***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[NewlyRetired]

In the "good lord I can't stop aging" category, Ian Harkes, John Harkes son, has committed to Wake Forrest for next year according to Goff. Harkes was the player of the year in the DC area last year as a junior and Wake is always one of the top programs that has produced a bunch of pro players the last 10 years.

Whoa.This is exaclty the culture/legacy I've been talking about, albeit an extreme level.

I think this is the closest we have right now to a father son duo that both played in MLS. Obviously others, like Joe Gyau are professionals already (Joe's dad Philip was a US International and played in the various leagues that were between the NASL and MLS), but I am unsure if there has ever been a father son that both played in MLS.

 

[NewlyRetired]

In the "good lord I can't stop aging" category, Ian Harkes, John Harkes son, has committed to Wake Forrest for next year according to Goff. Harkes was the player of the year in the DC area last year as a junior and Wake is always one of the top programs that has produced a bunch of pro players the last 10 years.

Whoa.This is exaclty the culture/legacy I've been talking about, albeit an extreme level.

I wonder if Eric Wynalda has a daughter

 

[El Floppo]

In the "good lord I can't stop aging" category, Ian Harkes, John Harkes son, has committed to Wake Forrest for next year according to Goff. Harkes was the player of the year in the DC area last year as a junior and Wake is always one of the top programs that has produced a bunch of pro players the last 10 years.

Whoa.This is exaclty the culture/legacy I've been talking about, albeit an extreme level.

I wonder if Eric Wynalda has a daughter

Lol

 

[Sebowski]

Busy week this weekUCL back in full force4 more MLS playoff games (3 of them on Wednesday) to decide the conference final matchupsFIFA will conduct the draw for the hex scheduling for Concacaf qualifying (also on Wednesday, at 8:00pm in Miami).

Mexico at home in February. :fingerscrossed:

Pretty sure we'll get that game, but it will be in Houston or LA.

 

[The Gator]

ESPN released a list of their top 25 US U-21 prospects

13. Marc Pelosi, D, 18, Liverpool

Here's the attacking left back solution.

IIRC(mostly in Midfield), he has 2 goals and 3-4 assist in 6 BPL U21 games

Assuming that Fab is the real deal (and I think he is), this kid is the perfect age to pick up when Fab slows down in 5 years or so.

Article I found on him

LIVERPOOL, England -- Budding soccer star Marc Pelosi lives a couple blocks from the cradle of British rock music.

But the long-limbed Sunnyvale teenager hasn't explored all the tourist spots that pay tribute to where the Beatles got their start a half century ago.

Pelosi, 18, doesn't have time for anything but soccer -- Liverpool's other passion. The midfielder has spent the past year developing his game for the storied Liverpool Football Club in hopes of someday playing in the English Premier League while also representing the United States in major international tournaments.

He turned down a chance to play in college or with Major League Soccer to become one of the few young Americans to try to advance through a foreign youth academy. According to the website Yanks-Abroad.com, 18 Americans are playing on the senior sides of English clubs, including eight in the top-level Premiership. Pelosi is leaving nothing to chance. He marshals all his time and energy for training and playing games as a member of the under-21 Reserve League roster. "Every time we have a game we get the next day off," Pelosi said in a café near his apartment. "I usually just go out with friends to eat and then go home and sleep in until 1." That's pretty much it. It's also why Pelosi, a gifted left-footed midfielder, receives glowing reports from Liverpool's academy staff

"He's the kind of person that has great mentality," reserve team coach Rodolfo Borrell said. "He has it in his mind he wants to be a top professional player. He's trying to get it."

Pelosi has moved around the field this season but appears to be settling in as an attacking midfielder. He scored two goals last month against Manchester City in his first start of the regular season for the youth squad. The season runs through early December. Borrell added Pelosi brings a positive, hardworking attitude to camp every day. "He's never looking for excuses," the Spanish coach said. "He's looking forward to learning day in and day out." Pelosi has learned much in the past 21/2 months under Borrell, who coached Lionel Messi when the Argentine star joined Barcelona FC as a kid. Borrell also trained Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Christian Tello -- current Barcelona stars with Messi. It's difficult to fathom Pelosi getting similar tutelage in the United States, even if American coaches are as knowledgeable and seasoned as Borrell. MLS began in 1996. Liverpool FC has 120 years to its credit as well as a special exhibit at the Museum of Liverpool about its rivalry with neighbor Everton. The one historical note Pelosi has learned involves the Titanic. "It took off from Liverpool," he said.

Last season the former Bellarmine College Prep student lived with a family while acclimating to his new city along the Mersey River. But now Pelosi has moved into his own apartment in a building where a few teammates live. The compact city center is cluttered with shopping characteristic of a giant American mall. It doesn't offer Parisian-style daily produce stands along side streets. Instead Pelosi shops at a U.K. department store chain that feels like an upscale Walmart. He's still learning to cook. His mother, Birgit Pelosi, visits often from the South Bay to make sure he enjoys home cooking.

The overall experience isn't entirely new though. Pelosi was one of 40 players invited to be in residency with the U.S. national under-17 team in Bradenton, Fla., when he was 15.

The way Pelosi handles his freedom has left U.S. coaches optimistic. Under-20 coach Tab Ramos calls him a "no-miss" type of player. "He's at the top of what we have," said Ramos, formerly a U.S. national team star. "It's not like we've had 50 players at Liverpool over the past 10 years. And he's probably the only one Liverpool has high hopes for." Ramos sees Pelosi as an "all-terrain" midfielder who has a foot in the offense and defense. Borrell has used him throughout the midfield and also as a left outside back.

The player welcomes the variety because "for the rest of my career I can play any of those positions."

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN released a list of their top 25 US U-21 prospects

13. Marc Pelosi, D, 18, Liverpool

Here's the attacking left back solution.

IIRC(mostly in Midfield), he has 2 goals and 3-4 assist in 6 BPL U21 games

Assuming that Fab is the real deal (and I think he is), this kid is the perfect age to pick up when Fab slows down in 5 years or so.

Article I found on him

LIVERPOOL, England -- Budding soccer star Marc Pelosi lives a couple blocks from the cradle of British rock music.

But the long-limbed Sunnyvale teenager hasn't explored all the tourist spots that pay tribute to where the Beatles got their start a half century ago.

Pelosi, 18, doesn't have time for anything but soccer -- Liverpool's other passion. The midfielder has spent the past year developing his game for the storied Liverpool Football Club in hopes of someday playing in the English Premier League while also representing the United States in major international tournaments.

He turned down a chance to play in college or with Major League Soccer to become one of the few young Americans to try to advance through a foreign youth academy. According to the website Yanks-Abroad.com, 18 Americans are playing on the senior sides of English clubs, including eight in the top-level Premiership. Pelosi is leaving nothing to chance. He marshals all his time and energy for training and playing games as a member of the under-21 Reserve League roster. "Every time we have a game we get the next day off," Pelosi said in a café near his apartment. "I usually just go out with friends to eat and then go home and sleep in until 1." That's pretty much it. It's also why Pelosi, a gifted left-footed midfielder, receives glowing reports from Liverpool's academy staff

"He's the kind of person that has great mentality," reserve team coach Rodolfo Borrell said. "He has it in his mind he wants to be a top professional player. He's trying to get it."

Pelosi has moved around the field this season but appears to be settling in as an attacking midfielder. He scored two goals last month against Manchester City in his first start of the regular season for the youth squad. The season runs through early December. Borrell added Pelosi brings a positive, hardworking attitude to camp every day. "He's never looking for excuses," the Spanish coach said. "He's looking forward to learning day in and day out." Pelosi has learned much in the past 21/2 months under Borrell, who coached Lionel Messi when the Argentine star joined Barcelona FC as a kid. Borrell also trained Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Christian Tello -- current Barcelona stars with Messi. It's difficult to fathom Pelosi getting similar tutelage in the United States, even if American coaches are as knowledgeable and seasoned as Borrell. MLS began in 1996. Liverpool FC has 120 years to its credit as well as a special exhibit at the Museum of Liverpool about its rivalry with neighbor Everton. The one historical note Pelosi has learned involves the Titanic. "It took off from Liverpool," he said.

Last season the former Bellarmine College Prep student lived with a family while acclimating to his new city along the Mersey River. But now Pelosi has moved into his own apartment in a building where a few teammates live. The compact city center is cluttered with shopping characteristic of a giant American mall. It doesn't offer Parisian-style daily produce stands along side streets. Instead Pelosi shops at a U.K. department store chain that feels like an upscale Walmart. He's still learning to cook. His mother, Birgit Pelosi, visits often from the South Bay to make sure he enjoys home cooking.

The overall experience isn't entirely new though. Pelosi was one of 40 players invited to be in residency with the U.S. national under-17 team in Bradenton, Fla., when he was 15.

The way Pelosi handles his freedom has left U.S. coaches optimistic. Under-20 coach Tab Ramos calls him a "no-miss" type of player. "He's at the top of what we have," said Ramos, formerly a U.S. national team star. "It's not like we've had 50 players at Liverpool over the past 10 years. And he's probably the only one Liverpool has high hopes for." Ramos sees Pelosi as an "all-terrain" midfielder who has a foot in the offense and defense. Borrell has used him throughout the midfield and also as a left outside back.

The player welcomes the variety because "for the rest of my career I can play any of those positions."

Nice article, thanks for posting. Hopefully Tab can lead the next group of U20's to the U20 World Cup so that we can get a good look at him.

 

[El Floppo]

Busy week this weekUCL back in full force4 more MLS playoff games (3 of them on Wednesday) to decide the conference final matchupsFIFA will conduct the draw for the hex scheduling for Concacaf qualifying (also on Wednesday, at 8:00pm in Miami).

Mexico at home in February. :fingerscrossed:

Pretty sure we'll get that game, but it will be in Houston or LA.

Yeah. I'm going to wear my grunge plaid shirt, ripped jeans and pony-tail just so I can complete the 1990s vibe a home game vs Mexico in those locations would imply.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

So Suarez not only did not dive this week, but was the victim of an attempted leg breaker. Coloccini was shown straight red and luckily missed with his attack.Who is the bigger ##### in these cases?http://cadfael.tv/image/src/1352051200860.gifI completely agree Suarez is no saint and frustrates me sometimes the way he goes down. But he gets kicked, tripped and checked a lot.Bale is the worst diver in the game and an uber #####, but yet Suarez is more hated.I will give the last two refs of Liverpool games some props. Neville was carded for a dive and Coloccini was straight red given.Lets see how the ref acts in the Chelsea game. I almost want Webb because he will be conflicted on who to screw over more. Guaranteed 3 red cards.And yes, I think Suarez was in line for a red on his tackle on Distin last week, but it wasn't given so on we go.

Coloccini got straight red despite not making contact. I'm fine with that. He showed his studs. But it's quite possible he missed because he pulled out of the challenge. I think the "coward" jabs at Coloccini are a bit much. In the same vein, I probably would have given Suarez the PK in the first half. The leg was left in. But he also clearly made a bit of a meal of it.

 

[El Floppo]

So Suarez not only did not dive this week, but was the victim of an attempted leg breaker. Coloccini was shown straight red and luckily missed with his attack.

Who is the bigger ##### in these cases?

http://cadfael.tv/image/src/1352051200860.gif

I completely agree Suarez is no saint and frustrates me sometimes the way he goes down. But he gets kicked, tripped and checked a lot.

Bale is the worst diver in the game and an uber #####, but yet Suarez is more hated.

I will give the last two refs of Liverpool games some props. Neville was carded for a dive and Coloccini was straight red given.

Lets see how the ref acts in the Chelsea game. I almost want Webb because he will be conflicted on who to screw over more. Guaranteed 3 red cards.

And yes, I think Suarez was in line for a red on his tackle on Distin last week, but it wasn't given so on we go.

Coloccini got straight red despite not making contact. I'm fine with that. He showed his studs. But it's quite possible he missed because he pulled out of the challenge. I think the "coward" jabs at Coloccini are a bit much. In the same vein, I probably would have given Suarez the PK in the first half. The leg was left in. But he also clearly made a bit of a meal of it.

Every player on the ball gets kicked, pushed etc- it's how they respond to it that matters to me. Suarez tries to sell it hard by exaggerating the contact and any harm it may have done. Bale and Ashley Young do it too- but there's a particularly histrionic version that seems born out of South America and Southern Europe that I find worse.But maybe Suarez has turned a corner with the diving? That would be pretty freaking great- I'd love to stop being a love/hate fan over the guy and just love the soccer he's capable of playing.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

In the "good lord I can't stop aging" category, Ian Harkes, John Harkes son, has committed to Wake Forrest for next year according to Goff. Harkes was the player of the year in the DC area last year as a junior and Wake is always one of the top programs that has produced a bunch of pro players the last 10 years.

Whoa.This is exaclty the culture/legacy I've been talking about, albeit an extreme level.

I think this is the closest we have right now to a father son duo that both played in MLS. Obviously others, like Joe Gyau are professionals already (Joe's dad Philip was a US International and played in the various leagues that were between the NASL and MLS), but I am unsure if there has ever been a father son that both played in MLS.

Alex and Teal Bunbury is the only MLS father son combo I believe - if not they were definitely the first

 

[NewlyRetired]

In the "good lord I can't stop aging" category, Ian Harkes, John Harkes son, has committed to Wake Forrest for next year according to Goff. Harkes was the player of the year in the DC area last year as a junior and Wake is always one of the top programs that has produced a bunch of pro players the last 10 years.

Whoa.This is exaclty the culture/legacy I've been talking about, albeit an extreme level.

I think this is the closest we have right now to a father son duo that both played in MLS. Obviously others, like Joe Gyau are professionals already (Joe's dad Philip was a US International and played in the various leagues that were between the NASL and MLS), but I am unsure if there has ever been a father son that both played in MLS.

Alex and Teal Bunbury is the only MLS father son combo I believe - if not they were definitely the first

Yes good call! Totally forgot that Alex played in MLS with KC just like his son Teal.

 

[GoFishTN]

Man, I really thought Southampton had more than enough talent to avoid the drop, but things are not looking good. I don't think Adkins is going to be around much longer.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Of course. Since I just switched to DirecTV and lost one channel. That being NBC Sports.

Direct TV does have the channel. I think you need to be in Choice Xtra (the middle package) to get it.

Yeah, I went one tier lower because I didn't care about MLS. I'm sure something will work out.

Yeah, no need to worry about it until next August. And there has been constant rumor that NBCSN will be moving into the 200's on Direct TV's channels near the other sports stations which might also get it in the lower tier packs.

Well that did not take long. NBCSN has moved from 603 down to 220 as of this afternoon. I don't know if it has also moved into different packages but they would not have moved it unless they were planning to add it in different packages.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Recording Schalke v Gunners and Dortmund @ Real today. UCL games are the only chance I have to see these good young German teams, stocked with future EPL stars.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Which game should I watch live?

Man City vs Ajax or

RM vs Dortmund

I may try to check in on Sacha with Anderlecth if I can too.

Direct TV pays for itself on days like this.

 

[El Floppo]

Which game should I watch live?Man City vs Ajax orRM vs DortmundI may try to check in on Sacha with Anderlecth if I can too.Direct TV pays for itself on days like this.

Charlie Davies tweeted (twatted?) that he was looking forwrad to RM v Dort... good enough for him, good enough for you.He also twoted that it is Jozy's birthday today.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Dortmund beat RM in Germany and has a loaded roster of exciting young players, including former USMNt hopeful and current Serbia first-teamer, Neven Subotic. Meanwhile, City seems to be in an absolute must-win situation with 1 point so far from 3 games in the Group of Death. Both have potential to be great games imo.

 

[ffldrew]

What a letdown on D for Arsenal

 

[NewlyRetired]

Very smart and nice assist by Sacha in the box to help Anderlecht to the lead.

 

[NewlyRetired]

What a letdown on D for Arsenal

How has Jones looked for Schalke?

 

[ffldrew]

What a letdown on D for Arsenal

How has Jones looked for Schalke?

I've been in and out of watching - kinda of on in the background - nothing of note when I've watched

 

[NewlyRetired]

Direct TV dropped Gol TV.

This may very well be one of if not the last nail in the coffin for Gol TV.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Nice win by Anderlecth today over Zenith. Sacha was not involved a ton but he did show well in a few one on one battles with Witsel.

This gives Anderletch a shot now at the quarterfinals. Big match next for them when they host AC Milan.

 

[The Z Machine]

Direct TV dropped Gol TV.This may very well be one of if not the last nail in the coffin for Gol TV.

Avidizane Bundesliga.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Man City is in deep do do. 5 points out of second place with just two games to play.

Porto and Malaga are the first two teams into the UCL Quarterfinals.

Interestingly Gooch, who was no where to be seen, recently started and scored for Malaga and is now at least making the bench every game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Direct TV dropped Gol TV.This may very well be one of if not the last nail in the coffin for Gol TV.

Avidizane Bundesliga.

I have not found out what happens to those rights should Gol TV go completely under. I assume they would immediately be up for bid again but I don't quite know how bankruptcy works in this type of case.

 

[El Floppo]

Direct TV dropped Gol TV.This may very well be one of if not the last nail in the coffin for Gol TV.

Avidizane Bundesliga.

lol- took me a bit to figure out what you were saying there, Z... thought it had somethign to do with Zidane."Auf Wiedersehen"eta: I had to look that up- no way I could ever have spelled it either.

 

[El Floppo]

Man City is in deep do do. 5 points out of second place with just two games to play. Porto and Malaga are the first two teams into the UCL Quarterfinals. Interestingly Gooch, who was no where to be seen, recently started and scored for Malaga and is now at least making the bench every game.

Arsenal with a big away point vs group leaders. Guess who got a yellow for Schalke. Anybody see the game?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

City has to play Real Madrid at home and Dortmund away. They're toast. Unlikely to make the Europa League. You've got to take more than 1 point from two games against Ajax to hope to advance in group D, easily the toughest group in the tournament.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

At least they'll be freed up to focus on league play?

 

[Eephus]

AFC Wimbledon lost again, 2-0 away to Exeter City

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Great call to let Ozil take the free kick. Completely unpredictable to not let the Prince of Kicking The Ball 30 Rows Up take one, for once.

 

[NewlyRetired]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1215914/fabio-capello-names-russia-team-vs.-u.s.-for-nov.-14-friendly?cc=5901

U.S. vs. Russia friendly

Fabio Capello names Russia team

November 6, 2012

By ESPN.com news services

Fabio Capello on Tuesday included Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Denis Cheryshev and Anzhi Makhachkala striker Fyodor Smolov in his final 26-man Russia squad for the Nov. 14 friendly against the United States.

Both 21-year-old Cheryshev and Smolov, 22, were named in an expanded provisional team last week and could now feature on Krasnodar after surviving the cut.

Cheryshev has yet to make an appearance for Jose Mourinho's senior side but is a regular for Real Madrid B. He is following in the footsteps of his father, Dmitry, by receiving international recognition with Russia.

Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Dmitry Tarasov and third-choice goalkeeper Anton Shunin were omitted from the squad which beat Azerbaijan last time out while Andriy Arshavin, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Roman Pavlyuchenko continue to be overlooked.

Earlier this week, U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said his goal is to finish off the year on a high note in Russia.

"We expect a very interesting game there against a side that is probably one of the top five or six teams right now in Europe, doing very well," he said during a recent media conference call.

The Russia squad is: Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Belenov (FC Kuban), Gabulov (Anzhi Makhachkala); Anyukov (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexei Berezutsky, Vasily Berezutsky (both CSKA Moscow), Granat (Dynamo Moscow), Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Yanbaev (Zenit St Petersburg), Yeshchenko (Lokomotiv Moscow); Bilyaletdinov (Spartak Moscow), Bystrov (Zenit St Petersburg), Cheryshev (Real Madrid Castilla), Denisov (Zenit St Petersburg), Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Faizulin (Zenit St Petersburg), Glushakov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Ozdoev (Lokomotiv Moscow), Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Shirokov (Zenit St Petersburg); Dzyuba (Spartak Moscow), Grigoryev (Lokomotiv Moscow), Kerzhakov (Zenit St Petersburg), Kokorin (Dynamo Moscow, Smolov (Anzhi Makhachkala).

Russia has notched three wins out of three in its World Cup qualifying campaign thus far, including a 1-0 defeat of Portugal.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Direct TV dropped Gol TV.This may very well be one of if not the last nail in the coffin for Gol TV.

Avidizane Bundesliga.

I have not found out what happens to those rights should Gol TV go completely under. I assume they would immediately be up for bid again but I don't quite know how bankruptcy works in this type of case.

Here is a link that says its no longer on Direct TV but people say they are still seeing the channel on 456. I don't get that Spanish package on Direct TV to verify. Z, if you get it, could you check 456 and see if it is still on the air?http://support.directv.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2901/session/L3RpbWUvMTM1MjEyNzk1NC9zaWQvVTFBUm13YWw=My sat box's guide still shows the channel active but my Direct TV app no longer shows 456 on its guide.

 

[Mjolnirs]

:sigh:

Have I mentioned before how much I hate Fox's selection of CL matches to show?

My dvr is now set to record Bayern's Wednesday 2:30 match ... at 10am Thursday.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

:sigh:Have I mentioned before how much I hate Fox's selection of CL matches to show?My dvr is now set to record Bayern's Wednesday 2:30 match ... at 10am Thursday.

They have EPL rights. They cater to EPL fans.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

+$650. Around $950 total if FL goes blue, which it looks like it will.

 

[Mjolnirs]

:sigh:Have I mentioned before how much I hate Fox's selection of CL matches to show?My dvr is now set to record Bayern's Wednesday 2:30 match ... at 10am Thursday.

They have EPL rights. They cater to EPL fans.

Yes I know. Still sucks.

 

[NewlyRetired]

+$650. Around $950 total if FL goes blue, which it looks like it will.

Wrong thread?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Three MLS Playoffs games tonight which will set 3/4 of the conference finals

1) DC travels to what could be a rainy and or snowy Red Bull Arena. They are tied after the first game and away goals don't count so both if the teams want to avoid the 30 minute OT, they must win in regulation.

Game time: 8:00pm on NBCSN

2) Houston takes a solid 2-0 lead into Livestrong where the #1 seeded Sporting KC must wake up quickly. KC must win by at least 2 to get to OT or by 3 to win out right. if KC does lose, I think Zusi will be on the US squad for the Russia game.

Game time: 9:00pm on MLS Live/Direct Kick

3) LA takes the short ride into Buckshaw needing a 1 goal win to at least force OT after the weak injury time goal they let in against SJ in the last game.

Game time: 11:00pm on ESPN2

 

[CletiusMaximus]

:sigh:Have I mentioned before how much I hate Fox's selection of CL matches to show?My dvr is now set to record Bayern's Wednesday 2:30 match ... at 10am Thursday.

They have EPL rights. They cater to EPL fans.

Yes I know. Still sucks.

Fox is showing the ManU and Barca games live, all others are delayed. Chelsea-Shaktar @ 6 : 00 tonight, Juve and Bayern tomorrow. Not sure about the others

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

:sigh:Have I mentioned before how much I hate Fox's selection of CL matches to show?My dvr is now set to record Bayern's Wednesday 2:30 match ... at 10am Thursday.

They have EPL rights. They cater to EPL fans.

Yes I know. Still sucks.

Fox is showing the ManU and Barca games live, all others are delayed. Chelsea-Shaktar @ 6 : 00 tonight, Juve and Bayern tomorrow. Not sure about the others

This is really only an issue in the group stage. It seems kind of petty to complain considering where we were a few years ago (of course, I can never watch these games live, so I don't particularly care when they're shown).

 

[CletiusMaximus]

ESPN2PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal FCTue., Feb. 20 at 2:30 pm ETFC Porto vs Chelsea FCWed., Feb. 21 at 2:30 pm ET

Once again ESPN shows that we have to have all the English sides eliminated before we get to see some of the other matches. They almost always will show the English sides live. I realize the US is, at least for now, a mostly English speaking country, but matchups between other European sides can be attractive too.

Well, since Scooby brought up the topic of "where we were a few years ago" I can't resist pointing out that poor Mjolnirs' position hasn't changed much since page 1 of this thread, nearly 6 years ago. I love the Bundesliga as much as the next guy, but I think it's time for Mj to work his way past this issue and find some inner peace with the broadcasting powers that be.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

ESPN2PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal FCTue., Feb. 20 at 2:30 pm ETFC Porto vs Chelsea FCWed., Feb. 21 at 2:30 pm ET

Once again ESPN shows that we have to have all the English sides eliminated before we get to see some of the other matches. They almost always will show the English sides live. I realize the US is, at least for now, a mostly English speaking country, but matchups between other European sides can be attractive too.

Well, since Scooby brought up the topic of "where we were a few years ago" I can't resist pointing out that poor Mjolnirs' position hasn't changed much since page 1 of this thread, nearly 6 years ago. I love the Bundesliga as much as the next guy, but I think it's time for Mj to work his way past this issue and find some inner peace with the broadcasting powers that be.

Selfishly, I've always wished that the major European leagues would band together for a TV contract in the United States. I think the best way to grow the game would be to ensure a high profile, High Def, game every weekend that featured major stars. But that isn't going to happen. As long as the bundesliga insists on competing with the EPL for US audiences, it's going to lose. Which is a shame. I think it's the most consistently entertaining league in the world. Also, I would pay to watch Being: Borussia Dortmund. I imagine watching Jurgen Klopp maniacally fist pump every time he gets a perfectly cooked omelette would be absurdly entertaining. I love that guy.

 

[Mjolnirs]

ESPN2

PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal FC

Tue., Feb. 20 at 2:30 pm ET

FC Porto vs Chelsea FC

Wed., Feb. 21 at 2:30 pm ET

Once again ESPN shows that we have to have all the English sides eliminated before we get to see some of the other matches. They almost always will show the English sides live. I realize the US is, at least for now, a mostly English speaking country, but matchups between other European sides can be attractive too.

Well, since Scooby brought up the topic of "where we were a few years ago" I can't resist pointing out that poor Mjolnirs' position hasn't changed much since page 1 of this thread, nearly 6 years ago. I love the Bundesliga as much as the next guy, but I think it's time for Mj to work his way past this issue and find some inner peace with the broadcasting powers that be.

Nice find. But you have to remember, I have one of these on the back of my car. I don't move on well.

 

[NewlyRetired]

While RSL and SJ should sell out tonight I am expecting a small crowd at Red Bull Arena where even in great conditions they barely get 20k on most occasions.

Tonight is going to be the opposite of great conditions. Temps in low to mid 30's, rain, snow and wind mix. Lovely.

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN2

PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal FC

Tue., Feb. 20 at 2:30 pm ET

FC Porto vs Chelsea FC

Wed., Feb. 21 at 2:30 pm ET

Once again ESPN shows that we have to have all the English sides eliminated before we get to see some of the other matches. They almost always will show the English sides live. I realize the US is, at least for now, a mostly English speaking country, but matchups between other European sides can be attractive too.

Well, since Scooby brought up the topic of "where we were a few years ago" I can't resist pointing out that poor Mjolnirs' position hasn't changed much since page 1 of this thread, nearly 6 years ago. I love the Bundesliga as much as the next guy, but I think it's time for Mj to work his way past this issue and find some inner peace with the broadcasting powers that be.

Nice find. But you have to remember, I have one of these on the back of my car. I don't move on well.

Have you considered switching carriers for your tv viewing? I can watch all 8 games live today on my carrier (Direct TV) for no extra cost.

 

[El Floppo]

Three MLS Playoffs games tonight which will set 3/4 of the conference finals1) DC travels to what could be a rainy and or snowy Red Bull Arena. They are tied after the first game and away goals don't count so both if the teams want to avoid the 30 minute OT, they must win in regulation.Game time: 8:00pm on NBCSN

It is going to be an absolute mess out there tonight- it's a mess now (snowing, windy- 40-50mph gusts, and cold) and supposed to get worse later. Really wondering if postponing the game is on the books?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Three MLS Playoffs games tonight which will set 3/4 of the conference finals1) DC travels to what could be a rainy and or snowy Red Bull Arena. They are tied after the first game and away goals don't count so both if the teams want to avoid the 30 minute OT, they must win in regulation.Game time: 8:00pm on NBCSN

It is going to be an absolute mess out there tonight- it's a mess now (snowing, windy- 40-50mph gusts, and cold) and supposed to get worse later. Really wondering if postponing the game is on the books?

This series is a mess. They already had to swap the games initially because of Sandy. Because they switched the games, NY offered anyone coming from DC a free ticket and United then offered free bus service. I think they have over 9 full buses making the trip from DC to NY today. Not good, but this is yet another indication for those that think MLS has to go to a fall to spring season to rethink the idea.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Klinsmann close to being fired at 2006 World Cup in GermanyFRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -- The governing body of German soccer had a secret plan to fire coach Jurgen Klinsmann during the 2006 World Cup if the tournament had gone badly for the host team, according to former federation president Theo Zwanziger.Zwanziger says he and three other top federation officials, including head local organizer Franz Beckenbauer, devised the plan to fire Klinsmann during the tournament if it turned into a "sporting disaster'' for Germany. Only the four men knew about the plan to replace Klinsmann with sporting director Matthias Sammer, who was unaware of the idea.Zwanziger was never a friend of Klinsmann and installed Sammer over Klinsmann's objections. Klinsmann led Germany to a third-place finish. He took over as coach of the U.S. national team last year.Now retired, Zwanziger has written a book about his time as federation head and revealed the plan to possibly fire Klinsmann. In excerpts published on Wednesday by Bild, Zwanziger says "Plan B'' was devised after Germany lost 4-1 to Italy in a March 2006 exhibition.The federation also was angered that Klinsmann skipped a World Cup workshop for coaches shortly after the loss in Italy and returned to his home in California, according to Zwanziger."I have to admit that I was beginning to have doubts about our team chief. Publicly, I expressed loyalty to Juergen Klinsmann ... but internally we set up a plan B,'' Zwanziger wrote. "If a sporting disaster began to develop at the World Cup and Klinsmann was no longer acceptable, we decided to have Matthias Sammer jump in at short notice.''Klinsmann's assistant, Joachim Loew, never was considered because he was thought to be too close to Klinsmann and part of his inner circle, Zwanziger said. Klinsmann quit after the World Cup and replaced by Loew, who remains the coach.Klinsmann then had an unsuccessful stint as coach of Bayern Munich that lasted less than a season.Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.