***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Good Posting Judge]

Does Carroll have any sweet YouTube videos like Downing?

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Gooch scored a brace for Sporting today in Portugal

 

[NewlyRetired]

Gooch scored a brace for Sporting today in Portugal

Sweet! Any links?I wonder if this a first for a US defender in Europe? Boca has scored a bunch over the years but I never remember two in any one game.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Gooch scored a brace for Sporting today in Portugal

Sweet! Any links?I wonder if this a first for a US defender in Europe? Boca has scored a bunch over the years but I never remember two in any one game.

Check Ives site - it might show the goals in flash which unfortunately I can't see on my phone

 

[Steve Tasker]

US v. Canada women's Olympic Qualifying tournament final on NBC Sports Network right now.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US v. Canada women's Olympic Qualifying tournament final on NBC Sports Network right now.

Why the shrug? We knew a couple of months ago that this would be the first soccer event on this new network. We talked about it shortly in this thread as mentioning that it was kind of silly to use this game as the launch when it was meaningless.

 

[bentley]

US v. Canada women's Olympic Qualifying tournament final on NBC Sports Network right now.

Why the shrug? We knew a couple of months ago that this would be the first soccer event on this new network. We talked about it shortly in this thread as mentioning that it was kind of silly to use this game as the launch when it was meaningless.

Any game featuring this much Alex Morgan is not meaningless. So much sexy.

 

[The Z Machine]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.

Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.

My Atleti play tomorrow.

 

[bentley]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.My Atleti play tomorrow.

I bemoaned their lack of depth earlier, which is being exposed with the number of injuries this year. I think they're just worn out from having to play so many extra games. The preseason US tour, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup, they just don't have the depth to be able to keep up with such a demanding schedule. Meanwhile, Nuri Sahin can't even get off the bench for Madrid. B-team callups are nice (Cuenca's looked great), but I think they need some experienced vets who can step in and acquit themselves in low-to-medium leverage games.FCB was lucky to escape the RM tie with a win, and I could easily see this year being an opposite of last: Barca gets the Copa (even though the Valencia tie is no sure thing), and RM wins the league and the UCL, awful as that would be. In non-Barca games this year, they are 27-1-1. And I don't think that Barca holds any magic talisman against them anymore, certainly this last game shattered any aura of invincibility.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.

Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.

My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

 

[The Z Machine]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

This is true.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

This is true.

Pfffff, it's not like you guys have written for Milwall and Racing Santander since childhood.

 

[The Gator]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.

Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.

My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

This is true.

Pfffff, it's not like you guys have written for Milwall and Racing Santander since childhood.

I starting following Liverpool the good old fashioned way.

Spoiler

Playing the FIFA soccer games My link

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Looks like the Union have been dealt quite a blow in their 2012 campaign, and it isn't losing Le Toux (which could still happen):

Faryd Mondragon's out-of-the-blue transfer saga may be at an end, according to a Colombian media outlet.

The 40-year-old has signed a contract with Deportivo Cali, Nuevo Estadio reports. Mondragon began his career with the Liga Postobon club in 1990-1991, before moving to Real Cartagena, another Colombian team.

"I am very happy because everything panned out, I'm going to Deportivo Cali on a one-year contract. I feel I identify with the new Board of directors, and because of that, I've agreed to return to my beloved team," Mondragon said.

MLS, Cali and Mondragon came to an agreement today after "overcoming a monetary difference of close to $200,000" in the goalkeeper's salary demands.

"I would say that Faryd is ready, he wants to come and Cali wants to have him," said Luis Fernando Lens, the team's Director. "Last week we were farther apart in the economics, but this weekend we got really close, there's almost nothing missing."

Mondragon told the team that he was ready to return to Colombia as soon as his departure from the Philadelphia Union was finalized.

"I would travel immediately to cali this week and my family would also move, they would bring the things I have over here," Mondragon said.

(Translations by Gabriel Irizarry, for use by the Brotherly Game)

LinkCompletely out of the blue. Two things:

1. I hope Zac MacMath is ready (I think he will be - he's the goods). However,

2. I hope the Union finds a good backup since MacMath is likely going to miss big blocks of time this year with the Olympic team

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Does Carroll have any sweet YouTube videos like Downing?

While it IS kinda funny that the Americans who took over got suckered in by that, I have to admit, I thought it was real too when I saw it. I didn't shell out a bunch of money to him, though.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.

Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.

My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

This is true.

Pfffff, it's not like you guys have written for Milwall and Racing Santander since childhood.

I starting following Liverpool the good old fashioned way.

Spoiler

Playing the FIFA soccer games My link

That's funny. I started following Liverpool because I had heard the fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" in a Pink Floyd song, and thought it was beautiful.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like the Union have been dealt quite a blow in their 2012 campaign, and it isn't losing Le Toux (which could still happen):

Faryd Mondragon's out-of-the-blue transfer saga may be at an end, according to a Colombian media outlet.

The 40-year-old has signed a contract with Deportivo Cali, Nuevo Estadio reports. Mondragon began his career with the Liga Postobon club in 1990-1991, before moving to Real Cartagena, another Colombian team.

"I am very happy because everything panned out, I'm going to Deportivo Cali on a one-year contract. I feel I identify with the new Board of directors, and because of that, I've agreed to return to my beloved team," Mondragon said.

MLS, Cali and Mondragon came to an agreement today after "overcoming a monetary difference of close to $200,000" in the goalkeeper's salary demands.

"I would say that Faryd is ready, he wants to come and Cali wants to have him," said Luis Fernando Lens, the team's Director. "Last week we were farther apart in the economics, but this weekend we got really close, there's almost nothing missing."

Mondragon told the team that he was ready to return to Colombia as soon as his departure from the Philadelphia Union was finalized.

"I would travel immediately to cali this week and my family would also move, they would bring the things I have over here," Mondragon said.

(Translations by Gabriel Irizarry, for use by the Brotherly Game)

LinkCompletely out of the blue. Two things:

1. I hope Zac MacMath is ready (I think he will be - he's the goods). However,

2. I hope the Union finds a good backup since MacMath is likely going to miss big blocks of time this year with the Olympic team

This should free up almost 400k for the Union between cap and allocation money I think.

 

[Brady Marino]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.

Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.

My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

This is true.

Pfffff, it's not like you guys have written for Milwall and Racing Santander since childhood.

I starting following Liverpool the good old fashioned way.

Spoiler

Playing the FIFA soccer games My link

That's funny. I started following Liverpool because I had heard the fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" in a Pink Floyd song, and thought it was beautiful.I started following 'Pool when I was looking for a team to follow and someone here linked a video of Liverpool fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before a game with Barca. Sent chills up my spine and I knew that was the team to follow.

 

[NewlyRetired]

In March, Universal Sports Network and Telemundo will both be showing EVERY men's Olympic qualification group game ( all games from both groups).

Not sure how many cable services have Universal Sports Network, but it is channel 625 on Direct TV.

The US plays the 3 group games on March 22, 24, and 26. Pretty brutal schedule for three games.

If they finish in the top two in their group, they move on to semis on March 31st. If they win that match they qualify.

Meaningless final will be on April 2nd.

Group A plays @ LP Field in Nasville

Group B plays @ HDC

Semi's and Finals at Livestrong Sporting Park in KC.

 

[El Floppo]

Looks like the Union have been dealt quite a blow in their 2012 campaign, and it isn't losing Le Toux (which could still happen):

Faryd Mondragon's out-of-the-blue transfer saga may be at an end, according to a Colombian media outlet.

The 40-year-old has signed a contract with Deportivo Cali, Nuevo Estadio reports. Mondragon began his career with the Liga Postobon club in 1990-1991, before moving to Real Cartagena, another Colombian team.

"I am very happy because everything panned out, I'm going to Deportivo Cali on a one-year contract. I feel I identify with the new Board of directors, and because of that, I've agreed to return to my beloved team," Mondragon said.

MLS, Cali and Mondragon came to an agreement today after "overcoming a monetary difference of close to $200,000" in the goalkeeper's salary demands.

"I would say that Faryd is ready, he wants to come and Cali wants to have him," said Luis Fernando Lens, the team's Director. "Last week we were farther apart in the economics, but this weekend we got really close, there's almost nothing missing."

Mondragon told the team that he was ready to return to Colombia as soon as his departure from the Philadelphia Union was finalized.

"I would travel immediately to cali this week and my family would also move, they would bring the things I have over here," Mondragon said.

(Translations by Gabriel Irizarry, for use by the Brotherly Game)

LinkCompletely out of the blue. Two things:

1. I hope Zac MacMath is ready (I think he will be - he's the goods). However,

2. I hope the Union finds a good backup since MacMath is likely going to miss big blocks of time this year with the Olympic team

Best part of that is that we don't have to hear Harkes mangle the name during broadcasts.

 

[El Floppo]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.My Atleti play tomorrow.

I watched a bunch of that Barca v Villareal game... yeah, lethargic is about right. But Villareal played pretty well to be honest- just not sure if that's because of Barca's lethargy or because they deserved it. But Barca did NOT look like the unbeatable juggernaut on the day- and you're probably right about RM's depth helping their cause by the end of the season. I still see Barca as th team to beat in the CL though.

 

[El Floppo]

No comments from the Barça loverrs about their scoreless draw this weekend against Villarreal? Once again Real took care of business against hapless Zaragoza, but it seems the blaugrana are keen to give up points. I didn't see the game, but from the reports, they were lethargic and pretty impotent.

Barça are 7 points back now. Not in a good place.

My Atleti play tomorrow.

Truck whined about it, but I agree that he really doesn't count.

This is true.

Pfffff, it's not like you guys have written for Milwall and Racing Santander since childhood.

I starting following Liverpool the good old fashioned way.

Spoiler

Playing the FIFA soccer games My link

Spoiler

That's funny. I started following Liverpool because I had heard the fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" in a Pink Floyd song, and thought it was beautiful.

I started following 'Pool when I was looking for a team to follow and someone here linked a video of Liverpool fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before a game with Barca. Sent chills up my spine and I knew that was the team to follow.I remember a CL game between Liverpool and ... maybe Barca or RM, where the Spanish side had been beaten and as the final whistle approached, almost to a player looked up in visible awe at the fans belting You'll Never Walk Alone out. It was goose-bump worthy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like the Union have been dealt quite a blow in their 2012 campaign, and it isn't losing Le Toux (which could still happen):

Faryd Mondragon's out-of-the-blue transfer saga may be at an end, according to a Colombian media outlet.

The 40-year-old has signed a contract with Deportivo Cali, Nuevo Estadio reports. Mondragon began his career with the Liga Postobon club in 1990-1991, before moving to Real Cartagena, another Colombian team.

"I am very happy because everything panned out, I'm going to Deportivo Cali on a one-year contract. I feel I identify with the new Board of directors, and because of that, I've agreed to return to my beloved team," Mondragon said.

MLS, Cali and Mondragon came to an agreement today after "overcoming a monetary difference of close to $200,000" in the goalkeeper's salary demands.

"I would say that Faryd is ready, he wants to come and Cali wants to have him," said Luis Fernando Lens, the team's Director. "Last week we were farther apart in the economics, but this weekend we got really close, there's almost nothing missing."

Mondragon told the team that he was ready to return to Colombia as soon as his departure from the Philadelphia Union was finalized.

"I would travel immediately to cali this week and my family would also move, they would bring the things I have over here," Mondragon said.

(Translations by Gabriel Irizarry, for use by the Brotherly Game)

LinkCompletely out of the blue. Two things:

1. I hope Zac MacMath is ready (I think he will be - he's the goods). However,

2. I hope the Union finds a good backup since MacMath is likely going to miss big blocks of time this year with the Olympic team

Best part of that is that we don't have to hear Harkes mangle the name during broadcasts.

Not sure how much Harkes will be involved anymore. He was replaced as the lead color guy by Twellman. Harkes may only show up in rare double headers on ESPN.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Nice pickup by NY to replace Ream in defense

Harrison, NJ — The New York Red Bulls announced on Monday that the club has obtained the right of first refusal for defender Wilman Conde from the Chicago Fire in exchange for allocation money. Conde has now agreed terms on a deal with New York and will be added to the team's roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate. "One of our offseason priorities was to solidify our defense and adding Wilman certainly does that," said Red Bulls general manager and sporting director Erik Soler. "During his stint in Major League Soccer, Wilman quickly established himself as one of the league's top defenders and he will play an immediate role in our back line. He is strong, physical and experienced and he will be a tremendous addition to our club." The 29-year-old Conde's most recent stop was in Mexico with Atlas, where he scored two goals in 13 appearances. Prior to his stay with Atlas, Conde played three-plus seasons with the Chicago Fire in MLS, totaling four goals and four assists in 73 games for the club. Conde was twice named to the MLS All-Star team and was a member of the MLS Best XI in 2009.

 

[El Floppo]

Nice pickup by NY to replace Ream in defense

Harrison, NJ — The New York Red Bulls announced on Monday that the club has obtained the right of first refusal for defender Wilman Conde from the Chicago Fire in exchange for allocation money. Conde has now agreed terms on a deal with New York and will be added to the team's roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate. "One of our offseason priorities was to solidify our defense and adding Wilman certainly does that," said Red Bulls general manager and sporting director Erik Soler. "During his stint in Major League Soccer, Wilman quickly established himself as one of the league's top defenders and he will play an immediate role in our back line. He is strong, physical and experienced and he will be a tremendous addition to our club." The 29-year-old Conde's most recent stop was in Mexico with Atlas, where he scored two goals in 13 appearances. Prior to his stay with Atlas, Conde played three-plus seasons with the Chicago Fire in MLS, totaling four goals and four assists in 73 games for the club. Conde was twice named to the MLS All-Star team and was a member of the MLS Best XI in 2009.

He'll join Markus Holgersson there- not sure if the Swede is a central or outside back, but I think it's the former. He helped his club win an unprecedented treble in Sweden, so I'm expecting good things from him.Also looking forward to seeing another season with Tainio, and hopefully a first real look at the previously injured Dane (not Richards), Brian Nielsen. Tainio, Nielson, Dax, Balouchy,Lindpere and Richards... not a bad group of MFs, and then there's always Marquez in the mix too.

 

[The Gator]

Saw this...really you can sub any teams in here nowadays, but still

Liverpool v. ManU history

1st minute of the game (at the pub)

Me: Which team do you support? (I asked a 30-something year-old guy sitting next to me)

Him: Errrr… … Man Chester. You?

Me: Liverpool

Him: Why do you ask?

Me: You’re watching your beer more than the screen, so I guessed Everton.

Him: I don’t watch every game live. Only the biggies. I catch the highlights later.

2-15 minutes

Me: How long have you been supporting Manchester United?

Him: Always

Me: From when was that?

Him: Since the beginning

Me: Of the match?

Him: No, since the beginning of the Premier League

Me: Who did you support when it was known as the First Division?

Him: I only watch the Premier League. So – Manchester. They won it first

Me: Leeds

Him: No, I told you, I don’t watch the First Division. Only the Premier League

Me: Don’t you remember Leeds winning the Premiership?

Him: I bet you Leeds never won. The First Division maybe.

Me: You don’t remember them in even the Champions League?

Him: Of course that’s when I first started to watch football years ago. I don’t know how these teams get in it, but they didn’t even win the league! It supposed to be a Champions League so how can it be when you are not even a champion?

Me: Never mind. That was never a penalty! Clear dive there.

Him: There must have been some contact.

Me: No contact at all. Look at the replay.

Him: But the ref has given it so it must be a penalty

Me: If the ref has given it doesn’t mean it should be a penalty

Him: 1-0 to United. Hahahahha.

15-45 minutes

Me: Why do you support United?

Him: Because I enjoy watching them play. They are winners. Unlike Loserpool hahahaha. You never won the Premier League

Me: We won the title 18 times, and it was only until last year that you overtook us

Him: Hahaha Loserpool. We are still ahead

Me: Do Manchester United always win?

Him: Everybody I know said Manchester is the best, and that they had won the most Premiership titles, but I wanted to make sure myself. We were playing Chelsea and if we won we would have a good chance of winning the title. Sure, enough, we won and I knew then that Manchester were going to be my team because the commentator said that that win means we virtually won the title already.

Me: What if Chelsea won that game?

Him: Then they would have probably won the league.

Me: Would you be supporting Chelsea then?

Him: At half time I was thinking I was going to support Chelsea, because Manchester kept f**king it up, and I felt so embarrassed wearing my AIG shirt for the first time. My uncle bought that shirt for me all the way from Taiwan so I thought I was going to support United, but in the second half the ref was much better and we turned the game around

Me: You mean the ref turned the game around. Clear handball there. Should have been a penalty for Liverpool

Him: No way

Me: There, you see on the replay - clearly handed it

Him: But, it wasn’t intentional

Me: It was. You see, he stretches his hand one metre away from his body and the shot was on target

Him: But the ref didn’t give it, so it wasn’t intentional

Me: The ref’s as blind as my Arsene Wenger

Him: He’s brilliant. I know this ref, he was in the first game I watched and is usually giving the right decisions

Me: Giving the Mancs the right decisions

Him: Yes, but he’s not the best. There’s a few others even better than him.

Me: More than a few.

Him: Watch the way he runs. The way he moves and gives your defensive midfielder a yellow card.

Me: Now, your players are going to overreact every time our midfielder makes a tackle

Him: He’s dirty foreigner. Deserves a red

Me: For that? A free kick is questionable. Red card? That’s a joke.

Him: Hahahhaha

Second half

Me: (In depth tactical analysis).

Him: (In response to my tactical commentary) I don’t know about that, but we are still winning. Ferguson has won the most Premier League titles and I read that he is the best manager in world history so he knows about tactics.

Me: He is a great man-manager and knows how to instill a winning attitude in his squad, but tactically he’s not one of the best and has been shown up on many occasions in Europe, where the game is much more tactical compared to England. He’s remained at the safe job, but how much would he have won if he was brave enough to manage in Italy, Spain or if he chose a new challenge at a club like Everton?

Him: He has won 2 Champions League titles in Europe

Me: One before you started watching them then?

Him: I watched the DVD

Me: They were outplayed that night, two jammy last-minute goals

Him: It only looks like last-minute goals because it was highlights. That was the greatest comeback in European Cup history

Me: How many European Cup finals did you watch?

Him: I didn’t count but it’s boring unless United are in it. Can’t watch those Italians and Spanish

Me: So that’s three at most?

Him: No, we won one since then.

Me: You lost against Barca again

Him: No, we beat them

Me: I mean, the second and third time… you lost both against them

Him: I tell you, we won mate and it wasn’t even in the final. I remember clearly Scholes scored from out of the box

Me: That’s all I remember you did in that game

Him: I saw it three times on the highlights. Scholes is much better than Gerrard. What has Gerrard ever won?

Me: Gerrard was a match winner in every club cup final which is unique

Him: That’s just Mickey Mouse cups

Me: So Istanbul was a Mickey Mouse cup?

Him: It’s a third world country and not even in the England Premier League

Full-time

Me: (Extremely frustrated but remain focused, giving him a full analysis during the last beer)

Him: (in response)… but, we won. And, you lost. Hahahahah.

Back home with the wife

Wife: Are you using the Manchester United conspiracy to avoid sex with me?

Me: No, you don’t understand… (back myself up completely with a full match analysis).

Wife: You analyze the game too much. Football is a simple game. A simple man’s game. Why you talk so much about it? Why you talk so much?

Me: Simple for you, because you were born a Blue Nose. Just, get in there and tackle them! You’re just bitter because your other half has actually won something this Millennium.

Wife: You’re the bitter one. I haven’t even watched them since I was a child.

Me: I don’t blame you.

Wife: I haven’t watched because footballers are idiots. So why do you complicate it? Serves you right, you must have had quite an idiotic conversation at the pub and now you want to take it all out on me with your psychological breakdown of every member of the Liverpool team and the philosophy of destiny vs chaos theory in sports vs scripted theatrical drama.

Me: What did you expect Drama Queen? We were playing Manchester United. If I wanted a more educated conversation, then I will travel to the pre-season friendly game against Rapid Vienna.

Wife: You did.

 

[NewlyRetired]

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced the signing of Scottish forward Kris Boyd as a Designated Player. Boyd is the Scottish Premier League’s all-time leading scorer with 164 goals. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson made the announcement.

I don't know much about this guy outside of he was lights out for years with Rangers and struggled last year in Turkey. He is 28

 

[NewlyRetired]

WPS suspended their season this year.

The league's Board of Governors voted Monday to suspend the season with hopes of resuming in 2013, the WPS announced.In October, it terminated its South Florida franchise after clashing with owner Dan Borislow all season. A Florida judge ruled earlier this month that the league failed to follow its own dispute procedures when it terminated the franchise, and another court hearing is set for Wednesday.WPS CEO Jennifer O'Sullivan said owners chose to cancel the season over possibly working with Borislow in the league again."We have diverted so many resources into litigation," she said. "This is something that needs to be resolved before we can move forward with play."Borislow purchased the former Washington Freedom before last season and moved the club to South Florida, renaming it for a telephone call device he invented. The magicJack franchise was repeatedly disciplined during the season for not meeting league standards. In August, after Borislow filed suit against the WPS, the league released a statement accusing him of violations ranging from "unprofessional and disparaging treatment of his players to failure to pay his bills."The league has played three seasons. It needed a waiver from the U.S. Soccer Federation to be sanctioned as a first-division league in 2012 with only five teams, below the required eight. In the deal with the governing body in December, WPS agreed to increase the number of teams to a minimum of six for 2013 and at least eight for 2014.

 

[El Floppo]

Too bad. Wasn't it down to 5 teams anyways?

 

[El Floppo]

Just foumd out my alma mater is having a spring scrimmage against the NYRB reserves..

 

[NewlyRetired]

Too bad. Wasn't it down to 5 teams anyways?

Yeah, see the last paragraph. The league is a mess. There was also talk that some of the bigger name players were going to skip the year to concentrate on Olympics.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Me: They were outplayed that night, two jammy last-minute goals

 

[The Gator]

Me: They were outplayed that night, two jammy last-minute goals

These two interactions made me lolMe: How long have you been supporting Manchester United?Him: AlwaysMe: From when was that?Him: Since the beginningMe: Of the match?----Me: So Istanbul was a Mickey Mouse cup?Him: It’s a third world country and not even in the England Premier League

 

[Steve Tasker]

US v. Canada women's Olympic Qualifying tournament final on NBC Sports Network right now.

Why the shrug? We knew a couple of months ago that this would be the first soccer event on this new network. We talked about it shortly in this thread as mentioning that it was kind of silly to use this game as the launch when it was meaningless.

because I had nothing to do and was watching it, and there was no discussion about it in here.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ted, holy smokes this is out of the blue. Will be interesting to see what the compensation is, assuming the information is released.

Irfaan Gaffar: Expect Le Toux To Vancouver Announcement As Early As Tomorrow, No One Goes To Union In Return

by Scott Kessler on Jan 30, 2012 11:49 PM EST in Offseason Content

Sebastien Le Toux could be announced as a Vancouver Whitecaps player as soon as tomorrow, with no player going sent to the Philadelphia Union in return, according to Irfaan Gaffar.

The soccer reporter announced over Twitter that the deal to bring Le Toux back to the Pacific Northwest, known affectionately as Cascadia to North American soccer fans, would happen this week. Gaffar went on to state that the Union would not be receiving a player in the trade from the Whitecaps.

In return the Union would expect to obtain a package of sizable monetary value, as Philadelphia was asking Bolton Wanderers for a "fee upwards of $1 million," according to Kerith Gabriel, of the Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com.

The 28-year-old has been fighting to stay in Philadelphia, a source told the Brotherly Game, but the front office appears to have had the final say in the situation, despite Le Toux's best efforts.

 

[El Floppo]

Ted, holy smokes this is out of the blue. Will be interesting to see what the compensation is, assuming the information is released.

Irfaan Gaffar: Expect Le Toux To Vancouver Announcement As Early As Tomorrow, No One Goes To Union In Return

by Scott Kessler on Jan 30, 2012 11:49 PM EST in Offseason Content

Sebastien Le Toux could be announced as a Vancouver Whitecaps player as soon as tomorrow, with no player going sent to the Philadelphia Union in return, according to Irfaan Gaffar.

The soccer reporter announced over Twitter that the deal to bring Le Toux back to the Pacific Northwest, known affectionately as Cascadia to North American soccer fans, would happen this week. Gaffar went on to state that the Union would not be receiving a player in the trade from the Whitecaps.

In return the Union would expect to obtain a package of sizable monetary value, as Philadelphia was asking Bolton Wanderers for a "fee upwards of $1 million," according to Kerith Gabriel, of the Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com.

The 28-year-old has been fighting to stay in Philadelphia, a source told the Brotherly Game, but the front office appears to have had the final say in the situation, despite Le Toux's best efforts.

wtf?

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Ted, holy smokes this is out of the blue. Will be interesting to see what the compensation is, assuming the information is released.

Irfaan Gaffar: Expect Le Toux To Vancouver Announcement As Early As Tomorrow, No One Goes To Union In Return

by Scott Kessler on Jan 30, 2012 11:49 PM EST in Offseason Content

Sebastien Le Toux could be announced as a Vancouver Whitecaps player as soon as tomorrow, with no player going sent to the Philadelphia Union in return, according to Irfaan Gaffar.

The soccer reporter announced over Twitter that the deal to bring Le Toux back to the Pacific Northwest, known affectionately as Cascadia to North American soccer fans, would happen this week. Gaffar went on to state that the Union would not be receiving a player in the trade from the Whitecaps.

In return the Union would expect to obtain a package of sizable monetary value, as Philadelphia was asking Bolton Wanderers for a "fee upwards of $1 million," according to Kerith Gabriel, of the Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com.

The 28-year-old has been fighting to stay in Philadelphia, a source told the Brotherly Game, but the front office appears to have had the final say in the situation, despite Le Toux's best efforts.

The fanbase is in full meltdown mode over this. It's one thing to send him to the Prem. To Vancouver?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I just don't get it. Le Toux tweeted the following

===================

https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/SebastienLeToux/status/164364921855938561

Just got traded to Vancouver !

Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it

===================

In 24 hours the youngest team in the league lost its two most experienced players. The only thing I can figure is that the have a massive hard on for Roger Torres and need allocation money to sign him.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

I just don't get it. Le Toux tweeted the following===================https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/SebastienLeToux/status/164364921855938561Just got traded to Vancouver !Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it===================In 24 hours the youngest team in the league lost its two most experienced players. The only thing I can figure is that the have a massive hard on for Roger Torres and need allocation money to sign him.

And tomorrow is an open training session. I might have to go now, just for the ugliness of it all.And it better be for more than just Torres, who I like a lot but thus far he's proven to be too small to be a 90 minute player in MLS. Maybe that will change as he gets older, but to trade the face of your franchise to lock up a supersub?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I just don't get it. Le Toux tweeted the following===================https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/SebastienLeToux/status/164364921855938561Just got traded to Vancouver !Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it===================In 24 hours the youngest team in the league lost its two most experienced players. The only thing I can figure is that the have a massive hard on for Roger Torres and need allocation money to sign him.

And tomorrow is an open training session. I might have to go now, just for the ugliness of it all.And it better be for more than just Torres, who I like a lot but thus far he's proven to be too small to be a 90 minute player in MLS. Maybe that will change as he gets older, but to trade the face of your franchise to lock up a supersub?

We have to be missing something obvious here. The guy was no problem off the field (at least from anything reported)Obviously wanted to stay in PhillyDelivered on the field in a big wayStill in his primeDid not carry a hefty salaryIn MLS these are reasons to get girls to blow a player repeatedly after practice, not to trade him within the league and not get a single body in return. As such, I go back to we simply don't have all the information yet. Sadly, with MLS insistence on not releasing the details of deals, we may always be in the dark.

 

[The Z Machine]

My boys are doing well under "el Cholo", with 0 goals against, winning 10 of the last 12 available points. No too bad... They have a tough game again Valencia though this weekend, which will test their mettle. So far I'm more than pleased with the turnaround. They are within striking distance from European qualification.

 

[El Floppo]

for the Le Toux backstory. That move makes no sense to me- although I'm happy to see my I95 rivals diminish.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

I just don't get it. Le Toux tweeted the following===================https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/SebastienLeToux/status/164364921855938561Just got traded to Vancouver !Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it===================In 24 hours the youngest team in the league lost its two most experienced players. The only thing I can figure is that the have a massive hard on for Roger Torres and need allocation money to sign him.

And tomorrow is an open training session. I might have to go now, just for the ugliness of it all.And it better be for more than just Torres, who I like a lot but thus far he's proven to be too small to be a 90 minute player in MLS. Maybe that will change as he gets older, but to trade the face of your franchise to lock up a supersub?

We have to be missing something obvious here. The guy was no problem off the field (at least from anything reported)Obviously wanted to stay in PhillyDelivered on the field in a big wayStill in his primeDid not carry a hefty salaryIn MLS these are reasons to get girls to blow a player repeatedly after practice, not to trade him within the league and not get a single body in return. As such, I go back to we simply don't have all the information yet. Sadly, with MLS insistence on not releasing the details of deals, we may always be in the dark.

I think it just came down to they have a glut of forwards (including another one from Colombia supposedly on his way), apparently nobody wants Mwanga, Le Toux is in the last year of his deal and maybe they want to move in a different direction with how the forwards play. The Bolton thing would've been a clean win-win solution to the problem and when that fell through they were left scrambling.Flop (or Andy), is this how the Metrostars did things back when Nick Sack was there? Constantly rebuilding? I'm a little concerned.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I just don't get it. Le Toux tweeted the following===================https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/SebastienLeToux/status/164364921855938561Just got traded to Vancouver !Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it===================In 24 hours the youngest team in the league lost its two most experienced players. The only thing I can figure is that the have a massive hard on for Roger Torres and need allocation money to sign him.

And tomorrow is an open training session. I might have to go now, just for the ugliness of it all.And it better be for more than just Torres, who I like a lot but thus far he's proven to be too small to be a 90 minute player in MLS. Maybe that will change as he gets older, but to trade the face of your franchise to lock up a supersub?

We have to be missing something obvious here. The guy was no problem off the field (at least from anything reported)Obviously wanted to stay in PhillyDelivered on the field in a big wayStill in his primeDid not carry a hefty salaryIn MLS these are reasons to get girls to blow a player repeatedly after practice, not to trade him within the league and not get a single body in return. As such, I go back to we simply don't have all the information yet. Sadly, with MLS insistence on not releasing the details of deals, we may always be in the dark.

I think it just came down to they have a glut of forwards (including another one from Colombia supposedly on his way), apparently nobody wants Mwanga, Le Toux is in the last year of his deal and maybe they want to move in a different direction with how the forwards play. The Bolton thing would've been a clean win-win solution to the problem and when that fell through they were left scrambling.Flop (or Andy), is this how the Metrostars did things back when Nick Sack was there? Constantly rebuilding? I'm a little concerned.

My memory sucks but I believe Nick was more responsible for off the field business issues than on the field talent in NY. I assumed it was similar in Philly but from your concern it sounds like he may have more say in the general makeup of the squad.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Landon and Howard hopefully will both start today as Everton hosts Man City. Game is covered by FSC at 3:00pm

ESPN2 will be showing the Man U Stoke game also at 3:00 pm.

 

[El Floppo]

I just don't get it. Le Toux tweeted the following===================https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/SebastienLeToux/status/164364921855938561Just got traded to Vancouver !Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it===================In 24 hours the youngest team in the league lost its two most experienced players. The only thing I can figure is that the have a massive hard on for Roger Torres and need allocation money to sign him.

And tomorrow is an open training session. I might have to go now, just for the ugliness of it all.And it better be for more than just Torres, who I like a lot but thus far he's proven to be too small to be a 90 minute player in MLS. Maybe that will change as he gets older, but to trade the face of your franchise to lock up a supersub?

We have to be missing something obvious here. The guy was no problem off the field (at least from anything reported)Obviously wanted to stay in PhillyDelivered on the field in a big wayStill in his primeDid not carry a hefty salaryIn MLS these are reasons to get girls to blow a player repeatedly after practice, not to trade him within the league and not get a single body in return. As such, I go back to we simply don't have all the information yet. Sadly, with MLS insistence on not releasing the details of deals, we may always be in the dark.

I think it just came down to they have a glut of forwards (including another one from Colombia supposedly on his way), apparently nobody wants Mwanga, Le Toux is in the last year of his deal and maybe they want to move in a different direction with how the forwards play. The Bolton thing would've been a clean win-win solution to the problem and when that fell through they were left scrambling.Flop (or Andy), is this how the Metrostars did things back when Nick Sack was there? Constantly rebuilding? I'm a little concerned.

My memory sucks but I believe Nick was more responsible for off the field business issues than on the field talent in NY. I assumed it was similar in Philly but from your concern it sounds like he may have more say in the general makeup of the squad.

To be honest, I wasn't really following the back of house stuff with the Metros. But wasn't Nick Sack in the Sopranos? If so... I wouldn't trust him.

 

[El Floppo]

Eric Lichaj suited up for the Villa first squad for the first time since his surgery, but didn't play in their FA loss to the Gunners. Still- a good sign he's making his way back to hopefully getting regular action.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Landon and Howard hopefully will both start today as Everton hosts Man City. Game is covered by FSC at 3:00pmESPN2 will be showing the Man U Stoke game also at 3:00 pm.

Too bad Jelavic didn't sign yesterday, I would love to have Landon feeding him tonight. It may have given them a shot against the Man City Steamroller.

 

[berndog]

HOLD UP IN PLAY

You are not going to believe this, but some idiot fan has come on to the pitch and has handcuffed himself around Joe Hart's left-hand upright. Will they saw his arm off? We hope so.