No matter how great a goalkeeper glove is fresh out of the box, if it’s not durable it’s not going to be much of a help during preseason.  We recently tested two hard ground goalkeeper gloves from Uhlsport – the Ergonomic Hardground SF/RP and the Fangmaschine Hardground AG, the latter is specially designed for artificial grass surfaces.  We tested the Ergonomic Hardground SF/RP goalkeeper glove in black/orange/silver on a dry and dusty hard ground field and we tested the Fangmaschine Hardground AG in black/silver/lime on an artificial grass field.  Both gloves are a size 8 and fit true to size.

Palms -
The palms for the Ergonomic Hardground and the Fangmaschine Hardground gloves were pretty similar, the latex for both seemed thin without being tacky. Both gloves didn’t have very strong absorption qualities, more so with the Fangmaschine Hardground, but that being said, you did have a good feel for the ball. Also, because of the innovative Rough Profile (Ergonomic Hardground) and Artificial Grass (Fangmaschine Hardground) technologies, the gloves never felt slippery where as most gloves tend to feel slippery when they get dry, dusty, or dirty. The Ergomonic Hardground palm is not completely flat, there are small dimples that keep the glove abrasion resistant without sacrificing too much grip. As you can see in the picture, most of the dirt wasn’t collected in these dimples which kept the glove from getting slippery. The Fangmaschine Hardground gloves are very innovative with its blades of grass pattern offering the most extra grip possible and also not tearing up on astroturf fields.

These gloves are the most durable gloves I have ever worn. After three training sessions on a turf field, there was only slight wear on the Fangmashine Hardground glove. The wear is too small to be noticed in a picture, one of the longitudinally stamped friction strips (blades of grass) started to tear.  There was no noticeable wear on the Ergonomic Hardground gloves after during a full 45 minute shooting training session on hard ground.

Fit -
The Ergonomic Hardground gloves fit well. Uhlsport uses its Supportframe system which made the spines surprisingly comfortable, my knuckles tend to get red from the constant rubbing when I wear other finger protection gloves. These gloves were also a wide classic fit meaning the catching surface is extended and the gloves are proportionally wide fitting.

I preferred the fit of the Fangmaschine Hardground gloves because they seemed lighter and more flexible, which could just be the case of a glove without finger protection. Uhlsport’s Fangmaschine line is a traditional cut made for a Goldilocks – not too tight and not too wide, just right.

Style -
Both of these gloves definitely look like they were built tough. The Ergonomic Hardground glove backhand uses Uhlsport’s EVA. The backhand is not as soft as other gloves, but it’s made to be durable. The Fangmaschine Hardground glove is also a EVA backhand, but it feels more soft and flexible than the Ergonomic gloves. Also, the Fangmaschine Hardground AG uses a two color EVA palm, note the black thumbs and the coloring along the base of the palm.

Innovation -
Both gloves are very innovative with the palm (in my opinion the Fangmaschine Hardground slightly more so than the Ergonomic Hardground) and Uhlsport’s supportframe is very innovative on its own as it finds the fine line between finger protection and comfort (which do not tend to go hand in hand). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve examined the grass blade like texture on the Fangmaschine Hardground gloves – it’s pretty neat. If you don’t have an interest in purchasing the gloves, I’d suggest you just try them on in your local soccer shop just to see what I mean. It has been a few years since I’ve worn a pair of Uhlsport’s with finger protection, I love feel of the support frame.

Value -
$60 or $70 (Fangmaschine Hardground or Ergonomic Hardground) for a glove that will last you a whole season and them some? That’s a steal! Uhlsport picked and chose the qualities these gloves would excel in and priced it correctly. You also could argue that this glove is under priced as other brands charge over $100 for their hardground models!

Improvements/Changes -
Ergonomic Hardground – My biggest drawback to this glove model was the style. I personally prefer a lighter color glove. That being said, take a look at the new model of the Ergonomic Hardground, what an improvement! If it’s possible to improve the grip, cushioning, or the material of the backhand without sacrificing durability, I would suggest that as well. But then again, this is a hardground glove. If you’re looking for more of an all-around glove, consider the Fangmaschine Intermediate.

Fangmaschine Hardground – As I suggested for the Ergonomic Hardground gloves, if there is a way to improve the grip or cushioning without sacrificing durability, Uhlsport definitely should. Also, take a look the new model of the Fangmaschine Hardground, I like it better as well.

Conclusion -
If you’re a serious goalkeeper playing at top levels (and have to buy your own gloves), I absolutely recommend this glove as your training glove. The lack in absorption in the palm gives you more feel for the ball and will help improve your catching ability. You won’t have to stretch the life on these gloves. If you take minimal care of the them, they should without a doubt last you a season and maybe a full year.

If you’re a recreational or youth goalkeeper, I recommend this gloves as match gloves. Most likely at this level of play you’ll either be playing on hard ground fields or artificial grass, you’re going to want a glove that gets the job done, doesn’t get slippery when it gets dirty, and also lasts.

So, the Ergonomic Hardground SF/RP or the Fangmaschine Hardground AG? It all comes down to fit. If you want a traditional fitting flexible glove, go for the Fangmaschine Hardground. If you want a slightly wide fit with finger protection, you guessed it, the Ergonomic Hardground is your glove.

The Uhlsport Ergonomic Hardground SF/RP Glove:
Grip – 7
Absorption – 7
Durability – 10
Comfort/Fit – 8
Style – 8
Innovation – 10
Value – 10

Overall – 8.6

The Uhlsport Fangmaschine Hardground AG Glove:
Grip – 7
Absorption – 6.5
Durability – 10
Comfort/Fit – 8
Style – 9
Innovation – 10
Value – 10

Overall – 8.6

Palm – The Xosa Pro G1 uses Reusch’s G1-Ultrasoft foam which is very flexible and quite soft. The grip performed great on hard ground and artificial grass.  It also had great absorption qualities which were very noticeable when handling crosses. The palm was also surprisingly durable; Reusch rates the durability of the G1-Ultrasoft foam a 6 out of 10, but the most noticeable wear on the palm was the left glove’s Reusch logo wore off as pictured.  Also, some of the stitching started to pull, but only slightly.

Fit – The Xosa Pro G1 uses Reusch’s Expanse Cut and ESS (Ergonomic Support System) technologies.  The Expanse Cut increases the ball contact area by placing the seams outside of the glove.  The ESS is the reason behind the gloves’ optimal feel with its anatomic shaping of the hand in a natural catching position.  The palm also extends slightly to the side of the hand underneath the pinky (where the ESS label is).

Style – These gloves are a bit on the loud and colorful side compared to others on the market which may turn off some goalkeepers, but then again, goalkeepers’ personalities are a bit loud and colorful.  It’s also worth mentioning that it’s pretty tough to find a goalkeeper jersey and a pair of cleats that don’t go with the gloves’ style.  They are also sold in a black/yellow color scheme which is not as loud, but not as nice looking in our opinion either.

Innovation – One of the most innovative features of these gloves is the Pull Loop. Many goalkeepers of the top of line goalkeeper gloves have an elastic wrist with a wrap around wrist closure. The problem with this is that the easiest way to pull your gloves on tight is to tug at the wrist strap which, overtime, could rip at the seams or even tear up the foam on the palm of the glove. Reusch’s Pull Loop solves that problem. Another notable feature is the AirVentSystem which helps keep your hand cool when playing in hot weather. You can actually feel a breeze through the mesh.

Value – These are awesome gloves, especially for the price! You can find the Reusch Xosa’s online or in your local soccer shop for roughly $80. Reusch did a great job of creating a quality and simple glove at an affordable price.

Improvements/Changes – Reusch should add another color scheme with a more subtle design for those keepers that don’t like flashy gloves and cleats.  Another common request for this glove is adding finger protection spines.

Conclussion – These goalkeeper gloves may be tough to find, but they’re worth the hunt! I think Reusch could get away with selling these gloves for a lot more. It really is a simple glove that puts the emphasis in all the right places – fit, comfort, and grip!

The Reusch Xosa Pro G1 Goalkeeper Glove
Grip – 9
Absorption – 9
Durability – 7.5
Comfort/Fit – 10
Style – 8
Innovation – 9
Value – 10

Overall – 8.9

College and professional soccer teams don’t just have 1 goalkeeper on their roster, they have at least 3 goalkeepers.  Only one goalkeeper can play at once, and since the goalie’s responsibility to control the pace of the game and organize their team’s shape, they’re seldom subbed off the field.  That being said, you’ll find most goalkeepers on the bench.  Backup goalkeepers are usually not in the spotlight as their games are on the practice field with the main goals of staying fit and challenging the starting keeper to play better.  This breeds a different personality for goalkeepers and creates the “team within the team” atmosphere.

The Chelsea goalkeepers, Petr Cech, Henrique Hilário and Ross Turnbull recently spoke out against how the EPL doesn’t give credit to backup goalkeepers.  Chelsea won The Premier League in 2009, but the two back up goalkeepers will not get credit.  If a player has not appeared in at least 10 matches, they will not receive a medal.  We agree with Cech, “have a look at every club in the world, and try to find a second-choice goalkeeper playing more than 10 league games. You’re not going to find it. If you are the young sub, you can come on 10 times for 30 seconds and you get the medal but the goalkeeper plays one game and saves the game, wins the three points and he doesn’t get the medal. I think this is not right.” Shutout Central agrees, this is not right.  A backup goalkeeper’s role is one of the most challenging and thankless tasks out there.  You have to train harder than the starting goalkeeper to make up for playing time and you have to be alert 24/7 just in case an injury to the starting goalkeeper occurs, which is very unlikely.  If you do get called up, you’ll have to prove yourself so you’re not constantly compared to the starting goalkeeper.  Yes, this is a very tough task.

You can find the top #2 and #3 goalkeepers on the Spanish National team.  If you think backing up Iker Casillas calls for patience, what about playing behind Casillas’s backup who just happens to be Liverpool’s Pepe Reina?  This is what Barcelona’s #1 Victor Valdes deals with on his country’s team.  We’re sure Spain’s coach, Vicente del Bosque is thrilled to have three world class goalkeepers on his squad, but it’s different experience for the net minders.  But, as far as we know, FIFA recognizes Reina and Valdes as 2010 World Cup Champions.

Jamie Langfield is the starting goalkeeper for Scottish side, Aberdeen and is in danger of missing the season opener against Hamilton.  He’s already said to be missing the next 2-3 weeks including preseason due to a unique non-sport related injury.  Langfield suffered burns on his foot while dropping boiling water on himself while making coffee.  We wish Langfield a speedy recover, but come on, goalkeepers shouldn’t be dropping things, especially boiling water.

Maybe it was being left off of the 23 man All-Star team that led Nielsen to being nominated twice for this week’s NAPA Save of the Week.  Unfortunately, Nielsen having his name twice on the ballot, may split his votes, but it’s still quite an honor.  Watch the other nominees for the Save of the Week and vote, here!

If you’re wondering about Nielsen’s gloves – he wears Bearoz, the same brand that was spotted on North Korean goalkeeper, Myong-Guk Ri during the World Cup.  Bearoz is worn by other goalkeepers in the MLS including Bill Hamid (DC United), and Jon Conway (Toronto FC).

27 of the 96 goalkeepers participating the World Cup did more that just save shots, they helped save lives.  Keepers including Pepe Reina, Hugo Lloris, Boubacar Barry, and Itumeleng Khune teamed up with Uhlsport for a part of the “WE TAKE ACTION” campaign.

Goalkeepers are influential leaders on the field, but Uhlsport allowed them to be influential off the field as well with their most recent partnership. As the most-represented brand of gloves in the 2010 World Cup, Uhlsport could have raised prices but instead took a much more selfless and responsible approach by raising awareness of what so many people overlooked during the World Cup: the ever-saddening AIDS epidemic and its effect on the lives of children in South Africa.  Uhlsport’s goalkeepers teamed up with SOS Children’s Villages, a group that looks after abandoned and orphaned children who lost their parents to AIDS and who may also have AIDS as well.  Uhlsport’s 2010 World Cup Collection has been building awareness and donating a portion of their proceeds to the SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa.  You can also donate, here.

Goalie wars is a fun and competitive game that tests goalkeeper distribution and shot stopping.  All variations of the game require at least two goalkeepers, at least one soccer ball (although we’d recommend a few more), and two goals (cones or corner flags will also work).

The simplest version of goalkeeper wars requires two keepers, one in each goal.  Goals can be spread anywhere between 15 to 25 yards apart depending on the goalkeepers’ skill level.

• Goalkeepers take turns trying to score one another.  Goalkeeper A begins with the ball and tries to score on Goalkeeper B.  If Goalkeeper B saves and holds the shot or if the shot misses the goal, Goalkeeper B gets to try to score on Goalkeeper A.
  • If Goalkeeper A scores, Goalkeeper B gets possession of the ball.
  • If Goalkeeper B deflects the shot out of bounce, Goalkeeper A is awarded possession of the ball.
• Goalkeepers can score by any form of distribution – punt, drop kick, side volley, roll, throw, and a traditional shot/goal kick.  However, they cannot take more than 3 steps from where they save the ball.
• All rebounds are live, goalkeepers do not have to wait for the opposing goalkeeper to be in a ready position.
• You can penalize shots that miss the target by awarding the a goalkeeper 1 goal for every 3 shots the other goalkeeper shoots off target.

The variations you can use on the above version of goalie wars are types of scoring (throwing only, non-dominant foot only, cannot use same form of distribution two times in a row, etc).  You could also make a ‘no diving’ rule to enforce goalkeeper footwork.

On July 11th, the Washington Freedom were away playing against the FC Gold Pride and were short two assistant coaches due to personal reasons.  When head coach, Jim Gabarra was ejected from the game for arguing with the referee, former UNC goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris stepped up and took initiative.  She was going manage the team for the rest of the game, which may not have ever been expected of the rookie back up goalkeeper.  Her reasoning behind her courageous actions, “We were just kind of sitting on the bench and he just kind of looked down the bench and I stood up and said I would take the substitution cards. He really didn’t point to anyone to be in charge. I thought it would be a good idea to take that responsibility because the other girls would probably end up playing.”

The Freedom fell just short with a 3-2 loss and are tied for 4th place in the WPS.

Click here to see the deal!

Iker Casillas

Casillas was a vital part of the Spanish side that only conceeded 2 goals throughout the whole tournament.  The defense was an integral part of the teams success (the team only scoring 8 goals), especially the leadership, organization, and of course game changing saves from Casillas which include crosses, breakaways, point blank headers, and of course the penalty shot against Paraguay.

Other FIFA World Cup 2010 awards include:

adidas Golden Ball – Diego Forlan, Uruguay

adidas Golden Boot – Thomas Mueller, Germany

Best Young Player – Thomas Mueller, Germany

FIFA Fair Play Award – Spain