Brad Friedel won 82 caps for the United States. Upon his retirement from the game this past May, he returned to America to become an analyst, pundit and co-commentator for FOX Sports. The former Spurs Goalkeeper will now also serve as Tottenham Hotspur’s club ambassador in the U.S.
And he could become something even more special and unique in his post-retirement life- that elusive homegrown elite soccer/football commentator that America has never had.
Last summer, the day after the United States was eliminated from the World Cup, Keith Olberman delivered this opening salvo on his show. He came up with seven points to help the game become more popular in the USA.
Point two (around the 2:30 mark in the video) “develop a great homegrown play by play announcer.”
As Olbermann pointed out, this is essential. I also agree with Olbermann that Sir Ian Darke is fantastic. I think he’s transcendent at what he does, but again this is all about finding an American voice.
And no, it definitely will not be in Taylor Twellmann, so please don’t suggest that. Spend any time in a Major League Soccer press box, and you will inevitably hear people talk about how much they don’t like Twellman.
As for Friedel, he still does sound a bit British. I guess all that time he spent living in England, he’s gone full Madonna now- somehow speaking like a Brit even though you’re from the Midwestern United States. Friedel is from Lakewood, Ohio. Madonna is from Detroit.
“I’ve got some wonderful opportunities in front of me working for FOX TV and I’m completing my pro licence,” Friedel said in a statement when he retired from the game and left White Hart Lane.
Brad Friedel signed a five year deal with FOX, who have rights to the FA Cup, Champions League, the Gold Cup, the next three World Cups and the International Champions Cup. What they need to do next is outbid NBC to get the Premier League rights. It expires after this upcoming season. FOX is also bringing over the Bundesliga next year.
Therefore Brad Friedel ‘s employer is positioning themselves nicely with the beautiful game. Now they need to develop that rock star announcer/PBP man/color commentator. Why not Brad Friedel? He did some good work this past Saturday during Manchester United versus Barcelona. You can also hear him Wednesday night when the MLS All-Stars take on Tottenham Hotspur in Colorado. Tune in and judge for yourself. Maybe he’s the guy. Or maybe not.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is part of the FOX Sports Engage Network. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous talk radio stations all across the country.
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