***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (10 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Here is what was reported about Cubo this summer. The bold text is where things get merky. The team he plays for sounds like the are shutting down, but in MLS contracts are done at the league level, which makes me think MLS might hold this option even if Chivas gets flushed.

It will be a complicated situation since he will likely be highly sought after in a few countries.

Chivas USA’s loan extension of budding star Erick “Cubo” Torres earlier this week was as close to a no-brainer as it gets for first-year club president Nelson Rodriguez.

The Rojiblancos knew for quite some time they would keep Torres, but opted to wait until this week to make it official. The 21-year-old will remain with the Goats for the remainder of the 2014 season, and the club has the option to retain his services beyond this year, as well.

He's an immense talent who's aided by the fact that he's a good-looking young man and plays hard,” Rodriguez said. “He has a great smile and he's been endearing to all fans. He's 21 years old and players of his quality are hard to find. We know keeping him will be a challenge. We expect suitors from all over the world in the future."

 

[Premier]

Can't wait for the draft to distribute Chivas' players to the rest of the league. Especially can't wait for the coin flip to determine who gets first pick in the draft of draft positions for the Chivas allocation draft.

"Aw, ####, do I have to pick one?"

The best young player in the entire league is on Chivas.

Erik Torres has already been capped by Mexico and is just 21. He has been a part of every Mexican team since the U17's.

He has already scored more goals in MLS than any other Mexican born player since the league started in 1996.

It is going to be a blood bath if they try and distribute him because every team is going to want him.

He is so much better than every other player on Chivas, it would not shock me if yet another rule was dreamed up to handle his case. Of course if he goes back to Chivas proper in Mexico then that issue is avoided.

Couldn't they just have an equal distribution lottery for him? Seems the most fair.As a follower on the very periphery of club soccer, this Chivas story is fascinating.

I know quite a bit about it in case you have any questions.

I guess for the Chivas fans (surely there are some) -- this is good news? Seems like having a team you enjoy following go away for even 2 years kind of sucks. I mean I get the idea behind it but can't they rebrand on the fly? So gone for two years, they'll come back as an expansion team and probably suck for a few years at least....that's a long commitment they're asking out of people IMO.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Can't wait for the draft to distribute Chivas' players to the rest of the league. Especially can't wait for the coin flip to determine who gets first pick in the draft of draft positions for the Chivas allocation draft.

"Aw, ####, do I have to pick one?"

The best young player in the entire league is on Chivas.

Erik Torres has already been capped by Mexico and is just 21. He has been a part of every Mexican team since the U17's.

He has already scored more goals in MLS than any other Mexican born player since the league started in 1996.

It is going to be a blood bath if they try and distribute him because every team is going to want him.

He is so much better than every other player on Chivas, it would not shock me if yet another rule was dreamed up to handle his case. Of course if he goes back to Chivas proper in Mexico then that issue is avoided.

Couldn't they just have an equal distribution lottery for him? Seems the most fair.As a follower on the very periphery of club soccer, this Chivas story is fascinating.

I know quite a bit about it in case you have any questions.

I guess for the Chivas fans (surely there are some) -- this is good news? Seems like having a team you enjoy following go away for even 2 years kind of sucks. I mean I get the idea behind it but can't they rebrand on the fly?So gone for two years, they'll come back as an expansion team and probably suck for a few years at least....that's a long commitment they're asking out of people IMO.

There are very few Chivas USA fans left. They are reporting attendances in the 3000's some games but most people think there are less than half of that in the stadium.

I don't think whom ever is buying the team is spending even a second thinking they can build on the current fan base.

They are likely to play in a different stadium in a different part of LA with a significantly different brand that the failed Chivas experiment was.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

 

[El Floppo]

The EPL is going to be the easiest league to follow and discuss right now.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

The EPL is going to be the easiest league to follow and discuss right now.

This is true. And the Champions League.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

The EPL has been widely shown on US tv for well over a decade. You can see a ton of games on the NBC stations during this TV current contract. The EPL is easily the second most popular league in the US and the most popular English language league in the US.

La Liga games are shown on a station that has very poor household penetration so it is not followed in large numbers even though it has some huge stars.

If you have a local MLS team, you could give them a shot as well (MLS is carried by ESPN and NBC for this current contract), especially if you are a fan of the US National team since it will continue to produce players for the Nats.

 

[Native]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

Agree with the answers above.

1. EPL provides quality footbll in English. Top clubs, top players, lots of games to watch on TV, lots of innerwebs talking about the sport. Games are usually on Sat/Sunday.

2. Champions League lets you follow the top teams from across Europe. So the top teams in England (City, Chelsea, Arsenal, United, Liverpool) play against the top teams (Real Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Juventus) from other countries (Spain, Germany, Italy). So you still get your Messi/Ronaldo/Neymar fix. Games are on Tues/Wed throughtout the year.

 

[Christo]

Superleague Greece is where it's at. Ergotelis of Heraklion.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

The EPL is going to be the easiest league to follow and discuss right now.

The bolded is true because of this. There are those of us that follow other leagues (Bundesliga here), but you have to have Gol TV right now to watch it on TV, or find online streaming. The EPL is in English, which most Americans speak, therefore it is easier to follow. The other leagues, when shown on TV, are broadcast in English and have English language sites, but that is too much effort for most.

Because of this, EPL is what you will find discussed mostly on here. As mentioned by others, the Champions League is a great way to follow clubs from other countries, and it gets plenty of discussion in here as well. I know I'll take flak for this comment, but I usually have to skip several pages of this thread on most league weekends simply to avoid the flood of EPL discussion.

 

[T Bell]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

The EPL is going to be the easiest league to follow and discuss right now.

The bolded is true because of this. There are those of us that follow other leagues (Bundesliga here), but you have to have Gol TV right now to watch it on TV, or find online streaming. The EPL is in English, which most Americans speak, therefore it is easier to follow. The other leagues, when shown on TV, are broadcast in English and have English language sites, but that is too much effort for most.

Because of this, EPL is what you will find discussed mostly on here. As mentioned by others, the Champions League is a great way to follow clubs from other countries, and it gets plenty of discussion in here as well. I know I'll take flak for this comment, but I usually have to skip several pages of this thread on most league weekends simply to avoid the flood of EPL discussion.

We don't make fun of you,

.

 

[Kafka]

Man, I cant wait for Man City-Roma...its going to be difficult going into their home with both starting CBs out (although Manolas has been immense), along with DeRossi...have to hit them on the counter with Gervinho. Iturbe was bought for these types of games, hopefully he's healthy enough to have an impact off the bench...that tandem terrorized CSKA in 1st game.

 

[Autumn Wind]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

 

[shader]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in your shoes a few months ago. I knew just casually watching soccer wasn't gonna work for me. I had to have a strong rooting interest. So that's my advice. Are there a few players you really like? The EPL is the easiest to watch, so I'd suggest that, but if you want to pick Real Madrid or Barcelona, you can find a lot of their games.

I found a team that fit what I like in a team. Then I played them in video games, learned their players, read about them, joined fan forums, watched all their preseason games, learned their chants and history, and immersed myself.

I was so mad after an EPL game two weeks ago that I was basically sitting through a Bama game later that afternoon in a shell. I eventually got into the football game, but I"m finding that a Liverpool loss early on Saturday really kills my passion for football later that day. My 2013 self wouldn't recognize me.

But anyway, that's my suggestion. Also, pay like 14 bucks a month for Fox Soccer Go, and you can get all the Champions League games on demand. Great way to watch all the best teams/players.

 

[Autumn Wind]

I told myself I was going to wait an entire EPL season before picking a team, but I guess that's just not my style.

 

[shader]

I told myself I was going to wait an entire EPL season before picking a team, but I guess that's just not my style.

There's no way I would have survived. Even now, I struggle to watch non-Liverpool EPL games, if it's not between great teams (like Man City/Chelsea last week). But that's slowly changing. As I watch every Liverpool game, I am starting to learn the opposing players. My plan this year is to watch all Liverpool, and a ton of Champions League.

Then next year, I'm assuming I'll know the players a lot better, and sitting down and watching a random EPL game will be very enjoyable.

 

[Tom Hagen]

The EPL is going to be the easiest league to follow and discuss right now.

This is true. And the Champions League.

MLS aside, this is probably the best answer. EPL is easy to follow and the Champions League offers exposure to the top teams from the other Euro leagues to see if their players or style of play interests you enough to explore that league further.

Also, EPL = Rebecca Lowe

 

[El Floppo]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

Fantastic observation.

The "quality" of skills are higher in the EPL, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastically entertaining games to watch in MLS.

And people will talk about tactics in here- but for the most part, unless you're watching live and can see what the other players are doing outside of the frame of the TV camera, it's very difficult to gauge or judge the relative tactics of teams by watching on tv... so even the tactically less skilled teams and leagues are worth watching (the S Amercian supercup- Copa Libertadores, especially can be fun for that reason- wide open games with good footskills and lots of tactical mistakes to create more chances).

 

[El Floppo]

The EPL is going to be the easiest league to follow and discuss right now.

This is true. And the Champions League.

MLS aside, this is probably the best answer. EPL is easy to follow and the Champions League offers exposure to the top teams from the other Euro leagues to see if their players or style of play interests you enough to explore that league further.

Also, EPL = Rebecca Lowe

I like dogs too. Labradoodles are especially cute.

 

[Jaysus]

yada... yada... yada

Also, EPL = Rebecca Lowe

 

[GoFishTN]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

Fantastic observation.

The "quality" of skills are higher in the EPL, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastically entertaining games to watch in MLS.

And people will talk about tactics in here- but for the most part, unless you're watching live and can see what the other players are doing outside of the frame of the TV camera, it's very difficult to gauge or judge the relative tactics of teams by watching on tv... so even the tactically less skilled teams and leagues are worth watching (the S Amercian supercup- Copa Libertadores, especially can be fun for that reason- wide open games with good footskills and lots of tactical mistakes to create more chances).

That would be nice, if anyone ever knew when or where to watch said games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

Fantastic observation.

The "quality" of skills are higher in the EPL, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastically entertaining games to watch in MLS.

And people will talk about tactics in here- but for the most part, unless you're watching live and can see what the other players are doing outside of the frame of the TV camera, it's very difficult to gauge or judge the relative tactics of teams by watching on tv... so even the tactically less skilled teams and leagues are worth watching (the S Amercian supercup- Copa Libertadores, especially can be fun for that reason- wide open games with good footskills and lots of tactical mistakes to create more chances).

That would be nice, if anyone ever knew when or where to watch said games.

I never found it that hard to look at a schedule but for those that don't like to look, next year the new tv contract will address that.

Every week games will played at the exact same time on the same channels. I think it is Friday night on UDN, Sunday double header on ESPN2/FS1.

Saturdays look to be reserved for local coverage.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The MLS Players Union released the updated salaries. The highest paid player in the league has not yet played in MLS.

Kaka will be pulling down a cool $7.1m per year for Orlando next season.

Lampard is not listed and David Villa is listed at $60k which must have something to do with his loan or a massive typo.

Germany Jones is making $3.2m. Liam Ridgewell is making $1.2m

Three of the highest salaries could come off the books this off season with Donovan retiring, Henry expected to retire and Defoe likely to go back to EPL.

 

[El Floppo]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

Fantastic observation.

The "quality" of skills are higher in the EPL, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastically entertaining games to watch in MLS.

And people will talk about tactics in here- but for the most part, unless you're watching live and can see what the other players are doing outside of the frame of the TV camera, it's very difficult to gauge or judge the relative tactics of teams by watching on tv... so even the tactically less skilled teams and leagues are worth watching (the S Amercian supercup- Copa Libertadores, especially can be fun for that reason- wide open games with good footskills and lots of tactical mistakes to create more chances).

That would be nice, if anyone ever knew when or where to watch said games.

I never found it that hard to look at a schedule but for those that don't like to look, next year the new tv contract will address that.

Every week games will played at the exact same time on the same channels. I think it is Friday night on UDN, Sunday double header on ESPN2/FS1.

Saturdays look to be reserved for local coverage.

andy- I'm sure you're replying to the sarcasm with sarcasm... but if not- pssst... he doesn't think there are entertaining games in MLS.

 

[roadkill1292]

As usual, it didn't me long to become confused. What sarcasm?

 

[GoFishTN]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

Fantastic observation.

The "quality" of skills are higher in the EPL, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastically entertaining games to watch in MLS.

And people will talk about tactics in here- but for the most part, unless you're watching live and can see what the other players are doing outside of the frame of the TV camera, it's very difficult to gauge or judge the relative tactics of teams by watching on tv... so even the tactically less skilled teams and leagues are worth watching (the S Amercian supercup- Copa Libertadores, especially can be fun for that reason- wide open games with good footskills and lots of tactical mistakes to create more chances).

That would be nice, if anyone ever knew when or where to watch said games.

I never found it that hard to look at a schedule but for those that don't like to look, next year the new tv contract will address that.

Every week games will played at the exact same time on the same channels. I think it is Friday night on UDN, Sunday double header on ESPN2/FS1.

Saturdays look to be reserved for local coverage.

andy- I'm sure you're replying to the sarcasm with sarcasm... but if not- pssst... he doesn't think there are entertaining games in MLS.

I really meant I can never find the games. They're all over the place.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

Fantastic observation.

The "quality" of skills are higher in the EPL, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastically entertaining games to watch in MLS.

And people will talk about tactics in here- but for the most part, unless you're watching live and can see what the other players are doing outside of the frame of the TV camera, it's very difficult to gauge or judge the relative tactics of teams by watching on tv... so even the tactically less skilled teams and leagues are worth watching (the S Amercian supercup- Copa Libertadores, especially can be fun for that reason- wide open games with good footskills and lots of tactical mistakes to create more chances).

That would be nice, if anyone ever knew when or where to watch said games.

I never found it that hard to look at a schedule but for those that don't like to look, next year the new tv contract will address that.

Every week games will played at the exact same time on the same channels. I think it is Friday night on UDN, Sunday double header on ESPN2/FS1.

Saturdays look to be reserved for local coverage.

andy- I'm sure you're replying to the sarcasm with sarcasm... but if not- pssst... he doesn't think there are entertaining games in MLS.

I really meant I can never find the games. They're all over the place.

I was not replying with sarcasm either.

Many people have commented that the tv schedule is all over the place and they are correct. It does jump week to week, different days, different time slots etc.

 

[Autumn Wind]

Agreed on the spotty TV coverage for MLS. The fact that I had to watch the Union/FC Dallas Open Cup game on a YouTube stream is pretty bad in 2014.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Agreed on the spotty TV coverage for MLS. The fact that I had to watch the Union/FC Dallas Open Cup game on a YouTube stream is pretty bad in 2014.

US Open Cup is US Soccer owned, not MLS owned. MLS has no say in how the US Open Cup is broadcast.

Imo, youtube/espn3 is the perfect place for the Open Cup.

I don't know how US Soccer handled the Cup rights in the new TV deal starting next year but I hope it will be with ESPN3 and then maybe the final on ESPN2.

 

[Jaysus]

Agreed on the spotty TV coverage for MLS. The fact that I had to watch the Union/FC Dallas Open Cup game on a YouTube stream is pretty bad in 2014.

At least you got to see that on youtube, I had to resort to a shady stream for the final.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Agreed on the spotty TV coverage for MLS. The fact that I had to watch the Union/FC Dallas Open Cup game on a YouTube stream is pretty bad in 2014.

At least you got to see that on youtube, I had to resort to a shady stream for the final.

While I don't know what the future holds, I can almost 100% be sure that Gol TV is gone. The three year contract ended this season.

 

[El Floppo]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

I was in the same boat as you earlier this summer. I agree with most of the suggestions here. EPL will get you the best bang for your viewing buck, and if you have the NBC Sports Extra app you can watch ANY game, which is a huge plus. It's made it much easier for me to follow my new team, Swansea City.

MLS is definitely worthy of your attention, particularly if you live close to one of their teams. And while the general level of play is not at an EPL level, it's not like we're talking XFL vs. NFL either. I've seen plenty of really entertaining MLS games, just as I've seen some real stinkers in the EPL.

Personally, I have no interest or time to hunt down anything outside of these two leagues yet. But hey, I was hungry enough for soccer a few weeks ago that I sat through a Liga MX league game in Spanish. Never thought I'd say that six months ago.

Fantastic observation.

The "quality" of skills are higher in the EPL, but that doesn't mean there aren't some fantastically entertaining games to watch in MLS.

And people will talk about tactics in here- but for the most part, unless you're watching live and can see what the other players are doing outside of the frame of the TV camera, it's very difficult to gauge or judge the relative tactics of teams by watching on tv... so even the tactically less skilled teams and leagues are worth watching (the S Amercian supercup- Copa Libertadores, especially can be fun for that reason- wide open games with good footskills and lots of tactical mistakes to create more chances).

That would be nice, if anyone ever knew when or where to watch said games.

I never found it that hard to look at a schedule but for those that don't like to look, next year the new tv contract will address that.

Every week games will played at the exact same time on the same channels. I think it is Friday night on UDN, Sunday double header on ESPN2/FS1.

Saturdays look to be reserved for local coverage.

andy- I'm sure you're replying to the sarcasm with sarcasm... but if not- pssst... he doesn't think there are entertaining games in MLS.

I really meant I can never find the games. They're all over the place.

I was not replying with sarcasm either.

Many people have commented that the tv schedule is all over the place and they are correct. It does jump week to week, different days, different time slots etc.

lol.

Forgive me my friends- I'm so used to the anti-MLS machine whirring away, I'm not used to anything but.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It is very impressive to think that while soccer is broadcast better today than ever before, it will take another step forward next year with the Bundesliga coming to Fox and MLS getting dedicated time slots.

And with online viewing becoming easier and more prevalent, ESPN's huge amount of digital choices is going to give more variety than ever before.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Speaking of MLS scheduling, I was listening to the Soccer Morning podcast yesterday and learned that La Galaxy and Seattle Sounders - probably the two best MLS teams right now - play each other twice in October, likely to decide the Supporters Shield and seeding for the playoffs. I looked today and saw they play each other back to back, in the final two weeks of the season? Is that normal? Is that a designed thing? It seemed very odd to me to have two of the top teams playing each other in consecutive weeks to end the season. In any event, I'll put those two on my calendar for MLS viewing as they should be pretty good games featuring several players I know.

10/19 5:30PM PDT

MLS Regular Season
at StubHub Center
LA Galaxy

Seattle Sounders FC
ESPN
It’s Fan Appreciation Night presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
10/25 11:30AM PDT

MLS Regular Season
at CenturyLink Field
Seattle Sounders FC

LA Galaxy
NBC

 

[NewlyRetired]

Speaking of MLS scheduling, I was listening to the Soccer Morning podcast yesterday and learned that La Galaxy and Seattle Sounders - probably the two best MLS teams right now - play each other twice in October, likely to decide the Supporters Shield and seeding for the playoffs. I looked today and saw they play each other back to back, in the final two weeks of the season? Is that normal? Is that a designed thing? It seemed very odd to me to have two of the top teams playing each other in consecutive weeks to end the season. In any event, I'll put those two on my calendar for MLS viewing as they should be pretty good games featuring several players.

Those games are going to be really fun since both teams are playing very well and are easily the two best teams. The Supporters Shield would be a fantastic cherry but it holds a little less meaning this year since Seattle already won the Open Cup. As such, LA is almost certain to get the CCL bid whether they win the Supporters Shield or come in second.

Since MLS has a 34 game schedule with 19 teams, the schedule is unbalanced and teams can play other teams more than twice in a season. If memory serves Seattle plays LA 3 times this year. It is a bit of a scheduling quirk that two come late in the year.

It could work out though since if fans watch these two games, I think it could make if/when they meet in the conference finals more interesting.

Gonzo, Donovan(his last regular season game), Rogers, Keane, Evans, Alonso, Dempsey, Martins, Yedlin and others do give these games some easy name recognition as you mentioned.

 

[Jaysus]

Speaking of MLS scheduling, I was listening to the Soccer Morning podcast yesterday and learned that La Galaxy and Seattle Sounders - probably the two best MLS teams right now - play each other twice in October, likely to decide the Supporters Shield and seeding for the playoffs. I looked today and saw they play each other back to back, in the final two weeks of the season? Is that normal? Is that a designed thing? It seemed very odd to me to have two of the top teams playing each other in consecutive weeks to end the season.

Philadelphia and Toronto played each other twice in the same week earlier this month (3 days apart actually). MLS is fun like that

 

[Slapdash]

I've never really followed much soccer before but got really into the world cup (I think I watched just about every game) and am looking to carry that over to something else. Trouble is, there is just sooooooo much soccer going on I'm having trouble sorting it all out. What's the go-to league here for Americans?

Is it the MLS because this is 'Murica, even though the quality of play is lower? The players that people are always talking about (Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar) are all in La Liga but I never hear anyone here talking about watching La Liga or really caring about any of the teams. It seems like most people I hear talking about soccer are talking about EPL (and aren't they bringing that to TV in the states?) but I looked over the current leading goal scorers for that league and I barely recognize any of the names.

So what's the play here?

The EPL is going to be the easiest league to follow and discuss right now.

The bolded is true because of this. There are those of us that follow other leagues (Bundesliga here), but you have to have Gol TV right now to watch it on TV, or find online streaming. The EPL is in English, which most Americans speak, therefore it is easier to follow. The other leagues, when shown on TV, are broadcast in English and have English language sites, but that is too much effort for most.

Because of this, EPL is what you will find discussed mostly on here. As mentioned by others, the Champions League is a great way to follow clubs from other countries, and it gets plenty of discussion in here as well. I know I'll take flak for this comment, but I usually have to skip several pages of this thread on most league weekends simply to avoid the flood of EPL discussion.

 

[shader]

ok i'm watching Bayern Munich and Moscow..There are literally no people in the stands. What's going on?

 

[Sebowski]

Fox sucks at this. They are showing Chelsea-Sporting on Fox Sports2 instead of Barça-PSG, which is on live on my regional Fox Sports channel. Check that one if you were looking for it. That channel never gets mentioned in the the soccer on tv emails. Works out for me because I have it in HD and the bar doesn't get that channel, so I won't have to start drinking until I go to a bottle release party right after the game.

Also, Fox decided the Bayern-CSKA game wasn't worth much to them so it is on right now on Fox Sports Deportes as well as ESPN Deportes (neither in HD for me).

 

[Sebowski]

yada... yada... yada

Also, EPL = Rebecca Lowe

Did you guys see she was in the latest round of The Fappening? Here is a shot of here taking a bath. http://goo.gl/vbDyC5

 

[CletiusMaximus]

ok i'm watching Bayern Munich and Moscow..There are literally no people in the stands. What's going on?

Sanctions against CSKA for fan behavior - playing 1 and perhaps more home games behind closed doors.

 

[Sebowski]

ok i'm watching Bayern Munich and Moscow..There are literally no people in the stands. What's going on?

You'll see this every once in awhile. Most of the time the teams are forced to play in an empty stadium do to racist or violent behavior by their fans. I forget which CSKA is being punished for.

In unrelated news, wouldn't Russia be a great place for a World Cup!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Fox sucks at this. They are showing Chelsea-Sporting on Fox Sports2 instead of Barça-PSG, which is on live on my regional Fox Sports channel. Check that one if you were looking for it. That channel never gets mentioned in the the soccer on tv emails. Works out for me because I have it in HD and the bar doesn't get that channel, so I won't have to start drinking until I go to a bottle release party right after the game.

Also, Fox decided the Bayern-CSKA game wasn't worth much to them so it is on right now on Fox Sports Deportes as well as ESPN Deportes (neither in HD for me).

San Diego, where brewers hold bottle release parties on Tuesday afternoons.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

yada... yada... yada

Also, EPL = Rebecca Lowe

Did you guys see she was in the latest round of The Fappening? Here is a shot of here taking a bath. http://goo.gl/vbDyC5

Its Champions League today, we've got Julie Stewart-Binks on Fox.

 

[El Floppo]

yada... yada... yada

Also, EPL = Rebecca Lowe

Did you guys see she was in the latest round of The Fappening? Here is a shot of here taking a bath. http://goo.gl/vbDyC5

such a dirty little vixen.

 

[The Gator]

ok i'm watching Bayern Munich and Moscow..There are literally no people in the stands. What's going on?

Iirc cska got a ban for being racists

 

[Sebowski]

Fox sucks at this. They are showing Chelsea-Sporting on Fox Sports2 instead of Barça-PSG, which is on live on my regional Fox Sports channel. Check that one if you were looking for it. That channel never gets mentioned in the the soccer on tv emails. Works out for me because I have it in HD and the bar doesn't get that channel, so I won't have to start drinking until I go to a bottle release party right after the game.

Also, Fox decided the Bayern-CSKA game wasn't worth much to them so it is on right now on Fox Sports Deportes as well as ESPN Deportes (neither in HD for me).

San Diego, where brewers hold bottle release parties on Tuesday afternoons.

It's a tough life.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Bayern Munich playing a Champions League game right now at CSKA Moscow in front of ZERO fans, who have been barred for the match as punishment for previous naughty behavior on the road. Ah, soccer.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

CL quiz - name the clubs --> http://www.sporcle.com/games/guilherme_4/ucl-2014-15

27/32

 

[roadkill1292]

A couple of weeks ago I went incommunicado for the afternoon so I could watch a league cup match on delayed broadcast when I got home. Ridiculously, I was a little worried about the local sports radio guy spilling the beans during my drive home. No worry, he spent the whole 45 minutes in a detailed examination of the 23rd, 24th and 25th guys the Orioles should take into the postseason.

I will be exiting this thread at 2:30 to remain unsullied by knowledge. Think my local guy will report the PSG-Barca score tonight or can I listen in safety?