The stage was set for a spectacular game between Premier League rivals, Manchester United and Chelsea. It’s hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago I was actually in London touring Chelsea despite my firm allegiance to Man. United. Regardless, today I watched a brilliant football match that left me feeling a bit disappointed, but hopeful still as life without Ronaldo and Tevez begins in just one short week.

Even though today’s Community Shield match was brought to a tie in the closing minutes of regulation by Wayne Rooney’s masterful footwork, the final outcome left Chelsea on top and Man. U. without any hardware or bragging rights.

Nevertheless, the team will find itself. Nani showed promise and perhaps the first glimpses of escaping Ronaldo’s shadow. He is, of course injured with a dislocated shoulder and will miss the start of the 2009 - 2010 campaign. Rooney also stepped up and looks to be able to secure the goal scoring form of his youthful past. Carrick and Fletcher also performed with confidence and stability in the midfield. I expect them to hold down the fort all season long.

Now don’t get me wrong - I am not a sore loser. In fact, I support Chelsea (unless they are playing Man. U.) most of the time. Today, they were better. Their penalty kicks were crisper, and their keeper (Petr Cech) was much better than Ben Foster. But most people will realize that there are two things to think about as the season approaches. Chelsea is probably going to peak early - as they did last season. By mid season they will fizzle out. Man. United are notorious slow starters. They don’t hit their peak until it matters. Secondly and lastly, Manchester played without a majority of their key players. Chelsea had a line-up that boasted most of their starters they used in the last campaign. Vidic and Van der Saw were both absent and that makes a huge difference. They are the spine of the defense and if you don’t think that plays a part - you are out of your mind.

So here’s to Chelsea and their first shoot-out victory against Man. United since John Terry missed in the Champions League two years ago in Moscow. Enjoy it boys because you may not see a trophy like this for a long while.

Resist. Multiply. Support good football.

on Fox Soccer Channel

It should be a great game and real preview of what this season holds. Of course, there are some interesting names missing from United’s line-up - as we have come to be familiar with the fact that these blokes often start slowly and build up momentum as the season progresses. Look for Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney to team up again up top, while Frank Lampard and John Terry try to upend the current champs.

This game is always bound to be a classic and I am just so excited another season is beginning. Go United!

Resist. Multiply. Watch the FA Community Shield.

Aptly dubbed the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, stands for many things besides all out victory. Yes, it’s true that in the past three seasons my favorite football team has captured three Premier League Titles, a Champion’s League trophy (and second place finish, as well), and several other accolades - including the FIFA World Club Cup.

Guided by the intelligent mastery of Sir Alex Ferguson, the team has produced many international stars while managing to continue to secure team successes, as well. I, of course, came to be a fan during my tour of duty at home with Jacob. I enjoyed the way they played to win always, and the way that they possess the football throughout the match. There is excellence in so much of what they do on the pitch, and I found that so appealing as a coach, myself.

RESPECT. I have nothing but respect for the team, its players, the manager, and most notably the fans. They are dedicated and strong in numbers - worldwide.

I am sure there are loyal readers of TRIBE OF DAD that have found it strange that weeks have gone by without any comments by Mr. Prescott about the recent changes at Old Trafford. The summer started with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps the best player in the world despite complaints from many of his true abilities. Next there was the Carlos Tevez debacle, in which Sir Alex was unable to sign the striker to a deal that would have continued his reign as a fan favorite. Tevez claimed to be insulted by the manager’s lack of a$$ kissing and a shortage of playing time despite 19 goals in all competitions the previous season.

I remained quiet about both departures, even though I knew they were big losses. Then Sir Alex did something brilliant. He spoke about both losses and stated that they were going to be fine without such amazing players. It is always about the team, not the individual at Manchester United. Perhaps that is why they have kept veteran players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville for so long. These guys are a combined 103 years of experience and they are still playing like they were ten years younger than their actual ages.

My point in all this: Sometimes experience trumps youth. The old dog can learn new tricks to remain vital and useful.

Thus, Ferguson showed his absolute genius in the signing of Michael Owen - one time enemy to Manchester United and a Liverpool legend. He did not replace Ronaldo with a young big-name star, but he was wise to put Owen in the number seven jersey and make a clear statement to all those that ever doubted what was going on in the summer transfer window. Put simply, you can make your enemies into friends, you can rely on experience over youth, and you can do all this without breaking the bank. Sir Alex is getting more for the money than any manager out there today and I believe the same results will be there with this very different looking squad.

Look for guys like Giggs, Scholes, and Neville to anchor things as they have done for so long. Look for Rooney and Berbetov to work better together more than ever. Expect Michael Owen to regain the strength of spirit he lacked at Newcastle United, but had at Liverpool. Don’t question why it will all work out in the end. Just remember that a winner always finds a way, and Sir Alex is an old dog that can learn new tricks.

Resist. Multiply. Remember there is something to be said for experience.

So I just read an interesting article about David and his lack of production at L.A. It was featured in Sports Illustrated and it was an eye opener to say the least. Check out the article (from The Beckham Experiment).

Pause for about 15 minutes to finish the article. Seriously read it if you are interested in this kind of stuff. I will rant away once you have read it all. Tick tock, tick tock….

So where to begin? Like most of life this is obviously based upon the perspective of individuals who are privy to information that we ourselves are not. The way the article reads it appears that Mr. Beckham is more of a commodity than anything else. His mystique has been created carefully over time. He is the SHOW more or less. People come to stadiums to see him work his corners, his expert passes, and his killer set pieces. But at 34 has he himself seen an end to this mystique? The reality may be that his fading skills and age are playing more of a factor than ever.

Landon Donovan had plenty to say about Becks. Was it professional to do this? Probably not. Is some of it true? Maybe. Regardless, Donovan comes off as a baby who couldn’t share the spotlight. Let’s face it, people were not coming to see L.A. Galaxy games just to partake in the Donovan bandwagon. He is very good; perhaps the most skilled U.S. player in the last half century, but he has only thrived in MLS and not abroad in Europe. Beckham was a star at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and on the English national team. Maybe he did not deserve the captain’s armband for just showing up in L.A., but there was a much bigger picture that a lot of others, like Alexi Lalas, were able to see while Donovan remained loyal only to himself. Becks was to become an ambassador for the MLS and its growing popularity in the U.S. and the world at large. Donovan was never going to do that, despite his skills.

So where does that leave me, Dean Everton Prescott? I am an avid fan of football (I cringe to say soccer despite my American audience), and I know that even if Becks was not a great captain, the treatment he has received in recent games for L.A. is enough to send him back oversees to clubs like A.C. Milan, Chelsea, or Tottenham Hotspur. The truth is, the guy is living in a world none of us can relate to. He is a millionaire footballer with a huge sponsorship deal with Adidas. Interestingly enough he only plays for teams that sport an adidas logo on the jersey. This is perhaps why he may be seen reunited with former A.C. Milan manager, Carlo Ancelotti, at Chelsea. He tried to fit into the MLS and the image that has been created for him (by him?). Like any hero or champion of the cause he may have failed to live up to the ideal we also created for him. Is it unfair? Absolutely. Now we have to suffer the consequences.

It is laughable to me when I think of the shared history that most really good football clubs are dealing with and then I think of the L.A. Galaxy. I mean Manchester United was founded in 1878, A.C. Milan was founded in 1899, and Real Madrid was founded in 1902. That’s over 300 years of history and lots of time to build solid, life-long, successful programs with winning and record breaking financial deals being linked over the course of that history. L.A. Galaxy came into being in 1995. Less than 15 years ago. It’s ridiculous for them to think they can ever compete with European Clubs that have developed mission statements and ideologies that deal with winning hardware and prestige. Beckham is after all, only a man. He could not be expected to turn the whole team around if there was to be infighting and insecurity coming from everyone around him. Sure there is an inequity in the fact that some players only make 20 grand a year playing alongside a guy who could probably buy his own island. Who’s fault is that? Certainly not David Beckham’s.

If the L.A. Galaxy and the MLS knew what was good for them, they should have tried harder to build a team around Beckham and Donovan. Adidas and Herbalife both wanted to be associated with a winner. Beckham wanted to help L.A. and the MLS to have more prestige, but too many others could not see the big picture. In England there are tiers to their league system. If you do poorly, your team gets relegated to the next lower league. Being in the top league, the Premier League, means a chance at trophies, sponsorship deals, prestige, and lots and lots of money. The MLS does not have that. As much as it tries to be a different beast than it is, the MLS comes off looking like a baby sister to the top leagues in Europe. It’s kind of sad when you think about it.

So Mr. Beckham, if you leave L.A. - this is one avid fan who won’t blame you. In fact, I’d support that move 100 percent. Maybe Donovan can join you. The only difference is he’ll be on the bench watching.

Resist. Multiply. Read the article.

I’m going to the game tomorrow night. Hope Mr. Beckham can do well. I have a theory he will be with Chelsea in a few months, regardless of his performances here in the U.S.A. More on that later. Check out this video clip from the Today Show.

Resist. Multiply. Expect more writing from Dean and Owen soon. We’ve been busy. Sorry.

In just two short days Bridget and I will depart for France and England with a tour of high school choir students. Owen will keep things going in my absence, but I have plans to write some international pieces when I return. Jacob will be in good hands with my overjoyed parents - as he gets a week of pampering I am sure to not have had as a child. We will miss him, but he is too young for this trip.

For now, I offer my congratulations to the United States men’s soccer team for an amazing 2 - 0 win over number one ranked Spain. They may not be the best team in the world, but they beat the current best team with true grit and determination. I will be cheering for them in France on Sunday.

Until I return, keep resisting, keep multiplying, and keep reading our blog!

-Dean

Your Full FIFA Confederations Cup TV Schedule (Now With BBC Announcing Lineups!)

Last year we watched the Euro Cup…this year we prep for the World Cup with the Confederations Cup. Enjoy fellow football fans.

Resist. Multiply. Watch the beautiful game.

I am sure that the United faithful are very, very disappointed tonight. Even if the team won several trophies this season - including the Premier League title - there is not much that can be said for a loss in the Champions’ League Final in Rome. Red Devils expect to win every title match. A loss is a missed opportunity for glory.

I sat on my couch this afternoon (after a long day painting a fire escape off of a 32 foot ladder) watching my favorite European football squad try their best to defeat a Barcelona team that looked ready to wipe the floor with United blood. Ten minutes in there was a goal and it was not by Ronaldo, Giggs, or Rooney. Instead it was Barcelona glory that was being celebrated. No worries, right? There were still 80 minutes of the beautiful game to be played. 

At around the 70th minute Jacob started to stir from his slumber. His mid afternoon siesta was ending and so were United’s chances to score an equalizer. Jacob woke with a fury just as Leo Messi scored off a beautiful header that sealed the victory for Barcelona. I calmed the little man in his crib while Manchester tried their best to attack, but they continually got shot down by the strong passing and defense of their opponents.

As Jacob and I sat and watched the closing minutes of a spectacular season, I could not help but think back to all the good things that have happened this past year. Sure Manchester United did not bring home two of the five total awards they had hoped to garner this year. Life is like that. You can set goals, but not always achieve them. A wiser man once told me you cannot reach a goal if you do not set one to aspire towards. The reality is that as hard as we may work (or play in this case) we can’t always win all the time. We can only try to win every time. I don’t believe in the old saying “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it only matters if you have fun.” What is the point of playing if you don’t strive to win? Winning is not everything, but it is the most fun. Losing sucks.

Back on point: I consider myself a winner because I got to stay at home with Jacob for a full two years. I did not lose my mind, I got to feel vital and appreciated by my wife and son, I got to experience many firsts, I bonded with the warrior, and I hopefully taught him a thing or two. Life is too short to not try your best to be a winner in all your actions and deeds. Striving for excellence is not a sometimes type of thing. It becomes habitual and it is something you can pass to your children. I know that Jacob will be a winner, too. His mother is tough as nails, and his father got to be there for the formative years. Neither of us have a losing mentality. 

Back to our favorite team: So United lost today. Tomorrow they will wake up and start training for another championship. That’s just what champions do. They may be sad for a few hours, but they live to fight another day. We should all learn from that example.

Resist. Multiply. Play to win.

Manchester United won the Premier League once again this season. This is the third win in as many years. I will reflect on this moment in the near future. Right now I am just enjoying the win. Go United! 

Watch the highlights here.

Resist. Multiply. Go Red Devils!

I know it is silly to suggest that because Jacob and I were wearing our Manchester United jerseys on Sunday during the great “come from behind” victory of five unanswered second half goals that the team won as a result. It is a bit far fetched to say that we are the team’s lucky charms, but I am Dean Everton Prescott, and I am a bit far fetched myself. So I will suggest we are the team’s lucky charms, and I will even go a bit further and say we are going to wear our jerseys this week when they play Arsenal in the Champion’s League. The boys have found the net and this fire will not die out. They know how to finish the season the right way. Jacob and I will support them every goal of the way.

Needless to say, my son is the real lucky charm. As I put him down for an afternoon siesta I returned to our living room couch and resumed the game that I thought the Red Devils were possibly going to blow. Instead, like the champions they are and will continue to be, they came back and wound up winning 5 to 2 against a less than spectacular Tottenham Hotspur team. Bravo boys, bravo.

Here is the highlight video. Click on the link and enjoy. If you are fan of Liverpool - you may want to cry your eyes out. Just kidding.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur Highlights

Next Time: Summer Preview

Resist. Multiply. Go United!
 

Here’s the picture of Jacob in his Manchester United jersey. Today we cheer the boys on as they play at 12:30 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel in the Premier League. Go United!

Manchester United returned to the Premier League summit with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth, while Chelsea and Everton drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Jacob will be wearing his Manchester United jersey tomorrow and I will be wearing mine, as well. All is right with the world tonight!

At this point in the English football season, I am beginning to see the writing on the wall. With less than a full month of competition left, it will be hard not to watch a match on a Saturday. Luckily, FSC does play plenty of Premier League Archive games. These are the best of the best and usually are a snapshot of a great game - reduced to a thirty minute show. 

Of course, there are some great Champion’s League games coming up. The semi-finals are on this coming week on ESPN2. Tuesday puts Chelsea against Barcelona and Wednesday puts Manchester United against Arsenal. I will probably catch both games, but I am only interested in the outcome of one of these as you already know.

Below is a video clip of Mr. Wayne Rooney - could he be the next great keeper? Probably not.

Resist. Multiply. Watch Manchester United.

What can be said about a week in which the Red Devils held onto a one goal game in the Champion’s League against Porto and then lost a heartbreaker against Everton (strangely my middle name) on Sunday in the FA Cup semifinal. I am happy they are still alive to become Champions of Europe, but supremely saddened that their hopes of winning the FA Cup are now over. The boys are still playing good football, but the team is not scoring like it did just a few short weeks ago. There is no time for a break, however, and there are still two prestigious awards to be won.

At times like this, I often think back on my many years of being a United fan and remember that winning it all is not everything, but it would be pretty spectacular. I am keeping my fingers crossed as the closing weeks of the Premier League and the Champion’s League are fast approaching. I am also excited for the chance to see Liverpool and Chelsea fall short of anymore hardware. 

Oddly enough this summer I will be visiting England with Bridget. How I wished we would be in Manchester - even if for a few hours. Nevertheless, we are not scheduled for anytime there. So instead I will be touring Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) stadium. I will try to enjoy this visit, but my Manchester Dream still holds true. Someday (before my 40th birthday) I hope to take a tour of Old Trafford, and see a match on that famous pitch.

Until then, I cheer on the boys in red and white, I encourage Jacob to love the Red Devils, and I dream of Premier League and Champion’s league trophies before the AIG is gone from the jerseys. 

Next Time: Jacob is a Talker

Resist. Multiply. Go Red Devils!

Forgiveness is not turning the other cheek.  Forgiveness is not running away.  Forgiving someone does not mean that you condone what the other person has done, nor does it invite him to do it again.  It doesn’t mean that you forget the offense, or that by forgiving you tacitly invite bad things to happen again.  It doesn’t mean you won’t defend yourself.  And it doesn’t mean that you must start to love the person you are forgiving.

My thanks to Sir Alex for his good judgement in using new talent in his already talented line-up. The measure of a great team is the ability to never give up - even in the face of a loss. Down by a goal with less than twenty minutes to the end of the game and perhaps title hopes, the Red Devils did what they do - they scored to tie it up. Then with only a few minutes of extra time left, they scored again. Ronaldo, a proven star notched two in this game, but the real winner was Man. United teenager, Federico Macheda, who scored the game winner in extra time. 

Liverpool did this yesterday, but they only were able to hold onto the first place spot for about twenty-two hours. I am still happy that they are not giving up their fight for the number one spot. It makes it much more interesting.

Jacob and I watched the game together today. Rather, I watched the game, played with the boy, and scared him when I jumped off the couch at the end to cheer on our team.

Today is his family birthday party. Bridget and I are giving him a few more gifts, but the one that means the most to me is the Manchester United away kit. He’s going to look so cool in it this summer season. It feels even sweeter to give it on a day when they reclaimed their number one spot in the Premier League. Go United!

Resist. Multiply. Play like a champion.