Welcome everyone to my new weekly column for American Soccer Reader! My name is Julian Valentin and I’m a rookie with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
I’m really excited to be back in the blogging scene, and excited to have something productive to do in the afternoons after I get back from training – something rather than just sitting on the couch and watching Home Improvement reruns. Now I can sit on the coach and write a blog! In this new, exclusive weekly article, which will be delivered every Thursday, I will write under 5 primary headings and areas of interest. (This will start next week as this is only an introduction and orientation piece this afternoon).
Looking Back & Looking Ahead
In this bit of each installment, I will look back at our last match with the Galaxy. I’ll talk about the match, the result, and anything else interesting associated with the last game. Hopefully this will all be positive as I look back at a Galaxy win!
After that, I will look ahead to our upcoming Galaxy match. I’ll discuss the importance of the match for us, key players on the other team, and anything else worth noting as we prepare for the next fixture.
This Week
In this section of my piece I will talk about the comings and going of the week in LA. I’ll try to pick out some things that are going on in my life that might be worth reading about. I’ll share some stories and try to give you some insight about what it’s like to be a rookie in our league. In this section I will also take the liberty to give special shout-outs or going on any rants – which may or may not be soccer related.
Around the League
Here I’ll discuss what’s going on in our league. Which teams are impressing in MLS, which players are standing out, new signings in the league, stadiums, expansion, whatever. There’s always something to write about around the league…
Around the World
I have a great passion and admiration for this game and soccer around the world. This will be my forum to discuss news, rumors, international fixtures, Euro 2008, World Cup qualifying, any matches and tactics, or any anything else that is noteworthy in the world of soccer…outside the United States.
Q & A
Just like Hunter’s weekly blog I’d like to answer all (or most) of your questions. Feel free to write to me at Julian@americansoccerreader.com and I’ll do my very best to respond to your questions and comments.
So that’s pretty much it. That’s what you can expect every Thursday here, on American Soccer Reader. I’m really looking forward to it and I hope that you are as well. Feel free to start now by sending your questions or comments to Julian@americansoccerreader.com and make sure to come back to American Soccer Reader next week to see my first real entry. Until then, be well…and I’ll get back to Home Improvement.
-jules
