Sunday, July 7, 2013

How Can a Financial Analyst Impress Malouda, Messi et al?

From the Chicago Sun-Times via Deadspin:

Financial Analyst Promptly Scores Bicycle Kick Against World's Best
Lionel Messi's tour for charity, Messi and Friends, had a match scheduled yesterday in Chicago. The friendlies in addition to raising money, highlight what the best soccer players in the world can do against no pressure, defending or opposing effort. The results can be beautiful, but for the most part, it's a boring, tedious endeavor for all involved. That's partially why the roster of 36 stars was down to 13 by the time the exhibition kicked off at Soldier Field yesterday, and how a financial analyst ended scoring one of the nicest bicycle kicks you'll see.

Said analyst is Matt Eliason, who's also the all-time leading goalscorer for Northwestern University. Now, though, he's a guy juggling a job at GE Capital and amateur soccer, still hoping for his MLS break. The only reason why he was on the field is because there were only 13 professionals available, so nine Northwestern players and alums got called up to play.

This is ridiculous, mind you. This is a dream. These guys—many whose careers peaked with NCAA tournament berths—were suddenly asked to take the field with the greatest players on the planet, including Messi himself....MORE