Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Cleats.
Best Women's Goalkeeper Gloves
As much as we'd all like to admit that there are no gender gaps in our modern world, even the popular sport of soccer depicts that there still are. Just consider the wage gap between US Men's soccer players and the female team (which has won for championships) for instance.
By Alicia Springer7 years ago in Cleats
Best Soccer Balls Under $50
There are many high quality soccer balls under $50 that you wouldn't even believe were purchased at such a bargain. A good quality soccer ball has proper, machine stitching, good air retention that will allow the ball to stay firm throughout an entire practice or game, and a solid form that stays put no matter how many times it gets kicked around the field. But you don't need to spend a fortune to get those features. If you’re looking for a ball under $50 that will last a long time, one might just be under your feet.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Cleats
Best Soccer Players of 2018
Every year, soccer players across the world break new records for scoring and goalkeeping. It can be hard to judge what players are truly the "best," as soccer is truly a team sport, and each position carries its own unique weight. There are a number of soccer players of 2018 who stand a cut above the rest, however, as scorers, keepers, and team leaders.
By Joseph D. N. Kendrick7 years ago in Cleats
My Top 3 Candidates for the U.S. Men's National Team Coach. Top Story - November 2018.
Since the failure of 2018, there has been a long debate as to who should be the new manager of the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT). The current interim coach, Dave Sarachan, has done a great job of introducing young talents to the group. He might deserve a chance to be considered among the candidates. With that being said, here are my top three candidates for the USMNT coach.
By Yannis Kanga7 years ago in Cleats
How Soccer Players Can Avoid Hamstring Injuries
We all know soccer players ham up injuries in an effort to sway the ref to issue a yellow card. However, injuries are also a real part of playing soccer. Injuries in soccer are very common because it is both a contact sport and a highly cardio intensive sport. The hamstring muscle is used nonstop when playing soccer, and hamstring strain is one of the top muscle injuries most soccer players deal with. While many coaches focus on hamstring stretching as a top priority, there are specific ways to avoid hamstring injuries that people may not be aware of. The Journal of Sports Medicine has done ample research on injury prevention for this muscle group and identified risk factors. The best ways to prevent hamstring injuries is to start with being prepared.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Cleats
Highest Paid Soccer Players in the World
Though still growing in the United States, soccer—or football, to the Europeans—is internationally a multi-billion dollar industry. As with any field that involves the investment and interest of millions to billions of people around the world, the soccer industry creates some of the world's wealthiest individuals. Becoming a professional athlete, much like a musician, actor, or other fine art professional, is difficult to break into and ultimately succeed in. However, for those with the talent, work ethic, and a bit of luck to hack it, it can be a very lucrative career. With this in mind, here are a few of the highest paid soccer players in the world today.
By Nicola P. Young7 years ago in Cleats
MLS Playoffs Predictions
Knockout Round By now, the knockout round will have already taken place. Safe to say they did not disappoint. I expected NYCFC to come out on top against Philly, mainly because of Philly’s backline inexperience in the playoffs. I also picked Portland over Dallas because they always disappointed me in the postseason. However, here’s where I was wrong. I had picked the in-form DC United over the Columbus Crew to make it to the conference semi-final. Both teams had their moments, and the game was pretty even overall, but things started to open up in overtime and Columbus were the first to take advantage of the open space. Who other than Federico Higuain to deliver the fatal blow for the Crew on a great header from Harrison’s Afful’s delivery in the box. DC struggled to find an equalizer until Nick DeLeon delivered his team late in overtime. Then came the penalty kicks, or should I say the “Zack Steffen show.” The young US international, who was at fault for DC’s opening goal, put his team on his back, stopping two crucial penalty kicks from DC’s top players: Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta. With this victory, Columbus gets ready to face the New York Red Bulls with lots of momentum.
By Yannis Kanga7 years ago in Cleats
Countries That Have Won the Most World Cups
Every four years, the world comes together to watch a sport known to most around the world as football, but known in the United States as soccer, to continue the tradition that has been kept alive for 88 years. Since the FIFA World Cup was formed in 1930, there have been 21 world soccer tournaments held, meaning 21 teams have been crowned after getting that final victory. Unless you are a serious die-hard fan of the FIFA World Cup final, many fans of the sport wonder which countries have won the most world cups.
By Alicia Springer7 years ago in Cleats
10 Drills to Improve Your Soccer Dribbling Skills
If you want to succeed as a soccer player, you need to do drills to improve your soccer dribbling until it becomes second nature. It’s a skill that many players try to skip past, but the truth is, is that the best soccer training equipment or any of the available training products for this game will mean much of nothing if you don't hone in your skills of the basics first. Any attempt to jump ahead to the “fun stuff” will end up hurting you in a major way in the long run.
By Joshua Samuel Zook7 years ago in Cleats
Soccer Player's Guide to Foot Care. Top Story - October 2018.
Do you think the best US Men's soccer players got that title without taking care of their precious pigs? Every footballer benefits from a soccer player's guide to foot care. In this game, your feet are your most valuable assets. All the fancy footwork in the world ceases to matter if you're dealing with turf toe, cramps, sprains, or athlete's foot. It's possible to guard against all of these problems as long as you care for your feet, toes, and ankles properly. In order to keep killing it on the soccer field, be sure you're equipped with the best info for foot care.
By George Herman7 years ago in Cleats
How to Wear Soccer Shin Guards
It's imperative that you wear soccer shin guards every time you play, but you also have to wear them correctly. If they slip down your shins, don't fit properly, or cause discomfort, then they won't do you any good. Don't go thinking that you're safe without them, either. Your shins deserve complete protection whether you're practicing with your friends or going head-to-head with a rival team. Your legs are your most valuable assets and your most vulnerable body parts in soccer. You have to wear shin guards to stand out as a confident, competent player. Trust me, no one's going to think you're cool or tough just because you're the only soccer player with bare shins. Odds are they'll take advantage of your weakness instead.
By Nick Paroni7 years ago in Cleats
Best Cleats Under $50
Coming across heavy duty cleats under $50 can be hard. After all, most people are going to want cleats that don't just get them through the soccer or football season, but instead provide longevity for many years to come. Yet, when sports come into play, there's no telling how long cleats will last.
By Alicia Springer7 years ago in Cleats
