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

[El Floppo]

I'll admit I was embarrassed watching that- looked like a youth team playing against a senior side- boys against men.

In a way this kind of what you did see. The US played I think 5 players who had never been capped, and some of which had VERY limited pro experience.Bornstein of all people was our most experienced player.

I hear you- but this is still supposedly the best we've got (minus the real best we've got) and I wish it didn't look so... bad. Honestly- in those 20 minutes the players couldn't put two passes together (outside of the buildup to the goal), just giving it over repeatedly. Guys couldn't trap the ball, couldn't figure out what to do with the ball when they had it. Defending 10 men back in the last 35 doesn't require that much skill- tactically or otherwise, so there was next to nothing to take out of those 20 minutes for me.Now lets hope Aguedelo decides to stay with the US.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I'll admit I was embarrassed watching that- looked like a youth team playing against a senior side- boys against men.

In a way this kind of what you did see. The US played I think 5 players who had never been capped, and some of which had VERY limited pro experience.Bornstein of all people was our most experienced player.

I hear you- but this is still supposedly the best we've got (minus the real best we've got) and I wish it didn't look so... bad. Honestly- in those 20 minutes the players couldn't put two passes together (outside of the buildup to the goal), just giving it over repeatedly. Guys couldn't trap the ball, couldn't figure out what to do with the ball when they had it. Defending 10 men back in the last 35 doesn't require that much skill- tactically or otherwise, so there was next to nothing to take out of those 20 minutes for me.

I think you are being a bit overly critical for the level that was on the field IMO from watching the whole game. Believe me, it is better than the reverse, as I said earlier. I can't even imagine how crappy we would be feeling if we were in RSA's shoes. To call this a C team is being generous. Ream was in college last year. Agudelo has a grand total of two(!!!!!!!) professional games under his belt.

 

[El Floppo]

Wimbledon v Ebbsfleet FA cup replay tomorrow...

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now lets hope Aguedelo decides to stay with the US.

He is not official yet, but he has represented the US at U17, U20 and now at full international and the record setting goal he scored may very well cement him as being with the US forever.That being said, the circumstances that saw him go from an U17 youth club side to a national team game in a months time was extraordinary. Lalas was correct in saying we need to be very patient with him.If he trains hard and improves, he should have a nice chance to get some good playing time in Angel's spot next year.

 

[El Floppo]

I'll admit I was embarrassed watching that- looked like a youth team playing against a senior side- boys against men.

In a way this kind of what you did see. The US played I think 5 players who had never been capped, and some of which had VERY limited pro experience.Bornstein of all people was our most experienced player.

I hear you- but this is still supposedly the best we've got (minus the real best we've got) and I wish it didn't look so... bad. Honestly- in those 20 minutes the players couldn't put two passes together (outside of the buildup to the goal), just giving it over repeatedly. Guys couldn't trap the ball, couldn't figure out what to do with the ball when they had it. Defending 10 men back in the last 35 doesn't require that much skill- tactically or otherwise, so there was next to nothing to take out of those 20 minutes for me.

I think you are being a bit overly critical for the level that was on the field IMO from watching the whole game. Believe me, it is better than the reverse, as I said earlier. I can't even imagine how crappy we would be feeling if we were in RSA's shoes. To call this a C team is being generous. Ream was in college last year. Agudelo has a grand total of two(!!!!!!!) professional games under his belt.

When I see guys put on the US shirt, I want to see a good product. For 19 1/2 of the 20 minutes I watched, I didn't. Andy- I know this was a rag-tag group of guys getting either first or last (Borchers and Carrol) shots to don the jersey without any real regulars to anchor the team- and they were doing it halfway around the world.

On one level, I'm pleased that the USMNT has raised my own level of expectation high enough (relatively) that when I see amateurish play, I don't just accept it as par for the course. I'd like to think we have enough depth (similar to other countries with rich histories) that it almost doesn't matter who we put out there- that they'll play well, or well enough. BUt the reality is that the depth isn't there (I still cringe from that Gold Cup shellacking to Mexico I had the displeasure of seeing live) and the product really isn't there.

Color me realistically disappointed- I know only a couple of these guys will probably feature for the US, I'm geniunely impressed with what I saw from two, but I still want to see a higher level across the board.

 

[El Floppo]

Now lets hope Aguedelo decides to stay with the US.

He is not official yet, but he has represented the US at U17, U20 and now at full international and the record setting goal he scored may very well cement him as being with the US forever.That being said, the circumstances that saw him go from an U17 youth club side to a national team game in a months time was extraordinary. Lalas was correct in saying we need to be very patient with him.If he trains hard and improves, he should have a nice chance to get some good playing time in Angel's spot next year.

Good stuff.I thought Henry was going to get playing time in Angel's spot next year?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now lets hope Aguedelo decides to stay with the US.

He is not official yet, but he has represented the US at U17, U20 and now at full international and the record setting goal he scored may very well cement him as being with the US forever.That being said, the circumstances that saw him go from an U17 youth club side to a national team game in a months time was extraordinary. Lalas was correct in saying we need to be very patient with him.If he trains hard and improves, he should have a nice chance to get some good playing time in Angel's spot next year.

Good stuff.I thought Henry was going to get playing time in Angel's spot next year?

Henry is going to be on the Becks 5 year plan of always being hurt I fear

 

[GoFishTN]

Oh and as expected the new KC owners dropped the name Wizards and picked up the name Sporting KC, for better or worse.

The shield was linked earlier in the thread. I have not yet seen a new jersey.

At least the new stadium looks great.

I know I belittled it earlier, but I guess Sporting KC (abbreviated) sounds OK. Still, it's in the second tier of MLS names at best.

 

[Moe.]

#futureMLSfranchise

 

[QuizGuy66]

#futureMLSfranchise

I threw a few on there:Birmingham Forest

Inter Moline

Florida Keys Dons

Pontiac Argyle

-QG

 

[NewlyRetired]

Two FIFA officials have been suspended and will not be allowed to vote for world cup host. 22 votes now instead of 24. Don't know if this helps or hurts US bid.

 

[Native]

#futureMLSfranchise

I threw a few on there:Birmingham Forest

Inter Moline

Florida Keys Dons

Pontiac Argyle

-QG

South Central LA Gunners

Boston Monchengladbach

 

[GoFishTN]

Lokomotiv Chattanooga

 

[scoobygang]

I'm a fan of Boca Seniors

 

[prefontaine]

Glad to hear Lichaj looked good- like the rest of teh team, he didn't really do anything at the end of the game that showed up on the TV screen.

To expand a bit further on Lichaj, one thing that really stood out to me was how freely he moved forward even while being responsible for Sha Na Na. He didn't worry about getting back which had me ticked off at first. And then I realized the dude has flat out elite speed. He wasn't lolligagging like you sometimes see from backs that push forward. He just seems to have that swagger that he could make up ground when he needs to even on a guy like Tshabalala who seems fast to me (though it can sometimes be tough to judge on tv -- Tshabalala's probably more quick than fast). Lichaj is a big kid too (for a fullback) so his speed is a bit deceptive. But despite pushing pretty high up at times, I can't remember a single time he got beat to the endline. He got beat a time or two on the dribble but never to the endline. You just can't coach that kind of pace and he appears to have both the quicks and the long speed.

Now lets hope Aguedelo decides to stay with the US.

I know the rules have opened a loophole to still change but he, like Mix Diskerud and Teal Bunburry, is now officially capped tied. He gets one chance to change and only after submitting paperwork along with a FIFA bureaucratic waiting period. The only ones to this point that have used this method are guys that are disgruntled (ie, Jones, Castillo), which provided we want them, we shouldn't need to worry about. They have chosen the USA.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know the rules have opened a loophole to still change but he, like Mix Diskerud and Teal Bunburry, is now officially capped tied.

Are you sure? People on Big Soccer who seem to know the rules say none of the 3 are cap tied yet since none of the 3 have ever played in a US game that was sanctioned by FIFA (friendlies do not count I believe).I believe all 3 are 100% going to play for the US but I have not read any where where they are capped tied yet. If you saw this somewhere online let me know so that I can educate myself as I get so confused on this rule all the time.

 

[guru_007]

Made a bet on AFC Wimbledon for my gb Eephus today

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Wimbledon v Ebbsfleet FA cup replay tomorrow...

It's a shame that MK Dons punked out in their replay the other day, otherwise it would have set up one of the ultimate grudge matches in the history of sports for Round 2

 

[prefontaine]

I know the rules have opened a loophole to still change but he, like Mix Diskerud and Teal Bunburry, is now officially capped tied.

Are you sure? People on Big Soccer who seem to know the rules say none of the 3 are cap tied yet since none of the 3 have ever played in a US game that was sanctioned by FIFA (friendlies do not count I believe).I believe all 3 are 100% going to play for the US but I have not read any where where they are capped tied yet. If you saw this somewhere online let me know so that I can educate myself as I get so confused on this rule all the time.

Am I sure? We are talking about FIFA right? I'm never sure For the most part, I see people misusing the term cap tied (or possibly I am). An "A" Friendly (this was a FIFA date) cap ties you. They opened up the rule last year so that you can still switch if you have no qualifying cap via paperwork. That switch is once in a lifetime. Anyone that has only appeared in an "A" friendly can do this (unnecessary if you only appeared in a "b" friendly). However, they are not free to choose to play in a Canadian, Colombian, or Norwegian friendly on the next FIFA date as they are now tied to the USA. I've seen several people fully understand that statement but still not consider them cap-tied bc they view the term differently (in that they are permanently tied). So I guess it depends on your definition of cap-tied.And yes, like you, I've seen all sorts of comments from people that this either does or does not cap tie them. Some of each actually and some of those saying no point out they can now only switch via the Jones/Castillo route and some say no they can do whatever they want from here. But unless this rule changed from last year (which of course with FIFA is entirely possible) then this should be how it works.

 

[Eephus]

Wimbledon v Ebbsfleet FA cup replay tomorrow...

It's a shame that MK Dons punked out in their replay the other day, otherwise it would have set up one of the ultimate grudge matches in the history of sports for Round 2

It's never a shame when the McDons lose

 

[guru_007]

spoiler warning:

WIMBLEDON 1 - Other team 0

10 mins in

 

[guru_007]

spoiler warning:

WIMBLEDON 1 - Other team 1

12 mins in

 

[guru_007]

spoiler warning:

WIMBLEDON 1 - other team 2

21 mins in

:deadbanana:

 

[Eephus]

waiting patiently for the Dons to show their class

 

[guru_007]

they may have more talent, but not much. Their gonna lose this match. Ebbs are up for it. Best case is a draw here, imho. They're lucky not to be down a man.

 

[Eephus]

they may have more talent, but not much. Their gonna lose this match. Ebbs are up for it. Best case is a draw here, imho. They're lucky not to be down a man.

it's already a replay. I believe they'll play out after the Dons equalize.

 

[Eephus]

and #### my stream just died

 

[otello]

FCUM still in the hunt.

 

[Eephus]

YEAH!!!!

 

[guru_007]

LOL

turned the stream off....just to see they made me lose my bet and send it to extra time.

At this point, eff wimbledon

 

[Spartans Rule]

Florida Keys Dons

Lokomotiv Chattanooga

 

[Eephus]

YEAH!!!!

YEAH!!!!

 

[guru_007]

spoiler alert......

WIMBLEDON

 

[Eephus]

spoiler alert......WIMBLEDON

YEAH!!!!

 

[Steve Tasker]

CSKA Barstow?

 

[Moe.]

I'm partial to Partizan Belle Glade or Louisville-real.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I'm partial to Partizan Belle Glade or Louisville-real.

I was thinking Red Star Belle Glade. Did anyone use that one?I added CSKA Barstow

 

[Moe.]

I'm partial to Partizan Belle Glade or Louisville-real.

I was thinking Red Star Belle Glade. Did anyone use that one?I added CSKA Barstow

Yeah I saw both of those at some point yesterday.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know the rules have opened a loophole to still change but he, like Mix Diskerud and Teal Bunburry, is now officially capped tied.

Are you sure? People on Big Soccer who seem to know the rules say none of the 3 are cap tied yet since none of the 3 have ever played in a US game that was sanctioned by FIFA (friendlies do not count I believe).I believe all 3 are 100% going to play for the US but I have not read any where where they are capped tied yet. If you saw this somewhere online let me know so that I can educate myself as I get so confused on this rule all the time.

Am I sure? We are talking about FIFA right? I'm never sure For the most part, I see people misusing the term cap tied (or possibly I am). An "A" Friendly (this was a FIFA date) cap ties you. They opened up the rule last year so that you can still switch if you have no qualifying cap via paperwork. That switch is once in a lifetime. Anyone that has only appeared in an "A" friendly can do this (unnecessary if you only appeared in a "b" friendly). However, they are not free to choose to play in a Canadian, Colombian, or Norwegian friendly on the next FIFA date as they are now tied to the USA. I've seen several people fully understand that statement but still not consider them cap-tied bc they view the term differently (in that they are permanently tied). So I guess it depends on your definition of cap-tied.And yes, like you, I've seen all sorts of comments from people that this either does or does not cap tie them. Some of each actually and some of those saying no point out they can now only switch via the Jones/Castillo route and some say no they can do whatever they want from here. But unless this rule changed from last year (which of course with FIFA is entirely possible) then this should be how it works.

Thanks for the info Pre.With the confusion and complicated rules, I can see why a player like Najar is being very careful on what he does to leave all options open to him.

 

[QuizGuy66]

LOL at the spoiler alerts without any spacing (or even use of white text perhaps.

They compiled a list of what they thought were the best #futuremlsfranchise entries Here

I really think my Inter Moline should've made the list

The funny thing is, all of the choices are better than what they really do - which are complete absurdities like Real Salt Lake. I mean even Atletico KC woulda been better since the Oakland A's used to play in Kansas City and it'd be kind of a play on that.

I mean Dayton Orient is actually clever. Real MLS choices are invariably stupid unless the fan base intervenes.

I added one more to the pile that is more in line with the way MLS would do it FC South Beach North End

-QG

 

[GoFishTN]

LOL at the spoiler alerts without any spacing (or even use of white text perhaps.

They compiled a list of what they thought were the best #futuremlsfranchise entries Here

I really think my Inter Moline should've made the list

The funny thing is, all of the choices are better than what they really do - which are complete absurdities like Real Salt Lake. I mean even Atletico KC woulda been better since the Oakland A's used to play in Kansas City and it'd be kind of a play on that.

I mean Dayton Orient is actually clever. Real MLS choices are invariably stupid unless the fan base intervenes.

I added one more to the pile that is more in line with the way MLS would do it FC South Beach North End

-QG

6. Oklahoma City Sounders

 

[Steve Tasker]

Oklahoma City Sounders and Kansaslautern

 

[Christo]

Alright, Spurs. Now we've got a game.

 

[Txns8]

Keep the goals coming.

 

[Christo]

Deliberate hand ball in the box by Cesc. Shouldn't that at least be a yellow if not a red?

 

[Christo]

Is Van Persie going gray?

 

[Txns8]

Deliberate hand ball in the box by Cesc. Shouldn't that at least be a yellow if not a red?

That's what I was thinking.

 

[GoFishTN]

COYS!

 

[Steve Tasker]

Settling in for the North London Derby now....love this rivalry. Always a tough game when they play Spurs....never an easy point...hope for the best.

 

[jplvr]

SPURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No, I don't know what the rivalry is supposed to mean. I've just seen the good natured ribbing from you Arsenal fans since I announced I started liking the Spurs in my first season of watching.

I usually watch matches much later on DVR, so I avoid this thread like the plague, not wanting to be spoiled. I love my college football, but between going to games and always needing to know scores right away in CFB and NFL, I've seen far more soccer this season than football. The reason for this anomaly is what I've kind of laid out already: I can record soccer played before I wake up and while I'm at work, don't feel the need to know the scores as they happen as with CFB and NFL, and I don't have many natural ways to be spoiled while avoiding other sources of being spoiled as much as possible.

I've already found myself cheering for Spurs goals similar to when the US scores in non-World Cup games. Hell should be freezing over any second.