The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[hopstupid]

Poor South Hampton the Spurs stole their coach

 

[bford]

There seems to be thought that Gonzales isn't 100 percent or is nursing a leg injury.... if it is apparent he isn't fully good to go by the end of these three games, he needs to be replaced.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Got into the city around 2, had lunch at the Rogue public house... freaking amazing.

At the hotel, finishing off the pregame bomber we got. Ready to go.

Let's go, Yanks! I believe that we will win! I believe that we will win! I believe that we will win!

 

[BrewKnurd]

I think the last match I saw him in was the 2-2 against Mexico. If it is indeed the match I'm thinking of, he was getting beaten ragged.

The only recent 2-2 game against mexico I can think of was this April, chandler hasn't played a usmnt game since February 2013 in Honduras. FWIW, right backs against Mexico were Tony Beltran and Yedlin.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

There seems to be thought that Gonzales isn't 100 percent or is nursing a leg injury.... if it is apparent he isn't fully good to go by the end of these three games, he needs to be replaced.

I would agree. If Gonzalez isn't fit to start then bring up Goodson.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

The match was awesome to attend.

Had one complaint and that was that the San Jose Ultras were trying to take over the AO chants so there were capos and supporters battling... not very united.

But at the 85th minute the cops wrangled the AO capos into the stand and there was no one leading so I jumped on the wall and continued to yell my face off for the rest of the time.

If you were there or saw me on TV, I was the dude with the green beanie, primary white jersey, and waving a flag.

Go Yanks

 

[Grannyknot]

That was pretty ugly.
Play like that against Ghana & we are gonna get demolished.
I'm still not convinced of Jones at holding midfield.

 

[bford]

It wasn't a perfect match, but.... that team played nothing like Ghana... ten behind the ball much of the time....


Ghana will attack.. and then be prone to being countered.. that really wasn't going to happen last night...

I agree about Jones... I know he is a good player, but I never feel like he's right for how we play.. I preferred Cameron at DM the couple of times I've seen him there...


One last point.. you simply can't replicate the pressure and added adrenaline of a world cup match with these friendlies... just gain some chemistry and stay healthy!!!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I thought Jones played well, he stayed disciplined which is key. Bradley cheated back but I think that had more to do with the fullbacks though.

 

[Grannyknot]

You better believe that if Ghana get an early goal on us, they are gonna sit back and defend.
We need to be able to break down a defense of Azerbaijan's quality, no matter how many people they have behind the ball.

As far as Jones goes, ok, he didn't stray forward, well done. But his problem is that he doesn't shield the ball. Pressing teams are going to tear this apart.

The way I see it, we need a Big Win vs Ghana, and draw against Portual or Germany, and pray to go through on goal difference.

 

[jgarretson]

The match was awesome to attend.

Had one complaint and that was that the San Jose Ultras

That bunch has been a problem since day 1. I traveled to Spartan stadium with the LA Riot Squad back in 2003 and they we're tools then.

I would love to see a Bradley and anyone other than Jones combo in our midfield but sadly I don't think it'll happen.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[bford]

Almost any time a group decides to use Ultra in their name.. they can't wait to show how tough and vulgar they can be...

I'm sure there are exceptions..maybe

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Almost any time a group decides to use Ultra in their name.. they can't wait to show how tough and vulgar they can be...

I'm sure there are exceptions..maybe

This is true.


On a side note, SWMBO and I have shown up on a few SF news sites. We're the mustachioed dude and the-shortest-Yanks-fan on the right:

 

[bford]

One day until the next match... against world number 39: Turkey.


Wonder if we'll see some of the guys not featured in the first match...


Will the starting lineup be different? Will they hold Clint Dempsey out again?

Where is Freddy Adu? (amazingly.. he hasn't turned 25 yet... he does next week)


Who is going to be at the match from HomeBrewTalk?

What New Jersey or Philly beer will people drink before, during and after the match?

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I wish I was going, work you know.

I will be in celebration of the win drinking some Boat Beer from Carton after work.

I think we'll see largely the same. Unless someoen leaps someone in training. I think the most likely spots for that are fullback, LM, and Cameron's spot.

 

[aygov]

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/31/frank-lampard-to-nycfc-david-villa/

Some big names to kick off the club....

 

[Reno_eNVy]

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/31/frank-lampard-to-nycfc-david-villa/

Some big names to kick off the club....

As an LA supporter, I can't tell you how many times Lampard was linked to a move to the Galaxy. I'll wait until there's an official announcement.

One thing that made me question the legitimacy was that it said he would take a significant pay cut. I think the writer is still stuck in MLS 1.0 and doesn't realize the massive deals that have come about the last couple years.

 

[jack_a_roe]

Have faith in klinsmann! He's certainly earned this lifetime fan's respect quite quickly with how things have been since he took over, no disrespect to Bradley whatsoever....

 

[bford]

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/31/frank-lampard-to-nycfc-david-villa/

Some big names to kick off the club....

Lampard is already 35..... turns 36 this month.... so he'll turn 37 during their first season....

I think there were better DP signings to be had out there....

David Villa will at least be only 33 when the next season starts....

 

[bford]

As an LA supporter, I can't tell you how many times Lampard was linked to a move to the Galaxy. I'll wait until there's an official announcement.

One thing that made me question the legitimacy was that it said he would take a significant pay cut. I think the writer is still stuck in MLS 1.0 and doesn't realize the massive deals that have come about the last couple years.

Very true..... Duece and Bradley are making plenty of coin!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

As an LA supporter, I can't tell you how many times Lampard was linked to a move to the Galaxy. I'll wait until there's an official announcement.

One thing that made me question the legitimacy was that it said he would take a significant pay cut. I think the writer is still stuck in MLS 1.0 and doesn't realize the massive deals that have come about the last couple years.

It will likely be a paycut compared to what he's making now. That being said like Beckham and Henry he's gonna make a lot of money in advertising. Right now he's making 7.86 GBP, he's not gonna get paid 13M USD in MLS. Edit. Or anywhere else.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

Lampard is already 35..... turns 36 this month.... so he'll turn 37 during their first season....

I think there were better DP signings to be had out there....

David Villa will at least be only 33 when the next season starts....

That's a bit telling. Lampard is over the hill now, and MLS deserves a bit better. Just a few years from now, hopefully, people will be wondering why the MLS would want such a has-been even at a knock-down wage.

Chase skill, not name power.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

That's a bit telling. Lampard is over the hill now, and MLS deserves a bit better. Just a few years from now, hopefully, people will be wondering why the MLS would want such a has-been even at a knock-down wage.

Chase skill, not name power.

MLS needs both. They need the names less now than 5 years ago or so. Lampard still has some skill. He's like Henry or Beckham, he's not elite anymore but he's still more than good enough to be one of the better players in MLS. His name and Chelsea pedigree will draw the attention of some of the more casual fans. I think the best move MLS could have made for it's pedigree was bringing back Dempsey and Bradley, the next best would have been to get Howard but he's already indicated he's done after Everton.

 

[Hopinista]

MLS needs both. They need the names less now than 5 years ago or so. Lampard still has some skill. He's like Henry or Beckham, he's not elite anymore but he's still more than good enough to be one of the better players in MLS. His name and Chelsea pedigree will draw the attention of some of the more casual fans. I think the best move MLS could have made for it's pedigree was bringing back Dempsey and Bradley, the next best would have been to get Howard but he's already indicated he's done after Everton.

Too right bro.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Changes in the starting XI, Chandler in for Beasley, Davis in for Bedoya, Dempsey is starting

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Some early musing on 2018. I would think Dempsey and Donovan would be in play. Almost certainly not as starters but could be for reserves if they're fit and in form.

Assuming health and guys stay in form/develop what I would like to see for next round of WC

GK - Guzan (never know if Johnson or Hamid will pass him but I don't think they will)
RB - Yedlin
CB - Brooks
CB - Besler/Gonzalez/Cameron
LB - Johnson
RM - Gatt (Ok this is probably a big stretch, but I love his potential)
CM - Bradley
CM - Mix
LM - Shea
CF - Green
ST - Jozy

Loking down the line our stengths seem to be defense, center mid, and striking, of course goaltending as well, US has always rocked at that. Zusi could easily be on the team, I'm just not sure what role he'd play. I'm not sure if in 4 years he'll have the speed to play out wide. Of course things and roles change.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

MLS needs both. They need the names less now than 5 years ago or so. Lampard still has some skill. He's like Henry or Beckham, he's not elite anymore but he's still more than good enough to be one of the better players in MLS. His name and Chelsea pedigree will draw the attention of some of the more casual fans. I think the best move MLS could have made for it's pedigree was bringing back Dempsey and Bradley, the next best would have been to get Howard but he's already indicated he's done after Everton.

I don't disagree, I just think that MLS has a better status now that will grow even further. Lampard is a bit borderline in name status and skill for the present day MLS IMO

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Lineups announced.

This is the setup I've been wanting to see, except Gonzo in for Cameron.

But I've had a good feeling about Davis and Zusi starting on opposite wings. This diamond could produce some great attacking waves.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

It will likely be a paycut compared to what he's making now. That being said like Beckham and Henry he's gonna make a lot of money in advertising. Right now he's making 7.86 GBP, he's not gonna get paid 13M USD in MLS. Edit. Or anywhere else.

This is true.


Also, interesting article about the rumors of David Villa signing on with NYCFC. This actually seems pretty legit as far as big-name-rumors go.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I don't disagree, I just think that MLS has a better status now that will grow even further. Lampard is a bit borderline in name status and skill for the present day MLS IMO

Lampard has Chelsea pedigree. No he's not Beckham or even Henry, but he's way more worth it for name than RObby Keane or Jermaine Defoe. Defoe for sure has more skill than Lampard at this point though. I also have to wonder if Yedlin's inclusion isn't a Klinsmann play to boost MLS name on the US roster.