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

[El Floppo]

Very

BTW, I am one of the guys who loves Ream. I know the play you are talking (which was horrible) about but you should not let a brilliant season in which he played every minute of every game, as a rookie no less, be darkened by one bad play.

Well, I prefaced it by saying that the "times I saw him play", which was only a handful of games, really. I know he's been praised all around, and I hope he turns into a defender that the US sorely needs. It's hard to not envision

Steve, Steve, Steve.... :tsk,tsk, tsk:As a BullStar fan/observer, I got to see a lot of Ream this year, including watching him live. Given his age and experience, the kid was nothing short of amazing on the season- a couple of bad plays aside. He showed poise, patience, and fantastic set of skills on and off the ball. He routinely shut down plays without having to even get a boot or tackle on the ball through his outstanding positioning. And then when on the ball, even under pressure, he did his best to find the smart play to get his team moving forward- both through the short ball to his holding MF or more daring balls forward. I knew nothing about him going in and become a big, big fan watching his play over the entire season. And having watched his consistency, I can easily forgive the occasional blunder (yeah- he got torched by Convey).

 

[El Floppo]

As for the US game... it's mostly about watching individual play, since most of these guys won't likely get a chance to team up much once the regualars are in camp. I'll be watching the same guys as Steve- Diskerov, Aguedelo and Starikov.

I saw Bunburry play once, and he wasn't great- so I'll just write him off.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I saw Bunburry play once, and he wasn't great- so I'll just write him off.

I didn't say I was writing Ream off...I just said that in the handful of games I saw him play in, he just looked like a standard MLS defender....and one of those games happened to have a massive blunder that helped lead to a playoff loss. I hope he's as good as you guys say he is.

 

[El Floppo]

I saw Bunburry play once, and he wasn't great- so I'll just write him off.

I didn't say I was writing Ream off...I just said that in the handful of games I saw him play in, he just looked like a standard MLS defender....and one of those games happened to have a massive blunder that helped lead to a playoff loss. I hope he's as good as you guys say he is.

me too.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I saw Bunburry play once, and he wasn't great- so I'll just write him off.

I didn't say I was writing Ream off...I just said that in the handful of games I saw him play in, he just looked like a standard MLS defender....and one of those games happened to have a massive blunder that helped lead to a playoff loss. I hope he's as good as you guys say he is.

me too.

He is as good as we say he is. But that is based on MLS play only. All over the world there are players who are top notch in league play but don't cut the mustard at the international level. Like you guys I hope he can show some of what he has shown in MLS at the international level. Luckily even if he does not pan out, central defender is where we are deepest in the 19-22 year old range. God forbid we find anyone from 16-36 who can play left back though :(

 

[NewlyRetired]

As a BullStar fan/observer, I got to see a lot of Ream this year, including watching him live. Given his age and experience, the kid was nothing short of amazing on the season- a couple of bad plays aside. He showed poise, patience, and fantastic set of skills on and off the ball. He routinely shut down plays without having to even get a boot or tackle on the ball through his outstanding positioning. And then when on the ball, even under pressure, he did his best to find the smart play to get his team moving forward- both through the short ball to his holding MF or more daring balls forward.

to me I was actually most impressed with what his coach, Henry and Marquez had to say about him. You almost never hear a rookie being talked about like he was but even Henry was shocked at his poise on the ball (which is his strength). A lot of this has to do with what Floppo said in that the kid really came out of no where. The kid was drafted in the 2nd round with no youth team national experience and just hoping to probably make the squad. By the time preseason was over, this is what his coach had to say about him

"He has a future. I probably shouldn’t say too much, but Ream has a chance to be a national team player. He’s a center back who is comfortable and calm in possession of the ball. He plays a good passing game, he’s an excellent passer. A European-type center back who, I think, reminds me of Rio Ferdinand in the Premier League. Ream is strong tactically and never stressed, and of course he’s good in the air. He has a top-class attitude and spirit."

I am not sure but he may have been the first MLS rookie in the 15 year MLS history to start all 30 games and that was for a solid side as well.

 

[Eephus]

It's been a while since I posted any AFC Wimbledon news. The Real Dons beat Southport 5-0 to go back atop the conference. Crawley Town drew away at Grimsby but still has three games in hand on the schedule because of their ongoing FA cup run.

There are a lot of good stories in non-league English soccer. Crawley Town has just been through a multi-year financial crisis themselves following the disastrous spell under sleazebag owners Chas and Anwar Majeed.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It's been a while since I posted any AFC Wimbledon news. The Real Dons beat Southport 5-0 to go back atop the conference. Crawley Town drew away at Grimsby but still has three games in hand on the schedule because of their ongoing FA cup run.There are a lot of good stories in non-league English soccer. Crawley Town has just been through a multi-year financial crisis themselves following the disastrous spell under sleazebag owners Chas and Anwar Majeed.

I don't comment on these much but I did want to thank you for the info as I enjoy reading them.I was an enormous fan of what Watford did back in the day when Elton funded them and in just 7 years they went from the bottom division(old 4th division) to finishing 2nd in the top division(old 1st division). Would love to see a side like the Dons make a new ride up the charts.

 

[Eephus]

It's been a while since I posted any AFC Wimbledon news. The Real Dons beat Southport 5-0 to go back atop the conference. Crawley Town drew away at Grimsby but still has three games in hand on the schedule because of their ongoing FA cup run.There are a lot of good stories in non-league English soccer. Crawley Town has just been through a multi-year financial crisis themselves following the disastrous spell under sleazebag owners Chas and Anwar Majeed.

I don't comment on these much but I did want to thank you for the info as I enjoy reading them.I was an enormous fan of what Watford did back in the day when Elton funded them and in just 7 years they went from the bottom division(old 4th division) to finishing 2nd in the top division(old 1st division). Would love to see a side like the Dons make a new ride up the charts.

Blackpool was at the bottom rung of the league in 2000. Wigan Athletic was there as recently as 1995 when Roberto Martinez joined the team as a player. I think the system makes it easier to get to the Premiership than to stay there. I hope Charlie Adam is still at Blackpool as of Feb 1st.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It's been a while since I posted any AFC Wimbledon news. The Real Dons beat Southport 5-0 to go back atop the conference. Crawley Town drew away at Grimsby but still has three games in hand on the schedule because of their ongoing FA cup run.There are a lot of good stories in non-league English soccer. Crawley Town has just been through a multi-year financial crisis themselves following the disastrous spell under sleazebag owners Chas and Anwar Majeed.

I don't comment on these much but I did want to thank you for the info as I enjoy reading them.I was an enormous fan of what Watford did back in the day when Elton funded them and in just 7 years they went from the bottom division(old 4th division) to finishing 2nd in the top division(old 1st division). Would love to see a side like the Dons make a new ride up the charts.

Blackpool was at the bottom rung of the league in 2000. Wigan Athletic was there as recently as 1995 when Roberto Martinez joined the team as a player. I think the system makes it easier to get to the Premiership than to stay there. I hope Charlie Adam is still at Blackpool as of Feb 1st.

yeah good stuff! The one thing that separated Watford from teams like Wigan and Blackpool was that Watford not only made the climb but also finished as high as 2nd.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Dempsey is continuing his solid year with a 2 goal performance in a 2-0 win over Stoke that gives Fulham an much needed 3 points.

 

[Christo]

Dempsey is continuing his solid year with a 2 goal performance in a 2-0 win over Stoke that gives Fulham an much needed 3 points.

My man

 

[Steve Tasker]

Apparently it's impossible to find a Youtube link to the "USA/MLS soccer on ESPN intro music" anywhere....unless you count 0:06 through 0:20 on this video...

 

[Steve Tasker]

Dax McCarty wearing the armband tonight...

 

[NewlyRetired]

For anyone struggling with Spanish like me, watch the game on Telefutura and then listen to the game on ESPN3 on your computer in English. Appears to be the same feed for video

 

[The Z Machine]

US looks bad thus far IMO. Poor communication and skills on the ball. Some technical errors on defense.

 

[bentley]

If you're looking for the better team, choose Liverpool

If you're looking for the team that's more fun to watch, choose Arsenal

Of course, I'm biased...

Looks like you were pretty ####### wrong on this call.

 

[bentley]

US looks bad thus far IMO. Poor communication and skills on the ball. Some technical errors on defense.

Looking pretty ragged. The USMNT always looks especially bad to me if I've seen an EPL or La Liga game on the same day.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US looks bad thus far IMO. Poor communication and skills on the ball. Some technical errors on defense.

8 of the players have 1 cap or less. :X this may be one of the least experienced teams the US has ever fielded. Bedoya has the most caps at 6.I think they look ok especially offensivelly already creating a couple of chances

 

[NewlyRetired]

US looks bad thus far IMO. Poor communication and skills on the ball. Some technical errors on defense.

Looking pretty ragged. The USMNT always looks especially bad to me if I've seen an EPL or La Liga game on the same day.

guys take it easy. Most of these guys have never played with each other.

 

[The Z Machine]

Right after I posted that Dax unleases a good shot and Wondalowski had a good touch and chance as well.

Maybe they're settling down.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Right after I posted that Dax unleases a good shot and Wondalowski had a good touch and chance as well.Maybe they're settling down.

you have to expect some huge nerves with 4 guys making their debuts and numerous guys making their very first starts.

 

[bentley]

US looks bad thus far IMO. Poor communication and skills on the ball. Some technical errors on defense.

Looking pretty ragged. The USMNT always looks especially bad to me if I've seen an EPL or La Liga game on the same day.

guys take it easy. Most of these guys have never played with each other.

I'm pretty sure everyone realizes this. Still makes for ugly soccer.

 

[The Z Machine]

US looks bad thus far IMO. Poor communication and skills on the ball. Some technical errors on defense.

Looking pretty ragged. The USMNT always looks especially bad to me if I've seen an EPL or La Liga game on the same day.

guys take it easy. Most of these guys have never played with each other.

I'm pretty sure everyone realizes this. Still makes for ugly soccer.

Agreed. This is like a good MLS game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US looks bad thus far IMO. Poor communication and skills on the ball. Some technical errors on defense.

Looking pretty ragged. The USMNT always looks especially bad to me if I've seen an EPL or La Liga game on the same day.

guys take it easy. Most of these guys have never played with each other.

I'm pretty sure everyone realizes this. Still makes for ugly soccer.

Agreed. This is like a good MLS game.

kind of makes sense when you look at the roster. A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Shea has looked good once the US got a little settled in, IMO. I like how active Diskerud has been, but the touch has been off at times. Rimando looks confident in goal...unfortunately, GK is probably the worst possible position to play if you want to break into the team.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The difference between Ream and Gonzo on the ball is huge. Most every short-medium pass Ream hits is slid along the grass and to the feet while Gonzo seems to be channeling Lalas's legendary touch on the ball and drilling it at players shins over 15 yards away.

 

[The Z Machine]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

 

[Steve Tasker]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

I think the only guy from the World Cup team in their starting lineup was Paredes, who only played 2 of the 4 games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

So its ok that Chile sucks because they are playing a domestic squad but its not ok for the US? Something does not seem consistent here.

 

[The Z Machine]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

So its ok that Chile sucks because they are playing a domestic squad but its not ok for the US? Something does not seem consistent here.

I want the US to be better than Chile. I'm have more interest in the US squad, not Chile. It's not OK for either to suck, but I'm concerned about one sucking more than the other.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

I think the only guy from the World Cup team in their starting lineup was Paredes, who only played 2 of the 4 games.

Paredes, all by himself has more caps than the ENTIRE US starting line up. He has 19 and the entire US starting lineup has 18

 

[bentley]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

So its ok that Chile sucks because they are playing a domestic squad but its not ok for the US? Something does not seem consistent here.

I think it sucks that both teams suck. Why so defensive?

 

[NewlyRetired]

The team the US started has a combined 0 goals internationally

Once Agudaldo subs in, that will change.

 

[The Z Machine]

Prediction: 1-0 Chile.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

So its ok that Chile sucks because they are playing a domestic squad but its not ok for the US? Something does not seem consistent here.

I think it sucks that both teams suck. Why so defensive?

I am not defensive. I just think you guys are some what crazy to expect to see EPL level soccer when watching a bunch of kids break their cherries. I don't even know why you are bothering watching if you find it so poor to watch.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I actually think that the US was, albeit marginally, the better team in the first half. Chile doesn't look good at all, and I think the US narrowly won the garbled midfield with decent play from Diskerud and Shea and quietly decent play from Larentowicz. McCarty has been kinda meh and Bedoya hasn't been involved much.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Prediction: 1-0 Chile.

The game really slowed down in the latter 15 minutes and Chile controlled the game more.But the first half may not make too much difference as the subs will likely determine the result.

 

[bentley]

A better question is if the US sucks so hard why is Chile not dominating this game?

Because they're basically playing with a domestic league squad as well. Not many Europe based players for them on the field. Certainly none of the players that did well in WC2010.

So its ok that Chile sucks because they are playing a domestic squad but its not ok for the US? Something does not seem consistent here.

I think it sucks that both teams suck. Why so defensive?

I am not defensive. I just think you guys are some what crazy to expect to see EPL level soccer when watching a bunch of kids break their cherries. I don't even know why you are bothering watching if you find it so poor to watch.

I'm not expecting that. I'm just pointing out that this soccer sucks. I'm now watching ManU vs. Birmingham on FSC now instead of the second half of the US/Chile game so as not to piss you off further. Let me know if anything interesting happens.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Is Wynne playing CB?

 

[The Z Machine]

Shocking that the best player on the field scores. Nice finish on it too.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Loyd gets burned and Wynne (and to a lesser extent, Ream) caught in no-man's land....

 

[NewlyRetired]

Holy smokes that was a fantastic goal. Brilliant athleticism to make up for a poor first touch.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Loyd gets burned and Wynne (and to a lesser extent, Ream) caught in no-man's land....

yeah, they needed to close that poor first touch down but he did get in the air quickly for the side volley

 

[bentley]

Shocking that the best player on the field scores. Nice finish on it too.

Who scored?FYI - I hate Wayne Rooney.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Cool, the one player I really want to see is coming on in Agudelo. Also Bunbury on.

 

[NewlyRetired]

nice passing by the US. No idea what the keeper was thinking there

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

This match has jumped up a notch with Agudelo and Bunbury

 

[NewlyRetired]

This match has jumped up a notch with Agudelo and Bunbury

Bunbury is getting a lot of touches. Not the smoothest player I have ever seen

 

[NewlyRetired]

Another LB in Lyod that we might not be able to count on.

How in gods name can Bornstein still be our best choice out there?? LOL