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

[NewlyRetired]

The "Boston it's a soccer team"

Is 'Nation' a thing in soccer? What the heck is that all about? Like a marketing thing, like Raider Nation/Steeler Nation/Any Team That Decides They Want to Add 'Nation' To Their Fan Base?

It looks like their marketing slogan is Too Many Balls, which is pretty great actually.

The slogan turned out to be a disaster. What an epic failure this entire launch was. This has to be some sort of record in having to issue a public apology so soon.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GaBmOeWXMAUEp2R?format=jpg&name=large

And this is not even their biggest issue as the team name they chose is getting derided both locally and nationally. Whom ever they paid for this whole marketing idea really sold the team a lemon but it is all on the team for accepting such nonsense.

 

[B Maverick]

So what's going worse, Boston's NWSL naming or the English press upset that they hired a German to coach their National Team?

 

[El Floppo]

So what's going worse, Boston's NWSL naming or the English press upset that they hired a German to coach their National Team?

Were they all out of Swedes?

 

[titusbramble]

Critical winter supplies acquired

https://imgur.com/a/w3G6BN5

Hearts v St Mirren on Saturday

 

[The Z Machine]

Critical winter supplies acquired

https://imgur.com/a/w3G6BN5

Hearts v St Mirren on Saturday

Hearts vs. Helen Mirren?

 

[B Maverick]

Well, the international break is over and the EPL starts back up tomorrow. Looking forward to another Saturday ruined by 11 guys running around the pitch at Old Trafford.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Well, the international break is over and the EPL starts back up tomorrow. Looking forward to another Saturday ruined by 11 guys running around the pitch at Old Trafford.

At least you won't have Sir Alex meddling in the dressing room anymore.

 

[B Maverick]

Well, the international break is over and the EPL starts back up tomorrow. Looking forward to another Saturday ruined by 11 guys running around the pitch at Old Trafford.

At least you won't have Sir Alex meddling in the dressing room anymore.

Speaking of ridiculous outrage....

It's not like he's not going to be allowed at games or stop doing anything he was doing. He just isn't an "Ambassador" being paid 2.3m pounds/yr. He was going to step down soon anyway. The man is 83 years old.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Well, the international break is over and the EPL starts back up tomorrow. Looking forward to another Saturday ruined by 11 guys running around the pitch at Old Trafford.

At least you won't have Sir Alex meddling in the dressing room anymore.

Speaking of ridiculous outrage....

It's not like he's not going to be allowed at games or stop doing anything he was doing. He just isn't an "Ambassador" being paid 2.3m pounds/yr. He was going to step down soon anyway. The man is 83 years old.

Of the 250 staff positions Ratcliffe has reportedly terminated, this one seems to most easily justified. They've supposedly been paying Sir Alex that 2m+ annually for at least the past ten years. Barring him from the dressing room seems a bit harsh but I expect ETH probably doesn't love him hanging around after games.

 

[B Maverick]

Well, the international break is over and the EPL starts back up tomorrow. Looking forward to another Saturday ruined by 11 guys running around the pitch at Old Trafford.

At least you won't have Sir Alex meddling in the dressing room anymore.

Speaking of ridiculous outrage....

It's not like he's not going to be allowed at games or stop doing anything he was doing. He just isn't an "Ambassador" being paid 2.3m pounds/yr. He was going to step down soon anyway. The man is 83 years old.

Of the 250 staff positions Ratcliffe has reportedly terminated, this one seems to most easily justified. They've supposedly been paying Sir Alex that 2m+ annually for at least the past ten years. Barring him from the dressing room seems a bit harsh but I expect ETH probably doesn't love him hanging around after games.

I feel like saving his salary could pay for the 250 others too.

But yeah, its long past time he was no longer involved with players, locker rooms, etc. He can be on the board and in his seat at games, but anything more I think hurts any current manager.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A statement from the Chicago Fire owner that we all wish more owners in sports in the US would make

======================

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GaMJqZsWwAEQWdT?format=jpg&name=large

 

[Mjolnirs]

They may want to rethink his position

x.com

x.com

Eh, he's prolly a midfielder that put on the gloves because no one else wanted to or it was his turn in between the sticks.

Eintracht Frankfurt u9. I think they might have GKs.

But I'm saying meh on that play. Can't even use his right foot.

There's probably a Bayern Ice Cream Truck in the parking lot already trying to lure him away.

 

[B Maverick]

On Saturday across Europe's top five leagues, there were 8 red cards given.

 

[TennesseeJed]

How about this season - Sweden - Women - 4th Division:

Went undefeated: 15-3-0, scored 78 goals, conceded 0 goals.

x.com

x.com

Finished 2nd in the table...

 

[B Maverick]

How about this season - Sweden - Women - 4th Division:

Went undefeated: 15-3-0, scored 78 goals, conceded 0 goals.

x.com

x.com

Finished 2nd in the table...

So they had a draw and a win vs the top team, but then the two additional draws lost them the league? DAMN that hurts.

 

[El Floppo]

How about this season - Sweden - Women - 4th Division:

Went undefeated: 15-3-0, scored 78 goals, conceded 0 goals.

x.com

x.com

Finished 2nd in the table...

So they had a draw and a win vs the top team, but then the two additional draws lost them the league? DAMN that hurts.

Gotta score more goals.


But yeah- that's insane.

 

[NewlyRetired]

MLS owners are actively considering moving to Fall Spring (with winter break) post WC2026

MLS is considering changing to a fall-spring calendar after the 2026 World Cup

The change would alleviate the postseason overlap during a busy portion of the American sports calendar

www.nytimes.com

 

[El Floppo]

MLS owners are actively considering moving to Fall Spring (with winter break) post WC2026

MLS is considering changing to a fall-spring calendar after the 2026 World Cup

The change would alleviate the postseason overlap during a busy portion of the American sports calendar

www.nytimes.com

About time

 

[El Floppo]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

 

[The Z Machine]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

 

[Desert_Power]

MLS owners are actively considering moving to Fall Spring (with winter break) post WC2026

MLS is considering changing to a fall-spring calendar after the 2026 World Cup

The change would alleviate the postseason overlap during a busy portion of the American sports calendar

www.nytimes.com

Having season tickets does make me appreciate the limited overlap with football. Had three conflicts this year with Charlotte FC matches the same day as South Carolina home games.

Hot as hell during the summer but a lot less going on.

 

[El Floppo]

MLS owners are actively considering moving to Fall Spring (with winter break) post WC2026

MLS is considering changing to a fall-spring calendar after the 2026 World Cup

The change would alleviate the postseason overlap during a busy portion of the American sports calendar

www.nytimes.com

Having season tickets does make me appreciate the limited overlap with football. Had three conflicts this year with Charlotte FC matches the same day as South Carolina home games.

Hot as hell during the summer but a lot less going on.

I remember the season being set up because of stadium use and limiting NFL/MLS overlaps... Is that right?

The summer is pretty much the main time I follow MLS, because there's not much else to follow.

 

[El Floppo]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

They will have to be clever with scheduling. The plan appears to be a decent sized winter break but even with that they may have to make sure none of the northern teams host games for at least three weeks after the break.

This is far from an easy decision. I could see attendance dropping dramatically if they don’t nail the schedule.

The interest level is a trade off I think. Right now they do fairly well because the summer is relatively quiet but then face a ton of competition when the playoffs start. That formula will change with the new schedule but I don’t know how much of an impact it will have.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I just spent the last hour watching Yamal highlights from this season. Safe to say what he did in the Euro’s was not a fluke. The kid is unbelievably good at 17.

Messi was too long ago for me to have a good memory of him at this same age but I would be surprised if he was better than Yamal.

 

[Desert_Power]

I just spent the last hour watching Yamal highlights from this season. Safe to say what he did in the Euro’s was not a fluke. The kid is unbelievably good at 17.

Messi was too long ago for me to have a good memory of him at this same age but I would be surprised if he was better than Yamal.

Their birthdays are about 20 years and a couple of weeks apart. 20 years ago Messi was getting a few appearances for Barcelona, whereas Yamal has been a starter for over a season.

 

[whoknew]

MLS owners are actively considering moving to Fall Spring (with winter break) post WC2026

MLS is considering changing to a fall-spring calendar after the 2026 World Cup

The change would alleviate the postseason overlap during a busy portion of the American sports calendar

www.nytimes.com

As an Austin FC season ticket holder, I would love this.

 

[encaitar]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

They will have to be clever with scheduling. The plan appears to be a decent sized winter break but even with that they may have to make sure none of the northern teams host games for at least three weeks after the break.

This is far from an easy decision. I could see attendance dropping dramatically if they don’t nail the schedule.

The interest level is a trade off I think. Right now they do fairly well because the summer is relatively quiet but then face a ton of competition when the playoffs start. That formula will change with the new schedule but I don’t know how much of an impact it will have.

Even with all that, I think northern teams will have to put in underground heating coils for the field, large heaters for the benches AND might have to find some sort of heating solution for the goalkeepers(heated gloves/boots/kits?). December through the end of February for Minnesota or any of the Canadian teams is just brutal.

 

[whoknew]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

They will have to be clever with scheduling. The plan appears to be a decent sized winter break but even with that they may have to make sure none of the northern teams host games for at least three weeks after the break.

This is far from an easy decision. I could see attendance dropping dramatically if they don’t nail the schedule.

The interest level is a trade off I think. Right now they do fairly well because the summer is relatively quiet but then face a ton of competition when the playoffs start. That formula will change with the new schedule but I don’t know how much of an impact it will have.

Even with all that, I think northern teams will have to put in underground heating coils for the field, large heaters for the benches AND might have to find some sort of heating solution for the goalkeepers(heated gloves/boots/kits?). December through the end of February for Minnesota or any of the Canadian teams is just brutal.

Forgive my ignorance if I'm spouting nonsense, but the Bundesliga and Russian Premier League, et al - they do it, right? They play all winter.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

They will have to be clever with scheduling. The plan appears to be a decent sized winter break but even with that they may have to make sure none of the northern teams host games for at least three weeks after the break.

This is far from an easy decision. I could see attendance dropping dramatically if they don’t nail the schedule.

The interest level is a trade off I think. Right now they do fairly well because the summer is relatively quiet but then face a ton of competition when the playoffs start. That formula will change with the new schedule but I don’t know how much of an impact it will have.

Even with all that, I think northern teams will have to put in underground heating coils for the field, large heaters for the benches AND might have to find some sort of heating solution for the goalkeepers(heated gloves/boots/kits?). December through the end of February for Minnesota or any of the Canadian teams is just brutal.

Forgive my ignorance if I'm spouting nonsense, but the Bundesliga and Russian Premier League, et al - they do it, right? They play all winter.

The Bundesliga takes a winter break (ranges from 4 top 6 weeks depending on the year) but I think our northern cities (specifically north east, Minnesota area and Canada) can have more brutal, unplayable winter weather than in most of Germany in the winter.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

They will have to be clever with scheduling. The plan appears to be a decent sized winter break but even with that they may have to make sure none of the northern teams host games for at least three weeks after the break.

This is far from an easy decision. I could see attendance dropping dramatically if they don’t nail the schedule.

The interest level is a trade off I think. Right now they do fairly well because the summer is relatively quiet but then face a ton of competition when the playoffs start. That formula will change with the new schedule but I don’t know how much of an impact it will have.

Even with all that, I think northern teams will have to put in underground heating coils for the field, large heaters for the benches AND might have to find some sort of heating solution for the goalkeepers(heated gloves/boots/kits?). December through the end of February for Minnesota or any of the Canadian teams is just brutal.

Forgive my ignorance if I'm spouting nonsense, but the Bundesliga and Russian Premier League, et al - they do it, right? They play all winter.

Germany is not really comparable - much milder. I agree we could look to Russia, Finland, Sweden leagues to see how they handle the winter months. Likely a long break, a bright orange ball, long spikes and long sleeves.

 

[titusbramble]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

They will have to be clever with scheduling. The plan appears to be a decent sized winter break but even with that they may have to make sure none of the northern teams host games for at least three weeks after the break.

This is far from an easy decision. I could see attendance dropping dramatically if they don’t nail the schedule.

The interest level is a trade off I think. Right now they do fairly well because the summer is relatively quiet but then face a ton of competition when the playoffs start. That formula will change with the new schedule but I don’t know how much of an impact it will have.

Even with all that, I think northern teams will have to put in underground heating coils for the field, large heaters for the benches AND might have to find some sort of heating solution for the goalkeepers(heated gloves/boots/kits?). December through the end of February for Minnesota or any of the Canadian teams is just brutal.

Forgive my ignorance if I'm spouting nonsense, but the Bundesliga and Russian Premier League, et al - they do it, right? They play all winter.

Germany is not really comparable - much milder. I agree we could look to Russia, Finland, Sweden leagues to see how they handle the winter months. Likely a long break, a bright orange ball, long spikes and long sleeves.

They handle it really easily, by being summer leagues. At least Sweden/Finland are, not sure on Russia as Livescore are being childish and I can't be arsed opening a Wiki tab as well. Germany just have a winter break but a condition of getting into the Bundesliga (either division) is having undersoil heating anyway

 

[The Z Machine]

Although Canada and the Loons aren't going to be too happy about it.

Too bad, so sad.

Remember that US v somebody qualifiers in Feb that was so freaking cold people got frostbite?

That'll be fun MLS viewing.

They will have to be clever with scheduling. The plan appears to be a decent sized winter break but even with that they may have to make sure none of the northern teams host games for at least three weeks after the break.

This is far from an easy decision. I could see attendance dropping dramatically if they don’t nail the schedule.

The interest level is a trade off I think. Right now they do fairly well because the summer is relatively quiet but then face a ton of competition when the playoffs start. That formula will change with the new schedule but I don’t know how much of an impact it will have.

Even with all that, I think northern teams will have to put in underground heating coils for the field, large heaters for the benches AND might have to find some sort of heating solution for the goalkeepers(heated gloves/boots/kits?). December through the end of February for Minnesota or any of the Canadian teams is just brutal.

Forgive my ignorance if I'm spouting nonsense, but the Bundesliga and Russian Premier League, et al - they do it, right? They play all winter.

Germany is not really comparable - much milder. I agree we could look to Russia, Finland, Sweden leagues to see how they handle the winter months. Likely a long break, a bright orange ball, long spikes and long sleeves.

They handle it really easily, by being summer leagues. At least Sweden/Finland are, not sure on Russia as Livescore are being childish and I can't be arsed opening a Wiki tab as well. Germany just have a winter break but a condition of getting into the Bundesliga (either division) is having undersoil heating anyway

I think that at a minimum all MLS clubs that are not in California, Texas, or Florida need to have undersoil heating.

 

[NewlyRetired]

https://x.com/MLSMoves
MLS Moves
https://x.com/MLSMoves
@MLSMoves

Reports out of Saudi Arabia are saying that Al Hilal will possibly sell Neymar to Inter Miami this winter. This would be reunite him with his former Barca teammates up front in Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

 

[El Floppo]

https://x.com/MLSMoves
MLS Moves
https://x.com/MLSMoves
@MLSMoves

Reports out of Saudi Arabia are saying that Al Hilal will possibly sell Neymar to Inter Miami this winter. This would be reunite him with his former Barca teammates up front in Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Laugh emoji.

Seriously?

I mean, I know MLS makes it up as it goes along, but seriously?

 

[NewlyRetired]

https://x.com/MLSMoves
MLS Moves
https://x.com/MLSMoves
@MLSMoves

Reports out of Saudi Arabia are saying that Al Hilal will possibly sell Neymar to Inter Miami this winter. This would be reunite him with his former Barca teammates up front in Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Laugh emoji.

Seriously?

I mean, I know MLS makes it up as it goes along, but seriously?

It may be nothing but rumors but people are expecting something on the big side due to the Club World Cup. Inter Miami opens up the competition in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

"Technically", I think Miami could sign him as they only have two players in the DP range right now, Messi and Busquets. All the other big names are capping out at $1.5m which is another category.

 

[NewlyRetired]

And we still don't know exactly why he was fired and suspended by the league to begin with....

=========================

https://x.com/tombogert
Tom Bogert

@tombogert

BREAKING: The San Jose Earthquakes are in advanced negotiations with Bruce Arena over their head coach vacancy, sources tell
@GiveMeSport. Nothing is agreed or signed, but Arena traveled to San Jose on Friday to potentially reach an agreement.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Oh wow, this is fascinating especially considering the possible schedule shift for MLS

========

College soccer is on the verge of a monumental shift in the landscape, per numerous sources I’ve talked to in the past 24 hours.

Here’s what I know:

There is a plan that at most basic level will make the college soccer season a full-time season. It will most likely mirror the pro calendar. Gone will be the three month season. It will essentially double (if not more) in length.

This is where things get interesting: This shift is likely to happen in 2025-26 or 2026-27. Most seem to think it will start up in 2026-27 to align with the likely shift of MLS/MLSNP (and probably USL too) to the European calendar at that point.

This has been something that has been worked on for some time now, but my belief is that the plan might’ve gotten a boost from MLS’s acceleration of their shift in their calendar.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The other interesting part of the above, which seems unlikely, is that there are supposedly individual colleges and big conferences who are backing this change who are also willing to leave the NCAA entirely, and have US Soccer be the governing body of college soccer.

 

[The Z Machine]

The other interesting part of the above, which seems unlikely, is that there are supposedly individual colleges and big conferences who are backing this change who are also willing to leave the NCAA entirely, and have US Soccer be the governing body of college soccer.

Whoa, walking away from NCAA would be massive.

 

[encaitar]

Wow. We are talking a fundamental change in the way college soccer and pro soccer are integrated. I imagine college soccer would work with pro teams and youth academies in an interesting way. Somewhat comparable to college hockey where most of the players are already spoken for and know which pro team they're on once they get called up.

I'm guessing the plan is to use NIL money to essentially make the college league a higher paid U23 league?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Wow. We are talking a fundamental change in the way college soccer and pro soccer are integrated. I imagine college soccer would work with pro teams and youth academies in an interesting way. Somewhat comparable to college hockey where most of the players are already spoken for and know which pro team they're on once they get called up.

I'm guessing the plan is to use NIL money to essentially make the college league a higher paid U23 league?

If college soccer leaves the NCAA, how does that effect NIL? I would think college soccer would earn almost nothing in NIL to begin with.............

Of a more macro question, the NCAA has never been good for soccer in the US. But the scary thing is wondering if US Soccer would be any better. They already have so much on their plate and they have their fair share of issues over seeing what they already have.

I wonder if the rumors of the colleges considering leaving the NCAA for the US Soccer umbrella is related to the hope/expectation that US Soccer is going to have a ton of money post WC2026.

 

[B Maverick]

There is a plan that at most basic level will make the college soccer season a full-time season. It will most likely mirror the pro calendar. Gone will be the three month season. It will essentially double (if not more) in length.

Well, the "student" part of "Student-Athlete" has been gone for long enough, so why not.

 

[B Maverick]

ETH out, Ruud in at least for now.

 

[Desert_Power]

https://x.com/MLSMoves
MLS Moves
https://x.com/MLSMoves
@MLSMoves

Reports out of Saudi Arabia are saying that Al Hilal will possibly sell Neymar to Inter Miami this winter. This would be reunite him with his former Barca teammates up front in Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Laugh emoji.

Seriously?

I mean, I know MLS makes it up as it goes along, but seriously?

Tata is going be racking up those "Coach of the Year" awards.

 

[El Floppo]

ETH out, Ruud in at least for now.

Not ruud as in bad, but ruud as in good!

 

[TLEF316]

I dont know much about this sport, but I dont understand how a team with as many gifted players as United could be this bad. There are obviously a few pieces that they overpaid for and are probably overrated, but they have enough actual dudes on that squad to be in the mix. 14th with a negative goal differential? Brutal.

 

[El Floppo]

I dont know much about this sport, but I dont understand how a team with as many gifted players as United could be this bad. There are obviously a few pieces that they overpaid for and are probably overrated, but they have enough actual dudes on that squad to be in the mix. 14th with a negative goal differential? Brutal.

The sum has been less than the parts for too long. That's what I was getting at with my previous post.. it's like they can roll into some good play because the players are good enough, but for the most part it just looks directionless- especially against all the other EPL teams that know who they are and play that way.

 

[B Maverick]

I dont know much about this sport, but I dont understand how a team with as many gifted players as United could be this bad. There are obviously a few pieces that they overpaid for and are probably overrated, but they have enough actual dudes on that squad to be in the mix. 14th with a negative goal differential? Brutal.

The sum has been less than the parts for too long. That's what I was getting at with my previous post.. it's like they can roll into some good play because the players are good enough, but for the most part it just looks directionless- especially against all the other EPL teams that know who they are and play that way.

They don't look motivated half the time. When they want to, they can run with anyone. To often they don't seem to want to, or don't think they need to. They also are definitely not together as a team in what they do. Front 4 presses, the rest doesn't. Turnover the ball and only a few are sprinting back to defend. To many afraid to tackle or take a card.

Is that due to how ETH wanted them to play or is that the players?

 

[Desert_Power]

I dont know much about this sport, but I dont understand how a team with as many gifted players as United could be this bad. There are obviously a few pieces that they overpaid for and are probably overrated, but they have enough actual dudes on that squad to be in the mix. 14th with a negative goal differential? Brutal.

The sum has been less than the parts for too long. That's what I was getting at with my previous post.. it's like they can roll into some good play because the players are good enough, but for the most part it just looks directionless- especially against all the other EPL teams that know who they are and play that way.

They don't look motivated half the time. When they want to, they can run with anyone. To often they don't seem to want to, or don't think they need to. They also are definitely not together as a team in what they do. Front 4 presses, the rest doesn't. Turnover the ball and only a few are sprinting back to defend. To many afraid to tackle or take a card.

Is that due to how ETH wanted them to play or is that the players?

Yeah. They're capable of beating anyone and they're capable of losing to anyone. Sometimes in the same game. Only caught a few matches this season (most recently a good chunck of Fenerbache), but is what their squad under him has felt like to me.