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Do, Dump, or Marry? Cristiano Ronaldo

TresSugar — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

If you ask me, Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo looks like a Roman god. I'm not the only person who finds him sexy, as Armani just announced that he'll be its newest underwear model. Still, Cristiano might be a little too well-groomed for some of you who like your men to look a little more rugged. What do you think?

Say What? Superstar Goalie Hope Solo Doesn't Like Pink

TresSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0700

"They go and make this padded goal-keeper jersey and it's hot pink - it just looks girly, it looks juvenile, it doesn't look professional. And so I said, 'There's no way in hell I'm wearing this.'"

- Hope Solo, goalie for the St. Louis Athletica, quoted in The Atlantic magazine's September issue about her reaction to the uniforms Puma designed for the league's seven teams. Both beloved and reviled for her cocky ways, Solo, considered by some to be the best goalkeeper in the world, is getting endorsement deals from VitaminWater and Nike. The self-described "loudmouth goalkeeper" is shown here in Beijing after winning the Women's Football Gold Medal match between Brazil and the US in August. Many were not amused by her victory dance around the field wearing a fake gold medal dangling from her neck.

Brandi Chastain and Her Bra: a Great Moment in Women's Sports?

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:06:40 -0700

When the US women's soccer team won the Word Cup in 1999, it was thanks to Brandi Chastain. She scored the winning goal on a penalty kick and promptly ripped off her shirt to celebrate. The moment has been nicknamed "the bra heard 'round the world." The photos of her are infamous, and she became a household name, her moment in the spotlight eclipsing an amazing win for US women's soccer.

Her dark sports bra was part of the memorabilia installed at the Sports Museum of America in New York City. But when the museum went bankrupt and all the sporting souvenirs placed in probate, Brandi's bra was held for a ransom of $250, plus shipping. After many e-mails and phone calls, her bra is back in her hands to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her famous penalty kick win - an oddly sweet and sentimental tale.

Her disrobing on the field, to me, was a consoling gesture. When my husband sees me wearing a sports bra with no shirt, he always calls me Brandi. Kind of funny but also kind of sad that this is what she is remembered for since she is also a tremendous athlete. What do you think? Was this a great moment in women's sports? Can you name any other infamous sporty gal moments that have captured the nation's attention? Are there moments in sports where our nation's female athletes made you proud to be an American?

Good News: Homeless Men Find Hope and Homes With Soccer

CitizenSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:30:03 -0800

Getting homeless people off the streets is a never-ending challenge for most cities. Who would have thought a game of soccer was the answer?

Yet it has been for hundreds of homeless people throughout the world, and now it's kicked off in the United States. Street Soccer USA organizes four national tournaments each year. It requires players to set three-, six-, and 12-month goals to get their lives back on track. Players who stick with it say the physical demands motivate - if not require - them to cut back on life's vices.

But it does more than improve physical health; it empowers them. They report feeling more positive and motivated to lead productive lives. One 20-year-old player said the physical, emotional, and mental demands prove to him that he can "achieve perfection in other areas of life."

The results are certainly palpable. Eight out of 25 men on one Chicago team have moved into apartments only months after they began playing. And 28 of the 36 men who play on the US's national team - there's a Homeless World Cup - have remained off the street.

Now if they could only start winning . . . not to be demanding!

Source

Let Your Sporty Pet Support the Euro 2008 Final in Style!

PetSugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

With embroidered letters and emblazoned with each country's flag, your pup looks like one of the team in matching colors! The first thing I looked for on this track jacket was a leash hole ('cause North's harness can make clothing options trickier) and was pleased to see that – and a fur guard! – on this zippy. Now if your pup has a favorite team out of the final two for (either kind of) football, they've got track jackets for both Germany and Spain available, in addition to Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, England, and USA starting at $39 for sizes 8" to 24". Goooooooooooal!

Get Motivated: Take It to the Next Level

FitSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Sometimes an ad just speaks to me and this Nike football ad did just that. It features some of the world's top soccer players and was directed by Madonna's main man, Guy Ritchie. But also, it shows the hard work and dedication necessary to take it to the next level as an athlete. Check it out.

I'm totally pumped to take it to the next level as a runner after watching this. What about you?

"Soccer Mom" Redefined: Olympic Hopeful Tina Ellertson

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Amid all the political controversy over the host nation's human rights practices, I am excited about the Olympics. And one sport that I love to watch is women's soccer. Our ladies won the gold back at Athens in 2004, so hopefully these games will bring on more of the same. One Olympic hopeful, Tina Ellertson, 25, is redefining the term "soccer mom."

Soon-to-be mother of two (her second daughter is due in two months), Ellertson is currently on leave from the US national team, but still hopes to return in time for the 2008 Beijing Games. This means she is training during her pregnancy, but recently had to tone it down at her doctor's request.

Tina played for University of Washington for four years, after the birth of her first daughter MacKenzie, who is not only a fan but a soccer star in her own right. Ellertson is considered one of the fastest players in the league, which could come from trying to keep up with her 6-year-old daughter! Ellertson scored 42 goals during her four undergrad years (while earning a degree in economics – 3.5 GPA), but now plays defense.

I for one hope to see her on the field come August. As a mother of two, I am thoroughly impressed with her ability and focus.

Source

Medic Does More Harm Than Good

GiggleSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:00:00 -0800

Let's add insult to injury, why don't we. . .

Streaker-Style Soccer

GiggleSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:30:00 -0800

I don't know whether I enjoy this video because it's peanut butter streaker time (and I love me a surprise streaker every now and again) or because it shows some serious soccer-player skin. Three words: Where is Beckham? Show me Beckham!

Practicing in the Produce Aisle

GiggleSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 07:00:00 -0700

Playing with one's food is discouraged at the dinner table, but I guess it's fair game in the produce aisle. While most folks use a touch test to select their melons, this chick holds a soccer try-out. If the melon can withstand a knee tap to a headbutt to a goal shot, it's good!