***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (7 Viewers)

[SofaKings]

Screw the US bid to host the World Cup. No Detroit or Chicago? Indianapolis as the only midwest city? Ridiculous.

Link? I haven't seen anything about any bids.

They narrowed the list of cities/sites that will appear on the upcoming bid.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Screw the US bid to host the World Cup. No Detroit or Chicago? Indianapolis as the only midwest city? Ridiculous.

Link? I haven't seen anything about any bids.

They narrowed the list of cities/sites that will appear on the upcoming bid.

Oh I understand that, I just hadn't seen anything about it. When I went searching for an article I couldn't find one.

 

[andy_b]

Screw the US bid to host the World Cup. No Detroit or Chicago? Indianapolis as the only midwest city? Ridiculous.

Link? I haven't seen anything about any bids.

They narrowed the list of cities/sites that will appear on the upcoming bid.

Oh I understand that, I just hadn't seen anything about it. When I went searching for an article I couldn't find one.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/Cutdown for World Cup Bid

Washington and Baltimore make the World Cup cut. For now.

The committee overseeing American soccer's bid to host the 2018 or 2022 Cup reduced the number of potential cities from 27 to 18 today. The list will be formally submitted to FIFA before the May 14 deadline for countries interested in staging the tournaments.

The biggest surprises were the absence of Chicago and, to a lesser degree, the San Francisco area.

If the United States is chosen in December as the host country for one of the events, the number of cities will eventually be cut to 12 in the coming years.

Baltimore offers M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL's Ravens. It staged an AC Milan-Chelsea friendly before a sellout crowd last summer. Washington has both RFK Stadium and FedEx Field, but RFK's small size and age virtually rules it out of consideration. RFK hosted five World Cup matches in 1994. FedEx Field -- which holds around 92,000 for Redskins games -- has hosted the Women's World Cup (1999) and international exhibitions. [CLARIFICATION: RFK is not on the formal bid; FedEx is Washington's only representative.]

From today's announcement.....

IN: Atlanta, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Seattle, Denver, Tampa, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Nashville, Kansas City, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Washington, Boston, New York/New Jersey.

OUT: Chicago, Charlotte, Detroit, San Francisco, Oakland, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Louis. "I think there is a little Olympic fatigue" and FIFA requirements might have been difficult to meet, USSF President Sunil Gulati said of the stunning omission of Chicago's Soldier Field, which is about a mile from USSF headquarters and hosted the opening match of the 1994 World Cup.

 

[andy_b]

>IN: Atlanta, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Seattle, Denver, Tampa, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Nashville, Kansas City, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Washington, Boston, New York/New Jersey.

I am too lazy too look this up, but I think most of these stadiums have field turf, which means they will have to install grass for the world cup. Been done before so its not too big a deal I guess.

Nashville seems so out of place on this list, but I guess it would be nice for tourists.

By the time we win the bid, hopefully LA will have a new stadium.

 

[andy_b]

Cool news from Fox.

They will be launching Fox Soccer Plus channel, in HD. Content will be European Champions League, England's Premier League, the English Football Association Cup and the Italian Serie A.

Seems related to Setanta going under(or what ever is happening to them).

Also Fox is preparing FSC to go HD

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/socc...l.ap/index.html

 

[The Z Machine]

So they'll be playing in the Georgia DOME in ATL? That's silly.

 

[andy_b]

So they'll be playing in the Georgia DOME in ATL? That's silly.

why is it silly? I have never been there. Indy is a dome as well I think.

 

[andy_b]

Screw the US bid to host the World Cup. No Detroit or Chicago? Indianapolis as the only midwest city? Ridiculous.

Chicago doesn't have a big enough stadium. Soldier would be the smallest stadium by like 10k seats.

I think Soldier Field holds ~61k and the Indy dome holds around ~63k. So there are other stadiums that are in this general range including Phili and Boston both of which are 68k or less.

 

[Mjolnirs]

IN: AtlantaOUT: Charlotte, Jacksonville

Too bad about Charlotte and Jacksonville because they are closer to me than Atlanta.

 

[The Z Machine]

So they'll be playing in the Georgia DOME in ATL? That's silly.

why is it silly? I have never been there. Indy is a dome as well I think.

1) Soccer shouldn't be played in a dome. Ever.2) The GA dome isn't the nicest stadium, nor does Atlanta have an exceptionally strong soccer following.3) The size of the stadium shouldn't be the determining factor, as Germany hosted games in stadiums as small at 40,000 or so and South Africa has one or two that size as well.

 

[Sammy3469]

So they'll be playing in the Georgia DOME in ATL? That's silly.

why is it silly? I have never been there. Indy is a dome as well I think.

1) Soccer shouldn't be played in a dome. Ever.2) The GA dome isn't the nicest stadium, nor does Atlanta have an exceptionally strong soccer following.

3) The size of the stadium shouldn't be the determining factor, as Germany hosted games in stadiums as small at 40,000 or so and South Africa has one or two that size as well.

I'm probably wrong on this, but I think one of the main selling points of the US bid is the size of the stadiums and the corresponding $$$ it would generate without having to build them.

 

[The Z Machine]

So they'll be playing in the Georgia DOME in ATL? That's silly.

why is it silly? I have never been there. Indy is a dome as well I think.

1) Soccer shouldn't be played in a dome. Ever.2) The GA dome isn't the nicest stadium, nor does Atlanta have an exceptionally strong soccer following.

3) The size of the stadium shouldn't be the determining factor, as Germany hosted games in stadiums as small at 40,000 or so and South Africa has one or two that size as well.

I'm probably wrong on this, but I think one of the main selling points of the US bid is the size of the stadiums and the corresponding $$$ it would generate without having to build them.

I think the main selling point is that the USA 1) doesn't need infrastructure improvements but maybe some improved local transit links, 2) is safe, 3) has proven the ability to put on a show like this. and 4) is a HUGE TV/advertising market.

 

[Christo]

So they'll be playing in the Georgia DOME in ATL? That's silly.

why is it silly? I have never been there. Indy is a dome as well I think.

1) Soccer shouldn't be played in a dome. Ever.2) The GA dome isn't the nicest stadium, nor does Atlanta have an exceptionally strong soccer following.

3) The size of the stadium shouldn't be the determining factor, as Germany hosted games in stadiums as small at 40,000 or so and South Africa has one or two that size as well.

I'm probably wrong on this, but I think one of the main selling points of the US bid is the size of the stadiums and the corresponding $$$ it would generate without having to build them.

I think the main selling point is that the USA 1) doesn't need infrastructure improvements but maybe some improved local transit links, 2) is safe, 3) has proven the ability to put on a show like this. and 4) is a HUGE TV/advertising market.

I haven't read anything outside of this thread. But it's clear someone with influence thinks the size of certain stadiums is an issue.If the US gets it and Chicago misses out I'll be be pissed. I was living in Dallas the last time around and was able to see Germany v Korea at the Cotton Bowl.

 

[TLEF316]

There's also the Ljiaic (sp?) debacle.

could you unpack this a bit? i've never seen the kid play, and i've heard he's really good. apparently Man U had a chance to sign him and passed. Today he signed with a Serie A club.Whats the deal?

 

[andy_b]

So they'll be playing in the Georgia DOME in ATL? That's silly.

why is it silly? I have never been there. Indy is a dome as well I think.

1) Soccer shouldn't be played in a dome. Ever.2) The GA dome isn't the nicest stadium, nor does Atlanta have an exceptionally strong soccer following.

Sadly I am afraid that having a strong soccer following in a city is NOT going to be high on the priority list. They know that the games will sell out no matter where they put them.That being said, I will run amuck with a meat cleaver if they don't include Seattle which puts every other city in the nation to shame for soccer support.I have no problem with soccer being played in a dome. One of my greatest soccer memories was watching the US play Switzerland in the Silverdome in the 1994 World Cup.

 

[andy_b]

If the US gets it and Chicago misses out I'll be be pissed.

might as well be pissed now. Chicago didn't even make the short list much less the final cut.I have no idea what FIFA regulations Sunil believes that Soldier Field and or Chicago would have a hard time meeting.

 

[SofaKings]

If the US gets it and Chicago misses out I'll be be pissed.

might as well be pissed now. Chicago didn't even make the short list much less the final cut.I have no idea what FIFA regulations Sunil believes that Soldier Field and or Chicago would have a hard time meeting.

Crazy.

 

[bentley]

Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres off injured in FA Cup tie

Seriously?

 

[guru_007]

wow, I think Reading bumping Liverpool from the FA cup is probably the best thing for them.

Now with nothing else to play for this year, they can concentrate on their main goal of not being relegated

 

[prefontaine]

Screw the US bid to host the World Cup. No Detroit or Chicago? Indianapolis as the only midwest city? Ridiculous.

Chicago doesn't have a big enough stadium. Soldier would be the smallest stadium by like 10k seats.

I think Soldier Field holds ~61k and the Indy dome holds around ~63k. So there are other stadiums that are in this general range including Phili and Boston both of which are 68k or less.

They can all expand for big games while Soldier cannot. Indy can officially hold 70k if need be for football. I suppose it may be able to hold even more for a wc event. Also, about Atlanta, I'm almost positive they will have a new stadium in place by 2018.

 

[Desert_Power]

Well, now Barca has only 5 titles left to contend for this time around.

 

[bweiser]

i will be stunned if philly gets games in 2018 or 2022 WC. that would almost guarantee no games in washington, dc. i can't see them picking 3 sites so close together. it sucks, but ... if boston wasn't in the picture it might be slightly more plausible.

 

[editor47]

nothing on the mls draft?

like what the union has done the last 24 hours.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Ives Galarcep on the Union's draft today (3 picks in the top 7, including Danny Mwanga and Jack McInerney):

"Back to the Union, I can't remember a draft I was more impressed with on draft day. I thought Toronto's draft was strong last year, but this year's Union draft could wind up being the best in league history. Key would being 'could'".

Who knows what happens, but nice start by Peter Nowak and the Union. I'll be cheering them on from the midfield come spring.

 

[The Z Machine]

My boys are staging a MASSIVE comeback right now. They went down 3-0 to Recre on the first leg, and have put up 3 now at home while holding Recre down to 0. Thus, it's even all the way around right now.

Great game!

 

[The Z Machine]

4-0 now #####es!!!! Oh mutha EFF yeah!!!

 

[The Z Machine]

Jekyl and Hyde this team is...

Let's see if the defense can hold off the upcoming barage...

 

[The Z Machine]

AND the inevitiabel...

Atletico lets in a goal to go down on away goals. WHAT THE HELLLLLLL!

 

[Sebowski]

Screw the US bid to host the World Cup. No Detroit or Chicago? Indianapolis as the only midwest city? Ridiculous.

I'm stoked San Diego, LA, and Phoenix are on the list. All driveable for me.

 

[Sebowski]

Well, now Barca has only 5 titles left to contend for this time around.

Missed both legs of the Copa. I have to step up my DVR skills.

 

[andy_b]

Ives Galarcep on the Union's draft today (3 picks in the top 7, including Danny Mwanga and Jack McInerney):"Back to the Union, I can't remember a draft I was more impressed with on draft day. I thought Toronto's draft was strong last year, but this year's Union draft could wind up being the best in league history. Key would being 'could'".Who knows what happens, but nice start by Peter Nowak and the Union. I'll be cheering them on from the midfield come spring.

I don't think the Union could have hired a better coach. Hopefully the CBA works out and you get to enjoy this team this spring!

 

[andy_b]

Screw the US bid to host the World Cup. No Detroit or Chicago? Indianapolis as the only midwest city? Ridiculous.

Chicago doesn't have a big enough stadium. Soldier would be the smallest stadium by like 10k seats.

I think Soldier Field holds ~61k and the Indy dome holds around ~63k. So there are other stadiums that are in this general range including Phili and Boston both of which are 68k or less.

They can all expand for big games while Soldier cannot.

Gillete can expand the stadium? That news to me considering I live like 10 minutes from the place.

 

[The Z Machine]

Now it's 5-1!!!!!! Atletico comes back!!!! Even after being down a man cause Paulo Assuncao got a red.

Ridonkulous.

 

[Christo]

Redknapp charged with tax evasion

By Julian Guyer (AFP) – 5 hours ago

LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp was charged with tax evasion on Thursday, a spokesman for English prosecuting authorities said.

The charges, which relate to Redknapp's time in charge of Premier League strugglers Portsmouth, result from a 26-month police investigation into alleged corruption in English football.

Redknapp, who has repeatedly protested his innocence, said he would fight the charges.

"Henry (Harry) Redknapp, the former football manager of Portsmouth Football Club, has today been charged with two counts of cheating the public revenue," a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) spokesman said Thursday.

Meanwhile Redknapp's lawyer, Ian Burton, said his client had voluntarily attended a London police station on Thursday to be charged by officers.

The charges against Redknapp came two days after former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric, whom he worked alongside at Fratton Park, was charged with two counts of tax evasion during his time at the south coast club.

The CPS announced Tuesday that Mandaric, now chairman of Leicester, had been ordered to appear before a London magistrates' court on February 11 in connection with a payment of 295,000 dollars to another person via a bank account in Monaco.

Mandaric was first informed of the impending charges last month, at which point his solicitors confirmed that they related to monies paid to Redknapp.

The CPS's statement Thursday said the charges facing Redknapp were connected to those they had laid against Mandaric.

"The CPS Revenue and Customs Division decided there was sufficient evidence and it was in the public interest to charge Mr Redknapp.

"He is jointly charged with Milan Mandaric, the former chairman of Portsmouth City Football Club, following an investigation by the City of London Police and HM Revenue and Customs."

Burton, who insisted his client would clear his name, said: "Harry has cooperated fully with investigators during the course of this inquiry and is confident of a successful outcome to these court proceedings."

Peter Storrie, the chief executive of Portsmouth, is due back in court on January 20 to answer charges of tax evasion in connection with a signing-on fee allegedly paid to midfielder Amdy Faye when he joined from French club Auxerre.

Storrie continues to be employed by the Premier League basement club, grappling with a financial crisis which has resulted in players and other staff having the payment of their salaries delayed repeatedly this season.

Teams owed money for transfers by Portsmouth, who under Redknapp won the 2008 FA Cup, have also complained of payments being delayed and on Thursday the English Premier League announced they would be diverting the south coast side's seven million pounds share of television revenues direct to creditor clubs.

As well as pursuing Mandaric, Redknapp and Storrie individually, the British tax authorities are seeking to have Portsmouth wound up because it does not believe it will be able to recover payments they say they are owed by the club. A court hearing is due in February.

Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/artic...5cc4t3989Mf63LQ

 

[The Z Machine]

An amazing comeback for Atlético. Nice job boys. Take this momentum and run with it.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Harry Redknapp

 

[magichat]

There's also the Ljiaic (sp?) debacle.

could you unpack this a bit? i've never seen the kid play, and i've heard he's really good. apparently Man U had a chance to sign him and passed. Today he signed with a Serie A club.Whats the deal?

Sorry TLEF, missed this.Ljajic was signed with Tosic last year, and at the time the story was Tosic was really only taken as part of a package to ensure Ljajic's transfer. That has sort of been borne out by SAF's treatment of Tosic since, which would suggest he has some form of communicable diisease that he's worried might transfer to the other players if he's allowed to play in the first team.Ljajic, being younger stayed at Partizan and was expected to come over about now. The full on propaganda machine was turned on last year about what a bright star he is. Around October this year it started up again, with references being made to him coming over.Then, in December United abruptly pulled out (denying it was to do with paying the balance of the transfer money). Two seperate stories have been quoted - one was David Gill saying that it was becasue Ljajic just hasnt developed as expected. This is a little odd because you'd think if he was stagnating over there and is so talented the solution would be to get him across.. (and doubly so since Obertan could be described in exactly the same way). The second was Mike Phelan saying it wasnt form, but rather a worry about getting a work permit.Nothing definitive, but it does look like another piece of data suggesting that United do at least have money concerns right now.

 

[bosoxs45]

Ivory Coast or Ghana tomorrow?

any thoughts?

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Ivory Coast or Ghana tomorrow?any thoughts?

IC FTW

 

[Moe.]

Holden is on trial at Bolton. Does that mean he is just training with the team or is there a shot he might get to play against Arsenal this weekend?

 

[Mjolnirs]

The Bundesliga's second half starts today with Bayern hosting Hoffenheim.

Top of the tableBayer Leverkusen	 9-8-0  35  +22Schalke 04		  10-4-3  34  +13Bayern München	   9-6-2  33  +19

 

[andy_b]

Holden is on trial at Bolton. Does that mean he is just training with the team or is there a shot he might get to play against Arsenal this weekend?

Training is used in two ways in regards to MLS players1) MLS players often join EPL side for training in the offseason to stay in shape2) MLS players sometimes train for teams as a form of a tryoutHolden would be the latter in this case as he is out of contract in MLS I believe and is looking at a couple of different opportunities in England.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

wow, I think Reading bumping Liverpool from the FA cup is probably the best thing for them.Now with nothing else to play for this year, they can concentrate on their main goal of not being relegated

IMO, will be the final nail in the Rafa coffin.

 

[Christo]

Holden is on trial at Bolton. Does that mean he is just training with the team or is there a shot he might get to play against Arsenal this weekend?

This would have been much funnier if you asked whether he'd already taken a shot at Arsenal.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I get goosebumps every time I see a World Cup commercial. "City of Blinding Lights" is a great song choice.

 

[Native]

Donavon played 90 minutes for Everton in an important 2-0 win over City. He was substituted in extra time. Tweet from SoccerByIves:

@SoccerByIves Landon Donovan comes off to a standing ovation from Everton fans.

 

[Christo]

Donavon played 90 minutes for Everton in an important 2-0 win over City. He was substituted in extra time. Tweet from SoccerByIvesSoccerByIves Landon Donovan comes off to a standing ovation from Everton fans.

 

[bentley]

Donavon played 90 minutes for Everton in an important 2-0 win over City. He was substituted in extra time. Tweet from SoccerByIvesSoccerByIves Landon Donovan comes off to a standing ovation from Everton fans.

Cool.As a Liverpool fan, I've gone from being pissed off when things go wrong to just waiting for the inevitable to happen over the last few months.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I get goosebumps every time I see a World Cup commercial. "City of Blinding Lights" is a great song choice.

I agree - every time I see one of those commercials I find myself thinking, "How many days until June?"Barça gets revenge on Sevilla 4-0. Combined with Bilbao defeating Real Madrid, that puts the Blaugrana 5 clear atop La Liga.

 

[Christo]

I get goosebumps every time I see a World Cup commercial. "City of Blinding Lights" is a great song choice.

I agree - every time I see one of those commercials I find myself thinking, "How many days until June?"

Don't get too antsy. Like with Christmas, part of the beauty of an event like the WC is the anticipation.