Blackmouth Blackout

It still amazes me that the only person who seems to believe in USMNT captain Carlos Bocanegra is US coach Bob Bradley. This week, Fulham gifted Newcastle two goals by failing to mark players in the center of the defense, and yet Boca languishes on the bench. If relegation is what ultimately gets the club to move the former Fire defender, maybe that's a good thing. His critics -- particularly American soccer fans -- have always seemed to have an irrational dislike for him as a player, to the point where nearly every goal against Fulham is somehow made to be his fault. I'm sure they'll find a way to blame the two this week on him, despite the fact that he wasn't even on the field.

In related news, I'm hoping to be at Craven Cottage for Fulham's relegation showdown with Birmingham City in the next to last match of the season. I'll be in London, at the very least. That game could be absolutely huge.