***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (15 Viewers)

[Steve Tasker]

Arsenal finally up 1-0 after a rather uninspiring first 40 minutes against NY Red Bulls. Rosicky free kick, perfectly onto the head of an unmarked van Persie (after Ream let him just run right by, unmarked) for a nice flick. Rost hesitated and van Persie made it look easy.

Rosicky with a great ball just a minute later to spring Gervinho on a breakaway, and Gervinho wastes the opportunity horribly

Rosicky looks great today. Finally healthy, he can still be quite the player...

 

[Christo]

Arsenal finally up 1-0 after a rather uninspiring first 40 minutes against NY Red Bulls. Rosicky free kick, perfectly onto the head of an unmarked van Persie (after Ream let him just run right by, unmarked) for a nice flick. Rost hesitated and van Persie made it look easy.Rosicky with a great ball just a minute later to spring Gervinho on a breakaway, and Gervinho wastes the opportunity horribly Rosicky looks great today. Finally healthy, he can still be quite the player...

This is painful to watch. Does Arsenal have a youth team available to send out there?

 

[Steve Tasker]

at the Arsenal fans booing off former Spurs MF Teemu Tainio as he goes off for Juan Agudelo

 

[Christo]

I see Arsenal has solidified its defense since last season.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I see Arsenal has solidified its defense since last season.

They blew a 2-goal lead against Boca Juniors just yesterday, too, en route to a 2-2 tie.Can't really blame that on Kyle Bartley...I think he's got a bright future with the club (or somewhere else). Terrific ball from Henry and 1/2 the Arsenal team were just standing there and watching.Yesterday it happened with Squillaci and Djourou in the back, which is understandable because, well, they suck. But I expect a little better out of Vermaelen...it's so apparent how much better he and Koscielny are than Squillaci and Djourou.

 

[Steve Tasker]

NY Red Bulls top Arsenal, PSG, and Boca Juniors to claim the Emirates Cup

 

[Steve Tasker]

Cool scene with Thierry Henry taking a sorta victory lap around the field and waving to the remaining Arsenal fans, who all gave him a standing ovation.

 

[Native]

Argentinian playmaker Javier Pastore to PSG for a whopping €43 million.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_7070549,00.htmlIm glad Chelsea didnt pony up for him, but it makes me wonder if theyre going to make a move at all this summer. Theyre still supposedly in the hunt for a creative attacking midfielder. Modric? Neymar?Along those lines, I wouldnt mind if they limit their signings if they at least commit to the youth movement - bring back Sturridge and give Kakuta more time this season.

I don't think they were ever really interested in Pastore, and I'm happy they didn't pony up based on what little I know about him. There's still 4-5 weeks or so left in the transfer window. I expect they are still hot after Modric, who has publicly stated he wants to play for Chelsea, and I would not be surprised if they join the bidding for Mata. Also hopeful that Yossi and McEachran might step up and fill the void for a creative attacking player in the midfield.

Cletus - what are your thoughts on McEachran? He looks very frail to me but hes been getting been opening more than his share of games since the end of last season and into this season. Do you think hes really the future of the midfield? Love his passing ability but dont know if hes built for the grind of the EPL. Benayoun looks huge next to him and hes a featherweight himself?

 

[Premier]

Do soccer players ever get any time off? It seems like the EPL just ended a week ago. It's back already?

 

[Christo]

Do soccer players ever get any time off? It seems like the EPL just ended a week ago. It's back already?

International level players don't get much time off. But the work-a-day EPL starter gets about 1 1/2 months off in the summer.Also, during the season there will be several international breaks where the non-international players will get a week off too.

 

[JMon348]

Great time at the game tonight.Have no idea how it came across on TV but Thiago was the best player out there, you can tell his skill level is elite. He will be a very capable replacement for Xavi one day, but he needs to get on the field this year, too much talent. Sorry but NO CESC!Villa gave very little effort. Barca was frustrated with ManU playing basically 9 defenders most of the game. Nani was terrific.Atmosphere was a lot of fun, would guess a straight 50/50 split between teams supporters.

Agreed, a great atmosphere. I thought it was funny that every time a Barca chant would start the Man U fans would start booing. When we got back to the hotel and watched the news it was confirmed for us that Manchester was offside on both of their goals.Anyone in here go to Skins games regularly? Is the Metro so overwhelmed for them? It seems the system was completely unprepared for the mass of people attending the match.

FedEx is always terrible. We drove and it took us an hour to leave the parking lot.

 

[Sebowski]

I see Arsenal has solidified its defense since last season.

They blew a 2-goal lead against Boca Juniors last yesterday, too, en route to a 2-2 tie.

Where was that game anyway? If it wasn't in the US that is a hell of a travel to get to NY to play this morning.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I see Arsenal has solidified its defense since last season.

They blew a 2-goal lead against Boca Juniors last yesterday, too, en route to a 2-2 tie.

That should've said "just yesterday".

 

[El Floppo]

RedMetros >>>>>

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Argentinian playmaker Javier Pastore to PSG for a whopping €43 million.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_7070549,00.htmlIm glad Chelsea didnt pony up for him, but it makes me wonder if theyre going to make a move at all this summer. Theyre still supposedly in the hunt for a creative attacking midfielder. Modric? Neymar?Along those lines, I wouldnt mind if they limit their signings if they at least commit to the youth movement - bring back Sturridge and give Kakuta more time this season.

I don't think they were ever really interested in Pastore, and I'm happy they didn't pony up based on what little I know about him. There's still 4-5 weeks or so left in the transfer window. I expect they are still hot after Modric, who has publicly stated he wants to play for Chelsea, and I would not be surprised if they join the bidding for Mata. Also hopeful that Yossi and McEachran might step up and fill the void for a creative attacking player in the midfield.

Cletus - what are your thoughts on McEachran? He looks very frail to me but hes been getting been opening more than his share of games since the end of last season and into this season. Do you think hes really the future of the midfield? Love his passing ability but dont know if hes built for the grind of the EPL. Benayoun looks huge next to him and hes a featherweight himself?

I've only seen him play a few short spells here and there and agree his size is the big concern, but he's only 18 so has some time to get bigger and stronger. I think AVB wanted to get a good look at him on this Asia tour, but don't expect him to feature much this season. If we can believe what was said when AVB was hired - that he'll have complete transfer control - then the next few weeks could be interesting. Publicly at least, the current word from Gourlay is that fans should not expect any more transfers.

 

[Native]

Argentinian playmaker Javier Pastore to PSG for a whopping €43 million.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_7070549,00.htmlIm glad Chelsea didnt pony up for him, but it makes me wonder if theyre going to make a move at all this summer. Theyre still supposedly in the hunt for a creative attacking midfielder. Modric? Neymar?Along those lines, I wouldnt mind if they limit their signings if they at least commit to the youth movement - bring back Sturridge and give Kakuta more time this season.

I don't think they were ever really interested in Pastore, and I'm happy they didn't pony up based on what little I know about him. There's still 4-5 weeks or so left in the transfer window. I expect they are still hot after Modric, who has publicly stated he wants to play for Chelsea, and I would not be surprised if they join the bidding for Mata. Also hopeful that Yossi and McEachran might step up and fill the void for a creative attacking player in the midfield.

Cletus - what are your thoughts on McEachran? He looks very frail to me but hes been getting been opening more than his share of games since the end of last season and into this season. Do you think hes really the future of the midfield? Love his passing ability but dont know if hes built for the grind of the EPL. Benayoun looks huge next to him and hes a featherweight himself?

I've only seen him play a few short spells here and there and agree his size is the big concern, but he's only 18 so has some time to get bigger and stronger. I think AVB wanted to get a good look at him on this Asia tour, but don't expect him to feature much this season. If we can believe what was said when AVB was hired - that he'll have complete transfer control - then the next few weeks could be interesting. Publicly at least, the current word from Gourlay is that fans should not expect any more transfers.

Ill believe it when I see it.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Great time at the game tonight.

Have no idea how it came across on TV but Thiago was the best player out there, you can tell his skill level is elite. He will be a very capable replacement for Xavi one day, but he needs to get on the field this year, too much talent. Sorry but NO CESC!

Villa gave very little effort. Barca was frustrated with ManU playing basically 9 defenders most of the game. Nani was terrific.

Atmosphere was a lot of fun, would guess a straight 50/50 split between teams supporters.

Thought you might enjoy this video. Kobe Bryant Barca fan

 

[JMon348]

Great time at the game tonight.

Have no idea how it came across on TV but Thiago was the best player out there, you can tell his skill level is elite. He will be a very capable replacement for Xavi one day, but he needs to get on the field this year, too much talent. Sorry but NO CESC!

Villa gave very little effort. Barca was frustrated with ManU playing basically 9 defenders most of the game. Nani was terrific.

Atmosphere was a lot of fun, would guess a straight 50/50 split between teams supporters.

Thought you might enjoy this video. Kobe Bryant Barca fan

He made his penalty shot at halftime

 

[DCThunder]

Without reading back into this thread, what's the general consensus on the Jurgen Klinsmann hiring to run Team USA?

 

[DCThunder]

Great time at the game tonight.Have no idea how it came across on TV but Thiago was the best player out there, you can tell his skill level is elite. He will be a very capable replacement for Xavi one day, but he needs to get on the field this year, too much talent. Sorry but NO CESC!Villa gave very little effort. Barca was frustrated with ManU playing basically 9 defenders most of the game. Nani was terrific.Atmosphere was a lot of fun, would guess a straight 50/50 split between teams supporters.

Agreed, a great atmosphere. I thought it was funny that every time a Barca chant would start the Man U fans would start booing. When we got back to the hotel and watched the news it was confirmed for us that Manchester was offside on both of their goals.Anyone in here go to Skins games regularly? Is the Metro so overwhelmed for them? It seems the system was completely unprepared for the mass of people attending the match.

FedEx is always terrible. We drove and it took us an hour to leave the parking lot.

Your experiences are both pretty standard for a big Redskins game. The Metro wasn't realy designed for where FedEx was built, so the closest station is a mile or so away, as you probably found out. And the parking lots are total disasters for Monday night games or big games with NFC East teams and other big NFL draws.

 

[Native]

World Cup Qualifying Cheat Sheet

Great little cheatsheet summarizing the qualifying rounds for all the different regions as well as the tie-breakers, play-ins, etc.

 

[Lehigh98]

I might have to go to the USA/Mexico game on Aug. 10 in Philly now. I wasn't planning on it, but with it being Klinsmann's first game, I kind of want to see what he'll do tactically.

Was thinking the exact same thing

Will be sitting midfield (US side) about 30 rows up.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Great time at the game tonight.

Have no idea how it came across on TV but Thiago was the best player out there, you can tell his skill level is elite. He will be a very capable replacement for Xavi one day, but he needs to get on the field this year, too much talent. Sorry but NO CESC!

Villa gave very little effort. Barca was frustrated with ManU playing basically 9 defenders most of the game. Nani was terrific.

Atmosphere was a lot of fun, would guess a straight 50/50 split between teams supporters.

Thought you might enjoy this video. Kobe Bryant Barca fan

He made his penalty shot at halftime

Brazil could have used him at the Copa America

 

[Eephus]

100+ page 2011/12 preview of the 72 unfortunates in the sub-Premier levels of the English Football League.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Don't ask me how I found this.

 

[B Maverick]

Wes Sneijder is coming to United for £30M and Dimitar Berbatov could leave for £18M, I'll trust The Mirror with the first of those stories.

Tweeted today...

 

[Bonzai]

Wes Sneijder is coming to United for £30M and Dimitar Berbatov could leave for £18M, I'll trust The Mirror with the first of those stories.Tweeted today...

Please god jesus christ...

 

[Eephus]

Nice article about AFC Wimbledon the week before their first league game vs. Bristol Rovers.

I was on vacation when the Rupert Murdoch scandal broke and missed the bizarre coincidence that one of the News Corp phone hackers was the same Glenn "Trigger" Mulcaire who scored the first goal in the history of AFC Wimbledon.

 

[CBusAlex]

unless Chicharito becomes a coke addict or something.

Project Mayhem does not exist.

 

[CBusAlex]

What has Norway done to get in pot A?

I don't know, but I think they're like #11 or #12 in the FIFA rankings.

The way the rankings work, it's better to barely miss qualifying for major tournaments (like Norway) than to barely qualify and then lose all your games (like France).

 

[Eephus]

What has Norway done to get in pot A?

I don't know, but I think they're like #11 or #12 in the FIFA rankings.

The way the rankings work, it's better to barely miss qualifying for major tournaments (like Norway) than to barely qualify and then lose all your games (like France).

With the way things worked out for them in South Africa, I don't think anybody at La FFF would argue with you.

 

[The Gator]

Just watched Liverpool struggle to a 3-3 draw against Valerenga. They really miss Suarez. They have no one that can break anyone down and create on his own. With Kuyt, Henderson, Downing and Adam it's like having four John Stocktons and one big man. Downing and Henderson didn't impress and Adam was meh. They just seemed flat. That being said, Aquilani had the best 20min of anyone. Pool scored on two corners he served up, corners that were won because of two beautiful strike by him from 20+ yards. Really hope they give him a chance to prove something this year. He's looked the best out of everyone from the three gamed i've seen.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Just watched Liverpool struggle to a 3-3 draw against Valerenga. They really miss Suarez. They have no one that can break anyone down and create on his own. With Kuyt, Henderson, Downing and Adam it's like having four John Stocktons and one big man. Downing and Henderson didn't impress and Adam was meh. They just seemed flat. That being said, Aquilani had the best 20min of anyone. Pool scored on two corners he served up, corners that were won because of two beautiful strike by him from 20+ yards. Really hope they give him a chance to prove something this year. He's looked the best out of everyone from the three gamed i've seen.

Jordan Henderson was nowhere to be found. Really hope, not only that Aquilani stays, but that he gets a good amount of PT. Things will be good with him, Downing, and Adam in midfield with Suarez and Carroll up top. Really need to bring a left back in like yesterday. I play left back. I just need someone to broker the deal. I'll play for a good rate.

 

[NMYMND]

Prospect chooses college over European pro offers.

He took the route that made him happy. Nothing you can say about that. But selfishly, it looks like another U.S. player with a lot of potential talent but without the mindset to want to be as good as he can.

 

[AcerFC]

Prospect chooses college over European pro offers.

He took the route that made him happy. Nothing you can say about that. But selfishly, it looks like another U.S. player with a lot of potential talent but without the mindset to want to be as good as he can.

Europe doesn't always work. I coached Eric Hort his senior year of HS. He went over to Sparta Prague the next year. Never really made it with them. It's tough for young Americans over there. I think he played a bit in Israel and signed with the Fire for a bit. He also earned a few caps for the national side (I think U20) Not sure where he is now but success stories are less common then stories where the kids don't make it.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Prospect chooses college over European pro offers.

He took the route that made him happy. Nothing you can say about that. But selfishly, it looks like another U.S. player with a lot of potential talent but without the mindset to want to be as good as he can.

To be fair to him, though, that article seems to indicate that he doesn't have ANY offers, from Europe or otherwise.

D.C. United has not expressed an interest in signing Robinson, according to Kim Robinson. Kasper would not comment on if the team had interest, but said if Robinson expressed a desire to go to Europe, “we would talk internally at that point.”

Kim Robinson said that if Jalen received a European contract offer, the family might have to reconsider the path, but “it really would have to be a good deal.” She also said she would not stand in Jalen’s way if offers came after a few years at Wake Forest.

And reading the article, I almost wonder if his heart's really in it...

“I’m pretty comfortable,” Robinson said. “I want a college lifestyle for a couple years and then maybe I’ll sign pro.”

Nothing wrong with it, like you said, but quotes like that one above make me think that he just wants to be a normal 17-year old. I'm not doubting that he's a good prospect (though I know nothing about him), but if he were truly a world-beater at this point, surely DC United would've offered him an entry-level deal by now. Despite the NCAA's ridiculous rules, I'm not sure if it's a bad thing that he goes to a place like Wake Forest where he can live the college life, get some good coaching and can stay in the US developmental system on home soil rather than moving to (to steal a line from Acer) the Czech Republic to train with Sparta Prague in a place where you don't speak the language and have no friends.My real inclination is that if he was THAT big of a prospect at this point, there would be some serious offers on the table. Sounds to me like the offers aren't there at this point, and he just wants to be a normal kid.

 

[Eephus]

Good interview w/ AFC Wimbledon manager Terry Brown cautioning supporters about unrealistic expectations in the Football League.

AFC are owned by a supporters' trust of about 2,500 members. It is run by Erik Samuelson, the chief executive, and has risen from the Combined Counties League winning five promotions while retaining the spirit of the club before it was moved 60 miles north.

"We try and keep the closeness with the fans by various means," Brown says. "One of those is that we have a man of the match after every home game, as picked by the fans. We all go in the main bar – all of the players have to – so the player is presented with a trophy and he has to give a speech with Ivor Heller, a director. Ivor gets him up and basically ridicules him in front of 400 fans, who are drunk out of their heads by then. Not many clubs can you go to and have a drink with the players. When they first started out they had players who could outdrink the fans. Ninety per cent of my boys don't drink but we do expect them to converse. This is a fans-run club and they are left in no doubt who pays their wages."

Brown says supporter power rejected one buyout of AFC. "We were courted by a very successful millionaire prior to me coming here [in 2007]. But the fans turned it down. You either have a fans-run club or you don't."

He is adamant finances should be organised in only one way. "We run at a profit, I can't see how you run a club any other way," he says. "Look at the top of the Premier League and the Championship: they're the four richest clubs. Look at the top of every single league – look at Crawley [Town, the Conference champions]. The average football fan has changed, they're success driven. They demand it. They don't mind when a chairman says: 'We're going to go for it this year'. But actually they're putting the club in major jeopardy.

"We're not going into debt. People could accuse Erik and our board of having no ambition. Well, there's a difference between no ambition, common sense and debt. The whole country's in debt. The whole world's in debt. The ridiculous state of football is that the most successful teams in the world, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United, are bucket-loads in debt.

"How can that be a model for everyone? The fact that the Spanish banks can't foreclose because they daren't. That's hardly a business model, is it? That's pathetic. And the fans don't say let's get out of the red and into the black. They go: 'Let's buy him'."

Entire article here (link)

 

[bentley]

Chivas just scored a pimpadelic goal to go up 2-1 on Barca. Suck it, Truck.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Anyone watching the Barca/Chivas game? Marco Fabian with two wondergoals in a span of 3 minutes....the first one from ~27 yards out with a bending shot (Barca defender didn't step up), and the second one on sort of a 3/4 bicycle kick at the back post.

 

[Steve Tasker]

ESPN reporting that Wenger has agreed to sell Fabregas.

Good thing I changed my avatar yesterday.

 

[bentley]

ESPN reporting that Wenger has agreed to sell Fabregas.Good thing I changed my avatar yesterday.

I think most Arsenal fans would be relieved. That whole Fabregas thing would beat me down as long as it's drug on.

 

[Steve Tasker]

ESPN reporting that Wenger has agreed to sell Fabregas.Good thing I changed my avatar yesterday.

I think most Arsenal fans would be relieved. That whole Fabregas thing would beat me down as long as it's drug on.

I can't speak for the other fans, but I checked out long long ago. I don't think it's a great move for him (or Barca, for that matter), but the guy wants to go home. Let him be happy. Wilshere came into his own last year and, IMO, established himself as one of the best center mids in the league. Alex Song, while he doesn't have the mean streak of a guy like Patric Vieira, is a more-than-capable holding CM. Aaron Ramsey appears to be fully back in the fold, and Diaby will be back in a month.I really have no qualms about Arsenal's midfield at all if Fabregas goes.

 

[scoobygang]

Whoah. Barca housed by the Goats.

 

[Eephus]

Hopefully Wenger got a decent return for Fabregas considering the circumstances

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Chivas just scored a pimpadelic goal to go up 2-1 on Barca. Suck it, Truck.

Beautiful goal. Not sweating exhibitions, btw.
I also think Fabregas is better off at Arsenal, and that that money is better spent elsewhere.

 

[Christo]

Chivas just scored a pimpadelic goal to go up 2-1 on Barca. Suck it, Truck.

Beautiful goal. Not sweating exhibitions, btw.

I agree. I don't understand it, but that's the nature of a lot of the best players in the game today. They'd rather have a bit part on Barca, ManU, or Chelsea than play every day for Spurs, Everton or Aston Villa.

 

[QuizGuy66]

US lineup for Mexico game:

Linky

GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), José Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (Benfica), Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

-QG

 

[Eephus]

US lineup for Mexico game:

Linky

GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Chivas USA), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), José Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (Benfica), Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Edson Buddle (FC Ingolstadt), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

-QG

 

[brewer]

ESPN reporting that Wenger has agreed to sell Fabregas.Good thing I changed my avatar yesterday.

I think most Arsenal fans would be relieved. That whole Fabregas thing would beat me down as long as it's drug on.

I can't speak for the other fans, but I checked out long long ago. I don't think it's a great move for him (or Barca, for that matter), but the guy wants to go home. Let him be happy. Wilshere came into his own last year and, IMO, established himself as one of the best center mids in the league. Alex Song, while he doesn't have the mean streak of a guy like Patric Vieira, is a more-than-capable holding CM. Aaron Ramsey appears to be fully back in the fold, and Diaby will be back in a month.I really have no qualms about Arsenal's midfield at all if Fabregas goes.

I agree with all of this. Curious where you saw the report, I can't seem to find anything new yet.

 

[Christo]

ESPN reporting that Wenger has agreed to sell Fabregas.Good thing I changed my avatar yesterday.

I think most Arsenal fans would be relieved. That whole Fabregas thing would beat me down as long as it's drug on.

I can't speak for the other fans, but I checked out long long ago. I don't think it's a great move for him (or Barca, for that matter), but the guy wants to go home. Let him be happy. Wilshere came into his own last year and, IMO, established himself as one of the best center mids in the league. Alex Song, while he doesn't have the mean streak of a guy like Patric Vieira, is a more-than-capable holding CM. Aaron Ramsey appears to be fully back in the fold, and Diaby will be back in a month.I really have no qualms about Arsenal's midfield at all if Fabregas goes.

I agree with all of this. Curious where you saw the report, I can't seem to find anything new yet.

I saw it last night. But now I can't find it either.