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

[Moe.]

Anyone buying some MANU today?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Anyone buying some MANU today?

If you miss out before the market closes today, I do believe there will be an indeterminate length of time afterwards during which you can still purchase the stock.

 

[King_Kelly]

The draws for the playoff round of both the Champions League and the Europa League were made this morning. I believe FSC will be showing some of the playoff games. This is the last round before group stage starts for each competition.

Champions League Playoff Round

Europa League Playoff Round

A quick glance through the teams:

Jozy, Gatt, Cherundolo, Gooch, Diskerud and Boyd are the Americans still alive in Europa play

Sacha, I think, is the only American in the Champions League playoff. Jones and Parkhurst are already in the CL group stage

You forgot Clint Dempsey of Liverpool.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The draws for the playoff round of both the Champions League and the Europa League were made this morning. I believe FSC will be showing some of the playoff games. This is the last round before group stage starts for each competition.

Champions League Playoff Round

Europa League Playoff Round

A quick glance through the teams:

Jozy, Gatt, Cherundolo, Gooch, Diskerud and Boyd are the Americans still alive in Europa play

Sacha, I think, is the only American in the Champions League playoff. Jones and Parkhurst are already in the CL group stage

You forgot Clint Dempsey of Liverpool.

so quiet on that front. Have not seen even a rumor level article in a couple of days.

 

[El Floppo]

I don't have the stomache to talk about the US v Japan game in that thread... or even open that thread.

What did you guys think of it?

Gotta say, I love watching Japan play. Great skill, and such a good tactical understanding of movement and space and so good at linking up play quickly. Made the US girls look amateurish quite a bit (especially the central backs who spent most of the game ball watching). Of course, the US has some fantastic players who also happen to be fantastic athletes, and IMO that athleticism in particular trumped Japan's flowing game.

I wonder though- did the US coach instruct the players to be selfish? Seemed like the key players (outside of Wambach) would get the ball, put their heads down and just go until they lost the ball or forced a shot from distance/poor angles. It was so consistent I have to assume it was part of their game plan. Hell- even on Lloyd's screamer of a goal I was practically yelling at her to pass to either of two players who had made great runs to either side of her and were wide open bursting towards goal. But no- she dribbles straight at the defense through 3 or 4 players and hits that... well- golaso. Great shot, terrible play. And that was Morgan's night in a nutshell- don't get me wrong, great player who still had an impactful meaningful game for the US... but just PASS the ball! There were far more goals for the US out there if the extra pass had been made, IMO.

And fwiw- Morgan is a 6 at best. There, I said it.

Ok... read through that thread- I wish I was able to have watched the game and those posts live. Nanking..

 

[NewlyRetired]

Abby Wambach is an absolute beast. Her physical dominance over her competition is greater than I think I've ever seen in men's soccer. Is she the greatest female soccer player ever?

Martha is/was pretty dope too. And that German broad... Prinz? The US player who had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome... I can visualize her, but can't think of her name- she was also head and shoulders better than the competition (including teammates Hamm etc).

I am no where near a big women's fan as some of you guys but these are the ones that have impressed me over the years1) Michelle Akers (Stahl) remains by far and away the best two way player I ever saw even to this day. Think Steven Gerrard as a woman is the best way I can explain this. As mostly a midfielder she scored 105 goals in 153 international appearances. She is a bit forgotten because she was great before women's soccer had any publicity.2) Marta was the most skillful player I ever saw. Not the most complete player, but with the ball at her feet I felt she was the best one on one player I have seen.3) It is really hard to not mention Mia as a uber top player. Her scoring consistency and leading the last US team to a WC victory still means a lot (yes, it has really been that long since the US has won the WC).4) Birgit Prinz epitomized a male German player as much as Marta did a male Brazilian player. She was the best player in the world for three years running, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2005. She led Germany to the WC title in 2003 including being named the best player of the tournament.5) Sun Wen from China and Abby Wambach would come next and I would not really be able to choose except that I saw Wambach play more times than Sun which would bias my opinion.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I don't have the stomache to talk about the US v Japan game in that thread... or even open that thread.

What did you guys think of it?

Gotta say, I love watching Japan play. Great skill, and such a good tactical understanding of movement and space and so good at linking up play quickly. Made the US girls look amateurish quite a bit (especially the central backs who spent most of the game ball watching). Of course, the US has some fantastic players who also happen to be fantastic athletes, and IMO that athleticism in particular trumped Japan's flowing game.

I wonder though- did the US coach instruct the players to be selfish? Seemed like the key players (outside of Wambach) would get the ball, put their heads down and just go until they lost the ball or forced a shot from distance/poor angles. It was so consistent I have to assume it was part of their game plan. Hell- even on Lloyd's screamer of a goal I was practically yelling at her to pass to either of two players who had made great runs to either side of her and were wide open bursting towards goal. But no- she dribbles straight at the defense through 3 or 4 players and hits that... well- golaso. Great shot, terrible play. And that was Morgan's night in a nutshell- don't get me wrong, great player who still had an impactful meaningful game for the US... but just PASS the ball! There were far more goals for the US out there if the extra pass had been made, IMO.

And fwiw- Morgan is a 6 at best. There, I said it.

Ok... read through that thread- I wish I was able to have watched the game and those posts live. Nanking..

We need a separate, nukeable thread for all of the shtick.That picture that GM posted made me literally laugh out loud. I didn't realize a picture of me that looked that stupid even existed.

 

[El Floppo]

Abby Wambach is an absolute beast. Her physical dominance over her competition is greater than I think I've ever seen in men's soccer. Is she the greatest female soccer player ever?

Martha is/was pretty dope too. And that German broad... Prinz? The US player who had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome... I can visualize her, but can't think of her name- she was also head and shoulders better than the competition (including teammates Hamm etc).

I am no where near a big women's fan as some of you guys but these are the ones that have impressed me over the years1) Michelle Akers (Stahl) remains by far and away the best two way player I ever saw even to this day. Think Steven Gerrard as a woman is the best way I can explain this. As mostly a midfielder she scored 105 goals in 153 international appearances. She is a bit forgotten because she was great before women's soccer had any publicity.2) Marta was the most skillful player I ever saw. Not the most complete player, but with the ball at her feet I felt she was the best one on one player I have seen.3) It is really hard to not mention Mia as a uber top player. Her scoring consistency and leading the last US team to a WC victory still means a lot (yes, it has really been that long since the US has won the WC).4) Birgit Prinz epitomized a male German player as much as Marta did a male Brazilian player. She was the best player in the world for three years running, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2005. She led Germany to the WC title in 2003 including being named the best player of the tournament.5) Sun Wen from China and Abby Wambach would come next and I would not really be able to choose except that I saw Wambach play more times than Sun which would bias my opinion.

Akers... right- she was the one with CFS. And the sad thing is that the WC that put the US team on the public consciousness map is when she got slammed with the disease. Pretty much at the height of her abilities too. So Joe public didn't get to watch her play as she was capable (or barely at all, IIRC).And I forgot about Sun Wen- great player... best of that WC in the US.In spite of the goals, I still don't see Hamm above any of these players. And Wambauch, IMO, is a better overall player than Hamm too. I'd actually put Foudy ahead of Hamm.I think I've mentioned this, but a State... or Regionsal... teammate of mine had sex with Chastain at a West Regional tournament... in my frigging room. Not only that, they left the blinds partially open so there was a crowd watching from the balcony (outdoor hall). Not only that, we got the flight attendants on the way home to give props out to the two of them for conceiving a child- over the plane's intercom. She was a pig, fwiw... and apparently easy.

 

[El Floppo]

I don't have the stomache to talk about the US v Japan game in that thread... or even open that thread.

What did you guys think of it?

Gotta say, I love watching Japan play. Great skill, and such a good tactical understanding of movement and space and so good at linking up play quickly. Made the US girls look amateurish quite a bit (especially the central backs who spent most of the game ball watching). Of course, the US has some fantastic players who also happen to be fantastic athletes, and IMO that athleticism in particular trumped Japan's flowing game.

I wonder though- did the US coach instruct the players to be selfish? Seemed like the key players (outside of Wambach) would get the ball, put their heads down and just go until they lost the ball or forced a shot from distance/poor angles. It was so consistent I have to assume it was part of their game plan. Hell- even on Lloyd's screamer of a goal I was practically yelling at her to pass to either of two players who had made great runs to either side of her and were wide open bursting towards goal. But no- she dribbles straight at the defense through 3 or 4 players and hits that... well- golaso. Great shot, terrible play. And that was Morgan's night in a nutshell- don't get me wrong, great player who still had an impactful meaningful game for the US... but just PASS the ball! There were far more goals for the US out there if the extra pass had been made, IMO.

And fwiw- Morgan is a 6 at best. There, I said it.

Ok... read through that thread- I wish I was able to have watched the game and those posts live. Nanking..

We need a separate, nukeable thread for all of the shtick.That picture that GM posted made me literally laugh out loud. I didn't realize a picture of me that looked that stupid even existed.

The one where he scrawled Truck at the bottom?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Abby Wambach is an absolute beast. Her physical dominance over her competition is greater than I think I've ever seen in men's soccer. Is she the greatest female soccer player ever?

Martha is/was pretty dope too. And that German broad... Prinz? The US player who had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome... I can visualize her, but can't think of her name- she was also head and shoulders better than the competition (including teammates Hamm etc).

I am no where near a big women's fan as some of you guys but these are the ones that have impressed me over the years1) Michelle Akers (Stahl) remains by far and away the best two way player I ever saw even to this day. Think Steven Gerrard as a woman is the best way I can explain this. As mostly a midfielder she scored 105 goals in 153 international appearances. She is a bit forgotten because she was great before women's soccer had any publicity.2) Marta was the most skillful player I ever saw. Not the most complete player, but with the ball at her feet I felt she was the best one on one player I have seen.3) It is really hard to not mention Mia as a uber top player. Her scoring consistency and leading the last US team to a WC victory still means a lot (yes, it has really been that long since the US has won the WC).4) Birgit Prinz epitomized a male German player as much as Marta did a male Brazilian player. She was the best player in the world for three years running, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2005. She led Germany to the WC title in 2003 including being named the best player of the tournament.5) Sun Wen from China and Abby Wambach would come next and I would not really be able to choose except that I saw Wambach play more times than Sun which would bias my opinion.

Akers... right- she was the one with CFS. And the sad thing is that the WC that put the US team on the public consciousness map is when she got slammed with the disease. Pretty much at the height of her abilities too. So Joe public didn't get to watch her play as she was capable (or barely at all, IIRC).And I forgot about Sun Wen- great player... best of that WC in the US.In spite of the goals, I still don't see Hamm above any of these players. And Wambauch, IMO, is a better overall player than Hamm too. I'd actually put Foudy ahead of Hamm.I think I've mentioned this, but a State... or Regionsal... teammate of mine had sex with Chastain at a West Regional tournament... in my frigging room. Not only that, they left the blinds partially open so there was a crowd watching from the balcony (outdoor hall). Not only that, we got the flight attendants on the way home to give props out to the two of them for conceiving a child- over the plane's intercom. She was a pig, fwiw... and apparently easy.

Hot.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I don't have the stomache to talk about the US v Japan game in that thread... or even open that thread.

What did you guys think of it?

Gotta say, I love watching Japan play. Great skill, and such a good tactical understanding of movement and space and so good at linking up play quickly. Made the US girls look amateurish quite a bit (especially the central backs who spent most of the game ball watching). Of course, the US has some fantastic players who also happen to be fantastic athletes, and IMO that athleticism in particular trumped Japan's flowing game.

I wonder though- did the US coach instruct the players to be selfish? Seemed like the key players (outside of Wambach) would get the ball, put their heads down and just go until they lost the ball or forced a shot from distance/poor angles. It was so consistent I have to assume it was part of their game plan. Hell- even on Lloyd's screamer of a goal I was practically yelling at her to pass to either of two players who had made great runs to either side of her and were wide open bursting towards goal. But no- she dribbles straight at the defense through 3 or 4 players and hits that... well- golaso. Great shot, terrible play. And that was Morgan's night in a nutshell- don't get me wrong, great player who still had an impactful meaningful game for the US... but just PASS the ball! There were far more goals for the US out there if the extra pass had been made, IMO.

And fwiw- Morgan is a 6 at best. There, I said it.

Ok... read through that thread- I wish I was able to have watched the game and those posts live. Nanking..

We need a separate, nukeable thread for all of the shtick.That picture that GM posted made me literally laugh out loud. I didn't realize a picture of me that looked that stupid even existed.

The one where he scrawled Truck at the bottom?

Top billing!

 

[El Floppo]

Tim Cahill should start or at least see time for the StarReds tonight.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Rumors that a Tello+cash for Song deal is close between Barca and Arsenal.

 

[Moe.]

Rumors that a Tello+cash for Song deal is close between Barca and Arsenal.

That'd be a good move for the clone pool.

 

[Slapdash]

Rumors that a Tello+cash for Song deal is close between Barca and Arsenal.

A Tello loan or sale? Tello is a bit of a one-trick pony and doesn't seem to play well with Lio. Wouldn't be the biggest loss.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Tim Cahill should start or at least see time for the StarReds tonight.

I totally forgot it was Friday. This is a very rare back to back home and home series between Houston and NY. The game is on NBCSN at 8:00pm.NY also picked up US keeper Luis Robles who had been playing in Germany the last few years.Henry's comments on the start of the last game against Houston are priceless

Henry was particularly incensed by Houston star Kandji being allowed to control the ball seemingly at will in last week's loss."The time he had on the ball, if you have a bit of talent, again, I'm not attacking anybody, but watch how he was getting the ball. Chesting it, going, 20,000 step-overs, on the spot, nobody smashed him once, like he was playing against his friends," Henry said"You can't let him control the ball on his chest, step on it, look if someone was in the stand, take a coffee, turn, call his family, no one was answering, he left a message and then say, ‘Oh, I might cross the ball.' He crossed it and they scored. You can't win a game when you play like that. I'm not attacking anyone, but that was just a fact."

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Rumors that a Tello+cash for Song deal is close between Barca and Arsenal.

A Tello loan or sale? Tello is a bit of a one-trick pony and doesn't seem to play well with Lio. Wouldn't be the biggest loss.

I think a sale.He doesn't seem like he'd see the field much. I'd rather have Afellay.

 

[Spartans Rule]

I find it hard enough to support a team like Spurs in the EPL. I can't imagine supporting a team that's not RM or Barca in Serie A. Maybe Valencia, but still, that seems like a lesson in frustration.

I'm thinking of jumping on the Malaga bandwagon. They've got a rich Qatari owner who brought in a bunch of big names this year and is a win away from clinching 4th and a CL spot. If they can launder money well enough to get around financial fair play, they've got the best shot of anyone of taking on the big two.

Decided to see how this project was going before the upcoming season. Apparently not well at all.In Spain, Malaga's unfulfilled promise

The optimism in the south of Spain has now faded. Indeed, Málaga’s worst nightmare has been realized. Last month, Al-Thani took to Twitter to vent about his frustrations with working within the structure of Spanish fútbol. He superfluously addressed racist attacks from Spain’s news media and the vast corruption in Spanish soccer, but he legitimately expressed his disgust in the financial inequality of La Liga’s TV contracts that put clubs not named Barcelona and Real Madrid at a disadvantage. This outburst was only the beginning of the end.

Cazorla, one of the most talented and likable players in Spain, has unabashedly left for Arsenal. The young Venezuelan striker José Salomón Rondón is off to play for Rubin Kazan in Russia. Many more of Málaga’s top talents are set to follow suit, and Al-Thani will join them, as the club’s owner has ruthlessly decided to give up on the club.

Since Al-Thani’s defiant declaration, Málaga has been scrambling to deal with unpaid wages and outstanding debts, and has had no option but to sell its most valuable assets to stay afloat. At the moment, the future is grim for Málaga, but the extent of the darkness is yet to be truly revealed.

While the club has tried to keep its players as silent as possible in this time of turmoil, Málaga’s vice captain Weligton said: “It’s impossible to ignore what is going on. There are kids who play with my son who are asking me about it, who are crying, who ask if the team is going to be relegated.”

 

[El Floppo]

Henry was particularly incensed by Houston star Kandji being allowed to control the ball seemingly at will in last week's loss."The time he had on the ball, if you have a bit of talent, again, I'm not attacking anybody, but watch how he was getting the ball. Chesting it, going, 20,000 step-overs, on the spot, nobody smashed him once, like he was playing against his friends," Henry said"You can't let him control the ball on his chest, step on it, look if someone was in the stand, take a coffee, turn, call his family, no one was answering, he left a message and then say, ‘Oh, I might cross the ball.' He crossed it and they scored. You can't win a game when you play like that. I'm not attacking anyone, but that was just a fact."

 

[Eephus]

Lukaku goes to WBA on season long loan deal

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Lukaku goes to WBA on season long loan deal

Hopefully he can unite the WBA, IBA, and IBF belts this year.

 

[NewlyRetired]

NEW YORK -- Soccer club Manchester United made a disappointing debut on the New York Stock Exchange Friday, even after opening at a discounted price, with enthusiasm for the celebrated team overshadowed by its debt load and financial track record.Many had expected that fans of most famous soccer club in the world would snap up shares, leading to a pop in early trading, but that didn't materialize. Some analysts had warned that the initial public offering was overvalued, particularly since the club is debt ridden and the family that owns them, the Glazers, retained almost total voting control over the team."There was a lot of wing flapping, but not much flying today," said John Fitzgibbon, the founder of IPOScoop.com. "It's reflective of the overall IPO market, they may hit a couple of roadbumps, but the deals are getting done."Manchester United shares were flat at $14 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the level they were priced at by the underwriters late Thursday.The stock, traded under the MANU ticker symbol, had been expected to be sold for between $16 and $20 per share.The $14 per share price still valued the club at $2.3 billion, slightly higher than the record $2 billion paid for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team earlier this year.The 134-year-old soccer club expects to make $110.3 million from its offering of 8.3 million shares. It will use $101.7 million to pay down senior notes. The Glazer family, which owns the team, is selling another 8.3 million shares separately.The family's 2005 leveraged takeover was valued at $1.47 billion, much of it borrowed. United carried 416.7 million pounds ($666.2 million) in debt as of March 31. It had no debt when it was bought by the Glazer family in 2005.The Glazers are the American family that already owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Malcolm Glazer is CEO of First Allied Corp., a holding company with numerous business interests. His two sons Avram and Joel are co-chairmen of Manchester United.After the stock offering, the Glazers will keep control of the team through Class B shares that have 10 times the voting power of the stock sold to the public.Manchester United is one of the most renowned sports teams in the world. It claims 659 million followers and 26.9 million Facebook fans. Half of its fans are in Asia, where its games are televised and its replica shirts and other products are huge sellers. But analysts are more skeptical of the team, known as The Red Devils, as a financial commodity. It is not a high-growth company like a tech startup, but like some tech startups, it is heavily in debt.Manchester United is hoping to expand its lucrative sponsorships and licensing deals. Earlier this month it announced a $559 million, seven-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Chevrolet. But financial performance has been choppy. The team expects to report a loss for the year ended June 30, excluding a tax credit, with revenue down 3 percent to 5 percent.And broadcasting and ticket revenue is largely dependent on how far the team goes in English and European cup competitions.The IPO market has been chilled since Facebook's disappointing debut in May. Another public offering expected from Carl's Jr. parent CKE Inc. on Friday was postponed.Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin' Brands debuted below its expected offering price Wednesday. On Friday, shares rose 18 cents at $13.67 in morning trading, 24 percent higher than its IPO opening price of $11 per share.One analyst said the flat opening is a signal that individual investors, who are typically attracted to well-known name brands on the market, are paying more attention to valuation and price."The bigger story confirms that individual investors felt so burned by the market -- having been burned twice, by the financial crisis and then by Facebook -- that they're not willing to get burned again," said Sam Hamadeh, CEO of PrivCo LLC, which researches privately held companies.

 

[Christo]

The draws for the playoff round of both the Champions League and the Europa League were made this morning. I believe FSC will be showing some of the playoff games. This is the last round before group stage starts for each competition.

Champions League Playoff Round

Europa League Playoff Round

A quick glance through the teams:

Jozy, Gatt, Cherundolo, Gooch, Diskerud and Boyd are the Americans still alive in Europa play

Sacha, I think, is the only American in the Champions League playoff. Jones and Parkhurst are already in the CL group stage

You forgot Clint Dempsey of Liverpool.

so quiet on that front. Have not seen even a rumor level article in a couple of days.

AS Roma sniffing around.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

NEW YORK -- Soccer club Manchester United made a disappointing debut on the New York Stock Exchange Friday, even after opening at a discounted price, with enthusiasm for the celebrated team overshadowed by its debt load and financial track record.Many had expected that fans of most famous soccer club in the world would snap up shares, leading to a pop in early trading, but that didn't materialize. Some analysts had warned that the initial public offering was overvalued, particularly since the club is debt ridden and the family that owns them, the Glazers, retained almost total voting control over the team."There was a lot of wing flapping, but not much flying today," said John Fitzgibbon, the founder of IPOScoop.com. "It's reflective of the overall IPO market, they may hit a couple of roadbumps, but the deals are getting done."Manchester United shares were flat at $14 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the level they were priced at by the underwriters late Thursday.The stock, traded under the MANU ticker symbol, had been expected to be sold for between $16 and $20 per share.The $14 per share price still valued the club at $2.3 billion, slightly higher than the record $2 billion paid for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team earlier this year.The 134-year-old soccer club expects to make $110.3 million from its offering of 8.3 million shares. It will use $101.7 million to pay down senior notes. The Glazer family, which owns the team, is selling another 8.3 million shares separately.The family's 2005 leveraged takeover was valued at $1.47 billion, much of it borrowed. United carried 416.7 million pounds ($666.2 million) in debt as of March 31. It had no debt when it was bought by the Glazer family in 2005.The Glazers are the American family that already owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Malcolm Glazer is CEO of First Allied Corp., a holding company with numerous business interests. His two sons Avram and Joel are co-chairmen of Manchester United.After the stock offering, the Glazers will keep control of the team through Class B shares that have 10 times the voting power of the stock sold to the public.Manchester United is one of the most renowned sports teams in the world. It claims 659 million followers and 26.9 million Facebook fans. Half of its fans are in Asia, where its games are televised and its replica shirts and other products are huge sellers. But analysts are more skeptical of the team, known as The Red Devils, as a financial commodity. It is not a high-growth company like a tech startup, but like some tech startups, it is heavily in debt.Manchester United is hoping to expand its lucrative sponsorships and licensing deals. Earlier this month it announced a $559 million, seven-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Chevrolet. But financial performance has been choppy. The team expects to report a loss for the year ended June 30, excluding a tax credit, with revenue down 3 percent to 5 percent.And broadcasting and ticket revenue is largely dependent on how far the team goes in English and European cup competitions.The IPO market has been chilled since Facebook's disappointing debut in May. Another public offering expected from Carl's Jr. parent CKE Inc. on Friday was postponed.Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin' Brands debuted below its expected offering price Wednesday. On Friday, shares rose 18 cents at $13.67 in morning trading, 24 percent higher than its IPO opening price of $11 per share.One analyst said the flat opening is a signal that individual investors, who are typically attracted to well-known name brands on the market, are paying more attention to valuation and price."The bigger story confirms that individual investors felt so burned by the market -- having been burned twice, by the financial crisis and then by Facebook -- that they're not willing to get burned again," said Sam Hamadeh, CEO of PrivCo LLC, which researches privately held companies.

:snicker:

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Joe Allen to Liverpool is official.

 

[Native]

Lukaku goes to WBA on season long loan deal

Thats three strikers who have left Chelsea since last season (along with Drogba and Kalou). A new Forward must be joining the club imminently as they only have Torres (ugh) and Sturrdige on the roster with Senior Team experience. Lucas Piazon is only 18 and has only played for Reserves and currently hes the teams #3 striker. Hulk was the primary target for the last month but I think theyre going to nab Cavani from Napoli instead.

 

[jonessed]

Joe Allen to Liverpool is official.

Verratti went to PSG for 9M, Siggurdson to Tottenham for 8M, Allen for 15M? That's crazy. He's a good player, but he still has a lot to prove in the EPL.Liverpool seem to have an obsession with English players; Downing, Henderson, Carroll, Allen. That's 100M in less than two years on a bunch of average English players. Why not pay a reasonable price for a better foreign option?

 

[Eephus]

Joe Allen to Liverpool is official.

Verratti went to PSG for 9M, Siggurdson to Tottenham for 8M, Allen for 15M? That's crazy. He's a good player, but he still has a lot to prove in the EPL.Liverpool seem to have an obsession with English players; Downing, Henderson, Carroll, Allen. That's 100M in less than two years on a bunch of average English players. Why not pay a reasonable price for a better foreign option?

Well, their English acquistions performed better than their Scottish one

 

[El Floppo]

Lukaku goes to WBA on season long loan deal

Thats three strikers who have left Chelsea since last season (along with Drogba and Kalou). A new Forward must be joining the club imminently as they only have Torres (ugh) and Sturrdige on the roster with Senior Team experience. Lucas Piazon is only 18 and has only played for Reserves and currently hes the teams #3 striker. Hulk was the primary target for the last month but I think theyre going to nab Cavani from Napoli instead.

I keep saying Dempsey would be a good fit...

 

[Sebowski]

Lukaku goes to WBA on season long loan deal

 

[Sebowski]

Lukaku goes to WBA on season long loan deal

Hopefully he can unite the WBA, IBA, and IBF belts this year.

 

[Major]

Anyone have the details on the Mexico v. Brasil broadcast? Is it on live? I know there are great apps online but I don't like watching proper sport on a monitor/phone.

 

[Sebowski]

Anyone have the details on the Mexico v. Brasil broadcast? Is it on live? I know there are great apps online but I don't like watching proper sport on a monitor/phone.

From what I read it will be live on NBCSN (old Versus) at 7am Pacific

 

[ffldrew]

Anyone have the details on the Mexico v. Brasil broadcast? Is it on live? I know there are great apps online but I don't like watching proper sport on a monitor/phone.

Telemundo should have it live

 

[Texas Football]

Joe Allen to Liverpool is official.

Verratti went to PSG for 9M, Siggurdson to Tottenham for 8M, Allen for 15M? That's crazy. He's a good player, but he still has a lot to prove in the EPL.Liverpool seem to have an obsession with English players; Downing, Henderson, Carroll, Allen. That's 100M in less than two years on a bunch of average English players. Why not pay a reasonable price for a better foreign option?

Allen is from Wales. I think.I haven't watched him much, but if he can play along with Lucas AND cover if Lucas goes down then I am fine with him. 15 mill is probably over the top though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So let me see if I got this straight when comparing the youth teams between US and Mexico

2011 U17 World Cup

Mexico - Champions

US - Out in round of 16



2012 U20 World Cup

Mexico - 3rd place

US - Did not qualify

2012 Olympics (U23+)

Mexico - Champions

US - Did not qualify

Yikes

Updated.

Updated again.I am way to lazy to look this up but this has to be one of the best set of results ever for multiple youth teams in such a short time period.

Hopefully the US can find a way to cement its number 2 position in CONCACAF in the coming years. I have seen a bunch of the younger Honduran players in MLS and they look very good.

 

[The Z Machine]

This was supposed to be Brazil's coming out party for many players that will play for them in WC2014. They played well, but have shown that they are vulnerable in certain areas. Weak at CB plus too reliant on a few technical wizards to make offense.

I expect Brazil to make the semis in the WC, but they can get knocked off by a skillful team playing cohesively. Might be an Argentina, a France, an Italy, or possibly Mexico. There should be a huge Mxican fan base in Brazil for those games. Mexican fans travel as well as any fans due to population size and fervent support for el tri.

Oh, and the US is totally screwed. Time to focus on beating Canada and Honduras.

 

[gianmarco]

Rumors that a Tello+cash for Song deal is close between Barca and Arsenal.

:(

 

[El Floppo]

This was supposed to be Brazil's coming out party for many players that will play for them in WC2014. They played well, but have shown that they are vulnerable in certain areas. Weak at CB plus too reliant on a few technical wizards to make offense.

I expect Brazil to make the semis in the WC, but they can get knocked off by a skillful team playing cohesively. Might be an Argentina, a France, an Italy, or possibly Mexico. There should be a huge Mxican fan base in Brazil for those games. Mexican fans travel as well as any fans due to population size and fervent support for el tri.

Oh, and the US is totally screwed. Time to focus on beating Canada and Honduras.

Arguably the best CB in the game with Thiago Silva... not exactly a weakness.Look- Brazil had two bad defensive mistakes and they paid for them. Full credit to Mexico, who had a solid game without their best player.

IMO, Neymar tries to do way too much, and kills their offense. He's astonishingly good with the ball at his feet, but when he's in the attacking third he needs to play the ball more quickly to his teammates- it'll open up th dribble for him.

 

[El Floppo]

But yeah- the US just have to hope that despite the lack of results (or even getting in the position to get freaking results), that there are at least 2 or 3 guys on each youth squad that can make the jump to the senior level and play to the level they're currently at. Clearly, they're not creating teams (or at least big groups of guys) that will jump up the way LD's group did.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

God, Messico was like 90-1 to win WC2014 at one point. Still seems like a good deal now at 33-1.

 

[Texas Football]

Looks like Edu may be coming to Ipswich Town! Reports are that they are 'close to deal'. Of course it could be BS, but I would take him at the Championship level.

http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/21200/scottish-report-claims-edu-deal-close

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like Edu may be coming to Ipswich Town! Reports are that they are 'close to deal'. Of course it could be BS, but I would take him at the Championship level.http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/21200/scottish-report-claims-edu-deal-close

That is a wee bit better than the Scottish 17th division

 

[Spartans Rule]

Looks like Edu may be coming to Ipswich Town! Reports are that they are 'close to deal'. Of course it could be BS, but I would take him at the Championship level.http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/21200/scottish-report-claims-edu-deal-close

Hope this happens.

 

[Major]

Love watching Hulk play. Probably the best name in sport.

 

[El Floppo]

Love watching Hulk play. Probably the best name in sport.

My quarter Mexican kid was all gung-ho about Mexico (at me prompting) until he heard the annoucer mention Hulk, at which point Superhero trumps ancestry.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Love watching Hulk play. Probably the best name in sport.

My quarter Mexican kid was all gung-ho about Mexico (at me prompting) until he heard the annoucer mention Hulk, at which point Superhero trumps ancestry.

Has he ever thrown a bag of his own piss at you during a US/Mexico friendly?

 

[El Floppo]

Love watching Hulk play. Probably the best name in sport.

My quarter Mexican kid was all gung-ho about Mexico (at me prompting) until he heard the annoucer mention Hulk, at which point Superhero trumps ancestry.

Has he ever thrown a bag of his own piss at you during a US/Mexico friendly?

Has he ever NOT thrown bags of piss at me.

 

[JaxBill]

Nothing really of note early in Community Shield. Play is kindof ragged. Man City has had the better scoring chances. Man City wearing Redskins colors started Aguero and a thinner Tevez up front. Chelsea started Torres up front.

 

[JaxBill]

BBC Sporf ‏@BBCSporfBREAKING: Fernando Torres starts for Chelsea in the Community Shield final, spectators sitting behind the goal have been warned.