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

[prefontaine]

Looking at those numbers it's simply amazing to me Andy. The goods like Seattle, Toronto, Galaxy, and Houston (in that dump of a park) show how viable soccer can be in the States (and Canada) when it is managed correctly. But it is such an utter shame to me to see the Dallas numbers.

This team is pretty good this season I'm told. I'm not a huge MLS fan. I watch occasionally and make it to a couple of games per season. So maybe I'm not the best judge of things. But they made some drastically bad decisions and the worst of them can't be undone - the stadium locale. Dallas is a soccer hotbed and should have no trouble with support. But the management of this franchise has been totally inept for a while. Maybe they are turning it around as they did actually put a decent product on the field for the first time in a few years.

But how do you fix this? Certainly having a player someone has heard of before would help and maybe Brek Shea will turn into that guy. But the abandonment of the hispanic community makes finding a DP tough. Do you try to reach out to them? There is no public transportation and the stadium is literally a 45 minute drive north from downtown. The largest hispanic communities in the area are south of downtown and in Arlington (which is a complete no-go). I honestly feel like Dallas may be a franchise that folds (really, moves) simply bc it cannot and will not ever draw like some of the other teams do. And that's is so comical bc a well run franchise would have been putting similar numbers to Houston in the stands easily.

Btw, I hear Houston is doing it right with their new stadium -- downtown by the baseball field. I've been to Robertson and it's horrible so I could really see Houston being the next franchise to really take off. I think they'd be smart to build to 25k or so with the ability to expand it.

 

[otello]

Union over 19k per game. Impressive for a new team.

 

[derek245583]

What a ####ty game by Mancini today. Why exactly would he throw in the towel by subbing Bridge for Yaya at halftime? You are down a man and a goal, yet you put in a defensive player?

Arsenal did what they had to do and City blew all of their chances, what a sucky game.

Really need to get healthy so Boyata doesnt have to play anymore and Tevez can get a break.

Should be at full strength in 2 weeks....

Kolorav Kolo Kompany Boateng

Milner Silva De Jong Yaya Johnson

Tevez

Jeebus that is good

 

[El Floppo]

What a ####ty game by Mancini today. Why exactly would he throw in the towel by subbing Bridge for Yaya at halftime? You are down a man and a goal, yet you put in a defensive player?

Arsenal did what they had to do and City blew all of their chances, what a sucky game.

Really need to get healthy so Boyata doesnt have to play anymore and Tevez can get a break.

Should be at full strength in 2 weeks....

Kolorav Kolo Kompany Boateng

Milner Silva De Jong Yaya Johnson

Tevez

Jeebus that is good

Too bad about the red, as City was looking likely to put on a show.... if the first 4 minutes were any indication.but re the sub- they're down a defender, and still in the game. Still only down 1-0, they had the offensive personnel on the field to do damage, but they needed to make sure Arsenal didn't put it out of reach early. and Bridge is decent at getting forward. I don't have a problem with the move in general- although I might have tried to take Milner out... I guess- looked far less effective than Toure. But I"m sure he was killing himself covering defensively.

I actually liked a lot of what Chamakh did today- he makes great runs, get's into dangerous spots consistently and is unselfish with the ball, getting all the many Gunner runners involved. Probably too unselfish- and not exactly clinical in his finishing. Funny that as soon as Bendtner gets in, he scores (great first touch by him to get himself through).

Oh- Fabregas was incredible. Tevez and Silva too. I hope Tevez is alright.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Union over 19k per game. Impressive for a new team.

That number will go down a touch next year as they won't have a couple of games at Lincoln. That being said they an excellent core.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Pre, I am not close to the situation in Dallas but I have read literally 1000's of posts on Big Soccer about this over the years. People who are EXTREMELY close to the situation say the stadium location is not the issue. They believe the franchise has been systematically destroyed by HSG (owners).

Everything does look positive in Houston. The stadium is going to allow tha team to be very strong for a long time to come.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Nice to see an early red to Boyata in this Arsenal game, but what a dreadful ####### start.

What is this ####, trying to get cute on a free kick from 19 yards....trying a short chip on a corner....I can already tell that the offense looks sluggish in the final 3rd....can't imagine Chamakh does anything of note today.

This team needs a spark...they need SOMEONE to stop up and make a play in front of goal.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And mass confusion in the back, too.

If you asked me a month ago if I ever expected to see Johan Djourou again in the Arsenal shirt for a competitive match, I would've burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it. He's simply awful, and he's been burned a number of times already. Only a matter of time until someone sneaks by him for a goal.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And mass confusion in the back, too.If you asked me a month ago if I ever expected to see Johan Djourou again in the Arsenal shirt for a competitive match, I would've burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it. He's simply awful, and he's been burned a number of times already. Only a matter of time until someone sneaks by him for a goal.

right on cue, Djourou toe-pokes a "clearance" into the back of Squillaci, leading to a breakaway for Tevez.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And mass confusion in the back, too.If you asked me a month ago if I ever expected to see Johan Djourou again in the Arsenal shirt for a competitive match, I would've burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it. He's simply awful, and he's been burned a number of times already. Only a matter of time until someone sneaks by him for a goal.

right on cue, Djourou toe-pokes a "clearance" into the back of Squillaci, leading to a breakaway for Tevez. :(

Richards absolutely undresses Djourou in the 27th and nearly scores a wonder-goal.

 

[Steve Tasker]

How long until an Arsenal player picks up a second yellow and gets sent off?

Denilson looks like a good bet, I'll estimate roughly the 50th minute. City ends up erasing the 1-0 deficit for the win.

 

[El Floppo]

How long until an Arsenal player picks up a second yellow and gets sent off?Denilson looks like a good bet, I'll estimate roughly the 50th minute. City ends up erasing the 1-0 deficit for the win.

can I guess?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Arsenal will rue that missed PK....I don't like the rule that a foul at the corner of the box like that should be a PK even though it clearly wasn't a direct scoring opportunity....

 

[Steve Tasker]

SHOOT THE ####### BALL

I'm done with Chamakh. Dude is invisible once again.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Thoughts:

Absolutely huge 3 points today for Arsenal. That said, I have no doubt that they're not the better team between these two. Doesn't mean they couldn't have drawn or snuck out a win, but this game would've been vastly different if Boyata doesn't get sent off.

Arsenal have major problems in the back and up front. Djourou is just horrid. Clichy had another iffy game, getting beaten a few times - got smoked by Richards on the sideline once, for example. As usual, Sagna was the saving grace back there. Chamakh was invisible again...what else is new? He is nowhere to be found EVER on a cross. Arsenal do well at working the ball out wide, and it just seems like the effort is half-assed once the ball goes in. I'd be pissed if I were Sagna or Clichy - make a nice run down the flank and send in a good cross only to see Chamakh way out of position every single time. I don't know how many times I can say it, but they desperately need a 90-minute performance from Bendtner. Oh, and will someone please shoot the ### #### ball? Arsenal still try to pass the other team to death....someone has to shoot.

Fabianski was superb. Another great game from him - Almunia has to be extremely worried at this point. Huge save on Silva in the first minute, great positioning on an angled shot from Silva in the second half. He looked like a world-class GK today, IMO.

Midfield played well today, I thought. Nasri continues to be Arsenal's best player this season - what a finish under pressure in the 21st. Fabregas was fine, missed PK notwithstanding. Song continues his great development with another strong performance and a rare but crucial goal.

All in all, like I said, a massive 3 points for Arsenal today. Would've been that much sweeter if they'd beaten a full-strength, 11-man City team, but it is what it is. A win's a win.

 

[Eephus]

Thoughts:Absolutely huge 3 points today for Arsenal. That said, I have no doubt that they're not the better team between these two. Doesn't mean they couldn't have drawn or snuck out a win, but this game would've been vastly different if Boyata doesn't get sent off.Arsenal have major problems in the back and up front. Djourou is just horrid. Clichy had another iffy game, getting beaten a few times - got smoked by Richards on the sideline once, for example. As usual, Sagna was the saving grace back there. Chamakh was invisible again...what else is new? He is nowhere to be found EVER on a cross. Arsenal do well at working the ball out wide, and it just seems like the effort is half-assed once the ball goes in. I'd be pissed if I were Sagna or Clichy - make a nice run down the flank and send in a good cross only to see Chamakh way out of position every single time. I don't know how many times I can say it, but they desperately need a 90-minute performance from Bendtner. Oh, and will someone please shoot the ### #### ball? Arsenal still try to pass the other team to death....someone has to shoot.Fabianski was superb. Another great game from him - Almunia has to be extremely worried at this point. Huge save on Silva in the first minute, great positioning on an angled shot from Silva in the second half. He looked like a world-class GK today, IMO.Midfield played well today, I thought. Nasri continues to be Arsenal's best player this season - what a finish under pressure in the 21st. Fabregas was fine, missed PK notwithstanding. Song continues his great development with another strong performance and a rare but crucial goal.All in all, like I said, a massive 3 points for Arsenal today. Would've been that much sweeter if they'd beaten a full-strength, 11-man City team, but it is what it is. A win's a win.

What's the statute of limitations on a spoiler?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Thoughts:Absolutely huge 3 points today for Arsenal. That said, I have no doubt that they're not the better team between these two. Doesn't mean they couldn't have drawn or snuck out a win, but this game would've been vastly different if Boyata doesn't get sent off.Arsenal have major problems in the back and up front. Djourou is just horrid. Clichy had another iffy game, getting beaten a few times - got smoked by Richards on the sideline once, for example. As usual, Sagna was the saving grace back there. Chamakh was invisible again...what else is new? He is nowhere to be found EVER on a cross. Arsenal do well at working the ball out wide, and it just seems like the effort is half-assed once the ball goes in. I'd be pissed if I were Sagna or Clichy - make a nice run down the flank and send in a good cross only to see Chamakh way out of position every single time. I don't know how many times I can say it, but they desperately need a 90-minute performance from Bendtner. Oh, and will someone please shoot the ### #### ball? Arsenal still try to pass the other team to death....someone has to shoot.Fabianski was superb. Another great game from him - Almunia has to be extremely worried at this point. Huge save on Silva in the first minute, great positioning on an angled shot from Silva in the second half. He looked like a world-class GK today, IMO.Midfield played well today, I thought. Nasri continues to be Arsenal's best player this season - what a finish under pressure in the 21st. Fabregas was fine, missed PK notwithstanding. Song continues his great development with another strong performance and a rare but crucial goal.All in all, like I said, a massive 3 points for Arsenal today. Would've been that much sweeter if they'd beaten a full-strength, 11-man City team, but it is what it is. A win's a win.

What's the statute of limitations on a spoiler?

did you request one? If so, sorry. I request that certain people don't spoil the results via text, etc. I usually don't read the thread if there's a game I want to watch...

 

[Sebowski]

I hate seeing this thread bumped all day while waiting for the rerun of the Arsenal game to tape tomorrow.

 

[Eephus]

Thoughts:Absolutely huge 3 points today for Arsenal. That said, I have no doubt that they're not the better team between these two. Doesn't mean they couldn't have drawn or snuck out a win, but this game would've been vastly different if Boyata doesn't get sent off.Arsenal have major problems in the back and up front. Djourou is just horrid. Clichy had another iffy game, getting beaten a few times - got smoked by Richards on the sideline once, for example. As usual, Sagna was the saving grace back there. Chamakh was invisible again...what else is new? He is nowhere to be found EVER on a cross. Arsenal do well at working the ball out wide, and it just seems like the effort is half-assed once the ball goes in. I'd be pissed if I were Sagna or Clichy - make a nice run down the flank and send in a good cross only to see Chamakh way out of position every single time. I don't know how many times I can say it, but they desperately need a 90-minute performance from Bendtner. Oh, and will someone please shoot the ### #### ball? Arsenal still try to pass the other team to death....someone has to shoot.Fabianski was superb. Another great game from him - Almunia has to be extremely worried at this point. Huge save on Silva in the first minute, great positioning on an angled shot from Silva in the second half. He looked like a world-class GK today, IMO.Midfield played well today, I thought. Nasri continues to be Arsenal's best player this season - what a finish under pressure in the 21st. Fabregas was fine, missed PK notwithstanding. Song continues his great development with another strong performance and a rare but crucial goal.All in all, like I said, a massive 3 points for Arsenal today. Would've been that much sweeter if they'd beaten a full-strength, 11-man City team, but it is what it is. A win's a win.

What's the statute of limitations on a spoiler?

did you request one? If so, sorry. I request that certain people don't spoil the results via text, etc. I usually don't read the thread if there's a game I want to watch...

Nah, watched the 2nd half live this morning. I figure once a game is broadcast once, it's fair game

 

[prefontaine]

Pre, I am not close to the situation in Dallas but I have read literally 1000's of posts on Big Soccer about this over the years. People who are EXTREMELY close to the situation say the stadium location is not the issue. They believe the franchise has been systematically destroyed by HSG (owners).

Yeah, i dunno. From personal experience, I don't have all that much interest in driving to Frisco to watch a game and most of my friends feel the same. I'm sure there are many reasons why the franchise is suffering and I can imagine if they were doing other things right, location wouldn't be that important. But it becomes an excuse I suppose and the last thing any new franchise needs is an easy excuse for potential fans to not go imo.

 

[prefontaine]

Btw, it's a very nice stadium. It is in the absolute middle of nowhere. I think it's easy to say that and most of the people outside of Dallas probably think that is crazy but it is pretty much the same as putting a team in Stamford and calling it NY. It just isn't close to the heart of the population and it caters to a very specific crowd. It's not like it is that far for anyone in NY but it is inconvenient to all.

That's what they did here. And for years they played in the Cotton bowl in downtown Dallas. They took the entire fan base and gave them the finger. With all the other ####### decisions they made, they basically started over when they moved to their own stadium. And they started over in BFE.

 

[Eephus]

Btw, it's a very nice stadium. It is in the absolute middle of nowhere. I think it's easy to say that and most of the people outside of Dallas probably think that is crazy but it is pretty much the same as putting a team in Stamford and calling it NY. It just isn't close to the heart of the population and it caters to a very specific crowd. It's not like it is that far for anyone in NY but it is inconvenient to all. That's what they did here. And for years they played in the Cotton bowl in downtown Dallas. They took the entire fan base and gave them the finger. With all the other ####### decisions they made, they basically started over when they moved to their own stadium. And they started over in BFE.

maybe it would be better if they didn't call it Frisco

 

[The Gator]

Got a chance to catch the Liverpool replay last night. Where the #### has this team been all year? This really should have been 5-0. GD Robinson played like there were three guys in goal the first half. They took their second half "oh shiit we're losing, better start playing" intensity and played 90min with it. Crisp passing and a lot of movement off the ball. Seeing Carra pushing forward on the right side is not a pretty sight though

Oh, and the Greek Ponytail better be in the starting 11 from here on out. Dude is a horse in there, causing nothing but problems for the other team on set pieces.

 

[dparker713]

Ok, so I'm heading to Europe for a couple of weeks with a buddy. We're definitely going to go to atleast 1 soccer match and maybe two. We're looking at Fulham v Man City and/or Barcelona v Real Madrid. Not surprisingly, the Barcelona match is sold out already. Is there a reliable secondary market for tickets in Spain? Any tips about catching a match at Craven College or Camp Nou?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Ok, so I'm heading to Europe for a couple of weeks with a buddy. We're definitely going to go to atleast 1 soccer match and maybe two. We're looking at Fulham v Man City and/or Barcelona v Real Madrid. Any tips for Not surprisingly, the Barcelona match is sold out already. Is there a reliable secondary market for tickets in Spain? Any tips about catching a match at Craven College or Camp Nou?

I'd check with Z Machine or Desert Power about the Spain tickets. DP is a Barcelona fan who studied in Spain (not sure where), and Z lived in Madrid for a number of years. Not sure if the game is in Barcelona or Madrid, but those two would probably be your best resources.Craven Cottage is a slightly smaller setting, and I'd imagine that the Man City game would be a decent seller. Not sure how tough it is to get tickets, though. Since I'm guessing you don't actually follow a team (assumption here), you might be able to score tickets by sitting in the visiting fan section. A friend of mine (Newcastle fan) made a trip to Newcastle a few years ago to see a game, but was unable to get tickets. They were playing Charlton (this tells you how long ago the game was, yeesh) and he managed to get 2 tickets from the Charlton supporters group. He had to feign interest in Charlton and wasn't able to wear his Newcastle gear to the game, but he got to go to St. James' Park and had a memorable time.SofaKings really never posts in here, but he was in London recently for a game, I think. He may be able to help you more.Hope this helps.

 

[brewer]

Thoughts:Absolutely huge 3 points today for Arsenal. That said, I have no doubt that they're not the better team between these two. Doesn't mean they couldn't have drawn or snuck out a win, but this game would've been vastly different if Boyata doesn't get sent off.Arsenal have major problems in the back and up front. Djourou is just horrid. Clichy had another iffy game, getting beaten a few times - got smoked by Richards on the sideline once, for example. As usual, Sagna was the saving grace back there. Chamakh was invisible again...what else is new? He is nowhere to be found EVER on a cross. Arsenal do well at working the ball out wide, and it just seems like the effort is half-assed once the ball goes in. I'd be pissed if I were Sagna or Clichy - make a nice run down the flank and send in a good cross only to see Chamakh way out of position every single time. I don't know how many times I can say it, but they desperately need a 90-minute performance from Bendtner. Oh, and will someone please shoot the ### #### ball? Arsenal still try to pass the other team to death....someone has to shoot.Fabianski was superb. Another great game from him - Almunia has to be extremely worried at this point. Huge save on Silva in the first minute, great positioning on an angled shot from Silva in the second half. He looked like a world-class GK today, IMO.Midfield played well today, I thought. Nasri continues to be Arsenal's best player this season - what a finish under pressure in the 21st. Fabregas was fine, missed PK notwithstanding. Song continues his great development with another strong performance and a rare but crucial goal.All in all, like I said, a massive 3 points for Arsenal today. Would've been that much sweeter if they'd beaten a full-strength, 11-man City team, but it is what it is. A win's a win.

As always seems to be the case with Arsenal, the answer to their problems are largely on the trainers table. The back four will be fine when Vermaelen and Koscielny are back. Squillaci is a competent third option and hopefully Djourou will not have to play any more meaningful minutes. I actually thought Clichy was better than usual on the left, and Gibbs(when healthy) is nipping at his heels to take that job. Sagna on the right with Eboue as his backup is actually a strength of the team at this point.The front will also be fine if they (Van Persie, Bendtner, Walcott) can ever get healthy. I'm not ready to give up on Chamakh but I am growing tired of Arshavin. He did put in the work to get back on a few occasions yesterday, but in general his play has been spotty at best.The midfield is growing crowded and it could be a bit of a tricky rotation for Wenger going forward(though I'm sure there will be another wave of injuries when the current group of players are fit). Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Nasri, Arshavin, Wilshere, Ramsey, Walcott, Denilson, Rosicky essentially rotating through 4 or 5 spots.

 

[Slapdash]

Ok, so I'm heading to Europe for a couple of weeks with a buddy. We're definitely going to go to atleast 1 soccer match and maybe two. We're looking at Fulham v Man City and/or Barcelona v Real Madrid. Any tips for Not surprisingly, the Barcelona match is sold out already. Is there a reliable secondary market for tickets in Spain? Any tips about catching a match at Craven College or Camp Nou?

I'd check with Z Machine or Desert Power about the Spain tickets. DP is a Barcelona fan who studied in Spain (not sure where), and Z lived in Madrid for a number of years. Not sure if the game is in Barcelona or Madrid, but those two would probably be your best resources.

I studied in Valladolid. When I got tickets to a match at the Camp Nou they were not sold out so I was able to get them fairly easily. I'm not sure how the secondary market works in Spain, so I would ask Z. If he can't help on that front I can try to ask around in one of the Barcelona forums I am on to see how that works.

 

[NewlyRetired]

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

The Sounders FC had a record breaking season at Qwest Field in 2010.

On the field, they became the first team in 27 years to repeat as Lamar Hunt US Open Cup champions and the first MLS club to do so.

In the stands, they attracted 36,173 fans per game over their 15-game MLS home schedule, smashing the MLS record of 30,942 they set in their inaugural season in 2009.

Additionally, they surpassed the record for a crowd at the US Open Cup final with 31,311 on hand for their 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew.

Majority owner Joe Roth is not ready to stop there for the 2011 season.

“I’ll be surprised and disappointed next year if we don’t, at least, take over the Hawks Nest and get our manifest up to 39,000,” Roth said after the regular season home finale on Friday.

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

Only one team in US history beat these numbers and that was the Cosmos in 1978-79-80 which averaged in the mid 40's. The Cosmos's did it on the back of some of the biggest names in world soccer. Seattle is doing it with no-names.

The LA @ Seattle playoff game on Sunday night on ESPN should be a fantastic atmosphere.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I am sure most on here have already logged on but in case you haven't and are interested in seeing the World Cup in the US, add your name to the others here

http://www.gousabid.com/

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't follow womens soccer that much but I found this interesting.

Maryland started their varsity girls program back in 1987. Since that time they have a record of 0-1-31 against NC, being outscored 113-5 (5 goals in 32 games!!).

This past Sunday they finally won, in Carolina no less, coming back from a 1 goal deficit in the last 15 minutes to get their first win ever against NC.

That must have been a happy locker room

 

[CletiusMaximus]

please, god Blatter, do this.

Associated Press

NEWPORT, Wales -- Soccer's rule-making body agreed Wednesday to reopen discussions on the use of goal-line technology after referee mistakes at the World Cup helped eliminate two teams.

The International Football Association Board said it will test prototype systems and discuss the results at its March 4-6 meeting. After reviewing the 13 systems proposed so far, IFAB laid out the criteria the technology must meet for it to be considered.

"The indication of whether a goal has been scored must be immediate and automatically confirmed within one second," IFAB said.

IFAB is only considering technology to aid referees in deciding whether a ball has crossed the goal line and will not look at systems that rule on whether a ball has gone out of play elsewhere.

Only match officials will be able to receive the information, and IFAB said the system "must be accurate."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter reopened the debate on technology after mistakes at the recent World Cup in South Africa helped eliminate England and Mexico.

Platini not a fan of goal line technology"goal-line technology would lead to "Playstation football""

 

[scoobygang]

Platini not a fan of goal line technology

"goal-line technology would lead to "Playstation football""

I don't even know what this means.Why are all the great players from the 70s and 80s so crotchety? Cruyuff complaining about Mourinho's tactics, (I swear Cruyuff won't stop until we all award him football sainthood for losing beautifully in 74). Platini complaining about everything?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Platini not a fan of goal line technology

"goal-line technology would lead to "Playstation football""

I don't even know what this means.Why are all the great players from the 70s and 80s so crotchety? Cruyuff complaining about Mourinho's tactics, (I swear Cruyuff won't stop until we all award him football sainthood for losing beautifully in 74). Platini complaining about everything?

I think this is just classic french schtick. To fit his role, he has to hate the English, hate the Germans and oppose anything related to progress or technology.

 

[The Z Machine]

Ok, so I'm heading to Europe for a couple of weeks with a buddy. We're definitely going to go to atleast 1 soccer match and maybe two. We're looking at Fulham v Man City and/or Barcelona v Real Madrid. Any tips for Not surprisingly, the Barcelona match is sold out already. Is there a reliable secondary market for tickets in Spain? Any tips about catching a match at Craven College or Camp Nou?

I'd check with Z Machine or Desert Power about the Spain tickets. DP is a Barcelona fan who studied in Spain (not sure where), and Z lived in Madrid for a number of years. Not sure if the game is in Barcelona or Madrid, but those two would probably be your best resources.

I studied in Valladolid. When I got tickets to a match at the Camp Nou they were not sold out so I was able to get them fairly easily. I'm not sure how the secondary market works in Spain, so I would ask Z. If he can't help on that front I can try to ask around in one of the Barcelona forums I am on to see how that works.

You can always get tickets, even to el Clásico. That said, you'll pay a pretty penny for them.If you're staying in a quality hotel in Madrid or Barça, your best bet is to talk to the concierge there. They are your best avenue. There are also private ticket bureaus in the city which will be reselling the tickets on the secondary market (to tourists like yourself). Best bet is to ask around your hotel, or start making phone calls to the ticket agents you can find on the web.

I have some friends still in Madrid that might be able to help, but since the game is in Barça, I don't think they would have any insight.

Best of luck dude. I'm mad jealous if you get to that game. Even though I hate both teams.

 

[GoFishTN]

The LA @ Seattle playoff game on Sunday night on ESPN should be a fantastic atmosphere.

And it's not on at midnight.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Thoughts:Absolutely huge 3 points today for Arsenal. That said, I have no doubt that they're not the better team between these two. Doesn't mean they couldn't have drawn or snuck out a win, but this game would've been vastly different if Boyata doesn't get sent off.Arsenal have major problems in the back and up front. Djourou is just horrid. Clichy had another iffy game, getting beaten a few times - got smoked by Richards on the sideline once, for example. As usual, Sagna was the saving grace back there. Chamakh was invisible again...what else is new? He is nowhere to be found EVER on a cross. Arsenal do well at working the ball out wide, and it just seems like the effort is half-assed once the ball goes in. I'd be pissed if I were Sagna or Clichy - make a nice run down the flank and send in a good cross only to see Chamakh way out of position every single time. I don't know how many times I can say it, but they desperately need a 90-minute performance from Bendtner. Oh, and will someone please shoot the ### #### ball? Arsenal still try to pass the other team to death....someone has to shoot.Fabianski was superb. Another great game from him - Almunia has to be extremely worried at this point. Huge save on Silva in the first minute, great positioning on an angled shot from Silva in the second half. He looked like a world-class GK today, IMO.Midfield played well today, I thought. Nasri continues to be Arsenal's best player this season - what a finish under pressure in the 21st. Fabregas was fine, missed PK notwithstanding. Song continues his great development with another strong performance and a rare but crucial goal.All in all, like I said, a massive 3 points for Arsenal today. Would've been that much sweeter if they'd beaten a full-strength, 11-man City team, but it is what it is. A win's a win.

As always seems to be the case with Arsenal, the answer to their problems are largely on the trainers table. The back four will be fine when Vermaelen and Koscielny are back. Squillaci is a competent third option and hopefully Djourou will not have to play any more meaningful minutes. I actually thought Clichy was better than usual on the left, and Gibbs(when healthy) is nipping at his heels to take that job. Sagna on the right with Eboue as his backup is actually a strength of the team at this point.The front will also be fine if they (Van Persie, Bendtner, Walcott) can ever get healthy. I'm not ready to give up on Chamakh but I am growing tired of Arshavin. He did put in the work to get back on a few occasions yesterday, but in general his play has been spotty at best.The midfield is growing crowded and it could be a bit of a tricky rotation for Wenger going forward(though I'm sure there will be another wave of injuries when the current group of players are fit). Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Nasri, Arshavin, Wilshere, Ramsey, Walcott, Denilson, Rosicky essentially rotating through 4 or 5 spots.

Agreed all around. I've been impressed with Koscielny thus far this season, so it'll be a big boost to have him back out there.As for the midfield, I have to think that Denilson and Rosicky become the odd men out. It just feels to me like the Denilson experiment is over....he had a good run of first team games and never really impressed me all that much, outside of an occasional wonder goal. I think we're already seeing a somewhat 4-man rotation on the wings - Arshavin, Nasri, Walcott, Vela. In the center, Fabregas is Fabregas, and Song is the only one who plays the defensive midfield position. I've been impressed with both Diaby (something new for me) and Wilshere in their action so far this year, and Ramsey was fairly impressive before his injury. I'm sure they'll bring him along slowly.

 

[Mjolnirs]

The second round of the DFB Pokal kicks off today. Of this round of 16 matches only 3 have two teams of the Bundelsiga 1 facing off.

Bayern München v Werder Bremen

Eintracht Frankfurt v Hamburger SV

Borussia Mönchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Paul the Octopus died today :(

Link

-Qg

 

[Mjolnirs]

After giving up a 2nd minute goal to former Bayern player Pizzaro, Bayern pulls out the win with goals in the 27th and 74th minute from Schweinsteiger.

 

[Eephus]

The Chilean Miners have to go back down in the mine again.

 

[The Z Machine]

LOL, Real Madrid was held scoreless (0-0) against Murcia in la Copa del Rey today.

 

[El Floppo]

LOL, Real Madrid was held scoreless (0-0) against Murcia in la Copa del Rey today.

Mourinho made a stink about players being "dead" to him if they didn't get a result. RIP.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

FIFA released the shortlist for Ballon d'Or on Tuesday

Men (23):

Xabi Alonso (Spain), Daniel Alves (Brazil), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Diego Forlán (Uruguay), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Júlio César (Brazil), Miroslav Klose (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Maicon (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Müller (Germany), Mesut Özil (Germany), Carles Puyol (Spain), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), David Villa (Spain) and Xavi (Spain)

Men's Coach (10):

Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Chelsea FC), Vicente del Bosque (Spain/Spain national team), Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United), Pep Guardiola (Spain/FC Barcelona), Joachim Löw (Germany/Germany national team), José Mourinho (Portugal/FC Internazionale Milano and Real Madrid CF), Oscar Tabárez (Uruguay/Uruguay national team), Louis Van Gaal (Netherlands, FC Bayern Munich), Bert Van Marwijk (Netherlands/Netherlands national team) and Arsène Wenger (France/Arsenal)

 

[Pope Benedict XVI Fan]

In World Cup years the Ballon D'Or usually goes to someone who had a great tournament as well as a successful club season so you'd think that would put Xavi and Sneijder as the favourites this year. Xavi would be my vote, the guy is the third best player in the world after Messi and Cronaldo and deserves the recognition.

Coach of the year will obviously go to Mourinho in a landslide.

 

[El Floppo]

In World Cup years the Ballon D'Or usually goes to someone who had a great tournament as well as a successful club season so you'd think that would put Xavi and Sneijder as the favourites this year. Xavi would be my vote, the guy is the third best player in the world after Messi and Cronaldo and deserves the recognition.

Coach of the year will obviously go to Mourinho in a landslide.

Totally agree with all of that- Xavi has been lights-out for a while now, despite maybe... maybe being the lesser player of the three. Definitely the MVP of the WC... at least IMO.

I have to think Forlan will get some votes too for winning Europa and pretty much singlehandedly taking his country to the Semis of the WC.

 

[El Floppo]

So I was all set to go the RedStars playoff game vs the Quakes, and my freaking building decided to have our long overdue meeting about the post-fire renovation work that night.

I'm hoping they get past San Jose so I can go see the next round.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

In World Cup years the Ballon D'Or usually goes to someone who had a great tournament as well as a successful club season so you'd think that would put Xavi and Sneijder as the favourites this year. Xavi would be my vote, the guy is the third best player in the world after Messi and Cronaldo and deserves the recognition.Coach of the year will obviously go to Mourinho in a landslide.

Ladbrokes has Sneijder as the favorite over Xavi and Iniesta:

Football / Football Specials / Player specialsBallon d'Or winnerTime Event Selection Odds02 Nov. 12:00 Ballon d'Or - Player of the year 2010Wesley Sneijder +175 Andrés Iniesta +300 Xavi +300 Lionel Messi +700 David Villa +1000 Diego Forlán +1600 Thomas Muller +2000 Xabi Alonso +2500 Cristiano Ronaldo +2500 Mesut Ozil +3300 Carles Puyol +3300 Arjen Robben +3300 Iker Casillas +3300 Didier Drogba +3300 Samuel Eto'o +3300 Cesc Fàbregas +4000 Bastian Schweinsteiger +4000 Miroslav Klose +5000 Maicon +5000 Phillip Lahm +6600 Julio Cesar +10000 Asamoah Gyan +10000 Daniel Alves +10000

 

[Mjolnirs]

Men (23):

Xabi Alonso (Spain), Daniel Alves (Brazil), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Diego Forlán (Uruguay), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Júlio César (Brazil), Miroslav Klose (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Maicon (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Müller (Germany), Mesut Özil (Germany), Carles Puyol (Spain), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), David Villa (Spain) and Xavi (Spain)

Men's Coach (10):

Carlo Ancelotti (Italy/Chelsea FC), Vicente del Bosque (Spain/Spain national team), Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United), Pep Guardiola (Spain/FC Barcelona), Joachim Löw (Germany/Germany national team), José Mourinho (Portugal/FC Internazionale Milano and Real Madrid CF), Oscar Tabárez (Uruguay/Uruguay national team), Louis Van Gaal (Netherlands, FC Bayern Munich), Bert Van Marwijk (Netherlands/Netherlands national team) and Arsène Wenger (France/Arsenal)

Nice number of Bayern/Germany players on the short list.

 

[Slapdash]

In World Cup years the Ballon D'Or usually goes to someone who had a great tournament as well as a successful club season so you'd think that would put Xavi and Sneijder as the favourites this year. Xavi would be my vote, the guy is the third best player in the world after Messi and Cronaldo and deserves the recognition.Coach of the year will obviously go to Mourinho in a landslide.

Ladbrokes has Sneijder as the favorite over Xavi and Iniesta:

Football / Football Specials / Player specialsBallon d'Or winnerTime Event Selection Odds02 Nov. 12:00 Ballon d'Or - Player of the year 2010Wesley Sneijder +175 Andrés Iniesta +300 Xavi +300 Lionel Messi +700 David Villa +1000 Diego Forlán +1600 Thomas Muller +2000 Xabi Alonso +2500 Cristiano Ronaldo +2500 Mesut Ozil +3300 Carles Puyol +3300 Arjen Robben +3300 Iker Casillas +3300 Didier Drogba +3300 Samuel Eto'o +3300 Cesc Fàbregas +4000 Bastian Schweinsteiger +4000 Miroslav Klose +5000 Maicon +5000 Phillip Lahm +6600 Julio Cesar +10000 Asamoah Gyan +10000 Daniel Alves +10000

I know he won't win, but Robben should be much much higher. No way Bayern or the Dutch get close to their final appearances without him.

 

[CBusAlex]

Is Pablo Mastroeni trying to look like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with this beard, or what?