Avoiding the Drop

This week’s challenge almost didn’t happen.  While doing my research I came across the new U.S. website for Rakuten, a Japanese company that will ship products to the U.S. that are not normally available to retail customers- if at all.  Among the things they will ship to the U.S. that you can’t buy here under normal circumstances?  That’s right, FOOTBALL BOOTS!  They have the entire ASICS range, the other 90% of Mizuno’s range that isn’t available here, plus obscure models from brands readily available in the U.S..  Just as an example, you can get ASICS top of the line “Shishuri” model shipped to your door for about $250.  Expensive, yes, but still far cheaper than the top of the line models by Adidas, Nike, Puma, etc..  I fear for my bank account.  Anyway, on to this week’s questions!!

1. What is the “scientific” name of the shape created by a typical 32 panel (with hexagonal and pentagonal panels) soccer ball?  (please note that once the ball is inflated it is probably no longer technically correct to call it by this name)

2. In footballing terms, what would you be discussing if the “Magnus Effect, the “Reynold’s Number,” or this equation, F_D = C_DrAv²/2, came up in the conversation?

3. What was the first professional club to sell replica jerseys to its supporters?

4. In 1525 Cornelius Johnson made something for Henry VIII- what did he make?

5. What is the oldest company in the world still making football boots?

6. What is the brand and model of boot featured in the photo at the top of this post?

7. What company supplies kits to Estudiantes, Newell’s Old Boys, Grêmio, and Atlético Mineiro?

8. What company claims that the single boot model it produces, the Deztruct, is so advanced that it is a “universal kicking boot” suitable for soccer, rugby, Aussie Rules football, etc.?

9. What former USMNT player attended the same college as two famous professional wrestlers, a governor of Florida, a governor of Illinois, two former New York Yankees, and a football player best known for starring in a movie with Sean Astin and Corey Feldman?

10. What do Nick Rimando, Kyle Beckerman, Pablo Mastroeni, and Tyrone Marshall all have in common?

Good luck to everyone!  Please don’t post any spoilers in the comments section and make sure to send your answers to avoidingthedrop@gmail.com by midnight next Tuesday!!