The Z Machine
Footballguy
I'd continue to start Gomez over Jozy after today. Jozy needs to earn it, either on the practice pitch or in the limited time he has on the field. He didn't do that tonight.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jpeace121
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
I said I'd be happy with a draw, and I am. Always tough to get points in central america.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I feel the same way. After watching Mexico escape with a fairly lucky 3 points I was hopeful we could too especially when Guat was really not creating a ton of chances. Anyone know why Goodson was subbed? I know he had a yellow and was wondering if it was precautionary. Was very happy to not see Gooch.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Mexico and Panama have 6 points
US, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Canada have 4 points
Everyone else has 1 or less points.
US, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Canada have 4 points
Everyone else has 1 or less points.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
He was getting abused by Ruiz, who was certain to try and get him sent off. Goodsen doesn't have the experience (yet) to deal with those shenanigans.Does anyone else think that JK has asked LD to be a midfield distributor from the left side? Basically, stay at home more often, be an outlet for Edu / Jones / Bradley and generally hold up play in the midfield? I think JK might be on to something in trying to free up Dempsey to get good shots, and taking shots over the top with Gomez and Jozy. If this is the case, it is more tactical than I think Bob Bradley ever was.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This is the second game in a row the Guat coach has used all three subs at half time.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Deutschland played pretty well, US not as much.
Johnson and especially Jones were pretty solid all game (even if Johnson got Ruized there at the end)- I'd give the MoM to Jones though; he showed the kind of patient experience the US desperately needs in these WCQ away games- he even kept his head. Bradley still looks tired (would take him 3 touches in a looping move to try and turn the ball- pretty much every time) and Edu still can't control the ball. I've been a long-time fan-boy of Cherundolo, but he had another poor game, particuarly with the ball on his foot. Outside of the goal and a couple of moves that showed his class, Dempsey lost more balls than he won- not one for the scrap book. Howard too, was miserable with the distribution from his feet- constnatly put the US under pressure by giving the ball away too easily.
BUt there were some bright spots- I thought LD had an ok game on both sides of the ball. And the US moved the ball around really well- especially when they were able to switch the field quicker (ie- Bradley didn't need to take his looping 3 touches) bringing the outside backs into the attack. That Guat team was not very good and the US should be able to tear them apart at home (of course, unless a win is needed, I figure Guat to bunker down in the US) outside of continued poor skills and exhaustion.
It was nice to see the ref not #### us for a change- thought he called a decent game, although I would have liked to see more yellows to Guat for all the repeated fouling (especially against Dempsey) and for the cynical professional fouls pulling US players down as they ran by. And yeah,he had some missed calls (yellow to Bradley in the 60th for time-wasting, when Bradley was repeatedly asking for 10 yards), but I'd take this over 99% of typical WCQ reffing.
I thought the US looked pretty organized throughout the game- decent spacing when Edu, Dempsey and Cherundolo weren't losing the ball cheaply. And again, thought they moved the ball up the field well. But again from last game- somebody needs to shoot the ####### thing. And again- it seems that this 5 game "tournament" experiement was a mistake... the US needed to be playing with fresher legs.
Johnson and especially Jones were pretty solid all game (even if Johnson got Ruized there at the end)- I'd give the MoM to Jones though; he showed the kind of patient experience the US desperately needs in these WCQ away games- he even kept his head. Bradley still looks tired (would take him 3 touches in a looping move to try and turn the ball- pretty much every time) and Edu still can't control the ball. I've been a long-time fan-boy of Cherundolo, but he had another poor game, particuarly with the ball on his foot. Outside of the goal and a couple of moves that showed his class, Dempsey lost more balls than he won- not one for the scrap book. Howard too, was miserable with the distribution from his feet- constnatly put the US under pressure by giving the ball away too easily.
BUt there were some bright spots- I thought LD had an ok game on both sides of the ball. And the US moved the ball around really well- especially when they were able to switch the field quicker (ie- Bradley didn't need to take his looping 3 touches) bringing the outside backs into the attack. That Guat team was not very good and the US should be able to tear them apart at home (of course, unless a win is needed, I figure Guat to bunker down in the US) outside of continued poor skills and exhaustion.
It was nice to see the ref not #### us for a change- thought he called a decent game, although I would have liked to see more yellows to Guat for all the repeated fouling (especially against Dempsey) and for the cynical professional fouls pulling US players down as they ran by. And yeah,he had some missed calls (yellow to Bradley in the 60th for time-wasting, when Bradley was repeatedly asking for 10 yards), but I'd take this over 99% of typical WCQ reffing.
I thought the US looked pretty organized throughout the game- decent spacing when Edu, Dempsey and Cherundolo weren't losing the ball cheaply. And again, thought they moved the ball up the field well. But again from last game- somebody needs to shoot the ####### thing. And again- it seems that this 5 game "tournament" experiement was a mistake... the US needed to be playing with fresher legs.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I'd feel better about LD if JK was dictating his lack of explosive push into space... but I think LD just doesn't have that gear any more and is adjusting his game around it. A little disappointing based on what we've gotten used to from him, but as long as he plays like today (busy around the ball and making good decisions) I'm fine with the wiser, slower LD.eta: and I don't think Goodsen was getting "abused" by Ruiz- he had his moments, but for the most part was kept away from danger. IMO, JK didn't want to chance a red away from home.
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El Floppo
Footballguy
I agree about the disappointment, in spite of my comments recently being happy about getting a point in this game.Andy- didn't this feel like a different game than a typical Central American away WCQ? The US were able to control decent periods of play, the refs called things mostly in our favor, and the US looked the most likely to create chances while keeping a fairly organized back line. For the first time I can remember- ever- the US looked like they were the better team, playing with confidence in a very hostile enviroment. At a guess- the Bundesliga guys seem to have a very calming influence... although it's fair to say that the core of the US team: LD, Boca, Dempsey, Bradley... are all seasoned, well-established vets who should be able to handle this by now.
El Floppo
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The Guat home leg will be at LiveStrong in KC.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=305522&view=findpost&p=14436664
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It did feel different for many of the reasons you mentioned. One of the keys is that the refs did a pretty good job (outside of the quick whistle that stopped Jozy's advantage). I watched most of the Mexico game and ELS was significantly more dangerous than Guat was. Strange game some times.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Fabian got loose on the left and had a long run. Near the edge of the box he made a squarish pass to Dempsey. Dempsey slid past one defender and hit it across his body which beat the keeper down low on the left center of the net.
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Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I think it's just disappointing the way it happened. If it was an even scoreline for most of the game it would've felt better. To give up that goal so late is what stings for me.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Man that's great marketing. In addition to making the ticket holders feel special, who wouldn't want to buy an official kit that has your name on it?FC Parma puts the names of their season ticket holders in small print on the kit.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2012/02/rapids-offer-fans-opportunity-be-part-fabric-teamCOMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, February 6, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids are thanking their most loyal fans with a unique opportunity to “Be Part of the Fabric of the Team,” as the club will feature the names of its Season Ticket holders on the 2013-2014 home jerseys. All fans that have renewed their season tickets for the 2012 season, as well as those that purchase new seats by March 1, 2012, will have their names printed into the design of the Rapids authentic home jerseys in 2013 and 2014.Man that's great marketing. In addition to making the ticket holders feel special, who wouldn't want to buy an official kit that has your name on it?FC Parma puts the names of their season ticket holders in small print on the kit.
SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
“This is a unique and special opportunity to have our loyal supporters on the pitch with our players in seasons ahead,” said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. “Our season ticket holders are the lifeblood of this organization. For our fans to take the pitch with our first team players truly exemplifies our ‘One Club’ mentality moving forward. We think our fans will enjoy the new design of our uniforms in 2013, and will be excited to find their names on the home jerseys.”
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This is something that would be great to catch on.http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2012/02/rapids-offer-fans-opportunity-be-part-fabric-teamCOMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, February 6, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids are thanking their most loyal fans with a unique opportunity to “Be Part of the Fabric of the Team,” as the club will feature the names of its Season Ticket holders on the 2013-2014 home jerseys. All fans that have renewed their season tickets for the 2012 season, as well as those that purchase new seats by March 1, 2012, will have their names printed into the design of the Rapids authentic home jerseys in 2013 and 2014.Man that's great marketing. In addition to making the ticket holders feel special, who wouldn't want to buy an official kit that has your name on it?FC Parma puts the names of their season ticket holders in small print on the kit.
SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
“This is a unique and special opportunity to have our loyal supporters on the pitch with our players in seasons ahead,” said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. “Our season ticket holders are the lifeblood of this organization. For our fans to take the pitch with our first team players truly exemplifies our ‘One Club’ mentality moving forward. We think our fans will enjoy the new design of our uniforms in 2013, and will be excited to find their names on the home jerseys.”
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Is anyone else underwhelmed by Edu's play over this 5 game stretch?
He plays a position where possession is critical but I find that his passing is not up to snuff. I think he is solid in the destroyer role but that is only half of his responsibilities.
He plays a position where possession is critical but I find that his passing is not up to snuff. I think he is solid in the destroyer role but that is only half of his responsibilities.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Agreed. I thought he'd challenge Jones for his slot, but Edu's passing and ball handling are big downgrades over Jones. Jones has delivered quite a few perfectly weighted passes in the games I've seen him play. The only negatives I have for him are lack of accurate shooting, and a tendency to get carded. But he's got more steel than any US player right now.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I liked that less than 3 minutes into the game last night the Guat's were already trying to get under Jones' skin. Good to see him laugh it off.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Outside of what Johnson can provide in small doses, the US has almost no wide play any more. Landon runs at people twice a game these days if we are lucky.
Media on twitter is speculating that Johnson should be moved to his natural wing midfielder position if Lichaj can absorb the lb position.
It has taken us so long to find a lb, I would hate to see it change but unless Shea and Holden can find form/fitness, or that Gyau and Gatt gain experience, the US are going to be pretty easy to defend if we never attack wide.
Having Cherundolo and Donovan on the right used to mean 10-15 wide attacks per game. Now it may be closer to 5.
Media on twitter is speculating that Johnson should be moved to his natural wing midfielder position if Lichaj can absorb the lb position.
It has taken us so long to find a lb, I would hate to see it change but unless Shea and Holden can find form/fitness, or that Gyau and Gatt gain experience, the US are going to be pretty easy to defend if we never attack wide.
Having Cherundolo and Donovan on the right used to mean 10-15 wide attacks per game. Now it may be closer to 5.
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Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Other than Fabian Johnson, Michael Bradley and Dempsey (in a limited role) I haven't been impressed with the team as a whole. Donovan just seems meh somehow -- he's not beating anyone off the dribble or with the pass right now. The central defense has give up too many good chances. If I see Cherundolo make another short, sharp stab pass while under no pressure that covers five yards to his nearest teammate I may cry. There's not much creativity coming from the midfield either and they've had a couple pretty bad passing games on top of that. The team just doesn't look sharp to me. But they're an away win vs Antigua and a home win vs either Guatemala or Jamaica away from qualfying, so who cares? Survive and advance.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
That's what these games are about.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Here is my good bad and ugly listGood: *Howard continues to look pretty sharp. No worries in goal*Johnson is a small revelation at left back. Pretty solid defending and excellent attacking*Gomez's work rate, nose for goal and intelligent runs make him a solid player for me. Plus he is simply better suited for to play against the Central American teams with the gamesmanship crap*Bradley has been solid, but it was a bit worrisome to me the more games they played, the less affect he had*Jones provides steel as Z mentioned, and the best engine on the team. He is also arguably the best mid range passer on the teamBad:*Wing play. This lack of wing play comes from Donovan refusing to attack, Dolo seemingly no longer having the will to go forward, Dempsey's instinct to pinch in and likely a tactical choice for Klinsmann*There was no player I was more excited to see the progress of than Jozy and it was the player I saw the least from. The lack of fitness was very disappointing and he had almost no affect as a sub*Edu: See my previous post. I could see Williams challenging for his spot in the September qualifiers.Ugly:*I think Gooch may have played his way off the national team. Best to let him sort it out in the next 6 months at club level and then take another look early next year if need beIndifferent:*Boca is no superstar but he is solid enough to help us through qualifying*Dempsey scored once from open play but really did not put his stamp on the games like I had hoped but obviously no worries with this player
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Fun with numbers
* Looking at the qualification for 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010, 11 points is the magic number in this round historically. Every team that achieved at least 11 points advanced. A handful of teams at 10 points also advanced but some at 10 did not (usually via a tie breaker with another 10 point team).
* For the US to reach 11 points, this would be a decent possibility with some room to spare
Currently at 4 points, draw @ Jam, win hosting Jam, win @ Antigua leaving 1 game left over to cover for a screw up
* The US actually has a path to qualify after the two Jamaica games in September, however unlikely
Two wins over Jam and the two games between Antigua and Guat containing at least 1 draw. (if either Antigua or Guat get max points, US can not qualify with two games remaining)
* One of the reasons I am interested in having a game or two to spare, outside of making my heart rest easier, is that it will give Klinsmann some chips to play with the club coaches. For example if the AZ coach continues to be a pain about releasing players, Klinsmann might be able to bargain knowing that he would not have to call in Jozy for a spare game this round.
* Looking at the qualification for 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010, 11 points is the magic number in this round historically. Every team that achieved at least 11 points advanced. A handful of teams at 10 points also advanced but some at 10 did not (usually via a tie breaker with another 10 point team).
* For the US to reach 11 points, this would be a decent possibility with some room to spare
Currently at 4 points, draw @ Jam, win hosting Jam, win @ Antigua leaving 1 game left over to cover for a screw up
* The US actually has a path to qualify after the two Jamaica games in September, however unlikely
Two wins over Jam and the two games between Antigua and Guat containing at least 1 draw. (if either Antigua or Guat get max points, US can not qualify with two games remaining)
* One of the reasons I am interested in having a game or two to spare, outside of making my heart rest easier, is that it will give Klinsmann some chips to play with the club coaches. For example if the AZ coach continues to be a pain about releasing players, Klinsmann might be able to bargain knowing that he would not have to call in Jozy for a spare game this round.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It has been a long time :(He was first hurt in March of 2011 and he is still not back yet. Since he had the horrible set back last year in his recovery, he does not want to give a time table for his return.With an injury this severe and a recovery this long, it is fair to wonder if he is going to be the same player again. Hopefully he can start playing in the upcoming Championship in England and we can hope for the best.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Good summary of the play in the last few games. I can't find fault with any of it.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This is funny to me
As you may know, there are many new .XXXX names (to expand from the common .com, .net etc) that are being bid on for web real estate.
There are currently 4 entities bidding on the .soccer domain name.
MLS, via SUM is one of the bidders for the .soccer domain.
The current web site for mls is www.mlssoccer.com
If they win the bid, and you wrote out the full name it would look like www.majorleaguesoccersoccer.soccer
Here is a list of the new domains and who is bidding on them
http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/application-results/strings-1200utc-13jun12-en
As you may know, there are many new .XXXX names (to expand from the common .com, .net etc) that are being bid on for web real estate.
There are currently 4 entities bidding on the .soccer domain name.
MLS, via SUM is one of the bidders for the .soccer domain.
The current web site for mls is www.mlssoccer.com
If they win the bid, and you wrote out the full name it would look like www.majorleaguesoccersoccer.soccer
Here is a list of the new domains and who is bidding on them
http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/application-results/strings-1200utc-13jun12-en
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Not quite "must - win" situations for Holland and Portugal today, but both need at least a point to have any hope of advancing. These should both be great games.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Union beat writerDave Zeitlin@DaveZeitlin I've been told this Union press conference is a very important one.3:00pm Wed Jun 13 via Twitter for iPhone
I can live with a player falling down easily on contact to draw a foul, but I loathe the fake injury BS, particularly when it is only designed to escalate a foul to a card - or create a foul where none occurred.
They should put in a rule that requires players taken off the field for injury to remain off for 10 minutes. I also would not mind better post-match reviews and penalties for simulation - err on the side of simulation, and you clean this issue up pretty quick imo
They should put in a rule that requires players taken off the field for injury to remain off for 10 minutes. I also would not mind better post-match reviews and penalties for simulation - err on the side of simulation, and you clean this issue up pretty quick imo
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
You speak what I bet 90% of the fans would agree with. You are as likely to see Fifa want to clean this up as you would Fifa wanting to remove corruption in its own ranks sadly.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Roberto Di Matteo signed a 2 year deal to manage Chelsea
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Wow what a pretty goal by Denmark. Going to make for a fun second half.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl)
6/13/12 12:31 PM
ESPN-UK loses out on new Premier League rights deal to Sky & BT Vision, which pay combined $4.69 billion for 3-year deal starting in 2013-14
==========
The tv guys on twitter do not believe this will affect ESPN putting in a bid for the US rights to the EPL.
6/13/12 12:31 PM
ESPN-UK loses out on new Premier League rights deal to Sky & BT Vision, which pay combined $4.69 billion for 3-year deal starting in 2013-14
==========
The tv guys on twitter do not believe this will affect ESPN putting in a bid for the US rights to the EPL.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
I love these posts! Thanks.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN)
6/13/12 12:47 PM
11 of 28 EURO goals thus far have been scored on headers (39.3%).
6/13/12 12:47 PM
11 of 28 EURO goals thus far have been scored on headers (39.3%).
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Weird... seemed like 10 should be enough, but you're right -- you can miss sometimes with 10. 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 qualifying results from this round:11+ points - 17/17 teams qualified10 points - 6/9 9 points - 0/18 points - 1/27 or less - noneSo with four games left the US needs two wins and a draw to seal the deal.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ives reported that UEFA has fined Russia and also docked it 6 points for the next qualification cycle for Euro 2016.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Nice data.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Line-up Netherlands (vs GER): Stekelenburg - VanderWiel Heitinga Mathijsen Willems - DeJong VanBommel - Robben Sneijder Afellay - VanPersie
AcerFC
Footballguy
why? what did i miss
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