The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[BertusBrew]

The Galaxy should have a good year, it's gonna be an interesting one for the Fire, not sure what to expect. I'm hoping the Fire at least make the playoffs b/c it's been a long season for my Reds across the pond, being a Liverpool fan this year hasn't been easy.

 

[Stratotankard]

Been a Tottenham Hotspur fan for several years now. I chose them because a friend in England said all Americans know about the EPL is Manchester United and Liverpool.

Growing up I was a Sounders fan, back before there was an MLS and they were playing at Huskies stadium. I'm glad to see the increase in the popularity of the game in America. Maybe now we will start seeing some talent capable of performing on the world stage.

 

[BertusBrew]

Stratotankard, I agree with everybody in people in America only knowing about the EPL is Man U, but it I think your friend may have been a little mistaken. Most people only know about Man U and Chelsea, I am a Liverpool fan and other than my brother I don't know a single person that follows them. It's all Man U, Chelsea, and a few Arsenal fans out there.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

During the preseason I've been hunting all over the intarwebz for when clubs reveal kits and when website-design interns accidentally leak kit images. Finally there is a full list of them. Here's the link to the article... there's an interview about the kit designs with images of all of them below. Scroll to the bottom for the 3rd kits.

And here's my analysis on all of them from another forum. And don't worry, I won't be offended if you do a "tl;dr"

The "Awesome!":
- Portland Timbers (both kits)... I mean seriously, those are already iconic before a match has even been playing in them. And it's great to see so much effort be put into even the smallest details. Hands-down best in MLS

- Vancouver Whitecaps (both kits)... They seem perfect for the club. The white homes are pretty classy and I dig the stripes. The blue with the raised 'Caps logo is sweet... reminds me of the jersey from a club I played for as a kid. Also, the Bell logo fits well on both.

- Real Salt Lake "Victory Gold".... Just plain sick. That is all.

- Toronto FC home kit.... I like the increased use of gray and the maple leaf is a nice topping of an otherwise clean and straight-shooting kit

- Chivas USA secondary kit.... The subtle vertical striping is a good counter to their main kit. And is it just me or does the Corona on the front look like it's belonged there the entire time?

- Houston Dynamo home kit.... HOLLAND EURO '88 FTW! No but seriously they look awesome and the starburst doesn't look crazy on TV at all (see: Disney Pro Classic.) And orange is a classic soccer color IMHO

- FC Dallas (both kits).... Gotta love the hoops. Great look.

- Columbus Crew secondary kit.... Why don't they use this more?! So unique and awesome.

- D.C. United third kit.... What can I say, I like all-red.




The "Meh it's alright":
- LA Galaxy home kit.... Love the club but the kits have always been kinda "meh" for me. I know they are iconic and you realize who is playing as soon as you turn the match on but just.... meh. I'm still holding out hope for a retro-ish third kit with either a sash across the front or vertical piping. Also, BOO for dropping the ganja leaf off the sponsor logo

- Chicago Fire (both kits).... I do like that they have simplified the kits without the sponsor but the secondary? Come on.... at least the other all-white kits have SOMETHING on them. It makes me think of a scene from Scrubs: JD-"Oh hey is that shirt new? It's really nice... what kind of shirt is it?" Dr. Cox-"It's a white t-shirt..."

- Chivas USA home kit.... It's alright. Corona looks nice on it though.

- Colorado Rapids (both kits).... They look fine, I like the new secondary kit better than the old one. But what you can't see are the big V's on the back of the jerseys that, if tucked in, look like hiked-up thong straps. I also think the secondary will look a lot better with a sponsor filling in the white void.

- Columbus Crew home kit.... Looks weird without the sponsor logo. All-yellow, without the frame, would've been great.

- D.C. United (both kits).... Yeah it's pretty classic looking but it's a far-cry from the three stripes. They're so-so.

- Houston Dynamo secondary kit.... Yaaaay all-white. The orange accents are decent though. I feel they could have done better overall, though.

- Sporting KC (both kits).... The epitome of "meh." Interesting rebranding, retarded crest and bland kits. It would like the secondary (with the raised SC all over) better if the crest read how I originally thought it did: "SC" meant Soccer Club, with the LAX and Rugby clubs having LC and RC respectively. But alas...

- New England Revolution secondary kit.... It's like the "Mirror-Mirror" version of LAG's primary. The only thing missing is the goatee.

- New York Red Bulls (both kits).... Aside from the new black secondary it's pretty unchanged. At least the massive logo lets anybody know who's playing right away.

- Philadelphia Union (both kits).... This one would be in the "Awesome" section if not for the logo. Don't get me wrong, Bimbo is giving them a lot of money and that will be most helpful. But they could have gone with a color scheme that blended better... or nixed the white logo background.

- Real Salt Lake primary and secondary kits.... Yeah I got nothing.

- San Jose Earthquake (all three kits).... Most uncreative way of using the template that a large portion of the clubs use.

- Toronto FC secondary kit.... All-whites... yay. I miss the grays.





The "Herp-a-Derp":
- Seattle Sounders (both kits).... Seriously, what the eff? Way to ruin one of the best set of kits in the league. And while duct tape fixes everything and essentially holds the universe together, it does not tie the ensemble together. The secondary looks like something you'd see at The Thunderdome.

- LA Galaxy secondary kit.... Um yeah, last I checked that color is not in our crest.

- New England Patriots home kit.... 'nuff said



So overall a lot of mediocrity peppered with style and just a dash of suck.

 

[BertusBrew]

The Fire kits are the same as last year minus the Best Buy logo since Best Buy didn't renew their sponsorship. I might have to break down and buy the away shirt, I actually like the fact that it's plain. I guess I'm just used to soccer jerseys having a sponsor on them, so if there is not sponsor I would rather there be nothing than the team name, the name is already on the crest.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

The Fire kits are the same as last year minus the Best Buy logo since Best Buy didn't renew their sponsorship. I might have to break down and buy the away shirt, I actually like the fact that it's plain. I guess I'm just used to soccer jerseys having a sponsor on them, so if there is not sponsor I would rather there be nothing than the team name, the name is already on the crest.

I completely agree with you on no names on the chest.

However the Chicago kits are a little different from 2010 (the secondary varies less than the primary.) I'm really happy they simplified the new primary.

2010

2011

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Oh and match announcement.

CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal -- Real Salt Lake vs. Columbus Crew at 7pm PST TODAY on Fox Soccer Channel, Galavision and concacaf.com

This is the second leg of this portion of the quarterfinals. They play each other twice, once at Crew Stadium and once at Rio Tinto Stadium, with the winner having the highest aggregate score; currently the aggregate sits at 0-0. Ties are settled initially by away-goal advantage and if that does not break the tie overtime followed (if-needed) by a penalty shootout.

Note-worthy facts:
- RSL must win outright to advance; any tie will result in a Crew victory due to away-goal advantage.
- It's been snowing balls in Utah so the pitch (real turf) should be interesting.... this shouldn't be an advantage for RSL as it's been going nuts in the midwest as well.
- RSL are currently sitting on a 33 home-unbeaten steak in all competitions (i.e. regular season, playoffs, CCL, U.S. Open Cup.)
- Last Tuesday, the first leg of this series, RSL had zero shots on goal and zero corner kicks for the first time in franchise history.

Here's a link to the match preview.

If anybody can't get the match on TV, PM me and I will send you a link to watch it streaming.


Also worth mentioning, at 5pm PST the other quarterfinals match will be played, this one between Santos and Cruz Azul. This one is being televised on Telemundo (I'm pretty sure... don't hold me to that) and will also be steaming if you would like the link. Cruz Azul currently lead the aggregate 2-0.

EDIT: Removed error (RSL/CLB not playing winner of Santos/Cruz but instead plays winner of Olimpia/Saprissa.) Television information is still correct.

 

[BertusBrew]

Anybody gonna watch Man U vs Liverpool this weekend?

 

[mr_goodwrench]

I'll be watching it on DVR since my daughter has a game (hopefully) at noon.

 

[BertusBrew]

It could be a great game, although you never know what Liverpool you are going to get. From week to week they have to ability to look like completely different teams. One week they beat Chelsea, next thing you know they lose to West Ham. My prediction is a 1-1 draw.

 

[jbrookeiv]

Anybody gonna watch Man U vs Liverpool this weekend?

I'm excited, hoping for a Liverpool win since I'm an Arsenal fan.

 

[mr_goodwrench]

WIll be a real test defensively for United with Rio and Vidic out in the back and Smalling and Wes Brown filling in. I'm hoping that Rooney's return to form continues as it has in the past weeks. I expect an exciting match. Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 United

 

[Reno_eNVy]

I'm going to say the match will be a 2-2 draw, but Man U wins the table.......... aaaagain.

That's why I like playoffs... there is no "Big 4" (even though now it's more like the Big 2) and once the regular season is over there is an even playing field. I mean, seriously... is anybody else sick of seeing Man U win?

 

[mr_goodwrench]

Chalk me up for not being sick of United winning...

But I do understand why the playoff model is popular, especially here in the States where all of our sports traditionally have them.

 

[BertusBrew]

I think there are pros and cons in both a playoff and a no-playoff format. In a table format the best team always wins, it's not arguable. But, with playoffs all it takes is a team to get hot at the right time to win. That being said, playoffs make for exciting football while having a table format is pretty anti-climatic.

And yes, being a Liverpool fan of course I am sick of Man U winning all the time.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

I think there are pros and cons in both a playoff and a no-playoff format. In a table format the best team always wins, it's not arguable. But, with playoffs all it takes is a team to get hot at the right time to win. That being said, playoffs make for exciting football while having a table format is pretty anti-climatic.

And yes, being a Liverpool fan of course I am sick of Man U winning all the time.

Fantastic points! There are definitely to going to be pros and cons of a playoff system depending on the league and personal opinions. I think the single table works well for many leagues but the playoffs seem to fit in well for MLS which isn't trying to model the "Big Boys" exactly. And, as you said, if a mediocre club makes a mad run at the end of the season because they made some big changes for the better... why shouldn't they be rewarded for that?

And the new MLS playoff format will actually reward the Supporter Shield winner (the points-leader at the end of the season.) The format works that the top 3 clubs from each conference go to playoffs, while the following top 4 (regardless of conference) play in wildcard games. The lowest-seed wildcard automatically plays the Supporter Shield winner, thus top-seed vs. lowest-seed... which probably 90% of the time will result in an "automatic" berth to the conference finals for the SS winner.

 

[McGarnigle]

That's why I like playoffs... there is no "Big 4" (even though now it's more like the Big 2) and once the regular season is over there is an even playing field. I mean, seriously... is anybody else sick of seeing Man U win?

If you have a great race, then it's better without playoffs, I think. Anyone remember Braves-Giants 1993, the last great pennant race?

Anyway, I don't know if this is a problem of no playoffs as it is of lack of competitive balance, which is what the NFL does particularly well. It's harder in European soccer because if they tried to create more parity in the EPL, the teams would be crushed in the Champions League. They're competing in different competitions at the same time, something alien to US sports.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

If you have a great race, then it's better without playoffs, I think. Anyone remember Braves-Giants 1993, the last great pennant race?

Anyway, I don't know if this is a problem of no playoffs as it is of lack of competitive balance, which is what the NFL does particularly well. It's harder in European soccer because if they tried to create more parity in the EPL, the teams would be crushed in the Champions League. They're competing in different competitions at the same time, something alien to US sports.

Well yes, MLS has a boner for parity. And I can understand that the Champions League is a big deal so the FA says who cares, let them spend as much as they want. But there have been seasons when the winner is decided with a few weeks still to play. All competition is void (except for the desperate push to not get relegated) and ticket sales plummet. Seems like a season cut short to me.

But in response to the bolded statement, MLS clubs are no strangers to the CONCACAF Champions League... it's just that only recently have they put such a big emphasis on winning the tournament. Don't be surprised if you see Real Salt Lake in the 2011 Club World Cup.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

Very refreshing to see a s#ccer thread that has not been trolled!

I've been a Southampton fan (Third tier, English league) since 1969. They used to be pretty decent, but suffered two relegations in the last few years when they nearly went broke. I agree about the promotion relegation thing though, although it can hurt, it really does make a huge difference to every match.

 

[BertusBrew]

Liverpool!

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Liverpool!

LOVE to see Man U lose.

But I can't believe the Spurs tied with the table bottom-feeders Wolverhampton. I think Redknapp is too busy having day-dreams about Beckham.

 

[AlanS]

Liverpool fan for years. I loved watching yesterday. After Suarez's assist on the first goal, I jumped up and punched the ceiling by accident (curse being 6'4")...

I watched 5 games this weekend since SWMBO was out of town. By far, The two games on FSC yesterday (Liv'pool and ManUre & Spurs v Wolves) were incredible. The first because of the result, and the second because of the game.

I made it to two Philadelphia Union games last year. I'd like to make it to more this year. Although the one I went to was the exhibition against ManU, that was an interesting game.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Ohmigod ohmigod ohmigod ohmigod!!!!!!!!!11!!!!one!!!



Only one week until First Kick!!!! My LA Galaxy go to Seattle to face the Sounders in the first game of the season. Even better for me: it'll be spring break! Gonna get druuuuuuuuuuuuunk :rockin:

Actually, two matches will be enjoyed that night. While LAvSEA starts at 6:30pm Pacific Time (ESPN, ESPN3), Real Salt Lake will face Costa Rican powerhouse Saprissa in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League at 7pm (concacafchampions.com or Galavision.)

Can't wait!!!

 

[Pappers_]

Go Chicago Fire!

Like others here, I root for top European clubs too (in my case, Arsenal and Barcelona). But supporting local soccer is the best! Like Gnomey said above, he roots for a mid-tier English team - that can be a lot of fun, even if you know that the EPL or La Liga or Serie A have better talent and quality.

After making the conference championship games the previous two years, the Fire really fell off last year under a new manager. We've got a lot of new players this year and I'm anxious to see how the team develops. As long as we beat the damned New York Red Bull, its a good season

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

I made an effort a couple of years ago to get into MLS. I failed in the end because I just couldn't find the time or the right games on the TV schedule.

I decided to root for Chicago Fire because at that time their executive something or other was an ex Southampton Junior player.....Then they fired him, so I lost my very tenuous and fragile link to them before we bonded. But yeah, You always have to find a reason to follow a team, no matter how weak a reason. Just supporting the biggest, richest or best team is just not the same.

Edit: on that Subject, there is an American fan of my team on the footy forum I use that is a fan because he is from New Orleans, and the nickname for Southampton is the Saints!! That's how ya do it! Just pick a really tenuous connection!

 

[Pappers_]

That's how ya do it! Just pick a really tenuous connection!

I root for Barcelona because I oppose fascism. Is that tenuous? Or merely historically obscure?

 

[Pappers_]

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

I root for Barcelona because I oppose fascism. Is that tenuous? Or merely historically obscure?

It's a start. How do you feel about Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé? BARCELONAAAAAA!!!

 

[McGarnigle]

I made an effort a couple of years ago to get into MLS. I failed in the end because I just couldn't find the time or the right games on the TV schedule.

I decided to root for Chicago Fire because at that time their executive something or other was an ex Southampton Junior player.....Then they fired him, so I lost my very tenuous and fragile link to them before we bonded. But yeah, You always have to find a reason to follow a team, no matter how weak a reason. Just supporting the biggest, richest or best team is just not the same.

But rooting againstthe biggest, richest is always justified.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

But rooting againstthe biggest, richest is always justified.

Yes, it is. ALWAYS!