***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (9 Viewers)

[Christo]

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

Well, well, well. What's all this then?

 

[JaxBill]

Wow, huge call there.

 

[Bonzai]

So Dave Kitson is the Secret Footballer, right?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Gol TV today at 2 eastern: DFB Super Cup - Bayern München v Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena from bundesliga.de

Possible line-ups:Bayern Munich: Neuer - Lahm, Dante, Badstuber, Can - Gustavo, Kroos - Robben, Müller, Ribery - Mandzukic.Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller - Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer - Gündogan, Leitner - Blaszczykowski, Reus, Großkreutz - Lewandowski

 

[TLEF316]

JK's call ups for the friendly....

GOALKEEPERS (3): Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (6): Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Steven Beithasour (San Jose Earthquakes), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim)

MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

FORWARDS (4): Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

If Orozco fiscal starts, I'll probably just turn off the TV and go to bed.

 

[NewlyRetired]

JK's call ups for the friendly....GOALKEEPERS (3): Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)DEFENDERS (6): Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Steven Beithasour (San Jose Earthquakes), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim)MIDFIELDERS (9): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)FORWARDS (4): Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Herculez Gomez (Santos), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Comments:1) Orozco Fiscal again? Is Boca too busy trying to find the links golf courses that double as soccer fields in the Scottish fourth tier?2) JK rewards Beithasour with a call up for great club play and at the same time rewards Shea for a disastrous 12 month period. 3) This game was going to be tough no matter what but no Dempsey or Bradley is scary.

 

[gianmarco]

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor—who was on loan atTottenham Hotspur last season—looks set to complete a deal with the North London club over the summer transfer window.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A balanced lineup

..................Howard

Beithasour....Besler.......Cameron.......Johnson

Donovan.......Jones.......Tores.......DMB

............Herc...............Boyd

A more defensive lineup

..................Howard

Beithasour....Besler......Cameron.....Johnson

....................Edu

......Williams...................Jones

.............Donovan........Torres

....................Boyd

Ugh to both

 

[GoFishTN]

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor—who was on loan atTottenham Hotspur last season—looks set to complete a deal with the North London club over the summer transfer window.

Last rumor I heard was that Adebayor wanted City to pay the difference between what they were paying him, and what Spurs will pay, to his charity. City has not been willing to do that, so far.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Sir Alex skipped his teams friendly in Germany against Hannover to reportedly help finish off the deal for Van Persie.

 

[gianmarco]

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor—who was on loan atTottenham Hotspur last season—looks set to complete a deal with the North London club over the summer transfer window.

Last rumor I heard was that Adebayor wanted City to pay the difference between what they were paying him, and what Spurs will pay, to his charity. City has not been willing to do that, so far.

I know. This is new stuff. Here is more about it:Manchester City believe they are close to brokering a compromise deal that will see Emmanuel Adebayor leave for Tottenham at last.

City are ready to subsidise the Togo striker’s wages at White Hart Lane for the next two seasons, and will hand him a significant chunk of the £5million fee as a pay-off.

It means the champions will have to write off almost all the £25m they paid Arsenal for ­Adebayor three years ago.

City agreed to sell him in a cut-price deal after he spent last season on loan at Spurs.

But that move was blocked when Adebayor demanded his share of the fee because he would have to take a cut on the £170,000-a-week wages he earns at the Etihad.

Now City will help Spurs pay his salary and will also hand Adebayor most of the fee.

Boss Roberto Mancini urged the striker not to reject the deal, saying: “I am sorry for Adebayor because he has no chance at City.

“He has absolutely no chance of playing this season here.

"So, for us, it’s important he can find a good solution.”

 

[GoFishTN]

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor—who was on loan atTottenham Hotspur last season—looks set to complete a deal with the North London club over the summer transfer window.

Last rumor I heard was that Adebayor wanted City to pay the difference between what they were paying him, and what Spurs will pay, to his charity. City has not been willing to do that, so far.

I know. This is new stuff. Here is more about it:Manchester City believe they are close to brokering a compromise deal that will see Emmanuel Adebayor leave for Tottenham at last.

City are ready to subsidise the Togo striker’s wages at White Hart Lane for the next two seasons, and will hand him a significant chunk of the £5million fee as a pay-off.

It means the champions will have to write off almost all the £25m they paid Arsenal for ­Adebayor three years ago.

City agreed to sell him in a cut-price deal after he spent last season on loan at Spurs.

But that move was blocked when Adebayor demanded his share of the fee because he would have to take a cut on the £170,000-a-week wages he earns at the Etihad.

Now City will help Spurs pay his salary and will also hand Adebayor most of the fee.

Boss Roberto Mancini urged the striker not to reject the deal, saying: “I am sorry for Adebayor because he has no chance at City.

“He has absolutely no chance of playing this season here.

"So, for us, it’s important he can find a good solution.”

Oops:

 

[jonessed]

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor—who was on loan atTottenham Hotspur last season—looks set to complete a deal with the North London club over the summer transfer window.

Last rumor I heard was that Adebayor wanted City to pay the difference between what they were paying him, and what Spurs will pay, to his charity. City has not been willing to do that, so far.

I know. This is new stuff. Here is more about it:Manchester City believe they are close to brokering a compromise deal that will see Emmanuel Adebayor leave for Tottenham at last.

City are ready to subsidise the Togo striker’s wages at White Hart Lane for the next two seasons, and will hand him a significant chunk of the £5million fee as a pay-off.

It means the champions will have to write off almost all the £25m they paid Arsenal for ­Adebayor three years ago.

City agreed to sell him in a cut-price deal after he spent last season on loan at Spurs.

But that move was blocked when Adebayor demanded his share of the fee because he would have to take a cut on the £170,000-a-week wages he earns at the Etihad.

Now City will help Spurs pay his salary and will also hand Adebayor most of the fee.

Boss Roberto Mancini urged the striker not to reject the deal, saying: “I am sorry for Adebayor because he has no chance at City.

“He has absolutely no chance of playing this season here.

"So, for us, it’s important he can find a good solution.”

I just want this to end. Spurs have two strikers on their roster, Defoe and Kane. Even if Adebayor comes over they still need another decent striker. Defoe can't play up front alone and Kane is only 19.

 

[GoFishTN]

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor—who was on loan atTottenham Hotspur last season—looks set to complete a deal with the North London club over the summer transfer window.

Last rumor I heard was that Adebayor wanted City to pay the difference between what they were paying him, and what Spurs will pay, to his charity. City has not been willing to do that, so far.

I know. This is new stuff. Here is more about it:Manchester City believe they are close to brokering a compromise deal that will see Emmanuel Adebayor leave for Tottenham at last.

City are ready to subsidise the Togo striker’s wages at White Hart Lane for the next two seasons, and will hand him a significant chunk of the £5million fee as a pay-off.

It means the champions will have to write off almost all the £25m they paid Arsenal for ­Adebayor three years ago.

City agreed to sell him in a cut-price deal after he spent last season on loan at Spurs.

But that move was blocked when Adebayor demanded his share of the fee because he would have to take a cut on the £170,000-a-week wages he earns at the Etihad.

Now City will help Spurs pay his salary and will also hand Adebayor most of the fee.

Boss Roberto Mancini urged the striker not to reject the deal, saying: “I am sorry for Adebayor because he has no chance at City.

“He has absolutely no chance of playing this season here.

"So, for us, it’s important he can find a good solution.”

I just want this to end. Spurs have two strikers on their roster, Defoe and Kane. Even if Adebayor comes over they still need another decent striker. Defoe can't play up front alone and Kane is only 19.

I wonder if Dos Santos gets a shot if AVB plays his 4-3-3.

 

[AcerFC]

Sir Alex skipped his teams friendly in Germany against Hannover to reportedly help finish off the deal for Van Persie.

 

[jonessed]

Sir Alex skipped his teams friendly in Germany against Hannover to reportedly help finish off the deal for Van Persie.

If Wenger sells Van Persie to Ferguson he might as well bronze his nuts and send them along with him.

 

[jonessed]

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor—who was on loan atTottenham Hotspur last season—looks set to complete a deal with the North London club over the summer transfer window.

Last rumor I heard was that Adebayor wanted City to pay the difference between what they were paying him, and what Spurs will pay, to his charity. City has not been willing to do that, so far.

I know. This is new stuff. Here is more about it:Manchester City believe they are close to brokering a compromise deal that will see Emmanuel Adebayor leave for Tottenham at last.

City are ready to subsidise the Togo striker’s wages at White Hart Lane for the next two seasons, and will hand him a significant chunk of the £5million fee as a pay-off.

It means the champions will have to write off almost all the £25m they paid Arsenal for ­Adebayor three years ago.

City agreed to sell him in a cut-price deal after he spent last season on loan at Spurs.

But that move was blocked when Adebayor demanded his share of the fee because he would have to take a cut on the £170,000-a-week wages he earns at the Etihad.

Now City will help Spurs pay his salary and will also hand Adebayor most of the fee.

Boss Roberto Mancini urged the striker not to reject the deal, saying: “I am sorry for Adebayor because he has no chance at City.

“He has absolutely no chance of playing this season here.

"So, for us, it’s important he can find a good solution.”

I just want this to end. Spurs have two strikers on their roster, Defoe and Kane. Even if Adebayor comes over they still need another decent striker. Defoe can't play up front alone and Kane is only 19.

I wonder if Dos Santos gets a shot if AVB plays his 4-3-3.

I think AVB might actually would give him a chance if this wasn't the last year in his contract. I am pretty sure they are going sell him.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Gol TV today at 2 eastern: DFB Super Cup - Bayern München v Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena

Bayern win 2-1Goals by Mandzukic in the 6th, Müller in the 11th for Bayern and Lewandowski in the 75 for Dortmund.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Landon had a big game tonight in LA's 4-0 crushing of Chivas. He had all 4 assists. I don't know if this is an MLS single game record but it might be close.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Malaga opening as a road 'dog to Celta de Vigo.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Alan Gordon was added to the US roster for the Mexico game as a forward.

Strange addition considering he is going to be 31 in October and has never been capped before at any US level and someone like Pontius was not called up.

Pontius has been named an alternate though as it sounds like Boyd came into camp with a knock.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Jozy got off to a great start for AZ yesterday in their opening game 2-2 draw against Ajax to start the Dutch season getting both goals.

Here is a video of his second goal. Jozy had a nice pass and good finish on the same play

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQzXAJNVYrU

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm not too unhappy that Málaga is in the crapper. They bought their way to a Champions League berth at the expense of my boys. I hope they get destroyed by Panathinaikos so that Atlético can have a chance to knock them out of Europa.

 

[El Floppo]

For my good ol' Official Soccer Thread pal- you know who you are (from the NYTimes)...

LONDON – The bus driver will know, we thought, so my companion tapped on his window in the parking lot.“Wembley?” he replied. “You can take this bus, in about eight minutes.”But we had not come Saturday to go to Wembley the stadium, where 80,000 would gather in a few hours to watch Brazil play Mexico for the Olympic gold medal. At least not yet. My colleague Sam Borden and I had headed out early to Wembley, the town, in search of Vale Farm, the home ground of Wembley F.C., and this seemed to perplex our man in the bus.“I didn’t even know there was a local ground,” he said, though at that moment he was probably only about 1,000 feet from its center circle.Wembley F.C. is a half-hour subway ride from central London but a million miles from the tip of the English soccer pyramid. It plays eight tiers below the pinnacle, the Premier League of Arsenal and Chelsea and City and United. On Saturday, Wembley F.C. was to play Langford just after lunch in a preliminary round game of the F.A. Cup, and it had drawn attention to itself in recent weeks by adding a group of aging stars – the Argentine Claudio Caniggia, the American Brian McBride and the former England players Graeme Le Saux and Ray Parlour – in a publicity stunt financed by Budweiser, which sponsors both the club and the F.A. Cup.That was the reason – the only reason, really – we and several hundred others turned up at the end of an alley and pushed six pounds across the counter at the ticket window.Vale Farm is a soccer stadium in the same way a ’77 Pinto is a car, which is to say, kind of but not really. Its concrete block walls are topped by three saggy strands of barbed wire, more of a suggestion that uninvited guests stay out than a threat, though it’s hard to figure why anyone would try to break in. Surrounded by a three-step concrete terrace on three sides and three rows of seats shielded by a tin roof on the other, it is about as far as you can get from Wembley, though you can see the big neighbor’s famed white arch if you twist your neck and peek between the houses.Yes, the grass was green, and it had clearly had a fresh haircut for its moment in the sun on television – a first for a nonleague team, the papers said. Budweiser had filled the taps and taken over most of the signboards, though Cherry Red Records kept its place in one corner (does someone really still make records?). But once the game began, even the former stars couldn’t convince you that you were watching anything better than a Saturday kick-around.McBride, 40, retired from Major League Soccer in 2010, and he and the 45-year-old Caniggia looked the freshest of the four stars who were in the starting lineup. Le Saux, 43, started at left back, but it was Parlour whom most fans had come to see.Immediately recognizable as a player for his flowing blond curls, Parlour had played 14 years and more than 330 games for Arsenal in North London, earning 10 England caps and the laugh-inducing nickname the Romford Pele. Now 39, the paunchy Parlour is a meat pie of a man, and the idea that he could go 90 minutes seemed implausible after only five under the broiling sun.The game was exactly what one might expect from one contested by a mixture of beer-league semipros, baby-faced teenagers and grizzled retirees who might have been seeing their teammates for the first time. Caniggia made it 1-0 after 15 minutes, but a defensive blunder let Langford tie the score. The young striker Daryl Atkins restored Wembley’s lead before halftime, then made it 3-1 after the break. From the houses next door, you needed only climb to a second-floor window to get a clear view of the happenings, but it didn’t seem that anyone ever bothered.Wembley won, 3-2, in the end, and so will get another run in the F.A. Cup. But the team is still a long, long way from the final at the real Wembley, and we didn’t get to see the end at Vale Farm anyway.Duty called across town — Mexico vs. Brazil – so we slipped out an opening in the wall and walked the block back to the main road. A double-decker bus soon arrived to take us to the big time, so close and yet so far away.

 

[roadkill1292]

I'm not sure what point the Times reporter was trying to make. Of course, there's little money and next to no fan interest eight levels (or more) down from EPL. At that level, the game is mostly for the players, isn't it? Which isn't a bad thing. Millions of American men play golf or tennis with nobody watching them, either.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm not too unhappy that Málaga is in the crapper. They bought their way to a Champions League berth at the expense of my boys. I hope they get destroyed by Panathinaikos so that Atlético can have a chance to knock them out of Europa.

Prices on Sportsbook for both Atletico and Valencia to finish Top 4 are very, very generous right now. Malaga implosion hasn't been accounted for.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This sound very positive. Seems to be much more than just idle speculation now

Major League Soccer Nears $300M Deal for Queens Stadium, Report Says

FLUSHING—Major League Soccer is on the verge of striking a deal with the city and state to bring a $300 million soccer stadium to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the New York Post reported.

The stadium, which would seat 25,000 fans, would be located next to Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium and would include nine soccer fields for public and minor league use.

Construction would begin next year, and the stadium would be home to a new, unnamed expansion franchise, the report states.

“I definitely think this could happen in 2013 and it will generate construction jobs, permanent jobs and sales-tax revenues for the city and the state," a state official told the paper.

Major League Soccer would fund the construction of the stadium, but city, state and MTA approval would be needed because the proposed site would be on public parkland. The report says that the city would give up nine acres of land for development of the stadium, but in return it would received land from the state for use as parkland.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg hailed the proposal Monday, saying that soccer "is a very big game."

"It would be a great idea," he said. "There’s enormous support for a soccer stadium, from what we can tell from elected officials and from local officials in the area. In Queens in particular."

Marilyn Bitterman, district manager of Community Board 7, said that the board has not been involved in any discussions around a potential soccer stadium, however they have requested a meeting with MLS, the city and the state.

"We have not been involved in the talks, however we will be meeting with them," Bitterman said.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Speaking of stadiums, I read that West Ham is angling to buy the Olympic Stadium.

They seem intent on staying up.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

This sound very positive. Seems to be much more than just idle speculation now

Major League Soccer Nears $300M Deal for Queens Stadium, Report Says

FLUSHING—Major League Soccer is on the verge of striking a deal with the city and state to bring a $300 million soccer stadium to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the New York Post reported.

The stadium, which would seat 25,000 fans, would be located next to Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium and would include nine soccer fields for public and minor league use.

Construction would begin next year, and the stadium would be home to a new, unnamed expansion franchise, the report states.

“I definitely think this could happen in 2013 and it will generate construction jobs, permanent jobs and sales-tax revenues for the city and the state," a state official told the paper.

Major League Soccer would fund the construction of the stadium, but city, state and MTA approval would be needed because the proposed site would be on public parkland. The report says that the city would give up nine acres of land for development of the stadium, but in return it would received land from the state for use as parkland.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg hailed the proposal Monday, saying that soccer "is a very big game."

"It would be a great idea," he said. "There’s enormous support for a soccer stadium, from what we can tell from elected officials and from local officials in the area. In Queens in particular."

Marilyn Bitterman, district manager of Community Board 7, said that the board has not been involved in any discussions around a potential soccer stadium, however they have requested a meeting with MLS, the city and the state.

"We have not been involved in the talks, however we will be meeting with them," Bitterman said.

That's awesome...

On an unrelated note, does anyone have a site that simply and cleanly lists the upcoming weekend's televised games across different leagues?

 

[NewlyRetired]

This sound very positive. Seems to be much more than just idle speculation now

Major League Soccer Nears $300M Deal for Queens Stadium, Report Says

FLUSHING—Major League Soccer is on the verge of striking a deal with the city and state to bring a $300 million soccer stadium to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the New York Post reported.

The stadium, which would seat 25,000 fans, would be located next to Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium and would include nine soccer fields for public and minor league use.

Construction would begin next year, and the stadium would be home to a new, unnamed expansion franchise, the report states.

“I definitely think this could happen in 2013 and it will generate construction jobs, permanent jobs and sales-tax revenues for the city and the state," a state official told the paper.

Major League Soccer would fund the construction of the stadium, but city, state and MTA approval would be needed because the proposed site would be on public parkland. The report says that the city would give up nine acres of land for development of the stadium, but in return it would received land from the state for use as parkland.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg hailed the proposal Monday, saying that soccer "is a very big game."

"It would be a great idea," he said. "There’s enormous support for a soccer stadium, from what we can tell from elected officials and from local officials in the area. In Queens in particular."

Marilyn Bitterman, district manager of Community Board 7, said that the board has not been involved in any discussions around a potential soccer stadium, however they have requested a meeting with MLS, the city and the state.

"We have not been involved in the talks, however we will be meeting with them," Bitterman said.

That's awesome...

On an unrelated note, does anyone have a site that simply and cleanly lists the upcoming weekend's televised games across different leagues?

Do you mean like the ones I posted last year periodically?If so, there are two people that typically post them from twitter

Steven Goff: @soccerinsider

Ives Garlacep: @SoccerByIves

You can also sign up with http://www.socceramerica.com/join/ (it is free) and every day tv listings(amongst many other things of your choice) will be emailed to you in the morning and they usually look forward a couple of days.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Thanks NR!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Thanks NR!

No problem.The soccer america one is the easiest imo, since it is delivered to you. Here is an example of what I received yesterday from themhttp://www.socceramerica.com/article/47726/soccer-on-tv.html

 

[GoFishTN]

Anyone know much about DirecTV and NBC Sports Network?

I'm looking to switch from Comcast and the only channel I'll be losing if I pick the "Choice" tier is NBC Sports. I don't watch a lot of MLS, so I'm not willing to move up a tier just for those games.

I know it's on 603 now, but wikipedia has a note it will be moving to 220 in the future. I don't know if that means it's moving tiers though.

 

[The Z Machine]

Anyone know much about DirecTV and NBC Sports Network?

I'm looking to switch from Comcast and the only channel I'll be losing if I pick the "Choice" tier is NBC Sports. I don't watch a lot of MLS, so I'm not willing to move up a tier just for those games.

I know it's on 603 now, but wikipedia has a note it will be moving to 220 in the future. I don't know if that means it's moving tiers though.

Check out the Spanish language language packs as well. Might have more soccer for a lower price point.

 

[Christo]

Speaking of stadiums, I read that West Ham is angling to buy the Olympic Stadium. They seem intent on staying up.

I think they're just looking for a lease.But I'm sure the Hammers are intent on staying up. They've been in top flight football for most of their existence.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Anyone know much about DirecTV and NBC Sports Network?

I'm looking to switch from Comcast and the only channel I'll be losing if I pick the "Choice" tier is NBC Sports. I don't watch a lot of MLS, so I'm not willing to move up a tier just for those games.

I know it's on 603 now, but wikipedia has a note it will be moving to 220 in the future. I don't know if that means it's moving tiers though.

The channels in the 200's are typically those in the low to mid tier packages. The low 600's are typically in the Sports Pack but VS/NBCSN was always an oddball and treated slightly differently. I have no idea if it will be changing tiers once it moves numbers. As of now NBCSN has MLS and US National team games. I think only 4 Nats games a year if I remember the contract right. There is no other soccer that it has the rights to so you probably won't miss this channel too much if you don't watch MLS, NHL or Tour De France which are the three main properties on the station now.

As a side note always remember that nearly everything is negotiable with DirecTV. There is a thread here that details the success many of us have had in dealing with them. You might find that you can get a higher tier package for the price of a lower tier if you work the channels.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Where are we with BeIn Sports and Comcast, etc? Cutting it kind of close here, no?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Where are we with BeIn Sports and Comcast, etc? Cutting it kind of close here, no?

I posted a bunch of information about Direct TV and Dish last week I think. Channel is actively testing on Direct TV and Dish. Rumored to be taking the place of Gol TV in the Direct TV lineup and Gol TV will reduce to a single channel using SAP. I have not read even one rumor about any cable coverage. It sounds like they are basically giving the channel away for free to Direct TV and Dish to get into their sports packs so they may be doing something similar with the cable companies. It does not sound like the smoothest run operation from what I have read but they should end up on at least a few different carriers this year.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The first is men vs boys stuff.

 

[Steve Tasker]

RvP to United talks officially in the works, per The Sun. :(

 

[Christo]

RvP to United talks officially in the works, per The Sun. :(

Gunners fans booed him when he came on the field at Cologne yesterday.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I posted the second goal earlier but the first was excellent power. I love when defenders bounce off him.

 

[NewlyRetired]

RvP to United talks officially in the works, per The Sun. :(

Yeah, I mentioned yesterday that Fergie actually skipped the teams friendly in Hannover to help close this deal.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Klinsmann called up Chandler again and he was snubbed again.From Ives

There was yet another turn in the Timmy Chandler-U.S. men's national team saga on Monday, but it is not one unfamiliar to American soccer fans.According to a German report, Chandler was called up for the United States' Wednesday friendly against Mexico at Azteca Stadium but he passed on the opportunity due to the scheduling and 'strenous' travel that would have been required. Chandler reportedly was not keen on joining the U.S. team as he would have returned to FC Nurnberg from international duty on Saturday, a day before the club's DFB Pokal first round game against TSV Havelse.U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who said Chandler was not committed to the U.S. team on Sunday, was reportedly not pleased with the 22-year-old's latest snub but he accepted it nonetheless. Nurnberg sporting director Martin Bader also reportedly had a conversation with Klinsmann to help smooth things over.

 

[TLEF316]

Why even call Chandler for this one? It wouldn't cap-tie him and he was never going to fly 1/2 way around the world to get his ### kicked and get hit with piss balloons in that hell hole.

I'd leave him alone for at least the next 6-9 months. Once gets a little more established with his club and Germany still isn't interested, maybe he'll change his mind.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the experience level for the back line against Mexico

Johnson 6 caps

Castillo 6 caps

Cameron 5 caps

Orozco Fiscal 4 caps

Besler 0 caps

Beitashour 0 caps

 

[El Floppo]

This sound very positive. Seems to be much more than just idle speculation now

Major League Soccer Nears $300M Deal for Queens Stadium, Report Says

FLUSHING—Major League Soccer is on the verge of striking a deal with the city and state to bring a $300 million soccer stadium to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the New York Post reported.

The stadium, which would seat 25,000 fans, would be located next to Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium and would include nine soccer fields for public and minor league use.

Construction would begin next year, and the stadium would be home to a new, unnamed expansion franchise, the report states.

“I definitely think this could happen in 2013 and it will generate construction jobs, permanent jobs and sales-tax revenues for the city and the state," a state official told the paper.

Major League Soccer would fund the construction of the stadium, but city, state and MTA approval would be needed because the proposed site would be on public parkland. The report says that the city would give up nine acres of land for development of the stadium, but in return it would received land from the state for use as parkland.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg hailed the proposal Monday, saying that soccer "is a very big game."

"It would be a great idea," he said. "There’s enormous support for a soccer stadium, from what we can tell from elected officials and from local officials in the area. In Queens in particular."

Marilyn Bitterman, district manager of Community Board 7, said that the board has not been involved in any discussions around a potential soccer stadium, however they have requested a meeting with MLS, the city and the state.

"We have not been involved in the talks, however we will be meeting with them," Bitterman said.

Meh.It's a location that makes sense, I guess. With Citifield there, theres' plenty of parking and the one subway stop (7 train).

I had the thought the other night that what unites the newer clubs like Seattle and Portland that are doing so well filling the seats is the hipster factor... all these dooshy hipster 20 somethings have something to get together about and cheer in an affected Euro-style kinda way. Given that, Brooklyn is where this stadium should happen. Get all the young fixed-gear riding plaid shirt beard wearing whiteys in there singing stuff- it'll feed on itself like an ironic yet not ironic way.

That, and Hopstop just told me that my trek to Queens is going to take 1:20 versus the less than 50 minutes it takes me to get to RBNY out in NJ. Even the deepest darkest parts of Brooklyn would be less than that endless ride on the 7.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Sport reporting that Xabi wants out of RM.

 

[The Gator]

Rate my U10 team by racially judging last names:

Lopez

Moreau

Parry

Patino (first name help here- ramon)

Puga

Soares

Torres

Toste

Valdovinos

Zambrano

Zenteno

STACKED

 

[Texas Football]

Sport reporting that Xabi wants out of RM.

He wants to come back to Liverpool. I hear and I hope.What kind of wages do you think he is on?