Hey Vox, after reading your posts I can see that you follow the patriots and have the inside scoop. Do you mind if I ask what do you do for them? Anyways what I really wanted to know was if the Patriots were going to play in the US Open Cup this year. If not why not? Did they not qualify?

I've done PA for them since for a long while and I've helped them with press releases for the last few seasons. Followed 'em since they turned pro in '94.

As for the US Open Cup, they use the early part of your season as pre-qualifying for the next round. That said, with three straight losses, unfortunately, I think they're already done for '06.

Hey Vox,

Have you seen the draw Laredo got? Dallas Roma, probably the best of the USASA sides, and if they survive Miami FC with Romario and Zinho. The soccer gods were not amused with the Heat.

Meanwhile those wimps in Des Moines get a one hit wonder USASA, the Dallas Mustangs who lost to Roma in the regionals, the Minnesota Thunder who are struggling to stay out of last place.

Tain't fair I say, the fix is in!

Oh well hopefully the younger legs of our border boys will be able to tire those old geezers.

You're right, Joe. They're obviously basing the draw on last year -- which you have to figure would happen -- plus Des Moines has a large, vocal following. They're the Golden Boys, fer sure, but with good reason seeing they got as far as they did.

Hopefully the Heat keep things at a boil. Would love to see Ryan get some exposure to the higher divisions and get some phone calls out of it. Sure would be nice for the Pats NOT to see him by the end of the season, if you know what I mean. ('Ay? Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more.)