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

[T Bell]

I've never noticed this before, but there's a Champions League Heineken advertisement where 3 guys are watching a game in a ballroom, and a ball falls from the ceiling to two players jostling for a header. Is that Patrick Vieira and Raul? Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

I'm surprised Ruud didn't take a dive.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Man, Berlusconi is going be neck deep in 16 year old whores tonight!

Frank Ribery must have him on speed dial.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Barca is going to have a tough time overcoming that first leg. What a disaster.

They can win 2-0 to force ET, or they have to win by 3. It's going to be a tough order to fill, but I guess tactically that at least Barca knows what's coming.

 

[T Bell]

Barca is going to have a tough time overcoming that first leg. What a disaster.

They can win 2-0 to force ET, or they have to win by 3. It's going to be a tough order to fill, but I guess tactically that at least Barca knows what's coming.

They're capable of it of course, but I'd say they're not going to beat ACM by three goals if ACM scores an away goal. Clean sheet is essential, and then they just have to go to work.

 

[The Gator]

Earthquakes link with local club team

My kid practices with the U13 Odyssey team and tries out for them next week. Pretty sweet link up with the Quakes

 

[NewlyRetired]

Earthquakes link with local club teamMy kid practices with the U13 Odyssey team and tries out for them next week. Pretty sweet link up with the Quakes

That is really cool. Having kids tied to a pro program to look up to and shoot for is critical for the countries long term development. It may take 15-20 years but this is how we build up. SJ is going to take a step up in visibility in and around the area nice their stadium gets finished.

 

[Sebowski]

Is it just me or do Barca's field players look like 10 bottles of Five Hour Energy running around the field here?

I knew there was a reason I liked those jerseys.

 

[GoFishTN]

Some people are taking the Europa league just a bit too seriously.

Tottenham confirm three fans sustained injuries in Lyon pub attack

Edit: That was an attempt at humor. The most likely reason behind the attack was because of anti-semitism.

 

[jonessed]

Some people are taking the Europa league just a bit too seriously.Tottenham confirm three fans sustained injuries in Lyon pub attack

Tottenham have Jewish roots and apparently this was an attack committed by an anti-Semitic group and not specifically Lyon fans (although I suspect there is a fair amount of overlap). Pretty sad all around.

 

[guru_007]

Some people are taking the Europa league just a bit too seriously.Tottenham confirm three fans sustained injuries in Lyon pub attack

Tottenham have Jewish roots and apparently this was an attack committed by an anti-Semitic group and not specifically Lyon fans (although I suspect there is a fair amount of overlap). Pretty sad all around.

Same thing happened a few months back when they went to Rome to play Laziocrazy people out there in this world.

 

[Slapdash]

That first goal was BS, but the scoreline is not undeserved. Barcelona just haven't created many chances, especially given how much possession they've had. Different year, same story. I don't know what needs to happen to unlock the bus, either in terms of tactics or personnel.

I wouldn't say Milan was parking the bus too much. They defended deep well but attacked more than Barcelona did.As I alluded to when predicting a tie, Barcelona's tactical approach to these matches is stale. They flood the midfield but do not attack the goal. The idea that Iniesta can play as a left wing against a counter-attacking style is beyond stupid yet we see him put there time and time again in these ties. I had hoped things would change since Tito seems to understand this, but Roura is still following the Pep approach.Throw in an effort that would be lucky to be Depor and it is no surprise that they lost. Not to mention the pitch sheningans these clubs play when Barcelona visits.It is amazing though that it has been so many seasons since a let-down of this proportion for Barcelona. What an impressive run that still isn't over. Time to focus on the Copa Del Rey next week and attack with fury at the Camp Nou for both cup return legs.The club needs a healthy Villa more than anything. Failing that, the case for Neymar grows.

 

[Christo]

Some people are taking the Europa league just a bit too seriously.Tottenham confirm three fans sustained injuries in Lyon pub attack

Tottenham have Jewish roots and apparently this was an attack committed by an anti-Semitic group and not specifically Lyon fans (although I suspect there is a fair amount of overlap). Pretty sad all around.

Same thing happened a few months back when they went to Rome to play Laziocrazy people out there in this world.

When I lived there you couldn't get me to go to a Spurs road game. Chelsea fans were the worst. They'd hiss at Spurs fans in the stands and there would essentially be a running battle between the fans outside the stadium.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

That first goal was BS, but the scoreline is not undeserved. Barcelona just haven't created many chances, especially given how much possession they've had. Different year, same story. I don't know what needs to happen to unlock the bus, either in terms of tactics or personnel.

I think the cliche is that their plan A is so successful, they don't have a plan B. I don't watch any Lisa games but wonder how often they face a disciplined defensive team, as that seems to trip them up in the CL. If Messi is a bit off his normal otherworldly self, they can be stifled because there seems to be no interest in playing wide. First goal was good imo - correctly ruled not a handball.

 

[Slapdash]

That first goal was BS, but the scoreline is not undeserved. Barcelona just haven't created many chances, especially given how much possession they've had. Different year, same story. I don't know what needs to happen to unlock the bus, either in terms of tactics or personnel.

I think the cliche is that their plan A is so successful, they don't have a plan B. I don't watch any Lisa games but wonder how often they face a disciplined defensive team, as that seems to trip them up in the CL. If Messi is a bit off his normal otherworldly self, they can be stifled because there seems to be no interest in playing wide. First goal was good imo - correctly ruled not a handball.

A lot of teams try the disciplined defensive approach but their talent level in those phases is beneath the knockout rounds of the Champions League, Barcelona can eventually break through. Others try to press Barcelona up high. Sadly, you're correct on the handball based on some of the close-ups I have seen.

 

[Moe.]

That first goal was BS, but the scoreline is not undeserved. Barcelona just haven't created many chances, especially given how much possession they've had. Different year, same story. I don't know what needs to happen to unlock the bus, either in terms of tactics or personnel.

I think the cliche is that their plan A is so successful, they don't have a plan B. I don't watch any Lisa games but wonder how often they face a disciplined defensive team, as that seems to trip them up in the CL. If Messi is a bit off his normal otherworldly self, they can be stifled because there seems to be no interest in playing wide. First goal was good imo - correctly ruled not a handball.

Sadly, you're correct on the handball based on some of the close-ups I have seen.

Did it not hit his hand or was it just not intentional enough to be called?

 

[Slapdash]

That first goal was BS, but the scoreline is not undeserved. Barcelona just haven't created many chances, especially given how much possession they've had. Different year, same story. I don't know what needs to happen to unlock the bus, either in terms of tactics or personnel.

I think the cliche is that their plan A is so successful, they don't have a plan B. I don't watch any Lisa games but wonder how often they face a disciplined defensive team, as that seems to trip them up in the CL. If Messi is a bit off his normal otherworldly self, they can be stifled because there seems to be no interest in playing wide. First goal was good imo - correctly ruled not a handball.

Sadly, you're correct on the handball based on some of the close-ups I have seen.

Did it not hit his hand or was it just not intentional enough to be called?

It hit is head first. It may have ricocheted off his arm slightly afterwards but it is almost impossible to tell. I would post some of the gifs I found on Reddit but it is blocked at work...The frustrating part is how Barcelona has been burnt by overzealous handball calls before in the CL, but that is life for you.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

That first goal was BS, but the scoreline is not undeserved. Barcelona just haven't created many chances, especially given how much possession they've had. Different year, same story. I don't know what needs to happen to unlock the bus, either in terms of tactics or personnel.

I think the cliche is that their plan A is so successful, they don't have a plan B. I don't watch any Lisa games but wonder how often they face a disciplined defensive team, as that seems to trip them up in the CL. If Messi is a bit off his normal otherworldly self, they can be stifled because there seems to be no interest in playing wide. First goal was good imo - correctly ruled not a handball.

A lot of teams try the disciplined defensive approach but their talent level in those phases is beneath the knockout rounds of the Champions League, Barcelona can eventually break through. Others try to press Barcelona up high. Sadly, you're correct on the handball based on some of the close-ups I have seen.

Why "sadly"? Surely you'd prefer the game to be called correctly, no? (wink) I'm not sure whether it hit his head or arm, but I think the fact that it is an attacking player and that it ricocheted at very close range off a defender indicates unintended contact. It is perhaps an unfortunate reality that the same contact would likely be called a handball if it were a defender.

 

[Slapdash]

That first goal was BS, but the scoreline is not undeserved. Barcelona just haven't created many chances, especially given how much possession they've had. Different year, same story. I don't know what needs to happen to unlock the bus, either in terms of tactics or personnel.

I think the cliche is that their plan A is so successful, they don't have a plan B. I don't watch any Lisa games but wonder how often they face a disciplined defensive team, as that seems to trip them up in the CL. If Messi is a bit off his normal otherworldly self, they can be stifled because there seems to be no interest in playing wide. First goal was good imo - correctly ruled not a handball.

A lot of teams try the disciplined defensive approach but their talent level in those phases is beneath the knockout rounds of the Champions League, Barcelona can eventually break through. Others try to press Barcelona up high. Sadly, you're correct on the handball based on some of the close-ups I have seen.

Why "sadly"? Surely you'd prefer the game to be called correctly, no? (wink) I'm not sure whether it hit his head or arm, but I think the fact that it is an attacking player and that it ricocheted at very close range off a defender indicates unintended contact. It is perhaps an unfortunate reality that the same contact would likely be called a handball if it were a defender.

It is always easier to complain about referees that admit you were outplayed. But you're right, it is better for the refs to make less mistakes.

 

[Slapdash]

In better news, looks like Abidal is fit to return to action following his liver transplant last April.

 

[T Bell]

Some people are taking the Europa league just a bit too seriously.

Tottenham confirm three fans sustained injuries in Lyon pub attack

Edit: That was an attempt at humor. The most likely reason behind the attack was because of anti-semitism.

That's certainly part of Tottenham's roots (hence "Yid Army") but I'm not even sure any of the fans injured were Jewish. F'ing Italian fascist idiots. (I'm a Gooner BTW.)

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm conflicted here between wanting Spurs to advance so they have the Europa distraction going forward and general schadenfreude seeing them lose and get knocked out of another cup. Its hard being a fan some days.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Is Friedel the only American in action today? I think Cher is still hurt and Dempsey is on the bench so far.Speaking of American's, while Jermaine Jones scored a crucial away goal in the champions league draw with Galatasaray, he also picked up a yellow which suspends him for the second leg.

 

[The Z Machine]

Falcao scored in late in Moscow as my Atleti is eliminated from Europa 2-1 on aggregate. They started 8 back-ups. Hopefully they are well rested for the upcoming Copa and liga matches.

 

[Christo]

Some people are taking the Europa league just a bit too seriously.

Tottenham confirm three fans sustained injuries in Lyon pub attack

Edit: That was an attempt at humor. The most likely reason behind the attack was because of anti-semitism.

That's certainly part of Tottenham's roots (hence "Yid Army") but I'm not even sure any of the fans injured were Jewish. F'ing Italian fascist idiots. (I'm a Gooner BTW.)

It's mostly a historical reference fan-wise. But there is a large Hasidic Jewish community in the WHL area.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Falcao scored in late in Moscow as my Atleti is eliminated from Europa 2-1 on aggregate. They started 8 back-ups. Hopefully they are well rested for the upcoming Copa and liga matches.

I saw that Courtois was not playing and assumed that meant they are looking to focus on the domestic competitions due to the first leg result. Dembele put Spurs through with a goal in the 90th minute. They'll play Inter.

 

[Christo]

Falcao scored in late in Moscow as my Atleti is eliminated from Europa 2-1 on aggregate. They started 8 back-ups. Hopefully they are well rested for the upcoming Copa and liga matches.

I saw that Courtois was not playing and assumed that meant they are looking to focus on the domestic competitions due to the first leg result. Dembele put Spurs through with a goal in the 90th minute. They'll play Inter.

I thought they re-drew from 16 to 8.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As many know, Landon went silent from MLS Cup on. He has pretty much disappeared.

He popped up in the strangest place last night and had a very candid Q&A with a USC class of Sports Journalists. One of the class members was a LA Galaxy fan and transcribed what he could on his twitter feed. Here is his twitter feed from that time frame

Start at the bottom of this post and work backwards

@valaxie he said he wanted to get a scholarship to UCLA when he was 17, but his counselor said his GPA was too low

View conversation

15 hrs Grant Wahl Grant Wahl ‏@GrantWahl

@alisonrose711 @SoccerByIves it was filmed, should be on the USC website in the coming days (or weeks)

View conversation

15 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

@MemphisToffees he didn't really answered this but you could tell he definitely enjoyed his time there

View conversation

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

@gplefka he answered this: he accepts that he'll be remembered for soccer, but wants to be remembered for what he has to give beyond soccer

View conversation

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

Emphasized that he has much more to give to the world than just soccer

Expand

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

Landon spoke about many life lessons he learned throughout his career. Wanted to inspire the audience rather than talk about soccer really

Expand

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

Student in Liverpool jersey: "you should sign for Liverpool" LD: "NEVER"

from Los Angeles, CA

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

On being the face of MLS: "sometimes it can be a burden, but I realize there are worse things than that (in life)"

from Los Angeles, CA

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"...I've thought about it for a long time...I have a lot of things I'm excited for...I'm fortunate bc lots of other athletes don't hav that"

from Los Angeles, CA

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

On life after soccer: "a lot of ppl think this is what they'll do forever, and that's impossible..."

from Los Angeles, CA

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"The USMNT prides ourselves on being a tough team to play against, it's a mentality we need to get back to"

from Los Angeles, CA

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

On religion: "i'm not religious...I'm leaving tonight and going to Cambodia for 10 days...I believe in being a good person"

from Los Angeles, CA

16 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

He says he asked to speak at USC when he heard of our class, and agent approved it. Example of giving more than just on the field.

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"Soccer is not a big part of me...I feel like I have so much more to give post soccer...that's how I want to be remembered"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"Hi mr. Donovan" "don't call me mr Donovan" lol

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"My first MLS goal was against Howard, so I let him know that from time to time" laughs

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

On Everton: "it (was) a lot of fun, it's more demanding for sure"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

What everyone wanted to hear: "Yes, I do have an interest in playing for the USMNT again, if given the opportunity, I would"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"If you're not enjoying it...it's just not worth it"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"As exciting as winning the game was, it also meant the off season is here, and I made my mind to play when I was ready to play"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

Talking about life lessons now, first is recovering from mistakes, referring to his early miss in 2012 MLS cup

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"There have been time in the past where I thought about quitting because I no longer enjoyed it" he's referring to his time at Bayer Leverku

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"I was so exhausted from the weight of the past 15 years...really the past 28 years"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"I hit a point last year, and it's really been a lot...I don't feel an obligation to play soccer, I play it cuz I like it, not bc I need it"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"But then you have the disappointment of 2006, you really experience the extreme highs and lows"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"There's an extreme pride when playing for your country"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"The following year (2010) I played best soccer of my life"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"Up to that pt I had completely shut out my dad...that moment with Bianca was when I realized how he felt and I completely forgave him"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

Donovan to Bianca "'I'm scared, trapped, I want to get away'...then I suddenly realized I was l like my dad"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

On marriage sit in 2009: "For some reason, there was smth inside me that was pulling me to get out of it...I became not a great (pause) man"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

"Let me say that i genuinely like David...I was told to relieve my captaincy to David, that was a blow to my psyche and a difficult period"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

Donovan regarding when Beckham came: "I learned a lot of important things...like what to say and what not to say"

from Los Angeles, CA

17 hrs Jesse Xiao Jesse Xiao ‏@Xman818

Donovan: "2006 was rly my first big failure. There was 2 weeks when I went into depression..I started wondering if soccer is for me again"

from Los Angeles, CA

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Falcao scored in late in Moscow as my Atleti is eliminated from Europa 2-1 on aggregate. They started 8 back-ups. Hopefully they are well rested for the upcoming Copa and liga matches.

I saw that Courtois was not playing and assumed that meant they are looking to focus on the domestic competitions due to the first leg result. Dembele put Spurs through with a goal in the 90th minute. They'll play Inter.

I thought they re-drew from 16 to 8.

That's correct. The last draw covered the current round (32) and the next (16).

 

[Christo]

For some reason I was thinking this was the 16.Spurs and Chelsea do like to make things difficult for themselves.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Tremendous late goal by Hazard but otherwise another terrible game for Chelsea under that fat f######### waiter.

 

[Christo]

Tremendous late goal by Hazard but otherwise another terrible game for Chelsea under that fat f######### waiter.

'Allo 'Allo!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good news about Shea at Stoke. If not this week, certainly it should be very soon he makes his EPL debut.

Pulis said that both Shea and Marc Wilson would be available after playing in a behind-closed-doors game with S####horpe on Monday with no problems. "The two of them will be in the squad - whether or not I start with them, we will have to wait and see," he said. "I think Brek has been out for three or four months with an injury, so this is almost like a preseason for him, but he is a fit lad I have to say. The work we have done with him has shown that he is very mobile and athletic, and very willing as well. So he is not far away.”

 

[Native]

Tremendous late goal by Hazard but otherwise another terrible game for Chelsea under that fat f######### waiter.

Heck of a strike.

 

[The Gator]

OMG the sex

Really need to be in the hunt for 4th or higher next season or he's gone I bet :(

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Good news about Shea at Stoke. If not this week, certainly it should be very soon he makes his EPL debut.

Pulis said that both Shea and Marc Wilson would be available after playing in a behind-closed-doors game with S####horpe on Monday with no problems. "The two of them will be in the squad - whether or not I start with them, we will have to wait and see," he said. "I think Brek has been out for three or four months with an injury, so this is almost like a preseason for him, but he is a fit lad I have to say. The work we have done with him has shown that he is very mobile and athletic, and very willing as well. So he is not far away.”

:reported:

 

[El Floppo]

I've built my entire workweek around being able to watch tomorrow's game. To push my luck: Barca 2, ACM 1.

I'll do you one better. Mark it 3-0, Dude. errr... 0-3 for the sticklers.

From your lips to God's ears. It'd be nice if they put this thing away early.Second leg of the Copa semifinal is next week.

I'm glad Balloteli is Cup tied and Pato is gone. Every time I think of Milan I think of Pato scoring 10 seconds into the game and then their equalizing goal in extra time after having Barca dominate for 89 minutes in between.

Didn't think about Balloteli being tied, that will help. Barcelona still has an annoying tendancy to be way to conservative in away legs when they're first, a tie is likely.

lolzI'm glad that Balotelli's out too. As erratic as he can be, he can quickly tip a game if Good Mario shows up.

Bad Marios just as likely to tip a game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Mexico, US, Costa Rica, Cuba, Panama, and Jamaica will make up 7 of the 8 teams in U20 WC qualifying quarterfinals. The last spot will be either Canada or Nicaragua.US plays Costa Rica tonight at 6:30pm to determine the group winner. Game will be on FSC.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

OMG the sexReally need to be in the hunt for 4th or higher next season or he's gone I bet :(

That was a true beauty, for sure.

 

[T Bell]

OMG the sexReally need to be in the hunt for 4th or higher next season or he's gone I bet :(

That was a true beauty, for sure.

Yes. Perfection.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Tremendous late goal by Hazard but otherwise another terrible game for Chelsea under that fat f######### waiter.

Heck of a strike.

I'm at a loss re: Torres, vacillating between anger and pity for the guy. Any reasonably competent striker would have had 2 or 3 goals (if not more) in the first half alone yesterday with the chances he was given. Looking forward to seeing Ba up front against City on Sunday.

 

[NewlyRetired]

In U20 qualifying in South America, neither Brazil nor Argentina qualified. Argentina was even the host of qualifying and some how came in 4th in their 5 team group stage. Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile qualified.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Interview with Robbie Keane talking about where MLS is today and where it might be going.

MLS on track to be among the world’s best leagues, Robbie Keane saysMLS executives say they want their league to be one of the world’s best by 2022. LA Galaxy forward Robbie Keane, who starred in the world’s best league for more than a decade, says MLS is on the right track. The pieces are in place. All that’s needed now is a bit more money.“There are a lot of players in England that I speak to now, youngish kind of players, that want to come over here and play over here,” Keane told reporters last week during an MLS media event at Red Bull Arena. “There are certainly a lot of players who look at this league now with certainly a different opinion than they did a few years ago.“When I went back (last month) and trained with Tottenham for a couple of weeks, the lads asked questions and stuff like that. That just goes to show you how the league has grown.”MLS has its appealing aspects. The lifestyle in the U.S. and Canada—“It’s not a bad place to live is it, Hollywood?” Keane asked rhetorically—the reduced pressure from both the public and the press, the improving facilities and the gradually improving wages have been noticed abroad.Keane said another plus for the league is the top-to-bottom competitiveness that is rare in most major, top-heavy European circuits.“Everyone is kind of on the even playing field. It’s not like Man United and Southampton, with no disrespect, that kind of distance,” he said. “If you noticed, you never win (in MLS) by a lot of goals. It’s fairly always tight, usually tight games. For me, that’s been a challenge in itself because you have to be performing every week. The teams around you could beat you on any day.”Speaking later exclusively to Sporting News, Keane said he was a bit frustrated by those back in the U.K. or his native Ireland who claim that playing in MLS is akin to taking the easy way out.“Some people are quite ignorant, you know? It’s like, when people ask me about the league and stuff like that, you have to come here first to realize how hard it is to play here. Everyone is on the same level,” he said.Keane, who turned out for five EPL clubs and is most famous for his exploits with Tottenham, said those who play for the entrenched powers could mark a "W" next to half the games on their schedule before the season even begins.“It’s easy going to play with Man United and you’re playing with the best players in the world,” he said.The next step for MLS, Keane argued, was to increase the quality of play while maintaining that competitive balance. Each MLS team currently has three Designated Player slots, which carry a significant salary budget hit but which allow clubs to pay anything they like above and beyond that initial charge.Keane told Sporting News that it’s time to raise the number of DPs to five per team. They don’t have to necessarily be foreign players, he added, pointing out that Galaxy teammates like Omar Gonzalez or Mike Magee could “easily” be DPs.“You look at Tottenham. I was training with them a few weeks ago. You look at the players and the people who were on the bench, it was strong. Really strong,” he said. “It’s hard (to score goals in MLS) at the moment because it’s on a level kind of playing field, if you like. But in England you’ve got 20 designated players (per team). ... You could sit here all day and speak all day about (MLS), but it is what it is. But if we move on and keep talking about and extending it to maybe five players, I think we’ll 100 percent help the league and it will help the U.S. national team.“In 10 years’ time, this league would be massive if you extend it to five players. If you don’t extend it to five players, it’s going to be the same.”That “same” isn’t so bad, he argued. It’s just not world class. At least not yet.“If you look at Seattle, Colorado, Portland, you look at the fans there every week, they’re there two hours before the game,” Keane said. “The league is set now to keep going. We’re at a level where it’s going to stay like that. Whether David (Beckham) set that thing, he’s gone now but I think it’s going to continue.“I don’t think it’s going to change. We’re going to still get full houses at the Galaxy. I think we still will.”

 

[NewlyRetired]

US beat CR 1-0 today to top their group in U20 qualifying. The quarter final matchup (which determines if they qualify for the U20 WC) is against Canada next Tuesday. The US played a much better game today than the horror show against Haiti.

 

[((Morpheus))]

Brek Shea on for his EPL debut

 

[NewlyRetired]

Brek Shea on for his EPL debut

How did he look? He got on very early, was it an injury replacement in the first half?

 

[Christo]

Brek Shea on for his EPL debut

How did he look? He got on very early, was it an injury replacement in the first half?

Nothing spectacular. But he didn't look out of his depth. He made a few decent plays. He won the penalty. But he admitted he got lucky with that.

 

[T Bell]

Brek Shea on for his EPL debut

How did he look? He got on very early, was it an injury replacement in the first half?

Nothing spectacular. But he didn't look out of his depth. He made a few decent plays. He won the penalty. But he admitted he got lucky with that.

Most importantly for Stoke, did he manage to bash a woman over the head and drag her back to the cave as a trophy?

 

[El Floppo]

US beat CR 1-0 today to top their group in U20 qualifying. The quarter final matchup (which determines if they qualify for the U20 WC) is against Canada next Tuesday. The US played a much better game today than the horror show against Haiti.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Kei Kamara picked up his first EPL goal today scoring as a second half sub for Norwich.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oof. That may kill any realistic chance Everton had at going for a CL qualifying spot. Up 1-0 on the road late, they lost 2-1 with goals by Norwich in the 84th and 94th minute. That was a big road 3 points Everton let slip.