***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[Good Posting Judge]

Kinda surprised Mou didn't just go with no goaltender instead of bringing Casillas in.

 

[jonessed]

Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town

No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.

It's only cheating if you're caught?

It wasn't deliberate imo

The ball rebounded 2-3 feet away from his body and he palmed it directly to his feet for the one-touch shot. It was either deliberate or immaculate intervention.Here's a good picture of it:

My link

From here he palms it straight down and shoots.

 

[El Floppo]

What a turnaround for Arsenal. Fantastic volley from Gibbs to make it 2-1.

And it's 2-2. What a game.

Their defense is just awful. People keep talking about DM and how Arteta isn't good enough there, but I just think their back four have been pretty bad a lot this year, and in any combination of CB's you like between Mertesacker, Vermaelen and Koscielny. Gibbs is getting notorious for mental errors at LB, and even Sagna has had his moments. Frustrating.

Diaby looked like a beast for a couple games earlier. He has never been the picture of consistency, but he will certainly help with the midfield.

Diaby's a stud. His problem is that he's healthy for 3-5 games, and then is injured for three months. Rinse, repeat. I'm about ready to write him off. But yes, he's a first class talent and is great at linking up the defense with the attack, including by dribbling through the midfield.

A game here or there doesn't make Diaby a stud. Seen enough games out of him where he's a mess. If he remains healthy AND puts a string together like he had in one or two games at the beginning of the year, then... maybe.

 

[El Floppo]

Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town

No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.

It's only cheating if you're caught?

It wasn't deliberate imo

 

[El Floppo]

Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town

No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.

It's only cheating if you're caught?

It wasn't deliberate imo

The ball rebounded 2-3 feet away from his body and he palmed it directly to his feet for the one-touch shot. It was either deliberate or immaculate intervention.Here's a good picture of it:

My link

From here he palms it straight down and shoots.

Pretty obvious it's deliberate- from every angle of replay. Almost as bad was his dive to draw a foul and help kill the game off in injury time.

 

[El Floppo]

So a couple of thoughts.

That Green guy was pretty decent. Not EPL decent, but way above lower tier: good at finding the seams, good first touch, good at finding team-mates/vision, not bad at holding the ball up. Would have liked to see him take guys on towards goal a few times... but over all a great performance by him.

Not blaming GK Jones here- but that 6 second rule sure seems to have fallen by the wayside. As tight as the ref called the game, he let Green hold the ball for 20 seconds at a time. Not huge, but helps add up to killing a game off.

Mrs Mansfield and her sky-box girlfriend were ####### hot. Cameraman and director did a GREAT job showing us plenty of her.

 

[El Floppo]

So a couple of thoughts.

That Green guy was pretty decent. Not EPL decent, but way above lower tier: good at finding the seams, good first touch, good at finding team-mates/vision, not bad at holding the ball up. Would have liked to see him take guys on towards goal a few times... but over all a great performance by him.

Not blaming GK Jones here- but that 6 second rule sure seems to have fallen by the wayside. As tight as the ref called the game, he let Green hold the ball for 20 seconds at a time. Not huge, but helps add up to killing a game off.

Mrs Mansfield and her sky-box girlfriend were ####### hot. Cameraman and director did a GREAT job showing us plenty of her.

No ####### way Mrs Mansfield is actually the CEO.

 

[The Gator]

Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town

No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.

It's only cheating if you're caught?

It wasn't deliberate imo

 

[Steve Tasker]

January USMNT Camp Cupcake rosterU.S. ROSTER BY POSITION – Detailed RosterGOALKEEPERS (3): Tally Hall (Houston Dynamo), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)DEFENDERS (9): Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), A.J. DeLaGarza (LA Galaxy), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Connor Lade (New York Red Bulls), Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin), Justin Morrow (San Jose Earthquakes), Jeff Parke (Philadelphia Union)MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (out of contract), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Joshua Gatt (Molde), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)FORWARDS (5): Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA), Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo), Edson Buddle (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

About what we expected. Some comments1) Surprised no Jones. I figured with his suspension he would be at camp2) Not sure I like Bruin over Sappong. 3) Where is Nick Rimando? He has been the US number 3 keeper for a while now. Of this group, I figure Zusi, EJ, Gonzo, and maybe Beckerman might be considered for the qualifiers.

Maybe an age thing for Rimando? He's not getting any younger and he's the US #3 at best. Maybe JK thinks it's best to get Hamid (possible future #1 depending on Howard's longevity?) the reps as the top guy in camp?I'm guessing the Danish league doesn't take a break during the winter like the rest of the Scandinavian leagues (or doesn't have the off-cycle MLS schedule)? Random note, but I didn't realize that Goodson was the captain at Brondby. How many other Americans have captained European teams? Cherundolo, McBride. Howard has captained Everton a handful of times.What's Bedoya's contract situation? Available for whoever wants him at any time? He doesn't need to transfer during January, right?

 

[Steve Tasker]

So a couple of thoughts.

That Green guy was pretty decent. Not EPL decent, but way above lower tier: good at finding the seams, good first touch, good at finding team-mates/vision, not bad at holding the ball up. Would have liked to see him take guys on towards goal a few times... but over all a great performance by him.

Not blaming GK Jones here- but that 6 second rule sure seems to have fallen by the wayside. As tight as the ref called the game, he let Green hold the ball for 20 seconds at a time. Not huge, but helps add up to killing a game off.

Mrs Mansfield and her sky-box girlfriend were ####### hot. Cameraman and director did a GREAT job showing us plenty of her.

No ####### way Mrs Mansfield is actually the CEO.

That woman is 30? She looked like 45. Definitely super hot though.Lol at her being "friends" with the chairman.

 

[Christo]

So a couple of thoughts.

That Green guy was pretty decent. Not EPL decent, but way above lower tier: good at finding the seams, good first touch, good at finding team-mates/vision, not bad at holding the ball up. Would have liked to see him take guys on towards goal a few times... but over all a great performance by him.

Not blaming GK Jones here- but that 6 second rule sure seems to have fallen by the wayside. As tight as the ref called the game, he let Green hold the ball for 20 seconds at a time. Not huge, but helps add up to killing a game off.

Mrs Mansfield and her sky-box girlfriend were ####### hot. Cameraman and director did a GREAT job showing us plenty of her.

No ####### way Mrs Mansfield is actually the CEO.

The 29-year-old was made chief executive officer of Mansfield Town FC last week after becoming friends with the club chairman John Radford.

 

[NewlyRetired]

[ How many other Americans have captained European teams? Cherundolo, McBride. Howard has captained Everton a handful of times.What's Bedoya's contract situation? Available for whoever wants him at any time? He doesn't need to transfer during January, right?

Bedoya is out of contract and not with a team right now. I do not know how free transfers like this work with the transfer window. Seems like MLS would be a good spot for him. Reyna was the first American to captain a Euro side at Wolfsburg, who he was actually on loan to from Leverkusen back in the 97/98 season.

 

[El Floppo]

[ How many other Americans have captained European teams? Cherundolo, McBride. Howard has captained Everton a handful of times.What's Bedoya's contract situation? Available for whoever wants him at any time? He doesn't need to transfer during January, right?

Bedoya is out of contract and not with a team right now. I do not know how free transfers like this work with the transfer window. Seems like MLS would be a good spot for him. Reyna was the first American to captain a Euro side at Wolfsburg, who he was actually on loan to from Leverkusen back in the 97/98 season.

IIRC, Boca was captain once or more at Fulham.eta: I'd also bet Ernie Stewart captained in Holland. Unless we're going to quibble how american he is.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Rimando has a shoulder injury.

 

[T Bell]

Suarez cheating against Mansfield Town

No way. Bad no-call by the ref, but not cheating.

It's only cheating if you're caught?

It wasn't deliberate imo

He cheats, he dives, he hates the Jackson Five!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here are some various sports channels rankings for all day average for viewers per program.

FSC is ranked 94th out of 96 and should get worse when EPL leaves for the greener pastures of NBCSN who will have NHL, EPL, and MLS to build around.

From Soccer America via scribd.com

Sports Cable Networks (2012 Total-Day Viewers)

RANK NETWORK VIEWERS

7 ESPN 1,015,000

36 ESPN2 282,000

54 NFL Network 151,000

58 Speed Network 117,000

63 NBC Sports Network 102,000

68 Golf Channel 95,000

78 ESPN News Network 67,000

82 NBA Network 59,000

85 MLB Network 53,000

86 Velocity 53,000

94 Fox Soccer 26,000

96 Fuel 20,000

Note: Viewers are the time-period averages.

 

[jonessed]

Here are some various sports channels rankings for all day average for viewers per program. FSC is ranked 94th out of 96 and should get worse when EPL leaves for the greener pastures of NBCSN who will have NHL, EPL, and MLS to build around. From Soccer America via scribd.comSports Cable Networks (2012 Total-Day Viewers)RANK NETWORK VIEWERS7 ESPN 1,015,00036 ESPN2 282,00054 NFL Network 151,00058 Speed Network 117,00063 NBC Sports Network 102,00068 Golf Channel 95,00078 ESPN News Network 67,00082 NBA Network 59,00085 MLB Network 53,00086 Velocity 53,00094 Fox Soccer 26,00096 Fuel 20,000Note: Viewers are the time-period averages.

I doubt they keep FSC after they lose the EPL rights. There wouldn't really be much of a point.

 

[ffldrew]

So a couple of thoughts.

That Green guy was pretty decent. Not EPL decent, but way above lower tier: good at finding the seams, good first touch, good at finding team-mates/vision, not bad at holding the ball up. Would have liked to see him take guys on towards goal a few times... but over all a great performance by him.

Not blaming GK Jones here- but that 6 second rule sure seems to have fallen by the wayside. As tight as the ref called the game, he let Green hold the ball for 20 seconds at a time. Not huge, but helps add up to killing a game off.

Mrs Mansfield and her sky-box girlfriend were ####### hot. Cameraman and director did a GREAT job showing us plenty of her.

No ####### way Mrs Mansfield is actually the CEO.

Here you go - enjoy

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here are some various sports channels rankings for all day average for viewers per program. FSC is ranked 94th out of 96 and should get worse when EPL leaves for the greener pastures of NBCSN who will have NHL, EPL, and MLS to build around. From Soccer America via scribd.comSports Cable Networks (2012 Total-Day Viewers)RANK NETWORK VIEWERS7 ESPN 1,015,00036 ESPN2 282,00054 NFL Network 151,00058 Speed Network 117,00063 NBC Sports Network 102,00068 Golf Channel 95,00078 ESPN News Network 67,00082 NBA Network 59,00085 MLB Network 53,00086 Velocity 53,00094 Fox Soccer 26,00096 Fuel 20,000Note: Viewers are the time-period averages.

I doubt they keep FSC after they lose the EPL rights. There wouldn't really be much of a point.

Even if they kept the EPL, it is pretty obvious it's not enough. You can't run a channel on one league plus some stragglers. Too much time to fill with shows/repeats that no one will watch. The only sports channel that draws less than they do is fuel, and Fuel will be rebranded next year as Fox Sports 2. It would make sense if FSC was rebranded to Fox Sports 3 and provide a mix of programming on the channel.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Here are some various sports channels rankings for all day average for viewers per program. FSC is ranked 94th out of 96 and should get worse when EPL leaves for the greener pastures of NBCSN who will have NHL, EPL, and MLS to build around. From Soccer America via scribd.comSports Cable Networks (2012 Total-Day Viewers)RANK NETWORK VIEWERS7 ESPN 1,015,00036 ESPN2 282,00054 NFL Network 151,00058 Speed Network 117,00063 NBC Sports Network 102,00068 Golf Channel 95,00078 ESPN News Network 67,00082 NBA Network 59,00085 MLB Network 53,00086 Velocity 53,00094 Fox Soccer 26,00096 Fuel 20,000Note: Viewers are the time-period averages.

I doubt they keep FSC after they lose the EPL rights. There wouldn't really be much of a point.

Even if they kept the EPL, it is pretty obvious it's not enough. You can't run a channel on one league plus some stragglers. Too much time to fill with shows/repeats that no one will watch. The only sports channel that draws less than they do is fuel, and Fuel will be rebranded next year as Fox Sports 2. It would make sense if FSC was rebranded to Fox Sports 3 and provide a mix of programming on the channel.

Aussie League football?

 

[jonessed]

Here are some various sports channels rankings for all day average for viewers per program. FSC is ranked 94th out of 96 and should get worse when EPL leaves for the greener pastures of NBCSN who will have NHL, EPL, and MLS to build around. From Soccer America via scribd.comSports Cable Networks (2012 Total-Day Viewers)RANK NETWORK VIEWERS7 ESPN 1,015,00036 ESPN2 282,00054 NFL Network 151,00058 Speed Network 117,00063 NBC Sports Network 102,00068 Golf Channel 95,00078 ESPN News Network 67,00082 NBA Network 59,00085 MLB Network 53,00086 Velocity 53,00094 Fox Soccer 26,00096 Fuel 20,000Note: Viewers are the time-period averages.

I doubt they keep FSC after they lose the EPL rights. There wouldn't really be much of a point.

Even if they kept the EPL, it is pretty obvious it's not enough. You can't run a channel on one league plus some stragglers. Too much time to fill with shows/repeats that no one will watch. The only sports channel that draws less than they do is fuel, and Fuel will be rebranded next year as Fox Sports 2. It would make sense if FSC was rebranded to Fox Sports 3 and provide a mix of programming on the channel.

They likely always knew that though. It's a channel for a small demographic, but their investment is pretty small as well (at least it looks that way). They only run a few news programs. The rest is simply feeds from elsewhere.I actually like it the way it is. News and games. I've come to like Sky Sports News. The new Fox Soccer Report sucks, but Wynalda, Barton, etc. are pretty good I think. I'm hoping BELN retains some of those guys, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Rimando has a shoulder injury.

Yeah, just read that. As for others, shame about Pontius. He can't catch a break with these injuries right around call ups. From Rob Stone:Jermaine Jones and Maurice Edu may be called in later.No Brek Shea due to a toe injury.Alan Gordon and Chris Pontius with groin injuries.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As expected Landon has not made any decision on his future yet but will not be at the camp or the Honduras game according to JK.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I would like to see the following against Canada (assuming the roster stays the same)

.....................Hamid

Beitashour - Gonzalez - Besler - Morrow

............Zusi.....Diskerud......Davis

.....Gatt.....................................EJ

....................Agudelo

If Jones is added to squad than he goes in for Zusi and Zusi in for Gatt.

JK mentioned in his interview that 6-8 players from this camp will go to Honduras.

 

[El Floppo]

ESPN saying Lampard definitely leaving Chelsea at end of season.

Hes been amazing lately- such composure on the ball and vision. A shame he cant finish with the blues, Giggs-like. But since he is leaving... NYC would be a GREAT fit. Imo.

 

[The Z Machine]

We were considering two Aztec sounding names for our babies the other day: Xocolatl and Crisantemoc

Xtapolapocetl down?

Yes, unfortunately.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

We were considering two Aztec sounding names for our babies the other day: Xocolatl and Crisantemoc

Xtapolapocetl down?

Yes, unfortunately.

"You dare to rip the X-Man."

 

[NewlyRetired]

"A high-ranking US Soccer [Federation] source is telling me that the three finalists are Salt Lake City, Denver and Kansas City," Wahl said on Fox Soccer's Goals on Sunday. "The first two are at altitude which would be helpful for preparation for atltitude against Mexico a few days later in Mexico City [on March 26]."

 

[NewlyRetired]

Crap. :( . He was expected to be an important piece for U20 qualifying. This sounds just awful.

[AMERICANS ABROAD] U.S. U-20 international Will Packwood suffered a horrendous double break of his leg -- broken fibula and tibia -- in Birmingham City's 1-1 tie Saturday with Leeds United that will sideline him for the rest of the season.Packwood suffered the double break after landing following an innocent-looking collision with Leeds' Argentine star, Luciano Becchio."It's a nightmare for us," said Birmingham manager Lee Clark. "Will has been great for me and we all wish him well."

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Gotta say that I'm with Suarez on this latest "controversy." Mansfield Town have every right to be furious with the referees (for more than just the Suarez goal). But that was only an "intentional" handball in the sense that every instinctive handball is intentional. I don't know what people expect. It isn't golf. He's not going to call it on himself.

Have to admit that I enjoyed it more when I thought the Mansfield Cougar was the chairman's trophy wife (Stoner's "He apparently already has one trophy" made me do a spittake). The former escort to CEO story is good, but doesn't tick my 40 year old boxes the same way.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Gotta say that I'm with Suarez on this latest "controversy." Mansfield Town have every right to be furious with the referees (for more than just the Suarez goal). But that was only an "intentional" handball in the sense that every instinctive handball is intentional. I don't know what people expect. It isn't golf. He's not going to call it on himself.Have to admit that I enjoyed it more when I thought the Mansfield Cougar was the chairman's trophy wife (Stoner's "He apparently already has one trophy" made me do a spittake). The former escort to CEO story is good, but doesn't tick my 40 year old boxes the same way.

Admittedly a , but that was my take, as well. Handball? Yes. Deliberate? No. Outcry of "cheater", especially from "journalists"? Disgusting.I always root for the minnows in FA clashes like that, and you can't take anything away from Mansfield. They took it to Liverpool, and played their hearts out. I do wish they could have gotten their trip to Anfield as a reward, but to blame it on Suarez instead of the ref is stupid, and just shows that haters are gonna hate. If Rooney had done it, there would have been no problem with those crying "Cheater!!!!"

 

[GoFishTN]

I've watched the replay several times and it looks like his arm goes up and knocks the ball down, to me anyway. I would call that intentional. Either way though, how the ref doesn't call that is mind boggling.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I've watched the replay several times and it looks like his arm goes up and knocks the ball down, to me anyway. I would call that intentional. Either way though, how the ref doesn't call that is mind boggling.

It may well be "intentional," but it didn't seem to be motivated before hand. I've seen instinctive handballs like that carded and I've seen them not carded. Which is fine. Mistimed challenges with no real malice are also carded. In both cases, it's an intentional act. Nobody forces the player to commit to a challenge or have their arm flailing about. But it isn't some deliberate decision to cheat. Just as with the diving, this is probably going to cause a call or two to go against Suarez in the future. Players develop reputations, rightly or wrongly.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Did we really not even mention that absurd Giggs to RVP equalizer on Saturday? So good. RVP is so good that I can't even bring myself to hate him.

 

[The Gator]

I've watched the replay several times and it looks like his arm goes up and knocks the ball down, to me anyway. I would call that intentional. Either way though, how the ref doesn't call that is mind boggling.

It may well be "intentional," but it didn't seem to be motivated before hand. I've seen instinctive handballs like that carded and I've seen them not carded. Which is fine. Mistimed challenges with no real malice are also carded. In both cases, it's an intentional act. Nobody forces the player to commit to a challenge or have their arm flailing about. But it isn't some deliberate decision to cheat. Just as with the diving, this is probably going to cause a call or two to go against Suarez in the future. Players develop reputations, rightly or wrongly.

Agree with a lot of this. The other thing is the way he finished and didn't celebrate. He knew what he did and I think he expected it to be called. That's why he fired the ball into the in disgust. Then he turned and saw it wasn't then didn't really celebrate.

 

[guru_007]

Webby doing the ManU/Liverpool game this weekend at OT.

Would have preferred Clatts, but Webb is a fine choice too.

 

[El Floppo]

I've watched the replay several times and it looks like his arm goes up and knocks the ball down, to me anyway. I would call that intentional. Either way though, how the ref doesn't call that is mind boggling.

It may well be "intentional," but it didn't seem to be motivated before hand. I've seen instinctive handballs like that carded and I've seen them not carded. Which is fine. Mistimed challenges with no real malice are also carded. In both cases, it's an intentional act. Nobody forces the player to commit to a challenge or have their arm flailing about. But it isn't some deliberate decision to cheat. Just as with the diving, this is probably going to cause a call or two to go against Suarez in the future. Players develop reputations, rightly or wrongly.

I agree with this. He's moving towards goal with the ball and it pops up and is heading behind him out of foot-reach- so he reaches out knocks it down with his hand instinctively. I hate Suarez's antics... the histrionics and going down in the box with the slightest breath- but this is not one of those. He did what a lot of players would do in that situation, IMO and in my experience. That he finished the goal is not a problem for me at all- it's up to the refs to blow the whistle.Yeah- I don't blame Suarez here; for me it's more that the refs missed it and ruined the outcome of what was an pretty great game (not quality-wise, but in emotions and david v goliath).And I actually think since all the media coverage a month or however ago, Suarez has toned it down in a massive way. Even this game, he went down once really cheaply, but that was it. And he was getting mauled after the goal, but reacted very (for him) quietly. hopefully he keeps this up, and the refs do their jobs better.

 

[El Floppo]

Webby doing the ManU/Liverpool game this weekend at OT.Would have preferred Clatts, but Webb is a fine choice too.

United with the winner in the 16th minute of injury time.

 

[GoFishTN]

Webby doing the ManU/Liverpool game this weekend at OT.Would have preferred Clatts, but Webb is a fine choice too.

Webb back in the starting XI.

 

[The Gator]

Webby doing the ManU/Liverpool game this weekend at OT.Would have preferred Clatts, but Webb is a fine choice too.

United with the winner in the 16th minute of the injury time.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Messi won the Balloon of Ore.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Messi won the Balloon of Ore.

Ronaldo's expression = priceless

 

[Good Posting Judge]

https://twitter.com/SoccerByIves/status/288364997388673024/photo/1/large

 

[El Floppo]

https://twitter.com/SoccerByIves/status/288364997388673024/photo/1/large

 

[Bonzai]

Messi won the Balloon of Ore.

This is insane.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Whoa. Ryan Nelson not just leaving QPR to become an assistant coach at TFC. He'll apparently be the head coach. Absolutely the best defender I ever saw in MLS, as evidenced by his long, distinguished career in the EPL upon leaving. Still a serviceable CB now, but he never should have had to play every game.

 

[jonessed]

Webby doing the ManU/Liverpool game this weekend at OT.Would have preferred Clatts, but Webb is a fine choice too.

Webb back in the starting XI.

XII. The "Webb Rule" allows for the extra man.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

And it looks like Andy Najar will do a "Landon Donovan" and play a month on loan for Anderlecht before coming back to DCU. I expect Najar to only play one more year in MLS. Putting him at RB was an inspired decision by Olsen (hoping it doesn't bit the US in the butt in the future).

 

[The Gator]

FIFA best XI has no EPL(best league in the world?) players in it-

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Defenders: Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Radomel Falcao, Cristiano Ronaldo

 

[Good Posting Judge]

FIFA best XI has no EPL(best league in the world?) players in it- Goalkeeper: Iker CasillasDefenders: Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, MarceloMidfielders: Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez, Andres IniestaForwards: Lionel Messi, Radomel Falcao, Cristiano Ronaldo

Marcelo you could take issue with. Alves too, I think. I don't know if the EPL's better than La Liga. Has that been quantified anywhere?