Back in the Game, but Bayern Chokes Hard

I apologize for the lack of posting; chalk it up to lacrosse and the aftermath of my encounter with the long arm of the law.  But I'm back with big things planned.  First, I need to point out to the LBS staff that I posted before Walter.

More importantly, I'm writing this post from a coffee shop in St. Petersburg, Russia.  I've been here a week with four more to go.  So, my idea was to post every Sunday while I'm here, writing about the interesting stuff that I do and, of course, sporting events that occur over here.  Obviously, that means I'll be posting about more European sports and not so much the NBA or NHL playoffs, or baseball.  Our readers will be so much more cultured after the next few weeks.

Unfortunately, that means covering the Champions League final from last night (Saturday afternoon for the rest of you) 

Anyone For....Soccer?

It's about time the beautiful game received some coverage on this prestigious blog, and the Champions League draw that occurred this morning is the prefect excuse to analyze the greatest club teams and match-ups in Europe.

Arjen Robben, the Bayern Munich winger, looks to remain fit enough to see his team through to the finals in a repeat of their 2010 campaign

Plenty of unexpected story lines emerged from the group stages, the two most notable ones being the early exits of the two Manchester teams.  The debut of Manchester City in Europe's greatest club competition ended with disappointment as they fell one point short of Napoli and second place in the group on the final match day.  Manchester United also fell short of the knockout stages after they fell to FC Basel on their first match day and were only able to produce a tie back at Old Trafford.  Unfortunately, the draw was very early this morning so I was unable to do real-time analysis.  Fortunately, I play a ton a FIFA which has allowed me to accrue a vast knowledge of these teams.  So, without further ado, the most in-depth analysis you will find on a student-run, American blog.  Heavy emphasis will be placed on the perceptions I have of each team based on FIFA.