Gaming: FIFA 10 As Grudge Therapy

Over the years it’s been difficult following American players trying to make their mark at different clubs in Britain and on the European continent. Often, it’s discouraging as they are often pushed into the reserve teams and collect dust until forgotten. There is a helplessness and anger that comes with this. And I have come to identify certain clubs in a certain way when I play FIFA 10, that motivates me to beat them as badly as possible. This is the way I identify certain teams when I play video football:

Tottenham: The club that kept Kasey Keller on the bench for so long, even though he was clearly superior to Neil Sullivan, the player he was backing up at the time.

Liverpool: The club that never properly appreciated either Brad Freidel or Zak Whitbread.

Manchester United: The club that buries American players in the reserves until they are coated with a thick layer of dust and then gets rid of them. Jovan Kirovski, Jonathan Spector, Kenny Cooper Jr., Paul Rachubka, John Thorrington (youth academy) to name at least three who deserved more of an opportunity with them. Tim Howard is a partial exception to this list, and started in goal for United for a fairly long stretch. Before his contract expired he was persuaded to re-sign with the club, presumably to continue starting in goal. Soon after Tim signed on, United acquired Dutch first choice ‘keeper Edwin van der Saar, and Howard was relegated to the bench for the rest of his time at Old Trafford. Nice way to treat someone who came up trumps for you Sir Alex. With Howard now safely ensconced at Goodison Park, I relish every Everton victory over United. I relish any club’s defeat of United. In video footy, I kick the spaghetti out of United whenever possible.

Arsenal: The club that sent Frankie Simek down.

Derby County: Drummed out John Harkes after then manager Arthur Cox moved on, and eventually Benny Feilhaber.

Reading: Drummed out both Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann even though both were fine servants of the club. Now I have this Reading beach hat, and no Americans there to cheer on. You owe me £10 Reading Football Club.

Leverkusen: Donovan was never given a fair chance to impress there. Leverkusen contributed to tarnishing Donovan’s reputation as a footballer giving rise to the common perception that he isn’t fit to play football at the top level in Europe. This perception is currently being debunked by Landon’s solid performances with Everton.

Bayern Munich: Although then manager Klinsmann wanted Donovan, the top brass at the club wouldn’t have any of it. Klinsmann was later unceremoniously given the sack.

Borussia Dortmund: Another club that had Jovan Kirovski riding the pine pony.

Hamburg: Never gave Preston Zimmerman a proper run-out.

Racing Santander: Was quick enough to move on Danny Szetela, never allowing him one chance in the side.

Villareal: Purchased Jozmer Altidore for $10M and let pretty much let him ride the bench (only 6 appearances). Then loaned him out to Xeres who never played him. Currently loaning out Altidore to Hull, where he has made 15 appearances.

Xeres: See Villareal.

AC Milan: Not only is this club a tool for Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi’s political propaganda (He also is a media magnate and owns the club), but Milan have mired American defensive standout Oguchi “Gooch” Onyewu on the bench. When Onyewu was injured playing for the USA, Milan demanded financial reparations. Nice touch. Onyewu has not yet appeared for Milan, and I’m not holding my breath.

Sampdoria: Gabe Ferrari has been there since 2007 and hasn’t seen one first team appearance. He is currently on loan at Foggia.

Belenenses: Limited Freddy Adu to 4 appearances while on loan from Benfica.

Lorient: Drummed out former Cal D-Mid standout Andrew Jacobsen

Lens: Signed Joe Cannon and then never played him.

Red Bull Salzburg: Really I hate Red Bull for ruining MetroStars with a name beginning with a soft drink. But any team starting with that name I want to beat in video footy. I do not recognize a soft drink company's employees as New York's lone football entry in MLS. I'll never forget the little Quicktime movie they made of Alexi Lalas telling us how good this move was going to be for the club and for its fans, and then drinking a Red Bull and facing the product at the end of it. Disgusting.

MLS football in New York died on March 9 2006. Rest in peace Metro. Up the FC New York in 2011.


Some may think it petty, but for me it is a way to virtually blow off steam regarding football situations that are beyond my control. It also adds spice to certain games of FIFA 10. Not that I’m one to hold a grudge. [grins]