***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (6 Viewers)

[Sebowski]

Bonus El Classico tomorrow. Real is playing awesome. Should be a great game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Twitter abuzz with details on this USMNT/U-23s scrimmage right now....is there anywhere I can watch this online?

I don't think they were streamed. The seniors pounded the U23's 4-0, in the first scrimmage. How did today's go?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Twitter abuzz with details on this USMNT/U-23s scrimmage right now....is there anywhere I can watch this online?

I don't think they were streamed. The seniors pounded the U23's 4-0, in the first scrimmage. How did today's go?

1-1, Zusi for the seniors and Jack Mac for the U-23s. Not much info on how the scrimmage went, just updates every few minutes from Ives and a few other US soccer commentators. Hamid and Bunbury played with the U-23s for the first half (despite being in training with the seniors), but it looks like Bunbury played with the seniors in the 2nd half.Ives had the comment of the day: "I don't want to say Jermaine Jones looks imposing but right now he looks like someone's uncle snuck onto the field during a U-14 game."

 

[The Gator]

A fantastic miss from 2 yards out by Findley todayhttp://soccernet.espn.go.com/video?cc=5901

I'm still laughing after watching it three times. In his defense, though, I think it was closer to 2 1/2 yards out.All sorts of fail going on there. Starts with the goalie giving a half-hearted wave at the ball to set up the "near" miss.Well, what do you expect. They're professionals...

I just showed this to my kids and said, "see, this is why you need to be good with both feet. So you aren't in highlights for the wrong reasons and so guys on the intranets won't laugh at you"

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Bonus El Classico tomorrow. Real is playing awesome. Should be a great game.

I like that they're playing early. Start with the Clasico for the least important title and work up to the 2nd Liga meeting and the UCL tie that we all know is coming.I would not be surprised to see RM take this. I will be happy if Barca draws them.

 

[bentley]

Bonus El Classico tomorrow. Real is playing awesome. Should be a great game.

I like that they're playing early. Start with the Clasico for the least important title and work up to the 2nd Liga meeting and the UCL tie that we all know is coming.I would not be surprised to see RM take this. I will be happy if Barca draws them.

As a lifelong Barca fan, I'm sure this is eating you up.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Bonus El Classico tomorrow. Real is playing awesome. Should be a great game.

I like that they're playing early. Start with the Clasico for the least important title and work up to the 2nd Liga meeting and the UCL tie that we all know is coming.I would not be surprised to see RM take this. I will be happy if Barca draws them.

As a lifelong Barca fan, I'm sure this is eating you up.

I'm really excited for 'Pool to win the Carling Cup. Seriously. That's a big accomplishment.

 

[The Gator]

Bonus El Classico tomorrow. Real is playing awesome. Should be a great game.

I like that they're playing early. Start with the Clasico for the least important title and work up to the 2nd Liga meeting and the UCL tie that we all know is coming.I would not be surprised to see RM take this. I will be happy if Barca draws them.

As a lifelong Barca fan, I'm sure this is eating you up.

I'm really excited for 'Pool to win the Carling Cup. Seriously. That's a big accomplishment.

You know, this would be funny if it weren't true

 

[jonessed]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

I think Mourinho is realizing that gooning it up isn't the best way to go. RM wasn't nearly as cynical in their first Liga meeting, or in the Super Cup.I don't like the flopping, the ref-cajoling, or the dirty tackles either. But the quality of football does overshadow it somewhat.

 

[jonessed]

7m seems a good deal for British talent

They got a reasonable deal because his contract ends at the end of the year, but 9m was about as high as he would ever go. He's a known commodity at this point (27).

The common reaction seems to be that the transfer fee was fair but that the wage he negotiated is crazy~high. Reported to be 80,000 lbs per week.

Yes, it's absurd. That's what Robin van Persie makes. Chelsea doesn't have to operate in the black though so for them it's just play money. He's a decent player, but there is a reason he is playing for Bolton at 27. Half that salary would be more in-line with his capability.

 

[Tibetan Sherpa]

Argentina and Brazil will play each other in NJ this summer

Any info on tickets?

I don't think they are for sale yet. Check this site periodically. If the big name players come (as expected), this will be close to a sell out but as long as you get tickets around 1 month in advance you should get nice seats.http://www.metlifestadium.com/events.php

Thanks for the link. Looks like it could make a nice weekend trip.

 

[jonessed]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

I think Mourinho is realizing that gooning it up isn't the best way to go. RM wasn't nearly as cynical in their first Liga meeting, or in the Super Cup.I don't like the flopping, the ref-cajoling, or the dirty tackles either. But the quality of football does overshadow it somewhat.

The quality of football sucks when everyone is flopping around like fish, and it comes from both sides.Maybe tomorrow will be different. We can hope anyway.

 

[Sebowski]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

Z, do you want to take this one?

 

[Sebowski]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

I think Mourinho is realizing that gooning it up isn't the best way to go. RM wasn't nearly as cynical in their first Liga meeting, or in the Super Cup.I don't like the flopping, the ref-cajoling, or the dirty tackles either. But the quality of football does overshadow it somewhat.

The problem is that when RM plays dirty and ugly they have a much better chance to win. When they play loose, they play right into Barca's hands. Whether it is ugly or loose, it wil still be some of the best players in the world competing against each other for 90 mins. There is always a lot of value in that alone. :Can'tWait:

 

[El Floppo]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

Z, do you want to take this one?

oooh, can I?

The reality is that Inter will always be better than Milan. Flopping or not.

 

[The Z Machine]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

Z, do you want to take this one?

I was going to let it go since I've been known to be an ### on here from time to time.

 

[Slapdash]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

I know the feeling, I am pretty underwhelmed watching Spurs and Chelsea square off in the Bundesliga too. Maybe I should complain about matchups I'm not interested in when they come around like everyone around here seems to do...Besides that, it is clear when you say you watch the games generally you mean you have watched since Mourinho decided this was his best chance to beat Barcelona. Pellegrini, Schuster, Capello, and etc. did not have their sides play like that and the Classicos were not like you describe at all.

 

[El Floppo]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

I think Mourinho is realizing that gooning it up isn't the best way to go. RM wasn't nearly as cynical in their first Liga meeting, or in the Super Cup.I don't like the flopping, the ref-cajoling, or the dirty tackles either. But the quality of football does overshadow it somewhat.

The problem is that when RM plays dirty and ugly they have a much better chance to win. When they play loose, they play right into Barca's hands. Whether it is ugly or loose, it wil still be some of the best players in the world competing against each other for 90 mins. There is always a lot of value in that alone. :Can'tWait:

Yeah.If Barca is allowed to play their way, they will beat any team on the planet. So teams have to figure out a way to disrupt that- ideally with applying high pressure for 90 minutes so Xavi and Iniesta's touches are more limited. But RM and others resort to hacking (understandable, somewhat, in a derby of this magnitude), although the hacking is sometimes bordeline with just flying hard and fast into challenges.

What bothers me more is Barca players diving and whining- they have no need of it to win games, but too many of their players feel compelled to do so regularly (Messi and Xavi excepted). You can beat anybody on the planet by just playing your game, but you still resort to flopping and histrionics?

 

[Slapdash]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

I think Mourinho is realizing that gooning it up isn't the best way to go. RM wasn't nearly as cynical in their first Liga meeting, or in the Super Cup.I don't like the flopping, the ref-cajoling, or the dirty tackles either. But the quality of football does overshadow it somewhat.

The problem is that when RM plays dirty and ugly they have a much better chance to win. When they play loose, they play right into Barca's hands. Whether it is ugly or loose, it wil still be some of the best players in the world competing against each other for 90 mins. There is always a lot of value in that alone. :Can'tWait:

Yeah.If Barca is allowed to play their way, they will beat any team on the planet. So teams have to figure out a way to disrupt that- ideally with applying high pressure for 90 minutes so Xavi and Iniesta's touches are more limited. But RM and others resort to hacking (understandable, somewhat, in a derby of this magnitude), although the hacking is sometimes bordeline with just flying hard and fast into challenges.

What bothers me more is Barca players diving and whining- they have no need of it to win games, but too many of their players feel compelled to do so regularly (Messi and Xavi excepted). You can beat anybody on the planet by just playing your game, but you still resort to flopping and histrionics?

I know it is pointless to say yet again, but this is not really the case if you watch their matches week in and week out.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US Brazil game looks to be at Fed Ex field this summer according to Goff. That should be a huge crowd.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know the feeling, I am pretty underwhelmed watching Spurs and Chelsea square off in the Bundesliga too.

Bundesliga too? Don't you mean Bundesliga 2?

 

[jonessed]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

Z, do you want to take this one?

I was going to let it go since I've been known to be an ### on here from time to time.

Mistakes happen. I think I have posted here enough to get a pass on a typo.

 

[jonessed]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

I know the feeling, I am pretty underwhelmed watching Spurs and Chelsea square off in the Bundesliga too. Maybe I should complain about matchups I'm not interested in when they come around like everyone around here seems to do...Besides that, it is clear when you say you watch the games generally you mean you have watched since Mourinho decided this was his best chance to beat Barcelona. Pellegrini, Schuster, Capello, and etc. did not have their sides play like that and the Classicos were not like you describe at all.

Some of you Barca fans need to be less defensive.If I wasn't interested I wouldn't watch. These are the two best (and probably most popular) teams in the world right now.I'm just pointing out the drop in quality when they play each other. Clearly other Barca fans have seen the same thing since I see so much #####ing about Mourinho.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Rumors flying on Ives that Sebastien Le Toux is getting sold to Bolton. Certainly didn't see this coming.

From the business side of things, for the Union, it would be a hell of a return for an expansion draft pick. For Le Toux, to go from USL to MLS to EPL in 3 1/2 years is quite the accomplishment. A true testament to his hard work and professionalism.

Our first legend!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rumors flying on Ives that Sebastien Le Toux is getting sold to Bolton. Certainly didn't see this coming. From the business side of things, for the Union, it would be a hell of a return for an expansion draft pick. For Le Toux, to go from USL to MLS to EPL in 3 1/2 years is quite the accomplishment. A true testament to his hard work and professionalism.Our first legend!

Holy smokes. If this comes true, it just further cements the ever growing MLS to EPL pipeline. Good stuff as Le Toux deserves it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like the Becks re-signing with LA press conference is tomorrow. I hope this is a one year contract but would not be surprised if it was for two years.

LA Galaxy are expected to hold a Thursday press conference to confirm the re-signing of David Beckham, club sources have confirmed to SoccerByIves.net's Adam Serrano.The signing will bring the 36-year-old midfielder back to Los Angeles for a sixth season, ending speculation that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star would leave Major League Soccer.In line to represent Great Britain at this summer's London Olympics, Beckham is currently out of contract with MLS. He was expected to move to France's Paris Saint-Germain at the beginning of the month; however, on Jan. 3 PSG officials announced they would not sign Beckham, saying the Galaxy star indicated a preference to stay in Los Angeles, where he makes his home with his wife Victoria and four children.Beckham just completed a five-year deal signed with Major League Soccer in 2007, capping his contract with a MLS Cup title in November as LA Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo 1-0 at MLS Cup. During those five seasons, Beckham accumulated 11 goals and 31 assists in 72 league games.In 2011, Beckham had his strongest season since moving to the United States, registering two goals and 15 assists while leading the Galaxy to a second consecutive Supporter's Shield, awarded to the team that finishes with the best regular season record.

 

[The Z Machine]

The US Brazil game looks to be at Fed Ex field this summer according to Goff. That should be a huge crowd.

:soccerboner:First time that I'll be around DC to make some of the Nats games. Typically, the USMNT doesn't like to play in CA.

 

[The Z Machine]

I generally tune in to watch "El Classicos" whenver I can because, well, they are pretty much the only Serie A games that mean anything, but every time I do I end up being underwhelmed. They always seem to end up in flopping fests and ###-for-tat poking and taunting. Fans really should expect better from the two best teams in the world.

Z, do you want to take this one?

I was going to let it go since I've been known to be an ### on here from time to time.

Mistakes happen. I think I have posted here enough to get a pass on a typo.

No doubt. I make plenty of them too.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US Brazil game looks to be at Fed Ex field this summer according to Goff. That should be a huge crowd.

:soccerboner:First time that I'll be around DC to make some of the Nats games. Typically, the USMNT doesn't like to play in CA.

Are you sure? If someone was to ask me what state the USMNT has played the most games in over the past 20 years I would had said California with out hesitation. I must be way off on this.

 

[The Gator]

Niiiiice goal by Ronaldo...keeper really should have saved it though

 

[The Gator]

Anyone ever seen Pinto and David James in the same room?

 

[The Z Machine]

The US Brazil game looks to be at Fed Ex field this summer according to Goff. That should be a huge crowd.

:soccerboner:First time that I'll be around DC to make some of the Nats games. Typically, the USMNT doesn't like to play in CA.

Are you sure? If someone was to ask me what state the USMNT has played the most games in over the past 20 years I would had said California with out hesitation. I must be way off on this.

Possibly, but if you exclude the number of games that have a mandated location (Gold Cup, WC94, etc.) I don't think that the USMNT has scheduled that many games there by choice. Certainly not an WC Qualifying matches. You have to go back to 1998 WC to find a game played in CA (Palo Alto vs. Costa Rica prior to Hex).

 

[The Z Machine]

Missed the first half due to work. Looks like Barca had more chances from the replays.

 

[derek245583]

Seems to be a lot of flopping and what not in the second half...

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I hope Pepe's entire family is murdered in front of him.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Goonery in full force here.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

 

[Steve Tasker]

Messi = magical

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US Brazil game looks to be at Fed Ex field this summer according to Goff. That should be a huge crowd.

:soccerboner:First time that I'll be around DC to make some of the Nats games. Typically, the USMNT doesn't like to play in CA.

Are you sure? If someone was to ask me what state the USMNT has played the most games in over the past 20 years I would had said California with out hesitation. I must be way off on this.

Possibly, but if you exclude the number of games that have a mandated location (Gold Cup, WC94, etc.) I don't think that the USMNT has scheduled that many games there by choice. Certainly not an WC Qualifying matches. You have to go back to 1998 WC to find a game played in CA (Palo Alto vs. Costa Rica prior to Hex).

Agreed 100% on WCQing matches. But unless I am mistaken they have played plenty of friendlies at HDC over the years, not to mention a couple of friendlies against Mexico in the Rose Bowl if memory serves.

I just looked it up, the US has played 12 games at HDC since it opened in 2004. I don't think any other stadium can touch that number for non mandated games.

Part of this is due to the fact that the US trains there quite often and makes it easy to schedule games there in the winter with the weather.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Becks officially signed for two more years with LA (I was hoping for just one, but oh well).

No word yet on the salary or if they sweetened the deal with a better offer of ownership of an MLS team when he is retired as has been rumored.

 

[El Floppo]

I hope Pepe's entire family is murdered in front of him.

Well... he's no Marcelo.Just when I want to route for RM as scrappy underdogs- ugh. And that Carvallho take-down on Messi- whoa. But gotta figure Pepe will be seeing a nice suspension come out of that... maybe not Germany Jones style, but at least a few games. Ugly.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I hope Pepe's entire family is murdered in front of him.

Well... he's no Marcelo.Just when I want to route for RM as scrappy underdogs- ugh. And that Carvallho take-down on Messi- whoa. But gotta figure Pepe will be seeing a nice suspension come out of that... maybe not Germany Jones style, but at least a few games. Ugly.

I wonder if, at some point, does this hurt Real Madrid as a global brand? I can't imagine many people outside of Spain who are picking an elite European side to follow would find them appealing because of their goonery and the cynicism that's surrounded recent Clasicos. Haranguing a ref is one thing, and it's not good, but stomping/cheap-shotting players on the ground is quite another. And who wants to see a team play with five defenders and two holding midfielders? Yuck.

 

[Slapdash]

Goonery in full force here.

Shocking...

 

[NewlyRetired]

The upcoming two US friendlies will be on ESPN3 and Galavision.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Robbie Rogers got his work permit and will join Leeds immediately.

Leeds is in 11th in the Championship but only 3 points out of the promotion playoffs.

Ream, Le Toux and George John are in various states of negotiations with English teams. John is officially on a two month loan with top of the Championship table West Ham I believe with the option to make permanent.

 

[Slapdash]

I hope Pepe's entire family is murdered in front of him.

Well... he's no Marcelo.Just when I want to route for RM as scrappy underdogs- ugh. And that Carvallho take-down on Messi- whoa. But gotta figure Pepe will be seeing a nice suspension come out of that... maybe not Germany Jones style, but at least a few games. Ugly.

I wonder if, at some point, does this hurt Real Madrid as a global brand? I can't imagine many people outside of Spain who are picking an elite European side to follow would find them appealing because of their goonery and the cynicism that's surrounded recent Clasicos. Haranguing a ref is one thing, and it's not good, but stomping/cheap-shotting players on the ground is quite another. And who wants to see a team play with five defenders and two holding midfielders? Yuck.

I doubt it will honestly. I don't think Jose is going to be able to keep the job if he doesn't get past Barcelona in the league or Europe this year with this stuff. But it is the results that matter more to the brand than style or any dirty shenanigans. Real supporters probably realize that the bunker and hack strategy is not how they approach most of their matches.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Latest ESPN Nats projection for 2014

GK: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan

D: Timmy Chandler, Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Eric Lichaj,, Clarence Goodson, Alfredo Morales, Zak Whitbread, Sean Cunningham

MF: Landon Donovan, Brek Shea, Michael Bradley, Danny Williams, Maurice Edu, Kyle Beckerman, Fabian Johnson, Stuart Holden

F: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Terrence Boyd, Juan Agudelo

 

[The Z Machine]

The US Brazil game looks to be at Fed Ex field this summer according to Goff. That should be a huge crowd.

:soccerboner:First time that I'll be around DC to make some of the Nats games. Typically, the USMNT doesn't like to play in CA.

Are you sure? If someone was to ask me what state the USMNT has played the most games in over the past 20 years I would had said California with out hesitation. I must be way off on this.

Possibly, but if you exclude the number of games that have a mandated location (Gold Cup, WC94, etc.) I don't think that the USMNT has scheduled that many games there by choice. Certainly not an WC Qualifying matches. You have to go back to 1998 WC to find a game played in CA (Palo Alto vs. Costa Rica prior to Hex).

Agreed 100% on WCQing matches. But unless I am mistaken they have played plenty of friendlies at HDC over the years, not to mention a couple of friendlies against Mexico in the Rose Bowl if memory serves.

I just looked it up, the US has played 12 games at HDC since it opened in 2004. I don't think any other stadium can touch that number for non mandated games.

Part of this is due to the fact that the US trains there quite often and makes it easy to schedule games there in the winter with the weather.

I guess you're right. I always thought that Washington DC got the best USMNT games, followed by the Meadowlands, then Foxboro.

 

[The Z Machine]

I doubt it will honestly. I don't think Jose is going to be able to keep the job if he doesn't get past Barcelona in the league or Europe this year with this stuff. But it is the results that matter more to the brand than style or any dirty shenanigans. Real supporters probably realize that the bunker and hack strategy is not how they approach most of their matches.

Nearly every other match in la liga has Real destroying the opposition with quick attacks, lethal finishing, and commanding defense. Unfortunately, the only team that has the talent level in la liga to compete against them is Barcelona, and this forces Real to play a different game against them. Most of it is mental IMO.