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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

Reminder to those that enjoy a good atmosphere.

The MLS playoff game Sunday night, national tv game, when Donovan and Becks with the Galaxy go up to Seattle may produce one of the best atmospheres ever for a US club match. Should be pretty cool to see.

Sunday 8:00pm Eastern, ESPN2. It is Halloween so I think this is going to be a DVR for me.

 
Hmmm... not exactly how I imagined this would turn out, but at this point, not much suprises me in all things soccer. From ESPN

UEFA has awarded Italy with a 3-0 victory after their Euro 2012 qualifier against Serbia in Genoa was abandoned due to crowd trouble. Serbia will also have to play their next two home games behind closed doors.The game on October 12 was delayed for 35 minutes following crowd trouble and when it finally did start, the referee called off proceedings after only seven minutes when Serbian supporters hurled flares onto the pitch and in the direction of Italian fans.Serbian supporters were also filmed attempting to smash Perspex barriers at Stadio Luigi Ferrari and cutting through protective nets separating them from the pitch.The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has said in a statement that UEFA has awarded a 3-0 win to Italy and imposed further sanctions on Serbia, though this has not yet been confirmed officially by UEFA.Italy have also incurred a suspended one-match stadium ban, according to the FIGC.A statement from the governing body detailed "a 3-0 victory in favour of Italy and two games behind closed doors for Serbia, of which one is conditional. Italy have been given a conditional one game behind closed doors."This is the decision of the disciplinary commission of UEFA which met today [Friday] in Nyon, based on the abandonment of the game between Italy and Serbia on October 12 in Genoa following the crowd unrest by Serbian fans."Serbia have been fined €120,000 and Italy €100,000. Serbian fans will also not be allowed to buy tickets for their national team's away games. Both federations have six days to appeal against the decision.The news means the Azzurri will be three points clear in Group C after four matches. Serbia are second bottom, above Faroe Islands, with four points from four games
 
Charlie Davies scored the game winner today is his reserve league game. He went 90 minutes for the first time since returning from the crash. Said he felt good.

Keeping fingers crossed.

 
Klinnesman to Toronto FC is really picking up steam. If he can get the total control he wants he may take the job. It would be a great move for the club who is in a precarious position of starting to lose their rabid fan base.

 
Klinnesman to Toronto FC is really picking up steam. If he can get the total control he wants he may take the job. It would be a great move for the club who is in a precarious position of starting to lose their rabid fan base.
Yes, please :thumbup:
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/soccer/20...9/15885561.htmlFormer German International player and manager Juergen Klinsmann appears to be the “big-named” consultant hired to determine the author of Toronto FC’s next chapter.

A news report Friday said Toronto FC is on the verge of coming to a contractual agreement with Klinsmann and his California-based soccer business and consulting company, Soccer Solutions, to oversee the search for Toronto FC’s next general manager and head coach.

Sportsnet.ca, however, tweeted Friday that Klinsmann would run the entire TFC operation.

Toronto FC brass promised its disgruntled fanbase ‘significant names’ to lead the search for a new technical regime and at the club, and in Klinsmann it has one.

The 1990 World Cup winner and two-time German player of the year scored 233 goals while playing for some of the biggest club sides in the world, while netting 47 goals for country.

As a head coach, Klinsmann is noted for taking an under-performing Germany to the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup on home soil. Although widely applauded for his influence on their third-place finish, Klinsmann resigned from the German post following the competition. In 2008-2009, Klinsmann also spent a short, unsuccessful spell at Bayern Munich.

Since that time, Klinsmann has resided in California, serving as vice-president of Soccer Solutions, while doing media work, including at this past summer’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Consulting for Toronto FC is an interesting move for Klinsmann, who for a second time missed out on the head coaching position with U.S. Soccer this summer. It was reported US Soccer had a verbal agreement with Klinsmann to take over for Bob Bradley. But when it was time to put pen to paper, U.S. Soccer would not guarantee the power Klinsmann demanded over having full control and final say of all technical decision-making. U.S. Soccer has refused to comment on the situation.

Toronto FC’s apparent willingness to allow Klinsmann dictate the future direction of the club suggests he’ll have carte blanche to cultivate any structure he deems fit. It seems like a ‘can’t-lose’ situation for the German, as he won’t have to uproot his family from the West Coast. And it’s a massive feather in his cap if his rebuild brings any tangible success to a club that has had none. The bar is set-low.

And even if Klinsmann’s recommendations don’t bring success, his hands are clean. It’s up to whatever GM and head coach to execute the mandate, not Klinsmann.

It’s also interesting to note Klinsmann has recently been linked to the vacant head coaching position at Chivas USA. The move hypothetically made sense, with the German currently living in close proximity. Although it’s pure speculation, Toronto FC’s willingness to spend big dollars while giving Klinsmann the keys to the house was a superior opportunity until a more appetizing role at a bigger club becomes available. Klinsmann told CNNSI’s Grant Wahl last month he see’s himself more of a coach than anything else going forward.

Klinsmann is noted for his forward thinking coaching methods, believing in an attacking brand of soccer that relies on extraordinary fitness and technique. The German is also a believer in yoga and other ‘atypical’ methodologies.

Although Klinsmann’s name looks impressive on paper, it’s best for Toronto FC supporters to proceed with caution. Klinsmann has never been in the power position of hiring a general manager or head coach before, nor developing wide-scale infrastructure at any club. Whether he’s fit to do so is the great unknown.

The safe move for Toronto FC would have been to turn to an experienced individual who has built soccer infrastructure at a successful club before. And the fact Klinsmann comes representing an agency whose expertise is the business side of the game is somewhat disconcerting. It’s substance that’s needed over style. The hope is Klinsmann can bring both.

That being said, there’s nobody currently at TFC with the breadth of knowledge, international recognition, and tangible experience that Klinsmann brings. Fresh blood and alternative vision is needed. And Klinsmann brings that.

Toronto FC was contacted and said nothing can be confirmed at this time.

 
Reminder to those that enjoy a good atmosphere.The MLS playoff game Sunday night, national tv game, when Donovan and Becks with the Galaxy go up to Seattle may produce one of the best atmospheres ever for a US club match. Should be pretty cool to see.Sunday 8:00pm Eastern, ESPN2. It is Halloween so I think this is going to be a DVR for me.
Up against the World Series and Saints/Steelers will not bode well for ratings. Wouldn't the MLS know this well in advance to avoid the conflict?
 
FIFA released the shortlist for Ballon d'Or on Tuesday

Men (23):

Xabi Alonso (Spain), Daniel Alves (Brazil), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Diego Forlán (Uruguay), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Júlio César (Brazil), Miroslav Klose (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Maicon (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Müller (Germany), Mesut Özil (Germany), Carles Puyol (Spain), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), David Villa (Spain) and Xavi (Spain)
Men's Coach (10):
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Chelsea FC), Vicente del Bosque (Spain/Spain national team), Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United), Pep Guardiola (Spain/FC Barcelona), Joachim Löw (Germany/Germany national team), José Mourinho (Portugal/FC Internazionale Milano and Real Madrid CF), Oscar Tabárez (Uruguay/Uruguay national team), Louis Van Gaal (Netherlands, FC Bayern Munich), Bert Van Marwijk (Netherlands/Netherlands national team) and Arsène Wenger (France/Arsenal)
How long before we see a US player on that list? Gotta think Donovan has a chance if he can lead the Galaxy to a title and have an impact with Everton. He won't win, but a nomination would be huge for US soccer.
 
How long before we see a US player on that list? Gotta think Donovan has a chance if he can lead the Galaxy to a title and have an impact with Everton. He won't win, but a nomination would be huge for US soccer.
That wouldn't put him on that list. Most of the voters have never seen either Everton or Galaxy play a game so I don't think either of those things would have an impact. Look at the list closer. It's made up of exactly two kinds of players -- guys that had outstanding world cups and guys that had outstanding CL campaigns. Many are both which isn't all that surprising given it is comprised mostly of the top 20 players in the world. The managers are the exact same.
 
Reminder to those that enjoy a good atmosphere.The MLS playoff game Sunday night, national tv game, when Donovan and Becks with the Galaxy go up to Seattle may produce one of the best atmospheres ever for a US club match. Should be pretty cool to see.Sunday 8:00pm Eastern, ESPN2. It is Halloween so I think this is going to be a DVR for me.
Up against the World Series and Saints/Steelers will not bode well for ratings. Wouldn't the MLS know this well in advance to avoid the conflict?
Yeah. This is just brutal. I know Andy has made a point that the MLS target audience is not the eurosnob but the average American sports fan. If this is the case, this was just horrible decision making.
 
In World Cup years the Ballon D'Or usually goes to someone who had a great tournament as well as a successful club season so you'd think that would put Xavi and Sneijder as the favourites this year. Xavi would be my vote, the guy is the third best player in the world after Messi and Cronaldo and deserves the recognition.Coach of the year will obviously go to Mourinho in a landslide.
I actually like Sniejder for this. His club won the treble, he was midfielder of the year in CL and was both the Silver Ball and Bronze Boot (and he tied with Müller) winner at WC. I don't much care for the man but it's hard to top all that.
 
What a mess in this Spurs-United game. Nani shoved around in the box so he goes to ground (too easy) and doesn't get the call. Then he reaches out and grabs the ball. Gomes picks it and sets it down for the freekick and Nani runs back and kicks it in for the goal. No foul was ever given and the goal stands.

 
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What a mess in this Spurs-United game. Nani shoved around in the box so he goes to ground (too easy) and doesn't get the call. Then he reaches out and grabs the ball. Gomes picks it and sets it down for the freekick and Nani runs back and kicks it in for the goal. No foul was ever given and the goal stands.
very bizarre.IMO, Nani actually got penalized for staying on his feet. Had he gone down on the initial tug, the ref probably would have given the PK.
 
Txns8 said:
NewlyRetired said:
Reminder to those that enjoy a good atmosphere.The MLS playoff game Sunday night, national tv game, when Donovan and Becks with the Galaxy go up to Seattle may produce one of the best atmospheres ever for a US club match. Should be pretty cool to see.Sunday 8:00pm Eastern, ESPN2. It is Halloween so I think this is going to be a DVR for me.
Up against the World Series and Saints/Steelers will not bode well for ratings. Wouldn't the MLS know this well in advance to avoid the conflict?
I think you know the answer. Of course they know the schedule. But this falls under the beggers can't be choosers department. Espn has limited slots for a niche like MLS and they have to take what they can get. I for one am happy the game is on. I could careless about the baseball game and will just use the DVR to watch both the football and soccer game
 
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Txns8 said:
NewlyRetired said:
Reminder to those that enjoy a good atmosphere.

The MLS playoff game Sunday night, national tv game, when Donovan and Becks with the Galaxy go up to Seattle may produce one of the best atmospheres ever for a US club match. Should be pretty cool to see.

Sunday 8:00pm Eastern, ESPN2. It is Halloween so I think this is going to be a DVR for me.
Up against the World Series and Saints/Steelers will not bode well for ratings. Wouldn't the MLS know this well in advance to avoid the conflict?
Baseball isn't over yet? That's disappointing.
 
prefontaine said:
Txns8 said:
NewlyRetired said:
Reminder to those that enjoy a good atmosphere.The MLS playoff game Sunday night, national tv game, when Donovan and Becks with the Galaxy go up to Seattle may produce one of the best atmospheres ever for a US club match. Should be pretty cool to see.Sunday 8:00pm Eastern, ESPN2. It is Halloween so I think this is going to be a DVR for me.
Up against the World Series and Saints/Steelers will not bode well for ratings. Wouldn't the MLS know this well in advance to avoid the conflict?
Yeah. This is just brutal. I know Andy has made a point that the MLS target audience is not the eurosnob but the average American sports fan. If this is the case, this was just horrible decision making.
I think you misunderstood what I said. I have no idea what target audience the headquarters at MLS most covets. I was just making a point that the Euro snobs are so biased against MLS for various reasons that it may actually be easier to get a general sports fan to watch than a Euro snob.I am quite sure MLS would love to get the Euro snobs to pay even a modicum of attention to the league.
 
Txns8 said:
NewlyRetired said:
Reminder to those that enjoy a good atmosphere.

The MLS playoff game Sunday night, national tv game, when Donovan and Becks with the Galaxy go up to Seattle may produce one of the best atmospheres ever for a US club match. Should be pretty cool to see.

Sunday 8:00pm Eastern, ESPN2. It is Halloween so I think this is going to be a DVR for me.
Up against the World Series and Saints/Steelers will not bode well for ratings. Wouldn't the MLS know this well in advance to avoid the conflict?
Baseball isn't over yet? That's disappointing.
Game 1 of the World Series drew the second lowest game one rating in league history. Seems like a few people must think the season is over :goodposting:
 
What a mess in this Spurs-United game. Nani shoved around in the box so he goes to ground (too easy) and doesn't get the call. Then he reaches out and grabs the ball. Gomes picks it and sets it down for the freekick and Nani runs back and kicks it in for the goal. No foul was ever given and the goal stands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSSmqCwPY9MGood view of the goal from the stands
What a mess from the ref (2 missed calls), the linesman (incompetent) AND the keeper in that one1) It was a PK and should have been awarded. But we can argue this point all day to no end.

2) Since he didnt award it, should have been a hand ball by Nani, free kick at the 6

3) If its a hand ball by Nani, WHY is the keeper putting the ball down for a free kick up by the top of the 18 instead of in the 6 where the handball should have been called? Stupidity on the keepers part

4) Where was the linesman? He didnt call any of this, then inexplicable puts up his flag AFTER the goal and after Tottenham rushes him? He was also the one in the first half allowing Tott to have a go at goal after the ball went over the endline for a goalkick, which he missed.

I imagine the conversation between the linesman and ref was something like

Ref: Why is your flag up?

Linesman: Nani played the ball before the keeper took his free kick

Ref: What free kick?

Linesman: the one you called?

Ref: I didnt call one

Linesman: Oh

Ref: GOAL!

What a mess. DId it change the game? YES. The way United gives away wins at the end of games it sure did. Down 1 with 7 to go keeps Tott in it. I do believe it was a PK anyway, so in the end, i guess it evens out.... :lmao:

 
What a mess in this Spurs-United game. Nani shoved around in the box so he goes to ground (too easy) and doesn't get the call. Then he reaches out and grabs the ball. Gomes picks it and sets it down for the freekick and Nani runs back and kicks it in for the goal. No foul was ever given and the goal stands.
Ugh..
 
What a mess in this Spurs-United game. Nani shoved around in the box so he goes to ground (too easy) and doesn't get the call. Then he reaches out and grabs the ball. Gomes picks it and sets it down for the freekick and Nani runs back and kicks it in for the goal. No foul was ever given and the goal stands.
Ugh..
It was really bizarre during the telecast because they came back from replay of the foul/non-foul in the box to show the ball in the net and Nani celebrating. I have no idea what Gomes was thinking, maybe it was too loud to hear the whistle or he may have seen the handball that the ref and his assistant didn't. Neither is a good excuse, the goal is on him.
 
so is the NY/SJ game on television anywhere tonight or am I going to have to watch this ####### thing en Espanol?

And the Nani goal was well deserved, much ado about nothing there. Watched a lot of soccer today......Was nice to see DelPiero become the all time leading Juve scorer, and AC Milan is very frustrating.

 
prefontaine said:
Txns8 said:
How long before we see a US player on that list? Gotta think Donovan has a chance if he can lead the Galaxy to a title and have an impact with Everton. He won't win, but a nomination would be huge for US soccer.
That wouldn't put him on that list. Most of the voters have never seen either Everton or Galaxy play a game so I don't think either of those things would have an impact. Look at the list closer. It's made up of exactly two kinds of players -- guys that had outstanding world cups and guys that had outstanding CL campaigns. Many are both which isn't all that surprising given it is comprised mostly of the top 20 players in the world. The managers are the exact same.
If it is a yearly award, he may have a chance in a non-World Cup year, no?
 
prefontaine said:
Txns8 said:
How long before we see a US player on that list? Gotta think Donovan has a chance if he can lead the Galaxy to a title and have an impact with Everton. He won't win, but a nomination would be huge for US soccer.
That wouldn't put him on that list. Most of the voters have never seen either Everton or Galaxy play a game so I don't think either of those things would have an impact. Look at the list closer. It's made up of exactly two kinds of players -- guys that had outstanding world cups and guys that had outstanding CL campaigns. Many are both which isn't all that surprising given it is comprised mostly of the top 20 players in the world. The managers are the exact same.
If it is a yearly award, he may have a chance in a non-World Cup year, no?
In 2007 they changed the rules so that non-European based players could be nominated for the award only 3 non-UEFA based players have been nominated and all three were in 2007 when there were 50 noms before they cut that down.Realistically Donavan will need to be playing full time for a European team that has a good run in either the CL or UEFA cup to get a nomination.
 
prefontaine said:
Txns8 said:
How long before we see a US player on that list? Gotta think Donovan has a chance if he can lead the Galaxy to a title and have an impact with Everton. He won't win, but a nomination would be huge for US soccer.
That wouldn't put him on that list. Most of the voters have never seen either Everton or Galaxy play a game so I don't think either of those things would have an impact. Look at the list closer. It's made up of exactly two kinds of players -- guys that had outstanding world cups and guys that had outstanding CL campaigns. Many are both which isn't all that surprising given it is comprised mostly of the top 20 players in the world. The managers are the exact same.
If it is a yearly award, he may have a chance in a non-World Cup year, no?
In 2007 they changed the rules so that non-European based players could be nominated for the award only 3 non-UEFA based players have been nominated and all three were in 2007 when there were 50 noms before they cut that down.Realistically Donavan will need to be playing full time for a European team that has a good run in either the CL or UEFA cup to get a nomination.never get a nomination.
 
What a mess in this Spurs-United game. Nani shoved around in the box so he goes to ground (too easy) and doesn't get the call. Then he reaches out and grabs the ball. Gomes picks it and sets it down for the freekick and Nani runs back and kicks it in for the goal. No foul was ever given and the goal stands.
1. Gomes is apparently a moron.2. These officials made NFL refs look good.Edit: And what's with the yellow ball?
 
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prefontaine said:
Txns8 said:
How long before we see a US player on that list? Gotta think Donovan has a chance if he can lead the Galaxy to a title and have an impact with Everton. He won't win, but a nomination would be huge for US soccer.
That wouldn't put him on that list. Most of the voters have never seen either Everton or Galaxy play a game so I don't think either of those things would have an impact. Look at the list closer. It's made up of exactly two kinds of players -- guys that had outstanding world cups and guys that had outstanding CL campaigns. Many are both which isn't all that surprising given it is comprised mostly of the top 20 players in the world. The managers are the exact same.
If it is a yearly award, he may have a chance in a non-World Cup year, no?
In 2007 they changed the rules so that non-European based players could be nominated for the award only 3 non-UEFA based players have been nominated and all three were in 2007 when there were 50 noms before they cut that down.Realistically Donavan will need to be playing full time for a European team that has a good run in either the CL or UEFA cup to get a nomination.
That makes sense. Thanks.
 
This Seattle LA game is fantastic entertainment.

The crowd is amazing. Not a single person of the ~36k has been seated for even a second of this game.

Fascinating goal by Buddle. You don't see that type of goal too often and to catch and uber experienced keeper like Keller off guard like was impressive.

 
How long before we see a US player on that list? Gotta think Donovan has a chance if he can lead the Galaxy to a title and have an impact with Everton. He won't win, but a nomination would be huge for US soccer.
That wouldn't put him on that list. Most of the voters have never seen either Everton or Galaxy play a game so I don't think either of those things would have an impact. Look at the list closer. It's made up of exactly two kinds of players -- guys that had outstanding world cups and guys that had outstanding CL campaigns. Many are both which isn't all that surprising given it is comprised mostly of the top 20 players in the world. The managers are the exact same.
I love Wenger, but what did he do to deserve inclusion on that list?
 
:confused: ;) I just noticed that Jovan Kirovski's name is spelled wrong on the back of his jersey. It's spelled "Kirovksi" :lmao:

Take a look if you see him in the last 10 minutes.

 
This Seattle LA game is fantastic entertainment.

The crowd is amazing. Not a single person of the ~36k has been seated for even a second of this game.

Fascinating goal by Buddle. You don't see that type of goal too often and to catch and uber experienced keeper like Keller off guard like was impressive.
:understatement:That goal was freaking $$.

I caught the 2nd half- outside of a couple of fast build-up plays by both sides that covered maybe a minute or two of action total- that was a pretty terrible display. Intense, yes, but not much of anything to look at on the (fake) field. I've seen a lot better from both sides during the season.

 
Steve Tasker said:
I love Wenger, but what did he do to deserve inclusion on that list?
Whined that Martin O'Neil has boring tactics? Said France should have replayed the match? Not sold Cesc? I dunno. Like in every other sport, sometimes guys get nominated simply bc the nominators get used to nominating him every time there is a nomination to be nominated.
 
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This Seattle LA game is fantastic entertainment.

The crowd is amazing. Not a single person of the ~36k has been seated for even a second of this game.

Fascinating goal by Buddle. You don't see that type of goal too often and to catch and uber experienced keeper like Keller off guard like was impressive.
I caught the 2nd half- outside of a couple of fast build-up plays by both sides that covered maybe a minute or two of action total- that was a pretty terrible display. Intense, yes, but not much of anything to look at on the (fake) field. I've seen a lot better from both sides during the season.
agreed. The second half was not good at all. It was a complete 180 from the first half of play (which is when I posted the comment).I am looking forward to the NY SJ game on Thursday on ESPN2. Any word on whether Henry is going to play?

 
early going....Gareth Bale is continuing to absolutely abuse Maicon. Maicon looks more like training cone than a defender against him.

Luka Modric with a beautiful run and feed to van der Vaart and Spurs is up 1-0.

On a side note, anyone know how to type the 'c thing on the intl keyboard? I get ç with the 'c and nothing with the "

 
early going....Gareth Bale is continuing to absolutely abuse Maicon. Maicon looks more like training cone than a defender against him. Luka Modric with a beautiful run and feed to van der Vaart and Spurs is up 1-0. On a side note, anyone know how to type the 'c thing on the intl keyboard? I get ç with the 'c and nothing with the "
ćopy and paste :shrug: ććććććććććććććć
 
see but then I have to go find a ć if I ever want to type it. I'm still learning on this keyboard and I figure there is a way to do it and I just haven't figured it out yet. Admittedly it would only ever be names I'd use it in so maybe copy/paste is the answer. Or just c. Screw Modrić and his funny spelled name.

 
Tottenham has been working that Bale cross to Crouch's head and back down to VdV in the box for the last month or so. I have no idea why they played Keane against ManU because they almost have that thing down pat and it's so hard to defend.

I just started watching more of the Serie A games, but I don't see how Maicon can be considered the best back in the world. I know he is a great offensive threat, but at some point a defender should have to be able to defend. Bale is absolutely abusing him. I know Bale has incredible pace, but I have watched almost every Hotspurs game this year and I don't think I have ever seen him do what he is doing right now to any other back. He does well, but Maicon might as well start waiving the white flag. He has the defensive effectiveness of a lamp post.

 
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2nd goal is Bale to Crouchy. Bale took the ball and simply exploded down the wing. For the most part this Inter squad is highly experienced and is well positioned to make up for their lack of pace. But on that run I swear Bale was going twice the speed of the two defenders chasing him.

They simply don't have the young legs to handle him and Maicon refuses to stay home. jonessed, one reason you don't see Bale do this every day is the fullback opposite him generally doesn't get too adventuresome. Most managers don't let themselves get so exposed tactically but with this lineup and these tactics, it's almost like Rafa doesn't care. I once thought he was a good manager but it's pretty clear I either misjudged him, he lost it, or lost interest.

 
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