***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[The Z Machine]

What's going on with $ity???? Down 2-0 now. They're doneski.

 

[jonessed]

What's going on with $ity???? Down 2-0 now. They're doneski.

Missing Kompany and Lescott hurts. Look at what United's defense has become since the loss of Vidic.They are also playing incredibly lazy. Just half-assing it out their really. Kind of like how United played earlier.

 

[jonessed]

At least three key Man U squad members this season could qualify for discounts when eating at Denny's. Is it really a shock that they might not have the zip to compete in a bunch of competitions at once?

They've been doing it for years previous. Why now? Plus, they have 2 good, young strikers.

I had a similar conversation with Maverick before the season even started (he obviously disagreed with my analysis ). They have major holes in the middle (both midfield and defense) that they have tried to fill with players that are too young to play consistently. Ferdinand is done. I think we will see his retirement if not next year, the year after, but this was visible last year. Jones and Smalling have potential (especially Jones), but you can't play them with Evans or Ferdinand and expect good results. Ferdinand has the experience, but he is a shell of his former self physically and has not been able to adapt and Evans isn't exactly a grizzled veteran. Then you have the midfield with Anderson, who doesn't have a lot of experience, Cleverley who essentially has none, Carrick who is inconsistent at best, Scholes who is still good enough to play occasionally, and Park who is kind of a fill in. The loss of Fletcher was obviously massive. He was really their only rock in the midfield (and someone I have always thought as severely underrated). It's truly amazing they are doing as well as they are in the EPL. It really is. They have a very small core of Rooney, Nani, and Evra that they have essentially backfilled around all season.They are going to have to bring in talent next year, but it's going to be interesting to see how the transition works. This is essentially the first year of a major rebuild which would probably cause a lot of teams to falter, but United seems to have a way of overcoming these sorts of things. I actually don't think they will bring in a lot of players as Ferguson considers himself and the team chemistry the most important aspects of the club. Too many new players might mess that up. I can see a big signing like a Modric for the middle and possibly a Vertonghen to replace Ferdinand, but that's it.

 

[scoobygang]

BTW, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is a world's Best XI name.

 

[B Maverick]

At least three key Man U squad members this season could qualify for discounts when eating at Denny's. Is it really a shock that they might not have the zip to compete in a bunch of competitions at once?

They've been doing it for years previous. Why now? Plus, they have 2 good, young strikers.

I had a similar conversation with Maverick before the season even started (he obviously disagreed with my analysis ). They have major holes in the middle (both midfield and defense) that they have tried to fill with players that are too young to play consistently. Ferdinand is done. I think we will see his retirement if not next year, the year after, but this was visible last year. Jones and Smalling have potential (especially Jones), but you can't play them with Evans or Ferdinand and expect good results. Ferdinand has the experience, but he is a shell of his former self physically and has not been able to adapt and Evans isn't exactly a grizzled veteran. Then you have the midfield with Anderson, who doesn't have a lot of experience, Cleverley who essentially has none, Carrick who is inconsistent at best, Scholes who is still good enough to play occasionally, and Park who is kind of a fill in. The loss of Fletcher was obviously massive. He was really their only rock in the midfield (and someone I have always thought as severely underrated). It's truly amazing they are doing as well as they are in the EPL. They will go as far as Ferguson and Rooney take them this year.They are going to have to bring in talent next year, but it's going to be interesting to see how the transition works. This is essentially the first year of a major rebuild which would probably cause a lot of teams to falter, but United seems to have a way of overcoming these sorts of things. I actually don't think they will bring in a lot of players as Ferguson considers himself and the team chemistry the most important aspects of the club. Too many new players might mess that up. I can see a big signing like a Modric for the middle and possibly a Vertonghen to replace Ferdinand, but that's it.

The loss of Vidic hurts the most. Smalling and Jones, while having bright futures are not ready to man the middle themselves. With Vidic they could rotate the three (Rio, Phil, Smalling) next to him and not miss a beat while keeping them all fresh for multiple competitions.Also, Valencia in and out hurts. They are a better team when he is on the right. The rest of this is spot on, although they dont miss AndersonThe interesting thing is they wont have to rebuild. They have all old or all young players. Except Rooney and Vidic, it seems they dont have really any in their prime. But that will change as the youth gets going. Plus, they can still win the EPL, so its not like its the end of the world.

 

[jonessed]

At least three key Man U squad members this season could qualify for discounts when eating at Denny's. Is it really a shock that they might not have the zip to compete in a bunch of competitions at once?

They've been doing it for years previous. Why now? Plus, they have 2 good, young strikers.

I had a similar conversation with Maverick before the season even started (he obviously disagreed with my analysis ). They have major holes in the middle (both midfield and defense) that they have tried to fill with players that are too young to play consistently. Ferdinand is done. I think we will see his retirement if not next year, the year after, but this was visible last year. Jones and Smalling have potential (especially Jones), but you can't play them with Evans or Ferdinand and expect good results. Ferdinand has the experience, but he is a shell of his former self physically and has not been able to adapt and Evans isn't exactly a grizzled veteran. Then you have the midfield with Anderson, who doesn't have a lot of experience, Cleverley who essentially has none, Carrick who is inconsistent at best, Scholes who is still good enough to play occasionally, and Park who is kind of a fill in. The loss of Fletcher was obviously massive. He was really their only rock in the midfield (and someone I have always thought as severely underrated). It's truly amazing they are doing as well as they are in the EPL. They will go as far as Ferguson and Rooney take them this year.They are going to have to bring in talent next year, but it's going to be interesting to see how the transition works. This is essentially the first year of a major rebuild which would probably cause a lot of teams to falter, but United seems to have a way of overcoming these sorts of things. I actually don't think they will bring in a lot of players as Ferguson considers himself and the team chemistry the most important aspects of the club. Too many new players might mess that up. I can see a big signing like a Modric for the middle and possibly a Vertonghen to replace Ferdinand, but that's it.

The loss of Vidic hurts the most. Smalling and Jones, while having bright futures are not ready to man the middle themselves. With Vidic they could rotate the three (Rio, Phil, Smalling) next to him and not miss a beat while keeping them all fresh for multiple competitions.Also, Valencia in and out hurts. They are a better team when he is on the right. The rest of this is spot on, although they dont miss AndersonThe interesting thing is they wont have to rebuild. They have all old or all young players. Except Rooney and Vidic, it seems they dont have really any in their prime. But that will change as the youth gets going. Plus, they can still win the EPL, so its not like its the end of the world.

They are rebuilding right now. It's just being done smoothly. You can see it in their European play with the youth and lack of depth, but it's been pretty smooth for the kind of transition they are going through. Credit to Ferguson for choosing his players carefully. They all assimilate amazingly fast.The current youth aren't ready to step up to play consistently. They can play, but it will be a good 3+ years before they can form the core of a team (Welbeck might be the exception). With experience you get consistency and they just don't have it. United are going to have to go out and buy some top players this off-season. At least two I would think and possibly more. They aren't going to go the route of Liverpool and buy a bunch of mediocre players, but they will bring in a few big players that Ferguson feels can fit in right away.I'm almost positive they are going to grab Modric. He's a team player, doesn't cause problems, fills an obvious need, is in his prime, is on a relatively low salary, his family likes England, he speaks English, etc. The only way Modric stays at Tottenham is if Redknapp stays and I don't think that's going to happen.

 

[Slapdash]

The feed says Mario paused on the PK, isn't that illegal?

 

[jonessed]

The feed says Mario paused on the PK, isn't that illegal?

He always does that and somehow they determine he is still moving (albeit ridiculously slowly). I don't get it. I would make him take it again.

 

[jonessed]

This is going to be a shooting gallery for ten minutes.

 

[The Z Machine]

getting tight here... Had to switch away from my Atlético game since they were in a commanding place.

 

[The Z Machine]

Wow. that was close by Hart there.

 

[The Z Machine]

Patricio (goalie for Sporint Lisboa) saved their ###.

 

[jonessed]

That would have been an awesome goal. GK on the run in front of the opponent's net.

 

[The Gator]

Just had a rather heated EPL discussion with a random guy I saw walking by. I always get excited when I see someone wearing EPL stuff, as it presents an opportunity to talk about the league I enjoy watching. I get even more excited when it's not Man U stuff. This guy went by wearing a West Brom warmup kit. I throw out the "West Brom, huh?" introduction, and he asks me if I follow English football. I say "Yeah, I'm a Liverpool fan." He immediately looks like he wants to shank me. We get into a heated discussion about the Suarez/Evra affair, whether or not Ferguson is a hypocrite, etc. He's from West Brom, but likes Man U. It didn't go well. I'm going to have to watch out on my way back to the work van. :nervous:

That was Tasker

 

[jonessed]

Just had a rather heated EPL discussion with a random guy I saw walking by. I always get excited when I see someone wearing EPL stuff, as it presents an opportunity to talk about the league I enjoy watching. I get even more excited when it's not Man U stuff. This guy went by wearing a West Brom warmup kit. I throw out the "West Brom, huh?" introduction, and he asks me if I follow English football. I say "Yeah, I'm a Liverpool fan." He immediately looks like he wants to shank me. We get into a heated discussion about the Suarez/Evra affair, whether or not Ferguson is a hypocrite, etc. He's from West Brom, but likes Man U. It didn't go well. I'm going to have to watch out on my way back to the work van. :nervous:

That was Tasker

People I meet are usually just happy to see another EPL fan they can talk to.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Just had a rather heated EPL discussion with a random guy I saw walking by. I always get excited when I see someone wearing EPL stuff, as it presents an opportunity to talk about the league I enjoy watching. I get even more excited when it's not Man U stuff. This guy went by wearing a West Brom warmup kit. I throw out the "West Brom, huh?" introduction, and he asks me if I follow English football. I say "Yeah, I'm a Liverpool fan." He immediately looks like he wants to shank me. We get into a heated discussion about the Suarez/Evra affair, whether or not Ferguson is a hypocrite, etc. He's from West Brom, but likes Man U. It didn't go well. I'm going to have to watch out on my way back to the work van. :nervous:

That was Tasker

People I meet are usually just happy to see another EPL fan they can talk to.

Me too. I think this guy just had issues.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Adiós Man U

 

[NewlyRetired]

With Sporting moving on does anyone know if Gooch will be available for the quarter finals?

 

[B Maverick]

At least three key Man U squad members this season could qualify for discounts when eating at Denny's. Is it really a shock that they might not have the zip to compete in a bunch of competitions at once?

They've been doing it for years previous. Why now? Plus, they have 2 good, young strikers.

I had a similar conversation with Maverick before the season even started (he obviously disagreed with my analysis ). They have major holes in the middle (both midfield and defense) that they have tried to fill with players that are too young to play consistently. Ferdinand is done. I think we will see his retirement if not next year, the year after, but this was visible last year. Jones and Smalling have potential (especially Jones), but you can't play them with Evans or Ferdinand and expect good results. Ferdinand has the experience, but he is a shell of his former self physically and has not been able to adapt and Evans isn't exactly a grizzled veteran. Then you have the midfield with Anderson, who doesn't have a lot of experience, Cleverley who essentially has none, Carrick who is inconsistent at best, Scholes who is still good enough to play occasionally, and Park who is kind of a fill in. The loss of Fletcher was obviously massive. He was really their only rock in the midfield (and someone I have always thought as severely underrated). It's truly amazing they are doing as well as they are in the EPL. They will go as far as Ferguson and Rooney take them this year.They are going to have to bring in talent next year, but it's going to be interesting to see how the transition works. This is essentially the first year of a major rebuild which would probably cause a lot of teams to falter, but United seems to have a way of overcoming these sorts of things. I actually don't think they will bring in a lot of players as Ferguson considers himself and the team chemistry the most important aspects of the club. Too many new players might mess that up. I can see a big signing like a Modric for the middle and possibly a Vertonghen to replace Ferdinand, but that's it.

The loss of Vidic hurts the most. Smalling and Jones, while having bright futures are not ready to man the middle themselves. With Vidic they could rotate the three (Rio, Phil, Smalling) next to him and not miss a beat while keeping them all fresh for multiple competitions.Also, Valencia in and out hurts. They are a better team when he is on the right. The rest of this is spot on, although they dont miss AndersonThe interesting thing is they wont have to rebuild. They have all old or all young players. Except Rooney and Vidic, it seems they dont have really any in their prime. But that will change as the youth gets going. Plus, they can still win the EPL, so its not like its the end of the world.

They are rebuilding right now. It's just being done smoothly. You can see it in their European play with the youth and lack of depth, but it's been pretty smooth for the kind of transition they are going through. Credit to Ferguson for choosing his players carefully. They all assimilate amazingly fast.The current youth aren't ready to step up to play consistently. They can play, but it will be a good 3+ years before they can form the core of a team (Welbeck might be the exception). With experience you get consistency and they just don't have it. United are going to have to go out and buy some top players this off-season. At least two I would think and possibly more. They aren't going to go the route of Liverpool and buy a bunch of mediocre players, but they will bring in a few big players that Ferguson feels can fit in right away.I'm almost positive they are going to grab Modric. He's a team player, doesn't cause problems, fills an obvious need, is in his prime, is on a relatively low salary, his family likes England, he speaks English, etc. The only way Modric stays at Tottenham is if Redknapp stays and I don't think that's going to happen.

I think thats what separated SAF and United from the rest of the EPL (and why we are scared of his retirement and who takes over), He buys the RIGHT players. Not the "best" players or the most expensive, but the players that can fit in and still grow at United. He gets the most out of them and sells them for more. Sure hes had his flops and missteps, but overall between the youth system and the transfers, he gets the guys. For every Bebe and Juan Sebastion Veron there is a Chicharito and Valencia. He isnt afraid to move a guy when the time is right (Becks, Ruud, Ince) to get the most to bring in the next batch. Chicharito vs Torres. Fair comparison or not, still makes the point.

 

[El Floppo]

So does Cyprus get one of the EPL's spots next year, due to suckatude?

 

[El Floppo]

and re: that whole United, SAF, discussion- I honestly have no idea how they keep doing so well. More often than not, I watch them and think- meh- good, but not great. They consistently find themselves losing to mediocre sides and somehow gut out results in the last 10 minutes... but I guess that didn't work in Europe, even if it continues to fly in the EPL. I've been poo-pooing their midfield for pretty much as long as I've been posting here... and yet, they somehow keep on chugging along picking up points and hardware.

 

[Christo]

and re: that whole United, SAF, discussion- I honestly have no idea how they keep doing so well. More often than not, I watch them and think- meh- good, but not great. They consistently find themselves losing to mediocre sides and somehow gut out results in the last 10 minutes... but I guess that didn't work in Europe, even if it continues to fly in the EPL. I've been poo-pooing their midfield for pretty much as long as I've been posting here... and yet, they somehow keep on chugging along picking up points and hardware.

Winning is as much about attitude as skill. They have the right attitude and pretty decent skill even if it isn't up to their highest standards. So even on their bad days they have enough depth to gut out enough wins against similarly/less skilled teams in the grind of the EPL each week. Right now it just isn't enough in the one-off world of knockout competitions against top level teams.That's not to say that wily ******* SAF doesn't have his eye on just the players to get them back to the uber-elite level.

 

[The Z Machine]

Winning is as much about attitude as skill. They have the right attitude and pretty decent skill even if it isn't up to their highest standards. So even on their bad days they have enough depth to gut out enough wins against similarly/less skilled teams in the grind of the EPL each week. Right now it just isn't enough in the one-off world of knockout competitions against top level teams.

While I agree with the first statement, I think that calling Athletic Bilbao "top level" is a stretch. They are in 7th right now in la liga, out of Europa for next season. No doubt they have talent, but I think they're probably the 5th or 6th best team in Spain right now.

 

[Christo]

Winning is as much about attitude as skill. They have the right attitude and pretty decent skill even if it isn't up to their highest standards. So even on their bad days they have enough depth to gut out enough wins against similarly/less skilled teams in the grind of the EPL each week. Right now it just isn't enough in the one-off world of knockout competitions against top level teams.

While I agree with the first statement, I think that calling Athletic Bilbao "top level" is a stretch. They are in 7th right now in la liga, out of Europa for next season. No doubt they have talent, but I think they're probably the 5th or 6th best team in Spain right now.

I was more focused on the one-off aspect of a knockout competition. ManU has been dumped from the FA Cup and Carling Cup too. But it's not like Athletic is Wigan either.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Champions League Draw:

APOEL vs. Real Madrid

Marseille vs. Bayern

Benfica vs. Chelsea

Milan vs. Barcelona

Pretty balanced. Milan/Barca obviously the marquee quarterfinal matchup. Chelsea/Benfica could be very entertaining.

Real and Bayern would be a great semifinal matchup and they should both be pretty clear favorites to get there.

 

[Slapdash]

Champions League Draw:APOEL vs. Real MadridMarseille vs. BayernBenfica vs. ChelseaMilan vs. BarcelonaPretty balanced. Milan/Barca obviously the marquee quarterfinal matchup. Chelsea/Benfica could be very entertaining.Real and Bayern would be a great semifinal matchup and they should both be pretty clear favorites to get there.

Not the best draw for Barca. Real vs. Bayern would be a pretty exciting tie.

 

[El Floppo]

Btw- I'm still laughing at that "oops, City" post... And its even still relevant.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Champions League Draw:APOEL vs. Real MadridMarseille vs. BayernBenfica vs. ChelseaMilan vs. BarcelonaPretty balanced. Milan/Barca obviously the marquee quarterfinal matchup. Chelsea/Benfica could be very entertaining.Real and Bayern would be a great semifinal matchup and they should both be pretty clear favorites to get there.

Not the best draw for Barca. Real vs. Bayern would be a pretty exciting tie.

Not the best draw for Barca, but it could have been worse. A pretty tough matchup in the quarters, but Chelsea or Benfica is preferable to Bayern or RM in the semis.

 

[The Z Machine]

Could be Barça / Bayern, or a Clásico final... I likes.

Also, my boys drew Hannover 96 in Europa QFs. Can any Bundesliga guys tell me about this team? They will likely be a bit more stout than Besiktas.

 

[scoobygang]

Could be Barça / Bayern, or a Clásico final... I likes.Also, my boys drew Hannover 96 in Europa QFs. Can any Bundesliga guys tell me about this team? They will likely be a bit more stout than Besiktas.

I think they're probably pretty comparable to Besiktas, actually. It's Cherundolo's team (he's the captain). Currently 7th in the Bundesliga table and that's about where they normally are. No regulars on the German senior team, but a few players who have earned the odd cap here or there. Looks like their top threat is Moa Abdellaoue, who has had a similar year for Hannover ans Jozy Altidore has had for AZ. About 15 goals in all competitions.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Could be Barça / Bayern, or a Clásico final... I likes.Also, my boys drew Hannover 96 in Europa QFs. Can any Bundesliga guys tell me about this team? They will likely be a bit more stout than Besiktas.

I think they're probably pretty comparable to Besiktas, actually. It's Cherundolo's team (he's the captain). Currently 7th in the Bundesliga table and that's about where they normally are. No regulars on the German senior team, but a few players who have earned the odd cap here or there. Looks like their top threat is Moa Abdellaoue, who has had a similar year for Hannover ans Jozy Altidore has had for AZ. About 15 goals in all competitions.

of the 8 teams in the quarter finals, 4 have a US player on them.Hannover - CherSporting - Gooch (hopefully healthy in time)Schalke 04 - Jones (he scored yesterday)AZ - Jozy

 

[NewlyRetired]

Between this and the TV deal, the Galaxy are playing in a totally different league than the rest of MLS teams financially. And good for them because they took some serious risks before attaining this revenue growth

From Ives

The results might not have gone the Los Angeles Galaxy's way on the field this week, but off the field, the Galaxy have come up big yet again.

For the second time in the last five months, the Los Angeles Galaxy have reached a long-term, multimillion-dollar deal that reinforces their financial viability.

According to Sports Business Journal, the Galaxy have signed a 10-year, $44 million extension with jersey sponsor Herbalife that will become the longest and most lucrative sponsorshp deal in MLS history. This deal comes months after the club signed a ten-year, $55 million local television deal with Time Warner Cable in November.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Just had a rather heated EPL discussion with a random guy I saw walking by. I always get excited when I see someone wearing EPL stuff, as it presents an opportunity to talk about the league I enjoy watching. I get even more excited when it's not Man U stuff. This guy went by wearing a West Brom warmup kit. I throw out the "West Brom, huh?" introduction, and he asks me if I follow English football. I say "Yeah, I'm a Liverpool fan." He immediately looks like he wants to shank me. We get into a heated discussion about the Suarez/Evra affair, whether or not Ferguson is a hypocrite, etc. He's from West Brom, but likes Man U. It didn't go well. I'm going to have to watch out on my way back to the work van. :nervous:

That was Tasker

You know I could never shank you

 

[B Maverick]

and re: that whole United, SAF, discussion- I honestly have no idea how they keep doing so well. More often than not, I watch them and think- meh- good, but not great. They consistently find themselves losing to mediocre sides and somehow gut out results in the last 10 minutes... but I guess that didn't work in Europe, even if it continues to fly in the EPL. I've been poo-pooing their midfield for pretty much as long as I've been posting here... and yet, they somehow keep on chugging along picking up points and hardware.

Winning is as much about attitude as skill. They have the right attitude and pretty decent skill even if it isn't up to their highest standards. So even on their bad days they have enough depth to gut out enough wins against similarly/less skilled teams in the grind of the EPL each week. Right now it just isn't enough in the one-off world of knockout competitions against top level teams.That's not to say that wily ******* SAF doesn't have his eye on just the players to get them back to the uber-elite level.

In the EPL its also a product of the rest of the league having issues. Arsenal, Tott, Pool, Chelsea all had prolonged runs of ineptitude. Everton waits until the 2nd half to make a run. United had more bumps the runs of bad results. $ity should have run away with the title but the long season on multiple fronts can be an issue for teams not mentally ready for it.

Winning is as much about attitude as skill. They have the right attitude and pretty decent skill even if it isn't up to their highest standards. So even on their bad days they have enough depth to gut out enough wins against similarly/less skilled teams in the grind of the EPL each week. Right now it just isn't enough in the one-off world of knockout competitions against top level teams.

While I agree with the first statement, I think that calling Athletic Bilbao "top level" is a stretch. They are in 7th right now in la liga, out of Europa for next season. No doubt they have talent, but I think they're probably the 5th or 6th best team in Spain right now.

Sometimes those are the teams you have to watch out for. Tottenham made a great run while not requalifying for the CL. I believe Liverpool's last CL win was 04/05 and they didnt qualify for it the following year. When your only hope at a trophy is the CL those are the games you get up for.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I wonder if LA is going to approach the offseason next year differently, assuming they get out of the CCL group stage again.

They have to balance getting the team ready and playing together with the financial benefits of loaning players overseas during the winter.

The financial benefits go beyond just money into their pockets, MLS allows teams to use a portion of the loan fee's acquired for players in the off season to increase their salary cap (which is one of the many reasons LA seems to be able to carry so much salary compared to other teams).

This years off season for LA, from a team building stand point could not have gone worse

1) Landon barely played with LA before the CCL started

2) Keane came back late from the EPL and has been very very poor in the first 3 games for LA (he has missed a ton of decent chances so far).

3) And the big one, Gonzo got hurt in his first week overseas and will be out until late in the season.

 

[The Gator]

Just in case anyone missed it

 

[B Maverick]

Just in case anyone missed it

Nice

 

[Zigg]

Champions League Draw:APOEL vs. Real MadridMarseille vs. BayernBenfica vs. ChelseaMilan vs. BarcelonaPretty balanced. Milan/Barca obviously the marquee quarterfinal matchup. Chelsea/Benfica could be very entertaining.Real and Bayern would be a great semifinal matchup and they should both be pretty clear favorites to get there.

Any one else think this is rigged. I would have bet a large sum of money that the little three would not get drawn against each other. UEFA/FIFA are brutally corrupt.

 

[The Z Machine]

While I agree with the first statement, I think that calling Athletic Bilbao "top level" is a stretch. They are in 7th right now in la liga, out of Europa for next season. No doubt they have talent, but I think they're probably the 5th or 6th best team in Spain right now.

Sometimes those are the teams you have to watch out for. Tottenham made a great run while not requalifying for the CL. I believe Liverpool's last CL win was 04/05 and they didnt qualify for it the following year. When your only hope at a trophy is the CL those are the games you get up for.

I´m not sure where you're going with this but Athletic still have a lot to play for, as they (along with 5 other teams) are within striking distance of the 4th and last CL qualifying berth. They play Valencia this WE, and that'll be an important game for them.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Champions League Draw:APOEL vs. Real MadridMarseille vs. BayernBenfica vs. ChelseaMilan vs. BarcelonaPretty balanced. Milan/Barca obviously the marquee quarterfinal matchup. Chelsea/Benfica could be very entertaining.Real and Bayern would be a great semifinal matchup and they should both be pretty clear favorites to get there.

Any one else think this is rigged. I would have bet a large sum of money that the little three would not get drawn against each other. UEFA/FIFA are brutally corrupt.

Don King would bow down in reverence to just how corrupt FIFA and the other soccer governing bodies are.

 

[Slapdash]

While I agree with the first statement, I think that calling Athletic Bilbao "top level" is a stretch. They are in 7th right now in la liga, out of Europa for next season. No doubt they have talent, but I think they're probably the 5th or 6th best team in Spain right now.

Sometimes those are the teams you have to watch out for. Tottenham made a great run while not requalifying for the CL. I believe Liverpool's last CL win was 04/05 and they didnt qualify for it the following year. When your only hope at a trophy is the CL those are the games you get up for.

I´m not sure where you're going with this but Athletic still have a lot to play for, as they (along with 5 other teams) are within striking distance of the 4th and last CL qualifying berth. They play Valencia this WE, and that'll be an important game for them.

Also in the cup final.

 

[The Z Machine]

While I agree with the first statement, I think that calling Athletic Bilbao "top level" is a stretch. They are in 7th right now in la liga, out of Europa for next season. No doubt they have talent, but I think they're probably the 5th or 6th best team in Spain right now.

Sometimes those are the teams you have to watch out for. Tottenham made a great run while not requalifying for the CL. I believe Liverpool's last CL win was 04/05 and they didnt qualify for it the following year. When your only hope at a trophy is the CL those are the games you get up for.

I´m not sure where you're going with this but Athletic still have a lot to play for, as they (along with 5 other teams) are within striking distance of the 4th and last CL qualifying berth. They play Valencia this WE, and that'll be an important game for them.

Also in the cup final.

Indeed. I forgot about that.

 

[NewlyRetired]

After all these years of being a fan, you think I would come to grips with this by now but I still don't get it.

The Mexican club dominance at home, especially in the knock out rounds, still amazes me. Look at just this year for a prime example.

Quarter Final: Seattle vs Santos

Seattle wins at home 2-1. Watching the game you think the teams are relatively evenly match and Seattle won with home field advantage. Just one week later with almost identical lineups for both teams, Santos obliterates Seattle 6-1 at home.

Quarter Final: Isidro Metapán vs Pumas

Metapán wins at home 2-1. Again just one week later, Pumas destroyed Metapan 8-0.

I watched all or most of these 4 games. This was not a CONCACAF reffing issue. The MLS and El Salvadoran sides really deserved to lose that badly in Mexico.

I used to think that Mexican teams were just great at home but I am starting to wonder if they are also much worse when they travel allowing for these enormous swings in results.

The annoying trivia still remains: no non Mexican team has ever knocked out a Mexican team in CCL play. Next chance is Toronto vs Santos.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Montreal has a chance to break two different attendance records today for professional soccer in Canada, for their MLS home opener

1) Largest Montreal crowd: 58,542 back in 1983

2) Largest Canadian crowd ever: 60,342 also back in 1983

The pre-sale is some where in the low 50k's so it will all depend on walk up.

They had 2000 people show up to a practice the other day.

 

[onionsack]

Thoughts go out to Fabrice Muamba and his family. :(

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Thoughts go out to Fabrice Muamba and his family. :(

Awful. Hope he's ok.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Thoughts go out to Fabrice Muamba and his family. :(

:( That's awful news. Hope he'll pull through.He was my favorite player on FIFA 10.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Thoughts go out to Fabrice Muamba and his family. :(

:( That's awful news. Hope he'll pull through.He was my favorite player on FIFA 10.

Taken to the hospital, per Bolton's Twitter.

 

[The Gator]

Thoughts go out to Fabrice Muamba and his family. :(

holy ####, just caught up to this. :( :(

 

[The Z Machine]

What happened to Muamba?