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

[NewlyRetired]

Club teams show interest in Altidore

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id...g-jozy-altidore

NEW YORK -- Ajax, Besiktas and Fenerbahce have shown interest in acquiring Jozy Altidore from Villarreal in addition to Premier League clubs, and a loan and permanent transfer both are possibilities for the 20-year-old American forward.

A member of this year's U.S. World Cup team, Altidore spent last season on loan to Hull and scored two goals last season as the Tigers were relegated. He is due to start preseason training with Villarreal on Aug. 3.

"A lot of the top clubs around Europe have been in touch, and we're just looking at what's the best for Jozy's career at this point," his agent, Lyle Yorks, said Tuesday in a telephone interview. "It's important to find a home for himself where he's going to get games, continue to develop and really show his abilities."

The European transfer window remains open through Aug. 31, but the Premier League opens Aug. 14 and La Liga on Aug. 28.

"We're not trying to rush into anything at this point," Yorks said. "There are advantages to getting it done early because you obviously have a longer preseason to get into the team, but it's important to get the right fit."

Yorks said he had had discussions with two Premier League clubs he wouldn't identify. Fulham also has held discussions about Altidore, pending a decision on hiring a manager to replace Roy Hodgson, who left the Cottagers to become Liverpool's manager.

Altidore was acquired by Villarreal from Major League Soccer and the New York Red Bulls in June 2008 for about $10 million. He became the first American to score in La Liga but played just six matches before he was loaned to second-division Xerez at midseason. He didn't get into another game that season, then was loaned to Hull for 2009-10.

"If it's a full transfer, then the transfer would have to be agreeable with Villarreal," Yorks said. "They spent quite a bit to get him. If it's a loan, then the pressure's off a little bit."

American midfielder Clint Dempsey, another client, reported back to Fulham following the World Cup, where he scored the U.S. goal in the 1-1 tie against England. Fulham said last August it had extended Dempsey's contract through the 2012-13 season but the 27-year-old may have options to consider.

Yorks said since the World Cup there had been inquiries about Dempsey from fairly large clubs in Italy, Germany and France, and from another Premier League team. The interest levels varied.

"He's prepared to start the season with Fulham, and if there's a right scenario that presents itself where it made sense for the club and for Clint, then he would certainly entertain that," Yorks said.

Defender Oguchi Onyewu intends to remain with AC Milan, a team he joined last summer. Onyewu was limited to one competitive game for the club last season because of a knee injury and in May extended his contract for a season until June 2013 at no extra cost.

"At this point, he's definitely set on staying there," Yorks said. "Various clubs have called regarding a loan situation, but because he missed last season, he's obviously keen to start the situation in Milan."

Yorks and his agent group also are trying to find a new club for midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, who left Glasgow Rangers. Yorks said he's exploring the possibility of new deals for midfielder Benny Feilhaber, who is with Denmark's Aarhus, and defender Clarence Goodson, who plays for Norway's IK Start.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yorks said he's exploring the possibility of new deals for midfielder Benny Feilhaber, who is with Denmark's Aarhus, and defender Clarence Goodson, who plays for Norway's IK Start.

Would love to see Benny play in MLS with Red Bull. Would be interesting to see what he could do providing his nice through balls to Henry and Angel.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Altidore to Fenerbahce would be cool since I'm already a fan of theirs. Of course, Fener seems to be linked to every striker on the market and it's hard to see an American wanting to play in Turkey.

After watching Fener's CL qualifier today (I'm getting WAY too into this sport), they need all the help can get.

 

[NewlyRetired]

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/loc...-open-june_2012

Dynamo's New Stadium to Open June/2012

Houston - Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, co-owners of the Houston Dynamo, told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday the team's new downtown soccer-specific stadium will open in June of 2012.

This is the first time Dynamo ownership has been able to nail down when the stadium will officially open.

"We're going to move in by June of 2012," said Leiweke. "So the paperwork is being wrapped up. Every agreement is being signed. We're out (Wednesday night) starting to sell the naming rights. Our bids are in. Our design is done. We hired a construction team. We hired a project manager.

"This is a $110 million dollar project. We've have a cost-certainty on budget. Now we get on with the task of making sure that we protect the best interests of the Dynamo and TSU."

The project will be financed with an estimated $75 million from Dynamo ownership. The city of Houston and Harris County are providing $10 million each, that will be funded by taxes generated by the stadium complex.

The city is providing the land which cost around $15 million.

Leiweke pointed out the MLS season opens in April and early plans are to have the Dynamo play road games during the first two months of the 2012 season, with perhaps a big game or two at Reliant Stadium.

The idea is to shoot for the 2012 home opener in the facility.

"I'm proud that is one of the largest private investments in a soccer stadium ever made in the United States," Leiweke said. "Houston deserves it. We believe in this market place."

Leiweke, who is in Houston for the game between the MLS All-Stars and Manchester United, said selling the naming rights to the new stadium is a priority and six companies are meeting with him Wednesday night to hear presentations.

Texas Southern University is a partner with the Dynamo on the project and the school will play its home football games in the new stadium.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Mark Hughes Accepts Offer To Manage Fulham

 

[NewlyRetired]

All Star game is officially sold out according to NY Times

 

[Steve Tasker]

Altidore to Fenerbahce would be cool since I'm already a fan of theirs. Of course, Fener seems to be linked to every striker on the market and it's hard to see an American wanting to play in Turkey.After watching Fener's CL qualifier today (I'm getting WAY too into this sport), they need all the help can get.

worked for Nicolas Anelka just fine.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know Julie Foudy is an alltime US soccer great, but come on...she's AWFUL as a commentator.

 

[Steve Tasker]

MLS>oooooooooof

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

OMG, that's horrible.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Really looking forward to the Kiko - Balotelli pairing for the Italian national team for years to come....

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

MLS>oooooooooof

And........ double oof.

 

[The Hardline]

This is humiliating. Any chance MLS keeps ManU under 5 tonight?

 

[Christo]

Well, that was pretty bad. And to top it off they chose some really crappy uniforms.

 

[Premier]

How do they sell replica uniforms with a big AT&T in the middle of it? Who wants one of those?

 

[Steve Tasker]

MLS team playing better, but they're clearly just not on the same page...as is expected.

Chicharrito preparing to make his Man U debut on the touchline. Should be interesting to hear his reception....gonna be huge I'll bet.

 

[Premier]

Also, why does the MLS set themselves up for embarrassment like this?

 

[Steve Tasker]

MLS team playing better, but they're clearly just not on the same page...as is expected.Chicharrito preparing to make his Man U debut on the touchline. Should be interesting to hear his reception....gonna be huge I'll bet.

.....and the crowd explodes

 

[Native]

Nice goal there.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Hey, remember when Brian Ching didn't make the USMNT and everyone was sad?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Also, why does the MLS set themselves up for embarrassment like this?

Someone posted it awhile ago, but the MLS all-stars have a very good record in these games.I wouldn't say they're getting embarrassed at all. Once huge misstep within the first minute and poor marking on a corner and they're down 2-0. They're not the better team out there, but I don't think anyone expected them to. Outside of a EPL/La Liga/Serie A/Bundesliga all-star team, I'm not sure any country could field a team that would really control the game against Man U.

 

[Native]

Could have been a red there. Alas this is an All Star game.

 

[Premier]

Also, why does the MLS set themselves up for embarrassment like this?

Someone posted it awhile ago, but the MLS all-stars have a very good record in these games.I wouldn't say they're getting embarrassed at all. Once huge misstep within the first minute and poor marking on a corner and they're down 2-0. They're not the better team out there, but I don't think anyone expected them to. Outside of a EPL/La Liga/Serie A/Bundesliga all-star team, I'm not sure any country could field a team that would really control the game against Man U.

Again, I know little about soccer. I figured this was the Man U B-team vs. the MLS All-Stars. I guess the Man U B-team is that good, as it's now 3-1.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Also, why does the MLS set themselves up for embarrassment like this?

Someone posted it awhile ago, but the MLS all-stars have a very good record in these games.I wouldn't say they're getting embarrassed at all. Once huge misstep within the first minute and poor marking on a corner and they're down 2-0. They're not the better team out there, but I don't think anyone expected them to. Outside of a EPL/La Liga/Serie A/Bundesliga all-star team, I'm not sure any country could field a team that would really control the game against Man U.

Again, I know little about soccer. I figured this was the Man U B-team vs. the MLS All-Stars. I guess the Man U B-team is that good, as it's now 3-1.

Well, it's not their A-team, you're correct. More of an A-/B+ team. Some regulars and some young guys.

 

[Native]

Two unbelievable goals!!

 

[Steve Tasker]

And just like that, it's 4-1.

 

[Steve Tasker]

DeRo!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Chicharito!

 

[The Hardline]

This is humiliating. Any chance MLS keeps ManU under 5 tonight?

Guess not

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Rough 24 hrs for Bruce Arena

 

[Steve Tasker]

Also, why does the MLS set themselves up for embarrassment like this?

Someone posted it awhile ago, but the MLS all-stars have a very good record in these games.I wouldn't say they're getting embarrassed at all. Once huge misstep within the first minute and poor marking on a corner and they're down 2-0. They're not the better team out there, but I don't think anyone expected them to. Outside of a EPL/La Liga/Serie A/Bundesliga all-star team, I'm not sure any country could field a team that would really control the game against Man U.

Again, I know little about soccer. I figured this was the Man U B-team vs. the MLS All-Stars. I guess the Man U B-team is that good, as it's now 3-1.

I'd like to note that the score was 2-1 when I posted my comment. I think it's very fair to say that their getting their asses kicked now.

 

[Steve Tasker]

DeRo!

TFC represent

 

[The Hardline]

Is the ManU keeper C team? Dude just looks lost, out of position and has paddles for hands. The punch out earlier in the game went straight up in the air and he looked like he could not be more disinterested. He sucks

Thank goodness that game is over.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Is the ManU keeper C team? Dude just looks lost, out of position and has paddles for hands. The punch out earlier in the game went straight up in the air and he looked like he could not be more disinterested. He sucksThank goodness that game is over.

van der Sar is a longtime starter for Manchester United, and for a time was considered arguably the best keeper in the world (and certainly in the top 5). He's their starter.ETA - he's also apparently the all-time caps leader for the Dutch.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Really looking forward to the Kiko - Balotelli pairing for the Italian national team for years to come....

Kiko. Just listen to that beautiful broken English.

 

[The Hardline]

Is the ManU keeper C team? Dude just looks lost, out of position and has paddles for hands. The punch out earlier in the game went straight up in the air and he looked like he could not be more disinterested. He sucksThank goodness that game is over.

van der Sar is a longtime starter for Manchester United, and for a time was considered arguably the best keeper in the world (and certainly in the top 5). He's their starter.ETA - he's also apparently the all-time caps leader for the Dutch.

Well he sucks

 

[Christo]

Is the ManU keeper C team? Dude just looks lost, out of position and has paddles for hands. The punch out earlier in the game went straight up in the air and he looked like he could not be more disinterested. He sucksThank goodness that game is over.

Van der Sar is just Holland's most capped player and has over 500 appearances between Ajax, Juventus and ManU.

 

[Desert_Power]

MLS unlucky not to pull back a couple more.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Is the ManU keeper C team? Dude just looks lost, out of position and has paddles for hands. The punch out earlier in the game went straight up in the air and he looked like he could not be more disinterested. He sucksThank goodness that game is over.

Van der Sar is just Holland's most capped player and has over 500 appearances between Ajax, Juventus and ManU.

Yeah well, he sucks

 

[Mjolnirs]

Is the ManU keeper C team? Dude just looks lost, out of position and has paddles for hands. The punch out earlier in the game went straight up in the air and he looked like he could not be more disinterested. He sucksThank goodness that game is over.

van der Sar is a longtime starter for Manchester United, and for a time was considered arguably the best keeper in the world (and certainly in the top 5). He's their starter.ETA - he's also apparently the all-time caps leader for the Dutch.

Well he sucks

He only made 9 saves in that match. Any better and it would have been a shutout. Now look at what you've done. Here I am defending a ManUre player. I think I may get :X

 

[Major]

Is the ManU keeper C team? Dude just looks lost, out of position and has paddles for hands. The punch out earlier in the game went straight up in the air and he looked like he could not be more disinterested. He sucksThank goodness that game is over.

Van der Sar is just Holland's most capped player and has over 500 appearances between Ajax, Juventus and ManU.

Yeah well, he sucks

good schtick...next you're going to tell me how awful Henry is

 

[NewlyRetired]

How do they sell replica uniforms with a big AT&T in the middle of it? Who wants one of those?

Most fans who buy shirts will not buy replicas WITH OUT the sponsorship on the shirt.Having a sponsorship on the shirt is a long time tradition with the vast majority of club teams in the world.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Disappointing game.

A few weeks ago I was excited to see Donovan, Buddle, DeRo, Montero etc all playing together for 50 or so minutes. Because of the horrible scheduling, this was not possible.

Oh and I know it was a lifetime achievement award but it was a bit embarassing to see Jamie Moreno on the field. Fat, slow and loss of touch is no way to look good again Man U.

 

[guru_007]

Fun game last night. If I had to put a percentage of kits worn in the crowd - 65% ManU, 25% Dynamo, 10% Mexican national team, 10% random MLS/EPL jerseys

While leaving, saw a guy wearing a 4 Fabregas jersey. Had to give him some crap.

Not sure how it came over on the television but, the three largest cheers of the game:

third largest - Ching goal

second largest - Donovan sub in

largest - Hernandez subbed in. saw a ton of Vamos Chicharito and various other placards in the stands and parking lots.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not sure how it came over on the television but, the three largest cheers of the game:third largest - Ching goalsecond largest - Donovan sub inlargest - Hernandez subbed in. saw a ton of Vamos Chicharito and various other placards in the stands and parking lots.

This is exactly how I would have ranked it as well from watching it on TV.

 

[Mello]

Predicting a 3-1 United win tonight.

It may be even more lopsided. This will not be like playing the MLS club sides which are relatively in form and in sync and have given ManU a decent game.The MLS allstars will have almost no prep time together and 5 of their starters played a ton of minutes just last night.

I wouldn't be so sure. The MLS All-Stars are 4-0-1 against English and Scottish sides. The 4 wins were over Chelsea, Fulham, Celtic, and West Ham.

Scratch that That was an annihilation. Fun to watch for a meaningless game though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Some interesting notes from Grant Whal of CNNSI.com

"A couple of people in U.S. Soccer have told me that the U.S. is planning to bring its best team for the Brazil friendly. A roster is expected to be announced next week. It is a FIFA international date, after all, it's Brazil, and the hope is that the U.S. players' club managers will feel better that the game is on a Tuesday, allowing for one less day to be gone from their clubs. It is not expected that the game will sell out the new Meadowlands stadium, though a crowd of 50,000 to 60,000 is possible. Brazil announced its roster earlier this week, a youthful, exciting group that includes domestic starlets (Neymar, Ganso, André) and European-based stars like Alexandre Pato and Dani Alves."

"Another big name in MLS? I have some solid new sources in Brazil thanks to my trip there for an SI magazine story in April. They're telling me that Ronaldinho may yet come to the Los Angeles Galaxy, but it wouldn't be until at least 2011."

 

[NewlyRetired]

http://worldsoccerreader.com/2010/07/alvar...attle-sounders/

Seattle Sounders Officially Sign Alvaro Fernandez As Designated Player

Uruguayan international Alvaro Fernandez has officially signed with Seattle Sounders as a Designated Player. The 24 year old midfielder made four appearances for Uruguay at this summers World Cup.

“I’m very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a lot in the last few years and keeps getting better,” Fernandez said. “Seattle is beautiful and I think it’s the ideal place to be with my family. All these things helped in making my decision.”

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

This is a fantastic signing by Seattle. Not often MLS has the chops to sign a 24 year old fresh off a World Cup semi-final.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

City spending spree continues. Looks like Yaya Toure is in the fold and Milner is next.

Do you have a link to this? I know it has been talked about quite a bit and will probably happen (if it hasn't already), but I couldn't find a story saying it is done. I read on El Mundo Deportivo that Pep Guardiola is trying to convince him to stay, though the sticking point is playing time, of course.If it gets done, I'll be a bit bummed because I think Toure was underutilized at Barcelona. He showed tremendous versatility for the Blaugrana and I think he was overlooked there. I would rather they ditch Marquez and keep Toure, but it doesn't look like that will happen.

As far as the City spending spree goes, Silva is a very good player. But with Villa and Silva gone, and Mata rumored to be headed to Barcelona, it makes me a bit sad to see Valencia in such a state. I don't think it was good for La Liga to have a 25 point gap between the second and third place teams last season (and a 36 point gap between first and fourth), and with Valencia selling its best players, that gap doesn't look to close next season. I'm happy Barca have Villa and that they will be a strong team again, but it almost looks as if 18 teams will start next season with absolutely no shot of winning the title.

BBC Gossip

Thinking KC didn't care about the Milner news as much as this:

The £26m deal bringing Touré from Barcelona to join his brother Kolo is so far advanced that a City delegation flew to Catalonia on Monday, oversaw his medical and concluded the interview with him for the club website before heading off on holiday. The deal awaits the signature of the new Barcelona president, Sandro Rosell, who takes up his office today.

I see they finally made this official earlier this week at 30 mil. pounds for the part-timer, just a week or so after paying 25 mil. for Silva. The surprising part I read today however is that City just made Toure the highest paid player in EPL history and the first to crack the 200k per week barrier. Seems insane to me, particularly given all the defensive midfielders already there.

 

[guru_007]

Interesting about Toure.

It's going to get a bit interesting in the Premier League in a few weeks when teams have to start making "cuts" to get down to their 25 man roster. Man City in particular is going to have to figure out to do with 7-8 players. I haven't read that much into it of yet, but I mean, a guy like Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy could be sent out on essentially a free loan for the year to a team like Newcastle or Liverpool. And from all indications, City is still not done shopping. wtf.

Chelsea is doing a pretty solid job paring down their roster....United has only an one or two big decisions to make, and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Anderson kicked to the curb. Guy has a ton of talent, but is probably better off elsewhere.

And for all the talk in the spring, Arguero is still @ Atletico Madrid, correct? I'm kinda surprised he hasn't moved yet.