***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (6 Viewers)

[andy_b]

I was looking for some feedback on the nature of the MLS, but I guess since Eurocopa is going on, no one cares (and rightfully so).

I care but I am not sure what you want for a response.The crowd was great. I am sure it was a mix of MLS fans, soccer fans and sports fans wanting to see Becks.We know that Becks plays all over the field in MLS from earlier posts.SJ sucks and will suck for a couple of more years until they can grind there way out of playing with the cast offs from all the other teams via the expansion draft.

 

[ffldrew]

Brief writeup on the Galaxy - Quakes tilt:There were a LOT of people at the game, nearly 40,000. Obviously Becks is a huge draw. It's great to see MLS drawing as well or better than the A's in the same stadium. Many of the fans there looked as though they knew soccer on some level, although probably half or more weren't "MLS fans" and couldn't name another player in the league. The guy next to me asked which MLS team Freddie Adu played for...The game istelf was pretty poor overall. The Earthquakes are bad all around. Minimal ability to create and attack, and they were outclassed in many spots. Becks, who at the start of the game was ranging all over the field from defensive center midfield, to an attacking winger on the right, to a holding midfielder on the left. He was clearly a class above the rest of the players, and even though he was booed by the Quakes fans, he gave great service and the attack flowed through him. He had a beautiful corner that resulted in a score and a few other dangerous crosses that created opportunities. At around the 40th minute he apeared to come up lame and as a result, wasn't the same player thereafter. He stayed on the right wing the rest of the time, and mostly up at the front. The galaxy had the game firmly in hand by them and didn't really need his help too much.The crowd was fairly subdued, and there were probably as many Galaxy/Real/ManU shirts as Quake shirts. There were a LOT of other soccer gear that people were sporting from England jerseys to a Romania jersey, a Russian jersey, Mexian league teams, a few South American national team jerseys (including my gf in Venezuelan gear) and me in my Atlético shirt. Quite a mix. There were also quite a number of foreigners present as well as the typical MLS parents bringing their kids to the games. Lots of races present... latinos, indians, asians, white, and even a few black people were there.All in all it was fun, but the game itself wasn't anything to write home about, especially after seeing the EURO games this morning. It was a good day, full of soccer though, and that's what counts. I doubt I'll go back to see another Quakes game until they can show that they won't get blown out and dominated like they did today.

Well this write-up really got a huge response.

I watched this on FSC - an awful game. Especially when I've been watching the Euro matches, MLS looks like high school soccer in contrast. It was interesting that the Galaxy attacked down the left to get their goals in 2nd half(opposite of Beckham). Looked like an odd field configuration and the field looked short - fans on the one side seemed far away and that may have attributed to the subdued nature.

 

[Prussian]

wow, that Turkey-Czech game was sick. Andy Gray (at least I'm pretty sure it was him commentating) going nuts was funny.Hats off to the Turks. Coming back from 0-2 in the 15 minutes was simply sick. I was rooting for the Czech's, and I do think that last goal was a poor mis-call by the linesman as the Turkish player was offside, but damn that was some exciting soccer. I'm really glad they were able to schedule the game to end before TW tee'd off for the US Open. Had a nice father's day on the couch watching some awesome stuff.I was actually more disappointed with Spain winning than the Czech's losing. Sweden deserved a point and taking Ibramhovic off at half killed any offensive attack they could have mustered. Eff Villa's last goal. Piss poor defending by the Swede's there. Sure it was a nice first touch, but no way can a defender allow him to get in behind him like that. Awful.Germany better get the win today. Will be a dagger through the heart not seeing them move on.

I too pull for Germany (being of Prussian heritage does that to a guy). But, they have been playing somewhat poorly and sloppy while trying to take advantage of random opportunities rather than building up and striking at it hard like usual. IMO, only Italy's performance has been less impressive from the typical powers.

 

[andy_b]

Brief writeup on the Galaxy - Quakes tilt:There were a LOT of people at the game, nearly 40,000. Obviously Becks is a huge draw. It's great to see MLS drawing as well or better than the A's in the same stadium. Many of the fans there looked as though they knew soccer on some level, although probably half or more weren't "MLS fans" and couldn't name another player in the league. The guy next to me asked which MLS team Freddie Adu played for...The game istelf was pretty poor overall. The Earthquakes are bad all around. Minimal ability to create and attack, and they were outclassed in many spots. Becks, who at the start of the game was ranging all over the field from defensive center midfield, to an attacking winger on the right, to a holding midfielder on the left. He was clearly a class above the rest of the players, and even though he was booed by the Quakes fans, he gave great service and the attack flowed through him. He had a beautiful corner that resulted in a score and a few other dangerous crosses that created opportunities. At around the 40th minute he apeared to come up lame and as a result, wasn't the same player thereafter. He stayed on the right wing the rest of the time, and mostly up at the front. The galaxy had the game firmly in hand by them and didn't really need his help too much.The crowd was fairly subdued, and there were probably as many Galaxy/Real/ManU shirts as Quake shirts. There were a LOT of other soccer gear that people were sporting from England jerseys to a Romania jersey, a Russian jersey, Mexian league teams, a few South American national team jerseys (including my gf in Venezuelan gear) and me in my Atlético shirt. Quite a mix. There were also quite a number of foreigners present as well as the typical MLS parents bringing their kids to the games. Lots of races present... latinos, indians, asians, white, and even a few black people were there.All in all it was fun, but the game itself wasn't anything to write home about, especially after seeing the EURO games this morning. It was a good day, full of soccer though, and that's what counts. I doubt I'll go back to see another Quakes game until they can show that they won't get blown out and dominated like they did today.

Well this write-up really got a huge response.

I watched this on FSC - an awful game. Especially when I've been watching the Euro matches, MLS looks like high school soccer in contrast. It was interesting that the Galaxy attacked down the left to get their goals in 2nd half(opposite of Beckham). Looked like an odd field configuration and the field looked short - fans on the one side seemed far away and that may have attributed to the subdued nature.

SJ's team is hardly one step above a high school team and LA without their best player is hardly that much to look at either.I think the stadium they played in is a baseball stadium (The A's field) and as such it is going to look odd.

 

[DCThunder]

Did we beat Barbados in CONCACAF WC qualifying?

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Did we beat Barbados in CONCACAF WC qualifying?

8-0

 

[JuniorNB]

Did we beat Barbados in CONCACAF WC qualifying?

8-0

....but it was closer than the score indicated.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Z Machine....it was a nice write-up...I read it but didn't respond.

I saw parts of the game on FSC yesterday...fan support looked pretty good, but SJ looked awful. I don't know what else there is to say really...I've never been to an MLS game...

 

[DCThunder]

Did we beat Barbados in CONCACAF WC qualifying?

8-0

That's a relief. I thought we'd do something stupid against them and win 2-1 on penalty kicks.Do they even have to play the second game?

 

[prefontaine]

Brief writeup on the Galaxy - Quakes tilt:There were a LOT of people at the game, nearly 40,000. Obviously Becks is a huge draw. It's great to see MLS drawing as well or better than the A's in the same stadium. Many of the fans there looked as though they knew soccer on some level, although probably half or more weren't "MLS fans" and couldn't name another player in the league. The guy next to me asked which MLS team Freddie Adu played for...The game istelf was pretty poor overall. The Earthquakes are bad all around. Minimal ability to create and attack, and they were outclassed in many spots. Becks, who at the start of the game was ranging all over the field from defensive center midfield, to an attacking winger on the right, to a holding midfielder on the left. He was clearly a class above the rest of the players, and even though he was booed by the Quakes fans, he gave great service and the attack flowed through him. He had a beautiful corner that resulted in a score and a few other dangerous crosses that created opportunities. At around the 40th minute he apeared to come up lame and as a result, wasn't the same player thereafter. He stayed on the right wing the rest of the time, and mostly up at the front. The galaxy had the game firmly in hand by them and didn't really need his help too much.The crowd was fairly subdued, and there were probably as many Galaxy/Real/ManU shirts as Quake shirts. There were a LOT of other soccer gear that people were sporting from England jerseys to a Romania jersey, a Russian jersey, Mexian league teams, a few South American national team jerseys (including my gf in Venezuelan gear) and me in my Atlético shirt. Quite a mix. There were also quite a number of foreigners present as well as the typical MLS parents bringing their kids to the games. Lots of races present... latinos, indians, asians, white, and even a few black people were there.All in all it was fun, but the game itself wasn't anything to write home about, especially after seeing the EURO games this morning. It was a good day, full of soccer though, and that's what counts. I doubt I'll go back to see another Quakes game until they can show that they won't get blown out and dominated like they did today.

Well this write-up really got a huge response.

I watched this on FSC - an awful game. Especially when I've been watching the Euro matches, MLS looks like high school soccer in contrast. It was interesting that the Galaxy attacked down the left to get their goals in 2nd half(opposite of Beckham). Looked like an odd field configuration and the field looked short - fans on the one side seemed far away and that may have attributed to the subdued nature.

I don't watch a lot of MLS on tv but I do catch a couple a year live (FC Dallas) each year. I've noticed that ESPN is showing a match every thursday and I've caught some of those and my tivo seems to record all of them. Most of MLS is pretty poor. There are some quality players but in general I think the coaching is piss poor as I watch teams and feel like they have zero structure. The one team that I've seen this year (and realize I've only seen 5-6) that impressed me was Houston. This includes the Galaxy btw. The Galaxy has some good skill players but their defensive organization is abysmal. Houston may not have the skill of some of the other teams, but they are well disciplined and enjoyable to watch. From watching one game of theirs, I can really see why they have won back to back. If I go see another FC Dallas game this year (been to 3 so far), it will probably be to watch them play Houston. I really do hope Beckham can drive more interest (and maybe so much soccer on ESPN will help as well) to continue to raise the salary levels of MLS and get more quality players here.

 

[Sebowski]

watching so many brazilians play in the euro, and reading the thread about the chick basketball player got me wondering, do we have any young candidates for nationalization playing in the mls? we need to get it on that gravy train asap.

We got Adu from Ghana. I think there is a striker that plays for Houston that I may have heard someone talk about....or maybe not.

we didn't get adu from ghana. its not like he was 16, went over there and paid him to come to the u.s. his mother moved him and his brother to the u.s. when he was very young. him going to play for ghana now would be like becky hammon leaving the u.s. this is your home now. enjoy it.

i dont think hammond is a very good comparison, freddy was actually born/lived in ghana. freddy playing for ghana wouldnt be as "bad" as rossi playing for italy.

Or Hargreaves playing for England.

 

[Sebowski]

Brief writeup on the Galaxy - Quakes tilt:There were a LOT of people at the game, nearly 40,000. Obviously Becks is a huge draw. It's great to see MLS drawing as well or better than the A's in the same stadium. Many of the fans there looked as though they knew soccer on some level, although probably half or more weren't "MLS fans" and couldn't name another player in the league. The guy next to me asked which MLS team Freddie Adu played for...The game istelf was pretty poor overall. The Earthquakes are bad all around. Minimal ability to create and attack, and they were outclassed in many spots. Becks, who at the start of the game was ranging all over the field from defensive center midfield, to an attacking winger on the right, to a holding midfielder on the left. He was clearly a class above the rest of the players, and even though he was booed by the Quakes fans, he gave great service and the attack flowed through him. He had a beautiful corner that resulted in a score and a few other dangerous crosses that created opportunities. At around the 40th minute he apeared to come up lame and as a result, wasn't the same player thereafter. He stayed on the right wing the rest of the time, and mostly up at the front. The galaxy had the game firmly in hand by them and didn't really need his help too much.The crowd was fairly subdued, and there were probably as many Galaxy/Real/ManU shirts as Quake shirts. There were a LOT of other soccer gear that people were sporting from England jerseys to a Romania jersey, a Russian jersey, Mexian league teams, a few South American national team jerseys (including my gf in Venezuelan gear) and me in my Atlético shirt. Quite a mix. There were also quite a number of foreigners present as well as the typical MLS parents bringing their kids to the games. Lots of races present... latinos, indians, asians, white, and even a few black people were there.All in all it was fun, but the game itself wasn't anything to write home about, especially after seeing the EURO games this morning. It was a good day, full of soccer though, and that's what counts. I doubt I'll go back to see another Quakes game until they can show that they won't get blown out and dominated like they did today.

Well this write-up really got a huge response.

I can't really watch MLS, much less read about it. I've been trying to watch the higlights on "American Soccer" on GOL tv. Thats about it though.

 

[Christo]

I was looking for some feedback on the nature of the MLS, but I guess since Eurocopa is going on, no one cares (and rightfully so).

Honestly, I still haven't made an emotional connection with MLS. I grew up in England so I love the EPL and international soccer. But I watch an MLS match and my eyes just glaze over.

 

[andy_b]

Did we beat Barbados in CONCACAF WC qualifying?

8-0

That's a relief. I thought we'd do something stupid against them and win 2-1 on penalty kicks.Do they even have to play the second game?

thats a funny thought actually.I think in the past FIFA has treated a forfeit as a 3-0 win so I don't think they would have to play it but they obviously will. Hopefully with a side that will be completely non-MLS as to not take players from their teams that need them.

 

[The Z Machine]

The stadium setup was odd, as the soccer feild doesn't fit well in those confines. Yes, the field was on the short side.

I forgot to mention in my write-up that 2 guys behind me (Quakes fans) got into a fight with some Galaxy fans while in the beer line. I didn't see it but they were talking about it all game. All I know is that it ended up ebing a bunch of pushing and a few guys got beer dumped all over them... oh and they missed the first half and Beck's nice assist.

I guess it's a good sign that dumb-asses are getting into fights with opposing team's fans. It means they care enough to mix it up a bit instead of sitting on their hands like most of the fans.

 

[Short Corner]

Wow...the hockey goons have nothing on the Austrians targeting Podolski

 

[Short Corner]

German coach gets red carded?

Anyone watching a telecast in English?

ETA...Apparently both coaches were red carded...weird.

Austria playing very dirty, Podolski jabbed in the face unprovoked, in open space, away from the ball.

 

[The Z Machine]

Both coaches get reds. Both are gone, Löw and Hickersberger.

 

[Short Corner]

Ballack scores on the free kick....sick score.

 

[Sebowski]

Ballack scores on the free kick....sick score.

I know he would have a good game because I changed him out as captain of my fantasy team for Podolski. Anyone know if Modric is playing for Croatia?

 

[andy_b]

Ballack scores on the free kick....sick score.

I know he would have a good game because I changed him out as captain of my fantasy team for Podolski. Anyone know if Modric is playing for Croatia?

someone mentioned in the fantasy thread that he was out. Here is there starting lineup according to ESPN CroatiaNo. NAME POS23 Vedran Runje (G)2 Dario Simic (D)6 Hrvoje Vejic (D)15 Dario Knezevic (D)16 Jerko Leko (M)22 Danijel Pranjic (M)7 Ivan Rakitic (M)8 Ognjen Vukojevic (M)13 Nikola Pokrivac (M)21 Mladen Petric (F)17 Ivan Klasnic (F)

 

[JuniorNB]

I heard a rumor that McBride might end up with Chicago in the MLS. I'd love to see it.

 

[andy_b]

I heard a rumor that McBride might end up with Chicago in the MLS. I'd love to see it.

yah, that has been the rumor since he left Fulham.It would be kind of surreal watching him link up with Blanco

 

[Steve Tasker]

Haven't ruined the scores for myself yet, just sitting down to watch Austria/Germany.

I have both German and Austrian roots....but I'll be cheering for the underdogs in this one!

Interesting to see Erwin Hoffer get the start....he scored against the US at the US/Austria U-20 game last summer....I was at the game, Hoffer looked really really good.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Did Mario Gomez just put one essentially over the net from inside the 6????? Holy ####!

 

[Sebowski]

Did Mario Gomez just put one essentially over the net from inside the 6????? Holy ####!

Worse. He also didn't even bother trying to head the ball in when he had a big height advantage over the defender. Gomez is terrible.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Austria dominating these last few minutes of the first half....wow.

Germany look listless in the back

 

[Steve Tasker]

Oh and Andy Gray is AWESOME.

He's so critical of everyone....it's hilarious. He picks on the refs, he picks on the players....he says what we're all thinking, but what Tommy Smyth and others don't say. The ref just sent off both coaches, and Gray is going crazy....I love it.

He was a great pickup for ESPN.

 

[Steve Tasker]

F'in Ballack....

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Oh and Andy Gray is AWESOME.He's so critical of everyone....it's hilarious. He picks on the refs, he picks on the players....he says what we're all thinking, but what Tommy Smyth and others don't say. The ref just sent off both coaches, and Gray is going crazy....I love it.He was a great pickup for ESPN.

I'm sure ESPN got him for a one shot deal for Euro, but I would love it if he could call some Nats games. You learn more from him than from John Harkes. Though I'm sure he'd view the US team as being "beneath him"

 

[Mjolnirs]

Oh and Andy Gray is AWESOME.

Very very I am pleased Germany is moving on, the game against Portugal will be a clash of styles. The Germans still looked slow and are going to have to pick up the pace. I see Gomez on the bench and maybe Kuranyi getting a start. I also can see Schweinsteiger getting a start.Now we have to wait and see if Löw is allowed on the bench.

 

[awesomeness]

why is there more talk about a meaningless WC qualifier between the US and barbados than when the Euro Cup is being played?

Oxymoron?

maybe in any other soccer confederation besides CONCACAF. If CONCACAF was to replay their WC qualifying 100 times, Mexico and the US would make it through 100/100 times.

 

[Sebowski]

Oh and Andy Gray is AWESOME.He's so critical of everyone....it's hilarious. He picks on the refs, he picks on the players....he says what we're all thinking, but what Tommy Smyth and others don't say. The ref just sent off both coaches, and Gray is going crazy....I love it.He was a great pickup for ESPN.

I guess I'm in the minority here. I like Smyth a lot better than Gray. Gray is is pure negativity. It has gotten old for me. He comes off very smug.

 

[Sebowski]

why is there more talk about a meaningless WC qualifier between the US and barbados than when the Euro Cup is being played?

Oxymoron?

maybe in any other soccer confederation besides CONCACAF. If CONCACAF was to replay their WC qualifying 100 times, Mexico and the US would make it through 100/100 times.

At least we aren't talking about golf.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Oh and Andy Gray is AWESOME.He's so critical of everyone....it's hilarious. He picks on the refs, he picks on the players....he says what we're all thinking, but what Tommy Smyth and others don't say. The ref just sent off both coaches, and Gray is going crazy....I love it.He was a great pickup for ESPN.

I guess I'm in the minority here. I like Smyth a lot better than Gray. Gray is is pure negativity. It has gotten old for me. He comes off very smug.

I agree with you when it comes to the studio. It's almost like he's embarrassed to be seen working with Smyth and Foudy and Rece Davis/whoever. I'm not really a huge fan of his in-studio work, but his in-game commentary is the best I've ever seen on ESPN.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Oh and big day today.

Don't lose to France. Please.

 

[Short Corner]

Oh and big day today.Don't lose to France. Please.

What time are the games showing over there? Seems they were delayed last nite. Sorry if I spoiled it for anyone. I think all games are 20.45 here (14.45 EDT)

 

[Steve Tasker]

Oh and big day today.Don't lose to France. Please.

What time are the games showing over there? Seems they were delayed last nite. Sorry if I spoiled it for anyone. I think all games are 20.45 here (14.45 EDT)

No, they're played live. I can't watch from work though so I tape the games and don't enter this thread after 2:30 PM.Then I watch the tapes at night when I'm done with everything....that's what I was doing last night.Tonight will be even later because I'm going to a concert...

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Did Mario Gomez just put one essentially over the net from inside the 6????? Holy ####!

Worse. He also didn't even bother trying to head the ball in when he had a big height advantage over the defender. Gomez is terrible.

Pathetic play there.

 

[Short Corner]

Did Mario Gomez just put one essentially over the net from inside the 6????? Holy ####!

Worse. He also didn't even bother trying to head the ball in when he had a big height advantage over the defender. Gomez is terrible.

Pathetic play there.

My 3-year old could have put that ball in (I know because it is the only shot we practice 8^))Inside the 6 doesn't describe the shot adequately. He was maybe a meter-and-half off the line (conservative estimate) with an open net.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Did Mario Gomez just put one essentially over the net from inside the 6????? Holy ####!

Worse. He also didn't even bother trying to head the ball in when he had a big height advantage over the defender. Gomez is terrible.

Pathetic play there.

My 3-year old could have put that ball in (I know because it is the only shot we practice 8^))Inside the 6 doesn't describe the shot adequately. He was maybe a meter-and-half off the line (conservative estimate) with an open net.

Yeah....he hasn't played too well so far....

 

[Moe.]

looks like everyone but engelaar and van der sar will be resting. hopefully still a good game.

 

[Short Corner]

looks like everyone but engelaar and van der sar will be resting. hopefully still a good game.

Romania getting a pass to the quarters here?

 

[Steve Tasker]

looks like everyone but engelaar and van der sar will be resting. hopefully still a good game.

Romania getting a pass to the quarters here?

####

 

[Mjolnirs]

looks like everyone but engelaar and van der sar will be resting. hopefully still a good game.

Romania getting a pass to the quarters here?

####

Croatia rested 9 yesterday and still beat Poland, so don't give up hope.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

looks like everyone but engelaar and van der sar will be resting. hopefully still a good game.

Romania getting a pass to the quarters here?

Forget it. Plenty of quality players on our bench to field a very good squad. They won't give the game away that's for sure.

 

[Steve Tasker]

looks like everyone but engelaar and van der sar will be resting. hopefully still a good game.

Romania getting a pass to the quarters here?

####

Croatia rested 9 yesterday and still beat Poland, so don't give up hope.

Yeah I know, but a combination of:1. How poorly Italy has been playing2. How well Romania has been playing3. The Dutch subsMakes me worried....I mean, they need to win AND get help....

 

[Steve Tasker]

This reminds me of the Bills a few years ago. They played against the Steelers in the last game of the season, and they were on a hot streak. They needed to win AND have the Jets lose.

The Jets got crushed.

Unfortunately, so did the Bills.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Did Mario Gomez just put one essentially over the net from inside the 6????? Holy ####!

Worse. He also didn't even bother trying to head the ball in when he had a big height advantage over the defender. Gomez is terrible.

Pathetic play there.

My 3-year old could have put that ball in (I know because it is the only shot we practice 8^))Inside the 6 doesn't describe the shot adequately. He was maybe a meter-and-half off the line (conservative estimate) with an open net.

Yeah, but giving up on the header was worse. I watched it in a bar in Herzogenaurach and the town folks were very unhappy.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Unrelated to Euro's, but a good story. Last night I had one of those soccer moments I'll never forget....sounds kinda sappy, but I think it's pretty cool.

Here in Buffalo we've been having bad storms for the past few days. Our game was scheduled last night for 7 PM, and when I got there at 6:20, the sky was nearly pitch black. You could see lightning in the distance and hear the thunder. There was a game going on on the field, so we started warming up. Around like 6:35, it started to pour, and hail started dropping (jellybean size...not big enough to knock you out, but they stung). The refs immediately cancelled the game on the field, and the teams left.

Fortunately, the storm passed very quickly....around 6:50, the rain slowed and we went out onto the field (despite the fact that the game was cancelled). Well, it turns out the team we were supposed to play against stayed as well. I've played with some of the kids before...they're all from the Middle East or of Middle Eastern descent (I go to a really diverse school)....and they're the best team in the league. We didn't have enough for a full game, so we pushed the nets closer together and played 7v7.

We decided to kick it around and just have a little scrimmage. Soon after we started, maybe 7:30, the sun finally broke through from the clouds and made these two awesome bright rainbows. Turns out the guys on the other team were really nice....I ####ed up an attempted backheel pass and apologized to my teammates....one guy on the other team said, in somewhat broken english, "your teammates should be applauding you...being creative is the best way to play the beautiful game!"

We ended up losing 8-7 (I scored 4), but it was a lot of fun. Kinda cool how the game unites people from different cultures, and that combined with the playing conditions...it was awesome.

Sorry for the side-tracking story, I thought it was pretty cool.