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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (11 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
Fantastic keeper.
jpeace121
Footballguy
FYP.I still see him denying Donovan Hugh ####### Dallas swallowing his whistle when Frings kept the ball out of the goal with his arm in the '02 World Cup.Fantastic keeper.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Gregg Berhalter's claim to fame.FYP.I still see him denying Donovan Hugh ####### Dallas swallowing his whistle when Frings kept the ball out of the goal with his arm in the '02 World Cup.Fantastic keeper.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Pretty boring MLS game last night. Colorado pretty much dominated, from what I saw (2nd half).
Big week this upcoming week....UCL title, FA Cup.....
Big week this upcoming week....UCL title, FA Cup.....
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kblitz
Footballguy
Just a couple of week till the Euro Cup starts in Austria and Switzerland. The German national team just announced the 26 players who will go into trainigcamp, of which 23 will be nominated for the Euro Cup in June.
striker: Miroslav Klose (Bayern München), Lukas Podolski (Bayern München), Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart), Kevin Kuranyi (Schalke 04), Oliver Neuville (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Patrick Helmes (1. FC Köln).
midfield: Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV), Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), David Odonkor (Betis Sevilla), Marko Marin (Borussia Mönchengladbach).
defenders: Christoph Metzelder (Real Madrid), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Philipp Lahm (Bayern München), Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC Berlin), Marcell Jansen (Bayern München), Clemens Fritz (Werder Bremen), Heiko Westermann (Schalke 04).
goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal London), Robert Enke (Hannover 96), René Adler (Bayer Leverkusen).
a couple of surprises:
Timo Hildebrand was the biggest surprise for me, I thought he would be nominated, the two reserve goalkeepers have one international game between them. Quiet a few young players without much experience like Marko Merin. Three payers fom German 2. Bundesliga (second league), which is also supising. Also Piotr Trochowski who is every talented but had trouble finding his game in the natonal team.
IMO Germany has on all positions very solid starters but some of the reserves could have been chosen more wisely
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
link
striker: Miroslav Klose (Bayern München), Lukas Podolski (Bayern München), Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart), Kevin Kuranyi (Schalke 04), Oliver Neuville (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Patrick Helmes (1. FC Köln).
midfield: Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV), Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), David Odonkor (Betis Sevilla), Marko Marin (Borussia Mönchengladbach).
defenders: Christoph Metzelder (Real Madrid), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Philipp Lahm (Bayern München), Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC Berlin), Marcell Jansen (Bayern München), Clemens Fritz (Werder Bremen), Heiko Westermann (Schalke 04).
goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal London), Robert Enke (Hannover 96), René Adler (Bayer Leverkusen).
a couple of surprises:
Timo Hildebrand was the biggest surprise for me, I thought he would be nominated, the two reserve goalkeepers have one international game between them. Quiet a few young players without much experience like Marko Merin. Three payers fom German 2. Bundesliga (second league), which is also supising. Also Piotr Trochowski who is every talented but had trouble finding his game in the natonal team.
IMO Germany has on all positions very solid starters but some of the reserves could have been chosen more wisely
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
link
jpeace121
Footballguy
Solid German squad, although there are quite a few unfamiliar names on the back (to me at least). Strikers and midfield are very strong. Really looking forward to this tournament
B Maverick
Footballguy
I saw that. My first thought is another fluff piece as he has always said he would love to play for Madrid. He has also said numerous times he wants to stay with United for awhile. He will be expensive either way.jpeace121 said:
The Z Machine
Footballguy
It sure seems like the roadblock is United's desire to keep Ronaldo (which makes sense BTW). Personally, I think I'd try to get 1 year maybe 2 at the most out of him, and then sell him for a bundle.
Go for the trebble next year if they hit the double this year.
Go for the trebble next year if they hit the double this year.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Only if you lose, my friend- only if you lose.But your av has always kinda freaked me out.You'd make me get rid of my talisman? That's harsh.You are so on. How about a month-long avatar bet to further sweeten the bet too...$1.00 Fulham finishes 13th or higher. You got the stones?Totally agree with the first part... Bullard and McBride would have kept that team out of the bottom three most of the year.Second part... out of the bottom three, but just barely. They just don't have enough class on that team- especially at the back- to push into the middle of the EPL.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I frigging love Deco- his career is winding down, but he's still got more than enough to majorly change the complexion of whichever team can sign him. I don't see him going to England though- I think Italy might be a better fit.
Mjolnirs
Footballguy
Thanks for the link, Gol TV will be showing the game at 11 eastern.For the interested, Bayerns goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is playing his last game this Saturday. He gave an interesting interview where he finaly admitted that football can also be fun
A solid group. Interesting to note only 4 of the players listed are not currently playing in Die Bundesliga.I too am surprised Hildebrand didn't make the list.kblitz said:
andy_b
Footballguy
U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley has named a 33-man player pool that will be used to select rosters for the upcoming trio of blockbuster friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina. The roster for the England match, which will include approximately 22 players, will be announced early next week.
GOALKEEPERS (5): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (10): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
FORWARDS (9): Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC),
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Josh
Wolff (1860 Munich)
===============================================
1) Anyone familiar with the guy I bolded above?
2) Good to see DMB healthy enough to be in the pool
3) I hope Bradley rewards Cooper with a roster spot and doesn't just give one up to EJ who has done nothing to earn it.
GOALKEEPERS (5): Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)
MIDFIELDERS (10): Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
FORWARDS (9): Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC),
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Josh
Wolff (1860 Munich)
===============================================
1) Anyone familiar with the guy I bolded above?
2) Good to see DMB healthy enough to be in the pool
3) I hope Bradley rewards Cooper with a roster spot and doesn't just give one up to EJ who has done nothing to earn it.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I'm pretty sure Oroszco became a suprise, but deserving starter for the US U-20s in recent play. Who is GK Cervi? Never heard of that one...Funny- I was just coming in here to post the same topic.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Disappointed not to see Holden in teh mix... that's a kid who should be getting at least camp time with the regulars. I mean, does Eddie Lewis still need to be there? Definitely time for the US to find another solution outside.
Interested to see what the miserable season at Derby has done to Feilhaber- not getting PT for a team that bad does not speak well to his form.
Interested to see what the miserable season at Derby has done to Feilhaber- not getting PT for a team that bad does not speak well to his form.
Native
Footballguy
I know we were talking about this earlier - Raul was left off the Spain Euro 08 squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Andres Palop (Sevilla).
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Valencia), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanito Gutierrez (Real Betis), Fernando Navarro (Mallorca), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool).
Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez (FC Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), David Silva (Valencia), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Ruben De La Red (Getafe), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal).
Forwards: Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Mallorca), Sergio Garcia (Zaragoza).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/i...als/7406263.stm
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Andres Palop (Sevilla).
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Valencia), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanito Gutierrez (Real Betis), Fernando Navarro (Mallorca), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool).
Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez (FC Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), David Silva (Valencia), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Ruben De La Red (Getafe), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal).
Forwards: Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Mallorca), Sergio Garcia (Zaragoza).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/i...als/7406263.stm
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Nate Jaqua currently out of contract...
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Oh and last I heard about Cervi, he was training with Celtic but hasn't signed.....not sure what he's doing now.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I've never heard his name before... MLS guy?
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I remember looking him up awhile back cause I had never heard of him either. He's a young guy, maybe 21 years old. Drafted in the first round in the MLS but never signed, choosing to try to play overseas. He played with Celtic but never signed, and I'm not sure where he is now.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
As of April 23, 2008:
I understand his point that the money and fame for footballers lies in Europe; but doesn't he understand what he can do for the sport in America he can bring it to another level. He is young, skilled and I'm sure very marketable but if he is selected to the Italian National Team for Euro 2008 forget about it he will never lace them up for the US.
El Floppo
Footballguy
We had a Rossi discussion a while back. IIRC, he's been capped for one of the Italian youth squads... mebbe an appearance on the Sr squad? IIRC, he was ruled ineligible for the US as a result of whatever Paisan action he got. Who remembers better...?And he's a guy that I doubt will ever make much of a mark for the Italian nats, but would be HUGE for the US.
Currently he is eligible to play for the US National Team. Once he gains a cap on the Italian National Team it is all over he will no longer be able to play for the US and that may happen here when Donadoni announces the Italian National Team Roster on Tuesday.
The Toulon Tournament takes place in Southern France from May 20-29, and will serve as a warm-up for the Azzurrini prior to their participation in the Olympic games in Beijing later in the summer.
Italy Under-21 boss Gigi Casiraghi has named the 22 players who will travel to Toulon, and a notable absentee is Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi.
Rossi’s surprise exclusion may indeed mean that Italy boss Roberto Donadoni is preparing to select him for Euro 2008. Another play who was absent from the list if midfield star man Riccardo Montolivo, which once again may mean he is in line for a senior call-up.
Donadoni names the 23-men he will be taking to Austria and Switzerland on Tuesday at 15:00 CET.
The Toulon Tournament takes place in Southern France from May 20-29, and will serve as a warm-up for the Azzurrini prior to their participation in the Olympic games in Beijing later in the summer.
Italy Under-21 boss Gigi Casiraghi has named the 22 players who will travel to Toulon, and a notable absentee is Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi.
Rossi’s surprise exclusion may indeed mean that Italy boss Roberto Donadoni is preparing to select him for Euro 2008. Another play who was absent from the list if midfield star man Riccardo Montolivo, which once again may mean he is in line for a senior call-up.
Donadoni names the 23-men he will be taking to Austria and Switzerland on Tuesday at 15:00 CET.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Projected lineup for Spain (4-4-2)
Torres Villa Xavi Cesc Iniesta SilvaCapdevila Albiol Puyol Ramos CasillasMost likely subs are Güiza (attacking) and Senna (defending). A solid team throughout without any real holes (except maybe Silva on the right side, but Ramos can play up a bit and give some crosses if need be). Albiol is a rock at central defender and will only get better back there for los Rojos.Personally, I would have put Raúl on the squad. I know that Aragonés wants to get championship experience for WC2010, but Sergio García didn't do crap this year while Raúl dropped in another 18 goals. It's likely that García won't even see the field anyway.
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
Signing Ronaldo was a curse. Looks like Mourinho will be managing in UEFA Cup this next season... HA HA!Also, Zaragoza get demoted to the Segunda this year. Yikes, that's bad.
Mjolnirs
Footballguy
The final weekend of the German Bundesliga was this past weekend.
Bayern topped the table with 22 wins, 10 draws and 2 losses and set a record by allowing only 21 goals in 34 matches.
Luca Toni took the scoring title with 24 goals for Bayern.
Werder Bremen finished 2nd and gets the other straight ticket to the Champions League.
Schalke 04 finished 3rd and will enter the qualifying stage of the CL
Hamburger SV and Wolfsburg finished 4th and 5th qualifying for the UEFA Cup.
1. FC Nürnberg, Hansa Rostock and MSV Duisburg were relegated.
Borussia Mönchengladbach, 1899 Hoffenheim and 1. FC Köln were all promoted from the Second Division. Hoffenheim spent just one year in the Second Division after being promoted from the Third last year!
Bayern topped the table with 22 wins, 10 draws and 2 losses and set a record by allowing only 21 goals in 34 matches.
Luca Toni took the scoring title with 24 goals for Bayern.
Werder Bremen finished 2nd and gets the other straight ticket to the Champions League.
Schalke 04 finished 3rd and will enter the qualifying stage of the CL
Hamburger SV and Wolfsburg finished 4th and 5th qualifying for the UEFA Cup.
1. FC Nürnberg, Hansa Rostock and MSV Duisburg were relegated.
Borussia Mönchengladbach, 1899 Hoffenheim and 1. FC Köln were all promoted from the Second Division. Hoffenheim spent just one year in the Second Division after being promoted from the Third last year!
The Z Machine
Footballguy
BTW, there are rumors in the Spanish press that henry might find a "retirement" home in the MLS...
Some details from the article:
"Una de las posibilidades que se contempla es la de que el francés pueda seguir los pasos del inglés David Beckham, actual jugador de Los Angeles Galaxy, y encaminar sus pasos a la Major Soccer League estadounidense. Según el rotativo británico 'The Independent', el equipo de los Seattle Sounders habría ofrecido a Henry 5.2 millones de dólares al año por hacerse con sus servicios."
"One of the possibilities that they (Barcelona) is contemplating is that the frenchman could follow in the footsteps of the englishman, David Beckham, the current LA Galaxy player, and follow him to the American MLS. According to the British tabloid, "The Independent", the Seattle Sounders had offered Henry $5.2m per year to retain his services."
Something tells me that's a load of bull though...
Some details from the article:
"Una de las posibilidades que se contempla es la de que el francés pueda seguir los pasos del inglés David Beckham, actual jugador de Los Angeles Galaxy, y encaminar sus pasos a la Major Soccer League estadounidense. Según el rotativo británico 'The Independent', el equipo de los Seattle Sounders habría ofrecido a Henry 5.2 millones de dólares al año por hacerse con sus servicios."
"One of the possibilities that they (Barcelona) is contemplating is that the frenchman could follow in the footsteps of the englishman, David Beckham, the current LA Galaxy player, and follow him to the American MLS. According to the British tabloid, "The Independent", the Seattle Sounders had offered Henry $5.2m per year to retain his services."
Something tells me that's a load of bull though...
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
He became cap-tied to Italy on his 21st birthday, which was a few months ago (ETA: Feb 1, 2008 was the deadline). He's ineligible for the USMNT.El Floppo said:
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prefontaine
Footballguy
Seems like not a lot of interest in MLS here (understandably) but thought I'd give a report from yesterday's FC Dallas-Galaxy game.
It seemed like half the crowd had on Beckham jerseys. Stadium was packed (more than I've ever seen though I probably only go to 2-3 games a year). Our seats were in row two right along midfield. Lot of first timers. The lady in front of me was a screamer and was complaining endlessly about things which weren't wrong. She clearly did not understand the game but it didn't slow her enthusiasm. She felt like she knew a lot and I can only guess she has an 9 year old that plays so she is an expert. While she was annoying, I did get a few laughs out of her. The guy to my left and I chatted a bit. It was his first FC Dallas game. He told me he was a Man U fan. He and his wife were both wearing Man U jerseys. I asked him if he still rooted for Beckham. His response:
Turns out he had no idea Becks ever played for United.
It was a pretty poorly played game. Dallas's defense was brutal and mistakes cost them goal after goal in the 1st half. I got into an argument with the lady in front of me when Donovan kicked one off of a Dallas defenders arm and it deflected in. She was screaming up and down that it was a hand ball and the goal should be disallowed. I tried explaining advantage to her but she would have none of it. "A foul is a foul. You have to call it." (from my angle, I'm not even sure it was a hand ball anyway). This was worse than the offsides debate we had earlier
There were a couple of pretty nice goals and Beckham got into a fight. It was on the far side and didn't get a good look but it appeared to me to be a clear tackle from behind which warranted a straight red (and that is what the ref gave). Beckham got into a pushing match afterwards and he and another player got a yellow. The crowd then began to boo every time Becks touched the ball. Awful. Yes he had a temper and he shouldn't have got into it but from the looks of the original foul (they never showed a replay in the stadium) it was a purposeful cheap shot at his legs. I have a bit of temper too on things like that though so maybe that's why I cut him slack.
Anyway, I was a little surprised by the number of people there that knew nothing about the sport. It's pretty obvious Beckham is having the exact affect MLS wants - getting people to games that never go. Over time maybe they will be converted and become good fans.
It seemed like half the crowd had on Beckham jerseys. Stadium was packed (more than I've ever seen though I probably only go to 2-3 games a year). Our seats were in row two right along midfield. Lot of first timers. The lady in front of me was a screamer and was complaining endlessly about things which weren't wrong. She clearly did not understand the game but it didn't slow her enthusiasm. She felt like she knew a lot and I can only guess she has an 9 year old that plays so she is an expert. While she was annoying, I did get a few laughs out of her. The guy to my left and I chatted a bit. It was his first FC Dallas game. He told me he was a Man U fan. He and his wife were both wearing Man U jerseys. I asked him if he still rooted for Beckham. His response:
Turns out he had no idea Becks ever played for United.It was a pretty poorly played game. Dallas's defense was brutal and mistakes cost them goal after goal in the 1st half. I got into an argument with the lady in front of me when Donovan kicked one off of a Dallas defenders arm and it deflected in. She was screaming up and down that it was a hand ball and the goal should be disallowed. I tried explaining advantage to her but she would have none of it. "A foul is a foul. You have to call it." (from my angle, I'm not even sure it was a hand ball anyway). This was worse than the offsides debate we had earlier
There were a couple of pretty nice goals and Beckham got into a fight. It was on the far side and didn't get a good look but it appeared to me to be a clear tackle from behind which warranted a straight red (and that is what the ref gave). Beckham got into a pushing match afterwards and he and another player got a yellow. The crowd then began to boo every time Becks touched the ball. Awful. Yes he had a temper and he shouldn't have got into it but from the looks of the original foul (they never showed a replay in the stadium) it was a purposeful cheap shot at his legs. I have a bit of temper too on things like that though so maybe that's why I cut him slack.
Anyway, I was a little surprised by the number of people there that knew nothing about the sport. It's pretty obvious Beckham is having the exact affect MLS wants - getting people to games that never go. Over time maybe they will be converted and become good fans.
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
Wow.Maybe they're hardcore Cantona fans!He and his wife were both wearing Man U jerseys. I asked him if he still rooted for Beckham. His response:
B Maverick
Footballguy
I hope thats not a knock on Cantona, greatest United Player ever!! Fans voted on it and he won! Will be interesting to see if Ronaldo can over take that.No real fan of United can say they didnt know about Becks. Must be a frontrunner. Got FSC on their cable and heard they were good. Unbelieveable. Whos number were they wearing???Saw that tackle on ESPN of Becks this morning. Hard tackle, worthy of a red. Becks got upended nicely. Came back vs 10 men and put a beauty of a pass on the far post for the game winning header.Wow.Maybe they're hardcore Cantona fans!He and his wife were both wearing Man U jerseys. I asked him if he still rooted for Beckham. His response:
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
Definitely not a knock on Cantona - just a total rip on the "fans" not knowing Becks played for United. He hasn't even been gone from United all that long really. What, 5 years?I hope thats not a knock on Cantona, greatest United Player ever!! Fans voted on it and he won! Will be interesting to see if Ronaldo can over take that.No real fan of United can say they didnt know about Becks. Must be a frontrunner. Got FSC on their cable and heard they were good. Unbelieveable. Whos number were they wearing???Saw that tackle on ESPN of Becks this morning. Hard tackle, worthy of a red. Becks got upended nicely. Came back vs 10 men and put a beauty of a pass on the far post for the game winning header.Wow.Maybe they're hardcore Cantona fans!He and his wife were both wearing Man U jerseys. I asked him if he still rooted for Beckham. His response:Turns out he had no idea Becks ever played for United.
andy_b
Footballguy
this was only part of what MLS wanted.In reality, MLS knows that if they pin their hopes on the general sports fan who doesn't normally follow soccer, they are doomed. These people almost always equal a short term boost, only to then disappear once the circus leaves.MLS, to their credit, finally after 13 years understands that they needs to first get the american soccer fan tied to MLS. By American soccer fan, I mean specifically two groups of fans that have not yet become MLS fans: 1) the general "euro snob" (no offense, just the common term used) group who even with out ever having seen an MLS game, automatically thinks its below them because they are EPL fans, and 2) The MFL fan base, which is relatively strong and large based on the Univision/galavision ratings and the crowds Mexican league teams can draw around the country.If MLS could find a way to lock down these two diverse groups of soccer fans, I would argue that they would not need to go after the non fan. They might not make it to the big three level, but it would be a fun, entertaining league.
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
That pass was a gem - it was great to see the keeper begin to come out and then realize he was in no-man's land. Dropped it right on to Buddle's head there. Pure class.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I agree with you, despite me being a EURO SNOB! lol.Love the EPL but cant really watch too much of the American game even though I grew up playing it. I just do not find it as pretty to watch as the EPL or Champions league. I do hope in time it gets there, would love for it to succeed and make the big three leagues the big 4!After seeing the support, passion and the love in Toronto how long can the MLS avoid San Diego? They do not want it there as the Mexican population and the proximity to Mexico raises red flags and a fear that too many people would come over the boarder to watch games and cause havoc. I think it would be a prime location as it is a hotbed of young talent and the MISL supported the Sockers there for years. Maybe there is more to it? But selling out seems like it would be a great reason to put one there, whether the fans are Mexican or American.
That is the beauty of David Beckham. Whether it be a free kick or a service, he can put the ball on a dime from anywhere. He may not be the best defender or an end line to end line player, but when the moment presents itself he will not miss.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Interesting write-up Pre.
I'm gonna look into getting some decent tix for the Earthquakes-Galaxy game.
I'm gonna look into getting some decent tix for the Earthquakes-Galaxy game.
andy_b
Footballguy
San Diego, just like pretty much any city in America, would be accepted with open arms once the following two items are met1) An owner (preferably local), comes up with a $35-$45M expansion fee2) Clear plans on where they will play, and preferably with a path to a SSS
andy_b
Footballguy
I was unaware age had anything to do with eligibility.I thought the rule was this:
If you represent a country in a senior side game at a FIFA approved tournament, you are tied. Not all friendlies are considered valid for this.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Well, I hope you are right, since all the rumors i have heard are that SD is not a viable option. Since the Padres moved to Petco, Qualcomm is open all year outside the NFL season. Great place to start while a SSS is being worked out. Heck, if the Chargers get their own stadium the city could look into renovating the Q into a SSS.But I digress....So when does the ***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** team fundraiser start? I am sure all the rich business people in this thread could scrounge up the money to by a team? Although i guess all the investors would want a team nearest them... well, I guess we all need to move to SoCal and start work on the newest MLS team the SD Footballguys!!!!
andy_b
Footballguy
Every city is a viable option if the two requirements are met. Think about it. 4 years ago, Salt Lake City may have been ranked about 75th in MLS plans of cities it wanted to expand to. Enter Dave Checketts with a big check and a stadium plan and the city rocketed to the top of the list.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Not disagreeing with you, just stating that i heard the MLS was leary of SD because of the proximity to Mexico and the potential border issues with having games there. Could be all hearsey....
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I think that's crap. Fans are fans. If SD could sell 25,000+ tix/game, I don't think they would/should give a damn where they come from.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Thats my point and why I cant believe they would ignore SD, asside from the criteria Andy listed.Oh well, on a different note, Wed at 1130 pacific from MOSCOW. CL FINAL!
andy_b
Footballguy
MLS has problems getting Mexican-American fans to travel 10 minutes to see MLS games. You really think they are worried about getting people to cross the border to see an MLS game?This is a "problem" MLS would kill for.
For what its worth, SD dropped off the top 5 list of cities to expand to when they held the near disastrous 1999 All Star game there in which the turn out was an embarrassment to the league and the fans and was the final nail in the coffin that cost Doug Logan his job.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
No comments on Henry coming to the Sounders???
Is anyone up for a Euro2008 fantasy league?
I can set us up the league...
Is anyone up for a Euro2008 fantasy league?
I can set us up the league...
andy_b
Footballguy
The rumor has been around since before they were named. I don't think anyone gives it too much credit but then again no one thought Becks would come either..
With every game being shown on ESPN/ABC networks, I would love to play in this. Let us know if and when you set it up. Thanks!
andy_b
Footballguy
With arguably the best set of 3 friendlies in a row since the 1993 US Cup, here is the upcoming TV schedule for the US.
U.S. vs. England
May 28
Wembley Stadium, London, England
3 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic
U.S. vs. Spain
June 4
Estadio El Sardinero, Santander, Spain
4 p.m. ET, ESPN2, ESPN360
U.S. vs. Argentina
June 8
Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic
U.S. vs. England
May 28
Wembley Stadium, London, England
3 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic
U.S. vs. Spain
June 4
Estadio El Sardinero, Santander, Spain
4 p.m. ET, ESPN2, ESPN360
U.S. vs. Argentina
June 8
Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic
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