Random Pings From The Sonar Buoy Brain

In no particular order, but possibly of some significance to somebody out there . . .

• Diceson's match report from United's 1-1 draw with TFC in Bradenton contains the following exciting nugget for those (myself included) who early and often bemoaned United's lack of pace in defense last year. ". . . Toronto took advantage of DC United being pushed forward as Cunningham broke the trap and raced on DC’s goal. Martinez showed excellent speed and picture-perfect timing in catching Cunningham and knocking the ball out of danger." Wow, Martinez caught somebody on the break, and that somebody just happened to be Jeff Cunningham? (steeples fingers) Exxxxcellllent!
  
• Well, apparently we don't "need 'im", but there's some team in desperate need of decent, cheap defenders who does. Wonder what United will ask in return for his rights?
  
• Note to ESPN: just show the world soccer highlights. Don't bother narrating them until you learn the difference between Steven "Jur-rard" and some guy you're calling Steven "Grrr-ard"
• Out of Africa come some shocking semifinal results in the Cup of Nations as hosts Ghana and hot favorites Côte d'Ivoire go crashing out to the hue and cry of "expert" pundits who derided Egypt as over-rated and Cameroon as a one-trick, Eto'o pony.