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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (7 Viewers)

Wednesday’s semifinal match between Spain and Portugal drew the largest audience ever on ESPN for the semifinals of the European Championship -- 1.952 million viewers, based on a 0.7 rating.The two semifinals drew an average of 1.907 million viewers, an increase of 46 percent compared to the two semifinals in 2008. Through 30 matches, ESPN’s live English-language coverage is averaging 1,202,000 viewers -- up 61 percent from 2008.-- The Euro semifinals averaged 586,000 viewers on ESPN Deportes, up 250 percent compared to 2008. The Spain-Portugal game attracted 650,000 viewers, making it the third highest-rated and most watched telecast on ESPN Deportes thus far this year.-- The semifinals were the two most-watched matches of the tournament thus far on ESPN3 and WatchESPN: 598,000 unique viewers for Spain-Portugal and 553,000 unique viewers for Italy-Germany
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Some injury updates

-Omar Gonzalez has returned to full training with no restrictions. It appears to be only a matter if time before he gets back on the field for his first game.

- Stewart Holden, out since March of 2011, has just started to lightly jog. Obviously a long way to go. :(

 
Andy> we're always looking for players to put on the future Nats radar, well I'm going to risk getting waaaay out of ahead of myself with this one, but keep tabs on this kid Antoine Hoppenot on the Union. Watching him the last three games, I think he's a baller.

Speed to burn, dangerous with both feet, seems to have a high soccer IQ as well (he's a Princeton kid). And the scuttlebutt on the Union's BS board is that Hackworth and the staff are super high on this kid.

Small sample size at this point to be sure, but could be a real diamond in the rough. And I believe he's a dual US/France citizen. Family moved here from Paris at a really young age.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
'honky kong said:
'Eephus said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'CletiusMaximus said:
I don't like introducing new fans to euro football via the Champions League because the format changes tactics so much that it really becomes a different game imo. Its probably more a personal preference than anything, and I love the CL as much as the next guy, but I think new fans should be firmly grounded in league play before or at least at the same time they are introduced to the CL.
Click to expand...
I totally see what you are saying. All though an argument could also be made that if these new fans are coming in from watching WC's and Euro's they may find the Champions League format (after the qualifiers are complete) very familiar.
Click to expand...
I find the CL schedule very off-putting. Midweek games aren't nearly as convenient than waking up on Saturday morning and switching on the game. The Champions League also has big gaps in its calendar that diminishes the week in, week out engagement of a national league.Since this is a fantasy football board, I think picking a fantasy team is a good way to bond with the game, particularly if you don't have a previous rooting interest in any particular team (or if your club is mired in League 2).
Click to expand...
I had nothing more than a passing knowledge of the game before this last EPL season (basically just watching the World Cup) until I joined the league that kupcho set up. Now the first site I hit at breakfast is to check the transfer rumors out there. I'm hooked at this point and have tentatively picked a team (I think).
Click to expand...
Do tell. :popcorn:
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I've decided to cast my lot with Tottenham. I began the season following Man City because of their style of play but I find it hard to pull for teams that money-whip people. Kind of the same thing with Man U, plus that'd be like pulling for the Yankees. From what reading I've done, Spurs seem to have a tradition of free-flowing play and at least a chance of challenging for a Champions League spot. Seems like a good fit for me.
 
'honky kong said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'honky kong said:
'Eephus said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'CletiusMaximus said:
I don't like introducing new fans to euro football via the Champions League because the format changes tactics so much that it really becomes a different game imo. Its probably more a personal preference than anything, and I love the CL as much as the next guy, but I think new fans should be firmly grounded in league play before or at least at the same time they are introduced to the CL.
Click to expand...
I totally see what you are saying. All though an argument could also be made that if these new fans are coming in from watching WC's and Euro's they may find the Champions League format (after the qualifiers are complete) very familiar.
Click to expand...
I find the CL schedule very off-putting. Midweek games aren't nearly as convenient than waking up on Saturday morning and switching on the game. The Champions League also has big gaps in its calendar that diminishes the week in, week out engagement of a national league.Since this is a fantasy football board, I think picking a fantasy team is a good way to bond with the game, particularly if you don't have a previous rooting interest in any particular team (or if your club is mired in League 2).
Click to expand...
I had nothing more than a passing knowledge of the game before this last EPL season (basically just watching the World Cup) until I joined the league that kupcho set up. Now the first site I hit at breakfast is to check the transfer rumors out there. I'm hooked at this point and have tentatively picked a team (I think).
Click to expand...
Do tell. :popcorn:
Click to expand...
I've decided to cast my lot with Tottenham. I began the season following Man City because of their style of play but I find it hard to pull for teams that money-whip people. Kind of the same thing with Man U, plus that'd be like pulling for the Yankees. From what reading I've done, Spurs seem to have a tradition of free-flowing play and at least a chance of challenging for a Champions League spot. Seems like a good fit for me.
Click to expand...
:thumbup: :thumbup: awesome choice. It is amazing how many new fans end up supporting Spurs using the exact same criteria you did. Fun team with a nice history. You will enjoy them I think.

Read up on them in Wiki when you get a chance to give yourself a little back ground on the history.

 
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'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
Andy> we're always looking for players to put on the future Nats radar, well I'm going to risk getting waaaay out of ahead of myself with this one, but keep tabs on this kid Antoine Hoppenot on the Union. Watching him the last three games, I think he's a baller. Speed to burn, dangerous with both feet, seems to have a high soccer IQ as well (he's a Princeton kid). And the scuttlebutt on the Union's BS board is that Hackworth and the staff are super high on this kid.Small sample size at this point to be sure, but could be a real diamond in the rough. And I believe he's a dual US/France citizen. Family moved here from Paris at a really young age.
Click to expand...
Notebooked! Thanks! As MLS continues to grow in size, it is more difficult to find the diamonds in the rough type of players if you are not a local supporter.Nice to see he is only 21 as well. I look forward to seeing him progress.
 
Couple of US National team players abroad tidbits from twitter

* Multiple reports (unofficial) that M. Bradley will join Roma for 3.5 million Euro's.

* Terrence Boyd has been given the number 9 shirt by Rapid Vienna. Hopefully that means they are looking at him as a starter.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
'honky kong said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'honky kong said:
'Eephus said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'CletiusMaximus said:
I don't like introducing new fans to euro football via the Champions League because the format changes tactics so much that it really becomes a different game imo. Its probably more a personal preference than anything, and I love the CL as much as the next guy, but I think new fans should be firmly grounded in league play before or at least at the same time they are introduced to the CL.
Click to expand...
I totally see what you are saying. All though an argument could also be made that if these new fans are coming in from watching WC's and Euro's they may find the Champions League format (after the qualifiers are complete) very familiar.
Click to expand...
I find the CL schedule very off-putting. Midweek games aren't nearly as convenient than waking up on Saturday morning and switching on the game. The Champions League also has big gaps in its calendar that diminishes the week in, week out engagement of a national league.Since this is a fantasy football board, I think picking a fantasy team is a good way to bond with the game, particularly if you don't have a previous rooting interest in any particular team (or if your club is mired in League 2).
Click to expand...
I had nothing more than a passing knowledge of the game before this last EPL season (basically just watching the World Cup) until I joined the league that kupcho set up. Now the first site I hit at breakfast is to check the transfer rumors out there. I'm hooked at this point and have tentatively picked a team (I think).
Click to expand...
Do tell. :popcorn:
Click to expand...
I've decided to cast my lot with Tottenham. I began the season following Man City because of their style of play but I find it hard to pull for teams that money-whip people. Kind of the same thing with Man U, plus that'd be like pulling for the Yankees. From what reading I've done, Spurs seem to have a tradition of free-flowing play and at least a chance of challenging for a Champions League spot. Seems like a good fit for me.
Click to expand...
:thumbup: :thumbup: awesome choice. It is amazing how many new fans end up supporting Spurs using the exact same criteria you did. Fun team with a nice history. You will enjoy them I think.

Read up on them in Wiki when you get a chance to give yourself a little back ground on the history.
Click to expand...
:thumbup:
 
'honky kong said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'honky kong said:
'Eephus said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'CletiusMaximus said:
I don't like introducing new fans to euro football via the Champions League because the format changes tactics so much that it really becomes a different game imo. Its probably more a personal preference than anything, and I love the CL as much as the next guy, but I think new fans should be firmly grounded in league play before or at least at the same time they are introduced to the CL.
Click to expand...
I totally see what you are saying. All though an argument could also be made that if these new fans are coming in from watching WC's and Euro's they may find the Champions League format (after the qualifiers are complete) very familiar.
Click to expand...
I find the CL schedule very off-putting. Midweek games aren't nearly as convenient than waking up on Saturday morning and switching on the game. The Champions League also has big gaps in its calendar that diminishes the week in, week out engagement of a national league.Since this is a fantasy football board, I think picking a fantasy team is a good way to bond with the game, particularly if you don't have a previous rooting interest in any particular team (or if your club is mired in League 2).
Click to expand...
I had nothing more than a passing knowledge of the game before this last EPL season (basically just watching the World Cup) until I joined the league that kupcho set up. Now the first site I hit at breakfast is to check the transfer rumors out there. I'm hooked at this point and have tentatively picked a team (I think).
Click to expand...
Do tell. :popcorn:
Click to expand...
I've decided to cast my lot with Tottenham. I began the season following Man City because of their style of play but I find it hard to pull for teams that money-whip people. Kind of the same thing with Man U, plus that'd be like pulling for the Yankees. From what reading I've done, Spurs seem to have a tradition of free-flowing play and at least a chance of challenging for a Champions League spot. Seems like a good fit for me.
Click to expand...
:hifive:

 
'GoFishTN said:
UEFA wants soccer's lawmaking panel to delay a decision next week on approving goal-line technology.

The European soccer body pledged full support Saturday for its rival five-officials method of refereeing, despite an error that denied Ukraine a goal in a decisive European Championship group match against England.
Click to expand...
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/story/_/id/8116146/uefa-urges-delay-goal-line-tech-decision :wall:
Click to expand...
I always wondered who could be more non progressive than FIFA, but I guess I have an answer. If/when Platini takes over, he is going to drag the sport into the dark ages.

 
Euro 2012 LIVE! (@Euro2012_NOW)

6/30/12 1:31 PM

Mario Balotelli: "I will invite Shakira to the final, so that she can see what I will do to her boyfriend (Pique)."

 
'NewlyRetired said:
Couple of US National team players abroad tidbits from twitter* Multiple reports (unofficial) that M. Bradley will join Roma for 3.5 million Euro's. * Terrence Boyd has been given the number 9 shirt by Rapid Vienna. Hopefully that means they are looking at him as a starter.
Click to expand...
Pretty cool. Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina and Palermo all competing on Bradley. Reported by Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy.http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/06/30/3211215/roma-join-race-for-chievo-and-usa-midfielder-bradley-report?source=breakingnews
 
'Native said:
'NewlyRetired said:
Couple of US National team players abroad tidbits from twitter* Multiple reports (unofficial) that M. Bradley will join Roma for 3.5 million Euro's. * Terrence Boyd has been given the number 9 shirt by Rapid Vienna. Hopefully that means they are looking at him as a starter.
Click to expand...
Pretty cool. Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina and Palermo all competing on Bradley. Reported by Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy.http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2012/06/30/3211215/roma-join-race-for-chievo-and-usa-midfielder-bradley-report?source=breakingnews
Click to expand...
He would have a chance to play decent minutes in 3 of the 4 teams. I would hate to see him go to Juventus and become a practice player.
 
Egypt eliminated from the 2013 African Cup after losing a first round home & home 4-3 on aggregate vs the Central African Republic

 
DC easily beat Montreal to jump back in first in the East.

Another really strong goal from Pontius.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-dc-v-mtl/highlights?videoID=190578

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

Over in NE one the smallest and youngest players in the league, Diego Fagundez, won a header in the 94th minute to draw level against Seattle. Second week in a row NE has scored in the 94th minute to tie a game. Eddie Johnson scored twice for Seattle.

Here is a clip of the Fagundez goal

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-30-ne-v-sea/highlights?videoID=190630

 
Not the best defending but fun entertainment here.

SJ goes up 1-0

LA storms back and takes a 3-1 lead

SJ bounces back and is now up 4-3.

Only the 61st minute :)

 
A possible good sign for US forwards. In all the years I have been following MLS, I don't remember a time when at the half way point of the season, so many Americans were at the top of the scoring charts. Right now, 4 of the top 5 scorers are American

Chris Wondolowski 14

Kenny Cooper 11

Thierry Henry 9

Chris Pontius 9

Will Bruin 9

Everyone knows Wondo and Copper.

Pontius is the player I have been schilling all year, just turned 25 and helping DC into first place this year

Bruin is a 22 year old, decent size at 6'2", who plays for Houston and has kind of taken over for Ching as the top forward on that team

 
'NewlyRetired said:
A possible good sign for US forwards. In all the years I have been following MLS, I don't remember a time when at the half way point of the season, so many Americans were at the top of the scoring charts. Right now, 4 of the top 5 scorers are AmericanChris Wondolowski 14Kenny Cooper 11Thierry Henry 9Chris Pontius 9Will Bruin 9Everyone knows Wondo and Copper.Pontius is the player I have been schilling all year, just turned 25 and helping DC into first place this yearBruin is a 22 year old, decent size at 6'2", who plays for Houston and has kind of taken over for Ching as the top forward on that team
Click to expand...
Is this Henry guy cap-tied anywhere?
 
'Steve Tasker said:
'NewlyRetired said:
A possible good sign for US forwards. In all the years I have been following MLS, I don't remember a time when at the half way point of the season, so many Americans were at the top of the scoring charts. Right now, 4 of the top 5 scorers are AmericanChris Wondolowski 14Kenny Cooper 11Thierry Henry 9Chris Pontius 9Will Bruin 9Everyone knows Wondo and Copper.Pontius is the player I have been schilling all year, just turned 25 and helping DC into first place this yearBruin is a 22 year old, decent size at 6'2", who plays for Houston and has kind of taken over for Ching as the top forward on that team
Click to expand...
Is this Henry guy cap-tied anywhere?
Click to expand...
He does not track back enough to be a complete forward. I don't think he is going to have any impact on the game.
 
1-0 Spain in a snoozer. Iniesta scores in the 65th. Italy gets a red card in the 77th to effectively ice the game, and Spain tiqui-tacas until the full 90 are up.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
I totally missed this.

Dos Santos possibly to Atletico Madrid for 8 million pounds
Click to expand...
:soccerboner:I think they're looking for a replacement for Diego, who was on loan last year from Wolfsburg. He played really well as a creative force in the attacking midfield, streaming in from either wing, and making those last crucial passes to set up Falcao and Adrián.

In other Atleti news, they re-signed Curtois for another year, which is fantastic. I was afraid he'd want a starting spot in England this year (obviously NOT at Chels), but I'm glad he and Chelski decided that another year would be good for Curtois. He showed very good poise, leadership, and skills during the last season.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
Is the blue tape that Buffon and Balotelli wear decorative or is there a physio component to it?
Click to expand...
I see a lot of players with that taped "L" pattern on their hamstrings and I saw track runners last night in the Olympic trials with it on their calves. I believe it's to prevent tears, but I really don't know how it works.
 
'NewlyRetired said:
Is the blue tape that Buffon and Balotelli wear decorative or is there a physio component to it?
Click to expand...
Yes. I´m not sure what exactly, but players have been using it since WC2006. It was almost always black in color when it came out, but now it looks like blue painter's tape.I'm sure it has to do with muscle contraction.
 
'The Z Machine said:
'NewlyRetired said:
I totally missed this.

Dos Santos possibly to Atletico Madrid for 8 million pounds
Click to expand...
:soccerboner:I think they're looking for a replacement for Diego, who was on loan last year from Wolfsburg. He played really well as a creative force in the attacking midfield, streaming in from either wing, and making those last crucial passes to set up Falcao and Adrián.

In other Atleti news, they re-signed Curtois for another year, which is fantastic. I was afraid he'd want a starting spot in England this year (obviously NOT at Chels), but I'm glad he and Chelski decided that another year would be good for Curtois. He showed very good poise, leadership, and skills during the last season.
Click to expand...
It's a shame Dos Santos wasn't given more of a chance at Spurs. Redknapp really did not like to rotate and it alienated some very good players (Pienaar, Corluka, Dos Santos, Kranjcar, etc.)His work rate was Redknapp's concern, but it's hard to really criticize someone's work rate when they never play.

 
'Steve Tasker said:
'NewlyRetired said:
A possible good sign for US forwards. In all the years I have been following MLS, I don't remember a time when at the half way point of the season, so many Americans were at the top of the scoring charts. Right now, 4 of the top 5 scorers are AmericanChris Wondolowski 14Kenny Cooper 11Thierry Henry 9Chris Pontius 9Will Bruin 9Everyone knows Wondo and Copper.Pontius is the player I have been schilling all year, just turned 25 and helping DC into first place this yearBruin is a 22 year old, decent size at 6'2", who plays for Houston and has kind of taken over for Ching as the top forward on that team
Click to expand...
Is this Henry guy cap-tied anywhere?
Click to expand...
England.
 
I actually think Italy takes this, but it's going to be close one way or the other. I'm not sold on Fabregas as a striker in these final rounds. I think Spain is going to struggle to finish chances.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I wouldn't be starting Silva. He's a very good player but he hasn't clicked with Xavi and Iniesta. I would rather see Navas in there for some speed on the wings.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
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