By Mark Villani
The 2014 FIFA World Cup is underway. Gauntlet Sports writers Mark Villani and Scott Strasser got into a squabble over it and we documented it. Who is this year’s dark horse? Mark Villani: Forza Italia! Being an Italian football fan all of my life, I must say, the chances of Italy going all the way… Continue reading Two soccer hooligans butt heads
By Mark Villani
Why do people run marathons? Running is not just a means of exercise. We run to get away from our thoughts, problems and emotions. Some run for the achievement, while others simply have a passion for it. Legend says the marathon was born in 490 BC when the legendary soldier Pheidippides of Greece brought home… Continue reading Going the distance: the art of the marathon
By Mark Villani
In their 30th season of Canada West competition, the University of Calgary women’s soccer team is looking to make a big impact on the pitch as they move into the playoffs on Saturday, Oct. 26. This year brought forth a new Nike sponsorship, some fresh new faces and most importantly a new head coach. The… Continue reading Dinos aim for playoff success
By Mark Villani
The U of C Dinos men’s soccer team have begun their new campaign this year with a promising plan for success. Having finished last year with a heartbreaking loss in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport final six, the Dinos have grown into a squad with high potential and chemistry. Expectations are high this year once again… Continue reading Dinos soccer team pushes for playoffs
By Mark Villani
Barclay’s English Premier League As Manchester United reach the end of their “glory, glory” era with star manager Alex Ferguson hanging up his whistle, the Premier League looks wide open this year as a number of teams could make their mark early. With new managers at Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, one can expect… Continue reading European soccer previews
By Mark Villani
1) Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) Lionel Messi is without question the best player in the world. Having a tremendous season in 2012, Messi is the definition of a soccer icon. At a diminutive five-foot-seven, Messi scored 91 goals in 69 games in 2012, beating Gerd Mueller’s all-time record of 85 goals in one… Continue reading The top-10 soccer players on the planet
By Mark Villani
The battle among nations for Europe’s most coveted prize is the Champions League cup of the Union of European Football Associations. The Champions League trophy is everything that a football player wishes for when they are playing in the park. The tournament takes place each year among Europe’s elite clubs in leagues across 52 countries.… Continue reading The Champions League for dummies
By Mark Villani
The last time the University of Calgary Dinos men’s soccer team won a Canada West title was 32 years ago. The Dinos finished last season with a heartbreaking loss to the Trinity Western Spartans 0–1 in the final regular season game, a loss which kept the Dinos out of the postseason. Expectations were high… Continue reading Men’s soccer primed for playoff run
The UEFA Champions League returned this month, offering soccer fans the chance to once again watch the best teams in the world battle it out on Europe’s biggest stage. Last week saw the competition enter the knockout stage. To mark the occasion, the Gauntlet pitted our two most knowledgeable soccer junkies against each other in… Continue reading Head-to-head: UEFA Champions League