Social Media for Soccer Lovers

Let's Make a Soccer Team!
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We’re all part of a team. Our communities are our fellow players and our thought-leaders are our coaches and managers. Our blog readers and our followers on Twitter are our supporters (and we’re theirs). The mediums we use are our playing fields.

There are eleven players in a soccer team with (usually) four different tasks. Who would they be in a social media soccer team?

  1. Goalkeeper. The guy that can decide whether your team wins, draws or loses. The wall to keeping your opponents from scoring, who’ll have your team’s back at all times. Solid and reliable. Suggested goalkeepers: Darin Berntson, Roger Byrne, Lizz Harmon and Iggy Pintado.
  2. Defender. Normally most soccer teams play with four defenders, although three and five can be used too. They’re the guys that will protect the goalkeeper at all costs, while setting up plays from the back to move the game forward. They’re the stalwarts of any great team. Suggested defenders: Justin Levy, Beth Harte, Susan Murphy, Kathryn Jennex, Cheryl Gain, Jacob Morgan and Keren Dagan.
  3. Midfielder. The engine of any soccer team, the midfielders have a lot of ground to cover. They’re responsible for defending the team as well as leading by example and encouraging the attack. Suggested midfielders: Chris Brogan, Jason Falls, Mack Collier, David Alston, Jason Tryfon and Ari Herzog.
  4. Strikers. The glamour players of any soccer team. These are the guys that can lead your team to glory and they can do so by scoring either a spectacular goal or a simple tap-in. They can be quiet during a game but they always have the explosive moment in them that changes the game. Suggested strikers: Amber Naslund, Shannon Paul, David Mullen, Scott Stratten and Dave Fleet.

These are my first-team players. Who would be in your soccer team?

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53 Responses to Social Media for Soccer Lovers
  1. Matt Churchill
    January 31, 2009 | 4:58 pm

    Great idea! What about some Gallic flair in the middle with Laurent Francois?

  2. Danny Brown
    January 31, 2009 | 5:02 pm

    Being part of the social media community is like being part of a soccer team. There are different people for different skills and positions. Who would be your team?

  3. Danny Brown
    January 31, 2009 | 5:10 pm

    Being part of the social media community is like being part of a soccer team. There are different people for different skills and positions. Who would be your team?

  4. ChrisDrinkut
    January 31, 2009 | 5:32 pm

    Hm. Goalkeeper, defender, midfielders and strikers hu. Alright I do also like Brogan as a midfielder; and I'll back you up on Ari Herzog too. I like Brain Solis as a defender; Seth Godin for striker; I'll go ahead and put Dan Martel and Cory O'brien in there too to help with physicality. And lastly probably ought to put Pistachio and LIz Struass in somewhere to help keep things balanced. Ah, Darren Rowse too as a blogging striker. Or maybe Rowse is the Goalie? Oh, geez, now I'm thinking Gary Vaynerchuck? Where can we put him? I give.

  5. Matt Churchill
    January 31, 2009 | 8:58 pm

    Great idea! What about some Gallic flair in the middle with Laurent Francois?

    • ChrisDrinkut
      January 31, 2009 | 9:32 pm

      Hm. Goalkeeper, defender, midfielders and strikers hu. Alright I do also like Brogan as a midfielder; and I'll back you up on Ari Herzog too. I like Brain Solis as a defender; Seth Godin for striker; I'll go ahead and put Dan Martel and Cory O'brien in there too to help with physicality. And lastly probably ought to put Pistachio and LIz Struass in somewhere to help keep things balanced. Ah, Darren Rowse too as a blogging striker. Or maybe Rowse is the Goalie? Oh, geez, now I'm thinking Gary Vaynerchuck? Where can we put him? I give.

      • Danny Brown
        January 31, 2009 | 11:07 pm

        I like your idea of Rowse as goalie – he reminds me of Jason Statham a la Mean Machine. And wouldn't Gary Vee be shouting instructions from the sideline? ;-)

  6. Ari Herzog
    January 31, 2009 | 10:39 pm

    Hehe, the irony of your placement of me as a midfielder is that's precisely what I played (when not defending) on an adult community soccer league last summer. Shall I mention the time I was defending the ball around the middle of the field when SMACK the ball was headed from someone and it crashed into my head, thereby smashing my eyeglasses to the ground? Nothing broke, but the optician needed to adjust the earpieces the next day!

    With the above formation and membership, I'd switch Chris Brogan to Goalie, for if Darren Rowse is there, so too must be Chris. Recruit Kari Rippetoe can replace Chris on the midfield. Warren Sukernek might be a worthy defender, along with your colleague Sarah Evans. Or would Sarah be a striker? For sure, Robert Scoble could be a substitute striker, to come in at the end of the game when everyone else is tired. And you're the coach, Danny, right?<span class="idc-clear"></span>

  7. Ari Herzog
    January 31, 2009 | 10:39 pm

    Hehe, the irony of you're placement of me as a midfielder is that's precisely what I played (when not defending) on an adult community soccer league last summer. Shall I mention the time I was defending the ball around the middle of the field when SMACK the ball was headed from someone and it crashed into my head, thereby smashing my eyeglasses to the ground? Nothing broke, but the optician needed to adjust the earpieces the next day!

    With the above formation and membership, I'd switch Chris Brogan to Goalie, for if Darren Rowse is there, so too must be Chris. Recruit Kari Rippetoe can replace Chris on the midfield. Warren Sukernek might be a worthy defender, along with your colleague Sarah Evans. Or would Sarah be a striker? For sure, Robert Scoble could be a substitute striker, to come in at the end of the game when everyone else is tired. And you're the coach, Danny, right?

  8. Ari Herzog
    January 31, 2009 | 10:40 pm

    Hehe, the irony of your placement of me as a midfielder is that's precisely what I played (when not defending) on an adult community soccer league last summer. Shall I mention the time I was defending the ball around the middle of the field when SMACK the ball was headed from someone and it crashed into my head, thereby smashing my eyeglasses to the ground? Nothing broke, but the optician needed to adjust the earpieces the next day!

    With the above formation and membership, I'd switch Chris Brogan to Goalie, for if Darren Rowse is there, so too must be Chris. Recruit Kari Rippetoe can replace Chris on the midfield. Warren Sukernek might be a worthy defender, along with your colleague Sarah Evans. Or would Sarah be a striker? For sure, Robert Scoble could be a substitute striker, to come in at the end of the game when everyone else is tired. And you're the coach, Danny, right?

  9. Arik Hanson
    January 31, 2009 | 10:52 pm

    Ha-great idea, Danny. For 11, I'd go (without doubling up on yours): Sarah Evans, Rachel Kay and Jen Wilbur as strikers (all women, all badass PR peeps). Matt Batt, Allan Schoenberg, Greg Swan and Graeme Thickins as midfielders. Scott Hepburn, Brad Mays and Jay Baer as my defenders. And finally, I'd go Sonny GIll as keeper. Damn, I like my team! My Dream team vs. Yours? I'm taking bets…

  10. Judy Rey Wasserman
    January 31, 2009 | 10:53 pm

    What a great fun post! I'm a soccer fan. I wrote a soccer comedy script even that was optioned by Academy Award nominee Diane Ladd to produce & direct.

    I appreciate how you have the women playing with the men!

    I'd like to play a position. I'm not sure if I'm a midfielder or striker. I helped defend the Twitter community during the phishing attack but usually I'm very innovative and get out in front with an original idea. I staged Twitter's first Art Performance when I'd been active for all of two weeks. About to organize another. Of course, I could also be a journalist and report on the game!

    Whatever, I'd be happy to play with the teammates mentioned. Again, this is a fun idea!

    Judy Rey Wasserman
    On Twitter: @judyrey

  11. Sonny Gill
    January 31, 2009 | 11:33 pm

    Did Arik just throw my name in as his goalkeeper? Man, I got a lot to live up to now!

    No matter what the position and who scores the winning goal (or blocks it. in this case, me ;) ) the team is 1 and they're all for each other and the community. I can confidently say that no matter who I choose within my community, who I connect with on a daily basis and trust, I'm confident I'd have a winning 11 :)

  12. Ari Herzog
    January 31, 2009 | 11:36 pm

    You'd have a winning 11? You would *have* the 11? You wouldn't be *part of* the 11?

  13. Sonny Gill
    January 31, 2009 | 11:42 pm

    Oops – *part of* the winning 11, I meant :)

  14. Danny Brown
    February 1, 2009 | 12:07 am

    I like your idea of Rowse as goalie – he reminds me of Jason Statham a la Mean Machine. And wouldn't Gary Vee be shouting instructions from the sideline? ;-)

  15. Ari Herzog
    Twitter: ariherzog
    February 1, 2009 | 2:39 am

    Hehe, the irony of you're placement of me as a midfielder is that's precisely what I played (when not defending) on an adult community soccer league last summer. Shall I mention the time I was defending the ball around the middle of the field when SMACK the ball was headed from someone and it crashed into my head, thereby smashing my eyeglasses to the ground? Nothing broke, but the optician needed to adjust the earpieces the next day!

    With the above formation and membership, I'd switch Chris Brogan to Goalie, for if Darren Rowse is there, so too must be Chris. Recruit Kari Rippetoe can replace Chris on the midfield. Warren Sukernek might be a worthy defender, along with your colleague Sarah Evans. Or would Sarah be a striker? For sure, Robert Scoble could be a substitute striker, to come in at the end of the game when everyone else is tired. And you're the coach, Danny, right?

  16. Ari Herzog
    Twitter: ariherzog
    February 1, 2009 | 2:39 am

    Hehe, the irony of your placement of me as a midfielder is that's precisely what I played (when not defending) on an adult community soccer league last summer. Shall I mention the time I was defending the ball around the middle of the field when SMACK the ball was headed from someone and it crashed into my head, thereby smashing my eyeglasses to the ground? Nothing broke, but the optician needed to adjust the earpieces the next day!

    With the above formation and membership, I'd switch Chris Brogan to Goalie, for if Darren Rowse is there, so too must be Chris. Recruit Kari Rippetoe can replace Chris on the midfield. Warren Sukernek might be a worthy defender, along with your colleague Sarah Evans. Or would Sarah be a striker? For sure, Robert Scoble could be a substitute striker, to come in at the end of the game when everyone else is tired. And you're the coach, Danny, right?<span class="idc-clear"></span>

  17. Ari Herzog
    Twitter: ariherzog
    February 1, 2009 | 2:40 am

    Hehe, the irony of your placement of me as a midfielder is that's precisely what I played (when not defending) on an adult community soccer league last summer. Shall I mention the time I was defending the ball around the middle of the field when SMACK the ball was headed from someone and it crashed into my head, thereby smashing my eyeglasses to the ground? Nothing broke, but the optician needed to adjust the earpieces the next day!

    With the above formation and membership, I'd switch Chris Brogan to Goalie, for if Darren Rowse is there, so too must be Chris. Recruit Kari Rippetoe can replace Chris on the midfield. Warren Sukernek might be a worthy defender, along with your colleague Sarah Evans. Or would Sarah be a striker? For sure, Robert Scoble could be a substitute striker, to come in at the end of the game when everyone else is tired. And you're the coach, Danny, right?

    • Danny Brown
      February 1, 2009 | 1:34 pm

      Knowing your players' strengths and putting them in their positions is key. Of course, striking lucky with that being their natural position doesn't hurt… ;-)

      Interesting team changes and I like the infusion of Scoble's energy when everyone else is tiring – masterstroke. :)

      I'll either be the coach or the guy that brings on the half-time oranges! :)

    • Kari Rippetoe
      February 2, 2009 | 3:02 pm

      Thanks Ari! Considering I'm complete rubbish at any kind of sport, I'm honored that you've included me (especially to replace Chris Brogan, of all people!).

      Great post and analogy Danny! Now we should assemble a social media rock band!

  18. Arik Hanson
    Twitter: arikhanson
    February 1, 2009 | 2:52 am

    Ha-great idea, Danny. For 11, I'd go (without doubling up on yours): Sarah Evans, Rachel Kay and Jen Wilbur as strikers (all women, all badass PR peeps). Matt Batt, Allan Schoenberg, Greg Swan and Graeme Thickins as midfielders. Scott Hepburn, Brad Mays and Jay Baer as my defenders. And finally, I'd go Sonny GIll as keeper. Damn, I like my team! My Dream team vs. Yours? I'm taking bets…

    • Danny Brown
      February 1, 2009 | 1:35 pm

      I do like a challenge, Arik – let's do it! :)

  19. Judy Rey Wasserman
    February 1, 2009 | 2:53 am

    What a great fun post! I'm a soccer fan. I wrote a soccer comedy script even that was optioned by Academy Award nominee Diane Ladd to produce & direct.

    I appreciate how you have the women playing with the men!

    I'd like to play a position. I'm not sure if I'm a midfielder or striker. I helped defend the Twitter community during the phishing attack but usually I'm very innovative and get out in front with an original idea. I staged Twitter's first Art Performance when I'd been active for all of two weeks. About to organize another. Of course, I could also be a journalist and report on the game!

    Whatever, I'd be happy to play with the teammates mentioned. Again, this is a fun idea!

    Judy Rey Wasserman
    On Twitter: @judyrey

  20. Sonny Gill
    February 1, 2009 | 3:33 am

    Did Arik just throw my name in as his goalkeeper? Man, I got a lot to live up to now!

    No matter what the position and who scores the winning goal (or blocks it. in this case, me ;) ) the team is 1 and they're all for each other and the community. I can confidently say that no matter who I choose within my community, who I connect with on a daily basis and trust, I'm confident I'd have a winning 11 :)

  21. Ari Herzog
    Twitter: ariherzog
    February 1, 2009 | 3:36 am

    You'd have a winning 11? You would *have* the 11? You wouldn't be *part of* the 11?

    • Sonny Gill
      February 1, 2009 | 3:42 am

      Oops – *part of* the winning 11, I meant :)

  22. Iggy Pintado
    February 1, 2009 | 5:02 am

    Wow, Danny – what a privilege to be selected in this team and the only Aussie – thank you!

    The team has a good balance of thinkers and doers but you left one guy out. He's a utility player that can be called on to fill any position. He has the right attitude, passion and fortitude to even captain the squad.

    His name is Danny Brown.

    Cheers, Iggy

  23. Iggy Pintado
    February 1, 2009 | 9:02 am

    Wow, Danny – what a privilege to be selected in this team and the only Aussie – thank you!

    The team has a good balance of thinkers and doers but you left one guy out. He's a utility player that can be called on to fill any position. He has the right attitude, passion and fortitude to even captain the squad.

    His name is Danny Brown.

    Cheers, Iggy

    • Danny Brown
      February 1, 2009 | 1:36 pm

      Cheers, Iggy, very kind of you and I'm touched. I think I'll sit behind the scenes and pull the tactical strings and drink the Marmite :)

  24. Danny Brown
    February 1, 2009 | 9:34 am

    Knowing your players' strengths and putting them in their positions is key. Of course, striking lucky with that being their natural position doesn't hurt… ;-)

    Interesting team changes and I like the infusion of Scoble's energy when everyone else is tiring – masterstroke. :)

    I'll either be the coach or the guy that brings on the half-time oranges! :)

  25. Danny Brown
    February 1, 2009 | 9:35 am

    I do like a challenge, Arik – let's do it! :)

  26. Danny Brown
    February 1, 2009 | 9:36 am

    Cheers, Iggy, very kind of you and I'm touched. I think I'll sit behind the scenes and pull the tactical strings and drink the Marmite :)

  27. Dave Fleet
    February 1, 2009 | 12:34 pm

    Hey Danny… how ironic that you have me as a social media 'striker' – if you've ever seen me play football (yes, that's right… football, not soccer, dammit) you'll know that I'm loony enough to play in goal, but have about as much finesse as a steamroller so no-one ever lets me near the front.

    Anyhow, back to your post… I would also put people like Todd Defren in with the midfielders – they're workhorses who, as you say, lead by example.

    Cheers

  28. Danny Brown
    February 1, 2009 | 12:38 pm

    I ws going to run with the football angle but thought it may get mixed up with that game that's being held this afternoon… ;-)

    Good call on Todd – this is why I'd never make a great manager, I miss out key players. Hey ho… :)

  29. David Mullen
    February 1, 2009 | 3:56 pm

    I am honored to be considered worthy of being mentioned in the same post as these folks. And I'd play for you any day, coach.

  30. Dave Fleet
    Twitter: davefleet
    February 1, 2009 | 4:34 pm

    Hey Danny… how ironic that you have me as a social media 'striker' – if you've ever seen me play football (yes, that's right… football, not soccer, dammit) you'll know that I'm loony enough to play in goal, but have about as much finesse as a steamroller so no-one ever lets me near the front.

    Anyhow, back to your post… I would also put people like Todd Defren in with the midfielders – they're workhorses who, as you say, lead by example.

    Cheers

    • Danny Brown
      February 1, 2009 | 4:38 pm

      I ws going to run with the football angle but thought it may get mixed up with that game that's being held this afternoon… ;-)

      Good call on Todd – this is why I'd never make a great manager, I miss out key players. Hey ho… :)

  31. David Mullen
    Twitter: dmullen
    February 1, 2009 | 7:56 pm

    I am honored to be considered worthy of being mentioned in the same post as these folks. And I'd play for you any day, coach.

  32. Jasontryfon
    February 1, 2009 | 9:33 pm

    LOL great article! I'm totally stoked to make the midfield team. I may not be worthy to run along side the others, but if you give me the ball I'm going to the net full speed!
    Thx so much!

  33. Jasontryfon
    February 2, 2009 | 1:33 am

    LOL great article! I'm totally stoked to make the midfield team. I may not be worthy to run along side the others, but if you give me the ball I'm going to the net full speed!
    Thx so much!

  34. Anonymous
    February 2, 2009 | 9:58 am

    Danny,

    You always come up with the most creative analogies. I love it! And while I suck fantastically at soccer (or football, for the purists out there), I'd play on your team anytime.

  35. Kari Rippetoe
    February 2, 2009 | 11:02 am

    Thanks Ari! Considering I'm complete rubbish at any kind of sport, I'm honored that you've included me (especially to replace Chris Brogan, of all people!).

    Great post and analogy Danny! Now we should assemble a social media rock band!

  36. Amber Naslund
    February 2, 2009 | 1:58 pm

    Danny,

    You always come up with the most creative analogies. I love it! And while I suck fantastically at soccer (or football, for the purists out there), I'd play on your team anytime.

  37. ChrisDrinkut
    February 2, 2009 | 6:41 pm

    Aht, I forgot Steve Rubel?! Everybody on the sidelines; we are gonna have to start this all over again…

  38. ChrisDrinkut
    February 2, 2009 | 10:41 pm

    Aht, I forgot Steve Rubel?! Everybody on the sidelines; we are gonna have to start this all over again…

  39. Kim Woodbridge
    February 4, 2009 | 12:28 am

    I think I'm a crazed fan and would be screaming at all you from the sidelines as I frequently do at the tv and computer screen when watching matches.

  40. Kim Woodbridge
    February 4, 2009 | 4:28 am

    I think I'm a crazed fan and would be screaming at all you from the sidelines as I frequently do at the tv and computer screen when watching matches.

  41. ariherzog
    September 3, 2009 | 6:02 pm

    What do @jasontryfon @northernchick @mackcollier @dmullen & @jacobm share with @dannybrown and the game of soccer? http://bit.ly/Ny0MS

  42. elatlboy
    November 14, 2009 | 12:38 am

    Who would play on your #SocialMedia #soccer team? Check out one such squad! http://is.gd/4UEBv

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