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

[Steve Tasker]

link - Not sure if this has been posted.

Blatter wants alternative to shootouts

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has asked German great Franz Beckenbauer to find an alternative to the ''tragedy'' of penalty shootouts.

Blatter told the FIFA Congress on Friday that football ''loses its essence'' when matches are settled by penalty kicks.

Football ''can be a drama, even a tragedy, when we go to penalty kicks,'' Blatter said. ''Football should not go to one to one, because when football goes to penalty kicks, it loses its essence as a team sport.''

Last Saturday, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a shootout to win the Champions League after the German side had dominated a game that finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Beckenbauer, the former Bayern captain and president, heads FIFA's Task Force Football 2014 panel which Blatter created in 2010 to improve football before the next World Cup in Brazil.

''Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer with his Football 2014 group can present us with a solution, if not today then tomorrow.''

The task force has met several teams, but has shown little public interest in scrapping penalty shootouts.

Beckenbauer's task force deputy chairman Kalusha Bwalya also has recent experience of a shootout.

Bwalya, a Zambian playing great, saw his home nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in February on a shootout after drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Tasker, are you still planning to set up a manual fantasy league for Euro 2012? Only 13 days till first game I think.

Or should we just use one of the typical salary cap ones we can find online?

 

[ditkaburgers]

link - Not sure if this has been posted.

Blatter wants alternative to shootouts

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has asked German great Franz Beckenbauer to find an alternative to the ''tragedy'' of penalty shootouts.

Blatter told the FIFA Congress on Friday that football ''loses its essence'' when matches are settled by penalty kicks.

Football ''can be a drama, even a tragedy, when we go to penalty kicks,'' Blatter said. ''Football should not go to one to one, because when football goes to penalty kicks, it loses its essence as a team sport.''

Last Saturday, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a shootout to win the Champions League after the German side had dominated a game that finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Beckenbauer, the former Bayern captain and president, heads FIFA's Task Force Football 2014 panel which Blatter created in 2010 to improve football before the next World Cup in Brazil.

''Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer with his Football 2014 group can present us with a solution, if not today then tomorrow.''

The task force has met several teams, but has shown little public interest in scrapping penalty shootouts.

Beckenbauer's task force deputy chairman Kalusha Bwalya also has recent experience of a shootout.

Bwalya, a Zambian playing great, saw his home nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in February on a shootout after drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast.

Maybe FIFA can award the win to the team with the bigger bribe

 

[Sebowski]

Copa Del Rey final in 2 1/2 hours. Only see it on ESPN Deportes though...

Hopefully this will be a better send off for Pep than the last league game and another trophy in the case.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

link - Not sure if this has been posted.

Blatter wants alternative to shootouts

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has asked German great Franz Beckenbauer to find an alternative to the ''tragedy'' of penalty shootouts.

Blatter told the FIFA Congress on Friday that football ''loses its essence'' when matches are settled by penalty kicks.

Football ''can be a drama, even a tragedy, when we go to penalty kicks,'' Blatter said. ''Football should not go to one to one, because when football goes to penalty kicks, it loses its essence as a team sport.''

Last Saturday, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a shootout to win the Champions League after the German side had dominated a game that finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Beckenbauer, the former Bayern captain and president, heads FIFA's Task Force Football 2014 panel which Blatter created in 2010 to improve football before the next World Cup in Brazil.

''Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer with his Football 2014 group can present us with a solution, if not today then tomorrow.''

The task force has met several teams, but has shown little public interest in scrapping penalty shootouts.

Beckenbauer's task force deputy chairman Kalusha Bwalya also has recent experience of a shootout.

Bwalya, a Zambian playing great, saw his home nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in February on a shootout after drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast.

The Golden Goal!

 

[LHUCKS]

One thing I really like about having Gomez on the team is that a nice chunk of his goals at club level have come as a second half sub. He can play two positions as a striker or a right half and having someone with goal scoring confidence as a sub off the bench is a luxury the US has never really had.

Agreed, and I kind of wish we would consider a similar super sub MF role for Freddy.

 

[LHUCKS]

This is my best guess as to what the team might look like against Scotland.....................HowardCher.........Gooch.........Boca.........Castillo...................Bradley...........Jones........Donovan...............................Johnson...........................Dempsey.................................................JozyAlthough in the back of my mind I also have a feeling Torres may start as well, in place of either Johnson or Donovan.

I've always liked the physicality and athleticism that Maurice Edu brings to the table.Jones, Johnson and Castillo are the weak links here.Boyd may get some action over Dempsey, which is fine by me. We need to develop him as much as possible.

 

[GoFishTN]

link - Not sure if this has been posted.

Blatter wants alternative to shootouts

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has asked German great Franz Beckenbauer to find an alternative to the ''tragedy'' of penalty shootouts.

Blatter told the FIFA Congress on Friday that football ''loses its essence'' when matches are settled by penalty kicks.

Football ''can be a drama, even a tragedy, when we go to penalty kicks,'' Blatter said. ''Football should not go to one to one, because when football goes to penalty kicks, it loses its essence as a team sport.''

Last Saturday, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a shootout to win the Champions League after the German side had dominated a game that finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Beckenbauer, the former Bayern captain and president, heads FIFA's Task Force Football 2014 panel which Blatter created in 2010 to improve football before the next World Cup in Brazil.

''Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer with his Football 2014 group can present us with a solution, if not today then tomorrow.''

The task force has met several teams, but has shown little public interest in scrapping penalty shootouts.

Beckenbauer's task force deputy chairman Kalusha Bwalya also has recent experience of a shootout.

Bwalya, a Zambian playing great, saw his home nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in February on a shootout after drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast.

The Golden Goal!

That is preferable, but FIFA says it embarrasses the losing team (ridiculous) and a lot of opponents say it makes everyone play more defensive.My suggestion is alternating corner kicks. You take your kick and have so much time to score. After it's up, the other team takes their kick. Lather, rinse, repeat three to five times as needed.

 

[El Floppo]

link - Not sure if this has been posted.

Blatter wants alternative to shootouts

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has asked German great Franz Beckenbauer to find an alternative to the ''tragedy'' of penalty shootouts.

Blatter told the FIFA Congress on Friday that football ''loses its essence'' when matches are settled by penalty kicks.

Football ''can be a drama, even a tragedy, when we go to penalty kicks,'' Blatter said. ''Football should not go to one to one, because when football goes to penalty kicks, it loses its essence as a team sport.''

Last Saturday, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a shootout to win the Champions League after the German side had dominated a game that finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Beckenbauer, the former Bayern captain and president, heads FIFA's Task Force Football 2014 panel which Blatter created in 2010 to improve football before the next World Cup in Brazil.

''Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer with his Football 2014 group can present us with a solution, if not today then tomorrow.''

The task force has met several teams, but has shown little public interest in scrapping penalty shootouts.

Beckenbauer's task force deputy chairman Kalusha Bwalya also has recent experience of a shootout.

Bwalya, a Zambian playing great, saw his home nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in February on a shootout after drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast.

The Golden Goal!

That is preferable, but FIFA says it embarrasses the losing team (ridiculous) and a lot of opponents say it makes everyone play more defensive.My suggestion is alternating corner kicks. You take your kick and have so much time to score. After it's up, the other team takes their kick. Lather, rinse, repeat three to five times as needed.

Ugh- I'm not liking the corner kick option... being good at set-pieces is only marginally better than being good/lucky at PKs.It's hard to do, especially in tournaments, but I think you have to let them keep playing. Keep it 2x 15 minute extra periods, and then play 15 minute periods after that with extra subs allowed (or maybe in and out substitutions so that the best players get a rest but can still figure in the game). If it's tied aafter 15, you play another 15 etc.

Of course this won't work so well unless it's the final game- I can't imagine players playing ad nauseum in the knock-out stages of the WC.

 

[GoFishTN]

Just trying to come up with something that involves the whole team. That's one of the main complaints about PKs.

 

[El Floppo]

Just trying to come up with something that involves the whole team. That's one of the main complaints about PKs.

I hear ya. I just visualize English teams dominating any games that end this way.

 

[LHUCKS]

I've always been impressed by Goodson. I'm surprised he doesn't get more love from the EPL...he's better than Ream from what I've seen.

 

[ditkaburgers]

Just trying to come up with something that involves the whole team. That's one of the main complaints about PKs.

I hear ya. I just visualize English teams dominating any games that end this way.

It would help Andy Carroll earn his transfer fee

 

[jonessed]

link - Not sure if this has been posted.

Blatter wants alternative to shootouts

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has asked German great Franz Beckenbauer to find an alternative to the ''tragedy'' of penalty shootouts.

Blatter told the FIFA Congress on Friday that football ''loses its essence'' when matches are settled by penalty kicks.

Football ''can be a drama, even a tragedy, when we go to penalty kicks,'' Blatter said. ''Football should not go to one to one, because when football goes to penalty kicks, it loses its essence as a team sport.''

Last Saturday, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a shootout to win the Champions League after the German side had dominated a game that finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Beckenbauer, the former Bayern captain and president, heads FIFA's Task Force Football 2014 panel which Blatter created in 2010 to improve football before the next World Cup in Brazil.

''Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer with his Football 2014 group can present us with a solution, if not today then tomorrow.''

The task force has met several teams, but has shown little public interest in scrapping penalty shootouts.

Beckenbauer's task force deputy chairman Kalusha Bwalya also has recent experience of a shootout.

Bwalya, a Zambian playing great, saw his home nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in February on a shootout after drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast.

The problem with extending the game too far is players get exhausted. I would go to golden goal with extra overtime subs.

 

[Slapdash]

Just trying to come up with something that involves the whole team. That's one of the main complaints about PKs.

I hear ya. I just visualize English teams dominating any games that end this way.

Not like they don't have enough incentive to play for the draw already.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Start over time with 11 v. 11, but remove one player per side every 10 minutes - by the time you got to 8 v. 8 somebody would have a great counter attack opportunity. Plus it adds a little strategy in who you take off the field.

 

[Sebowski]

Just trying to come up with something that involves the whole team. That's one of the main complaints about PKs.

Another con for the corner idea is that there is a foul on almost every corner already (shirt pulling, picks, etc..). Can't imagine that going well in a sudden death scenario. Hockey goes to 4-4 in the regular season OTs to increase offense. How about going 8-8 in extra time?

 

[NewlyRetired]

My suggestion is alternating corner kicks. You take your kick and have so much time to score. After it's up, the other team takes their kick. Lather, rinse, repeat three to five times as needed.

Is this 11-11? If so it won't work since the likelyhood of scoring even a single goal in 5 tries is extremely small IMO.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It is that time of the year when the MLS Players Union releases the salaries. At least we now know what Becks re-signed for.

First number is base salary, second number in () is the actual money they get paid including signing bonuses.

Toronto is getting some great return for having 3 of the 9 highest paid players in the league

=================================

Posted at 01:53 PM ET, 05/25/2012

Thierry Henry is MLS’s highest-paid player

By Steven Goff

MLS top 25 base salaries in 2012:

Thierry Henry, New York: $5 million ($5.6m overall)

Rafael Marquez, New York: $4.6 million ($4.6m)

David Beckham, Los Angeles: $3 million ($4m)

Robbie Keane, Los Angeles: $2.9 million ($3.4m)

Landon Donovan, Los Angeles: $2.4 million ($2.4m)

Torsten Frings, Toronto: $2 million ($2.4m)

Julian de Guzman, Toronto: $1.9 million ($1.9m)

Kris Boyd, Portland: $1.2 million ($1.5m)

Danny Koevermans, Toronto: $1.1 million ($1.6m)

Dwayne De Rosario, D.C. United: $617,000 ($663,000)

Fredy Montero, Seattle: $600,000 ($756,000)

David Ferreira, Dallas: $600,000 ($705,000)

Eric Hassli, Vancover: $550,000 ($790,000)

Shalrie Joseph, New England: $495,000 ($554,000)

Javier Morales, Real Salt Lake: $425,000 ($477,000)

Branko Boskovic, D.C. United: $409,000 ($545,000)

Freddy Adu, Philadelphia: $400,000 ($519,000)

Benny Feilhaber, New England: $400,000 ($446,000)

Conor Casey, Colorado: $400,000 ($400,000)

Juan Pablo Angel, Chivas USA: $350,000 ($600,000)

Alvaro Saborio, Real Salt Lake: $350,000 ($405,000)

Brek Shea, Dallas: $310,000 ($354,000)

Chad Marshall, Columbus: $310,000 ($341,000)

Hamdi Salihi, D.C. United: $305,000 ($487,000)

Alvaro Fernandez, Seattle: $300,000 ($367,000)

For team-by-team breakdowns and salary explanations, visit the players’ union Web site.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I love it when it comes down to penalties. I think it's the most drama in sports. I think it's perfect. Sure, occasionally you get a team that was completely outplayed stealing a win (Chelsea, I'm looking in your direction), but I still think it's a great spectacle.

 

[GoFishTN]

My suggestion is alternating corner kicks. You take your kick and have so much time to score. After it's up, the other team takes their kick. Lather, rinse, repeat three to five times as needed.

Is this 11-11? If so it won't work since the likelyhood of scoring even a single goal in 5 tries is extremely small IMO.

Apparently the conversion rate is much lower than I realized. Oh well, just a thought.It's really harder to answer than it appears, because of culture mainly, I think. Playing for the draw is so ingrained that I'm surprised they don't just declare co-winners.

 

[berndog]

My semi educated guess on the last 4 US cutsWilliams, Zusi, Agudelo, Morales

We have a winner Forward Juan Agudelo, defender Alfredo Morales and midfielders Danny Williams and Graham Zusi were cut Friday

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Barca cruising.

Instead of PK's, I'd go golden goal + more subs, and then maybe PK's after a longer OT.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

For not having anyone in the top-25 (it may be more), the Chicago Fire is getting a pretty good return on their players. 5-3-3 (18) and in 4th place in the East. Not bad.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Nice shot of a kid with a Bieber haircut and an Athletic jersey squirting tears. Not really sure what he was expecting.

Nice to see Pedro notch a couple, and it will be a very interesting offseason. Clasico Supercopa again next year!

 

[NewlyRetired]

For not having anyone in the top-25 (it may be more), the Chicago Fire is getting a pretty good return on their players. 5-3-3 (18) and in 4th place in the East. Not bad.

Here is all the data on all the teams (including the Fire) if you want to comparehttp://www.mlsplayers.org/files/May%2015,%202012%20Salary%20Information%20-%20By%20Club.pdfLooking at these salaries, you could put together a very good team (20 man roster) for the money being wasted on Marquez.

 

[Christo]

Golden goal. Then if there's a tie after 30 min alternating free kicks from anywhere outside the 18 yard box using 8 v 11 with any goal counting until the defensive team gets the ball OOB.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Tasker, are you still planning to set up a manual fantasy league for Euro 2012? Only 13 days till first game I think.Or should we just use one of the typical salary cap ones we can find online?

Didn't look like there was a ton of interest in here and I didn't realize the Euros were so soon until like 2 days ago.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Tasker, are you still planning to set up a manual fantasy league for Euro 2012? Only 13 days till first game I think.Or should we just use one of the typical salary cap ones we can find online?

Didn't look like there was a ton of interest in here and I didn't realize the Euros were so soon until like 2 days ago.

ok cool. I will probably just join some random one online then.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm in for whatever re: Euros.

 

[B Maverick]

Not sure if this was mentioned, but IMO any changes to the PK set up would have to involve a change to the substitution allowance. Either allowing more subs in a game or allowing re-entry for those removed. I just dont see any scenario where you can play a multiple OT game as it stands now. You see it all the time with players cramping and injuries mounting in OT.

As a former player I liked PKs although for the casual fan can see why its disliked as a resolution to the game. I just do not see a better way unless the sub rules are changed.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here are the 2012 MLS team salaries organized from smallest to largest.

The Toronto owners must be going crazy right now.

HOUSTON DYNAMO $ 3,001,091.87

MONTREAL IMPACT $ 3,025,864.92

CHICAGO FIRE $ 3,061,730.66

SPORTING KC $ 3,120,868.37

CHIVAS USA $ 3,143,054.14

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES $ 3,211,310.32

COLUMBUS CREW $ 3,325,609.00

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION $ 3,262,591.54

COLORADO RAPIDS $ 3,430,939.01

FC DALLAS $ 3,450,141.00

REAL SALT LAKE $ 3,519,095.25

PHILADELPHIA UNION $ 3,615,062.17

SEATTLE SOUNDERS $ 3,981,955.32

PORTLAND TIMBERS $ 4,158,661.29

DC UNITED $ 4,188,073.33

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS $ 4,294,436.49

TORONTO FC $ 8,248,852.39

LA GALAXY $ 12,632,386.89

RED BULL NEW YORK $ 12,957,790.88

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

I love it when it comes down to penalties. I think it's the most drama in sports. I think it's perfect. Sure, occasionally you get a team that was completely outplayed stealing a win (Chelsea, I'm looking in your direction), but I still think it's a great spectacle.

On the men in Blazers podcast this past week, one of the guys brought up an idea to hold the penalty shootout at the START of the match, and whoever wins the shootout would be declared the winner at the end of a draw after extra time.The argument is that it would be an attention grabber for fans, and would encourage attacking play from the team who lost the shootout, which in turn would open up counterattacking as well.Way too radical to ever happen, but it seemed like an interesting, outside the box idea

 

[NewlyRetired]

This is my best guess as to what the team might look like against Scotland.....................HowardCher.........Gooch.........Boca.........Castillo...................Bradley...........Jones........Donovan...............................Johnson...........................Dempsey.................................................JozyAlthough in the back of my mind I also have a feeling Torres may start as well, in place of either Johnson or Donovan.

Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl)5/25/12 2:31 PMBased on what Klinsmann has said this week, I suspect Fabian Johnson will play left back ahead of Edgar Castillk, that solves my Torres delimma nicely. .....................HowardCher.........Gooch.........Boca.........Johnson...................Bradley...........Jones........Donovan...............................Torres...........................Dempsey.................................................Jozy

 

[derek245583]

Start over time with 11 v. 11, but remove one player per side every 10 minutes - by the time you got to 8 v. 8 somebody would have a great counter attack opportunity. Plus it adds a little strategy in who you take off the field.

I saw an indoor league that took a player off every minute....Obviously 1 minute=10 minutes on the scale we are looking atWorks really well and is exciting.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Both Altidore and Dempsey will not be available for the game tomorrow night according to Ives.



At this rate Landon is going to retire before ever playing with Dempsey under JK

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just what the doctor ordered for Boyd (who might get a chance to start tomorrow night with Dempsey and Altidore out)

From Ives

VIENNA AMONG TEAMS IN RACE TO SIGN BOYD 

Terrence Boyd could soon be on his way out at Borussia Dortmund and on his way in for Rapid Vienna. Boyd confirmed to SBI that the Austrian powerhouse is one of the teams currently interested in acquiring him, but  they are not the only ones.

"[Rapid Vienna] wants to buy me out, but I've got second league options for loan in Germany. Others have been [interested], but it's just all talk. This is really what's going on right now. I hope that I'll sign this or next week, because I want to show where I am next season."

Boyd added that Borussia Dortmund is trying to extend his contract by three or four years, and that he's been talking about possibly joining Rapid Vienna with Andreas Herzog, the U.S. national team assistant coach who spent a large chunk of his career with the club.

"I know that I won't go there and be striker No. 1 because I come from fourth division," said Boyd. "But for me it's a point that I get a fair chance. Then you have to work for your chance and use it or don't."

 

[Sebowski]

Start over time with 11 v. 11, but remove one player per side every 10 minutes - by the time you got to 8 v. 8 somebody would have a great counter attack opportunity. Plus it adds a little strategy in who you take off the field.

I saw an indoor league that took a player off every minute....Obviously 1 minute=10 minutes on the scale we are looking atWorks really well and is exciting.

That is similar to my 8v8 idea. The more I thought about that after I posted it the more I liked it. Any other thoughts on it?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

link - Not sure if this has been posted.

Blatter wants alternative to shootouts

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has asked German great Franz Beckenbauer to find an alternative to the ''tragedy'' of penalty shootouts.

Blatter told the FIFA Congress on Friday that football ''loses its essence'' when matches are settled by penalty kicks.

Football ''can be a drama, even a tragedy, when we go to penalty kicks,'' Blatter said. ''Football should not go to one to one, because when football goes to penalty kicks, it loses its essence as a team sport.''

Last Saturday, Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a shootout to win the Champions League after the German side had dominated a game that finished in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Beckenbauer, the former Bayern captain and president, heads FIFA's Task Force Football 2014 panel which Blatter created in 2010 to improve football before the next World Cup in Brazil.

''Perhaps Franz Beckenbauer with his Football 2014 group can present us with a solution, if not today then tomorrow.''

The task force has met several teams, but has shown little public interest in scrapping penalty shootouts.

Beckenbauer's task force deputy chairman Kalusha Bwalya also has recent experience of a shootout.

Bwalya, a Zambian playing great, saw his home nation win the Africa Cup of Nations in February on a shootout after drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast.

The Golden Goal!

That is preferable, but FIFA says it embarrasses the losing team (ridiculous) and a lot of opponents say it makes everyone play more defensive.My suggestion is alternating corner kicks. You take your kick and have so much time to score. After it's up, the other team takes their kick. Lather, rinse, repeat three to five times as needed.

I was actually joking about the Golden Goal. It was a disaster imo and a great example of unintended consequences, as it caused teams to play even more defensively in the extra period rather than going for the win, which was the goal of the new rule.FIFA and UEFA have been debating this issue since I first started following soccer in the 80's. The only good solution is the old-school approach of re-playing the game, and that of course is impossible these days in big tournaments. I think we're stuck with PK's forever.

While a terrible way to decide a big game, there is great drama. In the CL final last weekend - David Luiz 57 mph, 30 yd approach; confusion on the BM side when Robben and Kroos refused to take PK's leading to Neuer unexpectedly having to take one (and converting); Cole's lazer just a c-hair inside the right post; Schweine losing his nerve, taking a stutter step and failing miserably before Drogba calmly slots in the winner. No question it is great entertainment.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Cool story. Two guys who caught the match ball from USA 1-0 Algeria in South Africa brought it to the USMNT training camp to get a photo with Donovan.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Cool story. Two guys who caught the match ball from USA 1-0 Algeria in South Africa brought it to the USMNT training camp to get a photo with Donovan.

I saw this pic on twitter last night.I think it is very cool that all they want to do is get a picture with Landon and then will donate the ball to the Hall Of Fame.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A poster on Big Soccer watched training yesterday.

He noticed that while Zusi, Morales and Agudelo went home, that Williams was still there.

He also noticed that Dempsey and Parkhurst were practicing by themselves, the Williams went full bore with the regular team and showed no signs of injury.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't think this is enough to go on to assume Wondo will start today but this is an enormous amount of praise, even for Klinsmann, to heap upon a player to the press

Chris Wondolowski's uncanny goal-scoring talent led to his latest invitation to the U.S. national team soccer camp, coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Friday.

"First and foremost is he scores goals," Klinsmann said during a national conference call with reporters. "He is hungry for goals, no matter if it is in training or in an MLS game. Every place. This is fun to watch."

The Earthquakes star was one of 23 players to make the U.S. roster for an important five-match series starting Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla., against Scotland.

Wondolowski, a Danville native who graduated from De La Salle High, will contend for playing time with some of the country's best forwards. Also on the roster are Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) and Herculez Gomez (Santos).

Wondolowski is tied with Kenney Cooper with 11 goals apiece in the Major League Soccer Golden Boot race this season.

Klinsmann also has been impressed by something Earthquakes fans have seen since Wondolowski arrived in 2009 from Houston in a midseason trade.

"He doesn't stop running," the coach said. "He doesn't stop fighting. He helps his teammates. He's a pure giver."

Klinsmann added that he has talked to the striker about elevating his game for international play. The coach said Wondolowski needs to improve his first touch on the ball and his combination play "but he deserves to be in this camp."

Wondolowski, 29, has appeared in seven matches for the United States since making his debut last year.

Klinsmann said age is not an obstacle for a late-bloomer such as Wondolowski.

"He's tremendously fit," the coach said. "He's sharp. He's experienced. He understands better what it takes to be an international striker. He's hungry for information. He's like a sponge."

The Americans play host to five-time World Cup champion Brazil on Wednesday and then travel to Toronto for a June 3 exhibition against Canada.

The team opens CONCACAF qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup on June 8 against Antigua & Barbuda in Tampa, Fla. The Americans also travel to Guatemala on June 12.

Wondolowski will return to San Jose in time for the second half of the MLS season that begins June 20 at Colorado.

 

[Mjolnirs]

One change that I think could help with the extra time v pk debate is this:

Right now they play two 15 minute periods regardless of score. If Robben had made his pk in the 1st extra period they would still play the 2nd extra period. I think that if one team is up after the first 15 then the match is over.

We've all seen matches that could have ended this way that the losing team scored in the 2nd period and then pks. It's not Golden Goal, but more of a Golden Extra Period.

This wouldn't resolve the issue, but it would reduce the number of games that reach the shootout point.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

One change that I think could help with the extra time v pk debate is this:Right now they play two 15 minute periods regardless of score. If Robben had made his pk in the 1st extra period they would still play the 2nd extra period. I think that if one team is up after the first 15 then the match is over.We've all seen matches that could have ended this way that the losing team scored in the 2nd period and then pks. It's not Golden Goal, but more of a Golden Extra Period.This wouldn't resolve the issue, but it would reduce the number of games that reach the shootout point.

This format is called Silver Goal and has been used in tournaments before (a recent Euro maybe?)ETA - silver goal was used in Euro 2004

 

[ditkaburgers]

You can complain about the fairness of penalties but it would be hard to top the drama of today's L1 playoffs between Huddersfield and Sheffield United. Huddersfield missed their first three kicks but eventually won 8-7 after 11 rounds of kicks. The Pigs' goalie Steve Simonsen missed badly after getting his hands on the kick from the Huddersfield keeper.

 

[LHUCKS]

If Wondo "understands what it takes to be an international striker", why does he suck so bad in meaningful international competition?

Give Boyd the start and foster upside. Wondo has little to no chance of making an impact in 2014.

Is this an MLS appreciation endeavor?

 

[LHUCKS]

Both Altidore and Dempsey will not be available for the game tomorrow night according to Ives.

meaningless friendly, would like to see us give Boyd a shot.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Buddle finally breaks his season long drought with an early goal against Houston.

Game in on NBCSN.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

What's with France and Mexico playing on Telemundo in front of zero fans that I can see? It's the Toulon Tournament (?)

Where is everyone?