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Liviu Bird

Liviu Bird

Joined: Apr 17, 2014

Liviu Bird is a soccer analyst with more than 20 years of experience in the game. He learned how to play in the streets of Romania before moving to the soccer wilderness of Fairbanks, Alaska, escaping to play collegiately as a goalkeeper at Highline Community College and Seattle Pacific University, where he also earned his B.A. in journalism. Bird played semiprofessionally and had tryouts at professional clubs but hung up his gloves in 2012 to focus on writing and coaching at the youth and collegiate levels. He joined Sports Illustrated in March 2013 as a freelance contributor and has also written for NBC Sports, Soccer Wire, The New York Times, American Soccer Now and the Telegraph (UK).

Promises fall flat as USA U-23s miss out on Olympics again
Soccer

Promises fall flat as USA U-23s miss out on Olympics again

The U.S. wanted more control and possession en route to a trip to Rio. Instead it conceded all three to Colombia and failed to reach the Olympics yet again, writes Liviu Bird.

Liviu Bird
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Optimistic USA U-23s expecting different second leg vs. Colombia
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Soccer

Optimistic USA U-23s expecting different second leg vs. Colombia

After conceding three quarters of the possession and defending for their lives, the USA is hoping to control more of its Olympic playoff second leg vs. Colombia.

Liviu Bird
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USA U-23s set out to finish Olympic playoff job vs. Colombia
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Soccer

USA U-23s set out to finish Olympic playoff job vs. Colombia

After securing a 1-1 draw in the road leg, USA's Under-23 men's national team is within touching distance of a trip to Rio this summer.

Liviu Bird
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USA dodges Colombia's attack, in position to qualify for Olympics
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Soccer

USA dodges Colombia's attack, in position to qualify for Olympics

Get all of Liviu Bird’s columns as soon as they’re published. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by

Liviu Bird
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USA's 2000 Olympians recall run to bronze-medal match
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Soccer

USA's 2000 Olympians recall run to bronze-medal match

Conor Casey, Brian Dunseth and Peter Vagenas helped the U.S. nearly make the medal podium while playing against the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Xavi and Carles Puyol.

Liviu Bird
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MLS Power Rankings, Week 3: Defensive woes run rampant
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Soccer

MLS Power Rankings, Week 3: Defensive woes run rampant

Defensive calamities were the theme across MLS in Week 3, writes Liviu Bird.

Liviu Bird
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From Everton to MLS: Tim Howard looks forward to playing for Rapids
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Soccer

From Everton to MLS: Tim Howard looks forward to playing for Rapids

American goalkeeper Tim Howard is excited for his move from Everton to the Colorado Rapids. It should pay off in more ways than one.

Liviu Bird
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U.S. U-23 team names roster for Olympic playoff vs. Colombia
Soccer

U.S. U-23 team names roster for Olympic playoff vs. Colombia

Get all of Liviu Bird’s columns as soon as they’re published. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by

Liviu Bird
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MLS Power Rankings, Week 2: Bizarre results, late scores, golazos
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Soccer

MLS Power Rankings, Week 2: Bizarre results, late scores, golazos

Liviu Bird
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A classic Pep talk: Don't mistake Guardiola's passion for anger
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Soccer

A classic Pep talk: Don't mistake Guardiola's passion for anger

Liviu Bird
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MLS Power Rankings Week 1: Piatti, Magee thrive on opening day
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Soccer

MLS Power Rankings Week 1: Piatti, Magee thrive on opening day

Liviu Bird
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MLS Preseason Power Rankings: Keys to success for each team
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Soccer

MLS Preseason Power Rankings: Keys to success for each team

Liviu Bird
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