***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (9 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

Wow- Chelsea's 2nd come from behind, last minute 3 points grab against relegation-possible squad. WTF gives?

Oh- I've been mentioning how unimpressed I've been with United's MF... played pretty damned well yesterday, especially when Paul just-give-me-my-damned-red-already Scholes got the boot. Evra was a monster and Rooney... wow. I've not a been a fan of Fletcher over the years, but he was fantastic on both sides of the ball. Spurs really missed Modric though and Lennon seemed to disappear in the 2nd half after looking unstoppable in the first (I'm going to guess Sir Alex made some tactical adjustments at the half).

Anybody see the Arsenal game? Curious as to whether the score was an indication of the game

 

[El Floppo]

And it's Teams America today! Fulham v Everton... the way Fulham has played thus far, I don't see this one being close (then again, Everton hasn't looked so hot either). Christo was dead on earlier in mentioning Andy Johnson's absence as looming large for Fulham.

 

[guru_007]

United game was awesome yesterday, as they were able to over come a spectacular first minute goal, a man down and still pulled out the victory.

I'm getting sick and tired of Scholes though. Honestly, he's done. Ferguson is very loyal to his players, but Scholes should not be one of the first 5 or 6 options for midfield right now. Let him play in cup matches, but not in premier or CL games, he is simply a liability.

Also, Fletcher is a dirty player. I've been the first to attack a few other players that I feel are dirty (Mikel for one) but Fletcher is just as bad and it disappoints me to say that as he is a solid player especially in the defensive half and midfield (he's butchered a number of golden opportunities in the attack, but I can live with that).

Evra and Rooney are simply fantastic. I was glad to see Rio back, although I don't think I heard his name called more than 2 or 3 times. Vidic is definitely the primary central defender and seems like he was born to play there. I loved the hard tackle that earned him the yellow (not dirty, in my eyes,but card worthy) and he simply stayed there and waited for the card. Does he ever lose a ball in the air?

Spurs fast start came as a surprise for sure, but this team is really decent and could challenge for top 4-5 this year. The Crouch addition was key, as Pavlechenko barely hits the pitch and when he does is totally ineffective. Huddlestone and Palacios have certainly grown into very solid players. If they could find a goal keeper worth a damn they may be real good, they finally decided Gomes was awful which is a start in the right direction.

 

[guru_007]

And it's Teams America today! Fulham v Everton... the way Fulham has played thus far, I don't see this one being close (then again, Everton hasn't looked so hot either). Christo was dead on earlier in mentioning Andy Johnson's absence as looming large for Fulham.

Johnson's back today!

 

[Christo]

And it's Teams America today! Fulham v Everton... the way Fulham has played thus far, I don't see this one being close (then again, Everton hasn't looked so hot either). Christo was dead on earlier in mentioning Andy Johnson's absence as looming large for Fulham.

Johnson's back today!

GOAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

And it's Teams America today! Fulham v Everton... the way Fulham has played thus far, I don't see this one being close (then again, Everton hasn't looked so hot either). Christo was dead on earlier in mentioning Andy Johnson's absence as looming large for Fulham.

Johnson's back today!

Sweeeet header by Cahill to start things off for Everton . Fulham equalizes on a lucky deflection off an Everton defender on a free kick from about 20 yards.

 

[Christo]

And it's Teams America today! Fulham v Everton... the way Fulham has played thus far, I don't see this one being close (then again, Everton hasn't looked so hot either). Christo was dead on earlier in mentioning Andy Johnson's absence as looming large for Fulham.

Johnson's back today!

Sweeeet header by Cahill to start things off for Everton . Fulham equalizes on a lucky deflection off an Everton defender on a free kick from about 20 yards.

YYYyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Native]

Freddy starting on the bench today for Belenenses vs Benefica. Game starts at 1:00 Est.

http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=5175

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

And it's Teams America today! Fulham v Everton... the way Fulham has played thus far, I don't see this one being close (then again, Everton hasn't looked so hot either). Christo was dead on earlier in mentioning Andy Johnson's absence as looming large for Fulham.

Johnson's back today!

Sweeeet header by Cahill to start things off for Everton . Fulham equalizes on a lucky deflection off an Everton defender on a free kick from about 20 yards.

YYYyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ughhh....Everton with two point blank chances at the Fulham net, one denied by the keeper, the next by the defender on the line. Everton definitely showing the pressure to equalize.

 

[Christo]

And it's Teams America today! Fulham v Everton... the way Fulham has played thus far, I don't see this one being close (then again, Everton hasn't looked so hot either). Christo was dead on earlier in mentioning Andy Johnson's absence as looming large for Fulham.

Johnson's back today!

Sweeeet header by Cahill to start things off for Everton . Fulham equalizes on a lucky deflection off an Everton defender on a free kick from about 20 yards.

YYYyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ughhh....Everton with two point blank chances at the Fulham net, one denied by the keeper, the next by the defender on the line. Everton definitely showing the pressure to equalize.

Nice win for Fulham. It's amazing watching Dempsey play in the EPL. He makes plays on both ends of the pitch and everywhere in between. It's like night and day versus his play for the US.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Anyone see the Arsenal highlights? I had a very busy weekend and missed most of the action (although I taped every game that was on TV, so I can at least watch the goals...)....how did Almunia score an own goal?

 

[Christo]

Anyone see the Arsenal highlights? I had a very busy weekend and missed most of the action (although I taped every game that was on TV, so I can at least watch the goals...)....how did Almunia score an own goal?

Maybe it was technically since it hit him last, but I don't know that I'd call it an own goal. There was a hard shot he had to dive just to get a hand on it. It hit the post, came back right down the goal line. It hit him while he was still diving and went in.

 

[El Floppo]

Sweeeet header by Cahill to start things off for Everton . Fulham equalizes on a lucky deflection off an Everton defender on a free kick from about 20 yards.

YYYyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ughhh....Everton with two point blank chances at the Fulham net, one denied by the keeper, the next by the defender on the line. Everton definitely showing the pressure to equalize.

Nice win for Fulham. It's amazing watching Dempsey play in the EPL. He makes plays on both ends of the pitch and everywhere in between. It's like night and day versus his play for the US.

WTF?! He was working his ### off to get back and help Conchesky double guys up, and just working all over the place. I guess he knows who pays his bills ultimately... lame.Agree that it was a nice win for Fulham. They looked pretty bleh in the first half, despite a bunch of chances for Dempsey, and couldn't match Everton's quickness or determination (they should at least be fighting harder than the visitors). Hodgson must have lit into them at halftime- they looked like a different team and pressured the ball all over the field and started moving the ball faster on offense.They need to find a better central MF than Utuhu. Murphy still has some game, but needs to play the holding role with somebody else who's younger and quicker allowed to roam forward to create more. Like the announcers, I don't understand why Duff was on the right with Dempsey on the left- unless it was to allow Duff's quickness to try and match Pienar, who I think was on his side.And about Fulham's first goal. Yeah, it deflected, but "lucky"? They had been putting a ton of pressure on Everton leading up to that moment and Konchesky (sp?) hit it well enough, and on goal- can't ask for more really. Well deserved goal in the overall scheme of things, and well deserved win with the effort they gave in the second half.

 

[AAABatteries]

Anyone see the Arsenal highlights? I had a very busy weekend and missed most of the action (although I taped every game that was on TV, so I can at least watch the goals...)....how did Almunia score an own goal?

Maybe it was technically since it hit him last, but I don't know that I'd call it an own goal. There was a hard shot he had to dive just to get a hand on it. It hit the post, came back right down the goal line. It hit him while he was still diving and went in.

I think they have to call that an own goal because it wasn't going in without the touch from Almunia's head. Unfortunate for him, but the right "call".And guru, I disagree on Fletcher - he's hardnosed and doesn't mind mixing it up, but not dirty. Although let me qualify that to me saying that a player is dirty implies that they attempt to injure other players. Fletcher will foul and foul and foul some more until the refs call him on it, but I don't consider that dirty - but if you do then we are just arguing terminology. Fletcher has been our best midfielder all season and is almost first selection there now. I think we'll eventually find that our best midfield will be Nani, Anderson, Fletcher and Valencia.Agree on Scholes - although he played well before he got sent off it's almost inevitable that he's going to get a yellow (or red) for a poor tackle. For a veteran who should know better he just loses his head.

 

[brewer]

Anybody see the Arsenal game? Curious as to whether the score was an indication of the game

Well I saw the game and my answer is yes... and no.Arsenal controlled the better part of the play early on. They were very strong on the ball and kept a great deal of possession. The only problem is that they didn't generate many shots out of the possession. Once City scored on the Almunia own goal(I really felt like he broke late on the ball... it was unfortunate that it came off the bar and in off of his head, but I believe he should have saved it cleanly), the game opened up a bit. City took advantage of every Arsenal misstep with their own counter attack, and made the most of their opportunities. Arsenal did generate a number of chances in the last 30 minutes of play, but simply didn't get many breaks. I really feel like there could have been 6 goals for each side. City deserved the result because they took advantage of their scoring opportunities way better than Arsenal did, so in that way, yes the score was an indication of the game. However, it could have easily broken the other way... so in that case, no.

 

[Alias]

We won our scrimmage last night 10-1, our new keeper is amazingly good, he used to play for AFC Ajax.

 

[andy_b]

We won our scrimmage last night 10-1, our new keeper is amazingly good, he used to play for AFC Ajax.

In their youth system or all the way on the senior side? Either way its impressive!

 

[The Z Machine]

My Atleti continue their awe-inspiring start with a 1-1 draw at home vs. Racing.

Ugh.

 

[El Floppo]

My Atleti continue their awe-inspiring start with a 1-1 draw at home vs. Racing.Ugh.

Saw your former Atleti pal, Heizenger? come in as sub for Everton... did nothing.

 

[El Floppo]

We won our scrimmage last night 10-1, our new keeper is amazingly good, he used to play for AFC Ajax.

In their youth system or all the way on the senior side? Either way its impressive!

Was his name John O'Brien?

 

[El Floppo]

Anybody see the Arsenal game? Curious as to whether the score was an indication of the game

Well I saw the game and my answer is yes... and no.Arsenal controlled the better part of the play early on. They were very strong on the ball and kept a great deal of possession. The only problem is that they didn't generate many shots out of the possession. Once City scored on the Almunia own goal(I really felt like he broke late on the ball... it was unfortunate that it came off the bar and in off of his head, but I believe he should have saved it cleanly), the game opened up a bit. City took advantage of every Arsenal misstep with their own counter attack, and made the most of their opportunities. Arsenal did generate a number of chances in the last 30 minutes of play, but simply didn't get many breaks. I really feel like there could have been 6 goals for each side. City deserved the result because they took advantage of their scoring opportunities way better than Arsenal did, so in that way, yes the score was an indication of the game. However, it could have easily broken the other way... so in that case, no.

I think you just wrote the script for every Arsenal game this season.

 

[Christo]

Anybody see the Arsenal game? Curious as to whether the score was an indication of the game

Well I saw the game and my answer is yes... and no.Arsenal controlled the better part of the play early on. They were very strong on the ball and kept a great deal of possession. The only problem is that they didn't generate many shots out of the possession. Once City scored on the Almunia own goal(I really felt like he broke late on the ball... it was unfortunate that it came off the bar and in off of his head, but I believe he should have saved it cleanly), the game opened up a bit. City took advantage of every Arsenal misstep with their own counter attack, and made the most of their opportunities. Arsenal did generate a number of chances in the last 30 minutes of play, but simply didn't get many breaks. I really feel like there could have been 6 goals for each side. City deserved the result because they took advantage of their scoring opportunities way better than Arsenal did, so in that way, yes the score was an indication of the game. However, it could have easily broken the other way... so in that case, no.

I think you just wrote the script for every Arsenal game this season.

Yep. They seem to have more talent than just about everyone they play but they lack that guy who will run through a brick wall like Rooney or Drogba.

 

[The Z Machine]

My Atleti continue their awe-inspiring start with a 1-1 draw at home vs. Racing.Ugh.

Saw your former Atleti pal, Heizenger? come in as sub for Everton... did nothing.

Heitinga.Yeah, he didn't impress me much while in Madrid. He mailed in a bunch of la Liga performances. Seems pretty par for the course with them though. The last 2 seasons they've made Cl by the skin of their teeth with some outstanding play at the end of the year. It sort reinforced the mentality that they can be lax against weaker opponents early on and it won't matter because they can make CL at the end. It really pisses me off though because with 1 point in the first 2 matches, you're already behind the 8 ball compared to the other teams fighting for the 3rd and 4th spots. Not to mention making it really really tough to win la Liga outright. Real won't get a draw at home like that and neither would Barça. Plus, they'd likely get a draw on the road instead of a lopsided 3-0 loss.

 

[andy_b]

We won our scrimmage last night 10-1, our new keeper is amazingly good, he used to play for AFC Ajax.

In their youth system or all the way on the senior side? Either way its impressive!

Was his name John O'Brien?

The best player ever made of cellophane :( Speaking of John, would you agree that Bennie Fielhaber is the best purely technical US player since the 5 nano seconds Obie was healthy in 2002?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Champions League Group Stage kicks off today with:

APOEL @ Atlético

Manchester United @ Beşiktaş

Porto @ Chelsea

Bordeaux @ Juventus

Bayern München @ Maccabi Haifa

Milan @ Marseille

CSKA Moskva @ Wolfsburg

Real Madrid @ Zürich

 

[El Floppo]

We won our scrimmage last night 10-1, our new keeper is amazingly good, he used to play for AFC Ajax.

In their youth system or all the way on the senior side? Either way its impressive!

Was his name John O'Brien?

The best player ever made of cellophane Speaking of John, would you agree that Bennie Fielhaber is the best purely technical US player since the 5 nano seconds Obie was healthy in 2002?

I think that's solid comparison. Played the same attacking central MF role and both had/have exceptional vision and touch. O'Brien, IIRC, was a bit more explosive than Benny has shown me- Benny's more of a slippery, loosey-goosey type on the ball while O'Brien (again- recalling that limited run into the WC) made his move and popped.But I think we still have to give some credit to LD for his technique... it's not just quickness and speed for him.

 

[andy_b]

We won our scrimmage last night 10-1, our new keeper is amazingly good, he used to play for AFC Ajax.

In their youth system or all the way on the senior side? Either way its impressive!

Was his name John O'Brien?

The best player ever made of cellophane Speaking of John, would you agree that Bennie Fielhaber is the best purely technical US player since the 5 nano seconds Obie was healthy in 2002?

I think that's solid comparison. Played the same attacking central MF role and both had/have exceptional vision and touch. O'Brien, IIRC, was a bit more explosive than Benny has shown me- Benny's more of a slippery, loosey-goosey type on the ball while O'Brien (again- recalling that limited run into the WC) made his move and popped.But I think we still have to give some credit to LD for his technique... it's not just quickness and speed for him.

I agree. It will be interesting to see what type of player LD morphs into when he hits 32ish and his excellent speed and quickness is negated by age. Jamie Moreno was able to almost completely transform his game from when he had blinding speed to elongate his career significantly.

 

[El Floppo]

Champions League Group Stage kicks off today with:APOEL @ AtléticoManchester United @ BeşiktaşPorto @ ChelseaBordeaux @ JuventusBayern München @ Maccabi HaifaMilan @ MarseilleCSKA Moskva @ WolfsburgReal Madrid @ Zürich

Which games are on TV?That Porto v Chelsea game looks to be the most interesting at a glance.My first ever exposure to soccer was with the Maccabi Haifa team when I was visiting Israel with my family in 1975. They were staying at our hotel and two of the players got into a huge knock-down brawl in the dining room. I'd never even heard the word "soccer/futball" at that point, and I'd never seen a real fight before either. Until I started playing 3 years later, Soccer=brawl in my mind.

 

[El Floppo]

The best player ever made of cellophane

Speaking of John, would you agree that Bennie Fielhaber is the best purely technical US player since the 5 nano seconds Obie was healthy in 2002?

I think that's solid comparison. Played the same attacking central MF role and both had/have exceptional vision and touch. O'Brien, IIRC, was a bit more explosive than Benny has shown me- Benny's more of a slippery, loosey-goosey type on the ball while O'Brien (again- recalling that limited run into the WC) made his move and popped.But I think we still have to give some credit to LD for his technique... it's not just quickness and speed for him.

I agree. It will be interesting to see what type of player LD morphs into when he hits 32ish and his excellent speed and quickness is negated by age. Jamie Moreno was able to almost completely transform his game from when he had blinding speed to elongate his career significantly.

Hmmm- interesting. I'd never thought of Moreno as a former speedy guy, and I've never considered that LD will be anything but.Moreno does have some size and strength that I've seen him use incredibly well these later years- not sure LD will be able to replicate that. IMO, slower LD will not translate well.

 

[andy_b]

Hmmm- interesting. I'd never thought of Moreno as a former speedy guy, and I've never considered that LD will be anything but.Moreno does have some size and strength that I've seen him use incredibly well these later years- not sure LD will be able to replicate that. IMO, slower LD will not translate well.

Moreno's body type slightly changed a bit as well over the years which allows him to use his excellent shielding ability, but yah, back in the day (way back), he could fly.He is 35 years old now.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Champions League Group Stage kicks off today with:

APOEL @ Atlético

Manchester United @ Beşiktaş

Porto @ Chelsea

Bordeaux @ Juventus

Bayern München @ Maccabi Haifa

Milan @ Marseille

CSKA Moskva @ Wolfsburg

Real Madrid @ Zürich

Which games are on TV?

Fox Soccer Channel listing2pm Marseille v Milan

5pm Chelsea v Porto

10 pm Beşiktaş v Manchester United

2am Juventus v Bordeaux

 

[Sammy3469]

Champions League Group Stage kicks off today with:

APOEL @ Atlético

Manchester United @ Beşiktaş

Porto @ Chelsea

Bordeaux @ Juventus

Bayern München @ Maccabi Haifa

Milan @ Marseille

CSKA Moskva @ Wolfsburg

Real Madrid @ Zürich

Which games are on TV?

Fox Soccer Channel listing2pm Marseille v Milan

5pm Chelsea v Porto

10 pm Beşiktaş v Manchester United

2am Juventus v Bordeaux

I think the RM match is on Fox Sports Espanol, too while the ManU match is on live on the local Fox Sports Channel...in NYC that's MSG (if only they'd actually utilize the HD which they could).

 

[Moe.]

Fox Sports is showing the United-Besiktas game live in HD for those that get it.

 

[El Floppo]

Champions League Group Stage kicks off today with:

APOEL @ Atlético

Manchester United @ Beşiktaş

Porto @ Chelsea

Bordeaux @ Juventus

Bayern München @ Maccabi Haifa

Milan @ Marseille

CSKA Moskva @ Wolfsburg

Real Madrid @ Zürich

Which games are on TV?

Fox Soccer Channel listing2pm Marseille v Milan

5pm Chelsea v Porto

10 pm Beşiktaş v Manchester United

2am Juventus v Bordeaux

I think the RM match is on Fox Sports Espanol, too while the ManU match is on live on the local Fox Sports Channel...in NYC that's MSG (if only they'd actually utilize the HD which they could).

MSG, as in Chanel 25 or whatever? Not on FSC proper (124)?

 

[TLEF316]

my Direct TV is showing the Man-U game as Fox sports South. I tivo'd it. hopefully its correct.

 

[Sammy3469]

Champions League Group Stage kicks off today with:

APOEL @ Atlético

Manchester United @ Beşiktaş

Porto @ Chelsea

Bordeaux @ Juventus

Bayern München @ Maccabi Haifa

Milan @ Marseille

CSKA Moskva @ Wolfsburg

Real Madrid @ Zürich

Which games are on TV?

Fox Soccer Channel listing2pm Marseille v Milan

5pm Chelsea v Porto

10 pm Beşiktaş v Manchester United

2am Juventus v Bordeaux

I think the RM match is on Fox Sports Espanol, too while the ManU match is on live on the local Fox Sports Channel...in NYC that's MSG (if only they'd actually utilize the HD which they could).

MSG, as in Chanel 25 or whatever? Not on FSC proper (124)?

The local Fox Sports affiliate (not Fox Soccer Channel). On my system its 48/748, but your experience may vary.

 

[TLEF316]

ugh,its actually listed on EVERY fox regional channel in the direct TV guide. OF course, i likely picked the wrong one to tivo (it will probably only show on one of them) and i'll miss the game.

 

[andy_b]

ugh,its actually listed on EVERY fox regional channel in the direct TV guide. OF course, i likely picked the wrong one to tivo (it will probably only show on one of them) and i'll miss the game.

Is your box a DirectTV Tivo box? If it is you can program it from online on the direct TV web site. I do it all the time when I forget something.Just select your show and follow the directions http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/epg/theGuide.jsp

 

[TLEF316]

ugh,its actually listed on EVERY fox regional channel in the direct TV guide. OF course, i likely picked the wrong one to tivo (it will probably only show on one of them) and i'll miss the game.

Is your box a DirectTV Tivo box? If it is you can program it from online on the direct TV web site. I do it all the time when I forget something.Just select your show and follow the directions http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/epg/theGuide.jsp

thats what i did. the problem is it is listed on 7 diferent Fox sports channels and i dont know which one will actually show the game (1 channel will show it and the others will likely be blacked out)

 

[brewer]

Anybody see the Arsenal game? Curious as to whether the score was an indication of the game

Well I saw the game and my answer is yes... and no.Arsenal controlled the better part of the play early on. They were very strong on the ball and kept a great deal of possession. The only problem is that they didn't generate many shots out of the possession. Once City scored on the Almunia own goal(I really felt like he broke late on the ball... it was unfortunate that it came off the bar and in off of his head, but I believe he should have saved it cleanly), the game opened up a bit. City took advantage of every Arsenal misstep with their own counter attack, and made the most of their opportunities. Arsenal did generate a number of chances in the last 30 minutes of play, but simply didn't get many breaks. I really feel like there could have been 6 goals for each side. City deserved the result because they took advantage of their scoring opportunities way better than Arsenal did, so in that way, yes the score was an indication of the game. However, it could have easily broken the other way... so in that case, no.

I think you just wrote the script for every Arsenal game this season.

Yep. They seem to have more talent than just about everyone they play but they lack that guy who will run through a brick wall like Rooney or Drogba.

I hope you guys are wrong but somehow.... I know that you are right.

 

[Desert_Power]

Not having ESPN 360 really hurts the ability to watch CL games.

 

[Moe.]

Not having ESPN 360 really hurts the ability to watch CL games.

You still in college? It's available on college campuses, last year I walked up to the library on a few occassions.

 

[guru_007]

any online streams working anywhere?

I can't find anything

 

[The Z Machine]

My Atleti stinkin it up at home again. Tied 0-0 to APOEL in the 60+ min.

Put one in the net jerkoffs!

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

I realize it's WAY too early to panic, but this is the third consecutive Milan match where Gooch didn't even make the bench. This better not end up as another American wasting away and letting his form go to pot in a World Cup year.

 

[Desert_Power]

Not having ESPN 360 really hurts the ability to watch CL games.

You still in college? It's available on college campuses, last year I walked up to the library on a few occassions.

It's the fact that ESPN isn't carrying the games. Last 3 years I have had high-quality streams of any game I chose. Now that Fox has it this is not the case.

 

[prefontaine]

My Atleti stinkin it up at home again. Tied 0-0 to APOEL in the 60+ min.Put one in the net jerkoffs!

Forlan hit the crossbar a second ago Kinda have to get 3 points this match though.

 

[Mjolnirs]

A good start for Bayern with a 3-0 win in Tel Aviv. Goals from Van Buyten and Müller (2)

 

[guru_007]

Nice win for United, with Scholes as the unlikely hero. Actually played a good game today.

Mildyly surprising Juventus draw at home too. That Atletico result, p.u.

 

[El Floppo]

Too busy to catch the games today... sound like good ones.

Looks like Adebayor is OUT for the Manchester derby due to FA charges of improper conduct (violent tackle on V Persie).. link

I was really looking foward to seeing those teams go at eachother at full strength.