The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

Reno_eNVy · Feb 22, 2011

I figured my World Cup thread was decently busy and the domestic soccer league, Major League Soccer, goes into full swing March 15th.

Just hoping this thread can get some interested in the Beautiful Game and maybe get some of those who scoff at American soccer to watch some MLS.

It's still preseason but there is a televised match tonight in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League (a tournament in the conference consisting of North America, Central America and the Caribbean in which the winner goes on to the FIFA Club World Cup.)

It airs at 5pm PST on Fox Soccer Channel or CONCACAFchampions.com (short notice, I know) and it is a match-up between Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew. Both clubs have a history of quality play, especially RSL's defense and goalkeeper.

Here's a preview of the match for any interested

I hope there are others out there who enjoy soccer as much as I do. Even if you watch EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga... I just love talking about and analyzing the sport so please speak up!

desiderata · Feb 22, 2011

I'm a soccer player and fan, but really only somewhat follow the European leagues. I would be more of a fan, but I don't have cable, so I only watch the occassional match when I can for free online. I would say my favorite team is Liverpool, with Chelsea a distant second.

I have to admit, I don't really enjoy watching MLS after comparing it to the European talent. It seems that when I do watch it, it's mostly turnovers and fouls, making for a boring match. However, it's been a year or so since I've last seen them play, so hopefully it's gotten better since then. Of course, I'd still rather watch MLS than other professional sports, such as American football, baseball, hockey, etc.

I play midfield, and so I enjoy the versatile players such as Zidane (now retired, bummer), Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Xavi, Michael Ballack, etc. I tend to have favorite players rather than favorite teams though.

I'll check out the game you mentioned and see if I can watch it online.

curtisj · Feb 22, 2011

Chelsea, Bayern. and Toronto FC baby

desiderata · Feb 22, 2011

Looks like the game can be viewed online here.
http://www.quiroz-solutions.com/

ArcaneXor · Feb 22, 2011

The MLS games I have watched have always been on par with second division European leagues at best, but without the passion. It's just boring, and the weirdness of the league structure means that many games are essentially meaningless.

I'd rather spend my time watching Champion's League, Premier League or Bundesliga games.

desiderata · Feb 22, 2011

I should also mention that I find it silly that the MLS has resorted to naming things to capitalize off of the European success (i.e. CONCACAF "Champions" League, and "Real" Salt Lake, "Sporting" KC).

mr_goodwrench · Feb 22, 2011

I follow mostly EPL with Manchester United being the team I support. I also like to keep track of American players over there especially Tim Howard (I always follow the keepers.)

I have never really followed MLS before, but I will be moreso this season. We moved to Atlanta last year and there are rumblings of a team here in the future. We have a WPS team that is a good time and there are going to be a few MLS preseason matches played at their ground.

Ace_Club · Feb 22, 2011

Love soccer. Can't wait for this year's Gold Cup. USA should dominate what with their A team back in the game. Donovan, Jermaine Jones, Dempsey, Holden and Bradley will lay down the smack.

Boleslaus · Feb 22, 2011

I'm a casual soccer fan. What drew me to the European leagues originally was the league structure. Growing up with all American sports I thought the idea of relegation was awesome. It makes the end of the season interesting for both ends of the table. Obviously this wouldn't work in America as there are not enough legitimate leagues. Like many others I've slowly been getting into it more and more, however, the MLS has just not really stuck with me. Maybe it is the level of play, especially compared to the European leagues. I really do enjoy watching European matches though. I'm not sure why but I've always liked northern England, and when I was a teenager I liked Newcastle, so that team has stuck with me, especially since they're always an underdog against the giants.

Reno_eNVy · Feb 22, 2011

Yeah a lot of the complaints I see have been debated to all ends in the MLS community including promotion/relegation... but considering they just confirmed the second-tier American league (neoNASL) I doubt pro/rel will happen for a long time. But it should become more interesting with two expansion teams coming in this season (Vancouver and Portland) and another in 2012 (Montreal) followed by most-likely another NY team or a southern team in 2013.

As far as the names go, there are some legit reasons for it them:

- Real Salt Lake is in affiliation with Real Madrid
- Sporting KC will be an actual sporting club... they're in the works to get rugby and lacrosse clubs going. So the name is not just to make themselves feel special
- As far as the CONCACAF "Champions" name.... every single confederation has the same name for their tournament (except the CONEMBOL Copa Libertadores). UEFA Champions League, AFC Champions League, CAF Champions League, OFC Champions League. It's just pretty much industry-standard.

And MLS play and atmosphere can be hit and miss... at times they look on par with EPL and La Liga with great movement on and off the ball and supporter clubs that rock the house. Then there are the matches that are a little lackluster, often due to complicated schedules working around the CCL, Gold Cup, World Cup (last season), etc., that result in exhaustion and injury. But attendance has received a huge boost since the Yanks did so well in the World Cup group stage. Average attendance across the board is 20k+, with bigger markets like Seattle and LA pulling averages of 32k+ and 25k+, respectively.

I'm also a fan of the fact that MLS is a much more physical league and the domestic players don't do pathetic dives to draw free kicks.... that's a job for the international players

StandEight · Feb 22, 2011

Love soccer also. I'll admit however, that I don't follow the MLS. Real Madrid is my team and I try to catch almost every game. I'll watch some EPL games and always have the champions league on DVR.

Reno_eNVy · Feb 22, 2011

Gotta say it is very refreshing to see this many soccer fans respond so fast :mug:

Oh and I've yet to declare my clubs! LA Galaxy first and foremost (BLUE WHITE AND GOLD!!) and across the pond I follow Tottenham.

jbrookeiv · Feb 22, 2011

I'm a die hard Arsenal fan, and really only keep up with English Premier League and Champion's League. I only follow the latter since Arsenal is currently in it, particularly after our amazing defeat over Barcelona the other day.

Reno_eNVy · Feb 23, 2011

For any interested Arsenal play Stoke City today at 11:45am PST. Stoke City has been hanging around the middle of the table looking to breakout while the Gunners are looking to cement their position in the top four... should be a good one.

jbrookeiv · Feb 23, 2011

Reno_eNVy_446 said:
For any interested Arsenal play Stoke City today at 11:45am PST. Stoke City has been hanging around the middle of the table looking to breakout while the Gunners are looking to cement their position in the top four... should be a good one.

Indeed. Since I cancelled cable, I subscribed to FoxSoccer.tv, which allows you to stream the games online.

Boerderij_Kabouter · Feb 23, 2011

I love watching soccer. MLS, Prem, La Liga, and Bundesliga. I like them all. Unfortunately, I don't get to watch the Champions Leugue because it is not carried by espn3. Boooo...

I don't yet have a team I really support. I just like to watch good games and pick who to root for each game.

BlackJackBrews · Feb 23, 2011

jbrookeiv said:
I'm a die hard Arsenal fan, and really only keep up with English Premier League and Champion's League.

Die hard Gunners fan here as well. Thankfully we have the Fox Soccer Channel here in OKC and I get to watch about half of the games, although many are tape delayed.

I've tried getting into MLS, I figured FC Dallas is the closest and maybe I should get into them. Watched a few matches, played with them on FIFA 10, I don't know, just can't get into it. I think maybe it has to do with the missing tradition. I mean I consider myself a die hard Cubs fan, but if the team just started 10 years ago, I don't think I'd really care all that much...

Reno_eNVy · Feb 23, 2011

BlackJackBrews said:
I've tried getting into MLS, I figured FC Dallas is the closest and maybe I should get into them. Watched a few matches, played with them on FIFA 10, I don't know, just can't get into it. I think maybe it has to do with the missing tradition. I mean I consider myself a die hard Cubs fan, but if the team just started 10 years ago, I don't think I'd really care all that much...

Um they've been around for 16 years, thaaaaank YOU

Also there are clubs that were "promoted" from old NASL and USL leagues, namely Seattle Sounders FC (founded in 1974) and the two expansion clubs this season, Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers (1974 and 1975, respectively.) All three of these clubs came, or are coming, into the league with an already huge fanbase with excellent atmospheres.

I know I tend to ramble but I just love the sport. And this is an especially exciting season for the MLS: expansion clubs, new and exciting soccer-specific stadiums, longer schedule, improved play, new sponsors/kits, best attendance since the first couple seasons.... I've been itching for First Kick since November, especially since the first match of the season is LA vs Seattle... I can't wait!!!

BlackJackBrews · Feb 24, 2011

I really want to get into it. I do. I just don't know what it's going to take. Been seriously considering a trip to Dallas to watch a game live. Maybe that would win me over?

Reno_eNVy · Feb 24, 2011

BlackJackBrews said:
I really want to get into it. I do. I just don't know what it's going to take. Been seriously considering a trip to Dallas to watch a game live. Maybe that would win me over?

Live matches are absolutely amazing. I went to the LA vs NY match in LA last season... it was, without a doubt, the most exhilarating sporting event of my life. SWMBO and I sat in the Angel City Brigade supporters section and the only requirement for being in the section is standing and singing/chanting the whole 90 minutes. I wasn't even close to drunk (really hard to get drunk when you're 5200ft lower in elevation than usual) and it was thrilling... I was drunk on soccer and fandom.

For those of you interested, the Disney World Pro Soccer Classic tournament kicks-off today at 3pm PST. It will feature MLS clubs Toronto FC, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas and brand-new USL (third-tier) club Orlando City. This will be an opportunity to see the second year of a tournament that Disney is really trying to make huge.... and also a chance for those starved for domestic soccer (like me) to watch some matches.

The matches will be streaming on ESPN3.com, ESPN 360 on the XBOX, and MLSsoccer.com. It's a short, two-stage tournament with matches today at 3pm and 5pm and Saturday the 26th at 3pm and 5pm (PST.)

jm195907 · Feb 24, 2011

I always pull for Aston Villa but it has been a tough year....Champions League is starting to heat up, always one of my favorite times of year. FSC and GolTV always comes through with some good games (Barsa-Real game a few months ago was amazing). I think playing FIFA is what got me back into soccer.

BlackJackBrews · Feb 25, 2011

Reno_eNVy_446 said:
For those of you interested, the Disney World Pro Soccer Classic tournament kicks-off today at 3pm PST. It will feature MLS clubs Toronto FC, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas and brand-new USL (third-tier) club Orlando City. This will be an opportunity to see the second year of a tournament that Disney is really trying to make huge.... and also a chance for those starved for domestic soccer (like me) to watch some matches.

Well, your message has been received my friend. I'm going to make an effort with FC Dallas this year. I have an XBOX 360 in my editing suite. I'm cranking up yesterday's match against Orlando City right now, and will watch it as I work this morning.

Does ESPN 3 run most MLS matches?

Reno_eNVy · Feb 25, 2011

BlackJackBrews said:
Well, your message has been received my friend. I'm going to make an effort with FC Dallas this year. I have an XBOX 360 in my editing suite. I'm cranking up yesterday's match against Orlando City right now, and will watch it as I work this morning.

Does ESPN 3 run most MLS matches?

Excellent, great to hear it! The match against Orlando City was a pretty good one, especially for the 2nd-ever game of the new franchise! It was nice to hear decent fan support... they're too new to have chants and songs but there were definitely drums and horns.

As far as FC Dallas goes, I'm sure you heard the commentators talking a lot of Brek Shae... he is definitely one to watch if you're going to follow the Hoops. He is superstar material at the age of 20 and already has a couple starts for the US Men's National Team.

There is actually a full TV schedule floating around MLSsoccer.com... I'll start hunting for it. MLS games are featured on ESPN/2/3, Fox Soccer Channel, Telefutura and often Telemundo.

EDIT: Oh, and TSN for you Hosers

BertusBrew · Feb 25, 2011

I am a huge soccer fan, I also play year round on a few different teams. I just want to say that people need to start giving the MLS a chance, the level of play gets better every year. I am a Chicago Fire season ticket holder and I have to say I think the atmosphere is amazing. Most people would rather watch the EPL or La Liga or Serie A, who wouldn't they are incredible, but if you live in an area that is fortunate enough to have an MLS team you should support them, it's really the only way the league can grow.

McGarnigle · Feb 25, 2011

I think the defending in MLS is weak, but if you're going to be sub par at something, that's it. It's a pretty uptempo league and there are some very attractive goals scored.

jtlawlor · Feb 25, 2011

Thanks for starting this thread -- I am a : since inception MLS and Chicago FIRE supporter. Love following EPL and La Liga games, UCL and of course all the int. games.

[IMHO] It would be nice to see the Euro snobs in the USA start trying to support local teams... we could use their support to have the league grow and attract those bigger name players not on their final leg... [/end RANT]

FIRE - FIRE - FIRE! less than a month away!

soundsandsuds · Feb 25, 2011

Hey guys,

Nice to see this here. I'm a Vancouver Whitecaps fan and am pretty excited for the new MLS season. They've always been a great team to watch. I just moved to within walking distance of Swanguard Stadium. Unfortunately they're playing at Empire Stadium and then BC Place this year. Oh well.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize is how big the old NASL was, with NY Cosmos games outselling Giants games when they were at their peak. Poor management (and unchecked expansion into tiny markets) bankrupted the league, but it was huge at the time. Hopefully the MLS continues its responsible and intelligent management.

Looking forward to this season. Go 'Caps!

Reno_eNVy · Feb 25, 2011

YES! So glad there are MLS supporters on here!

BertusBrew & jtlawlor: Keep up the support!! Are you guys Section 8ers? And also, super-sucks that McBride retired... dude was a beast. Is there anybody capable of replacing him in the Fire's roster?

McGarnigle: Yeah defense can be a little hit-and-miss but there's always the exceptions (i.e. RSL.)

soundsandsuds: Nice, was really hoping to draw one of you Canucks in

How long have you been a Caps fan? And on a side note, BC Place is going to be sick.

BertusBrew · Feb 25, 2011

Not a Section 8er, just a big fan. I had season tickets 2 years ago, didn't get them last year, but decided I missed it too much and got season tickets again for this season, can't wait for the season to start. Not sure who can fill McBride's boots, dude was a beast in the air. I'm hoping Patrick Nyarko steps up big this year, if he stays healthy I think he'll be great up front because of his speed. Hopefully, the new guy Diego Cháves can find the back of the net often for us.

Who do you support Reno_eNVy_446?

Reno_eNVy · Feb 25, 2011

SWMBO and I support the LA Galaxy. Gotta love the blue, white and gold, though I do miss their gold kits with the green sash across the front; absolutely classic.

The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

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