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

[B Maverick]

In terms of highest average salary, 4 soccer teams lead the world. Here is the top 201) Barca2) Real Madrid3) Chelsea4) Man City5) Lakers6) Yankees7) AC Milan8) Bayern Munich9) Phillies10) Inter11) Man U12) Spurs (San Antonio)13) Angels14) Bulls15) Celtics16) Arsenal17) Heat18) Liverpool19) Red Sox20) GrizzliesFirst NHL team is Buffalo at rank 72First NFL team is Raiders at rank 80First MLS team is Galaxy at rank 219Info from ESPN spanning 14 leagues, ten countries, and seven different sports

Man U at 11 is interesting. I thought they would be higher but it is kind of nice to see them down the list at the moment.3rd in EPL, 8th in Europe. Yankees and Lakers are surprising.

 

[derek245583]

Man U at 11 is interesting. I thought they would be higher but it is kind of nice to see them down the list at the moment.3rd in EPL, 8th in Europe.

They have no good players, of course they dont pay them any money....

 

[NewlyRetired]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday.

It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.

Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

 

[NewlyRetired]

We were talking about US keeper depth a little while ago. What little depth there is just took a blow today as LA's decent keeper Josh Saunders checked himself into a substance abuse program and will not play until he is clean according to Ives.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Goff came to pretty much the same conclusion I have. This article just came out

Posted at 07:23 PM ET, 05/01/2012

Evaluating the U.S. national soccer team’s goalkeeping corps ahead of friendlies and World Cup qualifiers

By Steven Goff

Tim Howard started for Everton Tuesday because he always starts for Everton, this time in a 1-1 draw at Stoke City. He is almost certain for lineup selection in the Toffees’ final two English Premier League matches and will arrive at U.S. training camp in two weeks as the No. 1 goalkeeper — a role he has maintained for five years.

But let’s get all hypothetical for a moment.

What if Howard suffers an impactful injury ahead of, or during, the U.S. team’s three friendlies and two World Cup qualifiers between May 26 and June 12?

Goalkeeping has always been of little concern to American soccer. FromTony Meola to Juergen Sommer, from Kasey Keller to Brad Friedel, from Marcus Hahnemann to Howard, the United States has produced a steady stable of internationally seasoned keepers for major competition.

But as we reach the midway point of the next World Cup cycle, leading to the 2014 tournament in Brazil, the American goalkeeping corps is not as deep as it once was.

Howard, 33, has been the USA’s top choice since 2007, and judging by his consistent form in the EPL with Everton for six seasons, he is the most capable choice for the qualifiers and beyond. Assuming he starts against Wolverhampton on Saturday and Newcastle the following Sunday, Howard will have played every league match over four years (152 assignments).

Keepers don’t often suffer injuries, so for all practical purposes, Juergen Klinsmann won’t have to turn to a replacement. But what if.....

Let’s look at the other options:

*At Aston Villa, Brad Guzan, 27, remains second choice to Ireland’s Shay Given and has made six EPL starts this season. His last appearance was Jan. 7 against Chelsea in the FA Cup. Unable to secure playing time in 2010-11, Guzan was loaned to Hull City and started regularly. With the U.S. team, he hasn’t made an appearance since November 2010 at South Africa. He did back up Howard for the friendly at Italy this year. Clearly, he is Klinsmann’s second choice among the foreign legion, but the lack of first-team matches can’t be ignored.

*Marcus Hahnemann is still active, serving as the No. 2 or 3 at Everton, but he will turn 40 in June and is nearing the end of an accomplished career.

*The other keepers employed abroad don’t play: Celtic’s Dom Cervi, Bayer Leverkusen’s David Yelldell, Evian’s Quentin Westberg, Karlsruhe’s Luis Robles and Tachira’s Diego Restrepo. (Brad Friedel starts for Spurs but retired from the international game eight years ago.)

*The two under-23 keepers, Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson, didn’t distinguish themselves during the failed Olympic qualifying campaign and don’t seem to be in the running for a senior call-up this summer.

*In MLS, one name stands out in terms of performance, experience and familiarity with the national team program: Nick Rimando, in his sixth season as Real Salt Lake’s starter. Inevitably, fans will suggest other domestic-based keepers, but at this point, Klinsmann isn’t going to introduce new candidates.

As he said in his Q&A on the USSF Web site Monday, “You do not risk bringing in players you think need more time to develop. It’s not an introduction camp for players. It’s not a time period where you try things out.”

What can we conclude? Howard, Guzan and Rimando. Which should put everyone at ease and allow for more critical evaluation of the field positions ahead of Klinsmann’s roster decisions in two weeks.

Unless, of course, Howard gets hurt. And in the unlikelihood that occurs, scrutiny of a rock-solid area will inevitably ramp up.

 

[Sebowski]

In terms of highest average salary, 4 soccer teams lead the world. Here is the top 201) Barca2) Real Madrid3) Chelsea4) Man City5) Lakers6) Yankees7) AC Milan8) Bayern Munich9) Phillies10) Inter11) Man U12) Spurs (San Antonio)13) Angels14) Bulls15) Celtics16) Arsenal17) Heat18) Liverpool19) Red Sox20) GrizzliesFirst NHL team is Buffalo at rank 72First NFL team is Raiders at rank 80First MLS team is Galaxy at rank 219Info from ESPN spanning 14 leagues, ten countries, and seven different sports

NFL with 52 roster spots has to drop them down a ton. Wonder what the difference would be if you only counted the starters. Basketball might come out on top.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Soccer on TV today. From Soccer America

ESPN2

Spain BARCELONA-MALAGA (live) 1:55 pm.

FOX SOCCER

England CHELSEA-NEWCASTLE (live) 2:30 pm.

FOX SOCCER PLUS

England BOLTON-TOTTENHAM (live) 2:53 pm.

Scotland RANGERS-DUNDEE UNITED (delay) 5 pm.

France PSG-SAINT ETIENNE (delay) 7 pm.

FOX DEPORTES

England CHELSEA-NEWCASTLE (live) 2:30 pm.

Copa Libertadores BOCA JUNIORS-ESPANOLA (live) 6:30 pm.

Copa Libertadores EMELEC-CORINTHIANS (live) 9 pm.

ESPN DEPORTES

Spain BARCELONA-MALAGA (live) 1:55 pm.

TELEFUTURA

Mexico PACHUCA-CLUB AMERICA, quarterfinal 1st leg (live) 9:25 pm.

GOLTV

Spain SEVILLA-BETIS (live) 2 pm.

Spain ATHLETIC BILBAO-REAL MADRID (live) 4 pm.

Mexico LOBOS BUAP-LEON (live) 6 pm.

ROGERS SPORTSNET

MLS MONTREAL-TORONTO (live) 8 pm.

MLS EDMONTON-VANCOUVER (live) 10 pm.

MLS DIRECT KICK

MLS NEW ENGLAND VS. COLORADO (live) 8 pm.

MLS SEATTLE VS. LOS ANGELES (live) 10 pm.

MLS SAN JOSE VS. D.C. UNITED (live) 10:30 pm.

ESPN3.com

Spain ATLETICO MADRID-REAL SOCIEDAD (live) 11:55 am.

Spain BARCELONA-MALAGA (live) 1:55 pm.

Netherlands AJAX-VVV VENLO (live) 2 pm.

Italy AC MILAN-ATALANTA (live) 2:40 pm.

Italy PARMA-INTER MILAN (live) 2:40 pm.

Italy JUVENTUS-LECCE (live) 2:40 pm.

FOXSOCCER2GO.com

France AJACCIO-SOCHAUX (live) 1 pm.

France BORDEAUX-RENNES (live) 1 pm.

France BREST TOULOUSE (live) 1 pm.

France CAEN-LORIENT (live) 1 pm.

France DIJON-AUXERRE (live) 1 pm.

France LYON-VALENCIENNES (live) 1 pm.

France MARSEILLE-NANCY (live) 1 pm.

France NICE-LILLE (live) 1 pm.

Italy JUVENTUS-LECCE (live) 2:45 pm.

Italy AC MILAN-ATALANTA (live) 2:45 pm.

Scotland RANGERS-DUNDEE UNITED (live) 2:45 pm.

France PSG-SAINT ETIENNE (live) 3 pm.

England BOLTON-TOTTENHAM (live) 2:53 pm.

England CHELSEA-NEWCASTLE (On Demand) 11:55 pm.

 

[NewlyRetired]

LA plays in Seattle tonight.

As has happened many times in the past, Becks did not travel with team due to "injury", or needing to rest.

I did not expect that to happen this time as Stewart Pearce announced ahead of time that he was flying in to Seattle for the purpose of scouting Becks for the Olympic team.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not quite a Jay Demerit type story but pretty cool none the less how some players won't let their dreams die.

O’Brien Blazing His Own Path in DenmarkBy BRIAN SCIARETTAWith the Danish Superliga season heading into the final stretch, Long Island’s Conor O’Brien is enjoying a breakout season in which he has his club, Sonderjyske, within reach of a Europa League berth.Two years ago O’Brien finished a four-year career at Bucknell. After graduation he had dreams of playing in Major League Soccer, but he was never able to attract enough interest.Instead, O’Brien, 23, moved to Europe and signed with Blokhus, a small club in the third tier of Danish soccer. In his first year he led the team to a promotion, and his strong play attracted the interest of the Superliga club Sonderjyske, which signed him to an 18-month contract.Sonderjyske is one of the smaller clubs in the Danish Superliga, where management usually budgets the team just to avoid relegation. In the first part of the season O’Brien saw inconsistent minutes playing as a winger. In the second half of the year, however, O’Brien has taken his game to another level. After four straight losses, Coach Lars Sondergaard put O’Brien into the starting lineup as a holding midfielder, and the move has paid huge dividends. In the seven games since O’Brien returned to the lineup at his new position, the team has five wins and two draws.“The team’s confidence right now is really high,” O’Brien said. “I knew I was kind of playing a bit out of position last fall. Ever since the coaches have moved me into the middle as a defensive midfielder, I get to control the game. I can create some plays for us and I’m enjoying the position.”O’Brien’s play has been a big reason why Sonderjyske has risen to seventh place. With the top teams advancing to the final of the Danish Cup, a fifth-place finish in Denmark would qualify for the Europa League. Sonderjyske is currently only one point behind fifth-place Aalborg.For Sonderjyske to be within reach of the Europa League is something that has surprised its fans and the news media in Denmark.“The whole season everyone’s been saying that the goal for Sonderjyske is just to stay in the Superliga,” O’Brien said. “They don’t plan on getting to the Europa. For me, last year I was in the third tier. I always expected to make a jump up, but I don’t think I expected to be this close to a Europa League so fast.”O’Brien, a native of Mount Sinai on Long Island, has largely flown under the radar among American soccer fans. But success out of the spotlight is something that has been the case for him throughout his career.%O’Brien’s accomplishments are significant. He was the captain of St Anthony’s High School, which won its first state title in 2005. In 2007, his club team, Terryville Fire, won the U-18 national title. In 2009, he was a key part of the Cary Clarets of the Premier Development League when the team advanced to the national semifinals.Despite his youth success, he was not widely recruited by colleges. He eventually found his way to Bucknell University, where he went on to become one of the best players in the program’s history. He started every game over four years; during that period the Bison their first two Patriot League titles.Now in Denmark he has already helped guide one team to promotion and has another in contention for the Europa League.“I’ve always been a small-town type player,” O’Brien said. “I don’t have an agent. I’ve gotten here all on my own. But my biggest quality is that everywhere I go, my team wins. I’ve expected to keep progressing and it’s my goal to play in the Champions League.“There was improvement every year” in the United States, he said, adding, “it’s been the same in Denmark.”This improvement with Sonderjyske has also given O’Brien the chance to perform in front of scouts for bigger European teams. The Superliga is viewed as a league that excels at developing young talent. Many of the league’s top players move on to higher-profile clubs.“I think the Danish league for foreigners is definitely a stepping-stone league,” O’Brien said. “A lot of the foreigners that come to Denmark, myself included, look to use Denmark as a platform to perform in front of other eyes. When you perform well, you feel like they have to take notice.”It’s not just club scouts whom O’Brien wants to impress. He is also hoping his current form will translate into a chance with the United States national team. Defenders Clarence Goodson and Michael Parkhurst both earned international caps while playing in Denmark.O’Brien has not played for the United States at any youth level but he is confident it is now within reach. Specifically, he is hoping for a callup to the annual January camp that features players from M.L.S. and European teams that are inactive in the winter.“Playing for the national team has probably always been my No. 1 goal in soccer,” O’Brien said. “Now that I’m here, I’d definitely like to get that opportunity.”Going undrafted, and unwanted, by M.L.S. in 2010 seems far behind him now.“Playing in M.L.S. is definitely a goal of mine at some point,” O’Brien said. “Whether it’s when my contract runs up here in December, or whether it is 10 years down the road, I don’t know. I was extremely disappointed when I didn’t get the chance out of college because I felt I deserved it. But now I’m showing myself at a European level they will see something different in me.”Follow Brian Sciaretta on Twitter.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Everyone in the US Soccer media twitter world is listing their best guesses at the final 23 today so I might as well re-list mine. All the lists, mine included are with in 95% of each other. One or two differences usually when comparing list to list

Notes:

1) Danny Williams has been removed from my stand by list as his shoulder is suppose to keep him out for up to 6 weeks

2) I have removed Michael Parkhurst from my stand by list as he is out with a broken toe

3) Some people on twitter have bumped Shea in place of DMB. I am not ready to do that yet but will admit that Shea is simply not as good as he was during the first half of last season when he was fantastic

4) Henry's injury is going to make watching Cooper's progress in the next couple of games important and the injury is likely to open up a chance for Agudelo to get some time as he is returning to fitness

Keeper:

1) Tim Howard

2) Brad Guzan

3) Nick Rimando

Right Back

4) Steve Cherundolo

5) Timmy Chandler

Right Center Back

6) Oguchi Onyewu

7) Clarence Goodson

Left Center Back

8) Carlos Bocanegra

9) Tim Ream

Left Back

10) Fabian Johnson

11) Eric Lichai

Utility defender

12) Jonathan Spector

Holding/Defensive/Central Midfielders

13) Michael Bradley

14) Jermaine Jones

15) Maurice Edu

Offensive midfielders/wide players

16) Clint Dempsey

17) Landon Donovan

18) Jose Torres

19) Brek Shea

Forwards

20) Jozy Altidore

21) Herculez Gomez

22) Terrance Boyd

23) The most in form of Chris Wondoloski/CJ Sappong/Kenny Cooper

JK also mentioned he will have a list of stand by players but won't call them into camp.



Stand By

Keeper: Bill Hamid

Defenders: Geoff Cameron/George John/Edgar Castillo

Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan/Kyle Beckerman/DeMarcus Beasley/Freddy Adu/Graham Zusi/Joe Corona/

Forwards: See 23 above for whom ever is not picked as the last forward.

 

[El Floppo]

Hey Z- I was tempted to get in touch for the Manchester Derby... just got back from Marin. But I was slammed busy. Maybe... wait a sec... lol- you're in Baltimore now, right?

 

[El Floppo]

Everyone in the US Soccer media twitter world is listing their best guesses at the final 23 today so I might as well re-list mine. All the lists, mine included are with in 95% of each other. One or two differences usually when comparing list to list

Notes:

1) Danny Williams has been removed from my stand by list as his shoulder is suppose to keep him out for up to 6 weeks

2) I have removed Michael Parkhurst from my stand by list as he is out with a broken toe

3) Some people on twitter have bumped Shea in place of DMB. I am not ready to do that yet but will admit that Shea is simply not as good as he was during the first half of last season when he was fantastic

4) Henry's injury is going to make watching Cooper's progress in the next couple of games important and the injury is likely to open up a chance for Agudelo to get some time as he is returning to fitness

Keeper:

1) Tim Howard

2) Brad Guzan

3) Nick Rimando

Right Back

4) Steve Cherundolo

5) Timmy Chandler

Right Center Back

6) Oguchi Onyewu

7) Clarence Goodson

Left Center Back

8) Carlos Bocanegra

9) Tim Ream

Left Back

10) Fabian Johnson

11) Eric Lichai

Utility defender

12) Jonathan Spector

Holding/Defensive/Central Midfielders

13) Michael Bradley

14) Jermaine Jones

15) Maurice Edu

Offensive midfielders/wide players

16) Clint Dempsey

17) Landon Donovan

18) Jose Torres

19) Brek Shea

Forwards

20) Jozy Altidore

21) Herculez Gomez

22) Terrance Boyd

23) The most in form of Chris Wondoloski/CJ Sappong/Kenny Cooper

JK also mentioned he will have a list of stand by players but won't call them into camp.



Stand By

Keeper: Bill Hamid

Defenders: Geoff Cameron/George John/Edgar Castillo

Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan/Kyle Beckerman/DeMarcus Beasley/Freddy Adu/Graham Zusi/Joe Corona/

Forwards: See 23 above for whom ever is not picked as the last forward.

Great stuff, andy. Zusi has been pretty lights-out lately, warranting a call-up, IMO. But probably not ripened enough to throw him into the WCQ cauldron, which gives an apparently in-form DMB a big edge.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Everyone in the US Soccer media twitter world is listing their best guesses at the final 23 today so I might as well re-list mine. All the lists, mine included are with in 95% of each other. One or two differences usually when comparing list to list

Notes:

1) Danny Williams has been removed from my stand by list as his shoulder is suppose to keep him out for up to 6 weeks

2) I have removed Michael Parkhurst from my stand by list as he is out with a broken toe

3) Some people on twitter have bumped Shea in place of DMB. I am not ready to do that yet but will admit that Shea is simply not as good as he was during the first half of last season when he was fantastic

4) Henry's injury is going to make watching Cooper's progress in the next couple of games important and the injury is likely to open up a chance for Agudelo to get some time as he is returning to fitness

Keeper:

1) Tim Howard

2) Brad Guzan

3) Nick Rimando

Right Back

4) Steve Cherundolo

5) Timmy Chandler

Right Center Back

6) Oguchi Onyewu

7) Clarence Goodson

Left Center Back

8) Carlos Bocanegra

9) Tim Ream

Left Back

10) Fabian Johnson

11) Eric Lichai

Utility defender

12) Jonathan Spector

Holding/Defensive/Central Midfielders

13) Michael Bradley

14) Jermaine Jones

15) Maurice Edu

Offensive midfielders/wide players

16) Clint Dempsey

17) Landon Donovan

18) Jose Torres

19) Brek Shea

Forwards

20) Jozy Altidore

21) Herculez Gomez

22) Terrance Boyd

23) The most in form of Chris Wondoloski/CJ Sappong/Kenny Cooper

JK also mentioned he will have a list of stand by players but won't call them into camp.



Stand By

Keeper: Bill Hamid

Defenders: Geoff Cameron/George John/Edgar Castillo

Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan/Kyle Beckerman/DeMarcus Beasley/Freddy Adu/Graham Zusi/Joe Corona/

Forwards: See 23 above for whom ever is not picked as the last forward.

Great stuff, andy. Zusi has been pretty lights-out lately, warranting a call-up, IMO. But probably not ripened enough to throw him into the WCQ cauldron, which gives an apparently in-form DMB a big edge.

Zusi has been playing well but DMB and Beckerman(who I mentioned in an earlier post might be the MVP of the league so far outside of Henry) are likely ahead of him in the pecking order. I don't know when JK will make the final 23 selection but I assume in the next 14 days or so and then we can pick it apart.

Another item that is causing some confusion in the final 23 guesses is Fabian Johnson. The media types feel his best position is in midfield where as I am more than happy to let him and Lichai battle it out for left back (Fabian has played lb almost all season in Germany). I think our midfield is deep enough for these 5 games to keep him in the back.

 

[El Floppo]

Everyone in the US Soccer media twitter world is listing their best guesses at the final 23 today so I might as well re-list mine. All the lists, mine included are with in 95% of each other. One or two differences usually when comparing list to list

Notes:

1) Danny Williams has been removed from my stand by list as his shoulder is suppose to keep him out for up to 6 weeks

2) I have removed Michael Parkhurst from my stand by list as he is out with a broken toe

3) Some people on twitter have bumped Shea in place of DMB. I am not ready to do that yet but will admit that Shea is simply not as good as he was during the first half of last season when he was fantastic

4) Henry's injury is going to make watching Cooper's progress in the next couple of games important and the injury is likely to open up a chance for Agudelo to get some time as he is returning to fitness

Keeper:

1) Tim Howard

2) Brad Guzan

3) Nick Rimando

Right Back

4) Steve Cherundolo

5) Timmy Chandler

Right Center Back

6) Oguchi Onyewu

7) Clarence Goodson

Left Center Back

8) Carlos Bocanegra

9) Tim Ream

Left Back

10) Fabian Johnson

11) Eric Lichai

Utility defender

12) Jonathan Spector

Holding/Defensive/Central Midfielders

13) Michael Bradley

14) Jermaine Jones

15) Maurice Edu

Offensive midfielders/wide players

16) Clint Dempsey

17) Landon Donovan

18) Jose Torres

19) Brek Shea

Forwards

20) Jozy Altidore

21) Herculez Gomez

22) Terrance Boyd

23) The most in form of Chris Wondoloski/CJ Sappong/Kenny Cooper

JK also mentioned he will have a list of stand by players but won't call them into camp.



Stand By

Keeper: Bill Hamid

Defenders: Geoff Cameron/George John/Edgar Castillo

Midfielders: Sacha Kljestan/Kyle Beckerman/DeMarcus Beasley/Freddy Adu/Graham Zusi/Joe Corona/

Forwards: See 23 above for whom ever is not picked as the last forward.

Great stuff, andy. Zusi has been pretty lights-out lately, warranting a call-up, IMO. But probably not ripened enough to throw him into the WCQ cauldron, which gives an apparently in-form DMB a big edge.

Zusi has been playing well but DMB and Beckerman(who I mentioned in an earlier post might be the MVP of the league so far outside of Henry) are likely ahead of him in the pecking order. I don't know when JK will make the final 23 selection but I assume in the next 14 days or so and then we can pick it apart.

Another item that is causing some confusion in the final 23 guesses is Fabian Johnson. The media types feel his best position is in midfield where as I am more than happy to let him and Lichai battle it out for left back (Fabian has played lb almost all season in Germany). I think our midfield is deep enough for these 5 games to keep him in the back.

re: Fabian- you list does seem a bit short on wide MFs... good to hear that he can be fill that spot too if needed.

 

[jonessed]

In terms of highest average salary, 4 soccer teams lead the world. Here is the top 201) Barca2) Real Madrid3) Chelsea4) Man City5) Lakers6) Yankees7) AC Milan8) Bayern Munich9) Phillies10) Inter11) Man U12) Spurs (San Antonio)13) Angels14) Bulls15) Celtics16) Arsenal17) Heat18) Liverpool19) Red Sox20) GrizzliesFirst NHL team is Buffalo at rank 72First NFL team is Raiders at rank 80First MLS team is Galaxy at rank 219Info from ESPN spanning 14 leagues, ten countries, and seven different sports

Man U at 11 is interesting. I thought they would be higher but it is kind of nice to see them down the list at the moment.3rd in EPL, 8th in Europe. Yankees and Lakers are surprising.

Interesting. I would actually have expected Yankees to be higher, but the rest all make sense. At least up to United. I don't watch basketball or baseball much anymore so the rest is a wash.No team in the EPL that actually has a budget will ever be able to match Chelsea and City, not even United.

 

[jonessed]

Sweet, sweet victory for Fulham!

What is LFC going to do about King Kenny?

Put him upstairs, and bring in Pep. :crystalball:

He's going to be stretched pretty thin between coaching Brazil, Qatar, England, Chelsea, Inter, and Man City.

And all from his couch. Amazing really.

 

[jonessed]

Sweet, sweet victory for Fulham!

What is LFC going to do about King Kenny?

It depends on who they pinned the transfer issues on. Kenny obviously had a say, but if Comolli was the lead on that I imagine Kenny will get at least one more year. Actually, I think he will get another year anyway, but that could be the excuse.I don't see how he can be fired in his first year. Given his club status that just seems like an impossibility.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

RDM resting Mata, Cole, Lamps and Drogba in a huge league game against NUFC today with the FA Cup final this weekend. Sturridge, Bertrand and Malouda getting rare starts.

 

[The Z Machine]

Hey Z- I was tempted to get in touch for the Manchester Derby... just got back from Marin. But I was slammed busy. Maybe... wait a sec... lol- you're in Baltimore now, right?

Yup. Here all the rest of this week, but out of town this WE, and then out of town on Thurs next week. What's up?BTW, I see that Spurs are playing Liverpool in BMore this summer. Anyone got tix? Want to go with the Z?

 

[The Z Machine]

RDM resting Mata, Cole, Lamps and Drogba in a huge league game against NUFC today with the FA Cup final this weekend. Sturridge, Bertrand and Malouda getting rare starts.

I wonder if Chels is thinking they have a better shot of getting CL qualification through winning the tourney rather than in League play?

 

[jonessed]

RDM resting Mata, Cole, Lamps and Drogba in a huge league game against NUFC today with the FA Cup final this weekend. Sturridge, Bertrand and Malouda getting rare starts.

I wonder if Chels is thinking they have a better shot of getting CL qualification through winning the tourney rather than in League play?

Has to be. Losing to Newcastle would probably be the end of their chance at fourth.That's a lot of weight to put on one game though. Especially considering Bayern is playing it at home.

 

[derek245583]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday. It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

I was just selected to be a Nielson home...I will be helping soccer's ratings!!!I represent 100,000 households, no shtick

 

[The Z Machine]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday. It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

I was just selected to be a Nielson home...I will be helping soccer's ratings!!!I represent 100,000 households, no shtick

Set that DVR to record ALL soccer games, even the Brazilian League stuff. Then tune it to QVC and leave it there so they know you purchase stuff.

 

[jonessed]

Amazing shot by Modric puts Tottenham up 1-0 at Bolton.

 

[Slapdash]

With three goals today (so far), Messi breaks Gerd Mueller's record of 67 goals in an European club season.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday.

It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.

Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

I was just selected to be a Nielson home...I will be helping soccer's ratings!!!

I represent 100,000 households, no shtick

You can make an enormous difference! This is no joke. If you represent a 100,000 households you can make a huge difference in the average soccer game on TV here in the US.

Can you tell me what the set up is? Just wondering where the box itself goes and how recording on a DVR will affect it.

What ever you can do to get the damn box to register that you watched an entire game, please do so and find everything you can, be it MLS, EPL, Serie A etc.

I am not joking when I say if you can register your 100k homes for every MLS game on ESPN and NBC, you BY YOURSELF could affect the size of the next TV contract in 2014.

Incredible!!!!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Amazing shot by Modric puts Tottenham up 1-0 at Bolton.

How does Ream look today?

 

[derek245583]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday.

It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.

Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

I was just selected to be a Nielson home...I will be helping soccer's ratings!!!

I represent 100,000 households, no shtick

You can make an enormous difference! This is no joke. If you represent a 100,000 households you can make a huge difference in the average soccer game on TV here in the US.

Can you tell me what the set up is? Just wondering where the box itself goes and how recording on a DVR will affect it.

What ever you can do to get the damn box to register that you watched an entire game, please do so and find everything you can, be it MLS, EPL, Serie A etc.

I am not joking when I say if you can register your 100k homes for every MLS game on ESPN and NBC, you BY YOURSELF could affect the size of the next TV contract in 2014.

Incredible!!!!

Well...It gets installed in two weeks, but we have had our initial meeting with the folks from Neilson.

The way they explained it....A little box (hard drive) gets hooked up to every tv...doesnt need to be seen. That collects the data.

There is another box that needs to have clear path for the infrared remote that we have to click who is watching...me, wife, or 3 kids...etc.

And a 3rd piece of equipment that actually gets put inside your tv that recognizes what is actually playing on your TV. I believe if you record something on a DVR, it doesnt count until you actually watch it because the thing hooked up to your TV recognizes the sound and relays that into the "show" that you are watching and registers it with the hard drive.

So....that is how it works...

 

[CletiusMaximus]

RDM resting Mata, Cole, Lamps and Drogba in a huge league game against NUFC today with the FA Cup final this weekend. Sturridge, Bertrand and Malouda getting rare starts.

I wonder if Chels is thinking they have a better shot of getting CL qualification through winning the tourney rather than in League play?

Has to be. Losing to Newcastle would probably be the end of their chance at fourth.That's a lot of weight to put on one game though. Especially considering Bayern is playing it at home.

Seems crazy, but who knows what determines a lineup decision? Certainly, the FA. Cup final is a big factor. A win on Saturday gives RDM a major trophy and auto qualification into the final group stage of the Europa League.Mata on for Sturridge.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday.

It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.

Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

I was just selected to be a Nielson home...I will be helping soccer's ratings!!!

I represent 100,000 households, no shtick

You can make an enormous difference! This is no joke. If you represent a 100,000 households you can make a huge difference in the average soccer game on TV here in the US.

Can you tell me what the set up is? Just wondering where the box itself goes and how recording on a DVR will affect it.

What ever you can do to get the damn box to register that you watched an entire game, please do so and find everything you can, be it MLS, EPL, Serie A etc.

I am not joking when I say if you can register your 100k homes for every MLS game on ESPN and NBC, you BY YOURSELF could affect the size of the next TV contract in 2014.

Incredible!!!!

Well...It gets installed in two weeks, but we have had our initial meeting with the folks from Neilson.

The way they explained it....A little box (hard drive) gets hooked up to every tv...doesnt need to be seen. That collects the data.

There is another box that needs to have clear path for the infrared remote that we have to click who is watching...me, wife, or 3 kids...etc.

And a 3rd piece of equipment that actually gets put inside your tv that recognizes what is actually playing on your TV. I believe if you record something on a DVR, it doesnt count until you actually watch it because the thing hooked up to your TV recognizes the sound and relays that into the "show" that you are watching and registers it with the hard drive.

So....that is how it works...

Great thanks! Good luck and do the best you can for us long suffering soccer fans!

 

[derek245583]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday.

It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.

Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

I was just selected to be a Nielson home...I will be helping soccer's ratings!!!

I represent 100,000 households, no shtick

You can make an enormous difference! This is no joke. If you represent a 100,000 households you can make a huge difference in the average soccer game on TV here in the US.

Can you tell me what the set up is? Just wondering where the box itself goes and how recording on a DVR will affect it.

What ever you can do to get the damn box to register that you watched an entire game, please do so and find everything you can, be it MLS, EPL, Serie A etc.

I am not joking when I say if you can register your 100k homes for every MLS game on ESPN and NBC, you BY YOURSELF could affect the size of the next TV contract in 2014.

Incredible!!!!

Well...It gets installed in two weeks, but we have had our initial meeting with the folks from Neilson.

The way they explained it....A little box (hard drive) gets hooked up to every tv...doesnt need to be seen. That collects the data.

There is another box that needs to have clear path for the infrared remote that we have to click who is watching...me, wife, or 3 kids...etc.

And a 3rd piece of equipment that actually gets put inside your tv that recognizes what is actually playing on your TV. I believe if you record something on a DVR, it doesnt count until you actually watch it because the thing hooked up to your TV recognizes the sound and relays that into the "show" that you are watching and registers it with the hard drive.

So....that is how it works...

Great thanks! Good luck and do the best you can for us long suffering soccer fans!

I will try...NBC has already contacted me...but just left me a message to call them back.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Man U Man City did 1 million viewers. 88% male with a median age of 28. Finished 11th for all cable programs for males between 18-49 yesterday.

It is the most watched EPL game ever on cable TV.

Figures do not include the audiance on ESPN Deportes

I was just selected to be a Nielson home...I will be helping soccer's ratings!!!

I represent 100,000 households, no shtick

You can make an enormous difference! This is no joke. If you represent a 100,000 households you can make a huge difference in the average soccer game on TV here in the US.

Can you tell me what the set up is? Just wondering where the box itself goes and how recording on a DVR will affect it.

What ever you can do to get the damn box to register that you watched an entire game, please do so and find everything you can, be it MLS, EPL, Serie A etc.

I am not joking when I say if you can register your 100k homes for every MLS game on ESPN and NBC, you BY YOURSELF could affect the size of the next TV contract in 2014.

Incredible!!!!

Well...It gets installed in two weeks, but we have had our initial meeting with the folks from Neilson.

The way they explained it....A little box (hard drive) gets hooked up to every tv...doesnt need to be seen. That collects the data.

There is another box that needs to have clear path for the infrared remote that we have to click who is watching...me, wife, or 3 kids...etc.

And a 3rd piece of equipment that actually gets put inside your tv that recognizes what is actually playing on your TV. I believe if you record something on a DVR, it doesnt count until you actually watch it because the thing hooked up to your TV recognizes the sound and relays that into the "show" that you are watching and registers it with the hard drive.

So....that is how it works...

Great thanks! Good luck and do the best you can for us long suffering soccer fans!

I will try...NBC has already contacted me...but just left me a message to call them back.

Sweet! Maybe it is like bribing a Euro ref and they will send hookers to your house!

 

[jonessed]

RDM resting Mata, Cole, Lamps and Drogba in a huge league game against NUFC today with the FA Cup final this weekend. Sturridge, Bertrand and Malouda getting rare starts.

I wonder if Chels is thinking they have a better shot of getting CL qualification through winning the tourney rather than in League play?

Has to be. Losing to Newcastle would probably be the end of their chance at fourth.That's a lot of weight to put on one game though. Especially considering Bayern is playing it at home.

Seems crazy, but who knows what determines a lineup decision? Certainly, the FA. Cup final is a big factor. A win on Saturday gives RDM a major trophy and auto qualification into the final group stage of the Europa League.Mata on for Sturridge.

It's hard to criticize Di Matteo right now, but with a loss they would have to hope that neither Newcastle nor Tottenham win one of their next two games. That seems incredibly unlikely.FA Cup and no Champion's League qualification seems like it would be a failed season in most Chelsea fan eyes so Di Matteo is obviously putting it all on the Bayern game.Edit: I wonder if he is playing more for his job than the team here. If he wins Champion's League I can't see Abramovich getting rid of him, but if he doesn't win Champion's League I'm not sure finishing fourth (even with a possible FA Cup) is enough to save him.

 

[Christo]

Cisse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

That was one of the most astonishing goals I've ever seen. First touch, from out wide, outside of the boot, dipping and curling over the keeper into the side netting.

 

[Major]

That was one of the most astonishing goals I've ever seen. First touch, from out wide, outside of the boot, dipping and curling over the keeper into the side netting.

 

[Spartans Rule]

That was one of the most astonishing goals I've ever seen. First touch, from out wide, outside of the boot, dipping and curling over the keeper into the side netting.

Just unreal. I'm amazed anyone could even dream of trying that shot, much less nail it.13 goals in 12 games for Cisse since he joined Newcastle. He's scary good right now.

 

[The Z Machine]

Wow. Great goals there, and a great win for Newcastle.

 

[GoFishTN]

An aberration, or Spurs back in form? Hoping for the latter.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Just unreal. I'm amazed anyone could even dream of trying that shot, much less nail it.

Just watched it again and he took it on the half-volley as well. Man that's a good goal.

 

[The Z Machine]

http://www.sportsaim.com/Chelsea-0-2-Newcastle-United-English-Premier-League-02-05-12.2222.2.html

 

[prefontaine]

Wow. Great goals there, and a great win for Newcastle.

definitely set up a ton of drama at the top of the table over the next few weeks in addition to the very interesting relegation battle. Basically every single one of the top 5 are in must win situations in each game from here on out as they battle for top, top 3 and top 4.

 

[Moe.]

Wow. Great goals there, and a great win for Newcastle.

definitely set up a ton of drama at the top of the table over the next few weeks in addition to the very interesting relegation battle. Basically every single one of the top 5 are in must win situations in each game from here on out as they battle for top, top 3 and top 4.

The Chelsea situation makes it so much more interesting than a normal year too. Gonna be a fun last few weeks of the season.

 

[Eephus]

Just unreal. I'm amazed anyone could even dream of trying that shot, much less nail it.

Just watched it again and he took it on the half-volley as well. Man that's a good goal.

Amazing strike.Why was there 10 min of second half injury time?

 

[GoFishTN]

Wow. Great goals there, and a great win for Newcastle.

definitely set up a ton of drama at the top of the table over the next few weeks in addition to the very interesting relegation battle. Basically every single one of the top 5 are in must win situations in each game from here on out as they battle for top, top 3 and top 4.

Here's what's left:Arsenal v Norwich CityWest Bromwich Albion v ArsenalAston Villa v Tottenham HotspurTottenham Hotspur v FulhamNewcastle United v Manchester CityEverton v Newcastle UnitedLiverpool v ChelseaChelsea v Blackburn RoversI say Arsenal all but has third locked up. Norwich and WBA have nothing left to play for, unless Hodgson wants to leave on a high note.Fourth is a toss up. Obviously Newcastle's schedule looks a little tougher, but who knows which Spurs squad will show up for their games. Chelsea could still sneak into fourth, but it's doubtful.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Why was there 10 min of second half injury time?

Turned it on just as they were carting him off, so didn't see what happened - but they said a Newcastle player had been down for 8+ minutes and it looked like they had his head strapped to the stretcher as well.

 

[Christo]

Anyone catch the Pirlo assist in the first half today? Sublime.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Altidore knocked unconscious in AZ match today

NIJMEGEN, Netherlands -- American forward Jozy Altidore suffered a head and back injury in AZ Alkmaar's 1-1 tie at NEC Nijmegen on Wednesday.

Altidore clashed with NEC defender Pavel Cmovs in the 29th minute and was knocked unconscious on the sidelines.

Altidore, AZ's top scorer with 15 league goals and 19 overall, returned to play for only two minutes. He was replaced by Ruud Boymans, who went on to score in the 59th.

The extent of Altidore's injury couldn't be ascertained.

The Americans play Scotland, Brazil and Canada in exhibition games ahead of the start of World Cup qualifying next month.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Altidore knocked unconscious in AZ match today

NIJMEGEN, Netherlands -- American forward Jozy Altidore suffered a head and back injury in AZ Alkmaar's 1-1 tie at NEC Nijmegen on Wednesday.

Altidore clashed with NEC defender Pavel Cmovs in the 29th minute and was knocked unconscious on the sidelines.

Altidore, AZ's top scorer with 15 league goals and 19 overall, returned to play for only two minutes. He was replaced by Ruud Boymans, who went on to score in the 59th.

The extent of Altidore's injury couldn't be ascertained.

The Americans play Scotland, Brazil and Canada in exhibition games ahead of the start of World Cup qualifying next month.

I heard he hit his head on a sponsorship board. :( . I did not hear about his back though. I thought perhaps he was concussed. Yikes

 

[NewlyRetired]

Everyone in the US Soccer media twitter world is listing their best guesses at the final 23 today so I might as well re-list mine. All the lists, mine included are with in 95% of each other. One or two differences usually when comparing list to listNotes:1) Danny Williams has been removed from my stand by list as his shoulder is suppose to keep him out for up to 6 weeks2) I have removed Michael Parkhurst from my stand by list as he is out with a broken toe3) Some people on twitter have bumped Shea in place of DMB. I am not ready to do that yet but will admit that Shea is simply not as good as he was during the first half of last season when he was fantastic4) Henry's injury is going to make watching Cooper's progress in the next couple of games important and the injury is likely to open up a chance for Agudelo to get some time as he is returning to fitness

I must have misunderstood what I read about Parkhurst being injured. He played all 90 minutes today.