looks at me cross-eyed and asks, "Why on earth do you watch *German* soccer?" I can point them to this excellent argument.

Oh shoot, I was looking forward to this breaking up the winter pause. Grr...

You know, I like the concept behind these shirts and admire some of the other designs, but I'm looking for something a little less "I'm about to march on your living room and destroy your flat screen" and a little more "Germany is a classic, like a Mercedes." Plus, there's no Bayern shirt...

Diana -- sometimes it's tough being a tall woman! Sure we may always be able to see the stage at a concert, but the dating pool is severely constricted! ;)

I was also frustrated with Klinsmann's lack of substitutions -- clearly the set-up wasn't working and a new tactic was needed. But he didn't do anything... it was really strange. I know Toni is supposed to be BM's marquee draw, but he's in a slump and it's time to change it up. Toni/Poldi doesn't work -- Klinsi needs to man up and try Klose/Poldi.

I'm surprised about Van Bommel's benching; I suppose that hints at some behind the scenes drama. Demichelis gets upset if he's played out of position too long -- I wouldn't expect to see him in DM much longer. Besides, Breno made some mistakes that could've been costly in Saturday's match, but perhaps he was better in other aspects than I noticed...

One note: It's Demichelis, not DiMichelis. Tambien en espanol, se llama "Demichelis." :)

Oh... poor Cottbus.

Hmmm.. maybe indignity points for handbags or viciousness? That tackle on Kuba was awful, IMHO. He could've easily dislocated his foot. :::shudder:::

Any chance you can get crowd attendance in there? I think it's an interesting stat. It'd also be interesting to chart how the table changes over time, but I think I saw that somewhere years ago...

Good explanation, thanks! I'm looking forward to the Winterpause, for once.

I'm excited for BM this year for all the reasons you named, and more. I see some great young talents, but even more passion and the feeling of fun when I get the chance to see one of their games -- I look forward to seeing them upsetting the big guys all year. Hope Bradley gets a start today.

ROTFLMAO! Someone needs to paste Klinsmann's face over that guy. It's perfect! :-)