NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Well the Chandler turn down of the call up might have come into play big time tonight.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
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ffldrew
Footballguy
He's played a lot of games in the last 18+ months
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Like everyone else I believe it would not have mattered but I would have liked to see Spector on as a straight change for Cher as Moe suggested. It is obvious that Spector does not have Bradley's faith in him yet.ugh, that hurts.Horrible night for Timmy. Flat footed on 2 goals, late to react on the other 2. I know we probably would have lost anyway, but Bornstein was partially responsible for the first 2 goals. He's absolutely useless. I actually uttered the phrase "I wish Bornestein would die" at one point tonight.Not proud of that one
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Yes and no. For the first time in a long time, Landon took the entire winter off. It was his first major break from the game in years he said in a recent interview. But ever since the break, he has played slower. Still affective in scoring but almost never turning and taking on players with pace any more, even in MLS.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It is weird because we have all gotten used to Timmy being an absolute rock in goal. It was only a couple of games ago people were talking about him as one of the best in the world.
Because of that it is jarring when he has a game like this. There was no howler in play but never made that big save when needed that may have turned the game around.
Because of that it is jarring when he has a game like this. There was no howler in play but never made that big save when needed that may have turned the game around.
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
Not the way Howard played tonight.Seriously, thought Soccernomics quotes a higher percentage than the 70's but it's been awhile since I read that book so I don't remember
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Good point. Although as many penalties are missed as saved I think. If you find the % anywhere let me know. Probably more likely to find in league play I bet.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ok found it. I was correct about the overall % but incorrect about the save\miss %
================
http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2010/7/9/1560962/soccer-penalty-kick-percentage
Not surprisingly, penalty kick percentage varies very little across leagues:
PKs Sh%
EPL 77.8
La Liga 73.8
Ligue 1 74.9
Serie A 78.7
Bundes 77.3
Overall 76.8
Here's the distribution of PK outcomes:
Percent
Miss Net 3.1
Post 2.8
Save 17.3
Goal 76.8
================
http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2010/7/9/1560962/soccer-penalty-kick-percentage
Not surprisingly, penalty kick percentage varies very little across leagues:
PKs Sh%
EPL 77.8
La Liga 73.8
Ligue 1 74.9
Serie A 78.7
Bundes 77.3
Overall 76.8
Here's the distribution of PK outcomes:
Percent
Miss Net 3.1
Post 2.8
Save 17.3
Goal 76.8
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
So what's the deal with them being invited to Copa America? They can only use 5 players that are over 23?
Also, they seem to scream value for WC2014, they're +3300 on Sportsbook.
Also, they seem to scream value for WC2014, they're +3300 on Sportsbook.
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
BTW Andy, go punch up the highlight of Danny Mwanga's goal tonight at PPL and let's start a petition to get his citizenship pushed through. Hell of a strike!
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
South America only has ten teams so almost every Copa they invite 2 teams so that they get to 12 teams which makes for easy groupings. The US has been invited in the past. Mexico chose to send a younger team to Copa because they wanted the A side to play in the Gold Cup due to Confed Cup contingency. US did something similar a few years ago. I continue to believe a 16 team combined Cocacaf/South America would be an enormous tournament. Imagine 4 groups of 4 with the US, Mexico, Argie and Brazil heading the 4 groups. The tickets would fly and tv ratings would be excellent.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
That was awesome. What a fantastic winner. The great goals in MLS keep coming this year. Looked like a fun game to be at. I continue to really like him. I said it before and I will continue to say it, I will happily trade him for Najar.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Geez. Got a couple of really nasty pm's.
Think maybe I am posting too much. Going to sign off for a while I think.
Enjoy the rest of the summer everyone!
Think maybe I am posting too much. Going to sign off for a while I think.
Enjoy the rest of the summer everyone!
El Floppo
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
I thought about this too... but no way Spector keeps up with any of those players up front for Mexico. Bornstein was the best bet for pace. Funny (not really ha-ha funny) that Bornstein was... well... Bornstein in that first half- you have to look squarely at him for those two goals. But 2nd half, he actually looked *ok*. Got forward well, hit some quality crosses in, and actually defended fairly well.
And this.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I'm sure it will be said later in the thread- but Hejduk retired this or last year.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Unless he loses a team... again... I'd think his performance the last two games puts him at least in camp at the next training cycle.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Howard wasn't his usual shot-stopping self, but aside from having to commit too early on Gio on that wonder goal... I didn't see a lot too wrong. Just not a lot that made him stand out. If Mexico took their chances better in the first half, this could've been up around 7 or 8. But they didn't, and Howard did make a few saves- just not world-beater saves.And fwiw- I have seen him play worse. His old days when he couldn't play a cross to save his life...
El Floppo
Footballguy
No, no no- they give the goal, and a fancy dandy-esque hat out too. And suspenders.no. scratch that. reverse it. red card and pk, same as it's always been.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I made it back alive. Will give a full report later.
El Floppo
Footballguy
ugh. but
El Floppo
Footballguy
Here's my take...
Gio ran rampant.
He was finding gaps between the defenders and MFs, and between the defenders all night and partnering with Guardado and Chachi, and even Barrera better than any partnering being done by the US. Gio and Guardado somehow got to every second ball in front of the US defense... pretty much all night... and then had time to create from there. That goes towards the shape for the US defensively, but also towards just how well those guys are playing together. Messi, Xavi, Inniesta it ain't- but it's a poor-man's version at least. The US just didn't have any answers- and even a multiple choice question should never include Bornstein as an option. Gio >>>>>>> everybody else on the field.
Also very impressed with the high pressure Mexico was able to maintain all game, despite having to go the extra 30 minutes in the late game. There was that stretch in the 1st half when Dempsey moved forward that the US were finding the seams with quick passing and dedicated runs into support and space that I thought- wow- the US might just be able to beat this pressure. But
Players...
Howard... meh. off night when the US needed a major hard-on night.
Lichaj did ok getting forward, but couldn't find the defensive line most of the night. Some real howlers positionally to keep Mexican forwards onside.
I thought Boca played very well once again. Acually seemed the quickest US player to respond to danger and 2nd balls- even though he's definitely the slowest of foot.
Goodson.... still a liability playing the ball out from the back, but partnered pretty well with Boca, IMO. Still made to look flat-footed and slow too much by the darting diagonal runs the Mexican attackers made all night.
Cherundolo was actually looking decent as usual until his ankle went over. We'll never know what could have been. IMO, Cherudolo is far more important to the US than Salcido is to Mexico.
Johnny B... I mentioned already that I thought he looked ok once he caught the pace of the game in the 2nd half. I wonder if playing in Mexico is helping him (and provoking Bradley to insert him) against those players. But that first half was typical Bornstein- no sense at all of where the players are around him as he ball watches and follows the ball physically into the middle, allowing players to constantly find the space behind him. Amateurish, in that regard.
Bedoya... kind of a broken record for me in the GC, and in general of what I've seen. A bit of a chicken with the head cut off performance- works very hard, but has the head down and doesn't seem to sense the best options most of the time. I guess it's good he's getting quality time for his future, but I think there are better options there.
Jones... I thought he was ok too, but his slight lack of pace was in evidence here. Still hit some good balls that nobody else was doing out of the MF- that open foot, 50 yard flat ball changing field is sooo importnatn for the US. Still worked hard to combine with Bradley, but seemed off the pace of the game just a hair.
Bradley... I think we've seen what not playing regularly does when you go up against pressure from good opponents. He was slow to move the ball, and got buried repeatedly... too many times in dangerous situations. Also did some moments of nice pairing with Jones and Dempsey, hit some good balls around and worked his ### off as usual. BUt sooo many losses of possession with the ball at his feet.
Dempsey... looked tired, and seemed to get more interested in glaring at the ref or opposing players for perceived insulting tackles. That's the aspect of Dempsey I can't stand- and it takes him completely off his usual swaggering game. Any time you take a yellow for bickering at the ref instead of for hammering an opponent, soemthing's wrong with your head/game. I still love him as a player for his skills and ability to create that moment of magic- such as that LD goal.
LD... nice goal, and actually looked eager to get at people which was nice. But that extra gear... broken record. wasn't his best or worst performance. Thought he was pretty wasted up front- he's always needed to take the ball at goal to be successful, IMO, and not receive it with his back to goal.
Adu... MOTM. Clearly. Only player that made Mexico look scared or unhinged, and they doubled him all night. I loved that he went at players- especially since he was beating them more often than not. Looked supremely confident on the ball, and looked to have the desire to give his body defensively- something that should help him with Bradley Sr moving forward... and hopefully with club coaches as well. First time I've seen him play at the Sr level even close to approaching the type of game he brought to the Jr sides.
Agudelo... meh. One thing I liked- he was showing some serious strength out there trying to win the ball. didn't often win the ball, whcih I didn't like- but was pushing some pretty big defenders around. He never really found the pace, touch or spacing to be useful on the night, but I like how he's developing. Too bad about Jozy- he was looking pretty great before getting hurt... geting his confidence back on the ball, and working hard off the ball (except when he wasn't showing hard enough). It would've been fantastic to seehim pair up with Adu again as he did in the Jrs. (btw- IMO, Adu's move in the corner there is the best bit of skill I've ever seen at any level for the US)
AND THIS
Gio ran rampant.
He was finding gaps between the defenders and MFs, and between the defenders all night and partnering with Guardado and Chachi, and even Barrera better than any partnering being done by the US. Gio and Guardado somehow got to every second ball in front of the US defense... pretty much all night... and then had time to create from there. That goes towards the shape for the US defensively, but also towards just how well those guys are playing together. Messi, Xavi, Inniesta it ain't- but it's a poor-man's version at least. The US just didn't have any answers- and even a multiple choice question should never include Bornstein as an option. Gio >>>>>>> everybody else on the field.
Also very impressed with the high pressure Mexico was able to maintain all game, despite having to go the extra 30 minutes in the late game. There was that stretch in the 1st half when Dempsey moved forward that the US were finding the seams with quick passing and dedicated runs into support and space that I thought- wow- the US might just be able to beat this pressure. But
Players...
Howard... meh. off night when the US needed a major hard-on night.
Lichaj did ok getting forward, but couldn't find the defensive line most of the night. Some real howlers positionally to keep Mexican forwards onside.
I thought Boca played very well once again. Acually seemed the quickest US player to respond to danger and 2nd balls- even though he's definitely the slowest of foot.
Goodson.... still a liability playing the ball out from the back, but partnered pretty well with Boca, IMO. Still made to look flat-footed and slow too much by the darting diagonal runs the Mexican attackers made all night.
Cherundolo was actually looking decent as usual until his ankle went over. We'll never know what could have been. IMO, Cherudolo is far more important to the US than Salcido is to Mexico.
Johnny B... I mentioned already that I thought he looked ok once he caught the pace of the game in the 2nd half. I wonder if playing in Mexico is helping him (and provoking Bradley to insert him) against those players. But that first half was typical Bornstein- no sense at all of where the players are around him as he ball watches and follows the ball physically into the middle, allowing players to constantly find the space behind him. Amateurish, in that regard.
Bedoya... kind of a broken record for me in the GC, and in general of what I've seen. A bit of a chicken with the head cut off performance- works very hard, but has the head down and doesn't seem to sense the best options most of the time. I guess it's good he's getting quality time for his future, but I think there are better options there.
Jones... I thought he was ok too, but his slight lack of pace was in evidence here. Still hit some good balls that nobody else was doing out of the MF- that open foot, 50 yard flat ball changing field is sooo importnatn for the US. Still worked hard to combine with Bradley, but seemed off the pace of the game just a hair.
Bradley... I think we've seen what not playing regularly does when you go up against pressure from good opponents. He was slow to move the ball, and got buried repeatedly... too many times in dangerous situations. Also did some moments of nice pairing with Jones and Dempsey, hit some good balls around and worked his ### off as usual. BUt sooo many losses of possession with the ball at his feet.
Dempsey... looked tired, and seemed to get more interested in glaring at the ref or opposing players for perceived insulting tackles. That's the aspect of Dempsey I can't stand- and it takes him completely off his usual swaggering game. Any time you take a yellow for bickering at the ref instead of for hammering an opponent, soemthing's wrong with your head/game. I still love him as a player for his skills and ability to create that moment of magic- such as that LD goal.
LD... nice goal, and actually looked eager to get at people which was nice. But that extra gear... broken record. wasn't his best or worst performance. Thought he was pretty wasted up front- he's always needed to take the ball at goal to be successful, IMO, and not receive it with his back to goal.
Adu... MOTM. Clearly. Only player that made Mexico look scared or unhinged, and they doubled him all night. I loved that he went at players- especially since he was beating them more often than not. Looked supremely confident on the ball, and looked to have the desire to give his body defensively- something that should help him with Bradley Sr moving forward... and hopefully with club coaches as well. First time I've seen him play at the Sr level even close to approaching the type of game he brought to the Jr sides.
Agudelo... meh. One thing I liked- he was showing some serious strength out there trying to win the ball. didn't often win the ball, whcih I didn't like- but was pushing some pretty big defenders around. He never really found the pace, touch or spacing to be useful on the night, but I like how he's developing. Too bad about Jozy- he was looking pretty great before getting hurt... geting his confidence back on the ball, and working hard off the ball (except when he wasn't showing hard enough). It would've been fantastic to seehim pair up with Adu again as he did in the Jrs. (btw- IMO, Adu's move in the corner there is the best bit of skill I've ever seen at any level for the US)
AND THIS
El Floppo
Footballguy
####!!!!'OC Zed said:HUGEI hope Mom is doing well also. I know you already know the drill, but get some sleep while you can.
:fail: already being up posting here at 1:00am. eta: thanks zed!
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Sebowski
Footballguy
I've also been wishing for this. Besides what you mentioned we would also all get more Bolivia!
El Floppo
Footballguy
I forget- Copa America... is it held in a host country, or do teams just travel to opposition's countries, ala WCQ? If the latter, a pan-American Cup would be a LOT of travel. What is it, something like 12+ hours to Argentina?
LHUCKS
Footballguy
Went to South America last year, the flight is long, but the transition isn't too bad because the time zone is the same.It's much worse traveling to Europe or Asia IMHO.
El Floppo
Footballguy
GOod point about the time difference- that would be the worst of the hurdles.But playing after flying a long time sucks balls, even after a couple of days recovery.
I really would love to follow the game more than World Cup and associated tourneys, but having no team/no rooting interest makes it tough to follow the Euro leagues. I'd give MLS a try if I ever had any idea when and where they were playing, it was on TV, when the season ran, etc. I see highlights of the Pacific NW and rhe crowds are impressive.
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
Host country - the matches this year are held in Argentina.
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
Congratulations Floppo - wonderful news!
Watching Germany/Canada Women's World Cup. It's not just the German men - the German women have sublime touch. Absolutely subime. I realize how much bigger/faster/stronger the men are compared to the women, but if you could normalize for that, this German women's team looks more skilled than the US men's team. They just always seem to hit teammates in perfect stride with every...single...pass. They just manage to create space with passing relentlessly.
Finding individual talents like Pele or Kaka or Ronaldihno is a crap shoot, obviously. And the greatest athletes in those countries gravitate towards soccer. But appears from watching Germany, men and women alike, that you can teach touch. How do they do it?
Finding individual talents like Pele or Kaka or Ronaldihno is a crap shoot, obviously. And the greatest athletes in those countries gravitate towards soccer. But appears from watching Germany, men and women alike, that you can teach touch. How do they do it?
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
It'll be announced when it gets closer to the season. The big name European leagues are in their midsummer break right now. The EPL will pick up play in late August and play until mid-May. Traditionally Fox Soccer Channel will have games at 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, or 12:30 PM (depending on when the games start). Usually FSC will show 4-5 of the weekend's games live, and occasionally shows 1 tape-delayed later on.ESPN2 usually plays 1 game per weekend, usually at 7:30 AM on Saturdays (but occasionally a later start). ESPN2 usually does a good job of covering the occasional Monday game as well, which would be a mid-afternoon start (usually 2:30 PM). There's usually 10 games per weekend (20 teams total), and you can see usually 5-6 here in the US.FSC also covers Italian Serie A. They usually play a bit later in the day, FSC will show the games live around 2:30 PM. From an MLS standpoint, FSC has "soccer night in America" and usually show a live game on Friday nights.
MLS is currently in mid-season. ESPN will show a game maybe every other week, usually on Thursday nights. Fox Soccer has "soccer night in America", as I said above, which is usually a Friday night game. I get occasional games on CBC (Toronto FC) and MSG (NY Red Bulls)....you may have access to some other games on channels that I don't get.Something else to keep in mind for you, there is a decent following in the NC/SC area for NASL and USL games. The NASL is the new "2nd best" league in America and has the Carolina Railhawks...which probably isn't far from you. It's basically the soccer equivalent of AAA baseball, although the players aren't affiliated with MLS teams. Charleston Battery has a pretty strong tradition and now plays in the USL (3rd best league in the US). Mjolnirs in this thread is a fan. The Wilmington Hammerheads and Charlotte Eagles also play in the USL.
Native
Footballguy
If the MLS doesnt speak to you, try picking an English team - you can watch them in the Priemer League (in English) and possibly the Champions League if theyre in this years tournament. Thats what did it for me when I first got into the game. Following the Champions league is the best way to learn about world soccer IMO.
Native
Footballguy
And for the record, I thought that was one of the more exciting games the US has played in recent memory (and we had some great games in the last few years). Lots of scoring opportunities, some deft passing and enough new blood (Lichaj, Freddy, Goodson, Jones) to make it feel like were not simply churning our wheels with the same players.
We may have lost, but Im happy with the performance. We lost something on defense when Dolo limped off, and we all knew Bornstein would not suffice. No regrets though - injuries are part of the game.
We may have lost, but Im happy with the performance. We lost something on defense when Dolo limped off, and we all knew Bornstein would not suffice. No regrets though - injuries are part of the game.
You can join us watching the EPL Saturday and Sunday mornings starting 8/13. Pick any team except for ManU, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal.
Bonzai
Footballguy
Fixed.
The Gator
Footballguy
Sure, if he has no soul.
bentley
Footballguy
I think Christo left out Everton. And possibly Spurs. But I think everybody laughs at Spurs, so there's no reason to even mention them.
Bonzai
Footballguy
Hipster, please. Let the poor guy have a good time.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Thanks
El Floppo
Footballguy
I had a bunch of friends go over and play in Germany, at various levels. Mostly 2nd and 3rd Divisions, but one guy ended up playing for Hamburg.They all said the same thing about Germans (caveat- this was back in the late 80s, early 90s)- every guy could do the basics perfectly, both with the ball and tactically. It was like they were just drilled over and over and over and over (imagine Drago's training, or the movie Ants). But that was practically the extent of what they could do; they were automatons without any real thought or creativity. And the German national team and league definitely stagnated, IMO, during and after those years. Things have obviously changed in the last decade, as there a bunch of talented, creative young players coming out of th Bundesliga- I figure they, like so many other countries (ours included, if I'm hearing right from parents of youth players), have been trying to incorporate more creativity along with the rote exercises of trapping, kicking, running, etc.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I was kind of feeling this way too. Seemed like the US was just beat by a better team, and a team that was playing better on the day. US wasn't so bad, even if some of the players didn't necessarily rise to the occasion.
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