FiftyFive.One
• Voices From Soccer's North •
Category: The Angle
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I Called a Random Swede to Talk About Soccer
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: I Called a Random Swede to Talk About SoccerFiftyFive.One’s Wes Burdine calls a random Swede to talk about the Euros, but not unlike your average Minnesotan, the conversation eventually turns to hockey. “Hello?” There is a crackle and digital lag as we greet one another. I can’t tell if he can hear me. “Hello, my name is Wes. I’m calling from Minnesota and…
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TC Jacks Promotes LGBT Equality Through Soccer
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: TC Jacks Promotes LGBT Equality Through SoccerOver the last nine years, the TC Jacks, a LGBT soccer club, have seen tremendous growth in the Twin Cities. Starting out with only a handful of members they now have over 200 participants which make up seven teams. They have provided an opportunity for LGBT individuals and allies to participate in soccer in a…
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From Minnesota to Quito With Love
Continue Reading: From Minnesota to Quito With LoveIt is finally summer for teachers and students alike. And while the last days of the school year are often filled with tears, goodbyes, and heartfelt hugs, I much prefer when they’re also peppered with pointed comments about who will win the cup of the moment, and tinged with trash talk. So as soon as…
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Designated Report: Sporting Kansas City
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Designated Report: Sporting Kansas CityAfter only three Designated Reports, it’s clear that there isn’t a universal blueprint to using DP slots. DC United drifts toward signing aging attackers and is burned more often than they light the league on fire. FC Dallas has recently cracked a code by focusing on young talent after some notable miscues. Columbus Crew, meanwhile, doesn’t focus…
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The Minnesota Thunder were US Open Cup Giant Killers in 2005
Continue Reading: The Minnesota Thunder were US Open Cup Giant Killers in 2005Originally published at ussoccer.com June 29, 2015. In 2005, the Minnesota Thunder were U.S. Open Cup Giant Killers and it was no fluke either. Led by long-time coach and founder Buzz Lagos, the Thunder defeated three MLS teams on their 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run. After narrowly scraping by the Chicago Fire PDL…
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After a Whirlwind, Richie Ryan Turning Miami FC Into a Contender
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: After a Whirlwind, Richie Ryan Turning Miami FC Into a ContenderThere was never any reason for Richie Ryan to become a villain. The captain of the NASL’s 2015 Cinderella story, Ottawa Fury, Ryan was one of countless players to leave Ottawa Fury after the departure of head coach Marc Dos Santos. Having been named to the league’s Best XI for last season, Ryan landed with…
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Designated Report: Columbus Crew
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Designated Report: Columbus CrewThe Columbus Crew are able to focus their DP slots on veteran attackers due to their ability to build a team on a budget. Having won MLS Cup in 2008 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2008 & 2009 (plus a runners-up finish in 2015), their continued success in the DP era is a testament to…
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Conflicted Allegiances: A Costa Rican Fan from Minnesota Travels to Chicago
Continue Reading: Conflicted Allegiances: A Costa Rican Fan from Minnesota Travels to ChicagoWhen Edù Rosales learned that the US Men’s National Team would be playing a Copa America match in Chicago, he started making plans to travel with the Minnesotan American Outlaws contingent. That is, until he learned the opponent would be Costa Rica. Edù was born in Costa Rica and La Sele are in his blood.…
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Designated Report: FC Dallas
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Designated Report: FC DallasLast week, we kicked off our look at DP signings over the years by starting in our nation’s capitol. DC United has a history of signing players who end up missing significant time due to injury, with half of their DPs falling victim to one malady or another. As we move into week two, we’ll…
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Having Trained Across Europe, Jack Blake Looks To Make Minnesota His Home
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Having Trained Across Europe, Jack Blake Looks To Make Minnesota His HomeLast week, Minnesota United locked down Scottish youth international Jack Blake to a deal with an option for 2017. While the midfielder hasn’t seen much of the field in his young career, his current ability on the ball and potential could lead him to turn many heads across the NASL and beyond. I sat down…
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Why Do We Hate the Good Refs So Much?
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: Why Do We Hate the Good Refs So Much?Before I start, I think I need to qualify my participation in this site. I serve as the Director of Referee Instruction for the Minnesota State Referee Committee, which is US Soccer’s administrative arm for referee development in Minnesota. It was a great honor to be asked to contribute to the site, and I hope…
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EXCLUSIVE: First Look at Plans for Supporters Section in Minnesota’s New Stadium
Categories: The AngleContinue Reading: EXCLUSIVE: First Look at Plans for Supporters Section in Minnesota’s New StadiumEarlier this week, FiftyFive.One confirmed new details on Minnesota United FC’s stadium. Since publishing that information, we have been granted an exclusive first look at the architect’s plans for the supporters section. Bruce Miller, the stadium’s lead architect at Kansas City-based Populous, was kind enough to share a cross section through the safe standing area…