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

[El Floppo]

I went from being non-plussed by the Henry/Marquez signings, to being pretty freaking pumped. Gotta get back out to Harrison for another game...

 

[Christo]

All indications are that Cesc wants to return to Barca at some point and has told Arsenal management and his Spanish teammates this since May. I don't really see what is wrong with the players that are being asked about the situation saying that they think Cesc wants to return and that they would like him too, it happens all the time. Now it would be wrong if Barca(particularly Puyol) was making the comments your "article" and The Sun attributed to them, but Puyol has claimed that is fake. That doesn't sound more than well-documented to me. But, I wouldn't expect you to let facts get in the way of your ranting against Barcelona

Oh, he's now denying it. Well, I take it all back. They're great guys and have never done anything unseemly with respect to Cesc. How is him wanting to move back "at some point" (which may or may not be true, he hasn't said that) relevant to the crap that's going on right now? Even the most recent article I can find still doesn't go so far to say he wants or has demanded to move this summer. In fact, he says "I am a Gunner":

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas Reveals Internal Struggles With Barcelona Transfer Rumours - Report

The young midfielder has revealed his internal struggle as rumours have tied him to Barcelona...

By Cyrus C. Malek

Jul 29, 2010 2:17:00 PM

In comments reported by AS, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, subject of near-daily transfer speculation involving Barcelona, has revealed in an interview with DIR Emotions some of the personal battles he has faced this summer.

"I am from Barcelona. I am a club member, along with my grandfather, my uncle and my cousin. I feel those colours and have since I was young. I am Catalan, I am from Arenys [a small Catalaunyan municipality], I have come through the Barca youth system... However, I am Arsenal's captain. I am a Gunner and that is where I have made myself as a player and matured as a person."

Fabregas emphasised the importance current coach Arsene Wenger has played in his sporting career, signing him from Barca when he was only 16 years old and little by little giving him confidence until he assumed the duties that come with being the Gunners' captain. "He is a second father to me, the most important person in my life after my father. He has been very supportive of me and has treated my like a son. I am part of his family."

Fabregas went on to reveal that he is conscious of Wenger's desire for his star midfielder not to move to Barca. "He does not want me to leave. My last conversation with him in London was one of the most difficult moments I have had to live. I am left very touched."

Speaking of Barcelona's current players, the midfielder revealed his amistad with players such as Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and others.

"Those players are my friends and have been for many years. They play stellar football and everything they have won they deserve 100 per cent.

"Puyol gives me confidence and has taken care of me like an older brother. Bojan inspires calm. Busquets is simple and authentic. Xavi is a maestro. Iniesta has so much patience, especially given what has happened to him in terms of injuries. Messi is calm, shy, and very kind. Valdes has a lot of personality."

As for his professional future, Fabregas would only reveal: "I want to continue fighting for every title, especially the Champions League, because I am a winner."

Fabregas has been in the eye of a turbulent transfer storm, as Barcelona have pursued him and Arsenal have been resistant to any sort of move that might see their star young midfielder leave the Emirates Stadium.

 

[guru_007]

European soccer is all a big soap opera. Same ####, different year. Last year and a half it was Torres who wanted out, the year before it was Ronaldo, now it's Fabregas.

I'm sure Fabregas would love to be in Barcelona, but if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. That locker room is going to be interesting though. I know last year there was a lot of bad blood between some players, and it seems this year will be the case again.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

The US announced the roster for the Brazil match today. Looks like we will get to see Jermaine Jones in action, finally.

Glad to see that Altidore was left off as well. He needs to be training with his club and trying to get playing time, as well as realizing his spot on the national team isn't guaranteed to him.

 

[El Floppo]

The US announced the roster for the Brazil match today. Looks like we will get to see Jermaine Jones in action, finally.

Glad to see that Altidore was left off as well. He needs to be training with his club and trying to get playing time, as well as realizing his spot on the national team isn't guaranteed to him.

Can't wait to see Jones. But it's still hard to take that those three forwards are all we've got.

 

[Yo Mama]

I know this might not be the best place to ask this, but I know a bunch of you guys are very knowledgeable about soccer.

I'm coaching my daughter's 6 and 7 year old team this year. Wondering if anyone has suggestions or links for drills/games for practice. We play 6 a side (5 on the field plus a goalie) with all the basic rules except for offsides. Pretty large field with a full sized goal. I coached my son's team at this level last year and ended up running out of ideas for practice a few weeks into it so we kept doing the same things and scrimmaging all year.

Basic skills and rules, positions, and trying to pass/spacing versus swarm ball are all things I'm trying to teach.

TIA

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

The US announced the roster for the Brazil match today. Looks like we will get to see Jermaine Jones in action, finally.

Glad to see that Altidore was left off as well. He needs to be training with his club and trying to get playing time, as well as realizing his spot on the national team isn't guaranteed to him.

Can't wait to see Jones. But it's still hard to take that those three forwards are all we've got.

How old is Jones? I'm glad he's involved with the Nats and all, but will be still be a factor in 2014? Otherwise it seems like a waste of time (and yes I know about the Gold Cups etc in the meantime)

 

[El Floppo]

The US announced the roster for the Brazil match today. Looks like we will get to see Jermaine Jones in action, finally.

Glad to see that Altidore was left off as well. He needs to be training with his club and trying to get playing time, as well as realizing his spot on the national team isn't guaranteed to him.

Can't wait to see Jones. But it's still hard to take that those three forwards are all we've got.

How old is Jones? I'm glad he's involved with the Nats and all, but will be still be a factor in 2014? Otherwise it seems like a waste of time (and yes I know about the Gold Cups etc in the meantime)

He'll be 32 in 2014- depending on health, still in the right age zone to play well.

 

[El Floppo]

And even though it always seems like a foregone conclusion, he'll be able to help with qualifying at the very least.

 

[Mello]

I'm not sure what to think of this even if it's true. Not a huge fan of having a "sugar daddy" owner. Especially when it's the Chinese government. Would be nice to compete financially with United and Chelsea though.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/footba...icle2673490.ece

Helen Power, Tony Evans

The Chinese Government is the mystery backer behind a bid for Liverpool Football Club, The Times can reveal.

China’s overseas investment arm China Investment Corporation (CIC), which already owns a stake in Canary Wharf, is funding the bid fronted by the sports tycoon Kenny Huang for one of Britain’s biggest sporting names.

The debt-laden club is expected to change hands this month and last night the Chinese appeared to be in pole position to win a three-way takeover battle. The other bidders are a wealthy Kuwaiti family and an American private equity group.

Liverpool’s lender, the Royal Bank of Scotland, forced the club’s unpopular American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, to put it up for sale in April. A number of potential foreign buyers have been circling, but until now the role of the Communist Government was unknown.

The acquisition would be just a tiny piece of China’s vast global investment plan. CIC was created in 2007 to invest billions of dollars for the benefit of the State. The country has been able to stockpile nearly $2 trillion of foreign currency reserves because it exports many more billions of pounds of goods and services than it imports. CIC has $332 billion to spend abroad.

The fund already has stakes in natural resources and energy companies in Asia, the US and Africa as part of China’s long-term strategy of securing its energy supplies. Liverpool would be its first football club and a high-profile entry into British cultural life.

Neither CIC nor Mr Huang was available for comment last night, but insiders said that CIC would end up owning the majority of the club if the consortium’s planned bid — which values Liverpool at between £300 million and £350 million — is successful.

China is not the first foreign country to covet English Premier League teams. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Sunderland are all in foreign hands.

Manchester City, which is owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a senior member of the Royal Family in Abu Dhabi, and Chelsea, owned by the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, were bought as trophy assets. The owners have poured in money without seeking a profit.

It is believed that the Chinese would expect to make money by building a bigger stadium in Merseyside and developing the club’s Asian fan base.

Liverpool already has a sponsorship deal with the bank Standard Chartered, which focuses on Asia. Presenting the bank’s half-year results yesterday, Peter Sands, its chief executive, said that its sponsorship of Liverpool was the most cost-effective way of getting Standard Chartered’s name on to television screens across Asia.

The sale is being run by Barcap, Barclays’ investment banking arm, and Martin Broughton, chairman of British Airways, who was brought in as temporary chairman of the club in April.

Insiders said that it was a three-way contest between the Chinese, Rhône Capital, a private equity group, and the billionare al-Kharafi family of Kuwait.

Any buyer must be cleared by the Premier League, which has held talks with the bidders. The main test is financial and it is unlikely that a bid would be blocked from the cash-rich Chinese.

Mr Huang reiterated his interest in Liverpool through his PR firm Hill & Knowlton yesterday but said that he had yet to make a formal binding bid.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know this might not be the best place to ask this, but I know a bunch of you guys are very knowledgeable about soccer.I'm coaching my daughter's 6 and 7 year old team this year. Wondering if anyone has suggestions or links for drills/games for practice. We play 6 a side (5 on the field plus a goalie) with all the basic rules except for offsides. Pretty large field with a full sized goal. I coached my son's team at this level last year and ended up running out of ideas for practice a few weeks into it so we kept doing the same things and scrimmaging all year.Basic skills and rules, positions, and trying to pass/spacing versus swarm ball are all things I'm trying to teach.TIA

I've coached 7-9 year old boys. 7v7 (6 and a goalie) on a fairly large field. What exactly are you looking for? Just drills/games? Are these going to be competitive players or just kids who are there to get some exercise and meet friends? Not that it makes a huge difference at that age, just wondering.

 

[Yo Mama]

I know this might not be the best place to ask this, but I know a bunch of you guys are very knowledgeable about soccer.I'm coaching my daughter's 6 and 7 year old team this year. Wondering if anyone has suggestions or links for drills/games for practice. We play 6 a side (5 on the field plus a goalie) with all the basic rules except for offsides. Pretty large field with a full sized goal. I coached my son's team at this level last year and ended up running out of ideas for practice a few weeks into it so we kept doing the same things and scrimmaging all year.Basic skills and rules, positions, and trying to pass/spacing versus swarm ball are all things I'm trying to teach.TIA

I've coached 7-9 year old boys. 7v7 (6 and a goalie) on a fairly large field. What exactly are you looking for? Just drills/games? Are these going to be competitive players or just kids who are there to get some exercise and meet friends? Not that it makes a huge difference at that age, just wondering.

AYSO so just for fun, not competetive.More just looking for basic skills and fun games to incorporate those skills.Thanks.

 

[Native]

Looks like Chelsea will sign Ramires from Benefica for 18 million pounds. Hes a Brazillian centeral mid whose just 23 and apparanrtly played well in the WC. Cant say I know too much about him.

 

[bentley]

I'm not sure what to think of this even if it's true. Not a huge fan of having a "sugar daddy" owner. Especially when it's the Chinese government. Would be nice to compete financially with United and Chelsea though.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/footba...icle2673490.ece

Helen Power, Tony Evans

The Chinese Government is the mystery backer behind a bid for Liverpool Football Club, The Times can reveal.

China’s overseas investment arm China Investment Corporation (CIC), which already owns a stake in Canary Wharf, is funding the bid fronted by the sports tycoon Kenny Huang for one of Britain’s biggest sporting names.

The debt-laden club is expected to change hands this month and last night the Chinese appeared to be in pole position to win a three-way takeover battle. The other bidders are a wealthy Kuwaiti family and an American private equity group.

Liverpool’s lender, the Royal Bank of Scotland, forced the club’s unpopular American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, to put it up for sale in April. A number of potential foreign buyers have been circling, but until now the role of the Communist Government was unknown.

The acquisition would be just a tiny piece of China’s vast global investment plan. CIC was created in 2007 to invest billions of dollars for the benefit of the State. The country has been able to stockpile nearly $2 trillion of foreign currency reserves because it exports many more billions of pounds of goods and services than it imports. CIC has $332 billion to spend abroad.

The fund already has stakes in natural resources and energy companies in Asia, the US and Africa as part of China’s long-term strategy of securing its energy supplies. Liverpool would be its first football club and a high-profile entry into British cultural life.

Neither CIC nor Mr Huang was available for comment last night, but insiders said that CIC would end up owning the majority of the club if the consortium’s planned bid — which values Liverpool at between £300 million and £350 million — is successful.

China is not the first foreign country to covet English Premier League teams. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Sunderland are all in foreign hands.

Manchester City, which is owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a senior member of the Royal Family in Abu Dhabi, and Chelsea, owned by the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, were bought as trophy assets. The owners have poured in money without seeking a profit.

It is believed that the Chinese would expect to make money by building a bigger stadium in Merseyside and developing the club’s Asian fan base.

Liverpool already has a sponsorship deal with the bank Standard Chartered, which focuses on Asia. Presenting the bank’s half-year results yesterday, Peter Sands, its chief executive, said that its sponsorship of Liverpool was the most cost-effective way of getting Standard Chartered’s name on to television screens across Asia.

The sale is being run by Barcap, Barclays’ investment banking arm, and Martin Broughton, chairman of British Airways, who was brought in as temporary chairman of the club in April.

Insiders said that it was a three-way contest between the Chinese, Rhône Capital, a private equity group, and the billionare al-Kharafi family of Kuwait.

Any buyer must be cleared by the Premier League, which has held talks with the bidders. The main test is financial and it is unlikely that a bid would be blocked from the cash-rich Chinese.

Mr Huang reiterated his interest in Liverpool through his PR firm Hill & Knowlton yesterday but said that he had yet to make a formal binding bid.

I fail to see any drawback to having piles of money sitting around for transfer season.

 

[SofaKings]

So I'm buying tix for Tottenham at White Hart. Anyone been before? Any side in particular I should sit on?

 

[Sammy3469]

What's the difference between the SuperLiga and the CONCACAF Champions Leauge. I watched a little of whoever the Revs were playing last night in Spanish and had no clue what they were actually playing for.

 

[guru_007]

random news and notes time:

It was discussed previously, I believe by his eminence himself, but Russia which currently plays offseason, will re-align their schedule to a fall/spring schedule. That's kind of good news/bad news really, as it will help Russia in international competitions both at the club and national level to have their guys playing and in best form at the same time as the rest of the world....but Russian games in January/February? No thank you.

Today's installment in "As the Man City Turns".....Adebayor wants out - imho, probably best for both sides there. Juventus is being mentioned, and I'd like to see that happen as I do enjoy following Juve and they could use some young legs up top.

Balotelli to Man City is all but a done deal, he should be there by week end - although these salary negotiations could trip it up. $180K/week for him seems way, way, way too much. I know it's not my money, but this guy is a total prima donna, and will not earn anywhere near that much. Plus, the rest of the City players will start asking for wage increases soon thereafter.

Bellamy is all but gone too - Spurs or Celtic are the most likely destination.

Cesc is going to leave Arsenal. This situation is being handled way worse than Ronaldo @ ManU, where Ronaldo wanted to go to REal, and ManU said fine, show us the money. That's what Arsenal should do with Fabregas, imo. Fabregas is a very nice player, who I think will not fare as well at Barca as he will in Arsenals lineup, but I could care less either way. Another whiny prima donna.

Kaka out for two months, ouch.

10 more days, 10 more days

 

[NewlyRetired]

What's the difference between the SuperLiga and the CONCACAF Champions Leauge. I watched a little of whoever the Revs were playing last night in Spanish and had no clue what they were actually playing for.

Superliga is only between MLS and MFL teams. Started in 2007. Some felt that the leagues may have been testing the waters for a future real super league involving up to 16 teams from each country for a full season. I personally don't ever see that happening.CCL is for all leagues in Concacaf.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I went from being non-plussed by the Henry/Marquez signings, to being pretty freaking pumped. Gotta get back out to Harrison for another game...

I know the game is sold out but the LA NY game would be a pretty fun game to get your hands on a ticket for.Any ideas when Rafa will make his debut?

 

[Sammy3469]

What's the difference between the SuperLiga and the CONCACAF Champions Leauge. I watched a little of whoever the Revs were playing last night in Spanish and had no clue what they were actually playing for.

Superliga is only between MLS and MFL teams. Started in 2007. Some felt that the leagues may have been testing the waters for a future real super league involving up to 16 teams from each country for a full season. I personally don't ever see that happening.CCL is for all leagues in Concacaf.

So is it important at all? I think NE advanced to the finals on PKs

 

[Sammy3469]

I went from being non-plussed by the Henry/Marquez signings, to being pretty freaking pumped. Gotta get back out to Harrison for another game...

I know the game is sold out but the LA NY game would be a pretty fun game to get your hands on a ticket for.Any ideas when Rafa will make his debut?

I'm actually pissed I'll be gone for that game. Oh well.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Props to Seattle and Toronto for getting through to the CCL group stages.Surviving in Central American road games - that's progress.

This was great to see! I heard one of the games (Seattle I think) was played in horrible conditions and great to see their new signing head home to put them through.So who is left for MLS now?Columbus, RSL, Seattle and Toronto?

 

[NewlyRetired]

What's the difference between the SuperLiga and the CONCACAF Champions Leauge. I watched a little of whoever the Revs were playing last night in Spanish and had no clue what they were actually playing for.

Superliga is only between MLS and MFL teams. Started in 2007. Some felt that the leagues may have been testing the waters for a future real super league involving up to 16 teams from each country for a full season. I personally don't ever see that happening.CCL is for all leagues in Concacaf.

So is it important at all? I think NE advanced to the finals on PKs

IMO no it is not important. Because it is so new it feels very low in priority and it feels like a way to simply get Mexica fans to more games in the states. I may be wrong but I am not ever sure if the Mexican clubs ever play any home games in the tournament.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Props to Seattle and Toronto for getting through to the CCL group stages.Surviving in Central American road games - that's progress.

This was great to see! I heard one of the games (Seattle I think) was played in horrible conditions and great to see their new signing head home to put them through.So who is left for MLS now?Columbus, RSL, Seattle and Toronto?

That's correct.RSL and Toronto are in the same group, so you have to think at least one of them will get through to the knockout rounds. (Cruz Azul is in their group as well).Seattle's group is stacked - they have Saprissa (who've won the whole thing recently) and I believe Monterrey.

 

[Christo]

So I'm buying tix for Tottenham at White Hart. Anyone been before? Any side in particular I should sit on?

About a dozen times. But that was almost 30 years ago.

 

[Eephus]

So I'm buying tix for Tottenham at White Hart. Anyone been before? Any side in particular I should sit on?

About a dozen times. But that was almost 30 years ago.

I got my ticket from a work colleague who is a season ticket holder. We sat low in the Spurs supporters end. Great atmosphere and a different visual perspective than I'm used to. No legroom whatsoever but we stood a lot. It's an old stadium that was expanded several times so I imagine there are some pretty bad seats in the house.

 

[SofaKings]

So I'm buying tix for Tottenham at White Hart. Anyone been before? Any side in particular I should sit on?

About a dozen times. But that was almost 30 years ago.

I got my ticket from a work colleague who is a season ticket holder. We sat low in the Spurs supporters end. Great atmosphere and a different visual perspective than I'm used to. No legroom whatsoever but we stood a lot. It's an old stadium that was expanded several times so I imagine there are some pretty bad seats in the house.

I'm looking at Area 9 Row 6 seat 1.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

So I'm buying tix for Tottenham at White Hart. Anyone been before? Any side in particular I should sit on?

About a dozen times. But that was almost 30 years ago.

I got my ticket from a work colleague who is a season ticket holder. We sat low in the Spurs supporters end. Great atmosphere and a different visual perspective than I'm used to. No legroom whatsoever but we stood a lot. It's an old stadium that was expanded several times so I imagine there are some pretty bad seats in the house.

I'm looking at Area 9 Row 6 seat 1.

that's cool SofaKings - I've never been to White Hart Lane, but would love to. It should be a great time.

 

[Eephus]

So I'm buying tix for Tottenham at White Hart. Anyone been before? Any side in particular I should sit on?

About a dozen times. But that was almost 30 years ago.

I got my ticket from a work colleague who is a season ticket holder. We sat low in the Spurs supporters end. Great atmosphere and a different visual perspective than I'm used to. No legroom whatsoever but we stood a lot. It's an old stadium that was expanded several times so I imagine there are some pretty bad seats in the house.

I'm looking at Area 9 Row 6 seat 1.

Looks like your seat is low in the corner. Stand up and on corner kicks.

 

[SofaKings]

So I'm buying tix for Tottenham at White Hart. Anyone been before? Any side in particular I should sit on?

About a dozen times. But that was almost 30 years ago.

I got my ticket from a work colleague who is a season ticket holder. We sat low in the Spurs supporters end. Great atmosphere and a different visual perspective than I'm used to. No legroom whatsoever but we stood a lot. It's an old stadium that was expanded several times so I imagine there are some pretty bad seats in the house.

I'm looking at Area 9 Row 6 seat 1.

that's cool SofaKings - I've never been to White Hart Lane, but would love to. It should be a great time.

Looking forward to it. Next section over is the "away team supporters" so thought that it would be better than the other choice, next to the "family section".

 

[SofaKings]

Now I have to figure out all the crazy songs they sing.

 

[guru_007]

ESPN now reporting Kaka out 3-4 months, ouch ouch

 

[El Floppo]

I can't imagine getting to a point where I'd be anything but proud to put on my national team shirt and play. Complaining to the world about being used out of your best position? Really?

PARIS -- Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka says former France coach Raymond Domenech made him feel disgusted with soccer by forcing him to play out of position during the World Cup.Anelka, sent home from South Africa for verbally abusing Domenech, told Thursday's edition of France Soir newspaper that the former France coach "should be ashamed" after making "a casting mistake."Domenech criticized Anelka for playing out of position and took him off during halftime of the first-round game against Mexico on June 17, prompting Anelka to launch a profanity-laced tirade at the coach."My biggest regret is that I was not given the chance to play in my best position," Anelka said. "If the coach wanted to take a player which stays in the box, he shouldn't have picked me. He made a casting mistake."Domenech was replaced after the World Cup by former French national team player Laurent Blanc."It's the coach [not the players] who should be ashamed after his refusal in front of the world to shake hands with the coach of South Africa," Anelka said.Domenech refused to shake Carlos Alberto Parreira's hand after France lost its final game 2-1 in South Africa."And they told me that I have no respect?" Anelka said. "I have no respect for kamikazes. If [Domenech] wanted to kill himself, he should have done it alone, but not with us."Anelka never denied ranting at Domenech but took French sports daily L'Equipe to court for libel after it printed details of the altercation, accusing the newspaper of distorting his words.After Anelka's alleged words were splashed across the front page of the newspaper, the French Football Federation sent the forward home, and the following day the entire team went on strike at training in protest."I'd like to see Domenech confessing to the world that I didn't use those words," Anelka said. "I wish he had the honesty to say it, and to say it to his mother, too."Anelka revealed he even thought about leaving the national team after a pre-World Cup exhibition in Tunisia."I was already sick of playing that way," Anelka said. "But three senior players asked me to stay for the team. I finally stayed and I should not have."Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

 

[Eephus]

I can't imagine getting to a point where I'd be anything but proud to put on my national team shirt and play. Complaining to the world about being used out of your best position? Really?

PARIS -- Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka says former France coach Raymond Domenech made him feel disgusted with soccer by forcing him to play out of position during the World Cup.

Nico wouldn't be Nico if he wasn't complaining about something or other.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US announced the roster for the Brazil match today. Looks like we will get to see Jermaine Jones in action, finally.

Glad to see that Altidore was left off as well. He needs to be training with his club and trying to get playing time, as well as realizing his spot on the national team isn't guaranteed to him.

Can't wait to see Jones. But it's still hard to take that those three forwards are all we've got.

How old is Jones? I'm glad he's involved with the Nats and all, but will be still be a factor in 2014? Otherwise it seems like a waste of time (and yes I know about the Gold Cups etc in the meantime)

He'll be 32 in 2014- depending on health, still in the right age zone to play well.

Jones turned down the call up after consulting with his club coach who felt it was too soon.

 

[boubucarow]

Liverpool looking at Scottie Parker with the talk of Macherano leaving :upgrade:

Christian Poulsen looks like a strong possibility as the replacement. Tough or dirty?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Sorry to keep clogging this thread with my own league exploits, but here's an interesting situation that has come up in a different league. This has no bearing on me, I don't even know the teams/players involved. But as a soccer fan, if you were the commissioner, what would you do? Sorry that it's so long....any thoughts?In the final game of the season, BUSS played against PFC. BUSS were in 2nd place at the time, PFC were in 6th. Over the course of the season, there had been rumblings that BUSS had been using ineligible (unregistered, meaning uninsured, which is a big no-no) players. The league, after hearing the numerous complaints, sent a board member to the BUSS/PFC game to check player credentials. The board member did not arrive until the game was nearing conclusion, presumably.PFC beat BUSS 4-1, putting them in 5th place (BUSS remained in 2nd). Top 4 teams make the promotion playoffs (this is the 2nd-highest league vying to make it to the Premier league). During this game, one of PFC's best players, "Bill", picked up his 4th yellow card. The league rules clearly state that when a player has aggregated 4 yellow cards, he is ineligible for the next game.In the postgame, the board member present reviewed player passes and asked BUSS players for extra identification. He determined that BUSS were using 2 ineligible players during BUSS/PFC game. The league by-laws read as follows (this applies to ineligible players as well, not just specifically unregistered ones...that's the argument):

Any team playing an unregistered player in a league or league sponsored cup game shall be declared the loser and fined as a forfeit. The opponents shall be awarded three (3) points for the game victory.

In the aftermath, the league board made an executive decision: because there was no proof that BUSS had used ineligible players earlier in the season, their match results will stand. However, as they were caught cheating, they would not be allowed to play in the playoffs - moving PFC up to 4th and into the playoffs. The league did not specify the results of individual games, just that "the board made the decision to let the games stand, but remove them from the playoffs".PFC moved on and played CFC (1-seed) in the playoffs yesterday. Before the game, CFC's captain "reminded" PFC's captain that PFC's player, "Bill", had received a 4th yellow card and was ineligible, based on the comment that the "games stand". PFC called the league commissioner, who did not answer his phone, and left a message asking about Bill's status. PFC were short on players, and decided at halftime, with no response from the commissioner, to put Bill into the game. PFC upset CFC and won 2-0. CFC is disputing the result, citing the league bylaws above and the league board's comment about letting the games stand. PFC is saying the result should be upheld because if the league bylaws are to be followed, their game vs. BUSS should've been a BUSS forfeit - thus, Bill never received a 4th yellow card.I just think it's an interesting dilemma. What do you think? Anyone?

FWIW, the board officially ruled to disqualify PFC today. CFC will be playing in the final.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Anyone watching Columbus/Philly?

Schelotto can definitely still play with the best of them. Most underrated, quietest superstar in MLS.

 

[walnutz]

Looks like Jones is out. Same with Marshall. Altidore and Gonzalez are in. Jones turned down the invite. Says he does not feel he is fit enough to make a national team debut. Wants to make a good first impression on the manager and team mates.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerins...ez_replace.html

 

[boubucarow]

Anyone watching Columbus/Philly?Schelotto can definitely still play with the best of them. Most underrated, quietest superstar in MLS.

Sweet free kick for the assist but apparently that is the norm.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Anyone watching Columbus/Philly?Schelotto can definitely still play with the best of them. Most underrated, quietest superstar in MLS.

Sweet free kick for the assist but apparently that is the norm.

You never hear anything about him because he plays in relative obscurity in Columbus (despite their recent successes). He's an unbelievable player.

 

[boubucarow]

Anyone watching Columbus/Philly?Schelotto can definitely still play with the best of them. Most underrated, quietest superstar in MLS.

Sweet free kick for the assist but apparently that is the norm.

You never hear anything about him because he plays in relative obscurity in Columbus (despite their recent successes). He's an unbelievable player.

I haven't pay too much attention to the MLS but am catching some more now especially to keep an eye on the young Americans. Schelotto is impressive.

 

[Moe.]

Why no Davies for the Brazil friendly?

 

[El Floppo]

Why no Davies for the Brazil friendly?

Because he's not fit? And probably trying to get himself ready for his club season.

 

[El Floppo]

Anyone watching Columbus/Philly?Schelotto can definitely still play with the best of them. Most underrated, quietest superstar in MLS.

Sweet free kick for the assist but apparently that is the norm.

You never hear anything about him because he plays in relative obscurity in Columbus (despite their recent successes). He's an unbelievable player.

I agree with the latter, but I think anybody following MLS at all is very aware of Schelotto. But yeah- not quite the same level of exposure as the Henrys, Becks, LDs. But wasn't Schelotto league MVP last year or the year before? Not exactly "underrated", if so. Is he a DP? And what about Montero in Settle... another player who raises the level of the league (and who probably won't be around too much longer).

 

[Mjolnirs]

Playoff Round draw of the Champions League was held this morning:

AJ Auxerre v FC Zenit St. Petersburg

AFC Ajax v FC Dynamo Kyiv

FC København v Rosenborg BK

AC Sparta Praha v MŠK Žilina

BSC Young Boys v Tottenham Hotspur FC

FC Salzburg v Hapoel Tel-Aviv

FC Basel 1893 v FC Sheriff

FK Partizan v RSC Anderlecht

SV Werder Bremen v UC Sampdoria

SC Braga v Sevilla FC

matches to be played August 17th, 18th and August 24th, 25th

 

[CletiusMaximus]

looking forward to a taste of English football this weekend with the Community Shield on Sunday.

With Drogba on the bench and Cech, Alex and Boswinga out, Chelsea's first XI against ManUnited looks like this:

Hilario

Ivanovic, Terry, Ferreira, Cole

Essien, Lampard, Mikel

Kalou, Anelka, Malouda

Meanwhile, we know Freddy Adu is helplessly lost and Altidore will probably end up in Turkey with Besiktas (which I think is an excellent place for him), but what about Jay DeMerit? I've heard nothing about him other than he wants to stay in England. I expect Bradley left him off the roster for the friendly next week to allow him to focus on finding a club. With the EPL start a week away, I sure hope he finds a home soon.

 

[guru_007]

Speaking of Besiktas, did any of ya'll see the presser they had when they introduced the newly signed Guti???? It was at the stadium and frankly, it was surreal.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Speaking of Besiktas, did any of ya'll see the presser they had when they introduced the newly signed Guti???? It was at the stadium and frankly, it was surreal.

I didn't, but I'd like to. The first CL game I ever watched was when Man U went there last year and the atmosphere was amazing. Scholes scored the game's only goal in the 77th minute, but from the start of the 2nd half until then the place just kept getting louder and louder. They claim it was over 130 decibels.The Big 3 Istanbul teams have some of the best fans around.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Playoff Round draw of the Champions League was held this morning:AJ Auxerre v FC Zenit St. PetersburgAFC Ajax v FC Dynamo KyivFC København v Rosenborg BKAC Sparta Praha v MŠK ŽilinaBSC Young Boys v Tottenham Hotspur FCFC Salzburg v Hapoel Tel-AvivFC Basel 1893 v FC SheriffFK Partizan v RSC AnderlechtSV Werder Bremen v UC SampdoriaSC Braga v Sevilla FCmatches to be played August 17th, 18th and August 24th, 25th

Spurs got a great draw with Young Boys, probably the weakest team left in the non-champions path.Considering how imperative it is they get to the group stage this year, they have to be pretty happy about that.