***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Eephus]

Why not really play to our strengths and playing 3 in the back that don't push forward with Bradley and Edu as deep-playing DMs? I know a three man back line isn't really conventional, but I think it couldn't be worse than pretending we have fullbacks worth being on the field. We would also get more of our most talented players on the pitch and it has to be a better option than our ultra-defensive version of the 4-4-2 that we run.

I don't think this is a terrible idea. Bornstein might be a better wingback than a pure fullback. I have no idea if someone could do that on the right side (maybe God suddenly grants Marvelle Wynne some skill or something). But I could see Gooch with maybe Ream and Gonzalez as a three man back line. But it might look something like this (too bored to format, sorry). Howard Ream Gooch Gonzalez? Edu Bornstein Holden MB Deuce Landon JozyWe would "tilt" the formation, where MB would switch to the side of the wing back getting forward.

Ugh. I don't like it at all. It's tough to work that sort of game at the international level IMO, as there's not enough time for a team to gel around this style. It's too divergent from the roles that most of the players are used to. It gives me the serious willies.

I feel like people are a bit too negative on the ability of players to play multiple positions and roles with in a team.

National team practice time is really limited to begin with and if the formation and assigned roles are totally different from what players are familiar with, it could have bad consequences. It's not impossible but it's the kind of bold move that we haven't seen from Bradley before. I think it would probably be a more viable strategy to try at the club level where there's more opportunity to practice and bring in talent to fill specific roles.

 

[El Floppo]

the system actually worked really well against a traditional 4-4-2- the three backs covered the attacking two allowing the extra DM to push up more into the MF to help overload it. but against a team that runs more of a diamond getting players forward, it's got problems. would end up looking more like a 4-4-2 with the DM dropping way back and pushing the RB/LB further wide where they'd traditionally go.

But international players can actually make dangerous crosses gb. You can't ignore the wings like this.

granted- the NCAA in the late 80s wasn't exactly La Liga... but whoever was responsible for hitting those crosses got covered by our outside MFs, or if it was one of their forwards getting wide, he was man-marked by one of our 3 backs. The wings weren't ignored.

 

[prefontaine]

the system actually worked really well against a traditional 4-4-2- the three backs covered the attacking two allowing the extra DM to push up more into the MF to help overload it. but against a team that runs more of a diamond getting players forward, it's got problems. would end up looking more like a 4-4-2 with the DM dropping way back and pushing the RB/LB further wide where they'd traditionally go.

But international players can actually make dangerous crosses gb. You can't ignore the wings like this.

granted- the NCAA in the late 80s wasn't exactly La Liga... but whoever was responsible for hitting those crosses got covered by our outside MFs, or if it was one of their forwards getting wide, he was man-marked by one of our 3 backs. The wings weren't ignored.

Sorry. Actually wrote a half of a long tactical response and unfortunately real life is not going well at the moment and didn't have time to finish So cut it up and posted that which is rather curt and I apologize. It's pretty easy to exploit a 3 man back line when your wingers have offensive responsibilities too. It's why we have seen a shift away from 3 man backlines at the highest levels. For example:Your 3 on the two forwards as you said. Ball with opponent's right winger. Your left winger is chasing him around. The left forward recedes a bit to give him some breathing room as the right forward sits on the hip of the center back poised to make a run behind to the right corner (same side as the ball). This space is open behind your winger since he is marking the ball so your LB is frozen and has to cover for that run. They send their LW on a diagonal run between the CB and RB. Since there is space between the CB and LB due to the LB cheating a bit to cover a potential run that way it opens a possible diagonal thru pass. Additionally, their left fullback comes charging down wide into the space vacated by the run of the LW. If the defenders close down the run of the LW (and they should since it is the danger area thru the middle), the left Forward who is 4-5 yards off the back line swings around behind and now your completely barren on the back post and an int'l level RW will be able to pick his spot of (a) a thru ball to the left winger's jaunt down the middle, (b) switching the point of attack to the fullback, © a cross to the left forward's secondary run to the back post, and (d) the right forward's run off the near post. You absolutely can coach what everyone should do (right winger better mark that fullback, the Def Mid needs to go with the secondary forward run, etc) and make this not as threatening. But you will always be counting on no missteps bc they will outnumber you on the flanks and there will without a doubt be space out there. You are just asking a whole lot of a lot of people based on the formation. Even at lower professional levels you don't have to worry that a 40 yard cross field pass or a thru ball is going to be good enough or that the receiver can have a great first touch. But it's a whole different game when you are playing WC level soccer. Not only can they do it, but they do it routinely and that is why you see almost no one play a 3 man backline at the highest level (international or club). And the thought of trying to do that with limited practice together scares the hell out of me.

 

[guru_007]

sorry, I just breezed over the past page and a half, but are ya'll seriously trying to retool the USMNT to fit the likes of Arsenal or Barcelona?

o.k.

Anyway, ManUnited plays in just a few short hours, without my main man, WR. Going to be real interesting too. They looked like crap in their opening match vs Rangers at home, and now go to Spain, where it may be a touch hostile, with a general strike also set to be underway. okay terrific.

Watched a bunch yesterday. Spartak dominated Milina which was to be expected. Although Chelsea seemed to win comfortably, they really weren't all that dominant. French side created bunches of chances, Chelsea got a bit of a lucky goal by JT and then a pk. Real shocker, imho was how poorly Real Madrid played. Their talent level is light years ahead of Auxerre, but they sure didn't play like it. Both sides were about equal. AS Roma/Clug game was a real nice open game too.

I missed the other games, but from what I've read Arsenal cruised in their win, even with a missed pk, I kinda wanted to watch the Bayern/Basel game, as Bayern has struggled pretty bad of late.

well, today should be fun

 

[NewlyRetired]

Very interesting discussion.

One thing to note, many people are using the current squad in determining how to shape their tactics. I am pretty certain the lineup 4 years from now is going to look extremely different.

The two spots we most need to develop is at striker (I fear that Davies is not going to recover) and as mentioned many times, the outside backs.

We need to be honest with ourselves and realize that one of Dempsey or Donovan (god help us if both) are not going to be as prominent in 2014 as they were in 2010 as they are no longer young players.

Hopefully the generation of Mwanga, Ream, Najar etc can all mature quickly (and choose the US to play for as well in Mwanga's and Najar's cases).

 

[The Z Machine]

Just wanted to add that Spain and Barça run quasi 3 men back lines at times. Either Ramos or Alves will push up and play as a wing midfielder, leaving Busquets to drop back. It's more of a "flex" position, allowing the wide midfielder on that side to push into the center and shorten the passing lines even further.

But the US is not Spain or Barça. This style is predicated on short, perfectly weighted 1-touch passing, something that I've never seen the US come close to doing.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just wanted to add that Spain and Barça run quasi 3 men back lines at times. Either Ramos or Alves will push up and play as a wing midfielder, leaving Busquets to drop back. It's more of a "flex" position, allowing the wide midfielder on that side to push into the center and shorten the passing lines even further.

But the US is not Spain or Barça. This style is predicated on short, perfectly weighted 1-touch passing, something that I've never seen the US 95% of the countries in the world come close to doing.

fixed

 

[guru_007]

Rubin 1-0 Barca

 

[El Floppo]

the system actually worked really well against a traditional 4-4-2- the three backs covered the attacking two allowing the extra DM to push up more into the MF to help overload it. but against a team that runs more of a diamond getting players forward, it's got problems. would end up looking more like a 4-4-2 with the DM dropping way back and pushing the RB/LB further wide where they'd traditionally go.

But international players can actually make dangerous crosses gb. You can't ignore the wings like this.

granted- the NCAA in the late 80s wasn't exactly La Liga... but whoever was responsible for hitting those crosses got covered by our outside MFs, or if it was one of their forwards getting wide, he was man-marked by one of our 3 backs. The wings weren't ignored.

Sorry. Actually wrote a half of a long tactical response and unfortunately real life is not going well at the moment and didn't have time to finish So cut it up and posted that which is rather curt and I apologize. It's pretty easy to exploit a 3 man back line when your wingers have offensive responsibilities too. It's why we have seen a shift away from 3 man backlines at the highest levels. For example:Your 3 on the two forwards as you said. Ball with opponent's right winger. Your left winger is chasing him around. The left forward recedes a bit to give him some breathing room as the right forward sits on the hip of the center back poised to make a run behind to the right corner (same side as the ball). This space is open behind your winger since he is marking the ball so your LB is frozen and has to cover for that run. They send their LW on a diagonal run between the CB and RB. Since there is space between the CB and LB due to the LB cheating a bit to cover a potential run that way it opens a possible diagonal thru pass. Additionally, their left fullback comes charging down wide into the space vacated by the run of the LW. If the defenders close down the run of the LW (and they should since it is the danger area thru the middle), the left Forward who is 4-5 yards off the back line swings around behind and now your completely barren on the back post and an int'l level RW will be able to pick his spot of (a) a thru ball to the left winger's jaunt down the middle, (b) switching the point of attack to the fullback, © a cross to the left forward's secondary run to the back post, and (d) the right forward's run off the near post. You absolutely can coach what everyone should do (right winger better mark that fullback, the Def Mid needs to go with the secondary forward run, etc) and make this not as threatening. But you will always be counting on no missteps bc they will outnumber you on the flanks and there will without a doubt be space out there. You are just asking a whole lot of a lot of people based on the formation. Even at lower professional levels you don't have to worry that a 40 yard cross field pass or a thru ball is going to be good enough or that the receiver can have a great first touch. But it's a whole different game when you are playing WC level soccer. Not only can they do it, but they do it routinely and that is why you see almost no one play a 3 man backline at the highest level (international or club). And the thought of trying to do that with limited practice together scares the hell out of me.

good stuff as always, pre. I mentioned the man-marking, right? That was pretty much all over the field- we each had "our guy" to cover- might swap them, but you were always responsible defensively for one player. Given that, the breakdowns always happened when somebody lost their mark.but you are absolutely correct (and it's funny- i thought I made a comment about it above, but I guess not)- the 3 man back line opens up tons of space for the diagonal run/pass which made the man-marking vital. Seems like it's all zonal marking in the pros- something I was never trained with, so don't understand/appreciate the nuances. But in a zonal system, it seems to me that the 3 man back would get obliterated the way we played it.

 

[Desert_Power]

Rubin 1-0 Barca

Possesion 80-20 and they gave up a penalty

 

[El Floppo]

Rubin 1-0 Barca

Possesion 80-20 and they gave up a penalty

were they playing a 3 man back line?eta: and didn't rubin beat them last year?

 

[prefontaine]

I mentioned the man-marking, right? That was pretty much all over the field- we each had "our guy" to cover- might swap them, but you were always responsible defensively for one player. Given that, the breakdowns always happened when somebody lost their mark.

No, you clearly mentioned it. I just didn't think you were serious I'm only a couple of years younger than you and I never once played in a man system. What we were taught was always more of what may be called a matchup zone. You were supposed to know and study your matchup but there was a lot of yelling and switching going on to keep our shape. And a lot of cursing, mostly in spanish, you know, so as not to offend our delicate sensitivities, by our manager when we didn't. I think that would be the biggest problem with a true man system is that your shape would go to hell pretty quickly. It would be like the NBA. Everyone on one side and send Messi to the other with the poor sucker you gave that assignment to. Pass the ball into space and let the little genius run onto it. Who's gonna stop that?

 

[Desert_Power]

Rubin 1-0 Barca

Possesion 80-20 and they gave up a penalty

were they playing a 3 man back line?eta: and didn't rubin beat them last year?

Yes they did. Score is level now, the offense really misses Messi.

 

[The Z Machine]

ManU gets the 3 points in the Mestalla today with a nice goal by Chicharito. Neither team seemed to want to win the game until Chicharito came on. It was a pretty big contrast in styles. ManU wasn't dominant at all, and really couldn't create on the offensive end much at all. That's not to say that Valencia could do anything either. Vidic played very well in neutralizing Valencia's offense which seemed to want to go through Soldado. They really miss Silva and Villa as they had little dynamism.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If CONCACAF approves the new qualification scheme, home games for the US will become ever more important. I know the federation sometimes in the past has looked for the big crowd instead of the "right" crowd but hopefully that point of view will not be around much this cycle.

We now have more soccer stadiums than at any time in our history. As such, I think old stalwarts like Gillette and RFK should not be used anymore.

Until something changes, I think we can assume Mexico will be in Columbus.

NY or Chicago are dangerous places for any latin team or Jamaica. Probably someone like Canada would be best served in NY and maybe T&T in Chi town.

Seattle and Portland both would have great support (assuming the federation pays for grass at Quest. I would feel comfortable with Honduras and Costa Rica in Portland and Seattle respectively.

KC's gorgeous new stadium would be nice place to house tricky games like Guat and El Salvador.

Jamaica would probably be ok at the HDC.

I think that would cover most of the "big" teams. US Soccer should look into more intimate stadiums like the sweet Blackbaud Stadium for the smaller sides in the early rounds.

 

[Desert_Power]

US Soccer should look into more intimate stadiums like the sweet Blackbaud Stadium for the smaller sides in the early rounds.

That would be sweet.

 

[Mjolnirs]

US Soccer should look into more intimate stadiums like the sweet Blackbaud Stadium for the smaller sides in the early rounds.

That would be sweet.

Indeed it would!

 

[The Z Machine]

US Soccer should look into more intimate stadiums like the sweet Blackbaud Stadium for the smaller sides in the early rounds.

That would be sweet.

Indeed it would!

I take it this is where the Charleston Battery play?My wife recently put in an application for a fellowship where she could get sent to any state in the Union, and they asked for her preferences for states. She identified all the states of the Eastern seaboard... except South Carolina.

When she told me that (and I didn't disagree), I actually thought about the Charleston Battery, and the two of you guys.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I take it this is where the Charleston Battery play?My wife recently put in an application for a fellowship where she could get sent to any state in the Union, and they asked for her preferences for states. She identified all the states of the Eastern seaboard... except South Carolina.When she told me that (and I didn't disagree), I actually thought about the Charleston Battery, and the two of you guys.

Yes it is, and I don't want to hijack this thread (although I don't think it possible with the size of this thread), but why not SC? I'll take a pm. Just curious.

 

[jplvr]

Just wanted to this thread.

Tottenham (really Bale) caught my eye watching EPL and CL for the first time ever this year. w00t on the win. Go Spurs.

*Didn't want to root for Chelsea, ManU, or even Man City as I didn't want to be a front runner. Chelsea sure is fun to watch though.

 

[guru_007]

Cashed a huge bet on the under in the ManU/Valencia game, but that one was painful to watch. Catching up on a few other games, will have some thoughts tomorrow morning.

 

[bentley]

Watching some hot CONCACAF Champions League action right now. Pitch looks like a cow pasture and I don't see a single person in the stands.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Until something changes, I think we can assume Mexico will be in Columbus.

Holy hell I don't know why I didn't think of this before. US and Mexico may not even play each other once in World Cup Qualifying.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writ...ef=twitter_feed

 

[Steve Tasker]

Until something changes, I think we can assume Mexico will be in Columbus.

Holy hell :( :( :( I don't know why I didn't think of this before. US and Mexico may not even play each other once in World Cup Qualifying.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writ...ef=twitter_feed

That's a shame.

 

[GoFishTN]

Just wanted to this thread.Tottenham (really Bale) caught my eye watching EPL and CL for the first time ever this year. w00t on the win. Go Spurs.*Didn't want to root for Chelsea, ManU, or even Man City as I didn't want to be a front runner. Chelsea sure is fun to watch though.

Bale is awesome. My favorite player.COYS!

 

[The Z Machine]

I take it this is where the Charleston Battery play?My wife recently put in an application for a fellowship where she could get sent to any state in the Union, and they asked for her preferences for states. She identified all the states of the Eastern seaboard... except South Carolina.When she told me that (and I didn't disagree), I actually thought about the Charleston Battery, and the two of you guys.

Yes it is, and I don't want to hijack this thread (although I don't think it possible with the size of this thread), but why not SC? I'll take a pm. Just curious.

I guess there are a few reasons. Most have to do with culture, climate, and politics. Plus we really don't know anyone there. The two of us met and lived in atlanta, so it's not like we're unfamiliar with the south. I know there are some nice places and definitely plenty of nice people there, but it just didn't appeal to us. I will say that I've never been to charleston though. Also now that I think about it, she didn't put down for new hampshire our maine either.

 

[El Floppo]

I take it this is where the Charleston Battery play?

My wife recently put in an application for a fellowship where she could get sent to any state in the Union, and they asked for her preferences for states. She identified all the states of the Eastern seaboard... except South Carolina.

When she told me that (and I didn't disagree), I actually thought about the Charleston Battery, and the two of you guys.

Yes it is, and I don't want to hijack this thread (although I don't think it possible with the size of this thread), but why not SC? I'll take a pm. Just curious.

I guess there are a few reasons. Most have to do with culture, climate, and politics. Plus we really don't know anyone there. The two of us met and lived in atlanta, so it's not like we're unfamiliar with the south. I know there are some nice places and definitely plenty of nice people there, but it just didn't appeal to us. I will say that I've never been to charleston though. Also now that I think about it, she didn't put down for new hampshire our maine either.

fwiw- I spent a day in Charleston... seemed really nice. mebbe too nice.

 

[El Floppo]

Until something changes, I think we can assume Mexico will be in Columbus.

Holy hell :( I don't know why I didn't think of this before. US and Mexico may not even play each other once in World Cup Qualifying.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writ...ef=twitter_feed

That's a shame.

I responded to this back when it was first being reported... bad all the way around for the US, IMO. Mexico rivalry aside (which I didn't think about), too much potential for a suprise upset to be devestating for US WCQ.

 

[El Floppo]

I mentioned the man-marking, right? That was pretty much all over the field- we each had "our guy" to cover- might swap them, but you were always responsible defensively for one player. Given that, the breakdowns always happened when somebody lost their mark.

No, you clearly mentioned it. I just didn't think you were serious I'm only a couple of years younger than you and I never once played in a man system. What we were taught was always more of what may be called a matchup zone. You were supposed to know and study your matchup but there was a lot of yelling and switching going on to keep our shape. And a lot of cursing, mostly in spanish, you know, so as not to offend our delicate sensitivities, by our manager when we didn't. I think that would be the biggest problem with a true man system is that your shape would go to hell pretty quickly. It would be like the NBA. Everyone on one side and send Messi to the other with the poor sucker you gave that assignment to. Pass the ball into space and let the little genius run onto it. Who's gonna stop that?

yeah- like I said, we'd swap players defensively- at least in the MF. playing on the right, I wouldn't have to follow my guy across the field to the left, but had to make sure he got picked up by somebody and that whoever did the picking up had his mark covered as well. pretty much what you describe with the "matchup" zone. the 2 marking defenders followed their guys everywhere in the final third.

 

[guru_007]

yesterday's champs league matches

Rangers won at home vs Turkish champs. Came out looking great in the first half, and held in the second half. This one was a pretty large win for them, as that, coupled with the ManU win in Spain, puts them tied for the top of the group, and with Valencia still needing to travel to GB, Rangers may very well advance out of this group.

Spurs looked much the better team. They earned 3 pk's during the game, and even blowing one, they still won comfortably 4-1. They even outscored Twente 2-0 after going down a man. Bale was too much to handle, and Crouch is a difference maker in the box. I know Twente is not a powerhouse, but this was a pretty nice home win for Spurs.

Inter flat out dominated. Perhaps Rafa has finally got this team playing well together? Who knows, but they really played well there, game was never really in question.

Barcelona dominated their game too, but only managed a draw. They created more opportunities, but it seemed as if the dangerous opportunities were about even in the game tbh. Better result for them than last year, and it really shouldn't make a difference either way.

Shalke got a few late goals to win vs Benefica, Copenhagen with a bit of a surprise road win in Greece - got up comfortably 2-0, got up a man, and cruise control there.

Today is Europa league play.....a few mildly interesting matchups.

Juve @ MAn City - Mancini has stated that Europa league play is very important to the club, and I expect a very strong lineup today. Juventus has been struggling, but had quite a few offseason changes. I think Man City has only allowed 2 goals in all competitions so far this year? One was an own goal maybe and a pk against them? Coming off a huge home win vs Chelsea, expect to see Man City win here.

Atletico Madrid at home vs Bayer Leverkusen has a chance of being a very wide open game and fun to watch.

I fully expect to see Liverpool lose today also. That team is a mess, and I think they need to get their EPL season turned around before even bothering with Europa play. Team already is ousted in Carling Cup play, Gerrard isn't even making this trip, and Torres may not even play.

Okay, off until this weekend.

 

[El Floppo]

I've been meaning to post since the trade happened a couple weeks' back...

Mehdi Ballouchy to the RedStars... I remember there was a lot of buzz about him when he got drafted out of college, but haven't really gotten to watch him. Sounds out of the BullMetros is that he's making a real difference for the team (MoM for Backe in the LA Gal win) linking all the new players.

Has anybody followed him or watched him enough to know sumpin-sumpin about him? wiki page says he's in process of getting US citizenship (Moroccan, currently)

eta: nice writeup, guru-

 

[The Z Machine]

¡Aupa Atleti!

Time to defend the crown. After dropping 3 points already in Group, they need a win here against a good opponent.

I don't know a whole lot about Leverkusen, but el Kun is playing for my boys. Also, Reyes will be seeing action today, and since he's off for another 2 la liga games, he should be giving this one his all.

Simao looks to be starting on the bench, with Fran Mérida getting the start on the left side. Let's see if he can create something on the wing here.

ETA: Looks like I was a bit pre-mature. El Kun won't be playing. Ugh. Simao and Deigo Costa to start instead of Kun and Fran Mérida as I had posted before.

Not loving the lineup, but it might have enough firepower to get the job done at home. Forlán needs to get more involved, and hopefully score a goal.

 

[prefontaine]

Watching the Sevilla-Dortmund game. Very entertaining and open so far. Surprisingly only one goal though (Sevilla scored in 1h stoppage time). Sevilla really need this one after dropping the opener at home to PSG. Really doubt this finishes 0-1 though.

 

[guru_007]

have the over in the Sevilla game

 

[prefontaine]

have the over in the Sevilla game

May have just lost the plot. I can't believe my eyes but they just gave a 2nd yellow for diving and sent off the Dortmund leftbacketa: and apparently the ###'t ref is the one that made the call. I've seen the replay and pretty sure it was a dive but a damn courageous call against the home side

 

[NewlyRetired]

Some news:

Jozy will be starting today for Villareal Europa game (Direct TV is showing this game free as they do a ton of Europa and Champions Leagues games). In a classic, what could have been moment, he will be starting up top with Rossi.

Steward Holden just signed a 3 year extension with Bolton

US Soccer will release the roster for the training camp for the upcoming friendly this afternoon

The idea of a Copa Americas (to replace the Copa America) has been discussed (10 South American and 6 Concacaf teams). They have not been able to come to terms yet. This would be a phenomenal tournament IMO. Would be fantastic for US TV especially if they could spread out US, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in the 4 separate groups.

 

[prefontaine]

The idea of a Copa Americas (to replace the Copa America) has been discussed (10 South American and 6 Concacaf teams). They have not been able to come to terms yet. This would be a phenomenal tournament IMO. Would be fantastic for US TV especially if they could spread out US, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in the 4 separate groups.

This concept would indeed be great but I assume there would be qualifying* and a coefficient system to decide what pods everyone is in. Given that, right now the top 4 rated teams from the Americas are all from CONMOBEL If they used current World Rankings pods would be:

Pod 1: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile

Pod 2: Paraguay, USA, Mexico, Colombia

Pod 3: Peru, Bolivia, Honduras, Costa Rica

Pod 4: Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Jamaica

Certainly would be a fun tournament. Much more interesting than Gold Cup for sure as those games all kind of suck until at least the quarters. And winning it would be pretty damn prestigious.

* This is probably a sticking point. There are only 10 CONMOBEL teams and 35 CONCACEF. Would there be qualifying for the CONCACEF and all CONMOBEL teams get a pass? It sounds like it from what you are saying but why should CONMOBEL teams get a free pass in? I could see where CONCACEF would feel like they ought to be included and CONMOBEL as the more successful federation saying blow me.

 

[prefontaine]

Well Sevilla hangs on for the full 3 points in what can only be called a cynical display. Once they got a man up, they dropped back and played in a defensive shell and Dortmund still got 3-4 ridiculously good chances. I casually pull for Sevilla but ffs, I almost wanted Dortmund to score

 

[The Z Machine]

Atlético down a goal...

Didn't get to see it as I was at lunch.

WTF!

 

[guru_007]

yeah, atletico down - of course I'm on them too today!

Can't complain too much, had two large bets, Napoli and FC Utrecht +.5

Napoli goes down 3-0, I'm ripping that ####### ticket up, and then comes back to get a draw! Utrecht holds to a draw, so I'm pretty happy so far...of course if Atletico and Man City lose

 

[The Z Machine]

Atlético draws 1-1 on a Simao pk.

Once again, their offense was a bit stagnant. This time it was due to a pretty cynical game played by Leverkusen (3 yellows to none) and a bunch more fouls.

Nonetheless, Forlán wasn't involved, and he wasn't very dangerous. Where is the World Cup play where he was a dynamo all over the pitch, making passes, shots, and being the focal point of Uruguay's offense. There's no reason with Kun out that he shouldn't have that same role for Atleti.

They now have their work cut out for them to make it out of Group. Yuck.

 

[El Floppo]

NEW YORK -- Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle of the Los Angeles Galaxy were not elected for the 20-man roster for the United States' exhibitions against Poland and Colombia next month.

Donovan and Buddle's Los Angeles Galaxy team is making a push for a spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs.

Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj and Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones were among those selected and could make their national team debuts.

Thirteen of the players were on the American World Cup roster, including goalkeeper Tim Howard, captain Carlos Bocanegra and forward Clint Dempsey.

AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu, who has not even been selected to dress for his club this season, was included in Thursday's roster.

Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas USA and Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake were also omitted.

 

[The Z Machine]

NEW YORK -- Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle of the Los Angeles Galaxy were not elected for the 20-man roster for the United States' exhibitions against Poland and Colombia next month.

Donovan and Buddle's Los Angeles Galaxy team is making a push for a spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs.

Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj and Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones were among those selected and could make their national team debuts.

Thirteen of the players were on the American World Cup roster, including goalkeeper Tim Howard, captain Carlos Bocanegra and forward Clint Dempsey.

AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu, who has not even been selected to dress for his club this season, was included in Thursday's roster.

Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas USA and Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake were also omitted.

In Eric's case, I don't think that means he'll be locked in for the USMNT, as it's an exhibition game, and not an official FIFA competition. I think he could still opt for Poland at a later date if he so chooses.That said, I think it's good to get him in action, and getting PT with the USMNT with the goal of having him in an official FIFA game.

 

[Sebowski]

NEW YORK -- Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle of the Los Angeles Galaxy were not elected for the 20-man roster for the United States' exhibitions against Poland and Colombia next month.

Donovan and Buddle's Los Angeles Galaxy team is making a push for a spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs.

Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj and Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones were among those selected and could make their national team debuts.

Thirteen of the players were on the American World Cup roster, including goalkeeper Tim Howard, captain Carlos Bocanegra and forward Clint Dempsey.

AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu, who has not even been selected to dress for his club this season, was included in Thursday's roster.

Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas USA and Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake were also omitted.

In Eric's case, I don't think that means he'll be locked in for the USMNT, as it's an exhibition game, and not an official FIFA competition. I think he could still opt for Poland at a later date if he so chooses.That said, I think it's good to get him in action, and getting PT with the USMNT with the goal of having him in an official FIFA game.

Well, we play Poland in a few weeks.......

 

[The Z Machine]

The US has a lower level of risk in losing Lichaj than losing Andy Najar to Honduras. The kid barely speaks English, so his cultural bond to the US isn't as strong as we might like it to be.

The USSF needs to do everything in its power to keep these multi-nationality players in the US system.

 

[El Floppo]

The US has a lower level of risk in losing Lichaj than losing Andy Najar to Honduras. The kid barely speaks English, so his cultural bond to the US isn't as strong as we might like it to be.The USSF needs to do everything in its power to keep these multi-nationality players in the US system.

Is Najar multi-national, or just looking for citizenship?Still kinda sad we can't just grow them here. :stinkeye@Rossi:

 

[The Z Machine]

The US has a lower level of risk in losing Lichaj than losing Andy Najar to Honduras. The kid barely speaks English, so his cultural bond to the US isn't as strong as we might like it to be.The USSF needs to do everything in its power to keep these multi-nationality players in the US system.

Is Najar multi-national, or just looking for citizenship?Still kinda sad we can't just grow them here. :stinkeye@Rossi:

Najar will probably be eligible to play for the US if he so chooses. Citizenship isn't required for FIFA, but there are some regulations.

 

[El Floppo]

The US has a lower level of risk in losing Lichaj than losing Andy Najar to Honduras. The kid barely speaks English, so his cultural bond to the US isn't as strong as we might like it to be.The USSF needs to do everything in its power to keep these multi-nationality players in the US system.

Is Najar multi-national, or just looking for citizenship?Still kinda sad we can't just grow them here. :stinkeye@Rossi:

Najar will probably be eligible to play for the US if he so chooses. Citizenship isn't required for FIFA, but there are some regulations.

yeah- I know. just kinda sad we could be looking at a future "US" team with Najar, Jones, etc as it's stars.

 

[El Floppo]

The US has a lower level of risk in losing Lichaj than losing Andy Najar to Honduras. The kid barely speaks English, so his cultural bond to the US isn't as strong as we might like it to be.The USSF needs to do everything in its power to keep these multi-nationality players in the US system.

Is Najar multi-national, or just looking for citizenship?Still kinda sad we can't just grow them here. :stinkeye@Rossi:

Najar will probably be eligible to play for the US if he so chooses. Citizenship isn't required for FIFA, but there are some regulations.

yeah- I know. just kinda sad we could be looking at a future "US" team with Najar, Jones, etc as it's stars.edit- who am I kidding... I'd be happy to have these guys as stars if they play well.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US has a lower level of risk in losing Lichaj than losing Andy Najar to Honduras. The kid barely speaks English, so his cultural bond to the US isn't as strong as we might like it to be.The USSF needs to do everything in its power to keep these multi-nationality players in the US system.

Is Najar multi-national, or just looking for citizenship?Still kinda sad we can't just grow them here. :stinkeye@Rossi:

Najar will probably be eligible to play for the US if he so chooses. Citizenship isn't required for FIFA, but there are some regulations.

yeah- I know. just kinda sad we could be looking at a future "US" team with Najar, Jones, etc as it's stars.edit- who am I kidding... I'd be happy to have these guys as stars if they play well.

I used to feel like you do but the more and more I see almost every other country doing the same thing, the less it becomes an issue for me.