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

[dparker713]

The FIFA rule just needs to be changed is all. You should only be able to play for the country of your citizenship. Simple, easy. Makes the decision to switch teams more weighty.

The thing that pisses me off about Rossi is he says he's American everywhere but on the soccer field. Say crap like that and you deserve all the anomosity you get.

 

[andy_b]

If Najar does not make the US squad in 2018, then I think its fine if Honduran fans rejoice. It would be a normal reaction.

Oh- Andy- not sure Najar's home-peeps will rejoice with his defection and success to the US. Do you think they will, or is that a typo/sarcasm?

no I meant what I wrote, I think. Just like some people are rejoicing that Rossi did not make the Italian team, I think its ok of some Honduran people rejoice if Najar does not make the US squad.

 

[andy_b]

The FIFA rule just needs to be changed is all. You should only be able to play for the country of your citizenship. Simple, easy.

I don't understand this. I thought people could hold dual citizenship?

 

[andy_b]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I don't really see much of a difference between Rossi and a number of other cross-country soccer players. It goes both ways....some of the players that really helped put the US back on the map internationally - David Regis, Tab Ramos, etc. - were foreign-born.

Tab Ramos came to the US at 13.David Regis was nothing more than a mercenary and should never have been done.FIFA should have no problem with the Ramos's, or Rossi's of the world. It would be great if FIFA could do something about the mercenaries. No one should be able to play for a country that he has not at least lived in for a while.

 

[Christo]

The FIFA rule just needs to be changed is all. You should only be able to play for the country of your citizenship. Simple, easy.

I don't understand this. I thought people could hold dual citizenship?

They can also apply for citizenship to just about any country too.

 

[dparker713]

The FIFA rule just needs to be changed is all. You should only be able to play for the country of your citizenship. Simple, easy.

I don't understand this. I thought people could hold dual citizenship?

They can also apply for citizenship to just about any country too.

Some countries allow for dual citizenship. I don't have issue with playing for a country you've immigrated to. I have issue with people playing for countries where their only tie is their grandparent was born there. The individual should have connections to the country for which they play, not some distant relative.

 

[bweiser]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I don't really see much of a difference between Rossi and a number of other cross-country soccer players. It goes both ways....some of the players that really helped put the US back on the map internationally - David Regis, Tab Ramos, etc. - were foreign-born. Now that the US is becoming much stronger, it's only natural that players are going to be coveted by other nations, whether they are traditionally better than the US or not.If you're not going to ##### about a guy like Stuart Holden playing for the US after moving to the US at age 10, you shouldn't ##### about Rossi playing for Italy when he moved to Italy at 13.Personally, I don't get all the frustration and hate. Yeah, it's kinda stupid for Rossi to make that move, especially seeing as how he didn't even make the squad. And yes, I wish he were playing for the US. But it's all part of the game - players come and go...you win some, you lose some. In the last 20 years, the US was more of a "step down", so they managed to bring in a lot of foreign guys to make a big difference. I'd imagine that in the future, as US soccer continues to get better, you're going to see a ton more guys make the move to other countries.I guess I don't see how the step-up/step-down thing really matters. He's an American, born and bred, and he has chosen to play for another nation internationally.I know it's not a popular opinion, and I'm as much of a die-hard as the rest of you guys, but it's just part of the game. If you're not upset with Stuart Holden playing for the US, you shouldn't be upset about Rossi playing for Italy, IMO. Trust me, I wish Rossi was heading to SA partnered with Jozy up front as much as you guys do. But

i don't know. i think the difference is because of the perception or the reality of the US team 10-20 years ago, those guys went with the 'easier' team to make. they couldn't make their own countries' teams so they saw a chance to play in the WC. in a way, its actually worse IMO. rossi, on the other hand, while i still consider him a traitor, considers himself italian and has expressed strong italian roots. how many of those us players talked as passionately about being from the US as he did about italy?to me, rossi isn't as bad as the women's basketball player who gave up a chance to compete for a spot on the US olympic team and jumped onto russia's team.

 

[Native]

Jozy sprains his ankle in training

May miss the friendly vs Australia this weekend. Get healthy kid!

 

[TLEF316]

rossi, on the other hand, while i still consider him a traitor, considers himself italian and has expressed strong italian roots.

Strong Italian roots? Sure. But he does NOT consider himself Italian. He has said it himself. He considers himself an American everywhere except on the soccer field. He wanted to play for the better team with the better tradition. Its as simple as that. I wont re-hash my last post, but i think guys that go to the US (or any other country) for non-soccer reasons are different than Rossi. His one and only reason for leaving the US was to play for the Italian soccer team.

 

[Christo]

The FIFA rule just needs to be changed is all. You should only be able to play for the country of your citizenship. Simple, easy.

I don't understand this. I thought people could hold dual citizenship?

They can also apply for citizenship to just about any country too.

Some countries allow for dual citizenship. I don't have issue with playing for a country you've immigrated to. I have issue with people playing for countries where their only tie is their grandparent was born there. The individual should have connections to the country for which they play, not some distant relative.

My point was that even those that don't allow dual citizenship allow you to apply for citizenship if you relinquish your current citizenship. Besides, isn't a grandparent a connection?

 

[Moe.]

rossi, on the other hand, while i still consider him a traitor, considers himself italian and has expressed strong italian roots.

Strong Italian roots? Sure. But he does NOT consider himself Italian. He has said it himself. He considers himself an American everywhere except on the soccer field. He wanted to play for the better team with the better tradition. Its as simple as that. I wont re-hash my last post, but i think guys that go to the US (or any other country) for non-soccer reasons are different than Rossi. His one and only reason for leaving the US was to play for the Italian soccer team.

i think he went to join a professional team's youth setup, which would be different than leaving solely because he wanted to play for a different national team. moving to italy at 13 to develop was a no-brainer for his professional career. i doubt his future international career was much of a factor at that point in time.

 

[scoobygang]

rossi, on the other hand, while i still consider him a traitor, considers himself italian and has expressed strong italian roots.

Strong Italian roots? Sure. But he does NOT consider himself Italian. He has said it himself. He considers himself an American everywhere except on the soccer field. He wanted to play for the better team with the better tradition. Its as simple as that. I wont re-hash my last post, but i think guys that go to the US (or any other country) for non-soccer reasons are different than Rossi. His one and only reason for leaving the US was to play for the Italian soccer team.

No it wasn't. It was to train in Europe. Rossi was eligible for the Italian team if he stayed in Jersey. He didn't go to Italy at the age of 13 because that was the way to make the Italian national team. He went to Italy because that was the best way to get into a top developmental program.

 

[TLEF316]

fine...re-phrase....

He only went to Italy for soccer.

 

[Sebowski]

fine...re-phrase....He only went to Italy for soccer.

They trained him. I have no problem letting them reap the rewards of that.

 

[El Floppo]

If Najar does not make the US squad in 2018, then I think its fine if Honduran fans rejoice. It would be a normal reaction.

Oh- Andy- not sure Najar's home-peeps will rejoice with his defection and success to the US. Do you think they will, or is that a typo/sarcasm?

no I meant what I wrote, I think. Just like some people are rejoicing that Rossi did not make the Italian team, I think its ok of some Honduran people rejoice if Najar does not make the US squad.

You want me to actually read all those words you write? I've gotta skip at least a couple here and there... Yeah. Totally misread that.

 

[TwinTurbo]

In a perfect world there would be more than a few dual-citizenship "Rossi's" that would leave to play for other countries and it wouldn't matter because the US talent pool would be so large. I don't blame Rossi for playing for Italy. I blame the US Soccer program for not uncovering/developing more world class players. We have a huge population with a vast pool of potential talent that typically follows a path into other sports. Figure that problem out instead of blaming one guy for the fact that the USMNT has a lack of world class forwards.

 

[andy_b]

A Report:

"Chivas USA and US international midfielder Sacha Kljestan has agreed a deal with Belgian side Anderlecht. The 24 year old midfielder has 24 caps to date for the US senior national team, scoring 4 goals. He will likely join the team when the transfer window reopens in mid July.

Kljestan has been a target of several European clubs for the past couple seasons, including a brief trial with Celtic in January of 2009...."

 

[The Z Machine]

A Report:"Chivas USA and US international midfielder Sacha Kljestan has agreed a deal with Belgian side Anderlecht. The 24 year old midfielder has 24 caps to date for the US senior national team, scoring 4 goals. He will likely join the team when the transfer window reopens in mid July.Kljestan has been a target of several European clubs for the past couple seasons, including a brief trial with Celtic in January of 2009...."

Maybe that will mean he'll lose the ball at midfield less than he does now.That guy is infuriating.

 

[dparker713]

The FIFA rule just needs to be changed is all. You should only be able to play for the country of your citizenship. Simple, easy.

I don't understand this. I thought people could hold dual citizenship?

They can also apply for citizenship to just about any country too.

Some countries allow for dual citizenship. I don't have issue with playing for a country you've immigrated to. I have issue with people playing for countries where their only tie is their grandparent was born there. The individual should have connections to the country for which they play, not some distant relative.

My point was that even those that don't allow dual citizenship allow you to apply for citizenship if you relinquish your current citizenship. Besides, isn't a grandparent a connection?

I see nothing wrong with people applying for different citizenship and then being on a new national team. They are then citizens of the country they represent. Immigrants should be able to participate for their new country. I have issue with someone representing a country for which they are not a citizen, and needing to make no effort to become a member of that country. The process of changing national teams should be a bit more difficult than checking a box on a form. I realize gaining citizenship is often a lengthy process, so maybe some demonstrable effort to change citizenship could be deemed sufficient.And Im thinking of connection as contacts needed for personal jurisdiction, so a grandparent would not be sufficient.

 

[Christo]

Some countries allow for dual citizenship. I don't have issue with playing for a country you've immigrated to. I have issue with people playing for countries where their only tie is their grandparent was born there. The individual should have connections to the country for which they play, not some distant relative.

sn't a grandparent a connection?

And Im thinking of connection as contacts needed for personal jurisdiction, so a grandparent would not be sufficient.

Personal jurisdiction attaches by mere presence in the forum.

 

[dparker713]

Some countries allow for dual citizenship. I don't have issue with playing for a country you've immigrated to. I have issue with people playing for countries where their only tie is their grandparent was born there. The individual should have connections to the country for which they play, not some distant relative.

sn't a grandparent a connection?

And Im thinking of connection as contacts needed for personal jurisdiction, so a grandparent would not be sufficient.

Personal jurisdiction attaches by mere presence in the forum.

There are players that set foot for the first time in the country they are representing after they've been capped. The point is that I find the threshold for representing a country exceedingly low. A person could potentially pick from 10 different countries. Its fairly absurd.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

A Report:"Chivas USA and US international midfielder Sacha Kljestan has agreed a deal with Belgian side Anderlecht. The 24 year old midfielder has 24 caps to date for the US senior national team, scoring 4 goals. He will likely join the team when the transfer window reopens in mid July.Kljestan has been a target of several European clubs for the past couple seasons, including a brief trial with Celtic in January of 2009...."

Maybe that will mean he'll lose the ball at midfield less than he does now.That guy is infuriating.

Very glad he didn't make the US roster this time around.

 

[MrPhoenix]

China 1, France 0 in a friendly today.

That's gotta be a pretty major upset, no?

 

[guru_007]

China 1, France 0 in a friendly today.

Lots of people putting a whole lot of weights on these friendlies as the WC is right around the corner. But, I don't see it. Even with starting side caliber players, these guys are just going out there to get their run on, maybe try some game time experience with some players they don't normally play on the same side with. Ya'll can wake me a week from today.

 

[boubucarow]

EURO 2012 DRAW

 

[The Z Machine]

There was a report today that Spurs were considering offering 25m€ for my boy, Diego Forlán. He has a contract release clause of 35m€, but they can't meet that.

One of the stumbling blocks is that Forlán would have to take a pay cut to go there of about 25%. Also, Spurs would have to sell one or two players to get the monies to pay for him.

He's 31 years old and is in the best form of his life of the last two seasons.

 

[guru_007]

There was a report today that Spurs were considering offering 25m€ for my boy, Diego Forlán. He has a contract release clause of 35m€, but they can't meet that.

One of the stumbling blocks is that Forlán would have to take a pay cut to go there of about 25%. Also, Spurs would have to sell one or two players to get the monies to pay for him.

He's 31 years old and is in the best form of his life of the last two seasons.

pretty sure Spurs would get rid of Pavlychunko in a heart beat if anyone would have him.Also, I'm surprised they would make such an offer after the nightmare they had with Keane - another older striker, who just didn't work out. I've seen Forlan play a number of times, and he's rather impressed me - I think he would fit in better than Arguero in the EPL to be honest....maybe not at Spurs though.

 

[The Z Machine]

There was a report today that Spurs were considering offering 25m€ for my boy, Diego Forlán. He has a contract release clause of 35m€, but they can't meet that.

One of the stumbling blocks is that Forlán would have to take a pay cut to go there of about 25%. Also, Spurs would have to sell one or two players to get the monies to pay for him.

He's 31 years old and is in the best form of his life of the last two seasons.

pretty sure Spurs would get rid of Pavlychunko in a heart beat if anyone would have him.Also, I'm surprised they would make such an offer after the nightmare they had with Keane - another older striker, who just didn't work out. I've seen Forlan play a number of times, and he's rather impressed me - I think he would fit in better than Arguero in the EPL to be honest....maybe not at Spurs though.

Those were the two names of players they'd be selling to buy Diego.I hope it doesn't happen though.

 

[andy_b]

Major League Soccer and Versus in Early Talks

MLS execs said to like Versus' treatment of NHL; MLS-Fox Soccer Channel deal up this year

By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/3/2010 3:45:00 AM

Just as the World Cup is about to begin, Major League Soccer may be kicking around the idea of a new television partner -- or at least using the World Cup buzz to try to up its leverage with a current one.

Major League Soccer could be eyeing a move to Versus, as the two sides have begun very early discussions, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the meeting. Representatives from both sides have met once (though neither MLS Commissioner Don Garber nor Versus chief Jamie Davis were a part of the meeting), with another meeting tentatively planned to take place in the coming weeks.

MLS currently has deals on English-language television with ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel. The Fox deal is up at the end of the season (later this calendar year), and that is the arrangement that MLS could look to move to Versus as a possible outcome. MLS also has a deal for Spanish-language broadcasts with Univision.

While the talks are completely in their infancy and no deal is remotely on the table or has been discussed, MLS executives are said to be impressed with the way Versus has treated its coverage of the National Hockey League, which is a banner property for the cable sports network. Versus often talks of its ability to "super-serve" fans of the sport, and has seen a solid uptick in numbers since its deal to return to DirecTV and into this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

But MLS execs may just be looking to fan the soccer flames and capitalize on the halo effect that the World Cup is sure to provide the sport. Drumming up talks with potential suitors is a typical strategy for a property heading into talks over a new deal -- and in this case, MLS would hope to push Fox Soccer Channel to give them stronger terms in a potential renewal.

Sources put Fox's current layout in the low-to-mid-seven-figure range per year for a package that includes MLS and other soccer games sold by MLS' prominent Soccer United Marketing.

Talks for a potential renewal could shed some light into Fox Sports Chairman David Hill's views on MLS as he looks to shape Fox Soccer Channel, which is now under his oversight.

And obviously the Comcast-owned Versus is very much under the microscope right now as the industry monitors the effects on the network of the pending Comcast-NBC Universal transaction.

Representatives from both MLS and Versus declined to comment on any past or future meetings.

 

[El Floppo]

Major League Soccer and Versus in Early TalksMLS execs said to like Versus' treatment of NHL; MLS-Fox Soccer Channel deal up this yearBy Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/3/2010 3:45:00 AMJust as the World Cup is about to begin, Major League Soccer may be kicking around the idea of a new television partner -- or at least using the World Cup buzz to try to up its leverage with a current one.Major League Soccer could be eyeing a move to Versus, as the two sides have begun very early discussions, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the meeting. Representatives from both sides have met once (though neither MLS Commissioner Don Garber nor Versus chief Jamie Davis were a part of the meeting), with another meeting tentatively planned to take place in the coming weeks.MLS currently has deals on English-language television with ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel. The Fox deal is up at the end of the season (later this calendar year), and that is the arrangement that MLS could look to move to Versus as a possible outcome. MLS also has a deal for Spanish-language broadcasts with Univision.While the talks are completely in their infancy and no deal is remotely on the table or has been discussed, MLS executives are said to be impressed with the way Versus has treated its coverage of the National Hockey League, which is a banner property for the cable sports network. Versus often talks of its ability to "super-serve" fans of the sport, and has seen a solid uptick in numbers since its deal to return to DirecTV and into this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.But MLS execs may just be looking to fan the soccer flames and capitalize on the halo effect that the World Cup is sure to provide the sport. Drumming up talks with potential suitors is a typical strategy for a property heading into talks over a new deal -- and in this case, MLS would hope to push Fox Soccer Channel to give them stronger terms in a potential renewal.Sources put Fox's current layout in the low-to-mid-seven-figure range per year for a package that includes MLS and other soccer games sold by MLS' prominent Soccer United Marketing.Talks for a potential renewal could shed some light into Fox Sports Chairman David Hill's views on MLS as he looks to shape Fox Soccer Channel, which is now under his oversight.And obviously the Comcast-owned Versus is very much under the microscope right now as the industry monitors the effects on the network of the pending Comcast-NBC Universal transaction.Representatives from both MLS and Versus declined to comment on any past or future meetings.

As long as Versus doesn't run those Pro-Active zit commercials, I'm game.btw- and I love that I can complain about this after all these years living in the desert- I really don't like FSC's news. Great that they cover the sport, and of course I'm going to watch it because that's all there is (and I actually watch FSC Espanol or ESPN Deportes on occasion even though I don't speak Spanish). But outside of the marble-mouthed Scott (Bobby Mcmahan?) that group knows bupkis. The new brunette- however cute- makes me want to shut the tv off with her I-went-to-broadcasting-school-and-will-emphasize-certain-key-words-even-if-they're-meaningless-to-the-content. That and the fact that she has no idea about the game, let alone how to pronounce anybody's names (although in fairness, that whole crew flailed on names for a long time before starting to finally settle into things).

 

[Steve Tasker]

Some countries allow for dual citizenship. I don't have issue with playing for a country you've immigrated to. I have issue with people playing for countries where their only tie is their grandparent was born there. The individual should have connections to the country for which they play, not some distant relative.

sn't a grandparent a connection?

And Im thinking of connection as contacts needed for personal jurisdiction, so a grandparent would not be sufficient.

Personal jurisdiction attaches by mere presence in the forum.

There are players that set foot for the first time in the country they are representing after they've been capped. The point is that I find the threshold for representing a country exceedingly low. A person could potentially pick from 10 different countries. Its fairly absurd.

I thought the rules these days were - you need to have been born in the country, either your parents or grandparents born in the country, or you would have to be a citizen? Am I mistaken? I might be.If you're good enough, I guess that a country would just hand you citizenship. But those rules don't seem too farfetched to me.

 

[El Floppo]

Really interesting ESPN article about the years prior to "the shot heard 'round the world" when the US couldn't make the WC.

We've come a long, long ways in 20 short years.

 

[scoobygang]

I watched the DC United/RSL game on Saturday night. That Andy Najar kid is the Truth. 17 years old and he looked to be the most dangerous player on the field. Handed Steven King (hee hee) a chance on a silver platter that got wasted.

 

[andy_b]

I watched the DC United/RSL game on Saturday night. That Andy Najar kid is the Truth. 17 years old and he looked to be the most dangerous player on the field. Handed Steven King (hee hee) a chance on a silver platter that got wasted.

this is excellent to hear.We should note that he is not tied to America yet though. He could just as easily play for Honduras. In fact, I don't even think he is eligible to play for the US but may be eligible in about a year which would have been his 5th in the country.

 

[andy_b]

Really interesting ESPN article about the years prior to "the shot heard 'round the world" when the US couldn't make the WC.

We've come a long, long ways in 20 short years.

still remember watching this game in my dorm room in college. Had no idea the significance of what just happened.With out Cal's goal, no WC 1990.

With no WC 1990, their was a very real chance that WC 1994 would have been pulled as we were having enormous sponsorship and management issues in what was nothing more than a mom and pop US Soccer shop at the time.

Without WC 1994, their is no second soccer explosion

Without WC 1994, their is no MLS

Without MLS, their is no structure for pro's, meaning that we would still basically be an amateur country trying to sign mercenaries or sending college kids to their death.

 

[scoobygang]

I watched the DC United/RSL game on Saturday night. That Andy Najar kid is the Truth. 17 years old and he looked to be the most dangerous player on the field. Handed Steven King (hee hee) a chance on a silver platter that got wasted.

this is excellent to hear.We should note that he is not tied to America yet though. He could just as easily play for Honduras. In fact, I don't even think he is eligible to play for the US but may be eligible in about a year which would have been his 5th in the country.

Yeah, I didn't mean to insinuate that we're watching the next American star. The kid just gave his first English interview. Honduras could probably cap him if they wanted him. It is emblematic, IMO, of the improvements possible with the academy system. Bill Hamid will probably be DCU's number 1 GK next year as well. If we have 15 real professional development options in the country, we'll get better young American players, whether Najar plays for us or not.

 

[andy_b]

I watched the DC United/RSL game on Saturday night. That Andy Najar kid is the Truth. 17 years old and he looked to be the most dangerous player on the field. Handed Steven King (hee hee) a chance on a silver platter that got wasted.

this is excellent to hear.We should note that he is not tied to America yet though. He could just as easily play for Honduras. In fact, I don't even think he is eligible to play for the US but may be eligible in about a year which would have been his 5th in the country.

Yeah, I didn't mean to insinuate that we're watching the next American star. The kid just gave his first English interview.

oh my. He has been here since 13. I guess though one can survive quite nicely in the US speaking Spanish.

 

[LHUCKS]

Just finished my 8 team serpentine Draft...ended up with the following out of the 3 slot.

Netherlands

Uruguay

Nigeria

South Korea

Not bad...England fell to #7 so that would have been nice.

 

[El Floppo]

Just read that Ernie Stewart was named to the AZ Akhmaar (zp?) coaching staff. Forgot the title. Big, big of Ernie back innaday... even if he was one of those fuzzy foreigner transplanted national-teamers.

 

[The Z Machine]

Just read that Ernie Stewart was named to the AZ Akhmaar (zp?) coaching staff. Forgot the title. Big, big of Ernie back innaday... even if he was one of those fuzzy foreigner transplanted national-teamers.

I also read that Giovanni van Bronckhurst (NED) is set to join the coaching staff of Feyenoord after the World Cup.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Just read that Ernie Stewart was named to the AZ Akhmaar (zp?) coaching staff. Forgot the title. Big, big of Ernie back innaday... even if he was one of those fuzzy foreigner transplanted national-teamers.

Earnie was born in the Netherlands.....what a ####### traitor

 

[andy_b]

Just read that Ernie Stewart was named to the AZ Akhmaar (zp?) coaching staff. Forgot the title. Big, big of Ernie back innaday... even if he was one of those fuzzy foreigner transplanted national-teamers.

Earnie was born in the Netherlands.....what a ####### traitor

actually to be fair Earnie was born in Holland but I believe it was on US military base which I believe in our rules means he was born American. He lived in the US from age 2 to 7 but then moved back to Holland and really grew up Dutch.

 

[El Floppo]

Just read that Ernie Stewart was named to the AZ Akhmaar (zp?) coaching staff. Forgot the title. Big, big of Ernie back innaday... even if he was one of those fuzzy foreigner transplanted national-teamers.

Earnie was born in the Netherlands.....what a ####### traitor :(

actually to be fair Earnie was born in Holland but I believe it was on US military base which I believe in our rules means he was born American. He lived in the US from age 2 to 7 but then moved back to Holland and really grew up Dutch.

Ernie was Ronald Reagan compared to David Regis.

 

[prefontaine]

So Rafa to Inter. Should be an interesting offseason...

 

[Dr. Doofenshmirtz]

I just got an email for a presale.

US men vs Brazil

August 10th at the new Meadowlands.

I will post full email with code when I get home.

 

[El Floppo]

I just got an email for a presale. US men vs BrazilAugust 10th at the new Meadowlands. I will post full email with code when I get home.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Just read that Ernie Stewart was named to the AZ Akhmaar (zp?) coaching staff. Forgot the title. Big, big of Ernie back innaday... even if he was one of those fuzzy foreigner transplanted national-teamers.

Earnie was born in the Netherlands.....what a ####### traitor

actually to be fair Earnie was born in Holland but I believe it was on US military base which I believe in our rules means he was born American. He lived in the US from age 2 to 7 but then moved back to Holland and really grew up Dutch.

TRAITOR

 

[El Floppo]

Just read that Ernie Stewart was named to the AZ Akhmaar (zp?) coaching staff. Forgot the title. Big, big of Ernie back innaday... even if he was one of those fuzzy foreigner transplanted national-teamers.

Earnie was born in the Netherlands.....what a ####### traitor

actually to be fair Earnie was born in Holland but I believe it was on US military base which I believe in our rules means he was born American. He lived in the US from age 2 to 7 but then moved back to Holland and really grew up Dutch.

TRAITOR

 

[Dr. Doofenshmirtz]

Would love to go to this. Will not be getting the tix that are more then $135. Just need someone to go with me. The search is on

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:

U.S. MEN TO FACE FIVE-TIME WORLD CUP CHAMPION BRAZIL

ON AUGUST 10 AT NEW MEADOWLANDS STADIUM

SPECIAL PRIVATE SALE BEGINS TOMORROW (JUNE 9) AT 11 A.M. ET

The U.S. Men’s National Team will play host to a truly special match when five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil comes to New Jersey on Tuesday, Aug. 10., for the first meeting between the two nations at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Stars from both teams will participate in the match which is less than one month after the conclusion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

As a special benefit to our CoachesNet members and to encourage you to enthusiastically support the event this August, U.S. Soccer is offering you the opportunity to order tickets for the game ahead of the general public. Your private sale starts tomorrow (June 9) at 11 a.m. ET and ends Thursday, June 10 at 2 a.m. ET. Tickets then become available to Visa® cardholders only on June 10 at 10 a.m., followed by the general public sale on June 11.

Ticket prices are $ 40 Upper Endlines; $48 Upper Corners; $58 Upper Mezzanine Endlines, Loge Corners and Upper Sidelines; $68 Lower and Mezzanine Endlines, Loge Sidelines; $80 Lower and Mezzanine Corners; $105 Club Seating (includes club lounge access) and Lower Sidelines; $135 Club Midfield (includes club lounge access) and Lower Midfield; $195 VIP Midfield (includes Coaches Club access); $295 Front Row (limit six tickets per purchase); $365 VIP Midfield Front Row (includes Coaches Club access—limit six tickets per purchase). All prices do not include convenience and handling charges (which are added through Ticketmaster).

This private sale is available to you only through the internet by clicking the following link:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/000044C5D958F121

To participate in the private sale, you must enter (in ALL CAPS) one of the following passwords in the space designated on the Ticketmaster.com order page. U.S. Soccer welcomes you to pay with your Visa card.

General Fan Sections: R4PREPARE

Brazil Fan Sections: B1PREPARE

Visit ussoccer.com for additional details about this spectacular event. Be sure to share this presale offer with others in time for them to take advantage!

Other Upcoming Games:

2010 FIFA WORLD CUP

June 12 (Rustenburg, South Africa) – U.S. Men vs. England, 2:30 p.m. ET (Live on ABC, Univision)

June 18 (Johannesburg, South Africa) – U.S. Men vs. Slovenia, 10 a.m. ET (Live on ESPN/ESPN3.com, Univision)

June 23 (Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa) – U.S. Men vs. Algeria, 10 a.m. ET (Live on ESPN/ESPN3.com, Telefutura)

July 13 (Omaha) – U.S. Women vs. Sweden, 9 p.m. ET (Live on ESPN2)

July 17 (Hartford) – U.S. Women vs. Sweden, 7:30 p.m. ET (Live on Fox Soccer Channel)

Visit the Schedule & Tickets section of ussoccer.com for more details

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U.S. Soccer Federation, 1801 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago IL 60616

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Chelsea expected to release Michael Ballack and Joe Cole

I liked both of these guys, but Chelsea is trimming salary and neither has really achieved mainstay status over the past few seasons. Both are now available on free transfers.