Arsenal lover, soccer (football/footie) advocate, lawyer, snowboarder, golfer. I am a Gooner and this is American Arse. I have never been much of a writer, outside of drafting endless declarations, propounding discovery, and submitting hearing/trial briefs, but like all egotistical lawyers figured I could just make this shit up as I go. This is my first foray into blogging about SOMETHING. That SOMETHING is THE ARSENAL, albeit with a mix of USMNT flavor thrown in when they don’t piss me off (but especially when they do).

AmericanArse is the late night venture of an idea. Arsenal is one of the most represented clubs online and, while there are a large number of Euro viewpoints, I wanted to approach it from an American perspective (especially since ESPN’s soccer dedication is… complete shite). Soccer is one of the quickest growing sports here in the US of A, the MLS looks like it finally is getting its shit together and fans are starting to follow more and more teams abroad. As a devoted Gooner, I thought it best that I stick with blogging about what I consume most: Arsenal FC.

AmericanArse is a response to the information already out there. I will blog weekly at minimum (feel free to subscribe) and provide my own insight into Arsenal’s trek through the soccer world. Again, with some USMNT mixed in there to satiate my national team alliance.

I have, what I believe, is a unique perspective (which is obviously a correct one) that will most certainly influence my writing/opinion: I was not a soccer player. I did not grow up playing soccer. I did not grow up in a soccer home. I did not watch soccer games. I followed no team, studied no offside trap, and witnessed no golden goal. Instead, I played baseball like all good American kids. I gave up soccer when I was a wee boy and never looked back (or so I thought). I hit baseballs into the soccer field during practice and I did not discover my passion for the sport until the World Cup of 2006. At the time, I had finished my undergrad (Uni for all you UK blokes) and was no longer feeding my passion for sport via playing baseball. However, I started kicking around a soccer ball in an indoor soccer league (I lived in Washington State) and as I watched the World’s game being played out in Germany I became hooked.

At that time, the MLS wasn’t much interest to me. I couldn’t get into the style of play and so I turned to Real Madrid because my future wife was living in Spain and the family she was with were ardent Los Blancos supporters (my first soccer shirt was a Van Nistelrooy Real Madrid shirt). Games were hard to come by (outside of their bigger matches) so I started following Premier League matches (ESPN was starting to show stuff weekly). After trying to follow Fulham, out of respect for their love for American signings, I came across The Arsenal. At that time, I had come off the high of the 2010 World Cup and saw the beauty of the Spanish possession game. Obviously I couldn’t just follow Spain and that is when I found my love for all things Arsenal. 3 jerseys, 5 shirts, 2 bags, 1 golf head cover, 1 beanie, 1 scarf, and countless baby onesies later I find myself here; an American Arse.

I love most sports (yes, even curling), have played in various “fantasy” sports leagues (including the Premier League one) and was crazy excited when I could first get ESPN3 on my TV (thank you Microsoft, Xbox Live/360 and my arsehole cable provider-you charge way too much). I am an avid gym rat (7 days a week most weeks), live and die by MyFitnessPal app on my iPhone (love Apple products) and am married to the most beautiful woman on earth (I married WAY above my pay grade) with whom (is that correct usage?) we are raising our own baby gooner (we make sure to sing him Arsenal cheers daily).

When I started this blog I resided in Southern California (IMHO, the most apathetic sports area in the world, aside from a Mariner’s game) and practiced family law (educating myself on estate planning too). However, I have since moved back “home” to the great northwest (hey, at least the Sounders FC is much more lively than any Galaxy game I have attended) and can’t wait to start attending some Sounders games. Please feel free to email me at: americanarse@gmail.com or you can follow me on twitter: @americanarse (which I admittedly just started using because I know you all don’t really care about my random thoughts so why do I need to share them?)

Cheers.

1967 cannon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

*AmericanArse’s tagline above is from the movie Green Street Hooligans, a movie that sure as shit fueled my passion for football. 

Required Legal crap below:

This site is in no way connected with Arsenal FC or the USMNT. However, the content matter is mostly about Arsenal, soccer (football), and the USMNT; as that is what generally consumes my life 10-12 months out of the year (screw it, 12 months). The views and opinions expressed herein are in no way representative of Arsenal FC, USMNT or any other person other than the drafter of the blog or the person making a comment. Taking a note from my favorite Arsenal blog: Just to make it very clear: AmericanArse is in no way affiliated to or authorized by Arsenal Football Club or the USMNT. Sad, but true. This site does not condone the behavior of stupid or crazy people (otherwise known as people I dislike). All comments are the opinions of the individual commenter/drafter and do not represent the views of AmericanArse. Opinions expressed on this blog, and by anyone else, are those of the individual and do not represent the views of AmericanArse. If you wish to contact AmericanArse, please email your threats/harassment to the above listed email. Given that I am a lawyer, and I like to tell my clients this, be prepared that what you write can become an exhibit later in Court.