Steve Tasker
Footballguy
NACHOS
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
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Steve Tasker
Footballguy
And Beckford is the hero again! 1-1 at White Hart Lane.
I seriously
the FA Cup
I seriously
the FA Cup
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
And Leeds are awarded a penalty in the 95th down 2-1!!!
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Can Beckford do it AGAIN?
ffldrew
Footballguy
That was a kick ### PK.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
And the cool finish into the upper 90 and Leeds earn the replay!
Spurs > :X
Beckford with the brace after beating Manchester United last match.
### ####....95th minute....what a game....
Spurs > :X Beckford with the brace after beating Manchester United last match.
### ####....95th minute....what a game....
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
So what's the US side going to look like tonight? Donovan and Howard just played for Everton today, Dempsey's hurt, etc....
Senor Schmutzig
Footballguy
Are you playing outdoor? In Buffalo? In JANUARY????I played in a tournament with my over-35 team last weekend in Atlanta and it was damn cold. I can't imagine playing anywhere further north this time of year.edit to add: We ended up finishing 2nd out of eight teams. We won our first 3 pool games that got us to the final but got outclassed by an all-star team from Roswell. It was like a pin-ball machine out there with all of the give and go's they were playing. After 3 games in 2 days and only one sub, we were pretty gassed for a bunch of older guys. It's the second year in a row we finished in 2nd. One thing that I liked about this tournament is that it allowed slide-tackling as our current league that we play in does not. As a defender, slide tackling was a large part of my game growing up but thought I really lost the sense of when to do it since it's been so long since I was able to actually use it during play. The one crappy part was that we played on a sports turf field and that stuff TEARS YOU UP! I have a huge case of road rash (5" x 3") on my right calf along with two smaller strawberries on my knees and a rug burn on my ###.
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A little more respectable in the second half.
Rooney is good.
Looks like Robinho is quitting Man City. Writing was on the wall there. I don't think he's really suited for EPL play anyway. He looked plain lazy out there when on the field at the same time as Tevez and Bellamy. City should be saying good riddance really.
Nice game today between Inter and AC Milan. AC Milan has been playing the best soccer in Italy for sure the past few weeks. Ronaldinho has been lethal, and even without Pato, they've have tons of serious threats on attack. Beckham has really been playing well for them too. Inter has been very susceptible, dropping points vs Bari, and barely escaping with a home win vs bottom dweller Sienna, in a really piss poor effort.
Looks like Robinho is quitting Man City. Writing was on the wall there. I don't think he's really suited for EPL play anyway. He looked plain lazy out there when on the field at the same time as Tevez and Bellamy. City should be saying good riddance really.
Nice game today between Inter and AC Milan. AC Milan has been playing the best soccer in Italy for sure the past few weeks. Ronaldinho has been lethal, and even without Pato, they've have tons of serious threats on attack. Beckham has really been playing well for them too. Inter has been very susceptible, dropping points vs Bari, and barely escaping with a home win vs bottom dweller Sienna, in a really piss poor effort.
I need to think about the depth at center back but I think that perhaps the red card Jimmy Conrad got 17 minutes in teh first half just kept him from going to South Africa. Clearly, this was not our best team and they played aganst Honduras's WC team. Still, the first 45 showed very little from the U.S. A lot of that had to do with having to play a man down. The second half was better but still not all that good.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
And interestingly enough, I thought Benny was dreadful.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
No, it's indoor 8v8. No boards, so it's essentially the same dimensions and gameplay as an outdoor field (keeping in mind they're 9 years old...I think it's only 8v8 or 9v9 outdoors too) except it's indoors and on turf.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
Yep.This game was nothing more than a reminder that the US still lacks the depth that the powerhouses have.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Oh, and Arsenal were demolished in the FA Cup today by Stoke. Not sure why they were starting such a young team, but .
.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Technically the average age was probably mid 30s. But that may be skewed as they started 100 yr old Sol Campbell at center back. Sadly, I wrote that and then looked at his actual age. He's younger than I am. I'm ####### old now.Oh, and Arsenal were demolished in the FA Cup today by Stoke. Not sure why they were starting such a young team, but
El Floppo
Footballguy
Ok... here's my take.Basically only 2 or 3 guys that might see the field at the WC in the lineup, one did well and the others not so much.
Red Card- IMO, Conrad deserved the two yellows- the 2nd on the off-the-ball shoulder grab was painfully stupid. I usually like that Mexican ref, but thought he was a bit inconsistent on the night- Guevara should've earned a yellow in the first half (based on the yellow Conrad picked up) and so should've gotten his red when he picked up what should've been his 2nd yellow in the 2nd half. Another Honduran tackle in the 2nd half should've been a yellow as well. Other than those two gaffes, called a good game. Started to let the US get away with 40-60 challenges after they went down 3-0.
(GK)
Perkins... didn't have much to do other than pick the ball out of his net- I don't remember him even making a save. Looked ok with his hands, but not so great distributing the ball- weak kicks and misplayed throws. He's well behind Guzan and Howard, so it's moo. (5)
(D)
Had good shape and spacing, but didn't do well enough getting the ball to the MF- too many balls over the top to the forwards.
Wynne... great work rate and pace- dude was running his ### off until the 90th. But was horrible with the ball in the 1st half- head down and blindly pushing down the wing every time- lost too many balls dribbling and/or pumping the ball down the field without using his MF (Sasha) in front of him. Did much better in the 2nd half, but still seems to lack the ball or tactical skills for somebody on the USMNT. (4.5)
Conrad... oof. Looked ok with Marshall for the 1st 15 minutes- good spacing between him and his D and MF, but not useful enough distributing the ball. Was a moron for that shoulder grab after picking up a yellow early- horribly, horribly
. (1)Marshall... I've been a fan of what I've seen from him on the USMNT- great positioning, gives his target attacking man no room to work and wins the ball well in the air or on the ground. Ok with his distribution and might be a good pair with Boca in the middle if Gooch can't make it back. But that 2nd goal was on him- really slow picking it out of the air and getting to it- Honduran forward came from from off-camera to win the ball that basically fell in front of Marshall too easily. Also continues to sky his headers on the offensive side of things- I've seen him miss too many quality opportunities in front of net (missed another one last night with the game at 1-0). Also doesn't do great when the opposition is moving the ball quickly in front of him (ie, goal #3)- much better straight up marking another big target man (5.5)
Bornstein... one of the few legitimate WC prospects, and did himself a solid on the night. Got up and down the field well, and combined with his MFs better than Wynne on the other side. Consistently won challenges- even in the air. Barring the Mexican/US kid (Castillo) making some noise in the last few months, Johnny B looked to have locked the LB spot up, IMO. Found it harder to get forward as well as Wynne in the 2nd half, but maybe that's because Wynne was constantly getting forward forcing Bornstein to drop back... dunno. (6.5)
Subs...
Goodson... I've really liked what I've seen from him. A little bit of what Marshall brings, although maybe not so physically strong, but much better sense on the offensive side of things. Lacks the pace to play on the flank, so I'm not sure how he breaks into this lineup. As opposed to Marshall, can head the ball on frame off of corners (as seen from his 2nd goal for the US). (6)
(MF)
Abysmal first half. Not sure what was going on there- between the D knocking it over their heads, the flanks consistently losing the ball, and the 4 just not linking well with each other, the D or the attack, was a real eye-opener. Especially considering this was essentially the same group that did very well against Honduras in the Gold Cup.
Sasha... poor touch, pace, decision making in the first half. showed signs of his flair and ability in the 2nd (as if he had just caught his wind or something) right before he got subbed. this was very Jeckyl and Hyde- more than his typically inconsistent performances. That inconsistency should keep him far from the field in the WC, although he might sneak into the roster depending on injuries. wasn't the worst out there though. (4)
dreadlocks... (I'm spacing on his name) played well. I think he's been very consistent for the US and for club. does a good job cutting back to receive the ball from the D, and does a solid job filling the gaps defensively as the holding MF. distributes the ball decently. I've always felt he just lacks the pace, both with his feet and with his decision making, to be genuinely at the national level at this position. (6)
Benny... oh Benny. WTF? The rest of the US based players looked a step slow until late in the match, but it's their off-season. Shouldn't Benny be in mid-season form? He was slow of foot and mind and just looked like he was lolly-gagging from the opening whistle. Dreadlocks kept getting the ball instead of him because Benny's cuts and runs were just lazy and easily marked, whereas Dreads made the same runs with oomph. Was also lazy on the ball- tired passes and no pop to his moves. Maybe he was sick? Which Benny are we going to get in SA? He's obviously got the ability to break into the starting lineup, but he's shown too much inconsistency getting himself into positions to receive the ball- a deathtrap for our supposed #10. (3)
Rogers... oof. great shot of the post in the 2nd half but was the worst man on the field for either side for most of his match. horrible touch, horrible decision making on and off the ball. I'm hoping this was a case of just being in off-season form... he's got the upside to make a run at this squad. when he's on he's got great touch, pace, guts, tactical sense- but I've seen a few of games from him now where his performance is beyond bad and shouldn't even be on the roster. (3.5)
subs...
Dax McCarty... seen him in a couple of games where the game was out of reach and the opposition bunkering back, giving him room to operate as the holding MF after receiving the ball easily from his D. Has done ok in that role. Need to see him with the game more on the line and the opposition pressuring him higher up the field. Can he fight to get himself open to receive the ball (Dreads) or will he disappear (Benny)? And then what does he do with the ball when he gets it... AND can he defend when teams are pressuring offensively? Looked good and answered some of those questions at the youth level, but too many questions for this WC given the cast in front of him at that position. (6)
kid with a spanish name... never heard of him. announcers did a poor job telling the audience who he is (plays in Sweden). seemed to have pace and touch, but looked nervous on and off the ball. his first cap, so I guess we'll keep an eye on him for the 2014 cycle. (4.5)
Brad Davis... I've always liked this guy. former RedStar, IIRC. good skills and work-rate and great crosser of the ball. not sure how he fits in, given the depth-chart and his age (IIRC, he's in his late 20s?), but I like him anyways. (6)
(F)
Their spacing the 1st half was horrible (although I think Benny's MF disapperaing act had a lot to do with that)- too far in front of the MF to link with them well, and too far apart from each other to link there either. Rarely got the ball and rarely did anything with it.
Cunningham... ran around but had no touch or sense of where to run- even before the red. After the red, he dropped back to cover more and disppeared from the offensive side of things. Wasn't helped by a really poor MF performance, but didn't help himself either with one mis-touch after another. I normally like him, but this was really disappointing. (2.5)
Findley... lots of useless running in the first half like his counterpart, but seemed to have the burst needed to get to the 2nd balls after consistently losing the 1st with his first touch. Got much better in the end of the first and into the 2nd half. Linked better with the MF and found the space between the defenders to receive the ball (usually withdrawn rather than diagonally into space unfortunately) and his 1st touch got better as the game progressed. I've not been too impressed with what I've seen over the last year- but he grew on me as the night wore on. I was suprised at how well (decent, not great) he did with balls in the air- especially to his chest. And like I said, has that burst to win balls or get into space. That last part might get him into the mix given that that's type of forward we need to complement Jozy- considering Jozy a starter (no sure thing). (5.5)
subs...
Conor Casey... meh. I guess Cooper is recovering in Germany? Or not ready? Casey... just doesn't have the class with the ball I like to see up front. Wish I could say he worked hard- but even after playing the whole game, Findley was working much harder than Casey only played for 30 minutes and repeatedly was seen trotting defensively instead of busting his ### the way Findley was. I give him credit for bulling his way towards goal and getting himself into the right opportunities (don't like seeing him miss sitters, like his 1v1 last night)- can't say Findley or Cunningham looked a threat to score even once- but I've seen more for Cooper so far. (4)
prefontaine
Footballguy
This guy may be great as a keeper but he is gawdawful on distribution. I mean Howard annoys me with his inability to throw into space to start counters but at least 15 minutes later when he does finally kick it, we get a chance to control the ball. I was embarrassed watching Perkins kick it out of bounds over and over.
I hope we never see this dude in a NT jersey again. Love the effort and he certainly has the physical skills but he simply doesn't have the technical skills or knowledge of the game to deserve any more chances. We have a serious hole at fullback but he's just never going to be the answer so let's move on.
Though he played horribly, I'd like to point out that the Danish league is on break atm. He hasn't played in over a month and as we saw in the summer break, players get rusty fast. Benny brings something that no one else in the pool does, but he certainly did himself no favors with his play.
El Floppo
Footballguy
That was pretty awesome.I usually take a ball to the playground with me, but I've only gotten him to kick around a few times. Mostly, since I only started playing myself when I was 10, I had no idea what was age appropriate for the kid.
This class was for kids 2.5-3.5 and he had a blast. Almost everything was done with the parent, which is fine by me. Very little actual kicking soccer balls, which was also fine by me. I can get more into specifics if anybody is interested- mostly agility type stuff.
fwiw- it's Soccer Super Stars, because they basically run NYC... they're like the soccer mafia around here.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Has it really been a month? Thought it was only a couple of weeks- barely that, considering the US camp started a few weeks back. Dunno.And isn't Benny playing elsewhere these days? Thought he left his Danish team... no?prefontaine said:
But the real problem for me is that I've seen Benny pull this kind of disappearing trick before... not what I hope/want from our #10.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Yeah, I know he was looking around for a transfer but but AFAIK he is still with AGF. Their last game was on 12-7. But overall I agree with your point...he's way too inconsistent. He can look brilliant at times but he can be pretty bloody awful as well. Games like yesterday are likely why he is still in Denmark.
El Floppo
Footballguy
And that Milan derby was something else.
I lived a few months in Milan in the 80s (I wanna say Dungha and Mattheus were on the team) and got to be buddies with an Inter fan, so became an Inter fan myself. Inter won the league that year, but IIRC, Milan won at least one cup. Never caught a derby, but caught a few games a the San Siro (incredible).
That said- and I'm still a fan (big fan of Schneider and Maicon)- but I love the way Milan has been playing. Seedorf is my favorite player and Ronaldinho has been the most entertaining player on teh planet the last halfdozen or so games. He's pulling #### out of thin air... unbelievable stuff when he's got the ball.
Loved the passion today and really thought this one would go Milan's way when the ref whiffed on the red (have to think that will get overturned in terms of suspension for Schneider... or can they overturn those?). Amazing play by both GKs... Brazil is freaking stacked going into the WC. I wonder if Ronaldinho is working his way back into the team?
I lived a few months in Milan in the 80s (I wanna say Dungha and Mattheus were on the team) and got to be buddies with an Inter fan, so became an Inter fan myself. Inter won the league that year, but IIRC, Milan won at least one cup. Never caught a derby, but caught a few games a the San Siro (incredible).
That said- and I'm still a fan (big fan of Schneider and Maicon)- but I love the way Milan has been playing. Seedorf is my favorite player and Ronaldinho has been the most entertaining player on teh planet the last halfdozen or so games. He's pulling #### out of thin air... unbelievable stuff when he's got the ball.
Loved the passion today and really thought this one would go Milan's way when the ref whiffed on the red (have to think that will get overturned in terms of suspension for Schneider... or can they overturn those?). Amazing play by both GKs... Brazil is freaking stacked going into the WC. I wonder if Ronaldinho is working his way back into the team?
andy_b
Footballguy
The Sounders continue to amaze with their ability to sell tickets.
Last year they broke the MLS record by averaging 30,897 per game. The backbone was an amazing (for MLS) 26,000 season ticket sales.
With two months to go until the season starts, they have already capped the season ticket sales at 31k and have raised the MLS capacity of the stadium up to 36k.
I don't know what is in the water up there but that is very impressive.
Last year they broke the MLS record by averaging 30,897 per game. The backbone was an amazing (for MLS) 26,000 season ticket sales.
With two months to go until the season starts, they have already capped the season ticket sales at 31k and have raised the MLS capacity of the stadium up to 36k.
I don't know what is in the water up there but that is very impressive.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
andy_b
Footballguy
This is more awful news for another World Cup team
Paraguay forward Cabanas shot
MEXICO CITY -- A star player for Paraguay's World Cup team was shot in the head Monday in the bathroom of a Mexico City bar.
Salvador Cabanas, a forward for the Mexican team Club America, was in critical condition. He was conscious when he arrived at a hospital where he was being operated on to remove the bullet, team president Michel Bauer told Televisa network.
"He was a bit confused and didn't know what had happened and he was asking where they were taking him and why they were taking him there," Bauer said.
Two suspects were detained and details surrounding the shooting are unclear, Mexico City Attorney General Miguel Angel Mancera told Televisa. Mancera said Cabanas had gone to the bar with his wife and was shot before dawn.
Paraguay forward Cabanas shot
MEXICO CITY -- A star player for Paraguay's World Cup team was shot in the head Monday in the bathroom of a Mexico City bar.
Salvador Cabanas, a forward for the Mexican team Club America, was in critical condition. He was conscious when he arrived at a hospital where he was being operated on to remove the bullet, team president Michel Bauer told Televisa network.
"He was a bit confused and didn't know what had happened and he was asking where they were taking him and why they were taking him there," Bauer said.
Two suspects were detained and details surrounding the shooting are unclear, Mexico City Attorney General Miguel Angel Mancera told Televisa. Mancera said Cabanas had gone to the bar with his wife and was shot before dawn.
andy_b
Footballguy
Holy hell!! Did you guys see this??
Davies on remarkable path to recovery
Less than four months after the crash that threatened to end his promising career, Davies is already jogging at a good rate and working on agility drills that would have seemed impossible just weeks earlier, when simply getting out of a wheelchair was an exhausting exercise.
What does this progress mean, exactly? It means that, barring any setbacks, Davies could be back on the field with club team FC Sochaux by April, meaning his chances of playing for the United States in June's World Cup should no longer be seen as a shattered dream.
Read the whole article, its amazing!
Davies on remarkable path to recovery
Less than four months after the crash that threatened to end his promising career, Davies is already jogging at a good rate and working on agility drills that would have seemed impossible just weeks earlier, when simply getting out of a wheelchair was an exhausting exercise.
What does this progress mean, exactly? It means that, barring any setbacks, Davies could be back on the field with club team FC Sochaux by April, meaning his chances of playing for the United States in June's World Cup should no longer be seen as a shattered dream.
Read the whole article, its amazing!
LHUCKS
Footballguy
amazing...if he could get his top end speed back we could really have a chance to make some serious noise.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Awesome
El Floppo
Footballguy
My first thought, after getting all googly excited that the US won't have to actually start one of the guys from Saturday's game. as amazing as it is seeing how far he's come- it's still a long ways from there to being at a professional athlete level again. I hope that he doesn't rush it, and I'm really hoping he hasn't lost anything physically- a step, balance, whatever. He had that rare comination of strength, speed, balance and guts... not to mention a burgeoning set of tactical and ball skills. ===========Nobody else saw the Milan derby? Any thoughts on that red for Schneider?
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Best of luck to Charlie. I'm reserving judgment and expectations until I see him play.
I saw the article on Charlie earlier today. Training with Gooch. Amazin to hear that he is already jogging and working the agility ladder. What is creepy is the part where they talk about the doc peeling his face all the way down to ficx the damage that was done.
I hope he is back in france on his schedule. What will be interesting to see is how he reacts to physicality and if there is any hesitancy in going in on challenges. I wish him the best and hope he can make it back to where he was.
I hope he is back in france on his schedule. What will be interesting to see is how he reacts to physicality and if there is any hesitancy in going in on challenges. I wish him the best and hope he can make it back to where he was.
andy_b
Footballguy
Holden Close to Signing with Bolton for the rest of the season
"That move finally came to fruition on Monday with reports by Goal.com stating Holden officially joined Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League for the rest of the 2009-10 season. (Other reports say the deal isn't 100 complete, but should be finished shortly.)"
"That move finally came to fruition on Monday with reports by Goal.com stating Holden officially joined Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League for the rest of the 2009-10 season. (Other reports say the deal isn't 100 complete, but should be finished shortly.)"
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Dude, it's Juve. Their fans suck.
El Floppo
Footballguy
So Juve hate's the blacks, and Lazio hates the jews/immigrants.Nice league.
andy_b
Footballguy
It is not too late. These are the MetroBulls after all.
Even with the best stadium in the country ready to open for them, it will take a lot more for fans to support this team that has been horribly run for 15 years.Two big rumors related to the Bulls1) Red Bull is reportedly ready to spend a TON of money on marketing this year but are waiting for the CBA to flesh itself out2) Henry's name just won't go away in the rumor mill (much due to his own talking about the Bulls in interviews). Rumor is that he wants to join after World Cup this summer
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El Floppo
Footballguy
StarRed news... (from ESPN)
Also, there ARE lots of tickets left- Section 227 (just off the center strip and in the upper part of the stadium- still low) is at $600, or $40 per ticket (including a stadium opener against Santos of Brasil... mebbe with Robinho). That's the priciest- but there are tickets all over for cheaper- including 5 rows off the field on the sideline around the 18 yard box. I'll probably opt for a partial season program (8 games instead of 15) which is advertised as TBD.CONCACAF news... Dos Santos goes on loan from Spurs to Galatrasray in Turkey. I really thought he was poised to make some noise at Spurs after looking fantastic for Mexico their last few qualifying games- we'll see if he breaks into the Turkish powerhouse lineup. In other news, Jaz Z apparently supports Arsenal.
JMon348
Footballguy
I wish.Egypt/Algeria part III is gonna be great, hopefully we can come out on top this time!
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