El Floppo
Footballguy
AV got smoked by the Spurs last week too... so maybe a combo of Liverpool playing red-hot and the wheels are coming off the Villa wagon at the wrong time of the season.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jpeace121
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El Floppo
Footballguy
Wow.The Redstars didn't get the memo that they were playing a professional soccer match against the Sounders.Full credit to Seattle for going out hard on both sides of the ball, moving the ball quickly to the feet of the people who needed it (the columbian 22yo who got the brace... Montero?), and not making too many stupid mistakes (those that happened got snuffed out by Keller). Full props to an amazing crowd too. BUT ....don't jump on that Sounders bandwagon just yet- NY really was THAT bad and Seattle shoudl've scored at least twice as many goals given the amateurish play of the MetroBulls.- GK looked lost on both of the first goals, which were fairly soft. - DEF looked lost the entire game on both sides of the ball. Spacing was goofily bad, coverage equally so. every time Seattle came down the field, NY defenders left gaping holes AND open forwards! That's hard to do. Distribution almost non-existant forcing BOTH central MFs to go DEEP into their own half to practically steal the ball of the defenders' feet. All 3 goals were the fault of HORRIBLE defending- especially the 3rd where Petke took 30 minutes to receive and turn the ball.. .into the attacker's feet. As bad as Petke was all game, there was a #2 on the left side who has no business playing professional soccer based on that game- no skills, no vision, horrible decision-making, astonishingly bad. - MF looked like they were playing at 70% speed.... even the speedy Dane Richards who was useless. The Spanish cat at holding MF I touted earlier had the look of the typical european who comes to the MLS thinking they'll just show up and get things done without having to work (I'm looking at you, Lothar). Ochoa?, the Venezuelan #10 took 60 minutes to warm up and get himself at gamespeed, and he and the Spaniard started to link up nicely for a brief spell... the ONLY positive for NY out of the game- but eventually they had to release the ball and outside of the two of them, NOBODY had the touch, pace or vision to make anything happen.- Offense... Angel was dreadful with his first touch all game. Even when he could collect the ball, Seattle had 2-3 guys around him and NY still couldn't manage to push anybody near him in a supporting role (c: central MFs forced back into into the D to collect the ball). I'm used to seeing him and Richards play well off eachother, but they had NO chemistry/interaction at all. NY actually had a 2nd forward named Spongee or something... along with the previously mentioned #2- he has no business getting paid to play. He's 6'4 and couldn't win a single ball in the air. Couldn't hold the ball up. Couldn't move back to receive the ball quickly enough. COuldn't trap the ball. And when the planets aligned so he had the ball at his feet- had NO idea what to do with it. Fat, 20 year retired me could've done a better job out there.For NY... things look really, really bleak. Richards and Angel are far better than they showed, and Ochoa and the Spaniard should continue to gel in the central MF, getting Angel and Richards more involved. But literally- the rest of the squad should get thrown out and just do one big ol' do-over.It occured to me that Seattle did a solid job getting veteran journeymen- guys like Keller, Marshall and their target player up front who are hard-working no-ego types of players- and mixing them with younger foreign talent like Montero and their holding MF (#8) who had a solid game. NY seemed to be the opposite- with older foreign "talent" and younger role players. It obviously didn't work on Thursday- we'll see how things progress.El Floppo said:I've watched 60 minutes of last nights RedStar v Supersonics game... NYC is shambolically bad so far.
scoobygang
Footballguy
AV didn't get smoked by Spurs. They lost 2-1 and the result was against the run of play.Villa is in a very flat patch, though. The goals dried up for Agbonlahor. Heskey has seemed to play pretty well as a hold up striker, but he forced Gabby out wider. I also think the two strikers have exposed Villa's central midfield. Gareth Barry hasn't been in very good form. O'Neill started Heskey and Carew today, which made Villa pretty one dimensional. They had a nice patch of play in the first half, where Milner just kept whipping in dangerous crosses. The second Liverpool goal pretty much killed Villa's momentum. Ashley Young was marked out of the game.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Maybe I didn't watch the whole game... what I watched had Spurs running things pretty well. That was the Spurs side I expected to see from the beginning of the season. And for some reason I remember it being 3-0 (I trust your 2-1 scoreline, just trying to figure out my own "smoked" comment).
I watched it all. Spurs controlled the whole game. It was 2-0 until AV scored with about 5 minutes left. Even after that it didn't look like AV would get a second. The win was not "against the run of play."Spurs has the best run of form in the EPL in the last six games. 4 wins and 2 draws. Villa is second to last with 1 win, 1 draw and 4 losses. Two teams going in opposite directions.
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Seymour Corn
it=info
TFC 1-0! MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup are next!
w00t w00t!
w00t w00t!
El Floppo
Footballguy
Thank you- that's what I remember watching too... but my memory is so bad (and I've watched a LOT of soccer since getting laid off, so the games are starting to blur) that I'm not going argue about it.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Added some names in there... lol at some of the wrong names I threw out.andWow.The Redstars didn't get the memo that they were playing a professional soccer match against the Sounders.Full credit to Seattle for going out hard on both sides of the ball, moving the ball quickly to the feet of the people who needed it (the columbian 22yo who got the brace... Montero?), and not making too many stupid mistakes (those that happened got snuffed out by Keller). Full props to an amazing crowd too. BUT ....don't jump on that Sounders bandwagon just yet- NY really was THAT bad and Seattle shoudl've scored at least twice as many goals given the amateurish play of the MetroBulls.- GK looked lost on both of the first goals, which were fairly soft. - DEF looked lost the entire game on both sides of the ball. Spacing was goofily bad, coverage equally so. every time Seattle came down the field, NY defenders left gaping holes AND open forwards! That's hard to do. Distribution almost non-existant forcing BOTH central MFs to go DEEP into their own half to practically steal the ball of the defenders' feet. All 3 goals were the fault of HORRIBLE defending- especially the 3rd where Petke took 30 minutes to receive and turn the ball.. .into the attacker's feet. As bad as Petke was all game, there was a #2 on the left side GOLDTHWAITE who has no business playing professional soccer based on that game- no skills, no vision, horrible decision-making, astonishingly bad. - MF looked like they were playing at 70% speed.... even the speedy Dane Richards who was useless. The Spanish cat at holding MF I touted earlier had the look of the typical european who comes to the MLS thinking they'll just show up and get things done without having to work (I'm looking at you, Lothar). Ochoa? ROJAS, the Venezuelan #10 took 60 minutes to warm up and get himself at gamespeed, and he and the Spaniard started to link up nicely for a brief spell... the ONLY positive for NY out of the game- but eventually they had to release the ball and outside of the two of them, NOBODY had the touch, pace or vision to make anything happen.- Offense... Angel was dreadful with his first touch all game. Even when he could collect the ball, Seattle had 2-3 guys around him and NY still couldn't manage to push anybody near him in a supporting role (c: central MFs forced back into into the D to collect the ball). I'm used to seeing him and Richards play well off eachother, but they had NO chemistry/interaction at all. NY actually had a 2nd forward named Spongee KANDJI or something... along with the previously mentioned #2- he has no business getting paid to play. He's 6'4 and couldn't win a single ball in the air. Couldn't hold the ball up. Couldn't move back to receive the ball quickly enough. COuldn't trap the ball. And when the planets aligned so he had the ball at his feet- had NO idea what to do with it. Fat, 20 year retired me could've done a better job out there.For NY... things look really, really bleak. Richards and Angel are far better than they showed, and Ochoa and the Spaniard should continue to gel in the central MF, getting Angel and Richards more involved. But literally- the rest of the squad should get thrown out and just do one big ol' do-over.It occured to me that Seattle did a solid job getting veteran journeymen- guys like Keller, Marshall and their target player up front JAQUA who are hard-working no-ego types of players- and mixing them with younger foreign talent like Montero and their holding MF (#8) who had a solid game. NY seemed to be the opposite- with older foreign "talent" and younger role players. It obviously didn't work on Thursday- we'll see how things progress.I've watched 60 minutes of last nights RedStar v Supersonics game... NYC is shambolically bad so far.
at the NYTimes for not having somebody cover the game... even on TV- the article in the Times was from the AP.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
My Atleti effed it up again, losing to Mallorca 1-0. They were lifeless and had no fire whatsoever. My hopes of a CL berth next season are dwindling. Gotta hope that Villarreal fade down the stretch in La Liga with them focusing on CL this season.
Real Madrid still 6 pts. behind. Barça STILL putting on scoring clinics.
Real Madrid still 6 pts. behind. Barça STILL putting on scoring clinics.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Is your proof a Bundesliga washout with a brace?MLS refs blow goats. I have proof.That is all.
jpeace121
Footballguy
Yes. I'll give him credit for his second, our defense fell to bits. But the PK call was diabolical.Is your proof a Bundesliga washout with a brace goal that was scored via PK after a phanton handball call when the ball hit the defenders thigh?MLS refs blow goats. I have proof.
That is all.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Yeah... that was pretty horrible. Not even close with that one.But at least you guys played well.. vs my pathetic MetroBUlls.Yes. I'll give him credit for his second, our defense fell to bits. But the PK call was diabolical.Is your proof a Bundesliga washout with a brace goal that was scored via PK after a phanton handball call when the ball hit the defenders thigh?MLS refs blow goats. I have proof.
That is all.
jpeace121
Footballguy
We played well in spells. Pontius looks like he might have the goods. Good to have Gomez back, but he wasn't that active. I can't decide if Red Bull v. United games will be 0-0 snoozers or 9-8 scorefests this season. Both defenses look scary bad.Yeah... that was pretty horrible. Not even close with that one.But at least you guys played well.. vs my pathetic MetroBUlls.Yes. I'll give him credit for his second, our defense fell to bits. But the PK call was diabolical.Is your proof a Bundesliga washout with a brace goal that was scored via PK after a phanton handball call when the ball hit the defenders thigh?MLS refs blow goats. I have proof.
That is all.
andy_b
Footballguy
I was recently talking to my friend about this game. We both agreed it was perhaps the worst performance we have ever seen from an MLS side. If I didn't know better, I would guess they were drugged before the game to allow Seattle to have a dream start in front of the big crowd.
andy_b
Footballguy
For those interested in the St Louis situation, here is the latest from the league.
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/free-kick...ed-in-st-louis/
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/free-kick...ed-in-st-louis/
El Floppo
Footballguy
It was borderline bizarre. And I can understand coming out and being a flat/shellshocked for the first 15 minutes by everything going on: new stadium, rabid fans, new team, etc.... but other than a spell when Rojas started to take over things in the MF in the 2nd half, they looked less and less likely to play at all. And again- there were players who wouldn't have started on my college team 20 years ago based on their play that game, let alone should even be playing in a professional league now.
PIK95
Footballguy
.
jpeace121
Footballguy
I really feel like when they're both on the field opposing defenses have a real hard time. They both have such great field vision and game smarts that they can really open up a match. Alonso's passing, especially long passing out of the back up the flanks, is incredibly precise. It's a lot of fun to watch when they're both on their game.In other news, info is leaking out about the yearly round of friendlies in the US involving Euro powerhouses. So far, these matches have been confirmed:July 21: Chelsea vs. Inter Milan at Rose Bowl, PasadenaJuly 22: AC Milan vs. Club America at Georgia Dome, AtlantaJuly 24: AC Milan vs. Chelsea at M&T Bank Stadium, BaltimoreJuly 26: AC Milan vs. Inter Milan at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough These matches are already listed on Ticketmaster. Two more, America-Inter and America-Chelsea are said to be scheduled but details haven't been released. The Post is also hinting at DC United having lined up a big opponent, but no concrete info yet. Barca has also said they'll be back this summer, but no details have been released about their schedule.PIK95 said:Yes. Alonso is looking good too but Stevie G makes them go
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Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Any games in Toronto?
ETA: Or Columbus?
ETA: Or Columbus?
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Ed Wood
Footballguy
Noob here, but I'm hardpressed to find a more fearsome threesome in the EPL than Gerrard/Torres/Kuyt.Who compares among you veteran watchers out there?
Kendall
I heart waffles
I love Dirk Kuyt, but I doubt he instills much fear into many opponents.
Kendall
I heart waffles
But, I don't really think there is a better pairing in the EPL than Gerrard and Torres. They are both uncanny.
Ed Wood
Footballguy
Agreed. He seems more of a grinder (and that's why I like him), but ya gotta have somebody willing to muck it up. He's a good counterpoint to Gerrard and Torres IMO.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Nice- and Kuyt doesn't get enough credit.I'll bite- Ronaldao and any two of Rooney/Berbatov/Giggs/Tevez/Nani could go head to head with the Red's three you listed, although like you, I'd give the edge to anybody who's matched up with Gerrard right now (in a form that's world-beating). The main difference between Liverpool and United is United's ability to mix in any of those other players when needed- Liverpool loses a step, IMO, when they lose one of those three.I'm partial to Chelsea's Drogba/Lampard/J Cole/Anelka too... but they can't stay healthy and in form at the same time.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Maybe not on his own- but when matched up with anybody else of class, his workrate causes fits for the opposition.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
My preferred XI:
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Altidore still doesn't look like he is getting playing time with Xerez which is not very promising.
Interesting story out of Altidore's home club, Villareal. For those of you that don't know, Villareal is one of the most successful Spanish clubs recently but are based in a town of around 50k and average 17k for their home matches.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...998&cc=5901
Interesting story out of Altidore's home club, Villareal. For those of you that don't know, Villareal is one of the most successful Spanish clubs recently but are based in a town of around 50k and average 17k for their home matches.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id...998&cc=5901
jpeace121
Footballguy
I'll reiterate that Alonso doesn't get enough credit. He's a great two way player - his presence in midfield and the improvement in his offensive game has allowed Gerrard to roam forward and basically act as a withdrawn striker, allowing him and El Nino to develop some amazing chemistry. I couldn't believe that the front office was going to let him go to Juve this summer, so glad that he stayed on. I think he's really proving his worth this season.
Kendall
I heart waffles
His workrate is what makes me love him. And at the beginning of the EPL season he was actually scoring goals too, which was huge because Torres wans't on the pitch for them. But he doesn't create like many of the other players you've listed. I wouldn't go as far to say that Kuyt is like the Rudy of EPL, but you could understand what I'm getting at.
PIK95
Footballguy
Im a huge Liverpool fan and I agree Kuyt does not get enough credit. I think Wayne Rooney is the best player in the world and Ronaldo the most over rated (although he is quite the sniper). He plays little D and is always taking a dive. Rooney plays hard both ways and has incredible instincts just like Stevie G. I would go Rooney, Berbatov, and Giggs if I needed a win. Ronaldo, Tevez, and even Park could take Giggs spot and it wouldn't matter much. Man U. is frikin stacked.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
IMO, Kuyt is the Liverpool equivalent of Park Ji-Sung or Joe Cole, although it's tough to tell who's the best. I'd probably rank them Cole, Kuyt, Park, but it can change on any given day.
PIK95
Footballguy
I agree with you 100%. I think he is the second best player on Liverpool.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Park's defensive contributions make up for his less-than-Cole/Kuyt-offense, btw.
PIK95
Footballguy
I love Park and would take him over Cole or Kuyt. Too bad we couldn't get Crouchie back.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Villarreal are a fun team to watch. They've really come on strong in the last few years, and have probably the 4th/5th best talent in La Liga. Rossi is dynamite up top ( 
why didn't you stay in New Jersey!!) and their midfield plays very well together. I like them a lot. Probably my 2nd favorite team in La Liga.
Also, Stevie T, I don't like LD out on the wing. He likely has the skills to play there, but has no desire to take on that role. He's much better in place of Adu, and swapping in Dempsey as the right winger. I also want to see Edu get some time in these games. I think he's got a ton of potential to be a good holding MF. It'll take 5 years for him to get there, but I think it's possible. being a great holding/defensive MF takes years of practice / game time. Otherwise, I really have no issue with your lineup. I don't think Bradley likes his wingers to play so far up teh pitch though, and Beasley will backtrack a lot in the left winger position. (Also why I like Dempsey up there and LD in the middle is that it will force LD to take a more active role in covering the passing lanes from the opposition defensive MF / high playing DC. Dempsey isn't the best at doing that, but I think he'll fulfill the role of having the speed and height to take crosses coming from Beasley / LD. I imagine the field being a little lopsided in this sense where LD shades over to the right, and Dempsey shades up, while Beasley shades back.
why didn't you stay in New Jersey!!) and their midfield plays very well together. I like them a lot. Probably my 2nd favorite team in La Liga.Also, Stevie T, I don't like LD out on the wing. He likely has the skills to play there, but has no desire to take on that role. He's much better in place of Adu, and swapping in Dempsey as the right winger. I also want to see Edu get some time in these games. I think he's got a ton of potential to be a good holding MF. It'll take 5 years for him to get there, but I think it's possible. being a great holding/defensive MF takes years of practice / game time. Otherwise, I really have no issue with your lineup. I don't think Bradley likes his wingers to play so far up teh pitch though, and Beasley will backtrack a lot in the left winger position. (Also why I like Dempsey up there and LD in the middle is that it will force LD to take a more active role in covering the passing lanes from the opposition defensive MF / high playing DC. Dempsey isn't the best at doing that, but I think he'll fulfill the role of having the speed and height to take crosses coming from Beasley / LD. I imagine the field being a little lopsided in this sense where LD shades over to the right, and Dempsey shades up, while Beasley shades back.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Good stuff guys.I'm like steve- I want to see Adu on the field but I don't see him and LD playing side by side in the middle. Also, I don't see Adu being mature enough yet to handle the defensive responsiblities of playing on the flank in Bradley's system- but LD can, so he moves there as a result.I have not been a fan of Edu and Bradley on the pitch at the same time. They intuitively play similar roles and get their spacing on both sides of the ball mucked up as a result. SK doens't let himself get pushed back too far- unless he needs to- and is always thinking about the attacking ball, whcih is why I prefer him paired with either of those two.But don't forget about Torres in the MF- that kid can flat-out play and could conceivably give DMB or Sascha a run for their money to start either on the left or in the middle... I'd add Bradley to that list too, but I don't think dad will ever let him go. Funny that I'll be the first to mention how weird it is that we're just accepting Hejduk as the right back. :skeert: When is Cherundulo coming back?!Villarreal are a fun team to watch. They've really come on strong in the last few years, and have probably the 4th/5th best talent in La Liga. Rossi is dynamite up top (why didn't you stay in New Jersey!!) and their midfield plays very well together. I like them a lot. Probably my 2nd favorite team in La Liga.Also, Stevie T, I don't like LD out on the wing. He likely has the skills to play there, but has no desire to take on that role. He's much better in place of Adu, and swapping in Dempsey as the right winger. I also want to see Edu get some time in these games. I think he's got a ton of potential to be a good holding MF. It'll take 5 years for him to get there, but I think it's possible. being a great holding/defensive MF takes years of practice / game time. Otherwise, I really have no issue with your lineup. I don't think Bradley likes his wingers to play so far up teh pitch though, and Beasley will backtrack a lot in the left winger position. (Also why I like Dempsey up there and LD in the middle is that it will force LD to take a more active role in covering the passing lanes from the opposition defensive MF / high playing DC. Dempsey isn't the best at doing that, but I think he'll fulfill the role of having the speed and height to take crosses coming from Beasley / LD. I imagine the field being a little lopsided in this sense where LD shades over to the right, and Dempsey shades up, while Beasley shades back.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Not a big fan of Landon out on the wing like that. Though, I don't think we have too much else that can go out there. Would rather have Donovan up top than Altidore at this point.
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I can't endorse any XI without Dempsey.
Dempsey?
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Missed him being on the roster. For some reason, I only looked for him under MFs.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I love Dempsey, I think I've said a bunch of times he's my favorite USMNT player....but I can't endorse a lineup without Donovan, and I'd really like to see Adu in a second striker position (even though I know it won't happen).Does Torres play D ever? I wonder how he would do as a replacement for Pearce or Hejduk.....
Also, Edu fits the holding MF position better than Kljestan, but I had to fit Kljestan in there somewhere....square peg in a circular hole, pretty much.
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Desert_Power
Footballguy
I'd prefer going with Kljestan over Edu for now. Edu has had a disappointing year so far.
That's okay in theory. But if we're in games we need to win, I'll take the guy who battles it out in the EPL every week over unrealized talent, however good it may be.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Well of course....but this is El Salvador. I'm not one to say "take a game lightly", but if there's a game where we can play a bit more of an experimental lineup in the WCQ's and hopefully escape with a win, it's a home game vs. El Salvador. Bradley still won't, though.
I still want to see Stuart Holden get some playing time at the national level (not the U-23s).
El Floppo
Footballguy
Steve Tasker for Prez said:Well of course....but this is El Salvador. I'm not one to say "take a game lightly", but if there's a game where we can play a bit more of an experimental lineup in the WCQ's and hopefully escape with a win, it's a home game vs. El Salvador. Bradley still won't, though.Christo said:
I still want to see Stuart Holden get some playing time at the national level (not the U-23s).
I don't know about Torres in the back- but he's kinda small, so I'd guess no. Anybody follow the Mexican game more closely who wants to chime in?And even though it's El Salvador- it's the 2nd game of what could be rough qualifying (we will lose in Mexico, and be in for tough games away to Honduras, T&T, and especially CR)... the US MUST win this game and not #### around with experimentation- at least and if, until the game's in the pocket in the latter stages.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Edu plays too withdrawn to fit well with Bradley on the field... also makes the same runs on both sides of the ball- which plugs things up offensively and opens them up scarily on the defense. I've seen them together enough to know it just doesn't work.Steve Tasker for Prez said:
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Crouch would get his legs broke in CL.PIK95 said:I love Park and would take him over Cole or Kuyt. Too bad we couldn't get Crouchie back.Steve Tasker for Prez said:
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