English Premier League ignites debate among soccer fans and pundits over their blackout policy

The English Premier League has been blacking out soccer games that kick off between 2:45 and 5:15 GMT in Great Britain. The blackout policy has existed since the 1960s when Burnley chairmen Bob Lord feared that fans would rather stay home and watch the “big” games such as Manchester United vs Liverpool than support their local club. As a result, only 154 games out of 380 games can be watched live in a EPL season.

In recent years, the debate about whether or not the EPL should uphold their blackout policy has been raging. In a poll held by British newspaper The Telegraph,  92% of fans were found to be for the cancellation of the current blackout policy.

Telegraph editor Luke Edwards argues that British fans should have the ability to watch live football matches at places other than pubs on Saturdays. Edwards claims that the EPL has already violated many of the old traditions held by fans, and that the tradition of being able to go to the pubs to watch live matches should be protected.

“If there is one final tradition worth protecting in English football,” Edwards wrote in an article in 2015. “It is the fact you can only watch a live game of football at 3pm on a Saturday if you take the trouble to get off your backside and leave the house for somewhere other than the pub.”

Edwards also argues that fans should have the option to watch the big match ups live at will. He believes that fans especially should have the option since they already pay television subscription.

“Why bother taking the family to watch your local team play when you can stay at home and watch Chelsea vs West Ham all for the price of the television subscription you already pay,” he said.

Telegraph editor Chris Bascombe has other opinions in mind, as he contends that the EPL blackout policy barely affects the fan’s ability to watch the games. Bascombe argues that even though the blackout policy stands, fans will always find a way to view the big matchups.

“It doesn’t matter how much it is forbidden, supporters are still finding a way to indulge. Instead of making it illegal it would make more sense to regulate it,” Bascombe said.

Bascombe claims that most English fans will usually go to pubs on the big matchup days and in that manner, watch the Saturday matchups.

“Walk around most cities on a matchday and numerous pubs will quite openly advertise live football at 3pm, much to the Premier League’s irritation,” he said.

Previously mentioned, the blackout policy was previously put in place in order to improve attendance for local teams. BostiInno writer Hayden Bird from says otherwise. Bird claims that the blackout policy has had absolutely no effect on attendance for local teams.

“Of course, whether or not the blackout rule actually does prop up attendance for local teams is debatable," Bird wrote in a 2015 BostiInno article. “Looking across at the German Bundesliga, attendance has actually climbed in the last 15 years, even though games are broadcast at all times.”

Football is considered to be the biggest national pastime in Great Britain. The debate of whether or not this blackout policy should be upheld is still a contentious issue. There seems to be no resolution for the fans in a near future. However as Bascombe said, there will always be a way for fans to indulge in “The Beautiful Game.”

Authored by Erick Romero, Andre Alexander

HSMSE Girls' Soccer returns to playoffs after promotion to A League

The HSMSE girls’ soccer team is coming off another successful season. They followed up their 2014 PSAL B League championship season with a 2015 playoff appearance in the PSAL A League.

After last season’s undefeated 14-0 record and a championship in the B League, the Dragons were promoted to the Bronx / Manhattan A Division, where they had to adjust to better competition. While the B Division featured players who usually competed for just the three month season, the A Division had players who participated in games year-round in leagues outside of school. Coach Regina Zafonte noted the improved caliber of teams the Dragons had to face.

HSMSE Girls' Soccer Team / HSMSE Yearbook

“The speed and pace is much faster,” Zafonte said. “There are a lot more talented and technical players.”

Despite the challenges they faced, the Dragons managed to place third in their division, making the playoffs with a 7-5 record. Zafonte credits the girls’ success to the team staying focused and working together on the field.

“We had to be really coordinated with our offensive attacks,” Zafonte said. “We had to make sure we were constantly communicating and our defense was solid, because we were going to be tested many times.”

Throughout the season, the Dragons had many memorable moments. They won their first round playoff game against McKee/Staten Island Tech. In addition to their playoff victory, they were the only team to score against Beacon High School in two separate matches, and defeated eventual champion Bronx Science during the regular season.

“I think that as a team, we exceeded our goals,” Zafonte said. “We did things during the season that were really impressive.”

Next year, the team will have to adjust to the departure of four seniors: Taylor Faulds, Maggie Haxhia, Galit Wiener, and Taieesha Peshkovsky, who was selected to play in the prestigious Mayors’ Cup. Despite these obstacles, the Dragons still have high expectations for next season.

“We would like to make the playoffs again,” Zafonte said. “We also want to fill the spots that are going to be open. If we win a championship, that’s a bonus.”

HSMSE Boys' Soccer wins division to earn playoff spot

HSMSE Boys' Soccer Team / N. Diunte

The 2015 season was a tremendous success for the HSMSE boys’ soccer team. They played to a record of 11-2-1, and reached the postseason for the first time since 2012.

The Dragons won the Manhattan B II Division, and played into the second round of the PSAL playoffs. Coach Nicholas Diunte attributes the improvement to young players who were prepared for the competition.

“The younger players matured in a shorter amount of time,” Diunte said. “Having a year behind of playing together helped. We [also] had some freshmen who were ready to step right in.”

Throughout the entire season, the team focused on the concept that all players needed to have an impact on the game. With everyone working towards the same goal, success was easier to attain.

“[By] getting everyone to contribute, and getting everyone on the same page on what we wanted to do offensively and defensively, we got the most out of what we could do with that concept all season,” Diunte said. 

Looking forward to 2016, HSMSE will be without four seniors: goalkeeper Alexei Ohotin, defender Matthew Levine, forward Onyekachi Akalonu, and defender Nick Winokur. While the team will have to adjust to the loss of these players, their coach feels that they have the personnel to fill the void of the departing seniors.

“I think that there are younger players who are ready to step in and fill their roles,” Diunte said. “The players who are sophomores and juniors are going to be juniors and seniors; the hope is that they will improve and mature, and we see who walks in the door as freshmen.”

While all the success has certainly been welcomed, the team wants to stay on track with their goals. Although duplicating their playoff run may not be easy, Diunte has faith in his players.

“We would like to [do the] same or better than what we did,” Diunte said. “I think the kids are up to the challenge and they see what they have to do to be prepared.”

Steven Limeta concludes his high school career with a Mayor’s Cup victory

After four rewarding years playing soccer with the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering Dragons, Steven Limeta finished his high school career with a victory in the prestigious New York City Mayor’s Cup.

Steven Limeta / NYC Mayor's Cup

Playing in the Mayor’s Cup is a huge honor for anyone, especially so for Limeta because he was the first player from HSMSE to participate in the event. The Mayor’s Cup selects the best 20 players in the Public School Athletics League. Since HSMSE is a small school, it is more difficult to be recognized.

Limeta has poured countless hours of training into his craft, playing for both his school’s team and a team outside of school. It is clear that Limeta deserved to represent HSMSE in the Mayor’s Cup, but he was still nervous.

“It felt nerveracking,” Limeta said. “You’re used to having your teammates around. I was really nervous representing our school.”

When Limeta was on the field, he kept a firm grip on his team’s defense. He made sure that everyone knew what was going on and was playing at their best. His key plays kept the score at nil. In one such play, Limeta covered for his teammate, stopped an attacker from breaking to the goal, and cleared the ball from his half of the field.

“If no one was there, they would have scored on us,” Limeta said.

Steven Limeta / Limeta Family

Limeta was a starter on MSE's varsity soccer team for each of his four years at the school. On the team, he played more than just excellent defense. As a centerback, Limeta scored four goals and recorded three assists in his career. Limeta’s defense along with his important role in MSE’s offense will be hard to replace for the upcoming season.

“Steven is gonna be missed as much for his reliable play as for his leadership,” said coach Nick Diunte. “He has a rare combination of both of those qualities that not every high school player has. When he was playing, his teammates knew that his position was locked. He was so fearless when he played, even when it might have been an uneven matchup.”

Despite his intense dedication and college-ready skill, his future with soccer is in doubt. Limeta recently suffered from postinfectious myopathy. He is recovering, but the illness has had a serious impact on his training and ability.

“After high school I'm planning to play college soccer,” Limeta said. “Right now I'm not sure I'm gonna make it because of what happened.”

No matter what ensues, soccer will continue to be an important part of Limeta’s life.

“You know what my first word was? It was not mom, it was not dad, it was goal,” Limeta said.“If I can’t play in college, I’ll just keep playing for fun.”

Coauthor: Junior Flores

Franck 'The Great' Ribery

Franck Ribery / commons.wikimedia.org

On March 17, 2014 an article was released on Bayern Munich and the top 30 players the team has ever had. Franck Ribery came out on top of them all, but in Stefan Bienkow’s opinion, Ribery deserves a greater title than just the best player for Bayern Munich.

“Franck Ribery is one of the best players in the world at the moment,” Stefan Bienkow said in a 2014 BleachReport article.

Recognized as one of the best players in the world, he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or (World Player of the Year Award). Sadly losing to Cristiano Ronaldo, on January 13th, 2014, the argument still remains about who is the better player between the two. Officials still believe it should be Ribery.

“He showed balance, technique, confidence in either foot, losing markers with a dropped shoulder and a flick of acceleration to dribble into the box, creating chances for team-mates or finishing himself,” said Henry Winter in a 2014 Telegraph article.

As well as being famous for his playing style and his techniques on the field, Ribery is known for his features, especially the large scar running down the right side of his face. From his childhood, Ribery was involved in a major car accident when he was only two years of age. Ribery feels the scar is more than just a wound, but rather assists him when playing on the field and brought him to where he is now.

“I’m proud of my scar, It gave me strength and forged my character,” Ribery said in a Football Deluxe article by Antoine Martin.

Being such a successful, recognized player, Ribery is in his early 30s at the moment and leaving a mark on Bayern Munich's and the French National Team's history.                                                     

Tevez set to leave?

Carlos Tevez- Alfonso Jimenez / Flickr.com

Carlos Tevez is entering a critical point in his career. The 29-year-old Argentinian Manchester City Football Club striker is reaching the end of his contract in a year and has publically announced his desire to play for Boca Juniors. With the history of trouble he has amassed, this may become a reality.

During his time in England, Tevez has faced multiple charges affiliated with banned driving. Tevez was caught speeding while driving without a proper United Kingdom license and was suspended from driving for six months. On January 16, 2013, seven weeks after the start of his suspension, Tevez was found driving in the outskirts of Macclesfield. The huge pile of charges Tevez faces from all these events may lead to him being forced to take time away from the game.

His troubles with the police aren’t the only worries Tevez has faced in his career. In a Champions League game with MCFC against Bayern Munich on September 27, 2011, Tevez refused to play despite orders from his manager Roberto Mancini. "If I had my way he would be out of the club," said Mancini on Tevez after the incident in a Sportsmole article. Tevez’s conflicts with Mancini have brought him to the verge of retiring from soccer as he saw a major drop in playing time. Months after the incident, Tevez has changed. “I lack that hunger for goals; now I am thinking of supporting the move or providing the assist."

Despite his change in character, Tevez now has a desire to play for the Argentine club Boca. "I'm dying to wear the shirt of Boca again, but with the contract that I have here it's very difficult for me to leave.” What further complicates his departure, along with his contract, is the odd position that the MCFC team is in right now. The team sold their striker, Mario Balotelli, to AC Milan and is rumored to be parting with another striker Edin Dzeko next transfer window. If Mancini decides to sell Tevez, he will be left with Sergio Aguero as his only world-class striker.

With all of the trouble he faces in England, along with his expiring contract, Tevez must now reevaluate what he wants to do for the future of his career. Staying in England does not seem to be Tevez’s plan, but only time will tell if Mancini will be able to buy the striking force that will allow for Tevez to depart the club for Boca.


Contributed by Velid Mulić & Din Islam

Who will take the king's cup?

The Vicente Calderon Stadium/ flickr- Derick Leony

The Copa del Rey will host Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona in the final on May 25, 2012 at the Vicente Calderon. Both teams will look to close the season out with a victory to secure the trophy. Barcelona, who failed to retain their title in the Champions League and La Liga, will try to win their last trophy under their Manager, Josep “Pep” Guardiola, who is leaving after four years at the club. Athletic will try to close out the season with a positive note after enduing the season in the bottom half of the table and losing in the Europa Cup final to Athletico Madrid.

Even though Athletic are not considered the favorites to win they cannot be underestimated. They showed great performances throughout the Europa Cup campaign, obtaining wins over some of the best teams in the world like Manchester United. Also they has one of the best tactical and craziest managers in all of soccer, Marcelo Bielsa. Bielsa has brought up a team who has struggled for most of the season to a team that has been able to compete against some of the best teams in Europe. Bielsa’s crazy tactics have seen the bringing up Javi Martinez, who switched from a center defensive mid role to a center back and is now considered a world class defender. Martinez has been a crucial part to their recent success with his smart play with the ball and defensive abilities. Fernando Llorente, the top scorer of the tournament, is also a key factor in the game as he is a very dangerous striker. Also his confidence is spreading through his team and is encouraging the team to play hard and like there's nothing to lose if they come out strong,  "Los Leones have one way forward and that is to go into the match with full confidence and hope for the best," said the author of bettor.com.


Although Athletic have a good chance of winning in the Finals, Barcelona are still the favorites to win. Barcelona, who managed 15 goals in their last three games, will look for something to fill in the void that was left when they lost La Liga to Real Madrid. Barcelona will try to win the very last trophy they can under their manager, Guardiola, who has led the team to 13 titles in the last four years, making him the most successful manager in Barcelona history. Barcelona also has arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, who has broken the record for most goals in one season and is in top form. Even though Barcelona is a great team, they must not only play well offensively but defensively. Barcelona’s defense has been shaky of late and they will be without Captain Carles Puyol, who has been a vital part of Barcelona’s defense for long time.

Both Athletic and Barcelona are going to come out strong to close the season with a win but both have to play well and limit their mistakes. Even though Barcelona are the favorites, Athletic will still be able to give them a tough time and make this game to remember.

The 'Best' drinking addiction

Many people look up to athletes; they become role models to people everywhere, but to see a role model destroying their life with drugs and drinking is a horrible sight. For an athlete that was capable of being a legend to destroy their career, their life, and their game is a waste of talent. One of these athletes destined for greatness was George Best.

Best was a skilled player on Manchester United, but his habit of drinking and partying denied him the path of becoming a legend. People say Best was going to be a star, but they never would’ve guessed that Best would ruin his career.

Best had a spectacular career as a winger. He would easily blow past defenders with his amazing speed and quickness while having complete control of the ball. His ability to cross, pass, and shoot with speed was an extraordinary skill.

Best would continue to drink and soon he was in need of a liver transplant. He was lucky to have survived when he got the transplant and he promised never to drink again. Best; however, wasn’t strong enough to fight his addiction and soon he was seen drinking in bars again. He was even arrested for starting a fight with a reporter at a pub.

Best’s drinking lead to the decline of his game. He became slower and he couldn’t do as much as before. Being a winger you have to be fast enough to get past defenders while maintaining control, but Best wasn’t able to do that as well anymore. He got heavier and slower which affected his game. He couldn’t get across defenders as easily anymore and he couldn’t control the ball as well either.

Best wanted to stop drinking because he knew what it was doing to him. He realized that drinking was just killing him and there was no reason to drink. "I know that I will never drink again," he said. "The only reason I would is because I want to kill myself or I want to go through this again - and I don't want either, so there's no reason to drink.” Best was in a depressed state, he felt as if he let his fans, his wife, and himself down and he couldn’t get away from drinking.

Today he is remembered as one of the greatest soccer players ever and he is considered as a legend. In a sense he was pretty successful, but he could’ve achieved much more if he didn’t get addicted to drinking. Best never thought his final match would be against drinking as he died on November 25,2005. "Drink is the only opponent I've been unable to beat," Best wrote in his second autobiography “Blessed.”

HSMSE Dragons Fly High

The HSMSE boys’ soccer team this year is looking strong, currently they have a record of 5-4. Their goal this year is to make it into the playoffs, though it hasn’t happened before. “Our team works hard at practice; we have 20 guys that are all trying their hardest to improve to contribute to the team’s success [making the playoffs],”said Coach Diunte.
The team seems like they have improved over the last few years. In years 2009-2010 they had a record of 3-8 with one tie and in 2010-2011 they improved to 4-10. HSMSE’s soccer team is closer to making it into the playoffs with the new talent they have this year.
While looking at the newest players on the team, Steven Limeta, a defender, has blocked many fowards. The other, Sebastian Villada a midfielder/forward, has taken a total of 4 shots and has made 3 of them in five games. Villada is still a freshman and therefore has three more years to improve and refine his skills. Although these two alone will not bring victory to HSMSE, they make a great addition to the team.
Since Coach Diunte was hired as head coach, the team’s goal is closer toward the playoff, they have senior striker, Julian Petrello. He has 41 shots on target and 12 goals. He has been a major contributor to the team. The team depends on him to get the ball and make plays on goal. One of his fellow senior players is Kevin Chun. The team depends on his ability to bring the ball up the field. These two players also have seniority on the field. They have been playing with the team since their sophomore year. They hope to get to the postseason because they have not made it to the playoffs yet. This would be a major achievement for the players, coach, and school.

Before the playoffs, the team has some rivals left to play. The players have developed a rivalry against Fiorello H. LaGuardia, where the team lost twice last year to them. Petrello tells us, “It was supposed to be their win, yet they lost by one point in the second half of both games played last year.”