as you can tell from my earlier comments, I'm on the Ian Darke bandwagon... but, dang...wouldn't it have been epic to hear Gus Johnson call Bradley's goal? He'd still be screaming!
How could anyone like Ekoku? He's the idiot who doesn't know the offside rule. Remember the opening game. He went nuts over the disallowed Mexico goal. He flat out said, "How can they be offside when there's a defender standing on the line?"
there's also some question as to whether a spotter should have alerted Darke about the keeper so he could correct himself. I saw a similar thing occur on New Zealand's goal against italy when it seemingly took them forever to see that it touched Cannavaro.
IIRC, he did correct himself on one of the replays. It was obvious he understood the offside rule, his mistake was assuming the GK was behind the ball too when it was played.
Let's write to ESPN and make sure they know our feelings! https://r.espn.go.com/members/contact/index Tell ESPN that we want Ian Darke to call the US match on Saturday, and beyond! Make the category ESPN3, I suppose.
yeah i did too, then I thought, "You idiot you are going to get someone hurt." I really was waiting to see who was going to have to get helped up off of the ground. But... can certainly understand. Would probably have done the same thing.
What's somewhat serious is that he clips Dempsey's head with his butt. Ugh, I've recently seen one post game celebration go somewhat awry with an injury. On topic, Ian Darke should call all the rest of the USA matches. Absoultely brilliant!
I posted this is another thread but it's more appropriate here. I watched the game at a bar but upon replay I was amazed at how genuinely thrilled/overwhelmed Darke sounded. You could tell he was along for the ride - not just narrating it.
Ian Darke--wow, seriously wow! i can't imagine anyone i'd rather hear more than this guy, he's consistently perfect.
You read my mind. Ian Darke has always been my favorite commentator, one who adds such a fantastic dimension to the game. Ian's unmistakably gravely and golden voice, coupled with his unfettered enthusiasm for the game are just as important (for the viewer) as a good soundtrack for a film. In other words, what would Star Wars be without John Williams? Well, it's not too far off to ask what would so many memorable football matches be without commentators like Ian Darke. I was elated when I discovered that ESPN had gone with a primarily British crew - especially with Ian Darke, Martin Tyler, and Derek Rae. Alan Parry and Jon Champion would have been nice too, but I'm not complaining. All of this aside, what a brilliant game. I've been a football nut since 1998 and cannot recall such a gratifying moment for the U.S. - even defeating Mexico in 2002.