***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[Sebowski]

The MLS loans seems to be working out ok for their EPL clubs. Henry and Keane have scored some goals (Keane had another today) and Landon has played pretty well for Everton, no goals but a handful of assists.

Donovan has been DOMINANT for Everton. What's a Toffee anyway?

Toffee is a confection made by caramelizing sugar or molasses (creating inverted sugar) along with butter, and occasionally flour. My favorite is Thornton's.

 

[El Floppo]

I am one of the biggest footy fans on the board but can never enter this thread because of all yje spoilers on thr games. I DVR and watch every weekend match but cant usually get to them until a day later because I coach so much. I think it's too much to ask for everyone to spoiler tag match talk so I'm thinking of starting a non match talk footy thread because I'm a jealous hater and I need a fix. Thoughts? Liverpool-Spurs today on ESPN 2 should be a lot of fun today.

I think its a bad idea to splinter the thread. I dvr weekend matches too (when I remember). Just avoid the thread and then play catch-up. Some of my favorite posts are when people have been away for a while then they bump an old discussion. It can give a different perspective.

two threads = no

 

[El Floppo]

The MLS loans seems to be working out ok for their EPL clubs. Henry and Keane have scored some goals (Keane had another today) and Landon has played pretty well for Everton, no goals but a handful of assists.

Donovan has been DOMINANT for Everton. What's a Toffee anyway?

He's come through with some quality crosses that have led to goals- so he's been an important cog in the Everton squad, but no way in hell I'd call him dominant.

 

[jonessed]

The MLS loans seems to be working out ok for their EPL clubs. Henry and Keane have scored some goals (Keane had another today) and Landon has played pretty well for Everton, no goals but a handful of assists.

Donovan has been DOMINANT for Everton. What's a Toffee anyway?

He's come through with some quality crosses that have led to goals- so he's been an important cog in the Everton squad, but no way in hell I'd call him dominant.

By current Everton standards he might actually qualify as dominant .

 

[jonessed]

I'm surprised Liverpool have such a defensive line-up. A largely uneventful first half that will hopefully open up soon.

Edit:

Caroll is simply awful. The guy botches chance after chance and each time he tries to claim a penalty or starts swearing at everybody. Like it's someone else's fault he sucks.

Liverpool would be better off with a straight swap for Ngog.

 

[jonessed]

0-0

Pretty even game. Spurs at Anfield without Lennon, Van der Vaart, and Defoe were always going to be more conservative. I'm surprised Liverpool played the same way. A few chances either way, but the game never really opened up.

 

[El Floppo]

The MLS loans seems to be working out ok for their EPL clubs. Henry and Keane have scored some goals (Keane had another today) and Landon has played pretty well for Everton, no goals but a handful of assists.

Donovan has been DOMINANT for Everton. What's a Toffee anyway?

He's come through with some quality crosses that have led to goals- so he's been an important cog in the Everton squad, but no way in hell I'd call him dominant.

By current Everton standards he might actually qualify as dominant .

lol- true. I'd still give that to the Belgian Harpo or even to Howard. I'm actually really glad to see Pienaar back at Everton- really liked him and how he combined with Felaini and Cahill (and LD). They'll play a lot better once he settles back in.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I know I'm about the only one in here that actually follows this, but the Quarter Finals (Viertefinale) of the DFB Pokal is this week. Three of the four matches will be covered on ESPN3.

Tuesday 2/7Borussia Dortmund at Holstein Kiel1st in BL1           2nd in Regionalliga Nord (4th division)2:30 espn3Wedensday 2/8Greuther Fürth at 1899 Hoffenheim4th in BL2        8th in BL1not being shownBorussia Mönchengladbach at Hertha Berlin4th in BL1                  15th in BL11:00 espn3Bayern München at VfB Stuttgart2nd in BL1        11th in BL12:30 espn3

 

[Sebowski]

I know I'm about the only one in here that actually follows this, but the Quarter Finals (Viertefinale) of the DFB Pokal is this week. Three of the four matches will be covered on ESPN3.

Tuesday 2/7Borussia Dortmund at Holstein Kiel1st in BL1           2nd in Regionalliga Nord (4th division)2:30 espn3Wedensday 2/8Greuther Fürth at 1899 Hoffenheim4th in BL2        8th in BL1not being shownBorussia Mönchengladbach at Hertha Berlin4th in BL1                  15th in BL11:00 espn3Bayern München at VfB Stuttgart2nd in BL1        11th in BL12:30 espn3

Is that like the Copa Del Rey, FA Cup, etc...?

 

[Spartans Rule]

I know I'm about the only one in here that actually follows this, but the Quarter Finals (Viertefinale) of the DFB Pokal is this week. Three of the four matches will be covered on ESPN3.

Tuesday 2/7Borussia Dortmund at Holstein Kiel1st in BL1           2nd in Regionalliga Nord (4th division)2:30 espn3Wedensday 2/8Greuther Fürth at 1899 Hoffenheim4th in BL2        8th in BL1not being shownBorussia Mönchengladbach at Hertha Berlin4th in BL1                  15th in BL11:00 espn3Bayern München at VfB Stuttgart2nd in BL1        11th in BL12:30 espn3

Think I'm going to try to watch some of these. Also just got GolTV so I'm hoping to follow the Bundesliga closer.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I know I'm about the only one in here that actually follows this, but the Quarter Finals (Viertefinale) of the DFB Pokal is this week. Three of the four matches will be covered on ESPN3.

Tuesday 2/7Borussia Dortmund at Holstein Kiel1st in BL1           2nd in Regionalliga Nord (4th division)2:30 espn3Wedensday 2/8Greuther Fürth at 1899 Hoffenheim4th in BL2        8th in BL1not being shownBorussia Mönchengladbach at Hertha Berlin4th in BL1                  15th in BL11:00 espn3Bayern München at VfB Stuttgart2nd in BL1        11th in BL12:30 espn3

Is that like the Copa Del Rey, FA Cup, etc...?

Yes - its the Deutscher Fussball Bund Pokal, which is the German football association cup. Looks like a few lower division teams snuck into the quarterfinals, which is the great thing about these domestic cups. I think Holstein Kiel plays one notch above a bar league, so it will be awesome for their fans to welcome BVB to their grounds.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

What's the Bundesliga team that wears yellow and has a stadium where the fans look like they're stacked on top of each other/always going completely ape####? They look like fun.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Is that like the Copa Del Rey, FA Cup, etc...?

Indeed it is.

Think I'm going to try to watch some of these. Also just got GolTV so I'm hoping to follow the Bundesliga closer.

They have two weekly shows on Gol that review/preview matches. They are Bundesliga Magazine and Hallo Bundesliga. I think they start on Tuesday and repeat several times through the week.

I think Holstein Kiel plays one notch above a bar league, so it will be awesome for their fans to welcome BVB to their grounds.

Holstein's grounds seat just over 11,000. Should be entertaining.

What's the Bundesliga team that wears yellow and has a stadium where the fans look like they're stacked on top of each other/always going completely ape####? They look like fun.

That would be Borussia Dortmund. They wear yellow and have the largest stadium in the league with a capacity of over 80,000.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rumblings on Twitter of a wonderful goal from Sacha Kljestan this morning, but I haven't seen a video. Anyone see it? May have been a free kick.

I don't have a link to the video, but this is a new article from cnnsi which discusses how well he has been playing this year and that he should be back in the US Nats picturehttp://www.cnnsi.com/2012/writers/avi_creditor/02/06/americans.abroad/index.html?sct=sc_wr_a1

When the NCAA men's basketball tournament takes center stage in about a month, we'll hear plenty usage of the term "blind résumé." It is a comparison method for decision-makers to look at the body of work for teams on the tournament-field bubble without being clouded by predetermined bias linked to a school's name or conference affiliation.While it is far from an exact science, the blind résumé provides a meat-and-potatoes breakdown of who merits consideration for inclusion based on tangible accomplishments, leaving name and reputation out of the equation.The same tactic can be applied to American soccer players and their cases for inclusion on the U.S. national team. Take this brief example, for the aptly named Player A:• Player A has essentially followed Jurgen Klinsmann's road map for young, American talent, leaving MLS for Europe at 24.• Player A has secured regular, starter's minutes for a major club at a position of need for the national team.• Player A continues to improve in all areas of his game.• Player A is more than familiar with the U.S. setup and has proved to be a valuable complementary piece internationally as recently as this summer.So Player A makes the cut then, right?Not if Player A happens to be Sacha Kljestan. Not yet, anyway.Despite being a consistent starter and top performer in central midfield for RSC Anderlecht, Belgium's best team, the 26-year-old Kljestan has remained far removed from a U.S. roster since September, the only time he has been called in during Klinsmann's eight months in charge. He came off the bench in the 66th minute of the 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on Sept. 2 for his only U.S. minutes since performing as an effective option during the CONCACAF Gold Cup.Adding insult to insult, the playmaker was an unused substitute in the following United States friendly after the Costa Rica game, a match against Belgium. The friendly took place in Brussels, a neighboring city to Anderlecht and a proper location and setting to give Kljestan a run out against an attack-minded side, where his counterattacking distribution could have come in handy. Kljestan was then subsequently not called in for two other friendlies on European soil, remaining on the periphery despite his club form.That has not stopped him from continuing to churn out quality performances for Anderlecht. Although his four goals this season are noteworthy, it is not so much the scoring production that matters. It is his more discerning eye, improved passing and overall facilitating abilities that have him a fixture in the Anderlecht XI and a candidate to wear the U.S. shirt again.Kljestan's performance last weekend included a well-taken free kick that wound up in the back of the net. The slick set piece was the latest sign of his growing confidence and expanded role for a club that is poised for a run in the UEFA Europa League knockout rounds after being the only team to sweep through the six-game group stage with a maximum 18 points."We've been working on free kicks, set pieces for the past few weeks," Kljestan said in a postgame video interview on Anderlecht's website. "It's a shot I've practiced for a long time, and they said that if the ball is 25 meters or so out I should shoot it. So I looked at the bench and (Anderlecht assistant coach Besnik Hasi) said take it and (Anderlecht midfielder Lucas) Biglia told me to take it also, so there was no doubt in my mind."Kljestan is a far different player now than he was when he received the bulk of his 34 U.S. caps. At the end of the day, Klinsmann does not have to subscribe to the blind résumé method, and perhaps he has already made up his mind based on past reputation and performances that Kljestan does not fit into his formation. Leaving all preconceived biases aside, though, maybe it's worth rewarding the in-form Kljestan, someone who fits the bill and U.S. void as a technical, playmaking central midfielder with an attacking eye, with another call-up for the Feb. 29 friendly against Italy.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Rumblings on Twitter of a wonderful goal from Sacha Kljestan this morning, but I haven't seen a video. Anyone see it? May have been a free kick.

I don't have a link to the video, but this is a new article from cnnsi which discusses how well he has been playing this year and that he should be back in the US Nats picture

I saw the video a few days ago, I think Ives posted it. I forgot to post it here.It was a nice free kick, maybe 30 yards out. Looks to have dipped over the wall and had a nice swerve on it as it approached the GK. A world-class GK may have saved it, but it was still a pretty nice strike.I've always had a soft spot for Kljestan (for as right as I may have been on Holden, I was way off on Kljestan ), I'd love to see him get another shot.

 

[El Floppo]

Rumblings on Twitter of a wonderful goal from Sacha Kljestan this morning, but I haven't seen a video. Anyone see it? May have been a free kick.

I don't have a link to the video, but this is a new article from cnnsi which discusses how well he has been playing this year and that he should be back in the US Nats picture

I saw the video a few days ago, I think Ives posted it. I forgot to post it here.It was a nice free kick, maybe 30 yards out. Looks to have dipped over the wall and had a nice swerve on it as it approached the GK. A world-class GK may have saved it, but it was still a pretty nice strike.I've always had a soft spot for Kljestan (for as right as I may have been on Holden, I was way off on Kljestan ), I'd love to see him get another shot.

Sascha kinda reminds me of Benny, except where Benny just disappears sometimes, Sascha goes from being highly skilled to club-footed on successive plays. His lack of consistency is what has always bugged me- but he was working a sweet 'stache last time I saw him play... so that's always good. I do really like that he's getting the regular minutes- and in a key role. Hopefully that playing time will iron out the inconsistencies.

 

[NewlyRetired]

There is going to be quite the dichotomy between the first and second legs of the LA Toronto quartefinal matchup in the CCL. The first leg in Toronto will draw near 50k fans where as the second leg back in LA is being caught under the 7500 max cap that is part of the contract LA signed with the local college when the stadium was built. Games played on weeknights during the school year are capped at 7500.

This happened once last year as well and LA made a deal with the local school to bus fans to area parking lots and was able to raise the cap to 15k. LA has not announced they will be doing this again.

 

[Sebowski]

There is going to be quite the dichotomy between the first and second legs of the LA Toronto quartefinal matchup in the CCL. The first leg in Toronto will draw near 50k fans where as the second leg back in LA is being caught under the 7500 max cap that is part of the contract LA signed with the local college when the stadium was built. Games played on weeknights during the school year are capped at 7500.This happened once last year as well and LA made a deal with the local school to bus fans to area parking lots and was able to raise the cap to 15k. LA has not announced they will be doing this again.

This mean LA tickets will be fairly hard to come by?

 

[NewlyRetired]

There is going to be quite the dichotomy between the first and second legs of the LA Toronto quartefinal matchup in the CCL. The first leg in Toronto will draw near 50k fans where as the second leg back in LA is being caught under the 7500 max cap that is part of the contract LA signed with the local college when the stadium was built. Games played on weeknights during the school year are capped at 7500.This happened once last year as well and LA made a deal with the local school to bus fans to area parking lots and was able to raise the cap to 15k. LA has not announced they will be doing this again.

This mean LA tickets will be fairly hard to come by?

I would assume so. They are being offered to season ticket holders first.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good lord, this almost isn't fair. Juninho, along with Becks, Donovan, Keane, and Buddle is a amazing attack compared to a normal MLS side. They still need a replacement for Gonzo but the way they are building the team, they look to want to outscore the competition.

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club Sao Paulo that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season. Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former Sao Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

This will be their likely starting lineup, with the ? being who is going to replace Gonzo.---------Buddle-------------------------Keane---------Magee--------------------Donovan---------Juninho--Becks------------------------------------Dunivent----AJ----?-----Franklin---------Saunders------------

 

[Spartans Rule]

Damn. Holstein Kiel put up a really good fight for 10 minutes. Beautiful goal from Dortmund though.

 

[scoobygang]

Good lord, this almost isn't fair. Juninho, along with Becks, Donovan, Keane, and Buddle is a amazing attack compared to a normal MLS side. They still need a replacement for Gonzo but the way they are building the team, they look to want to outscore the competition.

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club Sao Paulo that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season. Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former Sao Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

This will be their likely starting lineup, with the ? being who is going to replace Gonzo.---------Buddle-------------------------Keane---------Magee--------------------Donovan---------Juninho--Becks------------------------------------Dunivent----AJ----?-----Franklin---------Saunders------------

I'm not kidding when I say that's likely a mid table EPL team (obviously depth would be an issue).

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good lord, this almost isn't fair. Juninho, along with Becks, Donovan, Keane, and Buddle is a amazing attack compared to a normal MLS side. They still need a replacement for Gonzo but the way they are building the team, they look to want to outscore the competition.

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club Sao Paulo that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season. Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former Sao Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

This will be their likely starting lineup, with the ? being who is going to replace Gonzo.---------Buddle-------------------------Keane---------Magee--------------------Donovan---------Juninho--Becks------------------------------------Dunivent----AJ----?-----Franklin---------Saunders------------

I'm not kidding when I say that's likely a mid table EPL team (obviously depth would be an issue).

Adding back in a healthy Gonzo and I think I would agree with you. Though as you mention, god forbid anyone gets hurt or tired It is way to early to say this, but at least on paper this is arguably the second best team ever in MLS.The only team that I would put slightly ahead of it was the 97 DC team (Pope, Agoos, Llammosa, Etchevery, Harkes, Moreno, Sanneh and Diaz Arce)

 

[NewlyRetired]

This is kind of an interesting out of the box thinking for promoting season tickets

The new Rapids uniforms in 2013, made by adidas, will continue to have a primary color of burgundy on the home shirts, with a tweak in design that will allow Rapids Season Ticket holders’ names to appear in shading. One name per Season Ticket account will be added, and the names will only appear on the authentic home jerseys worn by the team and available for sale at authorized retailers

 

[El Floppo]

Inter v RM at Yankee Stadium? IN.

From Fox

Local officials are reportedly looking to bring European soccer giants Real Madrid and Inter Milan to Yankee Stadium for an exhibition match this summer.

According to the website Big Apple Soccer, negotiations are underway to bring soccer to Yankee Stadium for the first time in more than three decades.

The report cited "reliable soccer sources" in the New York area, stating the match would likely take place in July or August.

The biggest hurdle appears to be the date, since the Yankees would need to be on the road for enough time to allow the field to be turned into a soccer pitch.

If the match becomes a reality, it would be the first time Yankee Stadium has hosted soccer since 1976 when the New York Cosmos played the Miami Toros. The new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009.

Last summer, surprisingly large crowds flocked to the Mets' Citi Field to watch two matches that featured much less star power than a prospective Real-Inter clash.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/02/07/real-inter-could-play-at-yankee-stadium/#ixzz1ljz5ItXZ

 

[El Floppo]

Good lord, this almost isn't fair. Juninho, along with Becks, Donovan, Keane, and Buddle is a amazing attack compared to a normal MLS side. They still need a replacement for Gonzo but the way they are building the team, they look to want to outscore the competition.

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club Sao Paulo that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season. Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former Sao Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

This will be their likely starting lineup, with the ? being who is going to replace Gonzo.---------Buddle-------------------------Keane---------Magee--------------------Donovan---------Juninho--Becks------------------------------------Dunivent----AJ----?-----Franklin---------Saunders------------

I'm not kidding when I say that's likely a mid table EPL team (obviously depth would be an issue).

Adding back in a healthy Gonzo and I think I would agree with you. Though as you mention, god forbid anyone gets hurt or tired It is way to early to say this, but at least on paper this is arguably the second best team ever in MLS.The only team that I would put slightly ahead of it was the 97 DC team (Pope, Agoos, Llammosa, Etchevery, Harkes, Moreno, Sanneh and Diaz Arce)

I'd put that Gals squad far ahead of that United lineup.... with full respect to those DC players too.eta: seeing that lineup layed out... wow. all of a sudden, Buddle looks like he could be primed to put up 20 goals.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good lord, this almost isn't fair. Juninho, along with Becks, Donovan, Keane, and Buddle is a amazing attack compared to a normal MLS side. They still need a replacement for Gonzo but the way they are building the team, they look to want to outscore the competition.

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club Sao Paulo that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season. Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former Sao Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

This will be their likely starting lineup, with the ? being who is going to replace Gonzo.---------Buddle-------------------------Keane---------Magee--------------------Donovan---------Juninho--Becks------------------------------------Dunivent----AJ----?-----Franklin---------Saunders------------

I'm not kidding when I say that's likely a mid table EPL team (obviously depth would be an issue).

Adding back in a healthy Gonzo and I think I would agree with you. Though as you mention, god forbid anyone gets hurt or tired It is way to early to say this, but at least on paper this is arguably the second best team ever in MLS.The only team that I would put slightly ahead of it was the 97 DC team (Pope, Agoos, Llammosa, Etchevery, Harkes, Moreno, Sanneh and Diaz Arce)

I'd put that Gals squad far ahead of that United lineup.... with full respect to those DC players too.eta: seeing that lineup layed out... wow. all of a sudden, Buddle looks like he could be primed to put up 20 goals.

I don't know about "far ahead". That DC lineup was full of players all in their prime. One could argue that some of the LA players are no longer in their prime. I would love to have seen the two teams play against each other to compare. That DC core team won multiple MLS Cup's, won the US Open Cup, won the Concacaf Champions Cup and won the Copa Interamericana. I think this Gals team is primed for a great run but they need to prove it on the field like DC did. Buddle is most definitely going on my fantasy team this year.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is a link to a fairly comprehensive list of soccer podcasts based on US and Canadian soccer

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=25124443&postcount=10

 

[Sebowski]

Good lord, this almost isn't fair. Juninho, along with Becks, Donovan, Keane, and Buddle is a amazing attack compared to a normal MLS side. They still need a replacement for Gonzo but the way they are building the team, they look to want to outscore the competition.

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club Sao Paulo that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season. Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former Sao Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

This will be their likely starting lineup, with the ? being who is going to replace Gonzo.---------Buddle-------------------------Keane---------Magee--------------------Donovan---------Juninho--Becks------------------------------------Dunivent----AJ----?-----Franklin---------Saunders------------

I'm not kidding when I say that's likely a mid table EPL team (obviously depth would be an issue).

Adding back in a healthy Gonzo and I think I would agree with you. Though as you mention, god forbid anyone gets hurt or tired It is way to early to say this, but at least on paper this is arguably the second best team ever in MLS.The only team that I would put slightly ahead of it was the 97 DC team (Pope, Agoos, Llammosa, Etchevery, Harkes, Moreno, Sanneh and Diaz Arce)

I'd put that Gals squad far ahead of that United lineup.... with full respect to those DC players too.eta: seeing that lineup layed out... wow. all of a sudden, Buddle looks like he could be primed to put up 20 goals.

I don't know about "far ahead". That DC lineup was full of players all in their prime. One could argue that some of the LA players are no longer in their prime. I would love to have seen the two teams play against each other to compare. That DC core team won multiple MLS Cup's, won the US Open Cup, won the Concacaf Champions Cup and won the Copa Interamericana. I think this Gals team is primed for a great run but they need to prove it on the field like DC did. Buddle is most definitely going on my fantasy team this year.

DC wins that game on the strength of having more Bolivians.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good lord, this almost isn't fair. Juninho, along with Becks, Donovan, Keane, and Buddle is a amazing attack compared to a normal MLS side. They still need a replacement for Gonzo but the way they are building the team, they look to want to outscore the competition.

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, February 7, 2012) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club Sao Paulo that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season. Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former Sao Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

This will be their likely starting lineup, with the ? being who is going to replace Gonzo.---------Buddle-------------------------Keane---------Magee--------------------Donovan---------Juninho--Becks------------------------------------Dunivent----AJ----?-----Franklin---------Saunders------------

I'm not kidding when I say that's likely a mid table EPL team (obviously depth would be an issue).

Adding back in a healthy Gonzo and I think I would agree with you. Though as you mention, god forbid anyone gets hurt or tired It is way to early to say this, but at least on paper this is arguably the second best team ever in MLS.The only team that I would put slightly ahead of it was the 97 DC team (Pope, Agoos, Llammosa, Etchevery, Harkes, Moreno, Sanneh and Diaz Arce)

I'd put that Gals squad far ahead of that United lineup.... with full respect to those DC players too.eta: seeing that lineup layed out... wow. all of a sudden, Buddle looks like he could be primed to put up 20 goals.

I don't know about "far ahead". That DC lineup was full of players all in their prime. One could argue that some of the LA players are no longer in their prime. I would love to have seen the two teams play against each other to compare. That DC core team won multiple MLS Cup's, won the US Open Cup, won the Concacaf Champions Cup and won the Copa Interamericana. I think this Gals team is primed for a great run but they need to prove it on the field like DC did. Buddle is most definitely going on my fantasy team this year.

DC wins that game on the strength of having more Bolivians.

Best pair from Bolivia since Butch and Sundance roamed that country

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Inter v RM at Yankee Stadium? IN.

From Fox

Local officials are reportedly looking to bring European soccer giants Real Madrid and Inter Milan to Yankee Stadium for an exhibition match this summer.

According to the website Big Apple Soccer, negotiations are underway to bring soccer to Yankee Stadium for the first time in more than three decades.

The report cited "reliable soccer sources" in the New York area, stating the match would likely take place in July or August.

The biggest hurdle appears to be the date, since the Yankees would need to be on the road for enough time to allow the field to be turned into a soccer pitch.

If the match becomes a reality, it would be the first time Yankee Stadium has hosted soccer since 1976 when the New York Cosmos played the Miami Toros. The new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009.

Last summer, surprisingly large crowds flocked to the Mets' Citi Field to watch two matches that featured much less star power than a prospective Real-Inter clash.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/02/07/real-inter-could-play-at-yankee-stadium/#ixzz1ljz5ItXZ

Interesting - I wonder if this makes Inter a possible opponent for the MLS All Star Game, seeing as how they'd be in America anyway. There's no way they'd have Real Madrid play in an 18k stadium but Inter is not impossible.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Damn. Holstein Kiel put up a really good fight for 10 minutes. Beautiful goal from Dortmund though.

Agreed. By the second half I think everyone just wanted to get somewhere warm.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Are the Africa Cup of Nations semis on TV anywhere?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Are the Africa Cup of Nations semis on TV anywhere?

In the US it seems only if you get the Al Jazeera Sports USA channel. I've never seen an ACN game - would love to be able to watch the semis and final somehow and get my vuvuzela on.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Are the Africa Cup of Nations semis on TV anywhere?

In the US it seems only if you get the Al Jazeera Sports USA channel. I've never seen an ACN game - would love to be able to watch the semis and final somehow and get my vuvuzela on.

Ok thanks. I may look for an online stream.

 

[The Z Machine]

Inter v RM at Yankee Stadium? IN.

From Fox

Local officials are reportedly looking to bring European soccer giants Real Madrid and Inter Milan to Yankee Stadium for an exhibition match this summer.

According to the website Big Apple Soccer, negotiations are underway to bring soccer to Yankee Stadium for the first time in more than three decades.

The report cited "reliable soccer sources" in the New York area, stating the match would likely take place in July or August.

The biggest hurdle appears to be the date, since the Yankees would need to be on the road for enough time to allow the field to be turned into a soccer pitch.

If the match becomes a reality, it would be the first time Yankee Stadium has hosted soccer since 1976 when the New York Cosmos played the Miami Toros. The new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009.

Last summer, surprisingly large crowds flocked to the Mets' Citi Field to watch two matches that featured much less star power than a prospective Real-Inter clash.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/02/07/real-inter-could-play-at-yankee-stadium/#ixzz1ljz5ItXZ

If I'm around, I'm in.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Harry Keough died yesterday at the age of 84. Harry played defense on the US team that beat England 1-0 back in the 1950 WC.

I don't know how many players from that team are still alive but it can't be too many.

 

[B Maverick]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

 

[jonessed]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Well, the FA botched that one. Now they will be going to the Euros with a caretaker manager. What a bunch of bumbling idiots.It was a poor decision to keep him on after the World Cup, but to keep him and then continuously snub him while dicking around with his team is considerably worse.Soccer in England continues to confuse me. There seems to be a massive disconnect between the fans/teams and the governing bodies. It's like the FA purposefully sets up players and managers to fail simply to make examples of them. It's the most bizarre way to run a sport I have ever seen.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Well, the FA botched that one. Now they will be going to the Euros with a caretaker manager. What a bunch of bumbling idiots.

Lots of info herehttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2098386/England-manager-Fabio-Capello-quits-crunch-meeting-FA-John-Terry-race-row.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

 

[The Z Machine]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Nearly a shoe-in methinks. What does this do to Spurs?

 

[guru_007]

While many will point to Demba Ba as the best offseason transfer from the 11-12 season (and from a money standpoint alone, it's hard to argue more of a bargain out there).....I'd like to give props to the most unheralded transfer, and perhaps one of the most key in Stephan Lichsteiner from Lazio to Juventus. Juve is still undeafeated in Seria A play and boasts an outstanding 13 goals conceded in 21 matches. Over the course of the past 2.5 seasons, this club has totally transformed itself, moving tons of pieces around, but in Lichsteiner they have found a lynch pin to their defense and team as a whole. Pirlo may get more press as the fancier tranfer in, but I think this team would not be anywhere near where it's been without my man in the back.

 

[scoobygang]

'Arry would be crazy to take the job now. He has no time to ease into the role before a high profile tournament. He'd have to leave Tottenham at a key point in the season. Not to mention that his, ahem, tactical acumen ("Just go *****' run around a bit!")is a few rungs below Don Fabio.

 

[GoFishTN]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Nearly a shoe-in methinks. What does this do to Spurs?

On deck.

 

[scoobygang]

I also agree completely with Capello. I think this whole thing is absurd. If Terry is found guilty, by all means strip him (or even ban him from the team). But don't strip him now because you think it will be divisive to the team. Only one guy can make that determination, and it's the manager.

 

[jonessed]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Nearly a shoe-in methinks. What does this do to Spurs?

He was always going to leave at the end of the season. Spurs have been preparing for that for some time. He won't go before then so this really doesn't change much for Spurs. It does, however, make a mess of the English team.

 

[scoobygang]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Nearly a shoe-in methinks. What does this do to Spurs?

On deck.

Mourinho's move to sweatsuits and down parkas makes Baby Jesus cry. Dress sharp, Jose! Be like AVB!

 

[The Z Machine]

England is screwed for the EUROs. They might go out in Group.

 

[jonessed]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Well, the FA botched that one. Now they will be going to the Euros with a caretaker manager. What a bunch of bumbling idiots.

Lots of info herehttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2098386/England-manager-Fabio-Capello-quits-crunch-meeting-FA-John-Terry-race-row.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

They run the English team like Al Davis used to run the Raiders. They are continuously looking for a great manager that can eat marching orders and smile. Unfortunately for them, that person doesn't exist. And then they wonder why they always underperform.

 

[The Z Machine]

Capella quits as England Manager. Redknapp cleared of tax evasion and front runner for England Manager.

Nearly a shoe-in methinks. What does this do to Spurs?

On deck.

Mourinho's move to sweatsuits and down parkas makes Baby Jesus cry. Dress sharp, Jose! Be like AVB!

I prefer Roberto Mancini's look personally.