***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

[Native]

Based on prior experience, I had Shakhtar pegged as a team that built a gaudy record against weak competition that would be exposed (once again) in Europe. But this current Shakhtar team is quality and has the inside track to win Group E, even after losing to Chelsea on a 94th minute goal last night. They are fun to watch, and I hope they advance, at Juve's expense. Group E will be decided by two massive games the last two matchdays - Chelsea at Juve on 11/20 and Juve at Shakhtar on 12/5.

If Juve beats Chelsea in Turin on 11/20, Shakhtar and Juventus can essentially play for a 0-0 draw on 12/5 and both will still advance. Its imperative for Chelsea to get at least a point in Italy or else their fate is sealed.

 

[Donsmith753]

It's not a lot. Not sure on exact figures.

Our owner has been supporting us for the last few years but decided he'd had enough (City and Chelsea take note).

Fans are doing what we can, buying shares, buying extra tickets for fans that can't afford them. Anything we can do to at least try and save them.

 

[Moe.]

Based on prior experience, I had Shakhtar pegged as a team that built a gaudy record against weak competition that would be exposed (once again) in Europe. But this current Shakhtar team is quality and has the inside track to win Group E, even after losing to Chelsea on a 94th minute goal last night. They are fun to watch, and I hope they advance, at Juve's expense. Group E will be decided by two massive games the last two matchdays - Chelsea at Juve on 11/20 and Juve at Shakhtar on 12/5.

That was the most entertaining match I've watched in a long time, I came away extremely impressed by Shakhtar as well. If they can qualify I don't see any reason why they can't go pretty far in the knockout round.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It's not a lot. Not sure on exact figures.Our owner has been supporting us for the last few years but decided he'd had enough (City and Chelsea take note).Fans are doing what we can, buying shares, buying extra tickets for fans that can't afford them. Anything we can do to at least try and save them.

I hope things work out. Good luck. People have predicting these issues for a while now and I fear this may be just the tip of the iceberg for many clubs.

 

[NewlyRetired]

NY vs DC at 7:30pm

RSL vs Seattle at 10:00pm

Both games on NBCSN and they will determine the last two teams in the conference finals. Both series are level on aggregate going into tonight.

 

[guru_007]

Neuer Bale- Kompany - Vidic - HummelsCazorla - Pirlo - CRonaldo Messi Cavani - Zibra(here's mine with only one player per club)

Cavani, the most underrated striker in the world, with 4 today vs Dnipro

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Based on prior experience, I had Shakhtar pegged as a team that built a gaudy record against weak competition that would be exposed (once again) in Europe. But this current Shakhtar team is quality and has the inside track to win Group E, even after losing to Chelsea on a 94th minute goal last night. They are fun to watch, and I hope they advance, at Juve's expense. Group E will be decided by two massive games the last two matchdays - Chelsea at Juve on 11/20 and Juve at Shakhtar on 12/5.

If Juve beats Chelsea in Turin on 11/20, Shakhtar and Juventus can essentially play for a 0-0 draw on 12/5 and both will still advance. Its imperative for Chelsea to get at least a point in Italy or else their fate is sealed.

Obviously we have personal biases for wanting Chels to at least draw in Torino, but I think all fans of Euro football should feel the same, just to set up the potentially awesome spectacle of Juve needing to play for a win @ Donbass.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

It's not a lot. Not sure on exact figures.Our owner has been supporting us for the last few years but decided he'd had enough (City and Chelsea take note).Fans are doing what we can, buying shares, buying extra tickets for fans that can't afford them. Anything we can do to at least try and save them.

I hope things work out. Good luck. People have predicting these issues for a while now and I fear this may be just the tip of the iceberg for many clubs.

I am sad for Hearts and their fans as well, but my understanding is the poor situation in the SPL is a result of Old Firm dominance both in the table and in the administration of the league, including TV revenues. If true, La Liga needs to beware, as it has similar circumstances.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It's not a lot. Not sure on exact figures.Our owner has been supporting us for the last few years but decided he'd had enough (City and Chelsea take note).Fans are doing what we can, buying shares, buying extra tickets for fans that can't afford them. Anything we can do to at least try and save them.

I hope things work out. Good luck. People have predicting these issues for a while now and I fear this may be just the tip of the iceberg for many clubs.

I am sad for Hearts and their fans as well, but my understanding is the poor situation in the SPL is a result of Old Firm dominance both in the table and in the administration of the league, including TV revenues. If true, La Liga needs to beware, as it has similar circumstances.

yeah I agree. There are more issues than just La Liga though throughout Europe but like Hearts, some issues are masked by owners who don't care how much they lose. The problem eventually comes due though.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Pretty goal for Spurs, Long diagonal-ish cross whipped in from Bale that Defoe finished with a knee (!).

 

[The Z Machine]

CR got hosed in that draw. Cold game in the US, plus finishing off in Azteca. I predict they don't make it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

CR got hosed in that draw. Cold game in the US, plus finishing off in Azteca. I predict they don't make it.

interesting call. Do you see them out all together or in 4th?

 

[The Z Machine]

June in Jamaica could be pretty hot and humid, especiallyfr guys coming from Europe.

I hope that home CR game is colder than a witchs teet. #### them amd Saprissa stadium.

I am looking forward to seeing whom we put where. Rio Tinto might be good for the CR game.

Saprissa = urine + batteries + artificial surface. What's not to like

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

Ignoring the hell hole that is Saprissa for a second, would you prefer an artificial surface or the cow pasture field like in Jamaica?

I've literally been teying to answer thay since you posted it. I've got nothimg

It's a little early to be drunk like Z Machine.

WHAAA?Also, Atlético lost. Still tied for 1st in their Group. It was the 1st loss in European play in like 13 games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

June in Jamaica could be pretty hot and humid, especiallyfr guys coming from Europe.

I hope that home CR game is colder than a witchs teet. #### them amd Saprissa stadium.

I am looking forward to seeing whom we put where. Rio Tinto might be good for the CR game.

Saprissa = urine + batteries + artificial surface. What's not to like

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

Ignoring the hell hole that is Saprissa for a second, would you prefer an artificial surface or the cow pasture field like in Jamaica?

I've literally been teying to answer thay since you posted it. I've got nothimg

It's a little early to be drunk like Z Machine.

WHAAA?

didn't you post drunk during the last US game? I remember a few posts that were complete gibberish

 

[Donsmith753]

It's not a lot. Not sure on exact figures.Our owner has been supporting us for the last few years but decided he'd had enough (City and Chelsea take note).Fans are doing what we can, buying shares, buying extra tickets for fans that can't afford them. Anything we can do to at least try and save them.

I hope things work out. Good luck. People have predicting these issues for a while now and I fear this may be just the tip of the iceberg for many clubs.

I am sad for Hearts and their fans as well, but my understanding is the poor situation in the SPL is a result of Old Firm dominance both in the table and in the administration of the league, including TV revenues. If true, La Liga needs to beware, as it has similar circumstances.

This has definitely had an effect.At a recent La Liga game fans held up banners that translated roughly as "we don't want a league like Scotland"

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN Deportes reported the following two rumors to come out of the Miami draw.

1) US Honduras home game may be in Nashville

2) US and Mexico struck a handshake deal. US won't use Crew Stadium for home Mexico match and Mexico will schedule night game for US home match.

Not sure I buy either of these but out of curiosity I am passing these on.

I do not like rumor #1 at all. I fear that would be a 50-50 crowd if the Honduran fans travel from the East coast which they might.

The second rumor is fine as Livestrong would be perfect for the Mexico match.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Awesome support by the DC fans. To come back again tonight in decent numbers is fabulous.

Going to be a tiny crowd overall as this fixture has just been doomed. Field looks awesome though.

 

[TLEF316]

Won't azteca still be azteca for a night game? It won't be as hot but we'll still have to deal with the smog, noise and piss balloons. I say screw Mexico. Make Em come to Ohio.

Either that or build a fifa approved field in Anchorage

 

[CGRdrJoe]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

 

[NewlyRetired]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

I know about the game in DC and the cancellation, but what happened tonight? Just saw DCU won, but don't know the details. Am I right that they become one of the favorites to win it now? And where is the final this year?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Won't azteca still be azteca for a night game? It won't be as hot but we'll still have to deal with the smog, noise and piss balloons. I say screw Mexico. Make Em come to Ohio.

The rumor is likely baseless so I am not giving it too much thought.I believe Azteca does not have the piss balloons issue. If memory serves, their corners are very far from the fans. It is more in places like Saprissa and in El Salvador that the balloons happen as the fans are close to the corners.

Pic of Azteca

 

[NewlyRetired]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

I know about the game in DC and the cancellation, but what happened tonight? Just saw DCU won, but don't know the details. Am I right that they become one of the favorites to win it now? And where is the final this year?

Ok let me see if I can answer all these1) in second half, DC and NY tied 1-1 on aggregate. In second half, Copper gets a through ball, clear break away, gets upended by Hamid. Pk and red card to Hamid. Cooper buries pk, but ref calls for retake on encroachment on NY. Cooper's second pk gets saved by backup keeper. Then Marquez gets red for NY(second yellow). DC wins with goal in 88th minute by DeLeon. 2) I do not believe they are the favorite to win it as I feel all three teams left in the West are as good as DC. LA in particular looks very good right now. DC should have a good chance to make MLS Cup though in conference final against Houston3) The final will be played at the highest seeded team left in the finals. If DC makes the final, they will host the final at RFK. If Houston makes the final, the game will be at whom ever comes out of the West (LA, Seattle, or RSL). Note, if DC can at least make the final, whether they win or not, they will qualify for the CCL next year.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

I know about the game in DC and the cancellation, but what happened tonight? Just saw DCU won, but don't know the details. Am I right that they become one of the favorites to win it now? And where is the final this year?

Ok let me see if I can answer all these1) in second half, DC and NY tied 1-1 on aggregate. In second half, Copper gets a through ball, clear break away, gets upended by Hamid. Pk and red card to Hamid. Cooper buries pk, but ref calls for retake on encroachment on NY. Cooper's second pk gets saved by backup keeper. Then Marquez gets red for NY(second yellow). DC wins with goal in 88th minute by DeLeon. 2) I do not believe they are the favorite to win it as I feel all three teams left in the West are as good as DC. LA in particular looks very good right now. DC should have a good chance to make MLS Cup though in conference final against Houston3) The final will be played at the highest seeded team left in the finals. If DC makes the final, they will host the final at RFK.

Wait. DC just won by beating New York because Marquez got a red card and are now the favorites in the East to reach the final which would be held at RFK? That's a lot of good news packed into one reply!My #1 live sporting experience remains DCU 2-0 Rapids in front of 60-some thousand all dressed in black at RFK in 1997. Light rain and about 40 degrees, but it was loud and joyous. Seen some other good stuff, but that was the best atmosphere. If they make the final I'll have to go.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good to see Eddie Johnson back, Seattle is going to need him tonight if they want to win their first ever playoff series.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

I know about the game in DC and the cancellation, but what happened tonight? Just saw DCU won, but don't know the details. Am I right that they become one of the favorites to win it now? And where is the final this year?

Ok let me see if I can answer all these1) in second half, DC and NY tied 1-1 on aggregate. In second half, Copper gets a through ball, clear break away, gets upended by Hamid. Pk and red card to Hamid. Cooper buries pk, but ref calls for retake on encroachment on NY. Cooper's second pk gets saved by backup keeper. Then Marquez gets red for NY(second yellow). DC wins with goal in 88th minute by DeLeon. 2) I do not believe they are the favorite to win it as I feel all three teams left in the West are as good as DC. LA in particular looks very good right now. DC should have a good chance to make MLS Cup though in conference final against Houston3) The final will be played at the highest seeded team left in the finals. If DC makes the final, they will host the final at RFK.

Wait. DC just won by beating New York because Marquez got a red card and are now the favorites in the East to reach the final which would be held at RFK? That's a lot of good news packed into one reply!My #1 live sporting experience remains DCU 2-0 Rapids in front of 60-some thousand all dressed in black at RFK in 1997. Light rain and about 40 degrees, but it was loud and joyous. Seen some other good stuff, but that was the best atmosphere. If they make the final I'll have to go.

I added some more in my previous post but yeah, that's about as good as it gets for a DC fan RFK will also host a game in the conference finals against Houston in case you want to see that one. I think it will be either Saturday the 17th or Sunday the 18th.

 

[Premier]

Go Sounders!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is having a field day on twitter. I would love to be in that lockeroom. I can't imagine how they are justifying that last free kick. Letting Miller take it over Henry was moronic.

Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves)

11/8/12, 9:44 PM

THAT loss was SO Metro.

Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves)

11/8/12, 9:49 PM

Safe to say that tonight is the last time we see Hans Backe, Rafa Marquez or Roy Miller at Red Bull Arena. At the very least.

Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves)

11/8/12, 9:50 PM

Tough decision. Go to the DC locker room and interview the joyous winners, or go to the RBN locker room and witness the carnage?

Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves)

11/8/12, 10:03 PM

Red Bulls locker room STILL closed.

Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves)

11/8/12, 10:09 PM

Ben Olsen on New York’s late free kick, and if he was surprised Henry didn’t take it: “Yeah…. I’m glad Roy Miller took it.”

 

[NewlyRetired]

Go Sounders!

I am pulling for them as well. I have to say though, as good as Rosales is, he picks the worst times to be hurt.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

I know about the game in DC and the cancellation, but what happened tonight? Just saw DCU won, but don't know the details. Am I right that they become one of the favorites to win it now? And where is the final this year?

Ok let me see if I can answer all these1) in second half, DC and NY tied 1-1 on aggregate. In second half, Copper gets a through ball, clear break away, gets upended by Hamid. Pk and red card to Hamid. Cooper buries pk, but ref calls for retake on encroachment on NY. Cooper's second pk gets saved by backup keeper. Then Marquez gets red for NY(second yellow). DC wins with goal in 88th minute by DeLeon. 2) I do not believe they are the favorite to win it as I feel all three teams left in the West are as good as DC. LA in particular looks very good right now. DC should have a good chance to make MLS Cup though in conference final against Houston3) The final will be played at the highest seeded team left in the finals. If DC makes the final, they will host the final at RFK.

Wait. DC just won by beating New York because Marquez got a red card and are now the favorites in the East to reach the final which would be held at RFK? That's a lot of good news packed into one reply!My #1 live sporting experience remains DCU 2-0 Rapids in front of 60-some thousand all dressed in black at RFK in 1997. Light rain and about 40 degrees, but it was loud and joyous. Seen some other good stuff, but that was the best atmosphere. If they make the final I'll have to go.

My wife and I were watching the game. She asked "is that really a red card?"I said,"It's Rafa Marquez. I'd red card him for a foul throw-in."

 

[NewlyRetired]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

I know about the game in DC and the cancellation, but what happened tonight? Just saw DCU won, but don't know the details. Am I right that they become one of the favorites to win it now? And where is the final this year?

Ok let me see if I can answer all these1) in second half, DC and NY tied 1-1 on aggregate. In second half, Copper gets a through ball, clear break away, gets upended by Hamid. Pk and red card to Hamid. Cooper buries pk, but ref calls for retake on encroachment on NY. Cooper's second pk gets saved by backup keeper. Then Marquez gets red for NY(second yellow). DC wins with goal in 88th minute by DeLeon. 2) I do not believe they are the favorite to win it as I feel all three teams left in the West are as good as DC. LA in particular looks very good right now. DC should have a good chance to make MLS Cup though in conference final against Houston3) The final will be played at the highest seeded team left in the finals. If DC makes the final, they will host the final at RFK.

Wait. DC just won by beating New York because Marquez got a red card and are now the favorites in the East to reach the final which would be held at RFK? That's a lot of good news packed into one reply!My #1 live sporting experience remains DCU 2-0 Rapids in front of 60-some thousand all dressed in black at RFK in 1997. Light rain and about 40 degrees, but it was loud and joyous. Seen some other good stuff, but that was the best atmosphere. If they make the final I'll have to go.

My wife and I were watching the game. She asked "is that really a red card?"I said,"It's Rafa Marquez. I'd red card him for a foul throw-in."

I am not the type to hate either players or teams. That being said Marquez is a cancer that I would love to see out of MLS. Such a huge waste of money. Marquez got two yellows I think, not a straight red or am I screwed up?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rimando is on his game lately. Another fantastic save.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

This DC/NY game is unreal!!!

One of the strangest home and home I have seen. The story lines are never ending. How in gods name does Backe not have his team prepared to know that the ref Geiger loves to call encroachment?

I know about the game in DC and the cancellation, but what happened tonight? Just saw DCU won, but don't know the details. Am I right that they become one of the favorites to win it now? And where is the final this year?

Ok let me see if I can answer all these1) in second half, DC and NY tied 1-1 on aggregate. In second half, Copper gets a through ball, clear break away, gets upended by Hamid. Pk and red card to Hamid. Cooper buries pk, but ref calls for retake on encroachment on NY. Cooper's second pk gets saved by backup keeper. Then Marquez gets red for NY(second yellow). DC wins with goal in 88th minute by DeLeon. 2) I do not believe they are the favorite to win it as I feel all three teams left in the West are as good as DC. LA in particular looks very good right now. DC should have a good chance to make MLS Cup though in conference final against Houston3) The final will be played at the highest seeded team left in the finals. If DC makes the final, they will host the final at RFK.

Wait. DC just won by beating New York because Marquez got a red card and are now the favorites in the East to reach the final which would be held at RFK? That's a lot of good news packed into one reply!My #1 live sporting experience remains DCU 2-0 Rapids in front of 60-some thousand all dressed in black at RFK in 1997. Light rain and about 40 degrees, but it was loud and joyous. Seen some other good stuff, but that was the best atmosphere. If they make the final I'll have to go.

My wife and I were watching the game. She asked "is that really a red card?"I said,"It's Rafa Marquez. I'd red card him for a foul throw-in."

I am not the type to hate either players or teams. That being said Marquez is a cancer that I would love to see out of MLS. Such a huge waste of money. Marquez got two yellows I think, not a straight red or am I screwed up?

Yeah. He got two yellows. And the second could have been a straight red. My wife hadn't been paying attention. I just like to hate Rafa.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The latest ELO ratings are out. Many prefer these rankings to both Fifa and the SPI formulas.

Spain, Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Holland are the top 5

Mexico at 8 and US at 26.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Football_Elo_Ratings

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

awesome goal for the Sounders

 

[NewlyRetired]

Goal of the playoffs. What a pure strike.

 

[Steve Tasker]

My team is dying

Which team are you referring to?

http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20121107/the-future-of-heart-of-midlothian_2241384_2973347

Clearly in trouble after the 7-0 shellacking my Football Manager 13 Newcastle team just gave them in the Europa League.

Unfortunately it's a case of the Russian owner turning off the tap at short notice. The clubs trying to become self sufficient but can't do that overnight.We've taken our wage bill from £8.5mil to £5mil a year in just under 12 months. If we could get to 3.5 a year we'd be ok but with long contracts to be honoured and bills to be paid its difficult. :(

#### Romanov. Had to know it was shady from the start.

 

[Steve Tasker]

This is the official who's a fan of what team(s) post. As many teams/leagues as you want to put in here.

Scotland

Celtic - walnutz, PIK95, NYCelt

Hearts - Steve Tasker, Donsmith753

Scottish Third Division

Rangers - Senor Schmutzig

We may be seeing more teams in the third division (or totally dead) soon

 

[Good Posting Judge]

So let me get this straight. Over the course of the DC/NY home-and-home, the following events happened in order:

-Missed PK

-Own goal

-Own goal

-Red card

-PPD due to snow

-Red card

-Missed PK

-Red card

-Actual real goal after 178 minutes of play.

That was a beaut in the Sounders game. Pulling for Seattle.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Yeah. He got two yellows. And the second could have been a straight red. My wife hadn't been paying attention. I just like to hate Rafa.

Considering how rarely I've seen him play outside his time at Barca it's amazing how often I've seen him take the hatchet to somebody. Dude richly deserves whatever he gets.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So let me get this straight. Over the course of the DC/NY home-and-home, the following events happened in order:-Late Switch of venues due to Sandy-Missed PK-Own goal-Own goal-Red card-PPD due to snow-Red card-Made PK-Ref calls for PK retake based on encroachment-Missed PK-Red card-Actual real goal after 178 minutes of play.

Added some detail to this most bizarre series

 

[NewlyRetired]

That was a beaut in the Sounders game. Pulling for Seattle.

Lets hope he does not strike one like that against the US. Here is the order of the finals matchup I would most like to seeDC SeattleDC LASeattle HoustonLA HoustonLA is firing on all cylinders as everyone is healthy and in form. They have been the best team in the league for three months now. The return leg of Seattle vs LA is going to be fun in Seattle. Biggest game the fans have ever had there. Crowd should be nuts. They even lucked out that the Seahawks are on a bye week the week they host giving them extra media attention.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the official schedule for the conference finals

Sunday November 11

Houston vs DC 4:00pm NBCSN

LA vs Seattle 9:00pm ESPN

Sunday November 18

DC vs Houston 4:00pm NBCSN

Seattle vs LA 9:00pm ESPN

 

[NewlyRetired]

Brek Shea had surgery on his foot yesterday. He is expected to be out for 14 weeks.

The Russia squad might include a few new names. I am guessing we might see Josh Gatt with no Shea, Donovan, Pontius and Johnson available.

 

[guru_007]

I loved the fact they pointed out that Kenny Cooper was 10 for 10 in penalty kicks, right before he scored....the first one.

When the whistle blew for the re-kick, I guess I was only 99.9999999% sure he was gonna miss it.

-bitter red bulls bettor

 

[El Floppo]

 

[boubucarow]

Is the middle one pissing of the others or is he the leader of all three?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Here is the official schedule for the conference finals Sunday November 18Seattle vs LA 9:00pm ESPN

just bought tickets to this one

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the official schedule for the conference finals Sunday November 18Seattle vs LA 9:00pm ESPN

just bought tickets to this one

That should be a great crowd up there that day. What are the price of the playoff tickets?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Brian Sciaretta is tweeting that reports out of Germany say that Chandler will be on US squad against Russia. Like every other time, this won't cap tie him.