Millionarios 09/10 Home Jersey

Millionarios 09/10 Home Jersey

Juan Carlos Lopez, president of Millionarios, confirmed to El Tiempo in Colombia the new adidas soccer jersey that Millonarios will be wearing beginning on February 3rd, 2009. The team are currently wearing adidas squadra jerseys in friendly games before returning to serious business on February 3rd. Millionarios will have three uniforms (blue, black and white), the design uses the adidas template that will be in visible on a few teams in 2009, including MLS' Hoston Dynamo. In Colombia there was an internet pre-sale of this jersey that sold out in hours. Millionarios previous uniform providers were local company Saeta. The Onion Bag Soccer Shop will be carrying 2009 Millionarios jerseys, look for them to be online in late February.

The Seven Sporting Venue Wonders of the World

According to "Barclays Spaces for Sport" survey taken in the UK, these are the Seven Sporting Venue Wonders of the World. What is Barclays Spaces for Sport? According to their website:

Barclays Spaces for Sports is our £30 million investment to create sustainable sports facilities in communities across the UK. It is the single biggest investment in grassroots sport by a company ever in the UK.

In partnership with Groundwork and the Football Foundation, the Barclays Spaces for Sports programme works closely with the communities across the UK who most need our help. Together we have identified disused or worn out areas to be regenerated into sporting facilities that local residents felt they needed, providing them access to sport where this may not have existed.

Without further ado... The Seven Sporting Venue Wonders of the World.

#7. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia



It is the largest stadium in Australia, and holds the world record for the highest light towers at any sporting venue. May 25th 2006 saw the first of a series of special soccer events held there when Australia played European Champions Greece in front of a sellout 95,103 spectators.

#6. Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil



Built in 1950 for Brazil to host the World Cup, the stadium is synonymous in South America with the word "upset". This after Uruguay surprised the hosts and came back to win the 1950 World Cup final. From then on the phrase "Maracanazo" has become part of the South American sporting vocabulary. The paid attendance for that 1950 final was a mind boggling 199,500 fans. Today the capacity has been reduced to a less human-crushing 95,000.

#5. San Siro stadium, Milan, Italy




This is one of my favorite stadiums from an architecture standpoint. It kind of looks like it feels half indoors, half outdoors, square with the stands right up against the field. Home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, the official name is the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, named after the legendary player who played for both Milan sides back in the 30's and 40's. At the height of the 40's the stadium held 150,000 spectators! Hard to believe this was before they added the third deck to three of the four sides. Now capacity has been reduced to just over 80,000 as an all-seater.

#4. Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain



Home of Real Madrid, the capacity of this giant stadium once hit 120,000! These days though, with the all seater rules in effect, the capacity is down to just over 80,000. These is a standing proposal to construct a retractable roof, although most doubt it will not happen any time soon. The stadium is named after club president, Santiago Bernabeu, who is credited with growing Real Madrid into the world powerhouse it is today.

#3. The Bird's Nest, Beijing, China



Also known as Beijing National Stadium, is was built for the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. Capacity is 80,000 and in 2009 it will host the Italian Super Cup, a pre-season match between the Serie A champion and the winner of the Coppa Italia. This will also be the venue of choice for the Chinese national team.

#2. Nou Camp, Barcelona, Spain


Proposed renovation:


Official it seats over 97,000. It's called the Nou Camp, which means "New Field" in Catalan, because Barcelona started playing there in 1957 when they moved from their Old Field. For the 1982 World Cup finals, the capacity rose up to 120,000. This place is so nice me and the wife went there on our honeymoon.



#1. Monaco F1 Circiut, Monte Carlo, Monaco



Seriously? I could understand if it was in the top 7, but #1? F' that. Monaco is nice and all, but does that mean we should consider NYC a sporting venue because it hosts the marathon? There are much better candidates that the UK voters overlooked. The Azteca comes to mind, as does a certain chocolate-box-like stadium in Argentina. No to mention Brunton Park!

Double Trouble - Cruz Azul

Double Trouble - Cruz Azul

Lee Quiñones

Lee Quiñones was the star of the greatest Hip Hop movie ever made, Wild Style, starring as a South Bronx graffiti writer 'Zorro'. An inspiration to writers and artists worldwide, Lee Quiñones is truly a New York City legend. And just in case you thought Lee's style has gotten any less 'wild', you need to think again. Check this incredible video of Lee breaking down the concept for his artwork on a 2009 Ford Flex. Incredible.


Lee Quiñones 2009 Ford Flex Art


Wild Style Trailer 1983

New Red Bull Arena Animation

Say what you want about the team but the stadium will not be denied ! I think it's a great thing that Red Bull Arena is being delayed until the beginning of MLS' 2010 season, it will give the franchise the entire offseason to build momentum going into a new season rather than just let that 'new stadium smell' disappear after a couple of possibly meaningless games at the end of the upcoming 2009 season.

Tommy Grav Retires

One of my favourite players from the early 00's has announced his retirement, Thomas Gravesen, retired from professional football today at age 32. Tommy has been without a club for the previous six months. He retired from the Danish national team in 2006 and was released from Glasgow Celtic last summer.



Walter Smith signed him for Everton in 2000 for £2.5m from Hamburg. Tommy made 142 appearnces for the Toffees and was pivotal for Everton during the 2004/05 season when the club finished 4th and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. He was a character on and off the field and became a crowd favourite at Goodison Park. He would always throw his fist in the air, as he was running over to take a corner. The fans loved it.

Tommy left Everton for Real Madrid in January 2005 for the same fee Everton had signed him for 5 years previously. He never really fitted in at the Bernabeu and was moved to Glasgow Celtic in August 2006. He returned to Everton on loan in the summer of 2007. He played just 8 times in his second spell at Goodison, coming on as a late sub against Newcastle in the last game of the 2007/08 season, which was to be his last professional appearance.

Foosball Skills

If you can do anything like the guy in the above video you should check out the New York Foosball scene.

Columbia Bagels

I worked here for a few months before my visa ran out in 1988 ! I was paid 4.00 dollars an hour, but at least my commute was easy, I lived on 115th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue) in Harlem. Columbia bagels was on 110th Street and Broadway on Manhattan's Upper East Side. It closed in 2004.

Send A Salami To Your Boy In The Army

Katz Deli, L.E.S - NYC, Christmas Day 2008
Send a salami to your boy in the army ! Katz Deli on the Lower East Side of Manhattan will do just that. They will ship food everywhere and anywhere. But you can't beat being there !
I have been going to Katz Deli for years, and I pretty much order the same thing every time I go, Pastrami on Rye. It just melts in your mouth ! yeah it's expensive at just under 14.00 a sandwich, but that's enough for two to share and still be full. I never get the waitress service as I enjoy the banter with the guys behind the counter as they check your ticket for each and everything you order. When we last went on Christmas Day we used SEVEN different servers, and there was only four of us. You pretty much have to order each thing from each server who then writes on your ticket. You want matzoh ball soup ? you see the matzoh ball soup man, want a hot dog ? go see the hot dog man etc ... it's sounds confusing but it's all good ! Oh, I nearly forgot, draft beer is served, I had a couple of Anchor Steams last time I was there.

THE SHIP INN, MILFORD NJ

In scenic New Jersey there is excellent English food and beer to be had at The Ship Inn, it's not really for the football crowd, in fact it's probably a good place to get away from the game and just unwind with the family or friends. The Ship Inn was New Jersey's first brewpub commencing operations in January 1995.
My kids at The Ship Inn in Milford

The Ship Inn is about an hours drive from The Onion Bag Soccer Shop, just that little bit too far to travel for an after work skinful, so the times I've been have always been on the way back from a 'sunday run'. They do beer to go also, which actually tastes even better the next day !

Against All Odds

Proper Hip Hop from the City of London: Chase & Status featuring KANO.

There's Only One Andy Brownrigg

Buxton player Andy Brownrigg gets a lot of love form his own fans.

Classic Clough

Early footage of the legendary Nottingham Forest manager, Brian Clough.

The Alan Hansen Interviews

Funny stuff. The Michael Owen impression is hilarious !

Club America 'Retro' Third Jersey

If you have been looking to cop that Club America 'Retro' Third Jersey, then look no further. If you live anywhere near North Bergen, New Jersey you can buy it at The Onion Bag Soccer Shop on Bergenline Avenue, or you can simply buy online here. Hurry up, because there is a limited supply !

Happy House

I'm hoping there's a party behind the blue door tonight. Come on you Blues ! Catch the Merseyside Derby on Setanta from 2.00ET this afternoon, kick off is at 3.00ET

The Greatest Half Time Talk Ever

Nothing To Do With Me

Everton legend Peter Reid explains how he shouldn't be held accountable for Diego Maradona's second goal against England during the Mexico 1986 World Cup.

Merseyside Derby Pt.1 - The League

I'll be in Mr. Dennehy's in Manhattan for this one.

The Cisse Song

The Djibril Cisse Song

He loves his flashy underwear
Cisse, Cisse
He's got designer facial hair
Cisse, Cisse
He scores a goal with half a chance,
We'll never send him back to France,
It's Djibril Cisse,
Sunderland's number nine.

Against All Odds

Chase & Status featuring Kano. Against All Odds

New York Red Bulls Jerseys 09/10

Thanks to our friends over at Football Shirt Culture who were able to snag these pics of the new Red Bulls jerseys. The Onion Bag Soccer Shop will have these by early March. Keep an eye on the website for our special MLS season launch offer.

So what do you think of the shirt?

Knowing the score

It's always the same when your watching the match at home, that's why so many of us go to the pub to watch the games. Try watching a 'tape delayed' game at home, come on lads - you know what I'm on about, THEY know the score and tell you with a smile, "Don't worry I won't tell you what happens" and then proceed to let you know through their body language and questions - how many sugars do you want in your tea ? (are you sure you don't want THREE)... anything to wind you up and ring the bells in your fragile paranoid world when it comes to knowing the score.

This Andy Capp cartoon is over 50 years old, proving that the more things change the more they stay the same ..... you just know that Flo knows the score.

The Little Waster

When I was growing up we always got the Sunday Sun newspaper which covers the North East of England as well as the Carlisle area where I lived. I always remember reading about this comedian, Bobby Thompson, who seemed to never do any shows outside of a 15 mile radius of Sunderland. The Sunday Sun never seemed tire of telling of how Bobby used to rule the working mens clubs of the north east, week in and week out I would read of how Bobby was killing them in the clubs, but I never got to hear the man on the TV or the Radio, which I always found quite strange.

Famous for his broad Mackem (Wearside, or more specifically Sunderland dialect) accent, self-deprecating humour and mastery of the mother-in-law joke, Thompson was affectionately known as The Little Waster due to his short stature, which he often played upon his act, describing himself as "Little Bobby". His most famous outfit was a worn out stripey jumper (Wooly gansey) and flat cap. His ever-present Woodbine cigarette stub, hanging from the corner of his mouth, was also an integral part of his on-stage persona.

Bobby's attempts to move beyond North East of England were limited by his accent and the regional bias of his humour. He was also renowned for his problems with the tax man, stemming from the fact that he never seemed to pay any. This was an unfortunate fact that he turned to humour in his stage act. Problems with drink, finances and his health affected his career in the 1970s, but he remained a North East favourite, particularly on the club scene, until shortly before his death in 1988.

Thanks to YouTube, all of us can now enjoy Bobby Thompson, though you may not understand him !

Throwing My Arms Around Paris

As cheerful as a Ken Loach film, the Frank Sinatra of his generation, Manchester's answer to Vicente Fernandez, the one and only Morrissey returns with a new album Years of Refusal in early February. The lead off single Throwing My Arms Around Paris debuted on Channel Four in the UK this past weekend.

Morrissey - Throwing My Arms Around Paris.official video.

You can catch Morrissey when he plays some local shows during March, on the 16th at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ and on the 21st at the Bowery Ballroom then on the 25th at Webster Hall and finally at the iconic Carnegie Hall on the 26th, all in Manhattan.

New York Red Bulls: Est.1996 ?

We can't show you the full image yet, (just this grainy image of poor quality !) but there is something interesting in the neckline of the new New York Red Bulls soccer jersey for 2009. The wording is as follows: Red Bull New York: Est. 1996. So apparently Red Bull bought the nine previous years of Metrostars failure when they bought into MLS in 2005. The relationship between the Red Bulls and the former Metrostars has always been an interesting one as Red Bull have often sought to distance themselves from the previous franchise, which is why this particular feature of the new Red Bulls jersey caught my attention.

That little quirk aside, I have to say that these upcoming Red Bulls jerseys are the best yet, both from a Red Bulls fan viewpoint and in the quality from adidas. As with last year's Red Bulls jersey you will see this adidas template on several top European sides. The 2008 Red Bulls jersey template ended up being the same one that Real Madrid adopted months later, in 2009 it won't be Madrid that will emulate the Red Bulls jersey, but a famous English club. I'm sure images of the full range of 2009 MLS soccer jerseys will be available over the next few days as adidas and MLS usually display them at the annual coaches convention / MLS superdraft which this year is being held in St.Louis.

Sign Language

Sign Language - Welling Vs. Maidstone

Who needs to be heard to get a point across ? Further proof that all the fun in football is in the lower leagues.

Digital TV Signal Confusion

Here at The Onion Bag Soccer Shop we don't have this problem, because we got some high tech / underpaid nerds handling all out electronics. But in the off chance that you still catch Republica Deportiva over the trusty rabbit ears, here's a little video to help you along the way to joining the rest of us in the 21st Century.

Ronaldo writes off his Ferrari

Cristiano Ronaldo's wrecked Ferrari. photo:Manchester Evening News

Cristiano Ronaldo's Ferrari was badly injured today when it was involved in a collision with a tunnel wall at 10.20am today on the A538 Wilmslow Road in Greater Manchester, as the CR7 (that's the name of the driver - not the car), was unable to control his cell phone and the steering wheel of the Ferrari at the same time (allegedly). The Portugal and Manchester United star was on his way to United's training ground when the accident happened.

Ronaldo was able to get out of the wrecked car and showed no sign of injury. He was being spoken to at the scene by Manchester police investigating the incident.

Surviving Gazza

This sad documentary was shown on Channel 4 in the UK on Monday night.

Cuauhtemoc to return to the Fire

The Chicago Fire and the legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco are closing in on a deal that would bring the man from Tepito back to Chicago for a third succesive season, according to Luis Arroyave from the Chicago Tribune. Only Blanco's signature is required to finalise the deal.

Cuauhtemoc was loaned out to Santos Laguna at the end of the 2008 MLS season and was a prime mover in Los Guerreros run to the Apertura 2008 semi-finals where they just lost out to eventual champion Toluca.

Inter City Firm Documentary

Watch in full the entire 51 minute documentary from 1985 that covers the origins of hooliganism in the UK and more interestingly West Ham United's Inter City Firm as they visit various northern towns for fun and games back in the Eighties.

I remember watching this documentary on BBC 2 when it came out, it caused quite a buzz around my circle of friends when it came out, as it wasn't every day you saw someone who looked and dressed like you did with similar weekend interests getting interviewed by the BBC. West Ham had one of the most talked about mobs in the country, one that you would want to avoid at all costs as you criss crossed the country with British Rail on any given saturday, especially if you were light on numbers !

The documentary was one of the first to show images of young English lads roaming the country in designer gear in search of a 'good day out'. One of the lads interviewed, Cass Pennant, went onto write numerous books on the ICF and Hooligans as well as having a part (albeit brief) in Green Street Hooligans.

Landon Donovan to Bayern Munich

Landon Donovan is ready for the Bundesliga

The best American soccer player is giving Europe another shot, and it's about time. The much rumoured but never confirmed loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy to Bayern Munich sees MLS' best homegrown talent return to Germany after previously playing there with Bayer Leverkusen, where he last played in 2005.

Landon is obviously looking forward to the challenge of playing with and against some of Europe's best players as he tells in an interview on the official Bayern Munich website.

What will Bruce Arena do if his two marquee players decide to stay with their 'loan' clubs in Europe ?

The Henley Northerner Show 2008

Nice to see a fellow Cumbrian grab second place in this prestigious show !

Number 32

Your boys at The Onion Bag Soccer Shop have wasted no time getting hold of David Beckham's #32 AC Milan jersey, even before Becks himself sports it in real competition, which is allegedly happening this sunday when AC Milan will visit AS Roma.

This is the AC Milan home long sleeve David Beckham jersey, and you can cop it here. We've also got AC Milan away jersey with Beckham #32 available also, and you can add this to your already extensive David Beckham collection right here.

I was sceptical of the interest on this jersey as it is widely known that this is just a loan arrangement between Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy and that Becks will return to Cali by private jet a few minutes before 'Opening Kick' 2009 (chuckle - that's twice in one day !). However, we have received numerous phone and online orders for the jersey, proving once again just how little I know when it comes to selling soccer jerseys !

Philly Stadium in Jeopardy ?

Premature scarf waving Philadelphia fans ?

There were some nervous fans of the expansion Philadelphia MLS franchise after Keystone Sports CEO, and bestest friend of The Onion Bag Soccer Shop, Nick Sakiewicz set about a doom and gloom scenario to welcome in the New Year for MLS and American soccer fans. The Philly team's stadium project, which is due to be completed in time for the 2010 'Opening Kick' (chuckle) appeared to be in danger of collapse even before structural work began.

“I wish we could give you hard commitments today, but we’re not even sure the stadium is going to be built,” Sakiewiecz told the Delaware County Times. “If the markets tank next month, then we won’t build this thing. We’ll be out $15 million and everyone goes home.”

Fast forward a couple of days and things ain't as bad as they at first sounded. The Delaware County Times now reports that things are indeed moving forward.

Any excuse to visit Philadelphia more often I'm all in favour of, and the chance to mix a bit of live soccer with mushroom cheesesteaks and a few pale ales is the recipe for a top day out.

The Modern Football Manager

Paul Whitehouse takes us behind the dressing room doors of the modern football club ...


..... wait, there's more, here's part two ...

Liga De Quito Club World Cup Soccer Jerseys

Your favorite soccer shop's favorite soccer shop has just taken delivery of a limited supply of Liga De Quito umbro soccer jerseys produced and worn for the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup in Tokyo. In FIFA World Club Cup competition no more than one sponsor is allowed on the jersey. Other than the official club badge and manufacturer logo on the chest a small badge on the sleeve may show which country you are representing.

Liga de Quito had a miraculous season in 2008, winning the Copa Libertadores. This was the first time a team from Ecuador won the South American title. This title qualified them to play in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup in Tokyo. This shirt is a limited edition jersey the team wore for their Club World Cup participation where they finished second after losing 1-0 to Manchester United in the final.

Soccer Jerseys from Argentina

It's been a few years since we stocked a good assortment of Argentine soccer jerseys at the Onion Bag Soccer Shop, and seeing as nike have not brought Boca Juniors soccer jerseys into the United States for the past two years, our Argentine soccer jersey selection has been decidedly threadbare. And don't get us started on adidas always bringing in the River Plate jersey without sponsors ! .... luckily for us we have tats in the right places and friends in high places down in Buenos Aries that help us get a hold of the Petrobras and Lubtrax sponsor patches.

When we first opened in our first soccer shop in Manhattan we used to have a guy that would fly from Buenos Aries to New York and deliver suitcases of Argentine soccer gear. As years passed that connection was lost as our man got into the wine business ! So, here we are years later and we now have a new connection, so you can expect to see a lot more soccer jerseys from Argentina at The Onion Bag Soccer Shop. As of right now we've got our hands onTigre soccer jerseys, Argentinos Juniors soccer jerseys, Huracan soccer jerseys, Lanus soccer jerseys, Racing Club soccer jerseys, Rosario Central soccer jerseysand last but not least, San Lorenzo soccer jerseys.

So, how the hell can we sell all those Argentine soccer jerseys you ask, well, it's probably a little easier for us than it would be for other soccer shops as we are located on Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen, where there are many Argentine owned businesses. My particular favorite is a couple of blocks from where I actually live, Argentina Bakery - this is where I often cop breakfast or sandwiches for the kids to take to school, and it's also the ONLY place our family buy our Birthday / Celebration cakes from, as they are fantastic, and simply better than everyone elses !

The food there is really good and I would guess that the delicious empanadas, cakes and pastries are what keeps people coming back time and time again. The staff that work there are also really nice and friendly people who will help you out if you are not sure on what to order. On weekends this small bakery gets so packed you have to take a numbered ticket and wait in line as everyone usually picks up there 'special' party cakes on those days.