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

Fabian Johnson is not on Hoff's game day roster today :(

I wonder if Klinsmann is going to choose 25 player if he is not sure about Johnson or Dempsey being healthy in the next week.

 
Ives is reporting that Freddy Adu is closing in on a move to Bahia in the Brazilian 1st division. Please be true, please be true, please be true...
well that is one country he has not tried yet. :) Beyond fascinating, especially considering the speed at which the Brazilian league is improving.And god yes does Philly need this badly. It would open up some real money for the summer transfer window.
Actually, reports out of Brazil suggest that a player swap could be in the offing, with Freddy going to Bahia and the Union receiving Kleberson in return. He's 33 now, but I'd be willing to take a chance on him. Not sure how much he makes/DP status
 
Ives is reporting that Freddy Adu is closing in on a move to Bahia in the Brazilian 1st division. Please be true, please be true, please be true...
well that is one country he has not tried yet. :) Beyond fascinating, especially considering the speed at which the Brazilian league is improving.And god yes does Philly need this badly. It would open up some real money for the summer transfer window.
Actually, reports out of Brazil suggest that a player swap could be in the offing, with Freddy going to Bahia and the Union receiving Kleberson in return. He's 33 now, but I'd be willing to take a chance on him. Not sure how much he makes/DP status
It would be Freddy's 9th club and 6th country in 7yrs. That is crazy.
 
It was a busy day with rumors and what not concerning US players health(physical and mental) but here we go. In my long time fandom with the US going back to the late 80's, this is the most injuries to important players(not squad players, or starters but arguably some of the best on the team), I think the team has ever had to deal with for one cycle.* Donovan - Returning to practice on March 25th, obviously out of qualifiers* Cherundolo - just started to train again after a long period of being injured. Out for qualifiers* Howard - Two broken bones in back, out for qualifiers* Castillo - Broken face, out for qualifiers* Fabian Johnson - Injury looks minor and is already back training after missing just one game. Is expected to play in qualifiers* Dempsey - Has been out a few games but Klinsmann said today he is expected to be available for the Inter game this week. If so I think he is safe to consider for the qualifiersOn the plus side, Jones did not get hurt this week. Granted he was sitting with yet another suspension (natch ;) )On the negative side, Boca has not played a second in over a month on a team in the relegation zone in the second division in Spain.If Bradley goes down before the qualifiers I think I might just say "I give, this may not be our cycle" :unsure:Klinsmann did not have much to say about Shea today outside of a random "hope he gets more playing time at Stoke" type of comment when asked what his affect might be on the qualifiers.On the other hand, he called Joe Benny's play "great" in the recent Copa matches, maybe giving a hint that Carona may get a roster spot.
Not much has changed. Dempsey was not healthy enough to be on the roster today. His last chance to get in some game time before Klinsmann makes the roster will be on Sunday. The US's first of two qualifiers is one week from today (Friday). Dempsey and Johnson both will be watched closely this weekend. I am not looking forward to seeing these two qualifiers if the US is missing arguably 4 of its top 5 players. The US could get itself in a hole very hard to get out of. 3 points against Costa Rica and at least the pressure will be off even if Mexico cleans their clock in the Azteca.
People have been speculating that with the injuries, that Johnathon Spector might get recalled and right on queue he gets hurt 5 minutes into today's game for Birmingham City and was subbed off :wall:
 
Mr. Retired sir... now that MLS is at 19 teams is there any talk of going to a single-table with balanced home and away scheduling? Seems like a no-brainer, but since they aren't doing it currently I'm guessing there a reason?

 
Took a quick peek at Friday's weather

Mostly cloudy. High of 39F with a windchill as low as 21F. Breezy. Winds from the North at 10 to 20 mph.
So in the evening it should be mighty brisk - looks like I'll have to put on a few extra layers. I hope the players from CR freeze
 
Mr. Retired sir... now that MLS is at 19 teams is there any talk of going to a single-table with balanced home and away scheduling? Seems like a no-brainer, but since they aren't doing it currently I'm guessing there a reason?
The league HAD a balanced schedule for two years - 2010 (16 teams, 30 games) and 2011 (18 teams, 34 games). And it was great. But when they added Montreal in 2012, they moved off the balanced schedule. I don't believe they want to go beyond a 34 game schedule, plus a conference setup limits travel costs for teams. And the two conference, 34-game system actually works rather nicely for a 24-team league (home and home in conference, plus one vs all teams in the other conference), which I think is where this is headed in the next 10-15 years
 
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'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
a conference setup limits travel costs for teams.
This makes a lot of sense. Thanks Ted.Really love the balanced schedule though. It's elegant.
One other note to add to Ted's excellent points, the reason for the 34 game limit is because of the playoffs. I don't see them ever going away from some form of playoff format, and because of that the regular season needs to be limited because the playoffs take time to play. As it is now, the league is running from early March to late November/early December and that is pretty much as far as it can stretch given weather issues in the Northern cities.
 
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I thought Martins look decent in his debut tonight. In just 20 minutes it is very obvious he is going to be an immediate upgrade over Ochoa.

It probably won't be enough to beat Santos but with Zakuani gaining confidence and speed every game, if Martins can get to know his teammates quick enough, it might be more competitive than last year.

It is interesting to note that while Seattle is pretty flush in talent (EJ, Ozzie, Rosales, Evans, Martins, Zakuani, Martinez, etc), they are still basically wasting a DP slot right now with Shalrie Joseph. If they can figure out financially how to buy him out, that could open up a slot for one more talented player.

 
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I assume we should see the US roster maybe tomorrow or Monday.

Schmid in his post game conference said Eddie Johnson has been called up and that Brad Evans is on stand by.

 
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Jozy scored again today for AZ in their game against Ajax.

I feel like I have been saying this for the past 12 months but it would sure be the perfect time for Jozy to have this form show up at the international level, especially with all the injuries. Jozy, EJ, and Herc are all scoring right now so hopefully some if that will show up in the coming qualifiers.

 
I assume we should see the US roster maybe tomorrow or Monday. Schmid in his post game conference said Eddie Johnson has been called up and that Brad Evans is on stand by.
Hamid and Pontius were listed by Goff as alternates for the upcoming roster. That likely means Guzan, Rimando and Johnson will be the keepers.
 
Spurs are apparently allergic to third place. :doh:
This is the pretty standard late-season collapse. I think it has to do with the lack of squad depth. The same thing is happening to Everton. The first team can compete with anybody, but the drop-off from the bench is huge. They can't replace Sandro, they can't replace Lennon, and Bale was struggling with an injury. That's really all it takes.Levy's flat refusal to buy a legitimate striker certainly doesn't help.
 
4th place is going to come down to the wire. Spurs have a real tough schedule and one less game than Arsenal.

Spurs remaining:

@ Swansea

Everton

@ Chelsea

Man City

@ Wigan

Southampton

@ Stoke

Sunderland

Arsenal remaining:

Reading

@ West Brom

Norwich

Everton

@ Fulham

Man U

@ QPR

Wigan

@ Newcastle

 
4th place is going to come down to the wire. Spurs have a real tough schedule and one less game than Arsenal. Spurs remaining:Southampton@ Stoke SunderlandArsenal remaining:@ QPRWigan@ Newcastle
It really could depend on which of these six teams are still fighting to stay up at that point.
 
4th place is going to come down to the wire. Spurs have a real tough schedule and one less game than Arsenal. Spurs remaining:@ SwanseaEverton@ ChelseaMan City@ WiganSouthampton@ Stoke SunderlandArsenal remaining:Reading@ West BromNorwichEverton@ FulhamMan U@ QPRWigan@ Newcastle
At least something's coming down to the wire this year...
 
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.

 
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.
Chelsea need to build for the future, and they should cut Lampard and Cole loose (and they've already re-signed Cole).
If he's reasonably priced and is willing to play the role there's no reason he can't be the club's Giggs.
 
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.
Chelsea need to build for the future, and they should cut Lampard and Cole loose (and they've already re-signed Cole).
If he's reasonably priced and is willing to play the role there's no reason he can't be the club's Giggs.
Yeah I agree with this. It's not like they're up against the cap.
 
4th place is going to come down to the wire. Spurs have a real tough schedule and one less game than Arsenal. Spurs remaining:Southampton@ Stoke SunderlandArsenal remaining:@ QPRWigan@ Newcastle
It really could depend on which of these six teams are still fighting to stay up at that point.
There are really no easy games at this point in the season, especially away games. Sometimes the teams fighting to stay out of relegation are the toughest.
 
'Good said:
'Christo said:
'T Bell said:
'Tremendous Upside said:
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.
Chelsea need to build for the future, and they should cut Lampard and Cole loose (and they've already re-signed Cole).
If he's reasonably priced and is willing to play the role there's no reason he can't be the club's Giggs.
Yeah I agree with this. It's not like they're up against the cap.
Exactly. He's far from a liability and still delivers when others don't *cough*Torres*cough* I can't imagine his wage demands are that unreal. Plus, he's a ####### legend.
 
'Good said:
'Christo said:
'T Bell said:
'Tremendous Upside said:
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.
Chelsea need to build for the future, and they should cut Lampard and Cole loose (and they've already re-signed Cole).
If he's reasonably priced and is willing to play the role there's no reason he can't be the club's Giggs.
Yeah I agree with this. It's not like they're up against the cap.
Exactly. He's far from a liability and still delivers when others don't *cough*Torres*cough* I can't imagine his wage demands are that unreal. Plus, he's a ####### legend.
Saw this tweet from Wahl a little while agoGrant Wahl (@GrantWahl)3/17/13, 3:23 PMSources: LA was extremely close to signing Frank Lampard in past week. (Leiweke/Klein visited London.) Some questions now after Leiweke exit
 
Shea, Cameron and Edu all flew into Denver tonight. Cam and Edu were locks imo but Shea was not given his lack of playing time.

Wahl is floating the rumor that long time Captain Boca may not be called.

 
'Christo said:
'T Bell said:
'Tremendous Upside said:
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.
Chelsea need to build for the future, and they should cut Lampard and Cole loose (and they've already re-signed Cole).
If he's reasonably priced and is willing to play the role there's no reason he can't be the club's Giggs.
Yeah. It's not as if Chelsea hasn't built for the future. Hazard. Mata. Oscar. Azpilicueta. Lukaku. Courtois.
 
'Good said:
'Christo said:
'T Bell said:
'Tremendous Upside said:
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.
Chelsea need to build for the future, and they should cut Lampard and Cole loose (and they've already re-signed Cole).
If he's reasonably priced and is willing to play the role there's no reason he can't be the club's Giggs.
Yeah I agree with this. It's not like they're up against the cap.
Giggs is a leader who gets with the program. Those guys are part of a cabal that have undermined managers. That's part of the reason I'm saying this. They're talented cancers.
 
Giggs has had one manager in 20 years of professional football. Lamps has, maybe, undermined one manager. Who has admitted he made mistakes (Lamps was also logging splinter time in favor of Raul Mereiles). Even with that, it seems that Terry was the most active instigator (based upon AVB's insistence on playing a high line).

As an Arsenal fan, I'll take a few more cancers if they win as much silverware as Lamps has.

 
More bad news.

The US Roster announcement has been pushed back to 1:00pm. The fear is that some is not healthy enough (Fabian?) and they need to call up an alternate.

 
'Good said:
'Christo said:
'T Bell said:
'Tremendous Upside said:
200 goals for Lampard is a helluva achievement for a midfielder. Really hope Chelsea doesn't let him walk after the season. Still scores big goals in big spots.
Chelsea need to build for the future, and they should cut Lampard and Cole loose (and they've already re-signed Cole).
If he's reasonably priced and is willing to play the role there's no reason he can't be the club's Giggs.
Yeah I agree with this. It's not like they're up against the cap.
Giggs is a leader who gets with the program. Those guys are part of a cabal that have undermined managers. That's part of the reason I'm saying this. They're talented cancers.
I don't know what happened under AVB, but it seems that Frank has readily accepted a significant role change in playing the pivot under Di Matteo and Benitez. He may be griping about it behind closed doors but I've seen no indication of that and he seems to enjoy it. I wouldn't expect him to accept a discount to stay at Chelsea though. He's 34, but still playing at a pretty high level. My recollection is that Becks was a reserve at Real Madrid and no longer playing for England when he moved to LA. Lampard is in a different place imo. Plus, he has two kids from a prior marriage who live in London. I am personally dreading the day I see him in a different shirt, but it now seems quite possible if not likely.
 
He's 34, but still playing at a pretty high level. My recollection is that Becks was a reserve at Real Madrid and no longer playing for England when he moved to LA. Lampard is in a different place imo.
Becks played in 23 league games his last season at Madrid and 6 CL games. Becks was also part of the England team while in MLS. He received his 99th cap in late 2007(after coming to MLS) in a Euro Qualifier(he is at 115 caps now) . He was a regular England squad member until he blew out his achilles at Milan in March of 2010. Before the injury he was expected to make the 2010 WC roster.Becks was only 31 when he came to MLS if memory serves.
 
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I typically feel uneasy but something feels different this time to make me feel even more nervous.
I'm not typically nervous, but I am this time. Things do feel off.I doubt we finish 5th, but it's pretty easy to come up with scenarios where the US is in a home and home with some team halfway around the world for the last WC spot.
 

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