***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[Spartans Rule]

This start seems kinda familiar...

I'm predicting a dumb luck goal for Chelsea just before halftime, Drogba taking over the game and scoring twice in the second half, and then Inter adding a late goal just to keep the 2nd leg a little bit relevant.

 

[Texas Football]

Cech out with a fluke knee injury. Stretchered out.

 

[Sebowski]

Glad Clesea lost. Don;t want them in the way later.

 

[Moe.]

Glad Clesea lost. Don;t want them in the way later.

who do you pull for?

 

[bweiser]

Glad Clesea lost. Don;t want them in the way later.

can't stand chelsea.glad they lost.

 

[Sebowski]

Glad Clesea lost. Don;t want them in the way later.

who do you pull for?

Barca and Arsenal.

 

[prefontaine]

US starting lineup tonight

----------------Casey--------Findley----------------

Davis---------Beckerman---Kljestan-------Rogers

Pearce--------Bornstein-----Goodson-------Evans

------------------------Rimando----------------------

 

[The Z Machine]

Ugh... what a lineup for the US. Not a fan at all, especially with that midfield.

BTW, I finally told my mates that I wouldn't be accompanying them to South Africa.

So if any FBGs are interested in a nice trip from June 12 - 21, then I can hook them up with like 9 WC match tickets at face. You'll have to party with my boys though.

 

[bentley]

Nick Rimando? Who?

 

[scoobygang]

Not against "top competition" (as opposed to all the forwards we have with stellar resumes against top competition), but Brian Ching was a beast in the 45 minutes he played. A goal and an assist, and he probably could have had another of each.

 

[andy_b]

This thread is now the second most replied to thread in FFA history.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...changefilters=1

 

[El Floppo]

Can't believe I forgot about the game. fudge.

so- did Bornstein really play CB? Pearce on the Left? How did Goodson look?

I'm spacing- Davis = who?

Which Rogers showed up?

How did Findley look?

Rimando?! Hell.... I was free last night and have as much chance of ever making that squad- coach should've put me in too.

 

[TLEF316]

only watched parts of the first half. actually flipped back at the end of the game to see the score just in time to see The 2nd US goal.

From what i saw, the Connor did a nice job being a target forward. But he's still super awkward and finishes (or attempts to finish) like a HS player.

Sasha looked just painfully bad in the first half, but then he scored a goal (on a nice 1-2 pass).

Findley showed some absolutely game breaking speed a few times in the first half. He's not Davies, but there's no way to tell how good he might be if he gets out there with the A-teamers (specifically Landon) and could get some decent service.

Liked Pearce last night. (again, only watched the first half). He wasnt afraid to attack and turned one guy absolutely inside out at one point just outside the box.

Psyched for the game against the Dutch next week. We'll almost certainly lose (especially without Dempsey, Davies Gooch, Clarke and probably 1 or 2 others) but i'm interested to see how the various MF options shake out against a top notch side.

I'm guessing Edu is still out as well, which sucks, because i'd like to see how he can do against such a potent attack.

While the draw shook out well for the US, my confidence for the WC is really going down. We're just missing out on so many great potential options (all the guys i mentioned above, plus Jones) right now, meaning we wont have any idea what we can do going to SA.

If the US' whole team was healthy and playing well, i'd give us a real crack at getting to the quarter finals. But i'm just getting a bad feeling that we're gonna squeek out of the group stage and get our doors blown off in the round of 16.

 

[Sammy3469]

Bridge refuses England callup.

 

[Kendall]

Bridge refuses England callup.

LinkWow. John Terry is such a ####.

I don't blame Bridge one bit. Being completely honest with myself, I don't think I could perform anywhere near my best in a similar situation.

 

[Mjolnirs]

So, after the first leg of the Round of 16; two matches were draws and the other six were one goal differences. Pretty good.

 

[scoobygang]

Can't believe I forgot about the game. fudge. so- did Bornstein really play CB? Pearce on the Left? How did Goodson look? I'm spacing- Davis = who?Which Rogers showed up?How did Findley look? Rimando?! Hell.... I was free last night and have as much chance of ever making that squad- coach should've put me in too.

In order:El Salvador had virtually no chances (their goal was a gift on a mistake by Evans). Bornstein and Goodson looked organized. Goodson always looks a threat on set pieces and this was no different.Brad Davis = right-sided midfielder for the Sounders, I believe. He was replaced at half time by Eddie Gaven.The same Rogers I've always seen showed up. The guy with lots of pace to put himself in dangerous positions and a lack of imagination and skill to make a good play in the danger area. His most notable contribution was botching a 3-2 by trying an impossible shot to the short side top 90 instead of playing a simple ball to the far post. He later got a bit unlucky on a long shot, hitting the woodwork.Findley is fast, but indecisive. He took too many touches a few times and seemed a bit lost communicating with Casey (who had some nice touches and passes but looked really lazy when compared to what Ching contributed.Best performers on the night were probably Heath Pearce (several nice crosses, including a beauty for Ching's goal), Ching, and Eddie Gaven of all people. Sacha also had his best game in some time with the Nats, as he was able to play in Bradley's usual role and let Beckerman sit deeper.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Bridge refuses England callup.

LinkWow. John Terry is such a ####.

I don't blame Bridge one bit. Being completely honest with myself, I don't think I could perform anywhere near my best in a similar situation.

I agree, but my guess is that Bridge will get the worst of it from the media and fans if he doesn't play for England.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This start seems kinda familiar...I'm predicting a dumb luck goal for Chelsea just before halftime, Drogba taking over the game and scoring twice in the second half, and then Inter adding a late goal just to keep the 2nd leg a little bit relevant.

I only caught highlights but did record the game and will watch it tonight or tomorrow. I think Chelsea was very unlucky not to get a penalty when Kalou was fouled in the box near the end of the first half, but it looks like Inter had several good chances and could have scored another goal or two.If Hilario holds up, I'm confident Chelsea will advance. He's a huge wildcard. It should be a great game. I love watching Inter play - particularly Maicon, Eto'o and Stankovic. Its a pity these two drew each other so early in the competition.

 

[Christo]

Bridge refuses England callup.

LinkWow. John Terry is such a ####.

I don't blame Bridge one bit. Being completely honest with myself, I don't think I could perform anywhere near my best in a similar situation.

I agree, but my guess is that Bridge will get the worst of it from the media and fans if he doesn't play for England.

 

[Kendall]

Bridge refuses England callup.

LinkWow. John Terry is such a ####.

I don't blame Bridge one bit. Being completely honest with myself, I don't think I could perform anywhere near my best in a similar situation.

I agree, but my guess is that Bridge will get the worst of it from the media and fans if he doesn't play for England.

Yeah, I'll bet he's going to take a ton of bad press on this. But what if he was on the squad and his on-field play was obviously affected being next to Terry? Unfortunately for him he is in a no-win situation because John Terry was a ####ty teammate.

 

[andy_b]

Bridge refuses England callup.

LinkWow. John Terry is such a ####.

I don't blame Bridge one bit. Being completely honest with myself, I don't think I could perform anywhere near my best in a similar situation.

I agree, but my guess is that Bridge will get the worst of it from the media and fans if he doesn't play for England.

I just wish this all happened close to the summer where it my have benefited the US. I fear by the summer this will all be blown over.(err perhaps blown is a poor choice in words )

 

[prefontaine]

Bridge isn't much of a loss IMO as Baines is better anyway. And I think if he even went as a sub every reporter would be trying to stir up stuff between he and Terry.

Fulham knocked Shakhtar Donetsk out in Europa today with an away draw. Shakhtar Donetsk are the current cup holders.

Pompey officially went into administration today.

 

[prefontaine]

Oh and I'm watching Villarreal-Wolfsburg and it's essentially Marcos Senna vs the Germans. We can only dream about naturalizing such a player. Dude is just an absolute beast. But Wolfsburg is pretty much owning this tie.

 

[Christo]

Bridge isn't much of a loss IMO as Baines is better anyway.

All due respect, I'll take Capello's opinion over yours.

 

[prefontaine]

Bridge isn't much of a loss IMO as Baines is better anyway.

All due respect, I'll take Capello's opinion over yours.

Oh I would too lol. I just think Capello would pick Baines and Bridge would only be a sideshow as a backup. No way to know now.

 

[prefontaine]

US roster for the FIFA data vs Netherlands

GOALKEEPERS- Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS- Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

MIDFIELDERS- DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Landon Donovan (Everton), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), José Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Everton got crushed today in the Europa Cup against Sporting Lisbon 3-1. Sporting goes through to the next round . A little bit of a letdown for the Toffees after the past two weekend victories over Chelsea and ManU. I would have given those two wins up to move to the next round of the Europa if only because they don't have much of a chance of getting that 4th or 5th spot in the EPL this year anyway (currently sit 8 points behind Man City w/eleven to go). At least they could have been playing for something as the year continued.

Who knows, with Landon and Howard, anything is possible!!! Woohoo!!!

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

US roster for the FIFA data vs Netherlands GOALKEEPERS- Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton) DEFENDERS- Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United) MIDFIELDERS- DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Landon Donovan (Everton), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers), José Torres (Pachuca) FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)

Not good news for Freddy - not that he had a great chance of getting on the plane anyway

 

[Spartans Rule]

This start seems kinda familiar...

I'm predicting a dumb luck goal for Chelsea just before halftime, Drogba taking over the game and scoring twice in the second half, and then Inter adding a late goal just to keep the 2nd leg a little bit relevant.

I only caught highlights but did record the game and will watch it tonight or tomorrow. I think Chelsea was very unlucky not to get a penalty when Kalou was fouled in the box near the end of the first half, but it looks like Inter had several good chances and could have scored another goal or two.If Hilario holds up, I'm confident Chelsea will advance. He's a huge wildcard. It should be a great game. I love watching Inter play - particularly Maicon, Eto'o and Stankovic. Its a pity these two drew each other so early in the competition.

The official was way behind the play on that. Should've been a penalty, but he couldn't see it.Definitely a shame they drew each other while you've got matchups like Sevilla-CSKA and Bordeaux-Olympiacos.

 

[prefontaine]

Not good news for Freddy - not that he had a great chance of getting on the plane anyway

I actually really like the group of mids Bradley called in. Obv Donovan and Bradley start and everyone else will probably try to fit in. This is where some really tough decisions are going to have to be made and I'm glad to see DMB and Bedoya at least bc we need one more left winger for sure and I really don't think Rogers is consistent enough. I guess LD plays on the right and these two both see time on the left. Also nice to see Edu's name in there. Though I hope we start Bradley/Torres, I do hope Edu gets a bit of time.

 

[Texas Football]

Not good news for Freddy - not that he had a great chance of getting on the plane anyway

I actually really like the group of mids Bradley called in. Obv Donovan and Bradley start and everyone else will probably try to fit in. This is where some really tough decisions are going to have to be made and I'm glad to see DMB and Bedoya at least bc we need one more left winger for sure and I really don't think Rogers is consistent enough. I guess LD plays on the right and these two both see time on the left. Also nice to see Edu's name in there. Though I hope we start Bradley/Torres, I do hope Edu gets a bit of time.

Are you actually glad to see DMB listed anywhere in the US squad this close to SA? We have seen him, he sucks a bag of roosters! Of course the genius Bradley will take a known waste of space over a player that could make a difference. Why not select Adu and play him? If he shows the goods he is on the plane. If he sucks like DMB normally does I'd join in the hate.The Netherlands(if they show a decent team) will win this 3-0.The 'obv Landon and Bradley start' leads me to believe that you, like most, have accepted that the coaches son starts no matter how out of form he is. God I hate Coach Bradley with hot fire!ETA-Both Bradleys could leave USA soccer and it would be a better world.

 

[The Z Machine]

Oh and I'm watching Villarreal-Wolfsburg and it's essentially Marcos Senna vs the Germans. We can only dream about naturalizing such a player. Dude is just an absolute beast. But Wolfsburg is pretty much owning this tie.

He's my favorite Spanish player by far. He plays all over the field, is an absolute general in the organization of the midfield and defense, tackles and closes down better than almost anyone, and doesn't make many stupid mistakes. He doesn't score worth a damn, but he runs a damn fine ship IMO. Too bad he's about 8 years older than the rest of the Spanish team, otherwise he'd be a fixture for 10+ years there. His legs won't last too much longer, but it's been a pleasure watching him come into his own over the last 5 years.And yes, it's too bad the US will not likley have a player of his caliber any time soon.

 

[prefontaine]

Are you actually glad to see DMB listed anywhere in the US squad this close to SA?

Yes I am. DMB was playing quite well for Rangers before he got hurt (again). He also has shown in the past that when in good form, he can hold his own against some really good international competition. I will agree he was gawdawful in his last run of games with the Nats though. But, yes, I think it is a wise decision to see him play one last time against quality competition to see if he or Bedoya or Rogers should get that last winger spot.

Why not select Adu and play him? If he shows the goods he is on the plane. If he sucks like DMB normally does I'd join in the hate.

Adu and Beasley are not competing for a spot. Adu will never be a winger on an international level (or even in a top flight league). And I hate to get into it with another fanboy but Adu has sat on the bench for 4 different managers in the past year and only now when he drops to a pretty crappy league is he getting any playing time. And yet he still hasn't gone 90 and was even subbed out at the half in his last game when they were losing. You know many managers that sub out one of their more effective players at half when losing?

The Netherlands(if they show a decent team) will win this 3-0.

Well, they are at home and are a significantly stronger side so a result like that wouldn't shock me. We haven't ever really shown well in Europe to be honest. This really shouldn't concern anyone as the purpose of this game is to see players who are on the bubble against a top flight opponent.

The 'obv Landon and Bradley start' leads me to believe that you, like most, have accepted that the coaches son starts no matter how out of form he is.

I'm not sure what you are trying to say about form but yes, I think Mike is one of 5 players that should be in ink on our lineup card, assuming healthy (LD, Demps, Gooch, Howard). He's clearly our best central mid and it's not particularly close.

God I hate Coach Bradley with hot fire! ETA-Both Bradleys could leave USA soccer and it would be a better world.

Well glad to see you don't let your opinions of our manager color your judgment at all Bradley has both strengths and weaknesses as a manager. He is a very good tactician and communicates well with our players. I do think he is a better club manager than national manager just bc he does not seem to be very good at putting players in the best position to succeed or building a system around the talents he has. At a club, he can bring in players to fit his system. As a national team coach, the player pool is limited. You can't go buy a player that better fits your system and you can't afford to waste an elite talent. I think this has led him to playing "his" guys in some cases over more talented players. And when a guy is just immensely more talented, he forces a square peg into a round hole and asks things that just aren't the best use of their skills (see Dempsey, Clint). I also don't think he is very good at implementing an attack. We play worse when we have to dictate play bc we really don't seem to have a good build up. Part of that is players but there is no reason we shouldn't dominate possession and chances in the run of play against weaker sides. We often don't and I blame him for that. However, conversely, our organization and tactics are tremendous. We beat Spain bc of this. We almost beat Brazil for the same reasons. Bradley developed a great gameplan to the point that we played even with these two superpowers, when clearly we were outclassed from a talent standpoint in both games (as we were in virtually every game at the Confederation Cup).

 

[bweiser]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — DirecTV, DISH and Verizon FiOS have agreed to carry Fox Soccer Plus when the network launches Monday.

In addition, Time Warner Cable will start carrying the network in select markets on dates yet to be specified, Fox spokeswoman Chelsea Hettrick said Friday.

The new network, a companion to Fox Soccer Channel, is taking over many of the rights that had been held by Setanta USA, which shuts down Sunday night. Fox Soccer Plus, a premium channel, will televise the European Champions League, the English Premier League, FA Cup, League Championship, FA Cup and national team and the Italian Serie A, plus rugby from the Magners League, the Guinness Premiership and the Heineken Cup.

None of the cable carriers will televise the new network in HD at this time, Hettrick said. DISH is carrying FSC in HD.

I swear my Verizon FIOS picture looks like HD on the regular channel. But at least I will be getting Fox Soccer Plus starting Monday.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Did anyone else just see the Aaron Ramsey injury in the Stoke / Arsenal match just now?

 

[brewer]

Did anyone else just see the Aaron Ramsey injury in the Stoke / Arsenal match just now?

Yes, As brutal as Eduardo. If he plays again, it wont be for quite some time.... really feel badly for the kid, who was just starting to get a solid run in the first side.

 

[scoobygang]

Did anyone else just see the Aaron Ramsey injury in the Stoke / Arsenal match just now?

Yes, As brutal as Eduardo. If he plays again, it wont be for quite some time.... really feel badly for the kid, who was just starting to get a solid run in the first side.

Kind of overshadowed the fact that Arsenal is right back in the title race with Chelsea ####ting the bed today.From what I understand, Stuart Holden delivered a man of the match type of performance for Bolton against Wolves today.

 

[The Z Machine]

Málaga just pulled even with Barça in Camp Nou. 81st minute.

Has Barça even drawn in Camp Nou this season?

 

[The Z Machine]

And just like that Barça passes another one into the net.

 

[El Floppo]

Málaga just pulled even with Barça in Camp Nou. 81st minute.Has Barça even drawn in Camp Nou this season?

Didn't they lose a CL match there against that team that sounds like a man's name (from Romania or something... Elia Kazan?)?

 

[Spartans Rule]

Málaga just pulled even with Barça in Camp Nou. 81st minute.Has Barça even drawn in Camp Nou this season?

Didn't they lose a CL match there against that team that sounds like a man's name (from Romania or something... Elia Kazan?)?

It was Rubin Kazan, from Russia. They won 2-1 at Camp Nou.

 

[The Z Machine]

Málaga just pulled even with Barça in Camp Nou. 81st minute.Has Barça even drawn in Camp Nou this season?

Didn't they lose a CL match there against that team that sounds like a man's name (from Romania or something... Elia Kazan?)?

Maybe, but definitely no losses there in La Liga, and I think no draws either.They ended up winning the game, but I swear that Dani Álves was offside on the assist to Messi.

 

[derek245583]

Big win for City over Chelsea imo

Thought Chelsea owned the first half...but Man City capitalized on their opportunties. And wow, that backup goalie for Chelsea is terrible I think.

 

[The Z Machine]

Petr Cech going out may cost Chelski a shot at the Premiership title. They are tanking. Arsenal just might be the only challenger to United at the end.

 

[bentley]

I was really counting on moving ahead of City after this weekend. I'm officially concerned again.

 

[derek245583]

Petr Cech going out may cost Chelski a shot at the Premiership title. They are tanking. Arsenal just might be the only challenger to United at the end.

That Hilario guy was dreadful I thought.

 

[bweiser]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — DirecTV, DISH and Verizon FiOS have agreed to carry Fox Soccer Plus when the network launches Monday.

In addition, Time Warner Cable will start carrying the network in select markets on dates yet to be specified, Fox spokeswoman Chelsea Hettrick said Friday.

The new network, a companion to Fox Soccer Channel, is taking over many of the rights that had been held by Setanta USA, which shuts down Sunday night. Fox Soccer Plus, a premium channel, will televise the European Champions League, the English Premier League, FA Cup, League Championship, FA Cup and national team and the Italian Serie A, plus rugby from the Magners League, the Guinness Premiership and the Heineken Cup.

None of the cable carriers will televise the new network in HD at this time, Hettrick said. DISH is carrying FSC in HD.

I swear my Verizon FIOS picture looks like HD on the regular channel. But at least I will be getting Fox Soccer Plus starting Monday.

checked my messages on my verizon tv last night when i got home from work and, in fact,a channel has already been selected for fox soccer plus. i ijust hope its actually games that aren't just being moved around from fox soccer and being rerun.fwiw, its going to replace setanta on the verizon lineup.

 

[QuizGuy66]

New team in Phili, new stadium in NY NEW JERSEY, building on the momentum in Toronto and Seattle, all could be flushed

The team is in Harrison because it's the biggest soccer fan base in the area.They've never played a game in New York.

Another team that will have a fun time marketing to me.

It's too bad, cuz it really does look like a great stadium.

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

New team in Phili, new stadium in NY NEW JERSEY, building on the momentum in Toronto and Seattle, all could be flushed

The team is in Harrison because it's the biggest soccer fan base in the area.They've never played a game in New York.

Another team that will have a fun time marketing to me.

It's too bad, cuz it really does look like a great stadium.

-QG

Before I even get into criticizing this... other than the last statement, I don't get/agree-with what point you're trying to make with the rest of your post.

Do you really think the stadium went to Harrison instead of metro NYC because Harrison has a big fan base?

What does playing in NY have to do with anything?

What are the issues around marketing that you see as problematic (other than the obvious annual poor product/results on the field)?