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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ramsay Hunt Experience
- Start date
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
From ESPN
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The Larry H. Miller Family, in conjunction with Miller Sports & Entertainment, has acquired a controlling interest in MLS side Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals from David Blitzer and Ryan Smith's Smith Entertainment Group, the organizations announced on Friday.
A source confirmed to ESPN that the sale price is around $600 million. The fee was first reported by The Athletic.
In addition to the two teams, the acquisition of a majority interest in Real Salt Lake Holdings includes MLS Next Pro side Real Monarchs, the RSL Academy, America First Field, Zions Bank Stadium and the Zions Bank Training Center.
======================
The Larry H. Miller Family, in conjunction with Miller Sports & Entertainment, has acquired a controlling interest in MLS side Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals from David Blitzer and Ryan Smith's Smith Entertainment Group, the organizations announced on Friday.
A source confirmed to ESPN that the sale price is around $600 million. The fee was first reported by The Athletic.
In addition to the two teams, the acquisition of a majority interest in Real Salt Lake Holdings includes MLS Next Pro side Real Monarchs, the RSL Academy, America First Field, Zions Bank Stadium and the Zions Bank Training Center.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Charlotte FC is 5-0 at home this year with a crazy 13-2 goal difference. I thought Pep Biel was kinda of a bum last year and I guess he has taken it personally. Zaha draws so much attention and he is just always making runs into great space.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
While we can theorize the root causes, we know it comes down to 1 thing. La Liga wants a title race till the end and this gives them a better chance at that.
Fin
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Here's a fantastic discussion of the passive offside rule, using the Diaz/Tarkowski incident from a few weeks ago.
If I were a manager I'd 100% design unsporting uses of that rule during the run of play. Where I'm stationing players in offside positions and trying to use those decoys to allow runs in behind as defensive player steps up to execute the trap.
It's a god awful rule for exactly the reasons Michael Owen lays out, and it's ripe for abuse. Maybe by abusing it, it would change to something that made more sense.
If I were a manager I'd 100% design unsporting uses of that rule during the run of play. Where I'm stationing players in offside positions and trying to use those decoys to allow runs in behind as defensive player steps up to execute the trap.
It's a god awful rule for exactly the reasons Michael Owen lays out, and it's ripe for abuse. Maybe by abusing it, it would change to something that made more sense.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
At my age I am starting to wonder if I will ever see an offside rule that makes sense or see a "what is a catch" rule, in the NFL, make sense before I die.
B Maverick
Footballguy
For some reason it comes up with a City v AV recap from 2021...
Anyway, without seeing it, there needs to be some discussion on what is "passive" as it applies to interfering with the match. To me, these are not "passive" and definitely affect the play despite the offside player not really doing anything:
-Ball goes through offside player's legs. Even perhaps within a legs distance away as it rolls into the path of another player running through.
-Player within the keepers vision and between the keeper and the ball.
-Player standing next to or behind the keeper on a free kick who then runs away from him as the ball is kicked.
All of these things absolutely affect the play and the players around them. I'm sure there are a few things I am forgetting too.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Good to see the fire hydrant still balling
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https://x.com/ESPNFC
ESPN FC
Xherdan Shaqiri has quietly put together an incredible season for FC Basel in his return to Switzerland. 14 goals and 17 assists in the league along with a goal and three assist performance in just 76 minutes on Monday.
Shaqiri has his Basel side on the cusp of their first trophy in six seasons and a possible domestic double He's still got it
=================
https://x.com/ESPNFC
ESPN FC
Xherdan Shaqiri has quietly put together an incredible season for FC Basel in his return to Switzerland. 14 goals and 17 assists in the league along with a goal and three assist performance in just 76 minutes on Monday.
Shaqiri has his Basel side on the cusp of their first trophy in six seasons and a possible domestic double He's still got it
B Maverick
Footballguy
Team GP/Pts
Title is all but theirs.
Liverpool 33/79
Another 2nd place. Maybe?
Arsenal 34/67
Race for CL/Europa
Man City 34/61
Nottm Forest 33/60
Newcastle 33/59
Chelsea 33/57
Aston Villa 34/57
Outside shot at Conference League?
Bournemouth 33/49
Fulham 33/48
Brighton 33/48
Brentford 33/46
Crystal Palace 34/45
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA
Everton 33/38
Man United 33/38
Wolves 33/38
Tottenham 33/37
WHU isn't going down. Needs 1 point to confirm and still has United, Tottenham, Ipswich left to play.
West Ham 33/36
Ipswich Town 33/21
Relegation
Leicester City 33/18
Southampton 33/11
Title is all but theirs.
Liverpool 33/79
Another 2nd place. Maybe?
Arsenal 34/67
Race for CL/Europa
Man City 34/61
Nottm Forest 33/60
Newcastle 33/59
Chelsea 33/57
Aston Villa 34/57
Outside shot at Conference League?
Bournemouth 33/49
Fulham 33/48
Brighton 33/48
Brentford 33/46
Crystal Palace 34/45
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA
Everton 33/38
Man United 33/38
Wolves 33/38
Tottenham 33/37
WHU isn't going down. Needs 1 point to confirm and still has United, Tottenham, Ipswich left to play.
West Ham 33/36
Ipswich Town 33/21
Relegation
Leicester City 33/18
Southampton 33/11
waiver wire
Footballguy
besides Leeds , anyone else confirmed moving up
B Maverick
Footballguy
I believe Burnley has secured the other auto promotion.
McBokonon
Footballguy
Just a reminder for the Conference League contenders - Newcastle is in the Conference League at a minimum due to winning the Carabao Cup so that pack is probably hoping the Mags stay Top 6 at least. I think.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Yep.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
https://x.com/ESPNFC
ESPN FC
@ESPNFC
Jamie Vardy made his Premier League debut at 27 and has since scored more EPL goals than:
Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suárez, Romelu Lukaku, Sadio Mané, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright, and Ruud van Nistelrooy
ESPN FC
@ESPNFC
Jamie Vardy made his Premier League debut at 27 and has since scored more EPL goals than:
Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suárez, Romelu Lukaku, Sadio Mané, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright, and Ruud van Nistelrooy
El Floppo
Footballguy
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Wrexham up 2-0 inside 25 minutes, where a win auto-promotes them into the Championship.
I'm told no team in the history of the top-5 tiers of English football has ever been promoted in three straight years.
I'm told no team in the history of the top-5 tiers of English football has ever been promoted in three straight years.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The closest thing I can remember to what Wrexham is doing is Watford in the 70’s when Elton John was chairman.
3 in a row is so insane when you factor in just normal variance.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
They ran thru the contenders... this is from memory, so maybe not exact, but...
Hereford, non-league to Second Division (C'ship) in 5 years. Luton went from non-league to the Championship in 6 years.
Wimbledon non-league to EPL in 10 years. I think there was another team that did this as well, but I missed it. (ETA looks like Watford did it in 10 years as well.)
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B Maverick
Footballguy
No, he would not
B Maverick
Footballguy
Promotion done. What a crazy ride.
I honestly do not think they will get promoted to the EPL next season though. I feel like it will be harder than the 3 in a row was....
But I'm rooting for them.
titusbramble
Footballguy
Luton didn't spend that long in the Championship from what I recall.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Depends how much money the boys want to spend.
bigbottom
Footballguy
Amazing ****housery!
By the way, sincere congrats to the reds. Hopefully we will be able to make this rivalry more competitive in the coming years.
By the way, sincere congrats to the reds. Hopefully we will be able to make this rivalry more competitive in the coming years.
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
Yeah, he's been amazing and been the reason that Basel has put together a great campaign. Shame as Servette is in 2nd.
titusbramble
Footballguy
Also, don't think it was mentioned, but it was one hell of a final day in the National League South, with all of Truro, Torquay, Eastbourne, Worthing, Boreham Wood and Dorking all in the hunt for the single automatic promotion spot to the National League. All six teams won, leaving Truro to go up on goal difference to become the first Cornish team to reach level five of English football. And get rewarded with trips to Carlisle, Gateshead and Hartlepool
The Z Machine
Footballguy
A colleague of mine gave me a Hartlepool scarf. No one in the US has ever heard of them.
El Floppo
Footballguy
#1DorkingFan
B Maverick
Footballguy
More fallout from El Classico?
Bellingham red rescinded.
Rudiger suspended 6 games and another player for 2 (can't find who it was now) for throwing things at the ref.
Bellingham red rescinded.
Rudiger suspended 6 games and another player for 2 (can't find who it was now) for throwing things at the ref.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium - Hulu
Came across this on Hulu (might also be nat geo), documentary about the renovation of the stadium over the last few years. The biggest condition was that they couldn't miss hosting any games.
Spoiler: Covid shutting down the sport did help them.
45 min episode and definitely worth it to see the transformation and all the work that went into it so they could host events and not mess up the turn.
Came across this on Hulu (might also be nat geo), documentary about the renovation of the stadium over the last few years. The biggest condition was that they couldn't miss hosting any games.
Spoiler: Covid shutting down the sport did help them.
45 min episode and definitely worth it to see the transformation and all the work that went into it so they could host events and not mess up the turn.
encaitar
Footballguy
I did an FM save with Hartlepool United like 5 years ago. Made them 3 time EPL champs. Never could get them a Champions League trophy. Lost in the semis twice.
I think there are probably quite a few Americans who know a bunch of lower tier clubs in the English football system just due to FM. I usually do at least 2-3 saves from National League or lower(if I can find a good database) each year. I'm currently trying to take Daisy Hill from tier 10 to the EPL title. I'm in 3041 now and we're in League 2.
As an aside, has anyone heard anything new about FM25? Is this ever happening?
titusbramble
Footballguy
Heh, went there in pre season when they were slightly less well known than they are now
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
FM25 was cancelled. They're going straight to FM26, presumably around November when the new ones used to release.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I watched the Inter v Barca game on replay last night until 3-3 (didn't see the offsides).
my 2c:
Amazing how consistently, deep and well Barca press.
Cool how well, albeit far less consistently, Inter could one touch through the press- great understanding of the 2nd and 3rd runs and space. again- Barca had the edge here, but I liked how Inter was able to play through it when it worked.
Yamal. my lord. it's like watching peak Messi on video game mode with zero fear of successfully going at 2, 3 guys- except he's 17!!!!! couldve had a couple more goals and assists on the night if the bounces went his way. velcro touch, so quick with his change of pace and direction, great vision... just unreal how good he is- at any age.
my 2c:
Amazing how consistently, deep and well Barca press.
Cool how well, albeit far less consistently, Inter could one touch through the press- great understanding of the 2nd and 3rd runs and space. again- Barca had the edge here, but I liked how Inter was able to play through it when it worked.
Yamal. my lord. it's like watching peak Messi on video game mode with zero fear of successfully going at 2, 3 guys- except he's 17!!!!! couldve had a couple more goals and assists on the night if the bounces went his way. velcro touch, so quick with his change of pace and direction, great vision... just unreal how good he is- at any age.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
That's a long sim...
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I usually play FM with Staines or Cockfosters. Won a CL with Cockfosters, but winning a Prem title eluded me.
McBokonon
Footballguy
A potentially crazy EFL Championship final day bright and early tomorrow (4:30am for me - might get up and watch it, go for a hike, and be back home before 9am already having had a full day).
Playoff Scenarios:
Play-off contenders: Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Millwall, Coventry, and Bristol City
There are several permutations here:
Coventry, Millwall, Blackburn and Middlesbrough all fail to win.
Coventry or Middlesbrough win and Millwall and Blackburn fail to win.
Millwall win and Coventry, Blackburn and Middlesbrough fail to win.
Blackburn win and Coventry, Millwall and Middlesbrough fail to win.
Millwall and Middlesbrough win and Blackburn fail to win.
Blackburn and Middlesbrough win and Millwall fail to win.
Relegation contenders: Stoke City, Derby County, Preston North End, Luton Town and Hull City.
Playoff Scenarios:
Play-Off Race
Already in play-offs: Sheffield United and SunderlandPlay-off contenders: Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Millwall, Coventry, and Bristol City
Middlesbrough (9th, 64 points, GD +10) at Coventry City (a)
Middlesbrough definitely need to win at Coventry and then hope that Millwall and Blackburn fail to triumph.Blackburn (8th, 65 points, GD +5) at Sheffield United (a)
Blackburn need to win at Bramall Lane to stand a chance of making the top six. They also need two of Bristol City, Coventry and Millwall to fail to win.Millwall (7th, 66 points, GD 0) at Burnley (a)
Millwall need to win to stand a realistic chance of making the play-offs.Coventry (6th, 66 points, GD +4) vs Middlesbrough (h)
Coventry remain in the play-off spots if they beat Middlesbrough. However, they would be OK with a draw if either Millwall and Blackburn fail to win or Bristol City lose and one of the former two clubs fail to win.Bristol City (5th, 67 points, GD +4) vs Preston (h)
Beating Preston at home will guarantee City a place in the play-offs. They could also make the top six with a draw but would rely on other teams to falter.There are several permutations here:
Coventry, Millwall, Blackburn and Middlesbrough all fail to win.
Coventry or Middlesbrough win and Millwall and Blackburn fail to win.
Millwall win and Coventry, Blackburn and Middlesbrough fail to win.
Blackburn win and Coventry, Millwall and Middlesbrough fail to win.
Millwall and Middlesbrough win and Blackburn fail to win.
Blackburn and Middlesbrough win and Millwall fail to win.
Relegation Battle
Already relegated: Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle (effectively)Relegation contenders: Stoke City, Derby County, Preston North End, Luton Town and Hull City.
Hull City (22nd, 48 points, GD -10) at Portsmouth (a)
Hull are the most likely to go down according to the latest odds. The Tigers are in the relegation zone and will be in League One if they lose at Fratton Park. However, a victory would mean they are guaranteed survival as they would finish above one of Derby or Stoke depending on the outcome of their game. They can also stay up by bettering the result of either Luton or Preston.Luton (21st, 49 points, GD -22) at West Bromwich Albion (a)
Luton Town have turned things round in a big way recently to climb out of the drop zone. They will stay up if they win at The Hawthorns against a team with nothing to play for. They effectively only need Hull to lose their game to guarantee safety. If Hull avoid defeat, Luton would need to match their result.Preston (20th, 49 points, GD -11) at Bristol City (a)
Preston’s form has gone off a cliff since losing to Aston Villa in the FA Cup. The Lancashire side have a very real chance of being relegated now. Preston will stay up if they win at Bristol City although this is a tricky fixture, especially as their opponents are in the play-off hunt. They might simply survive if Hull fail to win. Otherwise, they need to match either Luton or Hull’s result or alternatively better Derby or Stoke.Derby (19th, 49 points, GD -8) vs Stoke City (h)
Derby County have been flying under John Eustace and they stay up by beating Stoke. Alternatively, they also survive if Hull lose. They also have the best goal difference out of any team in the relegation shake-up. If Hull win and the Rams fail to get a victory, they need to match the result of Luton or Preston.Stoke (18th, 50 points, GD -17) at Derby County (a)
Stoke simply need to avoid defeat at Pride Park. It’s job done if they win or draw against Derby. If they lose by fewer than five goals, they can only drop if Luton and Hull win and Preston get a draw or better.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think Bristol can advance to playoffs with a loss as well if I am not mistaken if 3 of the 4 other teams lose.
titusbramble
Footballguy
Urgh, really didn't want BCFC at this stage of the playoffs but it is what it is
B Maverick
Footballguy
Was just talking about that. Is it official? Quite a fall!
encaitar
Footballguy
What a crazy game and what a crazy system. Last year Luton lost 4 and drew 1 of their last 5 games to be relegated. Just finishing above them was Nottingham Forest, who would be in the Europa League next year if the season finished today. Crazy how their two fortunes diverged this season.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I watched that a few times in one of my feeds. Very very sweet
encaitar
Footballguy
Chelsea give Liverpool a guard of honor, then work them over.
Chelsea's youth movement is starting to look not so crazy. Lavia(who hasn't played much due to injury) was unreal today. A midfield of Lavia/Caicedo/Enzo could be the best in the world over the next 4-5 years if they can all stay healthy. Not surprising given the prices paid for those 3, but they all look like the right choices.
Chelsea are close. If they add the right striker and GK this summer I think they'll be real title contenders for the next 6-7 years.
Chelsea's youth movement is starting to look not so crazy. Lavia(who hasn't played much due to injury) was unreal today. A midfield of Lavia/Caicedo/Enzo could be the best in the world over the next 4-5 years if they can all stay healthy. Not surprising given the prices paid for those 3, but they all look like the right choices.
Chelsea are close. If they add the right striker and GK this summer I think they'll be real title contenders for the next 6-7 years.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Some commentator mentioned during a game earlier this year that it is really the ability with both feet that makes him so dangerous at a young age. Most wingers, even Messi, were very dominant with one foot when they were younger. Yamal can beat you with either.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Pouring one out for my decade long streak of "Harry Kane has no silverware" jokes. This is like if Pjanic had ever actually signed with Arsenal or Aston Villa. End of an era.
