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

[NewlyRetired]

That was the best shoulder goal I have ever seen.

 

[The Gator]

what a game! Thought Carroll won it there at the end but gd Hart with a fantastic save.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

SteveTasker- please add me as an England, USA, Liverpool supporter (and Wolves )

While you're at it Steve, you can add Borussia Monchengladbach to my list. Fellow
clubs have to stick together

 

[jonessed]

Gary Speed dead at 42. FORTY TWO. :(

I expect we will see a lot more on this as it seems rather inexplicable at this point.I always liked him in interviews and he was doing well with the Wales team. What a tragic event.

 

[jonessed]

Barcelona often plays Mascherano at center-back, right? Arsenal should just do that with Alex Song. Vermaelen is good, Koscielny is serviceable, and Mertesacker/Djourou suck...

Song is good in the back, but he is much better in the midfield. His replacement in that holding spot I imagine would be Frimpong, but that's quite a step back. I think they would be better off trying to get Mertesacker up to speed in the EPL (no pun intended).

 

[El Floppo]

Some interesting stadium porn came out of San Jose this week. They are 2 weeks away from what they consider the last major hurdle in getting approval.Here are some basic architectural drawings along with some interesting memo's about the stadium. Looks to be a simple but nice stadium, a cut above PHP, BMO and Crew Stadium, but no where near as nice as LiveStrong, PPL Park, or Red Bull Arena.It will hold 18k to start with a 2-3k standing room and obvious easy expansion possibilities should that be needed in the future.http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/9223/earthquakesadditonalinf.pdfIf this gets built, that leaves only the Revs, Sounders and DC stuck in non soccer stadiums for US based teams.Seattle can make a case that they belong in the larger stadium now. DC is a financial disaster so something has to change with RFK.NE has no reason to ever move unless some municipality kicks in serious money for them to build a soccer stadium.

Thanks for that andy- Simple is an understatement- that's about as spare and cheap a building as you're going to find, if built as shown. I guess that's good for finances, butnot very inspiring as a public space. Something's better than nothing though- although with all that silicon valley money right there, I would have expected more. Hopefully the detailing will be more elegant than the schematic drawings shown.I also wonder- and given the drawings, Im going to guess its financial- but why have a horse-shoe plan and not have the field fully encircled? Might also be a siting issue where they don't have enough room for the grandstands on that one end.

All good points. Some comments1) It is very simple, but the roof gives it an edge on other stadiums that are just as simple but no roof, like PHP2) It was originally designed to only hold 15k, but they expanded the design to 18k. I do not know why they went with the horseshoe, but it is probably for ease of expansion in the future should they need it. If they went fully enclosed with 18k, it would be more expensive to expand if needed in the future.3) Everything was designed in terms of finance. The SJ owner does not swim with Anschuntz, Red Bull, Kronkee, and the other billionaire owners so he has been trying to keep the cost of the stadium as low as possible, which makes it look pretty bare bones.4) However, when you remember that they are current playing in basically a defunct college baseball stadium right now, even this simple stadium should be a nice upgrade for them.

I hear all of that.From a design standpoint, there's no idea behind the stadium other than just getting seats and a roof up. It's like a single-wide of stadiums. And considering the other stadiums built recently, the initial drawings are hugely disappointing- they could and should do better, even if it's done on the cheap.

 

[Moe.]

Gary Speed dead at 42. FORTY TWO. :(

I expect we will see a lot more on this as it seems rather inexplicable at this point.I always liked him in interviews and he was doing well with the Wales team. What a tragic event.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was accidental, if you catch my drift.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Barcelona often plays Mascherano at center-back, right? Arsenal should just do that with Alex Song. Vermaelen is good, Koscielny is serviceable, and Mertesacker/Djourou suck...

Song is good in the back, but he is much better in the midfield. His replacement in that holding spot I imagine would be Frimpong, but that's quite a step back. I think they would be better off trying to get Mertesacker up to speed in the EPL (no pun intended).

I think that the return of Abou Diaby could allow for something like this, though, and that's one of the reasons why I posted it. Diaby/Ramsey/Arteta would be a more-than-capable center midfield without a defensive CM. I know that's been Wenger's style going back to Vieira and Gilberto and now Song, but I really think it'd be an interesting experiment. The distribution out of the back would be immediately better, and Vermaelen would still be there to be a physical presence in the air. Plus, with Song, you don't get the WTF lapses of skill that Mertesacker has been prone to of late.

 

[The Gator]

Tim Ream to go on trial at West Brom

Tasker> hey

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Has anyone else noticed that Joe Hart looks like Woz.

 

[TLEF316]

Has anyone else noticed that Joe Hart looks like Woz.

:mindblown:

 

[GoFishTN]

At one point Man Utd went literally years without a PK being awarded against them at home. This is just evening the score.

 

[The Z Machine]

Atlético pisses away a one goal lead in the Bernabéu to lose 4-1. They went a man down after their 19 year old goalie on loan from Chelsea tackled Benzema giving up the PK and a straight red. Awesome game guys! Diego Godín had likely the worst game of his career being involved on the last 3 goals, including another PK.

My hatred for Real only grows stronger.

 

[El Floppo]

Gary Speed dead at 42. FORTY TWO. :(

I expect we will see a lot more on this as it seems rather inexplicable at this point.I always liked him in interviews and he was doing well with the Wales team. What a tragic event.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was accidental, if you catch my drift.

Didn't the article say he hung himself? is that your drift?I really enjoyed watching Speed play- was always a guy on the field that stood out with skill, workrate and heart/guts. I can't imagine what would drive him to take his own life.

 

[Steve Tasker]

This is pretty scary too.

Tabarez's wife suffers acid attack

The wife of Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has been taken to hospital after an attacker threw acid over her as she walked home in Montevideo.

Silvia Martinez, the 61-year-old wife of Tabarez, was admitted to hospital with burns to 25% of her body - including her face and arms - after a motorbike passenger covered her in what police called a "corrosive liquid".

"They didn't steal anything. They threw the liquid while slowing down and then sped off," Montevideo police spokesman Jose Luis Rondan said. "They didn't shove her, or insult her, nothing."

Martinez has previously received death threats, but the motive for the attack is still unknown.

 

[El Floppo]

This is pretty scary too.

Tabarez's wife suffers acid attack

The wife of Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has been taken to hospital after an attacker threw acid over her as she walked home in Montevideo.

Silvia Martinez, the 61-year-old wife of Tabarez, was admitted to hospital with burns to 25% of her body - including her face and arms - after a motorbike passenger covered her in what police called a "corrosive liquid".

"They didn't steal anything. They threw the liquid while slowing down and then sped off," Montevideo police spokesman Jose Luis Rondan said. "They didn't shove her, or insult her, nothing."

Martinez has previously received death threats, but the motive for the attack is still unknown.

jesus ####### christ.3rd place in the world isn't good enough?

 

[NewlyRetired]

San Jose released new renderings today including adding luxury boxes to the stadium. These boxes are unique in that they will be at field level. Not sure how that is going to work but I will just need to wait and see. Here is some info and some pics

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19429549

http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=1

http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=2

http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=3

 

[NewlyRetired]

I like the honesty of Drogba's agent here. No mincing of words

LONDON (Reuters) -- Didier Drogba has refused Chelsea's offer of a one-year contract extension and will go wherever he is offered the most money next year after also turning down a loan move to AC Milan, his agent said on Tuesday.The 33-year-old Ivory Coast striker has scored nearly 150 goals for Chelsea since moving from Olympique Marseille in 2004 for 24 million pounds ($37.4 million) and has helped the club to win three Premier League titles and three FA Cups.However, it now looks as if he will leave Stamford Bridge for nothing when his contract expires next year.Drogba was weighing up lucrative options including possible moves to America, Russia or Asia, one of his agents, Thierno Seydi, was widely quoted as saying by British media."Didier has had the offer of a one-year extension from Chelsea. That does not suit us," Seydi said."We know what we want, where we want to go and what offers we have. AC Milan came in for Didier on loan with an option to buy but I said 'No' straight away. Their offer did not interest us."At Didier's age, he has nothing left to prove as a player. He will go where he is offered the most money."It could be the United States, Russia, Qatar or somewhere else in Asia. Once you are well into your thirties you have to go to a club where you can be certain you'll be able to pay your bills."LA Galaxy are a possibility among many others. He has been linked with Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, as they pay well. But neither Didier nor I have had an offer from them yet."Drogba might not be the only veteran forward on his way out of Stamford Bridge as Nicolas Anelka, 32, who has made only six appearances this season, has been linked with a move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.The former France international joined Chelsea from Bolton for 15 million pounds in 2008 and has scored more than 70 goals for the club.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good to see the Cosmos new owners cleaning up the embarrassing mess left by con man who previously owned the team

November 28, 2011 ALL PAID UP Cosmos new owners settle Gottschee debts, continue to pursue MLS expansion team By Michael LewisBigAppleSoccer.com EditorThe broken relationship between the New York Cosmos and Blau Weis Gottschee appears to have been mended and apparently it is full speed ahead.The organization's new owners, Sela Sport of Saudi Arabia, has paid the money -- $210,000 -- it owed Gottschee, according to sources close to the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League club. The Cosmos fund Gottschee's youth teams, including its U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams, which are called Cosmos Academy East.And under the new ownership, the Cosmos will continue to pursue its quest in becoming the 20th team in Major League Soccer, reliable sources said."It definitely makes things easier," said one reliable New York soccer source who asked to remain anonymous. "That definitely helps in a big way."These people are committed. The important thing is they have taken the time to understand the situation and learn about the club and Academy. They're still focusing on having a team in Major League Soccer."Gottschee officials would not comment on the situation, but said a statement would be announced on Tuesday after a club meeting in Queens on Monday night.With the funding in place, coaches will be paid and teams will be funded to play locally and nationally. For example, the Cosmos Academy East teams will participate at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy winter showcase in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. from Friday through next Tuesday without any worries."They are definitely committed to the Academy," one NYC soccer source said on Monday afternoon. "They definitely want to continue the Academy and make payments on time."Youth coaches are optimistic things will go forward without a hitch."We're very, very confident we're going to get the money in the next two weeks," Cosmos Under-12 coach Tom Flood said on Sunday. "We're very optimistic. Hopefully, we can put this behind us."It would be a good thing to move forward and focus on the future."The Cosmos previous owners, led by former CEO and chairman Paul Kemsley, reneged on the payments, forcing the stories youth soccer club close to insolvency, according to a lawsuit was filed against the Cosmos in New York Supreme Court on Nov. 3 by the law firm of Weil Gotshal and Manges. Joshua S. Amsel, Vanessa W. Chandis and Matthew D. Altemeier were the attorneys listed on the official papers of the lawsuit.On July 21, 2010, Gottschee and Cosmos East, a subsidiary of the New York Cosmos, entered into a sponsor agreement in which the Cosmos acquired the “sole and exclusive right” to sponsor the club’s academy teams for five years in exchange for a $500,000 annual sponsorship fee, plus other amounts that would be agreed to by the partners.According to the agreement, the next payment -- $250,000 -- is due in January."Parents can be sure that they are going to move in the same way," a source said. "The Cosmos are for the Academy."The Cosmos are in transition at the moment. "People are meeting with the owners," a source said. "They're going around figuring out every aspect. . . There is so much to figure out. What works, what doesn't work and what has to be put back up."Sela Sport has made contact with MLS, but it was not known if how long and intense conversations wee, sources said. The new owners attended last week's MLS Cup in Carson, Calif., according to sources.Gottschee will not drop the lawsuit because there there is another payment pending on Jan. 1 and the club wants to make sure the Cosmos abide by the agreement, sources said.One source said he would be surprised if the Cosmos did not pursue becoming the league's 20th team after buying the rights to its name and paying off the Gottschee debts."It wouldn't make any sense [if they weren't]," one source said. "I still think the Cosmos are a candidate for the 20th franchise."At the present time, the team has not named a successor to executive director Joe Fraga, who was fired by the new owners on Nov. 2. It is not known a successor will be selected.Communications director Theresa Tran has been running the show and the organization's New York City offices and keeping things together, sources said."Terry has done a tremendous job," one source said.Sela Sport could not be reached for comment.Gottschee, which celebrated its 60th anniversary on Oct. 22, is considered one of the most respected and storied youth soccer clubs in the United States. The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League club has won numerous Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association State Cup titles, a national championship and produced such future U.S. National Team players as Mike Windischmann, the captain of the 1990 U.S. World Cup team, and former Cosmos players Werner Roth and Joey Fink, among others.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

 

[El Floppo]

Good stuff andy- thanks for the updates

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Per Goff, MLS is putting together a Generation Adidas tram to tour the Netherlands next week. I think they did something similar last year. 18 players have been named thus far, including 5 Union players.

GK: Zac MacMath, David Bingham

D: Zarek Vanentin, Conor Shanosky, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael Tetteh

MF: Amobi Okugo, Tony Tchani, Luis Gil, Matt Kassel, Jeremy Hall, Zack Pfeffer, Dilly Duka

F: Omar Salgado, Jack McInerney, Corey Hertzog, Will Bruin, Danny Mwanga

 

[El Floppo]

Per Goff, MLS is putting together a Generation Adidas tram to tour the Netherlands next week. I think they did something similar last year. 18 players have been named thus far, including 5 Union players.GK: Zac MacMath, David BinghamD: Zarek Vanentin, Conor Shanosky, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael TettehMF: Amobi Okugo, Tony Tchani, Luis Gil, Matt Kassel, Jeremy Hall, Zack Pfeffer, Dilly DukaF: Omar Salgado, Jack McInerney, Corey Hertzog, Will Bruin, Danny Mwanga

What kind of opposition do they play? Reserve sides?And what happened with McInerney this year? I had meant to keep track, but didn't.

 

[El Floppo]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

 

[The Gator]

CC v. Chelski

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Lucas, Spearing, Maxi, Bellamy, Carroll.

And Carroll takes(and misses ) a penalty. I'd bet Tasker's yearly wage that Bellamy would have been the perfect guy to take it and nail it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Per Goff, MLS is putting together a Generation Adidas tram to tour the Netherlands next week. I think they did something similar last year. 18 players have been named thus far, including 5 Union players.GK: Zac MacMath, David BinghamD: Zarek Vanentin, Conor Shanosky, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael TettehMF: Amobi Okugo, Tony Tchani, Luis Gil, Matt Kassel, Jeremy Hall, Zack Pfeffer, Dilly DukaF: Omar Salgado, Jack McInerney, Corey Hertzog, Will Bruin, Danny Mwanga

Nice squad. I thought Mwanga graduated from GA?

 

[Eephus]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

VZ is currently tied for first in CONMEBOL WC standings. Their only loss was at altitude to Ecuador.

 

[El Floppo]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

VZ is currently tied for first in CONMEBOL WC standings. Their only loss was at altitude to Ecuador.

I wonder if there's a backstory to VZ's recent rise- seems like soccer has been an after-thought down there (behind Baseball). Like, has Chavez put some of that petro-money into the sport? Or is it just a convergence of good players arriving at the same time? Z... ideas?

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Per Goff, MLS is putting together a Generation Adidas tram to tour the Netherlands next week. I think they did something similar last year. 18 players have been named thus far, including 5 Union players.GK: Zac MacMath, David BinghamD: Zarek Vanentin, Conor Shanosky, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael TettehMF: Amobi Okugo, Tony Tchani, Luis Gil, Matt Kassel, Jeremy Hall, Zack Pfeffer, Dilly DukaF: Omar Salgado, Jack McInerney, Corey Hertzog, Will Bruin, Danny Mwanga

Nice squad. I thought Mwanga graduated from GA?

He did - so did Valentin. I was surprised Mwanga was on this roster as well

 

[The Gator]

2-0 Good guys. I knows it's just the Carling Cup...but #### Chelsea

 

[NewlyRetired]

In case anyone is interested in getting a look at the next generation of US players...

From Soccer America

FOX Soccer will broadcast all three U.S. U-17 boys national team games during the 2011 Nike International Friendlies. The USA faces France on Wednesday, Turkey on Friday and Brazil on Sunday. All three games kick off at 5 pm ET

 

[El Floppo]

In case anyone is interested in getting a look at the next generation of US players...From Soccer AmericaFOX Soccer will broadcast all three U.S. U-17 boys national team games during the 2011 Nike International Friendlies. The USA faces France on Wednesday, Turkey on Friday and Brazil on Sunday. All three games kick off at 5 pm ET

I usuallytry to catch da yutes when theyre on tv.

 

[The Z Machine]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

They don't play a style that will give the US problems though. They don't have exceptional control through the midfield, they don't have exceptional speed, and they don't have world class strikers that can create something out of nothing. They aren't Mexico or Argentina. However, they play a rough and tough style that can hurt you on a break. Their defense plays very cohesively, defending set pieces well and not letting the opposition easy passing lanes or a lot of space to create. They can press effectively all over the field, forcing turnovers in the midfield which enables chances. Plus they've got a fire and a desire to move up to the next level, much like this crop of Mexican players IMO.Where will the games be played? I might have to make a trip...

 

[The Z Machine]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

VZ is currently tied for first in CONMEBOL WC standings. Their only loss was at altitude to Ecuador.

I wonder if there's a backstory to VZ's recent rise- seems like soccer has been an after-thought down there (behind Baseball). Like, has Chavez put some of that petro-money into the sport? Or is it just a convergence of good players arriving at the same time? Z... ideas?

There's been a change in attitudes from the VZLA populace in terms of soccer popularity. Chavez has put $ into the sports infrastructure and into soccer in particular, but not more than beisbol or other sports. He's not a passionate soccer fan AFAIK. VZLA's pro soccer league has improved by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years. Basically, VZLA has grown along with other non-traditional soccer playing countries in the world like Japan and Australia. They have the population, the sporting infrastructure, and are surrounded by traditional soccer powers, so IMO they are ripe to make a run, just like Colombia did in the 90s.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

CC v. ChelskiLiverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Lucas, Spearing, Maxi, Bellamy, Carroll. And Carroll takes(and misses ) a penalty. I'd bet Tasker's yearly wage that Bellamy would have been the perfect guy to take it and nail it.

I've been a defender since he came over in January, but I must admit I'm coming over to the "Carroll needs to go" crowd.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

They don't play a style that will give the US problems though. They don't have exceptional control through the midfield, they don't have exceptional speed, and they don't have world class strikers that can create something out of nothing. They aren't Mexico or Argentina. However, they play a rough and tough style that can hurt you on a break. Their defense plays very cohesively, defending set pieces well and not letting the opposition easy passing lanes or a lot of space to create. They can press effectively all over the field, forcing turnovers in the midfield which enables chances. Plus they've got a fire and a desire to move up to the next level, much like this crop of Mexican players IMO.Where will the games be played? I might have to make a trip...

They are both away games for the US. They have not officially been announced so no venues are known yet.

 

[otello]

when is the Barca-RM match, 12/10 or 12/11? ESPN says 12/10, Bleacher Report says 12/11.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

when is the Barca-RM match, 12/10 or 12/11? ESPN says 12/10, Bleacher Report says 12/11.

Barca's official site says Dec. 10. I think Barca needs 3 there to keep Liga hopes alive, there just isn't room for much error given how much both teams win.

 

[El Floppo]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

VZ is currently tied for first in CONMEBOL WC standings. Their only loss was at altitude to Ecuador.

I wonder if there's a backstory to VZ's recent rise- seems like soccer has been an after-thought down there (behind Baseball). Like, has Chavez put some of that petro-money into the sport? Or is it just a convergence of good players arriving at the same time? Z... ideas?

There's been a change in attitudes from the VZLA populace in terms of soccer popularity. Chavez has put $ into the sports infrastructure and into soccer in particular, but not more than beisbol or other sports. He's not a passionate soccer fan AFAIK. VZLA's pro soccer league has improved by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years. Basically, VZLA has grown along with other non-traditional soccer playing countries in the world like Japan and Australia. They have the population, the sporting infrastructure, and are surrounded by traditional soccer powers, so IMO they are ripe to make a run, just like Colombia did in the 90s.

thanks, gb.hmmm- the Colombia comparison sounds apt, although replace drug $$ with oil $$.

 

[Eephus]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

VZ is currently tied for first in CONMEBOL WC standings. Their only loss was at altitude to Ecuador.

I wonder if there's a backstory to VZ's recent rise- seems like soccer has been an after-thought down there (behind Baseball). Like, has Chavez put some of that petro-money into the sport? Or is it just a convergence of good players arriving at the same time? Z... ideas?

There's been a change in attitudes from the VZLA populace in terms of soccer popularity. Chavez has put $ into the sports infrastructure and into soccer in particular, but not more than beisbol or other sports. He's not a passionate soccer fan AFAIK. VZLA's pro soccer league has improved by leaps and bounds in the last 10 years. Basically, VZLA has grown along with other non-traditional soccer playing countries in the world like Japan and Australia. They have the population, the sporting infrastructure, and are surrounded by traditional soccer powers, so IMO they are ripe to make a run, just like Colombia did in the 90s.

thanks, gb.hmmm- the Colombia comparison sounds apt, although replace drug $$ with oil $$.

If it happened there, it can happen here. Venezuela is a country with no history of soccer success. They finished second to bottom in both the 2002 and 2006 WC qualifiers. They aren't a top tier power by any means but they were able to draw with Brazil and beat Chile in the Copa. A game against the USA, especially in a hostile environment, will be a good measuring stick for Klinsmann.

 

[The Z Machine]

Ives is reporting that Venezuela will join Panama as the two away friendlies for the January camp. Both should be very good preparation for the coming qualifiers.

Venezuela looked awfully good in the Copa America... could be an ugly game for the US.

They don't play a style that will give the US problems though. They don't have exceptional control through the midfield, they don't have exceptional speed, and they don't have world class strikers that can create something out of nothing. They aren't Mexico or Argentina. However, they play a rough and tough style that can hurt you on a break. Their defense plays very cohesively, defending set pieces well and not letting the opposition easy passing lanes or a lot of space to create. They can press effectively all over the field, forcing turnovers in the midfield which enables chances. Plus they've got a fire and a desire to move up to the next level, much like this crop of Mexican players IMO.Where will the games be played? I might have to make a trip...

They are both away games for the US. They have not officially been announced so no venues are known yet.

Too bad I'm not still unemployed AND going to VZLA for Xmas otherwise I'd be temped to stick around down there for the game.

 

[The Gator]

Liverpool invite Agudelo for a trial

:soccerboner:

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Liverpool invite Agudelo for a trial

:soccerboner:

I wonder if this is a simple working out trip like a lot of other MLSers are doing this month or a full blown trial. It's great news either way.

 

[bentley]

Liverpool invite Agudelo for a trial

:soccerboner:

It would be so cool to have an Americano playing for the Reds.I don't think Carroll has to go (because I don't know what we'd get for him now), but I'm on board with keeping him out of the starting XI. No idea why he took that PK with at least three better options on the field at the time. The only rational explanation I've seen is that Kenny was trying to give him some confidence. That backfired like a mother####er if that was the case.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Liverpool invite Agudelo for a trial

:soccerboner:

It would be so cool to have an Americano playing for the Reds.I don't think Carroll has to go (because I don't know what we'd get for him now), but I'm on board with keeping him out of the starting XI. No idea why he took that PK with at least three better options on the field at the time. The only rational explanation I've seen is that Kenny was trying to give him some confidence. That backfired like a mother####er if that was the case.

Okay, maybe not "has to go", but I think they need a better partner for Suarez, definitely.

 

[theprince]

Liverpool invite Agudelo for a trial

:soccerboner:

It would be so cool to have an Americano playing for the Reds.I don't think Carroll has to go (because I don't know what we'd get for him now), but I'm on board with keeping him out of the starting XI. No idea why he took that PK with at least three better options on the field at the time. The only rational explanation I've seen is that Kenny was trying to give him some confidence. That backfired like a mother####er if that was the case.

Okay, maybe not "has to go", but I think they need a better partner for Suarez, definitely.

Carroll hasn't started enough for me to consider him a throwout yet. There is a great deal of pressure that comes with that price tag. Once he gets a good run of games and starts playing with confidence he could turn into the great center forward we hoped for. He was a great save away from having the winner against Citeh.

 

[The Z Machine]

Pool could sell him back to Newcastle for £8m or something.

 

[theprince]

San Jose released new renderings today including adding luxury boxes to the stadium. These boxes are unique in that they will be at field level. Not sure how that is going to work but I will just need to wait and see. Here is some info and some picshttp://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19429549http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=1http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=2http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=3

Makes perfect sense. Build the expensive boxes right off the pitch. I have never understood why even rich people buy suites three levels up for NBA games and can barely see the players.

 

[theprince]

Pool could sell him back to Newcastle for £8m or something.

I read a terrific article (I believe in WSJ) about how LIV's plan was to acquire the league's most proficient passers from last year (Henderson, Downing) and team them with Carroll in the middle. Obviously, nothing much has come of that idea, but that was the plan anyway.

 

[bentley]

San Jose released new renderings today including adding luxury boxes to the stadium. These boxes are unique in that they will be at field level. Not sure how that is going to work but I will just need to wait and see. Here is some info and some picshttp://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19429549http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=1http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=2http://www.mercurynews.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=19429549&siteId=568&startImage=3

Makes perfect sense. Build the expensive boxes right off the pitch. I have never understood why even rich people buy suites three levels up for NBA games and can barely see the players.

The Dallas Cowboys have field level suites. I'm not sure how well they sell in relation to the regular suites.