***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (9 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Luis Gil will return to RSL immediately and miss the rest of the U20 tournament. There seems to be some confusion as to whether Villareal will return to LA or stay with the U20's for the semi finals.

 

[The Gator]

Minor local soccer note. One of the kids on the newly acquired Quakes youth team here got asked to train with the US U16 team when they trained this month. Just recently heard about about it and thought it was pretty cool

 

[TLEF316]

US beat Canada 4-2 today to advance to the U20 WC later this year. US dominated this game even with Canada getting off to a lead on what seemed like their one time up the field. After that the US scored 4 unanswered to put the game out of reach. I don't want to be too down on the US as I realize they are missing there three top defenders but seeing that it is certain that at least two of them will be missing for the finals, I am having a hard time seeing a great tournament. Offensively they seem ok, and I think Cuevas is going to be very very good. In the meantime, the US will meet the surprising Cubans in the semi's who have not dropped a point yet in qualifying after beating CR to qualify for the WC.

I only caught the 2nd half, but there were definitely some positives. The squad has at least 4 or 5 players that seem very comfortable running at defenders with the ball at their feet. First touches looked decent across the board and they seem to play pretty well as a group.But yeah, the defense did not look great. Very passive and not very organized.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Hey Ted, are you the crowd here? The pic is for the unveiling of the new 3rd kit for Philly (again very sharp looking, they have a great designer for their kits).

http://twitter.com/MikeLahoud/status/306581609203761152/photo/1

http://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/306586246963142656/photo/1

Third Kit

 

[NewlyRetired]

US beat Canada 4-2 today to advance to the U20 WC later this year. US dominated this game even with Canada getting off to a lead on what seemed like their one time up the field. After that the US scored 4 unanswered to put the game out of reach. I don't want to be too down on the US as I realize they are missing there three top defenders but seeing that it is certain that at least two of them will be missing for the finals, I am having a hard time seeing a great tournament. Offensively they seem ok, and I think Cuevas is going to be very very good. In the meantime, the US will meet the surprising Cubans in the semi's who have not dropped a point yet in qualifying after beating CR to qualify for the WC.

I only caught the 2nd half, but there were definitely some positives. The squad has at least 4 or 5 players that seem very comfortable running at defenders with the ball at their feet. First touches looked decent across the board and they seem to play pretty well as a group.But yeah, the defense did not look great. Very passive and not very organized.

The team has gotten better each game (although Canada may have been the weakest team so it is hard to tell). Add back in suspended Mikey Lopez, and the defenders of Packwood, Pelosi, and Brooks and this is a very good team, but with out the three defenders they might get shredded in the finals. Even Haiti had them spinning like tops in the first game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Minor local soccer note. One of the kids on the newly acquired Quakes youth team here got asked to train with the US U16 team when they trained this month. Just recently heard about about it and thought it was pretty cool

Speaking of the Quakes, they officially started building the new stadium today. Here is a pic a fan took of the first bull dozer getting to work. http://oi51.tinypic.com/2143uop.jpg

 

[The Gator]

Hey Ted, are you the crowd here? The pic is for the unveiling of the new 3rd kit for Philly (again very sharp looking, they have a great designer for their kits). http://twitter.com/MikeLahoud/status/306581609203761152/photo/1http://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/306586246963142656/photo/1Third Kit

he's 321st from the left

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Alba should have a red card for that attempt to get Arbeloa sent off. Typical stuff from the home side at Camp Nou.

How do you think Chelsea's going to do in Europa next year?

This was a classic Barca move, targeting a player on a yellow. As Alba was spinning wildly in the air after the light contact, he was conflicted, first grabbing his face, then the knee, then back to the face as he rolled on the grass.

Well, you would be well versed in watching dive tactics.

ok - I understand you guys are sensitive today after a hard loss and don't want to talk about it. I see a lot of diving in the EPL - mostly players going down easy to draw fouls and penalties. I made time to watch some of the copa game today and was impressed as always with the talent but disgusted, as I often am with Spanish football, by the theatrics of Alba, Pepe and Cesc. Arbeloa was playing with a yellow and Alba tried to have him sent off -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGQiCGmwZL0. I would like to see this type of conduct punished.

White people find it less acceptable than Europeans. It's a cultural difference between us and them. I don't like it, but Barcelona's nowhere near having a corner on the market in terms of theatrics/diving.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Hey Ted, are you the crowd here? The pic is for the unveiling of the new 3rd kit for Philly (again very sharp looking, they have a great designer for their kits). http://twitter.com/MikeLahoud/status/306581609203761152/photo/1http://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/306586246963142656/photo/1Third Kit

he's 321st from the left

323rd actually Wish i could have gone tonight but those new jerseys look pretty awesome. Paying homage to Bethlehem Steel, complete with the old crest on the back of the neck. Even the old school Bimbo logo looks pretty good on it. May have to shell out some bucks for this one.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This some how got lost in the shuffle today for me. Stewart Holden played his first league game in 23 long months today. He came on an early sub in the 25th minute and went the rest of the way helping Bolton to a 1-0 win. Hope he recovers well from this game, it could be an enormous step in his recovery.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Trivia Time:Yesterday Chris Wondolowski became a DP making him the 4th American in the leagues history to become one. Name the other three.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Trivia Time:Yesterday Chris Wondolowski became a DP making him the 4th American in the leagues history to become one. Name the other three.

Reyna and Donovan are easy.But didn't Adu come back as a DP?

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US U20's will have only 15 players to choose from in the semi finals due to an injury and multiple players returning to their club sides.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Trivia Time:Yesterday Chris Wondolowski became a DP making him the 4th American in the leagues history to become one. Name the other three.

Reyna and Donovan are easy.But didn't Adu come back as a DP?

You got all three. Well done. Adu officially became a DP in 2012. He rejoined MLS later in the 2011 season.

 

[Mjolnirs]

DFB Pokal quarterfinals:

Yesterday

VfL Wolfsburg defeated Kickers Offenback 2-1

SC Freiburg defeated FSV Mainz 05 3-2. Mainz went up 2-0 with goals in the 2nd and 4th minute. Freiburg scored in the 86th, 93rd and 108th minutes to advance.

Today

VfB Stuttgart hosts VfL Bochum

Bayern München hosts Borussia Dortmund

The Bayern-Dortmund match is on Univision at 5pm eastern.

 

[The Z Machine]

Big game for my boys today to try and set up an all-Madrid Copa finale. The biggest question for them is an unproven CB playing (Cata) in place of Diego Godín (carded out). My boys are up 2-1, so Sevilla will need to get a goal. That should open up the game for Falcao, Costa, and Turan in teh attacking midfield. I've been really impressed with Atlético's ability to control the midfield and put in dangerous crosses. They've shown tenacity and a distinct lack of failure at the back, which wasn't present prior to Simeone. I really hope I´m not jinxing them by saying that.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The Bayern-Dortmund match is on Univision at 5pm eastern.

Also on ESPN3 at 2:30 eastern

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Big game for my boys today to try and set up an all-Madrid Copa finale. The biggest question for them is an unproven CB playing (Cata) in place of Diego Godín (carded out). My boys are up 2-1, so Sevilla will need to get a goal. That should open up the game for Falcao, Costa, and Turan in teh attacking midfield. I've been really impressed with Atlético's ability to control the midfield and put in dangerous crosses. They've shown tenacity and a distinct lack of failure at the back, which wasn't present prior to Simeone. I really hope I´m not jinxing them by saying that.

Pulling for Atletico from here on out.

 

[Mjolnirs]

The Bayern-Dortmund match is on Univision at 5pm eastern.

Also on ESPN3 at 2:30 eastern

Sadly I can't get 3 while at work, but that may be an option later to avoid listening in Spanish. Thanks.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The Bayern-Dortmund match is on Univision at 5pm eastern.

Also on ESPN3 at 2:30 eastern

Sadly I can't get 3 while at work, but that may be an option later to avoid listening in Spanish. Thanks.

Sometimes ESPN3 has games saved after their original broadcast that can be accessed at a later time. If you would rather watch in English delayed vs Spanish delayed, check out espn3 tonight and see if it is archived. Ignore this if you intend to watch Univision live in work.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Rafa submits a crazy lineup for the FA Cup game against Middlesborough. Was going to pass but I may actually record this one to get a look at Nathan Ake.

 

[The Gator]

Chelsea XI v Middlesbrough: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic,Terry, Bertrand, Ramires, Ake, Moses, Oscar, Benayoun, Goal Machine #cfc #FAcupLol

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Chelsea XI v Middlesbrough: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic,Terry, Bertrand, Ramires, Ake, Moses, Oscar, Benayoun, Goal Machine #cfc #FAcupLol

Yeah. I'm sure seeing Yossi on the wing for Rafa would get a laugh from the Scousers.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Torres is beyond brutal.

 

[The Gator]

Are we allowed to voluntarily play with 10? #CFC

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Torres barely gets out of the way of a nice Ramires strike. 1-0!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Looks like two more goals for Jozy today to put AZ through to the Dutch cup final, 0-3 over Ajax.

 

[jonessed]

Looks like two more goals for Jozy today to put AZ through to the Dutch cup final, 0-3 over Ajax.

I just don't understand this. The Dutch league isn't a top league, but it's still pretty good and he dominates there. What is his issue with the national team? Does anybody actually watch the AZ games? Is the service better? Different?

 

[Christo]

FA Cup draw:Oldham Athletic or Everton v Wigan AthleticMillwall v Blackburn RoversManchester City v BarnsleyManchester United or Reading v Middlesbrough or ChelseaCity's had a pretty easy time of it so far.

Go Middlesbrough! The Mrs. surprised me with tickets to the Fulham / Chelsea game in March (we'll be in London that weekend for a wedding), but it's likely to be rescheduled if Chelsea is still in the FA cup...

Just scuttled my plans that day too. Looks like I'll try to go see England v Italy at Twickenham.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Looks like two more goals for Jozy today to put AZ through to the Dutch cup final, 0-3 over Ajax.

Just saw the clips on the Yanks Abroad forums. The second goal was a tasty chip indeed (in stoppage time when the keeper really shouldn't have been roaming, but still). Jozy also had an assist which might have been encouraging for US fans than the goal. He came back deep to receive a clearance, held up play, shielded the defender, and played a long through ball right into the path of the overlapping runner.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Apparently Rafa went scorched earth in his post game press conference. Criticized fans for booing him, saying they damage the club's image; criticized board for adding "interim" to his title and implying it was b/c he coached Pool; said he'll be gone at year's end. After this hissy fit hopefully it's a lot sooner than that.

 

[BlackMagic10]

Looks like two more goals for Jozy today to put AZ through to the Dutch cup final, 0-3 over Ajax.

I just don't understand this. The Dutch league isn't a top league, but it's still pretty good and he dominates there. What is his issue with the national team? Does anybody actually watch the AZ games? Is the service better? Different?

I'm in Holland and see him play every week. He plays very well here and I like him as a player, but he wouldn't be nearly as productive in a top competition. Let me just say there is a big difference in the quality of defenses here compared to the top notch competitions (England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal). Dutch style of play and philosophy is about attacking first, defending second.

 

[Native]

Apparently Rafa went scorched earth in his post game press conference. Criticized fans for booing him, saying they damage the club's image; criticized board for adding "interim" to his title and implying it was b/c he coached Pool; said he'll be gone at year's end. After this hissy fit hopefully it's a lot sooner than that.

This is nuts. The squad desperately needs Managerial stability.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like two more goals for Jozy today to put AZ through to the Dutch cup final, 0-3 over Ajax.

I just don't understand this. The Dutch league isn't a top league, but it's still pretty good and he dominates there. What is his issue with the national team? Does anybody actually watch the AZ games? Is the service better? Different?

I'm in Holland and see him play every week. He plays very well here and I like him as a player, but he wouldn't be nearly as productive in a top competition. Let me just say there is a big difference in the quality of defenses here compared to the top notch competitions (England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal). Dutch style of play and philosophy is about attacking first, defending second.

Yeah, I think Jozy suffers when playing for the US because so many of the Concacaf games feature teams who scratch and claw (literally) to protect their goal. The US has a significant problem breaking down weaker opponents and this rubs off on Jozy quite a bit. That all being said, he should be better with the Nats. Ever since JK took over, I don't think Jozy has scored more than one goal, if that.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Apparently Rafa went scorched earth in his post game press conference. Criticized fans for booing him, saying they damage the club's image; criticized board for adding "interim" to his title and implying it was b/c he coached Pool; said he'll be gone at year's end. After this hissy fit hopefully it's a lot sooner than that.

This is nuts. The squad desperately needs Managerial stability.

I'm still confused as to what the problem was with Di Matteo.

 

[The Gator]

Apparently Rafa went scorched earth in his post game press conference. Criticized fans for booing him, saying they damage the club's image; criticized board for adding "interim" to his title and implying it was b/c he coached Pool; said he'll be gone at year's end. After this hissy fit hopefully it's a lot sooner than that.

This is nuts. The squad desperately needs Managerial stability.

I'm still confused as to what the problem was with Di Matteo.

It was his first and last name. They weren't Josep Guardiola

 

[Christo]

Apparently Rafa went scorched earth in his post game press conference. Criticized fans for booing him, saying they damage the club's image; criticized board for adding "interim" to his title and implying it was b/c he coached Pool; said he'll be gone at year's end. After this hissy fit hopefully it's a lot sooner than that.

This is nuts. The squad desperately needs Managerial stability.

I'm still confused as to what the problem was with Di Matteo.

Nothing other than he wasn't sexy enough for Roman.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Apparently Rafa went scorched earth in his post game press conference. Criticized fans for booing him, saying they damage the club's image; criticized board for adding "interim" to his title and implying it was b/c he coached Pool; said he'll be gone at year's end. After this hissy fit hopefully it's a lot sooner than that.

This is nuts. The squad desperately needs Managerial stability.

Perhaps. And yet they've got quite a few cups over the past 10 years under Roman's revolving door. I'll not type out my manifesto on this as its not worth a crap anyway, but I think Roman's problems have been with bad hires, not bad fires. I've got no problem with him firing Rafa, AVB, Phil, Ancelotti and I guess Claudio.

 

[((Morpheus))]

FA Cup draw:Oldham Athletic or Everton v Wigan AthleticMillwall v Blackburn RoversManchester City v BarnsleyManchester United or Reading v Middlesbrough or ChelseaCity's had a pretty easy time of it so far.

Go Middlesbrough! The Mrs. surprised me with tickets to the Fulham / Chelsea game in March (we'll be in London that weekend for a wedding), but it's likely to be rescheduled if Chelsea is still in the FA cup...

Just scuttled my plans that day too. Looks like I'll try to go see England v Italy at Twickenham.

Damnit.

 

[((Morpheus))]

Looks like two more goals for Jozy today to put AZ through to the Dutch cup final, 0-3 over Ajax.

I wonder where he'll land next year... he single-handedly destroyed Ajax today.http://vimeo.com/60693718

 

[T Bell]

Clasico III tomorrow.

Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

I believe he's back, yes.

Well if there isn't a Villa-Messi-Pedro frontline out there tonight I may break my new TV.

Iniesta up front with Messi and Pedro. Cesc/Xavi/Busquets in the MF.Please God let Dani Alves actually take a reasonable defensive position...

Buying Cesc back will be this era's downfall.

Yeah, and F U for it too./Gooners

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Clasico III tomorrow.

Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

I believe he's back, yes.

Well if there isn't a Villa-Messi-Pedro frontline out there tonight I may break my new TV.

Iniesta up front with Messi and Pedro. Cesc/Xavi/Busquets in the MF.Please God let Dani Alves actually take a reasonable defensive position...

Buying Cesc back will be this era's downfall.

I don't think Cesc is the problem, I think (as ZM points out) that their positioning and getting them to play together is the problem.I know its anathema to the whole system and the 4-3-3 that everyone plays through the Masi, but what about aping Real's 4-2-3-1 formation? Cesc plays the Ozil role, Iniesta plays Di Maria (except on the left instead of the right), Pedro/Villa are Ronaldo (ha), and Messi is the striker up top.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

 

[NewlyRetired]

As the new MLS season kicks off this weekend, it will be the first time since back in 2004 that neither a new team nor a new stadium will debut.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Jozy's two goals yesterday (mentioned earlier in thread with a video link) give him 23 for the year in all competitions and he is now tied with Dempsey from last season for most goals by an American international(damn you Rossi) in a season in Europe.

 

[Mjolnirs]

DFB Pokal quarterfinals:

Yesterday

VfL Wolfsburg defeated Kickers Offenback 2-1

SC Freiburg defeated FSV Mainz 05 3-2. Mainz went up 2-0 with goals in the 2nd and 4th minute. Freiburg scored in the 86th, 93rd and 108th minutes to advance.

Today

VfB Stuttgart hosts VfL Bochum

Bayern München hosts Borussia Dortmund

The Bayern-Dortmund match is on Univision at 5pm eastern.

Stuttgart defeated Bochum 2-0 and Bayern defeated Dortmund 1-0.The draw for the semis will be this Sunday.

The final four are:

Bayern (currently 1st in the table)

Freiburg (5th)

Stuttgart (11th)

Wolfsburg (15th

 

[NewlyRetired]

DFB Pokal quarterfinals:

Yesterday

VfL Wolfsburg defeated Kickers Offenback 2-1

SC Freiburg defeated FSV Mainz 05 3-2. Mainz went up 2-0 with goals in the 2nd and 4th minute. Freiburg scored in the 86th, 93rd and 108th minutes to advance.

Today

VfB Stuttgart hosts VfL Bochum

Bayern München hosts Borussia Dortmund

The Bayern-Dortmund match is on Univision at 5pm eastern.

Stuttgart defeated Bochum 2-0 and Bayern defeated Dortmund 1-0.The draw for the semis will be this Sunday.

The final four are:

Bayern (currently 1st in the table)

Freiburg (5th)

Stuttgart (11th)

Wolfsburg (15th

Bayern looked solid again yesterday. What a squad. They are going to need to build a new trophy cabinet for this season as a treble is with in reason now.

 

[T Bell]

Apparently Rafa went scorched earth in his post game press conference. Criticized fans for booing him, saying they damage the club's image; criticized board for adding "interim" to his title and implying it was b/c he coached Pool; said he'll be gone at year's end. After this hissy fit hopefully it's a lot sooner than that.

This is nuts. The squad desperately needs Managerial stability.

The managerial instability is the symptom, not the disease. Benitez was a desperate hire to fill a job that shouldn't have been opened up in the first place. I just don't think Abramovich is willing or able to learn from his mistakes, and the two cups last year will have done nothing but falsely assure him that he's on the right track.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I read that Matthew Etherington of Stoke is questionable this weekend with a back injury. If he can not start, it is expected that Shea will get the start.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The 4 CONCACAF qualifiers are set for the U20 WC in Turkey. Here are the teams that have qualified from around the world

Concacaf

Mexico, US, Cuba and El Salvador

Asia

South Korea

Iraq

Australia

Uzbekistan

South America

Colombia

Paraguay

Uruguay

Chile



Europe

Spain

England

France

Portugal

Croatia

Greece

Turkey (as hosts)

Africa

TBD



Oceania

TBD

Notes:

*Big names missing include Brazil, Argentina and Germany.

*Greece, Cuba, and El Salvador all first time qualifiers.

*The CONCACAF champion (winner of the current qualifying tournament) will go into pot A with Spain, Colombia, South Korea and the African and Oceania Champs. All other CONCACAF team are in pot 3 with the three other South American teams.

*Draw will be on March 25.