***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (10 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

If you hate technology in sports, look away now. You have been warned.

The micoach Elite System includes a small data cell that fits into a player’s base layer in a protective pocket on the back between the shoulder blades. Connected by a series of electrodes and sensors woven into the fabric of the base layer, the cell wirelessly transmits more than 200 data records per second from each player to a central computer and then is displayed in a series of simplified insights and results on the coach’s iPad. At the touch of his fingertips, a coach can monitor the workload of an individual player, compare one athlete with another or view the whole team to gain a complete picture of the squad.“Our long-standing partnership with adidas and our combined goal to bring innovative and game-changing experiences to the sport of soccer are key reasons behind the success of Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Working with adidas, we are bringing players, coaches and fans across the league a revolutionary technology to help teams perform at the highest level.”In the future, MLS fans will be able to experience greater insight from the field of play as live, on-field player data will become an integral part of the game experience, whether watching from home or within the stadium.

Do you have a link to this system? I develop new lacrosse and field hockey products, so I'm very interested in this professionally.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If you hate technology in sports, look away now. You have been warned.

The micoach Elite System includes a small data cell that fits into a player’s base layer in a protective pocket on the back between the shoulder blades. Connected by a series of electrodes and sensors woven into the fabric of the base layer, the cell wirelessly transmits more than 200 data records per second from each player to a central computer and then is displayed in a series of simplified insights and results on the coach’s iPad. At the touch of his fingertips, a coach can monitor the workload of an individual player, compare one athlete with another or view the whole team to gain a complete picture of the squad.“Our long-standing partnership with adidas and our combined goal to bring innovative and game-changing experiences to the sport of soccer are key reasons behind the success of Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Working with adidas, we are bringing players, coaches and fans across the league a revolutionary technology to help teams perform at the highest level.”In the future, MLS fans will be able to experience greater insight from the field of play as live, on-field player data will become an integral part of the game experience, whether watching from home or within the stadium.

Do you have a link to this system? I develop new lacrosse and field hockey products, so I'm very interested in this professionally.

Try here. http://www.adidas.com/us/accessories-micoach-compatible/_/N-swZ1z12mji

 

[NewlyRetired]

The free fall of Brek Shea has not hit bottom yet. Things are so bad this year one can't help but wonder what might be wrong in his personal life. In 12 months he has gone from arguably the most promising young player in the US system to just another angry mediocre player.

Amid the chaotic scenes at the end of Wednesday's match between FC Dallas and the San Jose Earthquakes -- a game in which FCD defender Jair Benitez missed a stoppage-time penalty that allowed San Jose to escape with a 2-1 win -- the present form and mental state of Dallas attacker Brek Shea still managed to take center stage.Dallas is currently tied for the fewest points in the league alongside Toronto FC and the Portland Timbers and Shea's performances have mirrored those struggles for much of the season. Fatigue caused by his frequent stints with various U.S. national teams over the past 12 months has been the usual explanation, but there have been other incidents that have indicated all is not well with the 22-year-old. Shea suffered a three-game suspension for kicking the ball at an assistant referee in a match against Columbus back on May 12. He has tallied just three times in 2012 league play and was also part of the U.S. U-23 team that failed to qualify for the Olympics.On this night, with usual forward Blas Perez not only injured but back in Panama due to the death of his father, Shea was deployed as a lone striker in the first half. While Dallas threatened often from set pieces, he labored to connect with any of his teammates and plenty of promising Dallas attacks died at his feet. Things improved (albeit marginally) in the second half when he was moved to his more natural position out on the left wing.So in the 64th minute with Dallas trailing 2-0, manager Schellas Hyndman opted to pull Shea in favor of Carlos Rodriguez; that was where things got interesting. Shea voiced his displeasure at Hyndman as he exited the field and the two appeared to exchange some sharp words. Shea then proceeded to sit by himself on the end of the bench with a towel wrapped over his head as his team's late rally fell agonizingly short.FC Dallas captain Daniel Hernandez was less than pleased at Brek Shea's behavior versus San Jose, saying it showed "immaturity" and that "at this point in the season, we can't have those breakdowns."After the game, Hyndman declined to make Shea available to the media and did his best to bite his tongue as he fielded a steady stream of questions relating to his young star. "I think it's better that I don't make any comments about [shea's] performance," he said. When asked what Shea had said to him, Hyndman responded, "I think it's probably better I don't make that comment, either."Hyndman later said he didn't know what was going on in Shea's head at the moment, even apologizing for not making the player available to the media. Though he then stated, somewhat cryptically, that, "I think [shea's] in enough hot water already." Hyndman said that any decisions about disciplining Shea for his outburst would be handled once the team returned to Dallas.FCD captain Daniel Hernandez was more forthcoming, however. "I thought [shea] was very disrespectful, not only just to Schellas, but I thought to the rest of the team," said Hernandez as he stood near the team's bus. "He's a young guy still, but this shows the immaturity there in him, and I think a lack of professionalism that right now, at this point in the season, the way things have been going for us, we can't have."Nobody likes to come out of a game. I don't like to come out of a game," continued Hernandez. "I'm pissed off when I come out of a game, or when I don't play. But when things are not going well for you, or you're not having a good game, and coach needs to make a change, you have to respect it. At this point in the season, we can't have those breakdowns right now, because we need everybody. We need him. He's one of the stars of our team, and we need him to step up with his leadership and his play. He's obviously one of the best players in the country. In order for us to try to fight to get into the playoffs, we're going to need him and everyone else, 100 percent."The impulse is to think that this is just the kind of bump in the road that most young players encounter, but it has been almost a year since Shea delivered a performance, either for club or country, that had the kind of "wow" factor fans and coaches had grown to expect. Shea's talent level is beyond debate. The big question now is whether Shea has the mental fortitude to fight through this extended rough patch.It's possible that Shea might require a change of scenery if he is to come out positively on the other side. Yet it seems unlikely that MLS would allow one of its young stars to exit the league at a time when his valuation is well below its peak, especially given the current transfer tug-of-war that has taken place over another hot commodity, Houston Dynamo defender Geoff Cameron. A trade within MLS seems unlikely as well given Shea's considerable upside.Some will no doubt suggest that Hyndman is the one who should go. Without question, his reputation has eroded since leading Dallas to the 2010 MLS Cup final and results like Wednesday's don't help, especially with a normal penalty taker like Shea stuck on the bench. That said, FCD's difficult injury glut this season can't be laid at his feet and while tempers appear to be fraying, that's not uncommon for a side that is propping up the rest of the league. Besides, Hyndman was chased by Dallas owner Clark Hunt for years before finally agreeing to leave SMU -- where he had coached for 24 seasons -- to take over FCD. It seems like it will take more than one bad season for Hunt, who played for Hyndman at SMU, to pull the plug.Either way, plenty of eyes -- from Hyndman to U.S. national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, and everyone in between -- will be watching to see how Shea fares.

 

[GoFishTN]

Article

Tottenham defender Ledley King's retirement from football prompts the question: what could have been?

Nothing to add, just wanted to note that King will be missed by Spurs fans. Great talent.

 

[Eephus]

Article

Tottenham defender Ledley King's retirement from football prompts the question: what could have been?

Nothing to add, just wanted to note that King will be missed by Spurs fans. Great talent.

Sometimes the body just doesn't cooperate

 

[Spartans Rule]

Im calling it now - Belgium is going to turn heads at 2014. They are absolutely loaded.

And in 2016 and 2018. So many good young players.

 

[roadkill1292]

If you hate technology in sports, look away now. You have been warned.

The micoach Elite System includes a small data cell that fits into a player’s base layer in a protective pocket on the back between the shoulder blades. Connected by a series of electrodes and sensors woven into the fabric of the base layer, the cell wirelessly transmits more than 200 data records per second from each player to a central computer and then is displayed in a series of simplified insights and results on the coach’s iPad. At the touch of his fingertips, a coach can monitor the workload of an individual player, compare one athlete with another or view the whole team to gain a complete picture of the squad.“Our long-standing partnership with adidas and our combined goal to bring innovative and game-changing experiences to the sport of soccer are key reasons behind the success of Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Working with adidas, we are bringing players, coaches and fans across the league a revolutionary technology to help teams perform at the highest level.”In the future, MLS fans will be able to experience greater insight from the field of play as live, on-field player data will become an integral part of the game experience, whether watching from home or within the stadium.

I'm not really opposed to this idea because it doesn't seem as though the game flow itself will be harmed. Coaches, who don't appear to have much to do in a game besides decide on substitutions (a good thing IMO), may make a few different substitutions with this technology than they would without it.Now that I think about, players having so much control over the game action and decisions is one of the really attractive aspects of futbol. American football at the highest levels is really a coach's game more than a player's. We should start remedying that.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Ray Hudson joining Phil Schoen over at BeIN Sport. Woooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Claudio Reyna's 13 year old son Jack died last night of a brain tumor. :(

 

[The Z Machine]

Claudio Reyna's 13 year old son Jack died last night of a brain tumor. :(

Damn, that's terrible.

 

[The Z Machine]

Got an email from GroupOn about the Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool FC Soccer Match on Saturday, July 28, at 1 p.m.

They have tickets for only $22, a 51% savings. Just an FYI. I'm not sure I can link it directly though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Got an email from GroupOn about the Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool FC Soccer Match on Saturday, July 28, at 1 p.m.They have tickets for only $22, a 51% savings. Just an FYI. I'm not sure I can link it directly though.

This game is in Baltimore for those wondering.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Speaking of Spurs, here is a fabulous statistical analysis of the team for the upcoming season. Reads like a long Zonal Marking type article

http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/statszone/archive/2012/07/20/evolution-or-revolution-who-and-what-to-expect-this-season-from-avb-s-spurs.aspx

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Im calling it now - Belgium is going to turn heads at 2014. They are absolutely loaded.

And in 2016 and 2018. So many good young players.

I think Kompany and Vermaelen are both mid-20s so should be good for Brazil '14 and France '16 but might be a bit over the hill in Qatar. Cortois is a great young GK but I dont thin.k hes been called up yet. Another one to keep an eye on is Thorgan Hazard, Eden's younger brother, also reportedly a Chelsea target.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I see now that Lens has confirmed the sale of Thorgan Hazard to Chelsea, who have now signed 8 Belgians in the past 12 months. Obviously it will be a long time before he could be expected to play for the first team. I think they'll probably loan out Lukaku this summer as well.

 

[El Floppo]

Claudio Reyna's 13 year old son Jack died last night of a brain tumor. :(

Damn, that's terrible.

:(

 

[NewlyRetired]

Six Americans poised for a break out seasonBy Brian SciarettaWith the European club season set to begin, some players will see their stocks rise while others’ will fall.Here are six Americans poised to break through this year to become top-notch American players in Europe.Conor O’BrienLast year was Conor O’Brien’s first year in the Danish Superliga and he did not disappoint. He was one of the driving forces behind a successful season for Sonderjyske, which fell just short of Europa League qualification despite having the second smallest budget in the league.More is expected of Sonderjyske this season, and as the team’s starting central midfielder, O’Brien will be a major determinant of whether they succeed. His story is compelling. O’Brien was overlooked by MLS clubs and went undrafted. He moved to Denmark to start his career on his own even without an agent. Now he is one of the most promising young players in the Superliga.The 23-year-old Long Island native started the 2012/13 season on a great note, scoring a goal and commanding the midfield in Sonderjyske’s 6-1 win over Randers. His contract expires in December, and if he plays as well as expected the first half of the season, he could be on the move to a bigger club in January.Caleb Patterson-SewellLast year with second-tier Portuguese club Atletico CP, Caleb Patterson-Sewell earned the reputation of being one of the best goalkeepers in the league. He was so impressive that he signed a deal with Vitoria Setubal of Portugal’s Primeira Liga.Patterson-Sewell’s performance last year with Atletico CP highly suggests that the 25-year-old Tennessee native has what it takes to perform well in Portugal’s top league.Patterson-Sewell is expected to be Setubal’s starting keeper this year and will have the chance to perform at a high level.The goalkeeping situation for the US national team is not as deep as many believe, and Tim Howard’s backup is still undecided. If Patterson-Sewell performs well with Setubal, a national team callup is likely.Joe GyauLast January, Gyau was on the verge of making his Bundesliga debut in a game against Hannover. He was on the sidelines, ready to appear as a second half substitute in stoppage time, but before he had the chance to enter, the referee blew the final whistle.This year it is likely to be a different story.The 19-year-old winger has been playing with Hoffenheim’s first team in the preseason and he is ready to shine in one of the top leagues in the world.Gyau’s speed and explosiveness on the wing is not just an asset for Hoffenheim, but also a boost for the US national team, sorely in need of consistent flank play.Seb HinesCurrently with English club Middlesbrough, Hines has always had potential. As a young player he shined for English youth national teams and made his professional debut in the English Premier League in 2007.But injuries have always been the biggest problem for Hines. He has never been able to stay healthy for an extended time until the second half of last season. Finally healthy, Hines reclaimed his starting spot in central defense for Middlesbrough and was exceptional in the season’s final months.Hines, 24, is now set to be a key part of a Middlesbrough team that is expected to contend for promotion to the EPL this season. This week he is expected to sign a new three-year extension for the club.Hines was born in England but he lived in the US as a child and his father was a member of the US military.He would need to file a one-time switch with FIFA if he wants to play for the Untied States, and has said that he would do that if he is asked to by national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.With the US lacking in central defenders, Hines would be a welcome addition.Terrence BoydBoyd is in the unusual situation of having earned multiple caps for the US national team before playing a professional game at club level. A big reason for that, however, is because he was previously with two-time defending Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortumund.This year Boyd has moved to Rapid Vienna and should be able to earn regular minutes. At 21, he should be ready to make an impact in European soccer.Boyd’s preseason started with a truly amazing display of athleticism. In the first half in a game against Roma, Boyd connected on a hard cross with a bicycle kick that slammed off the cross bar. Just moments later, he had another chance to hit a bicycle kick which he did – and the second time it found the back of the net.Boyd is still a raw player, but his athleticism and finishing ability make him a player to watch in the Austrian Bundesliga.Steve ClarkAt 26, Clark has flown under the radar playing in Norway’s second tier with Honefoss.Last year, however, the Michigan native led his team to promotion with stellar goalkeeping. This year he has been the backbone of one of the most surprising teams in Norway.Honefoss currently sit in the top half of the table and are not far from Europa League qualification.If Clark is able to continue to play well the rest of 2012, he could be a hot commodity in the January window for a club looking for a steady goalkeeper.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Claudio Reyna's 13 year old son Jack died last night of a brain tumor. :(

Damn, that's terrible.

:(

As a father of a 13 year old this really hit home :( ======================“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Jack Reyna lost his battle with cancer today.  Jack was so courageous during his two-year fight that he's become a hero and inspiration to many.  Surrounded by his entire family, Jack passed peacefully at the age of 13.In lieu of flowers, all of those wishing to show support for the family can make a donation to the Claudio Reyna Foundation on Jack's behalf. Thanks to all for the outpouring of support, prayers, and well wishes.  Rest in Peace Jack Reyna. You were loved by many and your legacy will carry on.”

 

[NewlyRetired]

A little more info on the technology we talked about before.

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

TO GO LEAGUE-WIDE. MLS will integrate the adidas micoach Elite System league-wide in 2013, providing coaches, trainers and players of all 19 teams with real-time performance metrics including heart rate, speed, acceleration, distance, field position and, for the first time, power. The data-tracking technology will be introduced at Wednesday's AT&T MLS All-Star Game.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Juve have apparently tapped on RVP, and it's down to City and United.

 

[Sebowski]

Juve have apparently tapped on RVP, and it's down to City and United.

If it is going to be one of those two I'll hope for United so it knocks Chicharito down the depth chart.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I was cruising around Youtube earlier today and found this: Andres Iniesta - Ultimate Skill Show

Enjoy.

 

[jonessed]

Juve have apparently tapped on RVP, and it's down to City and United.

If it is going to be one of those two I'll hope for United so it knocks Chicharito down the depth chart.

United can't compete on salary. The only advantage United has over City is Ferguson and he is eyeing retirement. If City really want him they will get him.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Terrence Boyd, in his first league game as a pro in Austria, scored twice and had an assist. This included a goal in the first 4 minutes.

Herc had a goal and assist for Santos in their first game today.

Gatt scored for Molde but was subbed off with injury.

Joe Gyau scored in a friendly for Hoffenhiem after coming on as a second half sub.

 

[Native]

The funny thing about Boyd's bicycle kick is that it was the second one he attempted that game in a span of 10 seconds. The first one was even better and hit the post - what a sequence. See below the entire play...

 

[TLEF316]

Boyd is awesome. I'm a big fan.

 

[El Floppo]

The funny thing about Boyd's bicycle kick is that it was the second one he attempted that game in a span of 10 seconds. The first one was even better and hit the post - what a sequence. See below the entire play...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kdZOz-VBrw

 

[El Floppo]

Getting pretty psyched to see Chelsea v PSG tonight.

Any requests?

I'll be shooting spit-balls at Terry, fwiw.

 

[Eephus]

Getting pretty psyched to see Chelsea v PSG tonight.Any requests?I'll be shooting spit-balls at Terry, fwiw.

Go early. The first 10,000 fans get 1 million Euros

 

[Sebowski]

The funny thing about Boyd's bicycle kick is that it was the second one he attempted that game in a span of 10 seconds. The first one was even better and hit the post - what a sequence. See below the entire play...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kdZOz-VBrw

Amazing sequence.

 

[El Floppo]

Nene is pretty dope.

And not sure if it translated on TV, but Marin is too. Would be interesting to see Marin, Matta and Hazard on the field at the same time... a bunch of mini-mites.

I sat not far behind the goal where both goals were scored, so I couldnt' tell for sure- but the field looked narrow and short. The grass was pretty terrible too- too heavy in spots and too loose in others. But overall a fun game, even if lots of key players weren't there: Ibra, Matta, Torres, Silva.

Oh- Terry was cheered and jeered loudly every time he touched the ball.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

The Mirror reporting that Sao Paulo and Man U have agreed on a £26m fee for Lucas Moura.

 

[El Floppo]

Fulham warn suitors off duoJuly 23, 2012By Harry Harris, Football CorrespondentFulham "would not welcome" any bids for reportedly in-demand duo Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.Dembele, 25, and Dempsey, 29, have been linked with summer moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.Belgium international Dembele last month reiterated his commitment to Fulham, having joined the club from AZ Alkmaar for £5 million in 2010.Dempsey, however, has expressed his ambition to sign for a so-called bigger side, and last week Liverpool were forced to clarify a report that suggested they were set to acquire the American.Fulham, though, are understood to have not yet received a bid for either player. A source told ESPN: "Fulham have nothing to say on either player, other than no bids would be welcome for any of our players."Asked whether United or Liverpool have tabled offers for Dembele and Dempsey respectively, the source added: "There are no current bids, and none would be welcome."

 

[Christo]

Fulham warn suitors off duoJuly 23, 2012By Harry Harris, Football CorrespondentFulham "would not welcome" any bids for reportedly in-demand duo Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.Dembele, 25, and Dempsey, 29, have been linked with summer moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.Belgium international Dembele last month reiterated his commitment to Fulham, having joined the club from AZ Alkmaar for £5 million in 2010.Dempsey, however, has expressed his ambition to sign for a so-called bigger side, and last week Liverpool were forced to clarify a report that suggested they were set to acquire the American.Fulham, though, are understood to have not yet received a bid for either player. A source told ESPN: "Fulham have nothing to say on either player, other than no bids would be welcome for any of our players."Asked whether United or Liverpool have tabled offers for Dembele and Dempsey respectively, the source added: "There are no current bids, and none would be welcome."

 

[NewlyRetired]

NY has signed Tim Cahill from Everton.

Interesting signing.

If NY can find a way to get Henry, Cooper, Le Toux and Cahill all on the field together, it is going to be pretty tough to defend them.

If someone can actually get Marquez to not be a ##### for even a handful of games and anchor the back 4, NY has as good a shot to win the cup as they ever have.

 

[honky kong]

Speaking of Spurs, here is a fabulous statistical analysis of the team for the upcoming season. Reads like a long Zonal Marking type articlehttp://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/statszone/archive/2012/07/20/evolution-or-revolution-who-and-what-to-expect-this-season-from-avb-s-spurs.aspx

Good stuff. Thanks for that.

 

[El Floppo]

NY has signed Tim Cahill from Everton.Interesting signing.If NY can find a way to get Henry, Cooper, Le Toux and Cahill all on the field together, it is going to be pretty tough to defend them.If someone can actually get Marquez to not be a ##### for even a handful of games and anchor the back 4, NY has as good a shot to win the cup as they ever have.

Wait a sec... the Aussie?Well- ok. Too bad there's nobody left that's healthy to defend, or I'd agree about having a good chance to win something.

 

[NewlyRetired]

NY has signed Tim Cahill from Everton.Interesting signing.If NY can find a way to get Henry, Cooper, Le Toux and Cahill all on the field together, it is going to be pretty tough to defend them.If someone can actually get Marquez to not be a ##### for even a handful of games and anchor the back 4, NY has as good a shot to win the cup as they ever have.

Wait a sec... the Aussie?Well- ok. Too bad there's nobody left that's healthy to defend, or I'd agree about having a good chance to win something.

yes the Aussie. I am not sure what he has left but I have always enjoyed watching him play.And yes Pearce must get and stay healthy and then you need to pray that Marquez can play what he is capable of, which may be enough given what this team could do offensively if it comes together.Got to say, NY is always one of the busier teams. For good or bad at least it is interesting to watch from afar.

 

[El Floppo]

NY has signed Tim Cahill from Everton.

Interesting signing.

If NY can find a way to get Henry, Cooper, Le Toux and Cahill all on the field together, it is going to be pretty tough to defend them.

If someone can actually get Marquez to not be a ##### for even a handful of games and anchor the back 4, NY has as good a shot to win the cup as they ever have.

Wait a sec... the Aussie?Well- ok.

Too bad there's nobody left that's healthy to defend, or I'd agree about having a good chance to win something.

yes the Aussie. I am not sure what he has left but I have always enjoyed watching him play.And yes Pearce must get and stay healthy and then you need to pray that Marquez can play what he is capable of, which may be enough given what this team could do offensively if it comes together.

Got to say, NY is always one of the busier teams. For good or bad at least it is interesting to watch from afar.

yeah- I've always like Cahill too... kind of like McBride as a player- good in the air, works his ### off and seems a good team-mate/professional. Plus he's got his goal-celebration punch-out of the corner flag thing... so that's always good.And it's not just Pearce... seems like most of the first string defenders and even some of their fill-ins have dropped over the last month or so.

with all this movement, I still wish they'd get a good young MF who can help run the game and keep Henry from having to drop back. yeah- all four of those guys you mentioned... somebody has to play withdrawn and I think all of them are better playing further up the field (even though the latter three besides cooper play the withdrawn role well).

 

[Steve Tasker]

Our summer season ended with us in dead last at 1-1-9 for 4 points from 11 games. Our only win came against our loosely-affiliated related club, who finished at 1-2-8 for 5 points, just ahead of us in the standings. Assuming at least 1 team from the lower league wants to come up (and I don't know why they wouldn't), we'll be going down next season. It was a tough 2 seasons, but we just don't have the overall team quality to compete at that level. A lot of close 2-0 and 3-1 losses; our offense was way too stagnant all season long.

 

[Mjolnirs]

The Bundesliga is a month away from starting, but Gol TV is showing a pre-season match this Thursday at 1pm. Bayern v Wolfsburg from Munich.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Marc Muniesa tore knee ligaments today in a Barca friendly. :X

 

[NewlyRetired]

NY has signed Tim Cahill from Everton.

Interesting signing.

If NY can find a way to get Henry, Cooper, Le Toux and Cahill all on the field together, it is going to be pretty tough to defend them.

If someone can actually get Marquez to not be a ##### for even a handful of games and anchor the back 4, NY has as good a shot to win the cup as they ever have.

Wait a sec... the Aussie?Well- ok.

Too bad there's nobody left that's healthy to defend, or I'd agree about having a good chance to win something.

yes the Aussie. I am not sure what he has left but I have always enjoyed watching him play.And yes Pearce must get and stay healthy and then you need to pray that Marquez can play what he is capable of, which may be enough given what this team could do offensively if it comes together.

Got to say, NY is always one of the busier teams. For good or bad at least it is interesting to watch from afar.

yeah- I've always like Cahill too... kind of like McBride as a player- good in the air, works his ### off and seems a good team-mate/professional. Plus he's got his goal-celebration punch-out of the corner flag thing... so that's always good.And it's not just Pearce... seems like most of the first string defenders and even some of their fill-ins have dropped over the last month or so.

with all this movement, I still wish they'd get a good young MF who can help run the game and keep Henry from having to drop back. yeah- all four of those guys you mentioned... somebody has to play withdrawn and I think all of them are better playing further up the field (even though the latter three besides cooper play the withdrawn role well).

Assuming everyone healthy, what do you think of this lineup?http://www.footballuser.com/467724/New_York_Red_Bulls

 

[El Floppo]

NY has signed Tim Cahill from Everton.

Interesting signing.

If NY can find a way to get Henry, Cooper, Le Toux and Cahill all on the field together, it is going to be pretty tough to defend them.

If someone can actually get Marquez to not be a ##### for even a handful of games and anchor the back 4, NY has as good a shot to win the cup as they ever have.

Wait a sec... the Aussie?Well- ok.

Too bad there's nobody left that's healthy to defend, or I'd agree about having a good chance to win something.

yes the Aussie. I am not sure what he has left but I have always enjoyed watching him play.And yes Pearce must get and stay healthy and then you need to pray that Marquez can play what he is capable of, which may be enough given what this team could do offensively if it comes together.

Got to say, NY is always one of the busier teams. For good or bad at least it is interesting to watch from afar.

yeah- I've always like Cahill too... kind of like McBride as a player- good in the air, works his ### off and seems a good team-mate/professional. Plus he's got his goal-celebration punch-out of the corner flag thing... so that's always good.And it's not just Pearce... seems like most of the first string defenders and even some of their fill-ins have dropped over the last month or so.

with all this movement, I still wish they'd get a good young MF who can help run the game and keep Henry from having to drop back. yeah- all four of those guys you mentioned... somebody has to play withdrawn and I think all of them are better playing further up the field (even though the latter three besides cooper play the withdrawn role well).

Assuming everyone healthy, what do you think of this lineup?http://www.footballuser.com/467724/New_York_Red_Bulls

If we're putting the best players on the field, you'd need Miller at LB, Solli at RB and maybe move Pearce into the middle with Marquez.And then teams would pretty much blow right through the middle. But hopefully we'd score more goals.

 

[NewlyRetired]

NY has signed Tim Cahill from Everton.

Interesting signing.

If NY can find a way to get Henry, Cooper, Le Toux and Cahill all on the field together, it is going to be pretty tough to defend them.

If someone can actually get Marquez to not be a ##### for even a handful of games and anchor the back 4, NY has as good a shot to win the cup as they ever have.

Wait a sec... the Aussie?Well- ok.

Too bad there's nobody left that's healthy to defend, or I'd agree about having a good chance to win something.

yes the Aussie. I am not sure what he has left but I have always enjoyed watching him play.And yes Pearce must get and stay healthy and then you need to pray that Marquez can play what he is capable of, which may be enough given what this team could do offensively if it comes together.

Got to say, NY is always one of the busier teams. For good or bad at least it is interesting to watch from afar.

yeah- I've always like Cahill too... kind of like McBride as a player- good in the air, works his ### off and seems a good team-mate/professional. Plus he's got his goal-celebration punch-out of the corner flag thing... so that's always good.And it's not just Pearce... seems like most of the first string defenders and even some of their fill-ins have dropped over the last month or so.

with all this movement, I still wish they'd get a good young MF who can help run the game and keep Henry from having to drop back. yeah- all four of those guys you mentioned... somebody has to play withdrawn and I think all of them are better playing further up the field (even though the latter three besides cooper play the withdrawn role well).

Assuming everyone healthy, what do you think of this lineup?http://www.footballuser.com/467724/New_York_Red_Bulls

If we're putting the best players on the field, you'd need Miller at LB, Solli at RB and maybe move Pearce into the middle with Marquez.And then teams would pretty much blow right through the middle. But hopefully we'd score more goals.

I like Conde myself in the middle. Shame he can't keep himself healthy for more than a minute at a time it seems. Barklage has supplanted Soli as the first choice starter at right back. Since Barklage got his chance, he has started 14 games in a row, pushing Soli to the bench or as an alternative in the midfield. I won't argue which is the better player since I don't have that knowledge but it seems clear who Backe believes is the best RB on the team.

Barklage is one of the better stories in the league this year who along with Justin Morrow from SJ (who was named to the all star team) came out of no where to grab consistent starting roles on two of the top teams in the league this year.

 

[GoFishTN]

EPL players should not use twitter.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2012/07/24/3262554/fa-charges-frimpong-over-twitter-comments

FA charges Frimpong over Twitter comments

The Arsenal midfielder is alleged to have brought the game into disrepute with tweets that referenced "ethnic origin, faith or race" after an exchange with a Tottenham fan

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is an interesting relatively meaningless factoid I just read.

MLS is 9th in average attendance when compared with every other league in the world but MLS's hidden strength is the consistency from top to bottom of the league.

Only two leagues in the entire world have their lowest supported club averaging more fans than MLS's lowest supported club. Those being Bundesliga and EPL.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

EPL players should not use twitter.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2012/07/24/3262554/fa-charges-frimpong-over-twitter-comments

FA charges Frimpong over Twitter comments

The Arsenal midfielder is alleged to have brought the game into disrepute with tweets that referenced "ethnic origin, faith or race" after an exchange with a Tottenham fan

Good lord.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ted, are you going to the All Star game tomorrow against Chelsea?

 

[Eephus]

Here is an interesting relatively meaningless factoid I just read. MLS is 9th in average attendance when compared with every other league in the world but MLS's hidden strength is the consistency from top to bottom of the league. Only two leagues in the entire world have their lowest supported club averaging more fans than MLS's lowest supported club. Those being Bundesliga and EPL.

USA! Our minnows are less minnowy that yours