El Floppo
Footballguy
my prediction... they'll run the score up with 3 early goals and completely stifle the opposition until the last 20 minutes, at which point they will give up 2-4 goals.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ramsay Hunt Experience
- Start date
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Lineker is doing/did his Premier League Show today on BBC2 on Lampard, Viera, and MLS in general tonight. From the article it looks very positive.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37769929
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37769929
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The Union's handling of the keepers is one of the great head scratchers in MLS lore. Here is the run down:
* The Union draft keeper Zach McMath #5 in the SuperDraft in 2011
* By 2012, McMath becomes the #1 keeper at Philly and is considered one of the best young keepers in the league and continued to play in 2013
* But someone in the organization fell in love with Blake and decided to make a trade and moved up to the #1 spot in the draft to take Blake.
* Now Philly has two young and strong keepers. This is a luxury that no one in MLS tends to bother with because of the salary cap. The back up keeper tends to make nothing.
* But even that was understandable until the summer of 2014, when Philly made the incredible bone head move to then sign M'Boli to a DP deal. Now Philly has 2 good young keepers AND a DP costing #1 keeper, which was beyond ludicrous given MLS salary constraints.
* And then to top it all off M'Boli was a complete and utter disaster on the field which caused the head coach Curtain to say that he would never play for the club again after only 9 games.
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Autumn Wind
Footballguy
Blake is definitely the best keeper Philly has had, but MacMath got a raw deal here.
El Floppo
Footballguy
wow. infringement on the first half dozen of those? just terrible.
and how did we miss that one- from oly athens by the looks of it.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
That third attempt, the guy who got carded was nowhere near the box.
I think the two saved PKs were called back for the GK going early.
El Floppo
Footballguy
GK moved forward, which is the no-no. at least it used to be. and didn't look like he really did much on the 2nd one. 1st one was blatant
and those 3 or 4 infringement calls... the first one- ok. but the rest were guys taking a step into the box just as he was striking it. embarrassing to make that kind of call ever- let alone the olympics.
El Floppo
Footballguy
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He was right at the top of the arc when the kick was taken - the guy next to him took a step into the arc just before the kick.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Forbes just released a review of the MLS season from a business point of view. While the article appears a bit too rosey for me, there were some important pieces I saw. I will bold them in the spoiler below if you don't want to read whole article.
=============================
MLS Records Banner Year In 2016, Cements Position Among Top U.S. Pro Sports Leagues
=============================
MLS Records Banner Year In 2016, Cements Position Among Top U.S. Pro Sports Leagues
In 2016, Major League Soccer is still not consistently part of the national conversation when it comes to the major U.S. professional sports leagues.
Yet, when looking at the past calendar year — where the 2o-team league saw exponential growth in viewership, social media, attendance, merchandise sales, team valuations and other categories — it is impossible to have that same conversation without including MLS.
“I think that Major League Soccer is every bit a part of the mainstream day-to-day North American sports conversation,” said Howard Handler, MLS Chief Marketing Officer. “… 2016 was a milestone year for us. The story of Major League Soccer continues to be one of momentum and accelerated growth.”
Forbes recently talked with Handler to discuss all things MLS, where now the average club is valued at $185 million, an 18 percent increase from 2015. When the first valuations were released in 2008, the average club was listed at just $37 million, a 400 percent spike.
Handler also commented on viewership upticks on linear TV, how social media has helped spark the league’s growth, what teams are leading merchandise sales, spikes in attendance and other key performance indicators.
Viewership surges in 2016
With matches broadcast live in 170 countries each week, more people watched MLS matches in 2016 across North America than any of the past 20 seasons.
According to MLS, 55 percent of its viewership this year was aged 18-49, which is the highest percentage of any North American sports league. As Handler explained, the conversation with network executives at media companies like FOX, ESPN and Univision — all league partners in 2016 — more times than not revolves around that coveted demographic. For MLS to see such a high statistic in its sophomore year with the networks is a sign that “things are definitely clicking,” Handler said.
He pointed out that to date, the 2016 season has delivered 25.7 million gross viewership, which is an eight percent uptick from 2015. Additionally, two matches netted a million viewers this season, too.
“It really underscores the success of our big event strategy,” said Handler of the gross viewership number. “Big events are very important to us because it connects together our entire universe of partners.”
MLS is the fastest growing U.S. pro league on social
MLS followers across its social platforms have increased 95 percent in the past year while almost 690% percent since 2013.
With its “mobile-first mentality” in mind, according to Handler, the league has continued to focus on managing its one-to-one relationships with fans on social media. It has been one of the keys for the league’s growth, which has included record numbers on mobile as well. In 2016, mobile comprised 70 percent of total digital usage compared to just 45 percent two years ago.
Handler was quick to mention that at both the league office and individual member clubs, social staffers and digital strategists are making a conscious effort to treat every social channel as a unique platform. In other words, teams are creating content specific for Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and other social platforms, with the latter two channels being MLS’s “breakaway platforms” as of late.
“We’re always experimenting. We’re meeting with the senior folks at those companies on a pretty regular basis, continuing to make sure that we’re on the leading edge,” added Handler. “It comes back to our fan base. Our fans are in their 20s and 30s, and it’s the first thing that they reach to.
“Content is the most powerful device to build our fan base and to engage with our fan community. Social and fan data is the vehicle to reach people.”
MLS is behind only NFL and MLB for average attendance
“The live experience in our stadiums is the heart and soul of what makes us special. The intoxicating environment, the electricity, the chanting, it is truly the expression of a fan-driven league.”
The unique stadium environment within MLS, as Handler depicted, helped the league earn an all-time high for average attendance in 2016 (21,692). The number ranks third behind the NFL and MLB for U.S. professional sports leagues and sixth among all soccer clubs globally.
Over the past seven years, MLS has seen attendance increases in all but one season, too. Compared to 10 years ago, average attendance is up 40 percent.
While a number of factors have contributed to an increase, Handler cited MLS National Sales Center in Blaine, Minnesota as one of the reasons behind the steady success at the box office. It is the first sales training academy in professional sports and has provided a bullpen of young sales talent for all 20 teams.
Merchandise sales up 21%, MLS sponsors total 20
From 2015 to 2016, merchandise sales across the league and member clubs is up 21 percent, according to the league office, with the top-selling clubs around consumer products being the Seattle Sounders FC, New York City, Orlando City SC and LA Galaxy. When Orlando and NYCFC joined MLS in 2015, merchandise sales was up a whopping 41 percent year-over-year.
In terms of sponsorship, the league now boasts 20 sponsors, including adidas, Audi, The Home Depot, AT&T, Coca Cola, TAG Heuer and DraftKings, among others. For Handler, it is a telling sign that more blue-chip brands are not only wanting to discuss MLS business but also aligning themselves with the major U.S. professional sports league.
“They’re all placing their bet on the growth of this enterprise,” Handler said. “Our footprint has grown in a way that it now would be looked at as a growth stock.”
Yet, when looking at the past calendar year — where the 2o-team league saw exponential growth in viewership, social media, attendance, merchandise sales, team valuations and other categories — it is impossible to have that same conversation without including MLS.
“I think that Major League Soccer is every bit a part of the mainstream day-to-day North American sports conversation,” said Howard Handler, MLS Chief Marketing Officer. “… 2016 was a milestone year for us. The story of Major League Soccer continues to be one of momentum and accelerated growth.”
Forbes recently talked with Handler to discuss all things MLS, where now the average club is valued at $185 million, an 18 percent increase from 2015. When the first valuations were released in 2008, the average club was listed at just $37 million, a 400 percent spike.
Handler also commented on viewership upticks on linear TV, how social media has helped spark the league’s growth, what teams are leading merchandise sales, spikes in attendance and other key performance indicators.
Viewership surges in 2016
With matches broadcast live in 170 countries each week, more people watched MLS matches in 2016 across North America than any of the past 20 seasons.
According to MLS, 55 percent of its viewership this year was aged 18-49, which is the highest percentage of any North American sports league. As Handler explained, the conversation with network executives at media companies like FOX, ESPN and Univision — all league partners in 2016 — more times than not revolves around that coveted demographic. For MLS to see such a high statistic in its sophomore year with the networks is a sign that “things are definitely clicking,” Handler said.
He pointed out that to date, the 2016 season has delivered 25.7 million gross viewership, which is an eight percent uptick from 2015. Additionally, two matches netted a million viewers this season, too.
“It really underscores the success of our big event strategy,” said Handler of the gross viewership number. “Big events are very important to us because it connects together our entire universe of partners.”
MLS is the fastest growing U.S. pro league on social
MLS followers across its social platforms have increased 95 percent in the past year while almost 690% percent since 2013.
With its “mobile-first mentality” in mind, according to Handler, the league has continued to focus on managing its one-to-one relationships with fans on social media. It has been one of the keys for the league’s growth, which has included record numbers on mobile as well. In 2016, mobile comprised 70 percent of total digital usage compared to just 45 percent two years ago.
Handler was quick to mention that at both the league office and individual member clubs, social staffers and digital strategists are making a conscious effort to treat every social channel as a unique platform. In other words, teams are creating content specific for Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and other social platforms, with the latter two channels being MLS’s “breakaway platforms” as of late.
“We’re always experimenting. We’re meeting with the senior folks at those companies on a pretty regular basis, continuing to make sure that we’re on the leading edge,” added Handler. “It comes back to our fan base. Our fans are in their 20s and 30s, and it’s the first thing that they reach to.
“Content is the most powerful device to build our fan base and to engage with our fan community. Social and fan data is the vehicle to reach people.”
MLS is behind only NFL and MLB for average attendance
“The live experience in our stadiums is the heart and soul of what makes us special. The intoxicating environment, the electricity, the chanting, it is truly the expression of a fan-driven league.”
The unique stadium environment within MLS, as Handler depicted, helped the league earn an all-time high for average attendance in 2016 (21,692). The number ranks third behind the NFL and MLB for U.S. professional sports leagues and sixth among all soccer clubs globally.
Over the past seven years, MLS has seen attendance increases in all but one season, too. Compared to 10 years ago, average attendance is up 40 percent.
While a number of factors have contributed to an increase, Handler cited MLS National Sales Center in Blaine, Minnesota as one of the reasons behind the steady success at the box office. It is the first sales training academy in professional sports and has provided a bullpen of young sales talent for all 20 teams.
Merchandise sales up 21%, MLS sponsors total 20
From 2015 to 2016, merchandise sales across the league and member clubs is up 21 percent, according to the league office, with the top-selling clubs around consumer products being the Seattle Sounders FC, New York City, Orlando City SC and LA Galaxy. When Orlando and NYCFC joined MLS in 2015, merchandise sales was up a whopping 41 percent year-over-year.
In terms of sponsorship, the league now boasts 20 sponsors, including adidas, Audi, The Home Depot, AT&T, Coca Cola, TAG Heuer and DraftKings, among others. For Handler, it is a telling sign that more blue-chip brands are not only wanting to discuss MLS business but also aligning themselves with the major U.S. professional sports league.
“They’re all placing their bet on the growth of this enterprise,” Handler said. “Our footprint has grown in a way that it now would be looked at as a growth stock.”
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Ned
Footballguy
Funny enough I just got a couple kits today for the kids through here. Took about 2 weeks, but for the price they're fantastic.
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B Maverick
Footballguy
League Cup QF Draw
Arsenal v Southampton
Liverpool v Leeds
United v West Ham
Hull City v Newcastle
Arsenal v Southampton
Liverpool v Leeds
United v West Ham
Hull City v Newcastle
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The broadcasters blew it last night IMO in the LA game.
After this pretty goal by LA
http://www.espnfc.com/la-galaxy/story/2982482/emmanuel-boateng-goal-for-la-galaxy-like-lionel-messi-strike-donovan
you have to have this queued up and ready to go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I4Np-8thOs
After this pretty goal by LA
http://www.espnfc.com/la-galaxy/story/2982482/emmanuel-boateng-goal-for-la-galaxy-like-lionel-messi-strike-donovan
you have to have this queued up and ready to go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I4Np-8thOs
Kafka
Footballguy
"Believe it or Not!"
...Edin Dzeko is the only player with double-digit goals (10) in the 5 major European leagues. He had 8 all of last year. Suck it, Pjanic.
...Pjanic insisted he would make his fellow Bosnian the most prolific scorer in Serie A last year, b/c of his familiarity with Dzeko's tendencies from their time together on the NT...instead, he made him the most PROFLIGATE. @Ramsay Hunt Experience... I DID IT!!
...Edin Dzeko is the only player with double-digit goals (10) in the 5 major European leagues. He had 8 all of last year. Suck it, Pjanic.
...Pjanic insisted he would make his fellow Bosnian the most prolific scorer in Serie A last year, b/c of his familiarity with Dzeko's tendencies from their time together on the NT...instead, he made him the most PROFLIGATE. @Ramsay Hunt Experience... I DID IT!!
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El Floppo
Footballguy
I must've missed it... Alabama got a soccer team?Just heard on the latest Year Zero Soccer podcast that Alabama spends more on scouting than all of MLS combined.
B Maverick
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
I caught it live, but that goal's even nicer in replay. some really quick and close control happy feet (both) in there.The broadcasters blew it last night IMO in the LA game.
After this pretty goal by LA
http://www.espnfc.com/la-galaxy/story/2982482/emmanuel-boateng-goal-for-la-galaxy-like-lionel-messi-strike-donovan
you have to have this queued up and ready to go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I4Np-8thOs
El Floppo
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
I believe the comment was Alabama spends more on scouting for their college Football team then MLS does for their soccer teams. So I played on football vs soccer...
poor attempt at humor esp when I try to explain it.
El Floppo
Footballguy
B Maverick
Footballguy
Tom Hagen
Footballguy
20 copies of Football Manager costs like $1,000? What else do they need?Just heard on the latest Year Zero Soccer podcast that Alabama spends more on scouting than all of MLS combined.
The Gator
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Let's all just pretend this last set of exchanges didn't happen. Kind of like Lazar Markovic at Liverpool.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
How the hell did they find out how much teams spend on scouting? There is no way that information is public.
Whether it is true or not I can't say but I bet they are just speculating.
The only number they has been publically mentioned is the amount they are spending developing players in the academies, which Garber has repeatedly said is north of $20m a year. I am sure some of that is related to scouting.
Whether it is true or not I can't say but I bet they are just speculating.
The only number they has been publically mentioned is the amount they are spending developing players in the academies, which Garber has repeatedly said is north of $20m a year. I am sure some of that is related to scouting.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I have no doubt this might be an upgrade for some teams like NE and Chicago
If you could automate the sw, even better
Kafka
Footballguy
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Kafka
Footballguy
Its been confirmed that Alessandro Florenzi(RB/erstwhile ballerina @The Gator 
) has torn his ACL...it occurred literally 2 mins after Antonio Rudiger (CB/RB) made his return (as a sub) from the same injury some 5 months ago, whilst Roma's LB summer signing/starter Rui tore his ACL 2 weeks after being signed. WTF? Anyways, Florenzi was supposed to slot in for Salah! when he leaves for AFCON this winter, so that leaves Roma with a massive hole at winger. Subsequently, Roma is now being linked with ManU's Memphis Depay for a 6 month winter loan. EPL'rs...what's his deal? I thought he was a premier player when signed, but forgot he even existed till now. Is it attitude, adaptation, or laziness?
ETA: More importantly, how's his ligaments?
) has torn his ACL...it occurred literally 2 mins after Antonio Rudiger (CB/RB) made his return (as a sub) from the same injury some 5 months ago, whilst Roma's LB summer signing/starter Rui tore his ACL 2 weeks after being signed. WTF? Anyways, Florenzi was supposed to slot in for Salah! when he leaves for AFCON this winter, so that leaves Roma with a massive hole at winger. Subsequently, Roma is now being linked with ManU's Memphis Depay for a 6 month winter loan. EPL'rs...what's his deal? I thought he was a premier player when signed, but forgot he even existed till now. Is it attitude, adaptation, or laziness?ETA: More importantly, how's his ligaments?
Maybe Vermaelen can give you a few games soonIts been confirmed that Alessandro Florenzi(RB/erstwhile ballerina @The Gator
ETA: More importantly, how's his ligaments?
Kafka
Footballguy
Lol...he got a red card in the first HALF of his first game (CL, no less), then got hurt, & now Roma is sending him back to you guys.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
If you want, I can call Arsene and have him start Carl Jenkinson on the Rosetta Stone now.
Kafka
Footballguy
Kafka
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Looks like we are not the only ones who have noticed David Villa working his ### off. Even the Spanish National Team coach chimed in with some positive words:
===================
"I went to New York with my wife, I took advantage and watched Villa play," Lopetegui told Spanish radio station Onda Cero, as translated by Adriana Garcia of ESPN FC. "The truth is that I saw him very well and playing with a lot of intensity."
"Villa continues to play at a very good level and in the future we will see if he can return," Lopetegui continued.
"We don't close the door to any player and we always have consideration for players that can help the national team.
"Villa is well, playing with a lot of rhythm, scoring lots of goals and showing a great attitude."
===================
"I went to New York with my wife, I took advantage and watched Villa play," Lopetegui told Spanish radio station Onda Cero, as translated by Adriana Garcia of ESPN FC. "The truth is that I saw him very well and playing with a lot of intensity."
"Villa continues to play at a very good level and in the future we will see if he can return," Lopetegui continued.
"We don't close the door to any player and we always have consideration for players that can help the national team.
"Villa is well, playing with a lot of rhythm, scoring lots of goals and showing a great attitude."
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This is a pretty cool story about the father of soccer analytics and how his misinterpretation of his hand written data from the 50's and 60's led English teams to adopt a route 1 style and arguably hurt their development for a couple of decades
================
How One Man’s Bad Math Helped Ruin Decades Of English Soccer
================
How One Man’s Bad Math Helped Ruin Decades Of English Soccer
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
He's apparently Pulisic's BFF from when they were together as the jewels of the youth setup.Ned said:
