What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (28 Viewers)

'Steve Tasker said:
A shaky performance at times from Arsenal today, but nice to see them come away with 3 points on the road. Some lowlights....what in holy hell was Mertesacker doing on that Morison goal? Horrible defending. Koscielny is most definitely not a right back, he was way out of position a few times, and Santos was a bit too aggressive at times, I think. Gervinho was always in a dangerous position, but he's gotta be disappointed with his finishing.I don't think there's a striker in the world that I would want on my team RIGHT NOW rather than RvP. I can't remember the last time I watched a striker consistently dominate, week-in-and-week-out, as he's been doing. They had a stat today - since the start of the Premier League, only 3 players have topped 30 goals in a calendar year...Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, and Robin van Persie (by virtue of his double today). I think this team is in deep #### if/when he gets hurt, though...and let's be honest, he will get hurt at some point.I really like what Walcott's doing on the wing. He's really developed into a tremendous player, and I think he's partially responsible for RvP's tear. They work so well together.
Click to expand...
I kind of poo-poohed RvP's abilities at the beginning of the season as not being a game-changer, take a game over type of player. AFter watching him play a bunch this season, I take it all back. He has almost single-handedly carried Arsenal this year with his goals... he's been lethal in front of goal but also confident and effective away from it too. Steve McManaman commented in awe at one point today with how much off-the-ball running RvP was doing, and that pretty much sold me (we don't get to see that work unless it's in front of the camera).
 
'Mjolnirs said:
A big top of the table clash in the Bundesliga today at 12:30 eastern. (espn3)Bayern (9-1-2 28) v Borussia Dortmund (7-2-3 23)With Bremen and Gladbach at 23 points as well a win helps Bayern stay 5-8 points out front, a loss really tightens up the whole race.
Click to expand...
Dortmund wins in Munich 1-0new table:Bayern 9-2-2 28Dortmund 8-2-3 26Gladbach 8-2-3 26Schalke 8-1-4 25
 
A different time in my life and I think I would have given this application some serious consideration. This looks like it would be a blast.

Player Operations: Player Personnel/ScoutAnalyst - New England Revolution (Foxborough, MA)Reports to: President and General ManagerDescription: Work with senior management on developing a variety of analytical tools related to soccer performance. Projects will mostly be directed towards better understanding statistics to help the soccer team enhance and maintain competitiveness. Position will also work, from time to time, on business problems related to sales and marketing activities.Responsibilities:• Evaluate and aide in decision making for choosing analytical tools related to team performance• Perform analysis on a variety of team related performance metrics• Assist the President on business projects related to sales and marketing effortsQualifications:• Bachelors degree in mathematics, economics or engineering• Advanced degree and/or 2+ years exp. as a financial analyst, consultant or similar analytical position• Advanced knowledge of analytical tools: databases, spreadsheets and statistical packages• Advanced modeling and analytical skills• Creative, problem solving abilities• Strong attention to detail and work ethic• Ability to work extended hours, weekends and travelPreferences:• Knowledge of and passion for sports, with a particular interest in soccer• Experience with soccer specific analytics and analytical packagesAdditional Notes:• Position is located in Foxborough, MA• Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter
Click to expand...
 
MLS Cup is tonight at 9 eastern on ESPN.

Which ever coach wins will be the first three time winner of MLS Cup as a coach. For Arena it would be 14 years between number 2 and 3.

This game is one of the bigger mismatches I can ever remember in all the finals.

* LA is by far the best team in the league

* LA is playing at home

* Houston is a pretty average side that advanced through a significantly weaker bracket.

* Houston is missing its best player in Brad Davis for this game

If LA finds a way to lose this one it is going to be prett epic IMO.

Rumors continue to swirl that this will be Becks last game in MLS. As expected, the huge TV deal LA signed came with the stipulation that they always have DP's on their roster so Becks will be replaced next season.

 
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Mata, Drogba, Malouda.

Liverpool: Reina, Enrique, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Lucas, Adam, Kuyt, Maxi, Bellamy, Suarez.

 
Gotta love Dalglish. When asked if he was surprised Drogba was starting over Torres he shrugs his shoulders, smiles and says "I have trouble picking my own team."

 
Great atmoshere at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool fans are singing out of their minds which is spurring on the home Chelsea fans. :lol: Unbelievably loud.

 
Great run from Malouda....was anyone going to step up on him? I almost wonder if it was a scuffed shot, but it fell right to Sturridge and it's 1-1...

 
As expected, when MLS expanded to 19 teams next year, the schedule was going to be a mess. Here is the competition format for next year. The one interesting piece outside of the quagmire of a regular season is that for the very first time ever, MLS Cup will not be hosted at a predetermined site, but will be hosted by the team in the finals with the highest point total during the season. Here is all the gory details.

MLS Announces Competition Format for 2012Revised Format Provides Greater Reward for Regular Season PerformanceLOS ANGELES (Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011) – Major League Soccer today announced that the competition format for the 2012 regular season and MLS Cup Playoffs. Included in the revised competition format is a change with MLS Cup. Beginning in 2012, the League’s championship will be hosted by the finalist that finished the regular season with the most points in the standings. Complete details are below.CONFERENCES:· The Montreal Impact begins its inaugural MLS season as the League’s 19th team and will be the 10th team in the Eastern Conference. The Western Conference will consist of the same nine clubs as in 2011.REGULAR SEASON:· Each of the 19 MLS clubs will play 34 games, 17 at home and 17 away.o All clubs will play an equal schedule within their respective conference.Western Conference – 24 in-conference + 10 out-of-conference games:· Western Conference clubs will play each West opponent 3 times (24 games) :o West clubs will play 4 conference opponents twice at home and once awayo They will play the other 4 conference opponents once at home and twice away.o The home and away games will be reversed in 2013.· Western Conference clubs will play each East opponent once each (10 games) :o 5 of these will be at home and 5 will be away.o The East opponents each team faces at home and away will be reversed in 2013.Eastern Conference – 25 in-conference + 9 out-of-conference games:· Eastern Conference clubs will play 25 games against other East clubs:o East teams will play 7 conference opponents three times each (21 games) ando 2 conference opponents twice each (4 games).· Eastern Conference clubs will play each West opponent once each (9 games) :o Some will play 4 at home and 5 away while others will play 5 at home and 4 away.o The West opponents each team faces at home and away will be reversed in 2013.“We have established a fair and compelling format for the 2012 season,” said MLS Executive Vice President Nelson Rodriguez. “This regular season will include more games between regional rivals and less total travel than we have seen in recent years. Because of the wide geographic distribution of MLS clubs, this structure should improve the quality of play, while continuing to give every club an equal chance of qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs.”MLS CUP PLAYOFFS:· 10 clubs will qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs – the top five in points from each conference at the end of the regular season.o The 4th- and 5th- place teams will play a single knockout game, the winner of which will advance to the Conference Semifinals and face the 1st-place team in the conference.o The Conference Semifinals will be decided by a two-game, aggregate-goal format (same as 2011).o The Conference Championships will be decided by a two-game, aggregate-goal format (change from recent years).o MLS Cup will be hosted by the finalist that finished the regular season with the most points in the standings.SCHEDULE FOOTPRINT:· The 2012 MLS regular season will begin in March and end in October; specific dates to be announced at a later date.· The 2012 MLS regular season schedule will be announced prior to early February, when it has been announced in recent years.“The MLS Cup Playoff format in 2012 gives increased reward to clubs that fare well in the regular season and removes the possibility of clubs winning the opposite conference championship,” Rodriguez said. “Having a competitively-determined site for MLS Cup is one of the most exciting improvements our Board of Governors has adopted. We believe this provides every club a tremendous incentive during our regular season and ensures a festive and boisterous setting for our championship game.”MEDIA AVAILABILITY AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER TODAYMLS Executive Vice President Nelson Rodriguez will be available to answer questions regarding the 2012 competition format today at 4:30 p.m. PT in the media work room on the press box level of The Home Depot Center.
Click to expand...
 
BTW, I wore my Gerrard jersey to the local burrito shop tonight and found out the guy behind the counter was an Arsenal fan. I told him that I'd say hi to Steve Tasker for him. He seemed confused.

 
'bentley said:
'NewlyRetired said:
Wow was that coming. DP to DP to DP :)
Click to expand...
Quite the wow goal. Is Donovan really a DP? I guess I don't understand how those work. Thought they had to be foreign, though I guess Donovan is the only domestic player that would make sense.
Click to expand...
A DP is any player who is paid more that the max salary cap. Transfer fees can figure in too. Has nothing to do with nationality although there have only been two American DP's. Donovan and Reyna. If you are interested in learning more wiki has a decent summaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_Player_Rule
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I wonder if St Phil will emerge from the shadows if LA wins? Would be a cool moment if he raised the Cup with his name on it in the stadium he built, for the league he put on his back.

 
'Eephus said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'NewlyRetired said:
I wonder if St Phil will emerge from the shadows if LA wins? Would be a cool moment if he raised the Cup with his name on it in the stadium he built, for the league he put on his back.
Click to expand...
Very cool.
Click to expand...
He could have also lifted the cup if Houston won
Click to expand...
yeah but that was not going to happen I don't think. He is not going to be an owner much longer of Houston. By the start of next season I believe he will be bought out of his portion of the team, leaving him with only LA. MLS was hosting potential Houston ownership groups this weekend at MLS Cup.
 
From Soccer America

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Clarence Goodson scored in Broendby's 2-1 win over first-place FC Copenhagen in Denmark's SAS Ligaen. Robbie Findley struck from close range for Nottingham Forest in its 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in England. For more on Americans abroad ...

Belgium (Jupiler League)

Sasha Kljestan (90 minutes), Anderlecht, 3-1 vs. St. Truiden

Denmark (SAS Ligaen)

Clarence Goodson (90 minutes, 1 goal), Broendby, 2-1 vs. FC Copenhagen

Michael Parkhurst (90 minutes), FC Nordsjaelland, 2-0 vs. Sonderjysk

Chris Rolfe (84 minutes), AaB Aalborg, 3-1 at FC Midtjylland

Brad Rusin (90 minutes), Koge, 2-2 at Lyngby

England (Premier League)

Clint Dempsey (89 minutes), Fulham, 0-0 at Sunderland

Brad Friedel, Tottenham, vs. Aston Villa (Monday)

Brad Guzan, Aston Villa, at Tottenham (Monday)

Tim Howard (90 minutes), Everton, 2-1 vs. Wolves

Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa, at Tottenham (Monday)

England (League Championship)

Robbie Findley (80 minutes, 1 goal), Nottingham Forest, 3-2 vs. Ipswich Town

Jonathan Spector (90 minutes), Birmingham City, 1-1 vs. Peterborough

Germany (Bundesliga 1)

Timothy Chandler (90 minutes), Nuremberg, 0-4 vs. Schalke 04

Fabian Johnson (90 minutes), Hoffenheim, 0-2 at Hamburg

Jermaine Jones (72 minutes, 1 yellow card), Schalke 04, 4-0 vs. Nuremberg

Germany (Bundesliga 2)

Edson Buddle (sub: 26 minutes), FC Ingolstadt, 0-1 vs. 1860 Munich

Luis Robles (90 minutes), Karlsruhe, 1-2 at Paderborn

Matt Taylor (sub: 13 minutes), Paderborn, 2-1 vs. Karlsruhe

Italy (Serie A)

Michael Bradley (90 minutes), Chievo Verona, 2-1 at Catania

Mexico (Primera Division, Torneo Apertura)

Jonathan Bornstein, Tigres, at Pachuca (Sunday)

Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca, vs. Tigres (Sunday)

Netherlands (Eredivisie)

Jozy Altidore, AZ, at Excelsior-game suspended

Norway (Tippeligaen)

Mikkel Diskerud (90 minutes), Stabaek, 1-2 vs. Haugesund

Portugal (Taca de Portugal)

Oguchi Onyewu (90 minutes), Sporting, 2-0 vs. Braga

Scotland (Premier League)

Alejandro Bedoya (75 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. Johnstone

Carlos Bocanegra (90 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. Johnstone

Maurice Edu (90 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. Johnstone

 
'NewlyRetired said:
From Soccer America[AMERICANS ABROAD] Clarence Goodson scored in Broendby's 2-1 win over first-place FC Copenhagen in Denmark's SAS Ligaen. Robbie Findley struck from close range for Nottingham Forest in its 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in England. For more on Americans abroad ...Belgium (Jupiler League)Sasha Kljestan (90 minutes), Anderlecht, 3-1 vs. St. TruidenEngland (League Championship)Robbie Findley (80 minutes, 1 goal), Nottingham Forest, 3-2 vs. Ipswich TownJonathan Spector (90 minutes), Birmingham City, 1-1 vs. PeterboroughItaly (Serie A)Michael Bradley (90 minutes), Chievo Verona, 2-1 at CataniaPortugal (Taca de Portugal)Oguchi Onyewu (90 minutes), Sporting, 2-0 vs. BragaScotland (Premier League)Alejandro Bedoya (75 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. JohnstoneCarlos Bocanegra (90 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. JohnstoneMaurice Edu (90 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. Johnstone
Click to expand...
It's great seeing all these guys getting starts and quality minutes. Nice to see all three US guys in for Rangers at the same time. And I love seeing Gooch going 90. That one, and Bradley getting full games and having his team get results are the two most important things I get from that list.
Germany (Bundesliga 1)Timothy Chandler (90 minutes), Nuremberg, 0-4 vs. Schalke 04Fabian Johnson (90 minutes), Hoffenheim, 0-2 at HamburgJermaine Jones (72 minutes, 1 yellow card), Schalke 04, 4-0 vs. Nuremberg
Click to expand...
I hope these guys have some great thanksgivings while wrapped in their American flags.
 
'El Floppo said:
'NewlyRetired said:
From Soccer America[AMERICANS ABROAD] Clarence Goodson scored in Broendby's 2-1 win over first-place FC Copenhagen in Denmark's SAS Ligaen. Robbie Findley struck from close range for Nottingham Forest in its 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in England. For more on Americans abroad ...Belgium (Jupiler League)Sasha Kljestan (90 minutes), Anderlecht, 3-1 vs. St. TruidenEngland (League Championship)Robbie Findley (80 minutes, 1 goal), Nottingham Forest, 3-2 vs. Ipswich TownJonathan Spector (90 minutes), Birmingham City, 1-1 vs. PeterboroughItaly (Serie A)Michael Bradley (90 minutes), Chievo Verona, 2-1 at CataniaPortugal (Taca de Portugal)Oguchi Onyewu (90 minutes), Sporting, 2-0 vs. BragaScotland (Premier League)Alejandro Bedoya (75 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. JohnstoneCarlos Bocanegra (90 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. JohnstoneMaurice Edu (90 minutes), Rangers, 0-0 vs. St. Johnstone
Click to expand...
It's great seeing all these guys getting starts and quality minutes. Nice to see all three US guys in for Rangers at the same time. And I love seeing Gooch going 90. That one, and Bradley getting full games and having his team get results are the two most important things I get from that list.
Germany (Bundesliga 1)Timothy Chandler (90 minutes), Nuremberg, 0-4 vs. Schalke 04Fabian Johnson (90 minutes), Hoffenheim, 0-2 at HamburgJermaine Jones (72 minutes, 1 yellow card), Schalke 04, 4-0 vs. Nuremberg
Click to expand...
I hope these guys have some great thanksgivings while wrapped in their American flags.
Click to expand...
Did the Dutch League have any games this weekend? Was wondering why Jozy was not listed.
 
MLS Cup with an overnight rating of 0.8, which is double last year (though less than 2009) but still disappointing that they still can't even crack a 1.0 since there likely will never be the amount of star power that was present last night.

Not easy going up against SNF and the Survivor Series PPV, among other things

 
'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
MLS Cup with an overnight rating of 0.8, which is double last year (though less than 2009) but still disappointing that they still can't even crack a 1.0 since there likely will never be the amount of star power that was present last night.Not easy going up against SNF and the Survivor Series PPV, among other things
Click to expand...
MLS has had success in every business aspect except TV. People just don't care enough to watch it and the ratings have pretty much flat lined for 10 years (outside of last years epic dip).Look at Floppo for example, he is decent MLS fan and even he forgot the leagues championship game was on. I am not sure anything will ever change for many many years in this regard as too many soccer fans continue to ignore the leagues games when it is on TV. The league is just not enticing enough for many US soccer fans to bother with.
 
'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
MLS Cup with an overnight rating of 0.8, which is double last year (though less than 2009) but still disappointing that they still can't even crack a 1.0 since there likely will never be the amount of star power that was present last night.Not easy going up against SNF and the Survivor Series PPV, among other things
Click to expand...
It's unfathomable that they would choose to go up against the NFL.
 
'NewlyRetired said:
'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
MLS Cup with an overnight rating of 0.8, which is double last year (though less than 2009) but still disappointing that they still can't even crack a 1.0 since there likely will never be the amount of star power that was present last night.Not easy going up against SNF and the Survivor Series PPV, among other things
Click to expand...
MLS has had success in every business aspect except TV. People just don't care enough to watch it and the ratings have pretty much flat lined for 10 years (outside of last years epic dip).Look at Floppo for example, he is decent MLS fan and even he forgot the leagues championship game was on. I am not sure anything will ever change for many many years in this regard as too many soccer fans continue to ignore the leagues games when it is on TV. The league is just not enticing enough for many US soccer fans to bother with.
Click to expand...
The international break didn't help maintain momentum from the previous playoff rounds, and the game itself wasn't a barnburner. The shot of Brad Davis yawning on the sidelines was pretty telling.But I think the MLS TV audience is what it's going to be. The deal with NBC may help or it may not. Versus isn't available everywhere and hasn't penetrated the consciousness of the American sports fan. The league can still be successful on its own limited terms but it's hard to see the MLS Cup becoming must see TV.
 
'Christo said:
'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
MLS Cup with an overnight rating of 0.8, which is double last year (though less than 2009) but still disappointing that they still can't even crack a 1.0 since there likely will never be the amount of star power that was present last night.Not easy going up against SNF and the Survivor Series PPV, among other things
Click to expand...
It's unfathomable that they would choose to go up against the NFL.
Click to expand...
Anyone catch the interview with Blatter talking about how MLS NEEDS to get on the FA schedule? What would having these playoffs and final at the end of April beginning of May do for ratings?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

El Floppo
Official US Women's soccer thread: ***Update- Christen Press retires
70 71 72
Replies
4K
Views
290K
El Floppo
El Floppo
SIDA!
The Official Thread for Official Threads - MASTER LIST
Replies
1
Views
431
mquinnjr
mquinnjr
Ramsay Hunt Experience
***Official Soccer Discussion Thread***
1020 1021 1022
Replies
51K
Views
1M
Desert_Power
Desert_Power

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 26 (members: 0, guests: 26)
Back
Top