Author Declan Hill argues that without major changes to security and enforcement, the game of soccer will be forever damaged by criminals’ efforts to fix games around the world. Bill Littlefield shares his thoughts on The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime.
This week on Only A Game, Tampa fans bask in the fall classic’s beneficent Rays. Also, Batman and Robin go batty for crazy golf, and a conversation with Chuck Culpepper, author of Bloody Confused: A Clueless American Seeks Solace in English Soccer. Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/10/onlyagame_1025.mp3Continue reading »
Few books have focused on the American perspective of English soccer…until now. In his new book, Bloody Confused!: A Clueless American Sportswriter Seeks Solace in English Soccer, American author Chuck Culpepper explores and embraces the rivalries, loyalties, and cultural phenomena that is U.K. soccer. Bill Littlefield comments on this wonderfully entertaining read.
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This week on Only A Game we’ll examine the new athlete-driven initiative to study the long-term effects of concussions. Also, meet the teenage pro soccer player whose path to Chivas U.S.A. began with a stop on a reality T.V. show, and all the latest Major League Baseball Playoff developments. Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/10/onlyagame_1004.mp3 Continue reading »
In his new book, Soccer Dad, author W.D. Wetherell describes the power and beauty of the game of soccer through his experience as a sideline dad for his son’s high school soccer team. With its lyrical and energetic writing, Wetherell’s book defines the term "a good sports read" and Bill Littlefield agrees.
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The U.S. soccer team will face off against Cuba this Saturday in Havana for a World Cup qualifying match. While the team and a few U.S. journalists have been granted permission to land on Cuban soil, U.S. soccer fans won’t be able to see the game. Bill Littlefield explores the reality of politics and sports in Cuba.
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Tonight in Toronto, Major League Soccer’s all-star team, led by New England Revolution Coach Steve Nicol, will take on West Ham United of Great Britain’s Premiership. Bill Littlefield looks forward to the game, and back at what M.L.S. has accomplished.
This week on Only A Game, the attempt by double amputee Oscar Pistorius to qualify for the South African Olympic team. Also, remembering the 1987 Leonard/Hagler fight, Major League Soccer players stretch the field as well as the season, and kids push the boundaries at summer asthma camp.Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/07/onlyagame_0719.mp3
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Followers of the Tour De France say it’s time to take back the tour. We’ll have the straight dope this week on Only A Game. Also, semi-pro soccer players go up against the pros at the Lamar Hunt Open, and casting and cranking with the anglers of the women’s bassmaster tour. Audio for http://www.bu.edu/wbur/storage/2008/07/onlyagame_0705.mp3Continue reading »


