***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[The Gator]

TEBOW CHRIST THEY NEED TO LEARN TO FINISH

Great move and shot on Henderson's chance...off the post

Downing almost gets of the schnide....saved off the post

 

[jonessed]

TEBOW CHRIST THEY NEED TO LEARN TO FINISHGreat move and shot on Henderson's chance...off the postDowning almost gets of the schnide....saved off the post

That's what happens when you only have one reliable goal scorer and his name isn't Robin van Persie.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I wonder why Diego Fagundez is not on the U17's. He must have missed the age cut off. He turned 16 earlier in 2011.

Is he eligible for the Nats? Thought he was from Uruguay

I am not sure. He has been in the states since he was 5 years old. How does citizenship work with something like that?

Yeah, he's ineligible.(My little bro played with him in the Revs academy)

Ok thanks. I assume it is because he is not a citizen? How long does that take or does he need to be 18 to start the paperwork?

Here is an update on Fagundez and his hope to play for the US some day but that Uruguay is still very much in play and is probably the likely destination if he is good enough

Figuring out where he belongs is not getting any easier for Diego Fagundez.Like other 16-year-olds, Fagundez returned to classes last week. But in many ways, Fagundez is not the same teenager who enrolled as a freshman at Leominster High School last year.Since signing a contract with the Revolution in February, Fagundez has displayed the talent that could lead to a productive professional career. That contract also enabled Fagundez to acquire a P1 work visa, which allows athletes (and entertainers) to work in the United States temporarily. Having the contract and the visa also allowed Fagundez to visit his birthplace, Uruguay, for the first time since he was 4 years old. He could return home without the worry of getting back into the United States.“I’m looking forward to getting to talk to my friends and see more of them,’’ Fagundez said of his classmates at Leominster. It’s a little hard to adjust, coming from not going to school and just having practice. I usually wake up thinking about practice. It really is a big change.“But I talk to my parents all the time and tell them I am just going to work hard until I start practicing again with the Revs, make sure I catch up and I’m on track so I can get ahead with studying. As soon as we start preseason, I’ll do the tutoring again. I’m not going to just stop school. I’m going to get my diploma.’’Because of Fagundez’s youthfulness, small stature, and Mohawk hairstyle, there is a tendency to underestimate his resolve. Fagundez has been focusing on a pro soccer career since he was in kindergarten. Now that he is experiencing his dream, Fagundez is also dealing with the rigors of a contact sport.After converting twice in six games - Fagundez became the first Revolution player to score in his professional debut in an MLS match - he was held out of the final match of the season. In the second half of the Revolution’s 3-0 loss to Columbus Oct. 15, Fagundez sustained a mild concussion in a clash with Chad Marshall.“We are always concerned, especially these days, with concussions,’’ team president Brian Bilello said. “Diego has worked through it with our doctors and trainers. We are not doing any contact work now, so it’s a good time for him to rest up. It’s particularly worrisome because he’s a player, when you put him on the field, they can’t check themselves in terms of how they play. No matter how old a player is you can’t tell them to go out there and be careful. So, we need to find the right situations to get him on the field.’’Fagundez was in what appeared to be a mismatch when he challenged for a ball on a Revolution free kick in the 69th minute against the Crew. Both Fagundez, who is 5 feet 8 inches, 125 pounds, and Marshall, listed at 6-4, 190 pounds, went down as the ball was cleared from the penalty area. Fagundez appeared to recover quickly, but was substituted in the 80th minute. Marshall stayed down, receiving medical treatment, then left the game, although he did return.“He actually did get the worst of it,’’ Fagundez said. “I got a minor concussion, and he was cut and everything. He’s one of the biggest guys in league.“But that’s basically telling everyone I’m not scared of the other guy. If I’m going to get hurt trying to score I’m going to go for it. OK, we’re losing, so that doesn’t mean I’m not going to go up for this and try to score.’’Fagundez showed an exceptional knack for creating offense but seemed more effective in a reserve role, sparking the team off the bench. As the Revolution attack bogged down, former coach Steve Nicol placed Fagundez in a starting position. But no Revolution striker became established as a dependable scorer last season, partly because of the team’s lack of an effective passing game.“I’m not just going to give credit to myself,’’ Fagundez said. “When I did good it was the team that helped me, in practice, in games. They gave me the chances and helped me play. But if, as a team, we didn’t do as good as we should have, that is the past and we’re looking to the future.’’Fagundez got a look at both his past and possible future last month during a trip to South America that also highlighted another potential identity crisis - Fagundez is eligible to perform for Uruguay’s national team, but not for the United States.“I got to see some of my family for the first time in 12 years,’’ Fagundez said. “I also went to see soccer games and soccer is different there. Over there it’s physical, the same as here. But it’s a different style of play. Here it is more direct. Over there, there is a lot of kicking each other and stuff. I saw Uruguay and Chile play and that was one of the best experiences I’ve had, [Luis] Suarez scored four goals in that game.’’Fagundez has emerged as a candidate for Uruguay’s Under 20 team - anyone named for a former Uruguay national teamer (Diego Dorta, a close friend of Fagundez’s father) would consider that prospect. And Fagundez might not have a choice, since he was born in Montevideo and is not a US citizen.“They were trying to talk to me about training with the team,’’ Fagundez said of the Uruguayan contacts. “But since I left, I’ll see if they talk with the [Revolution] coaches and see if they want to call me.“I want to play for a country, not just for a club team. I want to play for a national team and that’s been a dream for a while. I want to play for the US if I get the chance. It’s a matter of who’s going to come first.’’Uruguay won the Copa America this year and reached the semifinals of the World Cup last year. The national team is a major player on the international scene and its team members are earning big money in Europe. Being called in to the Celeste program can be a ticket to riches.Meanwhile, Fagundez is making $53,000 annually, according to the MLS Players Union, and trying to establish a role on a team likely to be revamped under new coach Jay Heaps.“Right now I’m having fun and training on my own,’’ Fagundez said. “I’m looking forward to next season. Everyone has to work hard and earn a spot on the team. No matter if the coach is Steve Nicol or Jay Heaps, when you’re a professional player, that’s your job.’’

 

[NewlyRetired]

MLS has released the TV schedule for opening weekend.

Vancouver hosts Montreal for Montreal's inaugural game, on TSN, 6 pm ET, Saturday, March 10

Dallas hosts NY for the first game ever on NBC Sports Network, 3 pm ET, Sunday, March 11

Chivas hosts Houston for Galavision's opening game, 7 pm ET, Sunday, March 11

Portland hosts Phili for ESPN2's opening game, 9:30 pm ET, Monday, March 12

All make sense except for the ESPN2 game. I don't have the best memory, but I really don't recall too many nationally televised games on a Monday night over the years, if any at all. I wonder if that is a down day before NCAA bball tournament starts..................

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good piece on the upcoming US January camp that will consist of mostly MLS and Scandinavian league players.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/steve_davis/12/06/usmnt.camp/index.html?sct=sc_t11_a1

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

I haven't seen the rumors, but my off-the-cuff opinion is that Drogba would not be a good signing for LA. He's 33, a much bigger diva even compared to Becks, and wants a multi-year deal at world-class wages.

 

[Christo]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

I haven't seen the rumors, but my off-the-cuff opinion is that Drogba would not be a good signing for LA. He's 33, a much bigger diva even compared to Becks, and wants a multi-year deal at world-class wages.

He's still worth it. Phenomenal performance today in the CL.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

I haven't seen the rumors,

http://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2011/11/29/2599301/la-galaxy-offseason-moves-didier-drogba-could-come-to-lahttp://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/chelsea-s-drogba-linked-la-galaxy-2260361http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/europe/story/drogba-set-for-chelsea-exit-ac-milan-mls-112911http://www.zimbio.com/Soccer/articles/p74g_0Y8UrY/Didier+Drogba+Open+LA+Galaxy+Switchhttp://theshedender.com/2011/11/tabloid-talk/chelsea-star-in-line-for-mls-switch

 

[Sebowski]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

I haven't seen the rumors, but my off-the-cuff opinion is that Drogba would not be a good signing for LA. He's 33, a much bigger diva even compared to Becks, and wants a multi-year deal at world-class wages.

He's still worth it. Phenomenal performance today in the CL.

####. I thought CL was next week.

 

[jonessed]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

They are very different players. Drogba wouldn't really be a replacement for Beckham. He could partner with Keane I suppose, but I think that's a bit of a risk considering the money he will want.I don't see how Chelsea can let Drogba go. I know he wants big money and a multi-year deal, but does Chelsea really want to roll the dice on Torres full-time? I think most clubs probably would, but Chelsea have the money and the EPL is just too competitive now to take that risk. They aren't a slam dunk for a CL spot anymore and missing that would cost them an obsolute fortune.Whoever gets him will get a hell of a player. His style is based on strength, skill, and decision-making, not speed. I think he has at least a few more years as a top striker left in him.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

They are very different players. Drogba wouldn't really be a replacement for Beckham. He could partner with Keane I suppose, but I think that's a bit of a risk considering the money he will want.

I was talking purely from a money stand point in terms of replacement. I fully understand they are different players. By virtue of LA's massive new TV deal, they are on the hook to make sure they spend some real money each year on talent and if Becks leaves, he will be replaced by a fairly big name just past his prime.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

I haven't seen the rumors,

http://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2011/11/29/2599301/la-galaxy-offseason-moves-didier-drogba-could-come-to-lahttp://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/chelsea-s-drogba-linked-la-galaxy-2260361http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/europe/story/drogba-set-for-chelsea-exit-ac-milan-mls-112911http://www.zimbio.com/Soccer/articles/p74g_0Y8UrY/Didier+Drogba+Open+LA+Galaxy+Switchhttp://theshedender.com/2011/11/tabloid-talk/chelsea-star-in-line-for-mls-switch

I'm not challenging you Andy, just noting that I've not read those stories (and won't be). There are at least a dozen rumored destinations for Drogs. He's still world class of couse, but I don't think his act will fly in the MLS. Berating refs, pouting, diving ... Not at his price, and not when he's off playing in Africa, out with his annual injury, suspension or in one of his extended droughts. I think he may stay at Chelsea ... we'll see. I think Torres is done, but is untransferrable due to his poor play and high wages. I think his role is now set - as a very high-priced late sub. Anelka is likely gone. There is some hope for Sturridge but we saw on Saturday that he is still very raw and unsure. Drogba had a great goal on Saturday and two today, but still only has 2 in the EPL this season and seems to have lost something - disappears for long stretches. Lukaku can't get minutes. I think AVB needs to find his team and I expect he will go with the young guys where possible, but right now all is very much up in the air IMO.

 

[scoobygang]

I don't think Chelsea would have all their eggs in Torres. Sturridge is not a winger. He'd probably be best in the middle of the field. I also imagine that Chelsea would sign a younger striker. Someone like Soldado or Cavani or Loic Remy.

 

[Eephus]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

I haven't seen the rumors,

http://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2011/11/29/2599301/la-galaxy-offseason-moves-didier-drogba-could-come-to-lahttp://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/chelsea-s-drogba-linked-la-galaxy-2260361http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/europe/story/drogba-set-for-chelsea-exit-ac-milan-mls-112911http://www.zimbio.com/Soccer/articles/p74g_0Y8UrY/Didier+Drogba+Open+LA+Galaxy+Switchhttp://theshedender.com/2011/11/tabloid-talk/chelsea-star-in-line-for-mls-switch

I'm not challenging you Andy, just noting that I've not read those stories (and won't be). There are at least a dozen rumored destinations for Drogs. He's still world class of couse, but I don't think his act will fly in the MLS. Berating refs, pouting, diving ... Not at his price, and not when he's off playing in Africa, out with his annual injury, suspension or in one of his extended droughts. I think he may stay at Chelsea ... we'll see. I think Torres is done, but is untransferrable due to his poor play and high wages. I think his role is now set - as a very high-priced late sub. Anelka is likely gone. There is some hope for Sturridge but we saw on Saturday that he is still very raw and unsure. Drogba had a great goal on Saturday and two today, but still only has 2 in the EPL this season and seems to have lost something - disappears for long stretches. Lukaku can't get minutes. I think AVB needs to find his team and I expect he will go with the young guys where possible, but right now all is very much up in the air IMO.

Anelka will be gone in January. It'll be interesting to see what Villas Boas does when Drogba goes off to play in the ANC in January. I assume Lukaku will be in line to state his case but it wouldn't be a total surprise if they bring in someone during the January window.

 

[scoobygang]

I frankly think striker is the least of Chelsea's problems. If AVB is going to stay (and I hope he does, because I like what he's trying to implement), then Chelsea needs mobile center backs. At least one. They can't play the high line AVB wants with Terry and another guy who's either completely uninterested in defense (Luiz) or slow as molasses (Alex or Ivanovich). I think Terry, Alex, or Ivanovich would all be fine partnered with a more mobile guy, but it's the wrong group right now. Chelsea also lack a strong anchor man to protect that back four (Oriol may develop there). And they could use a versatile wide player so that Mata can roam as a playmaker and work from either side.

 

[jonessed]

I frankly think striker is the least of Chelsea's problems. If AVB is going to stay (and I hope he does, because I like what he's trying to implement), then Chelsea needs mobile center backs. At least one. They can't play the high line AVB wants with Terry and another guy who's either completely uninterested in defense (Luiz) or slow as molasses (Alex or Ivanovich). I think Terry, Alex, or Ivanovich would all be fine partnered with a more mobile guy, but it's the wrong group right now. Chelsea also lack a strong anchor man to protect that back four (Oriol may develop there). And they could use a versatile wide player so that Mata can roam as a playmaker and work from either side.

I believe they are targeting Tiote who would actually be a great addition, but would cost a fortune since he just signed a new contract with Newcastle. If not Tiote they would have to find someone in that mold (Gonalons, M'Vila, Sissoko, etc.). Someone young and willing to play second fiddle to Essien in the future. Unless, of course, Chelsea want to get rid of Essien. I don't see why they would want to do that though. He's still one of the best holding midfielders in the world.Edit: What is it with France and their ability to turn out these great defensive midfielders? They seem to have an odd abundance of them.\

Edit 2: I wonder if Gago would be an option. He's wasting away on the RM bench. I bet he could be had for cheap.

 

[Eephus]

Chelsea transfer rumors from The Guardian

 

[Christo]

I frankly think striker is the least of Chelsea's problems. If AVB is going to stay (and I hope he does, because I like what he's trying to implement), then Chelsea needs mobile center backs. At least one. They can't play the high line AVB wants with Terry and another guy who's either completely uninterested in defense (Luiz) or slow as molasses (Alex or Ivanovich). I think Terry, Alex, or Ivanovich would all be fine partnered with a more mobile guy, but it's the wrong group right now. Chelsea also lack a strong anchor man to protect that back four (Oriol may develop there). And they could use a versatile wide player so that Mata can roam as a playmaker and work from either side.

Boy, is that guy growing on me.

 

[scoobygang]

I frankly think striker is the least of Chelsea's problems. If AVB is going to stay (and I hope he does, because I like what he's trying to implement), then Chelsea needs mobile center backs. At least one. They can't play the high line AVB wants with Terry and another guy who's either completely uninterested in defense (Luiz) or slow as molasses (Alex or Ivanovich). I think Terry, Alex, or Ivanovich would all be fine partnered with a more mobile guy, but it's the wrong group right now. Chelsea also lack a strong anchor man to protect that back four (Oriol may develop there). And they could use a versatile wide player so that Mata can roam as a playmaker and work from either side.

Boy, is that guy growing on me.

This is definitely the year for crafty spanish playmakers in the EPL. With all love to my main man RVP, Silva is my EPL player of the year so far. Mata and Tim Krul aren't far off.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know Drogba's name keeps coming up as the possible replacement for Becks in LA but watching him play makes me think he could certainly still help many EPL teams for a couple of years.

I haven't seen the rumors,

http://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2011/11/29/2599301/la-galaxy-offseason-moves-didier-drogba-could-come-to-lahttp://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/chelsea-s-drogba-linked-la-galaxy-2260361http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/europe/story/drogba-set-for-chelsea-exit-ac-milan-mls-112911http://www.zimbio.com/Soccer/articles/p74g_0Y8UrY/Didier+Drogba+Open+LA+Galaxy+Switchhttp://theshedender.com/2011/11/tabloid-talk/chelsea-star-in-line-for-mls-switch

I'm not challenging you Andy, just noting that I've not read those stories (and won't be). There are at least a dozen rumored destinations for Drogs.

I didn't say you were. I just thought you were interested in seeing the rumors. I don't think he will come to MLS myself. I think his agent is just throwing out LA's name to show interest. He should be able to get LA type money at many many other locations.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I frankly think striker is the least of Chelsea's problems. If AVB is going to stay (and I hope he does, because I like what he's trying to implement), then Chelsea needs mobile center backs. At least one. They can't play the high line AVB wants with Terry and another guy who's either completely uninterested in defense (Luiz) or slow as molasses (Alex or Ivanovich). I think Terry, Alex, or Ivanovich would all be fine partnered with a more mobile guy, but it's the wrong group right now. Chelsea also lack a strong anchor man to protect that back four (Oriol may develop there). And they could use a versatile wide player so that Mata can roam as a playmaker and work from either side.

Boy, is that guy growing on me.

This is definitely the year for crafty spanish playmakers in the EPL. With all love to my main man RVP, Silva is my EPL player of the year so far. Mata and Tim Krul aren't far off.

I was worried that Silva just wasn't going to fit after his poor start with Man City. Looks like he fits just fine after all.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Makes me wish I had seen Valencia play last year with Silva, Mata and Villa, but alas, like most people, the only Liga game I ever see is the Classico.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Olympic Qualifying plans are set

Group A: US, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador

Group B: Mexico, Honduras, Panama, T&T

Top 2 from each group makes single game semi finals

The two finalists qualify for Olympics

Semi finals and final at Livestrong

Group A based out of Nashville

Group B based out of HDC

March 22 to April 2nd

 

[NewlyRetired]

The English papers are still playing up rumors of Donovan to Everton on loan. One paper says he is coming, another says he won't.

With the MLS season starting early this year, and LA having an early CCL game, I don't think he is going to go for such a short time.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Makes me wish I had seen Valencia play last year with Silva, Mata and Villa, but alas, like most people, the only Liga game I ever see is the Classico.

Any chance that the Spanish national team moves away from two defensive mids to one? They have way too much attacking talent to squeeze into four attacking spots, although it worked out for them in 2010.

 

[NewlyRetired]

FBI launches investigation into World Cup 'dirty tricks’ campaignInvestigators from the FBI have interviewed members of England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid as part of an investigation by the American law-enforcement agency into alleged corruption, Telegraph Sport can reveal.The interviews, conducted in the last month, are part of an FBI inquiry into allegations arising from the World Cup bidding process a year ago, and the Fifa presidential election in June.Investigators claim to have “really great intelligence” of malpractice and came to London last month to interview people present in Zurich at the time of the World Cup vote.It is understood that the FBI has “substantial evidence” of outside organisations attempting to hack the email accounts of the United States bid for the 2022 tournament, and believe the English bid may have also been affected.The FBI is understood to have asked England 2018 officials, who are not under suspicion, if they were aware of dirty tricks or corruption in the World Cup bidding campaign.The FBI is also understood to have asked questions relating to potential offences arising from the alleged bribery of Caribbean football officials by Mohammed Bin Hammam, who stood against Sepp Blatter for the Fifa presidency.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Wow, where did this one cme from?

AMERICAN striker Charlie Davies who lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to David Beckham has emerged as an affordable answer to Everton FC’s goalscoring problems.Charlie Davies has been released by French side Sochaux – and MLS outfit DC United, where the 25-year-old spent a successful season on-loan, have decided not to pay the $1.2m it would cost them to sign him permanently.Davies has won 16 caps for the USA and scored 11 goals in 26 games on loan with United in the recently ended MLS season.DC United announced last Thursday that they were not exercising their option to sign him permanently – and reports in the French media have immediately linked him with a move to Everton.The Blues have not confirmed the link, but David Moyes has positive experiences of his dealings with American strikers – having overseen successful loans for Brian McBride and Landon Donovan in the past – and the modest transfer fee would be within Everton’s limited means.In 2009 Davies was involved in a car accident that nearly took his life, but despite an impressive comeback which saw him finish the regular season with 11 goals, he lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, who returned to the field in September 2010 after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

 

[scoobygang]

Wow, where did this one cme from?

AMERICAN striker Charlie Davies who lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to David Beckham has emerged as an affordable answer to Everton FC’s goalscoring problems.Charlie Davies has been released by French side Sochaux – and MLS outfit DC United, where the 25-year-old spent a successful season on-loan, have decided not to pay the $1.2m it would cost them to sign him permanently.Davies has won 16 caps for the USA and scored 11 goals in 26 games on loan with United in the recently ended MLS season.DC United announced last Thursday that they were not exercising their option to sign him permanently – and reports in the French media have immediately linked him with a move to Everton.The Blues have not confirmed the link, but David Moyes has positive experiences of his dealings with American strikers – having overseen successful loans for Brian McBride and Landon Donovan in the past – and the modest transfer fee would be within Everton’s limited means.In 2009 Davies was involved in a car accident that nearly took his life, but despite an impressive comeback which saw him finish the regular season with 11 goals, he lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, who returned to the field in September 2010 after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

This seems like typical idle newspaper speculation to me.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Wow, where did this one cme from?

AMERICAN striker Charlie Davies who lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to David Beckham has emerged as an affordable answer to Everton FC’s goalscoring problems.Charlie Davies has been released by French side Sochaux – and MLS outfit DC United, where the 25-year-old spent a successful season on-loan, have decided not to pay the $1.2m it would cost them to sign him permanently.Davies has won 16 caps for the USA and scored 11 goals in 26 games on loan with United in the recently ended MLS season.DC United announced last Thursday that they were not exercising their option to sign him permanently – and reports in the French media have immediately linked him with a move to Everton.The Blues have not confirmed the link, but David Moyes has positive experiences of his dealings with American strikers – having overseen successful loans for Brian McBride and Landon Donovan in the past – and the modest transfer fee would be within Everton’s limited means.In 2009 Davies was involved in a car accident that nearly took his life, but despite an impressive comeback which saw him finish the regular season with 11 goals, he lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, who returned to the field in September 2010 after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

This seems like typical idle newspaper speculation to me.

Usually the speculation makes some sort of sense. This just seems so out of left field to me.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Various reports say that Anelka is going to China for as much as $9 mil a year for three years.

 

[Sebowski]

Wow, where did this one cme from?

AMERICAN striker Charlie Davies who lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to David Beckham has emerged as an affordable answer to Everton FC’s goalscoring problems.

Charlie Davies has been released by French side Sochaux – and MLS outfit DC United, where the 25-year-old spent a successful season on-loan, have decided not to pay the $1.2m it would cost them to sign him permanently.

Davies has won 16 caps for the USA and scored 11 goals in 26 games on loan with United in the recently ended MLS season.

DC United announced last Thursday that they were not exercising their option to sign him permanently – and reports in the French media have immediately linked him with a move to Everton.

The Blues have not confirmed the link, but David Moyes has positive experiences of his dealings with American strikers – having overseen successful loans for Brian McBride and Landon Donovan in the past – and the modest transfer fee would be within Everton’s limited means.

In 2009 Davies was involved in a car accident that nearly took his life, but despite an impressive comeback which saw him finish the regular season with 11 goals, he lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, who returned to the field in September 2010 after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

Great question. If only you provided a link...

 

[Native]

Huge game for City today against Bayern. Does anyone know if Bayern is fielding a competitive squad given that theyve already qualified?

In anycase a Napoli win and City are out...

 

[scoobygang]

Huge game for City today against Bayern. Does anyone know if Bayern is fielding a competitive squad given that theyve already qualified?In anycase a Napoli win and City are out...

Definitely a B team for Bayern.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Wow, where did this one cme from?

AMERICAN striker Charlie Davies who lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to David Beckham has emerged as an affordable answer to Everton FC’s goalscoring problems.

Charlie Davies has been released by French side Sochaux – and MLS outfit DC United, where the 25-year-old spent a successful season on-loan, have decided not to pay the $1.2m it would cost them to sign him permanently.

Davies has won 16 caps for the USA and scored 11 goals in 26 games on loan with United in the recently ended MLS season.

DC United announced last Thursday that they were not exercising their option to sign him permanently – and reports in the French media have immediately linked him with a move to Everton.

The Blues have not confirmed the link, but David Moyes has positive experiences of his dealings with American strikers – having overseen successful loans for Brian McBride and Landon Donovan in the past – and the modest transfer fee would be within Everton’s limited means.

In 2009 Davies was involved in a car accident that nearly took his life, but despite an impressive comeback which saw him finish the regular season with 11 goals, he lost out in the MLS comeback player of the year voting to LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, who returned to the field in September 2010 after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

Great question. If only you provided a link...

How does the link answer the question of where the reporter got the idea from?Anyway, here it is in case that helps you

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news/2011/12/07/charlie-davies-keen-on-everton-fc-s-american-link-100252-29908780/

 

[NewlyRetired]

Basel up 1-0 on Man United at start of second half. If score holds, Man U is out. Should be a fun second half.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Basel looks really good.

If the scores hold, the two best EPL teams are going to be out before the knockout round.

 

[derek245583]

Basel looks really good. If the scores hold, the two best EPL teams are going to be out before the knockout round.

Come again?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Holy smokes what an almost own goal.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Basel looks really good. If the scores hold, the two best EPL teams are going to be out before the knockout round.

Come again?

Am I mistaken that the teams in first and second in the EPL(Man City and Man U) would be out of the CL if the scores hold?

 

[derek245583]

Holy smokes what an almost own goal.

unreal

 

[derek245583]

Basel looks really good. If the scores hold, the two best EPL teams are going to be out before the knockout round.

Come again?

Am I mistaken that the teams in first and second in the EPL(Man City and Man U) would be out of the CL if the scores hold?

City is in if Napoli tie and they win...

 

[derek245583]

Well, #### that

 

[NewlyRetired]

Basel looks really good. If the scores hold, the two best EPL teams are going to be out before the knockout round.

Come again?

Am I mistaken that the teams in first and second in the EPL(Man City and Man U) would be out of the CL if the scores hold?

City is in if Napoli tie and they win...

Ahh, ok.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ok now if the scores hold......

 

[Sinn Fein]

Ok now if the scores hold......

Napoli up now

 

[derek245583]

And...its over

 

[Steve Tasker]

This could be.....interesting.

C'mon Basel

 

[Steve Tasker]

This could finally convert me to being a Napoli fan. That's the hometown in the motherland for me....I've been leaning that way for awhile as I don't have a Serie A team to follow. Plus I love the color scheme.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

This could finally convert me to being a Napoli fan. That's the hometown in the motherland for me....I've been leaning that way for awhile as I don't have a Serie A team to follow. Plus I love the color scheme.

Cavani is a beast.