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

[Christo]

Bale goal

at about 0:32 he goes down looking for a foul, then pops back up.

Do you mean where the WH player submarines him and takes his legs out?

 

[NewlyRetired]

"The Boot Room"

Not that is a blast from the past. Bradley was always the 'good' soccer reporter.

Back in the day, the boot room was like a godsend to read every week or so. Now a days we get more MLS news in a hour on twitter than we did in a weeks time back then. A combination of many more knowledgable reporters, the leagues continued growth, and technology makes "The Boot Room" days seems a million miles away.

 

[GoFishTN]

Bale goal

at about 0:32 he goes down looking for a foul, then pops back up.

Do you mean where the WH player submarines him and takes his legs out?

Bale is my favorite player, I'm allowed to laugh at him.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Toronto FC has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow. It appears all but certain Torsten Frings long career is over. He is either retiring or being bought out. By getting this done before Saturday, Toronto free ups the full DP slot in terms of cap space. V

 

[T Bell]

Bale goal

Nice shot, wasn't it? Like how he celebrated with AVB

I still can't stand the guy, but man you have to give it up for him. Just completely on fire lately. All you can do is really tip your cap at the performances.

, and I'm a Gooner.I'll even go one step further - that's the sort of cheeky, ridiculous shot that Henry made.

 

[The Gator]

Bale goal

at about 0:32 he goes down looking for a foul, then pops back up.

Do you mean where the WH player submarines him and takes his legs out?

Dive

 

[NewlyRetired]

Wondo is officially a DP.His salary has gone from2009: 48k2011: 175k2012: 300k2013: 600k

Reigning MLS MVP Chris Wondolowski has signed a new contract with the San Jose Earthquakes, a source close to the situation tells SI.com.In becoming a Designated Player for the first time, Wondolowski will make $600,000 in the first year of the deal, which will increase from there. The contract is for four seasons, the first three of which are guaranteed.

 

[NewlyRetired]

This would be a fun DP signing if Seattle can lock him down

Sounders representatives head to Spain in pursuit of new DP

All offseason long, there have been whispers that the Seattle Sounders are on the hunt for a new Designated Player to pair in attack with Eddie Johnson.

On Monday, there came word that they've zeroed in on their target. Levante UD and Nigeria national team forward Obafemi Martins is, according to Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl and confirmed by MLSsoccer.com, in negotiations with a Sounders representative to fill the attacking void left by the winter departure of Fredy Montero.

Martins, a 28-year-old with a resume that includes the likes of Inter Milan and Newcastle United, has nine goals in 20 appearances across all competitions for Levante this season, best on the team. The tiny Valencia side is currently 10th in the La Liga standings, and have made it to the Europa Cup Round of 16 thanks to a 4-0 aggregate win over Olympiacos of Greece.

Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer had previously told NBC Sports Network's Arlo White that Martins is "the sort of player" the Sounders would be interested, but hadn't specifically confirmed that interest. The team has also been linked in various reports to Espanyol playmaker Joan Verdú, Málaga's Javier Saviola and Valencia's Nelson Haedo Váldez.

In order to sign Martins, Seattle would have to clear out another DP slot. They currently have Mauro Rosales, newly acquired Shalrie Joseph and holdover Christian Tiffert under contract, but Tiffert's future seems in doubt after the German midfielder was absent from Seattle's preseason trip to Arizona.

 

[Sebowski]

Martins was awesome in Fifa 09

 

[Sebowski]

Looks like I might end up at one of the MLS openers. I'll be in either Seattle or Vancouver. Most likely Vancouver, unfortunately. Would love to see a Seattle game.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Clasico III tomorrow.Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

 

[Sebowski]

Clasico III tomorrow.Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

 

[NewlyRetired]

I am nervous about the US qualifier today. This is the make or break game. As a program we really need to break the chain of not qualifying (if they lose today I believe it would be 3 in a row ( U20, U23 Olympics and U20 again). Game is against Canada today at 6:00pm on Fox Soccer . I probably won't get to watch until later tonight.Editing to add that since this game must produce a winner, it could run long so if you are recording it, add another hour or so to the length of the program to cover OT and PK's if need be.

 

[NewlyRetired]

As expected Torsten Frings retired this morning after a long 18 year career. He will continue to work with Toronto as a talent scout out of Europe.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Clasico III tomorrow.Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

 

[Slapdash]

Clasico III tomorrow.Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

 

[Major]

Don't think I can make it to a bar to catch the Classico.....any recs on internets streams?

 

[Slapdash]

Don't think I can make it to a bar to catch the Classico.....any recs on internets streams?

rojadirecta

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Clasico III tomorrow.Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

I believe he's back, yes.

 

[Slapdash]

Clasico III tomorrow.Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

I believe he's back, yes.

Well if there isn't a Villa-Messi-Pedro frontline out there tonight I may break my new TV.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Clasico III tomorrow.Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

I believe he's back, yes.

Well if there isn't a Villa-Messi-Pedro frontline out there tonight I may break my new TV.

Iniesta up front with Messi and Pedro. Cesc/Xavi/Busquets in the MF.Please God let Dani Alves actually take a reasonable defensive position...

 

[Slapdash]

Clasico III tomorrow.

Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

I believe he's back, yes.

Well if there isn't a Villa-Messi-Pedro frontline out there tonight I may break my new TV.

Iniesta up front with Messi and Pedro. Cesc/Xavi/Busquets in the MF.Please God let Dani Alves actually take a reasonable defensive position...

Buying Cesc back will be this era's downfall.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

####. And Barca had played so well to start the game. Pique needs to be playing his right foot there. 1-0.

 

[dparker713]

####. And Barca had played so well to start the game. Pique needs to be playing his right foot there. 1-0.

At this point, I just think Pique sucks. And while that was an obvious foul and rightly given, Pedro was run over in the box around the 36th minute. No idea how you don't call that.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

####. And Barca had played so well to start the game. Pique needs to be playing his right foot there. 1-0.

At this point, I just think Pique sucks. And while that was an obvious foul and rightly given, Pedro was run over in the box around the 36th minute. No idea how you don't call that.

He certainly isn't at a world-class level currently. They needed to get a legit CB instead of Song, and just let Mascherano spell Busquets.I don't think Pedro or CR would've scored had they not been fouled, but tough to call one and not the other.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Ronaldo's hair is in excellent form tonight.

 

[ffldrew]

How is a guy like Matt Smith for Oldham still on a team that is near the bottom of League1

 

[Christo]

How is a guy like Matt Smith for Oldham still on a team that is near the bottom of League1

I haven't seen him do anything but score a few goals off of set pieces. And he can't even get in Oldham's starting line-up.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

And there's one on Puyol. Game over.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Puyol totally overmatched there. DiMaria made him look silly.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Puyol totally overmatched there. DiMaria made him look silly.

At this stage he shouldn't be featuring in big games like this. A league affair against Depor, sure. But the chickens are coming home to roost in terms of Barca's backline.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I can't even tell who was marking Varane. Good stuff.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

If he wins the Copa and beats ManU to advance in the CL, perhaps Mou survives for another season in Madrid?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

If he wins the Copa and beats ManU to advance in the CL, perhaps Mou survives for another season in Madrid?

I doubt he even wants that. It seems pretty clear that either he goes or Ramos and Iker (at the least) go. He'll have other attractive options, so why would he put himself through that power struggle?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Alba should have a red card for that attempt to get Arbeloa sent off. Typical stuff from the home side at Camp Nou.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Puyol totally overmatched there. DiMaria made him look silly.

At this stage he shouldn't be featuring in big games like this. A league affair against Depor, sure. But the chickens are coming home to roost in terms of Barca's backline.

Speaking of DiMaria... has he always been godlike and I just don't watch Real enough to notice? Has he improved a ton lately? Coincidence that I've caught him in good form the last few times I've watched?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Alba should have a red card for that attempt to get Arbeloa sent off. Typical stuff from the home side at Camp Nou.

How do you think Chelsea's going to do in Europa next year?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Puyol totally overmatched there. DiMaria made him look silly.

At this stage he shouldn't be featuring in big games like this. A league affair against Depor, sure. But the chickens are coming home to roost in terms of Barca's backline.

Speaking of DiMaria... has he always been godlike and I just don't watch Real enough to notice? Has he improved a ton lately? Coincidence that I've caught him in good form the last few times I've watched?

He's very, very good.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Alba should have a red card for that attempt to get Arbeloa sent off. Typical stuff from the home side at Camp Nou.

How do you think Chelsea's going to do in Europa next year?

This was a classic Barca move, targeting a player on a yellow. As Alba was spinning wildly in the air after the light contact, he was conflicted, first grabbing his face, then the knee, then back to the face as he rolled on the grass.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Alba should have a red card for that attempt to get Arbeloa sent off. Typical stuff from the home side at Camp Nou.

How do you think Chelsea's going to do in Europa next year?

This was a classic Barca move, targeting a player on a yellow. As Alba was spinning wildly in the air after the light contact, he was conflicted, first grabbing his face, then the knee, then back to the face as he rolled on the grass.

How long do you think it'll be until one of us from this thread is coaching Chelsea? We've gotta be like 1-2 years out, right?

 

[The Kansas Comet]

If he wins the Copa and beats ManU to advance in the CL, perhaps Mou survives for another season in Madrid?

I doubt he even wants that. It seems pretty clear that either he goes or Ramos and Iker (at the least) go. He'll have other attractive options, so why would he put himself through that power struggle?

No way he wants to return to Madrid with the power structure the way it is set up there. He wants to get fired, collect his from the Merengues and go somewhere else where he will be the savior and the most influential person at the club.Props to Madrid. Winning 3-1 at Camp Nou is an excellent result, even if Barca regard playing defense as a nuisance this season. Not happy.

 

[dparker713]

If he wins the Copa and beats ManU to advance in the CL, perhaps Mou survives for another season in Madrid?

I doubt he even wants that. It seems pretty clear that either he goes or Ramos and Iker (at the least) go. He'll have other attractive options, so why would he put himself through that power struggle?

No way he wants to return to Madrid with the power structure the way it is set up there. He wants to get fired, collect his from the Merengues and go somewhere else where he will be the savior and the most influential person at the club.Props to Madrid. Winning 3-1 at Camp Nou is an excellent result, even if Barca regard playing defense as a nuisance this season. Not happy.

Sir Alex is still retiring right?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Puyol totally overmatched there. DiMaria made him look silly.

At this stage he shouldn't be featuring in big games like this. A league affair against Depor, sure. But the chickens are coming home to roost in terms of Barca's backline.

Speaking of DiMaria... has he always been godlike and I just don't watch Real enough to notice? Has he improved a ton lately? Coincidence that I've caught him in good form the last few times I've watched?

His form varies. He has at times been in Mourinho's doghouse (and as been linked with other teams in the summer, presumably because he'd be the odd man out if Bale were bought). By way of comparison, Bale has scored 15 goals and created over 50 chances this season. DiMaria has scored 4 and created about 35 chances.

 

[jonessed]

####. And Barca had played so well to start the game. Pique needs to be playing his right foot there. 1-0.

At this point, I just think Pique sucks. And while that was an obvious foul and rightly given, Pedro was run over in the box around the 36th minute. No idea how you don't call that.

He certainly isn't at a world-class level currently. They needed to get a legit CB instead of Song, and just let Mascherano spell Busquets.I don't think Pedro or CR would've scored had they not been fouled, but tough to call one and not the other.

I have never really understood this. There are good CBs out there with ball skills that they could obviously afford. They seem to purposefully neglect this part of the game. Do they feel they are so good that they don't CBs? I really can't tell if it's based on arrogance or ignorance.I actually think Pique is quite good most of the time, but that's pretty much all they have.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

####. And Barca had played so well to start the game. Pique needs to be playing his right foot there. 1-0.

At this point, I just think Pique sucks. And while that was an obvious foul and rightly given, Pedro was run over in the box around the 36th minute. No idea how you don't call that.

He certainly isn't at a world-class level currently. They needed to get a legit CB instead of Song, and just let Mascherano spell Busquets.I don't think Pedro or CR would've scored had they not been fouled, but tough to call one and not the other.

I have never really understood this. There are good CBs out there with ball skills that they could obviously afford. They seem to purposefully neglect this part of the game. Do they feel they are so good that they don't CBs? I really can't tell if it's based on arrogance or ignorance.I actually think Pique is quite good most of the time, but that's pretty much all they have.

Mascherano was great last year. As for ignorance vs. arrogance, I'm really not sure. I would guess the latter, as even I have figured out that their backline needs upgrading.

 

[Slapdash]

Clasico III tomorrow.

Barcelona can't eat their balls for a third straight game, can they?

Watching the first half at local bar and hoping to catch the whole second half at the airport bar. They'll start boarding around the 70th though and my resolve will be tested. Hoping my gate is near the bar. Anyone know Tanya Harding's number? Need to get her Alexis Sanchez's itinerary ASAP...

There's no conceivable way he can see the field today, right?

Is Villa fit?

I believe he's back, yes.

Well if there isn't a Villa-Messi-Pedro frontline out there tonight I may break my new TV.

Iniesta up front with Messi and Pedro. Cesc/Xavi/Busquets in the MF.Please God let Dani Alves actually take a reasonable defensive position...

Buying Cesc back will be this era's downfall.

Complain about the typical squad defense all day, the problem is this team sucks at attacking right now.

 

[Slapdash]

Alba should have a red card for that attempt to get Arbeloa sent off. Typical stuff from the home side at Camp Nou.

How do you think Chelsea's going to do in Europa next year?

This was a classic Barca move, targeting a player on a yellow. As Alba was spinning wildly in the air after the light contact, he was conflicted, first grabbing his face, then the knee, then back to the face as he rolled on the grass.

Well, you would be well versed in watching dive tactics.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Alba should have a red card for that attempt to get Arbeloa sent off. Typical stuff from the home side at Camp Nou.

How do you think Chelsea's going to do in Europa next year?

This was a classic Barca move, targeting a player on a yellow. As Alba was spinning wildly in the air after the light contact, he was conflicted, first grabbing his face, then the knee, then back to the face as he rolled on the grass.

Well, you would be well versed in watching dive tactics.

ok - I understand you guys are sensitive today after a hard loss and don't want to talk about it. I see a lot of diving in the EPL - mostly players going down easy to draw fouls and penalties. I made time to watch some of the copa game today and was impressed as always with the talent but disgusted, as I often am with Spanish football, by the theatrics of Alba, Pepe and Cesc. Arbeloa was playing with a yellow and Alba tried to have him sent off -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGQiCGmwZL0. I would like to see this type of conduct punished.

 

[NewlyRetired]

US beat Canada 4-2 today to advance to the U20 WC later this year. US dominated this game even with Canada getting off to a lead on what seemed like their one time up the field. After that the US scored 4 unanswered to put the game out of reach. I don't want to be too down on the US as I realize they are missing there three top defenders but seeing that it is certain that at least two of them will be missing for the finals, I am having a hard time seeing a great tournament. Offensively they seem ok, and I think Cuevas is going to be very very good. In the meantime, the US will meet the surprising Cubans in the semi's who have not dropped a point yet in qualifying after beating CR to qualify for the WC.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Edgar Castillo continues to be paying some great soccer according to the twitter media. He is an every day starter for a top Mexican side and he has helped Club Tijuana to a good start in the Copa Libertadores in which he scored the loan goal of the game tonight so far.